February 28, 2016

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Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

Two suspects detained in Samantha Barrios murder investigation
A week after the brutal murder of Honduran national Johana Samantha Mendez Barrios, the San Pedro Police Department continue their investigation in solving the crime. Barrios was killed inside her apartment by a single slash to her throat in the early hours of Tuesday, February 16th at the Boca Del Rio area. Since then, police have apprehended two suspects. According to Deputy Coastal Executive Assistant Superintendent, Henry Jemmott investigations regarding Barrios’ case have made significant progress. “We have detained two persons, for whom we’ve sent up fingerprint samples and different aspects to try and find out who committed this crime. We haven’t had the cooperation of the public to a certain extent in solving this crime and it is very alarming, because these rooms are very close to one another, and people are refusing to come forward and give us the statements that we need to actually put together a proper case in this matter,” said Jemmott.

San Pedro Town Public Library offering services to the community
The San Pedro Town Public Library, an extension of the Belize National Library Service and Information System, is committed to the promotion of an informed, aware and literate society that fosters our national development and cultural heritage. With this in mind, the library is constantly organizing events and activities for the benefit of the community. With a focus on our youth, the library hopes to reach out to all school children, encouraging them to take advantage of the services offered. According to San Pedro Senior Library Assistant Marlene Coral, the San Pedro Town Public Library will be featuring an entire series in 2016. The series being featured is titled ‘7th Heaven’, an American series from the 90’s which touches on many social and family issues such as bullying, drugs, cursing, vandalism, alcoholism, racism, etc. “It is a great family oriented series through which we hope that patrons may find meaningful entertainment. Though the library is targeting teens for this activity, it is appropriate for the entire family since the series features multiple characters of different ages,” said Coral. The library also has a variety of other activities aimed at specific age groups scheduled each month. The monthly schedule of activities is posted on the door of the library at the beginning of every month. These activities include different out-door movie nights, in-door films and discussions, early childhood development discussions, games and annual summer camps.

Puro Tango delights San Pedro audience
It’s not every day that tango comes to San Pedro Town, and it may have even been a first for our island when the famous dance ensemble, Puro Tango came to Ambergris Caye last weekend. Hailing from Columbia, the world-renowned troupe held performances on Saturday and Sunday evening, February 20th and 21st, at the Paradise Theater. Taking advantage of the opportunity to dress-up a bit and make a night out of it, island residents came out to enjoy the three-time world champion tango dancers. Featuring four dance couples blessed with grace and stunning dance moves, live music and beautiful Spanish ballads performed between dances, the evening offered something for everyone.

Kent Gabourel wins Weekend Warriors Mount Hope Hills race
Kent “Bob” Gabourel of the Kulture Megabytes team won the Weekend Warriors Cycling Club’ Mount Hope race, a grueling 40-mile hills climb from the Rockville junction to the Busman Arnold Hill at Mile 63 on the George Price Highway on Sunday morning, February 21. Bob won the A category, in which Daniel Cano of the Santino’s team finished 2nd and Bob’s teammate Preston Martinez took 3rd place. Jack Sutherland of the DigiCell 4G team was 4th, while Warren Coye and Kareem Flowers, both of the Santino’s team, took 5th and 6th place respectively. Steven Robinson of the Caribbean Tires team won the B category in 2:03:28, forcing Clarence Tesecum of the F.T.Williams team into 2nd place. Gilberto Acost of the Spinnaz team was 3rd, while Santiago Cus and Ryan Willoughby, both of the SMART Zoom team, took 4th and 5th places respectively. Robinson’s teammate Joe Mckoy finished 6th.

Staple fish species population declining
Seafood is a staple in San Pedro Town, with many visitors to the island looking forward to enjoying tasty fish platters. However, the increase in demand on the island has led to a decline in the population of certain marine species. Now, restaurateurs are voicing concerns over the difficulties in obtaining certain fish species that were once bountiful, such as grouper and snapper – top choices served in restaurants. Local restaurant owner have told The San Pedro Sun that fishermen are no longer bringing in enough grouper and snapper to sustain the demand. With customers demanding these specific species, restaurateurs are in a quandary over what to serve. The Sun attempted to get a clearer picture into the matter from Executive Director of MarAlliance, Dr. Rachel Graham. According to her the main problem is overfishing. Basically, “we’ve eaten the fish”.

Misc Belizean Sources

Bikers invade San Pedro
They are partying at Fido's Courtyard & Pier on their last day of the 2016 Belize Bike Rally "Meet in the Middle III". Come say Hello!!! Hey are a Happy Crowd.

Prime Minister Barrow to Attend IDB Thirtieth Governor’s Meeting
The Office of the Prime Minister informs the general public that Prime Minister Hon. Dean Barrow departed the country today, Saturday, February 27th, 2016 to attend the Inter-American Development Bank’s (IDB) Thirtieth Governors’ Meeting of the Central American Isthmus and the Dominican Republic Constituency to be held on February 29th, 2016 in Washington, D.C. in preparation for Inter-American Development’s Annual Meeting later this year. The Prime Minister is scheduled to return to Belize on Tuesday, 1st March, 2016. Upon the Prime Minister’s departure, Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Gaspar Vega, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment & Sustainable Development will act as Prime Minister, until Sunday, February 28th, 2016. Thereafter, Hon. John Saldivar, Minister of National Security will act as Prime Minister until Prime Minister Barrow’s return to Belize.

Osprey Rescue
Juvenile Osprey got tangled on some fishing line that was dangling from the debris of its nest. Thanks to the heroic efforts of BEL workers along with wildlife rescuer Chris Summers, they managed to set it free, saving its life.

National District Youth Council
Good luck to all our Caye Caulker youth. Shine bright like a diamond... Monday is election day for the National District Youth Council. Five Ocean Academy students are running for council positions. These island youth have great ideas, leadership skills and a passion to become change makers for the district and the nation. We wish them, and all candidates from the District, the best of luck!

Belize Gifts Relocates
Belize Gifts has a new location on Burns Avenue. Across from Celina's. Same great selection of well priced souvenirs. Hot sauces and jams too.

MORE LEGENDS AT NELSON FULLER'S FAREWELL!
THE DJ MARK HYDE, AND THE TROMBONIST, ROBERT TABLADA!

BELIZEAN MUSICAL LEGENDS WERE IN THE HOUSE!
Belizean musical legends guitarist, Raymond Sosa, bassist Raymond Barrow, reggae artist Fredlocks, and keyboardist and bassist, Cayetano. The many Belizen musical artists came out in full force to bid farewell to their brother, friend, and musical associate and legend, Nelson Fuller.

Eugene Adolphus: Legendary Belizean Artist of The Webb!
Look who yours truly came across at the funeral services of the legendary Nelson Fuller today, the legenday Eugene Adolphus of the legendary Belizean band, The Webb. Adolphus who was the guitar player for The Webb, attended the funaral services today at the Belizean church in Los Angeles, God's Place of Refuge International of Pastor Kenrick Smart who is also a legendary Belizean artist of the Belizean based band in L.A., Dells & The Sensations. The funeral services of Nelson Fuller, the legendary drummer and musical artist of the 1970's Lord Rhaburn Combo, was widely attended today, February 27, 2016 by Belizean musical artists, athletes, friends, and associates from all walks of life in the Los Angeles Belizean Community who knew the outstanding Belizean artist as a man of distingusih character, love, and talent. Fuller passed away in Los Angeles last week after a long battle with diabetes related conditions.

Reef Week 2016!
Are you ready? Every year the Belizean conservation community celebrates the significant economic and cultural benefits of the Belize Barrier Reef to the country with a week-long calendar of national events. Reef Week 2016 is being organized under the theme, “Not just my reef, it’s our way of life!” The activities, set to take place between March 6th through to March 13th, include the Healthy Reef for Healthy People’s swim across the English Caye Channel, Oceana’s “Ride to the Reef” from the capital city to the coast, as well as educational and awareness events by organizations including the Belize Audubon Society, TIDE, FAMRACC, BTIA, Blue Ventures, the Turneffe Atoll SA, WWF, KREM, Wildtracks, the Wildlife Conservation Society, UB’s Environmental Research Institute and the Southern Enforcement Association. Partner entities for Reef Week 2016 also include the Belize Tourism Board, the Fisheries Department, the Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute and the Belize City Council.

Amandala

Guatemala threatens; GOB trembles; BTV stands firm
Wil Maheia, founder of the Belize Territorial Volunteers (BTV), released a video message today taking umbrage with an advisory from the Government of Belize calling on Belizeans not to go to a BTV-sponsored expedition on the Sarstoon River this weekend, following what appear to be threats from Guatemala’s military. The BTV announced on Monday, February 22, that it is organizing a trip to the Gracias a Dios border monument in southern-western Belize, “in commemoration of the fateful day when Belizeans were detained by Guatemalan Military a year ago when they went on an educational trip to the monument.” The BTV extended an invitation to the public and media to join them on the trip, slated for Saturday, February 27—but a Ministry of Foreign Affairs official says it is a bad idea that will only lead to “misadventure.” In a release issued today the Belize Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed “grave concern about the inherent danger in the course of such activity.”

GSU fires into SUV carrying family of 4!
Gang Suppression Unit (GSU) officers last night at about 7:00 fired into an SUV carrying a family of four. Luckily, they hit only one of the vehicle’s occupants – the driver of the vehicle, Roberto Chan, 28, of Paslow Falls, Cayo District. Besides Chan, travelling in the SUV on the Calla Creek road were his wife, Lupita, 24, and two children, one 6 years old and an infant 7 months old. Roberto, a vendor whose hand is crippled by a childhood injury, was hit in the right shoulder, but mercifully neither his wife or his children were hit. Amandala today spoke to Ana Guadalupe Rivera, who also goes by the name Lupita “Lupe” Chan, and she told us that at about 7:00 last night while they were driving on the road she heard two gunshots and saw her husband bleeding from the shoulder. She realized that he had been shot. Roberto stopped the vehicle, and some men came from the bushes wearing camouflage clothes. Lupita said that they appeared to be policemen in camouflage uniform. After they identified themselves as GSU, the officers took Chan from behind the steering wheel, put him in the passenger seat and drove him to the San Ignacio Hospital. After that he was taken to the Western Regional Hospital, where he has been admitted to ward, the bullet still lodged in his shoulder. Police processed the vehicle, but nothing incriminating was found.

Sports Council leases part of MCC to Princess
When the Princess Hotel and Casino (originally the Ramada Hotel) was constructed on Newtown Barracks it gobbled up public land that was used by hundreds of Belize City football players for workouts and pickup games. The hotel had a major parking problem from the beginning. The Princess Hotel and Casino has been experiencing a chronic shortage of parking space for its guests and patrons. In an effort to address its vehicle parking shortcomings the Princess has entered into a lease agreement with the National Sports Council, an agreement which has not been made public, to lease the front portion of the MCC Grounds, specifically to build a parking facility that could accommodate up to 80 cars. This afternoon recently appointed Sports Director Ritchel Dominguez told Amandala that the Sports Council is partnering with the Princess Casino, who will build the parking lot, and they have agreed to lease the space for $2,500 per month, “because as you know, Sports Council has no money.” Dominguez said the lease is for two years and there is no option in the lease for Princess to buy the 1,692 square meters of MCC’s land.

Steve Harvey hosting Miss Universe in Belize?
Steve Harvey, the famous American actor and comedian who last year hosted the Miss Universe pageant in Las Vega, but who initially announced the wrong winner, has perhaps gained even more fans for the way he has handled his momentary gaffe. Right after the pageant, the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) tweeted a public invitation to Harvey, suggesting that he should host the Costa Maya pageant, organized out of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize, this summer. Recently, Harvey said on his morning show, aired live out of Cayman, that he is hosting the next Miss Universe pageant in Belize. The guest for the show was Monyque Brooks, Miss Cayman. We checked with BTB director, Karen Bevans, last week after we listened to the clip from Harvey’s morning show, in which he repeatedly said that he would be hosting the international pageant in Belize. Bevans, who is currently in the US, told us that she would check with the BTB’s marketing agent in the US, and will update us. This evening, Bevans told us that she is in Miami and she intends to meet with the agents tomorrow, Friday, to find out what feedback they have gotten from Steve Harvey’s agents.

Health Ministry braces for “a lean and mean year”
The national budget is due to be presented in Parliament in the coming weeks. There will be much debate on the numbers, and especially on where the Government plans to spend $1 billion it will earmark for the various Ministries and to meet the final tier of salary increase for teachers and public officers. One critical Ministry is the Ministry of Health. Chief Executive Officer in that Ministry, Dr. Ramon Figueroa told Amandala that, “From the outset, we’ve been reminded at every occasion that next year is a lean and mean year.” Figueroa noted that they have had to cut their budget to fit within the assigned ceiling, and this has meant scaling back on medical supplies—an area which appears to have been abused in the past. Figueroa said that the budget process is “a very rigid and straightforward process,” and they were given a ceiling from last year of around BZ$120 million, including the budget for the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH). The new budget would include the salary adjustment approved for KHMH workers, who were given an increase financed by a grant in this budget year from Central Government, which provides an annual subvention to the statutory body.

National High School Football Champions 2016
Four female (F) and four male (M) high school football zone champions from across the country converged at the MCC Grounds in Belize City last Friday and Saturday, February 19-20, for the National Secondary Schools Sports Association (NSSSA) football championship, which was hosted this year by St. John’s College. The tournament had a simple knockout format, with losers on Friday playing for third place on Saturday, and Friday’s winners meeting for the championship on Saturday. In the female opener on Friday, Belmopan Comprehensive won, 3-1, over Independence High, with goals from Jayda Brown (2) and Ana Arias, while Karisha Coe scored for Independence High. Next was a male encounter, with Julian Cho Technical prevailing, 2-nil, over Sacred Heart College, on goals by Jarren Lambey and Justin Trapp.

If not “Chow,” who scored BDF’s first goal on Sunday?
Our apologies for the confusion following the report in our mid-week issue with the name of the scorer of BDF’s first goal on Sunday, when they were trailing Police United 2-nil at the MCC Grounds in Belize City. Our vision partly obstructed at the time by a cloud of dust in front of the southern goal at the MCC, we had assigned the goal to Leon “Chow” Cadle. A BDF fan called in to the Press Cadogan Sports Show on Krem Radio last night and said it was Ricky Ricketts that had scored that first goal for BDF; and today, BDF coach Jerome Serrano concurred that Rickets scored their first goal. But the official Premier League of Belize (PLB) game report, which came out on Wednesday near midday, has Kadeem Martinez scoring BDF’s first goal at the 80th minute. Kadeem had entered the game in second half to replace Mexican import William Briceno in midfield. After BDF had lost defender Orland Trapp to a red card at the 5th minute of play, Police United took the lead in first half through Devon Makin (36’), and increased their lead through Harrison “Cafu” Roches (63’), before the 10-man BDF mounted a comeback with Kadeem Martinez* (80’) and Harrison Tasher (87’) scoring, to secure the 2-2 draw.

Excellence young player scored the first century in this year’s season
Hello, cricket fans, wherever you may be! Thanks to Smart and Belikin for once again sponsoring this year’s cricket competition. Under the auspices of the Belize National Cricket Association, the Harrison Parks 2016 Cricket Competition continued over the weekend with very exceptional games. I will first take you to Sandhill, where Excellence, who have won many championships, went there having some very young players to play against home team Bright Star. Excellence won the toss and, without hesitation, took to bat. The first two batsmen quickly started to put a licking on the bowling of Bright Star. For nearly three hours, Excellence batsmen punished the Stars. When the last wicket fell, after one batsman had given up his inning to facilitate a young player, the team had put up a huge amount of runs – 358. Andy Dominquez, Sr. took 6 of Excellence wickets. Eighteen (18) year old Vernon Stevenson top scored with 118 runs. He went in first and came out last. He is publicly praised by me for his brilliance. Keep up the good playing, sir! Andy Dominquez, Jr. batted 54 runs.

Editorial: At the base of the pyramid
It is hard to say whether the docility present amongst the trade and labor unions in Belize is attributable to superior politicking by the ruling United Democratic Party (UDP) or inferior practice of same by the Opposition People’s United Party (PUP). Given all the accumulation of seriously negative economic indicators on the Belizean landscape, topped off this week by another cynical hike in fuel prices by the Ministry of Finance, it should be the case that there is visible dissatisfaction in the ranks of labor. Not so. There was a half-hearted stirring in a section of the Belize Communications Workers Union (BCWU), reference a lunch break meeting of BTL workers last week, but overall the organized Belizeans who will be most affected by the present and projected downturns in the Belizean economy may be characterized, on the instant, as wide awake in a dream. The question is why. Belize’s governance system is what is called a constitutional democracy, featuring national elections every five years or so which decide which political party will form the government and control public funds. The UDP has won three consecutive general elections – 2008, 2012, and 2015, and what seems evident is that the Opposition PUP has not been able to galvanize the working classes enough to win a majority of seats.

From the Publisher
Belize City has changed so much over the last four, five, decades. Migration to the United States has taken place from all the urban areas of the nation (Corozal Town, Orange Walk Town, San Ignacio/Santa Elena, Benque Viejo, Dangriga, Punta Gorda), but the change is most stunning in Belize City because the ethnic flavor of the old capital was so distinctly black back then. In these last four, five decades, the territory of Belize, formerly the colony of British Honduras, has moved from a time when the clear majority of the population was black to today, when blacks are definitely in the minority. Belize’s change in ethnic makeup was effected without any kind of social upheaval because black Belizeans were happy to move from Belize to the big cities of the United States – New Orleans, New York City, Chicago, and Los Angeles, in the first instance, and afterwards Houston, Miami, and Atlanta. The masses of the Belizean people, especially those in Belize City, saw this place as primarily swamp (most of us didn’t know our own country), and even though the 1960s were a time of surging nationalism here, the evidence is that the majority of black Belizeans saw a better future for themselves over there in the big cities of the United States. This is real. During the 1960s and 1970s, and into the 1980s, most Belizean/Americans who reached a financial position where they could visit Belize for a holiday, did so during the September celebrations month. Christmas visits were always a big deal, but September was surely the bomb. Two, three decades ago a significant amount of the September energy shifted to Florida, one reason being that a lot of Belizeans had documentation problems and could not come home to Belize and return to America. There are big parties in September and October in Florida, where the Belizean/American nation, both documented and undocumented, can fly in from all the big cities and renew acquaintances.

How free is the press in the Caribbean?
“The basis of the rights of a journalist is based on freedom of expression which is the freedom of information – freedom of the press,” Andrew Smith, a lecturer at the University of Technology, Jamaica, this week told the approximately 68 media personnel who met in Barbados from 13 different CARICOM member states who were meeting for a two-day seminar. The seminar was hosted by Improved Access to Justice in the Caribbean (IMPACT Justice), and took place on February 23 and 24 at the Radisson Hotel in Barbados. Where there are rights, there are also responsibilities, Smith said. Further, Smith said that the media plays an essential role to keep the public informed on current events that tend to be of public interest. One of the things that we found to be common across the Caribbean that prevented the media from providing good information to the public was the lack of freedom of information, or in cases where there is a freedom of information law, it is a law without teeth.

PUP officials to discuss high-ranking post for Cordel Hyde
Four-time Lake Independence area representative, Cordel Hyde, who recently ran in the leadership convention for the Opposition People’s United Party (PUP), will be offered a “meaningful” post on the party’s executive, according to the recently installed Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Johnny Briceño. It has been reported that Hyde would be offered a post as a senior deputy to Briceño; but Hyde told us today that it is premature for him to comment at this time, since “these things tend to be fluid.” According to Hyde, PUP officials have been having internal discussions, but “it is one thing to have a discussion and another thing to get it done,” he said. “John is the new leader, so he should have an amount of flexibility to get things done and shaping things the way he wants,” Hyde said. When we spoke with Briceño on the matter, and specifically reports of Hyde’s being made a senior deputy, Briceño said, “They seem to know more than I do…”

Consumer prices up, as trade slumps in January 2016
After seeing a decline of nearly 1 percent in 2015 consumer prices rose 0.4% for January 2016, while export earnings shrank by almost 30% according to reports which the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB) released this week. The SIB said that imports also slumped, with reduced flows to the Commercial Free Zone, where cigarette imports were down by $8 million, and the Export Processing Zone, where shrimp feed imports fell by $3 million. Two of Belize’s main export sectors, crude and sugar, did well in January 2016, when earnings were compared to last January’s earnings, but earnings from bananas, citrus concentrate and shrimp had declined. According to the SIB, “Crude petroleum, which recorded no exports in January 2015, brought in earnings of over $3 million during the first month of 2016. “Despite fetching a lower price on the European market, sugar exports were buffered by sales to the Caribbean region, and grew from half a million dollars in January 2015 to almost $2 million, as the quantity of this product exported almost tripled in comparison to January 2015.” Meanwhile, earnings from animal feed exports doubled from $2 million to $4 million.

Pump prices spike due to second hike in import duty
Drivers who went to the service stations to refuel their vehicles this morning were hit with an increase in pump prices after Government decided, for the second time since December, to adjust the level of import duties charged on fuel—with the biggest increase being on diesel. Our calculations have determined that since the tax measure began to be implemented several weeks ago, the level of import duties has increased by 87 cents on regular gasoline, $1.05 on premium gasoline and $1.45 on diesel. Last month crude oil prices on the world market fell to their lowest since 2003, according to a CNBC report published Wednesday. The news station reported that prices are currently floating at around US$30 a barrel. The accompanying graph shows that prices have plummeted substantially since July 2014, when the basket reference price was at roughly US$107 a barrel.

Mek Mi Rich and BTL lose in court
Today, Supreme Court Justice Courtenay Abel torpedoed the national telecommunications giant Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) and its co-defendant, Mek Mi Rich (MMR Production), when he ruled that the two companies had pirated the idea of lottery by SMS texting from the Corozal businessman Curtis Swasey, who prevailed in his civil lawsuit against both companies. The case is a first of its kind in Belize’s high court, as it involved intellectual property rights and the breach of a confidentiality agreement between BTL and Swasey, whose concept for lottery by texting appears to have been used by MMR, one of whose directors is Andre Vega, a son of Deputy Prime Minister Gaspar Vega, and Andre Vega’s business partner, Sanjay Hotchandani. Swasey’s lawsuit sought to recover damages for BTL’s breach of the confidential agreement he had signed with the company. In Justice Abel’s view, however, Swasey was unable to quantify how much damage he had suffered from BTL’s breach of the agreement, and because he was unable to provide a specific amount of damages that he had suffered, the court awarded Swasey only $25,000 in damages. This damage award was based upon the amount MMR had paid BTL for the use of the lottery concept, which was meticulously laid out for BTL by Swasey, free of cost, over the two-and-a-half years that he had been in discussion with BTL and had provided them with floor charts and the other technical knowhow from IT expert Paul Elliot, who had worked with Swasey to perfect the concept of lottery using SMS texting.

Convicted human trafficker, 64, spared prison time, ordered to pay over $70,000 forthwith
A naturalized Belizean woman of Honduran origin, the first person to be convicted of human trafficking at the Supreme Court, was spared the minimum prison time of eight years stipulated by the Trafficking In Persons Act of 2013, but was ordered to pay over $70,000 in fines forthwith, by Supreme Court Justice Adolph Lucas, who sentenced her this afternoon. The convict, Estela Gonzalez, 64, sat in the prisoner’s dock leaning on her left side to hear in the Spanish, the court interpreter’s low voice repeating the words of Justice Lucas, as he read his judgment in the almost packed courtroom. On February 10, a jury of nine returned a guilty verdict in respect of one count of human trafficking against Gonzalez, who had turned a 15-year-old Honduran girl into a sex slave at her club, Temptation Bar, located around Mile 10 on the George Price Highway. The court held a mitigation hearing on February 18, during which two doctors, Dr. Fernando Cuellar and Dr. Javier Novelo, testified about Gonzalez’s failing health. Gonzalez is suffering from chronic diabetes and hypertension. The day before the mitigation hearing Dr. Novelo had treated her for an anxiety attack at the Belize Central Prison.

The overkill of San Pedrano Frank Edwards
Police are investigating the vicious death of San Pedro resident, Frank Edwards, 27 of the San Mateo area of San Pedro, who was found dead at his home with multiple gunshot wounds to his chest, stomach, neck and face. Assistant Superintendent Henry Jemott, Deputy Commander of San Pedro Police, said that various calibers of weapons were used in the shooting – .45, 9mm, and also a 12-gauge shotgun. Recovered from the scene were seventeen .45 auto expended shells; fourteen .9mm expended shells; two 12-gauge expended cartridges; one 12-gauge live cartridge; three .45 slugs; two .9mm slugs; and five pellets. The bullet-riddled body was taken to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital Morgue, where it awaits the mandatory post-mortem examination to certify the cause of his death. The murder occurred at about 7:30 Tuesday night at Frank Edwards’ home. Reports to Amandala are that he was at home with his family when there was a knock on the door, and the persons from outside shouted, “Police, open the door.” When he went to open the door, however, gunmen opened fire on him. When Edwards fell to the floor in the hall, the killers continued to shoot him, after which they ran out of the house and escaped in a boat that was waiting for them.

FFB and district association “elections”/endorsements
On Wednesday, February 17, the Football Federation of Belize (FFB) sent out a press release announcing the results of elections, which were actually endorsements, held in three different district associations – Belize District, Stann Creek District and Toledo District. We have refrained so far from publishing the names of those elected/endorsed, because there have been so many complaints, both verbal and written, across the country about the unfairness of the process, and in light of the fact that no less than the FFB President himself had been “suspended” by a majority of his own executive members because of their strong objection to the violations being perpetrated on the FFB Statutes and Electoral Code. We hope to cast no aspersions on the individuals elected/endorsed so far, but at this sports desk we await the verdict of FIFA and CONCACAF to see if this process that has occurred will be allowed to stand, or those elections/endorsements will be declared null and void, and the process has to be done all over again, as was the case back in 2011 and 2012 with the previous Dr. Chimilio led FFB administration.

The Reporter

Israel commits to supporting CARICOM development
As the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) accredits a new Israeli envoy, the Middle-Eastern state has reaffirmed its commitment to assist CARICOM to achieve its ideals. Mordehai Amihai-Bivas, Plenipotentiary Representative of the State of Israel to CARICOM, said yesterday that CARICOM’s objectives were noble ones that were centered on people: full employment, development, health and education. “The true success of any nation will be measured by its ability to deliver on these goals, and the Caribbean Community has focused its efforts on helping its members achieve them. Israel has proven successes on all those fronts and is willing to share its experience and know-how with developing nations of the region,” he said at the CARICOM Secretariat in Georgetown. Describing relations between CARICOM and Israel as “natural”, he noted that through the Israel Agency for International Development Cooperation, dozens of professionals from the region had advanced their training in agriculture, healthcare, education, alternative energy and sustainable development, over the past year.

Belize Territorial Volunteers lead expedition to Sarstoon, despite warning
Despite warnings from the Government of Belize, members of the Belize Territorial Volunteers (BTV), are heading down the Sarstoon River to the Gracias a Dios border marker. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement on Thursday, warning the volunteers to not go on the excursion because of possible conflicts with the Guatemalan military forces who patrol the area. GOB also said that it would offer no protection to those who venture on the trip. BTV leader Will Maheia maintains that the border excursions are critical in asserting Belize’s sovereigty over the area, especially with the ongoing Guatemalan claim to Belize’s territory. Maheia also said that today, Saturday marks one year since some 40 Belizeans were taken out of the country and imprisoned by the Guatemalan military on a similar excursion.

Discarded fetus found in Dangriga
A Dangriga community is shaken this weekend, after they discovered a discarded fetus partially eaten by dogs. Dangriga police say they got a call just before 3 p.m. on Thursday, alerting them that the fetus was on the roadside. Police investigations revealed that the fetus was discarded in an overgrown lot on Pen Road in the Benguche area. It had been thrown there wrapped in a piece of cloth, reportedly set on fire, only to have the dogs find it later and remove it. Police took the fetus to the Dangriga hospital, where they determined that it was between six and seven months old. They contacted Dr. Mario Estradabran who will conduct a postmortem examination, the results of which will be released sometime next week.

Breaking Belize News

PUP demands further investigations into Mek Mi Rich and BTL relationship
“The People’s United Party registers serious concern at what amounts to no less than a conviction of BTL, or persons acting on behalf of BTL, on charges of corruption,” the party said in statement issued late this week. The party goes on to register concern […]

ATLIB football regionals kick off
The Norman Broaster Stadium in the Cayo District is the main venue for the Association of Tertiary Level Institutions of Belize (ATLIB) football regionals in both male and female category. Ecumenical Junior College from Dangriga, Independence Junior College (IJC Predators), UB Junior College (UB Jaguars) […]

BTV returns to Gracias a Dios one year after Guatemalan-capture incident
Exactly one year ago, over 40 Belizeans were taken by Guatemalans military and held in custody while returning from an excursion to the Gracias a Dios border marker. Earlier this week the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a press release warning the Belize Territorial Volunteers […]

Traffic accident sends two to Western Regional Hospital
Two persons are listed in a stable but critical condition at the Western Regional hospital this morning after they were knocked off their motorcycle on the George Price Highway on Friday night. The accident occurred around 9 p.m. in the village of Camalote in the […]

Blogs

Mexican Pizza
Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a hot skillet with cooking spray. Brown and crisp the tortillas on both sides. Reserve for later. Heat the refried beans. Place 2 of the browned tortillas on a sheet pan and spread half of the heated refried beans onto each tortilla. Place the remaining tortillas on top of the beans. Pour and evenly spread half of the enchilada sauce on top of each tortilla. Top each with half the tomato and 1/3 cup cheese, then sprinkle half the green onion on each. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese has melted. Allow to sit a few minutes before cutting and serving.

International Sources

Surfing added to programme for 2017 Central American Games
Surfing has been added to the programme for the 2017 Central American Games in Managua, Nicaragua, it has been announced. First held in Guatemala in 1973, the Central American Games is held on a four-year cycle the year following the Olympics. Seven nations compete: Panama, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Honduras, Belize, and Guatemala.

Videos

February 27, 2016

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Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

Breakfast Time for the Snowy Egret!
Breakfast on the beach! This egret was enjoying a morning treat right on our shores!

San Pedro High School boys win 3rd place at NSSSA football championship
The San Pedro High School boys won 3rd place at the National Secondary Schools Sports Association (NSSSA), and hosted by St. Johns College at the M.C.C. grounds last Friday and Saturday, February 19-20. The Isla Bonita Boys dominated the Western Zone champions, the Sacred Heart College boys: 3-1 to win the 3rd place game on Saturday morning. Omar Ogaldez and Ashton Lopez led the San Pedro offensive, with team captain Luis Valdez as the midfield general creating plays for Luis Mencia and Melvin Guzman to advance the ball up the sidelines. Ryan Carbajal anchored the San Ignacio defense, and with the help of Iser Teul, Chris Martinez and Eaton Lisbey, they kep the isla boys off the scoreboard for the entire 1st half. In the 2nd half, the Isla Bonita Boys also won a penalty; and Luis Mencias blasted the equalizer past goalie Raheem Crawford: 1-1. Omar Ogaldez and Ashton Lopez kept on the pressure, and Omar scored a 2nd winning goal for Isla Bonita. Coach Alex Noralez introduced Francois Ruben to strengthen his defense, relieving Ogaldez to secure the victory. Ashton Lopez iced the victory cake with a third goal for the 3-1 win. Marvin Hernandez replaced Lopez to deny the Cayo boys any chance of a comeback!

How do you spell community fun? B-I-N-G-O
Not every Friday night consists of hitting the nightclubs or bars along the beach and scattered through town. In fact, for a lot of families looking to relax while being entertained, the San Pedro Lions’ Den is the place to be. What could possibly be the attraction, you may wonder? Well, it’s Bingo and BBQ time! From 7PM onwards, Lion Members tend to Bingo cards and call out numbers to those sitting attentively at their tables. Families, friends, visitors, all kinds of folks join in on the fun. Each game costs $2BZ, with a middle and final game costing $5 where you can win more. Depending on the size of the crowd each game can garner up to $100 or more, with the $5 games adding up to as much as $400! Drinks are served at the bar, as part of the fundraising of the evening, and if you are lucky enough, there is BBQ to enjoy: chicken, beans, coleslaw and hot tortillas make a hearty meal while you play your favorite Bingo card.

No delays expected for Ambergris Stadium
As part of his official tour through the country, Honorable Elodio Aragon Jr. Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports visited San Pedro Town where he joined Mayor Daniel Guerrero along with Deputy Gary Greif and Councillors Hector “Tito” Alamilla and Gabriel Nuñez. Christy Mastry from the Belize Infrastructure Limited and Augusto Blanco from AM Construction were also present at the meeting. The group conducted an onsite visit of the stadium, where great advances in the construction was evident. The vision of Belize infrastructure Limited for the project continues to be the same. Upon completion the stadium will include a regulation pitch, locker facilities, concession stands, bathroom facilities and a storage unit. Once completed, the field will be the only proper football pitch on the island and will benefit the development of the sport on the island. In addition the stadium will also be suitable for softball, running and track and field.

Eight awarded at Red and White Gala
Seven officers attached to the San Pedro Police Station and two island residents were honored during the annual Police Red and White Gala held in Belize City on Friday, February 19th. The Gala is held as a form of appreciation for outstanding police officers and community members across the country. The honorees from San Pedro included Officer in Charge of the Coastal Executive Unit Superintendent Sandra Bodden, Sergeant Raymond Berry, Police Constable (PC) Norman Coye, Woman Police Constable Arelee Young, PC Epifanio Bol, PC Arthur Anthony, business owner Juan Gomez and business owner Peter Lawrence. After the gala, The San Pedro Sun had the opportunity to speak with one of the awardees. Peter Lawrence is the owner of Caribbean Villas Resort and Pedro’s Inn, and was awarded for his outstanding contribution to law enforcement in San Pedro Town for the year 2015. “I was very pleased to be awarded. I think the police are doing a great job compared to a few years ago. I believe that the head of San Pedro Police Station are doing a wonderful job for San Pedro,” said Lawrence, who indicated that he will continue assisting the police in the future in any way he can. “Most people seem to not want to help the police. I think more business owners should step up to the plate and assist in the community. Without a doubt the police are doing a much better job than in the past.”

Belize Bureau of Standards shows no tolerance for price gouging
The Belize Bureau of Standards (BBS) has been actively enforcing the recent price changes in both white sugar and grade “C” rice (70 percent whole grain and 30 percent broken grain). The price changes were made effective back in December of 2015, with white sugar retailing at a maximum price of 75 cents per pound and grade “G” rice retailing at a maximum wholesale and retail price of 80 and 90 cents per pound, respectively. But several stores are yet to adhere to these price controls, and has resulted in over 30 stores being prosecuted for failure to comply. To date, over 30,000 pounds of products, namely flour, grade “C” rice, white sugar and brown sugar have been confiscated due to over pricing. “We want the general public to know that we have been diligently trying to ensure that there is compliance with the price control regulations. So our officers have been engaged in market surveillance activities countrywide and the report we sent out basically was a status report on what has been done so far,” said Trejo. The case files of businesses caught price gouging have been sent to the Controller of Supplies for review and will thereafter be submitted to the office of the District of Public Prosecution for a final ruling.

Isla Bonita hosts its first Science Fair
On Wednesday, February 17th, Isla Bonita Elementary School (IBES) held their first annual Science Fair. School gates opened at 10AM, welcoming parents, friends and community members to view science projects developed by IBES’ upper division students. It was a great opportunity for the students to display their knowledge of the scientific curriculum while demonstrating their creativity and uniqueness. Students from standards four to six were divided into groups and tasked with creating an experiment or science based project. It was evident that all the groups were well versed in their material, as they presented projects varying from mechanics to chemical compounds. The Science Fair also served as a form of grading the students on the material they have covered throughout the school year without requiring a standardized test.

Ambergris Today

Two Detained for Murder of Honduran Woman in San Pedro
She had only been living in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize for little over a year when Johanna Samantha Medez was murdered inside her apartment after her assailant cut her throat in what police say was a burglary attempt. While some progress has been made in the murder case, San Pedro Police have only detained two suspects. The police are awaiting the results of fingerprint samples of two people who have been detained as suspects for the murder. But Inspector Henry Jemmott says that island residents have not been enough cooperative to help them solve the crime. He states that neighbors are refusing to come forward with statements they need to put together a proper case. The Police is appealing to the public for assistance in the case to tie up loose ends and possibly charge someone for the crime. Up to now, with the help of some video footage, police have ascertained that someone was waiting for Johanna inside her apartment.

Misc Belizean Sources

Lion's Club beach party fund raiser
Have a fun day Sunday at the Lion's beach party fund raiser!

BELTRAIDE WORKSHOP AIMS TO FOSTER AN INNOVATIVE ENTREPRENEURSHIP ECOSYSTEM IN BELIZE
The Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE) in collaboration with infoDev, a World Bank Group, will host a one day workshop with stakeholders to chart a way to foster an innovative entrepreneurship ecosystem in Belize. This workshop will bring together incubator managers, entrepreneurs, academia, government officials, the media, donors and investors to facilitate the development of a collaborative approach to build a sustainable ecosystem for entrepreneurship and innovation. The workshop will be held in the Dining Room on the ITVET. Campus, Freetown Road, Belize City on Monday, February 29th 2016 at 8:30 a.m. The workshop, entitled Accelerate Caribbean’s Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Development, is part of the Accelerate Caribbean Project, which forms part of a seven-year, $20 M Entrepreneurship Program of Innovation in the Caribbean, (EPIC). The objective of this project is to strengthen entrepreneurship and boost job creation across 14 CARICOM countries, including Belize. The project is designed by infoDev and implemented by IMC Worldwide.

MR VEGAS performing live inside Caye Caulker Easter Fest 2016

Health Fair at the Corozal Central Park
It's always great when organizations and individuals promote health, good health practices and environmental awareness in our communities. Today, the Belize Adventist Junior College of Calcutta Village, Corozal spearheaded a well attended Health Fair at the Corozal Central Park.

Belize Harley Davidson Bike Rally "Meet in the Middle" -"Encuentro a Medio Camino"
Yesterday was day one of the the annual Belize Harley Davidson Bike Rally "Meet in the Middle" -"Encuentro a Medio Camino". Over 400 Bikers from all over the region (Mexico and Central America) are taking part. Block Party at Black Pearl Harley Davidson in Belize City was yesterday. Today the host will be the Princess Casino in Belize City with a Pool Party. On Sunday February 28th, Bikers leave for San Pedro, Ambergris Caye where they will be greeted and hosted at Fido's Courtyard. Remember that if you bought tickets, the raffle of the brand new Harley Davidson motorcycle will take place during the event.

BEL vacancies
Vacancies exist at Belize Electricity Limited for the post of Customer Care Representative in the Customer Care Department.

Toucan soon to be released
In care at BBR for 10 months, with just 4 more days to go before freedom in the wild. It's been a long road. Here's our story: Mindy was a baby when she got squashed by a girl who fell off her bike, breaking a wing in 2 places. Dr Philip Deshield pinned it and Mindy has made a perfect recovery. Mork came from a family in the same area, who saw a tv report on Mindy's struggles and didn't know it was illegal to have a pet toucan, so called BBR to give him up, although his wings had unfortunately been clipped.

Annual Warden Meeting and Luncheon
Today the Embassy's Consular Section belt its annual Warden Meeting and Luncheon. Ambassador Moreno welcomed the group at his home during the event. U.S. Wardens are an important resource to the American community living in Belize and often serve as the first point of contact for those who need Embassy assistance in local communities. We thank the Belize U.S. Ward ends for the great job they do!

Garifuna Entrepreneurship Summit
This week Ambassador Moreno met with three of our five delegates we sent to the Garifuna Entrepreneurship Summit , organized by the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala, in Livingston, Guatemala this week. Members of the Garifuna community from Belize, Guatemala, Nicaragua and Honduras have all come together to discuss individual obstacles and collaborate on entrepreneurship opportunities that transcend borders and improve their communities.

U.S. Embassy Town Hall Meeting in San Pedro
The U.S. Embassy is hosting a Town Hall Meeting for American Citizens living in San Pedro, Belize on March 4th at 11:00 am at the Blue Water Grill. At the meeting, we will introduce staff from the Embassy who provide assistance to U.S. citizens in Belize, discuss the services the U.S. Embassy provides, and answer questions you may have about our services. Topics include: security in Belize, voting overseas, hurricane preparedness, and information on renewing your passport via DHL. Limited consular public services will be offered (cash; exact change required): Adult U.S. passport renewal – BZ$220 or US$110 Please bring current U.S. passport, completed form DS-82, 2”x2” passport photo, clear copy of passport biographic data page Child U.S. passport renewal – BZ$210 or US$105 Please bring current U.S. passport, completed form DS-11, 2”x2” passport photo, clear copy of passport biographic data page, birth certificate + 1 photocopy, each parent’s ID + 1 photocopy. BOTH parents must be present if listed on birth certificate. Fee for first adult renewal after age 16 is BZ$270 or US$135. Notary services – BZ$100 or US$50 Lunch will be available for purchase.

Channel 7

FIFA has a new President
Today in Zurich, Switzerland, representatives of 207 football nations casted a vote for the new President of FIFA, the world's governing body of football. They were there to elect a new president to fill the post at an Extraordinary Congress. That person will have the unenviable task to rebuild FIFA's reputation because the organization is going through a transition. It's trying to move forward from the biggest corruption scandal in football history, which happened under the watch of former President Joseph Sepp Blatter. He's dutifully served World Football for years, but despite his past achievements, his legacy is perpetually marred by the fact that he was the man in the driver's seat when corrupt deals were struck by his subordinates. 5 senior football executives started campaigning among the 207 nations. They were Bahraini Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, Swiss National Gianni Infantino, Jordanian Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein, Frenchman Jerome Champagne, and South African Tokyo Sexwale. Sexwale dropped out of the race this morning, leaving the other 4 to battle it out.

MCC As A Parking Lot
The National Sports Council has entered a lease agreement with the Management of the Princess Ramada Hotel and Casino to use a portion of the MCC Grounds as parking space for its customers. Now, if you're wondering why the Sports Council is making such a decision, we were too. After all, the MCC is one of the premier football fields in the country. Today, we caught up with both the management of the Hotel, as well as the Council, and they told us that while it appears to be an imprudent decision, it's in the interest of the two parties: Ritchell Dominguez, Dir., National Sports Council: "We have been looking at our facilities, I say again and what happen is that we ask Princess to partner with us in making the place much safer and much more user-friendly. Because what happen is that Princess will be using it at night and we will be using it if we have a match during the day. Because what happen is that the land is sitting down. Princess is going to finance us to use the parking lot - we are lending it to them so that they will use it in the times that we are not using the parking lot and they will build the parking lot for us. So it's just a partnering with Princess and getting this project up and running.

Maya Had An Emergency Landing
Word went out yesterday that a Maya Island Air flight was forced to make a sort of crash landing on the unfinished runway, at the Belize City Municipal Airstrip. Well, the airline company released a statement today saying nothing so eventful happened. The company says, quote, "Maya Island Air Flight 222, captained by Chief Pilot Ali Urbina, departed Belize City to San Pedro via runway three zero. Seconds after takeoff he observed a power performance anomaly and decided to abort his flight. He maneuvered his aircraft for a right downwind approach to runway three zero. He landed safely and without incident. His return time was logged as 17:48. His seven passengers were boarded a few minutes after onto another Maya aircraft that landed in San Pedro at 18:25. The incident is being cooperatively examined by the Belize Department of Civil Aviation together with the technical department of Maya Island Air." End Quote.

Police Seized Fake Driver Licenses
The old Ministry of Transport Drivers licenses - they are what you might call "vintage" - the card is decades old they have that old school laminated look and don't have any special security features or watermarks. And that's why it wasn't very surprising when 24-year-old Lester Enrique Orantes entered the San Pedro Transport office last week with a fake - which he tried to renew! The transport officer examined it closely and concluded that the license - supposedly issued in Orange Walk - was false. San Pedro police investigated and found out that there is actually a ring of forgers, who make fake ones and then try to renew them - thereby exchanging the counterfeit for the real. Four people have been arrested in san Pedro and today Commissioner of Transport Crispin Jeffries told us that there are clear signs of forgery on the license. That includes a five digit number series, while the forged licenses they have scene carried 7 digits. Police continue to investigate.

Coast Guard To The Rescue!
The Coast Guard are reporting tonight that they rescued 4 civilians who were stranded at sea near Colson Caye. The captain of the vessel "Jah Real" started to experience engine failure, and try as he might, he couldn't get it started. He then radioed to the authorities for help, and the Coast Guard were then activated. A Quick Response Team, made up of Petty officers Daniel Sabido, Arthur Garbutt, Trevor Vasquez, and Seaman Osman Alcoser, moved off with haste to come to their aid. The vessel was located, and the Coast Guard brought them to mainland, where they landed safely.

The Regional Youth Council's Perspective
Earlier this week, we showed you our interview with a few of the members of the Brave and the Bold team, who want to be elected to National Youth Council. As we've told you, it's been tried before, where the Government has tried to put a structure in place to allow for the youth population, which makes up a significant part of the country's population, to be able to advise parliament on issues affecting youths. This time around, the Government is making an earnest attempt to ensure that this Council does not fail in its function again. They've been seeking the advise of the Caribbean Regional Youth Council, which is kind of like the youth version the CARICOM Heads of State. We spoke with the Chairman of the Caribbean Regional Youth Council about his role to oversee the installment of the Belize Chapter of the Youth Organization:

Nuri's Insight Into Gang Culture
Most people know him as the talk show co-host of Krem Television's morning show WUB, and if you have been following him even before that you'd know he also used to host the morning show at Love Television. But not everyone knows Nuri Muhammad for his intimate involvement in Youth Development in Belize. In 1993 he was the First Director of the Youth Department. From then he went on to take up several other posts in the youth development sector. His wealth of knowledge and experience working with at risk youths inspired him to write his latest book. This one is entitled "Insight into Gang Culture in Belize." We spoke to him at the Leo Bradley Library today during launch of his new book. Nuri Muhammed, Author: "The book is called "Insights" and I think the word indicates that it is a reflective look at the challenge that we face with youth crime and violence in this country. We tried to look at it over a spectrum of 25 to 30 yrs. so that we could see its generational issue as oppose to simply reporting it as various incidents that take place on a nightly and weekly basis. So the book is called "Insights into Gang Culture." Again, culture is an important aspect of looking at it because if we look at crime and violence simply as various incidents then it remains just a front page story or a nightly story on the news, but we look at it as a culture it then requires us to start looking at the depth of what is creating that nightly news and there is depth to it when we take the cultural approach."

Dr. Hidalgo's Award In Intensive Care
The KHMH got regional recognition last week when one its doctors, Physician Jorge Hidalgo, received 2 prestigious awards in intensive care medicine. While it's a recognition of the doctor himself, it's a major nod for the hospital to note that its intensive care unit has passed international standards with flying colors. Today, we spoke with Hidalgo about being the first Doctor in the Caribbean to receive this honor: Dr. Jorge Hidalgo, Awarded Intensive Care Honors: "Just last week I got Masters in Critical Medicine. The Master of Critical Medicine is conferred by the medical college of critical care and the path to get into the Masters is initially we need to be a fellow of the American College of Critical Care and to be able to join the fellowship, we need to be leading the critical care in 3 aspects criteria; 1) to be working in an intensive care unit, the head of the intensive unit at Karl Heusner. We developed that unit with Dr. Ariaga a couple years ago. However, since 2001 we opened the first intensive care unit in Belize at Universal Health Services, now Belize Healthcare Partners, but the first intensive care unit that was opened in the country and since then we are working dedicating to the Intensive care unit since then.

Visitor Brought "Medical Marijuana"
Medical marijuana, that's what an American tourist told police she had packed in her suitcase. 46 year old Stacey Ann Sanzobrin, from Michigan - where medical marijuana is legal - told police that the less than one gram of weed in her suitcase was what her doctor had prescribed. Airport screeners caught Sanzorbin and her husband because they carried a high scent of marijuana. Police believe that the couple had just smoked the weed which is why the smell was so strong when they passed authorities as they were about to leave. Police detained her overnight, and took her to court this morning where Sanzorbin pleaded guilty and explained to Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith about her prescription for medical marijuana, and said she had no idea it was illegal in Belize. She apologized and Chief Magistrate Smith decided against imposing a fine and told her, "You are cautioned and discharged." With that, Sanzobrin was free to go - and appeared shocked at the outcome.

Remembering UBAD's History
Today during black history month the United Black Association for Development, UBAD, celebrated its 47th anniversary. This association which heralded black pride, was formed in Belize during a state of flux in the nation and the original organization led several influential movements. But while those days are, as they say, 'History', the essence of the group, founded on the principle of ancestral pride, still remains engraved in what has now become a library catering specifically for black and indigenous youths in the community. The UBAD library center, situated above the offices of the Amandala newspaper, leads several educational programs for youths in the community.

An MMA Delight
The local Mixed Martial Arts scene has been kind of underground, but the promoters and fighters want to see the mainstream Belizean public embrace it like they do boxing, except with the kicking and the different submission moves. Some of the participants are new fighters, and one of them - who we met today - is not even 15. Tomorrow night, however, they are all men when they enter the cage to exchange gloves with Mexican fighters. For the second year since the local MMA's have been hosted, 5 amateur Belizean fighters will enter the ring to spar with 6 foreign fighters. The event is being hosted by the Body 2000 gym at the Biltmore Plaza. Local Coordinator Mark Neil told us more. Tickets are available event at Body 2000, Jadore Boutique, and LA Fashion for $20 dollars and is also available at the door for $25 dollars.

Motorcycle Rally In Town
You might have heard the distinctive sound of the revving of loud engines around the busy streets of Belize City today. It is quite an uncommon sound for most of us locals, but if you are a motorcycle enthusiasts you'd know that it is that time of the year again when the streets of Belize are overtaken with motorcyclists from all across the Americas. They come here for the annual "Meet in the Middle" Bike Rally. Emanuel Pech stopped in at the bikers' center on cemetery road today to check out what all the buzz was about. The Revving of motors, the thick leather jackets and the free spirited nature of people, all say that the annual Harley Davidson convention is back in Belize. For the past three years members of the Black Pearl Motorcycle Club, the first motorcycle clubs ever established in Belize, has been hosting this event in an effort to put Belize on the biking map. Nigel Espat- Member of Black Pearl Motorcycle Club: "We are taking over the city once again. It's our 3rd running of Belize Bike Rally and we are happy that it's growing. We are seeing our number improving every year. Yesterday we registered 225 bikes. That's a 4-time improvement over prior years. Usually on Thursday we might see 50-60 bikes. Yesterday we had 225. So we are expecting maybe something around 300-400 more coming in today. It is growing and we are glad for that." Several riders from Central America came for the event.

Channel 5

Benguche Residents Make Grisly Discovery
A fetus believed to be between six and seven months, was pulled out from an overgrown lot in the Benguche area of Dangriga on Thursday afternoon. The unborn was reportedly [...]

Maya Island Air Flight Makes Emergency Landing
Maya Island Air Cessna Flight two, twenty-two with seven passengers on board was forced to abort its flight and make an emergency landing at the Municipal Airstrip just a couple [...]

Coast Guard Rescues Four Fishermen Adrift at Sea
A group of four fishermen, returning from camp near Colson Caye this morning, is lucky to have returned to safe harbor earlier today after drifting outside of the barrier reef.  [...]

Princess Group Invests in the MCC Grounds
The long neglected, long abandoned premier arena for football in Belize City is getting a new lease on life. Thanks to successive sports councils which seem to have been in [...]

Dangriga Taxi-man Shot and Left for Dead
A cab driver from Dangriga remains hospitalized at the KHMH tonight after being shot and left for dead along the Southern Highway on Thursday.  Darrel Lory, a well-known taxi man, [...]

First City Council and Now SSB Goes After Yhony Rosado
The vocal tour operator, Yhony Rosado, is having his own share of woes. He was on television recently making a public complain that he was being harassed over a new [...]

Belizean Honor Student Called to the Bar
A new attorney was called to the bar this morning; she is Shanidi Chell from Orange Walk Town who distinguished herself as an honor student at the Norman Manley Law [...]

Transport Department Weighs in on Fake Licenses
Since last week, News Five has been following reports of fake drivers’ licenses circulating in San Pedro. The Police in that municipality have made four arrests of persons who tried [...]

Insights Into Gang Culture in Belize Launches
Today, well-known activist and youth mentor Nuri Mohammed launched his book entitled “Insights Into Gang Culture in Belize” at the Leo Bradley Library. It’s a compilation of essays by Mohammed [...]

7 Confirmed Zika Cases in Barbados
In January of 2016, Barbados confirmed its first case of ZIKA virus. Today, there are seven confirmed cases. Our team, Duane Moody and Marleni Cuellar, in Barbados visited the Ministry [...]

FIFA Has New President
A new president was elected today to lead FIFA, the world football body. United Emirates Football Association’s General Secretary, Gianni Infantino won the first but had to go into a [...]

PNP Goes Down in Jamaica Elections
And on Thursday night, the Jamaica Labour Party defeated the People’s National Party and won thirty-three of the sixty-three seats in Parliament. Andrew Holness, the leader of the J.L.P.’s message [...]

Bikers Converge on Belize City
Since 2013 the Black Pearl Motorcycle Club has been coordinating the Belize Bike Rally, bringing together motorcycle aficionados from North, Central, and South America, hence the title “Meet in the [...]

Belizean Movie Will Be Launched this Weekend
If you’re one of those movie buffs who love gritty drama with a very real twist, you may want to take a look at a hit called Time is Money. [...]

CTV3

LOVE FM

Dangriga Crime News; Baby Fetus Found
Yesterday afternoon Police in Dangriga were called out after some residents made a gruesome discovery. We join our correspondent Harry Arzu who tells us about the discovery and more news from Dangriga. Last Sunday morning, Police were called out to Silk Grass Village in the Stann Creek District. According to Sergeant Wilfredo Perifino, the […]

Taiwan’s President to Visit Belize
Belize will be getting a Presidential visit in mid-March 2016 by MA Ying-Jeou, the Taiwanese head. Belize is one of several stops that the 65-year-old Taiwanese President will be making. President Ma Ying-Jeou will meet with Belize’s Prime Minister, Dean Barrow and will also be meeting with Guatemala’s recently elected President, Jimmy Morales as well […]

Maya Land Rights Commission Holds First Meeting with Maya Leaders
The first meeting that came out of the orders of the Caribbean Court of Justice ruling was held and described as being cordial in a release from the Maya Leaders of Belize. The meeting was held earlier today between the Toledo Alcalde Association/Maya Leaders Alliance and the Toledo Maya Land Rights Commission. The Maya Land […]

Opposition Party Speaks on MEK MI RICH and BTL
Earlier this week we told you of the ruling by Justice Courtney Abel as it relates to the lawsuit taken out by Curtis Swasey against the Belize Telemedia Limited. Following that ruling from the court, the People’s United Party issued a release with the headline, PUP Denounces Shady Happenings in the People’s Company. The release […]

Marijuana Laws to Be Amended
Exactly one year ago a media session was called by the Decriminalization of Marijuana Committee in Belize City. In that session presentations were made on the findings and recommendations that were submitted to Cabinet for review on February 26, 2015. Cabinet has since reviewed the report and have taken the decision to amend the laws. […]

Divers Pull Out from New River Search
Since Monday, authorities in Orange Walk and members of the Belize Coast Guard have been in search of a man that reports indicate had gone into the New River but never came out. Since the search began the divers and search team had found the body of 21-year-old Carlos Reyes and their efforts continued in […]

Coast Guard Rescues Four at Colson Caye
Colson Cay is an island and is located in Stann Creek District and is known to be the ideal location for fishing enthusiasts. It is uncertain whether the four individuals rescued from that area today were on a fishing trip but the quick response by the team of Belize Coast Guard men has allowed the […]

Local Pilot Aborts Flight to San Pedro
Yesterday evening, seven passengers of Maya Island Air flight 222, experienced a scary takeoff. The plane was departing from Belize City on its way to San Pedro when the Chief Pilot, Ali Urbina started to experience some technical difficulties in the air. This evening, Maya Island Air sent a release explaining the matter stating “Seconds […]

Allegations of Over-Pricing in Public Transportation
Complaints within the transportation industry are nothing new, as commuters have unending concerns with the quality of the service they are forced to endure. Sandhill Villager, Paul McCulluck is not happy with the bus companies tonight. He says some of the bus companies are overcharging passengers who are leaving Belize City to go to Ladyville […]

Three Days to Nat’l Youth Council Election
The National Youth Council elections are only three days away. Today we spoke to some of the Belize District candidates aspiring for the post of president, vice president, secretary, and Public relations; Stafin Duncan is vying for the post of President. Tyesha Estrada is also seeking the presidency, she says she brings a level of […]

PlusTV

Bound body found in Orange Walk Lagoon
On Wednesday February 25, Orange Walk police were tipped off about a body of an unidentified male person seen floating in the Lamanai Lagoon located in the Village of Indian Church in Orange Walk . Reports are that sometime around 10:30 Wednesday morning, a tourist out bird watching, saw the body...

GSU shoots father travelling with his family
Of late, there have been numerous reports of armed men in police or camouflaged clothing posing as police in order to commit crimes. Could that be the reason why a father travelling with his family did not stop when he saw camouflaged men with guns on an isolated stretch of road? The problem is, tho...

BDF uniforms stolen from PG Camp
As we’ve said, there have been numerous reports of armed men in police or camouflaged clothing posing as police in order to commit crimes. Well, someone just stole a whole bunch of BDF boots and uniforms from the Punta Gorda Camp. On Wednesday the 24th February 2016 the Quarter Master in charge of ...

GOB sued over malicious prosecution
A civil suit against the government for malicious prosecution is close to wrapping up in the courtroom of Supreme Court justice Sonya Young. The matter is being brought by Sharim Baeza who is being represented by attorney Philip Palacio. Sharim Baeza, then 16-years old, was accused of abetment and c...

Mexican villagers riot; Belizeans stranded at border
Late Wednesday evening, February 24th, Belizeans shopping in neighboring Chetumal, Mexico were unable to return to Belize for several hours as Mexican residents living in the Border town of Subteniente Lopez rioted on the highway. The Belizeans were caught in the confrontation between residents and ...

PUP discuss Cordel’s role in National Executive
This morning in Belize City, PUP Leader Johnny Briceño chaired his first meeting of the National Executive since returning to the party’s top post following his January 31 victory in Belmopan. At Independence Hall, the party discussed the plan for the first 100 days of Briceño’s leadership, as expla...

ComPol responds to International reports of Belize police inadequacies
The murder of ABC news executive producer Anne Swaney in Belize in January of this year followed a previous murder of a Canadian film maker weeks before. It caused a serious black eye on Belize’s image as a tourist destination and prompted a press release from the Belize Tourism Board promising clos...

The Reporter

Marking UBAD’s anniversary
Students, teachers, community activists and many others gathered at the Library of African and Indian Studies on Friday afternoon for an open day, celebrating the anniversary of the United Black Association for Development (UBAD). The event marked the 47th anniversary of UBAD’s formation, but also […]

John Briceno calls national executive meeting
John Briceno called the People’s United Party’s first National Executive meeting on Thursday, since he took over as the party’s new leader about a month ago. During the meeting Briceno presented his 100-day plan for the executive’s approval. PUP Chairman, Henry Usher shared with reporters […]

Get rid of deadly Gill nets! They are ruining our fisheries
Shocked at the evidence of sharks being slaughtered through gill-net fishing, Mar Alliance, a shark conservation non-governmental organization based on Ambergris Caye, has petitioned the government of Belize to ban the use of gill nets. The images showed fishermen with more than thirty sharks of […]

Cops will impose stricter rules for 2016 Ruta Maya weekend
Motorists who plan to use the stretch of the Philip Goldson Highway near the La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge route are advised that the police will enforce traffic regulations along this highway for the duration of the four-day race. During a press briefing on […]

Shrimp industry back on track! 90 % of farms fully recovered
The shrimp industry in Belize is on its way to recovery from a bacterial disease which threatened the industry in March last year.. The impacts were at first confined, but extremely high temperatures caused the bacteria to spread across all but one farm. . Alvin […]

To Beat, or not to Beat! Students have mixed views
Ingrid Fernandez/ Staff Journalist Six children age 10 to 12, from the Calvary Temple Primary School in Belize City participated in a debate to discuss the issue of corporal punishment in schools this week. The atmosphere was heated as both teams offered compelling points in support and against whether teachers […]

World Bank gives $100 M to fight zika fever outbreak But virus could cost us billions
The World Bank has pledged more than $100 million to support the fight against the Zika virus, a mosquito-borne disease that now threatens all of south and Central and North America. A bite from the Ades Egypti mosquito can bring on the Zica fever, which […]

Caribbean countries discuss non communicable diseases
By Benjamin Flowers This week, representatives from countries all over the Caribbean met in Port of Spain Trinidad and Tobago, to discuss the regional repose to rising incidences of non-communicable diseases (NCD)s. The two-day workshop, held at the Hilton Hotel, review the results of an expert evaluation of the 2007 […]

Circle R Rice Done Right!
Circle R Products, doing business as Belize Food Supply, has cleared itself of all allegations that it has been producing contaminated rice, by rival importer, Jack Charles. In a press release on Wednesday, Circle R said it makes sure that all its products are grown, […]

Food vendor charged with Rockowski murder
Toledo Police have arrested Roy Jones, 48, a food vendor of Cattle Landing village, Toledo, with the murder of Thomas Paul Rockowski, 69, an American recluse who lived alone. Rockowski was at his home alone in the Hopeville area of Punta Gorda, on the night […]

Police looking for wanted man
Belize Police are looking for man accused of obtaining property by deception”. Alex Hernandez, is a 30 year old Belizean Tour Guide and sometimes bartender originally of Orange Walk Town. He is being accused of obtaining property by deception during a fraudulent transaction that took […]

Motorcycles crash! One rider dead!
A rare head-on collision between two motorcycles last Saturday evening on the George Price highway has left one driver dead and the other in an induced coma. The crash occurred between miles 18 and 19 in Sand Hill village around 7:40 p.m.. Bernard Churchill was […]

Public-sector agencies compete to boost customer satisfaction
“The public sector is, collectively, the world’s largest service provider. Any incremental improvement in public services positively impacts millions of people. The first step to ‘delivering the customer promise’ is to know your customers and their needs”—Wim Oosterom. The quote above, taken from Wim Oosterom – a former Global Sector […]

Fake OW drivers licenses surface in Isla Bonita
Marion Ali - Assistant Editor Officials from the Orange Walk Transport Department and its Town Hall are trying to figure out how a number of old driver’s licenses were forged and reproduced, and surfaced in San Pedro town this week. The fake licenses, according to Orange Walk Town Mayor Kevin […]

BTL and MMR in “SHADY” relationship, says Supreme Court
The decision by Supreme Court Justice Courtney Abel in the landmark intellectual property case of Swasey vs. Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) and Mek Me Rich (MMR) Belize Ltd. took just over an hour to read out on Tuesday, February 22nd. It was in essence and in fact an overwhelming victory […]

Money in ‘Minutos’ - $74,108 for Trafficking in Humans
Despite the objections of Director of Public Prosecutions Cheryl Lyn Vidal, convicted human trafficker Estela Gonzalez, 64, was fined Tuesday instead of confined for the crime which carried a sentence of 8 years. As Justice Adolph Lucas imposed fines totaling $74,108 on Gonzalez, representatives of her employer Raul Magaña slipped […]

Editorial
No one in the media has seen the new Coastal Management Plan, but we can say with some confidence that if it does not contain a strong statement to abolish the use of gill nets in Belizean waters, it is not a complete and comprehensive management plan, and the European […]

Angry vendors block the border!
Marion Ali - Assistant Editor Traffic at the northern border with Mexico was blocked on Wednesday and Thursday on the Mexican side of the border at the Subteniente Lopez entrance to Chetumal, effectively causing a massive bottleneck with traffic, and forcing the commute into and out of Belize to come […]

Minor’s X-rated post on facebook highlights need for cyber laws
Ingrid Fernandez - Staff Reporter Pornographic pictures alleging to be those of a High School Student from the Cayo area which appeared on a Facebook site this week, was formally denounced by the Special Envoy for Women and Children, Cyber Bullying. A collage of three pictures, two of which showed […]

New Fuel Adjustment! Fourth time in two months
Drivers can expect to pay more for gas at the pumps, following the latest price increase approved by the Government of Belize this week. On Tuesday, Cabinet approved adjustments to the import duty on fuel to compensate for what the Ministry of Finance described as […]

Why Did the GSU Shoot Roberto Chan?
As we go to press, San Ignacio Police are taking statements and conducting an investigation into an officer-involved shooting which occurred at around 7:30 last night. One of those statements, hopefully providing critical information, will be taken from Roberto Chan, 28, a bullet from a GSU-held gun lodged in his […]

New book just launched in Belize
Nuri Muhammad launched his new book, “Insights Into Gang Culture In Belize” a short while ago in Belize City. The launching took place at the Leo Bradley Library, where Muhammad and other guest speakers gave reflections about the publication’s content, and its relevance to Belizean […]

Breaking Belize News

High pressure influence maintains a cool northerly airflow
The National Meteorological Service of Belize is predicting variably cloudy and cool weather with little or no rainfall, except for a few periods of light rain along the South Coast. Winds will be blowing from the North-Northeast at 10-20 knots with occasional higher gusts […]

BELTRAIDE to host entrepreneurship workshop
The Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE) in collaboration with infoDev, a World Bank Group, will host a one day workshop with stakeholders to chart a way to foster an innovative entrepreneurship ecosystem in Belize. Starting at 8:30 a.m. inside ITVET’s dining room in Belize City on […]

Three detained for Silk Grass stabbing
Dangriga Police have detained three persons of interest from Silk Grass Village, Stann Creek District, who are pending investigation in connection to a stabbing incident which left 52- year-old Harrison Bowers in a critical condition at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH). On Sunday, […]

New FIFA President elected
For the first time since 1974, a second round of voting was needed to determine a winner of the election for a new Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) President, but earlier today it was announced that 45-year-old lawyer, Gianni Infantino, has won by […]

New book on youth, violence and gang culture launched
Youth worker and media commentator Nuri Muhammad today presented his Insights into Gang Culture in Belize: Essays on Youth, Crime and Violence. It is his first-hand experience of working with a vulnerable segment of the population, which has evolved over a generation to something approaching […]

Blogs

Foodie Friday – Surf and Salad Recipe!
First I saw the Grilled Pineapple Jicama salad, I thought well I love pineapple, jicama, and salad so the combination must be great, I also saw Grilled Shrimp Kebabs, after reading the description I had no reservations I was going in. I went to Chef Marco who was happy to explain to me how he and the team make these dishes. First up was the Grilled Pineapple Jicama Salad. Grilled Shrimp Kebabs: Drizzled with coconut- pineapple coulis (thick sauce made from pureed/strained fruits and vegetables), organic vegetable quinoa, and roasted herb potatoes. Now you see why I chose this after reading the description, sounds good doesn’t it?

Best Belize Travel Photos of February 2016
A picture is worth a thousand words; this is especially true for anyone who loves to document their trip through photos. Thanks to the advancement of smartphones with superb photo-taking capabilities, and the popular photo-sharing app, Instagram, you can share your adventures with the world easily. There are thousands of travel photos taken in Belize alone, and we’ve decided to search Instagram for some of the best pictures snaps taken in the country. Here’s our list of the ‘Best Belize Travel Photographs’ for this month:

International Sources

8 Fascinating Facts About How and Why America Created Liberia
In 1816, the American Colonization Society (ACS) was created by Rev. Robert Finley (a former president of the University of Georgia) to appease two groups on opposing sides of the issue of the enslavement of Black people. In the early 1800s, the British were in the early stages of abolishing slavery and exiting the Atlantic slave trade. Finley and many whites from the elite class in the United States feared that the nation would follow the British with similar political action. One group of people (which included some abolitionists) wanted to give newly freed Black people an opportunity to return to Africa. The other side, which included slaveholders, did not foresee an integrated society and joined the ACS out of racist ideology. The American Colonization Society consisted of prominent American historical figures, including presidents James Monroe and James Madison. A nephew of George Washington, Bushrod Washington, was also involved. President Andrew Jackson was on the list as an organizer and politician Daniel Webster was involved as well. The irony here is that most of these men were part of the subjugation of Black people. Jackson was part of the slave-holding planter class, Webster was an enforcer and architect of the 1850 Fugitive Slave Act, and Washington actively sold enslaved Black people. Abolitionist James Forten saw this and warned free Blacks to not trust these men.

Las Vegas Taste of The Caribbean happening Saturday
Members of Las Vegas Latin Caribbean community are preparing to host and showcase Latin Caribbean Cuisine on February 27 at Boulder Plaza, located in the Arts District in downtown Vegas. The event starts from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Las Vegas Taste of the Caribbean will showcase and introduce residents of the city, as well as its visitors, to one of the best hidden secrets of the city Las Vegas: Latin, Caribbean and West Indian cuisine from countries that include Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, Belize, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Barbados, Mexico and Puerto Rico to name a few. The event, which will be held at an outdoor facility, will be free to the general public with purchase of the tasty and delicious regional food from the Latin Caribbean region.

Caribbean Economies Experience ‘Mixed Fortunes’ In ‘Topsy-Turvy’ External Environment
t Kitts and Nevis, Grenada and the Turks and Caicos Islands showed 4 percent growth, due to improved tourism arrivals and increased tourism related construction, while the region’s economic powerhouse Trinidad and Tobago grew by just 0.2 percent due to weaker oil and gas prices. That’s according to the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB)’s Economic Review for 2015 and Outlook for 2016, delivered on Wednesday at its headquarters in Barbados. The report struck familiar themes and again pressed for urgent, meaningful policy reform in the region that includes labour market reform, private sector led-growth, deeper regional integration and governments to act primarily as efficient regulators. “We could say that 13 of the 19 borrowing member countries (BMCs), we would expect them to grow faster in 2016 than in 2015, but two of our stronger credits Trinidad and Tobago and Suriname will experience negative growth in 2016. Interestingly all of the service dependent economies should grow, even if marginally…” said CDB president Dr William Warren Smith, while explaining the downturn in the commodity-driven economies. He described Caribbean economies as being in recovery mode at a time of great uncertainty in what is emerging as a somewhat “topsy-turvy economic environment”.

Central America's Top Festivals
The La Ruta Maya tops the list. Just one week away. Lobster Fest, Cacao Fest and Costa Maya are also on the list. LRM picture courtesy of Danny Chung. 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.

Videos

February 26, 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

Mayor’s and Minister’s approaching finals
After seven weeks of football action, the Mayor’s and Minister’s Cup is nearing the finals. With just four weeks away from the championship game, these are the results from the games played this past weekend: Friday – Belize Pro Divers 2-1 Peace Makers, Progresso Boys 4-2 Searious Warriors, Saturday – Sky Energy 3-2 San Pedro Junior College, Veterans 2-2 Jokers F.C, Sunday – Ambergris Divers 16-0 PSG, Catrachos 6-0 San Mateo. Games continue this weekend, starting on Thursday at 7PM sharp at the Honorable Louis Sylvester Sporting Complex.

Second blood drive of 2016 a success
A total of fifteen usable pints of blood were collected during a blood drive that took place at the Washington University of Health and Science in San Pedro Town. The event took place on Saturday, February 20th and saw blood donors making their way to the University campus, where they donated the vital red fluid. The event was a collaborative effort of Projects Abroad, The San Pedro Belize Red Cross (SPBRC), and the Belize Blood Bank. Organizers were pleased with its success. After the first blood drive of the year held in late January, Projects Abroad in Belize requested an additional one due to the poor turnout. The SPBRC was happy to accommodate such request which was outside of their usual three-month time frame. Volunteers from the SPBRC, the Belize Blood Bank, Projects Abroad and even from the hosting University showed up early to welcome the generous donors. From 9AM to 3PM, people pulled up to the medical school to contribute to the worthy cause. At the end of the day, the blood collected was transported to Belize City for storage in an effort to increase the supply at the Belize Blood Bank. This blood can then be available for anyone in San Pedro that may have an emergency. Snacks and refreshments were provided to all donors.

SP Police Constables undergo training
Several police constables from the island were part of a refresher course aimed at improving the service they provide to the community. The training was held from Thursday, February 18th to Saturday, February 20th, and was led by inspector Dehanne Augustine, who is attached to the Caye Caulker Police formation. Officers were educated on how to effectively respond to certain situations, and they even received training in properly recording data. According to Inspector Augustine, the training is very important as it serves to polish officers’ skills so they can carry on with their daily duties in a more efficient manner. “The training once again reminds police officers of the proper procedures they should execute when encountering any situation. It is very important for them to know the procedures when dealing with minors, people with mental illnesses and also know how to record each detail of any investigation from the moment it happens. This will enhance a proper filing of data and as well keep the police on safe grounds when dealing with cases that may have judiciary intervention,” said Augustine during the presentation. The training also touched on proper police behavior and ways to deal with criminal incidents.

CARDI continues to work in Belize’s Coconut Industry
Belize’s Coconut Industry continues to grow with the assistance of the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI) and financing from the European Union (EU). Most recently, a workshop was held on Thursday, February 25th with CARDI scientists training coconut stakeholders in the “Production of Quality Coconut Planting Material”. These initiatives are being organized under the EU’s “Coconut Industry Development for the Caribbean” through the Geneva-based International Trade Centre (ITC) aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of small-scale coconut farmers. According to CARDI representatives in Belize, stakeholders have welcomed this initiative for its “potential to improve income and employment opportunities, food security, and the overall development of the Caribbean coconut sector.” The project creates cooperation between national and regional programs, improving access to advisory services for improved coconut production. Throughout 2016, scientists will also be interacting with key stakeholders in the coconut industry of all participating countries conducting activities related to mapping and characterization of local coconut plantations, strengthening producer and processing groups and developing appropriate technological packages for intercropping vegetables and fruits and rearing cattle and small ruminants under coconut trees.

San Pedro Tiger Sharks net another home win
The National Elite Basketball League (NEBL) 2016 Season is heating up and hometown team the San Pedro Tiger Sharks are aiming for their third consecutive championship. With only one loss under their belt, our team remains steadfast in second place in the tournament. This past weekend, the Tiger Sharks showed their tenacity, claiming yet another big home win. Facing off were our Tiger Sharks who hosted the Belize City No Limit at the Angel Nuñez Auditorium. At the end of the first quarter, San Pedro Tiger Sharks had a 17 – 15 lead, which they increased to 37 – 27 at the second quarter. Belize City No Limit was able to shrink the lead to 7 points going into the fourth quarter, but the home team was able to secure the win, 83 – 70. San Pedro Tiger Sharks was led by Caleb Sutton who had a game high of 30 points, while grabbing 8 rebounds. Ashton Edwards netted 15 points while Andrew “Bynum” Ortiz scored 13 points while grabbing 8 rebounds and Gene Myvett finished with 12 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds and 4 steals. With this latest win, the San Pedro Tiger Sharks now have five victories in the 2016 NEBL Season.

Ambergris Today

Commuting students in San Pedro
Students of the San Pedro Roman Catholic School commute back to classes from RC Church after attending morning mass

Misc Belizean Sources

Cliff Wilson one of American Sailing Association's 2015 Instructors of the Year!
Congrats to our own Captain Cliff for receiving the high distinction of being one of American Sailing Association's 2015 Instructors of the Year! This means that he is in the top rated 1.5% of the over 2,000 ASA certified instructors in the world. Way to go, Cliff!

Three story tall double billboard in San Pedro
So I will admit... faced with seemingly unrelenting development, at times I've worried about the overall "aesthetic" of our Isla Bonita. This morning those fears were quelled... Tropical? Quaint? Serene? I think they've nailed it. Nothing says "Welcome to our island" better than a three story tall double billboard... What's is it going to say? "The food was AWESOME - Stan from Dubuque" Sigh...

Humpback whale sighting off Placencia
A very rare sighting of 30+ft long humpback whale just a couple of miles offshore from Placencia. Possibly the whale became disorientated and lost, finding its way into the deep water channel leading to Big Creek port. It will be important to monitor its location and see if it is able to find its way back out to deep water and outside the reef.

U.S. Embassy's Political and Economic Chief J. Nathan Bland visited Valley of Peace
The U.S. Embassy's Political and Economic Chief J. Nathan Bland visited Valley of Peace recently along with representatives from UNHCR and Help for Progress. Valley of Peace, formed out of a collaboration between the Government of Belize, UNHCR, and the Mennonites, became a place of refuge in Belize in the 1980’s for over a thousand people fleeing the civil war in El Salvador. Today it is a thriving community and an impressive example of a successful resettlement community.

Postponed until further notice, power interruptions previously scheduled for Orange Walk & Corozal Districts
7:00am to 7:15am & 4:45pm to 5:00pm, Saturday, February 27 & Sunday, February 28.

BEL Restores Power Supply following Countrywide Power Interruption
Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) restored power supply to the country this morning, following an unplanned power interruption at 6:41am, due to a damaged insulator on the transmission system, near the Petville Area in the Orange Walk District. By 7:12 a.m. most of southern Belize had been restored using local generation sources. The North and West were restored between 7:38 a.m. and 7:52 a.m. while the Belize District, South and remaining areas were restored by 8:14 a.m. On Wednesday, February 24, portions of San Pedro Town and a portion of the Belize District also experienced unplanned power interruptions ranging two to three hours, as a result of weather conditions. In San Pedro, the power interruption was due to downed guy wires and in the Belize District, several high voltage lines were downed. BEL crews were promptly dispatched to assess and conduct repairs. A branch was also removed from high voltage lines, near Mile 3 on the George Price Highway.

2016 Belize Bike Rally
The Harleys are rolling in as 2016 Belize Bike Rally "Meet in the Middle III" 25-27 Feb 2016 kicks off today. Bikers will be in San Pedro on Saturday at Fido's Beach Bash. See you there!!

2016 Belize Bike Rally "Meet in the Middle III" 25-27 Feb
The 3rd Annual 2016 BELIZE BIKE RALLY "MEET IN THE MIDDLE" will be held in Belize City and San Pedro, Belize, Central America on 25, 26 & 27 February 2016.

Kitchen, Dining Hall and Garden Opened at the San Francisco de Jeronimo R.C. School
On Wednesday, February 24, 2016 Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment and Sustainable Development Hon. Gaspar Vega travelled to Pueblo Viejo Village in the Toledo District for the opening of a new kitchen, dining hall and garden at the San Francisco de Jeronimo Roman Catholic School. In his keynote address, Minister Vega noted the importance of the facilities in addressing the issue of childhood malnutrition, which is the highest in the Toledo District. He also made mention of his hope for more development in the area of health in Belize. Also in attendance at the opening was Mexican Ambassador to Belize H.E. Carlos Quesnel Melendez who congratulated the Ministry on its efforts to improve the conditions of child health and nutrition. The facilities were officially opened with a ribbon cutting done by Minister Vega and the Principal of San Francisco de Jeronimo R.C.School Mr. Stephen Sho. Minister Vega also toured the facilities along with the other officials from the Ministry and the primary school.

Lou Bob Hodge and Dennis Mitchell TO APPEAR ONCAYE CAULKER
Habanero's is proud to present the dynamic duo of Lou Bob Hodge and Dennis Mitchell Saturday Night!!! Reservations for dinner highly recommended. Come see two very talented musicians jammin on our deck!!!! Call 626-4911 to reserve!!! Walk ins always welcome if there's space!!! One of Dennis's last gigs so don't miss out!!!

Harley Davidson Bikers
While I was stranded at the Chetumal/Belize border earlier today,in the middle of a hightened protest, I took the opportunity to introduce myself and promote Belize to a bunch of Harley Davidson Bikers who are heading to Belize City for the Annual Belize Harley Davidson Bike Rally. The group of bikers are visiting from Cancun, Distrito Federal and other states in Mexico. They will be continuing their journey to San Pedro, Ambergris Caye with their bikes on board one of the local barges. I hope they enjoy the camaraderie ,our people and may they have a safe journey to the island. I know they will be looking out for the photos and article on the Corozal Daily so here it is! Welcome to Belize amigos Mexicanos!

Corozal's District Youth Council Elections
Let your voices be heard. This coming Monday February 29th is Corozal's District Youth Council Elections. Polling Areas will be all Department of Youth Services' Offices country wide. Please see flyer for the address of your DYS District Office.Corozal's office is located on the 2nd floor of Corozal Farmers Supplies and Dave's Photo studio. Polls will open at 9:00 a.m. and close at 6:00 p.m.

Wine House Wine Tasting
The Wine House is having a special J.P. Chenet wine tasting FRIDAY night. It'll be their 1st true wine tasting, and it starts at 7:00pm. They'll also have the icewine available.

JGBB EAST COAST & MIDWEST ROAD SHOW 2016
Belize Tourism Board

Gang Resistance Education And Training (G.R.E.A.T) instructors
Yesterday, Ambassador Moreno helped to welcome the 35 newest Gang Resistance Education And Training (G.R.E.A.T) instructors in Belize!!! To date a total of 125 police officers are already certified as GREAT Instructors in addition to the 35 officers being certified this week. A total of over 9,500 children have completed the program from primary schools countrywide. The G.R.E.A.T program seeks to assist youth to identify and avoid gang membership, prevent violence and criminal activity, and develop a positive relationship with law enforcement. This is accomplished by using a skills-based approach that addresses three domains of learning: cognitive, behavioral, and affective. The G.R.E.A.T program produces attitudinal and behavioral changes through a unique combination of skills training, cooperative learning, discussion, and role playing. Students are provided with many opportunities to model and practice relevant life skills. Once students have rehearsed these skills, they will be more likely to use them in real-life situations.

Paradise Theater playing this weekend:
The Big Short, Krampus, Open Season Scared Silly, Carol.

Channel 7

Police Identify Body Found In Lamanai Lagoon
Yesterday we told you about the unidentified body which was discovered in the Lamanai Lagoon, in the remote Orange Walk District Village of Indian Church. Well, police report that they were informed about it just before 11 o'clock yesterday morning. When they arrived, they found the body of a man floating in the water. When they retrieved it, they observed that the hands and feet were tied up, and that there were bruises on the head. Tonight, police are no closer to identifying him, and because the body was in an advanced state of decomposition, it had to be buried after an on-sight autopsy. This evening, the Deputy Commander of Orange Walk Police, Inspector Nicholas Palomo, told our colleagues from CTV 3 News that his investigators only just learned the identity of the deceased to be 51 year-old Honduran Guido Urbina, a resident of Indian Church. Insp. Nicholas Palomo, Deputy OC - Orange Walk Police: "The body that was found floating on the Lamanai lagoon on yesterday's date was found to be that of one Mr. Guido Urbina. A Honduran national, age 51 and a resident of Indian Church Village. He was last seen alive on Saturday drinking along with three fellows from the village at a local village bar. All we know is that the body was found floating in the lagoon. However, a post mortem was conducted yesterday and at the conclusion of the post mortem, it was found that one bullet wound on the forehead of the person. There was an entry wound about 1 inch above the left eye and an exit wound right above the left ears. So the cause of death was a result of gunshot. Due to the advanced stage of decomposition, the body was buried at the Indian Church cemetery."

Unidentified Youth Still Not Found; Presumed Down
The Coast Guard Team which has been diving in the New River in Orange Walk has suspended their search for the retrieval of the body of the second young man who went missing after going swimming on Monday afternoon. The body of his friend, 21 year-old Carlos Reyes, was found on Tuesday after an intensive search. Right now, however, there is concern that this other young man may never be found and given the difficulty that the Coast Guard are having. We've been informed that because the Coast Guard's first 2 days have been met with no success, they've temporarily suspended their diving searches. We understand that the authorities are waiting for the body to surface on it's own, since it has been submerged for over 48 hours now. The Deputy Commander of Orange Walk tells the press that they have not given up on finding this still unidentified young man.

Briceno's (2nd) First National Exec Meeting As Leader
Today, John Briceno held his first meeting with the PUP New National Executive after been elected as party leader at the national convention 3 weeks ago. He's the new boss, and that means he's coming with his own agenda for what direction the party should be heading. As we told you, we had received credible reports that Briceno had created a senior position for Cordel Hyde within his Executive. That along with Briceno's first 100-day plan were discussed, and after the meeting, re-elected Party Chairman Henry Charles Usher briefed the awaiting press on a few items from the morning talks: "This morning we had our first meeting of the new national executive this morning. It was a very brief meeting, we had one main item on the agenda and that is the party leader's hundred day plan which he presented to the national executive for their approval and support. As part of that plan, the party leader listed a number of issues, including the reorganization of the secretariat. The reorganization and the restructuring and strengthening of the national executive and also his tour that he hopes to get done in all thirty-one constituencies within the first hundred days. Those were the main three items that he brought up and the national executive supported those positions and supported his plan."

GSU Shot A Disabled Man
Villagers in the West are up arms against the GSU for the alleged unjustified shooting of crippled vendor of Bullet Tree Village Roberto Chan. The incident occurred yesterday around 7 in the evening. Roberto was driving his wife and two children back home after visiting a friend in the Calla Creek Area, Cayo District. They were driving north towards Bullet Tree with their 6 year old daughter sleeping in the back seat and their 8 months old son sleeping on his mother's lap in the front passenger seat. But upon reaching an area they know to them as La Linea, they heard two gunshots and realized that Roberto was shot. The bullet came from back, went through the back of the drivers seat and hit Roberto in the right arm. Now what the GSU are saying is that they were conducting vehicular check points in that area when a Toyota 4 Runner, driven by Roberto Chan almost ran over one of their team members. However the family of Roberto Chan has an entirely different story. Here is what they said occurred. Roberto Chan, Claims unjustified GSU shooting: "I screamed and felt the shot. I told my wife to check the baby; my 6 year old and my 8 months children. I feel bad right now. My baby cry too much."

PUP Says Corruption Between BTL/Mek Mi Rich
On Tuesday, we told you how business man Curtis Swasey won his lawsuit against BTL and the owners of the Mek Mi Rich Lottery game. Justice Courtney Abel has ruled that the platform of lottery texting, which is what makes Mek Mi Rich profitable, was a concept stolen from Swasey, and that BTL leaked it to the directors of MMR Belize, Sunjay Hotchandani, and Andre Vega. Well, the Opposition People's United Party has come out swinging against both the Government controlled company and the Mek Mi Rich game owners. A statement from the PUP says, quote, "The People's United Party registers serious concern at what amounts to no less than a conviction of BTL, or persons acting on behalf of BTL, on charges of corruption. We are further concerned that no principal of BTL has come forward to announce an immediate investigation into the matter…Those at BTL responsible for stealing a concept and peddling it should be called out. At the very least, heads should roll." End Quote. The PUP then point to what they see as a clear political connection between BTL and Mek Mi Rich which they believe caused the breech in confidentiality that the judge has inferred.

CDB's Take On De-Risking
In the past few weeks you've been hearing a whole lot in the news about so called de-risking - where regional banks are ending their correspondent relationships with indigenous banks in the Caribbean. It's a legitimate crisis with far reaching implications for the business and banking sectors and yesterday at the CDB Annual Press Conference in Barbados, the Bank's senior brass said it will seriously affect economic growth:... Dr. Justin Ram - Director of Economics, CDB: "It's going to be a well-stifle uneconomic activity. Today, imagine private sectors trying to operate within the Caribbean and they can't actually get paid, or they can't actually get their funds out of the region? That's going to be a well hindrance to economic growth eventually. Either something that I believe we need to work on right now - we need to have a solution. We cannot wait." Dr. William Warren Smith - President, CDB: "This is a major threat hanging over our heads. Even at a time when we are saying that the solution for our countries as far as economic development is concerned is deeper integration and penetration into international markets. How do you do that if you can't move money back and forth from our countries to trading partners and vice versa?" Jules Vasquez: "Has anyone figured out who's the guy to talk to? I know Latin American leaders spoke to Obama himself at a summit. But has anyone figured out okay he is the guy we need to talk to?"

CDB: Belize's 2015 Growth Above Average
But despite the threat that de-risking poses to economic growth - the growth outlook for Belize in 2017 is above average. The CDB projects it at 2.7% - which is higher than the regional average - and higher than last year's anemic 2%. The Director of economics explained why:... Jules Vasquez: "Tell me why this relatively optimistic outlook for Belize in an otherwise down year?" Dr. Justin Ram - Director of Economics, CDB: "Well for Belize, you have to remember that last year they would have experienced some difficulty with respect to its agriculture sector. We don't see, we are hoping that some of those difficulties would not happen again this year. There is also significant investment in the public sector taking place. We see Belize making significant progress there. Driven as well by economic activity with respect to capital expenditure. We expect the agriculture sector as I said earlier to recover as well within Belize and that should be good. However, we do know that there are some risk. Remember the days of forecast and there are risk on the horizon. Most of all is respect to corresponding banking. For Belize this is real risk."

Is Superbond Payment + BTL Compensation A Ticking Bomb?
But the CDB report also mentions Belize's debt. At 80% of GDP, it is well above the 60% benchmark for sustainability. The report notes that in 2015 Debt/GDP ratios increased in The Bahamas, Barbados, Dominica, St Lucia, Antigua and Barbuda, and Belize. Now this comes before the entire compensation payment for the BTL acquisition, So we asked Dr. Ram, with the super bond step up and the BTL payout, is Belize facing a debt bomb in the coming years. Jules Vasquez: "Is it facing a sort of debt bomb probably in maybe 2017, 2018?" Dr. Justin Ram - Director of Economics, CDB: "I don't think that there is a debt bomb on the way for Belize, but in this current environment governments need to be prudent examine their overall revenue streams to ensure that they are sustainable. But even more importantly, that be prudent in the way it spends money to ensure that expenditure is actually giving the government and the people of Belize the highest economic returns possible." The step-up in bond payments begins in 2017.

American Investers Claim Land Deal Con
Owning your own piece of land - that's every Belizean's dream - and it's pretty much the same for those immigrants who want a piece of the jewel. But a group of Americans have been left with a bitter taste in their mouths and that empty feeling in their bankbooks after they say a developer bilked them of their life savings and never gave them title for the property they bought. On Saturday we met six investors who paid Darin Smith of Biospharms forty thousand US dollars for a title in his sub-development - only to find out it was never subdivided. And because of that they could never get title. Now, they're suing him, but decided to go public because they say the situation is going from bad to worse. We met 6 of these disgruntled landowners at their attorneys office on Saturday:.. Ellen Tan, Disgruntled Land Owner "Well I think Larry was the one who was on the website and we've been looking for a community that's involved like living on solar and fresh water and healthy living, organic farming. So we found Biospharms on the internet and then we were writing to them and Darren Smith was the one who was emailing us and invited us to come down. In October 2003 we came down to look at the farm here. This was our life savings. Our retirement that were trying to get away from the US, so we could have a simpler life here and we put all our money in here."

Assad Shoman's Take On Sarstoon Dispute
Border advocate Wil Maheia has been planning another trip down the Sarstoon River, which is to take place this weekend, but once again, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is imploring him not to do it. Maheia and the Belize Territorial Volunteers want to visit the trip to the Gracias a Dios border marker, and that will once again put him and the other Belizeans who take the trip in the crosshairs of the Guatemalan navy, who keep a very watchful eye of the River. A release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs cautions, "while there are no public areas in Belize where Belizeans are not permitted to visit, there are areas in the proximity of our western and southern borders which are prone to generate tensions between the citizens of the two countries, and, in the circumstances, the Ministry maintains its view that it is imprudent and potentially dangerous for the organizers of excursions of this type to expose innocent Belizeans to the risk of inadvertently coming into conflict with Guatemalans be they civilians or officials."

Churchill Bernard Needs Financial Help
On Monday we told you about the fatal motorcycle collision on the Phillip Goldson Highway that took the life of 27 year old Kareem Arnold. The other victim in the incident was 21 year old Churchill Bernard who received extensive injuries during the crash but survived- just barely. He continues to be closely monitored at the KHMH. The reports had it that Bernard was overtaking a van when he ran head on into Arnold. Investigators said Arnold's headlights were not working which, they say, could have been cause of the accident. But while of the victims died on the spot the other continues to fight for his life. Today the mother gave us an update on his condition. Joleen Burgess, Mother of RTA Victim: "Well, he was in an accident Saturday night. He was coming from church, dropped off his little cousin and was going back to my mother for his helmet and his slippers, because he was going to play football at the church, after they have an all-day church, they usually have little games after that and then he was coming back home when I got the message that he was in an accident." Emanuel Pech: "Talk to us about the feeling the family had when they found out about it?" Joleen Burgess, Mother of RTA Victim: "Hmm, I don't wish that on anyone. Because that's a terrible feeling - you just spoke to your son and a little bit after someone calls and tell you that your son is in an accident. Words I can't really explain it."

Bailey Jailed For Weapon
38 year old Eugene Bailey, a resident of 45 Holy Emmanuel Street, at the Belize Central Prison tonight after being taken to court for an unlicensed handgun. Police say that on that Bailey was on Santa Barbara Street standing next to a black Saturn car yesterday. That's when they approached him and informed that a search would be conducted on him. This search, said police, resulted in the discovery of a .38 special revolver with 4 rounds of ammunition in its chambers. Bailey was unable to produce a license for the firearm, so he was arrested and charged it. He was arraigned today on charges of keeping an unlicensed firearm and keeping unlicensed ammunition ammunition before Magistrate Carlon Mendoza. Bailey pled not guilty to the charge, but he couldn't be granted bail. He was remanded into custody until April 25.

Belizeans Stranded Because Of Mexico Riot
Several Belizeans got stranded across the border in Mexico last night as a result of a heated protest at Subteniente Lopez, Quintaroo. Reports from the Mexican press said that more than 100 people blockaded the highway in front of the Secretaria de Marina - or the Navy office. The blockade lasted for about 4 and a half hours until about 8 pm Belizean time. The protest was sparked by a recent move by authorities to establish a rigorous checkpoint- a measure that was taken to combat drug trafficking and the trafficking of firearms. However the checkpoint, residents of that area said, was causing long unnecessary traffic delays- a major deterrent for visitors coming to the area. This in turn, protestors said, was causing the community significant financial loss. Up to 8:30 last night, a few Belizeans were still stuck across the border. Fortunately everyone made it safely back home. Political authorities promised to meet with the angry residents later this month. Only then the crowd slowly dispersed.

Bel Outage
BEL is reporting tonight that there was a black out that affected majority of the country this morning. A press release from the company says that there was "an unplanned power interruption (this morning) at 6:41am, due to a damaged insulator on the transmission system, near the Petville Area in the Orange Walk District. By 7:12 a.m. most of southern Belize had been restored using local generation sources. The North and West were restored between 7:38 a.m. and 7:52 a.m. while the Belize District, South and remaining areas were restored by 8:14 a.m." Areas of San Pedro and the Belize District still had power failure until BEL technicians were able to fix downed wires on the island, and make other repairs on the mainland.

Accused Drug Traffickers Arraigned
Two days ago we told you about the weed bust at the boom junction. According to police reports the MIT unit was conducting vehicle checkpoints when they saw a vehicle make a U turn, throw something out of the bag and head back to the direction they came from. Police set chase and brought the men inside the vehicle to the area where they threw the object. A quick search resulted in the discovery of 4261 grams of weed. Two men were arrested for the offence of Drug Trafficking: Kareem Flowers, and Elwin Evans. However when the men appeared before the courts later that day Evans told the magistrate that he was puzzled as to why he and Flowers would be charged for the same offence when bought men were in two separate vehicles. Magistrate Carlon Mendoza informed him that to prove his case he would need to retain an attorney. Both men were granted bail in the sum of $4,500 plus surety of the same amount. They are due back in court on April 25th when they are to receive full disclosure.

Jerson Grinage Arraigned Again
On Monday, we told you about 22 year-old Jerson Grinage, who was stabbed in the head, but who did want to press charges against his alleged attacker. We'll, it appears that the man who is believed to have been his attacker is actually his cousin, Ervin Fitzgibbon. Both men, residents of Mahogany Heights Village, ended up in a fight this weekend. Grinage allegedly pulled a bottle opener and tried to stab him with it. Police say that Fitzgibbon answered back with a pint bottle which cut Grinage across the head. Neither men wanted to press charge, but police eventually charged both with aggravated assault. They were arraigned earlier this week and they told the Magistrate that they don't know why police would press the case when neither of them wanted a court action. They've both pleaded not guilty, and they've been released on bail of $800.

FIFA Elections: A New Football King
Right now, football executives from all countries around the world are in Zurich, Switzerland. They're preparing for tomorrow's 2016 FIFA Extraordinary Congress when they'll vote to elect a new President. They're trying to decide on a suitable replacement for Joseph Sepp Blatter, the embattled President who resigned in the wake of the biggest corruption scandal in the football world. He's been banned from taking part in any FIFA activities for 6 years by the organization's ethics committee, and right now, the football nations are trying to put the unpleasant and embarrassing event behind them. 5 senior football executives have emerged as candidates who want Blatters job now that it's vacant. The international news organization, BBC put together this story examining each of the candidates: We'll have more from the FIFA elections tomorrow.

The Upgrade Of A Pueblo Viejo School
Yesterday, Deputy Prime Minister Gaspar Vega, travelled to the village of Pueblo Viejo in the Toledo District. While there, he, the Mexican Ambassador, and other Belize Government officials opened a new kitchen, dining hall and Garden at the San Francisco de Jeronimo RC School. Here's an excerpt of his keynote speech to the participants gathered: The Deputy Prime Minister also used the platform to note the upgrades that the Government have made possible to improve the lives of residents living in the remote areas of the Toledo District:

Having Fun With Children's Rights
While those children who attend San Francisco de Jeronimo will benefit from those upgrades at their school, Special Envoy for Women and Children Kim Simpliss-Barrow wants to make sure that all children know about their rights. She launched a new book today with the help of UNICEF Belize called "Having Fun with Rights: A Children's Rights Activity Book". She told the gathering today at the Bliss that the publication is fun, engaging and informative: The book targets children aged 8-11 years old and is designed to make the teaching of children's rights more interactive and enjoyable.

Ladyville Tech's Pageant
Tomorrow the Ladyville Technical High School is hosting its 2nd ever female pageant. 7 female students will compete against one another in areas of grace, posture, charisma, intellect, talent and beauty of course. Teacher Janine Carballo is coordinator this year's pageant. She says that the event could not have been timelier as they are currently celebrating the month of self-esteem. For the past few weeks the ladies have been running around trying to get their last minute preparations before the big pageant tomorrow at 7. This is also the first time that the school is intimately involving the community of Ladyville as the pageant is being held in a public park to make more accessible.

Placencia Community Policing
Officers from Placencia went out on a community policing effort, where they visited a family in Seine Bight Village. That house belongs the visually impaired resident, 67 year-old Martin Moreira, and 69 year-old brother, Paul. In an effort to help the elder gentlemen, the officers cleaned up their yard and home and donated a box of groceries. The team of officers were led by Inspector Dennis Miles, and they were supported by Southern Regional Commander Sr. Superintendent Ralph Moody. Also assisting the officers were members of the Seine Bight Village council and students from St Alphonsus Primary school also in that community. Placencia Police intend to make another surprise visit soon.

Channel 5

Cayo Police Investigate Shooting by G.S.U.
There is an incredible story coming out of the West tonight, in which a man from Bullet Tree was shot by an officer of the Gang Suppression Unit. It happened [...]

Who Stole Equipment from a BDF Base in PG?
There was a serious breach of security at Fairweather Camp sometime overnight on Tuesday which resulted in the theft of various military uniforms and boots. On Wednesday morning, the Quarter [...]

Lamanai Lagoon Floater Identified
The partially decomposed body of a Honduran national was fished out of the Lamanai lagoon by Orange Walk police on Wednesday afternoon.  The severed remains had what appeared to be [...]

M.F.A. Warns B.T.V. to Keep Away from the Sarstoon
Almost exactly one year ago, thirty-seven Belizeans maneuvering the Sarstoon were detained by Guatemalan military, taken under tow and escorted to Livingston. In fact, this Saturday will be the anniversary [...]

Will Cordel Hyde be New PUP National Deputy Leader?
Since returning to Independence Hall as leader of the People’s United Party on February first, John Briceño called his first meeting of the national executive this morning. The upper echelon [...]

Party’s Finances under Review by Executive
While new opposition senators are yet to be named, a parliamentary caucus has been arranged for Monday during which it is expected that names will be fielded. The opposition can [...]

Is There Bad Blood in the PUP South?
Is there bad blood lingering among supporters of previous party leader, Francis Fonseca post the January thirty-first national convention?  Since Fonseca’s defeat, Toledo East Area Representative, Mike Espat has reportedly [...]

Fishermen Given a Jail Pass for Illegal Fishing
Two fishermen from Chunox, Corozal District, appeared for the second time in court for illegally fishing inside a natural monument. Marvin Patt, and his cousin Edison Patt were charged with [...]

Eugene Bailey on Remand for Firearm Charges
But thirty-eight-year old Eugene Bailey is on remand at the Belize Central Prison following arraignment in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court on two gun related offenses on Wednesday. Police found [...]

OWTC Distances Itself from Fake Drivers’ Licenses
Fake cops and fake driver’s licenses; while the Belize Police Department grapples with the issue of impersonators perpetrating crimes in the name of the law, the Orange Walk Town Council [...]

Belizean Students Speak About Life & School in Barbados
More than seventy Belizeans are in Barbados studying at the UWI Cave Hill Campus. They are among thousands from the rest of the Caribbean and other countries.  Now, student life [...]

Children’s Rights Activity Book Launched
The Bliss Center in Belize City was over flowing this morning with children from various primary schools. The event was the launch of an activity book that will teach them [...]

CTV3

Body Of Swimmer Lost In The New River Still Not Found
Tonight marks three days since the disappearance of an unidentified male individual in the New River.On Monday evening at around 5:30, 21 one year old Carlos Reyes along with a second unidentified male jumped into the New River but never reappeared.Following efforts by the Belize Coast Guard and local divers, the body of Reyes was recovered on Tuesday at around 11:00 in the morning. But despite many hours of incessant searching by the Belize Coast Guard, the body of the second individual was not found.Today when we spoke to Inspector Nicholas Palomo, second in command at the Orange Walk Police Formation, he told us that the identity of the second individual still remains a mystery and while the Coast Guard has called off the search, local divers are still working on locating the second body.

Opposition Leader Presents Hundred Days Plan To Executive
This morning the newly elected National Executive of the People’s United Party held their first meeting at the party’s headquarters in Belize City. According to party chairman Henry Charles Usher, the main item on today’s agenda was the one hundred day plan presented by Party Leader John Briceno to the executive for approval. Also included in the discussion was the restructuring of the national secretariat, the National Executive and a position for Cordel Hyde who contested the leadership position at the National Convention on January 31st.Henry Charles – PUP Party Chairman:“As part of that plan the Party Leader listed a number of issues including the reorganization of the Secretariat and the reorganization and the restructuring and strengthening of the National Executive and his tour that he hopes to get done in all 31 constituencies within the first hundred days, those were the main three items that he brought up and the National Executive supported those positions and supported his plan.”

BTV Plans Commemoration Trip To Gracias A Dios
This coming weekend will mark one year since over 30 Belizeans were detained by Guatemalan Military while on an expedition on the south of our country.Many of you may recall that on Saturday February 28th 2015, a group from the Belize Territorial Volunteers, while on a mission trip to place a plaque at the Gracias a Dios monument, was detained by Guatemalan Military. The group consisting of near 40 Belizeans mainly from Orange Walk were taken first to a Guatemalan outpost and later taken to Livingston, Guatemala. Although the group was returned safely back to Belize, the reason for their detention is still unknown.In commemoration of the event, the BTV planned another mission trip to the Sarstoon this coming weekend, but the news of the trip did not come as good news to the Ministry of Foreign affairs and the CEO of the Ministry has advised the group to desist from making their way to the Gracias a Dios monument. Today our news team received a video from the President of the Belize Territorial Volunteers, Will Mejia, where he is expressing his disappointment in the Government of Belize.

Consumer Price Index Up By 0.4 Percent
The prices of goods and services purchased by Belizean households increased marginally, by an average of 0.4 percent, during the month of January 2016, according to the latest release issued by the Statistical Institute of Belize.SIB’s latest statistics show that the all items Consumer Price Index stood at 103.2, up from 102.7 in January 2015. If we look at the Transport category, the report shows prices dropped by 3.3 percent despite an increase in the sub-category of Fuel.The average price of premium gasoline was up by 15.4 percent when compared to the same month last year, while regular was 7.7 percent higher. Diesel however, saw a decrease in its average price per gallon, declining by 9 percent during the period.Within the “Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverages” category, the prices of food items saw an overall increase of 1.8 percent for January 2016. Higher prices were observed across all types of meats, eggs, fresh fruits, sugar and vegetables. Prices for Red Kidney beans, however, remained well below what they were in January of 2015, decreasing by 24.3 percent.

Owners Of Bushy Lots Are Advised To Clean It Up
As we speak the Orange Walk Town Council along with representatives from the Ministry of Health are carrying out a meeting at the Philip Alvarez Park with residents of Orange Walk Town.The meeting will serve two purposes, one…for residents to voice out their concerns to the council and two….for the public to get a better understanding of the Zika Virus which has been declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the World Health Organization. To date Belize remains without any confirmed cases of the virus and the Ministry of Health and town council intend to keep it that.If we talk about the efforts the council is carrying out to keep the community Zika free, Mayor Kevin Bernard says they are advising property owners of busy lots to clear their land……or else.“It is not the onus of the Council to maintain people’s private properties; you have a property, you bought a property, it is your responsibility to maintain that property, it must be kept clean and it must be kept chopped and so I appeal to all those residence that have over grown lots, vacant lots, please go in and maintain your property, it is a health hazard, it creates a lot of rodents...”

Fourth Murder Victim In Orange Walk Identified
Orange Walk Police have identified the fourth murder victim for the district. This particular murder marked the second to occur in the village of Indian Church.As we told you yesterday authorities were informed of a body that was floating in the lagoon. When they arrived at the scene, they observed that the body was in half after apparently being eaten by crocodiles. The victim was seen with his hands bound and it is suspected that the he was tortured.Today we can tell you that fifty one year old Guido Urbina, Honduran national was shot to the head and he was last seen alive on Saturday in the company of three men from the Village of Indian Church. Reports are that the men were all drinking at a local bar. Inspector of Police, Nicholas Palomo, spoke to us about the results of the post mortem that was conducted late yesterday evening.

Increase In Fuel Price Indication Of A Broke Government
Last night we told you about the increase in fuel prices announced by Government despite that sharp decrease in price per barrel of crude oil in the global market. Based on GOB calculations, due to the increase on import duties on fuel the price for a gallon of regular gasoline saw an increase of thirty seven cents and now sells for eight dollars and five cents. Diesel saw a hike of one dollar and now goes for seven dollars and sixty cents per gallon. As for Premium that saw a reduction of thirty one cents and the gallon now sells for nine dollars and seven cents.But compared to the amount Belizeans need to pay now for regular and diesel fuel….the 31 cents reduction in Premium fuel seems insignificant. So why is GOB increasing the price of fuel when the barrel of crude in the world market is at an all-time low? That is a sign of cash strapped Government, says Leader of the Opposition John Briceno.Honorable John Briceno – Leader of the Opposition PUP:“One of the easiest way for them to increase taxes is to increase tax on the fuel, if all of us have to buy fuel we can’t do better and that is what it has been happening to us, the government is desperate for money and they are going to find any which way to be able to get that monies to satisfy their appetite for the Belizean tax dollars.”

Ministry Of Foreign Affairs Against Trip To Gracias A Dios
Late this evening the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a release in which they expressed concern in the inherent danger faced by the Belize Territorial Volunteers in their planned excursion on the Sarstoon River.According to the release, the Government of Belize is geared toward a peaceful resolution to Guatemala’s claim and trips to areas such as the Gracias a Dios Monument can generate tension between the citizens of both countries which the Ministry is intent in preventing.And while the Ministry reiterates that there are no public areas in Belize where Belizeans are not permitted to visit, they say there are areas in the proximity of our western and southern borders which are prone to generate tensions between the two countries. The Ministry stresses its view that it is irresponsible and potentially dangerous for the organizers of expeditions of this type to expose innocent Belizeans to the risk of coming into conflict with Guatemalans.

LOVE FM

Humpback Whale Spotted in Southern Belize
Recent newscasts have included the slaying of sharks and other marine life when it comes to the use of gill nets. It is viewed by many as being cruel and insensitive to our ecosystem and there is currently a petition circulating to ban the use of gill nets and long lines. Tonight, however, we bring […]

Having Fun with Rights; Special Envoy Launches Book #2
Having Fun with Rights: A Children’s Rights Activity Book – it is the name of a publication that was launched this morning at the Bliss Centre for the Performing Arts in Belize City. Special Envoy for Women and Children, Kim Simplis-Barrow is behind this publication that came following consultations with elementary students from Hummingbird School […]

Military Uniforms Go Missing in Southern Belize
Since last week we have been reporting of various incidents where individuals have been posing as police officers in an attempt to get firearms. In more bad news for security personnel, thief or thieves have made off with an assortment of BDF boots and uniforms from a storeroom at Fairweather Camp in Punta Gorda. According […]

Body Found in Lamanai Lagoon
The body of a man was found floating in the Lamanai Lagoon in Indian Church Village in Orange Walk, yesterday morning. The body was found by a villager who called the police. Police arrived at the scene and found fifty one year old Honduran national Guido Urbina. Love News spoke to Inspector Nicolas Palomo, Deputy […]

Foreign Affairs Frowns Upon BTV’s Planned Trip to Gracias a Dios
On Saturday, Wil Maheia, of the Belize Territorial Volunteers plans to make an expedition to the Gracias a Dios monument in commemoration of the fateful day when Belizeans were detained by Guatemalan Military a year ago. Today, we learnt that the CEO in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sylvestre Lawrence called Maheia in an attempt to […]

GSU Shooter Investigated By Police
A man was shot by GSU officers last night; he has been identified as 28 year old Roberto Chan. According to members of the GSU, they were conducting a vehicle check point in an area known as La Linea when a Toyota almost ran over one of the officers and so they fired at the […]

Goods and Services Go Up with Dangriga Recording Highest Rate of Inflation
The cost of goods and services increased marginally, by an average of point four percent, during last month. This is according to the Statistical Institute of Belize, SIB, which further informed that its latest figures show that All-Items Consumer Price Index stood at 103.2, up from 102.7 when compared to January 2015. The price within […]

Deaf Chorus Debuts at Arts Festival 2016
The annual Street Arts Festival is set for this coming weekend in downtown Belize City. While there will be arts in various forms on display, we spoke with Joseph Stamp Romero who highlighted the theatrical presentation that will take place on Saturday evening near the intersection with Dean Street. According to Romero, it is a […]

Sugar Production Lower than 2015
The 2016 Sugar Cane Season is in its 12th week and last week the factory at BSI managed to grind fifty one thousand two hundred and ninety three tons of cane. This produced four thousand eight hundred and thirty six tons of sugar. Two and a half thousand tons of mud was extracted from the […]

Theatre Arts in Belize
Arts come in various forms ranging from painting to dance to music and poetry; there is also theatre art that has not taken much popularity in our country. Joseph Stamp-Romero has been known to be one of the key players in the theatre arts when it comes to writing scripts and directing stage plays. Romero […]

The Guardian

Dan of all Dans! - Cordel jumps elected PUP deputies to be National Deputy
It may go down as the strangest thing amongst the strange things the PUP has done over the years, just to appease a special interest, but with the PUP they seem to be rewriting the script whenever we hear from them. However this latest move appears to be straight out of a Mafia Movie or out of Fool School. On 31st January this year they had a convention and Cordel the man who ran dead last of all eleven persons who contested the convention is now being touted by Johnny the Former New Leader to be his Senior Deputy Leader a.k.a. National Deputy Leader. In plain English, Johnny wants Cordel to be his second in command. In other words Johnny wants to place Cordel over all the other deputies who got more votes than even Johnny himself at the convention. If anyone were to be made Senior Deputy it should be Rodwell. He got the most votes at the convention and of all the deputies he has won the most elections. Rodwell is a THREE TERM REPRESENTATIVE. Now what signal is that sending to those persons who opposed him and whom he said he was extending the olive branch to? Much more, what is it saying to the general membership of the party from which the majority of the convention delegates came? We always knew Johnny was dense, but we never knew him to be this dense or has he taken leave of his senses and taken residence at the funny farm or maybe it could be that he is looking for a reason to resign as leader again so that he can have the distinction of being the only person to say he is two time FORMER LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION and the person who served the shortest term as leader of any political party anywhere in the world.

58 thousand dollar fine for human trafficking - Special Envoy upset with freedom of convicted human trafficker
Belize, like all Central American countries, has been struggling to combat the lucrative business of human trafficking. International treaties have been signed, laws have been changed and policies adopted to strengthen the country’s anti-human trafficking strategy. Unfortunately, this has done little to slow down the illicit and inhumane trading of vulnerable people. This is why the case against Honduran national, Estella Gonzalez, was so important to human rights activists in Belize and this is why they were so frustrated when a Supreme Court Justice released her with a fine after she was convicted of forcing a 15-year-old immigrant to perform sexual services for money. Naturalized Belizean Estella Gonzalez, 64, was convicted of the trafficking of a minor on February 10, 2016. She employed a 15-year-old undocumented female at her establishment on the George Price Highway, Temptation Bar. The minor told authorities that Gonzalez housed her at a residence in the Mile 8 community on the George Price Highway for the purpose of exploiting her as a prostitute. The conviction carries a sentence of eight years.

Youths set to elect national leaders
A number of active youth will be making their way to designated polling stations across the country on Monday, February 29, to elect their District Youth Councils, from which a Belize National Youth Council will be selected. Young men and women in the 18 to 26 age group are vying for posts of President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer and Public Relations Officer of their respective District Councils. The campaigns are spirited and modernized with social media being the most accessed platform to reach voters. Voters are selected by youth groups registered with the Department of Youth Services. Each registered youth group was allowed to select two members as delegates for the district elections. The names had to be submitted by February 12 to allow candidates to have a two week window to make their pitch directly to voters. As mentioned earlier, most of the campaigning is being done on social media platforms. However, the Department of Youth Services is organizing youth rallies countrywide to give candidates an opportunity to address delegates in person. In Belize City, a parade and rally was held on Friday, February 19. The parade started in front of St. John’s College on Princess Margaret Drive, proceeded through the principal streets of the city and ended at the Battlefield Park for a rally. After a brief musical interlude, the candidates were given two minutes each to make their pitch to delegates in attendance.

Equipment donated to improve data collection and analysis on violence against women and human trafficking
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 on 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. The hand-over of equipment takes place under the BA1 Project: Prevention of Violence Against Women, Human Trafficking and Femicide in Belize that falls under the Central American Security Strategy (ESCA,) which seeks to address at local, national and regional levels, risk factors of violence and protection mechanisms, focusing on violence affecting youth, armed violence, gender-based violence, smuggling of migrants and trafficking, drug use, and climate change.

FFB madness again?
In Belize we always hear the phrase “one step forward, two steps backward” and in football that seems to be the norm. About four years ago many Belizeans thought that Belizean Football had taken a turn for the better, but like many other things it seems it was not to be. A friend of ours who was maybe the most prolific goal scorer from the 1970’s and early to mid 1980’, told us that he hoped the present FFB President would prove him wrong and not become like the Former President, but now he is seeing history repeating itself in the FFB. Once again a storm appears to be brewing in football. It reminds us of the same storm that took place during the era under the Former President. Elections are due or should we say overdue for the FFB and the same games that kept the Former President in power for over ten (10) years appears to be at play again. The voting in the FFB according to the FFB statues are done by delegates. These delegates in a way are very much like the Senators appointed by the Churches, Business community and Unions. They should vote as per instructions of the people who appointed them. In effect it is like holding a proxy. Before an election those delegates should seek directions from the membership of the bodies they represent. For example the delegate or delegates representing the Belize District Football Association should convene a General Membership, where it’s membership will be asked to vote on who they would like their delegate or delegates to vote for at an FFB General Assembly. They would also elect the person or persons they would want to serve on their association.

Fake Cop arrested
Cameron Jerryson Slusher, 26, is at the Belize Central Prison on remand for aggravated assault upon a security guard who claims he was robbed by men pretending to be police officers. In a report to police, Security Guard Elmore Spencer, 26, said that at around 11 a.m. on Wednesday, February 17, he was performing security duties at Moon Superstore on Coney Drive when he was approached by three male persons who came in a black Toyota car. Spencer was standing in front of the store when two of the men exited the vehicle; one wearing a camouflage pants similar to that of the GSU along with a plain white t-shirt and a clipboard in his hand. The other man was wearing a black t-shirt with a combat pants and boots. He had a chrome shotgun in his hand. The men informed him that they were police officers and asked him if he had a security license for the firearm. Spencer told them that they would have to go to the office if they wanted to know that. According to Spencer, when he refused to co-operate the third man opened the door and said something to the man holding the gun. That was when they got into the car and sped off. Spencer was able to see the faces of the three men.

Mahogany Heights men are charged with aggravated assault
Two Mahogany Heights men who were engaged in a fight in their village were arraigned on Monday February 22 on separate charges of aggravated assault with a dangerous instrument. The first to be arraigned was Ervin Fitzgibbon who was charged with one count of aggravated assault upon Jerson Grinage for allegedly assaulting him with a bottle opener. The second person to be arraigned was Jerson Grinage, who was charged with the same offense of aggravated assault upon Ervin Fitzgibbon, allegedly with a dangerous instrument, being a broken pint bottle. In court, both men pleaded not guilty to the charge. They told Magistrate, Carlon Mendoza that neither of them wanted any court action so they don’t understand why the police charged them. They nonetheless pleaded not guilty were and were offered bail in the sum of $800 each plus one surety of the same. They were granted bail and are due back in court on April 22, 2015.

Ryan Cole Takes Rap for Weed Found at Home
Three people were cleared of drug charges on Tuesday, February 23, when Ryan Michael Cole, 21, took the rap for 156.9 grams of marijuana found at their Tibruce Street home. Acting upon information received, police searched a residence at #1108 Tibruce Street on Saturday, February 20, and found 156.9 grams of marijuana. As a result, the occupants present at the time were all arrested. They are Ryan Michael Cole, Conrad Lewis Cole, 24, Alex Thyler Broaster, 20, and Derrick Pineda, 25. The group appeared before Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith on Tuesday to face a charge of drug trafficking. In court, Ryan Cole chose to take the rap for the weed.

Jorge Velasquez, to stand trial for rape of 12 year old girl
Jorge Velasquez, 35, who was accused of raping a 12-year-old girl back in September of 2014, is behind bars on remand at the Belize Central Prison after he could not post bail granted by the Chief Magistrate on Wednesday, February 24. A preliminary inquiry (PI) took place before Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith to determine if there is sufficient evidence to commit the case to trial. In court, Velasquez was represented by attorney Bryan Neal. Prosecutor in the case, Cpl. Christopher Smith, is relying on the statements of the victim, the child’s doctor and other witnesses.

4 men busted with out of season lobsters
The Belize Coast Guard on patrol on Crayfish Caye, Turneffe Atoll made a bust on Friday February 19. As a result of the bust they handed over three men and 243 lobsters to the Fisheries Department who promptly took the men over to the Magistrate's Court where they were charged. Fisheries prosecutor, Hampton Gamboa, escorted the three men, identified as 53 year old George Marin, a resident of #2807 Jesus Ken Street, Belama Phase 2 area; 24 year old Angel Tun, a resident and Electrician of Peter Ashdown Street, Belama Phase 2 along with 30 year old Raymond Petzold, a resident of #351 Belama Phase 2 area; where they appeared before Magistrate Deborah Rogers being jointly charged with one count of possession of lobster in the closed season. Initially all three men pleaded not guilty to the charge and bail was offered to them in the sum of $1,000 each plus one surety of the same amount.

Another murder in San Pedro
Police are investigating the killing of Frank Edwards Jr., 27 year-old fisherman from the San Mateo Area of San Pedro Town. Sometime around 9 last night a group of men arrived at his house one of whom had a shotgun and shot him. As he fell back into his house other men came up to him and opened fire on the injured Edwards. Reports are that he may have been shot as many as 40 times. The killers quickly ran off and made their getaway in a boat that was nearby. Police have so far detained two men in the killing and are looking for others in this recent homicide in San Pedro. Frank Edwards Jr. has a colorful past with numerous run-ins with the police where he was charged with numerous crimes including murder. Back in 2011 he was charged but acquitted in May of 2012 for the 2009 double murder of James Swan and Edward Gutierrez in San Pedro.

Guatemalan welder found guilty of trafficking drugs
On Friday February 19, Guatemalan national, Odilio Gutierrez was sentenced to 6 years in jail after he was found guilty of drug trafficking. The 29-year-old resident of the Jane Usher Boulevard area of Belize City was unrepresented when he appeared before Magistrate, Carlon Mendoza. There he wasted no time and pleaded guilty to the offenses of possession of a controlled drug with the intent to supply to another person or persons for the purpose of drug trafficking. For the offense he was fined 10 thousand dollars and remanded to prison for 3 years. If he fails to pay the 10 thousand dollar fine he will serve an additional 3 years in jail.

Progress continues in Belmopan
Belmopan, the capital city of Belize, continues to develop at a rapid pace and the City Council is doing an admirable job of keeping up the pace of infrastructure development with the pace of the municipality’s growth. The working relation forged between the four time sitting Area Representative and the first term Mayor has resulted in a merger of local and national resources which has galvanized the city’s infrastructure drive. Residents of Guatemala Street and surrounding areas are enjoying a newly paved street that received its second coating on February 20. Motorists and pedestrians can now forget the days of potholes and frustrating puddles. It could have been easy to forget about a street like Guatemala Street. Not because of the name, but because it is not in a population center. However, the Mayor and Area Representative promised residents both in Belmopan Central and rural that the city’s resources will stretch across the municipality. Residents of Nicaragua and Venezuela Street are also benefiting from that pledge.

To Educate Attorneys
Dear Editor: On Friday, February 19, 2016 Jacqueline Marshalleck, President of the Bar Association of Belize told Channel 7 News: "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 is 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."

Fruta Bomba and Belize Food Packers fire 123 employees
Brooks Tropicals the parent company for Fruta Bomba & Belize Food Packers Ltd., which is the sole papaya exporter from Belize, has terminated the services of 123 employees. The announcement was made on Friday February 19 and is part of the companies winding down of operations in Belize. The company had over 250 employees and over the next 6 months those will all be terminated. In a release from the Ministry of Labor and Local Government it states that, “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.” Earlier this month on February 9th, the companies began to lay off workers and the ministry says that it had already been engaged with workers to offer them advice to verify their payments.

Belize Elementary’s Ethan Quan Wins Coastal Awareness Quiz Competition
The Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute is hosting a series of activities across the country in celebration of Coastal Awareness Week, which was launched at Old Belize on Monday, February 22, under the theme “The Coast is ours… Let’s climate proof it!”. The first activity held for the week of February 22 to 27 was a primary school quiz competition. Students from across Belize City gathered at the Bliss Center to cheer on their schoolmates on Tuesday, February 23. The competition featured questions on the importance of the Belize reef system and its coastal zone; including three atolls, several coastal lagoons, mangrove forests, and over 300 cayes. There were also some general environmental questions included. At the end of the competition, Ethan Quan from Belize Elemenatry School proved that he was clearly more knowledgeable of the Coastal areas of Belize than his peers. Quan received $500 cash and a tablet for his victory.

Government endorses the Belize Integrated Coastal Zone Management Plan
The Honorable Gaspar Vega, Deputy Prime Minister of Belize and Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment and Sustainable Development has announced the recent decision made by the government of Belize on February 9th 2016 to endorse Belize’s first National Integrated Coastal Zone Management Plan (“the Plan”). This announcement was made during the Deputy Prime Minister’s keynote address delivered at the Official Opening Ceremony for Coastal Awareness Week 2016 being implemented by the Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute under the theme, “The Coast is Ours…Let’s Climate Proof-It!”

Coastal Management now has Integrated Management Plan
The Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute (CZMAI) opened Coastal Awareness Week on Monday, February 22, with the announcement that Cabinet has approved and is ready to push forward the National Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) Plan. Belize has the longest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere, stretching approximately 280 kilometer from the northern to southern borders of the country and those who depend on the reef system for their livelihood have been pushing for a comprehensive management plan since 1989. The Government of Belize has taken steps to protect and regulate the reef system and activities since stakeholders made their voices heard. Government passed the Coastal Zone Management (CZM) Act in 1998 to address issues such as rapid development, overfishing, and population growth. That act gave the Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute the responsibility to develop an integrated management plan for the sustainable use of coastal resources. Designing this comprehensive plan has been an extremely tedious exercise and Government abandoned it from 2003 to 2008. A new administration revived the project in 2010 but by then much of the data had been lost and the dynamics in the industry had changed. The CZMAI had to start almost from scratch by holding a series of consultations with government agencies, non-governmental organizations, industry guardians, private sector representatives from business and tourism, community groups and indigenous communities.

Hon. Frank Mena addresses D.Y.S. candidates
Unfortunately, the youth of today has been blacklisted when it is only a minority of young people who are creating social disruption. Most youths are motivated and long to do well in everything they do, which means they could play a very important role in politics. To begin with, young people have different perceptions and a host of different ideas. By allowing them to voice their opinion, doors could be opened in propelling the Belizean political world forward. This is not only good for the Belizean society, but necessary for society on a whole. Which brings us to the National Youth Council, a youth governance body that aims to speak on behalf of the youths of Belize. Today rallies were held across the country in preparation for election of District Youth Presidents, Vice Presidents, Treasurers, Secretaries and Public Relations Officers come Monday February 29th, 2016. Here in Dangriga, it all started off with a march from the Drums of Our Fathers Monument to BTL Princess Royal Park. Stann Creek West UDP Standard Bearer Walter Garbutt, one of the three keynote speakers, was first in addressing the crowd and the 21 potential candidates. Garbutt said, “Youths are indeed the future. It’s not just a cliché, you are indeed the future and for those who are looking for a leadership role, look around you. Look in your community and you will identify some great leaders. To be a good leader you need to have patience.”

Dangriga’s second phase of development
Over the next 9 months Dangriga Town will see an increase in activity with the paving of a number of streets as well as the installation of drains across the town. The work comes as a result of Phase 2 of the Dangriga Municipal Development Project which is well under way. The work scope will include the paving of Gadsby Ramos Street and Trucking Boulevard from its intersection of Gadsby Ramos Street to George Price Drive. These highly trafficked streets will be paved with double chip and seal paving and at each intersections it will be triple chip and seal paving. Both streets will have drains, sidewalks, pedestrian crossings and speed bumps. Upon its completion it is expected that the drainage problem that plagues the area during the rainy season will be alleviated.

Change in Import Duties and prices for fuel products
Yesterday, the Ministry of Finance apprised the Cabinet of the continued, significant decrease in domestic crude oil production and the attendant slump in tax revenues and royalties, and made recommendations for immediate compensatory adjustments to the duties levied upon imported fuel products. Consequently, Cabinet approved the following adjustments, effective February 25, 2016, to the import duties: Increase of 40 cents per US Gallon on Premium Gasoline to $3.36 per US Gallon Increase of 30 cents per US Gallon on Regular Gasoline to $3.03 per US Gallon Increase of 80 cents per US Gallon on Diesel Oil to $2.72 per US Gallon The combined effect of this change, along with the downward change in the CIF prices of this recent fuel shipment, will result in new pump prices per US gallon (in Belize City) as follows: Premium Gasoline -$8.99 per US gallon Regular Gasoline - $7.98 per US gallon Diesel Oil - $7.52 per US gallon

Newlyweds charged for celebratory marijuana
A BDF Corporal and his wife were busted with 40.4 grams of marijuana in their Fabers Road home on Saturday, February 20, and charged with possession of a controlled drug. Corporal William Swan and Carmelita Games appeared in the Belize City Magistrates Court on Tuesday, February 23, where Games took the wrap for the drugs. According to police, based on information received they visited the couple’s home at #36 Faber’s Road Extension at around 5:10 a.m. on Saturday. The team of officers was from the Special Operation Unit, Strike Team and Canine Unit dog, Basco. The canine officer pointed the team to the couple’s bed. There the officers found a LALA Yogurt container which contained six parcels of marijuana. As a result, Swan and Games were arrested and charged.

7 years for woman who plead guilty to burglary and theft
Margarita Pech/Noralez, a 35 year old mother of a one month old baby pleaded guilty to burglary and theft on Monday February 22. As a result of her guilty plea she was sentenced to 7 years in prison. Noralez appeared before Senior Magistrate, Sharon Fraser, where she was charged with burglarizing the home of Kelsey Musa. She was additionally charged for stealing from Dr. Martha Habet, a doctor employed with the KHMH. In court Noralez opted to plead guilty to both crimes and as a result was sentenced to 6 years in prison for burglary and a year for theft. On Monday February 15, 2016 Noralez was charged and arraigned for theft for which she was remanded to prison. On Monday February 22 she was brought down on a warrant for a burglary charge she picked up in 2015. That matter was set for trial.

Daniel Rios to stand trial for carnal knowledge of 9 year old girl
Twenty seven year old Daniel Rios, who is accused of having sex with a 9 year old child remains in custody at the Belize Central Prison after a preliminary inquiry against him concluded and his case was committed for trial at the Supreme Court on Friday February 19. Rios a resident of #276 Star Fish Crescent, Belama Phase 1 is accused of having sex with the 9 year old child on April 28, 2015. His Preliminary Inquiry took place on Thursday April 18 before Chief Magistrate, Anne Marie Smith where there was no challenge to the police’s evidence. With that, Chief Magistrate Smith sent up the matter for trial at the Supreme Court in the April session. Prosecutor in the case, Cpl. Christopher Smith is relying on statements of as many as 9 persons including the minor and her mother who gave consent for her to be examined by a doctor.

Roy Jones arrested for murder of American in PG
Police have arrested and charged 48 year old Roy Jones for the murder of Thomas Paul Rockowski. The 69 year old American naturalized Belizean was killed in his home on Saturday 6th February in Hopeville village in Punta Gorda Rockowski was at home when he was attacked by three persons who forced their way into his home and stabbed him to the neck and chest. He managed to call the police and when they arrived they took him to the Punta Gorda hospital and later transferred to the KHMH where he died. Police have now arrested Roy Jones and they believe jealousy was the motive behind the killing. Two other persons who had been detained by police have since been released.

Convicted of stealing a TV from his boss
Twenty three year old Rocky Road resident, Kermick Adolphus Shabazz was sentenced to one year in prison after he pleaded guilty to theft and handling stolen goods. As a result Magistrate Carlon Mendoza imposed on him the one year prison term. Shabazz was accused of stealing a $225.00 LCD Panasonic TV and a remote valued $50.00,from his employer businesswoman, Pawan Thadani. In a report to police, Thadani, who owns a shop on the Phillip Goldson Highway reported to police that on February 18, 2016, at around 9:00 p.m., upon her arrival at her store noticed that her television was missing from her business. A statement was recorded and police investigation led to the arrest of Shabazz who at the time was an employee who took police to his home where they recovered the TV. Thadani positively identified the television to police as hers.

Mar Alliance expresses concern over overfishing of sharks in Belize
A shark conservation NGO, Mar Alliance this week posted pictures on Facebook raising an alarm over a large number of sharks which were being processed for meat near the Blue Hole and Half Moon Caye. The pictures posted show fisher folk cleaning 3 shark species including hammerhead and Caribbean Reef sharks at the Sandbore Caye and Hat Caye Lighthouse. According to the post there were at least 50 sharks landed at the sites. In Belize it is not illegal to fish for these marine animals however Oceana Belize’s Vice President, Janelle Chanona has expressed concern over the quantity of sharks which were being processed and the possibility that longlines and gill nets may have been used in capturing the sharks.

Court says ‘MEK MI RICH’ was Curtis Swasey’s idea
Corozal Businessman Curtis Swasey has won his fight against BTL and the proprietors of the Mek Mi Rich Lottery Game. The Supreme Court has ruled that lottery texting in Belize was his idea, and that Mek Mi Rich stole it. After weeks of hearings and back and forth trips to the court, Swasey made his case before Justice Courtney Abel that he signed a confidentiality agreement with Belize Telemedia Limited. Then, over the course of 2 years, he started to explain his concept of lottery texting. He wanted to use BTL’s SMS service to allow for the average Belizean to buy tickets with their credit for his game called Super Slam Sunday. He claimed that BTL had no idea of how it would work, and so he had to walk them through it step by step. He submitted email correspondences back and forth between himself and the technicians of BTL, in which they had an unending list of questions on what to do. Then, in 2014 the company terminated their business relationship with him, and then a few months later Mek Mi Rich was launched with his very same concept.

Western Ballaz stops Belmopan Bandits in its track
The National Elite Basketball League competition continued over the last weekend with five games on the schedule. On Friday February 19, at the Sacred Heart College Auditorium in San Ignacio Town, Kurt Burgess, who played the first two years of the NEBL was making his first appearance as a visitor to the auditorium with his new team the Belmopan Bandits to take on the Cayo Western Ballaz. At the end of the game, the home team Cayo Western Ballaz prevailed with a 67-60 win over Kurt Burgess and the visiting Belmopan Bandits. The top scorers for the Cayo Western Ballaz were Elvis Usher Jr. with 17 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist and 3 steals; James Milton with 16 points, 10 rebounds, 1 assist and a steal and Brandon Flowers with 11 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist and a steal. For the visiting Belmopan Bandits, the top scorers were Jarrel Velasquez with 18 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists; Nick Brown with 12 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists and 3 steals; Kyle Pascascio with 10 points, 5 rebounds and 2 steals and Kurt Burgess who scored 5 points, grabed 13 rebounds, dished out 2 assists and a steal.

Alberto Gonzalez Mindez and Rosa Elizabeth Del Toro Amaya win CADICA 10 Km Cross Country event
The Belize Athletics Association in collaboration with the Central American Cross Country championship in Athletics (CADICA) hosted the X Central American Cross Country championship on Saturday February 20, 2016, at the Roaring River Gulf Course in Roaring Creek Village, Cayo District. In the 10 Km Open event in the male category, which saw the participation of 14 competitors, first place went to Alberto Gonzalez Mindez of Guatemala in a time of 31.51. The second athlete to cross the finish line was Mario Arturo Santizo Lara also of Guatemala in a time of 32.25. The third athlete to cross the line was David Alexander Escobar Castillo of El Salvador in a time of 33.04 and he was followed by Williams Alexander Sanchez Rivera also of El Salvador in a time of 33.43 and he was followed by Jose Enrique Calvo Solano of Costa Rica in a time of 34.06. Belize’s best finished came in the person of Ervin Hamilton who placed eight in a time of 40.50. The other Belizean competitors placed from ninth through fourteenth place. In the 10Km Open female category, first place went to Rosa Elizabeth Del Toro Amaya of El Salvador in a time of 37.52. The second runner to cross the finish line was Aldy Jimena Gonzalez Zuniga of Honduras in a time of 39.26, the third runner to cross the finish line was Monica Viviana Vargas Chaves of Costa Rica in a time of 41.27.

27 thousand pounds of rice taken off the market
The Belize Bureau of Standards (BBS) is reporting that on the 11th of February it removed 27,571 pounds of rice from a business outlet in Belize City. The release states that a Notice of Detention was served on a rice producer because he was not complying with the proper packaging and labelling requirements for rice. While the release does not identify the producer, the Guardian has learnt this person to be Jacob Wahl from Ship Yard who was given several warnings as to the proper packaging of rice. He was given his final warning last week. The rice which was detained was packed in 100 pound bags which is in contravention of the regulations which specify that the maximum amount in which rice can be packaged is 20 pound bags.

Ombudsman and Contractor General Sworn-In for New Terms in Office
In a brief ceremony held on Monday, February 22 at the Belize House in Belmopan, Mr. Lionel Arzu and Mr. Godwin Arzu were sworn-in for their new terms as Ombudsman and Contractor General respectively, following the Prime Minister’s announcement of their re-appointments at the January 22nd Sitting of the House of Representatives. This marks Mr. Lionel Arzu’s second term as Ombudsman and Mr. Godwin Arzu’s third term as Contractor General. Both men were joined by their families as they took the oath of allegiance before the Governor General H.E. Sir Colville Young.

Traffic wardens enhance their skill sets in Belmopan
With much infrastructural work on the Nation’s Capital already underway, the Traffic Department within the Belmopan City Council is now enhancing the skill sets of its traffic wardens. These specially designated personnel, who ensure the smooth flow of traffic in Belmopan, have undergone two days of training at the Police Training Academy on both Saturday and Sunday of this past weekend. Lecturers for the two day course included Mr. Kevin Jones (Traffic Manager), who discussed the standard operating procedures of the Traffic Department, while Ms. Lucia Ellis addressed the wardens with a motivational talk. Mr. Emil Pulido based his talk on professional Development. A discourse on Public Relations and Road safety was given by Ms. Pamela Scott and Shantel Jacobs from the Belize Road Safety Project. Other lectures to the wardens were given by members of the Police Training Academy, which included topics on motor vehicles and road traffic, licenses & insurance, report writing, justifiable force and harm and the types of evidence acceptable by the court. The Belmopan City Council would like to extend congratulations to all the 12 traffic wardens who willingly attended the training.

Breaking Belize News

Dismembered remains of a premature infant found in Dangriga
Breaking Belize News has received disturbing information of the discovery of dismembered remains of a premature infant found on one of the streets of Dangriga earlier today. Information is sketchy but BBN was reliably informed that Dangriga police are currently investigating the matter. This […]

Coast Guards call off search for missing person
After three days of intense search, the Belize Coast Guard have called off the search for a second missing person who allegedly plunged into the New River late Monday evening. After several attempts of both surface and under water search, the coast guards were unsuccessful in […]

Police help elderly men in Placencia
Most of the time police officers are only featured in the news for allegations of brutality or for making arrests but a new strategy the Placencia Police are implementing, may change the public’s perception of law enforcement officers. In an effort to build community relations on […]

Orange Walk Police identify body found in Lamanai Lagoon
Police have identified the body found on Wednesday across the Lamanai lagoon in Indian Church Village as 51 year old Guido Urbina, an Honduran national who lived in the village. Police investigations so far have indicated that Urbina was fatally shot to the forehead. He […]

Protestors in Chetumal briefly delay travelers again
Up to midday today, Belizeans and travelers headed to Belize were once again stranded at the Subteniente Lopez area in Chetumal as community members in the area blocked the highway. Breaking Belize News understands that Belizeans and several bikers who were on their way to […]

Who is behind fake Orange Walk Town drivers’ licenses?
This week San Pedro police revealed that several persons approached the Town Council for the routine renewal of their drivers’ licenses from Orange Walk. Unfortunately for them, the documents turned out not to be genuine. Police have begun an investigation and narrowed their focus on […]

Special Envoy releases kids’ activity book on children’s rights
Our children are supposed to be innocent, but in modern times they have had to grow up far faster than they should. One aspect of that growth is becoming aware of the basic rights they have and are entitled to, as well as their responsibilities […]

Belize Territorial Volunteers (BTV) to Sarstoon again, despite warning from Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The Belize Territorial Volunteers have planned another trip to the Sarstoon River for this coming Saturday. The expedition is in commemoration of their trip to the Gracias a Dios border monument along the Sarstoon river last year. At that time, they were detained by Guatemalan military and […]

Packed sports schedule for this weekend
In the National Elite Basketball League this weekend, the first game on Friday night will see the undefeated Belize Hurricanes taking on Belmopan’s Bandits at Elementary Gym 9:00 p.m. and on Saturday in Dangriga, its Warriors will go up against Belize City’s No Limits at Ecumenical Auditorium 8:00 p.m. Also starting at 8:00 Saturday night, […]

City Cops find weed and ammo
The Southside Strike Team 3, Special Branch and K-9 Unit, all attached to the Belize City Police Department, conducted searches on Queen Charlotte Street yesterday morning, resulting in the discovery of weed and ammunition. In an abandoned lot on that street, officers found a […]

People’s United Party seeks place for Cordel on National Executive following meeting
The People’s United Party’s first National Executive meeting since January’s Special National Convention elections took place today in Belize City. While he was not in attendance, former candidate for party leadership Cordel Hyde is expected to be integrated at the senior level of the […]

Belize Defense Force storeroom burglarized in Punta Gorda
The Quarter Master in charge of equipment and storage at Belize Defense Force’s (BDF) Fairweather Camp in Punta Gorda (PG), reported to police yesterday that there was a burglary at the camp’s storeroom, sometime between 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday and 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday […]

Cool and windy conditions prevail
The National Meteorological Service of Belize is predicting variably cloudy and cool weather with light rain along the coast this morning, then decreasing this afternoon. Winds will be blowing from the North-Northwest at 15-25 knots with higher gusts and the sea state will be […]

Is Belize’s vote in FIFA Congress valid?
Football Federation of Belize President, Ruperto Vicente, votes in tomorrow’s FIFA election in Zurich, even though he has been suspended according to his Executive Committee, although he claims the suspension is not legal. FIFA and CONCACAF are yet to rule on the matter. As reported by […]

Basketball and Football action continues
Over the past weekend, starting on Friday night, games continued across the country as part of National Elite Basketball League’s season, which has already reached its halfway point with Belize Hurricanes dominating thus far. Western Ballaz secured a victory against Belmopan’s Bandits with a […]

Blogs

Light lunch and interesting conversation at Cocoblanca
I was recently invited to attend the Belize Humane Symposium hosted by Saga Humane Society at CocoBlanca the Coco Beach restaurant. Since my mom is here on a one week visit and willing to do what ever was on my schedule that she was interested in, she was happy to join me. After Pilates class we got cleaned up and headed north to Coco Beach Resort. There were many new and also many familiar faces at the event. The groups came together to brainstorm, and share best practices on how they can all work smarter not harder. Importing and sharing of medication came up, as sometimes one group may be out of a particular medication and a different one has a surplus. Another interesting comment shared by the Cayo Humane Society is that they use high tech pet ID tags to help track dogs and get their info out to the public.

Bacon-Wrapped Chili Shrimp
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Set a wire rack over a baking sheet. Melt the butter with the chili powder in a small pan, stirring to combine. Divide the chili butter between 2 separate bowls. Wrap each shrimp in a half piece of bacon and skewer with a small skewer or large toothpick. Arrange the shrimp on the wire rack and brush with half of the chili butter (1 of the bowls). Bake until the bacon is cooked, 5 to 10 minutes. With a clean brush, brush on more chili butter from the second bowl. Serve on a big platter and sprinkle with sliced green onions. These can be taken out of the oven up to 1 hour before serving and kept warm. Brush on the second portion of chili butter right before serving.

“Love Is a Losing Game” in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize.
In the previous edition I mentioned that Arsenal had an important Champions League game against Barcelona. I also mentioned that Rose and I get invited to join them when friends have a ‘no work today’ outing. And yesterday was one of those days. There’s a large number of Belizean’s on Ambergris Caye that avidly follow La Liga (the premier football league in Spain) . Predominantly though they are either Real Madrid or Barcelona fans with the majority (based upon my observations) supporting the latter. When Barca are playing the distinctive shirt is to be seen all over the island. So with so many Barca fans on the island I think they thought it would be good to have an Arsenal fan amongst them during the game to poke fun at and they saw me as ‘fit for purpose’ so I vitiated me to watch the game with them.

BLANCMANGE (MAJA BLANCO)
1 In a heavy-bottomed pot, it can be a pressure cooker, place milk and cinnamon sticks. 2 When it begins to boil remove 1/2 liter of the milk and cool. You can help to cool it by placing it on top of some ice. 3 In a blender place the cooled milk and cornstarch and flour and liquefy. 4 Boil the milk that was left in the pot once more and add the blended milk. 5 Stir mixture until you can see the bottom of the pot. 6 Pour into a plate or platter made of clay. 7 Once cooled sprinkle cinnamon powder on top and with a napkin pat it on. 8 Place on table with squared pieces cut out so it can be easily served.

International Sources

Belize's Vicente arrives in Zurich to vote but his exco claims he has been suspended
Football Federation of Belize President, Ruperto Vicente, voting in tomorrow's FIFA election in Zurich, has been suspended according to his Executive Committee, although he claims the suspension is not legal. FIFA and CONCACAF are yet to rule on the matter. A dispute between Vicente, who was elected FFB President in March 2012, and members of his Executive Committee has blown up over recent days with Vicente accused of disallowing candidates not loyal to him in upcoming district elections scheduled for March 13 and overstepping his authority in the decisions he and his General-Secretary Michael Blease, have been making. The dispute has gone legal with Vice President Sergio Chuc having called an executive committee meeting in order "to suspend (Vicente) as member and president of FFB." After some difficulties, the meeting was held with Vicente present and after a compromise could not be found the executive committee members claim Vicente was suspended due to his "ongoing documented history of engaging in and/or permitting improper activities in violation of FFB Statutes 2011," as well as the "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."

C OF I EXPERIENCES BELIZE: A STUDENT’S PERSPECTIVE
Erika Scheibe, a sophomore biology major at The College of Idaho, gives a firsthand account of a recent C of I study abroad experience in Belize, where students accompanied Professors Chris Walser and Don Mansfield to learn about the subtropical ecosystems and culture of the vibrant Central American nation. I look out over a lush tropical landscape that I’ve only ever read about. In front of me in the thick Belizean air rolls an unceasing ocean of hills displaying every shade of green imaginable–lime, jungle, and emerald all enmeshed in one fluid landscape. A flock of rare, brightly hued scarlet macaws rest on their qualmwood tree above me, capturing my interest for hours. I spot a snowy egret flying by, its scintillating white feathers standing in sharp contrast against the dark greenery. In the distance, a black howler monkey bellows its evening call to neighboring troops. The fading sign that shepherds travelers towards the humid outdoors from the small Belize City airport describes Belize perfectly; “Welcome to Belize: Mother Nature’s best kept secret.” During Winter Term 2016, I had the opportunity to uncover these secrets by studying the ecology of Belize through guided jungle walks, snorkeling adventures, and my own independent research. After studying the ecology of Belize throughout fall semester, it was eye-opening to visit the small Central American country first-hand. Through The College of Idaho’s study abroad program, 15 students alongside biology professors Dr. Don Mansfield and Dr. Chris Walser had the opportunity to explore and learn about the vast jungle, savanna and cave ecosystems that make up Belize, as well as the coastal, reef, and mangrove ecosystems of the Caribbean.

Incredible Blue Holes of the World: 1. Great Blue Hole, Belize
Located off the coast of Belize, the Great Blue Hole lies near the center of Lighthouse Reef and is part of the larger Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The underwater sinkhole, which is over 400 feet deep, is a diver's dream—it's considered one of the top 10 diving sites in the world. Divers from all over the world travel here to dive in crystal-clear waters and see myriad species of marine life including, including Midnight Parrotfish and Caribbean reef shark, and spectacular coral formations.

Researchers Explore the Role of the Prehistoric Kayuko Mounds in Maya Royal Accession Ceremonies
Around the world and throughout history many rulers who’ve taken power have said their authority is ordained by God. In Europe it was called the divine right of kings and in China the mandate of heaven. Apparently people in the ancient Maya societies of Mesoamerica had a similar concept, though we don’t know what they may have called it. Some researchers working at a prehistoric site in Belize believe that a group of manmade mounds near a sacred cave were used in royal accession ceremonies by a king seeking approval of the deities. Archaeologists Holley Moyes , Mark Robinson, and Keith M. Prufer wrote in the February 2016 issue of the closed-access journal Antiquity: “The cave of Kayuko Naj Tunich is believed to have been the location of the accession ceremonies for the royal dynasty of the ancient Maya Uxbenká polity in southern Belize. Little is known, however, about the structures referred to as the Kayuko Mound Group that lie close to the cave. Excavations have now provided evidence for the date of this complex, and experimental research has estimated the labour costs involved in its construction. The results suggest that while both the mound group and the cave were involved in the celebration of royal accession, the former acted as a short-lived festival site in contrast to the enduring significance of Kayuko Naj Tunich.”

Taiwan President to visit two Central America nations
President Ma Ying-jeou is scheduled to visit two of Taiwan's diplomatic allies in Central America -- Guatemala and Belize -- in March, sources said Friday. On his March 13-19 trip, Ma will meet with Guatemala's new President Jimmy Morales, Belizean Prime Minister Dean Barrow, Saint Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Timothy Harris, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves, and Saint Lucia Prime Minister Kenny Anthony, the sources said. Ma will also deliver a speech at the Central American Parliament, which is headquartered in Guatemala City, they said. Local press reports added that Ma will make transit stops in Houston and Los Angeles, but not in any citiy on the east coast of the United States.

CDB predicts slower economic growth for region
Caribbean governments have been urged to speed up legal and regulatory reform amid predictions of slower economic growth for the region, following last year’s mixed fortunes. The advice came yesterday from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) which said that overall growth remained sluggish. In its annual review of the performance of regional Borrowing Member Countries (BMCs), the Bank said the global economic difficulties of 2015, including the slowdown in China and its effect on markets elsewhere, had an overall negative impact on the region. The vulnerability caused by a heavy reliance on overseas markets, as well as the impact of natural disasters such as storms and drought particularly in Dominica and The Bahamas, stymied growth. In some BMCs, the reduction in Correspondent Banking Relationships (CBRs) threatened the financial systems and real economies. Recovery in the regional tourism market continued last year with most destinations seeing increases in visitor arrivals; and many reported higher numbers of the more lucrative stay-over visitors. Along with these positive trends, there was an uptick in tourism-related construction. As a result, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, and the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) each experienced growth of more than four per cent. For some of the larger countries, such as The Bahamas and Barbados, the positive tourism impact on growth was more modest.

Commentary: Would the real tax havens please stand
By Sir Ronald Sanders. “It is tantamount to an economic blockade”. That’s how Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister, Gaston Browne, described the current withdrawal from Caribbean indigenous and offshore banks of correspondent relationships by US banks. His sentiments were echoed by Dean Barrow and Freundel Stuart, the prime ministers of Belize and Barbados respectively. The withdrawal of correspondent banking relations is the immediate cause for these strong observations made by the prime ministers, with the endorsement of all heads of government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), but it is not the only reason. The region’s financial services sector has been threatened since the mid 1990s, when the powerful nations of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) introduced its so-called ‘harmful tax competition initiative (HTCI)’. The HTCI was premised on the erroneous belief that companies and persons, domiciled in some of the OECD countries, were stashing hundreds of millions of taxable money in small jurisdictions in the Caribbean, Pacific and the Indian Ocean where there was either low or no taxation.

UK expats – register to vote in the EU referendum
Attention UK Expats! Almost 106,000 overseas electors registered to vote - three times the numbers that were on the register ahead of the previous general election in 2010. While this is a real improvement, it is still a fraction of the 5.5 million UK citizens estimated to be living overseas, and potentially eligible to vote at the EU Referendum. This means millions of UK citizens living overseas could miss out on their chance take part in the referendum on the UK’s membership of the European Union because they don’t know they are eligible to register to vote. That is why we are supporting the second ever Overseas Voter Registration Day to let UK residents overseas that many of them are eligible to vote and that it’s now easier than ever to take the first step by going online to register to vote. With the date of the referendum as yet unknown, we are advising UK expats to register sooner rather than later so you can be sure you are registered in time. Expats can now register online to vote in just a few minutes at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote In fact, thousands of expats have already taken advantage of the new system in order to register to vote.

Videos

February 25, 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

Unsustainable Shark Fishing is killing the Belize Marine Ecosystem
The marine conservation community is in an outrage over the recent report of the gill net and long line fishing of sharks occurring near the Lighthouse Reef Atoll. Both MarAlliance and Oceana in Belize have expressed their discontent over the unsustainable practice which in drastically damaging our marine ecosystem. But in the fishermen’s defense, the practice is legal in Belize, as there are no laws against gill net or line fishing, or even fishing for sharks. In fact, the only shark species protected in Belize are Whale Sharks and Nurse Sharks, allowing other species such as Caribbean Reef Sharks and Hammer Heads to be legally killed. Reports surfaced on Sunday, February 21st, when MarAlliance posted on their social media page images of the shark massacre. The pictures posted represented a portion of a single day’s fishing with nets and longlines, and included at least 32 sharks representing three species, including the endangered great hammerhead and pregnant Caribbean reef sharks.

Police suspect retaliation in murder of Frank Edwards Jr.
Currently San Pedro Police have two persons in custody, and believe that Edwards’ murder was in retaliation to another murder of an islander exactly one year ago. According to official reports from the police, at about 8:50PM Edwards was inside his home along with family members when there was a knock on the door. Someone from outside shouted “Police” and as a result Edwards opened the door to find out what was happening. Without warning he was shot multiple times by his perpetrators who then quickly made their escape in a skiff through the lagoon area behind his house. Family members placed Edwards’ body in his boat and drove it to the dock on Tarpon Street were police found him. Upon investigation at the scene of the shooting, Police recovered (17) seventeen .45 auto expended shells, (14) fourteen .9mm expended shells, (2) two 12 gauge expended cartridge, (1) one 12-gauge live cartridge, (3) three .45 slug, (2) two .9mm slug and (5) five pellets from the scene.

Ambergris Today

Very windy night last night.... this from 9pm last night
Power crews are working on completely restoring power to all areas of Ambergris Caye as the island experienced power failure due to faulty lines. Wind gusts exceeded 25mph and knocked down trees in some neighborhoods

Police Suspect Retaliation in Latest Murder Case
On Tuesday evening, February 23, 2016, at about 9:30p.m., San Pedro Police officers were called to Mr. Francisco Arceo’s dock located on Tarpon Street where they found the lifeless body of Frank Luis Edwards Jr. inside a 16-foot skiff. Edwards, 27-years-old Belizean fisherman, suffered multiple gunshot wounds to his chest, stomach, neck and face. His body was retrieved from the boat and taken to the San Pedro Polyclinic where he was pronounced dead on arrival at 10:06p.m. by resident doctor Renae Sersland. Police believe that the motive for the murder is retaliation for drug/murder cases in the past in which Edwards has been linked to. Frank is no stranger to the San Pedro Police Department and has been in and out of court in several cases, including the 2009 murder case of James Swan and Edward "Bro Lee" Gutierrez in which he and three other men were acquitted of murder and set free.

Belize Dive Master Big Sexy Has Serious Bubble Ring Blowing Skills
He is known in the diving world of Belize as ‘Big Sexy’, working as a dive master at Chuck and Robbie’s Scuba Diving & Instruction, one of the leading dive shops in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize. Famous for these bubbles, Big Sexy is constantly asked to perform this trick almost every day. His name is Turiano Vasquez Jr., but ‘Big Sexy’ stuck to him one day and now he is a well known dive instructors on the island – Everybody Knows Big Sexy!! He is fun, adventurous, entertaining and a very friendly guy. His outgoing personality helps make his diving tours a blast. David McNab and his family from Peterborough, Canada are frequent visitors to Ambergris Caye. He shares with us this great video and images he took while on a diving trip, showcasing Big Sexy blowing bubble rings at 60 feet below the surface. It is a really cool talent, don’t you think?

Misc Belizean Sources

BELIZE FISHING REPORT: Week of February 14th – February 20th, 2016
A good weather week with lots of great guests that had the lodge in a great mood. Orivi had the winter Bonefish Bonanza and had 10 guides reserved for a great group, lots of couples, lots of fun, Big thanks go out to Duber, Orvis’ host for the Bonefish Bonanza event, everything was smooth and successful.

Princess Cruise Awards Chukka (Belize) Tour of the Season
Staff from Chukka (Belize) attended an on-board ceremony on the Caribbean Princess on Thursday, February 11th to accept the award of the 2014/2015 High Volume Tour of the Season. The tour that won in this category is Chukka’s Lamanai Mayan Ruins, Mangrove River Cruise & Lunch. Chukka has been providing this tour to Princess cruise ships since 2012. This is the 3rd consecutive year that Chukka has won a Tour of the Season by Princess as part of its Western Caribbean itinerary awards recognition program. Princess Cruises also made notable mentions of several of the guides who provide guiding services for the Chukka tours in Belize. On hand to receive the award were members of Chukka Belize’s management team. Cruise Operations Manager, Idorine Vernon, says “We thank Princess for this recognition which would not have been possible without the hard work and effort of the tour guides on this tour and our transportation and meal service suppliers with whom we work as a team. We look forward to continue doing our best in providing safe and fun tours”.

Maya Wedding Re-enactment at Santa Rita site
History indicates that a Spanish sailor named Gonzalo Guerrero was shipwrecked in 1511, off the coast of Belize shortly after the New World Discovery. A great friendship grew between Guerrero and Nachanhan who was the Maya Ruler of Santa Rita, known as Old Chetumal. Eventually Guerrero married Nachanhan's daughter, and their children were considered the first Mestizo of Belize. Mestizo culture is defined as a mix of Spanish and Mayan ancestry, and larger populations are found in the Northern districts of Belize. On Saturday February 6, 2016, a reenactment of The Royal Wedding of Nachanhan's daughter to the Spaniard, Guerrero was presented at the Santa Rita Site in Corozal, Belize. The event was opened to the general public and was organized by the BTB, Centro Escolar Mexico, Corozal Chapter of the Belize Tourism Industry Association and the National Institute of Culture and History. The idea is to make the Santa Rita Maya Temple a spiritual wedding garden,opening to newly engaged couples, persons renewing their vows or for those celebrating a milestone in their lives. Other highlights of the night included a portrayal of the cultural celebration with the hog head, a demonstration of the traditional Mayan Ball game ( Pitz ) which was played on stone courts at the temples. The objective of the game was to keep the ultimately passing it through high hoops that were suspended above the courts.

2016 Maya Mountain Adventure Challenge- February 20-23, 2016
Local and International Teams of four compete for 3 days and nights in an epic adventure. The challenge includes Mountain biking, trekking, orienteering, canoeing, rappelling and spelunking through the Maya Mountains and the Belizean Jungle, braving 220 miles of jungle trails, rapids, rivers, cave systems and waterfalls. This grueling competition showcases the very best of what Belize has to offer to nature and adventure lovers.

Ruta Maya River Challenge 2016- March 4-7, 2016
The Ruta Maya River Challenge, held annually in March, brings together 90-100 teams of professional and amateur paddlers from all over the world. It is the longest race of its kind in Central America consisting of 170 miles of paddling on the Belize River over the course of 4 days. The paddlers are challenged by currents, rapids, low areas that require them to physically carry their canoes for short distances and stronger winds as they approach the Caribbean Sea. The start of the race sees hundreds of locals and visitors trooping to the banks of the Macal River to watch the canoes pass and to cheer on their favourite teams. All teams consist of three members who must be aboard the canoe at the start of the race and no substitutes are allowed once the race has commenced.

BPP Progressive Tourism & Environment Plan
If it doesn't ban gill net fishing and implement the traditional fishermen recommendation, to protect our Fisheries from being raped by Guatemalans, then this initiative is futile. The BPP Progressive Tourism & Environment Plan is very clear: - Legislate the Integrated Coastal Zone Management Policy - Removal of the Ministerial discretion Provisions of the Fisheries Act Finalize Belize Fisheries Act Revision Project. We draw attention to: - Immediately banning gill net fishing in Belize’s waters. - To procure a fishing license, we will set up the system recommended by the southern commercial fishermen on September 5, 2013 at the Placencia Community Center and that is: - Defining a “Traditional Fisherman” as a born Belizean who has been fishing all their lives in Belize’s waters, and this tradition being passed down from at least 3 generations of born Belizean forefathers. - A Special committee of local traditional fishermen will be setup to proactively identify who all are current traditional fishermen. Anyone who does not make this list will have to go thru a vetting process by this committee, which will ultimately decide if they should get"traditional fisherman" status and thus a fishing license.

ENDORSEMENT OF THE BELIZE INTEGRATED COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT PLAN
The Honorable Gaspar Vega, Deputy Prime Minister of Belize and Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment and Sustainable Development has announced the recent decision made by the government of Belize on February 9th 2016 to endorse Belize’s first National Integrated Coastal Zone Management Plan (“the Plan”). This announcement was made during the Deputy Prime Minister’s keynote address delivered at the Official Opening Ceremony for Coastal Awareness Week 2016 being implemented by the Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute under the theme, “The Coast is Ours…Let’s Climate Proof-It!” In his keynote address, Honorable Gaspar Vega stated that government’s decision to endorse the Plan is “a reaffirmation of this government’s commitment to fulfilling the national agenda for growth and sustainable development.” He further stated that government is fully committed to the implementation of the Plan, which “signals a pioneering step towards strengthening the governance of coastal resources through the strategic transition from sectoral management to a coordinated, cross-sectoral decision making regime”.

Power interruptions Saturday February 27 & Sunday, February 28: entire Orange Walk & Corozal Districts
7:00am to 7:15am & 4:45pm to 5:00pm, BEL to facilitate line maintenance by Comisión Federal De Electricidad (CFE).

Toucans now relocated to release cage
Their final stop before freedom in about 7 days. Belize Bird Rescue in action again... Bless 'em all!

Corazon Creek Technical High School gets classrooms and science lab
Through the U.S. Embassy's Military Liasion Office and the U.S. Southern Command’s (SOUTHCOM) Humanitarian Assistance Program (HAP) we recently opened two classroom buildings with state of the art science lab and bathroom facility at the the Corazon Creek Technical High School in Belize. The construction of the classroom building serves two pruposes. It not only provides a good learning environment for students, but also serves as a shelter in times of disaster. The project also included retrofitting the building with the solar panels. The new school building was built to the highest standards of design and construction with minimal maintenance cost. The total value of these construction projects is just over BZ$1,090,000.

January 2016 External Trade & Consumer Price Index
During the month of January 2016, Belize’s total imports were valued at almost $131 million, falling by 7.5 percent or $10.7 million when compared to the $141.6 million imported in January 2015. The ‘Commercial Free Zones’ and ‘Export Processing Zones’ were among the categories recording the largest declines in imports. Purchases for the Commercial Free Zones diminished by almost $11 million, from $28 million to $17 million, mainly due to an $8 million reduction in the importation of cigarettes. The total value of Belize’s domestic exports for the month of January 2016 was $22.8 million, down 29.5 percent or $9.5 million from the $32.3 million recorded in January 2015. Marine products, which recorded the best performance among the major exports in January 2015, fell steeply in January 2016 from $12 million to $2.5 million, owing to a $10 million fall in shrimp earnings. Only a little over half a million dollars worth of shrimp was exported for the month, as the industry embarks on restocking its ponds. Earnings from banana exports shrank from $7.6 million to less than $5 million, as the exported volume for this product dropped by over a third. Additionally, orange concentrate sales declined from $5 million to $3.5 million, resulting in an overall $2 million drop in citrus exports for the month.

The Belize Sea Goddess
he Belize Sea Goddess is latest Living Sculpture in the Sea project by The Marine Foundation and is their first for Belize and in the Western Hemisphere. The Eco art reef is created in collaboration with Roberts Grove Beach Resort, Placencia and local environmental group, SEA, Southern Environment Agency and will be installed during National Reef Week in Silk Caye Marine Reserve on March, Saturday 12th. Designed by esteemed artist and Foundation’s founder, Celia Gregory and inspired by the ancient feminine symbol of fertility; the Sea Goddess was created with a local team. The artificial reef sculpture will become a living artwork, evolving over time, providing habitat for fish and coral and an emblem of nurturing and protection. This Collaborative project represents a positive and creative step in the protection of Belize’s marine habitat.

CHANGE IN IMPORT DUTIES & PRICES FOR FUEL PRODUCTS
esterday, the Ministry of Finance apprised the Cabinet of the continued, significant decrease in domestic crude oil production and the attendant slump in tax revenues and royalties, and made recommendations for immediate compensatory adjustments to the duties levied upon imported fuel products. Consequently, Cabinet approved the following adjustments, effective February 25, 2016, to the import duties: Increase of 40 cents per US Gallon on Premium Gasoline to $3.36 per US Gallon Increase of 30 cents per US Gallon on Regular Gasoline to $3.03 per US Gallon Increase of 80 cents per US Gallon on Diesel Oil to $2.72 per US Gallon The combined effect of this change, along with the downward change in the CIF prices of this recent fuel shipment, will result in new pump prices per US gallon (in Belize City) as follows: Premium Gasoline -$8.99 per US gallon Regular Gasoline - $7.98 per US gallon Diesel Oil - $7.52 per US gallon.

CARICOM Election Observation Mission Team
Ms. Josephine Tamai, Chief Elections Officer, Elections and Boundaries Department, Belize, is leading the eleven member CARICOM Election Observation Mission Team, which began arriving in Jamaica on 21 February. The CARICOM Election Observation Mission mounted for Jamaica’s February 25 General Elections has hit the ground with meetings involving the country’s two major political parties – the ruling Peoples National Movement of Prime Minister Portia Simpson-Miller and the main opposition Jamaica Labour Party led by Andrew Holness. The Mission, in an Arrival Statement issued Tuesday, said it also plans to meet with other political parties, the Commissioner of Police, the Electoral Commission of Jamaica, the Chamber of Commerce, the media and civil society groups.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to the Corozal House of Culture
Keep up the great work.

Aircraft Technical Records Clerk position open with Tropic Air
Tropic Air is an innovative, fun and energetic company and we are looking for someone to join our team. Check out our open positions and send us your resumés. Input and update daily flight hours in the computer, Input/track daily time sheets and schedules for the maintenance department, Generate work packs and work orders, Maintain aircraft technical logbooks and associated aircraft records, Input completed work packs & work order in the computer, Prepare reports using available data, Clear communication with other departments within the company, Comply with daily office duties.

District Youth Development Council Election
Corozal - The following is a list of nominees for the District Youth Development Council Election to be held February 29th, 2016. Electronic voting will be conducted via the respective Department of Youth Services. For the Corozal District, here are the nominees and their positions. Corozal District:- PRESIDENT - 1. Teotisha Hall 2. Damari Tesecum 3. Benigno Lizama VICE PRESIDENT - 1. Ginelly Novelo 2. Mikael E. Gilharry 3. Dominique Vellos

Spanish Lookout 2016 Business Expo
The Spanish Lookout Business Expo is this Friday and Saturday, at Countryside Park. More than 100 businesses will be showing their wares. There will be food and drinks, and fun too.

Global Trees Symposium
The Global Trees Symposium is this Friday at University of Belize. They have an all star lineup of speakers. "All are invited to attend!"

JUSTIN WILLIAMS: BELIZE'S 2015 HOLY SATURDAY CROSS CYCLING COUNTRY CHAMPION!
While the Belizean-American athlete racked up wins after wins here on the California cycling classics over the last year, will 2016 see the outstanding and incredible cycling phenom enter the most popular Central American Cycling Classic, the National Belize Holy Saturday Cross Country Cycling Race. Along with him and his younger brother, Corey Williams, who has peaked to his finest condition over the last year, and also has won some big races on the California cycling circuit even beating his older brother Justin on one occasion, will the Williams brothers be there to defend the Garland again for Belize and continue the Miguel Brothers story of a dynasty of family cyclists raised up to become champions of the road. As March approaches and the sweltering heat of Belize's dry season pushes out its ugly head, the challenge of Belize's Cross Country calls as the bugel can be heard blazing in the wee hours of the dawn. Bring it on!

JGBB EAST COAST & MIDWEST ROAD SHOW 2016
The Belize team from JG Black Book and the Belize Tourism Board presenting to agents in Chicago.

Channel 7

Notorious Island Figure Executed
If you follow the news, you might remember the name Frank Edwards Jr. He's a 27 year-old fisherman from the San Mateo Area of San Pedro Town. He's also been in numerous run in's with the law, and he even got off a murder and a double murder. But, last night at a few minutes before 9:00, he couldn't escape a group of determined killers who hunted him down in his house for a merciless execution. Frank Edwards Sr., the father of the deceased, told 7News that he knows very little about what happened last night, but what he has been told is that Frank Jr. was inside his home with other family members when they heard a knock on the door. Someone from the outside shouted "Police!", and Edwards Jr. answered the door, thinking that he was going to meet police officers. He was greeted instead by a gunman wielding a shot gun who immediately unloaded the weapon on Edwards Jr. He fell back inside the house, and that's when other gunmen opened fire and released a hail of bullets. Some accounts are that he suffered as many as 40 gunshot injuries. After the attack, the gunmen ran out of the house and allegedly escaped on a getaway boat.

Unidentified Body In Indian Church; Signs Of Violence Discovered
About a month ago, we told you about the gruesome murder of 51 year-old Francisco Arrevalo, chairman of the remove Orange Walk Village of Indian Church. Well late this evening, Orange Walk Police had to return to that normally quiet village for yet another killing. The male victim remains unidentified at this time, and reports to 7News are that he was discovered across a lagoon in the Village, near to a resort. His body was discovered by a birdwatcher, and when the authorities went to investigate, they found that his hand was tied behind his back, a rope was around his neck, and there were what appeared to be stab wounds. Even More frightening than that is that parts of the victim's body was missing, and it is believed that it may have been eaten by wild animals, most likely crocodiles. When our colleagues at CTV3 News left the scene, police were still processing it, and we'll have more for you on this developing story tomorrow.

Coast Guard Still Looking For The Other Drowning Victim
And keeping it in the Orange Walk District, today, the Coast Guard resumed the search for the still unidentified youth who went swimming in the New River with his friend, 21 year-old Carlos Reyes, but never resurfaced. As we told you, there was a third young man who was with them, and he jumped in as well, but he noticed a crocodile lurking in the waters. He got out and tried to warn his other 2 companions, but he couldn't find them. After hours of search yesterday, the Coast Guard found the body of 21 year-old Carlos Reyes, but they had to suspend their efforts because it was getting too dark. Coast Guard divers searched for much of today as well, and they still couldn't find the body of the other unidentified young man. One of the divers discussed the difficulties they were facing: Coast Guard: "We resumed search about 8:30 this morning and we did both sides, we did surface searches in the canoe about 300 yards going down stream. We did both sides and come down the middle and then we did dives similar to how we did the surface search along both ends but so we didn't come up with anything. We break off for lunch after which we did another surface search a while ago."

ComPol Discusses Fake Cops
On Monday, we told you about the fake police officers, dressed in Khaki and Blue, who came upon two security guards and convinced them that an impromptu search was being conducted. The security guards suspected that something was amiss, but by that time, it was too late to put up any resistance, because by that time, the thugs had already pulled out a gun to threaten them with. The men then ran off with a licensed weapon, another gun belonging to a security firm. Well, while we had the opportunity today, we asked the Commissioner of Police about these incidents, and he told us that his officers are treating it with priority: Allen Whylie - Commissioner of Police: "It's a major concern, I had directed and I know we had sent out a press release in terms of advising businesses what to do. It is a great concern because if we have persons posing as police officers then it impacts negatively in terms of the general police officers going to execute their duties and I hope that people if they are in doubt they would call their nearest police station who should be able to confirm whether or not police officers had been dispatched to do any searches or any premises and that sort of thing. In other countries these things occur, we are investigating, we are trying to nip it but we had a number of persons detained and I believe that we may have charged one person."

US Embassy Facilitated GOB On De-Risking Talks
Last week, we gave you extensive coverage of the CARICOM Heads Of Government meeting held on the Placencia Peninsula, which Prime Minister Dean Barrow Chaired. A major part of those high level discussions was the threat that the de-risking phenomenon poses to bank indigenous to the Caribbean. A very extensive action plan has been passed by the CARICOM Heads of Government to try to tackle this problem, which is complex and has no quick fixes, and no easy resolution. In the meantime, the US Embassy in Belize has been observing the effects it has been having in this country. They've been working closely to try to assist the Belize Government in anyway it can to reach out to the relevant authorities in the US. Today, at another event, Ambassador Carlos Moreno told us that he and his subordinates have not been sitting on their hands while this issue unfolds: Reporter: "Have you been contacted by Belize or government in terms of ways of how the US embassy can intervene?" H.E. Carlos Moreno - US Ambassador: "Yes for the last 15 months our embassy has been working with the Bankers Association and Central Bank and with the Prime Minister and other aspects of government to resolve that by bringing together the regulators in Washington with the commercial banks themselves and with the representatives from the government of Belize to address that problem. I think we're making progress, we have very limited authority to tell the correspondent banks in the US is to what to do and how to manage their accounts but we hope that together in addressing specific issues that we're able to address this very critical issue that is so important to the Belizean economy. So we are there, we are working on getting people to talk to resolve the issue."

CDB's Outlook On Caribbean Economies For 2016
Today in St. Michael, Barbados, the Caribbean Development Bank held its annual news conference to review the economic performance of the region, and to discuss the bank's various interjections. Jules Vasquez was at the CDB Headquarters along with 20 other Caribbean journalists for the two hour press conference this morning. Bank President Dr. Warren Smith said there is guarded optimism about the performance of Caribbean economies in 2016:... Dr. William Warren Smith - President, CDB: "We could say that 13 of the 19 baring member countries in CDB's membership, we would expect that to grow faster in 2016 than they did in 2015. But two of our stronger credits, that is Trinidad and Tobago and Suriname will experience negative growth in 2016. So ladies and gentlemen I want to conclude that Caribbean economies are in something of a recovery mode and in my view that's fair comment except that this recovery is occurring at a time of great uncertainty in what is emerging as somewhat topsy- turvy external environment. Ladies and gentlemen let me conclude my presentation by saying simply that I am guardedly optimistic about 2016. Economic recovery remains fragile but we expect that countries will continue on an upward growth trajectory."

CDB Satisfied With Belize's Road Safety Project
The 2016 growth for Belize is projected to be 2.7%, up from 2% in 2015. It's far from runaway growth, but - performance wise - it does put Belize in the upper echelon of Caribbean economies. And maybe that's why - of 19 members countries - Belize is among the top three largest beneficiaries of CDB loans. For the CDB, the proudest among those is the road safety project focussed on the George Price Highway. President Smith told us they hope to use it as a model throughout the Caribbean:... Dr. William Warren Smith - President, CDB: "We are very pleased with the results that have come from that project and we feel that we can use it as a demonstration for the introduction of road safety projects in other Caribbean countries. Belize is a big country; we would also like to be able to deploy that kind of a project more in other parts of Belize." And they're already taking it to other parts of Belize -namely the Phillip Golden Highway - specifically between the Haulover Bridge and the Airport. That is set for a 13 million dollar overhaul which should start in just a few weeks. Project Director Daniel Best told us more:.. Daniel Best - Director, Project Dept. - CBD: "The George Price Highway is certainly a flagship project for the CDB; it is one that we are very proud of. We expect to see similar outcome, similar benefits to rubdown to this initiative. Since the George Price Highway project, the road safety project has been implemented. We have seen a 40% reduction in fatalities on that transit chord which phenomenal and we expect similar results on the Phillip Goldson Highway in that we will be improving road safety measures in terms of side walk, in terms of street lighting, in terms of signage on the roadway."

Another Attempt At Getting Youths Into Central Government
Last week Friday, we told you about this idea by Central Government to include representation from youth population in the country to have a say in the way country will be run. It's called the National Youth Council, and idea is that youths will chosen to be members of this body through a democratic process where delegates from Youth Advocacy organizations will be able to vote for which young person they think is a good leader. This Council will then be able to lobby and influence policy decisions made by the Cabinet and the House of Representatives. It's interesting idea to give youths a say in the policy decisions which affect them, but it's been tried before and met with failure. Well, the Barrow Administration believes that the time is right for yet another attempt and so aspirants have been going around campaigning to the delegates to be elected.

Coastal Zone Awareness
Right now, the Coastal Zone Management Authority And Institute are well on their way into celebrating Coastal Awareness Week. It's time where the CZMAI wants the country to think about how to protect and preserve the coast line so that it's beauty and financial worth continues, hopefully in perpetuity. On Monday, the CZMAI and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment and Sustainable Development held an opening ceremony to note it's importance: Chantelle Samuels - CEO, CMAI: "Today is a very special day for the Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute. In the first instance we had our official opening of coastal awareness week 2016 which begins today February 22nd and runs through to Saturday February 27th. The theme for this year is The Coast is ours, Let's climate proof it. This theme is very timely; it's very relevant as we grapple with the adverse impacts of climate change. The everyday citizen will attest to the fact that we have period of rain when we would normally have dry season and vice versa and there are other climate change impacts that we are already experiencing. So this week really is to help us as a people and a government to look at viable options for climate adaptation as well as to look at what we can do to ensure that our coastal environment, our eco-systems remains resilient so we can better adapt to the impact of climate change."

World Fuel Prices Down; Belize Prices Up
World fuel prices are falling to record lows - but here in Belize, the more it goes down, the more government increases taxes! The Ministry of Finance announced today that effective tomorrow, the import duty on all fuels are going up. That means an increase of 40 cents per gallon on premium, 30 cents per gallon on regular, and 80 cents per gallon on diesel. So that means that effective tomorrow, the new pump prices will be, 8 dollars and 99 cents per gallon for diesel, seven dollars and 98 cents per gallon for regular, and seven dollars and 52 cents per gallon for Diesel. So, how does that compare with the old prices? Well for premium which is currently nine dollars and 30 cents a gallon, that;s actually going down. Regular, which is currently seven dollars and 61 cents per gallon is going up by 37 cents, while diesel jumps the most: that is currently at six dollars and 52 cents per gallon and it's spiking up by one dollars to seven dollars and 52 cents - a 15% increase. But Government says "don't worry, be happy" because, quote, "the Ministry (of finance) expects that there may be a substantial downward adjustment in the coming weeks.

Federation Of Fishers Weighs On Shark Fishing
Over the past couple of days we have been reporting on the use of gillnets to catch sharks and other sea products. The issue was brought up by Mar Alliance who alleged that the pictures they uploaded on facebook depicted a recent catch of sharks in Sanbore Caye that were done with the use of gillnets by a group of fishermen, some whom they allege were not licensed. Today the Belize Fisheries Federation has added their voice to that discourse saying and we quote, “The Federation...stands against the improper use of these gears….and questions if and when the Ministry will address this growing enforcement issues that is casing a black eye on the fisherfolk in Belize.” end quote. They also made note that the gears have been traditionally used for decades and is something that many of their members’ livelihoods depend on. The press release ended by calling on the Government NGO community and other stake holders to join in identifying mechanisms to address this growing problem.

Growing Gang Resistant Youths
Stay away from gangs, drugs, and crime, and stay in school. Those seem to be easy goals for any young person, but when you factor in peer pressure and poverty, it can become a challenge for a lot of young people living in marginalized neighbourhoods. So, that's why the Police Department, realizing the scope of the problem, launched its Gang Resistance Education and Training. 95 children have passed through the program which has been running for a few years, and today, we got to meet a few of the youths who graduated out. The Commissioner of Police and the US Ambassador to Belize told us that they see the benefits, and are excited to continue the initiative Allen Whylie - Commissioner of Police: "This was the third graduating class for the Belize Police Department with the 35 new officers who graduated today, we have approximately 150 officers trained in the Great Programme, we also have three international trainers and we have another constable who is about to complete his training and also be the fourth international trainer so the Great Programme is here to stay within the Belize Police Department, it is a very beneficial programme that has police officers going into the various schools and imparting their knowledge in terms of teaching young people, students how to resist peer pressure, how to handle peer pressure; how to deal with issues of gangs and drugs and a lot of the other social issues that normally affect young people."

FFB President Vicente: Sec Gen Blease Good For Football
By now, viewers may know very well that the Ruperto Vicente led Football Federation of Belize has erupted in a very public fight where his executive team, Cruz Gamez, Marlon Kuylen, and Sergio Chuc, tried to get him suspended. They think he's bad for football, and though it is being publized a few weeks before this executive's term ends, the reality is that they've been a house divided right after the 2012 elections 4 years ago. A big complaint that the 3 have against their president is that Vicente has allowed FFB Secretary General far too much authority to make decisions that only executive members ought to have. Some of those decisions, they say, haven't gone very well for the progress of football in Belize, yet the president still continues to allow him relatively free reign. We asked Vicente about that criticism last week Friday, and here's how he responded:

Jasmine Alert Needs Your Support
The Jasmine Alert Program is in its 4 year, and it's pioneer Patrick Menzies launched to activate the law enforcement might by releasing urgent bulletins to the nation for missing children. The Jasmine Alert was launched in 2012 in memory of Jasmine Lowe, who was brutally murdered in Cayo after being missing for several days. But the Jasmine Alert Program has been operating barebones. It's managers have run out of funding, and donors have been hard to come by. So, Executive Director Patrick Menzies is launching a fundraiser which he hopes you will buy into for a very important service which might be slowly withering. He talked about this fundraiser with us tomorrow: Patrick Menzies - Executive Director, Jasmine Alert: "The Jasmine Alert Programme started in July 31st 2012 and we had some help first few months from a few companies and that died off after 6 months. We have two individuals who have helped us off and on for a little while after but that's about it. This fund raiser we are doing is our first national fund raiser. We're doing a motorcycle raffle with Universal Hardware from Spanish Lookout. They have given us a very good deal to help us with the motorcycle situation..."

Cops Discuss Mental Illness
Several senior police officers from formations across the country met today with members of the Mental Health Department at the George Price Center in Belmopan. The main item on the agenda was to discuss matters that have to do with the arresting of persons with mental disabilities. Several times in the past police have failed to levy charges against an individual because of the person’s apparent mental instability. In 2014 a protocol on Mental Health was developed in the police manual to address this same concern. But as with everything, the protocol presented other problems. So today a meeting was convened to tighten up some of those loose ends on the mental health protocol of the police manual. Some of those comments and recommendations noted at today’s round table discussion will be taken up to the highest form of Government in the hopes of using it as a guide to develop a legal module for authorities in the law enforcement that find themselves in situations dealing with mentally ill persons.

Cops Meet Gungulung Community
Cops in Eastern Division South continue their routinely meet and greet sessions. Today they hit the Gungulung area of Belize City. We caught up with them at La Croix Boulevard and spoke to the South Side Commander Alden Dawson who told us that they are back in the Gungulung today because they have seen that their efforts in community policing in that area and others have been working. We note that recently the city activity has been relatively down. Since the start of the year there have only been three City murders. And only one of them was gun related. The police department continue to push their community policing agenda in other parts of the country to improve relationship with the general public.

Eastern Division North's Officer Of The Month
Today, the commanders of eastern Division North followed up on their ongoing push to recognize hardworking police by rewarding their officer of the month of January 2016. He’s Police Constable Alfredo Chavarria, and his police bosses say that he’s a model of what up-and-coming police officers should strive for.Here’s what his superiors told us: He’s a man of few words, but we take it that PC Chavarria focuses that and other energies into bettering his department.

Rural Police Building Their On Station's Addition
And From North to Rural Eastern Division, we found the police putting down their pens, handcuffs, guns, and other police equipment, and picking up a masonry’s trowel to lay blocks and mix cement. You’ve seen Top Cop Broaster, Dancing Broaster, Chef Broaster, Broaster the Trickster, and Secret Santa Broaster, but tonight you’ll meet Broaster the Contractor. He told us that he and his officers have taken it upon themselves to build an addition to the Ladyville Police Station to better serve the public. Here’s that interview:

Channel 5

Frank Edwards Jr. Gunned Down in San Pedro
Frank Edwards Junior was accused of murdering James Swan and Eduardo Gutierrez and burying them in a shallow grave in 2009. He was also accused of killing a security guard [...]

Two Detained for Murder of San Pedro Waitress
Even as they investigate this murder, San Pedro Police are trying to close another. One week ago Honduran Johana Mendez Barrios was killed inside her apartment, her throat cut. Investigators [...]

Body Found in Lamanai Lagoon
There is a second murder to report. At news time tonight Orange Walk Police are at a site on the Lamanai Lagoon in the community of Indian Church, south of [...]

Still No Sign of Missing New River Swimmer…Presumed Drowned
The body of twenty-one-year-old Carlos Reyes, a resident of Coyocville, Trial Farm Village was fished out of the New River in Orange Walk Town on Tuesday morning.  Reyes is one [...]

GOB Raises Import Duties on Fuel
The new shipment of fuel is in, and the acquisition cost, or C.I.F., is down, which means that pump prices should automatically go down. But they won’t, because GOB has [...]

Investigations Continue in Shooting Death of Belizean Woman in Inglewood
Investigations continue tonight in the shooting death of a Belizean mother of three children who lived in Inglewood, California. Kisha Michaels was shot in her car by cops early on [...]

SP Police Say Crime Down in that Municipality
The murder in San Pedro last week, followed so shortly after by another Tuesday night – both violent – may give the impression that La Isla Bonita is becoming a [...]

Four Arrested for Fake Drivers’ Licenses in San Pedro
San Pedro Police are also investigating a widespread forgery ring – specifically fake Orange Walk drivers’ licenses. From what we’ve been able to determine, these persons purchase forged licenses, with [...]

Decision in Keyren Tzib PI Reserved
Female coastguard officer, Keyren Tzib, went back to court this morning. She is accused of manslaughter in the stabbing death of her boyfriend, Thythis Blancaneaux on July eighteenth, 2015 in [...]

Velasquez Will Stand Trial for Rape of Minor
Another preliminary inquiry took place today. Thirty-five year old Jorge Velasquez who in September 2014 was accused of raping a twelve-year-old girl is back behind bars at the Belize Central [...]

Cameron Slusher alleged Fake Cop charged with Aggravated Assault
There have been at least three recent cases of fake cops on the loose.  Today, a case came up in court which seems to involve the fake cops. Security officer, [...]

CDB Holds 2016 Media Conference
The Caribbean Development Bank held its 2016 media conference today at its headquarters in Barbados. President William Warren Smith opened the conference outlining the major issues that the Caribbean region [...]

Observer Mission on Ground Preparing for Elections in Jamaica
This Thursday, Jamaicans go to the polls to decide where Prime Minister Portio Simpson known as Mama P will remains as the P.N.P. Prime Minister or whether Opposition Leader Andrew [...]

St. John Vianney Kids Get New Playground
Primary school students at St. John’s Vianney Primary School were ecstatic this morning when they were allowed onto a new playground.  The swings, seesaw and slide are a donation from [...]

Police Officers Complete GREAT Training
The GREAT program funded by the U.S. government has become an important element in the work of the police department.  It first started in the City and has now spread [...]

CTV3

Orange Walk Records Its Fourth Murder, The Victim Is Tortured
Today Orange Walk recorded its fourth murder for the year 2016. This morning authorities received an anonymous call at about 10:30 informing them about a body of an unidentified male person that was found floating in the Lamanai Lagoon located in the Village of Indian Church in Orange Walk. Reports to CTV3 News indicate that the body was discovered by a tour guide who was bird watching in the area this morning. Our news team travelled to Indian Church and when we arrived at the scene the body of the victim was being transported via a skiff to the other side of the lagoon. According to Inspector of Police, Nicholas Palomo, the body had multiple visible injuries which led authorities to believe that the individual was murdered and thrown in the lagoon approximately two to three days prior to the discovery. Nicholas Palomo – Inspector of Police: “The body was already severed in two from the waist down and from the chest up it was probably done by predators, the body however had on a blue jeans pants and a blue shirt with white lines, it appears to have some bruces, his two hands were bound with a yellow rope and as we speak right now the doctors will look after a post mortem and after it is done we will know exactly where and what other injuries the body has.”

Belzie Coast Guard Continue To Comb The New River for Missing Male
Today there is still no word on the second drowning victim that plunged into the New River on Monday evening and never resurfaced. According to reports, 21 one year old Carlos Reyes along with a second unidentified male jumped into the New River on Monday evening at around 5:30 but never reappeared. Following hours of continuous efforts by the Belize Coast Guard and local divers the lifeless body of Reyes was located yesterday at about 11:00 in the morning. Today at around 8:30 in the morning members of the Belize Coast Guard resumed their search for the second man but the surface and underwater searches proved futile. Seamond Castro- Belize Coast Guard “We resume search about 8:30 this morning and we did both sides, we did surface searches on the canoe about 300 yards went that way down stream and both sides coming down the middle and then we did dives similar to how we did the surface search along both ends.” Considering that nobody knows the identity of the second victim, many Orange Walkenos are speculating that only Reyes jumped in the river. According to Seamond Castro, if a second man did drowned his body is not in the area that they have combed.

OWTC And Ministry Of Health To Hold Meeting With Residence
As part of a project to continue engaging with the citizens of our town, the Orange Walk Town Council has organized a neighborhood meeting that will serve as a medium for residents to voice their concerns. One major issue that will be addressed at the meeting that will take place tomorrow at the Philip Alvarez Park is the global epidemic, Zika Virus. Members from the Ministry of Health will be available for questions and also to offer advice to residents on how to keep yards clean and minimize the breeding grounds for mosquitos, who are the vectors for the Zika Virus. Ian Cal- Orange Walk Councilor: “Our first neighborhood meeting this year to the Phillip Alvarez Park we are inviting the residents to come out and to express their concerns and their ideas as we are going to have members of the public health department there to speak more about the Zika virus that everyone has been hearing about we want to know as well and we will be there to answer any questions as well, the meeting will start at 7pm at the Phillip Alvarez park and we invite everyone to come out be there and voice your concerns as well.” Also present at the meeting will be the Mayor of Orange Walk and the Councilors who will be there to listen to the concerns of residents in order to work on a plan on how best to address those issues.

Fuel Prices Increase Effective Midnight
If your gas tank is running close to empty, our advice to you would be to full up before midnight because at one minute past 12:00, fuel prices will see a major increase.Today the Ministry of Finance issued a release where they indicated that the import duty on Premium Gasoline will be increased by forty cents to three dollars and thirty six cents per US Gallon.As for Regular Gasoline, the import duty will be increased by thirty cents to three dollars and three cents per US Gallon and the import duty for Diesel Oil will be increased by eighty cents to per two dollars and seventy two cents per US Gallon As a result of the above mentioned adjustments to the import duties of fuel, Belizeans will see new prices at the pumps. Here in Orange Walk the price of Premium gasoline will see a decrease of thirty one cents. So it will sell for nine dollars and seven cents. Regular gasoline will see an increase of thirty seven cents and goes from seven dollars and sixty eight cents to eight dollars and five cents. Diesel is increasing by a whopping one dollar and instead of six dollars and sixty cents, Orange Walkenos will now pay seven dollars and sixty cents per gallon.

Renovation Of Streets Around Central Park Almost Completed
The rehabilitation project for the Orange Walk Central Park carried out under the Belize Municipal Development Project under the umbrella of the Social Investment Fund and the Orange Walk Town Council, is today near completion with the upgrade and paving of South Park Street, North Park St and Lovers Lane. Today we spoke to Orange Walk Councilor Ian Cal who told us more about the final stages of the project. Ian Cal – Orange Walk Councillor: “I would ay it was about 80% complete in this area but just yesterday it received it second seal of chip seal and it is going to receive another third layer I would say in about two weeks’ time the final layer around the park and after that then you will start to see the line markings around the park around the street being completed, the drainage section also needs to be covered and what is left is a pedestrian ramp as well on the opposite side and the signs so I would say it was about 80% complete and give and take give it a month to be completely finalized.” The project is expected to be fully completed by the end of March.

Windell Neal Formally Charge At Orange Walk Magistrate Court
Last night we told you about Windell Neal, a resident of Lizarraga Avenue in Belize City who targeted employees of three business establishments here in Orange Walk Town with the intention of conning them into paying for seafood that was allegedly ordered by their employers. Today we can tell you that another business owner, this time of San Pedro Town, is accusing Neal of carrying out the same crime in that municipality. Fifty eight year old Dorothea Pinedo, reported to police that back in January she had observed a shrimp order of a total of $380.00 written on her employee’s note pad with a down payment of $280.00 leaving a balance of $100.00. But when Pinedo asked the employee about the date of the arrival of the shrimp, the employee informed her that a male of creole descent by the name of Brian Neal had walked in the building speaking on the phone. The employee was made to believe that Neal was talking to Pinedo who allegedly told him to collect $280.00.

LOVE FM

Belize’s Relations with CDB
The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) is a regional financial institution that was founded by way of an agreement in Kingston, Jamaica, signed on October 18, 1969. Just over three months after the signing, it came into force on January 26, 1970. Since then the Bank has been serving several countries including states and territories of the Caribbean region or non-regional states, which are members of the United Nations. Dr Warren Smith is the current President of CDB. Love News met up with him earlier this month as he was in Belize for the CARICOM event in Placencia. Dr Smith spoke to us on the role CDB has played in Belize particularly via the Development Finance Corporation. DR WARREN SMITH: “We like to think that we played a very important role in the reconstruction of the DFC. We know that the DFC had a little bit of a rocky history and we felt that it was important to have a financial intermediary in Belize that was focused on development issues. Belize is a very important client of the Caribbean Development Bank, you are also a shareholder of the Caribbean Development bank. So we provided technical assistance to the government of Belize to help them to do a study which would inform the restructuring of the DFC. In my opinion it was a good story, the bank was restructured, it is now in operation, my information is that it’s doing pretty well, it’s meeting the needs of the smaller medium enterprises here in Belize which is the dynamic sector for growth and development here and from our perspective it represents a good conduit for us so we can reach smaller medium enterprises here in Belize working through the mechanism of the DFC which has a very good appreciation of the local risks and also a very good appreciation of where you can get the best bang for your buck from a development perspective right here in this country.”

Federation of Fishers Wants Alternative to Gill Nets
The issue of gill net fishing has taken centre stage since the start of this week as photos of sharks being slain and other marine life being caught up in the use of the gill nets were brought to the forefront. Love News has heard from the Belize Game Fishing Association, OCEANA Belize and the Fisheries Department. Today, the Belize Federation of Fishers announced their position on the issue via a press release saying that while they appreciate the harm the use of the gill net brings about for the industry, they cannot support the ban of gill nets without a practical alternative in place. According to their release, in 1997 a petition to ban the use of gill nets was signed on the condition that an alternative be found. The release noted, however, that their request was marginalized particularly since there was not much by the way of organization of fishers. The release went on to note that many livelihoods depend on the fishing industry and thus the Belize Federation of Fishers sent out the call to the NGO community for collaboration in identifying ways to address the issue.

Breaking Belize News

Protest in Chetumal delays border crossing for Belizeans
Around eight Belize time (9 p.m. in Mexico) protesters and authorities reached an agreement and the road was reopened in the community of Subteniente Lopez in the southern part of Quintana Roo, Mexico, located outside of Chetumal. A protest there today caused significant delays for […]

Free Zone woes hurt January imports, exports slump
Belize’s trade outlook started with a thud in January, as the Commercial Free Zone’s woes impacted imports and performances of those major export industries excepting sugar tumbled. According to the Statistical Institute of Belize’s latest figures, while imports totaled more than $130 million, this is […]

Marginal inflation recorded in January
The Statistical Institute of Belize recorded a marginal increase of 0.4 percent in the Consumer Price Index for January 2016. Decreases were seen in the transport category despite an uptick in the fuel prices as compared to last January, primarily in international airfares. Consumers are […]

Import duties up, fuel prices down for regular and premium gasoline
Effective tomorrow, Thursday, the Government has approved adjustments in the import duties for gasoline of a total of a dollar and fifty cents for premium, regular and diesel gasoline, following a similar hike in December. However, changes at the pump may be confusing, as the prices you […]

Frank Edwards Jr.’s murder suspected to be retaliation
San Pedro’s Police Department believes the murder of Frank Louis Edwards Jr. at his home last night in the San Mateo area of that municipality, was an act of retaliation for some incidents the victim may have been involved with in the past. A […]

Murder reported in San Pedro
Police are investigating the murder of 27-year-old Frank Louis Edwards Jr., fisherman of San Mateo area, on Tuesday night. Edwards was shot multiple times when he opened his door to several persons, one of whom had called “Police” and knocked on the door. The […]

Search continues for second man drowned in the New River
At 8:30 this morning members of the Belize Coast Guard resumed their search for the second man believed to have drowned in the Orange Walk New River. Senior Chief for the Belize Coast Guard, Ariel Garidos, told Breaking Belize News that since this morning they had […]

Missing men make safe return to Caye Caulker
In reference to missing persons report made yesterday, Francisco and Samir Perez returned to Caye Caulker Village alive and well yesterday evening. The men were reported missing after going to a local bar in Caye Caulker to socialize and then not returning home since […]

Security officer assaulted by “Fake Police”
A 26-year-old Belize City mechanic, Cameron Jerryson Slusher, was charged by police for the offence of “aggravated assault” yesterday, in connection to an incident that occurred last week Wednesday. It was reported by a security officer yesterday that on February 17, around 11:00 a.m. […]

Blogs

Disease May Wipe Out World’s Bananas
Bananas are at the sharp end of industrial agriculture’s chemical war on pests and pathogens. But even 60 pesticide sprays a year isn’t enough to keep the diseases at bay. It’s time to seek new solutions with little or no use of chemicals, working with nature, growing diverse crops on the same land – and breaking the dominance of the banana multinationals. Herbicides that control weeds are applied up to eight times a year, while bananas may be sprayed with fungicides from a plane more than 50 times per year in order to control Black Sigatoka, an airborne fungus. Catastrophe is looming for the banana industry. A new strain has emerged of a soil-borne fungus known as “Panama disease” which can wipe out entire plantations – and it is rapidly spreading around the world. Farmers in Australia, Latin America and across Asia and Africa all fear the worst. The fungus is almost impossible to stop or eradicate. It moves through soil, so contamination can be as simple as infected dirt travelling from one farm to another on the sole of a shoe, or as complex as soil particles blowing on the wind across long distances – even across oceans, in theory. Faced with huge losses to a global industry, many have called for a new strain of disease-resistant “super-banana”. However, this would be just another temporary fix. After all, the world’s most popular banana, the Cavendish, was itself the wonder fruit of its day, being introduced in the 1950s after an earlier strain of Panama disease destroyed its predecessor. The fungi simply adapted and fought back, though, until the Cavendish also became susceptible. Panama and other diseases will continue to do so until we seriously reform how we grow and market bananas.

International Sources

Belize The Hype!
There’s a rainbow breaking through the overcast tropical clouds as dawn breaks 80km from the coast of Caye Caulker, a small island in the Caribbean Sea. I’m in Belize and I’m here for one reason: the Great Blue Hole. Lying near the center of the world famous Lighthouse Atoll, this diving icon is the largest submarine sinkhole on earth. Its measurements on paper alone are impressive enough – spanning a whopping 300m across and more than 124m deep – but laying eyes on this behemoth takes it to a whole new level. Entering through the break in the reef, just as Jacques Cousteau did all those years ago, the blue hole’s geological formation is clearly visible from the top deck of the Maera, the flagship of Belize Diving Services (BDS). Admittedly it’s not as clear as it would be from the air – as seen in all the postcards – but nonetheless, it is still uniquely identifiable. A total of 12 of us have made the two and a half hour journey from super laid-back Caye Caulker. Despite the BDS crew’s flawless navigation and stomach-lining cooked breakfast, it’s been somewhat of a bumpy ride due to unseasonable rain. However, once within the protected waters of the reef, all of us have the opportunity to contemplate the fact that we are about to tick off a dive which features near the very top of most divers’ bucket lists.

Cape man cycles 13 miles after shoulder injury during Belize race
Forty-eight athletes from nine countries convened Saturday on San Ignacio in Belize to participate in the Maya Mountain Adventure Challenge. The biannual four-day endurance race takes athletes through about 320 miles of terrain, cycling across pine ridges and jungles, rappelling down large cave systems and paddling down rivers, according to the race website. Bryan Greaser, a lawyer in Cape Girardeau, was one of those athletes. “I became interested in this race because it is part of the Adventure Racing World Series,” Greaser said. “With some of the best teams in the world coming here, you knew the race course and organization would be epic.” But the race didn’t go as he, or the rest of his team, had planned. Three men and one woman began the race that morning, but before the end of the day, the first member dropped out because of “major hip flexor issues,” Greaser said. “So the three men continued on as we transitioned from a 24-mile whitewater canoe paddle to bikes,” he said. Greaser recounted what happened next on his Facebook page. On Saturday evening, with only bicycle lights to guide them, Greaser went down a hill into a thick sludge rutted by the tires of vehicles that passed previously. His bicycle hit the ruts, and he crashed violently, hitting his head against the ground so hard, he nearly passed out. He also partly dislocated his shoulder. Though his pain was extreme, he could not stop. The crash occurred hours after the team transitioned to bikes. “Due to the remoteness of this country and lack of cell service, we had to ride our bikes back to race headquarters for about 13 miles with my dislocated shoulder,” Greaser said. The next morning, Greaser went to the emergency room, where he was told he had a partially dislocated shoulder, bruising of muscles, tendons and ligaments and a small hairline fracture around the shoulder socket. He could not continue the race.

Rider students spend J-term studying abroad
While some students relaxed during their winter break, perhaps binge-watching Netflix to avoid the chilly January air, four groups from Rider embarked on adventures overseas with faculty. Twelve students from the College of Business Administration traveled to Barcelona, Spain, with Dr. Eugene Kutcher III and Dr. John Donovan, both professors in management. The group had three days of cultural site visits including masterpiece basilica, park with some of Gaudi's most imaginative objects and architecture, benedictine monastery and Camp Nou, one of the largest soccer stadiums in the world and home of FC Barcelon. Staying in the western hemisphere, Dr. Jonathan Husch (GEMS) and Dr. Cindy Newman (Department of Marketing, Advertising, and Legal in Studies) escorted 16 students from tthe College of Business Administration and the College of Liberal Arts and Science to Belize. The group traveled to the Mayan sites of Xunantunich, Cahal Pech, Actun Tunichil and Muknal caves, and the coral reefs of Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker. "This fall, students in the Nature Business class learned about the Mayan civilization, including its history and culture," says Husch. "Visiting Xunantunich and Cahel Pech allowed them to learn more about Mayan architecture, religion, and science, and to see first hand what they read and heard about in the course. I think it drove home the point of just how advanced and complex the Mayans were." The group also visited the National Assembly of Belize, the Belize Zoo, attended a lecture from the Forestry Management Department, and zip-lined through the tropical rain forest. Approximately 700 miles away from Belize, Dr. Marge O'Reilly-Allen (Accounting) and Dr. Ira Sprotzer (Business Law and Marketing) supervised a study tour of 12 students to Cuba. There, the group visited Havana and Varadero.

Ocean acidification slowing coral reef growth, study confirms
First scientific study on a natural coral reef shows the effect of acidification caused by global warming, rather than common factors in reef decline. Coral reefs are having their growth stunted by ocean acidification caused by global warming, new research has confirmed. For the first time, scientists conducted an experiment on a natural coral reef which involved altering sea water chemistry to mimic the effect of excess carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. The results provide strong evidence that ocean acidification linked to greenhouse gas emissions is already slowing coral reef growth, the team claims. Without “deep cuts” in greenhouse gas emissions, the world’s coral reefs may not survive into the next century, scientists say. Carbon dioxide is absorbed by the ocean where it reacts with seawater to increase acidity. If the water becomes too acid it dissolves away the calcium carbonate corals that molluscs and creatures such as crabs and lobsters need to build their shells and stony skeletons. Although previous studies have demonstrated large scale declines in coral reefs in recent decades, the reason for the trend has been harder to pinpoint.

Maaike Plomp, Enriching the lives of rescued primates in Belize, Central America
Wildtracks is a registered Belizean non-profit organization and focuses on the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of three endangered species in Belize: West-Indian Manatees, Yucatan Black Howler Monkeys and Geoffroy Spider Monkeys. The rehabilitation centre has three goals: (1) Help the Belize Forest Department and partner organizations end the illegal primate pet trade in Belize; (2) To prepare confiscated and rescued primates for reintroduction to the wild; (3) To develop and support conservation initiatives focused at increasing the viability of primate populations in Belize.

Calakmul Biosphere Reserve, the largest tropical forest reserve in Mexico
Calakmul Biosphere Reserve, the largest tropical forest reserve in Mexico, is a treasure trove of Mayan history in the heart of the Maya Forest. The ruins in the middle of Calakmul reserve’s 1.8 million acres of forests extend over 10 square miles – the remains of a city that was the powerbase of Tikal’s rival dating back to AD 364. Calakmul in Maya means “the city of two adjacent pyramids.” And the spectacular view of the surrounding jungle from the top of one of these massive pyramids extends into Guatemala and includes several archaeologically important ruins from the Mayan era. The Maya Forest, covers almost 15 percent of Campeche state in Mexico, and extends into Guatemala and Belize. The Calakmul reserve, slightly larger than Delaware, harbors jaguars, crocodiles, Baird’s tapir, and more than 230 bird species. The Conservancy began working in a new site in 2007: the Calakmul Sian Ka’an Corridor. This vast forested area links two biosphere reserves and is important for far-ranging animals such asjaguars and migratory birds. Here as in the community owned lands in Calakmul, the Conservancy recognizes that effective conservation can only be achieved if the needs and aspirations of local people are met. In this site, we are working with a new partner organization — the Organization of Forestry Ejidos of the Maya Zone (OEPF). Our shared goal is to conserve the forest while improving the income realized from forest activities.

Videos

February 24, 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

Murder in San Pedro
San Pedro Police have confirmed the second murder of 2016. A male identified as Frank Edwards was killed during a shooting incident in the San Mateo Area on Tuesday, February 23rd shortly before 9PM. Police are currently in the process of inspecting the scene as their investigation continues. Anyone with information on the matter is asked to immediately contact the San Pedro Police Station at 206-2022.

The Unbelizeable MesoAmerican Reef
How is it that our tiny country of Belize is blessed with so many treasures? You may think we are exaggerating when we boast that we have it all, proudly claiming that not only do we have stunning Maya archaeological sites, glorious jungles, misty mountains, gorgeous flora and fauna and the friendliest people you’d ever want to meet, but we are also home to the second-to-none MesoAmerican Barrier Reef system! Well, that might be a tiny exaggeration…we are second-to-one, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, but hey, that’s in another hemisphere! If you are lucky enough to fly along the coast of Belize, either to Ambergris Caye or south all the way to Punta Gorda, you will follow the coral chain of the MesoAmerican Barrier Reef System. The system stretches an impressive 700 miles from the northern tip of the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, along Belize, Guatemala and down through the Honduran Bay Islands. However, Belize has the distinct honor of being home to 80% of this system, and along with three offshore atolls, several hundred cayes, mangrove forests, coastal lagoons and estuaries it is collectively termed the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System. In 1996 the Belize Barrier System was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, something we are very proud of, and there are now seven protected areas within the reef.

Ambergris Today

Belizeans Push for Ban on Gill Net Fishing After Large Shark Killing
Images of a large shark killing went viral on Belize’s social media scene all day yesterday, Monday, February 22, 2016. Mar Alliance, a non-government organization that monitors threatened marine wildlife, posted several disturbing images of a large kill of sharks in and near the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of the Blue Hole and Half Moon Caye at Lighthouse Reef Atoll. The group’s cry for the protection of these endangered and critically important marine creatures did not fall of deaf years as the support from Belizeans was evident in all comments condemning the brutal act. “The Jewels of Belize's marine heritage and tourism have been hit hard by several unlicensed fishers using the unsustainable fishing gears nets and long lines,” stated a release by Mar Alliance. “These pictures represent a portion of a single day's fishing with nets and long lines and include at least 32 sharks representing 3 species including the endangered great hammerhead and pregnant Caribbean reef sharks (and sources counted at least 50 sharks landed in the short space of time they were at the sites). The sharks were landed at Sandbore Caye and Hat Caye at Lighthouse.”

Misc Belizean Sources

Tragedy to triumph
At 13 years old, while in Std 2, his mother committed suicide. That same year his father was sentenced to Hattieville jail for 19 years, and Rudy realized he was on his own. He moved to a farm on Guinnea Grass Road and lived in a room used for corn storage. He cooked his own breakfast and lunch on a fugon. To save on bus fare, he rode his bike from the farm on Guinnea Grass road to Orange Walk every day. No electricity, no running water, yet he stayed in school and graduated. I met Rudy through Jake Simon, a good friend and Peace Corp volunteer that worked in his village. Today I accompanied Rudy as guardian to receive a 6th form scholarship from Social Security Board. Rudy will study Agribusiness. Belize has fertile land he says, and he wants to produce, thereby reducing our dependency on imported agricultural products.

FREE spays and neuters this week at Saga Humane...
Please, for the sake of island health and unwanted puppies, spay and neuter your pets. It's FREE this week at Saga Humane Society! call 226-3266 for an appointment...

Paint Party Events
Come join us this Thursday to paint "Coconut Tree". A wonderful piece of paradise. The cost it $25 U.S. For new comers and $20 U.S. For members. See you there! February 25, 2016 2:00 PM

Seagulls feast
As ferries taking tourists back to their cruise ships churn up the water to expose food. It's a beautiful sight especially around sunset in the city.

Washington Travel and Adventure Show
Belize Tourism Board

Belize Screen on the Green - DANGRIGA
This Thursday, February 25, 2016 Dangriga will host the 2nd EVER Screen on the Green at the Slaughter House. Please join us at 7:00 pm for a screening of "Remember the Titans." The event is FREE and open to the public.

Continued shark fishing w nets and longlines at Lighthouse Reef
We apologize for bearing more bad news but shark fishing efforts continue and have apparently intensified at Lighthouse Reef. The previous post showed catches from one fishing day out of supposedly five days. If all fishing days equated the day for which we have a count of 50 sharks, then Lighthouse Reef Atoll lost ~250 sharks. In 5 days between 13-17 February. Yesterday and today the fishing continued and is expected to continue as this and the use of nets and longlines, even near reefs, is considered legal. Apparently not all fishers now need to have shark fishing licenses and many can work under one or two shark fishing licenses. This places into new perspective the 62 shark fishing licenses permitted by Fisheries for 2016 (Ramon Carcamo, Fisheries Officer, pers Comm). There is no indication that these fishers have CITES export permits from Fisheries for the regulated hammerhead products. And a CITES permit for these fished species cannot be given unless the Government can prove that the fishery is sustainable - and it's not. Moreover, Hammerheads are not supposed to be fished commercially per Belize's agreement with the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT). This is a commercial fishery. The fishers continue to use nets and longlines with strobes to improve night-time captures of Caribbean reef sharks, endangered Hammerheads, mako and more. They are even catching gravid LOBSTER out of season.

Sweet Cinnamon Churros with Dulce de Leche Dip
1) For churros, preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line Cookie Sheet with Parchment Paper. Lightly sprinkle flat side of Large Grooved Cutting Board with flour. Unfold pastry onto cutting board; brush with 1 tbsp (15 mL) of the butter using Chef's Silicone Basting Brush. Sprinkle 2 tbsp (30 mL) of the sprinkle over pastry; lightly press into pastry using Baker's Roller®. Place Cookie Sheet, parchment-side down, over pastry. Invert both Cookie Sheet and cutting board; remove cutting board. Brush pastry with remaining butter; sprinkle with remaining sprinkle, lightly pressing into pastry.

Habaneros on Caye Caulker closed Wednesday & Thursday this week
Due to unforeseen circumstances Habaneros will be closed Wednesday and Thursday this week. We are doing a few renovations to the building and need a couple days to complete them. Sorry for any inconvenience but after 14 years the old girl (Habaneros Building) needs a little TLC. We will be back on Friday with smiling faces and Tommy and Valentino rocking Habs deck!!!

THE CLOSING COST OF "FRUTA BOMBA" PAPAYA INDUSTRY
The papaya industry had its origins with a project funded by the United States. With the assistance of USAID (United States Agency for International Development), a company called Belize Agribusiness Company (BABCO) was created in 1985. BABCO was successful agronomically, but it was not able to set up a lasting marketing chain. In 1990, a former employee of BABCO who persisted was able to successfully grow the fruits in San Andres in Corozal. Marketing trials were carried out with J. R. Brooks, a marketing company based in Florida. Fruta Bomba was thus established as a subsidiary of Brooks Tropicals in Belize. Brooks Tropicals produce papaya in Mexico, Belize and Guatemala. Since then, Belize became the second largest exporter of papaya to the USA and Canada, second only to Mexico, and ahead of Brazil. This is a leadership position in a rapidly growing segment of tropical fruits, in large-value markets with significant potential for long-term growth.

Corozal power interruption
Another Oooops moment from BEL! Power Interruptions from 7:00 a.m. to 7:15 a.m. & 4:45 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday February 27th and Sunday February 28th for the entire Corozal and Orange Walk Districts. Belize Electricity Limited to facilitate line maintenance by "Comisión Federal De Electricidad (CFE).

Women's History Month
Our History is Our Strength. Join us in paying tribute to the generations of women whose commitment to our community have proved invaluable to our society. Learning about women's tenacity, courage and creativity through the lens of photographer Karen Brodie.

Channel 7

Court: Mek Mi Rich Idea Was Stolen From Curtis Swasey
For an entire year now, 7News has been following the case of Corozal businessman Curtis Swasey. He's the private citizen who said that the owners of the Mek Mi Rich gameshow stole his idea and got rich at his expense, and with the help of BTL. Well, the Supreme Court has vindicated him, by finding that indeed, the Mek Mi Rich concept of lottery texting is…his. That's the decision that Justice Courtney Abel handed down today after reviewing all the evidence presented to him. Viewers will remember that the cornerstone of Swasey's case was that BTL breeched the confidentiality agreement they had signed. He reasoned that they gave away information on his idea for his game called Super Slam Sunday to the principals of Mek Mi Rich, Sunjay Hotchandani, and Andre Vega, the son of Deputy Prime Minister Gaspar Vega. Though there was no direct link - "no smoking gun" - to show that BTL gave away Swasey's information, he claimed in court there was enough circumstantial evidence to show the direct link between his game and Mek Mi Rich, and that BTL was the only link between the two. That meant that the judge had to draw the inference that only BTL could have given away his concept, and after weeks of deliberation, Justice Courtney Abel agreed with him.

Two Youths Went Swimming; Never Resurfaced; 1 Found Dead
Since last night, Coast Guard officers and residents of Orange Walk have been looking for the the bodies of 2 young men who went swimming in the New River. 21 year-old Carlos Reyes, of Trial Farm, and his friend, who has not been identified, went swimming yesterday in an area believed to be the territory of a crocodile. The young men jumped in, and a third young man was with them, but he noticed the crocodile and got out. He started looking around for his friends to tell them of the danger, but they never resurfaced. Some time this morning, after an intensive search, the authorities found Carlos Reyes' body. But after hours and hours of combing the river, they couldn't find the other young man. Our colleagues from CTV 3 News spoke with one area resident who tried to get them out of the water. Here's what she told them off camera:

American Woman With Reported Belizean Ties Gunned Down In California
Readers of the Amandala Newspaper may have picked up today's edition and noticed a headline that a woman from Inglewood California was killed in a police shooting this weekend. Well, we went looking, and we found this very controversial case of 31 year-old Kisha Michael, who was gunned down and killed. Here's the story on the latest from California's KTLA News 5's team on the ground: The Amandala Newspaper reports that she identifies herself as Belizean on her Google+ Social Profile.

Convicted Human Trafficker Fined & Not Confined
Sixty-four year old Estela Gonzalez, who was convicted of human trafficking on February 10, was spared a custodial sentence today by the trial judge, Justice Adolph Lucas. Instead of being in jail tonight, she has been ordered to pay just over $73,000 in fines and damages. To break it down, Gonzalez was ordered to pay a fine of $30,000 and restitution amounting to $28,520 to the Department of Human Services. She was also ordered to pay $15,000 to the victim for her suffering at Temptation Bar and $588 for her loss of income. Justice Lucas stipulated that all monies must be paid forthwith and it is understood that the monies are being paid right now. If Gonzalez defaults on payment of the $30,000 she will serve 1 year and if she defaults on the other payments it will be distress. Before he decided on the sentence Justice Lucas said he considered an assessment of the impact on the victim and the testimonies of Dr. Fernando Cuellar and Dr. Javier Novelo who said that Gonzalez is suffering from diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and urinary tract infection.

Embattled FFB President Left For Switzerland
Right now, the football community continues to wait for FIFA and CONCACAF to return a written verdict on whether or not Ruperto Vicente, the President of the Football Federation of Belize, is suspended. As we told you, there's been a very private fight happening within the FFB's Executive Committee, who say that Vicente's leadership of local football has not been in the best interest of the sport. More significant than that harsh criticism is the open accusation that he's leadership direction is similar to his predecessor, Dr. Bertie Chimilio, who was voted out of office after battling scandals of his own of allegedly fixing the District Association Elections. The accusation is that since Vicente has been manipulating the District Association, he's been positioning his sympathizers to win at that level, so that he could ensure his re election goes off without a hitch. Vicente, in response to the pressure from his Executive, have responded that these members have not contributed to the development of football as they should have as elected members over the last 4 years. He has also countered with his own accusation that his executive members, Sergio Chuc, Cruz Gamez, and Marlon Kuylen, have been trying to drag his name in the mud so that they can make a play for the presidency, a post he hopes to be re-elected to in the next few weeks.

An Arrest For The Murder of American Belizean
Police in Toledo have arrested and charged one man of Cattle Landing Village for the murder of 69 year old American Naturalized Belizean Thomas Paul Rockowski. He is 48 year old Roy Jones. The incident occurred on Saturday last two weeks around 9:25 pm in Hopeville, Punta Gorda. Investigators said that Rockowski was at his home reading when 3 persons gained entry through the screen door and attacked him. Rockowski was stabbed about 4 times: twice to the neck and twice to the chest. Rockowski managed to phone the police, but by the time authorities got there, the persons had already fled the area. Rocowski died the following night while undergoing treatment at the KHMH. As a result of the investigation police detained three persons including 48 year old Roy Jones, a Belizean Vendor of Cattle Landing Village. AOn Friday Police arrested and charged Jones for the murder and released the other two. According to authorities, what caused the vicious slaying of Rockowski was a case of jealousy. Rockowski came to Belize in 1973 from Boston Massachusetts. While here he was never married and never had any kids.

Pregnant Mother Stole; Will Now Spend 7 Years In Jail
Margarita Pech, a pregnant mother to be, is spending the second night of a 7 year prison sentence behind bars after she pleaded guilty to burglarizing a home and then stealing from a doctor at the KHMH in two separate crimes. Her version as to why she committed the crime is that she was coerced into doing it by thugs who allegedly threaten her life and the life her unborn child. The incident happened on May 29 of last year at a house on Eyrie Street. The owner reported to police that someone went into the house and stole an assortment of jewelry, and a toy computer. Then, a doctor reported to police that someone stole his wallet and personal documents on the same day that Margarita Pech went to seek treatment. Police investigated both reports, and they found surveillance footage which captured Pech in the act of committing both crimes. They also managed to recover some of the stolen jewelry from the burglary from Pech herself. She was then charged burglary for that incident, and theft for the stolen wallet.

Belize Is Zika Free
There's good news for Belize tonight on the Zika front. That's after CARPHA confirmed that the final two samples sent to Trinidad for testing came back negative. So that means that all three samples sent from Belize for Zika have returned negative. And while it's a good break, that's not the end of it. The CEO in the Ministry of Health says they will maintain heightened surveillance and more samples will be sent as soon as other suspect cases appear.

A Tricky City Conman's Scheme In OW
Last night, we told you about how a pair of still unidentified conmen managed to get a licensed firearm away from an on-duty security guard by pretending to be cops. Well, Orange Walk police are reporting that they have caught an alleged conman who was scamming people out of their money in Sugar City. He's Belize City Resident Windell Neal, and right now, he's facing criminal charges for the quite tricky - but simple - ploy. An office administrator reported to police that on Sunday, January 17, she was at the People's Stadium when she received a text message from a cell phone number. The person identified herself as her boss, and asked him to pay for some sea food her boss had allegedly ordered. Believing that this person was indeed her boss, this employee texted the conman and told him to show up at the Stadium where she was. Shortly after that, a dark-skinned man showed up, and collected $330 from her, by pretending to be the man that her boss had supposedly sent to pick up the money. When she verified with her actual boss, she realized that the text message conman had deceived her. 3 days later, a cashier from an electronics store in Orange Walk reported to police that a dark skinned man showed up to the business and convinced her that her boss sent him to collect money for sea food that the employer allegedly bought. She paid him $300, and he promised to return with the sea food, but he never did. She realized later that she too had been deceived.

Boledo: The Superstition Of Number Predictions
Last night you saw the first part of our extended feature on Boledo - where Courtney Weatherburne got a look inside those number books kept by only the most studied practitioners of the Boledo science. When we left you last night, Boledo predictor Press Cadogan was about to explain the strange alchemy of superstition, numerology and dream reading that he all maps out on a