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February 20, 2016
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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
San Pedro Fishing Association elects new board members
On Wednesday, February 17th, the San Pedro Fishing Association held a general meeting at the Lions Den shortly after 7PM. The main purpose of the reunion was to elect new members for the association, which would include younger and active members. At the meeting, issues affecting the organization were also discussed and these included the enforcement of fisheries regulations, illegal fishing and even the proper issuing of fishing licenses. The newly elected members of the San Pedro Fishing Association are: President Enrique Marin, Vice President Roberto Bradley Jr., and Secretary/Treasurer Henry Beissner. The association also elected four new board members: Severo Guerrero Sr. Michael Hancock, Gilberto Lara and Giovanni Marin.
The fishermen present at the gathering expressed their willingness to work along with the new president and support him in every possible way to make things work for the association. In return the president committed himself to fully look after the fishermen of Ambergris Caye, but also asked the community and any other organizations to work along with them. “I am ready to lead the association. We have a lot of energy, my team and I want to come up with new ideas in order to do more compared to what has been done in the past four to five years. The first step was to create a new committee with active members, and then we will start to work together. At the moment there is no unity among the fishers on the island. We need to establish that first so we can have a strong association and that will be one of my priorities as the president,” said Marin. He indicated that there will be more frequent meetings to keep everyone inform of events in the fishing industry. Also he believes that a very active committee will be able to foster more resources for the benefit of all fishers in San Pedro.
Saga Humane Society rescues stranded Anteater
On Tuesday, February 16th, the San Pedro Saga Humane Society was notified about an anteater/antbear found at a private residence along the beach in the vicinity of The Island Academy School. The long-nosed mammal was observed up in a coconut tree, from where Saga staff members retrieved the animal. The anteater was then immediately transported to the Animal Wildlife Clinic in the Cayo District via Tropic Air, where checks and treatments were administered.
Ingrid Lima of the Saga Humane Society, stated that so far, they do not know if the anteater belonged to anyone as there were no indications as to an owner. It is not common to spot the solitary creature on the island, and this lead Saga to suspect that maybe it was being kept captive.
According to Lima, she was notified from the Animal Clinic in San Ignacio Town that the anteater, which has been identified as a female, has been admitted into a rehabilitation program and is doing well. However, upon arrival it was noticed that she was suffering from a wound to one of her legs, which was immediately treated. The team at the Animal Wildlife Clinic is looking forward to releasing her back into the wild as early as next week.
Mayor’s and Minister’s Cup continues
The first games for the Mayor’s and Minister’s Cup for the month of February saw many football fans attending the games this past weekend. The results of the games played are as follow:
Saturday – Catrachos 3-1 Peace Makers,
San Mateo 3-3 Progresso Boys,
Sunday – Belize Pro Divers 1-0 Veterans,
PSG 6-4 Sky Energy,
Searious Warriors 1-0 Ambergris Divers*,
Jokers F.C 5-3 San Pedro Junior College.
*Ambergris Divers teams was disqualified in the match against Searious Warriors after they used a player that was not registered.
Games continue this weekend starting at 7PM sharp at the Honorable Louis Sylvester Sporting Complex.
St John’s Anglican girls and St. Martin’s boys win Belize City basketball finals
The girls of Holy Cross Anglican School and boys of San Pedro RC School represented la Isla Bonita at the Belize City district primary schools basketball finals, organized by the National Sports Council, at Birds’ Isle on Wednesday, February 17.
The San Pedro RC boys went up against the Belize City champs, the St. Martin De Porres RC School boys in the opening game of the tournament Wednesday morning, and Ian Pou led the San Pedranos’ attack, scoring 6pts; while Robert Stuart and Tionne Paguada each scored a basket in the first half. But they trailed the city boys 10-13 at the break as Elijah Gabourel had led the Martin’s boys’ attacks with 7pts, and Tyrek Solis, Kareif Smith and Lyndon Gentle had each scored a basket. The island boys pulled out all the stops and tightened up on defense to out-score the city boys 15-10 in the 2nd half; as Ian Pou poured in 8pts more to finish with a game high of 14pts. Tionne Paguada tossed in another 6pts, he finished with 8pts; while Robert Stuart added a free throw. It was an all-city finals in male and female; as the St. Martin de Porres girls eliminated the Belize rural champions, the Burrell Boom Methodist Schol girls 17-1 in the 3rd game of the day.
The Belize Elementary School boys eliminated the Hattieville Government School boys 17-8 in the 4th game.
The St. Martin’s girls won the pride of representing the Belize district as the primary schools nationals in Orange Walk next Friday and Saturday, February 26-27; as they handed the St. John’s Anglican girls their first loss: 12-13 to win the district championship.
Fruta Bomba to close operations in Belize
Agriculture has been heralded as the leading industry in Belize, but in the past year, it has taken a number of hits. The first came when Fyffes broke ties with Meridian Enterprises in October of 2015, sending the banana industry into crisis. Then came a virus outbreak in the shrimp industry in November of 2015, causing close to $30 million in losses. The latest hit to Belize’s Agriculture Industry is the announcement of Fruta Bomba and Belize Fruit Packers permanently closing over the next six months. Fruta Bomba has been the leading papaya grower company in Belize for the past 20 years, and their closure will result in over 250 persons losing their jobs.
“After 22 years operating in the Central American country of Belize, Brooks Tropicals has found it necessary to close its growing and packing operations there,” said the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Greg L Smith, of the parent company of Fruta Bomba and Belize Fruit Packers, in a press release. He went on to further explain that the decision came following economic setbacks from Hurricane Dean in 2007 from which the company never fully recovered. “Efforts over the last three years to build and maintain efficient growing and packing operations in Belize have not been successful, and as a result we had incurred substantial annual loss in Belize that the company can no longer sustain. Efforts included the building of a 16,000 square-foot operations building and considerable improvements to growing, packing and nursery facilities and processes,” said Smith.
Misc Belizean Sources
Belize Audubon Society “Bird Fair”
Last week, TBZ’s Education Department had the pleasure of participating in a “Bird Fair” organized by the wonderful folks at Belize Audubon Society.
In their continued efforts to strengthen avian conservation through community education and sustainable birding tourism, Belize Audubon partnered with the local school in Red Bank Community in southern Belize for a fabulous feathered festival!
6 schools and hundreds of guests attended the fair. TBZ and other colleagues in the avian conservation field engaged eager visitors in discussions and demonstrations about the wonderful world of birds!
And, we weren't the only ones putting on a show! A superb “show and tell” was put on by winners of the school competitions. Talented young students shared poems, costumes, and some cool dances! All forms of expression celebrated the birds of Belize, and how important it is to protect them.
Fruta Bomba & Belize Food Packers Ltd. to close its growing and packaging operations in Belize
Brook’s Tropicals, which is the parent company for Fruta Bomba & Belize Food Packers Ltd., has informed the Ministry of Labour of its intention to close its growing and packaging operations in Belize, over the next six (6) months. The closure will result in the termination of approximately two hundred and fifty (250) employees. The company states that despite substantial efforts to rebuild and make its operations profitable in Belize they have suffered financial loss, which has caused them to close for economic reasons. Today February 19, 2016 the Company intends to lay off a total of one hundred and twenty three (123) employees.
The Ministry of Labour, is currently working closely with the management of the company and the affected employees, to ensure that the legal requirements under redundancy are complied with and most importantly that the wages and terminal benefits due to all employees by law are paid.
A number of employees have already received advice from the Labour Department and we encourage all others to visit the office in order to verify their payments.
GEORGE PRICE HIGHWAY – AXLE LOAD SURVEY
MONDAY, 22ND FEBRUARY TO SUNDAY, 28TH FEBRUARY, 2016 – 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
The Ministry of Works, Transport hereby informs the general public that an axle weight survey for heavy construction and heavy transport vehicles will take place in Benque Viejo del Carmen Town in front of the Cancha Marshalleck.
The main purpose of this survey is to gather preliminary information regarding the range of heavy axle loads borne by Belize’s main highways that will be used to assist engineers in improving future highway design, improve the performance of routine & periodic maintenance and to expand its database of vehicular axle weights.
We apologize in advance for inconveniences in the form of minor delays for heavy construction and heavy transport vehicles. We encourage all motorists to obey the rules of the road, to drive with caution and to be mindful of those involved in carrying out the axle weight survey from 22nd to 28th February, 2016.
Power interruption 7:00am to 12:00 midday, Wednesday, February 24, Hopkins
Portion from Jungle Jeanie’s to Sittee Point area. The entire Hopkins Village & areas along Hopkins Road will be affected from 7:00am to 8:30am. BEL to replace fuse cut out & re-insulate power lines for portion of Hopkins.
Belize Screen on the Green
Belize Screen on the Green 2016 is launching the annual monthly movie program for the third year! Please join us as we re-launch this great program on Friday, February 26th.
The Belmpan Mayor and U.S. Ambassador will attend this event and help launch this program for another succesful year of great movies and communit fun in Belmpan!
The program starts at 5:30 with special performances by the Senior Steppers and the Community Policy Drama Club, and then the movie "The Hurricane" will begin at dark.
Saga Humane Society rescues stranded Anteater
Miss Ingrid reported the clinic had a new visitor yesterday...an anteater...staff was called to retrieve the long-nosed mammal from a coconut tree...
Belize is a spectacular country rich in teeming jungles, lush rainforests, dry pine savannas, tangled mangrove swamps, and dynamic coral reefs. It’s home to countless species of wildlife and creatures that inhabit the terrain including The Tamandua or Collared Anteater (tamandua mexicana). This diurnal and nocturnal, arboreal, terrestrial and solitary creature can be found in Central and South America; from the south of Mexico throughout all of Central America including Belize. It feeds mainly on ants, termites, and bees extracted after ripping apart their nests with their fore claws.
They have an average body size of 60 cm (23 inches); its tail would range as long as 50 cm (19 inches) and average a body weight of 6 kilograms (13lbs). Tamanduas are medium sized, with a long prehensile tail. It has distinctive colors; blonde on the head, upper back and legs, with a black vest, or entirely blonde, or blonde with a partial vest. It has four large claws on its powerful forelimbs, five claws on hind limbs and the tail is almost naked, pink with irregular blackish splotches.
Notice of Detention - Rice Producer
The Belize Bureau of Standards (BBS) in the Ministry of Trade, Investment and Commerce hereby informs the general public that it has served a Notice of Detention to a Rice producer. With the recent changes in the Belize Standard for Rice Specification (BZS 20:2015 ) on October 2015, the producer has breached Section 10 of the Standards for failure to comply with proper packaging and labelling requirements for rice.
Consequently, the BBS proceeded to remove 27,571 lbs of rice on February 11, 2016 from its business outlet located in Belize City. The producer has been provided an opportunity to bring the product into compliance which is required to be done in writing. The company has responded stating its commitment to reprocess the rice in order to be in compliance with the new packaging regulations.
BA1 Project: Prevention of Violence against Women, Human Trafficking and Femicide in Belize
Handing over of Equipment to strengthen Data Producing Units in charge of data on Violence against Women, Human Trafficking and Femicide in Belize
The Ministry of Human Development, Social Transformation and Poverty Alleviation, in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), provided data gathering equipment valued at approximately BZ$184,000.00 to relevant government departments, including the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of National Security. The official handing over of the equipment took place today, February 19, 2016 at the Raccoon Street Police Station in Belize City.
The purpose of the equipment is to strengthen the capacity of those government units in charge of collecting and analyzing data on violence against women and human trafficking and ensure improved access to reliable data for programme planning and decision-making in this area.
GAME LICENSES
The Belize Forest Department hereby reminds the general public that, as per the Wildlife Protection Act (CAP 220), a license is needed hunt and sell the following game species:
Deer,
Gibnut,
Armadillo,
Peccary,
Iguana,
Chachalaca, Black-throated Bobwhite.
The Forest Department reminds the public that it will be monitoring and enforcing these laws throughout the country. All hunters and vendors are advised to apply and obtain the necessary licenses at any of the Forest Department Offices located in Orange Walk Town, Belmopan City, San Ignacio Town, Savannah in the Stann Creek District or Machaca in the Toledo District.
Fire Season is on
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment and Sustainable Development hereby informs the General Public that the Fire Season is on. In Belize, the Fire Season is observed from February 15 to June 15 annually.
The General Public, especially agricultural farmers, are asked to take all the necessary precautions when using fire for their daily necessities such as the burning of their garbage and preparing land for cultivation. Most forest fires originate from the negligent use of fire by farmers for the burning of their milpas and other agricultural lands. In most instances agricultural fires tend to get out of control due to the time of the day when the fire is lit and the failure of the farmer to open fire lines around the entire perimeter of the land. We encourage farmers NOT to burn during the hottest part of the day (10 am - 2 pm) and ensure that at least a 6 feet wide fire line is cleaned around your milpa.
The burning of our forest causes major damage to the trees, destroys the non timber forest products and wildlife habitat. Furthermore, an escaped agricultural fire can cause severe crop and livestock damage as well as affects the soil’s natural fertility and structure. Closer to home, the burning of our forest contaminates our air with smoke and therefore becomes a health hazard as has been witnessed in past years.
Blood drive today in San Pedro
Help by giving blood! Today, February 20, 2016.
Various cigarette traders at the Corozal Commercial Free Zone were called at a meeting today by Atlantic Bank
The only bank carrying out business at the CCFZ, to be informed that all their accounts will be terminated with that bank and therefore will no longer be able to trade with them. More on this news as it develops.
Power Interruption 8:00am to 10:00am, Tuesday, February 23, San Pedro
Portion between Pelican Reef Villas & Island Cottage Resort. Two 10 minute power interruptions, 8:00am to 8:10am & 9:50am to 10:00am will also affect portion between Atlantic Bank & Island Cottage Resort. BEL to energize new high voltage lines in area.
Rescued pelicans
It's all about the pelicans this time of year. Thanks to two reports from concerned Belizeans and two fabulous rescues by our capture experts Belize Animal Rescue, we took in two juveniles who both got on the wrong end of a catfish.
Channel 7
FFB Pres. Vicente Holds On, Under Heavy Fire
He's under heavy fire from within, but tonight Ruperto Vincente is still holding on as President of the FFB.
Last night, we told you about the bold attempt by three members of the executive committee to suspend their own president.
Senior Vice President Sergio Chuc, and executive members Marlon Kuylen and Cruz Gamez used their majority to pass a motion to suspend Vicente. That's after they forced a meeting, which General secretary Michael Blease and Vicente tried to block, because the main item on the agenda was the suspension of Vicente.
But they couldn't block it, and that resolution was passed in the afternoon, but coming unto evening, President Vicente, refusing to accept his suspension, called a meeting with a number of the FFB Congress Members. The FFB Congress is the highest decision-making body of football in Belize, and after this impromptu meeting, it was decided that the suspension would be put on hold until a legal interpretation from FIFA and CONCACAF was forthcoming.
The War Of Words: Ruperto Vs. The Rebels
So, right now, the FFB is in a precarious situation, and the president is waiting to see if his suspension stands. The other 3 executive committee members are holding their ground; they say Vicente is bad for football and he has to go.
All this is unfolding just 6 weeks before elections are due for the entire FFB executive.
But, now, this fight - brewing for months behind closed doors - has erupted into public view.
The main complaint that the Chuc, Kuylen and Gamez have against their President is that he has been making unilateral decisions, without consultation, and sometimes even after they've counseled him against a policy direction. Next, they complain that he has given General Secretary Michael Blease too much authority to make decisions that only the president ought to be able to make.
Finally, they're accusing Vicente of rigging the district elections in his favor, to ensure his re-election in April. Now, that's a heavy charge to lay against Vicente, after all he was elected a platform of transparency and accountability. Not only that, but the man he replaced, Dr. Bertie Chimilio was accused of doing the same thing!
Brooks Tropical, You Dropped The Bomb On We
Tonight the Corozal District is shaken after Fruta Bomba IN SAN JOAQUIN laid off half its staff in a single swoop today. According to the Ministry of Labour, 123 employees were laid off today.
A number of them have complained to the media about what they feel is a pittance they are receiving in compensation after years of work.
The Ministry says it is giving advice to a number of employees, and it is working closely with management to ensure that the legal requirements under redundancy are bring met, while primarily making sure that the wages and benefits due to all employees are paid.
Of course, that is cold comfort to the 251 persons who will be laid off as the company closes down its Belize operation and moves out to the Dominican Republic.
BBS Requisitions Unlabeled Rice
Earlier in the week we told you how the Bureau of Standards had brought down the hammer on 30 grocery stores that were price gouging on rice, sugar, and flour. Well the Bureau is not only cracking down on retail, they're going straight to the producer!
And The Bureau says it's because the rice producers have not met labeling standards. These new labeling requirements go all the way back to this time last year when Jack Charles first threatened to bring in Guyanese rice because local rice was too expensive at 1.20 a pound. The local producers blamed it on price gouging grocers, so the Bureau of Standards came up with a solution: the producers would label the rice by pound and price - so that when it reached the shelf, it would leave nothing to the discretion of the merchants. In other words, they would no longer be able to sell loose rice for their price; they would have to sell it for the price on the pre-labelled bag.
Circle R to Charles: Hit The Road, Jack
And another rice producer, Circle R Products today sent out a press release thanking importer Jack Charles for certifying their rice as "excellent." Now, we know Charles was trying to prove that locally produced rice was tainted with afla toxins. The test he got done showed that there were two micrograms of aflatoxins per kilogram. But according to Circle R, this proves the opposite. A release issued today says, quote, "we are pleased to note that EUROFINS Lab has described the results of these tests on our Belizean produced rice as 'excellent'." Circle R produces 'RUBY RICE', 'JADE RICE' AND 'PREMIUM RICE FOR KIDS'
Man Will Stand Trial For Sex With Child
A 27 year old man will stand trial for unlawful carnal knowledge with a 9 year old girl. Chief Magistrate, Anne Marie Smith today found that Daniel Rios should face trial in the April session of the Supreme Court.
Rios a resident of #276 Star Fish Crescent, Belama Phase 1 is accused of having sex with the child in April of 2015.
Police are relying on statements from 9 persons including the minor and her mother. Rios remains in custody at the Hattieville Prison.
His attorney, Richard "Dickie" Bradley who was not present for the hearing, and did not challenge the police evidence at this stage. Rios remains on remand.
Red Light Lobster
The Belize Coast Guard, while doing one of their regular patrols in Turneffe near Crayfish Caye came upon a vessel that was harvesting illegal out of season lobster tails. They were busted with quite a substantial amount- 243 lobster tails to be exact. Authorities say that the three men on the vessel- George Marin, 53, Angel Tun, 24, and Raymond Petzul, 30- were spotted throwing lobster traps overboard. Coast Guard personnel asked for their fishing licenses but the captain of the fishing vessel said he had his license back at their camp- the place where they were hoarding their illegal catch. Lieutenant Gregory Soberanis told us more.
Lt. Gregory Soberanis, First Fleet Commander:
"Upon reaching the fishing camp, a search was conducted at the camp where the Coast Guard team discovered hidden among the lobster pots a white ice box containing 243 lobster tails and a parrot fish or a grazer. Our team knew exactly that at that moment that the products were illegal as you know lobster season is closed and that the harvesting of the parrot fish in itself an illegal activity. They called Coast Guard headquarters and they were instructed to bring the individuals and the products to mainland where they were handed over to the Fisheries Department for prosecution."
Hampton Gamboa, Fisheries Dept.:
"They were charged for possession of lobster during the close season and it was 243 lobster that they were found with. They were fined and penalized by the magistrate for the possession during the close season."
Belize Bar Assoc: "Don't Worry, Be Happy"
Attorneys from the Belize Bar Association today held an all-day conference at the Biltmore Plaza Hotel. It's an annual event where the bar comes together and choose one topic to educate themselves on.
This time around, they chose the Belize Guatemala Territorial Claim, and they called all the experts to make weighty presentations on the different aspects of this topic. We asked with the President why Belize-Guatemala:
Jacqueline Marshalleck, Pres. Bar Association of Belize:
"The conference is essentially to educate attorneys on the issue of the Belize/Guatemala dispute. I think there is an assumption because we are attorneys we are all comfortable and knowledgeable on international laws and the details of this dispute. There is an expectation I do believe by the public, since the dispute touches on legal affairs, that we will be able to advocate and explain and I think that that a fair expectation of us as an association and as advocates. But in order to do that properly we need to have that information and we need to be properly educated ourselves, so that when we go out to assist perhaps in explaining or educating things to the general public, to our family, to our friends - that we make sure we don't provide wrong information or we miscommunicate something. Because we are picking it up from sources or places that may not necessarily be proper. So the idea is to put our attorneys in a position where they have access to persons who know about this topic in detail and in depth and hopefully they will learn from this experience and then be able to assist others."
Youths For Change
Today the Department of Youth Services held a youth parade that moved off from in front of the St. Johns College Campus at Princess Margaret's Drive and closed off with a youth rally at Battlefield Park on Albert Street.
The purpose of the rally was to kick-start the events leading up to the election of the National Youth Council. District Elections will be held in all 6 districts on February 29 to elect their respective District committee members. Today we caught up with the Belize District Delegation as they got their pep on.
Shawn Saldano, PR Officer - Dept. of Youth:
"Today is the rally for the endorsement of the national youth council that is a long overdue process that the government of Belize has been trying to push off a long time ago. It is finally here. The election is on February 29th where the youth representative who have been nominated will be elected into office for the varied different positions of president, vice president, secretary, treasurer and public relations officer. Today the rally is important because it is the hype, it is the highlight of gathering youth leaders to finally be involved in decision making, to finally be involved in the process of making whatever differences it means to ensure that our youth population is well represented and well impacted."
Finest Footballing Youths
This evening, High School football teams from across the country finished up their day 1 matches in the national finals. They're trying to advance to the final round tomorrow.
We spoke with the President of the National Secondary School Sports Association about those schools who made it this far:
We'll tell you on Monday's newscast which male and female teams emerged victorious.
Costa Ricans for Cross Country
Tomorrow for the first time Belize will be hosting the annual Central American Cross Country Championships- a tournament sponsored by the Central American Track and Field Organization, CADICA. 7 countries will participate including Costa Rica, Panama, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Belize. Today we caught up with the delegation from Costa Rica when they arrived at the international airport. They brought 10 athletes with them- 5 males and 5 females and spoke to us about their expectations for the championship and their will to win.
This is the 10th annual championship but this is the first that is being held in Belize. The games start at 9:00 tomorrow morning at the Roaring River Gulf Course in Roaring Creek Village. The tournament will feature 5 different categories. Belize will be participating in 4 of the categories with a total of 11 athletes on the roster.
Computers To End Violence Against Women
Today the United Nations Population Fund donated laptops and computers to assist with the prevention of violence against women. Now equipment isn't the first thing that comes to mind when addressing such an important national issue. Today we spoke with a representative from the Ministry of Human Development and the Ministry of health and they explained how this donation will be used for this cause.
Sheila Rosel, Director Representative, UNFPA:
"Our role is very crucial and very significant. UNFPA is very pleased to be partnering with the various ministries including the Ministry of Human Development, Social and Poverty Alleviation, The Ministry of Health, the Ministry of National Security and some other development agencies to implement the BA1 Project for the prevention of violence against women in Belize. We are very excited about this handover ceremony and to be handing over these very useful equipment to the various partners in order to strengthen the capacity of their ministries in the area of data management for the prevention of violence against women. We are very confident that these equipment are going to be used in a very useful way so that we can do more for the prevention of violence in Belize. Violence against women is something that can be prevented. I know the commitment is there. Belize have put in place measures like legislation. They also have support services. But we cannot just accept those and be too complacent with what we have. We have to do a lot more and I know that equipment that have been provided today to these ministries will be very useful."
Channel 5
Embattled F.F.B. President Addresses Charges Made Against Him
The Football Federation of Belize is deeply divided tonight and its president Ruperto Vicente is under threat from his own executive. On Thursday night in Belmopan, three executive members made [...]
Ruperto Vicente Says Disgruntled F.F.B. Executives are Free to Step Down
While F.F.B. President Ruperto Vicente is preparing to run against members of his existing administration, the trio of executives opposing his presidency maintains that it is the final opportunity to [...]
Fruta Bomba Winds Down Quicker than Initially Expected
Lay-offs at Fruta Bomba and Belize Food Packers Limited are taking place up north. The companies which are located in San Joaquin Village and Corozal Town will be letting go, [...]
Bureau of Standards Comes Down Hard on Rice Producer in the North
There is a development tonight in the rice industry, which does not have to do with importer Jack Charles. The Belize Bureau of Standards says it has served what is [...]
Annual Law Conference takes on Border Dispute
Today, members of the Bar and the Bench gathered at the Belize Biltmore Plaza for a forum of sorts. It was dubbed a law conference, but the focus wasn’t law, [...]
Why is there a Serious Backlog in the Justice System?
There is a critical backlog in the justice system and while it’s nothing new, it seems to be getting much worse. It has become commonplace for accused criminals to spend [...]
Bar President Comments on Formation of Another Legal Fraternity
In September 2014 Government moved legislation to amend the Legal Profession Act. That legislation removed mandatory membership in the Bar Association and paved the way for attorneys to form or [...]
Missing Caledonia Resident Luis Alcoser Resurfaces
A resident from the village of Caledonia, Corozal went missing on the morning of January fifth, 2016. His vehicle, a KIA Sportage, was found abandoned off the main highway near [...]
Accused Rapist Daniel Rios Remains in Custody
Tonight, twenty-seven year old Daniel Rios, who is being accused of raping a nine year old child remains in custody at the Belize Central Prison. A preliminary inquiry has determined [...]
Coastguard Busts Trio of Fishermen with Illegal Lobster Tails
While on patrol on Crayfish Caye, Turneffe atoll, the Belize Coastguard made a bust this morning for the Fisheries Department. Three men from Belama Phase Two, Belize City were found [...]
Has Belize Lost Grounds in the Sarstoon?
In the past year there has been a perceived escalation in hostilities between Belize and Guatemala. That perception gained wings when thirty-seven Belizeans were basically kidnapped by Guatemalan military in [...]
News Five to Attend Media Workshop in Barbados
Reporter Duane Moody and I are among a group of regional media personnel who will be participating in a Media Law Workshop to be held in Barbados which is funded [...]
Alcaldes Convene to Discuss Appointment of Toledo Land Rights Commission
The Toledo Maya Land Rights Commission was named a few weeks ago. The breadth of its work is the implementation of a Consent Order by the Caribbean Court of Justice. [...]
D.P.P. to Proceed with Prosecution Santa Cruz 13
Also discussed during today’s gathering was the Director of Public Prosecution’s decision to proceed with legal action against the Santa Cruz Thirteen. They were arrested and detained last year for [...]
High School Students March in the Name of Drug Education
Today, students of Nazarene High School culminated a week of drug education with a march through Belize City streets and a rally. It was an intensive session in which the [...]
LOVE FM
Over 100 Papaya Workers Sent Home Today
The last we told you of the situation up north with Fruta Bomba and Belize Food Packers Limited was that they were making plans to close down the papaya factory operations and that it would leave many workers out of a job. Today, the ministry of Labour issued a press release on the matter advising […]
Belize/Guatemala Differendum: When and How Do We Draw the Lines?
An all day session was held at the Belize Biltmmore Plaza Hotel in Belize City wher ninety legal minds were catered for. It was a conference that saw presentations on the Belize Guatemala Differendum as they discuss when and how do we draw the lines. The conference was organized by the Belize Bar Association with […]
Former Negotiator Says Things are Getting Worst With the Belize/Guatemala Issue
As we mentioned today’s conference hosted by the Belize Bar Association, the issue of the territorial differendum was the topic at hand. It is an issue that has been going on for generations and for many, it is one that has been taken for granted with the mentality that it will just go on and […]
Vicente vs FFB Executives
Three executives of the Football Federation of Belize namely Marlon Kuylen, Cruz Gamez and Senior Vice President Sergio Chuc want the President Ruperto Vicente suspended from his position. A meeting was called yesterday evening at the FFB’s Headquarters where the executive voted on suspending Vicente. However, following that decision, a second meeting got underway and […]
Vicente Says It’s Not About Football But Power
Ruperto Vicente believes this goes beyond football. He says that the three executives want him out of the way so they can do what they want with the federation. Vicente says the trio is out to get rid of him so that he will not be able to contest the next elections. However, Marlon Kuylen […]
Football President Receives Death Threats
While the three executives want to get rid of Ruperto Vicente by suspending him from the Football Federation of Belize, there is someone else to wants to get rid of him permanently. Vicente told Love News that he has been receiving death threats.
Circle R Promises Continued Production of Quality Rice
Some weeks ago when the rice saga had begun with the Guyanese rice coming on the local market and the Belize Agricultural Health Authorityy, the media had been reporting on the matter with interviews from the importer, the local authorities and the attorney for the local rice producers. What we had not gotten was a […]
Lobster Bust on Cray Fish Caye
Last week we told you of the lobster season being closed and the Fisheries Department did issue a notice to the fishers,stressing the importance of being compliant with the regulations. Despite that warning, a group of threefishermen were busted today by the Belize Coast Guard just after nine o’clock on Cray Fish Caye. Gregory Soberanis […]
Workshop for Fishers in Southern Belize
A number of fishers are meeting to discuss their participation within the industry. We hear more in this report from correspondent Harry Arzu.
CARICOM 27th heads of Government meeting comes to an end
The 27th Intercessional Meetings for the Caribbean Community concluded on Wednesday in Placencia with a plan of action drafted on several issues, the main topic was correspondent banking. In the closing press conference, Prime Minister Dean Barrow spoke on what was decided. On correspondent banking we agreed to the appointment of a high level advocacy […]
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DJ Busch charged in brutal beating of friend at wake
Popular disc jockey James “DJ Busch” Busch has been charged with dangerous harm after apparently assaulting a good friend at a wake for a late mutual friend of theirs, Ian Blair. According to 35 year old Marlon Chavez, on January 29, the man he considered to be as close to him as a brother left him ...
Court delays sentencing of Estella Gonzalez
Last week 64 year old naturalized Belizean from Honduras, Estella Gonzalez, was found guilty by a jury of trafficking in persons. She brought a 15 year old to work in Belize in her George Price Highway bar, not in her field of cosmetology, but in sexually servicing men at the bar for a pittance. Tod...
How to get more babies registered at birth
After the miracle of birth, the niceties of Belizean law must be observed: all live births, including stillborns, must be registered where ever the child is born. While most parents – 94 percent according to statistics – adhere to the law, some are not able to because of circumstances. T...
Health Ministry continues to fight dengue and Chik-V
The terrible trio of viral diseases spread by the Aedes mosquito – dengue, chikungunya and Zika – are occupying the headlines at the moment. But in the case of the former two, their presence has not been as severe as expected. Last year it was chikungunya or Chik-V that dominated the hea...
FFB election woes
There are rumblings in the Football Federation of Belize ,rumblings reminiscent of the last days of the former FFB president Bertie Chimillo. We understand that later this month, elections are to be held for district Football Association and next month these district committees will be voting for th...
Bureau of Standards cracks down on price gouging
The Belize Bureau of standards has reported that there are quite a number of stores price gouging on rice and sugar following the new controlled prices on those products implemented end of December, 2015. The Bureau says its officers have so far checked 150 stores countrywide and found 30 of them t...
Meet and greet in Teakettle
Police continued their meet and greet sessions today, an initiative taking place in various parts of the country. It is an attempt to have residents of various communities to get to know the police officers in their areas and to also talk with the police about issues affecting their communities. Su...
The Guardian
CARICOM Leaders tackle financial problem
By now, Belizeans may be very familiar with the current threat to the economy caused by the loss of correspondent banking relationships between local banks and the Tier 1 American Banks. Readers may be aware that this issue is one that the entire Caribbean Community faces collectively. That’s abecause these large banks do not view the business it does with the Caribbean Countries as beneficial to offset the risk of running afoul of the stricter enforcement of global regulatory standards to combat money laundering and terrorist financing.
That was a major topic discussed at the Twenty-Seventh Inter-Sessional Meeting of The Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM, which was held in Placencia. CARICOM which is being chaired in the interim by Prime Minister Dean Barrow, has come up with a comprehensive and exhaustive plan to try to address it, since member states like Montserrat are in trouble of being de-linked from the global financial network.
Prime Minister Barrow, and Secretary General Irwin LaRocque discussed that action plan perfected over the 3-day discussion with the other Prime Ministers of CARICOM. First of All, there will be a high-level advocacy group to be led by the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Gaston Browne. He was appointed as the Chair of the Finance Ministers’ Committee, which set up earlier before the meeting. They will be charged with the responsibility of representing the interests of the Caribbean Region on this issue. That will include an approach to the United Nations and the World Trade Organizations, and the financial regulators in the United States, as well as the leaders of the United States Congress. This team will work to sensitize these organizations and authorities on the very real threat that de-risking poses to CARICOM because these US banks are terminating their correspondent banking relations with the indigenous banks of the Caribbean.
Belize chairs Caricom Heads of Government meeting
Prime Minister Dean Barrow and his fellow Government officials have conducted a very exhaustive and diligent leadership of the Twenty-Seventh Inter-Sessional Meeting of The Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM. This meeting, was held on the Placencia Peninsula, where 15 Caribbean Leaders flew into Belize to meet with their peers to discuss a number of issues facing the Caribbean Community as a collective.
The meeting started on Monday, February 15, and ended officially on Wednesday, February 17. These Prime Ministers were anxious to get started, and among the agenda items included the loss of correspondent banking relationships that the Caribbean Banks have been facing since the American Bankers have been de-risking, the possible threat of the Zika Virus which has left the Caribbean mostly untouched, the issue of crime and security, Climate Change, and a few others.
Marijuana de-penalization coming!
At the end of January a white paper was presented to Cabinet for its consideration at the possibility of decriminalizing marijuana. The issue has been looked at and in preliminary fashion Cabinet has decided that amendments be made to the criminal code to deal with persons who are caught with 10 grams or less of the drug. According to Minister of National Security, who has had reservations about the entire issue, Cabinet received the paper three weeks ago. It was reviewed and sent to the Attorney General’s office for changes to the laws to accommodate the move.
While Cabinet has asked for amendments to the law, Minister Saldivar explained to the Guardian that the recommendations are not necessarily for the decriminalization of Marijuana, rather he deems it as de-penalization. In broad terms the Cabinet has recommended that anyone who has been caught with 10 grams or less be fined and no prison term be attached when found guilty of that amount. Additionally convictions of these amounts would not form part of the person’s criminal record.
Bad mouthing cost millions
It seems like these PUP operatives a.k.a. Chicken Littles or Blue-concas are set on opposing just for the sake of opposing. Maybe the reason for their behavior is because they have been in opposition for such a long time, that now opposing comes so natural for them. About three weeks ago, news surfaced that the Social Security Board was looking favorably towards granting a loan that had been requested of them by Santander, the company that is about to open a sugar manufacturing operation in the western part of the country.
Those PUP naysayers or as some people refer to them as BLUE-CONCAS went on an all out offensive to badmouth the SSB and by extension the government. The granting of SSB loans under a UDP administration unlike under a PUP administration is not about a handshake and any old piece of paper that is only fit to line a birdcage. The SSB under the UDP does it’s DUE DILIGENCE through it’s Investment Committee. After that due diligence is done that report goes before the Board of Directors of the SSB. If the report from the investment committee is negative then the board does not proceed with the loan or whatever sort of investment is before them. However if the report is positive then the board may agree in principle and go on to the next step and make it known to the general public and ask for comments and input as per the SSB Act. It is only after that period is completed that the board finally decides based on all the information before them, if they will or will not proceed with the granting of that loan or making that investment.
Opening Statement by the Hon. Dean Oliver Barrow, Prime Minister of Belize At the Opening Ceremony For the Twenty-Seventh Inter-Sessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM)
It is my privilege and pleasure to welcome you to our country and to the Placencia peninsula.
We think this an idyllic spot. The Maya mountains, part of their world-famous eponymous Biosphere, are in back of us; and to the front is our Caribbean Sea, shared patrimony of CARICOM and SICA and emblematic of the proud duality that Belize is heir to.
I hope that the legacy features of these surroundings will act as aid and inspiration to our deliberations.
And very important deliberations they are.
For while that is always the case whenever we meet, I may be forgiven for thinking, and hope to make clear, that our issues and challenges are particularly pronounced at this time.
Let me therefore begin by considering the general economic climate in which we currently find ourselves.
There has been a failure of the world economy to recover properly from the shock of the financial crisis that began in the last part of the first decade of this new century. That failure, for the majority of us in CARICOM, has meant slow growth, increasing difficulties with our public finances, and tremendous strains on our capacity to satisfy the life-improvement aspirations of our people. And it is worth noting that even in the few countries that have shown substantial enough expansion, much of the net effect has been depreciated by population increases. On the bright side, though, there appears to be what we hope will be a sustained resurgence in our region’s all-important tourism industry. This would be a welcome offset to the continued volatility in our commodities sector.
How did American Boy Scout drown in shallow water?
How does a Boy Scout, who is considered to be a good swimmer, drown in front of 31 schoolmates and nine adult chaperones and no one notices? That is the question on the mind of Tomari Jackson’s mother.
Freshman student of North Cobb High School, 14-year-old Tomari Aliijah Jackson, was to have the time of his life on a week long mission trip to Belize with 31 other schoolmates. The well loved talented flute player of the school’s freshman band arrived in Belize on Saturday, February 13, and headed west to the Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary where the team would have spent five days on a field trip. Plans were also in place to celebrate Tomari’s 15th birthday on Monday, February 15. Unfortunately, the trip went tragically wrong just hours after the students landed in Belize.
Soon after they arrived at the Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary the students went for a swim in the Sibun River at Tiger Sandy Bay. Mathew Miller, Managing Director of the Sanctuary, said there were three tour guides along with the six chaperones to watch the children. “It is a known bathing spot, Miller said, “It’s a shallow area; there is not a strong current; it’s even a little back eddy where there is calm water. Tomari was swimming with his Go Pro camera, his swimming goggles, his grey shirt and his blue shorts—going under and coming up.”
Training for better administration of City and Town councils
The Department of Local Government and Belize Mayor’s Association conducted a one day training workshop entitled: Enhancing QuickBooks Usage on February 17, 2016 at the Central Information and Technology Office (CITO) in Belmopan.
This training was aimed at enhancing the municipal accounts management capacity of all the Town and City Councils (TCCs) through the use of the QuickBooks Accounting Program, with the aim of improving the kinds and quality of information provided to the Councils for policy and decision making.
The participants that took part in the training were: Administrators, Accountants/Financial Officers, Account Clerks and Revenue Managers.
The series of topics that were discussed included: Posting and Managing Transactions, Posting and Managing Budget Estimates, Balance Sheet Reporting. Following this training, participants should have acquired the skills of being able to properly post and manage asset values, budget estimates and other accounting data in QuickBooks. They will also be able to create balance sheet reports to accurately reflect the assets and liabilities of Councils, keep track of the performance of accounts receivable and payable and profit & loss budget performance reports
The ongoing battle against Antibiotic Resistance in Belize
Two weeks ago a mission from the Ohio State University visited Belize to sensitize the Ministers and Chief Executive Officers in both the Ministry of Health and Agriculture on antibiotic resistance as part of a two year project to do the same in the Caribbean. This is as a result of international reports that bacteria in both China and Britain have developed resistance to a last resort antibiotic, Colistin. What makes this resistance to antibiotics concerning is that the resistance has been transferred easily between bacteria as a result of a new mutation.
The development of antibiotic resistance is not new. While antibiotics have revolutionized medicine, resistant strains in bacteria have always been developing against the wonder drugs. For example, Penicillin was discovered by Alexander Fleming in 1928, and in 1940 several years before the introduction of penicillin as a therapeutic, a bacterial penicillinase was identified. This showed that once an antibiotic was used widely, resistant strains capable of inactivating the drug became more pronounced. In another case of the antibiotic resistance, streptomycin, introduced in 1944 for the treatment of tuberculosis, mutant strains of Mycobaterium tuberculosis arose during patient treatment. Today, tuberculosis has evolved within the human race and currently infects one third of the World’s population, despite the development of streptomycin and isoniazid antibiotics; as bacteriological resistance to antibiotics has developed rapidly.
In Belize part of the difficulty has been to pinpoint all the antibiotics that the private sector imports. Also, the fact remains that several of the antibiotics that are being used for humans can also be used for animals, which introduces new variables in the discourse of antibiotic resistance.
Medical clinic to open soon in Cayo Central
The Santa Elena Health Clinic in the Cayo District is in its final stages of development and will be opened soon. As this is occurring, the Hon. Rene Montero, Representative for the Cayo Central Division is hard at work securing partnerships with international specialists. When completed the new Health Center will serve the entire constituency of Cayo Central and will be fully staffed 24 hours a day. The Clinic in Santa Elena is in a centralized location, easily accessible by the local population.
Hon. Rene Montero along with Hon. Pablo Marin and CEO in the Ministry of Health Dr. Ramon Figueroa conducted a walk-through at what is to be the new Santa Elena Health Center on Tuesday of this week. At this occasion, the Hon. Pablo Marin committed to assisting with equipment and staff for the facility to be fully operational.
Let’s take “A Walk Through Dangriga”
Monday February 15 marked a historic milestone in the rich and colorful history of Culture Capital, Dangriga.
‘A Walk Through Dangriga’, a pictorial history of Dangriga past and present was launched at the BTL Princess Royal Park. This is the third such publication in the ‘Walk Through’ series; two previous publications were ‘A Walk Through Belize City’ and ‘A Walk Through San Ignacio’. It is hoped that this publication will be utilized by students and tour guides in Dangriga and the wider Belizean community and diaspora.
The 46 page publication is packed full of pictures and the history of Dangriga. This would be an ideal book for any household as well as a great addition to your coffee table.
A Walk Through Dangriga was authored by Dangriga’s very own, His Lordship, Mayor Francis Humphreys, one of Belize’s preeminent historians and Co-Authored by up and coming historian and another one of Dangriga’s very own, Miss Ifasina Efunyemi.
The launching date of this book, February 15th, is noteworthy because in 1895, February 15th, Dangriga was officially named a town. So the launching marked Dangriga’s Birthday.
Derisking - “The Greatest Danger”
What laws did we contravene? What regulations are we about to break? Those are the questions of the day!
H.E. Dr. Patrick Antoine, Chief Finance Advisor - Govt. of Grenada: “The de-risking phenomenon is perhaps the greatest danger to our economic prospects at this time…We need to put the onus on the United States to tell us what regulations will transgress or what regulation, it appears that we are going to transgress. And then they have an obligation to tell us how are they purporting that these limitations accrued and I think that is one of the things we need to do.”
Prime Minister Dean Barrow - Interim Chair, CARICOM: “Under pressure from their regulatory authorities in Europe and especially the US, banks in those jurisdictions have been closing their correspondent relationships with our indigenous financial institutions. This deprives our banks of the ability to keep US deposits, do wire transfers, facilitate credit card settlements for their local clients and our economy. The implications of this for our international trade, for our remittances, for our structures of production, consumption and investment, are so obvious as to require little further elaboration. It is therefore no hyperbole to say that, especially in an environment where the value of our imports and exports taken together equals or exceeds our GDP, any attenuation, not to say complete cutoff, respecting our trade and remittance flows, constitutes a clear, present and compendious danger…Surely our respective country banks can get together across jurisdictions and as a block, approach target banks in the US for pooled correspondence services. That way we should be able to leverage the critical mass needed to make our business volume worthwhile in terms of the risk reward equation.”
Tour of Belize City Flood Mitigation Project sites
The 21 million dollar Belize City Flood Mitigation Infrastructure Project is almost complete and members of the press were guided on a tour by the project managers on Tuesday, February 16. Rolando Chan, Project Manager, led a tour to several sites across the city to assure the public that the city’s signature drainage project will be completed far ahead of the Inter-American Development Bank’s November 2016 deadline.
In November 2011, the Government of Belize and the Inter-American Development Bank signed onto an agreement for a loan of US$10 million for a flood alleviation and mitigation project for Belize City. As part of the agreement, the Government of Belize provided $1.5 million in counterpart funding. The project consists of three main components to be implemented over a period of five years. The first component is Engineering and Administration. This includes the establishing of an Execution Unit along with Operational Expenses. The second component is divided in two sub components which are First Year of Civil Works and Second Year of Civil Works; First Year of Civil Works is further divided into outputs such as street improvements, canal construction and upgrading of Albert Hoy and D’Nest Inn Parks. Component Three is for Institutional Strengthening with a focus on developing a maintenance system for the Belize City Council and a look at Geographic Information System among others.
Civic Pride not dead in ‘Griga - The birth of a beach!
What are the chances of going from an average 2 – 3 feet unkempt area consisting of wild onions, thorns and other shrubbery to a full-fledged beach in just a matter of one month? You would probably believe that story if you would personally witness the hard work involved. As people, we often sit and see the potential of some great things and perhaps think about it; however that’s where it all ends – as a thought. That was not the case with private citizen Clarence Sarawl. He needed somewhere to swim and “chillax” as he put it, but couldn’t find an appropriate place to do so.
He thought about it, picked up a machete, a hoe and a rake and proceeded to clear a 10 by 10 chill spot space for himself. Little did he know, that thought would quickly be transformed from a 10 by 10 space to a full scale task of creating and building a beach.With community involvement and assistance, the Dangriga Wahima Beach Restoration Project under the auspices of the Brothers and Sisters Keepers Organization was born. Wahima Beach, is now a community empowerment initiative in partnership with the Dangriga Town Council. The initiative burned like a wild pine ridge fire. Two newly formed organizations have now taken on the task of doing their own beach cleaning, one on the Northside and the other on the Southside of Dangriga.
Clarence Joseph Castillo who now prefers to be called Sarawl (meaning awaken in Garifuna) returned home in 2011 with several nonprofit initiatives on his mind. The one that burned brighter was to have the beach, a stone’s throw from his old Dangriga neighborhood, revitalized. He told the Guardian, "It was my intent to have this area serve as recreational grounds for both children and adults and it seems to be doing that and more." Wahima beach is located on the northernmost end of Front Street. Sarawl and his band of volunteers consisting of several Grigalizeans, American and Canadian ex patriots and Belizean-American retirees could be seen daily with their garden tools, hard at work maintaining the beach.
Bad press forces Santander to withdraw SSB loan request
At a press conference called by the Santander Group, Andres Ayau, Chief Financial Officer for the company announced on Friday February 12, that it would not take a 12 million dollar loan from the Social Security Board. At the announcement Ayau stated: "It's sad enough to say that this issue was politicized and it's been a negative connotation and due to this negative media coverage we decided to actually use another lender, an international lender to cover that participation." The announcement ended a week's worth of speculation and badmouthing by a few public persons who preferred that SSB not make the investment which ultimately would have earned the board an 8 percent return on investment in the first two years of the loan and 7 percent thereafter on the 10 year loan.
Santander had approached the Social Security Board with the proposal in October of last year after a bank which had originally committed to the loan withdrew the commitment leaving Santander to look for another investor which they have since found. Ayau stated that, "We thought it would be a good thing to invite Social Security Board to participate... This loan offers a return of 7% which is more than twice what you are currently getting and exceeds inflation cost which are not being covered by the current returns you are getting." That is now a lost opportunity but Santander is not yet giving up on the possibility that the SSB invest in its operations. Ayau says that "We would like to leave the door open for Social Security Board and we are announcing here that we are doing and additional investment around this project for expansion of the factory and the sugarcane fields of 15 million US dollars and we continue our invitation to Social Security to participate in that's transaction.
Lady of the night killed in San Pedro
San Pedro police are investigating the murder of 23 year old Johana Samantha Mendez Barrios who was killed on Tuesday morning.
Police were called out to the Basil Parish Apartment Complex in the Boca del Rio area of San Pedro town sometime around 5:00a.m. on Tuesday February 16. There they found the 23 year old woman suffering from a cut wound to the left side of her neck. She was transported to the polyclinic at the island but died while undergoing treatment.
Phillip Bowen guilty of robbery and aggravated assault.
After being on remand at the Belize Central Prison for eight months, Phillip Bowen, 22, is now a full serving convict for the offense of robbery and aggravated assault.
Bowen was convicted of hijacking Harry Holder’s Nissan taxi car and assaulting two police officers. In court Holder testified that on June 28, 2015, Bowen got into his taxi at Cinderella Plaza and asked to be taken to 88 Shopping Center on Central American Boulevard. Just as they were passing the Puma Freetown Gas Station, Bowen pulled out a gun, placed it at the back of his head and told him to stop the vehicle. Fearing for his life, Holder jumped out of the moving vehicle and ran to safety. Bowen then went with the vehicle. As he sped across the Belcan Bridge, PC Anson Simpson and PC Argazabad Sankey intercepted him at the corner of Central American Boulevard and Mahogany Street. Bowen refused to stop when told to do so by the officers and that led to a high speed chase. The taxi went up the boulevard and into Antelope Street Extension where the officers cornered him at a U turn area.
Belize Family Court sending baby Nina back to Guatemala
The Director of the Belize Family Court, Magistrate Dale Cayetano, ordered the Department of Human Services to return two-year-old Nina Perez to Guatemala in a ruling on Friday, February 12. Nina had been the subject of an international custody battle since November – she is our very own Elian Gonzalez. Two parents, one Belizean and the other Guatemalan, locked in a legal battle over who gets custody and guardianship of the child.
The child’s Belizean mother, Ana Liz Perez Gutierrez, ran away from Guatemala with the child in October of 2015, allegedly escaping domestic abuse. She went to live with her family in Orange Walk but that refuge was short lived. Nina’s Guatemalan father, Ernesto Barrera, reported to authorities in his country that the baby was taken across the border without his permission. As a result, an international complaint went in to the Human Services Department and the child was removed from the mother’s care on Friday, November 13. Under a provision for “Emergency Care” in the Families and Children Act, the Department of Human Services took temporary custody of the child’s guardianship. Under this law, the Department has two days to approach the court to confirm the legality of this emergency protective care. That was done on Monday, November 16, and the Family Court granted the Department interim custody of the toddler under the substantive issue until rightful guardianship could be determined.
Darrell Mayen convicted of attempted murder
Darrell Mayen, 21, is awaiting his fate after he was convicted of attempted murder by Justice Troadio Gonzalez in a trial without jury on Friday, February 12. Mayen was accused of trying to kill Rafael Caceres, a 32-year-old tour guide, back in August of 2010.
The incident occurred on August 21, 2010, at the corner of Woodpecker Street and Fabers Road. Caceres was shot at several times but only one shot caught him in the back. The bullet left him crippled for life but he survived. During the trial, Caceres testified that he had just left a Chinese shop and was heading home walking on Woodpecker Street when he realized that someone was behind him. When he looked back he saw Mayen pointing a gun at him from a distance of seven to eight feet. Caceres began to run and Mayen opened fire. As he tried to jump over a fence, Caceres said he felt a burning sensation and knew that he had been shot. He fell to the ground and while he was lying there Mayen stood over him and fired four more shots at him. Caceres was able to positively identify Mayen as his shooter that day.
American man killed in Punta Gorda
American national, 69 year old Thomas Paul Rackowski was attacked on Saturday night while he was at home and he has since died as a result.
Punta Gorda Police report that on Saturday 13th February they responded to a call by a man who was in the Hopeville area of Punta Gorda Town. As a result of the call police visited the home of Rackowski where they found him suffering from stab wounds to the chest and neck area. With the assistance of paramedics Rackowski was taken to the Punta Gorda Hospital and was later transferred to the Southern Regional Hospital in Dangriga and then on to the Karl Heusner Memorial where he succumbed to his injuries at around 10:30p.m on Monday February 15.
Before he passed away, Rackowski told police that sometime around 9:25p.m. on Saturday he was at home reading a book when three men forced their way into his home by prying open the screen door. One of the men then inflicted the injuries he suffered.
Sudden death in Benque Viejo
A man visiting Benque Viejo del Carmen has died suddenly while visiting family members. The incident continues to puzzle residents as to a preventable tragedy.
A dead body was discovered at about 3:05 pm in a creek about 200 yards away from the Mopan River, in Benque Viejo on Friday of this past week. CIB personnel visited the scene where they noted that a male person wearing a black shirt and blue short pants was lying on his left side in the shallow water of the creek. The body was later identified to be that of 47 year old Fernando Melendez, a Belizean laborer of San Pedro Town. He appeared to have bruises on the left side and upper center of the head.
Vehicle robbed from police officer in Benque
A police man was robbed of his vehicle over the weekend in the Cayo District. Forty seven year old Police Officer Selvin Tillett of Lomos del Rodeo, Benque Viejo Town reported that on Sunday of this past weekend at about 11:10 am he was driving his son-in-law Sadani Harrison in a white 2014 Mazda BT-50 Pro with License Plate C-0311 when he lost the vehicle.
Tillett said that he had parked the said vehicle in front of his home on Humble Street at Lomas Del Rodeo, in Benque Viejo Town, when two Hispanic men approached him. He had opened the door on his driver side when one of the males pointed a black 9 mm weapon at him and uttered in Spanish that he wanted the vehicle and that he was not playing. The robbers then drove off in the vehicle in the direction heading to Arenal Village. Police have made checks in Arenal Village, but it was fruitless, and it is now suspected that the vehicle was taken to Guatemala.
Juan Manuel Yapur wins Digicell Valentine’s Tour
The Cycling Federation of Belize in collaboration with Digicell, sponsored the Annual Digicell Valentine’s Tour, which commenced on Thursday 11 February and concluded on Sunday 14 February, 2016.
At the end of four days of racing it was, Juan Manuel Yapur, a Mexican who rides for Team Yapurland, and no stranger to the cycling world in Belize, won the Digicell Valentine’s Tour with a cumulative time of 8:55:50. Joel Borland of Digicell 4G Elite Cycling Team took second place with a time of 8:55:59. Third place went to American Chris Harkey of TEAM Starlight with a time of 8:56:00. Brandon Cattouse of C-Ray Road Addikz finished in the fourth position with a time of 8:56:08 and he was followed by Byron Pope of Benny’s Megabytes who finished fifth with a time of 8:56:25 to round off the top five finishers in the Annual Digicell Valentine’s Tour.
The other top finishers in the Digicell Valentine’s Tour includes Nissan Arana of Westrac Alliance with a time of 8:56:38 and he was followed by Robert Liam Stewart of Western Spirit Cycling Team with a time of 8:57:01, and he was followed by Tarique Flowers of Benny’s Megabytes Elite with a time of 8:57:01 and he was followed by Giovanni Lovell of Digicell 4G Elite Cycling Team with a time of 8:57:04 and he was followed by his team-mate Joel Vanegas with a time of 8:57:20 to round off the top ten riders in the tour.
Smart Belize Hurricanes extend winning streak to 5 games
The National Elite Basketball League of Belize competition continued over the weekend with a number of games played across the country.
On Saturday 13 February, 2016, at the Bird’s Isle here in Belize City, the Smart Belize Hurricanes extended its winning streak to 5 games when it upended the Dangriga Warriors by the score of 70-61.
The Smart Belize Hurricanes was led by Akeem Watters who scored 13 points, had 3 steals and 2 assists. He was able assisted by Brian White who contributed 11 points and grabbed 12 rebounds in a winning effort, while Farron Louriano and Glency Lopez also contributed 11 points each.
For the Dangriga Warriors, the top scorers were James Ewing with 15 points and 8 rebounds, Edgar Mitchell with 14 points, 5 rebounds and 3 steals and Lisbey Castillo who scored 12 points, 3 rebounds and 3 steals.
Meanwhile, out at the Independence High School Auditorium in Independence Village, the defending champions the San Pedro Tiger Sharks defeated the Independence Thunderbolt by the score of 75-41. The top scorers for the San Pedro Tiger Sharks were Caleb Sutton with 16 points and 6 rebounds, Ashton Edwards with 15 points from 5 three-points, and 3 rebounds and Gene Myvett with 13 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists.
Antigua to decide whether they want the CCJ or not
Readers of the Guardian newspaper know very well that Belize’s highest Court, where all appeals are final, is the Caribbean Court of Justice. It may be a distant memory but up until May 2010, the CCJ was not Belize’s final arbitration panel. That job was handled by the Privy Council, headquartered in London, England. That was part of the justice system which the country inherited when it got independence from the British, but right now, there are a number of CARICOM territories who still send final appeals to the Privy Council.
Prime Minister Dean Barrow has declared that in his 6 months as interim chair of CARICOM, he intends to encourage those member states to take the steps to adopt the CCJ as their final court of appeal. One such nation which is on its way to doing so is Antigua and Barbuda. It’s CARICOM Ambassador, H.E. Dr. Clarence Henry, attended the Twenty-Seventh Inter-Sessional Meeting of The Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM, which was held on the Placencia Peninsula. Part of his mission was to update the CARICOM member states that Antigua and Barbuda has just established a National Coordinating Committee which is responsible for the preparation of the campaign toward the adoption of the CCJ as Antigua & Barbuda’s final arbitration panel.
CARICOM Heads discuss Zika
Belize remains free of the Zika Virus which has spread all around the Latin American Countries, and to 5 countries within the Caribbean. The Belizean authorities want to keep it that way, and the CARICOM Leaders want to curb the epidemic to make sure it does not get any worse. That was one of the topics discussed at Twenty-Seventh Inter-Sessional Meeting of The Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM, which was chaired by Belize’s Prime Minister, Dean Barrow.
Coming out of that 3-day meeting, the CARICOM Heads of Government endorsed a course of action to address the spread of Zika, Chikungunya, and Dengue, which are all borne by the Aedes Aegypti mosquito. Since this mosquito is the vector for all of these illnesses, the plan by CARICOM is to reduce the amount of breeding sites it can have which would mean a direct decrease in new infections of these diseases. That course of action from CARICOM will include continuous public education campaigns; and actions to implement measures at the ports of entries of all the territories, and important buildings and edifices where large numbers of people gather daily, such as schools and factories. The plan here is to concentrate on their immediate environments, with activities like fogging to render possible breeding sites unsustainable for the mosquito.
CARICOM Secretary General hands over computer equipment for use by visually impaired persons
The Secretary General of the Caribbean Community Secretariat Ambassador Irwin LaRocque visited the Belize National Library Service on Thursday, February 11th, 2016 to officially unveil software, donated by the CARICOM Secretariat, for the visually-impaired.
In 2015, the CARICOM Secretariat donated and installed software for the visually-impaired at the Belize National Library Service that would be available to the public. The Library located on Princess Margret Drive in Belize City was identified as the ideal location because of its proximity to several high schools, university and technical vocational institutions. It is also near to the Stella Maris School which caters to students with special needs.
The two software programmes installed at the library are:
CITCO prepares for Zika Epidemic
Mayor Darrell Bradley, Councilors and staff of the Belize City Council took part in a sensitization workshop as part of their development of a Zika Preparedness Plan on Wednesday, February 17. Presentations were made by Dr. Javier Zuniga and Mr. Javier Alpuche of the Central Health Region.
The expert consensus is that it is only a matter of time before the Zika virus is officially detected in Belize. Therefore, local governments across the country are developing their strategy to limit its spread in their communities. Dr. Zuniga presented on a background of Zika, the potential public health threat it poses and the epidemiological profile and regional situation.
In a brief background briefing, Zuniga explained that the Zika Virus has been around for more than 60 years - it is named after the Zika Forest near Lake Victoria in Uganda, where it was first noticed in 1947 from a captive monkey. Since then, it has spread across Africa to Asia, Pacific Polynesia and now the Americas. It is only in the past year that scientists and health experts have become seriously worried about it. A massive outbreak that started last year in Brazil brought it sharply into focus because of emerging links to microcephaly - a congenital disorder that can shrink unborn babies' brains and heads and reduce life expectancy. Since April, the virus has spread quickly.
A call for action on Climate Change made in Belmopan
Where Belize’s Agricultural Sector has been considered to be of critical importance to National Development, especially food security, there has been a renewed interest on the implications that Climate Change will be having in the foreseeable future. The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, Environment and Sustainable Development in collaboration with the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture IICA and the National Climate Change Office organized on Wednesday a National Agriculture Climate Change Forum at the George Price Centre in Belmopan. The focus of the forum was to move beyond a national adaptation strategy to address climate change and revisit the evidence and potential solutions with the overall objective of moving from the strategy to action and raising awareness among crops and livestock producers in Belize on the impacts of climate change and what can be done to build resiliency within the sector.
Diana Ruiz, Science Officer at the Caribbean Community Climate Change Center CCCC based in Belmopan told the audience today that the temperatures in Belize will be increasing, there will be a decrease in rainfall and so will hurricanes as surface temperatures increase. As a result there will be implications for the health sector in terms of incidences of vector borne diseases. Diana Ruiz also informed that as a result of climate change, predictions on low rainfall will impact on sanitation, and sea level rise will lead to salt intrusion in San Pedro and Caye Caulker.
Japan gives grant to Belize’s Cotton Industry
On Monday February 15, the Government of Japan granted $102,029.00 USD to the Cotton Industry in Belize.
The contribution was made under the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security projects of the Government of Japan. The project was initiated by cotton farmers in Belize and is represented by Mr. Kensuke Inoue.
With agriculture being one of Belize’s economic pillars the Government of Japan saw it fit to invest in the cotton industry since it provides jobs and development. In a release from the Japanese embassy it states that, “the Embassy of Japan wishes success of this project because the Sea Island Cotton is one of the most potential products to strengthen the relationship between Belize and Japan. Belize produces some of the best cotton in the world.
New or Old Johnny?
Following up on his appearance last week on the Love FM Radio and Television Morning Talkshow, the brand NEW/OLD People’s United Party Leader made his way over to Belmopan to the PUP Plus TV station for what appeared to have been a rehearsed interview conducted by the Preacher and the Drunk . The questions were not only weak but every so often it appeared as if it was the interviewee leading the discussion and not the other way around as it should have been. At times it appeared as if the PUP Leader was looking down and getting his cue from a card or something that appeared to have been hidden from the camera by a Coffee mug placed on the table.
For the hour and a half that Johnny spoke he did not say anything that would convince us that the PUP he is leading will be any different from the one that was lead by Said or Francis. Johnny, it appears, is afraid to overturn the Apple-cart even while in opposition so how can we expect any different if he were ever the Prime Minister of this country. Was that not what he, the G-12 and G-7 before were all about? Did they not on those occasions suggest that they must get rid of the Cancer a.k.a. the Old guard that was plaguing the party for Donkey’s years? So why is he still willing to work with these same persons? Were these not the same persons he referred to as CROOKS or persons who made millions when last the party was in government?
Belizean law enforcement officers sharpen their anti corruption and leadership skills in New Mexico
A cadre of law enforcement officers, including 10 police officers and a magistrate are at Roswell New Mexico at the International Law Indictment Academy ( I.L.E.A.) participating in an anti-corruption and leadership training for 4 weeks. The course will run from February 1 to the 26th. While at the institution, the officers are being instructed by personnel from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the United States Department of Justice.
During the course the participants visited with the U.S. State Department of Justice where they had an opportunity to meet with a judge who gave the Belizean law enforcement personnel an insigt on how the U.S. courts and judiciary functions.
Participants of the course include Magistrate Patricia Arana; Sr. Superintendent Chester Williams; Superintendent, Bart Jones; Superintendent, Andrew Ramirez; Superintendent Daniel Arzu; Inspector, Egbert Castillo; Inspector, Daniel Iche; Sergeant, Santiago Patt; Sergeant ,Salmon Westby; Sergeant, Evan Lino; and Corporal, Lillian Lopez.
Belize City Council shows love for city residents at BTL Park’s 2nd anniversary
The new and improved BTL Park was rocking on Friday, February 12, for the 2nd anniversary of its opening. The upgraded social space opened on Valentines Day 2014 with a Duane Stephenson concert that was free to the public. The Council has since maintained a schedule of weekend events at the park and other public venues in an effort to encourage city residents to get out and access the facilities. This initiative has resulted in a revitalization of the city as families are once again establishing weekend traditions; community groups are going on outings right here in the city, and new friendships are being formed between individuals from various corners of the city. The BTL Park is now a central venue where the melting pot that is Belize is fully on display. It is for this reason, among many others, that the Belize City Council sees it fit to celebrate wholeheartedly the 2nd Anniversary of the New BTL Park.
The star attraction for the celebration on Friday was Jamaican reggae and dancehall artist “Gyptian”. Over three thousand residents made it out to the park for the concert. Most of them were dressed in red on the occasion of Valentine’s Day and many were with their significant other. The entertainment was perfectly selected for the theme of the night, an old fashion love fest at the BTL Park.
Dr. Bernard Bulwer’s strong words for Jack Charles
It is very rare when members of the medical fraternity make public comments about their views on social disputes. However, Jack Charles’ rice war seems to be pushing everyone’s buttons and now one of Belize’s most respected medical experts has weighed in. In a post on his personal Facebook account dated February 15, 2016, Dr. Bernard Bulwer had some very strong words to the Belizean public about Jack Charles.
In the post titled “OPEN LETTER TO MR. BELIZEAN RICE AFLATOXIN EXPERT”, Bulwer writes,
“Dear Mr. conscientious, self-proclaimed philanthropist, public health and nutrition expert; your persistent, self-serving, Belizean rice-aflatoxin scaremongering is not in the best interest of the Belizean public. As a Belizean health professional, I feel a sense of responsibility to weigh in on this matter, and put things in perspective.
My fellow Belizeans, the real threat to your health is not, and has never been rice aflatoxin-related (liver) disease. Our biggest food threat is our near wholesale abandonment of many healthy traditional food choices in exchange for the highly-processed foods found in supermarkets… The scientific and public health evidence is clear. Highly-processed foods and sweetened drinks, with their toxic trans-fats, artificial additives, and excess sugar are direct causes of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. These are the number 1 food-related killers in Belize.”
New ambulance and more working hours at Benque Viejo Polyclinic
Minister of Health, Hon. Pablo Marin on Tuesday February 16 officially handed over the keys for a brand new ambulance for use at the Benque Viejo Polyclinic. The ambulance was handed over to Hon. Erwin Contreras, Area Representative for Cayo West and Mayor Heraldo Ramcharan.
The ceremony was also used to officially launch new opening hours for the policlinic which will extend its opening hours from 8 hours a day to 12 hours during the week. It will also now be opening on Saturdays from 8a.m. until 1p.m.
According to Mayor Ramcharan, the addition of the ambulance and opening hours is very much welcomed in the town as it will better serve those in need of medical attention.
WORDS OF LIFE
One of the blessings that Jesus pronounced during his teaching on the mountainside in Galilee has often been misunderstood. In Matthew chapter 5, verse 5, we read; "Blessed are the meek for they will inherit the earth."
Many people when they hear the word "meek" associate it with being weak or ineffective. However, the true definition of meekness is an attitude of humility towards God, and gentleness towards people. If someone has done wrong or offended us, then we are to deal with that person gently. There is no need to be aggressive. There is strength of character in remaining calm.
The apostle Paul describes the character of good leaders in Galatians 5:22 & 23, "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." These are the attributes we strive for.
If we are meek, willing to suffer opposition for standing up for what is right and honorable, then we will "inherit the earth."
Retrial in BDF rape case due to prejudiced juror
A female soldier of the Belize Defense Force reported to authorithies that after a function at the Price Barracks Compound on the night of March 25, 2011, Lieutenant Ruhesi Elijio went to her room and forcibly had sex with her against her will. There was no witness to the crime so it is a case of her words against his.
Elijio has been on interdiction since the allegations surfaced and the trial finally started almost five years later on Monday, February 15, 2016. However, the case came to a sudden hault on Wednesday, after the Jury Forelady informed the court that the jury was compromised. She explained to Justice Traodio Gonzalez that during the victim’s testimony on Monday a male juror leaned over and said, “I know she deh tell lies.”
This kind of statement from a member of the jury selected to hear both sides of a case without prejudice could not be ignored by the court. Justice Gonzalez said the juror had formed his own opinion of the victim before she could conclude her testimony. Because of this, Justice Gonzalez discharged with nine member jury of six men and three women and ordered a retrial for the April session of the Supreme Court.
Four men on remand for gun found in a vehicle
Leith Bermudez, 21, Deshane Mena, 29, Anthony Robinson, 29, and Richard Flores, 38, are at the Belize Central prison on remand after they were found inside a vehicle with a firearm on Tuesday night.
At around 8:25 p.m. on Tuesday, February 16, police intercepted a vehicle at the corner of Flamboyant and Mahogany Street with the four men inside. A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of a chrome .38 Smith and Wesson revolver with a wooden grip and five live rounds of .38 special S&B; ammunition under a seat. All four men were arrested and charged with keeping a firearm and ammunition without a gun license.
The men appeared before Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith on Wednesday, February 17. Robinson pleaded guilty to the charges expecting that the others would be released. However Prosecutor Christopher Smith told the court that the DPP would not withdraw the charges from the other men. With that, Robinson changed his guilty plea to not guilty and all four men were remanded to the Belize Central Prison until April 18, 2016. The Chief Magistrate ordered that disclosure be given to the men by that date and set trial for May 11, 2016.
Joseph Lopez charged for attempted murder of teenager
Police say that Joseph Lopez, 20, is the man who tried to kill 17-year-old Tyrone Reyes on Friday night, February 12. Reyes was shot sometime around 8:05 on Friday night. He was walking on Boots Crescent, next to St. John Vianney Primary School, from the direction of Fabers Road and just as he was turning into Rivero Street Extension a man approached him from behind and fired several shots. Police in the area responded to the sound of gunshots and met Reyes lying on the street side with one gunshot wound to his upper back. He was rushed to the Karl Heusner Memorial for medical assistance. Reyes was admitted into ward and is listed as being in a stable condition.
Quick police response led to an arrest shortly after the incident. Police arrested and charged Joseph Lopez with “Attempted Murder, Dangerous Harm and Use of Deadly Means of Harm”. Lopez was unrepresented when he appeared before Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser on Monday, February 15. No plea was taken from him since the charges are indictable offenses. Bail could not be granted either and Lopez was remanded to the Belize Central Prison until his next court appearance on April 4.
Busted with weed and accused of biting a police officer
Tanisha Mckoy, 28, is out on bail after a police officer accused her of biting him while he conducted a search on her for drugs. According to Police Constable Cruz Garcia, while conducting a search on Mckoy on Thursday, February 11, she bit him on the finger. This did not hinder the officer; however, from finding marijuana in her possession. Mckoy was arrested and charged with drug possession and wounding.
Mckoy appeared in court before Magistrate Deborah Rogers on Friday, February 12. She pleaded not guilty to two criminal charges: possession of a controlled drug and wounding a police officer. She was unrepresented in court and there was no objection to bail by Prosecutor Kennard Clark. With that, Magistrate Rogers offered her bail in the sum of $800 plus one surety of the same amount which she met.
Patient steals from her doctor at KHMH
The mother of a new born baby boy is on remand at the Belize Central Prison after she was accused of theft by her doctor. Dr. Martha Habet reported to police that while working in the Emergency Room of the Karl Heusner Memorial on Wednesday, February, 10, she left her purse in the staff room and when she returned from duties her wallet was missing from the purse. A quick investigation was launched by hospital security officials who reviewed the surveillance camera. The footage showed Margarita Pech Noralez, 35, taking the wallet out of the purse. Noralez was apprehended by hospital officials and later handed over to police.
On Monday, February 15, Noralez appeared in the Magistrates Court to answer to a single charge of theft. She explained to Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser that she went to the Karl Heusner Memorial to have stitches removed from a surgery that was recently conducted. When she was asked what she did with the doctor’s wallet, which has not yet been recovered by the police, she refused to answer the magistrate. When the charge was read, she pleaded not guilty.
Belize to host CADICA Championship on Saturday
The Belize Athletics Association informs the general public that the Association will be hosting the 10th Central American Cross Country Championship in Athletics. The championship is being sponsored by the Central American Track and Field Organisation (CADICA).
The championship is scheduled for Saturday 20th February, 2016, at the Roaring River Golf Course in Roaring Creek Village, Cayo District. It is anticipated that the championship will bring together some 125 cross country athletes and officials from all seven Central American countries.
The championship will commence at 8:00 am with the 10Km run for both female and male runners in the Open Category. This will be followed at 9:00 am with the 8Km run in the U-20 male category and this will be followed by the 6Km run in the U-20 female category.
Police United maintains lead in Premier League Closing Season
The Premier League of Belize Closing Season 2016 continued over the last weekend with three games on the schedule.
On Sunday 14 February, at the Norman Broaster Stadium in San Ignacio Town, the defending national football champions of Belize, Police United continued on its winning path when it edged out the visiting Placencia Assassins FC by the score of 4-3.
The host team was able to get onto the scoreboard first when Kenroy Arthurs scored the 1st goal of the game in the 13th minute of play to give his team a 1-0 lead. The lead was further extended when Byron Usher scored his team’s 2nd goal of the game in the 33rd minute of play for a 2-0 lead. Devon Makin then made it a 3-0 lead when he scored his team’s 3rd goal of the game in the 40th minute of play.
The Placencia Assassins FC did not go down quietly and created a stir when Ashley Torres scored his team’s 1st goal of the game in the 41st minute of play to cut the deficit to 2 goals. Luis Torres then made it a 3-2 game when he was able to convert a penalty into a goal in the 43rd minute of play.
St. John’s College to host National High School Football championship
The National Secondary Schools Sports Association (NSSSA) will be playing host to the National High Schools Football Championship at the MCC Grounds on Friday 19 February, 2016, and on Saturday 20 February. This year’s championship will be hosted by St. John’s College.
The schools that have earned the right to represent their respective zones are from the Northern Region (female) Corozal Community College and in (male) San Pedro High School. From the Central Region (female) St. Catherine Academy and in (male) Anglican Cathedral College. From the Western Region in (female) Belmopan Comprehensive School and in (male) Sacred Heart College and from the Southern Region (female) Independence High School and in (male) Julian Cho Technical High School.
St. Catherine Academy and Anglican Cathedral College won Central Region High Schools Football competition
The 2015-2016 Central Region Secondary Schools Football Competition came to an end on Wednesday 10 February, 2016, at the MCC Grounds with the second and final game played in both the female and male categories.
In the female championship game, St. Catherine Academy waltzed through the competition with a perfect record when it blanked Gwen Lizarraga High School by the score of 1-0 to capture the championship.
The only goal of the game was scored by Gabriella Mendoza.
Meanwhile, in the male championship, Anglican Cathedral College upset the previously unbeaten Wesley College when it defeated them by the score of 1-0 in regulation time.
In the first game of the championship series, Wesley College had defeated Anglican Cathedral College by the score of 2-1. At the end of the second and final game in the series, the aggregate score was 2-2.
Wesley College girls lead in high school softball competition
The Central Region Secondary Schools Softball Competition continues at Rogers Stadium in both the female and male categories.
On Tuesday 16 February, in the male competition played, St. John’s College defeated Wesley College by the score of 10-8. The winning pitcher was Alwayne Hendy and the losing pitcher was Alonzo Terry.
On Saturday 13 February, in the female game played, Wesley College continued on its winning path when it defeated Gwen Lizarraga High School by the score of 16-1. The winning pitcher was Shania Pook and the losing pitcher was Semaya Usher.
In the male game played, Gwen Lizarraga High School defeated St. John’s College by the score of 9-3. The winning pitcher was Devonte Middleton and the losing pitcher was Alwayne Hendy.
The Reporter
Eamon Courtney and Assad Shoman talk about territorial claim and what GOB should do
Facilitators of Friday’s Bar Association workshop, Assad Shoman and Eamon Courtney gave their perspectives on the direction our territorial dispute with Guatemala should take and warn that the claim could be heading for the worst. Speaking on the issue, Shoman said that, on a whole […] Bar Association holds workshop on Belize Territorial Issue
The Bar Association of Belize held a workshop discussing issues related to the Belize Territorial Claim at the Biltmore Plaza, Belize City on Friday. Jacqueline Marshalleck, president of the Bar Association, said that as the Guatemalan Claim has a diplomatic aspect, it also has a legal aspect […]
Japan invests more in Belize’s cotton industry
Belize’s budding Sea Island Cotton industry, as it is known, has received additional assistance from the Government of Japan. On Tuesday, Japan handed over two tractors worth $205,000 to ICA Belize, a local cotton growing company owned by Japanese-belizean businessman Kensuke Inoue, under the aegis of the […] Department of Local Government and Belize Mayor’s Association conduct training
The Department of Local Government and the Belize Mayor’s Association conducted a training session this week in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye with the aim of improving managerial work at municipal councils. The training was specifically aimed at enhancing the municipal accounts management capacity system at […] BIL reconfigures and takes new direction in 2016
The Belize Infrastructure Limited (BIL) is increasing its role in 2016, exploring engagement in different types of infrastructural developments apart from sporting facilities, which were its primary focus. Commissioned in 2012 to act as the executing agency on behalf of the government, BIL’s role and […]
Santander sugar company to begin operations in March, says CFO Ayau
After four years of due diligence, followed by construction and planting of sugarcane, the mill at the Santander Sugar Company in Valley of Peace, Cayo, will begin to crush cane as early as March, Santander Chief Financial Officer, Andres Ayau said. This will be a […]
Belize City’s Strike Team
The operational arm of southside Belize City, the police strike team established by Eastern Division South Commander, Senior Superintendent Chester Williams, recently became fully functional. The team is tasked with carrying out operations in various sections of the city to prevent crime and violence. Created […] Cinderalla Plaza Will Be Fixed - Someday!
Residents and users of the Cinderella Plaza area, including its intersections with Kelly Street and Baymen Avenue, have complained about the condition of the area for months. Who dropped the ball when it comes to repairing the mess left behind from the Flood Mitigation Infrastructure Project (FMIP) is debated by […]
Mother of drowned teen questions circumstances of son’s death
The mother of Tomari Jackson, the 14-year-old American who drowned in Belize on Saturday, is questioning the circumstances of the boy’s death. “Why wasn’t he missed until later, until after the fact?” Adell Forbes asked as she spoke with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The single mother […]
CitCo prepares for Zika
The Belize City Council this week held a sensitization workshop for its staff on the Zika virus, and the council’s role in the national response. CitCo held the workshop on Wednesday at City Hall, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health. Dr. Javier Zuniga, primary […]
Waitress murdered in San Pedro
San Pedro police are investigating the country’s 20th murder, which occurred on Tuesday in the Boca del Rio area of that town and claimed the life of a Honduran bar waitress. Officer Commanding the San Pedro police station, Inspector Henry Jemmott told the Reporter that […] Deadly Valentine weekend leaves 5 hospitalized
Police are investigating four shooting incidents that happened in Belize City and Hattieville over the Valentine weekend. On February 11, around 9:00 p.m. a 19-year-old Sandhill resident reported that a person he knows from the same village came out from nearby bushes and opened fire […] Elderly man stabbed to death in PG
A retired US citizen was stabbed at his house in Punta Gorda on Saturday night and died on Sunday night while receiving treatment at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) in Belize City. Officer Commanding the PG police formation, Superintendent Simeon Alvarez told the Reporter […]
American student drowns in Sibun 2 days before 15th birthday
Tomari Elijah Jackson, a high school student from Atlanta, Georgia USA, arrived in Belize on Saturday as part of a missionary group program and drowned the same day in the Sibun River - two days before his 15th birthday. The group of 32 students had […] GOB’s next step
The future of the Belizean economy is anyone’s guess and all indications are that it is not performing successfully. The departure of First Caribbean was the writing on the wall that all is not as well as the government would want us to believe. Then came Fruta Bomba - one […]
Zipline coming to Belize City
A company investing in Belize City is making use of the unused waterfront available to the city by creating a zip-line that will attract tourists, Mayor Darrell Bradley told the Reporter. Bradley said although people in the city tend to associate water with environmental damage like hurricanes and flooding, this […] Editorial
Belizean consumers were reassured and comforted this week to hear from an eminent nutrition expert that there is nothing wrong or harmful with rice produced in Belize. Indian businessman, Mr. Jitendra Chawla, also known as Jack Charles, has been making noises in the press to say that his private investigation […]
Power struggle at FFB; President says he received death threats!
Despite all odds, Ruperto Vicente remains President of the Football Federation of Belize (FFB), after a takeover attempt by fellow executive members on Thursday. Those members made a move to suspend him from the Board and Vicente has received death threats, which he claims are related to dethroning tactics. A […]
KHMH negligence leads to amputation, says mother
Helen Conyers, the mother of two-year-old Ireland Conyers, who was recently admitted to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH), claims the child developed a medical complication due to negligence at the hospital, which now requires the amputation of two toes. Conyers said baby Ireland suffers […]
CARICOM heads meet in Belize
The beachfront Ocean Club on the Placencia peninsula was the venue of the 27th Intersessional Caricom Heads of Government Summit earlier this week. Regional leaders convened to discuss issues of great significance to member countries, but more than discussion, it was dubbed as an action session to formulate a structured […]
GOB to decriminalize marijuana
After years of research and consultation, the Government of Belize is preparing to amend the laws of Belize to decriminalize marijuana. Cabinet has handed recommendations made by the Decriminalization of Marijuana Committee, over to the office of the Attorney General for the legislative amendments to […]
Canadian government to host media law workshop in the Caribbean
The Canadian Government is gathering media personnel from across the Caribbean region to attend a media law workshop in Barbados next week.
Themed “Improved Access to Justice in the Caribbean”, (IMPACT Justice) is a regional justice sector reform project implemented from within the Caribbean Law Institute Center, Cavehill Campus of the University of the West Indies (UWI).
Topics to be discussed aim at addressing the rights of the media, the role of the media in educating the public about their rights and the media’s duty to act responsibly.
The opening ceremony will see Senior Director to the Caribbean Regional Programme and Director for Canada to the Caribbean Development Bank, Gail Miller deliver remarks on behalf of the Canadian government.
Breaking Belize News
New Coconut Project to be implemented in Belize
A workshop scheduled for Thursday, February 25th, will be conducted by scientists from the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI), as part of the “Coconut Industry Development for the Caribbean” project which is being funded by the European Union and targeting coconut stakeholders […]
Regional leaders advance agenda at CARICOM meeting
The 27th Intersessional Meeting of CARICOM Heads of Government was a chance for the region’s leaders to make an impact on ongoing regional problems. And, in just a day and a half on the Placencia Peninsula, they believe they managed to get a lot […]
Health Ministry continues to fight dengue and Chik-V
Zika occupies the headlines at the moment. But it was only last year that chikungunya or Chik-V dominated the headlines, while, dengue, an old enemy, is still hanging around. According to the Ministry of Health, surveillance for Zika also takes into account the presence […]
BTL workers demonstrate?
Employees of Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) who are also members of the Belize Communication Workers Union (BCWU) were seen meeting at company headquarters on St. Thomas Street, Belize City. We were informed that the meeting which took place during lunch break, was a form […]
Belize’s biggest adventure race kicks off tomorrow
Belize’s biggest adventure race, the Maya Mountain Adventure Challenge, is set to begin tomorrow! This year’s epic competition will include a total of 52 participants and is the second time the race is being held in Belize. Set in the Maya mountains in the lush tropical […]
Brooks Tropicals fires 123 more people as operations close
Brooks Tropicals, which had announced its intention to close operations in the country last week, intends to lay off 123 more employees by the end of the day, according to a release from the Ministry of Labor. The ministry further indicated that it is working […]
Relatively moist Northeasterly airflow prevails
The National Meteorological Service of Belize is predicting cloudy skies at times with a few showers mostly in the South. Winds will be blowing from the Northeast at 10-20 knots with higher gusts and the sea state will be moderate, becoming locally rough at […]
Fruta Bomba lay-offs begin
Brook’s Tropicals, which is the parent company for Fruta Bomba & Belize Food Packers Ltd., has informed the Ministry of Labor of its intention to close its growing and packaging operations in Belize, over the next six (6) months. Today, February 19 the Company intends […]
Hanging out with the not-so-old man and the sea
(Today we publish our first guest posting, From Jeff Drew, an American who spends a few months a year on Ambergris Caye with his wife, Kathy. Recently Jeff had the opportunity to spend the day with a local fisherman, the amazing Jose (Salva to some) who paddles out to the reef every day. This is their story.)
Imagine being invited by Ted Williams to take batting practice with him, complete with tips on the science of hitting. Or a shoot-around with Larry Bird in his prime. Perhaps an offer to learn stick handling from Wayne Gretzky (gratuitous reference for my Canadian friends and wife).
Anyhow, that’s the opportunity I had a few weeks ago when a mythological spear fisher invited me to share a kayak with him for a day of spearing, gaffing, and conch gathering. What he’s been doing nearly every day for over 40 years to make a living.
My mentor, Salva to some … Jose to others, is amazing to watch. Not an ounce of fat on his 56-year-old frame and endless energy.
We launched at 9 a.m. and returned just before sunset. Paddled from the old Palapa Bar location almost to Mexico rocks.
Salva practically knows every coral head by name. He pointed out that he knows which ones hold lobsters — and those are the only ones he checks.
He constantly slid out of, and back into, the kayak as we paddled north. When I crawl back aboard, it’s an adventure. He does it quickly and effortlessly.
Foodie Friday – Chaa Creek Pizza 101!
The Lodge at Chaa Creek has great food, really good stuff out here, everything is fresh and organic, but every now and again you just want pizza. Pizza is probably one of the best things to come out of Italy and to find one of the best things in Belize that can be just as good is even better.
There is an excellent security-turned-maintenance personnel by the name of Elvis, who besides being great at making sure everything is working fine, is an expert pizza maker (quite an interesting repertoire). Low and behold, Elvis being the modest man he is, didn’t really advertise his pizza mastery to us until recently. He confessed to have been thought by an Italian master pizza maker at a famed Placencia resort where he learned everything about the trade (including pizza tossing!).
We asked Elvis if he could show us some of his techniques, and show the other members of the kitchen staff the ways of the force… I mean pizza toss. Elvis agreed to share his skills, so the kitchen staff eager to up their game gathered around notebooks in hand ready to jot down pointers. Elvis took it from the top and made the dough with its base ingredients, he used his own recipe which included olive oil, yeast, salt, and of course flour, and he added water at intervals along the kneading process. After this process was complete, he rolled the dough up and placed it for about an hour to get the dough to rise and get it ready to throw.
8 Great Apps for Travelers
Did you know that travelers who take more than 20 round trips a year tend to have and use more travel apps, downloading more than four and using nearly three on average? For those of you who travel a lot, finding just the right travel apps for your destination is sometimes a lengthy but worthwhile task; making your travel experience as easy as possible. Whether you’re an Android or Apple user, we’ve assembled a list of 8 free apps to download that are perfect for any traveller and guess what, all of them can be used in Belize!
Flipagram,
Google Maps,
Google Translate,
Instagram,
Snapseed,
TripAdvisor,
WhatsApp,
94%.
International Sources
Communique issued at the conclusion of the Twenty-Seventh Inter-Sessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), held in Placencia, Belize on 16-17 February 2016
The Twenty-Seventh Inter-Sessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) was held at Placencia, Belize on 16-17 February 2016. The Prime Minister of Belize, the Honourable Dean Barrow, chaired the proceedings.
Other members of the Conference in attendance were: the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, the Honourable Gaston Browne; the Prime Minister of Barbados, the Rt. Honourable Freundel Stuart; the Prime Minister of Grenada, Dr. the Rt. Honourable Keith Mitchell; the President of Guyana, His Excellency Brigadier (ret’d) David Granger; the Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris; and the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. the Honourable Keith Rowley.
The Bahamas was represented by the Honourable Frederick Mitchell, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration, the Commonwealth of Dominica was represented by Senator the Honourable Francine Baron, Minister of Foreign Affairs and CARICOM Affairs; Haiti was represented by Ambassador Guy Lamothe. Jamaica was represented by Senator the Honourable A.J. Nicholson, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade; Saint Lucia was represented by the Honourable Alva Baptiste, Minister of External Affairs, International Trade and Civil Aviation; St. Vincent and the Grenadines was represented by the Honourable Camillo Gonsalves, Minister of Economic Planning and Sustainable Development; Suriname was represented by the Vice-President, His Excellency Ashwin Adhin.
February San Pedro Belize Red Cross fundraisers, lots of photos!
January 29th was the last Friday of the month so the proceeds from the weekly trivia game at Crazy Canucks Beach Bar ($150.00) was donated to Red Cross. January 30 was the date of the latest Blood Drive. Although the number of units was lower than hoped, (due mostly due to another huge event going on that day) every pint helps and is very much appreciated. The youth volunteers did a great job raising another $300 with the dollar drive.
February 1 marked the day when the San Pedro Branch received a donation of 4 CPR Manikins. The Branch Coordinator was more than happy go up to Cocotal to accept them. They are so grateful to Sheri Dillon from Kalamazoo Michigan, for her most gracious gift.
Kelly McGuire's final concert for the San Pedro Branch of the Belize Red Cross was held February 8 at the Island Time Bar and Grill. The first was at the The Dive Bar, then Captain Morgan’s. The San Pedro Branch thanks all three locations for hosting Kelly’s concerts and for allowing them to raise funds.
Caldwell University students serve in Belize
Seven Caldwell University students spent part of their winter break serving in remote villages in southern Belize, Central America.
They helped repair schools and churches in the town of Punta Gorda and in the Mayan villages of Dolores, Santa Cruz and Pueblo Viejo.
Katlyn Houtz, a junior and an education and psychology major, said highlights for her were working in the school in Dolores where they assembled the framing for dividing walls for classrooms and having the opportunity to get to know the principal.
“I loved her story,” said Houtz, explaining that the principal grew up in a village and was very good at mechanics and engineering but her father wanted her to become a teacher. She was able to attend high school and college, which is not the norm for females. Now that principal is focused on making education more readily available to girls.
Professor Thomson Ling, associate professor of sociology and counseling, was one of the chaperones. He was happy they could help build basic things to improve people’s lives.
“On the first day, we constructed steps that would allow children at the school to reach the dumpster when throwing out classroom trash,” Ling said.
They also helped with building the walls to divide the one-room building into separate classrooms. “I can’t imagine what it was like to learn in an open space where there are several other classes and teachers all trying to run classes at the same time,” Ling said.
ZIKA VIRUS: Travelers sticking with travel plans
A dozen Inland divers are almost ready to pack their bags and scuba gear for Roatán.
To their relief, the tropical island off Honduras – famous for its spectacular coral reef diving and nearby whale sharks – isn’t known as a Zika virus hotspot.
From divers preparing for Caribbean scuba trips to honeymooners planning a Belize adventure, Zika is on Inland travelers’ minds. Yet that doesn’t mean they’re cancelling their plans.
Dive instructor-trainer Tony Wiley, owner of Wiley’s SCUBA Locker in Riverside, said the divers he’s leading on two trips to the Central American island in late April and early May want the trips to go ahead as planned.
They’re all seasoned explorers who have traveled with the former U.S. Navy diver to other exotic dive spots.
“None of my customers hesitated one second,” Wiley said. “When you’re going to a Third World country, you’re subject to dengue and Montezuma’s revenge and any number of things.”
218 years since the Garifuna were removed from their homeland but injustices continue
In March 1797, after our people lost the war to the British Crown and surrendered, about 5,000 of our people were rounded up, unlawfully imprisoned on the isolated island of Balliceaux, tortured, killed and those who survived subsequently forcefully removed to the distant island of Roatan, now a part of the Bay Islands in Honduras.
They landed there on April 12 of that same year but were not happy with the conditions on the island. The soil was not fertile for them to grow their food and the lack of enough water was a major concern of theirs. Immediately, some of the Garifuna leaders were looking for other places to migrate.
Happy 106th birthday to Hibs’ oldest fan Sam Martinez
Sam Martinez, the well known Edinburgh pensioner and fanatical Hibs; fan who was born in 1910, when no women and only some men had the right to vote in Scotland has celebrated his 106th birthday this week.
To mark the occasion in style, Sam Martinez and his family were invited to a special lunch held in his honour by The Merchant Company, Scotland’s pre-eminent livery company.
Pat Denzler, Master of the Merchant Company, welcomed Sam to The Merchants’ Hall where he was presented with a birthday cake, given a special lunch and talked to some of the Members about events in his life.
While the Suffragettes were calling for votes for women in Scotland in 1910, Sam was born far away in Belize, one of eleven children in his family.
In 1941, he was one of more than 800 men who travelled by ship from Belize, during World War ll, to Scotland where he worked as a forester. After the War ended, Sam decided to stay in Scotland where he raised a family and became an ardent Hibs supporter.
Videos
Howard University Gospel Choir, 4min. Last night the Howard University Gospel Choir performed at Ambassador Moreno's Residence for the Governor General and others. The Belchoral Children's Choir joined them for their final song, "Oh Happy Day." It was beautiful...
Mangroves: Where the Land and Sea Intertwine: Connecting the Ecosystems of Belize, 84min. Join Smithsonian scientists and explore coastal ecosystems in Central America, along the coast of Belize. Here thousands of small islands, called cays (pronounced keys) lie in the lagoon between the mainland and barrier reef. Mangrove forests dominate this coastal zone, along with sea grass beds and coral reefs. Discover how these three ecosystems are inextricably linked, and how the distribution of mangroves parallels the distribution of coral reefs worldwide.
Scuba diving Turneffe Atoll and Ambergris Caye, Belize, 2.5min. Videos never never quite do the experience justice, but here's a quick look at my last few dives in Belize. The Turneffe and Ambergris Caye areas are incredible, healthy and full of life. Much love to Walter and Ilya from Belize Diving services for being my amazing guides 3 years in a row.
Max depth 80ft.
February 2016.
Beltraide, OCO Global, and the Commonwealth Secretariat on the Belize Outsourcing Service Provider S, 34min.
Brad and Rene Coco Plum Caye Belize 2016, 18min. Coco Plum Island Resort, Belize.
Belize Audobon Society Who We Are Feb 19 2016, 3min.
No se necesitan instrumentos caros para sacar musica, 4min. There is no need for expensive instruments to make music..
Heavy roadworks happening on Middle Street, Caye Caulker, 1min.
The first edition of Belmopan Weekly for 2016!, 26min. Belmopan Weekly is BACK! We kickoff with a recap of this week's CARICOM Intersessional!
Chocolate Making in Belize, 1min. Making chocolate at IXCACAO Maya Belizean Chocolate, grinding the beans by hand. San Felipe
Kelly McGuire at The Palapa Bar in San Pedro Ambergris Caye Belize Drone video by Rus Records 2016, 3min. Kelly McGuire at the Palapa Bar in San Pedro Ambergris Caye Belize singing Boat in Belize, Drone video by Rus Records with owners of the Palapa Bar Scott and Jodie Harnish Feb 2016
Belize Caye Caulker Caveman Schnorchel-Tour, 3.5min. Meine Schnorchel-Tour am Belize Barrier Reef mit Caveman Tours. 6 Stunden Tagestrip mit dem Boot von der kleinen Karibikinsel Caye Caulker aus. Schnorcheln mit Ammenhaien (Nurse Sharks), Stechrochen (Sting Rays) und Meereschildkröten.
San Pedro Belize Express EASTER 2015 AD, 1min.
The Birds of Belize - Complete DVD - Version 11, 56min. This is the complete DVD, The Birds of Belize, Version 11, with 315 species included. This video includes the Introduction, Main Body and Credits/Locations. All proceeds from the sale of the DVD go to Belize NGOs and for education in Belize. The DVD is available from eBay for shipment to the US only. It is also available at many locations in Belize.
February 19, 2016
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
Two more wins for the San Pedro Tiger Sharks
After an unprecedented home loss in last week’s game, the San Pedro Tiger Sharks basketball team has come back strong, winning two games during the fifth week of the 2016 National Elite Basketball League (NEBL) Season. Four games were played this past weekend, with the Tiger Sharks playing two matches. Both of the Tiger Sharks games were away matches, but that did not affect their stride, as they managed to win both decisively. With these two new wins, the Tiger Sharks are in the second position of the tournament with four wins and only one loss. Upcoming games will see the Belmopan Bandits facing off the Cayo Western Ballaz at Sacred Heart College Auditorium and the Orange Walk Running Rebels taking on the Smart Belize Hurricanes at Bird’s Isle Basketball Court on Friday, February 19th, both games starting at 9PM. On Saturday, February 20th at 8PM, the Dangriga Warriors will take on the Independence Thunderbolts at the Independence High School Auditorium, while the Orange Walk Running Rebels will take on the Belmopan Bandits at the UB Gymnasium. The final game of the weekend will see the Belize City No Limit facing the San Pedro Tiger Sharks at the Angel Nuñez Auditorium at 9PM. Everyone is invited to come out and support their home team.
All games can be followed live at nebl.sportingpulse.net, with real time box scores while the game is being played. The website also has all game scores, box scores, players and teams’ statistics, along with standings for the season.
Belize Hosts CARICOM Intersessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government
From Tuesday, February 16th to Wednesday, February 17th, Belize hosted the 27th annual Intersessional Meeting of Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Heads. The event saw the participation of representatives from all 15 member states, with the Prime Minister of Belize, Honorable Dean Barrow heading the meeting as the acting Chairman of CARICOM. The two-day meeting aimed at discussing issues within the region and developing possible solutions, was held at the Placencia Peninsula in the Stann Creek District. Among key issues discussed were regional health, security and economic threats. Opening the forum on Tuesday was Barrow, who delivered the official welcoming remarks, setting the tone for the meeting. “There has been a failure of the world economy to recover properly from the shock of the financial crisis that began in the last part of the first decade of this new century. That failure, for the majority of us in CARICOM, has meant slow growth, increasing difficulties with our public finances, and tremendous strains on our capacity to satisfy the life-improvement aspirations of our people. And it is worth noting that even in the few countries that have shown substantial enough expansion, much of the net effect has been depreciated by population increases. On the bright side, though, there appears to be what we hope will be a sustained resurgence in our region’s all-important tourism industry. This would be a welcome offset to the continued volatility in our commodities sector,” said Barrow.
Career Week ends in a show of inspiration and creativity
Career Week 2016 at San Pedro High School (SPHS) ended on Friday, February 12th with all students partaking in a class room decorating contest and special assembly. The week commenced on Monday, February 8th, and offered the unique opportunity for students to be sensitized to the variety of occupational opportunities on the island. Organized by SPHS Counselor, Alexis Guerrero, the Friday closing of the event allowed students to demonstrate creativity and interest in a career of choice. Following Guerrero’s address, Pastor Clive Welsh introduced the guest speaker for the event. An actor, writer and producer from Los Angeles, California USA, Eddie Kaulukukui shared a few personal experiences on how to achieve success in one’s career, even after facing many obstacles. “You need to have your mind set to what you want to achieve and aim for it no matter what distractions or obstacles come your way. To achieve one’s dream, one must believe in them. And most importantly we need to trust God for he knows what he has intended for us,” said Kaulukukui. He was awarded a certificate of appreciation for taking the time to address the students of SHPS.
BTB spearheads Beach Reclamation in Caye Caulker
A total of 1,883 linear feet of the beach has been reclaimed in Caye Caulker though the “Action Plan for Sustainable Tourism Development of Caye Caulker”. A collaborative effort between the Belize Tourism Board (BTB), Caye Caulker Village Council (CCVC) and tourism stakeholder, the project saw approximately 22,000 cubic yard of material being pumped in the beach area between Sobre las Olas Restaurant to Len’s Guest House. The beach reclamation was funded under the National Sustainable Tourism Master Plan (NSTMP) of 2010 and begun in late 2015.
Plus TV’s broadcasting license to be renewed
After unexpected hurdles, Plus TV’s On Air license for 2016 will be renewed. The Belmopan media house faced issues when they tried to renew their license with the Belize Broadcasting Authority (BBA), who initially claiming that they had applied for the wrong broadcasting permit. In a letter addressed to Plus TV’s Director Louis Wade Jr, dated February 4th, the BBA returned their license payment and stated that the station was not broadcasting on its open air channel, thus, the license would not be renewed. Plus TV immediately responded by clarifying that they had provided open air service to residents in the Belmopan area since 2011 on the local channel 21.
Bob Marley honored in San Pedro
Irie Belize Promotions held their seventh annual Tribute to Bob Marley Concert on Saturday, February 13th and Sunday, February 14th at the Central Park. Held in honor of reggae icon Bob Marley’s 71st birthday, the concert was spearheaded by Marlon Usher, Errol Gibson and the San Pedro House of Culture. The event featured live music and entertainment, paintings, carvings and lots to eat and drink.
Tribute to Bob Marley Web-1Throughout the day, residents and visitors were treated to a display of reggae inspired arts and craft set out at Central Park from 10AM. Performances started later in the night, featuring local artists such as Ras Geovanni, Ras Franz Vernon, Melody Man, Thunderbolt, Leo Marley and Sons, Selah Cofu Barrack, Balackheno, Special C, Faaya Links, Bobo, Melanin, Ras Indio, Queen Elizabeth Sulph and Jackie Castillo. In addition all reggae conscious singers and instrument players were welcome to participate in the concert.
Ambergris Today
We Dearly Love San Pedro, But…Traffic, Large Developments
Dear San Pedro Town Council:
We dearly love your beautiful & welcoming Isla Bonita; so much that we have chosen it as our 2nd home. It is increasingly dismaying to see more vehicles & more large developments of 3 stories or even higher. The golf carts, sand streets & no-taller-than-the-palm trees buildings made San Pedro so unique & charming.
It seems, along with this development, you have an increase of crime. We've met several of the policemen. They are intelligent & have the right attitude about preventing & punishing crime. We certainly hope you can get this under control. We have always felt safe on Ambergris & would love it to stay that way.
Boat Ride Blues No More In Belize
Hubert Cacho is the star of the San Pedro Belize Express experience. He definitely puts a little spunk into your boat ride and sends you on your way with a smile and sometimes even a giggle. Way to keep the positive vibes traveling Cacho! You are the kind of People On Our Map that makes Belize so inviting.
Stores Punished for Illegal Price Increase of Local Sugar and Rice
The Belize Bureau of Standards (BBS) in the Ministry of Economic Development, Petroleum, Trade, Investment and Commerce hereby informs the general public that with the recent price changes in both white sugar and Grade “C” rice effected on December 2015, it has beefed up its market surveillance activities for Controlled Price Goods throughout the entire country.
The BBS, responsible of enforcing the Supplies Control Regulations in Belize, is increasing surveillance to assure that products on the store shelves are available and priced properly to ensure that consumers are not unfairly treated by suppliers and distributers (especially during the transition period of price change for sugar and rice).
Misc Belizean Sources
What things do people from Belize miss most when they go abroad?
Wendy Auxillou, Born in Belize, lived in 5 countries, came back home to Belize.
I was born and raised on a tiny island in Belize called Caye Caulker. We live near the sea, which is turquoise and breathtaking all year round. The longest living reef in the Western Hemisphere runs just a mile offshore. The scenery is breathtaking all day, every day.
For fun, we take a boat or kayak and head to the reef to swim with sharks... (Photographer unknown)
BELIZE BANKING DE-RISKING CRISIS
If Belize had:
- Signed onto UNCAC
- Participated with Transparency International
- Had a functional Public Accounts Committee
- Had a functional Integrity Commission.
We would actually have sent a signal to the international community that we are serious about corruption, which exposes us to money laundering and possible funding of terrorism through our banking system, and may not have been in this quagmire called bank de-risking.
Over the weekend Belize hosted the day and a half long Intersessional Meeting of CARICOM Regional Heads of Government. Our Prime Minister of Belize, Dean Barrow, who is also the Chairs the CARICOM, made no mention of these initiatives as contributing factors in helping us, Belize, deal with the banking de-risking crisis we are facing.
LXI Ordinary Technical Committee Meeting of CIRSA
An opening ceremony was held at the Best Western Biltmore Plaza at 4:00 pm inaugurating the LXI Ordinary Technical Committee Meeting of CIRSA. Participating were delegates from 9 OIRSA’s member countries, comprising of Technical Directors in the areas of Animal and Plant Health, Quarantine, Food Safety and Risk Analysis. Also present were members of the Diplomatic Corporation; Representatives of Caribbean Agriculture Research & Development Institute (CARDI), Belize Fisheries Department and the Belize Poultry Association (BPA)s. The Technical Meeting will take place from the 17-19 of February 2016 where matters of utmost importance regarding Agricultural Health progress of OIRSA’s member countries will be discussed, as well as regional projects that have been implemented along with its results that are impacting the livelihoods of many farmers of the region.
Social Security Cayo Debates
Congratulations to John Paul II JC and Galen University for winning at the Social Security Board's 2016 debate yesterday, which were held at the SHC auditorium. Strong showings from all sides, and JP2 defeated UB while Galen won over SHJC. Best of luck at the nationals! JP2JC pictures.
Galen pictures.
Maya Mountain Adventure Challenge 2016
Watch the start of Adventure Challenge 2016 this Saturday at 10:00 a.m. from Cahal Pech!!!
Howard Gospel Choir of Howard University enjoyed a visit this morning to the Xunantunich Archeological Site in Belize!
Next stop - Belmopan for a few workshops with local choir groups!
2016 Youth Ambassadors
On Tuesday Ambassador Moreno hosted the 2016 Youth Ambassadors to lunch at his residence to congratulate them on their selection and exceptional display of leadership skills.
The Youth Ambassadors will travel to the U.S. on a three week exchange program facilitated by Georgetown University in Washington DC. They will also travel to Alabama and Idaho as part of the exchange.
USA Consular Tip: People often ask what documents they need to bring to a visa interview.
The answer is: usually none.
We generally don’t rely on documents in visa interviews. If we have a question that requires documentation, we will give you a chance to provide it.
Some notable exceptions to this rule are visas that have required documents, like student visas, and petition-based visas for working in the United States.
Possession case in Toledo
Earlier today at the Julian cho Technical high school in Toledo a group of 6 girls were playing some kind of game and became possessed by demons. Teachers and students of the high school had to hold d girls down as they became possessed. One girl had to be rushed to the hospital. We have learnt that these girls have been behaving strangely in classes for couple days now but parents were never informed. Let's get the word out and share. Somebody out there might know what started it and can help them.
AMBERGRIS STADIUM: UPDATE FEB. 2016
On Wednesday, February 17, 2016, Hon. Elodio Aragon Jr., Minister of Culture, Youth & Sports, made a visit to San Pedro Town as part of his official tour. His tour included a visit to the construction site of the Ambergris Stadium in the San Pablo area, where he met with Mayor Daniel Guerrero, Deputy Mayor Gary Greif, Councilor Hector Alamilla and Councilor Gabriel Nuñez.
Also present at the site was the general manager of BIL, Ms. Christy Mastry and Mr. Augusto Blanco from AM Construction who presented an overview of the ongoing project.
Currently, the site has been completely cleared and bathroom facilities have been built. Land fill is being delivered and will be spread and compacted. The bleachers are also going up and is expected to accomodate approx. 800 people.
St. Francis Xavier Primary School Valentines Fair
Saturday, 27th February 2016
Commencing at 3:00 p.m. Come one and all to support a worthy cause as proceeds go towards tiling classroom floors and repairing walls and fence. See you there!
TANYA CARTER performance
TANYA CARTER performance exclusively at Charisma Night Club, Princess Hotel and Casino, Corozal Free Zone on February 27th, 2016. Feel the music. Cover charge $15.00.
Cayo Youth Rally
The Department of Youth Services is having a rally and parade tomorrow in Belmopan, starting at 8:30am. It'll be at Mae Gordon Park.
In related news, there are quite a few promising candidates for the Cayo District Youth Council, and they'll be there tomorrow.
Valentine Classic 2016
The Valentine's Day Cycling Classic was this weekend. Congratulations to all the winners! The list is here.
"2016 Digicell Valentine Tour - Road Race By Cycling Federation of Belize"
Paradise Theater: Playing this weekend
We are playing the same movies we had last weekend on this Friday for only $4 .. There will be no movies on Saturday or Sunday ... Saturday and Sunday will be reserved for the live Tango performance at 8pm on both nights .. Movies will resume as per normal next weekend .. Come out and enjoy this rare and exciting event !!
Channel 7
Football Fight!: FFB Pres Ruperto Suspended By Exec. Cmte
Ruperto Vicente was elected President of the FFB in March of 2012, and tonight, almost exactly 4 years later, he is on the verge of being kicked out. A meeting is underway at this hour where Vicente's executive committee has reportedly passed a no confidence vote against him.
Now, the meeting was called for by Vice President Sergio Chuc, against Vicente's wishes, and he and the General Secretary Michael Blease reportedly did try to stop it. And the reason they wanted to block it is because Chuc called to meeting for the stated reason, quote "to suspend (Vicente) as member and president of FFB." Chuc had the support of the majority of the executive committee which is three members.
Chuc's letter to Vicente says the suspension is, quote, "due to your ongoing documented history of engaging in and/or permitting improper activities in violation of FFB Statutes 2011."
Now, the other reason for the meeting is what a majority of the executive believes is the, quote "improper manner in which District Association elections have been conducted in violation of numerous rules that govern the FFB and the FIFA Code of Ethics."
Fruta Bomba Starts Sending Workers Home En Masse
Last week the papaya export company Fruta Bomba announced that it would be closing down its Belize operation in San Joaquin village - and laying off 251 employees. The company gave a six month time frame for its wind-up, but reports from the north are that the mass layoffs have started today, and will continue tomorrow. Those reports say that as much as 80% of the staff could be laid off by next week. The company will then reportedly keep a skeleton staff as it winds up operations.
It's a massive blow for the north in terms of employment, but Fruta Bomba sent out a press release last week saying that it had no choice because it was consistently losing money in Belize - despite making new investments in its operation. It attributed the downturn to Hurricane Dean way back in 2007. But we also know that the company had had problems with the Department of the Environment and with local farmers and a bee keeping co-op which claimed that pesticides had destroyed their bee populations.
DJ Bush Accused Of Brutal Assault
You probably know his voice on the radio, but 37 year-old James Bush, who is known to More FM listeners as "DJ Bush" is making the TV evening news tonight. That's after a man who reportedly used to be his friend, accused Bush of putting a viscous beatdown on him.
The complainant is Marlon Chavez, who told police that he, Bush and others were socializing at a wake. They had a disagreement, and according to Chavez, Bush, who was reportedly under the influence, assaulted him. Chavez told police that Bush punched him several times in the face, and when the fight was finally stopped, Chavez was in a bloody mess.
He's been hospitalized for the past 2 weeks with 8 fractures to his facial bones, and 4 of his teeth knocked out during the face. To recover from these injuries, Chavez will need facial reconstructive surgery, which includes 16 pins, four plates and 4 pieces of steel. He's being treated by the doctors at the KHMH, and is reportedly unable to make any discernible facial gestures such as smiling or laughing, and he can barely speak. Actions such as coughing or sneezing causes Chavez intense pain, and it often causes him to cough up blood.
Former Cop Turned Politician Implicated In Contraband Bust
Paul Wade is a former Assistant Commissioner of Police, who retired and went into politics, where he emerged as the constituency chairman for the PUP in Belmopan.
But we don't know if it's his police or political connections that allowed him to get off easy yesterday afternoon in the Corozal District. 7News has confirmed reports that Wade was in a group intercepted by customs in Estero, which is a contraband hotspot on the Belize side of the Rio Hondo in the Corozal district. Smugglers had brought over 41 cases of Mexican tiles across the Rio Hondo. Wade went and pleaded his case to customs, which agreed to only charge him a few hundred dollars duty on the items. Usually, contraband goods would be confiscated, and the owner charged three times the value.
But, Wade today told us that the contraband was not for him, it was simply for someone close to him and he only went to assist. He says quote, "it had nothing to do with me." Customs sources tell us that a Toyota Tacoma pickup was there and that he made a personal appeal for leniency.
BIRTH REGISTRATION: SECURING YOUR CHILDS FUTURE
When a baby is born the first thing a mother wants to do is make sure her child is clothed and fed, then the bonding begins. But parents may also want to consider registering their child immediately after birth. It might not seem like a pressing issue at that moment but it can have a significant impact on the child's future. Today a meeting was held at the Biltmore to emphasize the importance of birth registration and to evaluate the registration system in Belize. The Registrar General at the Registry Department Velda Flowers told us about the situation when it comes to how many people are actually registered in Belize.
Velda Flowers, Registrar General - Registry Department:
"This morning what is happening is the launching of this bottleneck analysis that was conducted by Miss Patricia Holness, a consultant from Jamaica. This effort came about as a result of the partnership we have with UNICEF and OAS in order to try and ascertain and address the issue of the 6% non-registration of persons born in Belize. Currently Belize has about 94-95% of all persons born in Belize registered and this effort was put in place to try and close that gap - that 6% gap that currently exist."
Patricia Holness, Consultant:
"It is very important that birth registration be taken seriously in any country and a mother as you just said, bonds with her child. But then that child has to be a citizen. That child has to live in the country and reap the rewards of being a citizen. So the government of that country needs to know that this is a citizen for whom I must care and also to ensure that all that goes with citizenship will go to that child."
CARICOM Summit: They Really Did Work
Since Monday, we've been providing you with extensive coverage of CARICOM Heads of Government meeting, which was held on the Placencia Peninsula. Prime Minister Dean Barrow Chaired this meeting, and right now, if they've not left as yet, his fellow Prime Ministers are making plans to leave Belize and return home.
But, that's after a whirlwind of activity in this 27 Inter-Sessional Meeting, and Daniel Ortiz takes a look back from the time they landed until yesterday, to when the very busy meeting ended:
These 15 Government Leaders, each a head of a CARICOM Government, took time out of their schedules to meet in Belize with their peers to discuss the collective interests of the Caribbean.
From the moment they arrived at the Peninsula, they were strictly all about business, as if braced for an impending crisis.
Prime Minister Dean Barrow - Interim Chair, CARICOM:
"I may be forgiven for thinking, and hope to make clear, that our issues and challenges are particularly pronounced at this time."
Tourism Vender Vents On Village
A few weeks ago, local tour guides were complaining about the new regulations being implemented at the Caves Branch Reserve. The complaint was that the more stringent regulations and uneven enforcement were putting them at a disadvantage against their main competition: the big foreign owned tourism investors.
Today our cameras were called out to the Fort Street Tourism Village where the complaints continue. One of the souvenir vendors we spoke to claims that he has been harassed by authorities all week. He said he has been operating as a souvenir vendor for the past ten years. He approaches tourists at the entrance with his handcrafted souvenir holder and convinces them to purchase his products. That is how he makes his living. But now authorities are not allowing him to operate on the streets which is where all the business is. He refused to speak to us on camera fearing victimization.
Emanuel Pech:
"What are they telling you? Why can't you go out there and interact with the tourists to sell your product?"
Voice of: Tourism Vendor, Cruise Terminal 1:
"Basically what they are saying is like the tourists has been getting hackle from everyone, not only from me as a vendor. They are talking about everyone. As you notice all these people that are standing in front of the gate - the people from the ships, they are complaining. This is not something personal. This is something across the board. So why only I am affected by this?"
Drainage: What About The Southside?
For the past two nights, we've been looking at the 21 million dollar municipal drainage project. It''s focused only on the northside - mostly on the areas of Belama Phases 3 and 4 which grew out of swamp and suffered for years with very serious flooding that just wouldn't run off. Tonight we look at the broader flooding picture:..
Jules Vasquez reporting:
The genesis of the municipal drainage project was in 2008 - when any extreme weather event would produce major flooding in the new phase of Belama:
Phillip Willoughby, City Councilor:
"If you would recall at the time fresh into City Council, it was the year 2008 and I stand corrected. The Dean Barrow administration just recently elected to office had to deal with this first flooding event."
Fast forward to 2015, and nearly 22 million dollars has been spent on drainage - much of it in Belama. But already, garbage is clogging this freshly cleaned canal.
Laid Off Workers Bombed By Bomba
As we told you at the top of the newscast, the Fruta Bomba mass layoffs began today in the Corozal District - and reports suggest that as much as 80% of the 251 staffers could be laid off by next week. From a distance, it's very unfortunate, but, up close, it's just plain devastating. Here's what some of the former employees had to say in Spanish today as they got their last pay checks:...
Employee:
"It's very little, it is just exact to pay what we owe. The one without debt is good, but the one that is in debt, he's the one that is suffering. That's how it's going to stay - I can't do anything."
Reporter:
"Where do you plan to work now?"
Employee:
"Well I don't know, find another company, where ever there is job. If one day there is work here again in the north. If not well everything is lost."
MAKING LIFE MORE MEANINGFUL FOR THE ELDERLY
Better care for the elderly: that was the focus of the meeting held at the Inspiration Center today. HelpAge invited their members from all branches across the country to evaluate the services they are providing and to find ways to enhance service to older persons. The council of Aging also plays an important role in this initiative and the Executive Director Ixchel Poot further explained the specific topics of concern.
Ixchel Poot, Exec. Dir - Council of Aging:
"Today HelpAge is having its launch of its two day workshop for its board members. It's a key event for them because HelpAge is the largest network we have in the country that serves older persons. What they've done, they've taken the initiative and brought together all the leaders from their branches and they are providing them with tools to better execute the work that each of the branches are doing."
Courtney Weatherburne:
"What are some of the specific areas or elements that you all are focusing on today?"
Ixchel Poot, Exec. Dir - Council of Aging:
"Some of the specific areas we are looking at today, we've talk about normal aging, we are looking at how to collaborate and how to get all the organizations together working as one and moving forward in one voice..."
THE ROLE OF PUBLIC HEALTH CARE IN SAVING THE ELDERLY
Now that is what is being done at the institutional level- but what about the role of the wider community, and that vaunted social safety net? According to Chairperson of Sister Cecilia Home Bernard Adolphus, the health care providers aren't doing their part in caring and treating the elderly. Adolphus recounts what happened to one of their members at a hospital.
Bernard Adolphus, Chairperson, Sister Cecilia Home:
"One of my biggest observation that I have seen recently, one of our elders had a fall. And this is very disturbing to me. Our doctor and I am hoping that the medical authorities are listening to what I am saying - our doctor send her to the hospital. This lady is about close to 80-85 years old in a home and after a considerably long period she was later attended to. She had fallen on her hand. When the supervisor check with them and tell them what was happening, she was told it's not an emergency case. Only to find out later that the lady hands were broken. To me it's embarrassing. To me it smells negative on our system - that's me. I can go on, but I don't want to say what I shouldn't because I am mad. But the way in the manner in which this elder person was dealt with, because it could have been me, it could been my mother (my mother is dead), it could have been somebody I know. Our authorities, it's a pity some of them were not in this session to learn the proper way in which they should look and care for our older persons. We keep forgetting that."
A Book For Griga Dang
A book compiling the historical land marks of Dangriga Town was launched on Monday under the auspices of the Institute of Social and Cultural Research - which is a part of NICH. The book is co-authored by the Dangriga Mayor, former History Teacher Francis Humphreys along with educator Ifasina Efunyemi.
The ISCR has overseen the launch of three books so far: A Walk Through Old Belize, A walk Through Cayo and Santa Elena, and now a Walk Through Dangriga. The institute says that they are currently working on three other releases for Benque Viejo, Punta Gorda, and Orange Walk.
Costly Conch
A food vendor has to pay a dear price for undersized conch. Forty-four year old Sylvia Veliz, a naturalized Belizean who is a food vendor of Mahogany Street, was fined $ 2,600 today by Magistrate Deborah Rogers after she pled guilty to possession of 105 undersized conch. She was fined $500 dollar and then $20 dollars for each conch. Yesterday an officer from the Fisheries Department went to her house and discovered the conch in her freezer.
Cayo Cops Catch Weed
An Anti-Drug operation conducted yesterday morning in Benque Viejo led to the discovery of a little under 2 kilos of marijuana and the arrest of 5 persons.
The operation was no minor matter. It included the Benque Viejo Quick Response team, the Benque Viejo Special Branch Unit, along with the San Ignacio Quick Response Team, along with the k-9 unit.
At around 5 a.m., the raiding team went to the home of 41 year-old Fredrick Avila, which is at the corner of Church and Victoria Streets in Benque Viejo Town. He was at home along with his common-law wife, 34 year-old Synthia Naj, and a search led police to find 16 balls of foil paper which contained small amounts of weed. Further checks behind his yard, led to the discovery of more marijuana, to a total of 1.01 kilograms, more than two pounds.
GSU Got Gun
In Belize City, the Gang Suppression Unit arrested charged four persons earlier this week for kept firearm and ammunition without a gun license. They are 29 year old Anthon Robinson, 29 year old Deshane Mena, 38 year old Richard Flores and 21 year old Leith Bermudez. On Monday at 8:25 pm, GSU searched a gold Toyota Camry driven by Anthony Robinson at the corner of Flamboyant and Mahogany Streets. They found a loaded .38 revolver underneath the front passenger seat. As a result all four men were arrested and charged for kept unlicensed firearm and ammunition. The GSU says that all four are known to be members of the PIV Gang.
Also the GSU came up on a small stash of cocaine. They found 12.9 grammes of crack on Saturday the 13th on Tigris Street in an abandoned building. The GSU says the drugs belong to a known peddler of the George Street Gang.
Channel 5
Are B.T.L. Employees Dissatisfied with Executive Chairman Anwar Barrow?
There is trouble brewing at the government owned Belize Telemedia Limited. This afternoon during their lunch break, dozens of staffers, members of the Belize Communication Workers Union, assembled outside of [...]
CARICOM Development Fund: What Does It Means for Belize?
The Twenty-Seventh Intersessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM concluded in Placencia on Wednesday. Much of the discussions during the three-day event centered around major regional [...]
CDF’s Rodinald Soomer on Working Visit to Belize
According to the economist, CDF’s directives come from sessions such as those recently held in Belize where keen attention is paid to the needs of lesser developed countries. Isani [...]
Still No Arrest in Murder of Waitress in San Pedro
Police continue to search for a person of interest in the murder of Honduran national Johana Samantha Mendez Barrios. The waitress of Compadres Bar in San Pedro was cut to [...]
The Birth Registration Conundrum Explained
An independent study shows that about six percent of newborns are not formally registered and that presents difficulties for the individuals later on in life, especially in accessing health care [...]
Improvements in Efficiency at the Vital Statistics Unit
If you’ve visited the Vital Statistics Unit recently to request a birth certificate, a marriage license or even a death certificate then you would be quite familiar with the apparent [...]
Fruta Bomba Layoffs Continue As Factory Winds Up Papaya Operation
As we reported last week, Fruta Bomba Limited and Belize Food Packers are packing up and leaving Belize for other destinations. The exporters of Caribbean red papaya say labour costs [...]
F.F.B. President Facing a Coup D’etat
Earlier we told you about the rumblings at B.T.L., but that is not the only place where there is discontent. At news time, we are told that the executive of [...]
30 Storeowners Caught Gouging Prices of Rice and Flour
Recent adjustments to the price per pound of Grade C rice and white sugar have prompted the Belize Bureau of Standards to strengthen market surveillance activities for Controlled Price Goods. [...]
Will Elderly Honduran Woman Serve Time for Human Trafficking?
A mitigation plea was heard today for a sixty-four year old Honduran grandmother living in Belize for over twenty years. On February tenth, 2016, the grandmother was found guilty of human [...]
Fight Among Friends Ends in Arraignment of DJ Busch
The popular disc jockey, Disc Jockey James Busch of More FM, is in trouble with the law tonight. After two weeks of hospitalization, thirty-four year old Marlon Geovanni Chavez has [...]
A Workshop on How to Help Seenagers Live Longer
Women are living longer than men in Belize and life expectancy stands at seventy-five years. But elderly persons continue to be vulnerable. In fact, as it relates to pension, as [...]
Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua & Barbuda on De-risking
We have been reporting extensively on the loss of correspondent banks which was top on the agenda of the Twenty-Seventh Intersessional Meeting which concluded in Placencia on Wednesday. The ‘de-risking’ [...]
Strategies Outlined to Address Issue of Correspondent Banking
PM Gaston Browne’s mission is to knock at all doors including the United Nations, the World Trade Organization and the United States Congress. At the CARICOM inter-sessional, the Heads of government [...]
A Popular Light Technician Needs Your Help to Fight Rare Brain Disease
Thirty-nine-year-old Dorian August; he’s the light technician at the Bliss Center for the Performing Arts and has been working with the Institute for the past twenty-two years. But tonight, he [...]
Dorian August to Undergo Surgery in Merida
August needs urgent surgery which he plans to undergo in Merida. A first round of tests will be carried out next week and he is asking for your assistance. [...]
Orange Walk Resident Wins GST Monthly Raffle
A third winner was chosen this past Monday for the General Sales Tax Raffle. The raffle started last year with its first drawing on December fifteenth; there was another on [...]
Healthy Living Has Update on Zika in Caribbean
As of February of 2016, twenty-two countries in the Americas, including eleven which are Caribbean countries and four which are CARICOM members have confirmed cases of Zika. Barbados, Guyana, Haiti [...]
CTV3
More employees Laid Off From Fruta Bomba
The announcement made last week that Belize’s biggest papaya producer will be closing down in 6 months came as a shock to the residents of the north but most affected by the closing of Fruta Bomba and the Fruit Packers were the over 200 employees that will be left jobless.But even though the company will stop production until August of this year workers are already being sent home as operations slowly comes to a stop. Today workers from the Research Harvesters and office staff were informed that they no longer had a job with the company and while they were not surprised what took them aback is the amount in gratuity pay they received as more was expected.
Workers:
“Diez y siete años voy a cumplir el otro mes, y solo me dieron un poquito de dinero.”
Reporter:
“Has investigado en el departamento de labor si eso es lo que debe de cumplir tu estancia aquí en la compañía?”
Workers:
“No, no sé si ya lo chequearon, tengo cuatro hijos; tres van en la escuela y uno salió del colegio.”
Trouble Brewing In Football Federation
The Orange Walk Football Association will be carrying out their district elections on March 13th in order to elect a new chairman along with a new slate to take over the responsibility of organizing football activities throughout the town.
However, there seems to be trouble brewing, as the list of all official delegates have not yet been issued to the members of the various slates wanting to run for the election.
Ladrick Sheppard:
“We don’t know who are the delegates that are supposed to be elected or who supposed to elect us at this moment, that supposed to be handed in quite a while now and we haven’t gotten that and that is the reason why are confused because we don’t know who to talk so we can get elected, I have a slate and in my slate I am running for Chairman, Fernando Sanchez for Vice-Chairman, Ben Ramos as one of the members, Fabro Carballo as a member and Alex Palacio and I know that there are ten teams that were elected out of the congress that are supposed to be the delegates, at this moment this is all what I know off, Carmelita, Crystal, Yo Creek and San Estevan which are the original congress, then Mr. Avila who is the Chairman added six more teams which are Progresso FC, also he added San Lazaro Revolution FC, White Eagle FC, San Lazaro Young Stars FC and San Estevan Young Stars FC but I don’t know who is the legal Rep. that are supposed to vote us in because for us to enter the election these people have to go to Mr. Avila and receive the nomination form then elect us and that is the reason why we are still lost.”
CARICOM Countries Implement Plan To Fight Zika Virus
The Zika virus which is a mosquito borne virus has been declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the World Health Organization because of its association with microcephaly which is when babies are born with abnormally small heads.
Currently there are a total of five CARICOM member states that have been affected by the virus and although Belize has not had any confirmed cases, Prime Minister Dean Barrow along with other CARICOM heads of government took up a significant portion of the 27th inter-sessional meeting held in Placencia to address the issue.
Chairman of CARICOM, Hon. Dean Barrow, announced a series of actions that CARICOM Member States will take to confront the Zika virus that is currently affecting the Region.
CARICOM Countries Discuss Security Issues
Along with the Correspondent Banking issue and the Zika virus that is currently affecting our region, the CARICOM heads of government also took the time to discuss other important matters like Security in our region and the Paris agreement on Climate Change and their plan of action to address these issues in a regional approach.
Hon. Dean Barrow- Chairman CARICOM:
"On security, we had discussions on the issue of climate security and agree to increase our cooperation and collaboration in this area. Just earlier today Prime Minister Rowley who has lead responsibility for security in our quasi cabinet was the first to sign a protocol amending our treaty; the revised Treaty of Chaguaramas to formally establish the Council of National Security and Law Enforcement as an organ of the community impacts is also now established as an institution of the community and the Sec Gen can explain to you the distinction between those two organism as it were.”
Chinese Community Celebrates Year Of The Monkey
Earlier this morning the Orange Walk Chinese Association organized a parade where majority of the Chinese stores were visited by members of the association in order to perform a traditional dance involving a dragon which is believed to bring prosperity to the establishments. While the president of the Chinese Association, Tony Lee, explained to us the significance of the dance, he also stated that as they celebrate this New Year, it is represented by a monkey which they believe is essential for child birth and knowledge.
Tony Lee – President, Orange Walk Chinese Association:
“It’s a very cultural thing, the lettuce represents a lot of food and why we spread it on the ground I because we want a lot of food to be nourished this year and the following coming year too. The monkey is a year where we really have prosperity but overall the main year of the monkey is for newlyweds and boyfriend and girlfriend who plan to have children and more children and the monkey represent cleverness and so every kid for this we all want them to be very smart and clever.”
Sheep Farmers Take First Step To Form Cooperative
Over the past months the Food and Drug organization along with the European Union have been delivering significant assistance to farmers of northern Belize, in view of the country’s commitment to achieving food security and rural development.
These organizations are responsible for the Launching of the Value Chain approach in midst October last year, whereby all producers, input suppliers, processors and consumers are involved from producing, selling and eating, in layman terms “from the farm to the fork”.
The Value Chain approach looks carefully at everyone involved in order to pinpoint challenges that can lead to reduction of efficiency or profits in the areas of Onion, Honey and Sheep production. Earlier this month onion farmers from Corozal met with farmers from San Carlos and yesterday the first meeting among 19 sheep farmers took place at the agriculture department in Corozal.
LOVE FM
CARICOM 27th heads of Government meeting comes to an end
The 27th Intercessional Meetings for the Caribbean Community concluded on Wednesday in Placencia with a plan of action drafted on several issues, the main topic was correspondent banking. In the closing press conference, Prime Minister Dean Barrow spoke on what was decided. On correspondent banking we agreed to the appointment of a high level advocacy […]
CARICOM heads of government meeting comes to an end
The health issue surrounding the ZIKA virus was one of the key issues tabled at this CARICOM plenary meetings and Caucus. Prime Minister Dean Barrow told the media today that an action plan has been endorsed by the member states that include the continuation of public education with a focus on all areas. Prime Minister […]
Ambassador Irwin LaRocque reappointed as CARICOM Secretary General
Ambassador Irwin LaRocque is serving as the Secretary General of the Caribbean Community since 2001 with his term coming to an end in August 2016. According to Prime Minister Dean Barrow, who is currently the Chair for CARICOM, the next meeting for CARICOM would be in July and thus the issue of the Secretary General’s […]
Border disputes discussed at CARICOM meeting
The issue of national security in Belize has come at the forefront of several of our newscasts as it relates to the role of the country’s security forces and the incursions done by the Guatemalans. The Belize/Guatemala issue came up during the CARICOM meetings conducted over the last two days under the area of border […]
Maya leaders express concern as case against Santa Cruz villagers adjourned yet again
Paul Mahung reporting… “The announcement of the adjournment to those in court was made by Toledo District Magistrate Emerson Banner. Following the announcement as the Santa Cruz 13 and their team of attorneys exited the magistrate court, Love News caught up with spokesperson of the Maya Leaders Alliance Pablo Mis. Pablo Mis – Spokesperson Maya […]
Belize City Mayor says needed works at Cinderella Plaza not the Council’s responsibility
Last night we shared with you the state of Cinderella Plaza in Belize City. It is a highly trafficked route and for drivers it is unbearable. The plaza was dug up as part of the Flood Mitigation Infrastructure Project and yesterday officials told us that it is now the responsibility of the City Council to […]
Belize City Mayor speaks on case brought against Belize Recycling Company
Belize Waste Control’s court case against the Belize City Council and Belize Recycling Company was to continue in court last week but the matter was adjourned. The case was filed last year and the matter has yet to be heard before a justice of the Supreme Court. Today Mayor Darrell Bradley told Love News that […]
Mayor Bradley says works to continue on East and West Canal
And if you think Cinderella Plaza is in a terrible condition, you should take a drive on East and West Canal in Belize City. It is also a heavy trafficked area that residents desperately want to see upgraded. Mayor Darrell Bradley says he is working on it. Mayor Darrell Bradley “Streets are expensive so you […]
Ministry of Health continues Zika virus awareness campaign
Belize remains free of the Zika Virus. Out of the three cases that Belize has sent for testing, one has been returned and the results show that it is negative for the virus. That case was from the Belize District and now health officials are still waiting on the results for the other two which […]
City Council holds public meeting downtown Belize City
The Belize City Council held a public meeting last night at Battle Field Park where residents in the area had an opportunity to voice their concerns. About thirty five residents attended and Mayor Darrell Bradley told us what was discussed. Mayor Darrell Bradley “I raised issues in my presentation about Zika and what the community […]
Trial of BDF officer charged with rape comes to an abrupt end
The trial of 25 year old BDF second Lieutenant Rashesi Elijio, charged with rape of a female BDF second Lieutenant, was aborted today by the trial judge, Justice John Gonzalez when he was informed by the fore lady of the jury that one of the jurors had already made up his mind that Elijio was […]
PlusTV
Health Ministry publicizes Zika sensitization plan to Belize City Council
Today the Ministry of Health’s Central Health Region hosted a sensitization meeting for staff members of the Belize City Council at City Hall on North Front Street. It is part of a nationwide campaign to raise awareness of the Zika virus and its potential threat to Belize, despite not having any cas...
Anti drug operation success
Five people were arrested as a result of an Anti drug operation headed by the Benque Viejo Quick Response team. On Wednesday the 17th of February, the Benque Viejo Quick Response Team along with the Benque Viejo Special Branch Unit personnel lead an Anti-Drug operation in the Town of Benque Viejo w...
BDF soldier’s trial for rape halted
Lieutenant of the Belize Defence Force, Ruhesi Elijio, began trial in the Supreme Court this week, but today it was halted by Justice Troadio Gonzalez after some disturbing news came to light. Elijio is charged with the rape of a female colleague in the Force on the Price Barracks compound almost 5 ...
Carjacker found guilty by court
Philip Bowen, a clothes vendor, was found guilty of robbery and aggravated assault by Chief Magistrate Ann-Marie Smith and is serving a 7-year prison sentence. He jacked a taximan at gun point of his vehicle, forcing the operator to jump out of it to save his life. He then went on a joy ride until ...
CARICOM decides on way forward to tackle derisking
The twenty-Seventh Inter-sessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government closed off today after two and a half days Placencia. . As has been reported, one of the major issues of discussion at this year’s conference was that of de-risking by US Banks; an issue affecting the wider Caribbea...
Hearing from children about their municipalities
The Child Friendly Municipal Development plan is aimed at making towns and cities more child friendly. Presently, various municipalities are conducting meeting sessions with advisory boards made up of young people to get their feedback and views on their municipalities. On Tuesday February 16, f...
Police and Security firms strategize
There was a meeting between police officers and heads of the different security firms in Belmopan this evening at the Belmopan police station. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the various ways the different firms can work together along with police to improve security. Superintendent Howell...
School and Sport Council receive donations
There were some donations made in Cayo on Tuesday. The first one was a donation by Minister Orlando Habet to the St. Francis Xavier school in Esperanza Village. The Minister donated some crystal water bottles along with dispensers to the school. The principal says that the Minster also says he wil...
Breaking Belize News
Court delays sentencing of woman convicted of Human Trafficking
Sentencing for 64 year old naturalized Belizean Estela Gonzalez, found guilty last week of human trafficking has been delayed until Tuesday, February 23. Today the court heard a plea for mitigation from Gonzalez who said that she was sorry for what she did but she did […]
Belize Rural North villages get road upgrade
Edmond Castro, the area representative for Belize Rural North and Minister of National Emergency Management, with funds secured from the Government of Belize, is currently undertaking a project to mitigate flooding in the Maskall-Bomba area, which is expected to be completed by next the […]
DJ Busch charged with friends beating
Thirty-seven year old James Busch, aka “DJ Bush”, who allegedly administered a severe beating to Marlon Chavez, was charged with dangerous harm when he appeared today before Magistrate Deborah Rogers. Bush was released on a bail of $6,000 and his case was adjourned until April 22. […]
Punta Gorda Police meet and greet
Punta Gorda police are the latest to implement the community-inclusive “Meet and Greet” initiative as a means of bringing the police and the public together. Today, officers in town were seen in pairs, introducing themselves and making conversation in an attempt to familiarize the public […]
US high-school student to raise funds for FCD
A 17-year-old high school student from Pennsylvania, USA is organizing a fundraising marathon in her hometown of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania to raise funds for the Friends for Conservation and Development (FCD). FCD is a non profit, non-governmental organization based in the Cayo District with an […]
Regional Agricultural meeting being held at Biltmore Plaza
On Tuesday afternoon at the Best Western Biltmore Plaza in Belize City, an inauguration was held for the LXI Ordinary Technical Committee Meeting of CIRSA, which began yesterday and will conclude tomorrow. Delegates from nine of OIRSA’s member countries, representatives of the Diplomatic Corporation, […]
Analyst presents findings on bottlenecks in birth registration
Imagine being born without an identity. Can you live without the modern conveniences of school, immunization, or even family? You’re not really you, because there is no you. After the miracle of birth, a mother’s first task following breastfeeding and presenting her new child to […]
Fried Honey Bananas
Lightly drizzle oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Arrange banana slices in pan and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side.
Meanwhile, whisk together honey and 1 tablespoon of water.
Remove pan from heat and pour honey mixture over banana.
Allow to cool and sprinkle with cinnamon.
This is Belize: A murder in Paradise
The rape and murder on January 14 of Chicago online news producer Anne Swaney, 39, in western Belize, close to the Guatemala border, has triggered a huge wave of concern, outrage and interest around the world, as well as here in Belize.
Swaney worked for ABC7 in Chicago and was a talented young woman with a most-promising life and career ahead of her. She was vacationing at Nabitunich Resort, an eco-resort just outside of Benque Viejo Town. The resort is not far from the very porous Guatemala border, on the Mopan River.
Police know she had some sort of friendship with a staff member at the resort, formed during a previous visit. They have questioned the employee who last saw her alive. They know she gave up a spot on a trail ride because of a shortage of horses and instead walked down to a dock to practice yoga.
Belize is safe for travel; no cases of Zika yet
The spread of the Zika virus in the Americas, including countries in the Caribbean, and the possible link to birth defects such as microcephaly (babies with small heads) have left many people – especially pregnant women – wondering whether they should cancel their holidays to the region.
The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and individual countries have advised their pregnant citizens not to travel, and some airlines and cruise lines are offering refunds and/free penalty-free changes.
But the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) and the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) say there is no reason to panic or to put travel plans on hold.
There have been no confirmed cases of Zika in Belize, despite reported cases in surrounding Central American and Caribbean territories. As concerns grow among tourists, travel advisories have been issued about visiting a number of destinations but Belize is not included in the list of affected countries.
Living In Stress-Free Belize On 66% Less Than In The U.S.
If you drop by Dan and Mary Elizabeth Crofts home in Corozal, Belize, you might find Dan indulging in one of his favorite new pastimes…feeding the local iguanas. Mary Elizabeth explains, “We have a family of three that we have named: Greta, Gary, and their son, Genghis. They love bananas and we have a video of Dan feeding them.”
And Mary Elizabeth would likely be whipping up a delicious baked treat. “I often make goodies for the workers doing projects at our house. This makes me very popular during their break time.”
Since retiring to Consejo Shores in the Corozal District, the Crofts have embraced a laidback lifestyle, surrounded by nature, and devoid of stress. It’s a far cry from the lives they led in Pennsylvania, where Dan taught school for 38 years, and Mary Elizabeth spent her career in banking.
The Crofts readily admit that each day they count their blessings. “We love getting up and having breakfast in our sunroom, looking at the beautiful nature surrounding us…especially the birds and flowers. The sunrises are awesome and the beautiful starry nights amazing. And we love that there’s no snow in Belize…and no more sidewalks to shovel.”
Pineapple Carpaccio
1. Nothing is more simple. Just cut the pineapple into thin slices and spread them on a large platter.
2. For flavored sugar, mix together sugar, the zest of one lime, 2 sprigs of mint leaves and 2 sprigs of basil. Sprinkle flavored sugar on the pineapple, cover with film and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
3. The final touch: Just before serving, spread a dash of an excellent olive oil. You can choose mint-flavored olive oil for example, but there are plenty of other choices, too!
Mango Carpaccio with Ice Cream
1. Peel the mangoes.
2. Using a mandoline or a very sharp knife, slices the “cheeks” of the mango very thinly
3. Arrange the mango slices on a plate
4. Place a scoop of vanilla ice cream in the center — you can also use a fruit sorbet.
5. Garnish with fresh mint leaves. Add some cherries for color.
International Sources
Venezuela raises petrol price for first time in 20 years
Venezuela is raising petrol prices for the first time in 20 years, although the president claims it will still be the cheapest in the world.
President Nicolas Maduro said pump prices of premium fuel would rise from the equivalent of $0.01 a litre to about $0.60 (£0.40).
The cost of lower grade petrol would rise to about $0.10 a litre.
He unveiled a series measures to help ease Venezuela's economic crisis, including devaluing the currency.
The rise in the heavily-subsidised fuel price will save $800m a year.
"Venezuela has the cheapest gasoline in the world," Mr Maduro said in a televised address. "The cost is almost nothing."
However, other countries, including Saudi Arabia also have extremely cheap, subsidised petrol prices.
He said the price rise was "a necessary measure, a necessary action to balance things, I take responsibility for it."
President Barack Obama to make historic Cuba visit in March
US President Barack Obama has confirmed he will visit Cuba in March as part of a broader trip to Latin America.
He will be only the second sitting US president in history to travel to the island's capital of Havana.
US Republicans have criticised the visit, saying it should not take place while the Castro family is in power.
Washington and Havana restored diplomatic ties last July and the US relaxed travel and trade restrictions after a 54-year freeze.
The US president confirmed his Cuba trip in a post on Twitter, saying: "Next month, I'll travel to Cuba to advance our progress and efforts that can improve the lives of the Cuban people."
Chinese New Year in Belize
2016 is the year of the monkey: the year of the fire monkey to be exact. Fire monkeys are ambitious, adventurous, but irritable. I love monkeys but I am not looking forward to a year of ambitious, irritable people. I’ve had enough of that already with the political candidates and it’s only February. Living on Cape Cod I never thought much about Chinese New Year or it’s celebrations. It wasn’t until my trips to Belize that I experienced it first hand.
Chinese New Year is a big holiday in Belize. Belize surprisingly has a lot of Chinese in their small population. It is a place where persecuted persons of all origins have landed and settled down. There is also a significant Amish population. Every group has their own specialty. The Amish farm and grow vegetables. They are the primary providers of fruits, vegetables, meat and dairy. The Chinese very often are shopkeepers. In the Northern section of Belize all the grocery markets are owned by the Chinese. There of course are Chinese restaurants. On our first visit, the Chinese New Year was fast approaching so we decided to try out a “Belizean “ Chinese restaurant.
Greetings from Belize!
On Monday, Gayla and I flew from Phoenix to Belize, via Houston. This is my first time visiting Belize, and in many respects it reminds me a lot of Brazil. For years we have been providing free guided bird walks each week at both our Prescott and our Sedona stores. This trip, however, is the first Jay's Bird Barn birding field trip to an international destination.
We flew in a day before the group was to meet up, which provided me with the opportunity to go birding on my own, both Monday evening and Tuesday morning. The birding has been fantastic! It is hard to describe the joy I feel as I spend time in nature, observing new birds.
The birds that thrill me the most are the birds that I am seeing in the wild for the first time in my life. It is one thing to see pictures of birds in a bird book. It is quite a different thing to see them in the wild.
I have taken this Belize trip seriously. I have spent the last two months studying and memorizing all of the birds that are in The Birds of Belize book, which has over 570 birds! I have been pouring over the color plates in the bird book, repeating over and over again the names of the birds. I wanted to firmly plant in my mind each species name and its key identifying features.
My preparation has really paid off. It is one thing to bird with a guide when you are in a place you have never been before. However, when you are alone, if you don't know your birds, it can be really challenging to identify each species you see. I felt that the time I spent birding by myself was super productive. I really knew the names of each of the species I saw, and was able to identify
them without the aid of a guide.
Belize Shrimp Growers’ Conquer Premium Markets UK
A strong will to increase its export market base and achieve the coveted international Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) certification led to the formation of the Belize Shrimp cluster and it is now reaping the benefits of accomplishing both goals. Challenged by an unforeseen viral disease which severely impacted the Belize shrimp industry, the cluster still managed to successfully supply UK based multinational retailer Marks and Spencer as well as the second largest supermarket chain in the UK, Sainbury’s, with 1.1 million pounds of shrimp in 2015. Under the Sainsbury agreement, the shrimp is repackaged under its premium brand and sold exclusively by the chain as it has agreed not to source shrimp from any other supplier under its brand. This has resulted in a higher than projected price premium for exports to these markets. As a direct result of Compete Caribbean’s intervention, Belize Aquaculture Ltd. – the lead firm responsible for the UK arrangements – was able to guarantee quality, consistency and volume by engaging in purchase agreements for the type and quality of shrimp needed from the other ASC certified farms in the cluster. As a result, even the smallest firms in the cluster plug directly into the export value chain for Belize shrimp.
World Bank: Zika will cost Latin America $3.5 billion in 2016
Economic losses associated with the mosquito-borne Zika virus spreading across Latin America and the Caribbean are expected to total roughly $3.5 billion this year, according to initial estimates from the World Bank released Thursday.
The organization announced it would provide $150 million to support vector surveillance and control, and identification of vulnerable populations — especially pregnant women and women of reproductive age. It also said it would use the money to promote access to family planning, and to provide prenatal care for Zika-infected pregnant women and postnatal care for babies in the event of neurological complications. Some health experts suspect a strong link between Zika and an apparent surge of babies born in Brazil with microcephaly, a condition marked by an undersized head and brain damage.
The World Bank said Zika-related losses would likely be “modest” but could hit tourism-dependent countries in the region hard. Foregone income in such countries, including Belize, Jamaica, Cuba and the Bahamas, could range from 0.8 percent to 1.6 percent of their GDP, the World Bank said.
Crocodiles Suffocated On Way To Wildlife Facility In Mexico
More than 120 crocodiles belonging to wildlife company Cocodrilos Exoticos were found dead after crushing and suffocating one another during the company's 1,580 mile-long trip across Mexico. Cocodrilos Exoticos, a crocodile farm and conservation facility based in the Caribbean coast state of Quintana Roo, could face a fine of up to $193,000 for failing to provide "dignified treatment" for the animals under wildlife protection laws, authorities said.
Morelet's crocodiles (Crocodylus moreletiiare) are native to the eastern coastal plain of Mexico, across most of the Yucatan peninsula, and throughout Belize and northern Guatemala. They live primarily in freshwater areas such as swamps and marshes. Characterized by a broad snout and dark grayish-brow color, they are relatively small compared to other species. Full grown, they can reach 9.8 feet long.
The 124 reptiles were among 350 of this type of crocodile from another farm, Cocodrilos Mexicanos, located in the northwestern Pacific coast state of Sinaloa. They were en route to their new home at the "Cocodrilia" wildlife conservation facility in the Caribbean coast town of Chetumal, which is owned and operated by Cocodrilos Exóticos.
Videos
Press Conference held on Wednesday, February 17, 2016 at the 27th Inter-Sessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), 33min. With CARICOM Chairman, Prime Minister of Belize Hon. Dean Barrow and CARICOM Secretary-General Ambassador Irwin LaRocque.
Body And Soul - Common Health Problems in Belize, 3min. This video is about Body and Soul Medical Mission in Belize and the health problems that they commonly treat.
Guatemala - Belize, 5.5min.
Hamanasi Hopkins Belize Half Moon Caye Wall 2 Feb 2016, 84 foot max depth, 36 min, 34min. Half Moon Caye Wall off Lighthouse Reef and Half Moon Caye Belize 2 Feb 2016. Hopkins Divers from Hamanasi Adventure and Dive Resort took us out
THE Legend Garifuna, 3min. Trip down memory lane, Vintage, but still breathtaking to watch. I miss him. He was one of us for a while.
Belize Snorkeling, 3min.
Belize in 10 days, 2min. A lot can happen in a 2 week adventure traveling around Belize. Some of which I can highly recomend like an ATV execution through the jungle with Chaa Creek Resort or an adventure snorkeling on Caye Caulker. What a great time exploring the outdoors of this great nation and being immersed in the rich, diverse culture.
BELIZE-2016-RamPsalm, 7min. 11 days in Belize, playing ,praying and ministering to the people of Belize
Diving Caye Caulker Belize, 8min. Diving with the lads in Caye Caulker, Belize. No Blue Hole dive due to weather but still pretty sweet.
Belize Audubon Society Bird Guide Training, 10min.
Belize Hurricanes-Run this Town, 4.5min.
NEC takes Belize 2016, 18min. Study abroad trip my senior year.
Flight from Belize City to San Pedro, 5min.
Our Romantic Engagement- High temple, Lamanai, Belize....#Coldplay, 2.5min. The Moment I asked my wife to be mine...
Belize Barrier Reef Snorkeling 2016, 2min. Snorkeling in Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley in the Belize Barrier Reef. Swam with Sea Turtles, Nurse Sharks, Sting Rays and every color fish imaginable.
February 18, 2016
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
Forward Operating Base at Sarstoon coming along
On December 19, 2016 the controversial ground breaking of the joint Belize Defense Force (BDF) and Belize Coast Guard (BCG) Forward Operating Base (FOB) was held at an area of land on the northern bank of the of the Sarstoon River in southern Belize. Two months later work has progressed and the building is starting to take shape. On Wednesday, February 10th the Minister of National Security, Honorable John Saldivar visited the construction site, applauding the rapid pace of construction. The FOB has been long needed in the area for law enforcement presence, as the area is known for illegal activities.
On his visit to the construction site, Saldivar was accompanied by senior members of the BDF, the Belize Police Department and Ministry of National Security officials, along with Honorable Frank Mena. The FOB at the mouth of the Sarstoon River is one of several initiatives being undertaken by the Government of Belize to safeguard and protect Belize’s sovereignty. “The Forward Operating Base, though modest in its beginnings, will establish a much needed presence and will serve to combat illicit activities such as drug, contraband and human trafficking, and weapons trading, which threaten Belize’s national security,” indicated Saldivar.
Caye Caulker hosts first Lionfish Derby
The first ever Lionfish Derby in Caye Caulker took place on Saturday, February 13th and was organized and founded by the Barrier Reef Sports Bar and Grill along with Oceana Wave Maker volunteer Lynne Harris. The event was organized to continue the fight in ridding Belizean waters of the invasive lionfish. Nine teams registered for the event and headed out to the sea to capture as many fish as possible, then bring them ashore for cooking. There were four main categories which included the Most Lionfish (Scuba Diving), Most Lionfish (Free Dive), Largest Lionfish and Smallest Lionfish. There was even recognition for the youngest team taking part in the tournament. At the end of the tournament, after all the catches had been weighed, the respective winners were announced. The Most Lionfish caught through scuba diving was via Team Sagebrush from San Pedro Town with 78 lionfish caught. Team members were Brad Blanchat, Kyle Thomas, Eddie Ancona, Bill McDonald, Andre Paz, and Justin from Amigos del Mar. They walked away with $500, a case of beer and a bottle of rum. Capturing the prize for the Most Lionfish in free diving, as well as the Smallest Lionfish, was Caye Caulker fisherman Miguel Moreno. He won $600 dollars along with a case of beer and a bottle of rum. The prize for the Largest Lionfish, measuring an impressive 15” went to Stephanie and Henry Lopez from Contour Tours, who took the prize of $100, a case of beer and a bottle of rum. At the end of the award ceremony, the youngest team, Spearheads, was recognized. Even though they did not make it in any of the four main categories, they did well as the youngest group in the competition. They walked away with a $75 certificate courtesy of the Barrier Reef Sports
Ambergris Today
San Pedro Takes Steps to Remain Zika Free
San Pedro Town Council and Ministry Of Health Unite For A Zika Free San Pedro - With the recent Zika situation in the region, The San Pedro Town Council in conjunction with the Ministry of Health has embarked on a proactive approach to ensure that our island, as well as the entire country of Belize, remains Zika free.
This plan of action is in accordance with the national plan of action that the Ministry of Health has embarked on. The San Pedro Town Council and the Ministry of Health are therefore encouraging all islanders to do their part to prevent all forms of mosquito-borne diseases and keep our environment and island clean.
Misc Belizean Sources
A love letter to the Caribbean Sea
Dear Caribbean Sea,
Some of our earliest memories are of you, our beautiful Caribbean Sea. Carefree days; warm sand; beauty and abundance as far as the eye could see. Every year, we take a knee, hoping we are not forced to witness the power of your waters in storms and hurricanes. And every day, we give thanks to you for the air we breathe, the water we drink, the coasts you protect, the jobs you provide, the food you put on our tables. We dare not imagine a world without you…a world without our reef, without fish, without all the treasures that make us who we are: proud Belizeans. No matter where we live, we recognize the role you play in our personal health and in the global reality.
Belize is small but we’re strong. And we know just how important you are to us—all the ways we are interconnected and dependent on how you’re feeling. We see you hurting. We hear your cries for help. We know that if each country works diligently to save the ocean, we can help you help yourself. We promise to act, to reimagine how we use and protect our resources to ensure we are doing what we can to minimize climate change, ensure food and job security and a better quality of life for all.
You may have seen us on the coasts and cayes, picking up the garbage that’s choking you. You may have heard our voices, calling for sustainable development projects. You have felt our hands as they stretch across the sand to protect you from offshore oil. It’s not enough but we promise to do more. We promise to speak up even more boldly and loudly and to get even more people involved. We know that if we all come together and use our hearts, hands and voices, our small ripples will create big waves of change.
We promise to do more than just say we love you; we promise to act like it.
Love always,
the people of Belize.
Luna Loca's 3rd Anniversary Weekend Celebration & Full Moon Party
February 18 - February 23. Luna Loca:
on the beach, San Pedro, Belize. Calling all LUNAtics!
Join us in celebrating our 3rd anniversary with a long weekend full of exciting entertainment and fun!
Drink specials every day
As alway's....walk in and get a free Shot.
2 for 1 Belizean rum
2 for 1 LocaRitas
2 for 1 Green Fairy
Thursday 18 February 7p-12a
Karaoke with Julian Melodyman Escobar
Free shots for all singers,
Bring your losing Chicken Drop ticket for a surprise at the bar
Friday 19 February 7p-12a
Video DJing by DJ Tracks
Name dat tune....
Free 2 Be Saturday 20 February 7p-12a
DJ GrACiErOcK
Droppin dat BASS from di underground...
Silly games and prizes
Limbo, Musical Chairs, Punta Hoop, and The Big Suck-Off
Sunday 21 February 2p-6p
LUNAtic Asylum Wine Down
With live music by PG Vibes
2 for 1
Bloody Marys/Marias, Micheladas, Mimosas and Bellinis
Sunsets from last night and tonight, Iguana Reef and Belize Diving Services, Caye Caulker, Belize
Ocean Ferry Belize Limited says STOP THE CLOCK!
We are trying something new on 17 February 2016! 11:30 a.m. departure from San Pedro, and 12:00 noon departure from Caye Caulker wink emoticon Come experience this and maybe even win something (hehe) - and who knows....maybe we make it a permanent thing??
Business Outsourcing Provider’s Summit Belize!
Government officials from Belize and private sector representatives will meet in February to discuss a new Commonwealth strategy to improve the country’s business services sector.
The meeting, which will take place on 17 February in Belize City, will be an opportunity to examine the benefits of increasing the country’s business services and identify priorities for policy and institutional reform. The strategy was developed by the Commonwealth Secretariat in collaboration with the Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (Beltraide).
Businesses services cover a wide range of activities including accounting, data processing, IT-related services and telecommunications. Governments and businesses around the world outsource a proportion of these services to make efficiency gains or as part of a wider corporate strategy.
Current Market Surveillance Activities by the Belize Bureau of Standards
Government of Belize Press Office
FREE SPAYS AND NEUTERS Feb 22-26 at SAGA
World Spay Day is next Tuesday Dr. Baptist will be returning to Saga to help celebrate this worldwide event to control pet population...please call Miss Ingrid at 226-3266 to schedule your cat or dog (or rabbit) today...
FREE SPAYS AND NEUTERS next week...never a better time to care for your pet and help the animals of San Pedro...
Ixcacao chocolate now in stock on Caye Caulker
Half size (2 OZ) bars in a variety of flavors $5.50 each. Full sized (4 OZ) bars in dark, milk and unsweetened baking chocolate $11. Flavors available in small bars: dark, dark with ginger, spicy dark, dark with cinnamon and milk chocolate. Message me for orders.
Garden & Flower Show in Belize City
If you are in Belize City this weekend folks, lookout for their Garden & Flower Show!
They say "Dis Da Fu Wi Chikin"
Quality Food Products which recently opened its doors announces its COROZAL GRAND OFFICIAL OPENING this Saturday February 20th, 2016. 10% off all grocery items. Whole chicken at discounted price. FREE FOOD & DRINKS (All Day Long).
Every hour there will be a raffle - 5 Bicycles, 5 Micro ovens and the GRAND PRIZE of 1 Stove - See you at our location #2 Third Street South, Corozal Town (Same building where Smart is).
A vacancy exists at Belize Electricity Limited
For the post of Lead Mechanic in the Transport Section.
Power interruptions 5:00am to 6:20am & 5:40pm to 6:00pm, Sunday February 21, Cayo and Belize Districts
Entire City of Belmopan, and area from Mile 31 to Mile 50 on the George Price Highway including La Democracia, Franks Eddy, Saint Matthews, Cotton Tree, Roaring Creek, Valley of Peace, Camalote, Teakettle, Arizona, Ontario, Buena Vista, Blackman Eddy, Unitedville and all that area from Belmopan to Armenia Village on the Hummingbird Highway. BEL to conduct climbing inspections of the transmission system & maintenance of equipment at La Democracia Substation.
Health Fair at Lion's Den today!
Want to know how healthy you are? Find out at the Health Fair today (Thursday) from 9am-4pm at the Lions Den!
BELIZE EXHIBIT 35 RECEPTION -Washington DC
A DAY TO REMEMBER FOR BELIZEAN EXHIBIT too many times history is forgottten this time we will share the moment of that day with our friends away from home. We thank Dr. Jean Alexandre, former VP United Nations General Assembly, H.E. Nestor Mendez Asst. Secretary General OAS. and H.E. Pat Andrews Belize Ambassador to the U.S. and OAS.
"As We Remember"
NELSON ERNEST FULLER R.I.P.
(no more suffering)
The Babylon Warriors and fans gonna miss you.
Cayeboard Connection sold
Congratulations to Albert and Chantel on their new journey, as well as to Ellen and Sofia on THEIR new journey.
Cayeboard Connection’s success has allowed me to provide jobs to 3 Belizean families and to support my own family. Cayeboard has paid for both of my daughters’ schooling, a paralegal certificate, a bachelor degree and a high school diploma. With competent staff, and the support of my family, I was able to work outside of the shop and to provide countless hours of volunteer services to both the primary and high school computer labs; building the primary school lab from scratch and assisting in setting up the lab in the high school. I am grateful to all of my staff over the years whose hard work and dedication have been a huge contribution to Cayeboard's success. It has been a pleasure knowing and working with all of them. I am especially thankful to Paulina, Albert and Victoria for the awesome job they have done during my absence this past year. And last but not least, I give thanks to the people of Caye Caulker who have chosen to use Cayeboard for their computing and printing needs. I have tried my best to give back to the community whenever possible.
Cristo Rey Bird Garden
The Cristo Rey Primary School is getting a Bird Garden. The Belize Raptor Center, which will visit the school over 20 times for the project (pictures here) has teamed up with Full Basket Belize to make the bird garden happen. Thanks to both wonderful organizations!
"The first of 20+ visits to Cristo Rey school. Cristo Rey is one of two schools that will receive Full Basket Belize grant money for a school bird garden this year. We are thrilled to be able to provide the children and community with a year worth of activities and a garden built with their own hands to be proud of for years to come."
Western Ballaz Host Bandits
The Western Ballaz are hosting the Belmopan Bandits this Friday. Go Ballaz!
"Rivalry Match!!! You guys ready?? It's happening this Friday at SHC's Auditorium. Let's go Ballaz!!!!"
Chiquibul Forest Advisory Council launched
Thanks to the Forest Department, the Chiquibul Forest Advisory Council was launched today. This endeavor seeks to join efforts for the consolidation of the Chiquibul Forest and define strategies and framework for medium and long term goals.
Channel 7
CARICOM Meeting Wraps On Placencia, We Resolve To ...
At this hour, the Heads of Government from the 15 member States of CARICOM are finishing up their third day of the 27th Inter-Sessional Meeting, which was held on the Placencia Peninsula. Since Monday, we’ve been bringing you coverage of meeting as it progressed, and after all the discussions, the meeting closed by charting the way forward for a number of pressing issues facing the Caribbean Community as a collective.
At an afternoon press conference, Prime Minister Barrow, who is the Interim Chair of CARICOM, sat down with the media along with Secretary General Irwin LaRocque. They walked the Caribbean press through the resolutions coming out of the conference.
The Secretary General told us that he and the other Heads of Government are pleased with how the meeting unfolded:
Ambassador Irwin LaRocque - Secretary General, CARICOM
"Prime Minister just very briefly to thank you for your kind words first and foremost but also to thank you for your stewardship over our community from day one of us assuming office you have been in the driver seat. The arrangements made for today, the conductor of the meetings over the past day and a half I think is exemplary, it’s most efficient. You'd be surprise to know the amount of work our heads of government have achieved in a day and a half. Some of the topics as you have heard are fairly witty but they were dealt with thoroughly and with guides to action."
CARICOM Meeting Big On Correspondent Bank De-Risking
But, the biggest issue facing the CARICOM Nations right now is the loss of correspondent banking relationships. As has been widely reported, this phenomenon called de-risking is a result of the US crackdown on money laundering and the financing of terrorism. That has caused the large US Banks to cut off their relations with the indigenous banks of the Caribbean.
It’s a widening crisis, and over the last three days, the CARICOM heads of government have discussed the problem and possible solutions at length. Today, the Prime Minister shared with us what the conference of leaders has decided on to deal with the de-risking threat:
Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister:
"On correspondent banking, we're great to the appointment of a high level advocacy group to be led by the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda; the chair of the finance minister committee we had earlier set up. This group will be charged with the responsibility to represent the interest of the region in addressing this issue including an approach to the UN and the WTO. We're also talking about engaging directly with the regulators, particularly in the US and with congress, certainly with as many congressional leaders as the team will be able to interface with."
CARICOM On Border Disputes
One other fringe issue that the 15 Heads of Government discussed today was the border dispute that Belize has with Guatemala, and the border dispute that Guyana has with Venezuela.
We spoke to Foreign Minister Wilfred Elrington in Placencia where he discussed these territorial disputes:
Hon. Wilfred Elrington - Minister of Foreign Affairs:
"There were two border issues that were dealt with, one the Belize border issue the other one is the Guyana border issue; but I just listen to one of the Prime Ministers who was saying that the Guyana border issue has been on the table since 1993. So these are two issues that have coming back every time the heads meet because it gives the heads an opportunity to affirm their solidarity with the countries in their struggle and claim and of course to get an update as to what has transpired since the last meeting. That is essentially what took place, I was able to give them an update on all that has transpired since we last met and tell them what we are planning to do in the future."
Reporter:
"Now I know the CARICOM provides support when it comes to issues that the member states are facing both nationally and at a regional level. What kind of support can the Caribbean community possibly lend in terms of our Belize Guatemala issue?"
GOB Pushing Forward With Port Partnership For Cruise Ships?
What’s the cruise future for Belize City? That’s a question that we’ve been asking on this newscast for months now – and finding an answer is like aiming at a moving target. First – back in 2004 - it was the Carnival Cruise Port at the Port of Belize, and then that completely fell part, and then it was Stake Bank –which only recently fell out of contention, and, now, the new frontrunner is the old frontrunner: they’re back to the Port of Belize. Government wants a public-private partnership – reportedly with the Ashcroft Alliance – to build a docking facility there. Exploratory meetings were held last week Wednesday at the Tourism Board – and even the Prime Minister was there. So was Minister of State in the Ministry of Investment Tracy Taegar Panton – and we asked her about it:…
Hon. Tracey Taegar Panton - Minister of State, Investment Trade & Commerce:
"It's clearly as the Prime Minister indicated a project that we will be looking at very seriously. We have heard over the years and you know I've served in tourism for many years prior to taking on this roll and responsibility. That the berthing facility that will allow passengers to dock and land and go immediately on tours is really what we've heard from the cruise sector. Stake Bank presented a possibility without the causeway it presents challenges and so the port is in Belize City is potentially a site we can look at. We are speaking to a couple of potential investors to examine the feasibility and viability of such a project but we're in the very preliminary stages at this point."
Bureau Of Standards Brought Down The Hammer
On this newscast, we always knock the Bureau of Standards for being too soft on enforcement, but they’ve been busy doing their work these past six weeks. The Bureau reports that its officers have visited 150 stores all over the country to check on the new controlled price of rice and sugar – which went into effect at the end of December, 2015.
So, of the 150 stores which they checked, 30 of them were price gouging. This was most prevalent in the south and at corner shops in rural areas countrywide. And where prices were higher than the controlled price, the Bureau confiscated their product, taking in 2770 pounds of rice, white sugar, brown sugar and flour. A third of that came from stores in Belize City, while Punta Gorda and Dangriga had half of the total, Cayo had only 10%, and Orange Walk and Corozal added up to only 8% of the total product seized.
And that’s not the end of it. The controller of Supplies has the case files and he will send if to the DPP for advice.
Keeping the City Zika Free
Today another Zika sensitization meeting was held but this time the Belize City Council was involved. This morning at City Hall 3 health officials gave a presentation on the Zika virus to the city council. For some of you, these meetings may seem redundant given that there are no confirmed cases in Belize and it’s pretty much the same information we have been reporting on since cases of the virus began exploding all around us. But health officials say nothing is redundant when it comes to public health. Here are just a few comments from the presentation regarding the transmission of the virus and the symptoms
Dr. Javier Zuniga - Reg. Manager, Central Health Region:
"Zika is a virus and it belongs to a family of virus known as flavivirus and it is transmitted by a vector and that vector is known as the Aedes Aegypti mosquito. I'm sure you're familiar with the Aedes Aegypti mosquito because it also transmits dengue and chikungunya. The symptoms include slight fever, headache, very important with Zika is a non-purulent conjunctivitis. What do we mean by non-purulent, when we have discharge from the eyes, when you have a pink eye that's a purulent discharge but on this case there is no purulent discharge so its dry but the eye is red. Aching joints just like dengue, chikungunya, heat rash could also appear muscular pain, general discomfort and very important is that it causes vertical transmission. What does that mean; it means that it is passed from mother to child."
Mayor Still Waffling On Plaza Paving
Last night we told you about the situation with Cindarella Plaza in Belize City. One week ago, the Mayor said that the Ministry of Works would pave it – and yesterday the Ministry said it would do no such thing: they built the canal underneath the street; paving the surface is CITCO’s job. Yesterday, Councillor Phillip Willoughby said that they’re hoping that when the 21 million dollar municipal drainage is finished – there’ll be some contingency funds available to come up with the half a million dollars or so need to pave that stretch and a portion of Baymen Avenue. Well, truth is there won’t be; the money has all been spent or programmed. So we asked the Mayor today what’s going to happen:
Darrell Bradley - Mayor, Belize City:
"The reality though is that the area has to be completed, it will either be completed by the project or if not by some other agency including the city council so that we're trying to see how we can work with the various entities to ensure that's done as soon as possible. Last time we had our public meeting; this was one of the things that was raised. Two pivotal areas were raised, Cindarella Plaza and the area in front of Publics and I think that these are two areas where admittedly there is public disquiet in relation to the lack of completion of those projects and these are two areas that the city council has placed as a priority. So the next works that occur will occur along Cindarella Plaza and along the area of East and West Canal."
Vision Over Visibility For Sandlighter's Promenade
And while Cindarella is a wait and see for City Hall, it seems so is a project on standstill at the Sand Lighters Promenade. If you pass there regularly you would have seen these 2 wooden frames on the side walk. They have been there for about a month and it seems like whoever built them there just abandoned the project. Well, that’s not the case at all, those two wooden frames will be a part of an ambitious water sports spot. Today the Mayor told us more about this project and how it fits right into the city’s master plan.
Darrell Bradley - Mayor, Belize City:
"The idea with that is that a year ago the city council received a proposal from an individual who wanted to do a zip lining business in the water ways. This was something that we were very excited about because you have had an idea with the master plan where we are developing a lot of the water front area in terms of the cementing streets, BTL Park, Battlefield Park. We are now talking about working with the Inter-American Development Bank and the American Planning Association in doing a project in the Yabra area which is on the water front. And the idea with the master plan is that there could be a significant more economic investment and opportunity with water sports..."
Wilfred, Will Philloughby Fly Away To Windy City?
Earlier in the news, we told showed you our interview with Foreign Minister Wilfred Elrington where he briefed the media on the CARICOM discussion about the territorial disputes in the region.
That also gave us the opportunity to ask him for confirmation on whether or not the Barrow Administration is going to appoint 2 UDP politicians to diplomatic postings in the US. They are former Albert aspirant Phillip Willoughby and former Albert Area Rep. Herman Longsworth. As viewers will remember, they stepped aside and discontinued their candidacies so that Tracy Taegar-Panton could become the UDP Albert Standard Bearer, and eventually the Area Representative.
Last year, the Prime Minister denied that they were being given a gift in exchange for stepping aside, and so today, we asked Foreign Minister Elrington about the plan to turn them into diplomats. Here’s what he said:
Hon. Wilfred Elrington - Minister of Foreign Affairs:
"I know a little bit more in relation to the Longsworth one than I do with respect to Willoughby. I have spoken to Mr. Longsworth, I have spoken to my CEO in relation to Mr. Longsworth and I know that he was to do the counsellor work in New York that is the thinking, that is the plan and I think that they are making budgetary arrangements for that. I do not know where the Willoughby one stands. I haven't spoken to Phillip on that, I don't think I've ever spoke to him about it in any detail and I haven't gotten any information from my CEO on that as well. So I don't know where it stands."
Darrell To Phil: "Please Don't Go"
And while there is no clear plan for Phil Willoughby in the Windy City – that’s just fine with Mayor Darrell Bradley, who says he has plenty of use for him here where he’s a fourth term city councillor:…
Darrell Bradley - Mayor, Belize City:
"We don't have any position in relation to that yet because I have not been notified by the councillor nor by any other entity in relation to his departure. Phillip Willoughby is an integral part of the council; I have had the great pleasure of working with him over the last three and a half going on to four years since I've been mayor. I think that he has been one of the most effective departments of the city council; we have seen expansion there to now where we're dealing with more coordination with flood mitigation efforts, climate resilient efforts and so its broad base. You're dealing now with leading the city Zika response so that I think he is an effective councillor, I would sad to see him depart if he chooses or goes anywhere but we will make those determinations at the appropriate time. At the current time I don't know that he's leaving at any specific date in the future and when that date comes then we're going to deal with it."
BPO Is Big Business
When you think about the outsourcing industry you think about call centres – now those types of jobs aren’t the highest paying jobs or aren’t what you would chose as a career path, but Acting Manager of Belize Invest Beltraide Hero Balani says these types of jobs are very helpful in developing a person’s basic skill set for the work force. And today at the first ever Belize Outsourcing Service Summit held at the Radisson - the importance of this sector was highlighted. Balani told us more about the significance of this summit
Hero Balani - Acting Manager, Belize Invest:
"As you know the business process out sourcing sector which deals with the contact call centre industry has been growing significantly in Belize and so what Beltraide has done today is to really gather all the stakeholders that are involved in this industry included the Telecom providers, academia, the private sector of course and then the public sector; in terms of our ministry, the bureau of standards is here. So what we are here to do today is to really look at what the consultants are recommending for the next steps in the industries development."
Courtney Weatherburne:
"So tell us more about the specific areas that the consultants are focusing on in terms of development, improving the out sourcing industry in Belize, tell us more about that."
Belama Drainage Capped Off By A 2 Million Dollar Canal
And councillor Willoughby was brought into harness yesterday when the Ministry of Workers toured the 21 million dollar Municipal Drainage project. The City Council will inherit the project and Willoughby sits on the Committee. The engineers met their greatest challenge in trying to regularize drainage in the swampland communities in Belama phases 3 and 4. We had a look yesterday:…
Jose Divas - Technical Specialist, Flood Mitigation:
"It's very challenging; you can't imagine it is very difficult. It is difficult in the design stage and it is even worse at the execution, the implementation stage."
That’s the reality for engineers and work crews trying to bill drainage on the very low lying Delcia Goff Street in Belama Phase 3."
Jose Divas - Technical Specialist, Flood Mitigation:
"Well initially what was here was one small 10 foot patch of road leading all the way to the canal. We will be expanding that to almost 24 feet wide road with 5 foot drains and 5 foot sidewalks on both sides."
Will City Fix Broken Benches In New Park?
And the municipal drainage project didn’t just build big drains, it also rehabilitated two parks in the Belama area. But when we visited the D’Nest Park, we saw that four of the large concrete benches – which were just recently installed as part of the project – had already been uprooted by vandals. They were heaped at the entrance to the park as a semi permanent eyesore. We asked Willoughby is the city council has the institutional wherewithal to remedy this sort of destructive behaviour:…
Jules Vasquez:
"How do you feel about this level of public miscreancy?"
Phillip Willougby - Belize City Councillor:
"Well it’s disappointing, all of us should."
Jules Vasquez:
"Up keep is a huge problem for city council, we're sitting in a brand new park, we see that those benches are there. I would imagine if I come here a year from now, they'll still be there. We see that the grass isn't cut, these are problems to city council, it has a problem maintaining its properties to standards."
American Murder In PG May Have Been Motivated By Jealousy
American national Thomas Rackowski may have been murdered as a result of jealousy. Our sources tell us that Rackowski became friends with a man and the man may have become suspicious of Rackowksi and his girlfriend. When we spoke to police today they said they also got this information but can’t confirm as yet. 2 men and the woman in question are still detained in connection with this murder. Rackowski was murdered on Saturday night at around 9:25 at his Hopeville home in Punta Gorda. He was at his home reading that night when 3 persons entered through a screen door. They attacked Rackowski and stabbed him 4 times - twice to the neck and twice to the chest. They all ran off but Rackowski dragged himself to the phone and called the police. He died on Monday. Police say that this wasn't a burglary or any random home invasion because nothing was stolen from the house. Police say Rackowski was the target. We will keep following up on this murder case.
Southside Cops Solving City Shootings
Since the middle of 2015, south side gun violence has been on the decline. But it spiked up last weekend when 15 persons between the ages of 17 and 19 were shot in three separate incidents.
Today, we asked the second in Commanding of the Southside if all of this is indicative of the gang warfare reaching another dangerous tipping point. Here is what he said.
Alden Dawson - Acting Regional Commander:
"It’s just an incident that the weekend saw two shooting and shooting is nothing new to the Southside. We have been very successful in keeping it to a minimal and to my mind two incidents over the weekend are actually minimal."
Duane Moody - Channel 5 News:
"Sir what are you guys doing interventions in case of this?"
Alden Dawson - Acting Regional Commander:
"We continue our meet and great with the public and again the meet and greet has been seeing a lot of success and through the same meet and greet has assisted us in getting information that led to the two arrests in the shooting."
Cops Keeping Up Street Engagement
The Police meet and greet of the South Side police continues. Police say their commitment to this community engagement is paying off. This time they started at the Antelope Street Extension.
The Meet and Greet session continued to Iguana Street Extension, Raccoon Street extension, Pelican Street Extension, Elston Kerr Street and surrounding areas.
Pedro Police Partake With Public
Yesterday we told you about the murder of a Honduran National who was stabbed to the throat in front of her apartment by unknown assailants. San Pedro police are arduously following up on the matter but so far there has not been any breakthrough in the investigation. The only thing that police know for sure is that she was robbed of more than five hundred dollars. So while that case is still wide open, police in San Pedro are implementing an extensive preventative mode to curb the level of criminal activity known to run rampant in the island. While speaking with Superintendent Bowden yesterday we asked her about these crime fighting and crime preventing initiatives.
San Pedro Police continue to implement the meet and greet program in their jurisdiction.
The Taste Of Pure Tango
A group of professional tango dancers are in Belize and want to perform for you. The group calls itself A Puro Tango and it is originally from Colombia. These dancers have been in many countries but tomorrow night they are performing in Belize for the very first time. One dropped in as they were rehearsing and got a glimpse of their performance.
The group will be performing at the Bliss center on the 18 and the 19th –that’s tomorrow and Friday starting at 8. And then they perform in San Pedro on the 20th and the 21st.
Channel 5
Correspondent Banking: Priority Number 1 on CARICOM Agenda
The day and a half long Intersessional Meeting of CARICOM Regional Heads of Government concluded in the Placencia peninsula today. It was a short, but comprehensive meeting of the region’s [...]
Unified Approach is Best Option to Tackle De-risking
The loss of correspondent banking relations has been called a potentially huge crisis for Belize, and it is already affecting to a major extent smaller countries in the region. Desperate [...]
CARICOM Chair Reiterates That Nothing is Wrong with Caribbean Jurisdiction
Prime Minister Barrow and a delegation of high-level financial experts have concluded a round of meetings in the U.S. with regulatory and federal agencies. Nothing concrete came out of those [...]
Climate Change: Critical Decisions Taken by CARICOM
The Conference of Parties 21, recently convened and concluded in Paris, has been dubbed a milestone session of world leaders where a concerted effort to understand, address and mitigate climate [...]
What Led to an Attempt on Raheem Bailey’s life?
Turning to crime…There were two shootings on the south side of Belize City over the weekend, but details have just become available from the police. The first was the shooting [...]
Joseph Lopez Arraigned for Attempted Murder; Police Provide an Update
The second shooting on south side Belize City occurred an hour later on Boots Crescent near the Saint John Vianney Primary School. As we reported on Monday, a seventeen year [...]
Jury in Rape Trial of B.D.F. Lieutenant is Discharged
In the Supreme Court today, the rape trial of B.D.F. Lieutenant Ruhesi Elijio was abruptly stopped and the jury discharged. Elijio will remain on interdiction from the force since his [...]
CARICOM Braces for Zika
The mosquito borne Zika has been declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the World Health Organization because it is believed it can cause microcephaly in newborns. So [...]
Belize City Council Prepares for Zika
While the heads discuss the Zika in Placencia, in the city, health officials teamed up with the Belize City Council for a sensitization workshop on the virus. The partnership is [...]
Mayor Bradley Says Community Effort is Needed to Prevent Zika
An increase in the number of cases involving vector-borne diseases such as dengue occurs primarily in communities that are extremely susceptible. Nonetheless, Mayor Bradley says that the city council is [...]
Belize’s Foreign Minister Says CARICOM Support is Critical for Border Relations
Minister of Foreign Affairs Wilfred Elrington was also present at the CARICOM sessions this morning during which border relations were discussed – the Guyana/Venezuela issue and of course our own [...]
Guyanese Rice Not a Topic of Discussion at Intersessional Meeting
One issue which did not come up at the meeting of CARICOM heads of government was rice – specifically Guyana rice brought to Belize by importer Jack Charles. It was [...]
Are Herman Longsworth and Phillip Willoughby Assuming Diplomatic Posts in US?
From critical regional matters to political postings – since we had the opportunity, we asked the Foreign Minister to confirm reports of diplomatic assignments. Both Herman Longsworth and Phillip Willoughby [...]
Mayor Bradley Says No Indication from Willoughby As Yet
Mayor Darrell Bradley was also asked about the reported posting of Councillor Willoughby to the Windy City. The mayor says that while that is yet to be confirmed, if and [...]
CitCo to Foot Bill for Cinderella Plaza Completion
Belize City Mayor Darrell Bradley is catching some flak from a team of engineers spearheading the Flood Mitigation Infrastructure Project. The criticism follows comments that were made last week regarding [...]
What’s that Eyesore at Sand Lighter’s Promenade?
If you’ve been in the vicinity of Sand Lighter’s Promenade recently you would have noticed a pair of incomplete wooden structures in front of the Mexican Institute. What are those [...]
Art Comes to Belize City Primary Schools
Two budding artists have won top awards at a national and an international art competition, distinguishing themselves and their schools. The young students are from Saint John’s Vianney and Saint [...]
Colombian Dance Group ‘A Puro Tango’ in Belize
For the first time in Belize, the three-time tango world champion dancers from South America will be performing locally. On Thursday and Friday nights at the Bliss Center for the [...]
LOVE FM
Regional leaders say de-risking poses economic threat to the region
Belize is not unique to the de-risking movements taking place with correspondent banking. With representatives present in Placencia for the Inter-sessional meeting of the Heads of Government of CARICOM, we were able to hear from other member states on how they are being affected. Renee Trujillo reporting… “The last few weeks have seen the local banking sector […]
Fight against zika virus calls for regional collaboration
The delegates from CARICOM’s 15-member states began arriving in the country late last week as they prepared to be a part of the 27th Intersessional meeting that Belize is hosting as the country’s Prime Minister holds the seat of Chairman for the Caribbean Community. As we have been mentioning there are several areas of concerns […]
CARICOM leaders discuss CCJ
Upon taking up the seat of Chairman for the Caribbean Community in January 2016, Prime Minister Dean Barrow mentioned that one of the goals on his agenda was to advocate for the member states that have not yet subscribed to the Caribbean Court of Justice as the final court of appeal, to do so. Those member […]
Woman killed on La Isla Bonita, San Pedro
Sometime this morning police were called out to the Boca del Rio area in San Pedro where on arrival at the Basil-Paris Apartments and Store, they found a female Honduran national bleeding from her neck. Love News spoke to Assistant Superintendent Henry Jemmott, Coastal Executive Officer who told us, when they got to the scene […]
Mother of drowning victim seeks answers
US Student Tomari Jackson would have been 15 years old on Monday but unfortunately the bright student from North Cobb High School in Cobb County died on Saturday. He was one of thirty two students who travelled to Belize to the Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary on an educational trip. On that day, the group went […]
Official discuss flood mitigation project
Back in 2015 the Ministry of Works and the Belize City Council launched the Flood Mitigation Project. Today officials from the Ministry of Works, Ministry of Finance, NEMO, Department of Environment and Belize City Council conducted a tour of the various project sites undertaken under the Flood Mitigation Infrastructure Project. We caught up with Project […]
What are the plans for Southside flood mitigation?
The flood mitigation infrastructure project is expected to be completed later this year. The project is expected to reduce flooding in Belize City. However just a few areas in Belize City are a part of the project; most of them on the north side. So what about Southside Belize City? Last year, when the heavy […]
Works at Cinderella Plaza to be completed
Cinderella Plaza is an important infrastructure site as it pertains to the flood mitigation infrastructure project. At first glance you might get the impression that it is incomplete but today we found out that as far as that area is concerned, there is nothing more that officials from the project can or will do. However, […]
Belize’s cotton industry gets a boost
The Government of Japan has made a donation to the Project for the Improvement of the Sea Island Cotton Industry in Belize. The donation is a little over two hundred thousand dollars. The contribution was made under the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security projects of the Government of Japan. Love News spoke to Hiromoto […]
Four men charged with firearm offences
Four known gang members were charged for firearm offences. They were detained by officers of the Gang Suppression Unit, GSU who were on patrol last night in the Saint Martin de Pores Area of Belize City. There they searched a gold Toyota Camry car at the corner of Flamboyant Street and Mahogany Street. The car […]
PlusTV
San Pedro Woman neck slit
The body of a Honduran woman was taken by boat to Belize City Tuesday February 16 after she was murdered on Ambergris Caye. Police say that sometime around 5 o’clock Tuesday morning, police were called the Basil Parish apartment building on Bonefish Street in the Boca Del Rio area of San Pedro Town...
Elderly man dies after being stabbed in his home
On Monday 15th of February we told you about 69 year old Thomas Paul Rockowski who was clinging to life after being brutally stabbed in his home in Punta Gorda Town. The stabbing incident happened sometime after 9 p.m. on Saturday February 13th. PG police say they were called to the home of America...
Twenty-Seventh Inter-sessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government
CARICOM Heads of Government are in Placencia for the Twenty-Seventh Inter-sessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government. The meeting is being held in Belize since Belize’s Prime Minister Hon. Dean Barrow takes over the Chairmanship of CARICOM from The Prime Minister of Barbados, Freunde...
Deon Brackett is remanded for attempted murder
Former murder suspect, Deon Brackett, who walked from a murder in 2013, was arraigned in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court Tuesday February 16, 2016 for the attempted murder of Raheem Akeem Bailey, who was shot in the city the previous Friday night. Bailey was the first of five persons shot during ...
Superintendent of police’s stolen vehicle found in Guatemala
On Monday 15th of February we reported on the robbery of Police Superintendent Selvin Tillett’s vehicle. Tillett was driving along with his son- in- law in a white 2014 Mazda Pick-up Truck. When they reached home and parked the vehicle in front of their house, two Hispanic males went up to them poin...
Baby losing toes; mother claims hospital negligence
Helen Conners’ child has a heart problem and the medical complications that come along with that. Late last month, the little girl had a bout with pneumonia and was admitted to the Punta Gorda Hospital . She was then transferred to Dangriga where she spent a weekend but was further transferred to ...
Flood Mitigation Infrastructure Project changes the face of Northside Belize City
Nearly five years ago, the Ministry of Works began a project in the aftermath of the soaking Belize City took from Tropical Depression 16. As its name suggests, the Flood Mitigation Infrastructure Project is not designed to end flooding, only to lessen it and its impact on the Old Capital’s resident...
Breaking Belize News
Town and City Council employees trained in QuickBooks
Town and City Council administrators, accountants, financial officers, account clerks, as well as revenue managers took part in a QuickBooks usage training today at the central information and technology office in Belmopan. This training, conducted by the Department of Local Government and Belize Mayor’s Association, […]
Superintendent of Police to receive Ph.D
One officer in Belize’s Police Department is well on his way to becoming the first to obtain a Ph.D. after serving 15 years in the force, working in almost every branch and being promoted to his most recent position as Superintendent of Police, Commanding San […]
Joint anti-drug police operations result in several drug arrests
A joint anti-drug operation conducted by the Benque Viejo Police Quick Response Team, its Special Branch Unit, the San Ignacio Quick Response Team and the K-9 Unit this morning, netted a total of 4.4 pounds (1979.58 grams) of cannabis. Around 5:00 a.m., the team, under Superintendent […]
CitCo hosts Zika sensitization meeting
Officials from the Ministry of Health have met with members of the Belize City Council to sensitize them on the dangers of Zika. Mayor Darrell Bradley stated that this is part of the Council’s duty to residents to keep the City safe. While nowhere in […]
Gospel Choir visits from United States
A unique Gospel Choir, made up of students, alumni and community members from Howard University in the Unites States, will be visiting Belize for an Arts Envoy program in San Ignacio Town, Belmopan City, Dangriga Town and Belize City. The choir spreads the news of Jesus […]
Relatively moist conditions during next couple days
The National Meteorological Service of Belize is predicting mostly cloudy skies with a few showers mainly along coastal areas this morning and tonight, then over inland areas this afternoon. Winds will be blowing from the Northeast at 5-15 knots and the sea state will […]
Problem Analysis for Sustainable Development
In order to articulate and establish the objectives derived from community goals in working on sustainable community development, (SCD) it is first necessary for the community to analyze the problems that are at the origin of a particular objectives. This analysis will focus upon the exact reasons for creating each objective from an overarching goal as well as establishing measures of progress such as trends, unmet needs, underutilization of resources, and evaluation of community capacity. Defining a community’s problems is in fact going to be one of the main tasks of any SCD project.
The real question is whether the community list of “problems” is accurate and whether it includes only the symptoms of a particular situation rather than the actual problems that caused that situation. A sampling of several different community plans completed during the last decade show issues common to all communities to address in the future. Examples of these are listed below. Some of them can be quite specific and sophisticated in representing community governments and organizations. Others can be as important as only a single individual in the community believes them to be. And please note that you are not seeing these objectives in the context of serving their overarching goals, which makes it harder to interpret their meaning. These are shown simply as examples of how some communities have identified issues (problems) and developed objectives to support sustainable community development.
Belize Shuttle and Transfer Services by Roam Belize Tours
A locally owned tour and travel company based in the Stann Creek District, Roam Belize is known for providing the best shuttle service, private tour options and airport transfers in Belize. What makes their service so popular is their premium door-to-door transfer service, so guests can take the shuttle right from their hotel, the Belize International Airport (including any airstrip around the country) or from their holiday rental in Belize. At any point of time, Roam Belize offers the best and high-quality shuttle service for its clients. Their fleets are well-maintained, inspected and serviced regularly. The agency operates all through the week and 24 hours a day.
Roam Belize not only offers transfer and pick-up service within Belize, but also it has shuttle services from Cancun, Tuluum and Playa Del Carmen in Mexico. Some of their highly popular shuttle services include transfers from any Belize hotel and resorts to the international airport, Cancun to Placencia, Guatemala to Belize, and Playa del Carmen to San Ignacio. Guests can choose any hotel or resort in Belize for the shuttle to drop them off. Their private shuttle service and transfers are available all over in Belize, including Tikal, Hopkins and in the Cayo area.
OPEN LETTER TO MR. BELIZEAN RICE AFLATOXIN EXPERT by: Dr. Bernard Bulwer
A MESSAGE TO MY FELLOW BELIZEANS … who understand the context of the “rice-aflatoxin” headlines that keep popping up in our local Belize news. Note that some things are best expressed in a language that only Belizeans would understand, i.e. our “social glue” … the Kriol language.
February 15, 2016
Boston, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. conscientious, self-proclaimed philanthropist, public health and nutrition expert;
Your persistent, self-serving, Belizean rice-aflatoxin scaremongering is not in the best interest of the Belizean public. As a Belizean health professional, I feel a sense of responsibility to weigh in on this matter, and put things in perspective.
My fellow Belizeans, the real threat to your health is not, and has never been rice aflatoxin-related (liver) disease. Our biggest food threat is our near wholesale abandonment of many healthy traditional food choices in exchange for the highly-processed foods found in supermarkets.
Cost of flying direct from BZE Airport versus cab to TZA Airport
When flying to San Pedro and other Belize destinations, you have two options with Tropic Air: Fly directly from Philip Goldson International Airport (BZE) (in Ladyville) to San Pedro Airport (SPR) or take a 30 min taxi to the Municipal Airstrip (TZA) in Belize city and fly to San Pedro from there. Both have their own advantages, and the getting the best airfare may be one of them.
The main advantage of flying directly from BZE is time. Once you’re admitted through Immigration, pick up your luggage and get cleared through customs, you go directly to the Tropic Air counter and then to the departure area to fly over to San Pedro. Depending on your arrival time and the length of the line ahead of you, you could be in San Pedro within 45 – 60 minutes. The price to fly one way from BZE – SPR or SPR – BZE is $179.50 adult fare and $171.50 for children between 2 and 12. If you know your departure date and you choose this route, it is $42.00 cheaper to buy a round trip than two one ways for adults and $40.00 for children
Training in QuickBooks
The Department of Local Government and Belize Mayor’s Association conducted a one day training workshop entitled: Enhancing QuickBooks Usage, today February 17, 2016
at the Central Information and Technology Office (CITO) in Belmopan. This training was aimed at enhancing the municipal accounts management capacity of all the Town and City Councils (TCCs) through the use of the QuickBooks Accounting Program, with the aim of improving the kinds and quality of information provided to the Councils for policy and decision making. The participants that took part in the training were:
Administrators, Accountants/Financial Officers, Account Clerks and Revenue Managers.
The series of topics that were discussed included:
Posting and Managing Transactions
Posting and Managing Budget Estimates
Balance Sheet Reporting
Following this training, participants should have acquired the skills of being able to properly post and manage asset values, budget estimates and other accounting data in QuickBooks. They will also be able to create balance sheet reports to accurately reflect the assets and liabilities of Councils, keep track of the performance of accounts receivable and payable and profit & loss budget performance reports.
International Sources
Modular - REEF 2016,
Roatan Electronic Experience Festival
Roatan's annual electronic music festival takes place at a breath taking location; Big French Key. You will experience nonstop music from sunset to sunrise, delivered by some of the most prominent regional Djs and headlining international guest Djs.
Saturday 14th of May.
*Private island
*Sunset to Sunrise
*Full bar & restaurant
*Fresh water showers
*Beach chairs & hamacks
*Boat shuttle from French Harbor
*Bus shuttle from West End will be available
*Environmentally friendly practices
*Coastal clean up
*More info. soon!
Caribbean tourism sets new performance records
For the first time ever since the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) began keeping records, the Caribbean outperformed every major tourism region in the world in setting new arrival and spend records in 2015, while exceeding expectations.
International tourist trips to the region grew by seven per cent to 28.7 million visits, much higher than the projected four to five per cent growth. Visitors spent an estimated $30 billion, a 4.2 per cent rise over the $28.8 billion spent in 2014. “So 2015 was the second year in a row that the region has done better than the rest of the world, and the sixth consecutive year of growth for the Caribbean,” the CTO’s secretary general Hugh Riley revealed on Tuesday in announcing the record performance at a news conference at CTO headquarters, streamed live to a global audience that spanned the Caribbean, the Americas, Europe and as far as Asia.
Riley attributed the growth to improved global economic conditions in the marketplace; a boost in consumer confidence, particularly in the United States; falling oil prices; rising seat capacity and persistent marketing by CTO member countries and their partners.
US-Cuba commercial flights to resume
The US and Cuba have signed an agreement to resume commercial air traffic for the first time in more than 50 years.
Some charter flights currently fly between the countries but the new agreement could see as many as 110 flights a day - more than five times the current number.
The flights could begin in autumn this year.
This is the latest stage in a thawing of the countries' relationship.
US Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx said the commercial flights marked a "critically important milestone in the US effort to engage with Cuba".
Cuban Minister of Transport Adel Rodriguez called it a "new era".
The US imposed a trade embargo on the communist-run island in 1960.
In late 2014, Presidents Barack Obama and Raul Castro announced that they would begin normalising their relationship.
They met for the first time in April 2015 in Panama, and shook hands and held a private meeting at the UN General Assembly in September.
CARICOM can be a force for change, says Barbados PM
Prime minister of Barbados Freundel Stuart wants the people of the region to know that, when the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) speaks with one voice, it can be a powerful force in facilitating change, both in the region and in the international community.
His comments came as he delivered remarks on Monday at the opening ceremony of the 27th inter-sessional conference of heads of government of CARICOM in Placencia, Belize.
Referring to the vital role CARICOM played in the preparation, conduct and outcome of the landmark agreement at the 21st Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Paris last year, Stuart said that it was an example of what could be achieved if countries continued to find common ground.
He added: “No agreement involving in excess of 190 countries can possibly satisfy all. On balance, we in CARICOM were able to get the major breakthroughs that we wanted. I am of the view that the agreement, implemented with seriousness and determination by the international community, will allow us to address the multi-faceted challenges which climate change poses for our countries.”
Belize PM: CCJ a Caricom imperative at this time
Belize Prime Minister Dean Barrow wrapped up a news conference in the resort town of Placencia, in southern Belize, saying that he felt the issue of the full establishment of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) was “a real Caricom imperative at this time”.
Barrow was responding to a question from the Express about his position on the matter, coming into the Conference of Caricom heads with the idea that he was in a good place, as chairman, to help nudge his colleagues to move on this issue.
In an editorial on the matter in the Barbados Nation newspaper, and reprinted in the Express on January 12, 2016, Barrow was hailed as “the right man to push the CCJ”.
The editorial added that it would not be a surprise were Barrow to have had Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica and St Lucia high on his list of those countries which should have accepted the CCJ as their final court, thereby abolishing appeals to the Privy Council, in London.
Responding to a question on the issue, Barrow said first that he had written a position on the matter, to be included in a paper being published by the government of Antigua and Barbuda, in its efforts to promote public awareness and acceptance of the court.
Japan to help Belize revive sea island cotton
The government of Belize has received $102,000 grant from the Japanese government to resuscitate the sea island cotton industry, according to Belizean media reports. Sea island cotton is said to possess fine, almost legendary qualities that are sought after worldwide.
The funding was given to the Belize cotton industry for the project named 'the improvement of the sea island cotton industry'.
Sea island cotton is a variety of extra-long staple cotton that is grown on a few islands in the West Indies. This variety of cotton is very sensitive and vulnerable to pests, and requires very specific environmental and climate conditions, and hence its production has declined all across the Caribbean.
Presently through advanced engineering, the Japanese have been able to produce quality cotton with more durable plants and hence, Belize is now considered to produce the best cotton in the world.
Six farming families participated in the sea island cotton cultivation project last year and over 40 farming families are expecting to produce 100,000 pounds of cotton in 2016. About 28,000 pounds of cotton has already been produced so far this year. (NA)
Second term for CARICOM Secretary-General, following unanimous vote
CARICOM Secretary-General Ambassador Irwin LaRocque has been re-appointed to a second term of office.
CARICOM Chairman, Prime Minister of Belize Dean Barrow, made the announcement during the closing press conference of the CARICOM Heads of Government Inter-sessional Meeting in Belize yesterday.
LaRocque’s initial five-year appointment ends in August, but Barrow told the media that Heads of Government decided to deal with the matter of his reappointment at this session, because they felt the next meeting in July was too close to the expiration of the appointment.
“I’m pleased to say that there was unanimous agreement for the SG’s reappointment,” the host prime minister disclosed.
“I want to make clear that, on a personal note, I am as convinced as anyone else, and perhaps more so, that the Secretary-General has done an exemplary job – his commitment to reform, the changes he has already made along the lines of obliging the Secretariat and the Community to become more productive, more efficacious, are well known. And he has done all this while remaining throughout, extremely even tempered and accessible.”
Central America’s top festivals
Festivals don’t always have to mean being knee-deep in mud listening to Coldplay in the rain with a warm beer. Across the world, gatherings of all size, descriptions and reasons take place, bringing together cultural traditions and modern-day passions. With its rich and long history, Central America is packed full of a wide breadth of festivals. Here’s our faves…
Experienced and amateur canoers come together every year to take part in the gruelling Mayan River Route Challenge, the biggest sporting event of the year that runs from east to west along the Macal and Belize Rivers.
The race started in 1995 as a “save our rivers programme”, which was a canoe race designed to promote cleaning debris on the banks of the river. Over the years the programme has evolved into a four day race that follows the ancient Mayan route from San Ignacio to Belize City.
Caribbean Conference Identifies Key Products For Investment, Coconut, Pepper, Livestock Identified Among Key Caribbean Products For Investment
At the recently held Caribbean Trade and Investment conference, several key products were identified which could produce a significant return on investment. Investment in the production of coconuts and coconut products including coconut water and virgin coconut oil; hot pepper production and value added processing; livestock; aquaculture; sheep and goat and root crops in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) region has been identified as key products for which the return on investment would be attractive while helping the region to reduce its whopping $4.5 billion (US) food import bill and to generate employment.
Barbados sea island cotton and sour sop were also identified as crops with significant value added potential.
De-risking of local banks could cripple CARICOM economies
De-risking of the Caribbean’s local banks is one of the biggest threats to the region’s economies, says incoming CARICOM Chairman, Belizean Prime Minister Dean Barrow.
Barrow, who hosted the 27th Intercessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community in Belize Feb 16-17, highlighted the grim situation facing the region’s banking sector during his presentation at the Feb 15 opening ceremony.
The Caribbean’s banking system remains under threat of losing correspondent banking relationships with the US and Europe, a development Barrow said has “absolutely cataclysmic ramifications” for CARICOM member states.
“I am talking about of course, the phenomenon of so called de-risking. Under pressure from their regulatory authorities in Europe and especially the US, banks in those jurisdictions have been closing their correspondent relations with our indigenous financial institutions. This deprives our banks of the ability to keep US deposits, do wire transfers, facilitate credit card settlements for their local clients and our economy.
Where have our callaloo crabs gone?
MOST OF us Trinis and Tobagonians enjoy our “crab and callaloo” and our “crab and dumplin”, but due to continuing over-hunting, continuing loss of habitat and an ever-increasing demand for our blue crabs the population is rapidly declining.
There is urgent need for legal protection and sustainable management programmes for our crabs, lobsters, conch, cascadura, crayfish and black conch, and other shellfish.
During the past four to five years market shoppers can often hear the question being asked, “Where have all the big crabs gone?” or “Dey asking so much for dem little crab!” Blue crabs (Cardisoma guanhumi) are becoming scarce. This is a fact known to all market shoppers whether in Trinidad or in Tobago.
The demand for crabs has increased, while the crab habitat has gradually been reduced. In addition, there has been uncontrolled hunting of our crabs.
There is an urgent need for a management programme with the emphasis being placed on sustainability of our blue crab resources otherwise it can be predicted that within the next 20 to 30 years “crab and callaloo” and “crab and dumplins,” our Tobago specialty, will be delicacies of the past.
In TT , we do not have a “closed season” for the taking of crabs, neither is there a size limit, daily bag limit, sanctuary or any “no hunting areas” in either Trinidad or Tobago. The “open season” for crab hunting is 24 hours on each of the 365 days in the year, and crabs of any size and in any quantity may be taken.
To compound the issue, is the continuing loss of crab habitat: our wetlands that are being reclaimed for building development.
Fortis Reports 2015 Earnings
Fortis Inc. ("Fortis" or the "Corporation") (TSX:FTS), a leader in the North American electric and gas utility industry, released its 2015 annual results today. Driven by its U.S. utility acquisitions, gains on non-core asset dispositions, completion of the Waneta hydroelectric generating facility ("Waneta Expansion"), and strong results from its Canadian utilities, Fortis' net earnings attributable to common equity shareholders for 2015 were $728 million, or $2.61 per common share, compared to $317 million, or $1.41 per common share, for 2014. For the fourth quarter of 2015, net earnings attributable to common equity shareholders were $135 million, or $0.48 per common share, compared to $113 million, or $0.44 per common share, for the same period in 2014.
"Fortis had a year of transformation and growth in 2015, with all utilities contributing," said Barry Perry, President and Chief Executive Officer, Fortis. "We delivered a record year in earnings, which demonstrates the success of our growth strategy. We also advanced our business on several fronts. We successfully integrated our Arizona utility; divested non-core assets to focus on the core utility business; and sharpened our focus on additional investments within our franchise areas.
New partnership to strengthen disaster assessment in the Caribbean
The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) is partnering with the United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR) in its effort to strengthen the ability of countries across Latin America and the Caribbean to manage the impacts of disasters, in the context of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030. The first collaboration between ECLAC and UNISDR will be through a two-day training targeting members of the United Nations Development Group for Latin America and the Caribbean (UNDG LAC), and will take place on 18-19 February in Panama City, Panama.
The training will inform participants of the complexities of a disaster, how different sectors might be impacted, and how to use the damage and loss assessment methodology affectively in a timely manner.
Caribbean countries urged to brace for floods
The Barbados-based Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH) is warning regional countries that they should brace themselves for floods as the drought conditions which have affected the region since late 2014 are expected to subside by the start of the 2016 Hurricane Season.
CIMH said this latest forecast comes after many months of “warmer and drier than average conditions in the Caribbean fuelled by El Niño, a warming of the eastern equatorial Pacific which has implications for weather patterns around the world, including drought in many regions”.
CIMH said that after the forecasted weakening of El Niño, its counterpart La Niña “a cooling of the Pacific may take over and affect the region in the latter part of 2016.
“If the change in circumstance takes place, it is likely to result in higher than normal rainfall and stronger storm systems,” the CIMH said in its latest forecast, which it said will be further discussed at a news conference here on Wednesday.
Videos
Shark Ray Alley from a drone, 1min. A Jaws-some view from a drone of Shark Ray Alley at the Hol Chan Marine Reserve in Belize!
Knight’s Trip to Belize, 1997, 3min.
John and Sandys wedding video Belize 2016, 9min.
Belize 2016, 5min. Swimming with Sharks In San Pedro Belize! 2016.
Diving the Great Barrier Reef, Belize, 7min. Scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef, Caye Caulker, Belize, January 2016
HIghlights of the dives we enjoyed this past January, 2016, while visiting friends who live in Caye Caulker, Belize.
Go-slow on Caye Caulker, Belize, 3.5min. Highlights of our 2015 "go slow" vacation on Caye Caulker, Belize.
Representatives of the Ministry of Health on Dental Health in Belize, 24min.
Belize Audubon Society Bird Guide Training, 9min. Strengthening Bird - Based Tourism in Belize
Morning Matters of the Day with Ecolution, 58min. Howlers were recorded in Bermuda Landing
Ever wondered what we do at NICH? Culture in Motion 2014-2015, 12min. An overview of the activities of the National Institute of Culture and History of Belize for the 2014-2015 financial year. Take a look at these highlights for our 2014-2015 year. This is all we could fit into this video.
WCU-Ontario in Belize (2013), 10min. Students of West Coast University - Ontario joined Hillside Health Care in our global health initiatives in 2013. In this video, the students detail their individual stories in Punta Gorda, Belize. From discovering ethical questions to understanding the necessity of cultural sensitivity and communication, the students learned about themselves and the world. Along the way, the students developed relationships with their patients and with each other. Overall, the trip abroad changed perspectives.
WCU Orange County in Belize (2013), 15min. Students of West Coast University - Orange County joined Hillside Health Care in our global health initiatives in 2013. In this video, the students detail their individual stories in Punta Gorda, Belize. From discovering ethical questions to understanding the necessity of cultural sensitivity and communication, the students learned about themselves and the world. Along the way, the students developed relationships with their patients and with each other. Overall, the trip abroad changed perspectives.
WCU-Ontario Global Public Health Initiative, Belize (2014), 7min. Students of West Coast University - Ontario joined Hillside Health Care in our global health initiatives in 2014. In this video, the students detail their individual stories in Punta Gorda, Belize. From discovering ethical questions to understanding the necessity of cultural sensitivity and communication, the students learned about themselves and the world. Along the way, the students developed relationships with their patients and with each other. Overall, the trip abroad changed perspectives.
Hamanasi Hopkins Belize Blue Hole Dive 2 Feb 2016, 130 foot max depth, 29min. The Blue Hole off Belize 2 Feb 2016. Hopkins Divers from Hamanasi Adventure and Dive Resort took us out.
Saint John Neumann Belize 2015, 5min. Parishioners from Saint John Neumann in San Antonio, Tx traveled to Punta Gorda, Belize to serve the poor and elderly.
February 17, 2016
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
Honduran national, Johana Samantha Mendez Barrios murdered in San Pedro
The San Pedro Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in solving the murder of 22-year-old Johana Samantha Mendez Barrios. The Honduran national was killed during an alleged aggravated burglary incident in the early hours of Tuesday, February 16th at an apartment building located on Bonefish Street, in the Boca Del Rio Area. Initial reports indicate that Barrios was attacked sometime between 5AM and 6AM upon arriving home. She sustained a single cut wound to the neck and was immediately taken to the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II where she was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. Police have since processed the area and have launched a full murder investigation. The deceased has been transported to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital in Belize City awaiting a postmortem examination. According to police reports, Barrios had been out socializing with friends before coming home. When she arrived, she noticed someone inside her apartment. An altercation ensued, leading to Barrios being fatally injured by her attacker. When police arrived at the scene, they learned that the victim had been taken to the polyclinic where she later succumbed to her injury. According to Officer in Charge of the Coastal Executive Unit Superintendent Sandra Bodden, no other signs of injuries were noticed on her body besides the single cut wound to the left side of her neck. Following protocol, Police contacted the Embassy of Honduras to inform them of Barrios’ death, before publicly disclosing any information.
Murder in the Boca del Rio Area
San Pedro Police have confirmed to The San Pedro Sun that a female has been murdered in the Boca del Rio Area. The incident occurred early Tuesday, February 16th at an apartment building on Bonefish Street. Police have not released the name of the Honduran national, but have indicated that she was killed during an aggravated burglary incident. Police have since processed the scene and are currently in the process of transporting the body to the Karl Huesnuer Memorial Hospital in Belize City for a postmortem examination. Due to her nationality, Police will be informing the Embassy of Honduras in Belize before releasing any official statement. The San Pedro Sun will post a more detailed story as the day progresses.
Ambergris Today
Flashbacks - The Quiet Beach of a Fishing Village
A Quaint Fishing Village, Paradise, Isla Bonita, Belize's No. One Tourist Destination- these are some of the descriptive words that have been used to describe Ambergris Caye and San Pedro. The peacefulness of the island and the pristine beaches are the main characteristics that make San Pedro what it is.
The small mahogany skiffs and wooden dories were regularly hauled up the beach, on dry land, for maintenance or a good cleanup. The sandy beach areas lent themselves for children to socialize and play games. Maintenance of the beach was done by the villagers who planted palm trees such as coconuts and laid sand bags to prevent erosion. Way back in the background you can see the Elsa P, a small cargo vessel that brought all the merchandise from Belize City to Pedro. It was quiet; it was quaint; it was peaceful; it was simply San Pedro.
25 Years Ago - The Good Old Days...Catholicism and Ice Comodity
* Back in the GOOD OLD DAYS life was very simple in San Pedro. In those days the small population of San Pedro was 95% Catholic
* Back then ice was something very special – scarce, but special.
I love the good old days because they made me who I am today.
It can safely be said that back in the 1950's almost all of San Pedro was Roman Catholic. There was one Catholic Church, a large wooden building measuring about 24’ X 50’ with some 20 benches that could seat about 160 persons. With a population of about 500, the adult community filled up the church to capacity for the six o'clock morning mass and it was about half full for the eight o'clock children's mass. The Catholic elementary school had an enrollment of 90 to 100 children all of whom were required to attend mass once a month whenever the priest visited the Island.
Catholic traditions included Sunday mass, processions, novenas, the Holy Rosary and the big events included Confirmation, Baptism, First Holy Communion, Easter, Christmas midnight mass and New Year's Eve mass.
Twenty-Two-Year-Old Honduran Woman Killed in Aggravated Burglary
The San Pedro Police Department has released the name of the 22-year-old Honduran national who was murdered in the early morning hours of Tuesday, February 16, 2016. Johana Samantha Mendez Barrios, waitress at Compadres Bar, was murdered during an aggravated burglary in the Boca del Rio Area.
Police were called to the Basil/Paris Apartments around 5:30a.m. where the reports states that they found Johanna with a cut would to the left side of the neck. The police officers assisted her to the San Pedro Dr. Otto Rodriguez Poly Clinic where she died undergoing treatment for her injuries shortly after 6a.m.
Her body was transported to the Karl H. Memorial Hospital in Belize City for a post mortem examination while the San Pedro Police look into leads as to the burglary and murder or Barrios. Police have little leads but are looking at video footage of nearby businesses to try obtain stronger leads to the case.
Over Five Hundred Speared at Lionfish Derby in Caye Caulker
The island of Caye Caulker was the place to be this past Saturday, February 13, 2016, for the Lionfish Derby organized by Oceana Wavemaker Lynne Couch-Harris and the Barrier Reef Sports Bar. This was Caye Caulker's first Lionfish Derby, an event supported by Oceana Belize with assistance from Frontier, Blue Ventures and the Belize Game Fish Association. The tournament's purpose - to spearfish these invasive fish that have been targeting juvenile fish on our reefs and effectively been decimating native fish populations in the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea. The good news? Lionfish is delicious!
It was an amazing turnout being Caye Caulker's first ever Lionfish Derby, drawing crowds to the beachside that wanted to see all the participants coming in with coolers full of Lionfish. An impressive 548 Lionfish were removed from the reef, from the smallest measuring at 10cm to the largest that measured an impressive 15 inches. Prizes were awarded for the most lionfish caught while diving, most lionfish while free diving, the largest lionfish and the smallest lionfish. Congratulations to all the winners and kudos to Oceana Belize and organizers for successful event.
Spear Into Action at Belize's Annual Lionfish Derby
Experts state that there is no stopping them now, but hoping to at least slow them down, marine biologists and Oceana Belize have been intensifying efforts recently to spearfish them out of certain areas that harbor fragile reefs and figure out how they became a threat so quickly and so successfully in our oceans. So how are we combatting them? —The Lionfish Derbies are the most successful and fun way. The first annual derby was hosted in Caye Caulker by Barrier Reef Sports Bar, Frontier, Oceana Belize, Blue Ventures volunteers and the Belize Game Fish Association to motivate and award participants who are helping in prohibiting the breeding of the Lionfish.
The derby will be hosted at different locations around the country each year with the first one held in Caye Caulker. Fishermen and divers who gather from all over Belize head out to sea in the early morning hours to come back around 3p.m. for the official weigh-in. While some admire the count of fish at the weighin, others enjoy demonstrations on handling and cleaning the venomous fish, filleting as well information on research on the lionfish by Oceana, Forntier and Blue Fentures. The derby awards participants for the biggest and smallest catch, youngest spearfishing group and most Lionfish caught. There is also the gourmet approach where locals and tourists get to enjoy the fresh caught Lionfish in some of the most delicious Belizean inspired dishes. There are plenty of chefs participating in cooking demonstrations and tastings for all those who wish to sample the exotic fish.
Pic of the Week - Attacked by Iguanas in Belize and Loving It
“When your husband gets attacked by iguanas!!” comments @loveatraveler on her Instagram post. This fun picture was taken at the San Ignacio Resort Hotel that houses the Belize Iguana Project. The program is instrumental in providing a great field of research and education to the people of Belize and around the world. Since its inception, the Green Iguana Project has been entirely self-sustained, relying solely on the contributions and donations of concerned visitors and patrons.
Over Five Hundred Speared at Lionfish Derby in Caye Caulker
The island of Caye Caulker was the place to be this past Saturday, February 14, 2016, for the annual Lionfish Derby held at the Barrier Reef Sports Bar. San Pedro's, neighboring island of La Isla Cariñosa was selected as host of the first annual Lionfish Derby, an event organized by Oceana Belize, Frontier, Blue Ventures and the Belize Game Fish Association. The tournament's purpose - to spearfish these invasive fish that have been targeting juvenile fish on our reefs and effectively been decimating native fish populations in the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea. The good news? Lionfish is delicious!
It was an amazing turnout being Caye Caulker's first ever Lionfish Derby, drawing crowds to the beachside that wanted to see all the participants coming in with coolers full of Lionfish. An impressive 540 Lionfish were removed from the reef, from the smallest measuring at four inches to the largest that measured an impressive 15 inches. Prizes were awarded for the most lionfish caught while diving, most lionfish while free diving, the largest lionfish and the smallest lionfish. Congratulations to all the winners and kudos to Oceana Belize and organizers for successful event.
Misc Belizean Sources
Paint Party Events
Hi Splashers, don't forget to sign up for this weeks paint party at Crazy Canucks! Come join us this Thursday at the crazy canucks where we will be painting "Tranquility beach". The cost is $25.00 U.S. per person and there's a slightly discount for members. See you there! February 18, 2016, 2:00 PM.
CARICOM
First Plenary Session of the 27th Inter-Sessional Meeting of the Conference of the Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) is taking place this morning
Book Launch “A walk through Dangriga”
On Monday 15 February 2016, the National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) and the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) launched a publication entitled A Walk Through Dangriga. It is the third publication in the Walk Through series which features key
landmarks and heritage sites in the various municipalities of Belize.
Mayor Francis Humphreys and Ifasina Efunyemi, two well-known educators in Dangriga, were the co-authors of the manuscript. The book was edited and produced by the Institute for Social and Cultural Research (ISCR), a branch of NICH.
A Walk Through Dangriga traces the development of historic locations and sites of memory within the town. The information was compiled using oral history, documentary sources and accompanied by photographs dating from the late 1890s to the present.
Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, Hon. Elodio Aragon Jr. delivered the keynote address. He emphasized the importance of community history, both for educational and tourism purposes.
Belizeans, particularly students, teachers, and tour guides, are invited to purchase a copy of the publication at their nearest bookstore.
Research featuring the other municipalities of Belize remains on going.
CARICOM must wage relentless campaign against threat to banking sector – PM Dean Barrow
The threats to the Region’s banking sector via the phenomenon of de-risking could have “cataclysmic ramifications” for the Caribbean, and a “relentless” campaign must be waged against it, Chairman of CARICOM and Prime Minister of Belize, the Hon Dean Barrow warned on Monday.
At the opening ceremony of the Twenty-Seventh Intersessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM in Placencia, Belize, Prime Minister Barrow used much of his address to focus on the correspondent banking scenario and what it portended for the Community. The matter is a key agenda item of the two-day Summit, and a Meeting of Finance Ministers was held earlier on Monday to craft a Regional response. A Committee of Ministers of Finance on Correspondent Banking, chaired by Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Hon. Gaston Browne will lead the response to this issue. The Committee is supported by leading Regional institutions including the Committee of Central Bank Governors (CCBG), the Caribbean Association of Banks (CAB) and the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF).
The threat relates to the possible loss of access to the international financial markets by mainly the Regional indigenous banks. Several international banks, mainly in the US and Europe, have signalled to client banks in the Region an unwillingness to continue carrying their business. The so-called ‘de-risking’ by the global banks threatens to impact several critical services including remittance transfers. International trade, the facilitation of credit card settlements for local clients are among the other effects the Region faces.
The Maya Wedding Re-enactment at Santa Rita
BUY YOUR TICKETS TODAY at Hotel Maya and Tony's Hotel or call 660-6614. The Maya Wedding Re-enactment at Santa Rita Site is Saturday February 20th, 2016.
Don't forget that there will be two additional performances. Bring out everyone and let's all enjoy our mayan history and culture.
Time: 7:00 P.M.
Presenters: Centro Escolar Mexico Junior College.
"El baile del Cochino - Hog head Dance".
Ek Balam - Potapok Mayan Ball Game.
Admission: Reserve $20, Adults $10, Children 14 years and under $2.
Power interruption 8:00am to 2:00pm, Monday February 22, Placencia Village
The portion of the village from Atlantic Bank downward, including Placencia Rd, Placencia Sidewalk, Paradise St, Dodo St, Leslie St, Westby St, Dukunu St, Bile Up St, Tablayta St, Sere St, Sunset Pointe and Henry Young Island. BEL to remove guy wires from property and install distribution structure in the area.
Belize Fishing Report Feb. 1 – Feb. 13, 2016
A big thanks to Teagan, my 8 year old assistant, who helped me with the pin ceremony each evening! Rarely does a cold front make it far enough south to impact our fishing, but this one lasted about a week and we could see signs of fish leaving the shallow water in favor of the deeper warm water. We had to look a little deeper to find the fish as the water cooled.
Ambassador Carlos Moreno meets with Professor Anabel Ford
Ambassador Carlos Moreno recently met with Professor Anabel Ford, director of the El Pilar Program of the MesoAmerican Research Center at UC Santa Barbara, at the launching of her new book,The Mayan Forest Garden, in which she advocates for sustaining Mayan indigenous farming techniques and food sovereignty.
Prime Minister’s Opening Statement XXVII Inter-Sessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the
Caribbean Community (CARICOM)
February 15-17, 2016, Placencia Hotel
Colleague Heads,
Mr Secretary-General,
Ministers,
Officials,
Ladies and Gentlemen:
It is my privilege and pleasure to welcome you to our country and to the Placencia peninsula.
We think this an idyllic spot. The Maya mountains, part of their world-famous eponymous Biosphere, are in back of us; and to the front is our Caribbean Sea, shared patrimony of CARICOM and SICA and emblematic of the proud duality that Belize is heir to.
I hope that the legacy features of these surroundings will act as aid and inspiration to our deliberations.
And very important deliberations they are.
For while that is always the case whenever we meet, I may be forgiven for thinking, and hope to make clear, that our issues and challenges are particularly pronounced at this time.
Let me therefore begin by considering the general economic climate in which we currently find ourselves.
There has been a failure of the world economy to recover properly from the shock of the financial crisis that began in the last part of the first decade of this new century. That failure, for the majority of us in CARICOM, has meant slow growth, increasing difficulties with our public finances, and tremendous strains on our capacity to satisfy the life-improvement aspirations of our people. And it is worth noting that even in the few countries that have shown substantial enough expansion, much of the net effect has been depreciated by population increases. On the bright side, though,there appears to be what we hope will be a sustained resurgence in our region's all-important tourism industry. This would be a welcome offset to the continued volatility in our commodities sector.
Heads of Government at the 27th CARICOM Intersessional in Placencia this morning against the beautiful backdrop of the Mayan Mountains
Caye Caulker Lionfish Derby
On Valentine's Weekend, Belizeans showed their love for reef by participating in the first annual Caye Caulker Lionfish Derby. Thanks to their efforts and in less than "warm" conditions, 540 lionfish were removed from the reef. Lionfish caught ranged from four inches in lenght to 15 inches--that's more than a foot long! The event, organized and supported by the Barrier Reef Sports Bar, Frontier, Oceana, Blue Ventures and the Belize Game Fish Association, included collecting research data and sampling. Prizes were awarded for the most lionfish caught while diving, most lionfish while free diving, the largest lionfish and the smallest lionfish. For more than two decades, these invaders have been targeting juvenile fish, effectively decimating native fish populations in the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea.With no natural predators, rapid reproduction rates and a voracious appetite, lionfish numbers are exploding…and that means bad news for the ecosystems we depend on. The good news? Lionfish is delicious. Once deprived of its venomous spines, lionfish can be prepared like any other fish. To beat them, we’ve got to eat them! Kudos to all!
Southern Peten cooperation agreement
Southern Peten is divided in five municipalities (Melchor, Dolores, El Chal, Poptun and San Luis). Today Asociacion Balam and FCD renewed a 4 year cooperation agreement with alcaldes of these municipalities with the aim of supporting socio-environmental pillars at the community level.
Howard University Gospel Choir
Today the Howard University Gospel Choir will be arriving in Belize for an Arts Envoy program in San Ignacio, Belmopan, Dangriga, and Belize City. Tune in to Love FM's morning show tomorrow morning for more information on their visit to Belize and keep an eye on our FB page for opportunities to hear them perform in Dangriga and Belize City!
About the choir - Formed on the campus of Howard University in 1968, the Howard Gospel Choir (HGC) is a body of students, alumni and community members dedicated to using the gift of music to spread the good news of Jesus Christ. As the first college choir of its kind in the world, HGC is a trailblazer for all gospel music ministries on collegiate campuses across the globe.
With a legacy of over four decades committed to excellence in music ministry, this musical aggregation has bred and shared with many of the most prolific people of this century. The choir also travels extensively throughout the United States and most recently has headlined numerous tours to the European countries of Denmark, Italy, Montenego, Slovakia and Sweden.
With such a rich legacy of excellence, the Howard Gospel Choir, a beacon light in the Howard University community, will continue to fulfill its calling to the world using Christ centered music as a means of healing, restoration and empowerment.
The choir is currently under the direction of Reginald Golden, a Howard University alumnus from Cleveland, OH.
Channel 7
Honduran Woman Murdered On San Pedro
Early this morning, San Pedro police recorded their first murder of the year when they found a woman bleeding from the neck at the entrance to an apartment complex in the San Juan area. The 23 year old worked as a waitress at a local bar and investigators believe that Honduran Johana Samantha Mendez's killer waited for her at the entrance to her apartment. So who would want her dead and why? Emanuel Pech travelled to San Pedro to look for answers:
Investigators in San Pedro are still grappling with the case of 23 year old Johana Samantha Mendez Barrios a Honduran National who was fatally stabbed early this morning. The incident occurred around 5 am here at the Parish Apartment Complex in the Boca del Rio area. The owner of the complex who refused to speak to us on camera said that she has known Johana for the past two years; since she started renting with her. In all her years of knowing Johana she said she always appeared to her as a friendly person who kept to herself. So who would want her dead? That's what authorities are trying to find out.
American Killed In PG
Another American was murdered over the weekend and police say it was a planned attack. It happened on Saturday night at around 9:25 in Hopeville, Punta Gorda. 69 year old Thomas Paul Rackowski was at his home reading that night when 3 persons entered through this screen door. They attacked Rackowski and stabbed him 4 times - twice to the neck and twice to the chest. They all ran off but Rackowski dragged himself to the phone and called the police. He was rushed to the Punta Gorda Hospital then was later transferred to the KHMH where he died last night. When we spoke with police this evening they told us that this wasn't a burglary or any random home invasion because nothing was stolen from the house. Police say Rackowski was the target. They have 2 men and 1 woman detained in connection with the murder. Police are looking at several angles - one being that Rackowski had some long standing dispute with these people. When we spoke to one of his very good friends who lives in PG as well, he told us he didn't know of any issue he had with anyone. His friend describes him as very helpful and nice. For a little background, Rackowski is from Boston Massachusetts and came to live in Belize in 1973. He never married and had no kids. His family is flying in from the US this week to plan a service for him. We will keep following up on this case.
Mother Of Drowned Teenaged Tourist Wants Answers
Last night we told you about the teenaged tourist that drowned in the Sibun River.
15 year old Tomari Jackson celebrated his birthday in Belize, and was in a group of 33 American Students between 14 and 15 years old from the North Cobb High School in Kennesaw, Georgia. They were swimming at Tiger Sandy Bay near mile 31 on the Western Highway - when Jackson disappeared. And now the story is making news in Georgia. This is the story we picked up from Fox 5 in Georgia:
Jackson's mother has told an Atlanta Newspaper that she still hasn't been told how her only child died.
He was in first form and his mother says he was also a Boy Scout who knew how to swim. His mother questions why he wasn't missed until the chaperones did a headcount when they had all gotten out of the river.
Another Charged For Weekend City Shooting
Last night we told you about five teenagers shot in the city in three separate incidents between Friday night and early Sunday morning. Well, arrests have now been made for two of those shootings.
Today, 23 year old Deon Brackett was charged for the attempted murder of Raheem Akeem Bailey, who was shot on Allan Pitts Crescent on Friday night.
This morning, Brackett who walked from a murder in 2013, was arraigned before Chief Magistrate, Anne Marie Smith. Since he is accused of a firearm offence, no bail could be granted to Brackett who was remanded to the Belize Central Prison until April 18, 2016.
CARICOM Heads Meet
In last night's news, we had live excerpts from Placencia of the CARICOM Heads of Government meeting's opening ceremony.
It's a rigorously scheduled, 3-day session held to be held at the Ocean Club Hotel. Belize's Prime Minister, Dean Barrow, is presidens over the session as the current interim chair of CARICOM - a rotating position he will hold for the first half of this year.
And while we had live clips last night, tonight Daniel Ortiz has the full story from the meeting's first evening:
Daniel Ortiz reporting:
The beautiful Beach Side of the Placencia Inn was the location for the opening of the Twenty-Seventh Inter-Sessional Meeting of The Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM.
The 15 Heads of Government of all the CARICOM Nations - except only one who was in transit - walked in together. Though they were being led this time by Chairman and Host Prime Minister Dean Barrow, but these were his equals, each a head of government. They were favorably impressed by Belize's hospitality for this meeting.
CARICOM SG Lays Out Agenda
That was last night, and early this morning, the delegates and ambassadors showed up for the real work to start at the plenary sessions.
The heads of Government moved from one meeting to the next, with hardly any breaks in between, and we understand the last meeting is still going on right now.
Before diving into the day's activities, the Secretary General of CARICOM, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque, sat down with the press for a short briefing on what is supposed to happen over the next 2 days:
Ambassador Irwin LaRocque - Secretary General, CARICOM:
"I think everything is well in place. We had a good opening ceremony last night. You saw the 3 speeches, in particular that of our chairman and Prime Minister Dean Barrow and our outgoing chairman Prime Minister Stuart and the tone has been set for the discussions that will take place today. The formal sessions of the meeting, the discussions actually will start in the next few minutes and of course at that point we will go through the agenda. In my briefings with the Prime Minister I think we are well set to have a good discussion and a few very critical issues of interest to the community.
The Way Ahead For Solving The De-Risking Crisis
Today, we also got a closer look at the proposed plan of action on de-risking that the finance technicians from the CARICOM member states have drafted for deliberation. As we told you, yesterday's meeting ended with the finance ministers recommending that part of the action plan for this crisis is to engage the UN and make a comprehensive presentation on the effect de-risking is having on the Caribbean as a whole.
Well, one of the Ambassadors, Dr. Patrick Antoine, who is a chief financial advisor to the Government of Grenada, sat down with us this morning. He outlined what he thinks the CARICOM members should consider while collectively engaging the financial regulators in a manner similar to Prime Minister's trip to Washington 2 weeks ago.
First though, the Secretary General briefed us on the recommendations coming out of yesterday's finance Meetings:
Ambassador Irwin LaRocque - Secretary General, CARICOM:
"In deed. The meeting will be making some specific recommendations to the heads of government on a course of action and I believe once the heads have considered them, then can determine how we go forward. I am not at liberty to disclose now, because it has to be presented to the heads first. But yes, very concrete plan of action how we go forward."
CARPHA Executive Director On Regional CARPHA Threat
While down in Placencia, we also spoke to the Executive Director of the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA). He's in Belize to make a presentation to the CARICOM membership on the Zika disease and the serious health threat it poses to CARICOM.
He discussed the role that CARPHA plays in the region's fight to manage a potential epidemic to this disease:
Dr. C. James Hospedales, Executive Director - CARPHA:
"This is a mosquito borne virus which aedes aegypti mosquito transmits the same zika, chikungunya and dengue. So from the time last year we realize that this was potential risk to the region. The first thing you do is to step up the monitoring mechanisms that you have try to detect it early if it comes in different countries. Getting out a lot of public information and education, to stop mosquito breeding and stop mosquito biting especially if you are pregnant, especially if older folks with lots of chronic health problems - you don't want to get one of these viral diseases. Scaling up the laboratory testing available to member's states. Coordinating the response. A lot of different agencies are wanting to work with us in the Caribbean. So that's part of our role."
Reporter:
"In other parts of the region there have been cases of Zika. In terms of within the Caribbean itself, what has the response to that or the detection been like?"
Antigua Wants To Go CCJ
Right now, the final appellate court in Belize is the Caribbean Court of Justice, the highest court in the land.
But, it might be easy to forget that up until a few years ago, the CCJ's role in Belize's judiciary was filled by the Privy Council.
Well, today, we spoke to an Ambassador from Antigua and Barbuda, where all final appeals still go to the Privy Council. He told us that he's at the CARICOM meeting to tell the leaders that his country is about to embark on a referendum campaign to change their final appellate court from the Privy Council to the CCJ:
H.E. Dr. Clarence Henry, Antigua & Barbuda's Amb. To CARICOM:
"I am just appointed a month ago to head the national coordinating committee responsible for preparation of the campaign towards the adoption of the CCJ as Antigua & Barbuda's final court of appeal. In deed so far, the campaign has been going very well. We launched in earnest on 10th March and it will be followed on the 11th by youth forum and a business breakfast to bring together the private sector on Antigua & Barbuda and there will be a number of town hall meetings, focus group meetings. This particular campaign hopefully will lead up to a national referendum sometime later this year. As you are aware Antigua & Barbuda is one of those Caribbean countries that must undertake a referendum in order to migrate from judicial committee of the Privy Council as part of our constitutional requirement."
Senior Cop Carjacked
A Benque Viejo carjacking will surely go down as one of the boldest ever. Why? It took place in broad daylight and the truck was stolen from a senior officer in the Police Department. On Sunday, Assistant Superintendent Selwyn Tillett, Officer Commanding Orange Walk Police was held up at gun point in Benque Viejo.
Around 11 am on the same day, Tillett was driving his son in law's white 2014 Mazda pickup and while he was parking the vehicle in front of his house he was approached by two Hispanic men, and one them pointed a gun at him demanding the vehicle keys. He told him in Spanish, "hand over the vehicle, we're not playing!"
The vehicle was found by Guatemalan police around 10:30 yesterday morning in an area known as Camalote - about 10 miles from Melchor. The vehicle was intact and only had damages to the door locks. The passenger window had to be broken and Police started the pick-up with the spare key and drove it to the Melchor Police Station. The vehicle has since been driven to the Melchor police station while investigations continue.
Police And Those Interviews
Today was day 1 of a police media workshop. Officers from Eastern Division Southside organized a training to teach officers how to give a proper interview. About 12 officers participated and of course the media was invited to give a few very useful tips. Public Relations Officer Douglas Hyde told us more about the workshop.
Now apart from sharpening their English and public speaking skills - another element of the workshop was to try and build a stronger more productive relationship with the media - Hyde spoke to us about the importance for both the police and the media to understand each other's roles.
Police will organize a number of other training sessions.
New Drainage Solution For City
The municipal drainage project is a 21 million dollar IDB funded project focusing on the drains on the northside of Belize City. It started in late 2011, and should finish by the end of next month. Major work has been done to strengthen or create at least 4 canals, and to build large drains and sidewalks in the Belama Area. The longest canal was built under Cinderella Plaza. It connects to the existing canal on Douglas Jones Street - but stretches it all the way to the sea by Princess, going through Calle Al Mar. IT's a canal that's five foot wide by five feet deep and runs for 540 meters. Today the Ministry of works engineers along with personnel from the Ministry of Economic Development, the Ministry of Finance, and The Department of the Environment toured the drainage project, and we tagged along. Here's the story of what they did at Cinderella Plaza:..
Rolando Chan, Project Manager, Flood Mitigation:
"We had an existing stretch which was from Freetown towards the creek and then the new section was from Freetown towards the sea, going through Baymen Avenue, Kelly Street Calle al Mar, across Barack Road and then towards the sea. From Freetown towards Calle al Mar towards the sea. That is the new infrastructure that we place in which is a 5x5 section and that was done by Median Construction."
Jules Vasquez:
"How will that work when there is a spring tide, a very high tide."
Rolando Chan, Project Manager, Flood Mitigation:
"When the high tide comes, the water from the sea comes towards the canal into the canal and flows towards Haulover Creek."
MOW To Citco: We Won't Pave It
And while there is a spectacular new drain running under Cinderella Plaza, up above you wouldn't know because the street is in deplorable condition. Last week the Mayor of Belize City told us that the Ministry of Works would finish up the paving - and today the Ministry told us that's not what the fine print says - and they won't do it:...
Rolando Chan, Project Manager, Flood Mitigation:
"Well the last time it was mentioned or Mayor Bradley mentioned that it's our responsibility. We just want to make clear that this is not our responsibility. It is still under Belize City Council, not under Ministry of Works, nor Flood Mitigation. Just a clarification on that."
Jules Vasquez:
"Is it that the Mayor misspoke or that he had not read the technical documents which you have read?"
Phillip Willoughby, City Councilor:
"No. Like I said at every turn after meetings are concluded I brief the mayor on what the status is and like I am banking on that, that if there us sufficient or adequate funding remaining from the project then why not put it there. But if that does not materialize then the city has to incur the cost of to fix the Cinderella Plaza area."
But, The Bike Path...
But one thing the Ministry of Works did do for city hall was create a bike path on Juliet Soberanis Street in Belama Phase one. True, it's only by signage and street paint, but it's a nice touch, except hardly anyone pays attention to it. We asked the engineers about it today:...
Rolando Chan, Project Manager, Flood Mitigation
"The idea is to allow the cyclists to have their own stretch. They can ride their bicycles freely. But as we can see a lack of communication with residents or let's say public awareness that residents they just park right occupying the bike path. So it's something that I think Belize City Council will have to inform the public the reason why we have these bike paths."
Tomorrow, we'll go deeper into Belama, to Phase 4, where creating drains basically in swamps was a major engineering challenge.
Channel 5
CARICOM Heads of Government Discuss Threat of Zika Virus
The looming threat of the Zika virus and its potential impact on the Caribbean was the subject of a presentation earlier today, before an audience of CARICOM heads of government [...]
Day 1 of Intersessional Meeting of Regional Heads of Government Concludes in Placencia
The opening ceremony for a gathering of CARICOM heads of government in southern Belize, complete with cultural presentations showcasing the ethnic diversity of the Jewel, was held in Placencia on [...]
A Waitress is Brutally Murdered in San Pedro
There are two murders to report—one in Punta Gorda and one in San Pedro. Tonight, the body of Honduran national Johana Samantha Mendez Barrios lies inside the morgue at the [...]
An Elderly Man Succumbs to Stab Wounds, Three Suspects Detained
And while San Pedro Police hunt for a killer, their counterparts in Punta Gorda are looking for evidence to identify three. On Saturday night, American National Thomas Rockowski was at [...]
Ministry of Works Engineers Tour Belize City Canals
Today, stakeholders from the Flood Mitigation Infrastructure Project conducted a tour across the drainage network in the city – from the Douglas Jones Canal to the Maheia Canal on the [...]
Engineers Say Mayor Bradley Has Cinderella Plaza All Wrong
While the site inspectors assess the success of the project works, the Belize City Council has come under fire for sections which have been left in a terrible condition – [...]
The Fight for Baby Nina is Headed to Guatemala
On Friday, media crews camped outside the Belize Family Court until dark, waiting for a determination on the fate of Nina Barrera Perez. The custody and jurisdiction woes of baby [...]
Deon Brackett is Remanded to Prison for Attempted Murder of Raheem Bailey
A Belize City man has been remanded for the attempted murder of Raheem Bailey last Friday. Bailey was the first of five persons injured during four separate shootings in the [...]
Chief Magistrate Reviews Light Sentence of Repeat Offender
Tonight, a sentence handed down by Magistrate Deborah Rogers is under review by Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith, after it was learned that forty-two-year-old Cecil Franklin, no stranger to the [...]
Grieving American Students Return to North Cobb High School
On Monday, as a post mortem examination was being conducted on the body of Tomari Jackson, his classmates from North Cobb High School traveled back to Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A. The [...]
Who Wants to Win a Wingle?
From day to day we’re called to various Police Stations and substations for any matter of reasons – from hunting information to donations and training courses. But we’ve never before [...]
Sister Cecilia Home Receives Donation from CPBL
Today, the Sister Cecilia Home for the Elderly in Belize City was the recipients of twenty-five chairs courtesy of Citrus Products of Belize Limited in the south. Today at the [...]
CTV3
Murder In Paradise, Honduran Woman Slashed To Death
A 22 year old Honduran national was killed early this morning inside her apartment complex located in the Boca del Rio area of San Pedro Town.
This morning between 5:00 and 5:45 police were called out to the area where they found Joanna Samantha Mendez Barrios suffering from one large cut wound to the left side of her neck. The victim was transported to the San Pedro Polyclinic but later succumbed to her injuries while undergoing treatment.
Superintendent Sandra Bowden:
“Early this morning between 5 and 5:45am the police were at the an apartment in the Boca del rio area upon the arrival at the apartment complex they observed a female who was bleeding from her neck she was assisted to the Poly Clinic and whilst undergoing treatment at the poly clinic she died and her identity was later to be one Joanna Samantha Mendez Barrios 22 years of La Ceiba Honduras and she was presiding at the said apartment, so far the police has been able to certain one person to may have been at her apartment who may have inflicted the wound not to mention our investigation is still in its early stages and the body has been transported to the KHMH mort where now it awaits a post mortem.”
Prime Minister Of Belize Discusses Banking Sector During CARICOM Meeting
At the opening ceremony of the Twenty-Seventh Inter-sessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM that was held last night in Placencia, Prime Minister Barrow, Chairman of CARICOM focused a great part of his address on the correspondent banking situation that has been affecting indigenous banks in many CARICOM member states.
The threat relates to the possible loss of access to the international financial markets by mainly the Regional indigenous banks. Several international banks, mainly in the US and Europe, have signaled to client banks in the Region an unwillingness to continue carrying their business The so-called ‘de-risking’ by the global banks threatens to impact several critical services including remittance transfers. International trade, the facilitation of credit card settlements for local clients could also be threatened.
ZIKA Virus Takes Center Stage At CARICOM Meeting
The official opening ceremony of the 27th Intercessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government CARICOM was held last night in Placencia where Secretary-General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque gave the opening address where he made an urgent call for action to keep the Community’s well-earned reputation safe and secure.
Ambassador LaRocque:
“It is imperative that the urgency for action be translated into the efforts at acquiring the resources necessary to adapt to its effects in our Region and to ensure our survival. In that regard, it is crucial that the international community honour the commitments to provide the requisite resources.
We must maintain the standard set for how we should act in concert to address other challenges. That proven capacity for collective action which brings success has to be mustered as we engage frontally, the challenge posed to our security.
All of our Member States are affected in varying degrees as the scourge of crime threatens our societies, our economies and our citizens’ security.
Global Economic Woes Impact CARICOM Countries
Prime Minister Dean Barrow in his address at the opening ceremony of the 27th Inter-sessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government CARICOM also spoke of the failure of the world economy to recover from the shock of a financial crisis that has had negative effects worldwide including on CARICOM member states. The topic was touched as the P.M discussed the drop in oil prices that has negatively affected our country and other countries who enjoyed the privileges of the PetroCaribe fund.
Honorable Dean Barrow – Prime Minister of Belize:
“This would be a welcome offset to the continued volatility in our commodities sector. The global oil price rout has, in particular, been a double-edged sword for a couple of us. So we salute the recent petroleum discoveries in Guyana and look forward to that country being able to exploit those resources on its own terms; and we welcome the benefit to consumers that cheaper fuel has meant. But at the same time we regret the effect that both the contraction of production and the precipitate price drop have had here in Belize. And we note the even stronger detriment of the latter on public sector revenues in Trinidad and Tobago. As well, the oil conundrum has severely constrained the flow of
resources to those of us that participate in the PetroCaribe arrangements. This is, of course, in consequence of the havoc done to Venezuela, the source of our erstwhile bounty. To compound matters, it is clear that the oil price phenomenon is symptomatic of the more generalized weakening...”
Secretary General Of CARICOM Describes Banking Sector As An Immediate Existential Threat
CARICOM Secretary-General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque, also addressed the correspondent banking relationship issue describing it as an immediate existential threat due to the subjective and unsupported labelling of the Region as a financial high risk area for Money Laundering and Terrorism funding.CARICOM Member States are faced with this classification, even though they are compliant with the institutional and regulatory standards established by the FATF, the Global Forum and other international bodies noted LaRoque.Ambassador LaRocque:“Mr. Chairman, today, our Member States face yet another existential threat and it is immediate. This arises from the withdrawal of correspondent banking services due to the arbitrary and unsubstantiated categorisation of our Region as a financial high risk area. This is despite our jurisdictions being in compliance with the institutional and regulatory standards established by the FATF, the Global Forum and other international bodies.
LOVE FM
CARICOM Heads of Government to take place in Placencia
The opening of the 27th Inter-sessional meeting for the Heads of Government for the Caribbean Community is underway in Placencia. Reporter Renee Trujillo is in Placencia and filed this report. Renee Trujillo reporting… “The opening session of the 27th intersessional meeting for the heads of government of the Caribbean Community started at 6 o’clock this […]
US students drowns while on field trip to Belize
A 14 year old US student died in Belize over the weekend. Tomari Aliijah Jackson, a freshman at North Cobb High School in Kennesaw, Georgia, USA, is believed to have drowned near Tiger Sandy Bay in Rural Belize. Hipolito Novelo reporting… “Fourteen year old Tomari Alijah Jackson was one of thirty two students and six […]
Man charged with attempted murder of teenager
Twenty year old Joseph Lopez, a resident of Reggae Street who allegedly shot a 17 year old boy, was charged with attempted murder when he appeared today before Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser. Lopez was also charged with dangerous harm and use of deadly means of harm. He was remanded into custody until April 4. The […]
Man wanted in connection with chopping incident
Police are looking for Edwin Chacon who is a suspect in a chopping incident that occurred yesterday in the Salvapan area of Belmopan. Thirty three year old Fernando Soria reported to the police that while heading home he was attacked by one Edwin Chacon with whom he had been drinking with. Soria suffered cut wounds […]
Police officers injured in road traffic accident
Three police officers were injured in a road traffic accident on Saturday evening in Roaring Creek Village. Fem Cruz reporting… “Love News understands that on Saturday evening, February 13, sometime around 4:10 pm, the officers were on mobile patrol in the village of Tea Kettle when they received a call for back up. They immediately […]
Baby Nina to be returned to Guatemala
On Friday the case of Baby Nina was back before Magistrate’s Dale Cayetano. The case involving the two year old girl had been ongoing for the last few months. Anna Liz Gutierrez, the child’s mother had taken the child from Guatemala and brought her to Belize. The father of the child engaged the authorities after […]
Baby Nina’s mother vows to continue the fight
While you may think the custody battle is over, Gutierrez says it is not. She explained to us that she has to return to the Guatemalan Family court where other charges were filed against her. She remains strong and added that all she can do now is investigate her rights in Guatemala. Anna Liz Gutierrez […]
Woman recounts ordeal of being held up
Last week the Belize Police Department issued an advisory for the public, especially business owners and security firms to be on alert. This followed two reports of individuals posing as police officers and gaining access to establishments. One of the reported incidents was made by Ebonni Hendy who was employed at Harpy Security on Antelope […]
Woman held up by intruder, fired by employer
And while Hendy went through a traumatic experience, she told us that was not the end of it, as after her boss reviewed the security tapes, he fired her. Ebonni Hendy – Victim “The reason I didn’t call the police is because I feared for my life. He threatened me and told me that if […]
Latest book on El Pilar released
Friends of El Pilar Maya Forest Garden Network presented a book entitled “The Mayan Forest Garden” Eight Mellennia of sustainable Cultivation of the Tropical Woodlands. The book is to enlighten the public on sustainable living via the Belizean Forest. Facilitator Cynthia Topsey, told Love News what the group at Friends of the El Pilar Maya […]
PlusTV
American Retiree clings to life after stabbing attack
An American retiree residing in Punta Gorda has been hospitalized in a critical condition after he was stabbed in his home. The stabbing accident happened sometime after 9 p.m. on Saturday February 13. PG police say they they got a call to the home of American Retiree Paul Rocoski in the Hop...
Chopping in Belmopan; man critical
A night of drinking turned into a brawl that left one man suffering from numerous chop wounds. On Sunday the 14th of February, police visited #8 Bolivia Street in Salvapan, Belmopan where they saw 33-year-old Fernando Soria, a Guatemalan labourer, lying on the side of the road. Soria was suffering f...
Shooting in Belize City leaves 3 teenagers hospitalized
Five teenagers were shot in three different incidents in Belize City. The first incident left three teenagers of Belize City hospitalized after a Valentine Day shooting in the Old Capital. On Sunday the 14th of February, 19 year old Wilbert Welch, 19 year old Davone Gillett, and 19 year old Chelsea...
Minor shot in the back
A Belize City minor was shot in his back while heading home. On Friday the 12th of February, a Belize City minor was walking on Boots Crescent Road from the direction of Faber’s Road when a male person came up behind him and fired several shots, one of which caught him in his back. The assailant was...
19 year old shot at home
Another Belize City teenager was shot this weekend. 19 year old Raheem Jaheem Bailey of Belize City was shot while at his home. On Friday the 12th of February, Bailey was at his home in Belize along with his friends when, one Deon Bracket rode up on a bicycle , pulled out a firearm and fired shots t...
Teenager fire shots at teenagers in Sandhill
Two teenagers of Sandhill were lucky this violent weekend as they managed to escaped unhurt after a barrage of bullets were shot in their direction. A 19-year-old of Sandhill was reportedly sitting with his friend in front of his house when a dark complexion male person, who he identified as an 18-...
14 year old American student drowns in Monkey Bay Area
A 14 year old American student drowned in the Monkey Bay on Saturday afternoon. On Saturday the 13th of February, Tomari Alijah was along with a group of some 30 plus students who went swimming. Reports are that at the end of the outing, when the group was ready to leave the swimming area, a head c...
Amandala
Atlanta, Georgia, student, 14, drowns in Sibun
Within hours, tragedy struck a group of high school students from North Cobb High School in Atlanta, Georgia, United States, who were on winter break and arrived in Belize on Saturday, February 14, for a field trip, when one of the students drowned in the Sibun River at Tiger Sandy Bay, located off the George Price Highway at about Mile 31.
The thirty-two students and their nine chaperones arrived in Belize around midday at the Philip Goldson International Airport, where they were met by personnel from Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary.
Following their brief orientation, the students split up into groups and some of them went swimming, while others decided on hiking.
Around 4:00 p.m., the chaperones did a head count before heading back to the resort, and it was then that they discovered that a freshman student and music scholar, Tomari Aliijah Jackson, 14, a ninth grader, was missing.
Personnel from the Belize Police Department, the Belize Coast Guard and the United States Embassy began combing the area for the missing student.
On Sunday morning, shortly after 2:00 a.m., and after an extensive search in the Sibun River, Jackson’s body was fished out of the river. His body was discovered by two local divers in about 25 feet of water.
CARICOM Heads of Government meet in Placencia
The sandy shores of Placencia were the grounds upon which a momentous gathering of leaders of the Caribbean region converged tonight for the official opening of the 27th Inter-Sessional Meeting of the Heads of Government of CARICOM.
Captivating entertainment provided by Garifuna, Creole and Maya dancers helped to relax the officials before tense deliberations over the next two days on pressing issues affecting the region.
“Our issues and challenges are particularly pronounced at this time,” said incoming chair of the Caribbean Community, Belize Prime Minister Dean Barrow, in remarks to his peers. Whereas there has been much talk about what Barrow described as the “banking Armageddon,” due to the “cataclysmic ramifications” of the decision by US and European banks to cut off indigenous Caribbean banks, he pointed to a potentially compounding factor: the possibility that the world economy may be “sliding back into recession,” as he put it.
Earlier today, CARICOM Finance ministers met to discuss the banking crisis. The recommendations compiled by a Committee of Finance Ministers on Correspondent Banking, chaired by Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister, Gaston Browne, should be the subject of deliberations by Heads of Government as they meet in Placencia on Tuesday and Wednesday, February 16 and 17.
Speaking in Placencia tonight, Barrow said that “CARICOM action must be unrelenting.” He called on the region to “size up” with collective action.
Another Belize City man remanded for piracy of tourists at Middle Long Caye
Another Belize City man was remanded to prison today on a charge of aggravated burglary in connection with the armed robbery of a group of tourists who were anchored in their boat off Middle Long Caye on January 13.
Police charged Jason Emmanuel Cortez, 20, along with Bradwick Lino, 22, who is serving a three-month sentence after he pleaded guilty to handling stolen goods last month, in connection with the same incident.
Police are relying on fingerprint evidence to assist their case in linking Cortez to the robbery at sea.
Cortez, a construction worker and resident of Balan Street, Lake Independence, appeared before Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser and pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Fraser, however, could not grant bail because the offense has allegedly been committed with a firearm; therefore Cortez was remanded to the Belize Central Prison until his next court date on March 18.
Boss fires victim of fake cop office invasion and attempted robbery
A dispatcher for the Harpy Security Company on Antelope Street Extension, which was held up at knife point at by a fake policeman after she let him in, reportedly has been fired by the company.
Evonne Hendy, 25, told Amandala that she was on duty at the company’s office when at about 12:30 Thursday morning, she heard someone at the front door. When she looked, she saw a man dressed in a khaki buttoned-down shirt, tucked inside blue long pants, and a black warm hat on his head, who identified himself as a “police officer.”
Hendy said that the man told her that he was there to check on the business place, and believing that he was a real policeman she opened the front grill door and allowed him to enter the office.
According to Hendy, upon entering the office, however, the police imposter pulled out a knife from his pants waist, grabbed her around her neck, took her inside the office and demanded that she open the door to the storeroom, an order with which she complied.
Mexican Juan Manuel Yapur wins Digicell Tour 2016
After four days of road races, Criterium races and Individual Time Trials, culminating with the big Road Race yesterday ending in front of Leslie’s Imports, Mexican Juan Manuel Yapur of Yapurland Cycling Team in Cancun emerged the overall champion, as well as the Masters winner, thus garnering the Red Jersey for the 2016 Digicell Valentine Tour. 2nd place for the Tour went to Joel Borland (Digicell-4G); and 3rd was American Chris Harkey (Team Starlight).
The Green Jersey for King of the Sprint was taken by Brandon Cattouse (C-Ray Road Addikz Team) who was first to cross the finish line in yesterday’s Road Race; and the Blue Jersey for King of the Hills belonged to Ron Vasquez of Western Spirit Cycling Team.
C-Ray Juniors and their lone Female cyclist, Kaya Cattouse, boycotted the Road Race on Sunday, in protest of Juniors and Females being excluded from the Tour; but the 5-member Elite team, C-Ray Road Addikz, did participate in the Tour.
Police and Bandits with eyes on CONCACAF Champ League
The Premier League of Belize (PLB) 2015-2016 Closing Season has completed its fourth week of games in a 10-week schedule, and defending champions Police United FC lead the standings, with a 2 point edge over Belmopan Bandits FC. (See Week 4 standings below.)
According to reports of weekend games we have received, Belmopan Bandits FC shut out Verdes FC, 2-0, on Saturday night at the FFB Stadium; and on the same night, at the Michael Ashcroft Stadium, it was BDF FC with a 1-nil win over Wagiya FC. Then on Sunday afternoon, with Placencia losing a player to red card at the 50th minute, Police United FC barely managed to secure a 4-3 victory over Placencia Assassins at the Norman Broaster Stadium. (Up to press time, we have not received details of the goals scored.)
While all participating teams have their eyes on the PLB Closing Season championship, their eyes, are also focused, especially that of defending champion Police United FC and Belmopan Bandits FC, on the regular season points tally, which could determine the berth to CONCACAF even before a champion is declared. There are two different races going on at the same time, and below we try to explain.
Editorial: Social Security $$$ and Santander
If you follow the logic which argues that the Belize Social Security Board (SSB) should lend Belizean workers’ money to the giant foreign Santander corporation because Santander would give that money 7 and 8 percent returns, whereas the local banks give the same money only 2 and 3 percent interest, then we Belizeans should take all of Belize’s money and invest it in foreign corporations, dammit, in Guatemala itself, where there are a thousand Santanders running their economy.
Look, what was the purpose of self-rule and the struggle therefor? Our national heroes, Hon. George Price and Hon. Phillip Goldson, who began political life together in the People’s United Party (PUP) in 1950, both fought for Belizean self-rule. At a certain point in his early leadership of the PUP, Mr. Price began to speak of a “peaceful, constructive revolution.” It is not clear whether he considered that peaceful, constructive revolution as having been born in 1950, when the PUP was founded, or in 1956, when he took personal leadership of that PUP. Mr. Goldson, for his part, was and is famously quoted as follows: “The time to save your country is before you lose it.” We will return later to these two concepts.
Uncertain future for Baby Nina
n Friday, February 12, the Belize Family Court handed down its decision to have Baby Nina returned to Guatemala. The much discussed case of Baby Nina was heard in Magistrate Dale Cayetano’s courtroom, and both parents were present for the hearing. Analiz Perez Gutierrez, the Belizean mother, was represented by attorney Marcel Cardona, and Ernesto Barrera, the Guatemalan father, was represented by attorney Kevin Arthurs.
The court proceedings lasted the entire day. Gutierrez emerged from the courtroom at 6:30 p.m. and told us about the magistrate’s ruling. Gutierrez read the following judgment: “Take note that the above case for declaration of wrongful removal/return of the child was concluded on the twelfth day of February 2016, where the following order was made. The child, Nina Charlotte Alexandra Barrera Perez, born twenty-third October, 2013, was wrongfully removed from Guatemala. It is hereby ordered that the child, be returned to Guatemala immediately, pursuant to Chapter 177 of the International Child Adoption Act Revised Edition 200 and the subsequent articles of the convention.”
Guatemalan milperos clear 17 farms and erect several dwellings inside Chiquibul: FCD
January and February 2016 have seen an upsurge of illegal clearings inside the Chiquibul Forest, according to a report released this week by Friends for Conservation and Development (FCD), which said that it has observed 17 new clearings and several thatch-roof dwellings illegally erected inside Belize.
The report also says that satellite imagery analysis and interpretation up to October 2015 has shown that a total of 3,772.5 ha (or roughly 15 square miles) had been deforested.
The FCD report was filed after the NGO, which co-manages the Chiquibul National Park, did a flyover of the area two days ago, on February 9, 2016. This was the first flight of several which they hope to conduct as the dry season progresses.
“From the small Cessna airplane, large clearings of primary forest were observed. These clearings appear to be fresh, indicating that the milpa activity is starting and may progress rapidly as the dry season sets in,” the FCD report warned.
It added that the northern section of the Caracol Archaeological Reserve and on the southern region of the Chiquibul known as Cebada are the most impacted.
How safe is the rice on your plate?
Rice is one of Belize’s main staple foods, but Jitendra Chawla, aka Jack Charles, is saying that the rice that we’ve been incorporating in our daily meals might be contaminated with a carcinogenic substance. That substance to which he’s referring is aflatoxin, which has been described as a “poisonous and cancer-causing chemical”. It takes the form of a mold and occurs when staple foods are “improperly stored”.
The Director of the Belize Bureau of Standards in a press release has responded to Chawla’s claim. The release pointed out that “Charles is not recognized as a competent authority to conduct testing of any basic food item in Belize.”
While Chawla is not an authority, the institution to which he sent the rice samples for testing — Eurofins Analytical Laboratories, is one that the Belize Agriculture Health Authority (BAHA) is very familiar with, since they conduct their testing there as well, Chawla said.
The Bureau’s press release further stated that “The test results provided on February 1, by Charles shows that none of the rice samples analyzed contain detectable levels of aflatoxins and as a result does not pose any threat to human health.” The release ends with a reiteration by the Bureau of its commitment to the public to ensure that food on the market is safe for consumption.
Korean stakes claim to lands occupied by 13 Trio families
Roughly 15 families in Trio, who live and farm in the area of the village, have been in panic after reports that an Asian investor had bought the lands they said they have been occupying for decades—albeit without papers they have claimed were promised to them by politicians.
Amandala has been informed that the land in question, which is located near the entrance of Trio, Toledo, had been bought by International Missionary Organization Limited, represented by John Yim, a Korean. Yim’s agent, Adan Blanco, has informed that Yim bought the land, 2,570.325 acres in all, back in June 2014 for BZ$1 million from Greenwood Development Company.
Blanco told Amandala that Yim intends to use the land for agriculture and is willing to hire the villagers to work the land while offering them an option to purchase the area upon which they have been squatting.
According to Blanco, although the initial sale offer to the residents for an acre of the land in question was $15,000, the owner has dropped the price to $10,000. A 25% down payment, amounting to $2,500, would be required. The villagers would also be asked to sign on to a deal to pay the balance over 10 years.
Pedro Menjivar Murcio, 30 – was he killed over a bike?
Less than 12 hours after Pedro Menjivar Murcio, 30, a farmer of St. Margaret, was involved in an argument with a man after his bicycle had been stolen from a bar on the Hummingbird Highway, Murcio was found unconscious, with severe injuries to his head, in an orange orchard between Miles 15 and 16 on the Hummingbird Highway in Alta Vista.
He was discovered at about 6:45 on the morning of Friday, January 29, and was taken to the Southern Regional Hospital, after which he was rushed to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) in Belize City. He fought for his life for eight days in the intensive care unit of the KHMH until Saturday morning, February 6, when he died.
On Monday, February 8, a postmortem exam was conducted on Murcio’s body at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital by Dr. Mario Estradabran. At the conclusion of the autopsy, he declared that Murcio’s death was the result of “acute respiratory failure, bilateral severe broncho-pneumonia,comatose state and blunt force traumatic injuries to the head region.”
SSB pension payments to increase by 5%
Social Security Board (SSB) chairman, Doug Singh, said on the KREM WUB, that the Government plans to increase contributory pension payments by 5% this April. The increase has already been approved by Cabinet, in tandem with the transfer of funds from the short-term branch to the long-term branch, to support the payments, Singh told Amandala.
He said that the SSB is proposing another 5% increase in pension payments next April, but that would be contingent upon the outcome of consultations to expand the wage band from a maximum of $320 a week insurable earnings to around $500 weekly.
The increase would cost the SSB $2.8 million more to meet payments to 7,700 pensioners. Non-contributory pensions, which have been increased from $75 to $100, won’t be included in the scheme.
Singh said that over $3 million is paid each year towards pensions for people who have never contributed to the fund, and this expense is met by the others who contribute to the fund.
Santander pulls back from $12 mil SSB loan, but says it will apply again
Santander Sugar announced in a press conference this Friday morning that it has decided to pull back its application from the Belize Social Security Board (SSB) for US$6 million (BZ$12 million) in financing for its sugar enterprise in western Belize, because “the issue was politicized, and given a negative connotation;” but the company plans to return with a second application, said Andres Ayau, the company’s chief financial officer.
“We would like to leave the door open for the Social Security Board,” Ayau said, adding that the company wants to pursue another SSB loan for an additional investment round, for expansion of the project and the sugar cane fields for 50 million US dollars.
For the meanwhile, though, the US$6 million has been procured from an international lender. According to Ayau, Santander had already informed the SSB that they would turn to another source for the money.
He said that Santander hopes that they “can go beyond the politics and see that this is a safe and sound transaction that will provide a big benefit for the Social Security beneficiaries…”
5 persons shot in the city in 4 shooting incidents
Five people are suffering from gunshot wounds in different parts of their bodies, sustained during yet another weekend of gun violence that occurred in the city, and in Sandhill, in the Belize District, over the weekend of Thursday to Sunday, February 11 to 14.
There were 4 shootings: a 17-year-old youth was shot in the right upper back on Fabers Road; Raheem Bailey, 26, was shot in the chest and both thighs; Wilbert Welch was shot in the right shoulder; Davone Gillett, 25, also of Belize City, was shot in the neck and left shoulder; and Chelsea Young, 19, of Ladyville, Belize District, was shot in the left hand.
Police have since arrested two persons and detained three pending investigations.
All victims have been admitted to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) in a stable condition.
The weekend of violence began in Sandhill. At about 9:00 Thursday night, two friends were socializing in front Davone Gillett’s home in Sandhill when a dark-complexioned man who is known to them and who also lives in Sandhill, emerged from a bushy area opposite the house where the two friends were socializing and fired several times towards them.
Luckily, both friends escaped unhurt. Police say that the alleged gunman is well known to them.
From the Publisher
September 5, 2016 will mark 40 years since my younger brother, Michael Charles, was murdered in mysterious circumstances in Accra, Ghana. He was on summer break after the first year of classes in a two-year land program at a school in Kumasi, Ghana, which is about 200 miles inland from Accra, which is on the West African seacoast.
In Belize, my younger brother, who was the best athlete in our family, had been actively involved in UBAD, and he was tried and acquitted in the Supreme Court in October of 1972, along with Norman Fairweather and Edwardo Burns, for various insurrectionary activities on the night of May 29, 1972.
At the time all this excitement was taking place, Michael was employed at the Lands and Surveys Department in Belmopan where his uncle, the late James Valancourt, was the Lands Commissioner. He had resumed his job after arrest, interdiction, and acquittal.
In early 1973, the UBAD movement began to split down the middle, as half its leadership wanted to join the Unity Congress, the precursor to the United Democratic Party (UDP) which was formally established in September of 1973.
Belize urges CARICOM to take urgent action on climate change
CARICOM Ministers who hold the environment portfolio in their respective countries met at the Belize Biltmore Plaza Hotel today to discuss one of the hottest topics on the international front—climate change, but also to use the momentum gained at the international COP 21 climate change forum in Paris last year to launch actions on the ground to help the Caribbean adapt, while putting in place measures to mitigate impacts already being visited upon our region by a changing global climate.
While there are some pundits who argue that climate change is a fallacy, others are adamant that it is real. Today, Minister James Fletcher, chairman of both the CARICOM Task Force of Sustainable Development and the Regional Coordinating Committee on Climate Change, spoke of eroding coast lines and climate variability, such as prolonged droughts; coral bleaching due to warming oceans; and ocean acidification, as well as negative impacts on wildlife. He also pointed to the theory that rising public health crises, such as Zika in the Americas, may also be linked to climate change.
Boss fires victim of fake cop office invasion and attempted robbery
A dispatcher for the Harpy Security Company on Antelope Street Extension, which was held up at knife point at by a fake policeman after she let him in, reportedly has been fired by the company.
Evonne Hendy, 25, told Amandala that she was on duty at the company’s office when at about 12:30 Thursday morning, she heard someone at the front door. When she looked, she saw a man dressed in a khaki buttoned-down shirt, tucked inside blue long pants, and a black warm hat on his head, who identified himself as a “police officer.”
Hendy said that the man told her that he was there to check on the business place, and believing that he was a real policeman she opened the front grill door and allowed him to enter the office.
According to Hendy, upon entering the office, however, the police imposter pulled out a knife from his pants waist, grabbed her around her neck, took her inside the office and demanded that she open the door to the storeroom, an order with which she complied.
Breaking Belize News
San Pedro woman killed, neck slashed
Early this morning in San Pedro Town, police were called to the Boca Del Rio area, where in front of the Basil Parish apartment complex, officers saw 23-year-old Honduran national, Johana Samantha Mendez Barrios, bleeding from a cut wound to the left side of […]
PM Barrow addresses ‘de-risking’ at CARICOM Heads of Government meeting
Prime Minister Dean Barrow, who has been at the helm of the ‘de-risking’ issue in the region, again addressed the issue and sounded the alarm for dealing with the matter urgently, in front of his colleagues at the 27th Inter-Sessional Meeting of the Conference […]
One suspect detained for brutal Punta Gorda murder
One Punta Gorda (PG) man has been detained by police and is pending investigations in connection to a stabbing incident which occurred on Saturday. The assault was upgraded to murder yesterday when the victim died at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) in Belize […]
Unlawful sexual intercourse in Punta Gorda
Punta Gorda (PG) police are seeking a suspect, who is pending investigations for a case of carnal knowledge. A 14 year old female minor told police that while her boyfriend was staying at a hotel in PG last November, she visited him and they […]
Police recover pickup stolen on Valentine’s Day
The white Mazda pickup truck stolen in Benque Viejo Town, Cayo District, shortly after midday Sunday, has been recovered by Belize police near Melchor De Mencos, Guatemala, with the help of Policia Nacional Civil (PNC). Guatemalan Police officers found the truck in bushes in […]
“Walk Through Dangriga” book launching
As part of its ‘Walk Through’ book series, the National Institute of Culture and History (NICH), along with the Belize Tourism Board (BTB), yesterday launched a third publication entitled, “A Walk Through Dangriga.” Books in this series feature key landmarks and heritage sites from […]
Woman killed in San Pedro
A woman was brutally murdered this morning in the Boca Del Rio area of San Pedro. Breaking Belize News has confirmed that the incident played out in the wee hours of Tuesday morning at an apartment building on Bonefish Street. The identity of the victim […]
Mother questions son’s death in Belize
Adell Forbes, the mother of 14-year-old Tomari Jackson who drowned in Belize on Saturday, said she still hasn’t been told how her only child died just hours after arriving in Belize. Forbes, in an interview with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, said she has more questions than answers […]
Japan grants over $200,000 to Belize’s Cotton Industry
Belizean and Japanese officials gathered yesterday to initiate a grant of US $102,029 that is being handed over to Belize’s Cotton Industry from the Japanese Government’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security projects. Benefiting cotton farmers with the potential to strengthen the relationship between both […]
Can Johnny Briceño unite and ignite the PUP?
Newly elected People’s United Party (PUP) leader Johnny Briceño was sworn in as opposition leader last week, and now the real task begins – rebuilding and uniting an embattled party which has been in constant inner turmoil for the past few years. Belize’s most storied […]
Belize, the Adventure Capital of the World
As far as Central American destinations go, Belize is rather unique. This small nation has some of the most incredible attractions in the world in terms of animals, marine life, natural landmarks, artifacts and culture.
The Belize Barrier Reef is one of the best sites in the region. It’s a 300-kilometer (or 186-mile) section of the larger Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System that spans from Cancun, Mexico all the way to Honduras. The Belize Barrier Reef is one of the most popular destinations in the country, and it sees over a quarter of a million visitors each year. The reef hosts over 100 species of hard and soft coral, 500 species of fish as well as several species of turtles, sharks and manatees.
When “Gaad” Comes Knocking
Ambergris Caye: an atoll, resembling an island, that’s almost the tip of a peninsula, closer to Mexico but belonging to Belize and under claim by Guatemala. A Caribbean lifestyle, integrated with a Mestizo culture, but geographically part of Central America. Multiple languages are spoken, with English being the official language, but most San Pedranos, named after the only town on the island, San Pedro, speak a combination of English, Spanish, and Kriol. After you’ve lived here a while, if you love it as much as I do, the combination of these languages make you feel at home and become an integral part of life.
I present you with this background on language to help you understand my excitement when I received a Jehovah’s Witness booklet in my little wooden mailbox, written completely in Kriol. The title was, Gud Nyooz Fahn Gaad. May I first lay this on the line: I am one of the faithless, so I have absolutely no interest in religions, except in the way they affect me and my community on a day to day basis. Understanding a little bit about them is important too in terms of being culturally sensitive and appreciating traditions that my friends and neighbours enjoy. Having people knock on my door to evangelize though… not so much.
February 17, 2016 issue of The Capital Weekly is online HERE
This Week's Stories:
- CARICOM comes to BELIZE,
CONFRONTING MAJOR EXISTENTIAL ISSUES:
Belize’s Prime Minister currently holding chairmanship of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Heads of Government from participating nations have come to town for the 27th Intersessional Meeting. The official opening took place Monday evening on the scenic, serene, stimulating, seaside paradise of Placencia in Stann Creek District.
Welcoming the Prime Ministerial guests and their entourage from the Caribbean family, Prime Minister Barrow fittingly remarked, “I hope that the legacy features of these surroundings will act as aid and inspiration to our deliberations. And very important deliberations they are; for while that is always the case whenever we meet, I may be forgiven for thinking, and hope to make clear, that our issues and challenges are particularly pronounced at this time.”
- BELIZE and CARICOM:
Established 43 years ago in 1973 through
the Treaty of Chaguaramas, the Caribbean
Community (CARICOM) was a romantic
idea whose practical purpose has
perhaps never been as pronounced as it is today.
It is in times of adversity that one most appreciates
the blessings of belonging to a family. And it is this sense
of belonging and common purpose that Prime Minister
Dean Barrow was referring to when he remarked in
his speech as the new Chairman of CARICOM at the
opening of the Twenty-Seventh Intersessional Meeting
of the Heads of Government, “I’m trying to reiterate
what we know only too well - the reality that forces us
to acknowledge the limitations of individual smallness
is the same reality that obliges us to size-up both
in terms of collective thinking and collective action.”
The context is, of course, the existential threat
confronting our region with respect to de-risking
and the consequent loss of correspondent banking.
It is a matter that understandably looms extremely
large on the agenda of the CARICOM meeting.
- NATIONAL UNITY NEEDED,
Patriotism above Politics:
There are some issues
that require national
unity and transcend
partisan politics. It’s
long been agreed that the Belize-
Guatemalan Territorial Dispute
and efforts to resolve it is one such
issue as it threatens the very existence
of our Nation as we know it.
De-risking and the consequent
loss of correspondent
banking services, which threatens
the survival of our financial
sector and the state of our
economy, is the latest emerging
issue that transcends partisan
politics, and overcoming it will
require the same kind of national
unity. The Prime Minister
appropriately characterized it
as an existential threat, and a
potentially huge national crisis.
- Caribbean Convenes on Climate Change:
This past week, Climate Change experts from the Caribbean region converged in Belize for a two-day conference. On the top of their agenda were discussions on the COP 21 Agreement which was recently signed in Paris by 195 nations. That agreement outlines a global plan of action to prevent the adverse effects of climate change by limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees centigrade.
Speaking to the national media at the Biltmore Plaza where the conference was conducted, Minister of State for Climate Change matters, Hon. Omar Figueroa stated, “Right now we have our technical team that has been really going into these agreements and making sure that we can live up to our responsibilities. But we can’t look at these agreements as a challenge for us.
- COUNTERING CUSTOMS FRAUD MONEY LAUNDERING AND THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM:
The Nation of Belize is stepping up its effort to counter and curb money laundering, financing of terrorism and customs fraud.
Two weeks ago, the stage for the intensification of these efforts was set with the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the new Director of the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), Joy Grant and the Comptroller of Customs, Victor Recinos. The MOU, signed on February 3, 2016, will increase potential sources of information available to the FIU and Customs to properly undertake their analytical and investigative functions. This past week, a strategic planning workshop was held to assist in developing adequate human resources to improve the effectiveness of the Customs Department particularly in this regard. Conducted inside the conference room of the Customs Compound in Belize City, the workshop was attended by senior officers of Belize and well-facilitated by the World Customs Organization.
- Software Installed for the Visually Impaired:
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