Recent Belize News, 10/21/2015 to 10/31/2015, BelizeNews.com

70'S BELIZEAN SOFTBALL: QUEENS ARE THE CHAMPION!

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

Celebrate Halloween with stories of these Eerie Belizean Folklores
So Halloween is upon and nothing gets us in the mood for ghoulish festivities like a few eerie tales. While Belizeans don’t really believe in the headless horseman or Bloody Mary we have our fair share of Belizean folklore characters whose stories will have you biting your nails. Different cultural groups tell tales of different ghouls, and elders swear that in a time long ago these characters walked among us and may in fact still be around today. Tata Duende– Believed to be a hideous goblin that dwells in the jungle. Belizean children were often warned never to venture into the jungle to play because of Duende, a short little man, with backwards feet, a large red hat and NO THUMBS. An encounter with Duende will result in the request of him wanting to see your hands. Avoid at all costs to show your hands toTata Duende and if you must be sure to not expose your thumbs, because of course he will chop them off and take them for his own.

Jason Reyes found guilty of Manslaughter over the death of Lionel Pinelo in 2010
On Monday, October 26th, Justice Adolph Lucas found 26-year-old Jason Reyes guilty for the death of island resident Lionel Pinelo on November 5, 2010. Reyes had been initially charged by San Pedro Police for murder, but after court deliberation, Justice Lucas decided to lessen the charge to manslaughter in a trail without a jury. Justice Lucas’ reasons for lessening the charge was that while he is certain that Reyes inflicted a stab wound on Pinelo, it was not intended to cause his death and therefore it was not a murder act. Reyes was once again remanded to the Belize Central Prison to await sentencing, scheduled for Monday, November 2nd.

Howling good fun at Saga’s 2015 Spooktacular!
Saga Humane Society brought out all the ghostly, ghoulish, monstrous doggies for the 12th annual Halloween Spooktacular Party. Held at Carlo and Ernie’s Runway Bar on Sunday, October 25th, the anticipated event saw pet lovers and their pooches dressed in creative costumes. Of course, it wouldn’t be a Saga party without fun giveaways, great food and drink specials. Patrons surely enjoyed a fabulous pet-loving day while contributing to a worthy cause. Taking the prize for funniest costume was Dooley Bear who was dressed as the sea monster. Rob and his fluffy dog Bear won the look-alike award (Rob in Pigtails). Dressed as Little Red Riding Hood and her “big bad wolf” dressed as her grandmother, Charlie and her dog Maya were awarded judge’s favorite. The cutest was hard to decide but Liam and his pup Pixie dressed up as ‘Up’ and took the prize! The final prize of most creative went to the doggie chef and doggie lobster. Another very important activity held on the day, was the crowning of Duke as Saga’s Photo Contest winner.

San Pedro Lions Celebrate 40 Years of Service
Charter members. (L-R) Wilfredo Nunez, Gonzalo Munoz Sr., Pedro Salazar Sr., Angel Nunez, Abel Guerrero Sr., Fransico Verde and Baldemar Graniel Sr. Lionism began in San Pedro as a result of three local men, namely Wilfredo Alamilla, Alan Forman and Pedro Salazar Sr. who joined the Belize City Lions Club and decided to start their own club in San Pedro. On October 25, 1975, the San Pedro Lions Club was officially chartered, boasting an enrollment of 36 members. 40 years later, this historical event was recognized by the San Pedro Lions Club on Saturday, October 24th with a grand anniversary celebration, with seven of the original charter members in attendance. Guests were treated to a delicious turkey dinner with all the trimmings and brownie dessert. Of course no San Pedro Lions Club celebration is complete without the infectious music of Rompe Raja. The San Pedro Lions certainly were feeling the Lions spirit all the way down to their happy dancing feet, and the historic event was celebrated into the wee hours of the night.

Ambergris Today

San Pedro High School Students Make Noise Against Bullying
The month of October is almost over which means the end of Anti Bullying month at the San Pedro High School. On October 29, 2015 the student body gathered at a “Make a Noise about Bullying Assembly” which was full of educational performances addressing the serious issue of bullying amongst teenagers. Six hundred students, along with their teachers and three judges, witnessed some of the most inspirational presentations against bullying in the form of songs, poems and motivational speeches. The invited judges, Angel Nuñez, Lisette Graniel and Francisco Mendez, had a very big task in choosing the winners of the most captivating anti bullying performance. Alexis Guerrero, San Pedro High School Counselor, stated “It has been a very successful month full of activities in raising awareness against bullying.”

Misc Belizean Sources

Social Studies Sponsorship Program
Cubola Productions teamed up with quite a few awesome local businesses to sponsor the Living Together books and workbooks for many of the Cayo primary schools. Thanks to all involved for this boost in education! "Living Together Standard 1 Sponsorship Program continues in the new school year of 2015-16! Congratulations to the new participants joining the Living Together Std. 1 Social Studies Textbook& Workbook Sponsorship Program. The books and workbooks will assist teachers in their class delivery, emphasizing the importance of Social Studies by providing a stimulating environment for our children to learn about Belize, our people and furthermore our place in in a globalized world. Thanks for the great work teachers! Our sincere appreciation and thanks to the programme sponsors: Black Rock Lodge, Chaa Creek Cottages, Cayo Steel Works, Cubola Productions, Pine Lumber, Shell San Ignacio Service Station, and Caracol YCDS."

Xunantunich Stairway Upgrade
The Institute of Archaeology has upgraded the stairway to Xunantunich. Looks great! They also stopped by Howard Smith Nazarene primary school to teach the students about the Popul Vuh. "In our efforts to improve access and safety at our archaeological reserves, the IA completed a new and improved access stairway to the main plaza at Xunantunich. Visit the site today and remember that it is also free for Belizean residents on Sunday!"

FCD is looking for EXPERTS IN TOURISM DEVELOPMENT
AND MARKETING with a passion for ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION. Please contact us if interested.

APPLY TODAY - Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) is accepting proposals for projects in Belize!
Belize is a cultural melting pot and with over 900 archeological sites in Belize and many more cultural landmarks, items,and traditions there are unlimited possibilities for AFCP projects here! If your organization is interested in applying start your proposal early and remember to apply for your DUNS number ASAP. Please email [email protected] with questions. Application guidelines and requirements are on the Embassy's website and here: http://1.usa.gov/1jWWoNK. DEADLINE - December 15, 2015 The U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) supports the preservation of cultural sites, cultural objects, and forms of traditional cultural expression in more than 100 developing countries around the world.

Construction of the Ambergris Stadium
Here are some pictures of the progress of the construction of the Ambergris Stadium. October 30, 2015: Currently piles are being installed and the sections (parking, broadcasting booth, field) have been outlined.

Sandpiper Street getting paved
UPDATE: October 30, 2015 - The street is well underway and casting has begun. Expected date of completion is on Sunday, November 1, 2015.

Chief Magistrate of Belize Ann-Marie Smith in serious trouble with the law
According to media sources, Chief Magistrate of Belize, Anne Marie Smith may be facing criminal charges for alleged misappropriation of funds at the Magistrate Court in Belize City. Chief Magistrate Smith was questioned by auditors regarding deposits to her personal account which were traced back to Government funds during an audit of the Magistrate Court by the Office of the Auditor General last year. Smith reportedly denied the allegations and only back-tracked after she was shown a copy of one of the checks. According to sources, the audit done at the Magistrate Court in Belize city is replete with irregularities – the incidences of misfeasance so many that law enforcement had to be called in. It is not expected that anything will be done since other acts of misapporpriation of funds by other staff at the magistrate court were similary ignored.

Benque HoC Skills Workshop
The Benque House of Culture had their skills workshops, where everyone learned the art of candle making and gourd making. "Skills & Knowledge Workshop, the Art of Bee's Wax Candle Making, following and abiding many believes before its preparation facilitated by Mr. Raul Shish. Images courtesy of K.Pinelo"

Belizean Trade Union Leader Antonio Soberanis!
On the advent of the Belize upcoming General Elections 2015, Belizean Legends recall the radical and dynamic work of Belizean Trade Unionist leader, Antonio Soberanis. It is important to highlight him because in that era of politics in Belize, the unions had incredible power and influenced the outcome of the general elections.

AND THE WIND CRIES ERNEST REID!
Through the courtesy of Belizean Sociologist, Dr. Jerome Straughan, a classic piece of Belizean boxing sports history on the legendary Belizean boxer, Ernest Reid, who fought many top Belizean boxers like Slim Terror and others. He also lived in Panama and fought many fights there. The story reflects his coming back home to Belize after 26 years. Let's recall these great Belizean boxers.

MORE VINTAGE RUDY MIGUEL: THE CYCLING CLASSICS!
Here Rudy Miguel is led by Duncan Vernon as they make their rounds around the circular at the famous National Stadium (aka Horse Track) now Marion Jones Sporting Complex during a 1960's Holy Saturday Cross Country Cycling Classics.

THE CLASSIC GARDEN: 70'S BELIZEAN FOOTBALL!
An historic but threatened Belizean football sports arena of the 1960's and 70's. Where Belizean men played the best football.

Channel 7

CCJ Orders Reparations For The Maya
The Caribbean Court of Justice, the highest court in land, has given a landmark ruling on the Maya people of Belize. It says that the Mayas have suffered for centuries at the hands of the different systems of Government in Belize. The direct result of that is that the Government of Belize must make "reparation" by setting up a fund valued at 300 hundred thousand dollars of public funds. That will mark the first step of the Government's compliance with the obligation it recently undertook to develop laws and other measures to protect Maya Rights. Essentially, the CCJ declined to award damages but ordered reparation instead. That was the ruling that the CCJ handed down this morning via teleconference from their headquarters in Port of Spain, Trinidad. As viewers are aware, the Government of Belize has settled the Mayan Land Rights case by conceding that Mayan Land Rights do exist and that a proper framework needs to be established to protect those rights. Not content with that major victory, the claimants pressed on and asked the court to consider granting them damages. They were asking for relief for all the years when the various governments, both in the colonial the post-colonial eras, had not done anything to protect those rights which were never recognized before. Their reasoning was that by taking a hands-off approach, the successive governments allowed outside elements to cause harm to the Mayas use and enjoyment of their lands.

FCIB Workers' Sustained Strike
Last night we told you about how a workers of the First Caribbean International Bank went on strike and picketed the bank because the negotiation over their exit packages has stalled. Well, they didn't ease up today and from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and for the midday lunch hour, they staged a second round of protests. It should have caused a number of difficulties for the other non-unionized workers and the management staff who tried to hold over and carry on operations in their absence. Today was the end of their financial year and informed observers told us that the contract staff likely struggled to get all the required transactions done. Well, the news tonight is that on Monday, the protest will continue because the corporate managers have indicated that they will not make the 8 a.m. meeting with the Labour Commissioner, who had been called in to mediate once again. We understand that those managers explain their intended absence as a result of a change of circumstances and short notice. So, what would they have discussed in that meeting if it were to happen? The Chief Union Rep. on the FCIB staff explained it to us yesterday:

Jalacte Mayans Upset With GOB
And from banking back to Maya affairs, tonight, our information is that circumstances are ripening for there to be yet another showdown between the state and the Mayas. This time, the issue is situated in Jalacte Village, which is well-known for that unregulated cross-border interaction between Belize and the neighboring Guatemalan village of Santa Cruz. It is also one of the 39 Mayan Villages in the south. For an entire year now, the Ministry of Agriculture has set up an operation with their partners, namely BAHA, and the United States Department of Agriculture. The Government has built an Agricultural Outreach Station, to provide better extension services and assistance to farmers living in the area. Next, BAHA and the U-S-D-A built a Medfly Inspection Center. That is to ensure that the medfly, or the Mediterranean fruit fly - which has devastated the agricultural industry in other parts of the world - does not get a strong foothold in Belize and wreak havoc on the fruit and vegetable farmers in the south.

What's Happening With Ux Benka?
And from that brewing dispute in Jalacte, we also asked the Maya Leaders Alliance about the situation in Santa Cruz, Toledo. That's where, as viewers are well aware, 13 Mayan residents stand charged with unlawful imprisonment, because they handcuffed and tried to evict Creole Belizean Rupert Myles. They say that Miles is squatting on, and has destroyed, a portion the Ux Benka Mayan Natural Monument. The Department of Archaeology agrees with them that Myles is in the wrong, but Myles says that it's racism that caused them to try to kick him out. He also contends that he is not on the site, and that he did not destroy the monument. Dr. John Morris, the Director of the Department of Archaeology committed 3 months ago to taking legal and criminal action against Myles, and the Mayans say that since that promise was made, nothing much was has been done. Today, the MLA's Program Coordinator told us that the Director of Archaeology has finally gotten in touch with them to brief them about exactly what will happen shortly:

Accused of Patricide, Man Get's Off After 24 Years In Jail
After spending 24 years - more than half his life - on remand for the murder of his own father, 45 year-old Leroy Arnold was sent home today - without even a trial. That's after the Supreme Court determined that the case file and all the evidence against him has gone missing, and will probably not be found. According to police, on September 6, 1991, Leroy Arnold's father, William Arnold, was killed in the village of Teakettle, and they believed that they had evidence to prove that he was the killer, and so, he was charged with murder at the age of 19. A few years later, his case came up for trial, but during that time, before a full jury, Arnold began showing signs of mental illness. The sitting judge concluded at that time that he was mentally unstable and unfit to stand trial. He was left to languish in jail all that time, and when his case was called up this week, it was determined that he was now fit to stand trial. The prosecution then tried to locate his case file, but when the court requested it to start the trial, no one could find it.

Accused Kidnappers Walk
In March of this year, two Belize City men were accused of kidnapping 19 year old Abel Lara Jr. 23 year old Alexander Lopez and 41 year old Amir Reid were charged jointly with kidnapping, conspiracy to commit kidnapping and harm upon Abel Lara Jr. They allegedly forced Lara into a vehicle on Faber's Road, and took him up the highway. But the teenager says he escaped before they could hurt him, running unto the road with his abductors chasing him. He says he escaped when he flagged down a vehicle. It's quite a story, but he didn't tell it to the judge today. The court prosecutor informed Chief Magistrate, Anne Marie Smith that Lara had given the police a further statement requesting no court action against the men. With that, The Chief told Lopez and Reid they were free to go.

Training Officer In Intelligence Gathering
If you follow the hit Showtime series Homeland or the popular American cop shows like "Quantico," you get an idea of what it takes to be an FBI or a CIA agent. And while Belize is a long way from that kind of surveillance state, collecting intelligence is a major part of crime fighting in Belize. That was the objective of the Basic Intelligence Police Training course. A closing ceremony was held this morning at the Biltmore and the participants told us how they will incorporate what they learned into police investigations. Bob Gibson, Coordinator "This is intended to improve the student's abilities to analyze the facts that are gathering from their community, whether it be nationwide or whether it be in a community or district. The idea is that you collect information, you analyze it. Not just how you think about it, but an exact process of how you go about analyzing this and how you use that information to not just respond to crime, but you also want to do it to divert crime and to stop crime from happening. So you have to think broadly, not just simply tactically like a military kind of operation or just simply a police operation."

PUP Accuses Denny Of Getting Unfair Tax Exemptions
UDP Candidate for Orange Walk Central Denny Grijalava is also a contractor - and tonight the PUP are alleging that he used his inside connection to score himself a long list of duty exemptions earlier this year. This letter from the Ministry of Finance in June of this year showed that Demar's Stone Company - which Grijalva owns - received full duty and GST exemption for a very long list of items on a road building contract. The list includes everything from a kitchen sink to twenty three thousand bags of Portland Cement. Looks like he hit the duty free jackpot, right? - but Grijalva says it's standard procedure for the contract he got. When we spoke to him today, Grijalva told us that the contract for the road from Yo Creek to San Antonio is funded by the European Union as part of what are known as the Accompanying Measures for Sugar. He says that the duty exemption is government's contribution to the EU funded project. When we asked why he needs twenty three thousand sacks of concrete for a 3 mile asphalt road, he said that three quarter mile of the road will be cemented - and that is why he was given exemptions for steel rebar and cement.

Doc Vs Sedi - The Battle Over Pickstock
Last night, we gave you short excerpt of our coverage of the election trail in the Pickstock Division. It's perceived to be a battleground because Incumbent Wilfred Elrington had a narrow margin of victory against Dr. Francis Smith in the 2012 general election. Both candidates are oddly similar: they're both political mavericks, outspoken and impolitic: Elrington has been pilloried for so many of his reckless public statement, while Smith made news when he called out his own party leader for his Fonseca name. But, that tendency to throw caution to the wind is where the similarities end. On the ground, their perceptions of the same very small division are as different as night and day. Daniel Ortiz reports: Incumbent Wilfred Elrington claims that his campaign trail started immediately after the 2012 elections when results showed that he won by less than a hundred votes. He's been providing residents of Pickstock with access to all the Government's pro poor programs. He believes that this has given him an edge.

Julius Espat Defends Cayo South Seat Against Ralph Huang
And, from Pickstock we take you to Cayo South where Incumbent Julius Espat is defending his seat against UDP newcomer Ralph Huang. He's made the news already because documents purporting that he has Guatemalan Nationality has emerged. Also, as viewers remember, his constituency office was burnt down in Camelot Village a week ago, in what's believed to be a politically motivated arson. So despite those difficulties, how well matched are these two politicians? The prevailing perception is that Huang is the underdog, and when we asked him about that last week, he didn't agree. Here's what both candidates had to say about their attempts at ascending to elected office:

OAS Observer Team Looking In On Elections
Last night we told you about the OAS observer team which is here in Belize. The team will meet with the political parties and observe the electoral process. Although they wont be directly involved, they play a key role in highlighting major issues that need to be addressed. The Chief of Mission told me yesterday that they are taking a keen interest in women and youth involvement. Courtney Weatherburne "One of the major highlights about an election is the financing. To be more specific campaign financing. It's all about which party can generate more money to fuel their machine, to bring people out on election day. But that also brings about many issues or concerns and questions. Because many people wonder or question if that money is being generate through any illegal or deceptive means, or any under table deals. How involve is the OAS in this process?"

Chief Elections Officer Invites PUP To Look At Proxy Register
Last night we told you about the stern demand the PUP made to the Chief Elections Officer. The Opposition wants to review the register of proxy votes and they say if Josephine Tamai doesn't allow them to do so, they'll take her to court. Tamai wrote back to the Secretary General of the PUP to say that the proxy register is still being prepared, but if the opposition wants to inspect it they can do so starting on Monday afternoon. They must do so in the presence of an elections and boundaries staffer. THE PUP has alleged the abuse of proxy form by the Chairman of the UDP Alberto August. August has flatly denied this.

Teenager Critical After Stabbing Incident
A teenager is in critical condition after being stabbed. Police say that On Wednesday afternoon at around 1:00, 16 year old student Darwin Gamboa was stabbed to the lower back. Police learned that Gamboa was walking on Antelope Street when three men approached him and a fight started, during which one of the men stabbed him. Police have one known suspect they are looking for, and a police report says Gamboa is listed in a critical condition.

Papas Went To Renounce
Last night we told you about Greg Papas Garcia - the PUP Candidate for Corozal Bay who was born in Guatemala. He was born there but never got nationality, so on the face of it - he shouldn't have a problem if he were elected to the House. But, all persons born in Guatemala are said to be Guatemalans. So Garcia told us today that he went the extra step and renounced his Guatemalan nationality. Garcia sent us this 2013 certificate of affirmations as a citizen of Belize as proof.

Sunrise Rotary Donates To KHMH
As we showed you , the new Pediatric and Intensive Care Unit at the KHMH was officially opened on Tuesday. The unit can treat over 31 babies in all and has state of the art treatment and monitoring equipment. While it might seem that the unit is set for operations , there are several pieces of equipment that are still needed. Well, the Sunrise Rotary Club donated $80,000 worth of equipment today to the KHMH. The Head of the PICU Dr. Cecilio Eck told us this donation couldn't have come at a better time. There will be other equipment donations through this link between the hospital and Sunrise Rotary.

CARICOM Ensures Food Safety In Trade
Today a regional workshop was held to discuss the health and safety of agricultural products. Belize signed on to the Sanitary and Phytosanitary Agreement which includes food safety programs and regulations that must be incorporated by both the health and agricultural sectors. Now that sounds like a mouthful, but today a BAHA's Delilah Cabb Ayala explained how this agreement will ensure your food is safe for consumption and trade. BAHA has a module that governs the food safety, quarantine and plant health initiatives.

Living In Abject Poverty
For the past few weeks we have been covering stories on quite a number of fallen houses. But this story tonight is different. It is about a man who has been living in a makeshift shack for over a year. Today 7news traveled to Holy Emmanuel Street where we found Asher - a homeless man whose troubles run very deep. If you would like to assist Asher, you can find him at his home on Holy Emmanuel Street.

El Dia Del Muertos
The Day of the Dead is a Mexican holiday celebrated throughout Mexico on the second day in November. It's a 500 year old tradition, where it is believed that the souls of ancestors return to join the living, in festivities that include food and dancing. The Mexican Embassy in Belize is hosting an exhibition on the Day of the Dead to display a traditional celebration. Today we stopped by for a sneak peek. The public is invited to the traditional celebration on Monday at the Embassy of Mexico in Belize City and in Belmopan. It starts at 6:30pm.

SIB Trade Stats For September 2015
In September, Belize's total imports were just about the same as last year during that time. The slight dip was caused by the importation of fewer Fuels and Lubricants'. And why less fuel? Well the numbers people at the statistical institute of Belize say that no premium fuel was imported during September 2015, coupled with lower fuel prices for the other major fuels. Notably, there were increased purchases of farm equipment, laboratory equipment and fertilizers. Exports on the other hand were up sharply from last year September, 23.2 percent or $6.8 million dollars more than a year ago. Sugar exports for September 2015, inclusive of August's bulk shipment valued at $8 million, primarily contributed to the increase in exports.

Making Treatment For Pediatric Cancer Patients Accessible
Last night we told you about the agreement activated between Merida in the state of Yucatan, the Ministry of Health and the Belize Cancer Society for pediatric cancer cases. Due to the extraordinary length of the news, we didn't have time to air the comments that accompanied the signing - where the Mexican Ambassador and the Health Minister spoke about possibilities for partnering with other Mexican states for healthcare in the near future. Here are those remarks now:

Channel 5

Was PM’s Letter to Guatemalan President-Elect Too Soft?
On Tuesday, the Prime Minister said that while he would do the courteous thing and offer written congratulations to the new president elect of Guatemala, he would also be stern [...]

CCJ Awards Reparations to Maya Community
A delegation of leaders of the Maya Communities in the south sat today in the chambers of Justice Michelle Arana where by teleconference a decision was delivered by the Caribbean [...]

How Did Grand Belizean Estates Acquire Prime Land in San Pedro?
How did San Pedro developers Grand Belizean Estates get a hold of land conservatively worth at least four million dollars for only three hundred and fifty thousand dollars? And where [...]

…Area Representative Manuel Heredia Explains His Involvement
Heredia Junior insists that his participation was only minimal – just facilitation. He also maintains that Grand Belizean Estates paid far more than what was paid for similar fifty-acre parcels. [...]

Chief Elections Officer’s Residence Under Police Watch
On Thursday, News Five sat down for an extended interview with Chief Elections Officer Josephine Tamai. She’s been under intense scrutiny in the days leading up to general elections set [...]

Josephine Tamai Dismisses Allegations as Political Mischief
Actually, Tamai says that all her officers are under undue pressure leading up to elections. She claims that it’s unfair, because they are all just doing a job and they [...]

Simultaneous Counting to be Done Upon Close of Polls on Election Day
Polls close at six pm on Election Day, and usually results would start coming out hours after – from around ten for the smallest constituency until the early hours of [...]

Decisions on Recounts to be Decided by Returning Officers
Depending on which side you ask, there would likely be a prediction of a clean sweep either way. But political observers in the know believe that of the thirty-one seats [...]

Pablo Mis on Jalacte and Agriculture Learning Center
Earlier this week, the Maya community of Jalacte staged a peaceful protest against the inauguration of an Agriculture Learning Center in the village. The building was constructed by the Ministry [...]

What’s the Update on Uxbenka?
Mis goes on to make a comparison between the recent situation in Jalacte and the existing issue in Santa Cruz where Rupert Myles and residents of that village are presently [...]

Employees Walk Off Job at Museum of Belize
The Museum of Belize was closed for business today, and it isn’t a public and bank holiday. We’re told at least twelve members of staff just did not show up [...]

US Embassy Representatives to Observe General Elections
Finally for pre-election coverage tonight, at least where the Elections and Boundaries Department is concerned, Chief Elections Officer Josephine Tamai confirmed for us that the election will be observed by [...]

Man Freed 24 Years After Killing his Father
A resident from Teakettle is free of the charge of murder after spending twenty-four years in jail for the killing of his father in 1991. Leroy Arnold was set freed [...]

2 Belize City Men Freed of Kidnapping Charges
Two other men were also freed today after being accused of kidnapping a youth near Faber’s Road. Businessman, Amir Reid and Construction Worker Alexander Lopez, were accused in March of [...]

Police Receive Basic Intelligence Training
A “Basic Intelligence Analysis Training” for officers attached to the Belize Police Department concluded today at the Best Western Biltmore Plaza. The training, which is being coordinated through the Central [...]

Officers Ready to Put Skills Into Practice
While the training is to enhance the criminal justice system, for corporals Jane Usher and Jermaine Hyde of the Belize Police Department, the training will allow them to better their [...]

K.H.M.H. Receives Donation of Incubators
The K.H.M.H. has been boosted significantly this week. Aside from a new wing for pediatric care, the Riverview Rotary Club of Edmonton Canada today donated incubators to the hospital. This [...]

LOVE FM

Local Cops Get Training From FBI on Intelligence Analysis
There was a closing ceremony for Basic Intelligence Analysis Training at the Biltmore Plaza for a group of policemen and women of the Belize Police Department. The week long training was provided by the United States Embassy, with training from the Federal Bureau of Investigation of the United States. Derrick Stivers, an Intelligence Analysis of […]

PUP Demands Access to Proxy Register at Elections and Boundaries
There is a concern coming out of the People’s United Party surrounding the inspection of the Proxy Register. The PUP, in a letter, dated October 27 to the Chief Elections Officer, Josephine Tamai, requested access to the register but were denied immediate access which led to another letter being sent on October 28, that stated, […]

Chief Elections Officer Condemns Allegations by Opposition Party
It is not strange that since the election has been called the main Opposition Party and in some instances, even the ruling UDP have been expressing concerns at how things are being done in the campaigning process and more so, in the area of voters list and registrations. Those concerns have ranged from the recent […]

CWU Sets Record Straight on Social Security Board Negotiations
Yesterday we told you of the reports we had gotten that the SSB workers countrywide would be going on strike as a result of still not being paid their clothing allowance and negotiations with the Board having failed. That information came from a credible source within the SSB, who told us that the action was […]

Economist Report Forecast Victory for the Barrow Administration
A report from the Economist Intelligence Unit has been published online, dated October 23, 2015 as it relates to Belize. The Economist Intelligence Unit or EIU is based in the United Kingdom since 1946 and is said to be an independent business within the Economist Group that provides forecast and advisory services through in-depth research […]

UB Staff and Faculty Association Continue Agitation for Wage Increase
Earlier this week, we told you about the meeting that members of the University of Belize Faculty and Staff Association had in Belmopan in regards to their request for a 14 percent raise in their salaries. The Executive of the Association has been communicating with the President of the University, Allan Slusher, who in a […]

Amandala

Two Ladyville men get 7 years for attempted robbery
Two Ladyville men, who were remanded to prison when they were arraigned on a charge of attempted robbery, will not come out of prison anytime soon because this afternoon Chief Magistrate Ann Marie Smith found them guilty and imposed the minimum sentence of 7 years for the offense. Roger Hilton, 27, and Steve Arnold, 32, gained nothing from their attempted robbery of Ian Alexander Holland on May 10, 2015, other than that time, they will now have to spend time behind bars, for attempting to rob a man they have known for over 20 years. In finding them guilty, the Chief Magistrate told the two that the version of events they gave to the court sounded like a fairy tale. And nothing that they said in court could discredit the witnesses for the prosecution, who had given overwhelming evidence against them.

PM Barrow is talking big to Guatemala’s President-elect – or is it election rhetoric?
Prime Minister Dean Barrow made some macho, if not rhetorical, comments today when reporters asked him to comment on the remarks that the Guatemalan President-elect Jimmy Morales had made concerning the revival of his country’s claim to Belize during his presidential campaign. In August, Morales told a Guatemalan reporter who had asked him, “Which Guatemalan historical event do you think is the most deplorable?” In answer to the question, Morales replied, “The most deplorable event – among all the things that have happened in Guatemala. There are certain things that are not spoken about and which I believe we should. Everything that goes contrary to national unity and territorial integrity are things that should hurt us. Something is happening right now, we are about to lose Belize. We have not lost it yet. We still have the possibility of going to the International Court of Justice where we can fight [for] that territory or part of that territory.”

BATSUB! The British answer to Guatemala’s Jimmy Morales!
Exactly one week before Belizeans go to the polls to elect a new government, the British, who had scaled down their operations in Belize in 2011, are back. This time, the British Army Training and Support Unit Belize (BATSUB) are planning a multinational presence with Canadian and United States forces in Belize. The timing of this, however, raises a question, because no reason was given as to why the British could not have waited a mere 7 days until a new government was installed. The Opposition People’s United Party (PUP) Leader Francis Fonseca told Amandala this evening, however, that he is not suspicious about the timing of the announcement, because the British High Commissioner had kept him informed about this for a while now. “We have to see how it will fully materialize, since the British are interested to remain engaged in this part of the world,” Fonseca offered.

Chief Elections Officer denies allegations of “election rigging”
On Tuesday at a press conference at its Independence Hall headquarters, the Opposition People’s United Party (PUP) had expressed its concern that proxy ballots are not being handled in a legal manner. That same day, the PUP’s campaign manager for the Cayo Central constituency, Horace Grant, wrote to the Chief Elections Officer, Josephine Tamai, complaining that the United Democratic Party (UDP) Chairman, Alberto August, had demanded that hundreds of proxy ballots be signed at the Elections and Boundaries’ Cayo Central office. In his letter, Grant alleged that, “This is blatant act of corruption and also shows that the Elections and Boundaries is allowing one of the main political parties to control the voting for a general election which is illegal and against democracy.”

Chinese community assists city residents impacted by floods
The Chinese Community of Belize, led by the Belize Chinese Association chairman Edmund Kwan, assisted city residents impacted by the recent low weather system that passed over the country and caused widespread flooding and storm damages in the city, with over $15,000 worth of food and groceries. Kwan told Amandala that packages containing groceries were taken to four different locations in the city, including the Gungulung area in Lake Independence, the Jane Usher Boulevard area, Antelope Street Extension, and Belama Phrase 4. Kwan said that they (the Chinese) are a part of the community and the food distribution initiative is a way of assisting the people in the areas that were most impacted by the flood. The donations were made on Saturday.

Pilot and passengers disappear
A United States-registered Piper PA34 Seneca twin-engine plane that had filed a flight plan to land in Belize two days ago arrived this morning, but instead of landing at the Philip Goldson International Airport (PGIA), it mysteriously landed at the Belize City Municipal Airstrip around 5:30 a.m., half an hour before the airstrip opened, and the plane was abandoned by the time authorities arrived to investigate. When Kremandala reporters went to the airstrip around midday, the blue and white aircraft with the number N32218 emblazoned on its fuselage was under police guard and police crime scene technicians were busy processing the exterior of the plane, before a police K9 unit arrived. The commander of the Gang Suppression Unit (GSU), Superintendent Mark Flowers, told us that the aircraft was being treated as a crime scene because the plane had landed without the required clearance from Belizean officials. Flowers also confirmed that when they arrived at the airstrip, no one connected to the plane was in sight. Flowers told us, “We have made checks and verified that there was no flight plan for this aircraft to land here.”

2015 T.V. Ramos Cycling Classic on November 15
Football: Here are the results of games in the Rodwell Ferguson Football Tournament that were played at the Pomona New Site football field over the weekend. In Saturday night’s opener, Bowman Valley Rangers and Pomona Sliders ended up in a 1-1 draw. Ryan Gregorio scored for Bowman Valley Rangers, while Jessie Baide scored for Pomona Sliders. In game 2, Silk Grass Southern Strikers and Hope Creek United also ended in a 1-1 tie. Goal scorers were Carlos Medina for Silk Grass, and Jevon Parham for Hope Creek United. T.V. Ramos Cycling Classic: The Dangriga Amateur Cycling Association, in collaboration with the Cycling Federation of Belize, will be hosting its Annual T.V. Ramos Cycling Classic on Sunday, November 15. Last year’s race attracted over 98 cyclists from across the country of Belize, who took part. This year is expected to be bigger and better. Last year’s defending champion was Brandon Cattouse from C-Ray Cycling Team. This year’s race, however, will be in three [3] categories. First will be the Elite category, which will consist of Cross Country riders. That race will start from the Wadani Shed at 10:00 a.m. and head on the Southern Highway to Placencia junction and back to the Wadani Shed. First place gets $500.00; second place, $300.00; third place, $200.00; and fourth place, $100.00. Can Brandon Cattouse regain his title back-to-back?

Bze District U-15 Football Tournament starts Sunday @ MCC
Ever since the end the annual Smart 13&Under; Football Tournament in mid-July of this year, young footballers have been anxiously waiting for the start of the long promised U-15, U-17 and U-19 tournaments under the auspices of the district branch association of the Football Federation of Belize (FFB). Unfortunately, there have been some miss-steps by the FFB in getting the defunct Belize District Football Association re-constituted, which has delayed the start of the tournaments. No press releases have yet been made towards the election of a new district association executive, or to invite interested teams across the Belize District who would have liked to enter the various competitions. Nevertheless, today we received the full schedule of the U-15 competition which kicks off this Sunday with 9 teams from Belize City, Ladyville and Hattieville participating.

Verdes loses 8-nil to San Francisco in Panama
Making it to the quarterfinals was already out of the question for Belize’s Verdes FC going into tonight’s final game in the CONCACAF Champions League group stage against San Francisco FC at the Estadio Maracana de Panama. But, after a 2-1 victory at home on September 22, Verdes was looking to end our first venture into this prestigious regional tournament on a good note; if not a victory, at least a respectable loss. It was neither. Unfortunately for Verdes and their praying fans back home in the Jewel, a disturbing pattern continued where, after a good showing at home, our team received a big score on foreign soil. After drawing 0-0 with Queretaro FC of Mexico at the FFB Stadium on August 18, Verdes promptly fell to Queretaro by an 8-0 margin on September 17 in Queretaro, Mexico. That was at high altitude; approximately 6,000 feet above sea level. Verdes promptly returned home, regrouped, and dealt the visiting San Francisco FC of Panama a 2-1 surprise a few days later on September 22 at our FFB Stadium. Panama would not be at high altitude like Mexico, so there were high hopes for Verdes going into tonight’s return match a month later; but those hopes were dashed early, as San Francisco came out blazing, taking a 1-0 lead at the 3rd minute, and adding 3 more by half-time, on their way to an 8-0 shelling, to match the score dealt Verdes by Queretaro.

FFB calls Female U-17 players for World Cup Qualifiers in Nov
The Under 17 (U17) Female World Cup Qualifiers is scheduled to take place from November 11 to 15, 2015, in Honduras. The Football Federation of Belize (FFB) hereby calls the following players to camp, which will be held on weekends at the FFB Stadium in Belmopan: Players are: Shardee Lozano; Jayda Lynn Brown; Lisandra Elizabeth Novelo; Kenisha Jones; Marcia Ara; Cesia Alvarado; Jerlin Salazar; Blanca Ryes; Amber Ryannie Gongora; Ashley Janely Rodriguez; Alyssa Ruth Ashley Grant; Shandy Niesha Vernon; Viviannie Izamar Pivaral; Renai Augustin; Vailene Rashawn Lambert; Shantel Brendaley Robinson; Yakzari Marie James; Keanna Nailea Cabanas; Wareyni Diane Gillett; Deedrah Diaz; Kate Jones; Gabriela Cowo; Ada Abigail Cordova; Shari Simone Pandy; Zandra Jozie Juji Phoebe Whittaker. Eighteen (18) players will be subsequently chosen to participate in the tournament.

Editorial: The Brits “intervene,” or is it “interfere”?
Exactly one week before general elections in Belize, the only British Commonwealth country on the Central American mainland, the British know exactly what they have done here. This is a military announcement at a precise time when it will have a political impact in Belize. On Tuesday of this week, Prime Minister Dean Barrow had spoken scathingly of Guatemalan President-elect Jimmy Morales, disrespectfully referring to him as a “neophyte,” with specific reference to Morales’ aggressive statements about “recovering” Belize for Guatemala. Mr. Barrow’s Tuesday remarks had been a noticeable change of direction where this United Democratic Party (UDP) administration’s posture towards Guatemala was concerned. For almost the whole of this year, the Barrow government has been backpedaling on all the Guatemalan incidents and Guatemalan statements which have taken place since late February of 2015. So much has this backpedaling been the case that the Opposition People’s United Party (PUP) has seized on it to focus on the Barrow administration’s appeasement attitude toward Guatemala as a prominent feature of their general election campaign.

“The prisoner and the priest”
Dear Editor, In the early 1990’s, as a personal interest, I began doing research on the murder of a Catholic parish priest in Benque Viejo del Carmen which occurred in 1961, a case that, according to the existent records, was never resolved. I was particularly drawn by a letter in the issue of The Amandala dated September 20, 2015 and reprinted on September 27, alluding most certainly to this case. After all, only one priest has been killed in Benque Viejo’s history. I am moved to respond to the content of this letter given the statements the writer makes, which has stirred much concern among the people in the community of Benque Viejo where this unhappy episode is still alive. It is my intention, therefore, to address those allegations made with the purpose of setting the record right.

“I hold out high hopes”
Dear Editor, Please permit me to voice my opinion on a topic of concern. If you can remember, on May 18, 2009, we had a horrible experience at our main hospital here in Punta Gorda. I wish to follow up with another incident that has recently happened again here in our Punta Gorda Hospital. I normally wouldn’t write on the birth of our child but after the recent birth of our son, I just felt that I had to write this letter to thank all those wonderful nurses who are trying so hard to do a good job in our wonderful Belize. If you remember, on May 18, 2009, it was a horribly traumatic experience for my whole family and yet I am content in my heart that we did not sue and deplete the coffers of money our hospitals are so in need of. Now if I can take you to September 30, 2015. I believe that in life we are given a chance by our wonderful Creator to help right wrongs that happened in the past. This, in my opinion, is what happened on September 30.

The illegal border crossing at Bullet Tree
Dear Editor, Residents of Bullet Tree live in a beautiful community which should be safe and secure for people of all ages. For the past few years the calm of this village has been disturbed by trucks of all sizes and other vehicles making illegal border crossings during the day and especially at night via an unmarked dirt road which passes by the Bullet Tree police station. Vehicles stolen in Belize, including government vehicles, are driven on this road to Guatemala never to be seen by their owners again. There are no checkpoints on this road. Vehicles have been seen by residents of Bullet Tree changing license plates from Guatemala to Belize before proceeding into Bullet Tree village. No cargoes are checked for safety and no taxes are collected from these vehicles. To date it appears that the police, Belize military and politicians have not intervened to close this illegal road. It would not be difficult to construct a barrier across the road which would staunch the illegal entry and exit of vehicles at the border and help keep the peace and protect the citizens of Bullet Tree village.

Belize going bananas!
Belize’s exports this September were up by a remarkable 23.2% over the value of exports last September, with the traditional exports from the agriculture and fisheries sectors netting the country over $30 million—a third of the earnings coming from bananas, according to information just released by the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB). Crude oil did not factor among the country’s leading exports. The total value of the country’s domestic exports for September was $36 million, while last September saw exports netting the country $29.2 million in earnings. Although September was a bright spot in the year, the SIB reports that merchandise exports for the period January to September totaled $439.3 million, down 12.5 percent or $62.2 million from the same period last year. The SIB said that, “Diminished sales for three of Belize’s major exports, crude petroleum, marine products and citrus concentrate, led to the downturn over the nine-month period. However, banana and sugar grew steadily from January to September, with banana sales rising from $72 million in 2014 to $77 million in 2015 (roughly 7%) and sugar from $109 million to $113 million (roughly 3%).”

KHMH gets new Pediatric & Neonatal Ward
The Pediatric and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit is the latest addition to the Karl Heusner Memorial, and inaugural ceremonies for the facility were held today. Speeches that noted the significance of the occasion were delivered by Dr. Peter Allen, CEO of the Ministry of Health; Dr. Adrian Coye, CEO of the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital; Imani Fairweather-Morrison, Program Officer of the Oak Foundation, and Kim Simplis-Barrow, Special Envoy for Women and Children. Dr. Allen recalled that at one point in the past, up to fifty percent of critically ill “neonate babies” did not survive; however, he noted that today neonatal mortality is down, and he remarked on the better chances for survival that such babies will have as a result of the opening of the Pediatric and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

OAS Deploys Electoral Observation Mission to Belize
The Electoral Observation Mission of the Organization of American States (OAS/EOM) to the November 4 general elections in Belize began its deployment today. The delegation, headed by Ambassador Jacinth Henry-Martin, Chief of Staff to OAS Secretary General Luis Almagro, is comprised of 13 observers from 11 countries (Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Barbados, Bolivia, El Salvador, France, Mexico, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago and the United States). The first members of the Mission arrived in Belize on October 27.

Deflation of -0.7%, as prices fall everywhere except the south
Today, a gallon of premium gasoline is down to $8.58 in Belize City, a dollar lower than it was the same time last month, giving consumers a substantial ease, as anticipated during this pre-election season. All-in-all though, consumer prices have been on a downward trend nationally, with the first nine months of this year recording an inflation rate of negative 0.9 percent and September recording deflation in all municipalities with the exception of the southernmost municipalities of Dangriga and Punta Gorda, according to the latest report from the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB). “The price of all three types of fuel fell considerably in comparison to September 2014, with prices of premium and regular gasoline down by about 16 percent and 24 percent, respectively. Diesel recorded the highest decline of 32 percent, compared to last September. The decline in fuel prices was the major factor contributing to a 7 percent decline in the ‘Transport’ index,” the SIB said.

Decomposed American man found in apartment
The body of an American man, Delbert Wayne Fenn, 50, of Alaska, U.S.A., living in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, was found in an advanced state of decomposition in his apartment at about 10:30 Tuesday morning. Police went to the Cloisters Condominium located north of San Pedro, where the stench of decomposing human flesh from apartment #102 had become unbearable. Upon entering the apartment, police saw the body of a man lying face-down in a pool of blood. The body was identified as that of Delbert Wayne Fenn, an American who was a retired deep-water diver. At that time there was no sign of physical violence on the body. A post-mortem exam was carried out by Doctor Mario Estradabran, police pathologist, who determined the cause of Fenn’s death to be exsanguinations due to external bleeding resulting from an apparent stab wound to the right shoulder and right posterior forearm.

The Reporter

Fourth edition of INVEST Belize due Monday
The fourth edition of the INVEST Belize Magazine will be introduced on Monday, through a collaborative effort of The Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE) and McNab Publishing Limited. The business and investment-focused publication targets top industry players and business professionals. Since its first volume, the Invest Belize Magazine has aggressively and continuously endeavoured to market the best products. This fourth edition, according to thr government’s Press Office, will feature investments in the rapidly growing tourism market. It has a starting circulation of 7, 500 copies, distributed at worldwide business hubs, all Belizean embassies, international and national trade shows, international business meets, and high-end resorts country-wide.

Stakeholders partner up for child cancer care
This week the Ministry of Health and the Belize Cancer Society formed an alliance with Mexico, to help child cancer patients in Belize receive treatment. The MoH and BCS signed the agreement with the Ministry of Health of Merida, Yucatan, on Thursday at the Mexican Embassy […]

US authorities find railroad drug tunnel at border with Mexico
Smugglers on the U.S.-Mexico border have become so sophisticated in moving drugs that one “super tunnel” raided this week featured a railway. The tunnel stretched the length of eight football fields, from a Tijuana warehouse to a San Diego warehouse, and had a rail system, lighting, electricity, and metal beams […]

First ever FIFA 1-Star-approved synthetic field to be completed by yearâ€™s end
The first ever stadium with a FIFA 1-Star-approved synthetic turf and perimeter warm up track is expected to be ready for use by the end of this year. Director of the Belize Infrastructure Limited (BIL) Christy Mastry told the Reporter this week that the reconstructed […]

Election rigging rumors blaze
United Democratic Party (UDP) Chairman Alberto August rejected the allegation that he and the Chief Election Officer coerced an Election &Boundaries registrar to sign 100’s of blank proxy documents. People’s United Party (PUP) Cayo Central Campaign Manager Horace Grant, this week made the allegation […]

First Caribbean employees protest
Unionized employees of First Caribbean International Bank took to strike action this week after negotiations with the bank broke down. On Thursday, union members from the Dangriga, Belmopan, and Belize City branches assembled in front of the bank’s Albert Street branch in protest, while the […]

A BECOL secret agreement?
The People’s United Party (PUP) this week released 10 pages of a document, which it described as a “secret agreement” that Dean Barrow, in his capacity as Prime Minister, signed with Fortis as part of the government’s overall settlement to rcquire Belize Electricity Limited. For […]

Editorial
The three days of rain which flooded Belize City earlier this month provided a foretaste of what is to come if global warming continues to contribute to rising sea levels. Belize City is not below sea level, but when the ocean tide is high, it raises the level of the […]

Guatemalaâ€™s new president renews claim to Belize
Jimmy Morales, a former Guatemalan comedian who has publicly said he thinks Guatemala should actively pursue its claim to Belize, emerged as that countryâ€™s president on Sunday after a sweeping victory over his only rival, former Guatemalan first lady, Sandra Torres. Morales won by […]

Watchdog commission warns about false claimssize
The International Financial Services Commission of Belize (IFSC), last week, published a warning against Maxim Capital Limited, a suspicious company which claims to be licensed by the Belize financial regulator. The company, also known as Maxim Trader, offers foreign exchange (Forex) services to clients […]

Belize gets US $134,000 for water sector resiliency
The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has approved a US $134,000 technical assistance grant to Belize to help make the country’s water supply less vulnerable to climate change impacts. “Investing in the water sector is critical to the economic and social development of our borrowing […]

Barrow to Guat President: “Belize will not be bullied!”
Soon after it was established that the newly-elected president of Guatemala is Jimmy Morales - a man who has publicly advocated that his country should seek to reclaim Belize - Prime Minister Dean Barrow, approaching the end of his term, sounded a clear warning […]

Belize raises concern over shady foreign exchange company
Belize has issued another international advisory about a sus-picious foreign exchange company, falsely claiming to be registered in the country. Several months after Panteon-Finance made it to the “black list” of Russia’s Forex organization, Belize’s financial markets regulator also voiced its concerns over the […]

Bag of passports found last week is no sinister attempt to steal elections - PM Barrow
The bag of passports found last week inside a business establishment in San Ignacio, was not a part of any sinister attempt by the ruling United Democratic Party (UDP) to allow illegitimate people to vote in Wednesdayâ€™s General Elections says Prime Minister Dean Barrow. […]

Family seeks assistance for youngest Belizean lymphoma patient
The Bowden family from San Pedro Town is seeking public assistance for their 13-year-old son, Sean Bowden, the youngest Mediastinal Lymphoma patient in Belize who is hospitalized at the Pediatric Intesive Care Unit (PICU) of the Karl Huesner Memorial Hospital (KHMH). “When they told me […]

Institutional Strengthening planned for Tax regimes
EDC: Trade and Tax Regime being reviewed Over the years, the acknowledgement that small businesses are the “backbone of an economy” has virtually become a cliché of sorts, as there have been no shortage of reports or officials extending this reassurance of significance to the private-sector. However, to the Economic […]

GSU raids homes in San Jose, Orange Walk! Did a politician dispatch the terror squad?
Why did GSU officers descend on three homes in the northern village of San Jose, Orange Walk District, at 4:30 a.m. Sunday? The families terrorized by the early morning raids allege that the elite squad’s visit was a pre-election intimidation tactic. GSU Commander Mark Flowers, however, claims that they were […]

Three beat murder charges
Three Belize City men accused of the murder of Belize Defense Force (BDF) soldier James Noralez were given their freedom on Wednesday morning, after Judge Troadio “John” Gonzalez delivered a “No Case to Answer” ruling. Evidence produced placed defendants Tyrone Meighan, 22, Orel Leslie, 27, […]

Beater gets 5 years for mauling mate
Thomas Card is spending time in jail for beating his former-common law wife unconscious on the street. He is to serve a five-year sentence, which is to run concurrently with three-years of jail time that he got on Monday at the Belize Family Court, for […]

The Belize Times

SAVE BELIZE!!! – VOTE PUP – STAND UP TO GUATEMALA
On Wednesday, November 4th, the people of Belize will finally have a real opportunity to stand up to Guatemala and defend Belize’s territorial integrity when they go the polls and elect leaders who are prepared to put the interest of Belize first. Belizean voters will also have a real opportunity to get rid of a treacherous Government, led by a passive and pretentious Prime Minister and a compromised and delirious Foreign Minister, Dean Barrow and Sedi Elrington, who have accommodated Guatemala in every way possible over the last eight years. Guatemala’s threat is very real. The continuous encroachment and clearing of precious Belizean forest by Guatemalan civilians along the Western Border has gone unimpeded. Their damaging tracks are all over the Chiquibul and Sarstoon Temash National Park. Their military has adopted an even more aggressive policy over Belize’s territory. On August 16, it was confirmed to the nation that the UDP Government had capitulated to Guatemala’s military occupation of the Sarstoon River and Sarstoon Island. This became evident when the Government not only discouraged the citizens’ group,

GOB sells Caye land to Elvin Penner & family
The Lands Ministry has become a piñata of sweet deals for UDP cronies and the family and close friends of the Minister of Natural Resources and Deputy Prime Minister Gaspar Vega. Even some of the most corrupt UDPs have benefitted. Documents leaked by the Lands Ministry show that earlier this year passport Elvin Penner and his family were sold large tracts of land including special caye land in the Turneffe Islands. Penner, according to one of the documents, was sold 36.17 acres of land in the Mountain Pine Ridge area. His mother, Lena Penner, was also sold Mountain Pine Ridge land, a total of 37.60 acres. Even Penner’s father, Edward, benefitted from a land deal. He purchased 10.07 acres of land on the Turneffe Islands. The document shows that the land first valued at $65,000 was sold at $26,000.

Barrow’s Secret BEL Deal
In June of 2011 the Government of Belize announced a decision to acquire the majority shares in BEL then held by Fortis Inc. of Canada as part of its stated policy to ensure that the major utility companies in Belize including BEL and BTL would be majority owned by Government purportedly on behalf of the Belizean people. At the time, the excuse used was that GOB wanted control of BELIZE in order to “protect consumers and bring down the cost of electricity to consumer, and also avoid the prospect of blackouts. GOB also claimed to be doing so because BEL was in a cash crunch and they were concerned about its viability”. After the seizure of the BEL shares, Barrow’s GOB adamantly refused for years to deal with the compensation. But on August 31, 2015 with great fanfare and ceremony, the PM announced that he had, seemingly singlehandedly, solved the vexing question of compensation to Forts for the acquisition of their shares in BEL.

Making Youth & Culture Priorities!
PUP Leader Francis Fonseca committed to making youth development and cultural advancement priorities in his Government, at the launching of “Agenda For Now”, a youth and culture agenda presented by the Belize Youth Movement, the PUP youth arm. “I say to the young people across this nation. The next PUP Government will respect you, we will work with you and we will deliver for you,” declared the PUP leader when he addressed a spirited group of BYM members and supporters who came to the event. BYM leaders including the National President Alberto Vellos, Chief of Staff Micah Goodin, and member Esmeralda Luna presented on the youth agenda, along with the Party’s youngest Standard Bearer Josue Carballlo. Teacher and Artist, Yasser Musa, and artist/social activist Katie Usher presented on the culture agenda.

Think About It
A private lawyer is the sole witness to Dean Barrow’s arrogant and illegal deed regarding his special accommodation agreement with Fortis. Denys Barrow secretly signing as witness for Dean Barrow-Prime Minister. It’s a slight twist of the phrase: whom the Gods wish to destroy… Dean Barrow cannot remain the Prime Minister of Belize. His dastardly deeds stink to high heaven. Belizeans should have been warned, from early 2008 when the man became power mad. He was above the law. He was above being accountable. On becoming Prime Minister in 2008, Mr. Barrow had no goals, no vision for the people of Belize. It was always just about him. One of his first acts was to champion the oil companies in a big, big way. Within weeks of becoming Prime Minister, little Mr. Barrow from tiny Belize was in Washington taking plots with none other than George Bush, President of the United States.

Forward to Victory
The 2015 General Elections are less than a week away and there is an anticipatory flash of excitement as the people seem riled up and ready to vote. It is as if people were just waiting for this day when they could freely express their discontent and rid the country of this tyrant that currently lords over us. There is a palpable sense of unity and hope and the people are obviously looking forward to better days ahead. If I was to hazard a prediction, I would say that this time around, Belize will see one of the highest voter turnouts ever. Over the past couple of months the People’s United Party had been steadily gathering momentum, but once the elections were called, things really started coming together quickly. Dissenting factions put their differences aside and folks, who would not ordinarily even discuss politics, began coming out in full force to show their support. In retrospect, the countrywide Power to the People tour has turned out to be timely and strategic; it was well received and hugely successful at every stop. The writing is on the wall!

Barrow Haf Fi Go!
Dean Barrow’s “farewell” remarks this said it all, and showed it all. The normally bombastic, braggadocios Mr. Barrow was looked haggard and subdued. He forced a small smile and then reality check set it. He answered the question by saying “well, if I am going, I will go out smiling”. Yes, smiling. After all the millions and after making sure his ex-wife, his wife, his son, his daughter, his brother and his nieces and nephews are all millionaires. He can afford to smile while lounging on a beach at his favourite travel destination, Miami. But in the streets of Belize and across the highways and bi-ways of the districts and villages, poverty is rampant at 48 percent of our people. If there is one most shameful legacy of eight years of self-enrichment by the Government Ministers, presided over by the arrogant Dean Barrow, it is the deep poverty of the majority of Belizeans.

SCA girls lead volleyball final
St. Catherine’s Academy girls dominated the Belize High School girls 3-0 in the 1st Central Division volleyball championship finals at Bird’s Isle on Monday, October 26. The SCA girls won 25-17, 25 – 17, 25 – 10 over the BHS girls. Game 2 of the Finals is set for Wednesday, October 28, with a 3red game on Friday, if necessary. Results: 1st Preston Martinez – 1:43.53 2nd Kent Gabourel 3rd Isaiah Willacey – Team F.T.Williams – 1st ‘B’ rider – 1:45.54. 4th Warren Coye – Team Santino’s 5th Robert Mariano – Team DigiCell 4G 6th Jack Sutherland – Team DigiCell 4G 7th Fitzgerald “Palas” Joseph – Team Lampaz – 1:46.56.

Team Kulture Megabytes dominates Weekend Warriors race
Team Kulture Megabytes’ Preston Martinez and Kent “Bob” Gabourel dominated the Weekend Warriors Cycling Club’s A division 40-mile race from Rockville to the top of Busman Arnold Hill at Mile 63.5 on the George Price Highway on Sunday morning; while Isaiah Willacey of Team F.T. Williams won the B Division, and Elden “Stone Jam” Hyde won the 30-mile C Division race from La Democracia.

Rigo Vellos wins 4th Mr. Belize title
Rigo Vellos of Spartan Gym in Corozal Town won his 4th consecutive Mr. Belize title in a heated competition held by the Belize Bodybuilding & Body Fitness Federation (BBBFF) last Saturday night, besting upcoming challengers. Neal Gordon Gym star bodybuilder Oyinkro Akpobodor was 2nd place, and Edgar Carballo, claimed 3rd place. Three international judges from the Central American Bodybuilding Federation were invited to judge the competition to ensure that the officiating would be impartial and to forestall any suggestions of biased judging. Novice Division 1st prize – M’wafrica Haynes (Neal & Gordon’s Gym) 2nd prize – Barry Castillo 3rd prize – Abu Se-Say (BBBFF Gym) Men’s Physique 1st prize – Auriel Lewis (Neal & Gordon’s Gym) 2nd prize – Andrew Shen (Body 2000) 3rd prize – Dilfio Arnoldo Toledo (Neal & Gordon’s Gym)

GSU raids homes of PUP supporters in OW North
The notorious and chancey Gang Suppression Unit is being used to do the bidding of their political bosses. Over the weekend, a gang of GSU officers conducted an early morning raid of several homes in San Jose Village, a strong-hold community for the People’s United Party in the Orange Walk North constituency. What was the motive? Political intimidation. This occurred on Sunday morning, a day the good people of the community dedicate to attending church and singing praises. But the start of the sacred day was interrupted by the sound of heavy boots and witnessing armed military-dressed men forcing their way into one’s homes. One of the homes visited is that of Pedrito Teck. “When I opened my window they told me not to move, to put my hands on the window. They were kicking the door. They told me to open the door, but I asked them how I was going to open it if they told me not to move and to put my hands on the window. So they told me to let my wife open it."

A New Leader for Belize Rural North
A politician who represents the old ways in Belize Rural North will not do say Major Lloyd Jones, who will be the new Area Representative for the division. Today, the MAJA as his executive members calls him was officially nominated at 10:00 hours to Contest the 2915 general election. He is going up against the incumbent UDP Edmond Clear the Land Castro a two-term corrupt politician who is seeking a third term, and a new comer to Belizean politics, Shawn Nicholas a Union Activist representing the BPP.

Breaking Belize News

Kidnapping charges dropped
Businessman 41 year old Amir Reid and construction worker 23 year old Alexander Lopez are free of kidnapping charges tonight after their alleged victim, Abel Lara Jr., told police in an additional statement that he would not pursue further court action against the two. Reid and Lopez, also […]

Mentally ill murder accused freed
He was accused of killing his own father in the village of Teakettle, Cayo District, nearly a quarter century ago. But 45 year old Leroy Arnold is a free man tonight after appearing today in the Supreme Court. When he was 19 years old according to court and […]

Teenager sent to jail over missed court date
We rarely report on matters taking place at the Belize Family Court due to restrictions on reporting on minors whether victim or culprit. But the court itself is under scrutiny after a Magistrate decided to send a 17 year old junior college student to the Central Prison because […]

CCJ delivers partial damages for Maya in land rights case
On the heels of the historic admission in April by consent order between the Government of Belize and the Maya Leaders Alliance (MLA) that the Maya system of customary land tenure gives rise to property rights within the meaning of the Constitution of Belize and an order that […]

'The Economist' predicts election win for Barrow, UDP
International economic magazine, ‘The Economist’, based in London has predicted, in its fourth quarter review of Belize that Prime Minister Dean Barrow and his United Democratic Party (UDP) will win a third consecutive election to remain in power as the country’s government. According to The Economist, the Barrow’s popularity and firm grip on […]

PM Barrow writes to President-elect Jimmy Morales
A letter from the office of Prime Minister Dean Barrow, sent congratulations to the new President of Guatemala, Jimmy Morales, on behalf of the government and people of Belize. The letter further states that Belize wishes only to live in peace and harmony with its neighbors and that over the […]

Harvest for Kids on November 7th
Supporting the children of Belize, “Harvest for Kids” is inviting the general public to its new harvest of soybeans on Saturday, November 7th at Northern Community Lands, Blue Creek in the Orange Walk District. A release from the organization thanks God for allowing the soybeans to grow despite the very […]

Ministry of Sports launches new ‘Mexico’ stadium
A new multipurpose sports building was launched yesterday at the Marion Jones Stadium in Belize City, which will be funded by the government of Mexico as was agreed upon in 2012. The Mexican Ambassador to Belize, Carlos Quesnel, said that this project will not only involve the design and construction […]

The Gang Suppression Unit accused of allegedly political corruption
The Gang Suppression Unit (GSU) of the Belize Police Department has come under fire with allegations of political corruption that have been circulating since the beginning of this week. It is alleged that members of the GSU have been raiding homes of well-known People’s United Party (PUP) supporters in Orange […]

Jalacte residents protest over use of communal land, says GOB didn’t consult with them
A large group of residents from Jalacte village in the Toledo District, gathered to protest yesterday, October 29th, against the construction of an Agriculture Learning Center on their communal lands without consultation. The villagers are upset because they say that the Government of Belize (GOB) failed to ask for approval […]

Blogs

Ambergris Caye: First the Sargasso and Now Trash? Our Sea Should Be #1
Just after last week’s storm, the beaches were clear and fresh. Seaweed/algae had been swept away and so had a whole bunch of sand. But as the winds righted themselves and the ocean calmed, the sargassum came in with a fury and then…freaking TRASH! One day thousands of bottles and then the next…hunks of foam and styrofoam. Here is an area about 4 miles north…a beach that has been left “natural”. (It is not raked on a daily or even weekly basis.) In some areas, like coves or beach fronts that have been dredged or have holding structures, the seaweed piles up for 10s of feet. I decided to do some forensic work… Blame doesn’t really help that much. We have our own litter problems in Belize. All I know is that this is a massive mess. And the sargasso is a problem that we (and the entire Caribbean basin) have been battling for over a year now. We need a plan. And our government should be looking VERY closely at one – I think we should demand it.

How to Survive Trick or Treating this Halloween
Trick or Treat…. Give me something nice to eat! These words will fill the air in Belize on Halloween night as children around the world will be prancing around in scary, cute, cool and fun costumes. Whatever the costume is, it’s almost a guarantee that this Halloween will be scary, fun or a delicious mix of the two for those trick or treating. While the fear on Halloween night is often associated with ghosts and other ghoulish creatures for trick-or-treaters, for adults, Halloween events like trick or treating can be a little nerve racking for completely different reasons. For this reason, I have compiled our top seven (7) tips on how you and your family can survive trick or treating this year.

Keeping fitness in mind on vacation
I was recently contacted by Andi Swigart on tacogirl.com Facebook page, she wanted to know if there was a gym on the island so her family could exercise while on vacation. I told her about the two gyms and decided to give her some good island style options. Just as many people like to embrace local food and culture, embracing local exercise classes can be just as fun – especially if you are coming from a cold climate. Since I already had this post in the works, I asked Andy if she would not mind saying a few words about why vacation exercise was important. Our family was overjoyed when my husband made the announcement we would be going on a Belize vacation for Christmas this year! As the date approaches I have to say I’m a little anxious thinking about staying fit while we’re there. We have worked hard to get in shape and have embraced exercise and cleaner eating into our lives. Some of my friends of course roll their eyes when I mention this but it really is that important to me! After contacting tacogirl my mind is put at ease with all of the options of exercise and fitness that are available in Belize. From SUP (stand up paddle boarding) to Pilates and aqua aerobics AND just knowing there are two fitness centers available we are so excited to embrace our holiday vacation knowing that we don’t have to bring unwanted pounds home! My special thanks to tacogirl, we can’t wait to get there and I doubt will want to leave!

Dr. Pepper Roast For Your Crockpot
Ingredients 4 lb Shoulder Roast 1 can Campbell’s cream of mushroom soup 2 cans Campbell’s cream of potato soup 2 cups Dr. Pepper 1 package Lipton onion soup mix 1/2 – 1 tsp. Tony’s Creole Seasoning (depending on how spicy you want it)

A beautiful Belize sunrise doesn’t mean you’re going to have a great day
Some days, nothing goes right but everything is OK. Like today. Let’s say that I no longer look at a gorgeous sunrise as a good omen. There are just too many of them and they seem to hold no sway whatsoever on the day’s events. Like today. Beautiful sunrise. Then it was all downhill. The first thing I did was set out to walk downtown to pick up my golf cart. It was in the same shop for the fourth time since last Friday and each time it came back progressively worse than before. I dunno. Call me an optimist. This time, the guys said, it was fixed. They ran it for 10 minutes and it didn’t conk out. Little bells went off in my head (“Ask him if they drove it for 10 minutes, because that’s when it was conking out — like about every 100 yards.”)

International Sources

British taxpayers fork out £45m in foreign aid to paradise islands that charge NO TAX
BRITISH taxpayers forked out £45million in foreign aid spending to countries classed as tax havens in just one year, it emerged today. Nations such as Belize, Marshall Islands, Seychelles and Vanautu - which are all included on a European Commission 'blacklist' of international tax havens - have all received cash handouts from the UK Government. Under a controversial new law introduced by the Prime Minister, Britain is legally obliged to spend 0.7 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on foreign aid spending. However, critics of the foreign aid commitment reacted with fury after it was revealed millions are being handed over to countries that set minimal or even zero tax rates. An investigation by the Independent found that, for example, more than £1.8million of UK cash was given to the paradise Caribbean island of Anguilla in 2013. This is despite the nation - which has an estimated population of less than 15,000 - charging no income, capital gains or any other form of direct taxes on residents or companies, with it described as a "zero-tax jurisdiction".

CCJ grants historic constitutional relief to Maya people
The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) on Friday delivered its decision in The Maya Leaders Alliance et al v the Attorney General of Belize [2015] CCJ 15 (AJ), finding that the government of Belize breached the appellants’ right to protection of the law. The appeal was brought by 25 appellants who are members of the Maya community of the Toledo District. The appellants have been fighting for recognition and protection of Maya land rights before international courts and the courts of Belize during the last 20 years or so. Their appeal before the CCJ arose out of litigation precipitated by an incursion onto farm lands in the Golden Stream village by Francis Johnson, now deceased. While this appeal was being heard by the CCJ in Belize, the appellants and the government entered into a consent order on April 22, 2015, which recognised that the Maya system of customary land tenure gives rise to property rights within the meaning of the constitution of Belize.

Videos

29th October, 2015 Rise and Shine Guest Belize business Bureau, 65min. Guests of Belize business Bureau discuss their manifesto for 2015 general Elections in Belize

Protect Belize, 1min. I love Belize. We all know the value of Belize’s marine environment. We depend on the sea every day for our food, our jobs and way of life. We need a beautiful, healthy sea. We want you to protect Belize from the devastating reality of offshore oil. We are doing our part. But now it’s your turn. We’ve trusted you with the power to represent all of us; the people. Please listen. Listen to the sea. Listen to science. Listen to common sense. Offshore oil is a really bad idea. The time to act is now. Please protect my future; your future; our future. Say no to offshore oil, Belize.

Beat a Pan, Not a Man - UNICEF Belize: Genesis of the PANDEMONIUM Steel Ban, 11min. Please take a look at this awesome short video that explains the genesis of the PANDEMONIUM Steel Band that is being coordinated by NICH's Institute of Creative Arts. The short documentary "Beat a Pan, Not a Man" is about a UNICEF supported initiative implemented by RESTORE Belize and the Belize National Institute of Culture and History. The video tells the story about the Pandemonium Steel Band, and how it helps young people from Belize City escape their violent environment and instead play music, have fun and learn a new skill.

Diving Off San Pedro, Belize, 3min.

Belize Trip Day 7 and 8 2015, 25min. Exploring on a golf cart in Belize and traveling back to the U.S. from the Belize International airport.

Northern Waterthrush, 1/2min. Filmed at Chan Chich Lodge, Belize, April, 2015.

PSAST Project - Belize (Primary Schools Art Skills Training - Belize), 4min.

Belize - Destino del Mes buentrip, 4min.

Diving the Blue Hole, Belize, 6min.

Half Moon Caye, Lighthouse Atoll Belize, 7min.

Belize Water Entrance to the Underworld 1080p, 3min. Belize Water Entrance to the Underworld is a sinkhole that begins in about 30 ft. of water, and which drops all the way down to 130 ft. and is a domed chamber of 150 ft across

Diving Half Moon Caye Wall, Lighthouse Atoll Belize, 8min.

Bird Island, Belize 2015, 2min. Bird Island, Belize, Amna, Liz, Heather, Danny, Fred, Donnie, July, 2015.

Belize - October 2015, 5min.

October 30, 2015

Palms for sale, in corozal town. Contact 6053442

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

Editorial: Does your candidate fit this criteria?
Deciding which candidate to vote into office is simply a matter of party affiliation for many people. Others, however, cast their votes based on specific characteristics they look for in their candidate of choice. So what are the qualities or characteristics good political leaders should possess? Here are the top five characteristics of some of the world’s most successful political leaders. How does your candidate compare?

Belize Rural South Standard Bearers participate in historic debates
On Friday, October 23rd, the three candidates contesting for Area Representative of Belize Rural South participated in the 2015 Standard Bearer Debate in San Pedro Town. Organized by The San Pedro Sun and Reef TV, the debate was held at the Sunbreeze Conference Room at 7PM. The three contestants answered a series of questions addressing issues affecting the community. The invitation only event was simultaneously aired on Reef TV/Radio on Channel 20 and Reef Radio at 92.3 FM to allow the public the opportunity to watch/listen to the debate. Participants included José “Elito” Arceo of the People’s United Party (PUP), José Manuel Heredia of the United Democratic Party (UDP) and Robert “Bobby” Lopez of the Belize Progressive Party (BPP).

Guatemala’s new President, Jimmy Moralez to pursue territorial dispute
Moralez made the territorial claim a major part his campaign platform. In an address, he indicated that “Belize is Guatemalan territory” and he will “not let the opportunity pass to get a beautiful connection to the Caribbean Sea”. Now elected, Moralez will pursue the territorial dispute and ensure that a decision is finally made by taking the issue to the International Court of Justice. “Why do we forget Belize? Until just a few years ago, the Constitution of Guatemala said that Belize is Guatemalan Territory. We still have a territorial dispute, without any intentions to fight with our brothers and neighbors, but with the intention and desire to say that we should not waste or give up one centimeter of our land, one centimeter of our water, one centimeter of that that unites us through history and heritage,” said Moralez (translated from Spanish to English). In response to Moralez, Prime Minister of Belize Dean Barrow has stated, “Belize will not be bullied” by the Guatemalan Government. “Congratulations are due to him.

Misc Belizean Sources

OAS deploys electoral observation mission to Belize
The electoral observation mission of the Organization of American States (OAS/EOM) to the November 4 general elections in Belize began its deployment on Wednesday. The delegation, headed by Ambassador Jacinth Henry-Martin, chief of staff to OAS Secretary General Luis Almagro, is comprised of 13 observers from 11 countries (Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Barbados, Bolivia, El Salvador, France, Mexico, St Kitts and Nevis, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago and the United States). The first members of the mission arrived in Belize on October 27. The mission will focus its observation on electoral organization and other issues in the electoral process. It will also gather information about the status of the recommendations made in the last OAS/EOM to Belize in 2012.

Ministry Of Health and Embassy of El Salvador – Free Medical Service
The Ministry of Health in cooperation with the Embassy of El Salvador will be providing Free Medical Services at the Western Regional Hospital, Valley of Peace, San Martin and surrounding communities. Doctors from El Salvador will be present to provide services which include Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Pediatrics, Dental, General Medical Services, Laboratory, Pharmacy and X- ray services. The medical team will include 7 general practitioners, 3 dentists, 1 pediatrician, 1 gynecologist and 1 psychologist. Residents of Belmopan and surrounding communities are invited to take advantage of this free medical assistance made possible by the Ministry of Health and Officials at the Embassy of El Salvador. The Salvador medical doctors will be present at the Western Regional Hospital from October 30th to November 1st, 2015 (Friday, Saturday and Sunday). For more information contact Mr. Kevin Bautista at the Ministry of Health at 822-2497; Melinda Guerra, regional manager at 601-8652 or 828-84532.

Dia del los Muertos
Monday Nov. 2nd, Belmopan City, Embassy of Mexico 6pm. Belize City, Institute of Mexico, 6pm. Free Entrance.

Our Lady of Guadalupe School altar
As part of the Hanal Pixan Altar Competition which was held here at the House of Culture in October 2013.

SHJC Dean's List Awards
Sacred Heart Junior College had their Dean's List ceremony. Lots of smiles there, as Dean Fermin Magana handed out the awards. Well done students, and future leaders of Belize! "Dean's List, Tour Guiding and Customer Service Certificate Presentation. Congrats!! You guys make SHJC proud"

Health Agreement Signed with Merida - Cancer Treatment for Children
The Ministry of Health and the Belize Cancer Society today signed an agreement with the Ministry of Health of Merida, Yucatan for the treatment of children with cancer from Belize. The agreement will allow children under the age of 18 to access treatment services in Merida once they have been referred by the Belize Cancer Society and the Ministry of Health - with costs being covered through the generous grant recently provided by the Social Security Board for this purpose. Treatments available under this - first of its kind - agreement include: specialist consultations, hospitalization, chemotherapy, biopsy, imaging including CT scans and ultrasound and other treatments for children with cancer.

WINC ACCELERATION PROGRAM for WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS IN THE CARIBBEAN
This is a new peer mentorship-based program specifically designed to support the Caribbean's women entrepreneurs to fast track their business growth trajectory. Over an eight-month period, this WINC Acceleration Program will provide participants with a comprehensive suite of support services to innovate their businesses, improve competitiveness, and boost growth. It will include peer-learning, personal development, one-to-one mentoring/coaching, technical workshops, and motivational sessions by successful entrepreneur role models. This unique support program will be delivered in 12 Caribbean territories* by expert women facilitators from the region, competitively selected and certified by infoDev (a global entrepreneurship program in the World Bank Group) to execute the WINC Acceleration Program.

Full Moon Concert Ft. Pandemonium Steel Band
On Saturday, October 31st, 2015,the Banquitas House of Culture (NICH) presents its Full Moon Concert featuring the 'Pandemonium Steel Band', make it a date! You are cordially invited to our Full Moon Concert Ft. Pandemonium Steel Band all the way from Belize City. It will be a night you won't want to miss out. Orange Walk is the place to be October 31st 2015 at Queen Elizabeth Park/ Central Park.

R.I.P. "Cholera". This guy had one of the brightest smiles ever. I can't believe he's gone.
My heart is heavy right now I have lost a good friend and cousin I remember when I was in Belize this guy used to make sure that I am ok R.i.p bro till we meet again. That's was my baly man them Colera boy R.I.P. God will have in better place My condolence to his family. Rip my brother he does always make me laugh when i use to work on power mix radio. He and his crew always stop in when i was on night shift and chill with me. So sad he is in a better place.

BTEC Celebrates its First Anniversary and Signs MOU with Sister Cecilia’s and National Council of Ageing
The Belize Training and Employment Centre (BTEC) arm of BELTRAIDE, celebrates its one-year anniversary since inception. BTEC, which opened its doors on October 6, 2014 has been instrumental in developing a cadre of well-trained, marketable and self-sufficient individuals able to compete in the marketplace. On October 27th, 2015. BTEC held the celebration ceremony for its 1st anniversary and also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Sister Cecilia’s Home for the Elderly and the National Council of Ageing for the launch of its Home Health Care- Giver Training which begins on November 9th. 2015. The training which is in collaboration with the Pan- America Health Organization (PAHO) is geared towards persons who are employed or seeking employment as a care-giver in the homes of Belizeans and visitors.

UB Annual Marketing Expo
November 15th at the Ramada Princess, Kings Room Be sure to captured by the Photocentric booth.

Power interruption 10:30am to 12:30pm, Sunday November 1, Belize City
Central American Blvd between Belcan Bridge & Cemetery Rd, Courtney’s Crescent, Sarstoon St, Nargusta St, Mopan St, Vernon St between Lakeview & Ziricote St, Ziricote Street, Mahogany St between Sarstoon St & Partridge St, Peter Seco St, Consuelo St, Morning Glory St, Larkspur Ave. BEL to facilitate pile driving for the Ministry of Works.

Mr. Greedy's Halloween Party
Mr. Greedy's Pizza is doing it again. They're having their annual Halloween Party and costume contest. They'll have prizes and surprises galore, along with live music from DJ Jessie. "We are having our annual Halloween Party on October 31St there we be lots of give aways and prize for best costumes and most original costume. Plus lots of games for abults. Party starts sts 9 pm until 2 am.. come have a great Halloween bash with us. No cover charge."

Find The Longest Zipline and Best Waterfalls in Belize at Mayflower Bocawina National Park
Thrilling, amazing, spectacular, and safe! What a fun day (or night) you’ll have. Macaroni Hill View Hotel in southern Belize can arrange daily tours for Bocawina Zipline and Waterfall Rapelling. In just 20 minutes you will be in beautiful Mayflower Bocawina National Forest. The birds will sing, the howler monkeys will howl, and you will grin all the way to the longest zipline thrill in Belize. There are 12 platforms, and the 8 different runs allow for all skill levels. It won’t matter if you have never ziplined before or if you are an expert. It might be just you who joins the tour group, your family, or your entire party, Bocawina is an amazing experience! The whole course is two-and-a-half miles long, and the longest line is a mind-blowing 2500 feet. To make the most of it, we think you should take two tours – one during the day, when you get to see and hear all that the jungle has to offer, and one at night! The night flying zipline tour is like nothing on earth, especially if there’s a full moon.

JG Black Book Chicago Roadshow
October 27th – October 30th, 2015. Miss Althea Sebastian & Miss Deborah Gilharry showcasing Belize to possible Travel Agents.

Ask the U.S. Consul - Live Q&A; on Facebook!
Do you have questions about U.S. visas? Would you like to study, visit, or live in the United States? Please join us on November 3rd for a LIVE Facebook chat. Format - FB users can write in questions in real time and a consular representative from the U.S. Embassy will answer the questions. Just log onto FB on the date and time of the event!

Channel 7

FCIB Workers Strike
3 weeks ago, we showed you how the workers of the First Caribbean International Bank staged an early morning and lunchtime protest. They were providing previews of coming attractions with the condition that if the negotiations with the exiting corporate management of the bank continued to stall, they would take it to the next level. Well, today they did, all the employees who are members of Christian Workers Union did not show up for work at all the branches countrywide. They were determined to force a shutdown of normal operations but to our knowledge, the main Belize City Branch and the Belmopan branch managed to keep their doors open because non-unionized employees, and other contracted workers kept up minimal operations. A late evening statement from the CWU says that this protest will continue and portends that there will be all kinds of complications from the lack of staff to complete necessary tasks. The employees, we are told, have taken such a tough stance because they suspect the management is stalling on settling its labour affairs, until their exit is finalized.

PUP's Greg Papas: Born In Guatemala, Wishes He Wasn't
So far in this campaign season we've told you about two candidates - one for the UDP, the other for the PUP who allegedly have Guatemalan nationality. They are Ralph Huang, the UDP's Candidate in Cayo South and Doctora Lesbia Guerra, the PUP's Candidate in Cayo West. Well, tonight there is one more PUP candidate who has been confirmed to be Guatemalan born. He is Greg Papas Garcia, the PUP Candidate for Corozal Bay. This document is a Guatemalan birth certificate and today Garcia confirmed that he was born in Guatemala. Garcia told us that he can't control destiny - and the fact is his parents met in Guatemalan university, and that led to his conception while they were students. He said he was registered at birth - and had no choice in the matter. He told us that his parents also registered his birth with the British High Commission in Guatemala City. Garcia says that within two months of his birth he was living in Belize - and this is the only place he has lived. He said he does not hold Guatemalan nationality and his only passport is Belizean.

PUP Makes Claims Of Proxy Fraud, UDP Calls It Silly
And the politics just doesn't stop - our next story is about a controversy that the PUP is stirring in the Elections and Boundaries Department. The opposition is accusing the Chairman of the UDP, Alberto August of perpetrating mass fraud with proxy votes - and further alleging that the Chief Elections Officer is complicit in it. The manager for the PUP Cayo Central campaign, Horace Grant wrote to the Chief elections officer yesterday alleging that August went to the Cayo Central elections and Boundaries office on Tuesday and demanded that the registrar sign quote, "hundred's of blank proxy forms." End quote. Grant alleges that the registrar refused and that's when August called the Chief Elections officer, and put her on speakerphone where she instructed the registrar to go ahead and sign the forms. Now, this would be very irregular, and both August and Tamai have flatly denied that version of events. We spoke to August today and he told us it's a silly story for the silly season:...

Chief Elections Officer Rejects PUP Claim
August warned that if Grant continues with this allegation, he will sue for defamation of character. Now while August can take it as pure political silliness, it's not so easily brushed off for the chief elections officer - whose integrity and conduct have now been publicly questioned. That same integrity is paramount to the management of the entire election, so she today sent Grant a 3 page letter, setting him straight, and making it clear that she didn't instruct any registering officer to sign any blank proxy form. She told Courtney Weatherburne that all the relevant information was filled out on the form and that there was nothing illegal or questionable about her actions. Josephine Tamai, Chief Elections Officer: "I was in a meeting when I was call. One of the senior officers came into the meeting and she asked for excuse and she mentioned that she had an issue whereby Mr. August had called the office to inquire about a process whereby he is claiming that he went to the Santa Elena office which is responsible for Cayo Central Electoral Division, to put in an application form on behalf of somebody.

Tamai's Home Threatened By Masked Men
And while Tamai has all that political blowback to contend with, she's also got serious security issues at the homefront. About 10 days ago, her daughter posted a scary story on facebook. She recounted an apparent failed home invasion on Saturday October 17th where she saw a white car pull up and two masked men make as if to approach the house. The daughter then ran back inside and locked up the house - and the men disappeared. Today her mother told us the episode deeply concerns her but that she knows it's just political mischief to either distract her from her duties or intimidate her. Tamai told us that it won't work. Josephine Tamai, Chief Elections Officer "Well I will tell you and like what I've said we have a lot of political mischief being made out there and at one point a week or so ago, I actually felt threaten and my family has been threatened and the only thing that I can say and I will say at this point is that whoever is creating whatever they are trying to create, they need to desist from that. Because as a public officer, have a job to do and I will continue to do my job."

OAS Election Observer Mission In Belize
In our first segment, we told you about PUP's allegation of fraud with proxy votes. As you heard both the UDP Party Chairman and the Chief Elections Officer deny this allegation and say due process was followed. Well, there is one organization that will be paying close attention to these processes on election day, and that's the OAS. An observer mission arrived in Belize yesterday to oversee the election process in Belize and to submit recommendations thereafter. Today we sat down with Chief of Mission Jacinth Henry-Martin and she described the role of the team here in Belize and how this exercise can further enhance the electoral process going forward. Courtney Weatherburne "When was this election observer mission established?" Jacinth Henry-Martin, Chief of Mission "We have respond in the OAS to the government of Belize. The election observation mission really respond to invitation from government. We do not appear unless invited and this is the second such election observation mission to Belize. The first one being in 2012. About two weeks ago, a formal accord was signed between the OAS and the permanent representative of Belize to the OAS in respect of monitoring of these elections."

The BPP: Not Your Average Political Party
And while the OAS is involved in the mechanics of the election, we in the media have to follow that and sift through the marketing hype of the election. In that vein, last week, we showed you the Manifesto launches from the PUP and the UDP. As we told you launch styles differed greatly, but the Belize Progressive Party wants to completely differentiate itself from the mass parties. Firstly, they call their manifesto the "8867 Progressive Plan" including the country's total square mileage as part the name. Ok, that's so original, but Isn't it just like any other manifesto with a list of promises from yet another political party? That's what Daniel Ortiz tried to examine today. Here's that story: Daniel Ortiz reporting 7 of the BPP's 25 Candidates, seated the head table, took on the different parts of what's called the 8867 Progressive Policy Plan. They are politicians, but from their perspective - they'd prefer to be referred to as "Agents of Change". They also dislike the classification as a political party.

Viola: From Life In Prison To Eight Years
Viola Pook - on New Year's Eve in 2008, the 57 year old threw kerosene on her common-law husband, Orlando Vasquez and set him on fire. In 2011, she was sentenced to life in prison for his murder. But the court of appeal quashed that conviction, based on the fact that she was a battered woman. At her re-trial she pleaded guilty to manslaughter and today she was sentenced to eight years in prison. Justice Lucas took into consideration sentencing guidelines from similar cases, the most prominent one being that of Lavern Longsworth, aka Anti-Christ who got her sentence reduced to eight years in prison for burning up her husband. But since Pook has been in prison on remand since 2009, Justice Lucas will have to factor in time already served. He is determining how much time he can deduct, if it includes both the time on remand - which was 2 years, and the other 4 years spent seeking an appeal. Pook's attorney LLiana Swift says the court ought to take into consideration the entire 6 years and 9 months and 27 days that Pook has been behind bars since her arrest. On Monday November 2, she will be told how many years will be deducted as time served.

Cop Gets Off Gun Charge
Today, a police officer walked off a pair of gun charges. 33 year old Constable, Linsdale Blease assigned to the Domestic Violence Unit was accused of assaulting his own step-brother, Cordel Duran with a firearm and discharging the firearm in public. Well today told he had no case to answer and was set free because no evidence to prove the charges was put before the court. That's because the main witness was Blease's step-father, Gregory Duran, who has been living with his mother for more than 20 years and refused to testify in the matter. With that, the police officer who is on interdiction walked out of the Chief Magistrate's court a free man.

Hulse Reviews The Immigration Files
Last night we had a snippet of our interview with Immigration Minister Godwin Hulse where he spoke about suspect nationality documents he signed which led to the issuance of bogus passports. He spoke about one for Randall James Davis, tonight she speaks about the other for Charles Francis Noll. In both cases, the documentation showed that they had an original permanent residence card, and it was renewed into another - making it a non issue whether they had been travelling in and out of the country. Hulse explained though that there were still red lights which should have stopped the application before it was issued:.... Godwin Hulse, Minister of Immigration "He also had a PR44711 which was issued on 14th November and it replaced an old PR which was number 4262 similarly. Again, when I look at what you showed, the certificate had no seal and of course indicating there was no swearing in. He also got a passport and his passport was P0226015. The justice of the peace at the time who signed Mrs. Gertrude Armstrong and she was an immigration official and also he paid his requisite fee etc. That passport is also on notice."

Tamai: Counting Will Speed Up
And those waivers were signed in May and June of 1993, the run up to that year's snap general election - it's just one symptom of the craziness that accompanies the quest for all the marbles. And while the political frenzy has taken center stage - at the end of the day, the only thing that matters are the results, the ballots counted. In previous years, voters and candidates had to anxiously wait until midnight or the next day for the official results. But not this time - Chief Elections Officer Josephine Tamai told us that the new election system will ensure the results are in quicker. She explained to Courtney Weatherburne how it will work:... Josephine Tamai, Chief Elections Officer "We did it for the Cayo North as well where we did the simultaneous counting. Because one of the things that we realize is that people have already went to the polls to cast their vote and people want to know the results. So in order for us to improve on what we do, we have implemented whereby we do simultaneous counting. So all boxes or as many boxes as possible are counted at the same time.

Everything In Its Right Place For Election
So while that system is in place, is everything else set for Wednesday? We asked Tamai about this today. Josephine Tamai, Chief Elections Officer "We basically have everything in place. We've been working and like I said we continue to work, we continue to work beyond hours. We have to have everything ready before the elections and we are basically there." Tamai told us that the election results should be in way before midnight.

UAE, BNE and BZE
Belize Natural Energy's oil fortunes in the Spanish Lookout oil field may be fading, but the company has linked up with one of the most oil rich countries on earth. A press release announces that today, quote, "the United Arab Emirates and Belize signed bilateral trade agreements that will serve as a catalyst for investments from the UAE and will strengthen Belize's position as a…regional energy leader." It continues, quote, "These trade agreements will serve as a foundation to catalyze private sector investments from the UAE, as well as government-to-government investments." The release makes reference to, quote, "Belize Natural Energy Limited's (holistic) model (which) was integral in making today's historic milestone a reality." End quote. The release closes by saying, "With its discovery of oil 10 years ago, Belize shares a similar vision with the vision of UAE's founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed, who believed that the discovery of oil was only the start of the ultimate economic success story for the country." End quote.

Mexico Makes Marion Jones Moves
The launch of a Multipurpose Sports Facility named Mexico took place this afternoon at the Marion Jones Sports Complex. Ten million dollars has been granted by the government of Mexico for a multipurpose sports facility to be built in what used to be the parking lot of Marion Jones. The grant has the added bonus of installing lighting in the existing soccer field. Minister of State in the Ministry of Sports explained: The grant was approved last April, along with 2 other projects in Jamaica and Saint Lucia by the Technical Committee of the Infrastructure Fund for Mesoamerican and Caribbean Countries in Mexico City.

Herman's Land
While the media had the opportunity, we asked Longsworth about his plans for a piece of land on English Caye. Information has emerged that he has taken a keen interest in this island parcel. And so, given that in 5 days he will no longer be a member of the Government, he was asked if he is using his office expedite the process. Longsworth bristled at the suggestion, and here's how he explained it:

The Pickstock Toss Up
The elections are less than a week away, and, right now, you may getting to your limit with politics, but the 88 candidates who want your support are surely not slowing down until the election results are in on November 5. Tonight, we have short excerpt of our coverage of the campaign trail in the Pickstock Division where the PUP's Dr. Francis Smith is trying for a second time to unseat the UDP Incumbent, Wilfred Elrington. He did win the seat in the 2012 election, but by fewer than 100 votes. And that's why this is seen as a prime political battleground - especially with all the sustained hits Elrington has been taking in the media. We got a chance to follow both candidates on the campaign trail, and here's what they had to say about this election, and the work they've put in to gain the trust of the voters:

Hope For Kids With Cancer
There is a major relief on the way for pediatric cancer patients. In July we told you about the 370 thousand dollar grant from the Social Security Board to assist children with cancer. Well today, it was made official when the Ministry of Health and the Belize Cancer Society today signed an agreement with the Ministry of Health of Merida, Yucatan for the treatment of children with cancer from Belize. Here's how it works: children under the age of 18 will have access to services in Merida once they have been referred by the Belize Cancer Society and the Ministry of Health. Today, when it was signed at the Mexican Embassy, the Director of Health Services said it is a long sought partnership:.. Treatments available under the agreement include: specialist consultations, hospitalization, chemotherapy, biopsy, imaging including CT scans and ultrasound and other treatments for children with cancer.

Channel 5

Chief Elections Officer Comes Under Fire for Alleged Elections Irregularities
Chief Elections Officer Josephine Tamai has come under some scrutiny after a letter bearing today’s date accuses her of serious elections irregularities in the last stretch to the November fourth [...]

Josephine Tamai Responds to P.U.P. Allegations…
Tamai says that whether August had blank proxy forms in his possession or not is not her concern, since the forms are available to the public on their website. But [...]

…Assertions Are Nothing More than Political Mischief
Finally, Tamai told us that she didn’t realize that August had her on speaker-phone, but denies giving any instructions at all to any Elections and Boundaries staff member through August’s [...]

C.E.O. Tamai Says Proxy System is Above Board and Transparent
The People’s United Party has called on the Elections and Boundaries Office to provide transparency where the register of proxy voters is concerned and to allow them to inspect the [...]

FirstCaribbean Bank Employees Take to the Picket Line
A fresh round of protests began today by employees of the CIBC First Caribbean Bank. As early as seven-thirty, employees who are members of the Christian Workers Union, demonstrated in [...]

Viola Pook Sentenced to 8 Years for Manslaughter of Common-Law Husband
Viola Pook, the woman who doused her common-law husband Orlando Vasquez with kerosene on New Year’s Eve of 2008, and set him on fire was sentenced today by Judge Adolph [...]

COLA Questions Authenticity of P.M.’s Comments on Guatemalan President Elect
Guatemala’s territorial dispute has become a highly charged political issue exacerbated by recent statements made by the new leader of Guatemala. COLA has been leading the charge against the government [...]

Mexican Government Funds Multi-purpose Sports Building at Marion Jones
Today, the media was called out to the launch of a new multi-purpose sports building to be located at the Marion Jones Sporting Complex in Belize City. It will be [...]

Ministry of Health Offers Free Medical Services
In the runoff to the elections, the Ministry of Health today announced a slew of free medical services it is offering. M.O.H. announced that along with the Belize Cancer Society, [...]

B.P.P. Launches Progressive Plan of Action
The two mass political parties, the People’s United Party and the United Democratic Party, launched the manifestos last week. Today, the Belize Progressive party which says it is fielding twenty-five [...]

Chester Williams Says ‘No Comment’ on GSU Investigation
As we reported on Monday, very serious allegations have been made against officers of the Gang Suppression Unit. They are accused of raiding the homes of three families in San [...]

Outgoing Sports Minister Beats His Chest Over Incomplete Stadium
The Marion Jones Sporting Complex – even saying it leaves a sour taste in your mouth. The state-of-the-art dream has been thrown about for years…under construction for about seven of [...]

Herman Longsworth Came and Went, Still No Berger Field
Since this is Longsworth’s last hurray as Minister of State, we also asked about Berger Field. That forlorn field on Vernon Street in the city was one of Longsworth’s campaign [...]

Villagers Protest Building of Agriculture Center on Communal Land
Dozens of residents from the southern community of Jalacte are up in arms over the construction of an Agriculture Learning Center on their communal lands without consultations with them by [...]

G.O.B. Did Not Consult with Maya Community Before Building
Maya property rights have been affirmed multiple times through an unbroken chain of court decisions with the final decision at the Caribbean Court of Justice consented to by the Government [...]

T.Y. Debuts ‘Born and Grow’
Twenty-seven year old Tyrone Linares is taking the local music scene by storm. The Jane Usher Boulevard youth is a member of the group, All God Sons and goes by [...]

CTV3

PUP Not Happy With How Proxy Votes Are Being Managed
On Tuesday morning the Peoples United Party’s legal advisor Anthony Sylvester at a press conference told the media that they were concerned about the way the Elections and Boundaries Department was managing the matter of voting by proxy in next week’s election. He specifically pointed out that as of Tuesday that they have not been able to see the register kept of the names of hundreds of persons who had applied and had been granted the right to have someone vote for them since they would be unable to do so, due to their official duties. On Tuesday Mrs. Myrtle Palacio, the PUPs Secretary General wrote to Mrs. Josephine Tamai demanding that they be allowed to see the register with the names of the proxy voters and giving her until the end of the day today to do so.

MOH And Cancer Society Signs Agreement With Ministry Of Health Merida
Today, the Ministry of Health and the Belize Cancer Society signed an agreement with the Ministry of Health of Merida, Yucatan for the treatment of children with cancer from Belize. A release from the Ministry states that the agreement will allow children under the age of 18 to access treatment services in Merida once they have been referred by the Belize Cancer Society and the Ministry of Health - with costs being covered through the generous grant recently provided by the Social Security Board for this purpose. So how will it work? The release says that treatments available under this agreement include: specialist consultations, hospitalization, chemotherapy, biopsy, and imaging including CT scans and ultrasound and other treatments for children with cancer.

CIBC Members Took Strike Actions On Negotiations For Salary Increase
This morning, the unionized Members of CIBC First Caribbean International Bank took strike action against the Bank as a result of the Bank’s stalling tactics with the current negotiations for salary increases, severance pay and an exit package given the impending closure of the bank. Unionized Members from across its branches in Belize assembled at FCIB’s Albert Street Branch and staged a protest from 7am to 9am and 11am to 1pm today. A release from the Christian Workers Union reveals that the strike is expected to continue tomorrow Friday, 30 October, 2015 or until the Bank submits proposals that are respectable and show genuine movement towards a compromise for the employees. The release further states that the Bank’s approach towards the proposals of the workers has been to either make no genuine efforts to counter-offers and remains repetitive in their response, refusing to make any attempt to reach compromise. The release ends calling on the Bank to start negotiations in good faith and to make reasonable offers instead of their insulting approach. The protest was limited to Belize City as a check with employees at the Orange Walk Branch revealed that they were open for business today without any interruption.

BPP Launches Progressive Policy Plan Manifesto
This morning, the third political mass party, the Belize Progressive Party BPP launched their manifesto. Members of the party refrained from calling their presentation a manifesto and called it their ‘Progressive Policy Plan’. Elements in that policy included looking at areas in health, land distribution, Governance, technology, among others. In addition to banning ramen noodles, the BPP says it would ensure that a fully functional hospital be built on Ambergris Caye and a Health Center in the Village of Caye Caulker. The Press conference lasted almost 2 hours and most of the BPP’s 25 candidates were onhand for the undertaking. Patrick Rogers for the BPP apologized for the absence of deputy leader Wil Maheia among others. Their leader and campaign manager discuss campaign financing and denied a rumour that they have received funding from British Billionaire Lord Michael Ashcroft.

LOVE FM

Guatemalan Birth Certificate for PUP Standard Bearer Surfaces
General elections is a couple days away and over the last few weeks there have been questions regarding the nationality of some of the candidates. The latest to cross our news desk is that of the People’s United Party candidate for Corozal Bay, Gregorio Papas Garcia. The certificate certifies that Garcia was born on March […]

PUP Accuses UDP Chairman and Chief Elections Officer of Collusion
The People’s United Party is accusing the Chairman of the United Democratic Party of tampering with the voters’ registration list, specifically those voting using proxy votes. In a letter sent to the Chief Elections Officer, Josephine Tamai, the PUP’s Campaign Manager for Cayo Central, Horace Grant, accuses August of demanding that the registrar sign hundreds […]

BDF Prepared to Step In on Election Day
In many corners of this country, the issue of politics is taken with much passion and held in great sanctity as was evident in these past few weeks where there were some flare ups in the north and the west. Election Day, however, is expected to instigate some more of that aggression and so it […]

Abused Woman Gets 8 Years for Husband’s Murder
57-year-old Veola Pook has been sentenced to eight years in prison. On October 13, Pook pleaded guilty to manslaughter. Pook was convicted of murder in the death of her common-law husband, Orlando Vasquez. On July 20, 2011, Pook was first convicted of Vasquez’ murder which occurred in Rancho Dolores Village. She appealed the case and […]

SSB Plans Countrywide Strike
The Social Security Board employees are planning a countrywide strike tomorrow after discussions and attempts at reaching a settlement failed. Some weeks ago, we told you that the workers of SSB were demanding their clothing allowance in lieu of the elapsed time for the company to provide them with new uniforms. It is a situation […]

OAS Mission Arrives to Belize for Upcoming Elections
Some weeks ago the People’s United Party had requested that the Organization of American States be an observer in the upcoming elections for November 4. The process to have that in place began and it was agreed to by all parties. Since Tuesday, the Organization of American States has begun deploying its personnel to Belize. […]

The Guardian

Clandestine plane lands at Belize City Municipal Airport
The Belize Defence Force is in possession of small plane which made an unauthorized landing at the Belize City Municipal Airport on Tuesday, at around 5:30 a.m. The police department is investigating why the pilot landed it and abandoned it before the airstrip was opened, and without the proper permission. The plane, a US registered, Piper PA 34 Seneca twin-engine aircraft, had flown out of Belize on Thursday, October 22, on its way to Aruba. The pilot filed a flight plan with an itinerary which said that it would return on Sunday. It did not, and somehow showed up in Belize on Tuesday morning. To the average reader, that might not sound suspicious, but the Civil Aviation Department has very strict rules - which are laws - about unauthorized landings. Flight plans are considered sacred in the aviation field, and the fact that none was forthcoming for this landing meant that the pilot committed a criminal offence. Additionally, since it was re-entering Belizean airspace, this plane ought to have landed at the Philip Goldson International Airport as per regulations, so that the occupants could clear Customs and Immigration.

BATSUB returns to Belize
The highest ranking officer of the British Army to ever visit Belize has flown in from the United Kingdom to meet with the Commander of the Belize Defence Force, and Prime Minister Dean Barrow. That session took place on Wednesday, October 28, and it was revealed in those talks that the British Army Training and Support Unit Belize (BATSUB), is making a return to Belize. BATSUB had downsized in 2011, and since 2013, both Prime Minister Dean Barrow, and the BDF Commander, Brigadier General David Jones, have been trying to convince the British Army to return BATSUB to its numbers and capacity to what it once was. A major influence on a decision like that comes from Lieutenant General James Everard, the British Army’s Commander of Land Forces (United Kingdom), and just after midday on Wednesday, he flew into the PGIA. He briskly made his way over to the BDF Price Barracks Compound, where he was greeted by a Guard of Honor and General David Jones.

PUP Money plane lands?
On Monday word got out that the PUP received 15,000 BLUE & WHITE T-SHIRTS as a donation courtesy of some of their Cartel friends . We thought that was a joke , but then we remembered that the PUP was broke and that would not be outside the way they operate . From as far back as when PUP lost the elections in ‘08 they have been strapped for cash . See their major source of funding the Lord stopped giving them money. So it came as no surprise that COUSIN RALPH started to make the collection rounds, but the pickings were small. Back to those T- Shirts. Word on the street is that after the rebuffs of those would be donors, their next target was their Cartel friends who it appears complied and have made an investment in the PUP. For them it is like playing the Futures Market, spend now, collect later. Please remind me whose money, the MONEY-MULE CAL was intercepted with in Panama? What type of residue did the authorities report they found on the cash? And by the way which PUP Honcho’s wife or sweetheart was stopped with a suitcase full of money in Miami? By the way I don’t like to speak ill of the dead, but somebody’s son who did not work a day in his life left MILLIONS for his Father in his Will. Remember the talk of Millions that was in a locked safe?

“Belize Will Not Be Bullied!”
Guatemala’s President-elect is a “neophyte”, says Prime Minister Dean Barrow, and “he will learn that the kind of talk that we heard from him at the start with respect to Belize is absolutely unacceptable”. Those who have been hoping that the Belize-Guatemala issue would negatively impact the United Democratic Party’s chances in the upcoming General Elections grasped at statements uttered by Jimmy Morales in the heart of his campaign for the Presidency of Guatemala to sound the alarm that Guatemala is coming for Belize. With just about a week until elections on Wednesday, November 4, the self labeled independent television stations like Channel 5, Krem and Plus TV have been harping on a clip of Morales assuring supporters that he should “not give up even a centimeter of [Guatemalan] territory” all week long. Irresponsibly, none of these media houses has told viewers when the statements were made.

Biggest rally ever in Stann Creek West
With an attendance of over 5,000, it was without a doubt the biggest rally ever held in Stann Creek West by any political party. It was the pre-election rally held on Sunday October 25, 2015 to promote Walter ‘Teacher Wally’ Garbutt as the UDP Candidate in the constituency for the upcoming General Elections which are just a week away. Main speaker at the event was Prime Minister Hon. Dean Barrow. In addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister noted that indeed the gathering was the largest he had ever seen in Stann Creek West. He went on to commend Teacher Wally for the work he has done both in the past in the area and the work he continues to do for the residents as he contests this election. He explained that the South of the country will get development but that the share will be more equitable if there is representation asking for it at the level of cabinet.

Rabid Lisa does not do her homework
Right now, the PUP are trying everything they can to swing support from the voters in their direction. Realizing that their pontificating on the settlement payments for the utility acquisitions has gotten them nowhere, failed politician Lisa Shoman has decided to come out swinging, at the Barrow Government, very much in a rabid fashion. She and the PUP called a press conference to discuss the Deed of Assurance, which was part of the BEL settlement which was signed into law. Of course, the Accommodation Agreement, which her party signed away is a sore that just won’t heal. It’s the striking example of Government giveaways to business persons at the expense of the public. That was a secret agreement, and so Shoman sought to draw a comparison to in this instance with this Deed by calling it “secret”. Well, she has failed; what was supposed to be whistleblowing fell flat on it’s face. This Deed of Assurance is basically a formalization of the arrangement that the Musa Government signed. Readers should be well aware that when BECOL entered into a contract with the PUP Government, the Fortis-Owned hydroelectric supplier got a sweetheart deal.

Mahogany Heights couple charged for drugs
Salomon Ramclam, 30, pleaded guilty to drug trafficking on Friday, October 23, after he and his common-law-wife, Yolanda Gillett, 30, were taken before the court for 77 grams of marijuana. The couple appeared unrepresented before Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith where they were read a single charge of drug trafficking each. According to reports, police conducted a search at their Mahogany Heights home on Tuesday, October 20, and found 77 grams of marijuana inside a pink Victoria Secret purse that was on a bedroom desk. Ramclam took the wrap for the drugs and pleaded guilty to the charge which would have allowed Gillett to go free. However, after the mandatory fine for drug trafficking of $10,000 was handed down he decided to change his plea to not guilty.

Faber’s Road resident Michael Usher, 27, is out on bail after he was Michael Usher charged for burglary with intent to rape
Allegations being made against Usher by a woman of a Faber’s Road address is that on October 17, Usher followed her to her two storey house and forced himself in without being invited. She gave a background of the incident saying that she, her two female friends and a man were walking on Amara Avenue when they met the accused who asked to shelter under her umbrella since it was raining. She allowed him to walk with her and when she reached home she entered and left the burglar bar door open. That was when Usher entered behind her and as soon as she noticed him standing at the door he attacked her. The woman claims that Usher choked and forced her to open her bedroom door which was closed. While inside, he told her to cooperate and have sexual intercourse with him willingly or she will get it the hard way. He then forced her unto the bed and ordered her to put a condom on him before having sex. They started to struggle and as he went to close the room door she ran for help. The woman ran upstairs to her landlord’s room to ask for help. The landlord then called police and reported the matter. Usher ran from the area.

Pawn shop robbers greeted by bullets
Police are searching for one person of interest in connection with a failed robbery attempt upon Kephawn’s Pawn Shop at the Commercial Center that resulted in the shooting death of 20-year-old Phillip Anthony Barrera of East Collet Canal. According to police, surveillance footage has revealed that Barrera and another man entered the pawn shop at about 2:05 p.m. on Thursday, October 22. Barrera pulled out a 9 millimeter pistol and pointed it at the owner while his accomplice placed a bag on the counter and ordered him to hand over all the jewelry and cash. At this time, the owner who was separated from the robbers by bars, pulled out his licensed 9 millimeter pistol and fired several shots at the men. Four of the shots struck Barrera to the upper part of the body. His accomplice fled from the scene when the owner opened fire. Barrera died at the scene before police arrived a minute later.

Armed robbery near Scotiabank in San Ignacio
There was an armed robbery at about 4:00 pm on Monday of this week at the parking lot behind the Scotiabank Building in San Ignacio Town. Luis del Cid 28 year old resident of Cotton Tree and salesman, reports that whilst inside his company truck, along with his driver Clinton Dale Abrahan, two males approached them in an aggressive way. According to Luis del Cid, one of the men was armed with a knife and the other with a nine mm pistol. Both Madisco employees were then forced inside the truck, where the armed robber drove the truck towards the isolated Sandy Bay Area, where they made good their escape. Stolen from Luis del Cid was the sum of $9,771.88 and a check of $2,163.75 that they were about to deposit at Scotiabank.

BELIZE COUNCIL OF CHURCHES’ STATEMENT ON THE 2015 GENERAL ELECTION
As we approach General Election 2015, the Belize Council of Churches wishes to call the attention of all Belizeans on the followings: We encourage all the parties involved in this election, the Political Parties, the Elections and Boundaries Commission, and the Voters, to put the interest of the country above and beyond their own self-interest and allow the electoral process to be fair, peaceful and objective. We encourage the institutions responsible for law and order in our land to be vigilant, responsible and fair in the exercise of their duties. We encourage all the voters to say no to any form of political intimidation or enticement, such as receiving money for your vote, which tantamount to participating in the corruption of our democracy. We therefore call on all voters to vote in concert with their conscience and on what is best for Belize, that is, to vote for those who will best represent the interest of all Belizeans.

Another Dream
On Wednesday morning was a guest on Love fm Morning show. He said a lot of things but two stuckout as plain old stupidity. The first was that they were going to build STARTERHOMES for deserving Belizeans at the cost of Another Dream $15,000 each. Now anybody who knows anything about construction can tell you that the only thing you can build with that type of money is a GLORIFIED SHACK. There are some Panades shops that are right in that price range. Ask many of those Belizeans who have stake their claim to a piece of swamp in one of those expanding areas of Belize City, how much it cost them to build their little house, while doing most of the construction themselves? I am sure most of them spent over that $15,000 over the period it took them to build that house. It may be a fool speaking but certainly no fools are listening. Furthermore where the people of this country to get high and vote in the PUP, that would mean a feeding frenzy for those PUP hustling contractors, who have been complaining about not eating over the past 8 years.

Family fun day in Belama promotes community togetherness
Hundreds of residents of the Belama area were out on Saturday afternoon as Dr. Carla Barnett and the Freetown committee organized a family day. The evening was packed with activities including special appearances by Ozzy the clown who entertained the children. There were cash prizes, competitions and other giveaways including electronic appliances. There was also lots of food and soft drinks to which everyone in attendance were treated to. The Guardian spoke to Dr. Barnett who explained that the activity was to bring families in the community together to basically just have fund. This type of activity she says, she is encouraging to build community spirit in her constituency. And while it is the election season, Dr. Barnett hopes to extend these activities beyond one day events where after school programs can be set up for young people in the community and have adults in the very community take charge of it.

Victor Galvez Stadium re-opened in San Igancio Town
A newly improved Victor Galvez Stadium, located in San Ignacio Town, has been opened to the public. Over one hundred persons were freely enjoying the well lit facilities on Tuesday night under good weather. The well done work to the Victor Galvez Stadium came under the Belize Infrastructure Limited (BIL), a public company established by the Government of Belize for the design, construction and management of capital projects. The Victor Galvez complex, which has been traditionally used by runners, will now be opened from 5:00 am to 10:00 pm. There will be two persons on shifts to maintain the facilities. Previously runners had to go over a track that had been run over by a small stream at the Victor Galvez. But now runners can go over a clean 0.33 mile track that has proper drainage.

Gobie Foundation’s Unfulfilled Pledge
Not all promises are created equal and some broken promises hurt more than others. Alan Gobie owes an explanation to the people of Belize and an apology to all its children. Kim Simplis Barrow, Special Envoy for Women and Children, broke ground on the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (KHMHPICU) on June 13, 2011. It was clear to everyone involved in the project that raising the funds necessary for the execution of such a bold project would be challenging. However, an immediate boost was given at the groundbraking ceremony when Allan Gobie, Managing Director of the Gobie Foundation, pledged to raise and donate $1 million for the project. At this time, the project had an estimated cost of just over $3 million.

Nationality for votes?
The soon to be former poorty leader of the PUP, Francis Fonseca, must really have more nerves than 32 bad teeth. He is now suggesting that the reason Government is giving nationality to deserving persons is so that they can vote for the General Elections on November 4 like when the PUP did it in 2008. Now anybody with a little bit of common sense knows that only persons who were registered on or before September, 10, 2015 would able to vote. Now let us backtrack a little bit to January, 7, 2008, when on that very said date the then Prime Minister Said Musa announced the date of the ‘08 Election. That took place at of all places at a breakfast meeting between, him, 11 members of his cabinet and 30 Religious Leaders. According to 7New Belize of that night, the date he had suggested was February, 6 but the Religious Leaders objected to that date because that day was Ash Wednesday. After a short caucus with his cabinet members present he had to push the date back to February 7.

A New Era of Pediatric Care in Belize
Belize finally has a facility that can provide the quality of healthcare needed by its most vulnerable population now that Kim Simplis-Barrow, Special Envoy for Women and Children, has opened the Pediatric and Neonatal Intensive Care Units at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. The opening on Tuesday, October 27, marks the greatest achievement for Mrs. Barrow in her role as Special Envoy for Children and the culmination of years of work by her, Directors of the Lifeline Foundation and other social partners. It was on one of her visits to the Karl Heusner Memorial shortly after being appointed Special Envoy that Mrs. Barrow saw the need for a pediatric ICU. Since then she has been working tirelessly to secure funds for the project while playing an instrumental role in the refurbishment of the ward that existed previously. One of her first fundraisers for the PICU project was called an “Affair of the Heart” and it was a huge success as Belizeans happily supported the event. The Lifeline Foundation raised over $35,000 at the event and this was an eye opener for Mrs. Barrow in two ways. One, she saw how people were cheerful to contribute to such a great cause; and two, she figured that in order to raise the type of funds needed for such an expensive project the efforts would have to be internationalized.

As we countdown to November 4 the date of our ELECTION the PUPs are getting Twilight Zone Pillow
As we countdown to November 4 the date of our ELECTION the PUPs are getting more desperate. They are coming up with all types of stories to try and paint the UDP in a bad light and win over the voters for themselves. It is as though they are passing around the simple pillow know as the Twilight Zone Pillow, so they can dream up these wild stories. For the PUP no story is too wild. The wilder the better it seems. They will lie, cheat or steal to win this election. Their deception and duplicity has no limits. Some of the stories they have been coming up with am sure not even the biggest and most rabid PUP will believe. As the election date draws nearer the pillow will be moved around on a more rapid pace. No longer will a person be able to sleep on the pillow for an entire night. As soon as one dreams then it is time to give up the pillow so another PUP can come up with the next dream, and then pass it on to the next dreamer.

Twilight Zone Pillow
As we countdown to November 4 the date of our ELECTION the PUPs are getting more desperate. They are coming up with all types of stories to try and paint the UDP in a bad light and win over the voters for themselves. It is as though they are passing around the simple pillow know as the Twilight Zone Pillow, so they can dream up these wild stories. For the PUP no story is too wild. The wilder the better it seems. They will lie, cheat or steal to win this election. Their deception and duplicity has no limits. Some of the stories they have been coming up with am sure not even the biggest and most rabid PUP will believe. As the election date draws nearer the pillow will be moved around on a more rapid pace. No longer will a person be able to sleep on the pillow for an entire night. As soon as one dreams then it is time to give up the pillow so another PUP can come up with the next dream, and then pass it on to the next dreamer.

San Pedro Resident Convicted of Manslaughter
San Pedrano, Jason Reyes, is now officially serving time for killing Lionel Pinelo after he was found guilty of manslaughter, a lesser charge to murder, on Monday, October 26, in a trial without jury. Reyes was accused of fatally stabbing Pinelo on November 5, 2010 in front of Rainbow Star Bar in San Pedro. The trial of Reyes started on Monday, October 3, with Justice Adolph Lucas serving as both judge and jury. Reyes was represented by attorney Alifah Elrington Hyde and Crown Counsel Porsha Staine represented the DPP. Staine called several witnesses to testify against Reyes. The prosecution’s case got offf to a rocky start after one of her first witnesses had to be treated as a hostile witness. Staine had to then focus on the statements and testimonies of others to get the case back on track. It was the evidence of Milton Chan that righted the ship for the prosecution. Chan went to school with the accused and testified that on the day of the incident they were all drinking. Chan said he personally consumed like 18 beers.

Four youths linked to stolen motorcycles
Leith Bermudez, 22, Leroy Sutherland, 21, O’neil Ferguson, 18, and an 17-year-old minor are all out on bail after they were charged in connection with the theft of motorcycles. Allegations are that on Thursday, October 22, the group of four were found in a yard with a Lifan motorcycle, license plate MC-3062, property of Ivis Chaman. Police report that the same group assisted in the retention of another Lifan motorcycle, license plate MC1508, belonging to Timothy Belgrave. All four were jointly charged with two counts each of handling stolen goods since the motorcycles were reported stolen by two separate owners. They appeared unrepresented before Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser on Friday, October 23. They pleaded not guilty to the charges and there were heavy objections to bail by the Prosecutor based on the strength of the case. Bermudez told the court that there were a number of people in the yard when the police came but they only detained the four of them. He said they are innocent of the charge and claims that the only illegal thing he does is sell weed.

Joslyn Chavaria finishes third in the Caribbean Road Championship in the U-23 category
The 15 Annual Caribbean Cycling Championship was held in Bridgetown, Barbados from October 17-18, 2015. Belize had participation in the Individual Time Trials and the Road Championship in both the female and male category. In the Men’s Road Championship that was held at the Bushy Park Circuit, some 63 riders from across the entire Caribbean participated in the event. At the end of the race, it was Marloe Rodman from Jamaica that captured the Gold Medal in a time of 3:12:25. He was followed by Luis Sablon of Guadeloupe and he was followed by Yolan Silvestre of Martinique in a time of 3:12:26, and he was followed by his country man Emile Demazy in a time of 3:17:41 and he was followed by Darren Matthews of Barbados in a time of 3:17:49 to round off the top five finishers in the Road Race.

Kraal Road wins in CYDP Peace Cup Tournament
The Conscious Youth Development Programme Peace Cup Tournament continued on Saturday 24th October, 2015, at the MCC Grounds with four games on the schedule. In the first game played, Tut Bay defeated Lake I Rising Stars by the score of 2-0. The two goals were scored by Brian Martinez. In the second game, Kelly Street defeated Exodus United by the score of 5 -3. The goals for Kelly Street were scored by Christopher Guild, Stephen Baizar (2), Francis Andrews and Oscar Usher via a penalty kick. For Exodus United, the goals were scored by Ronald Alvarez, Dwight Smith and Paul Smith. In game three, Hattieville United blanked Los Largos by the score of 1-0. The only goal of the game was scored by Brandon Rogers.

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 ( [email protected]) 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.

Central Region high schools Basketball competition opens
The 2015-2016 Central Region Secondary Schools Basketball competition opened on Tuesday 27 October, at Bird’s Isle. This year’s competition will feature seven (7) teams in the female category, which includes Maud Williams High School, Anglican Cathedral College, Gwen Lizarraga High School, Wesley College, Ladyville Technical High School, Edward P. Yorke High School and St. Catherine Academy. Meanwhile, in the male category a total of nine (9) teams will compete in the competition which includes Maud Williams High School, Anglican Cathedral College, Nazarene High School, Wesley College, Ladyville Technical High School, Sadie Vernon Technical High School, Edward P. Yorke High School, Gwen Lizarraga High School and St. John’s College.

St. Catherine Academy and St. John’s College a win away from repeating as Central Region Secondary Schools Volleyball champs
The Central Region Secondary Schools Volleyball competition is fast winding down at the Bird’s Isle. The championship round, which is utilising the best of three format commenced on Monday 26th October, 2015, with two games on the schedule. In the female game played, the defending champions and competition’s favourites St. Catherine Academy won game one quite handily over Belize High School in three sets by the score of 25-17, 25-17 and 25-10. In the male game played, St. John’s College defeated Belize High School in four sets by the score of 25-17, 25-23, 17-25 and 25-20.

Holy Redeemer girls and boys maintain lead in primary schools volleyball competition
The Belize City Primary Schools Volleyball Competition continues at the Bird’s Isle with a number of games played over the last week. On Tuesday 27 October, in the girls’ competition, Holy Redeemer School continued on its winning path when it defeated St. John’s Primary School in two sets by the score of 25-5 and 25-9. In the boys’ game played, Holy Redeemer School also won over St. John’s Primary School by the score of 25-14 and 25-8. On Monday 26 October, in the first game played, which was in the girls’ competition, Belize Elementary School defeated Bethel Assembly School in two sets by the score of 25-10 and 25-17.

Breaking Belize News

Elderly man killed in RTA
Juanito Robery Cowo, a resident of Joseito Layout in Corozal, was arrested and charged for “driving without due care and attention”, “causing death by careless conduct” and “manslaughter by negligence”, after a Ford F-150 pickup truck he was driving, collided into 52-year-old Leonardo Crawford while he rode his bicycle between […]

Chief Elections Officer clarifies proxy issue as PUP threatens legal action
Chief Elections Officer Josephine Tamai has responded to the People’s United Party (PUP) Cayo Central campaign manager Horace Grant concerning requests to view the folder of proxy voters for next week’s general election and the incident earlier this week involving former chair of the Elections and Boundaries Commission […]

BDF assists with transportation of ballot boxes
Brigadier General David Jones of the Belize Defense Force (BDF) spoke to the media yesterday and confirmed that the assistance of the BDF has been requested to transport ballot boxes for the November 4th General Elections, to ensure security of the democratic process. Personnel of the force will be tasked […]

List of public and bank holidays
A list of public and bank holidays for 2016 has been released and shows many long weekends but numerous holidays falling on Saturdays as well. The list and dates is as follows: National Heroes and Benefactors Day on Monday March 7th, Easter on March 25th through to the 28th, Labour […]

Court sentences battered woman turned killer to eight years
Less possible time served and other factors, 57 year old Viola Pook, who pleaded guilty earlier this month to manslaughter of her common-law husband Orlando Vasquez on New Year’s Eve, 2007, will serve eight years’ imprisonment as ordered by Supreme Court Justice Adolph Lucas. The term is similar […]

Interdicted cop freed on assault charges
Police Constable Linsdale Blease, assigned to the Domestic Violence Unit but presently interdicted on charges of aggravated assault with a firearm and discharging a firearm in public, was set free after it was determined he did not have a case to answer. Court prosecutors had to throw in […]

Free medical services being offered at Western Regional
Services such as: Obstetrics, Gynecology, Pediatrics, Dental, General Medical Services, Laboratory, Pharmacy and X- ray will be provided free of cost at the Western Regional Hospital, Valley of Peace, San Martin and other surrounding communities, made possible through cooperation between our Ministry of Health and the Embassy of El Salvador. […]

PUP accuses Chief Election Officer of helping to ‘rig’ elections
The People’s United Party campaign team from Cayo Central is making a serious allegation of corrupt election rigging against the United Democratic Party’s (UDP) chairman Alberto August and Chief Election Officer Josephine Tamai. Horace Grant, PUP Cayo Central campaign manager, in a letter dated October 28th, wrote to Tamai detailing […]

Belizean cancer patients will soon be able to access treatment in Merida
Honorable Pablo Marin, the Minister of Health and Laura Longsworth, President of the Belize Cancer Society, signed an agreement this morning with Merida’s Ministry of Health for the treatment of Belizean cancer patients under the age of 18. This agreement will allow referred children to receive treatment in Merida with […]

Mostly fair and dry conditions prevail
The National Meteorological Service of Belize is predicting mostly sunny skies today and partly cloudy skies tonight, with showers being isolated. Winds will be blowing from the East to Southeast at 5-15 knots and the sea state will be light chop to choppy. High temperatures today are expected around 90 […]

BATSUB returns to Belize after drawdown
Members of the British Army Training and Support Unit Belize (BATSUB) have been training in Belize after 4 years of scaled back activity. In 2011, Prime Minister David Cameron and the British Military brass decided that it would cut back on military bases worldwide. At that time, the British were […]

FCIB strike in effect
There is a strike in effect at First Caribbean International Bank (FCIB) branches countrywide effective immediately today. BMG is informed that employees from out district have made their way to protest along with those from Belize City in front on the FCIB main branch on Albert Street. The employees have […]

Blogs

Island Miracles and Great Turnout
Recently, the residents of Ambergris Caye were privileged to witness some Island Miracles, as a result of the efforts of local business owner Lara Goldman, 12 Belize – best one stop gift shopping on island. Lara is a volunteer with a local organization which is dedicated to helping children with emotional, behavioral, and learning disabilities. After attending camp sessions she realized that many of these kids and a few community adults would benefit from therapy. So she wrote her Alma mater to see who was available and willing to travel to Belize and help. She found three great girls to come make some miracles: Dr. Brooke Riley, PT, Dr Bethany Wolf, PT. Kaley Marston, Speech Therapist. Lara Brooke and Bethany went to Arcadia University in Glenside, PA. and Kaley went to the University of Tennessee.

Perhaps the “Secret Beach” Is Still Secret on Wednesdays? My Search for the Breeze
I drove north…and pulled over at Palapa Bar to see if the wind had picked up. It was about noon and…nada. Nothing. Like glass. When I got north, I checked SanPedroWeather.com – 88 degrees, 88% humidity and winds from the south at 2 miles per hour. I decided to head west. Drive across to Grand Belizean Estates. The “Secret Beach” – that maybe be quiet on a Wednesday? Because on the weekends? The Secret Beach is packed. But why change the name? At about 4 miles north of the bridge, one must turn left onto the only road that leads west. Crossing the caye. There is one bridge on this road – actually put there for the yearly Eco-Challenge Kayak Race. The yearly 2 day kayak race around the island.

Bacon Wrapped Cream Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast
Cut chicken into 4 equal size pieces. Pound breast so it is about 1/4" thick. Mix together softened cream cheese, chopped green onions and shredded pepperjack cheese. Put 1/4 of this mixture into the middle of each piece of chicken. Starting at the long side, roll chicken breast up, keeping the cheese mixture to the middle. Wrap 1 to 2 slices of bacon around the chicken breast, secure with toothpick, if needed. One piece of bacon wrapped around each breast is enough. But 2 pieces of bacon for each breast fully wraps the chicken and is outstanding.

Banking and Social Security When You Move Overseas
If the lure of a better life overseas is strong, but you’re worried about the logistics of managing your money in a foreign locale, take heart. It’s not as complicated as you may fear. Bank accounts…Social Security…credit cards…exchange rates…our team of expat experts weighs in here with lessons learned and real-world guidance to help you manage your money abroad with confidence and ease. Banking: “It can be useful to have a bank account in your adopted country,” says IL Correspondent Edd Staton who moved to Cuenca, Ecuador five years ago. “Some banks allow you to automatically deduct recurring bills like utilities or rent instead of having to pay in person. And in Ecuador if you are 65 or older, you are entitled to retiree refunds on sales taxes for many everyday items. If you want to get them though, you need an account for the money to be deposited after you have turned in your receipts.” “Establish a local bank account with a national bank that is a member of one of the major ATM networks,” says veteran expat Dan Prescher, who has lived in Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, and Ecuador.

Slow Cooker BBQ Ribs
Place ribs in a circular way to fill your slow cooker. Pour soda/pop over ribs, sprinkle salt & pepper over ribs - cover and cook on LOW for 7 hours. Empty liquid from the slow cooker. Pour a bottle of Sweet Baby Rays BBQ Sauce (or bbq sauce of your choice) over ribs and cook on HIGH for an additional 1 hour. Be super careful when removing ribs from the slow cooker - they are FALL OFF THE BONE YUMMY

Women in Belizean Politics
Out of the 87 candidates running for elections on November 4 2015, only 11 are women. Women in politics across the country and indiscriminate of political parties face similar issues and struggles that determine their success in the political field, as is evident by the separate, yet overlapping responses by women candidates. The Current Situation: While women in leadership positions has become more common over the past ten years with women comprising the majority of Public Servants and Educators, and females graduating from university at a two to one ratio to their male counterparts, when it comes to the political arena, women still sit at the back. The number of women running for this elections, in an unprecedented number. Yet the participation of women in politics is still strikingly low and has been a concern of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) for more than ten years. In 2001 the UNDP emphasized the necessity of meeting the Millennium Goals for 2015 of reaching a 30 percent female representation in government. However, in this election the percentage is underachieved at 11.5 percent. This is just the percentage of women that are running. There is no guarantee of actual representation. A release from the UNDP states “Thirty years after independence, the majority of women in Belize continue to face significant challenges in moving towards parity with men at almost every level of political leadership and decision-making.” The Global Gender Gap reports of 2010 place Belize in joint last place (131st) on the Gender Gap Index for the empowerment of women, along countries like Saudi Arabia.

International Sources

Hershey: U.S. Income Inequality Is Transforming The Chocolate Business
Chocolate maker Hershey Co , long a staple of middle-class U.S. households, is getting squeezed as consumers either pay up for fancier sweets or seek more savings. Hershey executives said the company is grappling with a growing gap between low and high-income households in the United States, which has changed buying patterns for many consumer goods. On the high-end, consumers are more willing to pay up for premium brands like Green & Black's organic chocolate bars. On the low end, families hunt for greater discounts for products. Across the board, consumers are making fewer trips to stores, a trend that reduces impulse buying of chocolate bars and other items. Retailers such as Wal-Mart Stores Inc are devoting less space to promote products from Hershey and other manufacturers as they respond to the new trends. "We think the consumer bifurcation has been an important driver," Hershey Chief Executive John P. Bilbrey said on an investor call, referring to the growing wage gap. Bilbrey said the company has secured more merchandising space for its products in the holiday season and expected trends to improve in the fourth quarter.

£45m UK aid cash given to tax havens: Money being used to fund public services in countries including Belize and Panama
British aid money is being used to subsidise public services in tax havens, an investigation has found. Millions of pounds have gone to countries such as Belize, Anguilla, and Panama, which have such high poverty levels that they qualify for substantial UK development grants. In just one year, Britain paid out £45million in aid to 13 countries included on a European Commission tax haven ‘blacklist’. Campaigners estimate that the abuse of such offshore havens costs the Treasury £18billion a year. The investigation, published in The Independent, found British aid funds have been used to build an airport in Montserrat, and set aside to pay for roads and ports in Belize, Antigua and Barbuda, and St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Belize''s Opposition Leads Voting Intention Before Election
United People''s Party (PUP), an opposition party in Belize, leads the voting intention with 52 points, which gives a wide gap over its opponents a few days before the November 4 elections. A survey by Belize Breaking News gave 31 percent of support to the newly formed Progressive Party and 17 to the ruling United Democratic Party. If the PUP maintains that trend in the last days of the campaign, will triumph on Wednesday and will recover power, which has been in the hands of the Democrats for the last decade. That opposition force, led by the politician Francis Fonseca, began its campaign amid rumors of lack of liquidity and disunity among the militants.

The Vampires That Feed on Vampires
Another Halloween is upon us, and that means stories about animals that poke you full of holes and eat your insides! But this year, instead of looking upon these vampires in revulsion, perhaps we can find a little common ground. Even our most-hated blood-suckers are plagued by creatures that thirst for blood. “Blood-feeding is a lifestyle which has evolved independently in many groups of animals,” says Tommy Leung, a parasitologist at the University of New England in Australia. Called hematophagy, eating blood is common, he notes, and “found in over fourteen thousand living animal species, even in groups that most people might not have suspected.” Only three out of the nearly 1,400 known bat species are vampires. But did you know that even these species are preyed upon by blood-suckers? Many bat species must contend with tiny, blood-feeding bat flies that can look like the face-huggers out of the Alien movies. Species of vampire bats, however, may have it worse than most. “Vampire bats have more parasites than the average bat,” says Gerald Carter, a bat biologist and postdoctoral researcher at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama. In Belize, one of Carter’s colleagues studied the bats and their flies by marking both with tiny drops of paint. She released one bat with a marked fly and kept seeing the same fly return to her throughout the night, each time on a different, unmarked bat.

Mexico deploys its navy to face its latest threat: Monster seaweed
Surrounded by a four-man camera crew, the Japanese honeymooners were ready to make memories. In their wedding whites against the turquoise Caribbean waters, the couple leapt off the beach and kicked their heels. Then they whipped out matching sombreros and unfurled a giant Mexican flag. Their photo shoot was perfect, if you could ignore the smelly strip of brown algae fouling the white sands. “It’s disgusting,” photographer Juan Manuel Delgado said. “I’ve worked on the beaches for 21 years, and this is something that has never happened before.”

Papaya leaders consider forming marketing order
Papaya industry leaders got together at the Produce Marketing Association’s Fresh Summit 2015 to discuss forming a marketing order. A marketing order — along with a national board to implement it — would increase sales and consumption of papayas through efforts to educate consumers, receivers and retailers about handling and usage best practices, said Homero Levy de Barros, president and CEO of Pompano, Fla.-based HLB Specialities. At the retail level, edible fruit is too often improperly rejected because of a lack of knowledge about color or other factors, he said. Levy de Barros said he sees generally strong support for a marketing order. “All the major importers from Brazil, Mexico and Guatemala were positively in favor,” he said. “The growers/distributors from Belize and Jamaica said they were not convinced yet.”

PetroCaribe To Help End Hunger Through Assistance To School-Feeding Programme
The school-feeding programme is to be directly linked with a promise, from Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, that an expanded PetroCaribe arrangement will see efforts aimed at reducing hunger and poverty in the region. Jerome Thomas, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) representative in Jamaica, The Bahamas and Belize, said recently that his entity would be providing technical assistance in order to ensure the goal is achieved. "The school-feeding programme is extremely important in Jamaica, particularly people at the lower socio-economic level and we are adopting some practices from Brazil - something called sustainable school feeding programme - and providing links with the general community," Thomas said. The FAO representative, who was addressing a Gleaner Editors' Forum at the company's Kingston offices last week, said at least two schools would be selected for a pilot programme.

Dan Riskin investigates ‘Monsters Inside Me’ on Animal Planet
Monsters Inside Me, the successful Animal Planet series, follows tales that are both horrifying and real. The show details the scary developments that can occur when humans encounter viruses, bacteria and parasites. Viewers should expect some nightmare scenarios after hearing these subjects open up about their trials and tribulations in the world. Any time you travel, it’s a good idea to read up on what kinds of diseases lurk where you’re going. When I went to Belize, for example, I knew botflies were a big threat, so when I came home with my own mosquito bite that kept getting bigger and bigger, I knew there was a maggot in there and knew what the prognosis was.

Videos

Belize 2014, 6min. ECOB mission trip to Belize 2014

Nurse Sharks & Hawksbill Turtle - Belize, 1/2min. One of my favourite shots of all time, whilst diving in Belize. The reef is full of life and we were constantly seeing Nurse sharks, right before the end of the dive I spotted a Turtle. The turtle continued swimming and the sharks all came out of nowhere and swam around it, in a completely non-aggressive way they swam together in perfect harmony. Most people would of expected to see a bloody attack but they can live together at peace. Shot with a GoPro 3 Hero Silver Edition by Kieran Bown

Belize slide, 3min.

Faithfulness in Belize, 29min. from Dexter United Methodist Church

HD Half Moon Caye Belize June 2015 part1, 35min.

HD Half Moon Caye Belize June 2015 part2, 10min.

Snorkeling in Belize with sharks and rays., 3min.

Belize Market Day, 7min. A quick trip through the busiest market day in Belize. @Michael Finnegan Market, Belize City.

Belize day 5, 3min.

October 29, 2015

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

Sun, sails and seas
If you like hearing those two words together then I assure you the cayes (pronounced “keys”) of Belize are where you need to be! After all there aren’t many things that beat sailing in the Caribbean, especially if that country is an award winning destination! With hundreds of small cayes scattered across the coast of Belize adorned by waters that are just about every shade of blue, Belize is a sea skipper’s dream come true. So get those swimsuits out and wear plenty of sunscreen because we love to spend all day on the water. Friends, ceviche, and cold Belikins await you because there’s nothing like making memories in a charming Belizean sunset. Booking a sailing trip is on the list of things we highly recommend when in Belize. These trips range from catamaran sailing to old school sailboat expeditions. From sunset cruises that come fully loaded with snorkel gear, good food, nice tunes and of course booze, to beach barbecues that offer a day of fishing followed by a freshly prepared meal from the day’s catch at a nearby caye- there’s plenty sail trips to fit your fancy!

Police suspect foul play in death of American National
San Pedro Police are currently investigating the death of American National, 50-year-old Delbert Wayne Fenn, who was found lifeless in his condo just north of Sir Barry Bowen Bridge. According to an official police report, the body was discovered at around 10:30AM on Tuesday, October 27th in an advanced state of decomposition. While police still list the incident as Sudden Death, investigations have led to the belief that there might have been foul play involved. According to police, they received information from nearby residents of a stench coming from inside a condo unit. When the officers arrived on the scene they discovered Fenn’s body lying face down in a pool of blood in the hall of the unit. The body was in an advanced state of decomposition and therefore an onsite postmortem was conducted. At about 2:48PM Dr. Mario Estradaban arrived on the scene to examine the body. He observed two apparent stab wounds, one to the right shoulder and one to the posterior forearm. At the end of the postmortem examination, Dr. Estradaban certified the cause of death as Exsanguination due to External Bleeding. After removing the body from the scene, police carried out further inspections, but still have not indicated if any signs of struggle were noted. Police have also indicated that there are no signs of burglary attempts and have not established if items are missing.

San Pedro House of Culture Celebrates International Archaeology Day
On Friday, October 23rd, the San Pedro House of Culture (SPHC), in collaboration with the Institute of Archaeology and the Marco Gonzalez Archaeological Site held an exhibition in honor of International Archaeology Day. The event, hosted at the SPHC from 9AM to 2PM, was aimed at educating the children and general public on the history of the ancient Maya. The exhibition showcased different technologies used in the Maya era, some of which are still used today in the rural areas of the country. Director of SPHC Mito Paz explained what the exhibition was all about and what visitors could learn from it. “The exhibition is centralized on the Maya technologies, such as making masa from corn, whereby the Mayas used the metate and the mano to grind the corn and turn it into a dough, ‘the masa’ to make the tortillas. In this demonstration, we want to highlight the tools that are being used. It is similar with the Cacao or chocolate, which was one of the key ingredients in the Maya world.

PUP pre-election rally held in San Pedro
On Sunday October 25th, the People United Party (PUP) held its pre-election rally in San Pedro Town. The PUP showcased their strength in an all-day event at the Central Park. All the special invited guests along with the PUP Belize Rural South (BRS) Standard Bearer Elito Arceo delivered encouraging speeches to their supporters in attendance. As the rally started, the crowd gathered near the stage eager to listen to the presentations. Guest speakers included Orange Walk Central Standard Bearer John Francis Briceño, BRS Standard Bearer Elito Arceo, PUP National Party Chair Henry Charles Usher, Dr. Giovani Solorzano, Florencio Marin and Josue Carballo. “The PUP is wounded, the Belizean person is wounded, San Pedro needs a fighter and a leader, that person is Elito Arceo.

Dental Week 2015 closes with a poster competition
From Monday, October 19 to Friday, October 23rd the Ministry of Health observed Dental Week under the theme ‘Think right- Smile bright.’ To commemorate the event, several activities were held, such as visiting primary schools to teach children how to properly brush their teeth and the importance of healthy eating practices. With hopes of getting the youths more involved in eating healthy, on Friday, October 23rd the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II organized a poster competition. Winners of the competition were announced during the closing ceremonies with fun prizes being awarded to the top winners of the competition. Parents and teachers are urged to teach children to engage in a routine when it comes to brushing their teeth. It should be done in a manner that is fun, instead of a ‘task’. The mission of the dentistry department at the Polyclinic is to help children to have beautiful bright smiles.

Ambergris Today

Miss Earth Belize Fundraising Efforts for Pageant in Austria
Miss Earth Belize 2015, Christine Syme, has been asked many questions over the past few weeks and has written a little about herself and what will be happening during the weeks leading up to the pageant. “I am Christine Syme, Miss Earth Belize 2015 and I was born and raised on the island of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. I grew up building sand castles, catching fish, and going to primary and secondary school overlooking the Barrier Reef. I have always been interested in modeling and pageants, participating in my first pageant, Miss San Pedro in 2011, where I won First Runner Up and Miss Congeniality. I have also participated in many fashion shows, including the first Belize Fashion Week runway show where I modeled clothes made by Belizean designers as well as international designers from New York City and the Dominican Republic. I am ecstatic about representing Belize internationally at the Miss Earth pageant in Austria and I thank everyone for their support and encouragement. I believe that I will do a fantastic job promoting our environment, natural resources and ecosystems as well as the efforts we are making towards preserving and protecting them. Ever since I was about 10 years old I remember joining work teams that picked up trash in our community, planted nice foliage and distributed trash cans, immediately I could see how much more attractive our area would become.

New Pediatric and Neonatal Intensive Care Units at KHMH
A new pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) were inaugurated at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital in Belize City on Tuesday, October 27, 2015. The project, spearheaded by Mrs. Kim Simplis Barrow, Special Envoy for Women and Children, came about in 2009 and has taken years of work, planning and fundraising to come to fruition. Construction started in July of 2013 with contractor Gutierrez and Associates and Architect/Project Manager, Esther Ayuso on the ground. Two years and over five million dollars later, Belize’s National Referral Hospital finally has a dedicated space tailor made to care for critically ill children and babies.

Misc Belizean Sources

Rotary Finishes 2 Bathroom Projects
Two Cayo primary schools have new bathrooms now, courtesy of the Rotary Clubs of San Ignacio and Fairbanks, Alaska. Howard Smith Nazarene and New Life Primary schools both have new bathroom blocks now, and the kids are very appreciative. Thanks, Rotary, for all you do for Cayo! "Howard Smith Nazarene School in Benque Viejo has a new toilet block and the smile on the faces says it all. Sanitation and hygiene is as important to education as the subjects the students study. Thank you Rotary Club of Fairbanks for partnering with the Rotary Club of San Ignacio to make this dream come true."

Benque House of Culture: Noche de Cuenta Cuentos, unravel the mystic stories of our community
This Friday October 30th, 2015, the Benque House of Culture (NICH) invites one and all to its Annual 'Noche de Cuenta Cuentos' featuring traditional Super Natural, Folklore Tales. Starting at 7:00 p.m.

Splashers paint today
Today at Crazy Canucks Beach Bar 2 p.m"The Barnacle dock" Sorry for the late post guys! It's been a crazy week. Hope some of you can make it. Text me at 631-7481or message me before 11a.m if you are for sure coming so I sketch out enough docks.

BEL Statement on Deed of Assurance between Government of Belize, BECOL and Fortis Inc.
Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) is aware that reference has been made to the Company in relation to statements in the media of an alleged “secret agreement” between the Government of Belize (GOB), Belize Electric Company Limited (BECOL) and Fortis Inc. GOB provided BEL with a draft of the Deed of Assurance five days prior to the execution of the agreement, although the Company is not a signatory. BEL’s awareness was necessary, as the agreement: 1. Recognizes all preceding agreements with regards to BECOL’s operations, inclusive of the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) signed with BEL in 2001. This PPA was approved by the Public Utilities Commission in 2007. 2. Provides assurances that the preceding agreements between BEL and BECOL will not be affected as a consequence of the settlement between GOB, BECOL and Fortis Inc.

Wildfire Gallery Premier Exhibit
The Wildfire Gallery had the opening of their first art exhibit, Between Paintings, on Saturday night, and it was an excellent display. You can't go wrong with unique art, local AJAW chocolate, wine, great music, and fun artists. The pieces are from local artists Amal Assales and Daniel Velazquez, and they are quite unique. It's definitely worth stopping by to see.

Mount Carmel Celebrates 25 Years
Happy birthday, MCHS! They are celebrating 25 years. They're having a celebration mass on Friday morning and a BBQ on Saturday to celebrate the anniversary.

Wine House Grand Opening
The Wine House is having their grand opening on Friday. The celebrations start at 5:00pm, and they'll have a special on premium memberships. "Featuring the famous Caves Branch artisan cheese and Farmhouse Deli sausages, smoked and cured meats and fish. “Save the date and CELEBRATE at the Wine House” Grand opening: The Wine Club Friday, October 30th 5PM till 10PM Costless Winehouse, Recinos Imports Ltd. San Ignacio/Cayo Premier membership signup"

FACES OF BELIZE REPARATIONS MOVEMENT 2015: PART TWO
The National Convention for the Peoples of Belize held its second annual reparations convention in Belmopan Civic Center on October 10, 2015, one year after its first national convention in 2014 at the University of Belize in Belmopan, Belize. The issue of reparations in Belize, after 500 years of slavery, oppression and exploitation of African and indgenous peoples in Belize, appears to be taking a back seat in the manifestos of both of the two main Belize poltical parties, the Peoples United Party (PUP) and the United Democratic Party (UDP). It is hoped that the Belize Progressive Party (BPP) will include this very important issue on their agenda before upcoming Belize general elections on November 4, 2015.

THE AFRICAN BELIZE / MEXICO CONNECTION: PART 3
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 piece explains how and why.

Wine de Vine "Boos & Booze Halloween Costume Social"
Great way to kick off Halloween!

Gun Club on San Pedro Ambergris Caye
We would like to form a Gun Club on San Pedro Ambergris Caye, to allow legal gun owners to able to receive training in safety and gun skills and provide a safe controlled range for them to practice. Now on the island people who want to practice have to find a place to practice and this is not safe, all gun owners should practice and get training and if there is no where to do this it can be very unsafe. Please sign this petition. So we can form a club to provide the much needed training and a controlled range for practice and competitions. Ambergris Caye Gun Club will become the premier Gun Club in Belize, helps make this become a reality.

Channel 7

No Joke Jimmy, The Brits Are Back
Last night, we showed you how for the past few weeks, the British Army Training and Support Unit Belize (BATSUB) had been training in Belize after 4 years of scaled back activity. They left Belize behind in 2011 after Prime Minister, David Cameron and the British Military brass decided that it would cut back on military bases worldwide. At that time, the British were focusing their military energies on Iraq and Afghanistan. But, since 2013, since Prime Minister Dean Barrow and Brigadier General David Jones have been lobbying the British Government to bring back BATSUB to mid-2011 levels. Well today, 2 years later, the British Army has committed to a renewed, full scale BATSUB facility in Belize. That commitment was cemented with a visit from Lieutenant General James Rupert Everard, the Commander of the British Army’s Land Forces. Military experts tells us he is the highest ranking British Soldier to ever visit Belize.

BATSUB General Meets PM
This evening, Lt. General Jame Everard and Brigadier General David Jones had a high level meeting with the Prime Minister in which some of the finer details were discussed about how BATSUB would operate in the near future. They were accompanied by the British High Commissioner, Major General Smyth Osborne, and the Commander of the 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards. And, on the Belize side, we saw the Military Liaison Officer, and the CEO of the Ministry of National Security. The media was allowed to witness a part of that meeting, and afterwards, the Prime Minister gave a briefing on how his Government views BATSUB’s return. On the day after he made the macho remarks against Guatemalan President Elect Jimmy Morales, here’s what the PM had to say now that he had, in some small measure, British backative:

Mystery Plane: I'll Fly Away
Today, the Piper PA 34 Seneca twin-engine plane that made a suspicious mystery landing at the municipal airstrip yesterday – was flown away by a BDF pilot, escorted by a BDF Defender. From around 9:30 this morning BDF Airwing personnel were checking the plane out, confirming its airworthiness. Then at 10:15 – they struck up the engines, while the BDF Defender stood by to act as an escort. They flew out of there at around 10:30 am, the BDF plane taking off first and circling while the Piper Seneca took off two minutes later without a hitch. With that, it was airborne and off to the BDF airwing in Ladyville, where the very suspicious aircraft remains under guard.

Was Foul Play Involved In San Pedro Sudden Death?
An American man was found dead in his room at the Cloisters Condominium on San Pedro. Reports from Islanders are that 50 year old deep water diver Delbert Fenn died sometime on Friday and his body was found until yesterday morning around 10:30. Now this case is a little peculiar because police are treating this case as a sudden death. While they are not ruling out murder – police say there are several complicated factors that need to be considered. We travelled to San Pedro this morning to find out more. Room 102: it was just another fancy apartment among the others at the Cloisters Condominium on San Pedro. But yesterday it turned into a crime scene when 50 year old Delbert Fenn was found dead in this room.

San Pedro Daylight Shooting
Also on San Pedro, a taxi man was shot yesterday in broad daylight on a busy street. It happened at 3:25 in the afternoon near Maya Island Air. 31 year old Juan Menjivar was sitting in front of the luggage area when a man rode up on his bicycle, jumped off behind the luggage area, walked up to Menjivar and fired about 6 shots at him. Menjivar was shot to the arm, wrist and abdomen but survived. The gunman then dashed across to a jetty, and escaped in a boat. According to the san Pedro Sun, Menjivar has previously been charged with drug trafficking, discharging a Firearm in Public, Uncustomed Goods and for the possession of over $10,000 believed to be the proceeds of Drug Trafficking. So, all indications are that this shooting was supposed to be an execution, but it failed. But, even with all that, police couldn’t give much details on this case either.

Big Name Trio Beats Murder Rap After 3 Years On Remand
After spending almost 3 years on remand, defendants Tyrone Meighan, Orel Leslie, and Brandon Baptist are at home tonight after they were acquitted of the murder of 28 year-old James Norales. All 3 men stood trial without jury before Justice Troadio Gonzalez, and the evidence that all 3 defendants, Aaron Paquil, and the victim were socializing in Leslie’s yard on the evening of November 26, 2012. They ran out of drinks, and the investigators believe that this was the time when they lured him to the junction of Fabers Road and the George Price Highway, under the pretense of replenishing the stock. When they arrived at the specific area, the 3 allegedly then forced him to get out of a black vehicle, and that’s where they shot him several times and left him to die.

BEL Says No Secret In Power Purchase Agreements
Yesterday the PUP held a press conference to reveal what the party called a “secret agreement” signed by the Prime Minister. The opposition alleges that the agreement binds taxpayers to bail out BECOL if it makes any losses as a result of BEL’s operations. Well today BEL sent out a statement saying that it received a draft of the Deed of Assurance five days before the agreement was signed. Now, BEL was not a signatory to the deed of confirmation and assurance, but says it needed to know what was in there because the new agreement includes BECOL’s Power Purchase Agreement signed with BEL in 2001. According to BEL, the agreement also provides assurances that those agreements between BEL and BECOL would not be affected because of the settlement between GOB, BECOL and Fortis Inc.

Pray For Peace Churches Say
Pray for peace, that’s what the council of churches wants you to do for this election. The Council sent out a release today urging all the parties involved in the election, quote, “to put the interests of the country above and beyond their own self-interest and allow the electoral process to be fair, peaceful and objective.” End quote. As for voters, the council says, quote, “say no to any form of political intimidation or enticement, such as receiving money for your vote… vote in concert with their conscience and on what is best for Belize. And finally, the council’s press release calls on all Belizeans to quote, “earnestly pray for a peaceful election.” They are declaring Sunday, November 1st, a Day of Prayer for a peaceful and fair election. They conclude, quote, “May God’s will be done on Election Day.”

Hulse Speaks On Immigration Irregularities
Two nights ago we told you about three suspicious sets of nationality documents that we had possession of, and one more that we had seen. All of them had serious irregularities – and two of them were signed by Immigration Minister Godwin Hulse in 2012. On Monday, Hulse told us that he now knows that files were sent to him – which contained fraudulent elements. He ended up signing them – and in the cases we saw passports were issued – apparently to persons who did not necessarily meet the qualifications for citizenship. In an interview conducted this evening, Hulse told us about one nationality document he signed – which resulted in a passport the Immigration Department now wants recalled:… Godwin Hulse - Minister of Immigration "This file came to our attention when we were doing our research because the copy of the certificate has no seal. If you notice that the copy, it has no seal and therefore without a seal it indicated no swearing in. And without swearing in it indicated that the process had not been completed. Therefore the person is not officially a citizen because that process needs to be completed. The person at the time, the persons at the time who issued the passport should have seen the certificate. That is the only way they would have known the person is a Belizean and should have noticed that there was no seal on it and therefore question it; but it was not questioned, obviously and the passport was issued. That file was sent to the police also for investigation."

5 Years For Beating Ex In street
31 year old Thomas Card was sentenced to 5 years in jail today for beating his ex common law wife unconscious in the street. Claire Kelly alleged that on the morning of June 9, 2015, she was walking her 5 year old daughter to school, when she met Card and allowed him to walk with his daughter for a while despite the fact there is a restraining order for him to stay away from her. But when she decided to end his meet with the child, and she took the child way, that’s when her ex got upset and slapped her across her face so hard, she fell to the ground. That’s where Card continued to beat her, until she went unconscious. Her friend Keisha Westby ran to Card’s aid and had to throw water over her face to revive her. A passing police mobile met him on Saint Joseph Street where he was detained and taken back to the scene where Kelly positively identified him as the man who beat her up.

Drills The British Way
At the top of the news, we showed you how a high ranking British General visited Belize to announce that BATSUB was returning. Yesterday, we also took you to the BATSUB training camp on the Coastal Road near Gales Point, Manatee. Well, while the British Soldiers were training themselves, they’ve also been training select officers of the Belize Defence Force. We got a chance to see what that looked like yesterday, and Daniel Ortiz has that story. For about an hour and a half, in the warm morning sun, this group of BDF soldiers marched around in on the Parade Square, taking commands from their British Trainer, demonstrating that they had a very good grasp of form, technique, and cohesion. They had been practicing for the past few days, and yesterday was their final test, to show that not only were they well-coordinated, but that they could easily take on the leadership of officers placed under their command.

If We Took A Holiday ...
The list of public and bank holidays has been released for 2016 – and for all you weekend warriors, it shows a fair share of long weekends, but you’ll also be losing with some Saturday holidays. And then, National Heroes and Benefactors Day will be observed on Monday March 7th. Easter is als in March on the 25th through to the 28th. Monday May 2nd will be observed as Labour day, and Monday May 23rd will be observed as sovereign’s day. After that spree, there won’t be another long weekend until October. That’s because September 10th falls on a Saturday when it will be observed. September 21st. falls on a Wednesday when it will be observed. Monday October 10th though will be another long weekend. November 19th will be observed on the day it falls which is a Saturday. And then Christmas will be a four day weekend. Christmas falls on a Sunday, so Monday December 26th will be given in lieu, pushing boxing day to be observe don Tuesday December 27th – but then surely all the turkey, black cake and rumpopo will be long finished.

Belize Business Ranking Abysmal
The World Bank has released its 2016 annual ease of doing business report and Belize has fallen four spots. The new list shows Belize dropping from 116 to 120 on the list. Costa Rica, Jamaica and Mexico recorded the most reforms in Latin America and the Caribbean in the last five years. Released yesterday, Doing Business 2016: Measuring Regulatory Quality and Efficiency finds that Costa Rica is the world’s top improver, namely, an economy that implemented at least three reforms and moved up on the global rankings scale. For example, on Getting Electricity, the time for a Costa Rican entrepreneur to get connected to the electrical grid has decreased from 55 to 45 days. Jamaica is also among the global top 10 improvers – that island nation implemented a regional high of four reforms. On Starting a Business, for instance, Jamaica decreased the time to incorporate a business from 15 to three days. And Mexico, the best ranked economy in the region, implemented two reforms in the areas of Getting Credit and Paying Taxes during the past year. Mexico is now ranked 38th.

Collective Called AGS
They call themselves “All God Son’s” and today a couple of the artists stopped by our studios to launch a new video. The video is called Born and Grow and speaks about poverty on the Sputhside of Belize City. Tyron Linarez explains: The video can be viewed in its entirety on Facebook.

The Wesley Walk
And we close today with video of students from our area high school, Wesley High which observed Red Ribbon week with a parade through the streets complete with marching band. The Red Ribbon parade is a public declaration of students saying they want to be drug free.

Channel 5

Mysterious Airplane Under B.D.F. Guard, Still No Word from Police
The mysterious circumstance surrounding the unauthorized landing of an aircraft at the Belize Municipal Airstrip on Tuesday morning remains an open investigation for the police department. We can confirm tonight [...]

American National Found Dead on San Pedro, Was He Murdered?
Police also have another case to solve, but in La Isla Bonita. It involves the mysterious death of a U.S. national who retired and lived on the island right up [...]

What’s the Motive Behind Shooting of San Pedro Cabdriver?
In Tuesday’s newscast, we told you of a brazen daylight shooting in San Pedro Town just outside the cargo area of Maya Island Air on the island. A gunman took [...]

O.A.S. Observers Arrive in Belize Ahead of General Elections
Members of the Electoral Observation Mission of the Organization of the American States began arriving today in Belize ahead of the November fourth elections. There are thirteen members to the [...]

Leader of the Opposition Meets with Council of Churches
By this time next week Wednesday, most polls would have been closed around the country for this year’s general elections. Today, the Council of Churches urged all Belizeans to put [...]

High-Ranking British Army General In Belize on Official Visit
A high-ranking member of the British Army arrived in Belize today and met with Prime Minister Dean Barrow this afternoon. He is Lieutenant General James Everard. One of the main [...]

Trio Acquitted of the Murder of B.D.F. Soldier
Three Belize City men accused of the November twenty-third 2012 murder of B.D.F. soldier James Noralez learnt their fate this morning. Noralez’s bullet ridden body was found lying on the [...]

Thomas Card Gets Five Years for Wounding His Ex- Common Law
Tonight, thirty-one-year-old Thomas Card is serving more time behind bars after he was slapped with five additional years behind bars at the conclusion of his trial for the wounding of [...]

Former Business Senator Says Senate Did Not Receive Documents on BECOL Agreements
The opposition, People’s United Party disclosed on Tuesday what it calls a secret deal between the Prime Minister of Belize and the Canadian company, Fortis. According to the P.U.P., the [...]

Voting by Proxy, P.U.P. is Concerned
If you’re a public officer assigned to work on Election Day, chances are you won’t be able to vote. The same goes for military personnel on duty and members of [...]

B.D.F. is Official Election Day Courier of Ballot Boxes
The security of ballot boxes during elections is paramount in safeguarding the integrity of the voting process. With Belizeans going to the polls to elect a new government next Wednesday, [...]

Convoy Carrying Ballot Papers Raises Concerns in the West
Today, the social media was all abuzz after an informal information blog posted pictures of a convoy of vehicles passing through San Ignacio at high speed. There was some concern [...]

HRCU Hands Over Fifty Schoolbags to Queen Square Anglican
October is recognized annually as the month of credit unions across the country and the region; the financial institutions have been carrying out various activities to celebrate its achievements. Today, [...]

An Essay Competition for Kareem Clark
Following up on their commitment to keep the memory of fallen journalist Kareem Clarke alive, his friends and colleagues are currently preparing to launch the first essay competition in his [...]

CTV3

American Retiree Found Deceased In Hotel Room
Authorities on Ambergris Caye are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of an American retiree whose decomposed body was found inside his hotel room yesterday morning. And while they began treating the case as a sudden death, today the autopsy report revealed that the cause of death was due by an apparent stab wound to his body. According to the report, acting upon information received around 10am Tuesday morning, San Pedro Police visited the Cloisters apartment located North of San Pedro Town where they smell a stench coming from Apartment #102 which was locked. The screen door was pried open and upon making checks inside the lifeless body of a white male person was seen lying face down in the bedroom in a pool of blood. The body was identified as that of 50 year old Delbert Wayne Fenn; an American retired Deep Water Diver. A post-mortem was conducted by Dr. Mario Estrada Bran certified the cause of death as Exsanguinations due to external bleeding due to apparent stab wound to the right shoulder and right posterior forearm. Meanwhile police continue to investigate…

San Pedro Taxi Operator Shot In Broad Day Light
In other crime news from the island, a taxi operator was shot in broad daylight shortly before 4pm yesterday evening. The victim has been identified as 31 year old Juan Menjivar of a San Pedrito home address of San Pedro Town. According to police shortly before 4PM, Menjivar was at the luggage section of Maya Island Air terminal located on Lion Street when as much as five shots rang out in the area. Menjivar then realized that he was shot and he was rushed to the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro PolyClinic II. Police say that it appears the Menjivar was shot as many as three times – to his arms, and abdomen. Menjivar was transported to the KHMH for further medical attention. Multiple reports are that a male shooter ran south on Lions Street and made a turn into Crocodile Street leading to the lagoon where he jump on a waiting jet-ski. Menjivar is no stranger to the police since in July 2014, he was charged with Drug Trafficking, Discharging a Firearm in Public, Uncustomed Goods and for the possession of over $10,000.00 believed to be the proceeds of Drug Trafficking.

Pedriatic Intensive Care Unit Inaugurated At KHMH
Following the death of 13 babies at the KHMH in May of 2013, yesterday Belize’s new Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at the KHMH was officially inaugurated. The project, spearheaded by Kim Simplis Barrow, Special Envoy for Women and Children, came about in 2009 and has taken years of work, planning and fundraising to come to fruition. The new facility has 2 sections: the PICU and the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Altogether the facility can cater to about 30 children and babies. And while the state of the art facility comes with rigorous screening procedures for visitors, officials state that the facility will help in the health and prolonged life of Belize’s children. Two years and over 5 million dollars later, Belize’s National Referral Hospital finally has a dedicated space tailor made to care for critically ill children and babies. The facility will be fully operational and open to the public in December.

It Is Official 2016 Public And Bank Holidays
The Government of Belize has sent out its official notice for 2016’s Public and Bank Holidays. There will be 13 holidays to be observed throughout the New Year. Of note is that September 10th, St. George’s Caye Day will be observed on a Saturday and Independence Day will be celebrated on a Wednesday. Finally, 2016 will see 8 extended weekends.

LOVE FM

Belize Gets Special Visit From Highest UK Military Commander
The highest ranking officer in the British Forces is in Belize on an official visit as the country sees the resurgence of the British Forces. Renee Trujillo was at Price Barracks this afternoon to find out more details. RENEE TRUJILLO REPORTING Belize’s Brigadier General, Commander David Jones was at the entrance of the Price Barracks […]

PM Barrow Welcomes the British Forces to Belize
Earlier in our newscast we told you that the Commander of the Land Forces in Britain would be meeting with Belize’s Prime Minister, Dean Barrow. That meeting did occur on Coney Drive this evening and had the presence of several senior officials in the British Forces as well as the Chief Executive Officer in the […]

BDF Commander Speaks on His Efforts in Resurgence of British Forces in Belize
As you may recall, back in 2011, there was a downsizing of the BATSUB and now, four years later we are seeing the resurgence. According to the Commander of the Belize Defense Force, Brigadier General, David Jones, he has been working hard in getting back the training exercises with the British Forces. COMMANDER DAVID JONES […]

BDF Commander Seeks Further Relations with US Marines
And while Belize will be having their counterparts from the UK on its military base in rural Belize, there are other areas of training opportunities that the BDF Commander is exploring for his officers. Brigadier General David Jones was recently in North Carolina, USA discussing opportunities with the US Marines. He explained to Love News, […]

Senator Lizarraga Expresses Concerns Over Agreement with Fortis/BECOL
Yesterday the People’s United Party held a press conference at which they said that Prime Minister Dean Barrow had signed his own accommodation agreement in relation to the BEL settlement with BECOL and Fortis. The PUP stated that the Confirmation and Assurance Deed was not provided to them; however, Prime Minister Dean Barrow told the […]

BEL Issues Response on PUP’s Allegations
Belize Electricity Limited issued a short release on the Confirmation and Assurance Deed that was signed by the Government of Belize in relations to the settlement with BECOL and Fortis Incorporation. In the release, BEL states quote, “GOB provided BEL with a draft of the Deed of Assurance five days prior to the execution of […]

UB Continues Discussions for Salary Increase
Members of the University of Belize Faculty and Staff Association met today to determine their next move as it relates to their request for a 14 percent salary increase. The latest update on this matter is that the President of the University of Belize wrote to the Interim President of the Association, Harrison Flowers, telling […]

Opposition Leader Commits to Church Leaders for Revitalized Partnership
Leader of the People’s United Party, Francis Fonseca met with leaders of the church today. According to a release from the PUP, Fonseca and the church leaders spoke the concern they had in regards to the country’s education system and the quote, “moral and spiritual direction of our society” end of quote. During the meeting, […]

American National Found Stabbed to Death
San Pedro Police is also looking into a homicide case that was uncovered yesterday on the island. Reports are that the authorities there were called out to a resort north of San Pedro Town where they found the partially decomposed body of an American national inside his room at the resort. Investigators have since identified […]

Taxi Man Shot Whilst Doing Business in San Pedro
A taxi driver of Ambergris Caye is listed in a stable condition at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital after being shot on the island. Reports reaching Love News is that 31-year-old, Juan Menjivar was shot in his arm and stomach whilst conducting business on Lion Street at the entrance of the San Pedrito area of […]

PlusTV

Oceana holds AGM
Oceana Belize held its annual general meeting over the weekend with some 200 of its members known as Wavemakers. The meeting was held on Saturday at the George Price Center in Belmopan. Janelle Chanona, the vice President for Oceana Belize told us more about it. Janelle Chanona, Vice Presid...

Kareem Clarke Memorial Fund essay competition
Two months ago members of the Kareem Clarke Memorial Fund donated items to the St. Joseph Feeding Program in Belize City to honor Kareem, a graduate himself of St. Joseph Primary School. That was the group’s first venture and, as was mentioned, the members of the Fund had intentions of hosting an es...

Exports recovering as prices continue to fall
The Statistical Institute of Belize reports good news in the area of trade and inflation for September 2015. Imports slipped slightly for the month of September to $162 million, as no premium fuel was imported in this month and prices for other fuels were lower. Fewer clothing and cigarette purchas...

House fire in Belize City
There was a house fire in Belize city last night sometime after 7 o’clock. The house, #973 Bella Vista, Belize City is where 55 year old Delfin Castillo and his 27 year old wife Anna Portillo live. According to Castillo, sometime about 7:19pm, the wife went upstairs to their bedroom to put on the a...

Violent domestic dispute earns man five years
An estranged couple’s early morning domestic dispute in Belize City a few months ago ended with jail time for the convicted abuser, 31 year old Thomas Card. Card was convicted of wounding his ex-common-law wife, whose name we will leave out for privacy reasons, by knocking her out on Freetown ...

Trio’s murder charges dropped in death of BDF soldier
Supreme Court Justice Troadio Gonzalez, acting alone, ruled today that three Belize City men accused of the November 23, 2012 murder of Belize Defence Force Soldier, 28 year old James Noralez had no case to answer, causing them to dash out of the courtroom and down the stairs like someone was after ...

San Pedro man shot multiple times
San Pedro police are also investigating an attempted murder. On Tuesday October 27, 31 year old Juan Menjivar of San Pedrito Area, San Pedro Town was shot to his left forearm, wrist and abdomen area. Initial investigation revealed that about 3:00pm that day, while Juan Menjivar was standing at the...

PUP reveals secret deal between GOB and Fortis
A short notice from the People’s United Party yesterday spoke of “breaking news” to be revealed at a press conference today, Tuesday. And we were told that the ruling party had made a “secret deal” with Fortis Energy International as part of the settlement reached at the end of August and rushed through the House and Senate. While most of the documents that were part of the deal were presented and debated on, what is known as the Deed of Confirmation and Assurance was not. In the document released only today, the Government agrees that BECOL is not to be interfered with, not even by any court or tribunal. It states also that the company can continue to charge its rates for buying of electric power, and assumes no responsibility for losses sustained, which must be made good by the Government. Here is what former Senator Lisa Shoman had to say.

Caye Caulker Chronicles

Halloween – Night of the living Dread
This Saturday, October 31st, is Halloween and everyone’s favourite celebration. More money is spent on Halloween costumes as a nation than for any other celebration. This year will be no exception and I believe that this year will surpass many that have preceded it. Caye Caulker has several events lined up for this event and they are way beyond anything I have witnessed here before in the 15 years I’ve been coming here. The Barrier Reef Sports Bar & Grill is having a big party with DJ DZL and is being sponsored by several local businesses. They usually have one of the best showings on the island and last year’s party was one of my favourites with Luciana Essenziale winning the prize for scariest costume. I’m still haunted by that image. This year, Scott Waters (owner), is offering a massive $750 in prize money split 3 ways for scariest, sexiest and funniest. There are a multitude of other prizes and giveaways throughout the evening, from bottles of rum, 6 packs of beer, etcetera and it looks like it is set to be a roaring success.

Breaking Belize News

One dead in late evening accident in Corozal
Information reaching our newsroom is that a man was fatally knocked down on the Philip Goldson Highway near the Laguna Maya area in the Corozal District. Officers are currently at the scene. We will have more on this shortly.

OAS deploys Electoral Observation Mission to Belize
A press release issued by the Organization of American States (OAS) earlier today, announced the deployment of its Electoral Observation Mission (EOM) to Belize for the November 4th general elections, comprised of 13 observers from various countries and headed by Ambassador Jacinth Henry-Martin. After attending a training session, the observers will […]

Silva accuses Montero of land-grab while in GOB
People United Party’s (PUP) Cayo Central standard bearer, Dan Silva, will be running against the United Democratic Party’s (UDP) Rene Montero Jr. on November 4th, and is using new allegations in an attempt to gain political mileage against his UDP opponent. Silva claims to have documents proving that a number […]

No-one has claimed abandoned mystery plane
The mysterious Piper Seneca PA23 with registration number N32812 today lies at the Belize Defense Force (BDF) Air Wing Compound at Price Barracks in Ladyville after spending the night at the Belize Municipal Airstrip, heavily guarded by members of the BDF and the Gang Supression Unit (GSU). According to the […]

Convoy seen speeding through Cayo coming
A convoy of five vehicles, escorted by police, was seen speeding through Cayo coming from the direction of the Arenal-Guatemalan border this morning. According to an eye-witness, who submitted pictures of the convoy, the vehicles sped through San Ignacio and Santa Elena at full speed with lights flashing heading to […]

American found dead in his apartment
San Pedro police have opened a murder case after discovering the advanced state of a decomposing body believed to be that of American, Wayne Delbert Fenn. Belize Media Group was made to understand that on Tuesday, October 27th, police visited Fenn’s apartment on the lower flat of […]

School-inclusion workshop held in OW
Teachers and principals from the north concluded a two-day workshop on school inclusion yesterday in Orange Walk Town. The aim is to equip the school leaders with skills necessary in handling special-needs children and their inclusion into regular classrooms. Of the many primary schools in the northern […]

Marco Tulio Mendez back in court
Back in court yesterday was embattled, former politician, Marco Tulio Mendez but the appearance was a standard adjournment. Readers may recall that in his last court appearance he was slapped with an additional charge of ‘Carnal Knowledge’. The charge follows strong allegations of sexual misconduct against two minors in February […]

Belize: A Preview of the Upcoming General Elections, From Under the Bus
General elections will be held in Belize on November 4, 2015; only 7 days away. Since Independence, no political party or prime minister has won or lost three general elections in a row. Belize politics is a winner takes all game…..the one with a simple majority of the […]

Blogs

Airfare prices to Belize are down 20% this year vs. last year
Kayak.com, the popular travel site on the Internet is reporting that airfare to Belize is down by 20% this year compared to last year. The travel site made the announcement today by tweeting it to its thousands of Twitter followers. “This is great news for Belize because many people can now visit the country at an affordable cost”, Ted McKoy, a tourism entrepreneur from Hopkins Village Belize told Belize Hub. Many tourism stakeholders in Belize believe that the reduction in airfare to the country can be attributed to the fact that Southwest is now flying to Belize.

What is Sustainable Community Development for Belize?
Economic globalization has tended to strip out local cultural differences and nuances among communities as if hierarchical uniformity were an end in itself. Restoring a sense of identity to the community may be an unexpected but necessary adjunct to any development project. A community’s identity may have been lost over some time as knowledge of kinship with and pride in its particular assets has withered. So perceived problems need to be looked at seriously, in the context of who the community is, to truly assess which problems the community should really spend its time on. It’s important to understand the specific nature of the communities we work with in Belize. Community does not fit into a nice neat package – every community is a little different. A “community” is a construct, a model. We cannot see a whole community, we cannot touch it, and we cannot directly experience it. More importantly, a community is not just the people who are currently in it. A community probably already existed when all of its current residents were not yet born, and it will likely continue to exist when all of the people in it have left.

U.S. dental team marks 23rd year putting smiles on the faces of Belizeans
I can’t help but think that if the big-game hunting dentist Walter Palmer had met his colleague Frank Whipps years ago, Cecil the lion might be alive today, as well as a whole ark full of rare, endangered, docile and beautiful trophy creatures. Dr. Whipps has that sort of positive influence on the dental community. He’s a guy who gives dentistry a good name, especially here in Belize. I’m thinking this while sitting in the Lion’s Club facility in downtown San Pedro where a small army of dentists, dental assistants and various other health professionals are spending up to two weeks of their time cleaning dentures, fluoridating, pulling bad teeth and filling cavities in the mouths of thousands of Belizeans.

International Sources

Weather Underground Bought by IBM
IBM announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire The Weather Company’s B2B, mobile and cloud-based web properties, including WSI, weather.com, Weather Underground and The Weather Company brand. The TV segment – The Weather Channel – will not be acquired by IBM, but will license weather forecast data and analytics from IBM under a long-term contract. There are no changes that have been announced for how Weather Underground will operate, and Bob Henson and I plan to ride the rapids to see where they lead. IBM brings some pretty remarkable technology resources to the table, so I expect that WU's creative development team will be able to take advantage of that and crank out some ground-breaking weather software. For more information on the acquisition, see the IBM/Weather Company press release. The deal will likely become finalized in January. Jeff Masters

Belize Defence Force leaders visit Camp Lejeune
Leaders from U.S. Marine Corps Forces-South, and Belize Defence Force visited II Marine Expeditionary Force and School of Infantry–East as part of a three-day visit to Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune Oct. 20 through 22. The purpose of the visit was to assess the capabilities of U.S. forces, discern opportunities for Belize forces to train alongside Marines, and sustain enduring partnerships between the two countries in their efforts to counter transnational organized crime. "The training we’re doing with the Belize Defence Force right now is we have a security cooperation team of 25 Marines who are currently living in Belize," said Brig. Gen. Eric M. Smith, commander of MARFORSOUTH. "Our Marines are training a BDF company of troops in subjects such as land navigation and marksmanship skills."

CSU students back efforts in Belize to find a new use for an invasive species
Belize is known for its beaches, scuba diving and sport fishing. But since 2014, the Central American country has also served as a home base for graduate students working on conservation and development through the Warner College of Natural Resources. Last summer, a group of CSU students in Belize launched a crowdfunding campaign to send local women to a workshop to learn how to create jewelry from the invasive lionfish. The workshop — sponsored by Blue Ventures — is one of several efforts aimed at reducing the country’s population of the invasive fish. Blue Ventures is a social enterprise, an organization that uses commercial strategies to raise awareness for conservation efforts. Lionfish, native to the Indo-Pacific, have spread rapidly across the western Atlantic and Caribbean and now can be found from Rhode Island to Brazil. The fish, named one of the world’s major conservation threats, crowd out native fish and harm coral reef ecosystems. Their prickly spines also deliver a venomous sting to people. Groups like NOAA are tracking the lionfish and encouraging people to report lionfish sighting to help with research.

GSMA Welcomes Multi-Country Support for Sub-700MHz Spectrum for Mobile Broadband at WRC-15
John Giusti, Chief Regulatory Officer, GSMA, commented on the submission of multi-country proposals in support of spectrum for mobile to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), in advance of the World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-15) in Geneva next month: “We are seeing positive momentum for the UHF spectrum band from many countries in Regions 2 and 3 – namely in the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Canada, Colombia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and the United States – which has resulted in multi-country proposals being submitted to the ITU, supporting part or all of the band for possible future use for mobile broadband. In Europe, Finland has submitted a single-country proposal for the UHF band, while Egypt is spearheading a multi-country proposal in the Middle East, supported by Jordan, Lebanon and Morocco.

Videos

Debate question on land distribution..., 6min. San Pedro Sun: Standard Bearers respond to a question regarding land. Its reads "Under both administrations there has been the give and take of property. How can you assure land is fairly distributed and rightfully owned?"

Belize: The Cayo District, 12min. Featuring the Rio Frio cave, Rio On Pools, Mopan River in Bullet Tree Falls, the Caracol Mayan Ruins, Howler Monkeys and more.

Beat a Pan, Not a Man - TRAILER - UNICEF Belize, 1.5min. "In these neighbourhoods children as young as 8 and 9 years old are literally born into the gang situation." Watch the trailer for the upcoming documentary Beat a Pan, Not a Man, about a UNICEF supported initiative implemented by RESTORE Belize and the Belize National Institute of Culture and Heritage. The video tells the story about the Pandemonium Steel Band, and how it helps young people from Belize City escape their violent environment and instead play music, have fun and learn a new skill.

Spring to Belize for a Break in 2010, 5min. The simple things in life are free Family with whom you can be... A county that gives its all at your beck and call

Diving Belize - Big Blue Hole, 4min. Our dive of the Big Blue Hole in Belize.

Belize Day 3, 4min.

Belize Day 4, 2min. Blue hole day... But I didn't shoot video on that dive :). Then a national heritage island break. Then rays!

Nixie and I zip lining in Belize., 8min. 10 yrs anniversary carnival Cruise in the Caribbean.

October 28, 2015

2016 Public and Bank Holidays!

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

Verdes FC’s SCCL journey comes to an end
After being defeated by Panama’s San Francisco FC in their last match of the first round, Belize’s Verdes FC has been kicked out of the Scotiabank Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) Champions League (SCCL). On Thursday, October 22nd at the Estadio Maracana de Panama in Panama City, Verdes FC suffered a devastating 8-0 loss against San Francisco FC. This was the final match of the SCCL first round which determined the teams advancing to the quarterfinals. The group stage finished with Verdes in the last position with one win, one draw and two losses, San Francisco in second with two wins and two losses and Mexico’s Queretaro FC in first place with two wins, one draw and one loss. At the end of this round, the eight advancing teams moving on to the quarter finals are Queretaro FC, Santos Laguna FC, Tigres FC, LA Galaxy FC, America FC, Seattle Sounders FC, Real Salt Lake FC and DC United FC.

Taxi driver Juan Menjivar shot in broad daylight
31-year-old taxi driver of San Pedrito Area, Juan Menjivar, finds himself at the Karl Huesner Memorial Hospital in Belize City after sustaining gunshot wounds in an incident that occurred on Tuesday, October 27th. According to official police reports, Menjivar was shot by an unknown male suspect while conducting business operations on Lion Street at the entrance of San Pedrito Area, sustaining three gunshot wounds to the arm and stomach. Menjivar was quickly transported to the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic where he received primary care before being transported to the KHMH for intensive care. The incident occurred around 3:47PM and police believe it was a targeted attack. Upon processing the scene, five expended bullet shells and one slug were retrieved from the area. Further reports from witnesses indicate that the attacker made his escape by water vessel which was docked at the end of Crocodile Street on the lagoon side.

Golf Carts- What better way to explore Ambergris Caye?!
So if you’re familiar with Ambergris Caye then you’re pretty much aware that the primary mode of transportation around here are golf carts…There are no golf courses but these small four seaters (and sometimes six) are the perfect way to get around on our small isla! Not to mention, they are pretty fun! Most companies only require a valid driver’s license (yes, you DO need a license to drive a golf cart J ) and a credit card for payment. Then after getting a quick rundown on our local traffic policies you are good to go.

Ambergris Today

Pic of the Week - October Skies in Belize Keep on Impressing
Is this picture of the week a sunrise or sunset? Can you guess? Be it morning or afternoon, October skies are here to impress. If you simply cannot wake up in time to experience the sunrise, do make time to head to the lagoon area of the island to witness the impressive sunsets as they give the sunrises a run for their money during October. If you guessed 'Sunset' for this one, you got it right!

Oceana's Wavemakers Meet at Annual Membership Meeting
Belizeans from across the country gathered in Belmopan on Saturday, October 24, 2015, to participate in the annual general meeting of Oceana Belize's members, known as Wavemakers. Oceana Belize established offices in Belize in 2009. Today, the organization's largest campaign is to advocate for the protection of Belize's marine resources from the inherent hazards of offshore oil activities.

Misc Belizean Sources

Pediatric and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit opened
The new Pediatric and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital was officially opened this morning.

Unauthorized landing at the Municipal Airstrip
A small plane made an unauthorized landing at the Municipal Airstrip this morning at around 5:30am before the airstrip opens at 6:00am. The Piper Seneca PA23 with registration number N32812 is currently parked in front of the Belize Airports Authority under heavy Police, BDF and GSU guard. Reports are that no pilot was found when authorities got to the scene, and nothing was in the plane.

UNICEF Belize warns about fraudulent solicitation letters
It has come to our attention that several people in Belize have received fraudulent award letters and emails that appear to be coming from UNICEF in Barcelona, Spain and Orchadhills Security Company. The false letters state that the recipient has won an award and the winner is asked to submit sensitive personal information such as banking details, family information, address and signature. UNICEF Belize wants to inform the public that that these letters are not authentic, and asks to not provide any of the sensitive personal information requested. In addition, UNICEF Belize wants to clarify that it doesn't do any fundraising from private individuals in the country. UNICEF staff travels around the country to meet with communities, conduct surveys and work with partner organisations, but UNICEF Belize does under no circumstances ask private individuals for donations in person.

MAYA PEOPLE PROTEST
The Maya people of the Toledo District in southern Belize are making their voices heard in support of "Santa Cruz 13" and other violations against Maya people in southern Belize. Protesters were issued with a two hour permit. Photo Courtesy: Monica Magnusson

The Belize Automobile Club presents "Shootout 2015"
All motor sports entusiasts and fans are invited to attend our ANNUAL event to be held in COROZAL for the first time. Admission is FREE. The Belize Automobile Club presents "Shootout 2015" in San Narciso, Corozal on Sunday November 1st, 2015 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 pm. The following categories will be leading the event: 1) 1.6 lts - 2) 1.8 lts - 3) 2.0 lts - 4) 2.2 lts - 5) 2.6 lts - 6) 6 cyl and 7) 8 cyl Fee: For all participants (Driver and Car) in all categories: $50.00 Take a break from the political hodge podge and bring out the entire family to enjoy. How to get there: Approximately 11 miles south west of Corozal Town. Lookout for the San Narciso "Welcome" sign on your right on the main Philip Goldson Highway and then take a swift right. Please come out and support and enjoy the event.

Get to know the faces of your candidates in your COROZAL division
We have compiled a photo collage of all political candidates vying the upcoming General Elections for the 4 constituencies in the Corozal District. To enlarge, copy and print, please right click on the image. It is interesting to note that the new political party, the Belize Progressive Party (BPP) nominated a full slate in both northern districts, Corozal and Orange Walk. Edna Diaz of Progresso Village, Corozal is the only woman nominated to represent a constituency in the Corozal District. Diaz is vying for the (BPP) in the Corozal South East Division. Women in Corozal represent 49.84% or 13,010 voters of a total number of 26,101 registered voters (only shy of 81) to equal the total number of male voters, who total 13,091 or 50.15% of the total number of registered voters.

Benque Finados Celebration
The Benque HoC is having their Finados on Monday, November 2nd. They are having their Noche de Cuente Cuentos this Friday. "Live the momentum of Finados and celebrate this living tradition of our dearly departed with offerings and prayers! Keep it alive and honor our most dearly in their journey from the afterlife!"

Poets Corner: Spar or Royal Rumble?
By Abdulmajeed K Nunez. The Ray Leonard, Thomas Hearns era Was the era that saw true gladiators Champion fighting champion No one came in to walk out with an empty hand Sugar Ray went up in class to fight bigger guys and beat them De La Hoya and Floyd Mayweather Were selective in their challengers Sugar Ray was a weight unifier So he went after the Hearns-Haglar fight winner I want to see a fight Not a Manny Pacquiao -Floyd Mayweather twilight But the likes of a Haglar, Ray Leonard highlights Our political system needs reform in hindsight It requires men and women with foresight The swing voters will have to be on site Promoting and volunteering on 4th November at daylight This fight will go all night Making sure this is an evenly match up fight

Channel 7

What Was On Board Mystery Plane?
This morning at around 5:30, a small plane made an unauthorized landing at the municipal airport in Belize City. It's a US registered Piper PA 34 Seneca twin-engine plane - and tonight it is under police guard. Authorities aren't quite sure what to make of it because the plane landed before the airstrip was opened and whoever was on board cut out immediately - leaving the police and Civil Aviation Departments with more questions than answers. What we know is this. That same plane flew out of Belize last Thursday for Aruba, and had filed a flight plan to return on Sunday, but did not; it simply appeared this morning. Now, that might sound straightforward enough, but it's illegal - and very suspicious. Every single plane that lands legally in Belize - big or small - has to first file a flight plan with Civil Aviation and then land at the Phillip Goldson International airport to clear customs and Immigration. Of course, planes with illicit cargo, or illicit business do no such thing - but those ones usually land on improvised airstrips deep in the bush, not in Belize City - the country's largest population center.

PUP Alleges Secret Agreement
When the PUP sent out a press release yesterday announcing that it was having a, quote, "breaking news press conference" - it surely sent a shiver down the spine of the ruling UDP- not knowing which skeleton would come out of the closet. But, as it turns out that breaking news wasn't really so hot, no hands caught in the cookie jar, no dirty deeds done cheap - and if it was any kind of skeleton - it's one that the PUP killed and the UDP buried. We say that because it deals with BECOL - the Fortis owned hydroelectric provider, which sells power to BEL. The Canadian company does so using Belize's rivers - for free - and then sells the power to BEL - which the utility company has to pay for in US dollars, and then Fortis happily remits its profits back to Canada. This was an arrangement worked out by the PUP - where BECOL got the rivers free for 40 years, unregulated - and now when the Barrow Administration settled the BEL takeover - BECOL wanted what's known as some comfort, that it would be able to continue to conduct its lucrative business unbothered, without having to worry about regulation.

PM Says BECOL Claim Bogus
And today, the press caught Prime Minister Dean Barrow for a response a short time after the PUP press conference. He said there is nothing unusual about the agreement:... Dean Barrow, Prime Minister "You showed me earlier a document or portions of documents of which the People's United Party referred in that press conference. Every single document related to the settlement with FORTIS was disclosed at the time of the settlement; was attached to the bill that we took to the House to legislate the settlement. So that there is nothing new that these people are pointing to and what they describe as concessions or facilitations - each particular item was thoroughly discussed in the debate that took place at the time we passed the law and I would with the truth debunk all the foolishness, all the falsity of their claims. Every so called concession that they can point to is not anything that has been specially done for FORTIS. It is what is the norm. It is what is par for the course in similar circumstances." Reporter "They made reference to the point that BECOL would continue to operate as normal. They are saying that you did not reveal that."

PM Barrow Goes Hardline on Morales
We also asked the Prime Minister about Carlos Jimmy Moralez, the new President Elect of Guatemala. Moralez got 2.7 million votes or 68.7% - more than double the votes of his opponent ex- first lady Sandra Torres in Sunday's presidential election. Observers are saying his elections could affect Belize Guatemala relations. During his campaign, Moralez made it clear that he feels Belize is part of Guatemala, and his country should do all it can to retain it. Reuters reports that Moralez quote, "floated the idea of reviving a historic land dispute with neighboring country Belize". Now does this revival mean a more aggressive and forceful approach to handling this issue? Well, PM Barrow warned that if Moralez tried that approach that he certainly wouldn't stand for it. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister "Congratulations are due to him. There is a letter that we'd prepare that I will sent to him, offering as a matter of courtesy and in view of the special circumstances that attend the fact of our being neighbors and the fact that we have their unjust territorial claim to deal with - I am sending off a letter in which I am making plain that we remain committed to a peaceful resolution of the dispute. Let make something clear. Mr. Morales is neophyte, he is a novice.

Cayo Central: Which Politician Has More Land?
The political race in Cayo Central is one of the hottest in the country. Dan Silva is trying to unseat two-time representative Rene Montero. Now Montero came within 44 votes of losing to Collet Montejo in the 2012 general election - so Silva should be favored. But, in the March 2015 municipal elections that same Montero machinery trounced the PUP in Cayo Central - earning 800 more solid votes than the PUP for UDP Mayor Earl Trapp in that division. So, Montero is in fighting form, and today his opponent Dan Silva made the rare trip to party headquarters in Belize City to tell the media, that he's done the math; he alleges that Montero's family has amassed vast tracts of land since he got into office. Dan Silva, Cayo Central - PUP "I have a list of 20 properties owned by the Montero family - over a thousand acres in Hicks Caye, Banister Caye, in the pine ridge area, in the Yalbac area and then when the poor people go and ask for a lot and a 50 acres, they refused them and they give them a hard time. So the Montero family is doing very well and the people are not getting anything." Jules Vasquez "Are there properties he amassed during his term in office?" Dan Silva, Cayo Central - PUP "During his term in office, yes."

New PICU, A Dream Realized
The new Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at the KHMH was officially opened today. The new unit has 2 sections: the PICU, which can hold over 8 children, and the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit which can treat about 23 babies. It is a state of the art facility with rigorous screening protocols for visitors. It's a unit that was desperately needed at the KHMH after a devastating 12 babies died at the old unit in MAY OF 2013 . Today health professionals told us how important this new unit is to the healthy and prolonged life of children. The project costs $7 million. The Unit will officially be opened to patients in early December.

PM: If Kim Can Help, Bring It On!
So as we said the construction of the new Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at the KHMH is valued at $7 million. Now to raise that kind of money -Special Envoy for Women and Children Kim Simplis Barrow had to hold local fundraisers and appeal to international donors. But can Kim Barrow's great effort translate into votes for her husband? PM Barrow says if that's the case, he more than welcomes it... Dean Barrow, Prime Minister "Speaking about her in particular. That's one of the reasons why I am so confident about next Wednesday. People realize that she is part of a package deal and she is a wonderful assets to me and to the government and a kind of trump card that I don't play, because that will not be exactly tasteful. But believe me, I am well aware of the fact that there are so many people who do admire her and if as a consequence of that I will get some additional votes - alleluia." Today another $400,000 dollars was donated to the initiative.

PM Says Scuffles Are Regrettable
On the topic of general elections, PM Barrow also commented on the recent violent flare-ups between UDP and PUP supporters. That is highlighted by the arson of UDP Cayo South Ralph Huang's constituency building - which his PUP opponent Julius Espat denies being involved in - and the outrageous brawl in Progresso between PUP and UDP supporters. Now is this violence indicative of the overall mood or atmosphere leading up to next week Wednesday? The PM said no and that these confrontations or scuffles tend to happen when people get a little too heated. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister "I say we have peaceful elections because there is not anything like the sorts of pitch battles that we see in some other countries and there is never any countenancing of the one or two incidents that have always happened, where supporters of either of the two major political parties will sometimes behave in a way that's less than desirable. But I don't think you will find either party officially countenancing that sort of thing and I think you will find both parties are quick to condemn anything that's out of the ordinary. So it's regrettable, but again it has not been as serious as it could have been."

PM On Possibilities
Now while that might be the mood of a few party supporters, PM Barrow is feeling quite calm and ready for whatever the election result may be. Today he gave us a humbled reflection on his long journey in politics. Reporter "You are one week away from elections. Like you keep mentioning any number can play and there is the possibility that your party might not be victorious come next week. If this is the last interview we are having with you as the Prime Minister of Belize, what would be your message to the Belizean people?" Dean Barrow, Prime Minister "Certainly, my message to you is that I am going out smiling. I don't think I am going out at all. But if I am, I am going out smiling. I've always had I think an excellent relationship with the media. From time to time, there is a little bit of pestiness in our back and forth, but that is perhaps as it should be. It shows that there is no powder puffing from your side and where I am concern while 9 times out of 10 I will be nothing but gracious - every so often you know how it is.

Jail For Scissor Stabber
Tonight, 32 year-old Steve Arnold, and his friend, 27 year-old Roger Hilton are in jail serving the first night of a 6 and a half-year sentence. That's after they were convicted in Magistrate's Court for stabbing a man who refused to give them any money when they begged him. The victim, Ian Alexander Holland, testified against both men that May 10, 2015, he went to his brother's shop in Lords Bank Village to by milk. He told the court that while was standing there, Arnold and Hilton approached and demanded money from him. Holland said that they immediately searched his pockets, and when they didn't get any money from him, Arnold punched him in the face. He added that Hilton then pulled out a pair of scissors and stabbed him in the chest. A police officer testified for the prosecution that he came upon the crime in progress when both men tried to ride off on bike. He searched them and found the scissors in Hilton's pocket.

BATSUB, Back?
BATSUB - the British Army Training Support Unit Belize - pulled out of Belize in mid 2013. Well, they didn't officially pull out; it was nicely called a downsizing. Well, they're back, sort of. Today we found the British Army working with the BDF in the jungle near Gales Point Manatee. Daniel Ortiz has that story: There is a group of British soldiers who are also training soldiers from the BDF, and we'll show you how that looked in tomorrow's newscast.

Cell Phones, "Boras", And Moonshine Found In Prison Raid
This morning at 1:00 am, a joint police team searched the remand section at the prison. Members of prison's Quick Response Team, were joined by the Gang Suppression Unit, the Special Patrol Unit and the Canine Unit. A press release says they searched Tangos 8 - 1, 8 - 2, and 9 to find illicit and unauthorized articles - such as cell phones, and improvised weapons. When they were done, they had come up with a dozen cell phones, more than a dozen improvised weapons, along with three gallons of home made wine, a tattoo machine, and a mini boom box.

Police Say Jail Smugglers Run Risks
And how do they get all that stuff in jail? Well, folks from the outside smuggle it in. But, oftentimes, they do get caught. A police press conference was held this afternoon at the Ladyville police station to warn citizens about the penalties of trying to smuggle drugs inside the Central Prison. This week alone 4 busts were made- one involving marijuana stuffed inside the sole of a tennis shoe. The regional commander for the rural areas explained today:... Sr. Supt. Edward Broaster, Commander - Eastern Division Rural "We saw it fit to inform the public about a couple incidents that we have seen developing over a couple month's period where individuals are being caught attempting to smuggle drugs into the Central Prison Through our investigation, we've learnt that several individuals were being paid to take items to the prison. Innocent of what was inside. We have for example, two incidents involving the carrying of tennis shoes to the prison, but the sole of the tennis shoe have been dug out and drugs has been placed inside the sole of the tennis shoe and we will explain on other items that attempt to smuggle into the prison. But we want to advised the public to take any items that are not theirs to the prison, because they will be become victims of this elaborate scheme that is being preyed upon innocent civilians visiting relatives at the prison."

GSU Gets Guns
In other police news, on Friday, October 23rd, the GSU recovered a Rusty 9mm pistol with black pistol grip Walther model P99 with no serial number and a magazine with no ammunition on Iguana Street. And then, on Saturday, the GSU found a chrome 9mm Jennings Model pistol and a magazine with no live rounds at the corner of Dean Street and East Canal. Both weapons were taken to the National Forensics Lab to make comparison with shell casings from different murder and shooting scenes. And this afternoon, at 2:00, the GSU conducted a house search at #74 East Collet Canal, where Jose BENITEZ, Jorge Nunez POSAS, and Marlon GUTIERREZ, were found with 68 cartons of contraband cigarettes in a shop. They were handed over to Customs personnel to be charged uncustomed goods.

Channel 5

Unauthorized Entry! Mysterious Aircraft Lands at Municipal Airstrip
A small twin-engine plane landed at the Municipal Airstrip at around five-thirty this morning – before the facility opens at six. There is no sign of the pilot, passengers or [...]

P.U.P. Says P.M. Barrow Entered into Secret Agreement with Fortis
In August of 2015, the Prime Minister announced that he had reached a settlement with Fortis over the nationalization of Belize Electricity Limited. He announced at the time that the [...]

Is BECOL Indemnified Against Legal Action?
Shoman says that the secret agreement serves to indemnify BECOL against any regularity or legal action which may be brought for the next twenty years – and also commits G.O.B. [...]

P.M. Barrow Dismisses Claim on Statement of Comfort
While the People’s United Party was disclosing what it calls a secret deal at Independence Hall, the Prime Minister was at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital attending the handing over [...]

BECOL Exempted from Taxes, PM Says It’s Nothing Unusual
Barrow also told the media that at the time when government took over B.E.L., Belize Electric Company Limited was not on the table and that the government will never go [...]

Senator Lisa Shoman Says Agreement Provides No Comfort for Belizeans
But is this just much ado over nothing? That question came up at the press briefing this morning, since the Prime Minister had made mention of a statement of comfort [...]

Maya Leaders Protest in Punta Gorda, Case Against Santa Cruz 13 Adjourned
A protest was held today in Punta Gorda where another court appearance of the Santa Cruz Thirteen took place before Magistrate Emerson Banner. Supporters gathered around the courthouse in solidarity [...]

Jalacte Residents Irate Over Building of Agriculture Office
Mis expressed frustration that Maya communal lands, particularly in the village of Jalacte, are still being accessed and used for public purpose without the consent of villagers. The inauguration of [...]

P.M. Barrow Tongue-lashes Guatemala’s President Elect
The president-elect of Guatemala, Carlos Jimmy Morales, assumes office in January 2016. And since his landslide victory on Sunday, he has been making statements on a number of issues. Belizeans [...]

O.A.S. Welcome to Observe General Elections
There have been sparks of violence going into the November fourth elections. A fire destroyed the campaign office U.D.P. standard bearer Ralph Huang last Monday and over the weekend, with [...]

Did P.M. Barrow Give Farewell Address to Media Today?
Next week Wednesday, Belizeans will head to the polls to elect a new government, one year and half before the term of the Barrow administration was to expire. At an [...]

GSU Commander Campaigns in the Media
The Gang Suppression Unit has come under fire for early morning weekend raids on homes belonging to P.U.P. supporters in the community of San Jose in the Orange Walk District. [...]

Commander Mark Flowers on GSU’s Weekend Activity
The GSU’s weekend adventures, according to Flowers, led them from San Jose to the Belize Central Prison on a hunt for an elusive and perhaps mythical firearm. They never did [...]

San Pedro Cabdriver Shot in Broad Day
There was a brazen daylight shooting in San Pedro this afternoon, and it happened right next to the very crowded airstrip. Thirty-one year old taxi-man Juan Menjivar was allegedly at [...]

Trio Await Their Fate in Murder Trial
A trio of Belize City men, accused of the November 2012 murder of Belize Defense Force soldier James Noralez, appeared before Justice Troadio Gonzalez today where submissions in the matter [...]

BATSUB Heads to Gales Point for Jungle Warfare Training
The Belize Defense Force and the British Army Support Unit teamed up today for a joint training exercise to sharpen the skills of the two armies. Belize offers the right [...]

PICU Officially Launched at the K.H.M.H.
A unit retrofitted with numerous incubators, quarters for doctors and nurses as well as a waiting area for families was inaugurated at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital as its new [...]

CTV3

Traffic Accident In Chetumal Involves Belizean Tractor Trailer
A trailer from Belize is involved in a traffic accident in Chetumal Quintana Roo. The incident, as reported by the City’s press, occurred around 7:30 last night. A taxi got caught and was crushed under a blue Freightliner trailer carrying over twenty tons of cement, trapping two persons in the taxi. The trailer is reported to have been moving out of the premises of a construction supply factory on the old Santa Elena Highway. The Chetumal press says that the driver did not seem to take necessary precautions and got in the way a Suchaa Taxi driven by one Jose “N”, his title hadn’t been established at the time of the report. He was traveling at the time with a woman who was not named and both are reported to have suffered severe head fractures and injuries to the face and abdomen. Firefighters responded to the scene and unloaded the trailer before being able to remove the taxi driver and his passenger from the taxi. They were able to free them about half an hour later and were transported to the General Hospital for treatment. The Belizean driver has been detained pending investigations.

Mysterious Plane Landed At Belize Municipal Airstrip
The Belize Airports Authority along with other security officials from the GSU, Police and the BDF are jointly investigating the mysterious circumstances surrounding a twin engine aircraft that made an unauthorized landing at the Municipal Airstrip in Belize City at dawn this morning. Reports are the aircraft is an American type Piper Seneca PA23 light aircraft with registration number N32812. The aircraft is registered under James A Stalling from Irvine California. Aviation records reveal that the aircrafts last flight was tracked from Fullerton, California to San Jose, California on September 30, 2015. At the time of landing, the Municipal Airport was closed to air traffic and the authorities claim that the landing was unauthorized by Belize’s civil air traffic authorities. Authorities are claiming that when they arrived on the scene, the pilot was nowhere to be found and the plane was empty. We understand the aircraft will remain heavily guarded by law enforcement officials while they continue their investigation.

LOVE FM

PUP Accuses Barrow of Engaging In Secret Deal with Fortis/BECOL
The People’s United Party today revealed what they called a “secret deal” by Prime Minister Dean Barrow. This is in relation to the Belize Electricity Limited settlement which Barrow announced it in August. The PUP says that as part of the settlement Prime Minister Dean Barrow bound the Government of Belize when he signed the […]

Barrow Says Belize Will Not Be Bullied by Guatemala
Yesterday we told you of the victory of Jimmy Morales, the now President-Elect for Guatemala who recently topped the presidential polls this past Sunday. Some Belizeans had become concerned over some statements made weeks ago by Morales regarding irrational approaches when it comes to claiming the portion of Belize that Guatemala claims is theirs. We […]

Special Envoy Does Symbolic Opening of NICU/PICU
The Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital held an Official open ceremony of the Pediatric and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. The newly designed unit is equipped for eight pediatric intensive care patients and twenty three Neonatal Intensive care patients. From the equipment to the infrastructure is state of the art which is estimated for seven million dollars. […]

Prime Minister Barrow Says His Two Terms Have Been a Wonderful Ride
Elections are one week ago and while the flags, banners, advertisements and campaigning are widely seen around the country, come November 5, there will be only one Prime Minister and thirty Area Representatives in the National Assembly. In an interview held with the Prime Minister earlier today, Love News asked him what would be his […]

Silva Says Montero Acquires 1000+ Acres of Land Whilst in Government
Dan Silva, the Standard Bearer of the People’s United Party for Cayo Central is set to go against Rene Montero Jr. of the United Democratic Party for the November 4 General Elections. During election season, it is accustomed for political opponent to dig up dirt on one another. Silva has been digging and today he […]

PM Debunks Allegations by Opposition
And while the main Opposition Party was holding their press briefing at their headquarters, on the other side of the City, the Prime Minister, Dean Barrow was at a special event at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. The media capitalized on his presence and asked him about the allegations put forth by the People’s United […]

Amandala

Gapi-Munchie election tension gets “physical!”
On Wednesday, at a preliminary inquiry for three men accused of the brutal kidnapping and murder of Ramon Cervantes, Sr., at the Orange Walk Magistrate’s Court, one of the accused murderers, Noe Gonzalez, disrupted the proceedings when he suddenly alleged that Ramon “Munchie” Cervantes, Jr., the People’s United Party (PUP) standard bearer for the Orange Walk North constituency, had ordered the killing of his father. Although the magistrate told Gonzalez that his story didn’t make any sense, she said that he had a right to say whatever he wanted to at his trial. Ramon Cervantes, Jr., is challenging the incumbent United Democratic Party (UDP) Deputy Leader, Gaspar “Gapi” Vega, for his Orange Walk North seat. Wednesday’s courtroom allegation, however, appeared to have spilled over into campaigns of the two political rivals, whose supporters clashed from early Saturday morning in the village of San Jose, located just outside of Orange Walk Town.

Belize Cancer Society receives much-needed funds
Heather Reneau, Senior Administrator of the Belize Cancer Society told Amandala that the society has just been the recipient of some much needed funds. On October 23, a cheque was presented to them for over $22,000. The money will be used to assist children suffering from cancer. Reneau explained that the money was raised by the raffling of a plot of land at $50 a ticket earlier this year. The proceeds of the raffle, which was conducted by the Children’s First and Last Foundation (CFAL), were donated to the society to aid in the financing of medical care for children affected by cancer including chemotherapy, radiation, imaging and testing. “We are seeing a rise in childhood cancers and the more devastating ones are lymphomas and leukemia. Once a child is diagnosed with cancer, the child is unable to get treated in Belize, so for their initial work- up and first treatment, they need to travel abroad. We either send them to Merida or Guatemala to get a full workup and first chemotherapy after which we are able to pass them over to the Dangriga Cancer Center,” Reneau explained. Reneau said that at the moment, the Belize Cancer Society is providing financial support to four children.

New Guat prez – trouble for Belize!
President elect Jimmy Morales, 49, has won over 70% of the votes in a run-off election in Guatemala against his rival, Sandra Torres, 60, a former first lady widely perceived to be part of the old power establishment in that country. Morales, a TV actor and comedian turned politician, soared to the top of the polls in the first round of the presidential elections when the former president, Otto Perez Molina, and his vice-president, Roxana Baldetti, were jailed in August after a customs fraud scandal exploded and changed the whole Guatemalan political landscape. “His military backing is significant, and not to be underestimated.” – David Gibson, senior diplomat and former ambassador in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs During his campaign, Morales had made a number of controversial statements reflecting, some say, his naiveté about some of the critical issues; others say that Morales was attempting to think outside the box and present to the Guatemalan voters something different from what they are used to.

Jason Reyes, 26, guilty of manslaughter
A San Pedro man, Jason Reyes, 26, who was charged with the November 2010 murder of Lionel Pinelo, was cleared of the murder indictment, but was found guilty of the lesser charge of manslaughter when his trial by judge without a jury concluded today in the Supreme Court of Justice Adolph Lucas. Justice Lucas has set November 2, 2015, as sentencing day for Reyes, who has been on remand for almost five years. In the trial, which began on October 5, the court heard evidence from two key prosecution witnesses and after the prosecution closed its case on October 16, Reyes’ attorney, Alifa Elrington-Hyde, made a no case to answer submission. In her submission, Elrington-Hyde told the court that the prosecution did not have enough circumstantial evidence to determine that it was the accused who had committed the offense of murder.

11 illegals found in Orange Walk
Police on patrol at about 10:00 Friday morning on the Philip Goldson Highway in Tower Hill, Orange Walk District, stopped and boarded a passenger bus that was travelling to Orange Walk Town from Belize City, and onboard, police found a group of 11 foreigners. Police discovered that the group was undocumented, and all persons – 4 Hondurans, 4 Salvadorans and three Salvadoran minors – were taken to the Orange Walk Police Station, where they were charged with illegal entry into Belize by the Immigration Department. Police said that the three minors were handed over to the Human Services Department, which will provide caretaking services for them until they are deported to their countries of origin.

Thief peeped into the security camera — and then stole it!
A thief was arrested and charged with theft after he was captured, without a mask, on a security camera trying to steal an air conditioning unit from a house in a yard in Corozal Town on Thursday morning. The thief looked into the camera, which recorded his face, after which he took down and stole the camera. The tapes were viewed, however, and the thief, who is well-known to police, was identified. He was reeled in and taken to the Corozal Police Station, where he was charged with theft. Samuel Carter, 25, also known as “Shilling,” of Corozal Town, was taken to the Corozal Magistrate’s Court on Friday, where he pleaded guilty to the offense. He was ordered to pay a fine of $600 by January 11, or in default of payment, he will spend 3 months in jail. He was then released from custody.

CSSSA high school basketball begins tomorrow
The Central Secondary School Sports Association (CSSSA) 2015 Basketball Competition gets under way tomorrow at Bird’s Isle. Seven (7) female teams and nine (9) male teams are participating in this year’s competition, which will follow a single round-robin format in regular season. Participating female (F) teams are: Maude Williams High (MWH), Anglican Cathedral College (ACC), Gwen Lizarraga High (GLH), Wesley College (WES), Ladyville Technical High (LTH), Edward P. Yorke High (EPY) and St. Catherine Academy (SCA); and male (M) teams are: MWH, ACC, Nazarene High (NHS), WES, LTH, Sadie Vernon Technical (SVT), GLH, EPY and St. John’s College (SJC). Games begin at 5:30 p.m. on week days, and at 10:00 a.m. on Saturdays. A $2.00 entrance fee is charged during regular season, and $3.00 during the playoffs.

SCA and SJC win game 1 in high school volleyball finals
Reports just received tonight from the Central Secondary Schools Sports Association (CSSSA) volleyball finals game 1 at Bird’s Isle are that SCA defeated Belize High School, 25-17, 25-17, 25-10 for the females; and in the males, SJC won over Belize High School, 25-17, 25-23, 17-25, 25-20. The same teams meet in game 2 of the finals on Wednesday.

Ruiz nets three goals in San Francisco win
Johnny Ruiz notched three goals to help San Francisco close out Group C of the Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League with an 8-0 victory over visiting Verdes FC on Thursday night at the Estadio Maracana. Ervin Zorrilla scored twice, while Jonathan Pinilla, Moises Gil and Eduardo Jimenez added one apiece for the Monjes, who finished second in the group. San Francisco (2W-0D-2L, 6 points) finished behind group winner Queretaro (2W-1D-1L, 7 points) after breaking out of a recent offensive slump, having scored only once in its last three Panamanian league matches Third-place Verdes FC (1W-0D-3L, 3 points) depart the competition having secured the first SCCL victory by any Belize side with an earlier 2-1 home victory over San Francisco. With an 8-0 loss to Queretaro earlier in the competition, it also becomes the first SCCL side to lose twice by eight goals. Thursday marked the fourth match decided by that score in tournament history.

Packed weekend in BECOL tournament, as teams fight for playoff spots
The BECOL Basketball Tournament resumed this past weekend with 13 games, due to the inclement weather last weekend. On Friday night, Western Queens blew out SHC, 56-12, in the Female division. Western Queens was led by Yesica Prom, who had the game high with 16 points, while Amanda Sarceno scored 14 pts, and Jeneve Reynolds netted 12 pts. Lucia Tesecum was the top scorer for SHC with 10 pts. In game 2, Invaders defeated Belmopan, 54-39, in the Over 35 division. Invaders’ top scorers were Peter Odinga with 15 pts, Calbert Neal with 14 pts and Evan Reynolds with 10 pts. Belmopan was led by Alfonso Audinett, who scored 12 pts, while Carlisle Barrow had 10 pts. In the nightcap, Assassins handed Panthers their first loss of the season, 66-60, in the Senior Division. Assassins, was led by Akeem Watters with 26 pts, while Winston Pratt and Kurt “Chengo” Burgess finished with 16 and 12 pts, respectively, in the win. In a losing effort, Trevaughn Usher was the top scorer for Panthers with 16 pts, while Daniel “Buddy” Nolberto tallied 14 pts, and Dijon McNabb had 10 pts.

Editorial: Inflaming emotion, eliminating intellect
With little more than a week to go before general elections in Belize, these may arguably be considered Belize’s least cerebral elections in recent history. There have been no debates between candidates and parties, no such debates appear to be on the horizon, and there have been no formal discussions on the election issues held in public fora or on electronic media panels. Everything that has been done and is being done in the way of campaigning by the two major political parties is designed to inflame the partisan emotions of their respective followers. At stake on November 4 is spending control over a billion dollars worth of annual public finances. The partisan campaigners and followers of the two major parties are acutely aware of the jobs and bounties which are at stake, so that they were already on edge as soon as the date of general elections was announced. All the paraphernalia being presented – signs, banners, flags, shirts, songs, and so on, mostly inflame the emotions of those who are partisan.

From the Publisher
I will be watching closely to see how the police deploy on election day in the Lake Independence constituency. This is because Lake I is where one of the candidates, the UDP candidate and incumbent area representative in fact, made public threats against the press, against the private sector, against myself and my sons, and later refused to withdraw these threats when challenged on national television. Hon. King went “ballistic” on Wednesday, August 12, I would submit, because he must have been hearing conversations like that in Cabinet. A couple UDP standard bearers have personally expressed their disgust with his comments, but the UDP’s Maximum Leader, Hon. Dean Barrow, has repeatedly refused to disassociate himself publicly from his Junior Minister’s threats. This was a mistake, possibly hubris-induced, on Mr. Barrow’s part. Our sources tell us that King is now preaching election day violence to his campaigners. If the police want to find out if what I’m saying is true, all they have to do is deploy some of their Special Branch agents and informers to the King campaign camp.

Colonial mentality Part 1
Dear Editor Amandala, In these remaining days before the November 4 general elections, it is worth noting, despite calls of “power to the people,” that it is a colonial mentality that has been driving Belizean political leadership. The fallout is erosion of national consciousness, nationhood, Belizean unity, self-determination and quality of life for the masses. Colonial mentality is upheld where there’s no revolutionary spirit, no drive for rooting out the cause of the people’s distress, no real transformation in which the leadership commits to follow the aspirations of the people for a total move away from the colonial order of business to nationalization and nationhood. Nationalization is by definition revolutionary: it is the organizing of the state on the basis of new social relations. The colonial way, the old social relation, is dressed up in a cloak of paternalism. This is an effort to pass off what would otherwise be called straight-out violation of human rights and human dignity as acts of caring for the people who are deemed incapable of thinking or of taking care of themselves; in short, idiots and imbeciles. The colonial way is condescending; comes from a superior attitude. The campaign party atmosphere since the announcement of early elections, the home delivery of gift bags and the various handouts, conjures up for this writer the image of slaveholders’ occasional benevolence to their slaves to assuage their misery just enough to make them not think about the reality of their situation. It’s a strategy to keep the masses off balance and dependent. It’s a move to cement power.

Colonial mentality Part 2
Dear Editor, Election time makes it more and more evident that the country is fragmented, divided by the leadership into separate blocs of thinking, each with its own wish list. This has produced a people with no common vision, more concerned with what will be done for Toledo, Collet, Orange Walk, Caribbean Shores and so on and so on, as if each area is an entity in itself, separate from the country as a whole. Any development or advancement across the country (I invite you, reader, to name and place them) is consequently spotty, with some areas better, or worse, off than others. The people have been reduced to modeling the attitude of the leadership, acting separately and to their own advantage, disconnected from one another. So much for national unity. We see it among both the employed and the unemployed masses. To the government they ask what can you do for me, for my department, my institution, my village, for my area? Left to their own devices, individuals take as much as they can, not giving value for like kind, getting something for nothing if they can, strangers to personal and business ethics. It’s about how much can I take today, especially from those they perceive to have a connection with the prosperous West. The people have taken the path of least resistance, serving the decadency of the West (no fault of their own – it’s what has been handed to them) instead of, with the modeling and support of their leadership, beginning at the beginning, not the end. I must give a practical example of the likely outcome of beginning at the end: the cementing of one hundred plus streets in Belize City.

Words of wisdom from Romel Cuello
Dear Sir, I would like to tip my cap to all the candidates participating in this “Belize 2015 General Elections”. It takes real courage to throw your hat into that ring. There’s the joy of winning and the misery of defeat. This is the way it has to be. On top of that, while in the race, some people will love you with all their might and some will hate you the same way, while others will just watch to see what happens to you. Winner takes it all. First past the post. Only thing the public wishes to see is people acting with honor and integrity. The competing can get downright dirty sometimes. You are under a powerful microscope and find out things about yourself that not even you knew were there. No violence, please! We are all brothers and sisters. All a we da one. We all have friends on all sides of the fence and wouldn’t like to see anything bad happen to any of them.

Burglar caught on surveillance camera remanded
A man who was caught on a surveillance camera burglarizing a home in the St. Martin De Porres area was remanded to the Belize Central Prison after he was arraigned on the charge before Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser today. Kareem Smith, 27, pleaded not guilty to one count of burglary, but the court prosecutor objected to granting him bail on the strength of the prosecution’s case against him. Magistrate Fraser upheld the prosecution’s objection and remanded Smith to prison until his next court appearance on November 23. Smith, who was out on bail prior to this latest brush with the law, maintained his innocence, telling the court that he is not the kind of person to break into, people homes. He also alleged that the police charged him because he refused to snitch on a friend of his.

Breaking Belize News

Training and Employment Centre marks one year anniversary
The Belize Training and Employment Centre was established last October under the aegis of the Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE) in order to develop and introduce industry-specific training for unemployed or under-employed Belizeans to find jobs quickly. One year later, four in every five BTEC graduates […]

PM says thank you to press for the memories
Prime Minister Dean Barrow, mostly by choice, has become a focal point of press interviews in the last eight years. It is to him that we turned for the answers to any number of questions touching the politics and government of Belize, and many other issues besides. Every […]

PM ready for elections: ignore “silly season”
While Jimmy Morales is fairly in as President of Guatemala, Prime Minister Dean Barrow and his United Democratic Party still have an election to win. There is no clear leader going into the final week of campaigning, and the temperature has started to rise. There have been allegations […]

PM Barrow to Jimmy Morales: Leave Belize alone!
It is safe to say that no Guatemalan general election has been as closely watched in Belize as this most recently completed one, which saw comedian Jimmy Morales obtain a landslide victory over more fancied rivals. Part of the reason for that is the fall of former President […]

New KHMH PICU/NICU opened
It was born from tragedy – the deaths of 13 babies in the span of a month in May of 2013, eight of them from a bacteria the hospital was supposed to keep out. But the last two years have seen a feverish effort of fundraising, lobbying and […]

PUP reveal “secret deal” between GOB and Fortis; but is it a secret?
A short notice from the People’s United Party yesterday spoke of “breaking news” to be revealed at a press conference today, Tuesday. While the party is not a communications unit, that was sufficient to bring the press to Independence Hall. And they were told that the ruling party had […]

Pair jailed for attempted robbery
27 year old Roger Hilton of Ladyville and 32 year old Steve Arnold will spend seven years in the Central Prison after being found guilty of attempted robbery of a man at a Chinese store in Lords’ Bank. Hilton and Arnold tried to rob a good friend, Ian […]

Taxi operator shot multiple times on La Isla Bonita
31-year-old Juan Menjivar is currently receiving medical attention after receiving as much as three gun shots wounds. Menjivar, who is a taxi operator by trade in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye was the intended target. BMG was made to understand that around 4:00 p.m. Menjivar was at the luggage section of Maya Island […]

Mysterious plane lands at municipal airstrip
Officials in the old capital, Belize City are currently investigating the mystery twin engine aircraft that landed unauthorized at the municipal air strip sometime after 5:30 this morning. The Piper Seneca PA23 with registration number N32812 is currently parked in front of the Belize Airports Authority (BAA) under heavy Police, […]

Belize Bank donates $10,000.00 towards Muffles College Auditorium
The Belize Bank Limited presented Muffles College with a $10,000.00 donation as part of its program to work with the various communities in positive programs and initiatives. The donation was a commitment to assist the school in building an auditorium. Like many schools in Belize, Muffles College was in need […]

Maya of Santa Cruz protest outside of court
Since the incident earlier this year, in which Rupert Myles was tied up and humiliated in the village of Santa Cruz, 13 Mayan persons, including leader of the Mayan Leaders Alliance (MLA) Christina Coc, have been facing the consequences of their actions and today returned to court. The group was […]

Blogs

I learned a lot and met some really great people
One of my favorite quotes comes from well known author Anais Nin – “And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.” When Maynor Larrieu asked me if I would give a 15 – 20 minute talk at the First Annual Belize Tourism Board Digital Marketing Summit, I said yes. I knew it was one of those times in life where I needed to push myself and become a blossom over remaining a bud. I knew from our one practice with a projector and having Heidi and Kendall there to critique, that my power-point was well received but my speaking abilities needed polishing. Of course that last bit was according to my own thoughts not theirs. I wanted to be the best I could be and provide useful informative information to countrywide business owners and to the other panelists on how they could brand themselves in today’s digital marketing world.

A Brilliant Week of Sunsets in Belize
Google, I asked, what makes for a beautiful sunset? All this week in San Pedro (from my perspective) and across Belize (as shown on Instagram), the sunsets in particular have been absolutely gorgeous. Humidity (which I look up about 8 times a day here)? Clouds? Storms? Well…yes. And more. According to this National Geographic article, the answer is…exceedingly dull. So instead, I’ll just show you some pictures. This week in October in Belize.

Ten images to make you fall in love with Ambergris Caye all over again
I spent this morning walking home from San Pedro. And it took hours. I meandered. I poked. I explored. I dawdled. It felt like walking home from grade school all over again, and that is a good feeling. I walked because I wanted to but the main reason is that a misbehaving “Moncho’s 59” is scaring the bejesus out of people. Our golf cart has taken to backfiring — and not those cute little “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” burps and belches. When “Moncho’s 59” backfires it sounds like a Crips and Bloods cross-fire. More than one person has headed for the ground with their head covered. Plus it is stalling at the most inopportune times, like when I’ve backed out into traffic and have three seconds to hit forward before the next cart rams me from behind.

International Sources

New system, new hope for thousands of fishermen in Belize
A fisherman and father of four, Yonardo Cus was becoming increasingly worried that the catch from the Belize Barrier Reef on which his family depends was running out. Spiny lobster catches had plunged from 200 to 20 per day during his 20 years in business, and some fish populations by one-third. All the while, Yonardo’s income dropped, and he wasn’t alone. Some 15,000 Belizean fishermen and their families who depend on the reef for their livelihood saw a wealth of conch, lobster and reef fish decline in recent years due to unrestricted fishing. Would the corals, seagrass, mangroves and cayes once teeming with life eventually run empty, they asked one another. Enter a not-so-new concept: Territorial Rights Use for Fishing, or TURF – a system that gives a fisherman or group of fishermen a dedicated area in which to practice their trade.

Guatemala's Perez says Biden forced him to accept anti-corruption purge
Guatemala's jailed former president, Otto Perez, says he regrets bowing to U.S. pressure to extend the work of an anti-corruption unit that then toppled him from power and that it was U.S. Vice President Joe Biden who forced his hand. Perez resigned and was arrested last month after Guatemala's attorney general and the U.N.-backed anti-corruption body accused him of leading a customs racket. In a series of meetings earlier this year, U.S. officials pressured Perez to fire corrupt officials and allow the International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG) to continue its work, officials with direct knowledge of the talks have told Reuters. Renewing the CICIG´s mandate "was one of the things I must regret," Perez told Reuters on Saturday at the military prison where he is being held awaiting trial. He maintains he is innocent of the charges against him.

Belize: Africans, Asians and Indigenous Peoples Demand Reparations
In mid-October the Belize Commission: Initiative for Justice and Reparations (BCIJR), called on Belizeans of all oppressed backgrounds to gather at the Belmopan Convention Center for the Second Annual Popular Justice and Reparations Convention. Belizeans across racial and ethnic groups have constituted the only popular reparations initiative in the Caribbean in support of the Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM) Reparations Commission created in 2013. At this year’s convention, approximately 150 African Kriol, Garifuna, Mopan, Yucatec and Q’eqchi Mayan as well as East Indian peoples discussed the historical wrongs carried out against them by European colonial powers and what reparations means to and for their communities. For two consecutive years, women, youth, elders, farmers, fisher folks, cultural workers, academics and union leaders among others have gathered to discuss an action plan for reparations. These distinct communities share interwoven histories of how Britain, France, Spain, and other colonial empires exploited, enslaved, raped and carried out genocide against their peoples. Not unlike the rest of the Caribbean, Belizeans' ancestors were kidnapped, forced to migrate and exploited from a variety of places such as India, St. Vincent, the Venezuelan Orinoco Basin, the African continent as well as within Belize itself.

Summer program Camp Starfish serves Belizean children
Over a span of two weeks during the summer, University of Missouri–St. Louis education faculty and undergraduates coordinated Camp Starfish, a program that offered coconut bowling, oobleck, traditional garifuna dance, gak and yoga lessons to a group of 28 special needs students on the Belizean island of San Pedro. According to Lynn Navin, director of the University Child Development Center at UMSL, Camp Starfish represents a positive and dynamic shift toward the education of special needs students in Belize. “There isn’t a national education system for children with special needs in Belize,” she said, “so they usually don’t go to school. Or if they do go to class, they sit at the back and don’t receive instruction.” Besides working to understand complex cultural differences, Navin and the crew of education undergraduates used quick thinking and teamwork to meet challenges and provide Camp Starfish students with the best experience possible.

The New Caribbean Food Movement
That the food of the Caribbean is increasingly being embraced by chefs and diners alike comes as no surprise to Alexander Smalls, an owner of Minton’s and the Cecil in Harlem. “It’s bold and full-flavored and aromatic and textured food,” Mr. Smalls said. The Cecil in particular draws liberally from Guyana and Trinidad, in dishes like a roti pizza topped with soft shreds of oxtail, while the shrimp in chile-tomato sauce over yam flapjacks borrows from the executive chef J J Johnson’s Barbadian relatives. Mr. Smalls grew up eating the Gullah cuisine found in his native South Carolina, which has deep ties to the Caribbean islands via the colonial slave trade. He has spent a lifetime pondering the culinary legacy of the African diaspora and the effects of “hundreds and hundreds of years of migration,” he said, on countries like Barbados and Guyana. Though the results vary from nation to nation, Mr. Smalls said, Caribbean food is a fusion of influences that may include plantains, okra and rice from African slaves; stir-fries and soy sauce from Chinese migrant workers; pork in all forms from Spanish colonists; puff pastry from the French; and myriad curries and flatbreads delivered with indentured servants from India.

Videos

Restore Groups go International - The Belize Central Prison, 2min. Parker’s Creek Baptist Church has been a critical connection with Restore’s existing work with The Belize Project in South America. Once connected, Parker’s Creek has taken several missions trips to Belize to establish Journey to Freedom Small Groups in Belize Central Prison. To date, upwards of 700 inmates have completed the program, with over 100 inmates trained to be facilitators—this is work that Restore couldn’t do without the resources and love of Parker’s Creek and their selfless staff and volunteers.

Fishing and Lodging with Hardcore Fishing Charters in Placencia, Belize., 4min. Hardcore Fishing Charters (HFC) in Placencia, Belize offers world class angling both for the extreme sports fisherman and novice alike. HFC employs the most experienced captains, state-of-the-art equipment, and knowledgeable land-based staff available on the peninsula.

Raw drone video Starfish Island Belize, 7min. This is raw video I shot with my DJI Phantom 2+ over Starfish Island in Belize.

Belize school tour 2015, 1.5min.

Belize school tour 2015, 4min.

Belize Day 2, 5min. Belize day 2 off the Aggressor III. 5 Dives, painted wall and SE Cut over.

Belize Honeymoon, 12min. Here's a few snips from our honeymoon in Belize!

Teddy Bear Shuttle Transfers in San Ignacio, Belize, 1min.

Belize Slide Show 2015~ Long Version, 27min.

Butterflies in Belize, 1min.

Dolphins in the Caribbean breaching, Half Moon Caye, Belize– by Kendrick Kaufman, 15sec.

Yasser Musa, 18min. Artist Yasser Musa speaking on Art and Culture and the role it can play in the small nation of Belize. Delivered at the Belize Youth Movement's Agenda for Now - Youth and Culture, Image Factory, Belize City 24 October 2015.

October 27, 2015