Recent Belize News, 5/11/2016 to 5/20/2016, BelizeNews.com

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

The San Pedro Sun

MOH confirms positive Zika case in Belize
On Monday, May 16th, the Ministry of Health (MOH) confirmed the first documented case of Zika in Belize. The confirmation came from one of the samples which had been sent for testing to the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) about a month ago. This isolated case has led MOH to believe there may be more positive case of Zika in Belize and as such has heightened surveillance efforts across the country.

Fundraiser held for the Almendarez Family
In honor of Melvin “Catracho” Almendarez, a popular footballer who was recently murdered, a football marathon was organized to benefit his bereaved family on Sunday, May 15th. The all-day event took place at the Honorable Louis Sylvester Complex, with hundreds of people coming out to support the cause, while enjoying Almendarez’ and the island’s favorite sport, football. A total of nine teams registered for the tournament: Galaxy FC, La Plebe, Vince, San Mateo, Legends, Peace Makers, United FC, Jokers, and the Catrachos. Under the fierce heat of the sun, teams still managed to put on a good ball game! The games were played in knockout rounds, and since nine is not an even number, the games were raffled in a box, where team captains selected a number. The person who received number nine was the Catrachos and they automatically advanced to the second round. All the remaining teams with even numbers were consecutively matched with odd numbers, and after the matches were over, four teams were eliminated. After four teams played in the second round, two teams were eliminated, and Galaxy FC won the raffle to advance into the third round. In the last and final rounds, Galaxy FC won the raffle again, for a spot in the final, championship match. Jokers took a striking victory to meet Galaxy FC.

Record Funds raised during Red Cross Blood Drive
SPBRC’s New Coordinator Heidi Simmons tackled all duties smoothly throughout the blood drive. Simmons stresses to the public that donating blood is a simple process that can save lives and encourages the public to think Red when preparing to donate blood. “Anyone willing to donate blood should rest well by getting a good night’s sleep, eat a good and high iron-based breakfast, and drink plenty of healthy fluids before the blood donation,” said Simmons. The Belize Red Cross, San Pedro Branch would like to thank Dr. Giovanni Solorzano for allowing the SPBRC to set up at his clinic, Marbucks for the sweet nibbles, The Greenhouse for the juicy fruit bites, Mark’s for dishware, Tropic Air for safely transporting the Blood Bank employees, Belize Blood Services for taking the time to come to our island, Projects Abroad for providing volunteers, to Estel’s for providing lunch, to Grant Bill Guy for promoting the event, The San Pedro Sun for its consistent coverage, and Dion Vansen for donating his rare blood type. Also, the SPBRC thanks all of their continued supporters and many other volunteers along the way.

Hol Chan conducts sport fish tagging program
The Hol Chan Marine Reserve conducted a fish tagging program for bonefish, permit and tarpon as a part of their Research and Monitoring Program. The first field tagging expedition was held on May 1st through 7th, with about 164 bonefish, and four permits being tagged. The tag is inserted in the fish’s muscle, with the purpose to study and collect scientific data necessary to identify growth rates, migration areas, breeding locations, and determine levels of sustainable fishing.

Government of Belize weighs in on Refugee/Amnesty program
The news of an amnesty/refugee program for irregular migrants and persons with illegal immigration status has come to light. The program has flown under the radar since November of 2015. According to sources within the immigration department, the system has been manipulated in a manner that there is little to no vetting of the applications, and approval is basically guaranteed. Given the recent sightings of hundreds of immigrants in Belmopan seeking legal status in Belize, the country could soon see its population dramatically increase if such immigration statuses are approved.

Ambergris Today

Reef Week Fair Bringing Smiles to Community
Packed with so much information in such a small space, the Reef Fair held today, Thursday, May 19, 2016, in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize, shows the great effort of Hol Chan Marine Reserve in creating awareness for the protection of the Belize Reef. The fair is part of the Reef Week activities taking place this week on the island. Information and activity booths open to the public included a live touch tank to interact with star fish, information from MarAlliance, Oceana Belize, Blackadore Caye, Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Belize Fisheries Department, Department of Environment and even Saga Humane Society. Island Schools, in particular, took advantage of the Reef Fair to send their students to learn more about the reef and how to protect it. Also taking advantage of Reef Week is the San Pedro House of Culture that has dedicated an exhibit to local fishermen and the importance of the reef to the development of Ambergris Caye.

New Heights Reached by Red Cross in San Pedro
The Belize Red Cross, San Pedro Branch stated this week that it is pleased with the outcome of their Blood Drive that took place this past Saturday, May 14, 2016; the community opened its hearts and wallets and generously donated a record total of $1,208.62, as well as 13 pints of crimson-colored, life-saving gold; 1 of which could save up to 3 lives! The blood drive was held form 9a.m. to 3p.m. at the San Carlos Medical Clinic. The Belize Red Cross, San Pedro Branch extends thanks Dr. Giovanni Solorzano for allowing them to set up shop at his clinic, to Marbucks for the sweet nibbles, to Tropic Air for safely transporting the Blood Bank employees, to Projects Abroad for providing volunteers, to Estelle's for a delicious lunch, to Grant Bill Guy for promotion, to The Greenhouse for the juicy fruit bites, to Marks for dish-ware and, of course, Belize Blood Services for taking the time to come to San Pedro.

Misc Belizean Sources

BELTRAIDE makes presentation at National Women’s Forum hosted by Women’s Department
On May 19th 2016, Ms. Lejia Melanie Gideon, General Manager, Enterprise and Innovation Division, Beltraide, presented to a roomful of women from all over the country on the role of the Small Business Development Centre (SBDCBelize), Beltraide, in creating economic prosperity through entrepreneurial development, business innovation and competitiveness. Ms. Gideon shared an inspiring analogy, describing the process of opening a business to being similar to that of childbirth. She shared that in the same way an expecting mother awaits the birth of her child with eager anticipation and most times,worry, a new business owner worries over the success of his or her business. She explained that just as how family and friends offer guidance with the care of the new child, Business Advisors at SBDCBelize assist business owners to nurture and grow their businesses.

THANK YOU “THE CEO CAUCUS CHALLENGE RIDE”
The CEO Caucus of the Government of Belize takes this opportunity to express its sincerest gratitude to the general public, donors and members of the cycling community who participated in “ The CEO Caucus Challenge 2016: Cancer Awareness Ride” which took place on Saturday 7th May 2016. The CEO Caucus announces that to date this initiative raised over $77,000. The beneficiaries include the Belize Cancer Society, the Belmopan Cancer Society and the Cancer Treatment Center of Dangriga. Both the Belize Cancer Society and the Belmopan Cancer Society will each receive $20,000 while the Cancer Treatment Center of Dangriga, the only treatment facility in the country, will receive $37,000. We extend our thanks to all those who contributed to our successful ride. Special thanks to all our donors, riders, volunteers, all the professional cyclists of the Cycling Federation of Belize, the officers of the Belize Coast Guard, Police Department, Department of Transport – Highway Patrol, and the Ministry of Health’s – Emergency Team for their assistance with logistics and coordination. A beautiful day combined with over one hundred and seventy five enthusiastic riders and many hard working volunteers made for a fun and worthwhile event.

Water out in Big Falls
The Department of Rural Development, hereby informs residents of Big Falls in the Toledo District that we are currently experiencing mechanical problems and therefore there is no water in the village. However, we are working towards having water being restored. We apologize for any inconvenience that this may cause.

BEL Statement on Independent Expert’s Recommendation
On March 7, 2016, the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) issued its Initial Decision for the current 2016 – 2020 Full Tariff Review to increase the Mean Electricity Rate (MER) to $0.364 per kilowatt hour (kWh). BEL objected to the decision, which proposed a $57 million reduction in the Company’s projected revenue requirement over the next four years. As per the law, a suitably qualified Independent Expert reviewed BEL’s submission and the PUC’s decision and recommended an MER of $0.3864/kWh for the period July 2016 to June 2020. BEL has carefully reviewed and accepts the recommendations of the Independent Expert for the following reasons: 1. Prior to the start of the independent review, BEL had indicated that it accepts the Independent Expert selected by the PUC as suitably qualified. 2. BEL is satisfied that the expert complied with the guidelines established by the PUC for the review.

U.S. Embassy staff attended the Fire Fighters Passing Out Ceremony
The Belize Fire Department graduated 24 Fire Fighters increasing their force by over 25%. This was made possible in part by the donation that the U.S. Security Cooperation Office provided at the end of last year. The Security Cooperation Office donated 200 fire suits plus some firefighter equipment. During the graduation, the fire fighters demonstrated the use of that new equipment.

Apply today!
The U.S. Embassy and Peace Corps are accepting applications for an electrician technician and a backup medical provider. Click for more information!

Channel 7

PUP Ready For The River
At the beginning of the month, the PUP said that it would go to the Sarstoon River to challenge the Government's 30 day ban. Since then, the party had been quietly making their preparations, and with the days going by, it was starting to look like merely like political hard-talk, with no action to back it up. Well, the news tonight the PUP's National Party Council has finalized their plans and on Saturday, they are heading to the Sarstoon. Party Leader John Briceño spoke with the media today about his party's plans: Hon. John Briceno, Leader of the Opposition: "We have been in consultations with the leadership of the party, by that I mean members of the national executive and parliamentarians and the best time that we could have from the majority of the group to go down south is going to be this Saturday." Mike Rudon, Ch 5: "You have maintain a cordial relationship with the Prime Minister. Have you informed him of that decision?" Hon. John Briceno, Leader of the Opposition: "The Prime Minister is aware that we are going to travel to the Sarstoon. I have said it publicly, we've said it in our releases and just last week Friday when we went to support the teachers in their march to stand up for Belize - I also made it clear once again that we are going to go and visit the Sarstoon."

PUP Leader Says Too Much Focus On Border Dispute
But in the meantime, has there been too much focus of the Belize Guatemala Territorial Dispute to the exclusion of other equally pressing, national issues? Earlier this week, we told you how the Guatemalan Archbishop Oscar Julio Vian Morales, accused his Government of using the territorial claim as a distraction from the real problems facing that country. Well today, the press asked Opposition Leader John Briceño about the possibility that the territorial dispute is distracting the Belizean public in a similar way. He told us that he certainly thinks so: Hon. John Briceno, Leader of the Opposition: "You can make the case that, I am not suggesting in any way that the government is happy for what's taking place there, but it certainly has afforded them an opportunity to divert attention from the real, the other pressing problems that we have in this country and we in the Opposition have not forgotten those issues. We bring it up in the Belize Times, we bring it up in our talk show and pretty soon we are going to have a full press conference where we are going to talk about these issues."

Man Pleads Down To Soldier Slaughter
Former BDF Champion Recruit Jason Pott was killed with a stab wound to the heart in March 2011. And today Devaughn Goodger pleaded guilty to killing him. The 22 year old Goodger - who's been on remand since he was 17 - took a plea to the lesser charge of manslaughter and was sentenced to 12 years. But, since he has been on remand for 5 years already, he will only spend 6 years and 10 months in prison. Justice Adolph Lucas considered several factors in this case, including the fact that Goodger was only 17 when he stabbed Pott, that he had no criminal record prior to this incident and that Goodger pleaded guilty to manslaughter and showed remorse for what he had done. But the Judge also had to look at the circumstances surrounding the attack. The information is that Goodger threatened Pott earlier on the day of the stabbing.

Alrick Smith: Accused turned Victim, His Shooter Charged
A man has been charged for shooting notorious street figure Alrick Smith. Today in the Magistrate's court, Shane Bahadur was charged with attempted murder and wounding. No plea was taken because the offences will be tried on indictment. Neither could the court offer Bahadur bail because of the nature of the offences. He was remanded into custody until July 18. The shooting happened on May 6th in Ladyville. Smith was shot to his leg on Aricari Street in Ladyville. Smith has been on our news before for drug trafficking and even attempted murder. Right now police are looking at this shooting in connection with the recent Ladyville shootout at the Lozano's Marage Road residence.

Runaway Hostel Girls Safe and Sound
All 11 youth hostel girls have been found. The girls were scattered all across the country - 4 were found in Benque, another girl was found in Belmopan while others were trying to make it down South. But with help from the police, all the girls were returned to the youth hostel. The girls escaped on Sunday evening around 6:00. 3 of them jumped the fence while the others walked right out the front gate. By the time the security guard came back to his post, the girls were already over the fence. Director of the Community Rehabilitation Department Maureen Williams said there was a breakdown in procedures. The front gate should have been locked and the police officer should have been on guard. Williams told us that there will be disciplinary actions against staff members. As we told you, this is not the first time hostel protocols were breached, that was also the case in the November 2015 hostel fire that claimed the life of 3 girls - who had just been returned from running away.

PUP Leader Says GOB Has To Deal With Plett Case
Since the beginning of the week, we've been giving you a blow by blow account of Mennonite Farmer Roger Plett's story. He has given a detailed account of how he was abducted in Belizean territory, and detained in Guatemala. Last night, we also showed you the Government's response and how the police department is handling, or mishandling, the investigation into the cross border incident. Today Opposition Leader John Briceño told us that he hopes that the Police and the Foreign Affairs Ministry will not bury the report simply because it may be inconvenient for the Belize Government to have to accuse Guatemala:

Plett, Ayala vs. Sylvestre, Lovell
So, we know which side the opposition leader is on, but who do you think is right and who's wrong? For the past three nights we've featured this story extensively - and both sides have gotten ample airtime to put their story out. Tonight, in a sort of extended mega-mix we have the claims, counter-claims and clarifications from both sides - so you can be the judge. Here goes:... Roger Plett, Farmer Detained by Guatemalans: "There was 10 military persons and about 5 people in civilian clothing, they came running out of the forest and the military surrounded the tractor." H.E Lawrence Sylvester - CEO, Ministry of Foreign Affairs: "We were given every assurance that there was no Belizean detained and that the Guatemalan armed forces were not on any patrol near the area adjacent to the Mennonite property on that day."

Refugees: The Real Deal
Last night, we showed you our interview with Beverly Castillo, the Minister of State responsible for Immigration. She was discussing the Government's change in position regarding the NGO, Help For Progress. Government doesn't want their help in processing the hundreds of applications for refugee status in Belize. As we showed you, there was a sudden rush to apply for the refugee status, mostly from people who have been living illegally in Belize for some time. The Minister did concede that the Refugee Eligibility Committee has received applications from such persons, which automatically disqualifies them. That's because to qualify as a refugee, interested persons have to submit their application less than 14 days after entering the country. So, given this sudden frenzy for refugee status, and the fact that Government only publicized it after the press got a hold of the story, we asked Castillo what's making the application process so attractive:

Cop Who Caused Carmelita Crash Still Critical
Yesterday we told you about the fatal accident near Carmelita that claimed the life of well-known Orange Walk businessman, 49 year old Richard Orellana. There are no charges because the man who allegedly caused the accident Police Officer Roberto Tec remains at the KHMH in a critical condition. Meanwhile, the blood sample taken from Tec to test for alcohol content has not been returned from the forensics lab. As we told you yesterday Roberto Tec and Richard Orellana collided head on somewhere between miles 41 and 42 on the Phillip Goldson Highway.

Robinson behind bars for gun and ammo offenses
A man took a guilty plea today to get his friends off firearm charges. 29 year old Anthony Robinson, pleaded guilty so that Deshane Mena, Richard Flores and Leith Bermudez could go free. The GSU says that all four are known to be members of the PIV Gang. They were were busted with a loaded .38 revolver in February. The GSU searched the Toyota Camry they were in and found a loaded 38 revolver. Today in the Magistrate's court, 29 year old Anthony Robinson pleaded guilty to the charges of Kept firearm and ammunition without a license. Chief Magistrate, Anne Marie Smith gave him two and a half years each, but the sentences are to run concurrently, he will only serve the 30 months.

Maim Victim Perseveres
Imagine going to your favourite Fried Chicken spot for a late night snack, but to end up in the hospital, without one leg. That's what happened to Francis Gill in 2014. On a Friday night, he went to Key Ley Fried CHICKEN on Freetown Road - and in the hustle and bustle of the late night rush, he had some hard words with another customer. Little did he know that the man he was beefing with, 36 year old Devon Jones would jump into his truck, ram into gill, and crush his leg against the wall of the restaurant. He still has to provide for himself and his family, which is now a difficult task because of the disability. But, he's not willowing in self-pity and depression. Instead, he's been trying to walk again, and today, he sat down with us to discuss what it has been like for him. Daniel Ortiz has that story: Standing up without help, and walking around freely… It's a luxury that most of us take for granted. There are some who prefer to be driven everywhere, but the ability to walk is what Francis Gill has been fighting to regain.

Students Will Learn About The Bze-Guat Dispute
Belize - Guatemala relations, it's been dominating the news recently - and soon, it'll be coming to a classroom near you! The Ministry of Education is reviewing the Primary School Social Studies Curriculum and wants to beef up the Belizean History component, specifically the part that deals with the Belize-Guatemala dispute. CEO in the Ministry of Education told us more about that today. A press release says the ministry hopes to have the material printed and disseminated by the end of the summer, for voluntary use in the 2016-17 school year. Mandatory use will commence in the 2017-18 school year. At the secondary school level the Ministry plans to mass-produce modules developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Hooked On B-Z Phonics
Today the Ministry of Education launched the first book in the "B-Z Phonics" collection. It's a work book that the Ministry plans to introduce into the infant division for the upcoming school year. Now, it may sound like a kids' book only a principal would be interested in, but curriculum planners are hoping this book can make your child a better reader. The book has been about 10 years in the making and today we stopped by at the Biltmore Plaza for the launch: The book is free and the Ministry plans to make it available for all schoolchildren at the infant 1 level for the upcoming school year.

Buh-Bye BRC?
Now while these books are slated to be introduced into the primary school curriculum later this year, what about the BRC phonic books which are currently in use? Well, there was a huge falling out between the Government of Belize and BRC printing last year, which landed them both before the courts. The issue stemmed from a fight of "who's way is the best way." The Ministry of Education wanted to change certain things, but BRC was resistant. The matter was finally resolved through court ordered mediation. But when we asked the Ministry of Education today about the relation between these new phonic books and those thousands of BRC readers currently in circulation, they could not give us a straight answer.

Where Are The Schools?
We also got an opportunity to speak with CEO David Leacock on the of $18 million dollar CDB project to construct 35 new schools all over the country. The project - known as Phase Two of the Education Sector Reform Project was launched earlier this year - but has work started? Today we asked CEO Leacock for an update:

BEL Sides With Indep. Expert, Urges PUC to Do The Same
For a few months now, BEL and the Public Utilities Commission have been back and forth about the electricity rate: BEL asked to 39 cents per kilowatt hour, PUC only approved a rate of 36 cents. So, BEL asked for a review by an independent expert and that report came out three weeks ago. The expert recommended a mean electricity rate of 38 cents, which is closer to what BEL asked for. With that, today BEL sent out a press release saying it "accepts the recommendation of the Independent Expert (and) trusts that the PUC will adapt and implement the recommendations in the best interest of customers."

Logging Threats
The National Protected areas of Belize are under constant threat from illegal logging. But although Guatemalan's pose the biggest threat in the Chiquibul rainforest, they are not the only ones that wreaking havoc in our forests. Yesterday two men, living in Belize, were caught rend handed in an illegal logging operation inside the Mayflower Bocawina National Park- that's in the Stann Creek District. The Park Rangers of the Mayflower Bocawina Environmental Development Group, were conducting regular patrols in the area when they heard the distinctive sounds of a chain saw. The Executive Director of APAMO works closely with the Bocawina conservation group and he was in fact the one that alerted the authorities about the situation. Jose Perez - Executive Director. APAMO: "Yesterday, the rangers of the Mayflower Bocawina National Park, this park is located down 6 miles off the southern highway and this park has been plagued for a while now like many other parks in Belize with illegal extraction of timber."

Channel 5

The Opposition Will Be Represented at Istanbul Talks
Very high level delegations from Belize and Guatemala will be meeting in Istanbul, Turkey on Saturday to discuss the Sarstoon. That’s the venue slated for the talks surrounding what has [...]

Will the P.U.P. Reach the Sarstoon this Saturday?
The talks are critical for another more local, political reason. The unpopular and controversial SI passed by G.O.B. prohibiting civilians from entering the Sarstoon expires six days from Saturday. Prime [...]

P.U.P. Leader Lashes Out at PM Barrow for Arbitration Award
All eyes may be to the South and West as the Belize/Guatemala issue percolates. But there’s a financial storm brewing – with wind gusts of just over half of a [...]

Briceño Says Guatemala Issue is a Distraction from Other Crises
Earlier, Briceño spoke about Guatemala using its unfounded claim to distract from the crises affecting its people. But here’s the thing – he says that to some extent that’s the [...]

Santander Exports First Shipment of Raw Sugar
The Santander Group celebrated a milestone today with the exportation of its first shipment of raw sugar. A quota of fourteen thousand tons of unrefined grain is being trucked to [...]

No Plans for a Refinery Just Yet
While projections are being made for increased production in subsequent crops, there are no plans as yet for the construction of a refinery. As it stands, Santander is wholesaling unprocessed [...]

Illegal Loggers at Mayflower Bocawina National Park Caught in the Act
We have reported on illegal activities within the expansive Chiquibul National Park many times, in fact within the last week after three Guatemalans were detained while panning for gold near [...]

P.U.P. Leader Says G.O.B. Cannot Sweep Plett Issue under the Rug
Since the start of this week News Five has been bringing you the remarkable story of an alleged cross-border kidnapping, albeit a short-lived one. We’ve spoken at length with Roger [...]

Did Police Manipulate Plett Statement?
That investigation is the focal point of the allegation, and any official diplomatic action which may or may not occur as a result of it. Officialdom weighed in on Wednesday [...]

UNHCR Will Still Feature in Refugee Program
As we reported on Thursday, Government has been forced to do a complete about-turn on a local refugee program which has come under intense and sustained scrutiny. Help for Progress, [...]

Goodger Sentenced for Manslaughter
At the age of seventeen, Devaughan Goodger was charged for the stabbing murder of Jason Pott which occurred on Cleghorn Street, Belize City on March fifth, 2011. After being on [...]

Robinson Will Serve Jail time for Illegal Firearm
One of four men busted inside a car on February fifteenth, 2016 for firearm offenses will serve only two years and a half behind bars instead of a minimum of [...]

Bahadur on Remand for Attempted Murder of the Notorious Alrick Smith
Ladyville resident, Shane Bahadur, is on remand at the Belize Central Prison for the May sixth attempted murder and wounding of Alrick Smith. This evening Bahadur, in the presence of [...]

All You Need to Know About ZIKA
There is a first confirmed case of Zika in Belize and it involves a woman in the north side of City. The Ministry of Health is carrying out surveillance in [...]

QUADS Introduces My BZ Phonics
The Ministry of Education, through the Quality Assurance Development Service, is rolling out a new program to assist primary school children at the beginner level with reading. This morning, QUADS [...]

Program Embraces Interactive Learning
The ushering in of the new program and accompanying textbook should see a more interactive approach to reading inside the classroom. Newport says the objective is to engage children in [...]

5th Belize Park Fest to Be Held on Sunday
Daily, between six and nine p.m., at the Memorial Park in Belize City, a small scale concert would end the day’s workshop for Belize Music Week, which is ongoing. Belizeans [...]

60 Minutes’ Morley Safer Dies
Morley Safer is one of the most recognized faces in broadcast journalism. His reports on CBS’s Sixty Minutes on Sundays attracted millions across the world for his distinctive style. As [...]

LOVE FM

PUP Will Go to Sarstoon on May 21
Earlier this week we reported on the upcoming trip to the Sarstoon being led by the Opposition, Peoples United Party. Leader of the Opposition, John Briceno spoke to the media today on the trip which is slated for Saturday, May 21. JOHN BRICENO “Two weeks ago at the National Party Council meeting that we had […]

Senator Eamon Courtenay to Join Delegation to Istanbul, Turkey
And while the PUP is planning their trip to the Sarstoon for Saturday, officials are traveling to Istanbul, Turkey for a meeting set to discuss the Sarstoon protocols. As we told you yesterday, the opposition has once again been embraced by the Government of Belize to be a part of the discussions as they relate […]

Cautious Optimism on Recent Belize/Guatemala Talks
During the now-famous press conference where the media challenged the Prime Minister in bringing nothing new to the forefront regarding the Belize/Guatemala issue, Prime Minister Dean Barrow spoke of being cautiously optimistic following the recent talks between Wilfred Sedi Elrington and Carlos Raul Morales. Those talks held between both Foreign Affairs leader was the meeting […]

PUP Leader Says Guatemalans Need to Stop Coming Onto Our Land at Their Own Will
Earlier this week the People’s United Party had sent out a release demanding that the Government of Belize take the kidnapping of 21-year-old, Roger Plett seriously and to launch a serious investigation into the incident. The incident reportedly occurred on Thursday, May 12 in the Green Hills area just outside Spanish Lookout. Six days later, […]

Is Belize/Guat Issue Overshadowing Other Social Ills
In a news story brought to you some weeks ago, we spoke of Guatemala’s intentional focus on their territorial claim to Belize in an effort to side-track the attention of its citizens from the other social ills that plagues Guatemala. While this sentiment has been echoed by various international agencies, when we take a look […]

JB Says Outcome on BTL Is No Victory for Belizeans
When the Prime Minister returned home last week, he told Love News that should the initial ruling from the Permanent Court of Arbitration on the BTL issue, it could be deemed as a victory for Belize since the Ashcroft Alliance was valuing each share at ten dollars while the courts have estimated it at fifty […]

Opposition Leader Applauds the Media
The media has been cited as problematic particularly when it comes to foreign affairs and national security issues. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Wilfred Elrington has become known to lay blame at the feet of the media when it comes to their news reports on the Belize/Guatemala issue. The Opposition Leader, John Briceno has conceded […]

The Effects of the Sarstoon Regulation on Belizeans in the Area
The Chairman of Barranco Village, Dr. Joseph Palacio addressed some of the unexpected implications the new Sarstoon Regulations have had on the community. Implications that might have gone unnoticed in other parts of the country,drastically affected the lives of the Garifuna community in Barranco Village and other Southern Coastal Communities who depend on the Sarstoon […]

Barranco’s Role in the Belize/Guatemala Issue
Another issue Dr. Joseph Palacio touched on was the substantive role that the local government of Barranco could take in the ongoing tensions between Belize and Guatemala. Given that the village is at the forefront in the interplay of powers and decisions taken by both governments that drastically impact the local community, Dr. Palacio elaborated […]

Garifuna Communities Urged to Unite as Indigenous Group
Yesterday was the anniversary of the United Nation’s ratification of the Garifuna Community. Today Dr. Palacio spoke about a release sent by a group of Garifuna elders urging the unification of the Garifuna community as an Indigenous Community. DR JOSEPH PALACIO “The press release came from a group of concerned Garifuna elders and it had […]

PlusTV

Ministry of National Security briefing on detention of Belizean farmers by Guatemalans
Today the Ministry of National Security and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs held a joint press conference to explain their perspective on the Plett and Ayala abduction to Guatemala by Guatemalan Military. This incident which happened last week Thursday, has been brought to the public’s attention by ...

Hon Beverly Castillo, Minister of State, Immigration clarifies refugee status
After Plus News broke the story regarding hundreds of refugees lining up at the Help for Progress Building in Belmopan to fill out applications for refugee status, Belizeans became concerned about the lack of transparency in the process as well as the lack of information. Government then issued its ...

Belize City woman shot
A woman was shot last night in Belize City. On Tuesday May 17 at around 8:10 p.m., shots were fired at the corner of Freetown and Barrack Road, Belize City and 19-year-old Chiaoma Williams of a Belize City address, was shot to her right buttock area and grazed by a bullet on her left hip. Police sa...

2 months for inappropriate touching
He “patted” a 10 year old child on her buttocks and told her not to say anything to anyone so he would not get into trouble with the law. But 26 year old Ashton Lambey will spend 60 days in jail after the child immediately told her sister, who told her mother, who reported the matter to police. On S...

Marage Road shooters charged
19 year old Darwin Prado and 18 year old Egbert Baldwin, accused of the armed assault early on Saturday at the home of Cynthia Lozano on Marage Road in Ladyville, were charged with 3 counts of attempted murder when they appeared today before Magistrate Emerita Anderson. They were also charged with 3...

Belize City men see drugs charges dismissed
On New Year’s Eve, 2015, police escorted two men to the Belize City Magistrate’s Court where they were jointly charged with supplying a controlled drug, to wit, methamphetamine or heroin to Ervin Teck contrary to the Misuse of Drugs Act; and possession of 24 and a half pounds of diamorphine or heroi...

The Guardian

Pickstock honours Belizean patriot Leigh Richardson
In the prime of his youth, Leigh Richardon served time in prison doing hard labour because of his love for this country and desire to see us become masters of our own destiny. Right Honourable Sir Manuel Esquivel refers to him and Hon. Phillip Goldson as Belize’s first political prisoners. The two patriots were convicted of Sedition in 1951 and sentenced to 18 months hard labour in jail for their anti-colonial/pro-independence campaign. Richardson was a founding and executive member of the People’s United Party in 1950. He left the PUP in 1956, after George Price’s takeover, and joined Goldson to form the Honduran Independence Party (HIP). The HIP later merged with the National Party to form the National Independence Party (NIP), which is one of the cornerstones of today’s United Democratic Party (UDP). His immeasurable contribution to Belizean independence and democracy is unquestionable, yet he is just a footnote in the written Belizean history. Hon. Wilfred Elrington and the Pickstock Development Association hope to reintroduce Richardson’s name in national conversations about Belize’s History by naming their flagship after him. On Saturday, May 14, the Pickstock Development Association opened a massive new resource center named the Leigh Richardson Knowledge Center.

Handing over of donation from the Government of Japan
A brief handing over ceremony was held at the new Paediatric and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital this morning. A generous donation of approximately US$120,000 was gifted to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital through the Special Envoy for Women and Children, Mrs. Kim Simplis Barrow by the Government of Japan, through its Grassroots Human Security Project in 2014 to purchase equipment for the new unit. The funds were used to purchase vital items such as a heavy duty backup generator, an incubator, 3 cerebral oximeters, 1 EKG Machine, 2 Headwall systems, 2 I-stat machines and syringe infusion pumps. Ambassador of Japan to Belize, His Excellency Mr. Masanori Nakano, was in Belize and formally handed over the donation to Dr. Adrian Coye, Chief Executive Officer of the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital.

Belizeans travel to Taiwan for 2016 Taipei International Tourism Expo
Two prominent Belizean professionals in the tourism industry, Ms. Karen Pike and Mr. Ian Anderson, will travel to Taiwan to represent and promote Belize in the upcoming “2016 Taipei International Tourism Expo” from May 20-23, 2016. Ms Karen Pike has been the Director of Marketing and Industry Relations at the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) since December of 2014. She manages and oversees the operations of five units – Travel Trade, Hospitality, Marketing Intelligence, Digital Marketing and Marketing & PR. The Belize Tourism Board is a strategic partner in marketing the Belize tourism product, developing tourism initiatives and programs, and implementing tourism policies, to address the changing needs of visitors and stakeholders, therefore her role is extremely important to the BTB. Karen holds an MBA where she focused on management. She also completed a Certification course in Tourism Management from the University of the West Indies, Belize Campus. She is currently working on a Certification in Marketing Strategy from Cornell University.

Preparing for the Hurricane Season in Cayo
Public works are now continuing in both the Twin Towns of San Ignacio and Santa Elena as well as the Cayo Central Division in preparation for the rainy season. While we are now in the midst of high temperatures and dry season, it makes good sense to now attend to improving infrastructure. In preparation for the upcoming Hurricane Season, the San Ignacio and Santa Elena Town Council is now clearing drains and culverts to mitigate the flooding that occurs on private lots; especially during heavy showers. New culverts have been built in Santa Elena Town in flood prone areas by the Santa Elena football field, while drains are also now being cleared behind the Sacred Heart High School, to allow for the free flow of water. While much grass has grown on the large drain, behind Sacred Heart High School, this has to be cleared by heavy machinery about once a year. This drain was being widened by heavy machinery on Monday to ensure the free flow of water. Failing to do this results in the accumulation of water that goes into people’s yards in the neighborhood of Sacred Heart College. There are now attempts to secure funding for the permanent concreting of this large drain behind Sacred Heart College. Mayor Earl Trapp tells us that this will save the Council a lot of funds from having to repeatedly work on that particular drainage.

Commonwealth Ministerial Committee on Belize
The Commonwealth Ministerial Committee on Belize, chaired by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Barbados, Senator the Hon. Maxine McClean, and comprising Barbados, Canada, Guyana, India, Jamaica, Malaysia, Nigeria and Tanzania, as well as Belize and United Kingdom as observers, met on Monday, 16 May 2016, to discuss the recent events taking place in the Adjacency Zone between Belize and Guatemala. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belize, Hon Wilfred Elrington briefed the Committee on recent developments, including discussions between the governments of the two countries. The Committee reiterated and endorsed the firm support of the Commonwealth for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Belize, as expressed consistently and most recently in the 2015 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) Communiqué. The Committee encouraged all concerned to work towards a peaceful and final resolution of the longstanding disagreements concerning the border between Belize and Guatemala.

Maya Land Rights Commission responds to Alcalde Association
The Toledo Maya Land Rights Commission is obligated to ensure that the Maya people do not become voiceless in the process of implementing the CCJ order as it relates to Maya customary land rights. The Order did not cede the autonomy of villages to any group. The Commission is therefore disappointed by the statements made by the Toledo Alcalde Association as it relates to a meeting held on Monday, May, 16, 2016. The planned meeting was held and present were 32 of the 36 village leaders, the participants were very engaged and welcomed the opportunity to commence dialogue with the Commission. What was not allowed was an interruption to the planned meeting, but an offer was made to meet with the Steering Committee at a mutually convenient time. The Commission will proceed with its consultations with elected leaders of all villages in the Toledo District and Punta Gorda Town. The Commission has a very clear Terms of Reference and will not be distracted with actions that undermine a process that is transparent and inclusive.

Start studded lineup for Music Week
A decade from now the Belize Music Week will be drawing spectators and participants from across the globe but what we have now at the inaugural event is high quality Belizean entertainment for the entire family to enjoy. After Tuesday’s show, it is safe to say that the first annual Belize Music Week is off with a bang! The artists scheduled to perform during Music Week include international, regional and national award winners. There are legends, musical prodigies and the undiscovered. Genres include Bruk Down, Soca, Calypso, Hip Hop, R and B, Paranda, Punta and some crossover beats. To kick off the event on Tuesday, May 17, the Pandemonium Steel Pan showed why many now consider them to be the best steel band in the land. Members of Pandemonium had the opportunity to attend Panorama in Trinidad and Tobago in February of this year. Panorama is the largest gathering of steel pan bands in the world. There the members of Pandemonium had the opportunity to learn from some of the most accomplished steel pan masters and got to play in bands participating in the much heralded competition.

Teachers Parade instead of Teacher’s Day?
Instead of going to Placencia Village and enjoying their Teachers Day as was the plan, several hundred teachers decided to march through the streets of Belize City and hold a rally against the Sarstoon SI. As readers are aware, the purpose of the Statutory Instrument was to prevent persons, such as the Belize Territorial Volunteers, from jeopardizing the very fragile negotiations for a peace keeping protocol between the militaries of Belize and Guatemala in that southern river. The leadership of Belize National Teacher Union, very much like the umbrella union, the National Trade Union Congress of Belize, had called for the Government to repeal the law. The Barrow Administration has not acceded to their request, and so these teachers decided that a demonstration, called the Stand Up for Belize Rally, would send the message loud and clear that large numbers of the teachers who form part of the BNTU, also don’t support the Sarstoon SI. But, at the most, only one-fifth or one-sixth of that population showed up in solidarity with their union.

Zika Not Expected to Have Major Impact on Tourism
Last week Belize received its first positive result for the Zika virus from test samples sent to CARPHA. That sample came from the Belize district. According to the Ministry of Health, measures are already in place to deal with the disease but still in a release it states taht “the Ministry will continue to be actively engaged with the community to minimize impact and we continue to ask the community to do everything possible to assist that Ministry and our partners to reduce mosquito breeding sites such as discarding buckets, old tires and other containers that may hold water.” While from the local front Zika is something that has to be dealt with by those who live in country, since the news was released on Monday, many individuals who depend directly on tourism for income have been wondering how it will affect the industry. The answer from industry guardians is “not really much”.

Cop arrested for molesting a child
Police Constable Darren Evan Martinez, 21, is in serious trouble with the law after he was arraigned on a single charge of sexual assault upon a child under the age of 16. Martinez is being accused of penetrating the vagina of an 8-year-old girl with his finger on February 21, 2016. Martinez appeared before Magistrate Deborah Rogers on Monday, May 16. He is being represented by attorney Oswald Twist. Since the matter is an indictable offense, no plea was taken. Court prosecutor, Cpl. Kennard Clark, objected to bail on the grounds of the prevalence and serious nature of the offense. Twist was concerned about possible harm that could come to his client while on remand at the Belize Central Prison.

Witness refuses to testify - Akeem Humes set free from murder charge
Akeem Hubert Humes, 26, is free from a murder charge after Prosecutor Shanice Lovell informed Justice Adolph Lucas on Friday, May 13, that the crown will not move forward with the case. She informed the court of the nolle prosequi without any official reason. However, Lovell did say that the evidence on file would have been enough to proceed with the matter if the crown’s main witness was cooperating. Police arrested and charged Akeem Hubert Humes for the murder of 45-year-old Orlando Sylvestre Williams. At about 9:45 p.m. on Tuesday, January 1, 2013, Williams was near his home at the corner of Dean Street and West Canal having a conversation with a friend, when a light complexion man came walking on Dean Street from the direction of Plues Street and fired several shots at him. Williams was struck multiple times and died on the spot. Police retrieved seven 9 mm expended shells, one slug and one copper jacket from the scene. Police arrested and charged Humes for murder on Friday, January 4, 2013. He appeared before Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith where he was remanded to the Hattieville Prison.

Ladyville shootout ends in murder
The Marage Road area, of Ladyville Village, which has been the location of a sudden spike in crime, was the scene of another violent murder. This one happened just after midnight on Friday, May 13, and it ended in the shooting death of 21 year-old Lionel Rhamdas, a mechanic of Eagle Street. Police investigation is that on that Friday night, 23 year-old Casey Lozano, his brother and 2 other friends were socializing inside the yard of Lozano’s Family home on Marage Road. Three gunmen then approached them and opened fire on the group. One of the four hanging out at the Lozano home immediately fired back, and in the aftermath, a total of about 20 shots went off. When the violence ended, Lionel Rhamdas fell dead with a weapon near him.

Two months for patting 10 year old girl on the buttocks
Ashton Lambey, 26, was sentenced to 2 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to patting a 10 year old girl on her buttocks. Lambey appeared in court before Chief Magistrate Anna Marie Smith on Wednesday, May 18, where he pleaded guilty to one count of sexual assault upon the girl. The incident occurred on Sunday, May 15, 2016 at the yard of the 10 year old girl. She told police that at about 4:40 p.m., she was at home doing homework, when her 26 year old sister told her to go downstairs to get the broom for her. Whilst downstairs, the child met Lambey who had the broom she needed to take for her sister. The minor asked Lambey for the broom which he handed her and as the child turned away from him to walk back upstairs, Lambey pat her on her buttocks. The child said Lambey told her, “Shhhh. Don’t tell anyone.”

Boyd Lopez accepts plea deal for manslaughter
Boyd Lopez, 20, went on a joy ride without a drivers license on the afternoon of February 18, 2015 and ran over 70-year-old Marie Knowles on Baghdad Street in Belize City. Knowles was walking on the side walk when Lopez came in a Toyota Highlander sport utility vehicle and ran over her. According to witnesses, the vehicle dragged her body a few yards before it was able to stop. Knowles sustained several injuries to the head and body; including, a broken rib and broken leg. She later succumbed to her injuries with the official cause of death listed as “traumatic shock”.

Salvadoran national, arraigned for sex with girl, 15
Salvadoran national, Anderson Steve Raffles Portillo, 25, is on remand at the Belize Central Prison for allegedly having sexual intercourse with his 15-year-old “girlfriend” twice. Portillo appeared before Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser on Thursday, May 12, where he was read two sexual assault charges. The minor went to the police station with her mother and said that she had sexual intercourse with her “boyfriend”, Anderson Portillo, on February 26 and May 7, 2016. A medical examination conducted on the minor by Dr. Mauricio Navarette certified that the minor has been carnally known.

Stann Creek Softball Competition opens this coming Sunday
The Stann Creek Softball Association 2016 Senior Female competition will open on Sunday 22nd May, with two games on the schedule out at the Michael Ashcroft Stadium in Independence Village, Stann Creek District. The competition will feature the participation of four teams in this year’s competition. The competing teams are Sittee River, Seine Bight, Independence Pals and Independence United. In the first game scheduled for 1:30 pm Sittee River will go up against Seine Bight and in the second game at 3:30 pm Independence United will see action against Independence Pals. The Stann Creek Softball Association is under the leadership of Mrs. Elizabeth Zabaneh, the Commissioner for Softball in the area.

Ebenezer Methodist School and St. John Vianney School boys won by big margins in primary schools football competition
The Belize City Primary Schools Football Competition continued on Monday 16th May, 2016, at the MCC Grounds with four games on the schedule. In the first of three games played in the boys’ competition, Ebenezer Methodist School blasted Muslim Community School by the score of 9-0. The goals for Ebenezer Methodist School were scored by Jalen Whyte (2), Hector Reyes (2), Keemar James, Calvin Young, Santi Bol, Sydney Wade and Jaymion Cacho. In game two, St. John Vainney School blanked its sister school St. Ignatius School by the score of 5-0. The goals for St. John Vianney School were scored by Michael Palacio (2), Ken Galvez (2) and Christian Caceres. In game three, Holy Redeemer School and All Saints Primary School played to a 1-1 draw. The goal for Holy Redeemer School was scored by Anthony Usher while the goal for All Saints Primary School by Holden Bradley.

Roaring Creek Grace Kennedy and Unitedville Rebels United co- leaders in Cayo Softball Competition
The Raymond Garbutt Cayo Senior Female Competition which is being sponsored by the Hon. John Saldivar continued on Sunday 15th May, 2016, with three games on the schedule out at the Raymond Garbutt Field in Roaring Creek Village. The competition will continue this coming Sunday 22nd May, 2016, with three more games on the schedule out at the Mae Gordon Sports Field in the City of Belmopan. In the first game scheduled for 12:00 p.m., Esperanza Wolverines will go up against Camalote. In game two, Unitedville Rebels United will see action against the Belmopan Bandits and in the final game of the day it will be Roaring Creek Grace Kennedy against the Belmopan Capital City Emeralds.

Belize Softball Federation to hold Umpires Training
The Belize Softball Federation has announced that it will be holding an Umpires Training for intermediate and advance umpires from August 4-8, 2016. The Training will be conducted by the Chief Umpire of the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) Softball Division Robert Stanton and will include both theoretical and practical work. The federation envision that this will be the spring board for umpires who have been involved in the game at the advance level for the past five years to move towards the International Certification for Umpires. The umpires who successfully completes the course will be invited to participate in the XIII Central American Junior Female Softball Championship as part of the umpiring crew.

Piggy Back
It is my understanding that the protest rally of last Friday May 13, organized under the patronage of the leadership of the Belize National Teacher’s Union, garnered, at its peak, about 800 participants. Most of this number was made up of partakers from various Opposition political parties, including the People’s United Party, and a couple of NGO’s with personal agendas and private axes against the UDP Government. It seems that our political system has done an about-turn as it relates to the term “Her Majesty’s Loyal Opposition”, whereby the main Opposition Party has now relegated itself to the position of piggy-backer. The PUP, which is now being considered as the Party of bad ideas, is now hopping onto passing bandwagons, no matter that these carts are being pulled along by mules instead of stallions. I would want readers to consider my observations as being critical instead of offensive, analytical instead of derogatory; more intended to facilitate reflection rather than to crush ideals. But the PUP at this stage is simply bouncing from one blunder to the other. They had no business out there that day with teachers; there is no urgent national issue to protest against, and the rally was solely designed to assuage Palacio’s monumental ego, and Smith’s new found love for the camera. As to Maheia, Matura and Mora, best I hold my peace, so to speak.

Annual Diabetic Run 2016 and Wellness Expo
On Sunday May 22nd 2016 at 6:30 am Wellness Ambassadors in collaboration with the Belize Diabetic Association Belmopan Branch and Coordinator of Honor Students of Our Lady of Guadalupe High School and Marathon runner Emil Pulido will lead a momentous twenty three (23) miles run to create an awareness about the danger of Diabetes in an effort to contribute to the prevention and elimination of this deadly disease which is a leading killer and culprit of lost body parts of several Belizeans and people across the globe. “Diabetic Run Sunday May 22nd 2016; under the theme Diabetes Nah a Ketch Mi ” will assemble and depart from the nation’s capital Belmopan Market Square at 6:30 am in route to Palacios Mountain Retreat Mile 31 Hummingbird Highway St. Margaret’s Village. Expected time of arrival at the Retreat is 11:30 am.

House of Culture in San Ignacio observes International Museum Day
An open day on the El Pilar Maya Forest Gardens was held at the National Institute of Culture and History building on Buena Vista Street in San Ignacio Town on Wednesday of this week. The event coincides with the International Museum Day 2016, which celebrates museums and cultural landscapes around the World. At the opening of the El Pilar Maya Forest Gardens was the El Pilar Team, composed of El Pilar Project Director Dr. Anabel Ford, Belizean contributor to the El Pilar Forest Garden Initiative Cynthia Ellis Topsey as well as principal forest gardeners Alfonzo Tzul and Narcisso Torres. In an interview with the Guardian, Cynthia Ellis Topsey said that it is important that Belizeans be involved and embrace El Pilar, “…that the efforts be handed to the children, the young generation and that we be more actively involved in embracing the work.” El Pilar is the largest Maya site of the Belize River Area. The entire reserve covers over 2000 hectares in both Belize and Guatemala. El Pilar has a causeway that connects the site to the NE Peten of Guatemala. Cynthia Ellis tells us that El Pilar is an important avenue of confidence building between Belize and Guatemala.

Independence residents begging Village Council to ease garbage tax
Residents of Independence Village are waiting axiously for village council elections to be called so they can rid themselves Tony Zabaneh’s council. Immediately after showing Zabaneh overwhelming support in the election for Village Chairman, he turned around and dropped the bukut on Independence residents with a garbage tax hike. The Tony Zabaneh led council decided to raise the garbage collection tax by 100%. Residents previously paid $7 for garbage collection fee. This was already a topic of controversy because the garbage trucks are old and the garbage is carried in an opened back bed. Residents say this is hazardous to their health because garbage and liquid waste always falls from the truck as it goes through the community. No attempt has been made to improve the garbage collection system or buy new trucks yet the Village Council has informed residents that residential fees will increase from $7 to $14 effective immediately.

Lake Independence Boulevard nears completion
The first half of the Lake Independence boulevard has been completed. Work by contractor RJB construction was completed on one of the carriageways on Saturday May 14. The left lane on the southern approach to the Chetumal Street bridge was opened on Monday and work commenced on the right lane. Contractor in charge of the project Romel Berges told the Guardian that the work on the second half will be completed within the next month or so. Both carriageways will be paved with hotmix asphalt which is being done by RODLA construction company. Also speaking to the Guardian was Christy Mastry, director of Belize Infrastructure Limited who is overseeing the civil works. She explained that along with the paving of the carriageways there is a focus on ensuring that there is proper drainage of the area as well as the implementation of a ‘green’ area which will be worked into the final scope of works in the Lake Independence development area.

Mayor Earl Trapp hand delivers cash to deserving mothers
Five deserving mothers from the Twin Towns of San Ignacio and Santa Elena have been awarded with cash prizes by Mayor Earl Trapp Junior. These mothers were recently awarded in recognition of Mother’s Day events and comes thanks to a contribution by Atlantic International Bank, which has a branch based at the Cayo Welcome Center in San Ignacio Town. Amalia Quiroz, the Manager of the San Ignacio Branch of Atlantic International Bank was on hand for these cash distributions. The mothers receiving the cash awards were Daphnie Middleton, Aminda Pinelo, Rosa Aldana, Rosa Enriquez and Olivia Tate. According to Melanie Danilczyh, Human Resources Manager at the San Ignacio and Santa Elena Town Council, all mothers were very appreciative of the corporate gifts.

Help for Progress has no right to process refugee applications
On Tuesday, May 17, Cabinet announced that “there exists NO formal, nor legal, agreement between the Government of Belize and the NGO, Help for Progress that authorizes Help for Progress personnel accepting application for refugees status in Belize, and to further conduct interviews and determine which applicant has a legitimate case or not.” The announcement follows after the NGO had appeared a couple of weeks ago as having some involvement in the processing of applications for refugees. Cabinet’s announcement further states that any entity that is processing refugee paperworks to cease and desist. It goes on to state that “all applications and the processing for recognition of refugee status, must be presented to the recently reactivated Refugee Eligibility Committee. During the few years of inactivity of the Refugee Eligibility Committee, no entity was empowered to conduct interviews to determine whether refugee applicants for refugee status had a legitimate case for consideration.”

3 car accident claims life of Belizean Businessman
Well known Orange Walk Businessman Richard Orellana was killed on Tuesday night, May 18, in a 3 vehicle traffic accident, in Carmelita Village, Orange Walk. It happened at around 6 p.m. when Orellana was driving his Ford Explorer SUV and he slammed almost head-on into a silver Kia Sorrento, which was being driven by police officer Roberto Teck. The impact then sent Orellana’s SUV careening into a blue Kia Sorento, which was parked on the right shoulder of the highway. It is believed that Orellana died on impact, or shortly after. His body was transported to the Northern Regional Hospital morgue. Teck, who is attached to the Belmopan Police Station, survived the collision, and he was transported to the Northern Regional Hospital, and later to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. The driver of the Blue Sorento was completely unhurt by the accident.

Accused murderers walk due to missing case files
Tarique Nathaniel Gillett, 19, and Lyson James Cacho, 21, both of the St. Martins area of Belize City, are free from charges of murder and attempted murder after their case files could not be presented in court. The men appeared before Magistrate Deborah Rogers on Friday, May 13. Allegations are that on Sunday, March 1, 2015, Michael Welch and Kingsley Morrison, two disc jockeys, were socializing at a residence on Periwinkle Street when two gunmen rode up on bicycles and opened fired on them. Welch was shot multiple times and died within minutes, while Morrison was shot once to the upper right shoulder, and was rushed to the KHMH where he was treated for his injuries and later released.

Guatemalan gold panners caught in Belize, one shot
Three Guatemalan gold panners, caught in the Chiquibul Forest, have been arrested and charged for that illegal activity. Their detention only happened after another BDF shooting, but although this one was non-fatal, the Guatemalan Government is once again accusing the Belize Military of using excessive force. The Ministry of National Security released a statement, on Saturday, May 14, which explains in detail what happened from the perspective of the Belizean lawmen. A joint patrol of officers from the Police Department, the Belize Defence Force, and rangers from the Friends for Conservation and Development were conducting operations in the Ceibo Chico area of the Chiquibul on Friday, May 13. At around 7:45 p.m., the patrol encountered a group of Guatemalans, about 10 to 15 of them at a location approximately 7.9 kilometers east of the border. They had crossed over into Belizean territory, and they were gold panning inside the Chiquibul. That’s a criminal offence, and so the patrol detained 3 of the men from the group who were later identified as 23 year-old Carlos Roberto Perez Hernandez, 17 year-old Edin Alexander Escobar Garcia, and 21 year-old Solomon Martinez Pasqual.

Men plead guilty to handling policeman’s stolen motorcycle
Lloyd Neal, 29, and Joseph Muhammad Ali, 25, are lucky to be out of jail after they received non-custodial sentences for pleading guilty to being in possession of police officer James Jones’ stolen motorcycle. Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser fined them $1,000 each for the offense. Jones reported to police that his black Meilun motorcycle, valued at $3,500, was stolen from Wesley College compound on Saturday, February 28, 2015. Neal and Ali were stopped by police when they were reportedly at a shop buying food. They were approached for license and insurance when it was discovered that the cycle was stolen. Neal and Ali were detained for the cycle and charged with handling stolen goods.

Six women charged for robbery
Six women; including a minor and mother to be, are out on bail after they appeared in the Belize City Magistrates’ Court to face charges of robbery and harm upon another woman. Lucretia Myvett, 29, Nashanti Martinez, 24, Khya Martinez, 18, Rayanna Gongora, 19, Kimberly Bowen, 28, who is pregnant, and a 15-year-old minor appeared before Magistrate Deborah Rogers on Monday, May 16, and pleaded not guilty to charges of robbery and harm upon Sasha Richards. The incident allegedly occurred early Sunday morning, May 15, after the Project X event at Hour Bar on Princess Margaret Drive. Sasha Richards told police that at about 4:33 a.m. on Sunday she was just leaving the Project X event when she was attacked and robbed by six females who she knows well. The women beat her up and took away her gold chain valued at $250, gold earring valued at $150 and a Samsung Galaxy S5 cellphone valued at $800. Richards was examined by a doctor who treated her for a swolen lip and an abrasion over her eyebrow.

Men charged for Mark Vernon shooting and high speed chase
Four persons have been detained in connection with the shooting of Mark Vernon, which led to a high speed pursuit by Assistant Commissioner of Police Chester Williams on Thursday, May 12. Of the four, three have been arraigned for a charge of use of deadly means of harm. Larry Wright, 44, of Jane Usher Boulevard, Justin Hyde, 21, of Curl Thompson Street and Devon Sankey, 22, of Unity Street appeared before Magistrate Deborah Rogers on Monday, May 16. Allegations are that at about 8:53 p.m. on Thursday, May 12, Vernon was riding his bicycle on Cemetery Road when he noticed a black Mazda pickup truck following behind him. He decided to turn into Euphrates Avenue and upon reaching the intersection with Cairo Street the truck drove up beside him and several shots were fired in his direction from the passenger’s side of the pick-up. Vernon was hit twice to the lower back.

Steven Young arraigned for Lord’s Bank stabbing
Steven Young, 25, is on remand at the Belize Central Prison after he was arraigned for the attempted murder of Lord’s Bank resident, Brandon Stevens, who was stabbed during an altercation inside Ruba’s Bar on Saturday, May 14, 2016. Young was arraigned before Magistrate Deborah Rogers on Monday, May 16, for charges of attempted murder, dangerous harm and use of deadly means of harm upon Brandon Stevens. On Saturday afternoon, Stevens went to Ruba’s Bar and saw his common-law-wife sitting down with four men. He approached and asked her for their house key. This was when Steve Young, one of the four men in the group, said to him, “Some man just don’t know how to treat their woman.” Stevens then approached Steven Young and pushed him. They got into a fight which was quickly parted by Young’s friends. Young then left the bar and went across the street. He returned with a machete. Another fight broke out and Young stabbed Stevens in the chest with the machete.Brandon Stevens was rushed to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital where he is listed as being in a stable condition.

Smart Belize Hurricanes National Elite Basketball League champions
The 2016 National Elite Basketball League Season came to an end on Friday 13th May, 2016, at the Belize Elementary School Gymnasium where the third and final game in the championship series was played between the newly crowned champions the Smart Belize Hurricanes and the former two-times defending champions the San Pedro Tiger Sharks. The two-time defending champions, the San Pedro Tiger Sharks jumped out to an early 15-10 lead, which the Smart Belize Hurricanes was able to narrowed to a 24-22 lead at the end of the first quarter. The San Pedro Tiger Sharks maintained its composure during much of the second quarter of the game and at the half time break it was leading 47-45. It was not until mid-way through the third quarter of the game, that the budding champions the Smart Belize Hurricanes took a 60-58 lead, which they were able to increase to a 4 points, 72-68 at the end of the quarter. | In the fourth quarter of the game, there were a number of ties and lead changes. The Smart Belize Hurricanes held on to slim 3 point lead. But the inability of the Smart Belize Hurricanes players to scored free throws and the San Pedro Tiger Sharks ability to sink three points shots, kept the game close. The Smart Belize Hurricanes lead was cut to a 93-90 lead when 2 consecutive three pointers by the visiting San Pedro Tiger Sharks found their way into the basket. At the end of the game, the Smart Belize Hurricanes were able to survive the on-slaught of the San Pedro Tiger Sharks and held on to the 98-92 victory.

Breaking Belize News

Peace at El Pilar?
Guatemalan Minister of Culture and Sports, Jose Luis Chea Urruela said this week that the Cultural Monument El Pilar, located within the adjacency zone between Guatemala and Belize has an important symbolism and can become a place of peace and be managed by both […]

Shane Bahadur arraigned for attempted murder of Alrick Smith
29 year old Shane Bahadur, a resident of Dove Street, Ladyville is on remand at the Belize Central Prison after being arraigned late this evening on two criminal and indictable offenses of attempted murder and wounding for the Friday, May 6, 2016 shooting of Ladyville […]

12 years for teenager Devaughan Goodger who fatally stabbed Jason Pott on March 5, 2011
A moment of madness will cost 22 year old Devaughn Goodger at least seven more years of his life behind bars. Goodger pleaded guilty to the manslaughter death by stabbing of Jason Pott on Cleghorn Street, Belize City 5 years ago, on March 5, […]

After plea change, court hands down shorter sentence for firearm possession
Recently, Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin handed down a critical decision which releases the hands of magistrates from handing down a mandatory minimum 5-year prison sentence in firearms-related cases. It is part of the fallout from the Allyson Major case where the law was found […]

Anglo-Guatemalan Treaty and Belizean history in schools
The Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports has confirmed plans to expand the social studies curriculum to include incidents of Belizean history. It was reported that the Ministry is preparing to mass-produce copies of the 1859 Anglo-Guatemalan Treaty which tried to offer a […]

Belize Electricity Limited accepts expert’s report on tariff review; will Belizeans’ light bills go up?
Belizeans are set for a slight increase on average in electricity rates, after an independent expert appointed by the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) reviewed the submissions of Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) for the 2016 to 2020 Full Tariff Review Proceeding (FTRP). BEL had asked […]

Venezuela in unrest as president threatens to make opposition-controlled legislature ‘disappear’
According to the L.A. Times, police and opponents of President Nicolas Maduro clashed on the streets of the capital Caracas after Maduro threatened to make the opposition-controlled National Assembly “disappear.” Maduro’s threats, scattered looting and growing protests over hyperinflation and food scarcities underscored the deepening […]

Toledo Chocolate Fest starts tomorrow!
Every year over the Commonwealth Holiday weekend, Toledo District in Southern Belize celebrates its superior cacao with a world renowned Chocolate Festival, which draws guests from across the country and globe. Typically falling in late May, the festival has become an annually anticipated event, […]

MOECYS launches new phonics series
The Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports has created a new series of phonics books for lower primary school called “My B-Z Phonics”. Chief Education Officer Dr. Carol Babb states that literacy is such an important component of life that it is as […]

Commonwealth Ministerial Committee reiterates support for Belize
The Commonwealth Ministerial Committee reiterated and endorsed its firm support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Belize at a meeting held on Monday May 16th. This meeting, the Committee said in a statement, was called to discuss the recent events taking place in the […]

Blogs

Traveling from San Pedro, Belize to Cayo & My Fabulous Destination
Yesterday, I departed San Pedro at 8:30am to head west. From San Pedro to the Cayo District – the largest of them all and one that is so jam packed with things to do (caves, rivers, hiking, wildlife, Mayan sites), it’s almost too much. Start point green, end point red. 105 miles by my route.highways-belize This can be done quickly and with a higher cost via plane – Tropic Air flies from San Pedro to San Ignacio every few hours but I decided to “slow travel”. Aka budget travel. And I took the boat to the bus. And it was even cheaper than usual. There was already a decent size line waiting to board the 8:30 boat. And they had the smallest boats waiting…the ones that are half covered and half open. Tough for the hottest month of the year! But any complaining that was about to tumble from my mouth was quickly stifled. I went to the window with my “Membership Card” – the best thing $10bzd can buy – and found that my normal $48bzd RT ticket was free. FREE! Every 12th ride is free. Membership DOES have its privileges. This card also insures you the “local” price when you are taking the water taxi. Online the price from San Pedro to Belize City RT is listed as $35US or $70bzd. There’s no reason to book online. This card gets you the local rate of $48bzd. TOTALLY worth it and good for one year.

The struggle for Maya land, oil, and gold
After two very recent attacks on Maya community leaders in Guatemala, the challenges faced by the lawyers applying domestic law and international indigenous rights legislation to these conflicts are revealing, as legal concepts are reinterpreted by governments in indigenous communities across the Maya region of Central America. On the night of 12 June two men broke into the home of José Tavico Tzunun in Santa Cruz del Qiché, Western Guatemala, and murdered him. Tzunun was a member of the K’iche’ Peoples Council in Defense of Life, Mother Nature, Earth, and Indigenous Territory. He helped to organise the town’s referendum on establishing a moratorium on mining and dams. The following day anti-mining activist Yolanda Oquelí was shot while driving home from a barricade against a proposed gold mine in her community of San Jose del Golfo, north east of Guatemala City. She remains in a critical condition. Two attacks in two days. Tzunun had reported receiving threatening messages if he would “continue bringing the people together for meetings”. His efforts were part of a movement seeking to make the consent of local people a condition for the approval of development and mineral extraction projects on indigenous territory, and the referendum of Santa Cruz del Qiché was the forty-ninth of a growing number across the country.

Jungle love
I was recently invited by Ian Anderson’s Caves Branch Jungle Lodge to come out and experience their adventure hideaway. I knew it would be fun, but had no idea just how much fun! My plus one, Aimee, and I immediately started planning the dates along with a flight from San Pedro to Belmopan. Caves Branch does offer a transfer service at a cost of $65 USD from anywhere in Belize City or the international airport, but as a benefit to living here, Aimee had a Belmopan connection and so we used Charles Galvez (669-9864) to make the 20 min trip from the Belmopan airport to the lodge. The property is 50,000 acres and simply stunning. Everywhere you turn there is something cool to look at or hear. They offer extensive plant life throughout, in addition to their Botanical Garden. The lodge also does some amazing conservation work, cataloging species, finding new ones and preserving the endangered ones. In addition to the daily buffets, one of the things I really enjoyed about Caves Branch was the people we met. The staff as well as the guests were friendly and down to earth. The Caves Branch crew consists of 104 employees with the longest hired approximately 22 years ago. They honor him with a placard above their buffet as the Employee of the Decade. While we were there, they also celebrated the employees who had their birthdays that month by allowing them to have dinner with us. I can totally see why the resort has so many long time dedicated employees. It is very apparent that the owners truly care.

7 things that will make Belize the next country on your bucket-list!
I don’t really need an excuse to travel and explore. I just suffer from a very bad case of wanderlust and the only cure is visiting more and more places. It would be easier for me to make a list of countries and places I don’t have a particular interest in seeing because pretty much any country catches my attention for some reason – whether it is fabulous nature, incredible beaches, interesting cities, millenary cultures, tasty food and kind people. Yet, Belize never was on my bucket list. That’s until I visited it on a work trip, and I fell so completely in love with it that I wish to go back as soon as possible. Belize is a tiny country. Imagine that only 350,000 people live there; the biggest city, Belize City, has less than 60,000 inhabitants and the capital Belmopan around 16,000. But, for as small as it is, Belize has literally everything to make it a special place to visit, perfect for any kind of traveller. So, here are seven things that will make Belize the next country on your bucket-list: 1. Beautiful nature, 2. Impressive archeological sites, 3. Superb beaches and coral reef, 4. Tasty food, 5. Kind people, 6. Good climate, 7. Chaa Creek Eco Lodge and the Macal River Camp.

International Sources

Lee College students exploring Belize
The Lee College Study Abroad program headed off this week to the Central American country of Belize for an 8-day exploration of Mayan ruins, the natural beauty of land and sea, and the unique relationship between place and identity. Study Abroad allows students to experience another country while also earning academic credit for their Lee College degrees. Students and faculty left for Belize on May 16 and will return to campus on May 23. The program was revived at the college last year with a trip to Great Britain, Ireland and Wales.

"En Belize quisimos juntar las ganas de entrar en la música por todos los ángulos"
Saben a café recién hecho. Huelen a libro nuevo y a tierra mojada. Frescos, los jóvenes Belize se lanzan al vacío con una brisa apta para oídos cálidos. Acunan su primer trabajo Belize (2015) acunados como la nueva apuesta de Warner. La voz templada de los hermanos Fuertes, Angel --que habla para EL PERIODICO EXTREMADURA-- y Ana, y las cuerdas y percusiones de Pablo García, María Fernández y Guillermo Fernández dan forma a la banda pamplonesa que se sube al cartel del SonoraCC (24 y 25 de junio). Los abonos están disponibles por 33 euros en la web oficial del festival cacereño. --Uno de los mayores miedos de un músico es perder su esencia. Belize pasa de ser un proyecto autogestionado a fichar por un sello como Warner en nada, ¿tenían miedo de que su ritmo cambiara para adaptarse a los requerimientos de una discográfica tan grande como esta?

Ten Amazing Places to Buy Real Estate In 2016
Belize is a popular overseas real estate purchasing location as it is affordable and beautiful. The second largest reef, the barrier reef, is near Ambergris Caye. Ambergris Caye is not overly developed, making it ideal for growing families. It is also a good transition for those whose first language is English, as that is the primary language spoken in the area. Purchasing real estate is a good investment in developing areas. These locations are also ideal for those wishing to purchase residential rental properties and vacation properties for additional income. Families may want to live in a particular city but are unable to afford purchasing a home there, so renting is often the best choice in those situations. Plan your real estate purchase by location very carefully taking into consideration its proximity to attractions, entertainment, schools and major highways.

Caribbean Nations With The Highest Unemployment
Joblessness continues to be a big problem in several Caribbean nations. In the Caribbean, youth unemployment rates are among the highest in the world, a recent Caribbean Development Bank report showed. Here are ten Caribbean nations with the highest unemployment rates overall according to latest data: Belize came in the ninth on the list with an unemployment rate of 14.2 percent as of 2013, the Statistical Institute of Belize says. Most of the unemployed on the island are women.

Police foil fuel smuggling in Belize
Speaking to Angop, the municipal police commander of Belize Corporation, superintendent Evaristo Congo Bote, said that the operation was took place in Minconje and Sanga Loango crossing border with Congo Brazzaville and the Democratic Republic of Congo, respectively. He explained that the fuel was transported illegally in reservoirs of more than thousand liters, with the help of five vans and two cars. Evaristo Bote said that the 23 alleged offenders were referred to the public prosecutor for hearing.

Total tranquillity and relaxation at El Gran Mestizo
My second visit to ‘Sugah City’ had been a long time coming. I had been looking forward to the bus ride north, peeking through the window. watching familiar grounds blur by. Orange Walk Town in Northern Belize was calling my name – and I was more than willing to answer. Now, when locals talk about Orange Walk, the first thing that comes to mind is ‘tacos’. Don’t get me wrong, I most certainly am a freak for tacos. This time however, I planned to enjoy them while at the scenic El Gran Mestizo Riverside Cabins. The property is located on the historic banks of the New River, a mere eight minutes from the town’s centre. The entrance to the property was stunning, its grounds sprawling beautifully riverside, a multitude of trees kissing the waters’ edge. I had been transported to a different world – one filled with so much natural beauty and tranquillity.

Possible human trials of Zika vaccine by September following breakthrough
Scientists have for the first time cloned the Zika virus, an important development towards fast-tracking a vaccine against the disease. The genetically engineered copy is a replica of the strain that is spreading across Latin America and the Caribbean, bringing an increase in microcephaly, a condition in which babies are born with abnormally small heads and underdeveloped brains. Until now, researchers had known the structure of Zika, but they had not replicated it – at least not this strain, which is carried by mosquitoes but can also be sexually transmitted. A team from the The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston was able to genetically engineer Zika, so researchers can now make the virus in test tubes and on Petri dishes, according to a study published this week in the journal Cell Host & Microbe. According to lead author Pei-Yong Shi, his team’s manmade Zika means scientists can study and adapt the virus to develop a vaccine. It could also be used to test the efficacy of their own vaccines.

BLACK & BROWN RELATIONS: BELIZE & GUATEMALA!
Can there be a positive black / brown relationship between the people of Belize and the people of Guatemala who have their history embedded in the historical context of two indigenous peoples of Central America, the African and the Mayan peoples who were the original peoples of that region long before the coming of Columbus, and the so-called European Conquistadores like Cortez and Bolboa? African-American professor of History, Professor Ron Wilkins, who saw the face of these two peoples in the former Belize City Mayor, Zenaida Moya, in his first visit to Belize in 2008 and who also has visited Guatemala and Mexico in his research on black and brown history, and has commented recently in relation to the growing bordering crisis between the two nations, that the people of Belize and the people of Guatemala must build bridges of positive relationship that is common to the two peoples as to resist the imperialistic onslaught that has been inflicted on the two people by colonial Britain and Spain.

BELIZE AT THE 5TH ANNUAL GARIFUNA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL!
Bert Tucker International, the engaging, educational, and moving documentary film by yours truly, Bilal Morris of Belizean Legends, will be screened at the 5th. Annual Garifuna International Film Festival on Friday May 27, 2016.

Videos

Rise and Shine Louis Javier Castellanos, 104min.

Belize Therapy Video, 2.5min.

Snorkeling With Sharks & Ray's // Caye Caulker, Belize, 3.5min. One of our favorite spots in Central America, the island of Caye Caulker brought some epic adventures! Join us as we head out to snorkel with some amazing sea life.

Taqueria Los Guapos TV Spot, 1min.

Belize 2014, 14min. Aboard the Belize Aggressor

Belize Barrier Reef, 6min. Barrier reef and Blue Hole.

Landing at Dangriga airport, Belize, 1min.

Sting Ray Belize Turneffe Atoll Scuba Diving, 3min.

Petting Nurse Shark Scuba Diving Belize Turneffe Atoll, 1min.

Belize Study Abroad, 7min. UF Study Abroad trip to Belize. Marine Ecology and Conservation.

May 19, 2016

Revised National Classification System for Accommodation Stakeholder Consultations Schedule

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

Belize to be represented at 2016 Taipei International Tourism Expo
Two prominent Belizean professionals in the tourism industry, Karen Pike and Ian Anderson, will travel to Taiwan to represent and promote Belize in the upcoming “2016 Taipei International Tourism Expo” from May 20-23, 2016. Taipei International Tourism Expo is one of biggest tourism expos in Asia, and the biggest tourism expo in Taiwan. With close to a million attendees, the exposure Belize will get from this event is monumental. *Karen has been the Director of Marketing and Industry Relations at the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) since December of 2014. She manages and oversees the operations of five units – Travel Trade, Hospitality, Marketing Intelligence, Digital Marketing and Marketing & PR. The Belize Tourism Board is a strategic partner in marketing the Belize tourism product, developing tourism initiatives and programs, and implementing tourism policies, to address the changing needs of visitors and stakeholders, therefore her role is extremely important to the BTB. *Ian, his wife Ella and son Gabe landed on the shore of Belize in 1992, from their native home in Vancouver, Canada. Ian’s desire was to fill his life with adventure, and for 24 years, Ian has been living that life of adventure in Belize. Initially starting as a small camping ground with no electricity, no communications and no running water, Caves Branch Jungle Lodge nowadays boasts 5 totally different designs of rooms from the basic jungle cabana up to their 5 star, 1200 sq ft Canopy Tree Houses, perched above the Jungle Canopy hundreds of feet above the caves branch river and overlooking the valley below.

Hundreds of lionfish caught during fishing tournament
A lionfish tournament took place on Monday, May 16th at Estel’s Dine by the Sea to celebrate the 11th Annual Northern Reef Week. Hol Chan Marine Reserve encouraged all tour operators, tour guides, and divers from dive shops on La Isla Bonita to participate in catching as much of the beautiful, but invasive fish to help reduce its population in our waters. A total of five teams registered for the tournament: the Dive Bar, Lionfish Snipers, Belize Diving Adventures, Team Amigos Del Mar, and Hol Chan. After tallying points, The Dive Bar took the first place cash prize of $1,000 with 175 lionfish caught. They also won a 15-gallon gas voucher for winning the largest catch of the event, with a lionfish measuring a little over 15 inches. Coming in at second place was Team Amigos Del Mar, with a catch of 100 lionfish, winning $750 in cash. The third place cash prize of $400 went to the Lionfish Snipers who caught 31 lionfish. Everette Anderson from the Belize Diving Adventures won the remaining 15-gallon gas voucher for the smallest catch, with a lionfish measuring only a little over three inches. At the end of the event, the total count of lionfish removed from the reef amounted to 344.

Team Amigos are the champs of the 2016 Class A/B 8-ball Pool Tournament
The San Pedro Billiards Association held its Class A/B 8-Ball Pool Tournament finals on Sunday, May 16th at Average Joe’s Sports Bar. Four of the 10 registered teams made it to the semi-finals and finals of the competition. Team Amigos, AJ’s Snipers, Hitman Recruits, and Solids were the teams who gave their all in the last round of the competition. At the end, Team Amigos emerged as the tournament champions, claiming a cash prize of $700 plus a computer tablet for each member of the team. Immediately after the third place game, the crowd at the sports bar just about doubled, as it was time for the first place title match. AJ’s Snipers took on Team Amigos, the competition leader from the start. Attendees cheered on and supported their favorite players. AJ’s Snipers was leading the competition by three games when Team Amigos made a surprising comeback, tying the game 3-3. The final match was on, and the anticipation grew heavy around the pool table. Two balls remained on the table, one of them the 8-ball. Team Amigos went for the difficult and decisive shot. Armed with the cue on his left hand, the player did his magic and the 8-ball found the chosen pocket. To much applause, Team Amigos was crowned the champion of the San Pedro Class A/B 8-Ball Pool Tournament 2016. AJ’s Snipers graciously accepted their second place title, along with a prize of $350 and a 24-hour golf cart rental for each player.

Misc Belizean Sources

BELIZE FISHING REPORT: Weeks of May 8th – May 14th, 2016
A very exciting week as we had a great mix of seasoned anglers and out right first timers. The weather was pretty good, the food was excellent as usual, and the company was fantastic. Another week in paradise!

Garifuna Leaders Release Statement on Current Conditions of Garifuna Peoples
A group of Garifuna Leaders has released a statement detailing the current state of affairs within the Garifuna community. The release also mentions that the group's concern extends to indigenous Maya as well, and details both threats to indigenous culture and suggests a plan of action moving forward. "In finding our solutions Garifuna Leaders are embarking on action plans through education to: a) promote a deep awareness of the Garifuna as Indigenous Peoples with all the rights and obligations articulated in the several instruments of the UN, which include land and cultural rights. b) bring realization of the rights of Garifuna people to participate fully in the current efforts of SICA toward regional integration...

2016 Frenchie's Offshore Open Fishing Tournament May 18
Caye Caulker Invites you this Saturday and Sunday, May 21 & 22. Grand Prize $5,000.00. 2nd Place $2,500.00. Third Place $1,500.00. Many more cash consolation prizes and trophies. Come and enjoy beautiful Caye Caulker this weekend.

Splashers
Attention all splashers! Since there is no paint party today there is a specially for members! All members who head to the gallery to paint today, Thursday May 19th, will be able to paint any painting they missed for only $35!

Road to Cayo warehouse sale at Mahogany Bay Village
Our first ever Road to Cayo warehouse sale at Mahogany Bay Village in San Pedro happens this Saturday 21st from 9am-1pm! Up to 70% off retail prices on beautiful handcrafted wooden pieces made in Belize. We have queen & king-sized beds, dining tables & chairs, loveseats, night stands, storage armoires, entertainment credenzas, coffee tables, benches, outdoor furniture, and wooden cutting boards. We also have imported, brand new mini-refrigerators still in the boxes, and used ceiling fans with lighting. Arrive EARLY for the best selection! Come to Rum+Bean and follow the signs to the warehouse.

E Series … A musical journey begins
Belize connoisseurs of the musical arts and fans of the craft of the art form jazz will be glad to know that the near and immediate future offers some enticing and tantalizing possibilities. Last Friday night the Belize Music Agency’s “E Series” debuted at Kiki Witz welllnes spa and restaurant on the George Price Highway just outside of Belmopan City. Word has leaked out that the Belize Music Development Foundation has revived and will be presenting the Belize Jazz & Culture Show for mid- July. And the second iteration of the Belize International Jazz Show is on track for August 12 – 21, 2016 at a venue near you. The “E Series – A musical journey” is the first of what will be a ground breaking, history making endeavor. The concept is simple – two new entertainers, two relatively unknown songstresses, will present their developing repertoire of covers and original renditions every Friday night, chanteuse-style, at the same venue over a period of months.

Commonwealth Ministerial Committee on Belize 18 May 2016 Statement
The Commonwealth Ministerial Committee on Belize, chaired by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Barbados, Senator the Hon Maxine McClean, and comprising Barbados, Canada, Guyana, India, Jamaica, Malaysia, Nigeria and Tanzania, as well as Belize and United Kingdom as observers, met on Monday, 16 May 2016, to discuss the recent events taking place in the Adjacency Zone between Belize and Guatemala. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belize, Hon Wilfred Elrington briefed the Committee on recent developments, including discussions between the governments of the two countries. The Committee reiterated and endorsed the firm support of the Commonwealth for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Belize, as expressed consistently and most recently in the 2015 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) Communiqué. The Committee encouraged all concerned to work towards a peaceful and final resolution of the longstanding disagreements concerning the border between Belize and Guatemala.

Poets Corner: Belize-Guatemala takeover
By Abdulmajeed K Nunez. All you Alices in Wonderland Marcus Garvey tried to make you understand “A people without knowledge of their history culture and origin are like trees without roots!” Dealing with Belizeans is like pulling out tooth Did you not see what Guatemala did with their indigenous population? They slaughtered them like animals Belize has to take this issue international Our people need to be vocal If Guatemala takes over Blacks will be gentrified to the exterior Can’t you see what happened to Labuga? They will slaughter the Maya See what happened in Gaza See the cunning Adjacency Zone takeover Belize will be cut up like Kashmir We need to be seeking alliance with Vladimir

Father and Son 5 Aside Football Tournament at Gwen Liz Compound
Saturday May 21. Musical Entertainment will be provided!

This is our third year hand-raising at-risk Yellow-Head chicks
This year, we have six babies in our care. Even though they have been removed from their parental care, they all now have a chance at a wild life. We plan to re-release them all into the Rio Bravo area and the post-release monitoring and feeding will be carried out by the excellent crew from Programme for Belize. The older three babies are just a few days off fledging and we anticipate their final release will take place just before the end of the year. Our gratitude as always to Scarlet Six Biomonitoring Team, Programme for Belize, TIDE, Belize Audubon Society and Hagen Inc (Canada).

Dangriga - Screen on the Green
Dangriga - Belize Screen on the Green will feature the movie, "Red Tails" on May 26, 2016 as part of the monthly movie series. Please join us at the Slaughter House in Dangriga for a free feature film. Movie starts at dark! About the movie: During World War II, the Civil Aeronautics Authority selects 13 black cadets to become part of an experimental program at the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. The program aims at training "colored personnel" to become fighter pilots for the Army. However, discrimination, lack of institutional support and the racist belief that these men lacked the intelligence and aptitude for the job dog their every step. Despite this, the Tuskegee Airmen, as they become known, more than prove their worth.

Paradise Theater playing this weekend:
London Has Fallen, Mune: The Guardian of the Moon, Gods of Egypt, Pelé: Birth of a Legend.

Channel 7

Officialdom Responds To Plett: The OAS has been Called in To Verify
For the past two nights you've been hearing every detail of Mennonite Farmer Roger Plett's story of abduction in Belize and detention in Guatemala. And while he unspooled his narrative in granular detail, officialdom said nothing: neither the police nor the ministries of National Security or Foreign Affairs would confirm or deny his account. Well, today, the Ministries ended their inexplicable silence with a Belmopan press conference held by the CEO's in the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and National Security. The first announcement was that the OAS has been called upon to verify the incident:.. H.E Lawrence Sylvester - CEO, Ministry of Foreign Affairs: "The government of Belize yesterday 17th of May requested of the Office of the Organization of American States in the adjacency zone a formal verification into the incident reported by the Pletts which allegedly occurred in the Green Hill area of the Cayo District. We are aware the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is aware of an ongoing police investigation into the matter."

Plett Says Police Haven't Been To Site, Cops Say Otherwise
So the police are saying in their report that they did go to the site, while Roger Plett said up to yesterday that he hadn't taken them. Now, it's a situation where there is distrust on all sides, but it starts with the police who don't seem to trust his account – even while, by all appearances, not doing their work as thoroughly as they suggest: Mike Rudon - Channel 5 News: "I spoke to the San Ignacio police and he told me that they had handed it off to Belmopan. They confirmed that they had not gone to the scene and would not be able to go to the scene because of the sensitivity of that area and that they could not move into that area along the border without the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. I spoke to CEO Sylvester minutes after and CEO Sylvester is telling me what, we can't move until we get the report from the police. So the police is saying we can't go on the scene until we get we get Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs is saying we can't move until the police report. So what I'm asking what is the police say; forget any queries or questions, what did the police say, what is the outcome of their report?"

Guats Say No Military Was In Area
And there is a lot of confirming to be done. First, the Government of Belize is trying to confirm who grabbed Roger Plett and tied him up. Plett is saying that they were Guatemalan military. And indeed, pictures posted by Guatemalan Luis Gongora on Facebook on Wednesday, the day before Plett was detained show persons dressed in what appear to be military uniforms involved in fighting the forest fire. But, Guatemalan officials told the government of Belize that no one was detained by their military – because no military was in the area:… H.E Lawrence Sylvester - CEO, Ministry of Foreign Affairs: "We are given every assurance that there's no Belizean detained and that the Guatemalan armed forces were not on any patrol near the areas or adjacent to the Mennonite property on that day."

CEO Sylvestre: Plett and Ayala "appear elusive"
And back now to how Belizean officials are handling the entire report. From what Roger Plett and his co-worker Manuel Ayala told the media, there has been a constant level of official skepticism. Today the press got into an extended back and forth with CEO's Sylvestre and Lovell about just what the police had done – including what they had allegedly done to try and censor the statement Roger Plett Gave police. CEO Sylvester said they appeared elusive when he requested a de-briefing: H.E Lawrence Sylvester - CEO, Ministry of Foreign Affairs: "To make things doubly sure I directed Ambassador Guerra who serves in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and assists on some of the counsellor and the matters, the cooperation with Guatemala to seek out and find the individuals in Spanish Lookout and arrange for a prompt debriefing. I found that the individuals were rather elusive in making themselves available for this debriefing and it wasn't until after close on normal business on Friday that some type of debriefing or statement that they made themselves available to give a statement at the San Ignacio police station."

Heroin Case Crumbles
Today two men who were allegedly busted with heroine walked out of court free and clear of charges. The supposed drug bust made headlines in December of last year. Police intercepted a vehicle at Bel China Bridge and inside they found 11 kilos of what they believed to be heroin. The case went to trail today before Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser. But, before the trial could even really pick up steam, it was struck out. That's because police were unable to prove that the brown sandy-like substance was indeed heroine. Their attorney Herbert Panton told us more:,… Herbert Panton - Attorney for Richard McDonald: "At the time the undercover police officer tested, you know they have these portable testing kit; tested the substance and instead of the substance turning green which would have indicated heroine, it turned brown. So that from December of last year the police knew that what they had in their possession was 12 kilos of brown sands and they knew that from December of last year. They have dragged this matter on my client has lost tremendous business as a tour operator nobody in the industry wants to deal with him."

Refugees: The Real Situation Beyond The Flip Flop
Last night, we showed you how the Government of Belize flip flopped on Help for Progress. That's the NGO funded by the United Nations High Commission for Refugees, which has been assisting the Government's Refugee Eligibility Committee to process the major spike in the numbers of persons applying for refugee status in Belize, starting from January 2016. Last week, Government said that Help For Progress was assisting the Refugee Committee by conducting the initial interviews for these persons who were applying for asylum in Belize. But, after a meeting of Cabinet yesterday, the Government announced that Help For Progress had no mandate to take up this responsibility. Their press release ended, quote, "Any entity other than the…Refugee Eligibility Committee involved in processing applications for refugee status considerations, should cease and desist..." End Quote. So, why now? That's an especially relevant question since Help for Progress had assisted the Committee in interviewing over 700 applications, which reportedly included illegal immigrants, who should not qualify for Refugee Status, since they've been in the country for years.

How Did Fraudulent Passports Re-emerge?
But, we continue with more from the Minister with responsibility for Immigration on a topic, which we'd been trying to seek clarification on for almost 5 weeks. That's a report which we received in the second week of April that the Immigration and Nationality Department came upon 2 fraudulent Nationality documents for 2 Chinese Nationals, Nina Huang and William Wang. Our information was that they were acquired with suspect documents, and the officials weren't even sure if they ever actually entered the country. Well, we asked Beverly Castillo about it, and she said that their inquiry reveals that these were passport renewals, meaning that these applicants were processed and approved before the new, very stringent measures were put in place after the Citizen Kim passport scandal. She told us that they caught these suspect documents due to those new measures:

Carmelita Fatal Accident Allegedly Caused By Cop Veering On Road
A traffic accident in the north involving three vehicles has left one man dead – and it could be the fault of a policeman who was reportedly swerving across the road. It happened around 6 yesterday evening in Carmelita village. Richard Orellana, a well-known businessman of Orange Walk, died on the spot. He was driving a Ford Explorer, which was extensively damaged. The other vehicles involved were a blue Kia Sorrento, which was being driven at the time by Phillip Waight and a silver Kia Sorento, which was being driven by Police officer of Belmopan Roberto Tec. Here is the official version of the crash: Inspector Nicholas Palomo - Deputy OC, Orange Walk: "Initial investigation reveal that the blue ford explorer bearing license plate OW C05085 was travelling in a south to north direction heading to Orange Walk and the silver kia sorento bearing license plate BMP C04853 was travelling in a north to south direction heading to Belize City..."

Arrest For Ladyville Shootings, But No Murder Charge
Police have charged the 2 suspects in the weekend's Ladyville fatal shooting. They are 19 year old Darwin Estuardo Prado and 28 year old Egbert Baldwin – but they haven't been charged with murder. We'll explain that shortly, first, though, we'll tell you what they are charged with: 3 counts of attempted murder, 3 counts of use of deadly means of harm, 1 count of wounding, 1 count of grievous harm and 1 count of dangerous harm. Prado and Baldwin were charged with all these offenses for shooting at the men who were outside Cynthia Lozano's Marage road house. Today at the Magistrate's court no plea was taken because the offences are indictable. They were also denied bail because the crimes involve a firearm. Prado and Baldwin were remanded into custody until August 15th.

Teenaged Girl Grazed In City Shooting
A 19 year old girl was shot last night in the city. Around 8, Chiaoma (Chi-oma) Williams was talking to a man at the corner of Freetown and Barrack Road. She was getting more information about a house she wanted to rent in his yard. But that is when 2 men on a cycle drove passed them and opened fire. The men quickly sped off. Williams was hit in her buttocks and grazed on her hip and leg. Today we spoke to the sister of the man who was with Williams. She told us more about what happened last night. She also explained that neither her brother nor Williams were the targets. Eyewitness of Shooting: "I mi gone da shop gone buy me and my baby and I the come from shop but as I the come from shop I meet my lee brother but I just mi the run a lee joke with ah and thing, he and the young lady; because the young lady mi come check pan wa house da back she mi said she mi come check pan it because she hear da how the back da for rent. So anyways I couldn't talk to she or anything so I mi ask my brother do it because I mi the cook and thing and which in he and the young lady da friend so..."

Two Months For Fondling Girl
26 year-old Belize City resident Ashton Lambey is at the Belize Central Prison tonight after pleading guilty to sexually molesting a 10 year-old girl. He will spend 2 months in jail for it. It happened just a few days ago, on Sunday, May 15th, when the child told police that her 26 year-old sister, instructed her to go get a broom. When she did, she met Lambey who fondled her backside, and ordered her not to tell anyone, or else, he'd get into trouble with the law. She ignored him, and told her family, who took her to the police to report the incident. They investigated and charged Lambey with sexual assault. He was arraigned today before Chief Magistrate Ann Marie Smith, and he chose not to waste the court's time. He pleaded guilty, and because he did, he was spared the maximum 3 year sentence. Instead the the Chief Magistrate sentenced him to just 2 months.

Why A Museum Visit Matters
Today is International Museum Day and here in the city at the Museum of Belize, over 700 preschool and primary school students learned about Belize’s cultural landscapes. The main focus was to get the kids interested in Belize’s historic sights and the rich story behind them. Director of the Museum Sherilyne Jones told us more about why a museum visit matters:… Tomorrow some kids will be taken on a tour around the city to see more of Belize’s historic buildings and sites.

Special Needs, Special Abilities
Several special needs kids graced the stage at the Belmopan Civic Centre earlier today to participate in the 2016 exceptional confidence competition. The event was sponsored by the Ministry of Education and organized by the National Resource Centre for Inclusive Education, known as NARCIE. The 11 kids who participated live with various challenges, but today it’s their abilities that got highlited on stage. As a show of camaraderie, all 11 kids were gifted with phones and school bags loaded with school supplies. In addition to that, the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners received gift baskets, phones and tablets.

Football Phenom In Spain
Teenaged football phenom Dmitri Fabro is a fast rising star and is now in the roster for the Getafe Juvenil A (under 19) Team in Spain. Fabro got an early start to his football career with FC Belize at the tender age of 16. Since then he has gotten the opportunity to play with the Belmopan Bandits, and the Belize Defence Force, in addition to being the captain of various youth national teams including the U-15 who brought home the gold from the Dominican Republic back in 2012. Now at 18 Fabro is currently training with the Getafe Juvenil A. That's a team that ranks only below the B Team and the A Team of the Getafe Organization which currently plays in the Liga BBVA- one of the top leagues in the world. Now young Fabro is aiming even higher and is marketing himself through NCSA athletic recruiting. We understand that Fabro is now venturing to continue pursuing his passion for football while studying in the US.

Channel 5

G.O.B. Responds to Plett Allegation of Kidnapping
Six days after Guatemalan military and civilians allegedly came onto Belizean soil and abducted two men, along with a tractor and bulldozer, there is finally official comment from the Ministries [...]

Police Have Not Visited Scene of Alleged Border Incident
But there’s a problem straightaway with that response, firstly from the Ministry of National Security. The investigation is the first line of action in whatever government’s response will be. Just [...]

O.A.S. Verified Release of Belizeans
According to Colonel Lovell, they have been liaising with their counterparts and colleagues in Guatemala and at the O.A.S. since day one, verifying that no Belizean was still in Guatemalan [...]

MFA C.E.O. Says Plett and Ayala Were Elusive
So that’s where we were at that point – verification from no less than the O.A.S. that the Belizeans detained had been released. And that’s where the confusion comes in. [...]

Parallel Investigations Will Determine Way Forward
So with all the confusion and miscommunication arising out of what seems a very clear cut border incident, what happens next? Well…the Police investigation continues, of course, and then the [...]

FM Elrington Meets With Commonwealth Ministerial Committee on Belize
There is support coming from the Commonwealth Ministerial Committee on the territorial integrity of Belize. After weeks of tension between Belize and Guatemala since the death of Julio Alvarado Ruano, [...]

Government Revisits Refugee Program
There was very significant news coming out of Cabinet on Tuesday, via a release sent to us via email three minutes before news time. It clarified that there is no [...]

OW Resident Killed in Road Traffic Accident
An Orange Walk resident was killed last night in a traffic accident on the Phillip Goldson Highway. The driver of the vehicle that crashed into Richard Orellana is police officer [...]

Police Investigate Human Remains Found in Blue Creek
On Tuesday evening, sometime after five p.m., Police were called out to a farm in the Blue Creek Village, Orange Walk District. There, they discovered the human remains of a [...]

Teenage Wounded in Belize City Shooting
Nineteen-year-old Chioma Williams is recovering from injuries she received during a shooting incident in Belize City on Tuesday night. Williams reported to police that shortly after eight o’clock, she was [...]

2 Men Walk Free from Major Heroin Charge
Two men were accused last December with the possession of twelve kilos of heroin, but even though tests from the National Forensic Laboratory showed that the substance was not the [...]

Ladyville Men Charged for Shooting Spree
While a duo has been freed, two teenagers who surrendered to police on Tuesday are on remand at the Belize Central Prison for a shooting spree on Marage Road, Ladyville which [...]

Belize City Man Remanded for Sexual Assault
A twenty-six year old man who behaved inappropriately by touching a ten young girl on her rear was taken to court today. The incident took place on Sunday and Ashton [...]

Southern Communities Affected By Sarstoon Ban
The remote Garifuna community of Barranco, in the context of what is taking place at the Sarstoon, is widely seen as a mere transit point for local law enforcement officers [...]

Resolution Drafted on Concerns of Indigenous Communities
Earlier today, a group of Garifuna elders, including Doctor Joseph Palacio, issued a statement on the current conditions of Garinagu in Belize. The Garinagu, like other ethnic groups in the [...]

B.P.P. Upset at Comments of US Ambassador
The Belize Progressive Party has taken umbrage with recent comments made U.S. Ambassador Carlos Moreno on the Belize/Guatemala issue. Ambassador Moreno has expressed support in taking the territorial claim to [...]

MLA Speaks Up on Commission Decision
The Toledo Alcaldes Association and the Maya Leaders Alliance remain at loggerheads with the government-appointed Toledo Maya Land Rights Commission, following an incident on Monday in Punta Gorda Town. As [...]

Cristina Coc Says Commission Release is Disingenuous
According to Coc, it is not the first time the Toledo Alcaldes Association had sought an audience with Alamilla. She says that several attempts have been made verbally, as well [...]

CTV3

Six Days After Plett's Alledge Kidnapping By Guatemalans GOB Speaks On Issue
The allegation of two Belizean Mennonites who claim they were captured and held hostage by Guatemalan military for hours has been widely covered by local media since its occurrence on Thursday May 12th. Although both men have given their account of the occurrence and the People’s United Party has called for a proper investigation into the allegation, the Government of Belize had not made any official statement on the matter. But that changed today…..six days after the incident alleged transpired….when CEOs in the Ministries of National Security and Foreign Affairs George Lovell and Lawrence Sylvester, held a joint press briefing the media on the incident in Belmopan. After the conclusion of the press conference, there was still a lot of confusion about what exactly happened, especially on the police side of things but what could be concluded was that at least one of the CEOs did not believe the Mennonite’s report. CEO Lovell shared some of the actions that were taken immediately after getting word of the alleged detention.

Corozal Students Learn On How To Make Financial Decisions
There is no doubt that the rapidly changing economic climate, coupled with the increasing complexity of financial decisions, makes personal money management more challenging than ever before. Fortunately in Corozal the St Francis Xavier Credit Union in conjunction with the Corozal ITVET are carrying out a literacy campaign known as the Mad City Money project which targets students. The projects sees students participating in a 2 hour simulation exercise. The have a job, a salary, experience what it’s like paying bills, buying a house, and even a vehicle. At the end the aim is for each participant to understand how to budget their money wisely. Elvis Canul Head Office Manager: “This is like a minimum two hours course, we come (1) to bring education in a fun way this brings a real life example to the students, to the youths and we give them some situations for example...”

Corozal Celebrates Museum Day With Collection Of Post Cards
The Corozal House of Culture also held an open day in honour of International Museum Day. The activity featured educational videos and the original post card collection of James Lindsey which is more than 90 years old. Debra Wilks coordinator for the Corozal House of Culture: “We are having an open house, we have activities inside the House of Culture so we always have a film running and today’s film is on hurricane and it is part of the NICHE’s Belize Culture Series educational DVD’s as well we have parts of the James Lindsey, the British Honduras collection, we have just under 100 post cards dating as far as 1904 and they are throughout the whole country from Toledo, to Cayo to Corozal and the majority of them are from Belize City but they are original post cards on display today and I think will keep it up until tomorrow and perhaps Friday as well.”

FORPEL Calls Emergency Meeting To Discuss Adjacency Zone
Diplomatic discussions between Belize and Guatemala for a Sarstoon agreement is scheduled to commence this Saturday, May 21st in Istanbul, Turkey. But even before that meeting takes place Presidents of Legislative Bodies of Central Americans Countries will be meeting to discuss tensions between Belize and Guatemala specifically in the Adjacency Zone which seem to escalate daily. FORPEL, the Forum of Presidents of Legislative Bodies of Central America and the Caribbean basin, has called an emergency meeting in Managua Nicaragua on Thursday May 19th to come up with a diplomatic solution to the border dispute between Belize and Guatemala in order to avoid an armed conflict. So far Presidents of Congress for El Salvador, Honduras, Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Guatemala represented by Mario Taracena and Belize Represented by Speaker of the House of Representatives Michael Peyrefitte have confirmed that they will be attending the meeting.

Commonwealth Ministerial Committee Declares Support For Belize's Sovereignty
And while members of FORPEL are scheduled to meet tomorrow to discuss the recent events taking place in the Adjacency Zone between Belize and Guatemala, the Commonwealth Ministerial Committee on Belize, met on Monday, 16 May 2016, to discuss the same issue. The meeting was chaired by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Barbados, Senator Maxine McClean, and joining him were Barbados, Canada, Guyana, India, Jamaica, Malaysia, Nigeria and Tanzania, as well as Belize and United Kingdom as observers, The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belize, Hon Wilfred Elrington briefed the Committee on recent developments, including discussions between the governments of the two countries and the Committee reiterated and endorsed the firm support of the Commonwealth for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Belize.

LOVE FM

GOB Responds to the Green Hills Incidents
Late last week Mennonite farmer, Roger Plett was working in the Green Hills area west of Spanish Lookout when he was reportedly taken into Guatemala and tied up by uniformed persons. Plett took his story to the media on Monday after he felt he was not getting the necessary attention from officials. There had been […]

Guatemala Asks Belizean Army to be ‘Less Aggressive’
In an online article published today, the headlines read, “Guatemala Asks Belizean army to be less aggressive’. It is a headline that would immediately draw one’s attention considering that the aggression has been coming from the Guatemalan Armed Forces; a situation that has led Belizeans complaining about the passive and submissive reactions from Belize. The […]

Commonwealth Reiterates Support for Belize
Senator Maxine McClean of Barbados recently chaired the Commonwealth Ministerial Committee on Belize, comprising of representatives from Barbados, Canada, Guyana, India, Jamaica, Malaysia, Nigeria and Tanzania, as well as Belize and United Kingdom . Observers met on Monday, 16 May 2016, to discuss the recent events taking place in the Adjacency Zone between Belize and […]

The Way Forward with PUP and GOB on Belize/Guatemala
The move to treat the Belize/Guatemala issue as a non-partisan matter, the People’s United Party under John Briceno had reached out to the Government of Belize to work together in coming up with a solution to the territorial issue. At that time, Assad Shoman was appointed as the PUP representative on the Foreign Affairs team. […]

PUP Says Expedition Is Not Political Mischief
Yesterday we told you that the People’s United Party is getting ready to go to the Sarstoon on Friday; turns out, we were mistaken as that expedition is being planned for Saturday, May 21. As Senator Eamon Courtenay told Love News, it is being done towards internationalization of the issue and the aggression of Guatemala. […]

Will Other Agencies Join the PUP Expedition
When the PUP held a press conference some weeks ago, they did indicate that they would be inviting the civil society, unions and other agencies to join them. To date, it is unclear if any of the organizations has decided to join the PUP on their Sarstoon expedition although we can tell you that up […]

Road Incident Near Carmelita Turns Fatal
Last night a fatal road traffic incident in the village of Carmelita claimed the life of Richard Orellano while another person has been hospitalized and a police officer attached to Belmopan, Roberto Teck is in a critical condition at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. Love News spoke to Deputy Commander for Orange Walk, Inspector Nicholas […]

Shooting in City Streets Leaves Chiaoma Injured
Last night a teenager was victim to a shooting that occurred sometime after eight o’clock at the corner of Freetown and Barrack Roads in Belize City. When police arrived at the scene they saw 19-year-old Chiaoma Williams of a Belize City address suffering from a gunshot wound to her right buttocks and an apparent gunshot […]

Immigration Department Speaks on Refugee Issue
One of the stories in the news for the last few weeks is that of the increase in individuals who have been going through the NGO, Help for Progress, seeking refugee status in Belize. In yesterday’s cabinet meeting, Government said there is no formal, nor legal agreement with Help for Progress. Today we spoke with […]

Community Rehab Speaks on Runaway Teens
Over the weekend a group of eleven girls ran away from the Youth Hostel located at mile twenty one on the George Price Highway. There were speculations that they were making their way to the western border. During this week the hostel authorities collaborating with the Police were able to locate nine of them and […]

PlusTV

More on Mennonite Farmer being abducted
Yesterday we brought you the story of the Mennonite Farmer and his workers who say they were kidnapped by Guatemalan soldiers, taken across the border, and detained for hours before being released and allowed to return to Belize. We also told you that police apparently have some issues with the far...

Surveyor explains Belize’s boundaries
Belizeans were treated to a very special Rise and Shine Morning show this Tuesday morning as retired surveyor Lindsay Belisle made an appearance to explain to Belizeans the history of the Belize Border with Guatemala. He also brought copies of rarely seen photographs, maps and documents that substan...

Men re-arrested on murder charge after new evidence found
Last week, 19 year old Tarique Gilett and Lyson Cacho were released from murder and attempted murder charges on a nolle prosequi. But they were back in court today and are behind bars tonight, after new evidence led to their re-arrest and charges for the same incident. Gillett and Cacho appeared thi...

Man shot in the back by son-in-law
A man was accidentally shot in the back by his son- in -law. On Tuesday afternoon, sometime after 2 o’clock, Doni Polanco and Emilio Arevalo were returning from a fishing trip in the area of Frank’s Eddy village when Polanco’s licensed 16 gauge shotgun accidentally went off after being t...

Two Dangriga residents arrested for prohibited firearm
On Monday night, members of the Special Branch Tactical Response Squad conducted a search at the residence of Anna Garcia located in Monument Site, Dangriga. Present at the time of the search were Anna Garcia and Angel Hernandez. A search in the living room area led to the discovery of a black bulle...

MAR Leadership program seeks new applicants
Belize shares the Meso-American Barrier Reef System with neighbors Mexico, Guatemala and Honduras, but the majority of it, as the Belize Barrier Reef, lies within the Jewel’s borders. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is a source of many natural wonders and hundreds of thousands of jobs and dollars in ...

Breaking Belize News

Marage Road shooters charged
Tonight two teenagers are on remand at the Belize Central Prison after they were arraigned for the Saturday, May 15, 2016 shooting spree on Marage Road, Ladyville area that left one man dead and three of four others who were socializing with injuries as […]

Traffic collision leaves one man dead and another in critical condition
An early evening traffic accident on Tuesday in the Orange Walk District claimed the life of Richard Orellana of Orange Walk Town. Eyewitnesses told police that between miles 41 and 42 on the Philip Goldson Highway, shortly before six in the evening a silver KIA […]

Orange Walk police investigate the identify of human remains
Orange Walk police are trying to identify human remains of a male adult that was discovered on Tuesday May 17th. Officers received a call around five that evening from the owner of a farm at Cuatro Leguas in the Blue Creek Area south of the […]

2 months for inappropriate touching
He “patted” a 10 year old child on her buttocks and told her not to say anything to anyone so he did not get into trouble with the law. But 26 year old Ashton Lambey will spend 60 days in jail after the child […]

Atlantic Bank San Ignacio Branch to host Pre-Owned Auto Show
Atlantic Bank San Ignacio Branch is hosting their very first Pre-Owned Auto Show on May 28th from 9:00 am – 2:00 pm at the Macal River Park in San Ignacio Town. Join them and take advantage of their promotional interest rates, 40% off legal […]

Warm weather to continue
The National Meteorological Service of Belize is predicting mostly sunny skies and warm weather during the daytime, then cloudy skies tonight. Showers, if any, will be isolated. Winds will be blowing from the East-Southeast at 10-20 knots with occasional higher gusts and the sea […]

Woman shot in drive-by
A 19-year-old female resident of Belize City was injured last night when a man on a motorcycle opened fire in her direction as she walked at the intersection of Freetown and Barrack Roads. It was around 8:10 p.m. that police responded to reports of […]

Central American countries to meet to find solution to Belize/Guatemala tensions
At a point of heightened tension between Belize and Guatemala, six countries (both Belize and Guatemala included), meet later this week to discuss the Belize-Guatemala territorial dispute in an effort to find a diplomatic solution to the existing tensions. Parliamentarians of El Salvador, Honduras, […]

Blogs

Rice a la Beer (Arroz a la Cerveza)
Fry rice until it changes color, then add the green part of the onions, minced, and continue to fry. Add chopped bacon and continue to fry a while. Pour in beer and orange juice and let cook. Enjoy!

Goffâ€™s Caye: A Stunning Island off The Coast of Belize City
In Belize, all of the offshore islands are referred to as cayes (pronounced “keys”) and Goff’s Caye is definitely one of the more popular thanks to its close location to Belize City, gorgeous sandy beaches, and healthy marine system replete with a coral reef and a foraging area for sea turtles. The only way to get to Goff’s Caye is by boat. There are no regular water taxi services to and from the island but many domestic charter and tour companies offer transportation to and from Goff’s Caye. It takes approximately 20-30 minutes between Belize City and Goff’s Caye. There is little of interest on the island itself aside from beautiful sandy beaches ideal for swimming or sun tanning. The most popular draw for this small island is the amazing snorkeling and diving opportunities available directly offshore. Snorkeling and diving gear is available from outfitters on Goff’s Caye but you can save a little money if you bring your own equipment with you.

The 5 Best Beaches in Belize – Find your Perfect Slice of Caribbean Paradise
There are plenty of contenders to be one of the best beaches in Belize along the 240 miles of coastline which gives this small Central American country its laid back lifestyle. Exactly what qualities combine to create the best beaches in Belize is a pretty personal affair, so we’ve done our best to show just a little of the incredible variety that the beaches in Belize have to offer. Don’t just take our word for it though, go there and explore the Caribbean coastline so you can discover your own best beaches in Belize! Here they are, just for you, our collection of the 5 Best Beaches in Belize: Hopkins, Placencia, Turneffe Atoll, Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker.

Belize Revisited: Caves and Rivers in the Interior
It was three years ago this month of May when we visited Belize. Our travels there have been on my mind a lot lately, as we’re asked about our more adventurous experiences. So we’re sharing oldish posts–about our swim/trek into a cave to see one of the most remarkable ceremonial sites in the world, and another about a speedy boat trip down river to see remote Mayan temples. But the problem: back then our photos weren’t quite so well organized, they were imported into our blog at a smaller size, and we weren’t as good at sharing our new posts. Belize really does merit repeating. Highlights and recommendations? –We’re the only people I know who skipped Belize’s islands, reportedly great for snorkeling and scuba, to stay in the middle of the country. No regrets. –Do what you can to visit the ATM caves. It remains one of the most extraordinary adventures we’ve had. To date, visits are self-regulated by the local guides. This is a rare opportunity. –The guided river day trip to Lamanai was another surprise. We were just going with the flow, and ended up seeing unique Mayan temples, and wildlife.

International Sources

Carencias en la zona de Adyacencia
Executive Director of BALAM, the Guatemalan counterpart to Belize's FCD, has published an article in Prensa Libre entitled 'Carencias en la Zona de Adyacencia' or 'Shortcomings in the Adjacency Zone'. The article outlines the work being undertaken in the area by BALAM, and also attempts to give some explanation on the causes of problems in that area, for which the author seems to claim that a neglectful Guatemalan government is responsible. "Spurious diplomacy, false patriotism and political opportunists disguised as heroes should have no place in these communities who struggle daily against poverty, and expect the social and productive assistance of the Government of Guatemala, which has never reached that territory." The article concludes with an appeal to the Guatemalan government to combat poverty, injustice, hunger, environmental degradation, and neglect.

Arzobispo cree que diferendo con Belice se usa para desviar la atención
In his Sunday Mass, Archbishop Oscar Julio Vian Morales, archbishop of Guatemala City, stated that the Belize-Guatemala issue was being used by the Guatemalan government to distract from that nations real problems. The Archbishop also addressed issues of corruption in the Guatemalan government and court system, including death threats sent to judges in high-profile cases. The Archbishop stated that the Guatemala-Belize issue was only a smokescreen and that any dispute should have been solved 40 years ago.

This Perfect Island Is Shutting Down Before Tourists Ruin It Forever
Belize is known for it's beautiful beaches, the second largest great barrier reef in the world, and countless other natural wonders. What steps do you think Belize should be taking to protect the environment from the negative effects of too much tourism?
If you were planning on visiting Koh Tachai anytime soon... well, don’t plan on it anymore. The small Thai island is closing down indefinitely so that its beaches and reefs — home to some of the best diving in the world — can recover from the effects of too much tourism, The Bangkok Post reports. Officials are hoping to save the island from becoming a victim of its own popularity: Beaches meant to hold 70 people at a time have regularly been hosting more than 1,000, Thon Thamrongnawasawat, a dean at Bangkok’s Kasetsart University, told the Post. “This caused the island to quickly deteriorate,” he said. “If it’s not closed now, we’ll lose Koh Tachai permanently.” Environmental impact from tourism is a common concern in this part of the world: In Thailand’s Phi Phi islands, which were featured in the 2000 Leonardo DiCaprio film “The Beach,” tourism quickly boomed to 10 tons of trash produced daily and coral reefs sustained damage from boats and snorkelers — a “critical” situation that prompted the island to reach out to the Thai government last year for help.

Commonwealth Ministerial Committee on Belize-Guatemala border disagreement
The Commonwealth Ministerial Committee on Belize, chaired by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Barbados, Senator the Hon Maxine McClean, and comprising Barbados, Canada, Guyana, India, Jamaica, Malaysia, Nigeria and Tanzania, as well as Belize and United Kingdom as observers, met on Monday, 16 May 2016, to discuss the recent events taking place in the Adjacency Zone between Belize and Guatemala. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belize, Hon Wilfred Elrington briefed the Committee on recent developments, including discussions between the governments of the two countries. The Committee reiterated and endorsed the firm support of the Commonwealth for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Belize, as expressed consistently and most recently in the 2015 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) Communiqué. The Committee encouraged all concerned to work towards a peaceful and final resolution of the longstanding disagreements concerning the border between Belize and Guatemala.

Belize Steps Up Fight Against Money Laundering
Belize's Financial Intelligence Unit and Belize Police have signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen the territory's safeguards against financial crime. The Financial Intelligence Unit is the authority in Belize tasked with the enforcement and implementation of all anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing regulations and the prevention of domestic tax evasion. According to the Financial Intelligence Unit, the memorandum will "strengthen the cooperation that currently exists and facilitate the analysis and investigation of suspected money laundering, associated offenses, and the financing of terrorism." Implementation of the memorandum is intended to increase the potential sources of information available to both the Financial Intelligence Unit and the Police in their fight against crime. It also provides a framework for joint operations between the authorities.

Owner of Caribbean-based brokerage firm admits to $1/4 billion money laundering scheme
The secret owner of an offshore broker-dealer and investment management company based in Panama and Belize has admitted to running a scheme that saw him laundering more than US$250,000 in profits through at least five offshore law firms. Gregg Mulholland, 46, owner of Legacy Global Markets S.A., on Monday pleaded guilty to money laundering conspiracy for fraudulently manipulating the stocks of more than 40 US publicly-traded companies and then laundering the money. He now faces up to 20 years in prison. The dual American and Canadian citizen “used offshore shell companies in Belize and the West Indies to carry out numerous schemes”, according to court documents. Mulholland made a plea deal with the government, and has agreed to forfeit, among other things, a Dassault-Breguet Falcon 50 aircraft, a Range Rover Defender vehicle, two real estate properties in British Columbia, and funds and securities on deposit at more than a dozen bank and brokerage accounts.

Father of six who moved to the UK from Belize when he was six months old is banned from working and faces DEPORTATION - because the Home Office 'cannot find his records'
A father-of-six who first moved to the UK when he was six months old has been told he could face deportation because the Home Office cannot find any evidence of his arrival into the country. Darren Harrety, 34, from Nelson in Lancashire, has bought a house, got married and even voted in the UK but is now banned from employment and could be deported. He said: 'In my eyes I have been living in England all my life and I am British. It is terrifying to think people could just come through the door and tell me I have to leave the country. 'We are scared and don't know what to do. It feels like no one will help me.' Mr Harrety was born in Belize in March 1982, six months after Belize [a former British colony] had become an independent country. As a six-month-old baby he moved to Britain with his mother, Angelica, and siblings on her Belize passport [which had replaced her British one post-independence]. It was stamped with indefinite leave to stay in the UK. They came to the UK with the help of the SSAFA military charity after her husband, former British soldier Roy Kyte-Powell, was shot dead in Belize.

Videos

Maritime Expert Discusses Belize-Guatemala Dispute, 4min. In Australia, Professor Warwick Gullett works along with the University of Wollongong’s research center in ocean law and policy. While Gullet believes that the #ICJ would rule in Belize’s favor on land, his expertise in maritime law compels him to believe that the country may lose territorial waters because of the concave area shared with Guatemala and Honduras. It's an old interview. He was not here to engage the political directorate but as a guest of an NGO on another issue.

2016 Belize Service Immersion Experience, 12min. During April vacation, 12 BC High juniors and two members of the faculty/staff traveled to Belize City to participate in Hand in Hand Ministries' Building for Change Program. Here is a recap of the experience!

Belize eel clip, 1/2min. Moray eel in Belize.

Marketing Expo 2016 Belize City, 14min. University of Belize

GVSU Pre-PA trip: Belize 2016, 8.5min.

COROZAL WATCH TOWER REHABILITATED AFTER 16 YEARS, 4min. If you are a frequent visitor of the Corozal Bay especially the area located near the House of Culture, then we are sure that you have noticed the watch tower located in the vicinity. And yes you are right, it is non-functional or we should say was non-functional. We say was because the watch tower is now back on the job full time doing what it was intended to do………telling time.

THE PHILIP GOLDSON HIGHWAY TURNS DEADLY AS IT CLAIMS THE LIFE OF WELL KNOWN ORANGE WALKENO., 7min. the Philip Goldson Highway again proved to be deadly as it claimed the life of well-known Orange Walkeno Richard Orellana. The tragic incident played out about six in the evening between miles forty and forty one of the Highway on the outskirts of Carmelita Village, Orange Walk.

ORANGE WALK TOWN COUNCIL Q&A; ON BELIZE/GUATEMALA DISPUTE, 9min. the Orange Walk Town Council held an informative forum for its employees on the Belize Guatemala Territorial Dispute and taking the dispute to the International Court of Justice for final resolution. The forum was also open to the public and got rather heated when it came to the question and answer session.

BSI ASR WEEKLY CROP REVIEW 2016 - WEEK 23, 2.5min.

OCEANA DEPICTS THE BEAUTY OF THE CARIBBEAN SEA THROUGH ITS MURALS, 4.5min. Oceans are the lifeblood of planet Earth and humankind. They flow over nearly three-quarters of our planet, and hold 97% of the planet's water. They produce more than half of the oxygen in the atmosphere, and absorb the most carbon from it. No matter how far from the shore that you live, oceans still affect your life and the lives of your families. The air that you breathe, the water you drink, the food you eat, the products that keep you warm, safe, informed, and entertained — all can come from or be transported by the ocean. But despite its importance, the Ocean can fall victim to serious environmental consequences when disturbed by human activity for example oil exploration, which contributes significantly to noise pollution and contamination of our environment. In an effort to bring awareness of such dangerous activities OCEANA and the Belize Coalition have joined forces to show Belizeans the beauty that Belize has beneath the crystal blue waters of the Caribbean Sea. Both organizations have embarked on a journey that will display through mural paintings, the beauty that lies within the Jewel’s Barrier Reef and what could be lost if we do not protect our eco system.

ELROY JOHNSON, 4.5min.

Rise and shine Guest Lindsay Belisle International Surveyor on belize Borders,100 min.

Sandize in the Belize - San Pedro & Caye Caulker, 5.5min. Wanted to share our wonderful trip in the Belize, to San Pedro Ambergris Caye island and Caye Caulker.

Scuba Diving Belize.2016, 5min.

Karina and Ashley go to Belize!, 10min.

Minister of Education Patrick Faber on Belize Borders, 1min. Saying that every Belizean should familiarize themselves with the 1859 treaty between the United Kingdom and Guatemala which establishes Belize's borders. That is why his Ministry is undertaking to mass produce the 1859 Treaty for public distribution.

May 18, 2016

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

The San Pedro Sun

Three students to participate in US exchange program
For the past fifteen years, exchange programs at San Pedro High School (SPHS) have given students opportunities to explore new cultures. In the latest exchange program, three students from the SPHS drama club: Marthalicia Vasquez, Jubilee Garcia, and Bessy Gongora, have been selected to travel to Los Angeles, California, USA, to perform a skit at the Los Angeles Harbor College. The students will depart on Saturday, May 28th, and will be there for one week, along with other exchange students from Mexico and London. The group is rehearsing weekly to perfect their 30-minute dramatic skit at the college. The piece reflects social issues that are relevant to Belize. Coordinators Debbie and Larry Heimgartner have been consistently working with the students, composing the skit to demonstrate conflicts faced in the homes of many teenagers. “In our skit, we were able to take the problems people face here on the island and write about them on a global perspective. We are giving light to San Pedro and inviting the world to see that we experience the same problems like anyone else,” said Heimgartner.

San Pedro Reef Week- Highlighting our Marine Eco-system
The 11th annual Northern Belize Reef Week kicked off on Monday, May 16th with an early 6AM swim to the reef. The full week features a variety of events, ranging from Lionfish Tournaments to clean -up campaigns to Kayak Races, all in an effort to create awareness of our marine ecosystem. In the opening event, around 15 swimmers took on the challenge and swam to the reef and back. According to The San Pedro Town Council’s Sports Coordinator Kent ‘Bob’ Gabourel, the race was not about competing, but to raise awareness on the need to protect the reef system. Participants swam at their own pace, and many of them even wore their snorkelling gear in order to make it an enjoyable swim.

San Pedro Tiger Sharks Sub-Champions of the 2016 NEBL championship
For the third consecutive year, the San Pedro Tiger Sharks were in the National Elite Basketball League (NEBL) finals as they played the third and final decisive game against the Smart Belize Hurricanes. The game was played on Friday, May 13th at the Belize Elementary School gymnasium in Belize City and despite the Tiger Sharks lead in the first half of the match; they were overcome by the Smart Belize Hurricanes who claimed the NEBL 2016 Champions with a final score of 98-92. San Pedro Tiger Sharks were led by Caleb Sutton with 19 points, 4 steals, 2 assists and 2 rebounds, while Douglas Valley netted 17 points to go with 2 rebounds and 2 assists, and 4 three-point shots. Andrew “Bynum” Ortiz tallied 16 points and 5 rebounds and Ashton Edwards sank 15 points, including three shots from behind the arc. Gene Myvett recorded a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds, to go with 6 assists and 2 steals, while Raul Roches finished with 9 points and 9 rebounds. San Pedro Tiger Sharks shot 43% from the field, 34% from behind the three-point arc and 55% from behind the charity stripe.

Ambergris Today

Lion Fish Excitement During Reef Week
What better way to celebrate the Belize Barrier Reef, creating awareness and protecting it than by a massive hunting of Lion Fish which are so detrimental to the health of our reef. This was the purpose for Hol Chan Marine Reserve in San Pedro in organizing a Lion Fish Tournament as part of its Reef Week activities. Only four out of an initial seven boats were able to participate in the tournament, but it was enough to kill and rid our reef of over 300 invasive Lion Fish that pose a threat to the marine life on the coral reef. “The tournament was not about winning,” said Josue (Chino) Vasquez of team Sea Star Tours/Dive Bar. “It is about getting rid of as much Lion Fish that we can from our waters. It’s about having fun and supporting the efforts of Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Reef Week.”

No Need to Panic as First Zika Case Confirmed in Belize
Late yesterday, Monday, May 16, 2016, the Ministry of Health announced the first confirmed case of the Zika virus in Belize with the infected individual being a Belizean national. Fortunately, the virus is not widespread and only this one case has been confirmed to date. In a press release to the country’s tourism stakeholders, the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) asked them to continue keeping guests aware of the risks associated with this virus and encourage the use of proper precautionary measures to avoid Zika transmission. “We will continue to monitor the works and information from public health officials locally, regionally and globally, to share with you in order to ensure that our visitors have the information they need to protect themselves,” stated the message to stakeholders in the industry.

Misc Belizean Sources

I am Ricardo Ignacio, a published author
I was born in Mexico, and yes I speak Spanish, but I am NOT Hispanic, nor am I Latino, and neither the language that I speak nor the country on which I was born can define who I am nor identify the people I descend from. I once took a DNA test, and the results came out looking like this: 82% Native American, 11% West African, 3% Asian (Mongolian), and 4% Greek. Nowhere in those results did I see Spanish, Latino nor Hispanic, and it has puzzled people to no end to see that I am born in Mexico, speak Spanish fluently but yet not a drop of Spanish blood in me. “How could this be possible?” People ponder. Well, the puzzle is simple actually, see: People have this misconception that all Spanish speakers who are born in Mexico, Central & South America are Latinos/Hispanics/Spanish people, but that’s false, it’s disrespectful, misleading, and it contributes to the ongoing misplacement and ethnic cleansing that indigenous people of the Americas have dealt with for several centuries now since Europeans' arrival, occupation of land, colonialism, and the forced assimilation of Native Americans.

US EMBASSY Belize has Gay Pride
Flag flying high!

Date & venue for the National Classification System for Accommodation Stakeholder Consultations in Toledo
May 19, 6:30pm in PG

ETI PUERTO RICO TRADE SHOW 2016
The ETI Puerto Rico Trade Show is a tourism event which brings together stakeholders interested in promoting and selling Caribbean destinations. This show also attracts leading travel advisors and wholesalers.

Amelita Knowles, National Grassroots Coordinator and Outreach Officer, Oceana Belize
Congratulations to Mrs. Amelita Knowles, National Grassroots Coordinator and Outreach Officer, Oceana Belize that will be participating on the International Leaders Visitors Program(IVLP): "Our Ocean Protection and Sustainable Use". During her program she will participate in a combination of meetings, site visits, federalism briefing, panel discussion, and cultural events in different states in the U.S. The program will examine U.S. efforts to address coastal and marine management issues, particularly marine debris, pollution, and sustainable fishing; provide opportunities to interact with U.S. professionals at federal, state and local levels engaged in developing public policy frameworks for coastal zone management and climate change adaptation; share institutional and technical strategies to integrate local level projects with regional and international marine protection and clean-up efforts; and discuss efforts to promote sustainable fisheries and livelihoods by eliminating illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing practices. Mrs. Amelita met with the U.S. Ambassador to discuss her expectations and future plans.

Cabinet Announcement on Help for Progress
Today, at its regular Tuesday meeting, Cabinet determined that NO formal, nor legal, agreement exists between the Government of Belize and the NGO called Help for Progress that authorizes personnel of said NGO to accept applications for refugees status in Belize, and to further conduct interviews and determine which applicant has a legitimate case or not. All applications and the processing for recognition of refugee status must be presented to the recently reactivated Refugee Eligibility Committee. During the few years of inactivity of the Refugee Eligibility Committee, no entity was empowered to conduct interviews to determine whether refugee applicants for refugee status had a legitimate case for consideration. The guidelines for consideration of refugee status are very rigid, and are only considered if the applicant can prove a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons such as race, religion, nationality, and political opinion.

Walk for a Green Belize
Last year the Department of the Environment (DOE), in conjunction with the Belize Solid Waste Management Authority and the Belize Audubon Society, carried out a Walk For A Green Belize activity. Walk For A Green Belize is a clean-up activity conducted by numerous organizations, students, activists, both government and non-government agencies, and the general public. The activity resulted in the collection of 2,363 (20 to 55 gallon-sized) bags of garbage yielding a weight of approximately 16,541 pounds! As we gear up for the celebration of World Environment Day 2016 (June 5), the DOE is once again collaborating on the “Walk For A Green Belize” cleanup. This event is aimed at building awareness and sustaining a culture of an environmentally friendly and conscious Belize! This year, the "Walk For A Green Belize" will be held on Saturday, May 21st, 2016 along the entire George Price Highway encompassing a total of 77 miles of roadway. It will begin at 7:00 a.m. and expected to conclude by 11:00 am. In order to ensure the safety of the volunteers cleaning up both sides of the highway from Benque Viejo del Carmen to Belize City and up through Ladyville area, the Police Department, Department of Transport and City Traffic will be mobile along the George Price Highway to caution drivers to drive with extreme care.

Toledo Maya Land Rights Commission Zone Meetings
The Toledo Maya Land Rights Commission is obligated to ensure that the Maya people do not become voiceless in the process of implementing the CCJ order as it relates to Maya customary land rights. The Order did not cede the autonomy of villages to any group. The Commission is therefore disappointed by the statements made by the Toledo Alcalde Association as it relates to a meeting held on Monday, May, 16, 2016. The planned meeting was held and present were 32 of the 36 village leaders, the participants were very engaged and welcomed the opportunity to commence dialogue with the Commission. What was not allowed was an interruption to the planned meeting, but an offer was made to meet with the Steering Committee at a mutually convenient time.

SBDCBelize participates in Art in the Park
On May 14 & 15, 2016, Corozal Organization Leading Culture, Heritage and Art (COLCHA) hosted its annual Art in the Park. This event provided an excited and interesting display of productions by local artists. As many as 30 artists and artisans proudly displayed their talents and products. Vicky Heredia, Business Advisor of the Small Business Development Center (SBDCBelize), a unit of the Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE), was there to promote the services of the centre and attract new clients while provide advising services to the rising entrepreneurs. Art, talent and ideas are alive in Corozal Town!

Commentary: Guatemala must stop its citizens from coming into Belize to commit crimes
By Wellington C. Ramos. For centuries now the Mayas and the Garifuna people have been going back and forth to Guatemala to meet with their relatives, trade and seek refuge when the Guatemalan military is slaughtering them. The Belize government does not have the military to stop and apprehend the Guatemalans who are entering Belize. When the Guatemalans enter Belize illegally and are arrested, they are charged by the Belize Police Force for “illegal entry” taken to court given a small fine and escorted across the border back into their country. As soon as they are handed over to the Guatemalan authorities, they are released back into civilian life without any penalty. They then leave the customs and immigration and make another attempt to come across the border back into Belize. If the Belize Police Force does not arrest a Guatemalan or any other citizen of another country who enters Belize illegally, they can remain in Belize for a long period of time until they are granted amnesty and later Belizean citizenship. Due to Guatemala’s human rights record, the Mayas and the Garifuna people have the right to file for political asylum in Belize.

TOLEDO MAYA LAND RIGHTS COMMISSION GIVES THEIR SIDE OF EVENTS
The Toledo May Land Rights Commission has issued a press release in which it expresses its dissappointment with the Toledo Alcalde Association's version of events after a meeting with the Toledo Maya Land Rights Commission last weekend. The press release starts off establishing the TMLRC's position, stating, "The Toledo Maya Land Rights Commission is obligated to ensure that the Maya people do not become voiceless in the process of implementing the CCJ order as it relates to Maya customary land rights. The Order did not cede the autonomy of villages to any group." The rest of the release goes toward providing the other perspective of what went on at that meeting.

ACP Chester Williams speaking about the life style of young gang members
Clean gospel music for the entire family.

Channel 7

PUP Call On Government To Investigate Plett
Last night, you heard the first hand account from Roger Plett, the Mennonite farmer working in the Green Hills area west of Spanish Lookout who was taken into Guatemala and tied up by uniformed persons he says were Guatemalan soldiers. It's a story that only the media has taken seriously, and we've heard nothing from the police, national security, or foreign affairs. But, today the PUP issued a statement supporting Plett, and calling out the government. The statement says, quote, "His story...should be cause for alarm, and certainly cause for IMMEDIATE and decisive action from the proper and pertinent authorities." It continues, quote, "We understand that any incident that happens...anywhere along the Adjacency Zone must be treated with sensitivity...But it MUST be investigated. Five days have passed since this alleged incident and we have heard nothing from our Police and nothing from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs."

The Guat Plot Against Plett
And as we told you last night, there is a lot to investigate. Roger Plett says that on Thursday, he was working near the Belize Guatemala border in the Green Hills Area when uniformed Guatemalan civilians accompanied by about 20 persons appearing to be in military apparel - kidnapped him from the Belize side, took him over to Guatemala. They tied him up, took his tractor, and also commandeered his co worker's bulldozer. It's quite a story, and here are some more elements which we didn't have time to include last night:... Jules Vasquez reporting: Under the canopy, in the underbrush, with only the din of crickets to bear witness, lies a row of Belize Guatemala border markers - just like this one, on a cleared path every quarter mile.

Alleged Killers Sent Back To Jail After 100 Hours of Freedom
Accused murderers Tarique Gillett and Lyson James Cacho are back behind bars tonight after being re-arrested for a 2015 murder. They had just been released last week Friday because the prosecutor did not provide them with disclosure of evidence, and tonight, after 100 horus of freedom, they were picked up and re-arrested for the very same shooting. This time, the prosecution wants to submit fingerprint evidence against both. They are charged for a fatal shooting which happened on March 1, 2015 on Periwinkle Street in Belize City. That's when cousins Michael Welch and Kingsley Morrison, were hanging out at a house and 2 gunmen rode up on bicycles and opened fire on them. Welch was injured multiple times, and he died within minutes. Morrison was shot once to the upper shoulder, and survived.

ZIKA, Ministry of Health Says It Is Responding
As we told you last night one case of Zika has been confirmed in Belize! The first victim is a woman from the Belize City Northside, who turned up at the hospital with a rash. As far as the health professionals have been able to find out, she did not travel anywhere recently or just before she got sick. So, they are now trying to find out where the Zika originated. There are no other known cases around where the woman lives, and the Central Health Region is hoping to keep it that way. Today, we spoke with the Doctor in charge of the Zika watch in Belize City and the surrounding communities. He told us what his office is doing to contain possible outbreaks: Dr. Javier Zuniga - Manager. Central Health Region: "Zika which is an emerging infectious disease has been affecting most of South America and now Central America and the Caribbean. We were basically awaiting a positive case for Zika because of course all the other countries are affected and we had already put in place some measures to be able to increase our surveillance and also to protect the population specifically from the vector which is the mosquito, Aedes aegypti..."

ZIKA: Will It Cause A Tourism Tumble?
And from public health to tourism. Will the presence of Zika in Belize trigger a decline in tourist arrivals? It certainly affected other countries especially those Caribbean getaway destinations like Barbados and Bahamas. But according to both the Belize Hotel Association and the Belize Tourism Industry Association - the industry hasn't been and won't be drastically affected. First we spoke to the President of the Belize Hotel Association Lisa Carr-Caceres. She admitted that since January, tourists specifically those traveling in groups for weddings and family trips, have been cancelling their bookings, as well as pregnant women. Carr-Caceres told us that while those are significant cancellations, it will not affect the overall business at their member hotels. She explained it's all about keeping the guests informed and also about training staff. Lisa Carr-Caceres - Pres. Belize Hotel Association: "The reports that we have received have not been so much individual cancellations. Unfortunately yes there have been more of reports group cancelations, because allot of times groups may have just 1 person responsible for the group so they don't want to run a risk or maybe insurance issues whatever. So, there is more that have been reports of group cancellations which actually we take that very seriously. We do not want that because those are big cancellations. So yes we have received reports of some groups cancelling, very few individual cancellation and most of them are probably related to someone who is pregnant..."

When Shrubs Snare A Shotgun...
A Frank's Eddy villager is lucky to be alive tonight after he was shot with a 16 gauge. But, police say it was most likely an accident. Here's what happened: around 2:oo this afternoon, Doni Polanco and his father in law Emilio Arevalo were returning from a fishing trip Polanco's licensed 16 gauge shotgun got tangle din some shrubs, and the gun went off. The stray shot hit Arevalo in the lower back. He was taken to the Western Regional Hospital where he is in a stable condition. Police have taken custody of the shotgun, but do not suspect any criminal wrongdoing.

MAR Wants You!
The Meso American Reef Fund, "MAR Fund" for short, was launched back in 2005 with the purpose of empowering emerging conservation leaders in four different countries including Belize. The first group of leaders was trained in 2010. Since then up to 60 persons from participating countries like Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and El Salvador have received this training. Today the program director of the MAR leadership program was in Belize to oversee the launch of this year's call for applications under the theme "Blue economy." We found out more:... Maria Eugenia Arreola, Dir., MAR Leadership Program: "Every year we open a cohort for applications as we are doing right now and we recruit between 12-14 people coming from 4 different countries. These people come from different sectors, as I've said before, they can be working in any sector and they can also have different backgrounds. So far, in the program we have different people that are Biologists, Engineers, Communications experts, Tourism experts, Lawyers, Marine Biologists, so there's a lot of people that are being interactive, exchanging information, and collaborating."

Putting Fishers First
And on that same note the Wildlife Conservation Society is also calling on applicants to submit their entries for the Punta Fuego's Outstanding Fisher of the year award. Last year's outstanding fisher went to Punta Gorda resident, Ana Ramirez. Today we spoke to the assistant country director for the Wildlife Conservation Society who told us more about this annual recognition of fishermen and women. For more information about the application you can check out the Punta Fuego Belize Facebook page. Deadline for submission is May 31st.

Cabinet Puts A Hurting On Help For Progress
The Refugee Eligibility Committee, and its reactivation for refugee applications has been under public scrutiny since it was publicly disclosed after the fact. That's after the press started investigating why mass numbers of persons living illegally in Belize started showing up at the Help For Progress Office. Well, the Government of Belize has done a complete about turn about the Help For Progress NGO. They are calling for all applications at Help for Progress to stop. But that's not what Government said last Tuesday. That release said, quote, "Help for Progress, a nongovernmental organization, represents the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) and has the responsibility to receive applications from potential asylum seekers and conduct an initial interview. Those applicants who meet the criteria for refugee status are referred to the Immigration Department, where a second interview is done and the successful applicants are then given an appointment for a more in depth interview. The asylum seeker is then given a Special Permit which is valid until the time of the in-depth interview in order to allow him legal status in Belize." End Quote.

One Held For Ladyville Shooting
Police have detained one of the suspects in the Ladyville fatal shooting. He is 19 year old Darwin Estuardo Prado. But police are still looking for the other suspect Egbert Baldwin. As we told you, 21 year old Lionel Rhamdas was shot and killed while 3 other men were injured in a Ladyville shootout. It happened early Saturday morning on Marage Road. 23 year old Casey Lozano along with 3 others were hanging outside the Lozano family home when 3 gunmen appeared and opened fire on them. One of the men from the Lozano crew shot back and it's during that exchange of fire that Rhamdas, allegedly one of the gunmen, was killed. Casey Lozano and Lyndon Gillett were also hit to the arm while Terence Flowers was shot to the hand, chest and neck. As we told you, a series of retaliations started after Rene "Fatcat" Chavarria's murder in March.

Hostel Girls Still Missing
3 youth hostel girls are still on the run tonight. As we told you, 11 girls escaped on Sunday evening and so far the police have found 8 girls. They have all been taken back to the youth hostel. Now the story is that 3 of the girls jumped the fence while the others walked right out the front gate. The Deputy Director of the Community Rehabilitation Department Maureen Williams had told us yesterday that again, in this case it was a breakdown in protocol. We say again because this is not the first time girls have run away. In fact, looking back at the November 2015 fire , those girls had escaped before the fire. Police continue to look for the remaining 3, who might be heading south.

PM's Wife, US Embassy Supports Belize's LBGT Population
Today Gays, Lesbians, and all other colors of that LGBT rainbow celebrate what is known as International Day against Homophobia. Now we don't know of any activities that took place in Belize to mark the occasion, but the Prime Minister's wife Kim Simplis Barrow did post a video on her facebook page making an acknowledgment. The US Embassy also issued a statement saying, quote, "On this day we acknowledge the occurrence of everyday actions that result in discrimination and acts of violence towards members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered communities in Belize and its allies around the world." It continues, "The U.S. remains steadfast in its policy that LGBT rights are universal human rights, and will continue to support the promotion of LGBT rights in Belize."

Riding For Prostate Awareness
Over the weekend the Belize Cancer Society held the first ever Cancer ride challenge. This was in an effort to promote the awareness of prostate cancer. About 70 persons participated in the 2 day cancer ride which covered roughly 160 miles. The first leg of the race began in Dangriga by the drums of our father's roundabout. The contingent of riders made its way to San Ignacio where they stayed for the night and rested before tackling the next 80 miles. On Sunday the contingent made its way to Belize ending at Hour Bar, by the Marine Parade. This ride was a part of Cancer awareness month that is currently being celebrated. The theme for this year's cancer month is, "I can, we can- understand that early detection saves lives." The cancer awareness activities go on up until the 31st of May.

Guatemalan Voices Dissent Against Pro Military Tactics
A week ago, we showed how a Guatemalan analyst criticized his Government for militarizing the territorial dispute. Well, this past weekend the Guatemalan Archbishop of the Roman Catholic Church, Óscar Julio Vian Morales, publicly accused his Government of attempting to use the territorial dispute with Belize as a distraction from the real problems facing Guatemala. Archbishop Oscar Vian told the press that the territorial dispute should have been solved some 40 years ago. He added a lasting solution has never been really sought, and the territorial dispute continues to surface exactly when Guatemalan is experiencing other huge problems. As we told you, protests continued in Guatemala on last week Wednesday when thousands of indigenous people blocked roads all across the country in protest.

Morales And Talamas On The Border
In related news, the Guatemalan Foreign Minister, Carlos Raul Morales, the Guatemalan Defense Minister, William Mansilla, and OAS Representative Magdalena Talamás went on a tour of the Adjacency Zone this weekend. They were in the Peten Area which ends right at Belize's Western Border. The Official Guatemalan Foreign Minister's social media pages say that Talamás, who they refer to as the Special Representative of the OAS Secretary General, was present for an overflight of the communities in the area. The Guatemalan Officials then held meetings at the OAS Adjacency Zone Office, at the Benque Viejo Border. The purpose, they say, is to "assess the situation of these communities" near the western border. They were received by community members, seen here, in this photo. The Guatemalan Foreign Ministry also posted these pictures, saying that those officials oversaw infrastructure works in the Peten area. We note that the OAS has invested about half a million dollars in one of the most troublesome communities, Monte Los Olivos, but the encroachments form that village persist.

Channel 5

Much More on the Guatemalan Detention of Mennonites
Tonight we have more details on the alleged kidnapping of two – not one, Mennonite farmers who were clearing fire breaks on a large plot of land which adjoins the [...]

Police Detained Foreman of Plett’s Ranch for Questioning
There was another incident on the farm the next day. Watchman Rogelio Barrientos was allegedly approached by fifteen military officers, and a request was made for heavy equipment to be [...]

Who Detained Roger Plett and Why?
That brings us to officialdom – first the Police. San Ignacio Police aren’t talking. They would only say that an investigation is underway and a release was sent out from [...]

P.U.P. Call for Investigation into Border Incident
While the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Police Department stay silent on the alleged seizure of Mennonites by Guatemalans, the opposition People’s United Party is not. In a release issued [...]

The Opposition Will Go to the Sarstoon This Saturday
Tonight there is confirmation that the People’s United Party will be going to the Sarstoon on Saturday to challenge the Sarstoon Law which prevents Belizeans from visiting the area. That [...]

Should G.O.B. Be Negotiating a Protocol for Sarstoon River?
And tonight’s question is: Do you think G.O.B. should be negotiating a protocol for Sarstoon River when it owns half of the river? Send your comments and responses using your [...]

Traditional Farming Practices Clash in Trio
The headlines in the past week have been about events in the Toledo District in southern Belize. And that’s where we headed today again. The following story, however, has to [...]

Lisel Alamilla and TAA Still At Odds
On Monday, the Toledo Alcaldes Association issued a release, following an incident where the chair of the Toledo Maya Land Rights Commission reportedly evicted TAA President Alfonso Cal from the [...]

Steven Young Arraigned for Attempted Murder after Bar Fight
Twenty-five year old Steven Young is serving his first night in prison for the attempted murder of a Lord’s Bank resident, who was stabbed during an altercation inside Ruba’s Bar [...]

2 Men Surrender in Shooting Death of Lionel Rhamdas
Two men, twenty-eight-year-old Egbert Baldwin and nineteen-year-old Darwin Estuardo Prado, are in custody for the shooting death of their friend Lionel Rhamdas. The duo surrendered to Ladyville police earlier today [...]

Duo Freed and Rearrested on Murder Charge
Tarique Gillett and Lyson Cacho were arraigned in March and July 2015 for the murder of Michael Welch and the attempted murder of Kingsley Morrison. Last Friday, both were set [...]

Was Shooting After Fishing Trip an Accident?
A man is currently listed in stable condition at the Western Regional Hospital in Belmopan after he was rushed there this afternoon with a gunshot injury. According to a very [...]

US Vice President Speaks on International Day Against Homophobia
International Day Against Homophobia, known as IDAHOT, was celebrated today in many countries. Across the border in Mexico, President Enrique Peña Nieto proposed that same-sex marriage be legalised as part [...]

Help for Progress Not Authorized to Process Applications for Refugee Status
For weeks now, we have been running the story of a program for refugees. We have showed you images of persons lining up at the Help for Progress offices in [...]

MAR Leadership Program Calls for Applications
The 2016 Mesoamerican Reef Leadership Program officially made the call for applications today at a press conference at the Radisson. This year, the theme for the program is “Promoting Blue [...]

Wildlife Conservation Society Looks for the Fisher of the Year
The second annual fisher of the year award by the Wildlife Conservation Society will be presented on June twenty-ninth to a local fisherman or fisher woman who practices sustainable fishing [...]

Dmitri Fabro to Join Soccer Team in Spain
Eighteen-year-old Dmitri Fabro is a Belizean football star on the rise. After playing locally with the Belmopan Bandits, FC Belize and the Belize Defense Force, Fabro is presently on the [...]

Celebrating Cashew Fest in 2016
Crooked Tree is located just off the Phillip Goldson Highway at mile thirty-one. On Saturday and Sunday, the village was overflowing for the annual cashew festival. Cashew jams, jellies, wines [...]

CTV3

MOH Carries Out Plans To Mitigate ZIKA Virus
Last night we informed you about the first case of zika virus that was recorded here in Belize after the results were returned last week from the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) where it was sent for testing. Immediately after the information was obtained, the Ministry of Health launched an investigation of which several measures were set into place in order to prevent the virus from spreading throughout the rest of the country. And while there is currently no links to any trace of the virus in other parts of the country, the Director of Public Health Services, Dr. Marvin Manzanero told us during an interview earlier this evening that Belizeans must still be concerned due to the fact that our country possesses ideal environmental conditions for vector bourne diseases.

Belize Celebrates International Day Against Homophobia
International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO) is celebrated each year on May 17th, and today marks the twenty sixth anniversary of when the World Health Organization made the decision to officially remove homosexuality from its list of International Classification of Diseases. The day is mainly celebrated to raise awareness and recognize the fact that there are countless actions that occur on a daily basis which causes major discrimination and violent behaviours that are directed towards individuals who belong to the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered (LGBT) group of people from all across the globe. The US Embassy stated in their release earlier today that and we quote, “Despite these unfortunate incidents of discrimination, the commemoration of IDAHO should be seen as a great opportunity to highlight the positive aspects of the LGBT community and celebrate the rich diversity, accomplishments and contributions the LGBT community brings to Belize and the world”. End of quote.

PUP Calls On GOB To Investigate Allegations Made By Mennonite Farmer
As you heard Plette alleges that he was taken off Belizean soil and forcibly moved into Guatemalan territory by elements of the military and civilians, some armed with guns and others with machetes and then tied up and threatened. Plette’s story is cause of concern for many Belizeans and the People’s United Party who believe that immediate and decisive action from the proper and pertinent authorities should be taken. In a release issue today by the party states that “any incident that happens at and in close vicinity to the border anywhere along the Adjacency Zone must be treated with sensitivity and handled meticulously.”

CDC Issues Travel Advisory For Belize
Keeping in line with the Zika Virus, the Embassy of the United States in Belmopan also issued a release stating that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a travel advisory for Belize concerning the topic of the zika virus. CDC indicates that travels made to elevations higher than 6,500 feet above sea level is less likely to have mosquito-borne zika transmission. CDC concludes by stating that pregnant women should refrain from traveling to areas in which the elevations are less than 2,000 m above sea level especially in countries that have an active transmission of zika.

Corozal Fisherman Charged With Illegal Fishing
Forty seven year old Errol Wiltshire, a fisherman of Chunox Village, Corozal was charged with fishing in a special zone when he appeared today before Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser. Court reports indicate that Wiltshire was found in an area prohibited for fishing on March 24th at around 12:50pm. Accounts given by a female fisheries officer revealed that while patrolling the Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve, she came upon a canoe that had 95 conch in shell in it. Investigations reveled that Wiltshire was the owner of the canoe and that he had taken the conch from the reserve. In his defense Wiltshire stated that he was unaware the area he was fishing was a reserve and that only 41 conch were in the canoe. He pled not guilty to the charge and his case was adjourned until July 17th.

How Mennonite Farmer Escapes From Guatemalans.
In yesterday’s newscast we reported on an incident where two Belizean Mennonites were allegedly kidnapped and held hostage for several hours by Guatemalan Military. The heavily armed military personnel had been helping Guatemalan NGOs and fire personnel fight a fire at the border between both countries when the encounter unfolded. The incident played out on Thursday of last week in an area known as the Green Hills area of Cayo behind Spanish Lookout. Yesterday we brought to you the first part of the story narrated by 21 year old Belizean Canadian Mennonite, Roger Plett, where he explains how he was captured by Guatemalan military and held hostage for almost four hours. Yesterday we left off the story where Roger was being pushed by Guatemalan military toward the forest on the Guatemalan side. This was after he was surrounded while in his tractor by Guatemalan military in the middle of his Green Hills ranch. He was heavily questioned while his hands were tied behind his back. But how did he escape? Here is his account:

LOVE FM

FOPREL Plans Emergency Meeting to Mediate B/ween Belize and Guatemala
Belize’s Speaker of the House, Michael Peyrefitte is said to be preparing for a meeting in Managua, Nicaragua for Thursday, May 19 where Parliamentarians and Presidents of Congress for El Salvador, Honduras, Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Guatemala have confirmed their presence at the emergency meeting. According to an online publication by Nicaragua’s National Assembly, the […]

PUP’s Expedition to Sarstoon Planned for May 20
On Monday Government announced that on Saturday, Foreign Affairs Minister Wilfred Elrington will lead a delegation to meet with his Guatemalan counterpart to discuss a cooperation mechanism for the Sarstoon River. According to the release, a mechanism must be found to guarantee peaceful use, stability, and navigational security at the Sarstoon River. If the Istanbul […]

Mixed Messages on the Belize/Guatemala Issue
In the last several months the Belize/Guatemala issue has been on the front burner of the news. There are the persistent incursions being done by the Guatemalans into our territory; there are the aggressive confrontations by the Guatemalan Armed Forces to our soldiers of the Belize Defense Force and then there are the diplomatic talks […]

Taken by the Guats in Green Hills – Part 2
In continuation of the story we aired yesterday regarding the incident between Roger Plett, his workers and suspected Guatemalan men, we join Renee Trujillo for part two of the situation. RENEE TRUJILLO REPORTING “Yesterday we told you of the Belizean/Canadian Roger Plett who was taken by a group of Guatemalans whilst he was working on […]

PUP Wants Immediate and Decisive Action on the Green Hills Incident
And while we await a response from the authorities, the People’s United Party has sent out a release on the reported incident in the Green Hills area. The release came this afternoon and reads, quote, “The People’s United Party treats with great concern an allegation made by a Mennonite farmer/businessman of Spanish Lookout that he […]

Toledo Alcaldes vs Land Rights Commission
Yesterday the Toledo Alcalde Association issued a release expressing concern at the way they said representatives were treated by the Chair of the Toledo Maya Land Rights Commission. They claim they went to a scheduled meeting with the commission however they were put out of the office. Today the Commission issued a release saying it […]

ZIKA on a Tourism Angle
Yesterday the Ministry of Heath confirmed the first case of Zika in the country. Today the Belize Tourism Board has issued a release to stakeholders in the tourism industry. Love News spoke to Noriko Gamero, Marketing and Public Relations Manager at the BTB. NORIKO GAMERO “We are in constant collaboration with the Ministry of Health […]

Special Envoy Marks IDAHOT
Today marks the celebration of the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia. The special Envoy for Women and Children, Kim Siimplis Barrow, released a video to commemorate the day stating that this day is an opportunity for us as a society to celebrate our individualism. KIM SIMPLIS BARROW “ The US Embassy also issued a […]

Countdown for Teachers to Obtain Full Teacher’s
The Ministry of Education had requested that all teachers with provisional licenses further their studies and apply for a full teacher’s license; since they would not be allowed for renewal of provisional licenses. A mandatory special permit was introduced for applications which was to last until the end of March. This permit was to be […]

PlusTV

Farmer gives story about Guatemala kidnapping
Last week , PlusNews broke the story of a Mennonite farmer who was working on his farm in Green Hills, Spanish Lookout, when Guatemalan soldiers came over and took him into Guatemala, tied him up and only released him three hours later when he told them that he was Canadian. And while the Ministry o...

Another Guatemalan shot by BDF in Chiquibul
Another Guatemalan was shot in the Chiquibul reserve on Friday night. This latest illegal poacher survived the bullet to the arm that he received after aggressive behavior displayed to the Belize Defense Force patrol that was on duty near the border. According to a government press release, a joint...

Bilateral Talks to Commence on Sarstoon Protocol
And while all this confusion over the truth regarding the farmers and their Guatemalan kidnappers continues , a date has finally been set for bilateral talks to commence on the Sarstoon protocol. According to a press release from Government of Belize, that discussion will take place this Saturday, ...

ZIKA confirmed in Belize
The Ministry of Health has confirmed the first Zika case in the country of Belize; identified in a Belizean national from Belize City. The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) has returned the results of samples that were sent out and one positive result was received last week. According to Minis...

Feud leaves one more dead in Ladyville
One man is dead and three others were injured in an apparent shoot-out early on Saturday morning in Ladyville; but the actual details are a bit more complicated. Indeed, Police needed a PowerPoint presentation at this morning’s press conference to take us through it all. Assistant Commissioner of Po...

Early morning home invasion and chopping in Camalote
There was a home invasion and chopping incident in Camalote village early Friday morning. According to police reports, 36-year-old Eddie Fuentes, a Belizean farmer of Camalote Village, was at home on Friday 13th May 2016 at about 3 o’clock in the morning, sleeping. He reported to police that three ...

Citco burglar caught on camera
Donavan Tillett was found guilty of burglary today and sentenced to five years in prison. According to police, Tillett broke into the Belmopan City Council office over the weekend and stole a few items including petty cash. The burglary was caught on camera and police moved quickly to locate the ...

Amandala

3 illegal Guat gold panners captured in Chiquibul
Just as Belize and the Republic of Guatemala are preparing to enter talks in Ankara, Turkey, this weekend over what a Government of Belize press office release described today as “a cooperation mechanism for the Sarstoon River,” another incident involving the Belize Defence Force (BDF) and Guatemalans who were found to be illegally panning for gold in Belize occurred last Friday night, May 13, in the Chiquibul Forest Reserve. A government press release dated Saturday, May 14, explained that a joint patrol involving BDF soldiers and members of the Belize Police Department and Friends for Conservation and Development encountered a group of between 10 and 15 Guatemalans in the Ceibo Chico area of the Chiquibul Forest Reserve.

1st Zika case is north side Belize City woman
A Belizean woman who turned up at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital with fever and a rash has been confirmed as the first case of Zika in Belize. “The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) has returned the results of samples sent to their laboratory from a heightened surveillance being carried out across the country. Of the samples sent to CARPHA thus far, one positive result was received last week,” said an official release from the Ministry of Health today. Director of Health Services Dr. Marvin Manzanero told Amandala that as far as they are aware, the woman, who lives in north side Belize City, had not recently traveled outside of Belize, suggesting that the virus may have been locally acquired. Manzanero said that Health officials are working to prevent an outbreak of Zika in Belize.

Belize police behaving like “cowards!”
Roger Plett, a Mennonite farmer who was putting out a forest fire on his lands in the Green Hills area of Spanish Lookout, near the border with Guatemala, was abducted for about 4 hours on Friday by men believed to be Guatemalan soldiers, and mistreated before being released. Plett told Belize police that he was working on his land in the Green Hills area near the border, fighting a forest fire that had been burning in the area, using a tractor with a water sprayer. He had also hired a bulldozer operator to make a fire pass, but at approximately 2 o’clock that afternoon, about 10 men in military uniform surrounded him and began hitting the windshield of the tractor he was driving, with machetes. Plett reported that he stopped because he feared he would have been shot.

Ladyville gunman shot dead at crime scene
Funeral preparations are well on the way for Lionel Rhamdas, 21, who was found shot to death, with a firearm by his side in Ladyville. According to Ladyville police, at around 12:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 14, while patrolling on Marage Road, they heard multiple shots and saw several individuals running from the area. On pursuing those individuals, police found Rhamdas dead on the ground. According to police reports, four men were socializing around a picnic table at the premises of Cynthia Lozano when they were ambushed by gunmen. According to ACP Edward Broaster, two gunmen, believed to be Darwin Estuardo Prado and Egbert Baldwin, emerged from behind Lozano’s premises, joined by Lionel Rhamdas, who emerged from in front of the premises with his gun in hand.

Lisel Alamilla calls cops on alcaldes, TAA claims
Up to press time tonight, the Government of Belize has not reacted to a statement issued by the Toledo Alcaldes Association (TAA), claiming that alcaldes who had gone to the office of the Toledo Maya Land Rights Commission, led by former minister Lisel Alamilla, were told to “Get off my premises!” and chased from the office when they showed up to attend a meeting earlier today. The TAA said that last week, the Commission had invited the alcaldes and other persons to a meeting scheduled for this morning. According to the TAA, the organization, the highest governing body of the Maya people, had met on Saturday, May 14, to discuss the invitation from the Commission to a single observer from the Steering Committee. “The general assembly of the TAA resolved that they be led by President Alfonso Cal to deliver the collective position of the traditional leaders in writing to the Chair of the Commission on Monday, May 16, 2016.

Smart Belize Hurricanes crowned NEBL champions
The third and decisive Game 3 of the NEBL finals was played on Friday night at the Belize Elementary School gymnasium in Belize City. The massive crowd that was in attendance was a testament to the significance of the game and the fanfare that enveloped this season. The intensity in the gym was palpable from tip-off, as the two-time defending champions, San Pedro Tiger Sharks jumped out to an early 15-10 lead, which was narrowed to 24-22 at the end of the first quarter. At intermission, the visiting squad was still holding on to a marginal 47-45 lead; and mid-way through the third quarter, Smart Belize Hurricanes took a 60-58 lead, which they increased to 4 points, 72-68, at the end of the third.

WW Cashew Fest Race 2016 results
Here are the results from Weekend Warrior (WW) Cashew Fest Race held yesterday from Leslie’s Imports to Mile 33, Philip Goldson Hwy, via Boom Road and back to Crooked Tree Junction, for 48 miles. The race started at 10:05 a.m. Top finishers in Category “A/B” – 1st place Warren Coye (Santino’s, 2:04:10); 2nd Preston Martinez (Megabytes, st); 3rd Isaiah Willacey (FT Williams, st); 4th Colin Maheia (FT Williams, st); 5th Kent Gabourel, Jr. (Megabytes, st); 6th Daniel Cano (Santino’s, st); 7th Mark Gentle (FT Williams, 2:06:08); 8th Santino Castillo (Santino’s, 1st “B”); 9th Wilbert Jones (Megabytes); 10th Steven Robinson (Caribbean Tires, 2nd “B”); 11th Francis Cassasola (Santino’s, 3rd “B”); 12th Ernest Olivera (FT Williams, 4th “B”); 13th Barney Brown (Scotiabank); 14th Mark Reid (Santino’s, 5th “B”); 15th Vallan Symns (Megabytes); 16th Dean Belisle (Smart); 17th Kareem Flowers (Santino’s); 18th Gilroy Robinson (Santino’s); 19th Andrew Brown (Megabytes); 20th Kenny Gooding (FT Williams); 21st Arden Garay (BFSC – El Pescador); 22nd Ian Abraham (Smart); and 23rd Joe McKoy (Caribbean Tires). One rider did not finish.

Attention: Belizean Americans
We do not believe that the Republican Party nominee, Donald Trump, will be elected President of the United States in November this year, but the mere fact that a Trump presidency is even a possibility should become a kind of wake up call for Belizean Americans. The United States of America has been a godsend for Belizeans for about a century. In the early part of the twentieth century, dark-skinned British Hondurans tried to reach New York City and Chicago, slavery having been abolished by the U.S. following their civil war of 1861-1865. British Hondurans who could pass for white mostly headed for New Orleans, which was the first American port of call once you left Belize by sailing ship in the old days. The racist American quota system controlled the immigration into the U.S. from the black British Caribbean, and favored immigration from the Latin Central American republics. But Belize had a land bridge to the United States through Mexico, and once workingclass Belizeans reached the border between the U.S. and Mexico we could enter the United States posing as black Americans who had been partying in Mexico border cities. Constitutionally, British Honduras was black British Caribbean, but the land bridge to America through Mexico made us unique.

From the Publisher
I’ve asked a senior member of the newspaper’s staff to help me begin research into a sensational incident which took place on the Hummingbird Highway in early 1998. Through this medium, I am also now requesting that you readers help us in this research. Now that our neighbors in the west and south are forcing Belize to militarize our society and to become conscious of matters military on a daily basis, it seems to me that the Hummingbird Highway incident of 1998 may have seen Belize’s first military casualty/martyr in the framework of Guatemalan aggression. One Saturday morning, and I believe it was a holiday weekend of some kind, armed Guatemalan(?) bandits locked off a section of the Hummingbird Highway which they had chosen with strategic precision. Every vehicle which entered that section of the highway was held up and its occupants systematically robbed of money, jewelry, phones, and all valuables. (Cell phones already existed in Belize, though they were not as common as they are today.) The bandits, and they displayed a substantial amount of military training and discipline, controlled that area for an hour and a half to two hours, if I remember correctly. Everything coming south from the direction of Belmopan and moving north from the direction of Dangriga and Punta Gorda was gobbled up inside this militarily controlled piece of highway.

ICJ, it’s not a simple Yes or No
One of these days Belize and Guatemala may very well end up before the court. But, right now, tensions over the Guatemalan military’s recent aggressions and Guatemala’s propaganda war make it understandably difficult to support going to the ICJ at this juncture. Guatemala is not acting responsibly nor giving any indication whatsoever that it intends to respect an ICJ ruling that it may very well find to be unfavorable. Instead, it has been flexing its military muscle which is admittedly intimidating and more sophisticated compared to that of Belize and has been ramping up its belligerent rhetoric, painting Belize as the aggressor and brazenly making accusations of human rights violations against Belize. Most Belizeans believe that we have a strong case based on the 1859 Treaty that recognized British sovereignty over our territory. This is what makes the most recent Guatemalan encroachments and blatant disregard for international norms so infuriating and tiresome. An ICJ ruling in Belize’s favor based on this treaty would certainly be a welcomed endorsement and affirmation of the illegitimacy of Guatemala’s territorial claim. But, the court does not enforce its rulings. Therefore, Belizeans must be prepared themselves to defend and stand up in peaceful solidarity against Guatemala’s bullying. We cannot simply rely on a court ruling. It is therefore not illogical to celebrate the 1859 Treaty and point to it as evidence of the righteousness of patriotic Belizean activism, while refusing to expend limited resources, for what, at best, given the immediate set of circumstances, would be tantamount to another paper win.

The betrayal of BAM
It is sad, though not surprising, how the leaders of the ruling UDP have chosen to mark what is the thirtieth anniversary of the Heads of Agreement uprising and the political independence of Belize. Both events took place in 1981, the uprising in late March and early April, and our independence on September 21. The UDP have chosen to ignore the rebellion against the Heads of Agreement by the people of Belize, and concentrate everything on independence. This, to our mind, constitutes a betrayal of the Belize Action Movement (BAM). The BAM leaders were Odinga Lumumba, Wilfredo “Shubu” Brown, Rodwell Pinks, Kenworth Tillett, Sam Rhaburn, and Leroy Panting. The unlikely star of the uprising was a Belize Technical College student by the name of Soccorro Bobadilla. A few years ago, Soccorro disappeared on the way from Los Angeles through Texas to Belize by road, and she has not been heard from since. Lumumba, Brown and Pinks are deceased. Leroy Panting is in the United States. Kenworth Tillett is employed with the ruling UDP. Sam Rhaburn is an accountant who was elected a UDP area representative for Belize Rural North in 1984, and again in 1989. In 1991, he joined Hon. Philip Goldson’s NABR group, but soon returned to the UDP. Rhaburn was a Cabinet Minister in the 1984–1989 UDP administration.

Sarstoon-Temash National Park subject to military incursions by GAF
Spanning 41,000 acres in the south-eastern tip of Belize, the Sarstoon-Temash National Park was established in March 1994 under the hand of then Natural Resources Minister Eduardo “Dito” Juan, with the southern edge of the park running right along Belize’s international border with Guatemala. Amandala has been able to confirm from official sources, as well as the legislation itself, that the national park actually includes Sarstoon Island. There was one amendment to the law in 2000, when then Natural Resources Minister John Briceño, who is now the Opposition Leader, de-reserved about 40 acres between Boom Creek and Barranco, near the mouth of the Temash River. Briceño told us today that there was never any intention to exclude Sarstoon Island from the national park. The revelation is noteworthy in the face of Guatemala’s assertion that it would exercise sovereignty over the entire Sarstoon. In fact, we have recently reported that Belizean military, as well as conservationists working with the Sarstoon-Temash Institute for Indigenous Management, (SATIIM) have recently been blocked from entering the park. The Belize military was impeded by the Guatemalan military, but it was the BDF which reportedly stopped SATIIM.

BNTU backed by BPP and PUP in Teachers’ Day protest
The Belize National Teachers’ Union (BNTU) militantly marched through the streets of Belize City today. The usual festivities of Teachers’ Day were replaced by defiance and demonstration as hundreds of teachers, backed by the Belize Progressive Party (BPP) and the Opposition PUP, marched through the streets to express their objection to the government’s recently imposed “Sarstoon Law.” One of the main messages of the march was that the “Sarstoon Law,” which was passed to prevent the Belize Territorial Volunteers (BTV) and other like-minded groups and individuals from their expeditions to the Sarstoon River, infringes on our right to freedom of movement in our own country and it has been one of the most controversial and unacceptable laws passed by the current Barrow administration. The prevailing sentiment among today’s protesters is that the Government of Belize should immediately rescind the “Sarstoon Law.” That sentiment was coherently expressed after protesters gathered at the BTL Park, where community activists such as Wil Maheia, Mose Hyde, Audrey Matura and other union leaders surgically slammed into the “Sarstoon Law” using numerous lines of reasoning and forceful rhetoric.

The Reporter

Belizean government ministers arrive in Taiwan for official presidential swearing-in ceremony
Arriving in Taipei Taiwan on Wednesday were Belize’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture, Gaspar Vega and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Wilfred ‘Sedi’ Elrington, for the official swearing-in on Friday of Taiwan’s first female President, Tsai Ing-wen. The senior ministers were greeted by a Taiwanese delegation upon their disembarkation from the China Airways airbus and ushered to the VIP lounge for a private meeting. They are among several others government and diplomatic officials from 38 countries around the world who were invited by the Taiwanese government to witness the historic event. Journalists who were also invited to cover the swearing-in, started arriving on Wednesday and will remain for a series of official receptions and tours at various tourist destinations as part of a week-long itinerary.

Breaking Belize News

Fatal traffic accident on the Philip Goldson Highway claims 1 life
A late traffic accident on the Philip Goldson Highway has claimed the life of 49 year-old Richard Orellana. The accident occurred on the outskirts of Carmelita Village in the Orange Walk District. According to information received, Orellana was on his way to Orange Walk […]

DOE to hold cleanup campaign on Saturday
A press release issued by the Department of the Environment (DOE) earlier today, invites the general public, as well as the media, to participate in this year’s “Walk for A Green Belize” cleanup. Last year’s cleanup was very successful, yielding a total of 16,541 […]

Cabinet calls halt to Help for Progress refugee program
Cabinet has recommended that NGO Help for Progress “cease and desist” from processing applications for refugee status considerations, and that such applications must be redirected to the newly formed Refugee Eligibility Committee. This follows a finding that the organization had and has no legal standing […]

BTB monitoring Zika
The Ministry of Health is conducting surveillance following the confirmation of the first case of Zika in the country. Other sectors are also monitoring the issue. Today the Belize Tourism Board issued a press release that educated more on the virus and what measures can […]

Warm weather conditions continue
Gusty southeasterly airflow will maintain mainly fair and warm weather the next couple days. The National Meteorological Service of Belize is predicting mostly sunny skies during the day time and partly cloudy skies tonight with showers being generally isolated. Only a few showers can be […]

Orlando Habet calls out government dictatorship
A recent complaint from the duly elected Area Representative of Cayo North East, PUP’s Orlando Habet, brings to light many of the deficiencies of this authoritarian, winner takes all government that Belizean people have allowed to continue. Habet complains that he visited the Lands Department office in his area to […]

Pair charged for illegal firearm, ammunition and vest in Dangriga
At around 8:00 last night in the Monument Site area of Dangriga, police’s Special Branch Tactical Response Squad searched the residence of Anna Garcia and found several illegal items. Present during the search were Garcia, 32, and Angel Hernandez, 57, who were both charged […]

Meso-American Reef System leadership program seeks new members
If you have ideas for a “Blue Economy,” you can become a member of the 2016 class of Meso-American Reef Leadership Program. Co-sponsored by the Mexican Fund for the Conservation of Nature, the program is seeking 12 to 14 persons from different sectors to address […]

Blogs

10 Resorts in Belize Where You are Most Likely to Mingle With the Rich & the Famous
I am totally celebrity crazed. I check TMZ.com a few times a week, I love to read US Weekly on my Kindle and I really enjoy Keeping Up with The Kardashian. It’s my thing! Don’t judge! We know that Belize is a vacation hotspot. And in recent years, it’s becoming a hotspot for celebrities. During the Christmas and winter season, there were constant rumors of celebs on Ambergris Caye… It makes me crazy…in a good way. I LONG to be a representative of TMZ in Belize…sigh. What fun that would be. SO, if you want to stay at the spots in Belize that host the rich & the famous, here’s my handbook on those hot spots. AND the celebrities that I know have stayed there. I bet there are many many more that I do not know. Please let me know!!! AND, I am currently collecting funds that will buy a TURBO telescope to spy on Blackadore Caye (Leo’s island) once it is up and running I will also accidentally wash ashore there by stand up paddle board. But that’s not for a few more years. Until then…

GRAND CARIBE BELIZE HONORS OUR MOTHERS!
Our mothers at Grand Caribe Belize not only carry out their daily motherly duties, but they serve as providers as well to their homes. Our mothers are champions! They work tirelessly to assure that their professional jobs are done to the best of their abilities, and then go home to their children, husbands, and household to start their other full time job. Grand Caribe Belize, last Thursday honored the many mothers that make up our staff in the form of a luncheon. Complete with soothing music, our 26 mothers enjoyed a hearty meal of baked turkey, stewed chicken, rice & beans, stuffing, cranberry and potato salad. For dessert, our accountant and a mother herself, Ms. Anna provided some delicious cupcakes complete with caramel frosting and drizzled with colorful sprinkles. As the mothers dined, it provided for the perfect opportunity for chit chat while interacting in a rather casual manner as our gentlemen from maintenance catered to their needs.

A Mural Tour in San Ignacio
San Ignacio has always been a hub for tourists interested in exploring Western Belize, however, through the years, the town has gained a new appreciation for street art, which in its own right, should be a good reason to visit. Take, for example, the mural above that welcomes everyone to San Ignacio. This art is at the center of town and is part of the San Ignacio Police Station’s façade. Renowned local artist Pedro Cruz painted the Mural with assistance from his daughter, Chelsea. The mural pays tribute to San Ignacio by showcasing various historic depictions, Maya emblems, and Belizean wildlife. Next to the Police Station, on the historic Hawksworth Bridge, you can find a less conspicuous piece of art, which is actually my personal favorite. The toucan is the national bird of Belize and can be easily spotted throughout San Ignacio. If you don’t believe me, visit the San Ignacio Hotel or the Cahal Pech Maya Ruins, preferably during the mornings.

Don’t Worry—Be Happy (and Healthy)—by Moving to Belize!
Are you seeking a happier, healthier life? If your pursuit of both haven’t yielded the result you long for, we have your three-word solution: move to Belize. Residents come from all over North America–particularly areas that don’t offer much in the way of sun, affordability and lifestyle options. Can you live a happier, healthier life in Belize? It’s going to be up to you to provide the happy part, but you would have to work hard not to enjoy a healthier standard of living in this Caribbean paradise, and these incentives prove it: Even during the rainy season, the sun pops in and out, spreading myriad benefits in its wake. Sun combats Seasonal Affective Disorder, mood changes that leave one feeling blue even when life is terrific. Sun helps the body absorb vitamin D, benefitting your bones and energy levels. Just imagine the sunshine you will spread by donating your hats, coats, gloves and boots to charitable organizations.

International Sources

Maroon 5 Members Speak Out On Illegal Logging After Rainforest Trip
Members of Maroon 5 and Guster, who traveled last year to the Guatemalan rain forest, are featured in a new documentary on illegal logging of the hard woods used to create musical instruments. The project also explores sustainable sources for wood. The 20-minute film, Instruments of Change: Lessons from the Rainforest, premieres tonight (May 17) at the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles.

Evergreen E-Pay Solutions Inc. sues Visa and three Belize banks owned by Lord Michael Ashcroft for billions in damages
Florida-based Evergreen E-Pay Solutions charges it has incurred billions of dollars in damages in a newly filed federal lawsuit against Visa Inc., as well as three Belize banks in which UK businessman Lord Michael Ashcroft, recently implicated in the Panama Papers scandal, is a majority shareholder. Evergreen E-Pay Solutions, an e-commerce payment processing company headquartered in Palm Coast, is claiming it was improperly terminated by the banks under pressure from Visa, which was allowing the banks to process international transactions without proper licensing, while turning a blind eye to some 800,000 Visa sales transactions fraudulently miscoded by defendant banks, processed by Credomatic International Corp. through VisaNet and settled through a Miami correspondent bank. The lawsuit contains 21 damage claims, including deceptive and unfair trade practices, fraud, breach of contract, negligence, aiding and abetting, and business defamation. The lawsuit (1:16-cv-21695), filed in U.S. District Court in Miami, names defendants including: Visa, Inc., Visa International Service Association, Inc. Caribbean Investment Holdings LTD., BCB Holding, LTD, British Caribbean Bank International LTD, Belize Bank, LTD, Belize Bank international, LTD, Credomatic International Corp. and three bank officers.

Venezuela's Collapse And The Risks For Emerging Markets
Chavez's XXI Century Socialism has failed and (sadly) has Venezuela on the brink of one of the major humanitarian crisis in the region. There it goes another lost decade for a Latin American country. Between 2004 and 2008, Venezuela experienced an economic miracle. Its economy grew 10% on average every year, while GDP per capita expanded by 26%. Now Venezuela is going backwards. By 2018, the country will reach the GDP seen in 2005, but with a population 6 million (20% larger). GDP per capita will fall to 2000 levels by 2018, as if 18 years had never occurred for the economy. Recent events have shown how complicated the economic situation is. President Nicolas Maduro declared last week a 60-day state of emergency due to what he called plots from the opposition and the United States to topple his government: "Washington is activating measures at the request of Venezuela's fascist right, who are emboldened by the coup in Brazil," Maduro said. Mobs have stolen flour, chicken and even underwear this week as looting increases across the nation where many basic products have run short and prices have gone up and are by far the highest in the region.

THE IMPORTANCE OF DEVELOPING A CARIBBEAN JURISPRUDENCE
Perhaps the most compelling argument for all Caribbean countries to accede to the Appellate Jurisdiction of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) is to establish and develop a Caribbean jurisprudence. The term jurisprudence has evolved over the years with varying meanings. In the present context, jurisprudence refers to the science of law which ascertains the principles upon which legal rules are to be determined and settles the manner in which new or doubtful rules should be treated. Whilst a number of laws are settled laws which are either established by constitutional provisions, legislation or by case decisions, there will always be new situations which will tax judicial discretion and reasoning to a maximum. In such situations, all the cultural and sociological experiences of judges will in fact have tremendous influences on their decisions. It seems therefore that Caribbean judges would be ideally suited to settle any new and doubtful Caribbean issue. At the present time a number of Caribbean countries, including Grenada, although participating in the Original Jurisdiction of the CCJ, have yet to accede to its Appellate Jurisdiction and so enable the replacement of the Privy Council as their final court of appeal. As long as this situation remains, the growth of Caribbean jurisprudence will remain stultified to the detriment of Caribbean people. It is posited that the original concept of the Privy Council has become outmoded. Since the Norman conquest of England by William the Conqueror in 1066 AD the King was recognized as the fountain of justice throughout the Dominions and exercised jurisdiction by way of his Council or “Curia Regis” which sat in an advisory capacity to the Crown.

President Enrique Peña Nieto proposed that same-sex marriage be legalised in Mexico
Following a progressive move in the country toward marriage equality. Mr Peña Nieto announced his proposal at a Tuesday event marking the national day against homophobia. After meeting with LGBTI groups, he said, the president said he signed initiatives that would secure marriage equality in the Mexican Constitution.

Call for emergency meeting: Translated by Sarstoon Territorial Volunteers
"Presidents and representatives of the Congress of El Salvador, Honduras, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Guatemala and Belize, have confirmed their presence in Managua on May 19 for an emergency meeting of the Forum of Presidents of Legislative Bodies of Central America and the Caribbean basin FOPREL, to seek a diplomatic solution to a border dispute between Guatemala and Belize.The Executive Secretary of this regional body, Santiago Rivas Leclair said Tuesday that the presence of these countries, there will be quorum to listen to the two Central American parties points and avoid any armed conflict.Leclair said to have faith in God that this meeting will reach an agreement, and that a message of peace is sent to executives and foreign ministers of Guatemala and Belize. "Both President Jimmy Morales of Guatemala, and Belize Prime Minister Dean Barrow.He explained that Guatemala confirmed its presence by the president of Congress, Congressman Mario Taracena Belize and President of the House of Representatives, Michael Peyrefitte.For Nicaragua, President of the National Assembly, Rene Nunez Tellez engineer, will host and witness of the agreements that are reached in this extraordinary meeting of FOPREL number 18.On 5 May President Nunez Tellez, was visited by the head of FOPREL, deputy Mario Taracena Diaz and Executive Secretary of this regional organization, Dr. Santiago Rivas Leclair, to arrange the holding of this meeting in order to promote peace between Guatemala and Belize, both members of the forum."

Videos

International Day Against Homophobia, 2min. Transphobia and Biphobia: Human Rights for all!

BELIZE, 4min.

MESSING AROUND WITH SHARKS in Belize 2016 - Holiday Vlog#1, 3.5min. A good friend and I went to Mexico early this year. After two nights in Tulum we had to move on to Dangriga (Belize) to take the boat heading for Glover´s Atoll. I had a Shark bite (1:20) but this little rascal got away ;-).

HelpAge Belize Pays Tribute to an Icon, 7min. Jane Usher has led an extraordinary and exemplary life. Over the years she has touched so many lives through her involvement in community affairs, politics and the credit union movement. Like her iconic brother, George Price, Miss Jane, has lived her life striking a balance between her beloved family of ten children with her work and at the same time always upholding Christian values. At the age of ninety-eight, she has travelled many roads and crossed many bridges, but it is her deep sense of service to others that motivates her existence. This past weekend, HelpAge Belize paid homage to the woman who is regarded as the oldest C.E.O. who still reports to work every day. For that occasion, Duane Moody and Rick Romero produced a documentary of her life and tonight we share highlights of her story.

Belize Audubon Society Activities 19, 4.5min.

Belize, Caye Caulker Jan 2016, 3.5min.

BUCEO EN BLUE HOLE BELIZE. DIVE IN BELIZE BLUE HOLE, 7min. DIVING IN BLUE HOLE.

Brooke Burke in Belize, 3min. Brooke swimming in Belize.

Diving in Belize, 2.5min. Ramon's Village Divers at Mermaid's Lair and Tres Cocos. April 24th, 2016. Music by Donna The Buffalo.

Belize Audubon Society Activities 20, 4.5min.

Blazing Saddles 2016 - Mexico and Belize, 4min. Cycling from Cancun to Quito.

AMBERGRIS BELIZE, 3.5min. BUCEO EN EN BELIZE DIVE IN BELIZE.

Shark and Ray Alley Belize, 4min. Nurse sharks and Atlantic stingrays in Caye Caulker.

Teachers rally with fury in Belize City, 6.5min.

May 17, 2016

San Pedro Water interruption 10am today til 2am Wednesday

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 Truck Stop’s Farm-tastic Market
Farm fresh is definitely the way to go, and after a successful first-ever Farmers Market, The Truck Stop is doing it again. Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 21st, as all your favourite local vendors are coming to San Pedro once again to bring you the best of the best in produce, spices, plants and more. The upcoming event promises to bring even more unique products to the island! Scheduled to take place on Saturday, May 21st from noon to 2PM, the farmers Market is happening at The Truck Stop, located one mile north of Sir Barry Bowen Bridge. From fresh artisanal breads from Home Baked Breads to spices galore from Ricky’s Spice Shack, and even a variety of cheeses and cured meats from Belmopan’s Farm House Deli, you are sure to find it all at The Truck Stop’s Farmers Market.

Misc Belizean Sources

Bilateral Talks to Commence on Sarstoon Protocol
The Government of Belize announces that talks between Belize and Guatemala over a cooperation mechanism for the Sarstoon River, will take place on Saturday, May 21st 2016. The talks are to be held in Istanbul, Turkey where Belize Foreign Minister Hon. Wilfred Elrington will travel following his attendance at the Taipei inauguration ceremonies for the new President of Taiwan. For the talks, Minister Elrington will head a delegation that will include Ambassador H.E. Alexis Rosado. The Opposition People's United Party has been invited to name a representative to join the Belize delegation. Guatemala's delegation is expected to be led by its Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carlos Raul Morales. The commitment of both Guatemala and Belize to find a way forward regarding the Sarstoon, was given to the Organization of American States (OAS) at the meeting convened between the two sides in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, May 4, 2016 by OAS Secretary General Luis Almagro.

SPTC donates a golf cart to the Dr. Otto Rodriguez Polyclinic II
On Friday, May 13, 2016, The San Pedro Town Council donated a golf cart to the Dr. Otto Rodriguez Polyclinic II. On site to receive the donation was Health Inspector for San Pedro Town, Mr. Harris Patten. Mr. Patten expressed that the golf cart will be of great use to him since he carries many inspections throughout the week, and this will help him out on his daily tasks.

Belize Confirms First Case of Zika
The Ministry of Health confirms the first Zika case documented in Belize. The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) has returned the results of samples sent to their laboratory from a heightened surveillance being carried out across the country. Of the samples sent to CARPHA thus far, one positive result was received last week. An immediate investigation was launched and several actions were simultaneously initiated to minimize and contain a potential outbreak. The investigation continues, and the Zika Plan is being followed in light of this case which is from Belize City. The patient is a Belizean national.

VACANCY for Store Manager at Top Notch
Seeking assistant manager

Global Big Day de eBird
More than 220 bird observers in Central America collaborated last Saturday in the #GlobalBigDay de eBird, and more than 14,800 in the world. Here are a few photos from my Big Day effort, in Cayo District, Belize, where I logged 158 species and reported them in eBird.org.

Crooked Tree Village - Cashew Festival 2016
A weekend filled with village-bliss...

Channel 7

Alleged Guatemalan Military Officers, Come Into Belize and Detain Mennonite Farmer
For weeks now we've been reporting on close encounters with the Guatemalan Armed Forces - mostly along Belize's southern border - the Sarstoon. But, out in the Cayo District, near the Green Hills Area, west of Spanish Lookout, there was a very scary encounter with men appearing to be Guatemalan soldiers working along with conservation NGO's from that country. They basically abducted Mennonite Farmer Roger Plett from the Belize side of the border, took him over the Guatemala and tied him up. The issue was a massive forest fire in the Peten area of Guatemala - which the Guatemalans said were caused by the Mennonite farmers on the Belize side. The Mennonites say they've got it wrong - and that they were only out there with a tractor and bulldozer trying to cut fire lines to keep the Guatemalan forest fire from coming over into their land. On Thursday afternoon, that led to a border showdown where it seems all rules of cross border engagement were broken. Today in Spanish Lookout, Roger Plett and his co-worker Manuel Ayala gave the breakdown:

Guatemalan Gold Panners Detained Inside Chiquibul; BDF Shot One Of Them To Elbow
And while that happened on Thursday inside Guatemala, this weekend in the Chiquibul, there was another confrontation with Guatemalan civilians which led to a shooting, a non-fatal one in this case. They were gold-panning in Belizean territory, which as viewers know, is illegal, and it led to a shooting. This time it was non-fatal - but once again, Belize and Guatemala completely disagree on whether the use of force was appropriate or not. Those 3 men were arrested and charged by Belize police, and they were arraigned today in San Ignacio. We'll get to that, but first, we start with the incident itself which led to the shooting. The official Belize version went out this weekend, 21 hours after this incident. According to the National Security Ministry on Friday evening, May 13, at around 7:45 p.m., a joint patrol, consisting of officers from the BDF, the Police, and rangers from the Friends for Conservation and Development, encountered 10 to 15 Guatemalans engaged in illegal gold mining. They were in the Ceibo Chico area of the Chiquibul, about 7.9 kilometers east of the Belize Guatemala Border, which meant that they were in Belizean territory.

Talks In Turkey: There Will Be Sarstoon Negotiations
So, will this weekend's Chiquibul shooting cause any difficulties for the negotiations between Belize and Guatemala? As you are aware, the Governments of both countries have been engaged in talks about a peace keeping protocol for the Sarstoon River. Well, tonight, we can finally report that there is meaningful progress. In a midday press release, Government announced that talks between both countries for a Sarstoon agreement will take place on this coming Saturday, May 21. They will be held in Istanbul, Turkey, where Elrington will be travelling, after he attends the Inauguration ceremonies for the new President of Taiwan. Ambassador Alexis Rosado, and who ever the Leader of the Opposition names as his representative, most likely Eamon Courtenay will represent him. Guatemala's Foreign Minister, Carlos Raul Morales, is expected to head his country's delegation. Today's release also stressed the commitment that both countries gave to the OAS Secretary General in the Washington meetings which happened 2 weeks ago May 4. That comment is to, quote, "find a way forward regarding the Sarstoon", end quote, which will "eliminate the military tension at the Sarstoon created by the maintenance of the respective positions of Belize and Guatemala regarding rights over the river…"

ZIKA Confirmed in Belize
Belize is officially NOT Zika free anymore: the Ministry of Health has confirmed the first case of Zika. In a release it states "…Of the samples sent to CARPHA thus far, one positive result was received last week". This sample was taken from a Belize City woman who went to the KHMH with flu symptoms. She was released after the sample was taken. This evening when we spoke to Director of Health Services Dr. Marvin Manzanero, he told us that they are not sure how the woman got Zika because she didn't travel anywhere recently or before she got sick so, they are trying to establish all the links in this case. Manzanero told us that there are no outbreaks in the city near to where the woman lives. He told us that the woman has left the country but that she and her family were notified about the results. Manzanero stresses that the Ministry will continue to do their community clean ups, their country wide heightened surveillance and their investigation into this first Zika case.

Mayhem In Ladyville: Three Injured, One Dead, 20 Shots Fired
One man is dead and 3 others are injured after a wild weekend shootout in Ladyville - where almost two dozen shots were fired. It happened early Saturday morning just after midnight. 23 year old Casey Lozano along with 3 others were hanging outside the Lozano family home when 3 gunmen appeared out of the bushed and opened fire on them. One of the men from the Lozano crew shot back and it's during that exchange of fire that one of the 3 attackers - 21 year old Lionel Rhamdas - was shot and killed. Courtney Weatherburne went to Ladyville and got the full overview of what led to this fatal shooting. The Japan area of Ladyville has become a danger zone after the well-known street figure Rene "Fat Cat" Chavarria was murdered in March. Chavarria was shot and killed on Friday March 18th. He was heading home when 2 men shot at him on Marage Road. He ran off but his attackers followed him and finished him off with 3 shots. Then, about 3 weeks after Chavarria's execution, 18 year old Merkel Pitts was murdered on that same Marage Road.

11 Girls Escape Hostel, 8 Recaptured
Right now police officers in the West are on high alert for 3 of 11 girls who escaped from the Youth Hostel yesterday. Throughout the day, Youth Hostel personnel and the police were able to find 8 of the girls so far. This evening 4 were found in Benque and another 4 were found in Belmopan. Today we spoke to the Deputy Director of the Community Rehabilitation Department over the phone and she explained how the girls escaped on Sunday evening. Maureen Williams, Dep. Dir., Community Rehab. Dept.: "My understanding of the whole situation is that the children were in their building. Usually at that time in the evening, they are in their building, they are getting ready to take their baths and getting ready for the night." Courtney Weatherburne: "This is what time?" Maureen Williams, Dep. Dir., Community Rehab. Dept.: "Shortly before 6pm, about 5:45pm. They had already eaten and they were getting ready to bed down essentially for the night. For some reason the door was unlocked and they left. My understanding is that they were around the compound, 3 of them went over the fence and the rest of them went through the gate. That is my understanding. The gate was unlock. It wasn't open, but it was unlock and you are right, that is against protocols. Because for us the gate should have been locked, but for whatever reason that did not happened."

Police Constable Remanded For Molesting Eight Year Old
Tonight, 21 year-old Police Constable Darren Martinez, attached to Police Precinct 1 in Belize City, is at the Belize Central Prison. That's after he was taken to the Magistrates Court for an allegation of sexual molestation on an 8 year-old child. The allegation dates back to February 21, 2016, and the parents and the 8 year-old female victim reported to police that Martinez fondled her. After investigating the charge, police arrested and charge Martinez with the newly created offence of sexual assault of a child under the age of 16. When Martinez was arraigned before Magistrate Deborah Rogers, the prosecutor objected to bail. He argued that although the offence does not fall under the Criminal Justice Act which is an auto-remand, these sort of offences have become prevalent and it is of a serious nature. Martinez's attorney, Oswald Twist, responded by submitting that bail is a right, and not a privilege of the accused. He added that Martinez is not a flight risk, and that he is to be presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Alleged Cop Shooters To Court
Last week Southside Commander Chester Williams came under fire as he pursued a pickup truck involved in a city shooting. It was a daring decision and it almost cost ACP Williams his life. Fortunately the gunman missed him and police still caught the vehicle, a black Mazda pickup. Today the three men who were found inside that vehicle- 23 year old Devon Sankey, 21 year old Justin Hyde, and 44 year old Larry Wright- were all taken to court and read charges of use of deadly means of harm. That was for the shooting of Mark Vernon which is the shooting Williams was responding to. The fourth individual 19 year old Zacharia Knox, who allegedly shot at Commander Williams, did not appear in court today, however he is also expected to be charged jointly with the other three men for deadly means of harm. Knox is also expected to be charged separately for the attempted murder of Chester Williams.

Fuss Over Fiestarama Figures In Orange Walk
The annual Orange Walk Fiesta Rama is one of the biggest events in the North. For 2 days straight the streets of Orange Walk are flooded with hundreds of people who partake in the event. This year's Firestarama is still in its planning stage, but even now, two months before the actual date, trouble already seems to be brewing. Late last week, the Mayor of Orange Walk made an impassioned facebook post criticizing the Sports Council for wanting to charge them a fee of $3,000 dollars for use of the People's stadium- the venue for the annual fiesta rama. Today we asked the Director of the National Sports Council Ritchel Dominguez about it: Ritchel Dominguez, Director - Sports Council: "What happen is that we have a little problem there, because what happen is that after the fair was done the rides are stayed there for almost 2 weeks and they have been used every night and that's more currant being incurred. But what happened at this time we will be inviting the mayor to come on board and speak to me and see where we can come to an agreement. After the fair is done that the rides can leave because if they stay another 2 weeks, that's more electricity being incur on the sports council bill and they walk away from the fair and leave the rides there and then we are the one in task in paying the bills after they are gone. I think it's just fair that if you are going to use the place and have these expenses after they are gone, it's just fitting for them to foot the bills for these things."

Music Week Makes Sense
Today, NICH along with the office of the Music Ambassador declared Music Week open. The idea is that from May 16th to May 22nd, Belizean artists will be promoted through various means. The week's schedule is packed with live performances and open music business seminars which will be facilitated by Beltraide. The launch of Music week 2016 was done at the lounge of the Bliss Centre this morning and we stopped by to find out more: According to Barrow, the vice president of Def Jam records will also be in the country on Thursday to scout musical talent in Belize. The event this week was also used as a springboard for the biggest musical events in the country; that is the National Song Competition and the Belize Jazz Festival which are set for August.

Quarrel Over Wife Leads To Ice Pick Stabbing
A man was stabbed with an ice pick at a bar in Ladyville. Early Saturday morning around 1:38, 30 year old Brandon Stevens was hanging out at Ruba's Bar when he got into an altercation with 25 year old Steven Young. Court details say that Brandon Stevens reported to police that he went to the bar and saw his common-law wife with 4 men. He said that he asked her for the house key, that's when Young reportedly remarked that some men don't know how to treat their women. Young then allegedly grabbed an ice pick and stabbed Stevens in the chest - puncturing his lungs. Fortunately he survived and is receiving treatment at the hospital. Police told us today how they chased and detained Young after he ran off from the scene. ASP Juanito Cocom, OC - Ladyville Police: "Investigation reveals that Stevens was socializing at Ruba's Bar when he got into an altercation with one Steven Young, a twenty-five year old unemployed of Allan Pitts Crescent. During the altercation, Young stabbed Stevens to the chest with an ice pick and fled the scene onboard a white Ford Ranger pickup which was later intercepted by another team from the Ladyville police station. The scene was visited and processed, Steven Young was detained and the suspected weapon was recovered. We don't have any motive. We only were made to understand that they had a misunderstanding, but we don't know what the misunderstanding was over."

Toledo Alcalde's Vs. Lisel Alamilla
Last week, we told you how the Toledo Alcalde's Association complained about the DPP's Office for multiples adjournments of the criminal case against the Santa Cruz 13, now the Santa Cruz 11. Well tonight, they're complaining about Lisel Alamilla, the government appointed Chair of the Toledo Maya Land Rights Commission. The Maya Land Rights Commission is the body set up by the Government to implement the CCJ judgment on communal land rights for the 39 Mayan villages in the south. Commission Chair Lisel Alamilla was scheduled to meet with representatives of 9 of the villages today along with a member of the Maya Steering Committee. Now, according to the TAA this steering committee is made up of 21 persons who were chosen through a democratic process to represent all the villages in negotiations with the Government.

Does Shyne Still Have Hopes For Mesop?
Shyne Barrow wants to go from rapper to representative and in November, 2015 he declared his intentions to become his uncle Michael Finnegan's successor in Mesop. That's after rumors began to surface that the 6 term Mesopotamia Representative Michael Finnegan would be retiring. But when we asked Finnegan again in April, he told us not to count him out just yet. So now where does that leave political hopeful Shyne Barrow? Today we asked him just that. Emanuel Pech: "You have in a way risk your movement in Mesopotamia due to the fact that he is indecisive." Shyne Barrow: "Not at all. I'm in the division a few times a week and I hold a clinic along with my uncle every Thursday at the Mesopotamia office. There is no need to call you the media in every week and every time I go to a house. Certainly my responsibility to the music industry has taken up a lot of my time and that's what you see me talking about."

CODICADER Coming Closer, Where's The Cash To Cover Costs?
The CODICADER games, which will be held in Belize this year, are just around the corner. The games are scheduled for July 6th to the 12th. Meanwhile the National Sports Council and the Ministry of Sports are still hosting primary school competitions to decide which schools will be participating in each of the 4 disciplines. Today we got an update from Director of the National Sports Council Ritchel Dominguez: According to the National Sports Council the projected budget to host the event in Belize is a whopping $800 thousand dollars. Government has committed to make a contribution, but no final figure has been mentioned. But, it won't be 800 grand, and that's why the National Sports Council is asking the business community to pitch in and make this event a success.

Hon. Wilfred Working On The Ground
If you live in or near Mahogany Street, which is on the border between the Lake Independence and Pickstock Constituencies, you'll know very well about the Samuel Haynes Institute for Excellence. It's a combination of a second chance opportunity, wrapped inside an after-school program which allows school children to take additional classes and get help with their homework. Well this weekend, the institute got a major upgrade. It came in the form of the Leigh Richardson Knowledge Center, a newly built extension of the Samuel Haynes facility, which is equipped top-of-the-line computers. It's is funded by the Japanese Government, and the Social Investment Fund. They opened it this weekend when Non-Resident Japanese Ambassador was in Belize. We attended the ceremony this weekend, and spoke with Pickstock Area Representative Wilfred Elrington:

Channel 5

Mennonite Farmer Detained, Kidnapped and Held by the Guatemalan Military
There is an incredible story coming out of the borderland between Belize and Guatemala behind Spanish Lookout. It involves allegations of kidnapping, assault and damage to property. Last Thursday, Mennonite [...]

A Fire on George Plett’s Farm Triggered Kidnapping of Mennonite Farmer
We break from Plettâ€™s mesmerizing account of his kidnapping to take you on the ground for some real time perspective. As we told you, the Plett farm lies on the [...]

Why Didn’t Police Believe Plett’s Story?
There’s plenty more to this story, including how Plett managed to make his way back, and also the matter of his bulldozer operator who was also detained by Guatemalans and [...]

O.A.S. says No Guatemalan Military was in the Area
Over the weekend News Five was able to reach a representative from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs via phone. He told us that they had been able to verify with [...]

3 Guatemalan Gold Panners are Caught in the Chiquibul by the B.D.F.
There’s another incident that happened late last week. A trio of Guatemalans panning for gold inside the Ceibo Chico area of the Chiquibul Forest Reserve has been arrested and charged [...]

Belize and Guatemala Foreign Ministers to Meet in Istanbul, Turkey
Finally, talks between Belize and Guatemala are to take place all the way in Istanbul, Turkey. Government announced today that protocols for the Sarstoon will be discussed at the Istanbul [...]

O.A.S. and Guatemala Foreign Minister on Tour over the Weekend
Over the weekend, several photos of at least three events were posted on the official Twitter and Facebook accounts of the Guatemalan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Guatemalan military. The [...]

Lionel Rhamdas Killed During Shootout in Ladyville
In the past two months, four persons have been killed in Ladyville, Belize District in gun violence that is attributed to ongoing gang rivalry. On Saturday night, Lionel Rhamdas was [...]

Several Resident Girls Escape from the Youth Hostel
In other news…the Princess Royal Youth Hostel is once again making headlines, following a daring breakout by eleven young ladies from the facility on Sunday evening. The institution is still [...]

Zika is Finally Confirmed in Belize
The first case of Zika has been confirmed in Belize and health officials are tonight trying to locate its origin. The results of samples sent to the Caribbean Public Health [...]

Man Stabbed to the Chest in Lord’s Bank
But there was also a stabbing in the Lord’s Bank community also in Ladyville, where thirty-year-old Brandon Stevens was stabbed to the chest following an altercation at a bar in [...]

Cop Remanded for Sexual Assault of an 8 Year-Old Girl
A police officer is in trouble with the law tonight, facing a minimum of twelve years to life imprisonment if found guilty of the act of a sexual assault upon [...]

3 Arraigned for Shooting in the City
Three of four persons are in custody tonight for a shoot-out last Thursday night in the City. The intended target was Mark Vernon, a city resident. But it led to [...]

Nurturing 21st Century Teachers Moving Forward
On the heels of a successful march last Friday as part of their campaign “Stand Up for Belize,” primary school teachers returned to Belize City today and were joined by [...]

An Update on Teachers Without Pedagogical Training
In early February, the Ministry of Education announced that upwards of a thousand teachers stand to lose their jobs in the coming academic year should they not obtain the requisite [...]

A Foiled Meeting of Toledo Maya Land Rights Commission
There’s friction tonight between the Toledo Maya Land Rights Commission, led by Chairlady Lisel Alamilla and the Toledo Alcalde Association. For perspective we start with a meeting on Saturday between [...]

The Leigh Richardson Knowledge Center is Officially Opened
“Breaking the Cycle of Poverty”—that’s the mission of a project funded through a loan from the Caribbean Development Bank under the Social Investment Fund Program and a grant from the [...]

The Official Launch of Belize Music Week
At the Bliss Institute for the Performing Arts this morning, Belize Music Week was officially launched. Musicians from throughout the country are taking part in a series of activities to [...]

Sports: Smart Belize Hurricanes Win 2016 NEBL Championship
Good evening, Iâ€™m James Adderley and this is Sports Monday. it was money time Friday night inside the BES Gym as the 2-time defending champions San Pedro Tiger Sharks [...]

CTV3

Three Guatemalans Detained For Illicit Gold Mining Inside Belize Territory
Tensions between Belize and Guatemala continue to flare following an incident that occurred late on Friday evening where one Guatemalan national was shot in the arm. The government of Belize was the first to issue a statement on the matter on Friday, and according to their report three Guatemalan men were detained by a joint patrol comprised of officers from the Belize Defense Force, the Police Department, and Friends for Conservation and Development, after being caught in the Chiquibul conducting illicit gold mining operations in the Ceibo Chico area. Reports indicate that the incident played out at around 7:45 in the evening when the group of about 10 – 15 Guatemalan nationals were caught approximately five miles east of the border. The three men detained were identified as 23 year old Carlos Roberto Perez Hernandez, 17 year old Edin Alexander Garcia and 21 year old Solomon Martinez Pasqual.

Minister Of Foreign Affairs Ask Local Media To Refrain From Sensationalizing The Story
Minister of Foreign Affairs Wilfred Elrington was briefed about the incident in the Ceibo Chico Area on Saturday and during an interview with our colleagues at 7 news, he assured Belizeans that the International Community will learn about Belize’s version of the events, Minister Elrington also took the opportunity to again ask the local media to refrain from sensationalizing the story. Honorable Wilfred Elrington – Ministry of Foreign Affairs: “My experience is it doesn’t matter what you say to the Press, they tend to make it as negative as possible, can’t figure it out, I find the same criticism is made in the United States Press people seems to disregard the need for truth and honesty and they going to sensationalism so I never know but I am told that a Press Release is being sent out.” Reporter: “Aren’t you afraid about the Guatemalans would see it as some kind of escalation, we know that there have been perverse interpretations given to many events?”

Traffic Accidents Leaves Orange Walkeno Injured
Yesterday we received reports about a traffic accident that occurred at about 1:30 in the afternoon on Palmar Road in Orange Walk Town. Unconfirmed reports to CTV3 News indicate that the driver of this vehicle, allegedly a woman, was texting on her phone when she found herself on the wrong side of the road and collided into a motorcycle travelling in the opposite direction. Luckily the driver of the motorcycle only sustained minor injuries. But apparently the driver of the car was frightened out of her wits since she allegedly fled the scene leaving the vehicle behind. We are told that the victim was transported to the Northern Regional Hospital where he received treatment. When we contacted Superintendent Selvin Tillett of the Orange Walk Police Formation earlier today, he told us that the victim requested no court action; therefore, no charges will be levied against anyone.

Helpage Celebrates Mothers and Father's Day Program For Edlerly
Yesterday the Zenobia Meggs Help Age Center, in partnership with the Orange Walk Central Committee, hosted their yearly Mother’s Day Program at the Help Age Center located on Stadium Street. The event began at midday and included a lunch for the elderly which was followed by a number of presentations from high school students each prepared especially for mom. Arcelia Leiva – Head of the Zenobia Meggs Help Age Center: “Today we are celebrating mother and fathers on the occasion of mothers and father’s day, we host about a hundred persons to each activity that we have but we do give service to about a hundred and sixty six persons because some whom we had served who used to come to our activities they are sick and they can no longer can attend our activities but we still keep them in our programs and we give them visits.”

Carmelita Government School Celebrates Drug Awareness Week
Carmelita Government School is celebrating their first Drug Awareness Week under the theme “Drugs are rough, drugs are tough, by saying no, that’s enough”. The event kicked off today and is being celebrated with the intention of raising drug awareness and to educate students about the detrimental effects that come along with drug consumption. With a torch run that began here in town at 8:00 in the morning in front of the National Drug Abuse Control Council office located on Main Street the institution official began their fight against drugs.

Guatemalan Archbishop Sends Message To Jimmy Morales's Government
Here in Belize as well as Guatemala, the Territorial Dispute that come along with the incursions at the Chiquibul Forest Reserve and the aggression lived at the Sarstoon continues to make headlines. But while there are those across the Western Border that believe that Guatemala has a right to claim portions of Belize, others think differently as in the case of Guatemalan Archbishop Oscar Vian. The Guatemalan newspaper, Prensa Libre, today issued a report where Archbishop Vian speaks out about the Belize/ Guatemala territorial dispute saying that it should have been resolved over 40 years ago and that it is now only being used to divert attention from the daily problems that Guatemala faces. Here is that report.

OAS Visits Adjacency Zone
A news release published on Saturday by Guatemala’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs informed that it’s Foreign Minister Carlos Raúl Morales, as well as their Minister of Defense; Williams Mansilla conducted visits to the over 36 Guatemalan communities that lie near their side of the adjacency zone along with the Organization of American States in a mission aimed at smoothing over the dispute sparked by the killing of the 13-year-old Julio Alvarado last month. According to the report the delegation was accompanied by Magdalena Talamás, the special representative of the OAS Secretary General for Belize – Guatemala issues; the director of the OAS Adjacency Zone Office, Sergio Benítez; and the presidents of the Commissions of Foreign Affairs and Petén Issues, Julio López Villatoro and Jaime Regalado, and the objective of the visit was to learn the situation of the residents and to evaluate the production projects coordinated by the Foreign Affairs Ministry and the OAS with the help of the international community.

First Case Of ZIKA Registered Confirmed In Belize City
The first case of Zika for Belize has been confirmed. As viewers may recall, we informed you on April 26th that the results for three suspected cases of the zika virus were sent back to the Ministry of Health from the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) which all returned as negative. The Ministry of Health then sent an additional seven samples to CARPHA for testing in which six of the seven had also tested negative. And while we all thought that Belize would remain free from the virus, the case is not so for tonight we can tell you that only moments ago, the Ministry of Health announced its first confirmed case of the zika virus in Belize City. As soon as the results were returned, an immediate investigation was conducted and several measures were taken in an effort to reduce and control any potential outbreak of the virus throughout the rest of the country.

PlusTV

Several shootings in Belize City; ACP Chester Williams shot at
There was a shooting incident in Belize City on Thursday night. 20 year old Aaron Garbutt Jr., a mechanic of Belize City was shot to the right upper thigh and finger. According to police, sometime around 5p.m. on May 12, 2016, Garbutt and another male person were standing at the corner of King and ...

Update on Belizeans detained by Guatemalans
Last night in our newscast, information was still sketchy but we told you about a Mennonite farmer who was detained by Guatemalan military near Green Hills behind Spanish Lookout area. Today, we have more information on the incident. It was not only one farmer who was detained, but two Belizeans who...

John Briceno attacks BTL compensation award
The Government of Belize has more or less confirmed the final payment to be made to the former owners of Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) for the two nationalizations of the company between 2009 and 2011, subject to a final ruling by the Netherlands’ Permanent Court of International Arbitration. As ...

No case file means no case against two accused murderers
The men accused of the murder of Michael Welch and attempted murder of Kingsley Morrison on March 1, 2015 are free tonight after prosecutors could not produce the case file in the Magistrate’s Court. Tarique Gillett and Lyson James Cacho spent a year on remand but appearing today before Magis...

Fine of $5,000 imposed upon Boyd Lopez – no compensation ordered
20 year old Boyd Lopez is lucky to be home and not behind bars after he was sentenced today for the February 18, 2015 fatal traffic accident that took the life of 70 year old Senior Citizen, Marie Knowles. Knowles was walking on the side walk on Baghdad Street when Boyd, who had no licence to drive...

Man who slit wife’s throat pleads guilty to manslaughter
53 year old Ermit Bradley, who killed his 54 year old wife Nirba at her workplace in July of 2008, pleaded guilty to manslaughter today and will serve a further five years in prison. The incident occurred on July 4, 2008 at Espat Poultry, located in Santa Elena, Cayo. When Bradley went to her work p...

Akeem Humes beats yet another murder rap
26 year old Akeem Humes is free tonight after the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions elected not to continue a murder case against him. Humes, who was accused of killing neighbour Orlando Williams, 45, on New Years’ night 2013, had a motion for nolle prosequi entered in his favour by Crow...

Breaking Belize News

Stabbing reported in Ladyville
Lords’ Bank resident Steven Young was charged with attempted murder, dangerous harm, and use of deadly means of harm when he appeared today before Magistrate Deborah Rogers. He was remanded into custody until July 29. Brandon Stevens reported to the police that he went to the […]

Females run away from Youth Hostel
Six female teenagers, residents of the “Youth Hostel” at Mile 21, George Price Highway, are reported missing tonight by their caretakers. Assistant Commissioner of Police Edward Broaster tells us they got the report around three hours after the escape happened. We are told that the […]

Harmonyville residents told to pay for their land – or else!
We haven’t heard much from the Belize Grassroots Youth Empowerment Association (BGYEA) since they settled their dispute with Government last year over the ill-fated corn planting scheme in the road reserve along the George Price Highway at Harmonyville. But there is some news from the […]

Six women charged for robbery
A pregnant woman and 5 other females, including a 15 year old minor attending high school appeared today charged with two counts of robbery and harm upon another woman over the weekend in Belize City. Sasha Richards told police that on Sunday, May 15, 2016, […]

Ministry of Health confirms the first Zika case in Belize
The Ministry of Health has confirmed that a sample testing positive for Zika returned to Belize from the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) last week. It is the first confirmed case in the country. “The Zika Plan is being followed in light of this case which […]

Trio charged for drug trafficking
Kesha Dunn, 28; Kenneth Dunn, 35, and John Dunn, 35, all of the same Belmopan address, were arrested and charged for ‘drug trafficking’ on Friday night. While conducting a search at their residence around 10:00 p.m., officers found a black plastic bag containing 255 […]

Man chopped in attempted burglary
A farmer of Camalote Village in the Cayo District, 36-year-old Eddie Fuentes, reported to police that while he was at home around 3:00 a.m. on Friday, three Hispanic males entered his home by forcing open his front door. Fuentes identified one of the men […]

$15,000 car burned in San Pedro
San Pedro Police are investigating a case of arson on the island that cost 29-year-old Wendy Lineth Carpio, damages of $15,000 to her blue, 4-door Ford car. Carpio says she was sleeping inside her San Marcos area home when she was awoken by her […]

One murdered and three wounded in weekend shooting
Police are looking for two Ladyville men, Egbert Baldwin, 28, and Darwin Pardo, 19, who are wanted for questioning in connection to a Saturday morning shooting in which Lionel Rhamdas, 21, one of the gunmen, was killed in crossfire. Around 12:10 a.m., four male […]

Belizean tourism professionals to represent Belize in Taiwan expo
Traveling to the Taipei International Tourism Expo next weekend on behalf of Belize are Karen Pike, the Director of Marketing and Industry Relations at the Belize Tourism Board (BTB); and Ian Anderson, proprietor of Caves Branch Jungle Lodge in southern Cayo. From May 20-23, 2016, Pike […]

US Payment Processor Sues Visa, Belize Banks
In international court news, the Belize Supreme Court ruled last year that Belize Bank Limited must pay Evergreen E-Pay Solutions over $3.3 million for abruptly ending the agreement where Evergreen provided online payment services and e-commerce merchant referral program. As of April, the award […]

Ladyville resident’s vehicle broken into, items stolen
Ladyville resident, Abraham Teck, 41, reported to police that sometime between the hours of 9:45 and 11:00 on Friday night, his Chevy Equinox vehicle was broken into and items were stolen from inside. Teck told officers that while parked in front of a restaurant […]

Teenager arrested and charged for shooting at ACP Chester Williams
In reference to a report by Assistant Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams on Thursday of last week, 19-year-old Zachroy Knox of Belize City was arrested and charged on Saturday for the crime of ‘aggravated assault’. The report made by Williams, stated that while in […]

Blogs

The Pine Industry of Belize
After chicle, the next timber industry which was important to Belize was the pine (Pinus caribaea) industry. Pine wood was used locally as posts for the telephone system in Belize City in 1902 and an industry was being contemplated as early as 1903. Around this time, only limited extraction was being done at locations like Sapodilla Lagoon, Mullins River, Duck Run and the Stann Creek Valley where a small sawmill was located. Hoping to create new opportunities, government granted an extraction concession to the Buckner Chipley Company of Florida in 1904 but only limited expansion of the industry occurred. Greater use was developed when the Stann Creek Railway began to use pine as sleepers in 1907. Besides pine lumber, pine trees were also used to produce rosin by the Hercules Company of Mango Creek. A company called Minter Naval Stores based in San Ignacio was also producing turpentine in the Mountain Pine Ridge in the 1960s. These efforts only lasted for a brief period. Along with the companies that attempted to produce chemical products from pine, a notable Middle Eastern (Lebanese Belizean) entrepreneur who extracted pine from the Mountain Pine Ridge (M.P.R.) was Mr. Wahib Habet. Habet constructed a large sawmill at San Luis in the M.P.R. and processed pine, mahogany and cedar lumber. A few years after independence, three new companies started making use of the pine resource at the M.P.R. Around 1986, Joe Badi Mena started the Wood Depot and Escandar Bedran started Pine Lumber Company. Alger Bradley’s Toucan Match Factory also entered the business of producing match splints around this time. The Wood Depot began producing utility poles and lumber while Pine Lumber Company specialized in outdoor furniture, moulding, pet houses and fence posts. The Wood Depot and Pine Lumber Company were strongly affected when a nationwide infestation of the Southern Pine Beetle (Dendroctonus frontalis) occurred between 1999 and 2003. The Pine Beetle affected 80% of the trees, killing hundreds of acres of pure stands of pine.

Starting Reef Week with a Splash
Our alarm rang way earlier than usual this morning! The plan was to cover the start of Reef Week by tagging along on one of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve Boats following the courageous few willing to swim to the reef to raise awareness on the importance of Belize’s Barrier Reef. Only a handful of swimmers waited when we arrived, but little by little more and more joined the cause and as I saw the crowd growing and gear being prepared I clumsily whispered “I wanna swim!” I was immediately offered a mask and fins without the slightest concern that I am in no shape to swim that distance let alone with a group of athletes. What was I thinking? Before I knew it I had fins and a mask and was running up to the end of the dock to catch up with the swimmers. I was the last one in the water, but I splashed in just in time to see the last couple fins swimming away into the distance. And so, I kicked my little feet as fast as I could to catch up with the crowd or at least keep them where I could see them. I could not use my arms to swim because I was carrying my photo gear and believe me, that did not help my situation! Still, I was doing this for a cause and that cause pushed my little feet to their full potential.

We Struck Liquid Gold
Every time the The Belize Red Cross, San Pedro Branch does another blood drive we never know what to expect and this one was no exception. We also look at how to do better for next time and our new Blood Drive Department head Heidi Simmons did a great job of getting the team to do just that. Together with the help of Belize Blood Services, several rock-star quality volunteers and our Chairman Eiden Salazar, we enjoyed great success this past Saturday. Some of our volunteers welcomed people into the clinic, others called out to them on the street and the community opened it’s hearts and wallets and generously. We received a record total of $1,208.62 in donations, as well as a sturdy 13 pints of crimson colored life saving gold which is enough to save 39 lives – yay team. The blood drive was held from 9-3 at the San Carlos Medical Clinic. The Belize Red Cross, San Pedro Branch would like to thank Dr. Giovanni Solorzano for welcoming us again, to Tropic Air for safely transporting the our dedicated Blood Bank employees and their precious cargo, to Projects Abroad for providing volunteers, to Marbucks for the sweet treats, to Green House for fresh fruit, to Marks Store for the foil pan to put it in, to Estelle’s for a delicious lunch for the 4 Blood Bank Crew, to Grant Bill Guy for internet promotion, to The San Pedro Sun for its consistent coverage and a rare blood type on their staff, to Ambergris Today for helping get the word out.

Visiting Belize: Top Reasons To Visit!
Now that we’ve helped you figure out where Belize is, we’re here to answer another question; Why you should come to Belize. There are many “types” of travel that could be employed when coming to Belize, from Luxury style travel to budget backpacker style. regardless of your style of getting to, from, and around, there are a wealth of reasons for why you should come to Belize: With a population density of about 15 people per square mile, the vast majority of Belize’s wilderness remains relatively undisturbed. Coupled in with the nature of the population, robust focus on environmental preservation by the country’s government has created expansive areas of pristine rainforest where rare and endangered animals live and thrive. Many of the islands that bracket the outer shallows of the Belizean coastal zones also remain unexplored and uninhabited allowing for marine life to flourish and diversify with little or no threat to the species making their little lives there. With a lower population density comes a lower number of vehicles to be owned, and less traffic, even in our most densely populated of cities, of which the highest is little over 50,000 people smog is not a thing. The general populace of Belize is actually unaware of the existence of this phenomena, and those of us familiar, be it through travel or television, quickly forget that it happens in other countries. The lofty breezes of Belize frequently bring the smell of not carbon emissions, but damp earth, fragrant trees, all manner of clean smells that can in some places only be found far away from civilization right to your bedroom window every morning.

The Museum of Belize
Built more than 150 years ago by the British colonial government to house prisoners, the facility in central Belize City was closed down by the newly-independent government of Belize in 1992. Ten years later, the government of Belize renovated the building, converting it to the Belize Museum, now dedicated to exhibiting and documenting more than 3,000 years of history in the area. Belize was once the heartland of the ancient Mayan Empire and today, visitors can see a rich assembly of Mayan ceremonial objects, carvings, paintings, and other cultural artifacts in the Belize Museum. The museum also has a number of important artifacts from the British colonial era, including Victorian-era stamps, postcards and a display about the loggers who once braved malaria and swamps in the country. There are also coin, insects, and locally-produced bottles on display. A tour of the museum also includes the chance to experience an authentic prison cell, as well as learn about the devastation that Hurricane Hattie wreaked on the nation in 1961. The museum is located in Belize City just a few hundred meters from the coastline near the intersection of Queen and Eve Streets. The museum is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on Tuesday through Thursday and 9:00 am to 4:00 pm on Friday and Saturday. The museum is closed on Monday and on national holidays. The museum is located in downtown Belize City in the Fort George area. While it has no official address, the large brick building, still resembling a prison from the outside, is easy to spot near the intersection of Queen and Eve Streets.

International Sources

Mass die off of Mangroves follows the disastrous bleaching event of the Great Barrier Reef
Mangroves are coastal tropical forests that thrive in the brackish zone between the land and sea. This zone is made up of uniquely adapted, saltwater tolerant trees and shrubs. They provide essential support to healthy marine ecosystems by trapping sediments and providing nutrients to nearby coastal sea grass beds and coral reefs. In Australia, which is home to 7 % of the worlds mangroves, researchers believe that warming waters may be the reason for a massive die off of large areas of mangroves, specifically the Grey Mangrove, in Queensland and the Northern Territory. Mangroves take in 50 times more carbon than tropical forests by area. Hundreds of miles of mangroves along the coast of Karumba have turned a ghostly white. This event is being compared to the horrific coral bleaching event taking place on the Great Barrier Reef. Professor Norm Duke from Queensland's James Cook University, a mangrove ecologist, recently stated that the die off appears to have coincided with hot water in the nearby southern Gulf Country ecosystem. "I'm speaking ahead of the evidence so I have to be really cautious, but I do want to draw attention to this because we need more capability to respond and find out more about what's going on." He raised serious concerns about the situation which he compared to coral bleaching happening on the Great Barrier Reef, which is the result of warmer ocean temperatures. "We don't have any firm data on the ground to confirm the full magnitude of what's going on. "We're getting indications from what we can see on satellite imagery and also from people like fishermen, local residents, miners who are working in the area, that there's this massive incident of die-back of a large area along our shorelines.''

A Food Writer's Sampling of Belize's Food
I learned the hard way that Belize is not where you go if you want to practice your Spanish. This was the first of many revelations about the small, Caribbean-adjacent country, about which I embarrassingly knew next to nothing prior to visiting – including the fact that the national language is English. It turns out Belize is rich with a diverse cultural identity (Caribbean, Latin American, Mayan, etc), much of which comes through the food. Local ingredients are used ubiquitously, and almost nothing goes through any kind of processing, characterizing Belizean cuisine as fresh, local, and undeniably appetizing. Here’s a collection of my favorite dishes from a recent three-week exploration through Belize, a country that is so much more than its beaches.

Another shooting incident at Belize-Guatemala border
Tensions over the disputed border between Guatemala and Belize increased over the weekend following a new shooting incident. Belize said one of its patrols had to shoot and wound a Guatemalan man who threatened them with a machete after he was found with other Guatemalans who were surprised by a patrol five miles inside Belizean territory illegally prospecting for gold. A Belizean government statement issued on Saturday said a 23-year-old man in the group “advanced towards a member of the patrol in an aggressive manner with a machete.” It said the officer fired a warning shot that was ignored, then “in self-defence” fired another that wounded the Guatemalan in the left arm. Three Guatemalans, including the wounded man, were arrested.

Caribbean islands warned as Venezuela collapses
The mayor of Chacao in Venezuela’s capital Caracas has warned that Caribbean islands and Colombia may suffer an influx of refugees from Venezuela if food shortages continue in the country. Español Ramón Muchacho said that people have been reduced to hunting cats, dogs and pigeons for food. “As hunger deepens, we could see more Venezuelans fleeing by land or sea to an island,” Muchacho said. Venezuela saw a new wave of looting last week that resulted in at least two deaths, countless wounded, and millions of dollars in losses and damages, as desperation sets in among hungry residents and the country appears to be on the verge of complete collapse and chaos.

Guatemalan government on patrol
Images posted Saturday on the Guatemalan military's Facebook page show Guatemalan minister of foreign affairs Carlos Raul Morales and the Guatemalan minister of defense patrolling the sarstoon river.

Videos

Scalloped hammerhead, 1min. One of our divers (Jeff) took this while on a dive with us last week.

Shark Ray Alley - Belize, 3min. Diving and Snorkeling in Shark Ray Alley, Belize.

Caye Caulker Belize, 5min.

Teacher Almendarez MC Stand Up for Belize May 13, 2016, 3min. Master of Ceremonies Mr. Almedarez does an interesting introduction at the Stand Up For Belize rally.

The coconut man and coconut leo from belize, 4min. The coconut Manna and coconut Leo from Belize making me and my wife rum and coconut mixed drinks on the beach in ambergris Caye

Diving at Roberts Grove, Placencia Belize, 2016, 5.5min.

Howler monkey howls, Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, Belize, 1/2min. We heard howler monkeys hooting and hollering as we drove east along the main road just outside of Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary.

Belize Mission Trip 2016, 2.5min.

Penelope’s World - Caribbean Adventure, 5.5min. When Penelope was three years old, she took a cruise to the Caribbean. Now she's six, and back for another exciting adventure. She'll fly like a bird in Roatan, venture into the underworld in Belize, and learn all about the ancient Mayans in Costa Maya. Come along for the ride in this episode of Penelope's World!

Belize Full Circle Project, 13min. My students talking about themselves, their lives, and the Belizean culture to show to my class in the States!

Drone footage From the Cashew Fest in Crooked Tree Belize, 2.5min. See more drone footage and other sights and sounds from the fest soon on Morning Matters each weekday morning.

The Beer Diaries World Tour: Belize - Yalifu Music Video, 7.5min. The Beer Diaries is proud to present The Beer Diaries World Tour: Belize, a series dedicated to using beer as an introduction to history, culture and the geo-political state of countries around the world. In this episode, host Mike Mann speaks with famed musician Aurelio Martinez about his time recording Garifuna Soul and the inspiration behind the song Yalifu.

Belize River in San Ignacio - Phantom Drone Footage, 5.5min.

Belize 2016, 2.5min. short video of Belize and its amazing attractions.

SCUBA Belize - Ep1 - Certification, 24min. This video is about SCUBA diving in Belize.

DIVE. AMBERGRIS CAYE ISLAND, BELIZE, 3min. BUCEO EN BELIZE , DIVE IN BELIZE.

belize spotted drum, 1/2min. Belize Live aboard diving - Spotted drum fish.

ESL-RLC Belize 2015 - 2016, 4min.

Belize Diaries, 12.5min.

May 16, 2016

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

The San Pedro Sun

Congratulations to Team Amigos!
Winners of the San Pedro Class A/B 8-Ball Pool Tournament!

Wolfe’s Woofer: The Arms of Another Woman
“Hey, Mr. Dennis. Can you help me out?” “Sure, Pascal,” I said. “I’ll help you if I can.” “I do a lot of things with the Lion’s Club. Back home in my village I am the president of the chapter. Mother’s Day is coming up and it’s a really big deal where I live. I usually only speak to forty or fifty people at the Lion’s Club but on Mother’s Day all eight hundred people in the village will be there. I need some help with my speech.” “How can I help you?” “I need a joke for Mother’s Day but I can’t remember jokes and I tell them really bad. You got any Mother’s Day jokes?”

Police Report: Possession of Controlled Drugs
On Saturday, May 7th about 4:45PM, San Pedro Police along with the K-9 Dog Unit conducted a search of an apartment room occupied by 26-year-old Jordan Alston Bacchus, Canadian national living in the San Pablo Area. A search of a garbage bin that was close to the kitchen locker led to the discovery of a black plastic bag containing some green vegetable substance suspected to be Cannabis wrapped inside a white plastic bag. The suspected drug amounted to 17.1 grams, which was immediately shown to Bacchus. He was formally arrested and charged for Possession of Controlled Drugs.

Letter to the Editor: San Pedro Business Community
Dear Editor, Several key members of the business community recently held a meeting at the Lion’s Den sometime around mid-April with respect to the attempt of the Town Council enforcing new traffic rules. It was agreed at that time that a letter should be sent from an attorney on our behalf. Please find attached to this email the copy of letter sent to the Mayor on April 25th. In the true spirit of professionalism and open dialogue, the lead group agreed not to send copies to the media. However to our dismay and disappointment we have yet to receive any response from the Mayor or town council. This of course we consider offensive and irresponsible for the council not to have responded. In your article of last week, the general perception given is that one company has been isolated as “ignoring” the rules and another group of companies being “mischievous” in opposing the said rules. Henceforth, we are forwarding you a copy of the letter and we kindly request that you publish in its entirety so as to demonstrate that we have extended our hand to work along with the proposed new initiative by making sound recommendations that obviously seem to have fallen on deaf ears.

Doctor Love: Memories and Lil Sis
Dear Doctor Love, I dated and then lived with a very romantic guy for five years. We split over something that could have been easily fixed but didn’t. We both went on with our lives. I got married and had two children. After seven years I have been thinking about him so much that I finally contacted him on Facebook. He answered me and told me he got married six months ago. What can I do to get over him? /s/ Memories

Ambergris Today

Three Guatemalans Detained for Illegal Activities in Chiquibul Reserve
d after being caught in the Chiquibul area during the weekend. The release stated that a joint patrol comprised of officers from the Belize Defence Force, the Police Department, and Friends for Conservation and Development encountered a group of 10 - 15 individuals engaged in what appeared to be illicit gold mining operations in the Ceibo Chico area of the Chiquibul Forest Reserve. This encounter took place around 7:45p.m. Friday, May 13, 2016 approximately 7.9 kilometers east of the border. The Belizean patrol detained three Guatemalan nationals: 23-year-old Carlos Roberto Perez Hernandez, 17-year-old Edin Alexander Escobar Garcia, and 21-year-old Solomon Martinez Pasqual. The patrol reported that Carlos Roberto Perez Hernandez advanced towards a member of the patrol in an aggressive manner with a machete and the officer fired a warning shot in the air but Hernandez continued to advance. The officer then fired a second shot in self-defense and wounded Hernandez in his left upper arm.

Misc Belizean Sources

Cayo Cancer Walk 2016
The 2016 Cayo Cancer Walk was Saturday, and the Cancer Society of Belmopan got some great pictures of the event. "Cancer Walk 2016. We Can, I Can. Thanks for all the support!!!!!!"

REMEMBERING LUKE PALACIO: GARIFUNA BELIZEAN STATESMAN!
My most esteemed brother, and a Lion of Belize's South, Leonides Sanchez, relayed the sad news to me a week ago that brother Luke Palacio of Dangriga, Belize had passed away. It was through Brother Leo that yours truly had come to meet some of the most astute Garinagu Belizeans like Brother Luke Palacio of Dangriga, during our gang intervention tour that we organized in March of 2013. An outstanding Belizean artist and Garifuna patriot, Luke Palacio departed to Belizean Legends one of the most interesting side of the politics of Belize's culture capital, Dangriga. It was through his lens that yours truly was able to get a better view of how Belizean politics is played out through the most culturally distinct peoples of Belize, the Garinagu. This was new for me, until brother Luke Palacio laid it all out, in an exclusive interview that will be aired soon right on here on Belizean Legends.

BREDAA & 31 YEARS OF RESISTANCE FOR BELIZE IN THE DIASPORA!
In commemorating thirty-one years of struggle and resistance for Belize in the diaspora, the Belize Rural Economic Development of Agriculture through Alliance (BREDAA), that was formed and organized in 1986, sends solidarity to the Belizean people at home and abroad in standing up against all forms of oppression, aggression, and colonization of the people of Belize. In the advent of this intensified Guatemalan military oligarchy aggression and annexation of the Belize Sarstoon River and Island in the southern district of Belize called Toledo, BREDAA has committed itself as a grassroots Belizean organization in the Belizean diaspora to continue this struggle for the freedom and justice for Belize and Belizeans.

Belize Birders
Birded yesterday and have not submitted yet to eBird? We are short of 7 birds to hit 300 species, and still among the top 20 Birding nations in the world!

The Belize booth at the 2016 ETI; International Tourism Expo [ETI] 2016
The premier event dedicated to further growing the entire Caribbean region and beyond. Over four days, all stakeholders with interest in growing and selling Caribbean tourism will unite in Puerto Rico for a unique global business event. It's where the world meets ALL of the Caribbean. ETI 2016 is tailored to attract over 700 of the leading travel advisors and wholesalers from around the world who are actively selling Caribbean vacations, and connect them to a diverse cross-section of over 145 Caribbean destinations and suppliers.

Crooked Tree Village - Cashew Festival 2016
A weekend fill of village-bliss...

The Reporter

BNTU to GOB: “Rescind the Sarstoon SI!”
Marching to songs like Tanya Carter’s “I Am Belize”, Lord Laro’s “Tell Guatemala Leave Belize Alone” and the Public Officers’ Song “Solidarity Forever”, and chanting to their slogan, “Teachers Gat Yoh Back”, more than 1,000 teachers moved from the Constitution to BTL Parks in Belize City on Friday. They were protesting the government’s Sarstoon Statutory Instrument (SI), which expires in two weeks’ time. But the teachers, led by the Belize National Teachers’ Union (BNTU), felt there was an urgent need to send a message to the government that they want the law rescinded. At a rally at BTL Park, President of the National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB), Marvin Mora said the law is an insult to Belizeans’ integrity. “Our government should have asked Guatemala, “Which actions of the Belize Territorial Volunteers (BTV) do you find “provocative” that your military had to kidnap our people?” He said teachers should teach the children that this country was never occupied by Guatemala.

Taiwan makes first disbursement of funds toward sheep and goat project
The Genetic Improvement in Sheep and Goat project has received its first disbursement of US $155,628.80 from the Taiwanese government. This past week, Taiwanese Ambassador Benjamin Ho presented Deputy Prime Minister Gaspar Vega with the cheque, in his capacity as Minister of Agriculture. The money will be used to cover expenses on house maintenance, to purchase materials and equipment, for stock breeding, and the procurement of paddock seed, fertilizers, and chemicals. The project aims to improve and develop the genetic blood lines of both the sheep and goat livestock through natural breeding and the artificial insemination programs. Belize and Taiwan signed the “Genetic Improvement for Sheep and Goat Breeding Belize-Taiwan” project on December 2, 2015. It is a three-year project with a total budget of around US $1.62 million, of which Belize will contribute US $0.35 million and Taiwan will finance US $1.27 million. The overal objective of the project is to improve and develop the National Small Ruminant Center at Central Farm, and introduce and renew quality breeding stocks.

Breaking Belize News

Guatemala accuses Belizean Mennonites of illegal logging
Belizean Mennonites are being accused of illegal logging in Guatemala along the adjacency zone in an article published today in the Guatemalan newspaper, La Prensa Libre. The logs were burned this weekend said Ronald Segura, managing director of the Effort Association (Asociación El Esfuerzo) […]

Scotiabank builds new home for senior citizen
The staff of Scotia Bank partnered with Hand in Hand Ministries to build a new home this weekend for a Belize City resident and senior citizen, located at 6500 North Creek Road. Recipient 76 year old Louise Henry is among the many persons in Belize […]

Guatemala accuses Belize over Ceibo Chico arrest
Belize was first to get out its version of Friday night’s incident in the Ceibo Chico area of the Chiquibul, but Guatemala has hit back. According to the BBC, Guatemala disputes the necessity of Belize’s military having to shoot one of their citizens, and […]

Blogs

New Exciting Business: Belize Food Tours in San Pedro
Now THIS Is a great idea. FOOD WALKING TOURS in downtown San Pedro presented by Belize Food Tours. In my mind, there are a few fantastic things going on: 1. Walking around the town is the way to see it. The people, the fun signs, the small businesses, you get the feel of the charm of San Pedro. Sometimes lost in the traffic and the hustle and bustle… Paletas in San Pedro, Belize from soursop to melon2. Street food and restaurant food ROCKS in San Pedro. From the lady selling golden plums with pepper and salt on a corner to pupusas to the tortilla factory to the free rum cream tastings…you need to walk around to see and taste it all. Pantirippa Sign at Rum, Cigar & Coffee House - Belize Food Tours Maybe even strange looking “shilling candies” that are half sweet and half spicy. All that being said, I know very little about this new company other then they have a GREAT marketing push. A website in the works, a Facebook page and Instagram account. They have eluded my direct questioning…like: who are you? They know how to build hype! And yesterday, I received a package, dropped off for me at Lily’s on the beach. An amazing invitation packed with delicious goodies.

See You at the Farmer’s Market?
It’s one of the best ideas anybody has come up for a long time on Ambergris Caye. Who would have thought a Farmer’s Market would be so successful and bring together some great businesses and locals to introduce their products to the community. Ian Anderson from Cayo was the merchant with the largest supply, bringing in hundreds of pounds of cheeses, cured and smoked meats, organic fruits and vegetables, fermented drinks and even pickles. His Farmhouse Deli in Belmopan is a big hit with organic produce, popular meats and cheeses. At the Farmer’s Market he sold out about 80 loaves of bread that included rye, molasses and honey. Local bread maker Sue Blair of ‘Home Baked Bread-and More’ sold out 35 loaves of breads in under an hour!! Then there was Ricky’s Spice Shack with HUNDREDS of locally made spices and the Belize Chocolate Company with great chocolate treats made from locally produced cacao chocolate. San Pedro’s first attempt at organizing a Farmer’s Market on Ambergris Caye was a huge success. What better way to bring together locals that have a unique product, get to know more people in your local community and take home some great produce and goodies.

Here’s to living a trashy life in San Pedro, Belize
There are so many great things to do here on Ambergris Caye and I don’t think picking up other people’s trash is high up on anyone’s list. And yet, many of us do find ourselves doing exactly that from time to time. I’ve written so often about the First Friday Tres Cocos Trash Pick-up group that you might think that’s all I do. Truth is, I am quite fond of this bunch. They are neighbors and friends and island visitors who willingly give up some time to make the first stretch north of the Sir Barry Bowen Bridge look nice, for a day or two. It doesn’t last but we keep coming out swinging . . . swinging out trash sticks and garbage bags. This group also includes the wonderful people (mostly you, my dear readers) who have donated gloves, bags, trash pickup sticks and cash to our cause. You can’t always be here but every volunteer who is spared an aching back thanks you profusely! And now there is another civic-minded group which thanks you: the Phoenix Resort’s Saturday morning beach clean-up crew.

Pool Project: Week Nine
Week nine is a wrap and we are 99% complete. The crew is coming by tomorrow to finish up some things, which I'll get to in a moment. But it took quite a bit of work from the crew last week to get it to this point. For starters, they had to finish the steps leading up to the pool. Here they are in their almost finished state. White paint has since been put on the risers, which really makes the tile pop. In the very near future, we will be installing a grab bar from the column to someplace on the wall below the screen. And speaking of screens, you might remember that the week before last the crew built the frames. Last week was spent stapling the screening to the frames. Now the thing about the type of screen we chose to use is that it really needs to be stretched a lot to avoid wrinkles and sagging. As a result, the frames were bowed from the tension. It took some time on David's part to come up with a way for the guys to affix the frames without damaging them or the concrete. With the use of a jack, all got fitted in.

International Sources

Guatemala/Belize conflict erupts following another border killing
Guatemala slammed Belize for using “excessive force” and rejected the account of the Guatemalan man attempting to attack an armed patrol with a machete. The incident occurred late Friday, just hours after a team from the Organization of American States visited a different part of the border to examine the area where a 13-year-old Guatemalan boy was killed by another Belizean patrol on April 20. The OAS is trying to mediate a crisis that blew up over the boy's death, bringing to the fore a 150-year-old dispute between the Central American countries over the border. Guatemala has made claims over more than half of Belize's territory dating back to when its small neighbor was a British colony known as British Honduras.

Belize banks named in US federal law suit
A Florida e-commerce payment processing company filed a law suit in US federal court in Miami on Friday, alleging that credit card giant Visa allowed banks in Belize to process international transactions without proper licensing. The allegations include fraud, breach of contract, negligence, business defamation and conversion. Lord Michael Ashcroft, one of Britain's wealthiest businessmen and a former deputy chairman of the Conservative Party, controls the banks in question, according to the 21-count complaint. Ashcroft owns Caribbean Investment Holdings, formerly known as BCB Holdings Ltd, which controls Belize Bank Ltd, Belize Bank International Ltd and British Caribbean Bank International Ltd. Belize Bank is the largest bank in Belize, with over BZ$999 million (US$498 million) in assets (2015). The three banks provided Visa credit and debit card processing services, processing up to 800,000 online purchases made by cardholders who were internet customers of Evergreen E-Pay Solutions Inc.'s international merchants.

Videos

Belize and Guatemala, 5min.

Belize, Jan 2016, 6.5min.

Turneffe Atoll, Belize Reef Dive, 17min.

Belize Fish Eating Grapefruit, 2015, 2.5min. The fish in this river were nibbling my legs to heck so i gave them some of the grapefruit i was eating, and it turns out.... little belizean fish love grapefruit!!!!

Collared Peccary - Belize 2015, 1min. A very sweet peccary i met in belize.

Goffs Caye in Belize, 5.5min.

Caye Caulker, Belize | Swimming with Sharks, 3min. Caye Caulker is a tiny (5 miles by less than 1 mile) island off the second largest barrier reef in the world. Swimming with sharks was unbelizeable!!

Belize Trip 2016 Part 1!, 6min. Went on a vacay to Belize for Spring Break!

MARINE LIFE HIGHLIGHTS DIVING THE AQUARIUM BELIZE, 3min. May 2016

Izzie's story, 4min. Izzie, a young Geoffroy's spider monkey, arrived at Wildtracks dehydrated and in shock, shotgun pellets in her body, a badly broken arm, a dislocated tail and fingers...This is her story.

Varsha, Belize Audubon Society, 18min. Communications exercise in Cancun, March 2016 - what sort of work does Belize Audubon Society do?

Laura Tucker Longsworth, President Belize Cancer Society, 1.5min. Laura Tucker Longsworth, President Belize Cancer Society at PAHO Women's Cancers Meeting in Miami May 2016.

Zipline, River Tubing and ATVs with Butts Up in Belize, 5min.

Caye Caulker, Belize - April 2016, 4.5min. This is a cut from my trip to Belize in April, 2016

Belize 2016, 9min. Ridgewood Church's 2016 Belize Mission trip. April 29-May 5. The main project was to rebuild the roof of Medina Bank Baptist church.

Belize Mccleskey, 12min.

Vision Ministries of America - Dedication of San Antonio, Belize Church, 4min.

May 15, 2016