November 19, 2016

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Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

People walk out on preliminary consultation for Laguna de Cayo Frances development
A preliminary public consultation for the proposed development at Laguna De Cayo Frances came to an abrupt halt when attendees walked out of the consultation. Approximately 25 stakeholders showed up eager to learn more about the proposed tourism project to be constructed about 13 miles north of San Pedro Town. Fabro admitted that while their presentation was based on a 7-year-old EIA, they were gathering new information to re-do it. “This is the reason why we came here, to listen to everyone’s concerns and suggestions so we can apply for the new EIA we are working on,” said Fabro. “This was a very important moment for them to have given us their guidance, so when we present the EIA, it would include all of their input. Sadly that did not happen.” Fabro said that they will continue moving forward with the EIA for Laguna de Cayo Frances. He reiterated that they will now have to work with the little information they were able to obtain and prepare the new EIA.

San Pedro House of Culture celebrates El Dia de Los Finados
As a large crowd gathered to start the celebration, Director of the SPHC Mito Paz welcomed everyone and explained the importance of the occasion. “El Dia de los Finados is a tradition of our people. In Pre-Hispanic times, the dead were buried close to family homes and there was great emphasis on maintaining ties with deceased ancestors, who were believed to continue to exist in a different place. Prior to the arrival of the Spanish, the indigenous peoples of Mexico and Central America honored the dead and made peace with the celebration,” said Paz. Paz further explained that the altar represents a recognition of the cycle of life and death, which is a part of human existence. “People die three deaths. The first death is when our bodies cease to function. The second death comes when the body is lowered into the ground, returning to Mother Earth. The third death, the most definitive death, is when there is no one left alive to remember us,” said Paz.

Ambergris Caye sailors shine at international regatta
Two young Belizean sailors from Ambergris Caye competed in the 2016 National Optimist Sailing Dinghy Championship Regatta competition held in Bermuda. 12 year old Caroline Sersland and 15 year old Kevin Velasquez once again excelled in the international competition which took place from November 10th to the 13th at the Royal Naval Dockyard in the said island. The competition saw 75 sailors from different countries, including Barbados, Canada, Belize, The Cayman Islands, Italy, Poland, and the UStA. This was Velasquez’ last participation in the Optimist division, since 15 is the age limit for such category. The 2015 Optimist Sailing Dinghy National Champion managed to finish in 10th, 12th, and 13th place in three of the 11 races he competed. Overall he placed 25th.

GOB attempts to restructure Superbond to avoid economic hardship
In an effort to avoid a chaotic default early in 2017, the Government of Belize (GOB) is urgently trying to restructure its billion-dollar debt arrangement, a Superbond that expires on 2038. A three-man team comprised of Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Right Honorable Dean Barrow, Financial Secretary Joseph Waight, and Economic Ambassador Mark Espat travelled to New York City, USA where they met with GOB’s legal and financial advisors. From Monday November, 7th to the 12th, the group met with key personnel from Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Cleary Gottlieb Steen and Hamilton LLP, in order to work on a new round of negotiations to ease payments on the debt. The Belizean Government urged bondholders to form a creditor committee before the end of November to agree to a restructuring of the debt. This amendment on the Bond, sought the reduction of Belize’s public debt expense through lower interest rates. Another suggestion tabled to the advisors was the possibility of extending the life of the Superbond beyond the expiration date of 2038.

Ambergris Today

A Look at Garifuna Settlement Day Preparations and its History
Garifuna Settlement Day celebrations have already commenced in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, as the big day and national holiday is observed on November 19. The celebrations highlight the arrival of the Garinagu people to Belize, but there is one business on Ambergris Caye that celebrates the Garinagu culture all year round. Black and White Restaurant and Cultural Center provides Garifuna food, dance and experience to visitors from around the world who visit Ambergris Caye. Here is a look at Black and White Restaurant as they prepare for the Garifuna celebrations of this year. Ms. Julia Martinez, proprietor, has set up a room full of information and artifacts that depicts the history of the ethnic group. She is a proud Garifuna who says she will continue to preserve her culture for as long as she can. Black and White also honors past Garinagu legends who played vital roles to their heritage and to Belize. We cant forget that they also offer us with the best Garinagu desserts such as the coconut tableta and fudge; every Garinagu dress is sewed personally by her.

Harvest Caye Cruise Shipping Port NOW OPEN for Business in Belize
Harvest Caye Cruise Shipping Port, Belize, November 17, 2016, welcomed the first guests from the Norwegian Cruise Line to experience the beautiful southern Belize. An estimated 2000 guests inaugurated an abundant set of activities on the island and adventurous tours in Belize. An official ribbon cutting ceremony was held to commemorate the result of a four year undertaking between the Government of Belize and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. in working together to develop a unique cruise destination. Colin Murphy, senior vice-president of destination and strategic development for Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd, Manuel Heredia, Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation for Belize, Hon. Edmund Castro, Minister of Transport and NEMO, along with Mrs. Kim Simplis Barrow, wife of Belize’s Prime Minister Dean Barrow took the honor to cut the ribbon and officially open the Port for operations.

Misc Belizean Sources

Employment Opportunity, Rain Restaurant in San Pedro
Taking applications

Cultural day at La Isla Carinosa Academy

LICA's Sports Day Nov 18th, 2016!

CG Esthetic Raises $2,500.00 for Charity
CG Esthetic/Carole Goudreau Glamour Photo Shoot Fundraiser was a success, managing to raise $2,5000 for the San Pedro Food Bank and Belize Red Cross. Carole extends gratitude to everyone who supported the cause: Save-on Grocery Store , LC Liquor Store , Sandie Bezt- Eisenberg for her big help. From Red Cross: Aimee Fearneyhough & Laurie Norton; From Food Bank: Kaitlin Mc Whorter; For Donations: Mary & Suzie Troup, Karen Larko, Ann Richards, Judy Allen, Rose La rose, Tracy Ginger Couture, Greg Lamb; From the shop: hair, nails and make up: Eliz Miranda, Kathy Vellos, Teresa Nicholson and Photographer Micheal Davis.

Entrepreneurship Convention 2016 (EntreCon)- Unlocking ICT Innovation In Belize
International speakers and experts in the field of Information and Communications Technology (ICT), along with members of the entrepreneurial ecosystem, and entrepreneurs will meet at the Belize Biltmore Plaza Hotel in Belize City on Friday, 18th November to participate in the second annual National Entrepreneurship Convention, (ENTRECON). On November 20th, 2015 the Small Business Development Centre, Belize (SBDCBelize), a unit of the Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE), launched its National Entrepreneurship Strategy at its First National Entrepreneurship Convention, branded as ENTRECON. ENTRECON is now an annual event that is designed to create a platform for bringing together key players in the entrepreneurial ecosystem with the purpose of sharing ideas, creating awareness of existing and new business and investment opportunities, promoting innovation and building an entrepreneurship culture.

SELVANA AND FRIENDS FOR CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT SIGN MAYA 2020 PROJECT AGREEMENT
The Belize High Commission in London is pleased to announce the signing of an agreement between SELVANA Ltd, a UK-based company and Friends for Conservation and Development, a Belizean NGO, setting out the delivery of activity on the Maya 2020 project. The Maya 2020 Project is a collaboration between FCD and Selvana Ltd with the aim of supporting the sustainable forest conservation objectives of FCD as the only non–governmental organization with an assertive management presence in the park. Chris Minty MBE, Managing Director of Selvana said: “This rainforest is particularly important as it provides critical habitat for countless rare and endangered species, including tapir, scarlet macaw, howler monkey and the elusive jaguar. It also regulates local and regional climates and soaks up carbon gases from the atmosphere, an essential process to help combat global warming.” According to The Nature Conservancy, a leading US conservation charity, the forest also harbours up to 400 species of resident birds, with several million individuals resting whilst migrating through the area during the North American winter periods. However, like so many areas around the world, the forest is coming under increasing pressure from illegal deforestation, particularly and along its western border with Guatemala.

San Pedro Traffic restrictions
Barrier Reef Drive is closed to vehicular traffic at central park, please use Angel Coral street instead.

FCD meets the Lady on the Money
According to a statement from FCD's Rafael Manzanero "The Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy launched at Buckingham Palace is a rare opportunity to unite the whole Commonwealth family and save one of the world’s most important natural habitats – forests. For Belize, Friends for Conservation and Development is proud to inform that the Chiquibul Forest has been accepted to be an integral part of this endeavour. We are grateful to the Government of Belize for this endorsement."

Another great day at the Valley of Peace School
Mr Rolando and his students decided this year to start their own nursery. As always, all the students are excited and eager to participate. We work with this school for number of years now, and it is a pleasure to share with them our knowledge and skills. And as always, we bring books with us- thanks to the donation from the Zoo.

2016 Feria Internacional - San Salvador
Belize Tourism Board Exhibition

Gulisi Garifuna Museum
Yesterday, Ambassador Moreno launched an Ocean Photography Exhibit, first of its kind in Belize, featuring photographs by 40 Dangriga kids at the Gulisi Garifuna Museum. As part of the Gang Resistance Education and Training (GREAT) program, the students participated in two photography workshops taught by Belize's renowned photographer, Tony Rath, and coordinated by the Dangriga Community Policing Unit and Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs. The student learned not only the basics of photography, but much about the environment, the ocean, their own community and are now better prepared to make a difference in Dangriga or wherever they may go. Huge thanks to the National Garifuna Council Of Belize for supporting this project!

The entire staff of the Museum of Belize (NICH) would like to wish everyone a Happy Garifuna Settlement Day!
This year's theme is: Garifuna: Risiti, pantati, gabafuti lunrahowa meme la Which Translates to- Garifuna: Rich, proud, and powerful. Let us continue to preserve it!

ACCESSION OF BELIZE AS A FULL MEMBER OF THE CENTRAL AMERICAN BANK FOR ECONOMIC INTEGRATION (CABEI)
Belize joined the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI) on November 2, 2006 under the status of beneficiary country. Since then, Belize has benefited from financing from CABEI for four projects: Belize Rural Finance Programme, Improvement and Rehabilitation of the Southern Highway – Dump to Jalacte section, Improvement and Rehabilitation of the Santa Elena Border in Corozal, and the Belize Integral Security Programme. Belize is now incorporated as a full member of the Bank as a Non-Founding Regional country with effect from November 9, 2016. The amendments to the CABEI Constitutive Agreement are aimed at consolidating the Bank’s preferential creditor status, supporting its member countries, strengthening its capital base and promoting a greater diversification of its loan portfolio. Belize new status as a non-founding regional member will allow it to expand its financing for new approvals aimed at economic and social infrastructure projects that are in line with the CABEI 2015-2019 Institutional Strategy “Integrating Sustainable Development and Competitiveness.”

Vigil for 7 year old Tyler Savery
RIP Baby..

Two youths from Corozal participate with the Belize under 17 national football team in Costa Rica
Two youth from Corozal to participate with the Belize under 17 national football team in Costa Rica and will be returning home on November 26th, 2016. The two football stars from Corozal are 16 year old Rayjan Jones from Hall's Layout who plays forward position and 16 year old Abner Howard from Libertad Village. These two players were selected from several youth nation wide. We wish the team the best of luck, and if Belize wins in Costa Rica, then they will advance on to play for the under 17 world cup to be held in Greece in 2017.

Sancas Realty announces the opening of its new office across from Tropic Air on San Pedro, Ambergris Caye
The building will host Belize Fitness, Belize Caye Investments Ltd, Work Space Belize, Caye Coffee, Mahogany Bay Village, Sancas Realty, etc. Congratulations and we wish you all the best of luck.

Car Club Shoot Out
Sunday November 27th - Calcutta, Xaibe Road - Driver's or participants $50 Admission - Parking Available - Food and Drinks on Sale. Categories:- 1) 1.6 2) Turbo 3) V8 Admission is FREE for on-lookers.Don't Miss Out. Bring out the entire family!

Santa Elena Sports Complex Inauguration
The newly refurbished Santa Elena Sports Complex is having its inauguration on Sunday, November 27th. The Verdes will be playing the Bandits a 3:30pm. The festivities are free. Miss Deb's will be there too.

THE DAY OF TRIUMPH: A GLIMPSE IN THE LIFE OF A WORLD CULTURAL ICON!
"The true heroes behind our music are really those first Garifuna fighters who in the 18th. Century on the island of Yurume, St. Vincent, stood up against slavery, colonization, and cultural domination." (Andy Palacio) Those were the passionate words that a spiritually uplifted Andy Palacio uttered at the World Music Expo, WOMEX, in reception of the internationally acclaimed music prize in Spain in October 2007. He had finally culminated his cultural and musical crusade for the Garifuna people, and laid the seal to the mission to which he was called. The work of this incredible personality in Belizean history was a life that was lived and not preached. His was the life of a splendid character, whom if you had got to know him and the beliefs that embodied and drove his way of life, was the epitome of a humble cultural revolutionary. He was a man from the inception of his career who had a vision to change the present status quo of what today we call Belizean culture and music. He was the quiet warrior, sometimes quite unpredictable, who sacrificed most of his life for a cause that he truly believed in, the liberation of the Garinagu.

Channel 7

Strike Teachers Case Argued Before Chief Justice - Will He Stop GOB?
Two days ago, we told you about the lawsuit which Eamon Courtenay filed on behalf of the Belize National Teachers Union. They're suing the Ministry of Education to stop the Government from docking the pay of the strike teachers. Well, that case went before the Chief Justice, Kenneth Benjamin, today, and we'll tell you all about how it went, but first to the big news. BNTU's investigations say that almost 1,500 teachers went on strike, and are at risk of having their November paycheck docked. The problem is that the Ministry has already put in the paysheets with the pay-cuts, and as of today, the calculations have already been made, and the deductions are finalized. So, that means when those strike teachers go to the bank next Friday, they may very well find their pay - their last salary before Christmas - docked for the number of days they were on strike.

Land Dispute Leads To Mass Fire In Trio Village
Tonight, 6 families in the village of Trio, in the Toledo District are homeless after 5 of their homes were intentionally burnt down by a group of arsonists, who then hauled down a 6th home. It's believed to be the result of a property dispute, which we told you about back in February. That's when a large number of villagers who were at risk of losing their homes and their farms because they had settled on large tracts of land which formerly belonged to the Thurton Estate, but which had been acquired by a Chinese business man. They claimed that they lived there for decades, cultivating the land and building their homes on it. They say that successive governments had promised to regularize the situation by acquiring it from the private landowners, and giving them the opportunity to own it legally, but that never happened. The Chinese businessman showed up, reportedly demanding 20 thousand dollars as payment in compensation, or they would have to move.

Harvest Caye Coming In From The Cold
In last night's headline, we showed you how Norwegian Cruise Line's Harvest Caye island getaway welcomed its first cruise visitors. It's a multi-million dollar investment in Southern Belize, and it comes with the only berthing facility for cruise ships in the country. As we told you, we were refused an invitation to cover the opening ceremony, and the Government Press Office was the only local media entity there. So, while we were only able to show you how the island looked from the distance on the sea, with the Press Office video from the island, we get to see all the pageantry that Norwegian refused to let us capture for Belizean viewing audiences. And if Colin Murphy, NCL's Senior Vice President of Destinations and Strategic Planning, looked to be fighting back tears at during his speech - it's not because he was missing us!:

Bart, the "Babylon" Barrister
We all know about the police-attorney Chester Williams - but he's not the only one in the Department. The unassuming Bart Jones who takes a much lower profile than the ubiquitous Chester finished his law degree at the same time as the southside commander - but just got called to the bar today. The media was at the Supreme Court for the event:... Sr. Supt. Bart Jones, Police Legal Officer: "Certainly it took a lot of sacrifice and all of us who embarked on this study. You leave your home behind to pursue in other countries so it was financial and personal sacrifices." Jules Vasquez, 7News: "Was there any point at which you said 'man I can just abandon this and return to Belize and I will still be a senior police officer and get my pension and life will be good'?" Sr. Supt. Bart Jones, Police Legal Officer: "There were many times when that was in fact the case, but I was blessed with the encouragement of my contemporaries at the law school and as well police officers back home in Belize who continued to encourage with words of encouragement. That was the reason why, but there were many occasions when I questioned 'why am I doing this?'."

FCD Signs An Agreement For The Ages
Viewers know very well how hard Rafael Manzanero and his team from the Friends for Conservation and Development work to try and protect the Chiqiubul National Park from deforestation and illegal encroachments. FCD is always looking to form useful partnerships, and on Tuesday, the conservation NGO officially teamed up with the UK-based company, Selvana Limited, for what is being called the Maya 2020 Project. A press release from the Government says that Maya 2020 is a project in which FCD and Selvana will collaborate to meet the sustainable forest conservation objectives of FCD. On Tuesday in London, FCD's Rafael Manzanero and Selvana's Chris Minty, signed an agreement making the partnership official, and Belize's High Commissioner to the UK, Perla Perdomo London, witnessed the event.

Armstrong Strong-armed By Strike Team
Last night we told you about the police CHARM week planned for next week. But, Eastern Division cops will have to do a lot of charming to win over Brian Armstrong. The 29-year-old Rocky Road resident says the Southside Strike Team chanced and charged him for doing nothing more than hanging out at his house. Here's how he put it today:... Brian Armstrong, Accused of Assault & Loitering: "I was in the building of my apartment downstairs when this guy just came, punched me in my mouth for no reason." Jules Vasquez, 7News: "Unprovoked? No reason?" Brian Armstrong: "No reason." Jules Vasquez, 7News: "The guy is a police officer?" Brian Armstrong: "He's on Strike Team. I asked him 'What's your deal, that's how you start your morning?', then he punched me two more times. He damaged me and did a lot of things to me. So I grabbed his two hands and he said that's assault." Jules Vasquez, 7News: "Then he's also accusing you of loitering." Brian Armstrong: "Yes in my own apartment."

Capital Cops Catch More Cannabis
Last night we told you how Belmopan police made a 25 pound weed bust . Well the drug seizures continue in that area and police found 2 pounds of weed in the HATTIEVILLE area of Roaring Creek today. No one was around, so the drugs were deposited as found property. Police also confiscated contraband goods and cigarettes in the Maya Mopan area.

BNTU, A Case Correction
And, before we go to break, a correction. We reported that the Chief Justice heard the substantive case from the teachers about why their salaries should not be docked. Well, we got that from persons who were allowed inside the closed hearing, and it was inaccurate. What he actually heard from the attorneys for the Union and the Ministry of Education is the urgent application for injunction. As we told you, we couldn't witness the hearing ourselves because the session was private. That means that only the attorneys and the parties to the case were allowed inside.

Defence Minister Goes To Belize-Guat Border Hotspots
Defence Minister of John Saldivar's tour of the BDF's Western military installations ended yesterday along the Belize - Guatemala border. Saldivar was flown out from Camp Belizario via BDF helicopter to assess the preparedness of the installations closer to border. He visited CARACOL which is where lawman Danny Conorquie was killed by Guatemalan bandits. He then flew unto military outposts in Ceibo Chico and Rio Blanco, which is less than a mile from the border. In two weeks, Saldivar will begin a tour of BDF's Southern camps. According to a release, "the purpose of the Minister's tour is to evaluate the BDF's ability to execute various functions, and determine whether the instillations need to be better equipped to carry out those functions."

Anwar Is Still Around
Last night, we told you about BTL advertising a vacancy for the post of Chief Executive Officer. That's because Anwar Barrow is leaving the post. But, not quite yet. A release from Telemedia today stresses that Barrow will stay on going into next year, when a new CEO has been identified. After that, there will be what a company release calls "an orderly transition" to the new CEO. Barrow will remain on the BTL Board of Directors.

Entrecon Is For Everyone
ENTRECON, is an annual event that brings key stakeholders in the entrepreneurial community to share ideas about how to develop and innovate Belize's business culture. Today, everyone from business owners to academics and even government agencies gathered in Belize City to listen to experts and discuss how information and communication technologies can be used to take business in Belize to the next level. We spoke to Lejia Gideon, the General Manager of Enterprise and Innovation at BELTRAIDE, and David Ahuja, Senior Director of Enterprise Information Management at Walmart, who told us why Belizean entrepreneurs need to put a greater emphasis on technology when growing their businesses. Lejia Melanie Gideon - General Manager, Enterprise & Innovation, BELTRAIDE: "The goal of today's event is how to use ICT to make business better. How you use ICT to bring that innovative thought to commercialization. That is the theme for today, but overall, BELTRADE along with its other partners, in the last 5 year have systematically been trying to expose, celebrate, expand the consciousness of what is entrepreneurship, why is it important, why do we need more and more players and participants in the field of entrepreneurship. It takes the business idea to a new level."

Come Een, Cabei!
When you hear the name "CABEI", it may not have a familiar ring, but the Central American Bank For Economic Integration has funded the paving of portions of the Southern Highway, upgrading the Santa Elena border and right now has loaned Belize 30 million dollars for upgrading security infrastructure. And that's why it is worth mentioning that - ten years after joining CABEI - Belize has now been incorporated as a full member of the Bank as a Non-Founding Regional country. This new status will allow Belize to expand its financing for new loan approvals. Belize joins Panama and the Dominican Republic as the three newest full members of the bank.

Settlement Day In South
Tomorrow is Garifuna Settlement Day - and in Southern, Central and Western Belize, Belizeans will celebrate the roots and the rhythms of this vibrant culture. In 2014 I travelled to Dangriga to witness the Yurumein Ceremony - which is the re-enactment of the arrival. Now, re-enactments of the arrival are staged all over the country, but the ones in PG and Dangriga are the most celebrated. Two years ago, I found out why:... Courtney Weatherburne reporting The history of the Garifuna tells us that they arrived in Belize on November 19th, 1823. 91 years later the re-enactment of the arrival of the ancestors still continues. With the Garifuna flag hoisted proudly, swaying in the early morning wind, the participants of the YURUMEIN paddled in. Their chants and songs reverberating like the infectious beat of the drums. Alice Sabal, Onlooker "We are celebrating our heritage. We are celebrating our music. We are celebrating our language. We are celebrating the way we dress - that's what we are celebrating today and that is what we should be depicting as Garifuna youths today."

Channel 5

Supreme Court Decision Monday on Injunction to Stop Salaries Deducted for Teachers
The monthly salaries of almost two thousand primary and secondary school teachers hang in the balance tonight, as they anxiously await a decision to be handed down by the Supreme [...]

B.N.T.U.: By Slashing Salaries of 1,500, G.O.B. Wants to “Rule”, Not “Govern”
According to Palacio, government insists on punishing teachers who took part in industrial action last month.  While there is currently no figure to determine the overall deduction, government has began [...]

Senior Officer Bart Jones Called to the Bar; He is Legal Advisor to Police Department
The Belize Police Department welcomes another attorney into its ranks.  This morning, well-known officer Bart Jones was officially called to the bar.  Jones, who has diligently worked his way up [...]

Minister Says Police Must Put Educated Officers to Better Use
On hand for the induction of attorney Bart Jones was Minister of Police Elodio Aragon Junior.  He spoke about the role of the police department and the relationship it shares [...]

B.T.L. Begins Search for Successor to Anwar Barrow as C.E.O.
Chief Executive Officer of the state-owned Belize Telemedia Limited, Anwar Barrow, is on his way out of that post. But he has not yet formally stepped down, according to a [...]

Bondholders’ Committee Formed, Will They Drive a Hard Bargain?
As requested by the Government of Belize, representatives of key holders of the U.S. Dollar 2038 Bonds, the Superbond, have agreed to form a committee to discuss the restructuring of [...]

Community Holds Vigil for Murder Victim Tyler Savery
Hundreds of residents—youths and adults—including the grieving mothers from the Hamilton family and other concerned Belize City residents, gathered at the B.T.L. Park for a candle light vigil organized by [...]

W.H.O. Declares Zika “Global Emergency” Over
In health news, international reports say that the World Health Organization earlier today declared an end to its global health emergency over the spread of the Zika virus, prompting dismay [...]

Dangriga Fisherman Still Missing at Sea After 2 Days
Day-two of a search for a fisherman lost in a capsized vessel has turned up no sign of him. As we reported Thursday, a private skiff carrying five adults and [...]

Colin Murphy Makes Official Welcome to Harvest Caye
The exclusive, privately-owned tourist destination on Harvest Caye welcomed its first cruise arrival on Thursday with a grand inauguration of its multimillion dollar investment.  The Norwegian Dawn called to port [...]

Tourism Minister Speaks About Harvest Caye Investment
Minister of Tourism Manuel Heredia was on hand for the ribbon cutting and represented the Government of Belize.  According to Heredia, the project falls within the sustainable tourism master plan. [...]

Taiwanese-Belizean and Mexican Artists in Latest Exhibit
In the next few minutes, a painting and digital art exhibition will open at the Institute of Mexico on Newtown Barracks in Belize City. Punto de Encuentro, La Humanidad – [...]

EntreCon 2016: Unlocking ICT Innovation in Belize
Competitiveness in this digital age is to understand the virtue of ICT – information and communications technology…That’s what the Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE) is providing entrepreneurs and [...]

Culture Capital Hosts B.T.I.A.’s Tourism Expo
Garifuna Settlement Day is being celebrated across the country, primarily in Dangriga. Apart from the annual parade and street parties, there will be a tourism expo. The event, hosted by [...]

Zone Winners Chosen in Primary School Social Studies Quiz
Earlier this year, we told you about the downtown rejuvenation project that is being undertaken by the Belize City Council and the National Institute of Culture and History with support [...]

F.C.D. Gets “Big Up” in London
It has been a while since we’ve heard from the Friends of Conservation and Development, but just this week, Executive Director Raphael Manzanero was in London on official FCD business. [...]

Amandala

KREM Radio celebrates its 27th birthday
On November 17, 1989, KREM Radio emerged as the provider of musical programming and commentary that were an alternative to what was being aired on the government-owned, heavily-censored, now-defunct Broadcasting Corporation of Belize/Radio Belize and British Armed Forces Network, then based in Ladyville. The two former stations no longer exist, but KREM has continued to offer a culturally authentic, grassroots voice as an alternative for the nation of Belize. Today, Thursday, on its 27th birthday, the radio station continues to lead the way by broadcasting the Morning Stew, which airs five days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and features a mix of music and breaking news updates from the station’s news center as well as live broadcasts of major happenings.

Accused murderer of Chinese grocer walks
The dismal record of failed prosecutions in murder trials continues unabated in the present session of the Supreme Court, as the Crown was forced to abandon its indictment against yet another person accused of murder this morning. Jordan Cayetano, 23, was accused of the Saturday, April 2, 2011 murder of Chinese grocer Yan Ying Chen, 32, who was gunned down around 1:00 p.m.in her shop, Rose Grocery, located at 78 King Street. On November 1, Cayetano’s trial began in the Supreme Court of Justice John “Troadio” Gonzalez, who was sitting without a jury. The trial went into a voir dire which lasted for several days, during which defense attorneys Dickie Bradley and Anthony Sylvestre battled with Crown Counsel Rene Montero, Jr., over the admissibility of an oral statement that police had extracted from their client.

Many shed tears for slain 7-year-old, Tyler Savery
The heartbreaking murder of Tyler Savery, 7, who is the fourth of five Belizean children to be killed in the last 6 weeks, has forced the Belizean community to take a closer look at the ever-intensifying gun violence amongst us, which has gotten to the point where not even children are safe anymore. It has also given Savery’s mother, Shakera Young, a platform on which to speak, as an agent of change. Today, Wednesday, the life of young Savery was celebrated at his favorite place, the BTL Park. His family, friends and classmates, as well as distinguished public figures, all attended a short church service held at the park and later marched through the streets of Belize City – stopping along the way at the specific location where a gunman shot Tyler once in the chest while he was on his way to buying a milkshake.

Goodbye, Empress!
There is now another lifeless Belizean child whose body awaits transportation to Belize from the Shriner’s Hospital for Children in Galveston, Texas. On October 4, a crazed arsonist stormed the Hamilton’s family home on Aloe Vera Street, doused it with gasoline, and set it afire. Aaron Gabourel, 11, was burnt alive in that fire. His cousins, Ian Sambula, 4, and Empress Hamilton, 9, were also burnt in that fire. They both suffered 2nd and 3rd degree burns, which covered 95 percent of their bodies. Days later they were both transported by an air ambulance to the Shriner’s Hospital for Children in Galveston, Texas, for treatment.

Corozal resident shot dead in Libertad
Sherman MacFarlane, 22, of Corozal Town, who was unemployed, died after a gunman ambushed and shot him in the head at about 9:30 last night on Cemetery Road in Libertad. MacFarlane was found near his vehicle bleeding from gunshot wounds in the head. Police said that MacFarlane was hanging out with five friends in Libertad yesterday, and afterwards, he was crossing the road to get into his vehicle when four men came out of the bushes. They were all wearing masks on their faces and one of them walked up to MacFarlane and shot him in the head. Police say that when the killer went up to MacFarlane, the other three men stood back. After shooting MacFarlane, the gunman and his accomplices then escaped.

BNTU takes Ministry of Education to court
Friday, November 25, is the last pay day for teachers before the Christmas holidays. Nevertheless, the Ministry of Education has indicated that it will withhold salary contributions to teachers who spent eleven days away from their schools in protest against the government. In an effort to prevent this from taking place, the Belize National Teachers’ Union (BNTU) has retained the legal services of attorney Eamon Courtenay. Courtenay wrote the Ministry on Friday demanding that it desists from withholding the salary contributions it ought to give to school managers. Monday had been the deadline that had been set for the Ministry to respond to the letter, but it never did. On Wednesday, Courtenay formally filed a lawsuit against the Ministry of Education and by extension, the Government of Belize.

BzSA holds Optimist Championship Battle Regatta
The Belize Sailing Association (BzSA) held their 7th National Optimist Championship Regatta in Corozal Bay (Jam Rock) on the 12th and 13th November. The event, which was sponsored by NICH, was originally scheduled to take place at St. George’s Caye as part of the National September Celebrations, but was unfortunately cancelled due to Hurricane Earl. After several unsuccessful attempts to reschedule for St. George’s Caye, the Corozal Bay Sailing Club graciously stepped in and offered to host, providing their wonderful hospitality and seaside Bay. The winds were light, as is often the case at this time of year, causing a slight delay for the start on Saturday, and stepping in with a steady, light breeze on Sunday. Notwithstanding the wind, the regatta was completed, with the full repertoire of races being six (6) Optimist races and six (6) Laser races.

2016 National Primary Schools Track & Field Championship results
The National Primary Schools Track & Field Championship was held on Thursday, November 10, at the Marion Jones Sports Complex in Belize City. Primary schools from all six districts were represented in different age/sex categories: Infant “B” Female (9-11 years), Infant “B” Male (9-11 years), Junior “C” Female (12-14 years), and Junior “C” Male (12-14 years). For the Infant “B” Female and Infant “B” Male, events included: 60m, 100m, 800m, Shot Put (3kg), and Long Jump; the Relay 4 x 50m Mix – combined male and female runners in each team. Both the Junior “C” Female and Junior “C” Male participated in the 100m, 400m, 1200m, Shot Put (3kg), Long Jump, Baseball Throw, as well as the Relay 4 x 100m. The organizers also selected MVP athletes for each category as follows: MVP Infant “B” Female (9-11 years) – Terrylee Arana of Stann Creek. MVP Infant “B” Male (9-11 years) – Jace Garcia of Belize District. MVP Junior “C” Female (12-14 years) – Eden Nunez of Stann Creek. MVP Junior “C” Male (12-14 years) – Ornell Reyes of Stann Creek.

Celebrating the Garinagu
The ancestors of the people we now know as the Garifuna people, the people referred to before the 1970’s as “Black Caribs,” survived three near-death experiences within a matter of a few years more than two centuries ago. First, they were exiled from their native St. Vincent to a barren island called Balliceaux, where many perished; then they were deported to Roatan, an island off the republic of Honduras, and many perished on the British sailing ship taking them from Balliceaux to Roatan. In Roatan itself, many began to die, hence the decision to strike out for the Central American mainland. These three near-death experiences must be considered within the context of the thousands of actual deaths. In other words, those who came near to dying themselves were constantly involved in the process of burying those of their brothers and sisters who were perishing – on Balliceaux, on the ship from Balliceaux to Roatan, and on Roatan itself. It is our understanding that near-death experiences enhance the spirituality of an individual or a people. The ancestors of the people of African descent we now refer to as the “Creole” people of Belize, themselves survived near-death experiences after being enslaved and while being shipped as slaves from West Africa to North, Central, and South America, and the Caribbean.

From the Publisher
My understanding of the terrible gun violence on Daly Street last Friday evening, so terrible because the gunman almost deliberately claimed the life of an innocent 7- year-old boy, is that it was a case of civil war inside of the larger Belize City civil war. In other words, a neighborhood which would ordinarily be in conflict with other neighborhoods, began to “beef” inside its own organization. We saw this happen on Mayflower Street, which is just a few small blocks east of Partridge Street, a year or two ago, and it was very bad. The police had to establish a presence on Mayflower which has become practically permanent. Young blood relatives had become enraged with each other to the point where they were willing to kill each other. When you see this type of internal neighborhood violence taking place, it is because the struggle for human survival has become so desperate that food, and issues ultimately related to food, are taking absolute precedence over peace and love and other cherished human values. It’s sad. We’ll never get to know how gifted some of these young Belizeans may be, because they are killed or crippled “before their time,” as the Creole saying goes.

Life after Trump’s election and what it might mean for Belize!
Dear Editor, There are many more questions raised than answered after the US Presidential election and what they will mean for Belize, the Belizean Diaspora and our neighbors in Central-America. Most of us in Belize have family over there. Many are there as “illegal aliens” and many legal immigrants are considering to move back home because of the racism. At least one of my sons is talking about that. One of his best friends born in the US of “illegal immigrant” parents is going through the nightmare of having to see his parents being shipped off back to Mexico who have-not been back there for 25 years. They were even trying to find out if they could legally adopt his father and mother to be able to stay together as a family. That sad reality is probably very real too for a lot of our Belizean family all over the USA.

“Tithing” for our children, for our teachers
Christmas is coming. A season of love and giving and sharing. It is no time for fighting. Our beloved teachers have done their part already; standing up for all of us, to bring back good governance to our precious Jewel, and thus to improve the lives and safety of all our children. We are all proud of their brave and gallant stand, and appreciate the tremendous sacrifice and risk they have taken on all our behalf. Now back in the classroom, our teachers are committed to help our children catch up with the lost days from their time of striking for the good of the nation. They need our love and support now, more than ever. Now is certainly not the time for our teachers to be distracted and disheartened in their task of teaching our children, for them to be worrying about making ends meet, and trying to see their Christmas. We citizens who pledged our support, we now have to put our money where our mouths were.

SCA girls and San Pedro HS boys win NSSSA Volleyball Champions
The National Secondary Schools Sports Association (NSSSA) held its 2016 national volleyball championships over the weekend at the Sacred Heart College auditorium in San Ignacio, where the four high school zone champions for females and males competed for the respective national titles. The tournament followed a simple knockout format, with St. Catherine Academy girls emerging as champions in the female category, and San Pedro High School boys in the male category. At the end of the tournament, in addition to individual awards for best individual performances, the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners received team trophies and individual medals from tournament sponsors, SOL Belize.

BNTU takes Ministry of Education to court
Friday, November 25, is the last pay day for teachers before the Christmas holidays. Nevertheless, the Ministry of Education has indicated that it will withhold salary contributions to teachers who spent eleven days away from their schools in protest against the government. In an effort to prevent this from taking place, the Belize National Teachers’ Union (BNTU) has retained the legal services of attorney Eamon Courtenay. Courtenay wrote the Ministry on Friday demanding that it desists from withholding the salary contributions it ought to give to school managers. Monday had been the deadline that had been set for the Ministry to respond to the letter, but it never did. On Wednesday, Courtenay formally filed a lawsuit against the Ministry of Education and by extension, the Government of Belize.

The Reporter

Belize City resident alleges police brutality
One day after a police officer was charged with brutality, a Belize City resident is alleging that police beat him up “for nothing.” Brian Armstrong, resident of Rocky Road, said that he was on the veranda of his apartment building on Thursday when an officer, […]

Senior police officer called to the bar
Senior Superintendent of Police, Bart Jones can officially practice law in Belize after being called to the bar, today. Jones got called to the bar this morning at Supreme Court room number one, the Chief Justice’s court, after completing five years of study in the […]

BNTU files for injunction
The Belize National Teachers Union (BNTU) has filed for a Supreme Court order to prevent the Ministry of Education from withholding salary payment for teachers who participated in the 11-day strike in October. The BNTU’s attorney, Eamon Courtneay, filed the necessary documents on Wednesday, after […]

Sherman McFarlane shot & killed in Libertad
Twenty-two-year-old Sherman McFarlane, a resident of Corozal Town, was shot dead on Tuesday night in Libertad village, Corozal. McFarlane was reportedly ambushed by four gunmen. According to reports, McFarlane went to visit some friends in the village and at around 9:45, he stopped on Cemetery […]

Counterfeit $20 bills circulating around Belmopan City
There are reports of $20 counterfeit bills circulating around Belmopan City. Residents in the area are being advised to be vigilant of their money. According to Officer Commanding Belmopan Police Station Supt. Howell Gillette, on Monday a resident within the area went to make a bank […]

Briceno says Trump had the right message
People’s United Party (PUP) Leader, John Briceno says US President-elect, Donald Trump had the right message and was voted in because Americans felt abandoned and hopeless. Briceno told reporters on Tuesday afternoon at PUP headquarters on Queen Street that the PUP is using the US […]

Health and Local Government ministries sign MOU
The Ministries of Health and Local government, signed a memorandum of understanding this week, geared towards greater regulation for businesses which offer medical services. Minister of Health Pablo Marin, along with Minister of Local Government Hugo Patt, signed the MOU on Tuesday in Belmopan. The Mayor’s Association […]

Briceno blames Belize’s dismal credit rating on UDP mismanagement
Belize received a less than impressive sovereign credit rating from Standard and Poor’s international rating agency this week, and Leader of the Opposition John Briceno says the blame lies squarely at the foot of the current government. The rating fell from a B-minus to CCC+ […]

Briceño says GOB should not dock teachers’ salaries
People’s United Party Leader John Briceño called on the Government of Belize this week, to reverse its decision to dock the pay of teachers who went on strike. On Tuesday Briceño condemned Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education Patrick Faber, for preparing to dock the teachers salaries, for taking […]

Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) presents credentials to Belize
The Ambassador of the republic of China and Taiwan presented his letters of credence to the Governor General Of Belize at the Belize House in Belmopan City on Wednesday. According to a press release, H.E. Mr Charles Keh-yue Liu, expressed his pleasure in representing his country […]

BPP criticizes GOB’s efforts at solving Guatemalan dispute
The Belize Progressive Party (BPP), this week, condemned the Government of Belize for making strides toward amending the Referendum Act to lower the required 60 percent threshold. BPP spokesman, Paco Smith, said the party finds it unacceptable that GOB would amend Belizean laws at the behest of […]

Youths kill elderly aunt for money
Police say robbery was the motive of the murder of 63 year-old Victoria Castillo, who was first reported missing, before her grave was discovered in her back yard sometime over the weekend in Dangriga. Castillo’s sister, Gloria, found the grave in which the dismembered parts […]

Prison escapee, caught by GSU in Cotton Tree
After being on the run for over a month, an escapee of the Belize Central Prison has been caught by the Gang Suppression Unit (GSU) after he was found hiding out at a farm in Cotton Tree Village. Around midday on Tuesday November 15, acting upon […]

Cousins gunned down while heading to ice cream parlour
By Marion Ali, Assistant The families of seven-year-old Tyler Savery and his older cousin, 21year-old Porshan Pipersburg are trying to cope with their loss after the two were shot dead while on their way to buying ice cream last Friday. Savery, a standard one student of Saint Joseph’s primary, lived […]

Editorial
There has been push back against a proposal by the Ministry of Health in Belmopan to vaccinate some 4,400 pre-teen and teenage schoolgirls across Belize with a drug called Gardasil to protect them from the papiloma virus which causes cervical cancer. Health officials say the vaccination programme is necessary because […]

Harvest Caye quietly opens
The controversial Harvest Caye cruise port officially opened on Thursday and accepted its first cruise ship call. The $50 million port, which has raised the ire of the conservation community and tourism industry stakeholders for several years, received more than 2,000 passengers from Norwegian Cruise […]

Cops recover 25 lbs of weed in high speed chase
Belmopan police seized 25 pounds of marijuana on Wednesday night after a high speed chase which started in Roaring Creek and ended in St. Margaret’s village. Police officers were conducting patrols on the George Price Highway when they became suspicious of a taxi vehicle lurking […]

Third fire victim dies of burn injuries abroad
Baby Empress Hamilton, 8, who sustained burn injuries in a disturbing case of arson on Aloe Vera Street has died of complications while receiving treatment in Galveston, Texas. Empress died on Wednesday, he third child to die in the fire. LittleEmpress received burns to 90 […]

Garifuna community pushes for land rights
The issue of indigenous land rights has been exhaustively discussed within the public sphere and within the Supreme Court of Belize by the Maya people. However, the issue of indigenous land rights may extend beyond the Maya community and includes the Garifuna people as well. […]

Breaking Belize News

Candle Light Vigil held in rememberance of slain children
Tonight a candle light vigil was held in memory of Tyler Slavery, 7, and all other children who lost their lives to violence. The theme, “Young lives matter,” has brought out not only the mother of Savery, Shakera Young; but also Melissa Hamilton. Hamilton […]

New bus fares cripple commuters
Beginning on Monday of this week, new bus fares are being implemented by many operators on the western and northern routes and commuters are complaining bitterly that the new fares are crippling them and will send them further into poverty. In an interview with […]

Defense Minister wraps up Tour of BDF Installations in the West
Minister of Defense John Saldivar has just completed a tour of BDF installations in the West, which is part of a countrywide tour. Yesterday, Saldivar was joined by CEO in the Ministry of Defence and former Commander of the BDF Volunteer Battalion Lieutenant Colonel […]

Police find weed in Roaring Creek
Belmopan police discovered a black plastic bag with what appeared to be cannabis in the Hattieville area of Roaring Creek today. No one was in the area at the time of the discovery. The drug was weighed at 1lb and was labeled as found […]

BTL clarifies CEO status
Belize Telemedia Ltd (BTL) offered clarity on a report that Chairman of the Executive Committee, Anwar Barrow, who functions as CEO at BTL, had resigned. “He remains in this role today and will continue to remain as such per his commitment to the company […]

FCD and SELVANA sign Maya 2020 project agreement
The Belize High Commission in London issued a press release to announce the signing of an agreement between SELVANA Ltd, a UK-based company and Friends for Conservation and Development, a Belizean NGO, setting out the delivery of activity on the Maya 2020 project. The […]

Empress Hamilton dead at 9
Three children burnt in the Aloe Vera Street fire several weeks ago have all died. The last to die was Empress Hamilton, 9. According to her mother, she died at the Shriners Hospital for Children in Galveston Texas sometime near midnight on Tuesday. Her […]

Man lost at sea apparently dead
A man is currently missing at sea after a boat he was in capsized off the coast of Dangriga. According to preliminary reports, two police officers, three adults and an infant were on a vessel heading to Tobacco Caye. The officers were reportedly heading […]

Police officer accused of brutality gets bail
A drunken Orange Walk police officer who badly beat a Guinea Grass resident with his police issued firearm went to court on Wednesday. Police Constable Jamie Gongora appeared in the Orange Walk magistrates court for “wounding” Hugo Noh, 21. On November 6, Noh was […]

Bondholders bring in heavy hitter
Holders of the 2038 Bond, based on a request from the Government of Belize, have agreed to form a committee to discuss a restructuring of the bond as Belize’s economic and financial conditions have deteriorated putting the country at risk of a default. Prime Minister […]

Man charged for OW murder
Elroy Arnold, 23, has been arrested and charged for murder in connection with the death of Manuel Toloza, 28. Toloza, a resident of Trial Farm was allegedly beaten and stabbed to death almost three weeks ago by five men. When Arnold appeared in court […]

Accused murderer walks free
Another accused murderer is back on the streets of Belize City after his trial fell apart based on technicalities. Jordan Cayetano, 23, was charged in connection with the April 2, 2011 murder of Chinese grocer Yan Ying Chen, 32. Chen was gunned down in […]

BNTU injunction case against GOB goes to court today
Last Friday, attorney Eamon Courtenay sent a letter to education minister Patrick Faber, on behalf of the Belize National Teachers Union (BNTU). The union is demanding that Faber repeal the decision to dock teacher’s pay end of this month. The union gave him until […]

DiCaprio’s Blackadore Caye good to go
Academy Award-winning actor Leonardo DiCaprio’s Blackadore Caye eco-resort project is all set to begin construction. The resort is expected to be completed by 2018. An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the project was recently approved by the Department of the Environment (DOE). DiCaprio bought the 104-acre […]

Anwar Barrow resigns as BTL CEO
Anwar Barrow, son of Prime Minister Dean Barrow, has resigned from his post of Chief Executive Officer of Belize Telemedia Limited. In Barrow’s two and a half year tenure as Chairman of BTL’s Executive committee, and working as the CEO of the state owned […]

Blogs

The blonde hair, blue eyes of Belize
Belize is known for her vast diversity of landscapes. From misty mountains, to pine forests, savannahs and rainforests, to gorgeous beaches, isolated cayes and of course the Meso-American Barrier Reef. Equally diverse are her people, ranging from the Mestizo, Maya, Kriol, Garifuna, East Indian, Chinese and yes, Mennonites. You may think that’s an unlikely add to our mix, and indeed their history here is an interesting one. Initially, some 3,500 Canadian Mennonites arrived in Belize, and today form communities on the upper reaches of the Belize River: Blue Creek on the Mexican border; Shipyard, Indian Creek, Richmond Hill in the Orange Walk District; Spanish Lookout and Barton Creek in the Cayo District and Little Belize in the Corozal District. In 2014 their population was estimated to be around 12,000, with 10,000 of those being ethnic “Russian” Mennonites. Not only do they speak English, but also their first language of Plautdietsch, a Low German dialect. In addition to this, there are an estimated 2,000 mostly Kriol and Mestizo Belizeans who have converted to Mennonitism.

Whole Lotta Love
As I started writing this special post in advance, I could not help but think about the happiness in the sadness of the event that was about to happen. A large group about 25 of us from near and far making the pilgrimage to honor the loss of a smart, funny, inspired, man – Colin Gage. That number is small compared to the amount of people who would be here to raise their glass if they could. Our celebration of life; the well loved destination YOLO – party boat. There was definitely a ‘Whole Lotta Love’ on the boat that night. Everyone shared such amazing memories of a great man and how he had touched them in one way or another. We were all sad he is gone but happy to have known him – few tears and a whole lotta smiling. You know you have lived a good life when 98% of the people on the sunset cruise have more than one great story to tell about you. Many had double digits.

International Sources

Harvest Caye Open for Cruise Ship Calls in Belize
Harvest Caye, the new destination built by Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings in Southern Belize, has welcomed its first guests. It is the only port in Belize with a cruise ship pier, according to Norwegian. "Located just one mile offshore, Harvest Caye offers Caribbean travelers an authentic Belizean experience that highlights the country’s beauty and nature, along with resort-style amenities including a sprawling pool and private luxury beach villas; a variety of eco-activities and interactive wildlife programs; and an exhilarating cross-island zip line. With its close proximity to the mainland, Harvest Caye also offers guests easy access to a wide variety of adventure excursions," said a statement from Norwegian. “Harvest Caye is truly the ultimate Belizean experience and we are delighted to welcome our first guests today,” said Frank Del Rio, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. “We have worked closely with the government of Belize to ensure that that this spectacular destination was authentic for our guests, provided economic opportunities for the local community and preserved and protected Belize’s incredible natural beauty. We’re overjoyed with the results of this four year development project, and we look forward to seeing Harvest Caye and Southern Belize grow as we delight the many guests that will call on the destination.”

Into the Great Blue
I’m floating 70 kilometres offshore in the Great Blue Hole, a 125-metre deep sinkhole in Lighthouse Reef. And although aerial photos show a circular sapphire set in turquoise, it’s high tide, so it feels like we’re swimming in an oversized infinity pool. It’s a surreal shade of blue that beckons with untold treasure. Measuring 300 metres across, this natural phenomenon became synonymous with Jacques-Yves Cousteau who popularized this Belize dive site in the early 1970s. At our basecamp on Half Moon Caye park ranger Bill from the Belize Audubon Society tells us that Cousteau “blew a piece of the crater out of the Blue Hole using dynamite” to gain better access to the heart of this adventure playground. All of Belize seems primed for amusement or escape. Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker are still sun-drenched hotspots, and new properties promising exclusivity are also under development. Like the Itz’ana Belize Resort & Residences (opening in March 2017) with its luxury lagoon villas, solar cottages and private island (not to mention a library inspired by Ernest Hemingway). Meanwhile, Leonardo DiCaprio’s passion project, Blackadore Caye, is taking sustainability to a utopian level, perhaps an homage to his movie, The Beach. The actor-activist’s offshore idyll will welcome residents and guests in 2018.

Gringo: The Dangerous Life of John McAfee review – proto-Trump figure chills the blood
This documentary about the software whizz who fled to Central America before running for president is a timely tale of ego, malevolence and fanatacism. ight now it is tempting to find parables and parallels everywhere for the current US situation. With this documentary from Nanette Burstein, the zeitgeist-paranoia is justified. Her film is about a man who, in political terms, was John the Baptist to the non-Jesus that is the president-elect. One of the candidates running for the US presidency in the early stages this year was a very rich, entitled and arrogant businessman with a huge social media presence, what this film suggests is a troubling attitude to women, a strong “eccentricity” (rather than the simple madness of lesser, poorer people) and a tendency to get riled by the media. This was John McAfee, the 1980s antivirus software tycoon who had retired in the noughties to run a yoga retreat on his vast Colorado estate. After apparently losing a bundle in the crash of 2008, he emigrated to Belize where he jokingly told reporters he was going to be like Kurtz in Conrad’s Heart of Darkness. According to this documentary, he proceeded to pay off the cops, put dozens of local gangsters on the payroll as armed bodyguards, nurse crazy schemes to develop new-age medicines from indigenous plant life and cultivated psychopathic levels of paranoia about being kidnapped – he appeared to become a would-be king of the Central American jungle.

After making his first NFL start, Chiefs’ Rakeem Nunez-Roches is ready for more
As they sat down for dinner last Saturday, Rakeem Nunez-Roches felt the need to preface the message he was about to deliver to his mother. “I’m going to tell you something, but I don’t want you to go crazy,” Nunez-Roches told Nancy. “Then I told her. “She went crazy, and started crying.” They were tears of joy. Nunez-Roches, the Chiefs’ second-year defensive lineman, had just told her he was about to make his first NFL start. Nunez-Roches made the most of the opportunity, recording four tackles, one solo, in the Chiefs’ 20-17 victory at Carolina. He played 32 of 73 snaps and was typically energetic on all of them. His best moment came when he nearly recorded a sack of Cam Newton, who got off the throw about the time Nunez-Roches arrived. The effort reflected what the Chiefs have seen in practices. Nunez-Roches, a native of Belize, moved to the United States with his mom when he was 8. The Chiefs made him their sixth-round pick out of Southern Mississippi in 2015. He appeared in seven games with four tackles last season. “When he was a rookie, we said you just can’t cut him,” Chiefs linebacker Derrick Johnson said. “He has more energy than anybody on the field, even (defensive backs). Teams throw it downfield and he’s chasing guys.

Drilling Into the Chicxulub Crater, Ground Zero of the Dinosaur Extinction
Some 66 million years ago an asteroid crashed into the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico, triggering the extinction event that obliterated the dinosaurs and nearly extinguished all life on Earth. It struck with the same energy as 100 million atomic bombs, and left behind a 100-mile-wide scar known today as the Chicxulub crater. Now, a team of geophysicists has drilled into the gigantic cavity under the Gulf of Mexico, targeting a circular series of hills called a peak ring located at its center. What they discovered illustrates that powerful impacts can catapult materials buried deep in a planet’s crust much closer to its surface. “Chicxulub is the only crater on Earth with an intact peak ring that we can go sample, the next intact peak ring would be on the moon,” said Sean P. S. Gulick, a marine geophysicist from the University of Texas at Austin. “It’s ground zero of the Cretaceous extinction event.”

Videos

November 18, 2016

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Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

San Pedro BTIA holds Annual General Meeting; Elects New Board
On Wednesday evening, November 16th, the San Pedro chapter of the Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) held their annual general meeting at Fido’s Courtyard. In attendance were San Pedro BTIA Chairwoman Melanie Paz, BTIA National President John Burgos, representatives from the Ministry of Tourism and Belize Tourism Expo (BTEX), and members of the local chapter. The San Pedro chapter was reformed in July 2015 after a couple years of inactivity, and since then has been working to represent the tourism stakeholders on the island. Of recent, efforts have been made to standardize taxi services in San Pedro, as they are considered island ‘ambassadors’; often giving the first impression to guests when arriving to the Caye. Finalizing the meeting involved the election of new board members for the San Pedro chapter. Tamara Sniffin was elected the Chairwoman, Melanie Paz the Vice-Chair, along with Delsie Graniel and a representative from the San Pedro Tour Operator Association, to be appointed at a later date.

San Pedro’s Melvin Rolando Rauldares wins Gold at primary schools athletics championships
San Pedro Roman Catholic School’s Melvin Rolando Rauldares leapt 4.90 meters to win gold for the Belize district in the Junior C boys’ long jump at the annual national championship. The competition for primary school track and field championships is organized by the National Sports Council and was held at the Marion Jones Sports Complex in Belize City last Thursday, November 10. Rauldares’ gold helped the Belize District win the most gold medals: 14, as well as six silver and five bronze. Stann Creek won eight gold, five silver and five bronze. The Cayo district won one gold, six silver and none bronze. Corozal won four silvers and four bronze; while Toledo won a gold and a silver. Orange Walk won a silver and a bronze.

Health screenings to improve MOH standards
In an effort to gather important health related information in San Pedro, a team of medical students from California, USA have coordinated with Dr. Javier Zuniga, Regional Manager of the Central Health Region and the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) to conduct health screenings through a “Community Needs Assessment”. The Community Needs Assessment is also being done in partnership with the San Pedro Red Cross and the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II, who support this initiative to improve population health. From Saturday, November 19th and over the span of the next five weeks, NanoMed Corp—the students’ healthcare—will be offering free health screenings at the polyclinic. Health research is a long term investment in human health and well-being. The assessment will include a health questionnaire and a basic physical checkup. After being evaluated, and if anything is abnormal, NanoMed Corp will be able to refer the patients to the polyclinic. The benefits to the community are great, and it makes good sense to support a health screening initiative to empower the residents of the island.

Restrictions on the importation of ham and turkey supports local economy
Although Thanksgiving is not widely celebrated throughout Belize, a portion of the population still indulges in eating turkey and/or ham for the occasion. However, the demand for both turkey and ham products usually becomes high during the Christmas holidays. As both local and imported products are supplied in select stores, some individuals prefer imported products, while others purchase local products to help support Belize’s economy. Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Sustainable Development and Immigration, Godwin Hulse, is looking to change that by restricting the amount of future importations. He explained that the issuance of current importation permits were given before he took over the Ministry. “Before I took the Ministry, permits were already issued for hams to various operators who annually and traditionally get permits to bring in certain amounts of ham. What I understand the Ministry did was, to balance that along with the domestic production so that the domestic production is not disenfranchised. That was done just before I took the Ministry,” said Minister Hulse in an interview with Love FM News.

Ambergris Today

BHA promoting Belize Tourism in Montreal and Toronto!
Following the recent addition of the twice weekly Westjet flight direct between Toronto and Belize City, the Belize Hotel Association was excited to participate in the Canadian Road show that was organized by the Belize Tourism Board and included the participation of several private stakeholders in the Tourism Industry of Belize. The BHA Marketing Director, Tessie Duran Tonaco attended the event to represent BHA members. The intense two day marketing event, was hosted in Toronto, on Tuesday November 8, 2016, and in Montreal, on Wednesday November 9, 2016. The BHA, the BTB and attending industry stakeholders, each had a tabletop presentation at both venues, where they were able to have one-on-one meetings with a total of more than 100 Canadian travel agents.

Misc Belizean Sources

HARVEST CAYE: THE NEW TOURIST MECCA IN SOUTHERN BELIZE
The Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE), under the auspices of the Ministry responsible for Investment, Trade and Commerce, is mandated to facilitate and promote investment in Belize. The massive investment happening at Harvest Caye in the southern part of the country is yet another vivid example of BELTRAIDE’s efforts to foster investments. On Tuesday November 15, 2016 Belize Island Holdings Limited, a subsidiary of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd, held a soft opening for its Eco/Adventure Cruise Port at Harvest Caye. Harvest Caye sits a few miles south from the Placencia mainland and it takes only eighteen minutes to get there by boat. Upon arrival, the visitor cannot help but to enter in a state of wonderment as the vast beauty of the island unfolds.

MINISTER OF DEFENCE TOURS BDF INSTALLATIONS IN THE WEST
Minister of Defence Hon John Saldivar is this week visiting BDF installations in the West as part of his countrywide tour. Yesterday, November 16, 2016, Hon Saldivar, accompanied by BDF Deputy Commander Colonel Steven Ortega and personnel from the Ministry of Defence, visited Camp Belizario in the Central Farm area of the Cayo District where he was briefed on security functions and given a full tour of the facilities. The Minister was also briefed on international military training being carried out under Exercise Tropical Dagger 16 which includes security forces from Jamaica, Canada, United States and Belize, and is being conducted in Belize for the first time. The Minister and his team were then taken on a fly over along the Belize- Guatemalan border where BDF personnel man a number of posts, such as Xunantunich, Arenal and El Pilar located in the Bullet Tree area. Returning to the ground, Hon Saldivar was then given a full tour of those posts. The Minister of Defence continues his tour in the West today and tomorrow. His countrywide tour will take him next to the southern part of the Country. The purpose of the Defence Minister’s countrywide tour is to assess the state of readiness and the level of efficiency of the force in executing its various functions.

CHIQUI'S BIG DEBUT!
After many months living behind the scenes, Chiqui the jaguar has finally moved into her new home on-site at the Zoo! We have been fundraising tirelessly since we received her in early June to create a comfortable living space for this special cat. Thanks to the generous support of friends and donors both in Belize and abroad, this became a reality and was celebrated yesterday with a wonderful ceremony. Zoo Director Sharon Matola opened the celebration with a energetic performance of "Chiqui's Song," with the help of our little friends from KLIC Preschool. Representatives from Belize Wildlife & Referral Clinic and Friends for Conservation and Development - FCD Belize were present to say a few words and carry out the official ribbon cutting for the exhibit. Belize Tourism Board representatives unveiled the plaque to honour donors who contributed significantly to the Chiquibul Exhibit Project. Also present was "Miss Belize Universe” who helped us launch a stunning new poster aimed at raising public awareness about the importance of the Chiquibul and all of Belize’s forests. Finally, officials from Belize Forest Department rounded off the ceremony with the unveiling of two life sized “mother and cub” jaguar statues, highlighting the celebration of this magnificent species, and the pride our country has in being able to declare that they still roam our forests.

Chiquibul Park Manager, Derric Chan
Was present for the inauguration of the newest enclosure at the Belize Zoo. FCD is grateful to The Belize Zoo and their supporters for the nice home now given to “Chiqui”, the rescued Jaguar. We are certain “Chiqui” will highlight the importance of maintaining wild cats in the wild.

Ribon cutting for Chiqui's new home
Derric Chan of Friends for Conservation and Development - FCD Belize and Dr. Isabelle Paquet-Durand of Belize Wildlife & Referral Clinic carried out the official ribbon cutting ceremony for Chiqui's new home. FCD and BWRC, along with Belize Forest Department, were the first responders and primary care givers who got Chiqui through her tough first post-rescue days before she came to live at the Zoo.

Celebrating the Garifuna culture at the FSTV Kiosk

Lue proclaimed Commonwealth Youth Worker of the Year for the Caribbean
The director of a programme that helps under-privileged Belizean youth has been named Commonwealth Youth Worker of the Year for the Caribbean. Manuela Lue of the Energy for Life programme received the accolade at the 2016 Commonwealth Youth Worker Awards last week, which coincided with Youth Work Week 2016. She was one of five outstanding youth workers celebrated for using sport and the creative arts to inspire and support young people. Energy for Life mentors and tutors under-privileged Belizean youth in handicraft production, connecting them with their culture and enabling them to earn a living. “Youth workers do an extremely important job, which is moulding the minds and shaping the hearts of all these young people. It is very important as there’s a lot of work that goes into making these young people productive and responsible citizens,” Lue said.

The Belize Training & Employment Centre (BTEC) Trains 60 persons in the Independence/ Placencia Area
The Belize Training and Employment Centre (BTEC), a unit of BELTRAIDE, one of the leading industry specific training centers in Belize, today held a certificate ceremony at the Independence High School in Independence Village. Sixty participants received certificates in areas of Lifeguard training; Gardening and Landscaping; Hospitality and wait staff; Introduction to Bartending and Housekeeping and Janitorial services. The training was geared towards persons who are employed or seeking employment in the various fields. Also at the event, a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) was also signed between BELTRAIDE and the Independence High School (IHS) . The MOC entails BELTRAIDE doing more job – preparedness training of students and out of school residents in the area, while IHS will provide classrooms for such trainings and assist with recruitment of participants in the area. Signing on behalf of IHS was principal Mr. Omar Longsworth and on behalf of BELTRAIDE was General Manager, Ms. Leijia Melanie Gideon.

Mr. Adolfo Ayuso passes away
Mayor Daniel Guerrero, the San Pedro Town Council and Staff would like to extend its deepest condolences to the Ayuso family & friends on the passing of Mr. Adolfo Ayuso. Mr. Ayuso was a true pioneer as a fisherman of San Pedro when it was once a fishing village and into its transition to a town. May his soul rest in peace.

Vacancy at BEL
A vacancy exists at Belize Electricity Limited for the post of Accounting Clerk III in the Finance Department.

Harvest Caye Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
30 or so photos

Channel 7

Hola! Harvest Caye, 7News Forced To Take In The View From The Sea
Norwegian Cruise Line's Harvest Caye Cruise Port was opened today, and their first ship docked at their island getaway. That first vessel, the "Norwegian Dawn" brought approximately 2,000 guests for this opening day at the island which is just off the cost of the Placencia Peninsula. And so, four years after it got off to a rocky start in 2013, the south is now opened to mass cruise tourism, after a long and bumpy journey for Norwegian Cruise Line. According to the BTB, the opening ceremony was a gala event attended by Tourism Minister Manuel Heredia Jr., Minister of Transport and NEMO, Edmon Castro, and the Special Envoy for Women and Children. But, we only have second hand information on that because none of the local media was invited. That's despite our repeated requests to the Tourism Ministry, the BTB, and Norwegian.

Accused Killer Of Chinese Grocer Jordan Cayetano
On the first Saturday in April of 2011, when Belize City gunmen killed two female Chinese grocers in one afternoon, it sparked an angry street protest and shutdown by the Chinese community. The women seem to have been killed for no reason - other than as a retaliation against the state by a prominent gang. Tonight the man accused of one of those murders is free after more than 5 years on remand. 23 year old Jordan Cayetano, who was caught with a weapon and charged with the murder of 32 year old Chinese shopkeeper, Yan Ying Chen, walked out of court a free man after the Crown made a "nolle pros" motion. Prosecutor Rene Montero Jr was forced to do so after the confession statement he was relying on was ruled inadmissible by Justice John Gonzalez. In the trial without jury, Gonzalez ruled that he cannot accept the oral confession because it was given under "oppressive circumstances." Cayetano had testified that he was punched to his ribs several times, he was threatened and he was choked and shocked with an electrical cord by members of the GSU.

Gales Point Aggravated Burglary Has Evidence, But No Report
This morning Belize Rural police received a report of a European couple allegedly tied up and robbed by four armed men in Gales Point, Manatee. Now Manatee falls within Dangriga jurisdiction but their vehicle, a Jeep Patriot with Stann Creek License plates was also stolen, and that was found abandoned this morning in Belize Rural on the Boom-Hattieville road near the Kolbe Prison. Hattieville police told us more:... Cpl. Ian Geban, Hattieville Police: "We were waiting for the vehicle to the transported and processed by the Hattieville Police Station and information was relayed via WhatsApp, the police communication network and shortly afterwards the owner visited the station after he was informed that his vehicle was located. He made a verbal report to the station that he was kidnapped." "Information is sketchy at this time and we are in the process of transporting the vehicle to be processed and we are working on the investigation at this time. There is not lot of information in relation to this report."

That Guy, Albert Caught With Conch, Contraband And Cannabis
Yesterday the GSU searched a car belonging to Orange Walk businessman Albert Guy - and they say he was carrying contraband, conch and cannabis. They found two ounces of cannabis, six cartons of contraband cigarettes and forty-eight undersized conch. Guy, who was charged with drug trafficking and possession of undersized conch, appeared before Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith yesterday, where he pled guilty possession instead of drug trafficking. He was fined $1000 and was told that he would serve 1 year in jail if he defaulted. He appeared in court again today, where be pled guilty the possession of 48 undersized conch. He was fined $500 for the offence and $20 for each conch, which brought the fine up to $1460. If he does not pay that fine by May 17, 2017 he will serve six months in prison. Guy is no stranger to court - and has been accused many times, but not convicted.

Cop Charged For Pistol Whipping Villager
An Orange Walk cop accused of beating up a Guinea Grass resident has been criminally charged. Yesterday Police Constable Jaime Gongora was arraigned on a charge of wounding at the Orange Walk Magistrate's Court. It took police one week to come up with charges after Gongora allegedly pistol whipped Hugo Noh in guinea Grass Village on Sunday November 6th. According to reports both men had been drinking and Gongora stopped Noh who was speeding within the village. They had an angry exchange of words, and Gongora allegedly pistol whipped Noh with his service weapon. Noh ended up with six wounds to the head. 9 days later Gongora was taken to court where he pleaded not guilty and was offered bail of $4,000 plus one surety of the same amount. The case was adjourned for the 21st of February, 2017.

Capital Cops Caught 25 Pounds of Weed
Belmopan police caught a sack of weed coming down from Benque Viejo last night. The Capital's Quick Response Team chased the vehicle with Benque plates from the Roaring Creek junction to St. Margaret's village. In the process, the passengers threw out the sack of marijuana. While police stopped to pick up the weed, the men in the car dashed off. Police are seeking two suspects but have the car and the weed - which weighed in at 25 pounds. Arenal is a known transit point for marijuana coming from Guatemala into Belize.

Police Turn Up The Charm
Next week, the Eastern Division police department plans to turn up the charm on Belize District residents. It's called CHARM week - and ACP Edward Broaster explained the meaning at a press conference today:... ACP Edward Broaster, People's Committee Ex Officio: "CHARM is the acronym for "Changing Heats And Renewing Minds." For the week we will be doing a host of community activities to benefit the community and to try and build that relationship with the police and the community." ACP Chester Williams, People's Committee Ex Officio: "Many members of the community feel comfortable speaking to us as commanders, because they see the effort that we are doing. They report to us what they see our officers are doings on the ground. These are things that never use to happen in the past. So we are seeing that the public have become more receptive to us as police officers and we want to continue to build on that relationship. Yes we know it is a tough sell at times, because like you rightly said, police have done wrong to many people out there, but we want those people to understand that whatever has been done to them in the past, we can still dialogue and find common grounds in areas and those areas where we find common ground, we work on them."

Why Is Murder On The Rise?
We also got the three Assistant Commissioners to talk about the alarming murder statistics. There have already been 130 murders up to Mid November 2016, which is already 11 more than last year's total, and 7 more than 2014's total. But, as the senior officer's explain, Belize City is not driving the murder totals higher:.. ACP Chester Williams - Commander, Southside: "Well I will tell you that it is up in deed, but in the past Belize District use to be that have the murder count so high. But I will tell you that from all the different regions the Belize region is the only region that has the murder count below where it was last year." ACP Edward Broaster - OC, Eastern Division Rural: "While in Belize City, the murders are mixed between gangs and sometime alcohol and other disputes. In the Cayo District it's mostly alcohol and domestic."

Are New Bus Fares Fair?
In early September, we told you about the proposed increase in bus fares. Minister of Transport Edmond Castro had been meeting with several bus companies to try and come up with a new cost structure, but from what we understood, they were still in the consultation stage. Well, that period is over and the increase has been in effect since October 29th. Now for those commuters who are scratching your heads because you haven't been paying any extra, it seems not all bus companies have started implementing this price hike - not yet, but it is official and the Transport Department has authorized it. A representative from the department told us that this raise was needed to pay for high price fuels especially for those runs down south. The new cost structure is set between 12 cents and 14 cents per mile within 100 miles - that is how the new fares are calculated. So, for instance express from Belmopan to Belize is now $7.00 dollars and regular is $6.00 dollars - both up from five dollars. Now how will the commuters benefit from this increase...Shouldn't commuters demand better service as well? The Transport Representative told us that they will be moving towards a ticketing system, and will try to eliminate the standees situation. We won't hold our breath...

Guatemalan Congress Approves Amendment to Special Agreement, Makes Way For Referendum
One and a half years after the amendment to the special agreement was signed, Guatemala's congress has finally approved the document. According to an article in today's Prensa Libre, 88 of 158 members of Congress voted yesterday to approve the decree. It allows Guatemala to hold a referendum on whether its Citizens want to take the territorial dispute to the ICJ. Under the terms of the amended agreement, the referendum can be held "simultaneously or separately," on dates most convenient for each country. Guatemala usually holds elections on Sunday, while Belize usually holds it on Wednesday's or Thursday's. With this passage by congress, Guatemala will now look to Belize to amend its referendum law to allow a simple majority to carry the vote. There's no certainty yet whether the Barrow administration will agree to this.

"Don't Call Me Baby!"
If you were wondering what a bunch of women in orange shirts were doing on University Drive today, they were marching against street harassment. It's called the "Don't call me baby" movement and it addresses the constant pestering that women and even school girls have to deal every day from men. Counselor at the University of Belize Renee Wentz told us this evening that this is a form gender based violence and that men need to be more aware of the effect their words and actions have on a woman's everyday life. Renee Wentz, Cunselor - UB Belize: "Street harassment, all women experienced it. In fact most of the women I've spoken to started to experience when they were little girls in primary school and if people don't know what street harassment is, its basically "psst" and the rude comments and the "hey sexy" and the "hey baby" kinds of comments that women get on the street every day."

Anwar Says Adios, BTL Looking For New CEO
The Prime Minister's son Anwar Barrow has attracted a storm of controversy in his two and a half years as Chairman of BTL's Executive Committee, effective working as the CEO of the state owned phone company. Well, just as he said he would, Anwar Barrow is leaving that office and said as much in a letter to staff a week ago. And there's no successor in place. This morning, BTL started advertising for the post of a new CEO, for a company, quote "with the goal of becoming one of the leading telecoms operators in the region by 2020." The deadline for submissions is the end of this month, and on his departure from the top post, Barrow told employees that a candidate should be selected by year's end. Barrow will stay on as a member of the Board of Directors.

Defence Minister Saldivar Keeps Touring
Last month, Defence Minister John Saldivar, was put on a one week suspension while the Prime Minister received legal advice about Saldivar's alleged business relationship with William Danny Mason. Saldivar was reinstated at the end of October, and since then, he's been busy touring the country, and visiting various BDF instillations. Yesterday, Saldivar visited Camp Belizario in the Cayo District, where he was briefed on the security functions of the base. He was also updated about Exercise Tropical Dagger 16, a military training exercise involving the BDF and security forces from Jamaica, Canada and the US. He also went on a fly-over of the Belize - Guatemala border. The Minister has been assessing the state of readiness and level of efficiency of the BDF instillations, especially along the Belize/Guatemala border.

Mexicans And Guatemalans Shine In Table Tennis
The 2016 Central American Senior Table Tennis Championships continued today with the team competition. After a morning full of action the Mexican Men's and Guatemalan Women's teams came out in the top spot for their categories. But the tournament is still far from over. The Belize Table Tennis Association's President, Arturo Vasquez, told us about how the young Belize team fared against their more experienced opponents and what we can expect to see from them going forward. Belize is being represented by athletes between the ages of eleven and fifteen in a tournament with much older competitors. The championship tournament will continue on to Saturday.

Mexico Celebrates Garifuna
If you want to start off your Garifuna Settlement Day celebration early then you should head over to the Mexican Institute in Belize City where, as per tradition, the Mexicans are celebrating the garifuna. Its all about celebrating Garifuna culture. Cultural Attache Diego Sapien told us why everyone should attend. It started at 6:00 at the Mexican Institute.

Channel 5

Jordan Cayetano is Free of Murder Charge in 2011 Death of Chinese Grocer
For the second time this week, a man accused of murder has been set free. Again, it is due to police coercing a confession out of a suspect without supporting [...]

European Couple Loses Vehicle to Home Invaders; Were They Threatened?
During a meeting with the press this morning in Ladyville, Belize District,  reports started coming in to Police that a foreign-born couple living in Belize had been kidnapped. Police recovered [...]

Orange Walk Cop Charged in Police Brutality Case
An Orange Walk cop is tonight out on bail after he was charged and arraigned for the wounding of a Guinea Grass resident. In a most recent allegation of police [...]

Harvest Caye Opened in Closed Ceremony
After four years, Belize’s first cruise ship port, Harvest Caye in southern Belize, was formally opened for business today. It is not known why the press was not invited to [...]

European Cruise Line Makes First Appearance in Belize
And while NCL opened its port down south and will no longer be calling at the Fort Street Tourist Village here in the City, tour operators here are getting ready [...]

Police Searching for Missing Fisherman in Capsized Boat
A fisherman remains lost at sea tonight after a vessel he was traveling in capsized near Tobacco Caye.  The Dangriga resident has been identified only as Mister Locario.  According to [...]

Northern Businessmen Fingered for Drugs & Undersized Conch
Businessman Albert Jerry Guy appeared in court on two separate this week where he pleaded guilty to possession of drugs and undersized conch. GSU were on patrol on Water Lane [...]

No More Street Harassment for Belizean Women
Hissing and making lewd remarks to women is considered a form of violence and in some cases these actions escalate to attacks. Well today, a group of students—particularly females from [...]

Anti-Harassment March Encourages Women’s Empowerment
According to Wentz, the initiative is to empower women, who are victims of street harassment. She says that the students are learning how to respond—keeping themselves safe while getting men [...]

Police Get Ready to CHARM Belize District Residents
From November twentieth to the twenty-sixth, residents of Eastern Division will be CHARMed by the division’s Police contingent. In this case, it’s not just hearts and flowers, but Changing Hearts [...]

CHARM Activities Intended to Unite Police and Citizens
The documentaries will be produced by a local production company and run for twenty to thirty minutes in primetime. Assistant Commissioner Deziree Phillips of Eastern Division North explains some of [...]

DiCaprio’s Blackadore Caye Looking Good!
British newspaper The Telegraph, among other international media sources, has shown renderings of the plans for actor Leonardo DiCaprio’s planned eco-tourism report on Blacakdore Caye, west of San Pedro. With [...]

Belize Hosts Regional Table Tennis Tournament
There is an ongoing table tennis competition in Belize. Players from neighboring countries in Central America except for Nicaragua are competing in the 2016 Central American Senior Table Tennis Championships. [...]

The Drones are Coming for Ministry of Agriculture
The Ministry of Agriculture just got some brand new tech to help them gather data and do other work that is critical to the ministry. Drones have been used primarily [...]

How You Can Spend the 19th in Belize City
Festivities in commemoration of Garifuna Settlement Day have begun across the country.  In Belize City, there is a full itinerary of events leading up to the Nineteenth of November.  The [...]

Mexican Embassy Honors Garifuna Culture
Every year, the Mexican Embassy through its Institute of Culture celebrates Garifuna Settlement Day along with the local Garifuna communities in Belize. In 2016, an exhibition by Pen Cayetano, entitled [...]

Healthy Living: Exercising for Your Mental Health
If you’ve been putting off getting into an exercise routine; then maybe the next segment of Healthy Living will give you the added push. Exercise – we all know by [...]

CTV3

Family Request Stiffer Charges for COP Who Attacked Their Love One
On Tuesday Orange Walk police arrested and charged one of their own, Police Constable Jaime Gongora, after a report of police brutality was made against him by twenty one year old Hugo Noh, a Guinea Grass resident. As previously reported, during his arraignment, Gongora plead not guilty and was offered bail in the sum of $4,000 plus one surety of the same amount. Today we contacted Noh’s younger sister, who informed our news team that the family is not at all happy with how the case was handled. According to Liela Noh, the officer should have been imposed a stiffer punishment for having inflicting severe injuries to her brother.

Transport Officers Discusses Bus Fare
Bus commuters have been hit with the bad news that bus rates will be going up. The Ministry of Transport made changes to the bus fares about two weeks ago, without holding any public consultation. This has led to some frustration in the transport sector, at least here in the north, as there are some bus owners that are already charging the new rates while others aren’t yet. So what are those rates? Well, from Belize City to Orange Walk commuters will now pay $6.50 on a regular bus instead of $4.00. Express buses will charge $7.00 instead of the previous $5.00. From Belize City to Corozal, the new fare is $10.00 on regular bus, and $11.00 on express bus. The first 12 miles of any trip will cost $2. From there, the fares go up at a rate of 12 to 14 cents per mile for buses travelling in the north.

BNTU Injunction Case Against Government Goes To Court Tomorrow
In an effort to halt the Ministry of Education’s plan to dock the salaries of those teachers who took part in their 11 day strike in October, the BNTU applied for an injunction on the Ministry of Education in the Supreme Court. That injunction will be heard tomorrow at the Supreme Court in Belize City, where the faith of the Teacher’s salary will be determined. Today we spoke to President of BNTU Orange Walk, Otilio Munoz, who encouraged all Orange Walk teachers to wear their Green “Teechaz gat yuh back” t-shirt to show solidarity for the BNTU during the very decisive time for all educators.

Businesses Come Together To Assist BNTU Orange Walk
While it will be decided tomorrow if the teachers who participated in the 11 day strike back in October, will be paid at the end of November, residents of Orange Walk are still currently raising funds to assist BNTU Orange Walk with expenses incurred during their strike action. As previously reported, there are two raffles currently being organized to raise funds for the teachers here in Orange Walk, the first which is being organized by the Restaurateurs of town, will be raffled on Monday. Otilio Munoz- President BNTU Orange Walk Branch: “I’m very excited and overwhelmed with the support that the Orange Walk Business community is giving especially the four restaurants that came together; we have Nahil Mayab, Cosina Sabor, Maracas and Tanz Pizza, these are the four restaurants that got together and they decided that they will be helping the teachers who are on strike from the Belize National Teachers Union...”

Criminals On The Loose, They Targeted Chinese Business Store
It has barely been a month since Happy Family Store opened in San Joaquin Village and it has already fallen victim to an armed robbery. Reports are that around 9:30 this morning, two masked armed men entered the store located at Mile 79 on the Phillip Goldson Highway and held up the Chinese store-owner’s wife who was behind the cashier, the store assistant and a customer inside the store. The men pointed guns at them and demanded money. The cashier showed no resistance and fearing for her life, she handed over money. Unconfirmed reports are that the men took about $4,000 plus valuable items before running towards the back streets in the community.

LOVE FM

Man Goes Missing After Boat Capsized in Southern Belize
A private skiff carrying five adults and a toddler capsized this afternoon at around two o’clock just outside Dangriga. As a result, one man is missing at sea and officials from the Belize Coast Guard and the Fisheries Department are looking for the individual. Reports reaching Love News are that the boat was heading to […]

Norwegian Dawn – 1st Call to Harvest Caye in Southern Belize
The much talked about Harvest Caye Cruise Shipping Port was officially opened today as it welcomed the Norwegian Dawn cruise ship as the first vessel to call to its port. The media was not invited to witness its first cruise call but the Belize Tourism Board did issue a press release in which it stated […]

Seafood Plant – A Plus for the Fishermen and Economy
The Rainforest Seafood Belize Processing Plant was officially opened today in southern Belize. The plant is a CARICOM project that will benefit local fishermen whilst giving a boost to Belize’s export market. Attending the official opening was Agriculture Minister, Godwin Hulse who spoke with Love News. GODWIN HULSE “There was also the opening of the […]

Belize Getting a Banana Boost
Minister of Agriculture, Godwin Hulse met today with the Banana Growers Association in the Stann Creek District. The banana industry is one that saw several challenges in recent history but things may be looking up according to Minister Hulse. GODWIN HULSE “Well first of all I met with the Banana Growers Association that was an […]

A Couple Kidnapped? Police Left Clueless
Police have gotten word of an apparent kidnapping that occurred last night in Gales Point Manatee in the Belize District. According to police, a foreign couple escaped unhurt from kidnappers sometime last night. A complaint was made early this morning to Hattieville Police and investigator, Corporal Ian Geban shared with the media some preliminary information. […]

Police Officer Charged for Assaulting Civilian
An officer attached to the Orange Walk Police Station was arraigned in court yesterday after a resident of Guinea Grass Village reported a case of police brutality. The incident occurred on November 6 in the said village against Hugo Noh. According to reports Police Constable Jaime Gongora assaulted Noh with a pistol following an altercation […]

The Gunman’s Bullet with No Name
One common sentiment that has been noted on social media or heard on the streets over the last few days is one regarding the state of mind of the gunmen and the criminal elements that are able to kill and shoot others. For one who has no affiliation with anyone in the criminal world, it […]

Police Commanders Tackling Crime
Even though the country is divided into different police jurisdictions, each commanding officer has his or her own preventative methods in fighting crimes. With the recent spike in crimes, the media had an opportunity to ask ACP Chester Williams, ACP Edward Broaster and ACP Dezerie Phillips, all commanders for Eastern Division, how they plan to […]

National Forensics Loses Evidence in Murder Trial
Twenty-three year old Jordan Cayetano, charged with the murder of 32 year old Chinese shopkeeper, Yan Ying Chen, walked out of the court of Justice John Gonzalez a free man today when a nolle prosequi was entered, indicating that the prosecution does not wish to proceed. Chen was shot three times at around 1:30 p.m. on April […]

Defence Minister Tours Bases and Camps Out West
Minister of Defence, John Saldivar is in the western part of the country on his familiarization tour of the bases for the Belize Defence Force. Yesterday, Minister Saldivar was accompanied by BDF’s Deputy Commander, Colonel Steven Ortega at the Belizario Camp in Central Farm, Cayo District. He took a full tour of the facility there […]

The Guardian

Superbond renegotiations commence
Prime Minister Dean Barrow, Economic Ambassador Mark Espat, and Financial Secretary Joseph Waight were in New York City from Monday, November 7 to Saturday, November 12. They went there to meet with Belize’s financial and legal advisors to discuss a restructuring effort of the Superbond. Foreseeing that financial hard times could beset the country, the Barrow Government is trying to renegotiate relief for the country’s finances from the Superbond. All this is important so that the repayment for the PUP’s misuse of public funds during the 1998 to 2008 era doesn’t strain the pockets of Belizeans to breaking point. Readers will never forget that the Musa Government squandered over a billion dollars which they borrowed on behalf of the Belizean people, which never benefited anyone but the elected politicians of that time and their cronies. That 530 Million-US-Dollar ball and chain is what the Barrow Government has been dragging around for the past 8 years and 9 months, while trying to stir economic growth and development for the people of Belize. The Government very rarely acknowledges the burden of the PUP’s Superbond, but it does come up very infrequently, when the Barrow Administration is unable to make adjustments to the country’s finances as managers to ensure that Belize can meet all its obligations.

Anthony Crawford arraigned for attempting to kill 13 year old girl
Anthony Crawford, 33, is back behind bars at the Belize Central Prison for attempting to kill a 13-year-old girl. Crawford was out on Supreme Court bail for a charge of attempted murder and is now facing his second such charge in less than five months. Police initial investigation revealed that at about 10 p.m. on Sunday, November 13, the minor was outside her neighbour’s house on Racoon Street Extension when they heard about 5 loud bangs from somewhere close by. She managed to run into the house before realizing that she was bleeding from the left side of her face. That was when she heard several more shots and looked to see where the shots were coming from. The girl told police she saw a man dressed in a white under shirt and ¾ pants who she recognized as Anthony Crawford with what appeared to be a firearm in his right hand still firing shots in the air. The girl was later taken to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital where she was treated for a graze to the face.

October 5 fire claims last victim
Despite best efforts by doctors at Shriners Hospital in Galveston Texas, 8 year old Empress Hamilton the last surviving child who was burnt during a fire on Aloe Vera Street on October 5 died while undergoing treatment. Empress along with 4 year old Ian Carr had been flown out of the country to Shriners on October 7 for medical treatment. They were there receiving treatment but on October 9, Ian succumbed to the burns he sustained. Now one week later Empress has passed away. During the blaze 11 year old Aaron Gabourel died inside the house at the time of the fire.

Karim spits into the sky
PUP politics it seems has no bounds . On Tuesday it was the PUP Leader who played politics with the death of young Tyler Savery. Tyler, a seven year old boy who was a student of St Joseph Primary School was ruthlessly murdered last week Friday around 4:30 pm, as he was being carried by an adult cousin Porshan Pipersburg, to a shop on Daly Street to buy a milkshake, as he usually does. The cousin Porshan Pipersburg with whom Tyler was with was also shot in the same incident and died a day later. John Briceno’s comments were political, but at least he did not make them at the child’s funeral. Kareem Musa was not as measured when he went on an all out POLITICAL DIATRIBE on Wednesday at the child’s funeral. Kareem did not spare any words to launch a vile political attack on the government. We will not go into all the things Kareem said because we think he already had his five minutes in the sun. However we will address only one issue he raised. He spoke about the giving people land that they be able to move out of the overcrowded and impoverished conditions. He needs to speak to his father. He unlike any other person has benefitted from persons living in those conditions. It was not the UDP that built those LONGBARRACK to stock voters.

More Development for Belize Rural North Villages
With the Hurricane Season almost officially over, Minister of National Emergency Management and Area Representative for Belize Rural North, Hon. Edmond Castro, has embarked on a flood mitigation program in conjunction with the upgrading of streets in villages throughout his constituency. Currently, a number of streets in the community of Maxborro in Sandhill Village, which have been prone to seasonal flooding, are being elevated, graded and rolled, while drains are also being dug and cleared. The same is occurring in the Horse Racing Track area of Burrell Boom Village. Similar street upgrade and flood mitigation measures will be carried out throughout the constituency of Belize Rural North between now and the start of the next Hurricane Season on June 1, 2017. Hon. Edmond Castro says his Ministry and the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) are looking at a number of other areas countrywide to execute similar projects to mitigate seasonal flooding.

Killer of 7 year old boy charged with murder
Police have arrested and charged 18 year-old Jayear Flores, a Curassow Street resident for the double murder of 7 year-old Tyler Savery, and 22 year-old Porshan Pipersburgh. He is at the Belize Central Prison after being arraigned in Magistrate’s Court. On Tuesday, evening, November 15, Flores was arraigned before Magistrate Carlon Mendoza on two counts of murder, and due to the nature of the offenses, no plea was taken from him, and he couldn’t be granted bail. He was remanded to the Belize Central Prison until January 24, 2017. The incident happened on Friday evening at around 4:30 p.m. on Daly Street. Little Tyler was in the company of his older cousin, Porshan Pipersburgh, who was taking him on bicycle to Moon Clusters Cafe. According to his grieving grandmother, Victoria Avilez, and heartbroken mother, Shakera Young, Tyler went with his cousin, so that he could get his favorite Friday evening treat, a milkshake. He was to have gone with his grandmother, but Porshan came by on his bike, and volunteered to take him. That’s how he ended up in the care of his older cousin. They were only a short distance away from Moon Clusters when they were ambushed by several men in a white 4-door car.

BNTU sues GOB
The Belize National Teachers Union has retained PUP Senator Eamon Courtenay to sue Deputy Prime Minister Patrick Faber for his and the Education Ministry’s decision to dock the salary of all those teachers who participated in that 11-day strike which now has the nation’s students behind on work, for which they need to sacrifice a portion of their holidays to make up. On behalf of the BNTU, Courtenay has filed an urgent application for injunction, seeking to restrain the Ministry from moving forward with the November docking of the teachers pay. The claimants are the BNTU and Adelaida Guerra, a member of the Union. The respondents are Education Minister Patrick Faber and the Attorney General. The reason for the injunction, the claimants say, is that the teachers are scheduled to be paid on Friday, February 25, and while the dispute remains unresolved, the least harm will be done to the teachers, who are reportedly looking forward to their November paycheck to prepare for the Christmas Holidays.

Johnny Briceno - deflect on Superbond, Criticize Rt. Hon. Musa and Praise Trump
The most common criticism of Hon. Johnny Briceno is that he is an empty vessel. He is not the type of orator that Belizeans expect a Prime Minister to be. Some have linked his inability to articulate at an elite level to being less intelligent than the other men we have seen in leadership position in the two mass parties. Everyone is quick to point out how nice and straight forward of a guy he is. This caricature of a charismatic dimwit has limited his ability to inspire any meaningful social movement. He probably knows it too. This is what prompts an individual to rely on accomplished speech writers and dedicate ears to the lips of eloquent legal experts. Therefore, no one can accuse Briceno of not putting in the effort to get an intimate grasp on national issues. Briceno’s weakness is not his dedication or lack of. The content in his conversations about complex national and regional issues combined with his successful business and political career should nullify questions about his level of intelligence. Where Johnny struggles are in the areas of delivery and rebuttal. Every time he speaks publicly he puts his foot in his mouth and he drives his leg deep down into the throat when he is challenged on his statements. Well, (Shaking My Darn Head) Johnny done did it again!

BWS - awarding 140 combined years of dedicated service
The Belize Water Services Limited (BWS) today held a Long Service Awards Ceremony honoring seven employees who have given a combined total of 140 years of dedicated service to the company. The program of events, guided by the company’s Public Relations Officer Lisa McFadzean, included the singing of our National Anthem by Tara Williams followed by the welcome address by the company’s Human Resources/Public Relations Officer, Haydon Brown. The opening remarks was delivered by the Chairman of the Board of Directors, Alberto August while reflections were delivered by the Deputy Chairman of the Board, Winston Michael and by the company’s Operations Manager, Dave Pascascio. The highlight of the event was the presentation of certificates to the seven awardees as follows: For 10 Years of Service each: Andrea Diane Pacheco and Gerardo Castaneda, For 15 Years of Service: Alvan Haynes, Chief Executive Officer, For 20 Years of Service: Paul Lino, For 25 Years of Service: George Roches and For 30 Years of Service each: Kent Nunez and Robert Ramsey.

Cayo schedule for Garifuna Celebrations released
A calendar of events for the Cayo District, leading to the Garifuna Settlement Day celebration on the 19th of November has been released. On hand at the announcements and informational displays at the Cayo Welcome Center on Saturday, were members of the National Garifuna Council as well as the Mayor of San Ignacio and Santa Elena Earl Trapp Junior, who all urged everyone to come out and partake in the celebrations. Mayor Trapp has written that it is just appropriate that we celebrate this year’s Garifuna Settlement Day Celebrations under the theme: Risiti, Pantati, Gabafuti lunrahowa meme la Garifuna; rich proud and powerful, let us continue to preserve it. He was joined in that call by Cynthia Ellis, President of the National Garifuna Council for the San Ignacio Branch.

Belize City Mayor says trade license reform will cost CITCO $900,000
Over the past few months the Belize City Council has been undergoing a trade license reform process where it is looking at lessening the tax burden on businesses across the city. The Guardian spoke to Mayor Bradley and he explained that the process is stalled at this point in time because the new trade license proposal has to have legal amendments which will affect all 9 municipalities across the country. Those municipalities says Bradley have great concerns of loss of revenue as a result of the trade license restructuring. For it’s part, Citco stands to lose some 900 thousand dollars in revenue. This revenue loss says the mayor will be offset by an increase in businesses who will take on to do business legitimately in Belize city as a result of cheaper trade fees. This added to the fact that Citco has been working at revenue replacement will cause the council to have a minimum financial shock.

Citco prepares for 12 days of service to Belize City residents
The Belize City Council is embarking on a program called ‘12 Days of Charity.’ Mayor Darrell Bradley says the program is modeled off the 12 days of Christmas where the City Council will embark on non-cash social programs to make life better for residents of the city. He says the 12 days will be between the 1st and the 16th of December and will include the various departments within the council having community outreach programs for 12 working days in that time span. He says that there will be numerous activities including the distribution of school bags and books to school children and having the sanitation department clean up yards and paint homes for various residents. Bradley says that it is in the spirit of being a blessing on other people and sharing that during the Christmas Season and beyond. He concluded that it is all about citizen involvement to make Belize City and its people be a better place through service.

Climate change focused innovators
Climate Change may be the number one national security threat to low-lying Belize. Data shows that over the past 40 years there has been a warming of between 1.6 to 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit along the coast and interior of Belize. Experts say this is extremely alarming, considering the fact that the globe warmed by only 1.4 degrees Fahrenheit over this period of time. Meaning, Belize is warming faster than the globe. What is even more concerning is that Belize is not really a huge ozone polluter. Therefore, this country that has very little impact on the degradation of the global environment is feeling the effects at an above average level. It is disheartening for even the most optimistic environmentalists but the work must continue. Belize continues to do its part to promote environmentally friendly initiatives and build climate change resiliency. The most recent initiative is a partnership with the Caribbean Climate Innovation Center (CCIC) aimed at encouraging environmentally friendly innovation.

Locally based film screened in Cayo
A 25 minute film, produced in Belize was screened at the Cayo Welcome Center in San Ignacio on Friday night. Forming part of the presentation by the Belize International Film Festival, the screening of Yochi had the presence of both the film director and main actor. Film Director of Yochi, Ilana Lapid, told her audience that her film attempts to bring across a message that the Yellow Headed Parrot faces extinction as a result of poaching. Our viewing of the entire film revealed that the main actor, played by Cayo resident Evan Martinez, was indebted to someone else and needed some quick money by selling the parrots. But his little brother --in real life as nine year old Kerry Landero--was able to dissuade him from selling the parrots and the birds were taken back to their nesting site.

Ministry of Health improves monitoring of safety in health care providers
Minister of Health, Hon. Pablo Marin and Minister of Labour, Local Government and Rural Development, Hon. Hugo Patt on Wednesday November 16, signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the purposes of improving the monitoring and control of peddling activities in Belize. Recognizing that there are concerns over products that are made available to the public through peddling activities, the Ministry of Health is being proactive where prior to granting of trade licenses, facilities which include clinics, pharmacies, imaging services, nutrient stores etc.; should hold a Ministry of Health permit/license to ensure it meets minimal Public Health Standards and other safety standards. The issuing body for such a permit will be the Licensing and Accreditation Unit of the Ministry of Health.

San Ignacio Police Formation gets new vehicle
The Spanish Lookout community on Tuesday evening handed over a brand new vehicle to the San Ignacio police formation in the form of a Foton Pickup Truck. This was possible after months of negotiations between the police department’s Cayo Formation and the Spanish Lookout Community in conjunction with the Spanish Lookout Business Bureau. The vehicle will be assigned to the Cayo Rural West Formation which is responsible for some 17 villages around the San Ignacio Area. This vehicle comes at an opportune time as the formation is the largest in the country with over 38 communities spread over a vast area. A release from the Ministry of Home Affairs states that this is an excellent example of the Community and the Police working in partnership for a safer Belize.

Mark Lizarraga attempts to double dip from government
Last week the Senate Select Committee to investigate wrongdoings at the Immigration and Nationality department got underway. While the proceedings were carried live on at least one television station, what was not carried live and was never made public was what took place behind the scenes during the preparation of the meeting. The Guardian Newspaper has confirmed that just before the meeting got underway there were two strange requests made by Senator Markhelm Lizarraga. One of those requests was that his brother be paid to carry the proceedings on television. While that may not be out of the ordinary, after all resources were used up to do the work, what was is another request he made. Apparently Lizarraga minced no words when he point blankly asked that he needed to be paid extra for being a part of the Committee. He was very brave and even justified the request stating that this time of the year was the busiest for him and he needed to be in his office instead of at the Senate Meetings. He however said that the dilemma could be overcome if he were to be compensated for the time that he was at the meeting.

Hecto Silva finally shuts up
On Friday we saw a very strange Facebook post , the post was from Belize’s number 1 SERIAL CALLER ,DON HECTO SILVA . For clarity we will share the entire post, so that the essence of what he said is not lost in our editorializing. The following is the post that we have lifted from his Facebook page. “IN RESPONSE TO A MANY CALLS, I HAVE RECEIVED from some of my many Fans of my Radio/TV participation, over the many years, especially on the Morning Shows, - I wish to inform them, that regrettably, because of the HIGH COST of Telephone Calls, I HAVE DECIDED TO CALL IT QUITS on this Medium. - - Thank you all for your support. and appreciation over the years. - I will continue sending my messages on FACE BOOK. - THANK YOU ALL.”

New Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to Belize presents credentials
H.E. Mr. Charles Keh-yue Liu, Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan), today presented his Letters of Credence to the Governor General of Belize H.E. Sir Colville Young at the Belize House in Belmopan. Ambassador Liu expressed his pleasure in being a representative of his country in Belize and conveyed his country’s pleasure in continuing the strong diplomatic relationship and friendship between the two countries. The Governor General warmly welcomed and received the Ambassador’s credentials. Ambassador Liu was accompanied by members of the ROC Taiwan Embassy in Belize.

Tilapia farming workshop held in Cayo
Tilapia producers in Belize, students and other technicians continue to receive training to advance their knowledge on freshwater tilapia fish cultivation and processing. The second workshop for this year was held on Wednesday of this week at the Tilapia Hatchery Center on the Baking Pot Road in Central Farm, Cayo. Run by Taiwan’s Aquaculture Project in collaboration with the Government of Belize, the Tilapia Hatchery Center is also producing tilapia fingerlings to meet the demand of tilapia farming in the whole country. The five year Taiwan’s International Cooperation and Development Fund ICDF sponsored project-- worth US$2,500,000--began in February 2012 and comes to an end in the next three months. But Pablo Hong, Project Manager of the Government of Belize and Republic of China Aquaculture Project told participants this morning that “…this is not the ending, this is beginning.”

Jordan Cayetano on trial for Chinese grocer’s murder
Jordan Jamar Cayetano, 23, will soon learn his fate in trial for the murder of Chinese grocer, Yan Ying Chen, 32. A very distraught and frustrated Chinese community took to the streets over the killing of two Chinese businesswomen in April of 2011. Yan Ying Chen and Fei Lan Wu were shot and killed over the span of less than two hours on Saturday, April 2, 2011 in apparently random shootings. Word on the street is that the shootings were a message to the police from angry gang leaders. The reaction to those senseless killings was a business shutdown sparked by the Chinese community. Police investigation led to the arrest and charge of Jordan Jamar Cayetano, 18, for one count of murder, one count of keeping an unlicensed firearm and one count of keeping unlicensed ammunition.

Another charged for violent reaction to baby Kaylee’s death
Police have arrested a fourth person in connection with the almost deadly beat down that Richie Jones, 20, suffered at the hands of an angry mob following the death of 2-year-old Kaylee Alvarez. Kaylee’s father, Glenford Alvarez, 23, is on remand at the Belize Central Prison after he was arraigned for use of deadly means of harm and dangerous harm upon Jones. Kaylee Alvarez perished in a fire that destroyed the home of Phyllis Rhaburn on Thursday, October 27. Later that evening, someone produced a video recorded by phone showing a man fleeing Rhaburn’s yard shortly after the fire started. That individual was identified by Conch Shell Bay residents as Richie Jones, 20, also of Conch Shell Bay. Richie left his house early the following morning, October 28, to start his day and take a circle around the block. It was around 8 o’ clock when relatives and friends of the grieving family spotted Jones near the Vernon Street Bridge. An angry mob went immediately after the unsuspecting youth and unleashed a brutal beating. “Fortunately” for Jones, he was knocked out in the early stage of the attack with a piece of two by four lumber.

Grandmother robbed, killed and buried by family members
Dangriga Police are investigating the very gruesome murder of 63 year-old Salvadoran Victoria Castillo. The family members of this grandmother found her body buried in the backyard of her Dangriga Town home. Her friends realized that they hadn’t seen her around for a few days, all the way up to Wednesday, November 9. So, when her husband returned from Guatemala, they alerted him to her unusual absence. He immediately reported her missing to the police, and the family and friends formed search parties to try to find her themselves. Their worst fears were confirmed on Saturday, November 12, when Victoria Castillo’s daughter, Gloria, found her body in a shallow grave in the yard. The Police dug up the area and that’s when they found her wrapped in a tarp; she had suffered multiple chop wounds to the chest, and her neck was almost completely severed.

PIV’s “Flash” remanded for Andrew Williams’ murder
Kareem “Flash” Smith, 28, a Peace in the Village (PIV) associate of Holy Emmanuel Street, is on remand at the Belize Central Prison again. This time he has been charged for the murder of taxi driver Andrew Williams, 41, who was shot and killed just after midnight on Saturday. Police say Williams was driving up Mahogany Street with a passenger and as he reached the intersection with Periwinkle Street two males walked out from Tibruce Street and fired several shots at the vehicle. The vehicle turned and crashed into a small wooden structure on the side of the road. Police arrived at the scene shortly after and found Williams’ lifeless body inside the car. Police investigation led to the arrest of Kareem Smith. Smith was arraigned before Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith on Monday, November 14, 2016. He was unrepresented as a single charge of murder was read to him. Due to the nature of the offense, no plea was taken and Smith was remanded to the Belize Central Prison until January 25, 2017.

Belizean killed in Guatemala
Funeral services were held on Tuesday November 15 for Wilber Abriel Sanchez in the village of Arenal in the Cayo district. Sanchez, also known as Jimmy crossed over into Melchor at around 8:56 on Sunday morning and he was reportedly killed between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. on that same day. His body was found in a farm in Melchor and it had massive trauma to the head where his skull had been peeled back from his head and inside his right forearm he had what appeared to be the initials M and U written on it apparently with a blade. Police in Guatemala are investigating this murder and they may be looking at the possibility of any connection his murder may have with the killing of his brother, Mario Sanchez and another man which also took place in Melchor, Guatemala a few months ago.

Shelly Meighan forgives Roger Anthony and Kendis Flowers
Two notorious Ghost Town figures are free of attempted murder charges after the woman they allegedly tried to kill said she has forgiven them and wants no further court action against them. In October of 2014, Shelly Meighan, mother of Tyrone and Ellis Meighan Jr., reported to police that on Saturday, October 26, she was inside her house on Banak Street when she saw Roger Anthony wearing a camouflage outfit and a warm cap. They allegedly exchanged harsh words and immediately after Anthony allegedly opened fire on the Meighan’s residence; breaking four window louvers, piercing a bedroom door and the cement walls with the spray of bullets. Fortunately, no one was injured and quick police response led to the detention of Anthony and Kendis Flowers, 23, who were hiding in a lot next to the Meighan residence. The officers reportedly seized a chrome 9 mm pistol which had 6 live rounds of ammunition. Both Anthony and Flowers were charged with attempted murder, damage to property, and aggravated assault. Anthony was also charged separately with keeping an unlicensed firearm and keeping unlicensed ammunition. Both men were later released on Supreme Court bail.

Sherman Mcfarlane shot and killed in Libertad village
Police in Corozal are investigating the murder of Sherman Mcfarlane who was shot and killed in Libertad village on Tuesday night. Police investigations so far have determined that Mcfarlane, 22, was found in a slouched position near to a vehicle. He had a single gunshot wound to the right cheek. Reports are that 4 men laid wait on Mcfarlane in some bushy area near to where he was executed. When Mcfarlane made his way to the area one of the assailants, a dark skinned man wearing a camouflage jacket and a red rag over his face snuck up on him and fired a single gunshot killing him on the spot. Police report that Mcfarlane had an argument with some men in the village the day before his death during which he was threatened. Police have detained one individual on this latest murder.

Drunk thief steals bike from in front of police station
Samson Teck, 25, of a Mahogany Street address in Belize City is lucky to be out in the general population after he pleaded guilty to stealing a security guard’s bicycle that was parked in front of a police station. Security guard Deon Brackett, 55, reported to police that he was buying food at a stall in front of Queen Street Police Station at about 9:30 p.m. on Monday, November 14, when a Hispanic man took off on his green 26 inch frame beach cruiser valued at $325. Brackett shouted, “weh yuh gwen with mih bike? “ but the thief just rode faster. Fortunately for Brackett, the thief rode straight into police at the corner of Hyde’s Lane and New Road. Police stopped and detained the culprit. He was taken back to the police station where he was identified as Samson Teck.

Belize to participate in UNCAF U-17 World Cup Qualifier
The National U-17 Football Team of Belize will participate in the UNCAF U-17 Elimination round for FIFA U-17 World Cup Qualifier that will be taking place in San Jose, Costa Rica. The delegation left the country on Avianca at 12:15 p.m. on Tuesday, 15th November, 2016. The elimination round is scheduled to take place from November 17th to the 26th. All matches will be played on artificial turf at the Estadio Ernesto Rohrmoser in San Jose, Costa Rica. Team Belize will be playing its first match against the host country Costa Rica on November 17th, against Honduras on November 19th, El Salvador on November 21st and Nicaragua on November 24th. The delegation will return to Belize on November 25th, 2016.

Belize District wins National Primary Schools Athletics meet
The National Sports Council held the National Primary Schools Track and Field Meet on Thursday 10th November, 2016, at the Marion Jones Sports Complex in Belize City. At the end of the meet, it was the Belize District that captured first place in the championship. Infant “B” Female (9-11) Years

East Coast Ballerz and Jumanji won Sugar City Hoops Competition
The 2016 Sugar City Hoops Competition came to an end on Saturday 12th November, 2016 at the East Sports Centre in Orange Walk Town with the third and final game in the two categories. In the U- 17 championship game, East Coast Ballerz captured the title when it upended Ever Ballaz by the score of 48-43. The top scorers for East Coast Ballerz were Kristan Puerto with 18 points, 15 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals and 1 block; Javier Rosado with 14 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals and Norris Fisher with 10 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 block. For Ever Ballaz, the top scorers were Tyrique Dawson with 25 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals; Rasheed Reneau with 12 points, 11 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal and Shane Pollard with 6 points, 2 rebounds, 3 steals and 1 assist.

Belmopan Bandits maintain lead in Premier League Opening Season
The Premier League of Belize Opening Season competition continued over the last weekend with a number of games on the schedule. On Saturday 12th November, 2016, at the Louisiana Football Field in Orange Walk Town, the visiting FC Belize edged out Orange Walk United FC by the score of 4-3. FC Belize made it onto the scoreboard first when Andrew Estelle scored the 1st goal of the game in the 15th minute of play to give his team a 1-0 lead. The lead was further increase when Jordi Lopez scored his team 2nd goal of the game via a penalty kick in the 19th minute of play for a 2-0 lead.

Same old dead horse
This time I have a valid excuse for being AWOL for three weeks. My father who resides in Chicago had invited me to visit him after he heard of my condition. In my mind I assumed he wanted to take me to see a top neurologist in the state of Illinois, so I consulted my BELIZEAN doctor, Dr. John Sosa, if it was safe for me to fly the FRIENDLY SKIES and he gave me the green light, so off I went for two weeks to the windy city during the period of the world series in baseball. Of course I only managed to pass by Wrigley’s since the price of admission was in the thousands of US currency for the seats from where one can actually see. I was not treated to any top Ranking specialist since my dad subscribes to the late MR. George Burn’s philosophy that 90% of illnesses are healed by the body’s auto immune system so why waste good money on doctors. From Chicago I flew to Kingston, Jamaica, where I attended commencement ceremonies for my son at the University of Technology ( UTECH), I will tell you that no matter where I was I made sure I caught a talk show or two in the mornings and the evening news via the internet every day.

Learning, showing, and embodying respect
Our country has been the arena of some of the most heartless and violent activities. Just recently, two young persons have become yet two more statistics of the gun violence that plagues us. One of them, an acquaintance of mine, and his seven year old cousin were shot, in broad daylight. I cannot comment on what was going through the mind of the shooter and what pushed him to make the horrid decision that he made, but I am still in utter disbelief that he would completely ignore and disregard the presence of a seven year old baby boy to eliminate a foe. Watching the news on Monday night and hearing this minor’s mother speak, I could not manage to hold back my tears. Her strength, courage, and faith, despite her harsh reality, were inspiring. I made it a point to express my concern to all those around me, despite not having any relation to the young boy. I have a seven year old cousin whom I love dearly and if it were him, I’d be vocal in saying this:

WORDS OF LIFE
As I was reading from the book of Psalms recently, I came across these interesting sentences: Psalm 71:17-18 reads, “Since my youth, God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds. Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come.” Now those are statements that I can identify with! My hair is now white, and I am 70 years old. In Bermuda I preached to relatively large congregations, but now my audience is smaller. In the past, the objective was to spread the word to as many listeners as possible. That’s one reason I went into the radio ministry, to teach the good news of the Kingdom of God.

Long standing contributors to the aged awarded
Seven Belizeans who have wholeheartedly contributed to the aged in Belize for over 15 years have been awarded. These hard working Belizeans, Sonia Swaso, Opehlia Pinelo, Dalia Chan, Javier Lopez, Susana Lopez, Clair Valerio and Marisha Zetina were jointly awarded by both Help Age Belize and the Sister Cecilia Home for the Elderly on Saturday night in the Cayo District. Representing Help Age Belize during a brief ceremony at the Orange Gallery at number 60 George Price Highway was its Chairman Evan Dakers. Joining in the award ceremony was Bernard Adolfus from the Sister Cecilia Home for the Elderly. Both representatives thanked all the awardees for their services rendered. Also present for the awards was Ivorine Bulwer, the Executive Director of Help Age Belize (former Director of Health Services), who in her address said that she had observed all the branch membership having great love for their work despite low remuneration.

Belizean named Commonwealth Caribbean and Americas Youth Worker of the Year 2016
On November 10, 2016, Ms. Manuela Lue, one of the Directors of the BNE Energy for Life Program, received the Commonwealth Youth Worker Award for the Caribbean and Americas regions. Ceremonies took place in London England at the Commonwealth Secretariat’s offices. The Energy for Life Program is a charity that is funded by the employees of BNE. Through the program employees of BNE sponsor, mentors and tutors underprivileged youth; these youth are actively engaged in various community projects nationwide. Several of these youth have won international awards and scholarships from Canada and the United Kingdom.

Breaking Belize News

The life of Tyler Savery, Celebrated
The body of Tyler Savery, 7, was cremated yesterday following a celebration of his life at the BTL park in Belize City. Friends, family, schoolmates and the community at large showed up to pay their respect to the child who was mercilessly shot and […]

Harvest Caye quietly calls to port
Without much publicity, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), has quietly launched operations at Harvest Caye with its first calling to the new port. The opening of Harvest Caye had been pushed back for months and for NCL, the road to the launch was not without its […]

Entrepreneurship Convention 2016 (EntreCon) to be held tomorrow in Belize City
International speakers and experts in the field of Information and Communications Technology (ICT), along with members of the entrepreneurial ecosystem, will meet at the Belize Biltmore Plaza Hotel in Belize City tomorrow to participate in the second annual National Entrepreneurship Convention (ENTRECON). Last year, […]

BTB employs new marketing strategy in Canada
The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) has engaged in a new marketing strategy in Canada to promote Belize as a destination through music and dance. According to a Canadian report, the BTB’s latest marketing pitch involves a custom-made drum in Toronto’s Yonge-Dundas Square where passersby can […]

Ministry of Health to improve monitoring of health facilities
The Ministry of Health is moving towards improving the monitoring of health facilities to maintain the highest standards for clients who access the health services they offer. On Tuesday, November 15, Minister of Health Pablo Marin and Minister of State in the Ministry of […]

Fair weekend conditions ahead
The 24-hour forecast is for cloudy and mild weather with a few showers or periods of light rain mainly over the sea and coast. The wind will blow from the north to northeast at 10 to 20 knots and the sea state will be […]

Minister of Defense tours BDF Installations in the West
This week, Minister of Defense John Saldivar is visiting BDF installations in the West as part of his countrywide tour. Yesterday Saldivar was accompanied by BDF Deputy Commander Colonel Steven Ortega and personnel from the Ministry of Defense. They visited Camp Belizario in the Central […]

Belmopan Police meet with Mennonite Community
Today Officer Commanding Belmopan police Howell Gillett, his deputy and other police officers from Belmopan met with the Mennonites of Barton creek to discuss ways on making their community safer from Cattle Theft and other crimes of dishonesty. Two chairmen of lower Barton Creek […]

4th Annual Entrepreneurship Symposium held in Belmopan
On Monday, November 14, the 4th Annual Entrepreneurship Symposium was held at the George Price Center for Peace and Development in Belmopan. The building was packed with students from the University of Belize and Belizean entrepreneurs. The event was a partnership between the Small […]

Blogs

BEING LGBT IN BELIZE
I wish I could say that being an LGBT individual was a walk on a golden brick road. However, being LGBT in Belize is comparable to climbing Doyle’s Delight with 150 pounds on your back. At the base of the mountain of equality, LGBT individuals are burdened with the weight of stigma, discrimination, and fear- of being outted, humiliating your family, and losing your life. Recently, the courts declared that Section 53 of the Criminal Code of Belize violated several fundamental human rights for the LGBT population. Despite this victory, we keep trekking uphill. We sweat, we cry, we yearn for nourishment as we stand against the winds of oppression cast on us by our families, friends, colleagues, classmates and government. Every time we fall, we look for someone to motivate us, to remind us that there will be fresh air at the top of this mountain. There is a ray of hope, a promised sunshine. But for now, we are alone on this journey to equality. We watch as people who have been on this path before have given up, because the winds of oppression have become so strong. They have scars and bruises, but they decided – “this journey asks for too much sacrifice”. We watch those on this mountain who have lost partners and have never gotten the opportunity to attend their funerals because legally they were just ‘roommates’. We keep trekking. We watch those who have lost their jobs and all they have worked for because of malicious stories around their sexualities and being compared to pedophiles. We keep digging in. We watch the lovers who want to have a family but are worried that their child might not be strong enough to withstand the rains of bullying.

Sneak Peek At Norwegian Cruise Line’s Exclusive Harvest Caye Port
Harvest Caye is the only Belize port that features a cruise ship pier, so guests can walk from the boat right to the resort. Like we pretty much did, they can spend their time under the sun in lounge chairs that have been spread out on seven acres of beach. You can also frolic on the white sandy beach or soak in the 15,000 square-foot pool. It’s an impressive pool, one of the largest in the Caribbean according to them. It has a swim up bar!!! Local business man, Dustin Bowen, has his hands full with a staff of over 120 people who work at Landshark Bar and Grill. All his employees have been receiving training to meet international standards, even those of Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville. The food, local beer (Belikin) and cocktails were amazing and the staff at attention. There will be a total of five dining options and bars including the two-story indoor/outdoor Landshark Bar and Grill.

Why December on Ambergris Caye, Belize is Fantastic: Your Calendar
Everyone loves Christmas as a child. But as an adult, it’s beautiful but MAN it seems like lots of work. Add in cold weather, the 40 minute search for a parking spot at the mall and super creepy Santas and the fun festivities can quickly become EXHAUSTING. Belize in December is such a fun, beautiful WARM, laid back build up to the holidays…I wouldn’t think of being anywhere else. Here are some of the reasons why December in Belize is a great idea. High Season, For Many Hotels, Doesn’t Start Until the Actual Christmas Week: Many resorts in Belize break down rates into Low Season, High Season and Christmas/New Years. Low season provides the lowest rates and, for many, continues until mid to late December. So…if you are coming for a bit of holiday spirit and a break from the craze, the first few weeks of December are fabulous. Airfare is usually lower as well. Note: The Christmas to New Year’s week is often the most expensive week of the year and books up quickly! So plan your trip for what fits you and your family best. The Weather Starts to Get Cooler and Clearer: And by cooler, I do NOT mean “cool” by your standards. Humidity goes down from 90% to the 70% range and temperature drop to the low 70s at night. A light jacket, shorts and flip flops in the evening will do you just fine.

International Sources

Drilling of dinosaur-killing impact crater explains buried circular hills
Today, scientists published their first results from a drilling expedition into Chicxulub crater, the buried remnants of an asteroid impact off the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico that killed off the dinosaurs 66 million years ago. Their discovery of shocked, granite rocks from deep in the crust placed “out of order” on top of sedimentary rocks validates the dynamic collapse theory of formation for Chicxulub’s peak ring, the scientists says. Chicxulub is the only well-preserved crater on Earth with a peak ring, but they abound elsewhere in the inner solar system. Last month, scientists using instruments on a NASA lunar mission showed that the peak rings within the Orientale impact basin were likely to have formed in a similar way as at Chicxulub.

Second Mayan Pyramid Discovered Inside Famous Temple Of Kukulkan Like A ‘Nesting Doll’
A second pyramid has been discovered at the famed Mayan Temple of Kukulkan at Chichen Itza in Mexico, archaeologists have announced. Described as being like “nesting dolls,” the pyramids are set one within the other. And there could be more. The Daily Mail reported this week that a non-invasive study using electrical imaging techniques revealed yet another Mayan pyramid inside the Temple of Kulkulkan, which is located at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Chichen Itza in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. According to the study, the smaller pyramid stands 32.8 feet (10 meters) high but is not in perfect alignment with the two outermost pyramids that rest atop it. Archaeologists have known for quite some time that the ancient Temple of Kulkulcan was built on top of a smaller version of itself. The second, or intermediate, pyramid is believed to have been constructed in the 800 and 1000 C.E. The last pyramid, the structure visible to over a million tourists each year, was added sometime between 1050 and 1300 C.E. The newest find is believed to have been built, according to archaeologist Denisse Lorenia Argote of Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology and History, in the “pure Maya” style from between 500 and 800 C.E. The scientists used “tri-dimensional electric resistivity tomography” to look inside the Temple of Kukulkan. The process involved using electric current, passed through electrodes placed along the outside of the pyramid into the structure, to measure resistance in the current flow to digitally map any existing structural formations inside.

Belize bondholders ready talks with government
Holders of Belize bonds announced this week that they had formed a committee in response to the government's desire to open debt talks this month. The Central American nation said earlier in the month that it would need to discuss ways to amend its outstanding 2038 bonds at a time of rising fiscal deficits. The 2038s were issued in 2013 in what was then the country's second restructuring in a matter of years. The bonds carry a step-up coupon that climbs from 5% to 6.767% in August 2017. While creditors note that the restructuring has provided Belize with US$100m in debt service relief to date, the government said circumstances have changed since then. "Belize's economy has significantly underperformed in comparison with projections used at the time in setting the terms of the 2038 bonds," the government said this month.

Beyond Hollywood: Belize Film Festival Showcases Local Indie Film Talent
As the U.S. faces bitter divisiveness, other countries are inspiring a path toward inclusiveness through the medium of film. I was fortunate enough to have scheduled a flight to attend the 11th Annual Belize International Film Festival just hours after the surprising results of the U.S. election. While Belize is fighting the many battles that accompany extreme poverty, the country provides its artists with a platform to highlight social issues in a constructive environment. The festival’s intent is to call attention to emerging Caribbean filmmakers who struggle to get their stories seen even in their own island nations. The four-day event highlighted the triumphs and challenges of Caribbean talent.

Videos

November 17, 2016

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Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

San Pedranos participate in Caye Caulker’s dart competition
Six darts players represented Ambergris Caye at a recent competition hosted by the Caye Caulker Darts Team in Caye Caulker. San Pedro’s team included Yolanda Rivero, Ricky Manzano, Melanie Paz, Omar and Dimas Guerrero, and Luis ‘Libra’ Rivero. During the two- day competition at Roses Grill Bar, the island competitors faced players from the Belize and Cayo District in both male and female divisions. At the end of the tournament, Manzano captured third place in the male category, followed by Ubladimir Alfaro in second place and Theodore McLennan in first place, both from the Cayo District. During the tournament, the male competition was dominated by the visiting players. However, in the female category, all top three prizes stayed on La Isla Cariñosa. Taking third place was Cecilia Jacobs, followed Emerita Marin in second place, and Marie Osmon took home the first place.

Accused of murder, Mason returns to court for the second time
William ‘Danny’ Mason along with his four accomplices who is serving time at the Belize Central Prison for the murder of Pastor Lewellyn Lucas, appeared in court for the second time on Wednesday November 9th. Under heavy security escort, Mason and his group were taken to the Belize City Magistrate’s Court around 9AM. Inside the court room, Chief Magistrate Anne Marie read a single charge of murder and then adjourned their case to January 18, 2017. Also present in court was Mason’s girlfriend, Melissa Ferguson who is a person of interest to the police and has been out on bail. She has not been directly link to the murder, but because she was Mason’s partner, police believes that she can assist them in their investigation to solve the case. As a result, Ferguson will be incarcerated and ineligible for bail due to the capital charge she has been associated with. Belizeans across the country were shocked by the news of the heinous murder, which was revealed in July of this year. It is believed that Pastor Lucas met his death after visiting Mason’s residence in Belmopan. According to investigations, Lucas was kidnapped by his henchmen (Ashton Vanegas, Keron Fernandez, Terrence Fernandez, and Ernest Henry Castillo), and taken to Mason’s farm at Mile 31 of the George Price Highway, where he was beheaded.

Combating crime through Fatherhood Workshop
In an effort to address the crime situation of both Ambergris Caye and Belize, the Belize Police Department (BPD) and the Community Policing Unit partnered up with the Evangelical Alliance to host their first fatherhood workshop: “Concerned Fathers Against Crime; Helping to Change Headline News”. The intent of the workshop was to get fathers to help their children fight against crime and to spread awareness by forming a committee that will make a change within their home and community. Held at Living Word Church from 2PM to 5PM on Sunday, November 13th, the workshop was attended by concerned parents, police officers, pastors, teachers, and the media. After an invocation from Pastor Ian Zaldivar, Retired Superintendent and National Coordinator of the BPD, Rudolph Orio, gave the official welcome, and explained to the audience that the rise in juvenile crime as both perpetrators and victims is of grave concern for fathers, leaders, educators and the entire community. From 2011 to 2015, Orio has collected observations indicating that youths are: peddling firearms, selling illegal drugs, involved in gang activity, engaging in alcohol and drug abuse, becoming pregnant, dropping out of schools, and disrespecting authority.

Letter to the Editor: Caribbean Developers Ltd. building on Maya Sites
I’m writing you because of reading another article on what this corporation proposes to do to our delicate island. Not only do I see the threat to natural habitat, wildlife, mangrove affected nurseries and its babies who will no longer thrive and grow up to become a tourist attraction somewhere on the reef, I’m also seeing it from a history aspect. The article defines the 3,000 acres as being “partially in the Bacalar Chico World Heritage Site area”, taking in the western locations of Laguna de Frances and Santa Clara. Can you say Maya sites? REGISTERED Maya Sites? Then to the center of the development map lies Basil Jones, very close to the proposed reconstructed airport. Another REGISTERED Maya Site. I’m attaching a map from the Dr. Thomas Guderjan book “Ancient Maya Traders of Ambergris Caye”. (An archaeological team came to AC in the early ’80’s, sought out the Maya presence and Dr. Graham registered them with GOB.) See a pattern of dots? #17 – Santa Cruz; #16 (to the south and perhaps out of the proposed development) Laguna Frances; #18 (again not on the proposed development map) is Punta Limon; #8 – Basil Jones. A route and home sites of the Coastal Maya Traders on Ambergris Caye. I have been on walk abouts’ in the area of Basil Jones and there are more sites which have NOT been registered back in the 1980’s.

Energy from Waste is a go for Belize
Belizean businesses and industry can achieve large energy cost savings, become more environmentally friendly and sustainable, and less dependent on fossil fuels, by investing in biogas/biomass energy systems and/or solar energy. This was the message communicated by the experts from the Dutch think-tank TNO (Nederlandse Organisatie voor Toegepast Natuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek), the Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research, at an energy seminar and expo held at the Belize Biltmore Plaza Hotel in Belize City on Wednesday, November 9th. The Caribbean Community Climate Change Center (CCCC) commissioned the study with funding from the United Nations Development Programme, to help Belize become more resilient and to adapt to climate change and to reduce the country’s carbon footprint. TNO’s Johan van Groenestijn, Robert de Kler and Marco Linders presented the findings of their study of Belize’s potential for energy from waste. Their study had considered various sources of waste: citrus waste, shrimp shells, fisheries waste, Sargassum, banana stems left over after harvesting, sewer waste, roadside and yard waste, manure from agricultural livestock, cohune palms and nuts, and liquid waste after distillation of rum.

Ambergris Today

Fatherhood Workshop Forms Committee to Assist At Risk Island Teens
The community of San Pedro, especially fathers and single mothers, were invited to attend the first ever fatherhood workshop held at the Living World Church on Sunday, October 13, 2016. The workshop was hosted by the Police Department with assistance from Pastors on Ambergris Caye, Belize. The main goal of the workshop is to create a group of people who will work together in assisting the island community with ideas, efforts and programs to prevent juvenile crime, decrease the amount of drugs being consumed by teenagers, decrease the amount of school dropouts, prevent teen pregnancy and most importantly prevent young domestic violence. The workshop and group is also interested in providing help to the youth who show signs of social, emotional and behavioral problems. Speakers from the different schools, Pastors, and OC Police officer gave their view and experience that they have had working along young teenagers and what they believe can be done to help improve the situation they are in. One of the most important messages brought out is that fathers need to re-capture a strong sense of values and beliefs in order to discipline and teach their child the good principles of life in order for them to succeed and become productive citizens in the next generation. After all children tend to learn by example.

Belize Woman Wins Commonwealth Caribbean Youth Worker of the Year
The Commonwealth Youth Worker of the Year for the Caribbean has been announced as Manuela Lue, from Belize. Ms Lue is director of the Energy for Life program, which mentors and tutors under-privileged Belizean youth in handicraft production, connecting them with their culture and enabling them to earn a living. Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland, who presented the awards at a ceremony on Thursday, November 10, 2016, at the Commonwealth Secretariat’s headquarters, Marlborough House, in London, stated: “I salute the hugely impressive recipients of these 2016 Commonwealth Youth Worker Awards. They represent thousands of youth workers across the Commonwealth whose work to empower and engage our young people too often goes unsung and unrecognized. It is of immense and enduring value in building resilient communities and overcoming the economic and social divisions that create vulnerability – locally, national and globally.”

NGO Process to Select Belize’s 13th Senator Commences
Representatives of Belize’s non-governmental organizations (NGOs) met on Wednesday, November 9, 2016 at the George Price Center for Peace and Development in Belmopan to define the process to be followed to elect Belize’s 13th Senator. Of the 143 NGOs registered under the NGO Act, twenty-two have thus far been deemed to be in good standing under the law. The NGOs in good standing represented at the meeting have committed to ensuring that the way forward is as inclusive as possible. Within that context, among the decisions made was the election of a Steering Committee that will facilitate the process for the 13th Senator. That Steering Committee is comprised as follows: Janelle Chanona (Oceana Belize) as Chairman, Osmany Salas (Belize Tourism Industry Association) as Vice Chairman, Amanda Acosta (Belize Audubon Society) as Secretary, Armando Aban (The Scout Association of Belize) as Treasurer, and Froyla Tzalam (Sarstoon Temash Institute of Indigenous Management) as Media Relations Officer.

Misc Belizean Sources

SBDC Workshop: INTRODUCTION TO EXPORT
Presented by: Ms. Diana Hernandez, Export Development Officer, Beltraide. Location: Belize Training & Employment Center (BTEC) Training Room. ITVET Compound, Freetown Road. Workshop Date: November 24th, 2016. Time: 9:00 am to 12 noon. The Introduction to Exporting training covers the basics of exporting, highlighting key factors that should be considered when venturing into regional or international markets and introducing participants to key export terms. The session also includes the completion of a cost sheet for the export process and an export readiness assessment that allows participants to evaluate key aspects of their operation to determine the level of readiness for the export market. This workshop will provide participants with requirements for export including general procedures and documentations, a brief overview of trade agreements and an overview of key export factors.

Presentation of Credentials by Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to Belize
H.E. Mr. Charles Keh-yue Liu, Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan), today presented his Letters of Credence to the Governor General of Belize H.E. Sir Colville Young at the Belize House in Belmopan. Ambassador Liu expressed his pleasure in being a representative of his country in Belize and conveyed his country’s pleasure in continuing the strong diplomatic relationship and friendship between the two countries. The Governor General warmly welcomed and received the Ambassador’s credentials. Ambassador Liu was accompanied by members of the ROC Taiwan Embassy in Belize.

Entrepreneurship Symposium 2016
SBDC and UB had the Entrepreneurship Symposium at the GPC. Global Entrepreneurship Week has kicked off. EntreCon is Friday, and the winners of the Business Hackathon will be announced. "The George Price Center for Peace and Development in Belmopan was filled to maximum capacity on Monday, 14th November as students from the University of Belize and Belizean entreprenuers converged to participate in the 4th annual Entrepreneurship Symposium. The symposium was a joint venture between The Small Business Development Centre, Belize (SBDCBelize), a unit of Beltraide, and the University of Belize, Belmopan campus as part of activities in connection with Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW)."

Protravel Long Island Autumn Event.
Belize Tourism Board

Punta Gorda knows how to throw a party!
On Friday, Punta Gorda hosted a Food Fete showcasing Garifuna food including delicious hudut and tapou and filled with lots of fantastic cultural performances. Deputy Chief of Mission Adrienne Galanek joined in the fun.

Entrepreneurship Convention 2016 (EntreCon)- Unlocking ICT Innovation In Belize
International speakers and experts in the field of Information and Communications Technology (ICT), along with members of the entrepreneurial ecosystem, will meet at the Belize Biltmore Plaza Hotel in Belize City on Friday, 18th November to participate in the second annual National Entrepreneurship Convention (ENTRECON). On November 20th, 2015 the Small Business Development Centre, Belize (SBDCBelize), a unit of the Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE), launched its National Entrepreneurship Strategy at its First National Entrepreneurship Convention, branded as ENTRECON. ENTRECON is now an annual event that is designed to create a platform for bringing together key players in the entrepreneurial ecosystem with the purpose of sharing ideas, creating awareness of existing and new business and investment opportunities, promoting innovation, and building an entrepreneurship culture.

Poets Corner: Deja vu
By Abdulmajeed K Nunez. People are more familiar With ‘firing’ than restructure The word 'retrenchment' became a political curse After Esquivel agreed with an IMF scheme 21 years later Barrow has joined the team In 1995 to trim GOB's wage bill Nearly 800 public servants gone home from Independence Hill The R word was the nail in the coffin Resulting in UDP 1998's thrashing Trying to save $11 million dollars on its wage bill This time dah half billion plus still After squandering PetroCaribe pan Pibil Cutting contract officers and a wage freeze Some contract officers had gone on increment cease Government had turned to open vote workers to retrench Stagger terminations over a period to soften the blow Back then it was “cost containment” Or cost cutting by this UDP government Government workers were retrenched.

Manuela Lue Wins Commonwealth Caribbean Youth Worker Of The Year
Congratulations, Manuela Lue! Manuela is a Director of the Energy for Life Program, which mentors and tutors under-privileged youths in handicraft production, connecting them with their culture and enabling them to earn a living. Keep up the amazing work!

WOMEX Delegation Network Meeting
MUSICIANS AND PERFORMERS: Have you ever wondered how you can represent Belize at WOMEX and other international festivals? Join Shyne Barrow, Belize's Music Ambassador for this important meeting on Monday!

Maya 2020 Project
FCD signed a Letter of Agreement with Selvana Ltd marking the launching of Maya 2020 Project. The project seeks to strengthen FCD’s capability and capacity for park management and conservation. Serving as witness to the signing was High Commissioner of Belize in London, Mrs. Perla Perdomo.

Celebrating the Garifuna culture at the Western Border

Chiqui, the six-month old jaguar, has a new home!
Today, the Embassy representatives participated in an exciting event at the Belize Zoo, including a ribbon cutting ceremony for Chiqui's new home and unveiling of the donor plaque (thanks to the individual members of the Embassy community for your generous support)! Local preschool students' performance made the festivities memorable!

Free Oral History Workshop
Free Oral History Workshop to be held on Nov 17 and Nov 29 in Belmopan

Channel 7

Third Child Dies From Burns Received In October 4th Fire
Six weeks ago, three children were severely burnt in a house fire on Aloe Vera street in the Lake Independence area. One of them, 11 year old Aaron Gabourel died in the house, while his two cousins, 8-year-old Empress Hamilton and 4 year old Ian Carr received third degree burns to 90% of their bodies. Through the efforts of the Burn Victims Mercy Fund they were flown out to Shriners Hospital in Galveston Texas but even at a premier burn center, their injuries were too severe for their small bodies to survive: Ian Carr died on November ninth while receiving treatment, and early this morning, one week later, his big sister passed away, also from complications due to her massive burn injuries. Their mother who returned from Texas on Monday to deal with funeral arrangements for Ian, now has to prepare to bury her two children. She passed out when she got the news early this morning, and told us this afternoon that the Doctors tried their best but Empress's heart just stopped:

Farewell, Tyler
And 7 year-old Tyler Savery's murder is, of course, the most resonant loss right now. His funeral was held this afternoon at the BTL park. That's where the family was joined by friends, well-wishers and community members who joined to celebrate the life of a promising child whose life was cut short by gun violence. It's most likely the first funeral in memory to be held at a park, but Tyler's mother, Shakera Young, wanted to give everyone a chance to say good-bye to her son before she cremated his body. His murder has shocked the nation, and today, we spoke to a few persons who attended the funeral. They told us that his grieving mother's message of peace is something that everyone can identify with:

Killers Lay In Wait In Libertad
And, tonight there's one more violent execution style murder to report. It happened last night in Libertad Village in the Corozal District. That's not often the scene of murders, but last night, four men lay in wait for 22 year old Sherman McFarlane. Corozal cops told our colleagues at CTV-3 more: Sr. Supt. Dennis Arnold - OC, Corozal: "Upon arrival we saw a male person slouched beside a vehicle, Hispanic with what appears to be one single bullet wound to the right side of his cheek apparently dead. Initial police investigation reveals that four men came from the nearby bushes. 3 of them stood back, whilst a dark skinned male person step forward. He was wearing a camouflage jacket, a black hat, with a red rag covering his face. He stepped up to the deceased, Mr. Sherman McFarlane, 22 years of a Corozal Town address. He fired one single shot which caught Mr. McFarlane subsequently causing his demise."

BNTU Attorney Eamon Courtenay Files Suit
On Friday, we told you about the letter that attorney Eamon Courtenay sent to Education Minister Patrick Faber, on behalf of the Belize National Teachers Union. The BNTU is demanding that the Deputy Prime Minister rescind the decision to dock the teacher's pay at the end of November, and they gave him until Monday to give a favourable response, or else they were going to sue him. As we told you, Faber told us that neither he nor the Attorney General intended to respond, and so, Courtenay filed the lawsuit in court today. The first part of the claim is an application for injunction against the Government of Belize to stop them from withholding any contributions to the managing authorities of the different schools. This is the money used for teachers' salaries. This month's payday for teachers is November 25, which is next week Friday.

Boots Takes On Briceno In Family Attack
Politics is a dirty business, but we live in a small society – and usually politicians try not to mash each other's personal corns when they're outside of the House of Representatives. But the UDP's Port Loyola Representative Boos Martinez says the PUP Leader crossed that line last night when he said this: Hon. John Briceno, PUP Party Leader: "A daughter I don't know that she has been working for a year. So, if it's the name of a daughter, where did she get the money? Has the FIU done an investigation? Maybe the FIU needs to investigate where his daughter got the money to build that mansion if that is the case." So today, Anthony Boots Martinez called his own press conference to defend his daughter, who he says Briceno has baselessly maligned. But Boots didn't just defend; he went on the offensive to blast Briceno's family – extending even to the PUP leader's deceased father – Eligio Joe Briceno, who Martinez eulogized just a few months ago. Today, all the niceties were put aside and it was about getting out the hurt, and putting a hurting on Briceno:..

Drones For Agriculture
In the last few years, drones have become popular, even in the media - when we want those magnificent aerial shots for our stories. But these drones can do a lot more than just take footage. They are used for monitoring, surveillance and delivering mapping information. And that's how the Ministry of Agriculture will use the 3 drones they got from the Inter American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture. There was a short handing over ceremony yesterday in Belmopan and both the IICA Representative and the CEO in the Ministry of Agriculture discussed how these drones will enhance the Ministry's work. Dr. Dowlath Budram - IICA Representative: "At a request from the ministry we agree to collaborate in the ministry in the post hurricane event by providing this kind of technology here that will help in data gathering and verification of information in the field. So we went ahead and got some resources from headquarters, we were able to purchase 3 drones and so we have these here today and we will be handing over these to the ministry."

New Taiwan Ambassador Presents And Represents
As we told you, the Taiwanese Ambassador to Belize, Benjamin Ho has retired after 35 years of service. Now, the partnership between both countries will definitely continue, but just with another friendly face leading the Taiwanese mission. The new ambassador ,Charles Liu presented his credentials to the Governor General today at the Belize House. In a release it states "Ambassador Liu expressed his pleasure in being a representative of his country in Belize and conveyed his country’s pleasure in continuing the strong diplomatic relationship and friendship between the two countries. The Governor General warmly welcomed and received the Ambassador’s credentials. " Liu is a career diplomat.

A Jaguar Named Like A Bird
The Belize Zoo has a new addition to its family. Her name is Chiqui the Jaguar. She was found abandoned in the Chiquibul forest but FCD rangers came to her rescue in May. Now as we told you, the Zoo recently lost its beautiful black Jaguar named Lucky Boy and they are still heartbroken about his death. While no other Jaguar can replace him, the zoo managers can preserve Lucky Boy's memory by keeping Chiqui happy and healthy. Well, the founding Director Sharon Matola and her team plan to do that and more. Today, the zoo crew officially welcomed Chiqui to her new home with a short ceremony and viewing. Matola told us more about how Chiqui overcame all odds and what her story represents. Sharon Matola: "She was drowning, literally drowning and crying and the FCD forest rangers heard this strange sound and went to this sound and saw a baby cub trying to crawl out of the stream bed and literally dying

The Many Uses Of GIS Revealed
Today, students from all over the country gathered in Belize City for World GIS Day. GIS, or Geographic Information Systems, is a way to record, interpret and analyze data using satellite imagery. GIS uses maps to present information and show patterns in a way that text cannot. In order to introduce students to this technology, Total Business Solutions Ltd. along with several members of the business and technology sectors held its annual expo to showcase the ways GIS can be used to enhance their education and how they can turn it into a career. We spoke to Loretta Palacio, the Managing Director of Total Business Solutions Ltd., and she told how GIS can be used for development purposes…

Ping-Pong Perfection With Central American Senior Table Tennis Championship
Today was the first day of the 2016 Central American Senior Table Tennis Championship which is being held in Belize for the first time. Athletes from Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama, Honduras, El Salvador and Belize converged on the multi-purpose centre at SCA to match speed and skills. President of the Belize Table Tennis Association, Arturo Vasquez told us more about the tournament… As Vasquez mentioned, there isn’t an age limit for competitors, but among the all the teams, Belize stands out. That’s because the home team has the youngest players in the tournament, with the oldest being 15, and the youngest being 11 – competing against men in a senior tournament. Now, Belize has many talented adult players, but Vasquez told us that the BTTA deliberately chose their youngest to compete…

Spanish Lookout Looking Out , Not In
Yesterday afternoon, the Spanish Lookout business community handed over a new pickup truck to Cayo Police. Now, one pickup isn't all that big a story, but it is in this case, because it marks a Sea Change for the usually insular and self-sufficient Spanish Lookout community. They accept that in a changing criminal landscape, where their open way of life makes them vulnerable, they do need the police:.. Norman Dueck - Spanish Lookout Chamber: "And I am proud to say that when the idea was presented at our meeting, 100% of the people supported the idea of partnering with the police department. I think that shows that we believe that this is a partnership. I think we know that policing only works when police and the community works together."

Channel 5

Empress Hamilton Dies, Family Plunged Into Grief Again
It’s a sad week when the loss of innocent children in a vicious crime wave continues to shatter families. The Hamiltons of south side Belize City have lost a third [...]

Mourners Remember Tyler Savery as Mom Vows Fight for Justice
An already bruised nation continues to reel from the double murder of seven year old Tyler Savery and twenty-one year old Porshan Pipersburgh last Friday afternoon. There is a growing [...]

In Libertad, a Corozal Man Ambushed and Shot to Death
There is further loss of life. Up north in the village of Libertad, Sherman McFarlane, was ambushed by one of four gunmen who lay-waited him in the dark of the [...]

Teachers’ Union Officially Goes to Court Over Salary Deductions
The Belize National Teachers Union is proceeding to court on the matter of the deduction in salaries of teachers who went strike for eleven days in October when the union [...]

Minister “Boots” Martinez Hits Back at John Briceño
On Tuesday, Leader of the People’s United Party John Briceño lashed out at fellow parliamentarian and Minister of Human Development, Social Transformation and Poverty Alleviation, Anthony “Boots” Martinez, over allegations [...]

“Boots” Throws in the Towel; Leaving Politics After Current Term
A political career started in the 1990s has reached its endpoint. According to Minister of Human Development and four-term area representative for Port Loyola, Anthony “Boots” Martinez, he is stepping [...]

Stevedore Charged Again with Attempted Murder, This Time of 13-Year-Old Girl
A Belize City stevedore has been placed on remand again; this time accused of another attempted murder on the life of a minor. Anthony Crawford was arraigned this morning before [...]

Police Announce Plans for Continued Patrols During Weekly Community Meeting
Eastern Division police were back on the streets of south side Belize City this afternoon where they conducted their weekly Meet and Greet initiative.  North Creek is of particular interest [...]

Operations Ramp Up for 19th and Christmas; Motorcycles a Target
A recent increase in firearm offenses committed by culprits on motorcycles has forced the Belize Police Department to crackdown on motorists in the Old Capital.  A spike in drive-by shootings [...]

Police Prepare to Keep the Peace on Holiday Weekend
With weekend Garifuna Settlement Day festivities commencing in Belize City on Thursday, additional boots on the ground are being deployed onto the streets in various hotspots.  ACP Williams says it’s [...]

Is Belize’s Dollar Under Threat from Economic Issues?
For as long as Belizeans can remember, the exchange rate peg has been at two Belize dollars to one U.S. dollar. The Government has tried mightily to keep it that [...]

Why Nationalization Due to Accommodation Agreement was Drastic
The People’s United Party has gone on record as describing the nationalization of Belize Telemedia Limited and subsequent settlement with former owners as, in one statement, “the greatest con of [...]

Police Officers Recognized for Hard Work at Special Ceremony
The Police Department’s regular recognition and award ceremonies in Eastern Division have become as much a staple of the news as the crime they try to stop and solve. It [...]

CTV3

Opposition Leader Weighs In On Crime Issue
Today 7 year old Tyler Savery was laid to rest in Belize City after he was mercilessly gunned down in the street-style execution of his older cousin, 22 year-old Porshan Pipersburg. Tyler who was on his way to purchase his favorite treat was shot once to the chest and died almost instantly. The death of the young boy has the nation in shock and grappling from the reality that crime is out of control. As you heard earlier in the newscast a 22 year old Corozal resident also lost his life to gun violence in an execution that occurred last night. There is no denying that the increscent crime rate has certainly caught the nation's attention and yesterday Leader of the opposition, Hon. Jon Briceño, made a call for national unity to fight violence in our beloved country. Honorable John Briceno – Opposition Leader People’s United Party: “Tyler Savery was murdered in the streets and make me wonder what country and where we are getting to, where a man can just go on the street and just shoot at somebody else without regards to if there is women or children around and in here we have a seven year old that was killed, I think that it is not only an issue of the government but we as a people need to be outrage what is wrong with us...”

BNTU Takes GOB To Court
The Belize National Teacher’s Union has taken its defence of teachers from the streets to the Court room as today the Union’s attorney applied for leave in the Supreme Court to hear their case for an injunction on the Ministry. The BNTU wants to halt the Ministry of Education’s plan to dock the salaries of those teachers who took part in their 11 day strike in October. The BNTU took their case to Court today, after a letter to Minister Patrick Faber went ignored. In that letter, attorney Eamon Courtenay pointed out that the Government’s decision to withhold salaries in November is ultra vires, unlawful and unconstitutional.

Recall For Gaspar Vega
Over the weekend, the PUP’s Northern Caucus met in Ranchito Village and decided that it was prepared to launch a focused political campaign to remove former UDP Minister Gaspar Vega. This would be done using the ballot – no not yet elections, but a constitutional petition to recall the Minister for wrongdoing, in particular the land scandals involving his family and political friends. There is a recall mechanism in our laws which has only been tested once, that was against disgraced former UDP politician Elvin Penner in Cayo North East. The PUP Northern Caucus has said it stands ready to get its machinery going to get Vega out, but PUP Leader Hon. John Briceno said Vega shouldn’t wait for the PUP to mobilize. He believes Vega should do the conscious thing and resign. Honorable John Briceno – Opposition Leader People’s United Party" “We believe in the Northern Caucus after a long discussion that what the Honourable Gaspar Vega did was a betrayal of the trust of the people of Orange Walk Central...”

US Elections Can Teach Us A Thing Or Two
Real estate tycoon Donald J. Trump shocked the entire world on November 8th when he was elected as the next President of the United States of America. Yesterday Leader of the Opposition, Hon. John Briceño spoke of Trump’s stunning victory saying that he did not expect it in the very least but stated the Belize can learn a lot from the American election. Honorable John Briceno – Opposition Leader People’s United Party: “He won simply because there were these marginalized people that felt that they have been forgotten for so long and the same thing has to apply in Belize that we are having more and more people that are marginalized that feel that they have been forgotten, that feel that they have been abandoned and we as a PUP we also have to take a closer look with the lessons of the American election and to make sure that policies that we have to put forward will be able to be inclusive of everyone especially the people...”

Trial Farm Resident Charged For Murder In Case Of Manuel Alejandro Toloza
A resident of Trial Farm Village here in the Orange Walk District is sitting behind bars tonight at the Central Prison after he was formally arrested and charged this morning for the murder of twenty six year old Manuel Alejandro Toloza which occurred last month. After several weeks of intensive investigations, Orange Walk police managed to detain twenty three year old Elroy Arnold who appeared in court today for his arraignment. Since the case is an indictable one, no plea was taken from Arnold and as a result he was immediately remanded to the Hattieville Prison. Viewers may recall that on the night of Saturday October 29th, Toloza was socializing in front of a Chinese establishment in the village of Trial Farm when an altercation reportedly ensued between him and another individual. Further reports indicate that after Toloza and the said individual parted ways, Toloza was attacked by a group of male persons just a few yards away from where he stood prior to the incident. Sometime in the middle of the assault, Toloza received two stab wounds one of which proved to be fatal.

Breaking Belize News

Vehicle with drugs abandoned in St. Margaret’s village following police chase
Officers from the Belmopan Quick Response Team set chase after a vehicle when they saw marijuana being thrown from the car. The vehicle was pursued by police from the Roaring Creek junction to St Margaret’s village. The […]

Baby Empress dies from burn wounds
There are reports that Empress Hamilton, 8, died last night while receiving treatment at Shriner’s Hospital for kids in Texas. Her brother, Ian Sambula, 4, had also passed away last week from injuries while receiving treatment. Their cousin, Aaron Gabourel, 11, had died the […]

Bikers beware, cycle crackdown commences
The Belize Police Department will be enforcing all motorcycle violations with immediate effect. According to a statement released yesterday, the department claims that, “…we have been noticing an increase in crimes particularly shootings being committed by persons on motorcycles.” “With a view to curb […]

Corozal resident gunned down
Sherman McFarlane was gunned down last night in Corozal. According to preliminary police information, sometime after 9:00 p.m. McFarlane was in Libertad village, walking to his vehicle when he was ambushed. A man rose from behind some bushes and fired several shots at him. […]

Belize’s credit rating cut as country looks to restructure $530 M in bonds
Belize’s credit rating has been downgraded by S&P; Global Ratings. Prime Minister Dean Barrow attempted for the second time in four years to renegotiate the country’s debt. The agency has now lowered the rating from B- to CCC+ with a negative outlook. PM Barrow […]

Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to Belize presents credentials to Governor General
“H.E. Mr. Charles Keh-yue Liu, The Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan), today presented his Letters of Credence to the Governor General of Belize H.E. Sir Colville Young at the Belize House in Belmopan,” according to a Government of Belize press release. The […]

Belizean Young Leaders to meet President Obama
Karryn Dawson and Hernan Urbina have been selected to meet outgoing US President Barack Obama in Peru this month. Their selection comes after their success at the Young Leaders of the Americas initiative. Belize sent six representatives to compete among 250 fellows from Latin […]

Belmopan police snag three for drug trafficking
Belmopan police have arrested three persons for three separate instances of drug trafficking charges between Monday and Tuesday. The men were all fined for a total of BZ $13,000. Ronals Gill of Roaring Creek village was fined $6,000; Gilroy Blancaneaux of Cotton Tree was […]

Blogs

Palapa Bar Phoenix Rising from the Caribbean Sea
The Palapa Bar and Grill has risen from the ashes a few times over the years. With each renewal and resurrection owners Scott and Jodie Harnish manage to bring it back stronger and better than ever. Hurricane Earl was monumental when their entire building was decimated by the storm. With ample open air seating with unobstructed views of the reef and cool breezes for patrons, featuring a completely rebuilt bar, brand new kitchen, and new GIANT Palapa roof, The Palapa Bar and Grill with hand cut timbers is more beautiful than ever before. So many people stepped up to help the dynamic duo through this challenging time and keep them on track for success. Local Belizean contractor Isael Juchim dedicated himself along with his crew and has been on the job sight everyday seven days a week. Scott and Jodie maintained all the staff since the hurricane, preserving local jobs for many families. Staff were given an opportunity by Isael to become tradesman and help in the reconstruction. Marcial Flores stepped up and held the team together of bartenders, cooks, and dish washers in the rebuild process. All employees will continue as invaluable staff.

Moving to Belize After US Elections Made Easy
For some reason, many of us in Belize have recently been inundated with requests for information about moving or retiring to Belize, our little piece of tropical paradise. We won’t get into the whys of this sudden increase, but we will say, as we always have, that yes, Belize is a great place to live – a wonderful country filled with wonderful people enjoying great weather and an endless amount of things to do. Fresh air oxygenated by huge tracts of pristine rainforests, clean rivers, a stunning Caribbean coastline and scores of tiny islands sheltered by the world’s second largest barrier reef, ancient Maya ruins, and exotic wildlife to explore, and lots of fresh seafood and healthy organic fruits and veggies contributing to an increasingly sophisticated foodie culture. Oh yes, there’s the vibrant arts and music scene as well, with opportunities to participate in sports, theatre and pretty much whatever interests you. What’s not to love? Come on down and see for yourself what makes Belize so awesome! Top 10 Reasons to Move To Belize: - Belize Real Estate Prices - Stable Exchange Rate - Strategic Location Of Belize - English Spoken In Belize - Strong Belize Tourism Trends - Attractive Belize Taxation Incentives - Belize Real Estate Laws - Belize Real Estate Opportunities. - Political And Economic Stability Of Belize - Belizean Lifestyle.

“Happy Anniversary” in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize.
One of the most pleasing things for Rose and I since relocating to Ambergris Caye are the friendships we have made. Many of them with Belizeans. Some of these friendships started to form when we visited (usually twice a year) from our (then) home in the UK for holidays. Amongst those embryonic friendships were the relationships we began with Carlo and Ernie (they of Carlo & Ernie’s Runway Bar fame) when they both worked at BC’s. Since moving here the friendships we already had have strengthened and we have made new ones. And, unless you are a recluse, the friendly nature of Belizeans (amongst the friendliest I have witnessed on our travels over the years) have made it nigh on impossible not to. One of the real joys for us is to be included when events are organised to celebrate special occasions and the latest of these was yesterday when Rose and I were invited to join Alma and Carlo on a day trip to Mahahual to celebrate their wedding anniversary. Obviously the day held significant importance for Alma and Carlo but it had some significance for us too. Why? Well Rose and I were invited to their wedding 8 years ago but I worked for a living back then and was in the middle of a major project and just couldn’t take the time off for a holiday.

Some rare and breathtaking images of Placencia, Belize village!
Thanks Breeanna! A good "friend/family" of CBC is http://www.breeannakayphotography.com, and when she comes into town, she loves to get (National Geographic quality!) images of the village through her eyes. When I saw her latest, I had to share...more coming in the future, as they are so good, they are hard to take in all at once! Enjoy!!

Experience the phenomenon: Magnetic Hill in Belize
Imagine stopping at the bottom of a hill and then being pulled back up the hill involuntarily. It may seem crazy, but for many tourists, this is a phenomenon they look forward to experiencing on their trip to Belize. The reason why this magnetic hill is popular is because it defeats the Laws of Physics. Afterall, stopping your car downhill but seeing your car being pulled uphill instead is a bit bizarre. Many people speculate that it’s a magnetic force that is beneath the ground that pulls metal objects in another direction. Others say that the magnetic hill is just an illusion, that the end -or top- of the hill is actually lower in elevation than the start – or the bottom- of the hill and that the ” position of trees and slopes of nearby scenery, or a curvy horizon line, can trick the eye so that what looks uphill is actually downhill”. They concluded that the mind is a powerful thing, but it can still be fooled.

International Sources

NOAA Outlook for Central America November November 17 – 23, 2016
Enhanced rain forecast along the Atlantic basin and portions of northern Central America. From November 8-14, suppressed rain prevailed over Central America. The heaviest (> 50 mm) rain fell in southwestern Guatemala, central El Salvador, the Atlantic Basin of Nicaragua and southern Caribbean. Since mid-August to date, rain has been poorly-distributed throughout western and central Guatemala to western and central Honduras. The largest ninety-day rainfall deficits have been observed over portions of central Guatemala and north-central Honduras, where accumulated rain have accounted for only between 25-50 percent of the average. Although rain is expected to gradually subside across the interior of Central America during this time of the year, rain has diminished significantly over the dry portions of the region since late September. An analysis of vegetation conditions from remote sensing techniques has indicated degrading conditions in western and central Guatemala and western Honduras as a response to the lack of rain.

United Will Start Charging Some Passengers To Use Overhead Bins
United will become the first big U.S. airline to limit low-fare customers to one carry-on bag that fits under a seat. The announcement on Tuesday could frustrate flyers who already feel burdened with airline travel restrictions and fees. United, the No. 3 U.S. airline by passengers carried, said customers who bought its cheapest fares would not be assigned seats until the day of departure, meaning people on the same ticket may be split apart. United will also prohibit these travelers from carrying on bags that can only fit in overhead bins, and they will not accrue miles toward elite status. The company expects the moves to add $4.8 billion to its annual operating income by 2020.

FAO to help combat illegal fishing in Latin America and the Caribbean
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) this week presented a cooperation project to support eleven Latin American and Caribbean countries to put an end to illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. "Illegal fishing threatens not only food security and fishery resource sustainability and conservation but also the economic well-being of two million people who depend on fishing for their livelihood," explained Tito Díaz, FAO subregional coordinator for Mesoamerica. The project, which was presented to fishing organisations of the countries of the region during a high-level meeting in Panama, will allow Belize, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru and the Dominican Republic to take coordinated steps towards the elimination of illegal fishing, strengthening their control mechanisms and institutions in the sector. It will also strengthen fishing monitoring, surveillance and control procedures, thus contributing to better sustainable management of fishery resources.

Mayan 'nesting doll' pyramid is found in Mexico
Archaeologists have discovered a second structure within the famous pyramid of Kukulkan at the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza. Last year, archaeologists used electrical imaging techniques to find that the pyramid, which is also known as El Castillo, was built atop a subterranean river, or a cenote. Experts have long known that a smaller pyramid is encapsulated underneath the visible temple. Today they said they had detected an even smaller structure inside the outer two layers. Using what is called 'tri-dimensional electric resistivity tomography', or 'ERT-3D,' they found a 32.8-feet (10-metre) tall structure within the 65.6-feet (20-metre) tall 'intermediate' pyramid that was covered over by the last construction stage, perhaps around 900 A.D. The process involved scanning the pyramid using a series of electrodes placed around the site. These sent electrical currents that were used to measure resistance in electrical current flow in order to digitally map any existing structures. Archaeologist Denisse Lorenia Argote said: 'If we can research this structure in the future it could be important, because it could tell us about the first-period inhabitants' of the site'.

Videos

November 16, 2016

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

SPTC holds Basketball Marathon
In an attempt to ignite basketball fever on La Isla Bonita, The San Pedro Town Council held an all-day marathon on Sunday, November 13th at the Angel Nuñez Auditorium. Four teams competed in hopes of capturing the top prize: Caye Caulker, Tuff E Nuff, Healthy Police, and Boca Boyz. After several exciting matches Boca Boyz triumphed and took home the championship. In second place was Tuff E Nuff receiving a cash prize of $250. Both teams had such great players that two MVPs were recognized. The MVP for Tuff E Nuff was Rico Black, while Boca Boyz’, Michael Guan took the prize for top player of his team.

SPHS Male Volleyball Team: 2016 National Volleyball Champions!
After claiming the victory over the male division of the Northern Regional Secondary Volleyball Tournament, the San Pedro High School (SPHS) Male Volleyball Team once again captured the National Championship on Saturday, November 5th. The SPHS boys travelled to San Ignacio in the Cayo District over the weekend, where they represented the northern region of the country very well. After two days of competition, they emerged as the 2016 National Volleyball Champions! On Monday, November 14th, the team along with the school staff and entire student body paraded through the streets of San Pedro Town. In honour of their grand victory, many residents greeted them on the streets and applauded their achievement. The San Pedro Sun joins the entire community in congratulating the SPHS male volleyball team on a great win; you have made San Pedro Town proud! Keep up the hard work and continue to achieve greatness in sports!

National Garifuna Council San Pedro Branch begins Settlement activities
Garifuna Settlement Day is slated for Saturday, November 19th, and the National Garifuna Council San Pedro Branch (NGCSPB) began their celebratory activities on Saturday, November 12th and Sunday, November 13th. The last three clothing segments of the fashion show represented the three colors of the Garifuna flag: yellow, black, and white. Eduardo Aguilar, organizer of the fashion show, stated that he thought it was a great idea to incorporate the colors of the Garifuna flag into the fashion show. Although each color has various meanings, in this case, the black representing the hardship and struggle, yellow signifying hope and prosperity, and white indicating peace. Models showcased crisp white outfits first followed by sunny yellow outfits. Lastly, models sashayed in stunning black outfits that had the crowd cheering widely. All outfits can be purchased at Foreva Fancy Boutique on the corner of Coconut Drive and Tarpon Street in San Pedro Town.

CG Esthetics hosts Glamour Shots Fundraiser
On Sunday, November 13th, CG Esthetics hosted a very successful ‘Glamour Shots’ fundraiser. Benefiting from the raised funds for the two most important organizations that greatly assist the community in San Pedro Town—the San Pedro Red Cross and the San Pedro Food Bank. From 9AM to 4PM, participants arrived at the salon to receive being pampered with hair styling and makeup application. Several pampered individuals went to take their glamour shots with many props available for them to choose. In an effort to raise more funds, the salon also held a clothing and accessories swap. For a donation of $5, guests had the opportunity to choose from a couple of gently used items. Juanece Messervy also contributed to the fundraiser by donating 10% of her ‘Clay Creations’ sales to both charities.

Ambergris Today

Belize Government Stops All Offshore Surveys for Now
Postponement of the Completion of the Multibeam and Sea Seep Survey - The Ministry of Economic Development and Petroleum has issued a press release informing the general public that the completion of the offshore multibeam and sea seep survey will be postponed until public consultations on the survey are conducted. The Ministry will inform the general public of the schedule of the public consultations so that interested persons may attend. The Ministry of Economic Development and Petroleum, through the Geology and Petroleum Department stated that they will continue to ensure that the petroleum sector is developed in a responsible and environmentally conscious manner which can contribute to the sustainable development of Belize.

Misc Belizean Sources

Karaoke Friday on Caye Caulker
Ring in Garifuna Settlement Day onNovember 18th at Central Park from 6pm. Sing your heart out from 6pm til 10pm. Garifuna Dancers at 10pm followed by a dance til 2am. Music by Thundah Vibez Sounds

Assessing the efficiency and effectiveness of the Belize Health Information System
The Ministry of Health is working along with PAHO Health Information consultants this week to assess the efficiency and effectiveness of the Belize Health Information System (BHIS)

Incident with GAF Naval Patrol and SATIIM Patrol Vessel on the Sarstoon River
he Belize Defence Force (BDF) received a report on an incident that occurred on November 10th 2016, in which the Sarstoon-Temash Institute for Indigenous Management (SATIIM) was interrupted by Guatemalan Armed Forces (GAF) while operating on the Sarstoon River. On the said date at about 7:30 a.m., SATIIM personnel along with village leaders of Crique Sarco and Graham Creek carried out a routine community forest patrol along the Sarstoon River. The patrol was organized by SATIIM to monitor deforestation and illegal activities in Southern Belize. The Belize Forward Operating Base (FOB) reported that around 7:30 a.m. the vessel docked at the FOB and that SATIIM would be conducting a routine patrol. The FOB reported that the vessel then proceeded to the Sarstoon River through the northern channel. At about 2:30 p.m. on that same day, the SATIIM vessel returned and reported to the FOB that a GAF patrol vessel had stopped them as they were traversing the Sarstoon.

Power interruption 6:00am to 11:00am, Saturday, Nov 19, San Pedro
North San Pedro, from Boca Del Rio to Tranquillity Bay Resort. Portion Pescador Dr to Boca Del Rio will also experience power interruption from 6:00am to 8:30am. BEL to replace transformer at Boca Del Rio Substation and energize new lines in the area.

PACT 2016 Environmental Fellowship
The Protected Areas Conservatin Trust is calling for applications for their 2016 Environmental Fellowship. They are awarding one fellowship valued at $50,000. The deadline is November 28th. "The PACT was formally established in January 1996 with the passing of the Protected Areas Conservation Trust Act, No. 15 of 1995, creating the institution as a Statutory Board. The functions of the PACT are to encourage and promote, for the benefit and enjoyment of the present and future generations of the people of Belize, the provision, protection, conservation and enhancement of the natural and cultural resources of Belize. The PACT Environmental Fellowship is designed to provide financial assistance to dynamic and successful mid-career and/or senior professional Belizeans who already possess a graduate degree and are entering a new post-grad programme or professional development in an area of study that will contribute to the sustainable development of Belize’s National Protected Areas System."

Tacos Festival, Orange Walk
No, it's not too soon to start thinking about TACOS FESTIVAL! Mark the date: Nov. 27, Orange Walk Town. Thanks for the reminder Belize Tourism Board!

Garifuna Expo
Venezuelan Embassy Belmopan.

COMMUNITY PITCHES IN TO SPRUCE UP STANN CREEK HOUSE AND CULTURE AND GULISI COMPOUND IN THE SPIRIT OF UWARADAGUNI*
Artists, students and community members joined forces in October and November to spruce up the location that houses the Gulisi Museum and School and the Stann Creek House of Culture (SCHC). *Uwaradaguni means unity in Garifuna. It all started in September, when DEC & Sons Construction helped SCHC start rehabilitating the artist boxes at the monument site. Assessing the scale of the project, SCHC Coordinator Joshua Arana quickly realized he would need help and assembled a committee. The project got a financial contribution from Stonetree Records for the repair of some boxes. To get the word out, the committee planned an Artist Service Day for the 29th of October, in collaboration with the BDF and the Dangriga Town Council. The public was invited to assist in the cleaning and was also a part of the discussion of how to maintain the site going forward.

Super photo of the super moon!Unique Belize at Belize Chamber of Commerce Christmas Expo
Come and see what Unique Belize is all about. A collection of crafts for home, office and gift-giving--handmade by Belizean artisans. Dec 3 at 10 AM to Dec 4 at 6 PM, The Ramada Belize City Princess, Newtown Barracks, Kings Park, 50 Belize City, Belize

The Institute of Archaeology hosting it's second training for site staff in Professional Development

Young Belizean Sailors Compete in Bermuda's 2016 National Optimist Dinghy Championship Regatta
"They were the best in the World, pops." Interviewer: "Better than in Canada, this summer?" (He'd placed 7 out of 127 up there.} "Oh yeah!" These are the words of San Pedro's Kevin Velasquez, age 15 and Belize's 2015 Optimist Sailing Dinghy National Champion, after placing 25th out of 75 in the 2016 Bermuda National Championship Optimist Regatta, November 10 - 13 at the Royal Naval Dockyard in Bermuda. Perhaps they weren't all of the World's best, but among the 75 were sailors visiting from Barbados, Canada, The Caymans, Italy, Poland, and the US. Staying in the top third of that fleet and finishing 10th, 12th, and 13th in 3 of the 11 races, are what Kevin accomplished in the final regatta of his Optimist career. The year you turn 15 is the last year you can enter formal Optimist regattas.

BHA promoting Belize Tourism in Montreal and Toronto!
Following the recent addition of the twice weekly Westjet flight direct between Toronto and Belize City, the Belize Hotel Association was excited to participate in the Canadian Road show that was organized by the Belize Tourism Board ,and included the participation of several private stakeholders in theTourism Industry of Belize. The BHA Marketing Director, Tessie Duran Tonaco attended the event to represent our members. The intense two day marketing event, was hosted in Toronto, on Tuesday November 8, 2016, and in Montreal, on Wednesday November 9, 2016. The BHA, the BTB and attending industry stakeholders, each had a tabletop presentation at both venues, where they were able to have one-on-one meetings with a total of more than 100 Canadian travel agents. After the meetings and business exchange, dinner was served to the agents while, Ms. Deborah Gilharry and Ms. Althea Sebastian, Travel Trade Officers of the Belize Tourism Board, gave a video and slideshow presentation about Belize, the areas of interest and the culture of the different destinations within the country. This was followed by a Q&A; segment, and then a raffle of vacation packages to Belize, that was greeted with much enthusiasm from the agents.

BHA BI-ANNUAL MEETING
DATE: December 7, 2016 VENUE: San Ignacio Resort Hotel. We hope you will join us, to hear about the exciting new activities that the BHA is planning and what we have accomplished in the recent months. If you are not a member of the BHA as yet, we would still love to have you join us !! Invitations will be emailed this week. Complimentary Ground Transfers will be provided from Belize City to San Ignacio. Kindly RSVP your attendance to Lourdes or Tessie Email: [email protected] or [email protected] Telephone- 223-0669

AGM Invite
Nov. 22, Caye Caulker Community Center, 7pm

Paint N Splash
Calling all Pirate Splashers! Join us this Thursday at Crazy Canucks Beach Bar.

Inauguration of Ambergris Stadium
The San Pedro Town Council, Minisitry of Tourism & Civil Aviation and the San Pedro Sports Committee are excited to announce the official inauguration of the newly constructed Ambergris Stadium on November 26, 2016. After the Inaugural ceremony there will be two matches for everyone to enjoy! Come witness the matches between San Pedro's teams versus the teams from Mexico and USA! Tickets are on sale at the San Pedro Town Council for only $10. Entertainment by Yaka's Elite Dancers in collaboration with the San Pedro Dance Academy and music by San Pedro's very own, Rompe Raja!

Power interruption 5:00am to 6:00am, Sunday, November 20: entire Belize City inclusive of all areas up to Mile 1 Philip Goldson Highway and Mile 1 George Price Highway
BEL to repair hotspots on transformer at the Belize City Substation.

Garfiuna Exhibit on display for students and the community at Mount Hope, Unitedville
We are always happy to support! Numasa Wellness Resource Center

Citizen Science GIS team
Check out the exciting work of the Citizen Science GIS team that focuses on mapping open data around Belize with community partners around the country! They have funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF) #REU program to complete marine debris and disaster management work in Hopkins, Belize. They are also creating a new project, Open Reef Mapping Society, that builds on this work.

"Dia de los Finados" in San Pedro
The opening of "Dia de los Finados" exhibition has been re-scheduled for Wednesday, November 16th at 7 pm. Kindly join us as we honor our dearly departed. Kindly share with family and friends.

Paradise Theater playing this weekend
Suicide Squad, The BFG, The Monster, Snowden. See Ya at the Movies

Channel 7

Alleged Child Killer Charged
Last night, we brought you extensive coverage of the tragic story of 7 year-old Tyler Savery. He's the child who was gunned down in the street-style execution of his older cousin, 22 year-old Porshan Pipersburg. Both of them were killed, and the loss to this family was even more grievous because a child was killed in an adults' street war. Well, the man who police believe was the gunman is 20 year-old Jayear Flores, a resident of Curassow Street, and tonight, he's at the Belize Central Prison. You'll notice Flores in this footage as the man in the striped red shirt who tried his best to hide his face from the cameras while he was being escorted to the Magistrates Court a few hours ago. He was arraigned this evening before Magistrate Carlon Mendoza on two counts of murder, and because those are capital offences, no plea was taken from him, and neither could he be granted bail. He was remanded to the Belize Central Prison until January 16, 2017.

Looking Into The Face Of Your Son's (Alleged) Killer
Tyler Savery's mother, Shakera Young, no doubt had viewers transfixed with her very powerful interview, displaying vulnerability, strength, and fortitude in the face of such loss, which normally overcomes other grief stricken mothers. Today, she dutifully attended court, and observed Jayear Flores, the man who is accused of killing her son. After the arraignment, she told us that putting a face to the alleged killer only aroused sorrow for this young man and his family. Here's what she had to say: Shakera Young - Mother of Tyler Savery: "I'm still a bit lost for words because to me that young man is still a child himself for him to have don't something like that to my little boy. I'm still a bit disgruntle about it because I only see one person in there and I do believe that was somebody driving and if he's the shooter then somebody else is involved in that. At this point right now what the police are telling me, I am holding on to that and hoping that justice will be served the right way."

PUP Leader Calls For Unity In Wake Of Child's Death
And Shakera Young's surprising even tempered-ness in the face of such great loss, has certainly caught the nation's attention. Today, it inspired the Leader of the Opposition to make a call for national unity around the cause of violence:... Hon. John Briceno, PUP Party Leader: "Tyler Savery was murdered on the streets and it makes you wonder what kind of country, where we are getting to where a man could just go on the street and just shoot at somebody else without regards if there are women or children around. Then here we have a 7-year-old that was killed, I think that is not only an issue of the government but we as a people need to be outraged. What is wrong with us? It is a child that all of us have lost and until we start to feel that way, that the loss of this child is not only of the mother Shakera, but even us lost a child. Now for me as a Politian it would be so easy to lash out at UDP, at the incompetence of the government and because of the poverty. We have to stop for a minute and think, both political parties need to get together and put their best minds to see how we can solve this matter and we need to get the churches, private sector and NGO communities, everybody together to be able to address this matter. We need to follow that wonderful example, the courage and the grace that Shakera has demonstrated. But I'm appealing for everyone to join us, let us work together, let's forget our differences. If I'm PUP and you are UDP and if you are Spanish and I am Creole, let's think as a community and as Belizeans to try and find an end to this senseless, endless cycle of violence."

GSU Caught Cruz, Escapee
Two escaped prisoners, David Cruz Jr and Lincoln Bejerano have been on the run since October 12th - after escaping from Belmopan police, but tonight Cruz is back in custody. The alleged robber - who was charged as part of the heist at the Belmopan Income Tax Office - was found today hiding out on a farm in Cotton Tree. The GSU led the search base don information they had received. The unit reports that when they arrived at the farm, the house was locked and so the team started to search the area. They found a pump action 12 gauge shotgun about 300 meters from the house along with nine (9) live 12 gauge cartridges. They continued to search, and about 20 minutes later, found CRUZ Jr cowering in some bushes. He was taken to the Belmopan Police Station where he was charged for Escape from Lawful Custody. He returns to the remand section at the Hattieville prison where he is on remand for Robbery and Firearm offences.

A Juvenile Horse Theft Ring?
On Sunday, residents of the Los Lagos community contacted the Smith family, who run the Bacab Ecopark, telling them that riders were galloping away on their horses down the Philip Goldson Highway. And it wasn't employees riding those horses; the horsemen were actually boys the youngest, an eleven year old. Police chased down the young horse wranglers, and arrested all three. We spoke to Lourdes Smith, Bacab's Sales and Marketing Director about the incident. Lourdes Smith, Sales & Marketing Dir., Bacab: "On Sunday we were alerted by a resident of the Los Lagos area that they had seen 3 kids on horses and they thought that they may be for Bacab. We were just leaving from home when we came out and started looking to see if we see the horses to make sure that they were ours or not. We ended up finding them all the way into Ladyville nearly by the supermarkets. We caught one there and we caught the other 2 horses further down going almost by Williamson Industries old site."

Alleged Girl Shooter To Court for Attempted Murder
Last night we told you about the two teenaged girls who were shot on Sunday night in separate incidents. Well, police have charged one suspect for shooting the 13 year old on Raccoon street extension. She came within millimeters of losing her life when the bullet grazed her cheek. The alleged shooter is Anthony Crawford, who appeared in court today where he was charged for attempted murder, dangerous harm and use of deadly means of harm. There's no bail for that, and Magistrate Norman Rodriguez remanded him into custody until January 16, 2017.

John B Says Blame Superbond 3 On The UDP
The international rating agency Standard and Poors today downgraded Belize's sovereign credit rating to CCC+ with a negative outlook, after it was announced that government was going for another restructuring of the half a billion dollar superbond. The Government of Belize is telling its bondholders that there are "serious economic and financial challenges currently facing the country" and that it can't afford to make the bullet payments in 2017. And while the Superbond is all commercial debt that was accumulated during the last PUP government - today opposition leader John Briceno held a press conference to say that the public should blame Superbond 3 on the UDP:... Hon. John Briceno, PUP Party Leader: "The facts are that we are in this position because of the UDP incompetence and the UDP messed and this is the UDP superbond. They made certain promises to the bond holders that they were going to reduce the level from 60% and here we are at 81% - that they were going to have fiscal discipline."

PM Cagey On Tax Question
And so you heard Briceno say that taxpayers will have to share in the pain with bondholders in the form of increased taxes. That’s what we asked the Prime Minister on Saturday and he was cagey in answering the question:

PUP Meets With BNTU, Pledges Salary Solidarity
And today the PUP met with the teachers to say that the opposition would back them up to try and force government to make the payment. Today, Briceno said a the nation owes teachers a debt, and they should at least be paid for their sacrifice: Hon. John Briceno, PUP Party Leader: "We need to be thankful to the teachers of this country who stood up and forced the government to do the right thing. The chamber has been crying out about transparency and accountability and they did nothing. All they were doing was just talking. The PSU and the other people, they've done nothing but here we have the BNTU that stood up and said no, they drew the line. Now we fight out now that no other than the deputy Prime Minister who was a former teacher, has decided that he's going to punish the teachers and that he's going to teach them a lesson. Just imagine the month before Christmas, this government is threatening to take away almost a third of the salaries of the teachers just before Christmas."

Hon. Briceno Calls Sarstoon State of Affairs Very Worrying
And speaking also on the situation on the Sarstoon where a SATIIM Patrol was stopped by the Guatemalan military last week, Opposition Leader Briceno said there is reason for grave concern over the deteriorated state of Belize Guatemala relations:... Hon. John Briceno, PUP Party Leader: "I did not find that only shocking, but frightening. It scares me to hear our foreign minister to speak in such terms, basically just throwing up his hands and there is nothing we can do. We in the PUP have been saying it from the time I became leader, that we need to have a plan to be able to address this issue. That we need once again embarked into an international campaign. Now here we have the no other than the foreign minister who considers himself a very good friend of Carlos Raul Morales, the Foreign Minister from Guatemala. You see them hugging and smiling and every minute very touchy-touchy and now announcing that his very best friend refuses to take his call and that we now have the Guatemalans coming into our river, preventing our people to go up the Sarstoon River, putting aside decades of understanding as to how we use the Sarstoon River - you on your side and we on our side respecting one another. But this is happening because we have no plan."

Defence Ministry Asking Guats About Sarstoon Aggression
As we have reported, according to the SATIIM reports, the Guatemalan military personnel stopped them and warned them that the Sarstoon River is a military zone, and that according to some still mysterious protocol, anyone who needed to travel the river had to get permission from the Guatemalan military, which is based at the mouth of the Sarstoon. Well, the Belize Defence Force has confirmed that SATIIM made the very same report to them, and they will seek clarification from their Guatemalan counterparts. A press release from the Ministry of Defense says, quote, "The Belize Defence Force (BDF) received a report on an incident that occurred on November 10th 2016, in which… (SATIIM) was interrupted by Guatemalan Armed Forces while operating on the Sarstoon River… Belizean authorities are following up with Guatemalan counterparts to get clarification on this recent incident in the Sarstoon."

Annual Medical Congress Considers Wellness
Today was day one of the Ministry of Health's annual Medical Congress. Over 50 health professionals from across the country attended the session at the Biltmore and they discussed a cross section of topics including the effects of Zika, cervical cancer prevention, and tuberculosis diagnosis, among many others. We stopped by for the afternoon session that focused on prenatal care and pregnancy and Dr. Jose Moguel explained why it's important for medical professionals to participate. Dr. Jose Moguel, Surgeon: "It is an activity where the maternal and child health wing of the Ministry of Health hosts an educational activity geared towards physicians. Mostly if you notice BMDS stands for Medical and Dental, today's mostly addressed to physicians. The physicians are the ones that mostly do everyday doctor to patient care, manage diseases. We also have to include all health care providers. We welcome nurses and other health care providers. It is both a training, discussion, to sum it all, it's educational. The Belize Medical and Dental Association facilitates medical sessions for all doctors. Today is the first day of the event November 15th. The congress itself being the magnum event for physicians and dentist in the country is to be held the 16th and 17th on Wednesday and Thursday."

US Volunteer Organization Puts Deeds To Words
And while the Ministry is focusing on a more theoretical approach in this year's Congress, the doctors and nurses from the Caribbean American Medical Education Organization are putting it all into practice. 6 doctors and nurses from the US are in Belize offering free medical services. The team arrived on Monday and have their check up space set up at Area Representative Patrick Faber's Collet Office. The president of CAMEO Yvonne Keen told us more about the services they are providing and the director Dr. David Keen discussed the trends he has been observing in Belizean patients. The team will be at the collet office tomorrow from 9 to 4 and they move over to the LADYVILLE. Health center on Thursday, so make sure you go for your free checkup. A gynecologist is also along with the team.

Samson Teck Wah Bike
He had the gall to steal a bike form in front of the biggest police station in the country, and for that Samson Teck was lucky to get away with a fine in court today. According to Dean Brackett he was buying food on the corner of Queen Street and New Road, when Teck jumped on his bike and rode off down New Road. Brackett said he called for Teck to stop, but was ignored. A police mobile patrol was on Hyde's Lane at the time and easily intercepted and apprehended Teck. Teck, who said he was intoxicated at the time of the theft, was only fined $500 because it was his first offense. Magistrate Carlon Mendoza also stipulated that if the fine is not paid by February 15th, 2017, Teck will have to serve 5 months in prison.

Southside Cops Cracking Down On Motorbike Crimes
Southside police say that part of the city crime wave has to do with criminals on motorbikes, so they are cracking down. Southside police say they will be launching a number of traffic operations, targeting criminals on motorbikes. They're activating little used fines that are on the books and say that insurance and registration violations will be stringently enforced. Operations start immediately.

Duffel Bag With 17.5 Lbs of Weed
The South Side Strike Team made two cannabis busts yesterday. The first was on Iguana Street where police found several small, plastic bags containing one and a half ounces of cannabis in an open lot. That same afternoon, the strike team conducted a search in the Faber's Road Extension area where they found a black duffel bag containing seventeen and a half pounds of weed. No one was in the area, so they were taken in and labeled as found property.

PUP Say They Want Vega Recalled
Gaspar Vega was elected for his third term of office just one year ago - but already the PUP northern caucus is talking about a recall. At a meeting on Saturday the Caucus decided to endorse a recall of Gaspar Vega, while also calling for criminal charges to be brought. Bow Vega is already on his way out - and has said he will not run again, but today John Briceno said he needs to leave now:... Hon. John Briceno, PUP Party Leader: "I think that he needs to do the right thing. I think that he needs to do the honorable thing. I think he needs to resign now. If he refuses to resign now at the appropriate time, I think which is going to be 18 months after the election, which is going to be in May of 2017. The people of Orange Walk North have said, through the northern caucus that they are going to mount a recall against the Hon. Gaspar Vega." A recall cannot be invoked until the 18th month of a representative's term.

Briceno says His Former PM's Signature on Accommodation Agreement Questionable
But there's no recalling of the Accommodation Agreement - which was signed in secret during the last PUP Government when John Briceno was Deputy Prime Minister. But it was so secret that he never knew about it, and up to a few months ago said he still hadn't seen it - which is interesting since his family's phone company got a special carve out in there. But, speaking today, Mr. Briceno said that the Accommodation Agreement - which has cost government hundreds of millions of dollars in compensation to the Ashcroft Alliance - could have been very easily overturned in court - even though his Prime Minister Said Musa signed it:... Hon. John Briceno, PUP Party Leader: "There are compelling arguments as to why certain parts of the accommodation agreement would not have been enforceable. One of them is that the prime minister cannot sign off on taxes without the acquiescence of the commissioner of income tax, secondly that the prime minister cannot sign off on certain ahm task privileges to a company, that has been, that is the sole responsibility of the public utilities commission. Those two alone that if the government would have gone to court, they could have gotten, they could have overturned that."

Boots And The Big Yellow Building
Briceno also discussed his parliamentary colleague Boots Martinez and that big yellow building which now houses the department of social services within his own ministry. He says Martinez should be investigated:.. Hon. John Briceno, PUP Party Leader "Wasn't there a story on some local channel that were talking about pool tables? That that was what he was doing for a living and that he had $35,000 in the bank. From pool tables, now his daughter is building a huge mansion. A daughter I don't know that she has been working for a year. So, if it's the name of a daughter, where did she get the money? Has the FIU done an investigation? Maybe the FIU needs to investigate where his daughter got the money to build that mansion if that is the case."

Briceno says Trump Had The Right Message
And Briceno also spoke about the stunning rise of Donald Trump to the US Presidency. He says he didn't expect it in the least - but he did catch Trump's message:...

Sewing The Smart Way
Courts TODAY held a ceremony for the 20 participants who completed their 8 week sewing course. Now this is the first initiative of its kind for Courts and the Marketing officer told us why they decided to start the class. We also spoke to 2 participants about their sewing experiences. There was also a competition in which the bedding spreads were judged and the first place winner got a Brother sewing machine and a few gift certificates.

Channel 5

Police Make Arrest in Double Murder; Tyler Savery’s Mom Shares Deep Pain
There is an arrest in the double murder of seven-year-old Tyler Savery and twenty-one-year old Porshan Pipersburgh. Police have charged a Curassow street resident for the double murder. When Jayear [...]

Leader of the Opposition Repeats Call for National Unity on Crime
The murder of seven-year-old Tyler Savery and his twenty-one-year-old cousin, Porshan Pipersburgh, has broken many Belizean hearts. A simple outing to get a milkshake at a neighbourhood establishment on Friday [...]

Superbond 3.0 is All U.D.P. Legacy, Says P.U.P.
Prime Minister Dean Barrow; Financial Secretary Joseph Waight, and Economic Ambassador Mark Espat returned from New York City over the weekend having laid the groundwork for the possible negotiations for [...]

Get Ready for Higher Taxes and Retrenchment, Opposition Warns
Batting away reminders that his party, when in Government, packaged seventeen original loans to form the Superbond and that much of that debt has still not been paid, P.U.P. leader [...]

P.U.P. Meets B.N.T.U.; Can Government Be Convinced on Salary Deductions?
The People’s United Party met earlier today with the executive of the Belize National Teacher’s Union. Many of the Union’s members who went on an eleven-day strike that led to [...]

Do You Believe G.O.B. Will Raise Taxes?
And our question for tonight is: Do you believe G.O.B. will raise taxes as a result of Superbond restructuring? Send your comments and responses using your SMART phones to 8686 [...]

Without Guatemala, Can Belize Hold on to Sarstoon?
Minister of Foreign Affairs Wilfred Elrington appears to have thrown his hands up in the air in relation to getting a Sarstoon Protocol, admitting that he has been unable to [...]

Guatemala Controls Southern Boundary; Infringing into Belizean Territory
A report of the latest military encounter on the Sarstoon River, involving village leaders, as well as a team of and park rangers attached to SATIIM, has been filed with [...]

SATIIM Says Oversight of National Park Needs G.O.B. Intervention
Since losing its co-management agreement in July 2013, SATIIM has been virtually on its own as far as monitoring illegal activities within the expansive broadleaf, wetland and mangrove forest.  The [...]

N.G.O. Reps Promise “Inclusive” Process for 13th Senator
The process of officially selecting a thirteenth senator is finally underway, eight years after being introduced as a manifesto promise by the United Democratic Party.   Twenty-two non-government organizations considered to [...]

13th Senator Means Business!
Critics of the appointment of a thirteenth senator, including Foreign Minister Wilfred Elrington, have dismissed the addition of one more parliamentarian as merely another stumbling block in government’s move to [...]

Shelly Meighan Forgives Attackers; Roger Anthony, Kendis Flowers Walk from Attempted Murder Charge
Two notorious figures of the Ghost Town area also known as “Mayflower Street” walked from the charge of attempted murder after the woman they allegedly attempted to murder in a [...]

Will Gaspar Vega Face Recall in Orange Walk North?
The Northern Caucus of the People’s United Party has called for the resignation of Gaspar Vega. The Orange Walk North area representative and former Deputy Prime Minister resigned from cabinet [...]

“Boots” Martinez and Daughter’s Finances Questioned
Last week, Minister of Human Development Anthony “Boots” Martinez denied conflict of interest in the decision by the Department of Social Services, which used to be on Regent Street, to [...]

The Lesson of Donald Trump for Belizean Politics
Donald Trump is set to take office in January as the forty-fifth President of the United States of America. He surprised the world with an unexpectedly comprehensive victory over Democratic [...]

Promoting the Use of G.I.S. in Schools
Geospatial information systems may be introduced in the classrooms through the curriculum starting from primary schools. On Tuesday, primary school teachers participated in a workshop where they were introduced to [...]

Medics and Dentists Discuss Advances in Health Profession
The Belize Medical and Dental Association is hosting its thirty-fifth annual congress this week. The three-day event kicked off with a conference today sponsored by the Ministry of Health through [...]

Courts Belize Completes Sewing Circle Project
Courts has embarked on an initiative to empower primarily single mothers and women who have retired and are seeking a means to earn an income. Using their Brother Sewing product, [...]

Dangriga Will Be Safe for Garifuna Settlement Weekend, Say Police
The murder of Victoria Castillo, the sixty-three year old churchgoing Christian mother and grandmother, who was nearly decapitated by attackers who wanted her money—about three thousand dollars in cash—for their [...]

Belize Steps Up in International Film Festival
Yochi, Manna and Soca Mode are some of the productions that made it to the top in this year’s Belize International Film Festival. These local productions competed against thirty others [...]

CTV3

Police Charged One Of Their Own For Wounding
Last night we reported that after an entire week of investigation carried out by the Orange Walk Police Formation against one of their own after a report of police brutality was made against him by twenty one year old Hugo Noh, a Guinea Grass resident, the case file was sent to the DPP for further instructions. Tonight we can tell you that Police Constable Jaime Gongora was formally arrested and charged this afternoon at the Orange Walk Magistrate’s Court. During his arraignment, Gongora plead not guilty and was offered bail in the sum of $4,000 plus one surety of the same amount. The case was adjourned for the 21st of February, 2017.

GOB Investigates Encounter Between SATIM And GAF
Over the past month there have been two very alarming incidents at the Sarstoon involving the Guatemalan Armed Forces, and the BDF as well as Belizean citizens, where the GAF have denied access of the area to Belizeans. The latest encounter was recorded on Thursday November 10th when the Sarstoon-Temash Institute for Indigenous Management (SATIIM) was interrupted by Guatemalan Armed Forces (GAF) while operating in the Sarstoon River. Today the Ministry of Defense issued a press release informing that the Belize Defense Force (BDF) received a report of an incident that occurred last Thursday, involving SATIIM.

Standard And Poor Lowers Belize's Credit Rating
There is bad economic news to report tonight. Standard and Poors credit rating agency has lowered their long-term foreign and local currency sovereign credit ratings for Belize’s from B minus to CCC plus. The agency also indicated that they were lowering their short-term foreign and local currency sovereign ratings from B to C. The lowered ratings takes Belize’s credit ratings, from the perspective of Standard and Poors, to junk status and it can have wide impacts on how financial creditors and investors view Belize’s financial capacity.

OWTC Puts Taxpayers Money To Good Use
As promised by the Orange Walk Town Council, there has been major investment in infrastructure and the target has been and continues to be the renovation of various streets across town which is considered heavily trafficked areas. Continuing with their commitment, the council is now upgrading Munoz Lane, Cinderella Street and Santa Ana Street providing residents a smooth ride to their specific destinations.

Opposition Leader Says New Super bond Crisis Is The UDP Creation
Belize’s depressed economy has taken center stage in national discussions as the Barrow administration prepares to make another attempt to re-negotiate the over $500m Superbond debt. Prime Minister Dean Barrow explained in interviews yesterday that the Superbond renegotiations have become necessary because the economy has not performed as expected under the terms of the 2013 negotiations with bondholders. Today, Leader of the Opposition Hon. John Briceno called on the media to address the issue squarely. He explained why in his view the situation could have been avoided and called the looming debt crisis, a UDP-made economic disaster.

LOVE FM

Belize Gets Downgraded by Standard and Poor’s Global Ratings
It is no secret that Belize’s economy has seen a downward trend in its growth performance and that austerity measures announced earlier by Government will create some challenges in both the private and public sectors. But, there is more to Belize’s economic performance than just the local effects. Just yesterday Standard and Poors lowered Belize’s […]

BELIZE: CABEI’s Newest Non-Founding Member
With Belize being downgraded by Standard and Poor’s Global Ratings and with the International Monetary Fund recently providing a bleak outlook for Belize as well as Moody’s Financial Services, one good thing coming out of the financial front is the fact that Belize recently joined the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI). It may […]

Guatemala Insists on Sarstoon Protocol; Belize Says There Is None
With the absence of a written mutual agreement between Belize and Guatemala surrounding the Sarstoon, it continues to leave the window open for confrontations to occur at the Sarstoon as what transpired on Thursday, November 10, between the Guatemalan Armed Forces and the Sarstoon Temash Institute for Indigenous Management (SATIIM). While SATIIM was given access […]

Opposition Leader Says There’s No Plan to Defend the Sarstoon
Today, Leader of the Opposition, John Briceno, held a press briefing in which he spoke of the latest incident in the Sarstoon. As we have been reporting, Maya Leaders were traversing up the Sarstoon River last week when they were stopped by members of the Guatemalan Armed Forces. According to the Guatemalan Military, the Maya […]

Briceno Says the Bond Is For and From Dean Barrow
Prime Minister Dean Barrow along with his legal team is looking to restructure Belize’s 2038 Bonds that were issued in 2013. The government is citing that the country’s economy has significantly underperformed in comparison with the projections used at the time of setting the terms of the bonds. PM Barrow is looking to get out […]

PUP Lead Senator to File Court Application against GOB on Behalf of Teachers
On Wednesday, November 9, 2016 attorney for the Belize National Teachers Union, Senior Counsel Eamon Courtenay wrote to Education Minister, Patrick Faber requesting that the order to have deductions made to teachers’ salaries be rescinded. While the letter is no surprise, as Minister Faber had told the media about it last Friday when we met […]

PUP and BNTU Meet
This morning the Opposition Leader, John Briceno met with the leaders of the Belize National Teachers Union, BNTU. Briceno shared what was discussed. JOHN BRICENO “

PUP Prepare to Engage in Recall of Gaspar Vega
Over the weekend, the Northern Caucus of the People’s United Party met in Ranchito Village. The focus of the meeting was to discuss the process, procedures and requirements for the recall of a Member of the House of Representatives. In this case, the subject was UDP’s Area Representative, Gaspar Vega. The PUP’s Northern Caucus is […]

Opposition Leader Blames Government and Community for Tyler’s Death
An 18-year-old Belizean laborer has been charged for the murders of 7-year-old, Tyler Savery and 21-year-old, Porshan Pipersburgh. The accused murderer, Jayear Flores of a Currasow Street address in Belize City is now facing two counts of murder following the death of Savery on Friday evening and Piperburgh’s passing on Saturday evening. The two cousins […]

A City of Violence and An Appeal for the Public’s Help
The past weekend saw a spike in murders and shootings after the gunmen seem to have taken somewhat of a sabbatical. Seven shooting incidents with three persons losing their lives and one person critical in the hospital were reported for the Belize District alone. It is a case where the outcry for justice is becoming […]

Amandala

Chopped up for US$3,000
The body of a Dangriga resident, Victoria Castillo, 63, who had been reported missing, was discovered, chopped into pieces, with her head almost cut off, in a crocus sac buried inside a shallow grave at around midday on Saturday. She was found near her home on Melinda Road in Dangriga Town. A police investigation revealed that US $3,000 and her passport were missing from her residence. The Officer Commanding the Dangriga Police formation, Senior Superintendent Ralph Moody, told our newspaper that some nephews of Castillo’s spouse are wanted in connection with her murder. Moody believes that the men have since fled to El Salvador.

Ruthless gunman murders child, 7
John Avilez, 26, lost his life on Angel Lane in 2014 after a gunman exited a vehicle and fired several shots towards him while he was socializing with friends and relatives. His nephew, Leon Savery, 28, was also shot multiple times in that same incident and lost his life just days later. On Friday, Savery’s only child, Tyler Savery, was gunned down not too far away from where he, Leon Savery, had been shot. Tyler, just 7 years old, was with his cousin, Porshan Pipersburgh, 21, on Daly Street when they came under fire. Tyler and Porshan were on a bicycle around 4:30 p.m. on their way to buy a milkshake when occupants inside a white four-door car opened fire at them.

Manna: A Hyde film showcased at BIFF
Today, the 11th annual Belize International Film Festival premiered a number of films in its Short Narratives category, and among the many films created by filmmakers from many countries was Manna, a film produced by some members of the Hyde family. The executive producer of Manna is Ronald Hyde and the film producers are Blackhorse Lowe, Colin Hyde, Daniel Edward Hyde and Jonathan Vellos (Manifest Multimedia). Manna is based on an original script written and produced by Daniel Hyde, who teamed up with Blackhorse Lowe and Jonathan Vellos as directors of photography. It is of note that Manna received Special Mention (Short Film Category) and won Most Notable Belizean Film.

Guat military stops SATIIM – again!
In a press release issued last night, the Sarstoon Temash Institute for Indigenous Management (SATIIM) decried the latest incursion and attack by the Guatemalan Armed Forces (GAF) at the Sarstoon River, in which the army again tried to exert power over Belizean territory, claiming that a protocol must be observed—this despite assertions by Belize Foreign Minister Wilfred Elrington last Friday that talks with Guatemala to agree on a protocol for the Sarstoon, Belize’s southern border with Guatemala, had been at a standstill because the Guatemalans stopped engaging when relations soured over the fatal shooting of a Guatemalan minor in the Chiquibul in April. That was the same month a SATIIM patrol was stopped, and they were stopped again on Wednesday, November 10, 2016. The SATIIM patrol, which had been mounted to monitor ancestral lands in the area, was met by a GAF team, which told them that they need to understand the protocol in place. “While SATIIM forest patrols have previously been accosted by the Guatemalan military in this historically contested border area, this is the first time the Mayans were informed they could only enter under Guatemalan military escort,” SATIIM’s release said.

Ladyville resident in coma after 9 p.m. ambush
Within an hour, two Ladyville residents survived two separate attempts on their lives. The first to survive was Golda Martinez, 35, of #3 Bracket Farm in Ladyville. She was reportedly inside her home with her children at around 8 o’clock Sunday night when someone began to throw stones at her house. She peeped through a window to see who the culprit was, and saw a man near some bushes. The man, Martinez said, was dressed in black, with a white hoodie. He was holding an object and pointed it towards her. However, she quickly moved away from the window, and then heard a loud bang. The gunman had blasted a hole in the front door of her home, and he then fled the area. Police were immediately called to the scene, and are investigating the shooting.

Only 59 incarcerated and remanded for murder
The murder count for this year, 2016, is approaching 130—significantly higher than the count for 2015, but a bigger concern is the fact that murder convictions and arrests are substantially low at 59 as of the end of October 2016, with another 52 persons in prison for attempted murder and 9 for manslaughter. This is according to information supplied to us by the Belize Central Prison, pointing to a probably decline in the prison population by at least 10% for 2016. In some cases, multiple persons are remanded for single murder cases, as is the case with the murder and beheading of Pastor Llewelyn Lucas, for which the man known as Danny Mason/Rajesh Ouelette has been remanded with three other persons. We were also advised the murder conviction rate is lamentably still in the single digits. In 2015, there were 74 murder convicts or remanded suspects behind bars, so the figure has dropped by 20%, even as the murder rate is increasing.

National U-17 posts 4-1 win over City selection at MCC, leaves Tuesday for Costa Rica
On Saturday night at the MCC Grounds, the National U-17 team played its last practice match before leaving on Tuesday of this week for World Cup 2018 qualifiers in Costa Rica. They played a U-17 team comprised of players from the two top teams in the recently completed Belize District U-17 tournament, namely Warriors FC and Hattieville Riverside Boys. As expected, the National U-17 prevailed, 4-1; but the game was very competitive, as there are still a number of talented City players that did not make the selection. Golden Boot winner in the Belize District U-17 competition, Kenroy Linares (82’) scored the only goal for the City selection; while the National U-17 got goals from #4 Jesse August (12’), #19 Rayjan Jones (49’), #9 Gabriel Ramos (70’) and #18 Christian Bush (85’). Coach Charlie Slusher said the team is short of their two best midfielders, Zerrick Cabral and Joseph Ramirez, who were not given permission by their high schools to make the 10-day trip.

CYDP Peace Cup reg. season ends, playoffs under way
The regular season for the CYDP Peace Cup was completed on Saturday, November 12, at the MCC Grounds with the last two games in Group B, which would determine the final Group B spot in the playoffs. In the opener on Saturday, Kelly Street clipped Stars Academy, 3-2, with a hat trick (3 goals) from Steven “Breds” Baizer, while Kendis Williams got both goals for Stars Academy. And in the nightcap, Adgar Adderley struck twice and Irvin Wade got another, as Coast Guard defeated Tut Bay, 3-1. Brian Martinez got the only goal for Tut Bay. With those results, the stage was set for the 8-team playoffs, which feature the top four teams from each group, Group A and Group B, being matched in best-of-two games quarterfinal series. Playoff teams from Group A are: Ebony Lake, Ladyville FC, Yabra/City Boys FC and Hattieville United; and from Group B: Survivors FC, Coast Guard, Kelly Street FC and Tut Bay FC.

BDFA Inter-Office Week 1 results, schedule
The Belize District Football Association (BDFA) kicked off its 2016 Inter-Office football competition with Week 1 games at the MCC Grounds on Wednesday and Thursday, November 9 & 10, of last week. As reported in our weekend issue, Wednesday’s games saw RF& G Insurance playing to a 2-2 draw with KHMH; while a battle of the phone companies saw Smart and BTL also playing to a 2-2 stalemate. In the opener on Thursday night, Tourist Village blanked Belize Bank, 5-0, with goals from John Castro (13’ & 51’), Carlos Leno (20’ & 41’) and Anthony Arnold (63’). And in the nightcap, it was Belize City Council, 1-nil, over BWS, on a goal by Darren Leal (55’). Ground rules: According to tournament rules, teams can have (i) no semi-pro player; (ii) may include 3 First Division (CYDP Peace Cup is considered 1st Division) players, but only 2 are allowed on the field at one time; and (iii) 1 female player must be on the field at all times.

SSBA basketball regular season ends this weekend
On Friday night, Sergeant Peppers Savages came up with a huge win against Benque Power, 63-52, to claim the fourth and final playoff spot in the Under 23 division of the San Ignacio/Santa Elena (SSBA) basketball competition. Sergeant Peppers Savages was led by Robert Jeffries, who had the game high with 29 pts, while Joel Montejo netted 19 pts. Kevin Brown was the top scorer for Benque Power with 16 pts, while Anfernee Young and Jamie Carbajal tallied 12 and 11 pts, respectively. In game 2, Belize Pet World, who was initially named Special Effects, blew out Cayo, 55-22, in the Over 35 division. Darrel Williams was the top scorer with 13 pts, while Arthan Tucker sank 12 pts, and Karon “Civic” Neal scored 11 pts. Roberto “Mosho” Castellanos was the high man for the Cayo squad with 12 pts. In the nightcap, Belmopan defeated Maria Chang/4G Lyte, 62-52, in the Over 35 category. Earl “Bolo” Johnson sank 24 pts, while Mark “Diesel” Wagner netted 15 pts, and Rupert Brown chipped in with 13 pts. Maria Chang/4G Lyte was led by Vince “Post” Estrada with the game high of 27 pts, while Kevin Domingo scored 9 pts. The last game of the night was not played, as Benque Riders was a no-show, giving the win to Maraton Mambas in the Senior Division.

America as Europe
In a sense, in last week Tuesday’s presidential election the citizens of the United States of America asserted, or re-asserted, their European-ness. There was a white nationalism backlash being expressed in their Donald Trump vote by many of America’s majority white citizens. There are areas of the United States, most notably the so-called Confederate Southern states, where the notion of a black American President was viewed with great skepticism, and sometimes downright scorn. The United States, of course, elected a black President, Barack Obama, in both the 2008 and 2012 presidential elections. Hillary Rodham Clinton, whom Obama defeated to win the 2008 presidential nomination for the Democratic Party, and who became the Democratic Party candidate for last Tuesday’s presidential election, was viewed by white nationalists as someone who would be continuing the Barack Obama legacy and policies, a legacy and policies viewed as odious and contemptible by Confederate-thinking Americans. The continental United States was a territory inhabited by Indigenous Native American tribes when the first Europeans, perhaps the Spanish and the French, landed on its shores in the sixteenth century. European settlers of British origin came to the northeastern coast of the United States in the ship named the Mayflower in 1620, but their explorers and pirates, such as Sir Francis Drake, landed on the West Coast of America decades earlier.

From the Publisher
Sometime between Saturday night and Sunday morning, my God, east from Addis Ababa to the Black Hills of the Lakota Sioux, “dreamed” to me, and I saw that we Belizeans were now going back in time to those days when our masters spoke to us from far away, and in this land by the sea we had to answer soft, and say “Sir,” and “Madam.” When the struggle for self-rule and Belizean dignity began, I was a little child, and we had no running water and no sewerage systems in Belize. We were a poor people, but we could endure our pain because this was all we saw around us. “We didn’t know no better.” The days would come when we Belizeans began to see comfort and riches. We saw comfort and riches in America, and afterwards we saw such comfort and riches in Belize itself. The riches we saw were material things, and we began to desire such things. Our desire became so great that we were willing to sacrifice our very souls, some of us even our lives.

Adolphus A. Rosales writes on the 13th Senator
Dear Editor, Kindly allow me space in your valuable newspaper to draw attention to the Governor General, Minister Dean O. Barrow and those advocating a 13th Senator. I personally opined that the stipulation is repetitive and redundant. Section 61 of the Constitution stipulates that the Senate composition shall be as follows: 1. 6 to be nominated by the Government 2. 3 by the Opposition Party in Parliament 3. 1 by the Belize Council of Churches 4. 1 by the Chamber of Commerce & Industry 5. 1 by the National Trade Union Congress 6. 1 by non-governmental organizations In analyzing the definition of government, I opined that the opposition, listed in Item 2, is “technically” non-governmental and legally those in Items 3, 4 and 5 are non-governmental; therefore, alluding to the nomination of a 13th Senator by non-governmental organizations is not only repetitive but, redundant.

PUP want Hon. Gaspar Vega recalled
The People’s United Party (PUP) is seeking to recall former Cabinet Minister and Orange Walk North area representative, Gaspar Vega. The recall mechanism was introduced into law by the United Democratic Party during the first of its three successive terms in government. This law allows for the removal from office of any elected area representative who the public feels is not acting in its best interest. Thirty percent of voters must sign on to a petition for recall to be successful. During the UDP’s second of its three successive terms in office, an effort by the PUP was made to recall embattled Immigration Minister and Cayo Northeast Representative, Elvin Penner, but the effort failed. The PUP’s northern caucus met on Saturday in Ranchito Village, Corozal District, where it was updated on the process, procedures and requirements for the recall of a sitting Member of the House of Representatives.

Breaking Belize News

Man charged for shooting little girl
Anthony Crawford has been charged in connection with the shooting of a female minor on Sunday night. Crawford has been charged with ‘attempted murder’, ‘wounding’ and ‘deadly means of harm’. Police are yet to make any arrests in the shooting of the other female […]

Teen charged for Friday’s double murder
Police have charged one man in connection with the recent murder of Tyler Savery, 7, and Porshan Pipersbugh, 21. Jayear Flores, 18, a Belizean laborer, has been arrsted and charged for two counts of murder. Flores was arraigned today in the Belize City Magistrate […]

House goes up in flames in PG
A wooden house and items inside belonging to John Ortega and Aura Lemus went up in flames last night. The incident occurred around midnight on Govel Morgan Street in the Indianville area of Punta Gorda town in the Toledo district. The value of the […]

Ministry of Defense reports on GAF stopping SATIIM Patrol Vessel on the Sarstoon River
Today, the Ministry of Defense issued a press release informing that the Belize Defense Force (BDF) received a report of an incident that occurred last Thursday, November 10, in which the Sarstoon-Temash Institute for Indigenous Management (SATIIM) was interrupted by Guatemalan Armed Forces (GAF) […]

Would a devaluation be good for Belize?
It would seem that the Government of Belize is convinced that a devaluation and/or revaluation of the Belize currency would be good for Belize….as they have done everything they possibly can to increase the risk of losing the Belize dollar peg at […]

Alert! Fake money circulating
Officer Commanding Belmopan police, Supt. Howell Gillett is advising the public to be alert because there are reports of fake Belizean money circulating, in particular the $20 bill. Gillett mentioned some tips that would be helpful to recognize the fake currency. “The public can […]

Blogs

A super moon over Ambergris Caye
There is something about the moon that tugs at our hearts. Whether it be a full or waning moon, we are mesmerized by its beauty. The sight of the glowing orb rising over the horizon tends to slow us down, connecting us as we realize just how tiny we are in the universe. That feeling was magnified on Monday November 14th, when the glow of the Super Moon bathed our island. The term Super Moon was coined by scientists as the moon appeared 14% bigger and up to 30% brighter. Those lucky to find themselves in an area with clear skies got to enjoy this natural phenomenon.

Has Secret Beach, West Ambergris Caye, Jumped the Shark?
Things are getting BUSY! It’s not longer a hidden paradise…a spot for only locals on Sunday afternoon. Has Secret Beach, with the gaudy sign and sudden upwelling of new businesses, jumped the shark? So…with 4 eateries, 3 places to buy drink (one with a license to stay open until MIDNIGHT), a beach club and room for many many more people. Is it the end of an era at SECRET Beach? My opinion: It is DEFINITELY no secret…and many have been mourning that. But I think it’s bigger and BETTER. Especially during the week…

International Sources

S&P; cuts Belize as country looks to restructure $530m in bonds
S&P; Global Ratings has cut Belize’s sovereign credit rating deeper into junk territory as the Central American country looks to restructure its debt for the second time in five years. The ratings agency lowered the rating to CCC+ from B- with a negative outlook. Last week, Belize Prime Minister Dean Barrow traveled to New York to meet its financial advisors and holders of the country’s 2038 bonds after the government said it is confronting "serious economic and financial challenges." Ahead of the meeting, the government urged bondholders to form a committee before the end of November, or roughly two months before the country faces its next coupon payment. A government spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Belize joins CABEI as a non-founding regional member country
Belize joined the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI) as a full member, as a result of the recent amendments to the Bank's Constitutive Agreement, which allows the region's countries to enjoy full participation and integrate the CABEI Board of Directors and Board of Governors. The above was made known by means of a formal note addressed to the CABEI Executive President, Dr. Nick Rischbieth, from Belize's Finance Minister, Honorable Dean O. Barrow, who confirmed that Belize had completed the terms and conditions to become a non-founding regional member. The amendments to the CABEI Constitutive Agreement that made these changes possible came into effect on June 9, 2016, and are aimed at consolidating the Bank's preferential creditor status, supporting its member countries, strengthening its capital base and promoting a greater diversification of its loan portfolio.

The Caribbean PPP Landscape from A to P
THE Caribbean has pressing investment challenges, it needs more than US$21 billion in infrastructure investment by 2025 in order to close the infrastructure services gap in the region. According to S Brian Samuel, Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) Coordinator at the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), this provides an impetus for PPP projects across the Region. From 1990 to 2013, apart from the Dominican Republic, Jamaica has led the way with respect to implementing almost five times the total value of PPP projects, as compared to the next highest contributor, Belize. There are still a few notable Caribbean PPP successes including Jamaica’s Sangster International Airport at Montego Bay, Haiti’s Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and Jamaica’s Renewable Energy Auctions. Haiti, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago also have dedicated PPP Units and Policies, and Grenada and St Lucia have put policies in place.

Videos

November 15, 2016

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

Family seeks assistance after child is electrocuted
The family of a 13-year-old Antoney Acosta are desperately asking the community for help after their son was electrocuted. The young boy survived, but suffered severe injuries that resulted in the loss of both hands. He has been flown out of the country and is presently receiving treatment at a hospital in Guatemala City, Guatemala. Acosta is a student at the San Pedro High School who, due to financial difficulties, was only taking classes at night in order to help his parents during the day. His father, Winston Castellanos describes him as a well-behaved child who was dedicated to his school work. He and the family are devastated by this tragedy. It was a rainy day on Monday, October 17th when Castellanos’ son visited him at a construction site to deliver his lunch. He never imagined what he would find when he descended from the second level of the building where he works. Apparently, young Acosta came in contact with a live electrical wire, and when Castellanos found him on the ground, he was trembling and foaming at the mouth. Acosta was rushed to the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II, and from there he was immediately flown to Belize City. Despite the efforts of the doctors, they could not save his hands which were greatly damaged due to the high electrical voltage he received.

Traffic Accident on Pescador Drive leaves one in critical condition
The San Pedro Traffic Department, along with the San Pedro Police Formation are investigating a traffic accident which took place shortly after 1PM on Pescador Drive in downtown San Pedro. In the incident, 40-year-old Hector Espat was badly injured after he was knocked down and ran over by a Polaris cart. He has since been taken to the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II where he is being treated. Preliminary, unofficial reports are that Espat was riding his bicycle heading north on Pescador Drive and upon approaching the San Juan roundabout he was hit by a Polaris vehicle. Eye witnesses reported that Espat ended up under the vehicle, badly hurt. He received severe injury to the right side of his face, head and upper jaw. The driver of the Polaris has been detained and is in police custody awaiting the results of the investigation regarding the accident.

Ambergris Today

SATIIM Community Forest Patrols Stopped by Guatemalan Military
The Guatemalan military stopped a community forest patrol organized by the Sarstoon Temash Institute for Indigenous Management to monitor deforestation and illegal activity on their ancestral lands in southern Belize. “Only if you are military, no fishing, no protected areas,nothing,”said a Guatemalan military representative to the patrol team. “Once you ask permission, we will accompany you,” he added. This incident is the latest in military confrontations with civilians on both sides of the border. In April, Belize soldiers shot and killed a 13-year-old Guatemalan boy. In response, Guatemalan Defense Minister William Mansilla announced the deployment of 3,000 troops on the border. While SATIIM forest patrols have previously been accosted by the Guatemalan military in this historical contested border area, this is the first time the Mayans were informed they could only enter under Guatemalan military escort.

Belize in Scuba Diving Magazine's 2017 Readers Choice Awards
Each year Scuba Diving Magazine asks its readers to vote for their favorite dive operators, liveaboards, dive sites and more to produce its list of the Best of the Best. Needless to say, Belizean businesses have made their way into the list as top choices from people all around the globe. When you're scuba diving at a new destination, the experience is only as good as the dive operation, instructor or divemaster who is guiding you through the ocean and liveaboard cruise ships are the ultimate getaway for scuba divers. The winners below were chosen by popular vote (regardless of location) and ranked based on their category. Most Unusual Dive Sites (1. Great Blue Hole, Belize). Best Dive Operators (#16. Amigos del Mar, Ambergris Caye.) Best Liveaboards (#2. Belize Aggressor III). Best Dive Resorts (#19. Turneffe Island Resort, Belize).

Inauguration of New and Improved Sir Barry Bowen Municipal Airport
Friday, October 11th, 2016 Belizeans gathered at the municipal airport of Belize to witness the new and improved now named Sir Barry Bowen Municipal Airport. General Manager of the Belize Airports Authority (BAA) Mr. Nicholas Ruiz, Minister of Tourism Mr. Manuel Heredia, BAA Board of Directors Mr. Severo Guerrero along with Tropic Air and Maya Island Air presidents expressed how they hope this project serves as an example to the other airports in Belize. With brief descriptions on how this project was accomplished and while sharing memories of Sir Barry, Mr. Barry’s wife, Dixie Bowen and Hon. Manuel Heredia had the distinct honor in cutting the ribbon. Dixie Bowen stated that ever since Barry first landed foot in Belize his dream was to have his own airport. With humor she said that she even believed that he might have loved his airplanes more than he did his family.

The San Pedro Town Council and CARILED Strategic Plan to Make San Pedro a Green Environment
On Thursday, October 10th, 2016 residents gathered at the Lions Den as the San Pedro Town Council held a pubic consolation based on a local economic development strategic plan for San Pedro Town. This program falls under CARILED- Caribbean Local Economic Development Project that is coordinated by Leidi Urbina here in Belize. Mayor Daniel Guerrero along with Leidi Urbina gave an overview on what this project is and how they plan to accomplish it. Mayor Danny stated, “With the help and support of the local business anything can be accomplished, we will do our part as long as they do theirs.” Many business owners and locals who were present gave their opinion on the projects overview to reduce Styrofoam, Plastic, and other materials that are harmful to the environment and replace those with green products such as Eco showers, Solar powered hotels and vehicles, Eco Friendly paint, begin recycling and much more. The main goal is to become a Green Friendly Environment.

Misc Belizean Sources

Belmopan screening of the short film ‘Yochi’
The Pig & Parrot Club at the British High Commission Residence Compound has very kindly offered to host a special evening Belmopan screening of the short film ‘Yochi’, recently premiered at the Belize International Film Festival and just today announced as the WINNER in its category. Those who couldn’t make the premier have the perfect opportunity to see the movie this Wednesday evening 16 November. The clubhouse opens as usual at 7.30pm and we will be screening the 25 minute film outside on the patio at 8.30pm prompt. You MUST submit full names of all guests by email to me at [email protected] by 12:00 on Wednesday 16th in order to be on the list to gain access to the clubhouse (unless you are on the regular P&P; email distribution, in which case just respond in the normal way). There is a cap on the number of people who can gain access, so first come, first served! You should ensure you get a response from me to confirm your names have been added to the list for the evening! We all look forward to seeing you there and would like to take this opportunity to thank the British High Commission and David and Grace Chun for helping to bring Yochi to Belmopan this week. Please do not turn up at the Clubhouse without first confirming with me that you have been added to the list!

TROPIC AIR ANNOUNCES SERVICE TO CHETUMAL, MEXICO
Tropic Air announced today that on January 16, 2017, and subject to final Governmental approval, it will inaugurate non-stop service between Belize City International Airport (BZE) and Chetumal, Quintana Roo, Mexico (CTM). Chetumal becomes Tropic's third destination in Mexico and its 6th international route, and it will be the only airline to operate non-stop scheduled flights between these two historically close cities. Initially, Tropic will fly to Chetumal three times weekly, with a schedule that will allow for fast, convenient connections to/from InterJet flights to Mexico City. In April, the frequency is planned to increase to five time a week. In Belize City, Tropic Air will offer easy connections to/from domestic destinations such as San Pedro, Caye Caulker, Dangriga and Placencia. “Our customers have been asking for this for years, so we have been working closely with our partners in Chetumal to finally make it a reality. We are excited!" said John Greif III, President of Tropic Air.

Yochi Tour dates
Yochi Film is the winning Short Film of the 2016 Belize International Film Festival, and you still have a chance to see it! Filmed in Cayo, Yochi is the story of a 9-year-old selectively mute Mayan boy who guards a nest of endangered Yellow-Headed Parrots in Belize’s pine savannah. When his beloved older brother, Itza, returns from the city, Yochi learns that he’s in debt and has turned to poaching – setting the brothers on a collision course. Yochi is a film about connection, finding your voice, and protecting that which is most sacred to you. November 15 - Orange Walk Central Park at 7:00 pm November 16 - National Heritage Library, Belmopan at 12:00 pm November 17 - Cayo Welcome Center, San Ignacio at 7:00 pm

San Pedro High School Celebrates. Boys take National Volleyball Championship
Congratulations!!

BELIZE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL SHINES ITS SPOTLIGHT ON THE WINNERS
The 11th Edition of the Belize International Film Festival wrapped up on Sunday night with the DigiCell 4G LTE Closing Night Awards Concert presented by the Music Ambassador of Belize at the Bliss Center for Performing Arts. Winners were announced in seven categories: 1. Best Narrative Feature SABINA K (Bosnia/USA) Director - Cristobal Krusen Special Jury Mention IXCANUL (Guatemala/Fance) Director - Jayro Bustamante 2. Best Documentary Feature HEXA: GRANDSON OF THE RULERS OF BRAZIL (Brazil) Director - Washington CarvalhoSpecial Jury Mention I AM FROM WHERE A RIVER RUNS/YO SOY DE DONDE HAY UN RIO (Nicaragua) Director - Rossana Lacayo...

BELIZE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL closing awards ceremony
Talent across the generatons! Great photos Shyne Barrow

Dance X BZ 2016
Dance X BZ 2016 is coming to BELIZE CITY, ORANGE WALK and SAN IGNACIO!

Remembrance Day Ceremony in Corozal
A wonderful morning at the official Remembrance Day Ceremony at Memorial/Soldiers Park. Corozal's BDF soldiers, BDF Cadets, Police Cadets, Scouts, Government Officials and the community attended in honour of WW 1 and WW 2 soldiers who died in the name of freedom. It's inspiring to see all ages carrying on this Commonwealth tradition.

See you Tuesday at the Embassy's Artisan Fair!

POSTPONEMENT OF THE COMPLETION OF THE MULTIBEAM AND SEA SEEP SURVEY
The Ministry of Economic Development and Petroleum would like to inform the general public that the completion of the offshore multibeam and sea seep survey will be postponed until public consultations on the survey are conducted. The Ministry will inform the general public of the schedule of the public consultations so that interested persons may attend. The Ministry of Economic Development and Petroleum, through the Geology and Petroleum Department, will continue to ensure that the petroleum sector is developed in a responsible and environmentally conscious manner which can contribute to the sustainable development of Belize. Ministry of Economic Development and Petroleum

The major political parties in Belize will not give us the right to vote unless we demand it
Commentary by Wellington Ramos. I have been involved in advocating for the rights of my Belizean people since I arrived in the United States in 1978. We who live in this country will not get the government of Belize to give us our rights to vote by proxy and other rights that we deserve, unless we organize ourselves and demand these rights. Belizeans living in the United States and abroad need to conduct public forums in all their communities to determine what are our priority needs. Then approach the government with our demands as citizens of Belize. From the conversations I have been conducting over the years, some of the issues that have been surfacing are the Belize-Guatemala dispute, the neglect of our citizens by the government of Belize, lack of representation in the Belize government, land issues, lot issues, housing issues, services by our government representatives abroad, corruption in government, crimes at home, the length of time in processing and receiving a passport and investment opportunities that are available.

Live performance of The Wabagari Dance Group
The Embassy of Mexico in collaboration with the Luba Garifuna Cultural Museum cordially invites the general public of Belize to come and celebrate the Garifuna Culture and enjoy a live performance of The Wabagari Dance Group On Thursday November 17th, 2016 At 6:00 pm At the Mexican Cultural Institute

Caye Caulker Liquor License Renewal Notice
Deadline December 8, 2016

BTIA Cayo November Meeting
Now is the time to get involved with the BTIA. The last big meeting of the year is Thursday, November 17th, at 5:00pm, at the Cahal Pech Resort. You can meet the new board. "BTIA Cayo Chapter invites ALL tourism stakeholders (Hotels, Tour Operators, Restaurants, Bars, Individuals, and Students) to our first chapter meeting to discuss some important events including the tourism destination branding for San Ignacio/Santa Elena and the greater Cayo district, new official Cayo Tourism Festival, introduction of BTIA CAYO new board members, discussion on Guatemalan tour busses and the impact it has on our local industry, among other things. TOURISM IS OUR BIGGEST RESOURCE, LET'S WORK TO PROTECT AND IMPROVE IT!! The future depends on what we do today! Meeting venue: Cahal Pech Village Resort, San Ignacio Belize, see you there!! Thursday November 17th, 2016 at 5pm."

Yesterdays amazing super moon covered by a bit of clouds in Dangriga.
Photo by Eagle Eyes Photography

Channel 7

Devastating Weekend Leaves Four Dead Including Grandmother and 7 Year Old
It's been three days of devastating violence: In the 8 hours between Friday afternoon at 4:30 and Saturday morning at 12:15 AM, three people were killed in the Belize district, including a 7 year old boy, while three others were shot including two female minors. And in Dangriga, nephews allegedly chopped off a grandmother's head so that they could steal a few thousand dollars. Indeed, a dizzying panorama of violence, and we begin in the city with the murder of 7 year old Tyler Savery - which is where we left off on Friday. Tyler died on Daly Street from a single gunshot to the chest, while his cousin, Porshan Pipersburgh, died the next day from two gunshots to his chest. Today, Tyler's mom, Shakera Young, gathered up tremendous courage and composure to speak to the media to make a plea on her son's behalf to stop the violence. Daniel Ortiz has that story:

Police Have Four Suspects For Child Killer
Today the officer commanding northside, ACP Dezerie Phillips was asked to respond to this mother's plea that police do more to arrest and interdict ruthless killers. Here's how ACP Castillo responded this morning at a press conference featuring the three Belize District Commanders:... Reporter: "She lost her only child and so she basically sent a message to you all asking please do more because she is not the first mother who lost a child." ACP Dezerie Phillips, OC, Eastern Division North: "I clearly understand her cry, her pain, the anger that she feels, but I have personally assured her at the visit that I made to her and I am also doing this publicly in providing an assurance that we are doing the best that we can. Yesterday we had two persons in custody, this morning we have four persons in custody..."

Did Internal Gang War Lead To Child Killing?
And while police are calling on the public to help, the fact is that whenever the murder is gang related, witnesses are reluctant to cooperate for fear of retaliation. Street information suggests that there is an internal war, which has been flaring up within Pink's Alley - and that's what led to Friday's double murder. Today police would not comment on this - even when the media pressed them for answers:... Jules Vasquez, 7News: "Are you able to speak at all on the gang dimension?" ACP Dezerie Phillips, OC, Eastern Division North: "Sadly not at this time, simply because we have not been able to establish a motive and until you establish a motive then you know exactly where it's coming from or where it came from."

Mechanic Murdered A Block From Home, "Stamma" Charged
And, eight hours after that murder there was another killing in Belize City. 41 year old mechanic Andrew Williams was killed a block from his home. At 12:20 AM, He was driving a Toyota car with Taxi license plates when he came under fire from two men walking in the opposite direction. Williams barreled across the sidewalk, ran over a food stall, and ended up smashing a zinc fence. He was dead - while police were quick to respond and detain one man at the scene. The cops told us more at today's big press conference: Sgt. Gladmir Cu, CIB, Southside: "Police responded to a shooting incident which occurred at the corner of Periwinkle Street and Mahogany Street where upon arrival, police saw the motionless body of a dark male person inside a dark green taxi car. Initial investigation reveals that whilst the driver, who was later identified as Andrew Williams, was driving down Mahogany Street heading towards Vernon Street. When passing the passing the junction of Tibruce Street he was followed by a male person who fired several shots towards the vehicle which lead to the death of Andrew Williams. An investigation was carried out into this incident. Several persons were interviewed and statements recorded where at the conclusion it leads to the arrest of a male person whose name is Kareem Smith for the crime of murder."

Family Heard When They Killed Loved One
As you just heard, Williams was killed only a block from his home. That means his family heard the gunshot that killed him - but they couldn't have known that it was their own loved one lying dead behind the wheel of his brother's taxi. Today, his sister told us how they got the news. Fearing for her safety because threats have been received, she asked to appear off camera:... Voice of: Family Member: "When I heard the gunshots my gentleman asked me 'Terry did you hear that?' I said 'yes I hear it'. After that I couldn't go back to sleep, I just felt my heart got full. My phone rang about 15 minutes after. My little sister called me in tears and said 'Ter, they just killed Andrew'. Right there I started to cry, I just came out of bed, put on my clothes and went to Mahogany Street. I saw the ambulance out there and a lot of people. When I arrived, I just saw my brother's head hanging down in the car in the passenger side and his feet are by the driver's side."

Teenaged Girl Grazed On Cheek
And so those are the murders - but the weekend's death toll in the Belize District could have been even greater because four other persons were shot - two of them female minors - and one of the girls was shot in the cheek, while one man was shot in the head, but they all survived. Three of the shootings happened on Sunday night in the city. The most serious is a 13 year old who was grazed by a bullet across the cheek on Raccoon Street Extension. A written police report says it happened while she sat inside her house watching television at 10:30 last night. But, today at a press conference, the lead investigator says it happened closer to ten, and she wasn't inside; she was outside on the stairs. They both agree she was grazed to the cheek: Sgt. Gladmir Cu, CIB, Southside: "Whilst the minor was outside by the stairs of the house, shots were fired whereby she received the injury to the left side of her cheek. Several persons were interviewed. This investigation is still at a young stage, persons are being sought for this investigation and persons are being detained for questioning."

14 Year Old Girl Shot To Both Legs
The other female minor who was shot is only 14. She was shot to both legs at the corner of North Creek and Curasow Street - in the same general area of the first shooting. This also happened on Sunday night but about two hours before the 13 year old was shot. Police say in this case, the child was in the company of an adult male. If you hear the audio go blank, it's because we have blocked out the child's name from the police account:... Sgt. Isaias Sanchez, Precinct 1 - CIB: "The information is that Anjalee Flores who are friends, were standing right at the corner of Curassow Street and North creek when a vehicle drove pass them and fired one single shot causing the injury to Hilda. So far the police have a recording statement from a witness and have positively identified a gunman. We are seeking one person."

Man On Bike Shot By Motorbike Gunman
The third city shooting victim is an adult male, Davaney Flowers. He was also shot on Sunday night between the time when the two female minors were hit. And, he was also hit in the thigh. He was riding on King street when two men on a motorbike opened fire on him. Police said it's a mystery because 33 year old Flowers is a working man:.. Sgt. Isaias Sanchez, Precinct 1 - CIB: "The motive of that incident is still unknown. We are working on the case and Davaney Flowers is a known person who works at the Sexy Chicken food on Barrack Road as no gang member, no gang associate. He is a workman. So the motive of that is still unknown at this time."

What Is The Southside Solution?
So, three shootings and one murder happened between Friday at midnight and Sunday night on the Southside. The commander says they are launching patrols and entering into mediation to contain and quell the violence:... ACP Chester Williams - Commander, Southside: "We have stepped up our patrols particularly in the affected areas and the residents of the extensions as well as those in the North Creek area will see increase operations in those areas and those operations are geared at curbing the current situation. We know that the problem existed before. We have dealt with it before and it manifest itself again. So, we are in the area currently. Where both shooting are concerns we have good leads and we expect arrest in both of them hopefully today or by tomorrow the latest. And we are hoping that with that, we will see some calm in the area."

Stann Creek Grandmother Hacked To Death For A Few Thousand Dollars, Nephews Suspected
A 63 year old Salvadoran woman was found buried in her back yard in Dangriga. Victoria Castillo went missing on Wednesday evening. The family thought she had traveled to Guatemala to see her daughter because her passport, and other personal belongings were not in the house. But when they called her family in Guatemala, she wasn't there. Well relatives and friends teamed up to go look for her and today they told us about this weekend's horrific discovery. Courtney Weatherburne has more: Victoria Castillo was a devoted Christian. She would always arrive early to open and clean the church for evening meetings and Sunday service. But the pastor's wife got concerned when Castillo didn't come to church for the Wednesday gathering. Armede Padilla, Family Friend: "When I didn't see her show up , it was like 6:30 when I passed by, the place was closed so I called her phone and it went to voice mail, yes Wednesday like around 6:30 in the evening yes." When she couldn't get Castillo on her cell, Padilla called Castillo's husband who had just returned home from Guatemala, but he had no idea where she was either.

Shot To Head, Likely To Survive
And in one last gasp of violence from the Belize District - a man was shot in the head last night in Ladyville, but he is expected to survive. Rural commander Edward Broaster told us about Anthony Vansen's unlikely survival:... Broaster says that the bullet did not penetrate his skull but fractured it and caused a huge swelling. For this reason, he is in an induced coma and is in a critical condition, but is expected to survive.

Reloading The Bond
Prime Minister Dean Barrow returned the country on Saturday afternoon after traveling to New York City on official business. He was there along with Economic Ambassador Mark Espat and Financial Secretary Joseph Waight to speak with Belize's financial advisors. They are finalizing the country's plan approach bondholders to convince them restructure the Superbond, for the second time in less than 4 years. The Government needs immediate relief from the crippling bullet payments which start next year. When the PM landed at the PGIA on Saturday, we spoke to him to discuss what the strategy will look like to get buy-in from bond holders. Here's what he told us: Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister of Belize: "I went together with Ambassador Espat and the Financial Secretary. We went to finalize matters with our legal and financial advisors prior to officially notifying bond holders and the public that we are going to be seeking to restructure. We have agreed our strategy and now it is a matter of actually engaging the bond holders in the face to face negotiations which Ambassador Espat will lead together with the city group which is the sort of financial intermediary advisories."

Will Bondholders Lose Patience with "Malpago" Belize?
The Government's press release from last Wednesday said that this restructuring effort is due to, quote, "The serious economic and financial challenges currently facing the country…" End quote. That statement also said, "Belize's economy has significantly underperformed in comparison with the projections used at the time in setting the terms of the 2038 Bonds." As we said, this is 3 years and 8 months after the Superbond 2.0 was floated. That was a refinancing of the original Superbond, which in itself was a re-financing and consolidation of a bunch of high interest bonds that the Musa Administration had racked up. So, this is the third time government is going to bondholders to re-finance. We asked the Prime Minister about the effect it could have on the confidence of bondholders:

PM Dean On President Donald
And, as we told you last week, Prime Minister Barrow was in New York when Donald Trump was elected in the 2016 Presidential Elections. We asked the PM for his thoughts on the election outcome, and he spoke very cautiously: Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister of Belize: "Cleary their democracy worked. The elections obviously were not rigged and the fact that Mr. Trump was able to confound all the pundits and posters is something of which he is no doubt extraordinarily and justifiably proud. We as a fellow democracy certainly congratulate the people of the United States on what was a peaceful election and we congratulate Mr. Trump as the president-elect." Daniel Ortiz, 7News: "What are your impressions of the man? He is currently in his country facing a show of no confidence from thousands of Americans?"

SATIIM Stopped By GAF
The Sarstoon River is once again ground zero for Belize/Guatemala relations after the conservation NGO, SATIIM, was stopped for a second time this year by the Guatemalan Armed Forces. It happened last Thursday when a forest patrol was on the way to monitor deforestation and illegal activities on their ancestral lands in Southern Belize. The last time this happened was in April of this year, and this time, SATIIM made sure to capture the entire encounter on video. They've posted it on youtube with English Subtitles so that non-Spanish speakers can understand what the Guatemalan soldiers said. Here's that video unedited: Today, we caught up with SATIIM's Executive Director, and she told us that she will seek clarification from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs:

On Motorbike With Loaded 9
City Police making a routine traffic stop last night found a 24 year old with a loaded gun. Officers who were patrolling Central American Boulevard searched Kent Moss after they saw him riding a motorcycle without license. They found a Black 9 millimeter Glock pistol with (8) live rounds of ammunition in his right front pocket. Kent Moss was arrested and charged for "Kept unlicensed firearm and Kept unlicensed ammunition". Notably, one of last night's shooting victims was shot by two men on a motorbike.

Herrera On How It Feels To Be Free
In 2014, Charles Herrera was charged for the murder of Ezekiel Hernandez Medina. He claims he stabbed Medina after he caught him trying to break into his car. The case concluded today in a trial without jury before Justice John Gonzalez who acquitted Herrera. We spoke to Herrera's lawyer, Christelle Wilson, who told us why the judge decided the evidence did not prove that he was guilty. Christelle Wilson - Herrera's Attorney: "The judge said that after listening to all the evidence that was presented by the prosecution, he's of the opinion that it was merely a suspicious accusation that he was guilty of murder. The prosecution evidence was not solid enough to prove to him beyond a reasonable doubt that he could conclusively say that Mr. Herrera had anything to do with the murder of Mr. Medina. And the defense has always maintained its case that Mr. Herrera was innocent, you know." One of the reasons the case went on for so long was because of a confession statement Herrera made where he admitted to defending his property because he thought that's what the police wanted to hear, and that it would prevent him from being charged with murder. At the time of the confession, however it was revealed that police had withheld food and water from him for over 5 hours. His lawyer explained how this forced statement factored in to the decision.

Hope For Heart Surgery Patient
Almost three weeks ago, Tyron Coleman was flown to the Cayman Islands to undergo a cardiopulmonary bypass surgery. Coleman was diagnosed with coronary artery disease, which restricts blood flow to the heart. This left Coleman in urgent need of a complicated and expensive open heart surgery, which could not be done in Belize. After, getting support from the public, Coleman's family was able to gather enough funds to send him to Grand Cayman for the surgery. When he left Belize he was in critical condition, but after a successful surgery and recovering enough to travel, Coleman returned home. We spoke to him today and he told us how fortunate he was. Tyron Coleman - James Bus Driver: "It's like a miracle. It's really amazing and it is really a miracle, because when I was thanking the doctors for what they have done for me the doctors told me, they said it's not them that brought me back, they said it's God that brought me back, so it's really like a miracle."

SATIIM Speaks On 13th Senator
Last week we told you about how the NGO community formed a steering committee to help the other 143 registered NGO's to become compliant with the NGO Act, so that they can participate in electing the 13th Senator. There are only 22 NGO'S in "good standing", and the other 121 have until December 16 to do so, or else they will not be able to participate in the January 2017 appointment of that new parliamentarian. Today, while we had the opportunity, we spoke with Froyla Tzalam, who's the new steering committee's media relations officer. Here's what she had to say on their attempts to make the selection process more inclusive: The new list of NGO's who are compliant under the NGO Act will be submitted on December 19.

Don't Fall For Funny Money
Belmopan police are reporting the discovery counterfeit twenty dollar bills in their jurisdiction - and they say they could be going around all over the country. The public is reminded to look carefully for the security features so that they don't get stuck with this funny money.

The Envelope Please!
The Belize International Film Festival came to a close yesterday. After several movie screenings and panel discussions with the filmmakers, the event closed with an awards ceremony. A winner was chosen for each of the seven categories. SABINA K won best narrative film, while HEXA: GRANDSON OF THE RULERS OF BRAZIL took the prize for Best Documentary. The Best Short Film was YOCHI, and WINGS OF HOPE won best short documentary. VOICES OF LATIN AMERICA/VOCES DE LATINOAMERICA was selected as the Best Environmental Film, and Melonie Gillet's SOCA MODE was the Best Music Video. Daniel E. Hyde's MANNA won the Most Notable Belizean Film. The winners were selected from a pool of 34 films and 17 music videos from 20 countries.

Tropic Flies To Chetumal
Chetumal, a popular get away destination for many Belizeans, is now easier to get to than ever. Starting in January of next year, Tropic Air will begin nonstop flights from the Philip Goldson International Airport to the border city. Now, while you mightn't fly to Chetumal when it's easy and quick to get there by road, the idea is that the connection will be a springboard to Mexico City which is a huge international hub.

Channel 5

Double Murder Rocks Northside; Mother Heartbroken By Only Child’s Death
As many as four Belizeans died violently in a sweeping crime wave while four others were shot and injured over the weekend. Belize City was hardest hit by a double [...]

A Fight for Peace and Humanity in Blood-Soaked Belize City
According to Savery’s mother, a celebration of hi