April 29, 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

Noh Mul destruction calls for increase in penalties
It’s been almost three years since the De Mars Stone Company bulldozed Noh Mul, an ancient Maya site located in San Pablo, Orange Walk. In May 13, 2013, the company razed the historic site for white marl, sparking outrage across the country and internationally. The four culprits: Denny Grijalva and his wife, Emelda Grijalva, company directors, the company’s project manager Javier Nunez, and excavator Emil Cruz, faced charges for destroying Noh Mul. On Thursday, April 21st, after eight months, the trial ended at the Corozal Town Magistrate Court, where the accused were found guilty and fined for their acts. During the trial, Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith stated, “When the Court visited the site of Noh Mul, it was observed that the mound was in the middle of a privately owned sugarcane field, and even lacked the stone sides frequently seen in reconstructed or better-preserved pyramids. The pyramid mound, which is about 30 metres (100ft.) tall, is surrounded by landscape which seemed to be naturally flat. However, there was THE clear demarcation of the ‘make up’ of the mound, which showed a clearly formed brick-like structure which was easily distinguished from a common pile of earth”. To Smith this was more than enough evidence to confirm the site as an archeological reserve, a key factor De Mars Stone Company Limited ignored.

Helen Haylock to represent San Pedro at Miss Y Pageant
63-year-old Helen Haylock has been chosen to represent La Isla Bonita in the Young Women’s Christian Association’s (YWCA) 23rd Anniversary Celebration of Miss Y Seenagers Pageant. A fundraising event was hosted on April 23rd by the National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) and Adelle Paz from Adelle’s International Outreach Program at the San Pedro House of Culture. All proceeds will go towards assisting Haylock with wardrobe, traveling expenses, and costs of the pageant. At the event, Public Relations Officer of the YWCA, Shellon Nunez, spoke about the organization and pledged to support Haylock in her quest to pageantry. Photographer Karen Brodie provided the contestant with a professional photo-shoot, and that evening, Haylock was officially sashed and crowned as Miss Y San Pedro.

Barrow says “Give Peace a Chance”: Tensions between Belize and Guatemala de-escalate
Prime Minister of Belize, Right Honourable Dean Barrow has petitioned all Belizeans to “give peace a chance” following the increased tensions between Belize and Guatemala. The long standing territorial dispute reached its boiling point last week when Guatemala mobilized troops at the Western Boarder claiming it necessary to protect their people. The entire situation was triggered over the fatal shooting of 13-year-old Guatemalan Julio Alvarado by the Belize Defence Force (BDF) patrol near La Cebada in the Chiquibul Forest Reserve on Wednesday, April 20th. With both countries having different takes on the incident, it took several diplomatic meetings to diffuse the tension and for the countries’ relationship to return to normalcy. Barrow assures Belizeans that there is no threat from Guatemala, and that it is best to resolve the issue diplomatically than with force. “We have just concluded a meeting of the National Security Council (NSC) of Belize, and this is a follow-on from the meeting held on Friday, April 22nd when I was in New York, and in which I participated by phone.

Humpback Whale dies in Belizean waters
The Belize environmental community is saddened over the death of a 30-foot Humpback Whale within Belizean waters. The whale was first spotted in Belizean waters on February 24, 2016, and since then, had been seen in several areas including Big Creek Port, the Port Honduras Marine Reserve, Scipio Caye and Riversdale. On Monday, April 25th the whale was spotted once again; unfortunately this time it was found dead. While it is still unknown what may have caused the Humpback whale’s death, local scientists believe that the whale was either lost or sick. Efforts are currently underway to attempt a necropsy to determine the exact cause of death. When Oceana Belize personnel traveled to the rough and murky waters offshore of Barranco on Friday, April 22nd, the whale was in obvious distress. It was subsequently observed that the whale’s movement was being hampered by a gill net wrapped around its tail, adding insult to injury,” said Oceana who had been observing the whale since the first sighting.

San Pedro Tiger Sharks make it to the NEBL Finals
Despite a few hurdles during the past eleven weeks of basketball action, the San Pedro Tiger Sharks are in the finals of the 2016 National Elite Basketball League (NEBL) Tournament for the third year in a row. Against all odds, the island team is hoping to capture the championship for the third consecutive year. The finals promise to be a fierce match-up between two of the strongest teams in Belize. Both teams have a huge front court and are physically strong, while the guard play is also evenly matched. Key players in these finals will be San Pedro Tiger Sharks’ Raul Roches, Andrew “Bynum” Ortiz and Caleb Sutton who will go up against Smart Belize Hurricanes’ Darwin “Puppy” Leslie, Farron Louriano and Brian White.

Ambergris Today

Belize Welcomes ACP Resolution on Belize Guatemala Dispute
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belize welcomes the Resolution adopted by the Council of Ministers of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group (ACP) on the subject of the Recent Tensions Between Belize and Guatemala. The ACP Council met for their 103rd Session on 26-27 April 2016 in Dakar, Senegal. At the conclusion of their Session on 27th April, the ACP Council of Ministers adopted a Resolution wherein they express their commitment to Belize’s territorial integrity and their concerns over the tensions along Belize’s border with Guatemala, as well as their support for the need for confidence building measures for the Sarstoon River. They also support efforts at finally resolving Guatemala’s claim to Belize at the International Court of Justice, in accordance with the Special Agreement of 2008.

San Pedro Association of Justice of the Peace & Commissioner of the Supreme Court meeting
The San Pedro Association of Justice of the Peace & Commissioner of the Supreme Court will be holding its first Wednesday of the month meeting, this Wednesday, May 4 at 7:00 PM at the San Pedro Town Council Conference Room. All JP's are encouraged to attend as we begin to rebuild the San Pedro Chapter. Please pass the word to fellow JP & CSC and looking forward to seeing you there!

Celebrity Spotting NBA Star Danilo Gallinari Visits Ambergris Caye
Island sports enthusiast Joel Ruiz was excited to post a picture of himself alongside NBA star Danilo Gallinari just after catching the sports celebrity walking down the main streets of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize this week. Danilo is an Italian professional basketball player for the Denver Nuggets of the National Basketball Association. His Instagram profile shows him swimming with the Sharks at Hol Chan Marine Reserve/Shark Ray Alley.

Misc Belizean Sources

TAIWAN OFFICIALLY HANDS OVER HELICOPTERS TO BELIZE
Two helicopters were donated and handed over to Belize by the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) on Wednesday, April 27th at the BDF Headquarters, Price Barracks, Ladyville. In an official ceremony, the helicopters were officially received from Taiwan’s Ambassador in Belize H.E Benjamin Ho by Minister of National Security Hon. John Saldivar.

The Embassy of Mexico presents "Yucatan Abstract and Reality Peintre"
Happening next Thursday May 5th at SISE House of Culture.

Colorful water toys line the beach north of San Pedro
On Ambergris Caye. I've not yet tried paddle boarding, but would like to do so. With such calm water, and a balmy Caribbean breeze, Belize is a fantastic spot to swim, sail, kayak, snorkel or dive, paddle board, windsurf or kite surf...

Hol Chan Marine Reserve with RC School to celebrate Earth Day 2016
We were pleased to team up with Karina Paz from the RC School to carry out an activity to celebrate Earth Day 2016. A touch tank and some displays were set up at the RC School last Friday and kids got a chance to get up close to some marine organisms. Karina is young and ambitious, she is also volunteer with the Ambergris Caye Marine Turtle Program. Good job Karina!

Belize Welcomes Commonwealth Secretary General
The Government of Belize and people of Belize extend a warm welcome to our fellow Dominican national Baroness Patricia Janet Scotland, Secretary General of the Commonwealth. Baroness Scotland is visiting Belize as a first stop in her official tour to the Commonwealth Caribbean since taking office on April 1, 2016. She arrived today in Belize and will be staying until Monday, May 1st. During her stay, the Secretary General will be meeting with the Prime Minister of Belize Right Honourable Dean Barrow and other senior members of the Government of Belize. She will also take the opportunity to visit the Office of the Organization of American States (OAS) in the Adjacency Zone, where she will be received by the Chief of the OAS Fund for Peace. Baroness Scotland has a distinguished career as an attorney, educator, and public officer. At the age of 35 she was the first black woman to become a Queen's Counsel. In 2007 she was appointed Attorney General in the United Kingdom, making it the first time a woman held that post since it was created in 1315.

Farmers of the Year 2016
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment and Sustainable Development through the Agriculture Department announces this year’s Farmers of the Year winners. This year, the Farmers of the Year reign from the Cayo and Toledo Districts. The male farmer is Ever Blandon of Valley of Peace, Cayo District; the female farmer is Maria Lara of Trio Village, Toledo District; and the junior farmer is Eric Can Jr. of Succotz Village, Cayo District. The National Agriculture and Trade show is an event which has been celebrated since the 1960's. The first one was held in El Cayo which is today known as San Ignacio. Later in 1972, the show moved to the National Agriculture and Trade Show Grounds in Belmopan and one of the most important highlights over the years has been the recognition of the Farmer of the Year.

Belize Welcomes ACP Resolution on Belize Guatemala Dispute
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belize welcomes the Resolution adopted by the Council of Ministers of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group (ACP) on the subject of the Recent Tensions Between Belize and Guatemala. The ACP Council met for their 103rd Session on 26-27 April 2016 in Dakar, Senegal. At the conclusion of their Session on 27th April, the ACP Council of Ministers adopted a Resolution wherein they express their commitment to Belize’s territorial integrity and their concerns over the tensions along Belize’s border with Guatemala, as well as their support for the need for confidence building measures for the Sarstoon River. They also support efforts at finally resolving Guatemala’s claim to Belize at the International Court of Justice, in accordance with the Special Agreement of 2008.

Poets Corner: Saviours!
By Abdulmajeed K Nunez. Will Mejia is our saviour The PM is acting like a beggar Shameless begging the Guatemalans in front of his own citizens He literally diminished his charge I thought he was the Head Niger in charge Molina showcasing that his gonads are large Dean is the leader of the nation And can’t even display true command He should be empowering his people Showing them he appreciate their muscle Instead he’s encouraging cowardice For years Goldson was the lonely voice Dean is not of Goldson's saviour brand He has not the intestinal fortitude true leadership demands Who would go to prison! Dean is would never take the route Goldson chose He’s a coward and needs to be exposed He’d rather suck Morales’s toes Than step on his toes A true leader is bold publicly Then negotiates privately Dean’s demeanour was cowardly, Has he ever been to Sarstoon Caye?

Bad Ting Mek Laugh
KREM Television is proud to launch our two volume collector's edition DVD of its groundbreaking comedy series, 'Bad Ting Mek Laugh'. All the best laughs and the characters you loved in season one are available on this DVD collection! Please INBOX ME to pre-order. DVDs will be available at this year's Agri Show and starting Friday, April 29th at $20 per volume and discounted price of $30 for both DVDs. We need your support for the survival of our network and the production of season two which commences shortly and returns with a bang on Saturday, August 27th. Keep the laughs alive, buy a copy for your DVD library.

Channel 7

Drug Related Double Murder Near Cayo
Two Guatemalan men were murdered in Cayo and police say it was as a result of a drug transaction gone bad. At around 2:00 this afternoon police were called out to a feeder road between miles 69 and 70 on the George Price Highway. They found 2 men dead - with gunshot wounds the head. One was shot once to the head, the other was shot twice. Here's what San Ignacio police said this afternoon. Supt. Richard Rosado, OC - San Ignacio: "On Thursday April 28th, 2016 about 2pm, San Ignacio police received information of two lifeless body on a feeder road off the George Price Highway between mile 69 and 70. Police visited the scene where the lifeless body of two male Hispanic decent individual with apparent gunshot wound to the back of the head were found. Our initial investigation revealed that the two individual are Guatemalan national and based on certain evidential material that were collected at the scene, it bears the characteristic of a drug transaction gone bad. The bodies were transported to the San Ignacio Polyclinic where it awaits a postmortem."

Wil Won't Bend, He's Going To Sarstoon
Last night, BDF Commander, General David Jones told us that he and other high level members of the Foreign Affairs and National Security Ministry were going to Punta Gorda to try to convince Wil Maheia and the Belize Territorial Volunteers not to go to the Sarstoon this weekend.

The Guats Says They Will Stop Wil From Entering Sarstoon
And while Wil Maheia is determined to head down the Sarstoon, the Guatemalans are just as determined to stop him. In an interview with Canal Antigua on Tuesday the Guatemalan Foreign Minister Carlos Morales assured the world that Maheia and the volunteers will be stopped if they attempt to go down the Sarstoon. While making his point he also reiterated the Guatemalan position that it is protocol for our BDF to ask for Guatemalan permission before entering the Sarstoon. The political directorate and the military command have both said they never agreed to any such thing, but Morales held to the hardline. Here are his comments on the upcoming BTV excursion and what the Guatemalans believe to be the status quo of the Sarstoon River.

Alleged Double Murderer's Trial Drawing To A Close
There was a shocking murder in Belize City on the last day of November of 2010. Businessman David Longsworth and Security Guard Edgar Ayala were killed in a very violent gas station armed robbery.

Yard Cutter Perseveres Despite Not Being Able To Use Legs
Have you ever had a really tough day at work, where you just feel like you can’t go anymore? Well after you see our next story, you may think twice about complaining ever again.

FM Morales Disparages BDF
And back now to Belize - Guatemala relations, we revisit a few more of the eyebrow - raising remarks made by the Guatemalan Foreign Minister Carlos Raul Morales in his revealing Canal Antigua interview. He had a lot of derogatory comments about the professionalism of the BDF – and went as far to make the very ugly suggestion that they are actually hunting Guatemalan farmers. Those of us who have been in the Chiquibul know how preposterous that it – when menacing inscriptions such as this have been etched into trees by the Guatemalan bandits who use the Chiquibul as the staging ground for outlaw operations. This one – which we just saw last week says, menacingly, “We are waiting for you.”

Morales Keeping Pressure On
On Monday this week, the Prime Minister reassured the nation that the immediate danger with Guatemala had passed. This was after he met with President Jimmy Morales on Friday and they both agreed to de-escalate tensions after the deployment of troops to the border. But in that same interview with Canal Antigua, Foreign Minister Morales, said that the crisis is not over.

FM Morales Claims Human Rights Violations
So on that same note, Guatemala is pushing to have Belize taken before the Inter-American Court of Human Rights. This is apart from pushing for a trial against the soldier responsible for the death of 13 year old Julio Alvarado. In that same extended interview with Foreign Minister Carlos Morales, he highlighted steps that his Government is taking to present a complaint before the Human Rights Commission.

Belize Looks To Commonwealth
And while that’s where the Guatemalans are going – Belize is looking to the Commonwealth for a diplomatic boost. The Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Baroness Patricia Janet Scotland, is in Belize tonight – her first stop on a tour of the Commonwealth Caribbean. She’ll stay through to Monday, and on Monday, the Prime Minister announced that Belize would be seeking diplomatic support through her office:

ACP Nations Support Belize
Belize is also looking to the ACP – or African, Caribbean and Pacific countries – for support. That’s a bloc of 79 nations which held their 103rd session in Senegal on April 26th and 27th.

Jazzfest Features Cultural Creators
Tonight, performers like Sweet Chico Ramos, Supa G, and Bredda David are getting ready for their weekend on the big stage at the New Orleans Jazz Festival. But Belize’s presentation at the jazzfest isn’t all about music; there’s an entire Belize pavilion where select artisans are also given their chance to shine. Courtney Weatherburne visited with them over the weekend:…

Canadians Help Mitigate Disasters
The Canadian High Commissioner to Belize Deborah Chatsis, was in country today to visit several Canadian projects. One of them was the Indigenous conference which we told you about yesterday. But while in the city today, she stopped by at the HelpAge Center on Wilson Street to present commemorative plaques to three disaster reduction projects which her government funded in 2013. It is a regional initiative that the Canadian Government heads in the Caribbean and the Belize projects received some $200 thousand Canadian dollars worth of funding. The three organizations that received funding for disaster prevention projects were Helpage, NAVCO and SATIIM.

Farmers First
We often take for granted those fresh vegetables and fruits that you buy at the market. But for every shiny sweet pepper, every glowing tomato, and every full head of lettuce, someone had to wake up before dawn every morning for months to tend soil, and nurture the plant. That's the job of a farmer, and every year the Ministry of Agriculture gives the best of them special recognition. Junior Farmer Eric Can Jr. is one of them selected this year, and he spoke to the government press office about the passion that drives him to keep on farming. Female Farmer of the Year was Maria Lara from Trio Village in the Toledo District; and Male Senior farmer was Ever Blandon from Valley of Peace.

Channel 5

A Firsthand Look at the B.D.F./Guatemalan Sarstoon Encounter in March
There was a double murder today in the west and we will come to that shortly, but events of national importance in the Sarstoon continue to dominate the news. Tonight, [...]

9 B.D.F. Soldiers Face Disciplinary Charges Following Sarstoon Standoff
Following that dangerous encounter, nine Belize Defense Force soldiers, including Sergeant Kib and Lance Corporal Zuniga, who were assigned to the construction site where the Sarstoon Forward Operating Base was [...]

Sarstoon Trip Still A Go Despite Official Effort to Dissuade Territorial Volunteers
This afternoon, Ministry of Foreign Affairs C.E.O. Lawrence Sylvestre, with military leaders General David Jones and Admiral John Borland attempted to dissuade representatives of the Belize Territorial Volunteers from going [...]

NTV Won’t Accompany Southern Counterpart to Sarstoon
Today at the meeting the BTV was joined by representatives of the Northern Territorial Volunteers, headquartered in Orange Walk. The mandate of the NTV is to increase awareness of our [...]

De la Fuente Says BTV Provoking Guatemalans is Absurd
De la Fuente says that where the trip to the Sarstoon is concerned, any aggression from the Guatemalans will be a result of the weakness of government’s position now and [...]

Double Murder in Cayo, Was it Drug-related?
There was a double murder today in the west off the cutoff to the garbage dump near Misty Meadow Farms. Two Guatemalan nationals were found murdered off a feeder road [...]

Has a Preliminary Report on Chiquibul Been Completed?
The attempt by Guatemala to inspire international outrage against Belize following last Wednesday incident in the Chiquibul continues unabated. In an interview we aired on Wednesday, Foreign Minister Carlos Raul [...]

NTV Won’t Accompany Southern Counterpart to Sarstoon
Today at the meeting the BTV was joined by representatives of the Northern Territorial Volunteers, headquartered in Orange Walk. The mandate of the NTV is to increase awareness of our [...]

De la Fuente’s Two Cents on Guatemala’s Anti-Belize PR Campaign
We also asked De la Fuente to weigh in on Guatemala’s obvious intent to wage a PR war against Belize. The incident in which Guatemalan minor Julio Alvarado Ruano was [...]

Indigenous Communities Affected by Guatemala’s High-handed Sarstoon Stance
The abrupt decision by Guatemala to exercise sovereignty over the Sarstoon River is an infraction which contravenes the rights of the indigenous communities of southern Belize.  Barranco, the southernmost village [...]

Threat to Torch Western Border Offices Explained
Following the shooting death of thirteen-year-old Julio Alvarado Ruano last Wednesday, Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales announced that the western and southern borders with Belize would be militarized.  As tensions built [...]

Trial of Accused Murderer Ervin Reneau Continues in Supreme Court
The murder trial of Ervin Reneau, accused of the November, 2010 murder of two Belize City men, Security Guard Edgar Ayala and David Longsworth is nearing an end. Both were [...]

Canadian High Commission Donates to Belizean Organizations
Three organizations were recognized today as beneficiaries of the Canada Caribbean Disaster Risk Management Fund. HelpAge Belize, NAVCO and SATIIM have all completed on disaster relief, funded by the Canadian [...]

Academic Opportunities in Canada
Canadian High Commissioner Deborah Chatsis is visiting from Guatemala where the High Commission is located. Her visit coincides with the ongoing Caribbean Conference on Indigenous Peoples and she has taken [...]

Commonwealth Secretary General Arrives in Belize
Baroness Patricia Janet Scotland is the Secretary General of the Commonwealth. She arrived today in Belize on a first visit since her assumption of the post. It is also her [...]

ACP Countries Support Resolution of Guatemalan Claim at ICJ
The Council of Ministers of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group known as the ACP was convened on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week in Dakar, Senegal. Ambassador Dylan Vernon [...]

ITVET Hosts Open House
It is safe to say that the ITVET is a story of success. Enrollment has been growing and so is the selection of programs offered. At an open house today [...]

50 Cal Prepares for Belize/Guatemala Bout
Belize and Guatemala has been constantly in the news cycle the past two weeks.  While the leaders of the two countries are de-escalating tensions at the border, things are actually [...]

Farmers of the Year are Here!
The National Agriculture and Trade Show takes place this weekend at the show grounds in Belmopan.  Thousands are expected to converge there for the event which begins on Friday and [...]

Healthy Living Looks at Polio
Vaccination week in the Americas and across the region; the focus is on countries to expand their coverage of immunization for infants and children. In Belize we have boasted for [...]

CTV3

BTV Unable To Meet With International Media
Today Will Mejia of the Belize Territorial Volunteers and Orlando De La Fuente of the Northern Territorial Volunteers were scheduled to be interviewed by three media houses from Guatemala: Prensa Libre, Canal Antigua and El Diario. The interview was programmed to take place on the Belize side of the Sarstoon but according to Mejia, at the last minute the Guatemalan press asked for a change of venue and asked for them to travel into Guatemala, a request which Mejia refused. Will Mejia- Leader BTV: “We agree that we would meet at the Belize side of the border and they called back and said that if we could meet on their side and I am totally in disagreement with that and I am sure is Orlando that meeting don’t seem that it will happen unless they decide to come over to Belize but as of now that is not happening because I am not going to go to Guatemala if they want to talk to us they would have to come to Belize.”

PlusTV

OAS: Lambey marked for death by Guatemalans
A preliminary report from the Organization of American States appears to confirm that Staff Sergeant Richard Lambey was deliberately ambushed by armed Guatemalan civilians near a watering hole in the Chiquibul forest on Holy Saturday, March 26. They apparently wanted to kill him. We hear more from B...

OAS to Conduct Independent Investigation into the Death of Guatemalan Minor
Meanwhile, the Organization of American States (OAS) will conduct, at the request of the governments of Belize and Guatemala, an independent investigation of the April 20 incident that led to the death of the Guatemalan minor Julio René Alvarado Ruano and in which his father and brother were wounded...

Drive by shooting in Belmopan
A drive by shooting in the Belmopan Area has left one man in a critical condition. On Tuesday the 26th of April, shots were heard coming from the Salvapan Area of Belmopan. Reports are that 24 year old Jose Alberto Marquez was standing on the corner of St. Peter’s Street in Salvapan when a black car...

Taiwan hands over BDF helicopters
The Belize Defence Force (BDF) is now the proud owner of two Huey rotary wing helicopters assembled by a 17-member team from the Republic of China (Taiwan)’s military and donated by its Government. As previously noted by commander of the BDF, Brigadier General David Jones, it has long been a ...

Recalled Guatemalan Ambassador says Belize is the aggressor
Guatemalan Presidetn Jimmy morales recalled the Guatemalan Ambassador to Belize, , Manuel Roldan Barillas for consultation following the death of an illegal Guatemalan in Belizean territory. According to an article in Guatemalan newspaper, Prensa Libre, Ambassador Roldan granted them an interview ...

“Don’t worry” about new British-Guatemalan attaché
The United Kingdom, and particularly the British Army Training Support Unit Belize (BATSUB), has long been regarded as a line of first defense for Belize, its former dependency. News of an up-tick in the number of British forces training in Belize over the next few years, reported last year, bolster...

Leaders hope BTV listen to “ reason”
Can the Government of Belize convince the Belize Territorial Volunteers not to go to the Sarstoon for their commemorative event on Saturday? It appears a tall order, but Belize’s top military leaders, past and present, intend to take a stab at it on Thursday in Punta Gorda Town. Brigadier General Da...

The Guardian

BDF has new helicopters
Belize Defense Force’s B-11 and B-12 aircrafts are now officially airborne and are transporting soldiers to the most remote parts of the country. His Excellency Benjamin Ho, Ambassador of the Republic of China-Taiwan, handed over the two UH1H helicopters to Hon. John Saldivar, Minister of National Security, on Wednesday, April 27, at Price Barracks. Since the British Government pulled out its helicopters being used by the British Army Training and Support Unit in Belize (BATSUB) in 2012, the Government of Belize had been calling on allies to provide air support for its troops. Requests went out to the Governments of the United States, Taiwan, Canada and others. When it appeared that those request were falling on deaf ears, in 2014 the Government of Belize gave Brigadier General David Jones, Commandant of the BDF, a mission to scout and find helicopters to be purchased by the Government. After checking numerous sources, the prices ranged from US$8 million to US$12 million. These were significantly beyond the reach of government’s budget. General Jones decided to turn his sights from the military type choppers to the type of civilian machines that are cheaper. This resulted in an interest in two refurbished Bell 206 helicopters that were being sold in Florida. After inspecting the vessels and evaluating the purchase, a decision was made to stand down. Around this same time, the Government of Taiwan expressed a willingness to support the Air Wing of the Belize Defense Force.

7 months sentence for killing her husband
A hot topic on the streets and on social media on Tuesday was the conclusion of the Kim Brannon, 45, murder trial. Brannon’s trial concluded on Monday, April 25, with an eight year sentence by Justice Troadio John Gonzalez after she was convicted of chopping her common-law-husband to death on December 13, 2008 and lying to police about his cause of death. She reported to police that a group of men killed Anthony Herrera after they invaded their home looking for drugs and found none. Police investigation into the claim by Brannon led to nowhere. There was no evidence to support the story. Instead, all evidence was pointing towards her. Police arrested Brannon and charged her with the murder of her common-law-husband. She chose to stick to her story during trial. She told the court that a group of men came to their Burrell Boom home looking for drugs they thought Herrera had that belonged to them. When Herrera did not come up with the drugs, they chopped him up and left him to die. Brannon was spared by the men. The jury did not believe her story as the evidence presented by the prosecution proved beyond a reasonable doubt that she was responsible for Herrera’s death.

Escalation and De-escalation of tensions between Belize and Guatemala
It made the headlines on all the local media houses when the sudden escalation of tensions between Belize and Guatemala unfolded late last week. So, if readers are wondering how things got so out-of-hand so quickly to the point that there was almost an armed confrontation between militaries of both countries, we’ve put together a timeline of events. While the nation was focused on the opening of the Sarstoon Forward Operating Base a joint patrol of BDF soldiers and rangers from the Friends for Conservation and Development were in the Chiquibul Forest in an area known as Cebada. That was around 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 20, and the patrol was located 380 meters east of the Border in Western Belize. They had only just detained a Guatemalan man because he was conducting illegal farming about 2 hours earlier. The BDF say that they came under hostile fire in the dark, and they were forced to defend themselves. They took aim in the direction from where the gunshots had been fired, and they returned fire. 13 year-old Julio Rene Alvarado Ruano was killed, and his 11 year-old brother Carlos Alvarado Ruano Jr. was injured along with his 48 year-old father Carlos Alvarado Ruano Sr. They managed to flee the area and they received medical treatment at a hospital in Melchor De Mencos.

Belize’s internet providers make history
All Internet providers in Belize have come together to form a non-profit company called the Belize Internet Exchange Point (BIXP) in order to vastly improve internet based services in the country. BIXP was launched on Wednesday, April 16, making Belize the only country in the Caribbean in which all Internet providers are connecting at the same exchange point. An Internet exchange point is a physical infrastructure through which Internet service providers and content delivery networks exchange Internet traffic between their networks. Before the BIXP switch was flipped, traffic from Belize had to go through international points. At the launch on Wednesday, Bevil Wooding, Internet Strategist contracted by the Public Utilities Commission, did his best to explain the importance of a local internet exchange point to a group of laymen. “Imagine you want to get sugar across the fence to your neighbour,” said Wooding, “you had to take the sugar, put it on a plane to Miami and from Miami it would be shipped back to your neighbour.” One does not need to be genius to understand how inefficient that is. “With BIXP,” explained Wooding, “you can now take that sugar and hand it to your neighbour across the fence.”

Belize/Guatemala: OAS will Conduct Independent Investigation into the Death of Guatemalan Minor
The Organization of American States (OAS) will conduct, at the request of the governments of Belize and Guatemala, an independent investigation of the April 20 incident that led to the death of the Guatemalan minor Julio René Alvarado Ruano and in which his father and brother were wounded. The Secretary General of the OAS, Luis Almagro, after receiving formal requests from both governments, confirmed to authorities from the two countries that he will proceed immediately with the identification and deployment of the appropriate experts to carry out the investigation as soon as possible. At the request of both sides, the investigation will be carried out independently from the work of verification taking place at this time.

Justice for Christie! Life Imprisonment for Osmar Sabido
“If you do something you need to pay for what you have done, especially to an innocent person,” said a relieved Marie Carrasco after her daughter’s killer was sentenced to life in prison on Tuesday, April 26. Family and friends of the late Christie Carrasco, 22, finally have a sense of closure after Justice Herbert Lord ruled that her killer must spend the rest of his life behind bars for causing her untimely death. Carrasco, of a San Lorenzo Housing Site address in Orange Walk, was killed on Monday, February 28, 2011, the night of a wake for her 103-year-old great grandmother. According to reports, she was with her family that night mourning the loss of her great grandmother but she was constantly being harrassed by her common-law-husband, Osmar Sabido, 27-years-old at the time. Relatives say that Sabido was an extremely possessive individual who always wanted Christie with him.

Bastic busted with weed
Belizean artist Leslie Jenkins, 26, better known as Bastic, must pay a fine in order to avoid jail time after he was convicted of drug possession on Monday, April 25. According to police, at about 1:18 a.m. on Saturday, April 23, police on foot patrol were passing Ambassador’s Lounge on Hyde’s Lane when they saw Jenkins release an object from inside his left hand. The officers approached and retrieved a bag which contained marijuana. The officers apprehended Jenkins and escorted him to the police station where the weed was weighed in his presence. It amounted to 6.8 grams of weed. He was charged for possession of a controlled drug.

Joseph Budna, prisoner in Guatemala, claims he was beaten because he is Belizean
Joseph Budna, the 38 year-old Belizean currently serving prison time in Guatemala for a conviction of kidnapping and escape, is trying to recover from injuries he suffered in the Guatemalan facility. It is believed that he was attacked by fellow inmates as a means of retaliation for the death of 13 year-old Julio Alvarado Ruano, who was fatally injured by the BDF on Wednesday, April 20. Guatemalan press reports say that it happened on Sunday, April 24, at Section 5 of the prison. A spokesperson for the prison says that 10 persons were caught in the middle of a brawl. 3 of those persons suffered stab wounds, and 2 more were injured. There is no official word on whether Budna was only beaten up - which is unfortunate by itself - or if he was also stabbed in the prison brawl.

Man detained in Cebada before killing of 13 year old boy pleads guilty to illegal entry
Jose Maria Antonio Reyes who was detained on Wednesday of last week just before the shooting death of a 13 year old boy in the Cebada area of the Chiquibul was arraigned in Magistrate’s court in San Ignacio. He was charged with illegal entry by the Immigration department. When he appeared in court on Monday April 25, he pleaded guilty to the charge and was fined 1,500 dollars plus 5 dollars cost of court which he was able to pay. He was then released into the custody of the immigration department which ordered him to leave Belize.

A BTV army?
On Monday we were treated to the airing of a very strange Press Statement via television. It was one that came from the Belize Territorial Volunteers (BTV) through one of it’s members, being the very vocal Patrick Rogers, who is also the leader of the Belize Progressive Party (BPP) .The BTV and the BPP have a very close relationship. Some say it is not a close relationship at all and that is because the BTV and BPP are one and the same. We may very well be inclined to believe those persons, because whenever we see either the BTV or the BPP it is the same individuals we see. In the aforementioned statement presented by Rogers he announced that the BTV will be employing the services of retired military personnel to train ordinary Belizeans to be on the ready to assist Belize’s security forces. For us, this sounds very much like the BTV/BPP will be getting its own army of mercenaries. He went on to further state that they were advising the government to take up the size of the BDF to 10,000 members and to take up the active volunteer members of the BDF to 20,000. These volunteer members will be available to join with the regular members should the need arise as the result of external aggression from Guatemala .

Transformation continues in Dangriga
The battle cry of the UDP in the last general elections was, “Let the Transformation Continue.” Indeed the transformation is evident here. Without a doubt, the old adage “Progress brings problems,” more often than not in some cases, proves to be accurate. The Dangriga UDP Town Council certainly is not immune to that old saying. While many say “we can’t eat cement streets,” a perfect response to the rhetoric would be to ask motorists and cab drivers their opinion. Motorists and cab drivers would definitely attest to the fact that previously they were spending hundreds of dollars replacing shocks, struts and other mechanical parts to their vehicles before the streets were paved. Phase Two of Dangriga’s Municipal Development Project is well underway with the paving of Gadsby Ramos Street and Trucking Boulevard from its intersection to George Price Drive. The highly trafficked streets connecting Dangriga proper to First and Second New Sites will be paved with double chip and seal paving. At each of the intersections, it will be triple chip and seal paving. Since these streets are mostly utilized by students during the morning rush hours, the project will be complete with proper sidewalks, pedestrian crossings, drainage,and speed bumps. Upon completion, it is expected that the area prone to flooding and drainage issues during the rainy season will be alleviated.

The route to the International Court of Justice
Experts and Organizations from both Belize and abroad are increasingly suggesting that the International Court of Justice is a viable route to take for the attainment of peace and tranquility between Belize and Guatemala. These suggestions have only been strengthened by the recent unfortunate incidents on Belize’s border with Guatemala. As the main judicial organ of the United Nations-UN, the International Court of Justice ICJ based in the Hague turned 70 on Wednesday of last week, having kept the peace at such diverse places as Africa and South America. Originally the Court was busy with land or maritime boundary issues, but from the 80s it has been called upon to deal with disputes concerning the use of force between States. The ICJ – the successor to the Permanent Court of International Justice – began its work in April 1946, in the aftermath of World War II. It comprises 15 judges, who are each elected for nine-year terms by the UN General Assembly and the Security Council. Today the World Court is tasked with settling legal disputes submitted by States and with giving advisory opinions on legal questions that authorized UN and specialized agencies refer to it.

Johnny remembers the old snakes that bit him
There is an old phrase that goes like this “once one is bitten by a snake, one then becomes afraid of lizards.” And by the way the PUP leader has been getting rid of people, we can only believe that he was bitten by quite a few snakes during those three years when he was the leader of the PUP the first time around from 2008 to 2011. It seems like anybody in that party, anyone who dares to show that they have one iota of having a spine, will get down and smashed to a pulp. The latest PUP to suffer that faith at the hands of Johnny has been former Ambassador Dr. Assad Shoman. Now it is not that we are any fans of Shoman, but we have to admit that the gentleman speaks his mind and in a sense he is a scholar when it comes to the Belize\Guatemala relations. This gentleman is a Lawyer by training, so he understands legal jargon. He has been engaged in some sort of a way on the Belize\Guatemala scene for around FORTY-TWO years. Many of those years he was either Belize’s Foreign Minister, Ambassador or some sort of Point-man for the PUP. Assad has also done a great deal of research, has written and published those writings on the topic.

Maximum fine for Noh Mul destruction
Denny Grijalva, his wife, Emelda, his employee, Javier Nunez, and his business, De-Mars Stone Company, have been handed the maximum penalties under the law for the destruction the Noh Mul Maya Temple in San Pablo Village, Orange Walk. Each defendant has to pay fines to a total of $6,000 each. That’s a total of $24,000 that these convicted persons have to compensate the Government for the destruction of this Natural monument. Their sentencing hearing happened on Thursday, April 21 in the Belize City court room of Chief Magistrate Ann Marie Smith. She allowed the prosecutor, Leeroy Banner, to call Dr. John Morris, the Director of Archaeology at the National Institute of Culture and History (NICH), to stand. The purpose of his sworn testimony, after the case had concluded, was to provide an impact statement, as the aggrieved party in this destruction. Dr. Morris explained to the court that the destruction at Noh Mul site was complete, and their attempts to salvage whatever cultural or archaeological knowledge after the fact was fruitless. He told the court that it is not possible to put a value on the destruction of a Mayan Archaeological site such as this one. He also pointed out that this destruction has caused the country of Belize quite a bit of negative publicity because of the Government’s inability to protect natural patrimony as important as this Mayan Archaeological site.

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 makes up the Belize Softball Federation in August for the National Women’s Softball Championship.

Instigation & Provocation: Analysis of the recent crisis
Guatemala’s deployment of troops at the border is indeed a cause for deep concern. Who and what caused the escalation? The crisis? That is the question we need to be asking ourselves! Knowing what caused the problems may very well prevent future difficulties; especially with BTV’s April 30 plans. Our first and best clue comes from Brackett’s Freudian slip: “What is actually restraining our officials from escalating this issue?” The anti-good government group had hoped to use the issue to gain sympathy votes at election time. They did get PUP, BPP, VIP, and a very few Union leaders, although not the rank and file; to jump on the band wagon. They had no problem recruiting some so-called ‘media personalities.’ Mose gave birth to, and then nursed; a personal beef so he was extremely easy. He also brought along the tiny fraction of his staff who shamelessly call themselves ‘Kremites.’ Mai made sure that Channel 5 and the rabid PUP sympathizers, were on board. The losing parties – PUP, BPP, VIP, TPP…were all well represented. Perez, another rabid PUP, secured a seat on the wagon for SATIM. So-called activists’ groups,’ headed by failed partisan political candidates like Wil and De-la-Fuente were only too happy to jump on board also.

Rare hump back whale dies after being caught in gill net
After struggling in Belizean waters for approximately a month or a little more, a 30-foot long Humpback whale died off the coast of Barranco Village on Monday, April 25. It is believed that it struggled to death after having been caught in gill nets in those southern waters of the Caribbean Sea. As readers are aware, Barranco Village is one of the last locations in Toledo just before reaching the Southern Border of the Sarstoon River. It is well-known that illegal fishing occurs in those parts, and the scientists from Oceana Belize believe that these nets were set by illegal Guatemalan fisher folks. Oceana Belize’s investigation into the whale’s last days alive is that there were multiple sightings of it in the waters near the Big Creek Port, Sciopio Caye, the Port Honduras Marine Reserve, and Riversdale.

Words of Life with Barry Fraser
Many of our youth are involved in drugs, alcohol, and behaviors inspired by movies and television shows. These portray a fast pace life that is throwing away our traditional values and morals. Many parents have done all they know to raise their kids right, but their children follow their friends, rather than the values their parents gave them. For those who have younger children, you still have a chance to lay a foundation for a happy, harmonious family. Children and youth need their parents’ love, time, and attention. Even with older children and youth, it’s not too late to give them these essentials. There is a promise in Isaiah 54:13, “All your children will be taught by the Lord God, and great will be their peace.” Pray to God for your children, and believe that the Holy Spirit will direct them.

Man crushed at Santander
A man has been crushed by heavy equipment at Santander. Guatemalan driver, Luis Felipe Rivera at Santander Sugar Mill and resident on the same compound, reported that on Monday of this week at 11:52 am, he was driving a harvester machine when he accidentally went over another fellow worker. The machine that the 21 year old Luis Felipe drives processes cane by first chopping it, and then taking the material through another chopping area into the thrash extractor, where it is then pulled up the elevator into the trailer. Luis Rivera was alerted by a co-worker driving a tractor that was pulling the trailer, who informed that a human body was on the elevator of his machine. Luis Felipe immediately stopped and made checks and discovered the lifeless body of a Hispanic descent male person on the elevator. The human body had a crushed head, with both feet and hands cut off, and a large cut to the abdomen area.

Darrell Mayen, Jr. gets 8 years for attempted murder
Darrell Mayen Jr., 22, has been sentenced to 8 years imprisonment after he was convicted of the attempted murder of Rafael Caceres, a 32-year-old tour guide, by Justice Troadio Gonzalez in a trial without jury on Friday, February 12. Mayen was accused of trying to kill Rafael Caceres back in August of 2010. The incident occurred on August 21, 2010, at the corner of Woodpecker Street and Fabers Road. Caceres was shot at several times but only one shot caught him in the back. The bullet left him crippled for life but he survived. During the trial, Caceres testified that he had just left a Chinese shop and was heading home walking on Woodpecker Street when he realized that someone was behind him. When he looked back he saw Mayen pointing a gun at him from a distance of seven to eight feet. Caceres began to run and Mayen opened fire. As he tried to jump over a fence, Caceres said he felt a burning sensation and knew that he had been shot. He fell to the ground and while he was lying there Mayen stood over him and fired four more shots at him. Caceres was able to positively identify Mayen as his shooter that day.

Tyrone Myers Accused of Burglary
Tyrone Myers, 26, has been charged with one count of burglary after police lifted his finger prints from the home of Matthias Mariano, which was broken into on February 1, 2016. According to police report, between 8:15 and 9:15 p.m. on Monday, February 1, Mariano’s home at #4135 Curassow Street was burglarized and his Samsung cellular phone was stolen. CIB scenes of crime personnel visited the area and fingerprints were lifted from the scene. They matched that of Tyrone Myers who was later arrested and charged with burglary.

San Pedro Tiger Sharks in basketball finals for third straight year
The 2016 National Elite Basketball League will commence its championship round, which will utilise the best of three format on Friday 29th April, at the Belize Elementary School Auditorium between the top seed in this year’s competition, the Smart Belize Hurricanes and the two- time defending champions the San Pedro Tiger Sharks. On Thursday 21st April, out at the University of Belize Gymnasium in the City of Belmopan, the two- time defending champions, the San Pedro Tiger Sharks defeated the number two seed into the playoffs the Belmopan Bandits by the score of 58-55. The top scorers for the San Pedro Tiger Sharks were Tyrone Edwards who experienced his best offensive game this year, when he scored 19 points, 4 assists and 3 steals; Gene Myvett contributed 11 points, 10 rebounds, 5 steals and 2 assists; Andrew Ortiz who scored 10 points and had 12 rebounds.

C-Ray held cycling event
The C-Ray Cycling club in conjunction with Smart held a cycling race on Sunday 24th April, 2016. The race commenced and concluded in front of Leslie’s Imports at Mile 2 on the George Price Highway. The Elite Race started at 8:00 am where some 30 cyclists travelled to mile 35 and then back to Leslie’s Imports. In the elite category, the first rider to cross the finish line was Giovanni Lovell of Digicell 4G Elite. Lovell received $350.00 for his first place finish. The second rider to cross the finish line was Henry Moriera of Smart and he received $250.00, third place went to Tarique Flowers of Benny’s Megabytes and he received $150.00 for his prize, fourth place went to Phillip Leslie of Benny’s Megabytes and he received $100.00 while fifth place went to David Henderson of Benny’s Megabytes and he received $75.00 for his prize. The other finishers in the elite category included Joel Borland of Digicell 4G Elite and he was followed by Erwin Middleton also of Digicell 4G Elite, and he was followed by Quinton Hamilton who is unattached and he was followed by Angel Tzib of BECOL and then by Mark Staine of Smart.

Farron Louriano National Elite Basketball League regular season Most Valuable Player
The National Elite Basketball League has released the names of the players who have captured the Individual Awards during the 2016 Season. The league’s top scorer was Farron Louriano from the Smart Belize Hurricanes who averaged 21.48 points per game. The leading rebounder was Macario Augustine from the Dangriga Warriors and he grabbed 14.46 rebounds per game. Gene Myvett from the San Pedro Tiger Sharks captured the Most Assists title, and his total is 4.67 assists per game. The Coach of the Year award went to Dangriga Warriors’ Matthew Smiling, while Macario Augustine was also named the Defensive Player of the Year. The Rookie of the Year award went to Smart Belize Hurricanes’ Glency Lopez. The prestigious Most Valuable Player Award for the regular seas went to Farron Louriano of the Smart Belize Hurricanes.

Muslim Community girls and St. John’s Primary boys won Belize City Primary Schools Softball
The 2015-2016 Belize City Primary Schools Softball competition came to an end on Monday 25th April, 2016, with the championship game in both the girls’ and boys’ competition. In the girls’ championship game, Muslim Community School edged out St. Luke Methodist School by the score of 5-4. The winning pitcher was Misty Ciego and the losing pitcher was Samantha Foreman. In the boys’ championship game, St. John’s Primary School defeated St. Luke Methodist School by the score of 10-3. The winning pitcher was Maleek Wagner and the losing pitcher was Christopher Hower. On Thursday 21st April, three games in the semi-final round were played at the Rogers Stadium. In the first of two games in the girls’ competition, Muslim Community School eliminated Central Christian School by the score of 24-4. The winning pitcher was Misty Ciego and the losing pitcher was Leonelli Sedacy.

Crooked Tree Government School girls and St. Luke Methodist School boys capture Belize District Primary Schools Softball title
The 2015-2016 Belize District Primary Schools Softball competition came to an end on Wednesday 27th April, 2016, at Rogers Stadium with the championship being played in both the girls and boys competition. In the girls’ championship game, Crooked Tree Government School defeated Belize Rural Primary School by the score of 5-2 to re-capture the Belize District Primary Schools Softball Title. The winning pitcher for Crooked Tree Government School was Amanda Gillett while the losing pitcher was Sandy Moody. In the first game played, Crooked Tree Government School won over Muslim Community School by the score of 10-8. The winning pitcher was Kyra Gillett and the losing pitcher was Misty Ciego. In game two, Belize Rural Primary School defeated St. Luke Methodist School by the score of 6-1. The winning pitcher was Sandy Moody and the losing pitcher was Samantha Foreman.

Breaking Belize News

African, Caribbean and Pacific Group issues resolution on Belize-Guatemala dispute
The Council of Ministers of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group (ACP) issued a resolution today in support of Belize as it relates to the recent tensions with Guatemala as a result of the death of a Guatemalan minor who was shot by the […]

Two Guatemalan nationals murdered in suspected drug transaction
Details are only starting to emerge and information is still hard to come by but reports from Benque Viejo del Carmen indicate that two men, both Guatemalan nationals, were shot to death a short time ago in a suspected drug transaction gone bad. Breaking […]

Interview cancelled by Guatemalan press after Wil Maheia refuses to do it on Guatemalan soil
According to information reaching our news room, an interview with Wil Maheia of the Belize Territorial Volunteers (BTV) and Orlando De La Fuente of the Northern Territorial Volunteers (NTV) was cancelled by Guatemalan news reporters this morning. Maheia stated that the interview with Guatemala’s […]

Mainly fair, warm and dry weather prevails
The National Meteorological Service of Belize is predicting sunny skies with cloudy spells today and partly cloudy skies tonight with little or no rainfall. Winds will be blowing from the East-Southeast at 10-20 knots and the sea state will be moderate. High temperatures today […]

Blogs

A Trip Up To Camp: Cayo Frances Farm & Fly – Dogs and SUPs
Yesterday I headed up to camp. The almost-open Cayo Frances Farm & Fly Fishing camp on the leeward side of the island. Not just a farm, not just a fly fishing hang-out but a beautiful spot for reading, camp fires, hammock lounging, sunsets, star gazing, S’mores and now SUPs and kayaks. (My overnight trip.) Up past “Secret Beach” and passing the gorgeous sand bars to a little cut in the mangroves- an entrance to the huge Cayo Frances lagoon. We pulled up to the dock and unloaded. And I went over to admire the new paddle boards and kayaks. And they boards to admire…good grief they are gorgeous. Made by the company, Boteboards. Many set up for fishing…some just for paddling. What a super fun way to go out into the lagoon or out to one of the sandbars for lounging.

He was emaciated and scared...meeting Kamal
The first time I held Kamal was on January 28, 2016. He was a young spider monkey confiscated from the illegal pet trade, and estimated to be about eight months old, very similar in age to Cas, the other young spider monkey in the Primate Rehabilitation Centre at Wildtracks. During my first two and a half months at Wildtracks, before Kamal arrived, I was a part of the six-person Nurseryteam caring for Cas and the other nursery monkeys. Cas was thriving at Wildtracks, learning new life skills and gaining more confidence every day. After working with Cas, meeting Kamal the day after his confiscation was a shock - he was emaciated, scared, and extremely confused. He had a bad case of scabies that left him with no hair on his tail, arms, and legs, and a bloated belly from worms. It is very hard to put the experience into words. He felt fragile, weak, and uncomfortable. He was nothing but skin and bones. During the initial transfer from Emma (who provided the first hours of care for him) to me, he was very upset. He settled after a few minutes, but every new movement I made was unsettling for him. The good news, however, was that he had been removed from the environment that had resulted in his condition, and he could now begin his recovery.

Mayan Temples of Belize - A Short Guide
The Mayan Civilization dates as far back as 2,600 BC, making the Maya people the oldest ethnic group in Belize. This ancient civilization is regarded for their highly developed writing system, sophisticated calendar, and elaborate architecture. One of the most recognizable and unique accomplishments of the Mayas are the structures found at Mayan Sites across Belize. These sites were once ceremonial and administrative centers, which featured plazas, ball courts, market places, and large temples used in various ancient ceremonies and practices. Today, they are frequented by locals and visitors who explore the now uninhabited location, learn about the history of the Mayas that once occupied the area, and of course, ascend atop the Mayan Temples. But, before someone ventures up one of these temples, it’s advised to be well-prepared for the adventure. Exploring Mayan Temples can prove to be challenging without the proper footwear. It’s recommended to wear a comfortable, yet durable pair of sneakers. Cool, light clothing are ideal options for all the exploration that will be done. Don’t forget to keep hydrated with a refreshing bottle of water. Packing fly repellent is a wise choice, considering the proximity to the Belizean jungle. Additionally, don’t forget to bring along your camera to record your journey. There are approximately 20 excavated Mayan Sites, with hundreds estimated to remain undiscovered. If you are not sure which Mayan Site to visit, here’s a list of several sites definitely worth exploring on your journey across Belize.

International Sources

OAS to conduct independent investigation into death of Guatemalan minor in Belize adjacency zone
WASHINGTON, USA -- The Organization of American States (OAS) will conduct, at the request of the governments of Belize and Guatemala, an independent investigation of the April 20 incident that led to the death of the Guatemalan minor Julio René Alvarado Ruano and in which his father and brother were wounded. The secretary general of the OAS, Luis Almagro, after receiving formal requests from both governments, confirmed to authorities from the two countries that he will proceed immediately with the identification and deployment of the appropriate experts to carry out the investigation as soon as possible. At the request of both sides, the investigation will be carried out independently from the work of verification taking place at this time.

Belize at the New Orleans Jazz Festival
What an incredible week this has been! After more than 6 months working with the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival to bring more than 50 Belizean artists and musicians to perform at this year's festival, I'm so proud and happy to see the warm reception our artists have been getting each time they've taken the stage. Thank you Jazz Fest!!! Thank you New Orleans!!! Looking forward to another great weekend of music!

The legacy of Deepwater Horizon
In Belize, not long after the Deepwater Horizon explosion, it was discovered that the government had made massive oil exploration concessions throughout Belizean waters, including areas inside natural monuments, marine reserves and national parks. Offshore drilling in Belize would threaten the country’s seven World Heritage Sites and the Belizean Barrier Reef, part of the second largest reef system in the world. In 2011, Oceana co-founded the Belize Coalition to Save Our National Heritage – an alliance that included 40 different groups. The Coalition collected and delivered 18,000 signatures to the Governor General’s office calling for a referendum on offshore drilling and exploration. When its petition was denied, the coalition instead organized an election of their own. The resultant “People’s Referendum” brought out more than 30,000 Belizeans, and 95 percent of them opposed offshore drilling. Unable to ignore public pressure, the government announced last December that it intended to impose a permanent ban on offshore oil exploration along the Belizean barrier reef system and within the country's seven World Heritage Sites.

New addition at Primitive Designs
In 2015, Rhonda and Ron Dacey took on a personal project in Caye Caulker, Belize – a place that is near and dear to their family's heart. The project is called Little Stars and it is to support the only affordable pre-school on the island. The principal is a single parent who often covers expenses out of pocket for the pre-school, and it is severely underfunded - meaning that they do not have money to cover daily expenses, and that often students go without daily necessities like food or water. The money raised for the project has been covering renovations on the bathroom, playground, interior, water systems and more - making it a beautiful staple piece on the island and bringing attention to much needed action in the area.

CARICOM Countries Seeks Ways to Strengthen Social Security
Countries within the region are strategizing ways to ensure sustainability of their respective social security schemes. Minister of Labour and National Insurance, and Minister of the Public Service, the Hon. Shane Gibson, said Wednesday that he was happy the agenda of the 27th CARICOM Heads of Social Security Meeting would focus on advancing social security in the Caribbean. Minister Gibson was delivering the keynote address at the forum, which takes place April 27-29 at Atlantis, Paradise Island. Participating Countries, including The Bahamas, are Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, Belize, The British Virgin Islands, Dominica, Guadeloupe, Jamaica, Montserrat, St. Christopher & Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & The Grenadines, and the Turks & Caicos Islands. The meeting also takes into account the global trends in social security and how these fit within the region, and at a national level.

Disaster Risk Reduction in the Caribbean
In the economic sphere an act, a habit, an institution or a law produces not only one effect, but a series of effects. Of these effects, the first alone is immediate; it appears simultaneously with its cause; it is seen. The other effects emerge only subsequently; they are not seen; we are fortunate if we foresee them. It is often espoused by some liberal economists and social scientists that the advent of a disaster should be viewed as positive – destruction can lead to an economic boom as it provides the government with an opportunity to spend more money in rebuilding efforts; thus stimulating the local economy. Simply put, although disasters cause widespread destruction, it can mean a burst of activity and revenue in the short term. However, as articulated by Frederic Bastiat, it is that which is not seen, particularly in the long term, which determines economic equilibrium.

10 Caribbean Nations Where U.S. Nationals Will Pay Less For Health Care
1: Belize. In Belize you will pay 97 percent less for health care according to World Health Organization data. Per capita public and private health expenditures combined in Belize are USD 259.50 while The United States spends $8,895.10. However, you could die 11 years sooner since data shows the life expectancy at birth in Belize is 68 while in The United States it is 79.

Fortis Inc Has Another Very Strong Trading Session
The stock of Fortis Inc (TSE:FTS) is a huge mover today! The stock increased 2.34% or $0.91 on April 28, hitting $39.88. About 1.05 million shares traded hands or 14.29% up from the average. Fortis Inc (TSE:FTS) has risen 6.91% since September 22, 2015 and is uptrending. It has underperformed by 0.93% the S&P500.; The move comes after 6 months positive chart setup for the $11.37 billion company. It was reported on Apr, 29 by Barchart.com. We have $67.00 PT which if reached, will make TSE:FTS worth $7.73B more.

Videos

April 28, 2016

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Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

1st KWKC international course hosted in San Pedro
On Saturday, April 23rd, ‘Keller Williams Kids Can’ (KWKC) hosted its first ever international course in San Pedro Town. Over thirty registered participants, ages 18 and over, gathered at Banyan Bay’s Conference Room, for the “QL: A World Changer Mindset” course. The free, six-hour course was powered by Gary Keller’s Quantum Leap and aimed at empowering those in attendance by inspiring big thinking, model wealth, building and instilling a passion for generous giving. Keller, a successful real estate entrepreneur and co-founder of Keller Williams Realty (KWR) in the United States and now here in Belize, created the educational non-profit organization ‘KWKC’. Designed to inspire young adults to reach their optimum potential and help them create powerful habits that allow them to live a life of intention, Keller’s course provided a wealth of information for island youth. Attendees also learned from qualified real-estate agent at KWR, Margot Weatherford, of Charleston, South Carolina USA, who was the international guest instructor for the course. An eight-chapter workbook was given out to all attendees, and topics such as the science of success, a quantum leap, a wealthy life, maximizing potential, balancing life’s routine, goal-setting, funding the life you desire, and the rules of money were covered. Each participant learned to create a personalized success strategy for each participant.

Students join Oceana to celebrate Mother Earth
The 46th celebration of Earth Day took place on April 22nd and not only was it a day of celebration, but also a reminder of the on-going environmental issues that occur worldwide. In honor of the worthy celebration, students participated in a parade commencing at the Central Park. Under the theme, “We Only Have One Earth to Share”, the community came together with demonstrating support for the environment and appreciation of Mother Earth. Students shouted “Happy Earth Day” and proudly held posters that reflected positive environmental messages. Many of them represented trees and others were advocating the importance of recycling. Leading the parade was Oceana’s Ambergris Caye representative, Roxanna Perez Gentle, who explained the background and the meaning of celebrating the cause. Earth Day was founded following a massive-oil spill that occurred in Santa Barbara, California USA in 1969. In 1970, Gaylord Nelson established the day for individuals across the world to become aware of the importance of keeping our planet clean and healthy. “This day plays a significant role on how our society perceives the planet and what we can do to prevent adding on to the damage that is has already been done,” said Gentle.

Ambergris Today

Destination Belize Reveals New Magazine Theme
The Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA), The Belize Tourism Board (BTB), and McNab Publishing Ltd., hosted a mixer on April 25, 2016 at Belize Biltmore Plaza to unveil the NEW Destination Belize magazine theme and the winners of the ‘Capture the Cover’ photo competition. The business community, members of the BTIA and other key stakeholders and industry partners gathered as representatives from BTIA, BTB and McNab Publishing Ltd. uncovered the signature publications’ rebranding strategy, industry updates and developments for the upcoming Destination Belize publication. As President of the BTIA, Mr. Osmany Salas opened the event by welcoming all in attendance and highlighting the future of the NEW and improved Destination Belize signature publication. The Belize Tourism Board’s Director of Marketing and Industry Relations, Ms. Karen Pike shared insight on the growth and importance of the tourism industry and the great significance of marketing Belize using the best marketing platforms.

Misc Belizean Sources

Cornflake Crusted French Toast
In a pie pan, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, half the sugar, and half the cinnamon. Set aside. In a separate pie pan, stir together the almonds and breadcrumbs with the rest of the sugar and cinnamon. Use a fork to stir in 2 tablespoons of the butter so that the crumbs are slightly moist. Set aside. In a large nonstick skillet, heat the rest of the melted butter over medium-low heat. One by one, dunk the bread in the egg mixture (turning to coat), then lay them in the dish with the bread crumbs, turning them over and pressing them gently so that they stick and totally cover the surface.

Marie Sharp Inducted in Hot Sauce Hall of Fame 2016
Belize’s very own Legendary Queen of Habanero Sauce, Marie Sharp, was presented with a most prestigious award and induction Into the New York City Hot Sauce Hall of Fame for 2016 at The New York City Hot Sauce Expo in Brooklyn New York on April 23 & 24. Marie Sharp proudly received a beautiful red jacket commemorating the occasion, as well as a class ring engraved with her name and year -2016. Marie Sharp was extremely honored not only for being the only female entrepreneur to receive this award and recognition, but also because she was the only foreign candidate to have been selected for the New York City Hot Sauce Hall of Fame!! Marie Sharp creator and founder of Marie Sharp’s Fine Foods in Dangriga, Belize, continues to be recognized both locally and internationally for her production of a spectacular selection of pepper sauces.

Mother's Day 2016 in San Pedro
Don't miss out on this year's Mother's Day 2016 Extravaganza!

BDF officially receives helicopters from Taiwan
It costs about $3,000 to $4,000 per hour to run one of these iron birds.

Belize Screen on the Green in Dangriga
Belize Screen on the Green is happening tomorrow night in Dangriga! Hope to see everyone there!!!

March 2016 External Trade & Consumer Price Index
MARCH: During the month of March 2016, Belize imported goods valued at $163.4 million, falling by 6.7 percent or $11.7 million from the $175.1 million imported in March of 2015. The ‘Mineral Fuels and Lubricants’ category was the primary contributor to the month’s decline in imports, dropping by a substantial $10 million, almost half of what was reported for the comparable month in 2015. The ongoing trend of lower purchasing price for fuel, combined with the fact that no premium fuel was imported, drove the month’s significant decrease. Likewise, imports of ‘Manufactured Goods’ and ‘Other Manufactures’ fell notably within the month, by $5.5 million and $2 million, respectively. While the latter was the result of reduced imports of steel, carton boxes and cement, the former was due to reduced purchases of jewelry and prefabricated steel buildings. Additionally, owing largely to the continued drop in shrimp feed imports, goods destined for the ‘Export Processing Zones’ fell by $1 million for the month.
The Consumer Price Index for the month of March stood at 102.9, up 0.1 percent from 102.7 in March 2015. This is a continuation of the trend observed since January 2016 when the first increase in the inflation rate was recorded after over a year of decrease. For the first quarter of this year inflation rate is slowly decreasing from a high of 0.4 percent in January. Within the “Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverages” category, the prices of “Food” recorded an increase of 1.6 percent. This was largely due to increases in fruits (4.4%), eggs (8.2%), sugar (29.5%), beef and veal (16.5%) and pork (5.5%).On the other hand, red kidney beans continued to reflect a decrease of 14.5 percent.

BHA Board of Directors Retreat
The BHA Board of Directors are presently sequestered at Hidden Valley Inn, in Cayo, for an intense two day workshop, to determine the direction of the Belize Hotel Association for the next few years. The main focus is to create a strategic plan for the years 2017 through 2019, that will catapult the Association and its members, to the forefront of our tourism industry in Belize. Marketing strategies for the upcoming years are paramount in these discussions, seeing that the main focus of the BHA is to provide the greatest value for our members and their clients. A revision of the BHA constitution/ By-laws is also being done, and amendments will be made, in a manner to best serve our members needs and interests while preserving the integrity of the organization. A report of the discussions and decisions made at the retreat, as well as the three year marketing and strategic plan, will be discussed at the upcoming Belize Hotel Association AGM which is scheduled for June 30, 2016.

Babysitter wanted on Caye Caulker
Babysitter needed starting May 4th for 2 days a week for 5 weeks starting from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. then babysitter will be needed permanently starting the end of July. Babysitting will be done at the parent's residence. Mature female preferred. Send me a private message and i will provide you with the contact information. Serious Inquires only.

BELIZE FISHING REPORT: Weeks of April 17th – April 23td, 2016
Another fantastic permit week here in northern Belize. With good weather like this the guides can promise shots at all three species, all year round. BONEFISH BONEFISH… Jeff from Seattle landed 40 in a day and came home an hour early to boot! Several first ever bonefish were caught with Carl, Gary, and Tim collecting their first El Pescador bonefish awards, bonefish seemed like the appetizer served to many guests just to wet their appetites for a try at permit and tarpon!

Belize Choral Society presents Music: Let it Be!
The Belize Choral Society presents their end of season concert!! With big hits like "Over the Rainbow", "Let it be" and many more, we aim to provide you with excellent performances, great music, and a night full of fun for the entire family! Tickets can be bought from any of the Choral Society members, or call 637-3294. Cost: $20.00 per person

Convicted Criminal and Belizean, Budna Beaten in Guatemalan Prison
Joseph Budna, a Belizean with arrests on both sides of the border for drug trafficking, kindapping, escape etc...was beaten at a Guatemalan prison for revenge for the death of the Guatemalan child that died during a shooting incident on the Belize side of the border. Budna is serving time in Quetzaltenango. The incident left five people injured and three of them were transferred to be treated for stab wounds. According to the prison officials it was a fight among prisoners of sector 5, against Joseph Budna. They allege that a dozen prisoners beat Budna in retaliation to what happened a few days ago in the border area.

Belize VS. Guatemala Mixed Martial Arts
7 fighters of Prevail MMA will take part in the Belize VS. Guatemala Mixed Martial Arts at the Belize Elementary Auditorium on Saturday, April 30th at 7p.m. They join the BDF's 50 Cal Ramirez in a night of kicks, punches and tap outs. Tickets available at House of Shotokan on Princess Margaret Drive.

Land burned for corn
This is what we are up against. This was cleared and burned for corn. The land is mostly limestone, very little soil. They may get one crop from this land, and then, nothing, for many years.... In the meantime, all the ecosystem services have been compromised. No carbon sequestration, soil creation, soil retention, soil moisture retention, compromised habitat.

Schofield House to be demolished for new construction
Schofield House about to be brought down for construction of a cement house for the Nuns. We are asking for donations of construction supplies or monetary. The house can be saved, since it is a colonial building, but it needs lots of repairs. Rat bats are our biggest problem. There're several houses in Corozal that are landmark and needs attention . It's a shame to destroy those structure.

Belizean Sista protest
Belizean Sista, Elsie Felix-Edmunds, has been in contact since last week with BREDAA about her protest everyday if possible against the Guatemalan military aggression against Belize on the Sarstoon, and the recent psychological warfare of amassing troops on the Belizean border that was orchestrated by Guatemalan president, Jimmy Morales, in using fear as a weapon against the people of Belize at home and abroad. This is a very dynamic Belizean Sista and her daughter who has shown already on Wednesday, April 26, 2016, that she will stand her ground to protest at the Guatemalan Consulate in Los Angeles, the Guatemalan military aggression against Belize. She spoke to Belizean Legends by telephone today that she won many friends for Belize's cause from Guatemalans, Americans, Ethiopians, Phillipinos, and other Belizeans on her stand for Belize's self- determination and freedom to exist as a nation and people without Guatemalan provocation and intimidation of Belize and the country of Belize.

Mr. Gaspari Cordova completes Humphrey Fellowship
The U.S. Embassy and the Belize Alumni Association would like to congratulate Mr. Gaspari Cordova on the successful completion of his Humphrey Fellowship at Penn State! We look forward to your return to Belize to see what you've learned put into action! Congratulations!!!! Job well done!!! Gaspari is pictured in the far right of this photo with the rest of his Penn State Humphrey cohort.

Belize Alumni Association meeting
The Belize Alumni Association met today to discuss the goals of the association and elect official board members. Great work today! We look forward to future events and activities hosted by this great new organization!

Channel 7

Guardian On Trial For "Witchcraft" Reference
2 weeks ago, we took you to the Supreme Court where the PUP's Former Secretary General Myrtle Palacio was suing Alfonso Noble over an article printed in the Guardian back in December of 2014. Palacio is suing for libel due to that article, headlined "PUP Secretary General Endorses the Use of Witchcraft in Politics". Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin heard all the evidence in the case, including video evidence from the Defense which they say is justification for the "fair comment" angle they took when they criticized Palacio. Palacio asserts that her character and her culture as respected member of the Garifuna community was maligned, Noble and the Guardian Newspaper's attorney say that her interpretation is incorrect. A significant portion of the trial appeared to put obeah on trial, but today's hearing was for the attorneys to examine the evidence presented. It's a hotly contested lawsuit and in the oral arguments, both Said Musa and Michael Young put their own spin on the case. When the 2 hour hearing was over we spoke with both sides.

It's Official, OAS Will Investigate
The OAS today formally announced that it will launch an investigation into the fatal shooting of 13 year old Guatemalan Julio Alvarado. It happened 7 days ago about half a kilometre into Belize, and both Guatemala and Belize have asked the OAs to investigate. OAS Secretary General, Luis Almagro, announced in a press release today that that, quote "he will proceed immediately with the identification and deployment of the appropriate experts to carry out the investigation as soon as possible." The release says that the investigation will independent of the verification which is currently taking place. Today, the Commander of the BDF told the press that he is confident that the location, and the circumstances of the shooting will vindicate his soldiers:.. Jules Vasquez: "How sound are we on certifying that location and that it happened after nightfall?"

BDF Commander Not Intimidated By Guat Troop Buildup
Today's OAS press release ended with the OAS Secretary General calling on both sides to, quote, "redouble the confidence building measures in place to prevent future confrontations or situations that could put at risk the peace and stability between the two countries." But while the OAS churns out its now familiar peace-keeping platitudes with clockwork regularity, the reality on the ground is that 500 additional Guatemalan Troops have been deployed to the 35 communities adjacent to Belize's western border. That's 500 more than the 500 which were there, making it one thousand total. And while it may sound intimidating, the BDF Commander says that may actually increase the peace:.. Brig. Gen. David Jones, Commander - BDF: "Having their soldiers over on their side is not of concern to us because it actually will help our cause in stopping their people from coming over. They've deployed in the area but they are operating in their side of the border. So we are operating in Belize, they are operating in Guatemala. They've expressed that they're going to try and ascertain information what's happening along all those communities and this will be a move that may assist us because it will assist them in trying to stop their people from coming over because that's the root cause or the problem."

What General Will Tell Wil
And while the General isn't particularly concerned with the Guatemalan troop build-up along the Belize Guatemala western border, he is concerned about Wil Maheia and the Territorial Volunteers going down the Sarstoon on Saturday. The General, along with the Coast Guard Commander and Foreign Affairs staff are meeting with Maheia on Thursday. He told us what his message to will be:… Brig. Gen. David Jones, Commander - BDF: "Well we're trying to go and appeal to him in regards to reason. We are aware of his passion, we are aware of his patriotism but I believe that reasoning and logic in regards to the issues that have been evolving due to the shooting incident he would be able to listen to us. We are not going to stop Belizeans, we are not going to stop him, we're just going to try and ask him and reason for him to give us an opportunity to try and workout the situation peacefully. Details of that interview or meeting will come out based on the question he has and I believe we will be able to convince him but it's up to him. If we can unit and joining together as one nation it's going to be the best but if we have different people, different organisations opposing each other we're not going to solve the issue."

Alleged Government Pension Fraudster Gets Off Free
By now, you may not even remember that back in 2009, 291 thousand dollars went missing from the Treasury Department. That was 7 years ago, and today, the 3 women accused, 31 year old Monica Escarpeta, 34 year old Rhea Pennill and 60 year old Yvonne Bevans all got off theft and handling stolen goods charges. That happened in the court room of Justice Troadio Gonzalez It was alleged that between September and May of 2009, Escarpeta stole $291,022 while she was working as a pension clerk at the Treasury Department. This was done allegedly by issuing bogus pension checks for deceased persons and others. Pennill was charged with handling stolen goods for $151,967. Bevans was also charged with handling stolen goods for $12,472. During the trial, the prosecution conceded that there was no case to answer for Pennill and Bevans, and so the charges against both were discontinued.

The BDF Christens Choppers
Ever since the British Army Training Support Unit, BATSUB pulled put of Belize in 2011, the BDF has been without helicopter support. IT's a major vacuum in operations – and it has meant many man hours lost to arduous and dangerous jungle treks to get to remote border outposts such as Rio Blanco. But, in 2014, the BDF set out on a search for its own helicopters, and today that dream was realized with the support of the Taiwanese Government. 7News was at the Price Barracks Headquarters to witness it, and to take the first flight:.. Brig. Gen. David Jones, Commander - BDF: "The sky will indeed be the limit with our new acquired assets."

Shots Rang Out At Noon In City
A brazen midday shooting today sent down town city shoppers scrambling for safety. It happened around 11 this morning at the corner of Orange and George Streets. As you may know Orange Street is one of the busiest commercial zones of down town Belize City and is also one of the main arteries that lead to the centre of town. But amidst the hustle and bustle of a normal day at this commercial epicentre, a gunman was lurking, and out of nowhere, he began shooting. His intended target got away with nothing but a graze, according to our sources. And fortunately no passers-by were injured. Police believe that the gunman arrived in a vehicle that rushed him away after missing his target. And while they believe the incident is the product of gang rivalry, the Officer Commanding South Side Division would not tell us who the two groups involved are for fear of further escalations. However he claims they are making major progress in this investigation.

City Stable After Shiny Slaying
And so while police prepare to charge three men for this brazen midday shooting - has the city gone back to normal, since the shooting death of Gerald "Shiny" Tillett? As soon as that murder occurred ACP Chester Williams engaged several heads of refuted gangs in Belize City in preventative meetings. So have his efforts worked at stemming retaliation? ACP Chester Williams - OC, Eastern Division South: "Yes we had anticipated that the death of Shiny would have caused an increase in shooting activities in Belize City and like you would have seen the night he was killed, there was an escalation shooting incidents in Belize City. But we had acted very swiftly through our interventions and through our patrols and operations to move into the respective gang areas and see how best we can assist in trying to bring the situation under control and I think that we have been successful in reaching out to the different gangs. I was out of the country for a week but prior to my departure I had myself and Ms. Finnegan did an intervention with the main players from the George Street gang and they assured us that they will not be retaliating and that they too want to resolve the issue, they want peace and we hold them to their word."

Police Working To Get Kids Away From Gangs
So while ACP Chester Williams has established a proper means of communication with several gang bosses, the other side of that same issue are those young gang sympathizers, or "Gun Toddlers," as Williams calls them. They aren't as easy to find, but Williams says they are working on it: ACP Chester Williams - OC, Eastern Division South: "Often times they recruit these little young ones, the gun toddlers who for some reason or the other, they cannot control and so that causes some of the little pockets who I would normally referred to as sympathizers, to be out there trying to create mischief. We will never be 100% confident that they'll be no further retaliation as a result of the death of Shiny. We must understand that several persons, there are several groups out there who I must say were very connected with them and those persons may want to act in his name. But my thing to them is that you know if you want to do something in the name of Gerald Tillet, do something that is good, do something that is productive. He has children he has left behind, try to see how you can assist in raising those kids rather than being out there killing his name."

Kids Curfew Collared 30
And in line with the topic of at-risk youths, Williams says the Kids' curfew has picked up 30 youths, between the ages of 12 to 16 since it was launched last month. ACP Chester Williams - OC, Eastern Division South: "I must say that we're working cohesively with the Human Services Department on the issue of child curfew. The matter is going well, we continue to bring in these young people off the streets and whenever they are caught we would normally get the Human Services people in, they are on call and I must say they have been very good in responding. We get the parent and deal with the matter then at the end of that session then the people from Human Services decide whether or not they will send the child home with the parent or if they will look for alternative accommodation for the child for the rest of the night. But I must say it has been going quite well and I will applaud them for the effort that they are now putting in to ensure that the curfew issue be successful."

Justice And The Indigenous
When the topic of indigenous people arises, it usually centers on the Maya and Garifuna communities and their land rights issues. Well, a group from the Canadian funded project entitled IMPACT Justice has organized a 3 day conference at the Biltmore. The main objective is to bring these groups together to discuss a way forward. The Regional Project Director, Professor Velma Newton explained that these same challenges the indigenous people of Belize face are common all across the region and there are ways to solve them. But Newton told us that all IMPACT Justice can do is open up the conversation. We also spoke to representatives from both the Maya and Garifuna communities and they told us how significant this conversation is. Prof. Velma Newton - Regional Director, IMPACT Justice: "As you see the indigenous people of the region they have similar issues and the attitudes of governments have not been this similar in that what the indigenous people are claiming certain rights that they have exercised memorial. One could say that they've been moves to kind of limit those rights when it comes to development of land. So we are hoping that this conference will lead to greater understanding especially since as you've heard in the Justice Burcher's speech that was read by Professor McNeal. These issues are reason elsewhere and they've found ways of not only dealing with whether or not the claims of indigenous people are legitimate; either in terms of history, in terms of human rights but they've also found a way of solving the same issues in various ways. What we can do, they said bring people together and let them discuss and if there any studies they want us to do, we can help with those but primarily it's for the group and the governments to sit down and decide what is best for everyone."

Maya Rights Issues Still Pending
But there are several divisive issues threatening that vision of unity, including the Santa Cruz incident in which Rupert Myles was detained by an angry mob of villagers. The Maya residents of the village say Myles destroyed their sacred Uxbenka monument by constructing a driveway leading to his house. And then there's also the court fight between Jalacte residents and the Government of Belize over communal land rights. The Program Coordinator of the Maya Leaders Alliance and Toldeo Alcalde Association Pablo Mes told us that he hopes this conference will bring them closer to solving these conflicts. Pablo Mes - Programme Coordinator, Maya Leader Alliance: "I'm hoping that this forum will allow for us to be able to see with clarity that there are issues which we will have to develop a process to address immediately and there are processes which are more of a long term more of a broader engagement so being be able to perhaps go out of this meeting with some ideas as to how we might be able to put in place plans to address those two areas. You mentioned Jalacte, Santa Cruz, those are just two of the cases that we wanted nothing other than to sit down and settle these matters."

Dispute Between Adjoining Maya And Garifuna Villages
Now as Mes said, Santa Cruz and Jalacte are only 2 of many land conflicts. There is another ongoing issue in Toledo between the Garifuna community of Barranco and the neighbouring Maya community of Midway. The residents of Barranco are building a cultural monument a short distance away from Midway, but the Maya residents aren't too pleased about that because they say it is being built on their village lands. So the leaders from Midway Village sent a letter to the Barranco council urging, quote, "constructions be put to a stop immediately until both our villages meet to discuss the issue", end quote. Today Mis further discussed what the issue is in his perspective. Pablo Mes - Programme Coordinator, Maya Leader Alliance: "I want to make it very clear that a monument to honour the history, the legacy of the Garifuna people of Belize is something that we at any time will support. Unfortunately I believe that the letter that was send by Midway's leaders perhaps was understood out of context. You will realise that all these communities in the Toledo district, 39 of them to this date have not been able to get the support of government to define clearly the limits of their boundaries. Where any effort to define the territory of a community is present, of course it will require a process of negotiation between those two neighbours.

Coro Cops Have Killer
Corozal police are now one step closer to solving the murder of 43 year old Gilberto Najarro. The news today is that the alleged shooter has been arrested. However police are still not releasing any names because he has not been formally "charged". As we told you, on Sunday a father and a son threatened Najarro at a farm over a couple of stolen bicycles. The following day- Monday- the son returned and allegedly opened fire on Najarro killing him. The father had turned himself in, and today we are told that police have the son. Now they are waiting to do an ID parade to positively identify the shooter. They hope to have the alleged killer charged by tomorrow.

Jazzfest Jump Up?
Last night you saw the Garifuna Collective take the big stage at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, and tonight you get to see part 2 of that story featuring the other bands: Sweet Pain and Brad Pattico. Here is how they represented Belize on the Cultural Pavilion Stage. And the New Orleans Feature series isn’t over yet - tune in tomorrow to see another aspect of Belize’s Cultural Pavilion presentation from Kechi Maya Harpists to Cassava Bread makers.

NDACC Proceeding With PROCCER
Today at the Radisson, 48 persons graduated from the Training and Certification Program for Drug and Violence Prevention, Treatment, and Rehabilitation - or PROCCER - for short. It's a collaborative effort between the OAS, the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission, the Ministry of Health, and the National Drug Abuse Control Council. For the past few years, CICAD has been working to put trained staff in Drug Rehabilitation Centers and Violence Prevention programs in countries all around the Caribbean. Well, with today's Graduation, Belize's becomes the second Caribbean Country to become compliant with the goals of the PROCCER program. 7News was there at the Ceremony, and here's what the speakers from the head table had to say about the milestone:

Modiri Says Paumen Has Other Options Than To Enter His Land
In last night's news, we spoke with Director of Archaeology Dr. John Morris. He was discussing the latest Supreme Court ruling between the now famous Franks Eddy Village neighbors, Bradley Paumen and Michael Modiri. The two have been locked in both criminal and civil trials over their land issues. Additionally, there's a sinister criminal element as Paumen is accused of abetment to murder for allegedly orchestrating a plot to kill Modiri and 3 other persons, and the Supreme Court has ruled that the Government improperly acquired Modiri's land, which they claimed was for a public purpose. Paumen has built a road on a piece of Modiri's land, and he uses it to ferry his guests to the Dark Night Cave Tubing Tours, a venture in which he partners with NICH. The court says that he has trespassed, and is continuing to trespass on the land. And, in all our conversations with the Government Representatives, they tell us that both Paumen and Modiri are land locked in Franks Eddy - the suggestion being that the trespass is unavoidable.

More Meeting, More Greeting
Police in Belize City have done meet and greet sessions through the entire South Side – and now they are going back to places for the second time. Today, they were in the area near Arlington Drive for the second time, following up with residents. We tagged along. ACP Chester Williams says he has no intentions to stop the meet and greet sessions.

Making Local Internet Move Faster
And our first to last story tonight is one of the most important – and that's because it has a whole lot to do with your internet connection speed. All Belize's major internet service providers have come together to create a local internet switch which is housed at the UB Campus in Belize City. That means that all local web traffic will be routed through this switch. We found out what this will mean today:… This rack of equipment may not look like much, and if we say that all of it costs about a hundred grand, you might still not be impressed, but if we tell you that the key to Belize's internet future is stacked up right here, then maybe you'd start to get the sense of how important the Belize Internet Exchange Point is: Bevel Wooding - Packet Clearing House "There is an unfulfilled potential inside of Belize as it relates to development of local services that run on the local network that support local needs and those are the needs that we need to identify move forward with."

Caring For Corozal
Residents of the northern villages of San Pedro, Cristo Rey, Yo Chen, Patchakan, Chan Chen and the surrounding communities in Corozal are about the receive a new state of the art health Center. The project is being financed by the Government of Belize through a $700 thousand dollar loan with CDB. The health center will be equipped with rooms for consultation, examination, treatment, pharmacy, an asthma bay area and sterilizing room. Ground was broken today and Angel Campos Minister of State with responsibility for NHI, Primary Health and Clinics, underscored the importance: The facility is expected to be completed by December 2016.

Channel 5

A High-level Meeting to Dissuade BTV from Upcoming Sarstoon Trek
Wil Maheia and the Belize Territorial Volunteers are unyielding in their goal to return to the Sarstoon on Saturday where they plan to commemorate the hundred and fifty-seventh anniversary of [...]

Guatemala’s Foreign Minister says BTV Expedition is an Act of Provocation
Tonight, however, the BTV remains undeterred to travel to the Sarstoon over which the Guatemalans are exerting sovereignty and have deployed additional troops in the area. The B.D.F. believes the [...]

Guatemala Will Complain to Inter-American Human Rights Court
The strategy of the government of Guatemala following the shooting of thirteen-year-old Julio Alvarado Ruano is two-fold. It wants an investigation and for those responsible to be taken to trial. [...]

Guatemalan Foreign Minister Says Crisis is not Over
On Monday, Prime Minister Dean Barrow assured the nation that the crisis with Guatemala had been averted and that both he and President Jimmy Morales had agreed to de-escalate tensions [...]

O.A.S. Investigation into Shooting of B.D.F. Staff Sergeant Still Hasn’t Concluded
But back to Brigadier General David Jones…he said today that the investigation into the shooting of Staff Sergeant Richard Lambey remains ongoing, but unofficially, he’s been told that Lambey would [...]

B.D.F. Commander Says Rules of Engagement for Chiquibul Patrol Remains Intact
The rules of engagement for B.D.F. soldiers on patrol near the western and southern borders with Guatemala are a clear set of directives that each officer must follow.  They provide [...]

O.A.S. Confirms Investigation into Shooting Death of Guatemalan Minor
As we have reported, the Organization of American States has been the only organization to “repudiate” the death of the Guatemalan minor at the hands of the B.D.F. even before [...]

First Test for ZIKA Returns from Caribbean Public Health Agency…
The Ministry of Health confirms today that it has received the results of a first test of zika sent to the Caribbean Public Health Agency. The sample sent to CARPHA [...]

…Sample Comes Back Negative
Even though, there is some comfort with the negative result of zika, the Ministry of health is proceeding with its protocols on how to prevent the vector borne disease. Doctor [...]

San Ignacio Salesman Robbed and Shot in Belize City
In the Old Capital last night, a salesman was shot, but survived the incident. Forty-one-year-old Zane Robinson, a resident of San Ignacio, was injured on Tuesday evening while conducting business [...]

Former Pension Clerk Monica Escarpeta Freed of Embezzlement Charges
A theft that occurred at the Treasury Department in a two year period between 2007 and 2009 landed three women before the court. The case against pension clerk, Monica Escarpeta, [...]

A Belize City Butcher is Accused of Stealing from Meat Shop
This morning, twenty-year-old Fernando Guerra, was arraigned in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court for a charge of burglary.  The butcher is accused of stealing four knives, a fan, a meat [...]

B.D.F. Helicopters Launched and Test Flown at Price Barracks
After weeks of assembling and training of pilots, two helicopters were handed over to the B.D.F. today by the Government of Taiwan. The choppers will be used for evacuation and [...]

IMPACT Justice Project Commences Three-day Conference in Belize
The IMPACT Justice Project kicked off today with a three-day conference at the Biltmore Plaza in Belize City. It had the participation of indigenous people from the entire Caribbean including [...]

A First-person Narrative from Father of Slain Guatemalan Minor
The incident in which a Guatemalan minor was shot in the Chiquibul has gone viral, pushed by the highest officials in Guatemala and fueled by the Guatemalan press. At his [...]

An Internet Hub to Expedite Local Online Traffic
The Belize Internet Exchange Point, a coming together of internet service providers to create a local hub for the prompt and expedient exchange of online information, was launched today.  This [...]

Health Workers and Law Enforcement Officers Complete Six-month Training
Health workers as well as law enforcement officers have completed a six-month course on treatment, rehabilitation as well as on reduction of drug consumption among users. Among young people, there [...]

CTV3

Construction Of San Pedro/Cristo Rey Health Center Gets Undreway
The Belize Social Investment Fund, (SIF) held ground-breaking ceremonies this morning for the construction of the San Pedro/Cristo Rey Health Center in Corozal. The health centre project is financed by the Government of Belize at an estimated cost of $700,000.00 through a loan from the Caribbean Development Bank under the Ministry of Health Portfolio and is expected to be completed within a period of five to six months says Executive Director of Social Investment Fund William Lamb. William Lamb - Executive Director of Social Investment Fund: “This is part of a loan that the government has from the Caribbean Development Bank to implement this health center under the health portfolio, under that loan we had several portfolios and this is just one of the clinics that we are going to do in this district through this loan facility. We are having one in San Narciso Village, Chunox and Sarteneja, in those areas that are really far away from a Hospital or a Health Clinic and would provide that primary care that is needed in that area, we signed the contract with the contractor it supposed to start later this week or earlier as next week, we had the contract with E&M; construction round about seven hundred thousand dollars and it should take about five to six months to be completed.”

Does Life Sentence Mean Life Behind Bar For Sabido?
Yesterday we told you about the case against Osmar Sabido that came to a conclusion after more than five years. After a very long judgment reading by Justice Herbert Lord, Sabido was found guilty of the murder of his then girlfriend Christie Carrasco and sentenced to life in prison. As you heard from Sabido’s attorney, Oscar Selgado, he is not satisfied with the verdict and believes there is grounds for an appeal. Now that is a decision that Sabido’s family will have to take and from what we understand are seriously considering.Here in Belize the law states that when an accused is found guilty of murder the sentence is life in prison. But does a life sentence automatically mean life behind bars without a chance of parole? Here is how Selgado puts it.

Exports And Imports Continue To Decline
The Statistical Institute of Belize today published its latest statistics on prices and external trade for the country of Belize. If we take a look at the consumer price index, the report shows that prices increased, on average, by 0.1 percent for the month of March 2016 as it stood at stood at 102.9, compared to 102.7 in March 2015. The increase in prices is a trend observed since January 2016 but for the first quarter of this year inflation rate is slowly decreasing from a high of 0.4 percent in January. The Food category recorded an increase of 1.6 percent largely due to a 4.4% increase in fruits, 8.2% in eggs, sugar 29.5% beef and veal 16.5% and pork 5.5%. On the other hand, red kidney beans continued to reflect a decrease of 14.5 percent.

Police Detained The Man Who Believe Fatally Wounded Sarsenio
Tonight Corozal Police believe to have in custody the man who fired at Gilberto Najarro Sarsenio several times thus claiming his life. While the name of the individual or where he was detained is yet to be released police confirmed to us that an ID parade is expected to take place tomorrow to ascertain if the detainee is indeed the man that gun downed Sarsenio. The forty three year old cane farmer from Paraiso Village, Corozal, and a co-worker were working at a cane field on April 26th when they were ambushed at around 10:00 in the morning by two men who has threatened them the day before.

New Theme Unveiled For Destination Magazine
On Monday night the Belize Tourism Association (BTIA) in collaboration with the Belize Tourism Board and McNab Publishing Ltd held an unveiling ceremony to introduce the new Destination Belize magazine theme, “Travel Curious… this journey will change you”. Executive Director for BTIA, John Burgos, told us about the process behind the new theme and the significance of marketing Belize using the best platforms which are highlighted in this new initiative. John Burgos- Executive Director- BTIA: “We arrived at the new theme Travel Curious…this journey will change you so that is the theme we decided to go with, the theme basically starts by acknowledging the fact that we want travel to remain curious in terms that we want them to know more about Belize, want them to know more about the culture, about its people, about its destination you know whether you are looking for adventure in the forest or whether you are looking for adventure in the sea, inland you want to know more about our heritage, you want to know about the wellbeing opportunity shared you know we wanted to have something that would capture that and we believe that the travel curious… this journey will change you captures that and this theme was also based on different exchanged that we had with tourist over the course of this year whereby most of them want to express themselves about the experience the have her in Belize they always say you know what I cannot believe how amazing how Belize is and you got to believe that this is and I was able to see so much and able to experience so much here in Belize in such a short period of time.”

Three Acquitted For Missing Monies At Treasury Department
Back in 2009 three women were charged and were committed to stand trial in connection with monies that went missing from the Treasury Department. Monica Escarpeta, a treasury clerk was charged with theft after $291,000 disappeared from the treasury department between September 2007 and May 2009. Escarpeta’s mother, Yvonne Bevans and Rhea Pennil were both charged with ‘Handling of stolen goods’ as it was alleged that Bevans helped Escarpeta to conceal over twelve thousand dollars knowing that it was in fact stolen. Pennil on the other hand was accused of hiding over $150,000 between the months of April and May of 2009.

Guatemalan Arrested By BDF Goes Back Home
The face of Jose Maria Antonio Reyes, the man first detained in the Cebada area of the Chiquibul National Park last Wednesday before the shooting death of 13 year old Guatemalan National, Julio Alvarado Ruano, has been until this point unknown to Belizeans. On Friday Ruano appeared at the San Ignacio court and was imposed a charge of $1,500, which he paid and was later sent back to Guatemala. Today for the first time since the occurrence, Reyes appeared before the media, in a post on the social media news page of Telenoticias de Peten’. The 38 year old man is featured in a video along with his father as Guatemalan news reporters recount his capture and release by Belizean Officials.

LOVE FM

Consumer Prices on the Rise Since January 2016
Consumer prices has shown an increase in of point one percent for the month of March. The Statistical Institute of Belize has released its latest figures. For the month of March the consumer price index stood at one hundred and two point nine which is up by point one percent from the same period last […]

Trio of Women Acquitted Following Case of Missing Monies from Treasury Department
Three women charged in connection with over two hundred and ninety one thousand dollars that went missing from the Treasury Department, were acquitted of the charges today in the court of Justice John Gonzalez. They are 31 year old Monica Escarpeta, 34 year old Rhea Pennill and 60 year old Yvonne Bevans. It was alleged […]

Military Commander Addresses Issue of Increased Guatemalan Troops
There were reports that the Guatemalan military had added about five hundred soldiers to the Sarstoon area. 500 is the realistic number following the outrageous report that there were three thousand troops being deployed. This morning at the BDF headquarters, Brigadier General David Jones spoke on if and how Belize is responding to the increased […]

Is the OAS Peace Fund Working in Deterring Further Incursions
Monte de Olivos is a site in Guatemala where the Peace Fund for the Organization of American States had invested a tremendous amount of money with the objective to give the villagers alternatives to the illegal planting and harvesting of crops that were taking place. It is a project that has left some questioning whether […]

Commander Jones Explains Silence from Officials on the Cebada Shooting
In recent days, social media has been swamped with comments, opinions and harsh criticisms against the Government regarding how they had responded to the recent shooting of the minor in the Cebada area. The criticism was that whilst Guatemala’s President and media were releasing statements and interviews on the media, Belize’s authorities were silent. Brigadier […]

BDF Commander to Meet with Territorial Volunteers
As we have reported earlier, Will Maheia and the Belize Territorial Volunteers are adamant on going to the Sarstoon this weekend to commemorate the 1859 Treaty which was signed 157 years ago. Prime Minister Dean Barrow was firm in saying that the current climate is not conducive for such an expedition and as such has […]

Ladyville Teen Reported Missing
Fifteen year old Shakti Flowers of Ladyville has been missing for six days. Shakti who is a high school student, left home for school and has not returned. Shakti lives with her father in Ladyville. Her mother, Shirley Jacobs who resides in Punta Gorda, visited our studios today. SHIRLEY JACOBS “Friday morning she was in […]

New Additions to Agric Show 2016
The Belmopan Show grounds have been known to only come to life during the annual agricultural and trade show in early May. This year, however, there will be some changes in the rodeo and produce section with the addition of a tilapia pond. Chief Agriculture Officer, Roberto Harrison spoke of this endeavor. ROBERTO HARRISON “ […]

Special Meet and Greet Session for Newly Promoted Officers
The Meet and Greet initiative is nothing strange to residents of Belize City as it has become a norm which Love News has been reporting on for some months now. Today’s meet and greet in the Kings Park area, however, is a bit more special as Assistant Commissioner of Police, Dezerie Phillips explained. DEZERIE PHILLIPS […]

Police Promotions Bring Training and Added Responsibilities
When the recent promotion list for the Belize Police Department came out we brought you the story of the over one hundred and fifty men and women who were moving up in the ranks. Since that announcement, training has been well underway at the Eastern Division North and South. Assistant Commissioner of Police Dezerie Phillips […]

Breaking Belize News

Human Resource Development Professor Selected for Fulbright Scholar Award
Belizean scholar and professor at the University of Houston, Dr. Consuelo Waight, is coming home. Dr. Waight has been selected for a Fulbright award to Belize by the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board. Dr. Waight is an associate professor in human resource development (HRD) and […]

Mom fears for missing daughter
Tonight a mother is hoping and praying for the best that her missing teenager is returned home safely after going missing for 5 days and counting. Third form student Shakti Lakeya Virginia Flowers, a 15 year old attending Edward P. Yorke High School, did […]

Butcher is accused of burglarizing meat shop
A Belize City butcher is being accused of burglarizing a meat shop in the city. This morning, 20 year old Fernando Guerra, a Butcher of Cemetery Road was arraigned before Magistrate Carlon Mendoza for a single charge of burglary. Guerra is accused of entering […]

Women acquitted of big Treasury theft
Three women charged in connection with over $291,000 that went missing from the Treasury Department, were acquitted of the charges today in the court of Justice John Gonzalez. They are 31 year old Monica Escarpeta, 34 year old Rhea Pennill and 60 year old […]

Has Belize lost the Sarstoon?
The tension between Belize and Guatemala is at an all time high. Emotions on both sides of the border are running high and the situation is probably the most volatile it has ever been. Guatemalan aggression towards Belizeans has steadily increased over the past […]

New theme unveiled for Destination Belize magazine
At the Belize Biltmore Plaza on Monday night, the Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA), the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) and McNab Publishing Ltd. held a mixer to unveil a new theme for Destination Belize magazine. In attendance were members of the business community and […]

Belize Vs. Guatemala: “There will be blood”
It’s been a rough week for the relations between Belize and Guatemala. The death of a child, the recent shooting of a Belizean soldier and tense moments as the Forward Operating Base on Sarstoon Island was inaugurated. But there is a fight that has […]

Sales agent shot and robbed in Belize City
Sales agent of San Ignacio Town, 41-year-old Zane Robinson, was shot yesterday evening during a robbery in which he lost items amounting to a total value of $6,500. Police visited the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) around 5:43 p.m. and saw Robinson suffering from […]

BDF receives Huey helicopters from Taiwan
The Belize Defence Force (BDF) is now the proud owner of two Huey fixed wing helicopters assembled and donated by the Republic of China (Taiwan). As noted by commander of the BDF, Brigadier General David Jones, it has long been a dream of the […]

International Sources

Guatemala's Prensa Libre has published an interview with Carlos Alvarado
The father of the 13 year old who was shot and killed after BDF came under fire in the Cebada area of the Chiquibul Reserve. In the interview, Alvarado paints a picture of outright assault with a statement which roughly translates to "They attacked without saying anything, as if they were bullies."

Apr 27 - Happy World Tapir Day!
World Tapir Day: 24 reasons tapirs are your new favourite animal! Did you know it's World Tapir Day today? And have you celebrated yet? On the 27th April every year, we celebrate the majestic animal, the tapir. The cute, friendly animals with wiggly noses look a bit like fairytale pigs, but they are actually related to horses. Scientists believe that these animals have changed little over tens of millions of years. They should also be your favourite animal. Here's why.

MARIE SHARP IN 2016 HOT SAUCE HALL OF FAME
The Hot Sauce Hall of Fame Foundation is very proud to announce the Hot Sauce Hall of Fame Class of 2016. The Hot Sauce Hall of Fame will induct 5 people all of which have been very instrumental in the fiery foods. After months of balloting, with just shy of 500 voters, the NYC Hot Sauce Expo is now proud to announce and present the Class of 2016. This year's group are the biggest and brightest names in the industry. One of Legend. One of inspiration. Here is your Hot Sauce Hall of Fame Class of 2016. Marie Sharp's & the Original Melinda's: Owner Marie Sharp's Fine Foods Ltd. - Started making sauce in the early 80's and actually was the creator of Melinda's sauces. Her sauce is the quintessential Central American hot sauce awesome flavor and great heat!

OAS to conduct independent investigation into death of Guatemalan minor in Belize adjacency zone
The Organization of American States (OAS) will conduct, at the request of the governments of Belize and Guatemala, an independent investigation of the April 20 incident that led to the death of the Guatemalan minor Julio René Alvarado Ruano and in which his father and brother were wounded. The secretary general of the OAS, Luis Almagro, after receiving formal requests from both governments, confirmed to authorities from the two countries that he will proceed immediately with the identification and deployment of the appropriate experts to carry out the investigation as soon as possible. At the request of both sides, the investigation will be carried out independently from the work of verification taking place at this time.

Belize - Milling continues at steady pace
Belize Sugar Industries milled 44,565 tonnes of cane during week 19 of the 2015/16 crushing season, up from 44,802 a week earlier but slightly below 48,146 in the same period a year ago, the company announced.

OAS press release on Guatemala matter
The Organization of American States has issued a press release detailing its communication with representatives from both Belize and Guatemala, and the beginning of an impartial investigation into the incidents leading to the death of the Guatemalan minor and injury of his father and brother.

Videos

April 27, 2016

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Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

The Award Winning Tiburon Rum!
Who doesn’t love drinking an award winning rum? And even more so when that rum comes from Belize! Well if you are looking for a drink with those qualities look no further that Tiburon Rum who is now the back to back winner of the Double Gold and Best in Class rum at the Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America Show. Impressed yet?But what makes Tiburon Rum so special? Well the answer is in the way it is made. It’s aged in old oak bourbon barrels and together with the help of the warm climate of Belize its gently matures into a smooth and quite delectable drink. Only the finest local ingredients are used to achieve the highest quality rum, which is re-casked by Master Blenders into Kentucky Oak Bourbon Barrels for the “second maturation” to allow the natural tannins to give the rum a rich golden colour, smooth finish, and subtle hints of vanilla and oak.

Ambergris Today

Flashbacks - Everything Was Low Key in San Pedro
Everything, absolutely everything was low key in San Pedro during the days of this Flashback. The political banner was one out of about ten (only) that was hung in San Pedro at the time. By the way the banner reads: “Baldemar Really Cares for Belize Rural South”. Political campaigns were low key and perhaps had a $10,000 budget as opposed to the millions they carry today. The houses in this part of town were also low key - small wooden buildings on stilts with a small wooden skiff under the house. The street was a simple sandy one without drains because the sand absorbed all the water during the rains. The people are low key with shorts and no shoes as it should be in a low key community. Look at the low key atmosphere of the entire area which is the dead end of Barrier Reef Drive (Front Street) in front of Milo's residence, leading into Paradise Hotel now The Phoenix. Enjoy this Flashback taken from Polo's Golf Cart Rentals. Enjoy a laid-back, low key community that was converted into a town by Baldemar Graniel, a former mayor of San Pedro.

Death Of Humpback Whale Highlights Indiscriminate Nature Of Gillnets in Belize
First spotted in February, scientists say whale was either lost or sick - Globally, it is estimated that there are only 80,000 Humpback Whales left in the wild. And tonight, there is one less of these magnificent creatures swimming in the sea. A Humpback whale first spotted in Belize on February 24th 2016, was confirmed dead on Monday, April 25th by fishermen from Barranco Village in the Toledo District. Over the eight week period, multiple sightings of the Humpback whale, estimated to be approximately 30 feet in length, were recorded in several locations in Belize, including the deep water channel leading to the Big Creek Port, Sciopio Caye, the Port Honduras Marine Reserve and Riversdale. Reports out of Puerto Barrios, Guatemala also indicate fishermen encountered the whale in Guatemalan waters on April 6th.

Misc Belizean Sources

Paint N Splash
Join us this Thursday to paint one of the most popular docks on Ambergris Caye. Because of its beautiful design Ak'bol's dock is the subject of many photographers. A canvas with a template is provided so don't sweat it if you can't draw. We got you covered. Make sure to click on the link above that says Ticket Available to sign up on our website! !

Belize Archives & Records Service inaugurated its renovated and expanded building
On Monday, April 25th, the Belize Archives & Records Service inaugurated its renovated and expanded building in commemoration of the department's 50th anniversary. Hon. Elodio Aragon Jr., Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sporthttp://catalog.cies.org/viewAward.aspx?n=7447&dc;=BHs and Culture, delivered the keynote address.

Core Fulbright Scholar Program
Attention U.S. Scholars - The Core Fulbright U.S. Scholar program is now accepting applications for U.S. scholars in Belize at the University of Belize. DEADLINE - August 1, 2016 The Core Fulbright Scholar Program offers nearly 500 teaching, research or combination teaching/research awards in over 125 countries. Opportunities are available for college and university faculty and administrators as well as for professionals, artists, journalists, scientists, lawyers, independent scholars and many others. In addition to several new program models designed to meet the changing needs of U.S. academics and professionals, Fulbright is offering more opportunities for flexible, multi-country grants. Interested?

VIOLIN DUO Concert at Gala Lounge
Come and be part of a VIOLIN DUO Concert at Gala Lounge, Orange Walk on May 4th 2016. This event is a collaboration of National Institute of Culture and History & the Embassies of Belize and Austria in Mexico. Honor us with your presence.

Canadian Foreign Office delegation visits Chalillo-Chiquibul
A Canadian Foreign Office delegation visited the Chalillo-Chiquibul region yesterday. Thanks to BECOL for inviting us to interpret the importance of the Chiquibul.

Dia de la Cruz
The feast of the Holy Cruz is one of the important symbols in the Catholic religion as it represents the Trinity: God, the Father, God, the Son, and God, the Holy Spirit; as well as it was on the cross where Jesus Christ, the Son of God, died. Traditionally, the Feast Day of the Holy Cross, also known as Day of the Three Crosses, was celebrated on May 3 and preceded by novenas beginning April 25. In 1960 the Roman Catholic Church removed this feast day from the Catholic calendar in favour of a similar celebration in September. However, some, including México and San Pedro purists, refused to accept the change. The San Pedro House of Culture is dedicated to the promotion and the revival of traditions in San Pedro. We will be celebrating Dia de la Cruz on May 3rd.

Channel 7

Life In Prison For Taking Christy's Life
30 year-old Orange Walk Resident Osmar Sabido will spend life in prison. That's the sentence that Justice Herbert Lord handed him today after he found Sabido guilty of killing his girlfriend, 21 year-old Christie Carrasco. On the night of February 28, 2011, he stabbed his girlfriend Christie Carrasco to death in her home at the San Lorenzo housing site in Orange Walk. Police found him at the house with the murder weapon in his vehicle. Christie's family believes that he did it in the throes of a jealous rage, and they accused him of intending to go as far as burning down the house with her body inside. In his defense, Sabido told the court that it was Christie who pulled the knife and tried to stab him after they'd had a quarrel. He claimed that while he deflecting the blows, she stabbed herself while trying to harm him. Well, after weeks of deliberation, Justice Herbert Lord founded him guilty in this trial without jury. The decision was handed down today in the Northern Session of the Supreme Court in Orange Walk, and the defense waived their right to prepare a mitigation plea. That's because there can only be one sentence for a murder conviction, and that's life in prison.

Wil Maheia And Territorial Vols Still Going To Sarstoon
Yesterday, Prime Minister Dean Barrow made an impassioned plea to the Belize Territorial Volunteers, telling them "don't go to the Sarstoon." The group has a Sarstoon trip scheduled for this Saturday. Now as viewers are aware, every single time that the territorial volunteers have gone to the Sarstoon, there has either been a confrontation, or a blockade mounted by the Guatemalan Navy based at the river mouth. The very real concern is that if that happens in the present climate with heightened tensions, there could be a military to military showdown - because now the BDF is posted right there on the river banks. But, the territorial volunteers are undeterred. They say that this weekend's trip to the Sarstoon is important to commemorate the 157-year anniversary of the 1859 Convention Between Britain and Guatemala. That's the treaty which first mapped out Belize's boundaries.

A Recent History Of Border Aggression
And so while we all hope that Saturday won't result in another flare up between Belize civilians and the Guatemalan military - if recent history is any indicator, then most certainly there will be. In fact, border tensions between Belize and Guatemala have been steadily increasing since February of last year. It started with the arbitrary detention of the Northern Territorial Volunteers while they were returning from their trip to the Gracias a Dios border marker on February 28 of last year. To get there, one has to travel through the Sarstoon River, and the Guatemalan military accused the Belizean civilians of making an incursion into their territorial waters on their way there. They were escorted to Livingston, Guatemala, detained there, and it took the intervention of the Belizean Government to get them back home.

Budna, Victimized For Tense Border Relations?
That event immediately overheated Belize - Guatemala relations - and according to Guatemalan news reports, Joseph Budna was the only Belizean made to pay for it. If you watch the news regularly, you definitely know who Budna is. The 38 year old freelance journalist, living in Guatemala, has always had a flair for the dramatic, and a knack to end up in the strangest situations. From assisting to free a Belizean busted with drugs in Guatemala in 2010, to jumping out of a moving vehicle to escape dangerous hijackers in 2011, to even being arrested in Guatemala on charges of kidnapping in 2012- for which he is still serving time. He has developed quite a history of bad-luck over the last decade, which would have ended with him being convicted in Guatemala for kidnapping and attempting to escape prison but tonight Budna has joined the national conversation on the Belize/Guatemala dispute. That's because he was allegedly beaten up by Guatemalan inmates yesterday as a form of retaliation for the slaying of the Guatemalan child.

Swaso For Shiny Slaying
Slain gang boss Gerald "Shiny" Tillett was buried on Saturday, and his alleged killer was finally charged. Nicholas Swaso - who had been recovering form his own gunshot wound in the hospital - was charged with one count of murder and 2 counts of attempted murder. He was arraigned yesterday in Belmopan and remanded to prison. Shiny Tillet was killed on Saturday April 16th. He was along with some friends playing "Dice" at the Wadani Shed in Dangriga when Nicholas Swaso opened fire under the shed. He shot and killed Tillett and also shot Carlos Sharp and Wadani Shed owner David Rodriguez in the chest. As Swaso was running away, one of Shiny's friends then shot Swaso in the back with a licensed firearm. Swaso had to be hospitalized but police had said that as soon as he was released he would be charged.

Coro Killing Was Foretold
Yesterday we told you about the death of 43 year old Gilberto Najarro, a farmer of Paraiso Village. He was gunned down over a stolen bicycle. It was an excessive response to a petty accusation and while the trigger was pulled on Monday, this story begins on Sunday. Najarro and another were working on the farm, when two men - a father and a son- appeared at the farms accusing them of stealing their bicycles. They threatened to seriously harm the men if they didn't return the bicycles. And they did. The very next day, on Monday the son returned with a handgun and shot Najarro dead. Corozal Police say they know exactly who they are looking for, however they are not releasing any names. In an interview yesterday the wife of the deceased expressed her grief and said that the only thing she wishes now is that authorities can exact justice on the person that did this. She appeared off camera: Voice of: Wife of the deceased: "He doesn't have any enemies. He was just at the farm when two men arrived claiming that he took their bicycles. He said no he didn't take it, and so the other man threatened him with a machete. He also said he had machetes and guns. They just continued cutting cane."

Paumen Will Stand Trial For Abetment, Attorney Confident
Three weeks ago, we told you how American tour operator Bradley Paumen was ordered by the Supreme Court to pay his next-door neighbour, Michael Modiri 300 thousand dollars. Justice Shona Griffith has ruled that Paumen has been trespassing on his land to get to his Dark Knight Cave Tubing Tours - in which NICH is a partner. Well, yesterday Paumen was again before the court - but this time in another matter, for allegedly trying to set up a hit on Modiri. In the Belmopan Magistrate's Court - Chief Magistrate Ann Marie Smith ruled that Paumen must face a criminal trial in the Supreme Court for the four counts of Abetment to Murder. These are the charges he's facing for allegedly trying to orchestrate the murder of Modiri, his attorney and two of his employees. Today, his attorney, Herbert Panton, told us that although the court says he must stand trial, the defense is prepared to poke holes in their case:

NICH, What Role Now?
And while those are criminal matters, back to the Modiri/Paumen civil suit. As we told you, Michael Modiri won a second major decision against his Franks Eddy neighbor, Bradley Paumen. The court ruled Paumen, one of Belize's biggest tour operators, was trespassing on Modiri's land to get his guests to a cave site. A portion of Modiri's land was bulldozed and a road was built on top of it just so that the Dark Knight Tour Guests could get to the cave system. Right now, that's still the only way that Paumen's employees can access the caves because both Modiri and Paumen are landlocked. So, since the court has ruled that it is illegal, and no alternatives have been identified to avoid the trespass, shouldn't the Dark Knight Tour be temporarily closed? That's what we asked NICH's Director of Archaeology last week, and here's how he responded: Dr. John Morris, Director of Archaeology: "We cannot stop somebody from going into your property. That is a function of the police of the security of this country. We can stop you from entering the cave but if you have a tour operating license and you get to the mouth of the cave, we cannot stop you. We can sit down with the other authorities and say 'look this person is trespassing on someone else's property to reach the cave so we should work together to solve that particular problem'."

The Rupert Situation
3 weeks ago, we told you about the announcement from the Toledo Alcaldes Association. They want to go back to the Supreme Court to compel the Government to move faster in rolling out a Maya land rights system which protects the communal nature of the 39 communities in the south Another part of their statement from that time which we didn't touch is the complaint that the Village of Santa Cruz has against Belizean Rupert Myles. The village of Santa Cruz, which was a claimant in the original Maya Land Rights case, continues to be displeased with the Rupert Myles situation. As you may remember, the village accused him of squatting on their revered ancient Mayan temple, Uxbenka. Just 8 days ago, Dr. John Morris, the Director of Archaeology at NICH told 7News that Myles has vacated the site. Well, Toledo Alcaldes Association disputes that and says that Myles remains on the property, despite their request that he vacate and remove his house. So, both he and the Government of Belize have been named as defendants in one of the actions filed at the Supreme Court.

7News New Orleans Jazzfest Journey
Last night we showed you a glimpse of the Garifuna Collective performing at the 48th Annual New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, tonight we have part 1 of the New Orleans feature series. Overall, 28 artists including bands and cultural demonstrators were invited to participate in this festival, and most of them are still there and will perform next weekend. Now, what is so newsworthy about this Jazz fest? And what role does Belize play? That's what Courtney Weatherburne found out in New Orleans this weekend. "If the music you hear in the background sounds familiar, it should, because that's the Garifuna Collective. We have seen them perform at shows all over the country and at venues in New York and L.A. But today, they are not performing at any regular event, they are here at the 48th New Orleans Jazz Festival, one of the largest music festivals in North America." Over 500,000 people from across the world attend the Jazz Festival every year. And this year is no different. The entire area is about a 2 mile loop - the size of a horse track. For this 2 weekend festival, about 500 bands are scheduled to take 12 different stages.

Guat Ambassador's Strong Words
Last week when the President of Guatemala Jimmy Morales flared up with his incendiary address, he announced that he was recalling his ambassador to Belize, Manuel Roldan Barillas for consultation. While he was in Guatemala, Ambassador Roldan granted an interview to the Prensa Libre Newspaper. Now, as we've told you, that newspaper is known for his pro-Guatemalan slant when discussing Belize/Guatemala relations. So, for accuracy, we've translated that interview verbatim, to highlight Barillas' position on the shooting. Speaking about the BDF's fatal shooting of 13 year old Julio Reynosa, Barillas responds, quote, "...it was a condemnable act...an uncalled for and disproportionate incident. I don't have the words to describe...how this incident has impacted us." The next question from the reporter was, "What is the status of the bilateral relationship?" To that, he responded, quote, "...I have been recalled, which is to say that it is a temporary recall to register a Guatemalan protest against Belize for what has happened. I have not been removed from the Embassy. It is only a temporary measure, well recognized in bilateral diplomacy, - the recall of an Ambassador." End quote

Guatemalan Kids Educated By Belizean Schools
And while the Guatemalan Ambassador can speak liberally about so called “Belizean aggressors” and an “unprofessional army,” what he won’t speak about are the hundreds of Guatemalan students who come across from Melchor everyday to go to school in Belize. They are educated in a public education system paid for with Belizean tax dollars. It’s been going on for decades, and is one of the reasons why closing the border is the very last thing any Guatemalan government would do. And why not? Well because their kids wouldn’t be able to go to school! And they go to school here because the education is better and it’s in English. In October of 2014, Courtney Weatherburne went to Benque to find out about the cross border phenomenon. Belize and Guatemala may be going through a difficult patch as neighbours. But while there is unease between Guatemala City and Belmopan, on the ground, the true state of relations between these neighbouring countries is being proven daily by the hundreds of Guatemalan School Children who cross the border from Melchor to Benque Viejo to attend school in Belize.

Film-maker Banking On The "Bank"
Belizean American Faron Smith is the Director of the film called "States", the story of an immigrant Belizean who gets caught up in the Law underworld. That was 2014, and today he visited our studios to talk about his new project - called "Bank". The plot is a little less "Belizean" than his previous movie but, with all the gunfire, explosions, and drama, he hopes his Belizeans back home will still be able to enjoy it. This film will be launched on Saturday March 30th in Los Angeles. Faron Smith also hopes to bring the movie to Belize very soon. And keeping in line with the topic of Belizean art appreciation, Dell Smart, popular brukdown singer/songwriter is also releasing a piece of his own. "Party Til Daylight" that is the name of his new album. Accompanying it are also a couple of new music videos for tracks like Ram and Jam. He says that Belizean culture needs to change to show a little more appreciation for their own talent.

New Look For Archives
The Belize Archives Department in Belmopan has gotten a facelift and extension. Works started mid last year and it included the rehabilitation of the lower flat and the overall construction of the second flat extension of the building. Yesterday the facility was inaugurated by Minister of State Elodio Aragon who cut the ribbon and official handed over the facility: Minister Aragon says there are hopes to build a brand new state of the art archives storage facility in the near future.

Channel 5

Osmar Sabido is Guilty of Killing Christie Carrasco
More than five years after he stabbed Christie Carrasco to death, Osmar Sabido was today sentenced to life in prison for the crime. The lengthy judgment was read into record [...]

Sabido Gets Life in Prison for the Murder of Girlfriend
In cases we’ve covered, sentencing would usually be reserved pending mitigation pleas on behalf of the convicted. But in this case sentencing was immediate, as requested by Selgado after conferring [...]

Wil Maheia Says Forward to Sarstoon River!
All was quiet today at the adjacency zone as well as in the Sarstoon where Guatemalan troops have been deployed. But are the Belize Territorial Volunteers being defiant by staring [...]

Guatemalan President Rejects Claim that Julio Alvarado was Shot in Self-Defense
In Guatemala City, La Nacion Newspaper is reporting a protest in front of the Belize Embassy by about two dozen protestors bearing placards with the names of ten Guatemalans that [...]

Guatemalan Parliamentarian Gets Hot Under the Collar in Congress
The death of thirteen year old Julio Alvarado Ruano was ventilated today in the Guatemalan Congress where the rhetoric went up notches. Congressman Oliviera Garcia claimed that Guatemalans have been [...]

Joseph Budna is Assaulted in Guatemalan Prison
There are also reports that Belizean Joseph Budna was attacked in a prison in retaliation for the death of the thirteen-year-old boy killed in la Cebada, Chiquibul last Wednesday. The [...]

PM Barrow Says that Guatemala Flew of the Handle Following Chiquibul Shooting
Following the incident in the Chiquibul, where a minor was shot and killed when the B.D.F. came under fire, Guatemala’s version of events went immediately viral, led by an inflammatory [...]

International Media Misses Key Aspect of Deadly Chiquibul Attack
Barrow says that in running away with Guatemala’s version of events, the international media seems to have missed a critical aspect of the incident – that the B.D.F. soldiers were [...]

What’s the Role of SouthCom in Belize/Guatemala Situation?
The Prime Minister explained that he understands that when the country is under threat people want immediate action, but the events of this past few days have underscored the importance [...]

Chamber of Commerce Says Trade Relations with Guatemala Must Continue
While a crisis of military proportions has been averted in the days following the death of thirteen-year-old Julio Alvarado Ruano, there is still a level of unease between Belize and [...]

What Does Chamber President Think of BTV Expedition to Sarstoon?
The Belize Territorial Volunteers has received its share of flak from government for purportedly aggravating the Guatemalan Armed Forces at the Sarstoon.  While they have been criticized as troublemakers, the [...]

N.T.U.C.B. Issues Release on Belize/Guatemala Tension
The increased hostility between Belize and Guatemala over the past week has prompted a number of organizations, both political and non-governmental, to chime in on the escalating border situation.  Aside [...]

Does N.T.U.C.B. Support BTV Sarstoon Voyage?
Mora also weighed in on the seemingly hasty release issued by the Organization of American States following the deadly shooting.  While the N.T.U.C.B. has taken notice of the O.A.S. apparent [...]

A Plan to Internationalize Belize’s Territorial Dispute with Guatemala
There has been much discussion regarding the internationalization of the Belize/Guatemala dispute and the need for the world to become familiar with what is taking place between both countries.  While [...]

Tyrone Myers is Arraigned for Belize City Burglary
A Belize City man was linked to a burglary after CIB personnel lifted a finger print from the home of the victim whose house was burglarized. The alleged burglar, Tyrone [...]

Nicholas Swazo Charged for Murder of George Street Boss
Nicholas Swazo, the man accused of killing Gerald ‘Shiny’ Tillett last Saturday in Dangriga, has been arraigned on a number of charges related to the deadly weekend shooting.  As we [...]

B.P.P. is Disappointed in PM’s Response to O.A.S. Release
Earlier you heard the N.T.U.C.B. take a stand on the release issued by the Organization of American States in which it prematurely “repudiated” the death of Julio Alvarado Ruano at [...]

B.P.P. Weighs In on Upcoming BTV Trip
The N.T.U.C.B. could not support the trip the Sarstoon, but according to B.P.P. Chairman, “those who on their own volition choose to go on the expedition know the inherent risk, [...]

Minister of Education Supports B.N.T.U.’s Stand Up for Belize Campaign
Executives of the Belize National Teachers Union are meeting this week to schedule a date, as well as a venue for a subsequent sensitization forum on the Belize/Guatemala territorial dispute.  [...]

A Humpback Whale Dies After Being Trapped in Gill Net
Our cameras captured images of a humpback whale last week as our news team traveled to the Sarstoon. The whale was in Belizean waters for the past eight weeks, but [...]

FIU Conducts Training of Customs Officers
Earlier this year, the Financial Intelligence Unit and the Customs and Excise Department signed a Memorandum of Understanding which amended the law in respect of the declaration of currency in [...]

A New Theme Unveiled for Destination Belize Magazine
On Tuesday night, the Belize Tourism Industry Association, in collaboration with the Belize Tourism Board and McNab Publishing unveiled the new theme for the 2016/2017 Destination Belize Magazine. “Travel Curious: [...]

Belizeans Speak on Recent Guatemalan Threat
The fatal shooting of a Guatemalan minor inside the Chiquibul has stirred a lot of emotions among Belizeans. There was unease across the country as Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales made [...]

CTV3

Will Sabido Appeal Guilty of Murder Verdict?
After the ruling was handed down, we got the opportunity to speak with defense attorney Oscar Selgado, who in a previous interview seemed confident that his client would walk a free man or at most be handed a judgment of manslaughter, he told us that he was very surprised by the ruling but believes that there is ground for an appeal. Oscar Selgado- Defense attorney:“I am indeed surprised by the ruling because I am still of the opinion that the defenses raised that of self-defense, provocation and accident having looked at the evidence I still believe that there was self-defense and that there was accident involved, the judge has made a sixty nine page ruling very lengthy took over an hour and a half to read it, I still must now go and critically analyze his ruling but I am convinced that there is grounds upon which an appeal can be launched from the evidence, I am still convinced that the evidence itself does not add up to a conviction.”

NTUCB To Internationalize Guatemala's Aggression
The National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB), the umbrella organization for all unions held a weekend meeting of its general council and has pronounced itself on the latest developments in Belize - Guatemala relations. Like other entities, it first expresses condolences to the family of the minor that died at the Chiquibul but says that at the same time, we must not turn a blind eye to the circumstances that led to the death. NTUCB puts forth that Guatemala’s behavior exposes its real intentions to use military might to legitimize the escalating illegal activity of its citizens and to stake claim of the Sarstoon. Importantly, the Congress says it will use its own resources to internationalize what is happening, that is, Guatemala trying to spread a twisted narrative that Belize is the bully and Guatemala the victim. Today NTUCB President, Marvin Mora explained how they intend to do just that:

Belizean Allegedly Attacked In Guatemalan Prison
Belizean national Joseph Budna is tonight recuperating from injuries sustained during an altercation at a prison in Guatemala where he serving time for child abduction. In a report issued by the ‘Noticias de Peten’ on their Facebook page, it stated that Belizean national Joseph Budna who is presently serving time at a prison in Guatemala, was allegedly beaten in a fight that broke out between prisoners from Sector 5 at the prison. As a result of the altercation, a total of five individuals were injured, however, three of them were transported to a hospital due to stab wounds that were inflicted on them. According to the authorities, it is believed that Budna was attacked by a dozen prisoners in retaliation of the recent killing of a 13 year old Guatemalan minor in the Chiquibul.

Donated Helicopters Assembled
A luncheon was held in honor of the Taiwanese technical team that traveled to Belize with the aim of assembling two helicopters that were donated to our country by Taiwan. The team, which is led by Colonel Ao, Cheng- Lin, has a total of seventeen members made up of technicians, engineers, mechanics and two army pilots who were all welcomed by the Ambassador of the Republic of China to Belize, H.E. Benjamin Ho. Present at the luncheon were the Minister of National Security, John Saldivar, the Chief Executive Officer, Colonel (Ret) George Lovell and the Commander of the Belize Defense Force, Brigadier General David Jones who were all presented with gifts from the team.

Two Persons In Custody For Corozal Third Murder
Tonight police have two persons in custody and are looking for another in relation to the murder of 43 year old Gilberto Najarro Sarsenio who was shot to death yesterday at around 10:00 in the morning while working at his cane field in an area known as San Jomal located about 5 1/2 miles northeast of Corozal Town. Sarsenio was with another individual when the incident occurred. That person who managed to get away from the attackers reported the matter to police and when cops arrived at the scene Sarsenio was seen with multiple gunshot wounds.

LOVE FM

Justice for Christie: Osman Found Guilty of Killing His Girlfriend in 2011
32 year old Osman Sabido has been found guilty of the murder of his 22 year old girlfriend, Christie Carrasco. The young woman was stabbed to death on the night of February 28, 2011 at their home in Orange Walk Town. The judgement was handed down today by Justice Herbert Lord in the Orange Walk […]

Guatemala’s Defense Commission Speaks of Options in Deterring Its Citizens to Continue Incursions
In a recent development on the Guatemala side of discussions regarding the territorial dispute between Belize and the Republic of Guatemala, Love News understands via the Guatemala’s Congress website that Juan Manuel Perez Ramirez, chief of staff of the Guatemalan army, met with members of the National Defense Commission of Guatemala, made up of members […]

Swaso Charged for Gang Leader’s Murder
The death of Gerald ‘Shiney’ Tillett on Saturday, April 16 sent the Belize Police Department in high alert resulting in additional patrols, the shutting down of several bars, clubs and liquor stores and intervention sessions within the gang communities. Tillett who was dubbed the George Street Gang Leader was shot in Dangriga; with the progress […]

Guatemalan Laborer Dies in Freak Incident
Yesterday we told you of the freak incident that took place at the Santander Sugar Mill on the George Price Highway, leaving 20-year-old, Guatemalan laborer, Francisco Andres Antonio Sebastian dead. It happened just before midday when the driver of the harvester, Luis Rivera was alerted of a body on the elevator section of the machine. […]

Belizean Woman Inducted Into the Hot Sauce Hall of Fame
For the fourth year in a row, the High River Sauces held its New York City Hot Sauce Expo where the tradition has been to induct pepper sauce makers to their Hall of Fame. As we reported some weeks ago, Belize has been placed on that list with businesswoman, Marie Sharp being inducted to the […]

Belizean Women to Attend Global Summit in US
An additional incentive of the WINC program, participants were required to apply for the Barack Obama Global Entrepreneurship Summit. Two of those women were selected to represent Belize at the summit. Danalyn Myvette, Belize Facilitator of WINC Acceleration Program spoke about the summit the ladies will attend. DANALYN MYVETTE “The ladies were required to apply […]

Safety Standards to Be Improved for Tourists
The tourism officials in Belize are looking to improve the standards of sports and leisure activities being offered to visitors, ranging from jet skiing to scuba diving, among others. John Burgos, the Executive Director for the Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) spoke to Love News on this undertaking. JOHN BURGOS “I sit on different […]

UB Awarded Grant of 1/2 Million Dollars
The University of Belize has been awarded a new grant for 248,800 Euros which is equivalent to $560,435.93 Belize dollars from the Technical Cooperation Program. In December 2015, Mr. Dazhu Yang, Deputy Director General, Head of the Department of Technical Cooperation of the International Atomic Energy Agency, wrote Wilfred Elrington informing him that the proposal […]

Archives Department Boasts Renovated Facility
In August 1965 the National Archives was founded with Leo Bradley Sr being the first appointed honorary archivist. Originally located in a small room at the Bliss Institute, the unit moved to Belmopan in 1974, where all official documents dated from 1900 and beyond were stored as per directive given to the then Permanent Secretaries […]

BTIA Launches Theme for Destination Belize 2017
The Destination Belize is a tourism publication that has been in existence for over a decade and has served Belize’s industry well. Last night at the Belize Biltmore Plaza Hotel, there was an official launch of the magazine’s theme for 2017 as explained by the BTIA’s Executive Director, John Burgos. JOHN BURGOS “We invited all […]

PM Says Incursions Will Not Stop But Efforts Must Continue
At the core of last Wednesday’s shooting of a Guatemalan minor is the fact that there has been an increase in the number of incursions into Belizean territory. While Prime Minister Barrow has said the immediate danger of last week has passed, the reality is there is the chance for a repeat of the situation. […]

Guatemala’s Defense Minister Says There Was No Deployment of Additional Troops But Admits to Encroachments
While the local authorities have now briefed the media and the country on where we stand in the current issue with the Belize/Guatemala territorial differendum, the reports from Guatemala keep surfacing and in a publication dated, April 24 in the Prensa Libre newspaper, there has been admission to encroachments in Belize by Guatemalans; an admission […]

Prime Minister Says Climate Is Not Right for A BTV Expedition
As you heard earlier in our newscast Prime Minister Dean Barrow stated that both countries will be working on a protocol for the Sarstoon River. Meanwhile the Belize Territorial Volunteers have indicated that they will take an expedition to the Sarstoon this Saturday. Once again the Government is asking the BTV not to embark on […]

Maheia Says Expedition is A Go for April 30
Love News spoke to Head of Belize Territorial Volunteers, Wil Maheia following the warning issued by Government officials about this weekend’s planned trip. Maheia responded to the statements. WIL MAHEIA “I don’t understand how we can put anyone at risk when we have zero weapons with us. We are going there as peaceful citizens of […]

Prime Minister Finds Place for Assad Shoman
Last week Ambassador Assad Shoman was removed as the Opposition, People’s United Party’s representative on the team addressing the Belize Guatemala dispute. At today’s press conference, Prime Minister Dean Barrow indicated that the Government will seek to engage Ambassador Shoman going forward. DEAN BARROW “The question of his removal by the PUP is a matter […]

PlusTV

“Immediate Crisis is over” says PM Barrow
Prime Minister of Belize, Right Honorable Dean Barrow declared Monday that the immediate crisis is over. The PM was speaking at a press briefing held in Belize City to address recent troubling developments with Guatemala. As the nation is aware by now, and the international community for that matte...

GUATS beat Belize to publicizing version of events
As we’ve said, the story has made international news, but the version in the international press is clearly reflecting Guatemala’s version of events. Prime Minister Barrow was asked about the late response of the Belizean authorities in getting the true version of events out to the media. Hon. Dean ...

PM to BTV, “Give Peace a Chance”
Prior to the latest development with the Guatemalans, the Belize Territiorial volunteers had already planned a trek to the Sarstoon while Northern Territiorial Volunteers planned on going to Garbutt Falls monument to commemorate the 157th anniversary of the signing of the 1859 Treaty. Today, Prime ...

Sarstoon remains under Guatemalan control until protocols are developed
While the Prime Minister says that tensions between Guatemala and Belize are de-escalating, the Belizean side of the Sarstoon River remains under Guatemalan control. As has been reported, even during the opening of the Forward Operating Base in the Southern most part of Belize’s mainland, Gua...

Man crushed by cane harvester at Sntender
A guatemalan worker at Santender in the Cayo District has died in what appears to be an accident at the 35,000 acre Company’s Private compound. We say “appears” because the company representatives at Santender refused to speak to PlusNews about the young man’s sudden death, t...

Two residents of Belize City Shot
A shooting incident in Belize City leaves two men in hospital. On Saturday the 23rd of April at around 5:50 p.m., 19-year-old Abraham Craig of Belize City and 22 year old Tyrone Guy also of Belize City were socializing in front of a bar when a lone gunman riding on a bicycle approached them and fire...

Kim Brannon takes manslaughter plea; claims murder victim abused her
She allegedly chopped her common law husband to death but blamed others for it when charged with murder. She was found guilty, and a re-trial was ordered. Today, Kimberly Brannon accepted a plea of manslaughter, claiming for the first time that Anthony “Antics” Herrera held her in an abusive relatio...

Amandala

“Counterfeit” cops busted
Security officers and residents of the city can breathe a sigh of relief after two fake cops were busted. At the time they were found, one of the two imposters was carrying a .38 Special revolver loaded with 6 live rounds. The counterfeit policemen have been taken into custody and detained. The criminals were found wearing the pants that are typically worn by policemen on duty, along with khaki shirts, and after investigation, they were found to be imposters. The fake cops were charged for impersonating police offiicers and were additionally charged with keeping a firearm and ammunition without a gun license. They have been detained pending arraignment for the offenses. The incident occurred at about 5:30 this morning, on Ebony Street, Belize City. Police reported that they were on mobile patrol on Ebony Street when they saw two men wearing pants that are usually worn by police officers. One was also wearing a black jacket over a police khaki shirt and a pair of boots.

Guatemala military crisis “has passed” – PM Barrow
Prime Minister Dean Barrow briefed the country this morning at a press conference at the Best Western Biltmore Plaza Hotel four days after Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales ratcheted up the tension between the two countries in the wake of the shooting death of a Guatemalan teenager by a Belize Defence Force patrol which had come under fire in the Chiquibul National Park. Barrow, who was out of the country during the height of the tension with Guatemala on Thursday, at a press conference held this morning at the Best Western Belize Biltmore Plaza, said that he had met with President Morales in New York, where the two leaders had attended a United Nations convention signing on climate change. In reading from a prepared statement, Prime Minister Barrow said, “We have just concluded a meeting of the National Security Council of Belize and this is a follow-up from the meeting held on Friday when I was in New York and in which I participated by phone.”

“Don’t go to the Sarstoon,” says PM Barrow!
The Prime Minister of Belize, Rt. Hon. Dean O. Barrow, returned to the country yesterday, Sunday, claiming that in a meeting he had in New York with Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales, there was an agreement on the part of Morales to de-escalate the tension between the two countries after Guatemala announced last Thursday that it has recalled its ambassador to Belize for consultation and that it would increase its military presence on the borders with Belize for “a strict protection exercise over the sovereignty of the Sarstoon River and the entire adjacency line.” Today at a press conference at the Best Western Biltmore Plaza Hotel, PM Barrow implored the Belize Territorial Volunteers (BTV) not to go on its planned trip this coming weekend to the Sarstoon River to commemorate the signing of the 1859 Treaty between Great Britain and the Republic of Guatemala, which sets out the boundary of the then British Honduras (now Belize).

Belizeans boycott Melchor!
The announcement yesterday, Thursday, by the Republic of Guatemala that it will beef up its military presence at its two borders with Belize, on the south at the Sarstoon River and on the west at the so-called Adjacency Zone, has had a dramatic effect on the traffic of Belizeans going across to the Guatemalan border town of Melchor de Mencos to shop and do business today. Guatemala made the announcement in the wake of the fatal shooting of a Guatemalan teenager who was shot and killed by Belize Defence Force soldiers after a group of Guatemalan poachers opened fire on a BDF patrol on the Belize side of the border, where the patrol had one Guatemalan in custody for being in Belize illegally. Melchor de Mencos, the nearest Guatemalan town to Belize, has traditionally been a place which many Belizeans visit to do their shopping, as well as for medical and dental purposes, but today, the effect of the Guatemalan military buildup on the Belize borders is being felt here, as Belizeans have decided to stay at home.

7 months and 2 weeks to freedom for Kim Brannon
A woman, Kim Brannon, 52, who was initially charged with murder and who was tried and convicted and sentenced to serve life in prison but was given a second chance when the Belize Court of Appeal quashed her conviction and sentence and ordered a new trial in 2013, appeared in the Supreme Court of Justice John “Troadio” Gonzalez this afternoon and pleaded guilty to manslaughter for causing the death of her common-law husband,Anthony “Antics” Herrera, 43. Justice Gonzalez sentenced Brannon to 8 years in prison and stipulated that the time that she has already spent in prison should be deducted from the sentence. Brannon had already served 7 years, 4 months and 13 days behind bars. For her to complete her sentence, she will now have to serve another 7 months and two weeks in prison.

Minor drowns in Biscayne water hole
On April 21, 2016, at around 3:47 p.m., Ladyville police responded to a report of a drowning incident in Biscayne. When they arrived, they found the motionless body of 8-year-old Kimera Dominguez, a standard 2 student at Biscayne Government School, on the banks of a manmade water hole. Kimera had gone into her yard to greet her incoming brother and took unusually long to return inside the house with him. When she did not respond to her mother’s shouts, a search ensued, which led to the discovery of her body in the water hole. Lunnet Dominguez, Kimera’s aunt, told Amandala today that she believes her niece experienced a sudden epilepsy attack and unfortunately, slid into the water hole, located in front of their residence. She further added that when Kimera was retrieved, she was stiff, with visible signs of foam at her mouth.

San Pedro Tiger Sharks back
San Pedro Tiger Sharks takes first bite in playoffs, defeating Bandits in Belmopan: On Thursday night, the NEBL playoffs tipped off in Belmopan, as two-time defending champions San Pedro Tiger Sharks traveled to Belmopan to take on the Bandits at the UB gymnasium. The game got off to a sluggish start, with both teams struggling in the first quarter, as Belmopan Bandits took an 11-7 lead. The offensive struggles continued for both teams, as the game was tied at 21 apiece going into intermission, with both teams demonstrating great defensive resolve in the first half. The Tiger Sharks took a 35-32 lead at the end of the third quarter, which they extended to 9 points mid-way through the fourth. The home team then went on a 14-2 run of its own, behind 2 huge three-pointers by Stephen “Muerte” Williams, to take a 3-point lead with 4 minutes remaining in the game. However, key free throws down the stretch allowed the visiting squad to steal the 58-55 victory, and home court in the semifinals. San Pedro Tiger Sharks was led by Tyrone “Mission” Edwards, who had his best offensive output this season, with the game high 19 pts, to go with 4 assists and 3 steals; while Gene Myvett tallied a double-double, with 11 pts, 10 rebs, 5 steals and 2 dishes. Andrew “Bynum” Ortiz also registered a double-double in the game, scoring 10 pts and grabbing 12 boards. Ortiz sank 6 of 9 free throws down the stretch, to seal the victory for the two-time defending champs. With the loss, Belmopan Bandits’ 8-game winning streak was snapped.

TIDE Junior FWC 2016 Week 1 game results, plans
The TIDE Junior Freshwater Cup (FWC) 2016 regular season football tournament got under way with 3 games (20 minutes each half) on Thursday, April 21. Boys League – At Forest Home football field, Forest Home Methodist Boys dropped Little Flower Boys, 1-0, with a goal from Jivan Borland (36’). In Punta Gorda Town, St. Peter Claver Boys shut out St. Benedict Boys, 2-0, with a goal each from Kyan Avila (18’) and Journell Lemos (27’). Girls League – Meanwhile, at Forest Home football field, Forest Home Methodist Girls won, 1-0, over Little Flower Girls with a goal by Renisha Cofius (13’).

Editorial: A leadership unsatisfactory
It is said that when Adolf Hitler’s Nazi Germany invaded Russia in June of 1941, the Russian general Georgy Zhukov at one point decided to open the Russian prisons. The story may be apocryphal, but the point is this: when a man invades your country, all bets are off. Do or die. On Thursday afternoon, April 21, Guatemalan president Jimmy Morales did not invade Belize: what he did, essentially, was threaten to do so. Perhaps the question for Belizeans at that moment should have been: what would Zhukov have done? In the Middle Ages, you know, those who were kings actually led their soldiers into battle. As late as two hundred years ago, France’s legendary emperor, Napoleon Bonaparte, was leading the French army into combat. A couple decades before, the United States of America’s George Washington, the U.S.’s first president, was doing just that – leading his soldiers into battle. And, in between George Washington in the late 1770s and Napoleon in the early 1800s, Haiti’s Toussaint L’Overture led his troops on the battlefield in the 1790s.

Letter to the Editor: Strike out and swim to shore: Beryl
Dear Editor, All life is sacred. Yet Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales makes a mockery of life; no surprise considering his country’s atrocious human rights violations against its own people. The fate of 13 year old Julio Rene Alvarado Ruano was cast the moment the Europeans decided the people they met in the so-called New World had to be subdued and controlled. Julio entered this world with few human rights, despite the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Declaration of the Rights of the Child and the International Convention on the Rights of the Child to which Guatemala is a party. Fast forward to his growing years. He grew up in poverty, a child laborer in dangerous conditions, his family denied adequate land to make a living. In desperation he believed as he was taught, that his neighbor to the east was claiming land that rightly belongs to his country and that therefore was his for the taking.

A Diasporan Belizean Response from Nigeria to recent events in Belize
O MY BELIZEAN SISTERS AND BROTHERS! When Danny Conorquie and Richard Lambey were murdered and wounded on Belizean soil by Guatemalans, Belize did nothing. But when a 13-year-old Guatemalan trespasser on Belizean soil was killed a few days ago in the cross-fire which resulted when BDF men were attacked by Guatemalan trespassers and they retaliated in self defence, and one of the trespassers was even arrested, the Guatemalans shout “Foul”, recall their ambassador from Belize, mass thousands of troops, twice the size of our BDF, at Belize’s borders, and wickedly turn the tables on our little country by lying to the world that it is the victim of Belizean aggression. I repeat: Belizeans in general DO NOT KNOW THE GUATEMALANS. The only politician who did was Philip Goldson, and his changed address is Lord’s Ridge Cemetery. We continue to underestimate Guatemala at our peril!

CARIFORUM fisheries and SPS professionals participate in unique, interactive training opportunity in Iceland
Eighteen professionals who have been working in Fisheries Management, Animal Health and Food Safety from across the CARIFORUM region, are currently overseas receiving specialized training in food safety and animal and plant health. Endhir Sosa of the Belize Agricultural Health Authority is among the trainees attending the Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Management Course, slated for 17-30 April 2016 in Reykjavik, Iceland, under the United Nations University – Fisheries Training Programme (UNU-FTP). The two-week course, developed by the UNU-FTP in partnership with the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM), is exposing the selected trainees to the full range of issues faced in fisheries value chain management, with special focus on the best SPS standards and the institutional arrangements required for the optimized performance of the fishing industry.

Successful prosthetic clinic organizers say thanks
In the Sunday, March 20, 2016 edition of Amandala, the newspaper ran a feature article for the Belizean Assembly for Persons with Diverse Abilities (BAPDA), highlighting the prosthetic clinic that was to be held at the Helpage Gym that Sunday. The members of BAPDA would like to sincerely thank the many people who selflessly gave of their time and resources to make this endeavor a success. Thanks to Mr. Russell Vellos, Ms. Ramos, Ms. McKenzie and the rest of the Kremandala crew and also the team from Prosthetic Hope International, Deputy Commander Louis Sutherland of the Belize Defence Force and the soldiers who assisted: PTE Marvin Ical, PTE Ronald Choc, PTE Domingo Ack, and PTE Carlos Chub. Involved in this venture also were Gilroy Middleton, Jr., a lecturer at the University of Belize; Ms. Verie Vassal, the Helpage management and staff, Ms. Eva Middleton, Ireva and Abija Vernon, Lori Hernandez, Mrs. Hillary Rivers, Jeneva Anthony and BAPDA volunteers.

Adopting energy-efficient practices to help businesses
Khara Roches is the National Coordinator for the Energy for Sustainable Development in the Caribbean Project for Belize. Roches told Amandala that there are five countries participating in the project: Antigua & Barbuda, Grenada, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & The Grenadines and Belize. “The main goal”, Roches said, “is to reduce energy intensity by 20%.” Roches added that they are hoping that by having today’s seminar, they can convince importers to get on board by illustrating the benefits to their businesses of adopting renewable energy and energy efficient practices. In line with this effort, Franklyn Magloire, Assistant General Manager, Lending Operations, of the Development Finance Corporation (DFC), told Amandala, “DFC is collaborating with the Caribbean Development Bank and the Ministry of Energy, Science, Technology & Public Utilities in providing $2 million dollars available to small and medium-sized businesses in order that they can invest in renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies.”

Drowning in Teakettle
Manuel Obando, 33, a farmer of Teakettle, Cayo District, drowned while swimming in the Belize River at about 4:30 Saturday afternoon. He reportedly went under the water and did not resurface. Family members organized a search party for him, and his body was found at about 5:45 that same Saturday evening, in the vicinity of the same spot in the river where he went under. Those who know him said that Obando was friendly and easy to get along with. Police said that no foul play has been suspected, and the death has been declared a drowning.

Minor drowns in Biscayne water hole
On April 21, 2016, at around 3:47 p.m., Ladyville police responded to a report of a drowning incident in Biscayne. When they arrived, they found the motionless body of 8-year-old Kimera Dominguez, a standard 2 student at Biscayne Government School, on the banks of a manmade water hole. Kimera had gone into her yard to greet her incoming brother and took unusually long to return inside the house with him. When she did not respond to her mother’s shouts, a search ensued, which led to the discovery of her body in the water hole. Lunnet Dominguez, Kimera’s aunt, told Amandala today that she believes her niece experienced a sudden epilepsy attack and unfortunately, slid into the water hole, located in front of their residence. She further added that when Kimera was retrieved, she was stiff, with visible signs of foam at her mouth.

7 months and 2 weeks to freedom for Kim Brannon
A woman, Kim Brannon, 52, who was initially charged with murder and who was tried and convicted and sentenced to serve life in prison but was given a second chance when the Belize Court of Appeal quashed her conviction and sentence and ordered a new trial in 2013, appeared in the Supreme Court of Justice John “Troadio” Gonzalez this afternoon and pleaded guilty to manslaughter for causing the death of her common-law husband,Anthony “Antics” Herrera, 43. Justice Gonzalez sentenced Brannon to 8 years in prison and stipulated that the time that she has already spent in prison should be deducted from the sentence. Brannon had already served 7 years, 4 months and 13 days behind bars. For her to complete her sentence, she will now have to serve another 7 months and two weeks in prison.

Breaking Belize News

Oscar Selgado: Sabido has grounds to appeal conviction
Osmar Sabido’s attorney, Oscar Selgado, says that his client can make an appeal following his sentencing today. Selgado told the media today that he is “convinced that there is ground upon which an appeal can be (made)” from the evidence presented which he said […]

Two detained in connection with shooting death of Gilberto Najarro in Corozal
Corozal police are closing in on the gunman who shot and killed 43-year-old Gilberto Sarcenio Najarro in Paraiso Village on Monday morning. Authorities have detained two persons and are seeking a third for questioning in the incident. Najarro was shot once to his back […]

City courts shut down after transformer misfires
A transformer belonging to Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) caught fire this morning at around 9:30, causing the Belize City Magistrate’s Courts to shut down their offices for the rest of the day. The misfiring transformer, located at the corner of Bishop and Regent Streets […]

Police charge “Shiney” Tillet’s accused killer
Nicholas Swazo, accused of shooting 36 year old Gerald “Shiney” Tillett to death at the Wadani Shed on Saturday night, April 16, has been released from hospital after being shot himself during the incident and is now formally charged and remanded to prison. Acting Officer in […]

Marie Sharp inducted to the New York City Hot Sauce Hall of Fame
Marie Sharp is officially part of the New York City Hot Sauce Hall of Fame! She was presented with an award over the weekend at the New York City Hot Sauce Expo and received a red jacket, commemorating the occasion along with a class […]

Osmer Sabido will return to prison for life
Osmer Sabido, 30, has been found guilty of murdering his then 21-year-old girlfriend and common-law wife Christie Carrasco on Febraury 28, 2011. He has was sentenced to life in prison earlier today. After five years in prison, Sabido’s trial started on March 10 where, in […]

Tiger Sharks and Hurricanes set to face off in NEBL finals
In National Elite Basketball League (NEBL) action, two teams have emerged from the playoffs to face off in the finals: the #1 seed Smart Belize Hurricanes and #3 seed San Pedro Tiger Sharks. On Thursday night in Belmopan, the Bandits took on the Tiger […]

Man first caught by BDF in Chiquibul pleads guilty, is deported
Jose Maria Antonio Reyes, the first man detained in Belizean territory last Wednesday before the shooting death of Julio Alvarado Ruano, 13, appeared in court on Friday. Reyes was picked up 2 hours before the shoot-out that claimed Ruano’s life. He had been found […]

Guatemalan national dismembered and crushed in accident at Santander Sugar Mill
The dismembered and crushed body of a 20-year-old Guatemalan National, Francisco Andres Antonio Sebastian, currently awaits a post mortem examination at the Western Regional Hospital after he was killed in a freak accident. Luis Felipe Rivera, a 21-year-old driver at Santander Sugar Mill, reported […]

Joseph Budna allegedly beaten in Guatemalan prison
Joseph Budna, who is currently serving jail time in Guatemala on charges of kidnapping and abduction, was allegedly beaten by Guatemalan inmates as retaliation for the death of 13-year-old Julio Alvarado who was shot by Belize Defense Force (BDF) soldiers. The news was reported by […]

Blogs

The Ultimate Belize Bucket List: Tiny Country, HUGE Experiences
So many things to do in Belize I had to make my own bucket list just to keep track and I thought maybe it could help you. Also, there is a MASSIVE prize involved to anyone that can complete all. MASSIVE.

Crunchy Salad with Apples & Grapes
In a small bowl mix all the ingredients to make the dressing:.. Yoghurt, sugar, mayonnaise, lemon juice and cinnamon. Place it in the refrigerator while you make the salad. Once you have all the chopped fruit in a large bowl add all the dressing and mix.

Chicken Chop Suey
First, saute the chicken in a large skillet (if you have a wok, much better yet). Gradually add the vegetables in the following order (leaving about a few minutes after adding each so they cook a little and get integrated with what is already in the skillet or wok): garlic, carrots, peppers, onions, broccoli , cauliflower, and finally, mushrooms and dragon's teeth (bean sprouts). Dissolve the chicken bouillon cube in a cup of hot water and add to the mixture, add salt as you like and cook over medium heat for 10 to 15 minutes or until you see that the vegetables are cooked.

Chipotle Caeser Salad
For the dressing: Blend all ingredients until a smooth and homogeneous dressing. Reserve it.. For the salad: 1. Heat the olive oil in a skillet and saute the garlic and onion for 2 minutes. 2. Add chicken breast halves, increase taste with salt and pepper and cook for 4 minutes on both sides. Remove from heat and cut into thick strips. 3. Mix lettuce leaves with croutons, Parmesan cheese and some dressing. 4. Serve above mixture of salad and add the chicken strips.

Why You Have to Visit Hopkins Belize on Your Vacation
Often ranked as the friendliest village in Belize, Hopkins is in the center of the Garifuna culture, a unique people with both African and Caribbean roots who migrated to the country in the 18th century. With a laidback, easygoing atmosphere, the village is a popular destination for visitors interested in learning to play Garifuna drums, sampling Garifuna cuisine, learning more about traditional fishing culture, and as a jumping off point for the nearby Belize Barrier Reef. Hopkins is a quaint Garifuna village on the Caribbean coast in the southeastern Stann Creek District of Belize. Hopkins is located eight miles south of Dangriga and approximately 90 miles south of Belize City. Often billed as a village where “time moves like a turtle”, the unhurried and easygoing pace of traditional life in Hopkins is best experienced by adopting an open-minded, relaxed attitude. Stretching approximately five miles around the perimeter of a small inlet, this fishing and farming village is a great place to experience Garifuna culture, including their unique group drumming, home-brewed Punta music, and working alongside with traditional craftsmen.

A whole lot of weekend
One of the things that comes with island life and being a blogger is sometimes travelers reach out to me asking if I would be willing to show them around the island a bit. This was the case with Michael he arrived last Friday for a scouting trip to see if living in Belize was for him – not only did he want to learn more about the island he also wanted to meet new people. So I agreed to show him around when I was not working. Here are a few bits and pieces touring around the island. First Farmers Market and an Afternoon at “The Lake” My friend Jack came with us on this one. On our way there we encountered a long line at the toll bridge and ran into friends Chunky, Ruthie and Bob at Marbucks. They urged us to bust a move to The Truck Stop as it was packed earlier and some of the tables selling their wares were running out of stuff.

International Sources

ETBU students help provide clean water in Belize
Nine students from East Texas Baptist University served in Belize with Hope Springs Water—an Athens-based ministry committed to provide safe water, sanitation and public health education to developing countries. Lisa Seeley, director of global education and the Great Commission Center at ETBU, and her husband, Scott Seeley, pastor of Nesbit Baptist Church in Marshall, accompanied the student team. “The purpose of the trip was to fix wells in villages so that people who live there could have clean water,” said Nycole Renfrow, a sophomore from Nederland. In Cirque Jute, ETBU students deepened a well 10 feet to keep water flowing during the dry season. They also cleaned out out existing wells that produced discolored water. The recent trip marked the second year in a row ETBU student teams journeyed to Belize to work with Hope Springs Water.

Guatemala rejects Belize 'self defense' claim in boy's death
Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales on Tuesday rejected an assertion by neighboring Belize that a Guatemalan boy shot dead on the border last week was killed in "self defense." "The way the boy died, with eight bullets -- four in the back and one in the eye -- cannot be justified as 'legitimate self defense'," Morales told journalists. The circumstances of the April 20 death of the 13-year-old boy are disputed by Guatemala and Belize. Each Central American nation claims the shooting occurred on its side of the border and was an unprovoked attack on its citizens.

¿Belice...? Por favor Presidente, no es 1970
The Guatemalan government has shifted gears, making statements to tone down and clarify what appeared to the world to be an escalation of aggression. But in both these actions that nation's government has also come under criticism, with the brunt of it aimed at President Jimmy Morales. The following article on Guatemalan News blog www.soy502.com points out some of those criticisms, of which his handling of the recent events between Belize and Guatemala is only one of many. A rough translation of its final paragraph reads: "The relationship with neighbors is complex and its legal, judicial, and political ramifications should be treated with caution and diplomatic effectiveness, not with improvisations and outbursts."

Videos

April 26, 2016

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

Taste of Belize is back!
If you just can’t get enough of Belize’s amazing cuisine, then best make plans to attend Taste of Belize. After a four-year hiatus, Belize Tourism Board’s culinary festival is back and it promises an exceptional showing of local beverages and food. Seeking to develop and recognize the best in the culinary arts of Belize, the day will include food and beverage competitions in categories such as of the Pro Chef, Bartending and Cake Decorating. Just think of all the tasty treats available to those in attendance! 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! 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! Taste of Belize is an event you don’t want to miss!

Rockin’ the Caye with the Abracadabra Band
ormer and current members of the Steve Miller Band ¬ Rock n Roll Hall of Fame and Grammy inductees ¬will perform a live concert on June 4, 2016 at Mahogany Bay Village Green. The concert will run from 4 to 7PM. Proceeds will support the South Ambergris Caye Neighborhood Watch in providing security and wellbeing to their neighborhood. Tickets going on sale online May 1, 2016 at www.SACNW.org and other locations to be announced. Special thanks to sponsors, Mahogany Bay, Pelican Reef / Athens Gate Resorts, Lone Star Grill & Cantina and Palapa Bar.

Statement by the Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister of Belize on Recent Increase in Tensions between Belize and Guatemala
We have just concluded a meeting of the National Security Council of Belize, and this is a follow-on from the meeting held on Friday when I was in New York, and in which I participated by phone. I am wholly satisfied, based on the NSC’s review of all the facts and its discussion of the pathway forward, that the immediate crisis provoked by Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales’s extraordinary address to his nation after the exchange of fire between Guatemalan civilians-who fired first-and the BDF leading to the death of a Guatemalan minor, is over. I am convinced that diplomacy, Belize’s invocation of the Confidence Building Agreement, and its call for peace and the de-escalation of the threat and tension created by the Guatemalan response and the measures that had been announced by President Morales, has worked. Our position has been noted and supported by the international community, and ultimately accepted by Guatemala. There has therefore been success in defusing the situation to a point where the return to normalcy has begun, and the two countries can start again to work on the reiteration and expansion of the protocols governing the complex relations between us.

Experts seek solutions to address beach erosion on Ambergris Caye
The beaches of Ambergris Caye have been eroding significantly, and shorelines are fading at a rapid pace. In an effort to address the alarming issue, The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) has reached out to a team of experts to assess the erosion affecting the island. On Wednesday, April 13th Deputy Mayor Gary Greif, along with Keith Nichols from the Caribbean Community Climate Change Center, and Carianne Johnson from the Pan American Development Fund conducted a visual assessment to determine the level of erosion on the island’s coast line. According to Johnson, seawalls are the major culprits for the erosion currently taking place. She commented that most of the seawalls along the shoreline are not properly built, and instead of protecting the beaches they are actually speeding the erosion process. Adding to the problem are the many docks lining the shore, which add to the effect of the wave action and shifting currents. Nichols mentioned global warming as a major factor in increasing erosion in many countries. He also pointed out that vehicles trafficking the beach are causing enormous damage.

New HIV cases on the rise in 2105
Testing positive for Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV) no longer means a death sentence, since infected persons can now live long productive lives with the latest anti-retroviral medication. Despite community health programs aimed at preventing the spread of the disease, the infection rate is on the rise, with 239 new HIV cases reported in 2015, as compared to 226 new infections in 2014. The Ministry tested more people than ever before: 31,346 in 2015, compared to 26,589 in 2012, 29,477 in 2013, and 28,626 in 2014. Yet the infection rate has remained 0.8% for the past three years; in 2012, it was 0.9. This represents just the tip of the iceberg. Estimates are that many more people are infected, but remain to be tested. Health workers estimate for every 1,000 positive tests, there are perhaps another 7,000 who are infected. Those living in denial often resist testing until they are already seriously sick with other infections and complications arising from HIV, and it is then too late for treatment. Of the 110 people who died last year of complications related to the virus, 74 were men and 36 were women, the highest death rate was in the Belize district.

SPHS observes Drug Awareness Week
San Pedro High School (SPHS) has observed an entire week dedicated to drug awareness from Monday, April 18th to Friday, April 22nd. The theme for 2016 was held under, “The Best Me is Drug Free,” and Guidance Counselor, Ms. Alexis Guerrero, organized a series of events to help influence students to make positive choices and refrain from substance abuse. The opening ceremony was held on Monday, April 18th at the Angel Nunez Auditorium. Principal, Mr. Emil Vasquez, gave remarks as SPHS participates in another year of raising awareness on drug and alcohol prevention. “Drugs are not only a problem at SPHS, but country-wide, and I will be revising the school’s policies. I want all of my students to consider their future and their education,” said Vasquez. Kristina Romero of the National Drug Abuse Control Council (NDACC), addressed the misuse of drugs and its effect on students. According to the studies from the National Institute of Drug Abuse, “almost 70% of students will have tried alcohol, half will have taken an illegal drug, nearly 40 percent will have smoked a cigarette, and more than 20 percent will have used a prescription drug for a nonmedical purpose.

Ambergris Today

Pic of the Week - Belize Flag Proudly Waved at Coachella Music Festival
He might not have been the only Belizean at the festival, but San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, resident dentist Julio Lara was the only one we knew of attending the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival (an annual music and arts festival) that was held at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California this year. Last week, Dr. Lara donned his Belize T-shirts and waved his Belizean flag proudly at the festival grounds for everybody to see. Needless to say, Julio says he had a blast sharing his Belizean culture and experiencing the international festival; he even got to meet artist 'Common' at LAX.

Belize Crisis with Guatemala Over: PM Barrow
“There has been success in defusing the situation to a point where the return to normalcy has begun,” said Barrow. Belize Prime Minister Dean Barrow said in a press conference today, April 25, 2016, in Belize City, that the immediate danger between the current Belize and Guatemala tension has passed and that the country can now rest easily. This announcement comes even as Minister of Defence in Guatemala, Williams Masilla states that the country maintains their military presence at the adjacency zone with Belize and at the Sarstoon River. Prime Minister Dean Barrow said he and Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales agreed "it was absolutely necessary to dial down the tension between our two countries," but friction remains.

Misc Belizean Sources

Beltraide hosts Certificate Ceremony at the Central Prison
The Belize Training and Employment Centre (BTEC), a unit of the Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE), in conjunction with the Belize Central Prison, Kolbe Foundation and Restore Belize today held a certificate ceremony for a programme entitled “Equipped for Work/Makin’ It Work Job Preparedness Training” to provide persons leaving correctional facilities with the necessary tools and skills to become productive members of society. The eleven week programme which included participants from the Wagner’s Youth Facility, Tango 2 Division, and the female unit of the Belize Central Prison, lasted from February 9th to April 22nd, 2016 and covered Personal Development and Healthy Self Image; Work Habits and Conduct; Bridging the Gap/Makin It Work; Customer Service; Resume Writing and Interview Skills and provided a platform for participants to improve their communication skills and develop short and long term goals for self-betterment.

Posting for Inspector Dehanne Augustine
The Youth Cadets of Caye Caulker will be joined by the Youth Cadets of San Pedro for a community service/sports day on Friday, April 29th here on the island. Their community service will be cleaning the Children's Park and will then move on to the Palapa for their sports day event. They are asking for any rakes, gloves and any other equipment (no sharp or pointed equipment) that they can use to clean the area. Garbage bags and music is being donated by the Manager of Anchorage Resort. Anyone else who would like to give towards this can let me know OR can take it to the Children's Park on Friday morning.

Poets Corner: Death Trap
By Abdulmajeed K. Nunez The Starstoon Base Is nothing but a disgrace? This structure was built in haste Just to save face Perhaps we'll wait until our soldier disappear without a trace Given the aggression at the border it’s unsafe? If I was a soldier I would never go to that place People trying to impress the populace to vote for them You all seem to have forgotten Danny Conorquie Murdered in similar hostility Is this base temporary? What about the security Of our men in our military Perhaps the Coast Guard has some guarantee Since they are being funded by Washington DC

REMINDER - The Belize Alumni Association is holding Board Elections THIS WEEK !!!
When? Wednesday, April 27, 2016 from 11:00 am—1:30 pm Where? U.S. Embassy in Belmopan OR logon online. LUNCH WILL BE PROVIDED!!! If you cannot attend in person you can also attend the meeting virtually via google hangout!!! Interested in running for a position on the board? Please let us know what position you are interested in when you RSVP and be prepared to do short presentation to the members on why the members should vote for you . Please RSVP by COB Monday, April 25, 2016 and forward your Gmail account to be part of the meeting online at [email protected]

CENTAM SMOKE exercise
Last week was smoking on Soto Cano Air Base, with visitors from all across Central America for the CENTAM SMOKE exercise. Check out our cover story and read about how this training develops long lasting partnerships!

Channel 7

PM Barrow: "Rest Easy... Immediate Danger Has Passed"
Prime Minister Dean Barrow returned to the country from New York yesterday. He wasn't here when reports went out that Guatemalan troops were amassing at the border, but he was in the right place to meet Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales. Both were there to sign the UN Climate Agreement and the two leaders had a sit down on Friday. That's one day after Morales recorded an inflammatory statement in response to the BDF's killing of a 13 year old Guatemalan boy. Morales also deployed the Guatemalan army to the western and southern border - an unprecedented move which sent shivers up the collective national spine. But, as we reported on Friday, PM Barrow talked him down, and this weekend we saw the Guatemalan Minister of Defence say that there never really was any mobilization of three thousand soldiers. So, with that the Prime Minister chaired a National Security Council meeting this morning, and then segued directly into a press conference, with the entire security council at the head table.

Misunderstanding: Guat Army Says It Never "Mobilised" 3k Troops
And there was reason to relax just a little yesterday when we saw a press conference hosted by the Guatemalan Minister of Defence, William Mancilla who said that the whole thing about three thousand troops being mobilized was an exaggeration. He explained that there are three thousand total troops in the Peten, and a few hundred of them were simply being moved, not mobilized, to the border areas. Here are portions of his press conference with captions in English:... William Mancilla, Minister of Defence - Guatemalan: (Translated)"In this regard, of those three thousand men, what was done was reinforce the adjacency zone. So if we had five hundred, right now we have about one thousand men. So then, as soon as that act of mobilization of three thousand men from here, the capital, to the city is a lie- that is false. What is being done is that the mechanism in place at Peten reinforced the detachments at the adjacency zone, and I repeat again, to guarantee the life of the persons living in those, approximately 35 communities, in the entire adjacency zone and of course the naval base of the Sarstoon River was also reinforced with 40 persons."

BDF Reinforces Self Defence Narrative
So now that the military threat seems to have receded - we can look a little closer at the trigger event - which is Wednesday night's fatal shooting of 13 year old Julio Alvarado in the Cebada area of the Chiquibul Forest. As we have reported, around 7:00 at night, the BDF reports that they came under fire, and returned fire in the dark. This was two hours after they had taken a Guatemalan into custody. Well, we learned today that the BDF was in the area because of aerial reconnaissance flight which saw cultivation within Belizean territory. The BDF had gone there to clear it out:... Brig. Gen. David Jones, Commander - BDF: "The patrol deployed in the area because of a reconnaissance that was conducted by our defender aircraft. Whenever we do such reconnaissance operation, we do subsequently send foot patrols on the ground to confirm what we've seen from the air. We saw the encroachments, so BDF and FCD decided to go and do the investigation to see how they can arrest the situation. Unfortunately the incident occurred on Wednesday night where the patrol, at approximately 5 o'clock in the evening, detained the first gentleman who was about 33 years of age."

Guatemalan Family Says They Came Under Attack
But, on the other side of the border, the version they are getting is very different. The victim's father and mother gave emotional interviews to Guatemala's Chapin TV. The father painted a very different version of events where, he says he and his two sons came under attack from nowhere. Here's that interview with captions:... Carlos Alvarado - Father: "I was coming on the road from work, and on the road coming in front, like I told you, I was in front meanwhile everyone was at the back, when they appeared in front of me and immediately started shooting, without telling me anything." "There is no line that divides us, we cannot recognize where Belize or Guatemala is. We are poor, we don't have land here in Guatemala and we need. That is why we work in that area that they are claiming." "I couldn't speak to them, not even to tell them "run!" because they immediately attacked me. They didn't speak to me. I could react to try and defend myself and they tried to defend themselves however they could."

BDF Had Encountered Julio Before
As we noted, his account differs completely from Belize's official position, and to settle it definitively, the OAS will conduct an independent investigation. The Government of Belize has also invited in the Americans, the Mexicans and whoever else wants to assist in the investigation. And they say one telling detail is that Julio Alvarado was found by the BDF in the Chiquibul before:.. Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister: "One thing we didn't say is that that minor had already been encountered by the BDF in a previous incident in Belize, but he was not armed and all the BDF did was escort him back to Guatemala. We don't engaged children in any hostile manner. That is a core operating principle of the BDF. In the circumstances of that particular incident, the BDF didn't know who the hell they were engaging. It was just a matter of firing back and taking cover. It turned out that the end of it all, that that very minor, who they had met and treated so absolutely properly - out of fundamental concern for his welfare and had taken back to Guatemala when the first occurrence took place, that he had taken fire and died."

PM Strongly Cautions Territorial Volunteers To Stay Away From Sarstoon
And so while all parties wait on the outcome of that investigation - there's another event that could cause another flashpoint in Belize Guatemala relations. The Belize Territorial Volunteers are going back down into the Sarstoon this weekend. They say it is a special April 30th expedition to mark 150 years since Belize's borders were established. Wil Maheia told us this evening, he is dead set on it, but today the Prime Minister very strongly cautioned against it:.. "In the current circumstances where we just went through an absolutely harrowing weekend, the entire country - all of us sitting at this table where we have come through unscathed and where our diplomacy and face to face meetings with Guatemala have produced this resolve to de-escalate tensions and to find a way rooted in peace and mutual respect forward. In those circumstances, for these people to maintain that they will still go to the sarstoon on Saturday would in my view be absolutely and utterly unacceptable. We now have a forward operating base at the mouth of the river. If they go and the Guatemalans (as the Guatemalans will) seek to intercept them, our people who are there will have to react, hopefully in a way that would not cause the situation to get out of control. But that could potentially provoke just that occurrence. I am appealing to the Territorial Volunteers, give peace a chance."

Have The Guats Annexed The Sarstoon?
And one of the reasons he is so determined is because he says since the forward base opened, Guatemalan encroachments on the Belize side of the Sarstoon continue unabated. He says he's been to the base every single day since it opened, and every day he sees Guatemalan Fisherfolk, freely operating in Belizean waters. Take that fact, and the other fact that Guatemalan gunboats very deliberately pulled over to the Belize side of the river when the forward base was opened, and you get the clear picture that Guatemala is taking over the river. It's called "How can there be an annexation, or how can there be as others have suggested any risk that we run that ultimately a court of justice might say that we have slip on our rights or that we have made a - what in fact would be a territorial concession to Guatemala with respect to the Sarstoon. We continue to act in accordance with that position, including of course the constructing of the forward operating base that sees our vessels moored at the mouth of the Sarstoon. We continue to go up river. That does not stop the Guatemalans from insisting that the entire river is theirs, but it certainly makes clear to the world that that is a position we do not and cannot accept. There cannot be any possible question of Belize having for legal purposes conceding any of its rights with respect to its portion of the Sarstoon."

Cane Farmer Killed In Corozal
A Corozal cane farmer was gunned down in his farm this morning, all because of a stolen bicycle. The victim's name is Gilberto Najarro, a 43 year old farmer of Paraiso Village. According to police Najarro and another man were at the farm yesterday when they were threatened by a father and a son, who accused them of stealing their bicycles. The following morning, the son allegedly returned with a hand gun and shot Gilberto dead. Superintendent Dennis Arnold, Officer Commanding Corozal Police Formation told our colleagues at CTV-3 more. "Upon arrival, they saw a male person laying faced down with what appeared to be gunshot wounds; 2 to the back and one to the back of the head. His name was learnt to be Gilberto Najarro, 43 years old of Paraiso Village. The initial police investigation revealed that yesterday while Najarro and the complainant, the person who was his assistant at the cane field, we have a father and a son, came to that cane field and accusing them of stealing their bicycles. The father and son made threats that they would have caused serious bodily harm to those persons. Apparently the son came back this morning and made good on of his threat."

Relative of Guat Victims Pleaded Guilty
Back now to Belize - Guatemala relations. A footnote in the entire incident is Jose Maria Antonio Reyes. He was detained in Cebada about 2 hours before the shooting last Wednesday. The Government's official release, says that he was detained in Belizean territory conducting illegal activities. We later learned that he had entered Belizean territory illegally, and he told the BDF soldiers that he had been farming in that location for years. Quietly on Friday, Jose Antonio Reyes was arraigned, and he pleaded guilty to illegal entry. He was fined $1,500, which he paid, and he was handed over to the Immigration Department for an Expulsion Order, meaning that he had to leave the country immediately. A Guatemalan Newspaper suggests that he might be related to the 13 year-old Guatemalan, Julio Alvarado who the BDF fatally shot.

Guat Fishers At Play In Sarstoon
Since our news team started making frequent trips to the Sarstoon last year, we've been encountering illegal fishing in Belizean territorial waters. Those living in PG and Barranco say that it has been happening for years, and over time, it has only gotten more widespread. When the Government officials broke ground for the Joint Forces Forward Operating in December of last year, we asked National Security Minister John Saldivar about it. He said that there would be enforcement against that sort of thing as soon as the Base was opened. Well, we went back to the Sarstoon twice last week and on Friday, we saw illegal fishers doing their thing as though nothing had changed. Today, Daniel Ortiz took a closer look at Friday's encounter, and here's his story:

Overall PM Pleased With OAS
The Prime Minister today said that he and President Morales have agreed to work on, quote, "an operational modality…to eliminate the possibility of conflict...especially on the Sarstoon." That's the kind of OAS confidence building talk which makes many uncomfortable - because after its statement last week, the public confidence in the OAS on this side of the border is not very high. Their statement said the OAS quote, "repudiates the death of a minor." Now "repudiate" is a strong word, and it makes it seem like they are taking sides against Belize. Today the PM told us he too didn't like that word - but he's just fine with the OAS:

PUP Sacked Dr. Assad, But He May Make A Comeback As GOB Negotiator
And, we'd say, Dr. Assad Shoman is just fine with the OAS too - it's the Guatemalans he has said he doesn't trust. But now that he is a free agent - after being sacked by the PUP for not being a PUP - will the Government snap him up to be part of the official negotiating team? The Prime Minister today said that they are talking:.... Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister: "We do think that Assad has a great deal of knowledge, a great deal of expertise with respect to this issue and we will look to see if there is not some professional capacity in which the government of Belize might employ his services. I see in one interview he said that he has always made it plain to me that he is available and I haven't use him. Well Assad, we certainly will talk. I am saying that I am perfectly prepared to try to work something out with him that will see him lend his remunerated services to the issue."

Worker Crushed At Santander
There was a terrible accident at the Santander Farm near Valley of Peace this morning. 21 year old Guatemalan Francisco Andres Sebastian a resident of Cotton Tree Village was mowed by a harvester. It happened at around 11:58 this morning, and police suspect that Sebastian was resting in the field when the harvester, driven by another employee ran over him, causing severe damage to his body and killing him almost instantaneously. Right now police are still gathering statements but so far it seems to be a genuine accident. However they say that if there is any fault suspected, they will arrest the driver and proceed with the matter as a criminal investigation. In the meantime Beverly Burke, the Public Relations officer for Santander told what occurred.

Pol Say He Killed Suar
A man has been charged for the January killing of taxi man Isidro Suar in Belmopan. As you all may remember, Suar was found dead in the Picini area near Chon Saan Restaurant on Friday January 8th. He had been shot 4 times. After the culprits killed Suar, they escaped in his taxi but police caught up with them shortly after in Ontario. Both Lincoln Bejerano and a 17 year old girl were found in the taxi with weapons. They were both charged with Kept ammunition without a gun license, kept firearm without a gun license as well as robbery and conspiracy to commit robbery. Well today, 3 months after Suar's killing, Bejerano's charge was upgraded to 1 count of murder. Just to note, Bejerano was also charged for vehicle theft 6 days after Suar's murder. That is in relation to the scary carjacking on the Humming bird highway. 38 year-old Melonie Popper Coc, pulled over on the side of the Hummingbird Highway in Armenia village to make a phone call - and that is when 2 men forced her and her family out of her vehicle by gunpoint and drove off - leaving her along with her mother and four kids stranded on the roadside.

Kim Killed Husband, After 24 Years Of Abuse
She chopped her common law husband Anthony Herrera to death in 2008, but Kimberly Brannon was a victim of abuse, so today she pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter. Justice John Gonzalez sentenced her to 8 years, but she's been in jail since it happened in 2011, so, based on time served, she will only spend 6 months and 17 days before she is free. In a mitigation plea she told the court that she lived with Herrera form she was 14 years old and for 24 years he abused her physically, sexually and emotionally. According to Brannon, whenever she found the courage to leave Herrera she always went back because of feat he would kill her or hurt a family member.

Belize At New Orleans Jazzfest
Right now Belize's Sweet Pain Band among several other artists are in New Orleans for the Jazz and Heritage Festival. As we've been reporting , It is one of the biggest music festivals in the US and for the first time ever, Belizean artists are the main feature. Our 7news team Courtney Weatherburne and Codie Noralez was there in New Orleans this weekend to capture this historic moment. They got back this morning and for now, we bring you just a snippet of Belize's presentation. Ivan Duran, Producer, Stone Tree Records: "After months and months of planning you get here and see all the hard work come to fruition and as you can see we are very excited. The musicians are belated to be here and playing their music to I would say a very receptive crowd, you never know what will happen until you get on stage and you see it. From what we've been seeing since yesterday and today is that the reception has been incredible. Obviously beautiful weather works here at a festival so everybody's in a good mood to have fun and to discover the music that we're bringing."

A Whale Of A Story, But This One Has A Sad Ending
Oceana Belize is reporting tonight that a 30-foot Humpback Whale, died off the coast of Barranco Village. Scientists suspect that the whale may have been lost or sick, but it's troubles in Belize were compounded by the fact that it was caught in gill nets believed to have been set by Guatemalan fishermen. The whale was seen in the waters of Southern Belize, and Oceana says that it struggled to stay alive in Belize for an entire month before it died today. Oceana says that the whale moved around freely until it was caught in a gill net belonging to Guatemalan fishermen, most likely one of those we told you about in our last segment. It was trapped in that gillnet. While our news team was on the way to Sarstoon on Friday to see if there had been reinforcements of Guatemalan troops at that Border, we encountered the whale struggling. Border Activist Wil Maheia, who was once a part of the Conservation community, told us what he observed when he jumped into the sea to try to render aid:

Calling All Youths
Tonight we've told you all about Belize Guatemala relations, but while we've labored to give you all official angles on that story from both sides of the border, one other angle is the Belizean youth population. Many young people don't get too involved in national affairs if they don't appear on their facebook page, but one Belizean youth advocate visited our studios last week, calling on his fellow youths to wake up and stand up.

Counterfeit Cops Caught
Last week, Belize City police caught 2 men who they believe have been going around pretending to be police, terrorizing citizens, and then robbing them. Those men are 21 year-old Tyrone Smith of St. Matthews Village, Cayo, and 21 year-old Dorian Blair of Gibnut Street. The Police say that on Thursday morning, just before 6, they were conducting mobile patrols on Ebony Street when these 2 men caught their attention. They were wearing trousers which make up a part of the Police uniform, which is illegal, and one of the men even wore a police khaki shirt, to completely look the part of a legitimate officer. The police detained both men immediately, questioned them, and found out that they were not police officers. Both men were searched and Tyrone Smith was caught with a .38 special revolver which contained 6 live rounds of .38 ammunition. They were then arrested and charged jointly with the false pretense of an officer. Smith was additionally charged with keeping an unlicensed firearm, and keeping unlicensed ammunition.

Channel 5

A Crisis is Averted as Tensions De-escalate Between Belize and Guatemala
Prime Minister Dean Barrow returned to Belize from New York on Sunday after holding discussions with the United Nations, the Organization of American States and others on the aggressive stand [...]

PM Barrow Maintains that B.D.F. Acted in Self-defense in Killing of Minor
The de-escalation of the tension, according to the PM, came despite the positions taking by both leaders – Morales seeking justice for the death of thirteen year old Julio Rene [...]

B.D.F. Commander Reveals Details of Chiquibul Ambush
While reports from Guatemala have spread like wildfire, along with condemnation of the B.D.F. at the highest levels of government, the incident is still under investigation by the O.A.S.  Guatemala’s [...]

Guatemalan Minister of Defense Tones Down Anti-Belizean Rhetoric
If you wanted more assurance that the rhetoric has been dialed way down, you’d only have to listen to an interview from Guatemala’s Minister of Defense Williams Mansilla over the [...]

What Becomes of the Sarstoon River Debacle?
So the crisis has been averted, and all attempts will be made to de-escalate tensions in the wake of the incident on Wednesday in the Chiquibul. But the truth is [...]

PM Barrow Tells BTV Don’t Go There!
Earlier in our newscast we mentioned the BTV trip scheduled for Saturday. The government has advised that it not happen, while BTV head Wil Maheia insists that he will lead [...]

Is Strong O.A.S. Release a Drafting Blunder?
Late last week, the Organization of American States issued a rare statement. We say rare because the O.A.S. has stoically maintained silence in times of tension, like when Special Police [...]

Guatemala Counter-proposals Weren’t All Flatly Rejected
The last we heard, Guatemala had rejected eleven proposals presented by Belize to government rules of engagement in the Sarstoon. At the same time, we heard that Belize had roundly [...]

Minister of National Security Addresses B.D.F. Readiness
Minister of National Security John Saldivar attended a pair of emergency meetings on Friday, including a session with the upper echelon of Belize’s security forces.  Later that afternoon, he convened [...]

Guatemalan President Issues Statement Following Meeting in New York
The Government of Guatemala has also issued a statement following the meeting between Prime Minister Dean Barrow and President Jimmy Morales in New York.  That statement makes no reference on [...]

Guatemala Requests Involvement of O.A.S. in Investigation of Minor’s Death
The Guatemalan Government has also gone on the offensive. President Jimmy Morales also met with the Secretary General of the O.A.S., Luis Almagro, and with the Secretary of the Commission [...]

A Guatemalan Canero is Mangled by a Harvester on Santander Farm
There is tragic news in the west at Santander, whose offices are headquartered in Guatemala. A twenty-four year old Guatemalan national was mangled around midday today by a harvester at [...]

Father and Son are Prime Suspects in San Jomal Murder
A father and his son are tonight being actively pursued by Corozal police, following a mid-morning murder in the San Jomal community earlier today.  Sometime around ten o’clock a male [...]

Is Gang Rivalry Motive Behind Weekend Shooting?
Is the weekend shooting of a pair of Belize City men a gang related incident?  Nineteen-year-old Abraham Craig and twenty-two-year-old Tyrone Guy were attacked on Saturday evening by a lone [...]

Julio Alvarado is Laid to Rest in La Rejoya
The body of thirteen year old Julio Alvarado Ruano, who was killed inside the Chiquibul last Tuesday, was laid to rest over the weekend in his home village of La [...]

Will Assad Shoman be Hired by Barrow Administration?
And to close off our coverage of Belize/Guatemala relations tonight, we turn to the status of Ambassador Assad Shoman. P.U.P. leader John Briceño last week made the announcement that Senator [...]

Kim Brannon is Sentenced for Manslaughter of Common Law Husband
A case of domestic dispute ended today before Justice Troadio Gonzalez. After pleading guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter, Kim Royaline Brannon, who is now forty-five years, learnt her [...]

An Update on Patrick Faber’s Campaign for U.D.P. Leadership
Turning to politics….While Minister of Education Patrick Faber applauds the B.N.T.U.’s campaign to educate its membership on the Belize/Guatemala dispute; he has been busy heading a campaign of his own.  [...]

John Saldivar Launches Music Video for his Campaign
On Friday night in Belmopan, area representative John Saldivar bused in delegates to attend the launch of a music video and jingle as part of his ongoing campaign.  Saldivar is [...]

Football and Basketball Stats and More with James Adderley
Good evening, I’m James Adderley and this is Sports Monday.   We take you out to the Michael Ashcroft Stadium at Independence where game one of the PLB Closing Season [...]

CTV3

Brigadier General Speaks On Issue At The Chiquibul
Since the unfortunate incident that occurred on Wednesday evening between members of the Belize Defense Force and a group of Guatemalan civilians which resulted in the death of a 13 year old Guatemalan minor, tensions between Belize and Guatemala have been on an all-time high. Although we have heard from Prime Minister Dean Barrow as it relates to the incident, the Belize Defense Force until today had not given an official statement about the occurrence. Today a press conference was held in Belize City to discuss the incident and present were Prime Minister Dean Barrow, Deputy Prime Minister Gaspar Vega, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Wilfred Elrington, Minister of National Security, John Saldivar, Brigadier General David Jones, Commander of the Belize Defense Force and Belize Coast Guard Commander, Rear Admiral John Borland.During the press conference, Brigadier General David Jones, spoke for the first time about the incident, maintaining that his soldiers fired, in the dark, in defense of their lives.

Sensationalism On Death Of 13 Year Old Guatemalan Expected Says Dean Barrow
As we have showed you in our previous story, the incident that resulted in the death of 13 year old Guatemalan minor, Julio Alvarado was embellished due to the nature behind it. Today at the press conference held with Prime Minister Dean Barrow, he told the media that although the fact remains that the Belize Defense Force was acting in self-defense, the headline will always remain that a 13 year old minor was killed by the BDF and according to him, it is something that he cannot change. Rt. Honorable Dean Barrow - Prime Minister of Belize: “We have a responsibility in circumstance such as occurred to put out and put out early our side of the story sensationalism, emotion will always going to be on the side of the Guatemalans that is inevitably going to be the media take away from that incident, Belizean Soldiers Kill a Minor, whether they say unarmed whether they say that it was in circumstances, they are not going to say in the normal course that our soldiers were fired upon, they are not going to say that they knew not from where the shots, they are not going to say that they retaliated as a matter of self-defense and in circumstances where it all they could do is fire in the direction of which the shots originated without seeing or knowing who the hell was shooting at them you know the take away is a minor was killed by Belizean Soldiers.”

Prime Minister Cautions BTV On Upcoming Trip To Sarstoon
Saturday April 30th is the day set out by the Belize Territorial Volunteers to journey to the border at the mouth of the Sarstoon River in commemoration of the 157th anniversary of the signing of the 1859 Treaty between the governments of the UK and recognized the border between Belize and Guatemala. Today during the press conference to discuss the incident that occurred on Wednesday in the Chiquibul where a Guatemalan minor lost his life, Prime Minister Right Honorable Dean Barrow ardently pleaded with the Belize Territorial Volunteers not to return to the Sarstoon Island until the government has developed with their Guatemalan counterparts, a Peace protocol for that area. Rt. Honorable Dean Barrow - Prime Minister of Belize: “In the current circumstances where we just went through an absolutely harrowing weekend the entire country all of us sitting at this table where we have come through on skid and where our diplomacy and the face to face meetings with Guatemala have produced this resolved to de-escalations tensions and to find a way rooted in peace and mutual respect forward, in those circumstances for these people to maintain that they will still go to the Sarstoon on Saturday would in my view be absolutely and utterly unacceptable.”

Prime Minister Considering Hiring Assad Shoman
During the Press briefing that was held today, Prime Minister Dean Barrow made the announcement that Former Minister, Assad Shoman, who was the PUP representative in the Belize Guatemala relations, but was replaced by Eamon Courtney, may be in a position to assist the current Government with the Guatemala dispute. Prime Minister stated today that Dr. Shoman’s quarrel with the PUP is for them alone to settle and that the Government of Belize may be able to offer the trained attorney a place to work based on his vast knowledge of the Belize Guatemala Territorial Dispute which may be of invaluable help to Belize. Rt. Honorable Dean Barrow - Prime Minister of Belize: “In terms of Dr. Shoman, the question of his removal by the PUP is for him and the PUP we do think that Assad has a great deal of knowledge, has a great deal of expertise with respect to this issue and we will look to see if there is not some professional capacity in which the government of Belize might employ his services, I’ve seen one interview he gave he said that he always made it plain to me that he is available ...”

O/W Police Recovers Drugs And Firearm Over The Weekend
Yesterday at around 10:50 p.m., Orange Walk police officers conducted a search in an abandoned lot on Asuncion St, Orange walk Town which led to the discovery of a black bag containing 8,525 grams of Cannabis. Since no one was found in the area, the drug was labeled as found property. And so was a black 9 mm pistol with serial number 30346262 which police found yesterday at around 1:25 am while conducting a search in an abandoned upstairs house on Smith Sonia Street, Orange Walk Town. No one was found in the area.

Guatemalan President Seeks OAS Assistance To Investigate Shooting Incident
Many are of the opinion that the drastic measures taken by President Jimmy Moralez after learning about the death of the 13 year old Guatemalan minor at the Chiquibul was nothing but a tactic to defuse tensions in his own country facing huge problems in the areas of Health, education and food security. Moralez, who recently completed his first 100 days as President of Guatemala, accepted during a press conference this morning that the efforts to better off the country have not been enough and just like the populace he too is dissatisfied. Currently Moralez’s government faces a multitude of dissatisfied Guatemalans fighting for the protection of water resources. The March for water, Mother Earth, Territory, and Life brought together Indigenous groups from across Guatemala, unified around demands for a guarantee to the right to water and dignified livelihoods in the face of industrial agriculture and exploitive mining projects that threaten to contaminate and siphon off water resources from remote and vulnerable communities. On Friday, some 15 thousand protested the displacement of their communities by unwanted hydroelectric dams and called for justice for pollution caused by corporate farming and extractive projects in their territories. International reports indicate that leaders of the national water march, were to address Congress today and demand legislation that would punish the unnatural diversion of rivers and waterways.

Cane Farmer Shot To Death In Corozal Over Bicycle
Tonight the family of a 43 year old cane farmer from Corozal Town is mourning his death after he became the districts third murder victim for 2016. What we know so far is that Gilberto Najarro Sarsenio and another individual were ambushed at around 10:00 this morning while working at their cane field in an area known as San Jomal located about 5 1/2 miles northeast of Corozal Town. When authorities visited the scene they found Sarsenio with multiple gunshot wounds. Superintendent Dennis Arnold - Police Corozal Police Formation: “Today Monday 25th of April 2016 at about 10am a male person came to the police station requesting police assistance in the San Jomal area as they were fired at, immediately police went to the area which is situated five and a half miles north east of Corozal Town or Paraiso Village upon arrival they saw a person lying face down with appears to be gunshot wounds two to the back and one to the back of the head and his name was learned to be Gilberto Arsenio 43 years of age from Paraiso Village.”

Belize Ranks As Most Dangerous In The Caribbean
Viewers may recall that back in the month of January two tourists were murdered here in Belize, and while both executions took place in the Cayo District, the first occurred on January 4th, 2016 when the lifeless body of well-known Canadian film producer, Matthiew Klinck was found approximately fifteen feet away from his residence in the village of Selena with a total of fourteen stab wounds to his upper body. Only a few weeks later, the body of thirty nine year old Anne Elizabeth Swaney, American journalist of ABC 7 in Chicago, was discovered floating along the Mopan River after she had stayed behind to do some early morning yoga. Swaney was strangled to death. Both murders caused Belize to gain a black eye as the reports made it on international news for a number of weeks. Today we can tell you that in a report issued by the ‘News Americas’, it stated that the Caribbean has been identified as one of the most dangerous regions throughout the world when it comes to homicide due to its continuous escalation in recent years.

LOVE FM

BPP Plans to Collaborate with Territorial Volunteers
The Belize Progressive Party has issued a release expressing solidarity with Belizeans. In that release, the BPP has not only condemned what they have dubbed as military provocation by Guatemala but has also called on the general public to remain calm yet vigilant. The release goes on to speak of a collaboration effort with the […]

Santander Employee Gets Caught in Harvesting Machine
An employee of Santander Sugar Mills was killed today in an accident. Love News understands that just before midday, 22- year-old Guatemalan national, Andres Antonio Sebastian was working in the fields when somehow he was picked up by a cane harvesting machine and chopped to death. Sebastian’s body was transported to the Western Regional Hospital.

Abused Woman of 24 Years Gets Convicted for Manslaughter after Killing Spouse
45- year-old, Kim Brannon was in a situation that mirrors that of Laverne Longworth aka “Anti-Christ” and Veola Pook. Today, after Brannon pled guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter, she was sentenced to 8 years by Judge Troadio Gonzalez. Since she has been on remand for some time now, Brannon will be free in […]

BELIZE: More Dangerous Than the United States?
Belize has been labeled as the number one country in the Caribbean region that is “more dangerous than the US” in a published article of Newsamericanow.com. The article reportedly compared murder rates from the United Nations Office on drugs and crime for every one hundred persons in top Caribbean nations. Belize was labeled number one […]

Shooting in the Old Capital Injures Two
Reports of several shootings over the weekend in the old capital began surfacing from Saturday evening at around six o’clock. Authorities, upon visiting the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, they came across 19-year-old, Abraham Craig of a Racecourse Street address who had a gunshot wound to the right leg. Craig was reportedly on Queen Charlotte Street […]

Villager Drowns in Teakettle Village
A villager from western Belize lost his life in a drowning incident on Saturday, April 23. Fem Cruz has the details. FEM CRUZ “

Pat Andrews: From Banker to Ambassador
Last week we spoke with Ambassador Pat Andrews on the importance of the relations between Belize and Guatemala. Ambassador Andrews, as we have reported previously, also serves in two more diplomatic capacities, which he spoke of to Love News. PAT ANDREWS “The role of a permanent representative to the OAS is one and I have […]

Humpback Whale Dies in Belize’s Waters
The death of a humpback whale in Belizean waters has caught the attention of Non-Governmental Organizations such as Oceana. The first humpback whale spotted in Belize was in February of this year and tonight that whale has been confirmed dead by fishermen in Barranco Village. There are only 80,000 of these magnificent creatures swimming in […]

Eastern Division Awards Cops for Nabbing Imposters
The Conference Room at the Raccoon Street Police Station was the venue for a brief meeting and a brief award ceremony led by the Officer Commanding the Eastern Division South, ACP Chester Williams. With the recent promotions that took place in the department, ACP Williams found it fitting to meet with his two dozen newly […]

Belize Featured at New Orleans Jazz Festival 2016
The annual Heritage and Jazz Festival got underway on Friday in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA with a line-up of Belizean artists scheduled to perform over the next few days. The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival also known as the Jazz Fest celebrates music and culture and this year, they are highlighting the richness and […]

PlusTV

Tensions remain high between Guatemala and Belize
Tensions remain at an all time high between Guatemala and Belize as during the course of yesterday, The Guatemalan Armed Force made their way to the Sarstoon to “exercise Sovereignty” and to border areas of the adjacency zone to stop any further “abuse” by BDF against Guatemalan people.. Those are s...

GUATS Say BDF killed 10 Guatemalan peasants in the last 17 years
The Guatemalans hastily responded to the Belizean PM’s statement with another press release which says, “The Government of the Republic of Guatemala deplores and rejects categorically the content of the press release issued by the Government of Belize on the afternoon of April 2st 2016, which refute...

OAS Press Release
The OAS has issued a statement on the matter as well in which it says that OAS General Secretariat “…repudiates the death of a Guatemalan minor at the hands of a Belizean patrol, and urges both sides to redouble efforts to establish a lasting peace in the adjacency zone between the two countries.” ...

National Security Council briefed on Belize’s military readiness
The Minister of National Security held a meeting with Security Forces High Command this morning at the Price Barracks in Ladyville. Minister of National Security Hon. John spoke with Commander of the Belize Defence Force Brigadier General David Jones; Rear Admiral John Borland, Commander of the Nat...

PUP calls for recall of Belize’s Ambassador to Guatemala
The Opposition Party, People’s United Party, issued a statement this evening from the desk of its Party Leader, Hon. John Briceno. The opposition leader says that “The statement by the President of Guatemala yesterday, constitutes a direct challenge to the independence of Belize, to our territorial...

Guatemala sends 300 minors into Belize for school
It’s hard to believe that only 2 days ago, the Secretary General of the OAS was here in the Red Zone between Belize and Guatemala;. complete with pomp and circumstance and Belizean and Guatemalan children holding hands and singing while adult dignitaries of both countries spoke about peace. Today, o...

8 year old drowns in Biscayne Village
An 8 year old drowned in Biscayne Village on Thursday afternoon. According to the child’s grandmother, 8 year old Kimera Dominguez was at her home at miles 24 1/4 on the Phillip Goldson Highway, Biscayne Village, The child was inside the grandmother’s house when the school bus arrived at 3:45 p.m. a...

Breaking Belize News

Humpback whale dies in Southern Belize
A humpback whale was reported apparently sick or injured off the coast of the Toledo District by OCEANA in Belize, which dispatched a team to conduct investigations on Friday. Tonight we can tell you that the whale has unfortunately died. According to the organization, the whale was […]

Kim Brannon takes manslaughter plea; claims murder victim abused her
She allegedly chopped her common law husband to death but blamed others for it when charged with murder. She was found guilty, and a re-trial was ordered. Today, Kimberly Brannon accepted a plea of manslaughter, claiming for the first time that Anthony “Antics” Herrera held […]

Man shot dead in Corozal, apparently over a stolen bike
Another shooting incident in the Corozal District has left one man dead and police looking for another. Reports are that around 10:00 this morning a male person went to the police station to request assistance after he and another person were shot at in the San Jomal […]

Police find weed and gun during weekend operations
Police operations in Belize City and Orange Walk Town over the weekend yielded a total of 19.1 pounds of cannabis and a 9 millimeter pistol but no arrests were made. On Friday morning in Belize City, between the hours of 5:30 and 8:00, officers […]

Man charged for drug trafficking
A search conducted at the Belize City residence of 35-year-old Marvin Ottley on Friday night around 8:30, resulted in the discovery of cannabis. Working on information received, officers visited the house located on Vasquez Avenue and inside, they found a plastic bag containing 119.2 […]

GOB may find place for Assad
Former Minister, Senator and Ambassador Assad Shoman may be in a position to assist the current Government with the Guatemala dispute, Prime Minister Dean Barrow announced today. Shoman publicly declared at the Belize National Teachers’ Union (BNTU) rally in Benque Viejo that he is not […]

Killed Guatemalan boy had been to Belize before; BDF maintains incident was self-defence
While responding to a media question about why Belize seemed slow off the block to get its version of events last Wednesday in the Chiquibul, Prime Minister Dean Barrow revealed that the dead teenager, 13 year old Juan Jose Alvarado Ruano, had been to Belize […]

City men shot over the weekend
On Saturday evening around 5:50, Belize City Police visited the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) after responding to a shooting incident on Caesar Ridge Road. Upon arrival, officers saw Abraham Craig, 19, suffering from a gunshot wound to his right leg and Tyrone Guy, […]

New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival spotlights Belize
Belize’s music is being featured in the ongoing New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. Featured on opening day Saturday at the Belize Pavilion of the Fair Grounds Race Course was The Garifuna Collective, with other Belizean acts scheduled to perform. Visitors speaking to the Associated Press from […]

Guatemala will not remove troops from borders
Minister of Defence in Guatemala, Williams Masilla told the Guatemalan press that they will maintain their military presence at the adjacency zone with Belize and at the Sarstoon River, in a press conference on Saturday. Mansilla is quoted as saying that they will keep […]

PM maintains Belize, Guatemala on way “to normalcy”
Prime Minister, Right Honorable Dean Barrow, is presently addressing a press briefing in Belize City on efforts to de-escalate tensions along the western and southern border. The Prime Minister said he could not shake Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales’ firm belief that Belize Defence Force […]

Blogs

Sunday Fishing & Snorkeling Trip with Belize Parasail: It’s Hard Not to Be SHOCKED By the Beauty of North Ambergris Caye
An invite for a snorkeling, a beach BBQ and boating with one of the most handsome dogs on the island? Who is going to say no? Yesterday, at 9am, I set out with Belize Parasail on a charter north. Laid back and easy, just a handful of Texans, me and the crew setting off on the Miss Demeanor… Carlos and Esban were our tour guides…and we left from Fido’s dock in downtown San Pedro. Heading north before we stopped at our first fishing (spear or rod) stop. We needed to hunt and gather lunch. And it would be a while before we were standing on a perfect beach sipping coconut water and eating delicious fresh fish. After collecting quite a few fish…enough for lunch…we headed to our last snorkel stop just south of Tranquility Bay Resort.

Why You Have to Visit San Ignacio Belize on Your Vacation
Originally a small village of logging camps and chicle farmers, San Ignacio and its twin town of Santa Elena have grown to become a thriving metropolitan area in the western part of the country. Close to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tikal just over the border in Guatemala as well as several of Belize’s most prominent Mayan ruins, San Ignacio is a popular tourist destination. San Ignacio is the de facto capital of the western Cayo District. Along with its twin town Santa Elena, San Ignacio is built on the banks of the Macal River and form the second-largest municipal district in the country after Belize City. There’s plenty to do and see in San Ignacio but the town is most popularly used as a base for exploring all of the local attractions including the Mayan ruins of Caracol, Xunantunich and Cahal Pech, the ATM Cave, Barton Creek Cave, the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, zip lining, and Tikal just over the border in neighboring Guatemala.

A MODERN FAIRYTALE WEDDING AT GRAND CARIBE BELIZE LARRY & MARGO HARMON!
On July 15th 2015, we published a blog entitled “Love Takes to the Air: A Surprise Engagement Over Ambergris Caye, Belize”. This was about the super romantic proposal made by one of our long term residents Larry Harmon – to his then girlfriend Margo Snyder. For a flash back of that amazing proposal, visit our blog. The day finally came for Larry and Margo to take, what many would consider, the biggest step in their lives, and we are super excited that they chose Grand Caribe Belize as their destination wedding location. On site to capture the moments once again, was one of our favorite photographer, Olivera Rusu. Leading up to the wedding, the guys had some fun with their photo shoot.

Pool Project: Week Six
The crew spent most of last week rendering the remaining columns, exterior walls, and the hallway. They also poured the floor for the pump house and added more block. It's well on its way to completion. We also received an unexpected perk when the guys poured a new slab for our butane tank and water heater. In the meantime, we placed Amazon orders for patio furniture. We will have a daybed to curl up on (the canopy is removable), plus two matching recliners. These should be arriving later next month. In the meantime, we will just use some of the chairs we currently have on the porch. But the real excitement happened on Friday and Saturday. First, they poured the pool deck and applied a tinted, non-skid surface.

International Sources

Guatemalan Government statement on the meeting that took place between Prime Minister Dean Barrow and President Jimmy Morales
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs informs that this afternoon in New York City, in the margins of the signing of the agreement on Climate Change, the Prime Minister of Belize Dean Barrow who was also at the conference, requested a bilateral meeting with the President of the Republic of Guatemala, Jimmy Morales. President Morales agreed to the meeting with Prime Minister Barrow to whom he expressed his total rejection over the cowardly act committed by the Belize Defence Force who killed a thirteen year old in the Adjacency Zone. The President of Guatemala also rejected the Belizean version that the soldier acted in self defence. The President of Guatemala also told the Prime Minister that it was recalling its Ambassador to Belize for consultations and he demanded that the Government of Belize, place before the relevant authorities those responsible for the death of the minor. The Prime Minister of Belize, offered to the President of Guatemala an impartial investigation and additionally proposed that through the OAS, the investigation could be carried out with participation from a US agency.

Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales meeting with Secretary General of the OAS, Luis Almagro
On Saturday, April 23rd, the Government of Guatemala tweeted several photos of Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales meeting with Secretary General of the OAS, Luis Almagro. The picture was captioned: "It is difficult to argue self-defense, the child has multiple impacts of high caliber" - Jimmy Morales

Knowing the other side of Eljai
WHEN Belizean singer Eljai started recording songs for a new project in late 2015, the initial idea was to release an EP. Midway the sessions, he had a change of plan. “Things were going so well we thought it would be better to put out an album. I think we made the right decision,” he told the Jamaica Observer. That album, The Other Side Of Eljai, will be his third. The lead song, Everything I Do, is produced by his Jah Mix Entertainment company; it was released April 1 by Tuff Gong International. Everything I Do is a cover of Canadian singer Bryan Adams’ 1991 mega hit, (Everything I Do) I Do It for You. At the time that song ruled international charts, Eljai was part of Belize, a Rhythm And Blues trio who were signed briefly to Warner Brothers.

3 Course Interview: Norma Palacios
The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival's Cultural Exchange Pavilion features Belize in 2016. It includes the culture of the Garifuna, who are descendants of Africans and Native Americans who settled along the Caribbean coast of Honduras, Belize, Guatemala and Nicaragua. Two local women with Garifuna heritage, Norma Palacios and Isa Velazquez, present a cooking demonstration at 3 p.m. Saturday, April 30 at the festival's Cajun Cabin. They will prepare hudutu, a traditional seafood and coconut soup. Palacios spoke with Gambit about Garifuna culture and cuisine. What is traditional Garifuna cuisine? Palacios: For me, there are so many different dishes that represent Garifuna food. The traditional soup we serve is called hudutu. It's a coconut and seafood soup served with mashed plantains. It's made with coconut milk, shrimp, fish, cilantro, plantains, peppers, garlic, onions and basil. We'll be serving this at the festival and demonstrating how to make the soup. On the day of the demonstration, we'll be doing all the shopping and preparing beforehand at my home, because the soup takes quite a long time to make.

Panama proposes to set up its state-owned bank as correspondent in New York
Faced with the closing of an increasing number of correspondent relationships with New York financial institutions, Panamanian banks are desperate to acquire new correspondent accounts in the United States, lest they be totally denied access to the American financial structure. It has been proposed that a state-owned bank, the National Bank of Panama (Banco Nacional de Panamá) aka Banconal, itself open a branch in New York and thereafter serve as the correspondent for all the country's commercial banks, eliminating the fear that further relationships with American banks will be terminated.

Videos

April 25, 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

Wolfe’s Woofer: What’s for Dinner
“How did Juan get that big bruise on his face?” Mario asked me. “He won’t tell me but I know you were with him yesterday.” I told Mario how it happened. When my phone rang yesterday it was Juan asking, “Hey, you gonna come over and watch the football match with me?” “I’m not sure,” I told him. “I have some things I should be doing.” “Oh, come on over. I got the air conditioner on with the big screen TV. We’ll drink some beers and my old lady will fix us a nice dinner.” When I got to Juan’s house his wife didn’t seem too happy. “You promised me you were going to chop the yard today,” she said to him. “Cruz Azul is playing Guadalajara. I can’t cut the grass during that game.”

Police Report
CAYE CAULKER FOUND PROPERTY: On Thursday, April 14th at 12PM, Customs and Belize Agricultural Health Authority personnel in Caye Caulker conducted operations to check for undeclared goods and illegal commodities. Upon checking a local airline cargo section, they observed a white foam icebox on a shelf and discovered five parcels emitting a strong smell of Cannabis.
SAN PEDRO FOUND PROPERTY: On Saturday, April 16th at 8:15PM, San Pedro Police patrolled in the Boca Del Rio area in San Pedro Town and conducted searches around the western portion of a store. The search led to the discovery of 3 transparent plastic bags, one of which contained a piece of transparent plastic wrap with 10 transparent plastic bags of Cannabis. The other transparent plastic bag contained 5 small transparent zip lock plastic bags and the bigger transparent plastic bag contained white powdery substance suspected to be Cocaine.

Doctor Love: Abuela and Betrayed
Dear Doctor Love, My daughter-in-law is not very honest with me. Whenever I tell her how to do things she smiles and agrees with me. Then she goes ahead and does whatever she wants. When my son first married her I tried to tell her that men will always be men. I explained that men are going to go out drinking with their friends and there is nothing that can be done to stop them. She would not have any of that. She fought with him for nearly a year and they almost split up because of her attitude. Finally, because my son is crazy for her he just gave up. I think this also has something to do with her first baby. She is only twenty years old and her mother is not here to advise her so she is raising the baby however she wants. I have told her over and over what to do. She smiles and says yes but then does something completely different. What can I do? /s/ Abuela

Ambergris Today

25 Years Ago - The Pride of Being the Teacher's Favorite
Okay let us find out about this favoritism thing in the classrooms? Let us immediately dismiss this idea that teachers had favorites and gave them free grades. In order to be a teacher's favorite, one had to earn it by being obedient, maintaining good grades, being neat in physical appearance, and other things of that nature. Now here is the fun part! The student who became the teacher's favorite got to erase the chalkboard; as simple as that. At the end of the subject period, the teacher simply turned to face the class and there would be several hands in the air volunteering to do the honors of erasing the blackboard. One of the favorites got to do it. That child would be so proud of being selected would smile at his classmates and proceed with this honorable task. Very often when a child got home, mom would ask, "Did you get to erase the blackboard today?" You can bet that the child would be all too excited to boast that he was the teacher's favorite. What a beautiful relationship developed by teachers with their students in the Good Old Days.

Pet Parrot Inspection/Registration in San Pedro
The Forest Department, through this medium, notifies the public that it will be conducting a sweep in San Pedro on Monday April 25, 2016, visiting households with parrots. The primary inspection serves to assess the conditions and housing of parrots in your possession and to give recommendations on how to improve conditions. It is strongly suggested that if the dietary requirements for parrots are not being followed, that they must be improved for healthier and longer lifespans. Please see dietary conditions in the “Minimum Care Standards – Husbandry”. It is highly recommended, that if the housing for the parrots are not up to the minimum requirements based on size, materials and or perches required, for this to be tended to as soon as possible, preferably before the first inspection.

Misc Belizean Sources

Front Street mural on Caye Caulker
To create this beautiful Front Street mural Ocean Academy students Alessa, Lilly and Annabella worked together with Oceana artists Roxanne Gentle and Kirkland Smith, Uriel Cowo, Chelsea Johnstone. The mural depicts the beauty and vibrancy of our reef. Oceana is spearheading the Belize Coalition to Save our Natural Heritage working to conserve and protect our oceans from the devastating effects of potential oil spills.

Letter: Guatemala ups the ante by amassing troops at the Belize-Guatemala border
On Wednesday, 20 April, a Belize Defence Force (BDF) unit in the Chiquibul Forest Reserve (inside Belizean territory) became engaged with illegal Guatemalan usurpers. Matters escalated with those who were illegally operating in Belize and unfortunately, there was a loss of life, in this instance that of a minor, unquestionably, the loss of life is always regrettable, yet given the aggressive nature of the Guatemalans who operate illegally inside Belize's sovereign territory, our security forces must remain vigilant. A case in point involves the recent shooting of a BDF staff sargeant, Richard Lambey, on 26 March 2016. The Guatemalan president, Jimmy Morales, in keeping with his nation's opportunistic and belligerent disposition, seized the opportunity to exponentially escalate his country's aggression against Belize. In effect, he has begun to amass troops on the border between the two countries. Of note, this is in line with his earlier, illegal move in which he claimed the entire Sarstoon River for Guatemala. This is something that requires regional coverage. I have provided a few links from the local media houses, in addition to a statement from the Belize Progressive Party (BPP), concerning this egregious move by the Guatemalans.

The Reporter

New AIDs report will help guide NAC’s future plans
The National AIDS Commission this week said that the recently released National HIV surveillance Report 2015 will assist in planning future interventions in the national HIV response. Executive Director of the NAC, Enrique Romero, explained that the report, released by the Ministry of Health, has pointed out key successes and challenge areas that the NAC will use in preparation of its National Strategic and Operational Plan 2016. Romero said that two areas highlighted in the report that requires the NAC’s attention are the level of HIV testing done among Belizean men and the number of diagnosed HIV positive patients who maintain their Anti-Retroviral (ARV) treatments. “If you look at the statistics compiled by the Ministry of Health, women are tested significantly more than men,” Romero said. “Sixty-four percent of the tests done in 2015 were women and only 35 percent were men.”

Global heat streak up to 11 months and counting
The temperature in March 2016 brought the global record breaking heat streak up to 11 months. This is according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). “Most of Earth’s land surfaces were warmer than average or much warmer than average … with record warmth notable across eastern Brazil, most of eastern and central Africa, much of southeastern Asia, and large portions of northern and eastern Australia,” NOAA explained on its website. Climatologists attribute the heat streak to El Niño, a weather phenomenon which occurs every few years. During El Niño, an area within the equatorial Pacific Ocean has unusually warm sea surface temperatures because surface winds that usually help to cool the area die down. This warming of the sea dictate long-term weather patterns for much of the world. Another major factor is said to have been ongoing, man-made global warming caused by the use of fossil fuels, among other climate-unfriendly activities.

PUP issues statement regarding Belize/Guatemalan relations
The People’s United Party (PUP) has issued its own statement following Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales’ decision to place Guatemalan troops along the Adjacency Zone with Belize. Morales, who has been receiving criticisms from his own native Guatemalans for cutting that country’s health and social budget within the first 100 days of taking office, is now viewed by observers as a reactionary. On Thursday, several hundred thousand indigenous protested in Guatemala City against his decision on the budget affecting their lives and some critics believes he could be using the territorial claim to Belize as a distraction. The PUP shares the same opinion. Following an emergency executive meeting on Friday, the party’s new representative on the Belize/Guatemala negotiating team, Eamon Courtenay was candid in addressing the media on Morales’ grounds for his decision to line our border with troops.

Breaking Belize News

Belize ranked as most dangerous Caribbean Nation
An article published on the “News America” website earlier this week, ranks Belize as the most likely Caribbean country that a tourist would be killed while visiting, on its list of the 10 “dangerous Caribbean Nations”. The article, entitled “Ten Caribbean Nations More Dangerous […]

La Cabana bar owner withdraws anti-BDF social media post
A Belmopan bar owner has lost face after having to retract a social media statement in which she appears to go after the Belize Defence Force for their actions in the death of the Guatemalan minor in the adjacency zone on Wednesday. According to […]

Belize drops in press freedom ranking
According to the Reporter, The Reporters without Borders annual World Press Freedom Index ranks Belize 36th of 180 nations, a drop of six places from last year’s ranking. The Index measures pluralism, media independence, quality of the legal framework and the safety of journalists […]

BPP Condemns Military Provocation by Guatemala
The Belize Progressive Party (BPP) is offering to organize a Belize People’s Brigade, which it says will support the active forces with citizen volunteers to be trained to respond to further escalation of aggression by Guatemalan forces. The offer comes in a party press […]

Blogs

The Farmers’ Market at The Truck Stop in San Pedro is a RAGING SUCCESS
HOLY MOLY. A monthly farmers’ market certainly seemed like a great idea…a few merchants selling veggies, fruits and homemade goodies. But I had no clue what a GREAT IDEA IT WAS. The event was yesterday, Saturday April 23 from 11am to 2pm and when I arrived at 10.45am, I can only call it an organics riot… There were a number of vendors including Sue Blair with her Home Baked Breads and her GORGEOUS boules. I can guarantee you much happiness with a Walnut and Cranberry and a stick of Philly cream cheese or the Cheddar & Jalapeno, a toaster and some salted butter… I still think she should name her business “I Pity the Boule” but she is resistant to my idea and obviously, Mr. T. Sue sold all 35 breads within the first hour. Debbie from Pirate Girl Treats and the GORGEOUS cakes, brownies and CARROT CAKE! I’m not sure you are going to find moister cakes. Good lord delicious. Ian Anderson from Cayo (namely of the Farm House Deli – but also of Ian Anderson Cave Branch arrived in San Pedro with 100s of pounds of cheeses, breads, organic veggies and fruits, fermented drinks, pickles, and most popularly, cured and smoked meats. Ian and 6 employees (most of whom had never been to San Pedro) brought 80 loaves of bread – from rye to molasses brown – and returned home with 7.

International Sources

Guatemala Admits Having Little Presence in Border with Belize
Guatemala has little presence on the border with Belize and only in case of conflict situations between both countries, like the one that occurred this week, the attention is drawn to that place, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Carlos Martinez recognized today. During a meeting with journalists in connection to the controversy surrounding the murder of a 13-year-old by Belizean soldiers in the so-called adjacency zone, the official confirmed that the marked poverty in that area obliges residents to redouble efforts in trying to earn a living. He also admitted the lack of projects or actions in that part of the northern department of Peten in order to reverse these kind of situations. He explained that the Ministry only has two officials to deal with all the issues concerning the area of the border with Belize and therefore, they can not cover everything that happens there. He also considered that it is necessary to take the case of the border dispute to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague.

Agreement concluded to advance small-scale fisheries in the Caribbean
The Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) last week concluded an agreement with a UN agency to strengthen governance arrangements for the flyingfish fishery in the Caribbean, with special emphasis on maximizing the long-term potential of the fishery, which employs several thousands in the region and feeds many more. Milton Haughton, executive director of the CRFM, signed the memorandum of agreement for Caribbean states; while Kirk Bayabos, senior cluster manager, signed on behalf of the project executing agency, United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), a subsidiary of the UN. The agreement is under a five-year umbrella project, the UNDP/GEF Catalysing Implementation of the Strategic Action Programme for the Sustainable Management of shared Living Marine Resources in the Caribbean and North Brazil Shelf Large Marine Ecosystems (CLME+) Project, designed to catalyze the implementation of a ten-year Strategic Action Programme (SAP), focused on the sustainable management of shared living marine resources harnessed from the large marine ecosystems in both the Caribbean and the North Brazil Shelf.

New British Defence Attaché strengthens the UK’s defence relationship with the Guatemalan army
Colonel David Strawbridge MBE, a serving officer in the British Army, paid a three day visit to Guatemala to initiate his new role as the UK’s Defence Attaché to Guatemala. He assumes the role with over 34 years of military experience including time spent in operational theatres such as Northern Ireland, Kosovo and Iraq as well as peacekeeping in Africa. During this initial visit, Colonel Strawbridge met with the Guatemalan Deputy Minister of Defence, Mynor Francisco Mus Tujab and other high level officials including the Chief of the Defence Staff Brig General Perez Ramirez. The British Ministry of Defence’s (MOD) mission is to protect the security, independence and interests of the UK at home and abroad, working closely with allies and partners. During his visit, Colonel Strawbridge reiterated the United Kingdom’s eagerness to work alongside Guatemalan counterparts and to share operational experiences. Whilst remaining resident in Mexico City he hopes to visit Guatemala on a regular basis.

Sorry, birdwatchers: People think you’re creepy
Here’s what most American birdwatchers are, according to a 2013 government study: White, older than 45, fairly well-off and pretty highly educated. Here’s what many people think birdwatchers are: Creepy. That’s according to a recent study that says it is the first “empirical study of ‘creepiness.’ ” Led by psychology professor Frank McAndrew at Illinois’s Knox College, the study set out to introduce “a theoretical perspective on the common psychological experience of feeling “creeped out,” and to figure out what makes us think other people are creepy. As a public service to everyone who wants to avoid being viewed as creepy, we’ll go over some of the other highlights before we get to birdwatching.

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