Recent Belize News, 11/21/2015 to 11/30/2015, BelizeNews.com

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

Letter to the Editor: Abuse of power and corruption in Government
Dear Editor, I write to express my concern over the issue of abuse of power and corruption in government. Since our 34 years of independence there has been outright and open corruption by both Governments who have been placed to manage the affairs and develop this country economically, educationally, politically and otherwise. We have seen the privilege given to some individuals to manage the affairs of this country being misused, abused and dynasties created, some have enriched themselves and their cronies and in turn the very people who have elected them to serve have been neglected and the country is saddled with enormous debts which our children and grandchildren will have to repay. In my opinion it is a frustrating scenario on repeat with nothing being done to alleviate the biasness and abuse of authority of some government officials. We must agree that it is unfair for educated individuals with the right qualification deserving jobs but not getting them due to nepotism being displayed. With our Healthcare under intense scrutiny and Immigration scandals arising every now and again we must anticipate more is yet to come. I am not choosing sides of this political dynasty but simply making it clear that no matter who we put into government that they almost always end up losing site and focus on the primary job.

Wolfe’s Woofer: Lost
“I want to report that my grandson’s bicycle was stolen from my house,” I told the policeman at the desk. At that time a man stumbled into the police station with tears running down his face. “Excuse me,” the policeman said to me. Then he said, “Sir, all you all right?” “No,” the man sniffled. “My wife went to the city yesterday and hasn’t come home.” “How tall is she?” “I’m not really sure,” the man said. “Maybe five feet or five feet six inches.” “How much does she weigh?” “I don’t know. She’s not skinny but she’s not real fat.”

Drugs Found at Tropic Air Cargo
On Saturday, November 21st at 12:05PM, acting on Special Branch (SB) information, a joint team of Special Branch and Criminal Investigation Branch personnel headed by Corporal 1037 Allan Woods visited Tropic Air Cargo located on Sea Star Street, San Pedro Town where a small corn flakes box was retrieved. Upon opening the box, police noted that it contained a black plastic bag with 12 wrapped parcels in transparent plastic containing a green vegetable substance suspected to be Cannabis. The suspected drugs amounted to 375.9 grams. The drugs were labelled and deposited as found property, whilst the matter remains under investigation to confirm if the names of the sender and receiver are genuine.

Doctor Love: Doting Grandmother and Family Ties
Dear Doctor Love, Our twenty-six year-old son is married to a girl from Belize. She is a wonderful person, very well spoken and her English is as good as or better than mine. They have a nine month-old baby girl that all of us adore. The problem I am having is that my daughter-in-law speaks to the baby only in Spanish. The rest of our family, including my son, are all English speaking. I have tried to explain to her that she is isolating the baby from us, even from her own husband. She did not take this seriously. She said that we will have to be the ones to teach her English. This has me very upset. My son is uncomfortable at the thought of disagreement so I’m wondering if I should I go further with this. What should I do? /s/ Doting Grandmother

Ambergris Today

Visit by Guatemala’s President-Elect Does not Sit Well with some Belizeans
The visit did not sit well with some Belizeans as they are aware of Morales’ stance on the ongoing Belize-Guatemala territorial dispute. This past September, during a television interview while campaigning for his presidency, Morales stated that if he becomes President he was going to 'recuperate the territory of Belize, without utilizing violence or provoking a fight because the territory belongs to Guatemala.' Clearly, Belizeans are upset by this statement and in response Belize's Prime Minister Dean Barrow has fired back at Morales by saying that Belize will not be bullied by Guatemala. During Saturday’s visit by Morales, COLA president, Geovanni Brackett was arrested for staging a protest with a group of COLA supporters joined by members of the Belize Progressive Party (BPP). Ten members of both organization met Morales with protests and Brackett apparently threw himself on the ground, which led to his arrest.

Belize Telemedia Ltd. to Launch Region’s Fastest LTE Network in 2016
Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) announced on Friday, November 27, 2015, that the company is in the final stages of selecting its mobile network vendor to build out and launch its Mobile LTE network in 2016. The new mobile LTE network is expected to be among the fastest, most robust mobile data networks in the Americas, as the company plans to take full advantage of advances in LTE technology and equipment. “Our ambition at BTL is to catapult Belize to the top of the region in terms of the quality and speed of both mobile and landline broadband speeds,” noted Anwar Barrow, Chairman of the BTL Executive Committee. “Our customers – business and residential – are using their mobile devices more and more to access the internet on the go. They demand and expect to be able to stream YouTube and Netflix, play games, do video conference calls and conduct business in a seamless way whether they are at work, at home or out on the road.”

Misc Belizean Sources

Florentino Valesquez (aka Papaito) found guilty
On Thanksgiving Day the magistrate found Florentino Valesquez (aka Papaito) guilty of (1) aggravated burglary, (2) grievous wounding of Douglas Kelly, (3) grievous wounding of me, and (4) wounding of our neighbor Tom. Aggravated burglary carries a mandatory jail term of 10 - 15 years. Each of the other charges carry 2 years sentences which can be served either concurrently or consecutively. So he will be in prison for 10-20 years. The exact amount of time will be known at his sentencing hearing on December 10. He only has 21 days to appeal his conviction.

A Painted Conversation Mural Launch
The Cayo Mural, A Painted Conversation, had its launch on Friday. The finished mural is amazing in its vividness and how it really does tell a conversation about Cayo, from young to old. 175 different people helped with the painting. Thanks, Natalia, and Galen University! "The Cayo Mural came out wonderfully! Be sure and stop by to check it out. A huge thanks to everyone that helped out on this amazing community project."

BTL Entrepreneurial Challenge Winners
The winners of the 1st annual BTL Entrepreneurial Challenge were announced, and Cayo teams took 2nd and 3rd place. Congratulations A&S; Covers for winning the challenge. The Cayo teams were eBelize(promo video) and BITS Hotspot(promo video). Thanks also go out to SBDC and Beltraide for making this great event happen. Congratulations to all the winners. In related news, SBDC and Beltraide had their 1st Entrepreneurship Start- Up Weekend powered by Google for Entrepreneurs.

Three young girls apparently burned to death when this building on the Youth Hostel Compound went up in flames
The girls had allegedly been placed in that small building in lockdown as punishment. Onlookers says the girls were screaming for help as the building burned but could not get out. The flames burned for at least an hour before the first fire truck arrived.

BelChoral Children's Choir
The U.S. Embassy Belize is a proud supporter of the BelChoral Children's Choir. Make sure to mark your calendars for their holiday concert December 7 in Belmopan! Come and see what the kids have been working so hard on! Singing songs from around the world... in many different languages!!! St. Ann's, Monday December 7th, 7 pm! See you all there!

The Reporter

Dance X 5 seven years of dance
Dance X is celebrating its seventh year of existence by holding dance presentations and workshops throughout November 23- 29 2015 at the Bliss Center for performing Arts. Karen Vernon, theater director at the Bliss Center for the past eight years and artistic director of the Dance X company for the past eight years, explains that the significance of this week’s event is to “move dance forward, teach and hone dancers with different techniques so they can better themselves and in turn teach the younger ones and we have some continuity”. Dance X is hosting a week-long event of dance performances and workshops involving local and international groups. The official opening was held on Wednesday where a forum and presentation to honor the visiting groups was held at the Memorial Park. The week-long event started on Monday with pre-empting workshops with established dance groups and marching bands. Jamie Thompson from Live Art Projects international, worked with the Lero Huno Dance Group from Dangriga, who presented at the Bliss on Saturday. Thompson also conducted a workshop with Gwen Lizarraga High School marching band on Tuesday.

Three girls die in fire at Rockview Youth Hostel
Three young girls,aged 14, 16 and 17, are dead after a fire broke out at Rockview Youth Hostel on Sunday. They are: Shadesha Arnold, Ana Carlos and Elizabeth McKoy. The fire took less than half hour to consume the building, where the young girls were locked in. It started before 3:00 p.m. The fire authorities quickly responded to the scene but could not quench the consuming flames in time. The three girls perished in the blaze. Their parents arrived to receive news of their children’s death. Later in the evening, an investigation was launched by the police department, where approximately 15 officers were trying to gather information on the origins and causes of the deadly fire. They met with the Manager of the hostel and the girls who were there when the fire broke out. At 6:00 p.m., while smoke was still emanating from the building and Belize Emergency Response Team’s (BERT) ambulance was still gathering remains, Minister Anthony “Boots” Martinez, Minister of Human Development and Social Transformation, arrived at the scene. No particulars of the how the fire started and what caused it were disclosed until the investigation, being led by Superintendent Romero, is completed, according to officers at the scene.

Prime Minister says he regrets Belize couldn’t hand over wanted fugitive, David Nanes Schnitzer
Prime Minister Dean Barrow has said that he wanted to get wanted Mexican fugitive, David Nanes Schnitzer extradited to Mexican authorities, the principal investigators in a case against him, but he was obliged to follow due legislative process. The Prime Minister was addressing reporters on Saturday, following the visit to Belize of Guatemalan President-elect Jimmy Morales. “We have a legal process that we must follow. And in the course of trying to comply with due process requirements in this country, he was taken before the court and the court gave him bail. I have my own views about that determination of the court, but you know in this country, we respect judges.” Barrow stated that although the decision to present Nanes Schnitzer before the court went against the Mexican authorities’ request to have him extradited, he stands firm in following the due legislative process. “The Mexicans are very upset – understandably so – but we have to follow our rules and requirements; we have to follow due process. As I said, we have to comply with our laws.”

Breaking Belize News

Generally fair weather to prevail
The National Meteorological Service of Belize is predicting sunny skies with cloudy spells this afternoon and tomorrow morning, with skies expected to be partly cloudy tonight. Winds will be blowing from the Northeast at 5-15 knots and the sea state will be choppy to moderate. High temperatures today are expected […]

Belize Progressive Party defends Citizens Organized for Liberty through Action protest, condemns Gang Suppression Unit’s behavior
A press release issued by the Belize Progressive Party (BPP) today, conveyed its dis-satisfaction towards the way ‘peaceful’ protesters were treated yesterday during the escorting of Guatemalan President-Elect, Jimmy Morales, through Belize City. One incident in particular that likely triggered this release form the BPP, was the arrest of Citizens […]

Belize’s Economic Outlook: Buckle Up For a Bumpy Ride
Belize is at a juncture in its history where it must make wise decisions for its future and for the sustainability of the country’s economy. This, however, will require an understanding from the Belizean public of the serious current state of the country’s affairs […]

Details of Youth Hostel inferno emerge
Belizeans were shocked and saddened yesterday as word spread on social media that three teenage females were trapped in and died in an inferno at the Princess Royal Youth Hostel, located at mile 21 on the George Price Highway, in the Rockville Village of Belize District. According […]

Blogs

San Pedro Snapshot Sunday: A Wrap Up of My Week on Ambergris Caye, Belize
For the full planes that came down to celebrate Thanksgiving with us in Belize – I couldn’t be happier…it was a gorgeous week…and this weekend, perfection. I have been struck with a bit of head cold over the last few days…and trying to nest and rest so that I can be at my best to plummet into a 300 feet deep sink hole tomorrow. Yes. No joke. I don’t want to talk about it tooo much because I am terrified of heights and will easily wimp out. But this is a CRAZY opportunity and only a complete ninny would say no. SO let’s get QUICKLY to the snapshots – both mine and some that I love from around Instagram. I just LOVE to know what others are doing around Belize. Jr. Buddy at the Belize Zoo. Posing for the camera. He is such a national treasure.

It’s Easy to Live a Healthier, Happier Life in Belize
Belize first attracted me because of the spectacular Caribbean seascapes and the vibrant offshore barrier reef teaming with colorful, diverse sea life…the laidback lifestyle…affordable cost of living…and the friendly Belizeans. But after moving here another advantage became apparent. Maintaining a healthy, happy lifestyle in Belize is easy. As a matter of fact, many expats who move to Belize remark that they have lost weight, are in better shape, and feel better than they have in years… With such an enticing, balmy environment it’s natural to spend a lot of time outdoors. The warm sun, soft sand, and breath-taking scenery make it a pleasure to travel around town on foot, or on a bike, especially if you live on a caye, or in a beach town. Many expats who live on Ambergris Caye skip the golf cart entirely. They walk or bike most of the time, but call a friend, or their favorite taxi driver, when hauling a larger than normal load of groceries.

Snorkeling the Clear Blue Waters of Belize
The engines revved as we left the harbor, our bodies got into the rhythm of the boat slicing through the waves and the salty wind and spray covering our faces. Belize is paradise. And when you are in paradise, at the top of the list of things to do in Belize is to get out on the water – preferably, get under the water. We took a Belize snorkeling day trip with Splash Dive Center to the outer reef cayes that lie between Placencia and Belize’s Barrier Reef – second in size only to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Marco, our snorkel guide, gave us snorkeling tips as we headed out to the Silk Cayes. The Cayes are a string of tiny (and I mean teeny-tiny!) islands formed by fisherman dumping their conch shells in one shallow are of the reef. Sand eventually built up around the conch piles and slowly Mother Nature turned it into a little island. As we pulled up to anchor I gazed at the tiny slice of paradise with its light blue water, white sand, and 4 little palm trees. I wanted to be stranded here forever. The island was actually a small park with a little grill, restrooms, and a few picnic tables. Dive boats and locals came to the park island for a day in the sun.

Beaching it Up in Belize’s Placencia
I watched her expressions as she dipped a toe in the ocean for the first time in her life. As an aunt I may not get to see their first steps or hear their first words, but this was one first that I was there for – and I soaked in every delicious moment of it. Placencia isn’t exactly off the tourist trail, but it’s the less-touristed trail for sure. As everyone heads to Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker, Allie and I went south to Placencia, a peninsula where they have 16 miles of sandy beach to relax on. As we turned onto the road to the peninsula Allie’s eyes were focused on the horizon, as this would be the first time she would see the ocean. And strangely, we were both excited about it. Upon arriving at Chabil Mar resort located directly on the beach, Allie was ecstatic…well, as ecstatic as Allie will ever get with me. “I don’t know why my parents go to Mexico when they could come here,” she exclaimed. As we walked around the 2 pool areas, outdoor bars, and the beach chairs lined up on the white sand, I think we were both pretty excited to be out of the humid buggy jungle and onto the beach. This was the nicest place Allie had probably stayed in her life so far, and it was really rewarding to see her expression of excitement.

San Pedro ready for busy season
The weather was divine early in the week, the beaches gorgeous, with calm water and barely a whisper of a breeze... Thank goodness, the sargasso grass was no longer drifting inti shore... Restaurants have re-opened, many with a face lift, such as the beloved Estelle's, on the beach. It's right next to the Town Square in San Pedro. The breakfasts are outstanding. This is a favorite expat hangout and an easy place to meet people who live on the island.

Ixcacao Chocolate Tour and Hiking Antelope Falls at Bocawina National Park!
Our guests have raved about the Ixcacao (pronounced Ish-cack-cow) Chocolate tour, and we finally had a chance to take it ourselves, with Mark from Cayequest Tours. It was wonderful! It is a full day tour, where you start off visiting Juan and his lovely wife Abelina. You get to try so many fun, exotic treats along the way....hot cacao drink, sugarcane right off the plant, roasted cacao beans, chocolate at every stage of making it (including making your own!), all kinds of chocolate flavors - even liquor!, and then you get one of the best authentic Belizean meals I've ever had. So good in fact that I even bought a little cookbook of her recipes. Another highly recommended activity is to hike at Bocawina National Park, There are several hikes to choose from, as you can see on this map: We did Antelope Falls this time, and please note, this hike was NOT for the faint of heart. Much of it was uphill, and you had to use ropes to pull yourself up and let yourself down at times! But, totally worth it....the waterfalls were totally amazing the whole way through.

Tips for Flying with Your Pet
For some people, traveling without their pets simply won't do; being away from Spot the pooch or Jinxy the cat is just simply unbearable. Fortunately, modern air travel has branched out to include passengers of the four-legged variety. Most airlines offer travel for pets in the plane's cabin or in its cargo hold. Now, before you go shopping for cute outfits and sunglasses your pet can wear to the beach or a night on the town; check out our tips for flying with your pet: Just about every airline in the world requires documentation from a veterinarian that your pet is in good health before it can board a flight. Most airlines including Maya Island Air, require that your pet's clean bill of health be no more than 10 days old. Arrange for your pet to fly when you book your own tickets. Maya Island Air allows pets in the passenger cabin but they must be transported in a pet carrier that is small enough to be stowed under the seat in front of you or in your lap and big enough that the pet can stand up and turn around inside. Only one pet kennel per ticketed passenger is permitted.

How to Maximize Your Shore Experience if Your Cruise Ship Stops in Belize
Rumor has it that cruise ship passengers have fallen so in love with Belize when they disembark for day trips and shore excursions, some have come close to missing their departures. It happens. Belize’s top attractions, sites and cultural experiences are in close proximity to port, so it’s not unusual to find passengers racing for their cruise liner at the very last minute! If your cruise itinerary includes a Belize stop, these tips can save you time–and last minute sprinting! Hire a guide to maximize your shore time because he knows where everything is and he won’t waste your valuable time. These independent contractors work hard to get you where you want to go so you see and experience the sites you’ve prioritized. Ask to see your guide’s license if you need assurances and then put yourself into his hands. Walk around the old capital for a taste of Belize’s governmental origins. There are fascinating tales behind buildings like The House of Culture, Belize Supreme Court, St. John’s Cathedral and Baron Bliss Lighthouse that recall days of British colonization. If time allows, visit the Museum of Belize, formerly a prison, to see artifacts and historical documents. Don’t leave for the ship without taking a selfie.

Buen Fin in Corozal small Businesses Promotion
On November 28, 2015 the Corozal Town had their "Buen Fin" promotion. Small businesses came out promoting their products. They had from Furniture's, Grace products, coffee, cars, cheese, souvenirs, Finger Licking BBQ and more all in half price. Even Santa Claus was having a good time. This Buen Fin in promotion here in Corozal was a success for small businesses to promote their products made in Belize and advertising their business. As you can see below here are some pictures from the Buen F held in Corozal.

Belize Garnachas Recipe
Belize News Post is proud to share this recipe for Belizean garnachas along with beautiful images of the process provided to us by a community member. Garnachas as any Belizean knows are a common snack or party food. I personally grew up eating them at recess while in primary school. Students could buy a garnacha for 15 cents a piece. If you had a shilling you could get one garnacha and a ten cent ideal. Amazing.

Toledo, Belize the Mayas and its culture.
As the most sparsely populated and least developed region in the country, Toledo is certainly not for the ordinary tourist. However, for those with the spirit to venture off the beaten track, the natural and cultural diversity of Toledo makes a visit to a Southern Belize an unique adventure. The land is blanketed with some of the most pristine rainforest in Belize. The uplands to the Northwest, consist of the foothills of the Maya Mountains bordered by limestone outcrops - rugged, unexplored territory. The coastal lowlands consist of softer grounds, formed from the flood deposits of the many rivers draining the uplands. Towering riverine forests line the rivers and flood plains, while pine ridge savannahs and mangrove surround coastal lagoons.

International Sources

What Could The 2016 Atlantic Hurricane Season Be Like? – A First Very Preliminary Look
I wanted to give you my ideas on what the 2016 Atlantic Hurricane Season may be like based on the various current and forecast factors. Let’s first start out with the current and forecast ENSO state: Currently, we are well within El Nino conditions and this El Nino is forecast to continue through this entire winter into spring, 2016. Some of the forecast guidance suggests that the ENSO state will evolve into a neutral state by Summer, 2016 and possibly a La Nina towards Autumn, 2016. It should be pointed out that not all of the guidance suggests this and that some of the guidance suggests that El Nino conditions will remain in place through much of 2016. There are two previous El Nino’s that are similar to this one – the first is the 1982 strong El Nino and the second is the strong El Nino of 1997. The difference between these two El Nino’s were that the 1982-83 El Nino lasted longer (well through 1983) while the 1997-98 El Nino flipped fairly quickly into La Nina conditions during 1998. This difference had large implications on each of those Hurricane seasons. The long lasting El Nino of 1982-83 led to a inactive 1983 hurricane season, however, with that said, there were 2 Gulf of Mexico hurricanes in 1983 as well as a US East Coast landfall of a tropical storm. On the other hand, the El Nino of the winter of 1997-98 flipped quickly into a La Nina during the summer and autumn of 1998. This led to a very active 1998 Atlantic Hurricane Season with multiple landfalls in the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean and along the US East Coast. Based on the latest data, I think that we will cool down from the current strong El Nino conditions to a neutral ENSO state during the Spring of 2016 and very possibly into a La Nina during either the Summer or Autumn of 2016.

Dental Hygiene students return to Belize again
Madison College’s Dental Hygienist program students return to Belize for spring break this year to help less fortunate people receive dental care. The team will consist of seven second-year students, two instructors: Heidi Petersen and Susan Kloosterboer, and dentist Dr. Adina Ness. They will spend two days at Holy Cross School in San Mateo and two days at San Pedro High School. The South American country is impoverished and getting access to healthcare is a challenge, especially dental care. “Almost all of the children who will visit the clinic will have untreated cavities and gum infections,” explained Klooseterboer, who went on to say, “The dental hygiene students will provide dental cleanings, dental sealants and fluoride treatments to prevent cavities. The dentist will do restorative work (fillings).” The trip is more than just about sealants and fluoride treatments. “We take the students to allow them to expand their view of the world and the (sic) show them how sharing the skills they have developed can help improve and save lives,” Floosterboer said.

Videos

This guy trained his dog to retreive lobsters!, 15sec.

BELIZE THANKSGIVING WEEK 2015, 9min. DIVE in Belize.

Belize, 9min.

Belize, 6min. Snuba combines free diving with a scuba regulator connected to a surface tank. Filmed in Belize: Hol Chan, Shark Ray Alley, and Mexico Rock

Belize Snorkeling and Diving, 9.5min. Belize Snorkeling and Diving at Ramon's Village.

Sydney Belize slides, 9min. My family went to Belize over the summer...

Angry Caribbean lobster in Belize, 1min. This lobster did not approve being filmed.

Diving from Yok Ha Resort. Dive sites South Water Caye and Tobacco Caye in Belize, 10min. Diving South Water Caye and Tobacco Caye week of 11/15/2015 Mostly Video using a Canon S95 in a Ikelite Housing with W20 Wide Angle lens, Sea & Sea YS90 Strobe. The fish where holding so tight to the reef structure that photography was almost impossible so I removed the strobe and just shot video. Glad I did! Diving from Yok Ha Resort at Water-foot Caye a few miles from some great dive sites, South Water Caye and Tobacco Caye in Belize. Eagle Ray, Barracuda, various Angelfish, Tangs, parrot fish, turtles and more...

Belize full HD, 6min.

November 29, 2015

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

The San Pedro Sun

Mommy’s Jungle Getaway at Maruba Resort
Between a full-time job and a lively infant, my days are hectic, and some time off sounds like heaven. I love my little girl to pieces, and my job is fun, but even I need a getaway sometimes. Just a couple nights, to recharge, rewind, relax, get my mojo back and return ready to take on the world, one nappy and one deadline at a time! So, off to Maruba Jungle Resort I went! Three days and two nights sounded like the perfect amount of time – just enough to immerse myself in jungle fever. I left the island via Tropic Air, where we landed at International Airport for Maruba’s shuttle pickup. With visions of mineral pool swims, rainforest hikes, village exploration and more, I was off to see what awaited me at the unique jungle retreat. Eclectic is the best word to describe this retreat. This was not your typical resort with identical rooms and uniformed amenities, nope, this place was everything but conventional. Each room unique with styles ranging from ceramic gold and silver painted jungle penthouses. The rooms had peculiar lighting, with gorgeous silks that draped the beds and uniquely tiled mosaic. showers.

Auditions held for Boxes of Joy’s upcoming Children’s Fashion Show
The Christmas season is around the corner and with that in mind; organizers of Boxes of Joy Shantell Pascascio and Francisco Mendez are already making preparations for their annual Fashion Show, Boxes of Joy. Boxes of Joy is a non-profit organization that raises funds to provide Christmas gifts for underprivileged children of San Pedro Town. On Tuesday, November 24th, auditions for children ages 4-12 took place at the Lions Den. The auditions continued the following day for children ages 13-16, all in preparation for this year’s show to be held on December 18that the San Pedro High School Auditorium. Pascascio started Boxes of Joy in 2012, through her love of volunteering and giving back to the community, especially during Christmas. The annual event has slowly gained the support of the island and it brings joy to hundreds of needy children during this time of the year. According to Mendez, all proceeds of the show will go toward the purchasing of gifts for Boxes of Joy and he emphasized it is all about giving back to the community. “Through this activity, we also teach the participants the importance of giving back to the community and to be generous as well with other children who cannot afford a happy Christmas. We will be picking models from among 50 candidates to participate in the fashion show. We are also encouraging the community and parents to come out and get their tickets for the show next month. Last year we gave approximately 880 gifts, and this year we hope to increase that amount,” said Mendez

Ian Pou among Belize’s selection to UNCAF Male U-16 Tournament
San Pedro’s Ian Pou was among the football player representing Belize at the Central American Football Union (UNCAF) Male U-16 Tournament. The Belize National Male Under-16 Football Team participated in the tournament held in Managua, Nicaragua from Tuesday, November 17th to Monday, November 23rd. Even though the Belize selection did not win the tournament, they still displayed excellent sportsmanship. The UNCAF tournament will feature selections from Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Belize in hope of selecting two teams to represent the region at the CONCACAF Male U-16 Championship. All games of the tournament were played at the Estadio Nacional de Futbol.

Assistance needed for San Police and Cadets Christmas Drive
The Christmas Season is here once again, and the San Pedro Police Department, along with the San Pedro Cadet Corps are embarking in their second annual toy and food drive. An initiative by the Community Policing Unit, the Christmas Drive collects items to be distributed to underprivileged families on the island. In 2014, the Christmas Drive brought much joy to families in the San Pedrito and DFC Areas, and this year, they expect to double their efforts. Items will be collected from Friday, November 20th up to Sunday, December 20th. “The intent of the drive is to collect small toys in good condition and non-perishable food items to give as food hampers to less fortunate persons in the San Mateo, San Pedrito and San Juan Areas of San Pedro Town. Christmas is a time of giving and we want to give a little back,” said Officer of the Coastal Executive Unit, Superintendent Sandra Bowden.

Misc Belizean Sources

Prime Minister Barrow Meets with President-elect Morales
Prime Minister of Belize Hon. Dean O. Barrow today received President-elect of the Republic of Guatemala His Excellency Jimmy Morales at the Prime Minister's Office in Belize City. President-elect Jimmy Morales had indicated from as early as 6h November, 2015 to Belize’s Ambassador, H.E. Alexis Rosado to Guatemala that he intended to pay a courtesy call on the Prime Minister as part of a visit he is making to all Heads of State and Government of SICA member countries and Mexico. In a cordial atmosphere they both congratulated each other for their respective recent victories at the polls. Prime Minister Barrow and President-elect Morales discussed the bilateral relations between Belize and Guatemala, including a way forward in respect of resolving our historical differences. They agreed to continue along the path set out in the Framework Agreement and Confidence Building Measures of 2005 for expanding functional cooperation between the two countries, and each committed to strengthen the processes that already exist for good neighbourly relations so that the two countries may continue to live in peace and as friends pending a legal resolution of the territorial dispute. Both sides agreed to make a greater effort to enhance cooperation and understanding at various levels, especially in areas of security, business, trade and investment.

City residents arrested after staging protest against visit of Guatemalan president elect's visit to Belize
Protestors Yaya Marin Coleman and Geovanni Brackett continued thier protest against the arrival of the Guatemala President elect Jimmy Morales as they laid down in front of the president's escorting vehicle. Geovanni Brackett was removed by police. President elect Jimmy Morales' vehicle was the silver suv directly behind the escorting black suv. Geovanni Brackett has been released without charges.

Cat tracks
These are some cat tracks in our back yard in Basil Jones, N. Ambergris Caye. It was taken Jan. 15, 1014. We only see signs of the cats during the winter months when the wind is coming from the NW.

Dog wash on the beach
We did it again: almost 50 dogs came by for a refreshing bath, check ups, shots and some other treats. Some went willingly in the tub, others needed a hand and only a few left without a bath, but with some clipped nails or clean ears. A big thank you to Rainbow, Sportsbar, Wish Willy, Sailing Club and Kenny, who sponsored the dog wash with space, water, cases of beer and more. And a big applause for all the hard working volunteers who donated their time, care and muscles.

Barrow and Morales Meet
Today Prime Minister Hon. Dean Barrow had a courtesy call from Guatemalan President-elect Mr. Jimmy Morales at his Belize City Office.

Opinion/comedy: Did the Guatemalan President give the Belize Prime Minister a bag of Maíz Chino Picante?
But why didn't the PM give him some Cina, Powderbun or meatpies? or better yet, a "History of Belize" with a map. Did COLA try to block the passage of a head of state? If it was any other country in the region, the protesters might have been shot. Some may say they should write the Guatemalan president with their concerns. It does put into perspective one fact. Some people don't want a referendum on Belize/Guatemala issues. And they don't want the Guatemalan President to discuss a bag of chips with the Prime Minister. So how then do we ever end the unfounded claim that our neighbor has on us? No one has provided an alternative other than the ICJ. Experts in disputes say that we stand a great deal to lose some territorial seas in the south to grant Honduras and Guatemala access to international waters.

Youth Hostel. Arson again?
Eyewitnesses say everyone is not accounted for.

Trivia Night! on Caye Caulker
Come join the fun every Sunday and Wednesday! Test your knowledge of useless facts, have a laugh, and win money towards your bar bill! Always a great time - Fun,…Location : Barrier Reef Sports Bar & GrillStart Date: November 29, 2015End Date: November 29, 2015Time: 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm

COLA PRESIDENT ARRESTED
Geovanni Brackett, President of Citizen Organized for Liberty through Action COLA was arrested today on Coney Drive. Brackett and other supporters of COLA staged a small protest for the arrival of Guatemalan President Elect, Jimmy Morales. Morales is paying Prime Minister Dean Barrow a courtesy call.

"Buen Fin" in Corozal
ohoho..."Buen Fin" promotions extend out to the Belize Bank lot across the Central Park. Many discounts on various merchandise, clothing, shoes, glass windows & doors, motorcycles, lubricants, tires, smart phones, etc. Many, many more items to mention. Finger licking BBQ on sale! Come out and take advantage of all these promotions and discounts and get a chance for your children to meet and greet Santa Claus! It is all happening in the spirit of Christmas.

"Buen Fin" in Corozal 2
Great deals and discounts by various businesses currently set up in-front of Atlantic Bank. Take advantage of their pre-Christmas promotions and discounts. From furniture, financing, household items, insurance and many more. Get into the the Christmas spirit today. Come out and enjoy!

Nov. 15th – Nov. 21st, 2015 Belize Fishing Report
A fairly quiet week with just a few boats going out daily. Lots of great couples this week including some honeymooners – Tim and Amy and John and Megan celebrated some great times here at EL Pescador. We are so happy to have been a part of their celebrations.

The Reporter

Guatemalan president visits Belize amidst small protest
Guatemalan President, Jimmy Morales visited Belize on Saturday as part of his plan to tour Central America. Morales, who had longed expressed his view that Guatemala should pursue its claim to Belize, paid Prime Minister Dean Barrow a courtesy call at his Coney Drive office, […]

Three girls of Youth Hostel perish in afternoon blaze
Three girls are confirmed dead following an afternoon fire at the Belize Youth Hostel on Saturday. The details of the incident are sketchy and police investigators are meeting at this hour with the management of the facility, as well as with the parents of the […]

Fire at Youth Hostel; lives in danger according to report
A fire at the Belize Youth Hotel, mile 22 George Price Highway, about an hour ago, was said to be endangering lives, as fire fighters battled intense heat to try to conduct rescue efforts. The blaze was reported at around 3:00 p.m. at one of […]

Ladyville murder could be due to internal gang conflict
An ongoing dispute among members of theTaylor’s Alley street gang, reportedly over how monies from a bank robbery were shared, is one of the possible motives police are looking keenly into, following a murder in Ladyville. The shooting incident occurred at around 8:00 on Samuel […]

Wesley College makes recommendations to MoE over VPâ€™s criminal charges
The Board of Wesley College has reportedly come up with a set of recommendations which it intends to forward to the Ministry of Education, after drug trafficking charges were filed against the schoolâ€™s Vice President, Melvin Hewlett last week Friday. This comes off the heels […]

Breaking Belize News

University of Belize Toledo Campus holds Marketing Expo
The University of Belize’s (UB) Toledo Campus held its annual Marketing Expo at the Punta Gorda Central Park yesterday, November 27th where extravagantly decorated booths and students in professional attire were offering original products and services for sale to the public. As part of their marketing class at […]

Three girls confirmed dead in Youth Hostel Fire
Three teenage girls are reportedly dead after a fire broke out in their dormitory at the Youth Hostel at Mile 21, George Price Highway facility and they were unable to escape this afternoon. At news time the fire continues to burn in the dormitory located along the […]

Letter to the Editor
In agreement with the current promotion of diabetes awareness in Belize, I take this opportunity to examine the growing illness of our society and environment from the impact of cruise tourism, a condition sickening the nation of Belize. I note the recent appointment made by the Right Honorable Prime Minister […]

PM Barrow and President-elect Morales discuss Belize-Guatemala relations
A press release issued this morning by the Government of Belize, states the purpose of the visit by president-elect Jimmy Morales. Here is that press release on it’s entirely: Belmopan. November 28th, 2015. Prime Minister of Belize Hon. Dean O. Barrow today received President-elect of the Republic of Guatemala His […]

COLA President arrested
BMG News has confirmed information that Geovanni Brackett, the president of COLA was arrested this morning on Coney Drive. Brackett was staging a protest with a group of COLA supporters joined by members of the Belize Progressive Party (BPP) for the arrival of Guatemalan President-Elect, Jimmy Morales to meet with […]

Blogs

Tropical Foodie Paradise Expands
The food has always been good on the island but it is continuing to get better and better as we are currently experiencing an influx of great new Ambergris Caye Restaurants. If you missed reading about the other recent restaurant opening check out Two Indian Food Reviews and Frozen Custard. First off while I did not make it there yet, I am super excited Two Tree Banh Mi is back. I am also not surprised people are raving about her food, I have had it before many times. For those of you who do not know back in 2010 Cori, used to cook and sell her delicious Caribbean fusion of Vietnamese and Thai cuisine at Lola’s Pub (click through for menu.) After that, she moved to cooking her famous Bahn Mi sandwiches out of her house on the beach and was very popular among the dive crowd in Bocal Del Rio area. Onto the food – Yum. The outdoor food court has 2 meal options and dessert. For main course options, Arpea and Rasa are owned by popular Ambergris Restaurateurs Jackie and Adam who own and operate well known and very popular Casa Picasso Restaurant. Dessert at Cool Cone, run by Joanna. The ice cream served there comes from the Ice Cream Shoppe in Belize City (formerly known as Scoops.)

Shopping San Pedro, Belize: RubiMoon, A Step into A Beautiful World
RubiMoon Boutique in San Pedro is filled with all sorts of things India and Bali…and Belize. Ok…back to Rubimoon Boutique and a quick look around. So that you can either go to the store on Front Street, San Pedro – or check out their website. Everything in the boutique is gorgeous quality…and I think very reasonably priced. To read more about the lovely owners of this shop, check out their write-up in International Living. Anke and David moved to San Pedro and opened their store in the summer of 2012. (After being married in Hawaii on the beach in 2011…)

Chaa Creek Cares assists the San Ignacio Police Department
Christmas is a time of giving and it is with this thought in mind that Chaa Creek joined the San Ignacio Police Department’s fund raising effort by offering a vacation gift-package raffle. The 100 raffle tickets will be sold at $20.00 each offering the winners an exceptional Eco-lux experience and the SIPD well needed funds for police operations in Belize’s largest district. The raffle draw will take place at St Andrews School on December 22nd.

No Bake Chocolate Icebox Pie
Combine 2 cups milk, sugar, cocoa and butter in a medium-size saucepan. Bring just to a boil over medium heat. In a medium-size bowl, completely dissolve cornstarch in water. Stir in remaining 1/2 cup milk. Whisk in egg yolks and vanilla until well-blended. Gradually add egg yolk mixture to mixture in saucepan, stirring constantly with wire whisk.

Creamy Frozen Lime Pie
1. Beat cream cheese in small mixing bowl until smooth. Gradually add sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk; beat until smooth. 2. Add lime juice and lime peel; beat on medium speed for 1 minute. 3. Pour into crust; freeze for at least 2 hours or until firm. Let stand at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes. Garnish with lime slices. Serve immediately.

International Sources

Central America is a Family Vacation Paradise
The Caribbean and Mexico are always obvious choices when considering a family vacation south of the border, but expanding your horizons beyond these more popular destinations and into Central America could lead to an unexpected adventure. In this less-peopled region, discover exotic animals and lush flora and fauna in the jungles and on the beaches of these Central America resorts. Belize: It’s teeming with sea life, affordable, safe and action-packed. Belize is also the heartland of the Maya with 1,400 recorded sites that include ceremonial temples, structures, artwork, stone and clay. The country is home to one of the world’s largest living barrier reefs and where you will find the Great Blue Hole, which has been ranked as one of the 10 most amazing places on earth by the Discovery Channel. Travel to Belize is easy from North America and communication is easy — it’s an English-speaking country. There are an abundance of family-friendly properties around the nation and myriad activities from sailing and snorkeling to exploring Maya ruins and caves. Get to know the country’s wildlife at the popular Belize Zoo or zipline through the jungle canopy. There’s probably more to do in Belize than you can tackle in one trip.

Videos

Fire at youth hostel, 1min. at mile 21. 3 girls burned and killed in blaze.

Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama'at in Belize Introduction: channel 5, 4min. Channel 5 visits Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama'at Belize to find out about what Islam is really about and does it really teach violence.

Famous Chicken Drop @ Wahoo's Lounge in San Pedro Ambergris Caye, Belize, 13min. Everyone from around the world comes to witness the famous chicken drop at Wahoo's Lounge held every Thursday. Tickets starts selling @ 5:30 and first game @ 7pm. every 20 minutes.

Macarena and Tom at the Lands Department in Belize, 3.5min. Macarena and Tom speaking at the Lands Department in Belize. The Lands Department is the Belize Government agency that handles all the land transfers in Belize.

Spotted eagle ray at Lighthouse Reef, Belize, 10sec. Check out the beautiful markings of this spotted eagle ray. Even though we don't have evidence that they are attracted to the bait, we still see swim-by's on the BRUVs. This male was seen on a snorkel in between setting BRUVs in Belize. SHOW MORE

Manta ray at Lighthouse Reef, Belize, 16sec. One of our MS students got the chance to see this magnificent ray in between setting BRUVs in Belize.

Dolphin Belize, 7min. Dolphins escort us to shore after a wonderful days of diving and spearfishing in the Belize.

Honeymoon at Caves Branch in Belize, 23min. Our honeymoon at the Caves Branch resort in Belize.

Plubells Take Belize, 6min. A quick video from Dave and Vicka's adventurous honeymoon in Belize!

belize zip lining 2 1, 10min.

November 28, 2015

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

The San Pedro Sun

BEL Assists St. Mary’s Feeding Program
Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) today made a contribution to the St. Mary’s Feeding Program, which has been providing meals to primary school aged children for the past 21 years. After learning of recent challenges faced by the program, BEL committed its support to ensure that 170 children receive a daily nutritious meal in a comfortable setting. BEL’s contribution includes 10 wooden tables, 100 wooden chairs, a refrigerator, eating utensils and a cash donation of $5,100. A group of BEL staff also assisted today with serving food to children in the feeding program at St. Mary’s Primary School. St. Mary’s Feeding Program provides a total of 850 meals per week and was established following a survey indicating that a major factor contributing to children’s absence from school, was their parents’ inability to afford their meals. BEL and its employees are once again grateful to be afforded the opportunity to give back to the community. Similar efforts continue in December, when the Company will deliver food hampers to deserving families.

Holy Cross Anglican School Students benefit from Eye Screening
The Lions Zone 59-Belize National Children Eye Screening Program provided free eye screening tests at the Holy Cross Anglican School. The program took place from Tuesday, November 24th through Friday, November 27th, and conducted eye testing for children ages 3-14. The school had a total of 417 students registered to have their eyes tested and vision needs addressed. The San Pedro Lions Club is one of the four clubs in Belize and has been assigned the area of Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker and the entire Corozal District to conduct the eye screening program. In total, there are over 15,000 registered children in those areas that need the screening. The program will continue with other schools on the island, including high schools, up to December 11th, and will resume in January when schools reopen. According to Chairman of the San Pedro Lions Eye Screening Program, Jan Brown, the program is happening nationwide. Currently there are only two eye screening machines that were acquired by the Belize Lions Zone 59 which will be shared by all the Lions clubs in the country to carry on their programs. Brown explained the efficiency of the machine.

What’s new? The Truck Stop
As Ambergris Caye continues to grow as the top tourism destination in Belize, new establishments open to add to the island’s tourism product. Its newest establishment is surely an innovative one! Located just about a mile north of Sir Barry Bowen Bridge, The Truck Stop is a unique fast-food courtyard made out of shipping containers. Eager residents and visitors alike flocked to their location on Saturday, November 21st for some good food, cold drinks and even ice-cream during their soft opening. A concept conceived by the creative duo Ben and Joanna Popik, The Trucks Stop’s construction started early this year. Now fully operational, the establishment offers two food stalls, an ice-cream stall and a fully stocked bar. The outdoor food court features ample picnic style seating and even a palapa on the water facing Ambergris Caye’s western skies, perfect for that sunset view.

Longtime resident Peter Jones found deceased
On Tuesday, November 24th at about 5:20PM San Pedro Police responded to information received of a deceased person and visited a two story wooden house situated on Sea Star Drive, San Pedro Town. On arriving to the second floor of the structure house, the partially decomposed body of a Caucasian male person was seen lying face up in the middle section of his bathroom with no signs of physical violence to the outer part of his body. The body was identified to police as that of 68-year-old Peter Brandon Jones, retired diver of Great Britain. Initial investigation reveals that Jones was last seen alive on Sunday, November 22nd at about 2PM by his care taker and by his friend of the same address who both visited him as he wasn’t feeling well. According to reports, Jones had been complaining of stomach pain and also suffered from diabetes and high blood pressure. As a result, on Tuesday, November 24th about 4:50PM both persons decided to go and check on Jones as they were concerned about not seeing him around. Upon going into his house they noticed a strong smell coming from inside the house. They immediately made checks and they came across the lifeless body of Peter Brandon Jones and immediately called for police assistance.

Belize Police Department to hold Law Enforcement Torch Run
The Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) is upon us once more. As such, the San Pedro Police Department is asking for your assistance to raise funds which will directly benefit Special Olympics Belize. The 2015 LETR is expected to commence on Monday, November 30th at Punta Gorda Town, where the Flame of Hope will travel across the country with aims of raising awareness towards Belizeans living with disabilities and raise funds for the Special Olympics Games. The Flame of Hope will travel to all districts until arriving at the Marion Jones Complex in Belize City for the National Games son Friday, December 4th. The Belize Police Department (BPD) has committed to assist and offer support and partnership to Special Olympics by conducting the LETR program once a year. The program is held internationally and sees law enforcement agencies coming together headed by local police departments to fundraise through different activities for Special Olympics. In 2014 the LETR program had over one hundred thousand police officers participating worldwide, raising over $46BZ million.

Ambergris Today

Happy Township Day San Pedro
From humble beginnings our struggles, hard work and dedication have made us better people. It's not a perfect town, but a better town - wiser, happier and still located on the #1 Island in the World. Today, November 27, 2015, marks the 31st Anniversary of Township San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize

Yes there is Black Friday madness in San Pedro, Belize
The rush and lines are huge at Caye Supplies that has one of the biggest sales of the year. It's worth the bargains!!

Belize Electricity Limited Giving Back During the Holidays
On Wednesday, November 24, 2015, a Belize City family of four received keys to a new house from Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) and Hand in Hand Ministries (HHM) under HHM’s “Building for Change” program. The 16’ by 16’ wooden house, complete with electrical installations and plumbing facilities was donated by BEL and constructed primarily through volunteer work by BEL employees.

Misc Belizean Sources

PRESIDENT-ELECT OF GUATEMALA TO PAY COURTESY CALL ON PRIME MINISTER BARROW
The Office of the Prime Minister wishes to announce that Prime Minister Dean O. Barrow will be receiving President-elect of the Republic of Guatemala Mr. Jimmy Morales on Saturday 28th November 2015. H.E. Mr. Morales has this week been touring the region paying courtesy calls on all Heads of State and Government of SICA-member states and Mexico. It being a courtesy call, it is not expected that the meeting will delve into too much detail of our bilateral relations but the general public will be informed of the content of their discussions.

Miss Earth Belize 2015 - Christine Syme
At the United Nations Headquarters for an environmental symposium! What an exciting and inspiring experience.

Yesterday was OPEN HOUSE DAY at the San Pedro Town Council
We also have Students and Professors from the Washington University of Health and Science - Belize Campus performing Pulse Test, Blood Pressure Test, Vital Signs Check Ups and more! Check them out at our Conference Room.

San Pedro Town turns 31 on November 27th, 2015
ike every islander, the Staff, Councilors and myself, Daniel Guerrero, Mayor of San Pedro Town, take this opportunity to salute all the residents of Ambergris Caye on such occasion. This year,The San Pedro Town Council decided to be more educational and inclusive and as such believed that the occasion would be more fitting to showcase to our students and general citizenry, how far we have come as a community and town. To celebrate our 31st Township Day, the doors of our newly renovated building will be the venue for an Open House Day, in which the students and the community can tour our renovated facility, learn about the services offered at the council, familiarize themselves with the office spaces and interact with the staff and elected town officials. We believe that by learning more about our town, its pastleaders, the transformation of our town from a coconut-industry dependentcommunity to a fishing village and now to a tourism town, it will bring about a true sense of civic pride and ownership towards our beautiful town.

World AIDS Day 2015 - Free HIV Testing
Tuesday, December 1st 10:00am - 12:00pm. U.S. Embassy Belize. Did you know that Belize has the highest HIV/AIDS rate in Central America? Take control of your health and learn your status for World AIDS day! The U.S. Embassy in coordination with the Ministry of Health is offering free HIV tests to the public on December 1 at the U.S. Embassy (during the Artisan Fair) from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

Who knew we had Black Friday in Belize?
This is San Pedro...

From BTIA
"Join us at our 30th Annual General Meeting on December 3, 2015 for the official presentation of the re-branding of: "THE NEW DESTINATION BELIZE."

Free legal clinics
Free Legal Clinic on gender-based violence and family issues. Legal clinics throughout the country. Open to women and men.

San Pedro Town's 31st Township Anniversary
Mayor Daniel Guerrero and Councilor Ruben Gonzalez paid a visit to Mr. Gilberto "Chico" Gomez in honor of San Pedro Town's 31st Township Anniversary and presented him with a cheque in contribution to his efforts in the development of San Pedro Town, as well for being the first Mayor of San Pedro Town after being officially declared a town. Today, November 27, is also Mr. Gomez's daughter's birthday. Happy Birthday Marlena Gomez!

Channel 7

No Joke: Guat Pres-Elect Jimmy Morales Comes To Belize
Jimmy Morales - he hasn't even been sworn in as Guatemalan President yet - but already his name has become well known all across Belize. And that's because of what he said before the Guatemalan presidential election. He called it "deplorable" that Guatemala was, quote, "about to lose Belize" and said Guatemala should quote "fight for that territory or part of that territory." In response, Belize's Prime Minister Dean Barrow fired back at Morales, saying his country would not be bullied by Guatemala. Hard talk - and many speculated that because of it Morales would skip Belize on his pre-inauguration familiarization tour of Central America. But, he won't. Morales is headed to Belize tonight to pay a courtesy visit to the Prime Minister tomorrow. Best information says that Morales is coming by road from Mexico. He will pass through the northern border later tonight and will be shuttled with a full police escort to the Radisson in Belize City. That's where he will spend the night and he will meet with Prime Minister Barrow tomorrow at an undisclosed location. An official press release says, quote, "being a courtesy call, it is not expected that the meeting will delve into too much detail of our bilateral relations but the general public will be informed of the content of their discussions," end quote.

With Public's Help Police Catch Businessman's Alleged Killers
Tonight, Belize City Police have the two men who they believe killed businessman Ruben Perez yesterday. As we showed you, Perez was at his block factory at the far end of Vernon Street when the men ran up into the lot - and shot him in the neck after a very quick skirmish. As he lay on the ground, one of the men ran up and grabbed his cellular phone. It was all caught on security camera which we showed you on 7News last night. Police say that led them to the suspects - both of whom were arrested today. We learned more in a press briefing this evening at the Raccoon Street police station:... Supt. Hilberto Romero, OC CIB - Eastern Division "We have arrested 2 persons Keon Dennison and Tyler Mead, they will be charged for this murder. We would like to thank the public for their assistance. We had several tips that we followed up and this lead to the arrest of these two persons." Insp. Alejandro Cowo, CIB Prct. 1 & 2 "The two suspects that we have at this time, they were detained at different times with different places. One was detained in a pre-dawn operation this morning and the other one was just about 2 hours ago. As we mentioned, the phone belonging to the deceased was found with the second person. Presently we are tracing back to all persons that he dealt with so that we can link up to gather more evidence regards in dealing with the phone."

Ladyville Murder Has Belize City Gang Ties
Senior Superintendent Edward Broaster, Williams' counterpart in Eastern Division Rural, is also investigating a suspected gang-related murder in Ladyville. This one happened 5 hours after the attempt robbery turned murder of Reuben Perez in Belize City. At around 8:30 p.m. last night, 37 year-old Kevin Peters was standing in front of his sister's house on Samuel Gray Street in the Japan Area of Ladyville. That's where a gunman ambushed and shot him several times, once to the abdomen. He died while being rushed to the KHMH in Belize City. Senior Superintendent Broaster briefed the media today about what the investigators know so far: Sr. Supt. Edward Broaster, Commander - Eastern Division Rural "At about 8:30pm we received a call of a male person that was shot in the Ladyville area. In the area of Japan which is known as "Japan." That male person was learnt to be Kevin Peters, who was shot to the abdomen. He was rush to the Belize Defence Force medical center where he was later transported to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital and he was pronounce dead on arrival by the medical practitioner at that location. The investigation is currently ongoing. We do not have any motive at this time. We've managed to apprehend 4 individuals who we have in custody. One of whom we believe is the shooter. Four expended shells were found on the scene of 9mm caliber. And at this time we are attempting to secure witnesses to get statements from them regarding this incident."

Southside Cops On Alert After Ladyville Murder
And so while the murder happened in Ladyville - it can be traced right back to Taylor's Alley in Belize City. That means Belize City police will have to be monitoring this gang turf which is running red hot right now. We say that because of a weekend incident there - and now this murder. Today, Williams told the media they will be working to hold things down in Taylor's Alley:... Sr. Supt Chester Williams, Commander, Eastern Division Southside "With the murder that took place in Ladyville last night. That might have some spin-over into southside Belize City between the Taylor's Alley crowd and the other part from where the other persons came from. So again, we have to monitor the situation between those two groups to see what they may want to do as a result to retaliate to what took place in Ladyville last night. So we must remain vigilant. We know that southside Belize City is very challenging to police. But despite that challenge I must say that my staff has been doing their best to ensure that we keep calm as much as we can."

Emerson Burke Crashes And Dies
Well-known Belmopan businessman Emerson Burke died in a terrible traffic accident on the Southern Highway early this morning. Independence Police report that at around 6:08 a.m., they were called out to an area of the highway between Bladden and Medina Bank Villages known as Machaca Creek. There, they found Burke's black Toyota Tundra pick-up truck pinned to the side of guard rail on the left shoulder of the road. Lying a few feet away from the vehicle, they found Burke's lifeless body on the ground. They believe time is that he was traveling towards Punta Gorda Town. Burke then somehow lost control the vehicle and slammed into the guard rails. He suffered severe head and bodily injuries, and he was pronounced dead on arrival at the Southern Regional Hospital about 2 and a half hours later.

Crazy Collision On Western Highway
This afternoon at around 1:30, there was a crazy accident at mile 26 on the George Price Highway. Fortunately no one was killed - but an entire JAMES bus loaded with passengers was put at risk. It all started with a trailer carrying a Mennonite house coming down the road. A wide load - too wide for the bus to pass - and here's what happened when it pulled over to give way: Courtney Weatherburne reporting This was the scene at mile 26 on the George Price Highway this afternoon This Express James bus was heading to Belize City when a trailer transporting this house was heading to Belmopan. The James Bus pulled to the side of the road to let the trailer pass But this dump truck didn't take that approach. This truck tried to squeeze his way between the parked James Bus and the trailer. That caused the trailer to be flung into this ditch, and when that happened it scraped the bus, and the conductor was thrown out of the bus and pinned, breaking both his legs.

UDP Area Rep Finnegan Calls Out UDP City Council For Dean Street Drainage Woes
Belize City may be plastered with new concrete streets - but drainage is another issue altogether. The City Council has been widely criticized for building new streets with insufficient drainage. But, the truth is unless you're living on Western Dean Street - you shouldn't really be complaining. That portion of the street, for a good three blocks, is always flooded, and it's a nuisance and a health hazard to residents. We know their woes only too well because Channel 7 is also on Dean Street - but we are lucky enough to be on the dry part. Today, their area representative Michael Finnegan dragged the city council out to the location to do something about the problem. He told us why he's gotten impatient:.. Hon. Michael Finnegan, Area Rep. Mesopotamia "You see the City Council send all those workers here to resolve a problem which in my view is an engineering problem. Now first of all, if you send the man to clean the drains that the City Council sent them to clean. You clean from there to here where the hole stop. Now, what happens to here and to there? How will the get to clean there? So you will clean here to there, but all the sand and all the cement and all the debris they pile up from here to there. And as you go along the street, it's the same situation that will happen. This has been going on for more than a year and you have these people in these kind of condition. This matter has got to be resolve. It is unfair to the people living in this area. These people can't come out of their houses. As they come out their house they will walk in dirty water. This matter has got to be resolved."

Consumers Will Pay (Dearly) For Int'l Sugar Price Slump
The controlled price of sugar that you buy at the store will go up by 25 cents per pound. That's the decision that Deputy Prime Minister Gaspar Vega announced this afternoon when he came out of a meeting with the 3 cane farming associations and the factory owners. As we've been telling you, this was what sugar industry stakeholders have been pushing for, ever since they found out that the price of sugar in the European market is down. It is a welcome decision to the farmers who say that they are teetering on financial ruin - but not very welcome for consumers who will see the price per pound go up from 50 cents to 75 cents. That's 33 percent more per pound - steep - which is likely to drive up prices for many food items made with sugar. The cane farmers and the factory owners got the opportunity today to lobby for this increase at a meeting with the Sugar Industries Control Board and the Ministry of Agriculture. Now, to be specific, this meeting happens every year before the start of the crop season. The discussion usually centers around the work that Government does to improve the sugar roads, the 2 million dollars fuel subsidy for farmers, and the subsidized licensing of cane trucks. Coming out of the meeting today, Deputy Prime Minister Gaspar Vega told the press that the Government looked favorably on this increase to mitigate the effect of the low prices of sugar abroad:

Open Scholarship Winner Stacey Grinage: Living The Dream
Stacey Grinage: she first came to our attention in 2009 when she won the CAPE open scholarship. She topped the examinations for Belizean students with six grade 2's in Caribbean Studies, Communication Studies, History and Sociology. We had a chance to speak with her about this great accomplishment in 2009 and she told us how excited and surprised she was when she heard the news. Here is a short excerpt from that 2009 interview. Stacey Grinage: "I was sitting around the dining table at my aunt's house in Belmopan eating lunch when the 12:30 news came on and I heard the headline and then I said let me listen and hear who won the open scholarship. Next thing I hear Stacey Karen Grinage and I jumped up and I was like that's my name. So my aunt's babysitter was in the house and I ask her did you hear my name? Just to make sure that I wasn't hearing my own name and she told me yes, that's you and I didn't even hear the rest of the news. All I heard was my name and that's it and that's how I got the news and then everyone started to call me congratulating me and that's how I got the news."

Services Commission Sings BELTRAIDE Deal
The Belize Coalition of Service Providers is celebrating services week - and today, as a culmination, they signed an agreement with BELTRAIDE. We found out how the agreement will benefit service providers:...

Firing In A Crowded Casino?
Tonight, Caye Caulker Resident, Vanessa Medvedkov is out of bail tonight after police accused her of pulling out her firearm inside a casino and firing it while under the influence of alcohol. According to police, on Wednesday she was at the China Town Casino on Caye Caulker, and according to eyewitnesses, she was drinking while gambling. Different accounts say that she took out her licensed handgun and inexplicably fired several shots. Another version is that she simply placed her hand inside her purse and touched the trigger of gun, which caused it to fire several shots. The police were called in, and they confiscated the weapon. They say that she appeared to be intoxicated, and when they wanted to test her blood-alcohol concentration, she refused. They charged her with 3 charges: discharging a firearm in public, being in possession of a firearm while under the influence of alcohol, and failing to provide a specimen. The firearm offence is an automatic remand, and so when she was taken to court yesterday, she couldn't get bail.

Day Care For The Elderly
We've all heard about Day Care Centers for babies and toddlers, but how about for the elderly? A first ever Elderly Day Care Center was opened today, it's called Belize City Seniors. It's located at the John and Charles Wesley Center - right next door to Channel 7. Now, there are organizations right now like HelpAge, that give older persons an outlet to be active and that's is exactly what the coordinators of this new center want to accomplish in their own unique way. We found out more about it this morning. The Day Care Center will cater to persons older than 55. It opens from 10 to 2. If you want to be a member of the center you can attend their first meeting on January 8th. The coordinators are asking for corporate and individual sponsors to kindly donate to the center.

Free Flu Virus Available For At Risk Persons
It's the end of November - which is the flu season. And, tonight, the ministry of health is urging those in at risk groups to get a flue shot. Now, just who is at risk? Well, a ministry release says "Persons at risk for serious flu complications include young children; pregnant women, those with chronic health conditions such as diabetes, asthma and HIV; and persons older than 65. All those persons are urged to take a flu vaccine - which is available free of cost at all public health centers.

Cops Take On Taylor's
Earlier we told you about the flare up of rivalries within the Taylor's Alley gang. Well, by coincidence, Southside police were touring that same general area today. Police say they were there to follow up as they do in other communities, but they were also there to establish a peace keeping presence:..

Coast Guard Gets New Recruits
From community police to new Coast Guard officers. Today, the Belize National Coast Guard welcomed 45 new recruits into the service as part of the 7th Intake. These recruits have been put through 3 months of intense basic training, and today, they got to officially pass out in a ceremony, where their family and friends observed in pride. Today, their Minister, John Saldivar had a few choice words of respect and confidence in their commitment to serve their country: These 45 officers came from a crop of 200 applicants. 5 dropped out after showing up for the start of training.

Coast Guard Celebrates A Decade
So that was the passing out of Coast Guard Recruit Intake #7. Well, Today was extra special for the Belize National Coast Guard. They celebrated the milestone of 10 years of service to the public as the naval protectors. The Coast Guard has grown from 54 officers who signed up in November 2005, to 320 officers currently serving. Their commandant, Admiral John Borland, has been a member of the Coast Guard since day one, and today, we discussed the progress that his organization has made over the years: So, what's next for the Coast Guard? Well, National Security Minister John Saldivar discussed the direction that the organization will take in the next 5 years. First though, he talked about the new toys that these Naval officers will get, along with that new Forward Operating Base at the Mouth of Sarstoon:

Takes Two To Tango
And that's 7News tonight - thanks for Watching - I am Courtney weatherburne.. We leave you with some dramatic performances from last night's Dance X - starting with a Tango performed by an Argentinian group - enjoy and join us back here on Monday..

Channel 5

Thanksgiving Day Execution in Ladyville
Another Belize City man was gunned down on Thursday. This time the targeted assassination took place in Ladyville, in an area known as Japan. Kevin Peters, alias Breast, was an [...]

Will Kevin ‘Breast’ Peters’ Murder be Avenged by Taylor’s Alley Associates?
But will there be retaliation for the coldblooded murder of Peters? Regional Rural Commander Senior Superintendent Edward Broaster told the media today that there have been several threats made against [...]

Duo Arrested for the Murder of Belize City Businessman
There was also another murder on Thursday in Belize City in which a well-known businessman was killed at his establishment on Vernon Street. As we reported, two gunmen on bicycle [...]

Caneros Meet with Minister of Agriculture and B.S.I. Officials in Sugar City
This morning stakeholders in the sugar industry met at SICB headquarters in Orange Walk. For the first time in three years, the crop season is set to start when it [...]

What Does the Agriculture Minister Have to Say on Sugar Cane Quotas?
There has also had to be some tweaking where deliveries to the factory are concerned. A most recent survey estimates that farmers have one point seven million tons of cane [...]

More on the Shrimp Crisis in the Aquaculture Industry
It went mostly under the radar until very recently, but the shrimp industry has taken a major hit and it hasn’t recovered. We’re talking all shrimp farms in the country [...]

Whose Office is it—Gapi’s or Godwin’s?
And from agriculture to straight politics…Minister of Agriculture Gaspar Vega and Minister of Natural Resources Godwin Hulse have been at loggerheads since elections, over office space. Vega is a senior [...]

Guatemalan President Elect to Visit Belize
On Tuesday, we reported that Guatemalan President Elect, Jimmy Morales has embarked on a traditional tour of Central America and Mexico, which is part of the protocol by incoming presidents [...]

Coastguard Graduates 45 New Recruits
Courage, Commitment and Respect—they are the core values of the Belize National Coast Guard, the maritime forces of the country. Today at the B.D.F. Air Wing, forty-five recruits joined the [...]

Groundbreaking for Sarstoon F.O.B. is Coming in December
Minister of National Security John Saldivar also made a huge announcement today during his address at the coastguard anniversary celebration. On December ninth, the Government of Belize will be breaking [...]

Ahmadiyya Muslims Fight Stigma in Belize
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is a dynamic, fast growing international revival movement within Islam. Founded in 1889, it spans over two hundred and six countries with membership exceeding tens of [...]

Deadly Accident Claims Life of Emmerson Burke
A deadly road traffic accident this morning along the Southern Highway has claimed the life of forty-four-year-old Emmerson Burke. Shortly after six a.m., police were summoned to an area between [...]

Troy Cole is Charged for Aggravated Assault
Twenty-six-year-old Troy Treston Cole, a resident ofCurassow Streetis tonight on remand at the Belize Central Prison after being accused of assaulting Gilroy Arnold with a firearm. The incident reportedly took [...]

Rosalie Marin Wins $10,000 From Courts Raffle
A Belize City mother of three is tonight the winner of ten thousand dollars courtesy of Courts Belize Limited. On Friday, Rosalie Marin’s name was chosen as the winner of [...]

LOVE FM

NEMO continues to monitor flood areas in Belmopan
NEMO continues to monitor the situation in flood prone areas of the country. Earlier today correspondent Fem Cruz spoke with the NEMO Coordinator in Belmopan to get an update. Fem Cruz, Love Fm: After yesterday’s heavy downpour here in Belmopan and surrounding villages a number of families have had to move out of their homes. […]

Fatal accident on Southern Highway
An early morning road traffic accident has claimed the life of a man in southern Belize. Correspondent Harry Arzu has the story. Harry Arzu, Love Fm: Independence police say that they arrived on the scene of a road traffic accident at about 5:30am. They confirmed that the incident occurred on the Southern Highway in […]

New Guatemalan President to Visit Belize
Guatemalan President elect, Jimmy Morales is expected to be in Belize tonight. A release from the office of the Prime Minister confirms that Morales is paying a courtesy call on Prime Minister Dean Barrow tomorrow, Saturday November 28. Since winning the recent elections in Guatemala, Morales, a comic actor by profession, embarked on a tour […]

PlusTV

None Belize City Pastors suspended from Evangelical Association register National Association
There is a new church organization that has been formed since the suspension of all non Belize City pastors and churches from the Belize Association of Evangelical Churches. As we had previously reported, the Belize Association of Evangelical Churches, under its interim president, Pastor Howell Lon...

NEAB, Correction to Guardian
There was a second press release issued by the National Evangelical Association of Belize today; this one titled “Correction to Guardian”. It is a response to an article printed by Guardian Newspaper on Thursday Nov. 12th . The Guardian newspaper and their colleagues at Wave Radio have kept up a c...

Imports up, exports and prices down
Wednesday’s press conference hosted by the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB) was the last for 2015. While the results of the Labour Force September survey and the economic performance outlook for the third quarter dominated the headlines, the monthly release of the consumer price index (CPI) and...

Sudden death on police Street?
A former Health Inspector originally from Punta Gorda Town was found dead in his Belize City apartment sometime after 7’oclock this morning. He has been identified as Martin Lino and he lived alone in his room at a four apartment building located in Lake Independence. Policorpio Cowo is the caret...

Flooding in parts of Belmopan
Scattered showers poured rain over the country soaking several families in flood prone areas between last night and today. Families in Belmopan were not spared from last night’s showers. Several families in the outlying communities of Belmopan went to sleep last night only to get up this morning and...

Minor takes rap for firearm
A 17 year old minor from West Lake community has told the courts that he obtained a gun for self-protection and fears for his life. However, the Gang Suppression Unit’s discovery of the firearm, ammunition and marijuana landed the minor and two adults, including cousin Sherman Samuels, 18, and frien...

Ibrahim Smith jailed over stolen weaponry used in student’s death
While he is yet to face trial for the death of 17 year old Sadie Vernon High School student Shinelle Reyes which occurred five years ago, 23 year old Ibrahim Smith has begun a seven year jail sentence for possession of a form of prohibited firearm, specifically the weapon used to cause her death, al...

Trio freed of murder charges
Police Street resident Harrison Smith was killed on North Front Street on October 3, 2014. Police almost immediately arrested 28 year old Bartholomew Lucas, 28 year old Daniel Caine and 20 year old Oscar Flores , the latter of the Pinks Alley area. But today they were set free, as according to Lucas...

Man shot in Belize City
The sound of gunfire rang out in Belize City this afternoon and when it was all over, a man lay mortally wounded on Vernon Street. The businessman, Ruben Perez, was murdered in cold blood shortly after three this evening at his Sand and Cement Distribution Company located at the far end of Vernon St...

Caye Caulker Chronicles

Doggy Dip & Wash Day
On Saturday this week, 28th November, the Caye Caulker Humane Society are having a Doggy Dip & Wash Day. Now if that doesn’t sound like a fun time for your 4 legged friends, I don’t know what does. I know the 2 dogs I’m pooch-sitting for will be there. The Caye Caulker Humane Society is the big step ahead on this island for our pets. Not having a full-time vet and it’s sporadic at best when we do have one, these guys dedicate their time and effort into looking after all our animals. The staff are amazing and work tirelessly and purely on a voluntary basis. The Humane Society is only open Saturday mornings, but the volunteers are ready 24/7 to help out in an emergency. I don’t know them all by name, but Miss Bobbi, Amanda Badger, Noelle Gray, Monique Luppes, Debbie, Val and all the other volunteers, as an animal lover, I take my hat off to you and thank you from the bottom of my heart and I know the animals do too.

Amandala

Southside businessman murdered in his office!
BELIZE CITY, Thurs. Nov. 26, 2015–Businessman and construction equipment supplier, Ruben Perez, 50, of Vernon Street, today was murdered at his business place, and his devastated family is trying to grapple with his sudden loss, and the merciless and senseless manner in which he was gunned down. Perez was shot in the chest and head in his office, on the compound of his business, Perez Construction Supplies, on Vernon Street, at about 3:30 this evening. Surveillance cameras show that two unmasked men came into his office, and when Perez got up to see what they wanted, one of the men pulled out a gun and shot him twice, once in the head and once in the chest. Reports are that three shots were fired. The men then ran out of the store and sped away on their bicycles, heading around the curve on the road towards the George Price Highway, near the Lord Ridge Cemetery.

New Guat prez bypasses Belize on SICA tour
Belize has been excluded from a one-week tour inaugurated on Monday by Guatemala’s president- elect, Jimmy Morales. An article appearing this week in Guatemala’s Prensa Libre says that no explanation has been offered on why Belize was excluded from the courtesy calls of 6 countries, including all other members of the Central American Integration System (SICA) and Mexico, an observer of SICA. Amandala has contacted the Belize Ministry of Foreign Affairs to find out if they knew anything about the tour and Belize’s exclusion. Our sources there said they did not know anything, but informed us that Morales has invited Belize Prime Minister Dean Barrow to his inauguration slated for January 2016. This Monday, Morales made his first courtesy call not on Belize, but on the president of Honduras, where he met with that country’s president – Juan Orlando Hernández, after which he traveled to meet his counterpart in El Salvador.

Wesley College in damage control mode: Vice principal charged with drug trafficking
Last Friday, November 20, the police’s Gang Suppression Unit (GSU) conducted a sting operation in the Yarborough area which resulted in the arrest of Melvin Hewlett, 35, the Vice Principal of Wesley College, who was charged for drug trafficking and arraigned in the Magistrate’s Court later that same day. Hewlett’s arrest has sent Wesley College into damage control mode, as the school’s administration has moved quickly to assure stakeholders that normalcy will be maintained at the 123-year-old church/state run institution. Today Amandala spoke with the school’s principal, Joan Tillett, who told us that she is not authorized to speak on the issue of Hewlett’s criminal case, because that matter has been dealt with by the school’s board of directors, which has made its recommendation to the Ministry of Education in conformity with the Education Rules. Tillett also disclosed that the school held a meeting with its student body and there is a parent/teachers meeting planned for Friday.

Six BWS employees were wrongfully terminated, Supreme Court rules
In July 2012, five employees were terminated from their jobs at Belize Water Services Ltd. At the time of the termination, the management of the government-owned company indicated that the workers were terminated in accordance with the company’s redundancy policy. The workers contended that they were wrongfully terminated and sought redress from the court in a wrongful termination claim. Today, the six workers who sued the company were vindicated when Supreme Court Justice Michelle Arana ruled that they were wrongfully terminated. The claimants in the case are Mark Menzies, Don Gillett, Colin Morrison, Charlette Barnett, Michael Novelo and Journett McKoy. The six former employees who brought the lawsuit against BWS were terminated against the backdrop of a series of salacious letters that were being circulated at BWS. Those letters were written by someone on the BWS staff, and stated that certain managers were involved in unbecoming behavior at the workplace, even sexual activities on the worksite.

Decomposing male body found in Police Street apartment
The dead, decomposing body of Martin Crispin Lino, 56, a retired public health worker of Belize City, was found in his apartment on Police Street at about 7:00 this morning, Thursday. On the scene, the landlord told Amandala that he last saw Lino was on Sunday when he went to see him, and Lino told him to come Thursday morning for the rent money. The landlord said that a stench in the atmosphere was disturbing the environment, but he thought that it was a dead dog in the area. He said that he went to Lino’s apartment and as he opened the door to the room, which was not locked, he saw his tenant dead and decomposing. The neighbors said that they last saw Lino on Monday morning.

Zika virus right next door
Earlier this month Caribbean health authorities announced that the first confirmed cases of the Zika Virus had been found in CARICOM—news which sent the region on high alert for the emerging disease transmitted by the same mosquito which transmits dengue and Chikungunya. While the name of the country (or countries) where the 5 Zika cases had been detected was not revealed, this week health authorities in Belize confirmed that the Zika virus is closer to Belize than previously thought. A report coming out of Mexico last Tuesday announced that a 26-year-old who had traveled to Colombia, where other Zika cases had been detected, had returned home with Zik V, and next door in Guatemala, another case was confirmed. This is significant, since Belize is bordered to the north by Mexico and to the west and south by Guatemala.

T.V. Ramos Classic results
Here are the Weekend Warriors (WW) results from the Dangriga T.V. Ramos Classic held yesterday, November 22, in beautiful Dangriga. The WW race left Wadani Shed at 10:25 a.m. for the “A” & “B” riders, went all the way to the Placencia Junction on the Southern Highway, and returned to the Shed, for 54 miles. The WW “C” class, alongside the Dangriga & P.G. riders, went to Maya Center and back. Category “A/B” – 1st place, Robert Mariano (Digicell-4G); 2nd Dean Belisle (BelCal); 3rd David Yearwood (Lampaz); 4th Kirk Sutherland (Digicell-4G); 5th Palas Joseph (Lampaz); 6th Kent Gabourel (Megabytes); 7th Ryan Willoughby (Smart, 1st “B” rider); 8th Vallan Symns (Megabytes); 9th Jack Sutherland (Digicell-4G); 10th Kevin Hope (FT Williams, 2nd “B” rider); 11th Windell Williams (Smart); 12th Mark Reid (Santino’s, 3rd “B” rider); 13thh Kaya Cattouse (C-Ray); 14thh John Burns (Digicell-4G); 15thh Gilberto Acosta (Truckers, 4thh “B” rider); 16thh Preston Martinez (Megabytes); 17thh Ian Whittaker (Digicell-4G); 18thh Antonio Escarpeta (FT Williams); 19thh Kenny Gooding (FT Williams); 20thh Daniel Cano (Santino’s); 21stt Clarence Tesecum (FT Williams); 22ndd Isaiah Willacey (FT Williams); and 23rdd Wilbert Jones (Megabytes). Some 32 riders started the race.

Bze City primary school volleyball champs 2015
The Belize City Primary Schools Volleyball Tournament 2015, which started back on October 7 and included 6 female and 6 male teams, climaxed with championship games on Wednesday, November 18, at Bird’s Isle. In the female finals, Holy Redeemer defeated Belize Elementary in 3 sets, 25-13, 20-25, 15-11. And in the male finals, it was the reverse, with Belize Elementary winning over Holy Redeemer in straight sets, 25-18, 25-20.

Bandits 1:1 Verdes; Police United 1:0 BDF
Two back matches, one from Week 8 – Belmopan Bandits vs Verdes at the FFB Stadium, and one from Week 9 – BDF vs Police United at the Norman Broaster Stadium, were played last night; and the results have ended the playoff hopes for BDF, and confirmed the 4 teams that will enter the Premier League of Belize (PLB) Opening Season 2015-2016 playoffs. Police United 1:0 BDF Desperate for a victory to keep their playoff hopes alive, BDF held Police United scoreless until the 71st minute at the Norman Broaster, when Police’s Harrison “Cafu” Roches found the back of the net, resulting in a Police United 1-nil win. Police are now at the top of the standings, while BDF, at 8 points, can no longer make the playoffs.

3rd Annual BNE Jr Table Tennis Championships results
BNE National Junior Table Tennis Championships concluded yesterday, Sunday, November 22, with the following results: 12 and Under Category: 1st place, Taye Parkinson; 2nd, Samron Pott; 3rd, Terry Su; 3rd, Aidan Arnold. 15 and Under Category: 1st place, Amiri Hoare; 2nd, Latrell Solis; 3rd, Jaylen Nicholson; 3rd, Terry Su. 18 and Under Category: 1st place, Taye Parkinson; 2nd, Latrell Solis; 3rd, Jaylen Nicholson; 3rd, Joshua Gegg. Doubles Category: 1st place, Latrell Solis/Joshua Gegg; 2nd, Taye Parkinson/Luis Bardales; 3rd, Amiri Hoare/Jaylen Nicholson; 3rd, Eric Li/Sergio Glori. This is the third year that a BNE Junior National Championships has been hosted separately from the BNE National Championships, due to the increased growth in numbers of our junior players. The Belize Table Tennis Association (BTTA), in partnership with our sponsor, Belize Natural Energy (BNE), will continue to move forward with these events being held separately.

The roots to come …
“The one employer which absolutely refused to give in to the union’s demands was the Belize Estate and Produce Company. The strike at the BEC sawmill involved 268 men, and shortly after the strike was called the company declared all the men dismissed and closed down its operation. The government allowed the company the use of the radio station to appeal for scab labour, but it was not till over a month after the strike was called that three scabs appeared to work at the BEC sawmill. A large crowd outside the compound attempted to stop them, and twenty-eight persons were arrested and charged by the police. By 4th December, however, the number of strike-breakers had reached 31, most of them new workers, and by 8th December there were 47 workers at the sawmill. On that day the workers, unable to hold out any longer, decided to go back to work. The company reemployed only about 70 of the original 268 strikers.

Looking back twenty (20) years later
December 1, 1995, I took my son on his last trip to KHMH and December 7, 1995 he breathed his last breath on earth. Remembering still hurts; new memories have been created, happy ones and sad ones. However the questions that come to mind are “Have I/we learnt anything?” “Have I/we changed our attitudes, behaviours, conversations and choices?” “Have I/we shown more love, compassion, empathy or sympathy to others who are less fortunate than we are?” My son died from an AIDS-related disease and no, I’m not embarrassed to speak out about it, and neither was he! I’m glad he taught me that before he died. Not given to public speaking I was timid, fearful and yes, even a bit embarrassed the first time I was asked to speak publicly. But I quickly whispered a prayer for wisdom and courage and realizing there were others hurting, afraid and lonely, once I opened my mouth, emotions took over and the words just flowed.

Economic growth lagging behind 2014, but unemployment rate down: SIB
Economic growth so far in 2015 is lagging way behind last year’s, with the Gross Domestic Product contracting by 1.0% between July and September, according to data released by the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB) today at a press conference held in Belize City this morning at the Best Western Belize Biltmore Plaza. The SIB reported an exceptional 3rd quarter in 2014, said to be the highest growth rate of any 3rd quarter period for the country since 2009, registering growth of 4.8%, well above this year’s reported 1.0% contraction. In its March 2015 Economic Outlook and Update, the Central Bank of Belize had forecasted “…a slight deceleration in 2015 based on the likelihood of smaller increases in the export crops and tourist arrivals, and declines in extraction of petroleum and output of hydro-electricity.” It, therefore, projected a GDP growth for 2015 of 2.0% and 2.5%. Jefte Ochaeta, Statistician I, told the press today that the country’s GDP grew an estimated 1.2% for the first 9 months of 2015. There were major declines in fishing (which fell by about $25.9 mil) and agriculture (which fell by about $6.4 mil), resulting in decelerated GDP growth in 2015. Government services expanded by roughly 13% in the 3rd quarter largely due to an increase in salary payouts to reflect salary adjustments.

SJC takes bold step: African and Mayan History now available on school’s website
In one of Bob Marley’s songs, he challenges the masses to “emancipate yourself from mental slavery;” a lot of that mental slavery has to do with the way we were taught in school. Some of those lessons were meant not so much as to educate, but more to keep us ignorant, and in so doing, control us. St. John’s College High School made a bold step by going against the traditional curriculum when in 2013, it introduced African History and Mayan History into their curriculum. Today, the History Department of St. John’s College High School held a presentation where the first form curriculum of the African History and Maya History and the second form curriculum of Belizean History, along with the e-readers, which are connected to their website belizehistorysjc.com, were formally presented to the Principal of St. John’s College High School, Yolanda Gongora. At the presentation, which was held in the Art Centre of St. John’s College Campus, Delmar Tzib, the history teacher who was a collaborator of the program, in his speech said that: “One of the first aims of the program … was to teach history from the perspective of the oppressed, and not from the account of the European.”

EU sugar price plunges; domestic price could rise
The Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association held their Annual General Meeting on Sunday where the members passed a resolution to increase the domestic price of sugar by $1.00 per pound. This increase is as a result of the lower cane price of $35.33 per ton that will be paid to farmers for their sugar, Oscar Alonzo, Chief Executive Officer of the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association (BSCFA) said. Alonzo added that a second resolution was passed that the Sugar Industry Act be amended which would take away the sole responsibility in locating a market and the best price for the cane farmers’ sugar from the American Sugar Refinery/Belize Sugar Industries Ltd (ASR/BSI). As we reported two weeks ago, the cane farmers were not satisfied with the new cane price which the (ASR/BSI) had estimated at $41.56, which meant that the first payout to the farmers would be $35.33 per ton. As a result of their dissatisfaction, the BSCFA sent a letter to the ASR/BSI in an effort to bargain for a better price. Also, BSCFA sent a letter to Hon. Gaspar Vega, Deputy Prime Minister who is the Minister of Agriculture, for him to intervene on their behalf.

Tragedy in Shark Ray Alley: tourist drowns
–A tourist who was snorkeling in Shark Ray Alley in Caye Caulker died after he suffered difficulties in the water, went down and did not come up. Karl Edwin Simmons, 61, later floated to the surface and was taken to the Caye Caulker Polyclinic, where he was declared dead on arrival. Police reported that Simmons, an American security officer of Baywood Street, Shore Acres, Texas, USA, a tourist and member of a cruise that was visiting Caye Caulker from a cruise ship, was snorkeling with his wife, Esther, 56, in Shark Ray Alley when she began to drift away because of the strong current, and he quickly swam after her to help her. According to reports, however, Simmons began to experience difficulty, and he went down and disappeared under the water. Shortly after, he was seen floating face down in the water. He was quickly retrieved and taken to the clinic, where he was declared dead. The tour guides who were present kept the tourists calm after the incident, while Simmons was taken to the hospital.

The Reporter

Bay Trust International and Police partner to bring Christmas spirit to the homeless and flood affected families
Bay Trust International and the Belize Police Department November 27 2015 held a Christmas party for the most needy in the Mahagony Street area. Bay Trust International (BTI) invested between $15,000 – $20,000 to provide food packages, toiletries and other items for more than 120 […]

Police say media and public helped solve the murder of Ruben Perez
Police say the media and the public helped to solve the murder of well-known businessman, Ruben Perez, who was shot dead inside his business on Thursday afternoom. Perez was shot at close range in his neck in a robbery attempt turned murder at his business […]

Genetically Modified Mosquito that does not transmit malaria
Scientists on California, United States, claim they have genetically modified a strain of mosquitos to prevent malaria infections. The researchers claim they conducted the experiment to create mosquitos that cannot be infected by the malaria parasite and therefore, cannot infect humans with the disease. Malaria […]

BTL’s first entrepreneurial challenge
Ingrid Fernandez, Staff Reporter A and S Covers accessories store is the winner of the Belize Telemedia Limitedâ€™s (BTL) first ever entrepreneurial competition, held this week during the Global Entreprenuership Week. Armando Perez, president in charge of design at the company, shared that winning the competition took a lot of […]

Galen University unveils “A Painted Conversation”
Galen University unveiled its art Mural “A Painted Conversation” on Friday in San Ignacio, Cayo. The project to create the mural was started by Art Instructor, Natalia Pilato, a Ph.D student in Art Education at Penn State University and students from the Special Topics Art […]

Espat will not run for leader, despite encouragement
Peopleâ€™s United Party (PUP) Deputy Leader Julius Espat told the Reporter this week he does not intend to vie for the partyâ€™s leadership, despite encouragement from a number of colleagues and media buzz that he was one of the likely candidates. This week, Espat […]

PUP and COLA condemn GOB handling of the Nanes Schnitzer’s case
The People’s United Party (PUP) and Citizens Organized for Liberty Through Action (COLA), this week, expressed their dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of the David Nanes Schnitzer’s case. The opposition said: “The PUP records its deep dis-satisfaction with the handling of the case of international […]

Garifuna in Real Peril
The pinnacle of attention for the Garifuna people in the Belizean calendar has become the 19th of November. It has become so engrained in the Belizean mind, that all one has to say is “the 19th,” and instantly everyone around knows that you are talking about Garifuna Settlement Day. However, […]

Celebrating women entrepreneurs
Women entrepreneurs from all over the country gathered this week for a conference in commemoration of Womenâ€™s Entrepreneurship Day. The event, held under the theme “Unite, Ignite, Expedite,”‘ was held on Wednesday at the Belize Biltmore Plaza hotel. The event featured presentations from guest speakers […]

Misinformation: an important cause of growing resistance to antibiotics says WHO
A new study published by the World Health Organization (WHO) insistshat misconceptions about antibiotics rank high in the global rise of antibiotic resistance. According to the WHO, antibiotic resistance, which occurs when bacteria mutate, making antibiotics less effective, is quickly becoming one of the largest […]

Fire on Allenby destroys home; interrupts classes at St. Ignatius
A fire last week Friday at 79 Allenby Street in Belize City destroyed the upper flat of a two-story concrete house, leaving two people homeless, and forcing the occupant of the lower flat and students at nearby St. Ignatius primary school to temporarily evacuate […]

Top CSEC and CAPE students awarded scholarships
Edward P. Yorke High School graduate Nisa Oleysha Sanchez, this year’s top achiever in the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC), and Open scholarship winner Alisha Anipha Garraway, of Stann Creek Ecumenical Junior College, were the guests of honor, when the Ministry of Education hosted its […]

Businessman gunned down in his own establishment
Well-known businessman, Ruben Perez, was shot and killed late Thursday afternoon inside the compound of his sand and cement distribution center at the far end of Vernon Street near the George Price highway. According to Inspector Alejandro Cowo, OC CIB Precinct One and Two, Perez was […]

US Treasury Department links Belize as tax haven for ISIS
The United States Treasury Department has named Belize as one of several destinations where business associates of the terrorist group Islamic State (ISIS) have laundered money through the use of a shell company. The Obama administration accused Syria’s government of purchasing oil from ISIS and blacklisted […]

Foot patrol in Arenal yields 9 lbs of weed
A midnight foot patrol on Tuesday in Arenal Village, near the western border, yielded more than nine pounds of marijuana, when members of the Police Department’s Special Patrol Unit (SPU) intercepted a suspicious vehicle and nabbed its five occupants. The five charged with drug trafficking […]

Mother of three gets new home from BEL
Police Street resident, Angela Bennett and her three children will have a home for the holidays, built (partially) by her own hands and sponsored by the Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) and the Hand in Hand Ministries’ “Building for Change” program. After receiving the keys […]

Moses “Shyne” Barrow for Mesop?
This week, Moses “Shyne” Barrow, son of Prime Minister Dean Barrow, announced his aspiration to run for politics in the Mesopotamia electoral division. Barrow, told the media that he intends to offer himself up for candidacy once his uncle, current Mesop Area Representative, Michael Finnegan, […]

Editorial
The political landscape in Belize seems to be rapidly changing with the announcements that Ms. Lisa Shoman and Mr. Moses (Shyne) Barrow are throwing their hats into the political ring. Ms. Shoman will be competing for the job of Party Leader of the People’s United Party, and Mr. Barrow will […]

Drug cargo screening coming soon
Recent instances of attempted drug-trafficking through Tropic Air cargo flights, have prompted the Department of Civil Aviation to screen all cargo passing through municipal airports after an investigation into the industry’s regulations by the Reporter. The newspaper contacted the Department of Civil Aviation after police […]

Cane farmers lobby for sugar prices to double
A meeting is set for Friday in Orange Walk between Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture, Gaspar Vega and representatives from the various cane farmers associations to discuss, among other things, a proposal by the cane farmers to double the price of sugar […]

Court ruling favors terminated BWS employees
Supreme Court Justice Michelle Arana has ruled that six former employees of Belize Water Services Limited (BWS) were wrongfully dismissed on February of 2013 by BWS management, and treated as scapegoats for a reported chain of sex scandals and internal intrigue. Senior Counsel Said […]

The Belize Times

Barrow’s Fugitive Client On the Run – Did GOB deliberately bungle Interpol’s arrest of Wanted Man?
The Barrow Administration is facing serious pressure from home and abroad to come clean and provide answers over its most recent scandal; that is, allowing an international fugitive wanted for major crimes in two countries to escape the wheels of justice. On Tuesday November 3rd, the morning before general elections, U.S. Marshalls, Interpol officers and Belizean authorities carried out a sting operation on the tourist island of San Pedro. The suspect detained was known on the island as David Banes. He had been on the island for at least two years. During that time he obtained all the needed documents, including a social security card, driver’s license, boat license and even a voter’s ID and passport under that name. But, David Banes was a fraud, and a major fraudster. Banes, whose real identity is David Miguel Nanes Schnitzer, has been a wanted man for Mexican and United States law enforcement officials since March 2009 when authorities discovered that Schnitzer was operating an investment scam in Mexico, under the company Stanford, to defraud thousands of rich investors of millions of dollars. Schnitzer’s boss, Allen Stanford, was arrested by U.S. officials, convicted convicted on multiple courts, including wire fraud, mail fraud, money laundering conspiracy, and obstruction of an investigation, and sentenced to 110 years in prison.

New Guat President skips Belize while on regional tour
Prime Minister Dean Barrow, in a letter to Jimmy Morales following the Guatemalan politician’s successful bid in the elections for President held in October, extended a “hand of friendship” and expressed hope that both countries could continue to live in peace and harmony. But from all indications Morales, who campaigned on a pledge to “recover Belize”, is rejecting those hands in his first opportunity to demonstrate diplomacy and cooperation. Morales is on a tour of SICA-member countries but has excluded Belize from his visits. He has given no explanation to Guatemalan media why he won’t visit Belize which is also SICA member.

UDP vultures eye Mesop!
Only three weeks have passed since the general elections, but individuals in the UDP are already jostling for more power. Former Belize City Mayor Zenaida Moya and Moses Levy, aka “Jamal Shyne Barrow”, the prodigal son of Prime Minister Dean Barrow who was deported to Belize in 2010, have publicly expressed interest in becoming the next UDP candidate for the Mesopotamia division. A third candidate, Mark King, is expected to announce his interest soon. Levy/Barrow claims that he wants to continue the “family business”. His rationale for attempting to enter politics is that the division is held by his uncle, Michael Finnegan, and his father is the representative for Queen Square and Prime Minister. He said Finnegan is on his side. Levy/Barrow denied that he was simply trying to find another way of making it back into the United States, which has been his main objective ever since he was deported from the U.S. after serving a jail sentence for a club shooting in 2010. Levy/Barrow claims that he should have the right to travel anywhere in the world, and so he is just coming “with another approach”.

GOB denies proper salaries for re-enlisted Police Officers
A serious issue has embittered the rank and file of the Police Department. In late 2011, some 200 Police Officers began making “serious noise” about how their employer, the Government of Belize, was “robbing them” under the plain light of day. The officers, all re-enlisted into the Force, sought and got clarification about the positioning of their salaries upon returning to the Force. The practice of the Ministry of National Security has been to pay a re-enlisted officer a lower entry-point salary, even though he or she might have demitted with a high rank and long years of service. Police Officers argued that this was unfair, but the senior officials in the Ministry of National Security disagreed.

Think About It
Guess who is the biggest cigarette smuggler in the whole region? Little Belize. The cigarette mafia, like the cocaine mafia, in Mexico had penetrated Belize’s corrupt and incompetent government for some time. Same way large amounts of cocaine move in and out of Belize, same way it happens with illegal cigarettes. Except its worse. Cocaine moves underground, in the dark, away from ordinary eyes. Belize is a huge trans-shipment hub for Colombia cocaine moving to Mexico and then the USA. Illegal cigarettes move in broad daylight. It enters the Free Zone (free-for-all zone) by the container full. Then from the Free Zone it travels mostly to Mexico and Guatemala where it then goes to its final destination. These containers of smuggled cigarettes and fake brand name cigarettes pay no customs duties or taxes because they are consigned to certain protected UDP cronies in the Free Zone.

The bombs have begun to fall
Like Syrian citizens in the war torn city of Raqqa, Belizeans seem hunkered down, waiting for the next bomb to drop. We know the barrage will come for early elections are not usually called without reason. The first bomb was already dropped last week over the northern districts, less than forty eight hours after the elections results became known. Hardly had the ink on our right index finger dried when the bigwigs of ASR called a press conference to announce that payment for sugarcane would be reduced as much as 21 percent from the previous year’s prices. ASR is a subsidiary of the British company Tate and Lyle who owned and operated our sugar industry during our time as colonial subjects. Could there be some connection between what is happening here and the British meddling in our internal politics? A week before elections, a British magazine published predictions of a UDP victory while at the same time, a high ranking military officer announced that his troops were here to save us from Guatemala. The timing was impeccable and I believe deliberate and it no doubt had an effect on the outcome of our elections. Someone should have sent a letter of protest to the British Parliament.

The chickens come home to roost
Since the general elections held three weeks ago, Belizeans have come to realise why it is that Prime Minister Dean Barrow called early elections. For many it was about the numbers – that golden sixteen seats which the United Democratic Party had set its eye on and spent millions of borrowed Petro Caribe dollars to carve out sufficient votes in their favour by any means necessary. For the Prime Minister it was about the numbers and, probably even more important, timing. Why November 4th 2015 when the UDP still had one full year and four months left in their term in office. Prime Minister Barrow, as it has turned out to be, was excessively concerned about being a three-time Prime Minister than for his Party to govern responsibly. Was it his health or the health of his Party in Government, which concerned him most, or perhaps both? We note that two weeks before the elections, Prime Minister Barrow left on medical leave. Now, three weeks after the election he is gone again. We note also that since the elections, bad news has been dropping like bombs in Raqqa, Syria creating tremendous concern about the future of Belize.

Panthers & Roaring Creek Special Effects qualify to basketball finals
The Panthers and Roaring Creek Special Effects have won their berths in the San Ignacio/Santa Elena Basketball Association’s championship finals, sponsored by BECOL, by back-to-back wins in the semifinals at the Falcon Field court in San Ignacio over the weekend. On Saturday in Game 1, Belmopan Shock clinched their berth in the finals by eliminating Cayo Interstellars 36-13; with Anna Gonzalez and Jayday Brown scoring 10 pts apiece. Interstellars’ Sherlene Dawson had 4pts. On Sunday, in game 2, Roaring Creek Special Effects clinched their berth in the Over-35 finals by a 36-33 win vs Invaders. Karon “Civic” Neal led Roaring Creek with 18pts and Artan Tucker scored 14pts. Invaders’ Dylon Ayuso scored 18pts

Holy Redeemer girls & BES boys head to district finals
The Holy Redeemer RC School and Belize Elementary School boys won the Belize City primary schools volleyball championship last Wednesday. The undefeated Holy Redeemer girls won 25-13, 20-25, 15-11 against the Belize Elementary girls. The Belize Elementary boys won 25-18, 25-20 against the Holy Redeemer boys. They will represent the city at the Belize district finals, against the Belize Rural champions and 2nd place winners. The Belize district champions will represent at the national primary schools volleyball championships to be hosted on December 4.

Yo Creek girls win O.W. football champs
The Yo Creek Gladiators won the 2015 Orange Walk women’s football championship 1-0 against Guinea Grass Chelsea when the finals were held in Chan Pine Ridge Village on Sunday, November 22, 2015. The winning goal came when Vanessa Mai connected a pass from Miriam Villamil, beating Guinea Grass goalie Shanny Betancourt. Yo Creek’s keeper Rocio Bobadilla handled the best efforts from Guinea Grass’ goleadora Giselle Baeza, Marisela Patt and Norielly Terry to keep the Guinea Grass girls off the scoreboard the entire game. Yo Creek’s Karen Garcia looked to make it 2-0 with a low, grass-burner shot that forced Betancourt to come with a stretch for the save.

Woman accused of keeping sex slaves in OW
33 year old Guatemalan Rosa Anita Garcia is facing multiple criminal charges after she was accused of keeping two women as sex slaves at a bar in Orange Walk Town. Police detained Garcia after a 27 year old woman, Guatemalan national Dania Paredes Contreras, reported to the authorities that she and her mother, 48 year old Ana Contreras de Paredes, have been held against their will and forced to work at Dominguez Bar located on Otro Benque Road. Contreras also reported that she and her mother were brought to Belize by Garcia on the premise that they would work in a restaurant, but upon arriving they were forced to work in the bar and threatened that if they did not comply, their families in Guatemala would be hurt.

Crime and Violence in Belize: An academic explanation
Belize City is the largest population center in the county of Belize, containing a population of approximately 53,532, representing just under a fifth of the country’s entire population (Statistical Institute of Belize, 2010). Like other urban centers in the region and the world, the urbanization of crime and violence (http://web.worldbank.org/) is evident in Belize City. Unlike other countries and urban centers in the region, Belize boasts the lowest population density with 14 inhabitants per square kilometer while Jamaica and Guatemala have 263 and 129 inhabitants per square kilometer respectively (http://www.indexmundi.com/map/?v=21000&r;=ca&l;=en). In 2006 the World Homicide Report, declared the Caribbean region as the most violent in the world with homicide rates of 30 per 100,000 residents. In 2009, the same organization reported a shift in position, placing the Caribbean, with an increased homicide rate of 31 per 100,000, in third place while Central America placed first, with homicide rates of 33 per hundred thousand residents (Gayle, 2010). Belize and specifically Belize City remained one of the most violent places in the world with 145 murders reported in 2012—the highest ever reported (http://www.plustvbelize.com). Of the 145 murders, 90 occurred in the District of Belize with the vast majority of murders confined to Belize City (https://www.osac.gov/).

Lessons from the East, Part I
Throughout history many nations have struggled to be and struggled to preserve that which has become the result of their efforts. This is the story the Republic of China (Taiwan) and their unending but glorious struggle. This is part one of a series of articles on Taiwan, following my visit to the country in October of this year as their people prepared to celebrate their 104th National Day Ceremony. Taiwan was colonized by the Dutch in the 17th century and was thereafter ruled in the name of the Ming Dynasty who had driven the Dutch out. It was later ruled by the Qing Dynasty. Let’s fast forward to the period of August 1 1894 and April 17 1895. This period was recorded in history as ‘The First Sino-Japanese War.’ This war was fought between the Qing Empire of China and the Empire of Japan. Japan had recently transformed itself from a feudal society into a modern industrial state. It had become as we would say the new kid on the block with something to prove. The Japanese marched fiercely into Japan and after more than six months of slaughter the Qing Empire fell to its knees.

PUP Demands Answers & Thorough Investigation into Corruption at Ministry of Immigration
The People’s United Party (PUP) records its deep dis-satisfaction with the handling of the case of international fugitive David Miguel Nanes Schnitzer aka “David Banes” by the Ministries of National Security and Immigration and expresses urgent concern with the apparent dereliction of duty by both those Ministries in this matter. Although it was clear, two weeks ago that Nanes Schnitzer has obtained permanent residence, citizenship and a passport in Belize, and his Belizean citizenship was reportedly revoked and passport cancelled based on fraud on Wednesday, November 18, 2015, it is clear that no proper investigation on the matter was in fact done. The Gazette entry states that the Minister of Immigration made the order stating that, “whereas it appears to me that David M Banes, known as David Miguel Nanes Schnitzer…who was registered as a citizen of Belize as evidenced by certificate of registration dated 17th. November, 2012, was so registered by means of fraud, false representation and the concealment of material circumstance and by mistake.”

Top CXC student could not afford tertiary level education
A mind is a terrible thing to waste but in our country young, intelligent and promising minds seem to matter very little. Such is the case with 16 year old Nisa Sanchez, an outstanding young academic who was unable to further her studies at the sixth form level because of her family’s financial hardships. Sanchez is a Belizean gem. She was among thousands of students who sat the 2015 Caribbean Examination Council exams. She challenged herself, taking on papers on sixteen subjects. She later graduated as the Valedictorian at Edward P. Yorke high school, and when the CXC results were released a few weeks ago, it was discovered that she scored the highest, conquering all exams with grade ones on fifteen subjects and a grade-two on one subject.

Police lack adequate support to curb crime – Officials have had to beg international donors for new vehicles
Belize City is not just the commercial capital of the country; it is also the gangs and crime capital. International advisories about traveling to Belize often single out the old capital for its high security risk for tourists. Even locals know the dangers of certain areas of the city. The Police Department is unable to cope with the high crime level, so much that they often times take on the role of body bag men instead of crime stoppers. Their capacity is terribly stunted by a lack of proper tools to engage in adequate crime fighting. Last week, Sr. Supt. Chester Williams, the Regional Commander for the Eastern Division South, explained in media interviews that the Department has had to beg the U.S. funded Central American Regional Security Initiative (CARSI) for a fleet of vehicles in order to conduct proper patrols in the city.

Salvation Army’s Kettle Appeal Underway
Jingle bells usually alert many that Christmas is near, but around this time of the year it also means that the Salvation Army’s Kettle Appeal is in full swing. The Kettle Appeal is one way which the Salvation Army raises funds worldwide. The Salvation Army in Belize utilises the funds to support their special Christmas event for hundreds of children. The initiative is in its 124th year. One can identify the Salvation Army’s Kettle by its red colour and a Salvation Army poster nearby. In Belize City, the kettles are posted at Brodies downtown and on the Northern Highway, Publics Supermarket, Save U, Hofius and Queen Street in front of the Angelus Press.

Cañeros Prepare for Sour Times
As sugar industry stakeholders prepare for the start of the 2015/2016 crop season on Monday December 7th, cane farmers in northern Belize are preparing for the worst after receiving news that they will be getting less payment for their cane. Belize Sugar Industries informed cane farmers through their associations that the expected price for ton of cane will fall this year as a result of lower sugar prices on the European market. While the price for ton of cane was $53.00 in 2014/2015 crop year, in the next season it is expected to decrease to $41.56 per ton. The news has triggered depression among stakeholders, in particular the hardworking cane farmers who have had to make loans at banks to invest in their fields to ensure cane production. The cane farmers rely heavily on the revenue from cane to pay their bills and feed their families.

Belizeans get ready for Hard Times
Dear Editor It seems that since November 4th come and gone some things are now just coming into the light. First, this Cane Farmers fiasco with ASR/BSI. It seems that ASI/BSR knew about this decline in sugar quota before the election but held back until elections were over to break the bad news. Now over the radio I’m hearing that RC IMPORTS has brought the famous Guyanese rice and is selling for .50 per lb. How come we haven’t heard from Chamber of Commerce and the rice farmers? Do we have a shortage of rice? Shrimp is taking a packing with losses, the citrus industry is in limbo and the sugar cane farmers are not happy with the proposed payment. Now rice is being imported. Belizeans wake up!!! Hard Times ahead.

How I conquered HIV/AIDS – A mother’s personal experience
Dear Editor, December 1st, 1995 I took my son on his last trip to Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) and December 7th, 1995 he breathed his last breath on earth. Remembering still hurts; new memories have been created, happy and sad ones. However the questions that come to mind are: Have I/we learnt anything?; Have I/we changed our attitudes, behaviours, conversations and choices?; Have I/we shown more love, compassion, empathy or sympathy to others who are less fortunate than we are? My son died from an AIDS-related disease and no I’m not embarrassed to speak out about it and neither was he! I’m glad he taught me that before he died. Not accustomed to public speaking, I was timid, fearful and yes even a bit embarrassed the first time I was asked to speak publicly but a quickly-whispered prayer for wisdom and courage and realizing there were others hurting, afraid and lonely, once I opened my mouth, emotions took over and the words just flowed.

Breaking Belize News

President-elect Jimmy Morales arrives in Belize
A little after 10:00 p.m., Guatemalan President-Elect Jimmy Morales crossed the Northern border heavily guarded by members of the Corozal Police Department. Morales, is presently on a regional tour meeting with leaders of several Central American nations. Morales is scheduled to meet with Belize Prime Minister tomorrow. T his is […]

Trio freed of murder charges
Police Street resident Harrison Smith was killed on North Front Street on October 3, 2014. Police almost immediately arrested 28 year old Bartholomew Lucas, 28 year old Daniel Caine and 20 year old Oscar Flores, the latter of the Pinks Alley area. But today they were set free, […]

Police capture suspects in Ruben Perez murder
Businessman Ruben Perez was murdered on Thursday afternoon in Belize City, the victim of a robbery which escalated when he refused to cooperate with his two assailants. This evening police announced that those suspects had been captured. Superintendent of Police Hilberto Romero, officer commanding Criminal Investigation Branch, identified […]

Coast Guard graduates 45 recruits on tenth anniversary
November 28, 2015 will mark the tenth anniversary of the formation of the Belize National Coast Guard (BNCG), the youngest of Belize’s uniformed services. As part of that celebration, the Coast Guard today welcomed 45 recruits into the ranks as Seamen Apprentices, increasing its strength to 320 total […]

Russell Hyde Junior, 18, granted Supreme Court bail
Tonight, Russell Hyde Junior of Roaring Creek Village is out on Supreme Court bail granted to him this morning by Supreme Court judge, Denis S. Hanomansingh. Hyde and 18 year old Justin Giovanni Banner were jointly charged with the offense of keeping ammunition without being granted a gun license. Allegations are that […]

Sugar gwain up!
The Price of local sugar – both Brown and White – will see an increase of 25 cents per pound before Christmas. That was decided at a meeting this morning in Orange Walk among the three sugar cane farmers associations and Deputy Prime Minister Gaspar Vega, who is […]

Police confirm identity of traffic fatality victim
It has been confirmed by police that the driver involved in the traffic accident on the Southern Highway this morning, succumbed to his injuries after colliding into a guard rail on the left hand side of the road. The incident occurred while 44-year-old Belmopan City resident, Emmerson Burke, […]

Lisa Shoman claims Belizean authorities ignored international treaties in Schnitzer case
People’s United Party Senator Lisa Shoman made disturbing allegations regarding the case involving wanted American fugitive David Nanes Schnitzer late Friday afternoon. “Some critical information about the Banes/Nanes Schnitzer affair has just been shared with me, and deserves to be made public,” she said in a Facebook post. According to […]

GOB confirms Jimmy Morales visit to Belize
The government of Belize formally announced and confirmed reports that Guatemalan President-elect Jimmy Morales will be arriving in Belize today and meeting with Prime Minister Dean Barrow. In a release via the government press office, GOB explained Morales’ visit as a courtesy call and as such, it is not expected […]

Belize named as laundering haven for ISIS associates
The United States Treasury Department named Belize as one of several destinations where business associates of the terrorist group Islamic State (ISIS) have laundered money through the use of shell companies. The Obama administration accused Syria’s government of purchasing oil from ISIS and blacklisted a Syrian-Russian businessman suspected of facilitating […]

Canada pledges to help countries like Belize with climate change adaptation
Foreign Affairs Minister Wilfred Elrington is currently representing Belize at the 2015 Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Malta, where Canada has pledged an additional five-year, $2.65-billion contribution to help developing countries, like Belize, tackle climate change, as the battle against global warming continues. This is welcome news for Belize […]

Thursday night murder of Belize City man gang-related?
Ladyville police say they are investigating the possibility that Thursday night’s murder of Kevin Peters in the Japan area is connected to an incident reported last week in the Taylor’s Alley area of Belize City which necessitated police intervention but was not pursued criminally. Peters, an associate of the […]

Sarstoon Forward Operating Base to begin construction in December
Minister of National Security John Saldivar announced during today’s graduation of new Coast Guard recruits in Ladyville that as part of the Coast Guard’s strategic plan, groundbreaking will begin on the Forward Operating Base for the joint uniformed services of Belize at the Sarstoon River in two weeks’ […]

Road traffic accident on Southern highway this morning
There was an accident on the Southern Highway this morning when a black pickup truck collided into a guard rail on the left hand side of the road, while it traveled from the direction of Independence Village to Medina Bank. Unconfirmed reports are that the driver perished in […]

Bus with passengers overturns on the George Price Highway
Information reaching Belize Media Group’s newsroom is that a passenger bus allegedly belonging to James Bus Line, was involved in a traffic mishap near mile 25 on the George Price Highway. This is a developing story and we will have more information shortly.

Reports say Guatemalan President to arrive in Belize
Unconfirmed reports from credible sources reaching BMG newsroom is that newly Guatemalan President-Elect Jimmy Morales will be arriving at Belize’s Northern Border sometime around 8:00 p.m. today. Morales will reportedly be escorted from the Northern border to Belize City at the Radisson Fort George Hotel where he will spend the […]

Friends for Conservation and Development finds Guatemalans farming in Chiquibul
While on a joint force patrol yesterday, personnel from the Belize Police Department, Belize Defense Force and Friends for Conservation and Development (FCD) stumbled upon three Guatemalan Nationals in the Chiquibul National Park, approximately 1.4 kilometers away from the Belize/Guatemala Border. FCD reported that 27 year old Jorge Felipe Gudiel […]

Blogs

Seven Birds That Can Light Up A Tree
There are over 500 species of birds found in Belize. Many come to visit us in the winter from the North and for a short while, make their home here. What this does is, it makes Belize a destination for bird watchers and on a steady pace is becoming a place where the novice birder and the hard core birder come to fill out their life lists. This my friends is serious stuff! The following is a short collection of birds that definitely can make a tree blaze with colour. Heads up, because you never know when you may see all 7 of these species in one cluster or maybe on the same tree!

International Sources

Capt'n Fun Runners hosted Belize run to benefit school
In a departure from their typical annual destination run, Capt'n Fun Runners added a new twist for 2015: Instead of researching foot races in fun and unique locales, in October, the group traveled 900 miles to sponsor a race and raise money for a tiny island's only secondary school. But why that particular place was chosen is actually a story in itself. Runners are runners all over the world, and sporting a running T-shirt is an invitation to chat. "While my wife Nancy and I were vacationing on Belize's Caye Caulker a couple of years ago," said Capt'n Fun's Glenn Windham, "We met a guy wearing a running shirt. That led us to the Barrier Reef Sports Bar and Grill, whose owner was also a runner. We mentioned our running club, and he pointed to a photo on the wall, and there was Capt'n Fun Runner Bob Moore!" That chance meeting became the impetus for this year's "Fun Air" destination. The idea of returning to Caye Caulker to do a run was discussed, but because the Capt'n Fun Runners always raise money for charities, conversations with island representatives were essential to determine what cause needed the support. Ultimately, the school was chosen as the recipient. Ocean Academy is the secondary school on Caye Caulker, a 5-mile long, 1-mile wide, low-elevation, white coral sand island on Belize's Coral Reef. Because Caye Caulker Village is only accessible by water taxi or small plane, students wishing to further their education had just two choices to attend school: A 40-mile round- rip boat ride to mainland Belize, or a boarding school on the mainland.

The Devon beauty therapist who swapped makeup for camo face paint in the army
In his latest feature with the Coldstream Guards on exercise in Belize, news editor David Wells meets people from all walks of life, like an ex-beauty therapist who swapped the make-up for camo-cream and hasn’t looked back Camping out in the jungle, learning how to build fearsome booby traps deadly enough to maim and kill an enemy could not be more of a contrast to Charlotte Whelby’s former life – she used to be a beauty therapist. If anyone were an example of how a British Army regiment like the Coldstream Guards is made up of people from all walks of life and backgrounds, Private Whelby is just that. The 25-year-old from the edge of Dartmoor in Bovey Tracey has swapped makeup for camo face paint and green army fatigues as part of a battalion of the Coldstream Guards training in jungle warfare in the sub-tropical forests of Belize, in Central America, on Exercise Mayan Warrior.

Exploring destinations: Options abound on Caribbean Islands
I felt I deserved a really enjoyable excursion and that's what I got in Belize City. Since Belize used to be British Honduras, English is the native language. Belize just seemed to me to be very comfortable and friendly. And our chosen activity, exploring caves while seated in large inner tubes, was relatively relaxing and definitely enjoyable. Again we were bused to our activity site where we were outfitted with miner's helmets, the kind with lights on the front. We each got a large inner tube and off we hiked, with our helmets on our heads and our tubes on our shoulders, to a large cave with water flowing through it. In groups of six we sat in our tubes, turned our headlights on, and floated behind a leader who described formations in the cave. Besides stalagmites and stalactites, we even saw bits of pottery from early cave dwellers. This day stays in my memory as golden. As we settled into our tender back to the ship, the sky was streaked with semi-transparent clouds rimmed in gold, orange and peach, a combination so stunning in nature.

Videos

No Parking in San Pedro!!!!, 1/4min. NoSpace BlackFriday Shopping

Santa's Sipping Sorrel Stout, min. Sorrel Stout is back out, and Belikin has released a humorous video for the occasion. The only sorrel stout in the world, and it's in the coolers now. In related news, the 2016 Calendar Launch Party is Saturday in Belize.

Paddle Board, San Pedro, Belize, 1/4min.

Belize Divers Entering Water, 2min.

Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-700 First Takeoff for Belize from Houston Hobby (HOU), 2.5min. Departing HOU for BZE on Southwest Airlines first flight to Belize! On a Boeing 737-700.

Rhonda's message to the student at ITVET, 1min.

Belize, 7min. 3 days in Caye Caulker, Belize!

The Creole Culture- Belize, 29min. Ms. Myrna Manzanares of the Creole Council takes us through the cultural elements of the creole culture in Belize, including the history, customs, folklore, and music.

November 27, 2015

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

The San Pedro Sun

Island hopping!
With roughly 386 km of coastline, Belize’s waters are dotted with islands of all shapes and sizes. Of course, most of them remain undeveloped and inhabited only with our region’s rich flora and fauna. But nevertheless each of our little jewel islands are unique and there is no better way to view them than from high above the sky. Just from flying from Belize City to San Pedro Town you can get a good dose of island spotting. From way up in the sky it’s easy to marvel at all of nature’s creations. In a sea of blue, islands stand out with their bright greens. The four major islands that you can spot will flying to San Pedro town are St. George’s Caye, Caye Chapel, Caye Caulker and your final destination, Ambergris Caye! With a population of less than 50 permanent residents, St. George’s Caye is only eight miles east of Belize City and is one of the first ones to be spotted from my short 15 minutes flight from Belize City to San Pedro onboard Tropic Air’s aircraft. But what it lacks in population, this tiny island makes it up in history and heritage. Previously known as Cayo Cosina, St. George’s Caye is synonymous for the Battle of St. George’s Caye which took place from September 3rd to the 10th in 1798. The battle saw the Baymen (British settlers) defending our home land from Spanish invaders.

Fun at SPHS Cultural Day
The San Pedro High School (SPHS) once again brought to life the many cultures that exist in Belize at their annual cultural day. The event was held on Friday, November 20th, and the highly anticipated event offered a day of fun and education for families and friends. Taking into consideration the various cultures that call Belize home, students at the SPHS were challenged to transform their classrooms into booths adorned with cultural attire, information, food and either a presentation of singing or dancing. Each group was graded based on the quality of the cultural items they presented and the message being brought across. Each booth offered the visitors with the opportunity to learn more about the cultural groups in Belize, such as the Creole, Mestizo, Maya, Garifuna, Chinese/Taiwanese, Mennonite, East Indians, Central American regions and even from as far as Chile and Argentina.

Bicycle race held on Garifuna Settlement Day
The San Pedro Cycling Club (SPCC) hosted its annual Garifuna Settlement Day Bicycle Race on Thursday, November 19th as part of the day’s festivities. The race was organized by Kent “Bob” Gabourel, a renowned triathlon athlete, in conjunction with the SPCC. The main purpose of the sporting activity is to promote sportsmanship on the island. The race started at the Central Park and included three categories: juveniles, juniors, and seniors. In the juvenile division, walking away with the first place was Adrian who received a trophy and a $25 gift certificate while in second place was Luis winning a trophy and $15 gift certificate. In the juniors’ category Dixon Paguada took the first place, winning a trophy and a $75 gift certificate. In second place was Jose who won a trophy and $50 gift certificate and in third place was Kyle Jacobs who received a trophy and a $25 gift certificate. In the last division, the seniors, Jason Marino took home the first place along with a $75 gift certificate while the second place was won by Charles Garay who went home with a trophy and $50 gift certificate. The third place which included a trophy and a $25 gift certificate was won by Andrew Vasquez.

Alfonso Wiltshire out on bail
It has been over a month since member of the San Pedro Taxi Association, 50-year-old Alfonso Wiltshire, was arrested and charged for the rape of a 13-year-old female child. He was consequently charged with two accounts of Aggravated Burglary and two counts of Unlawful Sexual Intercourse and remanded to the Belize Central Prison. The taxi drivers’ incarceration did not last long, and he is now out on bail and back to work. This has raised questions in the community, and residents want to know how this can happen. According to San Pedro Police, Wiltshire was granted bail by the Supreme Court under conditions unknown to them, as they are waiting for a full report. “It’s his right to get Supreme Court bail and due to the nature of the crime he qualified for it,” said the station sergeant. Police emphasized that Wiltshire is not free but on bail, which means that he is required to attend a court trial for the case to continue, where at the end, a decision will be made if sufficient evidence is on hand to find him either guilty or not.

Annual Tacos Festival Celebrated in Orange Walk
The original and authentic Orange Walk Tacos Festival took place on Sunday, November 22nd at the Banquitas House of Culture. The fifth annual festival showcases a large variety of tacos, a dish that Orange Walk Town is known for. At the celebration, vendors competed to gain judges’ votes and impress the crowd that showed up from all corners of the country. This year the festivities also showcased an array of cultural presentations and musical performances. According to organizer Dillon Jones, the taco industry in the northern district is a big business and the festival is a great way to promote it. “The Taco festival is intended to be a family fun day and at the same time, highlights how important the taco business is in Orange Walk. If you take a look at the different tacos from the vendors, you will see the creativity of the people, the different styles like the Mexican one. However, everything that we see here today is made in Orange Walk. We make the best tacos in Belize and we really appreciate the support that we get every year,” said Jones. He called on everybody to keep supporting the festival so it can be possible year after year.

Ambergris Today

STAR Restaurant & Bar Holds Grand Opening
To celebrate the grand opening of their STAR Restaurant and Bar, Mayan Islands Resorts held a cocktail party for invited guests who were served with complimentary drinks, appetizers, music and a spectacular lagoon view of San Pedro Town. Guests mingled by the bar, restaurant, pool area and large lounge areas as the chef put out tasty samples of food from the menu and also toured the resort’s facilities. Prizes raffled during the evening kept guests entertained and happy.

Belize Government Workers Take Road Safety Training
The Government of Belize is partnering with the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) towards the approach to address Road Safety in Belize. The Ministry of Economic Development, Investment, Trade and Commerce, Road Safety Project underscores training as a crucial tool in development. Therefore, all key persons in the Road Safety System will undertake continuous development to create relevant opportunities. The course was held at Belize Princess Hotel, Belize City for approximately 100 participants from throughout the country. Participants included personnel from the Municipalities, Police Department, Tourism Police, Transport Department, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Works, Transport and NEMO, Press Office, and the Private/Business Sectors.

Misc Belizean Sources

Ambergris Caye Camp Starfish raising funds for Special Olympics
The San Pedro Police Department, Community Policing Unit is once again joining with Ambergris Caye Camp Starfish and this year also with Special Education Teacher at ACES Elementry and now Ambergris Caye Camp Starfish Head Organizer, Ms Sarah Jean to Raise funds for Special Olympics Belize. This funding will go towards sports training and atheltic competition in a variety of Olympic Type sports for children and adults with intellectual disbilities living within the country. This year we were not fortunate to have the Torch come to the island but we are hoping and looking for its arival on 2016. Nevertheless, we will continue supporting 100%. Tomorrow there will be a BBQ taking place infront of the San Pedro Police Satation and our guest chef is no other than JOHN from Robbin's Kitchen. So if you want to eat tasty tomorrow and support a very worthy cause pass by the San Pedro Police Station at midday. Lets show the love for SPECIAL OLYMPICS BELIZE!

"Go Slow" in Caye Caulker...literally!!!
If this picture does not describe the state of mind of the island, then nothing does. Nope! the cute dog is not dead, it's just Siesta time in the middle of the street.

Mayor Daniel Guerrero and Miss Garifuna Cultural Pageant Winners and Participants
Mayor Daniel Guerrero presents the Miss Garifuna Cultural Pageant Winners and Participants with their gifts for participating.

San Pedro Town Council Open House
Don't forget that today, we will be having an Open House for everyone to witness the new additions and changes that have been made to the San Pedro Town Hall. Also, we will be having 5% OFF on Trade License Fee of 2016! Take advantage of this opportunity!

Miss World Belize 2015
Miss World Belize Jasmine Rhamdas participating in the dances of the world audition she is wearing the national costume which represents the Great Blue Hole and the Coral Barrier Reef.

National Youth Week
Department of Youth Services will be celebrating its National Youth Week from November 29th - December 5th, 2015. Each District has their own week of activities planned. Here is the schedule for Corozal District. EVERYONE IS INVITED TO COME AND BE PART OF THIS CELEBRATION!

Family's house being searched by Corozal Police
The following video has gone viral. It shows a family's house being searched by Corozal Police. Apparently the owner of the house was searched on the street by Police and nothing incriminating was found on him. We only know the complainant's name as "Jim" who is an expat residing in Corozal. The police further escorted "Jim" to his house where from the video, the search clearly continued. He complained that the police harassed him. "Jim's" son who was at home at the time recorded the search but was forced to delete the file. He later was able to recover the video as evidence. Apparently "Jim" has been targeted by the Corozal Police before and has expressed his desire to relocate with his family because of fear. We are having problems uploading the video today as we feel it may have been red flagged but will keep trying but if you click on the link, you will be able to access it.

Power interruptions 5:00am to 5:15am & 4:45pm to 5:00pm, Sunday, November 29, Belize City
entire Belize City inclusive of all areas up to Mile 1 on the Philip Goldson Highway and Mile 1 on the George Price Highway. BEL to conduct climbing inspections of the Transmission System in the area.

Children's Day in Benque
The Rotaract Club of Benque Viejo visited Mount Carmel primary to celebrate Children's Day. They even brought a clown. Thanks, Rotaract. In related news, they are also doing a Christmas Food Drive. Help them by donating food items if you can. "On Friday, November 20, 2015 we celebrated Children's Day in partnership with Mount Carmel Primary School for over 300 children in the Infant Division."

16 Days of Activism
16 Days of Activism By: Abdulmajeed K Nunez Every year there is 16 days of activism But there is still chauvinism Men need to be taught that women are not possessions We need to get to the root which is socialization Men need to know that women are the cradle of socialization Men need to be taught that God is a woman Men need to be taught that heaven lies at the feet of a woman Reprogram the thought that woman is Woe – to- man All women have the right to chose just like men A woman is not a man’s possession A woman is the man’s equal A woman is the source of a man’s survival A woman is a man’s ambition A woman is a man’s protection A woman is a man’s companion A woman is a man’s advisor A woman is the guardian of the world’s cultures A woman is not a man’s tenure

Longtime resident Peter Jones found deceased
On Tuesday,November 24th Peter Jones was discovered dead of natural causes in his home. Peter Brandon Jones of Great Britain was one of the island greatest SCUBA diving enthusiast and promoted technical diving through his dive shop on Ambergris Caye for many years before his retirement. Mr. Jones was 68 years old.

Exploring the Cayes of Belize on a stand-up paddleboard
“Is that where we’re heading?” I gesture, carefully, toward a blurry mirage of mangrove trees hovering in the tropical heat, somewhere on the horizon. I am, after all, balancing rather gingerly on a stand-up paddleboard. “That’s South Water Caye, one of Belize’s national marine parks,” nods my guide Norman Hann. He reckons that it’s about eight nautical miles away. (It's actually five and a half.) “Looks like it’s somewhere off the curve of the Earth,” I mutter, a remark that gets a hearty laugh from fellow paddler Jenny Poppitt, one of our group of 10, who along with three Island Expeditions guides will propel ourselves slowly, yet purposefully, over azure Caribbean waters toward the island in the sky. If the idea of a dozen or so middle-aged paddlers several nautical miles offshore in the Caribbean Sea sounds vaguely dangerous, rest assured that it’s not. The Cayes (pronounced “keys”) of Belize are protected by the second-largest barrier reef in the world; one that effectively depowers waves and tidal currents. This reef gives the waters off Belize luminescent blues and greens that, along with stunning clarity, make it one of the richest marine environments in the world.

Happening right now: Southwest Airlines
One way HOU to BZE - $132 US.

Donation of care packages and meal distribution to Homeless
Bay Trust International Ltd, a financial service provider of the establishment and administration of Belize international trusts and foundations services and proponent of the less fortunate, is giving back to the community with a donation of care packages inclusive of sleeping mats and a meal to the homeless of Belize. The donation will occur at the Resource Centre located at the corner of Vernon and Tibruce Street in Belize City on Friday, November 27th, 2015 at 11am. BTIL believes in giving back to those in need and decided to concentrate its philanthropic efforts in Belize City by providing basic survival packages to the homeless and also those households who have lost their homes during the recent floods. These people will not be forgotten and deserve a helping hand.

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…Location : Beach at Playa Del Ninos (Palapa Gardens), Start Date: November 28, 2015End Date: November 28, 2015, Time: 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Channel 7

Businessman Killed During Armed Attack
Businessman Ruben Perez was killed this afternoon in Belize City. 47 year old Perez owned an aggregates business at the end of Vernon Street near the George Price Highway - where he sold sand and gravel and cement blocks. Surveillance video obtained by 7News shows him sitting calmly behind his desk at 3:14 pm playing with his cell phone. Perez seems to detect a disturbance and stands up. Suddenly, two men - one of them with a gun - come running into the frame. There is a brief standoff - and then Perez pushes the one without a gun. And that's where the very jumpy gunman then shoots Perez in the neck at close range - we won't show that part of the video. After that, with Perez on the ground, the gunman comes back to collect something - what it is we don't know. Police say they need your help in identifying those two men - and we'll tell you how you can help with that later on. But first, we spoke to a neighbor and police at the scene: VOICE OF: Neighbor "And about 5-6 minutes after 3pm, we heard bang! And that bang - I said eh. I told my grandkids it didn't sound like an acid bomb. That sounded like some sort of gun. A few minutes later we saw the police come."

Flood Relief For Flowers Bank
Last week, we took you on the Belize River to show you how the Valley Community in Belize Rural North was being affected. The heavy rains of the weekend before had inundated the entire country, and all the floods from the Cayo District rolled into the Belize River Valley. Well during the course of the last 48 hours, those flood waters rolled past Flowers bank Village. It caused major flooding of the main road into the village, and the only bridge in and out was under water. To add to that, there have been intermittent rains all across the country over the last 24 hours. Flowers Bank does not have grocery shops, and so the 36 families who live there are forced leave out of the village to get food supplies. But, since they are cut off due to the flood, NEMO went in with rations today to distribute and provide them with assistance. NEMO Minister Edmond Castro, who is their Area Representative, spoke with us today. He told us that the Ministry is trying to be pro-active avoid any incidents or loss of life or property because the villagers would be forced to leave to get their groceries:

US Blacklists Belize Offshore Company
What does Belize have to do with Syria and ISIS? You might think, nothing at all…but today the Obama Administration blacklisted an offshore company registered in Belize because it is allegedly involved in backing Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control today designated four individuals and six entities for providing support to the Government of Syria. According to international news reports, the state department has gathered information which says that a Syrian businessman described as a "middleman" facilitated oil purchases by the Syrian regime from the "Islamic State" terror group. Now, bringing it back to Belize, one fo the six "the blacklisted entities" is an offshore company called KREMSONT COMMERCIAL INC. which is linked to Russian Mudalal KHURI. Kremsont is registered at suite 302 of the Blake Building at the corner of Eyre Street and Hutson Street, in Belize City. We called that office today but were told that no one could speak on behalf of Kremsont.

17 Year Old Says He Needs Gun to Protect Himself
Yesterday we told you about the trio the GSU busted for firearm, ammunition and marijuana at the mile 8 community. They are 18 year old Sherman Samuels, 20 year old Shakedi Baizar and a 17 year old minor. Well today the 17 year old pleaded guilty, and told Magistrate Carlon Mendoza that the gun is his that he got from a friend who went away to the states and left him with it. He said he has been using it for protection for his life because someone wants to kill him. The Magistrate inquired further into the minor's story and found that he is not sure of his age because both his parents died 10 years ago and they gave him away to foster parents without first registering his birth. Still, his guilty plea was accepted, but that doesn't mean that the other two got off. Samuels and Baizar who pleaded not guilty to the firearm and ammunition offenses were all remanded into custody until December 10, 2015.

The Rules Of The Road, Reinforced
Don't drink and drive, wear a seatbelt, don't speed: those are just a few of the road safety rules that are constantly being repeated on TV commercials and through programs. One of those programs is the Belize Road Safety Demonstration Corridor Project. Today the program coordinators hosted a course for drivers from all sectors of society. International Road Safety Consultant for Belize Mavis Johnson told us that this project is more than just upgrading roads, it' about reducing traffic accidents through responsible driving. Mavis Johnson, International Road Safety Consultant "It's many things. It isn't just one thing and that's the thing about road safety and improving the conditions on the road. We have to look at the roads themselves; the infrastructure, the signs and markings and I don't know if you've driven between Belize City and Belmopan at night, but it's so impressive now. You can actually see where the road goes, instead of just being in blackness. So some of those things; the shoulders on the sides have been improved. Again, one of the great things in development right now is the new round-about at the entrance in Belmopan. It's going to spectacular and then the Belmopan ring road which will provide plenty of opportunities for cyclists and pedestrians and car drivers to actually share the road together in a safe manner.

Surveillance Video Frees Men From Murder Charge
Tonight, 28 year-old Bartolomeo Lucas, 28 year-old Daniel Cain, and 20 year-old Oscar Flores, all residents of Pinks Alley, are at home after spending a year in prison. They were on remand awaiting trial for the murder 33 year-old Harrison Smith which happened a year and 2 months ago. Today, the Magistrate sent them home because the police could not provide any evidence linking them to the murder. Moreover, police had surveillance footage which proved that they were innocent and sat on it for the entire time that the men were languishing in jail. On Friday, October 3, of last year, 32 year-old Harrison Smith, and 23 year-old Eustace Lewis were both gunned down on North Front Street, where 3 men targeted them while they were riding past. Both men were shot, but Smith's injuries took his life. Well, a few days later, police were swift in bringing a murder charge against Bartolomeo Lucas, Daniel Caine and Oscar Flores, and since then, they've been in jail waiting their case to move forward.

Cops Got A-K
Police have taken a dangerous assault rifle off the streets. This evening around 5:15 the Southside Strike Team searched an empty lot on Allan Pitts Crescent in the Port Loyola area and found this Ak47. No one was found in the area so the gun was labeled as found property.

Ambassadors For Children
15 young men and women from across the country are being trained as Child Right's Ambassadors. The training started yesterday and it focuses on the rights of a child and number of issues affecting kids in Belize. The Information Coordinator for NCFC, Lindburgh Smith, told us that it is all about protecting children and giving them a voice. Lindburgh Smith, Information Coordinator, NCFC "NCFC had a plan a long time ago to spread their wings to reach more children about educating them about their rights and responsibilities. And so we thought that putting together a program would be very key and we came up with the Ambassador's Program which represents child rights ambassadors and we have representatives countrywide. These representatives are being trained since yesterday and that training will be completed on Friday and then they're back to their respective local communities where they will be doing community sensitization with both students, teachers and the community at large." Courtney Weatherburne "What does the training entails?" Lindburgh Smith, Information Coordinator, NCFC "It's quite comprehensive. We have training on human trafficking, training on child abuse, the penal and juvenile act. We have on the children and family act. We also have facilitations skills which will be for tomorrow and we also have presentation on different topics which will also include training modules on how to go about presenting what they have been learning over the next 3 days."

Police Need Your Help
As we told you at the top of the news, two men are being sought by police tonight for killing businessman Ruben Perez. As this surveillance footage shows, Perez was sitting behind his desk on his phone, when the men stormed into the compound at the corner of Vernon Street. He stood up to confront them, pushed away one of the men, and the gunman then shot him in the neck. It was a fatal injury. Police cannot identify the attackers and are asking the public to assist. Crime stoppers is offering a $500 dollar reward for any information which leads to their arrest - not conviction, but arrest. To give that information, you should call 0-800-922 TIPS.

Churches Unified, But Groups Divided
2 weeks ago, we told you about the controversy surrounding the appointment Reverend Ashley Rocke, the Senator representing the Churches. 200 plus churches nationwide, minus the Belize City Churches, have complained that the Belize City chapter of the Belize Evangelical Association of Churches excluded them from the decision and hijacked the appointment. Since then, that disagreement has caused a rift which appears to be widening within the Christian Community. Today, representatives of these 200 plus aggrieved churches announced today that they've gone off on their own and formed a new organization called the National Evangelical Association of Belize. Today, we reached out to the new association, and their President, Pastor Lance Lewis, was unable to give an interview. He did authorize Pastor Scott Stirm, the Vice President, to grant us comments, and he explained to us via phone what this new association means to the Church Community outside of Belize City: Scott Stirm, VP - National Evangelical Association of Belize "Well as we stated in our press release, there have been some difficulties with the (BAEC) Belize Association of Evangelical Churches which resulted in them sending a letter of suspension all national leaders. We pursued meeting together for two months - requesting a meeting and we were not able to get a meeting with them and so all of us have been working together on a new national plan for BAEC - all the nationwide chapters, all the nationwide leaders and what we have done is we've taken that plan and we've taken that constitution and that is our constitution.

The Short Term Plan For 4gLTE
BTL mobile users know well enough about 4g frustration with BTL's overloaded data service. But the company says that in 2016 it's upgrading the 4gLTE - that's short for long term evolution which is the global standard in mobile internet. A release issued today says the company expects to finalize the selection of its LTE vendor in matter of weeks and to begin deployment of the new network shortly thereafter. is in the final stage sof selecting its mobile network vendor to build and launch its mobile LTE network in 2016. A press release says, quote, "the new…network is expected to be among the fastest, most robust…in the Americas." In the meantime, the existing 4g system is being upgraded before the end of the year, the boost the system which is currently overwhelmed.

BEL Helps St. Mary's
Yesterday you saw BEL partner with Hand in Hands Ministries to gift a new house to a deserving family, and today the utility company was sponsoring a feeding programme. The St. Mary's program started in 1994 and has become a mainstay for the hundreds of children who attend the Fort George Primary School. We found out how it works and how BEL will help with a 5,100 dollar cash donation:.. The program serves 850 meals per week.

Dance X is Next
If there's one thing that brings people together - it's music and dance: and that's just what Dance X Belize hopes to accomplish. The 7th edition of the dance extravaganza was launched last night with a welcome reception at the Bliss. Today we got a chance to speak with one of our own senior dancers - Jaimie Thompson and he told us that Dance X Belize is not all about sharp choreography,- it's also about promoting unity and culture through dance. The show continues tonight with performances from the Yucatan Classical Dance Company "Vao". It starts at 8 at the Bliss. The other performances through to Sunday will also be held at the Bliss at 8.

Guate Farmers Flattening Chiquibul
The Friends for Conservation and Development, FCD, are reporting tonight that they have caught 3 Guatemalans farming inside the Chiquibul National Park, very near the Belize/Guatemala Border. Yesterday, a joint forces patrol, comprised of the BDF, Police, and FCD Rangers, were on patrol in the Chiquibul near an area known as El Retiro, which is about 1.4 kilometres away from the border. There they found 27 year-old Jorge Felipe Gudiel Garcia, along with a 7 year-old and a 9 year-old minor. They had cut down the forest in this area, and planted a 2.5 acre farm of black beans. Jorge Garcia informed authorities that he had planted pumpkin earlier in the cleared area that was approximately 2.5 acres in size, and that he knew of other farmers further north of his location also doing farming. Garcia was charged for illegal entry and cultivating in a protected area. The two minors were released promptly to Guatemalan authorities.

Channel 5

Belize City Businessman Executed on Vernon Street
B elize City Businessman and owner of Perez Construction, Ruben Perez was murdered in cold blood sometime after three this afternoon. Perez was killed at his Sand and Cement Distribution [...]

What Does ISIL Have to do with Offshore Banking in Belize?
Following the news of the amazing catch and release of prize fish and fugitive millionaire David Nanes, Belize certainly got a black eye on the international scene. And tonight there [...]

Trio Acquitted of Murder Charge in Shooting Death of Boxer
Three men who have been on remand for murder just over a year were today told that they could leave the courtroom free men. Daniel Caine, Bart Lucas and Oscar [...]

Minor Pleads Guilty to Firearm Possession, Associates Remanded to Custody
A trio of men is tonight on remand at the Belize Central Prison after being busted with an unlicensed firearm, as well as a stash of marijuana. Twenty-year-old Shakedi Baizar, [...]

More Men Employed in 2015 Say SIB Statisticians
The latest unemployment figures released by the Statistical Institute of Belize indicate that there are presently more men who are unemployed than there are women without jobs. Over the past [...]

Cruise Tourism Arrivals Down Ten Percent
The tourism industry which is among the top revenue generators for the country has also experienced a slight decline in the number of cruise passengers disembarking in Belize City. That [...]

Dance X Celebrates Seven Years with Show Series at the Bliss
Dance X Belize 2015 started on Monday of this week with master classes being held with local dance groups throughout the country. following a Forum and Barefoot Belize production on [...]

A Thousand Smiles Continues to Raise Funds for Ailing Kids
A dollar to save the life of a child afflicted with cancer. A Thousand Smiles for Cleyon, is an organization that has been working with several pediatric cancer patients. Together, [...]

BEL Donates Generously to St. Mary’s Feeding Program
Today the St. Mary’s feeding program benefitted from a very generous donation from Belize Electricity Limited, part of its ongoing outreach and support initiative. The feeding program is generally funded [...]

It’s Hopes Week for Young Table Tennis Athletes
Organized under the auspices of the International Table Tennis Federation Education and Training Program, in liaison with the Belize Table Tennis Association, ping pong expert Aleksey Yefremov is hosting a [...]

LOVE FM

Floods affect Cayo South
The steady rainfall is having an impact in several areas and today our Western correspondent Fem Cruz spoke with some of those affected in Cayo South. The rains continued here in the Cayo South for the last eight hours, as a result a number of families are affected. Love news spoke to one of the family members affected by the flood here in Arizona. Voice 1: We’ve been getting so much rain and the water height has been about a foot and a half in my yard. Many kids have been affected in this area because of the water that has been passing through and I would like to send out a message to the chairman to try to get something done in this area for the drainage system so that we can be less affected by this water and this rain. Voice 2: We never experienced this kind of water like now so we are asking the help from government, the chairman to see if they can at least do some drainage back here. First of all I think they need to find out where the water is coming from and then try to do a drainage to divert the water,. Then you have some people who live in the low lying area and that is what messes up a lot of the people and they have to come out of their house.

PlusTV

Fraudulent company uses Prime Minister’s Law firm address in scheme
Another fraudulent investment company has illegally used Belize’s name and the Prime Minister’s law firm address in its scheme to attract investors. Profit Riders Inc. , via its website, claims that it can secure investors a return of as much as 200% a day. The company claims that it registered with...

Guatemalan women rescued from human trafficking in Orange Walk
33 year old Rosa Anita Garcia Julian appeared in court today for the second time after she was arrested and charged for Immigration offences on Monday November 23rd. The arrest came after the Orange Walk police department raided Dominguez Bar, located at Otro Benque Road, Orange Walk Town, on Saturd...

5 persons arrested for drug trafficking
5 people, including a minor, were arrested and charged for drug trafficking when they were busted with four thousand grams of cannabis in the village of Arenal in the wee hours of Wednesday morning. According to San Ignacio Police, authorities were on foot patrol within Arenal Village, Cayo, when th...

Sandhill man spared jail over flare gun
Sandhill resident and Fisheries Department officer Andrew Baptist is guilty of keeping a prohibited firearm tonight, but he is not in jail, and for that he can thank Police Corporal Gino Peck. Peck’s infamous 2013 case, in which the Director of Public Prosecution cited a little-known provision of th...

World Wide Travel Alert
The United States State Department released a World Wide Travel Alert due to recent terrorist attacks. A couple weeks ago, on the 13th of November, Paris was attacked at different locations leaving 130 people dead, and 368 people injured. Due to that attack and other intel, on the 23rd of November, ...

The First Ever Artificial Pitch in Belize
It has been described as a world class stadium in the making. The Isidoro Beaton Stadium, home of the Belmopan Bandits, went under construction the earlier part of last year to transform the local stadium to a top notch facility that can host international FIFA standard matches. While the FIFA stand...

Hand in Hand Ministries and BEL provide house for single mother
A Belize City family of four, today received keys to a new house from Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) and Hand in Hand Ministries (HHM) under HHM’s “Building for Change” program. The 16’ by 16’ wooden house, complete with electrical installations and plumbing facilities was donated by BEL and cons...

The Guardian

New Belize City Civic Center Underway
In September of 2013 the old Belize City Center was torn down with great hope and anticipation for the start of the construction of a new first class facility that would serve the needs of Belize City residents. After waiting for two and a half years, Belize city residents will shortly see that promised construction. A few days ago work teams began to move into the space which was left after the old structure was torn down and the groundwork has commenced for the construction. After signing a contract on October 8, 2015, JVCA Medina’s Construction Ltd/International Environments Ltd. began the work. Valued at BZ$32,940,261.34 the new facility will include civil works and FIBA certified equipment. In a release from Belize Infrastructure Limited (BIL) it states that: “The new Belize City Center Arena and Cultural Complex design will qualify for world championship women’s U-21 and U-19 world championship men and women events. There will be three (3) interior practice basketball courts, and one (1) professional center court. The design allows for designated seating for up to 4000 for games and 5000 for indoor entertainment events such as conventions, concerts and other sporting events such as boxing and volleyball.

Ponzi Scheme mastermind caught and released on bail, now nowhere to be found
David Nanes Schnitzer, an international fugitive with an arrest warrant from Mexico waiting for him, has been living in Belize for a few years. As of 3 weeks ago, on November 3, his presence in Belize was made public to the world when he was caught with a fake driver’s license in San Pedro. Schnitzer is infamous as a suspected white collar criminal because he is believed to have been involved in an elaborate ponzi scheme. This system was set up and headed by Robert Allen Stanford, a Texas Financier who is serving 110 years at the high-security Coleman II federal prison in Sumterville, Florida. Stanford, who has appealed and failed at that appeal, was convicted of running a 20-year scam. In this criminal enterprise, according to US Prosecutors, Stanford sold fraudulent, high-yielding certificates of deposit through his Antigua-based Stanford International Bank. He then used the money from investors all across Latin America, including Mexico, Panama and Venezuela to live a lavish lifestyle. These investors lost a combined 7.2 billion dollars trusting Stanford’s companies with their money.

Melvin Hewlett, a 35 year-old Vice Principal of Wesley College, is Wesley Vice Principal allegedly caught with cocaine
On Friday, November 20, at around 11:35 a.m., the GSU set up a sting operation where they followed this informant to the Wesley College Compound. There they saw him making an exchange with Melvin Hewlett, who had been identified as this main supplier. The GSU team immediately closed in on both men, and that’s when Hewlett supposedly saw them coming. He allegedly threw away a piece of white paper which was crumpled up. They retrieved the piece of paper and found 2 transparent plastic bags containing a total of 14 grams of crack cocaine. Anything over 1 gram is treated as drug trafficking under the law. So, the GSU charged him with possession of a controlled drug with the intent to supply. He was arraigned on Friday, November 20, before Magistrate Deborah Rogers, where he pleaded not guilty. He was granted bail of $7,000, and he must return to court on January 8, 2016. Now, Hewlett’s reputation has been greatly sullied due to these allegations. Apart from being a senior administrator at the school, he is a well-known member of the Methodist family. He has helped to organize sporting events as a community activist. Back in 2009, he was a member of Dr. Herbert Gayle’s research team. Gayle is the Caribbean’s only social violence anthropologist. He assisted Gayle as a researcher in the study of Youths and Gang Violence in Belize. There is the worry that the student body at Wesley may have been exposed to someone with great authority who has messed around with drugs.

Ohhhh Johnny!!!
With the PUP Leadership Convention SOUP BUBBLING, we will be highlighting one of the COMBATANTS each week. This week we take a look at Johnny.To really get a clear view of how things stand with Johnny and the party, we relied on past issues of the Guardian to get a historical perspective. Let’s go back to when Wikileaks made Johnny a star. The Wikileaks cables emerged where it was alleged that he took a 3 million dollar bribe. Although he publicly claimed that he did not take the bribe he was unable to prove otherwise. Then he came up with two very inappropriate speeches both on Independence Day and on the occasion of the public funeral of George Price. He must have been handed both speeches together and he read the wrong speech on the wrong occasion.That could have been blamed on the pressure from the Wikileaks cable. Up to today we are still awaiting that proof, he claimed he had proof of how he came in to the possession of the cable companies, remember he had promised Jules Vasquez that he would bring the papers. Perhaps Johnny made a stop at the toilet on his way to Channel 7. Those were only a few significant nails in his coffin but his undoing came at the hands of the former party leader Said Musa.

Top cop officially called to the Bar
Senior Superintendent of police Chester Williams has been in the evening news regularly for the past few months, explaining why his take on community policing is the best route to take in trying to deal with gang violence and violent crimes in Belize City. He’s had measurable success with his and the Police Department’s efforts, but now, he’s become one of only 7 police officers who have been called to the Bar of Belize. He is now a senior police officer who is also a certified attorney who can practice law in this country. He was formally introduced before Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin as an applicant by Senior Counsel Edwin Flowers on Wednesday, November 25. After Flowers applied on his behalf to the Chief Justice, the judge was sufficiently convinced that he had fulfilled all the requirements of practicing law in Belize. His application was removed, and for the first time, he was robed in the required attorney’s court dress. Those attorney’s robes were placed over his shoulders by Flowers as a ceremonial affirmation that he had been admitted.

Charge of sexual assault struck out against security guard
After 10 months on remand, 56 year old Belize City Security Guard, Adrian Cruz is a free man after a charge of sexual assault was struck out against him. He had been charged for allegedly inappropriately touching a child under the age of 14. Cruz who was never granted bail after being arraigned remained imprisoned from January 16, 2015, when he was first brought before the courts The Chief Magistrate, Anne Marie Smith had denied him bail and due to his status of not being a Belizean by birth, he appeared to be a flight risk so he was kept on remand.

Burglar caught breaking into Atlantic Bank ATM
On Tuesday November 24, 32-year- old resident of Belize City, Malique Martinez appeared unrepresented before Senior Magistrate, Sharon Fraser where he was read a single charge of burglary with intent to steal. Allegations are that on Monday, November 23, 2015, he entered the Atlantic Bank Collet Branch office located at the corner of Magazine and Cemetery Road and caused damages to seven (7) office desks valued at $2,700, a glass window located at the Southwest side of the building valued at $2,200, the lower portion of the ATM safe value $5,000 and 2 office doors value at $1,000, all to a total of $10,700.00, the property of Atlantic Bank Collet Branch office. Martinez pleaded not guilty to the charge. Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser informed him of the police allegations being made against him that it was he who was identified as the culprit coming out of the hole located on the extreme rear of the building. In response Martinez told the Magistrate Fraser, that it was not him after thinking for a long time whether or not he wanted to change his plea that he had already entered.

Friends charged for killing 16 year old
In last week’s issue of the The/El Guardian, we reported the story of 16 year-old Ivan Choc, who was brutally murdered in an armed invasion of his home in Camalote Village, Cayo. Well, police have since charged 2 men, who police say were his friends. These men are 20 year-old Damien Velasquez Bowden and 18 year-old Justin Banner, and they’ve been arraigned in the Belmopan Magistrate’s Court on the single charge of murder. They have been remanded to the Belize Central Prison, since there is no bail for the capital offence. Belmopan Police have not released much details on their investigation at this time, but they believe that all 3 persons were once friends who had a some sort of falling out. Whatever argument they had, must have been terrible. That’s because, as readers may remember, on Friday night, November 13, the victim and his parents were having their evening meal when 2 masked men barged unto their verandah.

Cashier charged with theft walks free
On Monday November 23,former James Brodies employee who worked as a cashier was set free after his former employer requested no further court action of theft against him. 22 year old Alfonso Marin, former Cashier at James Brodies & Co. Ltd., had been charged in July of this year with 5 counts of theft. In court #2 before Senior Magistrate, Sharon Fraser, Inspector Egbert Castillo informed the court that they would offer no evidence in the case against Marin. That is because James Brodies and Co. Ltd., who are the complainant in the matter against Marin chose not to pursue the matter anymore. With that, Magistrate Fraser told Marin that he was free to go.

Earl Pitts Junior charged with manslaughter by negligence
On Monday November 23, whilst still limping from his injuries, Earl Pitts Junior was escorted to the Belize City Magistrate’s Court to be read three offenses of manslaughter by negligence, causing death by careless conduct and driving without due care and attention. He appeared before Senior Magistrate, Sharon Fraser in Court #2 at around 3:45. In court, Pitts was unrepresented and due to the nature of the offenses, no plea was taken since they are being dealt with on indictment. Senior Magistrate, Sharon Fraser only asked him if he understood the charges for which he replied saying “Yes.” Allegations are that on Sunday, November 1, 2015, Pitts Junior being the driver of a Yukon GMC brown in color vehicle with license plate, BCC-51992, caused the death of Sharmaine Humes, 33. Allegations are that Humes along with Pitts Junior and two others, minors ages 17 and 10 were travelling inside the vehicle at the time.

Former cop called to the Bar
The police department now has two additional attorneys who were called to the bar over the past few days. The first to be called was police inspector Llewelyn Usher who on Friday November 20 was called to the Bar before Chief Justice, Kenneth A. Benjamin. PC Usher was born to parents Charles Usher Sr. and Erminia Usher. He studied at the Teakettle Village Primary School after which he moved on to the Belmopan Comprehensive High School. On March 13, 1994, shortly after completing his secondary education, he joined the then, Belize Police Force. He was then posted for duties in Hattieville Village where he worked for two and half years then was transferred to San Pedro Town.

Beltraide teaches you to start your own business
Between Friday November 27 to Sunday November 29th the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) which is an arm of Beltraide and the Young Professionals of Belize will be holding Belize’s version of Startup Weekend. The initiative is powered by Google worldwide and in the past it has assisted in the creation of hundreds of new businesses in 120 countries. In Belize, the same concept is being taken on and persons who want to become entrepreneurs are being asked to register and be a part of the event. Beltraide’s Amilin Mendez says that the goal is to have persons who have a business idea or want a business idea to attend an intensive 54 hours of instruction at the ITVET compound in Belize City. At the end of the weekend hopefully those who participate would have been able to get enough information and training to be able to start up a new business.

Crawling from under a rock
As soon as the General Election were over some folks who were very vocal in their assault on the UDP before the election, went into hiding. Some people have been asking if some of those folks had either gone into hiding, gone to jail, gone to the States, gone to the crazy house, in the hospital or died. See in Belize when we start to not see certain people it’s usually is because of one of the above. Last week we were treated to a brief media appearance by Audrey, but just as soon as we saw her she went back under cover. Word is there is a Latino Christmas rehearsal dinner to plan this year as a to build up for the real thing on Christmas day. This year there will be no “Gud Mawnin Miss Lady “, at AUDREY’S HOUSE, it will more be like “Bueñas dias Señora.” You see she has gotten used to preparing a Creole feast in different flavors over the years so this Latin Fiesta although she knew how it was way back then, is now a bit difficult because she is out of practice.

Tacos Fest delights thousands in Orange Walk
When it comes to tacos, Orange Walk is the epicenter of where to find the best of them and on Sunday November 22 the best of the best of them were all available in one location. Organized as a yearly event, the fifth annual Tacos Festival was held at the Banquitas House of Culture where hundreds of visitors arrived from all across the country to savor the best tacos in Belize. According to organizer, Dillon Jones, the event is held every year as a sort of recognition to tacos vendors and the industry that they represent. He says that if you were to take into consideration the many ingredients that go into taco making as well as the employment that it creates you’d realize that it is a burgeoning industry. On Sunday however it was all about showcasing the quick meal. There were all manner of tacos from pork and chicken. Some featured meat on a skewer while others were prepared from earlier on be it on fire hearths or even baked underground (pibil). No matter what the taste buds required, the tacos were available to suit.

Good juice for Belizean citrus farmers this year
Citrus farmers in Belize are once again receiving better prices for their oranges. On Wednesday of last week the price per box of citrus which is exported went up to $12.23 per 90lb. Last ear at this very same time it was at $10.12. That is an increase of over two dollars which in the industry is a big deal. In the past receiving a 10 cent increase in the price per box was a major challenge. The price increase is largely due to citrus greening which is placing a major challenge to citrus producers including Belize. But the industry here has been able to keep on fighting the citrus menace. While production in this country has been affected it has not been as devastating as it has been in Florida where production was in the region of 100 million boxes of oranges annually. Now with the citrus greening projections have reduced it to somewhere closer to 74 million boxes this year. This has in effect driven international prices up and that means a bigger payday for Belizean farmers.

Belize Receives First Place Award for Immunization Programme for the Fourth Time
Belize was awarded first place for the surveillance of Vaccine Preventable Diseases (VPD) at the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) Managers’ Meeting, which was held in Guyana from November 17-20. As part of the week’s activities, awards were presented to countries who demonstrated improvement in the immunization programme, specifically for achievements in the area of surveillance of VPD. The selection criteria are based on efforts, meeting the indicators for surveillance of diseases, and timely weekly reporting on the surveillance. Surveillance activities are conducted by all Health Care providers throughout Belize, including some of the private care providers who participate in the reporting of communicable diseases. The Ministry of Health recognizes and applauds the tremendous efforts by health care personnel, in particular the Rural Health Nurses and the Public Health Nurses, who on a daily basis actively search for suspected cases of diseases that are preventable by vaccine, and complete the investigation of such suspected cases as Acute Flaccid Paralysis for Poliomyelitis, fever-rash illness for Measles and Rubella, and Pertussis (Whooping Cough), among other diseases.

The University of the West Indies Open Campus Belize will be hosting the UWI Open Campus Belize to host Barbara Cleland Day of Races
Barbara Cleland Day of Races 2015 on Sunday 29 November, commencing at 1:00 pm on the Marine Parade Circuit. The races will start with the primary school event in which the girls will do a lap and the boys 2 laps. This will be followed by the high school female which will do 3 laps and the male 5 laps. In the tertiary level, the female and male riders will do a total distance of 10 laps. In the junior/youth category, the riders will do 15 laps and this will be followed by the female/Masters 4/5 riders that will also do 15 laps.

Holy Redeemer girls and Belize Elementary boys are Belize City Primary Schools Volleyball champions
The Belize City Primary Schools Volleyball championship came to an end on Wednesday 18 November, 2015, at Bird’s Isle with the championship game in both the girls’ and boys’ category. In the girls’ championship game, Holy Redeemer School upended Belize Elementary School in three sets by the score of 25-13, 20-25 and 15-11 to capture the 2015-2016 championship. In the boys’ championship game, Belize Elementary School won over Holy Redeemer School by the score of 25-18 and 25-20 to capture the Belize City title.

Thin on patience
For those who are familiar with Shakespeare’s Anthony and Cleopatra, there is a famous phrase in the play when Cleopatra is told that Anthony has married another woman. The queen threatens to pull out the messenger’s eyes, eliciting the response “gracious madam, I that do bring the news made not the match.” The response from the messenger probably is what made the phrase “attacking the messenger” so often quoted. I gave you that introduction so that you will appreciate that I know about attacking messengers, since that is what I intend to do today: go after three messengers who are harping on the same subject, that of the international fugitive David Nanes Shnitzer, and throwing around insults and accusations wantonly. But before I go on, let me state that unlike Cleopatra and the other historical “messenger- hater” Tigranes, I do not hate the message from these three individuals, it is their attitude that irks my spleen.

Seven years for prohibited firearm
Back in November 2010, a 17,year old student of Sadie Vernon High School was accidentally shot and killed while inside her home after a man she knew began playing with another man’s gun he had stolen several months prior to the incident inside his home. While he still waiting trial for manslaughter in her death, 23 year old Ibrahim Smith, a resident of Mopan Street was found guilty of keeping a prohibited firearm, a 16 gauge shot gun, which was altered to form a prohibited firearm. On Wednesday November 25, Senior Magistrate, Sharon Fraser who heard the case found that there was overwhelming evidence to convict him for the offenses. The prosecutor in the case, Inspector, Hector Rodriguez called a witness, a man, who testified that on the night of the fatal shooting of the student, he saw Smith run out of the house and hid a gun behind the house.

Teenager charged for shooting
The city had seen a decrease in shooting incidents for the past few months and according to Sr. Supt. Chester Williams, the regional Commander, Eastern Division South, murder is down, but there was a spike in shooting incidents over the past weekend. On Sunday, November 22, 2015, at around 7:00 a.m., police say they responded to a shooting incident on Antelope Street Extension where Liston Myers was injured as a result. According to police reports, Myers was walking in the company of another male, when they were shot at by two male persons carrying a firearm. Police say that they believe Myers was not the intended target but rather his companion, another male who is a known figure and associated with a gang. He was missed but the gunman opened fire in their direction and caught Myers. Myers is listed in a stable condition at the KHMH recovery from his injury.

Human Trafficking in Orange Walk
Persons who frequent the different bars around the country know that human trafficking sort of takes place unabated, especially at the hispanic-run bars. The women there offer sex for money with the patrons if there is enough trust that they will not be reported to the authorities. Orange Walk Police have therefore caught a major break in one such case. A 27 year-old Guatemalan went to the station to make a report over the weekend. She told investigators that 33 year-old Guatemalan Rosa Anita Garcia, the person running Dominguez Bar, on the Otro Benque Road, tricked her and her mother, 48 year-old, to come to Belize. She offered them a job at a fast food restaurant. When they came to Belize on November 12, she instead forced them to work at the bar under the threat that she would have their children in Guatemala killed.

High schools basketball competition heats up as it nears playoffs
The Central Region Secondary Schools Basketball competition continued on Tuesday 24 November, 2015, at Bird’s Isle with two games on the schedule. In the first game played which was in the female competition, Wesley College defeated Anglican Cathedral College by the score of 24-18. In the male game, Wesley College continued on its winning path when it edged out the Anglican Cathedral College squad by the score of 51-47. On Monday 23 November, in the only game played, Sadie Vernon Technical High School squeaked passes St. John’s College by the score of 70-69.

Face of Belize wins in U-15 Football competition
The Belize District Interim U-15 competition continued on Sunday 22 November, 2015, at the MCC Grounds with four games on the schedule. In the first game played, City Boys defeated Smart Brown Bombers by the score of 2-1. The goals for City Boys were score by Jalen Babb and Kenroy Linares, while the goal for the Smart Brown Bombers was scored by Maynor Hernandes. In game two, Carlton Strikers defeated Berger United by the score of 3-2. The goals for Carlton Strikers were scored by Cion Augustine, Lawnie Leslie and Eton Panton. Meanwhile, the goals for Berger United were scored by Delbert Flowers and Travis Flowers.

U-16 male footballers fail to qualify
The National U-16 Male Football Team of Belize returned home on Tuesday 24 November, 2015, from Managua, Nicaragua, where it participated in the UNCAF – U 16 tournament. Team Belize played its first game on Tuesday 17 November, when it lost to the host country Nicaragua by the score of 1-0. In its second game on Thursday 19 November, Belize fell to Panama by the score of 5-0. In the third game of the series, which was played on Friday 20 November the U16 boys also fell to Costa Rica by the score of 9-0.

Youth Talks
Have you ever noticed that when a student walks into a school they suddenly lose all aspects of their freedom? In most schools around the nation, students have limited rights, as there are rules covering what students can wear, say, and eat. What should be personal choices and obligations are seen more like restrictions that students are bounded by, and should be sure to abide by these rules. While rules aim to promote good conduct in students, some of them tend to ask quite obscure things of students. The most complicated rule to understand and even worse, obey, is the rule for dress codes. School dress codes are one of the most enforced school policies of all time. Everyone has an opinion about what is too short, what is too long, what is too low, what is too high, what is too tight, and what is too loose. According to schools, many girls, if not given proper rules of what not to wear, are all indecent. Because of this, there are very specific rules about what girls can and cannot wear. “Skirts, dresses and shorts cannot be more than two inches above the knee.” So can females only wear long shorts? “All pants and shorts must be worn on the waist.” Would someone be punished for wearing pants above the waist? What if they want to wear their pants around the chest? That’s a nerd style. Perhaps schools are now frowning upon smart people doing well in school. Of course, there are certain general rules about dressing appropriately in school for both males and females, but often times, schools tend to overly exaggerate on the dress code for female. Having a policy stating “due to safety and health concerns, flip-flops, sandals, chains and studded earrings are not permitted in school,” can be quite a major concern, since none of these objects seem to have the ability to cause harm or health issues.

Celebrating Garifuna Settlement Day in Cayo
In keeping with Garifuna tradition, a ceremonial boat landing took place on November 19th 2015 by the low lying bridge that connects San Ignacio to Santa Elena Town, thus becoming part of a number of events relating to Garifuna Settlement Day celebrations in Western Belize. At about 8:00 am, Garifuna men, bringing along a variety of tubers and roots, arrived in two canoes and asked permission to land at the bank of the Macal River, for which permission was granted by the Mayor of San Ignacio and Santa Elena Town, Earl Trapp Junior. The five Garifuna canoeists’ were also greeted by other Garifunas and locals, who had gathered by the flooded Macal River with much anticipation. From there, the Garifunas paraded through the principal streets of San Ignacio Town, despite the overcast skies. “I would like to take this opportunity to wish all Garinagus a Happy Garifuna Settlement Day,” said Mayor Earl Trapp Junior. “Belize is rich in different traditions and ethnic groups and we need to do our part in trying to preserve them, if we don’t do it, it will just go extinct,” he also said. A day earlier, on 18 November, the House of Culture in San Ignacio Town held an open day to highlight the outputs and history of the Garifunas. Students from Primary Schools and members of the Public had an opportunity to view a panoramic history of the Garifuna as displayed on the walls of the House of Culture as well as learn directly from Garifuna presenters.

Breaking Belize News

Evangelical Churches break away from Belize Association of Evangelical Churches
A press release was issued earlier today from a new church organization, called the “National Evangelical Association of Belize” and is made up of more than 30 national executives of the former Belize Association of Evangelical Churches (BAEC). These executives will be representing more than 200 churches across Belize, with […]

Businessman murdered in Belize City
A Belize City Businessman, whose name we can’t reveal because his next of kin hasn’t been notified, was murdered in cold blood shortly after three this evening at his Sand and Cement Distribution Company located at the far end of Vernon Street, a short distance from the George […]

Department of Youth Services annual Youth Week
The Department of Youth Services’ (DYS) annual Youth Week, coordinated with assistance from local stakeholders in each district, will begin on Sunday November 29th, featuring all day activities for young people all across the country. In the Toledo District, Sunday will kick off the jam packed week of […]

Orange Walk Police Department praises November officer of the month
Following an inspection of uniformed police officers, the Orange Walk officer of the month for November was announced. Commander at the formation, Assistant Superintendent Selvin Tillett described the latest award recipient, Police Constable Gilberto Vasquez, as hard working and committed to his duties. Tillett reiterated that the […]

Schnitzer is a free man, drinking margaritas
David Nanes Schnitzer, the American fugitive wanted for his role in a multi-million dollar ponzi-scheme, is probably sitting on a beach somewhere sipping a margarita patting himself on the back after Belizean authorities managed to let him slip away so effortlessly. Schnitzer, who is wanted in Mexico, apparently has a […]

Belize Electricity Limited and Hand in Hand build house for woman in need
Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) started a program, in its third year now, as part of the company’s community outreach portfolio, which has helped underprivileged people all across Belize. This annual program focuses on building houses for people in need, through a partnership with Hand in Hand Ministries, which also helps […]

Potential Alternatives to Cruise Tourism in Placencia
As Chairman of Placencia Village in 2012, together with my councilors, I championed the fight against cruise tourism. However, my views and the views of those against cruise tourism, mainly the Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) membership, became misaligned. I did not think it was wise to […]

Former Belize Water Services employees vindicated in Court
More than two years ago, in February of 2013, six former employees of Belize Water Services (BWS) took the company to court after they claimed that they were wrongfully terminated from their jobs because of victimization. After two years of waiting for the case to settle and a decision to […]

Analiz Gutierrez allowed to visit baby Nina
On November 13th, the heartbreaking ordeal of 22-year-old mother, Analiz Perez Gutierrez began when her two-year-old daughter, Nina Perez was taken away from her in a bizarre manner by the Human Services Department. This came after Gutierrez’s ex-boyfriend, who is a Guatemalan National and resides in that country, filed a […]

Alleged Human Trafficker Charged
Guatemalan bar owner of Orange Walk, 33 year old Rosa Garcia, has been charged with trafficking in persons offences under the trafficking in persons act. She has been accused of sexual exploitation and forced labour for allegedly holding two Guatemalan women, a mother and daughter, captive, and forcing […]

Relatively moist conditions exist across the country
The National Meteorological Service of Belize is predicting generally cloudy skies for today and tonight, with some showers or periods of rain occurring over most areas today, then decreasing tonight. Winds will be blowing from the Northeast at 10-20 knots with higher gusts near heavy showers and the sea state […]

People’s United Party calls out government on Schnitzer case
A release issued by the People’s United Party (PUP), states that it is deeply dis-satisfied with the way international fugitive, David Schnitzer’s case was handled by the Ministries of National Security and Immigration, as he was released on bail and has not been located since. It goes on to mention […]

Blogs

Happy Thanksgiving From Ambergris Caye, Belize
Happy Thanksgiving – a holiday not really celebrated by Belizeans but adopted a bit locally due to the influx of American residents and visitors. Plus – Food and football. Friends, family, gratitude. The one holiday where The Peanuts cartoons don’t annoy me. I hope you all have a fabulous day. It is currently…pouring rain in San Pedro. POURING ALL NIGHT. It’s no official holiday here. And the set-up for Christmas will continue if it just stops raining!

A reflection on Garifuna History: After the celebration, what next?
Garifuna Settlement Day, which is observed on November 19th each year since 1943 in the southern districts and 1977 countrywide, draws many Belizeans together to celebrate the arrival of the Garinagu to Belize in 1823. Around 1823, the Spanish republics were preoccupied with endless cycles of civil wars, assassinations attempts and revolutions. Around that time most Garinagu and their communities were (and still are) found in these republics, their population having spread across the region ever since their banishment from their homeland, St. Vincent in 1797 – about twenty five years earlier. 1823 was also the pivotal year in which the short-lived Federal Republic of Central America (then, a single nation comprising of the provinces of Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica) declared itself independent of Mexico. The fear of persecution and the mere business of keeping alive within that environment of bloody revolution, necessitated the mass migration of Garinagu to join others who were already peacefully residing south of the Sibun River. Each year, the celebrations seem to have drowned the fact that the mass migration of Garinagu in 1823 was really not their first arrival to Belize. As noted in Sir John Alden Burdon’s Archives of British Honduras Vol 2 : 1801 -1840, the decision to formally admit the first Garinagu into the settlement was made by Superintendent Richard Bassett at a Magistrate meeting held on August 9, 1802.

International Sources

IRS Begins Sending Individual Account Information to Foreign Countries
Exchange is part of Fatca, a tax-evasion-detection program enacted in 2010. Some worry that information sent abroad by the IRS could fall into the wrong hands. “Many countries aren’t as stable as the U.S. and their residents fear their safety is at risk if local authorities know about their assets,” said Kevin Packman, a lawyer with Holland & Knight in Miami, who often advises people from Latin America. According to the IRS, it will only share information with foreign countries which meet its “stringent safeguard, privacy, and technical standards,” and it has the ability to halt transmissions if it believes the standards aren’t being met. The IRS declined to say which countries received information from the U.S. This week, the agency added 16 new countries, including Brazil, South Africa and India, to the list of those already eligible to receive financial-account details.

Two Horses for One Book
Today the History Department of St. John’s College formally presents the first form curriculum – African and Maya History and the second form curriculum – Belizean History to the Principal of St. John’s College Ms. Yolanda Gongora. In addition to the curricula we will also present the accompanying e-readers. Of course these elements of education are connected to our online classroom www.belizehistorysjc.com. In a recent conversation in St. Louis, Missouri, USA our history teacher Delmer Tzib listened to Fr. Richard Buhler, SJ explain that in the 1970s St. John’ s College set up the Belizean Studies Journal and introduced the teaching of Belizean History at the JC level because the Jesuits felt that our road to Independence needed to be supported by the leading academic institution in promoting our national identity inside the classroom.

Crime, Safety, And Gun Ownership In Belize
Creole Proverb: Wen teef teef fram teef, God laff. Translation: When a thief steals from another thief, God laughs. Belize can be a wonderful sun- and fun-filled place to live, but, like anywhere, there are some things to be aware of. Unlike Mexico, Guatemala, and other countries in the region, Belize has no organized crime. In Belize, no drug cartels are fighting for dominance or control. Luckily, our sleepy little country seems too small to interest those types. That said, there is gang-related crime in some areas of Belize City, but this doesn't spill over into the general population. You probably aren't going to want to move to Belize City anyway, unless you're looking for a job. The Cayes, Cayo, Northern Belize, and the Deep South are all better locations for expats. Serious crime statistics can seem high for Belize, until you realize that they really all take place in very localized areas of Belize City. The statistics are still high, but the crimes aren't something you have to worry about unless you plan to move into a gang-ruled neighborhood in the city's capital (and, of course, that's not something you're going to do).

Videos

I HAD TO DO IT ~ Belize Liberator Productions, 30min. Bringing domestic Voilence from behind closed doors to the big screen. Filmed in Belize

Low Lying Bridge -Iguana Creek, 1/4min.

BEL and Hand in Hand Ministries Partner to Provide a Home for 3rd Consecutive Year, 1min. A Belize City family of four, today received keys to a new house from Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) and Hand in Hand Ministries (HHM) under HHM’s “Building for Change” program. The 16’ by 16’ wooden house, complete with electrical installations and plumbing facilities was donated by BEL and constructed primarily through volunteer work by BEL employees. Recipient, Ms. Angela Bennett, is a mother of 3 children View video ages 8, 9 and 13, residing on Police Street, who expressed, “A Home for Angela” “It’s really a dream come true. I am a single mother and I do not have the finance to build a new house. Thanks to God because I will be in my new house for Christmas with my children. A major thanks to BEL and Hand in Hand for making my dream come true.”

GIS Expo_Channel 7 News Cast, 2min.

Belize 2015 Wedding & Vacation, 30min. This video is from our trip to Belize for Tim and Jen's wedding. It was a fabulous time. None of the pictures are in order however just to warn any viewers.

Travel with me in Belize!, 5min.

Snorkeling in Belize, 3.5min.

Our Honeymoon in Belize, 8min.

Flood advisory issued as the rains continue to fall, 5min.

Belize: Wrasse, 3min.

Tackle Box, Ambergris Caye, Belize, 4min. Diving at Tackle Box. This is my first encounter with sharks. Nurse sharks are curious and don't mind interaction.

Belize 2015, 12min.

Life's A Trip Belize, 8min.

River swing in Spanish Lookout, Belize, 1.5min. Throwback to hitting this slippery but fun river swing with my buddy Marco on my last visit to Belize.

Two barn owl chicks, min. We are so lucky to be helped regularly by great friends and supporters. A fabulous example of such support happened a couple of days ago. We had a call from a school teacher in San Vincente, which is a village right on the southern border with Guatemala - just about as far away as any village could possibly be. The caller reported that a villager had 4 harpy eagle chicks in his possession, and wanted to give them up for rehabilitation and release. We were naturally excited, but very, very sceptical: harpies are rarer than hens teeth and we figured it was going to be 'something else'. We knew it was a cruel thing to do to him, but we called our 'go-to' person in Punta Gorda: Ian Morton of Hickatee Cottages - a stand-up guy who is passionate in the extreme about wildlife and NEVER lets us down! He agreed that it was unlikely to be harpies, but said he would go anyway. Three and half excruciating hours on the bumpiest road in the world, and he arrived back having given the entire village a lecture on not removing baby birds from the nest, and proudly clutching two barn owl chicks. He then found out that a friend happened to be flying to Belize City on Tropic Air, ad persuaded poor Jim to carry the stinky, noisy cargo on his lap. The birds are now settled in their nursery accommodation and chowing down on their favourite food - rats! When you hear them on this video, you will see why people with barn owl nests in their roof call them the 'devil bird and think there are evil spirits living above their heads.

November 26, 2015

New Horizon 7th Day Adventist School celebrates thanksgiving by presenting Harvest Day

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

Full Moon rising over San Pedro Town
There’s truly not much that can beat this view. Enjoy walks along the beach and enjoy the cool breeze of the evening as the full moon rises over the waters of Ambergris Caye. Food vendors set up their stalls and heat up the grill as they begin to prepare the much desired “street treats” that will have customers flocking each stall for their desired share of tacos, bacon wrapped hot dogs, tacos and more. This is the falling of dusk on La Isla Bonita!

Bahia Fest Fashion Show benefits Camp Starfish
On Friday, November 20th, The Caribbean Villas Hotel in San Pedro Town was the venue for Bahia Fest, a high end fashion show sponsored and hosted by Mujer Total, a Mexican based Magazine dedicated to women. Original fall and winter designs were showcased along the runway before an adoring audience of fashionistas. The charity event included an admission fee from which part of the proceeds would benefit Ambergris Caye Camp Starfish. Camp Starfish is an organization dedicated to helping special needs children on the island via an annual camp, with volunteers from all over the world, including physical therapists, speech therapists among other professionals. The international fashion show started shortly after 7PM with the first of three segments. Belizean and Mexican models began gracing the runway featuring ‘La Maria” clothing line, by designer Maria Perez. This line was inspired by Mexican traditional culture. The different pieces portrayed the works of different designers and artists on cotton, linens, silk, canvas and leather. The collection is very limited, but they were beautifully crafted and stunningly handmade.

David Nanes Schnitzer missing after getting bail: COLA demands action from the Government
17 days after being apprehended in connection with one of the largest Ponzi schemes in history, 47-year-old David Miguel Nanes Schnitzer has not only received bail but is also nowhere to be found. Nanes Schnitzer, who was the president of Stanford Group Mexico overseeing operations in Mexico, Panama and other parts of Latin America, and believed to have defrauded over a thousand Mexican investors, had been in custody of the Belize Police Department up to Friday, November 20th. But Supreme Court Judge Denis Hanomansingh granted him bail of $10,000 during his last court hearing, even after Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith had denied him bail twice, as he presents a high flight risk. Now, Nanes Schnitzer is nowhere to be found, and police believe he has fled the country. Being out on bail for forgery required Nanes Schnitzer to surrender all his travelling documents and report to the San Pedro Police Statin twice a week, which he has not done as yet. The leading argument for granting him bail was that he is has businesses in Belize that tie him to the country. Some of his businesses include several properties on Ambergris Caye, a condo development in Hopkins Village and various active bank accounts. Since then, authorities have not issued any confirmation as to the whereabouts of Nanes Schnitzer, and according to San Pedro Police, they do not believe he is back on the island. Many speculated that he has left the country, violating his bail agreement and is once again on INTERPOL’s wanted list. But whether Nanes Schnitzer left the country or remains here, he is in violation of court orders.

Cruise passenger drowns at Shark Ray Alley
Caye Caulker Police have reported a drowning incident that occurred on Tuesday, November 17th. According to initial investigations, 61-year-old American National from Texas, USA, Karl Edwin Simmons suffered an accident while snorkeling on Shark Ray Alley within the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, which resulted in his death. Currents in the area caused him to drift and guides later found him floating face down. Simmons was immediately transported to the Caye Caulker Polyclinic where he was pronounced dead on arrival at 12:45PM. Even though a postmortem examination has certified the cause of death as “asphyxiation by drowning”, police investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

SHINE benefits from Sunset to Stars Dinner Fundraiser
On Eagles Wings Ministries (OEWM) and SHINE (Shaping Healthy Identities through Nurturing and Empowerment) hosted yet another successful fundraising event in San Pedro. With proceeds benefitting youth enrichment, the Sunset to Stars fundraising dinner was a truly spectacular night of good food, drink and great company. The event was held at Rain Restaurant and Rooftop Terrace just two miles north of Sir Barry Bowen Bridge, with over 100 persons in attendance. Guests started to arrive as early as 5:30PM where they were greeted with live music and delicious hors d’oeuvres served by friendly Rain waiters. During the cocktail hour, attendees mingled and took time to view some of the various items on sale, such as handcrafted jewelry and art pieces. 10% of the proceeds from all beverages consumed at the cash bar went directly towards SHINE’s second semester program, where 15 young ladies are benefitting from a personal growth and development curriculum.

Misc Belizean Sources

Consejo Road grading
If you are driving on the Consejo Road, please be cautious of a grader and roller working on that road. This is a good time for those in authority to mitigate the Consejo Road situation. It may be a good time to consider drainage and paving it! Let's make it a challenge.

Cayo Mural Unveiling
The Cayo Mural is almost finished! It looks amazing so far. The big unveiling is this Friday, November 27th, at 4:00pm. Galen University is hosting the grand event. Here are some current pictures. "In the summer of 2015, a Special Topics community-based art course was taught at Galen by Ms. Pilato where students learned design principles and painting techniques as well as how to participate in civic and community relations... From across the country and internationally, over 175 people ranging in ages from 7-71, joined Ms. Pilato and the Galen Students in studio space donated by St. Andrews Anglican church to help paint."

Posters promoting the Chiquibul
FCD’s Environmental Educator, Justin Pook and Mount Carmel Primary School teachers with posters promoting the Beauty of the Chiquibul!

The Lions Club announcing the eye testing program
All kids from all schools in San Pedro will get the opportunity to get tested free of cost.

There is real benefit to coconut oil
In this newly published lab study, lauric acid (coconut oil is about 50% lauric acid) killed over 93% of human colon cancer cells (Caco-2) after 48 hours of treatment. Intriguingly, the lauric acid poisoned the cancer cells by simultaneously unleashing profound oxidative stress while strongly reducing their levels of glutathione (which is exactly what the cancer cells needed to protect themselves from the increased oxidative stress).

Puma on Ambergris Caye
Regarding the abundance of wildlife on San Pedro worth protecting, this video was taken by a security cam in 2013 on the road far north of San Pedro Town. This has been confirmed as a puma. With the development rapidly coming to the natural reserve on the north of the island, it's imperative that the conservation community works to protect this habitat. We have seen a puma and ocelot in our backyard in Basil Jones, N. Ambergris. We boarder on the Bacalar Chico Reserve and Park and see many animals.

Inner tube float off Caye Caulker
Island tubing today... departs a 4 pm see the sunset and enjoy the views of Caye Caulker.

Chester Clyde Williams now an attorney
Please join me in saying congrats to Sr. Supt. Chester Clyde Williams who officially this morning was "called to Bar", making history in becoming the 7th Police Officer to be a train Attorney in the Belize Police Department and he is the first highest ranked today!! Congrats Boss Man

BEL and Hand in Hand Ministries Partner to Provide a Home for 3rd Consecutive Year
A Belize City family of four, today received keys to a new house from Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) and Hand in Hand Ministries (HHM) under HHM’s “Building for Change” program. The 16’ by 16’ wooden house, complete with electrical installations and plumbing facilities was donated by BEL and constructed primarily through volunteer work by BEL employees. Recipient, Ms. Angela Bennett, is a mother of 3 children ages 8, 9 and 13, residing on Police Street, who expressed, “It’s really a dream come true. I am a single mother and I do not have the finance to build a new house. Thanks to God because I will be in my new house for Christmas with my children. A major thanks to BEL and Hand in Hand for making my dream come true.” The family was selected based on HHM’s criteria, which requires beneficiaries of donated houses to display a commitment to community involvement and also participate in the building of their homes. VIDEO

Being deep in the field doing bird surveys, is not an excuse not to have an espresso...

U.S. Embassy 8th Annual Artisan Fair
On Tuesday, December 1st, 2015 the U.S. Embassy will host its 8th annual Artisan Fair. Vendors from all over Belize will offer their beautiful crafts, jewelry and art for sale. Please join us!!!

Paradise Theater: Playing this weekend!

Channel 7

Alleged Human Trafficker Charged
It took Orange Walk police a few days, but they today finalized the charges against alleged human trafficker, 33 year old Guatemalan Rosa Anita Garcia. She’s the owner of Dominguez Bar in Orange Walk Town where she allegedly held two women – a mother and daughter – captive, and then twice forced the younger woman to have sex with bar patrons against her will. The waitress forced into prostitution was then told that if she didn’t do it – her two children in Guatemala would be killed. Garcia also allegedly locked the pair up in the bar during the day, and didn’t pay them anything for their work. IT’s a report that has exposed the face of human trafficking – and today Garcia was arraigned on a pair of trafficking charges; these are sexual exploitation and forced labour under the trafficking in persons act. She was remanded to jail until the 27th. January. She also faces immigration charges for being in the country illegally.

BWSL Workers Win Wrongful Termination Suit
You may remember the 6 former employees of Belize Water Services Limited who have been battling what they believed was wrongful termination from the country’s water company. The official reason was redundancy, but they were convinced that the corporate bosses were only firing them due to letters and emails which were circulated about sex scandals and intrigues within the company. Well, today, after 2 years and 9 months, they were finally vindicated by the Supreme Court. Justice Michelle Arana has ruled that they were wrongfully terminated. That’s after a full trial where their former bosses were called to testify and withstand tough cross-examinations from their attorneys. Shortly after the judge delivered the ruling, we were outside of court to speak with one of their attorneys about the implications of the judgment: Rt. Hon. Said Musa, SC - Attorney for Mark Menzies "Our clients were successful, all of them in their case against BWS for wrongful termination of their services. In other words they were wrongfully dismissed why the water company but the judge ruled in their favour and left the issue of damages to be assets at a later date."

Unemployment Is Down, 6K new jobs
Labour Force Surveys are carried out in April and September – and usually these figures reflect seasonality of the labour force – meaning that in April when tourism is still in season – the unemployment is low – but in September, when the season is off, the unemployment is high. But this year is unusual because the unemployment figures released today show hardly any difference between April and September. The Statistical Institute of Belize released the latest figures – and they show unemployment at 10.2% in September, meaning 5,900 more people were working when compared ot last year at the same time. The Director General said that the increased employment of women is what’s bridging the gap:… "As far as the unemployment rate, we estimated a 10.2% in September, that's the current estimate. The country has a couple highs, a high 15.2 in Stann Creek and 14.0 in Cayo. This compares with September 2014 for the country, this is a 12.2% in September 2014, so it's down by almost 2 percentage points. But when I look at the numbers, I think the females are driving these numbers. Unemployment is down for females, the unemployed persons are down by 3,039. I think the females are the ones who are driving the decreasing in unemployment rates."

"Chesquire?"
Since July, Senior Superintendent Chester Williams the police officer trying to tackle the gang violence situation Belize City through Community Policing. Well tonight, meet Chester Williams, the attorney. He was called to the bar today, meaning he is officially admitted to practice law by the Chief Justice. His senior, Edwin Flowers made the application in court on his behalf. And, it’s not only a big deal for Williams, who becomes on the 7th police officer in the Department’s history to be called to the Bar. To note the importance, His Minister, John Saldivar, and his other boss, Police Commissioner Allen Whylie, both attended, along with the top brass of Police Eastern Division. After he had taken the oath a legal practitioner, and he had signed the documents finalizing it, we met him outside of court to discuss his elevation.: Sr. Supt. Chester Williams, Esq. - Can Now Practice Law "Thanks to all those persons who assisting me getting where I am today, including my attorney Mr. Flowers who did the honour of bringing me before the court and having me admitted to the bar and to be able to practice law in Belize. I must say that I'm humbled to be a member of this noble profession, a class of very limited people. And as I enter into this new profession, I will continue to do my best in the way I perform my duties as a police officer. And I will use my knowledge and experience to assist the Belize Police Department."

Inflation Down, GDP Too
Earlier we told you how unemployment is down to 10.2% for September – which is two percentage points lower than last year at the same time. But there were also other important figures coming out of today’s 80-minute press conference held by the Statistical Institute of Belize. First off, inflation was down by 0.8%, imports were up by 3.5% and in the third quarter, the economy contracted, with GDP growth of negative 1%. Here’s a full rundown: Angelita Campbell - Statistician II, SIB "The inflation rate for the month of October stands at a -0.8% and what that is simply saying is on average, prices are 0.8% lower that of last year." "The food and all items had very minimal movement but when you take a closer look at the fuel index, we realise since the start of this year we had an increase of fuel prices up until around June then we start seeing a decline in the fuel prices." "Within the food index we saw beef going up by roughly 29%. There was also an increase in pork, eggs and fruits. Those increases were offset by a decline of red kidney beans of roughly 32% also a decline in vegetables."

16 Days Of Activism: Making The Message Painfully Real
Step up to end Gender- Based Violence NOW!! That’s the theme for this year’s 16 Days of Activism. This evening at the Battlefield Park the Women’s Issues Network launched this initiative with a candle light vigil and a march. This event is to remember the women who lost their lives due to domestic violence and to get everyone engaged on this issue. Program Coordinator Sheena Gentle explained to us that it’s more than just a woman’s matter. "This year there is step up to end gender based violence now and of course this is very important and especially in this year we've seen a lot of women who have died at the hands of their lovers at the hands of their boyfriends, ex-husbands and so on. So it's very important for us to now look at it seriously and end gender based violence, end violence against women, end sexual violence. What we do need to do is advocate for policies and laws to be enforced so that perpetrators are given stiffer penalties. So that we can at least see that there is a reason for them not to do it, instead of given them a slap on the wrist and then they just let free or they're not even charged with anything.

Certifying Welders
When Santander was building its sugar mill in the Valley of Peace area, more than once we reported on the flood of Central American workers being brought in to work when Belizean labour was available. But, it turned out that much of that imported labour comprised certified welders – because there aren’t enough of them in Belize. Sure, we have a lot of welder, but they aren’t certified. Fabrigas Belize, sought to do something about that with the help of Belize Natural Energy and the Ministry of Education. Through the collaboration of these 3 organizations, career welders are well into a 2 week training which will see them become certified as professionals who have met standards set by the American Welding Society (AWS). Today, we stopped by to speak with the instructor about the progress they’ve made:

Making History Matter
In 2013, Saint John’s College embraced the teaching of Maya and African History – and today the Jesuit High School launched a fully developed curriculum for those programs. It may sound arcane, but it’s a singular accomplishment for a history programme in Belize; to build it from the ground up– complete with textbooks, syllabus documents and a website in two years. Today, the head of the history department officially handed it over to the school administration, and, in fact, to the world – since everything can be accessed online. Here’s how the crafters of the programme explained it:… Yasser Musa - Head of History Department, SJC "Formally presents the first form curriculum, African and Mayan history and the second form curriculum, Belizean history. To our principal of St. John's College, Ms. Yolonda Gongora; in addition to the curricula, we will also present the accompanying e-readers or books; of course these elements of education are connected to our online Belize history sjc.com website, our online classroom. These documents come from a space of burning, today we present paper but as contributions to the hard work of education, culture and history." Delmer Tzib - History Teacher, SJC "The main theme behind it is basically to have the students learn history from the perspective of the oppressed. We try to empower the students in the class for them to question. In other words there is a lot more Socratic methods of teaching whereby the students have the power to question whatever they want to question. In doing so, they begin to question or they begin to internalize what the colonial masters use to teach us and how that has created mental slavery in our society"

A Birthday For The Birds: Harpy And Friends At The Zoo
Panama the Harpy Eagle is a star at the Belize Zoo – and this very important predator’s birthday can never pass without a celebration. So the Belize Zoo Team planned a party for Panama and they invited the kids from St. Joseph Primary School and a group of 1 st formers from Wesley College. But the kids weren’t the only ones who came to pay Panama a visit – he also had some surprise guests who just…flew in. Courtney Weatherburne found out more.... Usually a Harpy Eagle like this would be out in the wild, soaring across the sky with its 6 foot wing span and powerful talons -hunting for prey. But this one – Panama - is comfortably perched on this tree branch keenly listening to the serenaders below. All that singing is for his 12th Birthday, and just like every year, city kids are invited to come and celebrate with him. But today is more than just a birthday celebration; it’s an event to highlight the significance of these raptors. Jamal Andrewin - Environmental Educator, Belize Zoo "So Harpy Eagles as we know are just raptors in Belize. So they represent a huge group, a category of birds, the birds of prey, the raptors that are very important in our culture as well as in the economy. As part of tourism, birding is a huge thing and it's growing every day. People come to Belize specifically sometimes just to see birds, to do birding.

BEL Hand In Hand With Homebuilders
Yesterday, we showed you how Unicomer - Courts - was among the first corporate citizens to start off the gift giving season. Belize Electricity Limited joined them today when they handed over a brand new house to Police Street Resident Angela Bennett. We stopped by and found out how the Electricity Company worked with Hand in Hand Ministries to provide this family their new home. Here’s what Bennett, the recipient, had to say: The house was constructed in 4 days.

The Best, The Brightest, The Youngest
The Twenty-first Annual CXC National Awards Ceremony was held today at the Stann Creek Ecumenical College Auditorium in Dangriga. Scores of families of exceptional students from all over the country headed south for the event which was designed to pay tribute to the bets, the brightest and the youngest. Education Minister Patrick Faber welcomed the students: Nisa Sánchez attended Edward P. Yorke High School. The Belize Open scholarship is valued at two hundred thousand dollars.

GSU Got Sadiki
3 men were charged with gun and drug offenses after the GSU found a .380 caliber pistol and weed at house at the 8 mile community. This afternoon around 3, GSU searched 20 year old Shakidi Baizer’s house and found the .380 caliber pistol containing a magazine with 6 live rounds of ammunition. They also found a plastic bag with small parcels of weed. Baizer along with 18 year old Sherman Samuels and a 17 year old were arrested and charged for the offence of Kept Unlicensed Firearm and Kept Unlicensed Ammunition and Possession of a controlled Drug.

UNDP And Police Find Common Goals
Our next story is about The Evidence Based Information Management And Citizen Security In Central America Project. That’s a mouthful, right? And that’s why it’s called INFOSEGURA. Through this programme, UNDP, with support from USAID handed over a bunch of computers to the Ministry of National security. IT will be used to build a crime observatory:..

Channel 5

Supreme Court Rules in Favor of Former BWS Employees
In February of 2013, six Belize Water Services employees were terminated for redundancy, or at least that was the official company story. Those employees claimed that it was victimization, though, [...]

…Will Utility Company Appeal Decision?
It was a triumphant moment for the six employees who have faced real hardship following and based on their termination from the utility company. Today, they told us that against [...]

Chester Williams is Called to the Bar
The hierarchy and rank and file of the Belize Police Department were out in force at the Supreme Court this morning. The occasion wasn’t a high profile case, but to [...]

Top Cop is Seventh Officer-Turned-Lawyer
Williams says that he has no intention to leave the Police Department at this time and plans are in place to recognize his achievement through a promotion and salary adjustment. [...]

Ibrahim Smith Gets 7 Years for Possession of Stolen Shotgun
While Senior Superintendent Chester Williams was being called to the bar this morning, twenty-three-year-old Ibrahim Smith was being put away behind bars after being sentenced to seven years in prison. [...]

SIB Releases Consumer Price Index for October 2015
The Consumer Price Index for the month of October 2015 has been released by the Statistical Institute of Belize. Those figures, as well as data pertaining to inflation rates by [...]

…Imports are Up, Exports are Down
The External Trade Bulletin for October reflects a three and a half percent increase in goods imported into the country, while domestic exports are down by as much as sixteen [...]

What are the Contributing Factors to Decline?
As previously mentioned, exports for the month of October 2015 totaled thirty-seven million dollars, a majority of those goods being shipped to the United States and the European Union, respectively. [...]

16 Days of Activism Launched in Belize
Today, organizations dedicated to the protection of women and children collaborated to launch Sixteen Days of Activism. It’s an annual initiative designed to draw focus on gender-based violence which affects [...]

Is Posting Nude Pics An Act of Violence Against Women?
There has also been much attention drawn to another form of violence against women, that of posting nude pictures on the internet and in social media. By no means is [...]

Child Rights Ambassadors Chosen
Since its inception, the National Committee for Families and Children, NCFC, has been championing the rights, welfare and development of Belizean families and children. The statutory body is legally mandated [...]

3-day Training Commences for CRC Ambassadors
About fifteen ambassadors from across the country were shortlisted and then chosen to represent the NCFC across the country. Following the three-day training that ends this Friday, the new ambassadors [...]

Welding Instructors Get Certified
A first-of-its-kind Welding Certification Training Course has been taking place at the ITVET Compound in Belize City. A joint initiative between Fabrigas, Belize Natural Energy, BELTRAIDE and the Ministry of [...]

The Belize Zoo Celebrates Panama’s Birthday
The spectacled owl, the black hawk-eagle and the harpy eagle are three predatory birds that exist in Belize’s ecosystem. Their species are being conserved here in Belize since they are [...]

Angela Bennett Receives Keys to a New Home
A mother of three is the recipient of a new home that was erected over the weekend by Hand in Hand Ministries and Belize Electricity Limited. Angela Bennett, a resident [...]

B.E.L. and Hand in Hand Ministries Come Thru for Single Mother
B.E.L.’s community outreach focuses on contributions that improve the quality of life for Belizeans. According to Customer Care Manager Celina Gill, the company is committed to good corporate citizenship. [...]

CTV3

Woman Changes Plea And Fined Two Thousand Dollars For Drug Possession Simplicitor
On Friday 20th of March 2015, at about 11:00am, members of the Orange Walk Quick Response Team were conducting a mobile patrol on Royal Palm Street, Orange Walk Town, when they spotted a Silver Kia car speeding off from in front of a house known to sell drugs. Police set chase after the vehicle and caught up with the driver on Liberty Avenue. The passenger of the vehicle identified herself as Lavern Herrera Trujillo, Belizean housewife of Caracol Street, Orange Walk Town. She immediately told police that she had about three ounces but it was for her to put in alcohol. Trujillo then handed over to authorities a black plastic bag containing green leafy substance consistent with marijuana. As a result she was placed under arrest and escorted to the Orange Walk Police Station where the drugs were weighed and amounted 114.0 grams.

Lisa Shoman Discusses Her Possible Candidacy As party Leader
Senator Lisa Shoman, word is she is aspiring to run as a candidate for the Leader of the Opposition seat which is up for grabs. To date there are five names in the bag for the position: John Briceno, Cordel Hyde, Kareem Musa, Julius Espat and Lisa Shoman who would become the first woman to enter the race for party leadership. So, will Shoman run or not? And most importantly, does she have what it takes to steer the ship of the oldest political party in Belize? Here is what the Senator told our colleagues at Channel Seven News yesterday about her possible candidacy. "It's a job that no woman in Belize to my knowledge has ever aspire for either of the 2 mass political parties. But I think it is an idea whose time has come, not just because I am a woman, but because I have invested my time, my energy, my dedication into this party and I care very deeply about the People's United Party. Not just as an opposition, but as a potential future administration of the country and so I think the time has come to think a little bit outside the box..."

Importation up In Belize Says SIB
As mentioned at the top of the newscast, the Statistical Institute of Belize, today released its latest economic statistics among them the October 2015 External Trade statistics. The report shows that Belize’s total imports for the month of October 2015 were valued at $184.2 million. This was an increase of 3.5 percent or $6.2 million over last October’s imports, which were valued at almost $178 million. Two thirds of all the goods imported during the month consisted of machinery, equipment, manufactured items, and goods for the ‘Commercial Free Zones’ and ‘Export Processing Zones’. Goods destined for the ‘Export Processing Zones’ grew by $5 million from $9 million to $13 million, due to large purchases of steam turbines. Imports of ‘Machinery and Transport Equipment’, and ‘Food and Live Animals’ both rose by $4 million, with purchases of personal vehicles, portable radio telephones and various food items all rising in comparison to October 2014. Increased steel purchases resulted in a $2 million increase in ‘Manufactured Goods’ during the month. Imports into the ‘Commercial Free Zones’ and the category of ‘Mineral and Fuels and Lubricants’ experienced the largest declines for the month, at $9 million and $5 million, respectively.

Belize Celebrates 16 Days Of Activism
Domestic Violence is unfortunately an increasing issue in our country. Today the Women’s Department launched the 16 Days of Activism to promote awareness on the issue. Activities will be held countrywide to educate the public as well as to celebrate the role of women in our communities. Sixteen days of activism is an international campaign to empower women to break the silence, says Program Coordinator for Women’s Issues Centre of Belize, Sheena Gentle. “The sixteen days of activity is something that is done internationally, it is an international campaign and each year most countries around the world celebrate it at the same time as we do so this is something that we have been doing for some year now in Belize and each year we have a different theme and so this year theme is to Settle to end gender base violence, I would like to let everyone to know men and women that domestic violence end with us we have that decision to make to end it and we can help our friends that they can do that and that we are here to support them that they can talk to us that they can come out it is never too late for them to step out of a bad situation because if we don’t want them to end up a lot of the time these men know that they do intent to hurt them and so that is what we want women to understand that there is a way out and it is never too late to break the silence around that .”

Councillor Speaks On Importance Of Celebrating Youth Week
“Make a dream work with team work”, that is the theme for this year’s Youth Week scheduled from November 29th to December 6th 2015. As mentioned last night, Youth Week offers our younger generation an opportunity to express their ideas and views and act on issues that affect their daily lives. While the week offers youths and opportunity for their voices to be heard, what about those who have no voice? This is what we should think about during Youth Week, says Licia Castillo, Counselor at Technical High School. “The minute I start see a youth in a negative life we have lost, we have to think that there is still hope; you walk the streets, you ride the streets and you notice that we have a lot of young people on the streets who are not going to school, who are involved in gangs and who are involved in drugs and really and truly we have a lot of lost teenagers out there, we need to see what we can do for them and for the smaller kids to encourage them to realize that there isn’t what we want them to be, so during youth week we big up the ones that are working towards a future but we also need to bring in the other ones who have lost their sense of purpose and direction.”

Rosa Anita Garcia Charged For Sexual Exploitation And Forced Labor
Thirty three year old Rosa Anita Garcia, Guatemalan National and owner of Dominguez Bar located on Otro Benque Road, Orange Walk Town, will be spending Christmas and New Years behind bars. Today, Garcia was hauled to the Orange Walk Magistrates Court where she was charged for sexual exploitation and forced labor under the trafficking in persons act, by the Orange Walk Police Department. Since the matter is an indictable one, Garcia was denied bail and remanded to prison until January 27th 2016. Garcia faces a slew of offences as she has also been charged with failure to comply with conditions of a visitor’s permit, to which she pled guilty for not undergoing a monthly renewal of her permit and failure to comply with conditions subject to which a permit has been granted, to which she pled not guilty in relation to allegations that she had been illegally engaged in employment here in Belize, by the Immigration Department.

SICB Declares Tentative Opening Of Crop Season 2015/2016
December 7th, that is the tentative date for the opening of the 2015/2016 Crop Season. A release issued by the Sugar Industry Control Board late yesterday evening, states that if weather and road conditions permit, the crop will commence on December 7th. We understand that the date was set on the 20th of November during a meeting held at the Sugar Industry Control Board between the three associations and BSI/ASR. While initially the tentative date for commencement of crop was November 30th, reports are the date changed due to the weather. But while a date has been set, there is still no resolution when it comes to the first price estimate which BSI/ASR puts at $41.56 per ton, 21% less than last year. The cry is that, at this figure, cane farmers will be crippled, especially the small ones. But BSI/ASR has indicated that there is no room for an increase as the estimated price is based on the price of sugar in the European Union's Market.

Exportation Continuous To Decline In Belize
If we look at exports, the report shows that the total domestic exports for October 2015 amounted to $37.9 million, down 15.8 percent or $7.1 million when compared to last October’s exports of $45 million. Crude petroleum, marine and banana sales, which together accounted for almost three quarters of export revenues in October 2014, all declined for the month, contributing only a half of total exports in October 2015. Crude petroleum dropped by more than a half, from $11 million to $5 million. Diminished marine exports, owing to reduced farm shrimp sales, fell from $11 million to $7 million. Additionally, banana exports experienced a $2 million drop for the month, as sales abroad declined from $10 million to $8 million, owing to the exclusion of one banana farm. In contrast, both sugar and citrus exports were up, partially offsetting the decrease in other major exports for the month of October. According to SIB, Sugar sales grew by a considerable $7 million to $7.6 million while citrus sales rose by $2 million to $5 million, as orange concentrate exports continue to rebound.

LOVE FM

Senior Superintendent Chester Williams called to the Bar of Association
On the news, he is usually referred to Senior Superintendent of Police, commanding the Eastern Division South but tonight we refer to him as Attorney-at-Law. Chester Clyde Williams was called to the Bar Association of Belize this morning where he was admitted by the Chief Justice, Kenneth Benjamin. Williams is now eligible to practice law […]

US Ambassador to Belize Joins in Int’l Day of Violence against Women
Also making his voice heard in the fight against violence is the US Ambassador to Belize, Carlos Moreno, who spoke on the orange message and the support from the embassy as well as their contribution to the 16 Days initiative. CARLOS MORENO “The United Nations Secretary General’s campaign Unite to end Violence against women has […]

Special Envoy speaks on abuse and violence of women
The Special Envoy for Women and Children, Kim Simplis-Barrow has been a firm advocate to ending violence against women and children. Today, she presented a speech in celebration of the works against gender based violence. Simplis-Barrow made special note of the various forms of abuse and violence experienced by women. KIM SIMPLIS BARROW “Violence against […]

Judge rules in favor of former BWS employees
More than two years ago we brought you the story of six former employees of Belize Waters Services Limited. Michael Novelo, Mark Menzies, Journett McKoy, Charlette Barnett, Don Gillett and Collin Morrison were given their walking papers in March of 2013 and were told that their posts have been redundant. However, the group of six […]

Five men busted in San Ignacio for drug trafficking
San Ignacio Police has opened a new drug trafficking case involving five persons who were detained just after midnight last night. Members of the Special Patrol Team or SPU were doing foot patrols within the Arenal Village in the Cayo District when their attention was drawn to a red sedan passing along an un-named street […]

PlusTV

Cane Farmers seek Government bail out
The Belize Sugar Cane Famers Association BSCFA held their annual general meeting in San Roman Village, Corozal where one of the key items on the agenda was the sugar price for this upcoming crop season. Following the drop in world sugar prices, BSI/ASR wrote to all three cane farmers associations in...

Fruit Vendor in Dangriga suspects manual workers robbing him
A vegetable and fruit stand was robbed in Dangriga during the Garifuna Settlement Day celebrations. The owners of the Food Stand, Emid Correa and his wife , travel from Belmopan to Dangriga every market day to sell their fruits and vegetables at the market. This has been the second time that such a...

Shyne Wants to Shine in Mesopotamia
Will the Prime Minister’s son, Shyne Barrow, a former inmate and rapper who was named music Ambassador of Belize, become the next UDP representative for Mesopotamia? Reports reaching our news desk are that Moses “Shyne” Barrow, has expressed his interest in running for electoral politics in the area...

Hopkins concerned over Community health Clinic following woman’s death
The community of Hopkins is mourning the loss of one of their own who passed away last week in an emergency health situation that residents say borders negligence on the part of the health clinic in Hopkins. The patient, Ms. Daniela Mejia Sacasa, died right on the street in front of the PolyClinic ...

COLA, PUP attack Government over David Schnitzer case
The hunt appears to be on for David Miguel Nanes Schnitzer, the Mexican-American who also previously held Belizean nationality, which has since been revoked. Since being granted bail last week Friday by Supreme Court Justice Denis Hanomansingh, Schnitzer, who lived on Ambergris Caye, has not been se...

GOB commits $10,000 to TV Ramos bust
Last week Prime Minister Dean Barrow, during the Garifuna Settlement Day celebrations in Dangriga, announced that Government would make a “significant contribution” toward fundraising efforts to pay sculptor Stephen Okeke for his bust of Thomas Vincent Ramos, now residing in Dangriga. That contribut...

Women’s organizations promote education on gender based violence
16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence begins tomorrow, Wednesday, and the primary theme of the 2015 campaign is education on the issue. Beginning tomorrow morning in Belize City, attorneys will be offering first-come, first-served legal consultations to women in all municipalities and so...

Community police training
In other police news, today, 98 police officers assigned to community policing unit country wide attended a half day training seminar at the Belmopan Civic Center to discuss community policing matters and to install the newly appointed Officer in Command of the Community Policing unit Assistant Comm...

Teenager charged for attempted murder
Teenage bus conductor Jaron Baptist has been charged with attempted murder, dangerous harm and use of deadly means of harm against Liston Myers, one of three men targeted early Sunday morning on Antelope Street Extension. 18 year old Baptist appeared in court today and was remanded by Senior Magistr...

Belize City man accused of attempted bank burglary
An unemployed man of Curl Thompson Street in Belize City was allegedly caught red handed exiting a hole made in the Atlantic Bank Collet building on Monday. Police have accused and charged 32 year old Malique Martinez with burglary with intent to steal. He caused over ten thousand dollars in damages...

Breaking Belize News

Several men and a minor busted for drug trafficking in Arenal
Yesterday around 12:05 a.m., members of the police’s Special Patrol Unit were doing routine foot patrol in Arenal Village, Cayo District, when they spotted a suspicious Mitsubishi Galant car that was traveling on an unnamed street when they signaled it to stop, using flashlights. The officers reported that instead of […]

One final look at General Elections
Now that the dust has cleared and the political gladiators have celebrated their triumphs and mourned their defeats the country is finally returning to a state of normalcy and business as usual after historic year of politics in Belize, which saw many unprecedented events. Four elections in one year: two […]

Where is David Schnitzer after he failed to show in San Pedro? Mexico and US wants answers for his absence
The hunt appears to be on for David Miguel Nanes Schnitzer, the Mexican-American who also previously held Belizean nationality, which has since been revoked. Since being granted bail last week Friday by Supreme Court Justice Denis Hanomansingh, Schnitzer, who lived on Ambergris Caye, has not been seen and […]

Blogs

16 Charming Hotels in Belize Everyone Must Visit
Nestled at the south of the Yucatan peninsula facing the Caribbean Sea lies Belize, a country prized by locals and tourists alike for its beautiful coastlines, tropical jungles and impressive and luxury resorts. These getaways from the hustle of everyday life are the perfect charming spots to unwind and take in everything this beautiful country has to offer.

Belize Erosion
In Belize the beaches is famous for its white or crystal beaches coastline that spread on the coastline. Many tourists or local tourist visit Belize because they want to enjoy part of the beach. But, since beaches has been bought and been privately owned by foreigners no one says anything. But, what is affecting us the most is everywhere in the world by cutting down mangroves causing more erosion. Erosion is caused along the coastline in Belize by higher water rising. It is affected country wide. One of the resorts in Hopkins that got affected a lot and lost its services was Coconut Row Resort in Hopkins Village. They claimed that beach erosion was washed out on months. Not only the south is affected by the erosions. Even the cayes of Belize are affected because of cutting down of mangroves. Mangroves thrive in nutrient rich, silty water of varying salinity, sometimes dominating wetland areas as well. All four of the mangrove species native to the Caribbean, are found in Belize. In 1993 it was estimated that mangrove forests covered some 760 km2 of land area in Belize. Distribution is primarily along low-lying sections of coast and river banks, cayes, estuaries and coastal lagoons. The largest percentage of cover is found in the northern portions of the country and in the cayes, particularly the Turneffee Atoll.

Time for a New Environmentalism
Since the early years of the environmental movement, some voices within the movement have pointed out that fighting power plants, dams, deforestation, mining, and roads is a game of defense, one that can never be won. As the late environmentalist Peter Berg used to say, such fights are “like running a battlefield aid station in a war against a killing machine that operates just beyond reach, and that shifts its ground after each seeming defeat.” In the 30 years since Berg uttered those words, the killing machine has only grown in size and power; meanwhile the environmental movement has mostly failed to evolve its tactics to go on the offensive. Thus, it is time to create a deeper environmentalism — one that can provide a vision of a sustainable future in which human well-being is achieved while restoring Earth’s bio-capacity. This will mean an environmental movement that crafts a multi-century strategy, not just annual campaign goals; that builds fellowship among supporters, not just signature lists; and that doesn’t go hat-in-hand every year to foundations and affluent individuals whose wealth is derived from the very system that needs to be dismantled. We need a movement that can learn from the most successful movements in history: missionary religious philosophical movements. Missionary religions have rooted themselves across a variety of geographies, eras, and cultures, and today have billions of adherents. Religious philosophies offer something fundamental that the environmental movement has so far failed to provide: a way to understand the world and humans’ place in it, as well as how to behave in that world. Just as important, religious movements build committed communities of advocates — helping each other in times of need and celebrating and mourning together — and draw their resources and power directly from these communities.

Experience the Best of Belize With Haute Ambassador Nicole Isaacs
Belize was on the top of my travel bucket list for a while. I heard so many great things so I finally booked a trip to see the best the country has to offer. I usually squeeze in so many activities on a trip that it’s rarely relaxing, but this trip was different. I spent eight days there and took my time to explore the country, soak in the sun, and relax at its finest resorts. Needless to say, I came back to Los Angeles feeling refreshed and with a beautiful Belizean tan. I started off my trip inland in the small rustic town of Saint Ignacio. A lot of travelers don’t visit the mainland, but I would recommend it—you get an entirely different feel of the country. I arrived in Belize City and took a private shuttle (only $45!) to Saint Ignacio, which is two hours away from the airport. There’s a ton to do in Saint Ignacio including visiting the Mayan ruin sites of Xunantunich and Cahal Pech, jungle adventures like zip lining, cave tubing, and visiting the famous ATM Cave. Some of my highlights from Xunantunich and the ATM cave:

My Traveling Feet See Golfing in Their Future
Two weeks ago My Traveling Feet found themselves commuting to the private resort island of Caye Chapel where I met golf legend Greg Norman; I had no idea who he was until the opportunity came to meet him. Mexican developers who just recently bought the island have hired the now golf course designer and developer to create for them a unique golf course that will compliment the new resort design plans for the island. Construction is scheduled to commence by the end of next year. Greg Norman is an Australian professional golfer and entrepreneur and renowned in the golfing industry for his reputation in designing many of the best golf courses in the world. He spent 331 weeks as the world’s Number 1 ranked golfer in the Official World Golf Ranking in the 1980’s and 1900’s. Developers are investing $250Mil on the first phase of the project alone. This is BIG!!! BIG and HUGE benefits for the tourism industry – Think about it! There are two major islands that are going to be developed into top luxury resorts; Caye Chapel being a top, high end luxury golf resort with endorsement and trademark by a top golfer and Blackadore Caye a luxury eco-friendly resort owned by mega-celebrity Leonardo DiCaprio. Both are promising to be eco-sensitive and I hope our authorities are on their heels to ensure they keep their promises of environmental protection.

2 hotel options in Chetumal Mexico
Mexico shopping trips are a common thing for those of us expats who are missing the option of choice and good, reasonably priced steak. While you can take a Tropic flight and land transfer or take the water taxi and come back the same day, many opt to stay overnight and extend the getaway a bit. I recommend this option if you plan on hitting the big 3 – Plaza Los Americas, Sam’s Club and Walmart. This way you can take your time and enjoy the food court at the mall and a nice dinner out instead of being rushed to catch return afternoon travel options. On my last trip to Chetumal with friends, the couple opted for Hotel Los Cocos based on price which made perfect sense. They were only staying one night and not going to be in the room much other than to sleep. The pool was also a deciding factor for them. I was temped to book there as I liked the outside of the building, but when it came to the inside, it was looking a little basic for my mood. I looked up Fiesta Inn Chetumal which a couple of the Grand Caribe crew had recommended and knew instantly this was the colorful funky atmosphere I was looking for. I was also told that the beds at the other place were harder and if I wanted a good deal I should book it in advance. Being Low season I opted to “wing it” and see what happened and all worked out well.

17 Reasons to Take the Kids to Belize
We wish we could take credit for the name twist, but there’s a reason families who visit Belize call the country un-Belize-able. To prove it, we’ve listed 17 reasons to travel here with kids. Make the trip doubly enjoyable by putting your itinerary into the hands of an agency with years of experience planning family trips that suit all ages and stages—a reputable resource like Break Away Travel. These professionals know how to customize a visit and according to families they’ve assisted, their expertise shows. 1. Require journals. With the exception of pictures, your family adventure can fade fast, but if you give your kids journals and encourage them to record their experiences in Belize, these little books become family heirlooms! 2. Take the kids cave tubing where families float into mysterious chambers that set kid’s imaginations on fire. 3. Take a family camping trip to a deserted atoll (like the one Robinson Caruso found) and camp there for a night. Bring the book and read it aloud by the light of a campfire. 4. Show your children how dolphins, manatees and sharks live and flourish in their natural habitats. It’s time your kids learned that the ocean is home to creatures other than Nemo!

Ambergris Caye’s New Restaurants Going International…Two Tree Banh Mi, The Sandwiches I LOVE!
Now we have VIETNAMESE sandwiches right on the beach…and my LOVE of cilantro (I wrote a whole ode to it) and even deeper, NJ born and bred love of subs…hoagies…SANDWICHES…it was meant to be. Two Tree Banh Mi, right on the beach in Boca Del Rio. A small menu, a simple stand and fresh flavorful deliciousness.

International Sources

ISIS In Mexico Memes: Twitter Reacts To Threat From Terrorist Group
Today the world was shocked when ISIS made a new threat to the U.S. and its allies that are against the terrorist group. One of those countries mentioned was Mexico and social media quickly took the news to make light of it. Twitter users went on to create memes poking fun of the situation, showing off their heroes and the success or failure of a possible attack. In the time of holidays and when we are supposed to be loving, together and in peace, this message is extremely untimely, but leave to internet trolls to see the lighter side of things. These were some of the memes that were trending today:

Belize to host CXC governance meetings
Belize, the only Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) participating country in Central America, will host the 2015 annual governance meetings of CXC. The CXC governance meetings are held annually in one of the CXC participating countries. Belize last hosted a CXC governance meeting in 1993. The meeting of the School Examinations Committee, (SEC) will be held on Thursday 3 December 2015 and the 47th Meeting of the Council will be held on Friday 4 December at the Radisson Hotel. SEC deals with examinations and technical issues, while Council deals with administrative, staff and financial matters. The Council meeting will be officially opened with a formal ceremony on Thursday 3 December in Belize City. During the opening ceremony, nine CAPE awardees and eight CSEC awardees from Antigua and Barbuda, Guyana, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago will be presented with the regional top awards.

US District Court Grants "John Doe" Summonses For Information Related To Off-Shore Accounts In Belize
On September 16, 2015, the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida entered an order allowing the IRS to proceed with "John Doe" Summonses seeking information regarding US persons who hold offshore accounts at Belize Bank International Limited and Belize Bank Limited (the "Belize Banks").1 These summonses permit the IRS to seek records of the Belize Banks' correspondent accounts at Bank of America, N.A. and Citibank, N.A. According to relevant court documents, the Belize Banks are known to "market their ability to provide secret banking services to foreign residents."2 The US petition also discusses Belize Corporate Services ("Corporate Services," and together with the Belize Banks, the "Belize Entities"), which has the same parent company as the Belize Banks and advertises its ability to create corporate entities, organized in Belize, that are used to hide the identity of account holders.3 A correspondent account is a bank account that one bank maintains for another bank. Typically, a foreign bank that does business in US dollars but does not have a US office will obtain a correspondent account in order to provide services to its US customers. Foreign correspondent banks, in this case the Belize Banks, and users of the correspondent accounts, such as Corporate Services, can potentially wire funds from the Belize Banks to their correspondent accounts at Bank of America and Citibank; or alternatively from the correspondent accounts at Citibank and Bank of America to the Belize Banks. The IRS believes that these John Doe Summonses will enable it to ascertain the identity of US taxpayers that it believes are using the Belize Entities and correspondent accounts to avoid their obligation to report and remit associated taxable income to the United States.

Videos

Blue Ventures Belize, Expedition 8-15, 4.5min. Just a short montage with some of the best bits from my time diving in Belize, both at Bacalar Chico and on the Blue Hole day with Franchise Diving in Caye Caulker. First time I've made one of these so apologies if its not quite on point, but hope you enjoy it anyway!

U.S. Embassy Belize - 16 Days Against Violence Against Women Campaign 2015 - Video 1, 1min. U.S. Ambassador Carlos Moreno support the United Nations Campaign UNiTE to End Violence against Women.

U.S. Embassy Belize - 16 Days Against Violence Against Women Campaign - Video 2, 2min. Domestic Violence Survivor Michelle Silva discusses her experience with domestic abuse for the U.S. Embassy Belize's 16 Days Against Violence Against Women campaign

U.S. Embassy Belize - 16 Days Against Violence Against Women - Video 3, 2min.

UN Campaign UNiTE to End Violence against Women, 1min.

The United Nations Secretary-General's Campaign UNiTE to End Violence against Women has proclaimed the 25th of each month as "Orange Day," a day to raise awareness and take action against violence against women and girls. We at the U.S. Embassy Belmopan are answering the call this orange day by highlighting issues relevant to preventing and ending violence against women and girls. Here is a message from Ambassador Moreno:

Eiden Salazar playing the drums like a pro, 1min.

Travel Belize Series: San Ignacio Downtown Walkabout, 2min. A brief walkabout downtown San Ignacio in western Belize to get a taste of what to expect on your visit to this part of the country. Together with neighboring Santa Elena, on the east bank of the river, San Ignacio forms the chief population center of Cayo District. Staying here is generally the more economical option for travel in Cayo; furthermore, there is no shortage of tour operators who are willing to show you the attractions and activities in the surrounding area. It is a friendly, functional base for your explorations of the region. But San Ignacio is not one of those towns that exist only for tourists. It has a very positive local vibe, with a bustling market and a steady influx of immigrants. Residents are Mestizos, Maya and Garifuna, as well as a bunch of free-spirited expatriates from Europe and North America. San Ignacio is on the west bank of the Macal River, a couple of miles upstream from its confluence with the Mopan River – a meeting of waters that gives birth to the Belize River. On the river's east bank is the town of Santa Elena. Two bridges cross the Macal. Burns Ave, running north–south, is San Ignacio's main street, taking you past the football field and terminating at the traffic circle in the south, where you'll find the town hall and the police station. There is no bus terminal in San Ignacio, but nearly all buses stop in the market square, just east of Burns Ave.

Flight to Caye Chapel private island resort., 2min. sland hopping from Ambergris Caye to neighboring Caye Chapel private island resort.

Special Envoy Belize: Let's stand together for the Elimination of Violence Against Women!, 3min. Mrs. Kim Simplis Barrow

BREDDA DAVID OBI: THE REAL STORY (PART 1)! (YOUTUBE VERSION), 26min. No other Belizean artist in the entire scope of Belizean music history has done what the legendary Belizean musical icon, bredda David has done for music in Belize. bredda David has become the quintessential Belizean artist whose migration out of Belize in the 1960's to the United States to established a credible musical accomplishment, and later returned to Belize after many years to developed a pulsating Afro-Belizean style of music called Cungo. In this Belizean Legend expose, the talented Belizean artist explores the realms of Cungo music with Belizean Legends host, Bilal Morris, and takes his viewers through memory lane of the Afro-Belizean struggle to survive slavery and colonialism into the British Mahogany Camps in the former British Honduras where the music of Sambai created by runaway slaves were established in a village called Gales Point Manatee. bredda David makes a striking distinction between the music of Belize's other Afro-Belizean people, the Garinagu, and that of the Afro-Belizean people the Creoles whom have become the originators of the Sambai that later merged into the Brukdong. He credits the renowned Belizean Brukdong artist, Mr. Peters, whom he worked with on his repatriation back to Belize, for assisting him in the development of the Cungo sound, and being the Father of Afro-Belizean (Creoles) music.

Tour of Glover's Reef Research Station, 4min. A glimpse of what you can expect at Glover's Reef Research Station

Bonefish in Belize, 5min.

Belize part 3, 4min. by Girls On The GoPro

Belize 2015, 8min.

The Belize Zoo Celebrates Panama's Birthday, 3min.

Belize: snippets of tranquility and then town, 7min.

Belize Scuba 11/15/15 to 11/22/15, 9.5min. Diving from Yok Ha Resort at South Water Cay and Tobacco Cay in Belize. Eagle Ray, Barracuda, various Angelfish, Tangs, parrot fish, turtles and more...

November 25, 2015