Recent Belize News, 7/21/2016 to 7/31/2016, BelizeNews.com

Cultural Presentation by the Reina de la Costa Maya 2016 Pageant Contestants

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

SPTC Clean-up Campaign continues
Early in June of this year, an aggressive clean-up campaign was launched in San Pedro Town in an attempt to eliminated excess garbage from the different island sub-divisions. The initiative targeted key areas of the island that are prone to flooding during the rainy season which in return can become breeding grounds for mosquitos carrying vector diseases. San Pedrito subdivision was the first to benefit from the program and on Monday, July 25th, the clean-up campaign moved to the Elliot/Airstrip Subdivision. According to Deputy Major Gary Greif, Councillor in charge of garbage collection, the campaign saw great success in San Pedrito. With efforts from the community and the different agencies involved in the project, San Pedrito is cleaner and healthier than before. “The collection of garbage in San Pedrito came from everywhere. Households and empty lots where massive amounts of garbage were got picked up,” said Greif. He commended the enormous support of the community, who welcomed the initiative.

Belize can have Energy without Oil
A bottom up approach driven by consumer demand and supplied by private sector cost efficiency is the best way to meet Belize’s need for renewable, clean energy and to reduce Belize’s dependency on fossil fuels. This would eliminate any need for offshore oil exploration which would endanger the Belize’s pristine marine environment and the $650 Million annual value it provides to the tourism, fisheries and disaster management sectors. This was the finding of a panel of scientists and many other youthful participants at a one-day symposium on “The Nature of Energy vs the Energy of Nature” hosted by Oceana Belize at the Radisson Fort George Hotel in Belize City on Wednesday, July 27th. Belize’s climate change focal point Mr. Carlos Fuller from the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (otherwise known as 5C’s) admitted Al Gore is a tough act to follow; as he outlined the seven areas in which Belize is preparing a national policy and implementing measures to mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change: first and foremost – water! The other six areas are all related to water and equally important to the national economy: agriculture and food production, health, energy, coastal and marine areas including fisheries, tourism and forestry.Oceana Belize Renewable Energy Offshore Oil-7

Dwayne Hyde succumbs to gunshot injuries
After he was injured in a shooting incident two weeks ago, Dwayne Hyde succumbed to his wounds on Wednesday, July 27th. The 30-year-old mechanic from the Escalante Subdivision of San Pedro Town had been recovering at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) in Belize City, but in recent days, his health deteriorated, leading to his death. The incident took place in the early hours of Wednesday July 13th at his home. According to the police, they responded to reports of a shooting in the Escalante Subdivison. When they arrived, they did not only find Hyde suffering from a gunshot injury, but also discovered a second person suffering from stab wounds. The report further stated that at about 12:30AM, 22-year-old Kimberly Humes reported that while at home, she heard a knock at her door. When she opened it, it was her common-law husband, Hyde, who stated that someone wanted to kill him. Shortly after, two male persons reportedly entered the yard of their home; one of them was identified as 23-year-old Luis Manuel Carter, A.K.A ‘Wizz’ from the San Pablo Area.

More questions arise after gruesome death of Pastor Lucas
According to police, they had been tracking Mason for quite some time after learning about a number of criminal acts he was allegedly involved in. However, they could not act, due to lack of reports being filed by his victims. However, on that Friday, acting on information from their investigation, police conducted a search on Mason’s vehicle, discovering the severed head along with other incriminating evidence. The four men arraigned were with him at the time of the search. In the days after, it became public knowledge that Mason had been scamming several businesspeople in Belize and other countries. It was also revealed that he had close connections with certain high government officials, one of those being Belmopan Area Representative and Minister of National Security Honourable John Saldivar. Saldivar has been staunchly defending himself against any accusations of an illicit relationship with Mason. He also added that his contact with Mason was minimal and strictly business. In an interview with the local media, Saldivar explained that after hearing shady stories about Mason, he discontinued any further affiliations with him. Mason had apparently been contributing financially to Saldivar’s football club, ‘The Belmopan Bandits.’ According to Saldivar, the contribution summed up to around $50,000 over time. However, he made it clear that there were no strings attached following such sponsorship by Mason and there was no close association either. “I have not had any contact with Mason since last year September.

Misc Belizean Sources

From Fish Waste to Fish Wealth: Caribbean takes first step to maximize value of fisheries and aquaculture sector
At a time when countries across the Caribbean region are faced with economic challenges, innovation in one of its prime sectors—the fisheries and aquaculture sector—can spur the kind of growth needed to help buttress the regional economy. However, this kind of change won’t come overnight. The Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) is working with Member States from around the region, as they prepare to take the first steps in converting fish waste to fish wealth—a change which could multiply earnings from the sector. “Going forward, we need to make the point that proper utilization of fishery resources is not about increasing production or increasing catches, it is more about maximizing value of what we are now taking and realizing the significant benefits that is possible by focusing on value addition,” said Milton Haughton, Executive Director of the CRFM. Chief Fisheries Officers, Senior Fisheries Officers and private sector representatives from 17 CRFM Member States learned about the application of the value chain approach to the fisheries and aquaculture sector when they attended a weeklong workshop held in Suriname last week.

It's a night full of beauty and fashion at Acquafino Resort
The International Costa Maya Festival pageant delegates are getting ready to put on a fabulous fashion show.

Costa Maya Festival: Day 3

Costa Maya Snuba Adventure on Seaquarious

Hopkins Day 2016- a successful event

Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) policies on ID cards and payments at customer's premises
Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) advises customers that all BEL employees and contractors carry on authorized BEL identification card. Customers should always ask any individual who claims to be conducting business on behalf of the Company to present their valid BEL identification card or contact BEL directly, if in doubt. BEL's employees and contractors are not authorized to, and will NEVER request direct payment for services conducted at customer's premises.

Basketball and Volleyball Workshops
The Cayo District Youth Council is having basketball and volleyball workshops at Galvez Stadium next week. They run from August 1st through the 5th. Thanks, CDYC! "Calling all youth in the Cayo District Seven Years and older to come out and join in a Basketball and Volleyball workshop August 1st - 5th (Monday to Friday) at the Victor Galvez Staduim in San Ignacio Town from 9 a.m to 4 p.m. Come out as Word of life and the Cayo District Youth Council amaze you in a week full with sporting activities."

NICH brought Cellula to the Cayo Welcome Center, where they jammed out their rocking reggae beats. The music was energetic, and the crowd had a great time. Thanks, Cellula and NICH! A little bit of the concert: VIDEO. "The Panamanian Reggae group Cellula played a free concert at the CAYO Welcome Center on Saturday. They knew their reggae, playing many oldies, and some of their own creations. Having a trupet section, and a funky keyboardist set them aside. The rain didn't stop them from having a great concert. Thanks, Cellula! The after party was at Bamboo Bar, where the shots flowed like water."

September Celebration Calendar Launch
The Queen of the West candidates will be presented next Saturday, August 6th, at the September Celebrations Calendar Launch at the Cayo Welcome Center. The fun starts at 7:00pm.

Anti Corruption and Resignation Rally
August 6th at 10am, Marion Jones Stadium

The Reporter

Safer City Project prepares to launch SafetiPin App
The Safer City Pilot Project for Belmopan is preparing to launch its new SafetiPin Application, to help increase citizen security in the nation’s capital. The Ministry of National Security spearheads the project, with funding from the Evidence-based Information Management on Citizen Security in Central America and the Dominican Republic (InfoSegura) Project. Project Liaison Officer, Cuffa Ramirez, explained today Saturday that the project will launch the app on Monday August 1, at which time it will be free to download on the App Store and Google Play Store, for the residents of Belmopan. Ramirez explained that through the app’s global positioning system, when residents encounter something in their neighborhoods which can be viewed as unsafe, they will be able to pinpoint that location. She said that with this type of information being reported, it can be passed on to the relevant authorities to have the issues addressed.

SUV crushes woman’s leg near Michael Finnegan market
A woman has lost a leg after a vehicle careened onto the sidewalk where she was walking, crushing the leg. The incident happened at around 6:30 Saturday morning on East Canal near its junction with King Street, during the peak of the busiest day in that area near the Michael Finnegan market. Eyewitnesses told the Reporter at the scene that the driver, whose particulars police have not yet released, drove straight onto the sidewalk and rammed into the woman, before coming to a stop. Police cordoned off the area and took their measurents in the presence of the driver, who appeared to have been under the influence of something. They have also impounded thr blaxk SUV vehicle as part of evidence for the case, and have taken urine samples from the man to determine if he was indeed driving under the infuence.

Belmopan Day fair 2016 underway
The Belmopan City Council teamed up with several public and private sector entities today Saturday, to host the Belmopan Day Festival 2016. To accommodate the increasing size of the attendees, the Council held the fair at the Mae Gordon Park. The event is held annually, on the weekend before the actual celebration of Belmopan Day, observed on August 1. It includes live entertainment, including Garifuna drums, cultural dances, and booths selling products, giving information or promoting services. Businesses at the fair included banks, restaurants, credit unions, and auto dealers, along with entities like the United States Embassy, and the Ministry of Health. Belmopan Mayor, Khalid Belisle, explained that the initiative was coined to give residents a peaceful, family oriented event where they could express their pride in their city. The event is also a way to give the private sector a chance to engage the community and show what it is they are doing in the city.

Breaking Belize News

Women avoid death from traffic accident as driver tested for substances
A traffic mishap this morning across from the bus terminal in Belize City nearly proved fatal for two women coming from the City market. Police have confirmed that a black SUV reportedly crushed a woman against a lamp post causing her leg to be […]

Belize observes Emancipation Day
August 1, 1834, marked the formal end of African slavery in British colonies around the world, including what was then the settlement of Belize. But unlike its fellow Caribbean nations, Belize does not formally observe August 1 or the first Monday in August as […]

36 scholarships from Ariel Rosado Education Foundation
As September draws nearer, 36 students will not have to worry about where the money will come from for school fees and books for the coming school year. They will benefit from scholarships provided by the Ariel Rosado Education Foundation and its corporate and […]

Accident severely injures woman
Police have confirmed that an early morning traffic accident in the vicinity of the Novelos’ Bus Terminal on West Collet Canal in Belize City caused severe injury. Police say a woman was crushed between a vehicle and a fence which left one of her […]

International Sources

Top 7 Dive Sites In Belize
If you’re looking for a picturesque diving location, then Belize is the place for you. Located between Guatemala and Mexico, Belize is the second smallest and least populated nation found throughout Central America. Packed with adventure, exploration, relaxation and romance both on land and under the surface, this location has definitely earned its place within this ‘top diving sites’ series. Comprised of over 400 islands and home to the longest, unbroken barrier reef within the western hemisphere, you definitely wont fall short of things to do and things to see. Belize has a staggering 185-mile coastline of white sandy beaches, so there are plenty of places to relax, when not diving. When you’re not diving at world-renowned dive sites, or relaxing, you can visit the numerous historical Mayan ruins or explore the rainforests, hike and even go cave tubing. Belize is for divers and non-divers alike, so if you’re planning a holiday this year, make sure Belize is on your list. With all the incredible diving locations found throughout Belize, Ambergris Caye is known for its location. The largest out of the 200 cayes that are spotted around the coastline, Ambergris Caye is just a short plane journey away from Belize City. It is also the closest you can get to the Belize Barrier Reef. If you choose to dive with any of the many dive centers located around the dock, it will take you only a few minutes to reach this Caye taking you to an amazing dive on the deep spur-and-groove coral formations, which shelter the island or the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, which we will talk about next.

Women's Fly Fishing Trip To Belize With Leading Outfitter Orvis
Vermont-based Orvis is America’s oldest mail order retailer, specializing in fishing and outdoor gear since 1856. It is also a premiere operator of fishing schools, clinics, and trips. This year Orvis is celebrating the 50th anniversary of their fly fishing schools, where their experts have taught over 50,000 people the sport. In September, they’re offering a women-only trip to Ambergris Caye, the largest island in Belize. The four night trip offers three days of guided fly fishing and is appropriate for new and experienced anglers. The hosts are Jackie Jordan and Chrissy Atkins, two avid saltwater fly anglers and experienced coaches and instructors on the Orvis team. There are local expert guides as well, born and raised on Ambergris Caye, and they will share their fishing secrets with participants.

Sex ban recommended for British tourists in Florida after Zika outbreak
Approximately 50,000 British holidaymakers currently in Florida should avoid unprotected sex for the rest of the summer holidays because of the risk from Zika virus, according to government advice. An outbreak of four mosquito-transmitted cases yesterday prompted Public Health England (PHE) to advise pregnant women to consider postponing non-essential travel to the southern US state. But for the large numbers of British tourists already there, the presence of the virus means that they should refrain from sex without a condom for eight weeks, even if neither partner has symptoms of the disease and there is no prospect of a pregnancy.

Suffolk heptathlete Katy Sealy heading to Rio 2016 Olympics to hurdle for Belize
KATY SEALY is just one of three athletes who will represent the Central American state of Belize at the Olympics – despite living in Suffolk. The 25-year-old, who lives in the tiny village of Bawdsley, will compete in the 100m hurdles after qualifying through her dad who was born in Belize. Sealey is already a three-time Central American heptathlon champion but failed to get the qualifying mark to line-up against Olympic champion Jessica Ennis-Hill in Rio and instead has been given a wildcard for the individual hurdles. Her personal best is almost three seconds off the world record set by American Keni Harrison in London last weekend. She said: “I never dreamt of going to the Olympics. I do the sport because I love it so this is a complete bonus.

Shake Your Booty to Brukdown and Punta Rock in Belize
Chances are you’ve seen the oft-played TV commercial about gorgeous places to settle down in Belize on the Caribbean coast of Central America. In the ad, we learn about the laid-back style of living there on idyllic, palm-dotted islands and along the mainland’s sugary white beaches - but for some reason, all to a rather dreary mood set by elevator music. Actually, visitors to Belize (formerly British Honduras) will hear several peppy brands of homegrown music. One is called “brukdown,” said to mean something like “broken down calypso.” Whatever it means, you can’t help shaking your body line to lively, accordion-backed tunes like “Good Mawnin’ Belize,” played there each morning on a number of radio stations to help get their listeners’ juices flowing for the day. A particularly spunky brukdown ditty is “Run, Mr. Peters, Run” recorded by the father of the genre, Wilfred Peters. Tagged “the King of Brukdown,” Peters and his Boom and Chime band entertained brukdown lovers all over the world before he died a few years ago at 79.

Jones to compete in Rio for Belize men's track team
Ties to the 757: A graduate of Salem High in Virginia Beach, Jones was on the track and field team at Hampton University in the late 2000s. He hold school records in the triple jump (15.57 meters). As a senior in 2009, he made second-team All-MEAC in the distance medley and third team in the triple jump. Career highlights: Belize does not have qualifiers for the Olympics, but Jones (along with Katy Sealy) was chosen based on recent performances. In last month's Central American Championships, Jones set a meet record in the triple jump at 16.22, which broke his previous mark of 15.93. He also won gold in the 400 relay. In Rio, he will compete in the 200 meters.

Rapper reclaiming his ‘Shyne’
THE recently concluded Reggae Sumfest in Montego Bay focused on promoting local talent and music. This was achieved to a major extent until singer Barrington Levy introduced former Bad Boy Records rapper, Shyne to the stage. Back in the late 1990s, Levy and the Belizean-born Shyne collaborated on Bad Boy. However, Shyne’s ascent was halted in 1999 when a shooting incident in a New York nightclub saw him being charged and sentenced for nearly nine years. Son of Belize Prime Minister Dean Barrow, Shyne (real name is Jamal Barrow), would spend close to nine years incarcerated in a US prison. Since his 2009 release, he has been very low-keyed, but the rapper says he is ready to return to the spotlight. “I took my time approaching making another album, ‘cause it’s all about inspiration... I’ve got to be inspired. I believe that I’ve done such great work that I can’t just come back and do anything mediocre, anything sub par. Reggae music, dancehall music inspires me. I started with Barrington Levy. Now I see Drake and Rihanna doing their thing and I love it, Justin Bieber. But I just want to get back where I started. So I am ready to do an album — reggae and dancehall. I am looking at the best 10 artistes. People like Popcaan and we are trying to make a link with Kartel,” he told the Jamaica Observer.

Videos

Messaage from Marlon Kuylen, 2.5min. The new way forward for the revitalized Football Federation of Belize; fueled by passion and Belizean pride!! Youths, youths, youths...

Fun and Adventure Travel with Kendrick Kaufman in the Caribbean Waters of Belize, 7min. Please enjoy my video of diving and snorkeling that you can do from Caye Caulker. You'll see that I used several operators - and they were all good. If you haven’t been yet, hopefully it will inspire you to check out the world famous Blue Hole and beyond.

Gorgeous cultural presentation by Costa Maya Contestants!, 1min.

International Costa Maya Festival delegates modeling Top Notch clothing, 14min.

Aquafino Poolside Party with Costa Maya Delegates, 22min.

Cellula at Cayo Welcome Center, 2.5min. Cellula really rocked the house.

Scuba Belize 2k16, 3min. Turneffe Atoll, Belize

Belize Dive Video, 6min. A 45 minute dive video condensed into 6 minutes

Belize June 10-16, 2016, 15min.

Belize National Anthem sung in Yucatec Maya, 1min. The Belize National Anthem sung by a young Yucatec Maya girl from the village of Yo Creek in the Orange Walk.

July 30, 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

San Pedro Library highlights literacy during summer camp
The San Pedro Town Library (SPTL) started its free Literacy Camp on Monday, July 25th for children ages 7 to 13. With 29 registered children, the camp aims at getting the island’s youth to become more creative, while creating better readers and spellers for tomorrow. The primary focus is on grammar, vocabulary, character building, basic anatomy, functions of the brain, and sharing useful information. The camp will culminate on Friday, August 5th, where prizes will be given out to the campers based on their achievements. Coral also mentioned that the library has extended their pilot tutoring program. Level II (over 11), can meet at the library on Mondays and Tuesdays at 9:30AM to 11:30 AM, and Level I (under 11) meets on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays at the same time and location.

Former leader of GSU, Mark Flowers charged for unlawful sexual conduct
Former head of the Gang Suppression Unit (GSU), Superintendent Mark Flowers has been replaced after being arrested and charged for unlawful sexual contact with a minor. According to police investigation, Flowers has been accused of allegedly engaging in sexual activities with a 14-year-old girl as recently as May of this year. On Tuesday, July 26th, after appearing before Chief Magistrate, Ann-Marie Smith, Flowers was read his charges, being two counts of unlawful sexual intercourse, then remanded to the Belize Central Prison. He is to re-appear in court on September 26th when disclosure is to be given. A case management has also been scheduled for October 6th to take place in the Belmopan Magistrate’s Court. Flowers admitted having met the minor in the summer of 2015, but he strongly denies ever having any physical contact with her. He also pointed out that the report against him was done shortly after he let go of the minor’s stepfather from duties at his farmland in Blackman Eddy Village.

Finn + Martini organizes first ever Reina Del La Costa Maya parade
The Mundo Maya region was represented with vibrant color and sounds on Thursday, July 28th as Finn + Martini hosted the first-ever Reina De La Costa Maya parade through San Pedro Town. To the sound of drumming and cheers of the crowd gathered to watch, elaborately decorated golf carts carried the beauty representatives from Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua and Panama from Finn + Martini on Laguna Drive down Pescador Drive to the ultimate destination: Fido’s Courtyard and Pier.

Experience Ballet on Ice on Ambergris Caye!
For the very first time, Belizeans will be treated to a never-before-seen performance by the Russian Ballet on Ice. The world class ice skating show is scheduled to take place in both Belize City and San Pedro Town, and even though Belize does not have a skating rink, the show will be possible through the use of an Ice Equipment Complex (IPC). Everyone is invited to attend the once-in-a-life time show and experience a magical night. The IPC is a portable artificial ice skating rink that can be installed on any solid surface and provides the similar conditions of a natural rink. The performances will be taking place on Saturday, July 30th at 8PM and Sunday, July 31st at 4PM at the Bliss Centre for Performing Arts in Belize City and on Wednesday, August 3rd at 7:30PM at the Angel Nuñez Auditorium in San Pedro Town. For an admission fee of $65 per adult, $75 reserved and $35 for children (2 to 12 years), you can attend the show, which will feature performances such as “Swan Lake” and “Cinderella on Ice”.

Venice Basketball League to host tournament in San Pedro Town
Basketball fanatics on the island will, for the first time ever, experience a one of a kind tournament organized by The Venice Basketball League (VBL). The sporting event is slated for Saturday, July 30th at the Boca Del Rio basketball court and aims to unite all basketball players on the island while teaching new skills in the sport. The all- day event will see music and lots to eat. At the end of the tournament, winning teams will be awarded with trophies. Founder of VBL Nick Ansom told The San Pedro Sun that he began the league ten years ago at Las Angeles’ Venice Beach in California, USA. According to him, the beginnings of the organization were very humble, giving everyone who loves the sport the opportunity to be part of a loving community. “It began like an organized pick- up game of basketball, and we would play on the outdoors, exposing all that talent that people don’t get the chance to show,” said Ansom. Venice Basketball League-4He is currently on vacation on Ambergris Caye and brought 30 basketballs with the intention to give them away to players who love the sport. However, he never thought he would be spearheading a competition on the island. “Since we created this league, we have done tours all over the world. In addition we also have basketballs for sale and for every one we sell, we give one away. In the last month we sold 30, so I brought back 30 with me to give away,” said Ansom. He stated that the organization follows a structured team agenda and has evolved from its humble starts to be a reputable roster compiled with the highest of standards in ethics and talent.

Ambergris Today

Costa Maya Festival Kicks Off with Parade Organized by Finn + Martini
"Last Night Finn and Martini became the cultural capital of The Americas!" boasted Findley Halliday while he took time to rest after the Costa Maya Festival Parade to the Sashing event that took place last night, July 28, 2016. Finn + Martini sponsored and hosted, along with the Costa Maya Festival, a parade that officially kicked off the Festival celebrations on the island of Ambergris Caye, Belize. Each of the eight Costa Maya Pageant contestants had her private golf cart adorned with their national colors, flags and emblems as the beauty delegates were the highlight of the parade that lead its way to Fido's from Finn + Martini. The crowds gathered streetside as the parade came to life with music, dance and the charima of the eight lovely delegates. Joining the parade were Miss San Pedro Iris Salgero, Miss America Latina Belize Michelle Nuñez, Miss Costa Maya 2015/Miss Honduras Gabriela Vanessa Salazar Valle, the Miss San Pedro 2016 contestants, the Garifuna Charikanari Group and the San Pedro Roman Catholic Marching Band.

Three Belize Athletes to Participate in Rio 2016 Olympic Games
With just over a week to go for the opening of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, The Belize National Olympic Committee says that Belize’s contingent is ready to represent in two sporting disciplines (Judo and Athletics) made up of 3 athletes, 3 delegates/coaches and the Chief of Mission, Mr. Giovanni Alamilla. Athlete Renick James will compete in the Judo - 90kg category, Katy Sealy and Brandon Jones will compete in the 100m Hurdles and 200m respectively. Accompanying the athletes are Judo and Athletics delegates Franz Menzies and Deon Sutherland along with Athletics coach Denis Costello. Brandon Jones has been selected as the flag bearer for Belize at the Games of the 7/21/2016 to 7/31/2016I Olympiad.

Misc Belizean Sources

SBDC Workshop: Introduction to Intellectual Property Rights ddd
Presented by: Mrs. Koreen Flowers, Sr. Assistant Registrar of Intellectual Property, BELIPO. Location: Beltraide Conference Room, 14 Orchid Garden Street, Belmopan Workshop Date: August 4th, 2016. Time: 9am to 12noon. This course is designed for entrepreneurs, managers and business owners who are interested in learning more about Copyright, Patent, Trademark and Industrial Design.

Splashers
Attention North side Splashers. We will be having a paint party at Captain Morgan's every Friday at 1p.m. Today we will be painting a turtle.

Stann Creek House of Culture
We are ready. Come on out and learn more about the Stann Creek House of Culture!!!!!

IDENTITY Youth Art Exhibit
Corozal House of Culture, Aug 5 at 7pm.

Summer Art Wave 2016's Traditional Mestizo Workshop
The Summer Art Wave 2016's Traditional Mestizo Workshop ended today with preparations for tomorrow nights performance as part of the Cultural Explosion event beginning at 7pm at the Corozal Town Central Park. We must give a most gracious thank you to a kind soul, Maestra Libertad Cal, who has instilled our intangible cultural heritage into the minds, hearts and souls of our young performers. Congratulations to our performers who were able to learn three Mestizo Dances within ten hours of study. We also want to thank our sponsors Atlantic Bank - Corozal Branch for nutritious snacks and to Bowen & Bowen - Corozal for keeping everyone hydrated!

We "dig" archaeologists!
On this Day of Archaeology, check out these photos of Antonio Beardall of Institute of Archaeology (NICH) Belize & other young excavators of the Belize Valley Archaeological Reconnaissance at Cahal Pech.

Chiquibul Forests Investment Initiative
August 4, Caracol Room, Radisson Fort George Hotel & Marina Beize City. 1:30pm. Our Ministry and partners have been working very hard to make this happen! The investments will be unprecedented in scale and will definitely assist the many efforts to curb the illegal farming, hunting, gold mining, looting of Mayan artifacts, poaching of scarlet macaw, xate harvesting etc., occurring in the Chiquibul forests (from Vaca in the north to Columbia Forest Reserve in the South). Do join us to learn about and participate in this event!

White-Crowned Parrots
These adorable White-Crowned Parrots were confiscated a little over one year ago; they arrived at BBR as babies with clipped wings and worms. As you can see they are quite photogenic, as well as healthy and happy. We look forward to their release back where they belong, in the wild.

U.S. Embassy Belize OUT AND ABOUT
Earlier this week, Ambassador Moreno attended the Belmopan City Council’s Ground Breaking Ceremony of the Independence Park Rehabilitation Project. The City Council plans to revitalize this once popular park into a business and entertainment hub for all residents and visitors of Belmopan.

Boat for sale on Caye Caulker
Hey you guys looking to sell this 12feet yellow and black boat. Asking price is $3,000 bze. Price is negotiable. It goes as it is. Serious inquiries only inbox me for more info.

Poets Corner: John dah no Penner!
By Abdulmajeed K Nunez. John dah no Penner Is John dah wah fighter? John dah the “Big Deal” Did Deeno support Faber to get the steal? Dah murder the paper wrote Deh naah go tek back no chat Shuffle the deck Deeno ah the King a di pact Look how him bold and got bad back He have quell the people or deh vote deh gwen teck back A vote no confidence gwen bring elections jack A cabinet shuffle Has now become inevitable But Byner is in lots of trouble How please all his people Without forcing bi elections people Is this how the cookie will crumble Di pot di bubble

Costa Maya Festival Parade kicks off celebrations in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye
A Parade of Mundo Maya Nations - International Costa Maya Festival kicks off with Parade featuring the eight pageant delegates of Miss Costa Maya Pageant.

Power interruption 7:00am to 10:00am, Sunday, July 31, Orange Walk
San Antonio Road, Price Avenue, San Francisco Street, Asuncion Street, portion Pasture Street, Dunn Street, Progress Street, Bakers Street, Muffles Street, Mahogany Street, Sapodilla Street, Ziricote Stree, Louisiana Road, Pineapple Street, Mayflower Street, Naranjal Street, Baytias Lane, Lover’s Lane, portion Main Street, portion Riverside Street, Queen Victoria Avenue, Bautista Avenue, Otro Benque Road, Petville, San Estevan Road and San Estevan Village. BEL to replace pressure device on 2 transformers at Buena Vista Substation.

Belmopan Roundabout Landscaping
The Belmopan Roundabout is getting landscaped. Thanks, BNE! "Belmopan Roundabout landscaping underway with the support of BNE and Pandora. Drivers, be on the alert to stop when the team moving plants to the inner circle. Appreciate your patience and cooperation as we stride towards a comprehensive road safety system."

Costa Maya Delegates Have All Arrived
It's been a busy day. We started the day meeting Miss Panama, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and El Salvador at Maya Island Air. From there everyone headed to Ramon's Village to Check In and then it was time to board a boat with Seaquarious Adventures for a Snuba Adventure. Let me just say, I can't edit fast enough!!! Next it is off to Finn & Martinis for a parade over to Fido's for sashing. (Please Mother Nature, don't rain just now. Thank you for listening.)

Moments aboard YOLO with Island Dream Tours
A quick edit of some moments from last evening. Thanks to Kevin, Heather and all the crew for a wonderful evening. Now, it's almost time to meet the rest of the delegates.

Channel 7

PM Barrow: National Security Minister Saldivar Will Stay Put
The Prime Minister returned from Miami today - and instead of standing to face the press at the airport - which his back can hardly bear - he opted instead for a press briefing at the Biltmore. Of course most of the questions were about his Minister of National security John Saldivar and his relationship with William Danny Mason. Jules Vasquez led off the questioning by asking whether Saldivar would be stripped of his ministry:... Jules Vasquez "Are you able to say anything about the standing of Minister John Saldivar as the Minister of National Security when it appears that there was a very significant relationship which was a beneficial relationship for at least Mr. Saldivar's sports team? Is he in good standing in your cabinet right now as the Minister of National Security?" Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister: "Let me be absolutely clear, I accept that the optics of this situation is bad. Moving beyond optics though, I have not been provided with any material to suggest that any minister did anything that could be considered improper from the point of view from the bar of impropriety that would oblige the sort of action you asked about."

Supt. Mark Flowers Got Bail; Keeps Quiet
So, he won't hear anything from Mason, but would the PM listen to evidence brought to him by his old friend Superintendent Mark Flowers? He has that option now because Flowers is out on bail tonight. He was arraigned on 2 counts of unlawful sexual intercourse against a 14 year-old minor on Wednesday. Before he handed himself into police, he made the media rounds to rant against National Security Minister, accusing him of inducing the family of minor to make a malicious complaint against him. He also suggested that Saldivar meddled in Police business and got him removed as the head of the GSU, all out of personal malice. Saldivar has categorically denied all allegations, dismissing Flowers as a desperate man who will do and say anything to try to shift blame from himself. It had been rumoured all of yesterday that while he was at the Belize Central Prison, Flowers made contact with William "Danny" Mason, who supposedly gave him certain information, which he would be disclosing, specifically pointing to Mason's relationship with John Saldivar.

PM Says He'd Consider Meeting With Supt. Flowers
And now back to our original question, now that Flowers is out on bail - would the PM be willing to listen to him? The PM today agreed that he has a long relationship with Flowers going back to his days in the Esquivel Administration - and under very limited circumstances, he would consider speaking to him about supposed evidence of corruption and wrongdoing that Flowers claims to have:... Reporter: "One of the things that he said was that he had documented proof via emails and receipts and several other documents that there were cabinet officials as well as other government officials who received a lump sum of money that would parallel would constitute money laundering and he has that documented evidence." Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister: "Has he shown you the documentary evidence?" Reporter: "No he hasn't, because after that he was remanded to prison." Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister: "Well he is out now, isn't he?" Reporter: "Yes he was granted bail today."

Gapi Socialized With Mason Also
And getting back to Mason now, after some digging, the press has found out that Former Deputy Prime Minister Gaspar Vega was also a guest of William Mason. The media went north to go ask Vega about it, and after some back and forth, he admitted that he too had socialized with Mason. Here's how he put it: Hon. Gaspar Vega - Minister of Agriculture: "I don't know where they came up with that, that I introduce Mr. Mason to the Mennonite business person. I am not even aware that anyone in the ministry took part on it. I spoke to my CEO and he said that the only thing he knows is that Mason had visited the ministry once, but not even he took part in introducing Mason to the Mennonite community." Reporter: "What about Manuel Trujillo sir?" Hon. Gaspar Vega - Minister of Agriculture: "I didn't ask him, to be sincere, when they said the minister, I figured it's me and the closest to me is the CEO and that's how far I went. I don't know if Manuel Trujillo had any dealings. It's the first time that I even got anyone to mention such thing."

Ischelle Got Bail
8 days ago, we told you about the 5 persons from the Cayo District who were arraigned and remanded for the brazen robbery at the Income Tax Department in which almost 30 thousand dollars of taxpayer dollars were stolen. Well, one of those accused is Ishchelle Tablada, who is accused of being the driver of the getaway car, and tonight she is out on bail. The other persons she is charged with is 19 year-old Devon Brooks Jr. Seen here in white, 23 year-old David Cruz Jr., seen here in Green, and 33 year-old Richard Hyde, who is the other older man in white. David Cruz's mother is charged along with him and Devon Brooks for the gun that the robbers stole from the cop who was performing guard duty at the Income Tax Department.

Alleged Cayo Extortionist Jailed
10 Days ago we told you about the bomb threat that ABC store in San Ignacio received. Now bomb threats do not usually make news, but when the cops searched the store, they found a cordial note written in Spanish pleading for $2,000 dollars. Well it turns out a similar one was delivered to a store in Succotz Village earlier this week. Now, police have charged A 61 YEAR OLD SALVADORAN OF CALLA CREEK VILLAGE. He is CARLOS ROMAN DIAZ and he has been charged FOR THE CRIME OF BLACKMAIL. HE APPEARED IN SAN IGNACIO MAGISTRATE'S COURT and was REMANDED UNTILAUGUST 18, 2016. HE IS ALSO UNDER INVESTIGATION for the LETTER DROPPED AT ABC STORE in San Ignacio.

CWU and City Hall Sign Historic CBA
As we told you last night, the Christian Workers Union and the Belize City Council hammered out a collective bargaining agreement which was signed today. It's a monumental accomplishment since it was first started in 1993 by then Mayor Stephen Latchman. And today, both sides were glad that a work in progress for 23 years was finally finished:… Audrey Matura-Shepherd, President, CWU: "Today is an historic day. Of Course it was not an easy battle but it was a battle nonetheless and we are seeing the fruits of it. It's not the most perfect CBA but it's a massive step forward and of course the Mayor and I have has our toss and tassels over things but I'm glad that we can sit down today and sign this CBA."

PM Discusses US Currency Fight With Ashcroft Alliance
Today's press conference by the Prime Minister was dominated by talk of William Danny Mason and John Saldivar, but the press also got to ask about the situation with BTL. Government and the Ashcroft Alliance are back in court arguing over what portion of the judgment should be paid in US dollars and what portion in Belize dollars. The Prime Minister says it is clear enough to government:.. Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister: "The Central Bank is saying to government you cannot be giving 70 million dollars more in foreign currency to pay Ashcroft. The Central Bank knows why it is saying that. In any event government does not want 70 million dollars more in US currency to pay Ashcroft, because government is absolutely convinced that Ashcroft does not deserve 70 million dollars more in US currency. I need to be careful because the application is before the Caribbean Court of Justice with respect to the settlement agreement, but Ashcroft knows as I know and as God above knows that our agreement was for that award to be split, that is what we asked the tribunal, so that it would be clear how much of it was for the shares and how much of it was for the accomodation agreement and that the entirety of the accomodation agreement minus of course claims for expenses. The entirety of the accomodation agreement was to be spent on the people of Belize. That is the only way I would have agreed to any settlement. For him to come now with an interpretation that would see him not only get this additional amount in US currency, but in consequence short change the 60% of the award that is for the accomodation agreement and so shaft the people of people of this country is absolutely intolerable."

Marion Jones: Taste of Belize
The first thing that comes to mind when the Marion Jones Stadium is mentioned is sports, but how about food? And we aren't talking about the snacks and fast foods that are sold at a tournament. Nope, we are talking about Belizean cuisine. From now on, It won't be only sporting events that are held at the stadium, that is because a section of the Stadium is being transformed into a mini tourist destination in the city, where tourists can drop by on a tour and sample Belizean dishes. Today at the City Tastes of Belize tour launch we found out how this idea came about and what it means for tourism and sports in Belize. Ritchell Dominguez, Dir., National Sports Council: "We are looking for great things to come out of Marion Jones. it has been sitting here for a couple of years locked up but this is time that we can change it and change it for good in using it as a museum to generate funds for our needed sporting in Belize."

NSC Director Says MCC Parking Lot Is An Asset
While the Marion Jones Stadium is being upgraded and transformed what about the other sporting complex, the MCC Grounds? Well if you drive past Marine Parade or are a regular at the Princess Hotel and Casino, you would know that a portion of the MCC Grounds is being used to a parking lot. While it might seem like a downgrade, Director of National Sports Council Ritchell Dominguez says not at all, the parking business is actually helping to upkeep the facility. Ritchell Dominguez, Dir., National Sports Council: "The season is out, football is not playing, FFB is just getting ready, and we are working on it in getting up the lights. I think at the end of the month the minister is saying that we'll do the inauguration there because it has become dormant whereby nothing has been said about it or where it is or what we have been doing with it. We behind the scenes have been working, back and forth with the electricity board to get the lights up. There are several teams that have come forth and said they would like to use it for their home games and different stuff, but we're working at it and we keep that same money that you talk about the parking lot to be used on the field and get the facility up to where we want. Each facility has to maintain itself."

BTL Paid Curtis Swasey
And while the Prime Minister and the Government is working to pay compensation to the Ashcroft Alliance over BTL, we've learnt that BTL has paid Curtis Swasey the 25 thousand dollar award that the Supreme Court ordered them to. As viewers will remember, Justice Courtney Abel has ruled that BTL Shared the Corozal businessman's idea of lottery texting with the owners of the Mek Mi Rich Game Show, Sanjay Hotchandani and Minister Gaspar Vega's Son, Andre Vega. Justice Abel has ruled that Mek Mi Rich and Swasey's game, Super Slam Sunday, are basically the same. BTL is refusing to accept the ruling of the court because they insist that the did not breach a non-disclosure agreement to share Swasey's idea with the owners of Mek Mi Rich. There is an appeal lodged at the Court of Appeal, which hasn't been heard as yet, but Swasey and his attorney had to force BTL's hand by getting the Supreme Court to crowfoot their assets. Today, Swasey'S attorney, Kareem Musa, explained to us the extreme action that they had to resort to:

Cane Farmers Protest BSI Again; Not Happy About Bagasse Loss
Today cane farmers launched another protest against BSI. The last time they only had eight, but this they had well over 100. And the difference in numbers is probably because farmers got their second payment on Wednesday and it was less than expected because the revenue from the lost molasses had to be written off. Today Fred Ortega said the message has been sent:.. Alfredo Ortega: "We would want to see a huge number of farmers but what is most important into this is the message that is going out that we are not happy. These farmers that are here is a message that is being given that we are not happy and we are not acceptant to bare any loss because of the negligence of BSI." Reporter: "How do we see a reimbursement for this loss that has already been charged to the cane farmers in the second payment?" Alfredo Ortega: "What we are seeking right now is we want to see what will be the response of the SICB (the Sugar Industry Control Board). A letter has been sent to them for their intervention, I spoke to the chairman and he said that he has not received any response as yet..."

Belize Bank Funds Classically Trained Musicians
3 National Youth Orchestra members are heading to Trinidad next week Friday. It is the first time these kids will be visiting Trinidad, but they aren't going for sightseeing or tourism, they are going to work and train for one month. Today we spoke to the 3 talented musicians about their expectations of this trip and also to the Belize Bank's Executive Chairman about why this initiative was important to fund. The team leaves on August 5th and return on August 30th.

Shyne's $1000 Rap Contest
And Musical Ambassador Shyne Barrow is sponsoring another kind of musical expression. He hosts monthly open mic nights at BTL park to encourage lyricism and gives a nice thousand dollar prize to the crowd favourite. He told us about it last night. As you heard, the first prize is a thousand dollars, and the second prize is a cellular phone from BTL.

Shyne Touched The Stage With Barrington Levy
Shyne just returned to Belize from Jamaica where he performed with Barrington Levy at SUMFEST - which is Jamaica's premier reggae festival. He touched the main stage with the headline act and told us it is the start of what he hopes is a new stage of his career:...

Shyne Says Jamaican Newspaper Misquoted Him On Elected Office Aspirations
And while in Jamaica Shyne made many media appearances, including one in which he was asked, if he is thinking about following in his father's footsteps and running for office. He is quoted as saying, quote, "I'm going to be in Parliament in Belize very soon. I'm going to be leading my nation and contributing to my nation with all the capacity that I have. My father is the right honorable prime minister, and he's retiring and I'm succeeding him and my uncle." So Shyne's going to be leading? And succeeding his father? Did Patrick Faber get that memo? Shyne told us last night that it was a misquote:..

Gapi's Grand Summer Camp Draws Hundreds
And while Shyne is just getting into politics, Gaspar Vega says he's getting out of it. And if he's serious about his retirement, he'll surely be missed in the Orange Walk summer. That's because every year he has close to a thousand primary school kids in his summer camp. He's been doing it for ten years, and today, we got to see the closing of the camp. Here's what Vega had to say to those in Trial Farm Village who kept busy and made use of the opportunity:

Ladyville Jackers Were Caught On Camera
Last night we told you about the Santiago Castillo salesman jacked in Ladyville. Mark Lisbey was making sales in Ladyville when he was robbed of his knapsack with 3,843 dollars in cash and 4808 in cheques. Well, tonight police have surveillance images of their main suspects in the robbery. Anyone seeing these persons is asked to call police…

Channel 5

Prime Minister Admits to Corruption in Government
So no clear evidence means no repercussions for Saldivar, or any other cabinet minister, just yet. The PM admits that there is corruption in government and will always be corruption [...]

Will Barrow Meet with William Mason?
Prime Minister Dean Barrow returned to Belize today, and by this afternoon was seated in the hot seat facing a barrage of questions on a variety of very pressing issues. [...]

Will John Saldivar Face Political Repercussions?
It is believed that much of what Mason purports to have would involve Minister of National Security John Saldivar. Saldivar, by his own admission, was very close to Mason – [...]

PM Says No Evidence on Saldivar Yet
The Prime Minister pointed out that realistically speaking, many people from every walk of life – including politicians, police officers, pastors, businesspersons and common folk – were taken in by [...]

Barrow Says He Will Act if Evidence Surfaces
The PM also maintains that if evidence surfaces which contradicts what Saldivar has said – that he cut ties with Mason in September 2015 – then all bets are off [...]

Is Police Investigation Being Conducted Properly?
Where the investigation into the murder of Pastor Llewellyn Lucas is concerned, there have been more questions than answers. Because the public is well aware of the accused murderer’s connections [...]

Mark Flowers Gets Bail in Supreme Court
Superintendent Mark Flowers, former commander of the Gang Suppression Unit, is out on bail tonight after posting a bond of seven thousand, five hundred dollars, plus one surety of the [...]

PM Claims Flowers’ Fall From Grace is Regrettable
In the sensational interview prior to his arrest for Unlawful Sexual Intercourse, Flowers alleged that he had been set up by the Minister of National Security. Whether he was set [...]

So Will Flowers Get Meeting With Barrow?
The Prime Minister has stated that he will absolutely not meet with accused murderer William Mason, who says he has evidence to provide. Mark Flowers has basically made the same [...]

B.T.L. Settlement Back in Court
Following incessant and expensive litigation over B.T.L. since 2009, the PM declared the half a billion plus final payment for the utility company a vindication and a victory for the [...]

PM Barrow Explains Letter from Central Bank
That seventy U.S. million dollars in litigation has caused Central Bank to issue a dire warning to the Government of Belize, claiming that such a payout would destroy what is [...]

Barrow Says There’s No Reason to Panic
The letter from the Central Bank seemed a dire forecast, even with the Ashcroft-request payment aside. There is talk of the economy contracting two percent in the first quarter of [...]

Did Gaspar Vega Know William Mason?
There’s one more minister who today admitted that he had trekked up Intelco Hill to visit with William Mason. In Orange Walk Town today, we drilled the former Deputy Prime [...]

Vega Says He Did Not Receive Money from Mason
The former DPM could not say when exactly he met Mason, but was emphatic that he did not receive any monies from the accused murderer for campaign financing or other [...]

Vega Cagey When Asked about Saldivar’s Relationship with Mason
But is it fair game to remove John Saldivar from cabinet because of his connections and business dealings with Mason? Saldivar’s integrity is being called into question and by extension [...]

Blackmail Attempt in Calla Creek Village
There is a report tonight about a blackmail attempt in the Cayo District. Police received a report on Monday, that a Benque resident who works as a manager of three [...]

Cane Farmers Protest at B.S.I. Again
Earlier this year, a small group of caneros protested against ASR/B.S.I.; today in a second demonstration, the numbers had swollen somewhat. The bone of contention is that the miller is [...]

CWU and CitCo Sign Collective Bargaining Agreement
The Belize City Council and the Christian Workers Union have entered into a Collective Bargaining Agreement on behalf of employees at City Hall. The contract of employment, negotiated between management [...]

Mayor Bradley Says Council Needs to Adopt New Standards
Mayor Darrell Bradley, who signed on behalf of the Belize City Council, acknowledges the need for City Hall to adapt similar standards as that of the public service, where employees [...]

Belizean Musicians Participate in Regional Workshop
Come next week, three young Belizean musicians will partake in a regional orchestra workshop in Trinidad and perform in two sold out concerts along with musical professionals in classic, pop [...]

The Biggest Summer Camp Concludes in Orange Walk
By any account, one of the biggest summer camp is held in Orange Walk. One thousand seven hundred students to be precise attended the event in the Orange Walk North [...]

Growing the Future Summer Camp Concludes
And in Belize City, another summer camp held its certificate ceremonies for the more than four hundred and fifty participants. The camp is the brainchild of Growing the Future Projects [...]

LOVE FM

Vega Seeks Intervention on Molasses Issue
As we reported, cane farmers staged their second protest for this week in Tower Hill in the Orange Walk District. The farmers are upset that they have incurred financial loss after a batch of molasses went bad at the BSI Factory. Minister of Agriculture, Gaspar Vega was asked to weigh in on the issue. He […]

City Council Signs Collective Agreement
The Christians Workers Union and the Belize City Council signed a Collective Bargaining Agreement today. Present at the signing was the president of the CWU Audrey Matura- Shephard who spoke about the agreement and the negotiation journey towards signing it. Matura-Shephard stated that the union had to compromise some of the expectations that they initially […]

Senior Citizen Charged with Blackmail
A villager from Calla Creek Village in the Cayo District has been charged with blackmail. Love News spoke with the Acting Officer in Charge of Benque Viejo Police, Inspector Stanley Bodden. Inspector Bodden says while it appears that Diaz may have been acting alone, their investigation continue.

GSU Ops Yield Significant Quantity of Marijuana
With gang members and drug dealers having spending power to purchase firearms and ammunition via the sale of their products, law enforcement officers particularly of the Gang Suppression Unit carried out several operations over the last few days that yielded a significant output. The operations began on Friday, July 22 in various known gang territories […]

Amandala

American Bradley Paumen for Supreme Court
American national Bradley Paumen and his co-accused, his mechanic Lizburn Anderson, Belmopan businessman Jahan Abadi and Korean-American Hyang Choing Park, all appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann Marie Smith in her Belize City courtroom on Tuesday afternoon, along with their attorney Herbert Panton for a preliminary inquiry into charges of attempting to pervert the course of justice and conspiracy to pervert justice. After reviewing the paper evidence and statements police had gathered, the Chief Magistrate concluded that there is enough evidence for a prima facie case against the accused persons, so she committed them to stand trial in the October session of the Supreme Court.

Alfonso Castillo, 30, succumbs to stabbing injuries
Alfonso Castillo, 30, a resident of Victoria Street who was scheduled to be released from the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, after recovering from being stabbed, died at about 7:00 this morning. On Thursday, Castillo became involved in an altercation with his lifelong friend, Raheem Marsden, who allegedly stabbed him. Castillo’s grieving family told us this afternoon that Alfonso, also known as” Fonso,” was scheduled to be taken home today to continue his recovery. His grieving aunt told us that he walked alone into the bathroom, from his bed in the ward, but a man who saw him go in noticed that he did not come out. He immediately alerted a nurse, who went into the bathroom to see what was happening, and discovered Fonso slumped over on the toilet seat. Immediate attempts were made to resuscitate him, but he was unresponsive.

16-year-old Tyrese “Tydie” Carcamo succumbs
Tyrese “Tydie” Carcamo, 16, was pronounced dead by medical officers at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) at around 6:35 p.m. on Wednesday. Carcamo had suffered severe head injuries after a taxi heading in the direction of Belize City on the George Price Highway knocked him off his bicycle on Monday evening. The taxi reportedly was attempting to overtake the cyclist, but its front bumper hit the rear end of the bicycle. The minor was thrown several feet up into the air and landed on the windshield of the taxi being driven at the time by Edward Kennedy Castellanos, 41.

Perilous times!
A demand from British billionaire Michael Ashcroft to have the Government of Belize pay US$70 million more to him in foreign currency, rather than the $134.9 million paid to him in Belize currency a couple of weeks ago, could push Belize to the brink of devaluation if the Central Bank of Belize accedes to a request from the Government of Belize to obtain the foreign currency. The dispute between the parties is going before the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), for a decision, but Central Bank Governor Glenford Ysaguirre wrote Financial Secretary Joseph Waight last Friday, January 22, warning of the “catastrophic” outcome that would be visited upon the country. On Monday, July 25, Waight told Amandala that the Government of Belize paid US$29.5 million and BZD$134.9 million in compensation, plus 827,000 British pounds in legal fees and 33,000 Euros in arbitration costs. However, the Ashcroft group wants the funds that were paid in BZ dollars to be paid instead in US dollars.

Ashcroft alliance seeks enforcement of Settlement Agreement at the CCJ
After several years of litigation between the Government of Belize and a group of companies collectively referred to as the Ashcroft alliance, a Settlement Agreement was worked out last September in Miami between Lord Michael Ashcroft and Prime Minister Dean Barrow over the government payment for the nationalization of the Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL). This morning, however, a panel of three Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) judges convened a teleconference hearing between Trinidad and Belize and for almost one hour, the case management particulars of an application brought by the Ashcroft alliance, which is seeking enforcement of the Settlement Agreement, was hammered out and dates for submissions and a substantive hearing were agreed upon between the parties.

Cane farmers protest against ASR/BSI for loss of revenue from spoiled molasses
Orange Walk police were frantically called for security purposes after a group of cañeros, about a dozen, descended upon the entrance to the Belize Sugar Industry’s (BSI) compound at Tower Hill on Tuesday in protest. The cañeros are up in arms after BSI, owned by American Sugar Refining (ASR), proposed that cane farmers cover 65% or almost three hundred thousand dollars’ worth of the value of damaged molasses which were to be exported. Earlier this month, Amandala had reported that several tons of molasses had been spoilt in a tank at the factory because of a phenomenon known as the Maillard Reaction, which occurs when hot molasses are pumped into storage tanks without first being cooled.

Football updates from Orange Walk
The semifinals in the Andrew Chavarria Football Tournament took place on Sunday, July 24, at the Technical Field in Orange Walk Town. In the first semifinal, Sinbad came from behind to drop Crystal, 3-1, with goals from Irvin Cardenas, Raheen Eagan and Osmar Duran, after Freddy Popper had given Crystal the 1-nil lead. And in the other semifinal, it was Heart N Soul with late second-half goals by Nelson Estrada and Albert Cassanova to clip Grumpy Strikers, 2-0, and secure a spot in the championship game. The finals will be a part of Fiesta Rama Weekend at People’s Stadium this Sunday.

Bus from Punta Gorda for BAA Nationals this weekend
The Belize Athletic Association (BAA) would like to announce, that for the BAA Nationals on Saturday and Sunday July 30-31, there will be a James bus coming from Punta Gorda to Belize City on Saturday, July 30; returning the same day. The bus will make a stop in Dangriga and Belmopan to pick up athletes from those areas and Cayo. The bus will leave from Punta Gorda at 4:30 in the morning.

Belize Junior Cycling Team to St. Lucia for Caribbean Championships
The Belize National Junior Cycling Team leaves Belize today en route to Saint Lucia to compete in the 2016 Caribbean Junior Cycling Championships. The Team comprises of 3 Juniors, 3 Youths and 3 Officials. We leave Belize on Thursday, arrive in St. Lucia on Friday, and depart on Tuesday, August 2. The team will participate in a 40 mile road race for Youth and a 60 mile road race for Juniors, both to be held on Sunday. Apart from that, Kaydine Pinello and Patrick Williams will take part in the Individual Time Trial on Saturday. Updates, pictures and videos for the races will be posted to the Cycling Federation’s Facebook page (cycling federation of BELIZE).

Emancipation or Centenary
In West Africa, the ancestors of Belize’s African population grew crops in the earth to feed themselves. They fished in the creeks, the lagoons, the rivers and the ocean to feed themselves. And they hunted birds and animals in the jungle to feed themselves. Where food was concerned, our pre-slavery ancestors were self-sufficient. Things changed dramatically when our people were brought here chained in slave ships to work in the woodcutting industry of Belize’s forests. The slavemasters controlled most of the food, which was imported in the same sailing ships which, on their outward journey, carried the logs and lumber to England, and afterwards America. There was a chronic labor shortage in Belize’s woodcutting industry, and slavemasters prevented black people from owning and developing land. The settlement of Belize was about forests, not farming. In fact, the situation was more complicated than that. The Spanish in the Yucatan who claimed the territory of Belize in the name of the King of Spain, signed treaties with the British Baymen which allowed the Baymen to cut down trees as long as they did not grow food crops.

From the Publisher
At what specific point Ralph Fonseca became G. Michael Reid’s employer, guru, mentor, or whatever, I can’t say for sure, except that it was probably sometime during the first Said Musa People’s United Party (PUP) government, which lasted from August of 1998 until March of 2003. As my friends know, I have been one of G. Mike’s favorite subjects, or targets. I pay attention to him, because G. Mike is an intelligent guy who is a very talented writer. I usually restrain myself when it comes to answering him, though, one reason being that he and I are perhaps too much alike in personality, and things could get rough. Sometimes when I see G. Mike and Marshall Nunez on the PUP television station, I am tempted to call in and initiate a discourse about semi-pro basketball. I can’t see how G. Mike would have been in the Ralph Fonseca camp in the early part of 1998, because John Saldivar, in the promotion and exaltation of the doomed Manuel Esquivel United Democratic Party (UDP) government, was selling G. Mike a dream. Reid bought the CARICOM basketball tournament hype – hook, line, and sinker.

Letter to the Editor: Even the Vatican…
Dear Editor, Belizeans must be among the most charitable and patient people on earth for putting up with the charade that describes politics in Belize. While it’s always a good idea to live in the present and not be encumbered with the past — which is gone and cannot be changed or influenced in any way — in reading the Editorial in this paper dated July 27 with its recitation of some of the more recent examples of overt GOB malfeasance, I found it impossible to ignore reaching one of two miserable conclusions, neither of which bodes well for the future of Belize. First of all, one can conclude that the Government—despite their own opinion of their individual merits — is simply incompetent and not up to the task of governing, in which case the “Honorable” members should find another profession where they would do less harm; running a lemonade stand comes to mind, can’t do too much harm there, I suppose.

Belize: Nation Of God Or Nation Of Laws
We find ourselves in a dilemma in Belize today: are we a nation of God or a nation of laws? The answer is not as easy as some would believe. Belize is in a transitional time warp that can be better understood if we saw our collective consciousness in two parts: pre-independence and post-independence. If the same question was posed fifty years ago, the answer would be a resounding: we are a nation of God! While we were never a theocracy by any means, the Christian religious values which underpinned our collective value system made it no question that the majority of us acknowledge the supremacy of God in our personal and collective lives and thus it is not surprising that that God consciousness forms a part of the first principle in the preamble of our constitution. During those days none would have dared challenge the constitutionality of that fundamental principle, out of reverence, or out of fear of being ostracized by this powerful collective consciousness. Questioning God was evidence of blasphemy.

New HIV infections in Belize rank high on regional scale
Whereas the Caribbean has seen a 9% rise in the number of new HIV cases, the incidences have increased far more in Belize—by more than 20% from 2010 to 2015, according to the Prevention GAP Report (2016) recently published by UNAIDS. The report noted that Belize is in fact among the countries with the highest rate of increase, ranking 4th among 27 and well above the regional average. “Among adults in Latin America, the annual number of new HIV infections has slowly risen since 2000, reaching about 91,000 [76,000–109 000] in 2015. Increases were greatest, above 20%, between 2010 and 2015 in select countries in Central America, including Belize, Nicaragua, and Guatemala,” the Prevention Gap Report said.

UEF celebrates 3rd annual observation of Emancipation Day
The UBAD Educational Foundation (UEF) is organizing its third annual observation of Emancipation Day in a thought-provoking fashion. In 2014 the UEF through its treasurer, Virginia Echols, collaborated with Belizean Egbert Hignijo to host an eighteen-member delegation of students from the San Jose Community College and San Jose Evergreen Community College in California. Those students majored in areas of African studies, ethnic studies and anthropology. The theme that year was “Understanding Enslavement in Belize 2014.” In 2015 the UEF organized a lecture featuring Myrtle Palacio and Dr. Jahlani Niah.

Exports and imports down, prices up
Exports dipped by 30 percent for the month of June 2016, while imports were down by 11%, according to information just released by the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB). Meanwhile, consumer prices continued on their overall increase, with June inflation reported at 0.9%. Citrus was Belize’s top export for the month, netting BZ$12.4 million, up by 400% from $2.8 million last June. The SIB said that, “Despite the overall contraction in export earnings for June 2016, citrus sales got a welcome boost during the month. Revenues for this industry more than tripled, from under $3 million in June 2015 to $12 million in the same month of this year, due to a surge in orange concentrate sales.” Meanwhile, crude petroleum, which recorded no exports during June of last year, earned Belize over $5 million in June of this year, the SIB added. “The total value of Belize’s domestic exports for the month of June 2016 was $36.8 million, down 30.2 percent or $15.9 million from the $52.7 million recorded in June 2015,” the SIB reported.

Louis Wade launches “I want my country back” protest during Cabinet meeting
“I want my country back,” chanted scores of Belizeans, joined by Pastor Louis Wade as they marched through Belmopan and converged on Independence Hill during the Government’s regular Tuesday Cabinet meeting. The protest, which took place hours after a candlelight vigil organized in memory of the beheaded Pastor Llewellyn Lucas, began at around 9 a.m. and concluded peacefully at around midday. Protesters marched in front of several governmental buildings, including those of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of National Security and the Curl Thompson building as Belizeans took to the podium to voice their discontent with the status quo. According to Pastor Wade, the vigil held on Monday night was organized to allow Belizeans an opportunity to sympathize with the family of Pastor Lue, as he was popularly known.

Dangriga sports stats
As the Wagiya Football Club prepares for this upcoming PLB season, which will be starting on the weekend of August 13-14, Wagiya Football Club will be playing a pre-season friendly match this Saturday, July 30, at 3:00 p.m. at the Benguche Football Field against the Belize Defence Force FC. All Wagiya fans are invited to come on Saturday and see how your team is getting ready for the new PLB season. The Stann Creek Football Association (SCFA), along with its Technical Director, Dennis Serano, set up its coaching staff for the Stann Creek District U-17 tryouts and selection. Our coaching staff is led by Harrison Cafu Roches, Kareem Haylock, Kenrick Nunez, Egemeri Flores and Nelson Flores, all experienced players. We want to thank these gentlemen for coming on board with us. Our coaching staff is presently going over players list, and as soon as they are completed, the selection list will be released. Our training continues today and throughout the week at the Ecumenical football field, starting at 4:00 p.m.

The Reporter

Barrow holds press conference
Prime Minister Dean Barrow returned to Belize today Friday, and immediately engaged the media in a discussion on national issues. Barrow held a press conference at the Best Western Belize Biltmore Plaza hotel, where he spoke on the implications the ongoing case of William Mason […]

Former GSU boss out on bail
Mark Flowers, former commander of the Gang Suppression Unit (GSU) of the Belize Police Department, is out on bail having been charged with two counts of unlawful sexual intercourse. Flowers appeared before Justice Adolf Lucas today Friday, who granted bail in the sum of $7,500 […]

CitCo and CWU sign CBA
Today Friday, the Belize City Council and the Christian Workers Union (CWU) signed a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), marking the end of some 23 years of negotiations and attempts. The parties gathered at the office of the Labour Department for the formal signing activity. Under […]

Growing a Bright Future Program wraps up summer classes
Today Friday, the Growing a Bright Future summer program, held its closing exercise for its Belize City cohort. Director of the program, Peter Lacey, explained that the closing, held at the Radisson fort George Hotel and Marina, was one of several being conducted at various […]

Zika expected to get worse before it subsides
The Zika virus is expected to spread aggressively and get worse before it begins to subside, a new research suggests. While a recent study has predicted that Zika will be around for about three more years, the new research suggests that the situation could get […]

Largest Mayan tomb discovered at Xunantunich
Archaeologists came a step closer to unravelling the secrets of the ancient Mayas as one of the largest tomb to ever be discovered in Belize was found at the Xunantunich Maya site last Tuesday. History was made as archaeologist, Dr. Jaime Awe, excavated the first tomb to […]

CDB launches poverty assessment program
To assist borrowing member countries (BMC)s in assessing the non-economic factors associated with poverty, the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) launched a new poverty assessment programme this week. The CDB launched the programme on Tuesday in Castries, St. Lucia. The initiative, valued at US $4.1 million, will run […]

Oceana and WWF fights against climate change
By Julia Arzu. Oceana, in collaboration with World Wildlife Fund (WWF), presented part two of “The Energy of Nature vs. the Nature of Energy” workshop on Wednesday morning at the Radison Fort George Hotel and Marina. Belizean environmental experts, members of the Oceana school clubs and several other stakeholders congregated […]

Calypso Rose to receive WOMEX Artist Award
Calypso Rose, Trinidad and Tobagoâ€™s first female Calypso Monarch, will receive the 2016 WOMEX Artist Award in recognition for her outstanding contribution to the music and calypso industry. The award ceremony will be hosted in Spain on October 23. Rose first performed at WOMEX in 2006, where […]

GOB and Ashcroft Alliance headed to CCJ
The Government of Belize and the Ashcroft Alliance are preparing for another round in their extensive legal battle, this time, at the Caribbean Court of Justice. The alliance applied to the CCJ this month for an interpretation of the arbitration award granted by the Permanent Court of […]

BTL donates $10,000 to San Pedro fire victims
Belize Telemedia Ltd. (BTL), in collaboration with the Belize Red Cross and Angelus Press Limited, presented a cheque of $10,000 last week to assist families whose homes were destroyed in the San Pedro fire several weeks ago. Among the 27 families affected, many of them were children […]

Taiwan extends scholarships to 25 Belizeans
The Republic of China (Taiwan) is offering scholarships to 25 Belizeans to study at universities in Taiwan in a wide range of studies, through the Taiwan-International Cooperation and Development Fund (ICDF) Scholarship Program and the Taiwan Scholarship Program. Since 2015, some 281 students from Belize […]

Verdict delayed! Nation waits for section 53 decision
The Supreme Court, this week, rescheduled the date for the decision of the controversial challenge to Belize’s sodomy laws. On Tuesday, the day before Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin was to give his decision in the constitutional challenge of section 53 of the Criminal Code, the CJ had […]

Lake-I fire leaves six persons homeless
A family of six, two adults and four children, is left homeless after thier home on Olivera Street was completely destroyed by fire on Tuesday morning. Around 10:31 a.m. the Fire Department received a call from the police informing them of a fire in front Western Dairies […]

Mother murdered in Garden City
A woman was found dead lying face down on a landing in front of her home in Las Flores community, Belmopan at around 7:00 a.m., Monday after she had gone partying the previous night at La Cabana night spot on the outskirts of Belmopan on […]

Minor charged for musicianâ€™s murder
Police investigations have led them to charge a 16 year-old boy with the shooting murder of musician, John Rodriquez, widely known as “John Jay”, who was gunned down while in an entertainment spot last month. The youthâ€™s age protects his identity, and police could only […]

Businessman shot dead at his bar
Nathan Underwood, owner of Nateâ€™s Cool Spot at mile 21 on the Philip Goldson highway, was shot dead as he went about his work alone inside the kitchen of his bar on Friday night. Police say the 38-year-old father of three was shot three times […]

Editorial
The cane farmers of Corozal and Orange Walk are fully justified in expecting the Belize Sugar Industries to bear the full loss, amounting to some $432,000, for molasses which became degraded due to super hot conditions inside a storage tank. The molasses became frothy on top and then began to […]

Ashcroft wants US dollars - Belize can’t pay Could face devaluation
The Ashcroft Alliance and the government of Belize are once again tangled in a legal battle over a US $70 million payment that GOB maintains would bring the country’s economy crashing down if the Carribean Court of Justice (CCJ) rules in Ashcroft’s favor. Attorneys for […]

The Curious Tale of William Danny Mason
“Curiouser and curiouser!” Cried Alice (she was so much surprised, that for the moment she quite forgot how to speak good English).” – Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland New Revelations On Tuesday, July 26th, just hours before he would turn himself over to the police for processing and arraignment on two […]

Breaking Belize News

Cane Farmers stage second protest on Molasses issue
At least 200 cane farmers staged a second protest today at the entrance of the Belize Sugar Industries (BSI) compound, refusing to incur any of the financial loss of molasses that went bad at the mill earlier this month. Since their first protest, Alfredo […]

Gaspar Vega says he had no affiliation with Mason
“I don’t know where they came up with that, that I introduced Mr. Mason to the Mennonite business person. I am not even aware that anyone in the ministry took part in it. I spoke to my CEO and he said the only thing […]

Returning P.M. maintains confidence in Cabinet ministers
Prime Minister Right Honorable Dean Barrow, returned today from medical consultations in the U.S., hosted in Belize City members of the press. Asked whether Minister of National Security John Saldivar remains in good standing with the Cabinet and Government, the Prime Minister stated that […]

Job Preparedness Training for 18
The Belize Training and Employment Centre (BTEC), a unit of BELTRAIDE, in collaboration with RESTORE Belize and the Department of Youth services, today held a certificate ceremony for a recent training program for 18 graduates. The objective of the five week training was to […]

Mark Flowers meets bail on sex charges
Police Superintendent Mark Flowers, head of the Gang Suppression Unit (GSU), accused of two counts of unlawful sexual intercourse, has been offered and met bail of 7 thousand 500 dollars. According to attorney Richard “Dickie” Bradley, he has been ordered to stay away from […]

Belmopan police warns of imposters
Belmopan police are warning residents to be vigilant as there is information to suggest that there is a group of 3 to 4 men going around pretending to be staff members of BWS and BEL. According to police, the men claim that they are […]

Fiestarama 2016 in Suga City Orange Walk
Looking for somewhere to spend the weekend with the family? Orange Walk Town is the destination for this year’s Fiestarama. The annual event promises to be bigger and better. In an interview today with Mayor Kevin Bernard, he told BBN reporters that this […]

Central Bank Governor says giving Ashcroft more US currency could crumble Belize’s economy
Attorneys for the government of Belize and the Ashcroft Alliance were back in court yesterday over a dispute cause by the first half of the payment toward the BTL nationalization settlement. That payment was to be made by July 13 but attorney for the […]

Blogs

Costa Maya Pageant Explosion at the Fabulous Finn & Martini on Ambergris Caye
The International Costa Maya Festival, perhaps San Pedro’s busiest weekend, kicked off officially last night. It’s a weekend that starts with a Thursday night pageant – with ladies from each country in Central America and Mexico and continues with parties, carnival rides, music, comedy and more. Beautiful Michelle Nunez, last year’s Miss San Pedro, is about to head to Mexico for the Miss America Latina competition. Thursday night’s pageant is a big deal. Many of the ladies go on to Miss Universe or World and Finn, of Finn & Martini had an idea. Why not have an official sashing parade? And who doesn’t love a parade? Or the hustle and bustle to get ready for one. I stopped by Finn’s restaurant last night to take photos of the pageant mayhem…everyone looked gorgeous. This year is going to be a tough one. Here some of my pictures (and I am typing fast! we have a scheduled maintenance power outage right now in San Pedro for another hour or two.) The marching band getting ready… The carts were ready…

Jungle Play – 4 Amazing Tours Plus 2 Unofficial Ones
Not only did we feel welcome by Caves Branch and their staff, we felt welcome by our environment. Everywhere we turned we saw something unique and interesting. Sometimes it was hard to see the same thing twice because we had a multitude of choice before us and so many different lush jungle pathways to explore. Aside from eating and lounging, Aimee and I had already decided to do some tours while there. and we were both very happy that 3 of them were onsite. The others (including our flight) were all closer than many peoples workday commute. While it is not a deal breaker for me, nearby tours is a big draw on vacation, especially if I am not going to be somewhere for long. In this case 3 days went fairly fast. When our tour consultant was signing us up, he was all smiles at my indecision between which tours to take and wanting to just relax and enjoy the jungle without going any further than the walk to the dining hall, then back to our room. Every-time we did that walk however, we took our own tour time and studied the gorgeous botanical and wildlife around us. That few minute distance could take an hour if you wanted. There is so much to see and so many cool pathways to get distracted by along the way.

Belize Animals: 6 Must See Safari Contenders (2016 Update)
Belize is famous for wildlife adventures. You can walk through the vast jungles and intense habitat that boast of an incredible variety of fauna. Belize is graced with miles of coastal forest and Maya ruins. Explore one of the most extensive barrier reef systems in its Caribbean waters. You will simply love those exploring mangrove islands and white-sand beaches or snorkeling in the aqua waters with an incredible diversity of marine life. Belize may be one of the smallest countries, but when it comes to nature, flora and fauna, it certainly is one of the richest. Read on to learn about the must see animals while you are in Belize. This is truly one of the most diverse nature travel destinations that are virtually untouched by tourism. Do not forget to carry your binoculars and camera to capture some fascinating moments of wildlife.

2 gorgeous beach weddings, and more eye candy pics from Placencia!
Caribbean Beach Cabanas was THRILLED to host TWO beach weddings in the last couple weeks...one of them being a last minute decision on the part of 2 repeat guests!!! Our managers Sue and Carlos had a blast assisting with the wedding planning, and CONGRATULATIONS to the 2 awesome couples, we hope you come back to Placencia to celebrate your future anniversaries!!! Tonya and John...they wanted to do a very simple beach wedding, just the two of them, and our awesome go-to minister Barbara! What a sweet couple :)

International Sources

A Paradoxical Position on Youths Fleeing Violence
USA citizens can make themselves available to take in "refugees" in order to give full-time effective support. US Citizens can play a more active role. When the Obama administration announced an expanded immigration initiative this week to address an escalating humanitarian crisis in Central America, it seemed almost paradoxical. On one hand, the government was broadening a program for children fleeing three violence-racked countries there, allowing for more applicants to enter the United States as refugees. At the same time, the government continued to deport young people from Central America who crossed the border and asked for protection, sending some of them back to those same countries.

Is Zika In Belize? It Reported Its First Case In April
The Zika virus outbreak in South America had international repercussions, even jeopardizing the Olympic Games in Rio. Though the number of cases in the United States is still relatively small, threat of infection impacts daily life for many. One of Zika's biggest influences for Americans is on vacation plans. Travel advisories released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention give guidance on when and how to plan trips to countries with significant Zika outbreaks, but it's difficult to keep track of every area that poses a risk to travelers. Is Zika in Belize? The country reported its first case in April. Between 2007 and April 2016, "64 countries and territories" reported Zika infections, according to the World Health Organization. Belize confirmed its first case in the same week as St. Lucia. In response, the CDC issued a Level 2 travel notice for Belize, asking people spending time in the country to "Practice Enhanced Precautions." The outbreak in the country isn't overwhelmingly large, but it's still a major concern: in June, the Ministry of Health in Belize confirmed three new cases of Zika. The CDC's warning doesn't necessarily mean that prospective vacationers should cancel their trip to Belize, but it does suggest that they need to be careful to avoid infection. Since area mosquitos carry the virus, the CDC says it's particularly critical to avoid bites by utilizing insect repellant and protective clothing, using window screens and, if necessary, bed nets, and ensuring that the hotel they've chosen is equipped with working air conditioning.

Maya Tomb Discovered in Belize
Archaeologist Jaime Awe of Northern Arizona University has excavated a tomb at the Maya site of Xunantunich. According to The Reporter Newspaper, the tomb contained skeletal remains thought to have belonged to a male ruler, based upon the size and appearance of the femurs, skull, and teeth. The remains of an animal—perhaps a deer or a jaguar—were also found in the chamber, along with ceramics and pieces of jade. “What’s amazing about the discovery of this tomb is that, we know that archaeologists have been working at Xunantunich since the 1890s," says Awe. "That’s more than a century of continuous archaeological work at the site. And, never before have we found a tomb. Well, this tomb is also remarkable in other ways, it is one of the largest burial chambers we have ever found.”

Videos

Camp Starfish celebrates end of summer camp with parade through downtown San Pedro, 2min.

Mentors in Science BELIZE Ocean First Institute Documentary Trailer, 2min.

Growing up in Belize: Horseback Riding with Dad, 1.5min. We live on a remote, off-grid, jungle lodge in Belize, specializing in Horseback Riding and adventure tours. Here are a few clips

Belize Society of Composers Aauthors Publisher ad, 1min.

On my trip to Placencia Belize Central America, 7min.

Life Inna Belize, 2.5min. Specifically speaking out against crimes and violence that is plaguing our country as artist we are the voice of the people..

Quest to Belize 2016, 5min.

Belize Yucatec Maya children singing kolonte jaranero, 1.5min. Maya children from the Village of Yo Creek (Orange Walk District) singing in Yucatec Maya for a closing event in the village.

Reef Guardians Belize, 5.5min. TIDE's Reef Guardians Belize project wraps up. Final thoughts from some of those involved.

Belize Friendcation ("Better When I'm Dancin'), 3min. Our scrapbook of Belize in all its hammock swinging, zip lining, jungle hiking, cliff jumping, fist pumping, ocean swimming, excavation venturing, rain dancing, shimmying and twirling, memory making glory.

July 29, 2016

50 Kids on the Police Department "Get to Know your Country " program tour parts of Belize

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

The San Pedro Sun

Caye Notes: Fundraisers
adio-based fundraiser being held for Robert Perez: People on La Isla Bonita may remember when in September 2015 8 year-old, Katerin Michelle Perez, suffered from third degree burns. Through the kind efforts of the community, Perez was able to undergo treatment at Shriner’s Burn Hospital for Children in Boston, USA. Unfortunately, the family has been hit with more bad news, as her father Robert Perez was recently diagnosed with kidney cancer. On Friday, July 29th, a radio-based fundraiser will begin at 7:30AM via Reef Radio 92.3 FM to help raise funds to assist his medical needs.

Major discovery at Xunantunich tells an unknown story
Nestled within the jungle of the Cayo District lies Xunantunich (Stone Woman), one of Belize’s most popular Maya archaeological sites. Not only does it attract hundreds of curious visitors each day, but it also draws archaeologists from around the world who hope to unearth new findings. During a recent excavation, the first Maya burial tomb to be discovered at Xunantunich was located some five to eight metres deep, and according to archaeologists, it is one of the largest in Belize. According to the Department of Archaeology (DOA), the discovery sheds new light into the history of the important ceremonial centre, which became one of the most powerful in the region. The discovery at Xunantunich located just across the Mopan River in San Jose Succotz and a mere kilometre away from the Guatemalan border, was made by excavators within its department and from Northern Arizona University USA. The exploration just recently began, and the team already have already discovered two important Stelae and a tomb.

Interoffice Football Tournament intensifies
Five more weeks remain in the 6-a-side Interoffice Football Tournament, and all 26 registered teams continue their efforts to earn a spot to play in the upcoming finals. Held at the Honorable Louis Sylvester Sporting Complex (Saca Chispas), the games see football fanatics cheering on their favorite team. The next set of matches is scheduled from Thursday, July 28th through Sunday, July 31st at Saca Chispas starting at 7PM. The community is encouraged to show support of their favorite team. The following are the current standings of the different teams competing in the tournament:

San Pedro Lions and Leo’s Install New Board of Directors and Members
Lion Abel Guerrero led the invocation, and San Pedro Lions Queen Solani Graniel issued the welcome address. President Fatima Graniel also accepted a $1000US check for the recent fire victims from David and Debbie Reynaud on behalf of the Lutcher Gramercy Lions Club in Louisiana USA. It was then time to install the new San Pedro Lions Board of Directors and Belize Lions Zone 59 Chairman Raul Castillo had the honor of doing so. Each new member was called upon to pledge their commitment to the club, with Nigel Belisle accepting the position of President. Other positions filled were Vice President – Brittney O’Daniel, 2nd Vice President – Everette Anderson, Treasurer – Abel Guerrero, Secretary – Pamela Zetina, Membership – Fatima Graniel, Lion Tamer – Laura Arnold, 1st Year Director – Rosario Tun, 2nd Year Director – Flora Ancona, Tail Twister – Angel Nuñez and Bar Manager – Nigel Belisle. Incoming President Nigel Belisle then took to the podium to accept the position and address the audience with his vision for the future of Lionism in San Pedro.

Contestants for the International Costa Maya have arrived!
Miss Mexico was first to arrive, and she is thrilled to be in San Pedro. “I really look forward for a great show, meeting lots of people and experience the local culture. I will definitely do all my best during the pageant,” Said Solis. Next to arrive were Miss Honduras and Miss Guatemala accompanied by the lovely and none other Reina de La Costa Maya 2015/2016 Gabriela Vanessa Salazar Valle of Honduras. All the girls shared their excitement to be representing their countries in such a fun international pageant. Miss Guatemala feels very confident that with her experience she can charm everyone, while Miss Honduras is committed to follow the footsteps of her compatriot. Shortly after, Miss Belize arrived, happily embracing everyone awaiting her. Her excitement was infectious. “I am so excited. I am very grateful for the opportunity to represent Belize,” Argueta said. After a short photo session, the delegates were whisked away to Ramon’s Village Resort, where they will be staying while in San Pedro.

Ambergris Today

Shyne Barrow Wants to Be Belize’s Next Prime Minister, Working on New Album
Former Bad Boy Entertainment rapper Shyne Barrow, son of Belize Prime Minister Dean Barrow, has been living in Belize since his release from prison in the US in October 2009. He’s kept a low profile internationally until last May when he performed via video satellite at the Bad Boy Family Reunion show in New York. It seems that Shyne not only has aspirations of becoming a famous rapper, but now wants to become the next Prime Minister of Belize. This he revealed in an interview with Bossip.com: “I’m going to be in Parliament in Belize very soon. I’m going to be leading my nation and contributing to my nation with all the capacity that I have,” he said. “My father is the right honorable prime minister, and he’s retiring and I’m succeeding him and my uncle. So I can continue in the legacy of my father and serve the people.”

Misc Belizean Sources

Free online SME courses available for entrepreneurs
El BID, a través de su Academia ConnectAmericas, pone a tu disposición una amplia oferta de cursos en línea gratuitos y webinars sobre comercio exterior, estrategia empresarial y marketing digital para ayudar a las empresas y emprendedores de América Latina y el Caribe a mejorar la gestión de sus negocios. Esta oferta formativa es totalmente gratuita para los usuarios de ConnectAmericas.com. Esta plataforma virtual fue creada por el BID con el apoyo de Google, Visa, DHL y Alibaba, para ayudar a las PYMEs a vencer las barreras de la internacionalización.

Costa Maya Festival 2016: Day 1Lots of great photos! Also, The Program is out!

Power interruption 10:00am to 2:00pm, Friday July 29, Belize District
Maxboro, Sandhill, Crooked Tree, Double Run, Salt Creek, Grace Bank, Gardenia, Biscayne, Rhaburn Ridge, and all villages along Old Northern Highway including Santana, St. Anne’s, Boston, Corozalito & Maskall. BEL to replace insulators on the power distribution system in the area.

Belizean violinist Courtney GillettRepresenting us so well as a member of the YOA Orchestra of the Americas on its European tour!

Paradise Theater: Playing this weekend!
A Hologram for the King, Daylight's End, The Nice Guys, Angry Birds.

Departure Fee Increase
The Border Management Agency hereby informs all tour guides, tourist crossing any border point that the NEW departure tax will be $40BZ per person. This is effective August 1. Departure Processing Fee: $30.00 PACT Fee: $7.50 Border Development Fee: $2.50 EMail: bordermanagementagency@yahoo. Phone: 823-3039

Reina de la Costa Maya parade!

National Climate Change Youth Video Competition
The National Climate Change Office (NCCO) wishes to inform the general public that due to the low number of applications and ineligibility of submission, the NCCO has terminated the National Climate Change Youth Video Competition, 2016. The NCCO hopes to continue this annual event in an effort to actively engage youths in Climate Change activities within the country. The NCCO envisions that the number of submissions for the subsequent years, in which the annual event will take place, will increase. The NCCO also takes this opportunity to thank all applicants for the time and effort invested in creating videos that depicted their positive climate actions in Belize.

San Pedro Town Council opens 9am today
We would like to inform the general public that our offices will be opening at 9:00 a.m. due to a scheduled power interruption by Belize Electricity Limited. We apologize for any inconveniences caused.

Belizean violinist is part of the Youth Orchestra of the Americas 2016 Nordic-Baltic tour
As the Youth Orchestra of the Americas (YOA) makes its way across Europe, there is a young Belizean on board for the first time. Courtney Gillett is a violinist with the 80-member orchestra, which includes musicians from 25 countries in the Americas. The current tour includes Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Sweden, Denmark and Germany. “YOA is the best, it tells you that you can make a change, and you can do it through music,” said Gillett in a YouTube video recorded before the start of the tour. Gillett’s achievement in joining YOA is no small feat. More than 1,300 musicians auditioned, meaning Gillett is one of only six percent who made the cut. “Being a part of the YOA tour has given me a great sense of fulfillment,” Gillett said while in Sweden. “And I get to represent Belize, a country which doesn’t usually come up on the international radar for many events.”

BCC & CWU sign first Collective Agreement
“Our Members at the Belize City Council, like us, have long looked forward to this date. We did not get all we wanted for our Members but on balance I believe we have a good first Collective Agreement on which we can build in future rounds of negotiations,” commented Christian Workers Union (CWU) President Audrey Matura-Shepherd this afternoon. The CWU President was speaking of the first-ever Collective Agreement between the Belize City Council (BCC) and CWU. The agreement is set for signing Friday at 2:00pm at the Belize City Labour Department Conference Room. The process leading up to the signing goes all the way back to 1993. All these years later, some 194 CWU Members employed at the BCC will enjoy a range of benefits, key among them better security of tenure. Henceforth, BCC Employees need not fear losing their jobs when there is a change in administration at City Hall.

"Cultural Explosion" in Corozal
Corozal's hallmark is our East Indian heritage and we are all proud of it and wish to preserve it. Corozal Organization of East Indian Cultural Heritage (COEICH) in conjunction with COLCHA, NICH and NCIC will be sponsoring "Cultural Explosion" featuring Indian dances and Star attraction by winner of several awards and International Indian dancer Brian Mangaroo. It is all happening at the Corozal Central Park this Saturday July 30th, 2016 beginning at 7:00 p.m. This is a family affair for everyone in Corozal. A night of enjoyable cultural presentations. A night to remember. Let us all support COEICH.

Emergency power interruption 5:00am to 9:00am, Friday, July 29: entire San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye
BEL to conduct urgent repairs to hotspots on the transmission system that supplies the island.

Music & Art in Nature Camp
The Belize Audubon Society had their Music and Art in Nature Camp at the Blue Hole and Guanacaste parks, and the kid's loved it. Thanks, BAS, PACT, and Giselle! "Children from the Buffer Communities of St. Herman's Blue Hole National Park and Guanacaste National Park connect with Nature through Music and Art. They participate in Scavenger Hunts, nature walks, hikes, painting, and singing. We thank Music Instructor Ms. Giselle E. O'Brien for her fun session!! This activity was made possible through the support of Protected Areas Conservation Trust!

Pot of Proteus Vol 1
The first issue of Pot of Proteus, the new Belizean magazine, is online. It's aim is to highlight fresh, Belizean talent. It's worth checking out. https://issuu.com/michael-kalefuller/docs/pop . "It's HERE! Our first Issue "Under 30!" Click the link below to discover some of the fresh, young entrepreneurs and business ventures Belize is offering today. Exquisite design, inspirational stories, fashion and hidden talents worth discovering!"

Intermagia Returning to Cayo
The Rotary Club of San Ignacio is bringing back Intermagia, the magic tour that thrilled everyone last year. There will be 3 performances over the October 15th weekend. "ANNOUNCING THE RETURN OF THE INTERMAGIA MAGIC SHOW TO SAN IGNACIO! The Rotary Club of San Ignacio will again present the Magic Show .....'INTERMAGIA' .....which was brought to San Ignacio....last year in October at the Octavia Waight Center... There are eight new International Magicians for the show this year! Coming from as far away as Chili for this around the world tour, some of these entertainers have performed in Las Vegas. It is an truly entertaining and thrilling show! There will be three (3) Family Shows with Matinees on Saturday and Sunday October 15th and 16th. It's a full two hours of laughter and amazingly fun family entertainment! "

Channel 7

Will Flowers/Mason Tandem Take On Hon. Saldivar
Superintendent of Police Mark Flowers may have called William "Danny" Mason a con man who he was investigating under cover - but multiple reports say that Mason and Flowers have linked up behind bars at the Hattieville Prison to compare notes. There are reports, which say that if Flowers gets Supreme Court bail - as he is expected to tomorrow - he will be making certain disclosures coming from Danny Mason - specifically pointing to Mason's relationship with John Saldivar. We'll be at court tomorrow to see what comes out of that, but the Prime Minister's Wife Kim Barrow isn't waiting until then to challenge a narrative put out there by Danny Mason! According to reports, Mason is saying that his company, "i-Cloud" got the contract to perform works at the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, which is a project spearheaded by the office of the Special Envoy.

Broke Bank Benque: Mount Carmel Folds, Members Will Lose Deposits
The Mount Carmel Credit Union in Benque Viejo Town has been in financial trouble for more than 15 years now - and last night members were told that their Credit Union would be closing down. Why? Well, Mount Carmel is bankrupt, and the credit union is about to lose its headquarters to the DFC, to which it owes 454 thousand dollars -and cannot pay. And the bottom line for the hundreds of members? It's really bad news….they will lose all their savings just like that (poof) gone! The few dozen members who showed up to a meeting with the Credit Union League were given the bad news last night. Today in Benque Viejo, long time member David Ruiz told us it was like a sudden death:

The Storm After The Settlement
6 days ago, we told you about the new quarrel between the Ashcroft Alliance and the Government of Belize over BTL. They're arguing over US dollars, and they can't agree about how exactly the Arbitration Award should be paid. The Government paid the first half of the nearly half a billion dollar judgment debt, with 40% in US dollars and 60% in Belize dollars. The Ashcroft Alliance is complaining that this wasn't what was agreed to - they want the whole thing in US dollars. So, the Alliance immediately filed suit at the Caribbean Court of Justice asking the court to interpret the decision once and for all, and to make binding orders that the Government will have to abide by.

Central Bank Warns Of Dire Position With Reserves
And this just in, we've received a copy of that letter which the Denys Barrow says Central Bank Governor Glenford Ysaguirre wrote to Joseph Waight, the Financial Secretary. He does warn that Belize's economy cannot handle the strain of diverting anymore of the Central Bank's US Currency Reserves. He notes in his 3 page letter that quote, "…It is necessary to advise all concerned that it would be destructive for the economy of Belize if the Central Bank were to even attempt to facilitate any such requests to facilitate for an additional amount of foreign currency, given the currently level of official foreign reserves and other external demands facing the bank…the Central Bank…must…exercise careful management of the international reserves by balancing the foreign exchange needs of the Government against those of the domestic banking system, and the wider private sector. " End Quote.

Man Dies From Stab Wounds On Day He Should've been Release From Hospital
A 30 year old resident of Victoria Street, Alfonso Castillo was stabbed last Thursday and despite having an initially positive prognosis, he died this morning while undergoing treatment at the KHMH. Police had arrested Raheem Marsden for the stabbing but his charge will be upgraded to murder. Still medics have yet to determine what actually caused Castillo's death in the first place because, as it turns out, he was scheduled to be released from the hospital today. Emanuel Pech visited the family this morning and has this report. They say death comes like thief in the night and this morning the family of 30 year old Alfonso Castillo learnt that painful truth. It all started with a stabbing last week here inside an ally a couple blocks away from his home on Victoria Street.

Teenaged Accident Victim Succumbs
Yesterday we told you about 16 year old Tyrese Carcamo, who was knocked down from his bicycle on Tuesday evening. Well has died last night, around 6:35. Carcamo was riding his bicycle between miles 8 and 9 on the George Price Highway, heading in the direction of Belize City, when he was knocked down by a taxi driver travelling in the same direction. The driver, EDWARD CASTELLANOS said that Carcamo suddenly cut in front of him and though he attempted to swerve to avoid hitting him, - he crashed into the teenager. Carcamo sustained severe head injuries as his head smashed against the front windshield of the vehicle. Police have served CASTELLANOS with a notice of intended prosecution but are still waiting on forensics test to confirm whether or not he was driving with an alcohol concentration above the prescribed limit.

Keron Caught A Spray Of Bullets
27 year old Keron Moss was greeted at his doorsteps by a spray of bullets. According to reports a couple of unwelcomed visitors knocked on the door of Moss's house on Farmers site area in Hattieville Village around 9:40 last night. Moss opened the door, but as he did so one of the men shot at him. Fortunately Moss was only shot to the leg. He is currently receiving treatment at the Karl Huesner Memorial Hospital but nothing appears to be life threatening. Still police and the family members of Moss are still trying to figure out just what motivated such a daring move which could have easily claimed another young life. William Moss, Father of Shooting Victim: "We were watching the American convention, my wife and I was in bed, when I thought a heard a noise at the door so my son came out and said 'what's going on with you guys?' and after that we heard gun shots. When I ran out here I didn't see anyone there. I had on my veranda light and everything but when I came out here I didn't see anyone, so I don't know if it was Tom, Dick, or Harry. When I came out, the door was wide open and I saw him on the floor in the parlor, he said 'dad I just got shot'. When I ran out here and my wife came behind me I said 'what? who shot you?' he said 'I don't know dad I juts got shot'."

Deliveryman Jacked In Ladyville
This afternoon in Ladyville a Santiago Castillo salesman was jacked in Ladyville. At 12:20 Mark Lisbey was making sales in Ladyville where he collected 2,743 dollars. When he stepped out of the store, he saw a man who had been following him from the previous stop. Lisbey turned away but the man then pulled out a 12 inch long ice pick and, a next man grabbed him by the neck. Lisbey fell to the ground and they took away his black bag which had the day's proceeds. The men drove off with 3,843 dollars in cash and 4808 in cheques.

Taken From USA, Brought To Belize
Thirty-one year old Luvia Castelain, was deported from the US in August of last year, and is in jail tonight, serving a 6 months sentence. She pled guilty to failure to comply with the deportee requirement specified by the Commissioner of Police, which is that she reports to the Queen Street Policed Station every Friday for 1 year. Magistrate Anderson was going to give her a fine but when CASTELAIN said that she was only born in Belize but never lived here and has to be with her children who are in the US, Magistrate Emerita Anderson told her that she has to make sure that she stays in Belize. Castelain had not reported to the Queen Street Police Station from January 8, 2016 to July 22, 2016, a period of 29 weeks. She said she was in Mexico during that time.

Peace Between Citco and CWU
Things got harsh between The Christian Workers Union and the Belize City Council back in early 2014 when the security guards were put under private management. But, today the CWU announced that it will sign its first Collective Agreement with the City Council tomorrow. We'll show you that breakthrough agreement in tomorrow night's news.

Courtney Gillett Takes It To The World
We've featured the talented violinist Courtney Gillett many times on this newscast, and tonight she's sharing her talents with the world as Gillett becomes the first Belizean to join the YOA Orchestra of the Americas not once, but twice. She is The YOA is going on their 2016 Nordic-Baltic Tour, which will take them to countries like Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Sweden, Denmark and Germany. Gillett is known in Belize as a violin teacher at the Pallotti School of Music, She has a Diploma in Music Performance from the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music in London and a minor in Music from Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio. She's also an active member of the of the National Youth Orchestra and Choir of Belize. She becomes the first Belizean to make the cut for 2 tours. She was first drafted back in 2013.

BCVI At 35
The Belize Council for the Visually Impaired held its annual general meeting this morning and used the opportunity to celebrate 35 years of existence. BCVI has grown by leaps and bounds since it was founded in the early 80's and today they provide several essential services to the visually impaired, including everything from free eye tests to counseling and life training for the blind. And for the sighted, it's also a great place to get affordable eye glasses. Today we learned more about the role they play in the society as a non-profit organization that advocates for the visually impaired. Carla Musa, Executive Director, BCVI: "Today we were releasing our 2015 annual report and so in addition to that, we're celebrating our 35 years of service to the people of Belize. We were very excited to share not only what we did last year but our various programs and how everything connects and why this service is so important."

The Plan For Cayo
Last night, we showed you the Ministry of Tourism's Launch of the Corozal Tourism Destination Development Plan. It's part of an IDB funded called the Sustainable Tourism Project II (2), in which the Ministry is trying to boost traffic to emerging destinations like Corozal, Caye Caulker, and Toledo, which have attractions, but aren't as well-known as the blue chip tourism destinations like San Pedro, Placencia, and the Cayo District. Well, the Ministry says that though Cayo's Rainforest Lodges and rivers may be a mainstay for visitors, the district's lesser known attractions need more attention. That's why today, they launched the Destination Development Plan for that District. It focuses on the sites such as Chiquibul, Caracol, and the Mountain Pine Ridge area, and today our News Team went to San Ignacio to find out what they intend to do improve these areas. Here's what the experts told us today:

Off to The Olympics
The Belize National Olympic Committee has announced that Belize is sending three athletes and four officials to represent Belize in two disciplines at the Rio 2016 Olympics. Renick James will compete in the Judo - 90 kilogram while Katy Sealy will compete in the 100m Hurdles and Brandon Jones in the 200meters. Accompanying the athletes are Judo and Athletics delegates Franz Menzies and Deon Sutherland along with Athletics coach Denis Costello. Team Belize will travel to Rio on Monday, August 1st, 2016. Renick competes on August 10th while Katy and Brandon compete on the 16th. Brandon Jones will be the flag bearer for Belize at the Games of the 7/21/2016 to 7/31/2016I Olympiad.

Dara Ride's For Hunger
If you watch the news with any regularity, you know grassroots philanthropist Joel Dara Robinson. He runs a feeding program for needy primary school students all across Belize City. He usually depends on generous donations, but to get additional funding, he's come up with his annual Bob Marley and Lucky Dube Reggae Tribute Concerts, and his Ride For Hunger. That ride takes place Sunday for the 5th year now, and spokesperson Kwame Scott stopped by to tell us why they want you to come out and ride with them: The proceeds of the 10 dollar registration fee will go toward funding Dara's Feeding Program.

Channel 5

G.O.B. and Ashcroft Group Back in Court Arguing B.T.L. Settlement
Attorneys for the Government of Belize and Dean Boyce, B.T.L. Employees Trust and Dunkeld International appeared before the Caribbean Court of Justice via teleconference this morning, for a case management [...]

Denys Barrow Says the Conflict is in the Split
According to Senior Counsel Denys Barrow, the objective of the settlement agreement was to bring finality to the question of recompense. He says that while the Ashcroft Group may have [...]

G.O.B. Says Regardless of CCJ Decision It Cannot Pay
Government has indicated to the CCJ that irrespective of the outcome, it is unable to make the payment in U.S. dollars. The Central Bank of Belize, in a four-page letter [...]

Central Bank Will Not Provide U.S. to G.O.B.
Government has put forward that it cannot meet a seventy million U.S. dollar payment should the CCJ rule in favor of the previous owners of B.T.L. While Central Bank has [...]

Central Bank Says Payment Would Destroy Belize’s Economy
An official letter which was filed by the Government in the CCJ proceeding comes as close as we’ve ever seen to G.O.B. acknowledging that the sky is falling. It’s dated [...]

John Saldivar Will Not Resign
Accused kidnapper and murderer William ‘Danny’ Mason is preparing to spend his second full week as an involuntary guest at the Belize Central Prison, but the bizarre circumstances of his [...]

Kim Simplis-Barrow Refutes Allegations by William Mason
The man with many names remains an enigma to the general public. We know where he is right now – that one’s easy – but we don’t even know if [...]

SanCas Salesman Jacked
Just before three this afternoon, there was a brazen robbery. Belizean salesman Mark Lisbey of Santiago Castillo Limited reported that after midday, he was conducting business at a supermarket at [...]

Keron Moss Shot in Hattieville
On Wednesday night, the quiet of the usually peaceful Farmer’s Site in Hattieville was shattered by the sound of gunshots. When police responded, they found that twenty-seven-year-old Keron Devon Moss [...]

Teenage RTA Victim Dies
Sixteen year old Tyrese Carcamo succumbed to injuries he sustained following a traffic accident on Tuesday between miles eight and nine on the George Price Highway. Carcamo was riding home [...]

BCVI Turns 35
Three decades plus five…that’s the length of time the BCVI has been around in Belize. To mark that milestone, the N.G.O. held an anniversary celebration this morning. The Executive Director, [...]

Rowan’s Story Will Be Told in Taiwan
Recently, the Image Factory in collaboration with the Belize Council for the Visually Impaired, BCVI, published a book about the adventures of Rowan Garel. But tonight, with assistance from Taiwanese [...]

Renick James is Going to the Olympics
It has been announced that track and field athletes Katy Sealy and Brandon Jones will represent Belize at the Olympics 2016 in Rio. While the Sealy selection has stirred controversy [...]

Participants Successfully Complete CASSA Program
Creating a Safe Space Agenda is an initiative that was being implemented by the YWCA and involved children and young adults from Belize City and Belmopan participating in various programs. [...]

Healthy Living Looks at Diabetic Dieting
Any person who has been diagnosed with diabetes knows that what they eat is one of the most critical steps in managing their condition. The diabetes diet may seem very [...]

CTV3

Stevedore Goes Missing
Thirty-four year old stevedore, Tylon Gladden, has been missing for over a month now and his wife Lourdes Gladden is today making a public plea for information on his whereabouts. Gladden was last seen on Friday June 24th as he left his home on Cemetery Road, in Belize City, to a nearby grocery store. But he has not been seen or heard from since. According to Lourdes, her husband suffers from bipolar disorder and his family is worried about his condition. Lourdes Gladden- Wife of missing person “He has been missing for one month now and he has a sickness named bipolar disease and when he gets in that state he doesn’t know anybody he just go leaves the family and he just go but he needs helps wherever he is.”

Officer Awarded For Job Well Done
A short ceremony was held in front of the Orange Walk Police Station this afternoon with the aim of acknowledging and awarding a hardworking police officer for the month of July. Today Police Constable Akeem Augustine was publicly recognized in the presence of his superiors and colleagues as he marched proudly to receive his certificate. Akeem Augustine – Police Officer of the month: “I feel great about it, I probably deserve it and I am excited for being police of the month for today. My fellow colleagues I would like to encourage them to work hard, to come to work on time, don’t be late.”

Kim Simplis Barrow Disassociates Herself From Mason
Accused murderer and kidnapper William Danny Mason has been behind bars since July nineteenth, accused of the murder of Dangriga Pastor Llewellyn Lucas. Even though he is behind bars reports are that Mason is talking, making several revelations including, that he has a total of six gun licenses for nine millimeter pistols, a point thirty-eight caliber revolver and a shotgun and claims that a Minister of Government facilitated the process for him. According to News Five, Mason also allegedly made claims that he owns thirty percent of the Belmopan Bandits and has continued to finance the team. Mason is also alleging that a company he owns got the contract for works to the new Pediatric Ward at the K.H.M.H. What we can tell you today is that the Special Envoy for women and children, who executed the project for the new Pediatric Ward, issued a release today denying any involvement by Danny Mason in the realization of the project.

Ashcroft And GOB Back In Court
The Ashcroft Alliance is once again taking the government of Belize to court, this time to order them to pay 70 million dollars or half of the outstanding Arbitration settlement award, for the nationalization of BTL in US currency. The first payment which was made to the Ashcroft alliance on July 13th, was made with forty million dollars, or 60% in Belize currency and 40% or thirty-eight million dollars was paid in U.S. currency. But the problem arose when the Ashcroft Alliance contended that half of the total award, and not just the 40%, should be paid in US currency. The application was lodged at the Caribbean Court of Justice and in a case management session this morning via teleconference, the substantive hearing was set for August 19th. According to Ashcroft’s Attorney, Senior Counsel Eamon Courtenay, the government of Belize agreed to pay 50% of the total award in US dollars and now that the time has come to pay they are claiming not to have the amount needed in US currency so the matter must be taken to the CCJ for final settlement.

Cane Farmers Plan Another Protest At Tower Hill Junction
Cane farmers from both Orange Walk and Corozal received the second payment for the 2016 sugar cane crop season yesterday but for many the amount was far less than what was expected. This year the cane farmers received almost fifteen dollars less than what was received for the second payment last season. This can be attributed to the general low price of the sugar and most recently the shared loss of the molasses damaged by the recent Maillard reaction suffered at the sugar mill. As you might already know, BSI’s decision to share the loss between the cane farmers and the sugar mill in a ratio of 65% to 35% resulted in a .22 cents reduction in the payment to the cane farmers. But cane farmers are not backing down and are willing to do whatever it takes to recuperate the financial loss even if it means standing in the hot sun to protest once more.

Chinese Join Hands With O/W Police To Fight Crime
With the continuous growth of criminal activity here in the community of Orange Walk, there is definitely the need for authorities to increase their level of patrol in designated areas throughout the town. In an effort to assist the police in their duty to combat crime on a daily basis, the Chinese community has donated a total of three bicycles to the department and of course, authorities are more than grateful for the assistance as it will be used in the most effective and efficient manner. Selvin Tillett – Superintendent of Police, Orange Walk Town: “We have three new bicycles her which were donated to the Orange Walk Police by the Chinese Association this will greatly help the police to do patrols within the town, we are short of mobility and with a bicycle we can get around much more easier and move more quicker to other areas we appreciate the assistance of all business community in Orange Walk because the entire business community had been helping the police and without the assistance we will not be able to police this district properly.”

PlusTV

Mark Flowers saddened at prosecution
Former Gang Suppression Unit boss, Superintendent Mark Flowers is tonight behind bars. It is a position he likely never imagined he would be in. He stands accused of two counts of unlawful sexual intercourse with a 14 year old girl. He has called it a malicious move on the part of a minister of gove...

Home invasion in Belize City
There was a home invasion in Belize City on Monday July 25. According to 75-year old Maria Sylvestre, sometime after 2:30 p.m., while at her home on Princess Margaret Drive with her daughter and her son-in-law, two male persons rushed inside the living room. Sylvestre reported to police that one of ...

One man arrested and charged for the Murder of Belmopan Woman
Belmopan police have formally arrested and charged 19 year old Josue Ortiz, a Salvadoran Laborer of Lirio St. Las Flores Area, Belmopan City, for the crime of Murder. This is for the murder of Bella Regina Williams who was found dead by her daughter on on Monday July 25th in their Belmopan home. Wil...

Section 53 decision wait continues
The decision on the constitutionality of Section 53 of the Criminal Code by Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin has been put off to August 10th, as confirmed when we visited the Supreme Court this morning. But PLUS News has learned that the main parties in the case did not receive notices from the court ...

High-risk prisoners are isolated from general prison population
Though by agreement with authorities they will not be mentioned by name in this story, a senior police officer accused of unlawful sexual assault on a teenager and an international con artist believed to have masterminded the murder by beheading of a prominent pastor are the two latest high-profile ...

Murder victims see charges dismissed
26 year old Rene “Fat Cat” Chavarria of Ladyville and 21 year old Kieran Morrison of Belize City were murdered earlier this year in separate incidents. But at the time of their deaths, both men were accused of trying to take other lives, and today those cases came to the Supreme Court. Prosecutor Cr...

SECOND CHANCES
Late South African statesman Nelson Mandela, famous for having served nearly 3 decades in jail before becoming president of his nation, was quoted today as saying, “It is said that no one truly knows a nation until one has been inside its jails. A nation should not be judged by how it treats its hig...

The Guardian

Lloyd Freisen the man who alleges that he was kidnapped by William Mason came into the country where he gave police statements as to the ordeal he says he suffered. No sooner had he finished doing so than had he began to wrap up some of his business in Belize and left the country on Tuesday afternoon. Friesen a Mennonite farmer from Spanish Lookout left all his property in Belize and is now back in Canada but before leaving he spoke to many a person as to his involvement with Mason. He says he was introduced to Mason by Henry Canton. This is the same Henry Canton whom Frank Papa Mena says introduced him to Mason as well. From that introduction Friesen and Mason got into a business arrangement where Mason was to have assisted with the purchase of corn from Argentina which would then be shipped to Guatemala.

Courtenay Scares the media with law suits
Last week the Guardian exposed that Eamon Courtenay through his law firm Courtenay Coye LLP had collected in excess of 134 million dollars on behalf of Michael Ashcroft as part of the payment for BTL. One of the payments is dated July 13, 2016 where BZD $33,039,412.03 was transferred to account number 311204 in the Belize Bank "For further credit to Courtenay Coye LLP A/C No. 69512" held with the Belize Bank for "50% Compensation and Interest due to BTL Employees Trust." The second also dated July 13, 2016 transferred BZD $101,908,041.63 to the same Belize Bank account and further to the same Courtenay Coye LLP account.

Former GSU boss on remand for carnal knowledge charge
Superintendent Mark Flowers, former head of the Gang Suppression Unit, is at the Belize Central Prison on remand for two counts of unlawful sexual intercourse. Allegations against Flowers are that he engaged in sexual intercourse with a 14-year-old girl on January 1 and March 15 of this year. The complainant is now four months pregnant. Flowers appeared before Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith on Tuesday, July 26, where he was read two charges of unlawful sexual intercourse. In the presence of his attorney, Richard “Dickie” Bradley, Flowers pleaded not guilty to the charges. Due to the nature of the offenses, bail could not be granted at the Magistrate Court. Chief Magistrate ordered that Flowers be remanded to the Belize Central Prison. His next scheduled court appearance is on September 26, 2016 when disclosure is expected to be provided. Flowers is expected to apply for bail at the Supreme Court with the assistance of his attorney. That hearing is likely to be held on Friday, July 29, and bail is simply a procedural issue. It is almost always granted without objection.

Hypocritical Wade
It must be the heights of hypocrisy for anybody to be behaving in the manner in which Louis Wade is behaving. He has taken up the mantle of being some kind of crusader on behalf of Pastor Llewellyn Lucas who was brutally killed on Friday July 15. What is hypocritical about Wade’s actions is that he is trying to somehow raise public sentiment against the government over the killing of Lucas. But what Wade is failing to tell Belizeans is that he turned his back on Pastor Lucas on the very day he was killed. By his own admission, Lucas had come to him for an audience but Wade categorically stated that, “he was on our list of people who had to go through a special kind of screening or vetting process.” Lucas had reached out to Wade and instead of receiving him as a friend even as a fellow pastor, Wade closed the door on him and chased him away. On Friday July 15, Wade wanted nothing to do with Pastor Lucas. Giving him the cold shoulder must now be eating up Wade, in fact on his appearances on his morning show following Lucas’ death he is looking more and more disheveled. He seems to not be getting much sleep and apparently is not even grooming himself.

Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) presents 10 million dollar grant to Government of Belize
On Thursday July 21, His Excellency Benjamin Ho, Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) presented a cheque in the sum of Five Million US Dollars to the Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and Economic Development of Belize. The cheque is the grant from the Republic of China (Taiwan) to Belize for the year 2016 under the Bilateral Cooperation Program between the two countries. The purpose of the grant is to help the overall development of Belize, particularly in the development of transportation infrastructure. The Government of Belize will use the funds to cover a part of the expenditures on key infrastructure projects, including the Belize City Southside Poverty Alleviation Project Phase II, the extension of the Southern Highway – Golden Stream, Jalacte to the Guatemalan Border in the Toledo District, and for the Santa Elena/San Ignacio Downtown Bypass Road Project.

Two ambulances for the south and north
The ministry of health improved the mobility for patients in two health posts in the country on Tuesday July 26. Minister of Health Hon. Pablo Marin along with his minister of State Hon. Angel Campos officially handed over two new Ambulances to the northern and southern regional health managers. One of the ambulances will be deployed to the San Antonio Polyclinic in the Toledo district while the second will be used at the Northern Regional Hospital in Orange Walk Town. Also handed over was a pickup truck which will be used for Vector Control activities in San Ignacio.

BTL Compensation Award Update
The Government of Belize (GOB) informs that a dispute has arisen between the Government and the Ashcroft Alliance over the recent BTL compensation award handed down by the Permanent Court of Arbitration. GOB, after the most careful examination by a number of its experts, argues that the wrong rate of exchange was applied by the Arbitral Tribunal in arriving at its ultimate compensation figure. GOB also submits that the Tribunal’s calculation of interest was mathematically incorrect. Both mistakes by the Tribunal prejudiced GOB and resulted overall in larger sums being awarded than were justified. GOB has 30 days from the date of the award to seek rectification, and its overseas lawyers have now prepared and are filing the relevant application.

Youth Empowerment Camp 2016 being held in Cayo
A Youth Empowerment Camp 2016, which began at the Saint Ignatius High School on Monday of last week, is ongoing for a second week with the involvement of youths from around the Cayo District. A total of 75 youths, ages 10 to 18 are engaging in useful activities that will be serving them for a lifetime. Now running for the 10th time, the idea for a Youth Empowerment Camp was first envisaged by retired Police Officer David Henderson, which has evolved over the years to now bring the best from inter-agency cooperation. From Wednesday of last week, members of the Election and Boundaries, the National Drug Abuse Control Council and the Department of Youth have been included in facilitating with the lessons. Both Cornerstone and the Belize Family Life Association were also involved during the two weeks program.

Belize City youths bonding at CYDP sports camp
The Hurricanes pledged to boost pride in Belize City at the start of the 2016 Elite Basketball League season. They did this through their play which led them to the city’s first championship in the country’s current top league. The Hurricanes made Belize City proud and residents returned the love by packing their gym during every game. The next season does not start until December of this year or January 2017. However, the Belize City Hurricanes are busy at work. They are not working to improve their individual games or strengthen their team; instead, the Hurricanes are working with at risk youths to improve their life skills and build relationships with individuals from different neighbourhoods. Almost 100 young men are participating in the Under-19 Life Skills through Sports Camp at the ITVET Compound in Belize City. The camp is one of the major activities through which the Conscious Youth Development Programme (CYDP) reaches out to young people in Belize City. Participants from Yabra, Queen Charlotte, Faber’s Road, Kraal Road, Lake Independence, Iguana Street, Jungle, Pickstock, Hattieville and Mahogany Heights will socialize and compete against each other over the course of two weeks.

Guilty by association?
It is being alleged by a Mennonite farmer that he and his wife were kidnapped after he was duped out of $300,000 by Mason or which ever name he goes by. The farmer has also reported to the police, that the Late Pastor Lucas was introduced to him by Mason the alleged conman as his financial consultant/accountant . Lucas he reported sat in on meetings between him and Mason in regards to business transactions between him and Mason, in the capacity as some sort of financial consultant/accountant. It has also been alleged that it was Lucas who was the person who ferried the money from him to Mason. In other words Pastor Lucas was a BAG-MAN or MONEY-MULE Since those allegations have been made, does that mean that every Pastor including Pastor Louis Wade, who knew and associated with Lucas were guilty of whatever crime Lucas may have been a part of? It is not farfetched to believe that Pastor Lucas was indeed in the employ of Mason in some sort of capacity having to do with finances, because prior to Lucas migrating to the United States of America he worked at the Social Security Board in some sort of financial capacity.

How much does Louis Wade know about what caused Lucas’ death!
Last week at the Ministry of National Security Press Conference, BIG MOUTH Pastor Louis Wade got up and spoke . He made the revelation that the Late Pastor Llewelyn Lucas, appeared to have been trying to reach out for help in regards to some trouble that he was in and had gone to see him on the day of his death. The way Wade made it sound at first was as if though he had spoken to Lucas on that fatal day. Now we are hearing from him that he did not speak to Lucas. Apparently Wade came to the conclusion that Lucas was reaching out because he was told that Lucas had made an early morning stop at PlusTV. He wanted to get permission to go on the early portion of the Rise and Shine Morning show to discuss a pressing issue. Apparently a staff member who spoke to Lucas informed him that he would not be able to go on that morning because Wade who hosts the show was not available to speak to him right then.

Deputy Commanding Officer of San Ignacio Police meets and greets
San Ignacio Police two weeks ago met with another Community in the Cayo District to forge community links. Deputy Officer Commanding San Ignacio Police Formation Assistant Superintendent Daniel Iche along with members of San Ignacio Community Oriented Policing Program COPP Team conducted a Meet and Greet on Wednesday 13th July 2016, between the hours of 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm , focusing on the Santiago Juan Layout Area in San Ignacio Town. A total of 18 families were visited by Officers where a total of 18 Meet and Greet forms were filled out. Some members of the Santiago Juan Layout community complained of bushy lots, poor lighting conditions on the backstreet and drainage problems during heavy rains. In order for San Ignacio Police to improve the service to the community, Santiago Juan layout Community members recommended more foot and mobile patrol in the Area, and for Police officers to respond quickly when called to check on reports.

Sexual Abuse of Minors Must Stop!
One of Belize’s obligations to its children is to protect them from all forms of exploitation, abuse and neglect; particularly that of sexual abuse. This very statement became alive and profoundly explicit when Belize became the fifth country to ratify the United Nations convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) in May of 1990. That initiative was a bold testament to our country’s recognition of the importance of caring for our children and nurturing them to be responsible and productive citizens. In this light, Article 19 and 34 of the CRC states that, “Children should be protected from being hurt and mistreated in body or mind and to be free from all forms of sexual abuse”. Keeping this in mind, the recent numerous reports of sexual offenses against children and even infants by the media is more than heart breaking and severely troubling to the National Committee for Families and Children (NCFC). Mere words alone cannot express our absolute condemnation of such heinous acts. As adults, we should be protecting our children rather than taking advantage of them. Children will be children and should be given the opportunity to grow and flourish and therefore, NCFC reiterates that sexual abuse of any sort against our children must STOP. Regardless of the status of perpetrators, no one is above the law and that the only consideration is to seek to do what is in the best interest of the child.

Businessman killed at his business place
Family man and business owner Nathan Underwood was shot and killed inside his bar, Nate’s Cool Spot in Gardenia Village. It is believed that the gunman waited in the bushes for some time to ensure that majority of his customers had already left. On Friday, July 22, at around 10:30 p.m., The 38 year-old Hattieville resident was inside his bar, which is located at Mile 21 on the Philip Goldson Highway. He was getting ready to wind business down for the day, and he was at the back in the kitchen area preparing food for one of his customers. That’s when an unknown assailant snuck up on him. This gunman is believed to have been lurking in the bushes for some time at the back of the bar. The shooter took aim at Underwood through an open back window, and opened fire on him.

Five years imprisonment for hungry homeless man
Codrington Carter, a 60-year-old homeless man, has been sentenced to five years imprisonment after he broke into the Mercy Kitchen facility on Wednesday, July 21, in search of food. Allegations against Carter are that he entered the building as a trespasser and caused damages to a door lock, surveillance camera, a sofa, a mesh screen and other items. Alexandriana Perdomo, Manager of Mercy Kitchen, reported to police on Thursday, July 21, that she properly secured the building at 4 p.m. on July 21 and set the alarm. At 2 a.m. on July 21, she got a call from KBH security firm who alerted her that someone was breaking into the building. Perdomo rushed over to the facility and there she met the police already at the scene. They had detained a man later identified as Codrington Carter, someone who frequented the Mercy Kitchen for over a year.

Bail for cop accused of shooting Nigel Castillo
After four nights on remand at the Belize Central Prison for the attempted murder of Nigel Castillo, 29, Police Constable Wallace Meighan, 19, and his friend, Travaun Chee, 21, are out on Supreme Court bail of $15,000 each. PC Meighan and Travaun Chee were charged on Monday, July 18, with attempted murder, dangerous harm and use of deadly means of harm with a firearm upon Nigel Castillo for an incident that occurred on Thursday, July 14. Castillo reported to police that he was at the basketball court located behind the Charles Bartlett Hyde Building at around 9 p.m. on Thursday when he was targeted by gunmen. Castillo was shot once to the lower abdomen. When police responded to the scene of the shooting, they found Castillo bleeding from his injury and immediately rushed him to the KHMH for treatment. Police investigation later led to the recovery of a pair of firearms and the arrest of PC Meighan and Chee. The shooting is believed to have been triggered by an altercation that took place on the basketball court earlier that night. They were additionally charged for one count of aggravated assault with a firearm upon Gilbert Arana who they allegedly intimidated with a firearm.

Drug seized in Cayo
Police have made a sizeable drug discovery in Cayo. On 20th July 2016 about 8:30 pm members of the Police’s M.I.T were conducting Vehicle checks at mile 54 on the George Price highway when they came across a grey dodge caravan van with license plate BC 44985 that had stopped at the check point. Police were able to observe that there were two male persons inside this vehicle. The driver was of Creole descent and his companion on the right passenger seat was of Hispanic descent. The driver then told the Police, “Officer we can work out something ok, caz I have a lee 30 pounds of weed in the back.” He was immediately cautioned. Both persons were asked to come out of the vehicle and a search was conducted on their persons; however nothing incriminating was found on them. A search of the vehicle in their presence resulted in the discovery of a red crocus sack in the back seat, which also had attached to it a white medium sack. Both sacks were opened in their presence, which revealed vegetable substances consistent to cannabis. They were informed of the offence committed and cautioned.

Gina Conorquie scamming again!
Convicted con artist, Gina Kelly Conorquie, 32, is in trouble with the law again after she was slapped with six counts of her familiar charge, obtaining property by deception. Former Special Constable Goldburn Seguro, 56, reported to police that Conorquie made off with about $9,000 of his money in a housing scam. Seguro said that Conorquie, going by her married name Gina Cherington, claimed that she was an agent of Minister Boots Martinez’s Housing for the Poor Project when he met her. She convinced him that she could get him one of the houses in that project if he paid her a sum of money. Seguro claims he gave her $1,732 on June 7, 2016; $2,497 on June 8, $1,777 on June 18, $2,100 on June 20, $150 on June 24 and $1,214 on June 27. Seguro said that after making these payments he realized that he had been scammed; therefore, he reported Cherrington to police. She was arrested and charged for six counts of obtaining property by deception.

Belize Athletics Association to hold National Championship
The Belize Athletics Association invites all athletes and track enthusiasts once again to be a part of a National Track and Field Championship event. The event will be held at the Marion Jones Sports Complex on the 30th -31st July, 2016. All athletes 16 years and older can participate in the events. Registration forms can be obtained from and returned to the BAA via email ( [email protected]) or from our Facebook page (Belize Athletics Association). Cost of registration is $10.00 per athlete.

Belize City Council Dragons win in Firms Basketball Competition
The Belize District Basketball Association Firms’ competition continued over the weekend with a number of games played at the Bird’s Isle. On Saturday 23rd July, 2016, in game one of three games on the schedule, Belize City Council Dragons won over the BTL squad by the score of 91-71. The top scorers for the Belize City Council Dragons were Akeem Watters with 20 points, Andrew Vasquez with 17 points, and Kenroy Usher with 12 points. For the Belize Telemedia Ltd team, the top scorers were Mark Swift with 22 points, and Jason Vasquez with 10 points. In game two, Belize Water Services won over Central Health by the score of 98-94. The top scorers for Belize Water Services were Akeem Trapp with 28 points, Luis Barcelona with 20 points, and Lawrence Young with 16 points.

Belmopan Lightning Strikers won WestLine Female Football Competition
The 2016 WestLine Female Football Competition came to an end on Sunday 24th July, at the Norman Broaster Stadium in San Ignacio Town. In the championship game, Belmopan Lightning Strikers defeated the Belize Coast Guard by the score of 2-1. The goals for Belmopan Lightning Strikers were scored by Iris Centeno in the 50th and 56th minutes of play to lead her team to the title. For the Belize Coast Guard, Kursha Pollard scored the only goal in the 70th minute of play. In the third place game, Real West Strikers defeated Belmopan Lucky Strikers by the score of 3-0. The goals for Real West Strikers were scored by Vicky Ponce in the 54th and 66th minute of play and Kerianne Landero in the 64th minute of play.

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 envisions 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 Federation is making an appeal to holders of a high school diploma, Associate Degree, or any higher degrees or teachers to make use of this opportunity to becoming a certified umpire.

Charles Solis Memorial Softball Tournament set for August 7
The VII Charles Solis Memorial Softball Tournament is set for Sunday 7th August, 2016, at the Rogers Stadium in Belize City. The Double Elimination Tournament will feature the defending Charles Solis Memorial Champions (Unitedville Rebels United), Camalote as a special invitation as issued by Charles Solis, the top team from each of the Affiliated Associations of the Federation. The championship will commence at 9:00 am on Sunday 7th August, 2016.

The band Cellula performs in San Ignacio
As a mark of the cordial friendship between Belize and Panama, the band Cellula performed at the Cayo Welcome Center in San Ignacio Town on Friday night and at the Queen Elizabeth Park in Orange Walk on Sunday night of last week. The six member team of Cellula played a combination of pop and roots reggae, which included some well know Caribbean sounds. Singer for the group Cellula, TJ Amboglia shared with us that the forms of music are made as popular as possible so that the commercial radio stations throughout Latin America can play it. Cellula’s main signer says he loves Belize, its people and climate and shared that the climate in Panama is almost similar to that of Belize. Cellula’s visit is made possible through the efforts of the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture in partnership with the Embassy of Panama in Belize. Both the Hon. Elodio Aragon Junior from the Ministry of Education and the National Institute of Culture and History also facilitated Cellula’s visit to Belize.

Belize City Center going up
The frame for the Belize City Center is starting to take shape and excitement rises with every beam that is erected next to the BelCan Bridge. Belize City basketball players have been homeless since September of 2013 when the old Belize City Center was torn down. The only “reliable” venues for hosting basketball competitions since have been the Birds Isle and Belize Elementary Auditorium. Without trying to be ungrateful to a welcoming host, Birds Isle would not qualify to host any mid-level league anywhere else in the world. At any time now, someone may fall through that court. It does have sentimental appeal so maybe the National Institute of Culture and History should look into establishing it as a landmark. The Elementary Auditorium is basically a hot box trapped inside a microwave oven. One of the three point line is further than the other and most ballers swear that one of the rims is higher than the next. Apart from that, the facility provides a decent playing experience. However, Belize City ballers are ready to go back home.

City Councilors provide school bags to campers
The Belize City Council is once again hosting two summer camps in an effort to engage Belize City youths in positive activities during the summer vacation. Councilors Hyacinth Latchman-Cuellar and Jason Edwards are hosting children at St. Luke’s Methodist School, while Councilor Alain Gonzalez coordinated a camp for children at the Skills Training Center on Magazine Road. The Lake Independence Camp at St. Luke’s Methodist started on Monday, July 25, and has 100 participants from that area. In the mornings, the children have activities such as literacy sessions, graphic design and arts and craft courses and first aid training. In the evenings they play games and are divided into teams for friendly sporting activities. On Wednesday, July 27, the campers visited the Belize Zoo. The camp ends on Friday and each participant will leave with school bags and supplies for the upcoming school year.

Challenges of and plans to mitigate climate change
Climate Change is an existential threat to the world and small countries like Belize are the most vulnerable to its effects. In order for Belize to effectively mitigate the effects of Climate Change every citizen and organization must do their part. Oceana Belize is doing its part by partnering with the World Wildlife Fund to keep the conversation open in Belize. On Wednesday, July 27, a panel of experts sat down with lovers of the environment at the Radisson for a conference themed “The Energy of Nature vs. the Nature of Energy”. Belize’s top Climate Change authority, Carlos Fuller, made a presentation on the threats posed to Belize by Climate Change and the efforts being made by the region to cope. Special Guest Speaker was Peruvian marine scientist Dr. Patricia Majluf. She made a presentation on the anchoveta fishery in Peru and its overall importance to the ecosystem. She demonstrated how effective harvesting of a marine product can improve sustainability of the entire marine system. Anchovetas were being used primarily as fish feed but when this is done it limits the amount available for species that depend on them for food. By focusing on anchovetas more as a food source and not a source for fish feed, the population of anchovetas has increased which benefits the entire eco system.

Crazy house fence broke down and crazy people are everywhere
On Wednesday of this week it appeared that either the gate at aCrazy house had fallen off its hinges or someone cut a hole in the fence. From early as Tuesday morning some mental patients were calling talk shows and staging protest. However it got out of hand on Wednesday when some how a Crazy man Rivers got a hold on a telephone and called Wave Radio and started to spew obscenities at the two talk show host . He even went as far to threaten the two hosts with threats of death. We don’t know if it was because they had mentioned, that he could not spell too well. When the host said that he couldn’t spell too good , they were not being dishonest or telling lies on Rivers. One only need to visit his Facebook page or check on posts that he had commented on and his BIRDBRAIN CHARACTER would pop right out at you.

Twenty Five Belizeans accepted for scholarships in Taiwan for 2016
The Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) is pleased to announce that on Saturday, August 6th, 2016 at 09:00AM at the Chateau Caribbean Hotel, this embassy and Belize-Taiwan ICDF Alumni Society in Belize will co-host an Orientation meeting for this year’s 25 scholarship recipients, who have been awarded scholarships respectively through the Taiwan-ICDF(International Cooperation and Development Fund) Scholarship Program 2016 and the Taiwan Scholarship Program 2016. As of 2015, a total of 281students from Belize have been accepted for scholarships to study in Taiwan. More than 130 of them have completed their degree programs and have returned to Belize. Most of these graduates currently hold positions in government and public institutions such as Government agencies, hospitals and schools, as well as in the private sector. Currently there are still around 140 Belizean students pursuing their degree programs in Taiwan in various fields such as public health, agriculture, business administration, engineering and information and communication technology.

Young Belizean architect to receive trainings on Enterprises Development in Taiwan
A Belizean Architect, Mr Kristian Chanona, will attend a workshop in Taipei, Taiwan on the topic of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Development for Latin-America in the first two weeks of August of this year. It is one of the two dozen workshops Taiwan offers every year as a means to help countries develop and contribute to the international community. Kristian is proud to be representing Belize at the workshop, and will share Belize’s perspectives and experiences in this area. Kristian was born on Christmas Eve in 1976. In the midst of holiday celebrations during a family visit to northern Belize, his parents, Al and Candy Chanona, unexpectedly had to cross the Corozal border into Chetumal, Mexico for the nearest hospital to welcome Kristian’s arrival. After growing up as a kid in Ladyville and San Pedro, and as a teenager in Belize City, Kristian finally completed paperwork to become a naturalized Belizean at age 17, and is a patriotic Belizean who respects its natural beauty and lifestyle it offers.

A woman murdered near Las Flores
A female domestic has been murdered after a night out with friends. On Monday 25th July 2016 about 7:50am, upon information received, Belmopan Police visited Zultana Street, in the Las Flores Area, Belmopan City where they observed the motionless body of a female. She was of clear complexion, dressed in a white in colour strap blouse, with her blue in colour jeans pants and blue in colour underwear pulled down to her knees, lying face down in a pool of blood. She was learnt to be Belle Regina Williams, a 34 year old Belizean Domestic of Zultana Street.

Erwin Adolphus sentenced to 5 years for firearm
An ex-parte trial for 26-year-old Erwin Adolphus of #15 Tigris Street, Belize City concluded with a guilty verdict on Thursday, July 21, after the accused failed to appear before Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith to face his charge. On August 17, 2014, Adolphus was busted by police with a .22 revolver with no serial number on it. The firearm was empty so police charged him only for keeping an unlicensed firearm. The trial commenced on Thursday but Adolphus failed to show up. Since he was not present at his own trial, Adolphus did not get the chance to challenge the prosecution’s evidence they presented against him. Within two hours the case concluded with a guilty verdict. Chief Magistrate Smith sentenced Adolphus to five years imprisonment. He was picked up in the afternoon by police and transported to the Belize Central Prison to begin serving his sentence.

Belmopan teacher killed in Orange Walk
The body of Marcelo Azueta, a Teacher at the Belmopan Comprehensive High School, was found on Sunday morning, July 24. It appears that someone cut his throat, and left his body near to his house. At this time, however, police don’t know why he was killed. According to Police, their investigation has since revealed that at around 3 a.m. that Sunday, someone passing by on Saint Peters Street in Orange Walk Town heard a man cry out loudly. Shortly thereafter, 2 men were seen speeding away from the area on bicycles. The persons who heard the man cry out did not realize that it was Azueta, and that he had been hurt. It was not until just over 2 hours later, that the teacher’s body was discovered. He was very near to his home when his attacker or attackers came upon him.

5 charged for Income Tax heist
Belmopan Police have arrested and charged 5 persons in connection with the robbery at the Belmopan Income Tax Department Office in which almost 30 thousand dollars of government funds were stolen. The principal accused culprits are 19 year-old Devin Brooks Jr., 23 year-old David Cruz Jr., and 33 year-old Richard Hyde. The cops say that these 3 men pulled off the daring armed heist of the Income Tax employees and the police officer who was providing security. These 3 Cayo residents allegedly walked out the door with the stolen loot, and the cop’s service firearm, and they got into a getaway car, which, according to police, was being driven by Ishchelle Tablada, and all 4 escaped. After an intensive investigation, the police recovered some of the stolen cash, the stolen weapon, and some of the items that these accused persons are suspected of purchasing with the stolen money.

Charges fail against Ryan Rhaburn
After about 96 hours in the detention of Belmopan Police, Ryan Rhaburn, who is an employee of the now infamous William Mason, was released without charges at his arraignment for kidnapping. Rhaburn was to be charged in connection with the abduction a Menonnite couple, Lloyd Freisen and his wife. That was the incident which placed William Mason on the police watch list 2 months before the beheading murder of Pastor Llewelyn Lucas, for which the cops think he (Mason) was the mastermind. Freisen had been hiding in Canada for some two months allegedly in fear of his life. That’s because accused murderer and con-man William Mason, who is known as Ted Oulette, or Guyanese Rajesh Ouellet, had allegedly kidnapped him and threatened his family, and extorted him.

Shawn Cook charged for stabbing Sylvester Coc
Police have arrested and charged 25-year-old Shawn Cook for a stabbing incident that took place on Friday, July 8, at Ruba’s Bar in Lords Bank Village. 28-year-old Sylvester Ack reported to police that he was at Ruba’s Bar when he and Charles Coc got into an altercation with Cook who took out a sharp instrument and stabbed him once to the left hand. Based on this report, Shawn Cook was arrested and charged with wounding and two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

Weapons and ammunition stolen and recovered in Cayo
Two persons from the Cayo District are the victims of burglaries in which both their weapons and ammunition were stolen. In the first case, William Grimshaw, a 25 year old Belizean Businessman presently residing in Camalote Village, reported that between the hours of 11:30 am and 8:00 pm on July 24, 2016, his residence was burglarized. Stolen from his house were one silver and black in color 9 mm Ruger P95 pistol with serial number 318-33023 and 17 live 9 mm Ruger Brand rounds valued at $2,500.00 Belize currency. Also stolen from Grimshaw was a blue and black HP laptop valued at $2,000.00, a white and black Samsung Tablet valued $1,200.00 and a Microsoft Surface Pro Tablet with keyboard valued $1,500.00. But the thief was not satisfied as the unknown person also took a silver necklace valued at $2,500.00, bringing the loss to a total of $9,700.00 Belize currency.

National U-23 male volleyballers in Panama for Central American Championship
The National U-23 male volleyball team is currently in Panama City, Republic of Panama participating in the Central American U-23 Volleyball Championship. The tournament is a round-robin with the top teams qualifying to the Continental Championship. The team left the country last week and played its first game of the competition on Monday 25th July, against Honduras with Team Belize winning set 1 25-19. In the second set, teams traded points but an early run by Honduras at 13-10 was the difference with Honduras winning the second set 21-25. Belize rebounded in the third set 25-23. Like points, sets were traded and Belize lost the 4th set 20-25 and so it came down to the deciding set. After an early 8-5 Belize lead, Honduras managed to recover to 10-10 but Belize pulled away and won the set 15-11 and the match 3-2. Bryton Codd the captain of the Team Belize had 25 points of which 22 were kills (spikes). He was supported by Raluni Bernardez who had 16 points.

Breaking Belize News

Sugar Cane farmers to protest BSI once more
Sugar cane farmers have planned a more organized demonstration at the BSI entrance on Friday July 29th. Alfredo Ortega, Chairman of the Orange Walk Branch of the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association says they are asking all farmers, from all branches and all associations to […]

Home invaders shoot Corozal Town Councillor
BBN has received information indicating Corozal police have detained two men in relation to a home invasion on Tuesday night. Reports are that in the Altamira Area in Corozal Town, two masked men approached the home of Guillermo Arana, a member of the Corozal Town […]

Teenager fights off attacker at home
A man who entered the home of a teenager and attacked her in an attempt to cause bodily harm after the girl was home alone is tonight on remand at the Belize Central Prison and will also have to serve 5 months for an old bill […]

U.S. deportee lands in jail again
31 year old Luvia Castelain wants to get back to the United States to see her children, but she has been deported twice in a year, the second time trying to cross into the U.S. from Mexico. Today, because she failed to report to […]

CCJ hears currency dispute matter over arbitration award
The Ashcroft Alliance wants half of the outstanding arbitration settlement award for the nationalization of Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) in U.S. dollars, but the Government of Belize, which is also challenging some aspects of the award, says that even if they are ordered to […]

Hattieville police investigate shooting incident
Hattieville police are currently investigating a shooting incident that landed 27-year-old Keron Devon Moss at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. Initial investigations have revealed that Moss was at his home when he heard a knock on his door and upon opening it, he saw […]

Teen motorcyclists dead in truck collision
Two families are mourning the untimely death of 18 year old Edwardo Chacon and 15 year old Henry Monrroy both from mile 10 on the Stann Creek Valley Road. According to police on Tuesday July 26th, around 10:30 p.m. police responded to a fatal […]

Predators pounce on Belize’s flawed and corrupted system
This entire saga involving William Mason and the murder/beheading of Pastor Llewelyn Lucas has left Belize with far more questions than answers. It does, however, provide obvious and blatant evidence of why Belize is in desperate need of increased transparency and proper oversight. There […]

Blogs

Packing for Deep Jungle Camping in Belize And A Bit of Birdwatching
This weekend I head into the Chiquibul Nature Reserve to join volunteers that are camping at the bottoms of huge trees to protect Belize’s Scarlet Macaws from poaching. Last year, I did one night…this year, I will do four. BABY STEPS! Most volunteers head into the jungle for 14 nights. No internet. No electricity. No phone. Most people who visit Belize, or live here, have never been to the Chiquibul – it is unpopulated and beyond remote and takes up a surprisingly big chunk of the country. It’s where jaguars are ACTUALLY spotted (the Scarlet Six team and the volunteers have spotted 3 so far this year.) When I asked Ali Wunderman, writer from The Naturalist and recently Chiquibul-survivor , if she saw one…SHE DID! Early in the morning, along the side of the river…pooping. Nature in all her glory. I will absolutely die if I see a jaguar or a tapir – and THIS is the place to see them in Belize. Other than the Zoo. Sadly, it is much easier to get to Belize’s Chiquibul from Guatemala than it is from Belize. And that is the problem. Illegal logging, gold digging, artifact looting and plant & animal poaching has been and continues to be a huge problem.

The show of a life time: Russian Ballet on Ice
As part of the tropic, winter is the last thing that comes to mind when thinking about Belize. There is not snow and ice skating is a sport we can imagine. So what would you say if I told you there will be an ice skating show here in Ambergris Caye?? Yes! For the very first time, Belizeans will be treated to a never-before-seen performance by the Russian Ballet on Ice. The world class ice skating show is scheduled to take place in both Belize City and San Pedro Town, and even though Belize does not have a skating rink, the show will be possible through the use of an Ice Equipment Complex (IPC). Everyone is invited to attend the once-in-a-life time show and experience a magical night. The IPC is a portable artificial ice skating rink that can be installed on any solid surface and provides the similar conditions of a natural rink.

Thousand Foot Falls: A Majestic Waterfall to visit in Belize
Located deep within a nature reserve in western Belize, Thousand Foot Falls is the highest waterfall in all of Central America. A swift river descends over a granite cliff to descend more than 1,600 feet into a thickly forested natural wonderland. As you wind your way through the verdant hillsides of the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, you’ll come across a special viewing area equipped with a public restroom and some benches. From there, you can see the majesty of the largest waterfall in all of Central America. Although its waters descend more than 1,600 feet into a thickly forested gorge, the waterfall is known in Belize as Thousand Foot Falls. Thousand Foot Falls is located inside of the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve in the Cayo District of western Belize. As such, it has no official address but the closest major town is San Ignacio. Once inside the park, follow well-marked signs to arrive at the falls. The nearest town to the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve is San Ignacio in Belize’s western Cayo District. From there, several official entrances to the enormous reserve (over 100,000 acres or 430 square kilometers) exist. Follow well-marked trails and signs to arrive at the official viewing site for Thousand Foot Falls.

International Sources

Rider student's path to new career includes awe-inspiring trip to Belize
Robyn-Cherry Seigler '16 hiked through miles of lush, tropical jungle in the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve of Belize. She swam through a crystal-blue natural moat protecting Actun Tunichil Muknal — also known as the ATM Cave. As she stood at the entrance of the cave, knee deep in flowing water, Seigler paused in awe of the stalactite and stalagmite formations surrounding her and was overwhelmed with the ancient Mayan history that echoed deep within the cave system. “We saw broken pottery used in rituals to release spirits, posed skeletal remains that had been embedded in the rock for centuries and deformed skulls with jade teeth to show wealth or status,” Seigler says. This once-in-a-lifetime adventure was made possible by Rider University’s Nature’s Business course. Seigler joined other students and distinguished faculty to learn about the culture, history, ecotourism and sustainable development in Belize. The independent research trip to Belize was the perfect opportunity for Seigler to apply what she’s learned, outside the classroom. “I’ve never been to a developing nation so to see firsthand the human impact on their ecosystems was revealing," she says. "Something as simple as using frozen shrimp instead of fresh fish as bait can disrupt a natural habitat."

How This 66-Year-Old Florida Man Opened A Successful Restaurant In The Caribbean
“I had no experience in the restaurant business,” he says of his decision to open the Blue Iguana, the popular restaurant he now operates with his Belizean partner, Shantel, in Corozal, in northern Belize near the Mexican border. “But that has not been a problem. Business principles are the same in any business.” Initially, Steve lived in Belize as a retiree. But he became restless and began looking for a way to occupy his time... “I’ve worked since I was 11 years old. I go stir crazy if I’m not working!” he says. Luckily, when he moved to Corozal, he found an opportunity he couldn’t resist. Now Steve spends the better part of his waking hours at the Blue Iguana, overlooking the Bay of Corozal. Here he enjoys a million-dollar view over the glistening green bay and a soothing Caribbean breeze: not the worst lifestyle to wake up to every day.

10 Caribbean Nations With The Most U.S. Direct Investments
The U.S. State Department this week released the annual Investment Climate Statements for 2016, which also shows the US’ direct foreign investments in nations globally, including the Caribbean region. Here are the 10 Caribbean nations – ranked from most to least investments – which benefited from the most US investments as of last year based on NAN’s analysis: 10: Belize. Rounding out the 10 ten is Belize, which saw U.S. direct investment in 2015 of US $34 million, an increase of 3 percent from 2014.

CCCCC Participates in an Energy of Nature vs Nature of Energy Conference
Carlos Fuller, International and Regional Liaison Officer of the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre delivered a presentation on Belize and the International Response to Climate Change at the Second Part of the Energy of nature vs the Nature of Energy Conference Series which was held at the Radisson Fort George Hotel in Belize City, Belize on 27 July 2016. Fuller’s presentation focused on Belize’s vulnerability to climate change, the international response to climate change and Belize’s contribution to the Paris Agreement. Carolyn-Trench Sandiford spoke about the importance of planning to adapt to climate change. Roberto Pott delivered a presentation on the impacts of climate change on Belize’s coastal and marine resources while Ansel Dubon spoke about Belize’s efforts to transition to renewable energy. The guest speaker was Dr. Patricia Majluf, Vice President of Oceana Peru, who provided reflections on the impacts of climate change on Peru’s fishing industry.

Videos

Blue Ventures Expeditions Belize, 3min. Scuba diving adventures!

We Love Nurse Sharks in Belize, 1min.

Backpacking through Belize & Guatemala, 34min.

Belize Diving, 7min.

Costa Maya Parade to sashing ceremony, 3min. Mundo Maya celebrated through the streets of San Pedro, Belize.

Belize 2014-2015, 7min. This is some footage from my long stay in belize from the end of 2014 to the beginning of 2015

Travel Belize 2016, 9min. This was an amazing trip to Belize, Central America for us and many more to come.

July 28, 2016

International Costa Maya Delegates began arriving today.

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

BTL donates $10,000 to help children affected by fire
With many families being displaced after the June 27th fire, many organizations and kind-hearted people have rendered assistance to the victims. On Thursday, July 21st, Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL), in collaboration with the Belize Red Cross and The Angelus Press Limited, made a monetary donation of $10,000 to facilitate school supplies to help the school children affected by the fire. BTL’s Chairman of the Executive Committee, Anwar Barrow, presented the check in a handing-over ceremony accompanied by Mayor Daniel Guerrero, Director General of the Belize Red Cross, Lily Bowman, and John Gillet of The Angelus Press Limited.

Season 2 of Five–A–Side Football Tournament comes to an end!
The San Pedro High School and Island Citizen Sporting Club crowned six champions during the finals of the Five –A-Side Football Tournament on Sunday, July 24th at the Angel Nuñez Auditorium. It was a busy day as large crowds came out in full force to support their favourite teams. The teams that rose as champions in their respective divisions were Bayern Munich A Under 11, Inter de Milan, Under 13, Real F.C Jrs Under 15, San Pedro High School Blazers Under 17, Spice Girls, and Scorpions F.C in the senior category. The last game, and most anticipated, saw the two top senior teams facing off. This was a grueling match between Belize Pro Divers and Martha’s Ice Scorpions F.C. Both teams wanted the win but it was Scorpions F.C who out edged their competition, taking the game in a 3-1 point game. Pro Divers had to settle for the second place trophy and prizes, while Scorpions F.C walked away with the grand first place trophy and prizes.

Basil Jones Summer Camp brings fun and education to youngsters
Camp Basil Jones is in its third week of their youth education summer program at the Basil Jones Educational Centre in the Bacalar Chico Reserve. A group of 22 children enjoyed a long week of activities that included a balance of both fun and learning. The annual program which started on Monday, July 4th and will end on Friday July 29th is divided into four individual camps and spread over four weeks of unique educational summer experiences for children. On Thursday, July 21st, the children were visited by members of the Blackadore Caye Management Staff. Biologist Valentine Rosado provided the campers with a lecture about the formation of the island, and the importance of preserving the natural environment. He even spoke to them about the turtle nesting that happens on the area. The educational lesson included a walk by the beach, where the group of children were shown examples of erosion on the shoreline. “We need to take care of the environment, specially the mangroves, which are plants that hold sediments and sand in place. If we don’t have these elements on the shoreline, then the sea just washes the sand away and thus, the beaches begin to disappear,” said Rosado.

Two AC units donated to police department
The San Pedro Police station is currently undergoing a series of transformations that seeks to enhance its functionality and appearance. On Friday, July 22nd, in the presence of Mayor Daniel Guerrero and Councilor Gabriel Nunez, Estevan Perera, along with Cindy Staines, donated two new air conditioner (AC) units to the police department. On hand to receive the donation was Officer in Charge of the San Pedro Police Sub-Formation, Superintendent Sandra Bowden. According to Staines, who partners with Caye Supplies, Super Buy, and Bachi Engineering Corporation, the donation was part of her company’s social responsibility to contribute to the community. “Since we have a new brand named “Daikin”, we decided to donate these units to help the police department improve their conditions. These AC units are Japanese state of the art innovative technology designed to withstand the climate of this island,” said Staines. The two unit models are a Daikin 900BTU and a Daikin 12000BTU, both equipped with inverter systems. Another benefit to having inverter systems is that these units are energy efficient, saving up to 30% in energy consumption.

Misc Belizean Sources

Acquafino Pool Side Party
clock Saturday, July 30 at 4 PM - 11pm. Pool Side Party with Costa Maya Beauty Contestants. Swimsuit photo shoot - bikinis provided by Char Tolentino, Fashion show with clothing provided by Top Notch, live entertainment with Julianie J Ferguson, and music all night with DJ. Tomas Dzl Gongora, Raffles, silent auctions, etc. Tickets $150bz includes transport to Acquafino Island Resort & Spa from the Boat Yard launch (behind Maya, same place that Cayo Espanto boat leaves from) with boats running back and forth from 4:00 pm forward and dinner with food being catered by: Las Terrazas, El Fogon, Caroline's, Pirate's Treasure & Hidden Treasure.

CYDP Life Skills through Sports and Adventure Camps
The third in a series of annual summer camps is well underway at the ITVET Compound in Belize City. The Under-19 Life Skills through Sports Camp is one of the major activities through which the Conscious Youth Development Programme (CYDP), under the Community Rehabilitation Department, Ministry of Human Development, Social Transformation and Poverty Alleviation, continues to positively engage inner-city youth of Belize City. Over the years, the CYDP summer camps have become highly anticipated among young people in the at-risk communities of Belize City and surrounding municipalities. During the summer break it is very important for young people to be positively engaged in activities that stimulate their growth and development. These camps provide participants with the opportunity to develop life skills, such as conflict resolution, anger management, self-esteem, teamwork and healthy decision making, while utilizing sports as the main method through which to teach these skills. But more than positively engaging participants, these camps help to break the barriers and stigma created by labeling of gang communities and on-going rivalry. The camps provide a safe space for its young participants to have positive interactions and build relationships with each other, while having fun playing their favorite sports.

CALLING ALL MUSIC LOVERS!!!
OPEN MIC NIGHT Thursday night at the BTL Park in Belize City... Here's a chance to win $1000 for showcasing your talent! Bring out that voice for a night of fun with family and friends. Competition begins at 7:00 p.m.

Cayo Creative Nonfiction Workshop
Only 6 spaces remain. Will you be there? This workshop is for any Belizean writer planning to write a work of nonfiction, especially a memoir, biography or autobiography. Send an email to the address provided to receive a registration form. Registered participants will receive confirmation by email before the workshop.

Art from Quintana Roo in Belize
You are kindly invited to view artwork by five artists from Quintana Roo currently on display at the House of Culture.

Job Opportunities US Embassy
We're Hiring! Checkout the job opportunities in the link! Available jobs include - U.S. Embassy Janitor, U.S. Embassy Mechanical Engineer, and U.S. Peace Corps - Backup Medical Provider. Please follow the instructions in the link provided and submit all job inquires or questions to [email protected]. The U.S. Embassy Belize Facebook page CANNOT answer job related questions. Thanks.

June 2016 External Trade & Consumer Price Index
During the month of June 2016, prices of goods and services purchased by Belizean households were an average of 0.9 percent higher than they were in June 2015. According to the latest statistics on consumer prices released by the Statistical Institute of Belize, the All-Items Consumer Price Index stood at 103.7, up from 102.8 in last June. For the first half of this year, a year-to-date inflation rate of 0.5 percent was recorded. During the month of June 2016, Belize’s imported goods were valued at almost $168 million, down by 11.2 percent or $21.2 million from the $189.2 million imported in June of 2015.

Climate Prediction Center’s Central America Hazards Outlook July 28 – August 3, 2016
Over the last 7 days, areas of eastern Nicaragua, El Salvador, and parts of Guatemala saw above-average rainfall, while most other areas saw suppression of rainfall. The easternmost departments of Nicaragua observed 100-200mm of rain, and similar totals were also observed in parts of Guatemala and El Salvador. While moderate rains were observed in eastern Guatemala, they were still well below normal totals. Some of the driest parts of the region included western Nicaragua and central Honduras; less than 10mm of rain was observed locally. As a result of this and several preceding weeks of poor rainfall performance, monthly rainfall deficits are on the increase in western Nicaragua and the Gulf of Fonseca region of Honduras. Less than 25% of normal rain has fallen in the driest areas of western Nicaragua and southern Honduras over the 30-day period. Vegetation indices look poorest through eastern Guatemala, western Honduras and the Gulf of Fonseca region but don’t yet reflect poor conditions for other dry regions. In addition, soil moisture is reported to be very low in many central departments of Guatemala.

Miss Mexico, Miss Honduras and Miss Belize are loving their first day on Ambergris Caye!
oday, the ladies enjoyed a sunset cruise on the Island Dream Tours YOLO, followed by a meet and greet at Sandy Toes Beach Bar & Grill

SELL - A - THON at the Lions Den July 30th
8am - Noon

John Saldivar not resigning
I understand that Love FM has erroneously or maliciously reported that I have or am planning to resign. Let me state categorically that I have absolutely no intention to resign from political life. On the contrary, I am even more determined to carry on with my dedicated service to the people of Belmopan and the country of Belize. The last two weeks I have been the victim of malicious fabrications, absurd conjectures, wild speculations and insinuations and character assassination undoubtedly aimed at destroying me politically. I have taken all that has been thrown at me in stride because I have done nothing wrong and am not guilty of any act of corruption or subversion of justice as is being suggested in certain quarters. I have done nothing that I am ashamed of and nothing that would warrant my resignation.

The San Pedro International Costa Maya Festival August 4th - 6th
The San Pedro International Costa Maya Festival August 4th - 6th,click the link for some photos. Only four contestants were able to arrive today. Miss Belize Yadira Yvette Argueta, Miss Mexico Ingrid Elizabeth Luna Solís, Miss Honduras Corina Canales and Miss Guatemala Maria Jose Larrañaga Retolaza were accompanied today by reigning Miss Costa Maya 2015 Miss Honduras Gabriela Vanessa Salazar Valle. Miss Panama, Costa Rica, El Salvador and Nicaragua are expected to arrive tomorrow, after their flight via Avianca was cancelled today. Belize's Ambassador to El Salvador, Ms. Celi Paz Marin is hosting the four ladies during their short overnight stay in El Salvador.

Missing youth
Family asks for the community's help in locating 16 year old Ethan Jacobs. Last seen on Monday (July 25) going fishing and diving with a Leslie Wade. Neither of them answering phone calls. Please be on the lookout in the San Pedro and Caye Caulker areas and contact Angie Berg at 632-6101 with any information regarding their whereabouts.

Deadliest Hurricane to Hit Belize
As many as 2,500 lives lost in Belize City. Take a look at this feature story created using a Geo App. "The storm, which lasted about an hour and a half, left some houses roofless and blew down some fences and trees. St. John's College was situated by the seaside up at Loyola Park over Yarborough Bridge. The building was a large, three storey, wooden structure, and went down in the first storm, as also did St. Andrew's Hall, which was situated corner of Prince and Albert Streets. After the storm passed, people came out to view the wreckage. Then something strange and unusual happened. The storm swung right back, but with more force, bringing a tidal wave about 10 feet high, which swept over the city of Belize, leaving 2,000 dead and thousands more homeless. The most devastated area was the Yarborough area. " The 1931 hurricane also coincided with The Great Depression, setting the residents of Belize City back decades as they struggled to rebuild their lives. The era was marked by an intense struggle to uplift the working class and unemployment.

Miss Nicaragua, Miss Costa Rica and Miss Panama with Ambassador Celi Paz in El Salvador.

Calypso Rose Wins WOMEX Award
Congratulations, Calypso Rose! She has won the 2016 WOMEX award for being outstanding in the music industry. That picture was taken here in Cayo at the Soul Project. Her video for Calypso Queen tells her story, and it's a great song too. "In a style known equally for its outspoken messages and its party vibe, it truly takes a great Calypso artist to stand apart for their mastery and relevance, as Calypso Rose has done, for over six decades. In her long career, Rose has transformed calypso in many ways. Her most obvious achievement involve making the calypso scene more open to women: the scale of her talent and success made her impossible to ignore, leading to unprecedented prize wins, including the Trinidad Road March and, the highest of all, the title of Calypso King – renamed the Calypso Monarch in her honour. Rose is also a musical innovator of her style. She pioneered changes such as shortening her songs to three verses and writing fewer songs every season – both of which became the norm – and in her personal repertoire, she also explores styles such as soca, punta, reggae and ska. As a living legend and someone who has done so much to revolutionise her field, we are extremely pleased to be able to present Calypso Rose with the WOMEX 16 Artist Award."

2016 Belize International Jazz Festival
Here's the Belize International Jazz Festival calendar. So many events--some are FREE!

A Call for Artists
Calling all artists of music and dancing!

CAYE CAULKER EQUIPPED WITH STATE-OF-THE-ART AMBULANCE
Minister of Touristic Affairs, Manwell Ereba, confirmed to Rastaman News this morning that Caye Caulker has been equipped with a state-of-the-art ambulance, befitting its importance as one of Belize’s major tourism destinations. “San Pedro cannot have it all,” Ereba stated. “After La Isla Bonita procured their ultra-modern firefighting buckets, I had to make sure that La Isla Cariñosa did not stay too far behind.” Hailed as an emerging tourism destination, Caye Caulker is the second most popular destination for overnight visitors in the country after San Pedro. That is why, according to Ereba, the island must have modern health facilities. “This ambulance is not only remarkably embarrassing in its design, it is also environmentally friendly,” boasted Ereba. “In one stroke, we have beefed up the island’s health services AND we have done our own little bit to combat climate change.”

Channel 7

The Flowers File, the Saldivar Retort
Superintendent Mark Flowers, he may be in jail tonight – but his name is ringing all over the country – and not because he's accused of molesting a 14 year old girl – but because of the allegations he's hurled at police minister John Saldivar. Though he never mentioned Saldivar by name, Flowers sat down with us for just under 40 minutes and ranted and railed at his Minister, and his police superiors who he says are doing the Minister's bidding to railroad his career and smear his reputation. To be able to draw the inference that it is Saldivar he is pointing fingers at, we'd have to take you back to the beginning of the episode, which he says started a few weeks ago. Here he is in the interview sharing his reasons for suspecting that his Minister meddled in Police business to get him removed as the head of GSU. We also have Saldivar responding and completely denying that allegation, calling Flowers just a desperate man trying to deflect blame from himself:

Supt. Flowers, The Undercover Operator
And as we told you, according to Mark Flowers, the only reason he was able to have that conversation with William Danny Mason was because he was trying to gain the trust of this alleged con-man. He said yesterday that after discussing it with Acting Commissioner Russell Blackett, he decided to approach Mason, not as a policeman, but as a commercial farmer who was trying to make connections to grow his business. Its quite a story, and tonight, we have a little more from our interview with Flowers in which he claims to have been able to get evidence of one of Mason's fake Belizean documents. Here are those comments: Daniel Ortiz: "This is the first time we're hearing that you were an undercover police officer for the investigators of Danny Mason. They seem to have buried this information."

Bradley Says Cops Conspired Against Flowers
We backtrack now to yesterday's arraignment. All of yesterday, we'd been hearing from multiple reliable sources that Flowers was going to be charged with 2 counts of rape. That's what, according to our information, the police initially served on him, but they later changed it to unlawful sexual assault. Yesterday, before his client was arraigned, attorney Dickie Bradley told us that they both suspect that the reason the police changed the charge was to ensure that he couldn't get bail right after his arraignment in the Magistrate's Court: Dickie Bradley - Attorney for Mark Flowers "Normally when it is a minor the charge is usually unlawful sexual intercourse which would be the equivalent of the old carnal knowledge. There has been an amendment, confusion as usual but he is in fact on the charge sheet charged with rape. Now interestingly enough the client control act has been amended that you cannot get bail for carnal knowledge but in fact rape is a bail able offence in the magistrate court."

Flowers Faced An Allegation of Sexual Assault in 1999
And while Flowers is facing this very serious charge against him for molesting a child who , to hear him and his attorney tell it, he has an above average chance to get off. And, it wouldn't be the first time Flowers has eluded an allegation of sexual assault. We've been doing our digging and found that in 1999, Flowers, then an Assistant Inspector in charge of the Dragon Unit Belmopan was accused of the sexual assault of a female police recruit. The recruit alleged that Flowers went to pick her up at the Police Training Academy at night and she left voluntarily – though against Academy regulations which prohibits recruits from leaving the compound. She returned an hour later crying, alleging that Flowers had sexually assaulted her. No criminal charges were brought, but Flowers did face internal pressures, and left the Department. The female recruit also ended up being forced out of the Training Academy. He turned up the following year working at Belize Central Prison. When the prison was privatized, he was absorbed into the scenes of crime unit as a civilian staffer, and later rejoined the police as a Sergeant. From there he quickly regained ranks and ascended with lightning speed to Superintendent under the UDP. Last year we asked him how he got promoted so quickly:…

No Judgment, CJ Re-schedules
About a month and a half ago, Gay Rights Activist Caleb Orozco, and his organization United Belize Action Movement, or UNIBAM, called out the Chief Justice, Kenneth Benjamin for delaying judgement more than 3 years now. He wants the Chief Justice to deliver the judgment on his challenge to Belize's Sodomy Laws. A few days later, notice went out that the judgement would be handed down on July 27. Everyone waited until this morning, only to learn once again that the Chief Justice had postponed the delivery. He's now scheduled it for August 10. Reports say the CJ was ill in mid-July.

Teenager Charged For Murder of Mother of Three in Belmopan
Police in Belmopan have charged an alleged teenage murderer. Two nights ago we told you about 34 year old Regina Williams who was viciously killed in front her home in Las Flores area Belmopan. She had been socializing with some individuals at La Cabana night club the night before. But sometime after 1:30 am, she left in the company of those same individuals. It was between then and 8 am the following morning that she was murdered in front of her house and left there half naked and with severe injury to her head. Police are still trying to determine whether or not she was raped before she was killed. However police today proceeded with the information they do have at the moment and arrested and charged 19 year old Salvadoran Josue Ortiz for murder. They told us more:

Chester Norales, Again!
The name Chester Noralez has been making crime news since the mid 90's when he was a teenager, and tonight he's back in the news. The 36 year old resident of Fern Lane is accused of snatching a gold chain from Franz Usher's neck. Yesterday Usher was at the corner of Jasmine and Oleander Streets when Noralez rode up, ripped his gold chain from around his neck and rode off. Police who were in the area pursued Noralez and apprehended him on Oleander street with the stolen chain. When he appeared today before Magistrate Deborah Rogers. Noralez pled not guilty to the charge. The prosecutor objected to bail on the grounds that Noralez has a charge of burglary for which trial is pending and he also knows the victim and there is the strong possibility that he will interfere with him if granted bail. Magistrate Rogers upheld the objection and denied Noralez bail. She remanded him into custody until August 31.

Paumen Will Stand Trial
Accused Child Molester Mark Flowers is this week's headline story; last week's was accused murderer, conman, kidnapper and extortionist William Danny Mason. But, a few months ago, the big story was the large scale American tour operator Bradley Paumen. He's already committed to stand trial in the Supreme Court for allegedly orchestrating a murder plot on his neighbour, Michael Modiri and 3 other persons, and now, he has been committed to stand Supreme Court trial once again. This time it's because of those charges of attempting the pervert the course of justice, and conspiracy to pervert justice. As viewers will remember, it dates back to an attempt to plant an unlicensed rifle in Michael Modiri's vehicle. Modiri was eventually cleared of that legal mess, but Paumen ended up being charged along with his Mechanic, Lisburn Anderson, Belmopan Businessman Jahan Abadi, and Korean American Hyang Chong Park.

Climate Change the Struggle Is Real
OCEANA and the World Wildlife Fund today held their second annual seminar called The Nature of Energy vs. the Energy of Nature. Now, it may sound like just another dreary talk shop in a hotel room with bad pastries and cold coffee, but the organizers hoped to wake up participants and the wider community with the dire message that climate change and its consequences are real and it requires everyone, form government to the grocery shopper to pay attention and act. Here's how they put it:… Nadia Bood - Climate Change Advisor, WWF: "It's extremely important given the threat posed by climate change. It's a forum where we can get together and dialogue about issues related to climate change and how best we can try and adopt our actions and our efforts to promote a greener development pathway that will help to minimize or at least buffer against some of the threats that will be coming from climate change events."

Minor Charged For Killing John Jay
Dangriga Police have arrested and charged a 16 year old minor from Belize City for the murder of popular singer/songwriter John Jay Rodriguez. The 34 year old husband and father of one was gunned down in early June inside the Havana Club and Entertainment Center in the Heart of Dangriga Town. Initial police investigations revealed that three men armed with a pistol entered the establishment to commit a robbery. But when that backfired, they turned right back and bolted through the front door, but not before firing a single indiscriminate shot at the crowd which caught John Jay. He died from a single gunshot wound to the head. Two days ago, they arrested and charged a resident of Belize City for that fatal shooting. He is only 16 years old and so we cannot reveal his identity.

Cops Bust Island Weed
San Pedro police have taken a few pounds of weed out of circulation on the Island. Yesterday at midday – acting on Special Branch intelligence – island police searched a San Pedrito apartment room occupied by 27 year old painter Kurt Jason Cruz. They found 4.144 pounds of weed and he was charged for drug trafficking. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to three years imprisonment, plus a fine of ten thousand dollars. And then, today, San Pedro Special Branch and CIB found another parcel of marijuana at the Tropic Air Cargo section. This one contained one pound of weed and was labelled as found property

Belmopan Pastor Almost Accompanied Lu
He almost went with Pastor Llewellyn Lucas…that's the story Belmopan Pastor Job Lopez told us yesterday. He says that Lucas called him on the morning of the 15th – and he was with the two other pastors – who would later accompany him to Mason's house – only to be kidnapped together with Lu. When their blindfolds were removed, Lucas had disappeared, and this is when it is believed he was beheaded. Well Job Lopez almost accompanied them – and he told us that it started with a call early that Friday morning from a desperate sounding Pastor Lu:… Job Lopez - Almost Went With Pastor Lu: "I heard my phone ring and it was Pastor Lucas calling me and I said what can I help you with he said well I need you to come. I said where he said well I am at TV station, Plus TV. He says okay what we are doing and he said we need to go live, I said what for, he said come here I will explain to you. So when I heard that I heard that I heard like it was a desperate call. So I went there and he said we need to go live and we talk to pastor Wade and he said we can't go live right now because I don't know what you going to say so you need to anticipate what you are going to say then we go live so we could put it for next week. So pastor Lu say let's put it for next week; so I went out with them and he said you don't want to come along with us I said no I have groups to do, I have my work to do."

Police United Get Ready For CONCACAF Champions League
The Police United FC play their first game of the CONCACAF Champions League in less than three weeks. On drawing day two months ago, the team drew a tough card when they landed in group E- effectively matching them up with Mexican powerhouse Pachuca and Hondura's top club Olimpia for the first round of the tournament. So how will Belize's Police United fare off against these top league teams? It is their first time ever representing Belize at the Champions League tournament. But as green as they are, the team is hopeful. They are currently in their 7th week of intense training and the executive has been recruiting both local and international talent to reinforce their squad. Today we spoke to the head coach and even got a chance to meet some of the players on the roster as they prepare for the upcoming game against Olimpia, which is to be held in Tegucigalpa Honduras on the 16th of August.

Police United Say Not Involved With Mason Megabucks
And keeping in line with football financing, when the matter of accused murderer William Mason first came into public view, one of the most widely reported masks he wore, was that of a football financier. That is actually how Hon. John Saldivar said he came to know Mason in the first place. Mason, as has been widely reported, donated several thousands of dollars to Saldviar's football club- the Belmopan Bandits. But there were also reports of Mason contributing to other football clubs in Belize. So was the Police United FC ever on Mason's payroll? After all he did appear to be rather friendly with senior members of the Government, particularly within the police department. Today the media asked Club Manager Superintendent Andres Makin Sr. just that. Duane Moody: "In terms of accused murderer Williams Mason that several football clubs have received donation sponsorship from him; is the Police United one of those clubs?" Supt. Andres Makin Sr. - Manager, Police United FC: "I would prefer that this question be given or be asked to the president who is Mr. Grinage he is the one that would be in a better position to say."

BTB's Big Plan For Corozal
San Pedro, Placencia, and the Cayo District are tourism powerhouses with tens of thousands of visitors passing through annually. But, what happens to the lesser-known tourist spots around the country? Well, now the BTB and the Ministry of Tourism want to boost the traffic in destinations like Corozal, Caye Caulker, and the southern parts of the country. 11 days ago, the Tourism officials launched their fix for the Corozal District, and Daniel Ortiz took a closer look at it today. Here's that story: The tourism upgrades are being done in partnership with the Inter-American Development Bank. The Government officials have another destination launch planned tomorrow for the Mountain Pine Ridge, Chiquibul, & the Caracol Complex. We'll be there and we'll have that story for you in tomorrow's newscast.

Corozal Cops Looking For Shooter
And Corozal also has to deal with the other side of keeping tourism prospects up – and that is managing appearances when it comes to crime. The town saw a shooting and home invasion yesterday. Corozal police told us more:… The suspects demanded money and wore shirts over their faces, so getting a positive identification has proved difficult.

Channel 5

Accused Murderer Speaks From Behind Bars
William Danny Mason has been behind bars since July nineteenth, in a special facility at the Belize Central Prison reserved for high-risk prisoners. He is alone – or as alone [...]

Family of Minor Denies Manipulation by John Saldivar
Superintendent Mark Flowers, former commander of the Gang Suppression Unit, spent his first night on remand at the Belize Central Prison on Tuesday. The pretrial detention succeeds an arraignment at [...]

Flowers Maintains Saldivar Is Plotting Against Him
Flowers maintains that the charges brought against him are all part of a plot to make him the fall guy, to shift attention away from the ongoing investigation involving alleged [...]

GSU Boss Claims Mason Offered to Buy His Land
The former GSU boss Mark Flowers has gone on record to say that he gained access to the posh home of William Mason in Belmopan as part of a covert [...]

Mark Flowers Says He Will Get PM Involved in Plot against Him
Prior to handing himself in at the Queen Street Precinct on Tuesday, the embattled Mark Flowers had a few choice words for those whom he believes are behind the conspiracy [...]

Flowers Says His Removal Was Invalid
Flowers fall from grace was not foreseen. The former head of the GSU once provided security for the former Prime Minister Manuel Esquivel and was seen at many political events [...]

Belize Central Prison Has Special Protocols for High-Risk Prisoners
Today, News Five was at the Belize Central Prison and got an opportunity to enquire about the status of the new, high-profile additions to the facility. As we told you [...]

Teenager Arraigned for Belmopan Murder
A teenager of Salvadoran nationality was this morning arraigned in the Belmopan Magistrate’s court for Monday’s murder of Bella Regina Williams. The mother of three was found dead by her [...]

Female Population at Kolbe Gets New Classroom
It’s not often that News Five is invited within the compound of the Belize Central Prison, currently home to about one thousand four hundred and twenty inmates. But today we [...]

Prison Finances are Stretched Thin
Just one look at the Belize Central Prison would reveal that it is operating on a shoestring budget. The facilities are adequate, but not more than that. Before the construction [...]

Prison C.E.O. Says Society Should Accept Prisoners Rehabilitated and Released
Yes, you heard right. While the Kolbe group is committed to rehabilitation and turning inmates into productive citizens, the less inmates they have, the less money they get from government [...]

Repeat Offender Chester Noralez on Remand
Tonight alleged repeat offender, Chester Noralez, is on remand for snatching a chain from a friend in Belize City. Noralez is the Belize City resident who is accused of beating [...]

What’s the Latest at the Sarstoon?
With so many things happening on the news front, the situation at the Sarstoon has been pushed somewhat on the backburner. But from official indications, while public attention has been [...]

Have Illegal Guatemalan Fishers Gone Away?
Access to the Sarstoon was one major concern for Belizeans – another was the flagrant, brazen, unhindered illegal fishing not only on our side of the Sarstoon but all the [...]

Meet the Footballers of Police United
This morning at the Isidoro Beaton Stadium in the capital, we caught up with Police United Football Club as the players trained to take on a Honduran team in a [...]

Manager Says Club Received No Money from William Mason
Now, to get Police United to the Scotia Bank’s CONCACAF Champions League is an expensive venture. Approximately two hundred thousand dollars is required for the team and delegation to travel [...]

Stakeholders Discuss Impact of Climate Change
A cross-section of participants from various organizations, government and N.G.O.s gathered at the Radisson for a daylong conference where they discussed the impacts of climate change. A panel of presenters [...]

CTV3

UDP Councillor Shot At His Home In Corozal
The peace and tranquillity of the Altamira area located in the Corozal District was disrupted last night after two masked men forcibly entered the home of well-known Corozaleño and current UDP councillor, Guillermo Arana, in an attempt to rob money from him. Our news team visited the Arana family in Corozal earlier this morning where we were informed that at the time of the incident, Arana was at home in the company of his wife and four minors who were all witnesses to the horrific scene. Reports indicate that a struggle ensued between Arana and one of his attackers, however, both men were armed and as a result, Arana received two gunshot wounds, one to the right hand and the other to the abdomen. Roger Arana – Brother: “Last night around nine o’clock my mother received a call from my little brother that they had shot my older brother, I went to his house and we found out that there were two persons with masks that came to his house and apparently there were only my niece and my nephew and two other kids that were visiting them and they heard the gun men that were armed approaching the door and they pointed the gun at my nephew...”

Did The Now Head Of GSU Served As Mason Personal Body Guard?
Since the murder of Pastor Llewellyn Lucas on Friday and the detention of well-connected conman William Mason and four others, numerous reports have surfaced of who wine and dined with him and who all his acquaintances allegedly are. And amongst that list, according to former Commander of the Gang Suppression Unit, Superintendent Mark Flowers, is Inspector Glenn Caliz the same man who has replaced Flowers as head of the Gang Suppression Unit. Flowers, among other things, revealed yesterday that Caliz used to serve as personal security for Mason. But, says Flowers, while one man may have shot a few rounds at Mason’s shooting range at Outback Ranch, the body of the GSU did not.

Police Says Seventeen Year Old Minor Rode Into Their Vehicle
On yesterday’s newscast we told you about a seventeen year old minor from the Corozal District who is alleging that he was deliberately knocked down by police officers while riding his bicycle to work on Monday afternoon. But while the family is accusing the officers of being at fault, tonight we can inform you that authorities are saying just the opposite as they are claiming that the minor was the one who accidentally rode into the police mobile after failure to stop while the vehicle was traveling across the road. Dennis Arnold – Officer in Command, Corozal Police Station: “On Monday, whilst the police vehicle was travelling from north to south direction on the Olga Marin Drive, at the corner of Olga Marin Drive I think its Hidden Hill Street, a minor was riding a bicycle but that junction is a “T”, this vehicle on the straight have the right of way...”

Prices Continue On The Rise According To SIB
The Statistical Institute of Belize today published its latest statistics on prices and external trade for the country of Belize. First we take a look at the consumer price index for which the report shows that prices increased, on average by 0.9 percent for the month of June 2016 as it stood 103.7, compared to 102.8 in June 2015. For the first half of this year, a year-to-date inflation rate of 0.5 percent was recorded. Despite higher prices for both regular gasoline and diesel fuel during the month, the ‘Transport’ category saw an overall decline of 0.7 percent. The effect of these price increases was overshadowed by premium gasoline prices and international airfares, which remained lower than they were one year ago

Imports And Exports Continue To Decline
Belize’s total imports for the month of June 2016 were valued at $168 million, decreasing 11.2 percent or $21.2 million from imports for June 2015, which totaled $189.2 million, this is according to the latest figures released by the Statistical Institute of Belize today. The report shows that Imports destined for the ‘Machinery and Transport Equipment’, which accounts for more than one fifth of all the country’s imports, was a major factor in the decline for June 2016. This category, which spiked to $47 million in June of last year due to a major purchase of equipment, saw a drop of $11.5 million to $35 million in June 2016. ‘Mineral Fuels and Lubricants’, on the other hand, saw its first monthly increase for this year, rising by $6 million from $13.6 million in June of last year to $20 million for June 2016. This was primarily due to the fact that diesel imports doubled when compared to last June. A shipment of premium gasoline was also received in June 2016, while none was imported during June of 2015.

Is Shyne Barrow Aspiring To Become Leader Of The Nation?
Will Shyne Barrow, the son of Prime Minister Dean Barrow and a former inmate and rapper who was named music Ambassador of Belize, become a candidate for the next Prime Minister of Belize? We know that Moses ‘Shyne’ Barrow, has decided to be a politician and wants to run in the Mesopotamia constituency in the next general elections but in a report on Jamaican news…“Bossip” speaks of Shyne’s intention to run for Prime Minister of Belize. Shyne was in Montego Bay for a Reggae Summer Fest, when he told the Jamaican news outlet Quote, “I’m going to be in Parliament in Belize very soon. I’m going to be leading my nation and contributing to my nation with all the capacity that I have. My father is the right honorable prime minster, and he’s retiring and I’m succeeding him and my uncle. So I can continue in the legacy of my father and serve the people.” End quote. Prime Minister Dean Barrow will complete his last term as leader of the UDP in 2020 after which a convention will be held to elect a new party leader, a position which has more than one has contender, including Deputy Prime Minister, Patrick Faber.

Rotaract Orange Walk Promotes Reading
The Rotaract Club here in Orange Walk Town is well-known for engaging in numerous activities which seeks to benefit the entire community in some way or the other. And since a new board has recently been elected to take charge of the club’s affairs, a new agenda has been finalized in order to ensure that the work within the community continues. This time around, the members have embarked in a new project. It is a book drive that has the intent of promoting literacy and reading as a hobby. The books will be distributed to children from the different villages. Grisel Carballo – President, Rotaract Club, Orange Walk Town: “We want to have a book drive and I think that it reading and sparking a hobby, it’s a new initiative that we will be doing and showcasing and our target is to collect over a thousand books whether you have it at home just sitting there collecting dust you can bring it over to sky pure, A&R; or Landy’s and Sons there will be boxes and you can donate it if you know of someone that like to read books; story books or any type of books that people can use we will gladly appreciate it so we will be starting this as of next week.”

Former GSU Boss Expresses Mix Emotions
Former commander of the gang suppression unit, Superintendent Mark Flowers is tonight sitting in a cell at the Hativille Prison. He stands accused of two counts of unlawful sexual intercourse with a 14 year old girl but Flowers maintains his innocence and calls the allegations made against him a malicious move on the part of a high government minister. During an extensive and very revealing interview made yesterday, Flowers admitted that he is saddened by it all. Mark Flowers – Former Commander GSU: “I am dishearten, I am angry, I am frustrated, I am feeling betrayed, I am starting to have a hate but I don’t know if I am disappointed at all, I don’t think they can disappoint me because I somehow understand the silly games and knowing that is going nowhere and I want to be specially optimistic about everything, and I am thinking that this might be the cause for financing my retirement because one malicious prosecution goes on and you know that it is malicious what else can I even think.”

LOVE FM

No Resignation for John Saldivar
The rumour mill in Belize has been working in overdrive over the last few weeks especially since the beheading of Pastor Llewellyn Lucas in Belmopan, Cayo District. The most recent one is that the Minister of National Security, John Saldivar is looking to resign. We have been trying to reach Saldivar yesterday but our messages […]

The Lives of William Mason and Mark Flowers Behind Bars
Now that we know that at least for tonight, John Saldivar remains the Minister of National Security, we can move on to William Alexander Mason. The 47-year-old Guyanese national is spending his ninth night on remand at the Belize Central Prison. He has just been joined by one of the men who used to visit […]

Video Footage Was the Trigger to Seek Melissa Ferguson
There is some difficulty understanding the rationale behind the police’s delayed move to issue an arrest warrant for William Mason’s girlfriend, Melissa Ferguson. Five days after the head of Pastor Lucas was found, a picture went out asking for help in locating Ferguson as she is wanted for questioning. Some speculations are that the police […]

Mark Flowers Claims Innocence
Yesterday we told you of the recording with former GSU Commander, Mark Flowers. In that recording there were two aspects to the conversation; the first being the allegation against him of having unlawful sexual intercourse with a young girl who is now reportedly pregnant and the second being allegations against Government officials. While the rumour […]

Traffic Incident Proves Fatal in Southern Belize
Two teenagers were killed in a road traffic accident in the Stann Creek District. Correspondent Harry Arzu has the story.

Arrest Made in the Murder of Regina Williams
Belmopan Police have made an arrest in the murder of a woman that occurred earlier this week in the Las Flores area. Correspondent Fem Cruz spoke with the officer in charge of Belmopan Police.

Ten Belizeans Deported from the US
Ten Belizeans were brought in this morning via the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency. The US agency is currently escorting dozens of Central American citizens back to their respective countries including Belize. The plane landed just before nine o’clock this morning at the Philip Goldson International Airport and the nine men and one […]

Data Shows an Upward Trend in Consumer Prices
Consumer prices saw an increase of point nine percent in June as compared to the same period last year. According to the latest figures from the Statistical Institute of Belize, the all items consumer price index for June of this year was one hundred and three point seven compared to one hundred and two point […]

Heavy Rains Result in Flooding in Southern Belize
Heavy rainfall during the night contributed to another inconvenient flooded situation in sections of Punta Gorda and the biggest flood in town so far for this year. We hear more in this report from correspondent Paul Mahung.

House Speaker Talks Integrity … Recall Mechanism … Standing Orders
The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines the word integrity as being that of having a firm adherence to a code of moral or artistic values; it is also defined as being honest and fair. With all that has been unfolding we asked the Speaker of the House on the matter of the integrity of elected officials and of it […]

Breaking Belize News

Women prisoners get multi-purpose building; can society change attitudes to ex-cons?
The Belize Central Prison at Hattieville, managed a multi-purpose building intended to be the base for their continued rehabilitation, in anticipation […]

Teen arrested for murder of Las Flores mother
Wanted fugitive, Josue Ortiz, 19, was arraigned this morning in Belmopan’s Magistrate court where he was slapped with one count of murder and was remanded to the Belize Central Prison. Ortiz, is the main suspect in the death of Regina Williams who was discovered […]

San Pedro police find weed in cargo section
At 9:15 this morning members of the Special Branch and CIB police department in San Pedro Town, intercepted a parcel of suspected cannabis at the Tropic Air Cargo Section. According to the reports, the officials conducted a special operation that led them to the discovery of […]

Caleb Orozco decision adjourned for August
The decision on the constitutionality of Section 53 of the Criminal Code has been put off to August 10th, as confirmed by the Supreme Court. Belize’s church organizations had anticipated the decision with prayer rallies country wide including a major one last night in Battlefield […]

Blogs

Belize Eco-Kids Summer Camp – Final Farewells Day 8
There’s always a feeling – of release, of relief, of ending, of starting over. Suddenly, going home doesn’t seem so fun after all. Suddenly, you wish the camp lasted two weeks instead of one – or even better, a month! A year! Let it go on forever!!! At Chaa Creek, that feeling multiplied a hundredfold. After only eight days of magic, the spell ended and we were looking ahead at boring old home again. Yes, Chaa Creek was physically hard and demanding – climbing up mountains, horseback riding through the jungle, trekking through the bush, playing dodge ball, Maya Ball, having water-balloon fights, swimming and canoeing through the river and splashing around in the pools…

Amid the palms and cool sea breezes, a rare ‘cri de coeur’ is spotted
I was sitting on the deck this morning, cup of coffee in hand, bright sun on my face, a steady breeze rustling the palm trees and the waves lapping against the dock when I encountered a cri de coeur. I hadn’t encountered one of those, face to face, in years. Although, with election season in high dudgeon back in the States, cri de coeurs are flying back and forth like bullets on a battlefield. No, I wasn’t bird watching. The cri de coeur that I encountered was on Page 9 of the Sunday New York Times Arts & Entertainment section. It was a reference to an article in The Atlantic magazine passionately titled “Stop Making Film Adaptations of Philip Roth Novels.” The larger story from which this was extracted is about producer/director James Schamus (“Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,” “Brokeback Mountain”) who, of course, recently has made a film adaptation of Philip Roth’s novel “Indignation.”

Returning to the Nursery at Wildtracks
When I first came to Wildtracks, in September 2015, I had no idea what I was in for: how amazing, challenging, and educational it would be. I had just graduated from law school, and thought that I would be a tangential character, feeding and cleaning and generally rehabbing with little interaction with the animals. I didn't have a zoology or veterinary background, and I wasn't sure I would be able to learn how to care for the animals in a meaningful way. I was sorely mistaken. Little Cas the spider monkey made it clear that he needed me - if only for milk, warmth, and rest. During every walk, play session, and snoozefest he barged his way into my routine, with his big eyes and even bigger personality. His nips and hugs, stronger with every day, brought us closer. But it was the string of night shifts that really cemented our bond. He met my initial anxiety and concern with playful squeaks, wriggly hugs, and peaceful sleepy-eyed milk munching. Walking around a sleepy baby spider monkey is inexplicable, and even more so when you catch a pink sunrise over a mirror-calm lagoon--even at 4:50 in the morning. At the end of my month, I'm not sure who needed who more. Holding him was second nature, and it was strange to walk around without him resting on my chest. I didn't realize that when I left, I would have an intimate knowledge of the animals with whom I worked

International Sources

So many people release balloons without realising the environmental impact
Did you ever wonder where your balloons go when they are released? Birds, turtles and other animals commonly mistake balloons for food, which can harm or even kill them. Here's a photo of more than 100 balloons collected at Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge in NJ (Credit: USFWS), and then another of a bird strangled by a balloon string (Credit Virginia Aquarium Stranding Response Program).

Belcampo Belize Offers Fantastic Fare from Its Own Farm
Belize has it all. There’s the beautiful blue sea with reefs to snorkel and fish, there are rainforest jungles filled with birds and howler monkeys, and there are miles and miles of white sand beaches. And then there is Belcampo Belize. Belcampo is a luxury agrotourism and ecotourism boutique lodge located in southern Belize. Over 90 percent of the food served at Belcampo is sourced right from its own farm, including vegetables, fruits, eggs, chicken, pork, and lamb. You even have the opportunity to go snorkeling with the chef to dive for your lunch. Belcampo Belize is the place we don't visit just once, but return multiple times during the year.

Shyne Wants to Be the Prime Minister of Belize, Working on New Album
Former Bad Boy Entertainment rapper Shyne has been living in his home country Belize since his release from prison in October 2009. He’s kept a low profile until last May where he performed via video satellite at the Bad Boy Family Reunion show in New York. But the 36-year-old rapper is plotting big moves. In an interview with Bossip, Shyne revealed that he’s in line to be the Prime Minister of Belize. “I’m going to be in Parliament in Belize very soon. I’m going to be leading my nation and contributing to my nation with all the capacity that I have,” he said. “My father is the right honorable prime minister, and he’s retiring and I’m succeeding him and my uncle. So I can continue in the legacy of my father and serve the people.” “I love Belize. I love what I do for Belize. Everyday I change somebody’s life,” he added. “My father is the right honorable prime minister of Belize for the last three, consecutive terms, and that gives me access to resources, to power and influence to help poor people, to help people with limited income, people that are struggling and suffering the way I used to as a child.”

Tomball family hosts baby boy from Belize receiving medical care
Houston is known worldwide for being the premiere location to receive top medical care due to the Texas Medical Center. With the help of an amazing group, HeartGift, one blessed baby boy from Belize was able to receive care and be comforted by a great family in Tomball. Edwin is a 10-month old from Belmopan City, Belize who was born with three holes in his heart due to Congenital Heart Disease. His mother Anita says since finding out about her son’s condition, she has been doing her best to have him helped and healed. “I found out when he was two weeks old. The pediatrician that tends to him, she told me there was no one in Belize that helps babies heart problems and we would have to go out of the country .We were admitted that day, and she took us from the hospital by ambulance to Belize City where the cardiologist was. They did an ultrasound on him and they told me he needed operation. If not, he wouldn’t live that much longer.”

Belize’s top court expected to rule in sodomy law case
The Belize Supreme Court this week is expected to announce a ruling in a case that is challenging the country’s sodomy law. The case focuses on Section 53, a statute in the Belize criminal code that criminalizes anyone convicted of “carnal intercourse against the order of nature” faces a sentence of up to 10 years imprisonment. Section 53 is an artifact of Belize’s colonial past that dates back to the 1880s. The Belize Supreme Court heard the case in May 2013, but is still awaiting ruling from Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin. Caleb Orozco is a Belizean gay activist and executive director of the United Belize Advocacy Movement or UniBAM, a public health advocacy group in Belize for the LGBT community. Orozco became an outspoken gay rights activist at the age of 31 after attending a workshop for gay men and people living with HIV/AIDS at a public conference in Belize City.

Ancient canal network found under Mayan temple in Mexico
Archaeologists in Mexico have discovered an ancient canal network under the 13-hundred-year-old Temple of the Inscriptions in the Mayan ruins. Researchers at Mexico's National Institute of Anthropology and History say the canal system was uncovered using sonar technology. The tunnel network has different levels and still has running water. Scientists believe the canal may be a symbolic gateway to the Underworld for one of the world's most mysterious lost civilizations.

The Best Tropical Cocktails To Sip This Summer
I've been fortunate enough over the last few years to travel to many tropical locations; and summer in Toronto, with its soaring temperatures makes me long for beaches and island drinks. Here are some of my favourites: Coconut Mojito- I've been to Belize several times and love it. One of my favourite spots is the Victoria House, an absolute gem of an island resort on San Pedro on Ambergris Caye. This is an award winning property, a great place to relax, and where I was introduced to a 'Coconut Mojito'. I found a recipe that is very close to their coconut mojito: 6 fresh mint leaves muddled with 3 lime wedges and 1 tsp of brown sugar in a cocktail shaker. Add 1 ¼ oz white rum, ½ oz Malibu coconut rum and 1 oz cream of coconut. Fill the shaker with ice, stir vigorously and strain into a tall glass, top with club soda and a mint sprig.

Mexican village uses fireflies to halt deforestation by local logging industry
In the village of Nanacamilpa, tiny fireflies are helping save the towering pine and fir trees on the outskirts of the megalopolis of Mexico City. Thousands of them light up a magical spectacle at dusk in the old-growth forests on reserves such as the Piedra Canteada park, about 45 miles (75km) east of Mexico’s sprawling capital city. Piedra Canteada in Tlaxcala state isn’t a government-run park, but a rural cooperative that has managed to emerge from poverty and dependence on logging with the help of the fireflies. Five years later, the park’s cabins and camp spaces are sold out weeks in advance, with the attraction especially popular among families with young children and couples seeking a romantic setting. “The amount of fireflies you see is impressive,” said Carlos Landa, a Mexico City native who visited Piedra Canteada this week. “Something that I also find quite impressive is their synchronicity: to turn off and turn on, that is something really spectacular. It’s like Christmas in the forest.”

A New Private-Island Resort Rises Off the Coast of Belize
Located 8 miles off the coast of Placencia, Belize, Coral Caye is the newest addition to the Family Coppola Resorts portfolio. The rustic 2-acre island is located only 20 minutes by boat from the hospitality firm’s other Belizean property, the beachfront retreat Turtle Inn. An intimate retreat, the island accommodates up to 12 guests in its two seaside cottages, which are attended to by on-call caretakers who prepare all meals. Optional à la carte amenities include a private butler, a private chef, spa services, guided off-island fishing tours, and diving and snorkeling boat trips. Prices range from $895 per night during off-peak season to $1,495 per night for a three-night minimum stay during the holidays. (coral-caye.com)

Exploring Belize with Moon Guides and Lebawit Lily Girma: The Essence of Belizean Culture and Its People
Belize - gorgeous waters, perfect for diving and snorkeling; ancient ruins; rainforests and caves; the tallest waterfall in Central America; wildlife and marinelife; and a deep culture that entices you to explore more deeply. Affectionately called "The Jewel" by locals, this is a destination worth exploring. I recently read Moon Guides Belize, by Lebawit Lily Girma, and let me tell you - I'm impressed. Moon Guides are some of my favorite guidebooks, for the deep look into local culture, in addition to interesting things to see, do, taste, explore. I've long followed Girma online, for her intriguing travels, her extraordinary writing and photography, and her deep look at culture. A former lawyer, she's the expert on the Caribbean region - I'm constantly referring travelers to her sites and books for advice. So when this book came out, I knew I'd love to share it with our Wandering Educators. It's that good.

Videos

Costa Maya delegates live on board the Yolo., 14min.

Spanglishiol in Northern Belize, 5min. Spanglishiol, an important aspect of native Northern Belizean bi/multicultural identity (see Balam 2013, 2015, 2016a, 2016b; Balam & Prada Perez 2016, in press). El skillful arte de hace mix languages en Northern Belize. For (socio)linguistic research on phonological/grammatical aspects of Northern Belizean Spanish and Northern Belize bi/multilingual code-switching, see https://florida.academia.edu/OsmerBalam "Not only is language mixing a natural outcome of the bilingual mind/brain, it is also reflective of an underlying ‘optimization’ strategy at work" (Bhatia & Ritchie 2008:14).

Belize June 2016, 4min.

July 27, 2016

Costa Maya Festival year 2001

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 race for Miss San Pedro has begun!
Six beautiful island ladies have embarked on a journey for a chance to be the next Miss San Pedro 2016-2017. The first step of the fascinating experience was the official sashing ceremony which took place on Monday, July 25th at El Patio Restaurant. At this ceremony the candidates were presented to their sponsors; vying for the title this year are: Marisha Thompson sponsored by Jaguars Temple and Night Club, Beverly Rodriguez sponsored by Captain Shark’s, Karina Requena sponsored by Castillo’s Hardware, Lisandra Novelo sponsored by Ramon’s Village Resort, Marleni Diaz sponsored by Fidos Courtyard and Pier, and Heidi Sorto sponsored by La Sirene Resort Spa and Marina. The pageant is set for Saturday, September 3rd at the Honorable Louis Sylvester Sporting Complex. The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) and Miss San Pedro Pageant Committee cordially invite everyone to the pageant for an evening of beauty and elegance where a new queen of the island will be crowned.

Ambergris Today

Nigel Belisle Leads San Pedro Lions Club
The San Pedro Lions Club installed its new board of directors to lead the club for the year 2016-2917. The post of Presidency now lies on the shoulders of Nigel Belisle, a well known community activist in this community. President Belisle took the lead in the aftermath of the recent fire in assisting the victims - a test he passed with flying colors. Nigel is graduate of San Pedro High School, a soft spoken and very friendly person. Secretary of the Club is Pamela Zetina and Vice President is Brittney O'Daniel. The ceremony held on Saturday, July 23, 2016, last was well attended by Lions, community invited guests and visiting Lions. The Caribbean Kings provided music for a lively party following the ceremony.

Six Beautiful Ladies Ready for Miss San Pedro Pageant
The momentum and enthusiasm for pageant night has been kicked up a notch for the Miss San Pedro Pageant as six contestants vying for this year’s title were officially announced and presented with their official sponsor’s sash. Pageant night has been set for Saturday, September 3, 2016, with Marleni Diaz, Heidi Sorto, Beverly Rodriguez, Karina Requena, Marisha Thompson and Lisandro Novelo already in high gear preparing for the show. The San Pedro Town Council says it has increased its budget for the pageant as it has become evident that the pageant is a huge success and that it is a great platform for the winner to take on more positive activities as a role model to her peers.

Reports of Jaguar Sighting in North Ambergris Caye
A resident of North Ambergris Caye, reported having spotted a jaguar in the Mata Grande area, 4.5 miles of the Boca del Rio Bridge around 2a.m. on July 26, 2016, while he was driving home. The resident said that he almost ran over the 4-5 foot animal, slamming on the breaks to avoid it. Many people are not aware that Ambergris Caye has a 12,000 acre wildlife reserve on the northern tip, which is part of Bacalar Chico. There is a lot of wildlife there including jaguar, puma and other wild cats. As development on the north of the island spreads, sightings will become more common and large wildlife may appear in residential areas more often, so it is important that the community works hand in hand with BWCN and the Forest Department to and to keep everyone safe, while preserving our precious wildlife for generations to come.

Moscow Ballet On Ice Brings Olympians and Cool Moves to Belize
Recent news reports about an ice skating show coming to Belize may have some people scratching their heads. Ice skating in the tropics? Yes! Believe it! Thanks a mobile ice surface called the Ice Equipment Complex (IPC), a public entertainment area can be transformed into a skating rink within hours. This is what will take place in Belize at two venues which include Belize City and San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye. First the show will set up at the Bliss Centre for the Performing Arts ahead for two shows: July 30 and July 31. The following week, the Moscow Ballet on Ice will set up its IPC in San Pedro at the R. Angel Nunez Auditorium.

Misc Belizean Sources

Belmopan Day 2016
The Belmopan City Council is having their annual Belmopan Day this Saturday, July 30th, starting at 10:00am, at Mae Gordon Park. There will be fun and games, food, and great music from the New Sensation Band and Supa G.

Ms. Elisa Castellanos is our Belize Wonder Woman!
Elisa Castellanos wears many hats but is for sure a Leader. She is most passionate about her human rights advocacy work as the founding Executive Director of Tikkun Olam Belize - a non-profit organization that defends the rights of women sex workers and works toward the decriminalization of sex work through social and political activism, community building, and civil engagement.

BHA Scholarships ... Applications welcome !!
The Belize Hotel Association Scholarship Fund was established in 2011 with the purpose to provide educational funding for children of employees working with the BHA member hotels and businesses, who are unable to meet financial obligations for their child's high school or tertiary level education. To date, the BHA has financed, one year of tertiary level education for a student in Belize City, four years of high school to completion for one student in Caye Caulker, and is presently funding a student in Belize City for the past two years, who is now heading into the third year of her high school program. In addition, the BHA scholarship fund has assisted in subsidizing a member hotel's Children's Summer Camp Program in the Cayo District. Thanks to the immeasurable generosity of our Members and the local business community who offered gift certificates, cash, and gift packages for our raffles/auctions and through their purchases of our BHA umbrellas, the Belize Hotel Association is pleased to say that we are able to assist more students this year. If you wish to apply for this benefit, kindly send your applications to : The Belize Hotel Association, P.O. Box 248013 Cork Street, Belize City, Belize.

Good Governance and Anti-Corruption Measures
The Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry issued a press release today encouraging Good Governance and Anti-Corruption Measures on behalf of the Government of Belize. In Pillar II of our Business Sustainability Agenda presented to all political leaders just before the 2015 general elections, the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry (“the BCCI”) called for measures to combat corruption and strengthen the rule of law. Those measures are more important than ever today, if we are to rebuild Belize’s economy and her reputation as a safe and stable country. Anti-corruption laws, including campaign finance reform, must be implemented and applied visibly, impartially and indiscriminately from the top down and across the board. Belize has to adopt international conventions and implement laws that instill transparency in all facets of the government. It is imperative that Government take charge of Belize’s current security crisis by aggressively implementing changes that will restore citizens’ sense of safety and change the international perception of engraved corruption and the lack of rule of law in Belize.

Heroes don't wear capes
Volunteers of the Shipstern Conservation & Management Area say that forest rehabilitation is very hard work. It involves long and countless hours of planting every individual tree to replenish our forest stocks under merciless conditions. If you love nature then become a hero and join the many volunteers and movement to preserve and replenish our Belizean forest.

Rianne Gutierrez is Flor de la Feria
Congratulations, Rianne Gutierrez, on being crowned the 2016 Flor de la Feria pageant queen! It was the 50th pageant, and they had many of the previous queens stop by. The costumes they made based on the Maya site they represented were amazing, and Joanna Guerra won that hands down. There are 100's of pictures from the pageant on the Flor de la Feria page.

Channel 7

GSU Commander, Supt, Mark Flowers, Charged For Molesting Girl, Remanded To Prison
Tonight, Superintendent Mark Flowers, who was the Commander of the Gang Suppression Unit up until last week, is at the Belize Central Prison on remand. He was charged and arraigned this evening on the offense of unlawful sexual intercourse. This is after a 14 year-old girl reported to police that Flowers had sexual intercourse with her on 2 different occasions in January and March of this year. The girl is now four months pregnant. We have all the details for you tonight, including an extended sit down interview with the now accused and disgraced cop. He took all questions on the child molestation allegation - plus made some broad allegations against his boss, police minister John Saldivar, and we'll have all that for you. But, we start first with our story of how he finally handed himself in to police after eluding arrest since Monday. Daniel Ortiz has that story:

Flowers Rejects Sex Abuse Allegation
And so Flowers is on remand tonight - but he says he is falsely accused. The incident is alleged to have happened near his farm in Blackman Eddy where the child alleges that Flowers twice had sex with her against her will. It's a very disturbing allegation and today in the presence of his attorney Flowers told us it is completely false:.. Daniel Ortiz: "I have to be frank and ask you straight up, did you have any sexual relations with this young lady?" Mark Flowers, former GSU Commander: "Absolutely and unequivocally under any circumstances it's a no! It's a no!"

Flowers Bombshell: A Minister Made Them Do It
And, Flowers says that not only did the family set him up - they did so based on an inducement from a government minister. He doesn't call that Minister's name, but by inference it can be deducted who he is referring to. Here's how he put it:... Mark Flowers, former GSU Commander: "About 5 weeks or a little more ago, I posted up a picture with the Hon. Deputy Prime Minister on my Facebook page and I understand that and this is a mutual friend of the minister, the host and myself who is saying that it was said to the minister 'he say how could Mark Flowers be so disrespectful and posting up a picture with the Deputy Prime Minister, who as you defeated in the bid for the office of deputy party leader a couple weeks ago, which is nothing to do with being professional, nothing to do with policing."

Hon. Saldivar completely Rejects Flowers' Account
And so while Superintendent Flowers, who was with his attorney was careful not to name names, his rage is clearly directed against National security Minister John Saldivar. So, today we spoke to Saldivar by phone and we asked him how he responds to the allegations. Daniel Ortiz "The allegations that Mr. Mark Flowers has made is that you are the moving hand behind his being charged, that you supposedly paid the family $8,000 so that they would make a malicious complaint against him because you have a personal vendetta against him. Can you give us a response sir?" Hon. John Saldivar, Minister of National Security: "That has to absolutely ridiculous. I certainly don't even know the victims nor the parent or mother. I've never met them, don't even know their names and so any assertions that I may have been involved with the family is a complete fabrication from Mr. Flowers."

When It All Falls Down: From PM's Escort To A Jail Cell For Mark Flowers
And so it has come to this for Mark Flowers - a man who was the favourite of the UDP government - the man who provided the escort for the Prime Minister on the night of his re-election in November 2015. He was as publicly chummy with the UDP as a policeman can be - and tonight he is in jail. Today he discussed that trajectory:... Daniel Ortiz: "It seem as though you've been at the mountain top, at the highest heights in this administration - this UDP administration, being associated with the Prime Minister and it seems as though you have taken a very steep fall all the way to the bottom. How could this have happened? Everyone thinks you enjoy some sort of, not even comradery, some sort of protection because of your connections to the UDP administration and now you are saying that elements of that same administration is the one that orchestrating not only your exit, but you're criminal charging."

Luis Wade Leads Protest Saying "I Want My Country Back"
Tonight the headlines may be all about Superintendent Mark Flowers - but he too is part of the William "Danny" Mason story - and that's what took center stage in Belmopan this morning. That's when Plus Tv's Luis Wade led a protest under the banner: "I Want My Country Back". Wade is alluding to the forces which he believe colluded to kill his brother pastor Llewellyn Wade, and are now conspiring to bury the investigation. That's his take on this crime of the decade and today he proved that he's not alone in this belief. We went to Belmopan for his spirited protest:... "We want our country back, we'll take our country back" - that was the emphatic chant hollered out by the firebrands leading today's peaceful protest through Belmopan. They led a far more laid back crowd through Belmopan and took the message right up to the Prime Minister's Office - where plainclothes police blocked the door. But they couldn't block Raymond Rivers and Geovannie Brackett's outbursts:

Mason Complainant Lloyd Freissen Leaves Country
Well today the Mennonite at the center of the investigation has again left the country. 7News has confirmed that Lloyd Freissen flew out this afternoon - reportedly because he is still afraid for his and his family's safety. As we have reported, Freissen is the centerpiece in the entire case of Pastor Llewelyn Lucas. He is the one who alleges that Mason conned him out of three hundred thousand dollars - and then kidnapped him and his wife when he went to collect the money. In a 12 page statement, he told police that Mason introduced Pastor Lu as Mason's advisor and accountant - and the pastor was involved as a middleman in the transaction where Friessen paid Mason three hundred thousand dollars for a shipment of corn from Argentina which never arrived.

Mark Flowers and Mason? Ex GSU Commander Says He was Undercover!
So where does Mark Flowers fit into all this? He was the one seen on Mason's verandah in a very friendly embrace. He was known to have close ties with the reputed conman. So today we asked him what he was up to - and he told us a quite incredible tale. He says he was undercover!: Mark Flowers, former GSU Commander "I had reasons to go there, but I also had all of the communication that was sent to me and having spoken to Russell Blackett, because the information was first passed to him. I went to his office and he showed me the communication and a link on his computer that spoke to. I did not know him before then and I said that I will get in there." Daniel Ortiz: "So you were uncover?" Mark Flowers, former GSU Commander: "Yes, I told him, I promise him that I will get in there and I went in and I having been armed with all the information, I still have them and for some strange reason I delete a lot of the messages, but I didn't delete those ones."

Teenager Critical After Being Run Over By Cab
16 year old Tyrese Carcamo is tonight in a critical condition at the KHMH following a traffic accident on the George Price Highway. It happened sometime after 6 yesterday evening. Caracamo was riding his bicycle somewhere near mile 8 and a half on the George Price Highway, and was heading in the direction of Belize City when a taxi driver heading in the same direction collided into him. The head of the 16 year old minor crashed into the windshield of the vehicle which caused him severe head injuries. Police along with BERT personnel were at the scene shortly thereafter to attend to the victim and process the scene. Station Manager at Hattieville Police station Sergeant Keith Clarke told us what the investigations are revealing so far.

Scary City Fire
An entire family on Olivera Street in the Lake Independence area lost their home and all their belongings when their house was devoured by fire this morning. By the time the fire fighters arrived at the scene, it was already too late. The two story wooden structure was completely destroyed. However they did manage to contain it before it caused further damage. But not before another home owner lost her belongings when the same fire, scorched her apartment. She spoke to us about the damage today. Daniel Ortiz: "Do you all know how the fire started? How it spread? What happened?" Shelmadine Jones, Fire Victim: "I don't know I wasn't here, I went out." Daniel Ortiz: "The room that was destroyed, how does it affect your family? Is it a bedroom? A hall?" Shelmadine Jones, Fire Victim: "Bedroom." Daniel Ortiz: "Have you been around to see if they have any kind of water damage inside your home?" Shelmadine Jones, Fire Victim: "Water damage, my mattress and clothing got burnt."

Armed Home Invasion In Affluent Neighborhood Nets Major Cash Heist
Yesterday afternoon there was an armed home invasion and big money robbery at a home in the King's Park area of Belize City. It happened in broad daylight, around 2:30 when two men strode into the Sylvester home at the corner of "A" Street and Princess Margaret drive. The doors were apparently opened because there was some construction work ongoing at the house. Once inside the men - one Hispanic and one dark skinned - accosted homeowner, 75-year-old Maria "Maude" Sylvestre and her daughter and son in law, who were visiting from the US. They pointed a gun at them and ordered them to lie down on the floor where they were robbed of jewelry, an iphone and a camera. The gunman then reportedly told the homeowner 75 year old Maria Maude Sylvestre to show him the safe and open it. Police say he helped himself to assorted jewelries valuing $50,000.00, and $20,000.00 US dollars in cash. They stole a few more items and then assaulted the care taker as they went down the stairs. Both men then ran down Princess Margaret Drive. It's a major heist and a very disturbing one because of the location and the time of day. Today police held a press conference to say they are working hard to make arrests. They said they are beginning with those who had some inside knowledge of the house:..

The Volunteer Treatment
Yesterday we told you about the Volunteer Battalion Camp which is currently in its second week of training. They are joined at the camp by members of the Louisiana National Guard from the US, who are overseeing the two-week training program. We accompanied the Minister of National Security to Mountain Pine Ridge yesterday as he paid a courtesy visit to the troops. Emanuel Pech reports The Volunteer Battalion is currently 384 men and women strong. These volunteers are often recruited by the BDF, the Coast Guard and the Police for full time jobs.

Eight Men Against Molasses Management By BSI
As we showed you in our last segment, there was a protest in Belmopan today - and there was also one in Orange Walk. That's where cane farmers are trying to bring pressure against ASR/BSI to get them to absorb the loss for almost four thousand tonnes of molasses which went bad. All those molasses would have fetched nearly half a million dollars in sales revenue - and now that it's not going to be realized, the farmers say BSI should pay for the loss. BSI has resisted that completely, but the farmers today started putting on the public pressure with a protest. Now, when you hear of a protest in cane country, it often spells trouble, but todays quickly called protest did not measure up to that. IT was small with only 11 protestors and didn't cause any alarms to sound. But the message was clear. We have this courtesy CTV-3. Because of the history of violence in sugar related protests, Police did mobilize as did ASR's internal security teams - fortunately, none were needed since the crowd peaked at 8.

The War Of the Press Releases Continues
And so while today's protest sputtered - the issue of liability for the molasses remains on the front burner. The PUP made sure of that yesterday when they fired off a release blasting and blaming ASR/BSI for the bad molasses and insisting that that company should absorb the loss. Well the back and forth in press releases continued today with BSI firing back at the PUP saying, the release, quote, "can only be construed to confuse cane farmers and encourage divisiveness in the industry." It adds, quote, "The PUP's assertion of negligence or failure to follow standard procedures is strongly rejected by BSI. This is completely untrue and viewed as a grossly irresponsible statement." It concludes, quote, "BSI was not culpable for the Maillard reaction which occurred. This was a phenomenon resulting from a range of factors. As such any loss of revenue is a shared industry loss as there is no revenue to share."

Channel 5

Former GSU Head Arraigned for Unlawful Sexual Intercourse
Oh how the mighty have fallen. At five-thirty this evening, former Gang Suppression Unit Commander Mark Flowers was formally arraigned for two counts of Unlawful Sexual Intercourse and has been [...]

Flowers Remanded to Belize Central Prison
Flowers was brought to court just before four this afternoon, and there was the usual Police confusion which seems to surround all major cases. After about forty-five minutes of waiting [...]

Flowers Claims He Offered to take DNA Test
Flowers is not going down quietly. Today he provided a one-on-one interview on a number of explosive issues such as his relations with suspected murderer William “Danny” Mason; what he [...]

Former GSU Head Says He Had No Contact with Minor
While Flowers admits to meeting the minor in the summer of 2015, he maintains that he never had any physical contact with her. As we mentioned, the report against him [...]

Is Minister of National Security John Saldivar Targeting Flowers?
According to Flowers, there is a move afoot to tarnish his reputation. He believes that he is being politically railroaded because of a picture he posted on Facebook. That image [...]

Flowers Says He Was Working Undercover at Mason Home
Following the sensational murder of Pastor Llewellyn Lucas, who was decapitated on July fifteenth, friends and acquaintances of alleged murderer, businessman William Mason have all disassociated themselves from him. One [...]

Was New GSU Head Mason’s First Bodyguard?
Flowers, in his account of meeting Mason, told News Five that the accused murderer bragged about having GSU protection when he first arrived in Belize a few years ago. That [...]

Saldivar Confirms Quantum of Mason Contribution to Bandits
Minister Frank Papa Mena, has admitted he received ten thousand dollars for his bye-election campaign in 2015 from William Mason. While everybody is keeping their distance with a pole a [...]

Flowers Says It Was Much More than $50,000
But Flowers tells an entirely different story than that of the minister. According to Flowers, Mason made it known to him that he was part owner of the football club [...]

How Close Were Saldivar and Mason?
Central to what has been unfolding over the past week and a half is Belmopan Area Representative John Saldivar, whose name is repeatedly being called in the current saga. Flowers [...]

Brazen Home Invasion Nets $100,000
A pair of thieves netted over ninety thousand dollars during a home invasion in Belize City on Monday afternoon. Seventy-five-year-old Maria Sylvester, the Patroness of HelpAge Belize, reported to police [...]

Is The Neighborhood in Danger?
With the home of an affluent Belize City family robbed in broad daylight, does the aggravated burglary pose a threat to other well-off residents in that neighborhood? Reporter “Should [...]

Cane Farmers Protest at B.S.I.
There was an impromptu protest this morning against ASR/B.S.I. Notwithstanding, the company set up barricades and the police showed up just in case. The protest was not advertised so only [...]

B.S.I. Responds to P.U.P. Release
On Monday, the People’s United Party chastised ASR/B.S.I. for the suggestion that the farmers will need to pick-up the bill for sixty-five percent of the losses incurred by the affected [...]

Belize City Fire Leaves Eight Persons Homeless
A total of persons comprising two families are victims of a fire this morning in Belize City. A family of eight lost everything when the blaze swept through her house [...]

Chamber Calls for Measures to Combat Corruption
The ongoing saga involving the relations between murder suspect, William Mason, and Cabinet Ministers as well as the beheading of Pastor Llewellyn Lucas wonâ€™t go away any time soon. The [...]

Protesters in Belmopan Want their Country Back
There was a candlelight vigil held in Belmopan on Monday night, a first step in what organizers say is a move to take the country back. We’ll have that for [...]

A Candlelight Vigil to Remember Pastor Llewellyn Lucas
Pastor Llewelyn Lucas, a common man who died the most gruesome of deaths in bizarre circumstances, was memorialized by friends and family at a candlelight vigil held in Belmopan on [...]

LOVE FM

Mark Flowers Says, “I Saw … I was There … I Know”
Earlier in our newscast we told you of some serious statements and allegations being made by Superintendent of Police, Mark Flowers. He made these statements today in a lengthy interview which is still being reviewed. His attorney, Richard Dickie Bradley, however spoke on the gravity of the allegations being made by Flowers. DICKIE FLOWERS “Listen […]

Dickie Bradley Says There Is Evidence of Corruption of Government Ministers
Richard Dickie Bradley has been retained by Mark Flowers as we have told you earlier. With that attorney/client privilege now in play, Bradley has become privy to the information that his client claims to have against several Government officials. This entire Mason saga is unprecedented in Belize and the extent of money laundering and corruption […]

No Money for the Belize Coast Guard
On May 17, the Belize Coast Guard issued an invite on social media for persons interested in joining their ranks. The deadline for applications was June 3, 2016 with the intention of having the applicants sit an examination followed by recruit training. On July 15, however, a notice went out informing applicants that the recruitment […]

Amandala

Decision on Orozco’s sodomy challenge due Wednesday
A landmark challenge to a clause in Belize’s Criminal Code which includes sodomy and bestiality as crimes punishable by 10 years in prison, met its first legal challenge some years ago, when Caleb Orozco, president of the United Belize Advocacy Movement (UNIBAM), an organization representing roughly 70 people from the LGBT community, launched a constitutional challenge, calling on the court to use its “legislative pen” to strike out any reference to sodomy as an unnatural crime. Orozco is asking the Supreme Court to declare that Section 53 is null and void and of no effect in relation to sex between consenting adult males. He is seeking an order to amend Section 53 to only retain the criminalization of bestiality (human sexual relations with animals). After a preliminary challenge which saw UNIBAM removed as claimant in 2012—after the churches successfully argued that UNIBAM has no legal standing to bring such a challenge alleging breach of fundamental constitutional rights—the matter went to full hearing from May 7 to May 10, 2013.

William Mason in hot, hot water!
Belizeans are still struggling to come to terms with the kidnapping and shocking beheading of Pastor Llewellyn Lucas, popularly known as “Pastor Lue,” which came to light last Friday night when Lucas’ head was discovered in the pan of a pickup belonging to, and driven by William Donny Mason, 46, who was born in Guyana but who, unaccountably, has a Belize birthpaper. In connection with Lucas’ horrible death, police today released a picture of a woman, Mason’s girlfriend, Melissa Ferguson, 56, whom they are seeking for an interview. Police believe that she may still in the country. The gruesome discovery and Mason’s arrest and exposure have been causing all kinds of problems for the Cabinet of Prime Minister Dean Barrow, because information has come to light that Mason, who was reportedly deported from Canada to Guyana sometime between 2007 and 2010 for a firearm offence, had been wanted by police reportedly in connection with the “attempted kidnapping” of a Canadian man and his wife in Belize.

Bella Regina Williams, 34, stabbed to death
Hours before she was murdered, Bella Regina Williams, 34, may have danced with her suspected killer at the La Cabana Restaurant and Discotheque in Belmopan, Senior Superintendent Howell Gillett told Amandala today. Neighbors told police that around 3:25 a.m. on Monday, a commotion and screams were heard coming from Williams’ yard at #2 Zultana Street in Las Flores, in Belmopan. According to Williams’ sister-in-law, about four hours later, Williams’ 12-year-old daughter discovered the body of her mother lying face down, and apparently dead. Williams, who was stabbed multiple times during the attack, was found soaked in blood at the entrance to her home.

Shot in the back while making panades
Nathan Underwood, 38, was gunned down as he was making panades in his kitchen at Nate’s Cool Spot located in Gardenia, at Mile 21 on the Philip Goldson Highway. The businessman was alone in his kitchen at around 10:30 p.m. on Friday when a gunman emerged from behind the establishment. Armed with a .9mm gun, the killer fired several shots into Underwood’s back through an open window. According to police, patrons at Nate’s Cool Spot saw a man fleeing the area after the shooting. Ladyville police said that they did in fact have information that may lead to the swift detention of the shooter. In reference to what they might know about the gunman, Assistant Superintendent Juanito Cocom said, “We have some leads we are working on, but we cannot divulge any information as yet; the investigation is very, very young.”

In the Mek Mi Rich case, BTL to pay cost of court of almost $59,000
In February, the Supreme Court found that Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) had pirated the concept of the SMS lottery texting game Mek Mi Rich from a proposal made to the company by Corozal businessman Curtis Swasey and the court awarded Swasey $25,000 in damages, but what was left was for the court to determine the cost of court that BTL must pay Swasey’s attorneys, Kareem Musa and Wayne Piper. BTL eventually paid Swasey last month after a Supreme Court marshall went to the company’s St. Thomas Street headquarters to crowfoot its assets to secure payment of the court judgment. Last Wednesday, the court arrived at a figure for the cost of the litigation, and Swasey’s attorneys were awarded cost of court of $58,790.10.

Ashcroft Alliance wants $70 mil more in US dollars
The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) is being asked to settle a dispute between the Government of Belize and the former owners of Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL), most notably the Ashcroft-affiliated company, Dunkeld International Investments Limited, over payments made earlier this month towards an arbitration award handed down in favor of the company last month. Amandala has been reliably informed that the Ashcroft group is demanding US$70 million more than what it had received in US currency. Under the settlement agreement of September 11, 2015, a “restricted portion” would be paid in Belize dollars and spent on projects in Belize, but the “unrestricted portion” would be paid in US dollars entirely for the enjoyment of the Michael Ashcroft group. The Government says that the Ashcroft group is now demanding more for the “unrestricted portion,” than had been agreed. “Apart from the foreign exchange implications, such a position would also short the Belize dollar portion reserved for the people of Belize,” the Government of Belize (GOB) said today via press release.

National Track & Field Championships this weekend
The Belize Athletics Association (BAA) invites all athletes and track enthusiasts once again to be a part of a National Track and Field Championship event. The event will be hosted at the Marion Jones Sports Complex on Saturday and Sunday, July 30-31. All athletes 16 years and older can participate in the events. Registration forms can be obtained from and returned to the BAA via email ([email protected]) or from our Facebook page (Belize Athletics Association). Cost of registration is $10.00 per athlete. Events will include: 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m, 4x100m, 4x400m, Long Jump, Triple Jump, High Jump, Javelin, Shot put, Discus.

Male Volleyball team at U23 championships in Panama
Team Belize departed yesterday to compete at the U23 Central American Male Volleyball Championship in Panama. Team members are: Bryton Codd (captain), Zachary Garbutt, Alwyn Mahung, Ernan Caliz, Raluni Bernardez, Edgar Martinez, Anfernee Archer, Jiovanny Gonzalez, Raheem Flowers, Daril Avila, Yserri Palacio, Francis Haulze, Albert Humes (head coach), Delio Arruebarrena (Cuban coach), and Ben Ramos (manager)… Unfortunately, livestream information has not yet been available. Keep up with information posted on BelizeVolleyball facebook profile and group pages…

Another setback for Onan McClean Insurance Brokers U-17 Tournament
Uncertainty surrounds the football schedule of the Belize District Football Association (BDFA) under Chairman Billy Moguel. After a splendid 1st Division semifinal, though not stellar officiating, on Sunday, July 17; and fans eagerly anticipating the championship finals the following weekend; a BDFA release on Thursday, July 21, stated simply that “we will not be having any games this weekend” because “Association members will be travelling and others have work obligations.” Both 1st Division finals on Sunday and 4 scheduled U-17 games for last Saturday were cancelled. If that was not bad enough, considering the urgency of preparations for the U-17 Nationals next weekend, August 5-7, the BDFA had scheduled U-17 mid-week games, on Tuesday and Thursday of this week, in addition to the scheduled Saturday games. But this evening, even those mid-week games were apparently in jeopardy.

Winty J (Vincent Johnson) – my life, Final
A: Yo mek ahn.. W: a get visa… so mi gaan… Part 9 A: ’74… when yo next trip back.. W: As a get de, a play fi Braves… as a get de mi join Braves team… A: Fahn L.A. or New York?.. W: New York. Braves mi de ya lately, and a no get fi see him, yo no… A: Mmhmm? W: Yeah, Braves mi de ya… dehn bwai mi gat a pahn Krem… when i mi de da caye… i mi de out a caye when Krem mi di do da ting da caye… A: Weh yo call… weh hihn name.?.. W: Braves name Kenneth Meighan… Hihn da di original Braves, yo no… Braves mek right da Yabra round di Milo time, yo no… dehn mi da di lead… dehn win wahn season, yo no… wahn wicked season, when dehn knock off Plaza…

Editorial: Worse than Penner
We keep saying to you, Belize has a pretty good democracy. Belize has been able to change governments from time to time in free and fair elections. There is no violence in our electoral campaigning. Because the constitutional possibility of political change exists, Belize, unlike the countries in Central America around us, has succeeded in avoiding revolutionary violence. The major flaw in Belize’s parliamentary democracy is the nature of our campaign financing, which is wide open for anyone who can write a big check to acquire influence in the two major political parties, and at the same time secretive in that the political parties are not mandated to reveal the identities of their campaign financiers or the amounts they donate. The nature of Belize’s campaign financing makes a mockery of the universal adult suffrage we welcomed with such pride in 1954. The concept of “one man, one vote,” becomes a kind of joke when one man can write a check for one million dollars to one of the two major parties, as was famously revealed in the general election campaign of 1998. Such a check writer, in a real sense, has more than one vote.

From the Publisher
The Belize Cabinet’s recent decision to renew and upgrade its commitment to the Gang Suppression Unit (GSU), putting more boots on the ground, as it is said, is a case of now choosing the stick instead of the carrot. Where both the 2014 and the 2015 September celebrations were concerned, the Government of Belize chose the carrot approach in Belize City, which involved pumping some money into the Southside. But now the general elections are over, the ruling United Democratic Party (UDP) has a brand new five-year term, and there is no political pressure or incentive to use the velvet glove with the desperate youth. Hence, the iron fist of the GSU. There is always the need to control crime and violence in order to protect the financial bonanza for Belize City businesses, and increasingly the tourist industry, which the Centenary celebrations represent. But this year’s September celebrations are even more critical for the ruling party, because their administration has been much maligned of late.

Belize’s border areas targeted by illegal wildlife traffickers
Chief Forest Officer Wilber Sabido told Amandala today that the greatest problem with illegal wildlife trafficking in Belize, which also includes trafficking in timber and marine species, is seen along the country’s western and southern borders, which evidently serve as entry points for Guatemalans and Hondurans. Sabido delivered the opening address this morning at a three-day workshop on illegal wildlife trafficking being held at the Best Western Belize Biltmore Plaza, and which was organized by Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), which represents a key enforcement and regulatory agency in the fight against illegal wildlife trafficking in Belize.

He Ain’t Heavy; He’s My Brother!
It has been one of the most troubling times for me as a Belizean in the diaspora to have been observing the touching moments of suffering among the Belizean people at home as black-on-black crime rocks the Belizean nation, and heinous crimes of brutality are being inflicted upon its citizens by forces almost strange and bizarre to the Belizean way of life. Belizeans were once, but still are a very peaceful and kind race of humanity that people all over the world continue to talk about in a positive light despite these horrors, trials, and tribulations that we as a people continue to face. We have to win this fight to secure our humanity that God Most High has blessed us with as a humble and kind people to the world.

32 Guatemalan canoes went to Sarstoon, National Security confirms
The Ministry of National Security has alerted the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of reports that 32 Guatemalan canoes were counted in the Sarstoon River area two weekends ago, when as many as 100 fishers were reported by Wil Maheia of the Belize Territorial Volunteers (BTV) to have been illegally fishing inside Belize. Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of National Security, Ret’d Colonel George Lovell, told us that he was unaware of the occurrence. He subsequently investigated the report which we shared with him from Maheia, as well as pictures Maheia took of the Guatemalans. Those photos, Lovell said, clearly demonstrated that there was illegal fishing in Belizean waters. In one photo, a Guatemalan man was shown fishing with a gill net right in front of the Forward Operating Base manned by Belize Defence Force officers in the area. Fishing with gill nets near a river mouth contravenes Belize law.

Breaking Belize News

Shawn Cook, 25, is charged for stabbing incident at Ruba’s Bar in Lord’s Bank
Ruba’s bar, a popular bar and hang out spot in Lord’s Bank area, Ladyville is no stranger to violent crimes and on July 8, 2016, there was yet another incident where a man was stab during an altercation inside the bar. 28 year […]

Bradley Paumen and company to be tried for businessman hit
Chief Magistrate Ann-Marie Smith today said she had sufficient evidence before her to order businessman Bradley Paumen and fellow accused to be tried for various charges related to the attempt on the life of Michael Modiri. Linsburn Anderson and Bradley Paumen were charged […]

BSI: molasses loss is a joint industry loss; farmers say “NO!”
Sugar Cane farmers refuse to share the loss of costs after BSI lost close to 4,000 tons of molasses earlier this month. A handful of cane farmers held a peaceful protest at the junction of the Philip Goldson highway and the entrance to BSI, […]

Accused GSU boss hits back
Mark Flowers, former head of the GSU, was charged with 2 counts of unlawful sexual intercourse when he appeared today before the Chief Magistrate, Ann-Marie Smith. Flowers was remanded into custody until September 26 when disclosure is to be given. A case management has been […]

Cayo police investigating series of burglaries
Errie Anthony Manzanero, 33, from a Bullet Tree Falls address reported to police that on Sunday between midnight and 5:00 a.m. someone broke into his home and stole one black and brown single action shotgun valued $300; one single action 20 gauge ROSSI shotgun valued at $998 and […]

San Pedro police seize four pounds of weed
At around midday today, officials attached to the Special Branch and CIB San Pedro police department, acting on special intelligence, raided the apartment of Belizean painter, 37-year-old Kirt Jason Cruz in the San Pedrito area of town where they discovered 4 pounds of suspected cannabis. […]

Belize City Police investigating $96,000 mid-afternoon robbery
On Monday July 25, 75-year old Maria Sylvestre reported to police that sometime after 2:30 p.m., while at home located on‘A’ Street and Princess Margaret Drive with her daughter and her son-in-law, two male persons rushed inside the living room. Sylvestre reported to police that one of […]

Belize junior volleyballers taken to brink in opening match of C.A. championship
The Belize U-23 male junior volleyball team needed 5 of the last 6 points available to defeat Honduras in the opening match of the Central American championship in Panama. Belize won a tight encounter 25-19, 21-25, 25-23, 20-25, 15-11 and is level on 3 […]

BCCI calls on government to address corruption
The decapitation of Pastor Llewelyn Lucas and the revelation that his accused killer William Mason was very well connected to political figures and likely facilitated by some of them has caused concern about corruption and now the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) […]

Belize has reached a new low?
Belize’s socio-economy has been on a steady downward path since Independence in 1981…..but it has reached a new low, with the beheading of a pastor last week. This kind of gruesome apparent contract killing among white collar criminals is a first for Belize. “The […]

Cane farmers stage protest over molasses loss
Cane farmers in the Orange Walk district are currently staging a protest in front of the BSI/ASR compound over the ongoing dispute regarding the sharing of losses of hundreds of thousands of dollars in spoiled molasses. The farmers are reportedly protesting without a license […]

#IWantMyCountryBack vigil held in Belmopan
Last night in Belmopan approximately 400 residents of the Belmopan area took to the streets as part of the #IWantMyCountryBack candle-light vigil organized by religious leaders. The movement came to life on Facebook, started by outspoken Pastor Louis Wade, who also owns Plus TV. The vigil started […]

Mother of 3 viciously killed in Belmopan
Regina Williams, 34, a mother of three, was found dead, partially nude in front of her home in the Las Flores area of Belmopan yesterday morning00 […]

Sugar Cane Farmers in Orange Walk stage protest
Breaking Belize News has been reliably informed that police officers and BSI/ASR security guards have assembled at the entrance of the sugar cane factory compound in Orange Walk with barricades to prevent cane farmers from entering the area to conduct a protest. BBN was […]

Blogs

San Ignacio, Cayo, Belize: The Changes, The Restaurants and My Guesthouse
San Ignacio is a central hub for travelers crossing Belize – from the Cayes, from Tikal Maya Site in Guatemala. It’s THE central kick-off spot for “jungle activities” – caving, cave tubing, zip lining, hiking, and more. I haven’t walked through the town that slopes down a steep hill to the Macal River in almost exactly a year – and again, there have been quite a few changes. I’m going to start with all the new murals in town. They are absolutely gorgeous. What a great way to give a fresh new look to the whole town. These are SO gorgeous and WOULD make fantastic t-shirts.

International Sources

Belize family harassed in Bacalar in taxi dispute
On Thursday July 21 a family from Corozal, Belize was harassed and provoked at Bacalar by members of the local taxi union in Bacalar. The Belizean family visited Bacalar in a green car for pleasure and were intercepted by members of the union, which is affiliated with the PRI party of Gov. Roberto Borge Angulo. The family of five was reportedly forced to get out of the vehicle as they were accused of stealing customers. Local media reports add that residents in the area as well as tourists witnessed the family being verbally and physically harassed. The union members are reported to have also provoked the family into a full-fledged physical fight but after fifteen minutes the union members were able to verify that the Belizean taxi driver was indeed there as a tourist with his family. They were allowed to leave, the media adds, but no authorities arrived at the scene to assist the family.

CDB unveils new programme to assess poverty in the Caribbean
Across the Caribbean, policymakers rely heavily on the availability of timely, accurate and reliable poverty data to support national and regional development initiatives. Despite making considerable progress on how they measure poverty, many countries in the Region do not frequently update or report on key poverty indicators, and are not able to assess the non-income dimensions of poverty and human development. On Tuesday, July 26, 2016 in Saint Lucia, the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) launched a programme designed to address these challenges, and improve the way its 19 Borrowing Member Countries (BMCs) assess poverty and gain access to data from these assessments. “The Enhanced Country Poverty Assessment Programme launched today responds to the pressing need for high-quality data on poverty. Understanding the causes of poverty, who it affects and how it affects them is at the core of making informed, evidence-based policy decisions and helping Caribbean countries make meaningful, measurable progress in reducing and ending poverty,” said Deidre Clarendon, Division Chief, Social Sector Division, CDB.

Splashers!
Join us this Thursday at Crazy Canucks! 2p.m come early if you haven't signed up.

Videos

Belize// winter break 2015, 3.5min.

FroYo, Airport, and Belize Haul!, 12min.

Tourism in Belize, 1.5min. Check out our newest video Promoting Tourism in Belize!

Wildtracks, Belize 2015, 3.5min.

Young Toucan who is almost ready to be released!, 15sec. Here is our young Toucan who is almost ready to be released! He was rescued by TREES a little over a week ago. Here he is on his first day out in a large enclosure where within a minute he was tearing up the foliage and loving it! We all look forward to releasing him back where he was found to be reunited with his lovely wild Toucan community.

July 26, 2016