December 30, 2015

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Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

Crocodile Safety and ACES Updates
With Christmas comes the full on breeding season for the American crocodile, Crocodylus acutus, in Belize. For this reason the larger crocs are on the move. Males are seeking out females while females are searching for suitable nesting habitat. Just since this past October, the American Crocodile Education Sanctuary (ACES), Belize’s leading crocodile research and rescue organization, has received 41 calls from concerned residents about crocodiles in their area. After hundreds of volunteered hours to investigate each croc call, only nine crocodiles were deemed problematic and relocated for human, and croc, safety. Please keep in mind that crocodiles are primarily a shy, timid species; and, while the females are territorial over nesting grounds (March through August), large males are for the most part continually on the move, especially this time of the year. However, crocodiles will congregate in areas where there is an easy food source; so PLEASE… Do not directly feed crocodiles. It is illegal, extremely dangerous, and fed crocodiles start to look for people for food. Do not toss food scraps into the water or at the waters’ edge. This means all food waste, not just fish and chicken. While one may think that last night’s rice and beans will not attract a crocodile, it does attract fish and raccoons which are the crocodiles’ main sources of food. This also leads to pets being attacked by accident.

Ambergris Today

Have a Pineapple Boat at Pineapples Restaurant
You could say that Pineapples is somewhat of a themed restaurant, but it’s not tacky, by far. It blends very well with the earthy feel at Ramon’s Village, the resort in which it is located. It can be very elegant, upscale and at the same time very casual as it caters to both the resort’s guests and anybody who desires to indulge in sweet decadence. I say sweet because a lot of the restaurant’s dishes are centered around one main ingredient; you guessed it – the pineapple. The restaurant has established itself as one of the leading restaurants on the island, yet I still don’t think the local residents are aware of the goodness they are missing out on not having dined at Pinapples Restaurant. Take for example the Pineapple Boat and Pineapple Explosion on the menu. They scream originality and sweet goodness. The Pineapple Boat is the restaurants signature dish - scrumptious oriental fried rice loaded with chunks of sweet and delicious fresh pineapple and succulent grilled shrimp served in an authentic pineapple boat, topped with crispy fried rice noodles.

Belize Stands Up for Violence Against The Elderly After Recent Violent Attacks
Helpage Belize along with its sister organizations under the National Council on Ageing have sent out press releases expressing their condemnation of the recent home invasion and brutal assault inflicted on 93-year-old senior citizen of Belize City, Mr. Patrick Grant. Since October of this year there have been reports of violent crimes against older persons in different parts of the country. In each incident these heinous crimes have caused shock and disbelief among Belizeans. Last night’s coverage of the brutal and senseless attack of a 93-year-old man in his home in Belize City once again highlights the vulnerability of older persons across the country. Belize’s population of older persons continues to grow every year and with it challenges of care, security and safety remains an issue for many and their family. “Over the past months we have observed the growing trend of violence against the elderly in Belize,” stated Helpage Belize in their press release. “Those abuses range from what might clearly constitute a criminal offence, e.g. sexual or physical abuse, theft, etc., to acts that cause grievous harm. In 2014, brutal assaults perpetuated against senior citizens have resulted in deaths of Mrs. Coc of Colombia Village, Toledo District and Mrs. Augustine of Hopkins Village, Stann Creek District. In addition, the husband of Mrs. Augustine (Dudley Augustine) was grievously assaulted and left almost lifeless.”

Gas Prices Go Up as Belize Increases Import Duties on Fuel Products
World fuel prices are at an 11-year low, but why is it that fuel pump prices in Belize went up at midnight on Monday, December 28, 2015? Well it is not because Belize is purchasing fuel at higher prices, but government says it has increased on import duties on fuel products. In a press release issued at the beginning of the week, the Government said that it needs to increase taxes on fuel products in order to pay its bills. Premium went up by 8% - 72 cents per gallon. Regular went up by 13% - 97 cents. Diesel went up by 13% - 81 cents. A government release says "the Import Duties on Premium Gasoline and Diesel Oil increased by 65 cents Belize per U.S. Gallon while the Import Duty on Regular Gasoline increased by 57 cents Belize per U.S. Gallon."

25 Years Ago - The Coming of Radio in Belize
Long before the coming of television to Belize we had the radio. There was one national radio all the way back into the 1950's and it was the B H B C, the British Honduras Broadcasting Corporation of Belize. As you might already know, British Honduras was the name of our country because it was a British Colony. B H B C was a national radio station that transmitted to all parts of the country. Obviously there were favorite personalities and favorite programs. One of the favorite male personalities was Edison Seferino Coleman whose artistic name was Sefe. Coleman was a comedian and did El Retorno de Seferino. He was also a powerful news Anchor. A favorite female personality was Lidia Ramirez, who hosted a children's program, Rincon Infantil. She played the guitar, sang, did stories and riddles and also enabled children and parents to send their requests and greetings.

A Christmas Miracle for Baby Shamir Born with Incomplete Esophagus
“I would never have believed that this would be our Christmas miracle,” commented Milagro Garel, Belize representative for the World Pediatric Project. “This could never have happened without the support and collaboration of Immigration dept - officers complete with CEO on the ground, the U.S. Embassy and KHMH who all came together to ensure that Shamir's life could be saved! World pediatric project has been working in Belize for the past 10 years and this is the 8th case of this exact condition that we have had in our hands! It is important for our story to be shared because those in need NEED to know that we are here in Belize and that our assign is saving our children!” There was never a guarantee that a specialized medical center would take up baby Shamir, especially since it is on a charity basis and, in this case, during the busy Holiday season. But that is now a thing of the past with baby Shamir now in Virginia where he is getting special nutrition to gain weight in order for him to undergo the major surgery needed to save his life.

Belize Fisheries Department Announces Fisher Folk License Renewal Dates 2016
The Belize Fisheries Department hereby informs the Public that it will commence the renewal of fisher folk licenses on January 4th, 2016. A grace period for renewals will be in place until January 31st, 2016. Starting January 2016, fishers will have access to their two main fishing areas. This process seeks to formalize the current fishing patterns and give fishers the opportunity to collaborate in the management of the resources in their respective areas. Fishers are advised to bring along all pertinent documents upon renewal to facilitate the process. Licensing will be carried out for the following communities at the Belize Fisheries Department Office in Belize City on the dates specified below:

Misc Belizean Sources

Bullet Tree Animal Health Clinic
CELA is doing another FREE vet clinic in Bullet Tree Falls, on January 2nd. Keep that feral animal population down, and neuter. "Our Large Animal Vet Practices class will be supporting a community animal health clinic in Bullet Tree Falls on Saturday, 2 January. The clinic will open at 9 am. Come early if your animal needs a spay or neuter. See flier for more details."

Saga Night Fever!
January 16th, Saga Night Fever at the Casa. 7PM until 11Pm, $70BZ includes, 3 hours of passed apps, cash bar, 70's DJ, prizes for best 70's dressup, dance competition, instructional hustle dancing, raffles and even a mirrored ball. Come support Saga Humane Society and have a Groovy Time....Can You Dig It? For tickets, please call Sandie at 620-1124 or purchase tickets at Casa Picasso or Pampered Paws. Limited to 80 persons.

Wildtracks Twelve Days of Christmas
Still counting down the twelve days of Christmas, and our milk pile is growing. With each manatee calf drinking between a litre and two litres of milk a day, we are extremely grateful to all those who have already either bought milk formula directly, or have donated towards milk purchase through the Wildtracks web page. There is still a long way to go, though...so please donate and / or share the appeal, and encourage others to contribute!!

Channel 7

Cayo Cop Accused Of Rape Criminally Arraigned
In last night's newscast you heard Vanessa Evans' chilling story. She alleges that while she was detained at the San Ignacio police station - a police officer took her out of her cell, guided her to a dark room, handcuffed her and raped her. It's rare that a rape victim speaks out publicly, but Evans told us she went through too much to be silent any longer. And she told us she is so happy she did because not the officer she claims raped her has been charged. Today we traveled to Cayo to find out more about the police investigation and also to capture Evan's reaction to the rape charges. Here is that story. Calm, respectful and committed. Those are just a few words used to describe Constable Luke Moriera. He was officer of the month for November of this year and his picture was among the other model officers on this wall. But today, instead of proudly walking out of the police station as he usually does, he walked out with his head hung low to court for his bail hearing. Moriera was charged for the rape of female detainee Vanessa Evans -and it happened right inside the police station. Insp. Reymundo Reyes, Deputy OC, San Ignacio Police: "It was shocking news, especially when the officer who was being accused named was called. Because he is a person that we do not have any sorts of irregularities - a calm person." But regardless of how surprising the news was, an investigation was done and statements from other police officers and prisoners were documented and surveillance footage was reviewed. Inspector Reyes told us this case was no different from any other.

Jailed For Allegedly Assaulting A 93 Year-old
93-year-old beating victim Patrick Grant is showing signs of recovery today. The Fern Lane resident was attacked in his home at dawn on Sunday, December 27th. The culprit was a robber who took his 21 inch TV. Grant's daughter Gilda Diaz told us today that he began to mumble today - and the first thing he did was pray:... Gilda Diaz, daughter "You know what is the condition from Sunday to now. Today with everybody's prayers he actually - I was pinching him and twisting his skin so he would respond. I know that hurts, but I had to do something for him to feel and open his eyes. I open his eyes with my fingers. I did him all sorts of stuff and then he started to groan and starting saying a couple little things and I told him and I said lets pray and he started to pray. But instead of praying for himself, he was praying for me and I told him we were praying for him. But anyway he said his prayers, which made me feel good because he likes to pray." Reporter: "Have the doctors indicated any need for a surgery or something like that?" Gilda Diaz, daughter: "That is what they are looking at. Does he need a surgery at this time? I hope not. I hope he is strong enough to heal himself. But I hope not, because people his age don't do very well I think with surgeries. Because there would be too many complications. But at least he wasn't talking very clearly, but he was mumbling and what eased my pain today was him saying his prayers. And that made a lot of difference to me."

Alleged Drunk Driver Arraigned For Killing Baby Genesis
Yesterday we told you about the tragic incident involving 1 year old Genesis Medina, who was knocked down and killed in the village of San Estevan in Orange Walk. It happened on Sunday night and today Orange Walk Police formally arraigned the man responsible for her death. He is 28th year old Eliseo Israel Larios. Larios was slapped with six traffic related charges when he appeared before the Magistrate's court in Orange Walk. His charges include: manslaughter by negligence, driving a vehicle with an alcohol concentration above prescribed limit, failure to report an accident, failure to stop and render aid, causing death by careless conduct and driving without due care and attention. In Court Larios was granted $5,000 dollars bail which he met. He has to surrender all his travel documents and was ordered to return to court on February 4th 2016.

Accused Child Molester Arraigned And Remanded
Today Orange Walk Police also made another arrest. On Monday we told you about the case of a 5 year old boy who was allegedly sexually molested by a man who was known to the family. It turns out it was the boy's uncle. For the protection of the child we will not broadcast neither the name nor photograph of the alleged perpetrator. What we can say however is that the man was today charged with sexual assault. Original reports were that sometime around 2 pm on December 26th, the mother was alerted by the screams of her mother in law who had just caught a man in the process of sexually assaulting the 5-year-old boy. The perpetrator was remanded to prison and is to return to court at a later date.

ADU Made A Huge Bust, Could Be Millions of Dollars In Heroine
The Police Anti-Drug Unit made what is believed to be a major drug bust last night in Belize City. Acting on intelligence, they stopped a vehicle at the Bel China Bridge, and when they searched it, they found 11 kilos of suspected heroine. They detained the driver, and transported the drugs to the police station. This driver remains in custody, and he may be criminally charged with drug trafficking. We say "may" because sources tell us that police have still not verified that it is heroin. Heroin busts are rare in Belize, and in all cases that we've reported on, it was found in the north, presumably on the way to Mexico. If verified, this would be the first major find in the city. Heroin has a far greater street value than cocaine, so 11 kilos could be worth more than a million US dollars. Again, though, they still have to determine whether it is heroine.

Rural Cops Caught A Big Gun, Says Criminals Were Going Equipped
For most of this month, Eastern Police Rural have been on the news giving updates on the eight armed thieves who burglarized the home of Lebanese Diplomat Sarkis Abou Nehra in Burrell Boom. A part of that narrative, was the attempt by police to prevent this crime, but the criminals were one step ahead. Well tonight, police are reporting that they are the ones who were a step ahead - and it allowed them foil a major robbery which was planned for a business place in Ladyville. Daniel Ortiz reports: This rusty looking gun looks like its definitely seen better days but the metal bar sitting on top of it, which also appears worse for wear, is an extended magazine clip, which was loaded with 30 bullets. It's a submachine gun, and police research says that it's most likely, a CZ 25 model, which are originate from Czechoslovakia. It's capable of rapid bursts of fire for a barrage of bullets at a chosen target.

Teenager Charged For Allegedly Stabbing Lennox To Death
Last night, we told you about 18 year-old Lennox Flowers, who was stabbed to death on Boxing Day at an after party at the Castleton Horse Racing Track in Burrell Boom. Well, police have charged one of the men who they believe was his attacker. He's 19 year-old Cecil Ramirez, a 6th Form Student who lives on Jasmine Street in Belize City. Today, Ladyville Police outlined what evidence and what motive they have so far: Insp. Juanito Cocom, OC - Ladyville Police "I want to update you in respect to the murder that occurred in Burrell Boom. We will be laying charges of murder to Cecil Ramirez this morning. He will be charged for murder." Reporter "We understand that they may have been 3 individuals involved." Insp. Juanito Cocom, OC - Ladyville Police "The evidence we have is pinpointing to only one person doing the stab wounds." Reporter "Yesterday I had asked no charges contemplated or conspiracy to commit murder?"

15 Year-old Kurk Still Hospitalized
Last night, we told you about 15 year-old Kurk Broaster. He was the young man who was shot yesterday near the Pickstock jungle area. Well, he remains at the KHMH tonight, recovering from gunshot injuries the chest. We approached his family today for comment but they declined. They did tell us that his status has improved since yesterday when he was first rushed to the hospital. They say that he is in a "critical but stable condition". As we told you he was standing at the corner of Pickstock Street and New Road when shooters passed by and fired at him. Street sources tell us that he was targeted as part of an ongoing gang rivalry.

Evaristo's Accused Murder Will Be Charged Soon
Punta Gorda Police continue to investigate the murder of 55 year-old Evaristo Bul, the Toledo Resident who was chopped and shot death on Boxing Day just outside his home village of San Pedro Colombia. The investigating officer from Punta Gorda expects to lay charges against one of the suspects tomorrow. As we had reported, police found Bul's lifeless body on the Jalacte Road between the San Pedro Colombia and San Miguel. His killer, police believe, chopped Bull several times to the head and face, and then shot him in the chest. Police say that his life was taken from him over a land dispute, while others suggest that there could be another motive.

Truck Driver Shot By Mexican Robbers Recuperating In Belize
On our Christmas Eve Newscast, we told you about Belizean Albert Gentle, a truck driver from Georgeville Village in Cayo. He was shot in the head on December 24 during a robbery while he was at a gas station in Villahermosa, Mexico. Well, we have confirmed that he's at home recuperating from that gunshot to the head. We spoke with him very briefly via telephone this evening, and he told us that his doctors say that he suffering from swelling in the brain caused by the bullet. He told us that as part of the bed rest regiment, he's not allowed to talk very much because it is taxing on his health at this time. Gentle was driving an 18-wheeler truck which was towing a container, and he was part of a convoy of 10 vehicles traveling to Belize. He briefly separated from the rest of the convoy, and stopped at a gas station in Villahermosa, the largest City in the Mexican State of Tabasco.

10 Years For Stabbing A Man 14 Times
3 weeks ago, we told you about Rafael Mencias, the Corozal resident who was convicted of manslaughter. That's after he stood trial before a jury who heard evidence that he stabbed a man 14 times. Well, Justice Herbert Lord heard his mitigation plea today, and after taking all factors in to consideration, he handed Mencias a Prison sentence of 10 years. But, because he had been on remand for 5 years while he awaited trial, the judge subtracted that from his sentence, and so, he will only, spend 5 more years in jail. As we reported, Mencias stood trial where the crown counsel called 11 witnesses to testify against him. The evidence outlined for the jury that on July 26, 2010, he stabbed Phillip Moses Hall 14 times while they were inside his apartment in Carolina Village, Corozal. In his defence, he told the court that he had just finished taking a bath when he heard his front door slam. He said that he panicked and started calling out and asking who was there.

The Power Jostling Before PUP's Big Convention
The PUP National Convention to elect a new executive is set for January 31st in Belmopan - and the race is expected to get a lot more interesting in the next four and a half weeks. That's because today was the deadline for each constituent and each unit of the party to submit the names of their delegates. It's a total of over 2,700 delegates - the most that have ever voted for an executive in either the UDP or the PUP. And that large number, in a three way race is what sets the stage for all kinds of craziness in the next few weeks. And here's why. Each constituency chairman is trying to deliver his block of delegates for one of the leadership candidates: Cordel Hyde, Francis Fonseca or John Briceno. So, that constituency chair only includes on his delegates list the most loyal party supporters he can find. But, it's virtually impossible to assure that these delegates do just what they are told to do - and there's the rub. Each candidate for leader has his constituency pledged, but holding together, say, a hundred delegates is no small task.

Cuban Humanitarian Crisis Resolution?
Earlier this month the Belize Government got a call of distress from the Costa Rican Government who asked if Belize would take in the 4 thousand Cuban migrants who found themselves stranded at the border between Costa Rica and Nicaragua. The Belize Cabinet turned the request down on the basis that they did not have sufficient evidence to make a proper decision. Today the Guatemalan Government issued a statement saying that after a successful meeting with parties including officials from the Belize, El Salvador, Honduras, Costa Rica, Panama, Mexico, and Guatemala, they got a commitment that the parties will work together on to see through this humanitarian crisis. Reports coming out of the meeting held in Guatemala were that a decision was made to airlift the stranded Cubans to El Salvador and put them on buses to cross from Guatemala into Mexico and ultimately cross the border in the US. When we spoke to personnel from Belize's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on this matter, we were told that the Cabinet position to not accept the migrants has not changed. [END]

Single Mother's Home Goes Up In A Blaze
A fire last night in the antelope street extension in Belize City destroyed the belongings of a single mother and her two children. 24 year old Geneve Armstrong lived in a one bedroom apartment with her two children. Armstong says that the raging fire burnt down the little she had. Now she is appealing to the public for financial assistant to help her send her kids to school on Monday, when classes resume. "I just want help with a little finance so I can buy back some of my things at least and for when school opens on Monday, so I can send my children to school the correct way. Right now they don't know what is happening. They are still happy. But it's me who is feeling everything when it's time to send them to school. I don't like to burden myself on people and that is what I am doing right now and I don't want to do that. So I am asking for a little help, so maybe I can rent a room because I don't really have a family that I can go to. It's just this sister that I am close to. I really can't to anyone. You can't burden people with your stress. So I just want to ask for help so that my children can feel like nothing didn't happen - rent a room and continue with my life. I really don't want a lot of things, just to buy back my bed and a fan for my children and the little of clothes that we lost."

Venezuelan Opposition Party Wants To Shut Down Petrocaribe
Three weeks ago we asked what will happen to Petrocaribe. That's after the opposition was elected in the Venezuelan parliament. They have a commanding supermajority - and plan to shake up the government of President Nicolas Maduro. Well, tonight we have the first indication that they are looking at Petrocaribe. Fox News Latino ran a story today headlined, quote, "Reckless giveaway of Venezuela's oil needs to stop, opposition says." The article says, quotes congressman Henrique Marquez, whos aid quote, "[State-owned oil company] P(e)d(e)v(e)sa, its whole operations, and those oil agreements with Cuba and Petrocaribe, that we should really look into." The article adds, quote, "the newly elected majority is threatening to cut the flow of cheap oil - especially given the current oil prices." It continues, "Fox News Latino spoke to several members of the upcoming supermajority opposition, all of whom said they wanted the oil agreements reviewed, if not altogether annulled."

Channel 5

Police Foil Planned Robbery in Ladyville, Find Powerful Firearm
A conspiracy to rob a business in Ladyville, Belize District has been thwarted and a very powerful submachine gun was recovered in the process. Police pursued fugitives in a high [...]

San Ignacio Police Charge One of Their Own for Rape
Twenty-one year old Police Constable Luke Moreira was charged late Monday evening with two counts of rape, and formally arraigned this afternoon at the San Ignacio Magistrate’s Court. Moreira is [...]

PC Luke Moreira Denied Bail, Remanded to Belize Central Prison
While there was no question that Moreira would be charged today, there was some question as to whether he would be granted bail. This afternoon, the young police constable appeared [...]

Noralez Charged For Brutal Attack on Elderly Man
Ninety-three-year-old Patrick Grant is recovering tonight, following a brutal attack over the weekend in which he was badly beaten by his neighbor during a home invasion.  The elderly man regained [...]

Student Remanded for Boxing Day Murder
A sixth form student is on remand tonight at the Belize Central Prison, following an arraignment for the weekend murder of eighteen-year-old Lennox Pierez Flowers.  The fatal stabbing incident occurred [...]

Flowers Family Says His Murder Not Gang Related
The issue of gang involvement was raised yet again, despite Flowers’ mother vehemently denying any affiliation between her son and any of the various rival groups in Belize City.   [...]

Should G.O.B. Allow Consumers to Benefit from Low Fuel Prices Worldwide?
And our question for tonight is: Do you think G.O.B. should have allowed consumers to benefit from low fuel prices worldwide? Send your comments and responses using your SMART phones [...]

A Major Heroin Bust by the ADU on the BelChina Bridge
While police foiled a robbery in Ladyville on Monday night, the Anti Drug Unit also made a major bust in the city. There is a report tonight that around ten [...]

Minor Remains in Critical Condition after Shooting
A fifteen year old youth was shot on Monday afternoon on Pickstock Street in the City by two men who rode up to him and opened fire. The student remains [...]

Eliseo Larios Charged for Death of Baby Genesis in Fatal RTA
In San Estevan Village, Orange Walk, one year old Genesis Teresa Medina was killed in a fatal hit and run on Sunday afternoon. The alleged driver who knocked down the [...]

Uncle Accused in Sexual Assault of 5 Year Old Boy
Also on Monday, we reported that a five year old boy from Trial Farm Village, Orange Walk Town had been sexually abused over the weekend at his home. While we [...]

Mencias Gets 10 Years for Manslaughter
On December tenth, 2015, a jury of twelve deliberated for over five hours, found Rafael Mencias not guilty of murder but guilty of the manslaughter of Phillip Hall which occurred [...]

Council of Ageing Condemns Violence Against Elderly Persons
The vicious attack of ninety-three year old Patrick Grant over the Christmas holiday weekend has sparked outrage. Several organizations including HelpAge Belize along with its sister N.G.O.s under the National [...]

HelpAge Executive Director Says Elderly Person Must Be Protected
According to Bulwer, only a small percentage of the elderly population in Belize currently receives direct support services from organizations such as HelpAge; the others, in most cases, have been [...]

Deal Brokered In Cuban Migrant Crisis
There is tentatively good news for Cuban migrants stuck in Costa Rica following a SICA meeting held in Guatemala on Monday. According to reports, an agreement has been reached for [...]

6th Annual Habinahan Wanaragua Held in Dangriga
For years, there have been efforts to preserve all aspects of the Garifuna culture. In 2010, a trio of Garifuna activists, including Roy Cayetano, Canon Jerris Valentine and Cassian Nuñez, [...]

CTV3

Candidates For PUP Leadership Submit Delegate List
The race for PUP leadership is on and there are three confirmed candidates for party leader namely Cordel Hyde, Francis Fonseca and John Briceno for the convention scheduled to be held in Belmopan on January 31st, 2016.The deadline to submit the delegate list to Chairman of the PUP was today. According to Myrtle Palacio, Secretary General of the party, each division will get to have one out of every 25 votes that each candidate received in the last general election. From all indications John Briceno has the support of eight constituency chairmen in the Northern Caucus. The breakdown is as follows: In his constituency Briceno received a total of 2710 votes. He will be sending a total of 108 delegates to the convention. Orange Walk South’s Jose Abelardo Mai, who received a total of 2,920, has 117 delegates to vote at the convention. Orange Walk North, Ramon Cervantes Jr., who received 3062 votes, will send a total of 123 delegates.

Trial Farm Resident Charge For Sexual Assault Of Five Year Old Boy
On last night’s newscast, we reported about a case of an alleged sexual assault involving a five year old boy. On Saturday December 26th, police received reports from the child’s mother who told them that at about 2:00 p.m. she was awaken by the screams of her mother-in-law, who alerted that she had caught a male person in the process of sexually harassing the five year old. Today police have arrested and charged a resident of Trial Farm Village who is responsible for this assault. However, we are unable to air the person’s name or picture in order to protect the identity of the child. The individual was remanded to prison until the next court hearing in January.

Alleged Arson Committed In Corozal
On the 24th of December while many families were carrying out last minute preparations to welcome the 25th, a resident of Concepcion Village lost her home. According to Wendy Mendez, a mother of two, she was out with family and friends when at around 11:30pm she got a call that her room was on fire. Today she believes her jealous ex-boyfriend committed the act. “Lo que paso es que el 24 en la noche Daniel Esperanza Cano vino aquí en mi casa en Concepción, domicilio de don Celestino Méndez y yo soy Wendy Méndez y el agarro y se metió y quebró las persianas y se metió y saco todo las cosas de mi gaveta sin saber que era lo que estaba buscando talvez dinero y se llevó trescientos dólares de mi gaveta, saco todo mi ropa y lo quemo las cortinas y el colchón y la cama, acá estaba mi mama y mi papa y claro que si ya lo reporte y ayer fui a dar todos los detalles y vinieron a tomar fotos de todo lo que paso y lo vinieron a restar y corrió porque sabe lo que hizo y ya se fue a Chetumal de por Ramonal y ay me llamo y me mando text de lado Mexicano y dice que si acá no le pudieron agarran haya menos dice y que cuando regrese va hacer venganza porque él no sabe lo que yo estoy haciendo dice y si me da un poco de miedo por mis niños porque yo no quiero que nada les pase a ellos por eso ya lo reporte a la policía y espero que lo agarren pronto y muchas gracias a las policías que me vinieron a asistir pero corrió y eso paso el 24 en la noche como las once y media y vino hacerle bulla a mi mama y le tiro un block a mi mama solo que mi mama se lo quito porque si no mi mama no estuviera viva, mis danos son como cuatro mil dólares.”

Man Charged For Manslaughter Sentenced To Ten Years In Prison But Will Serve Only Five
Rafael Mencias, the Corozal resident who was convicted of manslaughter instead of murder three weeks ago, after he was accused of stabbing Phillip Moses Hall 14 times back on July 26th 2010 in Carolina Village, Corozal, was sentenced today to ten years in prison. Today, Justice Herbert Lord heard Mencias’ mitigation plea and after taking all factors into consideration, he handed Mencias a Prison sentence of 10 years, but since Mencias had been on remand for 5 years while he awaited trial, he will only spend 5 more years in jail.

Driver Accused Of Fatally Knocking Down 1 Year Old Baby Released On Bail
Yesterday we told you about the tragic traffic accident that claimed the life of one year old Genesis Teresa Medina from the Village of San Estevan in Orange Walk. Today, 28 year old Eliseo Israel Larios, the man who was behind the steering wheel of the vehicle that knocked down baby Genesis was dragged into court to answer to the charges of: manslaughter by negligence, driving a vehicle with an alcohol concentration above prescribed limit, failure to report an accident, failure to stop and render aid, causing death by careless conduct and driving without due care and attention. He was offered bail to the sum of $5,000 which he met and then ordered to render all his travel documents. Larios is due back in court on February 4th 2016.

LOVE FM

Ladyville Police Foils Robbery Attempt in Rural Belize
Last night Ladyville Police was able to foil a robbery thanks to its Rural Rapid Response Team and community participation. Hipolito Novelo has the story. HIPOLITO NOVELO REPORTING “At around ten o’clock last night, Ladyville’s Highway Patrol Rural Rapid Response Team was set to intercept a vehicle coming from the Burrell Boom junction. However, when […]

Police Officer Charged for Rape
It has been a week since a 25-year-old woman from San Ignacio Town, Cayo District, reported to police that she was raped whilst in custody at the police station in that municipality on December 20. Ordinarily charges would have been levied almost immediately against the accused, but in this case it took over one week […]

15-Month-Old Child Knocked Down in Northern Belize
A 15-month-old little girl, Genesis Medina, was knocked down in San Estevan Village, Orange Walk District on Sunday evening, December 27 at around five o’clock. According to Superintendent Selvin Tillett commanding the Orange Walk Police Station, the man driving the Mazda pickup truck, Eliseo Larios, has been slapped with several charges. SELVIN TILLETT “Orange Walk […]

Helpage and NCA Condemn Assault of Older Persons
In our evening news yesterday we told you of the 93-year-old man that was brutally assaulted in his home in the early hours of Sunday morning. As a result of that violent attack, Patrick Grant remains hospitalized with severe head injuries. Also over the Christmas weekend holiday, there was the report of a senior citizen […]

Voters Named for Upcoming PUP Convention
A list of delegates that will be on the voting list for the upcoming National Convention for the People’s United Party has been finalized today as various groups of the party including the thirty one constituencies, the Belize Youth Movement, the United Women’s Group submitted their lists of delegates along with alternative voters. According to […]

ADU Sweeps In and Finds 10+ Kilos Heroin
Last night the Anti Drug Unit made a big bust in Belize City. We are told that about ten pounds of heroin was confiscated after ADU officers successfully intercepted a vehicle on the Bel-China Bridge. We are not certain how many people were in the vehicle when it was intercepted but we understand that authorities […]

Neighbour Gets Charged for Assaulting Elderly Man
35-year-old, Chester Noralez, a resident of Fern Lane who allegedly beat his 93-year-old neighbour and stole his television, was charged with dangerous harm and burglary when he appeared today before Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser. Noralez admitted that he had the television at his house but he claimed that he bought it from a young man […]

61-Year-Old Man Assaulted by Son
Belmopan police are investigating an incident in which a 20-year-old man chopped his 61-year-old father. Reports are that just before six o’clock on Sunday evening police responded to a call from Armenia Village, Cayo District where they found the father, Pedro Cruz Orellano with a cut to his left hand. The elderly man was taken […]

PlusTV

Belize City teenager fatally stabbed in Burrell Boom
Lennox Flowers, just 18-years-old, was targeted for murder at an entertainment event at Castleton Park just after the annual Boxing Day horse racing meet, in Burrell Boom. Here is Officer Commanding Eastern Division Rural, Senior Superintendent Edward Broaster speaking about the progress of their in...

Man chopped up then shot up
There was another murder; this one in the south of the country. 55-year-old Evaristo Bul of San Pedro Columbia Village was chopped multiple times and then shot multiple times. It happened sometime on Saturday night, December 26. According to police, Bul was involved in a land dispute case at the Al...

Stabbing in front of Punta Gorda Sports Bar
There was another incident in the south of the country that has left one man in critical condition. 23 year old Robert Foreman of Punta Gorda was stabbed twice; once to abdomen and another to his back. According to police, the incident happened sometime around 2 o’clock on Christmas morning o...

Around 4:30 this evening in Belize City a teenager was shot.
The 15 year old, whose name we will withhold for the time being, was injured while standing at the corner of Pickstock Street and New Road. Eyewitnesses and residents of the area say his attackers were two young men coming from the direction of the Pink Jungle area, who made no attempt to cover thei...

Fatal Traffic Accident in Stann Creek District
A traffic accident on the Southern Highway claimed the life of one man over the weekend. On Thursday the 24th of December at around 8:40 a.m, near the outskirts of Bella Vista Village, in the Stann Creek District, a traffic accident claimed the life of on Mynor Cruz, a Belizean revenue collector. Cr...

93 year old badly beaten in home invasion
There was a home invasion in Belize City which has left an elderly man in critical condition at the KHMH. Early Sunday morning, 2 men entered the home of 93 year old Patrick Grant. The elderly man lived alone at his Lake Independence home and was reportedly sleeping when the men broke in. Before le...

Roaring Creek teen escapes barrage of bullets
A Roaring Creek teenager escaped a barrage of bullets aimed at him on Sunday night around 8 pm.. According to reports, as many as ten shots were fired at the 19 year old who was riding his bicycle on Progress Avenue in Hatieville area of Roaring Ceek village. Two armed masked men dressed in full bla...

Breaking Belize News

Guatemalan woman goes missing while visiting family
A 22 year old Guatemalan student residing in Ladyville has had no contact with her fiancé since December 11 after arriving in her native Guatemala to visit family. Mindy Jordan Espino, also known as Miley Jordan, has been living with American businessman 68 year old David […]

Police foil major planned robbery in Ladyville
Intelligence and timely intervention by Ladyville Police stopped plans for a major robbery expected to have taken place in the next two days in the village. The operation involved a hot pursuit by the Rural Rapid Response team of a dark Hyundai Santa Fe vehicle with no license […]

Teenager charged for Lennox Flowers murder
Police have arrested 19-year-old Cecil Ramirez for the Boxing Day murder of 18-year-old Lennox Flowers in Burrell Boom Village. The student at St. John’s Junior College was formally charged with the murder of Lennox Flowers when he appeared today before Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser. She […]

10 years for Rafael Mencias who was found guilty of manslaughter in stabbing death of Phillip Hall
Supreme Court Justice Herbert Lord has sentenced convicted prisoner, Rafael Mencias, who was found not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter in the stabbing death of Phillip Hall, a man who he claim crept up on him in his bedroom to ten years’ imprisonment. […]

Police have hands full with string of sexual crimes
A 28-year-old man from Trial Farm Village in Orange Walk has been remanded after being accused of sexually assaulting a five year old boy. The 28-year-old was arrested and charged for the crime after a woman reported that her mother-in-law caught him in the act […]

Man who knocked down and killed a one year old baby out on bail
28-year-old Eliseo Israel Larios was given bail in court today which he has met. Larios was arrested and charged for ‘manslaughter by negligence’, ‘causing death by careless conduct’, ‘driving without due care and attention’, ‘driving under the influence of alcohol’, ‘failure to stop and render […]

Police try to contain gun violence in Belize City
Two separate shooting incidents in the old capital yesterday has left two teenagers hospitalized at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH), one of them in a critical but stable condition. The first teen, 15-year-old Kirk Broaster, was walking on Pickstock Street around 4:09 p.m. […]

Four arrested in Corozal for two pounds of weed
The search of a Kia Sportage vehicle on the San Andres Road in the Corozal District yesterday, resulted in the arrest of four persons for more than two pounds of weed namely: 38-year-old Emily Howard and 36-year-old George Denfield Young of Iguana Street, Belize […]

One arrested for burglary and brutal assault of 93-year-old man
On Sunday around 5:52 a.m., as 93-year-old Patrick Grant slept in his Fern Lane, Belize City home, he was awakened by a loud bang on his front door and then beaten before a lone intruder stole his television. Upon arrival at the scene, police […]

National Council of Ageing address violence against older citizens
Recent aggression towards older persons in Belize has prompted the National Council of Aging to issue a press release condemning the issue. The most recent is the attack of a 93-year-old man in Belize City and the release notes that since October reports of […]

Blogs

Holiday downtime and finding an Apartment on Ambergris Caye
I have been fortunate enough to enjoy some downtime over the Holidays but for many businesses, high season is keeping everyone sliding full speed into the New Year. I know a few Cart rental companies and some hotels are fully booked. There has also been a recent restaurant demand to open on a day off due to a high request in bookings. Sadly for some, the wind is playing havoc with work and there are many tour cancellations right now due to wind and choppy waters. Strong winds are not only blowing on Ambergris Caye, they blowing in my life on a personal level. It is odd, but for about two weeks now I have been typing 2016 by accident. Usually I (like many) go through a short period of not remembering to put the new year instead of the old. I take the fact that my brain is jumping ahead as a sign it is going to be a good new year.

The Best Fried Fish EVER In San Pedro, Belize…Oh and A Gorgeous Day
The wind died down slightly yesterday and doesn’t seem to be ending until the strike of midnight 2016. TWO THOUSAND SIXTEEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! For this Generation X’er (Which Generation are you?) – that date sounds insane. Yesterday, December 28th, winter in Belize, was a beauty. A great day to go sit beachside at Lily’s and enjoy two of the tastiest, deceivingly simplest dishes this island has to offer. We ordered conch ceviche, fried fish with french fries and coleslaw and soda water. Despite the crowd…the wait wasn’t long. And the lovely manager came out to see if we’d mind getting out ceviche first. MIND?!?!? And then the fried fish. Grouper. So fresh and just slightly SLIGHTLY undercooked when it arrives…perfectly seasoned battered. It is just so ridiculously tasty. I’ve had it 4 or 5 times at Lily’s for lunch and it is never cooked differently. I don’t know how they do it.

A Couple of Maya Making Magic
There’s a tiny little room “a bean-throw away from downtown San Ignacio”, in the Cayo district, where you smell the magic walking in. Ok, for those of you that don’t know I’m a chocoholic that sounded strange. No, I am not talking puffs of smoke and incantations; I’m talking the transformation of the artfully roasted cacao bean into the rich velvety goodness that is authentic Mayan chocolate. That’s right, I know the People On Our Map making it! Adrian and Elida Choco, believe their family name marked their destiny on this chocolate making journey. He was a bartender at Chaa Creek when he met Elida who was the receptionist at the same resort at the time. The bartender in him still believes it was his cocktails that won her over. They are now married with three children, a couple of six-year-old twins and a three-year-old, all girls! They are on a mission to share their culture’s traditional chocolate making techniques with their visitors. The respect for their culture is evident and starts with the first crop of the Cacao tree being buried as an offering to Earth, Rain and Sun in thanksgiving for the crop. It is with the second crop that they begin using the pods, roasting the seeds and making the widely desired masterpiece. I was not fortunate enough to visit the farm where the cacao is grown, harvested and roasted, but it is now at the top of my bucket list.

A Humble Home with a Million Dollar View
There are some People On Our Map outside of the public eye, tucked away in what would seem to be forgotten little corners of our country. You meet them by chance and exchange a wave or a smile and if you’re lucky, you get a little more. Luck was on our side the day we walked by the Maldonado home. The iTravel Belize team and I admired it’s rustic charm and immediately took our cameras out to capture the little wooden house. Mr. Maldonado appeared greeting us cheerfully and hurried to get his granddaughter Vanessa who invited us in to see something bigger than the home itself. As we walked through their home we were greeted by beautiful tiny faces, probably wondering what a trio of strangers was doing walking through their home. Avianie and her sister stayed cautious, but curious enough to follow and peek at us as we made our way to the back veranda where Vanessa insisted we step out to see the view. What a view it was indeed! Suddenly all of San Ignacio was visible from the little deck hanging off the side of a hill. It was fascinating and perhaps made even more so by the warmth of the people sharing it with us.

Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave (ATM Cave)
Even to the untrained eye, a peek inside a cave that was once home to an ancient civilization holds plenty of fascination. Rock walls. Strange ceiling and floor projectiles formed as water and minerals dripped and solidified for centuries. Spiders, bats and even fish coexist nicely, yet for the purist, no cavern is created equal—especially if that cave happens to be Belize’s Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave, otherwise known as the ATM Cave. This stronghold of ancient Mayan secrets and rituals will keep you spellbound from the moment you arrive. Once your eyes are accustomed to varying shades of black to grey that fill the ATM’s interior and you turn on your helmet light, you’ll spot the interiors of chamber after chamber until you arrive at The Cathedral. The cave’s most dramatic finds are here, including calcified skeletal remains of “The Crystal Maiden” whose bones sparkle like jewels due to centuries of mineral buildup. She’s not alone. Scan shelves and nooks to discover bones, relics, pottery and other ancient treasures in the dark silence of this inner chamber. Your journey begins in the Cayo District—specifically, the town of San Ignacio. You’ll need a guide to find your way, so check with the concierge at your resort or seek help in town. Once you’ve secured a guide, you’ll be driven to the banks of the Tapir Mountain Reserve, at which point, expect to hike about 45-minutes through jungle and streams to reach the entrance. It’s a tight fit and not for the claustrophobic, but once you reach your goal, the ATM Cave will reward you with sights and ambiance that has no equal.

International Sources

Belize: doppio riconoscimento al World travel awards 2015
La Grande Barriera Corallina, considerata “Destinazione leader del Messico e Centroamerica”, e Placencia, riconosciuta come “Spiaggia leader in Messico e in Centroamerica”, hanno trionfato al World Travel Awards, consolidando il Belize come una delle mete turistiche più attraenti al mondo. La cerimonia di premiazione della 22esima edizione della manifestazione si è tenuta quest’anno a Bogotà, in Colombia. Einer Gómez, Vice Presidente del CDA del Belize Tourism Board, è stato incaricato di ritirare il premio e ha ringraziato il popolo del Belize e «tutti coloro che giorno dopo giorno si impegnano per offrire qualità del servizio e accogliere i viaggiatori nel nostro Paese a braccia aperte». Lucy Fleming, co-proprietaria e direttrice del Lodge at Chaa Creek, uno dei primi eco-resort in Belize, ha detto che questa è la prima volta che il Belize è apparso nella lista dei vincitori, «e il fatto che hanno vinto ben 2 attrazioni della regione è un risultato significativo di cui tutto il Paese può essere orgoglioso».

A Taste Test of Chocolate Bars Made From Scratch
In a blind tasting of 14 bean-to-bar chocolates made in the United States, these were the most impressive. The list was arbitrarily capped at eight. Given how different these bars are, comparisons are difficult and the order is approximate. Sampled on another day, any item might rise or fall a notch or more. Prices were paid in New York stores for two-ounce bars unless otherwise noted. 4. Dick Taylor: 72 percent Toledo from Belize ($9.50). A crisp bar that flexes into toffee and green bananas, with a hint of lemon on the long, bright finish.

Uncertain external economic outlook for Caribbean
Developing countries, including those in the Caribbean, will face an uncertain global economic situation in 2016, based on the weakening of the global economy during this year. A new study by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has identified the critical explanatory factor as being the substantial decline in commodity prices during the past 18 months. A very important development which has had both negative and positive implications has been the drop in the price of oil. Oil-importing economies have benefited from lower import bills but oil-exporting countries have been adversely affected. Commodity-dependent exporting countries, many of which are least developed countries, have also suffered from the declines in commodity demand and prices. Only the more diversified economies have continued to experience robust growth.

CRFM and IOI sign 5-year MoU to build the Caribbean’s capacity in Ocean Governance
The Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) and the International Ocean Institute (IOI) this month signed a new 5-year memorandum of understanding (MoU) to extend their longstanding cooperation towards building the capacity of Caribbean fisheries and marine resource management professionals in ocean governance. The partnership between the CRFM and IOI started in 2004 and it has provided nearly 40 Caribbean nationals access to high-level, specialized training and capacity-building support at IOI-Dalhousie University every year since then. The renewed cooperation agreement, signed for the CRFM by Executive Director Milton Haughton and for IOI by Managing Director of its Malta headquarters, Antonella Vassallo, ensures that Caribbean nationals will continue to receive expert training on Ocean Governance: Policy, Law and Management at the Canada-based institute. Commenting on the agreement, the CRFM’s Executive Director, said: “We are very pleased to have concluded this new MoU with IOI, one of our key international development partners. The specialized training provided by IOI in marine policy, law and marine management is very important for the Small Island Developing States of the Caribbean that depend heavily on the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean for economic development.

Videos

December 29, 2015

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Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

Venezuelan opposition is controlling government: What does this mean for Belize?
On December 6th, Venezuela’s Opposition Democratic Alliance won an overwhelming mid-term congressional victory during the country’s elections. This victory gave the opposition party about two-thirds control in Venezuela’s National Assembly. The opposition claimed the majority of the 167 seats in the National Assembly which would allow them to free political prisoners, enact basic laws, and approve the budget and government debt. The results are a major blow to current president Nicolas Maduro of the ruling Socialist Party, which has been in power for the past 16 years when the late president Hugo Chavez brought it to power. The big question concerning Belizeans is, what does this mean for Belize and the future of the PetroCaribe Loan Program?

Belize Red Cross San Pedro Branch report a successful year
The Belize Red Cross San Pedro Branch (BRCSP) would like to thank everyone for their support over the course of 2015. The branch has been working hard in the community to make Ambergris Caye a safer place. 2015 saw several milestones for BRCSP and as such they would like to share them with the community. 2015 brought the First Aid/ Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (FA/CPR) training to a new level, with the certification of an instructor who lives on the island. Ashty Dennison is currently the only FA/CPR instructor certified by Belize Red Cross on San Pedro, while Martin Dawson is our certified assistant. In addition, this year, 64 people were trained in six sessions of FA/CPR workshops; six businesses, two schools, three private citizens and two new Red Cross volunteers. Since BRCSP re-inception in 2013, 263 have been trained from 46 businesses and two lives have been saved thanks to FA/CPR, both were children. In the coming year, BRCSP plans to continue the growth of FA/CPR training in the island and will even be partnering with the Washington University of Health and Science (WUHS) in Belize. “After monitoring Dennison teaching a class, the school President of WUHS) was impressed with her professionalism. He has indicated a desire to have training done at the beginning of each semester. Negotiations for that will be scheduled in January,” said BRCSP. “Further, anyone that is interested in joining the 46 businesses that are sending staff for training or taking First Aid training as an individual should contact the branch’s new FA/CPR Coordinator Aimee Fearneyhough via [email protected]. Courses run monthly at a cost of $50BZ.”

WUHS medical students becoming island First Aid responders
The Washington University of Health and Science (WUHS) San Pedro Campus, recently held a ‘First Aid Responders’ training in partnership with the Belize Red Cross. The activity was held in order to certify students to become first aid responders and be a valuable asset to the community, providing qualified individuals who may be able to provide medical assistance at any given time and anywhere on the island. According to the Medical Student Association President at WUHS, Sujatha Chetty, they want to get more involved in the community and become a point of medical reference for the residents. “A lot of locals don’t know about our medical school here in San Pedro Town, and whenever we are out there and people see us in our uniforms, they really don’t know where we are from or what we are here to do. We are not just here to get an education, but to give back to the community which we have become a part of,” said Chetty. She added that whenever people spot one of the students in their red or blue uniforms, they can feel free to ask them questions and even advice on any possible illness they might be experiencing.

Dog Registration Law to be implemented in 2016
2016 is fast approaching, and the New Year is scheduled to bring much change for pet owner and pets alike. Saga Humane Society and the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) have announced that effective Monday, January 4th, all dogs must be registered and licensed at the Town Board. This program has been in the pipeline since 2012 and is expected to reduce the number of strays and unwanted dogs on the streets of Ambergris Caye. According to Saga, pet owners will be required to license all dogs four months and older. In order to license your pet, the dog must be properly vaccinated for rabies. “Rabies vaccinations are a prerequisite for licensing dogs, and are available at Saga Humane Society for $30. No cost vaccinations are available to those in need,” says Saga.

Ambergris Today

A Year in Review Belize Red Cross San Pedro Branch
The Belize Red Cross San Pedro Branch (BRCSP) would like to thank everyone for their support over the course of 2015. The Branch is working hard for the community to make Ambergris Caye a safer place. Special thanks to Mayor Daniel Guerrero for coming to the Red Cross Christmas party and bringing an oversized check from the San Pedro Town Council to help us continue our work. In Review; First Aid/CPR Training: 2015 brought our First Aid/CPR training to a new level, with the certification of an instructor who lives on the island. Ashty Dennison is currently the only FA/CPR instructor certified by Belize Red Cross on the island. Martin Dawson is our certified assistant. This year – 64 people were trained in 6 sessions; 6 businesses, 2 schools, 3 private citizens and 2 new Red Cross volunteers were represented. Since our re-inception in 2013, 263 have been trained from 46 businesses and 2 lives have been saved; both were children.

Belize Appoints Ambassador to Cuba - Discuss Trade, Culture, Tourism
On Tuesday, December 22, 2015, Belize’s Ambassador to Cuba, H.E. Annie Burns Martinez, participated in a ceremony at the Palace of the Revolution in Havana where she presented her credentials to Vice President and Comptroller General of the Republic of Cuba, H.E. Mrs. Gladys Bejerano Portela and First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Mr. Marcelino Medina González. Both parties discussed new areas for cooperation in trade, culture, and tourism. Ambassador Burns Martinez also recognized the contribution of the Cuban Medical Brigade and the general medicine and specialization scholarships that have helped to further develop Belize’s public health sector. Additionally, the representatives spoke about the current Cuban migrant crisis and the role of human traffickers; in particular, the call by Hon. Wilfred Elrington for SICA states to coordinate a regional response that fits within a clear and legal framework and one in which all the parties affected were participating in the discussion, was appreciated. Both parties await the outcome of a follow-up meeting in Mexico with hope to move closer to a resolution.

Fire Destroys Family Home Over Christmas Weekend
An early morning blaze completely destroyed a home and garage/storage on Sunday, December 27, 2015 in the Escalante/DFV Subdivision leaving a family homeless and without a place of work. The San Pedro Fire Department reported that about 5:00a.m. on Sunday, Ricardo Valladarez, 34-year-old mechanic of Escalante subdivision, indicated that he woke up to the smell of smoke, immediately noticing the inside of the house on fire. The house was a 24’ x 26’ plycem and wooden building with a garage and a storage room 10’ x10’ to the back, both were completely destroyed and three vehicles that were in the shop for repairs were damaged by the fire. The Fire Department reports arriving on location at 5:45a.m.and running out of water. The house and contents were not insured.

Misc Belizean Sources

INCREASE IN IMPORT DUTIES ON FUEL PRODUCTS
The Ministry of Finance hereby informs the general public that with the arrival of the latest shipment of fuel which is due to take effect at the pump on December 28, 2015, the Import Duties on Premium Gasoline and Diesel Oil increased by 65 cents Belize per U.S. Gallon while the Import Duty on Regular Gasoline increased by 57 cents Belize per U.S. Gallon. Consequently the new Import Duties applied to these products are as follows: Premium Gasoline - $2.96 per US Gallon Regular Gasoline - $2.73 per US Gallon Diesel Oil - $1.92 per US Gallon

The 12 Best Bird Books of 2015
Are you a birder and a reader? Can't be the first without the last. Read a few of these next year.... Our favorite reads of the year include a guide to the world of gonzo birds, a best-selling falconry memoir, field handbooks, and more.

Live Music with Valentino
Live Music with Valentino at the Barrier Reef Sports Bar & Grill from 6pm-9pm! December 29, 2015 Time: 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm

Channel 7

Rape Victim Speaks Up, Tells Story Of Outrageous Police Abuse
Tonight, a rape victim is speaking out. 25-year-old mother of two, Vanessa Evans is accusing a police officer of handcuffing and raping her in the San Ignacio police station - while she was detained. Evans says she was removed from her cell early on the morning of December 20th and taken into a dark room where a police officer raped her. Now, we don't usually broadcast the names of rape victims, but Vanessa and her husband contacted us, and said they want to go public because they believe the police are deliberately dragging their feet. That's because, one week after the report was made, they still haven't charged one of their own. And so today at her home in Bullet Tree, Vanessa told me about the rape, and the traumatic aftermath:... Vanessa Evans, "A police officer raped me" "He opened the cell and tell me to come. And I told him I said come? Come for what? And he goes like, come lets go back that way and he hand me a roll of toilet paper and I begin to walk because he had a gun and he had the gun showing it to me. I came out and I started walking towards the back like he said, that's what he said." Courtney Weatherburne "Okay, so he had the gun in his hand or he was just showing you his gun by his side?" Vanessa Evans, "A police officer raped me" "He was just showing me his gun by his side." Courtney Weatherburne "When he took you to the back, did he say anything before or....?" Vanessa Evans, "A police officer raped me" "He said you are going to get what you deserved, why you keep beating your men? So I said, it not your business, whatever me and my man have, we've been having it for 8 years and that doesn't give you the right to take me out of my cell to try and assault me.

Drunk Driver Killed One Year Old
The life of one year old Genesis Medina was cut short when a man, suspected to have been under the influence at the time, knocked her down last night. The incident happened in the village of San Estevan in front of the child's home. So, what was Baby Genesis doing out on the street unattended, and why was the driver of the vehicle speeding in the middle of the village? Emanuel Pech travelled North today to find out. Three months ago, baby Genesis Medina celebrated her first birthday. But the joy that this innocent smile brought to her family has been replaced by lingering grief. On Sunday around 4:40 pm Baby Genesis, (show vehicle) was knocked down and killed by this speeding gold Mazda pickup driven by a 28th year old resident of Trial Farm Village. The vehicle hit the child and dragged her small body about 100 yards from the house. Assistant Superintendent Selwyn Tillett described the tragic scene police witnessed. ASP Selwyn Tillette- O. C. Orange Walk Police "On yesterday's date, 27th December at about 5pm police visited Calle del Sol Street in San Estevan Village, Orange Walk District where they observed the body of a female infant lying motionless faced up on the right hand side of the street. She was wearing a pink floral dress. The body had a large open fractured skull at the right side of the forehead with about 4 inches in length and also she had scrapes on her chest. A large piece of her brain tissue was seen about 5 feet away from the body."

Senior Citizen Still Unconscious After Home Invasion (By Neighbor!)
93-Year-old resident of Fern Lane, Patrick Grant is a man known to cut his own yard, and even mend his neighbor's fence if he has a hammer and a nail. The senior citizen lives by himself and likes it that way - but tonight he's clinging to life after a home invasion left him badly beaten. Grant was at home sleeping on Sunday morning before 6:00, when a man police believe to be his neighbor stormed in to steal a TV, and in the process, he almost robbed the old man of his life. I found out more today when I visited the area:.. Courtney Weatherburne reporting 93 year old Patrick Grant usually spends the entire day sitting on this white plastic chair. This is where he relaxes and enjoys his time alone. And yesterday was no different - after his long rest in his favorite spot, he went inside his house. But everything changed when he got an unexpected visit from his neighbor. Grant was asleep when his neighbor stormed in, viciously assaulted him and stole his TV. When Grant's family finally arrived at the house - he was slumped on this same chair - almost beaten to death.

Teenager Knifed To Death After Boom Horse Races
There were two murders on Boxing Day, one in the Belize River Valley, and other in the Toledo District. We start with the killing of Belize City resident, 18 year-old Lennox Flowers. He left his family's home on Partridge Street to go with one of his bosses for a horse race and an after-party at the race-track in Burrell Boom Village. That's where he reportedly got dragged into a street fight, and he was stabbed and killed. Today, our team went to Burrell Boom, and we found out that police and his family have very different theories about why this young man was killed. Daniel Ortiz has that story: Daniel Ortiz reporting 18 year-old Lennox Pierreze Flowers was attacked and stabbed here on the grounds of the Charleston Horse Racing Track on Boxing Day. He had come here to socialize with one of his employers. Later in the night, he ended up in a fight with several persons believed to be from the George Street Gang. By the time the police officers arrived at the location, the attackers had already knifed him several times Sr. Supt. Edward Broaster - OC, Eastern Division Rural "Our officers from Ladyville Police Precinct were alerted to a fight in progress. Upon arriving at the scene, they encounter one male person who had multiple stab wounds to his body. An ambulance was called for him. Nevertheless it appeared that all the ambulance was occupied at the time, so he was then rushed to the KHMH where he was pronounced dead on arrival."

Toledo Man Shot/Chopped To Death
20 minutes after Ladyville Police responded to that crime scene in Burrell Boom, Punta Gorda Police were called out to an area of the Jalacte Road between the Toledo Villages of San Pedro Colombia and San Miguel. That's where they found the body of 55 year-old Evaristo Bul, a resident of San Pedro Colombia. He had been chopped and shot to death. Today, the Commander of the Punta Gorda Police Station told us via telephone that the investigators suspect that he was murdered over a land dispute in San Pedro Colombia. Here's what he told us: Supt. Simeon Alvarez, OC - Punta Gorda Police "Some time around 9:21pm on the 26th December 2015, Punta Gorda police received information of a dead body situated in the Colombia/San Miguel Road. As a result of that the police visited the area and upon arrival there, they saw the lifeless body of a Maya decent person who was later identified to be one Evaristo Bul, 55 years old of a Colombia Village address. Police investigation revealed that on that same particular day, the alcalde for the Colombia Village had a court hearing, because of a long dispute between the deceased and a family from the said village. And it was shortly after that this lifeless body of Evaristo Bul was found with multiple chop wounds to the head and neck and shoulder. Also observed was some bullet wound to the left side of the chest. At this time police have 4 persons in custody and I believe that within the next 48 hours, somebody will be arrested and charged for murder."

Gang Warfare: Teenager Shot In City
A teenager was shot in Belize City today. Kirk Broaster who is just 15 years old was shot on Pickstock Street at around 3:45 this afternoon. Area residents say that the youth who is from the Jungle area was shot by a gang affiliate from the southside. He survived, but we spoke to his cousin at the hospital today and she told us that his injuries are serious:... Voice of: Nikisha Williams - Cousin of shooting victim "My cousin was on the railing with us and I ask him to go buy a soft drink for us at the end of the lane. When he arrived at the end of the lane, a white car and two other car was behind the car and let out shots. I was at the end of the court and I saw when the gunshots were fired. It wasn't anything nice. He took about 8 shots." Reporter "Where did he got shot exactly?" Voice of: Nikisha Williams - Cousin of shooting victim "I am not sure, because I am not God, but I heard about 8 shots in the background and I saw his neck swollen up. When I went into the emergency he was stiff as a dog. I don't know where he got the licks, but I know that it was not a good lick. He dropped instantly on the ground and he was stiff as a dog. I don't know right now where my cousin stands."

Fuel Prices Spike; Cash-Strapped GOB Takes Bigger Tax Bite
World Fuel prices are at an 11 year low, but in Belize pump prices went up at midnight Premium went up by 72 cents per gallon or 8%, Regular went up by 97 cents or 13%, and Diesel went up by 81 cents, or 13% as well. And the reasons the local prices have spiked when world prices are declining is that Government says it needs a bigger tax bite to pay its bills. A government release says "the Import Duties on Premium Gasoline and Diesel Oil increased by 65 cents Belize per U.S. Gallon while the Import Duty on Regular Gasoline increased by 57 cents Belize per U.S. Gallon." And in a release today, the Ministry of Finance makes no bones about it, they need the money. The release says, quote, "this is a fiscal consolidation measure to strengthen public finances at the start of the new 2016 calendar year and also to compensate for the decline in revenues linked to the decline in domestic crude oil production." That's because BNE's Spanish Lookout oil field is almost depleted and has significantly reduced output.

OW: A Series Of Sex Crimes Involving Minors
Orange Walk police are investigating a number of sex crimes against minors. We start first with one that involves the molestation of a 5 year old boy. At 2:00 in the afternoon on boxing day, the boy's mother a House Wife of Trial Farm Village, woke up to the screams of her mother in law who alerted her that she had just caught a man sexually assaulting her 5 year old son. Quick police response has led to the detention of one suspect. Police were unable to say if the person is known to the family but we understand that authorities are preparing to levy charges against him. And, today, a 15 year old female minor of Orange Walk Town visited the Police station with her mother and reported to authorities that she had sexual intercourse with two individuals, on two separate occasions, over the course of two months. Assistant Superintendent Selwyn Tillett explained to us how they are moving forward in this delicate investigation. ASP Selwyn Tillette- O. C. Orange Walk Police "She reported that in the month of November this year, she had sexual intercourse with the male person. On the 24th December, this same year, she had sexual intercourse with another male person who kissed her and vamped her breast. The police are investigating this issue and people will be arrested and charge for this offence. Let me tell you, the girl is under the age of 16, whether she consent or not, she according to law she cannot consent. The law says that once she in under the age of 16 she cannot give consent."

Police Say "Angel" Is No Angel
Angel Ruiz will turn 24 on New Years Eve, but unfortunately, he'll be in jail for his birthday. That's because police have accused him of being in possession an unlicensed weapon. According to police, at around 2:45 p.m. on Christmas Day, they were on foot patrol at the corner of Orange and West Streets, and that's when they encountered Ruiz. According to the officers, he saw them coming, and threw away an object in front of him. The officers detained him, retrieved the item, and found out that it was .22 revolver with no serial number. They arrested and charged him with keeping an unlicensed firearm. He was arraigned today before Senior Magistrate Sharon Frazer, where he pleaded not guilty to the charge. He could not be granted bail, and so he was remanded to the Belize Central Prison until February 29, 2016.

A Legend In His Time, BQ Pitts Passes
A noted Belizean, Bernard Quentin Pitts - known as "BQ" - passed today. According to his son, Bernard Juniour, the 80 year old died of heart failure in Belize City after suffering a stroke last week, and then, a cardiac arrest on Saturday. Pitts - who was an attorney by training - held a long list of senior public posts under various UDP administrations - but most notably was an elected city councilor in the early 80's, and served as Speaker of the House from 1993 - to 1998, and Attorney General from 2010 to 2012. His son tells us that BQ worked his way up from a clerk of court to a magistrate and then an attorney. He practiced for almost 40 years, after going into semi retirement earlier this year. He earned multiple honours, most notably Commander of the British Empire, and fathered 9 children. No plans have yet been made for his funeral.

Motorbike Man Dies In Accident
A man on a motorbike was killed as the result of an accident on Christmas Eve. It happened at mile 43 on the southern highway before 9:00 in the morning. 58-year-old farmer Celestino Coc, was driving his Mazda pickup truck, and rounding the curve at mile 43, he collided with 27 year old Mynor Cruz who was coming from the opposite direction. Cruz crashed into the door of the pickup and his motorbike was found 108 feet from the pickup truck. Cruz survived the initial impact, but died at the KHMH on Christmas morning.

Newborn Gets A Christmas Miracle Of Life
On our Christmas Eve Newscast, we told you about the child from Corozal Town who was born with the birth defect called "esophageal atresia". That's an incomplete esophagus which does not connect to the stomach. If left untreated, it's a fatal disease because the baby will be unable to eat, swallow, or ingest nutrients. Infants afflicted by the condition to either starve to death or die from pneumonia brought on by saliva that they can't swallow. But baby Gismael will be spared from all of that because for his first Christmas, he was given the Gift of life. On Boxing Day, our news team was at the KHMH when the child was transported from the KHMH to the PGIA to be flown out by private jet to the US. Daniel Ortiz reports: Daniel Ortiz reporting Meet Baby Gismael Aban. He was born just a few days ago to first time parents who had been planning for his entry into their lives for months. Shamir Aban - Father "We are so happy. We love him so much." But, the parents are worried because he was born with a birth defect which is ordinarily fatal.

Channel 5

Police Constable Accused of Rape Positively Identified
Following an identification parade at midday today, Cayo Police are preparing the charge sheet for one of their own accused of a terrible and disturbing crime. Police Constable Luke Moreira [...]

Elderly Man Brutally Beaten in Home Invasion
In a sickening home invasion a Belize City elderly man is left in a coma and hospitalized at the K.H.M.H. Patrick Grant was violently attacked over the weekend and robbed [...]

OW Police Investigate Disturbing Incidents of Sexual Assault
There are other reports of sexual assaults coming out of the Orange Walk District tonight. A fifteen year old minor claims that on two occasions, Christmas Eve and on November [...]

Teenager Murdered at Boxing Day Horse Race
In Burrell Boom in the Belize District, a teenager was stabbed multiple times as many persons watched. Eighteen year old Lennox Pierez Flowers, a Belize City resident, travelled to the [...]

Police Investigate Vicious Killing of PG Resident
In the Toledo District…Was a bitter land dispute in San Pedro, Columbia the motive behind a grisly weekend murder?  The lifeless body of fifty-five-year-old Evaristo Bul was discovered by Punta [...]

Minor Clings to Life After City Shooting
Back to the city where a late afternoon shooting took place. A fifteen year old boy of a Pickstock Street address is tonight in critical condition at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital [...]

G.O.B. Increases Import Duties on Fuel…Pump Prices Spike
At midnight on Sunday, officially, pump prices for diesel, regular and premium fuel increased – diesel by eighty-one cents a gallon, regular by ninety-seven cents a gallon and premium by [...]

What Are Belizeans Saying About Fuel Increase
The release from government states that acquisition costs are expected to decline significantly in the coming weeks, in line with declining world oil prices. Pump prices are, consequently, expected to [...]

The Future of Petrocaribe is Uncertain
According to G.O.B.’s Financial Secretary, the increase in import duties has become necessary to stabilize government’s fiscal position which suddenly seems distinctly shaky. But why are consumers taking the hit? [...]

San Estevan Toddler Killed in Hit & Run Accident
There were several road traffic accidents over the weekend and there was loss of life in at least two instances.  The life of one-year-old Genesis Teresa Medina was cut short [...]

Alleged Drunken Driver Has License Revoked
Today in court, a B.T.L. employee, who pleaded guilty to crashing his SUV, had his license revoked for one year. The traffic accident happened within city limits on Sunday, December [...]

Elderly Statesman B.Q. Pitts Passes Away
Tonight, we record the death of a notable personality. Former Attorney General, Bernard Quentin Augustus Pitts, popularly known as B.Q. Pitts passed away over the holidays from complications due to cardiac [...]

Only U.D.P. Ministers Got Christmas Cheer
If you needed another indication that things are distinctly dread…Fin-Sec Joseph Waight confirmed that the much lauded Christmas Cheer program was handled very sparingly. In years past, U.D.P. Area Representatives [...]

San Pedro Mechanic Loses Everything in Fire
A San Pedro mechanic is tonight homeless after the wooden structure he once called home was gutted by fire. At about five o’clock on Sunday morning, thirty-four year old Ricardo [...]

Police United wins PLB Championship
Good evening, I’m James Adderley and here’s our closing show for the year 2015.   It was 2 days after Christmas and football was at its peak. The best 2 [...]

CTV3

Mexico Agree To Allow Cubans Passage To The US
Tonight it seems as if there is a solution for the 4,000 Cubans that have been stranded at the Costa Rica/ Nicaragua border since mid-November. International reports indicate that representatives of Central American nations, plus Ecuador, Cuba, Colombia and the US, addressed at a meeting in Mexico the situation of the thousands of stranded Cubans in Costa Rica in their effort to make it to US territory. And after over six weeks of waiting in anticipation, the Cubans have finally received good news from the Mexican government. According to Costa Rican Minister, Manuel Gonzalez, Mexico has agreed to allow the Cubans to enter Mexican territory to travel across to the US. Gonzalez also said that the US authorities have decided to accept the Cubans who make it to their borders based on the dry-feet, wet-feet policy.

Fuel Price Increase In Belize And Declines In Mexico
And while fuel prices increase in Belize, in neighboring countries including Mexico prices are declining. In January the price for gasoline and diesel will decline in Mexico as a result of energy reform scheme and fuel prices approved by the Congress The price of Magna gasoline will be down 41 cents per liter, while the premium will see a decrease of 40 cents, and diesel will see a 43 cents decrease in accordance with market conditions. In addition, the tax on automotive fuels (STPS) will be a fixed amount per liter of fuel, which is the way it is set in most countries and serves to promote competition and avoid the creation subsidies relapsing. The approval scheme applied in the cities of the northern border, which prevents there is a sustained difference in fuel prices between Mexico and the United States.

5 Year Old Allegedly Sexually Assaulted
And why police have charged the person responsible for baby Genesis death, police are also looking into a case of alleged sexual assault that occurred over the weekend involving a five year old boy. Selvin Tillett – Assistant Superintendent of Police “On Saturday December 26th at about 4:15pm, a Belizean housewife of Trial Farm village, Orange Walk reported that sometime around 2pm the same date she was awaken by a shout of her mother-in-law who told her that she has a caught a man in the process of sexually assaulting her 5 year old son, police are investigating the issue and a male person has been in question pending charges .” Reporter “Is the all edge perpetrator known to police as maybe a trouble person that goes around and trying to perpetuate this crime against minors?” Selvin Tillett – Assistant Superintendent of Police “Well, not at this moment and no we don’t have a report against him and he is from Orange Walk.”

Former Sepaker Of The House Of Representatives Passes
As a result of suffering from a stroke last week, Bernard Quentin Augustus Pitts Sr passed away today at about 10:40 this morning. Mr Pitts was a well-known criminal attorney by training, and had been involved in politics under the UDP administration. During the 1990’s, he became a speaker of the House of Representatives and was the first person to be appointed for the post of Attorney General despite not being an elected representative. Pitts received multiple honours during his lifetime and was the senior partner in the law firm of Pitts and Elrington along with the current Minister of Foreign Affairs Hon. Wilfred Elrington. Pitts has left behind his wife Valda, law partner Sharon Pitts-Robateau, son Bernard Quentin its Jr and several other children to mourn his death. No plans have been arranged as yet for Mr. Pitts’ funeral.

PUC Rejects BEL's Request For Increase In Electricity Rates
On Friday December 11th, 2015, the Belize Electricity Limited made a submission to the Public Utilities Commission, requesting that the Mean Electricity Rate be raised from $0.35 per KWh to $0.3885 per kWh in order to recover the variance in the Cost of Power by the end of the 2012-2016 Full Tariff Period. BEL claimed that the cost of Power had been underestimated due to lower rates from the Comision Federal de Electricidad (CFE) in Mexico. News tonight is that PUC, however, has denied the request by making no approval of an increase. In a release issued by the commission it states and we quote “The Commission hereby approves no adjustments to the Mean Electricity Rate and Tariffs previously approved for the period January 1, 2016 to June 30, 2016 and hereby orders the Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) to levy the currently approved Tariffs in respect of the relevant services it is licensed to provide.” End quote.

LOVE FM

Elderly Man Assaulted in His Home
Two persons entered the home of an elderly man on Sunday morning and savagely assaulted him. Renee Trujillo has the story. RENEE TRUJILLO REPORTING “This is the home of an elderly man whose home was burglarized early Sunday morning just after two o’clock. The robber or robbers got into the home and reportedly assaulted the […]

Bernard Q.A. Pitts Sr Passes
Bernard Quentin Pitts Senior passed away early this morning. Pitts served Belize in many different professions. Pitts was born in 1935 and was from Mullins River. Pitts went to school and studied law at University of the West Indies at the age of thirty five. In January of 1977 he started his own law firm. […]

Murder in Castleton Park Claims Teenager’s Life
Ladyville Police believe that the fatal stabbing of eighteen year old Lennox Piereze Flowers is gang related. However, his family believes otherwise, saying that Flowers was a well behaved young man who worked two jobs and was not involved in any gang activity. Flowers was stabbed by three men at an after party in Burrell […]

Elderly Man Shot on Christmas Night
At about nine thirty on Christmas night, police were called out to Croton Lane in the Saint Martin’s de Porres area in Belize City where a shooting occurred. Love News understands that, 56-year-old, Harrison Crawford of a Flamboyant Street address was walking down the street when he was approached by two males on bicycle. One […]

Teenager Escapes Death in Roaring Creek Village
A shooting incident in Roaring Creek Village, Cayo District has left a community concerned. We hear more in this report from correspondent Fem Cruz. FEM CRUZ “A 19 year old man of Roaring Creek village escaped by the skin of his teeth after he was shot at ten times. According to an eyewitness on Sunday, […]

Fire Consumes Structures and Vehicles on Ambergris Caye
Fire fighters on Ambergris Caye were at the scene of a fire just before six o’clock on Sunday, December 27 in the Escalante sub-division area on the island. Reports reaching Love News are that a 34-year-old mechanic, Ricardo Valladarez was awoken at around five on Sunday morning by the smell of smoke. Further inspection led […]

Woman Fabricates Story of Sexual Assault
Yesterday we told you of a case of rape that was being investigated by Belmopan police after a woman went in to make a statement. After investigations, however, the investigators found that the woman fabricated her story and there was no case of rape or sexual assault. As a result, the woman was charged with […]

Belizean Farmer and Belgian National Go Missing
Local authorities are asking for the public’s assistance in the cases of two missing persons. The first missing person is a 44-year-old Belizean farmer of Saint Margaret’s Village in the Cayo District. Nedy Arnuldo Aldana was reported missing by his wife, 46-year-old, Martha Odelia Aldana who told investigators that her husband was last seen on […]

Finance Ministry Explains Hike in Pump Prices
Over the weekend we told you of the gas prices at the pump taking an increase at midnight on Sunday. It is an announcement that has many questioning the reasons behind the raise considering that world prices are at an all-time low. An explanation was forthcoming from the Government of Belize today, via a press […]

Breaking Belize News

City man pleads guilty to traffic offences
23 year old Rasheed Pollard, a customer care service representative for Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL), has pleaded guilty to driving a motor vehicle without due care and attention and failure to provide specimen. Pollard was responsible for a traffic mishap in the city limits on […]

Purse theft lands woman in court
A Belize City domestic is out on bail after she was accused of stealing $80 from inside another woman’s purse as the woman was socializing at a shop in the city. 45 year old Jacqueline Williams of Dean Street, Belize City, is accused of stealing $80 […]

Angel Ruiz charged for firearm offences
Twenty-three year old Angel Ruiz, a construction worker of the corner of Seagull Street and Raccoon Street, will be 24 on December 31, and it is more than likely that he will spend his birthday behind bars. Ruiz was remanded into custody until February 29, 2016 when […]

Man charged for attempted burglary
Thirty-five year old Mark Brown, a laborer who allegedly tried to burglarize the dwelling house of Elizabeth Williams yesterday, was denied bail and was remanded into custody when he appeared today before Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser and pleaded not guilty to a charge of attempted […]

Teenager shot in Belize City
Around 4:30 this evening in Belize City a teenager was shot. The 15 year old, whose name we will withhold for the time being, was injured while standing at the corner of Pickstock Street and New Road. Eyewitnesses and residents of the area say his attackers were […]

Motorcyclist dies on Christmas morning after tragic accident
A traffic accident on the outskirts of Bella Vista village early Thursday morning, seriously injured and ultimately ended the life of 27-year-old revenue collector, Mynor Cruz of Belmopan City, who died at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) on Christmas morning. Police responded to […]

Woman arrested and charged for false rape report
Belmopan Police launched an investigation into the report of a rape by a 24-year-old Honduran woman, which ironically ended in her being arrested and charged. Authorities say the report turned out to be false and she was consequently arrested and charged for committing mischievous act. […]

Roaring Creek police investigate attempted murder of local teen
Police are investigating a shooting incident that happened last night in Roaring Creek village, Cayo District, which could have easily taken the life of 19-year-old farmer, Ari Vanzie as he rode through the village. The teenager told police that around 8:30 p.m., he was […]

One to be charged for discharging firearm after refusing to pay restaurant tab
Rafael Jacob is currently at the Western Regional Hospital under police guard while receiving treatment for injuries sustained during a fight at Rivera Restaurant and Bar in Belmopan City last night. Police were called to the establishment sometime after 9:30 p.m. and were told […]

B.Q. Pitts, attorney and politician, dies at 89
Bernard Quentin Augustus Pitts, Sr., has died at the age of 89, after suffering a reported stroke last week. Pitts was a noted criminal attorney in private practice but his greater contribution to Belize has been in politics. He was a Speaker of the […]

Punta Gorda murder leaves police clueless
A murder in the Toledo District last night has left Punta Gorda (PG) Police with no suspects in the chopping death of a Columbia Village resident. That village, located approximately 20 miles outside of PG Town, was the center of national news late last year […]

Fair weather expected to continue
The National Meteorological Service of Belize is predicting mostly sunny skies with little or no rainfall today, becoming cloudy at times tonight with a few showers mostly over northern and some coastal areas. Winds will be blowing from the East-Southeast at 10-20 knots with […]

The future of the UDP
The United Democratic Party (UDP) is still riding a wave of unprecedented political success in Belize. It made history in November winning three consecutive general elections with its leader Prime Minister Dean Barrow at the helm, who also made history by becoming the first three-consecutive […]

Belmopan police investigate possible sexual assault
A 29-year-old man is detained pending an investigation after a 24-year-old Honduran woman from Belmopan reported to police that she may have been sexually assaulted. According to police report, the 24-year-old was fast asleep after socializing with friends the night before when sometime around 1:00 a.m. she woke to […]

Blogs

2015: What a Year To Be in Belize! Part Two
I had a great year…and saw lots of changes. The road north is changing San Pedro for sure…Placencia is seeing development galore AND a cruise ship terminal just a few miles off their shores. Caye Caulker…new bar ownership at the Split and lots of construction. Change! I ended Part One barely into the month of March. And I still haven’t hit the two HUGE bucket list items that I finally ticked off this year – the ATM Cave and the Blue Hole. Let’s get moving. I started March with a super cool visit to the northern tip of Caye Caulker – where HL Dole is building, what he calls, the Estuary. Beautiful wooden walk-ways over mangroves and lagoons and…crocs. You can visit – just check the link above. There was drama over the Palapa Bar – the new owner (who seems somewhat devilish) and Scott and Jodie. Usually a discussion works better… But then…what do I know.

San Ignacio Police Department Fund Raising a Huge Success!
We reported earlier this month that Chaa Creek Cares Program joined hands with the San Ignacio Police Department fund raising efforts for well needed funds to aid police operations in the Cayo District. Today we are very excited to inform our readers and followers that all 100 raffle tickets were sold at $20.00 each. The raffle draw took place at St Andrews School on December 22nd, students of the school had the privilege of selecting the lucky winner of this exceptional Eco-lux prize.

Coconut Mango Crisp
Place mango slices in a buttered baking dish. Sprinkle with white sugar and cinnamon. Cream brown sugar and butter. Add egg, vanilla, coconut milk and coconut. Stir in flour and oats. Spread batter over mangos. Bake at 375 degrees for 55 minutes or until golden brown. Serves 4 to 6.

International Sources

Bird photo wins top picture in RSPCA award
WILL Jenkins, a 13-year-old photographer from Highbury, north London, has won the RSPCA’s prestigious Young Photographer of the Year award with Beak, a close-up shot of a Brown Pelican. The stunning image beat off stiff competition from thousands of entries. The panel of judges – made up of wildlife photographers and industry experts led by Chris Packham – said they picked the star photo because of the detail and skill that was shown in the image and because the focus was on the bird’s beak, it’s most iconic feature. Will commented: “I am really shocked to win this award. It is a lovely feeling and I am really proud of my picture. I wasn’t expecting to win as all the photos are great. I am really, really pleased. “My picture is a close-up of a pelican hanging out on a wooden pier in Belize, showing his brightly coloured beak tip and feathers. It took me half an hour to stalk this pelican and build up his trust so I could get close enough to see the detail.”

Consolidated Water Co. Ltd. (CWCO) Trading 3% Higher
Consolidated Water Co. Ltd. (NASDAQ:CWCO) shares traded up 3% on Monday , AnalystRatings.Net reports. The stock traded as high as $12.99 and last traded at $12.99, with a volume of 58,970 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $12.61. Several brokerages have recently commented on CWCO. Roth Capital reaffirmed a “buy” rating on shares of Consolidated Water Co. in a report on Sunday, December 20th. Zacks Investment Research cut shares of Consolidated Water Co. from a “hold” rating to a “sell” rating in a report on Thursday, November 12th. The company has a 50-day moving average of $11.56 and a 200 day moving average of $11.79. The firm has a market cap of $193.52 million and a P/E ratio of 28.52.

Videos

December 28, 2015

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

Letter to the Editor: DentaVac responds to Barbara Madden
Dear Editor: Dr. Hall was not a clinical dentist in Costa Rica or DentaVac but was at the clinic and only spoke with patients and answering emails and phone calls. He has 20+ years in dentistry and very knowledgeable. He was completely in a communication position with patients. Dr. Hall and DentaVac mutually agreed to part amicably without any hard feelings. He was not fired as this troubled patient suggested. As it relates to Barbara Madden (she provided her name), Dr. Hall did not do any of the clinic work. She agreed with the design prior to fabrication and signed the chart that she accepted the veneers before cementing. She complained in her blog about her posterior bite and trigeminal nerve damage….we did not perform ANY posterior dental work on her….only anterior teeth. She went to a dentist in Colorado and the report was sent to us. The report said the veneers looked great and were not involved in her posterior problem that needed calibrated.

Officers from the Belize Forest Department and San Pedro Police Formation receive hands-on training from ACES
On December 1st thru the 3rd, 2015, four Belize Forest Department (BFD) Wildlife Officers, Edgar Correa, Minerva Gonzalez, Mercedes Valdez and Erwin Gillette, spent three days addressing wildlife concerns and laws in Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker. The evening of Dec. 1st, the four Wildlife Officers, along with two police officers from the San Pedro Police Department joined the American Crocodile Education Sanctuary (ACES) on one of their evening crocodile research excursions. Belize’s Crocodile Expert and ACES’s Co-Founder, Vince Rose, and ACES’s crocodile conservationist Chris Summers shared pertinent crocodile biology and behavior facts with the enthusiastic officers. ACES has been humanely tagging crocodiles with Pro-ID microchips for an ongoing population distribution study since 2008. To date, over 500 crocodiles in Belize have been tagged providing pertinent scientific data and enabling the identification of problematic crocodiles for relocation, or captivity, to ensure human safety. On December 2nd, the BFD and ACES visited the Estuary of Caye Caulker, a culture interpretive center with nature trails through a mangrove lagoon. The BFD had received reports that there was possibly illegal crocodile feedings taking place. However, along the beautiful nature trail over the lagoon there were clearly signs warning the public against this activity. ACES looks forward to working with the Estuary at Caye Caulker and assisting in training their guides about Belize’s crocodiles under the direction of the Belize Forest Department.

Wolfe’s Woofer: Why Shoot?
“Mr. Dennis, will you go to court with me?” Mario asked. “I need you for a witness about my character.” “I suppose I could be a character witness for you,” I told him. “Why do you need a character witness?” “The resort where I been working says I stole some tools from them. I didn’t steal any tools. I just borrowed them and somebody stole them from me. I don’t think that’s stealing, do you?” “It sounds a lot like it,” I said. Mario asked, “When I used to work for you did I ever steal anything?” “I’m not sure,” I said. “You borrowed a lot of money and tools that I never got back.”

Police Report
Drug Trafficking: On Sunday, December 20th at 9:40AM, police visited a water taxi located on the beach front, San Pedro Town where they intercepted 18-year-old Saul Rodas carrying a white box containing 428.5 grams of Cannabis. Police have since arrested and charged Saul Rodas of San Mateo Area for the offence of “Drug Trafficking.”
Theft: On Thursday, December 17th at around 10:13AAM, 23-year-old Sheila Alexis Eiley reported to the San Pedro Police Station that on Friday, November 27th she went to pick up her 4-year-old daughter from school, when she noticed that her gold chain with a red ruby stone medal, valued at $1,000BZ was missing. Eiley mentioned she questioned the teacher about it, but the teacher told her she didn’t notice when the child dropped it or where she misplaced it, and that she would search to see if it fell in the classroom. On Thursday, December 7th, Eiley went to pick up her daughter at school, when again, she noticed another gold chain with a gold frog medal valued at $1,500BZ was missing from around her daughter’s neck.

Doctor Love: Relationships
Dear Doctor Love, I met a man in a chat room on the internet. He comes down to Belize on business on the weekdays and stays in the U.S. weekends and holidays. We got together six months ago. At first we were seeing each other two or three nights every week. Then, because of the pressures of his job we started averaging two days a week and then one day. Last month all of a sudden he disappeared. No phone calls, texts or chatting. I know he is still here every week because a friend of mine works at the same company where he works. She believes that he has found another woman. When I asked her why she thinks that is true she said it is just a feeling she has. I finally got an email last night from him saying that he just can’t handle a relationship at this time. He wished me the best of luck and boom, that was it. I was just devastated. Is this the normal way men get out of a relationship? /s/ Feeling Stupid,

Misc Belizean Sources

Help send Rebecca (SanPedroScoop) to India!
Rebecca is trying to get an invite for a writer trip/tour to Kerala India. It would be AWESOME. It's the third year it's being held... an event called the "Kerala Blog Express" where they invite 20-30 writers for a two week trip. Selection is based on a review of one's work, social media following and also... votes. What Rebecca does with her blog is truly great. She works tirelessly at it and with a great voice and perspective, manages to capture a lot of what is really unique and special about this country. I'd love to read about Kerala through her eyes. This is the link people can go to for voting... takes but a second. http://keralablogexpress.com/index.php/user/single_participant/421 Voting ends the 31st!!!!

SAN PEDRO FIRE DEPARTMENT RELEASE
At about 5:00am Sunday December 27th Ricardo Valladarez, 34yrs mechanic of Escalante sub division same street as W & W Supermarket woke up by the smell of smoke when he noticed the inside of the house was on fire. The house is a plycem and wooden building 24X 26 with a garage and a store room 10X10 to the back also three vehicles that was on repair was damage . The house and store room was totally destroyed by fire department responded at 5:45am to location and ran out of water, the house and contents were not insured.

Belize Wildlife & Referral Clinic Newsletter
Happy Holidays and All the Best for 2016 with our first BWRC Newsletter. Enjoy the annual report for 2015 and let us know what you think.

Buffalo Wing Monday
Buffalo Monday... $1 wings at the Lazy Lizard, all day, every Monday. Chef Rey says come and get messy at the Split!!!Location : Lazy Lizard at the Split. Date: December 28, 2015. Time: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm

Rotaract Christmas Food Drive
The Rotaract Club of Benque Viejo did their 2nd annual Christmas Food Drive, and it was a huge success. They've delivered 61 baskets of much needed groceries to families in need. Thanks, Rotaract! "This is our 2nd Annual Christmas Food. Families with financial need from Benque Viejo Town and San Jose Succotz Village were given food baskets on Sunday, December 20, 2015. Among the recipients were single mothers, elderly, disabled persons, and families going through illness. Approximately 40 baskets were distributed on Sunday. In total, we have 61 food baskets which are being distributed this week to assist families during the Christmas season."

The Reporter

Fuel prices going up!
Belizeans can expect higher fuel prices for the new year, following confirmed reports that the price of all three types of fuel will be going up this week. Sources have informed The Reporter that the price for a gallon of premium gasoline will increase from $8.58 to $9.30, an increase of 72 cents. Regular goes up by 97 cents from $8.51 to $9.23, and diesel increases by 81 cents, from $6.41 to$7.22. The new prices are scheduled to be introduced at 12 a.m. on Tuesday December 29. The price increase notably corresponds with falling prices of oil on the world market, which should translate into eventually lower prices at the pumps for consumers. The Telegraph in the United Kingdom reported last week that the price per barrel for oil on the international market ranged between US$34.04 and US$36.35 per barrel; a considerable fall from the US$115 in years prior. Earlier this year, Belize made the list of the top five Caribbean countries where fuel is most expensive, ranking at fifth place on a list of 15 countries. The list, compiled with data from the Caribbean Statistics and Data Services institute, said that Belize has one of the highest per capita gasoline consumption rates in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and fuel imports equalled 15.22 percent of its merchandise imports in 2013.

CARICOM reducing hunger and undernourishment, says FAO
A new report issued by the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) says that Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries are making good strides in their global targets in reducing hunger and under-nutrition. The FAO’s “The State of Food Insecurity in the CARICOM Caribbean 2015" report, released this week, showed that the number of undernourished persons in the Caribbean declined from 8.1 million in 1990-92, to 7.5 million in 2014-16. The reduction represents a 7.2 percent decrease, from 27 percent to 19.2 percent. The report also said that three Caribbean Community countries: Barbados, Guyana and St Vincent and the Grenadines, had met both the World Food Summit (WFS) hunger reduction goal set in 1996 and the hunger reduction target of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), agreed upon in 2000. Four countries were also shown to have undernourishment levels of less than ten percent; they are Trinidad and Tobago, Dominica, Bahamas, Belize, and Jamaica. In contrast, the remaining CARICOM nations registered undernourishment levels of between 10-20 percent, and Haiti was found to be the furthest behind, with undernourishment levels of almost 50 percent.

Police detain man for raping ex-girlfriend in her sleep
Belmopan police have detained a 29 year-old man pending charges after his ex-girlfriend reported that he raped her in her sleep. The 24 year-old Honduran wan who resides in Belmopan reported to police that sometime after 1:00 a.m. on Boxing Day (December 26th) while she was at home sleeping, she woke up to someone touching her and she noticed that her pants and underwear were removed. The woman said that just prior to that she had heard her roommate shouting her ex-boyfriend’s name, and that she realized he was at her house as well. Confused by the fact of what was happening, coupled with her inebriated state from drinking prior to that, the woman said she got up and ran outside for help, but a medical exam at the Western Regional Hospital determined that she had already been raped.

Breaking Belize News

Christmas morning brawl in Punta Gorda leaves one hospitalized
Amidst the celebration on Christmas Eve and early Christmas morning, violence erupted outside a nightclub in Punta Gorda (PG) when a man was stabbed multiple times and had to be transported to the PG Hospital emergency room for treatment. Reports are that sometime around […]

Fatal stabbing at dance following Boxing Day horse racing
Teenager Lennox Flowers of Belize City was the victim of a fatal stabbing incident just after 9 p.m. in Burrell Boom Village, Belize District. He was attending a paid and organized entertainment event at the Castleton Park, near the race track in Burrell Boom. The […]

Blogs

A WINDY Boxing Day Walk North: From Costa Blu to X’tan Ha Resort on North Ambergris Caye
I am worried about the beaches! The winds have been up to 30 mph for the past 4 or 5 days…and will continue a bit. While the weather has been clear and sunny, THE WIND! Great for sailing, bar hopping, pool lounging, kite boarding but tough for other activities. Small craft advisories (boats) and warnings are in effect. I took a drive…and then a walk northward. Miles 6 and 7 on Ambergris Caye. Boxing Day. Here’s what I saw. Costa Blu Resort – the old Costa Maya Resort (that closed maybe 4 years ago) – is looking fantastic. How you all had a fabulous Christmas and Boxing Day and are weathering the winds. I was headed back down the Mata Grande Grocery Store for an iced cold Coke Light.

The Best Place for Cave Swimming in Toledo Belize
Blue Creek in Toledo Belize is a popular adventure place for many tourists. Get to know some of the sights and activities that await you in this adventure vacation in Belize. The lush forest of the preserve is home to huge orchids, bromeliads, heliconias and cohune palms, with numerous vines weaving their way through the jungle and a guided hike to reveal numerous medicinal plants. This place is home to so many birds, including the keel-billed toucan, and you can hear the distinct roar of howler monkeys a short distance away. These monkeys are popular in the country, and are named because of the loud howls that they make. Blue Creek is also home to the Hokeb Ha Cave. This cave features a large entrance from the summit of a hill where the creek gurgles up right from underground. Many Late Classic Maya ceramics have been found inside the cave and an altar. Archaeologists believe that the cave was specifically used for ceremonial purposes. Continuing upstream from the Center’s dock, you clamber on the rocks of a dry creek bed to reach the river emerging from the cave. The limestone caves are teeming with pristine crystal-clear mineral pools and lagoons, with a constant water temperature of 75 degrees. With headlights and life jackets, you can swim into the cave and visit a couple more waterfalls, and enjoy the view of the stunning stalagmites and stalactites. Although not recommended, it is possible to visit the cave all on your own, and although the calm water at the main entrance is great for swimming for most of the year, heavy rains can cause a sudden rise in water levels. You have to be accompanied by a guide if you want to explore the inside of the cave system. You can arrange this either at the Research Center or in the village.

Split Peas Dhal With Salted Pigtail
You can soak the split peas overnight in cool water for faster cooking time. Traditionally at the end of cooking toasted geera (cumin) seeds are added to the dhal for an enhanced flavor. I’m not a fan of geera, so you’ll notice that I didn’t add any to my pot of dhal. The salted pigtial should be enough to ‘salt’ this dish, but do taste near the end of cooking and adjust accordingly. The first thing we’ve got to do is to remove some of the salt from the pieces of pig tail (trust me, salted pig tails are very salty). BTW I cut the pieces of pig tail into 1-1.5 inch pieces, then placed them in a pot with water. As it came to a boil I reduced the heat and allowed it to go on a rolling boil for about 20-25 minutes. The idea is to get the pieces a bit tender and remove some of the salt it’s been cured with. Drain, rinse under cool water a couple times and get ready to add to the main pot with the other ingredients.

Pay or Die: The Crisis facing the Medical Industry in Belize By: Aria Lightfoot
Like a recurring nightmare, almost every week in the media, victims of serious medical problems are asking for donations from the Belizean population to assist with medical care. Many need long term life saving surgeries, cancer treatments, kidney treatments, or some major medical intervention. Treatments can cost upward in hundreds of thousands of dollars to a million dollars for effective lifesaving measures to take effect. It plays out as a desperate last ditch attempt from victims to save their lives; and in reality, the public could never realistically sponsor these cases unless of course there is some major overhaul in how we administer medical care to the public. I recall my mother’s own plight with the Belize medical system. She initially received medical treatment in Houston and Canada because of help of her sisters but when she returned to Belize, I recall Dr. Pott telling my aunt that he would not “waste his time” to treat her (as he had promised the Canadian doctor he would) because she was going to die anyway. My aunt was devastated and in tears desperate for some medical intervention. It was the Belmopan community, her family, friends, church members and nurse Johnson, who helped my mother transition into the next world. A few years later, my aunt lost her healthy baby boy at the Belize City Hospital, because she did not use the private hospital system. Her baby had a healthy heart beat at the doctors office however, he did not practice at the public hospital and when she went into labor, neglectful nurses were not around when her baby began to crown and the doctor who was expected to be there, was absent. It was a series of unfortunate events. The baby was perfectly formed except he was blue. When I was pregnant, my aunt gave me money so that I did not have my son at the public hospital. She did not want a similar fate and treatment for me…my medical care was excellent.

International Sources

Jomo and his trombone
DON’T LET JOMO SLUSHER’S SMALL SIZE fool you, he plays one of the baddest horns in the land – the trombone. Why is it the baddest? According to music writer Nick Coleman: “Trombones are difficult, awkward even. In a world that prizes compactness, speed and flexibility, trombones are slow, cumbersome and not awfully flexible. Trombonists need to be fit. They need good joints, jaws, strength, stamina. Trombones do power, they do grandeur, they do riffs, they do brooding, they do tearing calico.” Jomo was born in Belize and raised in Barbados with an older brother (“my father is from Belize and my mother is from Trinidad so I did not grow up in a typical Bajan household”). Past student of Louis Lynch Secondary and Combermere, he has an assosicate degree from the Barbados Community College’s music programme. Jomo grew up with parents who were big music enthusiasts, exposing him to many different genres, but jazz was what he heard the most.

Trinidad and Tobago Central Bank Governor fired
Embattled Governor of the Central Bank Jwala Rambarran has been fired after weeks of controversy surrounding his announcement that the twin-island republic is officially in a recession and disclosing the names of companies that are the biggest foreign exchange buyers. Former bank deputy governor Alvin Hilaire has been named as his replacement. Rambarran was sent home on a recommendation from Cabinet, Minister of Finance Colm Imbert said. Acting president Christine Kangaloo signed off on the dismissal in the absence of President Anthony Carmona who is overseas. “Cabinet took the decision after very careful deliberations,” Imbert said. The minister was among those who harshly criticized Rambarran for the statements he made as he addressed the Fifth Monetary Policy Forum on December 4. He said the Governor was “discourteous” for making the announcement before communicating the situation to government first, in keeping with the Central Bank Act.

CARICOM countries show progress in meeting global hunger targets
The State of Food Insecurity in the CARICOM Caribbean 2015 Report, published yesterday by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), shows progress in the Caribbean region in reducing undernourishment and towards meeting global targets. The number of undernourished persons in the Caribbean declined from 8.1 million in 1990-92, to 7.5 million in 2014-16. The proportion of undernourished persons declined from 27 per cent to 19.8 per cent during the same period. Three Caribbean Community countries – Barbados, Guyana and St Vincent and the Grenadines – met both the World Food Summit (WFS) hunger reduction goal set in 1996 and the hunger reduction target of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), agreed upon in 2000. Additionally, Dominica, Bahamas, Belize, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago all have undernourishment levels less than 10 per cent of their population. Despite this encouraging progress, the FAO said, the remaining countries in the region register undernourishment levels between 10 and 20 per cent, with the exception of Haiti, which has extremely high levels of undernourishment that affect close to 50 per cent of the population.

Zika virus confirmed in Martinique, PAHO reports
Martinique has become the latest Caribbean island to report the Zika virus (ZIKV), according to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). In its latest epidemiological report, for the week of December 20 to 26, PAHO added Martinique as well as the French overseas territory of Guiana to the list of countries where there have been confirmed cases of the mosquito-borne virus. It did not give any details about the number of cases or status of the patients. Suriname remains the only Caribbean Community (CARICOM) territory on the list.

Videos

December 27, 2015

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

Fisheries Department to implement Managed Access Program
Belize’s marine resources are some of the country’s best assets, but they have faced several challenges over the years. An income-producing activity that uses marine resources is fishing, and while many Belizean fishermen practice sustainable fishing methods, there are still concerns regarding the practice. As such, the Belize Fisheries Department has taken on the Fishing Managed Access Program which aims at ending open access to resources across Belize’s marine ecosystems by licensed commercial fishermen. Open access fishing allows licensed fishermen to harvest marine species (that are not protected by law) unrestrictedly, and this has resulted in overfishing, causing populations of certain species to decline over the years.

SHINE Graduates seven empowered young ladies
A second group of young ladies have completed the SHINE (Shaping Healthy Identities through Nurturing and Empowerment) youth enrichment program and are now equipped to face the world with confidence, strength and morale. They are Aaliyah Pilgrim, Nicole Dunn, Charity Palacio, Jayda Gongora, Samara Ayuso, Lorena Baustillo, and Alexandria Deshield who were honored on Sunday, December 20th during a short graduation ceremony. The girls had started the program led by founder Michelle Nuñez on Saturday, October 10th. The SHINE program consisted of the participants partaking in six lessons with the topics being self-esteem/ self-confidence, body image, sexual risk behavior, drugs and alcohol, decision making and communication skills and future goals and ambitions. As part of the program, the participants also took part in several extracurricular activities such as a photoshoot with Karen Brodie, Capoeira class with Marisa Tellez-Kohlman, Cardio Dance Club session with Gerry Badillo and a dinner banquet with On Eagles Wings Ministries. “It was a fantastic three months for the girls. I would like to extend a big thank you to Miss San Pedro Iris Salguero as she was an amazing help throughout the program. Finally, once again, I congratulate the girls and wish them the very best,” said Nuñez.

The ICJ rules in favor of Costa Rica in border dispute with Nicaragua. How this does reflect on Belize?
For five long years Costa Rica and Nicaragua have been engaged in negotiations regarding a territorial dispute along their borders. The case was taken to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), where its final ruling was heard on Wednesday, December 16th, with the verdict in favor of Costa Rica. The ruling is binding and final, and even though the ICJ cannot enforce its decision, both countries had previously agreed to respect the court’s ruling. It is certainly a subject of interest, as Belize and Guatemala have a long standing territorial dispute, two neighboring Central American countries as well. Both countries’ leaders have expressed a desire to take the territorial dispute to the ICJ for a solution. After the result between Nicaragua and Costa Rica, is Belize ready to gamble? In the case of our Central American neighbors, the dispute was centered on Costa Rica’s free navigation and Nicaragua’s sovereign control over the San Juan River. The dispute also extended to the area known as Calero Island as referred to by Costa Rica, or Harbor Head as known to Nicaraguans, which the ICJ officially declared belonging to Costa Rica.

Top Shatta are the champs of the Christmas 8-ball Pool Tournament
The first ever Christmas 8-ball Pool tournament on the island, held its finals on Sunday, December 20th at Average Joe’s Sports Bar. Four of the eight registered teams made it to the third round of games, competing for the coveted championship of the tournament. SandBar Ballers, Un-expected, AJ Shootaz, and Top Shatta gave their all in the last round of the competition. After a series of heated games, team Top Shatta emerged as the champion of the tournament, claiming the grand prize of $1,000 plus five cases of beer. The teams were challenged to win the best out of seven games in order to claim their prizes. Each team consisted of three players, and shortly after 3PM the first matches for the third place between SandBar Ballers and AJ’s Shootaz tipped off. SandBar Ballers began taking the lead in the first game and at some point, it looked like they were going to win the first four games required to win. However, AJ’s Shootaz rallied and walked away with the third place title, $300 and a case of beer. Following the third place championship, it was time for the first place title match, which was between Team Un-expected and Team Top Shatta! Fans for both teams cheered loudly for their players. Un-expected was no match for Top Shatta, however, as Top Shatta quickly won the best of out of seven games and was crowned as the champion for the Christmas 8-ball Pool Tournament for 2015. Team Un-expected graciously accepted their second place title with a prize of $500 and three cases of beer.

Misc Belizean Sources

Patrick E. Jones diagnosed with Acute Pancreatitis
Ok I just spoke to Patrick's Daughter Kimberly Locke she says Patrick E. Jones has been diagnosed with Acute Pancreatitis and needs surgey ASAP. He checked himself out of loma Luz hospital today! Not Good! Please Please help with Donations if you can. Patrick E. Jones needs all the help he can get. We all know Patrick gives everything he has for his fellow man. -- #650-2-2-301597 Belize Bank. I just spoke to Patrick he is very weak! He is at home on a special diet awaiting SURGERY. The doctors say he needs to build up his strength before he has surgery. Jesus I hate our medical system and our basic lack of knowledge of our bodies. This man needs some proper care and fast!

**Second** Friday of January Tres Cocos Trash Pick Up
Friday, January 8, 2016at 9 AM - 11 AM. This January ONLY, we'll be doing our monthly roadside and beach clean up on the 2nd Friday of the month. Please join us at the Paradise Theatre (just north of the bridge) as we start the new year off by cleaning up our neighborhood! Locals, expats and tourists are all invited to help out and show some Isla Love! Please be there by 9:00 am :-)

Trivia Night!
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 & Grill, Date: December 27, 2015, Time: 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm

Dec. 13th – Dec. 19th, 2015 Belize Fishing Report
While the weather was all over the place with winds sometimes challenging the anglers, the fish were there and showed. Bonefish in good numbers, some nice permit and even a duo for a father and son team, and some smaller tarpon that put on airial acrobatic shows and challenge you to do everything right. With a nice slam to top it off. What fun!

The Reporter

Inflation down, says SIB
The latest data from the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB) shows that the average prices for goods and services in Belize had decreased for the month of November. The SIB’s Consumer Price Index, released this past week, showed that prices were 1.2 percent, or an average or $1.20 cheaper than they were last year. The All-Items Consumer Price Index fell to 102.6 in November 2015 from 103.9. The “Transport” category, contributed the most to the overall of the price drops, showing a decrease of almost 10 percent. The costs per gallon of premium and regular gasoline were down by 25 percent and 27 percent, respectively, while diesel declined by 24 percent in comparison to 2014. International airfares were 37 percent lower than during the same month last year. The SIB attributed the decrease to falling world oil prices coupled with the recent increase in the number of carriers and flights travelling to and from Belize.

“Lifestyle choices, not bad luck, greatest cause of cancer”, new study says
A new study suggests that lifestyle choices are more responsible for people developing cancer than random genetic mutation. The study, done by researchers at the Stony Brook Cancer Center in New York, U.S.A., was released this month in the online journal Nature. Researchers employed several techniques to gather data including: computer modelling, population data and genetic approaches, to conclude that between 70-90 percent of the risk was due to external factors. Dr Yusuf Hannun, the director of Stony Brook explained to the international media that the research results put greater responsibility in the hands of people to mitigate their risk factors by making necessary lifestyle changes. “They can’t smoke and say its bad luck if they have cancer. It is like a revolver, intrinsic risk is one bullet. And if playing Russian roulette, then maybe one in six will get cancer – that’s the intrinsic bad luck.“Now, what a smoker does is add two or three more bullets to that revolver. And now, they pull the trigger”, Hannun said.

Veteran journalist needs public’s assistance
The family and friends of veteran journalist, Patrick E. Jones are asking the public to help him with financial donations, in order that he may be able to undergo an urgent surgery for Acute Pancreatitis. A fellow media colleague, Kent Pandy wrote on his Facebook page over the Christmas holidays that Jones, known for keeping Facebook members updated with the latest news, has been ill and was hospitalized for five days in the La Loma Luz hospital in Santa Elena, Cayo, awaiting operation. Pandy informed that the hospital required $1,500 in advance so that Jones can undergo the surgery. While Jones had received some help, he needs more money to cover the entire medical expense. “Today is Patrick Jones, tomorrow it could be one of us”, Pandy wrote. Jones has spent over 30 years in the media, and has worked at the now defunct Radio Belize and Friends FM, before moving on to Love FM and Channel 5. He shares news via his Facebook page called “Breaking News – News at the Speed of Live”.

Breaking Belize News

Author, playwright John Alexander Watler dies in United States
Belizean author and playwright John Alexander Watler passed this week in Baltimore, Maryland at the age of 75. Watler, author of “Cry Among the Rain Clouds”, “Sea Lotto”, “The Bomba Codex” and most recently “Weggy’s Rumour,” was a prolific writer of short stories and […]

14 Years for robbery of tortilla factory
23 year-old Joseph O’Brien began a 14 year prison sentence for robbery and aggravated assault after being found guilty of robbing the Golden Corn Tortilla Factory on Central American Boulevard in September of this year. Three men, one of them armed with a .38 […]

Belizean car dealer shot in Mexico
A car dealer from Georgeville, Cayo, is reportedly recovering in hospital after being shot in the head by a group of robbers in the state of Tabasco in Mexico. The dealer, who was said to be in an 18-wheeler truck towing a container that […]

Fuel prices shooting up
There was a reported increase in the price of regular gasoline a few weeks ago. Now, we understand that prices for all types of gasoline are shooting up as of Monday morning at midnight. Diesel rises by 81 cents, from six dollars 41 cents to seven dollars 22 cents; […]

Belize City man shot on Christmas night
One Harrison Crawford was shot around 10 Christmas night at the corner of Jasmine Street and Croton Lane in Belize City. Reports to us say that Crawford was walking down Croton Lane and met two men on bicycles. One of them produced a firearm and […]

Gusty airflow will dominate weather next few days
The National Meteorological Service of Belize is predicting sunny skies with a few cloudy spells during the day and partly cloudy skies tonight. Showers, if any, will be isolated. Winds will be blowing from the East – Southeast at 10-25 knots with occasional higher […]

Blogs

Rose's Famous Caramel Cake
Heat oven to 350°. Making sure all ingredients are at room temperature, grease two 9" round cake pans with 1 tbsp. unsalted butter; dust with 1½ tbsp. flour, tap out excess, and set aside. Sift flour, baking powder, and salt together; set aside. Beat remaining unsalted butter and 2½ cups sugar in a bowl with an electric mixer until fluffy. Add vanilla and eggs one at a time, beating after each addition. Add flour mixture and milk alternately in 3 batches, beating smooth after each addition. Divide batter between pans. Bake until golden, 30–35 minutes. Let cool on a rack for 10 minutes; remove cakes; let cool completely. Slice tops off cakes to level them.

The Best Places for Snorkeling and Diving in Belize
Snorkeling and diving in Belize is one of the best experiences in this country. Know the best sites to head to and make your Belize scuba diving vacations worth your while. Going on a Belize trip exposes you to lush jungles, interesting Mayan ruins and diverse wildlife. Yet, this Central American gem is best known for its snorkeling and diving sites along hundreds of atolls and cayes, including a 185-mile reef, which is second in size to that of Australia’s. Abundant sea life and stunning corals fill its clear waters, and are easily accessible to snorkelers and divers of any experience level. From the busy north of Belize to the sleepy south, below are out top choices for the best snorkeling and diving in Belize sites.

International Sources

Survey Reveals It's Cheaper to Live in Central America
We're often told that it is cheaper to live in places such as Panama, Nicaragua or Belize than in North America, but is it true? And if so, how much cheaper? A survey titled "Expat Report: Is It Cheaper to Live Abroad?" recently released by Best Places in the World to Retire provides the answers from nearly 400 expatriate respondents. (The survey has a margin of error of plus or minus 5%.) Participants (mostly from the U.S. and Canada) were asked to compare the cost of living in Central America with the cost of living in their home country. Among them, 43.1% reported that the cost of living in Central America was 25% to 50% less than in their home country, and 34% said that for every $100 they would have to spend in their home country, they would have to spend only $50 or less in their new expat home.

Amid the ancient ruins
Lamanai is the Mayan word for “submerged crocodile,” a pretty apt description of the ruins site. Most of the city, dating back to 4 B.C., still is underground and covered in jungle, save for a few temples and a ball court. A two-hour bus ride from Belize City and a 45-minute boat ride down the New River Lagoon will take you right to Lamanai. There is nothing around but ruins and jungle, which creates a beautiful canopy of vines, and tropical birds and monkeys chatter endlessly overhead.

Videos

December 26, 2015

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

Memories and New Beginnings, San Pedro Dance Academy host end of year show
The San Pedro Dance Academy hosted their annual end of year Christmas show on Sunday, December 20th at the Angel Nuñez Auditorium. Titled “Memories and New Beginnings”, the show had attendees enjoying dance routines demonstrating much creativity and talent. Each member of the group shone as skilled dancers in their own unique way. With admission fees at $10 for reserved seating, and $5 for general seating, the show kicked off shortly after 7PM. The beautifully decorated stage complimented the Christmas atmosphere of the show. After everyone had taken their seats, everything was set for the show to commence. The program consisted of several numbers showcasing the different skill levels of the dancers: beginners, beginners-advanced, juniors and seniors. Dressed in elaborately themed costumes, the dancers certainly gave an excellent performance. Routines were choreographed to all types of rhythms from classical ballet tunes to upbeat dance music. A roar of applause followed each dance number as attendees certainly enjoyed the show.

PUP National Convention to be held in Belmopan in January 2016
The National Executive of the People’s United Party (PUP) held an executive meeting on Thursday, December 17th, ahead of the upcoming special national convention set for January 31st in Belmopan. At this national convention, a new party leader will be selected among the aspiring candidates which include John Briceño, Francis Fonseca, and Cordel Hyde. At the executive meeting, details were determined regarding the upcoming national convention, and, Secretary General Myrtle Palacio explained the procedures. “We will be voting for several posts including the post of Party Leader. We have a Party Leader right now until a new party Leader is elected. He is Francis Fonseca. He is also the leader of the Opposition. I have been charged today to start the process of preparing for election. We expect that the delegate list will come to this office to the Chairman, Henry Usher and myself. The deadline is December twenty-ninth at five o’clock. The convention will take place in Belmopan at a venue to be decided on at a later date.

Santa Claus pays surprise visit to island children
Santa Claus paid a special visit to Ambergris Caye on Sunday, December 20th during the San Pedro Lions Club annual Children Christmas Party. Children from across the island made their way to the Lions Den as early as 4PM to meet the jolly man who presented them with fabulous Christmas gifts. The event brought much joy and laughter to both the children and parents in attendance. After meeting Santa, San Pedro Lions members handed goody bags filled with candies, an apple and other delicious treats to the children. Over a hundred children participated in the fun, eager for their chance to sit on Santa’s lap and receive a special gift. One by one, the children made their way to the stage and even had their photos taken with Santa. Of course some of the younger children weren’t so thrilled to meet Santa, but quickly warmed up to him at the sight of their present in hand.

Greetings from The San Pedro Sun
They say the older you get the faster time travels, and I have to say 2015 flew at warp speed! There were plenty of highs with quality time spent with the ones I love the most, and some heartbreaking times over the year, notably losing two family dogs; RIP Lucky Dog and Pepita. Both were rescued pot lickers, and although their lives weren’t the longest I’m happy that I could give them a happy and healthy home. As always it is a pleasure to work with my awesome co-workers at The San Pedro Sun and I’m excited about a promising 2016. We are one heck of a team and together we are a force to be reckoned with! We’re proud of the positive changes we have made in our beloved community and I thank our loyal supporters from the bottom of my heart! With the New Year I hope to maintain the practice of random acts of kindness. It’s those little gestures that can make (or break) someone’s day, and I know firsthand what a difference this can make, be it from the giving or the receiving end. I recently adopted a homeless dog from Saga and it does my heart good knowing how happy WE BOTH are now! Here’s to the best year yet, full of health, happiness, prosperity and puppies!

Ambergris Today

San Pedro Demands More Power Supply Over Current Tourist Season
Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) has commenced works to increase its power supply capacity for San Pedro, Town, Ambergris Caye, as the island seems to be experiencing exceptional power requirements during the current tourist season. Customers on the island experienced an unscheduled interruption in power supply ranging from one to over two hours on Thursday, December 24 when the demand for electricity exceeded the installed capacity at the substation which supplies the island via a submarine cable from mainland Belize. BEL is currently concentrating efforts on transporting and installing its mobile substation to provide the additional capacity required for San Pedro Town. Brief power interruptions will be necessary tonight for the Corozal and Orange Walk Districts and San Pedro Town to allow for connection of the mobile substation.

Misc Belizean Sources

Happy Boxing Day!
Did you know that the term “boxing day” can be traced to the 1830’s in England? It has its origins as 'the first week-day after Christmas Day, observed as a holiday on which post-men, errand-boys, and servants of various kinds expect to receive a “Christmas-box” from their employers!

Brief power interruptions in San Pedro
BEL advises customers in San Pedro Town, Corozal District and Orange Walk District that brief power interruptions will be necessary during the night on December 25 to facilitate connection of a mobile substation, needed to supply to San Pedro Town.

26th Annual KREM New Years Day Cycling Classic 2016
Corozal to Belize City, Orange Walk to Belize City

Roots Reggae with Julian Melodyman Escobar
Saturday Night is Roots Reggae at the Sports Bar with Julian Melodyman Escobar from 6 - 9 pm! Come listen and dance to the beats of Roots reggae -- Belizan…Location : Barrier Reef Sports Bar & Grill, Front Street December 26, 2015, Time: 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm

Belizean Junior Soccer Stars Tyler & Tylin Gill!
It has been a while since Belizean Legends update its audience on the progress of Belizean-Americans junior soccer stars, Tyler and Tylin Gill and their rapid rise into the Los Angeles soccer world. Well, these two young soccer stars have just recently completed a very successful football tour overseas playing in various tournaments where they have done well, and also had just finished playing some important games in Arizona. Tyler and Tylin are now heading to Mexico where they will also represent their team in tournaments there. In following the success of these two aspiring Belizean-Americans in sports, we wish them the best as they grow up into teenage soccer champions in the representation of Belize in the diaspora. Surge on Tyler and Tylin!

Dive Team visited Caye Caulker GIANT CAVE!
Giant Cave : about 300 meters off the hotel dock. In about 3 feet of water. You can either walk or surface swim out to the cave where it drops down into a bowl about 30ft deep surrounded by big tarpon. Inside the cave you won't wonder why it was named GIANT CAVE by Paul Heinerth back in the 70's. It's truly massive passageways with massive decorations that stand 20+ feet tall. Depths range from 60-100ft average depth about 70ft. It's saltwater and generally pretty warm inside.

Blogs

My Christmas Eve in San Pedro, Belize: From High Winds to a Blackout
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL! And I’ll admit, that title of this blog post doesn’t get you excited about Christmas in Belize, but it was much more beautiful than it sounds… Here was my Christmas Eve. The weather is absolutely beautiful but wildly windy for this time of year. Gusts of up to 30 mph are making diving and snorkeling trips tough…but sailing and kite boarding, bar & restaurant hopping and pool sunning marvelous. I ran into a guy that I met in Placencia a few years ago…he is now on Ambergris Caye and weaves some AMAZING stuff out of palm fronds. I took some pictures as we waited for our Pork Meatball Banh Mi at Two Tree Bahn Mi…the ladies were hard at work. I am SO hooked on these right now. My very favorite lunch.

The darkness draws us close: Merry Christmas
Some people say it is a holiday tradition, but for whatever reason, the power went out all over Ambergris Caye on Christmas Eve, around 6:30 p.m. I say it was that one last set of lights added to that one last house somewhere on the island that blew the circuits. Anyhow, the island was blacked out. Mostly. Generators are very popular accessories. Even San Pedro Town has two giant trailer generators that kick in and keep the downtown lit. Rose and I were up at Marbucks Coffee House which has its own generator. It kicked in quickly and the holiday cheer and goodwill went on undiminished. I broke away from our gathering of friends and took a walk down to the old Palapa Bar, now dark and forlorn even when there is electricity. A walk out to the end of the pier confirmed that we were living on one dark island for the moment, save for that gloriously bright and round moon.

Corozal 2015 parade
Every year the Town of Corozal host their annual Parade. On Sunday December 20, 2015 the parade was supposed to be held. Due to the weather, on Wednesday December 23 the parade started in front of the Central Park at 7pm. As every group lined up by number it was long wait before it moved. The colorful trailers were decorated. Adults and children enjoyed watching the parade. Wishing a safe and secure Christmas and Happy new year.

Belize Photo Contest!
You tagged us and we saw! We love what we are seeing and want to show our thanks! Continue tagging your Instagram photos of Belize, Belizeans and the Belizean Culture with #itravelbelize. We will post a monthly pictorial blog with our favorite tagged photos of travels in Belize. Show off our amazing country, get featured and WIN WIN WIN! Lets make 2016 the year of Boasting Belize! Show us why you love Belize in pictures and iTravelBelize will be giving a prize for our favorite every month starting this January! Don’t forget #iTavelBelize. The more photos you tag the better your chances of winning! Here are some of our favorites so far…

Mexico Dive Club Enjoys Belizean Waters
We are a 30-year-old dive club from Michuacan, Mexcio, called Chapos Dive Club and we were recently in your beautiful country of Belize diving at Halfmoon Caye, Long Caye and Hol Chan Marine Reserve. We have to say that our diving experience has been unbelievable. Thirteen members of our group came in June 2014 and now we are back with 23 because of the conservation efforts your country has in place to keep your reef and waters so beautiful and pristine. Plus!! The people in Belize are so hospitable; we feel very welcomed here and have had an amazing time. Our group is a non-profit club comprised of members who are of different professions, but who have a passion for diving. This time around we traveled from Mexico City to Chetumal and then hopped to San Pedro. We have been diving in Cuba, Baja California and Cabo, mostly in the Pacific Ocean, but we have to say that we are really happy here in Belize. Your country is amazing, keep it safe, clean and protected and we will be coming back for as long as possible.

A Mini Blogger in Belize
How cool is it that I can Blog and you can too? It’s kind of weird to think someone in Europe or something could be reading about my adventures in Belize. Ok, let me get going. Road trips in Belize are the coolest. I have this awesome aunt that let us borrow “Big Mac” (that’s what she named her car) and we took off for a day to explore Belize. The iTravel Bloggers and I went to the zoo and of course it turned out to be all about me. Kids are just cute like that:) My mom wrote a story about it on iTravel Belize with so many pictures and Gerry made a cool video. I had been to the Zoo a few times with my mom so I knew what was up before we got there. We got to see so many animals and Ms. Sharon even made me her assistant. She’s the lady that started the zoo and the animals love her so getting to see the zoo with her is so cool. You get to be really close to the animals and of course, take selfies with them.

Belizean Coconut Jerk Chicken Wings By Miss Daisy
Cut the wings in 3 pieces, do not use the tips. Remove bone without disfiguring the shape of the wing. Chop spring onions and mix with soy sauce, jerk seasoning, coconut milk, and rum. Marinate wings for at least 30 minutes but overnight would be even better. Drain and dry the wings, dust them with flour, bathe them in the beaten eggs. Coat the wings with a mixture of coconut flakes, salt and pepper. Bake for 10 minutes in a 350 degree oven, drizzle with a mixture of honey and coconut oil while baking.

International Sources

Queen Elizabeth II's Christmas Message: 'Light Shines In The Darkness'
The Queen used her Christmas Day message to highlight the 'moments of darkness' the world has confronted - stressing the Christian message that light always triumphs over the dark. A series of terrorist atrocities have shocked the world during 2015, from the mass shootings and bombings in Paris last month to the gun attack at a Tunisia resort during the summer. But the Queen, whose address contained a traditionally strong religious framework, reflecting her own faith, sounded optimistic in quoting a verse from the Bible - insisting ISIS, or any other terror network, will not ever succeed in their twisted extremist agenda. Reflecting on the past 12 months, the monarch told the nation: 'It is true that the world has had to confront moments of darkness this year, but the Gospel of John contains a verse of great hope, often read at Christmas carol services: "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it".'

Belize: Trading Butter for Bathing Suits in San Pedro, Island girls have more fun (part 1)
It’s the holiday season and one of the country’s most revered pie-making debutantes is feeling the heat. No, she’s not slaving away in the kitchen waiting for the dough to rise. She’s on a tropical island in the Caribbean basking in sunshine on a pristine beach. It’s a life swap that Debbie Klauber makes six months out of the year. But, living in San Pedro on the island of Ambergris Caye is a mixed bag for Klauber. On one hand, she loves frolicking like a mermaid in the warm waters, on the other, she’s tortured by the lack of her favorite baking essentials. “Oh, sure, they have butter in San Pedro but it costs seven dollars for a half pound!” exclaims the curly-haired castaway. Conch and ceviche are within her budget but not eggs and milk. The endearing Capital Region personality declares Belize home six months a year, not exactly a full-fledged expat but close enough. For a quarter of a century Klauber ran the beloved sandwich, soup and pastry shop known as Debbie’s Kitchen on Madison Avenue in Albany, NY. The eatery sat a few doors shy from George Dunbrook’s car repair business. When the city temps fell to a miserable minus zero last winter, George suggested that we escape to Madonna’s “La Isla Bonita” to visit his favorite donut dame.

Group from Redlands Adventist Academy, Redlands Seventh-day Adventist Church takes mission trip to Belize
For Thanksgiving this year, a group of 53 adults and youth from the Redlands Seventh-day Adventist Church and Redlands Adventist Academy went on a mission trip to Orange Walk Town, Belize. “At the core of Thanksgiving is gratitude and service,” said Todd Rosspencer, youth pastor of the Redlands Seventh-day Adventist Church and leader of the mission trip. “I’ve found no more transcendent way to experience this holiday than to be on a mission trip, giving for the benefit of others,” Rosspencer said. On the group’s first night in Belize, a Central American country on the Caribbean Sea, their hosts put on an event featuring Belizean cuisine, cultural dances, an exhibition of their national game and gifts. Some of the mission trip participants put on a health fair in Orange Walk Town, with interactive stations on diet, dental care, hygiene, exercise and mental health. There was also an eye clinic where more than 350 pairs of glasses were given.

How cats conquered the earth
They’re the superheroes of the animal kingdom, the most powerful predators on the planet whose extraordinary skills have given them valuable advantages over other animals. Humans aside, they’re the most successful survivors on Earth, having adapted to almost every conceivable environment from the harsh Siberian wilds to Africa’s scorched savannah. They are, of course, cats. And while big cats have long been a wildlife TV subject, you’ll never have seen a show quite like biologist Patrick Aryee’s before. Yes, he gets up close and personal with lions and tigers and talks about their hunting prowess. During the Ice Age cats travelled from Asia to America. Patrick meets the Canada lynx, which has the thickest fur of any cat and huge paws that act like snow shoes. As the lynx moved on it adapted to each landscape. In tropical Belize in Central America it became the margay, a treetop hunter that leaps up to 13ft between branches.

Honduras Follows Guatemala’s Path to Fight Corruption
An unusual partnership between local prosecutors and international law enforcement experts brought down President Otto Pérez Molina of Guatemala in September, as a large corruption investigation reached the highest levels of the country’s political elite. In neighboring Honduras, civic leaders have been pressing the government for months to adopt a similar model to start chipping away at the country’s corruption and culture of impunity. That may soon come to pass. President Juan Orlando Hernández’s government and the Organization of American States, a regional organization, are in the final stages of negotiating the scope of an anticorruption team led by foreign investigators and judges who would train Honduran officials so they would be better able to prosecute complex public corruption cases. As currently envisioned, the O.A.S. team would have a weaker mandate than the International Commission Against Impunity in Guatemala, which was established by the United Nations in 2006. It is nonetheless a promising initiative that the United States and others in the international community should support and fund.

Videos

December 25, 2015

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

SP Lions share the Christmas season with the island’s senior citizens!
The San Pedro Lions Club hosted its annual Christmas Party for the senior citizens of the island on Saturday, December 19th. The event is part of their calendar of activities for the Christmas season, and treated over sixty senior citizens of Ambergris Caye to a night of holiday festivities. This year, the Christmas Party included an appetizer, turkey dinner with all the trimmings, desserts, a large array of cocktails, gifts, music and lots of dancing. The Leos were in full force helping along as they tended to the happy crowd. They are usually assisted by the staff of the Belize Bank, however this year they were unable to join in the event but sent their best wishes to the attendees. At the end of the event, each senior citizen was presented with a gift provided by the Belize Bank Staff and members of the San Pedro Lions Club. Music for the party was provided by San Pedro’s number one band, Rompe Raja! The band took the guests of honor back in time with melodic ballads of the 70’s and 80’s.

US Embassy donates new equipment to the Belize National Coast Guard
On Thursday, December 17th, Belize’s military partners in the United States donated more than a million US dollars in equipment for the Belize National Coast Guard (BNCG). The valuable assistance given to the Belizean maritime law enforcement will bolster their operations of national security in the fight against transnational crime. The hefty donation came through the US Embassy in Belize and was officially handed over a BNCG headquarters near Mile Four on the George Price Highway.

Male Senior Teams face off in second week of 5-a-side Football Tournament
The second round of games for the Island Citizens Sporting Club (ICSC) and the San Pedro High School (SPHS) 5-a-side Football Tournament took place on Saturday, December 19th. Island football fans definitely enjoyed a fun night of football action. 12 of the senior teams faced off in six intense matches at the Angel Nuñez Auditorium starting at 5PM. Playing for the night were Green Hornets FC, Real Jr. FC, Island Boys FC, SPHS Boys, United FC, Harmouch FC, Mata Chica FC, Los Dorados FC, Victoria’s House FC, We Them Boys, Pro Divers FC and reigning 5-a-side champs, Los Catrachos FC. The next round of games will be played on Sunday, December 27th starting at 11AM. For more information on the tournament, contact head organizer Alex Noralez directly at 631-0711.

Costa Rica breaks political ties with SICA over Cuban Refugees Crisis
Costa Rica has broken ties with the Central American Integration System (SICA) following the lack of support from other member countries in regards to the recent issue with Cuban refugees. The announcement was made on Friday, December 18th, when Costa Rica’s Foreign Minister, Manuel Gonzalez, citing a lack of support and failure to include the Cuban migrant crisis on the agenda for discussion at the SICA Summit in El Salvador. Costa Rica has been dealing with over a thousand stranded Cubans hoping to reach the United States of America (USA) through Central America and Mexico since mid-November, 2015. After Nicaragua closed their border to the refugees, Costa Rica reached out to Guatemala and Belize for assistance in the transit of the refugees, but neither of the countries agreed to help.

Ambergris Today

Letters To The Editor: Yakarelis Recaps Experience as Miss Belize Centroamerica
Being able to present my little jewel abroad was a rewarding experience. Through mutual friends, I was contacted by pageant organizer, Saul Benitez, in search of candidates to represent Belize. Ever since my days as Miss San Pedro 2011-12, I have been involved in pageantry as dance choreographer of the Miss San Pedro Pageant for the past 3 years, something I look forward to every year, likewise coaching and volunteering with the San Pedro Dance Academy. Since then, I have been behind the scenes and after putting a lot of thought into it, I decided to participate and represent Belize in the Miss y Mister Centroamerica 2015 in Leon, Nicaragua last month. It was not an easy task, since I had to balance my schoolwork and job and other activities in order to prepare myself for this event. When social media announced my participation in this pageant, it struck me that I’m actually doing this and I felt the support and love from my community since day one. A lot of hard work was involved into this. The pageant was more exhausting and a lot more work than I have expected. Most people think we just walk around and look pretty, but it is more tiring than you think.

Adopt a Bear Toy Drive Delivers HUGE Smiles for Christmas
One hundred and seventy seven lucky island children of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize, wore even BIGGER smiles on their faces for the holiday season as their Christmas just got better with the generosity of the community. The Adopt A Bear toy drive was an immense success on its first year that the organizers is already excited for next year’s project. Adopt A Bear is happy to report the collection of $27,000 in presents that were handed out to 177 children at the San Pedro Lions Den on Wednesday, December 23, 2015. Fifteen of those lucky children even received brand new bicycles. They asked for it, the community delivered.

Misc Belizean Sources

BPP CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR MESSAGE
Christmas is founded on the premise of the Christian ideology and in that regard we express Merry Christmas wishes to all who celebrate this holiday. Given our acknowledgement of the plurality of the Belizean society, for those who do not subscribe to Christianity, in the spirit of community, we trust that you too shall embrace the season and celebrate the core values of: Faith, Hope, Love and Joy during this festive season and beyond. It is within this context, your Belize Progressive Party (BPP) Extends heartfelt well wishes to one and all. Yet amid the merriment, as stewards who are committed to the preservation of our natural heritage and the sustainable development of the nation, the BPP takes this opportunity to break from the prevailing notion of commercialism which normally dominates this time of year and wishes to remind you of not only the reason for the season, but also the true reality of our national situation and how it impacts you.

Harmouch Center Christmas Raffle
Harmouch Center extends Season's Greetings to their customers and congratulates the winners of their Christmas Raffle held today December 24: 1st - TV - Veronica Caseres 2nd - Stove - Elga Padillo 3rd - Microwave - Karina Palma 4th - Tablet - Venezia 5th - Tablet - Erick Blender - Gilberto Rivero; Iron - Erik Martinez; Toaster - Jose Lopez; Electric Kettle - Raquel Gomez; Cake Mixer - Einer Gomez

San Pedro Town Council says Merry Christmas
My fellow residents and visitors of San Pedro, It is with grateful spirit that I greet you during the Christmas season, a time of generosity and gift giving. Christmas is a time to renew our commitment to peace. We must ensure to have peace in our personal lives, in our communities, and in the world. Christmas is also a time of hope; we hope for new beginnings, hope for a better way of life and hope for a brighter future. As I reflect throughout the year, we must be thankful to the Great Lord, for sparing us from any great hardships and blessing us with yet another great year. We might have faced a few small challenges along the way, like the Sargasso invasion and the heavy rains, but we over came it by working together and being patient.

Christmas Dunk on Caye Caulker
Come join in on the second annual Christmas Dunk Christmas morning at 9AM! SECOND bridge south of the mini reserve. Jump in with a whoop or swim for a couple of hours, it's up to you. Just come get wet and say Merry Christmas! All welcome!

Woodrow West comes back home for Christmas
Welcome back home to Corozal! Star athlete, Woodrow West comes back home for Christmas. West is considered one of Belize's Top athletes and star goalkeeper. He took a contract earlier this year with a Honduran professional soccer league -Honduras Progreso. West was their #1 goalkeeper and against very tough opposition mananaged to win the National Championship in that country.Congratulations! Corozal welcomes Woodrow West, who is from Libertad, Corozal and wishes him and his family a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

New fuel/gas station in Ranchito Village
Ground breaking has taken place for a new fuel/gas station in Ranchito Village, Corozal at the corner of Ferry Road and the Philip Goldson Highway just about a mile out of our town center. Plans are underway for the first phase of the project which consists of building a fuel depot and other building plans include a supermarket, hotel & casino. The entire development project is scheduled to be completed within a span of five years with the fuel depot being the first part of the project to be done. We will bring you more information as we obtain it from the developer. We welcome this project to our Corozal District in hopes that it will employ people from this area.

Christmas is a special time of the year
….and for our Cruise passengers is a time to enjoy their holidays/break in Belize! Our BTB FSTV Office gave them all a warm welcomed yesterday!

Cayo Welcome Center Holiday
Hoping your holiday season is fun and festive, here is a recap of yesterday's Cayo Welcome Center Holiday Fun!

Neighborhood Watch Benque
A community policing initiative; by the Benque Viejo Sub-Formation & Neighborhood Watch Zone 4 Captain Samuel Bruce began today. Listed police officers Cpl. Joshua McKoy community policing commander, other police which assisted; Wsgt. Thadine Martinez, Wpc. Cheyel Lanza, Pc Silas Lopez, Pc Sydney Agustine. All of Benque Viejo Sub Formation. Zone Captain Sam Bruce; visited various families in his zone to locate some of the most needy families, communicated this with Cpl. Joshua McKoy community Policing coordinator for the Sub-Formation. Police provided and delivered 3-packaged food baskets, Captain Sam Bruce on his own initiative provided boxes of Toys for the children, clothing, Rice, Beans, snacks, and Whole Chicken.

Blackout on Christmas Eve!!! Aye!!!
BEL working to identify the cause of a power interruption affecting entire San Pedro, Ambergris Caye since 5:57pm Thursday, December 24. BEL apologizes for the inconvenience caused.
Power supply restored to all areas from Boca del Rio to the South end of the island by 7:00pm. Power supply restored at 8:20pm to the Northern portion of San Pedro.

How do you finish a birding tour on a high note, without birds?
Take them for lunch to The Farmhouse Deli. Then take them to Caye Caulker to watch the sunset from the split while sipping a stout, then an awesome ceviche for dinner. Oh yes, and get them a few libe birds, i almost forgot

Channel 7

The First Day At Court For The Rice Fight
Last night, we told you that importer Jack Charles finally sued the Government of Belize because BAHA continues to hold his shipment of Guyanese Rice at the Big Port. Well, Justice Sonya Young granted him an audience today on Christmas Eve. Since it was an urgent application for leave to bring judicial review, all parties showed up to court. Those included Charles and his attorney, Leroy Banner, Deputy Solicitor General Nigel Hawke on behalf of BAHA, and Eamon Courtenay who is representing the local rice producers. Justice Young heard them privately in chambers, and after the very short session this morning we spoke with both sides over what is to happen next in what could be a prolonged legal battle. Here's what the attorneys had to say: Leroy Banner, Attorney for Jack Charles "The AG Ministry is saying that that need more time to prepare fully for the case. Having received the affidavit at about 3pm in the afternoon. So they made an application for it to be adjourned until they are properly appraise of the information. So they needed more time to look at it."

PUC Rejects BEL Request For Rate Increase
Two weeks ago we told you that BEL was applying for an increase in electricity rates - taking the average up from 35 cents per kilowatt hour, to 38 cents per kilowatt hour. The power company's position was that the cost of power from the GAS turbine was underestimated. Well the PUC answered them today with the equivalent of a corporate slapdown. The order made by the PUCS today says it, quote, "approves no adjustments to the Mean Electricity Rate and Tariffs previously approved for the period January 1, 2016, toJune 30, 2016, and hereby orders the Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) to levy the currently approved Tariffs in respect of the relevant services it is licensed to provide;"

Prison Brawl Between Two Accused Murderers?
Right now, 33 year-old Prison Inmate Sherlock Myvett, a Cayo resident who is awaiting trial for murder, is recuperating at the Prison's medic bay after being stabbed 11 times by a fellow inmate. 7News has learnt that it happened yesterday when Myvett was cornered by a group of fellow prisoners. He was attacked by one of them who stabbed him several times all over his body with a shank. He had to be transferred to the KHMH for treatment, and he's since been returned to the prison since none of his injuries were life-threatening. The police were called in, and Myvett's alleged attacker has been identified as 21 year-old Rigoberto Garcia, from Orange Walk who has been on remand while he awaits trial for murder.

Belizean Shot In The Head During Robbery In Mexico
Reports reaching our newsroom tonight is that Albert Gentle, a car dealer from Georgeville Village in Cayo, is tonight at a hospital in Villahermosa, the largest City in the Mexican State of Tabasco. That's after being shot in the head by a group of 5 robbers believed to be Mexican criminals. We're told that Gentle was part of a convoy of more than 10 vehicles traveling to Belize. He was in an 18 wheeler truck which was towing a container. Our information says that he temporarily separated from the rest of the convoy, and he stopped for gas at a gas station in Villahermosa. That's reportedly when a group 5 armed robbers pulled up in a vehicle and attacked Gentle and his friend who was traveling in the truck.

Thieves Made Off With A Boat Engine
A $21,000 boat engine was stolen from the Alfonso Young Boat Yard on North Front Street. The 72 year old security guard Delvie Gavilan reported to police that yesterday morning at around 1:00, 2 men with shirts covering their faces held him up at gunpoint, and told him to stay seated, as one of the men stole a 75 horsepower Yamaha outboard engine which was mounted on a 25 foot skiff in the yard. The engine is valued at $21,890. Police have one man detained for this robbery. The engine belongs to the Belize Audubon Society.

Police Investigating Fatal, Pint Bottle, Stabbing
Police are still investigating yesterday's stabbing death in the city. As we told you, 45 year old Lindbert Brown was stabbed with a pint yesterday on Far West Street. Brown was hanging out with two friends, a male and a female when a fight broke out. Brown attacked the female with a broken pint bottle - and that's when his male friend intervened, wrested the bottle away from him and then stabbed Brown in the head and neck. Police say all 3 persons are mentally challenged and they are not treating the case as murder. The case file has been sent to the DPP's office for review.

Fuel Prices Are Increasing After X-Mas Weekend
So, here's our Christmas gift to you - it's a tip: if you own a car and have some cash, go and gas up before Sunday night. That's because at 12:01 am on Monday morning fuel prices are going up - and by more than a few pennies. Diesel is going up by 81 cents, regular by 97 cents, and premium by 72 cents. That's a sharp and surprising increase. Surprising because world oil prices are at a 14 year low - and also because prices have been trending down since November. The year's lowest price for regular was recorded on November 28th at seven dollars 38 cents a gallon, and the year's lowest price for diesel was recorded just a few days ago on December 16th.

MIT Finds Weed Being Transported A Bus
The public and politicians may complain about those traffic checkpoints that slow down traffic, but they have a knack of producing good sized weed busts. Yesterday morning, the Mobile Interdiction Team set up a checkpoint at mile 37 on the Hummingbird. They searched a James Bus and found a big bag stuffed with many smaller bags of weed. All totaled, it weighed in at almost ten pounds of weed. No one claimed the bag and it had no name, so it was labeled as fund property.

14 Years For Trying To Rob A Tortilla Factory
23 year-old Joseph O'brien tried to rob the Golden Corn Tortilla Factory on Central American Boulevard in September of 2015. Tonight, he's spending the first few days of a 14-year prison sentence for it. As we reported at the time, three men, one of them armed with a .38 pistol, stormed into the business and snatched the money from the cash pan. But that wasn't enough, one of the robbers then grabbed a cell phone from a worker, and that's when the owner tackled the man with the gun. His two accomplices ran off, but the employees and the owner subdued the gunman until police arrived and arrested him. That armed robber was later identified as Joseph O'brien, and he was charged with robbery, 5 counts of aggravated assault, and keeping an unlicensed firearm. He ended up standing trial for the robbery and firearm charges, and the prosecution called the owners, the employees and the police investigators to testify against him.

BTB Email Discusses 2 Million Dollar Insurance Hike At FSTV
Two days ago, the BTB's Director of Destination Planning and Cruise, Valdemar Andrade told us he didn't know anything about the 2 million dollar insurance requirement that the FSTV was imposing on independent tour operators. But 7News has obtained an email which shows that early that morning, before he gave us the denial, Andrade sent out an email to the independent operators talking very specifically about that same two million dollar insurance requirement. He tells the operators, quote, "we are not in support of the requirement for the 2 million dollar insurance being required of the operators." Again, this is the same insurance requirement which a few hours later he claimed to know nothing about. The only good news coming out of that is that it puts Andrade on the record as saying BTB opposes the insurance requirements. And so do the operators. It's come to a head today because all 6 of them were required to sign their new leases. Those new leases will allow them to remain inside the village for another year - but the lease now also comes with the requirement to have the 2 million dollar insurance per passenger.

Food Vendor Killed In Accident Near Camalote
A food vendor is dead after he was flung from his motorcycle in an accident. It happened yesterday in Camalote Village between miles 50 and 51. 36-year-old Belmopan resident Marina Christina Vasquez was heading to Belmopan in her SUV while 61 year old Israel Romero was traveling ahead of her on his motorcycle. Vasquez started to overtake Romero but that's when Romero swerved to the left - right into Vasquez's vehicle. Romero was then launched off his motorcycle. He received major head and body injuries and was rushed to the Western Regional Hospital. But he didn't make it. Vasquez has been served with a notice of intended prosecution.

The Marley Tradition For Christmas
Apart from your Christmas trees, your turkeys and your Christmas hams, there is one other Christmas essential that can't be overlooked - and that's Marley! Not Bob, or Damian…nope, it's the kind of Marley you put on your floor. It's a central part of the traditional Christmas housecleaning, but what is it about marley really? These inexpensive, decorative floor coverings come in many splendored colours, but what makes a marley good enough to take into your house? Emanuel Pech took to the streets to find the answer to that question. Bright, colorful, and decorative patterns- these are the marks of a good marley. When we stopped at Vin Fa's Shopping center yesterday, the sale of marley was still at its peak. Costumers rushed in to make that last minute purchase of Marley for that final Christmas touch. Marlon Grey has worked a long time with the sale of marley. He described this year's marley rush as more hectic that last year's. Marlon Grey - Shop keeper "This year I think it's a little even more hectic than last year. It's a trend - it normal procedure. Every year around Christmas time people crowd up in here buying marley. That's the number one item they keep buying; marley, paints - a number of items." Reporter "What do you prices look like?" Marlon Grey - Shop keeper "I think we have the best prices around town. The marley 72 inch, the regular grade is $5.50 per yard and we have a new quality here. It a foam material with backing and it's thicker than the regular marley and its $.7.95 per yard. Very good quality. People buy it a lot."

Million Dollar Baby's Christmas Miracle
He's only a few days old, but Baby Shamir from Corozal town is getting a miracle for his first Christmas gift. He was born four days ago with a birth defect called "esophageal atresia", or an incomplete esophagus which does not connect to the stomach. That means he can't swallow, can't eat, can't ingest nutrients - basically, he can't survive. After a post natal gastrostomy was performed at the KHMH, the newborn was immediately referred to World Pediatric Project. Now, it's a million dollar emergency surgery that can only be performed abroad - which is complicated. There's never any guarantee that a specialized medical center will take the child - since it is on a charity basis. And if they do take him, working out all the details just a few days before Christmas - including the very prohibitive cost of an air ambulance to a medical center is time consuming. But, the Virginia Commonwealth University is coming through big time - so big, and so quick that it would make even Santa feel shame.

The Passing Of A Celebrated Belizean Writer
And while Shamir is moving up, one of Belize's greatest authors and playwrights, John Alexander Watler has moved on. We are informed that Watler - who celebrated his 75th birthday on December the fifth - passed away in Baltimore, Maryland sometime between yesterday and today. Friends tell us that Walter had been in good health and had been travelling between the east and west coast. He had just published his latest work a few weeks ago; it is titled "Weggy's Rumour." Watler is possibly the most prolific published Belizean writer - and is certainly among the most imaginative and humorous. He has countless works including standouts, "Cry Among the Rain Clouds", "Sea Lotto" and "The Bomba Codex." He is also the writer of many short stories - which is what he started out writing in 1956 - and plays.

Tropigas Customer Will Live Free For An Entire Year
The cost of living - how do you manage it? That's a question that daily confronts all of us - and it bedevils those who live on the margins. But one lucky person doesn't have to worry about that anymore; at least not for another year. That is because today she was the winner of Tropigas' "Live Free For a Year Christmas raffle." Keisha Torres spent about a thousand dollars at Tropigas this Christmas season and now she holds a $12 thousand dollar check in her hands. We were there when she picked dup her prize this morning: Reporter "When you found out that you were the winner for the free for a year raffle?" Keisha Torres, Winner of Tropigas Raffle "On Tuesday when the lady call me." Reporter "What was your first reaction when you heard you won?" Keisha Torres, Winner of Tropigas Raffle "I was surprised." Reporter "Tell me how will this assist you in your daily expenses?" Keisha Torres, Winner of Tropigas Raffle "It cover all after the big shopping for Christmas."

How Di Christmas Di Cohn?
It's Christmas Eve! And for us here at channel 7, that means it's time for a good old 7 news tradition. Today like all other Christmas Eves our news cameras took to the streets of down town Belize City to ask one question, "How Christmas di cohn?" Like always, it was a mixed bag opinions, however most people seemed to be doing ok. They offered season's greetings to their family and said they looked forward to an even brighter 2016. Emanuel Pech did the questioning this year.

Channel 5

Mennonite Communities Join G.O.B. in Rice Litigation
On Christmas Eve, businessman Jack Charles was before the Supreme Court in a case he is bringing against the Government of Belize. The importer is seeking permission for a judicial [...]

Jack Charles Says Cost of Storage will be Recovered in Damages
While the shipment of seventy-five tons of prepackaged grain remains grounded in Big Creek, as of Christmas Day the importer will have to start covering the cost of storage.  That [...]

Sergio Garcia Asks C.E.O. Alpuche a Tough Question
Former Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Agriculture, Sergio Garcia is presently a technical advisor to Jack Charles.  As a regional trade specialist, Garcia is familiar with the provisions [...]

A Dangriga Fugitive is Recaptured in Lakeland
On December second a man considered a dangerous criminal escaped from Police custody while he and two others were being transported to the Belize Central Prison from Dangriga. According to [...]

Mum’s the Word on San Ignacio Police Station Rape Incident
As we get set to close up shop and head into the Christmas holidays, there is no significant update in the alleged rape at the San Ignacio Police Station. Four [...]

What’s the Pulse of the People this Christmas?
It’s Christmas Eve and around the city today, residents from across the country were hustling and bustling in the downtown Albert Street area doing last minute grocery and gift shopping. [...]

Post Office Cashier Embezzles $10,000
A report remains on the desk of the C.E.O. in the Ministry of Transport and NEMO today on the misappropriation of approximately ten thousand dollars from the Post Office in [...]

No Increase in Electricity Rates Says PUC
There’s good news tonight for consumers. The Public Utilities Commission has issued a statement in respect of a proposal for a rate increase in electricity. Following the submission from Belize [...]

Fatal RTA Claims Life of Elderly Motorist
A sixty-one year old vendor from the village of Armenia died yesterday afternoon from injuries sustained when the motorcycle he was riding was hit by an SUV. It happened between [...]

Rural Eastern Division Retooled for Policing in Belize District
There will be peace in the twenty-two thousand square miles of the Rural Eastern Division’s jurisdiction this Christmas, at least if the officers in that division have anything to do [...]

A Christmas Message from Father Matt
Every year we get the traditional messages of Christmas happy tidings and goodwill, of peace and all things holy and joyful. And that’s a good thing because Christmas is a [...]

Christ is the Reason for the Season
With the Christmas holiday weekend just a few hours away, downtown Belize City is alive with activity. While it is easy to get caught up in the commercialism of Christmas, [...]

Keisha Torres Wins Tropigas Raffle
Christmas will be a lot brighter this year for a Belize City resident. Tropigas officially handed over twelve thousand dollars cash to Keisha Torres this morning at its Belize City [...]

B.E.L.’s Annual Hamper Drive
The PUC has put the brakes on electricity rate increase, but the employees of Belize Electricity Limited are in the spirit of giving. The annual hamper drive where residents from [...]

Healthy Tips as 2015 Comes to an End
In this, our last Healthy Living segment for 2015, we compile some of the top health tips offered by our medical, mental health and fitness experts during the outgoing year. [...]

Amandala

Cop detained on rape allegation
A San Ignacio cop has been detained pending investigation into an allegation that he raped a woman while she was detained at the San Ignacio Police Station, at about 5:30 Sunday morning. The woman, 25, of Bullet Tree, Cayo District, told police that early that morning, while she was in custody at the police station, a police constable came to her cell, took her out and took her to a room in the station, and raped her. After he had finished, the officer took her back to her cell, the woman told police. The alleged crime became known when the victim told another police officer what had happened, and the accused cop was detained, pending investigation.

Death row inmate gets 25-year prison sentence
The longest serving death row inmate at the Belize Central Prison was sentenced to 25 years imprisonment this morning by Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin after he heard mitigation pleas from character witnesses who testified on Friday on behalf of Glenford Baptist, 40, a convicted murderer. Baptist was convicted of murder in November 2001 for the shooting death of Azrin White, who was gunned down on the night of July 24, 2000, as he was walking with his girlfriend on Iguana Street Extension. Three men rode up on a bicycle and shot him dead, then, as he fell in the drain, the men rode off. Baptist was convicted along with his other two co-defendants, Gilroy Wade, Jr., and Oscar Mendez. The court had found that they had acted in a joint enterprise, and all three were sentenced to death by then Supreme Court Justice Wilfred “Sedi” Elrington. Since his sentence, Baptist has been languishing behind bars, unsure of his fate.

Cashier steals $10,000 from Post Office
On December 10, the supervisor of the Express Mail Section (EMS) of the Post Office had informed the Postmaster General Elston Wade that something was not right in her section. That same day, the supervisor made further checks into the matter and confirmed that her suspicions were correct, James Gabriel, Deputy Postmaster General of the Post Office, told Amandala. Gabriel said that the supervisor discovered that the cashier was responsible for the disappearance of funds amounting to over $10,000 in the months of October and November. Gabriel explained what went wrong: When a customer pays for his/her express mail to be sent, a receipt is to be issued to the customer, filed, and entered into the computer, and thereafter, the package is mailed.

Steve Harvey invited to host Costa Maya on San Pedro
The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) managed to create a buzz in international media this week when it tweeted a public invitation to Steve Harvey, suggesting that he should host next year’s Costa Maya pageant, organized out of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize next summer. Harvey, a world-famous comedian loved by many Belizeans, hosted the 2015 Miss Universe Pageant this weekend, but made a major blunder by announcing the wrong winner.

Despite gridlock, FirstCaribbean confirms departure next month
It’s official! CIBC FirstCaribbean announced via a press release on Monday, December 21, 2015, that after having received approval from the Central Bank of Belize, it plans to close its doors in Belize at the end of January 2016, but the Christian Workers Union (CWU), which represents the bank’s staff, says that the announcement was made “in a mad rush” amid an impasse between management and the union over an exit package—a salary increase, adjusted severance pay and debt forgiveness for roughly 50 workers, most of whom are uncertain about their professional future. “The workers are frustrated,” CWU president, Audrey Matura-Shepherd, told journalists today. She noted that the gridlock over the terms of an exit package for union members has been ongoing since October, when workers went on strike and picketed the bank’s offices.

Three illegal dwellings recently reported inside Chiquibul
Belize Defence Force Commander David Jones confirmed to Amandala today that an illegal dwelling set up by a Guatemalan at Valentin has been detected and Belize authorities are currently working with officials of the Organization of American States (OAS) to remove two buildings which have been illegally placed on the Belize side of the border. Jones said that the two buildings are located near Valentin, in western Belize, very close to the Belize-Guatemala border. Derric Chan, Park Manager for Friends for Conservation and Development (FCD) said in a press conference on Wednesday that Guatemalans have continued to farm and even set up dwellings inside Belize, and it appears that they are staking claim to certain lands, identified by survey lines, pegs and markings. There is apparently land speculation in the area, and it appears that in some cases, some illegal farmers “rent” from another more influential farmer.

Two time defending champs, San Pedro Tiger Sharks, wins
The National Elite Basketball League (NEBL) hosted its opening marathon this past Saturday at the UB gymnasium in Belmopan. Five of the eight teams that will participate in the upcoming season attended the marathon. In game 1, Cayo Western Ballaz defeated Independence Thunderbolts, 36-33. Elvert Ariola was the top scorer for Cayo Western Ballaz with 11 points, while Lloyd Coe sank 8 points in a losing effort. In game 2, San Pedro Tiger Sharks came out victorious over Belmopan Bandits, 48-37. San Pedro Tiger Sharks was led by sharp shooters, Caleb Sutton and Ashton Edwards, who scored 16 and 11 points, respectively, with a lot of their points coming from behind the arc. Jevan McKenzie was the top scorer for Belmopan with 10 points. With Dangriga obtaining the bye, they played game 3, where they defeated Independence Thunderbolts, 47-42. With the loss, Independence was eliminated from the competition.

Belize Assembly for Persons With Diverse Abilities (BAPDA)
In November 2015, the Belize Assembly for Persons with Diverse Abilities (BAPDA) had a recent election of officers. Pictured above: (back l-r) Wayne Usher advisor; Francis Gill, assistant secretary; Leigh Flowers, advisor; and Chaplin. Rose Armstrong, advisor (front l-r); Noreen Martinez, treasurer; Roxanne Marin, president; Berndina Eck, secretary; Rasha Dawson, vice president; and Kent Young, assistant treasurer. BAPDA continues to promote optimism in the lives of persons living with diverse abilities, advocate and protect members, and lobby with the government and society. We uphold the rights of persons living with diverse abilities, discourage discrimination, and promote inclusion of everyone in society.

Big Up Belize’s Woodrow West!
–Belize’s national team goalkeeper, Woodrow West, who was also the star goalkeeper for the Belmopan Bandits FC, took up a contract earlier this year with a low ranked club, Honduras Progreso, in the Honduran top professional league; and, with West their #1 goalkeeper, they have just won the Honduran national championship, a remarkable feat against very tough opposition. Congratulations, Woodrow!

Leechi strikes again, Police 1-nil over Verdes in PLB finals game 1
Just like he did in game 2 of the semifinals last Sunday against Placencia Assassins at the FFB Stadium, veteran Police United midfielder Orlando “Leechi” Jimenez, himself a former captain of a championship Verdes team, made a halftime entrance into game 1 of the finals against Verdes FC in their home turf at the Norman Broaster Stadium yesterday, and again Leechi delivered the game winning goal, just 5 minutes after action resumed in second half of a hotly contested match. Like the previous Sunday, when his veteran teammate Norman “Tilliman” Pipersburgh/Nunez had lobbed a free kick into that uniquely vulnerable space between the defence line and the goalkeeper, this week it was his brother Danny Jimenez, off a fast run on the right side, who centered perfectly into that soft spot of indecisiveness between defence and goalie, and like a shark smelling blood, Leechi’s accelerating long strides from midfield saw him overtake the bouncing ball and pounce with precision and guile, stroking it past a bewildered Yusef Guerra in goal for Verdes, as dumbstruck Verdes defenders , intent on marking the Police frontline attackers, were one step too slow for the goal scoring instincts of the wily veteran.

Editorial: Season’s greetings
With Christmas just a couple of days away, we know that there are millions of human beings in refugee camps all over the world, most notably in various countries of the Middle East, but also in Africa and Asia, even Europe. Over the years, Belizeans have often spent Christmas in various Mexican jails, because of immigration, narcotics, and other charges. These have been private, family pains. In Belize, we have accepted refugees from Guatemala, Salvador, and Nicaragua because of the wars in those Central American republics and harsh economic conditions at their socio-economic bases. This acceptance of refugees process in Belize began more than four decades ago in an informal way, then it became formalized through the United Nations in the late 1970s and early 1980s. But, the present reality of thousands of Cubans spending Christmas in refugee camps in Costa Rica is a new consciousness for us in Belize, and even in the region. Christmas is, of course, a very special time of the year. We refer to it as a “season,” a season of peace and goodwill to all men. The traditions that we have in Belize with respect to Christmas, began with the Christian religious beliefs brought here by the European Baymen, and then those beliefs were affected by Belizeans’ mahogany camp experiences, which were secular in nature.

From the Publisher
Last week the United Democratic Party (UDP) Government of Belize struck a devastating blow against the waterfront workers when they signed a statutory instrument which now includes the waterfront amongst what are called “essential services.” This means that the power of the waterfront workers to take industrial action against their employers, the Port of Belize, is now severely restricted. The journalists have to do research so that the Belizean people can find out exactly what “essential services” are, and also when and why the law was introduced. I know that the police and the public hospital were declared “essential services” decades ago, and I believe this law was signed in order to prevent any workers’ union from being able to cripple the elected government. I believe it was because of some socio-political emergency, such as the Heads of Agreement in 1981, that the ruling politicians took measures to control the unions and protect their administration.

US$40 mil and no oil – US Capital contract to explore southern Belize nears its end
US Capital representative in Belize, Alistair King, told Amandala today that the company’s US-based shareholders have still not decided whether they will continue on their mission to explore for oil in southern Belize, particularly with the price of oil dropping to US$37 a barrel. King said that he would be waiting to hear from the investors within the next couple weeks. The company’s current contract to explore for oil in Toledo expires on January 21, 2016, but King said that seeking an extension on that contract is a possibility. The contract—which was first issued to US Capital 15 years ago, on January 22, 2001—has already been amended twice: back in 2004 and again in 2007, for a second contract period to begin January 2008. Under the contract, the company has 8 years to explore for oil, and those 8 years expire in 4 weeks. It would have gotten an additional 25 years to produce from the oil field had it declared a commercial find before the end of the 8-year exploration period.

Belize Bank parent company, BCB Holdings, to change name
Notifications have been published via the Bermuda Stock Exchange and the London Stock Exchange of the intent of BCB Holdings Limited—the parent company of the Belize Bank, the country’s largest commercial bank, and Belize Bank International—to change its name to Caribbean Investment Holdings Limited. “The Board believes that the new name is better suited to the company’s strategic focus and aspirations,” said the notice published via the Bermuda Stock Exchange. In August 2005, the Belize Bank and affiliated Belize assets became subsidiaries of BB Holdings, created after the de-merger of Carlisle Holdings, while its European assets continued to be held under the Carlisle Group. In May 2009, BB Holdings changed its name to BCB Holdings. Now, BCB Holdings is announcing its plan to change its name to Caribbean Investment Holdings Limited.

Police Department is over 2,000 strong
The pass-out of Squad 92, after three months of training, brings the total number of officers in Belize’s police force to 2,067, John Saldivar, Minister of National Security, said today at the National Police Training Academy in Belmopan. A hundred and sixty-seven recruits graduated today, Friday, and were joined by family and friends who came to celebrate with them and wish them well on reaching this milestone in their lives. “The success of our law enforcement system depends on the willingness of all to participate and contribute to public safety”, Saldivar said. He recalled a few years ago that Belize was listed as one of the countries in the world with the highest homicide rate per thousand of the population, and as a result, citizens were losing confidence in the Police Department. Saldivar pointed out, “A police precinct concept that was introduced in 2013 has proven to be highly effective and was further advanced with the division of Eastern Division into three precincts, with senior officers in command.” Also, he said, the infusions of community-oriented policing resulted in more focus on the elements of the population responsible for crime and have brought the police closer to the community.

Last two offshore oil contracts expire, as Belize looks to onshore oil
The Director of the Geology and Petroleum Department, Andre Cho, confirmed to Amandala this evening that the last two offshore oil contracts, which had been held by Princess Petroleum and Providence Energy, were not extended beyond their expiration date of October 11, 2015, freeing Belize’s marine space from any immediate prospect of oil exploration. Amandala has been receiving multiple inquiries about the status of the offshore oil contracts, which had been challenged by Oceana a few years ago. In a Supreme Court suit, Oceana challenged the legality of contracts that had been given to these two companies, as well as Sol Oil, Island Oil, Miles Tropical Energy and PetroBelize Limited. Five of the six contracts had been granted on the same date, October 12, 2007. The contract for Island Oil, granted back in 2004, was the only exception. Cho told Amandala today that currently, there is no company with an offshore exploration license for drilling in Belize.

Cuban migrants in crisis: Costa Rica closes doors and withdraws from SICA’s political bodies
Costa Rica’s Foreign Affairs Ministry confirmed via a statement issued online on Friday night, December 18, 2015, that it had earlier today suspended its political participation in the regional integration body – Central American Integration System (SICA, Spanish acronym) – and had withdrawn from high-level regional meetings that were being held in El Salvador over the decision by Belize, Guatemala and Nicaragua to not allow Cuban migrants stranded in that country to transit through their borders. Costa Rica president Luis Guillermo Solís urged the countries within SICA to work together to reach a humanitarian agreement for the thousands of Cubans who remain in Costa Rica but who want to migrate to the USA. The Cubans have been using a Central American corridor to seek special migrant status under the “wet-foot, dry-foot” policy, which provides special privileges for Cubans to legitimize their status in the US, even if they arrive without papers, but which turns them back to Cuba if they are detained at sea.

Number of BDF boots on the border, top secret!
The question of how many Belize Defence Force (BDF) soldiers are currently manning the Chiquibul National Park – the area where incursions by Guatemalans is the most problematic – was raised today when our newspaper spoke with BDF Commander David Jones about the proposition that more BDF officers should be deployed to protect the country’s borders. Jones told us that he could not disclose the information to us, since we would, in turn, make it public. We asked him if he could at least indicate what percentage of the force is deployed to the border, since he could not tell us exactly how many, but he also declined to provide that information. We asked how many soldiers are deployed to man a conservation post, but he also refused to disclose that information. “We have soldiers in there,” he asserted, adamant that he won’t tell us how many. According to Commander Jones, “We have arrested the situation quite a bit.”

Parties react to law making stevedores an essential service
Two weeks ago stevedores, employed by the Port of Belize Limited, went on a three-day strike over the failure of the port management to come to an agreement with them over retroactive pay and retirement packages. The stevedores, most of whom are members of the Christian Workers Union, struck without warning, causing one ship to turn back without off-loading its cargo, while another ship waited outside the Belize City harbor until the stevedores’ industrial action was settled, before it was off-loaded. That was the last time stevedores were able to resort to industrial action without serving notice to the port management, because the government moved swiftly to rein them in by signing into law on Friday, December 18, a Statutory Instrument (SI) regulating stevedores under the Essential Services Act. Minister of State with responsibility for the labor portfolio, Hon. Hugo Patt, signed the SI, which amended Section 2 (a): Settlement of Disputes in Essential Services Act Chapter 298 of the Laws of Belize Revised Edition 2011.

The road ahead: Belize joins 194 nations in landmark climate change accord
In Paris earlier this month, 195 countries, including Belize, reached a historic climate change accord intended to scale back the dire effects that are possibly being felt in Belize in the form of accelerated erosion of beaches along the country’s coast, drought in central and northern Belize, bleaching on the country’s world renowned barrier reef and unusual flood events. At the 21st Annual Conference of Parties held recently in France, Belize was represented by a 10-member delegation led by Dr. Omar Figueroa, Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment and Sustainable Development. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said: “We have entered a new era of global cooperation on one of the most complex issues ever to confront humanity. For the first time, every country in the world has pledged to curb emissions, strengthen resilience and join in common cause to take common climate action. This is a resounding success for multilateralism.”

Bus conductor, 33, remanded for allegedly having sex with girl, 12
A bus conductor was arraigned and remanded to prison on a charge of unlawful sexual intercourse this morning when he appeared before Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser. Fraser explained to Dalton Longsworth, 33,that he does not have to enter a plea, because the offense for which he has been charged is indictable, and will be heard in the Supreme Court, after a preliminary inquiry that will determine if there is sufficient evidence against him to commit his case to the Supreme Court for trial. Police have alleged that Longsworth, on November 11, 2015, had unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor who is 12 years and 8 months old. Longsworth asked Fraser if he could explain something to the court. He then told the court, “I had nothing to do with that young lady. The date when they said that I had sex with her, I was at home sick.” After Longsworth had presented his explanation, Fraser told him that the matter for which he has been charged falls in the category of crimes for which her court cannot offer him bail for three months.

11 injured in road traffic accident
Eleven people received varying degrees of injuries after the vehicle they were travelling in overturned between Miles 34 and 35 on the Philip Goldson Highway at about 4:30 this afternoon. Six of the injured persons were taken to the Northern Regional Hospital in Orange Walk, and five were brought down to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. The driver of the vehicle reported that he was travelling to Orange Walk Town from Belmopan and upon his arrival in the area, the vehicle suffered a tire blowout, causing him to lose control, and the vehicle ran off the road and overturned. An ambulance and police went to the scene, and the injured were taken for medical attention.

The Reporter

Kidney Association sounds Christmas alarm
The Kidney Association of Belize is calling on Belizeans who are at risk for kidney disease to be mindful of their diet during the Christmas celebrations. KAB President, Ruby Nicholas explained that in Belize the majority of kidney disease patients are those who ended up with kidney failure due to either diabetes or hypertension. These groups are especially vulnerable during the Christmas season because of all the festivities. “For the hypertensive patients we’re asking them to be careful with the ham, and for the diabetic patients to keep away from the carbonated beverages and cakes which are common around Christmas time,” Nicholas said. She added that in the event anyone in the at-risk groups decides to eat foods that will likely worsen their condition, that they do so in utmost moderation. She also advised all groups, including those already with kidney disease, to be adherent to medication guidelines, drink eight glasses of water daily, and include fruits and vegetables and fruits in every meal throughout this holiday.

Imports go up, but so do exports
Belize’s exports have risen while exports have declined, according to the latest data released from the Statistical Institute of Belize. The SIB this week released its External Trade Bulletin for the month of November, which showed that imports had increased by 3.8 percent or $6.9 million, from $183.3 million imported in November 2014, to $190.2 million. Exports were recorded at $38.1 million, a $5.7 million or 17.8 increase from 2014’s $32.4 million. Merchandise imports from January to November totaled $1.9 billion dollars, showing a 3.2 percent or $58.3 million increase over the same period last year. Merchandise exports for the eleven months (January to November) amounted to $515.3 million, down by 11.5 percent or $66.7 million from the same period last year.

Breaking Belize News

Multiple people hospitalized after bus and car collide
Reports of a bus accident a short while ago, just outside of Punta Gorda (PG) Town, have surfaced and suggest that multiple persons were injured and some have been transported to the PG Hospital for X-Rays and treatment. The accident was reportedly caused when […]

Punta Gorda minor detained for murder
Confirmed reports from Punta Gorda (PG) police, indicate that a male minor of that municipality was detained and released yesterday after intensive questioning in connection to last week’s early morning murder of popular taxi driver, 64-year-old Antonio Mendia Rodriguez. Rodriguez was stabbed multiple times […]

Orange Walk Police identify body found early Thursday morning
Orange Walk Police do not suspect foul play in the death of a man who was found in the wee hours of this morning. Officers were called out to the corner of Baker’s and Main Street where they found the body of a Hispanic man […]

Is the People’s United Party moving forward?
The People’s United Party’s (PUP) leadership convention is scheduled for January 31st. For the PUP, the convention should serve as a catalyst to unite the divided factions of the party; to rejuvenate and invigorate its grass roots people-centered ideologies; to create a new path […]

Prices down
The Statistical Institute of Belize has released its latest figures and they show prices trending down in November, led mainly by the falling price of fuel. The costs per gallon of premium and regular gasoline were down by 25 percent and 27 percent, respectively, […]

Belize Bank donates $6,500 to Christmas programs
The Belize Bank, as part of its annual Christmas activities with the community, donated $6,500 worth of aid to the Salvation Army and Mercy Kitchen for programs to support needy families during this time of the year. Last Thursday Belize Bank Santa Helpers were at the […]

Jack Charles takes rice dispute to Supreme Court
The Supreme Court is holding an in-chamber hearing on leave to apply for judicial review by Xtra House owner Jack Charles against the Belize Agricultural Health Authority’s (BAHA) refusal to release Guyanese rice from Big Creek Port. Circle R Products, representing producers from Blue Creek and […]

Orange Walk Police find body on Christmas Eve
Orange Walk police are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a man who was found dead in the wee hours of Christmas Eve. The body was seen lying on the corner of Bakers Street and Main Street in Orange Walk Town. Officials […]

Blogs

We accomplished a lot and enjoyed a great celebration
We may not have a building yet but that did not stop the San Pedro Branch of the Belize Red Cross from working hard in our community throughout 2015. In the coming year we hope to have a big space to call our own so we can continue our work in first aid and have a place to run community programs for youth and seniors.

2015: What A Year To Be in Belize! Part One
I had a great year. Plain and simple. Ups and downs for sure…but great. Ambergris Caye, the area most visited by overnight guests, also had a big year. Since I first visited in 2006, it was the year of the most changes – and most of those changes came by the way of the newly paved road north – which really broadened the area we consider easily accessible – and for me, the number of vehicles on this island. But let me get back to me :) and show you a bit of what I did this year in Belize. 2014 was the year of TRAVEL but I did get myself around a bit this year. And next year? I want to pick it up again…way up.

Videos

December 24, 2015

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

Images of Belize by Tony Rath
Tony Rath, for as long as I can remember has been sharing his art with the world through photography. While I’ve never gotten the opportunity to meet the acclaimed nature photographer, I wake up every morning looking forward to seeing the gorgeous images that appear on my Facebook Newsfeed. This artist is truly one of Belize’s finest, and has re-kindled the love and appreciation for our gem of nation in the hearts of many Belizeans through his GORGEOUS shots. From rainforest to savanas, rivers and seas, wildlife and our beautiful people and culture Mr. Rath truly has an eye for it, led of course, by what can only be passion. If you enjoy seeing his gorgeous images on your newsfeed and in the various magazines of Belize, you can have a collection of your very own when you purchase “Images of Belize” by Tony Rath. It’s 100 breath taking photographs that are captured in true Rath fashion. If you love photography and you love Belize this book is just right for you. Might I add, it truly makes the perfect holiday gift!

Holiday Dangers for your Dogs
During these holidays, please ensure that your pet is safe. According to Saga Humane Society, food poisoning is more likely to occur between Christmas and New Year’s than any other week. Accidental poisoning from items such as alcohol, cold medicines and rodenticides are elevated during the holiday season. So here is some useful information to ensure your pet has a safe holiday: - Don’t allow your pet to eat chocolate or products that contain chocolate. - Turkey bones, if ingested, can splinter or become lodged in the digestive tract. - Food containing grapes, raisins and currants (such as fruit cakes) can result in kidney failure in dogs. - Anything that’s rich, fatty or spicy ca

Winners of the annual Caribbean Christmas Colors Contest illuminate San Pedro
It was another joyful ride for The San Pedro Sun staff and judges as they rode around San Pedro Town on Friday, December 18th, for their 10th Caribbean Christmas Colors Contest. Joining the merry ride and having the great honor to choose their favorite brightly lit homes were esteemed judges Rene Guzman, Cindy Guerrero and Diane Lawrence. Children were delighted to see the golf carts adorned with Christmas decorations driving past their streets, as the mini parade went along judging the festively decorated houses while handing out sweet treats in the spirit of holiday sharing. Although the rain and challenging roads tried to dampen their holiday spirit, the gang still managed to tour through town core, neighboring areas and even ventured over the Boca del Rio Bridge for a short distance. The procession then ventured south, all the way to Escalante and through DFC. Unfortunately some areas were impossible to reach due to street conditions due to the rain.

Caribbean Villas host fundraising luncheon to benefit SHINE
On Saturday December 19th, Caribbean Villas hosted a ladies holiday charity lunch under the theme “Little Black Dress.” Despite the rainy weather conditions, the ladies showed up to support the event which benefitted SHINE Girls Club, an island program established to empower, motivate and build the self-esteem of girls ages 13-16. The event kicked off a bit late, due to rain but nevertheless saw the group of ladies enjoying great conversation over assorted beverages. For the cost of $85BZ, attendees were treated to a complimentary drink, appetizers, meal options including Caribbean seafood bacalao, grilled jerk style chicken, and a cashew pesto salad. Dessert options included decadent chocolate brownies and key lime pie.

‘The Future is Gold’ fashion show raises funds for Boxes of Joy
On Friday, December 18th, Boxes of Joy hosted their third annual Kids Fashion Show benefit at the Angel Nunez Auditorium. The Future is Gold-themed show, organized by Shantelle Pascasio and Francisco Mendez; saw the participation of 52 young models who all delighted the audience as they graced the runway in benefit of the annual Christmas fundraising event. The show began with a short act depicting a child looking to accomplish her dreams. She wanted to be an archeologist and while she was in her search, a model dressed as an archeologist showed her the way to the golden future she was looking for. After the performance, everything rolled smoothly into the seven segments of the night which were as follows: Casual Wear, Carriers, Glitz and Glam, Christmas Night, Formal Wear, Boys to Men, My Closet and the fabulous Divas and Dudes. The cheerful models impressed onlookers as they displayed their modeling talents with great confidence and poise. The different clothes they modeled came from boutiques and stores such as Love Belize, Wings, Man O War, and Top Notch.

Misc Belizean Sources

Castillo's Hardware Christmas Raffle
Congratulation to the lucky winners of Castillo's Hardware Christmas Raffle that was drawn December 22nd.

NEW YEAR'S EVE! CENTRAL PARK SAN PEDRO! SEE YOU THERE!
The Cut Creator DJ Outkast! CATEGORY 5! SPECTACULAR FIREWORKS AND PARTY FAVORS! YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS THIS! FREE EVENT! NO ADMISSION FEE.

Poets Corner: Garvey's Legacy
By Abdulmajeed K Nunez. Garvey’s legacy was that his organizational structure was legendary He had both leadership and organizational quality He influenced organizations globally From religious, political or militarily Everyone tried to duplicate Garvey It’s well known that Elijah Muhmmad studied Ahmadi Farah Muhammad was a Pakistani We learned this from Warith Muhammad’s testimony Nation of Islam was structured from the UNIA started by Garvey Elijah Poole was also Reverend Divine’s understudy So what is the relationship with Ahmadi and Garvey? Since Garvey had a branch in every country The same thing is being done by Ahmadi

BEL Employees Distribute Hampers to 120 Families Countrywide
Employees of Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) are, for the 17th consecutive year, continuing the tradition of distributing hampers to deserving families across the country. The hampers contain the main ingredients for a traditional Christmas dinner; some also include toys for families with children and care packages with toiletries for the elderly. During yesterday and today, BEL employees have been making deliveries of one hundred and twenty (120) hampers valued at approximately $150 each, which were made possible through monetary contributions from employees and the Company.

Ghetto X- Mas
By: Abdulmajeed K Nunez. Wave Radio, Love TV call in I found demeaning, Competing for the best turkey impersonating Minister’s street soldier came around the next morning Ham, a party bag and toy in hand Boy oh boy! The tactic they employ unu understand Is this all our people are worth to these politicians? Poor people borrowing loans for Xmas Flanking courts to get things pan trust Retailer gauging price to trick us Political figures spend monies they have in trust Giving the impression they care about us Even the Vatican has made a confession That they were wrong about this X-mas celebration Using Jesus as the center of attraction It’s even came out that St Nick was a black man What a fantastic theatrics of impersonation

San Pedro House of Culture Holiday hours
Kindly take note of our closing dates for this holiday season (we will also be closed December 24th, 2015 at midday)

Paradise Theater playing this weekend
Sicario, The Intern, The Peanuts Movie, The Martian

Splashers on Thursday
Alrighty have been getting messages about people wanting to paint Thursday so let's see who's in I want to paint the Grinch so whoever wants to paint him can and others can choose a painting they missed. That's my Christmas gift.. everybody gets to paint what they want but they have to let me know by 11a.m today so I can prep their canvas.

WestBay Beach Club on Caye Caulker
Old School Dance Part 1: December 24th.

A snippet of our Corozal 2015 Christmas Parade
Certainly bringing in the Christmas spirit to our town. Proud of our town and all the smiles on our children. May you and your families be blessed with an abundance of joy and health. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all. Keep Corozal Safe and Clean during the Christmas Holiday.

JOHN ALEXANDER WATLER : THE BELIZE THAT WAS TO BE OR NOT TO BE!
by Bilal Morris. He wrote the same way he spoke so expressively, and he was the epitome of the Belizean theater of the mind. He was the Belizean grio, and could tell any story from any part of Belize that you can think about. He was John Alexander Watler, who is one of Belize's most acclaimed writers of all times. Belizean Creole folklore, as those told by John Watler, is embedded in the text of classical African experiences brought to the Caribbean and Central America by the narratives of the slave, and passed down through tradition and storytelling by those like George Mckessey, Gertude Stewart, Johnny Kwaku, and many others whom had come to grace Belizean shores as descendants of their African ancestors.

Channel 7

Rice Case Going to Court on Christmas Eve
After 6 days of silence from BAHA, importer Jack Charles has decided that he will take the Government to court. That’s the decision that the Belize City based businessman made today on the advice of his attorneys. As has been widely reported, he’s trying to get his 75 tonnes of Guyanese Rice released from the Big Creek Port in Independence Village. The Government officials have already explained publicly why they aren’t allowing him to freely import Guyanese Rice, but BAHA hasn’t put it down in writing. So, this morning, Charles’ attorney, Leroy Banner, showed up the Supreme Court to file the lawsuit. Shortly after he delivered the documents to the Registrar, he told the awaiting press what they’re asking the court for: Leroy Banner - Attorney for Jack Charles "From last week we were trying to get in touch with BAHA to find out exactly what they reason why they have retained our client's container. We have given them ample time, we wrote them, we called them and no on responded to our request to please put in writing the reason as to why the containers are being held. We realize that it's almost been a week now and we decided that they will not give us anything in writing so we file a motion of judicial review to seek the court's permission as to whether or not; so that they can review and look at what BAHA did to see if they were justified in holding Mr. Charles' containers."

Keyren Tzib, Home For Christmas
After spending 5 months on remand for manslaughter, Coast Guard Officer Keyren Tzib will spend the Christmas holidays at home. For the last two months, she’s been trying to get bail from the Supreme Court, and, finally, today, Justice Troadio Gonzalez granted her application. He set the bail at $10,000 dollars and set strict conditions: she must surrender all her travel documents, she must report to the Ladyville Police Station every Tuesday and Friday until the case is resolved, and she must not contact or interfere with any of the witnesses. She’s accused of fatally stabbing her 30 year-old common-law husband, Thytis Blancaneaux. The court was very reluctant to grant her bail until the state was sure that she was not a danger to herself or to society. Her application was denied back on October 20, and since then, her attorney, Mayor Darrell Bradley, has been trying to convince the court that she deserves bail.

Hon. Finnegan Says The UDP Fears No Stevedore Backlash
All week, the Port of Belize and the new law concerning stevedores has been in the news. The law makes their ship loading and unloading an essential service – meaning they can no longer spontaneously strike; first they have to give 21 days’ notice. Now, as the CWU pointed out in its release on Monday, most of these stevedores are UDP supporters – in fact the union says it’s about 90% of them. So then why the UDP government make a move against the interests of heir own constituents in their base – which is the Southside of Belize City. That’s what we asked Mesopotamia Representative Michael Finnegan today. He’s got plenty stevedores in his division and in an extended and outspoken interview he told us that the law will actually help the stevedores. Now if he sounds like his political calculus doesn’t quite add up – here’s how he explained it: Jules Vasquez: "It has been controversial because some say the government is siding with the big man over the small man." Hon. Michael Finnegan - Mesopotamia Area Representative: "There is nothing controversial about it and the government is not siding with no big man over no small man. My government is here to protect the interest of the small and at the same time to protect the interest of this economy. So anybody weh di talk nonsense about this UDP government the pass the SI in order to protect any big man, big man my hell, this government noh interested in no big man."

Car Wash Man Stabbed To Death
A man was stabbed to death early this morning on Far West Street. The police do not have much details on it but the report is that 45 year old Lindbert Brown was with a female and another male friend around 2:23 this morning. They were hanging out at the end of Far West Street when Brown allegedly attacked the female with a broken pint bottle but his other friend intervened, took the broken bottle away from Brown and stabbed him with it. Brown and the woman were rushed to KHMH where Brown died and the woman was treated and released. Police say they will have more information tomorrow. Residents in the area say Brown was car wash man.

Deondre Acquitted
23 year-old Deondre McKoy was acquitted of attempted murder today before Justice Troadio Gonzalez in a trial without jury. IN the end, the testimony of his accuser was not enough to convince the judge. 23 year-old Alexis Cu told the court that in September of 2012 he was walking on William Street at around 8 p.m. when McKoy rode up and shot him several times in the abdomen, lower back, and left hand. After considering all the evidence, Justice Gonzalez ruled that he was innocent, and acquitted him of attempted murder, dangerous harm, and use of deadly means of harm. He still has another attempted murder case for which trial is pending.

FSTV Puts Down The Screws Independent Operators
For the past two nights we’ve been telling you about the plight of the independent operators inside the Fort Street Tourism Village. They say the foreign management of the FSTV is trying to push them out of the village – and proof of that came today. Despite pretensions to the opposite by the Belize Tourism Board – the operators inside the village have been presented with a lease renewal, which includes a requirement for the 2 million dollar per passenger insurance. Bottom line? If they sign the lease to hold their spot inside the village – they also have to agree to purchase the 2 million dollar per passenger coverage – which comes at a steep price which many of the small operators say they can hardly afford – and especially not right after 7 months of low season. But that’s the hard line being laid down by the village management – while the tourism board keeps up its routine of whistling past the graveyard. We are told the lease has to be signed before Christmas.

GSU Deflects Meighan Blame
On Friday’s newscast, you heard Ellis Meighan talk about a brutal GSU led search of his house. Meighan claimed that the GSU has something personal against him and his family. Today we caught up with the GSU commander Mark Flowers at the Biltmore where we asked him about the incident. Flowers accused us of being desperate for news. Here is what he said. Supt. Mark Flowers - Commander, GSU "It's more like Channel 7 desperation for news. I've spoken to these people but I didn't hear the complaint. What was told to me was that one person said that another person said something." Emanuel Pech "We spoke specifically to Mr. Ellis Meighan." Supt. Mark Flowers - Commander, GSU "Ellis Meighan was saying that his brother said that something happened and he was not there. So I still don't get the point except the sensationalism that is not news. But how we do and discharge our function is consistent with the rule of law and try to keep it as consistent as possible with the rule of law. There is no need for any strong arming or no bullying of anybody, we just want to do what we are charted to do and we want to do it as often as we have to and without; we are not a strong armed unit. We are more committed to doing what we need to do and get it done and get out of there."

GSU Strategy And Southside Approach Can Find Common Ground
The Meighan encounter goes down as one of several other complaints received against GSU this year. The unit’s hard charging style stands in stark contrast to that of the community friendly approach taken by South Side police and their Commander Sr. Superintendent Chester Williams. Since being appointed as the Commander of Eastern South Division earlier this year Williams has embarked on a full fledged campaign of peace making and non aggression – which has been met by a sharp downturn in the city’s murder rate. But is the GSU’s confrontational approach, unspooling the delicate threads of peace woven by the South Side commander and his community policing initiatives? Here’s what Commander Flowers had to say about that. "I regret that you weren't here earlier today when some speeches were made. I think I refer to that and cited that we were very grateful for the intervention of Senior Superintendent Mr. Williams on the Southside and now much easier he has made life for all of us..."

Is There Christmas Cheer This Year?
Is there any Christmas Cheer this year? That’s what some have been wondering since the Petrocaribe fund has just about wound down – and the millions that are left in there has already been committed to other projects – plus, there’s no election on the horizon – so no need to curry favour with the electorate. It’s a cynical but ineluctable conclusion – but according to Michael Finnegan – it’s also a false one – since he says cheer is ongoing in Mesop:… Hon. Michael Finnegan - Mesopotamia Area Representative "So fi tell you that no Christmas cheers, I don't know where Christmas cheers no deh but I the tell you Christmas cheers they inna Mesopotamia and I know Christmas cheers is in Albert division because Albert borders Mesopotamia and the people in both Albert and Mesopotamia are all jumping for joy." Jules Vasquez "I wouldn't quite go that far. I hear the people in Albert the get a lee 75 dollars." Hon. Michael Finnegan - Mesopotamia Area Representative "But what wrong with 75 dollars’ worth of Christmas cheers? Nothing wrong with 75 dollars’ worth of Christmas cheers. That is wonderful Jules that is wonderful Christmas cheers; it's a token, a gift of appreciation. A gift of appreciation to share, share the good season, share the season, share the love with others; that is what Christmas is all about. Christmas cheers da no fi mine yo."

Belize Gets New Cuba Ambassador
Belize has a new Ambassador to Cuba. Annie Burns Martinez will take the over from Efrain Novelo who has been acting as head of mission for a few years. She was accredited in Havana, Cuba at the Palace of the Revolution in Havana where she presented her credentials to Cuban Vice President Gladys Bejerano Portela. According to a government release, they discussed new areas for cooperation in trade, culture, and tourism. Ambassador Burns Martinez also thanked the Cubans for the Medical Brigade and the medical scholarships given to Belize. They also spoke about the current Cuban migrant crisis in Central America and the role of human traffickers. The release says that Both parties await the outcome of a follow-up meeting in Mexico to move closer to a resolution.

Fatal Benque
A traffic collision in Benque Viejo Yesterday could have ended very badly, fortunately everyone escaped from the wreckage with minor injuries. Around 4:15 yesterday afternoon, 25 year old Ri Fu Feng of Santa Elena Town was driving a white Isuzu cargo truck between miles 71 and 72 on the George Price Highway towards Benque Viejo Town. That’s when Florencio Perez, driving a yellow and black blue bird bus in the opposite direction, lost control of the bus and collided head on into the left portion of the cargo truck. 25 year old Feng sustained minor cut wounds above his right eye. The bus had extensive damage to its front portion. The driver Florencio Perez became trapped between the steering wheel and his seat but authorities managed to free him in time. As a result however, Perez sustained abrasions to his face, fractured his right hand and legs and complained of pain to the abdomen. He was rushed to the San Ignacio Hospital where he remains in a stable condition. Authorities have not been able to determine what caused Perez to lose control of the passenger bus in the first place

Donald Trump's Daughter In Belize
Ivanka Trump, the Daughter of US Republican presidential Candidate Donald Trump, is in Belize. So what is she doing here when her father is leading a vigorous campaign in the US? On Tuesday the 35 year old soon-to-be mother updated her Instagram followers about her tropical get away sharing that she and her husband Jared Kushnar, quote, “Snuck away together to enjoy a few days of R&R.;” She added that she was staying at Cayo Espanto, located about three miles off the coast of Ambergris Caye. In one picture Trump posed on a porch with an enticing Belize beach scenery in the background. Her recent activities were picked up by an American tabloid “celebritybabies.people” who published an article describing the getaway as a, quote, “Enviable Tropical Babymoon.” News of Trump’s visit to Belize came just one day after the Belize Tourism Board pulled a successful publicity stunt by inviting Steve Harvey to host next year’s Costa Maya Pageant in San Pedro. This, after his international mega-blunder at the Miss Universe pageant.

FCCA, The Party For The South
In most cases, we hear about Christmas parties hosted for the City kids. Well, yesterday it was all about the young ones in the south. A Christmas party was held at the Independence High School Auditorium and 20 kids from 10 different schools in Stann Creek were invited. After the fun activities, the kids told us this was more than just a party for them. Packed goody bags; a clown with magic powers, prizes and gifts. These were the highlights of the Christmas party in Stann Creek today. Over 200 children attended. But while this line up is standard for any kid’s party, it’s a totally new experience for these young ones. Janay Wade - St. Alphonsus R.C School: "It’s the first time we came to something." And that’s one of the reasons why the Belize Tourism Board decided to bring Christmas to them. Courtney Weatherburne: "I know you all usually, or we always report or hear about parties in the city. It's refreshing to know that you guys came down south. Tell us the idea about choosing the south and the kids here."

Regional Wingle
More Wingles for the police: today the Eastern Rural Division got a 2016 Great Wall Wingle for highway patrol. A short handing over ceremony was held at the Matalon building where the keys to the new ride were given to Senior Superintendent Edward Broaster. Broaster told us how this vehicle will be used to significantly reduce drug and firearm offenses. Amanda Arguelles - PR, National Aggregates Limited "We at National Aggregates saw a need for the police being back and forth between the highway for transportation. So we approached Senior Superintendent Broaster and asked him if there is anyway the company was able to help them with anything that they may need and he said transportation was the major problem there, they needed additional. With that in mind we decided nothing was more fitting that to help them in that department. So we decided to donate a new police truck." Sr. Supt. Edward Broaster - OC, Eastern Division Rural "Well first of all today is our day for receiving and we want to thank Belize National Aggregate for their kind gesture of donating this truck. This truck is going to be utilized for highway patrol from mile 8 to mile 21 on the George Price Highway. And I'm sure that it's going to do a lot of prevention especially in the smuggling of firearms and drugs into and out of the Belize district."

Cops Get Props For Cash Giveaway
Last night we told you about Senior Superintendent Edward Broaster’s crafty cash scheme. 20 commuters were given $100 dollars each for their Christmas treat and it was all about giving back to the community. While a few of the commuters were anxious and even agitated when the police took them off the bus – Broaster and his team have been getting great reviews on this operation and people are already asking when he plans on giving out more money. Today, Broaster told us more about the public’s feedback and also about the other programs that they will be rolling out next year.

New Cops For Rural Areas
In addition to those community programs, the Rural Eastern Division has 15 new police officers to help with patrols especially in Sandhill. Broaster told us how these new officers will enhance police operations and community outreach The new policing programs will start mid 2016.

GSU, Out For Lunch
At midday today, personnel from the Gang Suppression Unit put down their heavy guns and picked up another type of implement - knives and forks. About two thirds of the GSU unit were treated to a buffet style lunch at the Biltmore Plaza this afternoon as a show of appreciation. Commander of the GSU Superintendent Mark Flowers was joined at the head table by Commanders of the Eastern South and Eastern North Division. He spoke to us about the importance of having his men take time off from the daily grind to unwind at an event like this. Flowers says that he hopes to have another event like this.

Prices Down
The Statistical Institute of Belize has released its latest figures and they show prices trending down in November, led mainly by the falling price of fuel. The costs per gallon of premium and regular gasoline were down by 25 percent and 27 percent, respectively, while diesel declined by 24 percent in comparison to November 2014. And along that line, International airfares were 37 percent lower than during the same month last year – which has to do with the falling price of oil and an increase in the number of carriers and flights to and from Belize. LPG or Butane declined by almost 30 percent, as the average price of a 100-pound cylinder fell to $84 in November 2015 from $117 in the same month last year. Food prices were also down from last year. Despite higher prices for beef, pork, eggs, the price went down for red kidney beans, cooking oil, shortening and fresh vegetables,.

Channel 5

Jack Charles Takes Rice Dispute to Court!
The ongoing logjam between the Belize Agricultural Health Authority, BAHA, and businessman Jack Charles, proprietor of R.C. Imports, over the importation of Guyanese rice will be settled in court.  With [...]

Will Containers of Guyanese Rice be Released by BAHA for Christmas Season?
If granted, a judicial remedy in the form of an order from the superior court will succeed.  While Attorney Banner is optimistic that the matter will be heard in the [...]

Still No Charges in San Ignacio Police Station Rape Case
Three days after an outrageous allegation by a twenty-five year old woman that she was raped by a Police Constable while detained at the San Ignacio Police Station, an investigation [...]

Embattled Coast Guard Officer Keyren Tzib is Out on Bail
Keyren Tzib will be home for the holidays. After walking up and down the steps of the Supreme Court many times, the court today granted the coastguard officer bail. She [...]

A Belize City Man is Stabbed to Death on Amara Avenue
Forty-five-year-old Lindbert Brown lost his life this morning, following a predawn assault during which he was stabbed multiple times inside a residence on Amara Avenue in Belize City.  It is [...]

A New Ambassador to Cuba is Appointed
Belize has appointed a new Ambassador to Cuba. Annie Burns Martinez, presented credentials to the government ofCubaat the Palacio de la Revolucion inHavanaaccrediting her as ambassador toCuba.  Vice President and [...]

Cuban Migrants in Limbo at Costa Rica to Spend Holidays in Detention
And in an update to the crisis of the Cuban migrants stranded in Costa Rica, they will be spending the holidays in that country. That is because negotiators have failed [...]

More Details on RTA in Cayo District
On Tuesday night we reported on two separate traffic accidents involving buses and fortunately there were no fatalities.  Tonight we have more details on the accident that happened between miles [...]

An Orange Walk Cashier is Arraigned for Hit and Run Incident
There is an arrest in a hit and run accident that occurred up north over the weekend. Cashier Madelyn Gongora, a resident of Orange Walk has been charged for ‘driving [...]

Police Meet and Greet Residents of Lake-I
A team of uniformed police officers, led by Senior Superintendent Chester Williams descended, on Mahogany Street in Belize City this afternoon where the men and women of law enforcement met [...]

A Great Wall for Ladyville Police
The Rural Eastern Division of the Belize Police Department today received a very generous and much needed donation from a corporate entity within their jurisdiction, National Aggregates Limited. Like with [...]

New Vehicle to Assist in Covering Expansive Rural Jurisdiction
The Rural Eastern Division covers about twenty-two thousand square miles and thirty-two communities. So it’s a given this truck is going to be a workhorse for the department which has [...]

Christmas Cheer from Ladyville Police
On Tuesday night we aired a story about the Rural Eastern Division giving back to the community, in cash. It was an unprecedented operation that has certainly received very positive [...]

Transparent Gives Generously to Salvation Army Cause
The Salvation Army is the recipient of a generous donation from Transparent BPO today.  The customer service company handed over a check for five thousand dollars to Regional Commander Major [...]

A Christmas Parade in Ladyville
If you’re from the Ladyville community and are watching this story, then it’s likely you’re missing out on the first every Christmas Parade organized by the victory Assembly of God [...]

What’s Ivanka Trump Doing in Belize?
In the United States, Donald Trump is the front runner for the Republican Party in the U.S. elections. But inBelize, it is his daughter making the news. Ivanka Trump and [...]

LOVE FM

Transparent BPO Gifts Salvation Army with 5K
The Christmas season has always proven to be a time of giving and sharing and 2015 has proven no different. The Salvation Army was given a cheque of five thousand dollars from the company, Transparent BPO. The handing over took place this morning at the headquarters of Transparent BPO on Coney Drive in Belize City […]

Aggregates Business Gives Vehicle to Rural Police
A brand new pickup truck was handed over to the Ladyville Police Station this morning in front of the Matalon Building on Coney Drive in Belize City. On hand to receive the vehicle for the police was Senior Superintendent Edward Broaster who spoke to the media on how the vehicle will be used as well […]

Jack Charles’ Attorney Files for Judicial Review on Guyanese Rice
The legal battle over Guyanese rice has begun. Today Leeroy Banner who is representing Importer Jack Charles, filed an application in the court to have the rice released. Hipolito Novelo reports. HIPOLITO NOVELO REPORTING “In another major development in the Guyanese rice saga, Attorney Leeroy Banner filed an application requesting for judicial review in order […]

Belize’s Ambassador to Cuba Installed
Belize’s Ambassador to Cuba, Her Excellency Annie Burns Martinez has presented her credentials to Vice President and Comptroller General of the Republic of Cuba, Her Excellency Gladys Bejerano Portela and First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Marcelino Medina González. Both parties reportedly discussed new areas for cooperation in trade, culture, and tourism. Ambassador […]

Stabbing Inside Prison Walls Turns Deadly
Thirty two year old Sherlock Myvette was stabbed several times today at the Belize Central Prison. He is at the Karl Huesner Memorial Hospital under police guard while receiving treatment. Myvette who is on remand for the 2009 murder of Belmopan taxi-driver, James Young was stabbed after he was involved in an altercation with twenty […]

James Stalling Claims Seneca Plane
About two weeks ago we brought you an interview with Brigadier General David Jones of the Belize Defense Force where we were told that the plane that landed mysteriously at Belize City’s Municipal Airstrip in October 2015 has been claimed. At the time of that interview, a letter of ownership had been sent to the […]

Early Morning Stabbing Proves Fatal
Sometime around 2:30 this morning, forty five year old Lindbert Brown of Amara Avenue in Belize City was fatally stabbed. It happened in an area the neighborhood calls far west street during an altercation. According to reports, Brown had gone to visit a female friend when he and his attacker met. A relative of Brown […]

Coast Guard Tzib Gets Conditional Bail
Twenty-four year old Coast Guard officer Keyren Tzib, remanded on a charge of manslaughter, was granted bail of ten thousand dollars and two sureties of the same amount by Justice John Gonzalez. Her attorney, Darrell Bradley, told Love News that the bail application was successful because during the previous court session Justice Gonzalez had ordered […]

November Figures In from SIB
Before the year is up, the Statistical Institute of Belize issued its latest release and this one has to do with the month of November in regards to consumer price index, CPI and trade. According to the SIB, the prices of goods and services purchased by Belizean households were, on average, one point two percent […]

Belizean Poet/Storyteller Passes
Well known Belizean author, storyteller, and poet John Alexander Watler died this morning. Watler was born in 1938 in Monkey River Village in the Toledo District but was residing in Maryland Baltimore. Walter was in the writing business for over four decades of his life. In this timeframe Watler was one of the first writers […]

The Guardian

Another police intake passes out
There are now just over 2,067 police officers who are currently serving the country at this moment. That was after recruit Intake number 92 passed out at the Belmopan Police Training Academy on Friday, December 18. 167 new recruits made it to the end of training after 172 showed up on the first day. Among the top performers included Recruit Henry Lopez, who received the Baton of Honor, for being the most consistent of the recruits in all the different assessments over the past 6 months. Diyan Barrera, received the highest marks and obtained First place, while Cynthia Turner received first place in human rights. Christian Cawich was first place in physical training. Female recruit Eleanor Ayala got first place in the marksmanship assessments. The commandant’s prize went to Allan Domingo.

Looking for a quarrel
Audrey is quarrelling again. It seems like this lady is just itching for a fight. The way this lady acts it reminds us of the old phrase “hell hath no fury like a woman scorned”. We don’t know why she has this hate for the government. It is as if though somebody in this administration did something to her. We don’t know if it was an act of commission or omissions that she is angry about. It seems as if though she just wants to make an issue out every single matter facing the government. This time it is over the fact that the government saw it fit to protect its citizens from abuse by declaring port services as an essential service. That move by government became necessary after all activities at the port were closed down when the waterfront workers went on a Wildcat strike 4 days causing no goods to be moved in or out the port . For a country like Belize that uses the ports to get the products out of this country in order to reach the buyers of these products abroad in a timely manner it was excessively disruptive.

Hon. Elodio Aragon’s Christmas and New Year’s Message
It is the advent of Christmas once again, and as we prepare to celebrate we must be reminded that what we truly celebrate is the birth of our savior Jesus Christ. Christmas is a time not only to make merry but to reflect and be thankful for all we have. To look at our fellow man and to impart that which satisfies more than the greatest riches in the world – LOVE. I therefor say to All Belizeans and especially to my people of Orange Walk East who have placed their confidence and trust in me to serve them, let us make the Love flow this Christmas, let us be respectful and kind to one another just as Jesus was. For it is only by caring and loving one another that we will achieve that much sought after peace that we all long for.

BDF Officer Called to the Bar
A group of proud relatives, Belize Defense Force soldiers, friends across the country and admirers throughout the reach of social media shared a collective smile after Liutenant Lionel Olivera was called to the Bar Association of Belize on Tuesday, December 22, 2015. Lt. Olivera is the first active soldier of the Belize Defense Force to be called to the Bar. He was driven to study law after a comrade was charged and prosecuted for manslaughter in a matter he believes the force should have been in a better position to provide legal assistance. This motivated the Jesuit educated soldier to apply for enrollment in the law program at the University of the West Indies. Olivera graduated from UWI, Bridgetown Barbados in 2012 and was later accepted into the prestigious Norman Manley Law School in Kingston, Jamaica. Throughout his legal studies he was a unifying force among the Belizean student population, admired by observers and loved by friends. “Juniah”, as he is affectionately called, worked diligently to be successful in his studies. He and the other Belizeans in his program made a pact that they would all make it to the finish line. That group is well on its way and Olivera’s Call is one that is celebrated by the entire brotherhood.

Benque Cadets hold their annual Christmas Party
The Benque Viejo Belize Police Youth Cadet Corp held their annual cadet party on Saturday of this past weekend. A total of 48 cadets attended this special event in Benque. All work and no play would leave the cadets dull, so a party is held for them at the end of each year. This year was very special for the cadets in Benque, since they were able to share their happiness with 12 underprivileged kids from the neighborhood, who were given food, drinks, party bags and gifts. They also participated in several games. The Benque Cadets would like to thank the Benque Viejo Community Policing Unit Corporal Joshua Mckoy, WPC Cheryl Lanza, PC Marco Ayala, Benque Police Department and civilians, who assisted throughout the year. They would also like for you to stay safe for the holidays and not to drink and drive.

Orange Walk East’s Christmas Cheer
This is only the third time that the people of Orange Walk East are truly feeling the love by way of Christmas Cheer. For years they had a representative that did not give a damn about them. Although government had been disbursing money to that area representative, the needs of the people of Orange Walk East were disregarded and ignored. Elodio Aragon Jr, like his father before him, then stepped up to the plate and filled the void left by the PUP Area Representative. From the moment he announced his candidacy for the area he has been a tireless proponent for the advancement of his people in the East where he was born and grown. His love for his constituents is genuine and their needs are taken into consideration and given attention. For the past three years he has spread the limited resources with the people of Louisiana and the five villages which comprise Orange Walk East. On Sunday December 20 he visited Santa Martha and after a brief ceremony to inaugurate their community center distributed toys to the kids and food hampers to the adults. There were also raffles where people won assorted articles such as stoves, irons, pots and even mattresses. This activity was repeated for Tower Hill, Carmelita, San Jose Nuevo Palmar and Chan Pine Ridge villages.

The PUP’s - Let’s make a deal!
When we found out 2 Fridays ago that once again that Francis Fonseca was again instructed by the PUP old guard to run for the vacant PARTY LEADERSHIP position , the first thing that came to mind was déjà vu all over again . We found the following story from the Channel 7 News Archives “ “Francis Will Lead The PUP”, that was posted on October 20, 2011. This story almost mirrors the one from 2 Fridays ago, the only difference is that 2 of the persons: Julius and Mike Espat who would have been his competitors back then are now his handlers and Arthur is not in the frame anymore. Johnny Briceno who stepped down as leader in October 2011 citing that he was too ill to continue, is now trying to make a comeback and is being supported by seven of the eight Northern constituencies, which nominated him. Since Jose Mai is supporting Johnny, we figure it is hand wash hand that Johnny would likewise support Mai in his bid for Deputy Leader in a crowded field of 6 aspirants. And likewise he and Mai would support Anthony Mahler in his bid to become National Communication Director, being that Mahler works for Johnny. This time it looks like there is no backing down.

New Community Center for Santa Martha
Santa Martha village is a small village of about 250 families located on the Old Northern Highway about fifteen miles in from Carmelita Village on the Phillip Goldson Highway. It was formed in the early 1900’s predominantly by immigrants. The residents are mostly cane farmers but there are also those who grow other crops such as vegetables. It has the necessary utilities such as electricity and potable water. They also have a primary school, church and community grounds. What they lacked however was a community center. For years they had been without such a center and had been clamoring for one until they got a representative who cares and listened to their plight. On Sunday December 20, Honorable Elodio Aragon Jr. Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture and Area Representative of Orange Walk East, (in whose constituency Santa Martha falls) officially inaugurated a spanking new community center for the residents of Santa Martha Village.

Shyning in Mesopotamia
Area representative to be, Shyne Barrow, has been very active spreading the Christmas cheer with his uncle, the Hon. Michael Finnegan, in the division. The two have been giving out turkeys, hams, and toys over the past week for the people of Mesopotamia. That spirit of gift giving and merry making will continue up to Christmas Eve. When the Guardian asked Shyne about his commitment to the Christmas Season, his reply was curt but simple: “we are trying to get to everyone in the division, we do not want to leave anyone out.” Shyne has been in the Mesopotamia offices everyday along with Minister Finnegan distributing the turkeys, hams and toys and they have also been able to also give gifts to 1,000 deserving children in the division. The relationship of gift-giving that the two are now sharing is nothing new. As a matter of fact, Shyne has always been very close to his uncle Michael Finnegan.

Supreme Court dismisses union busting claims of former BSI employee
Justice Michelle Arana ruled in favour of the Belize Sugar Industry Limited on Thursday, December 17, in a labour dispute brought forward by Julio Ramon Gongora Jr. Gongora was terminated from Belize Sugar Industry Limited after 31 years of service as an Electrical & Instrumental Technician in March of 2012. Gongora claims that he was terminated by BSI because of his efforts in the union during disagreements with the factory. He took his claim of “union busting” to court in hope that he be reinstated to his post or compensated for wrongful dismissal. The company’s position is that Gongora was dismissed for breaking the company’s substance abuse policy. Justice Arana said the questions relevant to the case were: “Was Mr. Gongora intoxicated at the time he entered the BSI compound on March 2, 2012? And if so, did he breach BSI's policy on substance abuse? Did that breach entitle BSI to terminate Gongora’s employment summarily under the Labour Act? Is Mr Gongora entitled to relief (reinstatement or damages)?”

Greg Lovell captures Pre-Christmas Cycling Race
The Cycling Federation of Belize in collaboration with the Belize City Council and Leslies’ Imports sponsored the Annual Pre-Christmas Cycling Race on Sunday 20 December, 2015. In the Elite and Masters category, the riders started the event from in front of the Police Station in San Ignacio Town to Leslie’s Imports at Mile 1 ½ on the George Price Highway for the conclusion. The 72 miles event was captured by Greg Lovell of Digicell 4G. He was followed by team-mates Richard Santiago in the second place position, Leroy Cassasola in the third position and Giovanni Lovell in the forth position. The fifth position went to Brandon Morgan of Westrac Alliance Cycling Club.

Elite Basketball Competition to commence on 16 January, 2016
The National Elite Basketball League (NEBL) will commence its third, annual basketball competition on Saturday, January 16, 2016. The opening game will feature the newly added franchise the Independence Thunderbolt verses the back-to-back defending champions, San Pedro Tiger Sharks out in San Pedro. The season tipped off on Saturday 19 December, 2015, with a Marathon at the University of Belize Gymnasium in Belmopan. The marathon saw the participation of five teams which included the San Pedro Tiger sharks, Belmopan Red Tiggaz, Western Ballaz, Independence Thunderbolt and the Dangriga Warriors.

Police United FC a game away from the National Football Title
The Premier League of Belize Championship round started on Sunday 20 December, 2015, with game one played at the Norman Broaster Stadium in San Ignacio Town between the national defending champions Verdes FC and the Police United FC. In game one, the visiting Police United FC blanked the national defending champions and the host team Verdes FC by the score of 1-0. The first half of the game ended 0-0 as both teams failed to get unto the scoreboard. It was not until the second half of the game that the visiting Police United FC was able to get unto the scoreboard when Orlando Jimenez scored his