Recent Belize News, 3/11/2016 to 3/20/2016, BelizeNews.com

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

The San Pedro Sun

Martz Farm Treehouses and Cabanas
I’m undoubtedly dating myself when I refer to the Laura Ingalls Wilder children’s novels (later TV series) Little House on the Prairie. The series is a recollection of childhood memories regarding a pioneer family in the 1870’s making a home in the untamed American Midwest. During our two-night stay at Martz Farm Treehouses and Cabanas located in the mountainous terrain near Benque Viejo del Carmen in the Cayo District, I couldn’t resist noticing the charming similarities. Upon our arrival we are greeted like family by owners Miriam and Jose Martinez, along with their lovely daughter and two younger brothers. This is obviously a working farm where these jungle settlers have been pioneering their rustic home for well over a decade. Miriam, who is originally from Germany, is quick to get us settled in to our rooms and we enjoy a view of the property from our second floor veranda. As I gaze around the compound I think, here we have Ma, Pa, the three kids, busy chickens in the yard, lazy dogs under the shade of massive trees and beautiful horses grazing nearby. But this picturesque setting is hardly on a prairie, especially not when there are monkeys and toucans in the trees!

Smile Dental Clinic Volunteer Program coming to an end
Only one opportunity remains for island children and adults to benefit from free dental check-ups at the San Pedro Smile Dental Center at Holy Cross Anglican School. With hopes at bettering the dental health of children, the Smile Dental Clinic sponsors a number of volunteers each year each. Since January 2016, the volunteer program has had a host of American dentists and volunteers providing this essential service to the community. The final free clinic as part of the program will be held from May 4th to the 6th, with service being provided by Dr. Hal Soloman and other volunteers. The San Pedro Smile Dental Clinic would like to extend a big thanks to the latest volunteers: Susan Kloosterboer, Dr. Adina Ness, Heidi Peterson and students from Madison College School of Health Education who were here on March 14th and 15th and Dr. Staci Blaha, Dr. Joanne Brown, Dr. John Brockman, Janet Brockman and Cizaig Sandlin who were here from March 16th – 17th.

Sailing Club fundraises for a good cause!
The San Pedro Sailing Club (SPSC) hosted a mega-win fundraising event at Amber Beach Bar & Grill, Caribbean Villas on Sunday, March 13tgh. Amanda Syme, coordinator and organizer for the fundraiser says that the event exceeded expectations, as many volunteers and generous donors supported the sailing club. The day was more than appropriate to have this community event, especially with warm temperatures, cool breeze and awesome tunes from DJ Debbie. The SPSC organized various fun ways to raise much needed funds. Raffle tickets were sold, as were $10 sailing trips to the reef. Parents of the youth sailors supplied items for their bake sale, there were $1 novelty disposable razors and even a coin drive. Tickets were raffled at $1 a piece which attracted many individuals to buy bulks of tickets for a chance win any of the jaw dropping prizes up for raffle!

SPHS Team Papaya Power excels at Sagicor Visionaries Challenge
Ambergris Caye was once again well represented at the annual Sagicor Visionaries Challenge where secondary students from across the country presented their scientific ideas for judging. San Pedro High School (SPHS) was one of the five schools participating, and they did an impressive job, claiming one of the top prizes in the educational event. The biennial event focuses on innovative scientific and business ideas encompassing the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The competition was held on Wednesday, March 16th at the Ramada Princess Hotel in Belize City. Two teams represented SPHS. Team Papaya Power comprised of Jenessa Sierra, Kleyni Ramirez, Kimberly Lima, Daniel Figueroa, and Johann Marin. The team produced a Papaya Leaf Tea, which according to the team could replace coffee, and has numerous health benefits. The Papaya Leaf is believed to boosts the immune system, containing enzymes that help with digestion. Furthermore, the team believes that the tea contains substances that aid in the prevention of cancer.

Taiwan’s President Ma Ying-jeou’s sayonara visit
Two-term President Ma Ying-jeou of Taiwan’s nationalist party, the Kou Ming Tang (KMT) first visited Belize on May 28, 2009 ; and he returned for a second visit on Wednesday and Thursday, March 16-17; before he demits office in May to his successor, Taiwan’s first woman President, Tsai Ing-wen of the Democratic Progressive Party. President Ma arrived at the Philip Goldson International Airport aboard a chartered China Airlines 747, and Belize’s Foreign Minister Wilfred “Sedi” Elrington was on hand to welcome Ma to the full red carpet treatment. Ma extended the warm greetings and appreciation on behalf of the government and people of the Republic of China (Taiwan), noting that “Belize is one of the staunchest allies of the Republic of China (Taiwan). Over the years, our two countries have collaborated closely in perfect harmony in a wide array of fields, and stride forward hand in hand in international community. Belize has rendered strong support to the Republic of China (Taiwan) for its continuing campaigns for participation in international organizations.

‘The end starts with men’ – Domestic Violence Workshop held in SP
A workshop was held at the San Pedro Town Council’s Conference Room on Tuesday, March 15th in an effort to educate community leaders about masculinity, domestic violence, human trafficking and femicide from both a global and local perspective. Funded by the United Nations Populations Fund and International Migration Organization, coordinators Mrs. Louise Willis and Mr. Rudolph Orio, both retired Superintendents, organized this conference to raise awareness and offer solutions that can end crimes against women. The workshop observed the concept of masculinity and how it is portrayed in society. The idea of having “male sex roles” in cultures adds to the ‘masculine’ patterns set by society of how males should function. Many modern day stereotypes compel men to conform to a box of traits that reflect them as having to be strong, independent, bold, tough, etc. The connection between masculinity and violence is believed to be contributing to the amount of domestic violence cases reported annually. Willis described a common term relatable to males as “macho”, a shorter form of “machismo”, macho men tend to show aggressiveness and domination over women. These destructive and domineering traits may contribute to a direct source of violence. Some factors that connect to violence are dispossession, poverty, greed, nationalism and racism and often lead to domestic disputes.

Misc Belizean Sources

Battle of Band 2016 Winners
Drumline Category: 1st Place: Mahogany Heights Dream Marching Band 2nd Place : Stella Maris Futuristic Marching Band Drum Corps Category: 1st Place: Holy Redeemer Marching Band 2nd Place: Mahogany Heights Dream Marching Band 3rd Place: Stella Maris Futuristic Marching Band Wind Instrument Category: 1st Place: Corozal Community College 2nd Place: Gwen Lizarraga High School Marching Band

BEACH PARTY AND LIVE MUSIC THIS SUNDAY MARCH 20th
AT ORCHID BAY. We will be there...will you? Live music FROM MIDAY TO SUNSET with the mighty band of the land, the Gilharry 7. FREE ADMISSION - BEACH VOLLEYBALL - PADDLE BOARDING - BBQ SPECIALS - BUCKETS OF BEER. No coolers or outside beverages permitted. Come out and Enjoy a fantastic weather.

Channel 7

Guatemalans Say Belize Will Change Referendum Law; Elrington Hedges
Last night, we gave you a few excerpts of that late evening press conference held by Foreign Minister Wilfred Elrington, Ambassador Assad Shoman, and Belize Ambassador to Guatemala, Alexis Rosado. They were there to make a joint statement on the 3 meetings held in Washington DC on Tuesday to address the confrontation between the Guatemalan Military and the BDF on the Sarstoon. But what they didn't talk much about is Belize's referendum law: it requires a 60% threshold to be valid. In other words, 60% of the voter population has to come out and participate. It's a factor because back in March of 2013, Guatemala pressed the panic button and aborted the joint ICJ Referendum, which was supposed to have been held in both countries on October 6, 2013. They were concerned that threshold in Belize would cause them to go through a tedious and expensive procedure in their country, while Belize's referendum may turn out to be invalid. That led to Belize signing the Amended Compromis in May of last year which allows for both countries to hold the Refendum on a date of their choosing, and without the requirement of it being done simultaneously in both countries.

Shoman and Elrington Differ, Publicly
In yesterday's press conference, Elrington toed the Government line when the media kept pressing him on the cause of the hostility from the Sarstoon. The Barrow Administration has consistently pointed fingers at Wil Maheia and the territorial volunteers as the cause of the increase in tensions at between both Militaries. Elrington was adamant in his rejection of any suggestion that the rules of engagement in the Sarstoon have changed, or that Guatemala's conduct has changed. Assad Shoman, the Opposition Leader's Representative in the Tuesday Bilateral Talks contradicted him only a few minutes later, right at the head table when the press asked for his input in the discussion. He made the point once again, the Sarstoon situation is different from what it was when he was Foreign Minister: Dr. Assad Shoman - Opposition Leader's Representative, Bilateral Talks: "With respect to the Sarstoon, we have no doubt that the line agreed by the British and the Guatemalans runs under the isle of the Sarstoon and along the mid channel and we have never wavered from that position. Guatemala's position that the river belongs to them; that to me is new, that is relatively new. I have looked at negotiations that were taking place long before I even began to be part of them and yes, they've always discussed the Sarstoon and what does mid channel mean because in Spanish they say something else.

Diplomatic Doublespeak Versus A History of Provocation
So, while you have to make up your minds on who you choose to believe about tensions in the Sarstoon River, you also have to decide which narrative to accept on the true picture of Belize/Guatemala relations at the borders. The current Government is pushing a message that the two countries are co-existing as friends which respect each other, but the BDF records from the soldiers stationed at the Cadenas Observation Post say otherwise. So, is that a contradiction? That's what our Daniel Ortiz examined today. Here's his report: Rowland Parks - Amandala Press: "Prior to the exursions or trips to the Sarstoon by the BTV, there was not knowledge that Guatemala had revised its claim and decided to claim the entire Sarstoon. When exactly was the Government of Belize appraised of this new development."

Two More Teenagers For Murder
Today two boys were taken to magistrate’s court and charged for the murder of 21 year old Godfrey Hemsley. They are both 15 years old, and police believe they were acting on behalf of the SSG gang to kill Hemsely who is from Rocky Road. Today, the officer commanding southside told us more: Cue Cuec…

Cop Curfew: Figuring It Out As They Go Along
And that’s why the southside curfew is coming into effect. Today, Williams held meetings with the social services agencies to figure out where they are going to put children who have been picked up after hours. He told us more this afternoon when we found him at a community rehabilitation project:… Cue Cuec…

Man stabbed Himself; Cops Not Sure of Suicide
A man allegedly stabbed himself in the throat last night in Lords Bank, Ladyville. 41 year old Oscar Ulises Castillo Gomez was hanging out at his friend’s house on Cahal Pech Street. Everything was perfectly normal throughout the day until after 6 when Gomez just picked up a knife and jammed it in his throat. It’s quite a bizarre incident and I went to Lord’s Bank to get more answers. Cue in Cue out Gomez was a Salvadoran national. He had a wife and 4 kids living in El Salvador. He had only been living in Belize for a year. As for the friend Gomez was with, the family does not believe that he had anything to do with Gomez’s death.

Cops Say Driver May Have Been "Distracted"
Accident victim Aldo Chavarria was flown out of the country today after receiving massive injuries yesterday. His wife Marie Nicole remain in a critical but stable condition at the Belize Medical Associates. As we showed you last night, the couple was ejected from their Jeep SUV when they collided into a guardrail along a western highway canal between miles 11 and 12. It happened at2:00 in the afternoon when Chavarria clipped an oncoming dumptruck and lost control of his vehicle. Both he and his wife were flung out of the top of the Jeep. Fortunately an ambulance was also in the three car crash, and the EMT who was driving used his stretcher to carry them off the shoulder of the road where they lay badly injured. Today, the officer in charge of Hattieville told the media he feels Chavarria was distracted while driving:.. Cue]cuec… We spoke to the family who told us that they don’t believe that it was Aldo’s fault. He has a fractured elbow, a broken nose, a fractured jaw, a broken ankle and two broken legs – as well as an injury to the chest.

"Winchy" Yields
On Sunday the UDP will have its national convention in Dangriga. It’s expected to go smoothly since it’s an endorsement convention, meaning no one is challenging for any of the executive posts. But the image of cohesiveness will have a huge gaping hole because there’s no First Deputy Leader! Gaspar Vega resigned from that post a week ago and we are told he might not even attend Sunday’s convention. So, that election for the all important #2 seat in the party will be held later in the year – and all expectations are that it will be hotly contested. But, not as hotly as previously expected – and that’s because second deputy Erwin Contreras will not challenge for it after all. Over the weekend his camp said that he would go for first Deputy. They may have expected a nod of support from the Prime Minister since Contreras’s ascension would be the least divisive choice, but it seems none was forthcoming. And, not wanting to enter a three-way race against Patrick Faber and John Saldivar, Contreras has stepped back. He will be endorsed as second Deputy on Sunday and continue his long service in that, the third highest post in the party executive.

Appellant Gets Attempted Murder Quashed By Court
Inmate Leonard Godoy, who is serving 18 years for attempted murder and 10 years for Robbery, received some good news today when the Court of Appeal quashed his conviction and sentence for that charge of attempted murder. That means he’ll only have to spend the 10 years for robbery. The incident he’s accused of happened on March 5, 2007 in Placencia. Godoy and 2 other men were convicted robbing 2 persons of $350 cash and 2 cellular phones. 1 of the victims were stabbed 3 times. In his appeal, he was represented by Senior Counsel Michael Young who argued that the attempted murder charge was wrong. The Court agreed, and quashed the conviction and sentence for attempted murder. ENDS…

Cruz Reyes Strikes Out At Appeals Court
In a third decision that the Court of Appeal handed down today, the conviction and sentence of attempted murder against Marvin Cruz Reyes was affirmed. He was convicted of the attempted murder of Kareem Wright and 2 women in 2007. Wright was struck in the neck, and that injury left him paralyzed. After hearing Reyes’ attorney, Bryan Neal, outline the grounds for his appeal, and the response from the DPP, the Panel of judges dismissed his case. His conviction and sentence of 15 years in prison was affirmed.

FIFA Shuts Down FFB Mutineers
We’ve reported extensively on the failed attempt by three members of the FFB executive to suspend President Ruperto Vicente. That was on February 18th, and after a visit by FIFA and CONCACAF officials last week, the official judgment came down on March 17th. In a letter sent from FIFA Headquarters in Switzerland, acting Secretary General Marcus Kattner writes that the FIFA Associations Committee discussed the attempted suspension and ruled it “invalid.” They added quote, “…the allegations with regard to the electoral process could not be substantiated,” end quote. As we told you, Vice President Sergio Chuc and Executive Members Marlon Kuylen and Cruz Gamez alleged that Vicente was “railroading” the election process to elect district committees that supported him. So, they were shot down on both counts, and can claim only the minor victory of forcing the elections to be pushed back two weeks, form April 16th to 30th. FIFA stressed that those elections need to take place as scheduled.

B. Pope Cautions Cyclists
Last night you heard elite cyclist Byron Pope talk about his test for a banned substance. Right now, he’s one of Belize’s most dominant cyclists, but he could be facing an extended suspension – and by extended, we mean as much as two years. It’s too early to know for sure right now, since Pope has not gone before a tribunal – but after the news broke last night, he’s already facing another kind of tribunal, and that’s the court of public opinion. We asked Pope how he will handle the disappointment so many feel after learning that he tested positive for a banned substance: Cue]cuec… Pope faces his tribunal next week Wednesday. And while Pope has come forward with his explanation – 7News has confirmed that there’s another cyclist who also tested positive for a banned substance right in that same New Year’s Classic Race.

Guat's Chiquibul Agro-Invasion Continues
Two Guatemalan men were caught farming illegally inside the Chiquibul Forest earlier this week. One was detained but the other escaped. FCD rangers were on patrol near an area known as Cohune Ridge in the Chiquibul on Wednesday when they found a couple of men pulling two horses saddled with loads of corn. Upon seeing the park rangers the two men made a run towards the Guatemalan side, however only one managed to escape. 57-year-old Asuncion Garcia, a Guatemalan resident of San Jose, Peten. Garcia was detained and then handed over to police in San Ignacio. Garcia and his accomplice were spotted approximately 310 meters from the Belize/Guatemala border.

Arlie’s Home!
The science students at University of Belize got a visit from a prominent Belizean American Physicist, Dr. Arlie Petters. He’s a professor at the prestigious Duke University in North Carolina, and today, he was greeted by UB President Alan Slusher. He then attended a discussion with the University’s academics on how to increase UB’s contributions to the national decision-making processes. They sought his advice and experience on the significance of targeted research in the fields of Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics known as STEM. After that, he had an opportunity to meet with a portion of the student body to emphasize the importance of pursuing studies and careers in STEM.

Broaster's Easter Is About Safety
The long Easter weekend is coming up and some of you are already calling friends, looking up hotels to stay in Placencia, and Caye Caulker while for others it’s off to Chetumal and dealing with the host of things that goes into planning a family trip. But today Ladyville police told us that one crucial part of that vacationing should be safety. Assistant Commissioner of Police Edward Broaster told us about the police patrols that will be set up on the highways and what you can do to keep safe. Cue in Cue out There will be police patrols on the George Price Highway and the Phillip Goldson Highway.

The Coast Guard’s Wonder Women
You may recall the Best Warrior Competition held last year November. The event has been organized by the Belize Coast Guard for the past three years to test the endurance of Belize’s military men. But not only men stand on the frontlines as military personnel. So, this year, the Coast Guard women decided to put their might to the test. They underwent two days of back breaking challenges in what’s called the “Wonder Woman” competition. We were there today as they event wound down and the “Wonder Woman”, was chosen from among the 19 female coast guard officers who participated.

Cops Contribute To Court And Community Safety
Earlier we spoke with Assistant Commissioner of Police Chester Williams about his curfew which is still taking shape. But, he’s not only cracking down on kids – with the help of some generous sponsors, he’s also offering them alternatives. We found Williams today on the Jane Usher basketball court where he enlisted youths form the neighborhood to refurbish the court and a five-a-side football field. Here’s how he explained the effort:… Cue Cuec.. The Berges brothers and Habet hardware are sponsoring the effort.

City Council Meets Child Friendly Benchmark
Today the Belize City council is one step closer to creating a child friendly Municipality. At a ceremony today at Battlefield Park, UNICEF acknowledged the Belize City council for its achievements: Cue in Cue out The ceremony was attended by members of UNICEF, the Belize Mayor’s Association, and the UNDP.

March is For Kids
March is early childhood development month and it is packed with activities across the country. One of those many events was held on Wednesday at the BTL Park. It was the Early Childhood Education Expo and the coordinator told us what that’s all about. Cue in Cue out Expo’s were held countrywide.

CTV3

Sedi Blames The Media For Aggression On Sarstoon
Also discussed at the press briefing that was held yesterday in Belize City was the issue of the increasing tension at the Sarstoon between Guatemalan Armed forces and the Belize Defense force with the most recent being this past Saturday when according to a release issued by GOB Guatemalan armed forces acted in a hostile and aggressive manner towards the BDF and the tensions between both militaries are at an all-time high. The issue was discussed during the meeting held in Washington between the Belize and Guatemala delegation after much insistence on behalf of Belize. Yesterday during the briefing Elrington was asked if the rhetoric from the politician’s and the military commanders in both countries is that they believe in peace, why is there aggression on the part of the Guatemalans? Here is the Minister’s condescending answer and reiteration of the Government’s position that the Belize Territorial Volunteers are causing the tension to rise.

Former Foreign Minister Gives His Stake On Aggressions At Sarstoon
Former PUP Foreign Minister, Assad Shoman was assigned by the Opposition to be a part of the team that attended the meeting in Washington to discuss matters related to the Belize-Guatemala Territorial dispute. Therefore, Shoman accompanied Minister Elrington at the head table during the press briefing that was held yesterday to discuss the outcome of the meeting. However, he disagrees that the Belize Territorial Volunteers are the cause of tension at the Sarstoon. First though, we hear Minister Elrington reading from a communication sent by the Guatemalan government blaming the BTV for their behavior. Honorable Wilfred Elrington – Minister of Foreign Affairs: This is Guatemalan position it is worthy to note that if the positions maintained by both governments are different the good level of understanding reached by both military authorities have prevented incidents from the areas from occurring, the inconveniences that have recently taking places due to the irresponsible stand taking by Belizeans civilians who purport to resolve the territorial and maritime referendum through provocation and let me expand on that because as soon as I landed in Washington I like to read the China Times or the China newspaper and they were talking in relation to the problems they have in the South China Sea and the whole issue of provocation...”

Amandala

Chamber president does not support Guatemala boycott
Some Belizean citizens have publicly called on other Belizeans to boycott trade with Guatemala in the wake of a recent report by the Government of Belize that tensions between Belize’s and Guatemala’s military on the Sarstoon are at an all-time high and in the face of assertions by Guatemala that it will exercise sovereignty over the entire Sarstoon River—although its boundary with Belize runs along the river’s mid-channel. However, Arturo “Tux” Vasquez, president of the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), does not support such a boycott. “I don’t think that we are at that point as yet. I don’t think it would be feasible for us to do that,” he told Amandala in an interview today.

Chester’s curfew!
The Southside section of the Police Department will be enforcing a new strategy tonight to help curb crime. Chester Williams, Assistant Commissioner of Police and Commanding Officer of Eastern Division, Southside Belize City, said that starting tonight, Thursday, March 17, children under 18 who are found in the streets after 9:00 p.m. without the supervision of a parent or guardian will be detained by police. Williams is not calling it a curfew. He told Amandala that he is just enforcing the law, although he could not point to a specific law, except to quote the Family & Children’s Act, of the Substantive Laws of Belize. According to Williams, these children will be detained and, referring to children who are taken into police custody tonight, he said, “their parents can pick them up tomorrow morning from the police.”

Basketballer gunned down on Yarborough court
The Hemsley family of the Yarborough area is mourning the death of Godfrey Hemsley, Jr., 39, which occurred at about 9:00 last night at the Yarborough basketball court. Hemsley, who loved basketball, had just played a game of basketball and was resting on the bleachers when his killer approached from behind and shot him. According to witnesses, Hemsley’s killer is a boy between fourteen and fifteen years of age and was so tiny in stature that he appeared to be “about 3 feet tall.” Police on patrol in the area rushed Hemsley to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, but he was declared dead on arrival. Hemsley’s bereaved family said that the boy who shot Hemsley, the father of a 9-year-old daughter, was like a family-member – he was so well-known to them.

Murdered man’s body found floating in the Dykes
A mother’s worst nightmare became reality yesterday morning at about 10:30 when her son, Mario “Mariouana Grams” Trotman, 18, of Louise Bevans Street, who had been missing, was found dead, floating in the canal off the Dykes, located between Fabers Road and Jane Usher Boulevard on the city’s southside. He had been shot in the head and eye, and dumped into the canal. (The canal in the sewerage reserve is known as the Dykes, and is owned by Belize Water and Services Ltd. (BWSL).) A post-mortem conducted on the body certified that Trotman’s death was caused by a gunshot wound to the head. After the autopsy, Trotman’s body was taken last night to the Eternal Garden Cemetery at Mile 13 on the George Price Highway, where he was buried by his family and friends.

3-vehicle collision on the George Price Highway
Three vehicles were involved in a road collision at about 1:30 this afternoon at Mile 11 on the George Price Highway, Belize District. A Toyota Prado slammed into the left front portion of a dump truck and an ambulance that was travelling behind the dump truck slammed into the rear of the truck. The Prado was severely damaged. Two persons who were travelling in the Prado were thrown out and landed in the water in a creek near the road. They were seriously injured, and were assisted by rescuers and taken to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital by a BERT ambulance.

It’s the Sibun, stupid!
The Belizean people at all levels of society, at home and abroad, must face facts and dedicate themselves to organizing and mobilizing bodies and resources of all kinds, all they have, to save Belize. Enough of this waiting for Government to do something different in its dealings with Guatemala or for the diplomatic course to play out. Belizeans must be proactive instead of reactive. The ideal is for the Government and the people to be one, to join forces in this struggle for national existence. It’s beyond stupid and shortsighted for the Government of Belize to think they can do this alone, that they alone are capable, or that it is their duty alone to keep the country with all its borders intact. The Prime Minister just this week called for the people to leave the Guatemala situation to the professionals. How can that be trusted in light of the PM himself, explaining Belize dropping the ball in the extradition of wanted fugitive David Nanes Schnitzer to Mexico, having admitted to being no expert (as then Foreign Minister) at the time Belize entered into the extradition treaty with Mexico? The Guatemalan claim and the attitudes and behavior coming out of that claim are the nation’s problem. The nation is the people. Every last citizen can and must take action if they want to write their own destiny.

Marques “QUES” Warrick of Lexington, Kentucky – Grandson of KREM Radio’s Tony Wright
Good evening Sports Editor: I am Therese Wright, mother of Marques “Ques” Warrick of Lexington, Kentucky, USA. Ques is the grandson of Tony “Lovable Mr. T” Wright. I am writing to see if you would feature Ques in the Sports section of the Amandala as a way of encouraging the youth in Belize that they can achieve in the classroom and on the court! Ques is 14 years old, 6-feet tall, basketball player at EJ Hayes Middle School. He was a team captain of the Panthers basketball team and helped lead the team to the District Championship. Ques is an Honor Roll Student, a W.E.B. Leader (WHERE EVERYBODY BELONGS mentoring program), a peer tutor and a member of Omega Harvest Ministries. Ques’ desire is to be a part of the basketball community in Belize and also would love to conduct camps for kids.

All Star Night, March 19
All Star Night: The National Elite Basketball League (NEBL) will be hosting its second annual All-Star Night on Saturday, March 19, at the UB gymnasium in Belmopan. The activities will commence at 7:00 p.m. with the Wings Stop Skills Challenge, followed by its first ever VIP Wireless Celebrity Game. At 8:30 p.m., the Aguada Hotel Three-Point Shootout will get underway, as a new champion will be crowned this year, given that Richard Troyer will not be defending his title. In the All Star game, the South will be defending its crown; and the nightcap will witness the Slam Dunk Contest, as home town baller, Jarrel “Bird” Velasquez will be defending his title on his home turf.. The night promises to be packed with great excitement and entertainment. The biggest feature of the night is the first ever live camera in a sporting arena in Belize, with replay of the best plays and shots, as they are transpiring. The NEBL will be hosting its first ever Celebrity Game, with debut from Indira Craig, Chester Williams, Jules Vasquez, Maestro, Mad Bull, Tarun Butcher, Wil Maheia, Allison “Harrier” Laing, Paul Thompson, TR Shine, Clinton “Pulu” Lightburn, Evan “Duck” Garnett, Nigel Miguel, “Yellow” Gaynair, Tarike “Soup” Campbell, Kaya Cattouse, Alfred Ayuso, Anthony Mahler, Karim Berges and other big names. You surely will not want to miss out on this great game, as the stars will be out in full force at the UB gymnasium on Saturday night.

The Miguel brothers – the greatest cycling siblings in Belize
The Cross Country Cycling Classic can trace its roots back to 1928, and since then, the race has changed in many ways. In those early days, it was a three-day event, but today, it is the greatest one-day sporting spectacle in Belize. One thing has not changed and is unlikely to change anytime soon. The performance of the Miguel brothers in Cross Country races has not been repeated by any other family, and will likely never be repeated. They are four brothers, and each of them has won the Cross Country race. The Miguel brothers dominated cycling during the late 1950’s and the 1960’s. In those days, the Cross Country race was more intensive than it is today, since the road was more rugged and difficult to traverse on bicycles. Mount Hope was much higher, and the extra climb to its peak was gruesome. The Miguel brothers won ten Cross Country races between 1956 and 1970. Johnito won the most titles with four, followed by Edward with three, Rudy with two and Arthur with one. They finished together in first and second places in two Cross Country races. In 1956, the oldest brother, Edward Miguel, won his first Cross Country race. Edward won again in 1958, and by the following year, the Miguel brothers had completely dominated the race. In 1959, Edward successfully defended his title and his brother, Arthur, was second.

Cricket Corner – A gentleman’s game; let’s keep it that way.
With the kind sponsorships of Smart and Belikin, the Harrison Parks 2016 Cricket Competition, under the auspices of the Belize National Cricket Association, continued over the weekend with some very good games, while others did not end so satisfyingly. I will not at this time reveal their names or what they did. I will emphasize a warning to all concerned over the weekend – PLEASE STOP THE WAY YOU ALL BEHAVE TOWARDS UMPIRES. Attacking an official in any way, that contravenes the rules and regulations, puts yourself and your team in a position to be suspended for a few games or indefinitely. Always remember that an official might have a friend or relative who may not take these actions or behavior lightly. STOP CALLING THESE UMPIRES DUNCE OR STUPID. If they were dunces, many times your actions would escalate into violence. I have been telling you all the time, respect and manners is to be given to your fellow men. Cricket is played to bring us closer together. Don’t let us lose the essence of the spirit of the game. Some of these umpires can be your parents or grandparents. PLEASE SHOW RESPECT TO THEM.

C-Ray Saturday Race Series 2016, Week 6 results
On Saturday, March 5, race number 6 of the C-Ray Saturday Races concluded the series. Initially, there were to be 10 races, but due to other races in between, we were only able to have 6 races. Although the weather wasn’t bright and sunny on Saturday morning on the Boom Road, 20 cyclists showed up (mainly those who were in contention for points) and lined up for the race. At the sound of the whistle, the race started off rather slower than usually. The pack remained intact up until the first station prize at the Fresh Pond Village, which was a gift certificate from Da Bizz BBQ, won by junior cyclist from Cabral/Marin Cycling, Anthony Marin, who out-sprinted everyone else to the line. Several breaks were formed, but none successful. At the second station prize at the prison, where a gift certificate for a bike cleaning from Ordonez Bike Shop was up for grabs, Brandon Cattouse decided that his bike needed that clean, and jumped out and claimed the prize. At this point, a four man break-away was formed, consisting of Byron Pope of Benny’s Megabytes, Brandon Cattouse of C-Ray, and both Mark Staine and Henry “Henno” Moreira of Smart.

Editorial: Belize and Guatemala: two different realities
A trap has been sprung on Belize. The Guatemalan Ministry of Foreign Affairs essentially told Belizeans this week that Guatemala has taken control of the Sarstoon River/Island, and that the only way Belize can regain our rights at the Sarstoon is if the International Court of Justice (ICJ) gives it to us. Ergo, go to the ICJ, or else. Fifteen years or more ago, the Guatemalans pulled a stunt on our western border which was similar in concept, except that it took place on land. The Guatemalans built a village called Santa Rosa inside Belizean territory, Belizean territory as demarcated by the 1859 Treaty between Great Britain and Guatemala, and Belizean territory as confirmed by the United Nations when Belize gained independence on September 21, 1981. Although it took many years, Belize managed to get Santa Rosa dismantled without a war breaking out. The Guatemalan peasant farmers were returned to their country of origin. Incursions of various kinds continued to take place, of course, but there was nothing of the organized scope and intent of Santa Rosa.

An angry letter to P.M. from a Mayan Belizean
Government of Belize Attn: Prime Minister Dean O Barrow: Dear Sir: Kindly note: this is not a diplomatic note. It is out of rage and as a true Belizean that I write this letter to you and for the world to know. I am a Mayan Belizean and have been living in Toledo since I was born. Obviously, you already know that my letter is an angry one. As a Belizean who has visited most of the cornerstones of this beautiful country, the same corner stones you have never visited in your life, I have all rights to say to you, Sir, that you need to step down. At this point, it is safe to say to you that you continue to lead my country, Belize, in the wrong direction. You continue to fail in protecting this nation and me. What is even more damning is that you fail and drown in your own lies. You do not live in Toledo, so you wouldn’t know. You do not visit Toledo or any of its villages so you wouldn’t know. You don’t care about Toledo so you wouldn’t know. My voice is one out of many but I can assure I can be heard. Maybe others are afraid to let you know how disappointed they are, but I am not. Keep on distracting Belizeans by giving them junk to fill their stomach and cosmetic to paint their true colors and how they feel. I am not happy and I am sure many others are not happy about your way of handling this “territorial dispute.” You continue to take the people of Toledo for granted; it has been clearly shown that you have given us up in front of our very eyes.

From Sally and Leonardo in Esperanza
Dear Editor, On Friday 11th March, we set out from Esperanza to see Stogie Kenyatta as Paul Robeson at the UB auditorium in Belmopan. When we got to the outskirts of Roaring Creek, we came upon a First World style traffic jam. Nothing was moving. We began to think there may have been an accident at the new roundabout. Patience, nothing we could do. Finally we reached Roaring Creek: it was a Police checkpoint! We proceeded on to the UB campus; by now we were rather late; maybe the place is full, when we reached the car park, very few vehicles were to be seen. When we got inside, very few people were to be seen. The show had not started and so we made our way to seats right near the front, surrounded by empty seats. We were then treated to an excellent show that deserved a far larger audience than the few. It was a show that appealed to all ages and certainly enjoyed by our four-year-old until he was excluded along with other small children. Mr Kenyatta had not seemed disturbed by his young audience. He probably appreciated that these young people are the theatre audience of tomorrow if they are encouraged now.

Expo showcases early childhood education
School vacation starts next week, and so preschools around the country are this week wrapping up activities in observance of the annually held Child Stimulation Month. The highlight of this week’s agenda was an Early Childhood Education Expo, held at the BTL Park in Belize City. Several Belize City preschools participated in the event, which began with a short ceremony which afforded students and preschool teachers a chance to showcase their talents, giving a snapshot of the kind of talent displayed on stage at the concurrent preschool festival of arts. The month kicked off on March 1 with a grand parade from Memorial Park to Constitution Park in Belize City. Various preschools have hosted cultural days and sports days. Community police, dentists and traffic safety officers have also visited students to share information with them. Fun storytelling sessions, sports events and a hug day were also integrated into the program, aimed at providing stimulation which is critical for early childhood development.

Guatemala has increased militarization at the Sarstoon
On February 27, an excursion organized by the Belize Territorial Volunteers (BTV), formed to affirm Belize’s sovereignty in the troubled waters of the Sarstoon, was stopped by 5 Guatemalan military vessels with armed soldiers and immigration officials. Whereas February’s excursion by the BTV marked a year since a boatful of Belizeans were detained by Guatemalan military and taken over to Guatemala, on allegations that they had drifted over into Guatemala, it also marks 16 years since a BDF patrol of three persons—Second Lieutenant Romaldo Herrera, Lance Corporal Lucio Arana, Private Luciano Tzub and Police Constable Macedonio Sanchez—was surrounded by 25 Guatemalan soldiers who detained them near Jalacte, Toledo, on allegations that they had illegally made their way onto Guatemalan terrain. It was after this incident, roughly 16 years ago, that the Organization of American States (OAS) was formally engaged to help resolve the territorial differendum between Belize and Guatemala. In March of 2000, the Government of Belize and the Government of Guatemala agreed to the OAS process. Since then, three agreements for confidence-building measures were signed between the parties, but the agreement only covers Belize’s western border with Guatemala and not the Sarstoon boundary. In the wake of heightened tensions, similar measures have recently been suggested for the Sarstoon.

Captured man escapes from kidnappers
An Orange Walk businessman is now with his family after he escaped from two armed kidnappers who held him up and ordered him to drive to an area in Douglas, a village on the Philip Goldson Highway, shortly after 12:15 Monday morning. While the businessman was being taken away in his pickup, he managed to kick open the driver’s door while the vehicle was moving and he jumped out of the vehicle and ran into a cane field, where the kidnappers couldn’t see him. The kidnappers, nevertheless, fired into the area, but the businessman was not hit. The businessman had his cellphone on him, and called his family, telling them what had happened, and that he was hiding in an unknown area from the kidnappers. The family then called police. Police went to the area and found the pickup, which the bandits had abandoned, and the man was found about 600 yards from the location of the vehicle.

6th form student accused of $6,000 theft from his employer
A Belize City sixth form student pleaded not guilty to one count of theft at his arraignment this morning before Magistrate Carlon Mendoza. Magistrate Mendoza released Ricardo Borja on a bail of $8,000 plus two sureties of $4,000 and adjourned his case to April 26. The allegation against Borja, a 19-year-old resident of New Road, is that on January 27, 2016, he dishonestly appropriated $6,000 from Ricky Perrera, who had employed him to collect house rent from his tenants. In court, Borja appeared without an attorney and told Magistrate Mendoza that his attorney is aware of the charge against him. Following the arraignment, Perrera told court reporters that he had employed Borja, but between December 17, 2015 and February 17, 2016, he terminated Borja because he suspected, that he had been stealing money from him.

Belizean journalists “dissed” on President Ma state visit
If you’ve noticed a wide disparity in the coverage by the Belizean media versus the Taiwanese media on the visit of Taiwan president Ma Ying-jeou, the highest-ranking official outside CARICOM to have paid a visit to Belize in the recent past, that is because the Belizean media was persistently denied proper access to cover the event. If we wish to be precise, we would have to say that the Belizean media was heavily disrespected, but it was not clear who exactly was handing down the directives. One media colleague said he was told that protocols were being passed down from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Government Press Office officials escorting the Belizean press seemed just as surprised about the restrictions and a reporter from the Guardian, the ruling UDP’s newspaper, boycotted the evening photo shoot in protest when he heard that a photo was all that he would be allowed to take at the Radisson.

5,000 participate in BLACK police anti-crime march
The Police Department and other organizations, including primary school students, conducted an anti-crime march through the principal streets of the city this morning. The demonstration, called BLACK (Be Loving and Cease Killing), which aims to send a strong message from the police against crime and violence, began at about 8:00 this morning and concluded at about 1:00 in the afternoon, and had the participation of an estimated 5,000 people. The march began at the Cinderella Plaza and proceeded down Freetown Road, onto Douglas Jones Street, into North Front Street, down Albert Street into Regent Street, and over the Swing Bridge into Queen Street. It then ended at the Princess BTL Park on Newtown Barracks, where a massive anti-crime rally was held. Inspector Fitzroy Yearwood said that the march was a means to build relationships with the community, and to foster a partnership in the effort to find ways of reducing crime and violence.

Prosthetic clinic planned for on Sunday
There will be a prosthetic clinic at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 20, at Helpage Belize’s gym on the grounds of the Sister Cecilia Home. The clinic is being organized through Belize Assembly for People with Diverse Abilities (BAPDA) and Dr. Rob Kistenberg and his team from Prosthetic Hope International. They will be fitting persons for prosthetics, giving amputees a new lease on life and a renewed prospect of living a normal life. Eva Middleton of BAPDA told Amandala that the organization has been in existence since 2009. She said that they hold regular meetings with their members and link these persons to services that will assist them to live a “life of dignity.” Middleton went on to say that one of the challenges that disabled persons face in Belize is that business places are not built in such a way as to accommodate them. As a result, it is difficult for disabled persons to do simple transactions like taking out a birth certificate or utilizing the services of the bank.

Dennis Gabourel loses in Court of Appeal
The Court of Appeal this morning dismissed the appeal of Dennis Gabourel who was convicted in the Supreme Court on an indictment of grievous harm and was sentenced to pay a fine of $10,000 by trial judge Justice John Gonzalez. Gabourel’s attorney, Simeon Sampson, SC, had appealed the fine on the grounds that the grievous harm sustained by the victim came about as a result of an accident. Instead, the Court of Appeal affirmed the previous ruling of the Supreme Court. In his argument, Sampson argued that his client acted in self-defense, stating that Gabourel took a defensive position and the complainant fell and caused injury to herself. Sampson went on to say, “If this version was put to the jury, the jury would have been in a better position to evaluate the merits of the case.”

Waterloo and Carnival assessing feasibility of proposed Belize City cruise port
The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) announced this week that Norwegian Cruise Lines intends to make its first call at its new cruise port at Harvest Caye in Southern Belize on November 15. This will become the second cruise port to be established in Belize—although champagne bottles had been broken back in April 2004, for the construction of a second port in Belize City, through a partnership between Carnival Cruise Lines and Port of Belize Limited. Today, there is still only one cruise port operating in the country. That port, located at the Fort Street Tourism Village, has been in operation for just over 15 years. Former partner in the FSTV, Michael Feinstein, was planning to build a new port at Stake Bank, off the Belize City coast, but he recently announced that he would not pursue the investment after finding out that the Government had been talking with British billionaire Michael Ashcroft, the businessman/banker who now has possession of the Port through Waterloo Investment Holdings Limited, about resurrecting the idea of a cruise facility, at Port of Belize.

The Reporter

Oceana and WWF to host “Earth Hour”
Oceana Belize, in collaboration with the World Wildlife Fund and Sea to Shore Alliance, is hosting a special event from 8:30- 9:30 p.m. today, Saturday entitled “Earth Hour.” The event is geared towards sharing information about climate change, its importance to Belize, as well as the rest of the world, and to highlight local and international initiatives which are focused on fighting climate changes negative effects. The organizations will host the event at the Caribbean Shores Park, also known as “Rock Park” on Princess Margaret Drive. The event will also feature a candle light vigil live entertainment and personal testimonies on initiates being done locally to join the fight against climate change.

Ladyville records first murder for 2016
Rene Chavarria, a Belizean fisherman of Ladyville village is the first person from that area to be murdered in 2016. The Rural Eastern Division of the Belize Police Department reported that they found Chavarria lying face down in a swamp with an apparent gunshot wound to the back on the head after 9:00 p.m. on Friday night. Reports are that Chavarria was riding his bicycle heading towards his home in the Milpa Area when two gunmen approached him from behind and opened fire. Inspector Juanito Cocom of the Ladyville Police, informed that Chavarria then ran towards the Caribbean Shrimp Farm and managed to jump over a drain to the right hand side of Marage Road and fell in the bushes. The two male persons then escaped.

The Belize Times

Guatemala Takes Portion of Toledo!
Guatemala, whose unfounded claim over Belize has existed for 160 years, has ratcheted up its claim and has effectively seized a large portion of the Toledo District using military force to take control of the entire Sarstoon River and Sarstoon Island, located at the southern-most tip of Belize’s border. BDF soldiers reported to the Government that on Saturday March 12th they were stopped by Guatemala Armed Forces (GAF) “in the area of Belize’s Forward Operating Base”. Guatemala’s forces, said a Government release, “behaved in an extremely hostile and threatening manner, insisting that our troops should not be at the Sarstoon”. This report coincides with the behaviour of the Guatemalan military every time the Belize Territorial Volunteers have attempted to visit the Sarstoon Island over the past two years to assert Belize’s territorial integrity. In one instance, in March 2015, the BTV members were kidnapped by Guatemala’s military and taken by force to Livingston where they were held for an overnight and released following diplomatic negotiations. Prime Minister Dean Barrow and the leader of the Belize Defence Force, Brigadier General David Jones, have claimed that they have had “cordial” relations with Guatemala’s military in the area

Why Gapi Quit!
There has been no official explanation to the sudden resignation of the UDP’s northern political don Gaspar Vega from his post of Deputy Prime Minister and First Deputy Leader of the United Democratic Party. Vega’s resignation will take effect this Sunday, March 20th, when the UDP holds an endorsement convention to fill up posts in their National Executive. Conventions normally means elections, but the UDP under Dean Barrow is in a firm grip and what he says absolutely goes. The UDP, for example, has not had a leadership convention since Barrow took up the reins following former UDP leader Manuel Esquivel’s resignation in 1998. Leading up to Sunday’s convention, several persons wished to offer themselves for the positions. Mark King nominated himself on Facebook for Chairman in an attempt to kick out Alberto August. Faber, it was reported, was looking to become one of the two Deputy Leaders. There were even questions whether a new leader would take over. But Barrow indicated there shall be no challenges to any of the posts and much less to his even though he has declared that he is serving his last term in electoral politics.

Barrow’s Bogus Budget
Did you check out Barrow’s ‘Buckle-Up’ Budget in the House of Representatives last week? I swear the man is a magician trying to pull that disfigured rabbit out of the UDP hat. Silly Barrow, tricks are for kids. There’s a reason why Barrow has long been known as the Glitter Man, or as Hubert Elrington once said, all glitter and absolutely no substance. The Budget is bad, people. Just like we’ve been saying all along, Belize is in serious trouble. It’s even worse than we could have believed. Check this out. The budget is basically simple – it’s what you spend versus what you earn in revenue. A balanced budget means you’re bringing in what you spend, and that’s good. An exceptional budget would be bringing in more than you spend. But what Mr. Barrow is telling us is that in the past 2015/2016 he spent more than the country brought in…MUCH MORE – like $182M more. Can you imagine that? The deficit is a whopping 5.1% of GDP.

Couple claims negligence at Corozal Community hospital
A couple from Corozal Town has accused the medical staff of the Corozal Community Hospital of negligence with the administration of care to their 4 year old daughter. Zoila Botes and her common-law husband Josue Perez say that their child, Alexie, was taken to the hospital on Sunday March 6th after she was not feeling well, but after receiving poor care and treatment with an injection and arriving home, their child’s condition only got worse. Two hours after the child received treatment at the hospital she began suffering seizures. Her parents returned her to the hospital, only to find out that no one knew which medication was given to the child through injection. This, said the child’s step-father, is unacceptable.

Think About It
A frightened Prime Minister was at a loss for what to do as a nightmare scenario was conveyed to him through the B.D.F. Guatemala had struck again. Saturday evening 12 March 2016 Guatemalan naval and military personnel turned up in their gunboat in front of the “Mennonite” board house which the government says is our Forward Operating Base. Here is the official version from a government press release which was rushed out on Sunday. Remember the government has been caught lying in their previous press releases concerning Guatemala:- “The Guatemalan Armed Force approached the Forward Operating Base, though they never actually attempted to come on to our land, and behaved in an extremely hostile and threatening manner, insisting that out troops should not be at the Sarstoon. The Belize Forces stood their ground and after some time the Guatemalan Armed Forces withdrew. In the intervening period the BDF commander General Jones had spoken to an opposite member in Guatemala and Prime Minister Dean Barrow had sent a message to President Jimmy Morales”. “Despite the ultimately peaceful end to the standoff it is clear that tension with Guatemala over the Sarstoon and Belize’s insistence on its sovereignty rights…. Is at an all time high”.

A House Divided
If we are to believe what we are being told, the sleeping dog that is the Guatemalan claim, has awakened and is growling and showing its teeth. The question is though, who is kicking this dog and for what reason. A government press release, which was sent out on Sunday of all days, informed Belizeans that on Saturday last, Guatemalan troops “behaved in an extremely hostile and threatening manner” toward our Belize Defence Force soldiers. According to the release, “a strongly worded note of protest” was sent to the Guatemalans by our Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Of course, we have seen what their idea of “strongly worded” is, and to be honest, it’s usually not too impressive. More like the kind of note that a teacher might send to a parent if a child is late a time or two. The press release went on to inform that the “Prime Minister has convened a special meeting of the National Security Council for Monday March 14th, to further deal with this matter.” Ahah!!! Now this is really starting to sound like serious business. Of course, what the press release forgot to mention, was that said meeting had already been scheduled and that it had nothing to do with any incident at the Sarstoon. “What a tangled web is weaved…”

Barrow the Appeaser, Dangerous for Belize
Prime Minister Dean Barrow has shown to be a quisling and an appeaser when it comes to Guatemala. He is also following the script crafted by his British masters. His history is on the written record. So far that record let us state the following. During none of the civil disobedience, public protests or riots was Mr. Barrow ever present or a participant. He was not against the Webster Proposals by the U.S.A mediator to give Belize to the control of Guatemala. He was not against the then infamous Heads of Agreement in March 1981 which was perhaps the worst civil unrest in Belize in relation to Guatemala. He was not against the Maritime Areas Law in 1991 which resulted in Phillip Goldson, Hubert Elrington, Derrick Aikman, Gilda Lewis, Emma Boiton, Herbert Panton and other high ranking members leaving the United Democratic Party. Mr. Goldson went on to form his own party-National Alliance For Belizean Rights NABR and vowed never to join back with the UDP whilst Dean Barrow remained in the party. Mr. Goldson died as a member of NABR and was given a State Funeral by the PUP government of Said Musa.

Grace Kennedy & Unitedville Rebels win softball competition
Defending Cayo softball champs, Roaring Creek Grace Kennedy and the Unitedville Rebels posted big wins when the2016 Raymond Garbutt senior female softball competition kicked off with 3 games at the Raymond Garbutt Field in Roaring Creek Village on Sunday. Winning pitcher Leandra Guy led the Grace Kennedy ladies from Roaring Creek to a 12-1 win by mercy rule over Belmopan Capital City Emeralds. Grace Kennedy’s Shadalee Ho walloped Dominga Tut’s pitching to hit a home run at the bottom of the 1st inning. Pitcher Nikita Perez led the Unitedville Rebels United to an 8-0 victory by mercy rule over Esperanza Wolverines in the second game of the afternoon. Rebels United’s Indira Ireland walloped Shareenie Soberanis’ pitching to hit the 1st home run of the season at the top of the 3rd inning.

Taye Parkinson & Amiri Hoare win SMART table tennis champs
Taye Parkinson of St. Joseph’s RC School was awarded as the most developed young table tennis player of 2015 by Belize Table Tennis Association. He showed why when he won the 18 & Under championship as well as the 12 & Under division in the SMART national junior ranking table tennis championships hosed by the BTTA at the Belize Elementary auditorium on Sunday. The 15 & Under division championship was won by Amiri Hoare.

Kaya Cattouse wins Women’s Cross Country
Team C-Ray’s Kaya Cattouse won the 27th annual Women’s Cross Country Cycling Classic beating defending champ Alicia Thompson in the sprint to the finish in front the BTL Park in Belize City on Sunday. Kaya rode the 68 miles from the Coronation Park in San Ignacio to the finish line on Newtown Barracks in 4:24:15; winning the $3,000 1st prize, a round trip for 2 on Maya Island Airways, and 2 trophies. Kaya had won Cross country champ in 2012.

Spring Concert at the Bliss
Last Thursday March 10, 2016 the Northfield Mount Hermon School Orchestra and the Belize National Youth Orchestra took the stage at the Bliss Center for the Performing Arts for a delightful Spring Concert of musical selections. The concert was fairly well attended, though the Bliss was not full to capacity. Mostly parents and friends of the musicians attended in support of their children in the Belize Youth Orchestra, and the visitors as well as our own Belizean orchestra members performed a diverse one and half hour program, commencing with the excellent playing of the Belizean and American National Anthems. The Northfield Mount Hermon School Orchestra hailed from the US State of Massachusetts. Their director was Steven Bathory Peeler. The ten-member chamber group of seven young women and three young men sounded like a full orchestra, although there were only eight violins, a cello and a double bass. They played a wide range of compositions, from a three-part piece by Frenchman Jean-Baptiste Lully – “Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme” from the seventeenth century to the John Lennon and Paul McCartney composition “Eleanor Rigby.” Also a part of the program were selections by Brazilian, British and American composers and “March of the Toy Soldiers” from the Nutcracker Suite by Tchaikovsky. The versatility of the Northfield School Orchestra was on full display, and the audience showed their appreciation with hearty applause. The range of sound that a small string orchestra can encompass is truly amazing, and their program was very well delivered and received.

How did we lose the Sarstoon?
On Saturday, Guatemalan military forces came into Belizean waters and threatened OUR Belize Defence Force soldiers at the Forward Operation Base at the Sarstoon. Imagine that. It’s gotten to that point. Our soldiers were aggressed by armed Guatemalan soldiers. They were outmanned, outgunned and in a very bad position far from any assistance, nowhere to run. When you see a government release using the words hostile and threatening, and actually admitting that tension in the Sarstoon is at an all time high, then you get the sense of how bad it is. We’ve been trying to tell this government for the longest time that THEY lost the Sarstoon. They told us we lied. They said we were being political. They accused us of sensationalizing things, making things up. The Prime Minister is fond of beating his chest and boasting about how great Belize is at asserting its sovereignty in the Sarstoon. Well tell that to the BDF soldiers at the base on Saturday. Tell that to the Guatemalans. I’ve heard Minister Elrington say that under his term as Foreign Minister diplomatic relations are the best they have ever been. We’ve heard him say that thanks to this UDP administration we are finally making some progress in resolving the claim. But how is this progress now?

Students return from Harvard Association debate conference in Costa Rica
The Belize High School (BHS) debate team participated in their fourth HACIA debate conference held March 10 to 13, 2016. The XXII Summit of the Americas was hosted in San Jose, Costa Rica at the Hotel Real Intercontinental. HACIA, Harvard Association Cultivating Inter American Democracy, remains the oldest and largest simulation of the organization of American States in the world. Over five hundred students come from countries spanning the entire Americas. This year over 500 students of thirty three different high schools throughout 10 countries: Costa Rica, Belize, Brazil, Panama, Honduras, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Mexico, United States of America, and Peru. The BHS students have been extensively preparing for several months with direction from Mr. Emmanuel Adighije and Mrs. Jamie Usher. Preparations included meetings after school and Saturdays to ensure proper research materials, writing position papers, seeking resolutions and public speaking skills. Additionally the students learnt proper parliamentary procedures of both the United Nations and the Organization of American States.

PUP Condemns Illegal Guatemalan Action in the Sarstoon
The People’s United Party strongly condemns the illegal military incursion by the Guatemalan Armed Forces (GAF) into Belizean territorial waters on Saturday 12 March 2016. The PUP also deplores the hostile and aggressive attitude by members of the GAF towards our Belizean security forces in the vicinity of the Forward Operating Base on the shores of the Sarstoon River in Belize. This latest incident is another violation of international law by Guatemala and constitutes a grave risk to peace in the region. The PUP joins the Government and all Belizeans in calling on the Government of Guatemala to immediately cease these provocative and illegal acts, and we demand that the Government of Guatemala ensures that the GAF is instructed to stand down and to respect the long established boundary between Belize and Guatemala in the Sarstoon. The PUP applauds the firm and brave members of the Belizean security forces who resolutely defended our sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of hostile and imminent threat from the GAF.

Blogs

Affordable Coastal Living in Belize’s Corozal District
It’s hard to beat waking to the sweet trill of birdsong accompanied by a glorious view of the sun rising over the Caribbean Sea. Open windows allow the balmy sea breeze to cool the house, all year round. Most people practically live on their verandas, the other option for watching the sun’s ascent over the Bay of Corozal. Corozal Town, a sleepy little Belizean town on the Caribbean Sea, offers great-value property galore. That’s partly because this area of Belize is not a tourist haven. You need not worry about crowds here. Venture a few miles outside of the town and you’ll find expats peacefully living in their dream homes situated by the sea, or on a freshwater lagoon. These expats prefer to be outside of town, in a more private, peaceful environment. The Corozal District has over 33,000 residents, 10,000 of which live in Corozal Town. It’s estimated that up to 2,000 expats live in the region…hailing from the U.S., Canada, and Europe. They all visited Belize seeking a location where they could live an affordable coastal lifestyle in a balmy, friendly, low-key environment. Belize also made it onto many of their shortlists because English is the primary language.

Driving WAY Up North to the End of the Road Or Signs, Signs, Everywhere Signs
This May will mark my 9th anniversary as a full-time resident of Belize. I can say with some certainty that I have seen nothing change the island as quickly as the paving of the road north of the bridge. Suddenly, everyone up north needs a vehicle…resorts need to not only tend to the front of their businesses (the seaside) but the back too…and businesses and FOR SALE signs are springing up everywhere. It has the feel of a freeway with the amount of advertising signs along it. (SanPedroScoop.com signs are WOEFULLY missing!) Yesterday I went for a drive up to the end of the road – it has plowed through to Sapphire Beach! And is continuing on… Here is what I saw. We’ll start with this insane sign going up right in front of Reef Village JUST over the bridge. And a bit farther up, the new Dive Bar. The sign is overwhelming…one almost needs to stop to read all the different aspects. And in case you missed something, they have another HUGE one just about half a mile up.

Marine Foundation installs underwater sculpture at Silk Caye Marine Reserve
Last year The Marine Foundation started their adventure in Belize, when invited by a group of Dangriga fishermen to create and install an underwater sculpture. We have installed a number of sculptures in Asia but this would be our first in the Caribbean. We were quickly introduced to Roberts Grove Beach Resort who became our partner sponsor and through a collaboration with Southern Environmental Association (SEA), Silk Cayes Marine Reserve was chosen as the installation location. The one ton sculpture has been waiting patiently in the Roberts Grove workshop since last May, waiting on permissions to sink and selecting the best site. Captain William led the technical journey of getting the sculpture from land into sea. A truck lifted her from her place of creation onto the boat. On Sunday, March 13th, we took The Silk Sea Goddess on her maiden voyage, strapped onto the deck of the Dorado. The weather was kind to us with only lightly choppy waves. We anchored up at South Silk Caye and joined Tamba, SEA’s park ranger and Marisha, Dive guide for some last minute fun photos with the goddess. We had prepared a good strategy over several days, however I was feeling nervous about the sink. I put on my dive equipment and prepared myself to go under, for two reason; one I could not bear the pressure of watching the goddess going over the edge of the boat. Secondly I needed to be there under the water welcoming her to her new home. I had imagines of guiding her down, although the reality was very different.

International Sources

Prescott Audubon Society Lecture series: Birds, Beaches and the Buildings of Belize
Monday, April 4, 2 p.m. at Prescott Public Library, 215 E. Goodwin St. 928-777-1500; www.prescottlibrary.info.

The Yucatan Peninsula is best appreciated on two wheels
The Yucatan Peninsula is best appreciated on two wheels, says British Independent UK reporter Graeme Green, as he mounts his bike and gets off the tourist trail. It’s a local saint’s day here in southern Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula and Dzitás is getting ready for a fiesta. A band of drummers and trumpeters collects a statue of the saint from the church to parade through the village. Men are constructing a makeshift bullfighting arena on the edge of town. It’s these scenes of everyday life that many tourists miss as they hurry between the Yucatán’s famed Mayan archaeological sites and the white-sand beaches that fringe the Caribbean. “There are other places in the world for cycling with more scenic landscapes, more elevation; Yucatán’s attraction is not the road,” admits Fernando. “But when you get to the villages it’s where the magic starts happening. You see the real Mexico.” Mayan civilisation spread across Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Honduras and El Salvador, roughly from AD250 to AD900, with Chichén Itzá one of its largest cities. We explore this sprawling metropolis and religious centre, from the soaring El Castillo pyramid and the Temple of Kukulcan to the Jaguar Temple and the Great Ball Court, an arena for ancient ballgames. Carvings of warriors, skulls and the Mayan feathered snake god Kukulkan are still discernible.

Caribbean lagging in shift to renewable energy
President of the Caribbean Development Bank Dr Warren Smith is lamenting the Caribbean’s slow pace in shifting towards renewable energy. Delivering a lecture on the topic ‘Regulating Utilities in Small Island Developing States – Lessons for the Caribbean’, Dr Smith said renewable energy is the most promising option for addressing the region’s current energy security challenge. But he noted that currently, the electricity generation capacity derived from renewable energy in CARICOM countries is less than 10 percent, compared to regional targets of 20 percent by 2017, and 28 percent by 2022. “The major barrier, in my view, to rapid expansion of renewable energy generation in the Caribbean, remains that of the monopoly control over generation by the incumbent integrated electric utilities in several instances.

A force of nature: Mitchell-Hedges Crystal Skull displayed at Camp Chesterfield
It was standing room only for a chance to see and commune with the Mitchell-Hedges Crystal Skull at Camp Chesterfield Saturday. Around 100 people came to the spiritualist camp in Chesterfield where the skull was being displayed at Hett Art Gallery and Museum. The crystal was discovered by Anna Mitchell-Hedges, the daughter of explorer and author F.A. Mitchell-Hedges, in a collapsed temple in Lubaantun, Belize, in 1924, according to many accounts. Bill Homman took over care of the skull after Mitchell-Hedges died in 2007. The skull in “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull,” in which the famed explorer races against Soviet agents to find a crystal skull, is based on the Mitchell-Hedges skull. Homman said his job as the skull’s “guardian” is to travel with the skull and allow people who believe in its power to feel its energy.

Representatives From Florida In Belize For Trade Mission
A team of business persons from a number of companies in the United States arrived in Belize, Thursday, March 17 for a trade and investment meeting which opens Friday, March 18 at the Placencia Hotel & Resort. The 15- member trade and investment mission is there to discuss investment and trade opportunities with private sector and government officials. Some members of the team have been in Belize since earlier in the week having one-one-one discussions with various officials including Mr. Glenford Ysaguirre, Governor of the Central Bank of Belize. “Over the next three days the visiting mission will be brought up to date with the investment opportunities which Belize offers in a wide range of sectors including hotel development, agribusiness and financial services, among others,” says Michael Devin Young, representative of the Belize Ministry of Trade and Investment in Florida and president of the Greater Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce (GCACC).

1,000-year-old onion and garlic eye remedy kills MRSA
A 1,000-year-old treatment for eye infections could hold the key to killing antibiotic-resistant superbugs, experts have said. Scientists recreated a 9th Century Anglo-Saxon remedy using onion, garlic and part of a cow's stomach. They were "astonished" to find it almost completely wiped out methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus, otherwise known as MRSA. Their findings will be presented at a national microbiology conference. The remedy was found in Bald's Leechbook - an old English manuscript containing instructions on various treatments held in the British Library.

Videos

Ascenthium - Born to Be Wild, St Patricks Day 2016, min. Ascenthium performing Born to Be Wild, by Steppenwolf. They rocked the Bamboo Bar St. Patrick's Day, playing for around 2 hours. Pictures here.

Hannah + Chase | Engagement Story, 4min. Brett and I were so honored to shoot Hannah and Chase's engagement video. They are such an incredible example of what a Christ-centered relationship should look like. We are SO happy to be a part of their lives, and we're even happier they are a part of ours. Belize is such a special place to both of them (they were both baptized there), so Chase thought it would be fitting to propose there. He flew down to surprise Hannah on the last day of her mission trip. We made her think that she was doing an interview for the mission trip video, only for Chase to come strolling down the beach with a Bible in his hand and a ring in his pocket.

WCU Nursing Student Group Service at Hillside, 2min. West Coast Nursing Students serving at Hillside Health Care International, Winter 2015-2016.

How We Ate Termites in Belize!, 4.5min. This was our adventure eating termites in Belize with Belize Yoga! Now you know how I got talked into doing so much...

Baby dancing Jonkunu, Belize, 2.5min. 2yr old dancing traditional Jonkunu or Wanaragua Garifuna dance in Punta Gorda Belize.

Butterfly Falls in Belize!, 4min. Enjoying the Butterfly Falls in Belize with Belize Yoga!

Belize Mission 2016 Recap, 10min. During Spring break 2016, a team from CCF in Florida travelled to Belize. There they spread the word of God through many performances and VBS for the kids of Belize. This is a glimpse at the week they spent there.

Jetski Belize with Music, 3min.

2016 La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge Day 2 2nd, 58min.

March 19, 2016

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

Congratulations to the SPHS Boys (Northern Regional Champs)
for winning the first leg of their National Championship race today! Tomorrow they head to the finals!! Let's gooooo boys!!!

San Police Officers celebrate International Women’s Month
As part of Women’s Month, San Pedro’s female officers took part in a community service initiative. March is internationally observed as Women’s Month, and it is dedicated to honouring the achievements accomplished by women, as well as encouraging women to strive for a better future. With this in mind, the women attached to the San Pedro Police Department decided it would be fitting for them to partake in community service demonstrating women’s versatility in the work force and importance in the community. As part of their initiative, Officer in Charge of the Coastal Executive Unit, Superintendent Sandra Bowden, along with three female officers assisted in the Holy Cross Feeding Program on Wednesday, March 16th. Through participating in the feeding program, the San Pedro female officers joined the kitchen staff at Holy Cross Anglican School to prepare and serve a wholesome meal for the students. Bowden was joined by Woman Police Constable (WPC) 1554 Areille Young, WPC 1049 Yadira Jones and WCP 1672 Veralina Arthurs.

The San Pedro Town Library gets an upgrade
The San Pedro Town Public Library’s Senior Library Assistant, Marlene Coral along with volunteers, gathered over the weekend to tackle a series of DIY (do-it-yourself) projects. The renovations were done to improve the durability of the library’s office equipment and furniture. The helpful team of male volunteers began by repainting file cabinets and repairing several book shelves. Many of the book shelves were classed as unstable for patrons, and posed as a safety hazard. Ms. Coral would like to extend an invitation to children from the ages of eight to 11 years to participate in upcoming fun Easter activities that include: watching films, discussions, stories, playing games, and making crafts. Parents are encouraged to sign up their child by the 19th of March. The activities will end on the 23rd, with a competition and an Easter scavenger egg hunt. Activities start from 9am to noon and if space is not limited, walk-ins are welcome. The San Pedro Town Library is located at the South End Barrier Reef Drive, and their contact number is 206-2028.

The San Pedro Sun celebrates 25 years of service!
The San Pedro Sun newspaper has strived to keep La Isla Bonita well informed for 25 years and counting. Focused on highlighting the community, The Sun honored the momentous anniversary on Monday, March 14th during a small sunset cocktail reception on board Island Dream Tour’s vessel, the YOLO. In the company of longstanding advertisers, community friends and staff members, The San Pedro Sun celebrated 25 years of serving the community of Ambergris Caye. The San Pedro Sun has certainly come a long way. The first printed publication in San Pedro was “The Village Shopper” which was started in 1981 by Linda Cornelison. The newsletter was more about shopping than news, and in 1982 the publication evolved into The Coconut Wireless, featuring a few community-based columns. The Coconut Wireless was the first paper to be sporadically published on the island and Linda Cornelison was the owner, editor and publisher. Other residents on the island, including Victoria and Bruce Collins (deceased), and Woody Canaday worked with Cornelison to put out the first issue. When Cornelison had to be away, the Collinses and Canaday kept the Wireless going, putting 13 issues out and bringing the newspaper out of debt! In November of 1990, Cornelison returned and took over the publication once again; but plagued with personal issues, she eventually ran into legal problems, was incarcerated for some time, and The Wireless eventually failed to exist. In the meantime, Bruce and Victoria had been in the stages of preparing their own newspaper, and after the inevitable demise of the Coconut Wireless, went into full print mode. On March 14, 1991 the first issue of The San Pedro Sun was printed. The paper went cyber in July 1996 when it started an online page on the popular www.ambergriscaye.com website. In 1996, the newspaper was sold to Dan and Eileen Jamison, who moved the paper process to their home upstairs of what is now Saga Humane Society’s current location.

The SP Billiards Association’s 8-ball Tournament continues roaming the island
The pre-season 8-ball pool tournament continued over the past weekend, and once again billiards fanatics came to check out Ambergris Caye’s talented players. The competition last weekend was described to be an intense one with games taking place at 1 Barrel Bar. Organized by the San Pedro Billiards Association, the tournament has been welcomed by island residents who strongly support the new sporting activity. The tournament will continue this weekend with games taking place at Captain Iguanas. The schedule for Friday, March 18th and Saturday March 19th is 7PM while on Sunday, March 20th , games will start at 1PM. Fans are encouraged to come out and support their teams as they prepare for the big tournament coming up later this year.

Less students sitting the PSE on Ambergris Caye
During the first part of the national Primary School Examination (PSE) held on Monday, March 14th, Ambergris Caye registered a considerably lower number of students partaking of the test than usual. The statistics for 2015 indicate that 298 students sat the exam, whereas in 2016 the number of students sitting the first part of the PSE was just 261. This raises concerns as the decrease is noticeable, especially when classrooms are often declared overcrowded. The island’s Education Officer, Nelma Jones visited the school during the examination and mentioned that everything went well. She applauded the work from the SPHS staff in organizing the sitting of the examination with primary schools. However, she also commented on the lower number of students sitting the exam. The second part of the PSE will be sat on Tuesday, May 3rd and will consist of Social Studies and Mathematics. While the Ministry of Education has reiterated that the PSE is not and was never intended to be used as the sole criteria for entrance into secondary schools, it is still very much a part of the complete package that determines students’ enrolment in high school. Secondary schools are advised to use multiple sources of evidence of students’ achievement and holistic development at primary school to get a more complete picture of the students’ abilities, strengths and weaknesses in informing educational decisions with respect to the students they enrol and serve.

Saga Humane Society holds first Cook Off for the year
On Tuesday, March 15th, Luna Loca hosted Saga Humane Society’s “March Cook Off.” Pet lovers organized the event to help raise funds that assist in providing quality care to sheltered animals. The theme for this particular event was “Restaurant Chef Choice,” where all of the best restaurant chefs and cooks provided their favorite dishes to an eager and hungry crowd. For only $20, those in attendance indulged in a variety of flavorful samples, all while helping a worthy cause. The menu consisted of: Caribbean Empanadas from Rain Restaurant, Pulled Pork & Cornbread from newly opened restaurant “High Tide”, Chicken Kurma & Chicken Manchurian with yellow rice from Basmati Restaurant, Mashed Balls from Chef Nook, Ginger Coconut Conch Chowder from Pirate’s Treasure Restaurant, Spiced Banana Rum Cake from Cook Nancy Nida and Gorgonzola Gnocchi with chicken bacon matriciana sauce by Ashley’s Smoothie Shack.

Ambergris Today

Curfew Imposed on all Belize City Minors after Murders
The Police Department in Belize City was forced to take immediate strong action and impose a 9p.m. curfew on all minors after they detained three underage males involved in two recent homicides in the city. It’s an unwanted situation for the City but Assistant Commissioner of Police Chester Williams stressed that they need to bring an end to the violence on the streets of the city and that the curfew is one method that will assist the department. “The curfew will help our law-abiding citizens to feel free and safe in our community,” stated Williams to Channel 5 News.

Misc Belizean Sources

First Friday of April Roadside and Beach Trash Pick Up, Tres Cocos
Please join us on Friday, April 1st - no foolin'!! - for our monthly trash pick up. We meet at the Paradise Theatre, just north of the bridge at 9 am. We supply the bags, gloves, trash pickers and water, and you bring your community spirit! Help us make a difference with the garbage situation on our beautiful island!

Passing of Mr. Hector Munguia
Mayor Daniel Guerrero, the San Pedro Town Council and Staff would like to extend its deepest condolences to the Munguia family & friends on the passing of Mr. Hector Munguia. May his soul rest in peace. Mr. Hector Munguia was a former employee of the San Pedro Town Council.

Taste of Belize 2016!
Save the date folks... May 14, 2016

Do you like Bird Banding? Join our team today
Do you have some experience in bird banding and bird extractions looking for an opportunity to exercise it? Stann Creek District, between March 24 and May 7th.

Caye Caulker: SALE ON GIRLS BABY AND TODDLER CLOTHES. EVERYTHING MUST GO!!!!
THIS SATURDAY March 19th 2016 right at my dad house by the FootBall Field Starting @ 9am.

Critically ill howler monkey rescued at Xunantunich
There's so much happening all at once, and so little time to share more than "snippets". Here one of the this weeks patients that has kept us very busy, and worried, the last 30 h (sorry no better picture for now): a critically ill howler monkey was rescued at Xunantunich. Many thanks go to Giselle Rodriguez and Mr. Ramon from NICH! Monkey fights had been heard and then this male monkey was found on the ground with obvious lacerations on his throat, back and hind. Unfortunately he had sustained a head trauma from his fall and was in shock. And upon intake examination it quickly became evident that the bite injuries we older, infected, and the monkey burning up with fever. A couple of bot file larva where within the least of his concerns. If only we can control his raging infection we have a good chance. For those new to the field - wildlife often is in critical condition once it is rescued, since wildlife captures are near impossible as long as animals are healthy. So the best news for tonight - while the monkey has many odds against him, and is still in critical condition, he has started to respond to treatment smile emoticon After a day of continuous intensive care with intra venous fluids, strong pain medication, dual antibiotics, diuretics and more; and dreadful struggles with thermoregulation - a stark reminder of our need for 2 medical incubators at BWRC unsure emoticon - tonight our patient was waking up and moving himself into a sternal position and his temperature is finally in a normal range.

Dorren August Fundraising Efforts
Late last year, Dorren August (Light Technician at The Bliss Centre) was diagnosed with Chiari Malformation. The tests he took revealed that the section of his skull containing a part of the brain (cerebullum) is too small thus putting pressure on the brain. His cerebellum is pushing into the upper spinal canal, and interfering with the normal flow of cerebrospinal fluid that protects the brain and spinal cord. This is creating a blockage of signals transmitted to his brain and body and causing a mild buildup of spinal fluid in his brain. Since then, his neurological symptoms have taken a turn for the worse and leading to serious complications. We are appealing to you - friends and family - to assist in helping Dorren alleviate financial stress and focus on treatment and healing, The money donated will be used to pay for medical expenses not covered by insurance and follow up examinations that he will need. Please keep Dorren and his family in your thoughts and prayers and we thank you for your support.

Power interruption 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m, Wed, March 23, Corozal
Ranchito, Orchid Bay, Chunox, Copper Bank, Sarteneja & portion Philip Goldson Highway between Ranchito & Tony’s Inn. Two 15 minute power interruptions from 8:00 a.m to 8:15 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. will also affect Joseito Layout, Dominguez Layout, Baeza Layout, Olga Marin Drive and a portion of San Andres. BEL to energize high voltage and low voltage lines and install distribution structure in the area.

NEBL All Star Celebrity Night
The NEBL's All Star Night is tonight, at the UB gym. They'll have a clebrity match before the North vs. South All Star game.

Belizean Nationalist Philip Goldson-The Ardent Revolutionary To The Expanionist Guatemalan Claim
A documentary on one of the most celebrated Belizean nationalist, the late Philip Wilboforce Goldson, and the struggle he waged against the expansionist Guatemalan Claim since 1948. Goldson was also the architect of the National Independence Party (NIP), the opposition party that opposed the policies of the Peoples United Party (PUP) led by the popular Belizean leader and Prime Minister George Cadle Price. Minister Goldson, as he is referred to in Belizean political circles, was also one of the founding members of the PUP before leaving the party in the 1950's. To date, he remains the most ardent revolutionary to the insidious Guatemalan Claim that remains unsettled up to today. The historical presentation in the documentary was aired in 1991 on the popular Dickie Bradley Show on the revolutionary KREM radio.

ON THIS 2016 BELIZE CROSS COUNTRY EVE (PART THREE)!
Remembering Belize's most astute and skillful Cross Country cyclist and champion, Ernest 'Jawmaine' Meighan. His power to contain the threats to the Garland is missed badly in these Cross Country Cycling classics. Rest in peace champ!

Channel 5

Did Oscar Gomez Fatally Stab Himself or was He Murdered?
It’s not commonplace for News Five to report on suicides, but tonight we look at a particularly disturbing story where a Salvadoran man allegedly took his own life on Thursday [...]

A Couple Remains Hospitalized Following Near Fatal Road Traffic Accident
A young couple from Belmopan is in critical condition at the Belize Medical Associates after a three-vehicle pileup on the George Price Highway on Thursday afternoon. Marlo Chavarria and his [...]

2 Teenagers Arraigned for the Murder of Godfrey Hemsley
A pair of minors, ages fourteen and fifteen, was arraigned earlier today for the murder of thirty-one-year-old Godfrey Hemsley. The deadly shooting took place on Wednesday night at the Yarborough [...]

A Meeting is Called to Discuss Newly Implemented Citywide Curfew
Two fourteen-year-olds and a fifteen-year-old have been charged within the last twenty-four hours for a most serious crime, murder. It is a damning reality because it highlights the lack of [...]

…Protocol to be Established for Curfew
ACP Williams says that several follow up meetings will be held to devise a protocol. The intent is to target parents, who, after a formal warning is issued to them, [...]

More From Foreign Minister Elrington on Guatemala Claim
On Thursday evening, Minister Wilfred Elrington, flanked by Ambassadors Assad Shoman and Alexis Rosado, hosted a press conference in Belize City. It was intended as a public briefing, following meetings [...]

PM Barrow Speaks on National Security Council
That confusion about the actual claim seems to give rise to some confusion about the seriousness and significance of Guatemala’s active ownership of the Sarstoon – ownership bolstered by military [...]

Did Foreign Minister Deliver Belize’s Strong Message at Washington Meeting?
The concern by the head of government and his security council was evident following that meeting. From his words it appears that the Prime Minister intended his delegation to O.A.S. [...]

Sedi Defines Provocation in Sarstoon Context
Minister Elrington maintained throughout the briefing that Belizean and Guatemalan diplomat politicians have been mature and responsible. The hard line has also been that military to military there’s absolutely no [...]

Foreign Minister Forewarned of Heightened Tension Due to Unsolicited Sarstoon Visits
Elrington would go further to accuse the Belize Territorial Volunteers of putting the lives of Belize’s armed forces at needless risk. According to the minister, every action has a reaction, [...]

CARICOM Issues Release in Support of Belize on Sarstoon Fiasco
Belize’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs appears unsure about what happened in the Sarstoon on Saturday, and maintains that Guatemala is being mature, and its behavior impeccable. But interestingly, CARICOM does [...]

What’s the Fate of O.A.S. Office at the Adjacency Zone?
The original primary agenda item for the meeting in Washington, and one which is still very pertinent, is the matter of funding for the O.A.S. Office inside the adjacency zone [...]

Belize City is Declared a Child Friendly Municipality
The concept of a child friendly city came about in recognition of a number of significant trends. Those tendencies include the rapid transformation and urbanization of societies across the world, [...]

…UNICEF Rep Says Children and Youths are Being Given a Voice
While Belize City is not officially a child friendly municipality, it is well on the way to achieving certification. UNICEF Country Representative Ivan Yerovi says the idea is aimed at [...]

Cinderella Plaza to Finally be Renovated
In the coming weeks, Cinderella Plaza will be receiving a long overdue facelift. Following the completion of work by the Flood Mitigation Infrastructure Project, the heavily trafficked area near the [...]

…Commercial Center is Next Up!!
Remedial works is also being planned for a number of streets, as well as the commercial center. Viewers would recall that the rehabilitation of that public building at Market Square [...]

A High School Pageant for a Feeding Program
In the next few minutes, seven students of the Anglican Cathedral College will be vying for the title of Miss ACC. The pageant, which has been revamped, is being held [...]

Gospel Expo 2016 Goes Down in Belmopan
The annual Belize Gospel Expo takes place this weekend in Belmopan at the May Gordon Park, near the University of Belize. The expo was created to showcase the talents of [...]

PlusTV

Godfrey Hemsley Murdered; third City murder in a week prompts police to look at curfew
Before this week, Eastern Division police had reported just two murders in the first two months of 2016, as the rest of the country saw a spike; this was on the heels of an improvement in the latter half of 2015. But as of today, there have been three murders this week. The latest took place on the ...

14 year old boy is charged for murder of 18 year old Mario Trotman
A 14 year old male minor, dwarfed by the police officer escorting him, appeared this morning in the Family Court, with attorney Oscar Selgado. He is charged with the murder of 18 year old Mario Trotman, whose body was discovered on Tuesday in the dyke between the Fabers Road and Jane Usher Boulevard...

Serious accident on George Price Highway
There was a serious traffic accident this afternoon on the George Price Highway at mile 11. The accident involved a dump truck, a black Jeep, and an ambulance. Details are still sketchy at this time however, we understand that the Jeep was headed to Belmopan and the dump truck was headed towards Be...

Kareem Clarke murder case reaches preliminary inquiry
The minor charged with the murder of Kremandala journalist Kareem Clarke appeared in the Belize Family Court, Wednesday, for a preliminary inquiry to determine whether the case would proceed to the Supreme Court. While it was adjourned because the presiding Magistrate was absent on leave, it took th...

BSAG soldier sees burglary charge dropped
24 year old Jamel Webster, a soldier of the Belize Defence Force assigned to the Belize Special Assignment Group (BSAG), saw a charge of burglary withdrawn for insufficient evidence today. However, he can be re-arrested and charged with the same offence. Webster is accused of removing a 9-millimeter...

Osmer Sabido takes the stand in murder trial of Christie Carrasco
Closing arguments were presented in court in Orange Walk in the case of Osmer Sabido, accused of the stabbing death of his girlfriend, Christie Carrasco on February 28th, 2011. On Wednesday, Sabido took the stand and gave his side of the story. He said that he first arrived at the house the couple ...

Contraband cigarettes confiscated in Guatemala believed from Belize
A report issued by the Guatemalan news “Agencia Guatemalteca de Noticias” states that Guatemalan police intercepted a truck yesterday driven at the time by 31 year old Guatemalan National, Henry Noe Garcia Urizar. The truck was intercepted near the village of Poptun in the town of Peten, Guatemala. ...

The Reporter

Belize City certified as child friendly
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) on Friday, certified that Belize City is a “child Friendly” municipality. The Belize City Council, along with partners UNICEF and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), held a ceremony at the Battlefield Park to commemorate the milestone in the […]

Gunman shoots Dad and teenage son
A man and his 13 year-old son narrowly escaped death from a couple of bullets while at an apartment complex on Ebony Street sometime around eleven on Monday night. The shooting occurred while Dean Parks and his teenage son, Justin were at one of the […]

Robbers show up at Altun Ha
In Altun Ha last week two men with a gun held up six tourists as they were hiking along a medicinal trail. The gunmen took money, cameras and cell phones then disappeared into the bush. The tourists were part of an eight person tour interested […]

Attack on concert-goers leaves one dead, two hurt
Two women returning from a pop concert in a hired taxi early last Sunday morning were shot as their taxi entered gang territory on Faberâ€™s Road, near St. John Vianney Church. One of the injured women, Tanika Lemott, died of her wounds when she reached […]

Belize’s Sustainable Tourism Program II gets US$15 Million IDB funding
The Ministries of Tourism and Forestry, Fisheries and Sustainable Development collaborated with the Inter-American Development Bank in launching the a US$15 million Sustainable Tourism Program II (STP2), with all stakeholders participating in a three-day workshop at the Black Orchid Lodge in Burrell Boom on Tuesday to Thursday, March 8-10. The […]

Guatemala hostility unites mainstream Parties But BPP stands aloof
The Belize Progressive Party this week blamed the Barrrow Government and the Organization of American States for the aggressive posture being taken by Guatemalan Armed Forces in the area of the Sarstoon. “Under the aegis of the OAS the Guatemalans have been afforded a free hand in usurping our territory, […]

OAS is broke! Needs loan funds to continue
The Organization of American States (OAS) is in danger of shutting down if member states donâ€™t approve an internal loan, OAS Secretary of Administration and Finance, Jay Anania announced this week. Anania, speaking at a meeting of the Permanent Council in Washington, put forward a […]

GOB pushes on with plans to build 35 new schools
The Government of Belize through the Ministry of Education, began the construction of five new schools this week under the Belize Education Sector Reform Project. The ministry held ground- breaking ceremonies for Kuxlin-Ha Pre-School and Primary School on Tuesday March 15 in Belmopan.. Ground-breaking ceremonies […]

New Airport Link Road will help the flow of traffic to Belize City
The Government of Belize has accepted a loan from the Organization of Oil Exporting countries (OPEC) to pay for building the Airport Link Road. The Airport Link is a new road which will branch off from the George Price ( Western Highway) and lead to […]

Caribbean women honoured for entrepreneurship
The Caribbean Center of Excellence for Sustainable Livelihoods (CoESL), in celebration of International Womenâ€™s Month, has honored 19 Caribbean women for their work in developing entrepreneurs. Dr. Dionne Chamberlain-Miranda, managing director of Chamberlain Consulting, is among those who have been honoured. “These women entrepreneurs…… are […]

Unprepared for cyber attacks Central and South America
Latin America and the Caribbean are highly susceptible to cyber attacks , according to a new report issued jointly by the Organization of American States (OAS) and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) this week. The “Cyber Security Report 2016: “Are We Ready in Latin America […]

GM mosquitoes are safe to propagate, says U.S.
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has published a report saying that the use of genetically modified mosquitoes to help fight the Zika virus is environmentally safe. The FDA this week gave the British company Oxitec, Ltd. tentative approval to hold trials in […]

Editorial
If you can keep your head when all about you Are losing theirs and blaming it on you; If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you, But make allowance for their doubting too; If you can wait and not be tired by waiting, Or, being lied about, don’t […]

Guatemala diplomats at OAS promise to keep the peace
Belize and Guatemala have resolved to keep the peace in the Sarstoon, Foreign Minister Wilfred Elrington reported Thursday evening following a special meeting with Guatemalan counterparts at Organization of American States (OAS) headquarters in Washington D.C., on Tuesday. The Guatemalan delegation promised to take […]

Taiwan’s President Ma visits Belize
Four world leaders visited Belize this week, three from the Caribbean, for talks with outgoing President Ma Ying-jeou of Taiwan who is on a three¬country tour before the end of his term in office. Prime Ministers Timothy Harris of St. Kitts and Nevis, Prime Minister […]

Virgin claims rape
Charges have been withdrawn against four males, three teenagers and one man, accused of raping a young girl, after Director of Public Prosecutions Cheryl¬-Lynn Vidal reviewed the case and determined the accuser was an unreliable witness. The three boys, 15 and younger, along with […]

Three way crash leaves husband and wife in critical condition
A man and his wife are in critical condition at the Medical Associates’ Intensive Care Unit after their vehicle crashed head-on into a dump truck on Thursday afternoon on the George Price Highway. The accident happened at around 1:30 p.m. between miles 11 and 12. […]

Is Lords Bank stabbing a suicide?
The Police Rural Eastern division unit is investigating a fatal stabbing in Lords Bank Village, which may be a case of suicide. Officer Commanding Rural Eastern Division, Assistant Commissioner of Police Edward Broaster, explained that on Thursday night they responded to a call and found […]

Happening now: Taiwanese President visits Belize
Taiwanese President, Ma Ying-Jeou arrived in Belize at 10:50 this morning on an official visit. President Ma is visiting Belize as part of a farewell tour to three countries. The first country he visited was Guatemala, and now Belize. In delivering a speech upon his […]

Guatemalan military confront BDF at Sarstoon FOB; we are headed to OAS
After Guatemalan armed forces confronted Belize Defense Force (BDF) soldiers late Saturday evening, the Government has announced that it will take the issue to the Organization of American States (OAS) on Tuesday. The report of the incident started surfacing on Saturday night. BDF soldiers were […]

Family Day at Bottonwood Bay hosted by Kareem Musa

With the intent of bringing the residents of Caribbean Shores together, Area Representative, Kareem Musa hosted a family day with fun activities on Saturday. Musa stated that he is an avid believer in the family nucleus being the stronghold of the society. He said the […]

Breaking Belize News

Traffic accident on the George Price Highway
Breaking Belize News has received information of a traffic accident between miles 16 and 17 on the George Price Highway in the vicinity of Hattiville Village. Information reaching our news desk indicates that a passenger bus and a bicycle were involve in an accident. This is a […]

O.W. Town Council releases thieving revenue collector
The Orange Walk Town Council is dealing with an internal situation involving a former employee caught with thousands of dollars in town revenue. Revenue collector Carlos Tillett was let go for failing to hand in monies he collected from residents. But it is not true, […]

Motorists avoid death in late evening accident
While initial reports yesterday suggested possible deaths in an accident occuring between miles 11 and 12 on the George Price Highway involving a Freightliner truck, a black SUV and an ambulance, we now understand that no one died in that accident; rather, the two occupants of […]

Did Lords’ Bank/Ladyville man kill himself?
Forty one year old Oscar Gomez may have committed suicide on Thursday night in Lords’ Bank, but the case is strange enough that police have not ruled out foul play. Investigators from Eastern Division Rural are probing the circumstances leading up to the death of the Salvadoran man […]

2 minors charged for the murder of 31 year old Godfrey Hemsley
Today, two minors ages 14 and 15 were escorted to the Belize Family Court at around 3:00 to be arraign for the Wednesday, March 16, 2016 murder of 31 year old Belize City man, Godfrey Hemsley, who met his untimely death whilst on the Yabra green area […]

Court of Appeal drops two cases, upholds two others
The final day of the Court of Appeal’s March session took place today with announcements of judgments. On the criminal side, the court allowed the appeals of Leonard Godoy on charges ofattempted murder and robbery and in part for Newellyn Nicholas on a charge of […]

Ronald Ramsey beats murder charge
19 year old Ronald Ramsey Jr., accused of the murder of 25 year old Kenroy Parham on November 28, 2014 in Mahogany Heights, saw the charge dropped after the prosecution could not provide his case file nor disclosure after ten months on remand. At January’s […]

Top cyclist suspended after suspicious doping test
Cycling contender Byron Pope was suspended last week Friday by the Cycling Federation of Belize (CFB) after urine results tested following the 2016 KREM New Year’s Day Classic came back positive for what appears to be a steroid in his system. And several other cyclists, […]

Warm weather to continue
The National Meteorological Service of Belize is calling for seasonably warm and dry weather to prevail for the next couple days. The 24 hour forecast is for mostly sunny today and partly cloudy tonight. Little or no rain fall is expected. Winds will blow east to southeast […]

Placencia community joins police in cleanup campaign
The Placencia police in collaboration with the Village Council, Fire Department, and members of the Belmopan Community Oriented Policing Program and village residents joined forces to clean up one of many abandoned lots popular for drug activity. By the end of the initiative, the entire […]

Corozal resident busted with two pounds of weed
Corozal Police arrested and charged 45-year-old Anthony Daniels of Corozal Town for drug trafficking after he was found with a little over two pounds of marijuana. Daniels was caught with the drug on Thursday morning at a checkpoint in Buena Vista Village between miles 67 and 68 […]

Benque Police seize over 200 grams of weed
Officers attached to the Special Patrol Unit in Benque Viejo Del Carmen, were on a special operation in Arenal Village in the Cayo District when their attention was drawn to a red and white Toyota Corolla coming from Arenal, Guatemala into Arenal Belize. As a […]

Blogs

The Gorgeous Sea, Sharks, Subwings, Snorkeling and Sun with Belize Parasail: What A Day.
I’m ashamed. I take it for granted. The gorgeous Caribbean Sea and barrier reef right outside my door. I haven’t been in the water off of Ambergris Caye in…months. MONTHS! But yesterday, I made up for it…3 water sports. 5 different locations. My day started at Belize Parasail at the Fido’s Dock in downtown San Pedro at 9:30am. Woefully under-covered with sunscreen, I met Eric, his guides, his awesome Golden-doodle Monte and Ashley from Tampa there for parasailing, trying the new-fangled SUBWING and three snorkel stops. Let the water madness begin! Next up was subwinging. And I won’t lie, I was a little nervous. I hadn’t been waterskiing since I was about 13. I’d been tubing once and remember it being a bit like my idea of waterboarding…I think I had an overly aggressive driver. One who wanted to harshly introduce me to the concept of centrifugal force.

CAYE CAULKER DAY SAIL
There’s something about being out on the water that just seems to put you in a good mood. There’s a reason for this. Studies show that the varying moods of a person are largely affected by a body chemical called serotonin. The saltiness of the sea air is composed of charged ions that help in the body’s oxygen absorption which in turn results to more balanced levels of serotonin. The more balanced your body’s serotonin levels are, the happier you’re going to be. Now if this isn’t enough to get you to go sailing, I invite you to continue reading. Imagine. Open water as far as the eye can see that seem to kiss the clear blue skies off in the horizon, combined with that cool refreshing ocean air, the gentle breeze caressing your face, and the magnificent sun as its rays re-energize your body!!! This, coupled with a few awe-amazing snorkeling stops, make for a day of memories that will last a lifetime. This is what you get on our Caye Caulker Day Sailing adventure.

Foodie Friday with Chefs Ennel and Sean Kuylen
Sean Kuylen is a name that has become synonymous with Belizean Cuisine. The famed chef has made his mark on the global culinary scene and especially in Belize’s own culinary landscape. Arguably the most well-known Belizean Chef, Sean studied the art of cooking at the City College of San Francisco where he learned the complexities of American and French cuisines. However, as Sean would tell you himself, his true passion for cooking began with his mother who created a foundation of Belize cuisine in him. These influences set in place his unique cooking style blending the best of French and American haute cuisine with the peculiarities of traditional Belizean food. . Given Belize’s interesting cultural blend which translates to a very interesting culinary medley, you will definitely expect some unorthodox but knock-your-socks-off dishes to be served out by Sean. Sean along with other pioneering Belizean chefs are on the edge of a culinary renaissance here in Belize, innovating and creating dishes that will define our cuisine and form a foundation to show the world and ourselves what we know already, and that is “Belize gah nice food fi eat”.

12 Belize Real Estate Facts Everyone Should Know
Is Belize the hottest investment market in the Caribbean? We think so. Ex-pats are treated to all manner of investment opportunities, but perhaps the most exciting aspect of moving to Belize involves acquiring a beautiful new home. Find exactly the style and size you seek; including homes in such close proximity to the sea, breezes will lull you to sleep each night. 1. You don’t have to put up with high condominium prices in trendy Ambergris Caye (e.g., $500,000USD) when moving to Belize because you have so many options. Of prime consideration is Corozal, home to Orchid Bay, the district’s most popular ex-pat community where homes, condos and lots are attracting buyers from all walks of life. 2. The Corozal District has been named a top retirement destination by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), International Living.com, Kiplinger.com, “U.S. News and World Report,” “The New York Times,” “Huffington Post,” “Conde Nast Traveler” and legions of other authorities and publications. 3. Since English is Belize’s first language, real estate contracts are written in English, the structure of real estate transactions matches those conducted in the U.S. and Canada, English-speaking realtors, attorneys and title companies make the process a breeze and fees associated with a home buy are extremely reasonable.

International Sources

Genetically modified mosquitoes to fight Zika get FDA nod
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says genetically engineered mosquitoes being used in the fight against the spread of the Zika virus are environmentally safe – a decision that could pave the way for a trial in the US. British company Oxitec has modified male Aedes aegypti mosquitoes so that their offspring die before they can reach adulthood and reproduce. It has carried out trials in Brazil, Panama, and the Cayman Islands to battle the mosquito-borne dengue and says the Aedes aegypti population has been reduced by more than 90 per cent. The FDA said its investigations have determined that a proposed field trial of the insects in the Florida Keys is unlikely to cause any harm to people, animals or the environment. “While we didn’t expect anything different, we’re pleased the FDA has now published their data. Now we want to get everybody comfortable with the decision,” Oxitec’s chief executive officer Hadyn Parry said. “If we do get permission from the FDA to go ahead, we are hoping that we will start running the programme sometime in 2016.”

Hotel construction stopped permanently
"A judge ordered that there must be no construction within 100 meters of any mangroves or coastal wetlands, a ruling that a lawyer says puts an end to the 530-room Hotel Riviera Cancún." A temporary halt to the construction of a US $95.6-million hotel in Cancún has become permanent following a judge’s decision this week. A judge ordered that there must be no construction within 100 meters of any mangroves or coastal wetlands, a ruling that a lawyer says puts an end to the 530-room Hotel Riviera Cancún. “Basically, they can’t develop anything,” said Francisco Villarreal Escobedo, who had sought to stop the the Spanish hotel chain Riu Hotels & Resorts from proceeding with the project. He said the entire piece of land on which the hotel was to be built, located at kilometer 17 in the Cancún hotel zone, is affected by the ruling. To one side, and just 14 meters away, are the mangroves of the Nichupté protected area. The hotel is the second Cancún development to be stopped in the past three weeks due to concerns over the depletion of mangrove forests. The Malecón Tajamar project was halted by a court ruling in early February. “Let’s preserve our natural resources, which are so fragile that we have an obligation to take care of them,” wrote Villarreal Escobedo in a comment on Facebook.

Wild Side: There’s lots to see in the sea in Belize
Carol and I have been going to Belize on vacations nearly every year since 1990. Belize is a small English-speaking country in Central America on the Caribbean Sea, bordered on the north by Mexico and on the west and south by Guatemala. This year, we are again part of the winter cheesehead invasion of the country along with Bill and Sue Smith and Jeff Cudd of River Falls. Like many others from the snowy parts of the U.S. and Canada, we have found that a winter break in Belize is just what the doctor ordered. Belize is a naturalist’s delight. It’s a physically beautiful country with a variety of ecosystems. Limestone mountains riddled with caves covered in rain forest, pine-covered granite ridges, palm savanna, river jungles, freshwater wetlands, mangrove forests, shallow sea grass flats, hundreds of cayes (islands), the largest coral barrier reef in the western hemisphere, and three big offshore atolls make for spectacular scenery and biodiversity. Three of the first five laws passed by the new Belize government upon gaining independence from Great Britain in 1981 were environmental protection laws. Because Belize has only about 368,000 people, most of the country is wild and undeveloped. In addition to citrus and sugar cane agriculture, ecotourism is a big industry. Belize has set aside over 40 percent of its land area as conservation reserves. The coastal zone and the coral reef are gaining protection with marine reserves.

Crystal Skull on display at Camp Chesterfield
A legendary source of healing powers, the Mitchell-Hedges Crystal Skull, will be on display Saturday at Camp Chesterfield. Admission to the display is free, although a love offering will be accepted. The skull will be shown from 1 to 4 p.m. at Hett Art Gallery & Museum, 50 Lincoln Drive. The skull was discovered Jan. 1, 1924, during an expedition led by British explorer F.A. Mitchell-Hedges to Mayan ruins in Belize. His adopted daughter, Anna, discovered a hidden chamber inside a pyramid structure. Inside was the clear crystal skull, according to published accounts. Mitchell-Hedges died in 1959. His daughter inherited the skull. Legend has it that he asked that the skull be buried with him but she chose not to fulfill his wish. Often referred to as the Skull of Doom, the artifact's beauty and mystery have captured the imagination of both scholars and seers, organizers said.

NOW THAT THE SARSTOON HAS BECOME GUATEMALA'S by Thérèse Belisle Nweke
Belizean in Nigeria on the Annexation of the Sarstoon... The subterfuge, excuses and unimpressive attempts to conceal the truth have ended. The Sarstoon is no longer Belize's, but is now a part of the Republic of Guatemala. This, the redoubtable Wil Maheia recently proved when as head of the Belize Territorial Volunteers (BTV), he and 19 other Belizeans were arbitrarily prevented by armed Guatemalan military personnel from entering the Sarstoon river, on their way to the Gracias a Dios border marker. Guatemala's uncompromising Foreign Minister, Carlos Raul Morales, justified the action by accusing the Belizeans of "entering Guatemalan water". This recent February 27 action by Guatemala to exercise sovereignty over Belizean territory did not create any great furore among Belizeans at home, including the PUP Opposition, or those in the Diaspora. Diasporan Belizeans neither protested at nor picketed Guatemala's UN Mission in New York, or spoke to correspondents of Al Jazeera, the BBC, Reuters, AP, AFP, even VOA, Press Trust of India, NAN, and CNN - which are among those media organisations with wide international coverage operating in the US. In a sense, I can understand why Belizeans at home did not take to the streets as would have been the case once upon a time. They are a generally decimated people; a former majority, now Diasporan, has become an impoverished minority at home. They are hungry, jobless, careless, unknowing and, therefore, indifferent - broken, used, abused and sold down The Belize or Old River by their black brothers, whose only mantra is: "It's the money, Stupid"!

Videos

Ernestine Carballo 'Till Di Sun Come Up' Video Debut, 23min. on Open Your Eyes...

Belize Rotaract Club on Rotaract Week, 20min. on Open Your Eyes...

Salvation Army on Mega Gospel Concert, 19min. on Open Your Eyes...

SubWing Belize, 5min.

Belize 2016, 4.5min.

Howler Monkey at Hickatee Cottage - Punta Gorda, Belize, 1min. Howler monkeys are prevalent on the grounds of Hickatee Cottages in Punta Gorda, Belize. Not actually visible in this video.

Scott Stirm insults the Garifuna and admits his real agenda!, 6min. In his own words, Scott Stirm - the pastor from Texas - admits to a congregation in the USA that: -he is in Belize to seize power by overthrowing authority!

Belize Bonefish on a fly rod, 2min. Jake landing a Bonefish in Ambergris Caye Belize.

Bonefish on fly rod in Ambergris Caye Belize, 1.5min. 8 weight with a Gotcha shrimp pattern.

PADF on "Open Your Eyes" Morning Show March 16, 2016, 27min. PADF Belize staff and George Washington University students appear on "Open Your Eyes" morning show in Belize to discuss coastal erosion, mangrove reforestation and the community resilience project funded by Taiwan.

Driving across Belcan(Belize-Canadian) Bridge Belize City, 5min.

Belcan Bridge Foot Belize City, 2min.

Motion: Hiking in Stunning Belize, 3min. Greg brings a guest hiker to the tropical paradise of Belize for a long-overdo vacation.

It's always this cheerful and alive in Belize, 1min. Children celebrating as San Pedro Town Council works on making municipality child friendly.

Belize Bird Rescue: Last week we got to do one of the most rewarding releases ever, 1min. The two catfish pelicans (see post 19 Feb) were finally free of parasites, up to weight and raring to go. Their pouches will take time to heal completely, but they will certainly hold for fishing - unless it's another catfish of course... Thanks to the Rawlings family for the assistance with the release, and our apologies for the wobbly video - it was a very windy day!

March 18, 2016

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

3 more teams need to qualify for Mayor’s and Minister’s Cup upcoming finals
The tenth and final week of the Mayor’s and Minister’s Cup is here, and only three spots are left for the playoffs. Five teams have already qualified, and they are: Catrachos, Progresso Boys, Peace Makers, Ambergris Divers and Belize Pro Team. More qualifiers will be taking place on March 18-20th, and fans are invited to come to the Louis Sylvester Sporting Complex to cheer on their favorite teams. Perhaps your favorite will take one of the three coveted spots!

San Pedro Tiger Sharks fight to stay on top
Now in the eighth week of the 2016 National Elite Basketball League (NEBL), the San Pedro Tiger Sharks are facing some major challenges. In the most recent round of games, the Tiger Sharks experienced yet another loss against the Smart Belize Hurricanes, dropping to fifth place on the tournament ladder. The current leaders of the tournament are the Smart Belize Hurricanes who have won nine out 10 played matches. But hopes are still high that the Tiger Sharks will make a comeback and claim the third consecutive NEBL Championship. Facing off on Friday, were the Smart Belize Hurricanes and the San Pedro Tiger Sharks. Two time defending champions, San Pedro Tiger Sharks, traveled to Belize Elementary School gym to try and avenge their first loss in the season against Smart Belize Hurricanes. The home team took a 25 – 15 lead at the end of the first quarter. The Hurricanes kept the lead, as they finished the first half with a 37 – 28 advantage. At the end of the third quarter, San Pedro Tiger Sharks was able to cut the lead to 51 – 48, and a 1-point lead in the fourth quarter. However, Smart Belize was able to pull away in the end, winning 78 – 69, to increase their first place seeding, by two games. The top scorer for San Pedro Tiger Sharks was Caleb Sutton with 17 points and 4 rebounds. Gene Myvett tallied 12 points, 6 assists and 5 rebounds, while Andrew Ortiz finished the game with 8 points and 11 rebounds. Smart Belize Hurricanes out-rebounded the visiting team, 52 – 43, while having the 20 – 17 advantage on second chance points.

Five-Year plan set in place to make San Pedro Town a Child Friendly Municipality
Children are raising the bar as they take on a big role in voicing their concerns and expressing their ideas towards improving the standards of life in San Pedro. Within the next five years, major changes are set to take place as our leaders of tomorrow contribute to structuring an effective plan. According to United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), San Pedro is one of four municipalities in Belize that has not been certified as a “Child Friendly Municipality”. That changed on Friday, March 11th when the Ministry of Local Government, in collaboration with UNICEF and the Belize’s Mayor Association held an assembly at The San Pedro Town Council’s conference room implementing the “Sustainable Child Friendly Municipalities” Initiative (SCFM). The San Pedro Child Friendly Municipal Developmental Plan is directed in several areas: environment, pollution, educational development and transportation. Presenting the plan was Keisha Rodriguez, an urban planner contracted by UNICEF, who has previously worked with seven other municipalities. Rodriguez organized a presentation with key points and strategies that will guide San Pedro through the years of 2016 to 2021. According to Rodriguez, children make up 50% of the population in San Pedro. School enrollment numbers are decreasing, and education data shows significantly less children enrolled in high school. Schools are at their capacity, having only six primary schools and one high school on the island. Rodriguez introduced concepts that took into consideration children’s top observations: opening other schools, the availability of healthy foods in school, bullying in school, drug use in high school and making education more affordable.

SPHS Softball male team dominates Northern Regionals
After the first round of games played on Friday, March 4th and following the postponing of the remaining games due to the inclement weather, the San Pedro High School (SPHS) softball male team finally captured the title of regional champion at the National Secondary School Sports Association (NSSSA) Northern Softball Regionals. The second round of the competition was held on Sunday, March 13th, at the Honourable Louis Sylvester Sporting Complex on Ambergris Caye. Both male and female teams from SPHS joined the teams of Escuela Secundaria Tecnica Mexico (ESTM), Orange Walk technical High School (OWTHS), Corozal Community College, and Belize High School of Agriculture (BHSA). They all competed for the opportunity to represent the Northern Regionals at the anticipated NSSSA National Softball Championship. During the female championship game, SPHS took a good lead against ESTM who gave the impression that they were no match for the home girls. However, this might have been their psychological strategy, as near the end of the last innings they made a resounding comeback, claiming the victory with a final score of 23-13. The SPHS girls ultimately lost their chance to be in the National Tournament, but they sure put forth a strong effort.SPHS NSSSA Softball Northern Regional Champions-14

“Celebrating Women” Karen Brodie captures San Pedro women’s stories
On March 8th, women across all nations celebrated “International Women’s Day”, which is universally recognized for contributing to the cultural, social, political, and economical achievements of females. Not only is the 8th specially dedicated to our women, but the entire month is observed as “Women’s Month”. The San Pedro House of Culture (SPHC) and National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) promoted female empowerment in recognition of “Women’s Month”, by exhibiting a photo collection entitled “Celebrating Women” arranged by Canadian professional photographer, Karen Brodie. The initial launch was on Thursday, March 10th and will continue running until the end of this month.

Ambergris Today

Check out Super Buy Supermarket's new vehicle
Giving new meaning to the words 'Pimp Your Cart!' San Pedro loves the 'bling, bling'.

Vocational School Launches Facebook Page and Essay & Poster Competitions
The European Union, through the Banana Accompanying Measures (BAM) Program, in conjunction with the Ministry of Education and Chamberlain Consulting Limited, is pleased to inform the public of the launch of its Facebook Page Votech Belize and on-going poster and essay competitions open to students throughout the country. The Votech Belize Facebook page has been launched in an effort to keep the public updated on the many successes of the Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) institutions and high schools. The page is managed by key players within the Ministry of Education and helps to showcase the positive factors of each of our vocational schools through thumbnails, updates, newsletters, etc. Like the page on Facebook and come to see all the wonderful things the vocational schools have to offer.

Why Would Belize Name an Island a After Hip Hop Artist?
It made news all over the internet, social media and in the music industry, Belize (the Belize Tourism Board) nicknamed its Snake Caye island “Mayor Caye” after DJ Khaled a Miami-based producer, radio personality, DJ and record label executive. Well, the Tourism Board said it was inspired by Khaled’s “love for the ocean” and “constant positivity,” and they nicknamed the island and invited him to come visit. The BTB chose to make the announcement via Belize’s Twitter account. The Miami New Times said, “His appetite for success is insatiable, and his people skills are impeccable. So when we learned that the country of Belize names an island in Khaled’s honor, we can’t say that we were shocked...Ok, maybe a little. But you can’t rule anything out when it comes to DJ Khaled.”

Norwegian Cruise Line Announces First Call and Reveals Details to Harvest Caye, Belize
The President and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) announced on March 16, 2016, that the first call to Harvest Caye will be on November 15, 2016, and the caye will have calls four (4) times for the week. The announcement was made during a presentation at Seatrade Cruise Global – the world’s largest cruise industry event. Both the Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Hon. Manuel Heredia Jr, and the Director of Tourism, Mrs. Karen Bevans, were present for the announcement. President and Chief Operating Officer for NCL, Mr. Andy Stuart, stated, “Belize is one of the most ecologically and culturally rich gems in the Caribbean, and Harvest Caye will be the perfect destination for guests to experience all that the country has to offer in authentic, unique ways. There is so much to do on the island from the spectacular seven acre beach and watersports, to interactive wildlife programs. Beyond Harvest Caye, we will strongly encourage our guests to explore Belize through the spectacular eco-adventure and cultural tours this incredible destination has to offer visitors.”

Misc Belizean Sources

Lion's Club Pancake Brunch with the Easter Bunny!
Saturday, March 26th, 9am-noon, San Pedro Lion's Den Pancakes with fun toppings! Sausage, juice and fruit! Kid games, craft activities face painting and more!

BTEC Completes its 5- Star Tourism Trainings in Independence Village
On Tuesday,March 15th 2016 , The Belize Training and Employment Centre (BTEC) a unit of the Belize Trade and Investment Development Service ( Beltraide), held the Certificate Ceremony for its 5- Star Wait Staff, Front Desk and Bartender Trainings at the Independence High School in Independence Village. This intense three- week training programme covered professionalism, ethics, an over view of Belize’s tourism industry; customer service and telephone etiquette as well as a technical component which fine-tuned the trainee’s industry-specific skills.

Paradise Theater playing this weekend:
Anomalisa, Point Break, Snowtime!, Mockingjay part2.

" The Fair " on Caye Caulker will be opening Friday,March 18
From 11am-8pm ( across from Rainbow Hotel ... on the beach ) We will start with partial menu and will be serving the following menu items: Tornado Potato - 8 flavors, Deep Fried Chocolate Bars, Deep Fried Oreo Cookies, Fresh Fruit Smoothies, Corn Dogs.

Chaa Creek Named as Top Venue For Corporate Retreats
The Lodge at Chaa Creek has long been known as Belize’s premier vacation haven for families, couples, groups and individuals. However, in naming the eco-resort as one of the world’s top five corporate retreats, a recent travel feature highlighted a lesser-known facet of the popular eco-resort, according to Chaa Creek. A March 10 2016 Oyster.com Travel Fantastic feature, “5 Mind-Blowing Corporate retreats” listed Chaa Creek’s Macal River Camp as one of the world’s top five “resorts that offer truly awesome settings for company getaways”. Chaa Creek was also the only resort not located in the United Sates; something that Ms Fleming said reflects on the high level of quality and service as well as Belize’s close proximity to North America. “We were delighted to be included among such distinguished corporate retreats, and took particular satisfaction in seeing that Chaa Creek was the only one not located within the United States. That’s something we attribute to the quality of our offerings as well as the fact that we’re so close to the US.

Easter Celebrations
All roads lead to Sarteneja this Easter Holiday. The traditional boat regatta is a MUST SEE. St. Francis Xavier Credit Union will have their canoe raffle on Sunday March 27th during the events. You can still buy your tickets at any of their branches.

CONGRATULATIONS to Belize's own Clayton "C-Wills" Williams on the numerous WINS at this year's Garifuna Music Awards in New York!
Clayton continues to make Belize proud with his beautiful music, a testament to the Garifuna culture and legendary musicians before him. WINS: 1. "Song Of The Year" - "Garifuna Nuguya" 2. "Producer Of The Year" 3. "New Artist" 4. "Best Musical Video" 5. "Album Of The Year" Keep up the GREAT WORK Clayton, from your friends at the Belize Tourism Board (BTB)

List of Religious Processions
7:00am Sunday March 20th Palm Procession RC school to RC Church. 9:00pm Thursday March 24th RC Church to Pescador Drive back to Church. 4:30pm Friday March 25th Procession around town from RC Church. 7:00am Sunday March 27th "El Encuentro" Barrier Reef Drive. We request the co operation of the driving public and ask they avoid driving in these areas during these times and use the car park. Holy Friday March 25th. Barrier Reef Drive Closed to all vehicles and PARKING from Midday , Pescador Drive closed to all vehicles and PARKING 5:00pm - 7;00pm. Any vehicles parked or trying to use these streets during these times will be ticketed, this includes bicycles.

Channel 7

Belize And Guatemala Back To Talking ICJ
How far will Belize go to preserve peace in the Sarstoon? That's what everyone wanted to know today when Foreign Minister Wilfred Elrington, flanked by opposition representative Assad Shoman briefed the press. Shoman and Elrington met on Tuesday in Washington DC with a Guatemalan delegation led by Foreign Minister Carlos Raul Morales in a meeting mediated by OAS Secretary General Luis Almagro. It was an emergency meeting to discuss the confrontation between the Guatemalan military and the BDF, which happened last weekend at Belize's Forward Operating Base on the Sarstoon River. Elrington opened today by saying that there were actually three meetings: Hon. Wilfred Elrington, Minister of Foreign Affairs: "We had 3 meetings essentially in Washington; we had the meeting with the Secretary General of the Organization of American States and then we had a meeting with the group of friends, the people who help to finance the OAS office and then we had a meeting with the United States State Department. We like to think that the meetings went quite well. We appeared as national team. The team consisted of myself, Ambassador Shoman, Alexis Rosado, Pat Andrews, our ambassador in Washington and that comprised the team."

What About The BDF Report?
But, for the past two days, we've been showing you an internal threat assessment report from the BDF, which was done in October of last year to catalogue Guatemala's incremental aggression in the Sarstoon River. The report details each aggressive encounter the BDF has had with the Guatemalan Military going back to 2003. In their expert opinion, the BDF concluded that these encounters are calculated almost to force an armed conflict between both sides. It's a very different narrative from the one the government has been pushing - where the armed encounters are explained as exceptional events - but the BDF narrative shows that it is almost a program of provocation. Today we asked Elrington about that disparity: Daniel Ortiz: "The calculation of the BDF is that they've always been aggressive and that these aggressions seem to be to force an armed conflict between the Belize side and the Guatemalan side. In light of this, have both governments been downplaying the seriousness of that situation?" Hon. Wilfred Elrington, Minister of Foreign Affairs "I can honestly say to you that you have better strings with the BDF than I do. I've never seen that report."

Basketball and Bullets
Last night just as the news was winding down, we heard police and ambulance sirens scream past our Albert Street studio. They were racing to Cemetery Lane on the Yabra basketball court where a 31 year old had been shot multiple times. Godfrey Hemsley had his guard down, as he rested between games on a court he knew very well - when a shooter crept up on him. Just minutes before, Godfrey Hemsley was dribbling this ball on the court. He had challenged a few friends to a round of 5 games - he lost only one. But those are only 5 games out of the many Hemsley has played every evening on this court - right behind his house. Last night was no different. He went home after work, changed off and went to shoot some hoops. But after those games were over, he rested on the bleachers - getting ready to play a couple more. But that is when a gunman crept up behind him and shot him several times. The ambulance dashed over to the KHMH to try and save him. But shortly after his family got the news.

The Suspect Is 15?
Although police didn't catch those shooters in 2005, they have charged a 15 year old boy for Hemsley's murder. They also found 2 guns in the Yabra area - one is believed to be the gun used to kill Hemsley. Today Senior Superintendent Chester Williams gave us an update on this case. ACP Chester Williams, OC - Southside ED: "Information we had obtained so far is that Mr. Hemsley was socializing on the basketball court along with some other friends when two gun toddlers came by and opened fire with a handgun which resulted to the injuries and subsequently to his demise. Subsequent to that police have conducted an operation in the Yabra area this morning and that operation also resulted in the recovery of two firearms one of which we believe is a weapon of choice in committing the murder last night." "From what we have seen, it could be gang related and it does not mean that Godfrey was out there involved in gang activity. We know that he have a past and like many others he was trying to put his past behind him. He was working, trying to make a living for himself. So by any account, I believe that he was chance out of his life."

Boy Charged for Murder
Another 15 year old boy has been charged with Mario Trotman's murder. As we told you on Tuesday, police found 18 year old Mario Trotman's body in the Jane Usher Area. Police believe that a friend lured him to that area and shot him to the head. Well police told us that they caught the 15 year old shooter and that he has been charged, but police are still searching for more answers to close this case. ACP Chester Williams, OC - Southside ED: "The only person they have charged is the 15 year old who actually lead us to the body. We have not charged anybody else in relation to that matter, but the investigation is still ongoing. Should we later gathered additional evidence that could put other person on the scene or have other persons as suspect having committed the act itself, then we will proceed with those information. But until now, we only have against that one person who took us to the location where the body was found."

With Boy Killers On The Loose, Police Set Up Curfew
Now there is one common factor in the murders over these past few days: the shooters are all minors, boys, actually, and police say they must do something about it. Today Williams told us about a new police program that should take these kids off the street and keep them there. ACP Chester Williams, OC - Southside ED: "As of tonight we will be going after children who are on the streets after 9 at night. Any child found on the street after 9pm at night without a parent or guardian with him/her, that child will be brought to the police station and be detained and the parent will have to come for the child in the morning. We will be getting the social services involved and we will see what we can do to begin to deal with some of the parents who for some reason or the other want to have the street raising their children for them. You will see that the last two murders for which we have made arrest, the one with then guy who we found in the creek behind Jane Usher Boulevard are, the suspect is a 15 year old. The murder we had last night, the suspect again is 15 year old. We are seeing that the age group of person who are creating this problem for us are these toddlers. I will not call them gunmen or gunboy. They are too young, they are toddlers. When we call them gunman, we make them feel like they are bigger than who they are. So I refer to them as gun toddlers and it is time that we begin to focus on these young people and see what we can do to help them by removing them off the street, but at the same time, holding the parents responsible for the action of their children."

Soldier Freed After Being Accused Of Stealing From BDF
In 2015 the name of Jamel Webster, a BDF private, was dragged through the mud when he was accused by his own of breaking into the BDF Special Assignment's Group's office, at Price Barracks in Ladyville, and stealing a 9 mm pistol. Today he appeared before the courts for his scheduled trial date but at the start of the session, Prosecutor Cpl. Christopher Smith withdrew the case against him. The incident occurred on April 30th 2015 and the stolen weapon, which was the property of the BDF, was valued at approximately $2,000 dollars. We understand that investigators could not gather sufficient evidence in time to lead a successful prosecution, so the charges were dropped. If at any point police do gather enough evidence Webster could be rearrested and charged again for the same burglary, but for the time being Jamel Webster is a free man.

Did Cyclist Byron Pope Dope?
Byron Pope is one of the premier names in cycling and a perennial cross-country contender. But the news tonight is that he has been flagged for a banned substance based on a blood test taken after the 2016 KREM Classic - where he placed third. In short, Byron Pope has been accused of doping. If you follow cycling any at all, you're probably stunned to hear the news - and that's mainly because Pope has earned a reputation for a hard work, rigorous training, and consistent performances. But, this year he won't be taking all that into the cross country - and that's because he's been suspended for use of a banned substance, pending a full review of his results. This morning he came to our studio backed up by his Benny's Megabytes team management to tell us how it came to this:... Byron Pope, Banned From Riding Cross Country: "Further testing have revealed that they have found a steroid or a precursor to a steroid which is something like a family to a steroid in my system and ever since I got that news I was devastated, because I'm not the kind of rider who would go and use banned substance, and just to be on point Jules, the banned substance, I Byron Pope into he last 4 to 5 years I have been tested in Krem Classic at least 4 times I WON THAT RACE BEFORE. I came second in that race and I came third and each and every time I have tested I have never ever have to reach this point."

Major Accident Launches Couple Through Top of Jeep
There was a very major accident between miles 11 and 12 on the Western Highway this afternoon - but fortunately no one was killed. Two persons, husband and wife, Aldo and Nicole were very seriously injured when they were flung out the top of their SUV unto the shoulder of the road - where an ambulance driver who also got caught in the traffic pileup used his stretcher to get them to safety. Tonight the couple is in the Belize Medical Associates - with Aldo Chavarria in a critical condition. Here's what happened: this afternoon at 2:00, 34 year old Chavarria was driving a Jeep SUV to Belmopan when he clipped the side of an oncoming dump truck. That sent him barreling into the guardrail alongside the canal. The massive impact launched he and his wife out the top of the Jeep and into the canal. They were hurriedly pulled out of the water still alive and are tonight in Belize Medical Associates. He was bleeding profusely with severe head injuries.

Woman Knocked Down In City
A woman was knocked down on Central American Boulevard today. This morning before 10, she was riding her bicycle when a black truck tried to overtake her as she passed a vehicle parked on the side. A witness told us off camera what happened. Voice of Witness: "I didn't see anything really, I just heard. I came out and saw the vehicle speeding off behind her and just stopped. When I heard 'bam' after it stopped, I came by the door and heard someone was on the street. I just stayed inside and I couldn't see anything, but I just called 911. That's all. well it's evident if you're a driver and you see a vehicle parked on the shoulder of the road, you do an observation which is a distraction so you're to wait until the driver, rider or pedestrian proceeds and passes through whatever obstruction is there in the midst of the road before you pursue your journey."

Maya Mopan Marijuana
Cops from the Intermediate Southern Formation destroyed a marijuana plantation in the Maya Mopan Nature Reserve on Tuesday. Acting on intelligence, the officers went to a farm 12 miles west of the Maya Mopan Village in the Stann Creek District. There, they found 20 marijuana plants ranging from 1 to 3 feet tall. The plants were uprooted and destroyed. There was no arrest because no one was in the area at the time. AND, Earlier this week, a Coast Guard team, which was patrolling Halfmoon Caye, came upon this plastic bag which contained 12 pounds of marijuana. It was brought in to the Coast Guard Headquarters, and it will be handed over to police. Another team, operating in northern part of the country's territorial seas, came upon this bag containing 15 pounds of marijuana. It was brought in to Coast Guard Headquarters, and these drugs will also be handed over to police.

Black is the Color, Love Is The Message
BLACK: Be Loving And Cease Killing, that was the message that was hoisted on flags and banners as 300 police officers and residents marched the city streets in the second annual BLACK parade. The movement was launched in 2015, with the idea of reaching out to the community with a positive message. The event was a precursor to the yearlong of activities in community policing, which the organizers say, will continue on in 2016. The march kicked off this morning at around 8 and we were there. Emanuel Pech Reports. It was difficult to count heads, but we'd estimate the number to be somewhere between 3 to 4 hundred people. Police Officers, were joined today by residents, students, and members of the city council - including the Mayor, for the second annual BLACK parade. The atmosphere was quite celebratory. And why not? The year has seen a significant decrease in the rate of City homicides since the last couple of years.

Infection App Launched
Keeping up with its mandate and with technology, the National Aids commission today launched its very own app. It's called "Infection" - and while the name may seem un-appetizing - it's a fun, interactive and information-filled game that you can download for free on any android device. The project has been over two years in the making and it started out as an app competition which a programming club from Escuela Mexico won. Since then, they have been in non stop consultation with the National Aids commission in finishing the proposed app- the product of which was seen today at the launch of "Infection." To download the free app, you can simply go to your google play store, search for "Infection Belize," click download and play on.

International Group Of Friends Wants To Know When Bze-Guat Dispute Going To ICJ
At the top of the news, we showed you the press conference with Foreign Minister Wilfred Elrington, which finished around 6:00. He was discussing the meetings that the Belize Delegation had with The OAS and Guatemala, the Group of Friendly Nations, and the US State Department. You heard him say that it costs several million dollars to keep the Adjacency Zone office open. The Group of Friends are concerned that so much money, which are taxpayers' dollars from their countries, have been invested for 8 years now, and still, no ICJ resolution has happened. Well, Elrington went on to explain that he and the Guatemalan Foreign Minister have started a campaign to raise those funds. He said that it started just last night when the outgoing Taiwanese President was in Belize: "One of our major donors to the OAS would have been China, but we can't approach them because we are not diplomatically tied to them. So both the foreign minister of Guatemala and myself agreed that we would approach the government of Taiwan. I can say to the nation that in fact last night we delivered a note of request to the foreign minister of Taiwan who happily was in our country. In a private discussion which I had with him..."

The Y Is For Women
The YWCA celebrated its 60th anniversary today. Throughout all those years, the organization's main focus has been on women's empowerment. So we asked the president how their various programs and initiatives have improved the lives of Belizean women. The YWCA has launched another program entitled CASA - Creating a Safe Place Agenda. That project will focus on tutoring kids and training women in business skills among others.

Slight Citrus Relief, Still No Bridge Financing
Citrus farmers will get a little bit of a reprieve from very hard times tomorrow when CPBL comes up with money to pay them last week's cheque. But, it's just an interim relief because the Citrus Growers Association reports that the Heritage Bank loan still has not been approved - so that critical bridge financing is still being held up. So payment for this week will be deferred until funds become available.

A Festival Of Promise
And that's 7news this evening. We leave you tonight with highlites from the preschoolers festival of the arts. This is Saturday night's show from the Bliss Center where Belize Rural schools were featured.

Channel 5

A Brazen Murder at the Yarborough Green
A late evening press conference convened by Minister of Foreign Affairs Wilfred Elrington, upon his return from a meeting at the O.A.S. in Washington, has just concluded. The brief was [...]

A 14-year-old is Arraigned for Murder of Mario Trotman
While police have two minors, ages fifteen and sixteen, in custody for the murder of Hemsley, a fourteen-year-old boy has been charged for Tuesday’s murder of Mario Trotman. This morning, [...]

9 O’clock Curfew to be Imposed on All Belize City Minors
Three minors have been detained as the gunmen in two of the recent homicides in the city; it’s a reality that is frightening because it is believed that minors are [...]

Be Loving And Cease Killing: A BLACK March Against Crime & Violence
Hundreds of Belize City residents participated in a BLACK March this morning. The procession is the second of its kind and seeks to create awareness on the effects of crime [...]

President Ma Bids Adieu to the Jewel
Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou departed Belize around eleven o’clock this morning, following an overnight visit during which he met with various government officials, including heads of state from St. Kitts, [...]

Foreign Minister Holds Conference Following Meeting with Guatemala in Washington
Minister of Foreign Affairs Wilfred Elrington is back in the country, following high-level meetings at the O.A.S. headquarters in Washington D.C. He was accompanied by Ambassadors Assad Shoman, Alexis Rosado [...]

Is BTV to Blame for Heightened Tension in Sarstoon?
The conference held by Foreign Minister Elrington was delayed because the Belizean delegation spent much of the afternoon briefing Prime Minister Dean Barrow and Opposition Leader John Briceño. But we [...]

A Peaceful Solution for Age-old Territorial Dispute, is It Possible?
A government release issued on Sunday, after a military to military incident in the Sarstoon on Saturday made reference to tensions being at an all time high, and spoke of [...]

Assad Shoman Weighs in on BTV and Sarstoon Debacle
Ambassador Assad Shoman is a member of the current negotiating team, and negotiating teams of the past. In fact, he is perhaps the most experienced member on that team. He [...]

COLA Says Government is Finally Seeing the Light in Sarstoon Dispute
Across the country, much has been said in the wake of the most recent bout between Belize and Guatemala over access to the Sarstoon River. Since the standoff at the [...]

A Ban on All Guatemalan Imports?
In the aftermath of last Saturday’s armed confrontation, the Belize Territorial Volunteers have come under heavy criticism for unsolicited visits to the Sarstoon area. It is strongly believed that the [...]

Citrus Woes, Fruit Payments Trickling In Late
For the past several weeks we have been reporting on a looming cash flow crisis within the citrus industry. Growers have not been receiving fruit payments from Citrus Products of [...]

HIV/AIDS Awareness Sees Launch of Mobile App
A mobile application to test your knowledge of HIV/AIDS was launched by the National AIDS Commission earlier today. The product of two years of careful research, development and meticulous fine [...]

Infection - Get it Now on Google Play!
According to Chairperson Laura Longsworth, the rationale behind the development of the software was to come up with an interactive approach to sharing critical information about the virus with a [...]

Healthy Living: Belize Family Life Association’s Chit Chat
Chit Chat – a program executed by Belize Family Life Association since 2013. It connects curious youths with accurate and age-appropriate sexual reproductive health information using technology. In tonight’s episode [...]

CTV3

Guatemala Releases Info On OAS Meeting
This morning the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Guatemala, Carlos Raul Morales issued a release concerning the meeting in Washington with the Group of donor countries from the Peace fund which is responsible for the office of the OAS. In the release Minister Morales commended the efforts made by Foreign ministers of both countries to advance the solution of the territorial dispute and Maritime laws by strengthening trust and good neighborliness between the two countries. The release continued by stating that that a deadline has not been determined to carry out the referendum in which the people of both countries shall allow their respective governments to take the case to the International Court of Justice and that such discussion should be carried out at the most opportune moment for each country, to guarantee successful approval in both populations.

Two Parcels Of Weed Confiscated By Corozal Police
A routine checkpoint carried out by Corozal Police between miles 67 and 68 on the Philip Goldson Highway, resulted in the confiscation of two suspected parcels of cannabis and the arrest of one person.According to authorities, while on the checkpoint near the Village of Buena Vista in Corozal, they stopped a white Ford Escort car bearing Corozal Licence plates. At the checkpoint the driver was asked for his license which he immediately produced. But in sight that he was acting suspiciously he was asked to pull to the side of the road for a search to be conducted for drugs and firearms.In the vehicle police found two tightly wrapped parcels and a small transparent plastic bag containing suspected marijuana hidden in the glove compartment weighing 1,070 grams. The driver of the vehicle, identified as 45 year old Anthony Daniels of a Hall’s Layout address in Corozal, was escorted to the Corozal Police Station where a further search was conducted on the vehicle. Nothing else incriminating was found.

Who Will Win UDP Convention For First Deputy Leader?
Sticking to the subject of Gaspar Vega, his announcement leaves an immediate empty seat in the party, that of First Deputy Leader. The United Democratic Party has indicated that following the convention on Sunday, the UDP’s National Party Council will meet to decide on the procedure and timing for a special election to choose the new first deputy leader to succeed Hon. Vega. To date three persons have indicated that they are aspiring for the position, Patrick Faber, John Saldivar and Erwin Contreras. Today Minister of Labour, Local Government and Rural Development, Hugo Patt was asked who of the three is best fit for the position. Here is his response. “All three are qualified, in fact any candidate that you have here in the UDP they are the best qualified that you can speak of about in term of leadership, in terms of character, in terms of honesty and more importantly in term of the service that they have given to this country and to their constituency but most importantly to the people of Belize, certainly at this point I am looking at the possibilities that we have but at the end of the day whosoever wins will stand behind that person and I am sure that any leader that we put any deputy leader that we put is going to be the best choice for us as a party and the best choice for Belize.”

CEMJC Celebrates 5th Annual Expo
Centro Escolar Mexico Junior College is a growing institution where students are taught that education is the key to success and to a secure future. Throughout the school year students engage in many carrier subjects and today to showcase what students have been learning, the institution held their 5th annual Open Day under the theme “Promoting Innovative Ideas, Partnering with Stake Holders, Paving the Way to Quality Assurance.” A total of 66 booths, including those from the business community, were set up each one with a different purpose saysDean for CEMJC, Hugo Gonzalez:“Today we are celebrating CEMJC’s annual open day under the theme Promoting Interactive Ideas Partnering with Stakeholders paving the way towards quality assurance, this is the fifth annual open day that we’ve been hosting and every year seems to be getting bigger and better, this year alone we have invited people to and organizations to come both from the business community and other NGO’s and together with them the projects that were developed from the students here at school we have a total of 66 booths here present today; we have agricultural entities like the BSCFA, PAO, we also have SIRDI, BAHA we also have others that deals for example with the sciences, we have FOCUS, we have EPI which is the Ecology Process International, we also have booths for example that deals with the businesses like the banks; we have Scotia Bank. Atlantic Bank, Credit Union, Belize Bank we also have other people like for example Emilio Ahmad Group of Companies.”

Trial Farm Government School Promoting Healthy Minds
The Trial Farm Government School here in Orange Walk has been engaging in a School Improvement Project that offers each student the opportunity to sign up for a club in which they are able to express themselves freely and expand their learning in many areas. Today an open day was held at the school grounds with the purpose of showcasing the many skills and talents that the children possess. Naira Romero – Principal, TFGS: “Today’s activity is to showcase what we have done, this year we are embarking in a school improvement project and as part of that we are doing Club, and in it children get to practice different talents that they have, for example we have the sports clubs, we have arts and craft, we have beading, we have environmental, land escaping and gardening club, first time for Trial Farm that we have done these clubs and we have incorporated it in the timetable so for one time period a week the students get to go to one Club of their choice and then they work on the different items this is what we want to show the public and show the parents that the child might not be gifted academically but the child can do something manually or the child has talent in dancing, singing or the child can also become an agriculturist and can grow his/ her garden at home.”

OWTC Awarded To Be a Child Friendly Municipality
The Child Friendly Municipality Initiative, headed by the United Nations Children Emergency Fund (UNICEF), was created to promote and approve an international initiative aimed at confirming Mayors as Children’s Defenders. The idea is basically to provide infrastructure, amenities as well as the proper environment for children to be free, healthy and well-informed of what is happening within the community.The Orange Walk Town Council received the Child Friendly Municipality Award earlier this afternoon during a ceremony that was held at the Central Park where a number of invited guests were present. We spoke to the Minister of Labour, Local Government and Human Development, Hugo Patt, who expressed his views about the award itself and how pleased he is with the council for receiving such recognition.

Hugo Patt Surprised At Vega's Retirement
On Sunday March 20th the United Democratic Party will hold its National Convention in Dangriga where Prime Minister Dean Barrow will be endorsed as Leader of the party and Erwin Contreras will be endorsed as second Deputy Leader of the party. In that convention Deputy Prime Minister Gaspar Vega would have been endorsed as the First Deputy Leader. That however, won’t happen since Vega does not want the position and has also indicated that he will no longer be seeking re-election in the next general election.Vegas decision to retire early from politics took many by surprise including Minister of Labour, Local Government and Rural Development, Hugo Patt. “It is a huge lost for us here in the north but it is a decision that he has taken and we respect that decision as much as I can tell you that the Minister has indicated that he will supportive of our efforts and certainly as a party we have to move we have to make sure that we have the necessary kind of gear to be in ground personally I am so thankful for him to be his support and certainly Corozal we will miss him, Orange Walk we will miss him but I am sure that the party will move on as with everything we have to transition and we are gearing up practically for that transition in the upcoming weeks.”

LOVE FM

Taiwan President Concludes Visit to Belize
President Ma Ying-Jeou of Taiwan ended his visit to Belize this morning. Renee Trujillo has been following his itinerary and filed this report.

60 Years of the YWCA
The Young Women’s Christian Association, YWCA is celebrating its sixtieth anniversary this year. A number of activities to highlight this momentous occasion have been taking place. Today a special ceremony was held at the headquarters at the corner of Freetown and St. Thomas Streets in Belize City. Guest speaker was the Special Envoy for Women […]

Town Hall Cashier Fired for Neglect
A tax collector from the Orange Walk Town Council has been fired for not handing in thousands of dollars collected for Property Tax. According to Orange Walk Town Mayor, Kevin Bernard, Oscar Tillett, collected the monies between late December and early January and did not submit the monies to the Orange Walk Town Council. As […]

BLACK March 2016 Sends Strong Message
An estimated five hundred persons took part in the second annual BLACK March, coordinated by the Belize Police Department. We join Renee Trujillo for that story.

FAO Targets Small Onion Farmers on Best Practices Training
Today, twenty eight farmers from the Corozal and Orange Walk Districts were celebrated for successfully completing phase one of the Promoting Agribusiness Development Project in Northern Belize. The project is funded by the Food and Agriculture Organization and it targets small time onion producers in the north. They were trained on how to properly prepare […]

New High School Planned for Southern Belize
A new High School will be established in rural Toledo. The announcement was made by Minister of Education, Patrick Faber. Correspondent Paul Mahung has the story. PAUL MAHUNG “Plans for the establishment of the new high school in Pueblo Viejo Village was made at a recent well attended town hall meeting of education stakeholders in […]

PlusTV

Taiwanese and Eastern Caribbean leaders meet in Belize
Three heads of government and a head of state touched down in Belize this morning at the Philip Goldson International Airport (PGIA). The Prime Ministers of St. Lucia, Dr. Kenny Anthony; St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves; and St. Kitts and Nevis, Honorable Timothy Harris, and outgo...

COLA says Guatemalan aggression unchecked
Citizens Organized for Liberty thru Action (COLA) expressed its dismay over what it calls the “the continued and unchecked aggression shown by Guatemalan Armed Forces (GAF)”. In a press release issued Wednesday March 16, COLA says it “…denounces any attempt by the Government of Belize (GOB) to insi...

Placencia residents sign petition to keep doctor on peninsula
Over 800 Placencia residents have signed a petition to have the contract of a medical doctor with NHI renewed. The doctor received a letter on March 4saying that his contract would be terminated as of March 16th. Residents say the doctor has been in the village for 14 years and they don’t see why he...

CPBL still delayed in payments to CGA
Citrus Growers will receive their delayed fruit cheque for fruit payroll from March 8, 2016 . That check will be ready on Friday, March 18th, 2015 at 8am. According to a statement from the Citrus Growers’ Association, they were informed that CPBL would be making the payment from CPBL’s Collaboration...

Five beat burglary charge
For want of prosecution, five Belize City residents including a female teenager saw charges of burglary dating back to June of 2015 dropped this morning. Released are 30 year old Brandon Errol Smith, aka “Battery;” 30 year old Devon Delon Smith, a Security Officer; 29 year old Leon Lee Smith, unem...

Group of 4 see sex charges dropped by DPP
Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Cheryl-Lynn Vidal has directed the courts to withdraw charges of unlawful sexual intercourse against 4 males; 3 minors and an adult male identified as 22 year old Wilfred Ramirez. The group of four were accused of all having sexual intercourse, one at a time, wi...

Weed plantation inside Natural Reserve
A weed plantation was found inside a Natural Reserve. On Tuesday 15th of March, 2016 an anti- drug operation was conducted by personnel attached to the Independence Southern Formation 12 miles West of Maya Mopan village, Stann Creek District. There, the team found 20 marijuana plants ranging from 1...

Ex-employee charged with theft
Nineteen year old Ricardo Borje, a resident of New Road, who allegedly stole $6,000 from Ricky Perrera, was charged with theft when he appeared today before Magistrate Carlon Mendoza. Borje pleaded not guilty to the charge. He was released on bail of $8,000 and his case was adjourned until April 26....

Fisherman charged with undersized conch
Thirty-two year old Raymond Myers, a fish vendor of Conch Shell Bay, was fined a total of $9,020 today by Magistrate Carlon Mendoza after he pleaded guilty to possession 444 undersized conch. He was given until July 29, 2016 to pay. if he defaults on payment he will serve 3 months. About 7:30 this m...

Belmopan ; a sustainable child friendly municipality
On Wednesday, March 16th, Belmopan was officially inaugurated as a sustainable and child friendly municipality. The inaugural ceremony was held at the Mae Gordon Field in Belmopan with primary and high school students. The child friendly initiative was formed in September of 2015 and aims towards g...

First game played on new synthetic field
Last night on Tuesday the 16th of March, fans flocked the newly renovated Isodoro Beaton Football stadium to witness the inaugural match of the new synthetic turf. Earlier Tuesday morning, the new stadium, which cost just under 4 milion dollars was ceremonially inaugurated but Tuesday night’s game ...

Poetry workshop at St. Johns
Students from Oklahoma State University under the leadership of Dr. Jen Sanders, along with Peacework, are conducting their annual visit to St. John’s Anglican Primary School in Belize City. For the third year running, they are practicing their skills in literacy on the students of the school, as we...

The Guardian

Guatemalan threats in the Sarstoon date back to 2006
On Saturday March 12, there was a confrontation between the Belize Defence Force and the Guatemalan Armed Forces. Late on that evening the forward operating base at the Sarstoon was approached by GAF personnel. With the use of a loud speaker the GAF informed the BDF that they should not be at the Sarstoon. Even as this was taking place the Belize Forces stood their ground. Reports indicate that the GAF were in the area for approximately an hour after which they withdrew. After a meeting of the National Security Council, General David Jones, BDF commander explained that he had communication with his Guatemalan counterpart about the incident and within 10 minutes the GAF withdrew from the area. He explained that they were dissatisfied that the BDF had not reported to them as it relates to their movement in the Sarstoon River. “Our troops had never gone in there and asked permission to go through and we continue to go through the Sarstoon without asking permission,” stated Jones. He continued explaining that just earlier in the week there was a meeting between the BDF and the GAF at the highest level for the Saturday incident to have unfolded. Jones said that the Guatemalan General was “going to pass the direction that there isn’t going to be anymore interception and we are going to work towards peace in the area.”

Taiwan President meets four regional leaders in Belize
Four Heads of State arrived in Belize on Wednesday, March 16, and in that time, they will have a number of meetings in the country. Those leaders include The Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Timothy Sylvester Harris, the Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Ralph Everard Gonsalves, the Prime Minister of St. Lucia, Dr. Kenny D Anthony, and the outgoing Taiwanese President, Ma Ying-jeou. President Ma is going to demit office in a month’s time, and his trip to Belize is being interpreted by members of the Taiwanese community living here, as a gesture of good faith that Taiwan’s friendship with Belize will continue. The Taiwanese President has met with each of the Caribbean Prime Ministers in closed door sessions, and he has made a courtesy call on Prime Minister Dean Barrow. He has had a courtesy luncheon with Governor General, Sir Colville Young, and all 5 Leaders have held a round table discussion.

New Schools for Belmopan, Stann Creek & Toledo
Ground-breaking ceremonies for new schools in Belmopan, Stann Creek and Toledo are scheduled throughout this week. Funding for the construction of six government schools has been made available through grant-funds from the Caribbean Development Bank under the bank’s Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF 7) programme. This means that students in the respective communities will have easier access to a better learning environment; enable schools to address the increasing demand of enrollment, alleviate over-crowding and thus enable the country’s future leaders to further boost their learning skills. A ground-breaking ceremony will be held for Santa Cruz’s New Government Pre-School and Primary School and Trio’s Pre-School and Primary School on Friday, March 18. A similar ceremony already took place for the Kuxlin-Ha Pre-School and Primary School in Belmopan on Tuesday, March 15. Officials for the ground-breaking ceremonies in Belmopan were Hon. John Saldivar, Minister of National Security and Area Representative; Hon. Patrick Faber, Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports; representatives of the Social Investment Fund and Ms. Shirlene Wilshire, school Principal.

The Best is Here! Football fans receive four million dollar renovated stadium
Football fans from all over Belize now have good reasons to rejoice for having been gifted with an almost four million dollar stadium in Belmopan. The magnificent state of the art Isidoro Beaton Football Stadium was re-opened to the public on Tuesday of this week in Belmopan, this time with the first FIFA qualifying synthetic turf in Belize. Former home of the Bandits, the renovated Isidoro Beaton Football Stadium now has a seating capacity for 1,200 fans and will allow for play any time of the day or night and professional playtime anytime of the year. The FIFA two star polythene turfs would be warranted for up to ten years with the play of up to 40 hours a week. At a brief ceremony on Tuesday, Mayor Khalid Belisle noted that just a few years ago, the idea arose for using some of the portion of the post proceeds of the Petrocaribe Program “…to spark a rejuvenation of sports in Belize.” Mayor Khalid Belisle thanked our Country’s leaders for the realization of a dream.

Micah get drop again!
One thing is certain about young Micah Goodin and that is, he will always be a part of a losing campaign . It seems as if though this young man has an aura around him that just turns off people. About a little over 2 years ago he was all set to become the People’s United Party’s Candidate in the Collet division. He was already on the ground in the division. The party was showing him around as if though he was the greatest thing since Sliced Bread. Low and behold there was a Bi-election in Cayo North and his party got to see him operate under pressure and then he was no longer their Collet candidate. We don’t know whether they had dumped him or he had quit. The word at the time ranged that he thought it was not his time yet to certain members of his party referring to him as “WAH LEE BWOI WEH NO READY “ We at the time suspected that he was removed by force, but we could not prove that so we held back our thunder. He was then made to run on a City Council slate that was only put together sort of as to say that they were contesting the City Council election. We use the term contesting very loosely, because it was no contest. In one corner was a bunch of losers and misfits being lead by a person whose confession stated that she was not good with numbers and that she proved by her public statements that dealt with numbers. While in the other corner there was a TEAM with a proven track record being lead by a very popular Mayor Darrel Bradley. We don’t need to go into any details about Mayor Bradley’s team and why everybody knew why he and his team were far better than the others and why they demolished their opponents. One only has to look at the new and improved Belize City under the Mayor Bradley lead City Council, to get a clear picture.

Atlantic Bank hosts gathering of land and home agents in Belmopan
There is a general agreement among real estate agents that now is the best time to buy land in Belize. At a gathering hosted by the Atlantic Bank at the Belmopan Civic Center on Saturday of this past weekend, land owners were meeting face to face with members of the public, with messages on how to buy properties. Andrea Rodriquez, a representative from Eagles Wings Belize Property Management and Real Estate was the first one to say that potential buyers of land should “…do their own background checks, references and investigation…” to prevent land scams. Andrea Rodriquez also advises that if the land managers ask their customers that money be placed into a different account, which does not match with the business-- that would be a red flag. Present at the gathering over the weekend were representatives from Our Forest Realty, Atlantic Insurance, Association of Professional Architects and others.

Citco traffic department to regulate ‘Dalla Vans’
With mounting complaints against operators of ‘Dalla Vans’ the Belize City Traffic Department is currently in the process of regularizing them for better service to Belize City residents. According to Traffic Manager, Kevan Jenkins, the move is as a result of concerns which have been constantly expressed as to the unsafe manner in which the vans operate. With support from the traffic councillor, Bernard Pitts, meetings have been held with the van operators to get them organized into a cooperative who will be authorized to operate from Mahogany Street into downtown. Lionel Longsworth is the chairman of the cooperative, he says so far there are 56 persons who have signed on to the organization and they have some $3000 to begin to organize themselves. He says that great interest has been put into joining the cooperative. But even as it has generated great interest he added that those who will be members need to go through a series of training workshops for them to improve the manner in which they serve the public. For his part Jenkins says that not all of those who are members with the cooperative will be able to offer ‘dalla van’ services. That number he says is too great for the city and consultations have to be carried out in order to determine an appropriate number of operators to function in the city.

Speaking to empty seats!
On Tuesday night Johnny Briceño held a much advertised Budget CONSULTATION Townhall type meeting at the George Price Center for Peace. This meeting as we were made to understand was to discuss the recently presented budget and to get feedback from the audience. He and the PUP had promised that they would then use that feedback to formulate their presentation for the budget debate next week. Such an idea has a very good genesis, and with Belmopan being the place where many Public Officers and former Public Officers reside, that meeting should have been a very productive one. Those potential attendees understand PUBLIC FINANCES and the way things operate or is to be operated in the public sector and their contributions would have been exceptional. In a way they are the public sector. However it seemed like the residents of Belmopan know Johnny and the way he and the PUP operate also, so they stayed away from him and his consultation. It was as if though Johnny had LEPROSY or some other sort of deadly disease that one could catch from him just by being in his company.

Political Games
For some folks pushing their political agenda supersedes all logic and common decency. And for the Belize Progressive Party (BPP) it is no different. For them it seems the end justifies the means. From the get go it seemed like this bunch of political neophytes were willing to play politics with any and every thing. One only need to go back and look to see who makes up the majority of the movers in the BPP and one would quickly get the sense of where they started in their quest of forming a political party. The BPP is an offshoot of the Belize Territorial Volunteers (BTV). They started out to try and gain national prominence by using the one thing that invokes a high degree of passion in most if not all Belizeans. That issue is the age old UNFOUNDED GUATEMALAN CLAIM. Belizeans regardless of where they stand in the political landscape share that no Guatemala stance and the BPP is banking on that. They want to gain power without building a reputation as a party that has paid it’s dues. In effect they want to gain power without putting in the work, getting there by default.

20 thousand strong and the launch of an entrepreneurship assistance program
Women are far more likely to be unemployed and underemployed than men. The most recent Labour Force Survey shows that the unemployment rate among women decreased from 19.4 percent to 15. 1 percent from 2014 to 2015. Reason for optimism but this is still far higher than it is for men whose rate increased from 5.9 percent to 6.8 percent over that same period. The results show that women are also far more likely to be underemployed than men. Over 20,000 persons were underemployed, 9,373 males and 10,847 females. The underemployment rate for men is 10.8 percent. The underemployment rate for women is 21 percent. On average, males make $90 per month more than women. Those are only some of the statistics that show women and men are operating on different playing fields. Therefore, the need for financial empowerment of women in Belize cannot be overstated and it has become the number one gender based campaign of the National Women’s Commission, the Women’s Department and the Special Envoy for Women and Children.

Embassy of Japan and Belize High School of Agriculture sign grant contract
On March 11th, 2016, Mr. Hideki Shinozaki, Second Secretary of the Embassy of Japan to Belize, signed a Grassroots Human Security Grant Contract of US$90,804.00 with the Belize High School of Agriculture in Orange Walk. The grant will be used for the construction of a new building (two classrooms and a library) to address the issue of overcrowding of students in the classrooms. The contract signing ceremony took place at the Belize High School of Agriculture. Present at the ceremony were Hon. Patrick Faber, Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports, and Mr. Monty Sadarangani, Honorary Consul General of Japan. The Belize High School of Agriculture was established in 1984. It currently has 233 students and 15 teachers. The new building is expected to provide an appropriate educational environment for young Belizeans.

Johnny giving Lisa the cold shoulder, Hmmmm!
It now appears that the PUP leader Johnny Briceno wants to be as far away from Lisa Shoman as he possibly can . Hot on the heels of replacing her as a Senator, it seems that she has been replaced on the Belize team that handles the Belize /Guatemalan negotiations. We say that because it is now Assad Shoman who has gone to the OAS meeting in Washington D.C. along with Minister Wilfred Elrington to hold talks with OAS and Guatemalan officials. Ordinarily it would have been Lisa who would have been the Leader of the Opposition’s representative, like she has been doing since 2008, but not so this time. Lisa is known to be a person with a rather abrasive character. People don’t flock towards her. It is just the opposite, people seem to try and stay very far from her. Running in the opposite direction may be the best thing to do when one sees her and it seems that Johnny is now of that very same view. Run Johnny run is the name of the game in regards to Lisa.

Ministry of Health receives three vehicles from IDB
The Salud Mesoamerica 2015 Initiative which is an innovative public/private partnership funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the Carlos Slim Institute for Health and the Government of Spain handed over three new 2016 Ford Ranger Pick-Up trucks to the Ministry of Health’s Maternal and Child Health program. The three vehicles have a total estimated value of $120,000 and will be used to aid with outreach activities for preventive interventions at the community level geared at improving maternal health and reducing child mortality. The vehicles will be distributed to the Western and Northern Health Regions for immediate use. The SM 2015 Initiative seeks to reduce health inequity gaps in the Mesoamerican region faced primarily by those living in extreme poverty. The current project is being implemented in the Northern and Western Health Regions with a focus on Maternal and Child Health Services and it is in its second operational phase which started in July 2015 and which will end in June of 2017.

Belize receives more benefits from PetroCaribe
Belize, like all the countries benefiting from the PetroCaribe arrangement with Venezuela, have signed on to a special agreement called “FAO Hugo Chavéz Frías”. It’s an action plan funded by PetroCaribe to help eradicate hunger, and bring food security to the chosen communities in these countries of Latin America and the Caribbean. In Belize specifically, 6 communities in Toledo, along the Southern Highway, will be benefiting from this initiative which currently has a population of 6,000. The Ministry of Agriculture says that the thrust of this initiative will allow for the improvement of crops in the south such as corn and beans, which are important crops for these 6 communities. It will increase, hopefully, the level of production, and reduce post-harvest losses of the crops, when it comes to storage.

Police’s meet and greet continues in Cayo
The new Commanding Officer for the San Ignacio Police Formation, Anthony Rosado, continues with his predecessor’s custom in the Meet and Greet with the public, and in doing so forming linkages in the fight against crime. Superintendent of Police Anthony Rosado visited the areas of Cristo Rey Road last week in Santa Elena Town to also become familiar with the residents and come to know their concerns. In a report to the Commissioner of Police Allen Whylie, community policing Officer Ciriaco Medina notes that the community is very happy with the Community Oriented Policing Program COPP in their home “…by seeing the amount of police walking their beats every day. However; the report to the Commissioner of Police informs that the community complains about bushy lots, poor lighting conditions and people using the parks for the purpose of public drinking.

UDP to set date for Deputy Leadership election
The United Democratic Party has issued a release in which it states that a date will be set shortly to select a new first deputy. In the release the party explains that “the National Party Council will meet shortly after the March 20 Convention to decide on the procedure and timing for a special election to choose the new First Deputy Party Leader to succeed Hon. Vega.” Via a letter dated March 8, 2016, the UDP was informed by Hon. Vega that he would no longer stand for elections in the Orange Walk North Constituency and also stated that he would not continue as First Deputy Party Leader of the UDP. With the announcement there will now be room for an election and so far Hon. John Saldivar and Hon. Patrick Faber have expressed their interest to run for the position as soon as the date is set. It is noteworthy that while Hon. Gaspar Vega has said he is no longer interested in electoral politics, he will remain a minister in the UDP’s cabinet and will serve out his term as a minister. Additionally, Hon. Vega has made clear that he will continue to “faithfully serve the United Democratic Party and will do whatever....in the interest of the betterment of the party”. He also “will work arduously with my successor to ensure another victory for the great constituency of Orange Walk North”.

President Ma’s Statement Upon Arrival in Belize
It is a great honor and privilege for me to be invited by Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister of Belize, to lead a delegation to visit Belize. This is my second visit to this beautiful country. On behalf of the government and people of the Republic of China (Taiwan), I would like to extend our warm greetings to the government and people of Belize. Belize is one of the staunchest allies of the Republic of China (Taiwan). Over the years, our two countries have collaborated closely in perfect harmony in a wide array of fields, and stride forward hand in hand in international community. Belize has rendered strong support to the Republic of China (Taiwan) for its continuing campaigns for participation in international organizations. I therefore bring with me the heartfelt appreciation from the government and people of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to Belize.

Belize celebrates World Water Day
Belize is celebrating World Water Day this year by holding a two day summit featuring various organizations that protect, preserve and process H2O. This year’s theme is “Water and Jobs” and representatives of the Ministry of Health, Hydrology Unit of the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ministry of Labour, Local Government and Rural Development, Public Utilities Commission, Department of the Environment, Belize Water Services Limited, Crystal Water Limited, National Climate Change Office, University of Belize and the Belize Electric Company Limited (BECOL) are making presentations on the importance of Belize’s water sheds and the income generating opportunities they present. Belize’s 16 water sheds are the Rio Hondo River, Belize River, New River, Sibun River, Moho River, Temash River, Sarstoon River, Monkey River, Manatee River, Mullins River, Deep River, Golden Stream River, Rio Grande River, North Stann Creek and South Stann Creek. These rivers drain the Maya Mountains and provide vital nutrients to the Great Barrier Reef System in the Caribbean Sea. “Our magnificent reef system is of immense socio-economic significance to Belize because it provides employment and a source of income to thousands of people living in adjacent communities,” says Sharon Ramclam-Young, Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Natural Resources. “Tourism and agriculture, acknowledged to be the bedrock of the Belize economy, are completely dependent on the care or our [water based] ecosystem.”

Shanique Meighan charged for obstruction of justice
There have been numerous times on which the mother of Tyrone and Ellis Meighan appeared on the evening news to complain about police brutalizing her sons. The latest conflict between the Meighans and police have caused the sister to go public as an alleged victim of police brutality. Police raided the Meighans house on Banak Street early Tuesday morning, March 15, as part of their investigation into the murder of Tanika Lemoth. Shanique Meighan claims that police officers barged into their home early Tuesday morning and started to beat her and her brothers with pipes. “As I open dah door, they pull me by my hair; they pull out my two bredda dehn. Dehn next lee bwai weh mi deh deh, they pull them out and they start wah beating and a half with a white pipe.” Meighan claims that after the beating she was denied access to a medical facility so that she could get treatment from a doctor. Instead, she was kept in police custody and dragged to court in the afternoon.

Robber shoots man in Cayo
A man from Cayo is glad to be alive after escaping from being seriously hurt by a robber. Henry Gordon 24yrs of Blackman Eddy Village, Cayo District, reported that on Monday 7th March 2016 about 7:30pm he was at the roadside on the George Price Highway in Unitedville Village where he was robbed. He said he was waiting to catch a bus when a young man known to him as Eric Elrington, placed a black pistol to his head and demanded money. Fearing for his life, the Belizean electrician took out his wallet and gave him $600.00 Belize currency, which he had in different denominations; after which he was shot on the right foot. Eric Elrington shot at Henry Gordon again but the gun snapped. Henry Michael Gordon took the opportunity to run, but was shot again on the lower part of his right hand. Members of the San Ignacio Police Formation are now seeking Eric Elrington and the public is being asked to contact the police if they know his whereabouts.

Raymond Myers pleads guilty to possession of undersize conch
Fisherman Raymond Myers, 32, who beat a murder charge in 2014, is now in trouble with the law for undersized conch. Early Tuesday morning, the Gang Suppression Unit conducted a search at #37 A West Collect Canal where they found a white cooler with 444 undersized conch inside. Myers was detained and the police department handed him over to the Fisheries Department along with the conch. Myers was taken before Magistrate Carlon Mendoza and was charged with possession of undersized conch. He was unrepresented in court and wasted no time in pleading guilty to the fisheries offense. Myers told the Magistrate that a friend gave him the conch. He begged for leniency saying that he has been buying and selling conch and other fisheries products for a while and this was the first time he has been in trouble.

Kaya Cattouse wins 27th Annual Female Cross Country Cycling Classic
The Cycling Federation of Belize sponsored its 27th Annual Female Cross Country Cycling Classic on Sunday 13th March, 2016. The 69 miles event started at Columbus Park in San Ignacio Town and travelled the full length of the George Price Highway into Belize City for the finish at the BTL on Newtown Barracks. The event saw the participation of 6 female cyclists which included the defending champion Alicia Thompson and former champion Kaya Cattouse. At the end of some 4:24:15, it was Kaya Cattouse of C-Ray Team who out sprinted Alicia Thompson at the finish line to regain the garland and the Cross Country Title. Alicia Thompson of the Belize Bank Swoosh finished second also with the time of 4:24:15. Thompson also captured the Queen of the Hills Title. Patricia Chavarria of Team C-Ray who was the real work girl on the road came in third in a time of 4:24:23. Chavarria was followed by Gabrielle Lovell of Digicell 4G Female Team in a time of 4:24:28. Meanwhile, Gina Lovell also of Digicell 4G Female Cycling finished 5th in a time of 4:31:29 and she was followed by Paulita Chavarria of Team C-Ray in a time of 4:49:21.

Smart Belize Hurricanes maintain lead in Elite Basketball Competition'
The National Elite Basketball League competition continued on Thursday 10th March, 2016, at the UB Gymnasium in the City of Belize between the visiting Belize City No Limit Team and the host team the Belmopan Bandits. In the game played, the Belmopan Bandits defeated the Belize City No Limit Team by the score of 81-70. The top scorers for the Belmopan Bandits were Nick Brown with 17 points, 5 rebounds and a steal; Jarrel Velasquez also with 17 points, 3 rebounds and 7 assists and Stephen Williams with 16 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist and 2 steals. For the visiting Belize City No Limit Team, the top scorers were Gregory Rudon with 19 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists and 5 steals; Keith Acosta with 13 points and 11 rebounds and Michael Bables also with 13 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists and 2 steals. On Friday 11 March, 2016, two games were played, at the Sacred Heart College Auditorium in San Ignacio Town, the Cayo Western Ballaz edged out the visiting Dangriga Warriors by the score of 63-61.

Belmopan Bandits maintain lead in PLB Closing Season
The Premier League of Belize Closing Season Tournament continued over last weekend with three games on the schedule. On Sunday 13th March, at the Norman Broaster Stadium in San Ignacio Town, the defending National Football Champions of Belize the Police United blanked the home team Verdes FC by the score of 2-0. The Police United Team got onto the scoreboard when Andres Makin Jr. scored his team’s 1st goal of the game in the 4th minute of play to give his team a 1-0 lead. That lead was further extended when Carlton Thomas scored the Police United’s 2nd goal of the game in the 18th minute of play to give his team a 2-0 lead. The Police United defence maintained its presence throughout the game and at the end of the long whistle it was rewarded the 2-0 white wash. On Saturday 12th March, two games were played; at the FFB Stadium in the City of Belmopan the Belmopan Bandits blanked the visiting Wagiya FC by the score of 3-0.

Ladyville Technical High females and Gwen Lizarraga High males won Central Region High School Softball Competition
The 2015-2016 Central Region Secondary Schools Softball Competition came to an end on Saturday 12th March, 2016, at Rogers Stadium with the Grand Final Game in the Page System played. In the female championship game, Ladyville Technical High School defeated Edward P. Yorke High School by the score of 12-0 to decide the out-come of the championship in four innings. The winning pitcher was Elma Wade and the losing pitcher was Jasany Westby. In the male championship game, Gwen Lizarraga High School defeated St. John’s College by the score of 7-3. The winning pitcher was Devonte Middleton and the losing pitcher was Alwayne Hendy. On Thursday 10th March, in the Female Final Game that was played, Ladyville Technical High School eliminated Wesley College by the score of 16-6 to advance to the Grand Final. The winning pitcher was Elma Wade and the losing pitcher was Shania Pook.

Ricardo Borja charged for stealing from his boss
After working for two months, 19-year-old Ricardo Borja’s boss fired and reported him to police on charges of theft. Allegations are that on January 27, Borja dishonestly appropriated the sum of $6,000 which belongs to his boss, Ricky Perrera, 28. Borja appeared in court unrepresented before Magistrate Carlon Mendoza on Tuesday, March 15, to answer to a single charge of theft. He pleaded not guilty to the charge and was offered bail in the sum of $8,000 plus two sureties of $4,000 each. Perrera told us that Borja was employed with his business for two months, from December 17 to February 17 before he was fired for stealing. Perrera explained to us that Borja was going to his tenants to collect rent on his behalf without permission. Borja then took the money that he collected. This charge is for rent from one tenant.

Retaliation on a taximan claims life on Tanika Lemoth
After months of calm in Belize City’s Southside area, the senseless murder of 34 year-old Tanika Lemoth broke the quiet on the predawn hours Sunday, March 13. Lemoth and 3 other persons were shot in a drive-by, but Lemoth suffered the most serious injuries, and she died 10 minutes after being shot. Police investigation is that at around 4:20 on Sunday, Lemoth, 33 year-old Doris Gilharry,, and 34 Hanifa Flowers all charted taxi man Jaime Villanueva to take them to their Belize City homes. They had only just left the Christopher Martin Concert when they caught Villanueva and instructed him to take them home. Flowers told the press that Villanueva appeared very concerned for his safety, was telling them, "I just threw out a well-known gunman out…I don't want any problems, I had to throw him out of my vehicle. I had to physically get out my front seat and throw him out of my vehicle”.

Mario Trotman lured to his death
The family 20 year-old Mario Trotman, had the worst possible news delivered to them on Tuesday, March 15, when his body was found dumped in the dyke area. That’s in the Jane Usher Boulevard area. He had been reported missing the day before by his relatives, and after police went searching for him, they found him floating in the canal’s waters with a gunshot injury to the head. At this time, police believe that he was lured near that location by someone he trusted. His killer shot him in the head, and his body was disposed of. Nobody knows exactly why he was murdered in this fashion. The last his family saw of him, he was washing a vehicle belonging his stepfather. One of his best friends came by the house for him. The next thing they realized is that he didn’t come home, and that’s when they reported him missing to police. They became concerned when they heard that he had been killed.

Axle load survey for better road building
The Ministry of Works and Transport is currently conducting an axle weight survey specifically targeting heavy construction and heavy transport vehicles. the purpose of the survey is for the ministry to have better information as to the weight of large vehicles which traverse the highways in Belize. The information gathered will be used by engineers to improve designs of highways as well as to improve the performance of maintenance works that are carried out on the highway. This axle load survey will be taking place in Georgeville Village in the Cayo District in front of the Pine Lumber Company from March 15 to the 21. A similar exercise was held in Camalote village also in the Cayo district from the 2nd to the 10th of this month.

Breaking Belize News

Packed weekend of sports action
This weekend in Premier League of Belize there are several big games scheduled. On Saturday night the Police United FC will travel down south to take on the Placencia Assassins at the Michael Ashcroft Stadium in Independence Village. On Sunday 2 games will be played. In Belize City […]

Kareem Clarke murder case reaches preliminary inquiry
The minor charged with the murder of Kremandala journalist Kareem Clarke appeared in the Belize Family Court yesterday, Wednesday, for a preliminary inquiry to determine whether the case would proceed to the Supreme Court. While it was adjourned because the presiding Magistrate was absent […]

Police organize second “Be Loving and Cease Killing” March
The Belize Police Department’s largest division, Eastern Division, covers the nation’s largest municipality, and, at least until recently, its crime capital. In the teeth of the murder epidemic in 2015, now-Assistant Commissioner of Police Edward Broaster came up with the idea for an initiative […]

Taxi man robbed and vehicle stolen near Bullet Tree
Belizean authorities have reached out to Guatemala’s Civil Police for assistance in locating a stolen taxi that was taken from 61-year-old San Ignacio driver, Albino Itzab yesterday afternoon. The car was reportedly taken by two males and a female after he picked them up […]

Elderly man dead after being hit by truck in Spanish Lookout
A notice of intended prosecution has been served to 59-year-old Spanish Lookout resident, Felix Sandoval after his Ford pickup truck fatally injured an elderly man yesterday morning in the Esso Gas Station compound in that community. Sandoval told police that around 11:30 a.m., he […]

Round-table discussion: Belize Press shut out
His Excellency the President of the Republic of China (Taiwan), Ma Ying-jeou, left Belize for Los Angeles today after his short visit to the Jewel began on Wednesday. Its highlight was a happy greeting from the Taiwanese-Belizean community at the International Airport, and a […]

SUV and Freight truck collide on George Price highway
A short while ago, there was a very serious accident at mile 11 on the George Price highway involving a Freightline truck and a black Jeep. Police are still on the scene and no death has been reported as yet but the conditions of […]

Orange Walk Mayor clears up $60,000 embezzlement accusations
After Facebook posts emerged recently, making bold accusations that Mayor of Orange Walk Town, Kevin Bernard was responsible for $60,000 that went missing from the municipality’s town council, Breaking Belize News sat down with Bernard in an exclusive interview to see if there is […]

Drug Bust in Corozal Town
Breaking Belize News has been reliably informed that police in Corozal have made another drug bust. Presently the vehicle, in which the drugs were found, is being escorted to the police station. This is a developing story and more will be posted as details […]

Blogs

6 must do activities in Mountain Pine Ridge!
The mountain pine ridge forest reserve area of Belize covers over 400km squared of land in the Maya Mountains and is the exclusive home of many of our wildlife species and some interesting jungle resorts. 1. Explore the Barton Creek caves: The Barton Creek cave system, one section of a much more extensive limestone cave system in the region is just about 2km long and home to a host of wonders. 2. Swim in the Rio On Pools: A short drive up into the mountains one would happen upon the Rio On Pools, a wide shallow stream cascading over the granite rock formations, forming pools in the deeper crevices and mini waterfalls on the overhangs. 3. Shower under Big rock falls: Downstream from the 1000ft falls lies another visually impressive wonder of a fall. Big rock falls, so named because of the giant granite boulders that barricade the banks and indeed make up the fall itself, is a wonder to behold and an adventurers dream. 4. Sight the 1000ft falls: The 1000ft falls in Belize is as you’d imagine the tallest waterfall in the country and it is quite an impressive sight, especially being taller than any Belizean man-made building by about 90 floors! 5. Scale Caracol Mayan Ruins: The Caracol Mayan Ruins; seeming as though almost balanced atop the peaks of the Mountain Pine Ridge Range is the largest of our sites and is storied to have been quite the local power, on many occasions rivaling and trumping the inhabitants of Tikal, Guatemala to the west. 6. Take in the sights at baldy beacon: Somewhat of an oddity in Belize, Baldy beacon is so named because it has a stark contrast of foliage compared to the rest of the pine ridge area, trees barely grow there and it’s inhabited primarily by thick grass which gives it a bald appearance when seen from above.

Entering the world of Wildtracks spider monkeys with Kelly
Months ago, when I decided to explore the depths of my curiosity with wildlife conservation, I knew I needed to look into volunteer opportunities to get my feet wet. As a postgrad, all I could think about was throwing myself into experiences — immediately linking experience with travel. This couldn’t be just any trip, but one that lit a fire under my arse. It was easy to see after some mild scrutiny that Wildtracks was the best possible option. A lot of programs seem to lack affordability and simply put, they just weren’t as interesting. I arrived at Wildtracks and immediately it was a sensory overload. I met over a dozen people who not only had already developed relationships with each other, but with the animals. After my first day, I found myself constantly questioning whether the volunteers were talking about humans, monkeys or manatees (no joke). A couple of days went by and I caught on that many of them had only been there a week or two themselves. I then received my allocations, working with the spider monkeys and two of the pre-release howler monkeys, and in no time I started to feel the flow of things. I had survived the wrath of the mosquitos (I happened to arrive just after the first influx of rain this season) and I was utterly stoked to be there. I had a purpose, a role. My first encounter with the spider monkeys was when Alysha was giving me a tour of the enclosures. I was walking by and all of a sudden one of the spit-fire females, Mel, came barrelling toward me swinging her tail through the wire and grabbing the string of my hooded jacket. She pulled at it, tightening my hood so that I couldn’t see.

Step by step guide to taking your (small) dog to Belize from the US! (2016 rules)
Hopefully you have stumbled on this blog after googling how to get your dog into Belize from the US, because it is stressful, complicated, and there is WAY too much information out there to make sense of it. You will feel like you have no idea what you are doing, and that what you are doing is probably wrong. I successfully brought my dog in and out once and just went through the process of taking him back in, and it was pretty painless, so I thought I'd share a step by step guide to make it easier for anyone researching this!

And So It Begins
Yesterday marked the official start of our pool project and, boy, was it exciting and slightly crazy. The crew arrived and started staking out the site. When that was done, work began on digging the trenches for the footers. This is being done by hand and is back breaking work. But in spite of this hard labor, all we heard were guys whistling and laughing. Another thing that amazed us is that they were all wearing hard hats, work boots, and reflective vests. If you live in Belize any length of time, you will realize what a novelty this is for a construction crew. While all that was going on, we started getting more materials delivered. First came the block. I think David said we have about 600 pieces. We suspect more will be needed, but this will at least keep the guys busy for the near term. While the block was being off loaded, in came a dump truck with another load of sand.

Where to get a $5 salad and 3 international adoptions
While we do have good agriculture, healthy food in Belize can sometimes be tricky. It can be a common thing for both locals and tourists to feel shorted on vegetables when eating out at fast food places on Ambergris Caye. Today I am here to help solve that dilemma, bringing great news of a $5 salad with two choices available. I have been getting them for a while now and I would say totally they’re worth it. In addition to a lettuce based salad and slaw, Tortilleria Feliz also sell a $5 portion of lightly cooked vegetables. They have take-out only and a lunchtime thing. You will find Them on backstreet right beside Waruguma Restaurant (across the street and just north of Super Buy Grocery.) The Tortilleria is also well known for it’s Rotisserie chicken. You can get a whole one for $20 bzd and a half for $10 bzd. It comes with corn tortillas and salsa – I often use the salsa to make bruschetta. I received a note from Dawn L of Saga Humane Society letting me know that three dogs were going to be sent on a journey. Two to the US and one to Canada (and that the day before one had gone to Lexington Kentucky). I know the lengths that Saga goes through to help get dogs internationally adopted to animal loving families.

International Sources

Guatemala y Belice intercambian acusaciones por diferendo
The Guatemalan version... Las autoridades de Guatemala y Belice intercambiaron acusaciones por la incursión de una embarcación militar del país caribeño en un río en la frontera no demarcada entre ambos países, que mantienen un añejo litigio territorial. El Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores de Guatemala aseguró que el pasado viernes una embarcación militar de Belice ingresó al territorio guatemalteco por el río Sarstún, sin seguir el protocolo establecido. Un día después, las autoridades guatemaltecas establecieron contacto radial con la embarcación beliceña para pedirle que siguiera los protocolos de seguridad y reclamarle que había cortado redes de pescar de un ciudadano guatemalteco. Según la nota oficial, la “comunicación fue respondida con insultos por parte de los tripulantes de la nave beliceña”. En un comunicado, el gobierno de Belice afirmó que se registró “un enfrentamiento” entre las fuerzas de seguridad de ambos países el sábado por la noche en territorio beliceño.

Four Caribbean prime ministers meet Taiwan president in Belize
Taiwan's President Ma Ying-jeou met in Belize on Wednesday with government leaders from four of Taiwan's diplomatic allies in the Caribbean, all of whom expressed hope that Ma's successor will continue to push bilateral relations with their countries. Ma arrived in Belize earlier that day on the second stop of his last overseas trip before leaving office in May, and met with Belize Prime Minister Dean Barrow. During the meeting, Ma invited Barrow to attend president-elect Tsai Ing-wen's inauguration May 20, when Ma will conclude his maximum two-term tenure as president. In response, Barrow expressed hope that Ma's successor will continue to enhance relations with Belize based on the existing foundation and that the two countries will carry out more exchanges. Taiwan elected Tsai, its first female president, on January 16. During a bilateral meeting with Ma on Wednesday, the prime minister of St Kitts and Nevis Dr Timothy Harris, and minister of agriculture, Eugene Hamilton, made a commitment to attend the inauguration in May.

7 Caribbean Countries Ranked in World Happiness Report 2016
Of the seven Caribbean territories/countries included in the World Happiness Report 2016 Update, Puerto Rico ranked the highest. Overall, 157 territories/countries from across the globe are included in the report released in advance of the United Nations World Happiness Day on March 20th, and Puerto Rico is ranked 15th. The next Caribbean country is Suriname ranked 40th followed by Trinidad & Tobago ranked 43rd. These top three are then followed by Belize ranked 52nd, Jamaica ranked 73rd; the Dominican Republic ranked 89th and Haiti ranked 136th.

Caribbean to tackle escalating cybercrime with regional approach
Commonwealth ministers, policymakers and cybersecurity experts are currently gathering in St Lucia for a three-day meeting (16-18 March) to tackle rising cybercrime in the Caribbean. The meeting will provide a platform for participants to address challenges and develop a coordinated regional action plan to prevent cybercrime and improve cybersecurity. This will involve setting up a virtual platform to share expertise and best practice. Those in attendance will include ministers responsible for legal affairs, ICT and National security, attorneys general from the Caribbean and international organisations, such as Interpol, the Council of Europe, FBI and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

Caribbean tests tsunami warning system
A tsunami early warning exercise will take place in the countries of the Caribbean Sea on Thursday. The purpose of the test is to identify possible weaknesses in the tsunami and other coastal hazards warning system for the Caribbean and adjacent regions, which was established in 2005 under the auspices of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (IOC-UNESCO). The exercise will test a double scenario including a major earthquake off the coast of Venezuela and another off the northern coast of the Dominican Republic. It will feature fictitious messages sent by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre (PTWC) to the countries taking part in the exercise. Countries can choose to extend the test at the local level by disseminating the alert via sirens or loudspeakers.

Belize and Guatemala military clash on southern border
Tensions between Belize and Guatemala at an “all-time high” following a military clash on Saturday (March 12) at the Sarstoon River on the southern Belizean border. A press statement from the Government of Belize Press Office, which was published on Facebook on March 13, says that on Saturday there was a confrontation on the Sarstoon River between the Belize Defence Force (BDF) and the Guatemalan Armed Forces (GAF). “The GAF approached the Belize’s Forward Operating Base (FOB), though they never actually attempted to come on to our land, and behaved in an extremely hostile and threatening manner, insisting that our troops should not be at the Sarstoon. The Belize Forces stood their ground and after some time the GAF withdrew. In the intervening period the BDF Commander General Jones had spoken to an opposite member in Guatemala and Prime Minister Dean Barrow had sent a message to President Jimmy Morales,” writes the Belize Press Office. The Belizean government said, however, that although the confrontation was resolved peacefully, “it is clear that tension with Guatemala over the Sarstoon and Belize’s insistence on its sovereignty rights in accordance with the 1859 Treaty Demarcation of the river, is at an all-time high”.

Videos

American Way Magazine 14th Annual Road Warrior Contest in Belize!, 3min.

Greater amberjacks, 1/2min.

Allie 1/5, 2min. Allie Johnstone, originally from British Columbia, has lived and work on the tropical island of Caye Caulker, Belize for 15 years. She works as a sailing, snorkelling and kayaking guide as well as being one of the islands main Sign Painters; getting from place to place by bicycle with her dog Rémy Martin riding with her. 1/5 in a series about creatives in Central America.

Guatemala - Belize Discovery, 7min. Viaggio alla scoperta delle bellezze naturali e archeologiche in Guatemala e Belize dal 26-12-2015 al 10-1-2016.

NYFA Documentary Expedition to Belize, 4min. New York Film Academy Students and faculty travel to Belize to shoot short docs about the coral reef degradation and the unique beauty and attributes of the country.

Belize's sovereignty being sold out to Guatemala, 3min. The PUP sold us out then. The PUP and the UDP continue to sell us out today to Guatemala!

Supa G - Ay Mami & wala wine Belize Punta sound tsapiky toliara (FIDA CYRILLE RUDY DIDI), 4min. Supa G - Ola Ola Punta Belize Sound tsapiky toliara mars 2016

Supa G - Ola Ola Punta Belize Sound tsapiky toliara (FIDA CYRILLE RUDY DIDI), 4min. Supa G - Ola Ola Punta Belize Sound tsapiky toliara mars 2016

Punta Rebels - The wine Punta Belize Sound tsapiky toliara (FIDA CYRILLE RUDY DIDI), 4min. Punta Rebels - The wine Punta Belize Sound tsapiky toliara mars 2016.

FISHING ABOARD FORTUNA San Pedro Belize, 2min. With guest Johnathan and Nikki Gaskin, Midway, Georgia. Captain Victor Lara, on deck Ballyhoo. Thanks for choosing Fortuna Fishing and San Pedro as you vacation destination.

THE AQUARIUM HIGHLIGHTS Mar. 13, 2016, 1min. Marine Life Highlights of dive Sunday Mar 13, 2016.

A pair of Manatees in Maya Beach Lagoon, 1/2min.

Belize PT 1_v1-HD 1080p, 4min. Copa Airlines and BTB

Belize 2016, 4min.

Belize Team 2016 Report, 60min. A group of nine people from Calvary Chapel of Truckee traveled to Seine Bight, Belize, in February-March 2016 to minister alongside Pastor Jim and Anna Mensie of Calvary Chapel of the Placencia Peninsula. The group shared their experiences at Calvary Chapel of Truckee on March 16, 2016.

Mexico and Belize February 2016, 10min. 8 day trip to Mexico and Belize.

[Doku Deutsch]Der KnochenJäger: Die Höhle der toten Mayas [E2/4]- Grab im Dschungel von Belize, 46min.

March 17, 2016

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

Caye Caulker has a new beach!
The white sandy beaches that were becoming a thing of the past in Caye Caulker have been revived via a successful beach reclamation project. Over 2,000 linear feet of beach have been restored to La Isla Cariñosa, and since then, tourists have been flocking to the new beach. Officially inaugurated on Saturday, March 12th, the project was well- executed, but a few concerned residents of Caye Caulker believe that the beach will be a temporary one. Attending the inauguration ceremony were Area Representative and Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation Honourable Manuel Heredia Jr, Caye Caulker Village Council Chairman Wayne Miller, representatives from the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) and residents of the island. However, a few residents believe that not enough planning was done on the rehabilitation of the beach. According to them, the project was rushed and no sort of proper protective structure was built around the beach in order to prevent erosion from reoccurring. Despite these observations, the local residents committed to take care of the beach and look after its well-being. The project was financed by the BTB along with the Ministry of Tourism. The total investment was $500,000, which also included marketing of the beach.

2016 Women’s Empowerment Rally: 20000 Strong – Imagine a Belize without Women
The second annual 20,000 Strong Women’s Rally took place on Friday, March 12th in Belize City, with close to 700 Belizean women coming out to support female empowerment under the theme “20,000 Strong – Imagine a Belize without Women”. While the rally did not obtain its desired number of participants, this year saw a far greater turn out than the 2015 rally. Led by the Special Envoy for Women and Children, Kim Simplis Barrow, the 20,000 Strong Women’s Rally is a great avenue to voice women related issues in hopes of achieving gender equality across the country. Participants gathered at the Memorial Park in Belize City dressed in orange T-shirts for the rally, which started shortly after 9:30AM. From teachers to students, public officers and entrepreneurs, women from all walks of life made it out to show their support to the cause. The rally ended at Marion Jones Stadium where official remarks were delivered. “I am happy to say that this is a much bigger crowd than the last 20,000 strong. Obviously the message got out that the 20,000 strong is a movement, it’s a movement; to create change. Change in our society of how we view women, how we treat our women and that is very important. This struggle is about all of us. This struggle is about the future of your children, the betterment of society and our world,” said Simplis Barrow at the event.

Confrontation in the Sarstoon: Belize-Guatemala tensions escalate
While Belizeans were enjoying their weekend and going about their businesses on Saturday, March 12th, a confrontation between the armed forces of Belize and Guatemala was set to unravel at the Sarstoon area in Southern Belize. The Government of Belize (GOB) confirmed the incident via a press release on Sunday, March 13th, stating that it would take the issue to the Organization of American States (OAS) on Tuesday, March 14th in Washington, USA. According to the press release, the incident arose on Saturday evening, when members of the Belize Defence Force (BDF) were approached by the Guatemalan Navy. They told the BDF that they should not be at the Sarstoon, and that they could only move about the Sarstoon River with Guatemalan permission.

Peaceful vigil held in honor of Edwin Ixpatac
The memory of Edwin Ixpatac was honored during a vigil candle walk held in San Pedro Town on Saturday, March 12th. The event was organized by friends and family members of the late Ixpatac who succumbed to injuries sustained from apparent police brutality. A small group of island residents dressed in white and carrying candles gathered at the Central Park where the walk started. Also present at the event were Mayor Daniel Guerrero and Area Representative and Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation Honorable Manuel Heredia Jr. “We at The San Pedro Town Council, we try our best to keep the peace and try working with everybody, but yet remember that it takes every resident to develop the island in a peaceful manner,” said Guerrero. “The Council is trying its best in all angles when it comes to safety but sometimes it goes beyond us.” He took the opportunity to tell all residents that their cooperation with the law is vital when it comes to ensuring the safety of everyone. He ended by offering his condolences to the Ixpatac family and continued to encourage everyone to trust in the local law enforcement and to work together with them in order to deter crime activities.

Charges yet to be laid on Alida Barrientos de Catzim over the murder of her husband
According to police investigation, the couple was known to constantly have disputes. Barrientos de Catzim claims that Catzim showed violence against her during these disputes. “Due to the circumstances of what the investigation revealed, we compiled the file and sent it over to the DPP. So far she has directed that no charges be levelled against the wife of the deceased at this time. Domestic matters are always matters of a sensitive nature, but whenever issues of self-defense arise, we must ensure that the file is sent to the DPP and she is the one who decides whether charges will be laid or not while the investigation continues,” explained Regional Commander of the Eastern North Division, Assistant Commissioner of Police Dezerie Philips. And while Barrientos de Catzim is out free, she remains under investigation and the key person of interest. Until the investigation concludes, Barriento de Catzim, who is a Guatemalan national, is not to travel out of the country. The couple had two children together and had been living on the island for quite some years. Police have also indicated that the Barrientos de Catzim stabbed her husband in the presence of their 7-year-old son.

Ambergris Today

Belize Folklore Documentary of Tata Duende Airs in Canada
Award winning video program producers CMJ Productions II Inc., show video content around the world by broadcasters such as the Discovery networks (US, Canada and International), and have completed two entire seasons of their documentary TV series titled “Boogeymen” that investigates legendary monsters and its history. For the final episode of the second season, CMJ productions II Inc. joined with GrisDismation, Belizean artists, animators and authors, GrissyG and Dismas, to find evidence and document the mysterious and terrifying gnome called Tata Duende, who is said to have strange powers over the jungles and animals of Belize in Central America. The “Boogeymen” TV series, episode 213, "Tata Duende" documentary aired on the Travel and Escape channel in Canada on March 3rd, 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th 2016. The documentary was filmed in beautiful Belize, Central America and investigations for the Tata Duende was a three day journey filmed in Belize city and the Cayo District where stories and sightings have been reported and told by the residents, historians, and skeptics.

Misc Belizean Sources

Heavy load of conch and shells
At the end of Municipal Pier, just off Central Park in San Pedro, Belize. Fishermen arrived early this morning with a heavy load of conch and shells galore.

NATURE BOOKS HELPING LITERACY COME ALIVE!
The Belize Zoo is calling all schools and organizations in Belize with active reading program for children to take note. Through the wonderful support of Better World Books, we have a supply of nature themed children's books to help empower literacy efforts in Belize. A mixture of storybooks, fun facts, natural history guides, and classroom science guides are available. Quite a number of boxes have already found good homes, but there are more to go! Message us or email [email protected] for more details.

Conservation genetics in jaguars, pumas, and ocelot
A Comparative Analysis of Genetic Diversity and Structure in Jaguars (Panthera onca), Pumas (Puma concolor), and Ocelots (Leopardus pardalis) in Fragmented Landscapes of a Critical Mesoamerican Linkage Zone. With increasing anthropogenic impact and landscape change, terrestrial carnivore populations are becoming more fragmented. Thus, it is crucial to genetically monitor wild carnivores and quantify changes in genetic diversity and gene flow in response to these threats. This study combined the use of scat detector dogs and molecular scatology to conduct the first genetic study on wild populations of multiple Neotropical felids coexisting across a fragmented landscape in Belize, Central America. We analyzed data from 14 polymorphic microsatellite loci in 1053 scat samples collected from wild jaguars (Panthera onca), pumas (Puma concolor), and ocelots (Leopardus pardalis). We assessed levels of genetic diversity, defined potential genetic clusters, and examined gene flow for the three target species on a countrywide scale using a combination of individual- and population-based analyses.

Earth Hour
On March 19, 2016 at 8:30 pm, millions of people around the world will turn out their lights to demand action on climate change. Join us. Turn out. Take action. Join us for a Candle Light Vigil commencing at the Central Park to the San Pedro House of Culture. Live music, campfire, storytelling, fire dancer show and refreshments. Turn out your lights for one hour! Have a candle light dinner! Save the Earth!

Contraband cigarettes and whiskey confiscated
According to Roger Gomez Heredia of San Benito Peten Guatemala,Guatemalan authorities in the village of Sabanetas Dolores Petén intercepted a tow head truck with license plate C.878 BLH. After a thorough inspection of its container load, they found nine million nine hundred and forty thousand cigarettes and forty eight bottles of contraband whisky originating from Belize. 31 year old Henry Noe Garcia Urizar was arrested and faces criminal charges for the offence and the contraband goods with a value of approximately $2,500,000.00 Belize Dollars were also confiscated.

Belize Fishing Report: March 6th - March 13th, 2016
Despite the windy weather our guests were able to accomplish some pretty solid results! There was more wading than normal since the most sheltered areas were very close to shore on west facing flats.

Seatrade Cruise Global 2016
with Manuel Heredia Jr.

Mr. Ma Ying-jeou Welcoming Address
President of the Republic of China (Taiwan) Mr. Ma Ying-jeou's address given at the Welcoming Luncheon held today at the Belize Biltmore Plaza.

Manatee around Caye Caulker
Calling on the right authorities, I assume wildlife and conservation in protecting manatees that live behind Caye Caulker. I've anchored in this spot behind the island the last couple years and they're 3 manatees that call this place home. Yesterday I witness about six boats from San Pedro and Caye Caulker chasing after them with engines turned on. I got to admit that some boats were smart enough to anchor outside the hole, whilst others chase them around. I hope maybe the fisheries can try to get a " no wake" sign around the hole to avoid injuries to the endangered mammals.

Population survey of the Morelet’s crocodile
FCD seeks to partner with the Crocodile Research Coalition and the Belize Wildlife and Referral Clinic this year to perform a population survey of the Morelet’s crocodile (Crocodylus moreletii) in the Chiquibul Forest.

Have you partcipated in a State Department Exchange Program?
Did you know that if you participated in a State Department/ U.S. Embassy sponsored exchange program then you are an ALUMNI! Some of these programs include the International Leadership Visitor's Program (IVLP), Youth Ambassadors Program, Humphrey Fellowship, Fulbright, Sports Exchanges, SUSI, Community College Initiative Program, and many others! If you did participate you were chosen to be part of a U.S. Embassy exchange program because you were identified as a future leader of Belize. The time is NOW, let’s get together to discuss how we can help our communities. As a member of the Belize Alumni Association not only will you have the opportunity to use your leadership skills to give back to your community in Belize, but you also will have countless resources available such as the ability to apply for an alumni grant and other opportunities. Check out the link: https://alumni.state.gov/ to get a better idea of what you can accomplish and what other alumni associations around the world have accomplished.

Channel 7

UDP and PUP Will Issue Joint Statement on Guatemala
Foreign Minister Wilfred Elrington returned home today after emergency meetings yesterday in Washington with his Guatemalan counterparts. They met under the auspices of the OAS, to discuss the tense confrontation between the Guatemalan Armed Forces and the Belize Defence Force Soldiers who are stationed at the Sarstoon Forward Operating Base. So, how did the meeting go? And, what was the outcome? That’s what we wanted to ask Foreign Minister Elrington when he landed at the PGIA today. But, he flatly refused, saying that both he and the Representative for the PUP, Assad Shoman, would give a joint statement tomorrow. The BDF reports that late on Saturday evening, 8 Guatemalan soldiers approached the BDF soldiers at their base on the Belize side of the Sarstoon. A government release says they “behaved in an extremely hostile and threatening manner”, insisting that Belize’s military shouldn’t be at the Sarstoon. With the rapid intervention of the General and the Prime Minister, the confrontation ended without incident.

Presidents Descend on Belize
Foreign Minister Elrington also had to rush back to Belize to welcome a slew of international guests. 4 heads of government flew into Belize for a flurry of activity. The Prime Ministers of St. Kitts and Nevis, Timothy Harris, and Ralph Gonsalves were the first to arrive at the airport. St. Lucia’s PM Dr. Kenny Anthony, arrived in the afternoon, and they all came to Belize to meet with the outgoing Taiwanese President, Ma Ying-jeou. It’s his second visit to Belize, as he prepares to leave office. Daniel Ortiz was the airport when he arrived:.. That’s the delighted greeting that outgoing Taiwanese President Ma Ying-Jeou was treated to when he landed at the PGIA this morning. Members of the Taiwanese community living in Belize were excited to greet the leader of their native country. Though there was red tape set up to preserve the safety protocols of airport, the President was more than happy to get up close and press flesh with his country men and women who waited for a few hours to see him.

BDF Remains on High Alert In Sarstoon
Now back to Belize- Guatemala military relations after Saturday’s frightening flare-up. With the heightened level of tension at the Sarstoon, how are military operations, like the changeover at Cadenas, being managed? Well according to Brigadier General Jones, nothing will change, although they remain on high alert: Brig. Gen. David Jones - Commander, BDF: "On the ground we have the soldiers giving conflicting orders that can lead to conflict and that’s the concern that I discussed with the Guatemalan General that we've both been given opposing directives and because of the opposing directives there could be conflict in the area. But as military professionals we want to avoid that. We discussed that there needs to be a definitive solution or a protocol at least until both countries decide what they want to achieve but in the interim and a matter of urgency we need to have a protocol in the Sarstoon between Belize and Guatemala because absence of that there, there could be some serious incident at the Sarstoon area." Emanuel Pech: "One of the things that has been confusing is that Guatemala says that there is a protocol (status quo). What is that they were referring to?"

Harvest Caye Opening Slated For November
Harvest Caye, it was supposed to open in March of this year, but delays in construction pushed that date back. And now, it has been announced that the first call to the Harvest Caye Cruise Port will be on November 15, 2016, and there will be four calls per week. Norwegian made the announcement at a cruise industry event called Seatrade Cruise Global – the world’s largest cruise industry event. Tourism Minister Manuel Heredia and the Tourism Director Karen Bevans, were there for the announcement. According to a press release, Senior Vice President of Destination and Port Operations, Colin Murphy boasted that his company had used up to 200 Belizeans on a regular basis during construction, and that after they start up, they will employ around four to five hundred persons. The island will feature a seven acre beach, a 15,000 square foot pool, 15 canopy pool cabanas a 130 ft. tall Flighthouse for zip lining and free fall jumps. The release adds that to further conservations efforts, 10,000 new mangroves have been planted throughout the island.

See Yah Vega! The Party Moving on
Who will be the next Deputy Party Leader of the UDP? That is the question on everyone’s mind after Gaspar Vega resigned a week ago. As we have reported, one of the reasons Vega stepped down is because he felt disrespected after he was stripped as the Minister of Natural Resources. Now regardless of the chatter or speculation surrounding Vega’s abrupt decision, the reality is: Vega is gone and a new Deputy Party leader will be elected. Today at another event we spoke with aspiring Deputy Party Leader/DPL Patrick Faber and he said the same thing – sure Vega will be missed but the party must move on. Hon. Patrick Faber - Minister of Education: "The intention of Mr. Vega to say that he is not any longer pursuing the first deputy leadership position did catch us a bit by surprise; but as you know we're a mass party, we are the most successful party in this country since certainly Independence and so we continue. We're not short of leaders in our party contrary to what the opposition might want to tell you and so where Mr. Vega puts it down there's other of us who want to pick it up."

Faber: Not Backing down from DPL Post This Time Around
And Faber is certainly one who wants to ‘pick it up’ and become the new UDP’s Deputy Party Leader. He told us today that he is best suited for this position and that his record speaks for itself. Hon. Patrick Faber - Minister of Education: "Many have said that the work that I have done here in the Ministry of Education Youth and Sports has been very successful and so it is on that premise; of course I also have a record in terms of serving the party as party chairman and I did a lot of organizational work so that there can be no question about my background, my suitability if you will for this position and I look forward to a great challenge with whoever decided to put their name in that hat when it is called."

Faber Unfazed By “Winchy’s” Candidacy
But the road to the UDP’s number two seat is not that straightforward. Long – time second Deputy Erwin Contreras is reportedly interested in the post. And While Faber talks about his record in the Ministry of Education, Contreras has his own in the UDP - serving as 2 nd Deputy for over a decade. We asked Faber if this presents any concerns for him. He said no, but conceded that it does raise the question of ethnicity. Courtney Weatherburne: "Dynamics have changed in terms of Erwin Contreras. He has expressed his interest in this position, given that he is the second deputy; he has experience, seniority as well. Does that present somewhat of a threat for you?" Hon. Patrick Faber - Minister of Education: "Well I wouldn't say a threat but I would that if Mr. Contreras enters the race the age old argument of course has been pulled out before comes a factor. Mr. Saldivar and I are both of Creole descent if you will and Mr. Contreras is a Hispanic and so as people know in Belize we are still not quite at that stage where it doesn't matter what your skin colour is. And so we have traditionally in the UDP try to balance the power, both ethnically and geographically and so yes his entrance would put that as a factor in the convention."

Faber says : "If I Iose, no hard feelings"
Now it is that same balance in ethnicity in the UDP that dictated the outcome of the 2013 race for the FIRST Deputy Party Leader Post. You all may remember that Faber tried to unseat Gaspar Vega in 2013 but lost. Another important element to that story is that Prime Minister Dean Barrow announced publicly that he did not support Faber. Now, how confident is Faber this time around that he will get the Prime Minister’s support and come out victorious as the new DPL? Well he told us he is very confident but that if he doesn’t win, he will accept that too and move on. "I turn 38 on Monday. I am a very young man, in fact I continue to be one of the youngest in the Cabinet and I've been the youngest up until Hugo Patt came actually and so I am not contemplating to lose as you pointed out so rightly; but if it is not my time for it to happen and if the people of the party given the mechanism that we have right now say Faber it’s not your time, then it’s not my time.

General: No Politics On River
So tomorrow, for the first time in a very long while – we expect a joint statement on the Belize Guatemala issue from Foreign Minister Elrington and Opposition Representative Assad Shoman. That is what Elrington told us would be forthcoming but there has been no further confirmation. Still, it sounds about right to General Jones, whose soldiers are on the frontline. He says politicizing a situation like this does more harm than good. "I had a meeting with the leader of the opposition Eamon Courtney, it was in regards to the incident that took place in the Sarstoon Saturday. So I discussed the details with him, most of it is sensitive that I am not going to disclose but the important thing is I was happy that he came for the meeting because it shows that the country is taking a nonpartisan approach. The best way forward for we with the issue with Guatemala is to unite as a country and for the political parties to unit as a team and then come up with a strategy to decide what Belize wants, what we would like to achieve at the end and then work out a road map on how to reach there and to tackle the issue with Guatemala head but from a national perspective and not from a political or partisan perspective."

BDF Intel Report Reveals History of Aggression On Sarstoon
Yesterday, we showed you the first half our extensive look into a internal report from the Belize Defence Force. It’s a threat assessment put together in October 2015, to compile hostile encounters which happened as far back as 2006. Where we left off last night is at 2007, when the then commander of the BDF, realizing the dangers of leaving the Sarstoon encounters unaddressed, engaged his Guatemalan counterpart. They signed a Gentleman’s Agreement on how the militaries of the 2 countries would conduct themselves in the Sarstoon. This agreement took effect in June 11, 2007, and stipulated that both approaches of the River, the Northern and Southern Channels, would be used by the BDF. The Guat Armed Forces would also conduct a joint patrol with BDF soldiers as a confidence building measure for the people living in the area. Both sides agreed additionally that they would share intelligence of any illegal activities spotted in the Sarstoon area. But most importantly, it was agreed that there would be no more "blocking of the Sarstoon or belligerent actions"

Sargassum Steals Sagicor Challenge
5 schools across the country participated in this year’s Sagicor Visionaries Challenge. The schools presented 12 projects and they were all on display in the King’s Room at the Princess Hotel. To some, this event might look like just another exhibit – another educational activity for students. But coordinator Marlin Chin says that’s not so, these innovations can contribute to our survival. Marlin Chin - Communication Manager, Sagicor: "The more exciting part of this year's challenge would be the recognition in terms of the prize structure. We've increased in terms of the types of prizes, we've gone very much digital age; so it’s a lot of digital type prizes but more importantly we are recognising entrepreneurship as one of the prizes. You would have heard the minister just quoted and appreciated that we are recognising entrepreneurship in these programmes. It also reinforced the need for the call to the Chambre of Commerce and its members to fund some of these projects and bring them to fruition. It's really through an investment in our youth and ensuring that our youth ensures our future and that would be through the discipline of stem; Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, ensuring as we highlighted this morning the need for our own sustainable future. Impacts like climate change are having a negative impact on our ability to survive. And so Sagicor saw it fit to invest in a programme like the Sagicor visionary challenge."

Law Enforcement To Nevada For 125 Mile Relay
The Belize Protectors! That is what they call themselves. A team of 25 athletes, who are also law enforcement personnel, who will be competing this weekend in the B2V footrace- a one hundred and twenty five mile relay from Baker City, in Oregon USA, to Las Vegas Nevada. After months of strenuous training, the Belize protectors- made up of personnel from the BDF, Coast Guard, Police Department, and the Customs Department- will travel to Las Vegas today to settle in, before the big race on the weekend. CEO in the Ministry of National Security Col. George Lovell, heads the delegation to Las Vegas as the chairman of the team committee. The Belize Protectors Committee had earmarked 100 thousand dollars to fund this trip, but unfortunately they fell short of 27 thousand dollars. However the committee told us that their fundraising efforts continue. The team left for Cancun this evening and will then board a connecting flight to Las Vegas. The race begins on Saturday March 19th.

Ruperto Not Bitter At Failed Exec. Coup
A few weeks ago we told you about the internal power struggle within the Football Federation of Belize. Three of the executive members - Cruz Gamez, Marlon Kuylen, and Sergio Chuc tried to have president Ruperto Vicente suspended. They accused him of making poor administrative decisions that were not in the best interest of the sport and of manipulating the elections of the district associations- a plot to ensure his re-election. If this sounds like déjà vu, it is because former President Dr. Bertie Chimilio went down under these same accusations. But, not so easy with Vicente. The attempt to suspend him failed due to a technicality. In an interview with him yesterday he told us that he holds no grudges, against these three executive members, but that, at the same time, he doesn't blame them for wanting to be like him- making an allusion to the belief that those three execs were after his president's seat. Ruperto Vicente - President, FFB: "I never glory in people's failure; I don't take pride in that. I continue to be the garden of football in this country and I will not allow myself to be distracted. It's gone and the football work continues and I must be pay attention to that. I cannot allow myself to be distracted so I hold nothing against anybody because that is not my responsibility. I believe that every time we have an experience, it is because god wants us to go through this and god is teaching me a lesson. God allows it so that I could become a better person in life and more specifically for football and for that I am very grateful."

Christie Case Correction
Last night on the news we told you about the defence testimony accused murderer Osmar Sabido, the man who is currently on trial for allegedly stabbing his girlfriend death in Orange Walk Town, back in 2011. He told the court that he did not kill her; she attacked him, and in the process of trying to fend off the knife she was trying to stab him with, she fatally injured herself in their struggle. We told you about the testimony of prosecution witness, Dr. Mario Estradabran. We reported that he referred to the fatal injury, which punctured to her heart and lung, as a defensive wound. That’s an error. He was referring to another injury, the one she suffered to her thumb, not the injury to the chest. The case continues tomorrow, where Sabido will be cross-examined, and after that, both the prosecution and the defence will wrap up their cases.

An Association for Museums
28 collectors, and representatives of local museums took part today in a full day workshop at the Government House in Belize City. They want to discuss the establishment of an association. And why an association? Well for starters, the association creates an avenue for sourcing funds as a body instead of small individual museums. As it currently stands, one of the biggest challenges these small museum owners face is the lack of funding. Here’s what they spoke about today: 18 different museums and independent collectors are involved in the startup of the association. Organizers hope to see the first association of museums established by June 2016.

Channel 5

Taiwanese President Arrives in Belize on Farewell Tour
Outgoing Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou touched down in Belize shortly before eleven o’clock this morning, following the arrivals of the prime ministers of St. Kitts, St. Lucia and St. Vincent. [...]

B.D.F. Commander Says Sarstoon Problem is Result of Inconsistent Political Directives
Following the National Security Meeting on Monday, Prime Minister Dean Barrow credited the defusing of the situation at the Sarstoon on Sunday to Brigadier-General David Jones – more specifically, the [...]

Will B.D.F. Changeover at Cadenas Continue Unimpeded?
The Belize Defense Force is shortly due to make its weekly shift-change run to Cadenas via the Sarstoon, or is it? Has that strongly worded note from the Guatemalan Foreign [...]

5 Years Later, Is Belize Retrogressing in Sarstoon?
Just a few years ago, Belizeans were able to use the Sarstoon and there was no question that half of that meandering river was ours. Today, Guatemalans say the entire [...]

Brigadier General Jones Meet with Oppossition Following Latest Sarstoon Incident
In tri-lateral meetings conducted at OAS headquarters in Washington DC on Tuesday, the Opposition was represented by former Foreign Minister Assad Shoman. Even in its release issued over the weekend, [...]

Minister of Education Weighs in on Sarstoon Flare Up
One government official who is known not to mince words is Minister of Education Patrick Faber. He weighed in on the Sarstoon incident, telling the media today that Belizeans should [...]

What’s the Pulse of the People on Belize/Guatemala Situation?
In light of the recent flare up at the Sarstoon River, we took to the streets of Belize City to get public opinion on the incident, as well as the [...]

Aspiring Deputy Leader John Saldivar Comments on Vega’s Departure
The unanticipated letter of resignation from Deputy Party Leader Gaspar Vega, relinquishing his post as second-in-command of the ruling United Democratic Party, has created a leadership vacuum within the hierarchy [...]

…What Does Patrick Faber Think?
The resignation of Vega also came as a surprise to Minister of Education, Patrick Faber, who contested the deputy leadership back in 2013, but lost to Vega. Faber says despite [...]

Patrick Faber - No Indications of Discontent Followed Gapi’s Change of Portfolio
It is highly speculated that Vega stepped down after the portfolio for the Ministry of Natural Resources was given to an unelected minister, Godwin Hulse. But was this what triggered [...]

Patrick Faber’s Gives His Two Cents on U.D.P. Leadership
Collet Area Rep Patrick Faber has not been bashful about his intent to become U.D.P. party leader. He believes that acquiring deputy party leadership is a stepping stone to his [...]

Did a Minor Kill Mario Trotman?
There were two murders in three days in Belize City. A thirty-four-year-old mother of two teenage boys was killed as she traveled in a taxi with friends on Faber’s Road. [...]

Police Officers Meet and Greet in North Creek
Earlier in the newscast, Assistant Commissioner of Police Chester Williams gave an update on the recent homicides in Belize City. News Five caught up with him during the department’s weekly [...]

High School Students Take on Sagicor Visionaries Challenge
The biennial Sagicor Visionaries Challenge took place today at the Ramada Belize City Princess. A dozen entries were submitted by five schools from across Belize District. The projects focus innovative [...]

Belize Protectors are off to Vegas for Challenge Cup Relay
Twenty-five members of Belize’s armed forces are heading to Las Vegas, Nevada where twenty of them will participate in the Challenge Cup Relay – Baker to Vegas Race. The one [...]

C-Wills Cleans Up at Garifuna Music Awards
Garifuna parandero C-Wills has won a total of five awards at the recently held Garifuna Music Awards in New York. The ceremony was held on Saturday at the Hostos Center [...]

CTV3

Parents Share Classrooms For Family Day
For many years the everyday reality of working parents and their children has been captured in notions of ‘quality time’ versus ‘quantity time’. On one hand it is suggested that what families need is ‘more time’ for parents to spend together with their children and less time working. The challenge though is, how to juggle our family responsibilities with our highly demanding jobs. The Ranchito Government School in the Corozal District seem to have found a solution to this problem, by organizing a Family Day. Sergio Magana: “Today is an activity that was planned through the Principal and we had Mrs. Rahburn that was assigned to the school and planned to have a family fun day where parents, students and teachers would do things together so that they can bond with the parents and teachers and the staff and the children. The objective for today is to bring in the parents as stakeholders in their children’s education so we want them to be much more involve and to be aware of what is happening here at school and so in the end we want to have much more community participation, parents participation so that they would feel that they are part of the school and the school being part of the community.”

President Of Taiwan Arrives In Belize
The President of the Republic of China (Taiwan), His Excellency Ma Ying-Jeou, today arrived at the Phillip Goldson International Airport. His visit is part of a seven-day farewell tour with high-ranking officers from Taiwan. The President is in Belize for a two-day state visit, that will include meetings with the Caribbean and Central American leaders including the Prime Ministers of St. Lucia, Dr. Kenny Anthony; St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves; and St. Kitts and Nevis, Honorable Timothy Harris. President Ma was greeted by Belize’s executive leader, Governor-General Sir Colville Young, and a cheering band from the Taiwanese community. Taiwanese locals Jason Chang and Orin Wu, the latter of whom publishes the Chinese Journal for the community here and in Taiwan, spoke about their excitement for President Ma’s visit to Belize, and being able to have met him: During his speech at the welcome ceremony that took place at the airport, President Ma took the time out to thank the people of the Caribbean for their support following the February 6 earthquake in the South of Taiwan. He also spoke of exchanging views on matters of mutual concern and renewing friendships with Belize and the leaders from the Eastern Caribbean, as well as leaders of the Taiwanese Community in Belize. He stated, quote, “In doing so, my delegation and I can see for ourselves first-hand the outcomes and achievement of our viable diplomacy, further consolidate the partnership and friendship between our respective allies, and meet face-to-face with our diplomats and their families who have made tremendous contributions to our bilateral relations with the Caribbean allies.” End quote.

Truck Carrying Contraband Cigarettes Confiscated In Guatemala
A report issued by the Guatemalan news “Agencia Guatemalteca de Noticias” states that Guatemalan police intercepted a truck yesterday near the village of Poptun in the town of Peten, Guatemala, carrying a total of nine million nine hundred and forty cigarettes and 48 bottles of Whiskey that were believed to have been coming from Belize. The truck that was being driven at the time by 31 year old Guatemalan National, Henry Noe Garcia Urizar. The contraband goods were confiscated by Guatemalan police.

Race For UDP First Deputy Leader Is On
A few days ago via a letter sent to the Party Secretariat and copied to the Prime Minister of Belize, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture Gaspar Vega informed the United Democratic Party that he would not seek re-election as the Area Representative for Orange Walk North in the next General Elections. In his letter Vega also stated that he did not want to be endorsed as the First Deputy Leader of the party in the upcoming convention set for Sunday March 20. Vegas early retirement from politics took many by surprise and while there are many speculations surrounding his decision, they remain as that…just speculations since Vega nor the Prime Minister Dean Barrow has spoken about issue. But while the two main men of the UDP are not talking, there are those in the party who are not keeping quite. And one of those persons is Minister of Education Patrick Faber. CTV3 News was the first to speak to Faber on the issue of Vega’s retirement last week Friday during the inauguration of a new school building at the Belize High School of Agriculture.

Farber Blames BTV For Increase Aggressiveness
There is no doubt that the latest encounter between Guatemalan armed forces and Belizean Authorities has given much to talk about, with several leaders and organizations voicing their opinion on the situation including Prime Minister Dean Barrow who attributed the recent hostility from the Guatemalans to visits from the Belize Territorial Volunteers.But yesterday we told you about a leaked confidential report from the Belize Defense Force that shows “military-to-military” tension at the Sarstoon started flaring up over a decade ago and it is not just recently that the Guatemalan Army has insisted that the BDF should not be on the Sarstoon River.Today Minister of Education, Youth and Sports, Patrick Faber, shared his input on the situation saying that he believes that there are proper ways to advance in the territorial dispute with Guatemala and that includes the meeting in Washington that took place yesterday.During the interview Faber also concurred with Prime Minister Barrow in saying that the Belize Territorial Volunteers carry much of the blame when it comes to the aggressions suffered by the BDF as their excursions to the Sarstoon does nothing but aggravate the tension between both countries.

Cabinet Discusses Vega's Retirement
At the top of the newscast you heard Minister of Education Patrick Faber expand on his interest for the position of First Deputy Leader of the UDP. With Honorable Gaspar Vega out of the way the UDP is looking at electing a new First Deputy Leader. But what prompted Vega to retire from politics? Today Faber told us that while Vegas retirement was discussed in Cabinet on Tuesday, the three term Area Representative did not go into much detail about the decision he took. Honorable Patrick Faber- Minister Education Youth and Sports “It was just a matter of him, well firstly the Prime Minister stating the position and of course telling us how we would move forward and then of course Mr. Vega had a chance to address the Cabinet and told us of his position and didn’t get too much into the details other than he thought as I said before that he should give the position to a person who of course better be able to lead the party...

PlusTV

VIP to PM; stop blaming patriotic Belizeans for Guatemalan actions
We haven’t heard from Vision Inspired by the People for quite a while, as the third party did not even participate in the last General elections. However, the VIP issued a statement today on the illegal incursion into Belize by the Guatemalan armed forces. According to the VIP, “It is abundantly c...

New beach inaugurated in Caye Caulker
The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) and Caye Caulker Village Council on Saturday afternoon inaugurated new public beaches on the island as part of the Action Plan for Sustainable Tourism Development of Caye Caulker. The Board says that a total of 1,883 linear feet of the beach was reclaimed in areas betw...

Ground Breaking Ceremony at Kuxlin Ha Government School
Today, Tuesday March the 15th, a ground breaking ceremony was held at Kuxlin Ha Government School. The school is located in the Maya Mopan Area of Belmopan and is one of the largest growing primary schools in the community. At the ground breaking ceremony were Hon John Saldivar, Minister of National...

Missing youth found dead
A missing Belize City youth was found dead just after ten this morning behind the Fabers’ Road Extension, in the “Dike” area, so-called as the home of the sewers built by Belize Water Services Limited (BWS). We get the details from Head of the Criminal Investigation Branch, Easter...

Dean Parks and Son Shot
A Belize man and his 13 year old son are the latest victims of gun violence in the old capital. Forty seven year old Dean Parks and his son were at a residence on Ebony Street when gunfire was heard. Parks was shot once to the right side of the jaw and once to the right shoulder and his son was also...

Forward Operating Base construction remains on target
With the recent aggression of the Guatemalan Armed Forces near the Forward Operating Base under Construction in the Sarstoon area, questions about the progress of that construction and the deadline goals have been raised. Today, the media caught up with Minister of National Security John Saldivar wh...

Wil Mehia responds to PM’s comments about cause of Guatemalan aggression
On Monday in an interview with the Media, PM Barrow says that he is absolutely convinced that it is Belizeans visiting the Sarstoon area that precipitated Saturday’s standoff between the GAF and the BDF. We caught up with Wil Mehia via phone today for his response to the PM’s comments after th...

Eyes on Gaspar Vega’s soon to be vacant post
Hon. Gaspar Vega, last Tuesday March 8th, tendered his resignation from the post of 1st Deputy Party Leader for the UDP, saying that he has no intentions to pursue another term of office after he finishes serving this current term. In light of that decision, Vega says he decided to step down and wi...

Amandala

Tsunami warning simulation: are Belize and the rest of the Caribbean up to the mark?
The 7.1 magnitude earthquake of May 2009 which struck off the coast of Honduras sparked a tsunami alert for Belize and neighboring countries. Thankfully, we were spared! Tsunamis can be just as devastating, or even more devastating, than the earthquakes which trigger them, and the Caribbean region wants to make sure that it is ready should a tsunami threat emerge again in 2016. Chief Meteorological Officer, Dennis Gonguez, told Amandala that Belize will participate in a region-wide test this Thursday, March 17, to ensure that the channels via which regional alerts and bulletins are issued to individual countries are up to the mark. The exercise, to be undertaken under the Intergovernmental Coordination Group for Tsunami and Other Coastal Hazards Warning System for the Caribbean and Adjacent Regions (ICG/CARIBE EWS), under the auspices of the United National Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC), the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the Caribbean Regional Stakeholders (CEPREDENAC, CDEMA, and EMIZ) will firstly simulate response to an 8.4 magnitude earthquake off Venezuela, in the southern Caribbean Sea.

Belize security forces ready for relay race from California to Las Vegas
A contingency of Belize security forces, led by Belize Defence Force Brigadier General, David Jones, visited St. John’s Cathedral this morning for a special service before they depart the country on Wednesday, March 16, to participate in a 120-mile California to Las Vegas marathon relay race in the United States, where they will complete with security forces from other jurisdictions. The 25-member team of runners, representing the different branches of Belize’s security forces — the BDF, Belize Police Department, and the Belize Coast Guard, has been under intensive training since Saturday, January 16, when they ran the 8-mile qualifying time trial race. This morning, General Jones explained to Amandala that the Belize team of runners, who are being coached by marathon runner Ian Gray, went to St. John’s Church so that they could pray together, with the folks who are supporting the team. General Jones said that on Wednesday, the team will travel by bus to Cancun, Mexico, and the following morning they will fly to Los Angeles, California.

The Reporter

Taiwanese President visits Belize
Taiwanese President, Ma Ying-Jeou arrived in Belize at 10:50 this morning on an official visit. President Ma is visiting Belize as part of a farewell tour. The first country he visited was Guatemala, and now Belize. When he departs on Thursday, President Ma’s last stop will be the US. The Reporter will have more details on the visit of President Ma in our printed edition on Thursday.

Breaking Belize News

Group of 4 see sex charges dropped by DPP
Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Cheryl-Lynn Vidal has directed the courts to withdraw charges of unlawful sexual intercourse against 4 males, 3 minors and an adult male identified as 22 year old Wilfred Ramirez. The group of four were accused of all having sexual […]

Hopkins parandero makes history!
Belizean paranda artist Clayton “C-Wills” Williams has swept five top awards at the Garifuna Music Awards held over the weekend in the Bronx, New York City, New York. Williams’ debut album “Garifuna Nuguya” took top honors for Song of the Year, Album of the […]

Harvest Caye opens in November
At an event abroad, representatives of Belize’s tourism industry and Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) jointly announced plans for the first call to Harvest Caye off Placencia. Beginning on November 15, 2016, the cruise port at the caye will receive 4 calls per week. President […]

Early Childhood Education Expo in Orange Walk
Activities continue across the country for Child Stimulation Month as the Ministry of Education continues to promote early childhood education nationwide. Part of the activities this week include an education expo held across the country. Hector Moralez, officer in charge of Early Childhood Education […]

Taiwan President Ma, Eastern Caribbean leaders in Belize
Outgoing President of the Republic of China (Taiwan), His Excellency Ma Ying-jeou, has arrived in Belize for a two-day state visit. He was greeted by Governor General Sir Colville Young and a band of his countrymen this morning at the Philip Goldson International Airport, […]

Early childhood expo held in Belize City
BTL Park in Belize City played host to an Early Childhood Expo presented by that department of the Ministry of Education. Acting Manager, Nadira Ross, described the event as bringing the pre-school classroom to the outdoors, featuring displays of music, language, math and other […]

Dry weather expected to continue
The National Meteorological Service of Belize is predicting mostly sunny skies today and partly cloudy skies tonight with little or no rainfall expected. Winds will be blowing from the East-Southeast at 10-20 knots with occasional higher gusts and the sea state will be moderate […]

Progresso FC beats Bandits
Last night inside the Isidoro Beaton Stadium fans from all over the country gathered to watch the game between the Belmopan Bandits and Progresso FC from Honduras. The Bandits dominated the first half of the match, trying to score against goalkeeper Woodrow West, formerly […]

Blogs

What A Glorious March Day on Ambergris Caye. Period.
Yesterday’s post got a bit heavier than expected so today I’ll just keep it to the GLORIOUS WEATHER. Beautiful sparkly, breezy but not too breezy, low seaweed/sargasso perfection. The view through San Pedro’s largest church – the Roman Catholic Church on Front Street. I was having lunch at Fido’s and as I cut through Central Park, I saw the fishermen out on the municipal pier. Back from conch fishing (the season ends June 1st – but often earlier if the quota is filled) and displaying the empty shells. Can’t walk right past that. And then just the gorgeous shells. I asked where they were finding these big conch. I know that the shores of Ambergris Caye are pretty much (sadly) picked clean. They go out to Turneffe Atoll and beyond. The entrance from the beach to Fido’s…a look out at their dock AND where I will be subwinging tomorrow.

Trading a 90-Mile Commute for a Bike Ride in Belize
by Tamara Sniffin. Even after living on Ambergris Caye in Belize for a dozen years, it still sounds like magic to my ears when I tell people my home is a tropical island. From the Caribbean coast and our stunning Meso-American Barrier Reef, to the mountains, Maya sites, and charming communities of the mainland…we have the best of worlds. When we grow tired of white, sandy-beach views we head to the jungle to hang out with the monkeys. For around $100 a night you can stay in a quaint jungle cottage with meals included, or forget the budget and splurge at a posh resort that caters to your every need. My husband, Ron, shares my passion for Belize and when—in 2004—we had the opportunity to purchase the island newspaper, The San Pedro Sun, we both knew this was our chance to live in a country we had grown to love. We pulled up stakes in Wyoming and permanently moved to San Pedro town with our teenage son. Although we both enjoyed our busy jobs—Ron as a PR and communications director for a national teachers union, and myself a campaign manager for a national health organization—we knew that there was more to life than the comforts of home. Living in the snow had lost its appeal. We quit our well-paying professions, rented our family home, held several garage sales, bought a house sight-unseen on the island and—with twelve trunks, our golden retriever, and a cat—we moved to the island in less than three months.

Paddleboarding, Kayaking, and a Perfect Income in Belize
Sue and Carlos Vasquez grew up in the harsh winters of Chicago and Wisconsin…and, eventually, they had enough of them. When their son reached adulthood, and the economy went south in the U.S., they decided to head south themselves. That was five years ago and they have no regrets about making their new home in Belize. ”We dreamed for years about living in the Caribbean. We pinch ourselves every day that we are actually doing it,” says Sue. “I walk out my front door every morning to watch the sunrise over the Caribbean Sea. I couldn’t imagine a better way to start my day.” Sue, 49, and Carlos, 50, have taken up paddleboarding and kayaking in their tropical, paradise home. “In a typical week I find myself on the paddleboard several times for a 15 minute paddle out to Placencia Caye. I get to snorkel among beautiful coral and tropical fish,” says Sue, who recently found herself paddleboarding next to a manatee. Last week, they posted pictures online of dolphins near their shore. When they first landed in Belize, Sue and Carlos stayed in Ambergris Caye, an island in northern Belize that is very popular with expats. They found it an easy place to network. Their dream job was to manage a beachfront resort and, after spending their first year managing a pool supply store, they found the opportunity they were looking for. They relocated to Placencia, further south, to manage a thriving, beachfront, boutique resort.

International Sources

World Happiness Report 2016 update shows significantly more inequality in Caribbean
The World Happiness Report 2016 Update, which ranks 156 countries by their happiness levels, was released on Wednesday in Rome in advance of UN World Happiness Day, March 20, and shows that two regions – the Middle East and North Africa, and Latin America and Caribbean – have significantly more inequality of life assessments within their regions than is true for the world population as a whole. The widespread interest in the World Happiness Reports, of which this is the fourth, reflects growing global interest in using happiness and subjective well-being as primary indicators of the quality of human development. Because of this growing interest, many governments, communities and organizations are using happiness data, and the results of subjective well-being research, to enable policies that support better lives. In the Ranking of Happiness 2013-2015, Latin and Central American countries in the region are generally ranked higher than English-speaking island nations, the top one being Trinidad and Tobago at number 43:

Norwegian's port in Belize to have ziplines, freefall jump
Norwegian Cruise Line divulged details of its upgraded Harvest Caye private port, scheduled to open in Belize in mid-November. The port will have a pier where Norwegian ships can tie up, a seven-acre sand beach, a marina that will serve as a departure point for excursions, and a 130-foot-tall lighthouse structure that will anchor a pair of ziplines, a freefall jump attraction and several observation platforms. “We think this is going to be a very, very popular feature," Norwegian President Andy Stuart said in a presentation at the Seatrade Cruise Global conference here. In addition to the beach, there will be a 15,000-square-foot pool with a swim-up bar, cascading waterfall and canopy style cabanas available for rent. There will also be 11 deluxe air-conditioned beachfront cabanas that will have hammocks, private bathrooms, indoor and outdoor showers and other premium features. Pricing has not been decided, Stuart said.

Harvest Caye to Feature Cruise Ship Pier, Seven-Acre Beach, Adventure Activities & More
Norwegian Cruise Line's new private island port in Belize, Harvest Caye, will have its own cruise ship port, making it the only port in the Central American country where passengers will walk off the ship rather than tender to land. The port will also boast a seven-acre sand beach, 15,000-square-foot pool, zip lining, suspensions bridges and free fall jumps, and five dining and beverage venues. Passengers seeking an exclusive beach experience can rent one of the Harvest Caye's 11 beach villas, each of which can accommodate up to 10 people. The villas are equipped with air conditioning, a dedicated lounge and dining room, a private bathroom, indoor and outdoor showers, hammocks and exclusive dining and beverage options with dedicated concierge service so passengers never have to leave the beach to get food or a drink. For those who prefer pool fun to beach fun, Harvest Caye will offer a 15,000-square-foot pool featuring swim-up bar with stools and lounge tables in the water. The pool will be encircled by lounge chairs and umbrellas, along with 15 canopy pool cabanas available for rent. In the cabanas, you'll find upscale lounge furniture, privacy drapes and beverage service.

New threat to financial services
The financial services sector faces a new threat that could thwart the island’s economic development and impact negatively on the local banking sector if quick action is not taken to address it. Banks in the region are beginning to lose access to correspondent banks abroad, after they have been warned that their systems and procedures regarding money laundering were inadequate, inappropriate and much too risky. A correspondent bank is a financial institution that conducts business transactions, accept deposits and gathers documents on behalf of another financial institution. Local officials explain that relatively new international regulations intended to combat money laundering and the financing of terrorism required international banks to be satisfied that their correspondent banks in other countries were undertaking the relevant due diligence and that they knew their customers. Participating in the debate on the Appropriations Bill 2016 in the House of Assembly this week former Prime Minister Owen Arthur described the issue as “a very, very serious matter” that, if not fended off, could threaten the future of the Barbados economy. “I am not going to point fingers at anybody, but the Caribbean will not escape. It is the image that the Caribbean is soft on perpetrators of financial crimes. We have some interesting and well-written legislation in respect of combating money laundering and combating financial crime,” Arthur said.

Tracking The Rise And Plummet Of Shyne 15 Years After His Conviction
As hip-hop moves forward, significant markers of its past become more clear. The day Dr. Dre heard Eminem’s demo in Jimmy Iovine’s garage, Ol’ Dirty Bastard running from the law for a month, and, obviously, the deaths of Tupac Shakur and the Notorious B.I.G. are pretty easy to pinpoint. On the flipside, there are plenty of lesser known moments that could’ve completely changed hip-hop’s trajectory if they’d gone the other way, such as Method Man almost being shot in a drive-by and Kanye checking his ego and not nixing the best verse on all of My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy – Nicki Minaj on “Monster.” But a moment that’s been covered in the dust of time, that easily could’ve sent shockwaves through the culture, happened 15 years ago today. On March, 16, 2001, a jury acquitted Sean “Puff Daddy” Combs of multiple weapons charges and allegedly bribing his driver to take the fall after a shooting in a Manhattan night club. [Johnnie Cochran strikes again.] In the same trial, Jamaal “Shyne” Barrow was convicted on two counts of assault and counts of reckless endangerment and gun possession after allegedly shooting into the crowd. He’d later be sentenced to and serve 10 years in prison and the two men went on to have vastly different lives for the next decade and a half. What came next for Diddy is common knowledge. He went on to become an even larger hip-hop mogul with the success of the Sean John clothing line, stakes in multiple beverages – both athletic and alcoholic – and launching Revolt TV all while keeping his name relevant enough in music with occasional Bad Boys Records releases. In 2015, Forbes claimed he had a net worth of $735 million. His career could’ve been vastly different, or halted, if the tables had turned.

Misonix Supports Belize Spine Surgery Mission
Misonix, Inc. (NASDAQ: MSON), an international surgical device company that designs, manufactures and markets innovative therapeutic ultrasonic products for spine surgery, neurosurgery, wound debridement, laparoscopic surgery and other surgical applications, has donated a Bone Scalpel® unit to Spine Overseas for mission work at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital in Belize. "We are thankful for the donation made by Misonix, allowing us to better treat individuals in need to allow them to return to a healthy and productive life. I am a big fan of the Bone Scalpel from Misonix, and promote its use everywhere I go. I feel it is among the top 2-3 innovations introduced into spine surgery over the past decade," said Peter Gabos, M.D., from Alfred I. DuPont Hospital for Children in Wilmington, DE. "The relationship with the Belize mission is an on-going commitment, and one that I anticipate will be highly visible," notes Dr. Gabos. "The Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital is fast becoming a center of excellence in spine surgery, and there is a huge training and education component for many South American spinal surgeons."

Ma meets premiers of four Taiwan diplomatic allies in Belize
Taiwan's President Ma Ying-jeo met in Belize Wednesday with government leaders of Belize and three of Taiwan's diplomatic allies in the Caribbean, all of whom expressed hope that Ma's successor will continue to push bilateral relations with their countries. Ma arrived in Belize earlier that day on the second stop of his last overseas trip before leaving office in May, and met with Belizean Prime Minister Dean Barrow. During the meeting, Ma invited Barrow to attend President-elect Tsai Ing-wen's inauguration May 20, when Ma will conclude his maximum two-term tenure as president. Tsai was elected in January. In response, Barrow expressed hope that Ma's successor will continue to enhance relations with Belize based on the existing foundation and that the two countries will carry out more exchanges.

Norwegian reveals amenities at its private port in Belize
Harvest Caye, Norwegian Cruise Line’s private port in Belize, will have beach villas, a large pool area with cabanas, a variety of aerial activities including zip lining, water sports in the lagoon, wildlife programs and a shopping village. The cruise line on Wednesday revealed details about the port and recreational area it is building on two adjoining islands off the coast of Belize City. Harvest Caye, originally scheduled to open in mid-February, is now scheduled to open in November. The islands will have a cruise ship pier so that passengers can walk off the ship and onto land and won’t have to be tendered. It will also have a large marina, the departure point for certain shore excursions.

Ecologists Can’t Beat Invasive Species, So They’re Joining Them
The path to Ohe’o Gulch, in Maui, meanders through a short section of forest, past mango trees and pockets of bamboo, then opens onto the ocean. Palm trees of all sizes and varieties line the Pacific coast, their trunks hunched over the sand, fronds waving picturesquely in the trade winds. Though they may seem perfectly at home, iconic to the landscape, most of these trees are outsiders. They hitched a ride long ago, with the Polynesians or Europeans, and not innocuously; they’ve been crowding out the native palm species that belong to the genus Pritchardia—in some cases, almost to the point of extinction. Which raises the question: Should ecologists care that the trees who were here first are being ousted, and do something to stop and reverse it? The ethical—or ideological—quandary is familiar to art conservationists, who argue how best to preserve a masterpiece: by letting its paint gracefully bear the effects of aging, or preventing them altogether to retain the work’s initial appearance. “For a long time,” said Donald Drake, a botanist and conservation biologist at the University of Hawaii, “one of the main strategies of conservation has been restoration: You take a place that’s been messed up, disturbed by people, and you try and put it back to what it was like 100 years ago, or before Europeans came. In a lot of places that’s just not realistic. We need to come to terms with things that are never going back.”

Instead of migrating, white storks are staying put for the winter and eating garbage
Birds just aren’t migrating the way they used to. And why should they? Climate change has made winters warmer, meaning they don’t need to travel as far in order to make it through the brutal temperatures. But it’s not just climate change that’s giving birds—particularly white storks—reason to stay. New research published in Movement Ecology this week suggests that land fills provide enough food for the birds to stick around throughout the year. What that means, though, is that they’re literally eating garbage. “It’s gross, actually,” Aldina Franco, an ecologist at the University of East Anglia in Norwich, England and lead author of the study, told Quartz. “When a truck arrives, they all congregate behind it. Sometimes they eat computer parts, but what they are really looking after are our leftovers.” Franco explained that ordinarily, white storks live all over Europe in the summer, breeding months, and migrate to either southern Europe or sub-Saharan Africa over the winter. They typically eat a diet of small insects or spiders, though they also have been known to eat crayfish in rice fields. Now, however, Franco says that of the population of about 14,000 white storks in Portugal, an increasing number are becoming residents of the areas near landfills. She and her team had been tracking the movements of over 50 of these storks in Portugal, and for this study looked at the movements of 17 birds they knew had set up colonies near the landfills. They found that even with their unusual new dietary patterns, storks that stayed over the winter had the advantage of starting to breed earlier in the season and raise more chicks per nest. “The good consequences of having extra food override the bad ones [of the diet],” she said. Franco added that in this particular study, she and her team didn’t look at the effects of consuming atypical food.

At the bottom of the Arabian Sea, a 500-year-old shipwreck from the fleet of Vasco da Gama
Standing atop the rugged, barren peak of Al-Hallaniyah Island, eyeing the blue-gray Arabian Sea as it lashed the rocky coast below, David Mearns tried to transport himself back 500 years. The sky was dark with storm clouds, the sea a raging, surging maelstrom. Two ships, heedlessly anchored on the exposed northern side of the island, were whipped about by the winds and waves, stretching their moorings to the breaking point. Once adrift, the wooden vessels were driven twoard shore and bashed against the rocks. One got close enough to the beach for its crew to escape before it broke apart completely. The other splintered and sank in deep water, dragging everyone onboard, including its captain, to the bottom of the sea. Mearns had spent half a year reading accounts of that disaster, which doomed part of a fleet led by the legendary Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama. He’d internalized everything he could find about the weather, the vessels, the island, the perils of the Arabian Sea during the “Golden Age of Exploration” half a millennium ago. And he knew that at least one unparalleled example of a ship from that time lay somewhere within his reach. If only he could find it.

Videos

WIZING TIME MARCH 14, 2016, 5min.

UK and CDB launch the United Kingdom Caribbean Infrastructure (UKCIF) Programme, 13min. Eight Caribbean countries and one British Overseas Territory are closer to accessing funding to build new roads, bridges, ports and other vital infrastructure as the United Kingdom’s Caribbean Infrastructure (UKCIF) Programme becomes operational. The UKCIF was ratified on March 9th by the Board of the Caribbean Development Bank, paving the way for implementation of the game changing programme. The Department for International Development will provide up to £300m in grant financing from January 2016 to March 2020 to Antigua and Barbuda, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, St. Vincent and The Grenadines and Montserrat.

A World UnderWater: The Reefs of Belize,1 min. Underwater 360º Photography: Keith Ellenbogen - MIT CAST Visiting Artist / Assistant Professor Photography SUNY/FIT Allan Adams - MIT Dept of Physics

Life Uncommon 15th March, 2016 EPISODE 2, 65min.

Rise and Shine Part 1 GUESTS: David Gibson & Dr Herman Byrd (15th March, 2016), 51min. arstoon, Guatemala and ICJ

Rise and Shine Part 2 GUESTS: David Gibson & Dr Herman Byrd (15th March, 2016), 59min. Sarstoon island and river; Guatemala takes the Sarstoon... Road to the ICJ

Belize Trip 2015, 3.5min. Community service trip to Belize 2015 with IMG Academy (sophomore year of high school)

March 16, 2016