April 9, 2016

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Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

The Belize Zoo: The Best Little Zoo in the World Indeed!
April 8th is observed annually as Nation Zoo Lovers Day. And here in Belize, we are proud to say we have the best little zoo in the world. This would be a perfect day to visit a zoo and be one of the millions of people who visit them each year. Enjoy seeing your favorite animals swinging from the trees or splashing in the water and have a fun-filled day. Here is our story on our adventures at the Belize Zoo! Junior Buddy was the gorgeous jaguar who presently sat purring above us, only a wire cage keeping him from joining us in the box we sat in. We were at the Belize Zoo, considered the “best little zoo” in the whole world. Junior was just one of the many animals we had seen during our behind the scenes visit with founder and all-around amazing Zoo director Sharon Matola. Our highlight was meeting one of the storied animals of the year: Bosch the rescued Black Jaguar. The sad story of Bosch, now renamed Lucky Boy, is an example of human cruelty to wild creatures – and his now-happy life is proof of the wonderful work of The Belize Zoo, and the wide network of conservation organizations that came together to save the life of this magnificent creature.

Belize launches electronic Fisheries/Forest License and Permit System
A fisherman or exporter, a broker or a corporate entity, can now get a Belize fishing license or fisheries export permit, or a forest permit from anywhere on the planet that has internet connectivity, thanks to a new online system: the Belize Electronic License and Permit System (BELAPS), which was launched at the Belize Best Western Biltmore Plaza Hotel on Wednesday morning, April 6. As explained by Chief Forest Officer Wilber Sabido, walk-in applications will no longer be accepted; but a fisherman can now apply for a renewal of his fishing license from the comfort of his living room. He would simply log on to the system via the internet, and fill out an online application form, much like the process to apply for a U.S. visa. Once the necessary fees have been paid at the local bank, or online, the application will be processed, and voila! The fisherman can have his license. The same goes for loggers in need of a Forest permit.

San Pedro High School announces candidates for their Miss SPHS Pageant
San Pedro High School (SPHS) is hosting its annual Miss SPHS Pageant on Saturday, April 30th at the Angel Nuñez Auditorium. The four contestants up for the title are Norma Lopez, Lisandra Novelo, Faith Edgar, and Janelly Aban. For the last two years Sheila Chi has been holding the title, and is ready to pass the title of Miss SPHS 2016-2017 to the winner of this year’s pageant. According to event organizer Philip Ramsey, the pageant promises to be a night of fun-filled presentations and entertainment. The show will comprise of six segments, with one featuring one of Belize’s ethnic group; the East Indians. The four girls are currently being coached in the art of pageantry and dance by former Miss San Pedro, Yakarelis Hernandez.

SIB Releases quarterly economic indicators – cost of living on the rise!
Since November 2014, consumer prices registered a successive decrease making Belizeans happy. However, the good life was short-lived, as on January of 2016 prices began to increase again, followed by February recording the second consecutive increase since price trends began to reverse. According to the report released by the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB), the inflation rate for the month of February compared to last year’s one was higher by 0.3%, while the rate for January 2016 was recorded to be 0.4% higher than last year. The data, presented by SIB Statistician Stephanie Vasquez, showed that while there was an increase in economic activity during the same period last year, as it relates to this year, imports are down while exports have dropped a dramatic 43%. “In January to February of this year, Belize’s imports were valued at two hundred and twenty-nine point three million dollars, down 4.8% or 15.2 million from the 314.5 million recorded for the same period last year,” explained Vasquez.

CDC detects Zika case in USA; links to Belize
On April 6th, 2016 Ministry of Health officials received a communication message from the United States International Health Regulations National Focal Point regarding a confirmed case of Zika detected in the U.S. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the transmission may have originated in Belize. The CDC reported that, “The patient is an adult female resident who travelled to Belize from 14 -19 March 2016. She had onset of fever and rash on 23 March, 2016. Zika virus RT-PCR was positive on serum at the health department of the state. The patient reported no other recent travel history and there was no evidence of possible sexual transmission.”

Gary Grief re-elected as San Pedro Deputy Mayor
Councillor Gary Grief has been re-elected to the position of Deputy Mayor for the second year since taking up office. Annually, at the beginning of the fiscal year, a new Deputy Mayor is usually elected by the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) members. The election process was held on Wednesday, March 30th, where the majority of the SPTC voted for Grief to continue as the Deputy Mayor. “At first it was overwhelming. Coming off the election, I tried to do too much and over exerted myself. But once I got my rhythm, I started to venture out and be creative with my portfolios. I learned tremendously in my first year as Deputy. Heading into the second year with the title, I believe I can improve my work. Given my experience and everything I have learned I think I will do a better job for the island,” said Grief to The San Pedro Sun. He has sat in the council since the March 4, 2015 municipal election; along with Councillors Hector “Tito” Alamilla, Ruben “Rux” Gonzalez, Gabriel “Gaby” Nuñez, Flora Ancona, and Severo “Severito” Guerrero, under the leadership of Mayor Daniel Guerro.

Ambergris Today

Belize and USA Sign Amendment for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs Program
U. S. Ambassador to Belize H.E. Carlos Moreno and the Right Honorable Prime Minister Dean Barrow signed the 16th Amendment to the Letter of Agreement (LOA) implementing the International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) program through the Central America Regional Security Initiative (CARSI) on April 7, 2016. The U.S. Government has provided over $35 million in programs and grants to Belize through the Central America Regional Security Initiative (CARSI) since 2008. The agreement provides USD $6,450,000 in funding to be used for the following projects: Improved Border Inspection, Vetted Units, Capacity Enhancement, Justice Sector Reform, and Community Policing. To date, the U.S. Government, through INL, has committed a total of USD $28.4 million since 2008 to these programs in Belize.

Celebrity Spotting: Social Media Stars Logan Paul & Mark Dohner Visit San Pedro
Huge social media celebrity whose rise to fame was through viral Vine videos, Logan Paul is in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize, vacationing and celebrating his 21st birthday that just recently passed. Accompanying him is another social media star, Mark Dohner, who also entertains a huge following on major social media outlets. They are in town with a team from Oceana Belize and have been frolicking in the water and swimming with the sharks and manatees at Hol Chan Marine Reserve. “I have not seen so many sharks at one time,” commented Logan to Ambergris Today, as he spent a relaxed evening at the Truck Stop after a full day of swimming along the Great Barrier Reef of Belize. He says that he had only heard mention of Belize, but that he had to do some research before he came upon the invitation from Oceana. Nevertheless, Logan and his friend Mark are having a great time in Belize, giving the country a publicity boost while Oceana Belize and also creating marine conservation awareness along with Oceana. Both Logan and Mark have been touring the island on golfcart, up to no good fooling around and having fun. They have met up with lots of local fans and taken the time to take pictures with them.

Misc Belizean Sources

2016 CODICADER Games
The 2016 CODICADER Games are slated to take place in Belize from July 6th-12th. The games will be played in Orange Walk, Belize City, San Ignacio and Belmopan in four sporting disciplines: football, basketball, volleyball and table tennis. All seven Central American countries will be participating in the games. A ceremony was held this morning at the Marion Jones Sports Complex in Belize City to launch the sensitization campaign for the games.

Footprints in the Chiquibul Caverns
From 1984 to 1999 exploration of the Chiquibul Caverns was conducted by Dr. Thomas Miller. Some 20 years later, FCD’s Karst Unit led by Gliss Penados return to explore the largest known cave room in the Western Hemisphere. Footprints of the first explorers are still mildly visible.

Big cats in the jungle
Part of Ya'axche's work involves mediating the conflict between jaguars and people. As humans move into the jaguars' territory, the big cats see livestock as food. In order to avoid farmers harming jaguars to protect their livestock, Protected Area Manager Marchilio Ack has been working with farmers to help deter jaguars from hunting livestock by improving the management of enclosures. Small changes, such as adding lighting and improving fences can go a long way to protecting the farmers' livelihoods. Check out these jaguars recently caught on camera trap!

Comedy Nights for a Cause (FRI & SAT)
World-reknowned comedic storyteller and 5-time Just for Laughs award nomineee Jon Bennett (Australia) comes to San Pedro with 2 of his multi-award winning shows for two nights only! International comedian Jon Bennett (Comedy Abroad!) will perform his amazing comedy sets, and guarantee laughter and tears (the good kind, we promise!) this Friday and Saturday evening only! The shows will be opened by Ben Popik (The Truck Stop and Olde English Comedy), and 100% of the proceeds from ticket sales will benefit San Pedro Food Bank, and the Saga Humane Society, Ambergris Caye Elementary School's special needs program. Friday evening's show is titled "Pretending Things are a Cock", which received a nomination for the Best Comedy by Just For Laughs (Montreal Fringe) and multiple awards by Uptown Magazine, Edmonton Journal, Hairline (UK), and Vue Weekly (CAN). Saturday evening's show is titled "Fire in the Meth Lab", which received a rating of 5-stars by Sunday Mail (AUS), Broadway Baby (UK), and Fringe Guru (UK). Tickets are available now: General Admission: $10bz minimum donation Bar Seating: $15bz minimum donation VIP Seating (Front 2 rows): $25 minimum donation (tickets for each show are sold individually)

CJC Expo 2016
Corozal Junior College does it again. We see a bright future in our young Corozal people. This year's Expo 2016 included 30 booths from the Corozal Junior College and 33 from the private sector. It is wonderful to see the private sector working hand in hand with our Corozal Youth. Nurturing the minds of these young students can only mean successful entrepreneurship and well rounded youth. The display and taste of culinary delights and products by the students was impressive. Not to take away anything from anyone else who took part, but our personal favourites had to be "Chicken Pluckers" and "Bite Me Brownies". The "Salpicon" was also one of our favourites. To be honest we were amazed by the professionalism and involvement. A lot of heart seems to have gone into this Expo planning. Hats off to the organizers and all the participants. I see this Expo growing into a major international event one day soon.Go Corozal!

Rotaract Go Karting Fundraiser
The Rotaract Club of San Ignacio is having a fundraiser tomorrow around Playa del Cayo. You can take a go kart ride along the new highway. They'll also have snacks for everyone. The fun starts at 8:00am. "A Fundraising Event All Proceeds go towards future projects. $3 Per Ride. Snacks on Sale: Nachos, Hot Dogs, Soft Drinks."

BPP MEETS BREDDA IN LOS ANGELES!
Representatives of the Belize Rural Economic Development of Agriculture through Alliance (BREDAA) in Los Angeles, Nuri Akbar Estrada and Bilal Morris, met with the Belize Progressive Party (BPP) political leader, Patrick Rogers from Belize on Sunday April 3, 2016 at Mars Caribbean Gardens in Gardena, California. The meeting highlighted discussions pertaining to the recent Guatemalan military aggression and annexation on the Belize Sarstoon River and Island, the issues surrounding the taking of the Guatemalan claim to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), BPP’s official position on the issue, and ways forward of forging corporations between the two organizations in addressing critical issues confronting the country of Belize.

Channel 7

Man Murdered On Banks Of Rio Hondo
A man was shot and left for dead in the Village of Santa Rosa. That's the northern most village in the country, at the edge of Corozal where it meets the Rio Hondo. The report came in at around 10:30 this morning when the lifeless body of 51 year old Gregory Espinosa, a farmer from Corozal, was found lying face-down near the banks of the Hondo. He had apparently been shot several times. His loader and his pickup truck were found not far from scene. Here is what police investigators know so far. Insp. Peter Serrano, Deputy Commander - Corozal: "The initial investigation so far revealed that the deceased who was a cane farmer, apparently had some mechanical problems with his cane truck. Sometime yesterday where he made his way into town and later left his house last night sometime about 11pm in a pickup truck. The deceased had no communication with his family and early this morning family members decide to go out and look for him. When they arrived at the area where he was, they actually saw his body floating in the Rio Hondo River face down."

Teenager Murdered in Ladyville
18 year old Merkel Pitts died this evening. The teenager had been shot last night in Ladyville. He was on life support, and his family was hopeful, but, he didn't make it. The shooting happened after 7:30 when Pitts was hanging out with friends at the corner of Marage Road and Compassion Lane when a gunman came up to the group and shot Pitts. Now, residents say this was not some random attack - the shooter wanted Pitts dead. Courtney Weatherburne has more: 18 year old Merkel Pitts usually hangs out in this yard with his friends. He would come over in the evenings after work to relax. But last night, that favorite spot became a crime scene. Inspector Juanito Cocom, OC, Ladyville Police: "Initial investigation reveal that Pitts and 3 other male persons were socializing at the area when a lone gun man approached them and fired several shots towards them"

What Happens When the NCL Ships Go South?
Yesterday, we showed you the local launch of multimillion dollar mega project at the Harvest Caye Cruise Port. The event also gave us an opportunity to ask Norwegian Executives about issues related to the project. The first is that most of the NCL Cruise ships, which used to call in Belize City, will now make that port call at Harvest Caye when it opens for business in the third week of November 2016. Viewers will remember that this wasn't the original plan when the project was first tabled back in 2013. When we asked the NCL executives about it, they told us that the change will allow for new cruise companies to fill the vacant slots in the Belize City Cruise calendar that they will leave behind: Daniel Ortiz: "Will the Norwegian cruise company be bringing cruise ships exclusively to Harvest Caye once this project opens?" Colin Murphy, V.P., Destination Development, NCL: "Well I think I just answered that, I mean the majority of our ships will be going to harvest caye yes. But we will have some ships to Belize City."

Did Norwegian Take Shortcuts?
You might also recall that the Belize Tourism Industry Association won a lawsuit against Norwegian Cruise Line and the Government of Belize. The Supreme Court ruled that the Government's environmental technicians took shortcuts to fast track the Harvest Caye project. So, we asked the NCL Senior Vice President if any other shortcuts were taken during the construction which could compromise the fragile environment that this cruise port occupies. Here's how that back and forth went: Daniel Ortiz: "Can you assure the Belizean public that in the scope of the Harvest Caye project that Norwegian did not skirt any of the environmental issues when it was constructed?" Colin Murphy, V.P., Destination Development, NCL: "Yes." Daniel Ortiz: "Is there any elaboration on that?"

Dustin Bowen Hits Paydirt With Norwegian
One Belizean businessman who's preparing for major success at Harvest Caye is Dustin Bowen. He's the owner of Riverside Tavern, the popular restaurant and bar in Belize City, but now he's been contracted as NCL's local partner to provide all the food and beverage for the entire island facility of Harvest Caye. That's an impressive 4 new restaurants and 9 bars that's under his portfolio. And, with the projected cruise passenger traffic that should dock at Harvest Caye, Bowen could well be on the way to creating a business empire comparable to his stepfather, Sir Barry Bowen. We spoke with him yesterday on the scope of planned operation in the southern cruise port:

LAPD Killed Kisha
"Black Lives Matter" - that's the catchphrase coming out the movement to agitate against the extraordinary number of persons of color killed by US police in the past year. One of those lives is Kisha Michael, a 31 year old Belizean born in Belmopan who migrated to Los Angeles in the mid 90's. On Sunday February 21st. police shot and killed her and a man inside a car on Inglewood Avenue. They say she was unconscious, but also had a gun. 6 weeks later, and her funeral was held in Los Angeles today. Now, this happened in California, but her brother Delon who lives in Orange Walk told CTV-3 why the story LA police have given the family doesn't add up. Delon Micheal, Sister shot by Inglewood Police: "The police said to her that they found her dead. Watching the news we saw that the SWAT team was out there along with the Inglewood Police and that's where we knew and we saw that it was them that did it. So I don't know why they went to my mom and told her that they found her dead when they were the ones that killed my sister."

No Dean Dawson Toxicology Report Yet, No Charges For Pakeman
Dean Dawson's toxicology report has still not been released. As we told you a sample was taken from both the driver Dorian Pakeman and the deceased Dean Dawson. Pakeman's report was negative for alcohol but Dawson's report is still pending and police need that report to send the complete file to the DPP's office. Ladyville police told us they have no further update on this case at this point. Inspector Juanito Cocom - OC, Ladyville Police: "The file has been prepared, we are still awaiting the toxicology report." Courtney Weatherburne: "So that has not come out as yet?" Inspector Juanito Cocom - OC, Ladyville Police: "Not as yet. When we get the toxicology report, the file will be submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions."

MOH: Belize Still Zika Free
The Ministry of Health maintains that Belize is still Zika free despite the very concerning report from the Centers for Disease Control in the US. The CDC had said that they will issue a Zika travel advisory for Belize - but when we checked their website today, Belize wasn't there - but every other Central American country and Mexico was. When we spoke to health officials today they told us they are still in consultation with PAHO. Health officials say that they are still not confirming this as the first case of Zika in Belize. We will keep updating you.

Saldivar Endorsed By Women Of The UDP
The date for the convention to elect a UDP first Deputy will be determined when the party meets tomorrow - but the way the campaign is going you'd think the convention was tomorrow! Both candidates are aggressively advertising, and John Saldivar is building his campaign around the endorsements he's roped in from Representatives and Standard bearers. This evening on his facebook page, he posted an apparent endorsement form the women of the UDP, Tracy Taeger Panton form Albert, Beverly Castillo from Belize Rural Central, and Dr. Carla Barnett form Freetown. It's a strong follow up after getting the entire Western caucus, but for his part Patrick Faber has maintained that his strength is with the delegates.

Mexican Flour Now Legal On Belize Shelves
Mexican flour can now be found on Belizean store shelves, and the news is that it was legally imported. Customs has confirmed that 1200 sacks of Bola Roja 12 kilo flour were imported through Corozal on the 14th of March and paid the required rate of duty, which is 100%. Previously only the locally brands produced by ADM Belize Mills could be sold in Belize, but last year the regulations were changed to allow imported flour into the market - but with high duty charges. Those high duty charges make the Bola Roja more expensive when compared to the local flour. One hundred pounds of local flour costs 81 dollars, while 100 pounds of Bola Roja would work out to about 108 dollars.

Six Months For Buller
Kevin Buller, who was accused of breaking into a woman's house and assaulting her, is in jail tonight serving a 6 month sentence. That's after he pleaded guilty to assault charges today in the Magistrate's Court. It happened on September 3, 2015, when Nicole McDonald testified that at around 12:30 p.m. that day, she was at her house on Antelope Street Extension when her mother told her that Buller had allegedly burglarized another of their family homes which is nearby. McDonald confronted Buller about it, and he responded by punching her and shoving her into a drain. The arresting officer also testified in the case, and today Buller told the court that he wanted to change his plea from not guilty to guilty.

Alleged Murderer Smuggled Weed
27 year-old John Martinez, a prisoner on remand for murder, is facing an additional charge of drug trafficking after he allegedly tried to smuggle weed into prison after a court appearance. Martinez was transported from the Prison to the Supreme Court for a court hearing on Tuesday. It would have been a routine adjournment except when he was transported back to the Prison, the on-duty officer performed the usual search. When Martinez was searched the first time, he found nothing. But, the officer observed that he had an irregular gait - he was walking funny, and so the officer did a second search. He ended up finding 17.6 grams of marijuana inside one of Martinez's sneakers. It was duck- taped to the sole.

CODICADER Coming!
It's official! The annual CODICADER games are coming to Belize. In February, officials from SICA, the organizing body of the Central American regional school tournament, hammered out an agreement with the Ministry of Sports to host the games here. And today the National Sports Council launched the drive towards the July Games and unveiled the logo for CODICADER 2016. Emanuel Pech Reports. The games will be played from 6th to the 12th of July and will focus on four disciplines: Football, basketball, volleyball and table tennis. And if you are wondering which 6 to 12 year olds will represent Belize, well that's still being determined. The National sports council will draw competitors from its primary school competitions. Secondary Schools will also compete in this regional tournament in September, but those games will be hosted in Honduras.

Marion Jones, Still Not Ready
The launch of the CODICADER 2016 Belize took place at the Marion Jones Stadium. Of course, Marion Jones still isn't finished - and, after countless millions spent, it stands mostly as a well-fenced monument to "PUDP" indifference to sports. So what's next for Marion Jones Stadium? Today we asked Minister of State Aragon about it:. "Right now we are having an investment of 5 million U.S. dollars from Mexico that has contributed to the building of the indoor facility. That is well under way in terms of the preparation for building, etc. so within the next 2 years or less we should see that building up completely finished. That will be a big compliment to the Marion Jones and hopefully by then we would have finished this building in terms of the other facilities. If you look at the floors, especially the floors that catered towards the people who visited the stadium, it's completed.

MCC: Trading Sacred Sports For Gambling Greed?
The MCC compound is turning into a parking lot. Well part of it anyway. In February the National Sports Council entered into an agreement with the Princess Ramada Hotel and Casino to allow them to use a portion of the MCC grounds for parking. The agreement was that the Management of Ramada would construct the facility and in turn they would be allowed to use it for customer parking - at a rental cost of course. But did footballers lose a sacred sporting space to greed and gamblers? The move has been much criticized, but according to Sports Minister of State Elodio Aragon, despite those critics, this type of public-private sector partnership is the way to go. "Partnering with Princess which will do many good things because one, it is going to alleviate the traffic congestion on that road. Two, we are getting close to anywhere between $80-$100 thousand dollars invested right now which is coming from the Princess Ramada company. They are investing in the parking area so we are getting a parking area for free. Apart from that, we are getting paid $2000 a month for them to use that parking area, and that $2000 a month goes right back into MCC to begin to put better lighting system, more care, and painting of the fence.

The Santa Rosa Scene
At the top of the news, we told you about the murder in the northern-most village in Belize, Santa Rosa. But, we weren't able to get footage of the crime scene in time. But here it is now, Gregory Espinosa's burnt Ford Ranger extended cab. It was discovered near the area that he was found dead. As police said Espinosa was found with several apparent pellet wounds to the right side of his chest and a large bullet hole to the left side of his lower rib cage. His body now awaits a post mortem examination. Police have no suspect or motive at this time. But the circumstances of death and the fact that his vehicle was found burnt have raised many questions and police investigators are following all angles.

Mayans Vex With GOB, Again
The Toledo Alcalde's Association says Government is not holding up its end of the agreement. The commission's role is to ensure the Mayan communities of the south are given their land rights -based on the Caribbean Court of Justice's judgment. Now the government should have been consulting with the Mayan communities on the best way to implement that judgment, but the Maya are complaining that the Government has done nothing to uphold the agreement. So, they say that they are left with no other option but to go back to the high court to force the Government to act. A statement from Toledo Alcalde's Association says that on Wednesday, the villages of Santa Cruz and Jalacte filed two actions in the Supreme Court to do just that. The association notes that the Toledo Maya Land Rights Commission met with them a few months ago, but so far, that's all that has happened. The Association says that there has been, quote, "…No action to address the issues of current and ongoing interference with, and appropriation of Maya lands by a third party and by the government itself." End quote.

Channel 5

Belize and Guatemala Meet at OAS Adjacency Zone
As hostilities mount in the Sarstoon, there has been some progress made in agreeing to specific confidence building measures and protocols for engagement in the Sarstoon, though not a definitive [...]

Foreign Minister Carlos Raul Morales on Keeping the Peace
The meeting today was especially significant in the wake of what the Prime Minister has called the ramping up of aggression by Guatemala in the Sarstoon, culminating in the interception [...]

How Close are Belize and Guatemala to Establishing Protocols at Sarstoon?
Belize attended the meeting at O.A.S. headquarters with draft Sarstoon protocols in hand, aimed at defusing a potentially dangerous situation in the Southern River. So after all the diplomatic speak, [...]

OAS Representative Comments on Belize/Guatemala Sit-down
So that’s where both country’s ended today’s apparently constructive meeting at O.A.S. headquarters – not exactly a breakthrough just yet, but according to representatives that point could be reached in [...]

PUP Leader Meets with PM Barrow on Sarstoon Issue
The Leader of the Opposition, John Briceño met with Prime Minister Dean Barrow at the P.M.’s office on Coney Drive in Belize City this morning in light of the troubling [...]

Is There Cause for Concern at Caracol Following BDF Shooting in Chiquibul?
Another incident that has stirred tensions is the shooting of B.D.F. Staff Sergeant Richard Lambey in the area of Valentin Camp inside the Chiquibul Forest. The safety of soldiers and [...]

Merkel Pitts is Murdered in Ladyville, Is it a Retaliation?
There are two murders to report tonight. An eighteen-year-old Ladyville resident, Merkel Pitts was shot on Thursday night and by this afternoon he was dead at the Karl Heusner Memorial [...]

A Canero is Shot and Killed in Corozal District
Meanwhile, in the Corozal District sometime between Thursday night and this morning, the bullet riddled body of a cane farmer was discovered near the village of Santa Rosa.  Fifty-one-year-old Gregorio [...]

Is Belize Still ZIKA-free?
Is the ZIKA virus now present in Belize?  According to the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta, the recent transmission of the disease may have originated in Belize when an [...]

CDC Says ZIKA Virus Detected in US May Have Originated in Belize
The C.D.C. initially reported that the patient is, “an adult female resident who traveled to Belize from March fourteenth to nineteenth.  She had onset of fever and rash on the [...]

Workshop on Vector Borne Diseases Concludes in Belize City
A timely workshop on risk communication and community engagement around vector control and prevention of ZIKA, dengue and CHIKUNGUNYA concluded today at the Biltmore Plaza in Belize City. UNICEF is [...]

Changes Within the People’s United Party
On Wednesday the P.U.P. leader named new members to the executive of the P.U.P. who will now go on to get the blessing of the National Party Council. Briceño made [...]

Where Does Deputy Party Leader Julius Espat Stand on Changes?
Deputy Party leader, Julius Espat, was at the forefront of the campaign for the re-election of Francis Fonseca as leader last November. While Fonseca and other parliamentarians are moving forward [...]

Patrick Andrews is Ready for Another PUP Leadership Convention
Now the P.U.P. held a convention last November in which John Briceño and his team were decisively elected. But on social media this week, there is one standard bearer that [...]

CODICADER is Coming to the Jewel in July!
This year and for the first time, Belize gets to host the CODICAR games which are regional games that foster the integration movement in Central America. Belizean athletes have traditionally [...]

What’s the Minister of Sports’ Take on MCC Parking Fee?
Fans of football, those who have attended games at the M.C.C. Grounds recently, are outraged about parking inside the facility since there is now a fee of five dollars to [...]

Marion Jones - Minister Vows to See It Through to Completion
The Government of Belize, according to Aragon, has invested north of fifty million dollars in developing sports across the country.  Despite that much capital spending, the Marion Jones Sporting Complex, [...]

UDP Holds Special Meeting to Determine Date of Leadership Convention
This Saturday the U.D.P. will hold a special meeting to determine the date of a convention to elect the first deputy party leader. Both Ministers Patrick Faber and John Saldivar [...]

Elodio Aragon Stands Behind Patrick Faber for UDP Deputy Leader
Minister Saldivar claims he has the numbers on his side and so does Minister Patrick Faber who has received major endorsements for first deputy party leader of the U.D.P. Faber’s [...]

A Growth and Sustainable Development Plan for Belize
A World Bank diagnostic finds that Belize is thriving in some areas but failing in other sectors. On Thursday, a three-year growth and sustainable development strategy was launched at the [...]

LOVE FM

Thursday Night Murder: A Chavarria Retaliation?
A man who was shot last night in Ladyvillle, succumbed to his injuries earlier today. Just before eight o’clock last night, a team of officers at the Ladyville Police Station responded to reports of a shooting incident at the corner of Marage Road and Compassion Lane. At the scene, the authorities found 18-year-old, Merkel Pitts […]

Belize Officials Believe BDF Sergeant Was Shot by Guatemalan
Staff Sergeant Richard Lambey who was injured in the Valentin Camp area remains on leave as he recuperates from the gunshot wounds he suffered. The case is one that continues to be investigated as explained by CEO George Lovell from the Ministry of National Security. When Love News had spoken to the Western Regional Commander, […]

PM Barrow’s Name Not In Panama Papers; PP’s Effects on Correspondent Banking
On Tuesday we told you of the millions of documents that were taken from the Mossack Fonseca firm in Panama that has fingered hundreds of leaders, officials and celebrities from around the world in the misuse of offshore services when it comes to hiding assets and related incidents. While Prime Minister did make it clear […]

The Role of Nat’l Security in Chetumal Incident Involving Former Minister
Just after the Easter holidays we had heard of an incident involving a former Minister of State where there was an attempt to extort him via telephone calls. We had gotten a name of whom that Minister was but when we contacted him, he had refused to give comment or confirm that he was the […]

Duo Injured in Traffic Incident on George Price Highway
Two persons are hospitalized following a road traffic accident on the George Price Highway earlier today. Correspondent Fem Cruz has the details.

Local Launch Held for Harvest Caye Cruise Port
In about six and a half months, the southern portion of Belize will see a boost in economic activities as Norwegian Cruise Line will activate their Harvest Caye Cruise Port. It is a project that millions of dollars have been invested in and is located just off the Placencia Peninsula. In a media brief at […]

Host of CODICADER 2016 – A First for Belize
Belize is preparing to host the 2016 CODICADER Central American games for the first time. Belize has been confirmed to host over one thousand guests for the eight Sports Games, CODICADER at the primary level. The games are scheduled to be held July 6 to July 12 and athletes will be involved in basketball, soccer, […]

Change in Prices at Fuel Pumps
Seventeen days ago just before the long Easter weekend, the prices for regular fuel and diesel were increased by sixty two cents and twenty one cents, respectively. This past Tuesday at midnight, there were changes at the pumps again as regular fuel went up to eight dollars and ninety eight cents, an increase of twenty […]

Corozal Sees Upgrades to Market and Streets
The Belize Social Investment Fund and the Corozal Town Council officially inaugurated an annex to the Town Market as well as some refurbished streets in that municipality. The official ceremony took place earlier today. The market facility measures about two hundred and twenty square metres with fifteen market stalls, making the facility more spacious and […]

Aragon is for Faber
While some persons in the red and while political camp are shying away from making their preferred candidate publicly known in the upcoming Deputy Party Leader convention for the UDP, there are those who aren’t hesitant to pick a side and today, Minister of state in Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture Elodio Aragon Jr., […]

PlusTV

Centers for Disease Control Says Zika Case Detected in the United States Links to Belize
On April 6th, 2016 Ministry of Health officials received a communication message from the United States International Health Regulations National Focal Point regarding a confirmed case of Zika detected in the U.S. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the transmission may have originated in ...

Municipal Authorities to get training on ZIKA Virus Response
In related news, Municipal Authorities in Belize will be receiving training on a ZIKA Virus Response. In response to the Zika virus outbreak in the region, the Ministry of Local Government, the Ministry of Health, Belize Mayors’ Association, UNICEF, and PAHO have partnered up and organized an on-sit...

APAMO backs SATIIM
April 8, 2016 at 10:19 AMYesterday we told you about SATIM’s encounter with Guatemalan Navy Boats on the Sarstoon. The GAF told the SATIM team tht they were no longer allowed on the SArstoon without permission from them. Needless to say, SATIM was taken aback by this new development and sent out letters to Belizean authorit...

World Bank Group report warns Belize must make right choices for a brighter future
The World Bank Group this afternoon issued a diagnostic report on Belize that is primarily intended to help the Bank forge its own strategy for assisting Belize in major initiatives. However, “Belize: Right Choices, Bright Future,” as it is called, also offers a unique look at all aspects of Belizea...

El Espanol’s wife caught with quarter million dollars
In November of last year, Ernesto Alonso De Miguel, known as “El Espanol” was executed in Chetumal while eating at a resturaunt. El Espanol was rumored as one of the largest contrabandistas in the the Corozal Free Zone and Mexico. On Wednesday April 6, 2016, almost 5 months after his death, El Esp...

GOB launches Growth and Sustainable Development Strategy
The Ministry of Economic Development today introduced a three-year Growth and Sustainable Development Strategy, its primary planning document, which seeks to guide overall development in Belize based on an integrated, systemic approach to sustainable development. The Ministry aims, among othe...

Student dead after knocked down by a truck
A young student of San Ignacio was knocked down by a truck on Thursday, April 7th. Around 12 noon as kids make their way from school, and in this particular case Sacred Heart primary School, a white dump truck owned by Bahadur & Sons Trucking knocked down a standard 4 student. The incident happe...

United States Embassy and Belize sign Amendment to the Letter of Agreement- International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs Program
S. Ambassador to Belize H.E. Carlos Moreno and the Right Honorable Prime Minister Dean Barrow signed the 16th Amendment to the Letter of Agreement implementing the International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs program through the Central America Regional Security Initiative on April 7, 2016. T...

Cancer Awareness Ride
The Belize Cancer Society and the Belize Cancer Centre are hosting a Cancer Awareness Ride to raise funds to help combat cancer in the country of Belize. Cancer is the second leading cause of mortality in Belize annually, and in order to raise awareness and support, the Belize Cancer Centre and the ...

The Reporter

Update: Youth dies of gunshot wounds
Ladyville police informed the media shortly before 5:00 p.m. Friday that shooting victim, Merkel Pitts, 18, has died of his gunshot wounds. Pitts was shot while in the company of friends on Thursday night. He had been listed in a critical condition, with a bullet […]

Man critical after shooting in Ladyville
A Ladyville resident is in a critical condition at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) after he was shot three times Thursday night. According to Ladyville police, Merkel Pitts, 18, was shot shortly after 7:00 p.m., while socializing at the corner of Marage Road and […]

WWF launches initiative to protect the barrier reef and other World Heritage Sites
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF), this week, launched its global campaign to strengthen and protect the economic sustainability of the Belize Barrier Reef. “Threats to World Heritage sites in places as diverse as Belize, Spain and Tanzania demonstrate how widespread the risks run and should […]

Nine o’clock curfew for kids Minister “Boots” Martinez in favor! Mayor Darrell Bradley is against.
City Mayor Darrell Bradley and Human Development Minister Anthony “Boots” Martinez, this week, expressed opposing views on the controversial police curfew recently put into effect. Bradley opposes the curfew while Martinez supports it. Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Chester Williams, Officer Commanding Easter Division South, […]

Lottery machine goes berserk during Sunday lottery draw.
Sunday’s lottery draw at the Public Building (Magistrate’s Court) caused a commotion among displeased gamblers whose number did not play. Police had to be called in to calm the crowd which became disorderly when the computerized lottery machine malfunctioned and failed to produce the second […]

Trip Advisor gives San PedroTop Marks
TripAdvisor, the world renowned travel website, has named San Pedro and San Ignacio as two of the best tourist destinations in the region. The travel site produced the list this month. It said that San Pedro is the best tourist destination in Latin America; besting […]

Blame Accountant General for late audits Auditor General Dorothy Bradley says
Auditor General, Dorothy Bradley, in an interview with the Reporter this week said her office is still facing many of the same issues she has constantly complained about for the last several years. With regard to auditing government financials, she re-emphasized that it is not […]

Accused Mastermind, Bradley Paumen Ordered to Pay $300,000 for Trespass…
In a judgment which took just about an hour to deliver, Supreme Court Justice Shona Griffith on Tuesday ordered an absent Bradley Paumen to pay compensation of $150,000 to landowner Michael Modiri for knowingly trespassing on his property at Frank’s Eddy. Paumen used the property to gain entry to the […]

Expect no public report on deadly Youth Hostel Fire! Department Head says. Prelude to a cover-up?
The outcome of the investigation into the deadly fire at the Youth Hostel which killed three young girls five months ago will not be publicized declared Chief Executive Officer Judith Alpuche, of the Human Development Department, On November 28 2016, three Teenage girls Shadisha Arnold, […]

More weed off the streets
Separate police drug raids last Friday yielded marijuana and cocaine and have landed three persons in custody for being in possession of controlled drugs. The first interception occurred between 5:00 a.m. and noon on Friday while members of the Intermediate Southern Formation (ISF) and the […]

Police charge five for threats against officers on patrol
Benque Viejo police have arrested and charged five men with ‘aggravated assault’ and ‘threatening words’ after they threatened to kill two policemen who had detained two of their friends for uncustomed goods. Merari Lopez, 29; Santos Osorio, 46; Herson Lopez, 35; Julio Portillo, 28; and […]

World Banks says Belize has potential for real growth
A new report issued by the World Bank Group this week, says that despite stagnating GDP per capita, low savings and high interest rates, Belize has great potential for economic growth. The report “Belize: Right Choices, Bright Future,” which analyses opportunities for development, along with […]

GOB unveils three-year development strategy
The Government of Belize this week revealed its strategic plan to grow Belize’s economy. It’s called “Growth and Sustainable Development Strategy” (GSDS), and it runs from 2016-2019. GOB, through the Ministry of Economic Development, Petroleum, Investment, Trade and Commerce, launched the strategy on Thursday at […]

Editorial
Sometimes we cling to nostalgic visions of ourselves, not realizing how radically some things have changed. . Changes come with alarming swiftness for our young people, teenagers especially, who have had to grow up quickly in a social environment fraught with danger and bad examples. . . Two recent arrests […]

US claims Zika in Belize!
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) in the United States, this week, said it has reason to believe that a US national was infected with the Zika virus in Belize. The Ministry of Health said that it received an official correspondence from the United States […]

Briceno reshuffles PUP heirarchy; Monchi out, Codel Hyde new Deputy
People’s United Party’s (PUP) Leader John Briceno reshuffled the party’s heirarchy, starting with replacing party treasurer Ramon “Monchi” Cervantes with Chris Coye and appointing Cordel Hyde as deputy leader during a closed¬-door National Executive meeting on Wednesday. Briceno also made other changes as well. Legal […]

PM Barrow says SATIIM incident is NO surprise
The Reporter has confirmed that a meeting scheduled for Friday between Belize’s Foreign Minister Wilfred Elrington and his counterpart, Guatemalan Foreign Minister Carlos Raul Morales, has been postponed until next week. That means discussions on the latest incident in the Sarstoon, between the Guatemalan military and a small skiff carrying […]

Porn video suggests prostitution at BDF camp
Another pornographic video, which can cause embarrassment for one of Belize’s law enforcement agencies, is being circulated. This time, the one¬ minute, 22¬-second-¬long amateur video, involves a fully naked woman and a man dressed in BDF camouflage pants and a grey undershirt. The encounter seems […]

Municipal authorities receive vector control response training
Today Friday, municipal authorities will conclude a two-day workshop on approaches to battling vector borne illnesses, such as the Zika virus. The training, entitled “Risk Communication and Community Engagement for Zika Virus Prevention and Control” is being held at the Best Western Belize Biltmore Plaza Hotel. […]

Breaking Belize News

Corozal Market and streets upgraded
The Social Investment Fund (SIF) has rehabilitated the Corozal Town Market Annex located at 1st St South & 6th Avenue, which was inaugurated this afternoon. The total cost of the project, including repaving both streets, is some 689 thousand 300 dollars and thirty cents. […]

Belize, Guatemala foreign ministers meet; Belize speaks to OAS about Lambey shooting
We were informed this afternoon that a meeting that was originally postponed took place in Benque Viejo Town today between Belize’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Hon. Wilfred Elrington and his Guatemalan counterpart, His Excellency Carlos Raul Morales. While the exact details are not known, […]

BDF sergeant was alone when shot by Guatemalan
Staff Sergeant Richard Lambey of the Belize Defense Force was shot on Holy Saturday while on a water resupply mission near camp Valentin close to the Belize Guatemala border in the West. Following the leak of the BDF’s internal report on the shooting, there […]

Merkel Pitts dies; investigation upgraded to murder
In crime news, Merkel Pitts, an 18 year old youth from Ladyville died this afternoon while undergoing treatment at the KHMH following an attempt on his life last night. Investigators informed that he was shot three times to the body. Reliable sources say that […]

U.S. couple caught Zika in Belize
A release just before news time yesterday delivered some potentially devastating news for Belize. The Ministry of Health informed that they had received communication from US health authorities indicating that a zika case in the US may have originated in Belize. At the time, […]

Cane farmer found dead in Corozal
There are reports that a cane farmer whose name has still not been released, was found this morning with gunshot wounds to his chest on the Rio Hondo River bank in Santa Rosa Village, Corozal. The farmer was allegedly working in the fields when […]

Four detained for Ladyville shooting
Last night at around 7:40 p.m., Ladyville Police responded to reports of a shooting and upon arrival at an open yard near Compassion Lane, they saw 18-year-old Merkel Pitts bleeding from wounds. Initial investigations revealed that Pitts was socializing with three other men when […]

Man charged for smoking pipe
A Belize City man was arrested and charged on Wednesday afternoon for a rather rarely reported offense after he was seen throwing an object over a fence on Wednesday afternoon. 54-year-old Walter Flores was charged for ‘possession of utensil for smoking controlled drugs’ after […]

Police seize weed found in Belize City
An early morning police operation yielded 113 grams of weed. Members of the Belize City North Side Strike Team and the K-9 Unit searched an empty lot on Angel Street, where they made the discovery. Officers found the marijuana inside a black plastic bag […]

Little boy run over and killed by sand truck
Reports of a tragic incident emerged from San Ignacio Town yesterday afternoon when a primary school boy, Emil August, was hit by a truck belonging to Bahadur and Sons Trucking Company. The accident occurred in front of Trins Store shortly after mid-day and the […]

Blogs

Ready, Set, SWIM! Some of the Best Beaches on Ambergris Caye, Belize
Ramon’s Village – Just south of town is one of the original and most famous resorts on the island, Ramon’s Village. They have a beautiful strip of beach (and a popular swimming dock for the kids in town) that is great for wading in. Central Park – Just recently, there has been a revival of Central Park in downtown San Pedro. An old palapa was torn down and the street vendors have been more to a designated area on the Back Street. It’s left Central Park’s beach looking beautiful. And, while shallow, it’s a lovely and convenient spot to sit in da wata. Boca Del Rio – This beach is also a road – and may be the prettiest street in the world. All along this stretch is gorgeous but when it comes to swimming, the northern area near the actual Boca Del Rio or “Mouth of the River” is the prettiest spot. And is filled with golf carts and locals wading and swimming on the weekend. X’tan Ha Resort – Now we are heading farther north…7 miles north of the bridge over “the river” – or cut in the island. The road now extends all the way up to the resort (not all paved but most in very good shape) and they have not only a great beach but a funky little over the water bar. It’s a fun place to stop. Tranquility Bay – This remote gem of a resort is even farther north…in fact, it’s the northernmost resort on Ambergris Caye. So when you are staying up there, you often have the beach and the gorgeous snorkeling areas basically to yourself…or you are sharing with a handful of guests. The reef is so close that you can easily kayak out but if lounging on the beach is your thing? It’s just gorgeous. Secret Beach – The name is pretty much tongue in cheek these days – the secret is TOTALLY out. About 4 miles up the road north, you will see this sign. Hook the left. The Sand Bar - The leeward side of the island is scattered with small cayes and south of some of them, sandbars form. Beautiful pinkish sand sandbars just barely peaking out of the water. Bring along some beach chairs and some well iced drinks AND LOTS OF SUNBLOCK and you are in business.

International Sources

Ed Paul: Optometrist, Teacher, Bridge To Belize
Ed Paul is not one to be satisfied with the status quo. He’s focused on finding opportunities to improve and expand. This spring, the optometrist and owner of Landfall Eye Associates is preparing for a move to larger quarters, a rebranding and an expansion of his practice. In June, Paul will relocate to The Offices at Airlie, a new development at the corner of Military Cutoff and Wrightsville Avenue. His new entity, Paul Vision Institute, will occupy three times the space Landfall Eye Associates now leases. Running an entrepreneurial medical practice might seem enough to occupy anyone, but optometry is only part of Paul’s focus. He has another career as well, as the honorary consul of Belize for much of the Eastern United States. Belize, which was known as British Honduras until it won independence from Britain in 1981, has nearly the same population – about 300,000 – as Brunswick, New Hanover and Pender counties combined, Paul said. Although his title is “honorary” and his post is an unpaid one, Paul has the same capabilities as would a career consul regarding identification and document legalization, he explained.

Expats May Be Able to Avoid Paying U.S. Income Taxes, Say Experts
There are many good reasons for moving abroad, among them, the possibility of better weather, a lower cost of living, access to higher quality, lower cost healthcare and an improved lifestyle. However, another less well-known but significant reason more Americans are choosing to live abroad is to lower their U.S. income taxes, many times to zero. The way they do this is by using the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion, which allows them to exclude up to $108,000 from their U.S. taxable income in 2015. If the law doesn't change (and it has been in place for many years), they will be able to exclude even more in 2016. To explain how the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion works, Best Places in the World to Retire interviewed three specialists in this area, Don Nelson,a U.S. Tax Attorney and retired CPA with over 35 years experience specializing in U.S. international, expatriate and nonresident taxation, David McKeegan, founder of a business with 38 accountants and a staff of seven serving clients in over 150 countries, and Stewart Patton, founder of U.S. Tax Services, and a U.S. tax attorney now living in Belize.

How an ancient civilization conserved water
Collection, storage and management of water were top priorities for the ancient Maya, whose sites in Mexico, Belize and Guatemala were forced to endure seven months out of the year with very little rainfall. As researchers expand their explorations of the civilization outside of large, elite-focused research site centers, aerial imagery technology is helping them locate and study areas that are showing them how less urbanized populations conserved water for drinking and irrigation. The NSF-supported research by Jeffrey Brewer, a doctoral student in the University of Cincinnati's Department of Geography, and Christopher Carr, a UC research assistant professor of geography, was presented at the 81st annual meeting of the Society of American Archaeology. The UC researchers used a surveying technology called LiDAR (Light Detection And Ranging) -- along with excavation data -- to examine the spatial characteristics, cultural modifications and function of residential-scale water tanks -- a little-investigated component of Maya water management by commoners versus the more powerful and visible elites, says Brewer.

De-risking by global banks already hurting Caribbean financial system
The severing of correspondent banking relationships is having a severe impact on the Caribbean region, leaving many businesses and individuals cut off from their money and making it difficult for new businesses to establish operations. This was revealed by Central Bank of Barbados Governor, Dr. DeLisle Worrell as he presented the findings of a Caribbean-wide survey at the recent Financial Stability Board’s (FSB) meeting in Tokyo. According to Worrell, who attended the meeting in his capacity as co-Chair of the Financial Stability Board’s Regional Consultative Group, Americas (FSB/RCG_A), Belize has experienced terminations in correspondent bank relationships that account for more than half of their banking assets. Belize’s central bank has sought to provide assistance, but some customers in that country still have no access to their funds. While Belize has been the jurisdiction most affected, other territories in the region are also facing challenges. In Jamaica, where remittances are a major source of foreign exchange, the number of money transfer businesses and foreign exchange traders has declined as a result of the severance of correspondent banking relationships; Guyana and the countries of the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union have experienced terminations; and business has slowed in the International Business and Financial Services sectors in the Cayman Islands, The Bahamas and Barbados.

Almost Half Of World Heritage Sites Are Threatened, Report Finds
Nearly half of the planet’s world heritage sites are threatened by development, despite international protections, according to a report released Wednesday by the World Wildlife Fund. The 229 heritage sites in 96 countries include Egypt’s pyramids, Florida’s Everglades National Park and Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. The WWF report found that 114 of these sites are under threat from oil and gas development, illegal logging, overfishing or other industrial activities. Roberto Troya, WWF director for Latin America and the Caribbean, said the report points out that natural capital isn’t valued as highly as industry in many regions, and some governments have lost sight of “what needs to happen now, versus what needs to happen in the future.”

Videos

April 8, 2016

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Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

SP Justices of the Peace Association elect new executive board
There are currently nine chapters of the Justice of Peace (JP) Association in Belize, and with San Pedro being one of them, an important meeting was scheduled for Justices of the Peace and Commissioners of the Supreme Court. The association gathered at the Sunbreeze Hotel Conference Room on Saturday, April 2nd, where the National President, Danny Madrid, gave an introduction and discussed the sequence of agenda to the members. Madrid proceeded in giving an apology for the inactive state of the association for the past two years, indicating that he hoped to revive the committee. The meeting also allowed Madrid to get a current database of the JP’s as some of the elderly have passed away. He expressed his goal for the association to be up-to-date. In an effort to form a healthy association, he also encouraged those who were inactive to either become active or resign.

‘Kite to Point’ – Kite surfing to Placencia: Friends of Jeffrey Eiley honor his memory
In order to complete such a challenging journey, perfect wind conditions had to be present to carry them along to their destination. The trip left one day earlier than its scheduled date in an attempt to ride along with the strong trade winds. However, after the first leg of the trip, the wind suddenly shifted, then died down. Everyone thought it was a prank; given it was April Fools’ Day, but the wind never picked up again. It was impossible for the group of surfers to continue kite surfing to Placencia. “The whole idea of the trip was to stay together and due to the changes in the currents and wind we had to complete the remaining of the trip by boat. It was a very emotional trek admiring all the scenery the coast of our country has to offer, islands we have never seen, marine life, the mountains to the west, it was an adventure that I know Jeff would have loved so much to experience,” said MJ. During the journey riding on the Carpe Diem, Jeffrey’s mother Susana took in the natural beauty of her surroundings while remembering her departed son.

Minister of National Security and Commissioner of Police visit San Pedro
On Friday, April 1st the San Pedro Police department hosted the Minister of National Security, Honorable John Saldivar and the Commissioner of Police Allen Whylie for an impromptu inspection of the guard followed by a quick meeting. The visit to the local police is part of Saldivar’s countrywide tour to re-assess and re-evaluate the effectiveness of the police and explore ways of improving the work of the Belize Police Department (BDP) in its fight against crime and its function of increasing safety and security throughout our communities. The official ceremonies for the visit were held at the San Pedro Town Council conference room, where the San Pedro police officers were inspected prior to the commencement of the meeting. The short meeting saw addresses from both Saldivar and Whylie, as well as a question and answer segment for the police officers in attendance. “San Pedro is a very important town in Belize. It contributes significantly to the economy, so we are always concerned when we see incidents of crime occurring on the island,” said Commissioner Whylie. He went on to indicate that the Belize Police Department is always taking special initiatives to ensure crime is kept in check on the island while trying to encompass a friendly community relationship.

8-Ball Pool Tournament continues
After the long Easter break, the pre-season 8-ball Pool Tournament continued this past weekend at one of the most popular local pubs in town – Cholo’s Bar. The different set of games were once again heated as teams battled it out to gain the extra points to advance to the semi-finals. The crowd of fans supporting each team is growing larger as the sporting activity continues to draw attention. The games continue this weekend at Mr. All’s Pool Room with games beginning at 7PM on Friday and Saturday, and beginning at 1PM on Sunday.

Ambergris Today

Municipal Authorities to Get Training on Zika Virus Response
In response to the Zika virus outbreak in the region, the Ministry of Local Government, the Ministry of Health, Belize Mayors’ Association, UNICEF, and PAHO partnered up and organized an on-site training in Belize City for municipal authorities: Risk Communication and Community Engagement for Zika Virus Prevention and Control. The training starts today. Participants will review lesson learned from other countries’ effort, study the global Zika Virus Risk Communication and Community Engagement Guide, undertake field research, and formulate work plan to be implemented in their respective communities. The objective of the training is to strengthen the capacity of municipal authorities from all over the country with the aim of promoting evidence-based community-based vector control interventions to prevent Zika, Dengue and Chikungunya outbreaks.

Misc Belizean Sources

United States Embassy and Belize Sign Amendment to the Letter of Agreement
International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs Program

Municipal Authorities to Get Training on Zika Virus Response
The objective of the training is to strengthen the capacity of municipal authorities from all over the country with the aim of promoting evidence-based community-based vector control interventions to prevent Zika, Dengue and Chikungunya outbreaks. “Although Belize does not have a confirmed case of Zika virus we have been preparing a plan to effectively respond to the situation. And this event is, among many others, one of the activities we are supporting to strengthen the country’s capacity and readiness to deal with the issue.” Says Mr. Ivan Yerovi, UNICEF Belize’s Representative. On the last day of the event, participants will develop the Prevention Risk Communication and Community Engagement Municipal Plans for their own communities. With support from the Ministry of Local Government, the Ministry of Health, Belize Mayors’ Association, PAHO, and UNICEF, the work plans, developed by the participants at the end of the training, will be implemented by municipalities all over Belize.

Caye Caulker: Have any blue paint to donate?
Anybody have blue paint laying around and willing to donate? need a little bit of blue paint on Sat. To complete the mural on the basketball court fence...

KREM Awards
Saturday, April 9, Bliss Center

"Dreams to Reality" Dance Recital 2016
Belize Dance Company, Ladyville April 9, 6pm. Ladyville Community Center.

16th Amendment to the Letter of Agreement (LOA) implementing the International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) program
Today the U. S. Ambassador to Belize H.E. Carlos Moreno and the Right Honorable Prime Minister Dean Barrow signed the 16th Amendment to the Letter of Agreement (LOA) implementing the International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) program through the Central America Regional Security Initiative (CARSI) on April 7, 2016. The U.S. Government has provided over $35 million in programs and grants to Belize through the Central America Regional Security Initiative (CARSI) since 2008. Today’s agreement provides USD $6,450,000 in funding to be used for the following projects: Improved Border Inspection, Vetted Units, Capacity Enhancement, Justice Sector Reform, and Community Policing. To date, the U.S. Government, through INL, has committed a total of USD $28.4 million since 2008 to these programs in Belize. In addition to INL programs, the U.S. Embassy has also provided over USD $6 million in CARSI Economic Support Fund grants to local and international NGOs operating in Belize. Programs have included entrepreneurship, vocational training and job placement, after school activities, educational assistance, skills training, and arts and culture. Another $1.2 million will be issued as grants again this year.

Paradise Theater playing this weekend:
The Finest Hours, Norm Of The North, Fifty Shades of Black, Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

First Case of Zika linked to Belize BUT Belize says "not confirming at this time"
On April 6th, 2016 Ministry of Health officials received a communication message from the United States International Health Regulations National Focal Point regarding a confirmed case of Zika detected in the U.S. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the transmission may have originated in Belize. The CDC reported that, “The patient is an adult female resident who travelled to Belize from 14 -19 March 2016. She had onset of fever and rash on 23 March, 2016. Zika virus RT-PCR was positive on serum at the health department of the state. The patient reported no other recent travel history and there was no evidence of possible sexual transmission.” The Ministry of Health at this time is not confirming that this is the first case of Zika in Belize. We are presently in communication with officials from CDC and the Pan American Health Organization Office in Belize to get more information in order to launch a proper epidemiological investigation. As soon as additional information is received, the Ministry will inform the public.

Victor the kinkajou
Victor the kinkajou had been brought to BWRC by Forest Department Wildlife officer Victoria Chi last year. He was only 5 days old when he was confiscated from poachers by the wildlife officer and he had no siblings to grow up with. Victor developed a typical behaviour of very young orphans - thumb sucking. BWRC tried to deter this behaviour for a long time and hoped that enrichment, upgrading into the pre-release cage and ultimately release would keep him "busy" enough to get over the baby behaviour - but he proved us wrong. At first he seemed to go through the process, showed no further interest in humans and thrived post release. For 2 weeks he was only seen on camera and in good condition. Nearly 4 weeks after release he returned and showed clear signs of stress, weight loss, continued thumb sucking and complete fixation on his previous human carers. Faced with an unreleasable animal BWRC - as an organisation whose focus is to return animals to the wild - immediately contacted The Belize Zoo to see if they could give a home to this patient... And fortunately they had just completed a wonderful new habitat for kinkajous and the timing was perfect! So today Victor transferred to his new home thanks to The Belize Zoo and hopefully he will help to educate more people about the sad plight of pet wildlife in the illegal trade.

“The Big Deal” CEO Caucus Challenge 2016: Cancer Awareness Ride
Cancer continues to be a Big Deal! It is a deadly pandemic plaguing the world and Belize is by no means exempted from this horrible illness as it continues to be the second leading cause of mortality in Belize annually. Most of us, in some way, are affected by cancer. In order to increase awareness and support the efforts of the Belize Cancer Center and Belize Cancer Society the CEO Caucus is hosting “The Big Deal” CEO Caucus Challenge 2016: Cancer Awareness Ride. The CEO Caucus pledges to raise $50,000 over the next month to support national efforts to combat cancer. On Saturday May 7th, the Caucus will culminate its efforts in an awareness ride. “The Big Deal” CEO Caucus Challenge 2016: Cancer Awareness Ride will start at Mile 25 on the George Price Highway and conclude at the Show Grounds in the City of Belmopan.

Power interruption 7:00am to 10:00am, Sunday, April 10, San Pedro
Southern portion from Sunbreeze Hotel to Island Cottage Resort and DFC Subdivision, Elliot Subdivision, San Pedrito, San Marcos, Escalante Subdivision & San Pablo. BEL to repair hotspots on power distribution system in area.

Rotary Rainforest Reading Camp
The Rotary Club of San Ignacio teamed up with the Rotary Club of Red Deer to do an educational camp. Thanks, Rotary! "Totally amazing Rainforest Reading and Adventure Camp in San Ignacio BELIZE this past week. 23 Albertans working with over 300 Belize primary school aged children and over 40 educators and community volunteers. In the 40 degree C heat the Canadians did an outstanding job. So many smiles of children and gratitude from Belize teachers and community members. The Rotary Club of Red Deer is doing some exemplary humanitarian work in the area of literacy with so many benefits for both Canadian and Belize participants. I am so grateful for the very talented literacy team that joined the Literacy Alive III project and is half way through their project work. Next week is Professional Development for Belize teachers. This weekend the group is enjoying R and R in the Caribbean Cayes or in the beautiful Cayo area."

BAAS 2016
The Belize Archaeology and Anthropology Symposium will start on the 28th of June this year. It all happens at the San Ignacio Resort Hotel.

Challenging but possible
FCD’s environmental educator visits San Ignacio Pre-schoolers to teach them about the beauty of the Chiquibul!!

Belmopan Screen on the Green: "WALL-E"
Belize Screen on the Green is next Thursday, April 14 at Governor General Field. Please join the U.S. Embassy and the Belmopan City Council for a special screening of the movie "WALL-E". About the Movie – WALL-E, short for Waste Allocation Load Lifter Earth-class, is the last robot left on Earth. He spends his days tidying up the planet, one piece of garbage at a time. But during 700 years, WALL-E has developed a personality, and he's more than a little lonely. Then he spots EVE (Elissa Knight), a sleek and shapely probe sent back to Earth on a scanning mission. Smitten WALL-E embarks on his greatest adventure yet when he follows EVE across the galaxy.

Belmopan Screen on the Green: "Akeelah and the Bee"
Belize Screen on the Green in DANGRIGA is back this month with the screening of the movie "Akeelah and the Bee" on April 28th at the Slaughter House. Please join us!!!! About the Movie –Akeelah, an 11-year-old girl living in South Los Angeles, discovers she has a talent for spelling, which she hopes will take her to the National Spelling Bee. Despite her mother's objections, Akeelah doesn't give up on her goal. She finds help in the form of a mysterious teacher, and along with overwhelming support from her community; Akeelah might just have what it takes to make her dream come true.

Channel 7

PM Speaks on SATIIM's Sarstoon Showdown
Last night we told you about SATIIM's Sarstoon showdown with the Guatemalan Navy. The Indigenous NGO which used to co-manage the Sarstoon Temash National Park, reported that the Guatemalan military showed aggression and attempted to stop them from entering the Sarstoon River. They were on a patrol of the southern portion of the National Park, but when they entered the Mouth of the Sarstoon, the SATIIM Rangers reported to the BDF soldiers what they intended to do. They believed that, since they had been given the nod from the BDF soldiers based at the Sarstoon Forward Operating Base, they were in the clear to conduct their patrol. SATIIM says that they've haven't been stopped by the Guatemalan Navy from entering the Sarstoon on patrol duty for the past 10 years, and so they had no reason to believe that Tuesday's trip would be different. SATIIM says they when they entered this time, however, the Guatemalans intercepted them, and attempted to stop their passage through the river, if they did not first stop in at the Guatemalan military base, which is right across the river from the BDF's base.

PM Denies Guatemalan Annexation of Sarstoon
Today, the Association of Protected Areas Management Organizations (APAMO), released a statement condemning the attempt by the Guatemalan military to stop the SATIIM rangers from entering the Sarstoon River. APAMO says quote, "With the increasing sensitivity of the bi-national relations between Belize and Guatemala, these organizations operating in protected areas near the border need the support of the relevant Government agencies to ensure the deterrence of the ongoing pillaging of our natural resources by non-Belizeans." End Quote. Given the recent confrontations between Belizeans and the Guatemalan military in the Sarstoon river, some suspect that all this aggression is an attempt to establish that the Guatemalans have and will continue to exercise their sovereignty over the river. The Prime Minister told the press that if that is the intent, they Guatemalans will fail if and when the territorial dispute goes to the International Court of Justice:

Saldivar Says GOB Must Protest
We also spoke with the Minister of National Security John Saldivar about this latest Sarstoon showdown. He told us that his ministry is investigating the incident and that he still has to meet with Foreign Affairs Minister Wilfred Elrington to decide on the next step. But he strongly condemns Guatemala's aggressive approach in the Sarstoon. Hon. John Saldivar, Minister of National Security: "First of all let me say that this is unfortunate and certainly if this is the action by the Guatemalan military, this is unacceptable. As soon as we can ascertain exactly what to place, we will be making the necessary representations both to the OAS and to Guatemala. We're trying to get in touch with the minister of foreign affairs but we're definitely going to make a strong representation if this is the case."

Saldivar Says Guatemalans Shot The Staff Sargeant
And from these Sarstoon clashes to gun fights in the Caracol Archaeological Reserve. We also asked Saldivar for an update on the Holy Saturday shooting of Staff Sergeant Richard Lambey in the reserve. Saldivar told us that they have confirmed that the shooters are Guatemalan: Courtney Weatherburne: "Shifting over to Sergeant Richard Lambey, he was shot on Holy Saturday in the Caracol Archeological Reserve. That's another very unfortunate incident. Is there any update on that incident? Can we confirm if Guatemalans were the shooters?" Hon. John Saldivar, Minister of National Security: "I believe we have confirmed and that they are. Again it's another unfortunate incident, we've already made strong representations in this regard. We are happy that Mr. Lambey is safe and recovering and being given the best possible treatment for his injuries."

Lovell Loathes Leaks, Wants Lawsuit
He could not confirm, but Saldivar also could not deny. And the information that is fuelling the speculation, is from an internal BDF report, fed to the media by whistleblowers who have been leaking reports to the media. That's how the media got the details of Staff Sergeant Lambey's shooting, and the history of Guatemala's 10 year aggression toward the BDF in the Sarstoon River. Well, National Security CEO George Lovell wants to plug those leaks, because according to him, these documents compromise the national security apparatus. He made the case to us today: George Lovell, CEO, Ministry of National Security: "It is very unfortunate that we are getting these type of clear breach of security which obviously comes from individuals who, firstly had access to these things. The entire system have people who are disloyal, in my opinion, who are dishonest, who even though they understand that they can have some adverse security implications, on not just the department or organization from which these things come from but the entire national security of this nation."

GOB Seeking Guatemalan Help With Lambey Investigation
And while the BDF have done a preliminary report, who's doing the investigation into the identity of the Guatemalans who ambushed Staff Sergeant Lambey? The Government's press release immediately following the Holy Saturday shooting stated that the Government intended to call in the Organization of American States to verify the details and evidence of the shooting. But what about the police investigation? Lovell told us that at this time, the main line of inquiry for the investigators is the Guatemalan angle: George Lovell, CEO, Ministry of National Security: "Very unfortunate incident. One when you look at it, it may or may not could have been avoided. It depends on how one would look at it. I can tell you that there have been a series of investigations done. Whenever there is any criminal activity or occurrence. What normally happens is our police who has jurisdiction to investigate these matters, conducts an investigation which was done. And a report was provided to us by the commissioner of police in that regard. We had also, because this occurred in that area that we refer to as the adjacency zone, which is administered by Belize which is sort of East of where the border lies. "

CEO Lovell Put In A Word At The OAS
And while they have engaged the Guatemalans, Belize also spoke up to the OAS today when the member states held a meeting via Skype. National Ministry CEO George Lovell was Belize's representative. He told the press that he while he had their attention, he took the opportunity to voice Belize's position on the Sarstoon River, given the recent confrontations initiated by the Guatemalan armed forces. He read an excerpt of that speech to the media: George Lovell, CEO, Ministry of National Security: "Belize shall maintain its position and continue to act always strictly in accordance with international law and the spirit of good neighborliness. We invite the Republic of Guatemala to similarly do so. Furthermore, the government of Belize reiterates its invitation, which we've already given to the government of the Republic of Guatemala and the OAS to join with Belize in the constructive engagement for the establishment of a set of confident building measures that are specific to the Starstoon. In order to ensure the maintenance of peace and stability and avoid future conflict between our 2 countries in that areas. Until such time that a definite settlement our differendum is reached by whatever means. I have to say through whatever means because we don't know how we will reach that settlement."

Saldivar: Border Solution Cannot Be Military
But are those types of interventions at the OAS, diplomatic protest notes and friendly military and ministerial visits actually making a difference? At the surface, it doesn't seem like they are because the border tensions are intensifying -. Well, Saldivar says that regardless of the border situation - the solution is diplomatic, not military. Courtney Weatherburne: "Looking at all these incidents, Sergeant Richard Lambey, the SATIIM confrontation and as well as several confrontation between the Belize Territorial Volunteers and the Guatemalan Navy. What is being done to regulate these issues? Its increasingly alarming looking at these cases." Hon. John Saldivar, Minister of National Security: "First of all, it is clear that there's a new position that is being adopted by the Guatemalan, either the government or the military or both. This is of recent, we have to take the necessary actions diplomatically and otherwise to make sure that our case is heard. There is certainly, as we continue to repeat, there is not a military solution to what is happening here. We've got to continue to plow away at the diplomatic solution and that's what we're doing in the strongest possible terms. We are trying to make sure that we maintain the support of all our brothers and sister nations that have previously supported our independence and our continued territorial integrity and sovereignty, using the diplomatic channels. I am hopeful that we'll be able to resolve this."

Securing The Border, The Broader Picture
Now civil border relations and diplomacy can only go so far, there must be a strategic border security plan in place on the ground. Saldivar told us that with the Forward Operating Base at the Sarstoon, the 2 new Taiwanese helicopters and a new road that will be built along the border - they should be able to better protect Belizean territory. Hon. John Saldivar, Minister of National Security: "As you know, we've placed several forward operating bases, several conservation posts in place in that area. We're looking at putting a road, the Prime Minister has already announced that he is making the funds available for us to put a dirt road that will give us access to another crucial area. We're also contemplating a road around the border that will give us better access to the border areas. We're working at it, resources are scarce, and it's an expensive venture. National security is expensive and we've been increasing our budget in national security annually over the last 8 years but it's still not enough, we've just got to keep plowing away at it." Courtney Weatherburne: "As you said rightfully it's still not enough, what else is being done apart from increasing or bolstering the patrols in these specific or strategic areas along the border?"

Belize-Guatemala Border, Open All Night...
And while there's all this friction surrounding Belize's southern and western boundaries with Guatemala, at the Benque border, the Belize-Guatemala situation is actually being relaxed. Last night, for the first time in memory, the Melchor border station in Guatemala was opened for 24 hours. Usually it closes at 9:00 in the night and opens at 6:00 am. But as of yesterday things have changed - and we understand that the directive going forward is to open the border 24/7. That's how Belize's border with Mexico operates but because of our territorial dispute, it's always been different with Guatemala. We understand it is a political directive coming from the governor of Petén. Belize has reciprocated and customs and immigration are now also on the Belize side 24/7. And while it does open the door for greater trade and better relations, more security will be needed on the Belize side - since the border is a hotspot for all kinds of smuggling and trafficking. More than that, it's also going to be one heck of a headache on Friday nights when Benque barhoppers can stay over in "Champung" for as long as they want!

CDC Says Belize Has ZIKA
There's very bad news for the Belize tourism industry tonight: reports say that the Centers for Disease Control in the USA will issue a Zika travel advisory for Belize tomorrow. The CDC says that a female traveled to Belize from the 14th to the 19th of March this year began having fever and rash on the 23rd of March. She reports to have recently traveled to only Belize and tested negative for any possible sexual transmission of the virus. Now a press release from the Ministry of Health says they are still fighting it. They say that are currently in communication with the officials at CDC and the PAHO office in Belize to get more information in order to launch a proper epidemiology investigation. Again the Ministry reiterated that they are not at this time confirming the first case of Zika in Belize.

Keeping ZIKA Awareness High
But, regardless, the world will soon know Belize as having Zika. Undaunted, UNICEF is taking on the disease. Today in partnership with the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of local Government and the Mayor's Association, UNICEF held the start of a two day training workshop for communication directors and town and city councilors in all 9 municipalities. The training was geared towards sensitizing municipal authorities in how to develop evidence-based and community-based vector control interventions. The workshop placed a particular emphasis on Zika. Today we spoke to the UNICEF representative where we learned about the communication strategies they are trying to promote and why it is that UNICEF has now joined the Zika fight. Denise Robateau, Education Officer - UNICEF: "UNICEF has an initiative with the Ministry of Local Government on sustainable child friendly municipalities. The municipalities as you know, have been looking at strategic plans for making their community safe for children. In light of that initiative, the municipalities have started a lot of the clean-up campaigns. They have started advocacy. So our purpose here today is to help, and is to give the ideas in terms of communication for development. So we have with us from the region, a communication for development specialist and he has been sharing a lot of the different ideas so as to reach to community at a local level."

Hello, Harvest Caye!
In November of this year, the country's cruise profile is set to change drastically when Norwegian Cruise Line officially opens its Harvest Caye Cruise Port. It's the much talked about, multimillion dollar facility on Harvest Caye, just off the Placencia Peninsula. Today, NCL invited the media and the Government to Placencia for a local launch of the project. No, we didn't get to visit Harvest Caye for ourselves; the executives have promised to do that a later date. But, we did get an update on the status of the project from NCL Senior Vice President Colin Murphy, who is in charge of Destination & Port Operations. Here's his presentation to the gathering the Belize Ocean Club Resort which happened this afternoon: Colin Murphy, V.P., Destination Development, NCL: "So this is the beach and the beach look fabulous I gotta say. More trees and more shade, but the beach came out extremely well and we are very happy with the outcome. We try to give the building a little bit of character and styles, so they are not boring and functional buildings. The bathrooms will have similar look. These are the early days of those beach fillers, we had landscape to go in to make them look very nice.

Millions From US/Carsi For Justice/Crime Fighting
Prime Minister Dean Barrow and US Ambassador to Belize Carlos Moreno invited the press to Belmopan today for the signing of the 16th Amendment to the Letter of Agreement implementing the International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs program. It's a part of the Central American Regional Security Initiative, through which the US Government has provided Belize with funding of 35 million US dollars in programs and grants since 2008. With today's signing, Belize is receiving another US 6.45 million dollars which will continue some of the CARSI funded programs in Belize. But, there is an allocation in that new disbursement which will go straight toward criminal justice reform. Ambassador Moreno explained how it will work: Carlos Moreno, US Ambassador to Belize: "We are very proud to offer through our international narcotics and law enforcement affairs office US$6.4 million dollars to the government of Belize to support citizens' security for fiscal year 2015 which extends into the present time. Now much of these funds will continue successful existing projects and programs such as improve border protection, capacity enhancement and community policing.

PM: US Led De-Risking May Reverse Crime-fighting Gains
And while he had the Ambassador at the same head table, Prime Minister Barrow took the opportunity to make the point that the issue of de-risking by the US tier one banks could threaten the progress in regional security that Belize and the other Caribbean Countries have worked hard with the US to foster. Here's his remarks on the fact that even though the de-rsiking crisis is well known, no tangible progress has been made to resolve the problem: Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister: "I will I'm afraid use this opportunity to say again that a solution must be found to that particular difficulty else, all that we do with respect to security will ultimately count for naught and it's an ongoing struggle as you well know Ambassador and while I must at the same time put on record my extreme gratitude at the facilitation that you helped to organized for when I visited Washington and the courtesy and understanding in which I was treated. The fact is there has been no real progressed and that's a point that I think also needs to be underscored. But, presumably one step at a time Ambassador and certainly this is a welcomed development, the additional funds and the expanded uses to which we are agreeing the funds must be put."

PM Nonplussed On Panama Papers
And keeping it on financial matters, the rest of the world continues to react to the revelation of the Panama Papers. As we reported, the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists have gotten their hands on 11.5 million financial and legal records from a Panamanian law firm known as Mossack Fonseca and Company. They say that the leak from Mossack-Fonseca shows how 140 politicians, public officials, and prominent business persons from 200 countries and territories around the world, have supposedly used tax havens to hide their wealth. So, what's the Prime Minister's reaction it given that Belize's name has been called? Here's his response: "Clearly my understanding is that there is a mix. There are people who from the develop world who use these offshore jurisdiction for legitimate privacy purposes, but there are just as clearly a few, I think its the minority that will take advantage of trust instruments, the various vehicles that are part of the menu that offshore jurisdictions offer and exploit loopholes for purposes that are certainly questionable if not outright illegal.

Lovell Says Chetumal Extortion Was Isolated
Since Monday, we've been telling you about the crazy story of the Belizean businessman who narrated his tale of extortion in Chetumal at the Fiesta Inn. The Mexican embassy said that it's an isolated case, affecting only one Belizean out of an estimated thirty thousand that travelled to Quintana Roo over the Easter weekend. Today, the National Security CEO told the press that his ministry had to get involved, and the information that they've been given from their Mexican counterparts suggests that this businessman's case is indeed isolated: George Lovell, CEO, Ministry of National Security: "We do have our friends over in Chetumal you know, and so if a request is made for them to assist and quite often if there in danger or if life is being threatened we rendered assistance." Reporter: "Did the ministry get involved in this case?" George Lovell, CEO, Ministry of National Security: "Yes we had rendered assistance."

Arana Family: Pay Up, Jose Mai!
The Arana family is calling on the PUP's Jose Mai to step up and pay up for knocking down their mother. Since the accident, the family hasn't gotten any financial support from Mai and they say prayers and words of support won't pay the mounting hospital bill. Today Julia Arana's son Nissan came to our studios and gave us an update on his mother's condition and to send that message to Mai. Nissan Arana, son of accident victim "Up to now the furthest that the doctors are saying is that she is still in a condition that's not recognizable so far. They are waiting for after the medication wear off what will be her response. But to talk to her she doesn't recognize anyone." Courtney Weatherburne: "So she's not responding?" Nissan Arana, son of accident victim: "Right now she is not responding and not talking at all. She listens, but she doesn't recognize anything."

A Strategy For Growth And Sustainable Development
How can Belizeans have a better quality of life now and in the future? Well the Government's Growth and Sustainable Development Strategy outlines specific goals that should secure that quality of life. The strategy incorporates ways to drive the economy forward, to improve government policies and citizen security and to better protect the environment among other key areas. Now another report that sort of compliments this new strategy is the World Bank Group Report called " Belize: Right Choices, Bright Future." Today at the official launch we spoke to Lead Economist Francisco Carneiro and he told us that Belize has quite a few areas to improve on especially financial sustainability.

Saldivar Plays Sherriff In Deputy Race
The race for UDP First Deputy Leader looks more like a sprint right now although no one knows where the finish line is. That's because no date has been set for the convention. But, both candidates, Patrick Faber and John Saldivar have been racking up the endorsements. Faber came out early with a press conference featuring three ministers and 6 standard bearers, but Saldivar has been racking up his own endorsements recently, with a powerhouse ad featuring the entire UDP Cayo Caucus endorsing him - and now he has the same from Dangriga's Frank Pawpa Mena. And while he's on a media blitz, Saldivar says it is more than just the ads, he says he has gotten a lot of support from delegates on his campaign. Today he told us how his campaign has been going:

Belizean Produced Nicki Minaj's Hit "Anaconda"
Another outstanding young Belizean is John Myvett, the music producer known as "Anonymous." He didn't go to Harvard, but he's been toying with computers and music since he was 14, and now, just in his mid - 20's, he's been nominated for a Grammy award as the producer of one of Nicki Minaj's biggest hits, and he's currently working on the score for a new Will Smith movie. He's in Belize right now helping out his cousin, Shyne Barrow. Yes, that's right, Myvett is another one of Michael Finnegan's nephews, and he's here to help Shyne out with a new program he's doing at the B-Tec Center called the music master class. Shyne and Anonymous told us more:… And John Myvette is the one who took the initiative when he produced the basic track for "Anaconda" - which is one of the biggest Nicki Minaj tracks ever. He told us how he put that together:

Orange Walkeno Is Harvard Bound
Harvard University in Boston, Massachusetts is one of the most prestigious universities in the world. It is one of the most selective - so only the brightest of the brightest can get in there. And it is also one of the most expensive, meaning even if you're brilliant, you've got to have long, long cheddar to get inside it's ivy walls. Orange Walkeno Angel Navidad had only one of those pre-requsities: he's brilliant. But, he had one other thing: he doesn't mind being rejected, so figuring he had nothing to lose, he wrote an admission essay to Harvard - and he ended up with a full four-year scholarship. Today he visited his old school in Orange Walk, Bishop Martin High School and told CTV-3 how he did it:.. Angel leaves in August. According to internet sources, standard annual tuition at Harvard is $45 thousand US dollars, with another 15 thousand for Room and board - bringing it to a total of $60 grand per year.

Dealing With Diabetes
Today in observance of World Health Day, the Ministry of Health in partnership with the World Health Organization made a global call to "Beat Diabetes." For some years, the non-communicable disease was ranked as the number one cause of death in the country. In 2014, it fell back to number three. But according to the Ministry of Health, regional and national trends seems to indicate an increase in the number of diabetes cases in the very near future. That is if behavioral change in the community is not sustained. In light of this and in commemoration of World Health Day, the Ministry of Health along with its partners hosted a Diabetes awareness forum and symposium at the Biltmore this morning. In observance of World Health Day, several regions will organize activities throughout the week including a Diabetes Walk in San Ignacio Town, Diabetes Information Presentations for Senior Citizens at Helpage Center in Orange Walk, and a Diabetes Health Session with schools in Punta Gorda Town.

Channel 5

PM Barrow Speaks on SATIIM Incident in Sarstoon
A meeting between the Foreign Ministers of Belize and Guatemala scheduled for this Friday has been postponed for sometime next week. It would have discussed the new stance by Guatemala [...]

Minister of National Security Says GAF Actions Are Unacceptable
The Minster of National Security John Saldivar was also asked today about the most recent Sarstoon incident. He offered few details on the aggression by the Guatemalan Armed Forces against [...]

National Security CEO Discusses Sarstoon with OAS Permanent Council
The government, particularly Foreign Minister Wilfred Elrington, has come under fire for a perception of timidity where negotiations with Guatemala are concerned. There has been a consistent criticism that the [...]

Is Guatemala Using Aggression as ICJ Strategy?
There are differing viewpoints on the Guatemalan claim on the entire Sarstoon. Minister Wilfred Elrington has maintained that nothing has changed since 1939, where Guatemala’s position on owning the river [...]

Minister Saldivar Says CBMs Have Defused Tension
On a previous occasion in the Sarstoon between the B.D.F. and the GAF the B.D.F. said that they had secured commitment from the GAF, to stand off but the SATIIM [...]

OAS Joint Verification Exercise Conducted in Shooting of BDF Soldier
Today the Ministry of National Security confirmed that based on a Police investigation into the shooting of B.D.F. Staff Sergeant Richard Lambey, they believe that the assailants were Guatemalan citizens [...]

CEO Lovell Says Lambey Should Not Have Been Alone
The B.D.F. report into the incident revealed that Staff Sergeant Lambey was alone when he was ambushed by seven Guatemalan men, and the patrol he was leading came on the [...]

Investigations Show Guatemalans Were the Shooters
Today, Minister of National Security John Saldivar told the media that it has been confirmed that Guatemalans shot Staff Sergeant Lambey. He says that the problem in the Sarstoon does [...]

US Hands Over US$1.4M for Justice Sector Reform
The Central America Regional Security Initiative, very affectionately known as CARSI. We say affectionately because since 2008 Belize has received over thirty-five million in programs and grants. In fiscal year [...]

Ambassador Moreno Says Prosecution in Belize Needs Strengthening
Ambassador Moreno explained that there are very specific allocations for the funding, but all of it is geared to improving a justice system which has shown some wear and tear, [...]

NCL Stakeholders Say Harvest Caye Project Means More Jobs
The inauguration of the cruise port in Southern Belize is scheduled for November seventeenth 2016. The launch of the Norwegian Cruise Line’s project has been delayed somewhat but according to [...]

Tourism Minister Says Southern Stakeholders Must Organize
The idea of introducing cruise tourism to southern Belize was initially met with objection from various communities, primarily from residents of Placencia, as it relates to the Harvest Caye development.  [...]

No progress in solving the loss of correspondent banking
Earlier in this block we told you about the extremely generous donations to Belize through CARSI, a US initiative aimed ultimately at strengthening regional security. But the happy - happy, [...]

Was Drug Cartel Involved in Former Minister’s Scare in Chetumal?
Was a Belizean businessman and former Minister really targeted by a drug cartel as he vacationed in Chetumal at the Fiesta Inn a week ago? He claims he was, and [...]

World Bank Analyzes Belize’s Economy
The Ministry of Economic Development launched its National Growth and Sustainable Strategy earlier today, a few hours ahead of a new report by the World Bank Group which looks at [...]

Financial Sector Dubbed Uncompromising
While tourism and agriculture have both been identified as key pillars of Belize’s economy, there is a certain nervousness when it comes to the impact of both sectors on the [...]

How Does Belize’s Dropout Rate Compare to Latin America?
On a positive note where it concerns the education system, the completion rate at the primary level is significantly higher in Belize than anywhere else in Latin America.  While that [...]

World Health Organization Focuses on Diabetes
In 2015, health expenditure for diabetes in the Americas was estimated at three hundred and eighty-two billion dollars and that staggering figure will increase to around four hundred and forty-five [...]

Healthy Living looks at how to prevent diabetes
Earlier in our newscast, we showed you the World Health Day Forum held under the theme “Beat Diabetes”. When we talk about diabetes, we often focus on knowing your status [...]

CTV3

Prime Minister Not Surprised About Aggression
The aggression that rangers from SATIM suffered yesterday at the hands of Guatemalan Armed Forces while patrolling the Sarstoon-Temash National Park, on the South of the Sarstoon River continues to make headlines tonight. As is reported the rangers were on their routine patrol when they were stopped by a Guatemalan naval vessel. The Guatemalan Authorities, in a very aggressive manner, told the rangers that they had breached the new protocol which indicates that any Belizean entering the Sarstoon must get permission from the Guatemalans at their base. The encounter prompted the Executive Director of SATIM to fire off a letter to the Minister of Foreign Affairs demanding to know which protocol the rangers had breached since in all its years of patrolling the area it was the first time that rangers were told they had to receive permission from the Guatemalan forces.

Latest Aggression From The Sarstoon To Be Reported To The OAS
As the news of the recent aggression lived at the Sarstoon by SATIM continues to be widely discussed today Minister of National Security John Saldivar weighed in on the issue. But he was as submissive as the Prime Minister and agrees that if the accounts of SATIM as to what transpired yesterday proves to be true it must be resolved in a diplomatic manner. “First of all let me say that this is unfortunate and certainly if this is the action by the Guatemalan military this is unacceptable and as soon as we can ascertain exactly what took place we will be making the necessary presentations both to the OAS and to Guatemala we trying to get in touch with the Minister of Foreign Affairs but we are definitely going to make a strong presentation if this is the case.”

BMHS Board of Directors Applauds Former Student Accomplishment
The Board of Directors of Bishop Martin High School is also proud of Angel Navidad’s latest achievement and today the Chairman of the Board, Jaime Briceno, told us how Navidad’s accomplishment puts Bishop Martin and Orange Walk Town on high standards. Jaime Briceno- Chairman of the board- BMHS: “Bishop Martin is been in existence over ten year and over that period we’ve had a number of achievements that has made us proud of the High School perhaps today is an official one and we are here to honor and to recognize the achievements of one of our fellow students, it is the reason why Bishop Martin exist, it is the reason it is here to provide each and every one of you with a foundation with education for you to make a better life, for you, for yourself and for the community and like the rest of the Board we are extremely proud and happy that Angel has made this achievement that we are her to celebrate with him.”

Vendors Moved To Fort Carns
Last week we told you about the initiative taken by the Orange Walk Town Council to relocate the vendors that lined the sidewalks at the corner of Arthur and Progress Streets. The decision was taken after the Town Council noticed that the problem created by traffic congestion in the area had become a hazard to all passersby especially students who frequently pass through the area. The vendors were today relocated to the Fort Carnes Market square, where they will still be able to freely sell their produce and the intersection is cleared for pedestrians and drivers to Travers freely, and according to the Mayor the decision is the best one the council could have taken as it benefits the vendors as well as the general public.

BMHS Graduate Awarded Full Scholarship At Harvard
He graduated at the top of his class from Bishop Martin High School and then went off to St Johns Junior College in Belize City from where he graduated with highest honors receiving an associate’s degree in Biology and now he is off to one of the most prestigious universities in the World, Harvard. We are talking about Angel Navidad, who becomes one of the first students in many years to be accepted and offered a scholarship to the high-status university. But the road to Harvard has not been an easy one for Navidad. Today he visited his former high school, where we got the opportunity to speak to him. He told us while it was tough for him to remain focused on his goals and aspirations, living in a society where drinking and partying are common past times for the youth at the end it all paid off.

PlusTV

Guatemalan military tells Mayan Community patrol that Belizeans must report to them
SATIIM is asking if there is a new international directive for travelling in the Sarstoon River. That’s because the Guatemalan military informed SATIIM on Tuesday, April 5th 2016 that all visits to the Sarstoon must be reported to them. Froyla Tzalam, SATIIM’s Executive Director said that over its ...

Keyren Tzib to be tried for manslaughter
The first of two Supreme Court trials to involve 25 year old Coast Guard officer Keyren Tzib was confirmed today. Tzib will stand trial for a charge of manslaughter in the stabbing death of her common-law husband, Thytis Blancaneaux, in July of 2015 during a domestic dispute at their Lord’s B...

Car Dealer must compensate for vehicle
Western Avenue, Belize City car dealer Albert Wright cut short his trial in the Magistrate’s Court today on a charge of obtaining property by deception by pleading guilty. Now Wright must pay a fine of $1,500 and compensation of nearly 8 thousand dollars to Ken Dyer, the man whom he promised ...

Teenager robbed in Belize City
A 17year old female student was held up and robbed in Belize City. On Monday the 4th of April at around 10:30 a.m, a 17-year-old student of Belize City was walking alone on Princess Margaret Drive when she felt someone pulling her gold chain valued at $500.00 from behind her. When she turned around,...

Teenager detained due to stolen gun investigation
A 15 year old minor has been detained pending investigations of a stolen 12 gauge shotgun. On Tuesday the 5th of April, 74-year-old Windel Gilbert Lizama, a Belizean construction worker of Burrel Boom reported that at about 3:00 p.m that same day, someone stole his 12 gauge Bolt Action shotgun which...

Belize Hosts 2016 CODICADER
This year, the CODICADER games will be hosted and held in Belize. CODICADER is a part of the Central American Integration System (SICA) whose goal is to contribute to the strengthening of integration, solidarity and peace between our neighboring countries such as Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Ni...

Tropic Aid donates $400 to King’s Children Home
Tropic Air donated $400 to the King’s Children Home in Belmopan as part of their Tropic gives back fundraising campaign. For every ticket bought at the month’s selected station, $1 would be donated to an organization chosen by the staff from that community. In February, $400 was donated to the Arms ...

The Guardian

When did the curfew for children start?
The curfew came into effect and carried on indefinitely as between 1998 and 2000 Jackie Malic, Erica Wills, Sherilee Nicholas, Naomi Hernandez, and Jay Blades lost their lives to whom it was believed was a single individual believed to have been a serial killer. The response was a knee jerk reaction in implementing a curfew to a crisis that seemed to have had no end and which saw the cruel slaying of the little girls. But this knee jerk reaction had limited success. Even when the curfew was in effect, the killings continued. That was because all the little girls were being taken in broad daylight when the curfew was not in effect. As time went by the killings stopped and the fear of ‘Jack’ disappeared and so too did the curfew, but it was never taken off the books. Now a decade and a half later, Belize City is being plagued by a different problem. The problem is one where the very young people that the curfew was designed to protect are actually creating an unsafe environment for residents in the city. The police have identified that problem to be young people who associate with older gang members and are basically sucked into the gang-lifestyle often times committing serious crimes including robberies and murders.

Johnny installs Cordel as his deputy and gets rid of those who do not support him
It seems like Johnny is now set on getting rid of those PUP’s that did not support him in his recent leadership bid. All of those who did not support him may feel the edge of Johnny’s razor-sharp machete. At a meeting of the PUP National Executive, heads were falling left, right and center. Assistant Communications Director Vaughan Gill, a Julius Espat loyalist and Francis Fonseca supporter in the convention was replaced with whom we don’t know as yet. As far as we know Vaughan Gill may be the only person who has experience in the field of journalism, but that did not matter when it came time for him to face the machete. Vaughan was one of those persons who were always talking about those persons who he referred to as wanting to break up the party during the time when Francis was leader and Johnny was rebelling. Some rather nasty things were said at the time and Johnny it seems has not forgotten them.

Grandma Busted with marijuana in margarine bucket
Florence Choc, 54, of Carmelita Village must pay the court $10,000 by August 31 or serve three years imprisonment for trying to smuggle weed into the Belize Central Prison four and a half years ago. On September 4, 2011, Choc went to visit an inmate at the Kolbe Foundation with a margarine bucket for the person. Before she was allowed to enter, Prison Officer Reynar Valencio conducted a routine check on her. An inspection of the margarine bucket made officers realize that it had been altered. Valencio noticed that there were two buckets, one inside the other. He further inspected the bucket and found multiple parcels in the space that is between the base of both buckets. The parcels contained marijuana and as a result Choc was apprehended. She was held until Hattieville police arrived at the prison and arrested her for the marijuana found inside her bucket.

Altercation leads to murder in Selena, Cayo
The imbibing of alcohol in public places has always been discouraged by the authorities. There are good reasons for this, since alcohol lowers inhibition and can foment disputes with tragic consequences, such was the case in Selena Village in Cayo over the weekend. Police visited Selena village on Saturday, April 2, where they saw the lifeless body of an elderly Hispanic descent man, with multiple chop wounds to the under part of his body, in an open lot behind the Iguana Creek Government School. He was later identified as Edgar Alfonso Perdomo Aldana, a 63 year old, Guatemalan Laborer of Selena Village.

Traffic fatality in Trial Farm
Hilberto Coyoc, a 40 year-old resident of Trial Farm Village, was knocked down and killed on Thursday, March 31, almost 24 hours before Julia Arana was hit by PUP Deputy Party Leader Jose Mai (see story on page 4) The driver of a silver Mazda car, 60 year-old Benjamin Carillo Sr., told police that he was driving on the Highway between mile 55 and 56 at around 9:30 p.m. on Thursday. He told police that he did not notice Coyoc lying in the middle of his lane until it was too late, when he ran him over with the vehicle. The accident killed Coyoc on the scene.

13 year old harmed in Belmopan
A concerned Belizean father from Belmopan has reported that his 13 year old daughter was having an affair. The 50 year old Businessman visited the Belmopan police station along with his 13 year old daughter, who is a student residing at his address, and reported having observed a black and blue mark around her neck. He suspected that she was having an affair. The daughter reported that between November and December of 2015 she had sexual intercourse on different dates with four different men.

Five persons charged for attacking police
On Monday of this week a special Western Regional Operation was launched, which involved Benque Viejo and San Ignacio Police and the Special Patrol Unit, which resulted in the detention of five persons from a Church Hill Street address in Benque Viejo. Caught within this sweep were 29 year old Merari Lopez, 46 year old Santos Osorio, 35 year old Herson Lopez, 28 year old Julio Portillo and 30 year old Mirahim Lopez. They were all arrested and charged for the crime of Aggravated Assault and the use of Threatening Words. This follows an incident over three weeks ago when chaos almost descended on the streets of Benque. A police report records that on Saturday 12th March 2016 about 12:30 pm; members of the Benque Viejo Police were conducting foot patrols by the Planting Patch Area, along the banks of the Mopan River, in Benque Viejo Town, and had detained two Hispanic men for uncustomed goods. Whilst having them detained, a woman along with eight other men ambushed the Police with rocks and machetes, demanding the release of the two men, where they were shouting in Spanish, “Vamos a Matar a los Policia” which means in English, “ Lets’ Kill the Police Officers”.

Western Regional Commander commends Roaring Creek Police
The Western Regional Police Commander, Andrew Ramirez, has commended the work from Roaring Creek Police; under the command of Inspector Octaviano Victorin, for their swift apprehension of culprits related to a daring daylight robbery in Roaring Creek last week. “[The] Western Regional Commander commends the swift work from Roaring Creek Police ...who all showed commitment, dedication and eagerness to find the culprits,” he noted. Roaring Creek Police responded to a call of a robbery in progress at the falls area near the river located in Roaring Creek Village at about 3:15 pm on Wednesday of last week. Shanda Mckoy 21 year old Belizean student of Roaring Creek Village reported to police that on the same day about 3:00 pm, she was walking up the steps that lead from the bottom of the river after taking a bath along with her 13 year old cousin and a male friend when they were approached by two dark skinned males.

Glenford Soberanis chops landlord with a machete
Tour guide Glenford Soberanis, 36, is lucky to be a free man after he pleaded guilty to one count of wounding for chopping his landlord, Lloyd Flowers, 69, with a machete just after midnight on Sunday, April 3. In a report to police, Flowers said that at about 12 midnight Soberanis was drinking in his yard and making a lot of noise. Therefore, he went to see what the noise was all about and put a stop to it. This caused an altercation to ensue between him and Soberanis. The argument escalated and Soberanis pulled out a machete and chopped him across the left side of his head. Flowers went to seek medical attention at the Karl Heusner Memorial and was later issued a medico legal form in which the doctor classified his injury as wounding. Soberanis was detained by police and charged for the offence.

Solar panels stolen from Ministry of Works
A set of solar panels have been stolen from the Ministry of Works. James Robinson a 63 year old Belizean Project Engineer for Road Safety, Ministry of Works, reported that on 29th March 2016 the solar panels attached to the radar signs between miles 38 and 39 on the George Price Highway were discovered missing. They are valued at $1,800.00 Belize currency, property of the Government of Belize. The Public is asked if they know the whereabouts of these panels, to contact the nearest Police Station or Roaring Police Station at 802-0402

Keyren Tzib to stand trial for manslaughter
Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith ruled on Wednesday, April 6, that the prosecution has presented a prema facie case for former Coast Guard officer, Keyren Tzib, 25, to stand trial for the manslaughter of Thythis Blancaneaux. In a Preliminary Inquiry on February 24, Tzib’s attorney, Darrel Bradley, challenged the evidence put forward by Prosecutor Christopher Smith. Bradley submitted that there are a number of inconsistencies in the statements of two of the crown’s main witnesses. Chief Magistrate Smith said that is something for the Supreme Court to look at and ruled that there is sufficient evidence for Tzib to face trial. Thytis Blancaneaux, a 30 year-old resident of the Spanish Town area of Lord’s Bank Village, was found dead in his home on Saturday, July 18, 2015. It is believed that his common-law wife, 24 year-old Keyren Tzib, who was already out on bail for attempted murder, was his attacker.

UDP Central Executive meets to finalize deputy leader convention date
The Central Executive of the United Democratic Party met on Wednesday April 6 during which the final preparations were discussed for the extraordinary convention to select a new first Deputy for the Party. Among the discussed topics were the location of where the convention will be held as well as the date when the convention will be held. A final decision on either the location or the date has not been decided on.

Lorenzo Garbutt, 26, allegedly had sex with 14 year old girl four times
A fisherman of Bingo King Apartment #9, Lorenzo Garbutt, 26, is being accused of having sex with a minor on four separate occasions between the period of March 25, 2016 and March 30, 2016. The minor, in the company of an adult, visited the police station and reported that Garbutt had sexual intercourse with her on four different occasions at his apartment. As a result of the report, a police mobile unit visited Garbutt’s apartment in order to detain the accused. On Thursday, March 31, police visited Garbutt’s apartment and upon their arrival they heard a door slam shut. This caused them to become suspicious and they rushed into the apartment. The officers conducted a search inside his room where they found some green leafy like substance on his bed board that proved to be cannabis. Garbutt was arrested and taken to the police station where the cannabis was weighed in his presence. It amounted to 1.2 grams. He was charged for possession of a controlled drug. Later, he was charged for the original report with four counts of unlawful sexual intercourse.

Mexican woman and two Belizeans caught with over US$130,000
Three persons were taken to the Belize City Magistrates Court on separate charges after they were found in possession of over US$130,000 at the Phillip Goldson International Airport on Wednesday, April 6. Mexican businesswoman, Maria Jose Del Valle Rosado, 42, was with Wilfrido Catzim, 36, a cane farmer of San Narcisco Village, and Nair Arjenis Balam, 25, an employee of the Corozal Freezone, when officials of the Financial Intelligence Unit stopped her. Allegations being made against Rosado are that on Tuesday, April 5, she attempted to leave Belize with US$137,130 in United States currency without making a declaration to an official of FIU. Balam was allegedly found in possession of US$9,900 and Catzim was found in possession of US$9,880.

Missing person in Cayo
An unemployed female teenager has been reported missing in Cayo. A Belizean worker of Bullet Tree Falls Village, Esther Teck reported that on Monday 4th April, 2016 at approximately 12:00 pm, she had texted her daughter Heidi Teck in an attempt to discover her whereabouts. At that point in time, her 16 year old daughter informed that she was going to Placencia with her friends to find a job. Teck had responded that she didn’t approve for her daughter to seek a job as she was a minor, so she asked her to come back home.

Anthony Morris Jr. charged for burglary of Angelus Press
Anthony Morris Jr. charged faAngelus Press Ltd. at #10 Queen Street was burglarized over the weekend and police believe that Anthony Morris Jr., 38, is the man responsible. On Saturday, April 2, the burglar broke in and stole a Gardex Safe valued at $3,000 which contained three cash pans with $1,064 in different denominations. The safe also contained a gift certificate book for Angeles Press. Police were called in to the establishment and reviewed the surveillance tapes. Based on these recordings, they apprehended Morris Jr. and charged him with burglary.

Irvin Pitts accused of rape
A plumber of #7254 Kraal Road is being accused of forcefully penetrating the mouth of a woman who he promised a ride home to. The victim told police that just after 3 a.m. on Saturday, April 2, she and her sisters were heading home from a night of partying when Irvin Pitts offered them a drop home. He took her two sisters home first and on their way to her home he diverted to his house. Pitts allegedly told her that he had to pick up something from his house. He left her in the vehicle for about 30 minutes and the woman became annoyed. She then decided to go to knock at his door to check on him. According to the woman, that was when Pitts ambushed her from behind and pushed her into his house. She fell to the ground and he tried to rape her. The woman told Pitts that she was menstruating. Pitts then told her that since he could not get sex she will have to perform oral sex on him. He then forced her to perform oral sex. The woman said she complied out of fear for her life.

Ground breaking for Lake Independence Resource Center
On Monday April 4 ground was broken in Lake Independence for the construction of the Lake Independence Resource Center. The center is a part of the Community Infrastructure Support component of the Youth and Community Transformation Project. This project is geared at reducing vulnerabilities of children and youth to crime and gang membership in the Collet, Lake Independence, Pickstock and Port Loyola division of Belize City. This will be achieved by providing services to enhance literacy and adaptive life skills, support conflict mediation, and improve inter-linkages and the sharing of best practices among participating agencies working within these communities. On completion of the resource center, which is scheduled in September of next year, it will have a 21,000 square feet single storey structure which will include training rooms for programs of pre-literacy and after school literacy programs, adaptive life skills programs, arts and cultural programs as well as indoor multipurpose sports programs. Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Human Development, Judith Alpuche says the project will provide a safe space in the community focusing on young people and families.

NICH launches National Cultural Policy
In 2010 the President of the National Institute of Culture and History, Diane Haylock, approached two of her most senior officials to start a conversation about the need for a cultural preservation policy. Those individuals in the initial conversation with Haylock were Dr. John Morris, Director of Archeology, and Nigel Encalada, Director of the Institute of Social and Cultural Research. After five years the National Culture Policy was launched on Thursday, March 31, and some of those key individuals present at the initial discussion table looked back on their journey. “There were many questions about the cultures of Belize and we needed some guiding principles that could help us chart the way forward,” said Dr. Morris. “Everything on this document literally comes from the people who are on the streets, the people who live Belizean culture. We simply just put their words on paper.”

PACT Shares $1.2 Million among 7 organizations
The Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT), with the blessings of Hon. Omar Figueroa, Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Environment and Sustainable Development, awarded over $1.2 million in new grant funding to seven organizations on Thursday, March 31: the Belize Audubon Society, the Fisheries Department (Hol Chan Marine Reserve Team), Friends for Conservation and Development (FCD), Sarteneja Fishermen Association (SFA), Steadfast Tourism and Conservation Association (STACA), Community Baboon Sanctuary Women’s Conservation Group (CBSWCG) and Celso Poot. The Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT) is a statutory board responsible to encourage and promote the protection, conservation and enhancement of Belize’s natural and cultural resources. PACT awards grants annually through a competitive application and review process. There are four categories of grants: Large, Medium, Small and Research Grants. Two organizations received large grants this year; one received medium, three received small grants and two received research grants.

Unicef is against the children curfew, but what is the alternative?
“So I will be giving my officers direction that if you see any young person on the street after 9 - when I say young person, I mean anyone under the age of 18 after 9pm, we will take that person into the police station. Unless that person is with a guardian supervising him or her on the street. So we are now going to hold the parents accountable. Because we have this propensity of going out there blaming the government, blaming the police for crime, when in fact sometime we fail to look at the root cause of crime which is in our own home - the way we supervise our children.” These words uttered by then Sr. Superintendent Chester Williams on July 30, 2015 have since sparked an array of discussions both for and against what is now known as the Children Curfew. There have been many people opposing this initiative and now almost a year later, the child protection agency UNICEF has come out and made their position public. Luwani Cayetano, child protection officer with UNICEF in an interview with Channel 7 said, “From the UNICEF side, we wanted to make it very clear that moving forward we would like to work on some of those alternatives. How can we work more concretely on some of the things that are ongoing, but also how we can have some more inventive approaches?

World Bank officials in Belize to release diagnostic report
Sophie Sirtaine, World Bank Country Director for the Caribbean, Francisco Carneiro, World Bank Lead Economist for the Caribbean, and other senior officials of the World Bank are in Belize for the release of its latest diagnostic on the country’s economy and the launch of Belize’s “Growth and Sustainable Development Strategy (GSDS)” for the period 2016-2019. The report to be released by the World Bank is titled “Belize: Right Choices, Bright Future”. Based on our conversation with individuals familiar with discussion between Belize and the Bank, the report points out that GDP Per Capita has stagnated since 2002 and high interest rates at the commercial banks have limited access to finance and caused negative impacts on the economy. The report points out that Belize has great opportunities for economic development with its young population, large land mass, access to the Caribbean Sea, attractive coral reef system and prime geographic location for access to key markets. However, Belize is too vulnerable to shocks from natural disasters; the public sector debt is concerning; unemployment rate is high and savings is low.

Andrew Zimmerman unwinds in Belize
The Food Network’s ‘Bizarre Foods’ show host, Andrew Zimmerman was in Belize vacationing. According to a post of Zimmerman’s Instagram page he was in the country for eight days and had the opportunity to visit San Pedro Ambergris Caye, Halfmoon Caye, the Great Blue Hole, Xunantunich and the Actun Tunichil Muchnal Cave. During his visit Zimmerman met at least one Belizean politician, Philip Willoughby who posted a picture of himself and the TV food program host on his Facebook Page. Zimmerman is the host of the popular Bizarre Foods program on the Food Network where he gets the opportunity to visit various destinations around the world and samples exotic and bizarre foods. He featured Belize’s cuisine back in 2009 when he visited the country back then as part of his show.

Smart Belize Hurricanes top team into the National Elite Basketball League playoffs
The 2016 National Elite Basketball League competition continued over the weekend with a number of games on the schedule. On Friday 1st April, 2016, at the Belize Elementary School Gymnasium in Belize City, the host team Smart Belize Hurricanes won over its next door neighbour the Belize City No Limit Team by the score of 74-63. The top scorers for the Smart Belize Hurricanes were Farron Louriano with 23 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal; Leroy Louriano with 11 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists and 6 steals and Akeem Watters with 10 points, 11 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals. For the Belize City No Limit team, the top scorers were Jamaal Augustine with 17 points, 5 rebounds, and a steal; Michael Bables with 13 points, 3 rebounds and 4 assists and Lennox Bowman with 11 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists and a steal. Meanwhile, out at the Sacred Heart College Auditorium in San Ignacio Town, the host team Cayo Western Ballaz won handily over the Orange Walk Running Rebels by the score of 88-58.

Belize will host CODICADER games
Belize has been selected and has accepted to host the 2016 Central American Council of Sports & Recreation (CODICADER) Games. The games which are scheduled from the 6th to the 11th of July 2016 will be played across the country simultaneously in Orange Walk, San Ignacio, Belmopan and Belize City. Sporting disciplines which will be played are table tennis, football, basketball and volleyball. Athletes between the ages of 6 to 12 years from Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama and Belize will participate in the games. CODICADER is an organ of the Central American Integration System (SICA) whose goal is to contribute to the strengthening of integration, solidarity and peace between the peoples of member countries. The Official Launching will be held Friday, 8th April 2016 at 9:00 am at the Marion Jones Sports Complex in Belize City.

Softball Federation calls junior female softballers to training camp
In preparation for the XV Central American Junior Female Softball Championship that is scheduled for August 11-14, 2016, at the Rogers Stadium in Belize City, the Belize Softball Federation is calling all junior female softballers, 19 years and under, to its training camp scheduled for Saturday, 9th April, 2016, at 9:00 am at Rogers Stadium. Junior softballers are asked to bring along an ID card, to verify date of birth, and their own softball glove.

Raymond Garbutt Cayo Senior Female Competition opens
The Raymond Garbutt Cayo Softball Association Senior Female Competition for 2016 opened on Sunday 13th March, 2016, at the Elston Galvez Stadium in Roaring Creek Village with three games on the schedule. This year’s Cayo Softball Association is featuring six teams namely: Esperanza Wolverines, Unitedville Rebels United, Camalote, Roaring Creek Grace Kennedy, Belmopan Capital City Emeralds and the Belmopan Bandits. In the first game played, Belmopan Bandits made its debut by picking up an easy won via the default route over Camalote. In game two, Unitedville Rebels United won handily over Esperanza Wolverines by the score of 8-0. This game utilised the Run-a- Head rule. The winning pitcher was Nikita Perez and the losing pitcher was Shareenie Soberanis. Unitedville Rebels United’s Indira Ireland hit the 1st home run of the 2016 Season campaign.

Special Olympics Belize to hold Fun Run on April 9
Special Olympics Belize will be holding its Fun Run on Saturday 9th April, 2016, across the country of Belize. The Fun run will commence at 6:00 am in Corozal Town and will start at the Central Park. In Orange Walk Town, the run will commence at 9:00 am and will start at St. Peter’s Anglican School. In Belize City, the event will start at 6:00 am from Stella Maris School. In the City of Belmopan, the run will commence at 6:00 am from in front of the National Assembly Building. In Dangriga Town, the run will also commence at 6:00 am from the BTL Princess Royal Park while in Punta Gorda Town, the run will also commence at 6:00 am from the Central Park. Special Olympics Belize extends an invitation to all to join the Special Olympics Movement, a Unified Community that fosters active inclusion and participation of all regardless of their abilities.

Rural Softball competition opens this Sunday in Lord’s Bank
The Belize Rural Softball Association 2016 senior female competition will commence on Sunday 10th April, at 9:00 am out in Lord’s Bank Village in the Belize District, with the traditional showcase marathon. This year’s marathon competition will feature the seven teams that will be participating in the regular competition. The teams that will be competing in the competition are Lord’s Bank Sunrise, Double Head Cabbage, Sandhill, Burrell Boom, UB Jaguars, Flowers Bank Easy Does It and Lord’s Bank (new entrant). The champion and sub-champion of the Belize Rural Softball Competition will join the other champions and sub-champions of the affiliated associations that make up the Belize Softball Federation in August for the National Women’s Softball Championship.

Pittsology 101
I always find myself disappointed when I see Belizeans online, posting blatantly, negative things about our country. Most of these very same Belizeans glorify countries such as the United States, England and Brazil, as well as cities such as Chetumal and Cancun. I find it to be very ironic, as well as contradictory. Their Facebook and Twitter posts label Belize as one the most crime riddled, disease plagued, and bureaucratic countries on earth. In reality, the very countries they compare Belize to are countries with exponentially higher instances of the bad things of which they suggest Belize is riddled with. For example, In Belize, violence is (for the most) perpetuated by and against gang members, kidnappings occur perhaps once every 10 years and ‘drug-wise’, we only cultivate Marijuana for domestic consumption (which is popularly acceptable). It is fact that Belizeans enjoy easy access to the court, public departments and lending institutions. Residents enjoy hundreds of free and safe public spaces such as river sides, sea walls, basketball facilities, parks and playgrounds.

The Hunt Begins (Prepping for your first Job?)
As we approach the end of another School Year, we hope to welcome a batch of new employees to the workforce. While some of us might be privileged enough to find opportunities to continue our studies without having to work, a lot of students will have to work either to sustain themselves or their families. While the job hunt may be one that is approached with optimism by vibrant, enthusiastic, young minds, that optimism swiftly declines for the majority. Few students get jobs directly related to their respective fields of interest and even fewer actually like the jobs they end up doing. But without experience or qualification, we can’t all expect to be rocket scientists straight out of high school. There are many stepping-stone positions available that we can take up to build experience and aptitude; not to mention you’ll be earning money. Especially if you’ve never worked a day in your life before; this might be the hardest thing for you to do, to actually apply for and start a new job. A great number of people never actually complete and submit applications; some irrationally thinking that a quality job will come looking for them. Not all of us are born with silver spoons and how could you know what you like if you haven’t played the field a bit. Apply to as many jobs as you can and cross your fingers hoping the right ones answer.

The Belize Times

Who will be the 3rd Candidate?? – Faber wants it, Gapi got Saldivar’s back, but Barrow noh happy
Is there going to be a third candidate for Deputy Leader of the United Democratic Party? The answer is yes and it will be Barrow’s choice for who he wants to succeed him. Rumours and speculation have been flying within the UDP rank and file. Faber may have jumped out first in the race, but Saldivar got the Gapi northern connection and the West is all locked up. Those in the “inner circle” have been too silent but at this weekend UDP national party council meeting, sparks might fly when the UDP oligarchy reveals their hand-picked candidate who has the Party’s blessings to succeed the current leader. Some say it’s Mark Espat, who Barrow credits as his foremost economic guru and political genius, but the UDP insiders say they cannot trust a PUP-backstabber and they will have nothing of that, so it’s down to Carla Barnett. At the last Senate meeting, Carla Barnett pulled a Mark Espat-signature move when she lambasted her own Party’s position on the composition of the Senate. She called for an elected Senate, which Dean Barrow and the UDP had campaigned against in the 2008 elections.

Pilfering BTL
Ever since Belize Telemedia Limited was taken by force by the Barrow Administration in 2009, the company has been slowly pilfered away by the politically connected. The BELIZE TIMES has reported several instances in which the public-owned company has been making certain UDP-connected individuals rich. Some are given special contracts to sell BTL phones at a higher mark-up price than the original cost of the devices. The company loses. Others in very high places are given exclusive contracts to sell top-up credit to key ministries. Just another get-rich scheme. In other cases, services which were produced internally by the company are slowly being privatized through one-sided lucrative contracts.

A UDP-induced Recession
The philosophy of the UDP is an interesting one, but not a surprising one considering that the party’s leader, Dean Barrow, has been referred to as ‘glitter and no substance’ for years. Nobody denies that he talks pretty. Nobody denies that he’s a great storyteller and a great magician, but apart from that, is there anything of substance really? Just look around us, and there’s no need to look too far. The UDP is building streets and roads and roundabouts and sporting complexes. We won’t get into the fact that the roads have potholes just weeks after being paved, or that the cemented streets are cracking up, or that the roundabouts take months and months and months to complete. We won’t mention that the work done is lousy, and we won’t mention that the majority of the contracts are being given to friends and family. We won’t talk about bloated contracts. We won’t even talk about multi-million dollar projects like the Memorial Park given to special companies and then it just deteriorates because nobody can figure out what the hell was built in it or what those state of the art structures are for.

Leaked BDF report reveals Guatemalans could poison key water source
A leaked Belize Defence Force report dated March 31, 2016 has revealed how the security challenges along the western border could exacerbate as incursions by illegal Guatemalans are expected to continue and become even more dangerous for our security officers. Over the last two years, the lives of two security officers have fallen in jeopardy. There was the September 2014 murder of Tourism police officer Danny Conorquie at the Caracol tourist site at the hands of an armed Guatemalan, and now the Holy Saturday March 26, 2016 shooting of BDF Staff Sergeant Richard Lambey, some 334 meters east from the western border. Lambey was ambushed by a group of Guatemalans near a water supply area. The leaked BDF report containing the findings of an internal investigation into the shooting, explains that Lambey’s ambush and shooting was in retaliation to the March 3rd 2016 shooting and arrest of two Guatemalan nationals near the Cebada area of the Chiquibul National Park. In that incident, the BDF found 56 year old Luis Dias Alballeros and 51 year old Francisco Torres Sucup, Guatemalan nationals, almost 600 kilometers inside Belizean territory. The BDF reported that as they prepared to destroy marijuana plantations, Sucup charged at them with a 9mm pistol while Alballeros attempted to assault them with a 12 gauge shotgun. In defense, Sucup was shot in his leg.

A Castrated Leadership
This United Democratic Party government has always been considered by the vast majority of the Belizean populace as a party lacking the wherewithal to govern and lead Belize to the majestic heights it deserves to reach. This nation is becoming threatened by Guatemalan military aggression and its encroachment by its civilians in the western and southern frontiers. Danny Conorquie’s death and now Staff Sergeant Richard Lambey of the Belize Defense Force being shot underscores the severity of the border situation with Guatemala. Another serious challenge facing the Jewel is the approaching economic storm from various fronts: the recent “banking Armageddon”, i.e. the de-risking banking crisis, the matter of the world “sliding back into recession” cited by Prime Minister Dean Barrow. There is also the force of globalization and trade liberalization, as well as the winds of climate change, all of which is affecting Belize’s Agro Industry.

BDF eliminates Verdes 1-0 in PLB football
The Belize Defence Force virtually clinched their berth in the playoffs of the Premier League of Belize (PLB) closing season tournament by eliminating last year’s champions Verdes FC 1-0 at the MCC grounds on Sunday, April 3; in the last of a series of back matches played over the weekend. Verdes FC desperately needed the win to qualify to the playoffs, and Marlon Molina and Gilroy “Bredda” Thurton led their offensive supported by Richard “Cheety” Jimenez and Garrett Bermudez on the wing, and Jamil Cano and San Leobardo Mendez at midfield. But they got no reprieve from the BDF defense anchored by Vallan Symns, along with Ricky Ricketts, Leon “Chow” Cadle and Mark Arzu.

Daniel Cano wins Weekend Warriors Cross Country Classic
Team Santino’s Daniel Cano won the 6th annual Weekend Warriors Cross Country Cycling Classic, a 68-mile ride from the La Loma Luz clinic in Santa Elena, Cayo District to the finish line in front of Leslie’s Imports on the George Price Highway on Sunday, April 3.

Corozal Rising Stars lead U-13 football
The undefeated Corozal Rising Stars are leading the under-13 football with 7 wins, 1 draw in the tournament organized by Orange Walk Deputy Mayor Ladrick “Mad Bull” Shephard and the O.Walk Sports committee at the Orange Walk Technical High School field on Saturday, April 2. The Corozal Stars won 1-0 over Centaur Minions. Nigel Williams, Drnell Morgan and Alton Thompson have each scored 4 goals so far in the tournament and they led the attack, supported by Jair Williams and Fernando Vellos at midfield. The host’s defense held up to a scoreless draw at intermission, but they got no break from the Corozal defenders: Ian Velasquez, Jordan Casanova and Carlos Mendez who held them scoreless the entire game. Eventually the Corozal boys won a corner kick; and Alton Thompson centered the ball to Jair Williams, who flicked it into the net for the 1-0 win.

Quotes of the Week!
“When the Mayor of Belize City talks about doing streets, he is not talking about doing your streets but his list of show time streets” – M. Jackson “We don’t have cane farmers in the north under the UDP, we have been reduced to cane cutters” – Tomas Garcia, Cañero “Nepotism is not the granting of a favour to a family member or a close relative. Nepotism is what I say it is!!” – Dean Barrow “It does not matter how much press conference you have every month. IF you don’t tackle the root causes of crime the problem remains…” – Mose Hyde, Krem WUB Morning Show Host

Family of accident victim demands justice! – GOB Press Office Director getting special treatment after killing cyclist
The family of fatal traffic accident victim, Dean Dawson, is livid after the man behind the wheel of the vehicle involved, Director of the Government Press Office Dorian Pakeman, has been getting special treatment. Pakeman was driving his Government-assigned Isuzu D-Max towards Ladyville from Orange Walk Town when he knocked down the 44 year old mechanic in Gardenia Village around midnight on Wednesday March 30th.

Saldivar/Faber camps get paranoid
Paranoia is setting into both camps of the candidates of the United Democratic Party race for First Deputy Leader. Both camps have prohibited their close supporters from being seen or even contacting the other candidate, in an effort to prevent possible buy-out of support. Saldivar’s camp sent out text messages to his close delegates this week, threatening to cut them off if they are caught even thinking of Patrick Faber. It appears that Saldivar and his Belmopan ‘bossom buddies’ are experiencing full blown loyalty issues with his own people. Now an investigation has started to find out how the news of the text messages went out.

The Garifuna Response
Culture refers to the cumulative deposit of knowledge, experiences, beliefs, values, attitudes, meanings, hierarchies, religion, notions of time, roles, spatial relations, concepts of the universe, and material objects and possessions acquired by a group of people in the course of generations through individual and group endeavors. Culture is a way of life of a people and it encompasses in totality each member of the group. All of the above applies to the Garifuna culture and to us Garinagu. The Garifuna culture has been in existence for thousands of years, even prior to our acceptance and use of modern Judea-Christianity, because it served a purpose and provided all elements of life that the Garinagu required to live, to strive, and be happy. The culture of the Garinagu is what enabled our people to survive the attempted genocide that occurred on the island of Balliceaux in 1797, to survive the harsh conditions of the early years of enforced expulsion to the island of Roatan, to survive the social isolation when forced to move to the mainland of Honduras in search of arable land, and to survive the prejudice in our Belizean homeland.

The Sarstoon – A Comedy of Errors

Eulogy for Louis Edmund Humphreys
Words cannot express how much it means to me and my family that all of you are here today to commemorate our father’s returning home to Our Creator and Eternal God, to dwell in the more Beautiful Beyond. In summing up our father’s life, we seemed to keep coming back to one thought. Never have we known a man who more faithfully lived and fulfilled his God given intellect and potential. In fact, in his lifetime, he never failed to amaze us as his boundless energy found yet another outlet from which to provide some service to his community, or engage in some business venture! Our father’s potential seemed endless. Please allow us to share a few of these with you.

Thuli Madonsela Part II
On May 4, 2014 I wrote a piece for the BELIZE TIMES called “Belize Needs a Thuli Madonsela.” She is South Africa’s Public Protector, and in March of that year she had called out South African President Jacob Zuma for serious corruption in that he had used over 216 million rand (US $23 million) to provide “security” upgrades to his home at Nkandla in KwaZulu Natal province. I know it is wishful thinking that Belize could have an Ombudsman who would be able to use constitutional power and moral suasion to demand integrity and the highest standards from public officials. But we should not give up on wanting this. Ms. Thuli is back in the news, because this past week on March 31, 2016 the Constitutional Court of South Africa ordered President Zuma to repay some of the multi millions in public funds that he had spent on lavish personal expenses. The court delivered a stinging rebuke to Zuma, who for two years flouted Ms. Thuli’s findings and dug in his heels. The arrogance of his refusal to heed her call is incredible, but this only proves the impunity with which so many political leaders operate and the hubris that so often results from the wielding of great power.

Think About It
Last week a report appeared in the British media concerning a decision of the United Nations. The United Nations has a Commission set up to determine the continental shelf of various countries as part of the overall law of the sea. The Commission is made up of 21 distinguished persons and experts. The Commission, after very careful study, reached a determination that the Continental shelf of the nation of Argentina stretched out from 200 odd miles to 350 miles. This decision has major implications for the country of Argentina apart from increasing its potential for oil and other mineral resources findings. It also means the tiny island of the Malvinas is part of Argentina. The British have been holding on to the island, which they call the Falklands, as part of their colonial legacy. They have started drilling for oil in the surrounding waters. They and Argentina fought a bitter war over Malvinas. The British Government last week quickly rejected the decision of the United Nations. This decision of the United Nations and the British, have implications for Belize.

Trump Card
I take a break this week from our local politics and problems to touch on a situation that is developing in the U.S. that will likely have huge implications; not only for the Republican party or the American people but indeed for the entire globe. A man who has become known simply as “The Donald” is making huge waves in the sea of politics of the world’s only remaining super power. Donald Trump however, is a dangerous man; he is bigot and a lunatic and has become concerningly popular. A columnist in the Global Times, an English language Chinese newspaper recently wrote: “The rise of a racist in the US political arena worries the whole world.” It does and it should! Whether you like Donald Trump (remarkably, even some Belizeans do) or dislike him (many absolutely abhor the man), what this man has done is nothing short of incredible and he has turned American politics on its ear. Trump’s rhetoric has resulted in what many consider to be a “demographic conundrum”, having offended just about every member of the United States’ diverse ethnic groups. His main target has been Mexicans, even threatening to build a wall along the entire length of America’s southern border with Mexico.

This Poco Time UDP Government
The reality that this UDP government insists on disregarding the gravity of this impoverished society. The Belizean Jewel has become poorer which speaks volumes to the POCO TIME government in office – the UDP. The 2016 Budget engenders no meaningful programs catering to alleviate the lives and conditions of the poor, the marginalised, the elderly, the sick and the youths on the OUT SIDE. Except for the old vested interest of the UDP: BOOST, FOOD PANTRY and the CONDITIONAL CASH TRANSFERS (CCTs). In 2008 in its first term UDP launched its “pro-poor” policy. This was not a novel idea of this government. Organizations such as the World Bank, the International Labour Organization (ILO), World Health Organization (WHO), Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and recently, the access to $325 through the generosity of the late Comandante Hugo Chavez and the Petro-Caribe program bought into those programs.

Breaking Belize News

Letter to the Editor: Local law firm linked to Panama papers
It has been several days since the story broke of the Panama Papers, the unprecedented leak of information from the infamous Panama offshore firm, Mossack Fonseca. The implications of this leak are already being felt far and wide. So far as it relates […]

New World Bank report warns that Belize must make right choices for brighter future
The World Bank Group this afternoon issued a diagnostic report on Belize that is primarily intended to help the Bank forge its own strategy for assisting Belize in major initiatives. However, “Belize: Right Choices, Bright Future,” as it is called, also offers a unique […]

Governor General leaves for Jamaica
A press release from the Governor General’s Office dated April 7th, states that Sir Colville Young left the country today for a launching at the University of the West Indies, which is starting its Week of Global Giving. The initiative aims to raise funds […]

Atlantic Bank Sign and Drive Pre-Owned Auto Show
The Atlantic Bank Belmopan Branch is holding its Semi-Annual Pre-Owned Auto Show on Saturday April 16, from 8:00 am – 3:00 pm at the Garden City Plaza. Atlantic Bank encourages all its customers to take advantage of its unbeatable promotional interest rates, same day approval […]

CODICADER games to be hosted in Belize
Belize is hosting the Central American Council of Sports & Recreation, (CODICADER), Games scheduled from July 6th to the 11th. The games are going to be held in Orange Walk, San Ignacio, Belmopan and Belize City and will see the participation of students ages […]

San Ignacio Schoolboy hospitalised after being hit by truck
A truck owned by Bahadur & Sons Trucking knocked down a primary school boy about an hour ago in San Ignacio Town. The incident happened in front of Trins Store in downtown San Ignacio. The boy has been rushed to the polyclinic and is in […]

Belize improves FIFA ranking to best ever
Despite its last competitive match coming at the end of August 2015, Belize’s national football team has achieved its all-time best ranking in the monthly FIFA World Ranking of association football. They are now ranked 114th. Belize moved up five ranks from its previous […]

Cordel Hyde new PUP Deputy Leader
Cordel Hyde has been appointed as the new People’s United Party (PUP) deputy leader, but his appointment is just a small part of a larger shake-up in the party at the behest of party leader John Briceno. Hyde was introduced as the party’s new […]

Belize to tackle improving economy, health, environmental and governance issues in coming years
A three-year Growth and Development Strategy seeks to guide overall development in Belize based on an integrated, systemic approach to sustainable development. Presented today in Belize City, the strategy’s main factors for success are optimizing national income and investment; building social cohesion and resilience; […]

Trio charged over undeclared currency
2 Belizeans and a Mexican businesswoman are separately charged for failing to declare currency above the prescribed level before leaving Belize on a flight to Panama. 42 year old Maria Jose Del Valle Rosado, one of the accused, we understand is the wife of […]

Car dealer must compensate for vehicle
Western Avenue, Belize City car dealer Albert Wright cut short his trial in the Magistrate’s Court yesterday on a charge of obtaining property by deception by pleading guilty. Now Wright must pay a fine of $1,500 and compensation of nearly 8 thousand dollars to […]

Keyren Tzib to be tried for manslaughter
The first of two Supreme Court trials to involve 25 year old Coast Guard officer Keyren Tzib was confirmed today. Tzib will stand trial for a charge of manslaughter in the stabbing death of her common-law husband, Thytis Blancaneaux, in July of 2015 during a […]

Blogs

Low Tide and A Perfect Day on Ambergris Caye
Yesterday, with the sun shining, a cool north-east wind blowing and late a new moon, the tide was WAY out and the beaches looked wide and beautiful. I’m guessing Ambergris Caye had Lil Rhody well beat. …we watched a mono-hull sail boat get their keel stuck in soft sand within the reef. It was tugged free in about 10 minutes. The former Lick’s Restaurant has been sold and changed to Dock’s. And some high school students throwing the javelin, shot put and discus on the wide beach. Who knew?

Lan Sluder's Top 10 Beach Resorts in Belize<
A former business newspaper editor in New Orleans, Lan Sluder has written more than 15 books about Belize. Founder, editor and publisher of Belize First Magazine, Sluder has contributed articles on travel to the New York Times, Globe and Mail, Chicago Tribune and many other prestigious publications. Below is his guide to the top 10 beach resorts in Belize: 1 – Victoria House, 2 – Phoenix Resort, 3 – Grand Caribe Beach Resort and Condominiums, 4 – Hamanasi Adventure and Dive Resort, 5 – Pelican Reef Villas Resort, 6 – Chabil Mar Villas, 7 – Turneffe Island Resort, 8 – Cayo Espanto, 9 – Maya Beach Hotel and Bistro, 10 – Xanadu Island Resort.

Best Travel Apps for Belize to Help You Feel Like a Local
The tropics are a much-coveted destination for any traveler. Sun, sea, sand, palm trees, island life: what more could you ask for? With so many expats heading out to sunnier shores and the numerous claims by vacation makers that “I could live somewhere like this,” there is an ever-growing demand to help those from overseas feel really at home on the islands. Fortunately, the dramatic rise in technology use over the recent decades have given us the opportunity to form a global community and, no matter where we are in the world, the use of apps is bringing us ever-closer together. For those jetting off to Belize, there’s a high chance you’ll never want to leave, and although it might not be time to become a local, these seven apps will take you a large portion of the way to feeling like one.

4 Belizean Festivals We Love (And You Should, Too!)
Belize is a charming little country nestled in between two Latin-American giants to the north, west and south, and the Caribbean Sea to the east. This positioning makes us primed to be a cultural meeting point, and gives the ability to boast being both Central American and Caribbean interchangeably depending on what we might be doing or eating. Geographically smaller than almost all US states, many are inclined to ask ‘Where is Belize?’ well, Belize is where the party is at! 1. September Celebrations, 2. Lobsterfest, 3. Garifuna settlement day, 4. Costa Maya festival.

International Sources

Evanston Library celebrates Belize
Everyone is invited to a Celebration of Belize Culture, 3-5 p.m. Sunday, April 10 at Evanston Public Library, 1703 Orrington Ave. "There's going to be folksongs and dance, games for children and also some treats and savory sweet goodies from Belize," said Lesley Williams, head of adult services. "It will be a great way to find out a lot about the culture of Belize, which is one of Evanston's Sister Cities." The event is being organized by Sharon Staine, founder and president of the Belize Culture and Heritage Association. Staine started the organization to preserve the heritage of this small diverse country on the Yucatan Peninsula. The organization's motto is, "One Country, Many Cultures." Staine reported that four performers will sing, dance and tell stories at the event. They will also demonstrate how to make a traditional bread and give everyone a sample.

Caribbean Fisheries Forum to discuss challenges
Fisheries experts from across the Caribbean region are traveling to Guyana this week for the 14th Meeting of the Caribbean Fisheries Forum, the primary technical deliberative body of the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM). The Forum will be meeting in Georgetown on Thursday and Friday to undertake its annual stocktaking and planning for the fisheries and aquaculture sector. The event will bring together more than 50 participants, including directors of fisheries, chief fisheries officers, and other development partners, such as NGOs and international organizations like the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation, which work with the CRFM in promoting the development, management and conservation of the Caribbean’s fisheries resources.

Interjet launches direct Merida-Havana flights
Right at 1:30 pm on Thursday April 7, Interjet’s inaugural flight from Havana, Cuba touched ground at Merida’s international airport. This flight becomes the seventh international route operating directly from Merida to points abroad. Interjet managers said that the flights will operate on Thursday and Sunday with arrival time at 1:05 p.m., with a return flight to Havana departing at 3:15 pm. Interjet’s Havana-Merida service will be offered at an introductory roundtrip fare of 2,999 pesos (USD$ 176.00). This new flight has an estimated duration of approximately 60 minutes, depending on weather conditions.

Videos

April 7, 2016

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

Raising Autism Awareness
The month of April is dedicated to celebrating Autism Awareness. Special educator at Ambergris Caye Elementary School (ACES), Sarah Freudenberg, is a strong advocate for autism awareness, helping the community understand and appreciate those living with an autism spectrum disorder. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a life-long developmental disorder and is characterized by difficulty in communicating and forming relationships with other people, as well as difficulty in using language and abstract concepts. Children with autism find themselves having repetitive interests, activities and behaviors. They are often sensitive to sounds, touch, tastes, smells, light or colors. The uniqueness of each person with autism makes the experience of living with autism different for each family.

Four Teams heading off to the Mayor and Minister’s Cup Semi-finals
This past week, a total of eight teams competed in the Mayor and Minister’s Cup quarterfinals at the Honorable Louis Sylvestre Stadium. The intensity of the tournament drew sport lovers to the games, rooting for their favorite teams as they played their hearts out for one of four spots in the semi-finals. On Saturday, April 2nd, the first game saw Veterans facing Belize Pro Divers. At the end of the match, the game finished in a draw, leading to overtime minutes. In the end, Veterans took the final victory of a 2-1 win. Due to sudden inclement weather, game two between Peace Makers and Progresso Boys was rescheduled for the second game day, to be played after the remaining matches. The conclusion of the 11-a-side tournament is approaching and all four teams: Veterans, Catrachos, Ambergris Divers and Peace Makers are qualified to advance to semi-final rounds on Sunday, April 10th.

Ashcroft denies link to Panamanian leaked documents
Leaked documents from a Panamanian based law firm, Mossack Fonseca, has identified links to several countries, world leaders and other prominent international business figures to one of the largest tax evasion schemes in modern history. Among the countries mentioned that were used to hide monies is Belize. In fact, the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ), lists Lord Michael Ashcroft as the connection between Belize and Mossack Fonseca. Ashcroft, who is the owner of Belize Corporate Services (BCS), has since denied the allegation. The leaked documents were reportedly analysed by over three hundred journalists, which led to the exposure of clients involved in bribery, arms deals, tax evasion, financial fraud and drug trafficking. According to the leaked documents BCS began using Mossack Fonseca to provide shell corporations for its clients in 2006. It is important to note that both Belize Bank Limited and Belize Bank International operate under the BCS umbrella.

DANCE kid camp ends with a fun day!
After four days of free dance lessons at the Lions Den, the DANCE (Dance, Activists, Nurturing, Children’s Education) group completed their program by encouraging the young dancers to also conserve their environment. On Saturday, April 2nd, DANCE group leaders Gerry Badillo, Emilie Gomez, and Francisco Mendez joined the children and commenced a cleanup campaign along the beach leading from Mayan Princess to Boca del Rio. “We decided to give back to the community and teach the kids the importance of keeping La Isla Bonita clean,” said Gerry. After contributing to the beautification of San Pedro, the rest of the day was full of fun activities. The youngsters showcased their dancing skills to their parents and supporters by performing a choreography, composed of dances taught during the camp. The dance participants were also awarded with certificates upon completion of the dance camp.

Ambergris Today

Belize Joins Mesoamerica Without Hunger School Feeding Program
In order to strengthen national and local institutional frameworks for food security and family farming, Belize officially joined the Mesoamerica without Hunger program. The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, Environment & Sustainable Development and the Mexican Embassy formally launched the program on April 5th, 2016, 3:00 p.m. at the George Price Center, Belmopan City. Through this initiative, Belize’s Pilot Project aims to develop Sustainable School Feeding Programs (SFP) in four communities of the Toledo District. As from last year, seven Mesoamerican countries and one from the Caribbean embarked in the “Mesoamerica Without Hunger Initiative” and Belize is now becoming a part of this. The SFP model developed goes beyond a conception where the role of the program is limited to just providing healthy and nutritious meals to poor and vulnerable children. The new model is now linked to school gardens and nutrition education, as it promotes lifelong healthy eating habits for school children and by extension, their families. It links SFPs to markets and producers, especially small farmers, and emphasizes SFPs as a market for domestic production of quality products, thereby focusing on the utilization of local products, reducing the food import bill and local job creation.

Misc Belizean Sources

LAUNCH OF THE GROWTH AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY (GSDS) 2016-2019
The Government of Belize, through the Ministry of Economic Development, Petroleum, Investment, Trade and Commerce is pleased to announce the official launch of the Growth and Sustainable Development Strategy (GSDS). The GSDS for Belize aims to rise to the challenge of guiding overall development for the nation for the period 2016-2019. It adopts an integrated, systemic approach based on the principles of sustainable development, and builds on three notable drivers that are common to successful developing countries: (1) a proactive state; (2) tapping into global markets; and (3) an innovative social policy. The GSDS encompasses issues covered by previous medium–term economic development plans, and it incorporates both poverty reduction and long–term sustainable development issues. It builds on previous documents including Horizon 2030, which serves as the national development framework for Belize.

Taste of Belize 2016
Indulge in succulent Belizean cuisines at the “2016 Taste of Belize” on May 14th 2016, on the grounds of the Orange Walk District’s Muffles College Auditorium! As a diverse country, Belize offers a wealth of foodie-appeal, from delectable ancient Maya flavours to the cultural spices of the Garifuna and Mestizos! This signature Belize Tourism Board (BTB) event is the ultimate venue, featuring different culinary competitions, such as the Belize Master Chef and Amateur Cook. Other Competitions include Bartender of the Year, Cup Cake Decorating and Cake Decorating Competition. The BTB is excited to celebrate the creativeness of Belize’s food industry and we invite you to savour the flavours of Belize during this day and night event!

Maya Research Program 25th archaeological field season
Only 59 days until the start of MRP's 25th archaeological field season in Belize! All of our Sessions are nearly full - so if you are interested in joining us this summer, please get in touch soon! If you have already signed up - please do not forget to read MRP's participant guide!

Blackadore Caye: Reviving Its Pristine Beauty
Leonardo DiCaprio originally acquired Blackadore Caye, a 104-acre uninhabited island located off the coast of Belize City, in partnership with a New York City-based real estate developer, Delos. With a vision of building the most eco-friendly island resort and making it as the first “Restorative Island” project designed in creating sustainable villas around the island’s ecosystem, DiCaprio and Delos developer teamed up. Blackadore Caye is one of the world’s first and most exclusive eco-resort. Located at the world’s second largest barrier reef, it has the natural pristine look that was once abused by the people around the island. Now, it is set to be back to its original beauty and many are optimistic that it will turn out to be successful. There are several renowned scientists, wildlife experts, and marine biologists who work hand in hand to accelerate the full restoration of the island. It won’t be called as “restorative” if it wasn’t for the deep dark past it had to endure before Dicaprio and Delos finally made the choice to invest in it. For hundreds of years, Blackadore Caye suffered from man’s negligence and abuse. It is considered as one of the places where overfishing is widespread. There’s blatant deforestation of mangrove trees and the people responsible for used it for fires to smoke their catch. As a result, the shores are full of litter and empty seashells. Eventually, this act creates an eroding coastline. Blackadore Caye is a 45-minute boat ride from Belize City and a 15-minute trip from San Padre. With that, the partners are eager to bring back Blackadore Caye’s beauty and wonder.

Power interruption 5:40pm to 6:00pm, Friday, April 8, Cayo District
From Benque Viejo to Unitedville, including, Benque, San Ignacio, Santa Elena, Arenal, Succotz, Corozalito, Bullet Tree, Santa Familia, Cristo Rey, San Antonio, Santa Cruz, Esperanza, Georgeville, Unitedville, San Miguel, Duck Run 1 and 2, Billy White, and surrounding areas. BEL to conduct climbing inspections of the transmission system in area.

Global Experiential Learning Course
4 the World held their 2016 Global Experiential Learning professional development course last week at Mopan Tech. Congratulations to all the educators who elevated their knowledge base! Thanks, 4 the World! "4 the World's 2016 Global Experiential Learning P.D. For K-12 Educators was held at Mopan Technical High School in Bennque Viejo, Belize for the second year in a row. Congratulations to all the Teachers who completed the training program and a special thank you for the volunteer educators from North Carolina for making all of this possible. For more information or to join our March 2017 Global Experiential Learning P.D. for K-12 Educators in Belize visit our website www.4theworld.org"

Channel 7

Purging Of The PUP's Old Guard Loyalists
Weeks ago we reported that Cordel Hyde would be made a senior Deputy in the PUP, above the regional deputies. At the time, the PUP higher ups called it a media creation. Well, they must have liked the creation very much, because reliable reports to 7News tonight are that Cordel Hyde was introduced today at a National Executive meeting as the Deputy Party Leader. But that’s only one small move in a much larger shakeup of the PUP National Executive. Reports tell us that Treasurer Ramon Monchie Cervantez, Legal Advisor Anthony Sylvestre, and others are being purged to make way for Briceno loyalists. The major move went down today at Independence Hall, and we spoke to Monchie Cervantez as he was leaving:… Ramon "Monchi" Cervantes - PUP Std. Bearer, OW North: "Well I was asked by the party leader to relinquish my post as treasurer so that he could give the post to Mr. Chris Coye." Reporter: "What were the grounds he based that request on?" Ramon "Monchi" Cervantes - PUP Std. Bearer, OW North: "Well he said that Mr. Coye would be able to raise a lot of money, that's one of the reasons that he gave."

SATIIM Has Its Own Sarstoon Showdown
Tonight, the Sarstoon River is the news once again after the Sarstoon Temash Institute for Indigenous Management, known as SATIIM reports that the Guatemalan navy tried to stop them from entering the Sarstoon River to conduct their patrols of the Sarstoon Temash National Park. For years, SATIIM were the co-managers of the Sarstoon Temash National Park up until July 2013 when their contract expired and the Government didn’t renew it. Since then, the park has been in a sort of limbo, with no official presence there to deter illegal activities such as fishing and logging. SATIIM, as you will remember, took on the moral duty to police it even though the Government did not sanction their continued assistance to keep the natural reserve in good care. This evening, just before the start of news, we spoke via skype with SATIIM Director Froyla Tzlam about the allegedly aggressive confrontation her rangers had with the Guatemalan military on one of their patrols:

Mexican Women Found With Over A Quarter-Mil, She Was Headed To Panama
In November of last year, Ernesto Alonso De Miguel, known as “El Espanol” was executed in Chetumal. He was known as one of the biggest dealers in contraband cigarettes between the Corozal Free Zone and Mexico. Well, yesterday at midday, a woman reported to be his wife, Maria Jose Del Valle Rosado was caught at the Phillip Goldson airport with over a quarter million dollars in cash. Two special branch officers were doing routine checks at the departure lounge when they saw Valle Rosado and two men acting suspiciously. The police searched them and found $137,130.00 US dollars, equivalent to $274,260.00 Belize dollars on Valle Rosado. The two Belizeans with her also had money. 25 year old Corozal Free Zone worker Nair Arjenis Balam carried 9,900 US dollars, and 36 year old San Narciso Cane Farmer Wilfrido Catzim, carried 9,880 US dollars. They were reportedly bound for Panama. The Financial Intelligence Unit was called in and they allege that the trio all failed to make required declarations under the Money Laundering and Terrorism Act.

Cops Looking For Selena Suspects
Two men are wanted by police for the murder of 63 year old Selana Villager Edgar Aldana. Those men are 27 year old Guillermo Duarte and 22 year old Marlon Padilla – both are from Selena Village as well. As we told you, Aldana, his friend Ruben Manzon and another man were hanging out and drinking at Aldana’s house early Saturday morning. Later on, the 2 men – allegedly Duarte and Padilla showed up and that is where the trouble started. Police do not know what sparked the confrontation but one of the 2 men pulled out a machete and hacked Aldana and his friend Manzon in their head and face. Manzon survived but Aldana didn’t make it. He died in an empty lot near his home. The other man who was at Aldana’s house was asleep and escaped when he heard the commotion outside. He went over to a neighbor’s house and asked for help. Now police are looking for Duarte and Padilla for Aldana’s murder. Police told us that they went to look for Duarte at his home this morning but as soon as he saw the police, he ran. Police detained a few of his male family members for questioning. They were all released within hours. If you see these men kindly call the police.

PUP Rep Comments On Accident
For the past few days, we’ve been reporting on Trial Farm Resident Julia Arana, mother of elite cyclist Nissan Arana, who was knocked down by the PUP’s Jose Mai on Friday night. She remains hospitalized, and her family is hoping that she will make a full recovery. Jose Mai, who was driving a Toyota Hilux, has not issued any comment on the accident. So today, when he met him exiting the PUP meeting at Independence Hall, we wanted to ask him about the suggestion from the Arana family that he was driving too fast. Well, when we approached him, he told us that he is still unable to speak at this time:

Mexican Embassy Says Chetumal Extortion Isolated
The Mexican Embassy in Belize has responded to our request for a comment on that crazy story coming out of Chetumal where a businessman was extorted inside his room at the Fiesta Inn. The Embassy Public Relations tells us, quote, “According to information available to this…office, this is an isolated case.” It continues, quote “Reports from the Honorary Consul of Belize in Mexico, Jorge Luis Valencia, indicate that about 30 thousand Belizean citizens visited the State of Quintana Roo during the Easter holiday period and no other incident of this nature (was reported), which proves the safety of the area.” End quote. And speaking of the Fiesta Inn, he says, quote, “the representatives of the hotel, immediately gave all possible support to the affected person and his family. The hotel’s management and authorities are in constant coordination in the investigations into the case in order to minimize the possibility of a similar incident.” End quote.

Man Found In Drain
A battered and bleeding man was pulled out of a drain on Raccoon Street Extension this morning. Around 6:30, a man known as Anwar Vernon, a 31 year old living in the area, was found unconscious and wounded inside the drain. First responders report seeing the man with a swollen face, cuts to the face, and bruises to the back of the head. He was rushed to the KHMH in a critical condition. Investigators have very little to work with at this moment because the only person that can provide them with any significant information is Vernon himself. But because he is unconscious, he is unable to tell investigators anything. Police continue to seek witnesses that might be able to tell them just what happened to Vernon.

Keyren to Supreme Court
Coast Guard Keyren Tzib’s trial continued in Court today. Tzib appeared before Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith who told her that her trial for manslaughter will be handed over to the Supreme Court for judgment. Her attorney Darrell Bradley did not agree with that decision and stated that there were some inconsistencies in the case against her. But the magistrate upheld her decision and now Tzib must await a Supreme Court trial. Her previous bail had expired so today she was granted bail of $10,000 plus one surety which she met. You all may remember that in mid July, Tzib stabbed and killed her common law husband Thytis Blancaneaux in a domestic dispute at their home. Now while Tzib awaits judgment on that case , the preliminary inquiry into another case will begin next month. That case is the attempted murder of one her colleagues in April. She and her team were returning from patrol when Tzib shot Kurt Hyde in the back of the head near the Coast Guard. Headquarters. The PI is set for May 16th.

Witness In Murder Speaks
Yesterday the mother of Rene Chavarria, also known as “Fat Cat,” came out publicly to defend her son’s name and to demand justice for his vicious murder. Today she took it a step further and introduced us to someone who claims to have seen the killers’ faces as they set chase after him. The witness recounts the same story that we’ve already heard only this time, from his angle. His identity has been hidden and his voice has been distorted to ensure his safety. However he claims to be a close friend of the now deceased “Fat Cat.” Here is his story. Eye Witness "I mi almost on the same car mi the wait for he, I mi di wait fi the man come back, I just gone buy a lee herb for the man same way. So I the man, I start roll up something on the lane and wait till the man come back and before the even come back I no even roll up the thing yet and they start shot up at the man, so everybody shake the lane." Emanuel Pech: "You saw who it was?" Eye Witness: "I know da who, one spell one of them mi the chase me too, so I know da who, no have to call no names but I know da who, I see they face."

Should Gapi go For A Bye-Election?
It’s been a month now since the Gaspar Vega suddenly resigned as the first deputy leader of the UDP. Right now the campaign machinery of both Patrick Faber and John Saldivar are in overdrive as they try to take his place. So, who would Vega ideally want to see as his successor? That’s what we asked today when we caught him at another event. He told us that he’s also trying to convince the voters of Orange Walk North that he is not abandoning them: Hon. Gaspar Vega - Resigned as UDP 1st Deputy: "A lot of people are concerned wanting to know why, what were the reasons. I've been honest with all of them, I knew from the very beginning that I would not be there forever." Reporter: "There are two candidates who have offered themselves to fill the void you're leaving behind. As the incumbent as the current deputy party leader, who are you supporting either of Patrick Faber or John Saldivar?"

Transparency Through E-Government
Very soon, fishermen or loggers will be able to hop on a computer and sign up to apply for their license online. That’s because the Ministry Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment and Sustainable Development officially launched the Belize Electronic Licnese and Permit System known as BELAPS. It’s still in the testing phase to make sure that there are no bugs when it is fully launched, but the Government today unveiled how the system will work. 7News was there, and we spoke with the Minister and the Chief Forestry Officer about this first serious attempt at E-Government: As we told you, the system is still in the beta phase, an we'll tell you when you can log on and start applying.

Cops Say Kids Killed Victor Garnett Over Drugs
Victor Garnett was murdered two weeks ago at the corner of St. Jude and Sibun Streets. The shooting occurred in broad daylight and two teenaged minors were named as suspects. When we last spoke to ACP Chester Williams on this matter, the investigation was looking good. They had a 15 year old detained and were hoping to lay charges pretty soon. But that is no longer the case. As it turns out, they had to let the suspect go because of unwilling witnesses, and a lack of physical evidence. ACP Williams told us more. ACP Chester Williams - OC, Eastern Division South: "We have been told everything that happened. We know the suspect is but at this time we have been unable to make an arrest because of the fact that we have not been able to get anything in terms of evidence reduced to writing. So that is the hold back with murder investigations we currently have going on Southside Belize City but our efforts continue because at the end of the day, I think that it is important that we solve these crimes because solving them is a measure or prevention as well; so we are working on them still."

Alwayne's Killers Had The Wrong Man
The lack of physical evidence and unwilling key witnesses has affected another recent investigation. When we spoke to ACP Williams last week he had told us that they had one person in custody for the murder of Alwayne Cherington, however nothing has come of that investigation. And while police say they know who the perpetrators are, they have nothing that can positively pin them to the crime. ACP Chester Williams - OC, Eastern Division South: "Just like the other murder we know who committed it but the same problem exists in the sense that people don't want to give statements and we believe that his murder was a case of mistaken identity, he was not the intended target."

Curfew Controversy Heats Up
The Kids Curfew, yup, it’s back in the news tonight. Today we spoke to Southside Commander Chester Williams, who responded to the strong position that UNICEF has taken against the Kids Curfew. The initiative has been in place for the past two weeks and half and since then there have been a handful of youths who have been picked up by police. So is the kid’s curfew program really working? UNICEF doesn’t seem to think so, and surely the kids that have been picked up don’t seem to think so either. So what does Williams say to that?: ACP Chester Williams - OC, Eastern Division South: "I must say I am happy that for the most part parents have taken heed to the curfew and since the announcement of the curfew the presence of children on our street has become less prevalent. We have only picked up over the pass 2 to 3 weeks no more than 10 or 11 children; and again that goes to show that parents do have the ability of ensuring that their kids remain at home. And of those few that we have picked up majority of them were under the age of 16 and when we do talk to the parents when they come in, the parents are happy that the police picked them up because according to the parents they cannot control them, cannot speak to them and there are children who basically want to do what they want to do without even paying attention to what the parent had to say."

Chester Rebuffs UNICEF
So with all these conflicting views on the ongoing Child Curfew Initiative where is the common ground? And how do we all move forward? Well the Southside Commander has already made it clear that he is not relenting and wants to see the program succeed. So where is the comprise? After hearing out every child advocacy group here are some alternatives that ACP Williams offered in the hopes of moving forward. ACP Chester Williams - OC, Eastern Division South: "I have two options, I would want to agree with them in terms of not taking the children to the police station and I can offer two alternatives. One have a social worker on call during the night time. When we pick up the children we call the social worker, we deal with the child and parent there and then and if the social worker believe that the environment that the child will be going back into is one that is safe and conducive to that child then by all means let the child go home with the parent. If the social worker believes that the environment is not one that is safe and conducive to the wellbeing of that child then the social worker finds alternative accommodations for that child until they can find a more permanent situation that the child can live in. The second alternatives I have if the police station is so bad as they say then get a drop off house. Rent a house somewhere to be a drop off house. Hire social workers to stay in the house so that when we pick up the children at night time instead of taking them to the police station we take them to the drop off house. And as a part of that what we can do, we could also have a police officer working there with the social worker."

Can't We All Just Come Together For Curfew?
So with all these conflicting views on the ongoing Child Curfew Initiative where is the common ground? And how do we all move forward? Well the Southside Commander has already made it clear that he is not relenting and wants to see the program succeed. So where is the comprise? After hearing out every child advocacy group here are some alternatives that ACP Williams offered in the hopes of moving forward. ACP Chester Williams - OC, Eastern Division South: "I have two options, I would want to agree with them in terms of not taking the children to the police station and I can offer two alternatives. One have a social worker on call during the night time. When we pick up the children we call the social worker, we deal with the child and parent there and then and if the social worker believe that the environment that the child will be going back into is one that is safe and conducive to that child then by all means let the child go home with the parent. If the social worker believes that the environment is not one that is safe and conducive to the wellbeing of that child then the social worker finds alternative accommodations for that child until they can find a more permanent situation that the child can live in. The second alternatives I have if the police station is so bad as they say then get a drop off house. Rent a house somewhere to be a drop off house. Hire social workers to stay in the house so that when we pick up the children at night time instead of taking them to the police station we take them to the drop off house. And as a part of that what we can do, we could also have a police officer working there with the social worker."

Michael Modiri Vindictaed, GOB Got Egg On Its Face
Today we asked former Lands Minister Gaspar Vega about the ongoing Michael Modiri/Bradley Paumen saga. You first heard how Paumen and his associates were accused of trying to orchestrate the murder of Modiri and 3 others. Modiri and Paumen are neighbours in Franks Eddy Village. The dispute which supposedly sparked all of this is the Dark Knight Cavetubing Tour – in which NICH is a partner. It’s owned by Paumen, and when he didn’t have access to the caves, the Government acquired Modiri’s land so that he could build a road to it. Modiri sued, and won when the Supreme Court Judge ruled that the then Minister of Natural Resources, Gaspar Vega, improperly acquired Modiri’s land for a private purpose, and tried to justify the acquisition is being for a public purpose. The court reversed the acquisition of Modiri’s land and gave it back to the original owner.

Cops Still Meeting, Still Greeting
Today South Side police officers, under the command of the ACP Williams hit the streets of known gang hotspots. George, West and Dean Street were some of those areas that were targeted. We met with Williams and his entourage has they spoke to the community in that area in their routine meet and greet.

Channel 5

Guatemalan Navy Intercepts SATIIM Rangers
Executive Director of SATIIM Froyla Tzalam has fired off an urgent letter to Foreign Minister Wilfred Elrington following another incident in the Sarstoon on Tuesday. SATIIM rangers were on routine [...]

Rangers Find Evidence of Illegal Activities in Sarstoon-Temash National Park
In her letter to Foreign Minister Elrington, Tzalam reminds him that experience has shown that where there is no monitoring, illegal activities flourish, and SATIIM must use the Sarstoon to [...]

Agriculture Minister Says G.O.B. and N.G.O.s Must Work Together
While Tzalam’s letter is written to Elrington, she may need to think about addressing her concerns to Gaspar Vega, the Minister of Forests and Fisheries. SATIIM’s had a testy relationship [...]

SATIIM Executive Director Says It is Time to Revisit the Bargaining Table
Tzalam says that talk about a co-management agreement being necessary may have been correct six years ago, but not now. Still, she claims that the incident on Tuesday underscores the [...]

Vega Says G.O.B. is Strapped For Resources to Monitor Protected Areas
There is hope for that meeting to take place, since Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Gaspar Vega is all too aware of the lack of resources which prohibits government departments from [...]

Gaspar Vega Says He Kinda Regrets Paumen Land Debacle
On Tuesday, the Supreme Court found that millionaire investment and Dark Night owner Bradley Paumen had trespassed on land belonging to Michael Modiri. And that’s because the Ministry of Natural [...]

Keyren Tzib Will Stand Trial for Manslaughter
After numerous adjournments, twenty-five year old coastguard officer Keyren Tzib, who is accused of the July second, 2015 stabbing murder of her estranged common-law husband, Thythis Blancaneaux, learnt her fate. [...]

Vega Maintains That He is Giving Up Politics for Family
Deputy Party Leader Gaspar Vega tendered his letter of resignation to the United Democratic Party Secretariat on March eighth, informing that he will not be contesting his seat in Orange [...]

Is There Bad Blood Between Vega and Barrow?
Gapi’s abrupt notice of retirement has left many to speculate whether his removal from the second most powerful government ministry, the Ministry of Natural Resources, is indeed the catalyst for [...]

Vega Not Decided on Choice for New First Deputy Just Yet
In the wake of Vega’s abrupt retirement, a national party council meeting will be held on Saturday to determine the date of a special convention in the coming months to [...]

UNICEF Meets With Police on Curfew
Earlier this week, the United Nationals Children’s Fund in Belize officially spoke out against an imposed curfew on the south side of Belize City for children seventeen years and younger.  [...]

Entities Explore Alternatives to Curfew
Cayetano says that the discussion focused primarily on alternatives to the curfew.   Luwani Cayetano, Child Protection Officer, UNICEF Belize “In that meeting we talked about things that we support. [...]

Trio Charged for Not Declaring Over Quarter Million Dollars
Three persons, a Mexican national and two Belizeans, were busted at the departure lounge of the P.G.I.A. on Tuesday. Today, they were taken to court on separate charges after they [...]

Portion of Crooked Tree Causeway Collapses
Over a thousand residents live in the village of Crooked Tree, which is a protected area in the Belize District. But tonight, there is concern that the causeway, which links [...]

Mayan Communities Take G.O.B. Back to Court
The Maya communities of Santa Cruz and Jalacte are headed back to court having filed a claim against the Government of Belize for failure to protect their property rights.  The [...]

TAA Says They Feel Compelled To Bring Action Against Government
In a release issued by the Toledo Alcaldes Association, it states that the villages are compelled to bring these actions against government for enforcement of their rights.  We asked Coc [...]

BELAPS Launched Today
A new online service known as the Belize Electronic License and Permit System was launched today. The service will provide efficiency to expedite the work of the ministries of agriculture, [...]

Ashley Needs Your Prayers
Six months ago, we brought you the story of inspirational warrior Ashley, fighting a mighty battle with a virulent cancer. She and her mother Kayla had just gotten some good [...]

LOVE FM

Guatemalan Military Blocks SATIIM Rangers on the Sarstoon
SATIIM rangers who were on routine patrol yesterday were intercepted by Guatemalan military as the Rangers were on their way exiting the Sarstoon River. Correspondent Paul Mahung spoke with Executive Director of SATIIM who provided the details. PAUL MAHUNG SATIM’s executive director, Froyla Salam spoke to Love News here of the incident.” FROYLA SALAM “Yesterday […]

Briceno Asks Munchi to Resign as Treasurer
Ramon ‘Munchi’ Cervantes Junior first came on the political scene in 2014 when he submitted his name in the race for standard bearer for the Orange Walk North division under the People’s United Party. Since then he has garnered much attention and publicity in that capacity particularly since he was challenging the long-time Area Representative […]

The Deal is Done: Munchi Out, Coye In
As we mentioned, the PUP’s National Executive meeting concluded between midday and one this afternoon and Love News did request an interview but we were denied and informed that a release would be sent out to the media. However, after our talk with Cervantes, we did manage to get a few minutes with the Party […]

Vega Says Resignation Equals More Family Time
Since Gaspar Vega’s surprise resignation from the post of Deputy party leader of the United Democratic Party, there have been questions and concerns by the supporters in his constituency. Vega says that he has been open and honest with his people. Vega said he intends to spend more time with his family. GASPAR VEGA “A […]

Vega Yet to Decide Between Faber and Saldivar
With the post of Deputy Party Leader of the UDP up for grabs, today the media asked the former holder of the post, Gaspar Vega for his views. GASPAR VEGA “As of now I’m not ready to say who I am going after. I think at the end of the day my vote will be […]

Fisheries and Forestry Progress in E-Governance
Belize Electronic License and Permit System (BELAPS) is a new medium that has been generated by the Belize Fisheries Department, Belize Forest Department, the Taiwan International Cooperation and Development Fund and Central Information Technology Office (CITCO). BELAPS is an internet-based application process for all licenses and permits from both Fisheries and Forest Department. The Database […]

PUP Area Rep’s Test Shows No Alcohol Content; Accident Victim Stable
Last weekend the news of a traffic incident in Orange Walk District involving the PUP’s Area Representative for Orange Walk South, Jose Abelardo Mai circulated around the country with questions as to whether the 46-year-old politician was under the influence of alcohol and had he been speeding. Tonight, we have gotten a copy of the […]

Anwar Vernon Stabbed Multiple Times and Left for Dead
Sometime early this morning, a man was found bleeding profusely inside a culvert on Raccoon street extension. Reports are that he was found by residents in the drain when they called police. When police reached the scene they found Anwar Vernon lying in the drain. Police were immediately able to identify the man since he […]

Pastry Shop on Raccoon Street Damaged by Late-Night Fire
A fire destroyed contents of a concrete building late last night on Raccoon Street in Belize City. Sixty eight year old Evadney Scott used the building to generate income. Her and her sons would sell pastries, clothes and upholstery in the building. Last night while Scott was in her home she heard someone yelling; that […]

422 Million Worldwide Living with Diabetes, Says WHO Report
With the approach of World Health Day 2016 on April 7, the World Health Organization released its Global Report on Diabetes 2016 which has presented some alarming figures in the amount of persons living with diabetes. According to the report, some thirty six years ago there were one hundred and eight million diabetic adults; that […]

PlusTV

Incident against Police Officer leads to arrest of 7 Individuals
There was an incident on Saturday, March 12th 2016 along the banks of the Mopan River, in Benque Viejo Town, in the Cayo District where the police were ambushed and threatened by a group of Hispanic persons. According to reports, Benque Viejo Police were conducting foot patrols by the Planting Patch...

Online Petition seeks to engage British Government in Guatemalan dispute
Yesterday we reported on the riot that almost broke out in Belize City over a gambling machine malfunction.; yes, you heard right, it wasn’t an uproar over the poverty statistics, or the crime situation, or even the Belize Guatemala issue which poses a threat to national sovereignty; it was an upro...

Mesoamerica “Sin Hambre” initiative
The Mexican Embassy and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, Environment and Sustainable Development, launched the “Mesoamerica Without Hunger Initiative” on Tuesday April 5th, in Belmopan. The initiative stems from the Millennium Development Goal to end hunger, achieve food security a...

Eric Elrington Charged with Attempted Murder
Police have charged 28 year old Eric Elrington, a computer lab technician, for the Crime of “Attempted Murder upon Henry Gordon”. The incident occurred on March 7th when 24 year old Michael Henry Gordon was robbed and shot as he stood waiting for a bus in Unitedville. Gordon was at the...

Tenant pleads guilty to wounding landlord
36 year old Glenford Soberanis was fined $1,500 after he chopped his landlord, 69 year old Lloyd Flowers, aka “Lloydie Panades,” during an argument early on Sunday morning. The misunderstanding between the two could have proven fatal after Soberanis used a machete to deliver a large cut wound to the...

Man beats firearms charges
32 year old Daniel Meighan, a security guard at National Youth Cadet Corps and living in Rockville on the George Price Highway, was freed of two charges, kept firearm and kept ammunition without a gun license, after they were dismissed on Monday by the Chief Magistrate, Ann-Marie Smith. Around 12:3...

Unlawful Sexual Intercourse in Belmopan
On Sunday 3rd April a 50 year old Belizean Businessman of Belmopan City visited the Belmopan police station along with his 13 year old daughter who is a Belizean student of the same address and reported that he saw a black and blue mark on his daughter’s neck. He suspected that the child was carnall...

Breaking Belize News

SATIIM rangers forced to ask permission to enter Sarstoon
Rangers from the Sarstoon Temash Institute for Indigenous Management (SATIIM) reported that during a visit to the Sarstoon river they were stopped by Guatemalan Armed Forces (GAF) who instructed them that they need to seek permission from Guatemalan officials before going to the river. […]

Minor being questioned for stolen shotgun in Burrel Boom
Ladyville Police has detained a 15-year-old minor for the theft of a 12-gauge Mossberg bolt action shotgun that was reported stolen00 p.m. yesterday, someone stole […]

Southside police to meet and greet this afternoon
The police officers of Precinct One and Two in Belize City will be conducting meet and greets in their jurisdictions this afternoon at 3:00 as part of the ongoing community policing efforts. Members of the public living on George, West, Dean Streets and surrounding […]

Teen girl robbed of gold chain in city
On Monday morning around at around 10:30 a.m., a 17-year-old female student reported to Belize City Police that an hour earlier while she walked on Princess Margaret Drive, a dark-skinned man robbed her of a gold chain valued at $500. The teen told officers […]

Fisheries, Forestry go electronic with licenses, permits
Users can now apply for licenses and permits online through a new system introduced today. The platform is maintained by the Government’s Central Information Technology Office (CITO), supported by the International Cooperation and Development Fund (ICDF) of the Republic of China (Taiwan). Minister of […]

Tropic Air gives to King’s Children Home
Tropic Air presented the King’s Children Home in Belmopan with $400 on Monday as a part of its continued #TropicGivesBack charitable campaign. Rondel Usher, Tropic Air Belmopan station manager, along with his staff presented the cheque to the organization during a brief handing over […]

World Wildlife Fund launches global conservation campaign
With over 5 million supporters and a global network active in over 100 countries, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is one of the world’s largest and most respected independent conservation organizations with its mission being to stop the degradation of the Earth’s natural environment. […]

Blogs

It’zana Resort & Residences: Placencia, Belize is Ready for the Next Level
For the last few nights, I stayed at a resort in the making…It’zana Resort & Residence and had a gorgeous dinner at the “pop-up” restaurant Limilita on the Placencia Peninsula. And, from what I can see, they are moving ahead to set a new standard for resorts in Belize. Years ago, the property was a resort called Labu Hati and set on a long strip of beach between Seine Bight Village and Placencia. I stayed in one of the four temporary beachfront casitas. Temporary…felt like a strange word. My suite was absolutely gorgeous. With amazing attention to detail – plenty of coffee, cold beverage, lots of fresh water, real milk, and granola for breakfast. Gorgeous furnishings, decor, SHEETS, towels. I was definitely ready to hitch it to the bus and take her home with me. The next day, I took a tour of the one model house that has been completed on the lagoon side of the peninsula. The resort, when finished, will have a Great House and gorgeous pool on the beach side along with beach cottages.

SAYING I DO – MICHAEL & PATTI BELIZE BEACH WEDDING
What better place to “Tie the Knot” than on a tropical island paradise, under the glorious sunshine, along the sandy shores over-looking the world’s second largest Barrier Reef?! – Well, that became a reality for Michael and Patti. Think fairy tale!! Patti was in a car accident – and her paramedic – was Michael!!!! They didn’t know this then, but that accident was destined!!!

An afternoon at the cottage
I fondly remember trips to my cousins cottage as a kid and later as a young adult, when we got to go without parents. Hanging out on the lake was always relaxing and fun. As I sat on the Truck stop dock this past Sunday, staring at the water that same wonderful cottage feeling washed over me. I felt a million miles away from everything except my present company and the plate of pig roast in front of me. It had all started because my friend Jack fb messaged me early that day asking if I was up for pig roast. Of course I was and mentioned I was going to bring one of my blog readers along, she had just hit town and had asked if she could take me to lunch or dinner. We made plans to meet Jane at the Palapa Bar and Grill to do a pop in for one time expat Linda Carter’s (aka Wonder Woman) surprise party. We hung out a short bit and got to introduce Jane to a bunch of our friends. Thankfully when we were ready to go local expats, Mickey and Ed offered us a ride and went above and beyond their destination to drop us off at ours.

Tropic Air Gives back to Kings Children’s home and Island Book Drive
Tropic Air, The Airline of Belize, has announced the March results of its ongoing #TropicGivesBack fundraising campaign. For every ticket bought at the month’s selected station, $1 is donated to an organization chosen by our staff from that community. In February, $400 was donated to Arms of Love in Caye Caulker. March was the chosen month for Belmopan, with San Ignacio this month, and Punta Gorda chosen for May. As part of the airline’s largest charitable fundraiser of the year, Tropic Air business partners, staff and Customers joined efforts and raised $400 for The King’s Children’s Home in Belmopan. Rondell Usher, Station Manager, and his Staff presented a check to the organization on Monday, April 4th.

Taste of Belize Event is scheduled for May 2016
The 2016 Taste of Belize Festival has been scheduled for May 14th 2016 by the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) on the grounds of the Orange Walk District’s Muffles College Auditorium. A signature event by the BTB, the Taste of Belize food festival features culinary competitions such as the Belize Master Chef and Amateur Cook, Bartender of the Year, Cup Cake Decorating, and Cake Decorating. Belize offers a potpourri of cuisines and the Taste of Belize Festival is a great opportunity to taste the variety of cookery from the eclectic cultures of Belize like the Maya, Garifuna, Creole, and Mestizo. The Taste of Belize is an exciting food festival that celebrates the creativeness of Belize’s food industry and the BTB is inviting everyone to come and savour the delicious flavors of Belize at this event.

International Sources

2016 Atlantic, Caribbean & Gulf Of Mexico Hurricane Season Forecast, Crown Weather
The 2016 Atlantic Hurricane Season is likely to be more active than the 2015 Hurricane season, however, it will be less active than average. It appears that we will see longer lasting tropical storm activity this year as well as more hurricane activity this season as compared to last year. With that said, the forecast for the 2016 Atlantic Hurricane season is a very difficult one due to many factors that may be in favor for an active season but other ones may cause it to be quite inactive. The Numbers: 10 more named storms (we have already seen the development of Alex back in January), 7 of those storms becoming hurricanes and 2 of those hurricanes becoming major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher on the Saffir-Simpson scale).

All Aboard: Soul Train, Acquired by BET, Announces Chaka Khan, Kool & the Gang, More for 2017 Cruise
BET Networks’ acquisition of the Soul Train franchise for an undisclosed sum this week tracks the latest chapter in a relationship that dates back to 2009. That’s when the Viacom division relaunched the Soul Train Awards in association with the brand’s previous owners, InterMedia Partners and the Yucaipa Companies. “We also worked with them to manage the brand over the last three years,” says Richard Gay, BET’s executive VP, strategy and operations. “During that time, we learned the brand is as powerful as we thought and even then some. That set everything in motion." In addition to the Soul Train Awards and a Broadway musical adaptation announced in 2014, the acquisition includes more than 1,100 television episodes from creator/producer Don Cornelius’ iconic Soul Train dance show as well as 40 television specials. There’s also the Soul Train Cruise, which revealed its 2017 lineup Wednesday (April 6). In celebration of the cruise’s upcoming fifth anniversary, Chaka Khan, Kool & the Gang, the Commodores and Chic featuring Nile Rodgers will be among the acts setting sail with Cornelius’ son/host Tony Cornelius. The “Hippest Trip at Sea," in association with StarVista Live, will visit Belize City (Belize), Cozumel (Mexico) and Freeport (Bahamas) during its March 4-11, 2017 run, originating out of Ft. Lauderdale (soultraincruise.com).

Science-based regulations needed to protect region’s coral reefs
A new study has shown that Caribbean coral reefs are experiencing mounting pressure from global warming, local pollution and over-fishing of herbivorous fish and that fresh science-based fishery regulations are needed if coral reefs are to have a future in the face of climate change. An international team, led by University of Queensland (UQ) researchers, has found that tighter fishery regulations are needed to preserve corals of the Caribbean. Researcher Dr Yves-Marie Bozec, from UQ’s School of Biological Sciences and the ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, said herbivorous parrotfish were needed because they eat seaweed, which can smother coral and prevent corals from recovering. “While several countries in the Caribbean have taken the bold step of banning the fishing of parrotfish (including Belize, Bonaire, Turks and Caicos Islands), parrotfish fisheries remain in much of the region,” Dr Bozec said.

Caribbean Fisheries Forum meets to discuss emerging challenges
Fisheries experts from across the Caribbean region are traveling to Guyana this week for the 14th Meeting of the Caribbean Fisheries Forum -- the primary technical deliberative body of the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM). The Forum will be meeting in Georgetown on Thursday, 7 April and Friday, 8 April to undertake its annual stocktaking and planning for the fisheries and aquaculture sector. The event will bring together more than 50 participants, including directors of fisheries, chief fisheries officers, and other development partners, such as NGOs and international organizations like the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, which work with the CRFM in promoting the development, management and conservation of the Caribbean’s fisheries resources. Justin Rennie, Chief Fisheries Officer of Grenada, will demit chairmanship of the Forum to Denzil Roberts, Chief Fisheries Officer of Guyana , for the 12-month period spanning the new program year which commenced on 1 April. A new vice chairman will also be selected.

Half of world heritage sites threatened by development, says WWF
Close to half of the sites around the world designated for special protection as areas of outstanding importance for nature are now being threatened by industrial development, a new survey has shown. The sites, which include Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, the Grand Canyon in the US, and China’s giant panda sanctuaries in Szechuan, are all supposed to be protected under the United Nations’ designated world heritage status. But encroachments from industries, including fossil fuel exploration and illegal logging, are threatening to destroy the valuable habitats, the conservation charity WWF said on Wednesday. David Nussbaum, chief executive of WWF-UK, said: “Even this small fraction of our planet is not receiving the protection it deserves. These areas contribute to our economies through tourism and natural resources, providing livelihoods for millions of people, while also supporting some of the planet’s most valuable ecosystems.” At least 114 of the 229 world heritage sites classed as being of outstanding importance for their natural habitats or their flora and fauna are now subject to fossil fuel extraction concessions, or are under close threat from other industrial activities, according to the report.

'Naked and Afraid': Monkey hassles Sanford man
Aaron Phillips of Sanford takes on 'Naked and Afraid' and a very nasty monkey in Belize. Aaron Phillips of Sanford agreed to do "Naked and Afraid" the third time he was asked. What was the sticking point? "I didn't believe the challenge was real," said Phillips, 38, a survivalist. He learned otherwise when he arrived in Belize and encountered a howler monkey. "The monkey peed on us every day for 18 days," Phillips said. "I kind of pissed him off at some point. I was good at howling at the monkey. I think I just took his tree." The monkey eventually stopped -- after Phillips and his partner in the wilderness, Kacie, pounded their chests and evidently made the monkey respect their territory. "Naked and Afraid" airs at 10 p.m. Sunday on Discovery Channel. The series unites male and female strangers in extreme environments for 21 days. (Orlando artist Steven Hall was in the season premiere.)

Jamaica’s marijuana industry on pause
It will be a while longer before people who want to get involved in marijuana cultivation, transportation, processing, retailing, and research and development legally in Jamaica can do so. The Cannabis Licensing Authority (CLA), which was expecting to accept applications from Monday, says the process has been delayed with the change in government. Chairman of the CLA, Dr Andre Gordon, said regulations have to be reviewed and approved by the Minister of Justice before the ganja industry could start operations, and that has not yet been done. However, he says he expects that will happen before the end of April.

More than average number of hurricanes, storms predicted for Atlantic this season
Hang on to your hats: weather experts are predicting that tropical storms and hurricanes in the Atlantic will total 14 this season, two more than what is considered normal. A ‘cold blob’ of water in the North Atlantic Ocean could be the wild card in the 2016 Atlantic hurricane season, say forecasters. The cold blob refers to a large area of colder-than-normal sea-surface temperatures east of Newfoundland and south of Greenland. “This area of colder water started to show up a few years ago and has become larger and more persistent during the past couple of years,” said AccuWeather Atlantic Hurricane Expert Dan Kottlowski. Whether or not ocean currents draw cold water from this blob southward into tropical regions of the Atlantic could determine how active the season becomes. “The big question is whether we will go into a La Niña, which is what we’re anticipating right now,” said Kottlowski.

Videos

April 6, 2016

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Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

100 Miles and Countless Memories Kitesurfing the Coast of Belize
Bring together a group of daredevils, throw in a little heart and the desire to make a friend’s dream come true and you have yourself the very first “Kite to Point”. This challenge inspired by Jeffrey Eiley, who’s story is known all too well on our little island, was set to sail on April second with the “Princess Leslie” leading the kitesurfers and at least three other boats to accompany them. Due to a last minute change in plans, the sailing date was moved to April first and only one additional boat was able to make the trip. Is it a coincidence the only boat that joined the adventure was the “Carpe Diem” (latin for “seize the day”)? Anyone who knew Jeff would say “probably not”. If Jeff could send us messages or signs “seize the day” would most likely be one of them. Martin John Leslie (Jeff’s cousin) remembers very well the day Jeff learned to kitesurf as he was walking down the beach when he took off for the first time. Mark Worthington (Jeff’s best friend) and Bradley Mazin introduced him to the sport and he was so hooked that he couldn’t stop talking about buying his own kite and eventually his idea to “kite to point” came about and he wouldn’t let it go. The idea of kitesurfing from San Pedro, Ambergris Caye to Placencia, Stann Creek was one of his greatest goals to achieve. Jeffrey’s life was taken a few months after and he was not able to realize his dream of kitesurfing to Placencia, but that didn’t mean his loved ones couldn’t do it in his name. His adventurous soul and loving nature would be the wind in their sails, pushing their limits yet keeping them safe.

NEBL playoffs fast approaching as teams fight for playoff positions
With only three weeks remaining in the regular season of the National Elite Basketball League (NEBL) 2016 tournament, the San Pedro Tiger Sharks must win three out of their four remaining games in order to advance in the Playoffs. The two time defending champions faced several difficult challenges in this season, but are still hopeful of taking the coveted championship trophy once more. On the other hand, the Smart Belize Hurricanes have had a great season and have even secured their playoff sport. The other top teams fighting to make the playoffs alongside the Tiger Sharks include the Dangriga Warriors, Cayo Western Ballaz and Belmopan Bandits. As for Belize City No Limits and Orange Walk Running Rebels, their chances at the playoffs are slim to none and the Independence Thunderbolts have been completely eliminated from making the playoffs.Tigersharks Dangriga Warriors-5

Belizean Debra Baptist-Estrada receives International Women of Courage Award
The annual United States of America’s, “Secretary of State’s International Women of Courage Awards” took place on Tuesday, March 29th. The US Secretary of State, John Kerry, honored fourteen unique women from around the world who have demonstrated courage and leadership in advocating for human rights, gender equality, women’s equality, and social progress.

Ambergris Today

Letters: San Pedro Not as Advertised
Dear Editor, We had booked an island vacation but not a traffic vacation with parking problems. The high traffic is wrong for a small island with just one road and very, very wrong for tourism. I am not sure about the rest of the year but Easter conditions were not what we as tourists had in mind. Something major needs to be changed or the last tourist will have visited soon.

Letters: Tourists Are Just Seen as an Entitlement
We were regulars since 2009, some years even twice a year. We used to love this island, it was cozy and unique. First we stayed at a hotel in/near town, than further South and a few times up North. Sometimes we visited just the 2 of us but three times we also brought friends and once our kids. Finally we must quit. We saw it coming over years, the worsening situation on this island but for some years we were somewhat still hopeful that logic eventually would prevail. By now we have no hope. The many years of "no rules, no regulations, no plan, no foresight, no vision" has smashed this originally so beautiful island to the very bottom in attractivity. The ugliness of electronic billboards, advertising sign bonanza all over the island, high traffic in combination with arrogant and unsafe driving, unsightly developments, no apparent zoning law (every junk yard gets mixed in), no sustainable transportation system, dangerous boat traffic, lack of infrastructure to name just a few . . . .. "Viva to a cheaper version of Mexico but at higher prices"!

Pic of the Week - Thirsty for Waterfalls in Belize
If you are thirsty for waterfalls, your search stops in Belize. Hundreds of gorgeous cascades lie hidden within the country's tropical rainforests, each very unique. Most of them are accessible for pictures, selfies and a refreshing dip, muck like Madison pictured here being creative at Maya King Waterfalls in the Stann Creek District.

San Pedro Town Council Donates Vehicle to Police Department
The San Pedro Police Department counts with one more vehicle added to its fleet as the San Pedro Town Council handed over a red pick-up truck to the department over the busy Easter weekend on Wednesday, March 23, 2016. The truck was handed down from the San Pedro Traffic Department as it received a new utility cart that was added to its fleet of motorcycles. Superintendent Sandra Bowden was happy to accept the vehicle for the police and thanked the Town Council for their continued support of the department. The San Pedro Police Department counts on 11 vehicles for their daily patrols, but with a growing community and tourism safety needs, it is always in need for more mobility, especially in the remote areas of the north and south parts of the island.

Town Council Announces Illegal Burning of Yard Garbage
The San Pedro Town Council kindly advises the general public that any type of burning is an offence. If you wish to dispose of any garbage, you must notify and wait approval on behalf of the San Pedro Fire Department prior to burning your garbage. The Council strongly recommends that when burning any type of garbage, you do so in a controlled environment. Burning of any type of garbage is completely prohibited in residential areas since it is a health hazard and puts at risk any buildings in the surrounding area.

Misc Belizean Sources

World Health Day – 2016: Diabetes
The Ministry of Health joins the World Health Organization (WHO) in observing World Heath Day 2016. This year the WHO is calling for the global community to “Beat Diabetes”. The Ministry of Health embraces another opportunity to bring focus on diabetes this year on World Health Day. Several regions will coordinate activities throughout this week including a Diabetes Walk in San Ignacio Town, Diabetes Information Presentations for Senior Citizens at the HelpAge Center in Orange Walk, and a Diabetes Health Session with schools in the Punta Gorda Town area. The national activity will be a Diabetes Forum to be held on April 7th, 2016 at the Best Western Belize Biltmore Plaza starting at 9:00am. The forum will seek to promote actions to address diabetes and also to review existing policies which include diabetes. Presentations and remarks will come from the Minister of State in the Ministry of Health Hon. Dr. Angel Campos and other Ministry of Health officials and education professionals

Belize Electronic License and Permit System Official Launch
The Belize Fisheries Department and Belize Forest Department under the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment and Sustainable Development, with support from the Taiwan International Cooperation and Development Fund (ICDF), and in partnership with Central Information Technology Office (CITO), is pleased to announce the launch of the Belize Electronic License and Permit System (BELAPS). The BELAPS is an internet-based application process for all licenses and permits issued by both Departments and it aims at improving the management of its fishery and forestry resources and services offered to the Public. Users will be able to apply for licenses and permits online, making the application more efficient and convenient.

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
The OAS Department of Human Development, Education and Employment in collaboration with La Facultad Latinoamericana de Ciencias Sociales (FLACSO), Argentina herein offer the on line course: “Diploma Superior en Relaciones del Trabajo y Sindicalismo” to be delivered in Spanish. Given the deadline for receiving applications in Washington, D.C. is May 23th , 2016; applicants are requested to submit the hardcopy application to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Belmopan by April 23th , 2016 for endorsement and forwarding to its high destination.

Amazing portraits of women in San Pedro
Photos by Karen Brodie

Belize Fishing Report, March 27th – April 2nd, 2016
Our tarpon heroes of the week are Adam and Richard. Adam’s was a beautiful fish about 50 pounds and Richard’s was just as pretty but weighed in at 10 pounds. Richard’s was interesting in that he caught his tarpon on his bonefish rig, The fish ate a crazy Charlie and didn’t wear through the 12 pound leader. That is quite a feat!

San Pedro Library Book Drive
Support our San Pedro Town Library!

U.S. Commerce Department Announces Fifth Americas Competitiveness Exchange
The U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration (ITA) and Economic Development Administration (EDA), in coordination with the Organization of American States (OAS) and the U.S. Department of State, today announced that 51 high-level representatives from 24 countries will participate in the Fifth Americas Competitiveness Exchange (ACE) on Innovation and Entrepreneurship, April 10-16, visiting sites in Arizona and California. ACE brings together decision-makers from throughout the Western Hemisphere and other nations to explore global and regional partnerships and economic development opportunities that will strengthen innovation and entrepreneurship in the region.

Belize Joins Mesoamerica without Hunger
In order to strengthen national and local institutional frameworks for food security and family farming, Belize officially joined the Mesoamerica without Hunger program. Mesoamerica without Hunger is a South-South cooperation agreement that runs on the Central American countries, the Dominican Republic and Colombia, with the support of FAO and the Government of Mexico, through the Mexican Agency for International Development Cooperation (AMEXCID). In Belize, Mesoamerica without hungry is oriented in a first phase to the design and development of a pilot experience of sustainable schools in the Toledo district, whose young population is mostly indigenous. Mesoamerica without Hunger coordinates efforts with several Belizean institutions, such as the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education.

AMBERGRIS STADIUM - UPDATE: APRIL 2016
Construction of the Ambergris Stadium is well under way. Pictured here are the bleachers, concession stands and drainage. You can also observe that majority of the landfill has been spread throughout the field.

Rufino Morales Concert
Rufino Morales will be playing at the Octavia Waight Centre next Saturday, April 16th, starting at 7:00pm. He'll be playing not just the marimba, but also the violin, and grand piano. Tickets can be purchased at the SISE HoC.

PACT Awards Ceremony 2016
The Protected Areas Conservation Trust awarded $1.2 million this year to projects around Cayo and Belize. They awarded Friends for Conservation and Development around $200,000 to help protect the Chiquibul. The entire list of awards can be found on their website. Thanks, PACT! "The PACT awards grants annually through a competitive application and review process. The areas for which projects can be funded must be related to the conservation and management of a legally recognized protected area and must fall under one of more of the following priority areas: protected areas management and conservation; protected areas promotion and development; environmental education and awareness; and community development around protected areas. On March 31st, the Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT) - accompanied by the Honourable Omar Figueroa, Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment and Sustainable Development and Dr. Colin A. Young, Chief Executive Officer with responsibility for the Environment, Sustainability and Climate Change - invested over $1.2 million in new grant funding! We take this opportunity to once again, congratulate all grant recipients."

CARL MCGREGOR: ONE OF BELIZE'S MOST PROLIFIC BASSIST!
Belizean Legends will feature soon, the musical brilliance of one of Belize's most prolific bass players from the 1970's, 80's, and beyond in the Belizean music scene in Belize and abroad. COMING SOON!

Channel 7

Extortion and Escape From Chetumal
Last night you heard the gripping first-hand account of extortion in Chetumal. It happened to a Belizean businessman and his family who were staying at the Fiesta Inn. On the night of Easter Monday, he got a call to his room from what he thought was the hotel's front desk. From there - over the course of a two-hour phone call - an elaborate extortion plot unfolded. That was part one. Tonight in part two you'll hear how he escaped. We pick up the story right where the Mexican Navy swooped in to the Fiesta to extract the businessman and his family. He tells us after a disorienting phone call from the extortionists - he wasn't sure who was coming up to his hotel room to take him away - but it looked like SEAL Team Six:.. Belizean Businessman - Extorted at Fiesta Inn, Chetumal: "I mean these guys were like the navy seals. These guys were top of the line and when they surrounded me, took me downstairs - I had already packed, they send for my vehicle. They put 3 military in my vehicle, brought it up. All this time I am thinking sucks this is the right time to plant something if they want in my vehicle."

Accident Victim Improving, PUP Area Rep. Not Charged
Accident victim Julia Arana is showing modest signs of improvement. That's according to her son, the cyclist Nissan Arana. He says his 59 year old mother has opened her eyes for the first time since the accident, and can move slightly, but she is still not talking and doesn't recognize anything. He is hoping to speak to doctors tomorrow. As we told you the Trial Farm resident was knocked down by PUP Orange Walk South Representative Jose Mai on Friday night crossing the northern highway which passes though her village. She suffered broken ribs, a punctured lung, and a concussion. Mai gave a urine sample, and Police have served him with a Notice of Intended Prosecution.

Mother Of Two Slain Sons Demands Justice
Rene Chavarria also known as "Fat Cat," was murdered ON MARCH 18th, 2016. His brother Jamie was killed on March 30th, 2015. That's two Chavarria brothers killed within a year and no one has been charged for either of the murders. Today for the first time since the two Chavarria brothers were killed, the mother of the victims is finally coming out publicly - but not to express her grief. It's more like rage. Emily Gabourel says the police let her down. She bashed police investigators for what she takes to be a lack of interest in her sons' murders, and the lack of professionalism in handling her mourning family. Here is what she had to say. Emily Gabourel, mother of "Fat Cat": "They are dragging their feet with everything, because when my son died and my daughter-in-law was out there, they laughed - the police laughed and it's not a dog that had died. I am speaking on behalf of all the mothers of Belize that have sons that died. Maybe you don't want to speak up, but I will speak up. I feel pain, I back my son for 9 months and Mr. Broaster - no police come at my house yet and say Miss Gabourel this or Miss Gabourel that of Miss Gabourel the other. What I don't like that Mr. Broaster says that my son was the leader of Rocky Road gang. My son wasnt a leader. Rocky Road doesn't have a gang as far as I know. If my son was a leader he would have had it good; his girlfriend would have been driving a nice car, he would have had a nice house. My son still living with me."

UNICEF Makes Curfew Position Known
For weeks now we have been reporting about the Southside Kids Curfew. Architect of the plan Chester Williams has gotten a lot of public support, but child advocacy groups have had a harder time warming up to the idea of holding blameless children in a police station. Yesterday you heard the comments from the Department of Human Development, which supports it, sort of. On the other hand UNICEF, we had been told, firmly opposed the initiative. Today, first the first time since this issue cropped up, they spoke publicly about the matter. Here is UNICEF's "official position" which they spoke about candidly after having met officially with the Southside commander this morning. Luwani Cayetano, Child Protection Officer - UNICEF: "From the UNICEF side, we wanted to make it very clear that moving forward we would like to work on some of those alternatives. How can we work more concretely on some of the things that are ongoing, but also how we can have some more inventive approaches? So right now in the pipeline we are talking about implementing diversion. So we talked a little bit about that. We talked about strengthening parents and working with parents. For us those concrete things we are saying, we were kind of re-stating our commitment to participate in those aspects, but unfortunately not in the curfew."

Toledo Sin Hambre?
The Mexican Government and the Food and Agriculture Organization will team up to fight child malnutrition in the Toledo District. It's an initiative called "Sin Hambre", or "Without Hunger" and the agreement was signed today at the George Price Center in Belmopan by Agriculture Minister, Gaspar Vega, FAO Representative, Jorge O'Ryan, Mexican Ambassador to Belize Carlos Quesnel, CEO in Agriculture, Jose Alpuche, and Ambassador Bruno Figueroa, the Director General for the Mesoamerica Project in the Mexican Secretariat of Foreign Affairs. The first phase of the program in Belize looks at the design and development of sustainable schools in the Toledo district with the key goals being the reduction of malnutrition rates.

The Boledo Business
Last night we told you about the uproar at the Magistrates court for the Sunday Lottery draw. Residents were angry because the machine malfunctioned and only 3 balls popped up in the chambers - leaving the 2nd digit chamber empty. Now residents expected that the game would be replayed but instead the supervisor chose the ball manually - that incensed the crowd. Here is a short video of what happened on Sunday. As we told you the police had to be called in to quell the crowd and after some time they dispersed - none too happy with what had happened. As you heard the Secretary of the Lotteries Committee say - to avoid a recurrence, the double pick machine will be used for this Sunday's Lottery draw until Brads can replace those faulty machines.

CGA Sour Over CPBL Plans To Sweeten Citrus
Citrus Products of Belize Limited is fighting to keep its head above water, but the Citrus Growers Association still isn't happy with a recent decision to shut down the plant for a week. It seems CPBL management wants the citrus fruit in the field to sweeten a little more, so they are opening the factory a week later than planned, on April 13th. But, the Citrus Growers Association says it doesn't agree and is requesting a meeting with the Harvest Committee to, quote, "solve this problem." CPBL's position is that if the fruit ripens a little, it become sweeter, and they can fetch higher prices for their juices - the profits form which will be shared by all parties.

September, But 2017...
Yesterday the Department of Human Development broke ground in Lake I to commence the construction of a $4.6 million dollar Resource Center. Now, in the report we mentioned that the works are to be completed in September of this year. It is September, but September, 2017. We apologize for the mix up.

Miracle Brenae Beats The Odds
After being hospitalized for 36 days, 3 year old Brenae Timmons is finally back home with her family. Baby Brenae's story is horrifying. You may remember in late January when a gate fell on top of her - fracturing her skull. She could have died under the weight of that gate but her dad rushed over and rescued her. Since then the only thing that held the family together during sleepless nights at the hospital was their faith and little Brenae's remarkable resilience. Yesterday her aunt called us over for us to see the remarkable improvement in the toddler's health. Here is her heartwarming story. 3 year old Brenae Timmons enjoys practicing her alphabet with her aunt. She caught on very quickly and now she has mastered it. Brenae is like any other child her age: playful and happy. She is her family's joy in every way

Hall of Fame For Marie Sharp
In two and a half weeks, pioneering Belizean entrepreneur Marie Sharp will travel to New York where she will be inducted into the Hot Sauce Hall of Fame. The distinction is reserved for those who, quote, "have been working within the fiery foods industry for a minimum of 3 years." Three years? Cho!...Try 35! That's how long Marie Sharp has been making hot sauce - first Melinda's, and now that her namesake line. In August of last year Courtney Weatherburne visited her plant in Hope Creek where she found that behind all those hot sauces is a very cool lady:.. Courtney Weatherburne Reporting... Almost every Belizean at home and abroad is very familiar with this logo. In fact products carrying this brand can be found on every kitchen counter and on most restaurant tables. And Marie Sharp is the woman behind all these product lines. As well as this 400 acre Dangriga farm where her farmers plant a portion of their supply of Habanero peppers along with a variety of other fruits used in her sauces and jams. So how did she get into the business in the first place? Well, it all began with a just few Habanero pepper plants.

Channel 5

Michael Modiri Still Running Scared
Today, Iranian-American businessman Michael Modiri went public for the first time since it was allege in January 2016 that he was the intended victim of an execution plot. In a [...]

Dark Night Owner Bradley Paumen Ordered to Pay Compensation
But back to Paumen…He’s the millionaire owner of Dark Night Cave Tours, and as we said, the man who was arrested and charged for organizing and paying for a hit [...]

What’s the Future of Dark Night Cave Tours?
The way forward for Paumen, Modiri and Dark Night caves seems fraught with obstacles, even with the judgment handed down in the Supreme Court today. Modiri claims that in an [...]

RTA Victim Julia Arana Still Critical at the K.H.M.H.
Fifty-nine-year-old Julia Arana, a domestic of Trial Farm Village, remains hospitalized at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital after being struck by a vehicle on Friday night.  The 2007 Toyota Hilux [...]

Arana Refutes Rumors Circulating About the RTA
In the wake of the unfortunate incident, there has been talk that Arana may have attempted to take her own life by stepping into the path of the moving vehicle.  [...]

UB Under Fire From Former Professor
Is the national university, the University of Belize, in complete academic disarray where students go through programs without learning anything, but still getting straight A’s?  Former lecturer Marcio Augusto has [...]

Should Pastor Scott Stirm Apologize Properly to the Garifuna Community?
And our question of tonight is: Do you believe Pastor Scott Stirm should apologize properly to the Garifuna community? Send your comments and responses using your SMART phones to 8686 [...]

A Look at All Sides of the Curfew Debate
The curfew for minors is a topic that is being hotly debated across the land. ACP Chester Williams believes that it is the answer to keeping minors away from urban [...]

Curfew Working After 2 Weeks, Says ACP Chester Williams
The curfew in Belize City has been in effect for more than two weeks now. The concept is that any youth under eighteen years of age, not accompanied by an [...]

Williams Says Curfew Doesn’t Punish Youth – It Protects Them
ACP Williams claims that one criticism also leveled at the initiative is that it punishes children for the deficiencies of their parents. He counters that by claiming that it not [...]

Toledo Minor charged for Brazen Robbery
A minor is the first to be charged in Punta Gorda for a brazen robbery that occurred at a Chinese store on March twenty-first. He is among a trio of [...]

$10K Fine for Weed Smuggling Granny
A fifty-year old granny from Carmelita, Orange Walk, has been fined ten thousand dollars for attempting to smuggle four hundred grams of weed into the Hattieville prison. Florence Chuc pleaded [...]

Court of Appeal Upholds Manslaughter Conviction
The Court of Appeal has dismissed the case of Rosalia Castillo who was found not guilty of the stabbing death of Carla Perez in December 2010 and sentenced to twelve [...]

U.D.P. Campaign for Deputy Leader Heating Up
On last night’s newscast we showed you an undecided Anthony ‘Boots’ Martinez, senior U.D.P. Minister who says he’s not quite ready to come public with who he supports for First [...]

Cyclist Tariq Cano Excels in Mexico
Tariq Cano…you may remember him as the runner up in first season one of Channel Five’s The Belize Apprentice. But what many did not know is that Cano is a [...]

Cano Says His Next Stop Will Be the Pro League
Cano, who was employed with the Belize Bank for some years, decided to give up the business suit for a cycling jersey. The twenty-five year old says his goal is [...]

Catholic Priest Speaks on Garifuna Spirituality
Father Matthew Ruhl, a Jesuit priest at Saint Martin’s Parish in Belize City, has been quite vocal in his support of Garifuna spirituality.  He draws a parallel between Catholicism and [...]

Fr. Ruhl Says If You Don’t Understand Something Just Be Quiet
Over the weekend, Father Matt delivered a rousing homily during the Sunday Mass.  The religious lecture touched on everything, including recent statements made against the Dugu ceremony.   Isani Cayetano [...]

A Look Back at a Traditional Garifuna Ceremony
The Dugu ceremony is performed in Garifuna culture as a form of spiritual healing. It is very rare that the ceremony can be captured by cameras but back in 1989, [...]

CTV3

Accident Victim Shows Improvement At KHMH
Last night we told you about 54 year old Julia Arana who was knocked down on Friday night while crossing the highway near the San Martin Gas Station in Trial Farm Village Orange Walk. The vehicle that knocked her down was being driven by Orange Walk South Area Representative and PUP Deputy Leader, Honorable Jose Abelardo Mai, who according to police reports, tried avoid hitting the victim but was unable to do so. Tonight we understand that Arana, who was listed in a critical condition at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital after the accident, is in a more stable condition. When we spoke to Arana’s youngest son, Nissan, he told us that while his mother is doing seemingly better she is still unable to speak or do much of anything other than open her eyes. Nissan Arana – Son of Victim: “Up to now we don’t have any further detail of exactly how she really stands, you know they supposed to say the result of the CATSCAN but I have had no personal talk to any of the doctors to know exactly which condition she is in.”

BSI/ASR Adopts Independence Plaza
Yesterday we told you about the rehabilitation of the Independence plaza which is part of a project that involves the Orange Walk Town Council, the Orange Walk Police Department and the Belize Sugar Industries. The campaign to remodel and restructure the park is part of an early initiative taken by BSI/ASR as part of their sustainability efforts to do their part to give back to our environment. Every Year the company chooses a project to complete by Earth day, which will be celebrated this year on the 22nd of April. This year their main focus was to work on a project that would give back to the community and according to the Regional Manager at BSI/ASR, Zeidi Cruz, they believe that restoring a historic site such as the Independence Plaza which practically goes unused, is the best way to give back to the community and by using safe and recyclable material be able to create and promote an area that is environmentally safe. Zeidi Cruz- Regional EHS manager- BSI/ASR: “We decided to do the Independence Park because of its historical value, as you guys know, the whole Banquitas Area used to be in the colonial times you know very important so you have Fort Mindy right there so we decided you know that it will good for us and it will good for the community...”

Running For A Good Cause
Special Olympics Belize, an organization that caters for people living with disabilities, has scheduled their annual Fun Run event that will be taking place this weekend throughout the country of Belize. Here in Orange Walk Town, the administration and staff of Saint Peter’s Anglican School have been preparing for this activity as they willingly embrace opportunities that seek to include students with disabilities. Elizabeth Vellos – Level leader, Special Education Center: “We are asking people to come out at seven to register and then we will have our opening ceremonies starting at 7:30 and we want to start the run at 8:00 sharp, we are going to move off from the Central Park and we are going to run straight up by the Fire Station down to Baker Street into Main Street, Hospital Crescent and back to the Central Park where we will have a short ceremony, after the run it is just the distributions of the ribbons for all the people who had participated and we are going to have a motivational talk we are getting somebody to inspire our students, inspire our community.” This year, the organizers have decided to make minor changes in the route of the run with the objective of including and allowing the general public to have the opportunity to be a part of the event.

Belizean Businessman Speaks About Horrible Extortion Threat
Last week we told you about the incident involving a Belizean businessman who received a very serious extortion threat while staying at a Hotel in Chetumal. The Belizean, who was vacationing at the hotel at the time of the incident had to be rescued by Mexican Navy and brought back to Belize, according to a report carried out by the Mexican Newspaper Por Esto who at the time did not reveal the name of the victim. Tonight, thanks to our friends at Seven News, we have the victim’s full account of the incident from the moment he was contacted by the alleged receptionist of the Hotel to when he was escorted to Belizean territory by the Mexican Navy. In the interview the victim asked for his identity to be withheld because the threats he received were so direct and made use of so much detailed personal information that he is still afraid for his safety. But according to the victim he felt compelled to come forward, to advise the public of the dangers that lie when Belizeans go over the boarder to Chetumal for a weekend getaway. The incident played out on Easter Monday , March 28th, at 11:40 at night in his room at the Fiesta Inn, when he, his wife and daughter were awakened by a person he thought to be the receptionist:...

Seventeen Year Old Attacked While Excercising At People's Stadium
On Saturday at about 6:00 in the evening a minor visited the Orange Walk Police Station where he reported to authorities that he was attacked by an individual of dark complexion at the People’s Stadium while he was out doing his daily exercise. He told police that the individual tried to steal his phone and since he did not let the assailant have his way; it all resulted in a struggle between both of them. Immediately after the incident occurred, the minor returned home but did not inform his parents about the confrontation. It was not until the police came knocking at the victim’s door at around 9:00 that same night, that the parents became aware of their son’s frightening encounter. Earlier today we visited the victim’s father who spoke to us about the matter. Father of the Victim: “Saturday in the evening like five when he just kneels down by a corner by the curve that is not so visible for the people crossing over there then he felt like somebody pinch him on his back and when he turned around he thought that it was his brother but he saw a dark fellow right beside him and he asked him for his cellphone and then he responded saying no I can’t give you this, so a struggle started right there and then well like my son is a little big he stood up and struggled with this fellow and when he saw that he couldn’t struggle with my son he took out a whip that they used at the stadium to whip those horses and with that he started to lash my son.”

LOVE FM

UB Comes Under Fire by Portuguese Lecturer
The University of Belize has come under heavy fire from a man claiming to be a past lecturer there. Márcio Augusto, a Portuguese national said he was a lecturer at the University of Belize from September 2015 until March 15, 2016. Augusto wrote a one thousand word article criticizing the operations and services at the […]

Accident Victim Goes From Critical to Stable
Julia Arana, the woman who was knocked down last week by PUP Area Representative, Jose Abelardo Mai, remains in a stable condition at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. Her son, Nissan Arana, told Love News that she is now able to open her eyes and move her limbs. However, she is not able to speak […]

Progressive Party Calls for Transparency from Government
Since the shooting of a BDF solider at Valentin Camp, there has only been one press release from the Government on the incident. Most of what has been reported and released has been independent reports and investigation by the media. Chairman of the Belize Progressive Party, Paco Smith says that the government needs to be […]

Third Party Says National Budget Leaves a Lot to Be Desired
The recent budget date for the Fiscal Year 2016-2017 saw a number of concerns brought by the opposition, People United Party. They are not the only ones who have an opinion about the budget. Chairman of the Belize Progressive Party, Paco Smith said there is nothing eye opening in this year’s budget. PACO SMITH “The […]

British Citizens and Residents Asked to Engage in Condemning Guatemala’s Aggression
While a silence has set in here in Belize following the Sarstoon Incident in March 2016 where Belize’s military was aggressed by the Guatemalan Armed Forces, the efforts of Belizeans living abroad have taken a turn. There is currently a petition on the www.petition.parliament.uk website, seeking the support and signatures of British citizens or UK […]

Belize’s Territorial Troubles Make it on WWW.CHANGE.ORG
As Paul Golder places efforts in the United Kingdom to gain support and solidarity from the British for Belize on the territorial differendum with Guatemala, Al Smith of Conyers, Georgia, USA has launched a similar undertaking on the site, www.change.org. This website is widely used in the lobbying of issues ranging from political to environmental. […]

Belizean Man Proposes Peace Pilgrimage at the Sarstoon
One Belizean man has acted on an idea of a pilgrimage to the Sarstoon Island in southern Belize. Mario Lara who currently resides in California, USA, has created an account on www.gofundme.com that seeks to raise ten thousand dollars which would be used to have, what he dubs as a massive peach pilgrimage. The event […]

More Names and Details to Come From Panama Papers in May
128 – that is the number of world leaders and public officials that the recently exposed Panama Papers have revealed details on as they relate to hidden financial dealings. So far, on our local scene, there has only been the implication of Lord Michael Ashcroft via his company, Belize Corporate Services doing business with the […]

Former Teacher and Social Work Needs Help to Be Medically Diagnosed and Treated
As with many diseases and disorders, Belize is unequipped to diagnose a woman’s case although local doctors have referred to it as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) which is also known as Lou Gehrig’s. The family says that a local neurologist had diagnosed her based on symptoms but lacked any proper medical testing to verify. About […]

BPP: Saldivar and Faber Will Bring No Change to Party Politics
Over five hundred delegates will be involved in the selection of the next UDP Deputy Party Leader. Ministers Patrick Faber and John Saldivar have begun their campaign. While most anticipate the new Deputy Party leader, the Belize Progressive Party is not very impressed. Chairman of BPP, Paco Smith weighed in earlier today. PACO SMITH “At […]

PlusTV

Murder in Spanish Lookout
Murder in Spanish Lookout. The peaceful existence of the Village of Selena in Spanish Lookout was broken on saturday morning when one elderly man was murdered one youth was left for dead, and another had to run for his life. Sometime about 2am on Saturday morningAccording to Police, 63 year old Edga...

Armenia man chopped in Fight
A man from Armenia Village is hospitalized at the Belmopan Western Regional Hospital after he was beaten and chopped several times. The victim is 24 year old Cement Block maker Victor Saul Rodriguez. The incident happened on Saturday April 2 when Rodriquez was at his aunt’s house in Armenia watchi...

BDF shot by fellow officers?
The Belize Defence Force has written National Security CEO George Lovell providing an update on the shooting incident inside the Chiquibul Forest Reserve on March 26th. That is when Staff Sergeant Richard Lambey was shot near Camp Valentin. According to the report referenced by Channel 5 on Friday, ...

Riot over Boledo machine
Belizeans who buy lottery and jackpot take their gamble rather seriously. Most buyers around the country have to tune in on the radio for the draw at 10a.m. But, several other enthusiasts in Belize City have taken to the habit of going out to witness the draw live, tickets in hand. Well, YESTERDAY m...

Anti drug operation in the south leads to arrest
An Anti- drug operation launched in Independence village on Friday 1st April led to the arrest of three persons. Personnel from Intermediate Southern Formation (ISF) along with K9 unit personnel conducted the Anti-drug Operation with ISF Jurisdiction. A search conducted at the residence of 31 year o...

Single bullet found leads to arrest
A Punta Gorda man was arrested and charged after police found a single bullet in his car. On April 1, police conducted a search for firearm and drugs inside a Mitsubishi Gallant car with and found a.38 round under the cassette deck. Police have since arrested and charged 25-year-old Aduan Akeem Ushe...

Two Belize City men rob teens of cell phones
Two Belize City men were arrested for robbing two teenagers. A 19 year old and his 16-year-old friend reported that on Saturday 2nd April about 10:00 p.m., they were walking on the Phillip Goldson Highway near the NAPA roundabout heading in the direction of Belize City when they were approached f...

Amandala

Mossack Fonseca & Ashcroft
In what is being described as an almost certain fatal blow to offshore banking, international media broke the story on Sunday, April 3, of a colossal leak of confidential documents from a highly secretive and private Panamanian law firm, Mossack Fonseca. Eleven million documents held by that firm were passed to a German newspaper which then shared them with the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ), a group of 107 media organisations spread across 76 countries. This group has reportedly been analysing the dossier for at least a year now. Mossack Fonseca is the world’s fourth largest provider of offshore services and although it is based in Panama, it provides corporate incorporation and other offshore structured vehicles across many offshore jurisdictions. The ICIJ reported that more than 300 individual journalists reviewed the leaked documents to expose a list of clients that included those involved in bribery, arms deals, tax evasion, financial fraud, and drug trafficking. Larger than Assange’s WikiLeaks, the treasure cove of almost three terabytes of electronic data siphoned from Mossack Fonseca’s internal database is considered the biggest leak ever. The source of the leak has not been identified.

Marie Sharp, 35-year veteran, to be inducted into Hot Sauce Hall of Fame
Belizean entrepreneur, Marie Sharp, 76, who started her business in her kitchen, will be inducted into the Hot Sauce Hall of Fame later this month when she travels to New York to receive her special red jacket and ring. Sharp will not just be the only Belizean to snag this lifetime award, she will be the only woman in the group of honorees. “It’s the highest honor that I think anybody can ever achieve… not only for me. When they notified me, they congratulated me and my country and the people of Belize for being elected, Sharp told Amandala. She said that when she received news of the award, she was “very, very happy” and “surprised.” She still does not know how she was selected for this special honor, but she plans on being in New York for the April 23 induction. In an online notice, the Hot Sauce Hall of Fame Foundation announced the Hot Sauce Hall of Fame Class of 2016, comprised of 5 people who “have been very instrumental in the fiery foods.”

3 Belmopan cops accused of brutality against 2 minors
Three Belmopan policemen have been arrested and charged for brutalizing two boys who were sleeping in their homes. Corporal Edwin Marin and Constables Jose Uh and Marion Alcoser were charged with aggravated assault in the Belmopan Magistrate’s Court on Monday. They were offered bail of $1,000 and ordered to return to court on April 28. They have also been interdicted from duty pending trial by a police tribunal for breaching Codes of Conduct governing police officers, in line with the enforcement of the Police Department’s “Zero Tolerance of Police Brutality Policy.” Police say that as a result of the beatings, a 16-year-old boy suffered a cut wound over the right eye and abrasions to the back and chest, and these injuries to him were certified as wounding.

Woman who killed her female lover denied appeal
A Cayo businesswoman who was initially indicted for the murder of another woman but who was found guilty of the lesser charge of manslaughter and sentenced to serve 12 years in prison will have to serve those 12 years after a panel of three Court of Appeal Justices ruled today to dismiss her appeal and affirm her conviction and sentence. Rosalilia Castillo, 46, appeared in the Belize Court of Appeal today along with her attorney, Anthony Sylvestre, to argue her appeal against her manslaughter conviction and consequent sentence. On the night of Saturday, December 8, 2012, Pamela Perez, 34, a mother of three children, lost her life when she was stabbed by Castillo, with whom she was involved in an intimate relationship. The stabbing took place at Castillo’s Las Palomas Del Norte Bar, located on Carrillo Purto Avenue in Santa Elena Town. Castillo was sentenced to 12 years in prison on January 14, 2015, by Justice Antoinette Moore, who heard the case in the Belmopan Supreme Court without a jury.

Angelus Press burglarized; safe and money stolen
A Belize City man has been accused of burglarizing the well-known stationery store Angelus Press, which is located at 10 Queen Street, just a stone’s throw away from the Police Precinct #3 on Queen Street. This afternoon, Anthony Morris, 38, a customer care representative and resident of 28 Simon Lamb Street, appeared with his attorney, Dickie Bradley, before Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser, who arraigned him on one count of burglary. Morris pleaded not guilty to the charge and since there was no objection to bail from the court prosecutor, Fraser released him on a bail of $5,000 plus one surety of the same amount. The Senior Magistrate, however, told Morris he is being granted bail on the condition that he is not to be arrested for any other offense while his matter is before the court; otherwise his bail will be confiscated and he will be remanded to prison. Morris is expected to return to court on June 1.

Cynthia Ellis-Topsey establishing national network for Garifuna youth
Garifuna mentor Cynthia Ellis-Topsey—who has been working with women and families since 1985—is leading a nationwide initiative through which she intends to connect underserved Garifuna youth and other Afro-descendants, with their elders to “celebrate and affirm the Garifuna contribution to this country” in sustainable development as well as education. “When you hear about sustainable development, Garifuna people were always practicing sustainable development. It’s an integral part of the culture,” Ellis-Topsey said. Ellis-Topsey, the champion of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Programme in Belize, said that youths should be part of the civic engagement that goes beyond the manipulation that is carried out by political parties, and they should be able to tell the story differently. “Urgently, I want to give back what was given to me. I did not just appear out of a hat…. I want to see Garifuna youth at various fora: at Rotary, in environmental discussions, financial literacy – when we are talking about de-risking, banking,” she said.

Coby gives sports equipment to Winty J
He is a really humble, cool brother, but Evondale “Coby” Coburn, who makes annual trips back to his old home town, Belize City, believes that a lot more could be done to help the situation of youths through sports if more Belizeans, especially former sportsmen and women living abroad, would chip in with a little help for sporting programs in the Jewel. “I need to challenge these guys, to let them understand that these kids are not asking for any handouts; they just need an opportunity.” On his trip back home for the Easter holidays, Coby brought a bunch of brand new sporting equipment which he handed this morning to sport/culture icon Vincent “Winty J” Johnson, who presently resides in Mahogany Heights. Included in two nylon sacks were eleven pairs of football boots, 4 footballs, 1 basketball, 4 training cones, a ball pump with two needles, a game whistle, and a ball control “Soccer Trainer” kit, all brand new. Receiving the gifts, a delighted Winty J said, “Give thanks, man; those youths will be happy this evening.”

“Steeler” first recipient of Cycling Federation’s Philanthropy Award
Each year, the Cycling Federation of Belize (CFB) will award this prize to a deserving person. Mr. Garbutt was the recipient of this year’s award, which was held at the closing ceremonies at BTL Park. We congratulate Mr. Garbutt, and are looking forward for the next deserving awardee. (The text below is from the award ceremony.) CFB 2016 Philanthropy Award: The word philanthropy is synonymous with the name Raymond ”Steeler” Garbutt. Our award today is fitting to a guy who has literally been giving and giving and giving. In fact, that giving didn’t just happen out of the clear blue sky. It all began with his late father, who started the tradition of donating $100.00 as station prize at the Garbutt Service Station in Roaring Creek. Since then, that figure has grown considerably. Mr. Garbutt not only donated to the Holy Saturday Cross Country, but every single race that passes through, or finishes at the Gas Station, rest assured, there will be a prize.

NEBL teams fight for playoff positions
On Friday night, Smart Belize Hurricanes hosted their city rivals, Belize City No Limit at the Belize Elementary School gym in Belize City. Smart Belize Hurricanes had a 39-33 lead going into intermission, which was reduced to 1 point in the third quarter by Belize City No Limit. However, Smart Belize Hurricanes was able to muster a strong fourth quarter to easily seal the 74-63 victory. Smart Belize Hurricanes (10-2) was led by league-leading scorer Farron Louriano, who tallied 23 points and 8 rebounds, while Leroy Louriano had 11 pts, 6 assists, 3 steals and 2 rebs. Akeem Watters finished with a double-double, with 10 pts and 11 rebs. The top scorer for Belize City No Limit (4-6) was Jamal Augustine with 17 pts and 5 rebs, while Michael Babbles had 13 pts, 4 assists and 3 rebs. Lennox Bowman tallied 11 pts and 4 rebs, and Keith “Superman” Acosta finished the night with 12 boards and 6 pts.

Police United clinches Champions League berth, Verdes misses PLB playoffs
With 3 back matches completed over the past few days, the Premier League of Belize (PLB) 2015-2016 Closing Season regular season is finished; and although the official results have not yet been released by the league, the number tally, according to game results from all our sources, shows Police United with a 1 point advantage over Belmopan Bandits in the combined regular season totals, thus securing the berth to CONCACAF Champions League even if they should fail to win the Closing Season championship. In last Thursday night’s back match at the Michael Ashcroft Stadium, it was visiting Police United, 2-1, over Wagiya; and on Saturday night, again at the Michael Ashcroft, Police United again visited and secured a 1-1 draw against Placencia Assassins, to put them at the top of the regular season standings, as well as first in the combined totals. (See our unofficial standings below.)

Editorial: Stand up, Belize
Belize, the independent and sovereign nation on the Central American mainland “in the heart of the Caribbean basin,” should let the republic of Guatemala, the region, and the world know that the new status quo at the Sarstoon River is not acceptable. Over the last year there has been a pattern of Guatemalan military aggression at the Sarstoon River, punctuated by two critical, disrespectful statements by the Guatemalan Foreign Minister, which has resulted in a de facto Guatemalan control of the Sarstoon River which constitutes a violation of Belize’s southern border. A lot of media and public attention has been focused on the sometimes quixotic remarks and behavior of the Belizean Foreign Minister, but, to a certain extent, Hon. Sedi Elrington has been a distraction. It is the Rt. Hon. Prime Minister of Belize to whom the attention should have been paid. Mr. Elrington speaks and acts for and on behalf of the Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, and for and on behalf of the Cabinet which Mr. Barrow leads and dominates. The way the political system in Belize works, the power of the Prime Minister is very, very great. We all know this by now. Belizean Prime Ministers can push around anyone in Belize, and this must give our Prime Ministers awesome personal pride, confidence, and satisfaction.

From the Publisher
There are absurdities and contradictions in life, one of the most interesting and relevant being the fact that from the day you are born, you actually begin to die. From one perspective, then, life is a journey to death. Along this journey, human beings develop different outlooks on the life process in which they are involved, and sometimes we describe these different outlooks as religions, or philosophies. We humans are always trying to explain, to understand, the absurdities and contradictions, yea the pains, which are features of life. For most human beings, there is what we call a work week. Then there is a weekend. Before our third millennium time, the work week in the Western world was sometimes six days, and the weekend was only one day – usually called the Sabbath. For most of us, work has elements of drudgery, so the spiritual renewal usually associated with Sabbath activities had a practical function in that spiritual renewal assisted us in facing another week of work. On the Sabbath, we found a meaning for life in faiths which strengthened us. In the case of the majority of Belizeans, important, life-changing events occurred for our ancestors in the fifteenth century, more than five centuries ago, when Europe first began to enter the African and American continents. Entry, of course, soon became invasion and conquest, the conquerors being Europeans who practiced different Christian religions.

Rejoice, West Indies!
Wow! Champions! West Indies Men’s Cricket Team delivered a scintillating victory beating England by four wickets in the International Cricket Council’s World Twenty Over Final. Marlon Samuels, Man of the Match, had a brilliant innings with 85 runs scored and Carlos Brathwaite sealed the victory by masterfully launching four sixes in a row, when we needed 19 runs from 7 balls, to bring home the championship. Beautiful, gentlemen! You have brought sweetness to the Caribbean! I know CLR James is smiling in heaven. Fire blaze! Celebrate! Rejoice! Rejoice! Rejoice! God bless you all always.

Santa Familia’s drinking water problems
The dry season is upon us and already one community is feeling the effects. The Ministry of Labour, Local Government and Rural Development, in a “public advisory” dated March 30, informed villagers of Santa Familia that they should “treat water before using it for drinking by adding one tablespoon of Clorox to five gallons of water, mix completely and leave for at least thirty minutes before using, or boil water at a rolling boil for at least one minute.” The coordinator of initiatives that fall under the Rural Development portfolio, Ernest Banner, told Amandala that there is a “rudimentary water supply in Santa Familia” that is provided through the pumping of water from a well to a reservoir, and from this reservoir the water is distributed to villagers’ yards and homes. However, due to the dry season, there isn’t sufficient water in the well, and so the authorities are using the river, to supply the reservoir.

Long live West Indies cricket!
The West Indies has a long and proud tradition of cricketing greatness with deadly fast bowling, explosive batting performances and strategizing genius. Today, Sunday, April 3, the West Indies Men’s Team won a magnificent victory beating England by four wickets, with a score of 161(runs)/6(wickets),to raise the championship trophy of the International Cricket Council’s World Twenty-Over Tournament final in Eden Gardens, Kolkata, India. Marlon Samuels, Man of the Match, steadied the ship of the West Indies’ batting attack with a brilliant contribution of 85 runs while Carlos Brathwaite sealed the victory by masterfully launching four sixes in a row in the night sky ‘beyond the boundary’, when the team needed to score 19 runs from 7 balls, to bring home the championship in style and fashion.

Belize Bank has yet to pay us: Evergreen
About two weeks ago, Amandala broke the story that late last year the Belize Supreme Court ruled in case 656 of 2014, that Belize Bank Ltd. (the defendant in the case) must pay Evergreen E-Pay Solutions Ltd. (the claimant who brought the case against Belize Bank Ltd.) a sum of over USD$3,309,373 for abruptly ending a business arrangement into which the bank had entered with Evergreen for the provision of Internet Payment Service Provider (IPSP) services and a referral program for potential e-commerce merchants. On December 18, 2015, an oral judgment, followed by a written one, laid out the financial repercussions that would be suffered by Belize Bank, which, according to the judgment, firstly failed in its business dealings with Visa International Inc. to comply with established guidelines and regulations as it pertains to third party agents; and secondly violated its obligations to Evergreen by terminating a written and unsigned agreement between the two parties, which while unsigned, according to the judgment, was legally binding based on the words and conduct of the parties involved (Belize Bank Ltd. and Evergreen).

Man dies, woman lives in 2 separate road accidents
Hilberto Coyoc, 40, a farmer of Trial Farm, lost his life, while Julia Arana, 45, of Orange Walk Town, is in a critical condition at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital after they were knocked down in two separate road accidents that occurred in Orange Walk Town on Thursday and Friday nights. The drivers who were involved in the two accidents – Benjamin Carrillo, Sr., 60, a labourer of Orange Walk Town, and Hon. Abelardo Mai, UDP representative for Orange Walk South respectively – have both been served with a Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP) by police. The first of the two accidents took place at about 8:30 Friday night, when Julia Arana was knocked down by a vehicle being driven by the Hon. Abelardo Mai. As a result Arana suffered a fractured skull and several broken bones in her body. She was rushed to the Northern Regional Hospital and from there she was taken to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, where she has been admitted to ward.

Was it suicide, or murder? Post-mortem declares murder
There was much uncertainty surrounding the death of Oscar Ulysis Castillo Gomez, 41, a construction worker of Lords Bank and a father of four children, who some believed died as a result of cutting his own throat, while others suspected he was murdered. Police, however, believed it was murder and were awaiting the results of a post-mortem examination of Gomez’ body to certify the cause of his death. Alex Williams, at whose home the incident which resulted in Gomez’s death took place, and who was an “eyewitness” to the incident, told Amandala that Gomez was acting strangely, and took a knife and stabbed his own throat. The incident occurred at about 6:30 Friday evening, March 18, on Cahal Pech Street in Lords Bank. A post-mortem exam conducted by Dr. Mario Estradabran on Gomez’s body at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital on Thursday certified the cause of Gomez’s death to be “exsanguinations due to external bleeding due to internal jugular vein injury due to stab wound to the throat,” but it also revealed something far more telling: Gomez suffered eight stab wounds to the throat – four of which went two and a half inches deep, and another that went three and a half inches deep. For that reason, police have declared his death a murder.

Breaking Belize News

Council of Mayan Communities formed in South
Several Belizean organizations representing indigenous Maya have allied with their counterparts in the southern Petén of Guatemala in order to address improved management of natural resources and most pressing social and economic needs of residents in the Adjacency Zone straddling the Belize-Guatemala border. The […]

Belizeans living abroad petition US, UK over dispute with Guatemala
Belizeans living in the United States and United Kingdom have taken up the cause of the Belize-Guatemala dispute, with separate petitions asking those countries’ lawmakers to speak out. Paul Golder launched a petition on the UK Parliament website seeking 10,000 signatures for a formal response […]

Man beats firearms charges
Thirty-two year old Daniel Meighan, a security guard at National Youth Cadet Corps and living in Rockville on the George Price Highway, was freed of two charges, kept firearm and kept ammunition without a gun license, after they were dismissed on Monday by the Chief […]

Tenant pleads guilty to wounding landlord
Thirty-six year old Glenford Soberanis was fined $1,500 after he chopped his landlord, 69 year old Lloyd Flowers, aka “Lloydie Panades,” during an argument early on Sunday morning. The misunderstanding between the two could have proven fatal after Soberanis used a machete to deliver a […]

World Health Day to be observed on Thursday
World Health Day, observed each year on April 7th, is focusing on beating diabetes for 2016 with global activities taking place on that day, possible through the assistance of the World Health Organization (WHO). Belize’s Ministry of Health issued a press release earlier today […]

Teenager charged for armed robbery in Punta Gorda
In the wake of an armed robbery at James Shop on Jose Maria Nunez Street in Punta Gorda Town, police have arrested and formally charged 17-year-old Clinton Medina of the Hopeville area for ‘robbery with a firearm’. On the night of Monday, March 21st, […]

Over a pound of weed seized by San Ignacio Police
Within an hour yesterday afternoon, San Ignacio Police conducted special anti-drug operations in three areas and seized a total of 1.3 pounds of cannabis, all of which were labelled as ‘found property’ since no one was in any of the immediate areas. At around […]

Bullet Tree teen missing
San Ignacio Police and the mother of 16-year-old Heidi Teck are asking for the public’s assistance in locating the missing girl who was last seen a week ago on Tuesday, March 29 after she left her home in Bullet Tree Falls, Cayo. Esther Teck, […]

Five charged for threatening to kill police officers
After detaining two Hispanic males in the Planting Patch Area of Benque Viejo Town on March 12th for un-customed goods, a pair of police officers were ambushed by nine persons who threatened to kill them with machetes and rocks. The officers reported that a […]

Two men detained for unlawful sex with a female minor
A 13-year-old female minor in the company of her father, a 50-year-old businessman of Belmopan City, reported to police on Sunday that between the months of November and December last year, she was abused by four men on different occasions. The girl’s father initially […]

Bizarre Foods’ Andrew Zimmern vacations in Belize
After his 2010 visit to Belize, Andrew Zimmern was recently back in Belize but this time not to film. The popular TV personality was here to spend some quality time with his family on vacation. Zimmern kept his followers posted of his exotic trip […]

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