May 19, 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

Island educators get an A++
The hard work of two island educators were recognized recently, as teacher Paul Kelly and his wife Odilia Jacobs both accomplished major milestones. As part of Education Month, the Ministry of Education (MOE) held its Annual Teacher of the Year Award ceremony on Thursday, May 11th. There were 24 nominees, and eight outstanding teachers took the overall award. San Pedro High School (SPHS) teacher Paul Kelly was given the ‘National Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award’ 2016 – 2017 for the secondary-level category.

Second Garifuna Catholic Bishop Ordained in Belize
The Belize’s second Garifuna Catholic Bishop of the Belize Diocese, the Most Reverend Lawrence Sydney Nicasio, was ordained Bishop in a concelebrated mass at the St. John’s College gym in Belize City on last Saturday morning. The gym was packed to capacity with Catholic faithful from throughout the country, to witness as the Papal Nuncio to El Salvador, Archbishop Most Rev. Leon Kalenga, led the concelebrated mass along with Most Rev. Christopher Glancy, the Auxiliary Bishop of Belize City and Belmopan, and five other Bishops from the Caribbean and New Orleans, Louisiana USA.

Fundraising efforts benefit Saga Humane Society
Through fundraising efforts, the Saga Humane Society was able to embark on several projects that not only relocated a dog to her forever home in the United States (US), but allowed them to make much-needed improvements at their facility. On Saturday, May 13th, several kind volunteers converged at Saga, and after a day of cooperative effort, gave the place a ground-level facelift. With fresh pebble gravel covering the floor, all pens scrubbed out, a new bath tub installed for the dogs, and linoleum placed inside the office area, their grand mission was accomplished!

BTB launches Hotel Registration Campaign
The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) launched a public awareness campaign this week to remind owners and operators of guest accommodation services of their obligations and requirements under the ‘Hotel and Tourist Accommodation Act’. Under said law, any owner or operator providing accommodation for remuneration purposes to any guest (local or foreign), regardless of its location in the country, is required to register with the BTB’s Registrar of Hotels.

GOB signs construction contract for Airport Link Road
A contract was signed on Thursday, May 11th, between the Government of Belize (GOB), Nabeel Abdul Raheem Consultants (NARCO), and BECA International Consultants Ltd for consultancy and supervision of the construction of the Airport Link Road Project. The project, which consists of a stretch of road, approximately five miles long, will intersect the George Price Highway with a bridge crossing over the Belize River near Gentrac Belize Limited and existing airport access road. The road works will be funded by a US$12 million dollar loan, which GOB was approved for in May of 2016 from the Organization of Oil Exporting Countries (OPEC) Fund for International Development.

Ambergris Today

Belize Commits To Making Country The Best Place For Children To Grow
May 15 is known as the International Day of Families worldwide. This year’s theme was “Families, education and well-being.” In commemoration of this day, Belize through the National Committee for Families and Children made this 15th day of May quite monumental and symbolic as both the Prime Minster Right Honorable Dean Barrow and Leader of Opposition Honorable John Briceno made their global proclamation with the signing of the new Children’s Agenda 2017 – 2030.

Exhibition of The Castle War: The Last Campesino Rebellion
Inviting everyone to the Angel Nunez Auditorium for an exhibition of The Castle War: The Last Campesino Rebellion in honor of International Museum Day! Meet some of the War survivors still living Today! Museums all over the world celebrate this day showcasing under the theme of the year. This year it is "Saying the Unspeakable in Museums." What rarely is spoke about will be spoken today! Thank you to the San Pedro House of Culture and Museum of Belize for making this event possible!

Misc Belizean Sources

International Museum Day in Benque
International Museum Day 2 was a great success. Much thanks to the Benque House of Culture for inviting us along, and to Jorge, Yasmini and Joanna for coming out to help us. The children loved the activities and were very insightful.

Amanda Autumn Margraves passes away
On Saturday night, the rehab community lost one of its brightest stars. After a long battle with her illness, Amanda Autumn Margraves is finally at peace. We were blessed to spend time with Amanda at Belize Bird Rescue. She was one of the most unselfish souls we have ever met. Generous with her time, her knowledge, her patience and her mischievous sense of humour. I personally owe her a huge debt of gratitude for all she has taught me and the BBR staff and interns over the years. She was always at the end of a call or message, always ready with advice, and willing to come down to Belize and lend a hand whenever I pushed hard enough!

Global Big Day 2017
Well, Global Big Day 2017 is gone now. How did we do? What do our efforts show in the Central American and Global context? GBD has shown for three years now, that birders can unite better than many other people in the world. That we are a tight-knit community with a huge passion for birds. Around the world, some 19,000 birders stormed the world, literally over 150 countries and birded like no other day in history. Collectively, they reported almost 65% of the world’s avifauna, yes, more than 6,500 species were reported in a single day! Colombia alone reported almost 1,500 species and took the coveted title of “Best Country in the world for Birding”. Their diversity is stunning! Some of you perhaps have not realized this, but we live at the edge of the largest chunk of intact forest north of the Amazon, the Maya Forest. Yes, we got more forest than Costa Rica, in case you were wondering. This massive block of bird habitat, has been exploding with diversity as the surrounding land is lost to slash and burn farming and cattle ranching. What is left of it, is wisely being locked up in private and government reserves as well as eco-lodges. As more and more eBird data is being submitted from every corner of the Maya Forest by birders and scientists, it highlights its importance as wintering grounds for Noetropical migrants. So, keep eBirding. Your data, your checklists are not going down unheard. You are helping us understand just how important this land is for our birds and for those which visit us from abroad.

Awesome 360 degree panoramas
Glover's Reef Atoll - It's a panorama of one of my favorite creations even after several years. I serve them up facebook ready now. Just upload. Full screen viewing is best. More panoramas:

National Corn Coconut & BBQ Festival
The National Corn Coconut & BBQ Festival will be held July 14th, 15th and 16th 2017 at the Corozal Civic Center Grounds. Food, Meat, Fire, Beer , Live Music, Steel Pan Band, Cultural Performances, pageantry, bartender mix drinks competition, Bachata Dance, Limbo, Coconut husking, Salbutes and tacos.

Belize Zoo Conservation Camp 2017
The Belize Zoo is getting ready for their 2017 Conservation Camp. They are calling for essays from interested kids between the ages of 12 and 17. Entries are needed by June 15th, as the camp starts on July 3rd. "ZOO CAMP 2017: Applications for TBZ's annual Conservation Camp are now being accepted. Young Belizean's ages 12-17 are invited to apply for this Summer's session being held at the Tropical Education Center from July 3rd-7th. How to apply: Send us a short essay describing an environmental issue affecting your community. district, or Belize in general that is of concern to YOU.

Clean up campaigns in Los Encuentros and La Polvora
The bi-national watershed alliance includes 9 communities in Guatemala. Thanks to the British Embassy in Belize, the alliance has been active in clean up campaigns and setting up of garbage bins at Los Encuentros and La Polvora.

The U.S. Embassy has two job openings for a time limited Visa Clerk position and full time Human Resources (HR) Assistant
WHO MAY APPLY: Anyone who is eligible for appointment under Belize’s local laws. Applicant must be in possession of a Belize social security card valid for employment and/or a resident/work permit. HOW TO APPLY: Interested candidates must submit the following in order to be considered for the position. 1. Universal Application for Employment (UAE) form (DS-0174); plus 2. Any other documentation (e.g., essays, certificates, awards, licenses, copies of degrees earned) that addresses the qualification requirements of the position as listed above.

Paradise Theater playing this weekend
Beauty and the Beast, Logan, The Boss Baby, Get Out

SISE House of Cultural celebrating International Museum Day today
A big thank you to Mr Hector Silva and to all the schools for being a part of the celebration.

Channel 7

Pastor, TV Personality and Journalists to Be Charged For "Doing His Job"
He's a pastor, a Television personality and a journalist, but tomorrow PLUS TV's Louis Wade will be criminally charged, he says for doing his job. Wade says that in November 2016, he dashed out to the Santa Elena Sports Complex to see the Ministry of Works completing work that a private contractor should have done. That was the end result of some very funny business with that contract and Wade claims that while he was shooting pictures and videos, Rene Montero's son, Robert Montero pulled up in a red pickup and drove directly at him. Wade says he had to jump out the way, and he claims Montero then used the truck to block him from shooting, and from coming out of the stadium.

Deputy PM Oblivious To Yellowman's House Hijinks
And while that is one event with a chilling effect on press freedom, another is what happened yesterday at the Senate. We showed you last night how UDP troublemakers Brian Yellowman Audinett menaced the media, threatened to throw our camera man over the railing, snatched the cell phone from KREM TV's Marisol Amaya and threatened to throw a pen at a PLUS TV videographer. That's after the hearing had to be briefly suspended because UDP Chairman, Alberto August, along with "Yellowman" and Allan Kelly were loudly heckling PUP Senator Eamon Courtenay while he was questioning Elvin Penner.

Chairman Says Senate Inquiry Should Be Winding Up Now, Opposition Differs
And, perhaps not surprisingly, the Chairman of the Senate Inquiry, Senator Aldo Salazar feels the same way. Yesterday he told the media that he only wants to call a few more witnesses, but PUP Senator Eamon Courtenay had a very different perspective. Here's what they both said:... Hon. Aldo Salazar, Chairman - Senate Select Committee: "I would not want this to condescend to a political spectacle. I think that we've been at this from October and I think there is wisdom in trying to look at what is pertinent that's left and we write our report. There is enough material in my view and the only way to stop this or to prevent this from being a political spectacle is to transact our work expeditiously."

Lascelle Martinez - His Murder Leaves Community Grieving
Punta Gorda residents are still coming to terms with the murder of Lascelle Martinez. He was a celebrated vocalist and keyboard player for the Coolie Rebels. The 35 year old musician was stabbed yesterday morning in front of his friend's house. But that's not all, Martinez's girlfriend Tianne Figueroa was attacked just moments earlier about a half a mile away. Figueroa survived after she was stabbed 8 times. It was all motivated by jealousy. Courtney Weatherburne has more on Martinez's musical background and his untimely killing.

DPM Knew Lascelle
Today, Deputy Prime Minister Patrick Faber commented on Lascelle Martinez's murder. Faber is the political colleague of his father Peter Eden Martinez, and he says he also knew the 35 year old Lascelle - and knows he will be missed in Punta Gorda: Hon. Patrick Faber, Minister of Education: "Well I do want to sympathize with my colleague. I believe he was stabbed and I, again, have not gotten all the details, but as a parent myself I can only imagine how my colleague feels. But my colleague aside, the young man who I know very well. Is a personal friend of mine as well, is a very talented musician. Every time I go to Punta Gorda Town, I see him in action. I see him as a very personable person, so I am convince that his death will be a loss to the Punta Gorda community and I can only send my sympathies and my best wishes to my colleague Eden and the rest of his family."

Custom Broker's Assistant Went For Broke With Flatscreen Theft
Justin Longsworth was a Customs Broker's employee who was accused of stealing eleven 49 inch televisions that he was supposed to deliver to the Radisson. The theft was valued at almost almost $14,000 dollars. Today, he was found guilty of the charge by Chief Magistrate, Anne Marie Smith. Longsworth was remanded to prison until Thursday, May 25, for sentencing.

Karim Gets Off, Micah Never Showed Up
He's a loyal PUP, but Karim Adle Sr. was accused of choking a fellow party member at the bitterly contested Belize Youth Movement election in November of last year. Now, the 55 year old Adle is no youth, but his son, Karim Jr was vying for the presidency, and when the votes didn't go their way, Karim Sr. allegedly turned on Micah Goodin - who was supporting the other candidate. Goodin made a complaint saying that Karim Sr. walked up to him, pushed him in the chest, pinned him against the wall, and put him in a chokehold. Adle was charged for common assault.

Penner "Doesn't Recall" Election Rush
Going back now to yesterday's Senate Hearings. As we've been showing you, the day was more remarkable for the antics in the gallery pulled off by UDP supporters than it was for the very muted testimony of Elvin Penner. He didn't say much about Citizen and he said even less about all those would-be voters he rushed through the nationalization process in the month before the election. Very early in the Senate Hearings, back in January, former Immigration Director Ruth Meighan conceded that shortcuts were taken, which allowed for applicants who did not qualify to get Belizean Nationality. Her disclosure was supported by the testimony of Gordon Wade, the former head of Nationality. He said that the Director and the Minister of the day interpreted the law incorrectly to allow for persons who entered Belize illegally, but were living in Belize for a number of years, to get Nationality. That, in his opinion, should not have happened, but they were the bosses.

What He Said In 2012
And while Penner couldn't recall what he did or said back in 2012, it's all in our archive. Here's the interview from January 18, 2012, when there was an unseemly flurry of activity at the immigration department. That's because it was the last chance to get naturalized in time for the general elections in March 2012. At the time - and this was way before Citizen Kim and all that mess - Penner freely discussed how he was co sponsoring the naturalization process for hundreds of prospective voters. Here's his interview from that day:...

Courtenay Wants Visa Activity Reports
And while that's how much Penner was prepared to spend on naturalizations for new citizens, nationalities are only a small part of the immigration story. The other part is visa's - which were bring given out by the bucketful - principally to Chinese nationals - often times with letters of recommendations from Ministers. They were so plentiful, it's not a stretch to conclude that it was a money making enterprise. Senator Courtenay says that's why the testimony that monthly visa activity reports were sent to cabinet is worth further examination. Now, Penner was very critical of Courtenay for attempting to probe him on Cabinet business in last week Wednesday's hearing. That's because Cabinet business is usually confidential, but in this instance, the Committee wants to learn the nature of these reports.

Senators Will Visit Immigration Office
But, beyond visas, the Senate Select Committee wants to learn more about how passports are produced. That's why they intend to visit the department's main office in Belmopan in the coming weeks. The Chairman told us yesterday, that the committee wants to see the passport machine and the process for themselves. Hon. Aldo Salazar - Chairman, Senate Select Committee: "And so we want to see what we've been talking about all this while. In order to see what the system is and probably interact with it, see how it's done so we can get a full picture of how the passport process is conducted from start to finish."

The Mysterious Picture Process
So, while the Chairman still has doubts about how the Citizen Kim picture ended up in the passport system without him entering the country, one of the IT experts from the Immigration Department is convinced that someone intentionally fooled the system. She's Georgia Bowen, the Systems Administrator attached to the IT Unit within the Immigration Department. Yesterday, she told the Senate that from her experience, a picture was taken of Won Hong Kim's picture. When the Senate asked her about Erwin Robinson's explanation that he did take a picture of a man, she disagreed. Here's how she put it:

Harnessing Cyberspace For Information
As technology continues to develop, we spend more and more of our time online. This is especially true for millennials, who came of age in the era of youtube, social media and smart phones. While many people see this as a negative, some are trying to use the online platform as a way to improve our education system. Today Minister of Education, Patrick Faber, hosted his counterpart from Antigua and Barbuda, Michael Brown, and several other education stakeholders for a discussion on implementing e-learning into the Belizean curriculum. Antigua and Barbuda has already made the switch, so we spoke to both Ministers about the benefits of making the change here in Belize.

Taking Stock of Belize's Resources
As a small country rich in natural resources, it is important for Belize to use what it has to its maximum potential. Over the last few months several members of the environmental community have been taking part in a Natural Resource Valuation course that will give them the tools necessary to assess and evaluate the worth of our resources. We spoke to the course's instructor, Esther Wolf, as well as program manager, Judene Tingling Linares about the training...

A Debate For the Ages
The last time someone was taken to the gallows in Belize was in 1985 at Her Majesty's Prison. Fast-forward to the 21st century capital punishment has pretty much been written off as archaic and has been abolished in many countries all over the world. But the Museum of Belize pulled out all the moldy and cobwebbed books on those death sentences in Belize and brought them to life in a panel discussion. It was done to celebrate International Museum Day. The panelists featured Dianne Finnegan from the Apprenticeship Program, she spoke on the social implications of the death sentence while the legal mind of Senior Counsel Simeon Sampson weighed in on the prospect of reinstating capital punishment. We start off with The Director of the Museum Alexis Salazar on today's activities.

The Contested History of Marcus Canul
And while that's what they did in Belize City, in Orange Walk at the Banquitas House of Culture they spoke about Marcus Canul, who, depending on who you listen to, is either a villain or a hero of the Caste War in the late 1800's. Students and Researchers gathered and discussed all sides of this piece of contested history:

The Panama - Belize Connection
And if those debates on contested histories were a bit too heavy, scenic shots of Panama will certainly lighten the mood. 60 pictures from 24 members of the Photographic Club of Panama line the walls of the Museum in Belize City. The exhibit opened tonight at 6:00 and we stopped by earlier to find out more about the unique connection between Belize and Panama. Francisco Frauca, President, Photographic Club of Panama: "The idea of this photographic exhibition is to bring a little piece of Panama to Belizeans so you can get to know a little bit more about Panama and find out that we have been together a long of our history and we are more than friends, we are brothers and that Panama has so many similarities to Belize and this is just a way to show a little bit of Panama and try to share with you."

Hummingbird and Holy Redeemer Rule Primary Schools
This evening, The 2017 National Primary School Volleyball Championship tournament concluded at the Stars Gym, and the Belize Elementary School's Gym. We stopped by to see how the tournament was going, and we spoke with the Deputy National Sports Council Director. Here's what he told us about the tight competition: Well the tournament is over, and the Favorites Hummingbird Primary School Girls, and the Holy Redeemer Boys have emerged as this year's National Champions.

Chester Friendly on Faber's Road
Southside Commander Chester Williams is winding up his tenure in Belize City. At the end of next month, he will be headed to Belmopan for a desk job at the Professional Standards Branch. But before he does that, he's making the most of his remaining time on the streets of the southside. Yesterday that meant going out on the usual Wednesday meet and greet, even if this one was out in the sunstroke inducing heat. Williams pulled in under the shade to talk about the area of Faber's Road Extension which used to a be a hotspot - but thanks to police and community interventions is now a place where peace prevails:

Fleecing The PSU Purse?
And now back to the continuing saga of the embattled PSU president, Eldred Neal. We've been featuring him for the past three nights defending himself against charges of racism, and making it clear that there are deep, deep divisions in the National Trade Union Congress of Belize. So much so that he says the PSU is not going back to the NTUCB: And while Neal still speaks for the PSU as its president, the truth is that 9 of the 15 members of his Council of Management have asked him to resign. They allege in a letter that he plans to purge the Council of Management of its Garifuna members. and accuse him of quote, "fanning the flames of racial discord and intolerance."

Eldred Defiant
But the bottom line is that Neal was secretly recorded making some highly objectionable statements. Yet, still, he is defiant, and says he will only go if a majority of the membership - not the council of management - asks him to: PSU elections are set for August.

Eldred Unafraid
And, to hear Neal tell it, one of those areas of abuse is just the cost of convening a meeting of the council of management. Here's how he put it:

Channel 5

Love Triangle, Jealousy and Murder in P.G.
Police in Punta Gorda are looking for a man who stabbed popular musician Lascelle Martinez to death on Wednesday morning.  He has been identified as Simon Lino, who is on [...]

Accused Simon Lino May Have Fled to Guatemala
Alleged murderer Simon Lino is wanted by police for fatally stabbing Lascelle Martinez and seriously injuring his ex-girlfriend during a brutal attack on Wednesday in Punta Gorda.  Lino, it is [...]

Murder Victim Warned Over Relationship
While Inspector Zuniga stopped short of making any connections, Martinez’s roommate confirms that he was indeed in a love triangle where the young woman was involved with both Martinez and [...]

PLUS TV’s Louis Wade to Cayo Court for Assault
Pastor, host of Rise and Shine and owner/manager of PLUS TV in Belmopan, Louis Wade, confirmed to News Five this evening before news time that he has been summoned to [...]

KREM’s Marisol Amaya Menaced by “Yellow Man”, Press Plans Complaint
There is another incident on what is an attack on the media. Sergeant-At-Arms of the House of Representatives, Brian “Yellow Man” Audinett, was a member of the gallery at Wednesday’s [...]

Is Senate Inquiry Done? Top Members Disagree
Has the usefulness of the Senate Special Select Committee come to an end? Since November more than fifteen persons have been called to testify, some more than once, but only [...]

P.U.P. Condemns House Assault on Media
There is condemnation of the attack on the media by political operatives. This afternoon, the People’s United Party condemned the actions of Yellow Man and U.D.P. Chairman Alberto August as [...]

COLA Says “Yellow Man” Must Be Disciplined
President of Citizens Organized for Liberty through Action, Geovannie Brackett, is no stranger to the back and forth in the National Assembly.  Last September at the height of the wrangle [...]

Penner Not Off the Hook after Testimony
There is no love lost between former Minister of State Elvin Penner and Citizens Organized for Liberty through Action. In 2014 and 2015, COLA pressed for Penner to be indicted [...]

COLA Says P.U.P., U.D.P. to Blame for Integrity Commission
The second statement concerns the Integrity Commission, which is now asking for only one year’s worth of declarations from persons in public life including Ministers of Government. It bowed to [...]

Minor Detained for Alleged Involvement in Armed Robbery
A twelve-year-old minor is in police custody tonight pending the outcome of a criminal investigation, following an armed robbery in Belize City on Wednesday.  According to twenty-one-year-old Enrique Patt, an [...]

Micah Goodin Concedes Assault Case to Kareem Adley
A charge of common assault was struck out against Kareem Adley Junior today by Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser.  It goes back to November fifth 2016, when the P.U.P. held an [...]

“Bang” Charged for Shotgun Bangs Outside Woman’s House
A Security Guard of the Belize International Airport was arraigned today in connection with a shooting incident that occurred through Munoz Alley, Belize City, on Tuesday of this week. Tyrone [...]

On International Museum Day, Debating the Death Penalty
The worldwide community of museums today celebrated International Museum Day, which is recognized annually on and around May eighteenth. Established in 1977 by the International Council of Museums, it is [...]

Will Secondary School Textbooks Go Online?
Belize’s primary schools have, for the most part, standardized textbooks paid for by the Government of Belize. There have been few hiccups in distribution and management but no major complaints. [...]

COLA Frowns on Eldred Neal and Marvin Mora
COLA has broken a lengthy radio silence with a pair of press releases. The first condemns the remarks of President of the Public Service Union, Eldred Neal, and general secretary [...]

Celebrating 26 Years of Belizean-Cuban Cooperation in Medicine
Doctors, Nurses, Technicians and other medical personnel gathered at the Inspiration Center for the first Cuba-Belize medical symposium. The event was put together to mark twenty- six years since Cuba [...]

Museum of Belize Hosts Photographic Exhibit from Panama
Just before news time today, a photographic exhibit was launched at the Museum of Belize. Approximately sixty photos from the Club of Photography of Panama will be on display, starting [...]

Training to Build Capacity for Strategic Planning and Management of Natural Resources
The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, The Environment, Sustainable Development and Immigration is conducting a five-day training program to build capacity for strategic planning and management of natural resources in Belize. The [...]

How You Can Support Cancer Patients
It is Cancer Awareness Month and there is a flurry of activities taking place across the country.  In Belize the upcoming two weekends will see two of the Belize Cancer [...]

CTV3

Aragon Claims Ignorance Of Incident With UDP Agents Disrupting Senate Hearing
There has been heavy public outrage following the circus-like behaviour and violent actions against the media by a group of UDP agents, led by UDP Chairman Alberto August and National Assembly Sargeant at Arms Brian “Yellowman” Audinette, at the Senate Select Committee hearing. As we showed you in last night’s newscast, after disrupting the Senate hearing in which disgraced former UDP politician Elvin Penner was testifying, and defying the Chairman’s orders to behave sensibly, the UDP supporters turned on members of the media including Krem News Director Marisol Amaya, Channel 7 News cameraman Dennis Ellis and Plus TV cameraman Cirilo Choco.

OW Mayor Writes To CEO Gentle Requesting Upgrade Of San Estevan/Progresso Road
Over the past months Orange Walk Town has seen tremendous upgrades as it relates to infrastructure at the hands Orange Walk Mayor, Kevin Bernard and his council. Other areas however which falls under the responsibility of the Ministry of Works and by extension Central Government have long been neglected in Orange Walk. The San Estevan Road for example is one of those projects which has long been promised by GOB but never delivered. Today during his appearance in our Morning Show, Despierta Belice, Mayor Bernard spoke of the road’s condition and the strain it places on residents who traverse the area especially students attending Muffles Junior College. According to Bernard, he has taken the time to personally send a letter to CEO in the Ministry of Works, Errol Gentle asking for the road to be worked on.

OW Mayor Weighs In On Chaos At Senate Hearing
As you saw at the top of the newscast the Minister of Police Elodio Aragon Junior did not have much to say about the rampant display at the Senate Select Committee Hearing yesterday. But while he was taciturn about the issue the same cannot be said when it comes to Mayor of Orange Walk Town Kevin Bernard who did not hold back any punches today when he spoke about the issue via a press release.

Corozal ITVET Celebrates Skills Training
The Institute of Technical, Vocational Education and Training in Corozal held its annual open day this morning to highlight the creative abilities of their students. ITVETs, unlike regular schools, focus on skills training and development. We spoke to Ana Gomez, the Acting Manager at the institution who told us what the open day was all about. Ana Gomez, Acting Manager, Corozal ITVET: “We have different booths today, we have the ornamental horticulture, we have different plants displayed there, we have some plants there for sale, we also have the food preparation program and is being displaying different pastries...”

Allege Kidnappers Turn Themselves Into The Corozal Police
This morning the two men sought by Corozal Police in relation to the kidnapping and assault of three men in Ranchito Village that occurred earlier this month, turned themselves into Police. We understand the men, Brian Espinoza and Jeffrey Gongora, walked into the station with an attorney. Espinoza and Gongora are accused of abducting Corozal businessman Eder Hall, his brother Eliazar Hall and Emir Rosado. The three men had travelled to Ranchito Village with the intention of purchasing a vehicle when the supposed car salesman and suspected ring leader, Gongora, suggested that they meet at the abandoned lagoon road.

Media Launches Compliant Against Yellowman
As we shared yesterday, during the time the hearing was suspended, the original person that police was told to eject refused to leave. Only two cops were present in the gallery at the time and they were unsuccessful in escorting the group out. Instead, they witnessed as Brian “Yellowman” Audinett assaulted Plus TV’s Cameraman, Cirilo Choco by stoning a pen at him. After the men walked to the lobby downstairs with police in tow, Chairman Aldo Salazar emerged to try to convince them to desist from the unruly behavior. KREM’s News Editor, Marisol Amaya had followed them to record what was transpiring. After the Chairman departed, Yellowman approached Amaya and chastised her for taping.

PlusTV

PG police on the hunt for suspected murderer
Yesterday, we told you about the murder of 36-year-old Lascelle Martinez in Punta Gorda Town. Police say it appears to be a love triangle gone wrong and jealousy the motive. According to police reports, their investigations revealed that Simeon Lino was driving his red pick-up truck on VOA Road wh...

Dead Guatemalan in Chiquibul fell and hit his head
We have been reporting on the body of a Guatemalan person found in the Chiquibul some two days ago. There have been many conflicting reports as Guatemalan media said it was a Guatemalan Soldier who was killed on the Belizean side. Guatemalan media even showed a picture of the body propped up in a h...

Senate Inquiry Chairman says he tried to bring order
Yesterday at the Senate Select Inquiry in Belmopan, the disruptive and disrespectful behavior of UDP operatives caused the session to be suspended as Police tried to remove Brian “Yellowman” Audinett and Alberto August and others from the gallery. As we showed you, the men had gone to the Senate Inq...

Media asking for Yellowman’s assault to be addressed by police
Yellowman’s behavior included a threat to throw a channel 7 camera man over the balcony, stoning our plusnews camera man with an object, and grabbing the Krem journalist’s camera while threatening to throw it to the ground. As we told you yesterday, our plusnews camera man made an official police r...

Courtenay Says UDP hecklers trying to protect Penner
As we’ve said, the main target of the UDP supporters in the gallery was Senator Eamon Courtenay. It started from the week before, which was Penner’s first appearance. At last week’s session, Alberto August was in the gallery and Senator Eamon Courtenay had stopped the session to complain that August...

Wade to be charged in court on Friday
Six months ago, PlusNews aired a story about work being done at the Santa Elena Sporting Complex by the Ministry of Works personnel after the Stadium had already been handed over by the contractor to BIL. Well that story has landed the journalist who covered it, Pastor Louis Wade, in trouble with th...

Man arrested for shooting at woman’s house
28-year-old Tyrone Young has been arrested and charged for Discharging of a Firearm in Public. As we told you yesterday, 22-year-old Kayla Young, who resides in Munoz Alley in Belize City, reported that while she was at home at approximately 11:50 p.m. on May 16; she saw two male persons standing ou...

The Guardian

60 million dollars for SIF and DFC
There was a meeting of the House of representatives on Friday May 12 during which Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow announced that the government will be taking on two loans for the Social Investment Fund (SIF) and the Development Finance Corporation (DFC). These loans will be facilitated by the Caribbean Development Bank at interest rates not exceeding 3.3%.

Good Samaritan shot by robbers
Eduardo Samuel Caal Sub, a 39-year-old Guatemalan living in the Stann Creek Village of Hope Creek, was shot and killed on the Coastal Road, simply because of his kindness, police believe. So far, investigations are revealing that he stopped to render aid to several men, who turned out to be criminals on the run. Those men shot him and then stole his car to make an escape.

Policeman wins $435,000 Fantasy 5
Dayton Cyril Ogaldez walked into the offices of Caribbean Gaming Company on Wednesday May 17 to claim his winnings of $435,000 for Tuesday’s draw. The policeman told the press that he will use the new found wealth to buy a new house, a new car and invest in his children’s education. Ogaldez says he purchased the quick pick ticket at a grocery store in Lord’s Bank.

Music Week 2017, the business of music high on the agenda
Belize’s Music Ambassador along with artists including Coconobway, Jackie Castillo, TY and Unlimited, officially launched Music Week 2017 on Monday May 15. This is the second year that music week is being observed. It will feature a number of activities including conferences on copyright laws, a public and private sector dialogue with the directorate of foreign trade, presentations by MIAB’s James Sanker, a music in schools rally, an open mic night as well as free concerts on Friday and Saturday.

Government of Belize signs contract for airport link road project
A contract was signed between the Government of Belize, Nabeel Abdul Raheem Consultants, and BECA International Consultants Ltd. The contract, which was signed on May 11, 2017,was for services of consultancy and construction supervision of the Airport Link Road Project. The contract was agreed for BZ$4,973,500. The GOB procured the services as a counterpart measure to its existing funding parter the OPEC Fund for International Development. OFID had no objections and the award for surpervision was made to a joint venture with the two firms, both having years of experience in Belize.

Love triangle ends in murder in Punta Gorda
There was a murder on Wednesday, May 17, 2017 in Toledo District. The victim of the murder was Lascelle Martinez, a popular musician of the famous “Coolie Rebels” and son of former Minister, Eden Martinez. He was fatally stabbed multiple times at the corner of West and Victoria Streets in Punta Gorda Town. The suspect in the case in Simeon Lino.

Guatemalan gold panner dies in Chiquibul
The Guatemalan Press reported rather prematurely that one of their soldiers was killed in the Adjacency Zone. That was cause for concern because if it was true, the tension between both countries would spike once again. That was a completely false report. A Guatemalan civilian was found dead in Belizean territory, but forensic evidence is pointing to an accident, not hostile fire with the Belize Defense Force Soldiers.

CARSI 2017 Notice of Funding Opportunity
The United States Embassy in Belmopan, Belize announces a notice of funding to strengthen government through civil society engagement under the Central American Regional Security Initiative (CARSI). The purpose is to support democracy and governance efforts. The closing date for proposal submissions is June 19, 2017. The embassy intends to issue three to five awards in amounts not to exceed $1,500,000 in total funding, each to be between $200,000 and $400,000. Project periods are not to exceed two years and the anticipated start date should be September 29, 2017.

The New Children’s Agenda
Today is celebrated worldwide as the International Day of Families under the theme, “Families, education and well-being.” In commemoration of this day, Belize through the National Committee for Families and Children made this 15th day of May quite monumental and symbolic as both the Prime Minster Right Honorable Dean Barrow and Leader of Opposition Honorable John Briceno made their global proclamation with the signing of the new Children’s Agenda 2017 – 2030. The Agenda is a result of a framework that looks at the development of children and adolescence age 0-19 over the next 14 years.

Cayo Central celebrates mothers
Hundreds of mothers turned out at the Santa Elena Sports Complex last Friday for a Mothers’ Day special, which had been organized by the Cayo Central Division. The office of the Hon. Rene Montero, Representative for that Division now confirms that the Mothers’ Day Celebration was a huge success. As highlights for the 2017 Mothers’ Day special, mothers were entertained by the New Sensation Band and provided with gifts, food and drinks. Master of ceremonies for the occasion was Mike Salazar, who was assisted by Sharry Medina.

Resentment over Audubon leads to arson in Crooked Tree
Readers who travel often to the village of Crooked Tree are well-acquainted with the Belize Audubon Society’s Visitors’ Center. That building was there up until the weekend of the village’s cashew festival, when it was completely destroyed by fire. The building went up in flames sometime after 3:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 13. That’s when the site manager realized that the visitor’s center was on fire. The fire department was called in, but it was already too late to save anything, and when they came, all they could do was put out the small fires that remained. The 40 feet by 40 feet structure was completely destroyed, and at this time, the investigators from the National Fire Service are trying to determine what the cause of the fire was.

E-books for high schools in Belize
The Ministry of Education is this month celebrating Education Showcase with a number of activities aimed at highlighting education in Belize. As part of the observance, Minister of Education, Hon. Patrick Faber has invited his counterpart minister from Antigua and Barbuda, Michael Brown to come to Belize. He was specifically invited to share his experience in the implementation technology and e-books for students to serve a double role of having students exposed to technology at an earlier age while also reducing the cost of books to students.

GOB and UNDP Host the Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN) South-South Cooperation
The BIOFIN South-South exchange was held on May 10 and 11, 2017 at the Biltmore Plaza and included the participation of persons from both the private and public sectors. Participants hailed from Guatemala, Colombia, and Costa Rica. Through the exchange, Belize stakeholders gained insight on finance modalities developed by targeted BIOFIN countries, as well as their experience in the implementation of BIOFIN assessments. Belize signed to the global BIOFIN in December 2015. The global partnership responded to an indication of the persistence of significant gaps in the financing of biodiversity management.

Gracie Rock residents receive capacity building through SIF
Residents of Gracie Rock Village who successfully completed training in Capacity Building programs received Certificates of Completion at an award ceremony held at Gracie Rock Community Centre, Gracie Rock Village on May 13, 2017. Funding for the project was provided courtesy of the Government of Belize through the Caribbean Development Bank. The programs were designed to strengthen the capacity of the community to increase income from tourism and recreational activities aimed at taking advantage of the rich eco-tourism that Gracie Rock possesses.

Iguana Street basketball court rehabilitated
On Monday May 15, young men and residents of the Collett constituency gathered at the Iguana Street basketball court as the newly refurbished basketball court was inaugurated once again. Originally constructed in 1996, the court has seen very little improvement over the years and the decision was taken that it was time for a facelift. After a 12 thousand dollar investment, the court saw a resurfacing of the court along with painting and installation of backboards and rims and the refurbishing of the bleachers.

Internal union squabble turns into racism
Right now, there is major upheaval within the Public Service Union and the trade union movement in Belize following the recording and release of a conversation between union executives. In it, the PSU President, Eldred Neal, and trade unionists, Marvin Mora and Lorelei Westby, are heard carrying on in an embarrassing conversation in which prejudicial remarks were made against the Garifuna people, and members of the union who are of the Garifuna Culture.

Museum day observed in Belize
Activities for International Museum Day are being observed in Belize this week in partnership with a number of entities. As part of the celebration of International Museum Day 2017, the Museum of Belize is partnering with the Embassy of Panama in Belize in an effort to highlight both the Belizean and Panamanian cultures. The exhibit will run from May 18th to July 18th. The public is invited to view the exhibit at the Museum of Belize, from Mondays to Saturdays, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

Racism in Belize and how unaware we are of it
Originally it was not our intention to write about the topic of the perceived racist remarks that have been attributed to the President of the Belize Energy Workers Union, Mr. Marvin Mora and the President of the Public Service Union Mr. Eldred Neal. We must however become involved in this conversation because it is our opinion, that the proper things are not being brought to the forefront. First of all let us state that at this newspaper we deplore any sort of discrimination and as such we condemn, the statements that are being purported to have been said by the two gentlemen. We believe that people should not be singled out for special treatment based on race, color, politics, sex, religion, economic status, education, size or any other of those things that persons may seek to use, to divide us as a people.

ROC diplomatic allies submit proposal for WHO to invite Taiwan to WHA as an observer
The Republic of China (Taiwan) has not been invited to attend the 70th World Health Assembly this year. Nonetheless, it has the obligation—and its citizens have the right—to participate in discussions on global health and disease prevention issues, a fact that is reflected in the worldwide support Taiwan has received. The ROC government takes global health cooperation very seriously, and is determined to play a role in international epidemic control efforts. As such, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has formally requested its diplomatic allies to submit proposals to the World Health Organization endorsing Taiwan’s participation.

Achieving Sustainable Development Goals through Early Childhood Development
UNICEF in collaboration with the ministries of Education, Youth, Sports, and Culture; Health, and Human Development, Social Transformation, and Poverty Alleviation is holding a two-day conference at the Princess Ramada Hotel on May 16 and 17, 2017. The conference is focusing on Early Childhood Development (ECD) as a vital faucet of achieving our Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as described in the 2017-2030 Agenda. The participants had the pleasure of hearing from a variety of key players during the two day event who conveyed prominent information in the field. Teachers and educators alike were given the platform to learn how to achieve better results beyond education given our very limited financial resources.

Regional partners gather for 7th Caribbean Urban Forum in Belize City
Over the course of three days, between May 17th to the 19th, the Belize City Council will host the Caribbean Urban Forum 2017 under the theme ‘(Green) Energy, Economy and Space Pathways to Urban Sustainability.’ The forum is an annual regional gathering that brings all manner of persons and entities involved in land management and planning together to share information and create collaboration and networking. This year Belize City is hosting the 7th such gathering where a total of 47 conference papers will be presented. These papers are the main part of the conference where wide and varied topics related to urban planning and development will be discussed. Every manner of research documents from countries across the region including Belize will be presented. The papers presented will vary from Waterfront development in Belize to affordable housing projects by the IDB in the Caribbean.

Top teachers awarded for 2016-2017
Outstanding teachers from all across the country were awarded during this year’s observance of Education Showcase 2017 on May 11, 2017. Awarded were eight teachers and school leaders that excelled in several categories including pre-primary, primary, secondary and tertiary levels, special education, technical and vocational, as well as school leaders. Claudia Smith was awarded Most Outstanding pre-primary school teacher 2016. Smith said “sometimes we are the teacher, sometimes we are the psychologist, sometimes we have to be the doctor, and sometimes we even have to play the mother and father.”

Burglary in Corozal nets $57,000
Police in Corozal are investigating a burglary in Corozal where as much as $57,0000 dollars worth of valuables were stolen. On Sunday, May 14, 2017, Elena Sanchez, a 66-year-old retiree of Corozal reported to police that she woke to find her house burglarized. According to Sanchez an assortment of jewelry and electronics were stolen along with cash, totaling an approximate value of $57,000. No one has yet been charged in relation to the burgulary.

Cultivation of cannabis in Crooked Tree
Police conducted a house search at the residence of 63-year-old Norma Aldana of Crooked Tree, Belize District on Wednesday, May 10, 2017. Also present was David Aldana, 26-years-old. Police discovered 55 cannabis plants ranging from 11 inches to 3 feet 1 inch in height. Norma and David have both been arrested for the offence of cultivation of cannabis.

Female Coast Guard chokes colleague
Maribel Manzanero, 27-year-old employee at the Belize Coast Guard, was placed on interdiction in January 2016 when she attacked and choked another female coast guard over an old issue between them. She was found guilty on Friday, May 12, 2017 and remanded to the Belize Central Prison. On May 16, 2017 she was released with two court fines.

Fishermen found not guilty of gun possession
Fishermen working at Turneffe were allegedly in possession of a firearm along with live rounds of ammunition in its chamber in July 1, 2015. The bust was made by a coast guard patrol who handed the six men to police. According to the coast guard, someone was seen throwing a gun through a window and that is why all six men on the campsite were charged. The men, Giovanni Murrillo, Emiliano Camara, Jerome Bowen, Goldburn Goff, Everon Teck, and Dion Usher, were remanded to prison and later granted bail.

Gas station robbery in Ladyville
CIB Personnel responded to information received of a robbery at the Puma Gas Sation in Ladyville, Belize District. They were met by Kirk Cadle, 18-year-old gas attendant, who reported that on May 11, 2017 around 9:15 p.m., while he was sitting alongside James Leal and Ray Peters in front of the gas station, they were approached by a long gun man.

Man sentenced to three months for crack cocaine
Gerald Hamilton, a 58-year-old Belize City resident, has been sentenced by Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser to three months in prison for the possession of a controlled drug. He was found with 0.3 grams of crack cocaine on Sunday, May 14, 2017. According to police while on a patrol on Gill Street, they intercepted Hamilton and during the search for an illegal substance, Hamilton opened his hand and the officer saw two objects that he suspected to be crack cocaine.

22 Honduran prisoners escaped- possibly enroute to Belize'
Authorities have been warned that some 22 prisoners have escaped detention from the Marco Aurelio Soto prison, an overcrowded military prison in Honduras. The prison holds 17,000 inmates in a facility designed to host 8,000. It is believed that some of them are possibly headed to Belize. The escapees are of the infamous Barrio 18 gang in Honduras.

Illegal Honduran immigrant women being sent home
Two Honduran women will be facing time in detention at the Belize Central Prison until Friday, May 19, 2017 after which they will be returned to their homeland. They are Greisy Rodriguez Roman and Keyli Cabrera Sabillon that came to seek employment in Belize six months ago. They were onboard a BBOC bus on May 16, 2017 when they were intercepted at a police check point at Mile 16 on the George Price Highway. An Immigration officer requested documents and when they could not produce any, they were taken off the bus, detained, and escorted to the police station. Police later handed them over to the Immigration Department in Belize City.

Three years in jail for robbery
Samir Martinez, the bus conductor that was robbed in July 2016, is now getting justice. His attacker, Elroy Hemmans, an accountant of La Democracia, has been sentenced to three years in prison on Wednesday, May 17, 2017 by Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser. Hemmans, who had initially pleaded not guilty, changed his plea at his last trial.

Pepsi truck driver robbed
On May 11, 2017, John Gabourel and Raynard Rhaburn, sales men onboard a Pepsi delivery truck, were approached by three men on Mahogany Street, Belize City. One of the men pointed a gun to Gabourel and demanded money. Gabourel was searched and his wallet was removed from his pocket which contained $54.00 in cash, his driver’s license, and his ATM card.

Robbery at Stann Creek Western Union
Police from Independence Village responded to a robbery on May 10, 2017. They visited the Charlton’s Cable Office in Bella Vista Village which also houses the ICB and Western Union office. They received information that Leslie Williams, a 29-year-old Guatemalan cashier, had been taken to the Independence Village Polyclinic. Investigations revealed that Williams was at her workplace when a man entered and demanded cash.

$38,0000 robbery in Santa Elena, Cayo
The owner of Chen’s Supermarket from Santa Elena Town in the Cayo District, Wei Bin Chen was caught off guard on Monday morning and robbed at gun point. He reported to police that two men on bicycles approached him an robbed him of $38,000. The 60 year old Chen was hit to the left side of his face with a firearm and was robbed of $38,000.00 in cash which he had on him. The incident occurred when Wei Chen was exiting his abode on Eduardo Juan Street at about 8:00 am

Teenager charged with drug and bicycle offenses
Kyle Latchman, an 18-year-old construction worker, was caught by police with a bag of cannabis while riding contrary to the flow of traffic and later managed to escape. He was recaptured and charged with four criminal offenses on May 15, 2017. He was fined with drug trafficking, escaping from lawful custody, causing a bike to proceed up a one way street, and riding a bicycle without a bell. He pleaded guilty to three of the four offenses as he claims that he was not riding contrary to traffic and that it was instead a young man with whom he was riding.

Three years in jail for robbery
Samir Martinez, the bus conductor that was robbed in July 2016, is now getting justice. His attacker, Elroy Hemmans, an accountant of La Democracia, has been sentenced to three years in prison on Wednesday, May 17, 2017 by Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser. Hemmans, who had initially pleaded not guilty, changed his plea at his last trial.

Belmopan Bandits is Premier League of Belize Closing Season champions
The Premier League of Belize 2016-2017 Closing Season Tournament came to an end on Saturday 13th May, 2017, at the Isidoro Beaton Stadium in Belmopan when the defending champions, the Belmopan Bandits blanked Verdes FC by the score of 1-0 to retain its billing as the top football team in the country. The spectators that went to the stadium to support their team was treated to a real beauty as nobody gave up anything until the late in the second half of the game that the Belmopan Bandits’ Ian Gaynair was able to penetrate the defence of the Verdes FC to score the only goal of the game.

Football Federation of Belize Elections Nominations close
The Football Federation of Belize announced that with the unset of the FFB executive elections, the nomination period closed. The nomination period allows an individual to submit his or her documents after being nominated by a district association chairman and seconded by another. Monday 15th May, 2017 was set as the deadline for those who wished to contest the two remaining executive positions of President and Vice President on the FFB Executive Body during the 10th Ordinary Congress set for Saturday, June 24th, 2017. Those who have submitted their names will be vetted before any official information is released from the FFB.

Belize City Primary Schools Basketball Competition opens
The 2016-2017 Belize City Primary Schools Basketball competition opened on Wednesday 10th May, 2017, with two games played at the Gateway Youth Centre in Belize City. In the first game played in the girls’ competition, St. Martin De Porres School won handily over St. Luke Methodist School by the score of 29-0. The top scorer for St. Martin De Porres School was Shantel Flowers with 19 points. In the boys game played, St. Martin De Porres School also won over St. Luke Methodist School by the score of 35-11. The top scorer for St. Martin De Porres School was Evan Welch with 12 points while the top scorer for St. Luke Methodist School was Andy Flowers with 6 points.

San Pedro Tiger Sharks fourth time to the Pepsi National Elite Basketball League finals
The championship for the Pepsi National Elite Basketball League of Belize is now set to commence on Saturday 20th May at 9:00 pm out at the San Pedro High School Auditorium in San Pedro Town between the San Pedro Tiger Sharks and the Belmopan Bandits. The San Pedro Tiger Sharks laid claims to the final spot when it eliminated the Cayo Western Ballaz on Sunday 14th May, 2017, by the score of 82-69 out at the San Pedro High School Auditorium. The top scorers for the San Pedro Tiger Sharks were George Williams with 23 points, 3 rebounds and a steal and Raul Roches who scored 20 points to go along with his 10 rebounds, 2 assists and a steal.

Outside the box in 2020
I decided to stay tuned to Wave television this morning, Wednesday May 17, since they announced earlier that my friend Fonso would be on with Joe. Maybe I am one of those old people who opposes change, but I consider Fonso and Joe Bradley as complementary to each other on the morning show. After all it is considered a political talk show not “Court TV”. People want to hear the latest “chisme” and enjoy when the UDP’s radio and TV station lashes back at those who dedicate their entire morning shows in attacking this UDP government.

House fire in Bella Vista
Police responded to a house fire in Bella Vista, Toledo on May 13, 2017 and upon their arrival, police saw a wooden house with a thatched roof engulfed in flames. Investigations reveal that Elvira Peck, a 40-year-old domestic, went to San Isidro Village and left her 2-year-old, 6-year-old, and 16-year-old behind. The neighbor was alerted by smoke and went to rescue the children who all escaped uninjured. It was revealed that one of the children was playing with a lighter. The building and its contents were completely destroyed. The fire was extinguished by fire personnel.

Lionel ‘Diablo’ Gentle and Rupert ‘Canalete’ Anderson
Lionel Diablo Gentle: some of us called him Hitler. Those who were closely attached to him called him Diablo. You see, Diablo used to play football on the popular and powerful BEC football team. His teammates like Pine Hernandez, Chico Ellis, Malcolm Hemmans, Claude Robinson likewise his opponents like Angus Vernon, Charlie Gardiner, Bembe the Mugger Garbutt (now deceased), and Roo Robinson all believed that Diablo was the best football stopper this country has ever seen. The name Hilter, I believe came from Adolof Hitler who dictated the direction of the world in the 1940’s which led to World War II. Hitler Gentle dictated things in the defensive lines of football in Belize. The word Diablo is a Spanish word which in English means devil. I believe his devilish attitude on the football field is why he derived that nickname from his closest friends.

Words of Life
In the Gospel of John, chapter 16, verse 24,Jesus said, “Until now you have asked for nothing in My name; ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be made full.” Every prayer should have a foundation on which to build up to answers. The foundation is made up of our definite request which is supported by the word of God with thanksgiving.

Regional Writers’ Conference held in Benque
As part of the recently ended seventh International Festival of Culture held in Benque Viejo del Carmen, a Regional Writers’ Conference was also held at the Mount Carmel High School. Present at this conference were writing luminaries from Belize, Honduras and Guatemala. Ivory Kelly, English lecturer at the University of Belize, who is about to release her second collection of short stories and has spent much time on the internet promoting and celebrating the work of other Belizean writers, told the audience that there was a paucity of locally produced material. She also said that writers need time to write and that some entity like the National Institute of Culture and History NICH needs to invest in our writers--to take a sabbatical.

Breaking Belize News

Transformation apace- Development unhindered
Amid the revelations emerging from the Senate Special Select Committee Hearings, some of which are admittedly disappointing, to say the least, we must not lose sight of the fact that whatever went wrong at Immigration or any specific department or ministry (such as Lands or Natural Resources) has NOT centrally impeded nor undermined this government’s national development agenda. In every part of the country, the signs of development and physical transformation are visible, unmistakable and irrefutable.

PUP Condemns Disruption of Senate Inquiry
The People’s United Party (PUP) have issued a press release condemning the disruption of the hearing of the Special Senate Select Committee on May, 17, 2017 by the UDP Chairman, Alberto August, Brian “Yellowman” Audinett, and Allan Kelly.

Louis Wade to be charged for assault and using indecent words
Plus TV’s owner and host of the Rise and Shine morning show, Louis Wade will be arraigned tomorrow morning at 9 at San Ignacio’s Magistrate Court for “assault”, and “using indecent words”. Wade is being charged for an incident that occurred in November of last year between him and the son of Rene Montero, the current Representative for Cayo Central.

Belize City man arrested for assaulting three women
According to police reports, Shirley Mejia, 41, of Pinks Alley, Belize City reported that on Tuesday night around 9:39, while standing in front of her house with her daughter and daughter-in-law, she was approached by Davone Gillett, 20, of Pinks Alley, Belize City. Gillett then pulled out a firearm […]

Elodio Aragon embarks on countrywide tour of police department
The Minister of State with responsibility for Home Affairs, Elodio Aragon Jr. will embark on a countrywide familiarization tour of the Belize Police Department. Through the tour, Aragon will familiarize himself with the day-to-day operations of the individual police departments throughout the country, and […]

Stakeholders champion multi-sectoral approach to early childhood development at 2nd biennial conference
The Ministry of Human Development, Social Transformation and Poverty Alleviation; Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture; and Ministry of Health in partnership with UNICEF yesterday concluded a two-day Early Childhood Development (ECD) Conference under the theme: “Positive Play, Positive Minds, Brighter Tomorrow”. Stakeholders and […]

The Belize Chocolate festival kicks off this Friday
The annual chocolate festival will be held this weekend in the Toledo district. The three day celebration runs from May 19-21st in Punta Gorda and is a part of the cacao-driven culture of the Toledo District. The Toledo District is known for its superior cacao. […]

PG man wanted for murder and stabbing, police say
Yesterday around 12:25p.m., police visited the Punta Gorda Hospital where they saw Lacelle Martinez, 36, Belizean musician of Victoria Street, Punta Gorda Town suffering from stab wounds to the left side. Police also saw Tiannie Figueroa, 20, of VOA Road, Punta Gorda suffering from stab […]

Body of Guatemalan national awaits a post mortem examination in Belize City
Yesterday, the Government of Belize issued a release on the Guatemalan national found dead in the Chiquibul National Park. A joint operation conducted by the Organization of American States (OAS) along with the Belize Defence Force (BDF), Belize Forensic Department, and Guatemalan officials, located […]

Police detains 12 year old student for armed robbery
A 21 year old driver for Zeta Purified Water reported that at lunch time yesterday, while driving his delivery truck on Mahogany Street along with his coworker, he made a stop at the corner of Western Avenue and Mahogany Street where his coworker went to purchase […]

23 Participants to Receive Certificates in the BPO Industry
The Belize Training and Employment Centre (BTEC), a unit of BELTRAIDE held a 3 weeks training in the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) field of job preparedness training. The classes were a unique blend of soft skills, customer service, and technical aspects needed in this […]

PUP leader says GOB rigged Integrity Commission’s decision
People’s United Party Leader, John Briceño, is claiming that the Government of Belize manipulated the Integrity Commission, to allow for minister’s of government to get away without disclosing their financial statements.

The Games People Play – Antics in the Senate
Brian Audinett aka “Yellowman” – Sergeant At Arms, National Assembly “Put that down and no the video me before I stone you over this thing (railing) ya. I no play you know.” Brian Audinett aka “Yellowman” – Sergeant At Arms, National Assembly “Why you like video people, that’s what cause me to broke people phone and so.” Alindy Marisol Amaya – News Director, Krem News “You can try with mine.”

Blogs

San Pedro, Belize
San Pedro Town is the one and only town on the popular Caribbean island of Ambergris Caye, Belize. It serves as a hub of amenities for the 20,000 expats and locals who currently live on the island. This is where they go to shop, bank, and socialize. IL Belize Correspondent Ann Kuffner lives close to the town center. “We can get most of what we need right here,” says Ann. “Every year more conveniences are available. We have reliable power, water, cable, and internet. There are many great restaurants, bars, and a monthly gourmet farmers’ market. We have a theater north of the bridge. Events and parades are held often. The road north has now been paved, making it easy to get to beaches and resorts that used to be remote. And the San Pedranos are friendly and helpful in general, making it easier to fit in.”

Fund Your Caribbean Adventure With Simple Photography
Floating peacefully in the warm Caribbean waters, we’d just about given up on our quest to spot a manatee (sea cow). My friend—a freelance photographer like myself—had been raving about the possibility all day…but now it was almost time to head back to dry land. Suddenly, I felt something enormous brushing against my leg—a huge manatee, far bigger than us and twice as bold. Despite his size, he was a gentle and playful creature, eager to join in our swim. Days later, I would still find myself smiling every time I thought of this event. It was, without a doubt, the highlight of our trip—and just about the only thing that neither of us caught on camera. We traveled all the way from Antigua in the central Guatemalan highlands to beachside Placencia on the Caribbean coast of Belize, snapping up a storm along the way. It was a long journey and an adventure in the truest sense of the word.

Visited the inauguration of the Corozal House of Culture Historical Walk in Corozal
All Corozalenos where cordially invited to the opening ceremony for the inauguration of the Corozal Town Historical Walk that began at 9 am on Thursday May 18th, 2017. We want to kindly thank our collaborators; the Corozal Town Council, Belize Archives and Records Service, Corozal Junior College, Mr. Roy Rodriguez, Mr. Oscar Riveroll, Mr. Francisco Magana, Mrs. Amira Leiva, Mr. Graham Sampson, the Ahmad Family and Mr. Jorge Clarke. All have been an integral part in the research, collection of images, installation and inauguration of the Historical Walk. Join us tomorrow in celebrating this milestone with our beloved community!The Corozal House of Culture was originally built in 1886 as a Market for Corozal Town. During its lifetime the Market was utilized for a century as it was originally intended. Abandoned for a decade, the building was refurbished in 1996 and reopened as the Corozal Tourism and Cultural Centre, but was closed in 2003. Due to the historical nature of the building, it was transferred to the Institute of Archaeology's management and remained unused, until the idea to convert it to a House of Culture was born.

RAINFOREST REMEDY: RECONNECTING WITH NATURE IN SAN IGNACIO
One of the biggest joys I find in life is discovering something I never knew existed but somehow feels so familiar that it lights up my imagination. This happened with our trip to Western Belize and it came out of nowhere. I was planning my trip to Naia and their PR said, "we also have this amazing property in San Ignacio if you want to extend your time in Belize!" Honestly, I ignorantly never knew that there was a magical place in western Belize that is chock full of adventure and healing. So of course I put aside whatever it is that I was meant to be working on (typical me) and fell down the rabbit hole. Mayan architecture. Rainforest medicine. Cave exploring. Jungle Horseback Riding. I was hooked before I even really knew anything about it but came to me at the exact moment where I could truly understand the magic. I spent the next 2 days devouring Rosita Arvigo's book about her time with one of the last Mayan healers in the area. It was spellbounding. There are thousands of medicinal species of plants here. The biodiversity is astounding and it's been quietly healing people for hundreds, maybe thousands, of years. Bush doctors, shamans and village healers were common practice and had continued to scrape together this tradition orally after the Spanish burnt most of the important codexes that housed a wealth of critical information.

International Sources

OutRight Honors LGBTIQ Human Rights Defenders at United Nations
On May 15, 2017, OutRight Action International honored Caleb Orozco, the man who successfully challenged Belize's sodomy law and won, with the Felipa De Sousa Award at the organization's annual gala, a Celebration of Courage. Caleb Orozco, Executive Director of LGBTIQ organization, Unibam, stole the show with his reflection on the struggles and successes of overturning Belize's anti-sodomy law and changing the landscape of LGBTIQ rights in Belize and beyond. Kenita Placide, OutRight's Caribbean Advisor, presented Orozco with the prestigious award and commented on the changing situation for LGBTIQ individuals in the Caribbean:

Advanced nursing students from Florida Inter-national University lighten load of Beyond the Horizon 2017
In a small open field next to a school house, hundreds of peo-ple gather to receive free health care provided by the U.S. Army in San Ignacio, Belize, May 12. Treating only acute illnesses, the medical exercise is the second of three 10-day events that will be administered during Beyond the Horizon 2017. BTH 2017 is a U.S. Southern Command sponsored exercise, led by U.S. Army South, and runs from March 25 to June 17. It is a partnership exercise between the U.S. military and the government of Belize, that consists of the construction of medical clinics, school buildings and provides three medical readiness treatment exercises. So far, providers are seeing approximately 500 to 600 patients a day at San Ig-nacio. The first medical event in Ladyville, treated upwards of 3,500 patients over the ten-day period and it is looking like they will exceed that number in San Ignacio.

Surprising sylvan elegance: Belize's Blancaneaux Lodge
Bouncing along in the back seat of a school bus, reggaeton blasting over the crackly loudspeakers, I bid farewell to Belize's Caribbean coast and headed west, deep into its thickly jungled backcountry. I had spent three days unwinding at the beach at Caye Caulker and now was bound for San Ignacio and ultimately the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve for a stay at the understatedly swanky Blancaneaux Lodge, owned by filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola. Blancaneaux Lodge, one of two Coppola hotels in Belize, is an earthy oasis in the midst of a vast protected forest. The weather conditions and landscape are nothing that you would expect from Belize: low humidity, pine trees and oaks, rocky paths, mountain streams. The resort comprises 20 rooms that overlook Privassion Creek, which runs through the property with tumbling waterfalls that create refreshing swimming holes. In the spirit of disconnecting, WiFi is available only in the main lodge and around the pool, but it's unlikely you are going to miss it when there is so much to do on property.

Engineer Unit gives more during Beyond the Horizon mission
U.S. Army Engineers from the 372nd Engineer Company, a reserve unit out of Pewaukee, Wisconsin, stand in formation and listen to the students of St. Matthews Government School outside of Belmopan, Belize, sing their national anthem during the morning assembly May 2, 2017. The Soldiers are constructing a new classroom building for the school as a part of Beyond the Horizon 2017. BTH 2017 is a partnership exercise between U.S. Southern Command and the Government of Belize designed to improve health and educational facilities by providing five construction projects and three health care events in the districts of Cayo, Stann Creek and Belize. The engineering crew awaits the chance to interact with the kids and present a duffle bag filled with sports equipment they brought from their home station. Soldiers from the 372nd gathered, purchased and transported various pieces of athletic equipment they hoped the children would enjoy. They did this on their own, without input or direction from their first sergeant or company commander.

Videos

May 18, 2017

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, LOVETV, PGTV, West Vision (Cayo) and CTV 3. Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, and other specials

The San Pedro Sun

New Five-a-side Football Tournament starts in San Pedro Town
A total of 30 football teams signed up for the new 5-a-side Football Tournament organized by the San Pedro Sports Committee (SPSC) and The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC). The tournament officially started on Friday, May 12th and spanned to Sunday, May 14th bringing 15 thrilling matches to eager fans at the Honourable Louis Sylvestre Sporting Complex. The tournament was divided into five categories to better accommodate all levels of athletes: Under 10, Under 13, Under 15, female and male teams. The second round of games continued on Wednesday, May 17th, Thursday May 18th and Friday, May 19th starting at 7PM.

Ministry of Health launches BHIS identification card system
Starting June 1st all medical patients nationwide will be required to have their individual Belize Health Information System (BHIS) cards to access health care services. Applications for the card can be done at any public medical facility with just an identification document, such as a Social Security Card or passport. The BHIS is considered a dynamic, comprehensive tool that will assist the Ministry of Health in providing better health care services in the fastest, most affordable and efficient way to Belizeans. The initiative is expected to benefit not only the nation’s hospitals, but other governmental health facilities. In San Pedro Town, all patients will be required to obtain this card in order to access health services, at the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II. Services include outpatient, dental clinic, psychiatric clinic, gynaecology/obstetric clinic, pharmacy, lab, x-ray, and family community health, among others.

Ambergris Today

Popular Musician Lascelle Martinez Murdered In Punta Gorda
Police has confirmed that popular musician Lascelle Martinez was stabbed multiple times at the corner of West and Victoria Streets in Punta Gorda this afternoon, Wednesday, May 17, 2017. Martinez and a female, Tianee Figueroa, were stabbed by suspect Simeon Lino. Police report that Simeon went to his ex-girlfriend Tianne Figueroa's residence and reportedly stabbed her as well and fled the scene. She was transported to the PG Hospital where her condition is stable; Martinez passed away. The motive of the attack is being reported as an act of jealousy. Police are seeking Lino.

BTB Launches Hotel Registration Campaign
The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) launched a public awareness campaign to remind owners and operators of guest accommodation services of their obligations and requirements under the Hotel and Tourist Accommodation Act. Under the law, any owner or operator providing accommodation for remuneration purposes to any guest (local or foreign) regardless of its location in the country, is required to register with the Registrar of Hotels at the BTB.

Paul Kelly Of San Pedro High Awarded Outstanding Teacher Of The Year
Paul Kelly, better known as Mr. Kelly by his students, received the National Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award 2016 - 2017 at the Bliss Institute of Arts on Thursday May 11, 2017. This was presented to him during the Annual Teacher of the Year Award Ceremony hosted by the Ministry of Education of Belize. Every year the Ministry of Education in Belize awards teachers from all over the country at every level of education: Pre-school, Primary School, Secondary Level, and Tertiary level for their outstanding work and dedication.

Misc Belizean Sources

Cardio Dance Class on Caye Caulker
This Saturday, 7:30pm, Caye Caulker Community Center

Bees nests at Moonracer Farm
At this point in the dry season, lots of flowers are blooming and we hear a constant background buzz of bees. So, we weren't surprised when Julio took us on a bees' nests tour and we found four different types of nests right in the yard.

CAWS Cinco de Mayo Cook-off
There were some awesome entries into the Cayo Animal Welfare Society's Jefe de la Cocina Cook-off on Cinco de Mayo at Remo's Roadhouse. Star from Simply Delicious won with her amazing sopes. CAWS got some pictures.

Western Border Chocolate Festival Celebrations 2017
In celebration of the upcoming Chocolate Festival on May 19-21, 2017. The Belize Tourism Board is giving travelers at the Western Border a taste of the upcoming event.

The U.S. Embassy Belmopan has an opening for a time limited Visa Clerk position
The successful candidate will be required to obtain a security clearance and undergo a medical examination. WHO MAY APPLY: Anyone who is eligible for appointment under Belize’s local laws. Applicant must be in possession of a Belize social security card valid for employment and/or a resident/work permit. HOW TO APPLY: Interested candidates must submit the following in order to be considered for the position. 1. Universal Application for Employment (UAE) form (DS-0174); plus 2. Any other documentation (e.g., essays, certificates, awards, licenses, copies of degrees earned) that addresses the qualification requirements of the position as listed above.

Vakantiebeurs Utrecht Tradeshow, Famed Fly Fishing field editor Hans van Klinken in Belize!
In January 2017, the BHA attended the Vakantiebeurs Utrecht Tradeshow in the Netherlands. This is a 6 day event which includes one day of meetings with travel agents and press and five days open to consumers and travelers. Our BHA European Rep Sander Langeveld, and Vice-President Sandra van Noord, represented the BHA at this event where they met Mr. Hans van Klinken who is a well-known fly fishing field editor and owner of Fly Fishing Gazette, is in Belize from May 7- May 20, traveling throughout the country to gather information, material and photography about the fishing and other inland and island activities that are available in Belize for all travelers.

It’s GRADUATION time!
On May 17th, San Pedro High School (SPHS) fourth year students found out whether they will be marching to pomp and circumstance come June 10th. Those who got the good news celebrated their achievement in the traditional signing of their uniforms – as well as lots of happy smiles, shrieks and excitement. CONGRATULATIONS GRADUATES!

San Pedro High Students received graduation announcements today and they couldn't be happier!
The traditional signing of the uniforms began as the first student came out with the news that he/she is graduating! Congrats SPHS 2017 Graduates!!

Stakeholders Champion Multi-Sectoral Approach to Early Childhood Development at 2nd Biennial Conference
The Ministry of Human Development, Social Transformation and Poverty Alleviation; Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture; and Ministry of Health in partnership with UNICEF today concluded a two-day Early Childhood Development (ECD) Conference under the theme: “Positive Play, Positive Minds, Brighter Tomorrow”. Approximately 180 stakeholders and partners in the field of early child development attended the event which on day one featured thematic presentations on programmes currently in place in the areas of Care for Child Development, Family Literacy, Parenting, and Specialized Services for Children with Different Abilities.

Junction Carnival Mas Band
COROZAL CARNIVAL NEWS: This Saturday 4:30PM...Free Registration for Inde Junction Carnival Mas Band. Come prepared to dance. Comfortable shoes/tennis not slippers....if long jeans please let it be stretch. (next to Civic Center)

HAPPENING TODAY! Corozal Town Historical Walk
You are cordially invited to the opening ceremony for the inauguration of the Corozal Town Historical Walk beginning at 9 am Thursday May 18th. We want to kindly thank our collaborators; the Corozal Town Council, Belize Archives and Records Service, Corozal Junior College, Mr. Roy Rodriguez, Mr. Oscar Riveroll, Mr. Francisco Magana, Mrs. Amira Leiva, Mr. Graham Sampson, the Ahmad Family and Mr. Jorge Clarke. All have been an integral part in the research, collection of images, installation and inauguration of the Historical Walk. Join us tomorrow in celebrating this milestone with our beloved community!

Cayo Day Festival
Cayo Day is Sunday at Macal River Park. The fun starts at 10:00am. The New Sensation Band and Tanya Carter will be there. "CAYO DAY EXTRAVAGANZA!!!! MARK YOUR CALENDARS AND BRING OUT THE FAMILY!! IT WILL BE SPECTACULAR!!"

Minimum Standards for Accommodations
Kindly see the upcoming scheduled dates and venue for our Minimum Standards for Accommodations meeting.

BTB & CTO Scholarship Opportunities
The Belize Tourism Board is offering scholarship opportunities to interested applicants for Tourism Programs commencing August 2017 for Full-time Students for the following degrees: 1. Associate Degree in Tourism (Two Year Tuition Scholarship). 2.Bachelor Degree in Tourism Management (Two Year Tuition Scholarship). 3.Jean Shaw Scholarship (Two Year Full Scholarship). 4.Scholarship for Culinary Studies. Application deadline for BTB Scholarships is Friday, June 30th, 2017 and application forms can be obtained by contacting BTB at [email protected]. Completed application forms can be submitted to [email protected]

International Museum Day 2
International Museum Day 2 was a great success. Much thanks to the Benque House of Culture (NICH)for inviting us along, and to Jorge, Yasmini and Joanna for coming out to help us. The children loved the activities and were very insightful.

Channel 7

Popular Musician Killed In PG Love Triangle
A popular musician was stabbed to death in Punta Gorda Town this morning - and it happened in the street near the Town Center. 36 year old Lascelle Martinez, well-known as a musician with the Coolie Rebels band and other musical outfits, was at a friend's house at the corner of West and Jose Maria Nunez Streets - when a 33 year old man, stabbed him three times. The motive?: Jealousy. And after that, the assailant went right to his ex-girlfriend's house, stabbed her 8 times and then fled. She lived, but Martinez's wounds were more serious and he died early this afternoon. Apparently, Martinez - had started a relationship with 21 year old Tianne Figueroa - and her ex was taking it very badly; reports say he was crazed by jealousy. Tonight, police are asking Simeon Lino - seen in the background of this picture - as a person of interest. Tianne Figueroa's was is at the PG Hospital where her condition is stable.

UDP Operatives Menace Media In Senate
Today in Belmopan, Elvin Penner was back in the hot seat as the main witness for the Senate Hearings on Immigration. He was back to being an uncooperative witness, mostly choosing not to answer any questions related to his role in the issuance of a fraudulent passport to the South Korean fugitive, Won Hong Kim. In the instances where he did give a response, he told the Senate that he couldn't recall the details that they were looking for. We'll get to that, but first, to the media menacing pulled off by Brian Audinett, better known as "Yellowman". He's the Sergeant at Arms for the House of Representatives, in charge of maintaining order during house meetings. But, today at the senate, he was leading the disorderly conduct.

"Yellowman" Snatches Journalist's Phone
We're not sure what caused the police not to intervene, but as you may be aware, Yellowman does command some authority over the officers who act as security during House meetings. We are not so sure what are the standing orders for Senate meetings, and if he has any authority there. But, he wasn't kicked out for the rowdy behavior. Instead, he, Allan Kelly, Alberto August, and the other UDP supporters left on their own. While on the break, Chairman Salazar, who controls the Senate Hearings, went to speak with Yellowman and the others. Our Krem News Colleague, Marisol Amaya, was out there capturing it on her cellphone camera, and once again, "Yellowman" didn't take took kindly to being recorded on video. Also, our other colleague from Plus News claims that "Yellowman" stoned him with a pen. Here's that second confrontation between "Yellowman" and Amaya, in which he grabbed her phone:

Chairman Tried To Defuse
So, why didn't the Senate Committee Chairman, Aldo Salazar, simply order that his UDP colleagues be removed from the gallery for disrupting the hearings? You've heard him warn witnesses that the Senate Inquiry on Immigration is not a "soap opera". Yet, that's just what it devolved into because of the heckling. So, was he playing favorite today? That's what we asked him, and he rejected that saying, he was trying to defuse the situation before it got out of hand: Daniel Ortiz: "There were certain members of the gallery today who are from your party and it seems that you were rather reluctant to throw them out for being disruptive." Hon. Aldo Salazar - Chairman, Senate Select Committee: "I don't agree with your characterization of reluctance, we did suspend the sitting when there was noise, I did speak with certain person that we need to have the senate respected, you would have heard me if you review your tape you will see that I said the same thing, we need to respect the business of the senate but remember we have to weigh the interest of the public as well."

Hon. Courtenay Says Deliberate Disruption to Protect Penner
After the Senate Hearing today, we asked PUP Senator Eamon Courtenay about the behavior from the UDP visitors to the gallery. He was the subject of the vicious heckling, and the UDP's were "throwing phrases" at him from the moment they arrived. He said that this was deliberate to try to disrupt the questioning that he was putting Penner through: Hon. Eamon Courtenay - PUP Senator: "The proceedings last week were disturbed by the chairman of the United Democratic Party Mr. August. Mr. August came back again today; he was accompanied by others including the sergeant at arms of this honourable house. So these are of part of the official United Democratic Party, part of the house staff and they were the person who came here today to disturb the proceedings with a clear intent to do so let's make no mistake about that."

The Problem With Probing Penner
So, with all that antics aside, we turn now the real business of the day. Elvin Penner was called back to take a few more questions from the Senate on the part of the Auditor General's report for which he was named. More specifically, however, the Senators wanted to take a second attempt to get him to answer to the Citizen Kim scandal. Last week, we showed you how how he tried to claim rights and privileges in the constitution which he said excused him from taking their questions. Well, as soon as the hearing opened today, he gave a few prepared remarks adding that he is not going to answer any loaded questions which he thinks are aimed at scoring political points against the UDP Government. Here's that back and forth:

Penner "Can't Recall"
So, as you saw, Senator Courtenay was determined to ask his questions about Citizen Kim, and he did. The line of questioning started with Elvin Penner refusing to answer, and later on, his answers changed with him asserting that he could not recall. Here's how that back and forth went: Hon. Eamon Courtenay - PUP Senator: "The evidence before this committee is that you took or you went along with whichever way it is, an Asian gentleman in a black suit to the immigration department, do you recall in September 2013 going to the immigration department with an Asian gentleman in a black suit?" Elvin Penner - Former Immigration Minister: "At this point in time I will invoke my right under the laws of Belize to remain silent." Hon. Eamon Courtenay: "Mr. Penner why are you refusing to answer that question?" Elvin Penner: "Because I believe I have the right to do so."

Guatemalan Gold Panner Died In Ceibo Chico
Tonight, we can confirm that a Guatemalan civilian did die in the Chiquibul - but it was an accident and had nothing to do with the BDF or law enforcement, according to General David Jones. 18 year old Marvin Cristobal Chac Pop's body was removed form the Chiquibul this afternoon and is now being held at a morgue in Belize. Two Belizean forensic Doctors, Ken and Blanco were taken to the Ciebo Chico area of the Chiquibul today where they determined that Pop had tumbled down from a cliff and died from injuries to his head when he fell on the stones in a small creek. This happened 7.7 kilometers or 4.7 miles inside Belize.

11 Bullets For Belize Bank/Matalon
The Matalon Building on Coney Drive is one of the most impressive in Belize, but last night, the Belize Bank Section was riddled with bullet holes. As many as 13 shots were fired, and 11 hit the first two floors of the building - which are owned and operated by the Belize Bank. It happened around 10:00 pm, when security cameras picked up a car passing by, which then spun back unto Sun Dial Avenue - which is across from the structure. A man walked out of the car and basically emptied a clip on the Bank's two floors. And while several panes of the glass exterior were damaged, it's all hurricane resistant tempted glass, so they didn't shatter. And we are told that the 11 bullets which did hit the building got no further than the blinds. Additionally, insurance will cover costs for all the replacements. The building has high intensity zoom security cameras on all corners of roof - and we are told they did get footage of the car which police are reviewing.

Police Warn Businesses About Delivery Truck Jackings
And while North side police are reviewing that surveillance video, on the Southside they are trying to get a handle on a spate of armed robberies that have been happening on Mahogany Street in the Lake Independence Area. Since last week, at least three delivery trucks have been robbed in the area. The pattern is the same in every crime, three men, one with a gun, taking money from the days deliveries. It happened again this morning and we asked the Southside Commander what they can do to stop it. He says the business owners have to help:..

House Fire Started As a Result of Family Dispute
Just as the news was finishing last night, at 7:45, the Fire Department got the report of a fire near North Creek canal. That's a block away from the Southside fire station - and the fire truck was there within two minutes. But, still, it was too late: two buildings burnt down. The station officer told us more - and police filled in with details pointing to the fact that it is an arson:.. Orin Smith - Station Officer, National Fire Service: "On arrival on scene found were two structures already engulfed in flames. Approximately 12 by 15 bungalow wooden structure and an elevated 10 by 14 wooden structure approximately 10 feet off the ground were engulfed in flames. The national fire service went into operation to extinguish the fire, both structures were later extinguished. Investigation reveals that the fire was the result of an incendiary or the fire was classified as incendiary. Neither of the two structures were insured."

Crooked Tree Fire Was Arson
And while that fire was a case of arson, so too it appears with the Audubon Society's Visitor's Center at the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary. Orin Smith filled us in: Orin Smith - Station Officer, National Fire Service: "The Crooked Tree fire investigation determined that fire to be incendiary." Reporter: "Give us more details." Orin Smith: "There were trailers found on the step leading to a veranda, trailers are usually devices whether liquid or materialize that is used to lead a fire into an area you want it to go and that was discovered on one of the staircase that led to a veranda and eventually to the structure itself."

Caribbean Urban Forum Converges On Belize
Today the Belize City Council hosted mayors and town council representatives from throughout the country, as well as city planners and urban development officials from around the region in the 7th annual Caribbean Urban Forum. The event is comprised of several events focused on sustainably developing cities and towns. Alex Courtenay spoke to some of the forum's presenters today, and found it what urban planning means for regular city and town dwellers: The Caribbean Urban Forum brings experts from all over the world to discuss strategies for developing urban areas in a way that's not just sustainable, but addresses major problems such as climate change and poverty. Today, the Belize City Council hosted the 7th annual forum under the theme "Green Economy, Energy and Space - Pathways to Urban Sustainability"...

Early Childhood, And Its Effects In Later Life
"Positive Play, Positive Minds, Brighter Tomorrow." That's the theme for this year's Early Childhood Development Conference. It sounds straightforward enough right?: Just play with your kids and interact with them. But it's more than that; it's really about sculpting a child's future. Courtney Weatherburne has more details on the conference and how proper stimulation will impact children's lives. An individual's personality, social skills and cognitive abilities are shaped during their early years. According to Dr. Zoyah Kinkead-Clark from the University of the West Indies in Jamaica "You can tell how a child at 3 years old will act at age 15." Educating and engaging a new-born may not seem as top priority for a parent compared to providing them with basic needs, but studies show that a child's development starts even before birth.

Fishing in a Spawning Aggregation Area
A joint patrol between Southern Environmental Association Rangers and the Belize Coast Guard on Saturday ended with authorities apprehending Elexander Harris, Wilmer Enrique Limas Herrera, Wilmer Isaac Limas Calderon and Anuar Enrique Limas Cruz, for illegal fishing activity. All four men are from Honduras and according to a press release issued yesterday, they were caught in the Gladden Spit and Silk Caye Marine Reserve. They were all charged for fishing in a spawning aggregation area without a Special License Permit. The fishermen appeared in the Independence Magistrate's Court on Monday. Harris and Enrique Limas Herrera pled guilty to fishing without the special license and were fined.

How Does It Feel To Win Half A Mil?
A Police Constable with 14 years on the job, will finally be able to buy his dream house after he landed the fantasy 5 prize. Dayton Ogaldez bought his usual quick pick fantasy 5 ticket and found out later from a Chinese grocer that he had won the 435 thousand dollar prize. We caught up with Ogaldez today as he collected his cheque and he was still shocked that he gets to take home all that money, which works out to $369,750 dollars after tax. Here's how he plans to spend his money. The winning numbers were 17, 35, 19, 34, 13. Ogaldez is the 15th winner of the fantasy five jackpot.

Crocodile Safely Relocated
In Mid March we reported on the 10 foot crocodile that was safely removed from the canal in the Belama Phase 2 area. Well recently, the Belize Zoo along with the Crocodile Research Coalition also safely moved one from the Fein Catch Tilapia Farm on the Coastal road and released the croc in the Cox Lagoon at Mile 25 on the George Price Highway. It's a 5 foot Morelet's Crocodile. Here is a bit more about the rescue. Now it was a happy ending for both the Tilapia farm owners and the crocodile , but that's not always the case specifically the crocs. In many instances people shoot the crocodiles, tape their mouths shut so they starve to death, among other unwarranted cruelties. Well the Belize Zoo is urging residents not to harm these animals. Yes , they are scary to have roaming around but instead of killing them, you can call the croc experts to safely take them to another area . The Belize Zoo hopes to educate the public more on World Croc Day on June 17th at the Zoo. Everyone is invited.

Suspects, But No Witnesses In Lalin Murder
Police still have not made any arrests in the murder of Ludwin Lalin, the 19 year old who was killed on May 9 days ago on Jane Usher Boulevard. Today, the Southside commander told us that they have suspects, but no forthcoming witnesses: ACP Chester Williams - Commander, Southside Police: "99% of the murders that occur in Belize City we know who do it, the difficulty is always to get the evidence that we need to be able to prosecute the perpetrators of those crimes." Reporter: "The last time you were making a public appeal for witnesses to come forward, how did that go?" ACP Chester Williams: "Yes that public appeal is still on going, we're still trying to see if we'll get anyone who will be willing to give us a statement as to what they may have seen on the day in question."

Jane Usher Blvd. Healing The Wounds
And while that murder remains unsolved, the wounds caused to Lalin's friends and family also remain unhealed. The 19 year old - who was not known as a gang member - was killed, possibly because he ventured into hostile territory not far from his home. Today, Williams told us that community healing takes time… ACP Chester Williams - Commander, Southside Police: "The area is still tense, people are still hurt, we know that overcoming anger is not an easy thing but we're trying to see how best we can get the help that they need in terms of counselling for those who need counselling to be able to assist them to overcome the hate that they are currently feeling because if we do not assist them to overcome the hate and anger resulting from the death of the young man then more than likely the problem with persist."

NTUCB President, Not President?
For the past two nights we've been telling you all about the problems in the PSU where nine members of the council of management are calling for President Eldred Neal to resign. It's because of remarks he made in a conversation with two union colleagues. That conversation was secretly recorded - and in it Neal is heard making prejudicial remarks against the Garinagu in general, and specific members of the public service and his council of management who are Garifuna. And while that is what's happening in the foreground, in the background to all this is a fight for control of the National trade Union Congress of Belize. We're told that The PSU Delegate Jackie Willoughby raised at a meeting that recently elected president Flyd Neal could not hold that post.

Channel 5

Musician Lascelle Martinez Stabbed to Death in P.G.
Residents of Punta Gorda Town are tonight reeling from the senseless murder of one of their beloved musicians and former band mate of the famed Coolie Rebels.  Thirty-five-year-old Lascelle Martinez, [...]

Body of Guatemalan Retrieved in Chiquibul; Others Reported Injured
When we left you on Tuesday evening, the breaking news was the discovery of a body, believed to be that of a Guatemalan national, inside the Chiquibul National Park.  The [...]

Elvin Penner Still Uncooperative with Senate Inquiry
For the second week running, former Minister of State for Immigration and Nationality Elvin Penner was the headline witness at the Senate Special Select Committee. After last week’s appearance, any [...]

U.D.P.’s Disrupt Proceeding, Target Eamon Courtenay and Press
The Committee’s public hearings were briefly interrupted by an outburst from the public gallery. Its source has been identified as opponents of Senator Eamon Courtenay and supporters of the United [...]

Is Elvin Penner on Thin Ice After Testimony in Inquiry?
The saying goes that a man who represents himself in a court of law has a fool for a client. In the case of former minister Elvin Penner, he claims [...]

2012 Nationality Rush: Penner Says He Was Just Trying to Help
More than two thousand names collected by the Immigration Department are suspected of having obtained Belizean nationality in less than optimal circumstances during the rush to the 2012 general elections. [...]

Georgia Bowen Says No One Could Change Kim File in BPIS
Current systems administrator at the Immigration Department, Georgia Bowen, worked at the Information Technology section of the Department during the time of the Won Hong Kim case. It has been [...]

Palacio Family Displaced by Arson of Home on East Canal
A fire which has now been determined to be a case of arson ripped through two buildings early on Tuesday night in the City. Five family members were displaced as [...]

Audubon Building Fire in Crooked Tree Now Confirmed to be Arson
It was widely suspected that the weekend fire at the Belize Audubon Society’s Education Center in Crooked Tree was arson.  A completed investigation by fire officials has now confirmed that [...]

Belize Bank Office at Matalon Building Shot At
The Matalon Building on Coney Drive was shot up Tuesday night. Police say as many as thirteen shots were fired and eleven of them met their target on the first [...]

Elroy Hemmans Jailed for Assault and Robbery of Bus Conductor
A bus conductor, who has been travelling to and from Belize City for years, was injured in July 2016 when a patron got personal with him after he was removed [...]

Fine for Feuding Lady Coast Guard Officer
A female coast guard was placed on interdiction in January of 2016 when she attacked and choked another female officer over an old beef that had been festering between them.  [...]

Government, Agencies Tackle Early Childhood Development
“Positive Play, Positive Minds, Brighter Tomorrow” was the theme of a two-day early childhood development conference convened by UNICEF and several local ministries. As many as a hundred and eighty [...]

Rotary Clubs Donate to St. Martin School Feeding Program
The Saint Martin De Porres Parish received a twenty-five-thousand-dollar cheque from Rotary. Today, visiting Rotarians from Houston Texas and local Rotarians went to visit the School and handed over the [...]

Caribbean Urban Forum Unites Region’s Planners
The Belize City Council has teamed up with the Belize Association of Planners and the Caribbean Network for Urban Land Management to host the 2017 Caribbean Urban Forum. Approximately one hundred [...]

Was Pastor Rocke Wrong to Browse During Senate Inquiry?
Senator for the Churches, Ashley Rocke, has been in hot water in some quarters for not paying attention to his duties during the Senate Special Select Committee. A few weeks [...]

St. Martin’s De Porres Close to Finishing Brother Swift Parish Hall
The Saint Martin De Porres Parish will be getting a brand new hall in the next few weeks. The structure has been under construction adjacent to the Parish – it [...]

LOVE FM

BDF Transports Body of Guatemalan National to City Morgue
The story surrounding a dead Guatemalan national, reportedly murdered, in the Chiquibul National Park keeps evolving as the Guatemalan press is reporting a case of homicide while Belize’s BDF Commander, Brigadier General David Jones has noted that they are looking at the incident as a case of drowning. Love News was at the Belize City […]

North Creek Fire Stems From Domestic Issues
Just before eight o’clock last night fire and police officials were called out to the North Creek area directly behind the Queen’s Square Primary School in Belize City. Upon arrival, they found a wooden structure on stilts engulfed in flames. It was a frightening scene as there were about five other wooden homes nearby that […]

UDP Hecklers Disrupt Senate Proceedings
The Senate Hearing had to be suspended today by Chairman of the committee, Aldo Salazar after members of the gallery, known UDP supporters and operatives, were heckling PUP Senator Eamon Courtenay. Chaos errupted inside the national assembly building for a brief moment and everything was caught on camera, including threats made to the media. Hipolito […]

IDAHOT 2017 – 13th Year of International Recognition
For the 13th year the International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia is being recognized around the globe on May 17 each year. It has been decades since various parts of the world have been working at having members of the LGBTIQ recognized and respected. A press statement from the United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS […]

Challenges of Illegal Hunting Reported in the North
The Rio Bravo Conservation and Management Area is a nature reserve and is located in north-western Belize. It was founded in 1988 by Programme for Belize upon the acquisition of over one hundred and ten acres of land from the Gallon Jug Agro-industries. In almost thirty years the location has developed tremendously but with most […]

Police Constable Wins Over 1/4 Million Dollars in Fantasy 5
A police constable is the latest winner of the Fantasy Five jackpot. Dayton Ogaldez, has served the Belize Police Department as a Police Constable for the last fourteen years. He was at the Brads office this morning to collect his winnings and he spoke with the media about his good fortune. He says he plays […]

Belize and West U Rotary Clubs Finance Feeding Program
The Rotary Club of Belize teamed up with the Rotary Club of West U in Houston, Texas, USA to raise funds for the Saint Martin’s Primary School Feeding Program. The twenty five thousand dollars donation was handed over this morning on the school compound to Father Matt Ruhl. Belize’s Rotary Club President, Barry Nowlin was […]

Ariel Rosado Foundation Invites Application for Scholarships
May 14, 2017 marked six years that the well-known cyclist, Ariel Rosado lost his life in a traffic incident on the Philip Goldson Highway. In January 2012, his father, Dr Alvaro Rosado established the Ariel Rosado Foundation aimed at providing educational opportunities via a scholarship fund. The foundation continues with its goal and is once […]

Investigators Clueless As to Who Killed Lalin
Nineteen year old Ludwin Kivany Lalin was shot and killed around six o’clock on the evening of May, in Belize City. Lalin was hit to the left side of his forehead on Curl Thompson Street where he soon succumbed to his injuries. A couple days after, police told the media that they knew who pulled […]

Police News: Firearms and Ammunition Found …. Shooting Incidents
Police in Punta Gorda confiscated a twenty gauge shotgun they found among some mangroves during a joint operation with the Belize Defence Force and the Belize Coast Guard. The units were doing a river patrol near the Sarstoon Island when they saw a red and white item stashed within the mangroves. Closer inspection led them […]

PlusTV

Lascelle Martinez stabbed and killed in PG
There was a murder in Punta Gorda this afternoon afternoon . Popular musician 35 year old Lascelle Martinez, the son of ex UDP minister Eden Martinez, was stabbed multiple times at the corner of West and Victoria Streets in Punta Gorda Town. According to preliminary police reports, it appears to be ...

Guatemalan dies in Chiquibul
As we reported, yesterday, a Guatemalan was reportedly killed in the Chiquibul National Park, in an area known as Rio Blanco. It was reported that the body was discovered at approximately 10:00 a.m., yesterday, 500 meters into the Belize side. Further, the information was given to Belize’s Attaché i...

Ruckus at Senate Hearings; Yellow Man assaults journalists
Another session of the Senate Select Inquiry got on the way today in Belmopan and while the first witness was former Minister of State in Immigration, Elvin Penner, what stood out today was the ruckus that occurred in the gallery. The main players were UDP big shots Brian “Yellow Man” Audinett and...

Penner chooses to remain silent
The main witness in today’s Senate Select Hearing was Honorable Elvin Penner. It’s his second time at the hearings and as last time, he began by making a statement. Last week he said he would not answer any questions on Wong Hong Kim in order to avoid incriminating himself in any possible pending cr...

John Briceno says racist remarks cannot be excused
Eldrid Neal and Marvin Mora have both been fighting against allegations that they made racially charged comments during a private conversation that was recorded and leaked to the media. Those recordings have been aired publicly and the two can be heard making comments directly about Garinagu people....

Luke Palacio speaks on Eldrid Neal’s recorded conversation
Today, we heard from Luke Palacio, the former president of the BNTU, on the issue of those now infamous recordings with Eldrid Neal and Marvin Mora. Luke Palacio, President BNTU: I did not give any interview because I wanted to give the gentleman, if I could call him a gentleman, the opportunity to ...

Leader of Opposition speaks about Integrity Commission
The Leader of the Opposition, Hon John Briceno, hosted a press briefing yesterday to speak specifically on the Integrity Commission. As we have reported, the Integrity Commission had asked for records of elected officials for the past five years, however, they then changed that to only the past yea...

Breaking Belize News

A Miscegenated View - of race and ethnicity in Belize
urks – ei, you, Turks. I grew up hearing this from people who thought it was ok to call my Palestinian grandfather this, despite the fact that he was not Turkish, and had no reason to love the hated Ottoman Empire. To many Belizeans, my Papito with his swarthy skin (and my Dad, Assad and I who shared that melanin) was a “Turk” – a “Turco”. He hated it. I hated it. It was said like this – “Mine deh Turks teef yuh.” It was said like this “Alla deh Turks rich.” It was never said for any reason other than to identify you as different.

Police hunt man in connection with PG murder
According to police reports, Lascelle Martinez, 35, was stabbed multiple times at Corner West and Victoria Streets in Punta Gorda this afternoon. The ex boyfriend of Tianne Figueroa, Simeon Lino is the suspect.

Popular musician murdered in Punta Gorda
Confirmed reports to BBN are that popular musician, Lascelle Martinez was stabbed to death around 1 this afternoon in Punta Gorda. Details are sketchy at this time but information suggests that it may have been a crime of passion.

Police find shotgun and weed in Georgeville
Yesterday morning around 11:30, San Ignacio police conducted a search in an overgrown area behind the Georgeville Cemetery where they found a white plastic bucket containing 2.6 pounds of cannabis.

Penner reluctant to testify (again)
Today’s Senate hearing was off to a technical start. Former Minister of Immigration, Elvin Penner read a statement telling the Senate Select Committee that the constitution disallows him from responding to questions posed by the committee. However, Senator Eamon Courtenay, before disagreeing with him asked him to specify which part of the constitution said so.

Authorities find shotgun near Sarstoon Island
Yesterday around 1 p.m., police along with members of the Belize Defence Force and Coast Guard were conducting a river patrol near the Sarstoon Island in southern Belize when they observed a red and white item on the bank of the river among the mangroves.

Shooting incident believed to be gang related
At around midnight last night, residents of the Fort George community were awoken by gunshots. A 22-year-old Munoz Alley resident, Kayla Young reported to police that she noticed two men standing outside of her house. One was armed with a gun.

Belize holds national conference on Early Childhood Development
The Ministries of Health (MOH), Education, Youth, Sports and Culture (MOEYSC) and Human Development, Social Transformation and Poverty Alleviation (MHDSTPA) are responsible for the GOB’s commitments to Early Childhood Development (ECD).

Sunny skies on the horizon
The 24-hour forecast is for mostly dry and hot conditions to continue with sunny skies today and partly cloudy skies tonight. The wind will blow from the east at 5-10 knots. The sea state will be slight to light choppy.

SIF inaugurates Gracie Rock Capacity Building training programs
On May 13, 2017, a ceremony was held for residents of Gracie Rock Village who successfully completed training in Capacity Building programs. The trainees received Certificates of Completion at an award ceremony.

National Garifuna Council condemns racist remarks
The National Garifuna Council (NGC) issued a release yesterday saying that it condemns and is disheartened to listen to the derogatory comments against Garinagu made by the President of the Public Service Union (PSU), Eldred Neal.

Museum of Belize to launch photo exhibit with Panamanian Embassy
The Museum of Belize and the Embassy of Panama in Belize will be launching a photographic exhibit on May 18th, 2017. As part of the celebration of International Museum Day 2017, the institutions have partnered in an effort to highlight the contrast between our distinct cultures – Belizean and Panamanian.

Guatemalan dies in Belizean territory
Yesterday, BBN broke the story that a Guatemalan was found with gunshot wounds to the head well within Belizean territory. The Government of Belize confirmed late yesterday that the body of a Guatemalan national was found in the Chiquibul National Park.

Businessman robbed on busy Belize City street
A salesman in Belize City reported that this morning around 9:20, while on Mahogany street conducting business, he was approached by three dark complexion men on bicycle.

GOB confirms death of Guatemalan found in the Chiquibul National Park
The Government of Belize issued a press release a short while ago confirming that the body of a Guatemalan national was found in the Chiquibul National Park. Earlier today BBN broke the story that a Guatemalan was found with gunshot wounds to the head well within Belizean territory.

BNTU rejects Integrity Commission proposal to give elected officials free pass
The Belize National Teachers Union (BNTU) issued a press release today informing that it rejects the proposal of the Integrity Commission to waive the submission by elected persons of their records for the past five years and only to accept submissions for the past year.

PSU President in hot water for discriminatory remarks
Public Service Union (PSU) President Eldred Neal, and former National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB) President Marvin Mora are facing a wave of backlash and criticism after a recording of a private conversation between them leaked to the press, in which Neal and Mora make seemingly inflammatory remarks regarding Garifuna people.

Ministry of Tourism hosts consultations on tourism policy
The Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation, in partnership with the Sustainable Tourism Project, is hosting a national consultation workshop on the update of the National Tourism Policy. The workshop will take place in six different destinations. Today, the workshop was held in Punta Gorda

Blogs

Eat More Lionfish and Save the Belize Barrier Reef
I say “Eat more Lionfish and save the reef while you are at it.” It’s delicious, even RAW! I had my first taste of raw fish at during Ambergris Caye’s Reef Week Lionfish tournament. Dipped in a little soy sauce, Mmmmm! Yummy! That’s the best thing about Lionfish – they are delicious, so you don’t feel guilty killing so many of them at a time. Did you know that the invasive and venomous Lionfish pose a big threat to our Belize Barrier Reef? Yup, they can drastically reduce other small prey fish populations by as much as 80% and one female can release up to 30,000 eggs every four days! They eat as many as 70 different species and just one can consume 20 fish in half an hour.

What is Ambergris Caye Like Right Now?
I thought I’d share a few pictures from this past week and share the weather sites I like to visit year round. May starts the “Season Festival” in Belize, the start of the slower season, the time when all the trees are flowering and we see the summer fruits and technically, Hurricane Season. This week’s weather: Things are heating up – and it’s been still in the mornings with the breezes picking up as the day goes on. About sargassum – the crunchy green-brown algae that is a normal part of ocean currents but became a nightmare across the Caribbean in 2015. (Here was my post in April 2015- UGH.) For months, we had HUGE piles and mats along the shore line. And while wet and fresh, this stuff isn’t so bad. But once it piles up and starts to dry – it smells horrible. For the past few months, we have seen the seaweed was up on shore – and it is worse in some spots, better in others. I would not call it horrible. It is not anywhere near to the 2015 situation.

Belize Green Iguana Conservation Project - Everything You Need to Know
This landmark conservation project has no equal in the Caribbean, so you get to see the fleshed out image Miriam Roberson and Daniel Velasquez had for an Iguana refuge back in 1996. Concerned that these reptiles were decreasing in alarming numbers, these two ecological seers launched a movement that culminated with the establishment of the Green Iguana Conservation Project headquartered at the San Ignacio Resort Hotel. Years have passed. As Iguana populations are restored, the behaviors of these scaly creatures have been chronicled, showcased and explored at what is currently ranked the #1 attraction in San Ignacio! Iguanas were called Itzamna by ancient Mayans and this knowledge can be valuable during the one-hour Project tour at the San Ignacio Resort Hotel where you’ll learn more about how Iguanas are incubated, hatched and reared. Find out how the Iguana catch-and-release program works to help project scientists keeps tabs on these little animals, and if you’re onsite when Iguanas are released back into the wild, you could witness this exciting event. The Project’s Adopt an Iguana Program is particularly popular, as is the Iguana Kids Club.

Silk Cayes (Placencia, Belize): Top Tips Before You Go
Belize’s Silk Cayes are two deserted islands offering visitors 360-degree panoramas of endless sea, so you and your party can see how it feels to be the only people on Earth. For some reason, these islands were given two names: Silk Cayes and Queen Cayes. Call them either when you travel here and you’ll encounter sugar-white beaches, the occasional coconut palm and water lapping along the shoreline, beneath which, a lively community of aquatic life awaits wide-eyed visitors. Spot vividly-colored fish, benign sharks (yes, they do exist), eagle rays and stingrays from your perch on the beach where a picnic is the perfect accompaniment to a day-long adventure. Due east of Placencia Village on the Placencia Peninsula; approximately 20 nautical miles from shore. Don’t expect a dock! Visitors pilot their boats directly onto the sandy beach.

Cerros Maya Ruins Belize - Everything You Need to Know Before You Go
Cerros is a great example of land occupied continuously for centuries and not every Mayan site can make this claim. Archaeologists speculate that this community thrived between 400 BC and AD 400, during which time distinct cultures emerged and are today classified as examples of both the Late Pre-classic Period and the Classic Period. Study the architecture, art and symbolism left behind by generations of indigenous people who turned this area into a trading hub for merchants moving across Central America. Look for signs of the primitive canal system used by the Mayans to water the terraces on which the community’s crops were grown. Cerros is located 84 miles north of Belize City at the mouth of the New River and near the Bay of Chetumal in Corozal District, the northern-most Belize territory. Your lodging host can arrange a private boat or book a tour that may also include land transport to and from the dock. This journey is fairly fast; it only takes about 15 minutes to reach the ruin. A ferry departs Orange Walk Town for Cerros, but first, you must drive 55 miles along the Northern Highway from Corozal, traveling past villages like Chunox, Progresso and Copper Bank, and then another couple of miles inland. Your best bet is that boat!

International Sources

PlanetHeroes, the stories of the Belize winners
First place: Manatees savior: Jamal Galves. Jamal Glaves goes above and beyond the call of duty to protect the manatees in Belize. While doing so is a part of his job, Jamal has a strong connection and passion for helping to safegaurd these gentle giants from a young age of 11 years. Jamal is the Program Coordinator for Sea to Shore Alliance in Belize, under which he has created and spearheaded the program "Protect our Manatees Belize" since 2012. Jamal is very passionate about protecting the manatees and their habitat so that Belizeans can continue to benefit from the toursim and ecosystem value that they possess.
Second place: Daniel Chiquin. Daniel is one of the most well-mannered, knowledgeable and exemplary young farmers that Ya'axché has had the privilege to work with. At just 25 years old, Daniel, along with his father, has embraced the concept of agroforestry as a means of food and income security, as well as environmental conservation. After undergoing training and receiving material and technical support from Ya'axché, Daniel has whole-heartedly applied himself in making his family's farm a successful example of integrating sustainable agricultural practices in the natural environment.
Third place: Environmental fisherman: Fidel Audinette. Fidel Audinette constantly demonstrates that he cares about the marine environment. He monitors illegal fishing; takes pictures of observations he makes at sea and continually advocates for sustainable fishing.

WCS’s Queens Zoo Helps Howler Monkeys Thrive in Belize
Recent WCS (Wildlife Conservation Society) Queens Zoo surveys of black howler monkeys (Alouatta pigra), translocated to Belize’s Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary 25 years ago reveal that the effort has been a great success, with monkeys now thriving throughout the reserve after going locally extinct 40 years ago.

Take A Paradisaical Paddle Through Belize’s Backwaters
Nestled in the heart of Caye Caulker, a tiny island 21-miles northeast of Belize City, Contour Ocean Ventures is located along the main drag, a stone’s throw from the water taxi’s drop-off point. The island has a motto—“Go slow”—and Contour fits the description perfectly. Owner Henry Lopez grew up on the shores of the small, coral island and has seen it evolve over the years. In 2011, he opened Contour, making his mark as the first to bring standup paddling to the island. Lopez’s business continues to flourish despite other shops following suit and Contour continues to offer an unparalleled array of activities for visitors of the island. Aside from standup paddling Contour offers windsurfing, kite surfing, traditional surfing, and even wakeboarding if you’re willing to spend a few extra dollars. As far as SUP is concerned, they offer lessons, tours on the leeward side of the island, surfing on an offshore reef, an island hopping tour and a mangrove tour. The staff is friendly and excited to work with you to create your ideal paddling tour. They’re also committed to preserving the environment and keeping Caye Caulker beautiful for generations of paddlers to come.

Videos

May 17, 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

Maya mound is partially cleared; residents plead for a stop order
A Maya mound, located in the San Pablo neighborhood south of San Pedro Town, was reportedly disturbed on Sunday, May 14th. The mound was once known to have a palapa, a Stela replica, and at one point, even picnic tables for residents to use the area as a park. Although investigations revealed that the mound is on private land, there has been public outcry to stop further development of the site, and instead, preserve its remains. The San Pedro Sun visited the site on Tuesday, May 16th, and noted a significant amount of Maya remnants scattered around the property. Both large and small pieces of red, black and beige pottery shards, plaster, and chalices were found, alongside pieces of conch shell. As it is alleged that the area will be developed into an apartment complex, the IA are the only ones who can issue a stop order. The San Pedro Sun contacted Director of the IA, Dr. John Morris, but he was unavailable for comment. We will update our readers as more information becomes available.

Alfonso Wiltshire back in jail
52-year-old Alfonso Wiltshire, San Pedro resident, is back behind bars after he was arrested on Friday, May 12th for additional charges of sexual assault and unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor. Following additional testimonials from the victim, the Director of Public Prosecution ordered his immediate detention as the matter is being further investigated. During his appearance at the San Pedro Magistrate Court on Monday, May 15th, Wiltshire was denied bail, no plea was taken and was sent back to his cell. If he obtains a Supreme Court bail by Friday, May 19th, he will avoid being remanded to the Belize Central Prison until the disclosure of his case on July 14, 2017.

BTB meets with Airbnb to discuss impact to tourism sector
Online marketplace and hospitality service, Airbnb allows people to lease or rent short-term lodging, such as vacation rentals, apartment rentals, homestays, hostel beds, and hotel rooms. After meeting several Caribbean government representatives in Barbados on Thursday, April 20th, Airbnb announced plans to expand tourism in the Caribbean, including Belize. On Tuesday, May 9th, the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) hosted a conference with Airbnb representatives, where various stakeholders discussed the future of the overnight tourism sector, as well as guidelines that will help standardize the industry. Although Airbnb does not own any of those properties, it serves as a commercial agent that receives a percentage of services fees from both guests and hosts. With more than four hundred hosts advertising properties within the country of Belize, the issue of market share has been brought to the forefront. While BTB aims to regulate the growing sector, Airbnb says this sector of the industry will be a positive one.

WANNACRY RANSOMWARE
The Central Information Technology Office (CITO) would like to inform the public, and computer users in general, to be on the lookout for ransomware called Wannacry. So far, computer networks in over 150 countries have been impacted by the ransomware which takes over users’ files, demanding cash payments to restore them. We are pleased to report that no government systems have been affected by this malware since its detection last Friday, May 12th. Users of the Government’s computer networks managed by CITO benefit from security measures that safeguard our critical systems and protect them from malware intrusions such as these. The Central Information Technology Office uses a firewall to scan incoming traffic for any application that may intend to do harm to the network as the first line of defense. The Windows firewall installed on each workstation is also turned on to protect those machines from being infected.

The New Children’s Agenda
May 15, 2017 is celebrated worldwide as the International Day of Families under the theme, “Families, education and well-being.” In commemoration of this day, Belize through the National Committee for Families and Children made this 15th day of May quite monumental and symbolic as both the Prime Minster Right Honorable Dean Barrow and Leader of Opposition Honorable John Briceno made their global proclamation with the signing of the new Children’s Agenda 2017 – 2030. The new Agenda focuses on the role of families and family-oriented policies in promoting education and overall well-being of their members. In particular, the agenda is to raise awareness of the role of families in promoting early childhood education and lifelong learning opportunities for children and adolescences. This agenda will be achieved through a strategic action plan that includes six (6) transformational goals and outcomes.

San Pedro Tiger Sharks are heading to the NEBL finals!
The San Pedro Tiger Sharks Basketball team has netted a spot in the finals of the Pepsi National Elite Basketball League (NEBL). The two-time NEBL champions defeated the Cayo Western Ballaz 82-69 on Sunday, May 14th, at the Angel Nuñez Auditorium. The home team opened the scoreboard with the combined efforts of George Williams and Valley Douglas, and visitors Cruz Ray and Leslie Darwin teamed up to even the score on more than one occasion, making the first quarter quite exciting. However, the Tiger Sharks managed to dominate the next quarter, and by half-time, were leading 40-29. After the break, the game intensified, and the crowd roared in support of their favourites. Williams continued netting points for the home team, while Western Ballaz’ Darwin led his team in an attempt to even the score. The Tiger Sharks did not back down, and soon took control, ending the third quarter 58-40.

Ambergris Today

Belize Excels In Pilot Training In Jamaica
The Ministry of Defence wishes to inform the public that one of its Belize Defence Force Officers has excelled in a Pilot Training - code name Wings Course 1601- in Jamaica. Captain Francis Usher placed first in the course which lasted just over fourteen months. Officers from Belize and Jamaica participated in the course which was funded by the Canadian government. Ambergris Today joins The Ministry of Defence and the Belize Defence Force in congratulating Captain Francis Usher on his performance and wish him well in his career as a Pilot.

San Pablo Property Identified With Maya Mound Leveled By Developers
A “Maya Mound” in a parcel of land located in the residential area of San Pablo, south of San Pedro Town, as been partially leveled and disrupted as it seems that owners of the property are ready to develop on the property. What has raised concerns of the neighborhood of San Pablo is that, to the knowledge of the community, that parcel of land was designated a park when the area was being developed and it was discovered that it contained a Maya mound with rich historical and cultural significance for the island of Ambergris Caye. Needless to say, residents were shocked when they noticed that about half of the Maya mound has been moved and cleared. Upon closer investigations, that parcel of land was sold a few years back with Minister Manuel Heredia expressing the fact that the land should have never been sold.

Misc Belizean Sources

SBDC Workshop: BASICS OF GENERAL SALES TAX
FREE OF COST. Presented by: Mrs. Esther Mortiz, GST Officer, GST Department Dangriga Town. Location: Stann Creek Ecumenical Junior College, Conference Room, Dangriga Town. Workshop Date: 25th May, 2017. Time: 9am to 12noon. Topics that will be Covered: * Registering for GST - application process, Voluntary registration information and the benefits of being a registered taxpayer. * Completing GST returns - GST payment due dates, Information to submit * Managing GST Obligation - Record keeping for GST, Tax invoices, Duplicate tax invoices and much more!

New Director for the National Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture Council
The Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports, and Culture announces the appointment of Mr. Ian Jones as the new Director of the National Sports Council. Mr. Jones, who is pursuing post-graduate studies in Sports Management from the University of the West Indies, has many years of service in the sports industry in the Belize. He is well-known for his experience as the President of Verdes Football Club, which had a successful running in the Scotia Bank CONCACAF Champions League Tournament, boasting the first win for a Belizean Football Club in that tournament. He has also managed FC Belize and served on the management of BDF FC. Additionally, Mr. Jones has served on the Marketing Committee for the Football Federation of Belize and several other committees for the Premier League of Belize.

LAUGH OUT LOUD WEEKEND at the Princess Casino Free Zone
Tired of being tired? We never disappoint - Featuring Mexico's little giant comedian and entertainer "PIERRE DAVID". You have seen his popular shows on Televisa, Parodiando and Sabadazo. We invite you this Friday, May 19th and Saturday, May 20th beginning at 10:00 P.M. He will be imitating your favourite latin singers and entertainers. There is no other imitator like Pierre David.

Depictions of the Lost Exhibit
The Depictions of the Lost Exhibit will be this Saturday, May 20th, at the Soul Project. There will be art on display from Rick Galvez, and Kristcha DeGuerre will be reading poetry.

Notice To Operators of Guest Accommodations
Are you the owner or manager of any of the following types of guest accommodations, or any other type or category of accommodation used by guests? - Resort, Hotel, Lodge or Inn - Vacation Home or Guest Houses -Camp site or Bed & Breakfast facility -Motel or Condominiums, Time Share Units -Bungalows or Apartments - Villas or Beach houses - Home Stay Program facility - Community-based tourist - Religious/Educational & Research Facility establishments - Dormitory, Cottages or Cabins/Cabana If your answer is yes, then THIS MESSAGE IS FOR YOU!

CARSI ESF Grants
Learn about a great grant opportunity. Strengthen government through civil society engagement! We intend to issue three to five awards in an amount not to exceed $1,500,000 in total funding. Each award will be for an amount between $200,000 and $400,000. We will also host a CARSI ESF Grants Question & Answer Session on Friday, May 19th at 1:30 p.m. If you are interested in joining us at the Embassy, please submit your name, your organization’s name, and your questions to [email protected] by Wednesday, May 17th for access to this event.

International Museum Day in Benque
International Museum Day is beginning at the Benque House of Culture (NICH). Come out and join us. Join us May 16 & 17th, 2017 for the annual International Museum Day Celebration as we walk through many historical and impacting moments in our community, the silent voices speak out through actions!

Open Panel Discussion on the death penalty, Museum of Belize
Did You Know? The last person to be executed was hung in the year 1985! On May 18th, 2017 from 9:30am - 12:00pm, Join us in a thought provoking Open Panel Discussion posing the question, "Should Belize resume the death penalty?" Come and Learn more about the History of Executions in Belize and the Legal and Social implications of this controversial question!!!

Caye Caulker Mother's Day Celebration
Thank you to all the mothers and public who attended our Mother's Day Event!!! We hope you all had a wonderful time!!! Thank you for supporting our event!! Thank you to all our sponsors!!! * We will be posting them later on! For now lets enjoy these pictures of a wonderful night!!!

The Placencia Municipal Pier to open to Harvest Caye Passengers
On May 30th, 2017, the Cruise Control Ltd. will officially start ferrying cruise passengers from Harvest Caye to Placencia Village and will be conducting a test run in the interim. Passengers will now have the opportunity to enjoy the beaches, food, craft and much more that the village of Placencia has to offer. In addition, Tour Operators will have the opportunity to take guests on marine tours. Tickets can be purchased on the cruise ship or at the visitors’ booth on Harvest Caye at a cost of $20USD round trip. The Placencia Village Council has collaborated with the Belize Tourism Board in the renovations of the pier, which now boasts a new tour sales desk for the independent tour operators to sell their tours. “We had a test run this morning the weather was perfect with a flat top sea, it was awesome seeing the ferry coming into the village. It is going to be a great experience for the villagers, town council, tour operators, and business people” shared village Council chairlady” Ilsa Villueva.

MOTHER'S DAY EXTRAVAGANZA 2017

Global Big Day in Belize
Just back from an amazing Global Big Day run in Belize where our team found 242 species in 24 hours! Many thanks to birder and conservationist Roni Martinez who was a key team member, helped orchestrate our run, and had the on-the-ground connections throughout Belize required to make the day a success. Also a tremendous thanks to both Chan Chich Lodge for hosting us during the event, and to Black Rock Lodge for hosting us for a few days prior--both are world class bird lodges dedicated to bird conservation and eBird. If you haven't been there, go soon! The guides at both places were tremendously helpful, and it was great to run into Isael Mai at Chan Chich again. The Maya Forest is an amazing place, under extreme agricultural development pressure, and in need of all our attention. We must protect what remains, as this place is home not only to an amazing endemic local avifauna, but represents the last intact forest for a huge number of wintering North America bird species! To help, first support the Cornell Lab and Belize Bird Conservancy, and then consider put some of your travel dollars toward the places that are focused on protecting the region, specifically in Belize, Guatemala, and Mexico. Thanks again to everyone along the way for the hospitality and fun!

Update on Incident in Chiquibul
This morning the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was informed of the death of a Guatemalan in the Chiquibul National Park. The identity and cause of death have not been ascertained; and the deceased is still at the location. Belize and Guatemalan authorities will collaborate with a view to retrieving the body tomorrow morning, at which time a post mortem will be conducted.

Belize Social Investment Fund Inaugurates Gracie Rock Capacity Building Training Programs
Residents of Gracie Rock Village who successfully completed training in Capacity Building programs received Certificates of Completion at an award ceremony held at Gracie Rock Community Centre, Gracie Rock Village on May 13, 2017. Funding for the project was provided courtesy of the Government of Belize through the Caribbean Development Bank. The programs were designed to strengthen the capacity of the community to increase income from tourism and recreational activities aimed at taking advantage of the rich eco-tourism that Gracie Rock possesses. Training included Capacity Building facilitated by the University of the West Indies Open Campus; Tour Guide Training facilitated by the Belize Tourism Board; First Aid Training facilitated by the Belize Red Cross Society; and Food Preparation/Hospitality Management facilitated by the Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA).

Photographic Exhibit on Belizean and Panamanian cultures
The Museum of Belize and the Embassy of Panama in Belize will be launching a photographic exhibit on May 18th, 2017. As part of the celebration of International Museum Day 2017, the Museum of Belize is partnering with the Embassy of Panama in Belize in an effort to highlight the contrast between our distinct cultures – Belizean and Panamanian. The exhibit also highlights the intersection of our cultures and gastronomy.

CARICOM WEEK 2017
The Directorate General for Foreign Trade (DGFT) extends special thanks to all stakeholders that contributed to making CARICOM Week a great success. CARICOM Week, celebrated under the theme “What CARICOM Means to Me”, highlighted the opportunities accessible to Belizeans as Nationals of the Caribbean Community. In 2006, 13 CARICOM countries, including Belize, established the CARICOM Single Market & Economy (CSME), agreeing that nationals of these countries could travel, work and do business within these Member States, and be granted the same access enjoyed in their own country of birth. However, research conducted in Belize has shown that lack of knowledge about the benefits, rights, and procedures among our nationals has stalled participation in the Single Market.

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY
Social Security Scholarships (High School, Sixth Form, Vocational-Technical) APPLY TODAY!

WANNACRY RANSOMWARE
The Central Information Technology Office (CITO) would like to inform the public, and computer users in general, to be on the lookout for ransomware called Wannacry. So far, computer networks in over 150 countries have been impacted by the ransomware which takes over users’ files, demanding cash payments to restore them. We are pleased to report that no government systems have been affected by this malware since its detection last Friday, May 12th. Users of the Government’s computer networks managed by CITO benefit from security measures that safeguard our critical systems and protect them from malware intrusions such as these. The Central Information Technology Office uses a firewall to scan incoming traffic for any application that may intend to do harm to the network as the first line of defense. The Windows firewall installed on each workstation is also turned on to protect those machines from being infected.

Corozal Bay Sailing Club Car Wash Fundraising Event
June 3, 8am-12pm

Belize National Festival of Arts 2017
Calendar of Events

Power interruption 6:00am to 2:00pm, Sunday, May 21: entire San Pedro Town
BEL to conduct critical maintenance, testing and replacement of equipment at the San Pedro Substation and replace corroded hardware on the transmission system for reliability of power supply.

9th Annual Flowers Bank Festival
Saturday, June 3, 9am, Community Center. SAVE THE DATE: The Flowers Bank Festival is here again! Join us on 3rd June, 2017 for a day of fun activities for the entire family at the Flowers Bank Community center!

International Museum Day in Benque
The Institute of Archaeology was present at the Benque House of Culture (NICH), alongside the Institute for Social & Cultural Research, Oceana Belize and the Department of the Environment - DOE, to help celebrate International Museum Day for 2017. The students learned, at our section, about excavating, Maya hieroglyphics (much thanks to Jorge de Leon for his wonderful help in this) and also Actun Uayazba Kab and the wonderful historic imprints of hands. Tomorrow is day 2, so come on out!

Channel 7

Unconfirmed Reports Say Guat Soldier Shot
This afternoon, news went out in the Guatemalan press that a Guatemalan soldier had reportedly been shot in the head while in the Adjacency Zone. It's a very alarming report, which, if it is accurate, could be interpreted as an act of aggression by Belize. Now, we stress that this is unconfirmed, and there is the possibility that it is inaccurate, but the report came by way of this twitter post from the Guatemalan radio station, Radio Sonora. It claims that a Guatemalan soldier was shot in the head while in the Adjacency Zone between the two countries. It was made close to midday today, and since then, other Guatemalan media houses have picked up the report. "We have last minute information for you. As you see here in this tweet from Radio Sonora, 96.9 FM, where they inform us that a Guatemalan soldier was shot in the head in the Adjacency Zone with Belize. This information is being treated as urgent, because as you see, a Guatemalan soldier has ended up with a bullet in the head in an area located in the Adjacency Zone with Belize. We know that there is conflict in that zone area."

Good Samaritan Slain In South
Yesterday, a Guatemalan national was killed on the Coastal Road in Southern Belize. Eduardo Caal died trying to help the victims of a car accident, but unfortunately he did not know that those victims were criminals making a getaway. Our news team went down South to find out what happened, here's Alex Courtenay with the story... Edwardo Caal was just trying to do the right thing, when he was shot dead yesterday afternoon. Caal, was driving down the Coastal Road on the way to visit his brother, when he happened upon a car totaled on the side of the road. When he stopped to offer his assistance, the crashed vehicle's passengers shot him and made off with his vehicle. Voice of: a resident: "This vehicle crashed and he stopped and he stop to give assistance to the people and they killed him and they took his vehicle." Sr. Supt. Ralph Moody - Commander, Dangriga Police: "At about 1pm we received information about a traffic in the White Ridge area on the Coastal Road, Police responded to that information. On arriving at the location we saw a Ford Explorer vehicle involved in the accident - 4 wheel turned up and a Hispanic male person beside the said vehicle. Examination on the body revealed that Mr. Edwardo Caal suffered from one gunshot wound to the forehead."

Marvin Mora’s Mea Culpa
Today the fallout from that clandestine union recording continued. As we showed you last night, the recording is of a conversation between three union members about Garifuna members of the PSU and the public service in general. Claims are made by male persons speaking that Garifunas seek to control the PSU and the senior posts in the public service generally. We received 20 minutes of a conversation which we are told was about 90 minutes long. The National Garifuna Council put out a statement two hours ago saying, quote, "(The NGC) condemns and is disheartened to listen to the derogatory comments against Garinagu made by the President of the Public Service Union (PSU)." It continues, quote, "This is unacceptable, NGC supports the letter from the Concerned Members of Council of Management. Mr. Eldred Neal's remarks compromise his position and effectiveness as president in serving a multicultural organization as the PSU."

PSU President Eldred Apologetic
And while Mora says his membership knows him well enough, for PSU President Eldred Neal, its not that clear. The persons asking for his resignation are nine of 15 members of his council of management. And the Garifuna he was talking about in the recording are also leading members of his union. But today Neal came to our studio to say everything has been taken out of context:...

Mora Distances Himself From Overtly Racist Statements
And what technology did in this case was make available a recording that shows both men in a very unflattering light - with their guard down and speaking privately to another union member, Lorelie Westby about some very touchy cultural matters. But who exactly said what? Mora claims that certain, overtly prejudiced remarks we attributed to him in our transcription of the conversation were actually made by Neal. Here are the statements - which he says he did not make :...

Neal Hesitant To Point Finger At Mora
And while Mora was happy to kind of throw Eldred Neal under the bus, Neal wasn't quite so quick to point the finger at Mora. Where's what he had to say about the disputed statements:...

Mora Says He Was Supporting A Garifuna Female
Now, an important part of the entire narrative is that Mora and Westby were actually trying to get Neal as President of the PSU to support Faye Nicascio - who is a Garfuna - as delegate to the NTUCB - instead of Jacqueline Willoughby. Mora says that proves he wasn't being racist:... Marvin Mora - BEWU, General Secretary: "One of the biggest decisions that we made at that point in time was to try and identify somebody with the skills, the aptitude and the know-how with the educational background to hold the office of the president, because I was ousted as you recall. So we identified a young lady and you hear also that young lady being mentioned in that recording who we were endorsing and she is of the Gariguna culture and her name is Faye Nicasio. I guess you hear the female voice in there saying - we want her to be president and we want her to run." "Why would I be insulting the Garinagu people and at the same time I am asking him to put back somebody as a delegate to run and be the leader at the NTUCB from that very same culture."

How Did Mysterious Recording Surface?
But, while tonight there are all kinds of renunciations and righteous hand wringing, the first question is, how was the recording made, and then, why was it made, who leaked an edited version to the media, and what was it edited to reflect? Lots of questions and we asked Mora about the first today: Marvin Mora - BEWU, General Secretary: "The record that you guy have or the recording that you guys have, was a recording that was taken off a loud speaker, played from a cell phone on a mike. So you tell me the quality of that sound. To me the whole thing spin around. I am being honest with you guys: I was really vex when this whole thing came to light, because I thought that the recording was done on purpose. It so happens that I have knowledge now that the recording was done without the knowledge of anybody even the person who was recording it and at the end of the day, I'll be the first one to admit.."

Eldred Neal Says Mora Explanation Sad
And while Mora says that the recording leaked out sort of by accident - it was clearly edited to create an overall impression. Eldred Neal says that Mora's explanation is just sad:... Eldred Neal, President - PSU "My colleague Marvin Mora suggesting that he doesn't know who recorded it or that it was recorded and leaked." Jules Vasquez, 7News "He said it was accidentally recorded." Eldred Neal, President - PSU "Accidentally recorded, so accidentally leaked too then. Mein, that is sad."

Eldred Neal: “Don’t Call Me Brothers”
And apart from all the overtly racist remarks, what the recording really shows is a union fraternity that is at war with itself - especially within the PSU and in the NTUCB. Our intelligence suggests that like most wars, it is fueled by those who have ambitions for paying positions on government boards, and for control of union resources, including loans form the unions. We'll have more on that tomorrow, but for tonight we leave you with this chilling post script from Eldred Neal, who says the people he once called brothers and sisters can't be trusted:... Eldred Neal, President - PSU: "Don't call me your brother. I don't need an apology. I don't intend to seek your friendship in any kind of way. I just want for the record and for the rest of my life that you be held accountable for what you have lent and I am saying that I would do my best as to ensure that my name is clear to put something out there like this. Clearly edited, altered to serve an individual purpose. I am telling you had I seen this coming my way? No. Did I get the threats that it can happen? Yes. Have I live to face it? I have and I will continue."

PUP Says Mora And Neal Must Resign
So, while Neal and Mora continue to take heat for the contents of the recording, the condemnation of their comments just keep coming. Today, at a press briefing held on another matter, Opposition Leader John Briceno was asked to share his opinion on the content of the secret recording. He said that in there is no place for discrimination or racism in the Belizean society: Hon. John Briceno, PUP Leader: "I can't go into the details as to what is happening with the public service union. I am not well informed. I have listen to little snippets of the recording which as I am told was done without the knowledge or consent of the people that were there. But that in no way excuses them from what they said. I want to make that very clear."

PUP, BNTU Say Integrity Commission Must Dig Deeper
But, the topic for which Briceno called the briefing was to keep up the pressure on the Integrity Commission and the Barrow Administration. The PUP want the Integrity Commission to dig deeper into the finances of all the elected politicians, but especially the UDP Ministers. As we reported, the Commission sent out a request asking elected representatives to furnish their accounts going back 5 years, but then, they later reversed that decision. After getting a legal opinion, the Commission decided that they would only look into last year's accounts, and the Opposition says that this isn't enough. In fact, they blamed the Government, even though this was a decision from the Integrity Commission. Today, Briceno broke it down, and he explained why his party believes that the decision is not a real attempt to keep the Government Minister's honest. Here's how he put it:

Alleged Pirates Testify To Coast Guard Brutality
In July 2015, six men, Giovanni Murrillo, Emiliano Camara, Jerome Bowen, Goldburn Goff, Everon Teck and Dion Usher were charged for possession of a firearm and ammunition without license. According to Coast Guard reports, they discovered the 6 fishermen on an island in the Turneffe Atoll after receiving information about piracy in the area. Apparently, when they approached the fishermen they allegedly saw one of them throw a firearm out the window. The alleged pirates were remanded to prison back in 2015 and were later granted bail. Today, only Goff, Teck and Usher appeared in the Magistrate's Court for the trial. Two of the other accused are presumed dead after being lost at sea, and one did not show up at court, but the trial still proceeded. After hearing the trio's testimonies, Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith found them not guilty, stating that she found the evidence presented by the coast guard to be highly suspicious. She also mentioned that the testimonies caused her to further doubt the Coast Guard.

CITO: ”Wannacry” Ransomware Not In Belize
Today the Central Information Technology Office released a press release warning the public about a new ransomeware called Wannacry. After infecting a computer system, Wannacry takes over the users' files and demands a cash payment in order to restore them. The virus has allegedly impacted computer networks in over 150 countries, and has caused problems for various organizations and agencies including England's National Health Service, FEDEX and Russia's Ministry of Internal Affairs. CITO has confirmed that no government of Belize system has been infected with the ransomeware as of May 12. They also warn PC users to install the latest Windows software update available, and to download reliable antivirus and anti-malware programs such as AVAST and Malwarebytes.

A New Vision For Sports
Former Sports Director Ritchel Dominguez left the Sports Council in mid January when his contract was not renewed. Charlie Slusherr was the Acting Director in the interim, but tonight, the Ministry of Sports has chosen a new Director. He is Ian Jones, known as a manager and president of various Semi-Pro sporting clubs. Jones is currently pursuing post-graduate studies in Sports Management from the University of the West Indies and today he told us what is his vision for sport sin Belize:...

Crooked Tree, Both Sides Now
Last night, we showed you the back and forth between former Crooked Tree Vice Chairman, Steve Anthony, and the Executive Director of the Belize Audubon Society. As we told you, the Audubon Society's Visitor Center burned down on Saturday morning, and there are residents within Crooked Tree who are saying, "good riddance". That's because the Belize Audubon and members of the community haven't exactly seen eye to eye, and this destruction has started a conversation on whether or not Audubon must go. Their concern is that the Audubon Society has been too strict in their enforcement against the villagers who depend on fishing, hunting and logging to survive. Well, today, APAMO came out in support of the Belize Audubon Society.

PM Not Worried About US Report on Money Laundering
In its March 2017 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report, the US State Department classified 14 of the 15 CARICOM states as major money laundering countries, Belize included. A Caribbean news report states that one of the consequences of this blacklisting, is further fallout from correspondent banks, who will be increasingly unwilling to partner with indigenous banks. For Belize, which has been hard hit by the correspondent bank crisis, it's more bad news. But on Friday, the Prime Minister said that the local banks are getting by through relations with smaller correspondent banks.

Channel 5

Guatemalan ‘Good Samaritan’ Murdered on Coastal Road
A father of seven children was executed on Monday morning when he attempted to assist persons in a traffic accident.  The Good Samaritan was a Guatemalan national who lived with [...]

P.S.U.’s Eldred Neal Rails Against Garifuna ‘Takeover’ of Executive
The firestorm in the wake of a racially charged conversation involving the President of the Public Service Union, Eldred Neal, continues to burn fiercely tonight.  Various entities, including the Council [...]

Neal Says Recording Was Part of ‘Greater Conversation’
Turning to the voice behind the now infamous recording, this evening Eldred Neal stopped by our office for an extended sit-down, during which he attempts to explain his position.  For [...]

Neal Calls Out Mora; Says He Could Not Agree with Executive
Elsewhere in the newscast, you will hear Mora throw Neal under the bus for those unsavory remarks.  Neal, however, says that his counterpart has conveniently forgotten his role in that [...]

Neal Versus Palacio; He Appeals Over ‘Power-Seeking’ Ploy
The meeting of Eldred Neal and Luke Palacio this afternoon, when the Joint Unions Negotiating Team convened at the B.N.T.U. headquarters here in Belize City, was likely an awkward encounter [...]

Marvin Mora Discusses History of Garinagu in Belize City
The other persons to whom Neal was speaking in the recording were Marvin Mora, the current general secretary of the Belize Energy Workers’ Union and Lorelei Westby of the Belize [...]

Mora Apologizes; Insists He Did Not Know He Was Being Recorded
This afternoon, Mora issued a twenty-one minute defense outside the B.E.L. compound. He opened with an apology to the Garifuna people for any remarks he made in the incendiary recording [...]

Mora Wanted to Make Point About Garinagu Experience
According to Mora, he was doing two things: the first was to attempt to find out the reason why the P.S.U. did not support Fayne Nicasio, a Garifuna woman, for [...]

Mora Claims “Surprise” Over Neal’s Remarks
Mora claimed that the recording was done without anyone’s knowledge, including the person on whose device it was recorded, and then a portion of it was cut and given to [...]

Guatemalan Shot in Chiquibul; Was it a Soldier?
We can confirm that a Guatemalan national has been found dead in the Chiquibul National Park. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs late this evening confirmed the death of the national, [...]

Garifuna Chair of Belize District P.S.U. Disappointed with President
A letter demanding that P.S.U. President Eldred Neal stands down from contesting his seat during the upcoming Annual General Meeting has been signed by nine members of the union’s Council [...]

2nd Vice Prez Kenneth Mortis Can’t Solve P.S.U. Internal Fire
Also signing on the document dated May sixth, was Kenneth Mortis.  He is the second vice president of the Public Service Union and is a career fireman.  Mortis says that [...]

P.U.P.s Briceño Calls for National Unity
Leader of the People’s United Party, John Briceño, joined in with condemnation of the inflammatory remarks made by Eldred Neal. He pointed to the Father of the Nation George Price’s [...]

P.U.P. Says Prime Minister is Covering Up on Integrity Commission
This afternoon, the People’s United Party continued its assault on the Integrity Commission’s decision to look at only declarations of public figures for the year 2016. The Party argues that [...]

Integrity Commission Chair ‘Manipulated’ Vote
Briceño said that a Government he leads will change the Act to ensure that no political party has an overall majority on the Commission, which would also be expanded to [...]

B.N.T.U. Demands Politicians Adhere to Rules
The establishment of the Integrity Commission was on the front burner of the demands by the Belize National Teachers Unions last year.  Today, the B.N.T.U. lashed out rejecting the proposal [...]

National Garifuna Council Pours Scorn on P.S.U.’s Neal
Condemnation by the National Garifuna Council against the remarks by Eldred Neal has come fast and furious. This morning in Dangriga, News Five spoke with N.G.C. President Sandra Miranda. She [...]

N.G.C. Says Neal Must Go Now!
Miranda told News Five that the N.G.C. is demanding Eldred Neal’s immediate resignation and that he should not wait to be removed. She argues that picking on the Garifuna by [...]

John Briceño Says Ad Plays into Negative Sentiments on Faber Leadership
Prime Minister Dean Barrow told reporters after Friday’s House meeting that he is seriously contemplating early retirement depending on how much longer his back is giving trouble, though his present [...]

Stone Penner? P.U.P. Says They’ll See Him in Court
Elvin Penner testified without major incident last Wednesday in Belmopan at the public hearing of the Senate Special Select Committee. But it appears authorities were ready for anything, as the [...]

P.U.P. Ready to Fight Municipal Elections
The countdown is on for the 2018 municipal elections. The People’s United Party is only defending one town council in Orange Walk, where Mayor Kevin Bernard is said to be [...]

APAMO Urges Dialogue Following Crooked Tree Fire
The Association of Protected Areas Management Organizations has tried to thread the needle between supporting member organization Belize Audubon Society in the aftermath of the fire at the Crooked Tree [...]

CTV3

PSU President Goes On The Defensive
The inflammatory comments by Public Service Union President Eldred Neal in a private conversation with former NTUCB President Marvin Mora and former NTUCB executive Lorelei Westby which was clandestinely recorded and has been leaked out to the public, has attracted a firestorm of criticism and public outrage. As we reported last night, Neal is facing an insurrection in his Union with 9 members of his Council of Management demanding his resignation. In case you are wondering what could be in the audio that has triggered such outrage, we will be playing some of the recording in which Neal claims there is a culture war in his union body and makes remarks directly on those members who are Garifuna. With his leadership under question, Neal has gone on the defensive, granting media interviews and responding to the view that his comments are a portrayal of bigotry. He claims the basis for such conclusion is fraudulent.

Opposition Leader Condems Remarks Made By PSU President
Today Opposition Leader John Briceno expressed his views about the comments heard in the audio recording. He said there is no room in Belize for the kind of remarks he has heard. Honourable John Briceno - PUP Opposition Leader: “I am disappointed that in this day and age that we have people that still believe and that still have those types of views, I think it was the father of the nation who had started out saying with the PUP that all of us are one and all of us are the same in this country and I’ve said it over and over it doesn’t matter if you were born in Orange Walk or Crickette Sarco we are all the same be it if you are rich or you are poor or you are smart or intelligent or whatever race you are we are all one and that is what makes us unique in this country this diversity that we have and we need to embrace this diversity and like everybody else I think we all need to condemn these kind of inflammatory language that is being used any sort of racism or any sort of looking down at any group of people, any category of people be it religion, be it sexual orientation be it by race or by economic standards we need to condemn and we need to condemn 100% that we cannot tolerate this kind of behavior and we in the PUP condemn that.”

Lack Of Jobs Takes Center Stage At Parliament
With the graduation season upon us, the question of jobs availability will become a main topic around social gatherings and dinner tables. On Friday, it was a hot button issue for two parliamentarians at the National Assembly. Minister of Education, Youth and Sports Patrick Faber got defensive when Caribbean Shores’ representative Kareem Musa asked: where are the jobs. Honourable Kareem Musa – Area Representative Caribbean Shores: “Is that they are graduating into a life of joblessness, into a life of hopelessness, because madam speaker, I have been a member of this house for almost a year and a half and I can tell you that this government has run through hundreds of millions of dollars; 557 million for BTL, 375 million for Petro Caribe another 20 million today well actually US 30 million dollars and yes while it is noted here that some of it is for students loans, madam speaker, the reality is that while this government is patting itself shoulder 50% of those young people will not have jobs...”

Mason's Case Adjourned
Accused killer William “Danny” Mason was in court in Belmopan today along with the four others accused of the murder of Llewellyn Lucas back in July of 2016. Mason was found with the severed head of the Pastor in his black Ford F150 pickup. They were in court today for the Preliminary Inquiry in relation to the charges of “Kidnapping” and “Conspiracy to commit kidnapping”. But the matter was adjourned to June 12th before Magistrate Anderson. That’s because Mason’s attorney could not make it to court today. Mason is being shuttled both to Belmopan and to Belize City courts given that the kidnapping is said to have happened at the Intelco Hill home of William Mason. The high profile case has seen the Belize National Teachers’ Union request an international investigation into the ties Mason had to several government officials, chief among them the then Minister of Police, John Saldivar.

LOVE FM

Guatemalan Dead in the Chiquibul; Officials Investigating
Reports reaching our news desk indicate that the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Defence are looking into information given to Belize’s Attaché in Guatemala surrounding a fatal shooting that is said to have taken place in the Rio Blanco area in western Belize. It is an area that takes an estimated two days to get […]

Mora, NGC and PUP Weigh In on Recorded Conversation with President Neal
Yesterday we told you of a letter dated May 6, 2017 that was sent to the President of the Public Service Union, Eldred Neal accusing him of being racist and demanding that he resign immediately or be prepared to face repercussions. The letter referred to statements that Neal made in a private conversation that was […]

Barrow vs Briceno on Integrity Commission
Late yesterday evening the People’s United Party issued a statement on the interview given by the Prime Minister relating to the Integrity Commission and the change of having the elected representatives only submit their asset declarations for one year as opposed to the five year period that the commission had initially asked for. Prime Minister […]

London Article Says Belize Is In Debt Crisis
An online article from the London based Public Finance International organization has listed Belize as one of twenty seven countries in debt crisis. The publication is dated May 16, 2017 and speaks of countries that are not only in debt crisis but those that are at risk of falling into that category. The Jubilee Debt […]

Harvest Caye Extends Economic Opportunities to the Peninsula
The Belize Tourism Board today announced some good news for tour operators. The Placencia Municipal Pier will now be open to Harvest Caye passengers. In a statement, BTB said Cruise Control Limited will officially start ferrying cruise passengers from Harvest Caye to Placencia Village and will be conducting a test run in the interim. Tour […]

CSEC Examinations Transitioning to E-Testing
In the last decade or two we have seen several areas transition to online businesses ranging from reading to customer service to research and governance. While some aspects of education are already online there is the CSEC Examinations that some parts of the region are already engaged in via the internet. Antigua’s Minister of Education […]

From Paperback to E-Books in High Schools
Printed textbooks will soon be a thing of the past as Belize is looking to join other countries that have replaced secondary school books digitally. This initiative is one of several education topics that the visiting Antigua Education Minister, Michael Brown will be discussing with Education Minister, Patrick Faber. MICHAEL BROWN “It’s common knowledge that […]

Faber and His Ambitions for Prime Minister
Following the May 12th sitting of the House of Representatives, Prime Minister Dean Barrow spoke on his imminent early exit from his seat as Belize’s leader. He cited the primary reason being his health for such a decision. It has been rumoured for some time now that Barrow would not be completing his third term. […]

Faber Speaks Out On Personal Attacks
It is no secret that Deputy Prime Minister Patrick Faber has had a rocky past in terms of his personal relationship at home. It is a situation that has been used against him and as recent as last week there was an advertisement on local television condemning him and his personal life. Opposition Leader, John […]

Ian Jones Heads National Sports Council
The Ministry of Sports installed a new Director for the National Sports Council which became effective Monday, May 15, 2017. Ian Jones was named for that post. It was an appointment that went quietly as Ritchel Dominguez was replaced due to some internal challenges. Minister of Sports, Patrick Faber explains. PATRICK FABER “I don’t know […]

PlusTV

Guatemalan found murdered execution style on Coastal Road
A Guatemalan man was found murdered, execution style, on the Coastal Road. On Monday afternoon, an overturned vehicle was discovered near White Bridge area on the Coastal Road, Stann Creek District. Police say the Ford Explorer had its 4 wheels in the air. Beside it, was the body of 39 year old Gua...

Eldred Neal in hot water; NGC calls for his resignation
As we reported yesterday, the leader of the Public Service Union, President Eldred Neal is being asked to resign from that post due to inflammatory remarks he allegedly made against the Garifuna community. The remarks were made during a conversation between Neal and other trade union executives and ...

Marvin Mora tries to clear name in racial statements scandal
As you could hear, the controversial recording also has Marvin Mora in that discussion making statements along with Neal. According to the recordings, Mora also said that “Garifunas are greedy for power”. We also reached out to Mora for comment. Marvin Mora, Belize Energy Workers’ Union: I wan...

Danny Mason returns to court for Preliminary Inquiry Date
Heavily armed police officers stood around the Belmopan Magistrate’s Court this morning as infamous and alleged “Pastor Killer”, William “Danny” Mason, made his way to court today. As the nation is fully aware, Mason and four other men from Roaring Creek, Ashton Vanegas, Keron Fernandez, Terrence F...

BNTU Rejects Integrity Commission proposal to give elected officials pass
The Integrity Commission was re activated on January 12th of this year following demands of the Belize National Teachers Union during its 11 day strike. It was a great victory for the BNTU and the nation when the PM acceded. However, as we reported last week, the Commission sent out a request askin...

Chinese businessman robbed of $38,000
60-year-old Chinese businessman, Wei Bin Chen of Santa Elena town was robbed of $38,000 dollars yesterday. Chen reported to police that at approximately 8:10am, he was leaving his residence to deposit the money in the bank, but before he was able to do so, he was accosted by two men in his yard. O...

House burglarized while owner slept; $57,000 worth of valuables gone
Thieves made off with another hefty loot, this time in Corozal. According to police reports, On Sunday, 14th May, 2017 around 11:30 p.m.; 66-year-old Elena Esperanza Sanchez, a retiree of Corozal Town, awoke to find her house burglarized. Stolen were an assorted amount of jewelry, laptop, cellphone...

Amandala

Guatemalan man found murdered on Coastal Road
At about 12:30 this afternoon, a man was found dead on the Coastal Road, near White Bridge. Police have identified the man as Samuel Caal, a 39-year-old Guatemalan resident of Hope Creek. Caal had a gunshot wound in the back of the head. He was taken to the Southern Regional Hospital in Dangriga, where he was declared dead on arrival. Police said that when they went to the scene, they found a gold-colored Ford Explorer, which had overturned, with four wheels in the air. Caal was found on the ground, beside the vehicle.

PSU prez under fire on allegations of anti-Garifuna agenda
President of the Public Service Union (PSU), Eldred Neal, elected in 2015 to replace Marvin Blades, is under fire over allegations that he intends to “purge” the executive of the union of its Garifuna members and have them replaced because of their ethnicity. A recording of incendiary racial comments attributed to Neal, as well as a letter demanding his resignation was circulated among members of the press today. Nine of fifteen executive members have signed their names to the written demand hand-delivered to Neal last Thursday, calling on him to step down before the union’s annual general meeting slated for August and for him not to offer himself as a candidate in the upcoming elections—and Neal suggests that the terms of the demand should raise suspicion. Speaking with Amandala today, the PSU president denies the allegations levied against him, saying: “I am not offended with the individual [who lobbied the other executive members] for not wanting me as president, but for portraying me as a racist and a bigot.”

“We’re not sorry your building burned down,” Crooked Tree villagers tell Audubon
Over the weekend, all attention turned to the village of Crooked Tree for the annual Cashew Festival. However, before the start of the much-anticipated Cashew Fest, a fire of unknown origin burned the Belize Audubon Society’s building, located at the entrance of the village, to the ground. Amanda Acosta, executive director of the Belize Audubon Society, told our newspaper how her staff learnt about the fire. “We have two staff that live within the village and so they were getting calls in the early morning hours and then the site manager [Mr. Derrick Hendy] was actually going to do a birding activity in the early morning, so he was there around 3:30, and he called me about the fire. But by 3:30 the building was already engulfed in flames,” she explained. According to Acosta, she does not suspect that the fire started because of negligence on the part of her staff. “The building was opened on Friday. The normal procedure is we turn off everything — we don’t even have external lights on the building because there is a big street lamp right at the end of the corner,” she said.

Belize remittances to Guatemala totaled almost US $100 million in 2015
Data from countryeconomy.com revealed that in 2015, Belize had received US $74.6 million in remittances from the United States. Remittances refer to money received in payment for goods or services, or monies simply sent by friends and family members from one country to another. While the United States had sent the most in remittances to Belize, they were seconded by Canada, with approximately US $3.2 million and then Mexico with around US $3.0 million. Next in line was Guatemala, which accounted for around US $0.9 million in remittances to Belize. Astoundingly, however, remittances from Belize to Guatemala was almost US $100 million. In 2015, Belize sent a whopping US $95.3 million to Guatemala, while that country continues to have an unfounded claim to our territory. Guatemala was seconded by El Salvador, which received remittances of only $US 22.8 million.

Belize on alert for 23 escapees from Honduran prison
News outlets in Honduras are reporting that 23 high-profile convicted gangsters are on the loose following an escape from prison on Thursday evening. Twelve of them have been convicted of murder, among other charges, including extortion, drug trafficking and firearm-related incidents. Those men, all members of the Barrio 18 gang, had been housed in the special “Scorpion” unit at the medium-security Marco Aurelio Soto prison. That prison, according to Honduran news agencies, was built to house only 8,000 inmates, but currently holds around 17,000, making it very over-populated.

Vega misses 7 House meetings, but holds on to his seat and benefits
Former Deputy Prime Minister and United Democratic Party area representative for Orange Walk North, Gaspar Vega, missed his seventh consecutive House of Representatives meeting today, perhaps the longest running absence of any parliamentarian from the National Assembly. Three other parliamentarians were absent from today’s meeting: Belize Rural South representative for the ruling UDP, Manuel Heredia Jr.; Opposition People’s United Party member for Freetown, Francis Fonseca; and PUP member for Cayo South — Julius Espat. Vega has been absent from National Assembly meetings since he resigned from his ministerial post under pressure from Cabinet last October, in the wake of a shocking land compensation deal which allegedly played out while he held the ministerial portfolio for lands and which is now the subject of a legal claim to recover the funds from his son, Andre Vega, and Sharon Pitts.

Bandits 3-peat, again! 1-nil over Verdes for PLB 2016-2017 Closing Season championship
After a nil-nil finals game 1 at Norman Broaster Stadium the week before, defending Premier League of Belize (PLB) back-to-back champions Belmopan Bandits SC, sporting a Closing Season-long undefeated record, defended their home turf at the Isidoro Beaton Stadium on Saturday night with a late goal by right defender Ian Elvis Gaynair, a.k.a. Yellow, a perfectly placed header near the left goal post, off a corner from the right side, that gave the Bandits a 1-nil victory and the championship against a formidable Verdes FC.

Mano-a-mano in National Women’s semifinals game 1; decisive game 2 next Saturday, May 27
Both games in the National Amateur Women’s League football tournament semifinals this past weekend ended in deadlocked scores. Game 1 of the home-and-away semifinal series pitted the best two teams from the North and South groups going against each other, with the North #1, Belize City FC travelling to the South #2, Sagitun Strikers; and the South #1, Jewel Fury going to the North #2, Gladiators, both games being played yesterday, Sunday. And both ended with deadlocked scores. At the M.A. Stadium in Independence, home standing Sagitun Strikers struck first through Erica Vallecillo (36’); but, after Belize City FC responded with goals from Shanell Gentle, (67’) and Araceli Lambey (80’), Sagitun just managed to secure the 2-2 draw with a late goal from Karissa Rhamdas (88’).

San Pedro Tiger Sharks head to fourth straight Pepsi NEBL finals
The Pepsi NEBL semi-finals continued this past weekend, as a decisive game 3 was played today in San Pedro between Cayo Western Ballaz and San Pedro Tiger Sharks. The winner of this game would stamp their ticket to the finals, to face off with Belmopan Bandits. The home team, San Pedro Tiger Sharks was able to easily secure the 82–69 victory, as they took command of the game in the second quarter, and Cayo Western Ballaz was unable to cut the lead to single digits for the rest of the game. With the win, 2-time NEBL champions, San Pedro Tiger Sharks are heading to their fourth straight NEBL finals, as they try to erase the bitter taste from their mouths, after last season’s disappointing ending. Belmopan Bandits, on the other hand, have been resting, and now have even more motivation to bring home both semi-professional championships to the capital city, since Belmopan Bandits football team were crowned PLB champs last night.

Tiger Sharks dominate, 82-69, in decisive game 3 to oust Western Ballaz
The San Pedro Tiger Sharks benefitted immensely from Raul Roches’ 10 first-quarter points, and consequently was able to jump out to the early 24-17 first-quarter lead in the third and decisive game of the NEBL’s semi-finals, played Sunday on the island of San Pedro. The Tiger Sharks would never look back, and would never surrender the lead, eventually winning by the score of 82-69, and in so doing, put an abrupt end to the Western Ballaz’ season. If it sounds familiar, it’s because it is. The Sharks just seems to have the Ballaz’ number, and on Sunday afternoon it was no different. Even with the league’s MVP, George Williams ailing from a leg injury, the Ballaz were still unable to take advantage of this disparity, as they struggled enormously from the field, hitting just 11 of their first 35 field goal attempts, while committing 5 turnovers, which indisputably allowed their opponents to take the big 40-29 lead at the half. This lead would balloon to 56-36 close to the end of third-quarter play, which, for all intents and purposes, spelled the expiration of the Western Ballaz’ season.

Religion, politics and Technical
When the Belize Technical College was opened in 1952, it was a revolutionary initiative in Belize, because it was a non-religious secondary institution operated by the Government of British Honduras. The other secondary schools in the colony were St. John’s College/St. Catherine’s Academy; St. Michael’s College/St. Hilda’s College; and Wesley College, run by the Roman Catholic, Anglican, and Methodist Churches, respectively. It is important to note that the Anglican Church is one and the same, where leadership is concerned, with the United Kingdom of Great Britain. The monarch of England, in the present case Queen Elizabeth II, is the head of the Church of England. In other words, since 1534 the British do not allow for a difference between their religion and their politics. Probably the most striking aspect of the Declaration of Independence from Great Britain by the Thirteen Colonies of the United States in 1776 was that the Americans called for the absolute separation of the Church from the State, and that constitutional provision has been maintained until the present day. Religion and politics are separated in the governance of the United States, but the overwhelmingly Christian beliefs of the American people have a considerable impact on America’s foreign policy, such that the new American President, Donald J. Trump, has been declaring “radical Islam” to be America’s greatest enemy.

From the Publisher
48 years ago, when we had just opened our UBAD office at #45 Hyde’s Lane, two young ladies from St. John’s College Sixth Form visited us on two or three occasions. This would be in the afternoons after classes. There was some UBAD-related energy at the Sixth Form, I guess, but I’m not sure when it was that Zinkle actually began banning Afros and demanding that dashikis be tucked inside students’ trousers. One of the young ladies was taller, slimmer, darker, from Punta Gorda, and the other young student was shorter, chubbier, lighter, from Belize City. What I remember and what is of relevance to this essay is that the lighter-skinned sister had a problem with the word “black.” Because she didn’t look black, in the sense that she had previously understood the word, she couldn’t embrace the concept with reference to herself. Fate made it so that I was the one, having recently graduated from college in the United States, who did most of the introducing of the black power philosophy in Belize in 1969. This is how I was thrust into public life, and began speaking on rostrums. I never wanted to be a public speaker: I considered myself a writer, and a creative one at that.

–A Canadian man, John Deshaies, who was named as a possible suspect in the police’s investigation of a double murder in Corozal Town, but was remanded to prison on a charge of handling stolen goods, was freed this afternoon after he was offered and met bail in the Supreme Court of Justice Antoinette Moore during a bail application hearing. Deshaies was picked up by police on May 2 after the bodies of Canadian Francesca Matus, 52, and her American boyfriend, Drew DeVoursney, 36, were discovered in a cane field on the outskirts of Chan Chen, Corozal. The couple had been strangled. The discovery of the murdered couple attracted international media attention, and the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) offered investigative assistance to Belize police in an effort to solve the murders.
–A Canadian man, John Deshaies, who was named as a possible suspect in the police’s investigation of a double murder in Corozal Town, but was remanded to prison on a charge of handling stolen goods, was freed this afternoon after he was offered and met bail in the Supreme Court of Justice Antoinette Moore during a bail application hearing. Deshaies was picked up by police on May 2 after the bodies of Canadian Francesca Matus, 52, and her American boyfriend, Drew DeVoursney, 36, were discovered in a cane field on the outskirts of Chan Chen, Corozal. The couple had been strangled. The discovery of the murdered couple attracted international media attention, and the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) offered investigative assistance to Belize police in an effort to solve the murders.

Bishop Elect, Father Lawrence Sydney Nicasio, ordained
On Saturday, hundreds of Roman Catholic faithful made their way to the St. John’s College gymnasium in Belize City to witness the ordination of Bishop Elect, Father Lawrence Sydney Nicasio, the new Bishop of Belize City and Belmopan. Nicasio, the third native Bishop, succeeds Bishop Emeritus Dorick Wright, who formally resigned in January. Nicasio was born in Dangriga on September 5, 1956. Our research of his education background revealed that he graduated from the Belize Teachers’ College, where he received certification as a teacher. Thereafter he completed his undergraduate studies in philosophy at the Glennon Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri. He went on to complete his postgraduate studies and received a Master of Divinity at the Kenrich College Seminary, also in St. Louis, Missouri.

Labour intervention begins today after walkout by SSB workers
Amandala is reliably informed that two disputing parties—the management of the Belize Social Security Board (SSB), on the one hand, and the unionized workers represented by the Christian Workers Union (CWU), on the other—are meeting at the Labour Department in Belmopan today, as they continue to be divided on proposed changes to vacation leave entitlements and vacation grants which would be applied to new workers. The union claims that the move is a form of union-busting which would create a disincentive for new workers to join the union if it compromises on the vacation issue now, and they also claim that the measure is a violation of the principle of equal pay for equal work—assertions which SSB’s management denies. Three Fridays ago, workers staged a sickout in protest against the proposed changes, and at 3:00 p.m. this past Friday, several SSB workers staged a walkout because of the unresolved issues.

Two multi-million-dollar loans approved by the House
Members of the lower house of Parliament today approved motions for two multi-million-dollar loans, one for a Government guarantee of a US$20 million loan from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) to the Development Finance Corporation (DFC) for on-lending to Belizeans and another for US$10 million for community level projects to be funded through the Belize Social Investment Fund. Opposition Leader Johnny Briceño asked the Government side why they were rushing through the money bills in Friday’s sitting, suggesting that the Government is doing so because of imminent elections. Prime Minister Dean Barrow replied to Briceño that there is a queue of DFC borrowers who are anxious to press ahead with the enterprises for which they need the financing.

Breaking Belize News

Man remanded for cosmetic store robbery
On Friday night around 8, a cosmetics store was robbed of $2,900 in cash. According to police reports, the cashier was held up at gunpoint by two Hispanic men who stole the money out of the cash register. Yesterday, Christian Cal, 21, was charged […]

BTB launches Hotel registration campaign
The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) this week launched a public awareness campaign to remind owners and operators of guest accommodation services of their obligations and requirements under the Hotel and Tourist Accommodation Act. Any owner or operator providing accommodation for remuneration purposes to any […]

Corozal retiree loses $57,000 to burglars
On Sunday, around 11:30 p.m. Elena Esperanza Sanchez, a 66-year-old retiree of Corozal town awoke to find her house had been burglarized. The culprit/s stole an assorted amount of jewelry, a laptop, cellphones and cash all to a total value of $57,062. Police are […]

“What is Barrow afraid of?”, PUP asks
The People’s United Party, in a statement yesterday, said it is greatly concerned but not surprised of Prime Minister Dean Barrow’s adamant stance that he and his UDP Ministers and officials should not declare their assets and liabilities going back five years. “This, no […]

Blogs

Four things to do in Dangriga
If you love culture and not crowds then Dangriga is the place you have to visit. Located at the end of the Hummingbird Highway, Dangriga is the capital of Belize’s Stann Creek District and is home to the Garifuna, a cultural and ethnic group who are descendants of shipwrecked slaves and native Caribs. The town is a suitable base to explore the following Dangriga tours: Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1986 as the first jaguar reserve in the world. Covering approximately 150 square miles of tropical forest, the park lies at the foot of Victoria Peak, the highest peak of Belize’s Maya Mountains. Hike through the jungle, splash by the waterfall, or float down the river under a sky of birdsong and green canopy.

23 Awesome Things To Do With Your Kids in Belize
Situated in Central America, the beautiful country of Belize is the perfect choice when looking for a family-friendly destination, as there are a plethora of things to do with your kids in Belize. As such, here’s 23 awesome things to do with your kids in Belize. No vacation to Belize is complete without a visit to the Maya ruins of Belize. These delightful archeological sites contain museums and tourist shops that your kids are sure to enjoy. For an experience your kids will never forget, hike the Belizean rainforest, where you will spot different jungle animals and birds.

International Sources

FIRST TITAN COLLEGIAN!
Belizean Football Athlete recruited by Colorado University to play soccer. Colorado Rush is excited to announce the Titan Program has graduated its first player to the collegiate level! The Titan Residency Program is made for players who want to come and learn the Rush Way, improve their soccer skills, and just have a unique experience! The House has been in operation for three years now and has seen players from Alaska to Japan come through its doors! Dmitri Fabro has been a stand out resident and one that latched on to the Rush immediately. Fabro has been living at Titan for the past two year and training with the Rush while pursuing the dream of playing college soccer. Dmitri is from Belize and played soccer the majority of his youth career there. He eventually found his way out to the Colorado Rush through a connection with the Rush club in Belize.

Survivor shares breast cancer awareness message on Belize trips
When Rena and Russell Rager’s son, Andy, was deployed to Afghanistan in January 2011 with the U.S. Army Reserves, Rena thought she’d go crazy worrying about her only son. “I was overwhelmed with all those feelings one has – anxiety, worry, fear – when a child is going into a war zone,” she said. “It was something all mothers dream about, but only in nightmare mode. I prayed God would give me a hobby or something to take my mind off the situation Andy would be in for the next year.” And, as always, God was listening. But instead of giving Rena a hobby, he gave her breast cancer. “Seven days after Andy left, I was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma,” she said. “I’d just started a new job as administrative assistant at Defiance College’s McMaster School for Advancing Humanity, my son had been deployed overseas and my world was spinning out of control.

IFSC Warns Against Belize Based Broker Due to Forged License
The International Financial Services Commission (IFSC) of Belize has released a statement warning locals and traders alike that Broker Fixed Star lnlvestment Inc. [sic] is operating under a fake license. The company falsely claims to own a trading in securities license from the Belizean regulator, going so far as to showcase the forged document on the website in an attempt to fool clients regarding its status. The IFSC further noted that none of the other local regulators have issued the broker a certificate to proceed with any online trading operations either. Fixed Star Inlvestment Inc. is also known as Fixed Star Group, and it claims an address at Withfield Tower Third Floor 4792 Coney Drive, Belize City. This broker promotes itself as a firm which trades forex, CFDs, energy, and precious metals. The false license raises quite a few red flags.

Belize’s Cockscomb Basin’s Howler Monkey Translocation Is Declared a Success
For 30 days in April and May, 2017, a team of researchers surveyed the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary and its surrounding environs for Central American black howler monkeys (Alouatta pigra). The Cockscomb monkeys are descended from animals that were first brought into the sanctuary 25 years ago in an effort to reintroduce howler monkeys to the area. Howler monkeys had disappeared from the Cockscomb in the late 1970’s due to a combination of factors, including: Hurricane Hattie in 1961, which leveled as much as 90 percent of the canopy in the basin; a yellow fever epidemic; and uncontrolled hunting before the area was protected. Between 1992 and 1994 the Wildlife Conservation Society, the Belize Audubon Society, and Community Conservation Consultants Inc. translocated 62 monkeys in 14 social groups from the Community Baboon Sanctuary in northern Belize to the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, a 400-square-kilometer protected area 100 km to the south. The basin was first declared a protected area in 1984, but the high mountain ridges surrounding the basin and human activity at the entrance prevented howler monkeys from re-colonizing the area on their own. The monkeys were studied intensively from 1992 through 1995 and surveyed regularly until 2007.

Harvest Caye cruise port schedule 2017
Timetable for cruise ships scheduled to arrive in the NCL Island port of Harvest Caye, Belize 2017 including arrival and departure times. The cruise timetable data of the schedules showing which cruise ships are in Harvest Caye, is based on the cruise lines itineraries. All ships are linked to their complete cruise itinerary In order for you to see the next port of call just click on the specific vessel. Please note, cruise ship arrivals can be subject of change by the cruise operators. For creating this data itinerary of the following cruise lines was used: Azamara Club Cruises itinerary, Celebrity Cruises itinerary, Royal Caribbean Cruise lines itinerary, Norwegian Cruise lines itinerary, Holland America line itinerary, Regent Seven Seas itinerary, MSC Cruise lines itinerary, Carnival Cruise Line itinerary, Oceania Cruise lines itinerary, Princess Cruises itinerary, Seabourn itinerary, Thomson Cruises itinerary, Windstar itinerary, Aida itinerary, Costa Cruises itinerary, Saga Cruises itinerary, P&O; Cruises itinerary.

Videos

May 16, 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

Maryurit Triminio crowned Miss SPHS 2017-2018
On Friday, May 12th, San Pedro High School (SPHS) hosted their annual ‘Miss SPHS’ pageant. Serving as the school’s biggest fundraiser, the pageant saw hundreds packing the Angel Nuñez Auditorium for a night of beauty, elegance, and entertainment. After an intense competition, 15-year-old Maryurit Triminio was chosen as SPHS’s newest beauty ambassador. This year’s pageant featured a Central American theme, where Kiriany Caal (Panama), Babee Lopez (Costa Rica), Arianie Novelo (El Salvador), Nia Figueroa (Honduras), and Maryurit Triminio (Mexico) vied for the crown. While the five delegates made their first appearance with a dance, they each introduced their country. Taking the title of first runner-up was Nia Figueroa, while the new Miss SPHS was announced as Maryurit Triminio, to the delight of the crowd. She was crowned by the outgoing Miss SPHS Faith Edgar, after which she graciously waved from onstage and took a walk as the new Miss SPHS. She also won amazing prizes, including a one year scholarship to SPHS, a tablet, and several gift certificates.

Belize Defence Force Officer Excels in Pilot Training in Jamaica
The Ministry of Defence wishes to inform the public that one of its Belize Defence Force Officers has excelled in a Pilot Training – code name Wings Course 1601- in Jamaica. Captain Francis Usher placed first in the course which lasted just over fourteen months. Officers from Belize and Jamaica participated in the course which was funded by the Canadian government. The Ministry of Defence and the Belize Defence Force congratulate Captain Francis Usher on his performance and wish him well in his career as a Pilot.

Over 500 lionfish caught in Reef Week Tournament
Estel’s Dine by the Sea hosted a Lionfish Tournament on Friday, May 12th, as part of the 12th annual Reef Week celebration. Not only was it an opportunity to win great prizes, but the tournament also raised awareness on the invasive species. Lionfish are an invasive species who are voracious eaters and have no natural predator. They are a threat to our marine life as they continue to gobble juvenile crab, lobster, conchs, and fish. Four registered teams and one fun group managed to capture a total of 554 lionfish. Amigos Del Mar, Ramon’s Village, C-Monkey, Belize Diving Adventures, and Passion Kite Belize (fun team) headed out to the sea, and by 3PM, began arriving with coolers full of lionfish. After all teams had come onshore, their catch was counted, and the largest and smallest lionfish were measured.

Social Security Board Public Service Announcement
On Thursday May 11, the Social Security Board (SSB) reported the existence of a trade dispute with the Christian Workers Union (CWU) to the Minister of Labour, Hon. Hugo Patt, in accordance with Section 11 of the Settlement of Disputes in the Essential Services Act, Chapter 298. The dispute arises out of the fact that SSB and CWU have been unable to reach agreement on the new Collective Bargaining Agreement. SSB is hopeful that the pending mediation process will commence without delay in an effort to reach a mutually beneficial outcome. The public is hereby advised that some services at the SSB’s offices countrywide may be impacted in the event the CWU proceeds with any type of industrial action. SSB will strive, as best as possible, to maintain basic services at its offices in the event of any type of industrial action by the CWU.

Ambergris Today

San Pedro Reef Week In Review In Case You Missed It
San Pedro's Reef Week, organized by the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, took place last week from May 8 to May 14 under the theme 'Let's Protect our Greatest Treasure; So it's Enjoyed with Pleasure.' It is a week in which the Hol Chan Marine Reserve organizes various activities and events that involve the community to create awareness and knowledge of the reef's importance to Belize. In case you missed any of the events, here is a rundown of Reef Week 2017 in La Isla Bonita. Monday - The Swim to the Reef kicked off the week with participants taking the plunge at Amigos del Mar dive center and swimming to the reef and back during the early morning hours. It's a healthy activity to promote a healthy reef.

Maryurit Triminio Crowned Miss San Pedro High 2017
Ms. Maryurit Triminio was crowned Miss San Pedro High School 2017 over the weekend at the high school pageant that went under the team “Central America” at the R. Angel Nuñez Auditorium on Friday, May 12. Maryurit also won the title of Miss Congeniality, Eloquence and Elegance. First Runner-Up was Ms. Nia Figueroa who also won Ms. Photogenic and Ms. Kiriany Caal won the title of Ms. Social Media. Five beautiful young ladies including: Miss Panama Kiriany Caal, Miss Costa Rica Babee Lopez, Miss El Salvador Arianie Novelo, Miss Honduras Nia Figueroa, and Miss Mexico Maryurit Triminio graced the stage as the pageant proceeded throughout its four segments: an opening dance and introduction, costume competition, pProfessional attire, sports ware and the evening gown competition with questions and answers.

Celebrity Spotting: Kendis Gibson In San Pedro During Visit To Belize
He may not be a Hollywood celebrity but he is a celebrity in the eyes of Belizeans as Kendis Gibson, a Belizean native residing in the United States of America as made name for himself as a successful journalist. He just recently was named co-anchor of ABC’s ‘America This Morning’ & ‘World News.” This past weekend he was back home revisiting family and childhood memories. “Amazing weekend trip with family and friends in Belize,” commented Kendis Gibson on a Facebook post. “And met plenty of new friends. Great story to come in the next week on @abcwnn. See you all Tuesday am.” Kendis hasn't been back in Belize for eleven years and this weekend was his and his brother's first trip to San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. They stayed at The Phoenix, spent the day at Portofino, enjoyed a sunset cruise with Tuff e Nuff and were hosted for dinner at Finn & Martini. Kendis spent just one overnight on Ambergris Caye, but was also in the mainland for a few days.

Misc Belizean Sources

Belize Fishing Report, May 8 thru May 14
Another awesome week of bonefishing with the Baton Rouge group. Alex and Bailey put together a fun group of fishermen and women to try their hand at bonefishing. Everybody had a great time and caught plenty of bonefish. The weather was beautiful and the fish were hungry. Belize is the perfect spot for the beginning bonefish angler. Come give it a try!

Mother's Day event on Caye Caulker
Mother's Day with my Mom, Electro Sounds, friends. Good job CCVC, the ambiance was great, music; service was good and so was the Pibil, Relleno; complimentary Sangria & wine!

Splashers
Hi Guys since half the splashes are gone would you guys want to paint something I've done in the past that most of you missed? If you plan on being there Thursday post a picture of a painting you have missed but want to do. If not we can always paint from a picture. :)

>Orange Walk Gladiators vs. Belmopan Jewel Fury
Game 1 Result 1_1 .... Lets see what happens in the return match in Capital City Belmopan ......

Mr. Choo Choo at the Corozal Town Historical Walk
We are happy to announce Mr. Choo Choo will be on hand this Thursday morning May 18, as we inaugurate the Corozal Town Historical Walk. The service is available for small fee to our elderly citizens and residents who would prefer to ride the tour.

Rescued white fronts
These three little white fronts were inside a rotten tre that was (understandably) chopped down. Lucky the person chopping heard these chicks calling, rescued them from the wreckage and called us up to come and help. There was nothing of the tree or nest left to put back up, and no suitable trees nearby to rig up a new nest. Another human threat to wildlife along with fires is land-clearing or over-zealous gardening. Please, check for nests and cavities before you cut down trees or trim branches. "Look, look before you lop"!!

Today is 11 Kimi in the Maya Tzolk'in calendar
Kimi represents death. It is a day to commune with the ancestors.

BELIZE DEFENCE FORCE OFFICER EXCELS IN PILOT TRAINING IN JAMAICA
The Ministry of Defence wishes to inform the public that one of its Belize Defence Force Officers has excelled in a Pilot Training - code name Wings Course 1601- in Jamaica. Captain Francis Usher placed first in the course which lasted just over fourteen months. Officers from Belize and Jamaica participated in the course which was funded by the Canadian government.

2 Girls missing
14 year old Nayeli Cifuentes, a student of Dorothy Mendez Child Care Center was dropped off at her school on the 15th May 2017 about 7:15 a.m. Cifuentes is about 4’5” tall, Slim built, has long dark brown hair, dark brown eyes, and she was last seen wearing a red checkered uniform dress with white blouse, white socks and black shoes. 14 year old Jocelyn Mancia, a student of Dorothy Menzies Center was reported missing on the 15th May 2017. The care officer from the center went to pick her up at school but was informed that she wasn't there. Mancia is 5’0” tall, has long curly dark brown hair, almond shape dark brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a white uniform dress with red buttons, white socks and black shoes. If seen kindly detain and inform this control earliest or call 911 or 0800-2929-688.

The New Children's Agenda
Today is celebrated worldwide as the International Day of Families under the theme, “Families, education and well-being.” In commemoration of this day, Belize through the National Committee for Families and Children made this 15th day of May quite monumental and symbolic as both the Prime Minster Right Honorable Dean Barrow and Leader of Opposition Honorable John Briceno made their global proclamation with the signing of the new Children’s Agenda 2017 – 2030. The Agenda is a results framework that looks at the development of children and adolescence age 0-19 over the next 14 years.

Condolences. Very sad love story
Charett Palacio Martinez got her wish to get married Friday, Stann Creek Palliative Care sadden to say she pass away last night

Rescued Mealy Amazon
This little blue-headed Mealy Amazon’s arrival into the clinic late last night reminds us of a serious threat to wildlife: the burning of agricultural fields and bushland. A common practice in the dry season, burning -- even controlled, small-scale burning -- causes stress and irreversible harm if not death to nestlings who cannot fly off to seek refuge from the biting flames, suffocating heat, and relentless smoke. Little Smoky was one of the victims of what was likely a 'mischief' burn. Fortunately, the amazingly alert landowners heard her cries through the flames and rescued her and brought her straight to BBR. It was touch-and-go for a few hours, as the nestling suffered smoke-inhalation, heat stress and shock. The whole night we kept her on an oxygen-enriched mixture and periodic medication by inhalation through a nebulizer. Incredibly, she made it through the critical 24 hour intake period, so we are cautiously optimistic for her survival. The medication and oxygen expenses for her treatment were $100 and her rehab is going to be close to $1000, but she is totally worth it!!! A reminder to please think before you start a fire, you never know just how many little bird or animal homes might be harmed. Big-up to Emile Mena and workers for this incredible rescue!!

Training in Natural Resource Valuation (NRV)
The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, The Environment, Sustainable Development and Immigration under the GEF funded project “Capacity Building for the strategic planning and management of natural resources in Belize,” will be conducting a training in Natural Resource Valuation (NRV). The Ministry has requested expert services from Wolfs Company to conduct the capacity development activities in NRV. The specific objectives of this consultancy include developing a sustainable training program and materials to facilitate unbiased and cost-efficient assessments of public and private investments; sensitizing key stakeholders on NRV methodologies and their utility; and developing NRV expertise in Belize. The participants from government, NGO and academia will be participating in a 5-day intensive training program from 15-19 May, 2017.

Chocolate Wasted
Catch Casanova and friends Live !!! Saturday May 20th in Punta Gorda town for Chocolate Wasted inside Roots Rock Reggae Night Club after party for the chocolate fest weekend !!!

Corozal Public Library Tea Party May 19
Lets Celebrate Mom at the Corozal Public Library! . For more information Please call the number or come see the librarian at the Library. Thanks!

Art in the Park
Due to both April and May's scheduled Art in the Park being rained out ...we are happy to announce that Art in the Park will be held this Saturday May 20th!! Come on out and enjoy!

Scholarship Opportunities Available
: Sarteneja Alliance for Conservation and Development under a KFW/MarFunds Project will be awarding sixteen (16)-one year (1 yr) Scholarships (4 for each Form-tuition only) for students among the communities of Sarteneja, Chunox & Copperbank Village. Students interested in applying for the 2017 awards please feel free to fill out the application form and submit to us as soon as possible!

Toyota Chiquibul Expedition
The Toyota Chiquibul Expedition is this weekend. They have a nice itinerary for the event. "The Toyota Chiquibul Expedition will take place May 20th & 21st starting in Belize City. The tour will visit sites in the Chiquibul Rainforest and Caracol Maya Ruins."

THE LIVING MAYA educational lecture series
NICH is happy to support THE LIVING MAYA educational lecture series by Ms. Chun in our schools. Please contact Ms. Chun or ISCR if you would like to book a presentation at your school. Belize Elementary School would like to thank Ms. Donatila Chun from San Antonio Village, Toledo for coming to school today to give our students a talk on Maya culture, dress, music and history. It was an educational experience for the students that will help them understand the people a bit more.

5 year Chiquibul National Park Management Plan
With support from the Key Biodiversity Area Project, an inception meeting for development of the next 5 year Chiquibul National Park Management Plan (2017-2022) was held today at the PACT office in Belmopan.

Channel 7

Trouble In The PSU - President Accused of Racism
Tonight, nine members of the Public Service Union council of management have asked President Eldred Neal to resign from the PSU and not offer himself as President in the upcoming August elections. The letter accuses Neal of racism against Garifuna members of the council, quote, "on the basis of statements you purportedly made to other council members." It further alleges, quote, "you are in the process of conducting an exercise to purge the Council of Management of its Garifuna constituents," and adds, quote, "We are now in receipt of information which...confirms...such statements...that...you are engineering a plan to replace executive members of the council on the basis of their racial background," end quote.

Belize Audubon Society’s Visitor Center In Crooked Tree Burns, Residents Not Grieving Its Loss
The Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary - established in 1984, it's one of Belize's first major reserves, and is one of only two sites in the country designated as "Wetlands of International Importance," what are known as RAMSAR sites. But, behind all those fancy titles, there's long been friction the ideal of preservation and the practical realities of traditional fishing and hunting practices. Basically, many residents of Crooked Tree "hold grudge" against the Audubon for cramping their long established patterns of using the land to eat. And that's why the community isn't exactly grieving after the Audubon Society building went up in flames this weekend. Daniel Ortiz has more on the fire and the background to it:...

Outlaw “Fayuqueros” Close Federal Highway Leading to Bze-Mex Border In Protest
Belizeans returning from Mexico on Sunday afternoon experienced an unexpected obstruction. Defiant Mexican fayuqueros had blocked the federal highway leading to the Belize-Mexico border with tree branches and cement blocks and old scarps of wood. They did it in protest of the closure of the old bridge which we told you about last week. That bridge was closed in a joint effort between Mexican and Belizean authorities to stop illegal exportation across that bridge. Well, the fayuqueros run that operation and in protest they decided to block the Mexican Federal Highway to the new Chactemal Bridge. The Mexican Embassy confirms that the road was blocked for about 25 minutes between 2:00 pm and 3:00 pm on Sunday. After that it was cleared by the Mexican military. The embassy says Belizean and Mexican authorities are collaborating to prevent any other incident. Now, the fayuqueros are saying that if the old bridge isn't opened they will block it again. Well, to that, the Mexican Embassy says the Mexican Customs Authorities are applying the law at the bridge and everybody has to follow the rules.

Honduran Gang Members Escape Jail, Could They Be Headed Here?
And in other regional news, Central American police and security forces are currently on high alert after news broke this weekend that 22 dangerous gang members escaped from one of Honduras' most overcrowded prisons. The members of the Barrio 18 gang were being held at the Marco Aurelio Soto prison just North of Tegucigalpa, a facility designed to hold about 8000 inmates, but currently houses 17000. The gangsters were scheduled to be moved to a higher security prison due to their heavy involvement in extortion, murders and drug trafficking within prison walls. However, according to reports, news of their transfer did not sit well with the gangsters, which prompted the escape. The inmates escaped last Thursday, but it was not reported until Saturday. The director and multiple guards at the military run prison have been put on leave.

Kids Escape Fire In PG
3 kids escaped a house blaze in Bella Vista, Toledo on Saturday. 40 year old Elvira Peck left her 3 kids - ages 2, 6 and 16 - home alone on Saturday morning around 7:00. She was heading to San Isidro Village. But later on around 11:00, Peck's neighbor saw the flames coming from Peck's wooden house. The neighbor raced over and snatched the kids away from the fire. The report is that one of the kids were playing with a lighter. The fire department has stressed many times before that parents NEED to supervise their children especially when lighters, matches and other incendiary items are in the home.

The Meaning Of Music Week
The 2nd Annual Music Week officially launched this morning. The Belizean public will get to enjoy performances by some of the country's most beloved musicians and vocalists, while the artists themselves will be able to attend seminars and workshops about copyright laws and compensation. Our news team attended a press conference with Music Ambassador Shyne Barrow, and some of the artists, here's Alex Courtenay with the story... Music week provides a platform for Belizean musicians to perform, as well as learn about strategies to help them turn their music into a business. This year's theme revolves around music and copyright enforcement, specifically in properly compensating musicians.

Tyre Pyre On Roadside For Dead Horse
This morning, anyone travelling to or from Belmopan would have noticed a a pyre of tires on the side of the highway three miles out from the city. Now, tyre fires on the road are usually associated with during protests or civil unrest, but that wasn't the case this morning. According to reports, some time on Saturday night a truck crashed into a horse on the side of the road, killing the animal at the scene. No one moved it, and because of the advanced state of decomposition, the Belmopan City County decided against transporting the entire body, instead opting to burn it on the roadside on a tyre pyre and discard of the remains.

Political Leaders Sign Unto Children's Agenda
Today is the International Day of Families and to mark the occasion, Prime Minister Dean Barrow and the Leader of the Opposition Johnny Briceno signed the Children's Agenda 2017 - 2030. The agenda looks at creating policies that support the development of children and adolescents over the next fourteen years. The document also focuses on raising awareness of the role of the family in promoting early childhood education.

Murder In South
Police have confirmed that there was a murder today on the Coast Highway in the Stann Creek District. This afternoon around 1:26 police visited the White Bridge area on the Coastal Road, Stann Creek. There they saw a gold colored Ford Explorer overturned with 4 wheels in the air. Beside it was fatally wounded 39 year old Guatemalan and resident of Hope Creek Stann Creek, Edwardo Samuel Caal Sub with a gunshot wound to the back of the head. Police investigations continue.

President Eldred Says This Is a Takedown
And another story that will be developing into tomorrow is the one we told you about in our headline: the controversy surrounding PSU president Eldred Neal. He's accused of making racist remarks against Garifunas in the public service, and - in a leaked recording which was made without his knowledge - he also speaks about that ethnic groups control of certain aspects of the union's activities. Neal is a creole - and says he has only been trying to get parity across the board. Today he said the recording was released not because of the PSU, but because of the NTUCB where the PSU is objecting to the presidency of Floyd Neal - and certain unionists - who - in order to have their way - need his delegate Jacqueline Willoughby out of the way. Here is how he put it:

Armed Gunman Get Money in Cayo And City
Tonight, 21 year-old Christian Cal is at the Belize Central Prison after being taken to court for armed robbery. Police say that he and another man held up a cosmetics store on Friday night and robbed the owner of over $2,000 in cash. According to police at around 8 p.m. on Friday night, the 23-year-old cashier of the Cosmetics Corner, on Orange Street, was winding down for the evening. That's when 2 Hispanic men entered the store and held him up at gunpoint. They went to the cash register, where they made off with approximately $2,900 in cash. Police worked quickly and today, they charged Christian Cal with robbery. He was arraigned before Magistrate Carlon Mendoza, where he pleaded not guilty. He was remanded to the Belize Central Prison.

Belizean Pilot Soars Above Peers
Today the Ministry of Defence issued a press release congratulating BDF Officer Captain Francis Usher on his excellent performance in Jamaica's pilot training, Wings Course 1601. Usher joined soldier from Belize and Jamaica in the fourteen month course, ranking first among his cohorts. The course was funded by the Canadian government.

A Court Of Dreams
It has been 21 years since the Iguana Street Basketball Court was built and it finally got a much needed makeover. Today the revived basketball court was inaugurated and the youth in the area didn't waste any time in trying it out. Now this is part of an initiative to keep youth off the street through sports. In early April we had reported on the first court that was opened on Faber's Road. Today at a short ceremony on Iguana Street, the Deputy Director of the National Sports Council Charlie Slusher discussed how impactful this new court space will be for the kids. The Ministry of Youth and Sports and the National Sports Council partnered on this project. The total cost of renovations is about $12,000.

New Catholic Bishop Ordained
Belize's Catholics welcomed the 2nd Garifuna Bishop of Belize, the Most reverend Lawrence Sydney Nicasio. He was ordained at the St. John's college gymnasium on Saturday morning, May 13. Archbishop Leon Kalenga, the papal Nuncio to el Salvador led the mass with six other bishops. Bishop Nicasio received the ring, miter and pastoral staff of his office from Arch Bishop Kalenga. The gym was packed to capacity by delegations from all the catholic parishes in the country, the largest delegations came from Orange Walk where Bishop Nicasio had served as the parish priest of La Inmaculada parish for 13 years, and from Dangriga. Deputy prime Minsiter Patrick Faber and Opposition leader Hon. John Briceno were among the guests in the congregation, as well as Minister Hon. Frank Mena, and the U.S. Embassy's Charge de Affaires Adrienne Kalanek.

Toledo West Rep Says GOB Needs To Stand Up
Earlier in the news we told you about the jail break in Honduras with 22 gang members from that country on the loose. Well, southern Belize already has enough to fear from Guatemala. On Friday in the House of Representatives Area Representative for Toledo West Oscar Requena spoke about Guatemalans making audacious incursions:... Hon. Oscar Requeña - Area Rep, Toledo West "It appears that Guatemalans have come all the way into Belize and are actually cutting trails and laying claims, you know, and wanting to get Belizeans out of that area. Now this is a serious matter madam speaker, and I want to make a special appeal to the Minister in charge of National security to ensure- and it's a pitty he's not here- to ensure that the relevant authorities go into that area and control that area. This is unacceptable we cannot have Guatemalans coming in and claiming sovereignty in our area. But I want to take it further Madam speaker. San Benito Poite, we were there over the weekend as well, and they are having similar problems where you have these apparent Guatemalan farmers coming in and setting up shop. They want to, you know, make pastures in Belizean territory. Belize is for Belizeans madam speaker and we must assert our sovereignty over our nation."

CDB Money For SIF Projects
And that isn't the only bit from the house meeting we didn't have time to air on Friday. A major part of the business of the house was a 10 million US dollar loan motion for 10 million US dollars to the Social investment fund. The money is form the CDB and government explained how it will be used:... Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow - Prime Minister: "The project consists of the following components: 8 community subprojects, finance 24 small medium size community projects to improve the living conditions of approximately 35 thousand beneficiaries." Hon. John Briceno - Opposition Leader: "Which communities does the government plan to spend this $10 million US? Because, as I've said, there is so much need."

CDB Money For DFC
And that wasn't the only loan approved at Friday's House sitting. The Caribbean Development bank is also giving the DFC a loan, but this one is for 20 million US dollars. The Prime Minster outlined the priority areas for this line of credit:.. That bill goes to the Senate on Friday of this week.

Channel 5

P.S.U. President Caught on Tape Making Racist Comments Against Garifuna
The leadership of the Public Service Union is under fire tonight, following inflammatory remarks made against the Garifuna community by President Eldred Neal.  The seemingly disparaging comments were made during [...]

Attorney for Missing Teacher, Pamela Lino, Asks Public Help
High school teacher Pamela Lino remains missing and police are no closer to ascertaining whether the charred skeletal remains found inside her vehicle are those of the Belmopan resident.  That’s [...]

Dolores Balderamos-Garcia Says Lino Was Fighting Divorce, Had Protection Order
Coincidentally, Lino had recently gotten a protection and occupation order for her property in Santa Elena, the residence whose ownership is under dispute.   Dolores Balderamos-Garcia, Attorney for Pamela Lino [...]

Fire Destroys Historic Audubon Building in Crooked Tree
Within hours of the kick-off of the popular cashew fest in the village of Crooked Tree, a fire broke out at the offices of the Belize Audubon Society. The wooden [...]

Roman Catholic Church Installs New Bishop Larry Nicasio
Saturday morning was a day of celebration for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Belize City-Belmopan.  It formally welcomed its third native Bishop, Lawrence Sydney Nicasio of Dangriga, in an elaborate [...]

Fire Service Updates on Quallo’s Alley Fire
On Friday, a house in Belize City was destroyed by fire around one-thirty p.m. The town-house style home was occupied by two families, a total of eleven persons.  The families [...]

P.M. Condemns Anti-Patrick Faber Ad Mentioning Divorce, Alleged Assault
With the countdown officially on to the retirement of Prime Minister Dean Barrow, speculation has begun on the internal race to succeed him. Deputy Prime Minister and first deputy leader [...]

Fuel Tax Increase in Budget Not Fully to Blame for Price Increases
Fuel moves Belize, but the question tonight is whether the country may grind to a halt as a result of rising fuel prices. According to Prime Minister Dean Barrow, the [...]

Reassessing Belize’s Relations with Venezuela
Fuel from Venezuela, refined in Curacao, is Belize’s main source under the Petrocaribe program. But because of continued unrest in the South American state and ongoing issues related to world [...]

22 Gangsters Break Jail in Honduras
The public is being advised to be on the alert for twenty-two escapees from Honduras who are considered dangerous. The gang members escaped from one of the most crowded prisons [...]

P.U.P. Continues Complaints on Integrity Commission
The People’s United Party issued a statement today about the Integrity Commission further to the House meeting on Friday.  The P.U.P. wants to know what Prime Minister Dean Barrow is [...]

Contrabandistas Retaliate for Closure of Old Border Bridge
There was another border incident over the weekend in the north. Last week we reported that the Governments of Belize and Mexico had agreed to close the Chactemal area, which [...]

Teenager Charged with Drug, Bicycle Offenses
He was caught by police with a bag of weed while riding a bicycle without a bell contrary to traffic and later Kyle Latchman managed to escape. He was soon [...]

Court Reporter Anita Nembhard Wants to Know Why Accused Attacker Has Not Been Charged
Her encounter with a convicted murderer three months ago ended with a hit to the face when she tried to take his picture. But according to veteran court reporter and [...]

Belizean Soldier Pilot Tops Training Course
A Belizean soldier is flying high after topping a fourteen-month course in pilot training in Jamaica. The Ministry of Defence and the Belize Defence Force took the opportunity to give [...]

New Children’s Agenda Signed by Political Leaders
Prime Minister Dean Barrow and Leader of the Opposition John Briceño today signed a new Children’s Agenda 2017-2030 on the occasion of the International Day of Families under the theme, [...]

Music Week Underway
Belizean artists across the country are celebrating Music Week 2017 by attending a number of activities that have been organized through the Office of the Music Ambassador.  This week, musicians, [...]

Parliamentary Leaders of Central America, Caribbean Meet in Belize
Over the weekend, Belize hosted the nineteenth extraordinary meeting of the forum of presiding officers of national parliaments of Central America and the Caribbean (FOPREL). Belize assumed the presidency of [...]

Riding and Walking for Cancer Awareness
May is half-gone, but two major activities are coming up in the promotion of Cancer Awareness Month. Cancer has been reported as the second leading cause of death in 2016, [...]

Celebrating the Cashew in Crooked Tree
Thousands headed to the village of Crooked Tree for the annual cashew festival. The two-day event over the weekend featured all things cashew—from wines to cakes to the sweet roasted [...]

The Weekend in Sports
Good evening, I’m James Adderley and this is Sports Monday.   [Highlights of the weekend sporting activities....]

CTV3

President Of PSU Faces Heat For compromising Comments Against Garifuna Community
Well-known President of the Public Service Union Eldred Neal is under heavy fire tonight for very controversial comments he has made on the Garifuna people in a private conversation which was recorded and has been leaked to the media. We’ll get to the recording shortly, but first, in a letter dated 6th of May, signed by nine persons including Neal’s 1st Vice President Herman Pastor Jr., 2nd Vice President Kenneth Mortis and Assistance Secretary General, Neal is asked to tender his resignation as a result of statements he made. In the letter, Neal is accused by his senior colonels of preparing to carry out an exercise to purge the PSU’s Council of Management of Garifuna members. The accusations are very serious, and in the letter the signatories cite that they have the evidence to prove it.

No Due Diligence Carried Out By Penner When endorsing VISA Sponsors
Evoking his rights to silence and protection from self-incrimination, former Minister of Immigration Elvin Penner was very selective with the questions he answered before the Senate Select Committee’s hearing held on Wednesday, April 10th. Despite his extreme prudence, Penner still confessed a mouthful, however, including the fact that he did no due diligence when recommending persons for visa applications nor when endorsing visa sponsors with letters carrying his name and signature. Senator Eamon Courtney – Member Special Senate Select Committee: “Mr. Penner you are telling us that in relations to the ones you made recommendations for you did not concern yourself with any of that you didn’t look to find out whether these people documents were complete, whether they had complied, it was totally irrelevant to you?”

23 Convicts Escape Prison In Honduras
Twenty three prisoners belonging to the Mara or Barrio dies y ocho gang managed to escape from the Marco Aurelio Soto prison in Honduras last week Thursday. However, according to reports from international media houses, information regarding the jailbreak was not publicly announced until two days later on Saturday May 13 by the Director of the National Penitentiary Institute. The inmates had been locked up in the special “Scorpion” unit designed for members of the notorious gang and it is believed that they fled in order to avoid being transferred to maximum security prisons. Further reports indicate that while the circumstances surrounding the escape remain unclear, Head of the prison, Cesar Nájera and several prison guards were temporarily suspended from their post and are currently under investigation.

Fayuqueros Block Old Belize/Mexico Border
Yesterday the passage of the Subteniente López border which separates Belize from Mexico was blocked by residents of the area and suspected smugglers of merchandise known as 'fayuqueros' with the use of rocks and tree branches to prevent the entry of vehicles. The fayuqueros were annoyed about the fact that the border had been closed to motor vehicles as part of a binational agreement between Mexico and Belize, therefore, they were demanding two things… one, that it be re-opened and two, for the removal of the Federal Police.

When Will Gapi Show Up At The House Of Representatives?
Here at CTV-3 News, we have lost count of the House of Representative meetings from which UDP Orange Walk North area representative has been absent. Our closest estimation puts the number of times at about 8. The absence commenced last year after the scandal broke of his son collecting $400,000 as compensation from the Government for land he had purchased for $15,000 but which was confiscated because the land purchased already had an owner. We know there are National Assembly rules which prohibit members of parliament from playing “bang hooky” with house meetings, but there has been no known move to reprimand Vega for his continued absence. On Friday, the Prime Minister was asked if he knew why the OW North representative was missing and if there will be any price to pay for his non-appearance.

LOVE FM

PUP Criticizes PM on Integrity Commission Request
Last Friday the Prime Minister spoke of the Integrity Commission and their request to the elected officials to submit five years of their assets. He said it seemed somewhat unreasonable and both sides of the House shared that view. If indeed the opposition had shared that view, tonight it seems they are taking a different […]

PM Denies Political Meddling at the Zone
In recent months there have been some internal issues at the Corozal Free Zone with the most recent incident being the suspension of the CEO, Valentino Blanco on May 2, 2017. It is a suspension that Blanco’s attorney noted is unlawful. Most of the investors in the zone have supported the move as they are […]

Immigration: Were There Cabinet Reports?
Last Wednesday Elvin Penner appeared before the Senate Special Select Committee as the probe into the Auditor General’s report continues for the sixth month. One of the statements made by the former Minister of State for Immigration is that there were monthly reports to the Cabinet when it came to ministerial intervention on visas. This […]

Management Council Wants PSU President Gone
A letter dated May 6, 2017 was sent to the President of the Public Service Union, Eldred Neal accusing him of being racist and plotting to rid of members who are of the Garifuna ethnic group. The letter bears nine signatures of members of the Council of Management for the PSU including Herman Pastor Jr, […]

PlusTV

PM’s retirement may be soon
After today’s House Meeting, the Prime Minister was asked by the media when he will be retiring as rumors have it that the time may be sooner rather than later. The Prime Minister told the media that, originally, he had an agreed with his party not to go before 2020; however, that might change due t...

Fire in Cuello’s Alley
There was a fire in Cuello’s Alley, also known as Lightburn Alley, this afternoon in Belize City. Initial reports were that quick response led to only two families being affected in what is otherwise known to be a very congested area. The building affected was a green two story building and accordi...

Pepsi Truck robbed of day’s sales
A Pepsi Delivery truck was held up and the sales men robbed. It happened on Thursday 11th May sometime around 1:30 that afternoon. Salesmen 39-year-old John Gabourel and 31-year-old Raynard Rhaburn were onboard the truck. When they were on Mahogany Street in Belize City, they were approached by thre...

Men robbed at Ladyville Gas Station; one grazed by bullet
There was a robbery at a Puma Gas Station in Ladyville Village, Belize District in which one person was grazed by a bullet. . It happened on Thursday night, May 11th, sometime after 9 o’clock. According to police reports, gas attendant 18 year old Kirk Cadle was at work at the Gas station. He report...

Three car pile up in front of Agric Grounds
There was a three car pile up this afternoon on the Hummingbird highway just in front of the National Agriculture and Trade Show grounds. It involved a Government vehicle, which is a Toyota 4 door truck used by the Ministry of Agriculture, as well as a white SUV , and a green Plymouth caravan. Drivi...

Another Judgment in the US Court against Belize
At the end of today’s Sitting of the House of Representatives, the media asked the Prime Minister to comment on another litigation in the US where Attorney and Businessman, Glenn Godfrey was successful on Wednesday to obtain a judgment in the US Court against the Government of Belize. Hon. Dean Oliv...

Prime Minister comments on the Integrity Commission
On January 12th of this year, the Integrity Commission was finally sworn in following public pressure and as one of the demands of the BNTU during its 11 day strike. Today, the Prime Minister was asked whether the UDP area representatives submitted their records to the Integrity Commission. In resp...

Breaking Belize News

Tragedy on the Coastal Road leaves one man dead
According to confirmed reports, this afternoon around 1:26, police visited the White Bridge area on the Coastal Road in the Stann Creek district. On the scene, police observed a gold Ford Explorer that was overturned with its 4 wheels in the air. The victim was identified as Edwardo Samuel Caal Sub.

Two teenage girls from child care center reported missing
Two teenaged girls, Nayeli Cifuentes and Jocelyn Mancia, from the Dorothy Menzies Child Care Center were reported missing today by the Center’s administration. Both girls are 14 years old. According to official reports, the last time Cifuentes was seen was when she was dropped off at her school this morning around 7:15.

Armed bandits steal $38,000 from Santa Elena businessman
The proprietor of Chen’s Supermarket in Santa Elena town, Wei Bin Chen, 60, was held up by armed robbers as he left his home this morning. The thieves got away with $38,000.

PM and Leader of Opposition sign New Children’s Agenda
Today is celebrated worldwide as the International Day of Families under the theme, “Families, education and well-being.” In commemoration of this day, Belize through the National Committee for Families and Children made the day quite monumental and symbolic as both Prime Minster, Dean Barrow and Leader of Opposition, John Briceno made their global proclamation with the signing of the new Children’s Agenda 2017 – 2030.

BDF Officer excels in Pilot training in Jamaica
The Ministry of Defence today informed the public that one of its Belize Defence Force Officers excelled in a Pilot Training – code name Wings Course 1601- in Jamaica. Captain Francis Usher placed first in the course which lasted just over fourteen months. Officers from Belize and Jamaica participated in the course which was funded by the Canadian Government.

Jogger robbed along Chetumal Street in Belize City
Luis Cho, 46, a meteorologist of a Krooman Road address in Belize City reported that yesterday, while he was jogging on Chetumal Street heading in the direction on Belama, he was approached by two men on a blue motorcycle. The men held him at […]

Over $7,000 worth of goods stolen from parked truck
Albert Uck, 32, an I.T. Technician of a Raccoon Avenue address in Belmopan, reported that on Saturday, at 1:30 a.m., he and his friend went to a nightclub located on Newtown Barrack Road in Belize City. Uck stated that he placed two back packs […]

Unsupervised child starts house fire
On Saturday May 13, around 11 a.m., police responded to a house fire in Bella Vista village, Toledo. At the address, police saw a wooden structure house with thatched roof engulfed in flames. Police investigations reveal that around 7 a.m., Elvira Peck, 40, went […]

Music Week kicks off at House of Culture
Today marks the beginning of the second annual Music Week, hosted by the office of Belize’s Music Ambassador, Shyne Barrow. The week started with the official launch ceremony, held at the Belize City House of Culture. The week is geared towards showcasing Belizean talent […]

Blogs

The Very BEST Flip Flops for Belize
Flip flops are an absolute necessity here on Ambergris Caye. When I moved down here full time with my bag of 2 for $5US Old Navy flops, I realized quickly that I was going to need more. The cheap sandals are great – lots of different colors, not a big deal if you lose one or have a “blow out” and easy to throw in your beach bag. But as soon as the cheapies get wet…in a sudden downpour or just when walking along the edge of the sea…grab a mouth guard and a helmet. It’s like trying to run to get cover from the rain on ice. SO slippery it’s actually easier to run without them. And some of the tile floors in town? A little rain and they become LIFE THREATENING. So over the years, especially as I get older and walking in a totally flat flip flop starts to hurt my feet, I’ve tried upgrading.

International Sources

Caribbean courts need to be better prepared to judge cybercrimes, says Belize chief justice
Institutions worldwide are struggling to keep pace with the rapid development of computer-based technology. It is especially hard for courts, typically steeped in tradition and ponderously slow to change, to keep track of the sophisticated, rapidly evolving operations of modern cyber crime. But one Caribbean nation is tackling the issue head on, providing an interesting pattern for other countries of the region. The nation of Belize is taking an important step in responding to cybercrime, by upgrading of the capacity of its judiciary. “Cybercrime and cyber issues must now have a prominent place in judicial education,” said Kenneth Benjamin, chief justice of Belize. In Belize, the legislative framework already supports the admission of evidence electronically. However, no laws are yet on the books to specifically criminalise the growing incidence of Internet-based wrongdoings.

Professor Heinrich researches cultural clashes in the classroom
A Cornell College professor just wrapped up a three-year project to research the story behind one Iowa public school’s struggle to deal wi