February 9, 2017

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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, and other specials

The San Pedro Sun

$1,500 Shopping Spree donated to Ambergris Caye’s First Children Home
On Wednesday, February 1, representatives of Ambergris Caye’s first upcoming children’s home were presented with a gift certificate worth $1,500 in order to supply the facility with necessary equipment upon its launch. Brittney O’Daniel of Raise Me Up and San Pedro Lions Club, Kaitlin McWhorter of Raise Me Up and Britney Travis of On Eagles Wings Ministries (OEWM) gladly accepted the donation, provided by Banyan Bay Resorts (Banyan Bay Suites & Grand Colony Island Villas). The $1,500 gift certificate was part of a giveaway promotion by The Angelus Press, a retail, printing and publishing store that is geared at providing office and school essentials, located in Belize City. Banyan Bay Suites was the winner of the “Pretty Papers” sweepstakes. Shortly after their winning, news about the ground-breaking work on the shelter was announced, and Raise Me Up board members were promptly contacted by Banyan Bay Suites.

San Pedro Pirates youth camp begins
The San Pedro Pirates football club began their Under-15 and Under-11 youth camp on Monday, January 30th. Hector Alamilla, San Pedro Town Council’s Councilor of Youth and Sports explained the importance of hosting this youth camp. “It is actually required to have youth teams formed once there is a football club registered under the semi pro team. Our semi pro players will scout out players and maybe in the future, these youngsters can also be players of the club,” said Alamilla. Alamilla, along with Coach Jorge Nunez, said they are impressed by the talent and dedication they have seen so far. “We have seen many children come out and start to train, but I wish to see more children come out. We hope to teach the young participants some of the skills professional players use to improve their game. We would also like to give them a little taste of the game, give them basic instructions, see how much they can learn for themselves,” said Alamilla.

Shrimp industry struggling in first month of New Year
The Shrimp Farming Industry in Southern Belize has been battling to recover from a viral disease that has ravaged their shrimp stock. The industry resorted to a new genetic material, which seemed to be working. However, according to unofficial reports, the situation has not improved and difficulties continue. The Ministry of Agriculture has been closely monitoring the situation, and Agriculture Minister Godwin Hulse stated there are signs of a comeback. “There are some promising results, but some disappointment as well. Rainforest Company is producing lovely shrimp, but they have small ponds specially designed to drain. [As to the disappointment], the company has tried to export some to Mexico, but there’s been some setback, which we are trying to seriously analyze. I will put this as bluntly as I can: It’s a technical problem, and it requires a technical solution and so at this time the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) and everybody else is engaged in trying to find that technical solution to the setbacks,” said Hulse.

BTB hosts Tourism Transportation Workshop
On February 3rd BTB commenced an extensive workshop for taxi tour guides currently operating in the Fort Street Tourism Zone. A total of thirty-four (34) taxi drivers benefitted from the training which aimed at developing and enhancing their skills; knowledge and professional conduct. The workshop was derived after a survey conducted within the zone, determined that there was a high level of demand, interest and participation for training. The overarching objective was to ensure a high quality of service delivery is achieved within the transportation industry and by extension to the tourism industry; with a rewarding and valuable experience for all visitors to our shore. The facilitator of the workshop Ms. Sharon Banfield-Bovell offers a comprehensive background in tourism with her specialization in Sustainable Tourism Development, Policy Formation, Human Resources Development, Tourism Development and Strategic Planning. The workshop was held on February 3rd, 4th and 5th at the ITVET compound in Belize City and in addition to appropriate theories; also took an interactive and participatory format. BTB recognizes and embraces the role of the transportation sector as a contributor to the success of tourism and is pleased to work with this sector; to enhance its professionalism and productivity.

SPHS Female Football team are regional champions
The San Pedro High School (SPHS) female football team returned to La Isla Bonita as the Northern Regional Football Champions for 2016-2017. Through the National Secondary Schools Sports Association (NSSSA), both male and female football teams of SPHS competed against neighboring schools on Saturday, February 4th in the Corozal District. Saturday morning saw both teams playing simultaneously at different field grounds. The SPHS male football team played against Corozal Institute for Technical and Vocational Education and Training, (CITVET) in a grueling match that ended in a 3-2 score in favor of CITVET. In the first half, SPHS boys had a great start, leading with one goal. CITVET then drew with SPHS during the second half, before SPHS scored another goal for the lead. Near the final minutes of the match, CITVET tied the game, and overtime was allotted. Both teams got an extra 15 minutes to break the tie, and CITVET took the victory with a 3-2 score. CITVET then advanced to the championship round, where they soundly beat Corozal Community College (CCC) 4-0.

Ambergris Today

Carnaval Spirit Runs In The Blood
Just recently upon the passing of Felix Ayuso Jr., he was highly associated with Carnaval. Some of his friends said , "He is Carnaval". This flashback reminds us that the spirit of Carnaval might come in the blood. Seen in this flashback of "El Torito" is Feliz Ayuso Sr. as well as Don Francisco "Pancho" Bardalez, uncle of Felix Ayuso Jr (+). We also know that another uncle of Felix, Adolfo Ayuso (+) was another avid Carnaval and comparsa enthusiast. This flashback takes us back into the 1970's when popular radio celebrity Lidia Ramirez came to San Pedro to participate and document Carnaval as it was uniquely known in San Pedro.

25 Years Ago - Recycling for Necessity
Today recycling is being encouraged for the good of the environment. But many years ago in San Pedro there was a lot of recycling, except that it was not done for the environment but because of need. Salaries and wages were small and in many instances articles were non-existent, thus the need to make do with what was available. Hold on; here we go! Tin cans were opened very neatly and used as tea cups, coffee mugs or for lack of a better word, drinking vessels. Expensive biscuits came in a beautifully decorated round or rectangular metal cans. These metal cans made excellent and beautiful jewelry boxes. They were also used as organizer boxes to store thread, yarn and knitting materials.

Belize Fisheries Department Confirms Discovery of New Shark Species in Country
The Belize Fisheries Department is pleased to announce the discovery of a new shark species in Belize. The new shark species has not been officially named as yet but it closely resembles the Bonnethead shark (Sphyrna tiburo) and was discovered in samples taken from a landing site in Belize through an ongoing shark data collection, monitoring and research program and collaboration between the Fisheries Department and Dr. Demian Chapman, a shark specialist of Florida International University (FIU). The Fisheries Department has implemented a shark data collection and research program since 2013. The objective of the program is to gather scientific data to help develop and implement improved management measures to ensure the sustainability of shark populations in Belize. In this work, the Fisheries Department works closely with shark fishers at landing sites and collaborates with independent shark scientists and conservation organizations.

Pic of the Week - Sports Fishing in Belize Does Not Get Any Better
Here's a beauty for you! Local fisherman/guide, Carlos 'Ketchu' Marin, boasts a gorgeous Permit during one of this sports fishing expeditions. Belize is known for its excellent salt water flats ideal for grand slam sports fishing to include all three bonefish, permit and tarpon.

Rebecca Rath Miss Belize Universe 2016 to Return Home from Manila
On January 29, 2017, on Fox Television Network, 86 of the world’s most beautiful and accomplished young women vied for the opportunity to be crowned Miss Universe. Among those women was our very own Miss Belize, Rebecca Rath. “Bex “as she is affectionately known, is the first to represent Belize in the Miss Universe Pageant in ten years and was a favorite on social media and popular pageant websites. She was featured in several video clips along with other delegates and showcased her love for the jewel in which she was born and raised. Though she was not among the thirteen finalists, Rebecca’s eloquence and undeniable charm has made her one of Belize’s most celebrated beauty ambassadors in recent times. Rebecca returns home on February 10th. Here is what will take place: - Welcome at the PGIA at approximately 12 noon - Motorcade through principal streets of Belize City following her arrival - Press briefing at the Bliss Centre @2PM The public is invited to line the streets and attend the press briefing at the Bliss to give a warm welcome to one of Belize’s greatest beauty Ambassadors.

Misc Belizean Sources

SBDC Workshop: Business Plan Development
Presented by: Ms. Monique Usher, Post/Teaching Description: Business Advisor SBDCBelize, Beltraide. Location: BTEC Training Room, ITVET Compound, Free Town Road, Belize City. Workshop Date: February 15th, 2017. Time: 9am to 12noon. This workshop aims to help participants understand what the elements of a business plan are. The time constraints of the session, and sensitivity of private client information, do not allow the participants or the facilitator to actually draft any component of the business plan during the workshop. However the workshop instead should be lead as a brainstorming session to allow participants to be thinking of what would be included in their specific plan. As a result, they would write their business plan using the ideas generated during this workshop. Therefore the class should be very informal and mostly discussion based. The manual provides pointers, but it is up to the participants to come up with their own specifics. the Trainer will actively engage the participants throughout the workshop to be sharing ideas and thinking of how each element of the business plan comes into play in their specific business.

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY
The OAS Department of Human Development, Education and Employment the Inter-American Telecommunications Commission (OAS/CITEL) and the National Telecommunication Research and Training Institute of the Universidad Nacional de Ingeniería (INICTEL-UNI, Perú) herein offer scholarships for the online course: "Curso de Seguridad de la Información y Normas ISO 27001" to be delivered in Spanish. The deadline for receiving the hardcopy applications at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, NEMO Building, Belmopan for pre-selection and forwarding to OAS Washington, D.C. is July 1st, 2017.

Good Manufacturing Practices Training for Belizean Exporters
EXPORTBelize, a unit of the Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE), in collaboration with the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA), will conduct a one-day workshop on the “Introduction to Good Manufacturing Practices” (GMP) on Friday 10th February 2017 at the BTEC office located inside ITVET Compound on Freetown Road, Belize City. The purpose of a GMP system is to ensure that products are produced in a controlled environment and with good quality and food safety standards, therefore, enabling companies to minimize or eliminate instances of contamination, mix ups, and errors. This in turn, protects the consumer from purchasing a product which is not effective or even harmful. The Good Manufacturing Practices and Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures are the pre-requisite programs for the implementation of any food safety system which is necessary for export markets.

FOREST FIRE FIGHTING TEAMS TO RECEIVE NEW SAFETY GEARS & EQUIPMENT
Today, Wednesday, 8th February 2017, the Forest Department and five of its key partners in Forest Fire Prevention and Management will receive essential fire-fighting safety gears and equipment through the Key Biodiversity Areas Project (also known as the KBA project). During the handing-over ceremony, Minister Omar Figueroa will distribute the fire-fighting gears among the Forest Department’s ranges, Toledo Institute of Development and Education (TIDE), Ya’axche Conservation Trust (YCT), Corozal Sustainable Future Initiative (CSFI), the Rancho Dolores Environmental and Development Group limited and Programme for Belize (PfB). Over the past years, the Forest Department and its partners have joined efforts in addressing an increasing number of forest fires, often times pooling both logistical and human resources to fight intense wildfires in remote forested areas. Eugene Waight, KBA project Manager, stated: “This timely distribution of the much needed equipment is in preparation of the upcoming forest fire season and will assist the beneficiaries to better combat forest fires and mitigate the damages to our forest systems.” The wildland fire-fighting protective gears and equipment are worth more than BZ$117,000 and form part of a Fire Incidence Rapid Response Team strategy to better manage forest fires. Some of the items being distributed include helmets, fire-fighting protective clothing, leather gloves, goggles, Kestrel pocket weather station, council combination tool, axes, rakes, swatters, bladder bags, drip torch, fuel containers, chain saws, long handle shovels, global positioning systems, drones, and radios.

HON. EDMOND CASTRO VISITS PORT AUTHORITY OFFICE IN BIG CREEK
While on tour in the South, Hon. Edmond Castro took the opportunity to meet with the staff at the Belize Port Authority Office in Big Creek. The team is led by Officer in Charge Mrs. Jessica Godoy. Hon. Castro commended them for their dedicated service and urged them to keep working hard as they continue to make their contribution in regulating the essential service provided by this important port at the heart of Belize’s Productive Sector. The Minister was accompanied on his visit by Ports Commissioner Mrs. Merlene Bailey Martinez and Port Authority Operations Manager Mrs. Sherlett Martinez.

The State Of MMA In Belize 2017
As 2016 ends and 2017 is upon us, now is a good time to reflect on the state of MMA in Belize. MMA is still the fastest growing sport globally, and in Belize it has been growing at a slow but steady pace. Compared with other traditional competitive sports such as football and basketball it’s not as popular but it’s getting there. In 2016 there were a couple “bigish” events that took place. One in February and then one in April. These events got decent exposure here in Belize where Belize fighters fought vs fighters from Mexico and Guatemala. The Belize vs Guatemala event in particular got a bit of mileage because of the on-going Belize vs Guatemala border dispute. It could not have been further from the truth, there were good fights and everyone was sportsmanlike. Then towards the end of the year we saw a Belizean (Kristian Usher) win a belt at a tournament for the “Vale Todo Chetumal” promotion. This is good for Belize MMA as it shows that we can be competitive in the regional scene and hold our own at home.

Belize Free Zone To Renew Members Of Its Chamber Of Commerce Chetumal
The Chamber of Commerce of the Free Zone is holding the process of renewal of the four members who will be in charge of the board of directors, in the election process, seven of the 15 members of the Chamber participate. Daniel Mora, Curtis Arnold, Anil Hotchandani, Kishore Makhijani, Satish Punjabi, José Romero and Gulab Sharma are all aspiring to one of four positions. Those who will be in charge will have the function of taking decisions for the welfare a number of more than 200 merchants installed in the commercial area.That is, they will have the option to modify and regulate the rules of operation of the so-called Free Zone. These activities do not affect the trade of the free zone, for example- the stores are open to visitors.

Placencia 14TH Annual Sidewalk Festival
Are you in Placencia at this time for a while and don't know whats going on this weekend? Come to placencia for BTIA 14TH Annual sidewalk festival. Its all happening this weekend.

Two 10 minute power interruptions 7:30am to 7:40am & 3:40pm to 4:00pm, Sunday, February 12: entire Orange Walk & Corozal Districts
BEL to facilitate maintenance works to be conducted by CFE.

Belize Fishing Report: January 28th – Feb 5th, 2017
A beauty of a week to begin here at El Pescador! Nick’s first saltwater experience was made even better when he landed a permit on the second cast of his first day! Steve and Scott also landed permit, with Steve landing three in one day!

Thank you from Belize Bird Rescue
There are two people in the life of Belize Bird Rescue that we couldn't do without and I do not thank nearly enough. Gordon and Gillian Kirkwood of Belize Animal Rescue are ALWAYS there for us. All of our Belize City area calls are handled by them, saving us hours in time and $$$'s in gas money. They tirelessly and selflessly respond immediately, each and every time, even when it's a wild 'goose' chase. Coupled with the excellent veterinary care we enjoy at Animal Medical Centre , they have the Belize City rescues down to a fine art. Bless you guys for all you do. Here are a few of their recent cases. PS and of course - Gordon's alter ego is Coconut Bway!

New sailors from Adelle's International Outreach Programme
On February 5, 2017, the San Pedro Sailing Club (SPSC) awarded each of its newest sailors from Adelle's International Outreach Programme, Emmanuel Avilez, Stephanie Avilez, Junior Avilez and Angel Aliva a certificate of completion for the Optimist Level 1 sailing program. The children are all between the ages of 9 and 12. On hand to congratulate them was Adelle Paz, director and founder of Adelle’s International Outreach Programme. In the summer of 2016, Ms. Paz approached the SPSC leadership to see if there was any way to join forces with the sailing club to teach interested young Belizeans in the outreach program how to sail. Since its inception, the SPSC has had as one of its goals to teach young Belizeans, specifically San Pedranos who would not otherwise have the opportunity to learn, so it was a perfect fit.

SBDCBELIZE CONDUCTS ITS ANNUAL CLIENT OUTREACH AS PART OF ITS MONITORING AND EVALUAITION
The Small Business Development Centre, Belize (SBDCBelize), a unit of BELTRAIDE that provides customized, needs-based services to Entrepreneurs, and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Belize to facilitate their competitiveness, is currently conducting its annual client outreach program throughout Belize. The objective of the program is to allow SBDCBelize to meet with new and existing clients to assess their growth, challenges, and assess additional areas that they need guidance and assistance in. As part of this process, surveys are also conducted, in particular: The Centre’s Client Satisfaction Survey, and Needs Analysis to determine training needs. Economic Impact generated is captured via a survey called “Client Growth Assessment “. Which is endorsed by the client and the respective advisor, and approved by the Centre’s Manager. This survey is essential as it reports back on economic indicators such as jobs created, jobs retained, capital investment, and sales generated through the advising and support of SBDCBelize.

FOREST FIRE FIGHTING TEAMS RECEIVE NEW SAFETY GEARS & EQUIPMENT
Today, Wednesday, 8th February 2017, the Forest Department and five of its key partners in Forest Fire Prevention and Management received essential fire-fighting safety gears and equipment through the Key Biodiversity Areas Project (also known as the KBA project). During the handing-over ceremony, Minister Omar Figueroa distributed the fire-fighting gears among the Forest Department’s ranges, Toledo Institute of Development and Education (TIDE), Ya’axche Conservation Trust (YCT), Corozal Sustainable Future Initiative (CSFI), the Rancho Dolores Environmental and Development Group limited and Programme for Belize (PfB). Over the past years, the Forest Department and its partners have joined efforts in addressing an increasing number of forest fires, often times pooling both logistical and human resources to fight intense wildfires in remote forested areas.

Directorate General for Foreign Trade 'Frequently Asked Questions'
You asked and the Directorate General for Foreign Trade answered! Check out Part One of the DGFT's 'Frequently Asked Questions'! And if your question isn't answered here, be sure to contact the Directorate General at [email protected]. They're waiting to hear from you!

Letter: Electoral re-registration in Belize
Amid the gross, intentional dysfunction that haunts our system of governance, the Belize Progressive Party (BPP) wishes to remind Belizeans and true friends of Belize, both at home and abroad, that in order for Belize to progress, effectively, good governance practices and principles must be championed and pursued relentlessly, without fail, not on a temporary or ad-hoc basis, solely for political expediency. In this regard, the BPP reminds one and all that since its inception in October 2015, we have consistently called for the constitutionally mandated re-registration exercise to be undertaken and that upon its completion, the lawful re-districting of the nation’s electoral constituencies also be conducted, so as to comply with the provisions set out in the Belize Constitution, to ensure a more equitable configuration of each electoral division.

Arte conVoz de Mujer Exhibit, Corozal House of Culture
Friday, March 10, 2017 @7pm

Pre-Valentines' ART IN The PARK
Come celebrate this Saturday February, 11th, 2017 Art in the Park, with music by Chendy and friends bringing the romantic valentines serenades. Calling out all you love birds! Actual background image is a canvas acrylic painting 2' x 3' that will be auctioned this Saturday February 11th at NAIA Resort in Placencia. Painting was done by Anton Leslie.

Blue Hole Nature Center Inauguration
The Protected Areas Conservation Trust and the Belize Audubon Society inaugurated the new Nature Center at St. Herman's Blue Hole National Park. The Belize Audubon Society got some great pictures too. "Saint Herman's Blue Hole National Park just got an upgrade! Congratulations Belize Audubon Society and thank you for being one of the country's greatest supporters of the environment! For all the details on PACT's investment and the Belize Audubon Society's new Nature Centre, click here! https://goo.gl/BRtyLU"

Passing of Shermaine Marie Swith

The Embassy's Archaeology in the Community program is making its way around Belize!
Today, Dr. Jones and Sarah of the U.S. and Dr. Moore and his team of the Institute of Archaeology (NICH) Belize visited the village of San Antonio in the Cayo district. The principal and the teachers wholeheartedly welcomed us to the San Antonio United Pentecostal Primary School. The excitement among the students was contagious!

Government of Belize Road Safety Chart
How Safe Are You?

Channel 7

The UDP Government Declares War On Senator Eamon
PUP senior senator Eamon Courtenay is under fire from the UDP tonight. It's because he's filed a constitutional motion challenging the two pieces of legislation which seek to firewall the reserves and government's assets from being crow footed by the Ahscroft Alliance. The bills had bi partisan support in the house and Senate where even Courtenay voted for their passage. But now that Courtenay the Attorney is challenging the laws in court, the UDP is calling for his removal. In a press release this evening the ruling party says quote, his action is an outright betrayal of Belize's national interests and comes in extreme conflict with the Senatorial seat he holds, end quote. The UDP warns quite, "If the Ashcroft group were to succeed in getting a US Court order against our reserves, all the assets of the Central Bank would be frozen until the matter is finalized and the amount quantified. During that period, the Central Bank and the country would not be able to pay for supplies or conduct foreign transactions. It would cripple trade and business and bring us to a standstill." End quote.

Candelaria Saldivar Explains How Broken Immigration Is
So, while PUP Senator Courtenay was able to leave Senate Hearings before the session was done, the public officer on the stand wasn't so lucky. That's because Former Immigration CEO Candelaria Saldivar-Morter was in charge of the Immigration Department for a huge portion of the period which the Auditor General and her team looked into. As viewers are aware, she's also Defence Minister John Saldivar's sister, and though she had a controversial exit from the Public Service, she asserts that she was a major part of the reform efforts that the Immigration Department made after the Department became embattled with scandal after scandal. That's just the point she made today in the Senate Hearings after hours of testimony and cross examination. There's a lot from her comments today, and we'll not be able to share all of it with you in tonight's newscast, here's a very revealing moment from the conversations when Saldivar told the Senate that band aid fixes will not repair what's broken at the Immigration Department. Here's that moment of real talk that the former CEO engaged in:

Former OIC Cano Discusses Those 8 Missing Visas
Saldivar-Morter was the second witness for day, and we'll have a little her a little later on, but we turn now to Senior Immigration Officer Edgar Cano. He's the man who was in charge at the Belize Western Border when those 8 visa foils went missing. As we told you that's the incident which triggered this audit in the first place, and today, the Senate had very tough questions for him about what happened under his watch. Here's How that went: Hon. Aldo Salazar - Chairman, Senate Select Committee: "There is a comment here from an Immigration Officer Vernon Leslie, well this is the report of the Auditor General, who is quoting Vernon Leslie. Basically it's saying that some visa foils went missing, they turned up in Belize City, with a Mr. Eric Chang and Patrick Tillett, who then, according to the Auditor General's report, brought the visa stickers to Belmopan to confirm their authenticity." "The contention in here is that you took the decision to issue visas, using those numbers, despite the fact that the foils - that the stickers were missing. You read that part of the report?"

Former CEO: The Ministry Pursued Justice In Visa Case
As we've told you, the Auditor General was very critical of the way that the Immigration Department handled that case, and in her opinion more needed to have been done to either prosecute or discipline those officers who participated or were complicit in what looks to be corruption. The Senate asked Candelaria Saldivar-Morter about those criticism, and here's what she had to say: Hon. Aldo Salazar - Chairman, Senate Select Committee: "In relation to those 8 Visa foils, are you - do you know if any disciplinary action was taken against officers who were involved?" Candelaria Saldivar-Morter - Former, CEO Responsible For Immigration: "Okay, yes. I actually took the case of the missing stickers to the commission." Hon. Aldo Salazar: "What commission is that?" Candelaria Saldivar-Morter: "The public Services Commission."

Former CEO Saldivar Says Citizen Kim Officers Got Off On Technicality
They also asked whatever became of the Department's Public Service Hearings on the officers named in the scandal where South Korean Fugitive Won Hong Kim got Belizean Nationality and a Belize passport, while he was in a Taiwanese jail. About 3 years ago, we told you about the 3 officers who were brought up before the Public Services Commission on disciplinary charges for that passport that was never supposed to have been issued. We followed the case, and we showed you how those officers were tried, but they were acquitted. Today, the Senate asked Saldivar-Morter to explain why, and here's what she had to say: Hon. Aldo Salazar - Chairman, Senate Select Committee: "You're familiar with the issue surrounding the Won Hong passport?" Candelaria Saldivar-Morter - Former, CEO Responsible For Immigration: "Yes and again I took the case to the public service's commission against Ms. Sharon Neal, Mr. Omar Phillips, Mr. Erwin Robinson." Hon. Aldo Salazar: "Mr. Sharon Neal, Mr. Omar Phillips..."

Will Haulover Creek Be Ready for La Ruta Maya?
Last night we told you about the substantial blockage at the Haulover Creek, which is considered the final stretch of the annual La Ruta Maya canoe race. Trees uprooted from last year's Hurricane Earl and overgrown vegetation has left the narrow channel virtually impassable, especially for a canoe. Today the Minister of State of the Environment, Omar Figueroa, gave us an update on the creek's status and whether it will be ready for next month's big race… Alex Courtenay: "Minister we also wanted to ask you about the Halouver Creek, the channel. We heard it's been blocked recently and it might not be cleared enough for the La Ruta Maya to pass through there. Is there any plans for the ministry to come in and intervene and help to make sure that channel is completely cleared out?"

Environment Minister Talks About Caye Chapel Project
In the last Senate meeting, Senator Valerie Woods told the Senate about a major tourism project that was about to begin on Caye Chapel. She also noted that the project was seemingly greenlit, without the completion of an environmental impact assessment. Environemt Minster Figueroa cleared the situation up for us today… Alex Courtenay: "We heard in the Senate last week that a major tourism beach development was being planned and it had been cleared without the completion of an EIA. Can you speak to that and what will be looked into that or if it will be looked into?"

New Gears To Fight Forest Fires
Today the Ministry of Environment, through the Key Biodiversity Areas Project, donated essential fire-safety gear and equipment to key forest management partners. The equipment will be distributed to agencies throughout the country, and will help to prevent fires in what is anticipated to be a particularly challenging year. Minister of State, Omar Figueroa discussed the importance of these donations… Dr. Omar Figueroa - Minister of State, Ministry of Environment: "You know it focuses on the key diversity areas. Belize has a lot of unique areas and we need to continually investing in these areas and we need to understand the challenges that these guys face out on the ground. Fire is an extremely important challenge but managed properly it can also enhance the biodiversity out there. The folks from these 5 organisations are very capable, they have been trained in firefighting but often times they lack the equipment. So we're hoping to give them little more tools that they can use out in fighting these fires out in the Belizean landscape." Reporter: "Minister a lot of the times, sometimes a common man or woman don't the importance of fighting forest fires. They say you know what it's just bush, make it burn but you know environmentalist; forestry experts know the importance of these resources to the country. Perhaps just explain to us the significance of that and in terms of loses we've seen in the recent years."

Tackling That Vexing Rat Problem In the City
Rats are an unfortunate and all too common presence in Belize City, especially in overgrown areas with a lot of trash. Rats are pests and can spread garbage, destroy property and can carry deadly diseases, also known as the story of Belize City. So, exterminator and UDP friend Ryan Swift, of Ryan Swift Pest Control has partnered with the City Council, the Public Health Bureau and a few Ministers to try and reduce the City's rat population. They have initiated a project aimed at cleaning up the yards and lots of residents in order to give the rodents less food and less shelters. We spoke to Swift and Senior Public Health Inspector Mark Bernard about the project… Mark Bernard - Senior Public Health Inspector: "We are concerned about high population of rodents because of the public health impact. Rodents bite people, they can come in contact with people and you can die from a rat bite, it's not something trivial that you take lightly; you can die from a rat bite. So they also contaminate food, people eat food they can get sick and they can also die depending on what disease they get from the rodent and of course when you hear about rodent first thing come to mind in modern day now is leptospirosis. If you go back a couple centuries ago the plague would have been the first thing you would have heard with association with rodents."

FSTV Taxi Tour Guides Got Certified
One of the most important connections that can be formed in the tourism industry, at least on the ground level, is between tour guide and tourist. In most cases, the initial introduction and then the tour itself is what can define a tourist's stay in Belize. So, the BTB wants to ensure that the tour guides at the Fort Street Tourism Village know exactly how to make tourists really enjoy their visit to Belize. Thats why The BTB invited Sharon Banfield Bovell to conduct a 3 day training course on public relations skills. Bovell is a regional human resources development consultant from the Caribbean Tourism Organization. Today we spoke to BTB's Manager from the Destination Planning and Cruise Department. She told us more about the importance of the workshop. Shola Babb - Destination Planning & Cruising Dept.: "The workshop was called Taxi Pride training, however it was not just for the taxis it was also for the other tour guides within the Fort Street tourism zone. It was to work on their people skills, on their customer service, give them other little titbits that they could use when giving their tours. So it was really to enhance what they already have."

Afternoon Heist At UNO Gas Station
Police have on suspect detained and one car impounded after a major armed robbery at a gas station yesterday. Three robbers seemed very familiar with the routine and showed up just as the administrator arrived with three loaded deposit bags. He left one at the gas station and was heading out to the Scotia Bank with the other two bags in a Jansport backpack when two men ambushed him. One of them pointed a gun at him and grabbed the bag containing over 15 thousand dollars in cash. The other robber snatched an undisclosed amount of cash from the cash register and they both escaped in a waiting car. Police have found a gold coloured four-door Honda Accord with no license plate which they believe was the getaway car. One man remains detained and two others are being sought.

The Justification For Forestry Act Penalties
Earlier this week, the Forest Act was amended to add greater penalties to illegal logging. A new schedule for fines was introduced, which determines penalties based on the ecological importance and scarcity of the tree. Minister of State, Omar Figueroa told us why it was necessary to update the act and employ these stiff punishments... Anyone in possession of illegal logwood is urged to hand it during the amnesty period, which ends on the 20th.

Transport Minister Tours Big Creek Bight
The Barrow Administration promised to re-open the Commerce Bight Port in its last manifesto and that put a freeze on relations with the Big Creek Port. Transport Minister Edmund Castro may have been trying thaw things out in a visit to the Port. General Manager Gustavo Carrillo and Operations Manager Mr Aldus Forman led Castro on a tour of the facility. The ministerial delegation then visited the offices of the Big Creek Group of Companies, where they held discussions with General Manager, Zaid Flores. According to an official release, construction of another deep water port, to be built at Commerce Bight is in the early stages of planning. This is perceived as creating a government backed competitor to take market share from the privately owned Big Creek Port.

The Hurricanes And Their Love Of the City
The NEBL basketball season is entering its 4th week and the defending champions, SMART Belize Hurricanes started the season with an uncharacteristic pair of losses. But they hit their stride last weekend with a much needed victory over Cayo Western Ballaz. It's not surprise that the victory came in the first night at their new home court, the SCA Multipurpose Auditorium. We visited them there during last night's practice to find out what's the magic of the place. The Hurricanes put their home record to the test this weekend when they face the Dangriga Dream Ballers.

Channel 5

U.D.P. Wants Eamon Out of Senate; He Hits Back
The ruling United Democratic Party has issued a call for the Opposition People’s United Party to remove its lead Senator, Eamon Courtenay, for what it calls an “outright betrayal of [...]

Ex-Immigration C.E.O. Warns of ‘Unusual’ Events at Department
The Senate Special Select Committee met with three witnesses today at its public hearings in Belmopan. These were senior Immigration Officer Edgar Cano; Finance Officer Teresita Castellanos, and the now-retired, [...]

Candelaria Saldivar says Immigration Officers Were Responsible for Checks
All the senior officers who have visited the Senate Special Select Committee complained that there was little to guide them other than their own judgment, and in some cases, the [...]

Former C.E.O. Denies Involvement in Visa Recommendation Process
But what of Saldivar-Morter herself? At one point in the Auditor General’s Report, she was mentioned as one of the persons who asked for the Department to facilitate visas for [...]

Edgar Cano Disclaims Knowledge of Missing Visa Foils…
The first witness to be called today was Edgar Cano, the former head of the Services Section of the Immigration Department and briefly posted to the Western Border.  Cano, accompanied [...]

…Cano Says He Was On Vacation
Further questioning by the Committee established that Edgar Cano did not leave Belize during his vacation and that he was contacted about the missing visa foils by a Department employee, [...]

Ministers Had No Sway in Immigration, Claims Cano
The matter of Ministerial influence in writing recommendations for passports, visas and even nationality has been a continued topic of discussion in the Senate’s public hearings. But to a man, [...]

Minister Says Environmental Compliance for Caye Chapel Project Granted
Over a week ago, you heard Senator Valerie Woods raised concerns  in the Senate over a proposed beach development at Caye Chapel. The proposed works include a beach club and [...]

New Penalties Target Illegal Logging
On Monday, the Forestry Department announced amendments to the Forest Act that provide for stiffer penalties for illegal logging. The increase in fines will be imposed on persons found with [...]

“Good Thieves” Have Western Paradise in Fear
It has been an uphill battle for police and the community, because most of the residents work within the city and often times leave their homes unattended and open to [...]

Enfield Fitzgibbon Read Murder Charge for Death of Keimar Nicholas
Police believe that twenty-seven-year old Enfield Fitzgibbon is the gunman who pulled the trigger in the murder of nineteen-year-old Keimar Nicholas.  Nicholas was shot on the night of January twenty-third, 2017 [...]

One Caught, Two Sought in Uno Gas Robbery
Belize City police have detained one person and are looking for two others, following Tuesday’s mid-morning armed robbery of the UNO Gas Station on Youth for the Future Drive. A [...]

Uncle and Nephew Freed Over Caught Hicatees
An uncle and nephew charged with illegal possession of female hicatee turtles and hicatee nets were freed of four charges today before a planned trial. Magistrate Carlon Mendoza agreed with [...]

Hefty Fines for Undersized Conch
In more fisheries news…five fishers caught big fines in the Magistrate’s Court for possession of undersized conch and fishing without a license, but it could have easily been worse. The [...]

Agencies Handed Fire-Fighting Gear
Over the past years, the Forest Department and its partners have joined efforts in addressing an increasing number of intense wildfires in remote forested areas.  To strengthen the works of [...]

CTV3

Stake Holders Meets With Potato Producers
Earlier in the week we told you about the concerns of Potato farmers from the village of San Carlos in having to incur substantial loss in this year’s potato crop due to a saturation of the imported product in the local market. Yesterday stakeholders of the potato industry, including Farmers from the Cayo and Orange Walk Districts, Representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, BAHA representatives, the Cooperative Department and Potato Importers met in Belmopan to chart a way forward in this year’s crop production. During yesterday’s meeting stakeholders got the opportunity to discuss the amount of product currently on the ground, ways in which the product can be marketed to ensure a better demand and supply ratio, the calendarization of the product by different areas to cover the three month season and other concerns surrounding production.

Former CEO Saldivar Outlines Inconsistencies In The Immigration Department
Three witnesses testified today for the Senate Select Committee’s investigation into irregularities at the Visa, Nationality and Passport sections of the Immigration Department as listed in the Auditor General’s special audit. They were former Officer in Charge of the Visa Section, Edgar Cano; former Finance Officer Teresita Castellanos and former Chief Executive Officer, Candelaria Saldivar-Morter. As the senate hearings enter its ninth week of hearings, the five-member Senate Committee has begun to look deeper into the on goings at the Department for the periods covered by the audit: 2011 and 2013. Today, the Committee got confirmation of the general allegations made by the Auditor General when the former CEO, in her testimony, admitted that they knew that there were many discrepancies taking place.

Senior Immigration Officer Cano Response To Allegation Made Against Him By AG's Report
There were many more questionable instances cited by the Auditor General. For instance, there was also the case of eight missing visa foils which the audit report revealed disappeared from the Western border and then ended up being sold in the streets of Belize City. At the time, Senior Immigration Official Edgar Cano was the officer in charge of that section, and was named in the report for his alleged role in the case and today when he appeared before the Committee, he was asked to address it. Senator Aldo Salazar - Chairman, Senate Select Committee: “Basically its saying that some VISA foils is missing, they turned up in Belize City with Mr. Eric Chan and Patrick Tillette who then according to the Auditor General report brought the VISA stickers to Belmopan to confirm their authenticity and that was confirmed as legitimate and according to the Auditors General says that the decision to issue Belize that there is a contention in here that you decided to, despite the fact that those VISAS went missing and I don’t know why they weren’t taken from Mr. Chan and Mr. Tillette if they had it but the contention in here is that you took the decision to issue VISAS using those numbers despite the fact that the stickers were missing, you read that part of the report?”

Cano Reveals Safest Place To Keep Documents Is Detention Cell
It appears from many of the testimonies that safes and security units for the proper safe-keeping of sensitive immigration documents was in high demand. We’ve heard from previous testimonies of cases of files having to be placed on desks and floors, but today’s testimony by former Officer in Charge of Visas, Edgar Cano, takes the cake. He revealed that there have been times at his station and others when the safest place to keep documents is a detention cell. Edgar Cano, Former Officer in Charge, Visa Section: “We wanted to look at certain issues for example; border stations have no storage facility to store files, we had that problem at Western Border, we had to maintain our files sometimes in the detention cells where people are momentarily kept because of the facilities itself inconveniently in and those are the areas that maybe required priority because many times we see that we have an office at the Western Border but we don’t have storage and we cannot keep files, it is limited to office space and then we have to put our files in detention cells where we put in people and those are not convenient.”

Former CEO And Senior Immigration Officer Give Contradicting Statements
During this morning’s presentation by Senior Immigration Officer Edgar Cano, the Committee asked him to discuss the controversial practise of Ministers submitting letters of recommendation along with applications for visas, passports and nationalities. According to Cano, while he didn’t recall seeing any correspondences from Ministers, he said they would be of no consequence to the application because their reviewed was based on criteria. Edgar Cano, Former Officer in Charge, Visa Section: “Not that I recall right now but if should a minister bring or send an application with his recommendation the services section accepts applications at the counter and if that comes at any time that would go to the front desk at the counter clerk as an ordinary application which the counter clerk at the front will do a preliminary vetting of the application to look at all the supporting documents that goes along with the applications thereafter enter it into our register which upon entering that on the register it goes to a different section which is names as investigation section which then they do all the processing and vetting, final vetting of applications then the application either comes back to me with a recommendation or a denial, comes with a vetting report from investigation, my section does not do vetting of applications and I must make that clear.”

UDP Calls For Senator Courtney Resignation
Today the United Democratic Party issued a call to have the PUP’s lead Senator, Eamon Courtney, removed from the senate citing the actions taken by Courtney on February 3rd, when he filed a constitutional challenge on behalf of the Aschcroft group asking the Court to strike down the two emergency national interest legislations. The UDP describes Courtney’s move as an outright betrayal to Belize’s national interests and states in the release issued that it comes in extreme conflict with the Senatorial seat he holds. The release further states that Courtenay, by means of his challenge, is placing Belize’s national assets in jeopardy stating, quote “If the Ashcroft group were to succeed in getting a US Court order against our reserves, all the assets of the Central Bank would be frozen until the matter is finalized and the amount quantified. During that period, the Central Bank and the country would not be able to pay for supplies or conduct foreign transactions. It would cripple trade and business and bring us to a standstill. There is no reason to doubt that PUP Senator Eamon Courtenay knows fully well how his challenge, if successful, would tremendously hurt our country’s economy with immediate effect.” End quote

LOVE FM

UDP Calls for Eamon Courtenay’s Resignation
The United Democratic Party has called for the removal of Senior Counsel Eamon Courtenay as a Senator. The call comes after a constitutional challenge was filed on February 3. The Ashcroft group is asking the Court to strike down two pieces of legislation that the Government recently passed to safeguard Belize’s foreign assets. On Friday, […]

Agriculture Minister Has Hopes for Citrus; Is Satisfied with Sugar and Excited About Rice
It has been almost four months since Minister Godwin Hulse was assigned the agriculture portfolio for the country. Since taking over the ministry, Minister Hulse has had several meetings with stakeholders in various industries including sugar and citrus. In an interview with Minister Hulse, he spoke of the banana sector which underwent some strains in […]

Foreign Affairs Officials Make Presentation to Galen Students and Faculty
Foreign Affairs Minister, Wilfred Elrington was out west today making presentations to the students and faculty of Galen University. His presentations focused on the Belize/Guatemala issue and formed part of the publicity campaign leading up to a possible referendum on the matter. Public Relations Officer, Arlette Gomez spoke more on today’s presentations. ARLETTE GOMEZ “The […]

Hotchandani Continues Work as Chairman at Corozal Free Zone Chamber of Commerce
Anil Hotchandani from the Mirage group has been re-elected as the Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce at the Corozal Free Zone. Serving along with Hotchandani will be Daniel Mora, Kishore Makhijani and Gulab Sharma. One hundred and five businesses were eligible to vote in today’s elections. Hotchandani received seventy three votes, Mora received sixty […]

Senior Immigration Officer Highlights Errors in AG’s Audit Report
Career Public Service officer, Edgar Cano, was today questioned by the Senate Special Select Committee in Belmopan. Cano was the port commander at Belize’s western border before being transferred to Belmopan in August 1 2013. Before the drilling began, Cano pointed out to the Committee that since the Auditor General’s report covers up to September […]

Former CEO Says Trio of Public Officers Were to Be Held Accountable in Wong Hong Kim Scandal
The most infamous case in the passport scandal was the one involving South Korean Criminal Wong Hong Kim. The man accused of pushing for the approval of Kim’s Belizean nationality was then Junior Minister, Elvin Penner, who was taken to court by COLA. That case was thrown out. Up to date no one has been […]

Former Finance Officer for Immigration Confirms Destruction of Visa Stickers
The third person to be called before the Senate Special Select Committee was Teresita Castellanos. Castellanos was the Financial Officer in the Immigration Department from May 2011 to June 2014. Her name appears several times in the Auditor General’s report, particularly in the executive summary of the visa report. In that executive summary, the Auditor […]

Police Impounds Vehicle Used in UNO Robbery
Yesterday we told you of the over fifteen thousand dollars taken during a robbery at the UNO Service Station located on Youth for the Future Drive in Belize City. While two of three male persons are being sought to answer to this latest crime, we can tell you that investigators have impounded the vehicle believed […]

Belize City Council Supports Innovative Teaching Strategies via Donations
Several primary schools will be receiving donations from the Belize City Council to aid teachers in their efforts towards innovative teaching strategies. According to City Councilor, Hyacinth Latchman-Cuellar who holds the portfolio for women and children, this initiative was sparked after she received a letter from a standard five teacher from Saint John’s Primary School […]

Child Advisory Board Remains Active in Belize City
In 2013 the Belize City Mayor, Darrell Bradley launched his commitment for making the city child friendly in collaboration with UNICEF. As part of that commitment, the Child Advisory Body came about comprising of a dozen young persons between the ages of seven and seventeen. These young persons as noted by City Councillor, Hyacinth Latchman-Cuellar […]

Breaking Belize News

Not surprising: Saldivar to Senate Committee
"A lot of things were unusual at the Immigration Department,” said the department’s CEO for the time period covered in the Auditor General’s Special Report, Candelaria Saldivar. She appeared before the Senate Select Committee this morning to answer questions. According to Saldivar, the findings of the Auditor General’s special audit was not surprising. She claimed, however, that in the instance of the lost visa stickers and the Citizen Kim scandal, senior immigration officers were taken in front of the Public Service Commission (PSC) for discipline.

Enfield Fitzgibon’s charge upgraded to murder
Twenty-seven-year old Enfield Fitzgibon now faces a murder charge, upgraded from attempted murder, for the January 23 shooting of Keimar Nicholas. Nicholas was shot on the basketball court on Lindo’s Alley in Belize City that night. His spinal cord was completely severed after he was shot. He died eleven days later on February 3. Fitzgibon’s charge was upgraded yesterday at 10 a.m.

Forest Fire fighting teams to receive $117,000 worth of gears and equipment
The Forest Department and five of its key partners in Forest Fire Prevention and Management will receive essential fire-fighting safety gears and equipment through the Key Biodiversity Areas Project (also known as the KBA project). During the handing-over ceremony later today, Omar Figueroa will […]

Bullet Tree man charged for drug trafficking
According to police reports, yesterday afternoon about 12:45 p.m., San Ignacio Police conducted an anti-drug operation within Bullet Tree Village, Cayo where officers searched a bag in the possession of 39-year-old Roberto Cordova of Bullet Tree. The search led to the discovery of 4 […]

San Ignacio police seize 4,568 grams of weed
San Ignacio Police pursued a blue and white Toyota Tercel unto Joseph Andrews Drive yesterday afternoon around 2:00 where cops noticed a package being thrown out of the window. It was retrieved where it was discovered to be 4,568 grams of cannabis. The occupants of […]

Senior Immigration Officer of 28 years, Edgar Cano is currently before the Senate Select Committee
The Auditor General’s report revealed that eight visa stickers had gone missing from the Western border. However, they were sold to former Belize City Deputy Mayor Eric Chang who was told by Immigration officers that the stickers were illegitimate. Nevertheless, the report by the […]

One detained for $15,000 robbery at Uno gas station
According to police reports, on yesterday at about 9:00 a.m., police responded to a robbery in progress at the Uno Gas Station on Vernon Street in Belize City and proceeded to the location where officers spoke with the administrator who reported that about 8:58 […]

Former Immigration CEO to appear before Senate Committee
Candelaria Saldivar, sister of embattled Security Minister, John Saldivar, is scheduled to appear in front of the Senate Select Committee today. Aside from sitting at home for more than a year and still collecting her monthly salary, Saldivar is in more trouble. She was […]

How is BREXIT relevant to Belize?
This morning I read an article in which Pope Francis said the following about BREXIT: “For me, unity is always superior to conflict, but there are different forms of unity and also brotherhood. and here I come to the EU — brotherhood is better […]

Blogs

Should I Rent a Golf Cart on Ambergris Caye, Belize?
Ambergris Caye is the most popular vacation area in Belize for a reason. There is a ton of stuff to do. But do you need to rent transportation to do it? The answer is…it depends. It depends on how active you want to be, how much you want to explore the island – to eat and drink at different spots, where exactly are you staying and how much time you just want to lounge around relaxing. Do you want to go bar hopping? You’ll want a golf cart. Do you want to head down to the Truck Stop for a Wednesday movie night? A cart would be great. Just want to tootle around for the day? Super fun in a golf cart. Here’s the thing…there are TONS of rental carts on the island right now. There is really no need to book way in advance unless it is Christmas/New Years Week or Easter. Golf carts cost from $45 to $75US a day depending on how long you are going to rent them for. Longer is a cheaper daily rate. Try one out for a day or two. Figure out if you want to keep one for the whole week…

A perfect itinerary for your first visit to Belize, to hit all the top spots in the country!
Belize is a perfect country to visit if you want the opportunity to see a WHOLE country on a 7-10 day trip. It is about the size of New Jersey and has relatively good transportation options throughout the country. Plus, the country has vastly different terrains and offerings, and if you only see one of the top spots, you are definitely missing out on the others. Belize gets a LOT of repeat visitors, but your first trip, you may want to see it all so that you can decide which is your favorite spot, to spend more time, on your next trip! Recommended Itinerary for Belize: 7-10 days Ambergris Caye/Caye Caulker, to San Ignacio, to Placencia! Step 1 - Getting here, starting at Ambergris Caye:

International Sources

The Must-Visit Caribbean Destination You’ve Never Heard Of
Just a short 30-minute flight on a puddle jumper from Belize City is Placencia, a burgeoning town that was once a sleepy fishing village. Sandwiched between a lagoon on the west and Caribbean Sea on the east, Placencia appears to be an unassuming destination. Modest storefronts line the only main road and verdant vegetation grows throughout. But dive in a little deeper and you’ll find that its culturally diverse inhabitants—who range from those of Maya and mestizo descent to American expats—are genuinely friendly with a laid-back attitude inherent to such beach locales. The food, too, is unbelievable (or un-Belize-able if you really want to go there) and there’s a little something for everyone—whether you want to explore by land or sea. About two hours from Placencia is Ixcacao, a cacao operation owned by husband and wife, Juan and Abelina Cho. Here, you’ll learn everything from the history of chocolate to how it is made, while sampling some pure hot chocolate (warning, it’s not the sweet and creamy beverage that you are probably used to) and a variety of bean-to-bar dark chocolates. Don’t be alarmed when it melts in your fingers; that’s the mark of high quality. If you have time, opt in for a home-cooked lunch by Mrs. Cho, where the star of your meal is a ridiculously scrumptious chocolate chicken, and don’t leave without buying a couple of bars (try the dark chocolate with cacao nibs) as souvenirs.

Lost Bob Marley tapes restored after 40 years in London basement
Lost recordings by Bob Marley found in a damp hotel basement in London after more than 40 years have been restored. The tapes are the original, high-quality live recordings of the reggae legend's concerts in London and Paris between 1974 and 1978. Tracks include No Woman No Cry, Jamming and Exodus. They were at first believed to be ruined beyond repair, largely because of water damage. Marley, who died in 1981, would have been 72 on Monday. The tapes were found in a run-down hotel in Kensal Rise, north-west London, where Bob Marley and the Wailers stayed during their European tours in the mid-1970s. They were discovered when Joe Gatt, a Marley fan and London businessman, took a phone call from a friend, who had found them while doing a building refuse clearance. From the 13 reel-to-reel analogue master tapes, 10 were fully restored, two were blank and one was beyond repair. Work lasted one year and cost £25,000 ($31,200). "They were (in an) appalling (condition)... I wasn't too hopeful," Martin Nichols, a sound engineer at the White House Studios in the west of England, told the BBC.

More water routes foreseen to connect Chetumal with Belize
So far two investors have expressed interest in implementing at least three additional water routes between Chetumal and Belize, the Quintana Roo Port Authority (Apiqroo) confirmed. Alicia Ricalde Magaña, director of Apiqroo, said that according to the approach that has been made in the meetings by the interested parties, the plan is to open a passenger, a cargo and a mixed route. The talks are well advanced and it is hoped that this year, the flow of passengers at the Chetumal fiscal pier will materialize and reactivate. “The project is very feasible, they just need to come with us so we can give them the contracts as clients of the Apiqroo”, she said. Ricalde Magaña said that currently, only two Belizean passenger companies operate at the tax pier, whose schedules encourage tourists interested in traveling to stay at least two days in Belize to return to Chetumal.

Videos

February 8, 2017

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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, and other specials

The San Pedro Sun

SPTC’s Co-ed Softball Tournament continues
The San Pedro Town Council’s (SPTC) Co-ed Softball Tournament continued on Sunday, February 5th at the Honorable Louis Sylvestre Complex. The second string of games saw Quality Reef, Rusties, San Pedro High School (SPHS), Atlantic Bank, Tuff E Nuff, and Extreme competing against each other. Softball fans represented, cheering and applauding their favorite teams. After three matches, the top teams were Quality Reef, Extreme, and SPHS. The tournament began at 9:30AM with Quality Reef and Rusties playing in the first round. Both teams were off to a good start, but Quality Reef dominated, emerging victorious with a final score of 13-4. In the following game, Extreme faced Atlantic Bank. Extreme wasn’t shy in showing off their skills on the field, and they easily won 13-3 over Atlantic Bank. The last match for the day was between Tuff E Enuff and SPHS. SPHS brought pressure from the start, and unfortunately, Tuff E Nuff didn’t have a comeback, letting SPHS win 12-4.

Charles Worthington is Grand Master of Estel’s 6th Annual BBQ Cook-off Tournament
Estel’s 6th Annual BBQ Cook-off Tournament attracted hundreds to taste the most finger-licking BBQ on the island. Held on Saturday, February 4th, this year’s event featured eight grill masters: Jim Gochenouer, Amy Knox, Charles Worthington, Alli Rush, Chris Aycock, Jennie Staines, Kevin Urbina, and Rick Saager. With more than 200 tickets sold, the crowd eagerly awaited tender ribs and brisket smoked over fires, along with Estel’s famous baked beans, coleslaw and handmade flour tortillas. The tournament also offered beer and drink specials, and guests could vote for their top three favorite ribs in the ‘People’s Choice’ category. After much deliberation, the awards for People’s Choice were announced. Coming in third place was Alli Rush, while Charles Worthington took second place. Jim Gochenour swept first place, gaining the trophy and medal for People’s Choice. The top three prizes for the 2017 Grandmaster (Judge’s Choice) awards followed. Amy Knox took third place, while Jim Gochenour graciously accepted his second award of the day. To the sound of drum roll, MC Barrington announced the 2017 winner: none other than, Charles Worthington Jr. himself!

Tiger Sharks remain undefeated with another win
The San Pedro Tiger Sharks are currently the only undefeated team in the National Elite Basketball League (NEBL) 2017 Tournament, after their win over Belmopan Bandits on Saturday, February 4th. With a final score of 81-55, the island team claimed their fourth victory this past weekend, showing their tenacity as they aim for their third championship in the League. Tiger Sharks’ George Williams led the game with 32 points, six assists, and three rebounds. While, Ashton Edwards finished the game with 13 points, and Raul Roaches tallied 11 points and eight rebounds. Rassi Jenkins contributed with eight points and nine rebounds, and, Kurt Burgess ended the game with six points and doing 11 rebounds.

Ambergris Today

$1,500 Donated to Hope Heaven, San Pedro's First Childrens Home
On Wednesday, February 1, 2017, representatives of Ambergris Caye’s first upcoming children’s home were presented with a gift certificate worth $1,500 in order to supply the facility with necessary equipment upon its launch. Brittney O’Daniel of Raise Me Up and San Pedro Lions Club, Kaitlin McWhorter of Raise Me Up and Britney Travis of On Eagles Wings Ministries (OEWM) gladly accepted the donation, provided by Banyan Bay Resorts (Banyan Bay Suites & Grand Colony Island Villas). The $1,500 gift certificate was part of a giveaway promotion by The Angelus Press, a retail, printing and publishing store that is geared at providing office and school essentials, located in Belize City. Banyan Bay Suites was the winner of the “Pretty Papers” sweepstakes. Shortly after their winning, news about the ground-breaking work on the shelter was announced, and Raise Me Up board members were promptly contacted by Banyan Bay Suites.

Misc Belizean Sources

Hon. Edmond Castro Tours Port of Big Creek and Boat Transportation Facilities in Independence Village
Hon. Edmond Castro, who has ministerial responsibility for the Belize Port Authority, has conducted a tour of port and boat transportation facilities in the South. Accompanied by Ports Commissioner Mrs. Merlene Bailey Martinez, Port Authority Operations Manager Mrs. Sherlett Martinez and Big Creek Officer in Charge (Belize Port Authority) Ms. Jessica Godoy, Hon. Castro first visited boat transportation facilities operated by Independence businessman Carroll Burgess, owner of Hokey Pokey Water Taxi, which transports customers between Placencia and Independence. The Minister and his team were then taken on a tour of the Port of Big Creek, led by General Manager Mr. Gustavo Carrillo and Operations Manager Mr. Aldus Forman.

PACT/MCCAP advert - National Fisheries Policy & Strategic Plan

Caye Caulker Humane Society Valentines Dog Wash
Caye Caulker Humane Society Valentines Dog Wash this Saturday on the Beach in front of Caye Reef condos! Doggy shampoo plus monthly flea and tick prevention meds for $5!! Come out and see us and a bunch of cute dogs! NO REGULAR SATURDAY MORNING CLINIC THAT DAY! See you on the beach!

Mixed Martial Arts Seminar
On February 17 & 18, we'll be hosting an MMA Seminar with UFC fighter, Nate "The Great" Marquardt. Nate is a current ranked UFC middlewieght, former strikeforce and pancrase champion. He will be teaching MMA techniques ... so this is a must for anyone interested in MMA. Everyone is welcome.

Driver loses his oranges and his truck
Driver loses his oranges and his truck during the morning mist at mile 63 on the George Price Highway. This is not the first time a truck has crashed with its load of oranges on that highway.

Belize Boledo and Lottery EXPOSED!
By Richard Harrison: Boledo and Lottery are games of chance where the player buys tickets with numbers and get to win multiples of the price of each ticket. Boledo is played daily, while the Lottery is played on Sundays, mostly by poor people hoping to collect gold at the end of the rainbow. These games are owned by the Government of Belize, but they license it out to a private operator, linked to the political party in power. There has been two operators since Independence, and both of them Chinese. The first was there for decades, and was said to be linked to senior persons in the PUP and the second operator was licensed shortly after the UDP came to power in 2008 and is said to be associated with a well-placed political figure of the ruling UDP. The PUP government used to collect $1 million per year for this license and when the UDP government changed the license to its own favorite, they said they were doing this in the best interest of Belize and raised the license to $2 million per year (a whopping 100% increase in benefits for the people of Belize they argued).

UNINOVA is the newest univeristy in Chetumal, Quintana Roo
Attention to all our friends in Corozal! UNINOVA is the newest univeristy in Chetumal, Quintana Roo. We are offering up to 40% discount for early bird registration until April 30th, 2017. Take advanage of our various modules by clicking the following link https://www.universidaduninova.mx Classes will begin on September 4th, 2017 and will run during the week and Saturdays. Please visit our campus at Avenida Constituyentes del 74 con Antigua or call us at 9831642986 and ask us on how to take advantage of our full benefits!

Los Mascarados
Los Mascarados, a key component of Juan Carnaval. The tradition is a group of men in different disguises would march through the streets of the community at night, dragging chains behind them. They were dressed as old men, witches, demons, folklore creatures, as well as a priest and a devil.The devil would go about teasing people, especially little children and only the priest could chase him away. The purpose of this event was to have some good natured fun, usually at the expense of terrified children. Parents often demanded good behavior from their children by threatening them with the Los Mascarados. The purpose of this event was mainly to have some good natured fun, usually at the expense of terrified children. Parents often demanded good behaviour from their children by threatening them with los Mascarados. The past few years Corozal Town has seen a revival of this cultural celebration through the efforts the House of Culture and the community. Witness Los Mascarados and other components of Carnaval at the Corozal House of Culture's 5th anniversary Grand Cultural Presentation, Friday February 24th.

Western Ballaz Host No Limit
The Western Ballaz host the No Limit this Saturday, February 11th. Richard Troyer is returning! Come out to the SHC auditorium and cheer them to victory. "A big thank you to all our fans who traveled with us to Belize City in Friday as we played against Smart Belize Hurricanes. We really appreciate your support and love. Our next game will be at home this Saturday. Come out and support your boys as they go up against No Limit at 9 p.m. Go Ballaz!!!!"

We are Belize! at Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2017
Caribbean Travel Marketplace, the Caribbean's largest and most important marketing event was held in Nassau Bahamas on February 2, and 3, 2017. This renowned event allows two intense days of business meetings, where regional tourism suppliers meet with wholesalers from around the world that sell Caribbean vacation travel or plan to sell the region. The Belize Hotel Association, represented by President Leisa Carr-Caceres and Marketing Director, Tessie Duran Tonaco, networked and liaised with several international travel agents, service providers and media personnel, who were highly interested in promoting Belize as a vacation destination to their clients. During the week preceding the event, the BHA actively participated in the CSHAE , CHTA meetings and roundtable sessions along with other Hotel Association Executives, CHTA, and key players in the tourism industry from all around the Caribbean . These five days of intense discussions focused on trends that were impacting the tourism industry in the region and devising strategies to enhance market visibility for the Caribbean and also to mitigate any threats that may be impacting the region as a whole.

BHA excitement at the New York Times Travel Show
The Belize Hotel Association created a stir of un-Belize-able excitement at the 14th annual New York Times Travel Show last weekend January 27-29, 2017. Board Members Barbara Hall and Board 2nd VP Julie Kee, kept visitors to our BHA booth well informed about our country and its countless attractions and activities. This of course, piqued their interest in planning a vacation to Belize in the very near future. Attendance at the Travel Show reached a new record of 30,099 which is the highest attendance in the Show's history. Attendance included 9,253 travel trade and 20,846 consumer attendees. The number of exhibiting companies also hit a new record with 560 companies representing over 170 countries. The New York Times is the largest consumer Travel and Trade show in North America.

Splashers
Join us this week at Crazy Canucks Beach Bar to paint "Whimsical Seahorse".

Discovery of New Shark Species in Belize
The Belize Fisheries Department is pleased to announce the discovery of a new shark species in Belize. The new shark species has not been officially named as yet but it closely resembles the Bonnethead shark (Sphyrna tiburo) and was discovered in samples taken from a landing site in Belize through an ongoing shark data collection, monitoring and research program and collaboration between the Fisheries Department and Dr. Demian Chapman, a shark specialist of Florida International University (FIU). Dr. Demian Chapman has been conducting research on several shark species in Belize since 2008 with a focus on Hammerhead shark species, whose international trade is regulated by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) of Wild Fauna and Flora. The Fisheries Department has implemented a shark data collection and research program since 2013. The objective of the program is to gather scientific data to help develop and implement improved management measures to ensure the sustainability of shark populations in Belize. In this work, the Fisheries Department works closely with shark fishers at landing sites and collaborates with independent shark scientists and conservation organizations.

Minister of Defence Hon. John Saldivar begins National Tour of Belize Coast Guard; Visits Forward Operating Base on Hunting Caye under Construction
Minister of Defence Hon. John Saldivar and CEO in the Ministry of Defence Lieutenant Colonel (ret.) Felix Enriquez have commenced a national tour of facilities operated by the Belize Coast Guard, starting with the South Sector. Accompanied by Commander of the Belize Coast Guard Admiral John Borland, they visited Hunting Caye in the South (Toledo District) where a Forward Operating Base is under construction and is expected to be completed by the middle of April. Prior to that, the Minister and his team stopped at the Port of Big Creek in the Independence area of Stann Creek, where a new site is being prepared for the Coast Guard Sector South Headquarters. Before returning to the mainland, they travelled further south to the Port Honduras Marine Reserve, where members of the Coast Guard provide law enforcement support for the Toledo Institute for Development and Environment (TIDE) which operates a Ranger Station on Abalone Caye.

Village Life 2017
Here is an event coming near you - Bring your FAMILY and FRIENDS for a day of Sports and FUN activities!! Beeline Internet BZE & Love FM - News and Music Power brings to you Village Life 2017 in San Pablo, OW.

Belize Tourism EXPO (BETEX)
TRAVEL TRADE SHOW - Belize Tourism EXPO (BETEX) is a two-day centralized trade exhibition at which international tour companies (Buyers) meet with local tourism professionals (Suppliers) to network and experience Belize. BETEX remains as a key marketing initiative of the BTIA – Belize’s leading national private sector tourism association – providing a gateway to the world and an opportunity to partner local and international tourism professionals with the objective of promoting Belize as a great tourist destination. BETEX was first organized in 1996 and takes place every two years, attracting approximately 300 local and international tourism professionals and press representatives. Making new connections with people and nature in different environments is key to traveling. Belize’s sincere commitment to charting a sustainable future is what sets the country apart. The BTIA invites you to be a part of the Belize Tourism Expo 2017 and experience the destination first hand. May 3rd to May 5th, 2017 in Belize City, Belize (Optional post tour May 8th, 2017)

Ambassador of Cuba holds meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister of Belize
Lissette Perez, Ambassador of our country, he received at the official residence of Cuba to Patrick Faber, Deputy Prime Minister, with whom he maintained a cordial exchange on the state of bilateral relations and the possibilities To deepen cooperation in the areas of education, culture and sport. Accompanied Faber, the Deputy Minister of culture, Adele catzim and the acting president of the National Institute of culture and history (Nich for its acronym in English), Gregory Vernon. The High Dignitary expressed the willingness of his government to increase collaboration in the area of language teaching and learn more in-depth knowledge of the education system, including Cuban schools of culture and sports. Ambassador recalled the history of cooperation in these sectors, including the one that resulted in the creation of the system of houses of culture in Belize, whose headquarters are preserved in all districts of the country.

The Belize Tourism Board and JG Black Book Presentations in New York
Today's meeting was with Judy Perl Travel which is a Virtuoso member and the production finalist for Virtuoso's "Top Year over Year Percentage Growth."

What a great day full of learning, digging, discovering, and building friendships!
40 students of St. Martin de Porres primary school learned the ABCs of archaeology from an American archaeologist Dr. Jones and were inspired by Dr. Moore and his engaging team of the Institute of Archaeology (NICH) Belize about appreciating and protecting Belize's rich cultural heritage. They dug, excavated, analyzed, and recorded like true scientists, faced TV cameras, and, hopefully, came away more curious about the world and ready to keep on learning, discovering, and achieving!

Oral History with Bredda David
The Belize City House of Culture and Downtown Rejuvenation Project and NICH (ISCR) collaborating to do some Oral History with bredda David the President of the UNIA (United Negro Improvement Association). We hope to cover Liberty Hall, Isiah Morter and Eboe Town in today's interview. Information from this interview will be used for the new Eco-museum to be established in Downtown Belize.

Channel 7

Haulover Creek Won't Be Ready For Ruta Maya?
Every year in March, Belizeans across the Cayo District, down through the Belize River Valley look forward to the annual La Ruta Maya Race. It's a sporting event - which, much like the cross country - has become more than just a race, it's a cultural happening. But, this year, the path to the end of the race is in serious jeopardy because the Haulover Creek - which is the finishing stretch as it enters Belize City - is substantially blocked. We went on the creek today to see what's the problem and find out what's the solution, if any:... Jules Vasquez reporting We're all used to seeing the dramatic finish of the Ruta Maya race on the 9th of March Weekend as the paddlers come thundering down the Haulover Creek. But this year, two miles of the Creek are virtually impassable, dense with overgrowth and fallen trees - and the Canoe Association has asked to city to clean it up.

Judge: Pawnshop Interest Rates "Unconscionable"
Pawnshops are a thriving enterprise in Belize - and their customer base is mostly comprised of the poor and those who can least afford to pay high interest rates. Yet, invariably, high risk credit carries the highest interest rates, and now a Supreme Court Judge has said "enough." Justice Sonya Young issued a judgement yesterday against an Orange Walk based enterprise: Payday Advance and EZ Loans Pawning saying that they had taken advantage of their customer, Janine Vega. Vega made two loans from the company in 2012, the first for $2,500 and the other for a thousand dollars. Security for the lions were Vega's titles to two properties in the Orange Walk District totaling 30.4 acres. Vega only paid back eleven hundred dollars, and failed to make any other payments. So, the owners of the pawn business Laura and Julio Blanco, enforced the security and transferred the land into their names.

No Arrests In Roadside Murder
Last night, we told you about the murder of 44 year-old Gardenia resident John Ortiz, whose body was discovered near mile 19 on the Philip Goldson Highway. Police believe he was clubbed in the head, robbed, and left for dead early in the morning. Police canvassed the surrounding area, and picked up a young man who had blood on his heels and on his calf. We are told that so far the investigation shows that Ortiz was lashed out with 2 by 4, after which he was robbed of the $15 which was in his pocket. One person is still detained, but no one has been arrested and charged as yet.

Charge Upgraded For 19 Year Old's Alleged Killer
On Friday we told you that 19 year old Keimar Nicholas had succumbed to his injuries, 11 days after being shot in the neck. The man accused of the shooting, Enfield Fitzgibbon was already charged with attempted murder, dangerous harm and use of deadly means of harm. Today he was brought back to court where his charges were upgraded to murder. He remains remanded at prison.

The Ham And The Judge's Hammer
56 year-old Manuel Pastor Gomez Diaz, a Mexican businessman who operates from the Corozal Commercial Free Zone, is in danger of losing 150 cases of chilled ham which landed in Belizean territory, without the proper permits. Gomez Diaz, who is the director of Coral's Company Limited, went to the Magistrate's Court today to fight against a forfeiture application made by the Comptroller of Customs. The 150 cases of ham, weighing 3,456 pounds, landed in Belize on November 20 of last year, but he didn't have an import permit for it. So, BAHA wrote him requesting that it be returned to wherever it came from, but he failed to comply. That's when BAHA turned over the case to the Customs Department, which then made an application for forfeiture. Gomez Diaz hired an attorney and he appeared today before the Senior Magistrate, Sharon Frazer, to try to get the application thrown out. That attorney has since written to the court asking for the opportunity for their side to be heard. He explained that the ham was not destined for Belize, it was to go to Mexico. He also added that this is not the first time he has imported ham to Belize, but this was the first time that it arrived before he got the import license.

Coast Guard Commander Speaks On FOB
Minister of Defence, John Saldivar started his tour of the Belize National Coast Guard facilities this week. Saldivar, accompanied by his CEO Lieutenant Colonel Felix Enriquez and Coast Guard Commandant, Admiral John Borland, visited a site near the Port of Big Creek, where a new headquarters will be built. They also visited Hunting Caye, site of the stillborn forward operating base. Construction on the base came to a halt after public outcry erupted over it being built by a Guatemalan company. That forced the government to take control of the project and put an end to the US funding for it. Admiral Borland gave the media an update on the state of the base, as well as the Minister's country tour... Admiral John Borland - Commandant, Belize Coast Guard: "Presently we are engaged in the tour of the southern sector of the Belize Coast Guard, where the Minister of Defence, Hon. John Saldivar and his CEO and his ministry staff are conducting a tour starting in the south. They will continue with this tour visiting the northern and central sectors. But for now we are in the southern sector."

La Croix Land Lament
Belize City Residents living around the La Croix Boulevard and Holy Emmanuel Street Areas behind the Complex may know Mama Rose Fast Food very well. Rosa Rodriguez and her family have been there for over 6 years selling food on that street corner, but, now, she is being forced to move by a woman who claims that her business place is trespassing on her land. She and her family received a letter from the woman's attorney, Jacqueline Willougby, in late December, which demands that they remove the structure from where it is, or else they will "take legal actions" against them. The problem is that the family believes that they occupying road reserve for La Croix Boulevard, which would make it Government land. They've been paying their trade licenses fees to the Belize City Council, and they are complaining that they're being unfairly removed from that location, which puts their livelihood in jeopardy. Today, we spoke with the head of the family, Jose Cervera, and he told us why he is not moving until a court of law tells him that he is wrong. Here's how he explained it:

Teaching Kids About The Possibilities of Archaeology
Archeology in the Community: it is a 3 year old program developed by the US Embassy. The focus of the program is celebrating and preserving culture. And of course archeology is an integral part of that process. It is that connection that the program coordinators want the standard 4 students at the St. Martin De Porres School to grasp after today's training session. Courtney Weatherburne was at the school today and has more details. For archeologists, the thrill of a discovery is worth every grueling second spent excavating and examining. Then there is the process of uncovering the story behind the find. Now these precious discoveries are usually made at Maya sites, but today the excavation site was the playground at St. Martin De Porres School. The coordinators of the US Embassy's Archeology in the community program want the students to understand and appreciate this field of work and how it can help them define their identity. Dr. Alexandra Jones - Executive Director, Archeology in the Community: "So today what we are doing is teaching the kids about archeology. What archeology is and why it's important to people in the world as well as Belize people and why kids should take an interest in archeology and cultural heritage and understanding how important their heritage is to who they are as young citizens."

Who Will Be Trump's Ambassador?
Now, you would normally see Ambassador Carlos Moreno at these US Embassy events but due to the change of administration, he is no longer the ambassador to Belize - since he was an Obama appointment. So who will President Trump appoint to replace Moreno? Well we don't know as yet but the Charge d ' affaires , who is the acting ambassador told us today that regardless of who it is , the very amicable relationship between the US and Belize will certainly be maintained. Adrienne Galanek - Charge d' Affaires: "The programs will continue as Ambassador Moreno used to like to say is that the programs that were started before him, he was a big part of executing and implementing and then the programs that he carries on and initiates the next ambassador will take on. So it's building the relationship stronger and stronger with each ambassador over time and in the interim until we have a new ambassador, I'll be acting as the charge d' affaires but as of yet we don't have anyone nominated or appointed."

Fisheries Bust Over One Thousand Undersized Conch
Over 1000 undersized conch were confiscated this weekend in a joint patrolling operation between the Fisheries Department and the police. The team patrolled around the Lighthouse reef and Turneffe Atoll, where they caught and arrested a total of 9 fishers, all in possession of undersized conch. We spoke to the Fisheries Department's Hampton Gamboa about the busts, and what will happen to all that conch. Hampton Gamboa - Conservation & Compliance Unit Supervisor: "There was a joint operation that was conducted between the police and fisheries officers at Lighthouse and Turneff Atoll. Basically it was an operation that took place from the second to the fifth of February over last weekend and officers while conducting this operation came across a sail boat out at Lighthouse Reef which 6 people were arrested for possession of undersized conch during that operation on that day and also on another day during the same period, there were 3 more individual on another sail boat that was charged, who was found with under size products."

A New Shark Species in Belize
And while undersized conch harvesting threatens population of that species, a new species of shark has been discovered in Belize. FIU's Dr. Demian Chapman and the Fisheries Department were collecting data on the Belizean shark population, and took a sample of what they thought was a bonnethead shark. But, after looking at the shark's DNA, they realized that it was a completely different and as yet undiscovered species. It closely resembles the Bonnethead shark which is a part of the Hammerhead shark species.

BWS Worker Remanded For Gun
Last night, we showed you the .38 special that police found a BWSL employee with. tonight we can confirm that 28 year-old Rafael Reyes, is at the Belize Central Prison because of it. He was arraigned today before Senior Magistrate Sharon Frazer on the charges of keeping an unlicensed firearm, and keeping unlicensed ammunition. He pleaded not guilty to both offenses, and he was remanded to the Belize Central Prison. Police were on mobile patrols yesterday on Dolphin Street, and that's when they searched 2 men, one of whom was Reyes. Inside Reyes's bag they found a black .38 revolver with 6 live rounds of ammunition. He couldn't produce a gun license, so he was criminally charged.

Got Off Thirteen Turtles Charge
In June of last year, we told you how the Fisheries Department made a major bust of 17 Hicatee turtles which they allegedly confiscated from from Goldburn Seguro, and his nephew Hilberto. The Fisheries Department accused them of illegally fishing them, and but when it came to actually proving that allegation, they failed to do so. As we told you, the Fisheries Department claimed that they caught both men at the Lords Bank Junction on June 7. They searched a vehicle that they were in, and found 3 of the turtles, so, the Department then allegedly took the pair to Hilberto Seguro's Biscayne Home. That's when they found the other 13 more, and according to the Fisheries Department, they were able to conduct this sting operation because they had been monitoring the duo for about a week. Hicatee turtles are endangered, and they have a strict season and permits for harvesting. So, this supposed to have been an open and shut case right? Well, it turned out that it wasn't because the Fisheries Department did not follow the Magistrates Court's criminal procedure rules. That's because Magistrate Carlon Mendoza ordered that the case had to start today.

Seniors Step Up
The National Council on Ageing is celebrating its 14th anniversary. The council has organized a few activities for this week, starting with an early morning flash mob at the Belmopan Market Square today where the Senior Steppers along with a few students and other council partners were showing off their moves. One of the organizers of the event told us that's it's more than just dancing, it's about educating the public about the older generation.

Factoring In The Elderly
Apart from today's flash mob, another important element of this observance is their first ever Anniversary review. The council members will meet this week to discuss what they have accomplished and what other programs they will develop going forward. Sure, a program like the senior steppers is the perfect option for many older persons but it might not be a good fit for others. Poot discussed the importance of designing new and more diverse programs to cater to the needs of older persons. The anniversary review will be held on Thursday evening at the Radisson in Belize City .

Ashcroft Alliance Gets Clearance
Last night we told you why the government of Belize believes that a ruling from the Washington DC District Court yesterday doesn't pose any real threat to government's assets or the Central Bank reserves. Well, there's a very different take on that same judgement. An article appearing in an online law journal named "Law 360" says that the federal judge on Monday "authorized the enforcement of a…$27.4 million US dollar arbitral award issued to BCB Holdings Ltd.". It adds, quote, "U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly signed off on BCB's motion for an order authorizing enforcement of the judgment against the Belizean government, despite an order issued by the Belizean Supreme Court on Friday prohibiting BCB - now known as Caribbean Investment Holdings Ltd. - from enforcing the award and subjecting company representatives to potential contempt in Belize if they try." end quote.

Channel 5

Arbitration War Continues; U.S. Court Puts Own Restrictions on Government
We can confirm tonight that Caribbean Investment Holdings Limited, formerly BCB Holdings, appeared in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia in Washington, D.C. on Monday. The companies [...]

P.S.U. Re-Assures Immigration Officers on Promotions
Officers of the Immigration Department countrywide were serious enough about the issue of promotion in the ranks that they were reportedly willing to stage a go-slow at their offices on [...]

Senate Inquiry is Not Reflection of Current Immigration Department, Say Unionists
Even with the promotion matter now cooled down, there is context – the ongoing public hearings of the Senate Special Select Committee on Immigration. While only current and former senior [...]

Police Seek 3 in Gas Station Robbery
Police are investigating a robbery reported this morning at the Belchina UNO gas station on Youth for the Future Drive, right across from the United Democratic Party headquarters. Approximately fifteen [...]

Judge Hits Orange Walk Pawn Shop for Taking Over Customer’s Land
Moneylenders Laura and Julio Blanco of Pay Day and EZY Loans Pawning, located in Orange Walk Town, have been ordered by Supreme Court Justice Sonya Young to surrender a thirty-acre [...]

Defense Minister & C.E.O. to Hunting Caye
Minister of Defense John Saldivar and his C.E.O. Felix Enriquez today commenced a national tour of facilities operated by the Belize Coast Guard. The visit started in the south with [...]

Wait Continues for New U.S. Ambassador to Belize
Just last month, Donald Trump was sworn in as the President of the USA and since that day, Carlos Moreno’s tenure as US Ambassador to Belize came to an end. [...]

No Shift in U.S.’s LGBT Stance, Deputy Chief Reports
Since taking office, President Trump has looked to fulfill some of his campaign promises by using executive orders. One of those executive orders is to ban federal money going to [...]

Mexican Importer Faces Charges Over Ham
One hundred and fifty cases of ham imported into Belize since December 2016 remain in a container at the Port of the Belize. The importer is Mexican business, Manuel Pastor [...]

Re-Registration Now, Demands Belize Progressive Party
Last week the People’s United Party complained of Government’s plans to postpone re-registration once again, this time to after the 2018 municipal elections. However, there are plans to proceed with [...]

The Next Generation of Archaeologists at St. Martin De Porres
Primary School students are learning about Archaeology in the classroom through a project between the US Embassy and NICH. The programme, which started some three years ago, has seen the [...]

Don’t Believe Government ‘Spin’ on Arbitration, B.P.P. Warns
When we caught up with the Progressive Party chairman Paco Smith today, he also weighed in on Belize’s current troubles with the various arbitration awards under dispute here and in [...]

Senate Inquiry Must Not Be ‘Exercise in Futility’
Wednesday’s meeting of the Senate Special Select Committee will feature appearances from Edgar Cano, senior immigration officer; ex-C.E.O. in the Ministry of Immigration Candelaria Saldivar-Morter, and one other person. And [...]

Celebrating Healthy Ageing with the Macarena
In the nation’s capital this morning, senior citizens showed that age ought not to get in the way of being healthy and active; in it is just a number. They [...]

National Council on Ageing Marks 14 Years
While the National Council of Ageing is plowing along, there is much more to do to ensure that the rights of the elderly population are protected. Executive Director of the [...]

Training for Senior Citizen Caregivers
One area that the country has made progress in is the standardization of the care-giving for the elderly. The Council has partnered with BTEC in the past to train caregivers [...]

Welcome Rebecca! I.C.A. Plans Motorcade and Press Conference for Miss Belize
Rebecca Rath returns to Belize on Friday from the Philippines where she competed in the Miss Universe pageant. Rath picked up support from Belizeans from all walks of life. And [...]

Standard Must Be Adhered to with Rewards
In the weeks leading up to and during the preliminaries of the pageant in Manila, Philippines; Belizeans thrust their full support behind Rath. Thousands participated in online voting on various [...]

LOVE FM

DC Federal Judge Authorizes Enforcement of Award to BCB Holdings Ltd
The fifty million dollar arbitration award against the Government of Belize has been the subject of a back and forth both in the local and US courts and according to a New York article, the latest on the issue came yesterday when a DC Federal Judge authorized the enforcement of the award to the BCB […]

Canon Leroy Flowers Says Senate Inquiry Is a Farce
The Senate Special Select Committee inquiry into the Auditor General’s report on the Immigration and nationality department will continue tomorrow. So far four persons have been questioned by the Committee. They are the Auditor General, Dorothy Bradley, former acting Immigration Director, Maria Marin, Former Immigration Director, Ruth Meighan and Senior Immigration Officer, Gordon Wade. Several […]

Ministry Says Bids are Welcomed for Management of Solid Waste Transfer Stations
On January 10, 2017 the Government of Belize issued a notice of the withdrawal of PASSA as the contractors managing the solid waste transfer stations. Six days later we explained that reports reaching our newsroom had indicated that their decision to give up their contract had to do with internal troubles that the Mexican group […]

Family Appeals for Closure Following Death of Dain Dawson
Virginia Escalante is the mother 33-year-old, Dain Dawson whose body was found in the river near Manatee Lookout in Ladyville Village, Belize District on Thursday, January 19. The family was unable to plan a proper burial for Dawson since the authorities had done so due to the body’s state of decomposition. Fast forward three weeks […]

Five Fined for 1000+ Undersized Conch
The Fisheries Department made a bust of just over one thousand undersized conch last week and subsequently had five persons charged in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court. Hampton Gamboa is the Superivisor for the Compliance Unit at the Fisheries Department. According to him the operation was a joint effort between his unit and the Belize […]

Robbers Target UNO Service Station in Broad Daylight
Police are investigating a robbery of the UNO gas station located at the foot of the Bel-China Bridge just before nine o’clock this morning. Reports reaching Love News indicate that an estimated fifteen thousand dollars was taken in the robbery. Love News understands that two men entered and relieved one of the workers of a […]

Defence Minister Engages with Belize Coast Guard
Minister of National Security John Saldivar is on a nationwide tour of the coast guard facilities. Minister Saldivar’s tour began with a visit to Hunting Caye. Coast Guard Commander, Admiral John Borland, spoke about the Minister’s tour. JOHN BORLAND “Well presently we are engaged in the tour of the southern sector of the Belize Coast […]

Transport Minister Goes South to Assess Ports and Water Transport
Defence Minister, John Saldivar is not the only one on tour in the country as his Cabinet colleague, Edmond Castro was recently in the south taking stock of the country’s port and boat transportation facilities. Minister Castro is the substantive minister for Transport with responsibility for the ports. We spoke with the Minister today to […]

Businessman Contests Forfeiture of Ham by Customs
Fifty-six year old Mexican businessman Manuel Pastor Gomez Diaz, the Director Coral’s Company Limited, an enterprise located at Central Plaza Commercial Free Zone, appeared today before Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser to contest an application made by the Comptroller of Customs for the forfeiture of a container containing 150 cases of chilled ham, weighing 3,465 pounds. […]

BWS Employee on Remand for Unlicensed Firearm
A resident of a Welch Street address in Belize City is on remand at the Belize Central Prison after he was found with an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. 28-year-old, Rafael Reyes was stopped and searched yesterday at around four thirty on Dolphin Street by police officers who were on mobile patrol. In a black bag […]

Amandala

Not another dollar of tax, says BCCI prez
Officials in the Ministry of Finance are due to meet this week with organizations representing the private sector as well as the unions, for consultations on the upcoming budget cycle, as curiosity lingers over what austerity measures will be implemented to stem the hemorrhaging of public finances, partly due to unmanageable debt, amid an ongoing recession. Amandala is reliably informed that consultative meetings are planned with the private sector—the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) and the Belize Business Bureau—on Thursday, and with the unions under the umbrella of the National Trade Union Congress of Belize on Friday. At those meetings, Government officials will make presentations to the social partners, which are expected to also have their recommendations and/or positions to put on the table. Mr. Nikita Usher, president of the BCCI, has confirmed that the private sector is due to meet with Government officials on Thursday, but in advance of that meeting, the BCCI will hold a meeting with its membership tomorrow.

For Black History Month, artist Pen Cayetano honors Kremandala’s Evan X Hyde
The afternoon rains could not deter those who headed to Pen Cayetano’s Studio Gallery in Dangriga Town for a celebration of Black History Month, which featured a ceremony in which the versatile, dynamic artist Pen Cayetano honored Kremandala chairman Evan X Hyde for his stellar contribution to the development of black consciousness in Belize. In the back-water colonial society of British Honduras, young Evan Anthony Hyde returned from his studies in the United States and became Evan X Hyde, a black activist and freedom fighter who dared to speak out against the injustices of the colonial society through the United Black Association for Development (UDAD) a black consciousness movement that he helped to form and later led. If there is one word that can summarize Evan X Hyde over the almost five decades that he has been on the scene stripping away the various layers of hypocrisy in Belizean society, that word is consistent. Shortly after 3:00 p.m., Pen Cayetano began making periodic checks at the gate of his studio compound, after he told the waiting audience that, “the great Evan X Hyde should be arriving any minute now.”

Joyjah!
An absolutely stunning Punta Gorda woman with freckled face and natural curly hair named Joyjah Estrada has made Belize very proud. She made it to the cover of the United Kingdom’s bi-annual Love magazine from among 111,000 other competitors who squared off in a social media challenge. Her photo was taken by Kendall Jenner, who is one of the personalities on the reality show, Keeping up with the Kardashians. The twenty-two-year old, who studied at the University of Belize and previously at the Toledo Community College, posted to Facebook on Sunday, “This entire experience has been more than amazing from the day I posted my application for #loveme17 to now. I’ve been blessed with so many amazing hearts across the globe supporting me and my big dreams; my Belizean family was especially a huge part of this journey.”

“Between the devil and the deep blue sea”
A succession of litigation wars between the unrelenting Michael Ashcroft Alliance and the Government of Belize, spanning a decade and a half, enters a new round this week, with an announcement from Caribbean Investment Holdings Limited (CIHL), formerly BCB Holdings, that it will mount a constitutional challenge to two pieces of legislation recently signed into law, in what Government says is an effort to stop Belize’s foreign reserves from being siphoned to pay $100 million in arbitration awards to the Ashcroft group. At the same time, the Government of Belize is seeking an anti-enforcement injunction in Belizean courts against the Belize Bank and CIHL to stop them from going after the Central Bank’s foreign reserves in the United States and/or elsewhere. We understand that a filing may be made sometime tomorrow, after the Caribbean Court of Justice pointed counsel for the Government of Belize back to the Belize Supreme Court. The pending court filing is further to the introduction of laws recently approved by Parliament to confirm the international immunity of the foreign reserves of the Central Bank of Belize from being seized to satisfy the foreign arbitration awards. Last Monday, the Ashcroft group filed for an enforcement order in the US—an action which was followed by the passage of new legislation in Belize to not only protect the foreign reserves but also to criminalize with a fine of $250,000 and/or jail time of 2 years any attempt by any party to go after the foreign reserves of the Central Bank.

Jamaican man, 20, accused of raping Belizean woman, 25
A twenty-five-year-old woman was raped on Friday night in Ladyville and police have arrested and charged a Jamaican man who appeared to be suffering from some form of mental illness. Andre Knight, 20, appeared before Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith, who read a single charge to him. In court, the prosecutor, Inspector Egbert Castillo, asked the court to first allow a psychiatric evaluation to be done on Knight, who stared blankly at the Chief Magistrate when she asked him if he understood what she had just read to him. Chief Magistrate Smith agreed with the prosecutor and remanded Knight to prison, and ordered that he be evaluated by a mental health specialist who will determine if he is of sound mind to understand the court proceedings and if the matter could proceed any further.

Belize Musicians Past and Present celebrates 22nd anniversary
The longest running talk show in the nation, hosted on KREM Radio, the Belize Musicians Past and Present show, is celebrating its 22nd anniversary on Thursday, February 9. The show is produced to promote Belizean artists nationally and internationally by affording artists a platform on the show to tell their story, and get media exposure. The show was launched on February 2, 1995, and is produced by Tony Wright, assisted by JC Arzu, both of KREM Radio. Wright said that the show will continue, and he wants to see more artists come on the show. He estimated that so far, over 1,000 artists have been guests on the show. In an interview with Amandala, Wright said that previously, there was no other show, or outlet, where the artists could go and tell their stories, and demonstrate their art.

CSSSA high school football semifinals completed; finals begin today at MCC
The Central Secondary Schools Sports Association (CSSSA) high school football best-of-two games semifinals were held between Wednesday and Saturday of last week at the MCC Grounds. Female semifinals games 1 were held on Wednesday. In the opener, SCA blanked Maude Williams high, 3-0, with goals from Jodi Pott, Jennifer Estrada and Gabriela Mendoza. And in the nightcap, Ladyville Tech won, 2-1, over Gwen Liz. Lorraine Stephens and Mary Davis hit the target for Ladyville Tech, while Kevon Ricketts tallied for Gwen Liz. On Thursday, it was games 1 for the boys. The opener saw SJC take the 2-nil win over ACC on goals by Carlos Guerra and Dion Cacho. And in the nightcap, arch-rivals Wesley and Gwen Liz played to a 1-1 stalemate. Jalen Babb rocked the net for Wesley, while Orlando Velasquez hit the target for Gwen Liz. We are still awaiting the official details on games 2 on Friday and Saturday. Our unofficial reports, which seem confirmed by appearances at today’s finals games 1, are as follows:

BDF, 2-0, over Placencia Assassins in sole PLB Week 2 game
Three Week 2 games in the Premier League of Belize (PLB) 2016-2017 Closing Season were rained out over the weekend. Only Belize City’s MCC Grounds was playable on Sunday, as games were cancelled at the Norman Broaster in Cayo, Carl Ramos in Stann Creek and Victor Sanchez Union Field in Toledo due to rain. In the only Week 2 game played on Sunday, it was scoreless at the intermission; but home standing BDF FC got late goals from Brian Martinez (81’) and Raymond Ramos (87’), to clinch the 2-nil win over visiting Placencia Assassins FC. A PLB release today said the Police United FC vs Belmopan Bandits SC, Freedom Fighters FC vs Verdes FC, and Wagiya FC vs FC Belize games will be re-scheduled to a later date to be announced.

NEBL “In the Paint”
It must have felt like forever for the defending champs Hurricanes to finally secure their first win of the season; and understandably so, given the fact that during last year’s championship run, they were essentially immune to losing streaks, never once suffering back to back losses, while coasting to a league best 16 wins 3 loss campaign, inclusive of post season play. So it was a sort of enigma for team management and coaching staff to see their team be immersed in early season mediocrity at (0-2), albeit very early in the campaign. In any event, whatever it was, whether it be the home cooking, or simply the atmosphere which the new SCA auditorium provided, the Hurricanes, with their play, undoubtedly demonstrated that you should never underestimate the heart of a champion.

SCA girls and Gwen Liz boys take game 1 in CSSSA finals
We must confess, we haven’t watched many of the high school football games, played in a whirl-wind CSSSA (Central Secondary Schools Sports Association) tournament over the past three weeks at the MCC Grounds; but the playoffs are always exciting, especially when it is “win, or go home.” For the girls, with 6 high schools participating, they each played 5 games in their regular season, and then it was on to the best-of-two games semifinals. For the boys, with 11 high schools involved, Group 1 had 6 teams and Group 2 had 5 teams. So, their regular season for Group 1 was 5 games, and for Group 2, they only played 4 games total in their 2016-2017 CSSSA regular season. Then the top 4 from each group were matched in one-game knockout quarterfinals. The surviving 4 male teams were then paired in the best-of-two games semifinals.

Editorial: Uncomfortable truths
At the risk of sounding trite, they say the days of the fat dog are behind us. After some years of living large off the Petrocaribe dollars, reality has started to set in. We still see the mammoth City Centre project going up in the old capital, there is the expansion of the Philip Goldson Highway between the PGIA and the Haulover Bridge, and some work is being done to resurface the Hummingbird Highway after the BNE trucks left it pretty ramshackle. But the furious government spending of recent years is no more. See, no one told the people that there are no free lunches. No one told the people that the UDP were doing exactly what the PUP did in their 1998-2004 heyday: spend all those borrowed millions on projects that were not going to create national wealth or provide any permanent employment or result in any increased revenue to help pay back the loans. In fact, the people were made to believe in the November 2015 campaign that the good times would continue to roll. But now in 2017, the bills have come due. Recently, we’ve seen government had to borrow an additional $50 million from the Republic of China on Taiwan for so-called “general budgetary support,” that some claim were really borrowed from a commercial bank in Taiwan. Simply put, we cannot say whether the money is for salaries or to pay utility bills or exactly what it is for. Government has refused to say.

US judge grants Ashcroft order in bid to collect BZ$100 mil from GOB
Despite a favorable ruling in the Belize Supreme Court on Friday, granting the Government of Belize (GOB) an injunction against the enforcement of an arbitral award in favor of the Michael Ashcroft group of companies overseas, U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly today handed down an order authorizing the enforcement of the judgment against Belize. Law360, a premier source of online law news, announced the development this evening, saying that it represents “a blow to the government of Belize as it continues its fight to avoid payment.” Belize’s Parliament recently rushed to approve two bills to stop Lord Michael Ashcroft from going after Belize’s foreign reserves, one of them going further to criminalize, through fines and jail time, any attempt to go after Belize’s assets overseas to satisfy the foreign arbitration awards. In all, the awards total BZ$100 million.

GOB gets urgent injunction to protect foreign reserves from Ashcroft
This afternoon, government attorney Denys Barrow, SC, rushed to the Supreme Court of Justice Michelle Arana to present arguments for why the court should grant the government an urgent injunction against two Ashcroft alliance companies that had secured an arbitration award in US courts against the government for US$50 million. Following Barrow’s presentation, which lasted almost two hours, Justice Arana granted the injunction, preventing the Caribbean Investment Holding Limited (CIHL), formerly BCB Holdings, and the Belize Bank from going after the Belize Central Bank’s reserves that are deposited in banks in the United States. In an effort to insulate the country’s foreign reserves (reportedly around US $377 million) from the predatory maneuvers of Lord Michael Ashcroft, the government recently rushed legislation through parliament in the form of two new laws, “The Central Bank of Belize International Immunities Act and the Crown Proceedings Amendment Act.” The constitutionality of the new laws, however, are said to be up for challenge from Ashcroft which will likely trigger a new round of litigation against the state by the relentless British billionaire.

Breaking Belize News

Edmond Castro tours Port of Big Creek and boat transportation facilities in Independence Village
Edmond Castro, who has ministerial responsibility for the Belize Port Authority, has conducted a tour of port and boat transportation facilities in the South. Accompanied by Ports Commissioner Merlene Bailey Martinez, Port Authority Operations Manager Sherlett Martinez and Big Creek Officer in Charge (Belize Port Authority) Jessica Godoy, Castro first visited boat transportation facilities operated by Independence businessman Carroll Burgess, owner of Hokey Pokey Water Taxi, which transports customers between Placencia and Independence.

Defense Minister begins national tour of Belize Coast Guard
Minister of Defense John Saldivar and CEO in the Ministry of Defense Lieutenant Colonel (ret.) Felix Enriquez have commenced a national tour of facilities operated by the Belize Coast Guard, starting with the South Sector. Accompanied by Commander of the Belize Coast Guard Admiral John Borland, they visited Hunting Caye in the South (Toledo District) where a Forward Operating Base is under construction and is expected to be completed by the middle of April. Prior to that, Saldivar and his team stopped at the Port of Big Creek in the Independence area of Stann Creek, where a new site is being prepared for the Coast Guard Sector South Headquarters. Before returning to the mainland, they traveled further south to the Port Honduras Marine Reserve, where members of the Coast Guard provide law enforcement support for the Toledo Institute for Development and Environment (TIDE) which operates a Ranger Station on Abalone Caye.

Biscayne man killed for $15
John Ortiz, 44, a Biscayne resident was found dead yesterday in the Sandhill area between miles 19 and 20 on the Philip Goldson Highway. According to police reports, he was found with a cut wound to the right side of his chin, one to […]

Omar Figueroa attends meetings of Central American environment ministers
The Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment and Sustainable Development, Omar Figueroa, attended the meeting of the Ministers of Environment for Central America, held in Costa Rica from February 2-3. The objectives of the CCAD Ministers meeting were: […]

Man found dead on highway believed to be robbery victim
According to information from police, a body was found yesterday morning between miles 19-20 on the Philip Goldson Highway. The person has been identified as John Ortis, 44, of Biscayne Village. Police have detained one person pending investigation. Police believe that the motive was […]

The Boledo and Lottery Bonanza
Boledo and Lottery are games of chance where the player buys tickets with numbers…and get to win multiples of the price of each ticket. Boledo is played daily, while the Lottery is played on Sundays….mostly by poor people hoping to collect gold at the […]

CCJ declines Belize injunction application
The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), in an order issued this morning, declined to hear an inter-party application for an anti-enforcement injunction, which was brought by Belize’s Attorney General in relation to a US $50 Million arbitral award owed to elements of the Ashcroft Alliance.The […]

New amendments impose stiffer penalties for forest offenses
Belize’s new amendments to the Forest Act replace outdated sections of the forest legislation and impose increased fines and stiffer penalties for forest offenses. The changes are part of the Forest Department’s on-going efforts to strengthen law enforcement capacity to reduce increasing illegal forest […]

Blogs

The newest adventure: Zip lining across the Belize River!
I recently had the opportunity to try out one of the newest zip lines in Belize, and dang was it fun! Seven lines of pure adrenaline, awesome views and one hell of an adventure! This zip line is located at the new ecotourism attraction in northern Belize – the Rainforest Adventure Zone, or RAZ for short. While there are several zip lines across the country, most are found in the Cayo or Stann Creek Districts. RAZ’s zip line is found in the Belize District and the scenery you get to see from up above is a bit different. The most unique aspect of the zip line is that you go over the Belize River. The green hues the river reflects are different than the clear fresh mountain water which you typical go over on zip lines in Cayo.

7 + Reasons to Visit Glover’s Reef Atoll in Belize
Composed of three coral atolls, the region of Glover’s Reef in southeastern Belize are world-famous for their transparent conditions and profusion of colorful marine life. Glover’s Reef gained its name in the early days of Belize when an English pirate named John Glover used the sheltered waters of the reef as a base of operations for attacking Spanish merchant ships. Today, the thriving marine biosphere and postcard-perfect tropical island and lagoon of the reef make it one of Belize’s most popular destinations for kayaking, scuba diving, sailing, paddleboarding, and snorkeling. Glover’s Reef Atoll, commonly referred to simply as “Glover’s Reef”, lies in the extreme southeastern part of the country. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Glover’s Reef is the home of a permanent scientific station that studies the incredible diversity of wildlife found in the area. Perhaps the most unique diving and snorkeling opportunities available on Glover’s Reef is interacting with migrating whale sharks during their annual visit to the waters of Belize each spring. Rising from the depths on the occasion of the full moon, whale sharks are drawn to Glover’s Reef because of the enormous numbers of fish spawn and eggs that provide the whale sharks with nourishment. Despite their enormous size, with some specimens measuring up to 45 feet (14 meters) long, whale sharks pose little danger to humans.

Hockey in Belize? Why not? Go Buccaneers!
Ball hockey has been an island pursuit since 2010 and most every Thursday you can find as many as 20 folks with sticks in hand whacking that red ball up and down a tennis court near the Grand Bayman complex just south of town. Shouldn’t be surprising. Canadians are well represented in the local expat population and their passion for this game rivals that of New England Patriot fans, Golden Gate Warrior fans, Chicago Cubs fans — to name a few. There are Belizeans and Americans in the local mix too! And two of the toughest goalies you will find are Niki Lamporelli and Dee Regis. Ball hockey is equal opportunity. If you can swing a stick, run the distance and endure the pain — welcome, brothers and sisters. On Saturday the Tropical Knights came straight off the plane to play back-to-back games against the San Pedro Buccaneers which split into two teams, Squad 1 and Squad 2, for logistical reasons.

Cell phone use around RC school
I was monitoring the RC School this morning and was shocked by the number of people who were using their cell phones instead of concentrating on driving, I saw parents dropping off their children while texting. People please, use good judgment while driving. The safety of the children is your responsibility.

Finger Licking Good, Estel’s BBQ Ribs Cook Off
It all started with a group of four friend sitting around having a few beers and grilling some ribs. Of course the talk of who prepares the BEST finger-licking ribs was always the debate. With Charles Worthington from Estel’s Dine by the Sea preparing some of the best BBQ ribs and meat on the island, a friendly cook off got started where friends were invited to be the judge. Come six years later, the cook off has grown into an international competition with eight grill masters preparing over 1,000 ribs to feed hundreds at Estel’s who can’t get enough bbq ribs. I have been a judge for a few years now; it’s not an easy task (think of all those delicious ribs) but always a great time. Seeing the cook off grow into a much anticipated event on the island is awesome. This year iTravel Belize invited a long-time visitor to the island, great friend Erik Winning from Indianapolis, IN, USA, to hold our spot as guest judge for the 6th Annual Cook off. Needless to say, he had as much of an amazing time as we do year after year.

How to enjoy Corozal with a great experience
Many people have different ways to enjoy the entertainment in Corozal. Corozal is being enjoyed many ways by people. Hears by lovely experience and how to get around Corozal. Very unusual mornings, I enjoy watching the sunrise in the morning. Hearing the Sugar Barge on a quiet morning I could hear the motor roaring. Usually, I walk in the mornings I see Many things. Some mornings are very cool; foggy mornings. The first thing I hear is the car spraying for mosquito's going around town spraying that acid spray. That strong bug spray I inhale burns through my nose as I wake up and in the silent morning in Corozal. From the distance I hear the loud birds chirping from the distances waking up the neighborhoods. Those birds hang around the Central Park. As they nest on the trees above they made their home their. Ding! Ding! Ding! the loud clock from the distances the clock for the Central Park is telling the time. That, loud ring from the Central Parks clock goes on every 15 minutes. But, some mornings I enjoy this silent morning. Very peaceful to hear a silent morning as I am waking up. Usually, walking the beach on cool weather, I can see the ducks swimming on the water. Slowly, as the sunrise coming up I can see the ducks and other objects reflection. Even when the people are exercising. And, the color of the sky slowly changing. Corozal has some beautiful mornings and you can't imagine. Some mornings are too foggy I can't see anything from the distance. White mist touching my skin. I can feel that humid wet morning.

Ten Awesome Belizean Fruits and Vegetables
If you have eaten with me on even one occasion, you know that I am a complete vegetable geek. I love all things veggie and I especially enjoy experimenting with new ones. And that’s not even to mention foreign fruit! One of my favorite things about living in Belize has been having a whole new suite of produce to try. These are my ten favorite Belizean fruits and vegetables: Jippi Jappa is a woody palm-like plant that is most famously used to make baskets and hats. I have tried my damnedest and cannot find any real information about jippi jappa as a food online. I’m not sure whether this is because I don’t know the English word for the plant or because there isn’t a culture that both eats jippi jappa and also actively posts about food on the internet.

International Sources

Offshore Wind Moves Into Energy’s Mainstream
When engineers faced resistance from residents in Denmark over plans to build wind turbines on the Nordic country’s flat farmland, they found a better locale: the sea. The offshore wind farm, the world’s first, had just 11 turbines and could power about 3,000 homes. That project now looks like a minnow compared with the whales that sprawl for miles across the seas of Northern Europe. Off this venerable British port city, a Danish company, Dong Energy, is installing 32 turbines that stretch 600 feet high. Each turbine produces more power than that first facility. Offshore wind, once a fringe investment, with limited scope and reliant on government subsidies, is moving into the mainstream. Europe, too, looks all the more attractive, as the United States under President Trump rethinks its stance on renewables.

Six hiking trips you can do in the Yucatan Peninsula
The Yucatan Peninsula straddles three states (Campeche, Quintana Roo and Yucatan) in Mexico, including the neighboring countries of Belize and Guatemala. Once a seabed, its topography consists mainly of limestone. The peninsula is dotted with white sandy beaches, cenotes or sinkholes and has a prolific wildlife. A perfect destination for nature and culture lovers, there are many places to explore including its numerous biosphere reserves, historic archeological sites and the second largest barrier reef in the world. In short, it is a great place to do outdoor activities such as hiking. Here are a few trips that both amateur and experienced hikers can do. The Mayan Route will take a bit of your time as it is a trip that needs to be enjoyed at a leisurely pace. Allow anywhere from 2 to 3 weeks to complete hiking tours. One of the best trips you can organize is a tour of the ancient Mayan civilization that covers Tikal in Guatemala and Palenque in Mexico as well as Bonampak, Campeche, Uxmal, Merida and Chichen Itza. For beach lovers, explore the Mayan coast with Tulum, Bacalar, Cayes in Belize and Lake Atitlan in Guatemala.

St. Vincent bans Styrofoam products
St. Vincent and the Grenadines will as of May 1, 2017 ban the importation of Styrofoam products. Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves made the announcement in Parliament on Monday as he delivered the Budget Address. Gonsalves, who is also Minister of Finance, also announced the removal of Value Added Taxes on biodegradable packaging and food containers. “This measure is intended to lower the costs of these environmentally positive substitutes for plastics, including Styrofoam, and reduce the adverse effects that plastics have on our environment,” he said. Over 100 U.S., Canadian, European, and Asian cities, have banned the use of Styrofoam containers The Story of Stuff Projects explains some of the problems with Styrofoam, including the fact that it does not biodegrade. “It may break into small pieces, even minuscule pieces. But the smaller EPS gets, the harder it is to clean up.” Styrofoam is made of fossil fuels and synthetic chemicals, which may leach if they come in contact with hot, greasy or acidic food.

Building Political Power in the Caribbean Youth
We need to encourage young political leaders to fight hegemonic, ageist powers within the state while not marginalizing non-political youth groups. Youth membership in nongovernmental organizations is unfathomably low and throughout the English-speaking Caribbean, there is no vibrant youth “movement” as seen during the 1960s and 1990s. There is a general lack of confidence of youth in the National Youth Councils in advancing their cause. Most significantly, the critical distance among wide sections of young people have from the political process – a mix of disenfranchisement and downplaying the significance of the state – undermines their citizenship and agency in the development process. More than ever, as one of the most organized youth institutions in the region, political youth arms need to challenge the party leadership internally to empower youth in the decision-making process and build consultative and caucusing mechanisms with activist youth organizations in order to translate the voices of youth into state policy.

Videos

February 7, 2017

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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, and other specials

The San Pedro Sun

Letter to the Editor: AS IF SOME LESSER GOD HAD MADE THE WORLD
The Messiah from Nazareth had one core message for those who would follow his teachings –“Love one another as I have loved you.” Judeo-Christian belief is founded on the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth, who taught a gospel of love that was radical in its replacement of blind, rote obedience to forms of faith that revealed the face of the Almighty as a wrathful terrible master, with a gospel of the Creator as a loving, forgiving father. Among the things that the Catholic Church and evangelical Christian churches in Belize have in common is the purported doctrine of “love the sinner, hate the sin”. According to that teaching, the adulterer, the thief, the murderer are all worthy of love, even if what they have done is wrong. Doctrinally, for most Christians, members of the LGBTTQIA community are sinners. Sinners for what they do, because most do not concede that this is about identity and not sin.

Fire in San Juan Subdivision destroys home
A residence located in the San Juan Area near downtown San Pedro, was destroyed by a large fire on Sunday, February 5th, shortly after midday. The San Pedro Fire Department (SPFD) responded quickly to the distress call shortly after 12:45PM, and extinguished the blaze without any difficulties. Even though there were no injuries, not much of the wooden structure could be saved. According to official reports from the local authorities, the wooden house measuring about 20 feet in width and 45 feet in length belonged to Calvin Young. The authorities also reported that at the time of the fire, Young, nor any other family member were at home. As the SPFD continue their investigation into the cause of the fire, the value of damages to the property lost has yet to be ascertained. No damages were reported to nearby houses. The SPFD is seeking the public’s assistance with any information they may have regarding the blaze.

Ambergris Today

TripAdvisor’s Best Hotels 2017 Announced - Belize Prevails
Trip Advisor’s 2017 Traveler’s Choice Awards are out and Belize once again boasts four properties in the Top 25 Hotels in Central America list - three from San Pedro, Ambergris Caye and one from Placencia. Belize is still making its mark as a top destination among the best in the world with tourism arrivals keep on breaking records year after year. More international airlines are heading to Belize, adding direct flights from key cities in the United States, Canada and South America. Ambergris Caye boasts listings of the top hotels in Central America with three hotels: Las Terrazas, Victoria House and Coco Beach Resor and Las Terrazas and one from Placencia, Belize Ocean Club Report being voted among the best. Costa Rica is a top contender in Central America with the most hotels on the list, which also include hotels from Panama, Nicaragua, Guatemala and Honduras. Ambergris Caye also has the most hotels listed on TripAdvisor’s Top Lists in Belize and tops some 'Top World' lists with The Phoenix Resort in San Pedro still up high at #2 in the Top 10 Luxury Resorts in Central America list. Sleeping Giant Lodge in Belmopan is #18 in the Top 25 Hotels for Service in the World; Villa Verano in Hopkins is #3 in Top 10 Hotels for Family - Central America; and Coco Plum Island Resort is still high in the Top 25 Hotels for Romance in the World at #9.

Misc Belizean Sources

Congratulations to the San Pedro High School Female Football for winning the 2017 Northern Regionals!
Let's Go To The Nationals!!

Employment Opportunity
The Belize Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BCCI) the country's leading Private Sector Organization has vacancy for a "Chief Policy Analyst" & "Manager for Business Development" please see attached flyers or call 223-5330 for more information.

Banking and the Belize Investment Portfolio (BIP)
On Friday, February 3rd, 2017, BELTRAIDE was invited to be a guest speaker through its technical unit, BelizeINVEST, as a part of a Think Tank initiative at Atlantic International Bank Ltd. (AIBL) and Atlantic International Corporate Services. During the presentation, BelizeINVEST provided an overview of the Belize Investment Portfolio (BIP) Campaign and how the banking sector can participate. This outreach is a series of various to follow with Banking, Real Estate, Engineering, Architects as well as legal service providers in Belize to name a few. The initiative is one that aims to foster the development of a national portfolio to fast-track investment generation efforts, both local and foreign, through targeted matchmaking of pre-packaged investment concepts and “shovel-ready” projects.

NEW AMENDMENTS IMPOSE STIFFER PENALTIES FOR FOREST OFFENCES
Belize’s new amendments to the Forest Act replace outmoded sections of the forest legislation and impose increased fines and stiffer penalties for forest offences. The changes are part of the Forest Department’s on-going efforts to strengthen law enforcement capacity to reduce increasing illegal forest activities, deforestation and degradation of our forest resources. Illegal and unsustainable timber and non-timber extractions undermine Belize’s on-going efforts to curb deforestation and biodiversity loss. In light of this, the new amendments act as deterrents and help to strengthen the department’s legal capacity to tackle illegal logging and other related crimes. The Amendments specifically impose the following changes: 1. A Second Schedule to the Forest Act prescribes a new penalty formula that is dependent on the species ecological value and scarcity, volume, and market price. In light of this, any person in possession of specific timber species, such as Mahogany, Cedar, Rosewood, Santa Maria, Pine and others listed, may be fined up to three times the amount based on the calculations in the Second Schedule.

2 yellowhead babies
Another gorgeous shot by Nickolas Lormand of Scarlet Studios. These were two of the 12 yellowhead babies that he helped us to release late last year. We still need to raise $275US for an awareness banner by the end of the month. A few spare $$$ may just prevent a baby parrot from being taken away from his parents this year!!! You can donate through out website or via our Global Giving 501c3 fiscal sponsor: https://goto.gg/24305 Thank you!!!

Audubon Advanced Bird Guides graduation

Sea Choice Island Produce on Caye Caulker
Celebrating entrepreneurs! Sea Choice Island Produce is a family run business that's been serving up great 100% natural fruit juices **no sugar added** for 10 years to the Caye Caulker community and its many visitors. They also sell fresh fruit and veggies.

South Ambergris Caye Neighbourhood Watch February, 2017 General Meeting
Friends and Neighbors, Please join us this Wednesday at 7:00pm at Lone Star Grill and Cantina for our February general meeting. We have many items to cover and need everyone's input and support. Thank you!

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY
The OAS Department of Human Development, Education and Employment and the Centro del Agua del Trópico Húmedo para América Latina y el Caribe (CATHALAC) in Panamá herein offer the online course: "Pronósticos Metereológicos, su Aplicación y el Papel en la Toma de Decisiones". The application deadline to deliver the hardcopy to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, NEMO Building, Belmopan is March 3, 2017 for pre-selection and forwarding to OAS Washington, D.C. by April 3rd, 2017. The OAS will not receive physical application files from the pre-selected candidates. The online application form must be completed on-line and can be accessed at: http://www.oas.org/…/sch…/professionaldev_new_page2_2016.asp here you will find the announcements of the PDSP courses, click on the one you are interested in, go through the end of the page, then you'll find the "Continue" button which will direct you to the online form that you must fill out.

Solar panels on Caye Caulker
Great job Caye Caulker for providing electricity via SOLAR PANELS. I wonder if San Pedro and the rest of Belize can start doing the same

MEETING OF THE MINISTERS OF ENVIRONMENT FOR CENTRAL AMERICA (CCAD)
The Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment and Sustainable Development, Hon. Dr. Omar Figueroa, attended the meeting of the Ministers of Environment for Central America, held in Costa Rica on February 2 to 3, 2017. The objectives of the CCAD Ministers meeting were: 1) The handing-over of the Pro-Tem Presidency of the Central American Commission of Environment and Development (CCAD), from Nicaragua to Costa Rica; the Presidency rotates among its member states every six months; and 2) To review several regional project proposals currently being developed or implemented in the Central American region, some of which have strong emphasis on the marine environment. This Ministers of Environment Meeting was chaired by the new Pro-Tem President, Costa Rica; in it, the Hon. Minister Figueroa confirmed the strengthening of Belize’s involvement in the Central American Environmental Agenda, and pledged our assistance in regional strategies and programmes. In addition, Minister Figueroa advanced Belize’s leadership in the development and implementation of regional projects with a strong marine component.

Tropic Air and Tropic Air Cargo gets new location in Ranchito Village
Tropic Air and Tropic Air Cargo in Ranchito Village airstrip will be relocating its temporary office to its permanent location about 100 yards from its current site. Stay tuned for their open house and inauguration in the next week or so. Photo of new location.

Advance Bird guide Training
What a great opportunity to have been part of the Advance Bird guide Training. A proud/certified graduate with 4th place.:) Huge 'thank you' to BAS, and especially to Roni Martinez Phillip Valderamos and all those who made it happen. Lets keep the birding and fun. Bless!!!

Advance Birding Guide Course
Graduation ceremony today for the Advance Birding Guide Course we took August/September 2016. It was hard work but lots of fun and I got to spend hours birding with old and new friends. Many thanks to Belize Audubon Society, Inter-American Development Bank, National Audubon, Belize Tourism Board and our awesome Instructors - "the Legend" Mr. Philip Balderamos and Mr. Roni Martinez, "the chief". Many thanks also to Erneldo Bustamante, Isael Mai, Mario Teul and Reynold Cal who were eternally patient while I struggled with Bird calls. we made it!

Archaeologist Dr. Alexandra Jones visits St. Martin De Porres Primary School
What is Belize's cultural heritage? Why should it be protected? These are some of the questions that 40 students at St. Martin De Porres Primary School in Belize City answered today. The students learned about archaeology firsthand from an American archaeology expert, Dr. Alexandra Jones, and members of Belize's Institute of Archaeology. After mastering the theory, the students got right to work--they participated in an exciting hands-on mock excavation exercise! Digging, recording, analyzing... Wonder how many of them will become archaeologists or scientists in general? Stay tuned for more! Dr. Jones is in Belize for the whole week as part of an exciting Archaeology in the Community program. She will be conducting educational and cultural outreach throughout Belize!

Channel 7

Rural Man Murdered By Robbers For $15.00
Tonight, police are investigating the death of 44 year-old Biscayne resident John Ortiz, and all indications are that he was murdered. This morning, news went out that police found his body in the Sandhill area between miles 19 and 20 on the Phillip Goldson Highway. Police confirmed that he had a cut wound to the right side of his chin, one to the right eyebrow area, another injury to the right side of the head, and a scrape to the right cheek. There was an unusual clue as well; the officers saw what looked to be a shoe impression imprinted in blood. The cops moved in quickly, and picked up a suspect who allegedly had blood on his heels and his calf. He's being questioned by investigators, and has reportedly confessed to the killing. This afternoon, our news team spoke with one of his sisters, who shared what information they could with us, based on the very little they knew so far:

Neighbors Charge For Murder Of Mark Jones
On Friday we told you about the murder of Mark Jones. The 29 year old was gunned down as he walked into his yard at 9:00 on Thursday night. Tonight, police say the teenager who killed him was his neighbor, and that he was abetted by another neighbor. 19 year old Deandre Adolphus was charged with murder while 33 year old Bruce Reneau was charged with abetment to murder - he allegedly supplied the murder weapon. Police believe that Adolphus used this gun, a Glock 9 millimeter pistol - which they found loaded with 10 live rounds in the area hours after the murder.

No Breakthrough Yet In Murder Investigation Of One Of San Pedro's Favorite Sons
On Last week Friday's newscast, we told you about the murder of 44 year-old San Pedro Resident, Jose Felix Ayuso. He's the AIDS activist who was found stabbed to death inside his home on Thursday. Well, on Saturday, his family and friends came out for his funeral ceremony, after which they laid him to rest. As we told you, he was a big part of the island's Carnaval Comparsas, which is always held a few days before Ash Wednesday. In his honor, his family and friends gave him a send off with a funeral procession that looked more like a carnival dance through the streets. As we told you, he was last seen alive at his business place, JoSe's Salon on last Wednesday evening. When he didn't show up for an appointment on Thursday, the following day, his sister went looking for him at his home. That's when she found his body; he was stabbed multiple times all over by a sharp object. The police say that they couldn't find any signs of forced entry, but the front door to his house was left opened.

Setback For Ashcroft Alliance In US Courts?
Reports to 7news this evening are that the Ashcroft Alliance may have suffered a setback in the US Courts today. After arguments were heard today, the District Court for the District of Columbia has denied BCB Holdings and the Belize Bank a motion for a restraining order against the government. The court also denied their motion for a permanent anti-suit injunction. As we understand it, the Alliance did succeed with a motion which allows them to go after the government's assets wherever those assets are located within the United States. But, first, they must first apply to the cou