November 19, 2015

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Specials and Events

Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, LOVETV, PGTV, West Vision (Cayo) and CTV 3. Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, Rise and Shine Morning Show, and the Dickie Bradley Specials

The San Pedro Sun

Agriculture Industry Crisis: Millions lost to virus plagued shrimp
In October of 2015, Fyffes ceased buying products from Mediterranean Enterprises, causing a crash in the banana industry. This resulted in thousands of jobless Belizeans and millions of dollars in losses for one of the strongest income producers of the country, agriculture. Now the industry faces yet another set-back, as the shrimp industry faces a virus plague. Even though the viral infection begun just a few months ago, shrimp farms have already suffered significant losses in product and investment. While the relative parties have been trying to do everything to control the situation, it is unknown how long it will take for the shrimp industry to recuperate; in the meantime workers are being laid-off.

Robert Ramirez wins first Garifuna language translation quiz held in San Pedro
The San Pedro Cultural Committee along with the local National Garifuna Council (NGC) and the Ministry of Education recently organized an enlightening Garifuna Quiz contest on the island. The event took place on Monday, November 16th at the San Pedro RomanCatholic School (SPRCS) and saw the participation of six students from three different primary schools. The contest tested the participants’ knowledge of the Garifuna language, having them translate an English word into Garifuna. Representing La Isla Bonita Elementary School was Robert Ramirez and Aylin Tang, from Ambergris Caye Elementary School was Jasmine Sanchez and Yadi Flores, and representing SPRCS were Latoya Lewis and Alicia Arana. After a series of three rounds, Latoya Lewis took third place, while Jasmine Sanchez and Robert Ramirez remained tied. The tie breaking round was comprised of two questions and based on the Garifuna history rather than translating words. After the contestants deliberated their answers, it was clear to the judges that Ramirez had flawlessly answered his final questions correctly as he did throughout the contest, and he walked away with the first place while Sanchez took second place.

Christine Syme departs to represent Belize at Miss Earth Pageant
On Monday, November 16th, Miss Earth Belize 2015 Christine Syme departed Belize for Vienna, Austria where she will be participating in the 15th Annual Miss Earth Pageant. The 19-year-old beauty is among 92 contestants who will be participating in several events leading up the Miss Earth Pageant scheduled for Saturday, December 5th. Reigning Miss Earth 2014 Jamie Herrell of the Philippines will crown her successor at the end of the event. Syme, who is hoping to charm the judges to win the crown while promoting the need to respect and care for our environment, is happy to represent her country in such a prestigious pageant. Prior to departing, Syme took part in several activities to raise awareness on environmental protection here in the island. Among some of the activities, Syme took part in preparation for the pageant with a photoshoot with Olivera Rusu, a video presentation on the environment, modeling training with Zuzanna Mello and fitness training at the Train Station. Syme also took part in clean-up campaigns and tree planting initiatives.

Miss Garifuna Pageant contestants officially sashed
Four beautiful Garifuna island girls were officially sashed as delegates of the 2015/2016 Miss Garifuna Pageant on Monday, November 16th at the San Pedro House of Culture. At the ceremony, each contestant was presented alongside their sponsors while attendees learned more about the rich Garifuna culture. The event started at 9PM with an introduction of the contestants by Mrs. Julia Martinez who assured everyone that the pageant would be a memorable one. She congratulated the contestants and their courage in vying for the Miss Garifuna Title. According to her, after 18 years, a new Miss Garifuna will be crowned by the means of competition and not by appointment as it has been done all these past years. After the opening remarks, each candidate was presented with their sash by outgoing Miss Garifuna 2014/2015 Tisane Martinez. Following the sashing, the delegates and attendees enjoyed a Jankunu dance performance, which put everyone in the dancing mood. Before the event was done, each sponsor was acknowledge and thanked for their continued support. Special thanks went to the San Pedro House of Culture for hosting the activity and as well to the delegates for participating and making the event a reality.

Ambergris Today

Rare Toucan Bird Sighting in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye

25 Years Ago - Was The San Pedro R C School Haunted?
This photo of our primary School in the village is the second school building. The first was a two storey building at the same location- between the central park and the beach. The two storey building had a lifespan of some twenty years, sometime between the early twenties up until 1942. It was knocked down but not totally destroyed by the hurricane of 1942. Pictured here in the very first building is a teacher’s house and a grass lawn. Imagine a green lawn right on the beach of San Pedro. After the hurricane of 1942 the villagers got together and rebuilt the school into a one storey building with the same walls and windows. This building had a lifespan of 19 years from 1942 to 1961 when it was totally destroyed by the hurricane of 1961, Hurricane Hattie. Now to the story of the ghost school! When we were kids our parent, all the parents of the village, assured the children of the day to keep a distance in the nights because often the ringing of the school bell was heard at nights on very windy days. With that in mind, many children also assured of hearing the peal of the bell, sort like a slight echo. The reason of the ghost under or inside the school building was that a soldier had been brutally stabbed under the building during a brawl.

Belize Tourism Board Awards 9 Scholarships Towards Tourism
On Friday, November 13, the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) awarded nine students with scholarships for Tourism Programs. The scholarships are as follows: Three (3) two-years tuition scholarships for an Associates in Tourism at one of the Junior Colleges in Belize offering a Tourism Program, awarded to 1. Giselle Rodriguez 2. Amina Cal 3. Monique Tucker Three (3) two-years tuition scholarships for a Bachelor Degree in Tourism Management at the University of Belize, awarded to 1. Jewel Williams 2. Alexander Cal 3. Gariesha Teck

Holiday Lighted Boat Parade Cancelled for 2015
On behalf of the San Pedro Business Association and the Holiday Lighted Boat Parade Committee we regret to advise that we have been forced to cancel this year's event that had been scheduled for Saturday, December 05, 2015 at the Central Park. Sadly, due to a few challenges we have been faced with, both financially and because of low participation we were not able to come up with a positive outcome. As a result of these we are canceling this year's event; however our Holiday Lighted Boat Parade's date has been set for next year which will be on Saturday, December 03, 2016. We will start planning as early as mid year 2016 hoping to receive more support. The San Pedro Business Association believes that these events are important for the community and also believe in making a healthier and better society in having these types of events which also benefits the tourism and local community. We apologize again and hope that our decision is taken positively and continue to receive your support. Once again, thank you very much!!

Misc Belizean Sources

1st ever Kareem Clarke Memorial
Nov. 21st. Support a good cause and an entertaining event!

NEMO Drills in San Pedro
For the past few years NEMO has been implementing disaster scenarios at schools in our community. They have now taken it to a higher level. Yesterday, we had a surprise fire drill and all entities that would be contacted for the real deal were called in a specific order and dispatched to TIA/Casa Verde. The teachers and students did an excellent job in a situation we had never practiced: they were at recess. Not only does Miss Wilema contact the Fire Department etc. but each building has a leader and a runner. These teachers are responsible for their list of students and their contact numbers, turning on the alarm in their buildings and checking that ALL students are out of the buildings and then they take a roll call. NEMO asked that a child be removed from the group to see if we would indeed know that child was not with us. We knew immediately.

Corozal: 2nd Annual 'Flavours of the Garifuna' cultural event
Today November 19th,Garifuna Settlement Day 2015, the Corozal House of Culture (NICH) presents its 2nd Annual 'Flavours of the Garifuna' cultural event. All are invited to come experience elements of the Garifuna Culture at its best. It all starts at 6:00pm sharp!

James Lindsay British Honduras Collection
Mark your calendars - as the James Lindsay British Honduras Collection opens Monday November 30th. The historical exhibit showcases antiquities, photographs, printed materials and more dating back to the mid 1800's.

Culture Day in San Pedro
A look at Culture Day observed by the students of Ambergris Caye Elementary School.

Congratulations to Purple Passion Beauty Studio on being featured on junebug weddings
I am shock, excited and truly grateful! Next month I will be celebrating 11 years in this industry. This is the best gift that I have received. I am just an island girl that pours my love into what I do. Thanks to all my clients that keep supporting me

Steak Your Claim Garifuna Style
The San Ignacio Resort Hotel is having a special Steak Your Claim grill night in honor of Garifuna Settlement Day. Tonight, from 6:00pm to 9:00pm. They'll have live drumming, and dancing. Happy Garifuna Settlement Day! "Join us this Thursday for our STEAK YOUR CLAIM GARIFUNA SPECIAL for a fusion of Garifuna culture and grilled specialties! For reservations, contact us at 824-2034 or e-mail [email protected]"

SE BUSCA!
CLASSIC 1994 ANDY PALACIO GARIFUNA SETTLEMENT DAY MUSICAL RELEASE!

The beauty and the artistic excellence of Garifuna women in dance
Belizean Legends is honored to celebrate the beauty and the artistic excellence of Garifuna women in dance in Central America and the Caribbean in commemoration of Garifuna Settlement Day. The featured photographs showcased two outstanding female dancers from one of the Central American Black Organization (CABO) black summits and conference that was held in Belize at the Bliss Center for the Performing Arts at the National Institute of Culture & History (NICH) in 2012. Spectacularly beautiful!

Garifuna Week in Belize
It's a super busy week here in San Pedro. Tonight is the Miss Garifuna Pageant and tomorrow we celebrate Garifuna Settlement Day. Of course only one of the girls will go on to be Miss Garifuna ... but each one should be super proud for her courage to step up and represent her wonderful culture. Have fun tonight and thank you to each one of you for working so hard to keep the Garifuna culture alive. I am grateful to all of you.

Paradise Theater: Playing this weekend!
Marvel's Ant-Man HEIST Everest Hitman

Channel 7

On The River In The Valley
Last night, we told you about the NEMO Advisory which warned residents of the Belize River Valley Community to be vigilant of the flood waters rolling down from the Cayo District. That flood was caused by the weekend rains which inundated the entire Country. NEMO said that their personnel would be out on the Belize River today along with the BDF. Well, they invited 7News to accompany them, and we went along to see how the rising river was affecting the nearby villages. Daniel Ortiz has that story: NEMO Minister Edmond Castro and his team started their information gathering today with a trip on the Belize River. The intention was to survey and catalogue the interaction of the flood waters rushing down from the Cayo District and to see how the swell of the river was affecting the River Valley Community.

Castro: Captain Nemo, But Not Full Minister
And while Clear the Land Castro is moving around the country on NEMO duties – he does so only as a Minister of State. As we have reported, the three-term representative was again passed over for a full ministry –while every other three-term UDP representative got a full ministry. Today we asked Castro if he was still bruised by being passed over:… Daniel Ortiz "Some observers look and see that you are one of those ministers who should have gotten a full ministry not a minister of state. Do you in any way feel jilted by being appointed to a minister of state?" Hon. Edmond Castro – Minister Of State, Transport and NEMO "Not at all, we must remember that we were all elected as Area Representatives. When we go to the poll, we go to the poll to be elected and ask the people to elect us to represent them. We did not go to the poll to be elected as deputy this or minister of this or minister of that. The people elect us to be their representative. And as long as your goal is to aim to be the best Area Representative, it don't matter where you go, it don't matter what title they give you; because they can give you all the ministries there is and if you are not careful in taking care of the little area that elected you to serve them, then you won't return back to the house."

50 Pounds of Weed "Eena Van Back"
Tonight, taxi driver Walter Beaton and fisherman Kirk Dougal are in jail for drug trafficking after police found over 50 pounds of weed inside a van. In January of this year, that police stopped a dodge Caravan at the western highway checkpoint in Belize City. 41 year old Beaton was driving and 38 year old Dougal was in the passenger seat. They had a large bag stowed behind the back seat with 25.1 kilos or 55.3 pounds of weed stuffed inside. In the trial, both men said they didn’t know the weed was there. Dougal claimed he was only hitching a ride. But senior magistrate Sharon Fraser didn’t buy it. She found them both guilty of drug trafficking with intent to supply to another for the purpose of drug trafficking. Beaton has a prior conviction for harm while Dougal has been to court at least 14 times for drug related offenses.

Cops Shot Wilbert, Did They Need To?
A man was shot by police in his home in Trial Farm village, outside Orange Walk Town yesterday. 47 year old Wilbert Guerra was in his room when the police went looking for him. He was being sought by police for making sexual advances on a young girl. But when the officers tried to detain him it turned into a struggle – which ended up in Guerra being shot by a police revolver. Our colleagues at CTV3 spoke to the father and he told them in Spanish that the officers had no reason to shoot his son. Translated from Spanish to English…. Inocencio Guerra - Father "When I went out, I spoke to the guy who came here in front and he told me that my son told his daughter some bad words, so it stayed like that, now the guy told me that he went to call the police and I said well call the police and take my son. Good. So he left and I came back inside. And then it took about half an hour when the police came in, my son was in that room and so the police came and I invited them in. So they asked me where my son is and I told them he was in the room. Then they told me to call him and so I went and told my son “Boy the police came to look for you “.

Police Will Charge Driver
A man was knocked down last night on the Western Highway near mile 4. The driver Jamal Bennett told police that he knocked down a cyclist when he was blinded by approaching headlights:… Sr. Supt Chester Williams - Commander, Eastern Division Southside "One Jamal Bennett was the driver of a car when he knocked down one Elsworth Lamb who was riding a bicycle; they were both going in the same direction and apparently based on what Mr. Bennett was saying that a vehicle was coming in the opposite direction with high beam and he could have not seen, so he pulled off on the side of the road and unfortunately there was this man riding in front of him and he didn't see the person due to the fact that his vision was blurred by the oncoming vehicle. He knocked down the cyclist and that person is currently admitted in the KHMH in a stable condition. He received a large cut wound to the left side of his head but he is in a conscious state, he's responding and we believe that we he will be released from the hospital very shortly."

Southside Commander Says Police Making Progress in PIV Territory
We meet the south side commander when he was touring the St. Martins Area on Oleander Street. That’s the heart of PIV Territory – and has been a site of chronic violence. But, it’s cooled down a lot in the last five months and that can be correlated to the new community-based policing model adopted by Williams. It’s the second time he and his community police have been in the area – and he says they went back asking the community to report on how the police have been responding to their needs:… Sr. Supt Chester Williams - Commander, Eastern Division Southside "Yes it is a PIV area it is known as banks area but I want it to be made clear that every area is Belize City is the police area. We are no longer tolerating any turf per se but we try to see how best we can work with the different people in different areas to see how we could have some semblance of peace within the community." "When we come the last time complaints were made to us about police attitude and behaviour. We have dealt with those complaints so we're now coming back to the community to see if those complaints persist and in the same process we are again getting their views and their ideas and how best they can assist us with information to be able to better police their area."

City Crime On A Sustained Downswing
And that greater sense of legitimacy could be contributing to the unusual and very welcome sense of calm on the Southside. Knock on wood, we haven’t reported on a murder in the city for just over a month now – and Williams says it is most pronounced on the Southside:.. Sr. Supt Chester Williams - Commander, Eastern Division Southside "I have looked at the statistics going back years and we have never had a complete month where there was no murder on Southside Belize City until September. Since the 2 murders we have in October which was in the 2nd week of October we have not have another murder on Southside Belize City again for over a month now again. Even though we're still waiting to see what the end of November will bring, I am also pleased to report to you all that precinct 2 area which we are currently, we have not had a murder in precinct 2 for over 2 months, going to 3 months now.

Cops Get Wingles
Assisting in that crime suppression are two more vehicles for the Southside. It’s part of the ten that the police headquarters in Belmopan received in the first week of November and Williams says it’s almost enough to put his formation halfway to where it needs to be:… Sr. Supt Chester Williams - Commander, Eastern Division Southside "We received 2 additional vehicles, one assigned to precinct 1 and one assigned to precinct 2, so we continue to build on our fleet; we are not where we want to be. We have applied to the US embassy through the CARSI programme for 10 vehicles and as I have said before in order for us to effectively police outside we would want to police it, we need 10 vehicles. Currently we are half way there, we have 5. Of the 5, 3 are not in good working condition but we try to do our best with them.

70 Year Old Sexually Assaulted On San Pedro
A 70-year-old housewife was sexually assaulted on San Pedro on Monday night. She told police that on Monday night at 9:30, she was on Coco Plum street heading home when a man on bicycle attacked her. He dragged her into an overgrown, empty lot and punched her variously on the face and legs. She was knocked unconscious and woke up some time after to find her blouse torn, and underwear pulled down. Police have not made any arrests.

GIS Is The Future
World GIS Day was observed in Belize today - and Total Business Solutions had its 4th annual expo to make the technology behind GIS more accessible, especially to students. Organizer Loretta Palacio explains that GIS incorporates real world, everyday applications that are making a difference in society: The EXPO featured booths from BEL, BTL, the Sugar Industry Research & Development Institute, the Belize MetService, University of Belize, and The Amandala Newspaper.

Looking Back To 'Griga 2014
Tomorrow is Garifuna settlement day – and all roads lead, of course, to the culture capital Dangriga. And the day in Dangriga and throughout southern Belize begins with the re-enactment of the arrival that is called Yurumein. Last year, Courtney Weatherburne captured it in Dangriga, and tonight, as a primer for tomorrow, we reprise that story:…

Channel 5

Flooding Affects 8-Mile Community
The southern part of Belize was the most affected over the past weekend when heavy rains came down. Roads and other infrastructure were submerged under water and became passable when [...]

Elderly Woman Brutally Beaten and Sexually Assaulted
San Pedro Police are currently investigating a particularly heinous crime on the island and are seeking one man who they believe is still on the island. It is believed that [...]

Still No Charges for Choc Murder
On Tuesday afternoon, a post mortem exam was conducted on the body of sixteen year old Ivan Choc, who was heartlessly killed in front of his parents and siblings inside [...]

Nina Perez Still in Human Services Custody…Mother Begs for Compassion
Two-year-old Nina Charlotte Barrera-Perez was removed from her home in Orange Walk Town and taken into protective custody by the Human Services Department five days ago, last Friday. To date [...]

Southside Murders Down Significantly
The Southside of Belize City, knock on wood, is calm. In fact, we’d go so far as to say that there is unprecedented calm where violent crimes are concerned. Here’s [...]

Police Need More Vehicles to Patrol Southside
While the decrease in crime is significant and welcome, Williams says that if the police had the resources they needed, they would be able to do much more. Lack of [...]

Fathers Behind Bars for Drug Trafficking
Tonight, two Belize City fathers who are sole providers of their children are behind bars after both were convicted of drug trafficking. Two years ago in May 2013, Walter Beaten [...]

Liberty of the Seas to Visit Belize
The scheduled arrival of the Liberty of the Seas, a Freedom-class family vessel, at the peak of the 2015 tourist season, should see the landing of approximately three thousand, six [...]

Cruise Arrivals to Increase in Next Few Months…
While figures for this tourist season are on target in respect of cruise arrivals, an increase is expected in the months ahead.  With the addition of several European lines, it [...]

…Focus Remains on Visitor Experience
The launch of the Harvest Caye terminal will see a vacuum being filled in Belize City, as Norwegian will be taking its ships south.  According to Andrade, while a new [...]

Police Meet & Greet in the Martin’s
Today, the Police continued their meet and greet efforts, just one of several initiatives which they say are reaping real benefits. We caught up with officers speaking to residents on [...]

4th Annual GIS Expo Hosted in Belize
Across the globe, today is celebrated as World GIS Day and in Belize, following a symposium at the University of Belize last Friday; Total Business Solutions Limited hosted the fourth [...]

Traditional Activities Planned for Garifuna Settlement Day
On the eve of Garifuna Settlement Day, final preparations are being made by the branches of the National Garifuna Council for the traditional reenactment of the arrival of the Garinagu [...]

The Day Represents a Reflection on the Garifuna Culture
Following the mass, a parade will leave from the St. Martin De Porres Church travel contrary to traffic on Vernon Street turn into Youth for the Future Drive over the [...]

LOVE FM

Elderly Woman Assaulted on Ambergris Caye
An elderly woman of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, is recuperating from a harrowing experience she went through earlier this week. The 70-year-old, woman told police that she was on her way home at around nine thirty on Monday night when a man on a bicycle approached her and dragged her into an empty overgrown lot […]

PUP’s Deputy Will Not Seek Re-Election
As for Sandiford and her role as the Deputy Party Leader, she says she will not be seeking re-election come January 2016. CAROLYN TRENCH SANDIFORD “In terms of my post, no. I in fact I wrote myself out of the new structure because I do believe the trust of the party at this point is […]

PUP’s Sec Gen to Leave Secretariat
Reports are circulating that the Secretary General of the People’s United Party is resigning. Myrtle Palacio was brought in by Party Leader, Francis Fonseca and has been operating in that capacity since 2011. Love News asked the PUP’s Deputy Party Leader, Carolyn Trench Sandiford, if Palacio is leaving. CAROLYN TRENCH SANDIFORD “I have not received […]

Dr Jorge Hidalgo Dubbed Master of Critical Care Medicine by SCCM Council
Doctor Jorge Hidalgo has been practicing medicine in Belize for some years now and currently in an Internist at the Belize Healthcare Partners in Belize City. While Hidalgo has achieved several awards and recognition, he now has another achievement to add to his list. Earlier this month, Dr Hidalgo received a letter from the Council […]

Corozal Gets Head Start In 16 Days of Activism
Yesterday we told of the up and coming annual 16 days of activism in Belize that focuses on gender based violence and gender equality. While the program is not set to start until next Wednesday, La Escuela Secundaria Técnico de Mexico in San Roman Village, Corozal District got an early start today as a discussion […]

PlusTV

Belize Celebrates Garifuna Settlement Day for the 74th Year
History recalls that in 1832, a group of Garinagu people were led to Belize by a charismatic and ambitious Alejo Beni. In 1941, thanks to the well celebrated Thomas Vincent Ramos, Garifuna Settlement Day would become a public and bank Holiday and the historic arrival of the Garinagu to Belize would...

CARILED Helps Belize
CARILED, through whom the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) channels their resources to aid countries in the Caribbean with their local economic development plan, including Belize, met today at the YWCA in Belmopan with members of the Belmopan City Council. On the table for discussion was ...

BWS and Workers sign new CBA
This morning representatives of Belize Water Services Limited (BWS) and the Belize Water Services Workers Union (BWSWU) signed a new collective bargaining agreement before Labour Commissioner, Ivan Williams. The joint press release is short on details of the agreement but says it is retroactive to N...

Men sentenced for trafficking 50 pounds of weed
In the Magistrate’s Court today, two Belize City men were condemned to a heavy fine and prison time for trafficking over fifty pounds of cannabis found inside a Dodge Caravan at the police George Price Highway checkpoint at Mile 4 on May 11, 2013, two years ago. Senior Magistrate Sharon Frazer found...

Dennis Talbert denies unlicensed gun is his
Tonight, 24 year old Dennis Arthur Talbert Junior is on remand at the Belize Central Prison after accused of keeping an unlicensed firearm and 2 live rounds of ammunitions for a .38 COLT brand firearm. Late this evening, Talbert Junior was taken before Magistrate Deborah Rogers and pleaded not guilt...

Police in San Pedro investigate reported rape
A 70 year old housewife of San Pedro Town was reportedly raped. The senior citizen visited the San Pedro Police Station and reported that on Monday, 16th November, at around 9:30 p.m., she was heading home alone when a male person attacked her. She said that the male individual was riding a bicycle...

Where is the 12th Senator?
We’ve heard a lot over the past few years about the 13th Senator that was promised by Prime Minister Dean Barrow. However, that never came to fruition after his “change of heart” on the issue; but what about the 12th senator? Last Friday, only 11 senators were sworn in at the inaugural Senate Meetin...

Flood waters continue to recede
Families living in flood prone areas of the country are finally seeing a rays of hope as the skies begin to clear following incessant rains over the weekend which flooded several communities. Our camera crew travelled down south yesterday to take some footage of the devastation that was experienced ...

Mayan leader says Uxbenka continues to be destroyed
We last left the matter of the Santa Cruz Maya and their efforts to enforce the law against black resident Rupert Myles who had bulldozed part of the Uxbenka Maya ruin to build a pathway to the house in the village where the Institute of Archaeology (IOA) had announced plans to evict Myles and crimi...

Battle for Custody of Baby Nina
Social Media can be a viscous place where all sorts of personal attacks and private matters are publicly spewed. One social worker and her family had an ugly experience with just how vile it can become on Facebook. This is after the social worker was accused of kidnapping a 2 year old from Orange Wa...

Gang member arrested for gun possession
A known gang member was apprehended on Tuesday last week. According to reports, at around 5 a.m. on Tuesday November 11th , the gang suppression unit conducted a house search for illegal firearm and ammunition at the residence of one Dennis Arthur Talbert Jr. in Belize City. Authorities say that the...

Maya back in court over GOB delay
They won a major victory in the Caribbean Court of Justice earlier this year when the Government conceded that they have special customary rights over the land in and surrounding their villages in the Toledo District. But while GOB has consented to help the Maya define and enforce those rights throu...

Fatal hit and run on Southern Highway
Police are seeking one man whom they believe was involved in a fatal hit and run incident which claimed the life of one Carlota Contreras on Friday evening. According to police reports, sometime around 5:30 pm on Friday last week, police responded to a road traffic accident between miles 23 and 24 o...

Amandala

CCJ scolds GOB
The Toledo Maya, who are spread across 38 villages, have been waging a protracted legal battle for recognition, by the Government of Belize, of their customary land rights, which have been violated, according to a ruling last month by Belize’s highest court, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). This morning, the disputing parties reappeared before the CCJ via teleconference from the Belize Supreme Court with the CCJ justices sitting in Port of Spain, Trinidad, where the CCJ is headquartered. The Maya Leaders Alliance, represented by the first practicing Maya attorney, Monica Coc-Magnusson, filed an application against the Government of Belize, represented by Denys Barrow, SC, alleging that the government has done nothing since the consent order of April 2015, which sets out a clear mandate for a mechanism to give effect to Maya customary land tenure. At the end of today’s hearing, Barrow said that he would submit a report on the progress of the implementation of the consent order before January 21, 2016. The court then declared that the undertaking will be treated as an equivalent to an order of the court.

Lord’s Bank man, 31, gets 2 years for sexual assault of minor, 9
A Lords Bank resident who is also a single father of two children will be spending two years in prison after being found guilty this morning of sexual assault upon a minor. At the end of his trial today, Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser found Lionel Quiroz, 31, guilty of sexually assaulting a 9-year-old girl. On November 8, 2014, the child alleged that she was heading to her home in Lords Bank when Quiroz met her in the vicinity of the basketball court. The child told the court in her en camera testimony that Quiroz hugged her and then fondled her buttocks. Quiroz, however, in his defense told the court that the child could not have been referring to him, because on the day of the incident, he was not even in Lords Bank, so it couldn’t have been he who fondled the child. Quiroz insisted that he was in Biscayne at the time.

Boy,16, executed in front of parents
Two masked gunmen went into a house in Camalote about 8:00 Friday night, November 13, and one of them shot a teenage boy to death in front of his parents. Police say that when they went to investigate reports of a shooting in Young Bank Road, Camalote, at the home of Eluterio Choc, 35, they saw the lifeless body of Choc’s son, Ivan Choc, 16, lying face up in a pool of blood in the house, with gunshot wounds in the upper right side of the head, the middle of the right forearm, the right leg and right knee. Choc told police that he had just arrived home from work on Friday evening when his son asked him to go and buy fried chicken. He did so, and while they were eating the food in the house, they heard a knock on the door and when he went to open the door, two armed, masked men pushed their way into the house. One of the men pointed a 9mm pistol at them, while the other man, who was armed with a pump-action shotgun, stood in front of his son and stared at him, and his son began to plead for his life, begging the man not to kill him. The devastated father reported that the gunman then raised his gun and fired a blast at his son, hitting him in the arm and leg.

Guatemalan court orders Guat baby taken from Belize mother
Based on information from “Guatemalan central authorities,” Judith Alpuche, CEO in the Ministry of Human Development, says her department moved in on 22-year-old Analiz Perez Gutierrez and removed her 2-year-old child from her custody. Gutierrez said that she had been napping with her daughter at her Orange Walk residence on Friday, November 13, when a woman, accompanied by a uniformed male police officer, informed her that she was a social worker authorized to immediately take the child into custody, based on a ruling in a Guatemalan Court, which granted custody of the child to her biological father, a Guatemalan national. According to Gutierrez, the woman stated that the Office of Human Development, had been ordered by the Guatemalan Embassy in Belize to locate the child and remove her from her mother’s custody.

Shrimp industry suffers $30 mil loss from bacterial disease
Reports are indicating that the shrimp industry has suffered severe losses due to a bacteria known as “libya para humitas” that has somehow found its way into the ponds of the shrimp farms countrywide and killed large amounts of shrimp. Alvin Henderson, president of the Shrimp Growers Association, said that the bacteria was first discovered in March of this year and by June it had infected most of the shrimp farms. Henderson said that there was very little they could have done to prevent the disease, which may have come from one of the neighboring Central American countries such as Mexico, Guatemala, or Honduras, where the bacteria have been known to affect their shrimp farms. The Caribbean Shrimp Ltd. in Ladyville, which has been in operations since 1986 and is owned by Charles McIntosh, is the only shrimp farm that has not been affected by the disease. McIntosh told Amandala that he cannot say why his farm was not affected, but he did say that they grow their shrimp organically and don’t have as high a stocking density as a lot of the bigger farms.

Rained out PLB games pushed forward to this weekend
Premier League of Belize (PLB) Manager Wilhelm Miguel informed us today that all the games cancelled due to rainy weather over the past weekend, will be played this coming weekend, pushing back the schedule by another week. However, the 18th night scheduled back match between Placencia Assassins and Verdes FC remains as scheduled. (No date has yet been announced for the Bandits vs Verdes back mach.) There had been some rumors over the weekend that the BDF vs Police United game would have been played at the MCC on Sunday, but those rumors have been dispelled. “No way will anybody get us to play at the MCC in its present condition,” asserted Police United’s “five star general” Aaron “Gambis” Gamboa on Krem’s Press Cadogan sports show on Sunday morning. That match will still be the most important one this weekend, as BDF absolutely needs a victory to keep their playoff hopes alive. (See standings below. Only 4 teams will qualify to the playoffs.)

Understanding Belize’s venture at UNCAF Women U-17 Qualifiers in Honduras
A couple weeks ago on November 3, the FFB (Football Federation of Belize) released the names of 18 young female football players who would represent Belize “in U-17 Women’s World Cup Elimination Tournament to be held in Comayagua, Honduras from November 11th to 13th.” The tournament is over, and a familiar script has been played, where Belize athletes gained “exposure” on the international stage. It was an embarrassment, really; and one has to wonder if the exercise has done any good to inspire the development of the game among our young female athletes at home. The Central American (UNCAF) Group B originally consisted of four entries, host Honduras along with Costa Rica, Belize and Panama; but Panama earlier withdrew from the tournament, leaving Honduras, Costa Rica and Belize. In retrospect, it raises the question if Belize should also have passed on this tournament, and concentrated more on development of our team for a better future representation.

Editorial: Celebrating the Garinagu
“This book is about the Garifuna, more commonly known in the anthropological literature as Black Caribs, a people who presently inhabit the Atlantic littoral of Central America from Belize to Nicaragua; there are also clusters of Garifuna in several Central American cities and in the United States.” “I was immediately faced with the analytic problem of how to define the time and space boundaries of the sociocultural group with which I was dealing. When had they, in fact, become a distinct people? It was known that their ancestors had lived on the island of St. Vincent in the Lesser Antilles and that their language was closely related to those still spoken among Amerindians in Amazonia. But the blackness of their skin belied the notion that they had no roots in Africa, even though neither their own folklore nor scientific analysis (before 1975) had provided any concrete evidence of that. Should the possibility of an African past be ignored or downplayed, as they themselves preferred in the 1950s? Most anthropologists chose to do that until very recently, even though the empirical evidence caused us to hedge some of the time.

From the Publisher
A couple of the candidates seeking to represent the Republican Party in next year’s United States’ presidential election are the children of Cuban exiles. These are Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz. In Florida, where most of the Cuban exile families reside, Cubans who left the island after the victory of the Fidel Castro-led revolution on New Year’s Day of 1959, and their children and grandchildren, are known to be among the most right wing, neoliberal, and militaristic of American citizens. If you examine the Cuban exile population, you will also see that almost all of them are white, or appear to be white. Yet, half of the Cuban people were black or brown when Fidel came to power. Almost all Cubans of color remained in Cuba after the Cuban Revolution. Racism had been terrible in pre-Castro Cuba, and the Cuban Revolution has not been able to eradicate the legacy of centuries of slavery, but things became substantially better for the masses of black Cubans after the Revolution. That is why they prefer to remain on the island.

“Ointment” from Pastor Stirm
Dear Editor, I wish to make a correction to the article run in this last Sunday’s newspaper about the BAEC. In it you reported that an executive leader from Belize City “leaked” information, which was absolutely not correct. That executive of the Belize City chapter attended the National Executive meeting on October 2 in an official capacity, sitting in for Pastor Longsworth, who did not attend the meeting. With all due respect to the truth and the leaders of BAEC Belize City, his presence was official, and his report was official, not “leaked,” which carries a negative, disloyal connotation. Just a little ointment on the chafe… Thanks for your work…

Alfonso C remembers a Garcia Marquez story
Dear Editor, I read with much interest the first part of a true saga from the book “Lost at Sea,” published in Amandala’s Nov. 15th issue. This story again proves man’s endurance and capacity to survive! This story also took me back to Nobel Prize-winning author, Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s book , “Relato de un Naufrago” (Story of a castaway). In 1955 a Colombian navy vessel was returning from Mobile, Alabama after undergoing repairs. The vessel’s deck was overloaded with all types of appliances (contraband) being brought back by the crew to Colombia. Still hours away from home, the vessel listed and eight men and all the cargo were thrown into the Caribbean Sea. All but one of the eight crew perished. That one sailor survived in a raft and washed up on the shores of Colombia. Gabriel Garcia Marquez was a young man working as a reporter at the newspaper “El Expectador” de Bogota, when the lone survivor showed up and offered to sell his story to the newspaper. Garcia was given the job to interview the sailor, and the daily newspaper published the story over a two week span. Gabriel remembers that the newspaper’s circulation quadrupled! It is with much anticipation that I await the next issue of Amandala!

New entrepreneurship program seeks businesswomen
Twelve Caribbean countries, including Belize, are about to launch a new peer mentoring program which organizers say is intended to fast-track women entrepreneurs in the region and to scale-up their business. The infoDev certified facilitator, Danalyn Myvett, Belize Ambassador for Women’s Entrepreneurship Day, said that one of her portfolio responsibilities is to create and deliver a signature event where women in business come together. She plans to host a LeadHerShip Conference on November 25, 2015 at the Belize Biltmore Plaza. Myvette is promoting a new peer mentoring program, aimed at fast-tracking women entrepreneurs in the Caribbean. She is seeking 10 to 15 women entrepreneurs in Belize who have been in business for at least a few years, to engage in the program here. The call for applications closes next Friday, November 27, 2015. “It’s an exciting program. Don’t miss out!” she said.

12th National Assembly inaugurated, as Barrow commences historic 3rd term
Having been suspended with the announcement of early elections, the National Assembly has not met since September; but today, the recently elected parliamentarians, plus those appointees who will make up the Senate, converged for a ceremonial sitting of the 12th National Assembly in Belmopan. Governor-General Sir Colville Young said: “While it marks the 5th administration of the United Democratic Party, it is also the 1st time in post-independent Belize that a political party has been elected to 3 consecutive terms in office.” “The party banners are being lowered and the poster colors of red and blue and green will soon fade. And as we put away the paraphernalia of one ‘P,’ it is time to embrace that other ‘P.’ The ‘P’ we should value most: the “P” that stands for the people,” said the country’s first third-term Prime Minister, Dean Barrow. Barrow pledged that his administration will address issues such as jobs, education, health, and infrastructure.

Cleyon Marage, 11, bravely battling leukemia
While nationwide, many are gearing up for the November 19 celebrations, for some, celebrating is the furthest thing from their minds. Such is the case with Clovis Matura, 28, who has been a champion for her son, Cleyon Marage, 11, a leukemia patient diagnosed in April of 2014. We first told you about the pair in September of last year, shortly after Cleyon had been diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia, also known as AML. AML is a cancer of the myeloid line of blood cells, characterized by the rapid growth of abnormal white blood cells that accumulate in the bone marrow and interfere with the production of normal blood cells. Symptoms are caused by replacement of normal bone marrow with leukemic cells, which cause a drop in red blood cells, platelets and normal white blood cells.

Energy Expo at the Biltmore
The Ministry of Energy, Science & Technology and Public Utilities (MESTPU) hosted an Energy Expo at the Belize Biltmore Plaza as a part of the CARICOM Energy Week which is being observed from November 8 to November 14, 2015 under the theme “Empowering Our Sustainable Development.” Ryan Cobb of the Ministry of Energy, Science & Technology and Public Utilities said that the expo is to create awareness and educate the public about the energy sector and how Belize as a country uses energy.” Some of the participants of the expo were Belize Electricity Company Limited (BECOL), Belize Natural Energy (BNE), ProSolar Engineering, Transport Department and the Development Finance Corporation (DFC). The ProSolar Engineering provides electrification by means of solar power. Steve Bol, a technician of ProSolar, said “The Company has been in existence for five years and it is a renewable energy firm specializing in the design, development and implementation of solar, wind and micro-hydro power systems.” If you happen to live in a bungalow home, it would cost a onetime investment of $14,995 USD to electrify the home.

Belize issues Zik V alert, as first 5 cases confirmed in CARICOM
Belize and the rest of the Caribbean are on the alert, after the first cases of the Zika virus (Zik V), which transmits a dengue-like disease, were confirmed in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) last week Monday, November 9. The virus, which originated in Africa, is transmitted by biting mosquitos—specifically, the Aedes aegypti mosquito, the same vector which carries the virus for dengue and chikungunya, another emerging disease. A public advisory issued today, Monday, November 16, by the Belize Ministry of Health says that for the first time, the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) has confirmed five (5) cases of Zika virus in CARICOM. Oddly though, the CARICOM member state where the cases have occurred was not named in the CARPHA release. Kim Bautista, Chief of Operations, Vector Control, told Amandala that they have not been informed which Caribbean country has confirmed the presence of Zik V.

Our Heritage: Pen Cayetano pays tribute with 34-piece art exhibit
Garifuna Settlement Day is celebrated each year on November 19, and this year, the iconic and internationally-acclaimed Belizean Garifuna painter, Pen Cayetano, is holding an exhibit of 34 oil on canvas paintings, all original works, under the title, Our Heritage, as he pays tribute to Belize’s heritage through the eyes of a Garifuna man. “The main objective is to keep our Belizean heritage alive,” the artist said. “Belize has a unique heritage…. Our heritage is our strength.” Cayetano, 61, told Amandala that he is the only survivor of the group of painters who comprised the Soul to Art group back in 1975, which also included icons such as Benjamin Nicholas, Louis Sylvestre, and Percival Cain. He said that the heritage paintings which were the specialty of these artists are today hard to come by. The paintings—such as Royal Salute, which recreates a 1911 scene—also capture history. Pen paints himself in his favorite piece, Departure of old Belize boats, capturing life in the 60s. Hugo Juarez Carillo, counselor for press and legal affairs at the Embassy of Mexico in Belize at the Institute of Culture, where the exhibit is being held, told Amandala that Cayetano’s work is world class.

Entrepreneurs assisted in honing their skills
Entrepreneurs were assisted in honing their skills in a workshop that ran from November 9 to November 13, and which was administered through Young Americans Business Trust (YABT), MASHAV, BELTRAIDE, Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and several other organizations. The aim of the training was reportedly to provide the participants with managerial and practical experience in the different aspects of small business. Chantae Guy, 23, a business student at the University of Belize and small business owner of Jungle Fever Teas, which she produces and sells in five stores across the country, told Amandala that the workshop has taught her how to work as part of a team, and to make her entrepreneurial skills second-nature. Guy also noted that Belizeans tend to overlook the importance of registering their products in order to own their brands legally.

Munchi and Gapi libel case ends
The case brought against Ramon “Munchi” Cervantes, Jr., and Fiesta FM by Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Gaspar “Gapi” Vega ended in the Supreme Court of Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin shortly after 1:00 p.m. today, after both sides made final oral submissions. Chief Justice Benjamin indicated to the parties that he will issue a ruling on December 22. Cervantes’ attorney, Said Musa, told Amandala today that he is confident that his client will be exonerated based on the deficiencies in the case that attorney Rodwell Williams, SC, had argued before the court. Musa said that Vega did not present any evidence of what was broadcast. Instead, Vega had a tape recording of what was broadcast on Love FM, and Love FM was not the entity being sued, Musa emphasized. Musa also stressed that the plaintiff Vega could not make up his mind about the particular actions against which he was filing suit. Cervantes, Musa said, was sued for slander, while Fiesta FM was sued for libel.

Dolores won Hattieville by 155, lost Ladyville by 253
In my column last week, I wrote that our sources had said that it was the Hattieville boxes which sank Dolores. This was not so. Dolores won Hattieville, but she lost Ladyville by too large a margin. Below is a breakdown of the village boxes in Belize Rural Central for the November 4 general election. Another very interesting constituency was Stann Creek West. On election night, the early word was that the UDP’s Walter Garbutt, a newcomer but a popular teacher, had won Stann Creek West. Our sources say that Mr. Garbutt had actually left the counting room to begin celebrating, and that the PUP incumbent, Rodwell Ferguson, had also departed from the room, in effect conceding. But, there was a bombshell foul up in which the Georgetown boxes had not been counted and recorded. The Georgetown boxes then put Rodwell over the top by 8 votes, the narrowest margin of victory in the 31 divisions. Below is a breakdown of the village boxes in Stann Creek West.

Baby did not drown in flood as reported
The ever-expanding presence of social media and the public’s almost instant access to information on the internet has caused an explosion in new, unconventional sources of news stories. Increased availability of information, however, does not guarantee accuracy, and sometimes those gathering information on the internet pass on what turn out to be incomplete or inaccurate stories. Over the weekend, there was a lot of news coverage of the heavy rains and consequent flooding in the southern districts of Stann Creek and Toledo. In one of the news stories about the flood carried on Love FM and the internet site Belize Breaking News (BBN) it was reported that a two-month-old infant slipped out of her mother’s arms and drowned in the flood. The mother and her infant child were heading home to Santa Cruz when the incident occurred, both news sources reported yesterday, Sunday. Today, Monday, however, Amandala spoke to the area representative of Toledo West, Hon. Oscar Requeña, who told us that indeed, there was an incident involving a mother and her infant child.

River Valley on watch as flood displaces hundreds in southern Belize
Hundreds of residents of southern Belize were displaced over the weekend—and some are still unable to return to their homes—after a tropical wave spawned bouts of torrential rains which drenched the Belize, Cayo and Toledo Districts. Persons from districts in Stann Creek and Toledo began seeking shelter on Saturday. Four-ton army trucks assisted with getting villagers out of places which had become impassable to regular traffic. The National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) provided emergency relief supplies, such as stoves and gas for cooking, for persons who were not able to return to their homes for days. They were also provided with blankets, mattresses, and medical supplies. About 400-500 head of cattle, valued at several thousands of dollars, had to be taken to higher ground because their pastures had been inundated, and feed had been moved in for them with the assistance of the Ministry of Agriculture.

The Reporter

BERT announces licensed EMTs
The Belize Emergency Response Team (BERT), this week announced the list of Emergency Medical technicians, who have been licensed for the 2015-2015 period. The 27 persons on the list have satisfied the licensing criteria of completing the required amount of continuing professional development hours and […]

Caribbean Public Health Agency warns about Zika virus outbreak
The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), this week, confirmed five cases of the Zika virus in the Caribbean and has issued a cautionary note for all nations in the region to be alert. Belize’s Ministry of Health (MOH) is preparing for the arrival of the […]

Pan American Development Foundation and Taiwan donate equipment to UB
The Pan American Development Foundation (PADF) donated $4,000.00 worth of technological equipment, tools and software to the University of Belize (UB) last Friday. The donation, made on UB’s second Annual Geographic Information Sytems (GIS) Day, was made possible through the support of the Republic of […]

CARICOM condemns Paris attacks amidst criticisms of biased media coverage
Amidst criticisms that the international media has given biased coverage of the recent terrorist attacks in France, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) issued a statement in support of those killed and injured. Following the attacks last Friday, the CARICOM Secretariat issued a statement condemning the attacks, […]

Complicated custody battle leaves two-year-old in crossfire
A complicated custody battle between a Belizean mother and a Guatemalan father has resulted in their two-year-old daughter being handed over to the Department of Human Services. The Family Court awarded custody of Neña Perez to the Department. According to the Chief Executive Officer in […]

Because Taiwan is a part of Gaia
Written by: Minister Kuo-Yen Wei During the 1970s, British scholar James Lovelock put forward the Gaia hypothesis, which proposes that the Earth is a self-regulating, complex system, and that human beings constitute one organ of this entity. The well-being of the planet is thus dependent on humankind’s ability to achieve […]

Stakeholders in Belize discuss COP 21
This week public and private sector stakeholders gathered at the Best Western Belize Biltmore Plaza Hotel to discuss Belize’s national position on climate change. The two-day consultation hosted by the National Climate Change Office, was held to assist with the preparation of Belize’s Intended National […]

Lower sugar prices for next crop is nothing new, says CEO
While the price per ton of sugar cane delivered this coming crop year to the Belize Sugar Industries will be significantly lower than the last few years, it is nothing new from what cane farmers had been receiving five years ago, a Ministry of Agriculture […]

Police find weed at Tropic Air Office
The Police Special Branch and Criminal Investigation Branch, intercepted a shipment of marijuana at a Tropic Air branch in Ranchito Corozal, on Friday. The police claims that they reacted to a tip to search a box of Lala Milk. The box was sealed with transparent […]

Shrimp industry faces viral disease; $30 million in losses
An estimated $30 million and hundreds of jobs have been lost due to a viral disease at shrimp farms across the country. The crisis has investors trying to grapple with salvaging one of Belize’s largest income earners. Since the virus was detected in March, […]

First Kareem Clarke Memorial this Saturday
The first Kareem Clarke Memorial, organized by a group of local journalists, will be held this Saturday at the BTL Park from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in memory of the late slain Kremandala reporter. The event will feature an award ceremony for the […]

Congratulations
By: Neri Briceño Dear Editor: I extend my congratulations to both Prime Minister Dean Barrow and the UDP for the victory achieved in last week’s General Elections. It was a hard fought fight, but ultimately the party was victorious, which should translate into an overall victory for the party and […]

Dispute over property leads to triple chopping. Cops arrest Dad
A father from San Pedro Colombia Village in Toledo faces two counts of attempted murder after he chopped his two sons, when they intervened in a domestic dispute to defend their mother. In the process, one of the sons was critically wounded and is receiving […]

Heavy weekend downpour inundates Belize again
Heavy weekend showers caused several low-lying areas throughout the country to flood, resulting in hundreds of families evacuating their homes. Late Saturday, the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) issued several advisories with evacuation tips and flood notifications, primarily for southern Belize. By Sunday, the advisory […]

Editorial
The last two weeks have been a busy time for the new government, but now that ministerial portfolios have been allocated and the Senate nominations are complete, Belizeans are waiting to see what else will unfold in the first hundred days of the new Barrow administration. There are several pieces […]

Lisa Shoman to vie for PUP leadership
Lisa Shoman, who has been appointed again by the People’s United Party (PUP) to serve in the Senate, has indicated her intention to vie for leadership of the party, making history in Belize on a platform where no woman has ever before ventured. Shoman made […]

Mother needs assistance for severely injured child
Marla Encalada, the mother of severely injured six-year-old Kareema Encalada, this week made an emotional plea for financial assistance to seek outside medical treatment to repair the child’s mutilated pelvis. “It’s hard for me; I’m pleading to the public to assist me in whatever way, […]

Mayas return for clarification - again!
On Tuesday a panel of Caribbean Court of Justice judges gave GOB a deadline of two months to return with a concrete plan with a view to defining Mayan land rights, in consultation with the Mayan people. Representatives of the Mayan Leaders Alliance (MLA) and the Toledo Alcaldes Association (TAA) […]

Breaking Belize News

Happy Garifuna Settlement Day
Tomorrow is the official observation of Garifuna Settlement Day in Belize, which is celebrated on November 19th of each year to honor the coming of the Garinagu people to this country after being exiled from Roatan Honduras following a republican revolt. Led by the great Alejo Beni, a […]

Belize Water Service and Workers sign new Collective Bargaining Agreement
This morning representatives of Belize Water Services Limited (BWS) and the Belize Water Services Workers Union (BWSWU) signed a new collective bargaining agreement before Labour Commissioner, Ivan Williams. The joint press release is short on details of the agreement but says it is retroactive to November 1, 2015 […]

Minor charged over stolen motorbikes and pleads guilty to escape
A 17 year old minor who had been on the run for the last three weeks was picked up by police and today arraigned on two counts of handling stolen goods and an additional charge for escape from lawful custody while being detained for handling stolen goods. He […]

Men sentenced for trafficking 50 pounds of weed
In the Magistrate’s Court today two Belize City men were condemned to a heavy fine and prison time for trafficking over fifty pounds of cannabis found inside a Dodge Caravan at the police George Price Highway checkpoint at Mile 4 on May 11, 2013, two years ago. Senior […]

Belize Bank donates $2,000 to Mr. Belize competition
On October 30th, the Belize Bank continued to show its commitment in supporting sporting activities and youth development by making a donation of $2,000 to the Belize Body Building and Fitness Federation’s (BBBFF) annual Mr. Belize Competition. A release from the bank stated that the donation is one way of […]

Minor pleads guilty for handling stolen boat engine
Two relatives, a minor and his 36 year old relative, Daniel Humes, both fishermen, were arraigned in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court today on a single charge of handling stolen goods. Allegations are that on Monday, November 16, 2015, both men were found in possession of an outboard […]

Who owns unlicensed gun found in Belize City?
Tonight, 24 year old Dennis Arthur Talbert Junior is on remand at the Belize Central Prison after accused of keeping an unlicensed firearm and 2 live rounds of ammunition for a .38 COLT brand firearm. Late this evening, Talbert Junior was taken before Magistrate Deborah Rogers and pleaded […]

Belize Bank proudly supports the Salvation Army Christmas Program
The Belize Bank Ltd was pleased to provide its support to the Salvation Army once again during this Christmas season. The Bank presented its contribution of $5,000.00 towards the Salvation Army’s Christmas Program which reaches out to children and adults across the country providing toys, and delivering food hampers to […]

Eight men charged for bar fight
Appearing before Magistrate Carlos Mendoza in court yesterday morning, were eight men who all pleaded not guilty charges of “Disorderly Conduct” and “Damage to Property”, which were levied against them for their involvement in a bar fight at La Catracha Bar recently. Located on Coney Drive in Belize City, the […]

Incursions into Belize still a problem
Although incursions by Guatemalan Xateros and illegal loggers have decreased in recent years, in an interview with the media yesterday, the Executive Director of Friends of Conservation and Development (FCD), Rafael Manzanero, said that incursions by xateros, gold panners and farmers from neighboring Guatemala making milpas in Belizean territory, still […]

Post-mortem on minor conducted
A post mortem was conducted on the body of 16-year-old Ivan Endy Choc of Young Bank Road, Roaring Creek Village, yesterday by Dr. Mario Estradabran. The examination, which was done between the hours of 1:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m., determined that Choc died of “Massive Brain Damage due to Head […]

70-year-old woman brutally raped in San Pedro
San Pedro Police received a disturbing report of the assault and rape of a 70-year-old housewife in that municipality, which occurred on Monday, November 16th, while the woman was walking home alone in the area of Coco Plum Street. The elderly housewife told officers that around 9:30 p.m. on the […]

Belize exports are up
A release of the trade figures for the third quarter of this year, by the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB), indicates that there has been massive improvement in our country’s import to export ratio, with a drop in imports and a huge rise in exported products. Comparing the amount of […]

Belize: The Socio-Cultural Evolution and The Economy
Belize is a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic melting pot with population of around 360,000. In 1964, or 50 years ago, the population was 103,000…..which means the population has more than tripled in half-a-century. This growth has been fueled by organic multiplication of the local stock of creoles (black mixed with […]

Blogs

Reaching Across the Science to Society Gap
The chasm between science and society is wide and deep, illustrated most recently by events in climate science and calls for biodiversity protection. Scientists tend to blame it on society, but scientists also share the blame. It is thus essential that the scientific community — and scientists as individuals — begin to re-think our approach to doing science. This is particularly salient for biologists who study how natural systems work, given the widespread influence of human activities on Earth’s life-support systems and the profound dependence of humanity on other living things. Scientists can distance themselves from society in four ways, sometimes inadvertently, sometimes intentionally. 1. They tend to pursue a research agenda they are passionate about, often without thinking about how the energy devoted to a particular project serves society. 2. Most scientists regard their job as finished when they report their results in a specialized research journal, adding a notch to their publication count.

24 Things About The Garifuna Culture
T1. he culture started in the North Eastern South America and the Caribbean (From the edges of the Orinoco River into the Caribbean Sea) 2. The Roots of the Garifuna culture come from Black Caribs and Arawaks. Labeling is topical – ROOTS is where the answer is! 3. Saint Vincent is the place where between 1000AD to 1796AD the Garifuna were formed. 4. For the Garifuna, God is feminine. 5. The Arawaks moved up from South America (Orinoco Basin) around 0AD (birth of Christ); the Caribs moved into the Caribbean around 1000AD. 6. Christopher Columbus met the Island Tainos (Arawak) 7. On the islands, the Arawak had gold, elaborate dances, used tobacco and other drugs, they were a loving people who were organized via matriarchal lines. 8. The Caribs were raiders and traders. Among their raiding, they collected the Arawak women – which will sooner be a part of the larger Garifuna cultural mix and language 9. After the biological mixing of Caribs and Arawak, the children were organized with a patronymic organization. They started to take their names form their fathers 10. The Garifuna people move extensively in a extensive territory

The competition was stiff and the video footage funny
Minute to Win It for Charity at Roadkill Bar is growing popular fast. A big crowd came out to support Monday night’s charity the Belize Red Cross San Pedro Branch. This Week’s Games: Puddle Jumper, Face the Cookie, Mochachino (sponsored by Caye Coffee), Stick the Landing, Rapid Fire (sponsored by Island Time Brewing Company), Dizzy Mummy, Back Flip, How’s it Hanging and the last game to determine the winner, Nutstacker. Games will not be announced ahead of time, but if you want to win next week, practice Minute to Win it at home. Just go to That Blue Print Guy on YouTube and use this weeks list of games and the ones from last week Minute to Win it for Charity as a starting point.

Ambergris Caye Vs. Placencia, Belize: Buying A Beach Home in Belize…How Do You Make This Choice?
Ambergris Caye and Placencia, Belize. Both beach towns. Both have ever growing expat communities, both have restaurants, bars, shopping…both have lots to offer. And let me tell you before I start any of this – I have no definitive answer. Some people visit Belize once or repeatedly…falling in love with one spot…and the choice is easy. Keep in mind that Belize is relatively tiny – about the size of the state of Massachusetts. It’s just about 170 miles from North to South. Others visit both popular resort areas and weigh the pros and cons of each spot. But without moving there and really diving into the waters (rather than just testing them)…it’s a tough call. Both spots are gorgeous. So here are what I think the differences and similarities are…and then I’ll show you a few real estate options in both. Hopefully it will help you get an overview.

The value of volunteering
I am living proof that volunteering with conservation organisations like Wildtracks can help put you on the right track to achieving your dream job. For years, while I was studying and working in international development, I struggled to marry my passion for marine conservation and my work in natural disaster research. Most of the time I ended up spending more time and effort on my volunteer jobs outside of work than my actual paid job. One day, nearing the end of my contract, I searched an international environmental job website to see what kinds of conservation and research jobs were out there. I was so amazed and inspired to see all of these incredible positions as cetacean observers, project coordinators for coastal monitoring work, wildlife rehabilitation, research assistants in biological data collection projects, marine conservation advocacy, etc. I looked at all of these different types of dream jobs and studied the qualifications and requirements for each of them. I wanted to merge my passion into my profession but wasn’t sure how. After looking at the trends in the requirements, a mental light bulb clicked on - I clearly needed to get the relevant education and field experience in marine biology in order to get these jobs, instead of pleading with potential employers about my passion and transferable skills. That is how the simple activity of a job search inspired me to go back to school to get an MSc in Marine Environmental Management.

Read this before deciding to travel to Belize! How does Belize TRULY compare to other exotic vacations?
After hearing guest feedback about Belize for the last 2 years, I thought it was time to put together a post about who may love their vacation to Belize, and who may be a better fit for other places; I sincerely hope potential guests will read this before they come. Expectations are a big part of vacation, and no one wins if a tourist expected one thing, but found that what they were told did not match reality. This is more of an article then a blog post, less for entertainment and more for your own research for your trip! It can be so hard to choose a destination for your vacation; every place you research is going to look perfect on the internet. Only by doing a bit more research will you be able to determine the subtle or significant differences between "paradises!" HOW DOES BELIZE COMPARE TO OTHER BEACH DESTINATIONS? This is hard to capture in one paragraph! One reason Belize recently won international awards for Best Overall Destination and Best Beach Destination (Ambergris Caye and Placencia, respectively) is because Belize truly offers an authentic and sightly off the beaten path experience - NOT because Belize offers perfection unlike anywhere else. Belize is NOT like Cancun or many of the traditional places you find on cruise ports, like Nassau, St Thomas, The Dominican Republic, etc.

International Sources

MFX Broker Belize Regulation Solid as Regulator Delists Old Company
On the 17th of November the Belize financial regulatory agency posted information on its website that the entity MFX BROKER Inc. is no longer regulated by it. The International Financial Services Commission of Belize omitted to point out in its announcement that the company behind the brokerage, MFX BROKER, changed to Master Services Inc. According to the company’s representatives, Master Services Inc. is the owner of MFX BROKER’s brand with 2 licenses of International Financial Services Commission (IFSC) Belize. There were no notifications or license revocations of the company. The MFX BROKER INC entity mentioned in the IFSC announcement that it has not carried out any activity as it was closed 2 years ago. According to Igor Volkov, President of MFX Broker: “In late 2013 we decided to work in several different countries around the globe on behalf of sole legal body. Master Services Inc. was registered for this purpose. The entity received all required licenses in Belize. We closed all other entities so that clients are not confused about the company they are working with. However, the regulator posted the information about the event just two years after the change, mainly the regulator announced information about MFX BROKER INC entity which is not active and was closed so far.”

Belize’s IFSC warns against Profit Riders, promising up to 200% in daily return
The International Financial Services Commission of Belize (IFSC) has published one more warning on its website. The watchdog has voiced its concerns regarding Profit Riders Inc., an investment firm operating via www.profit-riders.com. The company is promising generous profits – up to 200% in daily returns, to investors that decide to entrust Profit Riders their money. The IFSC notes that the company is purporting to be registered in Belize to carry out online investment activities under registration number IFSC/60/560/TS/15 stating its registered office to be 84 Albert Street, Belize City, Belize, C.A. However, these claims are fake. The regulator confirms that “Profit Riders Inc.” is not licensed by the International Financial Services Commission of Belize or any other competent authority in Belize to engage in trading in securities or any type of international financial services. Investors are asked to exercise extreme caution with regards to this business entity and to inform the IFSC in case they are contacted by representatives of Profit Riders

Maya No Mystery to Her
In 2001, I traveled to the Belize-Guatemala border to report on UCSB archaeologist Anabel Ford’s many discoveries at El Pilar, the Maya monument complex she uncovered in 1983. That’s where she developed revolutionary theories that threatened to rock the academic world, namely that the Maya did not “disappear” due to an overpopulation cataclysm, but merely dwindled with time. Instead, Ford found that the Maya proudly persist in Mesoamerica, that they use the surrounding forest as a sustainable, civilization-supporting garden like they have for millennia, and that the use of fire is a critical part of that farming, not indicative of a widespread “slash-and-burn” culture that so many believe contributed to their demise. Fifteen years later, though, Ford is banging those same drums while the tone-deaf academic establishment clings to ideas invented decades ago. Her latest strike is the book The Maya Forest Garden: Eight Millennia of Sustainable Cultivation of the Tropical Woodlands, which she coauthored with Ronald Nigh, a professor in Chiapas, Mexico. In relatively nontechnical language, the book uses research from multiple fields to detail the scientific evidence behind Ford’s belief that the Maya forest can indeed sustain a large population, suggesting that the collapse was probably more of a slow sociopolitical process than a carrying-capacity catastrophe.

Canadian investor in court over seizing Garifuna land
An investor known as the ‘Canadian porn king’ faced court last Friday, November 13, accused of illegally seizing land from Garifuna communities on the east coast of Honduras Randy Jorgensen – who earnt the title of ‘porn king’ for amassing his wealth through an empire of pornographic video stores – faced charges of illegally appropriating Garifuna land for tourism development projects in Trujillo. According to Human Rights NGO Rights Action, the judge ruled that there was insufficient evidence for the case to proceed to trial. However, the Garifuna do have a five-year window in which to present new evidence. The Garifuna are descended from Arawak and Carib indigenous people and escaped West African slaves. Living in small coastal communities in Guatemala, Belize, Honduras and Nicaragua, they number about 300,000. In Honduras, there are some 100,000 Garifuna who have lived along the Caribbean coast for more two centuries, farming on small plots of land and practising subsistence fishing.

The Caribbean contribution to the First World War
Thirty years before the Empire Windrush docked at Tilbury, black and Asian soldiers were in Europe fighting for the ‘Mother Country’. Many people of Caribbean origin will have an ancestor who took part in the First World War – one of the 397 officers and 15,204 men from Britain’s Caribbean colonies who served in the British West Indies Regiment (BWIR). The regiment was formed 100 years ago because the War Office in London was unhappy about black soldiers serving in British regiments. They were drawn from the Bahamas, Barbados, British Guiana (Guyana), British Honduras (Belize), Grenada, the Leeward Islands (Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, British Virgin Islands, Dominica and St Kitts and Nevis), St Lucia, St Vincent and Trinidad & Tobago. However, the biggest contingent – two-thirds of the total – came from Jamaica. They served on the front line against the Turkish Army in Palestine and Jordan. General Allenby praised “…the excellent conduct of the machine-gun section of the BWIR during two successful raids on the Turkish trenches. All ranks behaved with great gallantry under heavy rifle fire.” Others were sent to the trenches of France and Flanders, the sands of Egypt and the mountain passes of northern Italy. They were given the unglamorous but essential (and often lethal) jobs of digging trenches, loading ammunition and laying telephone wires.

Videos

November 18, 2015

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, LOVETV, PGTV, West Vision (Cayo) and CTV 3. Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, Rise and Shine Morning Show, and the Dickie Bradley Specials

The San Pedro Sun

Island athletes amongst Belize’s delegation at the U-17 UNCAF Elimination Tournament
From Wednesday, November 11th to Friday, November 13th, Belize National U-17 Female Football Team were in Comayagua, Honduras participating in the U-17 Women’s World Cup Central American Football Union (UNCAF) Elimination Tournament. The tournament saw our young Belizean footballers competing against U-17 National teams from Honduras and Costa Rica in hopes of advancing to the 2016 Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) Women’s U-17 Championship. Even though Belize did not make the cut, they definitely displayed great skills and sportsmanship. While in Honduras, the Belize team played two matches at the Estadio Carlos Miranda. In their first match Belize lost against Honduras in a 9-1 point game. Their second match also ended in a 15-0 defeat against Costa Rica. With the two losses, Belize placed last in the group.

Nothing but Blue Skies and Blue Seas
Flights to and from the cayes are definitely my favorites. You get the perfect bird’s eye view of the bluest of blues dotted by crests of our Barrier Reef. Marvel at all the channels and take in the view of the sailboats as they’re anchored below.

SPTC donates to San Pedro Cancer Society
The San Pedro Cancer Society (SPCS) was the recipient of a donation from the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) on Wednesday, November 11th at the Town Hall. Mayor Daniel Guerrero along with Councilor Ruben Gonzalez, who is in charge of the Health portfolio for the island, presented a cheque of $5000.06 to the president and members of the SPCS. The donation was the result of a fruitful effort from a dollar drive organized by the staff of the SPTC in honour of Breast Cancer Awareness Month on Saturday October 31st. Gonzalez encourages everyone to take advantage of the free services at the clinic, especially on Mondays when the exams are done. However, he stated that when it comes to emergencies no one will be denied of the service during any other day of the week.

Misc Belizean Sources

Miss Earth Belize Christine Syme
Christine Syme at Belize's Phillip Goldson Goldson International Airport departing for Vienna, Austria.

Power Interruption from 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Sunday November 22nd for the entire Corozal District
BEL to replace utility poles and conduct testing of equipment at the Buena Vista Substation.

Power interruption 10:00am to 2:00pm, Friday, November 20, Stann Creek: Hope Creek, Alta Vista, Pomona, Steadfast, Valley Community, Hummingbird Community, Middlesex & St. Margaret’s
BEL to replace utility poles carrying high voltage lines & lightning arresters & install equipment on power distribution system in area.

CAPPS District Finals
CAPPS and the BNLS are having the district finals for the Story Reading Contest today at the George Price Center. "You're cordially invited to our 10th Annual CAPPS Story Reading Contest, 2015!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Travel Agents from the US on their FAM in San Pedro

International Student's Day
HAPPENING TODAY!!!! If you are serious about studying in the U.S. then you need to check out this virtual college fair! More than 4,500 accredited colleges and universities in the U.S. are welcoming students like you. If you’re thinking about applying, log in to a November 18 live, virtual college fair to get information on many of these schools. sign up here: http://goo.gl/eumgGv 125+ universities, scholarships and more Join this free online college fair to chat with 100+ universities directly including NYU, Cornell, UCLA and get personal advice from EducationUSA, ETS experts and more. When: November 18, 2015 (Wednesday) from 4:00AM to 4:00PM EDT

Waste Water Soakaways
With all these recent rains resulting in water logged land, some may be having problems with waste water Soakaways. I hope I am not speaking too soon, but I have three soakaways in my garden, none have given any trouble this year or any trouble since they were put in. My main soakaway is from my septic tank, which is a large 3 chamber system, which then feeds into a deep underground soakaway, which is about 4 feet wide, 30 - 40 feet long on two sides and about 8 - 9 feet deep. . . . In its bottom there are large stones, then smaller stones and even smaller, then covered with several layers of plastic sheeting and finally with about 3 - 4 feet or regular garden soil. ... There is no indication on the surface lawn and plants where that soakaway is.

BHA BI-ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
BELIZE HOTEL ASSOCIATION BI-ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING !!! Date: Tuesday, December 1, 2015 Time: 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Place: Laru Beya Resort, 19 3/4 mls, Placencia Road, Seine Bight. Dynamic Guest Speaker, Get General updates on BHA activities, Learn about the exciting new projects and marketing activities, Chinese Auction to support BHA Scholarship Fund.

Belize Wildlife & Referral Clinic Fundraiser Gala
Saturday, November 21at 6:00pm. San Ignacio Resort Hotel. Our menu will feature Lionfish and steak or a scrumptious pasta dish. Silent Auction will commence at 6, dinner at 7:30. Music by Cloud 9 will begin at 9. BWRC continues to receive amazing silent auction items. Please remember to make your reservations for Saturdays Gala event NOW, either through BWRC or at the San Ignacio Hotel front desk. Thanks to a lot of generous donors we have received over 60 awesome items for the silent auction including hotel stays and tours, as well as art work, jewellery, massages, gift baskets and other gift certificates. Support BWRC's free medical care and rehabilitation for imperilled wildlife while enjoying an entertaining night out with a three course meal and accomplish early christmas shopping with great deals to be had. Ticket price is 85 and deadline for reservations is Thursday. Hope to see you there?

Paint N Splash
This Thursday at Crazy Canucks Beach Bar 2p.m. Let me know if you are coming.

Belize delegation at VII Continental Meeting of Indigenous Women of the Americas

Channel 7

How Nanes Shnitzer Became David Banes, Belizean Extraordinaire
International fugitive David Nanes Schnitzer is at the Hattieville prison - after being caught in San Pedro two weeks ago. Right now, he's basically on a holding charge for a fake driver's license - until Mexican authorities can figure out a way to get him transferred to their side of the border where he is wanted for his part in a ponzi scheme, where Mexican investors were defrauded of tens of millions of dollars. So, he's not even being investigated in Belize for all the dubious id's he had. 7News has learned that Nanes Shnitzer changed his named to David Banes - basically taking the "N" out of Nanes and substituting it with a "B". Under that name he got a permanent residency card, a Belizean passport, a driver's license for Belize City, a drivers license for San Pedro, a social security card, a boat master's license, and for good measure, even a voter's ID. Basically Nanes had every type of Belize ID that exists - all under an assumed name. Our sources say that the passport was obtained through the immigration Department - back in 201 or 2011, when the backdoor operations at that Department were in full swing.

Mayas Go Back To CCJ to Force GOB Compliance
Just over 2 weeks ago, we told you how the Maya communities of the south had won a landmark victory in the Caribbean Court of Justice. The country's highest appellate court ordered that the Government of Belize has to make reparations of $300,000 for all the decades that the colonial and post-colonial governments had refused to recognize and protect their land rights. The main case had been decided back in April when the Government surprised everyone and decided to concede to that recognition and protection of their rights. The Court made it a binding consent order which meant that the Government was legally obligated to carry out a process of formally recognizing and protecting that rights within the laws of Belize. But, the Mayans have been waiting for about 7 months for the Government to at least start consultations with the 39 Maya villages on how those rights should be formalized. The Government has done nothing as yet to comply with the order, and so the Maya claimants filed another application to the CCJ as sort of wake up call.

Baby Suzette's Survival Against Stacked Odds In Toledo West
Last night, we took you deep into southwestern Toledo, to San Jose Village, one of the many communities inundated by the floods due to the weekend rains. That's where 2 month-old baby, Suzette Adelicia Caac almost lost her life after falling from a man's arms while he tried to cross a flooded bridge. While there is a collective sigh of relief that the infant did not perish, the near tragedy has given us an opportunity to take a snapshot of what residents of the remote villages in the south face whenever there is any kind of rain. This stream didn't look threatening yesterday, but during the weekend, it was the location where 2 month-old baby Suzette Adelicia Caac could have lost her life. The rains had turned it into a coursing waterway, much like this one which I was crossing to verify that our news team could actually make it into San Jose Village. Yes, what you're looking at is a low-lying bridge covered by floodwaters. We're told it had gone down significantly.

SNAFU: Situation Normal All Flooded Up In Toledo
So, is this an accurate representation of the realities of the 39 Mayan Villages scattered all over Toledo? Well, that's what we asked the Program Coordinator for the Maya Leaders Alliance, and here's what he had to say about the situation: Pablo Mis, Program Coordinator - MLA "Unfortunately that has been the reality of many of our communities when it comes to flooding they become very isolated from the commercial areas in town, but also it hinders the ability to pursue other activities such as generating some income. It is a big issue. It also affects not only when its flooding, but this amount of rain has prohibited many of our students to not reach high schools and primary schools. You will notice at times there are bus drivers, to not go on the road because the roads are very terrible. They are in the worst of conditions. So that unfortunately is the reality for communities and the Toledo districts perhaps has the highest numbers of communities that still does not have electricity. A lot of communities and our children are studying with candle and flash lights - situations that should not be happening at this time. But that is something that we have discussed collectively with the Maya people and those are the main issues, the central issues that the Maya land rights hopes to address. We do recognize that the government will not be able to address all of those issues on their own and it is our hope that by working along with the Maya people, recognizing their rights to those lands, allowing the Maya people to pursue other alternatives of income generation of engaging entrepreneurial initiatives that we would be able to on our own, support and work with the government to remedy some of those extreme poverty situations that we have in our communities."

River Valley Residents Wary Of Floodwaters
So that's the situation in the south but what about the residents of the Belize River Valley? Right now, the water is rolling down to that area, so the situation certainly isn't as severe as it is in the south. We went to Flowers Bank today and the river has risen considerably but the residents don't seem bothered or concerned - at least not for now. We spoke to the Village Chairman Clinton Rhaburn and he told us how they are managing the flood situation in the village. Clinton Rhaburn, Chairman, Flowers Bank "What really happened, we are not affected directly with the flash flood in time of the rain. But if you notice now that the water is coming all the way from Cayo, and then a couple days after where we are affected by the coming down of the water from Cayo. Because all those water that you hear about up there will have to pass here and we are just seeing the back water start to rise. So probably maybe in the next 3-4 days there will be a lot of difference in the community and especially to get out the community because the road will take water. The bridges, they will take water and that will create a big problem. The school probably will have to close down because of the high water on the bridges."

NEMO Sends Warning To River Valley
Before the break we took you to Flowers Bank one of those riverfont communities in the Belize River valley. Well, just a minute ago, NEMO sent their latest advisory - and it says, quote, "The National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) hereby urges people in St. Paul's Bank; Willows Bank; Double Head Cabbage; Bermudian Landing; Isabela Bank; Flowers Bank; May Pen; Scotland half-moon; Burrell Boom; Lord's Bank; Ladyville; Belama Phase 4, and Crooked Tree to maintain a state of heightened alert. People on the edge of the lagoon be informed that the water is rising. One family had to be relocated this evening. Take action and protect life and property. Tomorrow a BDF Boat with NEMO personnel will deploy to the area." End quote.

GSU Got Gun and High Grade Weed Stash
This morning, the GSU nabbed a 38 revolver when they searched Dennis TALBERT JR's home on Benbow Street in Belize City. The GSU says they had to kick in the door and when they got in, they saw TALBERT throwing an object resembling a firearm through a window. They took TALBERT outside where they recovered the pistol with two live rounds of ammunition. 20 year old TALBERT who is a food vendor was charged for "Kept unlicensed firearm and Kept Unlicensed Ammunition without a gun license". Police say he is a member of the Supal Street Gang. He was taken to court and remanded to jail.

Up Close At Uxbenka
By now, you're probably family with the Santa Cruz 13, which is a group of Maya villagers and one of their leading spokespersons who remains criminally charged with the unlawful imprisonment of Rupert Myles. Back in June, they handcuffed and tried to evict him from the village because they say that he unlawfully settled and destroyed a part of the UxBenka Archaeological Site. He continues to accuse Santa Cruz villagers of being racist against him because he's creole. And so while we were in the south yesterday, we finally got an opportunity to explore Uxbenka for ourselves. This is Rupert Myles House, it sits atop what looks to be an ordinary hill. He and his family have been living on this structure for some months now, ever since he and his common-law wife decided to move back to her home village.

Was Myles Maligned Based On Race?
So, today while we had opportunity, we asked the first Alcalde of Santa Cruz about Cruz's allegation that he was racially discriminated against. It's a question that's been asked and answered, but because it has been brought up again, we put it to Manuel Pop. Here's what he had to say: Daniel Ortiz "He continues to maintain that when he approached you and the chairman of the village, you all treated him with disdained because of his ethnicity. He says you told him plain and straight that he will not be allowed to live there because he is a black man and that you all don't want it mix-up." Manuel Pop, 1st Alcalde - Santa Cruz Village "It's not the point. We are not saying because he is a black man. But he did not come to the alcalde. It's the law in the village. He did his own law. He didn't want to listen to us, even the chairman and the alcalde. He want to do his own business. That's why they arrested him."

Making Reparation Fund Real
At the top of the news, we told you about the Maya claimants' trip back to the Caribbean Court of Justice on Maya Rights. Less than 3 weeks ago, they got a huge judgement in their favor that the Government must set up a fund of $300,000 to make reparations on their behalf. But, not much detail has been given on how this will exactly work, specifically, what are the terms, and how will this money actually be used? That's the clarification that their attorney tried to seek from the judges who granted the decision in the first place. The spokesperson for the MLA discussed that aspect of this morning's hearing with us, and here's what he had to say:

Could Lisa Lead The PUP?
For the past two weeks since Francis Fonseca stepped down - we've been telling you about the men who are considering offering themselves for the post of leader of the PUP. They are John Briceno, Cordel Hyde, Julius Espat and Kareem Musa. But, what if they were to be joined by a woman? Well, that would be a first, because no woman has ever offered herself for leadership of, or led any political party in Belize. But, it could happen. PUP Senator Lisa Shoman told us she is seriously entertaining the possibility of making a bid for leadership of the PUP. Shoman pointed out that she was the first female president of the bar, the first female ambassador to the OAS and the USA, and the first female minister of foreign affairs. And while she might beat the boys in "firsts", and in a debate, we pointed out to Shoman she would have a hard time matching them in political alliances, and resources. She said that's an assumption and an untested assertion.

Belize Composed For COP 21
Belize is working on a Climate Change Action Plan to reduce green house gas emissions. Today, as a lead up to the COP 21 conference in Paris, a local conference was held at the Biltmore to discuss what measures Belize can take to accomplish this plan - particularly in the Forestry , energy and transportation sectors. Climate Change coordinator Ann Gordon explained the overall objective of the plan A Belize delegation will present that action plan at Cop21 - an abbreviation for the "Conference of Parties" - the parties being the 196 signatories of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, or UNFCCC, as it is called. The meeting is expected to deliver a major agreement on the action plan for saving the planet from the disastrous consequences of rising average global temperatures.

Making Accountants Accountable
Balance sheets and rows of numbers: Those are two things that may come immediately to mind when you think of accounting. But really its way more complicated than that. There are international standards and systems that accountants must meet and operate by. Today at the Biltmore there was a seminar built around those standards and the importance of implementing them. The coordinator told us it's all about providing better service to clients:.. Reynaldo Magana, President, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Belize "This training is a two-day event covering international financial reporting standards. As you know the institute in Belize is in charge of accounting profession of Belize and this is one way how we try to empower our professionals including many people from the private sector as well as the public sector. It's what you call international financial reporting standards. It's the global framework for accountants as far as accounting standards. We call it 'the bible" if you like.

The Drums Delivered
The tenth anniversary of the Battle of the Drums was celebrated this past weekend in Punta Gorda Town. After a Battle of the Drums Food & Fete: Taste of the Garifuna Cooking Competition on Friday, the battle was held on Saturday at the Toledo Community College Court. The first place winner was Alanga Beidina from Seine Bight, followed by Grupo Huchelo from Baja Mar, Honduras, with the Wageirale Drummers from Dangriga in third. For first prize they won $1,800.00 dollars, plus a pair of Garifuna Drums, Championship T-shirts, Championship caps & a trophy valued at 800.00. The second place finisher got $1,200.00 and third place got $800.00.

NEMO's Latest
Earlier, we told you about the latest NEMO update - well, we have more of that now. In the Toledo District, there are still persons sheltering in the Bladden and Bella Vista shelters. Assessment of homes, and clean up are underway. Farms assessed so far by the Ministry of Agriculture personnel, indicate that cattle farmers will be needing assistance in Bella Vista and the Belize River Valley. In Cayo, the Macal River is receding, but the Iguana Creek Bridge and the Succotz ferry remain closed.

Channel 5

Mayans Return to CCJ for Clarity on Land Rights
At the end of October, in a landmark ruling, the Caribbean Court of Justice ordered Government to make reparation to the Mayan community for damages suffered. The court ordered the [...]

Rupert Myles Still Not Charged for Desecrating Mayan Site
The lack of clarity on the issue, at least where G.O.B. is concerned, has led to some very volatile situations – Rupert Myles and the Santa Cruz Mayans being one [...]

Edward P. Yorke Students Shine in CXCs
The results of the CXC and CAPE Examinations were recently released but were lost in the election fever. We’re finally catching up with the results that indicate that Alisha Anipha [...]

Who Should Get Custody of Neña Perez
Tonight’s question on an ongoing custody battle is: Should two-year old Neña Perez, who is being held by the Department of Human Services, be returned to: her Belizean mother or [...]

Imports Down…Exports Up in Third Quarter
The Statistical Institute of Belize has released its trade figures for the third quarter of 2015, showing that the country imported less and exported more. Where imports are concerned, September [...]

FCD Still Faces Serious Issues in the Chiquibul
A symposium held by Friends of Conservation and Development two years ago exposed the state of affairs in the Chiquibul Forest.  Since then, the dynamics of illegal activities in the [...]

Manzanero Says Illegal Logging Has Decreased
As to the decrease in illegal logging, Manzanero says that there is a pattern to since the beginning of 2015. In one hand, logging is down, but harvesting of   xaté, [...]

Police Search for Abelino Matamoro Following Fatal Hit & Run
An all points bulletin has been issued for the arrest of Abelino Matamoro, following a fatal hit and run incident over the weekend in southern Belize.  On Friday evening at [...]

8 Men Charged for Drunken Brawl at Belize City Bar
A group of eight men appeared in court this morning following a recent brawl at La Catracha Bar on Coney Drive in Belize City.  They are facing charges of disorderly [...]

Courts Belize Donates to the Sister Cecilia Home
Courts Belize stepped up big time to the plate today to assist the Sister Cecilia Home that is just recovering from the floods of last month. Badly needed items such [...]

Refugee Eligibility Committee Reactivated After Eighteen Years
After being dormant for eighteen years, Belize has activated the Refugee Eligibility Committee. The committee of nine persons serves as a refugee assessment group and according to the United Nations [...]

COP to Assess Inroads to Addressing Climate Change
The Belize National Climate Change Office today met to finalize and validate its Intended Nationally Determined Contributions, something all countries in the world agreed on two years ago. It’s an [...]

NEMO Provides Update on Flooding in the West
In respect of the flooding in the west, on Monday’s newscast we told you that several crossings including the Iguana Creek Bridge, the low-lying wooden bridge that connects San Ignacio [...]

CTV3

Civilian Shot By Officer While In Process Of Being Detained
Forty eight year old Wilbert Guerra, a resident of Trail Farm Village in Orange Walk, is tonight occupying a bed at the Northern Regional Hospital after he was allegedly shot by a police officer attached to the Orange Walk Police Formation. When we arrived at the scene on Mahogany Street, police and scenes of crime personnel were already leaving the area. Tonight the family of the victim is claiming that the officer abused of his power. Reports are that four cops arrived at the residence to detain Guerra after another resident of the area made a report against him. According to Guerra’s father, Inocencio Guerra, his son was accused of insulting a female, the daughter of the man who made the report. But when police arrived at the scene all hell broke loose. “Tardo como media hora cuando la policía entro aquí y el muchacho estaba metido haya dentro del cuarto cuando vino la policía yo los recibí y me preguntaron adónde esta mi hijo les dije está dentro del cuarto, llámalo me dice y agarre yo y les dije juay te vino a buscar la policía bueno cuando salió el salió con un palo y otra cosa ni se ni que era cuando la policía se le aventó encima pues, ya lo habían detenido y todo entonces se parró el muchacho allí y yo alado y el policía allí y que lo va a tira le digo no lo tires policía porque lo vas a tirar y agarro y lo tiro.”

Social Worker Involved In Baby Nina's Case Receives Threats
Yesterday we told you about a custody battle between a Guatemalan Father and Belizean Mother that landed in the hands of the Belize Family Court and the Department of Human Services. As we told you, Analiz Perez claims that on Friday evening, a social worker accompanied by a police officer arrived at her home on George Street claiming that they were there to take custody of her two year old daughter, Nina Perez. The intervention from Social Services was the outcome of a decision taken by relevant local authorities acting on a formal request made by their Guatemalan counterparts through Nina’s Guatemalan Father. The matter was filed under the Hague Convention on International Child Abduction concerning the wrongful removal of this two-year-old Guatemalan child. The child was wrongfully removed and brought into Belize. Why wrongfully you ask? CEO in the Ministry of Human Development and Social Transformation Judith Alpuche explained to the media that Analiz left Guatemala and returned to Belize with Nina, but failed to notify or receive consent from the father prior to her departure. The removal of the child from her mother was quickly shared on Social Media as “kidnapping” and quickly sparked what CEO Alpuche described as a “media frenzy” on the matter, painting a negative picture of the way the Department of Human Services operate. Also involved in the mix was the Social Worker whose picture and that of her daughter were plastered on Social Media. The Social Worker says Alpuche, was also threatened.

OW Town Council continues With Plan To Upgrade Streets
Pothole ridden streets in Orange Walk Town are without a huge problem, one which the Orange Walk Town Council is dealing with bearing in mind its spending limits. But while the council’s coffers is not overflowing with money, there are plans to address the urgent need of street repairs. “After this rain fall you can see the streets that need more attention and to point out a few there is a main one right in front of us Bethais Lane by Popular Bakery, that street is totally gone and it has to be redone and we are currently sitting down with the Mayor as well as he is hurriedly lobbying with our contractor to see how we can best address these streets in a timely manner and at an affordable manner as well, we have to look at how best agreements we can make, payments plans is a good option as well because we don’t have that money to invest directly into streets it costs a lot of money but when it comes to other streets like Orchid Drive.” And while we all want overnight results and or a permanent remedy for our streets, Cal says in due process, over one million dollars will be invested for infrastructure…

Orange Walkena Celebrates 102 Birthday
Today, Luisa Bardalez affectionately known as “Gran” celebrated her 102nd birthday anniversary among sodality brothers and sisters, Helpage volunteers and honorary family members at her home on Dunn Street. The centenarian is the eldest member of the Zenobia Meggs Helpage family. It’s a milestone for any centenarian to say the least and today her living room was filled with love and care from many well-wishers. This birthday celebration provided us with an opportunity to recognize this unique and outstanding lady. “I feel good and happy because what we want is to be good to people and not fighting with each other they can’t say I am a quarrelsome woman in Orange Walk nowhere I go in Orange Walk and everybody knows me and I don’t fight with anybody home and home I am not around. I got friends but plenty never come but last year more come but I sorry I can’t talk English fine.”

Rotaract OW Does Its Part To Reduce Cases Of Diabetes
Did you know that over forty thousand persons in Belize are diagnosed with Diabetes? That is an alarming rate especially since many persons do not know they are diabetic and are therefore not being treated. The disease creeps in unexpectedly and can have negative health risks, at times fatal, if it is not treated. In in an effort to spread awareness on the “silent killer” on Saturday at the Central Park, the Rotaract Club of Orange Walk will be hosting a Diabetes Fair. Chanelle Lizarraga is the Community Service Director of the Club who told us more….. “We are going to be having nurses and doctors out there who will be providing free glucose testing for the public in general so we would like to invite everyone to come out and support as they always have so it is free of charge why not take advantage of it.”

First Steps Leading To Upgrading Of Streets Around Central Park Taken
At the top of the newscast we told you about the infrastructural plans the Orange Walk Town Council has to address the issue of streets repair. While that project is yet to see its course, there is another project that is about to be completed. Currently under construction is the final phase for the Belize Municipal Development Project where the South and North Streets and periphery of the Central Park will be paved. Councilor Ian Cal says this is the start of a much delayed project, mainly due to inclement weather… “What we are seeing right now is the works of BWS and those are preliminary works that are coming in before after they have completed those works and you will be seeing works around the park, we will be seeing new pavement around the park and of course the council is looking into paving the other streets on the surroundings.”

NEMO Continues To Monitor Flooding In The South
As the waters continue to recede in the southern part of the country the National Emergency Management Organization continue to monitor the situation. According to NEMO’s latest release, communities along the Mopan and Macal must continue to take the necessary actions to save life and property. People in St. Paul’s Bank; Willows Bank; Double Head Cabbage; Bermudian Landing; Isabela Bank; Flowers Bank; May Pen; Scotland half-moon; Burrell Boom; Lord’s Bank; and Ladyville must also maintain a state of heightened alert and take actions to save life and property. Residents along the old northern highway must remain alert and farmers with livestock are being asked to take the necessary precautions. NEMO District Emergency Relief teams supported by the BDF are providing assistance to people in need.

LOVE FM

Police Seeks Driver in Fatal Hit and Run
A driver from Bella Vista Village in the Toledo District has been charged with manslaughter by negligence following a road traffic incident last Friday. Abelino Matamoro was driving a green and white Meilun motorcycle on the Southern Highway at around five thirty on Friday evening when the incident occurred between miles twenty three and twenty […]

Canadian University Offers Scholarships to Belizeans
As one of the initiatives aimed at increasing cooperation among Canadian and Belizean scholars, the Vancouver Island University is offering seven scholarships in the area of environmental studies. The university currently has five Master’s program available namely, Sustainable Tourism, Community Planning, Geographic Information Systems, Business Administration and Educational Leadership. The application for the scholarships was […]

NEMO Continues Relief Efforts and Advisories
The rains have subsided and the waters, particularly in the southern and western parts of the country are rescinding. But despite an improvement in the weather conditions, many families, farmers and businessmen and women are trying to recover from losses they endured over this weekend flooding. The National and Emergency Management Organization continues its efforts […]

16 Days of Activism: November 25 – December 10
It is that time of the year again when organizations and agencies with the responsibility of promoting gender equality and condemning gender based violence, double their efforts in bringing awareness to the issues while discussing possible solutions. Cynthia Williams is the Director of the Women’s Department who spoke on the upcoming annual 16 Days of […]

Free Legal Aid During Days of Activism
Some years ago the Women’s Department ventured outside the traditional workshops and seminars for women, under the 16 Days of Activism program. The team came up with an initiative dubbed, Legal Clinics that serves to provide legal advice and consultations with local attorneys. Cynthia Williams told Love News that this year’s legal clinic has been […]

GSU Takes Talbert In for Gun and Ammo
24-year-old Dennis Arthur Talbert Junior is behind bars tonight after he was charged with keeping an unlicensed firearm and two live rounds of ammunition for a point thirty eight firearm. Late this evening he was taken before Magistrate Deborah Rogers. Members of the Gang Suppression Unit said they found Talbert in possession of a point […]

Belize to Perform at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival
Auditions are being held for local artists around the country as Belize prepares to be the main focus in the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival coming up in April 2016. Belize’s inclusion into this world renowned event was done through efforts of Ivan Duran, President of the Music Industry Association of Belize (MIAB). Belize’s […]

Belize Makes Strides in Domestic Abuse Campaigns
Domestic Abuse is an issue that has been discussed time and time again and even more so as we enter into the 16 Days of Activism program under the Women’s Department. But how beneficial or how well have these discussions and awareness campaigns helped those who are victims of domestic violence or gender based violence. […]

Belize Tourism Board Holds Sweepstakes
Last week we told you of the campaign that the Belize Tourism Board has launched dubbed, ‘Small Country Sunday’. It is a marketing initiative that seeks to encourage foreigners to come and experience Belize whilst highlighting the various local destinations. As part of the campaign there is a Watch and Win Sweepstakes taking place online. […]

PlusTV

Courts donates to Helpage
Courts Belmopan is exercising the gift of giving. At a handing over ceremony today, courts donated somewhere between 5 to 7 thousand dollars worth of furniture and utilities to the Helpage Center for the elderly in Belmopan. We spoke to Elvis Slusher, Branch Manager for Courts Belmopan, who explai...

Another mosquito borne disease reaches the Caribbean: ZIKA
With all this rain, one other factor to consider is the increase of breeding grounds for mosquitos and with the latest Ministry of Health public advisory, mosquitos are definitely unwanted right now. That’s because the Ministry of Health says that for the first time, five cases of Zika virus in the ...

Fire in San Ignacio
There was an early morning fire in San Ignacio on Sunday Morning. The building which was completely engulfed in flames was a furniture workshop, property of Julio Cubias. Everything in the workshop was destroyed as a result of the blaze. Cubias told us more. Julio Cubias, Workshop Owner: The...

Telethon for TV Ramos bust raises six thousand
A life size bust of national hero Thomas Vincent Ramos decorates Dangriga Town. The sculpture is the outstanding work of Stephen Okeke. While the piece of art is at its final destination, outstanding is the payment for the bust. While Okeke – like times past – sculpted the bust without anyone first ...

Corozal Free Zone business man killed in Chetumal
A businessman from the Commercial Free Zone in Corozal, identified as Ernesto Alonso De Miguel, aka “El Español” was reportedly killed Saturday night in Mexico. According to Mexican press reports, De Miguel was at a restaurant in Chetumal along with his family. The restaurant is “El Emporio” in Ch...

Three men arrested for Aggravated Burglary
Orange Walk police have arrested and charged three persons for the crimes of ‘Aggravated Burglary’, ‘Robbery’, ‘Aggravated Assault’, ‘Handling Stolen Goods’ and ‘Kept Unlicensed Firearm’. The arrests stem from a report made by a 65-year-old Salvadoran watchman of Camp 22, who told police that on F...

Drugs in LA LA Milk box at Tropic Air
A package on Tropic Air was found with cannabis in it. Personnel of police Special Branch and Criminal Investigation Branch, were tipped off anonymously about a package with drugs at the Tropic air Office in Ranchito Village, Corozal. On Friday , November 13th, officers arrived at Tropic Air and ...

Attempted arson in Succotz
Benque police are investigating a case of attempted arson. On Sunday, 15th November, 31 year old Jaime Chuc, a Belizean Waitress of San Jose Succotz Village, reported that at around 2:30 that morning, she was at her house when she heard a noise coming from outside. She immediately went outside and s...

The Guardian

Former death row inmate to get new sentence
Glenford Baptist is awaiting a sentence from Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin for the murder of Azrin White on July 24, 2000. Baptist was found guilty of murder by a jury of 12 in November of 2001 and sentenced to death by then Supreme Court Justice Wilfred Elrington. In July of 2015, his attorney Priscilla Banner challenged the sentence. Banner submitted that it was a breach of Baptist’s constitutional rights to be on death row for over 13 years. She said that the long period on death row breached his right not to be subjected to inhumane treatment or punishment. She also submitted that Baptist should not have been subject of an automatic sentence to death because that too is a breach of his constitutional rights.

16 year old executed in front of his father
Crying, Eluterio Choc recounted to the media the final moments of his son, 16 year old Ivan Choc’s life on Friday night. Choc said he was at home with his family including his wife, two year old son and three year old daughter eating fried chicken on the verandah of their home in Camalote village in the Cayo district shortly before 8p.m. when they heard noises coming from the yard. Eluterio armed himself with a machete and went to investigate when he came face to face with two masked men brandishing firearms. One of the men was carrying a 9 millimeter pistol while the other held a 16 gauge shotgun. Choc said he could offer no resistance against the men who went up the home’s steps and onto its verandah where Ivan Choc was. As soon as Ivan saw the men he attempted to hide under the table where he was having his meal but was unable to elude a gunshot which one of the masked men fired at him with the shotgun. Eluterio says that prior to being shot he saw his son on the ground begging and begging for his life. He begged the gunmen not to kill him but none of the pleas were heeded. The first shot hit him on the right hand. Even while being injured Ivan continued to beg for his life but the man bearing the shotgun, cranked it and fired a second shot, hitting him to the right side of the head. He died within minutes.

Orange Walk Cop Accused of Sex with Girl, 14
Police Constable Hector Esquivel, 31, is out on bail after being at the Belize Central Prison on remand for only four nights for allegedly engaging in sexual activities with a 14-year-old minor. Allegations are that on November 1, 2015, he had sexual intercourse with a minor, 14 years and 4 months. On Monday, November 9, Hector Esquivel appeared before Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser and was read a single charge of unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor. He appeared with his attorney, Richard “Dickie” Bradley, and no plea was taken since the matter is an indictable offense. Due to the nature of the offense bail could not be granted to Esquivel. He was to be remanded at the Belize Central Prison until his next court appearance on December 18, 2015.

Mother of 7 in jail for street fight
A mother of seven children, Stephanie Moreira, 40, is serving time at the Belize Central Prison after she pleaded guilty to harm and uttering insulting words upon Shasta Flowers and Georgia Curry. The first time offender was slapped with a 15 day jail term so she can learn a lesson, explained Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith. That lesson is, “You learn that you cannot take matters into your own hands.“ In court, Moreira said that she did throw a stone at Flowers because “all of them rushed at me”. She explained that the incident stems from an old matter in which two of her daughters were playing and one of them was injured by one of Curry’s sons who hit her in the face with a ball. The Chief Magistrate asked Moreira if she made a report to police so that they could intervene. She said no.

Kyle Perez accused of beating his girlfriend
Ladyville Resident Kyle Perez, 22, is out on Supreme Court bail of $5,000 after spending ten days on remand at the Belize Central Prison for allegedly beating up his girlfriend. Perez was arraigned in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, November 3, 2015 for one count of maim and one count of damage to property upon his ex-girlfriend, Kamisha Yorke. Yorke reported to police that she was at home on Monday, October 26, 2015 when Perez came to see her and they got into an argument. The argument escalated and Perez allegedly took his black Samsung touch screen cellphone and broke it in her face. The phone hit left her with damages to one of her eyes.

Wesley Upper School wins in volleyball competition
The 2015-2016 Belize City Primary Schools Volleyball Season regular competition came to an end on Monday 16 November, 2015, at Bird’s Isle here in Belize City. There were two games on the schedule that were played. In the girls’ competition, Wesley Upper School defeated St. John’s Primary School in three sets by the score of 25-21, 21-25 and 15-9. In the boys’ game, Wesley Upper School won handily over St. John’s Primary School in two sets by the score of 25-4 and 25-9. The competition continued on Thursday 12, November, 2015, with two more games on the schedule.

Deep Dow
While majority of Belizeans have accepted that the elections are over and done, there are some talk show hosts who persist in remaining in campaign mode and continue to poke at Government every single day of the week. Maybe it’s good for business, but to some viewers this comes across as perhaps a bit irritating. As for me, I simply switch channels when the host insists in spewing negativity and malice. In any event, someone should advise PUPS TV that the elections are behind us, and that the cycle won’t be repeated for another 5 years. That translates to 60 long, long months of anxious waiting, my brother. For the immediate future the PUP and its surrogates should concentrate in rebuilding their Party, since a weak Opposition does not bode well for our democracy.

We’re experiencing the world wrongly
In a world full of what seems like nothing but corruption, it is a natural tendency to lose a sense of hope for world peace or happiness. When we think we have stroke a balance between poverty, crime, and sustainability among the common good, the world, from our perspective, tells us the opposite. Because we physically experience the world around us, we can undoubtedly point out all its flaws and misfortunes. But are we simply looking at the world from the wrong perspective? Perhaps looking down at the world can give us a better outlook on life itself. The sight of the world from above is a beautiful one. It fills the viewer with awe and plants the idea in their head that not everything has gone wrong. To see Earth, to see it from far away, gives you the sense that the world isn’t as big as you once thought. But that’s obvious right? When one looks at something from a distance it looks smaller than it actually is. But this is different. When you see the world so small it isn’t just the planet itself that’s shrunk. It’s the people on it, friends, acquaintances, strangers, enemies they’re all so small. The human race, the seven billion something people living on this planet- the progress they’ve made, the steps they’ve taken back, the accomplishments, the failures, the problems, the solutions, the love, the hate, the entire range of human emotions, life and death- are all seen in the same light, so minute that they possibly cause no harm, yet still finding time to corrupt the inner planet.

Lee Mark Chang appointed as President of the Senate
The 12th National Assembly of Belize includes the first full time member with Chinese ancestry. Lee Mark Chang was temporarily sworn in to hold over as the President of the Senate in 2010 when Senator Andrea Gill went on maternity leave. That was just an appointment for a cup of coffee; this time, Lee Mark Chang is not holding over for anyone. He is the President of the Senate of Belize. While his appointment is going down in the country’s history books, Chang is not focusing on the historical contexts of his appointment. He is too busy “catching up on the parliamentary skills” to focus on history. Since his invitation to the Senate, Chang has been nose deep in the Constitution and texts covering the Standing Orders of the Senate. In his first address to the Senate as President, Chang assured the members that he “shall do everything in my powers to make sure that the proceedings of the House are carried out with dignity and impartiality.”

What say you Cristina?
It’s always been said that we are our brother’s keeper. That saying should be more so applied in times of emergencies. Such should have been the case during the floods of last weekend. SATIIM and the Mayan Leaders Alliance should fall in that category as their brother’s and sister’s keepers. As such they must do whatever they can do to help in securing the lives of those person in whose names they go out cap in hand to seek funding for. The Alcaldes must also play their roles in securing lives too. After all they are being paid to assist in situations such as these recent floods. In times of disasters people tend to listen to those whom they have some sort connection with. Among our Mayan people in the south that is even more pronounced because of the language barrier and cultural norms. It is not the ideal situation but outsiders (people not from within the area), are viewed as just that, OUTSIDERS! Who knows the cultural norms, tendencies and practices more than the persons on the ground such as SATIIM, MLA and individual Alcaldes? Are these not the same people who stood up in court and trumpeted the rights of the very same Mayans now affected by the floods?

PUP Chess match
There is a strange aura around this PUP Leadership Contest. For some strange reason, the would be combatants are afraid to actually declare they are in the race. All that’s coming from them is that either they are thinking about running for leadership or that people are asking or are encouraging them to run. Could it be that they are afraid of what dirt one or all their would-be opponents may be tossing on them during their campaign? There is also another angle; they too may be looking to unearth neutralizing-dirt on their would-be opponents. What I do know is that there is a shortage of files at all hardware stores. It seems like all the combatants have been stocking up on them to sharpen up their daggers, knives, swords, machetes or anything that has an edge on it to sharpen, in order to stab the other combatants in the back. This fight will be a bloody battle and even the winner will come out limping and worse off than the party is at present. Strange alliances are being formed. Persons who were once co-conspirators are now sworn enemies.

Belize to benefit from Taiwanese watchdog group
Dr. Po-Ya Chang, the President of the Control Yuan of the Republic of China (Taiwan), visited Belize for three days from November 12, 2015 to November, 14, 2015. The purpose of her visit was to sign an Agreement on Cooperation between her office and the office of Lionel Arzu, the Ombudsman of Belize. This Taiwanese VIP is the leader of the watchdog body of the Taiwanese Government. It is comprised of 29 members of the Ministry of Audit. It is responsible to investigate complaints of misfeasance or criminal acts committed by public servants or government officials. They are completely independent and carry out their mandates to investigate criminal complaints to take to the Judicial Yuan’s Commission on the Disciplinary Sanctions of Functionaries. The Control Yuan is one of the most powerful organizations in the Taiwanese Government, and provides oversight to that government.

PADF Donates GIS Equipment to University of Belize
The University of Belize celebrated its second annual Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Day on Friday, November 13, and in support of the initiative the Pan American Development Foundation (PADF) donated US$4,000 worth of technological equipment, tools and software to the school’s GIS program. The Pan American Development Foundation is a nonprofit organization established by the Organization of the American States to bring stakeholders together to “improve livelihoods, empower communities, strengthen civil society, support human rights, protect the environment and respond to natural disasters in Latin America and the Caribbean”. PADF donated a platform software upgrade (ArcGIS Online Level 2), 5 Samsung Galaxy Tablets, 5 Garmin GPS units, 3 fiberglass measuring tapes, 3 metric fabric diameter tapes and 1 pruner/saw package. The donation was made possible through the support of the Republic of China (Taiwan) under the project “Community Preparedness and Resilience: Community-Based Approaches to Disaster Preparedness and Climate Change Adaptation in Belize.” The donation aims to build the technological capacity of the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Center at the University of Belize. Minerva Pinelo, PADF Project Director in Belize, handed over the equipment saying, “PADF is committed to supporting UB’s goal of expanding its GIS Center to provide advance GIS Courses through its Natural Resources Management Program.”

A year later
It is not that we want to live in the past, but for history’s sake we have to go back to an event of epic proportion that took place exactly one year ago on November 18, 2014. It was a rainy day actually it had rained almost nonstop throughout the previous night. A crowd of about 10,000 people had descended onto Independence Hill and assembled around the National Assembly. They were there to tell Prime Minister Barrow and the United Democratic Party, that they were pleased with the Petrocaribe funded projects. And at the same time they were saying to the COLD AND POWER HUNGRY OPPOSITION, “ we won’t allow you to take food out of our or our children’s mouths.” You see not only did those provide much need infrastructural improvements for the country, but they also provided much needed employment for most of those very same persons gathered there. Those persons would not have been working and perhaps would have resorted to illegal means in order to put food on their tables. For many of these persons the job they had was their first and it was about PRIDE. Their constant cheer throughout the day was ‘’PERTOCARIBE ROLL IT “! This crowd was so big that Jules had to take 2 teams to Belmopan to cover the event. Jules was almost driven to poetry, and this was the way he started his evening newscast “UDP Shows Mass Party Muscle, Mobilization and Multitudes in BELMOPAN. Greek mythology tells us that Helen of Troy had the face that launched a thousand ships..., well our question to the Prime Minister at the end of August about Petrocaribe spending may be the question that sent a few thousand protestors to Belmopan today. At that time, we asked why hadn’t the Petrocaribe indebtedness gone to the House as is required by the Finance and Audit act?

New virus detected: is Zika Virus in Belize?
Residents are very aware that they have to be vigilant when dealing with mosquitoes since they are the vectors for Malaria, Dengue and Chikungunya. Well, the Health officials are putting the public on notice that one more called the Zika Virus is out in the Caribbean. Zika is a viral disease transmitted by the same vector for Dengue and CHIK-V, the aedes aegypti. The symptoms last approximately 4 to 7 days, and are similar to Dengue and CHIK-V. Those include fever, muscle and joint pain, headache, nausea, vomiting, and a rash. Though complications from Zika are rare, and there have been no deaths reported, there is no treatment for this disease.

Belizean and Guatemalan parents battle for custody of child
Two parents, one Belizean, and the other Guatemalan, are locked in a legal battle over who gets custody and guardianship of their 2 year-old daughter, Belizean and Guatemalan parents battle for custody of child Nina Perez. The Department of Human Services is caught in the middle of what is being negatively referred to as an “abduction by one of it’s officers.” The child was removed from the mother’s care on Friday, November 13, with the authority of a police man who arrived at her Orange Walk Town home. Nina’s mother, Ana Liz Perez Gutierrez, has told the press that an unidentified social worker picked up the child without giving any information or any court order documents. She immediately panicked, suspecting that these persons were trying to whisk the baby out of the country to hand her over to her Guatemalan father.

BDF continue training with BATSUB
All around the world, the military forces of a country is the ultimate test of physical and mental excellence and aptitude, and in this country, the Belize Defence Force is that standard. On Sunday, November 8, five squads of BDF soldiers competed against the team of British Army soldiers currently training in Belize. At around 5 a.m., the moderators got all the soldiers in line for a kit inspection where they were assessed on the items they would be taking with them on a march and shoot competition. They were expected to carry about 30 or more pounds of equipment. All the teams had a flawless inspection, and from there, they were transported to the Burrell Boom bridge where each team was expected to conduct a 9 mile march. Each team was allowed to start in 10 minute intervals, with the premise being that each team would challenge the team at the front to keep a high pace. Each team was expected to run each mile in only 10 minutes, as compared to the usual 15 minute per mile that the normal soldier is expected to run.

Mayan request denied at CCJ
The Maya villagers of the south took the Government of Belize back to the Caribbean Court of Justice on Tuesday, November 17. Although the Government has committed by way of a consent order to recognize and protect their land rights, the Mayas are not convinced that the Barrow Administration is moving fast enough to get it done. The case had been completed back in April 22, when Senior Counsel Denys Barrow announced that the Government did not intend to defend against the lawsuit, as it has done in the Supreme Court, and the Court of Appeal. The Government committed that it recognized Maya Land rights, and that it would commence consultations with the Maya themselves on how those land rights should be best protected. For the past 6 months, however, the Government did not make any tangible show of beginning the process. So, the attorney for the Mayan Claimants, Monica Coc - Magusson, filed an application against the Government asking the CCJ to grant several orders and declarations. They wanted the Court to declare that the Government was in breach of their undertaking to the court, an order of damages for those breaches, an order that the Government and the Maya must agree on how the $300,000 fund set aside for reparations must be spent, and a definition of Maya land rights to include the right to determine who can and cannot live in Maya Villages.

NEMO in full effect
As early as Friday during the Ceremonial opening of the National Assembly Hon. Edmund “Clear the Land” Castro was seen on his phone putting the things in place to get all NEMO Committees activated to deal with what they viewed as an emergency that would stem from what they saw as persistent rains that were predicted to affect the entire country over last weekend. By noon on Friday all NEMO Committees were activated. If one did not know better, one would not think that a NEW MINISTER was at the helm of NEMO. Hon. Rene Montero had just last week Monday been named Minister of Works, Transport and NEMO and Hon. Edmund Castro named his Minister of State and as indicated by the Prime Minister, Hon. Castro would be in charge of the day to day running of the Ministries of Transport and NEMO. For those doubters who started to suggest that the PM had shortchanged Hon. Castro, look at the way Castro is now performing. NEMO is a job for a Lion and “Clear the Land” is that Lion. He may be new to NEMO, but not new to crisis management.

Lionel Quiroz, sentenced to 2 Years for buttocks spank
Lionel Quirroz is at the Belize Central Prison for an inappropriate touch of a little 9-year-old girl. Quirroz appeared before Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser on Friday, November 13, to answer to one count of sexual assault upon a female minor. The child testified in court that she was heading home from by a basketball court when Quiroz, a man she knows well from her neighbourhood, walked up to her and began to hug her. He then touched her inappropriately on her buttocks. The child became annoyed by the action and reported the matter to her guardians who later took her to the police station to report the incident.

Stay of execution on Darrel Cayetano’s prison sentence
The brother of the Director of Belize Family Court is out on bail after a Supreme Court Justice granted a stay of execution on his prison sentence which was handed down by Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith. Darrell Cayetano was found guilty of possession of 4.8 grams of weed on Monday, November 9, and sentenced to two months imprisonment. However, on Friday, November 13, Cayetano’s attorney, Bryan Neal, took his case to the Supreme Court before Justice Denis S. Hanomansingh and asked for a stay of execution on the sentence. Neal appealed on the ground that a prison term was inappropriate given the small amount of weed that Cayetano allegedly had in his possession. Neal submitted that a fine should have been imposed and not a jail sentence.

Truck driver to stand trial for death of Wayne Williams
Belize City truck driver, Ervan Augustine, 43, will have to stand trial at the Supreme Court for manslaughter by negligence and causing death by careless conduct upon Wayne Williams on December 6, 2011. On December 6, 2011, the GMC water truck that Augustine was driving had been parked in the West-bound lane between miles 28 and 29 on the George Price Highway after one of its back wheels broke off. Reports were that the truck was left in the lane until darkness fell. Williams was driving his Toyota Tacoma toward Belmopan and when he passed mile 28 the truck suddenly came into his field of vision on a dark section of the road. He swerved into the lane of the incoming traffic and slammed into the driver’s side of a loaded Westline Bus heading to Belize City.

National U-16 footballers to UNCAF U-16 Tournament
The Football Federation of Belize will have representation at the UNCAF U-16 Tournament that is scheduled for November 17 to November 23, 2015, in Managua, Nicaragua. The National U-16 male football team is scheduled to leave the country on Sunday 15 November, 2015, for Managua, Nicaragua and is expected to return home on Tuesday 24 November, 2015. The games will be played at the Estadio Nacional de Futbol (Grama Artifical) in Managua.

Belize Elementary girls and boys to play Holy Redeemer girls and boys in Belize City primary schools volleyball finals
The Belize City Primary Schools Volleyball Semi-final round was played on Tuesday 17 November, 2015, at Bird’s Isle here in Belize City with Belize Elementary School girls and boys and Holy Redeemer School girls and boys earning the rights to face each other in the championship game scheduled for Wednesday 18 November, 2015. In the first game in the semi-final round in the girls’ competition, Holy Redeemer School eliminating Bethel Assembly School in two sets by the score of 25-7 and 25-14 to earned the first spot in the championship game. In the second game in the girls competition, Belize Elementary School eliminated Wesley Upper School in two sets by the score of 25-10 and 25-9 to earn the second and final spot in the championship game.

Breaking Belize News

CCJ wants action from Government over Maya land rights
They won a major victory in the Caribbean Court of Justice earlier this year when the Government conceded that they have special customary rights over the land in and surrounding their villages in the Toledo District. But while GOB has consented to help the Maya define and enforce […]

Rupert Myles continues to destroy Uxbenka ruin
We last left the matter of the Santa Cruz Maya and their efforts to enforce the law against black resident Rupert Myles who had bulldozed part of the Uxbenka Maya ruin to build a pathway to the house in the village where the Institute of Archaeology (IOA) had […]

El Nino worst ever?
The United Nations’ weather agency has predicted that this year’s El Nino climate pattern will be one of the three strongest such patterns in 70 years as it is expected to strengthen further through the end of the year. While the current El Nino is likely to be […]

Orange Walkeña turns 102
Today marks the 102nd birthday for a well-known Orange Walk Resident, Ms. Luisa Bardalez. Every year, members from the Help Age Center and members from the Santa Ana Church Group get together to show love and joy by providing a cake for her special day. Bardalez, who […]

Tropic Air announces significant accomplishment
A statement released by Tropic Air earlier today, stated that it is pleased to announce its accomplishment of being the first airline in Belize to obtain IATA Standard Safety Assessment (ISSA) certification in Latin America. “Earlier this year we launched the IATA Standard Safety Assessment (ISSA). While ISSA is not […]

The Ministry of Health preparing for Zika fever
Not affecting Belize as yet, the threat of Zika fever crossing borders into our country is of primary concern to the Ministry of Health and its Vector Control Unit, as five cases have been reported in the Caribbean recently. Zika is carried by the Aedes Aegypti mosquito, which is also […]

Shrimp Industry loses $30 million
Although it hadn’t gotten the media’s attention until just a few days ago, a colossal loss has been suffered by the shrimp industry in southern Belize over the past eight months, beginning in March, when an unusual bacterial infection started to affect more than half of the 15 […]

Climate change song debuted
A song produced by three Saint Lucian artists, entitled “1.5 to Stay Alive”, is to be featured at COP21 in Paris, France, which is a huge climate change conference that is expected to have a big impact on Global Warming this time around. Elijah ‘Arthur’ Allain, Marley ‘Mongstar’ James and […]

What Belize can learn from Singapore
Belize, while still a small young developing nation has many obvious challenges, some more challenging than others, but the leaders of this country would do well to learn from the lessons of success and failure in other nations. One country, which has transformed nearly every aspect of its society positively, […]

Blogs

Changes, Controversies and News: Things Going On Around Ambergris Caye
As the high season ramps up (and it is ramping up quickly this year!), there are new businesses, changes, controversies and just general chatter as always on Ambergris Caye. I have mentioned a bunch of these in various places – I thought I was a good time to summarize the buzz around town. There are two main water taxi service from San Pedro to Caye Caulker to Belize City. San Pedro Belize Express and Caye Caulker Water Taxi. The latter was always advertised as the only “locally owned water taxi”. But after complaints about service and older boats as well a dwindling schedule, the CC Water Taxi supposedly was losing money and was repossessed by the bank sometime this year. Word on the street is that they were purchased by Belizeans recently, renamed Ocean Ferry Belize Limited. The road north has been paved for about 3 miles. At about Belizean Shores Resort, the cement gives way to raised, hard packed gravel/rock/sand. All good. But then…THEN…you reach Las Terrazas Resort. And now, with the weekend rains, the road turns to a disgusting mud puddle/golf cart eating trap as you pass Las Terrazas and the old Journey’s End – which is now used for teen Christian retreats.

My rainy day treat
Just like the well known tropical fish, the Blue Tang Inn is cute and colorful. From the bright mermaid (sirena) sign to the hand painted tropical wood chairs in the courtyard area. Did you know Blue Tang fish plays an important roll in our Eco system? Blue tang fish are known to feed on algae that grows on coral. With their super sharp teeth, they are able to remove it from rocks and coral. Not only does it help prevent the algae from taking over and suffocating the coral reef, it is a healthy diet part of their diet. Because it was so rainy during my stay there, I used a few of the pictures that were taken on the day we went sailing on the Sirena Azul. It was a nice sunny day and I decided to snap a few pics while my waffles were cooking at the breakfast bar.

The Garifuna – an Iconic Belizean Culture!
Belize is considered a “melting pot of cultures”. People of different skin tones, different languages, and people belonging to different ethnic groups live in harmony with one another in this tiny Central American country. Ethnic groups in Belize include the Creole, Mestizo, Maya, Garinagu, Asian, East Indian, and Mennonites, among others. Every year on the 19th of November, thousands of Belizeans celebrate the arrival of the Garinagu people to the southern shores of Belize, a public and bank holiday known as Garifuna Settlement Day. Part of this celebration includes a reenactment of their arrival via the Caribbean Sea. This year’s theme is: “Bungiu Lerebei Sun Katei. Lidan Yein Fureindei luma Benefaü Awanseruni houn Garinagu– which means: God is the strength of all things. Garifuna progress comes from education and hard work.” In light of this we decided to share about the rich Garinagu history and culture:

Mexican Style Pork with Zucchini
1) Prepare the meat by washing it under tap water, pat dry with paper towels then dice to bite-size pieces, cutting out the fat. 2) In a pan put the small pieces of meat with just enough water to barely cover; add garlic and salt and a sprig of thyme. Cook for 2-3 hours; and when the pork is tender, let it cool down, keeping it in the broth. 3) Add the onion and garlic; add the whole chiles. Stir. Then add the chopped tomatoes, black pepper, oregano and cumin, with chicken bouillon powder and let everything simmer. Check and adjust seasoning.

Tasting the good life at Mayan Islands Resort grand opening
Word spread quickly among our friends that the Mayan Islands Resort was holding its grand opening this past Sunday and an invite quickly became the hottest ticket on Ambergris Caye. To say the opening has been highly anticipated is a bit of a reach — it has been years in the making, after all — but it has been the subject of a great deal of curiosity and speculation. For example, every time we set off by boat for the back side of the island and pass close by the resort on the tip of the island’s western prong, it is the subject of much resort envy. “That place looks awesome.” “I wouldn’t mind hanging around there” “I wanna sit in one of those giant basket chairs by the pool and sip on a drink all day!” That sort of thing.

Bird Haven at the Sewage Ponds
There was a buzz of wildlife as the sun set over the horizon beyond the mangrove trees. The crocodiles were lazily swimming along, frogs were croaking, and the fish fry were jumping. The birds were particularly active, swooping in the air to catch that last bit of dinner before night falls and the rain creeps in. As you gaze into the landscape, the plethora of bird species painted the sky and mangroves with various colors and sounds- a birder’s paradise! Surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature, one could only feel at peace…until a large gushing sound came out of the corner, possibly due to someone flushing a toilet. No, I wasn’t far off into the wilderness this particular evening to go birding with the bird expert Roni Martinez from the Audabon Society (who has been my go-to guy for my research in relation to the birds of Belize), instead, we were at the sewage Ponds of San Pedro. Roni had come into town for a Urban bird count this weekend. Given I wanted to go birding with an expert and learn some local tricks of the trade, and of course hang out with a fellow conservationist, we decided to spend a Sunday evening together where we could encounter various bird species. And I mentioned to him given my time and croc research thus far, what I noticed was the Sewage Ponds was the place to be for birds! Apparently, Sewage Ponds = high bird species richness/diversity. It’s not uncommon – apparently birds like flocking to the sewage ponds in Belize.

Adobo Skirt Steak (Arrachera Adobada)
1) In a saucepan with oil, cook the meat with half the onions, half of the garlic cloves and season with salt to taste. Shred the meat with forks when it is cooked. 2) Coarsely dice the tomatoes into medium cubes and the rest of the garlic, simmer in a pot over low heat and cover, for about 15 minutes. 3) Meanwhile we can make the achiote marinade, using a blender liquefy the achiote, garlic, some onions, vinegar, chipotle peppers and beef broth. Blend until thoroughly liquefied. 4) Pour this achiote marinade in the pot. When the tomatoes are thoroughly cooked, mash them and add the remaining chopped onion. Simmer for 20 minutes, until the sauce reduces, then add the meat and bay leaf and season with salt to taste. Simmer 5 more minutes, and that’s it, your arrachera in adobo dish is ready! Serve on indivdual plates with lettuce and avocado.

JUAN IN A MILLION CEVICHE BAR
Delicious food, friendly service, where the drinks are strong, and the party begins. Come for lunch, dinner, happy hour or late night – your taste buds will thank you! Fresh delicious Conch and Lobster Ceviche everyday at Juan In A Million Ceviche Bar! We have Italian Sausage on a stick everyday, and delicious food specials every day too! Come check us out. We are open everyday till 12 midnight and our grill is heated up until then!!!

Thanksgiving Feast
Join us Thursday, November 26, 2015 for a Thanksgiving Feast at the Sports Bar! We’ll be starting at 3pm and go until we run out. Fried Turkey, Stuffing, Yams, Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, Green Bean Casserole, Mac ‘N’ Cheese, Cranberry Sauce, Roll. Desserts will be offered separately. November 26, 2015, Time: 3:00 pm to 10:00 pm, Front Street, Caye Caulker, Belize

Doggie Dip!
Saturday, November 28, 2015 from 12pm-4pm the Caye Caulker Humane Society is having a Doggie Dip! We will be bathing dogs, providing flea/tick preventatives, and vaccinations. Beer ($3) and Water ($1) will also be available for purchase. Volunteers & Donations are much Appreciated! Location: Beach at Playa Del Ninos (Palapa Gardens)

International Sources

First ISSA Certification to Tropic Air
Tropic Air is pleased to announce that it is the first airline to obtain IATA Standard Safety Assessment (ISSA) certification in Latin America. Tony Tyler, ALTA President. "Earlier this year we launched the IATA Standard Safety Assessment (ISSA). While ISSA is not a substitute for IOSA, it is a valuable operational benchmark. Later today, I will present the first ISSA Certification to Tropic Air, based in Belize. Tropic Air was among the first airlines to express interest in ISSA and they helped us to beta-test the standard, so congratulations to Tropic Air."

St. John's mission builds house in Belize
Twelve members of St. John Francis Regis Church in Hollywood, along with the Rev. Ray Schmidt, travelled last month to Belize, in Central America, and built a home for a family in need. The group was led by Sister Luke Boiarski, director of the Lay Mission Volunteer Program, Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, based near Louisville, Ky. This was the second house built in Belize by a team from St. John’s. In January 2014, parishioners built the “St. John’s Hollywood House” in honor of the SCN sisters who taught at St. John’s School for 64 years. This year, the team built the “St. John’s Bill Schaefer House,” named for a member of the 2014 Team who passed away just a few months after helping with the first house.

A Haunting Film Explores the Perilous Interface Between Tigers and People in the Sundarbans
Deep in the Sundarbans, a vast mangrove maze where the Ganges and two other great rivers weave their way to the coast in India and Bangladesh, the big-cat conservationist Alan Rabinowitz plays a video clip on his laptop for a cluster of men and women in an impoverished village where tigers — in one of their last big refuges — regularly kill or maim people scouring the shorelines for meager hauls of fish and crabs. They watch, rapt, as residents of another village snare a tiger cornered in a hut and beat and hack it to death. Through an interpreter, Rabinowitz asks what the scene makes them feel. One man immediately shouts, “Euphoria!” Rabinowitz then asks them if they would want the mangrove forests empty of tigers. As quickly, they respond with a definitive no. Without the tigers, there would be nothing to prevent wildlife poachers and other outsiders from threatening their meager livelihood.

Capturing an underwater world:Visiting artist Keith Ellenbogen collaborates with MIT faculty and staff to create a unique underwater photography course
Keith Ellenbogen is a renowned underwater photographer and adventurer. He has spent his career documenting marine life — from Palau’s coral reefs to migrating bluefin tuna in the Mediterranean — not only to showcase their beauty, but also to inspire social change and action toward protecting the delicate underwater environments in which they live. Starting in January, students will have the opportunity to work with the team in an all-expenses-paid “Underwater Conservation Photography” course. “We’ll be teaching students everything from camera settings to how to build lighting systems for underwater work to building ROVs,” Adams says, referring to remotely operated vehicles. Students will spend three weeks in Boston learning new skills, working on the available technology, and testing out their equipment in pools and aquariums before heading south, where they will spend a week with the Wildlife Conservation Society on Glover’s Reef off the coast of Belize. “Students will team up with scientists who will explain the animals and the research they’re doing,” Ellenbogen says. “[They] will photograph individual animals for aesthetic purposes as well as to tell a conservation story or narrative that helps explain why the animals are significant.” The resulting images will become part of an exhibition that will travel to museums, zoos, aquariums, and colleges around the world. An accompanying app will also allow visitors walking through the gallery to look up images to see their backstory and commentary from students. Eventually, the content from the app will serve as a permanent online exhibition.

Conference on Climate Change in the Caribbean Under Way in Puerto Rico
More than 350 people are expected to attend a conference on Climate Change in the Caribbean this week in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The government of the U.S. Virgin Islands is joining the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the U.S. Forest Service, the U.S. Department of Interior and governments of Puerto Rico to host the conference.

Videos

November 17, 2015

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, LOVETV, PGTV, West Vision (Cayo) and CTV 3. Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, Rise and Shine Morning Show, and the Dickie Bradley Specials

The San Pedro Sun

Belize Free Zone Businessman Killed in Chetumal, Mexico
News coming from the neighboring border city of Chetumal, Mexico over the weekend indicate that local businessman from the Belize Commercial Free Zone, Ernesto Alonso De Miguel (known as “El Espanol”) was reportedly killed on Saturday, November 14, 2015. Noticaribe Mexican press reports that shortly before midnight on Saturday in the downtown restaurant 'El Emporio' of Chetumal city, a gunman shot and executed Ernesto Alonso de Miguel, known as the 'El Espanol' and the ministerial police Agustín Martínez Guevara, who was commander in the border town of Lieutenant Lopez. Ernesto was dining with several people, including a second police officer and family members. The shooter fled the scene after fatally injuring both Ernesto and police officer Agustin; he left behind the murder weapon. A man with the characteristics of the murderer was arrested, but investigations continue as to whether it is the same person.

BTB Awards 9 Scholarships
On Friday, November 13, the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) awarded nine (9) students with scholarships for Tourism Programs. The scholarships are as follows: Three (3) two-years tuition scholarships for an Associates in Tourism at one of the Junior Colleges in Belize offering a Tourism Program, awarded to 1. Giselle Rodriguez 2. Amina Cal 3. Monique Tucker. Three (3) two-years tuition scholarships for a Bachelor Degree in Tourism Management at the University of Belize, awarded to 1. Jewel Williams 2. Alexander Cal 3. Gariesha Teck. The recipients were selected based on a score sheet, which measured various factors such as grades/GPA, work and community service experience, essay describing their career goals/aspirations and their achievements/awards. Those with the highest scores were then reviewed thoroughly and the top candidates were selected.

Bahia Fest: Fashion show to benefit Camp Starfish
Mexican and Belizean organizations have teamed up to bring a high end fashion runway to San Pedro to benefit the island’s special needs youth. Scheduled for Friday, November 20th, the show will feature gorgeous Belizean and Mexican models strutting the runway in the latest fashion trends. Titled BAHIA Fest, this event is being hosted through the collaboration of Mujer Total Catalog, The Candle Garden, Amber Beach Bar and Grill, Caribbean Villas and the Consulate of Belize in Mexico. But the event isn’t just about the clothes, shoes and accessories, as its main purpose is to raise funds for Ambergris Caye Camp Starfish.

Ambergris Today

Belize Warns of Five Confirmed Cases of Zika Virus in the Caribbean
If Dengue and Chikungunya were not enough to worry about during the ‘Mosquito /Rainy Season’ in Belize, the Ministry of Health this week releases an advisory to the public that the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) has confirmed, for the first time, five (5) cases of Zika virus in the Caribbean. Countries within the Americas such as Brazil, Colombia, Suriname and the Dominican Republic have all reported cases of this mosquito-borne disease this year. Zika is a viral disease, transmitted by the same vector for Dengue and Chikungunya, the Aedes aegypti mosquito. The symptoms lasts approximately four to seven days, and are similar to Dengue and Chikungunya which may include fever, muscle and joint pain, headache, nausea, vomiting and rash. Though complications from Zika are rare and no deaths have been reported, there is no vaccine or treatment for Zika.

Belize’s Tiburon Rum Continues Going Global
The award winning Tiburon Rum has definitely been making headlines in the United States of America and in Belize. Many have been buzzing about its taste and happy to have ‘The Spirit of Belize’ as part of their rum collection, but soon the rest of the world will be able to enjoy this amazing rum as it goes global. Ambergris Today met up with Tiburon Rum’s Basil Destefano and got the buzz on what’s coming up next for the award-winning rum from Belize. Mr. Destefano mention that he is ready to take Tiburon Rum to the next level by teaming up with Mr. Jorge Galbis of Global Brand Equity Solutions from Miami who specializing in marketing premium brands to develop their root to market in Central America, Latin America, the Caribbean and duty free outlets.

Flashbacks - Alan Forman Scuba Diving Pioneer of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye
While it can safely be said that Celi McCorkle is the Tourism Pioneer in the hotel industry of San Pedro, Alan Forman is the Tourism Pioneer in the scuba diving operations on the island. Alan and a group of San Pedranos formed the chain of local small hotels known as Coral Beach Hotels. This group offered fishing, snorkeling, sailing, mainland tours, beach parties and anything else that they sensed the visitors would enjoy. Alan Forman was the first hotelier to offer a bar and entertainment center at the end of a dock and over the sea - The Tackle Box. This place was very popular due to the ambience and spectacular view and also due to its seaquarium with a wide variety of fish, including sharks and rays as well as sea turtles. However, Alan Forman wanted the visitors to experience the diving spectacles of Belize and the Caribbean Sea. In the early 1970’s Coral Beach Hotels set up the first dive tank compressor on the Island and commenced taking tours to the blue Hole and other fine spots around Ambergris Caye. It was the commencement of what was to become San Pedro’s vibrant scuba diving operations now offered by many resorts on Ambergris Caye.

Belizeans Graduate in Modeling Course
Fashion and modeling have been on a rise in San Pedro since fashion shows have become very popular for fundraising events, entertainment and retail businesses. The trend has given the opportunity to many Belizeans to take on a modeling career with a modeling course that is being provided by professional instructor Zuzana Mello, in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. On Sunday, November 15, 2015, a group of models showcased their skills in a graduation ceremony that took place at a beach resort south of San Pedro Town that included a free mini fashion show presentation, ending with a certificate distribution. The one month modeling course taught the aspiring models course under the themes of runway modeling, photo shoot modeling, auto-esteem and confidence and image projection. Congratulations to all the models for their accomplishment.

Pic of the Week - A Picturesque View Approaching the Caye Caulker Split by Sea
Our neighboring island of Caye Caulker is just a 30 minute boat ride from Ambergris Caye and an hour from Belize City. The San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi makes stops on the island as it commutes back and forth from Belize City, to pick up and drop off passengers. Here is an early morning picture of the famous Caye Caulker Split, a tourist hot spot, as the water taxi approaches the island. It's a beautiful image that shows the charm of one of the top island destinations in the country of Belize.

Pro Golfer Greg Norman to Trademark Caye Chapel Golf Course
The Caye Chapel development group held a press conference on that island on Thursday, November 12, 2015 where the developers shared the news of golf legend Greg Norman adopting and re-designing the Caye Chapel Golf Course as part of the proposed development project on the island. Greg Norman will build a world-class golf course on Caye Chapel’s already developed 18-hole golf course. Developer Jaime Fasja states that the island resort will undoubtedly be a mandatory destination for the most important and renowned golfers in the world. The project is being developed by three top Mexican groups with an investment of over $250Mil on the first phase of the project.

Misc Belizean Sources

Ten Day Weather Outlook for Belize
Here is an outlook for the next 7-days. The forecast model is supporting the unsettled weather to continue through Friday, then resuming early on Monday with an intense arctic airmass incursion over the central and eastern USA and the Gulf of Mexico, generating sho wery weather along a frontal zone entering the NW Caribbean.

Entrepreneurship Symposium
Government of Belize Press Office

International Festival of Culture 2015
The 6th annual International Festival of Culture will be from December 4th through the 6th this year. They are having a lot of great activities this year, including the BVMA, and some international performers. "VI International Festival of Culture Program: Celebrating our Heritage while we unearth Potential Centennial Plaza FRIDAY – Dec. 04, 2015 7:30 p.m. – Musical prelude Master Violinist David Snow (USA) Opening Ceremonies Marimba Recital – Benque Viejo Marimba Academy directed by Mtro. Edgar Enrique Barrios Heredia (Guatemala) SATURDAY - Dec. 05, 2015 7:30 p.m. – Orquidea Negra Dance Company (Belize) Concert Ensamble Universitario de Jazz de la UniversidadAutonoma de Campeche followed by dance – Benque Viejo Marimba Academy SUNDAY - Dec. 06, 2015 9:00 a.m. – Arts & Crafts Expo Children’s show by Caracolitos stilt-walkers 4:00 p.m. – Comedia “La Fiesta” - Italian-adapted comedy by “La Bocha” Theatre Company (El Salvador) 6:00 p.m. - Concert Ensamble Universitario de Jazz de la Universidad Autonoma de Campeche (Mexico)"

Lets Welcome home Ms. Carmelita Leiva, who participated on our International Visitor Leadership Program
The Edward R. Murrow Program celebrated its 10th Anniversary this year. This program is an innovative public-private partnership between the Department of State, and seven leading U.S schools of journalism. In honor of the 10th Anniversary, the Department is also partnering with the Poynter Institute to offer the workshop on journalism. Ms. Leiva visited Washington DC, Norman, Oklahoma, Tampa, Florida and New York. She has had the opportunity to visit NBC and participate in meetings and panel discussions with fellow journalists from around the world.

Tacos Festival
Tacos Festival is here again, this Sunday November 22nd, 2015 at the Banquitas House of Culture, come enjoy delicious tacos and entertainment galore!

The future of the PUP and BPP in Belize
By Wellington C. Ramos. Before the elections were held in Belize on November 4, 2015, I had predicted that the United Democratic Party (UDP) was going to defeat the People’s United Party (PUP) by a margin of 20 to 11 seats. One week before the elections, I increased the margin of victory to 22 to 9 seats. I did not expect the Belize Progressive Party (BPP) to win any seats. The election results ended up being: 19 UDP seats to 12 PUP seats and 0 BPP seats. If it was not for overconfidence, cockiness and carelessness on the part of a few UDP candidates, they had those 22 seats to win. The election is now over and the UDP candidates who lost by a few votes must blame themselves for losing. I just hope that they learnt from their mistakes for next time. The PUP’s problems started in 2006 when seven of their ministers broke away from their party and asked their then prime minister Said Musa to get rid of one of their fellow ministers Ralph Fonseca who was wielding too much power over them. The prime minister refused to listen to these seven ministers and the relationship turned ugly.

Miss World Belize 2015
Miss Jasmine departed The Belize Phillip Goldson Inter. Airport on Delta Airlines yesterday on her way to Los Angeles for further preparation and training and will leave on Thursday, 19th November to Sanya, China.

RESPECT TO THE BELIZEAN LEGEND ANDY PALACIO: WRITTEN IN STONE!
In commemoration of Garifuna Settlement Day on November 19, 2015, Belizean Legends honor the dynamic work of Belize's most outstanding cultural and musical ambassador, the late Andy Palacio, and his musical, cultural, and educational contribution to Belizean society at home and abroad. No other Belizean artist ever in the hsitory of Belize had ever won the Womex Peace Prize, but Andy Palacio captured the world attention and won it in 2007 for his cultural activism for the Garinagu people, and drawing international attention to the plight of the Pan Garinagu community in Central and South America.

Flood Advisory in Belize: U.S. Embassy Belize
U.S. Embassy Belmopan informs U.S. citizens that due to heavy rainfall the Belizean National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) has issued an advisory. Heavy rainfall has affected parts of the country, particularly in the Belize River valley and along the old northern highway. The highways and main thoroughfare are open and passable. U.S. citizens should stay tuned to local forecasts and follow instructions from local authorities regarding road detours and other safety restrictions. Belizean authorities caution the public not to drive around in flooded areas especially in low vehicles. U.S. citizens living and traveling in Belize should take this information into account, and be aware that localized conditions in affected areas could change without warning.

Channel 7

Miracle Baby Suzette Survives Floodwaters
Heavy rains inundated the whole country this weekend - and when floodwaters overtook parts of the southern highway - it exposed many vulnerable communities. One of them is Santa Cruz on the Jalacte road - where - initial reports said that an infant was lost to flood waters on the road. LOVE FM reported that a mother was navigating the water across the road, when she stumbled and the child slipped from her grip - and perished in the rushing waters. Well, the good news is that the child didn't die, but she narrowly escaped death. Daniel Ortiz spoke to her 12 year-old sister Yesenia Ca-a today, who was acting as her mother's translator, since she doesn't speak English very well. The first thing she clarified for us was that it was not her mother, Adelia Shol, who lost the baby. It was actually a man from Redbank Village who was trying to help her cross the stream with the child, 2 month old Suzette Adelicia Caac:

16 Year Old Murdered In Ruthless Home Invasion
A teenager was killed in a brazen home invasion in Camalote village this weekend. Tonight the Choc family is in hiding after 16 year old Ivan was gunned down while he ate dinner with his family. Courtney Weatherburne found out more from Roaring Creek police today:... Courtney Weatherburne reporting This green wooden house might look like it has been abandoned for years. The verandah is moldy and decrepit and the weathered door is barred shut. But it was just a couple a days ago that the Choc family was living in this humble house. On Friday night the family was having their family dinner on this small wooden table. But that family gathering was interrupted by heavy footsteps splashing the water in the yard. A family member told us that the father Eluterio Choc went to the door with a machete and when he opened it, 2 masked gunmen stormed in. Choc tried to fight them off but he couldn't and the men shot his 16 year old son Ivan Choc.

Floodwaters Receding, But Riverside Communities Must Be On Lookout
And so tonight NEMO is monitoring water levels across the country - especially in the West, the south and central Belize. Low lying bridges in the west like this one at Iguane Creek have been under water all weekend due to the steadily rising Macal river. The Roaring Creek Bridge remains open while water hovers less than a foot below the deck. Overall, waters are receding, folks have returned home from shelters and the weather is improving. NEMO's latest update says that flood waters continue to threaten these communities in the Cayo District: Arenal; Succotz; Calla Creek; La Clarissa; Siete Millas; Barton Creek; San Marcos; Billy White; Central Farm; Buena Vista; Ramonal; Paslow Falls, Bullet Tree Falls; Santa Familia, Branch Mouth, and Roaring Creek, More Tomorrow in the Cayo.

International Custody Battle Between Parents; Baby Nina In The Middle
This weekend, a wave of outrage swept across social media when news went out from Orange Walk that two year old Nina Charlotte Alexandra Barrera Perez had basically been abducted by the Department of Human Services. And the Social Worker did it on behalf of the child's Guatemalan father. Well, turns out, that's not quite how it went - and tonight we'll both sides of the story. But we start with what you want to know most: where is the child? She is safe and sound, in Belize, in the custody of the Department of Human Services. The Department took custody under a provision called emergency care in the families and children act. In such a case, the Department has to go to court within 48 hours to get an order confirming the legality of the emergency protective care. That's just what happened at the family court today and Nina's mother, Ana Liza Perez Guttierez was in court with her attorney Marcel Cardona. When it was finished at midday she told us she got some clarity, and relief:.. Ana Liz Perez Guitterrez "I was satisfied with the results because I am calmer now that my daughter is safe, that she is not being sneaked out of the country and I am happy and I am willing to work and get to the bottom of everything and get everything sorted out."

Notorious Freezone Figure Executed In Chetumal
A notorious figure from the Corozal Free Zone was executed in a Chetumal Restaurant this weekend. Ernesto Alonso de Miguel, known as "El Espanol" was gunned down as he ate with his family in a restaurant called "The Emporium" in Chetumal. His family was spared but a policeman he was dining with was also killed. A gunman reportedly entered the restaurant and opened fire on the pair fo them and then escaped. Mexican media calls him the czar of contraband - and they say Alonso De Miguel is responsible for a large quantity of the contraband cigarettes and other illicit products moving between the Free Zone and Chetumal. De Alonzo has been targeted by the Zetas before in Chetumal but escaped as he ran over to Belize. He was also involved in a violent shootout with Mexican police in 2011.

Former Death Row Inmate Baptist's Attorney Wants Him Home For Christmas
Glenford Baptist had been on death row longer than anyone else - but after 13 years, he's going before the judge to learn his fate. But he's not on detah row anymore because his death sentence for killing Azrin White in the year 2000 was set aside earlier this year, and now he's going to court to find out how much longer he'll have to spend in jail. Today, his case came up Chief Justice, Kenneth Benjamin explained to him that his sentencing trial will be heard on December 18, 2015, one week before Christmas. His attorney Priscilla Banner asked the court for time to file additional affidavit on behalf of her client. Banner told the media that she is hoping that at the end of the sentencing hearing the court will order that Baptist has served his time after almost 14 years on remand. Nigel Hawke on behalf of the Government, is asking for a time of 25 years be imposed less time served on remand.

Weed Trafficker Chose Air Cargo
On Friday, Corozal police found a pound of weed being smuggled in a Tropic Air Cargo package. It happened in Corozal at the Ranchito airstrip. At 10:15 am, Special Branch and CIB personnel police had information to look for a Lala milk box. It was sealed with transparent tape and found to contain baby clothes and one parcel which was tightly wrapped in transparent plastic. The parcel was cut open and contained a black plastic back with weed amounting to 486 grams - or about a pound. It was labeled as found property.

Sick Stepfather
Benque Viejo police have charged a 40 year old man for fondling his 14 year old stepson. On Saturday morning, the teenager reported to police that at 7:30am, he was sleeping in a sofa in the hall and was awakened by someone touching his genitals. When he opened his eyes, he saw his step father sitting nude on the sofa. The youth told police that the same thing happened between the 24th and 31st October, 2015, when he was sleeping in the bedroom, and his step father would fondle him and then hand him five dollars. On Sunday evening, Police arrested the 40 year old stepfather who is a Carpenter and charged for two counts of "Sexual Assault".

Malaria, Dengue, Chik-V, And Now Zika, Latest Mosquito Borne Malady
Dengue and Chikungunya aren't the only diseases you have to worry about catching when a mosquito bites you. Now there's Zika, another virus that you can get from the same Aedes aegypti mosquito. There were a few cases of Zika in Brazil and Columbia and now the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) has confirmed, five cases of Zika virus in the Caribbean. More worryingly, there are concerns that there might be cases in El Salvador. Now, Zika is called Dengue's first cousin and the symptoms are similar. But Chief of Operations for the Vector Control Program at the Ministry of Health Kim Bautista told us that there is no reason to be alarmed because there are no confirmed cases in Belize nor in neighboring countries. Bautista told us more about this virus and what can be done to keep safe. Kim Bautista, Chief of Operations - Vector Control Program "Zika virus is a virus belonging to a member of the group of viruses which includes the more common dengue virus. The West Nile virus is also a member of that family of viruses and also yellow fever. So it's a pretty old disease. The name Zika comes from the Zika Forest in Uganda where this virus was discovered in monkeys in the wild and thereafter between the 60s and the 70s it was detected in humans.

Henkis, Setting The Record Straight
On Friday night's newscast, you saw 73 year old Norman Henkis, lamenting about being put out of his house, because he didn't own the land. Well, Mr. Henkis put his own spin on certain elements of his case, and we've got to set the record straight. Henkis told us that the court ordered a settlement of $4,000.00 Belize dollars to him; not so. What the judgment actually said is that the upper storey of the house is to be valued by a valuator agreed to by both sides, and the landowner will pay him half of that value. After he's paid off, he has one month to move. There's no telling how much that figure will be. Also he told us he invested $160,000.00 dollars to build and expand the house but in court he pumped that up and said it was half a million dollars. As a result, the Judge stated in her Judgment that she quote, "did not believe the figure he gave for its construction" and found that "the figure he gives for this is entirely unbelievable".

Channel 5

A Bitter, Transborder Child Custody Battle Before Belize Family Court
A hostile battle over custody of a toddler began to unravel over the weekend. Two parents, one Belizean and the other Guatemalan, are tonight before the courts in Belize over [...]

Sixteen-year-old Shot and Killed in Roaring Creek
In Roaring Creek…a sixteen year old minor of Young Bank Road was callously killed in front of his parents and siblings just before eight o’clock on Friday night. It is [...]

…Was It Retaliatory?
Prior to his murder, sixteen year old Ivan Choc was hit to the pelvis by a gunman about three weeks ago. He was shot near the cemetery in the village [...]

Free Zone Businessman Killed in Double Murder in Chetumal
There is another homicide to report, but local police could not offer any details. A sensational double murder took place over the weekend in the neighbouring Chetumal. A businessman from [...]

Weekend Rains Leave Flooding in the South
Just a few weeks ago, Belize City was underwater…inundated by a weekend of heavy rain. NEMO had to be pressed into immediate and urgent action to relieve suffering caused by [...]

Shrimp Industry Hit by Viral Infection
We’ve been following the crisis in the shrimp industry where losses to jobs and finances are massive. Six hundred persons have been let go so far and losses are in [...]

Plan of Action in Effect to Manage Bacterial Outbreak
According to Henderson, the industry is trying to manage the effects of the bacteria to ensure that farms put the strategic response in place. Stakeholders are working along with the [...]

Fate of Former Death Row Inmate is Still Unknown
In July of this year, the last remaining death row inmate, Glenford Baptist, learnt that his sentence had been squashed, but the court is yet to determine how much time [...]

Stepfather Sexual Assaults Fourteen-year-old Son in Benque
A forty year old Benque Viejo Del Carmen resident is facing charges of sexual assault on his stepson. The carpenter is accused of acting inappropriately against the fourteen year old [...]

Shipment of Weed Discovered Inside Box of Lala Milk
No arrests have been made, but late last week, police were tipped off that someone intended to transport weed on the Tropic Air flight from Corozal Town to San Pedro. [...]

Macal and Mopan Rivers Rise Amid Torrential Rains in the West
Aside from the south, the downpour over the weekend also affected the western part of the country where the Macal and Mopan Rivers rose above their usual levels. While homes [...]

B.T.B. Awards Nine Tourism-related Scholarships
The Belize Tourism Board (B.T.B.) awarded scholarships to nine qualify students for programs that complement the tourism industry.  Three, two-year tuition scholarships for Associate Degrees in Tourism at local Junior [...]

Zika Cases Confirmed in the Caribbean
A vector-borne illness closely related to dengue and chikungunya has been detected in the Caribbean region.  In a release issued by the Caribbean Public Health Agency, CARPHA, it is confirmed [...]

Ministry of Health Prepares for Possible Outbreak in Belize
While Zika fever ranks lowest on the totem pole of the three related illnesses, the Ministry of Health reminds everyone to protect themselves from mosquito bites.  Preparations for the introduction [...]

Sporting Highlights with James Adderley
Good evening I’m James Adderley and this is Sports Monday.   The weekend of sports was a washout as the torrential rains continued over the weekend across the nation. PLB [...]

CTV3

Three Men Detained For Spew Of Burglaries Committed In Orange Walk
Over the weekend Orange Walk Police were busy conducting several investigations surrounding separate burglary and robbery incidences that have resulted in the arrest of several men. The first arrest was made possible through the swift response of the Quick Response Team. According to 65 year old Angel Maldonado, Salvadoran National, Belizean resident and watchman of Camp 22 in the community of Shipyard in the Orange Walk District, on Friday November 13th, he was at a ranch belonging to Jacobo Wall, Belizean Mennonite of Shipyard Village, fixing a gate when two men approached him asking for water. Maldonado alleges that shortly after drinking the water, both individuals attacked him and threatened to kill him with a machete. One of the culprits then threw Maldonado to the ground whilst the second placed the point of the machete on his chest. The victim further reported that one of the culprits then went inside the house and took a shotgun that belonged to Wall. The assailants then took Maldonado’s cell phone and his blue Meilun Motorcycle and before they left they wanted to kill but according to the victim, he pled for his life and luckily it was speared.

MOH Issues Warning For Zika
The Ministry of Health is tonight advising the general public to protect themselves from mosquito bites due to the recent confirmation of the first 5 cases of Zika virus in the Caribbean by the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA). It is the first time that countries within the Americas such as Brazil, Colombia, Suriname and the Dominican Republic have all reported cases of this mosquito-borne disease this year. Based on CARPHA’s information, the Ministry of Health is preparing for the introduction of this disease based on the most recent experience with Chikungunya which spread throughout the Caribbean and the Americas, including Belize within less than one year. Zika is a viral disease, transmitted by the Aedes Aegypti mosquito, the same vector for Dengue and Chikungunya. The symptoms of Zika last approximately four to seven days, and are similar to Dengue and Chikungunya which may include fever, muscle and joint pain, headache, nausea, vomiting and rash. Though complications from Zika are rare and no deaths have been reported, there is no vaccine or treatment for the disease.

Thieves On The Lose In O/W
Authorities are investigating a robbery which left a business owner shaken and short of several personal items worth over one thousand dollars. According to the cops, business woman Dora Suyapa Escalante reported that on Saturday November 14th around 12:30am whilst at her business place namely Dora's Cool Spot situated on San Antonio Road, two male persons with blue rags covering their faces arrived at the establishment and demanded her belongings. One of the men placed a knife to her abdomen and fearing for her life, Escalante handed over her purse containing $950.00bcy in mostly $50.00bcy denominations, one gold chain valued at $400.00bcy, two perfumes valued at $200.00bcy and $125.00bcy respectively. The men made good their escape with a total of $1675.00bcy dollars in valuables.

Suspected Cannabis Found In Milk Box
Corozal Police have confiscated a milk box which was used to conceal 486 grams of cannabis. On Friday authorities visited the airstrip located in the Village of Ranchito in the Corozal District where the manager of Tropic Air, Ezequiel Chi, handed over to them a white and blue milk box which was sealed with transparent tape. The box was opened and police found inside baby clothes and one parcel tightly wrapped with transparent plastic. Inside the parcel police found a black plastic bag with green leafy vegetable substance suspected to be cannabis.

Panda's Bar Targeted By Thieves
About a month ago, Pandas’s Bar located opposite the Central Park in Orange Walk Town, came under public scrutiny after the murder of a BDF soldier Rafael Rivas inside the bar and for being one of many alcoholic establishments operating near the main recreational area of town. Tonight, there is more news to report emanating from that establishment after armed masked thieves targeted the bar last night. Belizean waitress, Ruby Zetina, reported to police that whilst behind the counter of the bar, two dark skin male individuals with mask covering their faces and dressed in dark clothing, entered the establishment armed with firearms. The men demanded money and fearing for her life, Zetina gave way to the men who helped themselves to the cash register and stole $1,200.00 in Belizean Currency.

Mother Claims Her Daughter Was Kidnapped By Social Worker
Over the weekend news spread like wildfire when a frantic mother from Orange Walk Town reported to police that her two year old daughter “Nina” was removed from her custody by an unidentified Social Worker claiming to work with the Social Services Department. Twenty-two year old Analiz Gutierrez claims that the woman, accompanied by a police officer, went to her home on Friday evening claiming that her daughter Nina was to be sent back to Guatemala to be in the care of her Guatemalan father. With nowhere else to turn to, the child’s mother and her family in Belize pleaded to the media and friends to share the word that Nina was allegedly abducted and a kidnapping report was made to the police.

LOVE FM

Weekend Rains Bring Flooding in Western and Southern Belize
It was a very wet weekend in Belize and a number of families in southern Belize was affected by the steady downpour. NEMO remains active as they continue to deal with the impact of the weekend rains. Renee Trujillo reports.

Mother Says Her Child Was Kidnapped
Authorities from the Ministry of Human Development, the Belize Police Department among other agencies are looking into an incident that occurred over the weekend where a two year old little girl was reportedly taken from her mother by a member of Social Services with the assistance of the Orange Walk Police. The family of the […]

CEO Speaks on the Removal of Child from Mother
We’ve told you about the two year old little girl who has been taken into custody by the Social Services following an unsettled family court dispute in Guatemala. As a follow up, we spoke with CEO in the Ministry of Human Development, Judith Alpuche for some clarity into the case. JUDITH ALPUCHE “Belize, as well […]

CEO Criticizes Frenzy on Social Media
As was mentioned by CEO Judith Alpuche, there was frenzy over the weekend on social media as it pertains to the case of the child being taken away. It got so out of control that threats were even being issued not only to the Social Services worker but to her child and family as well. […]

Ivan Choc Begs for Mercy Before Being Killed
A family is mourning the murder of a sixteen year old boy in Camalotte Village in the Cayo District. Our correspondent Fem Cruz has the story. FEM CRUZ “On Friday night, November 13 sometime around 8pm based on information received of shots being fired in the Young Bank area of Camalote Village Love News visited […]

Health Authorities Warn of the ZIKA Virus
On Friday, November 13, we told you of the five confirmed cases of the ZIKA virus found in a territory of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). That announcement came from the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) that made the find last Monday. Today, the Ministry of Health issued a press release, reiterating the same information whilst […]

SSB Workers Paid Uniform Allowance
There is peace, for now, at the Social Security Board as the pending uniform allowance was disbursed to the workers two weeks ago. Love News understands that the SSB workers were paid on November 2, all the monies owed to them under a uniform allowance which became due when SSB failed to meet the deadline […]

CIBC First Caribbean and Union Negotiate Packages
And while the CWU President, Audrey Matura Shepherd has not been forthcoming in updating us with the SSB payments, her silence in the matter of the Collective Bargaining Agreement and the Exit Packages being discussed for the workers at CIBC First Caribbean Bank is understood as both parties have agreed to not discuss with the […]

Rains Won’t Stop the Garifuna Celebrations
As a result of the incessant rains that the country of Belize recently experienced, many communities in the Stann Creek District were also affected by flood waters including Seine Bight Village and Placencia. Nevertheless, residents in those communities are prepared to celebrate Garifuna Settlement day slated for Thursday for this week. Correspondent Harry Arzu has […]

Fire Consumes Furniture Workshop
A Sunday morning fire destroyed a building in San Ignacio. Love News spoke with officer in charg of San Ignacio formation, Suprintendent Andrew Ramirez. CAYO FIRE “At about 8:55am on Sunday, November 15, 2015, responding to information received of a house fire on Coral Street here in San Ignacio Town, the Police and Fire Department […]

Caye Caulker Chronicles

Gelato Italiano
On a grey, chilly and breezy November day, the island was blessed with another new beginning. Caye Caulker, as with many other places, lives up to some well penned lyrics used by the Stereophonics in their song “Closing Time” and those well versed words are, “Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end”. This is so true in so many aspects of life and this is a wonderful way of looking at challenges. Located up by the Split, the much-anticipated opening of Gelato Italiano took place on Sunday 15th. Anna and Marco Marini are the proprietors of this new business venture. As the winds blew and the spray danced erratically out on the choppy sea, Marco donned his whites and started preparing his first creation of the day. Homemade gelato made by a family who have been in the business since 1936.

Breaking Belize News

Belize Tourism Board awards tourism education scholarships
The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) handed out scholarships to nine persons participating in tourism education at various junior colleges and the University of Belize this past Friday at its Belize City office. The winners were selected for their academic performance and work and community service. According to Director of Tourism […]

Telethon for Thomas Vincent Ramos bust raises six thousand
A life size bust of national hero Thomas Vincent Ramos decorates Dangriga Town, the outstanding work of Stephen Okeke but he has yet to be paid for it, even considering that he started work before getting a full commission or sponsor. Officialy it was later acquired by the […]

Edward P. Yorke has top Caribbean Examination Council candidates
Lords’ Bank, Belize District resident and graduate of Edward P. Yorke High School in Belize City, Nisa Sanchez, is top among the thousands of candidates who took examinations in May and June for the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC), administered by the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC). Nisa obtained […]

Man charged in domestic dispute
60 year old Belize City welder, James Parks today pleaded guilty to assaulting his estranged girlfriend, using threatening words and damage to property over the weekend, on Saturday, November 14, 2015. The George Street resident caused damages to four tires valued at $400, property of Oliver Blanco and […]

Glenford Baptist coming home for Christmas?
Could the old man of Belize’s death row be going home for Christmas? Glenford Baptist, the last man on Belize’s death row, learned in July that he will no longer have to face the hangman’s noose after thirteen years but he has yet to know how much more […]

Businesswoman fined over Social Security contributions
Businesswoman Jeanette Neal was today fined $1,000 for failing to pay Social Security contributions on time for her employees, despite the fact that they have now been paid. Neal is accused of failing to pay Social Security payment within the prescribed time on behalf of employees employed by […]

Atlantic Bank promotion offers great prizes for holiday season
Christmas approaches and Atlantic Bank is already in the spirit of giving fabulous prizes to its customers. Atlantic Bank kicks off the season to be merry with their Bank Your Way This Christmas Promotion. In the promotion, customers will be able to win one of 16 fabulous prizes. […]

Attempted arson in Benque
Benque Viejo Police are investigating an attempted arson after a 31-year-old waitress of San Jose, Succotz reported that a man she knows as Juanito Chi, who also resides in that village, tried to light her house on fire, early yesterday morning. Jaime Chuc told police that she was inside her […]

Thieves make off with almost $4,000 worth of steel
45-year-old Ryan Gonzalez, a supervisor at RJB Construction, reported to police that sometime between Friday evening and early Saturday morning, 200 lengths of 3/8 steel, valued at $3,600, were stolen from the street side on Seashore Drive in Belize City. The steel was property of RJB and police are investigating the incident.

Belize City police find guns
While conducting an anti-drug operation on Sunday, members of the Precinct Two Strike Team Two and Special branch, made the discovery of two firearms in an abandoned lot on Iguana Street Extension. At around 10:14 a.m., officers found a 9 millimeter firearm with an extended clip containing six live rounds of […]

Young man killed in Belmopan
Having received information of a shooting incident on Young Bank Road, Camalote Village, police visited the home of 35-year-old Eluterio Choc at around 8:05 Friday night, November 13th. When they arrived on the scene, officers saw the lifeless body of 16-year-old Ivan Choc, a resident of that same address, lying […]

Panda’s Bar in Orange Walk targeted
Two masked, armed thieves targeted the popular Panda’s Bar sometime last night, authorities in Orange Walk said. According to the report, Ruby Zetina, a Belizean waitress at Panda’s Bar that is situated opposite the Park on Queen Victoria Avenue, reported to police last night that while behind the […]

Orange Walk police nab burglars suspected of string of crimes
Three male residents of August Pine Ridge Village have been arrested and charged for ‘Aggravated Burglary’ among other crimes committed. According to Orange Walk Police, 65-year-old Angel Maldonado, a Salvadoran national, and watchman of Camp 22, reported that last Friday while at a ranch that belongs to […]

Conditions will become less moist and less unstable later today
The National Meteorological Service of Belize is predicting cloudy skies at times with some showers or periods of light rain mainly inland and in the north today, with showers becoming generally isolated tonight. The threat of flooding remains for low-lying areas of the country. Winds will be blowing from the […]

Blogs

A Dangriga Pet Clinic: Animals in Need…So Many…And the Hopkins Humane Society
The amazing Hopkins, Belize Humane Society, a relatively tiny group spearheaded by superwoman Clara Lee, organizes free veterinary clinics a few times a year for areas that lack easy/free veterinary care. And there are many of them in Belize. This most recent string of clinics hit Hopkins, Maya Center Village, Dangriga (all in Southern Belize) and San Ignacio, Cayo – with a volunteer vet from Tucson teaming up local vets and volunteers to do check-ups, surgeries and as many spay/neuters as is humanly possible in a few days. I went down South to help out at the Dangriga clinic. Amanda, a volunteer from Texas who owns Swell Chick Photography, helped by heading out into Dangriga with another volunteer to find animals that needed help…

Oreo Churros
A beautiful viewer and subscriber who is now a friend makes Oreo Churros wit me. The hi-jinks in the kitchen were great and the churros are just divine.

What are the Best Places to Go Belize Scuba Diving?
Belize scuba diving is one of the best activities in the country. There are many Belize dive sites, but there are a handful of standouts. Read on as we discover the 5 best places to scuba dive in Belize. A couple of months ago, I was on a vacation in Belize and I befriended one of my neighbors who actually turned out to be a dive master. He works in a diving shop near the hotel I’m staying at. Being new to Belize and in scuba diving, I asked for lessons and tips about scuba diving in the country. I was particularly curious on where I can find the best places to scuba dive in Belize, and he recommended 5 places.

Placencia vs Hopkins - How to choose between them for your trip to Belize!
It is so hard to choose cities to visit in a country you have never been to, and you just can't get a real sense of a city until you visit yourself. I had driven through Hopkins a few times before and we decided to stay for a long weekend to get a better sense of what it is like, as we get many questions about the differences between Placencia and Hopkins. In general, you will read that Hopkins is a "sleepier" village, more rustic, and perhaps tourist wise, a bit behind Placencia. Some travelers choose Belize because they want to have an authentic experience, and do not want to feel like they just went to another all inclusive resort. I believe the average tourist will not feel that either place is TOO touristy--I mean really, it is very hard to find a place that has NO traveler comforts unless you are going wayyyy off the beaten path. Both if you are looking for a lot of warm interactions with locals, where the experience IS the village, there are no chains, plenty of local excursions and restaurants, but it is still safe, manageable, and you can get by with English, then you are headed to the right places. I added in a few pretty pictures of Hopkins to enjoy :) So, the comparison....

Northern Arizona University students are credited with helping to preserve archaeological sites in Belize
Northern Arizona University students are credited with helping to preserve archaeological sites in Belize and as a result, supporting the country’s tourism economy, as part of a field study program with former Archaeology Director Jaime Awe. Fifteen undergraduates and four graduate students spent the summer months in Belize doing excavations, which included a structure at Xunantuknich. “This work not only conserves cultural heritage, but it also creates jobs, contributes to national identity and is educational”, said Awe, who currently serves as an assistant professor of archaeology at the university. In addition to the archaeological tenets of excavation, the students learned about preservation. The Maya built with lime plaster, a combination of water and lime, which deteriorates when exposed to rain and algae. “When we discover fragile monuments, we make a fiberglass replica that covers the original, thereby preserving and protecting it”, Awe said. “When you go to the sites, you cannot tell that you are looking at a replica.”

International Sources

Mennonite Farmers Prepare to Leave Mexico, and Competition for Water
On the edge of a high plain fringed by craggy sandstone hills, Johan Friesen’s small farm is a testament to the rural providence of his Mennonite people. Neat fields of onion, soybean and yellow corn stretch behind his concrete and adobe house. In the farmyard, a few dozen cows stand in a corral, ready for milking, and a canary-colored reaper awaits repair. But beneath this valley of orderly farms in the center of Chihuahua State, the picture is less than serene, officials and farmers say. Underground reservoirs have been drained by thirsty crops, like corn, that are the mainstay of the Mennonites’ success, they say. Competition for groundwater — which officials have warned could run out in 20 years — has strained relations between the pacifist, Low German-speaking Mennonites and other farmers and, on occasion, incited violence. In Chihuahua, nearly a century after the Anabaptist Mennonites migrated from Canada and transformed this valley into a lush carpet of crops, hundreds are trading the land they call home for one where land is cheaper and water is more plentiful. In some ways, the Mennonites’ migration is another turn of history. Those who moved to Mexico from Canada had fled persecution in Russia. Over the years, some settled in other parts of Mexico, and conservative groups broke from the Mexican colonies and moved to Bolivia, Paraguay and Belize.

Videos

November 16, 2015

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, LOVETV, PGTV, West Vision (Cayo) and CTV 3. Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, Rise and Shine Morning Show, and the Dickie Bradley Specials

The San Pedro Sun

Belize Declares November 29 “ Small Country Sunday ”
Small businesses often struggle to stand out when they’re up against big-box retailers, and small countries—like Belize—can feel the same effects. With the busiest travel and shopping season ahead, the Belize Tourism Board is putting an exotic twist on shopping local and encouraging travelers to book like they buy: small. As a result, Belize declares that Sunday, November 29 will mark the inaugural “Small Country Sunday,” a day to honor small nations and encourage travelers to book their adventure somewhere new.

Wolfe’s Woofer: A Better Married Life
“Hey, Mr. Dennis.” “Hey, Jose. How are you doing?” “Not too good,” Jose said. “Especially when I’m out like this, buying tacos for nine children plus me and my wife. It gets expensive” “Nine? The last time I saw you there were only eight.” “Since then God blessed us with another one.” “Maybe you should ask him not to bless you again.” “Maybe so. I haven’t had a good night’s sleep for five years. I love to sleep in late on Sundays but every time those babies wakes us just when I’m dreaming good.” “Perhaps it’s time to quit having children.” “No worries about that. Me and the wife, we’re not romantic anymore.”

Guest Editorial: Talkin’ Trash
By: Robert J. Hawkins Hawkins is a retired newspaper and online journalist/editor and media relations specialist who blogs about his life in Belize, and sometimes writes freelance stories for global publications. Mary Wells, a Houston real estate agent, and her family came to San Pedro recently in search of a second home. They brought a dozen trash sticks with them to donate to our First Friday Tres Cocos Trash Pickup group. Ironically — and sadly — they chose to take a pass on Belize as their second home. It was, in Mary’s words, just too dirty. Trash everywhere. As she recently wrote to me, “Your blog today reminded me too clearly why I cannot move there. The trash and all its sources are beyond my accepting. If I could think that with efforts of locals, government, and people from other countries, it can be alleviated…not totally resolved … but slowed (so that people like you and Rose and your group can start the cleanup and your efforts will have some lasting effect), I may have been able to see the natural beauty again having a fair chance…. but I don’t think this will happen in my life time (20 years?). “It was extremely distressing to me.” I regret that Mary could not see how pristine the roadway north of the bridge looked this past Friday after our group of 20 wrapped up two hours of cleanup. Her trash sticks were especially handy with the high water beside the road, from recent rains. The sticks are a welcome addition to our war on trash. (And we need more, dear readers, if you are planning to visit Ambergris Caye soon!)

Doctor Love: Misunderstood and Good Friend
Dr-LoveDear Doctor Love I have a girlfriend for six months and I am serious about our relationship. What I don’t like is that we argue sometimes. I know this is normal but when we argue she gets sarcastic and her tongue is sharp like a knife. English is not my first language so a lot of times I don’t even understand what she is saying until it is too late to come back with a good answer. Because of this I have a lot of opinions that never get said. I am wondering if she is not the right girl for me. Right now I don’t have any other girls in mind so I’m not sure what to do. Can you help? /s/ Misunderstood

Misc Belizean Sources

Belize’s financial regulator warns against NewTradeFX
The International Financial Services Commission of Belize (IFSC) on Friday published a warning against Forex and CFD broker Financial Strategy Holdings Ltd., operating as New Trade FX (NewTradeFX) via newtradefx.com. The regulator wishes to inform investors that the business entity in question is not licensed by the International Financial Services Commission or any other competent authority in Belize to conduct any trading business. All persons concerned are warned to exercise extreme caution. The watchdog asks any person who is contacted by a representative of Financial Strategy Holdings Ltd. to contact the IFSC by e-mail [email protected] and to provide detailed data of such representatives.

Mr. Fidencio "Don Fido" Cabañas passes away
Expressing our sincere condolences to the Cabañas family & friends on the passing of Mr. Fidencio "Don Fido" Cabañas. May his soul rest in peace.

Sashing Ceremony of Miss Garifuna Contentants 2015
Monday, November 16 at San Pedro House of Culture. The contestants for the Miss Garifuna Queen Pageant have been matched with their sponsors and what has quickly become an annual part of a cultural pageant, the sashing ceremony, will be held on Monday November 16, 2015. During the event, the 2015 sponsors for the Miss Garifuna Queen contestants will be announced and the delegates who have been attending workshops in areas such as etiquette, public speaking, grooming and make-up application will be officially sashed. The five beautiful and talented young garifuna women vying for the Miss Garifuna crown exude charm, intelligence, beauty, poise and energy, and each of the contestants is extremely confident that they will certainly win the coveted crown. The coordinators of the Miss Garifuna Pageant expressed that an excellent production is in store for the public including Jankunu dancers and drumming and none of it would have been possible, without the assistance of the kind sponsors of the contestants and the Pageant. The sashing ceremony will be held at the San Pedro House of Culture, as part of the activities of the Garifuna Settlement Day celebrations. The event will be at 9:00 pm on Monday November 16th, 2015.

MINUTE TO WIN IT
Monday, November 16at 7:00pm, Roadkill Bar San Pedro. Roadkill Bar Presents Minute to Win It. Based of the hit TV show contestants compete in seemingly simple challenges with everyday items in hopes of skipping elimination and moving on to the next round. The $10bzd entry fee gets you a free travelers rum drink and a donation to the charity of the night. Prizes are donated from many local businesses. Come on by Monday's at 7pm and take a Minute to Win It for charity!

Time for a real bridge for San Ignacio and Santa Elena, Cayo
The bridge isn't lowlying, it's 'river level' so it will flood everytime.

Southern Highway near Deep River Bridge
According to Wil Maheia, the road is flooded but not the bridge.

Bullet Tree Falls Elder Passes Away
We lost the eldest Elder and one of the last Yukatek grandfathers of Bullet Tree Falls, Don Isidro Poot better known as DON PASCUAL POOT. He was born on the 4th of April 1920. At his 95 years of age he was still an outstanding “milpero” and excellent storyteller. He was the last Alcalde of Bullet Tree, appointed in 1959 by consensus to govern the village. Tonight we're having a wake at his home in Bullet Tree Falls and a funeral service will be held tomorrow Saturday 14th at 11.00 am at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Don Pacito as he was affectionately called by many, leaves behind 3 daughters- Evarista Balan, Irma Chan, Ida Galicia; 2 sons- Emanuel Poot and Leopoldo Poot; 38 grandchildren, 62 great grandchildren and 1 great, great grandchild. Grandfather Pascual, today we bid you farewell and send all our positive energies so that the immense light of the Universe guides you on your path through the sacred Saq'bé. May you travel and rest in peace!!!

Costs of rice
Rice is a staple food for most of the countries, consumed twice daily, hence the reason price is controlled and supposed to be the cheapest product on our Grocery List. Unfortunately it is not so in the Beautiful country of Belize. Apparently a pound of rice pays more than a Soft Drink in some parts, otherwise Retails for Bz$ 1.15 / LB. Being a responsible Belizean and Businessman connected to International market didn’t took long to complete “Cost of Production” research on 10 rice producing countries. Result were shocking and figures will surprise you all. Do you want to know why prices for rice are SO high in Belize? It's very simple reallt. In other nations rice growers, and farmers, are subsidised by the governmet in one way or another! If you look at milk the same thing is happening. Did you know it is cheaper to import milk than to produce our own milk? For example Canada subsidieses dairy products by more than 40%. There are many private companies in Belize who get MASSIVE tax breaks, and duty free fuel, while all our farmers have to pay import duties on all their equipment, they have to drive full duty fuel, and pay taxes on all crop inputs to plant a crop. If this nation would for just a moment shift their focus from tourism to agriculture we could could build an economy more than twice as powerful as tourism.

Battle of the Drums - Food & Fete 2015
Two nights of Garifuna cultural celebrations!

Channel 7

Nina Barrera Perez is safe
News 5 was able to confirm late this evening that 2 year old Nina Barrera Perez is indeed safe in the custody of the Human Services Department. According to Ministry of Human Development CEO Judith Alpuche, the child was taken into custody because she was illegally removed from Guatemala and brought to Belize by her mother, Belizean Analiz Gutierrez. Alpuche says that in Guatemala the matter is being treated as a child abduction, and all the paperwork is completely in order. Furthermore Alpuche says that the mother does not have sole custody of the child as that matter is still before a Guatemalan court. CEO Alpuche says the Ministry is appalled at all the allegations being made against the social worker who she says was "only doing her job." That social worker is reportedly receiving threats, and a picture of her and her daughter have been circulating in social media channels. News Five will have all angles of this disturbing story on Monday's newscast.

The Reporter

Popular meat preparations may increase cancer risk study says
A new study published in the Journal of Cancer, suggests that pan frying, grilling or barbecuing meats may increase kidney cancer risk. The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, reported that charring meat by these methods produces two carcinogenic (cancer-causing) chemicals. Those chemicals: 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenytimidazo (4,5-b) pyridine (PHIP) and amino 3,8-dimethylimidazo (4,5-f) quinoxaline (MelQx), were found even when charring chicken instead of red or processed meats. The study compared the diets of 659 cancer patients with the diets of 699 people who were cancer-free. Researchers compared not only the type of food they ate regularly, but also how it was prepared. Those who ate the most grilled, barbecued, or pan-fried meats were found to have higher risk of contracting kidney cancer.

Orange Walk resident look for missing two-year-old child
An Orange Walk mother is asking the public to help her learn the whereabouts of her two-year-old daughter. Anliz Gutierrez explained that on Friday a woman purporting to be a social worker approached her and informed her that she came to take her child, Nina Barrera Perez. She said the social worker, escorted by a police officer, explained that she did not have legal custody of the child. Gutierrez says that since they took her baby, she cannot determine her child’s whereabouts or well being. She told the Reporter that she filed a complaint with the Orange Walk police, who have been uncooperative to help her. The local media have since reported that the child is safe and in the custody of the Department of Human Services. The Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Human Development Judith Alpuche was quoted as saying that the child’s removal was lawful and followed due process.

NEMO issues another flood advisory
The following is the latest advisory from the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) on the flooding across the country:

Breaking Belize News

Popular businessman killed in Mexico
A businessman from the Commercial Free Zone, identified as Ernesto Alonso De Miguel, aka “El Español” was reportedly killed Saturday night in Mexico. According to Mexican press reports, while De Miguel enjoyed dinner with his family and friends at “El Emporio” in Chetumal Quintana Roo. a lone gun man walked […]

Early morning fire guts building in San Ignacio Town
Information reaching the BMG newsroom is that fire fighters are currently trying to control a fire that has a neighborhood in panic in San Ignacio Town. Currently, BMG has dispatched a reporter in the area to garner more information about this incident. An eye witness sent the pictures […]

2 months old baby drowns in Toledo flood
Reports reaching our newsroom are that a two months old infant drowned in the Toledo District. Information is a bit sketchy but BMG was made to understand that the baby and the mother were heading home in the Santa Cruz area when the mother stumbled while crossing the […]

Blogs

Dangriga, Belize: Hey White Gial!
“White Gial, you headed to the cayes?” – was the call I heard again and again as I walked around Dangriga. Like almost every town and village in Belize, it’s a different world from San Pedro. Almost every inch of this country has an identity and a culture all its own. With only about 9000 residents, Dangriga is the largest town in Southern Belize. Dangriga is officially cultural capital of Belize and the capital for the Garifuna people. It’s funky, it’s very “un-touristy” and “white gials” aren’t expected to stay long….making our ways out to the cayes, like gorgeous Tobacco Caye…for a softer, more “vanilla” vacation. The history of the town is a fascinating one from railroads to oranges.

The Numerous Belize Mayan Sites You Can Visit Today
There are so many Belize Mayan sites that you can explore in this beautiful country, with some even yet to be discovered. Know some of the best ruins in Belize that you can visit now. Belize is home to more than 600 ancient Mayan sites. Archaeologists believe that, at one time, Belize was the center of the lowland Mayan Empire. It is possible that, during the time of Christ, a million people could have been living in what is present-day Belize. Most of these sites still remain buried and unexplored, ranging from small mounds of ceremonial caves, that are still being discovered up until this day. Of the sites that have been discovered, there is a list of major sites that are available for tours today. Mayan tribes inhabited Belize from 1,000 BC onward. This civilization was quite primitive until around the fourth century. The Mayans of Belize flourished between 300 and 900 during what is dubbed as the Classic Period and the Mayan Golden Age. Around this time, principalities and kingdoms of the Maya gave rise to huge cities and ceremonial sites. The fertile climate and location of Belize along the coast of the Caribbean Sea made it an important hub for Mayan development.

International Sources

Belizean born Evan Perez goes from Wall Street to CNN
Nov 15 - Belizean born Evan Perez goes from Wall Street to CNN. Congratulations Evan! It is heart warming to see what some Belizeans have achieved abroad. Evan Perez joined CNN as a justice reporter in 2013. In his current role, he regularly writes for CNN.com and appears across the network's programs to report on his findings.

FREE ZONE CONTRABAND ZAR “El Espaol” is executed in Chetumal yesterday
According to various Mexican newspapers, Ernesto Alonso de Miguel, alias “El Español”, allegedly known for contrabanding liquor and merchandise from the Corozal Free Zone was executed inside the popular “Emporio” Restaurant near Chetumal’s Bahia Boulevard, along with Agustín Guevara Martínez, a lone commandant police officer from that Ministry, Witnesses state that a lone gunman jumped out of a small car and opened fire inside the restaurant where “El Espaol”, his Belizean driver, commandant Martinez, and two women were sitting. Ernesto Alonso de Miguel “El Espaol” and Commandant AugustÍn Martinez were shot. Both were taken to the General Hospital where they succumbed to their injuries. In 2011 General Carlos Bibiano Villa, secretary of Public Security, stated that a police officer from their “Police Preventative State”, Jorge Amir Flota Matos was fatally shot by friendly fire while in pursuit of “El Espaol”, considered the zar of contraband liquor and merchandise from the Corozal Free Zone in Belize. It is alleged that “El Espaol” had established residency in Chetumal since the early ‘90s. He dedicated himself to illegally transporting and the contraband of liquor and merchandise across the Rio Hondo. In 2003 the infamous drug cartel “Los Zetas” made an attempt to kidnap him and since the attempt failed, he decided to move and live in Belize where he continued his illegal operation of contraband. Corozal Daily's Note: Credible sources have revealed to us that “El Espaol” or “Spanish” as he was known inside the Free Zone circles, was the only person operating a business inside the Free Zone who had been allowed to live in there and establish physical residency since 2003. We keep asking at this corner , is this the end of the Corozal Free Zone? Reports both anecdotally and in the Mexican media is that businesses in the Corozal Free Zone are closing down at a rapid pace. Sales have been battered by the devaluation of the Mexican peso. The Mexican economy, like Canada and Venezuela, has been battered by low oil prices, the country’s primary export. Businesses in the zone had already been largely negatively impacted by the loss of corresponding banking relationships, increased scrutiny due to allegations of money laundering and rampant counterfeiting and decreasing investment.

Videos

November 15, 2015

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, LOVETV, PGTV, West Vision (Cayo) and CTV 3. Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, Rise and Shine Morning Show, and the Dickie Bradley Specials

The San Pedro Sun

Verge of Umbra’s Rocking Video Premiere
As I’ve said before, Rock/Metal isn’t exactly the driving cultural music force in Belize, but what Verge has created is a sound so unique it can’t help but BE Belize. So, after being blown away by their lyrics and sound, then meeting everyone and being a part of their video filming, there was no way I would miss out on the grand premiere! Held at Thirsty Thursdays, and sponsored by Digicell, Belikin and Traveller’s Liquors, the party featured an eclectic mix of people who clearly shared one thing in common: a love for rock! Oh my goodness, what a cool video! Everyone around me was cheering as they watched themselves and the main characters onscreen…I particularly enjoyed the concept of the video, split as it was into the various temptations facing each band member. Of course, Cricel Castillo, Belize’s top female bodybuilder, was starring in her role as the temptress and head assassin…

Food, Beverage and Hospitality Expo a huge success
On Tuesday, November 10th members of the tourism industry in Ambergris Caye were invited to the annual Food, Beverage and Hospitality Expo. The event was held at Bayan Bay Villas from 6PM to 9PM and was hosted by Madisco and the beverage division of Karl H Menzies. Invited guests got the privileged opportunity to sample food, beverage and wine products carried by the companies. With close to a hundred attendees, the event was quite successful. The expo provided the perfect forum for local hospitality and culinary businesses to browse products offered by both Madisco and Karl H Menzies in hopes of improving the service offered to their customers. Products on display varied from seasonings, cheeses, pastas, juices, wines, and other edible products, to cutlery and sanitation items. Prominent brands featured at the expo were Kimberly Clark (personal products), Milport and Colonial brand cigarettes, Santa Carolin Brut, Tito’s Vodka, Errazuriz Max Reserva Chardonnay, Premio Prosseco Frizzanto, Aconcagua Pinot Noir, Le Borgate Cabernet Savignon, Roland canned goods, Sysco goods, Reinland Steaks and Premium Meats, and Caribbean Sunrise juices.

SPTC tackles Garbage issues on Northern Ambergris Caye
Speaking to The San Pedro Sun, Mayor Daniel Guerrero detailed their strategies in alleviating the issue on the north side of the island. “What we have done is that, Gary, the Deputy Mayor, is working along with the people up north and many trash bins have been placed up there, around 50 of them. But we want people to start practicing where to place the trash, it is a very costly project and I believe that the amount of money we spent on garbage collection could be used on other things on the island, we need everyone to cooperate with us. But with the addition of more trash drums up north and Gary working with the people up there we expect to start seeing a major change. However, we are also planning to visit schools and try to teach civic pride in the children, it starts from there,” said Guerrero. Guerrero indicated that schools need to teach civic pride to their students, and people should be more aware that our island is suffering the consequences of their behavior. If actions are not taken to tackle the problem, the situation will just continue as it is and it will be more of a tradition trying to keep the island trash free when only a small group of islanders are doing their part. Unity is vital for the eradication of the problem that affects every resident on La Isla Bonita.

Traffic conditions on the island show no improvement
Over the past months, it seems that vehicular traffic in San Pedro has noticeably increased. The increase is not necessarily golf carts, but larger vehicles. Concerned residents are questioning what is being done to control the influx of large cars to the island, especially since our streets are becoming more crowded, and the scene in some areas can be alarming during certain hours of the day. The San Pedro Town Council claims to have put plans in place to alleviate the situation. In an interview with Mayor Daniel Guerrero, he explained how the situation is being handled and what measures are about to take place. “We are considering putting a moratorium on vehicles, including golf cart rental businesses. We have stopped the golf carts, but vehicles have been coming to the island, and we need to stop it. In an effort to control the traffic, especially in school areas, we will hire more wardens,” said Guerrero. He mentioned that the Town Board will need to speed up in the implementation of parking regulations in certain streets, something he had mentioned in a previous issue of The San Pedro Sun (Volume 15, Issue #21). “We need to implement as soon as possible the ‘no parking of big vehicles on the Barrier Reef Drive, Pescador Drive and Angel Coral Street. Only small golf carts and motorcycles will be allowed to park on those streets. The cart rentals will be notified that their six-seat carts will not be allowed to park in any of these streets as well. So in that way we intend to alleviate the situation; it is not easy but we will do our best,” said Guerrero.

Misc Belizean Sources

POSTPONED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE - Power Outage scheduled for the entire Corozal and Orange Walk Districts
on Sunday November 15th from 5:00 a.m. to 5:20 a.m. and 5:40 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Corozal & J's Cool Spot Backpacker Hostel
Welcome to Corozal & J's Cool Spot BackpackerHostel OWNER Miss. Jacqueline Usher Coolest Backpacker Hostel in corozal town /ranchito village belize central amercal Friendly and knowledgeable staff Large communal area -KARAOKE Dayle , dominos, cable tv, wifi, drinks, snacks ,coffee ,tea and onsite bar / you can also pick up hand made art works e.c.t and safe & secure tents space we have also Excellent location on bus route in front of gate Close to airstrip 10 minutes walk away,corozal town 20 minutes walk away, taxis & buses up and down all day and taxis Local pick up take u to the airstrip/bus terminal , Clean, basic rooms with bedding & fan Shared baths and kitchen We are conveniently located Featuring clean, comfortable, basic rooms We pride ourselves on keeping our prices low to provide budget accomodations in a convenient location 2 Basic grocery within walking distance 5 minutes walk away . We look forward to seeing you soon! $13 US / $ 25 bz per person per night /$70 week per person 0115016325521 FROM 6 ;OO A.M TO 12 MIDNIGHT EVERY DAY

Caribbean Colors looking for waitress
Caribbean Colors is still looking for the right female waitress to work in high season, from now until Easter. The best candidate is a single mother, not a drinker or partier (except on your day off), likes to get up in the morning early and has a happy disposition, is honest and hard working. Hours will be 7:00-7:30 to start in the morning, depending on how busy we are, until 1-2:30 p.m. 6 days a week. Do not call, but come by the gallery in person after 1 p.m.

Nice shot of yesterdays storm by Ambergris Today
It's on top of us. Take out your mop and buckets

Exploring Business Opportunities in Cuba!
EXPORTBelize, BELTRAIDE participated in La Feria International de La Havana (FIHAV) 2015 in Havana , Cuba from November 2nd – 6th. FIHAV is a multi-sectorial trade fair which had representation from over 60 countries showcasing their products throughout 25 different pavilions. Exhibitors had opportunity to establish contacts, close business deals, exchange business experiences and become familiar with new technological developments. EXPORTBelize participated in pre-arranged business meetings which were facilitated by the Embassy of Belize in Cuba and the Cuban Chamber of Commerce. The objective of our participation was to conduct an initial assessment of the opportunities for Belizean products to be exported and to learn how to conduct business in Cuba. Some of products of interest includes chocolate liqueur, corn, beans, juices, hot sauces, furniture, cleaning products, chicken and beef. EXPORTBelize received strong inquiries for various Belizean products and will continue discussions with Belizean producers and all the necessary government officials responsible for importation in Cuba to facilitate matchmaking and to foster trading relationships between the two countries.

Cayo Garifuna Settlement Day Celebrations
Garifuna Settlement Day is next Thursday. Cayo's celebrations will be great family fun. On Wednesday evening, there will be drumming, and a fashion show at the Cayo Welcome Center. Thursday morning, there will be Yurumei at Macal River Park, starting at 6:00am. A special mass will be held at Sacred Heart Church starting at 8:30am. The parade will start at the CWC at 10:30am, and at 3:00pm, the celebration finishes with Garifuna food, and drumming..

Caye Caulker Chronicles

Caye Caulker Cancer – Arms of Love
On the 22nd of November at 10am, Caye Caulker Cancer – Arms Of Love are holding a bake sale at the basketball court to raise money for this much needed cause. Having lost both parents to Cancer myself, I feel particularly drawn to this. It is a Non-Profit group which gathers all of its funding from the kind donations of people like you. Currently there are 10 active members and they are always looking for others to join to help them. Nothing says “Community” like the gift of giving and helping those closest to us when in times of need. It might be someone you know or a complete stranger, but the gift of helping someone in need is the most priceless gift in the world. If you can’t donate money but you can donate time, it’s all the same. You are involved in making someone’s life better and that is what community spirit is all about. Arms of Love are working this month with and supporting Diabetes Awareness Month with World Diabetes Day, today, Saturday November 14th.

The Reporter

Police have no suspects in home invasion/murder
Police are looking for clues to solve a deadly home invasion in Camalote Village Cayo on Friday night, which claimed the life of a 16 year-old boy. When police responded to the premises of Eluterio Choc, 35, of Young Bank Road, at 8:05 p.m., they […]

Rotary installs park number 15
The Rotary Club of Belize District 4250, this week inaugurated its 15 play ground, this time in Lords Bank village. The park, inaugurated on Tuesday, was built through a cooperation between the Rotary Club of Belize, Rotary Interact Club of Vegreville Alberta Canada, Emmanuel Foundation […]

Latin America and Caribbean need to do more about road traffic accident fatalities says ECLAC
The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), in a recent report, indicated that the region is not reducing the rate of fatalities due to road traffic accidents, according to its original targets. According to the Commission’s FAL report issue 342, released on […]

UNESCO partnering with Caribbean to achieve Sustainable Development Goals
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has announced that it will assist Caribbean countries to help them achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), approved by the United Nations (UN). UNESCO made the decision to offer the support at a recent Cluster Office […]

NEMO issues advisory about flooding
The National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) has issued an advisory that the potential for flooding is increasing, mainly in communities like Blue Creek and along the Mopan, Macal, Belize, North Stann Creek, Bladden, Rio Grande, and Moho Rivers. NEMO informs that flooded rivers and creeks […]

Deadly attacks in Paris prompts state of emergency
France has declared a national state of emergency and tightened borders after at least 128 people were killed in a night of gun and bomb attacks in Paris. Eighty people were reported killed after gunmen burst into the Bataclan concert hall and took hostages before security forces stormed the hall. […]

NAC announces upcoming symposium
The National AIDS Commission announced this week that it will hold a National HIV/AIDS Youth Symposium to commemorate World AIDs Day. The symposium will be held in collaboration with the University of Belize, and hosted at the Jaguar Auditorium at the university’s Belmopan Campus. The […]

House of Representatives has inaugural sitting
Nine days after the General Elections, on Friday, elected representatives gathered at the National Assembly in Belmopan for the inaugural sitting of the House of Representatives. The session gathered the 31 area representatives from both the incumbent and opposition for the ceremonial swearing in.  Governor […]

Breaking Belize News

Moist and unstable conditions will continue
The National Meteorological Service of Belize is predicting cloudy skies with some showers, periods of rain and isolated thunderstorms over most areas, but especially among the coast and over the South. The threat of localized flooding still exists for low-lying areas of the country. Winds will be blowing from the […]

Family mourns the murder of minor in Camalote
The community of Camalote and a family are today mourning the death of one of their love ones who was brutally killed, execution style. According to police, they responded to a shooting incident and visited the residence of 35-year-old Eluterio Choc from Young Bank Road in the village of Camalote […]

Elderly man charged for drug trafficking in Dangriga
Dangriga police discovered over 154 grams of suspected cannabis at the residence of 56-year-old Mariano Williams in the village of Silk Grass during a search operation. Williams was arrested and charged for the crime of Drug Trafficking.

Mexico confirm they want David Schnitzer in Stanford fraud
According to international news reports, Mexican authorities are seeking the deportation or extradition of a Mexican American said to be involved in one of the largest fraud schemes in U.S. history. David Miguel Nanes Schnitzer was arrested last week in San Pedro Town on a charge of uttering […]

Battle of the Drums kicks off in Punta Gorda
The Battle of the Drums Competition is an annual event in Punta Gorda (PG) town, founded by Darius Avila more than 10 years ago, that brings groups from all across the region to participate and visitors from all across the world to spectate. Usually held in mid-November each […]

Weather causing flooding in some areas
For more than three days now, the constant down pour has caused many back yard floodings across the jewel. According to the National Met Service, more rains are expected for the next 24 hours. In Spanish Lookout concerns have been brought up by many residents as the level of the […]

Bullet Tree Falls Elder Passes Away
One of the eldest and last Yucatek grandfathers of Bullet Tree Falls, Don Isidro Pott better known as Don Pascual Pott has passed away. He was born on the 4th of April 1920. At 95 years of age, he was still an outstanding “milpero” and excellent storyteller. He […]

International Sources

Belize holds Stanford Ponzi scheme suspect with out bail
An associate of convicted former Texas tycoon R. Allen Stanford is being held in the Central American nation of Belize without bail as a flight risk. Suspect David Nanes Schnitzer was arrested last week when he was caught with allegedly false documents in Belize. Mexican authorities said Friday that Nanes Schnitzer headed the Mexican arm of Stanford’s Ponzi scheme, which allegedly defrauded investors in Mexico of $42 million. Mexico says it is pursuing the deportation or extradition of Nanes Schnitzer to face a 2011 arrest warrant for unauthorized securities transactions.

Backpacker, Go Home: How Tourism Is Ruining Everything
One billion tourists now roam the planet—and the world’s most pristine spots are showing the strain. In the new film ‘Gringo Trails,’ the consequences of unchecked global wanderlust. Twenty years ago, when I first visited the Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza, it was already one of Mexico’s most popular attractions. Though a fair amount of visitors roamed the grounds, the atmosphere was mellow, respectful of the site’s history, and vendors were at a minimum. That was then. On a trip there this year, tour buses stretched almost a mile down the road, its big parking lot overflowing. The entrance had been turned into a kitschy Mayan shopping mall, full of cheap restaurants, jewelry stores, and T-shirts featuring drawings of bodacious—and totally mythical—Indian princesses prancing around in next to nothing. The pyramids were still spectacular, but you can’t climb them—they’ve been closed since an Italian tourist fell off one and died. Vendors were everywhere selling sweatshop tchotchkes. And tourist hordes had trampled all the grass, so the huge area of loose dirt that was left became choking dust with even the slightest breeze. There are plenty of far-sighted places. Christ points to Plancencia, Belize, where locals and the government have partnered to protect the local barrier reef, the world’s third largest. And Tasmania, which has a master plan to protect the island’s largest rain forest (PDF).

The 6 Worst Reasons to Move Abroad
If you're considering moving abroad, are you doing so for the right reasons? This is among the first questions someone should ask before settling across borders. The right motivation can help ensure that the expat experience is happy and successful. But some individuals don't weigh the question enough, and some simply leave for the wrong reasons. In a recent survey, Best Places in the World to Retire, considered the issue of "why" at length. More than 500 expats contributed over 6,500 answers to frequently asked questions about moving abroad. The majority of the answers offered advice and observations on such topics as cost of living, healthcare and safety in different countries. However, many expats said that the most important first question is, "Am I moving abroad for the right reasons?" "Question your motives for wanting to leave," said Ginny Ophof, an Portuguese expat now living in Belize. "Your reasons for leaving will have a huge impact on your experience abroad, and how well you adapt and enjoy your new country. Leave for good reasons, not because you are running away from mistakes or for other wrong reasons."

Mothers’ Mistakes - Researcher And Women’s Groups At Odds Over Claim That Brutal Beating Of Boys By Mothers Creating Killers
Jamaican mothers are being warned to be careful how they go about disciplining their sons, as the use of corporal punishment could create 'monsters' instead of 'angels'. Following a near two-decades-long study, anthropologist of social violence, Dr Herbert Gayle, has concluded that the severe or brutal beatings of boys by mothers is a root cause of their disturbing behaviour later in life. The academic, who has been invited by the Government of Belize to undertake extensive work on violence in all forms, lamented the unwillingness of local authorities to commission studies on these issues. He insisted that the findings of similar research in Jamaica would go a far way in addressing the root cause of crime, violence and other forms of antisocial tendencies. "We are trying to see if we can sort out some of the painful myths regarding the value of parents to their children," said Gayle. He emphasised that the most painful of the myths is the notion that once a boy does not have his father in his life, the probability of him becoming violent is increased steeply. "There is absolutely nothing in the world to prove that," asserted Gayle. "In fact, it is the opposite."

Videos

November 14, 2015

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, LOVETV, PGTV, West Vision (Cayo) and CTV 3. Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, Rise and Shine Morning Show, and the Dickie Bradley Specials

The San Pedro Sun

Enjoying some real Ramen at Taka San Japanese Restaurant
Three times; that’s how many times I’d tried to get to Taka San in Belize City. Located at the ‘mall’ on the Northern Highway, Taka San is upstairs among a cluster of stores vying for your business. Chocolate, wine, sweet treats…but I had a singular mission: Japanese please!! Their menu was not extensive, but my eye gravitated towards two things. And yes, despite weight loss being first and foremost in my head most days, that day, it was all about the noodles and rice! As my order was prepared, a basket containing a cool wet washcloth, glass of water and my juice was placed before me. Takaki asked me if I was comfortable using chopsticks – what do you think?! He very nicely placed a fork next to the sticks for me. Yum – YUM…sticky rice formed a ball around delectable bits of roast pork, all swaddled with a strip of seaweed. While I nommed on what I’ll call appetizers, my ramen bowl arrived.

Residents warned against carrying knives
The Belize Eastern Police Division is both warning and reminding the general public on the laws on carrying items with a sharply pointed blade. According to police, carrying items with blades exceeding three inches between the hours of 8PM to 5AM or during public events is illegal. This regulation has long been overseen, but will now be strictly enforced by all police divisions, including the Coastal Executive Unit, which is made up of the San Pedro Police Department and the Caye Caulker Police Department. Here in San Pedro, police have indicated that they have been observing an increase in incidents of knife related crimes. They urge everyone to continue in working with them in decreasing crimes in all neighborhoods. Police urge all residents to be aware of the blade possession laws and want it to be known that they will be targeting offenders through vigorous stop-and-search and prosecution to the full extent of the law. The penalty for violating the knife regulation can result in a $500 fine or six months of imprisonment.

Volleyball tournament continues this weekend
The 4 x 4 Volleyball Tournament is nearing its finals after four weeks of intense matches. The games take place every Friday and Sunday at the Honorable Louis Sylvester Sporting Complex beginning at 7:30pm. This coming weekend is bringing a busy sporting schedule with games on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The first set of games scheduled for Friday, November 13th at 8PM are as follow: Survivors vs Unique follow by Blazers vs Matanes and closing the night will be Divers vs Captain Shark. The sporting action will continue on Saturday night from 8PM with the following matches: Cast Away vs Survivors, then 4play On Da Sand vs Unique and finally Divers vs SPHS. On Sunday, this time starting at 7:30PM, will see Island Boys vs Bombas, followed by 4Play On Da Sand vs Cast Away and ending the weekend of sports will be SPHS vs Matanes.

Holy Cross Anglican School expresses concern over students’ transportation
The students of Holy Cross Anglican School in San Mateo are facing yet another hurdle. This time it involves the island taxi associations. According to the school administration, the association promised the families from Escalante, DFC, and San Pedrito areas that they would pick up their children and then take them to school, but it seems that this service has been discontinued. Allegations are that maybe the service was ceased because of the $1 fee per student being charged is too low. But at this point, the main concern is getting students to school every day and on time. Since the taxis are not picking up the children, schedules have been disrupted for the students and the school. After contacting the taxi association, they mentioned not having knowledge of such arrangements directly with the association’s office. According to the school administration the taxi drivers allegedly simply informed the children that they could not pick them up, and that the taxi drivers should have not committed to provide the service in the first place. The administration will wait for assistance from the local authorities while they struggle with the issue. The solution being suggested is to start public transportation; however according to Mayor Guerrero, it might not be the solution. “If there is public transportation installed, it has to be the right one, and the next thing is that we need to find a subsidy for it. More than likely, the government will have to subsidize it. But if there is no subsidy, then it would not be feasible if it only caters to the students. It will have to be combined with the transportation of adults and other commuters from the island.

Belizean based pilot, Arthur John Hoy Jr. recognized by FAA
Former Maya Island Air and current United Express pilot, Arthur John Hoy Jr, has been admitted to the prestigious Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airmen Certification Database. This certification is given only to pilots who have met or exceeded the high educational, licensing and medical standards established by the FAA. Hoy, who is originally from Belize City has set a positive example for other young aspiring Belizean pilot. The FAA Airmen Certification is only given to pilots that meet a rigorous standard set in consultation with the aviation industry and the public. The pilots are among the highest ranked in the world in safety measures aimed at reducing pilot errors that lead to fatal crashes. FAA pilot certification can be the difference between a safe flight and one that ends in tragedy. “Safety will be my overriding priority as Secretary, so I am especially pleased to mark my first week by announcing a rule that will help us maintain our unparalleled safety record. We owe it to the traveling public to have only the most qualified and best trained pilots,” said Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx in a press release.

Ambergris Stadium renovation progressing on schedule
The Ambergris Stadium Renovation Project was officially launched on September 18th, now, a little over a month after work has begun on the new stadium, progress is very visible. AM Construction Company Limited from Orange Walk is undertaking the project, and so far, piles have been installed while other sections such as parking, and the broadcasting booth field have been outlined. Next will be the designing of the perimeter fence around the main pitch and working in the drainage system for the stadium. The project is estimated to cost $2.3 million dollars, and is being coordinated by Belize Infrastructure Limited (BIL) in collaboration with the San Pedro Town Council and funded by the Government of Belize in a commitment to the youth of the country.

Ambergris Today

San Ignacio Resort Hotel Hosts Conference & Events Travel in Belize
The staff of Ambergris Today/iTravel Belize were in San Ignacio Cayo over the weekend and one of the events we attended was the first ever MICE familiarization social event hosted by the San Ignacio Resort Hotel on Saturday, November 7, 2015. MICE stands for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Events and the cocktail social highlighted why the San Ignacio Resort Hotel has one of the leading conference, banquets, meeting and events hosting centers in the country. In fact, the resort caters to conference travelers and hosts a variety of Belizean corporate meetings/parties throughout the year. It is the go-to place for meetings and events, big or small. "We have been hosting large conference travel groups who come from abroad to do business, seminars or retreats in Belize," commented San Ignacio Resort Hotel owner Mariam Roberson to Ambergris Today. "It is a great marketing strategy for Belize and covers that niche out there that represents a big segment of the travel industry. San Ignacio Resort Hotel is proud to be one of the few establishments to offer such services."

Misc Belizean Sources

Overcast sky in San Pedro Friday
photo by Ambergris Today newspaper

UB students present on environmental topics
Student and Panthera Database Assistant who operates out of the Environmental Research Institute office , Yamira Novelo presents on Jaguars in rural Belize District. Cameras capture Jaguars with unique coat patterns and the sex and locations are identified.

Bomb threat at La Inmaculada Credit Union
A routine day at the La Inmaculada Credit Union was disrupted by an apparent prank call around 8:35am indicating that a bomb was planted in the institution. Authorities were called in and the area was quickly cordoned off. At about 10:20am, authorities indicated that it was a false alarm.

Water conservation training
Community representatives from both Belize and Guatemala participate on a training on best practices of water conservation. Session was given at the OAS building by FCD’s partnering organization - the Ministry of the Environment from Guatemala.

Power Outage for the entire Corozal and Orange Walk Districts on Sunday November 15th
From 5:00 a.m. to 5:20 a.m. and 5:40 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. B.E.L to conduct climbing inspections of transmission system in the area

Garifuna Settlement Day at the SISE HoC
The SISE House of Culture is having their annual Garifuna Settlement Day celebration. They'll be closed on the 19th, so the festivities will be on Wednesday, the 18th. "Come and Join us in celebrating Garifuna Settlement Day on Wednesday November 18th."

DANCE BZ2015
NEXT WEEK!! Nov. 23-30th at the Bliss Centre for the Performing Arts in Belize City! Call 227-2110 or email [email protected] for more information.

Nouveau Model Management - Belize conducting Open Casting for Male and Female Models ages 12-25
AMAZING OPPORTUNITY! Do you know anyone, Male or Female, between the ages of 12-17 and 18-25 years of age that has what it takes or committed to learn how to be a professional model? Nouveau Model Management - Belize will be conducting an Open Casting for Male and Female Models for our Teen and Adult Divisions. ... Date: Saturday, November 14th, 2015 Time: 9AM - 4PM Location: Thirsty Thursday Restaurant and Bar - Belize City

San Pedro Town Council Open House
OPEN HOUSE: Friday, November 27, 2015 On Friday, November 27, 2015, the San Pedro Town Council offices will be open to all residents and visitors to witness the new additions and renovations of the building and to learn about the daily operations of the various departments. 5% OFF TRADE LICENSE FEE FOR 2016: Friday, November 27, 2015 In commemoration of San Pedro’s 31stTownship Day celebration, The San Pedro Town Council will be offering a 5% discount on Trade License fee for 2016 only. *Promotion valid only on Friday, November 27, 2015. *Certain restrictions may apply to this offer.

SHJC Talent Show
Sacred Heart Junior College is having their annual talent show on the evening of November 28th. 'A Night of Song, Soul, and Performance' says it all. It'll be at the SHC auditorium, and it'll start at 7:00pm. They'll have skits, singing, and dancing too. They are raising money to purchase Christmas presents for local children. "The purpose of the variety show is to raise funds to bring a little Christmas cheer to primary school children as we invite Santa to give gifts to the little kids at a selected school"

Scarlet begins his educational tour
The Beauty of the Chiquibul Forest – at Saint Andrews Primary School. FCD thanks the Ministry of Education for endorsing us to launch and implement the program.

Battle of the Drums - Food & Fete
A night of Garifuna cuisine & cultural celebrations!

Garifuna Exhibition/Celebrations
A little rain may have put a bit of a damper on the afternoon's opening celebrations, but come on out at 7pm tonight for more food, music and Jakunu dances. Update: To bad it got rained out again. I have put my order in for nice weather for November 18 and 19 for the next rounds of celebrations. Here is a full list of the celebration schedule San Pedro Ambergris Caye Garifuna Settlement Day Celebration Activities. 1. 14, November 2015 - Garifuna exhibition at the NICH, House of Culture. Garifuna food on sale as of midday. Then cultural activities starts at 7:00 pm. That will include the Sashing of the five candidates for the Ms. Garifuna Pageant. Drumming, Jankanu dance, food samples and more food on sale.

Channel 7

The Summoning of the 12th National Assembly of Belize - Both Formal And Fun
House meeting Friday - you know when you hear that in the headlines, you can expect all kinds of grown man antics in the news: from low down insults, to high minded malice - because, let's be real, the House of Representatives is not so much about robust debate as it is about getting in deep digs against the other side. But, for one day every 5 years or so, all that parliamentary hostility is put aside to turn a new leaf, swear in a new set of members, or at least old members with a new mandate, and get underway on a clean sheet. That's what happened in Belmopan today for the summoning of the 12th National assembly of Belize and 7News was there to give you a front row seat:... Jules Vasquez reporting Prime Minister Dean Barrow coolly strolled up to the stairs of Independence hall - he'd been here twice before - and the third time seemed to be his most relaxed. After taking his seat as the head of parliament the opposition arrived a little late to the swearing in party. But in time to see the Prime Minister and the Deputy fetch the speaker. Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister "When we all went to escort the speaker to his chair, he suggested that we carry him."

Senate Swearing Was Staid
And while the new House of Representatives got underway at 10:00 am, one hour before that, the new Senate was sworn in. That's 7 new members, four returning members and one as yet un-appointed. Their event was held indoors in the House Chamber and here's how it looked: Jules Vasquez reporting The new senators hobnobbed and pleasantries were exchanged across the floor. They even took a group picture. 5 new faces for the UDP holdover senators from the PUP until a new leader is elected. By tradition, they had to fetch President Lee Mark Chang who gave a brief address Lee Mark Chang, President of The senate "I would like to express my grateful thanks for the high honors that you have been pleased to confer me and I give members my solemn assurance that I shall do everything in my powers to make sure that the proceedings of the House are carried out with dignity and impartiality."

Hon. Gapi Won't Let The Door Hit Him On The Way Out
And Deputy Prime Minister Gaspar Vega hasn't yet found a new office. The former Minister of Natural Resources is still camped out at that building on Queen Elizabeth Boulevard. So, is he just giving a hard time after being jilted out of a top notch ministry? Today Vega and his successor at Natural Resources, Godwin Hulse told the media it's not about that:... Reporter "You are remaining with your old office?" Hon. Gaspar Vega, Deputy Prime Minister "Until I get another office." Reporter "You will move out of that building....?" Hon. Gaspar Vega, Deputy Prime Minister "Eventually we will. It's a bit confusing offices and even staff, because we had one ministry with agriculture and lands and we were represented by one set of human resources and now it has to be spread out. So it's a bit confusing. We still have not settled those things."

Church Senator Selection Under Scrutiny
And while those ministers work out their executive office politics - the Council of Churches has its own internal politics to deal with. As you saw earlier, Reverend Ashley Rocke is the new Senator for the Churches. But some church leaders say his selection for that post is illegitimate because he was not selected by a sufficiently wide cross section of churches. That's because Pastor Howell Longsworth who is the president of B-A-E-C has - depending on who you listen to - either expelled or dis-invited out district churches loyal to Pastor Scott Stirm. That leaves Stirm and his loyalists saying that a small group of Belize City church leaders excluded 30 national executive members and 200 plus churches so they could get their Senator. We asked Senator Rocke about it today:... Jules Vasquez "10 churches hijack what 200 plus churches should have decided and the suggestion is that you are an illegitimate choice, because they didn't have input of the whole cross section of Christian churches. What's your response to that?"

Single Father Of Two Gets Two Years in Jail For Fondling 9 Year Old Girl
Tonight, 31 year old single father of two Lionel Quiroz is behind bars beginning to serve a 2 years sentence after the Senior Magistrate, Sharon Fraser found him guilty for sexual assault of a 9 year old girl. The child testified in closed court that two years ago, in November of 2014, Quiroz, who she knew from the area walked up to her, hugged her and then touched her on her backside. Quiroz told the court that it wasn't him and that he was in Biscayne at the time. But Senior Magistrate Fraser found him guilty after the child - who is now 11 - gave a compelling account on the witness stand.

PG Chopping
An entire Punta Gorda family is tonight hospitalized after a brutal domestic dispute. On Wednesday night around 10:20 Luis Co arrived at his home drunk. Co picked up a machete and tried to chop his wife but his 2 sons intervened and Co chopped them to various parts of their bodies. One of the sons retaliated and picked up another machete and went after his father. All 3 men were taken to the Punta Gorda Hospital. One of the sons Ormando, got chop wounds to his head, right hand, knee and back. He had to be transferred to KHMH and is in a critical condition. When we spoke to police today they told us that this family has been having domestic issues since 2011 but the sons always refused to press charges. In this case though, they have indicated they will press charges.

When Will The BDF Get A Chopper?
Remember that mystery helicopter which was abandoned near the Belize-Mexico Border back in early August? It's been in the hands of the BDF for the past 100 days, and now the Government of Belize can officially claim it on behalf of the Belize Defence Force. As we had reported, this grey BELL-407 Helicopter was abandoned on a feeder road near Blue Creek Village in the extreme northwestern edge of the Orange Walk District. Since then, the police have been trying to find out its origin, but so far, no one has come forward to claim it, and you'll get no complaints from the BDF. Legally, because the required waiting period is over, it technically belongs to the Government, and the military wants it transferred over to them. There is a bit of paperwork involved with that, and when we met up with the Commander of the BDF, he told us that they are waiting patiently to be able to make use of it:

Min. Of Agric. Studying Sugar
All this week we've been reporting on the sharp drop in the projected price per tonne of sugar. It has sent shockwaves all through the north - where many farmers are saying that with the diminished returns they won't be able to service their bank loans. It's another looming crisis in this industry that seems to lurch from one crisis to the next. So what can government do to help? Today, the CEO in the Ministry of Agriculture told us that they are monitoring it closely:... Jose Alpuche, CEO Agriculture "We just received a copy of a letter from BSCFA appealing to BSI to take measures to improve the prices. At the moment it's being dealt with at the commercial level between the farmers and the factory and we are giving time for that discussion to mature. However, the very high prices over the last few years had more to do with global demand and that is now weighing in. So, now as we had expected we would see a reduction in the price of sugar at this point in time. It is something we are monitoring very closely. SICB will meet probably next week after the round of discussions between the millers and the farmers are completed."

Shrimp Situation Dire
And while the cane farmers are quibbling about prices - in the shrimp industry, they wish they had it that good. That industry has been ravaged by a virus, and it has forced all farm owners to take a drastic step of draining their ponds and starting over. CEO Alpuche outlined the massive losses to the shrimp farming industry:... Jose Alpuche, CEO Agriculture "All farms have got to dry out. Basically stop production to clean out and then restart. The industry is taking the hard way around it, but it's the best way around it. To restock with new genetic material and that's the wisest decision they could have taken. It's taking a little time. Originally they thought that they would be able to restock by early next year. But it appears that we will have a few months delay in that industry." Reporter "In terms of jobs. I mean during these months people have had to be out of jobs and how many?"

FCD Finds Illegal Guats In Chiquibul
The Friends for Conservation and Development (FCD) are reporting tonight that along with the help of the law enforcement agencies, they caught 3 Guatemalans in Belizean territory conducting illegal activities. On Monday, a joint patrol which included FCD rangers, BDF soldiers and police, came upon 23 year-old Andres Ortis Ordones and 43 year-old Isidro Garcia Roque. Both men are from the village of La Esmeralda, Peten, Guatemala. They were found 10.5 kilometers inside the Chiquibul National Park near the Ceibo Grande Creek. That's the southern part of this forest reserve, and according to the FCD, they were near their hut with gold panning equipment. The pair had been panning for gold in a nearby stream. There was also signs of the negative effects of their camping out in the area, including soil erosion, defacing the reserve, and garbage pollution. The law enforcement team arrested both men, and through strenuous and expensive efforts, both were taken to the San Ignacio Police Station where they were charged with illegal entry. They may end up facing other environmental charges such as defacing a protected area, and operating without a permit inside a national park.

Mayor Bradley Takes The High Road Out
The general elections hysteria has subsided and by now the new ministers and area representatives have settled into their elected positions while others have resumed the role they had before. Darrell Bradley is one of them who has gone back to his office at City Hall. His is one of the more notable defeats in the general election, because Bradley has literally transformed Belize City. But all that cachet and all those millions spent did not translate into a general elections victory. Today we caught up with Bradley at another event to get his reaction on the election results. He was very humble - congratulating and offering his support to Caribbean Shores area representative Kareem Musa. Courtney Weatherburne: "In a previous interview with my colleague Daniel Ortiz, you were convinced that you were going to win. You weren't even entertaining the thought of defeat. Tell us your feedback on your results. You lost I think by 56 votes more or less. Tell us what this shows." Darrell Bradley, Mayor - Belize City: "Well I mean its politics and in politics there is a winner and there is somebody who's not the winner and you go on. I have been beset by challenged in the past and it's something that you go on. I am a person who is a fervent believer in service. I ran for mayor because I wanted to be of service to my community.

Hon. Hulse Has a Whole Lot Going On At Lands
And while Mayor Bradley can only imagine what might have been, Senator- Minister Godwin Hulse is living the dream. He's at the headwaters of a powerful ministry at Natural Resources - but figuring out how to make that ministry work is another thing altogether. Today he told us about his plan of action:... Hon. Godwin Hulse, Minister of Natural Resources "We have to structuralize this, so that we are clear what we are doing. So that we don't have all the things you are hearing about people's lands being infringed on. Title documents being transferred and people are complaining and that will take a little bit of doing. But first thing is to sit down, be clear with all the people what they are supposed to do, work through the HOD and all the heads of sections or heads or units and try to get that in an order." As we noted earlier, Hulse hasn't actually moved into the Ministry because former Minister Gaspar Vega is still occupying it.

For Whom The Bell Rings
Right now most folks are getting ready for Garifuna Settlement Day. It's the highlight of November along with Battle of the Drums and all the other cultural events leading up to the 19th. But is anyone thinking about or preparing for Christmas already? Well, The Salvation Army is. Today they launched the Christmas Kettle Initiative at the Battlefield Park this morning. The Regional Commander of the Salvation Army told us why it's important to help out. They plan to raise $100,000 dollars this year.

BDF Honors British Training
Since BATSUB announced its return, we've shown you what they've been up to while training select BDF soldiers and themselves. That included taking part in Sunday morning's 9 mile march and shoot competition. Well today, the officers who made it to the end of 4 tough weeks were celebrated with a graduation ceremony. It was, like the Ceremonial Swearing of the House of Representatives, dampened due to the intermittent rains. Despite that, these soldiers proudly accepted the respect and acknowledgement of their commanding officers. 7News was there this evening, and here's what they told us: Brigadier General David Jones - Commander, BDF: "We had two courses culminating today. We had the range management qualification. We range management entails weapon handling. Teaching the students how to handle the weapon properly. How to disassembly it. How to clean it and even in the dark they are able to disassemble the weapon and even assemble it again. Then teaching the soldiers how to actually fire the weapon properly. teaching them the marksman principles from 1-4 and ensuring that they are hitting the target properly, using different fire positions - what is the best fire positions to hit different targets and that was a 4 week course.

Coldstream Gaurd Completes Training Tour
Also, the first group of British Soldiers to train in Belize since 2011 are almost finished with their jungle training. Today, the Commander of the 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards told us that he is satisfied with the work that his subordinates put in, and he's hoping to bring back another regiment next year: While these British Soldiers from the Coldstream Guards will leave shortly, another group will come in under BATSUB to do their jungle training. We should note that elements of the Coldstream Guard also makes up the prestigious Queen's Guard.

"Land Claim House": Henkis Learns The Hard Way
Our next story is about a land dispute in the Lake Garden area of Ladyville. A Belizean American Retiree is fighting against his stepdaughter, and he says he's being forced out of a home that he spent his entire life savings on. Now, usually don't report on these types of cases because land disputes in general are very messy and involved, and, ultimately, the court is supposed to decide who gets to keep the property. In this case, Justice Sonya Young has ruled that the retiree must move out. He's decided to go public with is story as a sort of warning that he hopes viewers will heed. Daniel Ortiz has that story: Daniel Ortiz reporting Meet 73 year-old Henkis. He's Belizean who migrated to the US try to make a better life for himself, and in the course of doing that, he became a naturalized American citizen. After he worked 36 years in America, he decided to come to Belize to retire. He says that in hindsight, he was reluctant to do that.

Police Intervene In Worrying Child Case
Police had to intervene at a primary school yesterday morning when a 9 year old wanted to take his own life. A police report says that the standard 3 student was attempting to jump off the school verandah. The child told his teacher that he was hearing voices telling him to jump off the verandah and walk in the middle of the street so a vehicle can knock him down. Police report that he was taken to the Cleopatra White Polyclinic accompanied by his grandmother and the school counselor where he was evaluated by a Mental Health professional. So as not to bring attention to the child, we cannot report the name of the school.

Diabetes: It's Not A Death Sentence
Last week we told you about the Remembrance Day held for those who have died from Diabetes. Well, today the Belize Diabetes Association held a fair at the Battlefield Park to let the public know that diabetes isn't a death sentence. Public Relations Officer Lovett Nunez told us how you can still live a long life with diabetes. Over 40,000 Belizeans are living with Diabetes.

Channel 5

Inaugural Sitting of the House of Representatives in Belmopan
Today members of both houses of the National Assembly were officially sworn in at an inaugural sitting on Independence Hill in Belmopan. The procedure was primarily ceremonial, conducted with traditional [...]

Did Gapi Vega Refuse to Give Up Office at Ministry of Natural Resources?
As we’ve reported, Deputy Prime Minister Gaspar Vega was stripped of the natural resources portfolio which he had held since 2008. That powerful ministry was given to Senator Godwin Hulse. [...]

Aquaculture Industry Loses Millions Due to Shrimp Disease
There is a huge development in the shrimp industry, and amazingly it’s gone completely under the radar. Because of a widespread viral infection, the industry has lost tens of millions [...]

Agriculture C.E.O. Says EU Sugar Price is Beyond Their Control
In the sugar belt, cane farmers are extremely concerned about the first estimate which they are expected to receive per ton of sugar cane in the 2015/2016 crop. That price [...]

Sugar Quota of Concern to Farmers, Ministry of Agriculture Monitoring Situation
There is also another issue which is of concern to farmers, and it has to do with their quotas. Prior to the end of the last crop, the Sugar Industry [...]

6-year-old in Need of Medical Assistance After Being Knocked Down in Ladyville
Six-year-old Kareema Encalada remains hospitalized at the Belize Medical Associates after being knocked down by a motorist in Ladyville a few weeks ago.  The incident occurred on October twenty-eight when [...]

…Mother Appeals for Financial Aid to Assist With Surgery Abroad
The single mother of three needs assistance with securing her daughter’s travel documents.  The cost of Kareema’s airfare is separate from the amount necessary to defray expenses related to the [...]

5 Accidents in Precinct Four. What’s Happening Motorists?
Traffic accidents have become a perennial problem. Today there were five in the precinct-four jurisdiction in the city alone and police report that there have been at least two daily [...]

Arlie Avilez’s Family Speaks Out
A criminal investigation remains open into the death of Arlie Andrew Avilez, who succumbed to injuries received during a physical altercation in mid-October. Today, his grieving family is simply trying [...]

…Sister Says He Didn’t Deserve to Die Like an Animal
Despite the family admitting that their loved one was a drug addict, they maintain that he did not have to meet such a violent end.  While they all want justice, [...]

Mayor Darrell Bradley on Election Loss
Belize City Mayor Darrell Bradley spoke candidly today about the results of last week’s elections. Bradley was beaten by Kareem Musa in Caribbean Shores by a slim margin. But a [...]

Has Election Loss Blown Wind Out of Bradley’s Political Sail?
There’s been enough speculation that Mayor Bradley was aspiring to lead the United Democratic Party. But has the loss at the general elections put a wrench in Bradley’s political aspirations?  [...]

Drunken Husband Beats Up His Wife and Chops Up Sons
Three family members were wounded during a domestic dispute at their home in San Pedro Columbia, Toledo. On Wednesday night, an intoxicated Luis Co and his wife were embroiled in [...]

Bail Granted to Police Constable Hector Esquivel
Two men who were before the court recently accused of different criminal offenses were granted Supreme Court bail in the sum of five thousand dollars each today. The first is [...]

Lionel Quiroz Gets Two Years for Sexual Assault of Minor
Tonight, a single father of two children is beginning a two-year jail term imposed upon him by Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser for the offense of sexual assault for touching a [...]

Salvation Army Kicks Off Annual Kettle Drive
The tinkling sound of bells and the sight of bright red-colored kettles are signs that Christmas is drawing near. Every year around this time, the Salvation Army in Belize would [...]

A Fair to Celebrate Diabetes Month
Many persons don’t know they are diabetic and are therefore not being treated. The disease creeps in unexpectedly and can have far reaching health risks, at times fatal, if it [...]

LOVE FM

NEMO Issues Advisory on Constant Rains and Possible Flooding
Just after four o’clock this evening an advisory from the National Emergency Management Organization was issued warning residents of the persistent rains expected over the weekend along with localized flooding. The advisory reads, quote, “The National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) hereby informs the general public that as the rains continue over the weekend the risk of […]

Ceremonial Opening for the National Assembly
Prime Minister Dean Barrow is now serving his third term as the country’s leader. Today in Belmopan all thirty one newly elected representatives were on hand for the inaugural sitting of the House of Representatives. We have more in this report by Ava Diaz Sosa. AVA DIAZ SOSA REPORTING “Hundreds of Belizeans made their way […]

Guatemalan Found in the Chiquibul with Xate Leaves and Drugs
The Friends for Conservation and Development has detained yet another Guatemalan trespasser in the Chiquibul Forest Reserve. The arrest occurred at around midnight last night when they found of an address in Peten, Guatemala about seventeen point seven kilometres inside Belize’s territory. Garcia was detained and searched when the authorities found him at a camp […]

BDF’s Retirement Age Up Fore Review
A few months ago we brought you the story of the Minister of National Security speaking on the proposed amendments to the retirement age for officers in the Belize Defense Force. Commander of the BDF, Brigadier General David Jones gave us an update on where that initiative currently stands. COMMANDER DAVID JONES “ One […]

Belize Ranks 4th in Caribbean on Digital Marketing
Digital Marketing is taking over the market in various parts of the world and it is an avenue that many countries are pursuing when it comes to promoting their places as a tourist destination. Of thirty five Caribbean countries, Belize was recently ranked number four on the Digital Marketing Index for 2015. The marketing index […]

Taiwan Gives to the University of Belize
The University of Belize was a recipient of four thousand dollars worth of technological equipment, tools and software courtesy the Pan American Development Foundation. The donation was handed over during UB’s second Annual Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Day and was made possible through the assistance of the Republic of China, Taiwan. The donation aims to […]

Christmas Kettle Appeal 2015 Launched
Christmas is around the corner and for the Salvation Army that means all its agents will be out in the streets with the goal to raise money. This morning the Salvation Army launched its annual Christmas Kettle Appeal downtown Belize City with the intention of raising one hundred thousand dollars. Regional Commander, Major Joliker Leandre, […]

Three Men Chopped In Family Dispute
The chopping incident of three Mayan descent men is being investigated by the authorities in Punta Gorda. Reports are that at around ten twenty on November 11, police went to the Punta Gorda Hospital and found the trio suffering from chop wounds. Two of them were suffering from multiple chop wounds to different parts of […]

PlusTV

Garifuna Awareness Day observed
Today is Garifuna Awareness Day. This day is normally observed the Thursday before the 19th of November which is Garifuna Settlement Day. The festivities got on the way on PlusTV’s Rise and Shine this morning as guests Gwen Nunez Gonzalez, Veronica Arzu, and Joshua Arana. According to Gonzalez, ther...

Amandala

Evangelical Churches quarrel and “bruk-up!”
The Belize Association of Evangelical Churches (BAEC) appear to be suffering from “strife and controversy” brought on by differences between Pastor Scott Stirm, who resides in Roaring Creek, Cayo District, and Council President Pastor Howell Longsworth, after a meeting was reportedly held on Friday, October 2, at the Central Assembly of God Church in Belize City, by Pastor Stirm to elect a new president of the BAEC. Information to Amandala is that after Council President Longsworth learned of the reputed meeting, he convened a “special meeting” of the BAEC on Monday, October 5, at his church, Eagles Nest, also in Belize City, and 13 pastors, including Pastor Longsworth, signed a declaration, dated Tuesday, October 13, saying that the spirit of the meeting by Pastor Stirm, who had no “power or authority” to convene such a meeting, “was contentious, disingenuous, and certainly not in keeping with the unity that the association portrays, and contrary to the very essence and purpose of the association.” The October 13 letter said that the BAEC “would not acknowledge or affirm” any meeting held by Pastor Stirm, and in consequence of this, the 13 pastors signed the letter.

The confusing death of Arlie Andrew “Andy” Avilez, 51
Well-known street figure Arlie Andrew Avilez, 51, also known as Andy Avilez, of Ordonez Street, Belize City, died at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital on Sunday, October 25. Doctor Mario Estrada Bran, who conducted the post-mortem on the body, declared that the death was due to cardiac thrembo-embolism due to acute cerebral aedema resulting from brain hemorrhage/head trauma. The autopsy was carried out on Monday, November 9, at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, 14 days after Avilez died at the hospital. Police reported that on Friday, October 9, Avilez was involved in an altercation with a businessman on the Philip Goldson Highway after he was accused of stealing from a restaurant located on the Philip Goldson Highway. During the altercation, according to police, Avilez allegedly beat the reportedly Chinese proprietor with a piece of iron. A struggle reportedly ensued and both persons ended up in a nearby drain. Police took both persons to Belama Police Station, where medico forms were issued.

Two more elusive Guat gold panners nabbed inside Chiquibul
Belizean authorities who patrol the western border region of the Chiquibul along with Friends for Conservation and Development (FCD) have detained two more illegal gold panners in the Ceibo Grande Creek area of the southern Chiquibul. Reports to Amandala are that on Monday, November 9, Andres Ortis Ordones, 23, and Isidro Garcia Roque, 43, both of La Esmeralda, a village in Petén, Guatemala, were detained in a joint operation by a patrol team, included military, police and support personnel. Ordones and Roque were detained roughly 6½ miles (10.5 kilometers) inside Belizean territory. “These individuals were found in their hut with panning equipment consisting of pans and vials. Nearby their hut, the high impact of their activities on the headwaters, namely soil erosion, defacing of the park, garbage pollution and the contaminants on the stream were highly visible,” FCD’s Executive Director, Rafael Manzanero, said. The two Guatemalans were consequently charged for illegal entry, and they may face additional charges of defacing a protected area and operating without a permit in a national park.

Who can save the PUP?
The Opposition People’s United Party (PUP) held a meeting of its executive at its Independence Hall headquarters this afternoon. This is the first post-election meeting of the party since the PUP’s resounding defeat at the polls in last Wednesday’s general elections, which resulted in the PUP leader, Francis Fonseca, announcing his resignation the following day, Thursday. The party began suffering a string of defeats at the polls, beginning from the March 2012 general elections, under Fonseca’s leadership. Since Fonseca’s announcement, however, a number of names have been mentioned as his possible replacement, an exercise that will culminate in the choosing of a fourth PUP leader with Johnny Briceño’s sudden resignation in October 2011. At today’s executive meeting, the PUP decided not to change its three senators — Lisa Shoman, Anthony Sylvestre and Jason Andrews. A date for the nomination of persons wishing to fill executive posts has been agreed to, as well as a date for its National Convention, when a new PUP leader will be elected from among delegates chosen from the 31 electoral constituencies.

8th annual Marketing Expo
The King’s Room of the Princess Hotel was buzzing with young entrepreneurs displaying a variety of products that draw the young and the old who just cannot resist a good deal. These entrepreneurs were University of Belize students taking part in the 8th Annual Marketing Expo. We have passed the era where one is expected to go out and get a job; the scarcity of available employment is now prompting students to be creative and become young entrepreneurs. This is what Edna Arzu, a marketing lecturer of the University of Belize, is doing by not pushing them beyond their own expectations. Arzu told Amandala that there were two categories: the marketing group who created a product or service and found different ways to promote that product and the small business group who developed a business plan for their product and through the process have created a business. The marketing booths included Belize Jump Start, which produce a cappuccino drink; Luminous Glow is a candle maker; Orgo’s Creation produces bags; Body Teaser uses local products to develop scrubs; Kuknat sells body wash.

Sugarcane farmers not happy with new prices
Belizario Carballo, Chief Financial Officer of American Sugar Refinery/Belize Sugar Industry (ASR/BSI) told Amandala that they have issued the first cane price estimate of $41.56, which is not the final price. Carballo said the agreement between BSI and the cane farmers is that the farmers get 85% of the price, and based on the estimate of $41.56, the farmers will be getting $35.33 per ton. Carballo added that last year BSI bought 1.2 million tons of cane from the 5,400 farmers. Oscar Alonzo, Chief Executive Officer of the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association, said that they were aware that the price of sugar was falling on the world market, but they didn’t expect the price decline to be so drastic, and didn’t expect it this year. Alonzo is afraid that at the new estimated price, the payment to farmers might not be sufficient to cover the farmers’ expenses. Alonzo said,” The BSI are using 9.5 tons of canes to produce 1 ton, but believe that they can use 9 tons per 1 ton of sugar, which will increase, the price between $48, to $49. The payment to the farmers would then be, between, $38 to $39, allowing the farmers to better sustain themselves.”

Belize crushed at UNCAF Women U-17 Qualifiers in Honduras
In our first Group B game in the UNCAF Women U-17 Qualifiers in Honduras, the Belize Women U-17 squad lost, 9-1, to host Honduras yesterday, Wednesday. Belize plays Costa Rica tomorrow, Friday, at 4:00 p.m. Honduras and Costa Rica will clash on Sunday, November 15, most likely to determine the Group B winner. Guatemala, Nicaragua and El Salvador are in UNCAF Group A. El Salvador crushed Nicaragua, 7-1, last Wednesday, November 4; on Friday, November 6, Guatemala beat Nicaragua, 4-0; and on Sunday, November 8, it was Guatemala, 1-0, over El Salvador, to finish at the top of Group A.

FFB – Belize Male U-16 to UNCAF Tournament in Nicaragua
Belize will be participating in the Male U-16 UNCAF Tournament to be held in Managua, Nicaragua from November 17 – 23. The final selection of the Belize National U-16 Male (Football) Team is listed below. The Belize delegation will leave the country on November 15, returning on November 24. Belize Male U-16: Ian Reynaldo Domingo Pou, Korey Nicholas Gomez, Devin John Nunez, Hakeem Elijah Smith, Glenn Johan Richard Tillett, Ainsleigh Hazael Marquis Perez, Tahj Devynn Austyn H. Reid, Daren Apolonio, Shaquelle Emorson Matute, Jemario Deandre Sanabria, Zerik Blayne Cabral, Davis Myrick Marshall, Elton Kenrick Gordon, Gabriel Fitzgerald Ramos, Jalen Damian Budna, Kyle Anthony Lozano, Joseph Anthony Ramirez, and Javier Isai Millian. Coaching staff: Dennis Serrano – Head Coach, Gabriel Ramos – Assistant Coach, Thomas Rivars – Physiotherapist, Herbert Trapp & Michael Benjamin – Equipment Managers,Peter Alvarez – Team Manager. Games will be played on the following dates and times on artificial turf in Managua, Nicaragua.

CYDP Peace Cup Week 10 results
The Conscious Youth Development Council (CYDP) Peace Cup football tournament continued with Week 10 games on Saturday, November 7, at the MCC Grounds, despite the deep trenches still around the perimeter of the playing field. In game 1, Hattieville United and Uprising Stars played to a 1-1 draw. Albert Arnold shook the net for Hattieville, while Harold Thompson scored for Uprising Stars. Game 2 was a blowout, as Mahogany Heights bombed Jerusalem, 8-nil, with goals from James Fitzgibbon (2), Tyrone Gladden, Yasani Ramirez (3) and Randy Castillo (2). Game 3 was another lop sided score, as Tut Bay dropped Los Lagos, 6-1, behind goals from Brian Martinez (2), Kevin Rowland (2) and Delroy Flowers (2). The lone tally for Los Lagos was by Hosni Turton.

SCA females and TCC males are NSSSA Volleyball Champs 2015
The National Secondary Schools Sports Association (NSSSA) High School National Volleyball Tournament got underway on Friday, November 6, at the Julian Cho Technical High School in the Toledo District. There were four (4) teams participating in the female division and four (4) in the male division, representing the four different geographical zones of the country. These were: FEMALE (F) – Stann Creek Ecumenical College – South DivisionD; Saint Catherine Academy – Central Division; Belmopan Comprehensive School – West Division; and Muffles College – North Division. MALE (M) – Toledo Community College – South Division; St. John’s College High School – Central Division; Sacred Heart College – West Division; and Muffles College – North Division. The tournament followed a simple knockout format, with semifinals played on Friday, and the third place and championship matches played on Saturday.

Editorial: Preening peacocks, pressing poverty
In Belize, our proximity to the wealthy United States, plus the fact that our migrant worker/relatives inside the States were sending clothes and various American commodities to us, resulted in our developing expensive, American tastes. Overall, we could not afford such American tastes on Belizean salaries, so our national psyche became one marked by a certain level of dissatisfaction and frustration. The irony was always, however, that Americans were working longer hours and more days per year than we Belizeans were. But, we wanted what Americans were enjoying. When we reached the United States, we got the sense: in the words of B.B. King, you have to pay the cost to be the boss. In 2005, Hurricane Katrina’s destruction of New Orleans exposed the fact that within the great United States itself, there was a disgraceful, unacceptable level of poverty and suffering inside one of America’s most famous cities. In Belize, it was not that Belizeans did not know that even worse poverty and suffering existed in our old capital and, indeed, in our country, but it took last month’s rain floods to reveal how terrible our housing and living conditions had become. The fact of the matter is that our ruling politicians routinely preen like peacocks here, and the most casual of scrutiny will reveal that they have become addicted to wasting and embezzling millions and millions of taxpayers’ dollars. The ruling politicians and their cronies throw away a lot of money on brand new American vehicles, they grab all the choice real estate and sell it to foreigners for big bucks, and the United Democratic Party (UDP) government, now in its third term, has blown millions of taxpayers’ dollars in advertising subsidies for the party’s newspaper, radio station, and television station.

From the Publisher
When it comes to politics, I am not a numbers man. I mostly deal with vibes. You know, of course, that I am therefore not a politician, because politics is about arithmetic. My son-in-law, Mark Espat, is a big numbers man, and he has an outstanding record in electoral politics. He and I have some very interesting conversations. Apart from being an outstanding electoral politician, undefeated in fact, Mark is also a student of politics and an analyst of election results down to the finest of details. The days and weeks after a big election provide him with enormous grist for his research mill. The recent general election campaign and election day itself were very stressful for me. Having aged, I can’t handle the pressure so well. As you know, I have not been writing this column for weeks. I was angry at the ruling United Democratic Party (UDP) for having allowed a whippersnapper to threaten me publicly, and I felt it was difficult for me to write and remain under control. Then, I began to become angry at the Opposition People’s United Party (PUP), because their sloganeering did not groove with their institutional reality. This was a party manifestly dedicated to their executive, not to the people. For me to have lashed out at the PUP would have perhaps embarrassed or discomfited my candidate son, I felt, so I held my peace.

Neri Briceño writes PM Dean Barrow
Dean O. Barrow Prime Minister of Belize SUBJECT: Congratulations Dear Sir: Allow me to extend my congratulations to both you and your party for the victory you achieved in last week’s General Election. The election was a very hard fought fight but ultimately your party was victorious which should translate into an overall victory not only for your party, but also for the people and the nation of Belize. Political campaigning is never an easy, fair or tasteful task, but the job of governing one’s people unlike campaigning must always be a fair and just one. After the brutal political campaign that just took place, it is now a time for political healing, nation building and for the people of this great nation to move on and concentrate on the task of uplifting the lives of ALL Belizeans regardless of one’s political allegiance. You, your party and the government are a key part of the catalyst to make that happen. As the nation and the international community look at the composition of the key members of your governing administration, we are pleased to see the inclusion of more women but yet are disturbed that there is not a single substantive post held by anyone in the South, once you jump into the Toledo District.

UEF-sponsored lecture on Why Black Lives Matters to Public Health
The UBAD Educational Foundation (UEF) hosted a lectured on the (hash tag) “# Why Black Lives Matter to Public Health,” at the University of the West Indies Open Campus this evening. The vacationing New York City Commissioner of Health and Mental Hygiene, Dr. Mary Bassett, who was visiting her daughter, Pambana Bassett, a volunteer librarian at Library of African and Indian Studies, delivered the lecture. Sponsors for Dr. Basset’st lecture include Dr. Adrian Coye, CEO of the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital; attorney and activist Audrey Matura-Shepherd; the University of the West Indies; Kremandala, and Marva’s Restaurant. Dr. Bassett is a medical professional with more than 30 years’ experience in public health and recently published an article entitled: “Black Lives Matter – A Challenge to the Medical and Public Health Communities” in the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine in March of this year.

Caribbean Institute for Meteorology & Hydrology Meets in Belize
Belize is currently hosting the 52nd annual meeting of the Caribbean Institute for Meteorology & Hydrology (CIMH). The 5-day meeting is being held at the Radisson Fort George Hotel. Belize’s Chief Meteorology Officer, Dennis Gonguez, told Amandala that the five-day meeting is focused on the discussion of meteorology and hydrology issues, research and training and in the first two days, an examination is made of how the institute can be advanced. On Wednesday, the directors of the meteorological services throughout the Caribbean will meet to discuss technical matters in relation to meteorology in the Caribbean. Finally, on Thursday and Friday, the representatives of the Ministers of Meteorology throughout