Recent Belize News, 8/21/2017 to 8/31/2017, BelizeNews.com

Orange Walk September Celebrations Calendar of Events 2017

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

Ambergris Caye has a new Health Inspector, Christina Sanchez-Martinez
As of August, 1st, Christina Sanchez-Martinez, a native of the Stann Creek District, officially became the island’s new health inspector. She recently took over the post held by Horris Patten. Martinez is no stranger to the island, having been on Ambergris Caye as a health educator before. She is happy to be back in her new capacity, and looks forward to working together with the island residents to create a cleaner, healthier place to live and work in. The senior public health officer has been in the Ministry of Health for 14 years. During this time, Martinez has been stationed in the Belize District, thus, her close relation to Ambergris Caye. She has a strong background in health education, following the completion of her public health training at the University of Belize. “As a health inspector and health educator in the Belize District, I reached out to almost every community promoting health programs, thus, Ambergris Caye is not new to me,” said Martinez.

No exceptions made for duty-free biodegradable products: foam products get tax exemption
Across the country many business and organizations are working together to ‘Go Green’ by switching to biodegradable products in an effort to tackle excessive garbage. Non- biodegradable products like plastics, bottles, Styrofoam, and aluminum accumulate on land and in the ocean, causing harm to the planet’s ecosystem. While these conscientious businesses and organizations are doing their part to protect environment, the government of Belize is not providing the necessary help to support the movement. Recently the Government of Belize (GOB) passed a statutory instrument to give zero rated status to foam products instead of biodegradable options. Environmentalists are now calling for GOB to increase taxes on non-biodegradable products that are harming the environment, rather than relieving them from taxes.

Blue Ventures educates islanders on the impact of lionfish on the marine ecosystem
On Wednesday, August 23rd a meeting was held at the San Pedro Lions Den which was organized by Blue Ventures Organization. With the goal of educating the public on the impact of lionfish to the marine ecosystem, the conference motivated everyone to create a market-based approach to lionfish control. Attending the meeting were restaurateurs, tour guides, fishermen, conservationists as well other members of the community. Over the years the Blue Ventures Organization has developed many strategies to reduce the amount of lionfish in the marine ecosystem. With a female lionfish laying up to 2 million eggs per year, these strategies are not enough. The large amount of lionfish in the marine ecosystem have a direct negative effect on the fish biomass.

Misc Belizean Sources

July 2017 External Trade & Consumer Price Index, 2nd Quarter 2017 Gross Domestic Product
For the month of July 2017, Belizean households saw the prices of goods and services which they regularly purchase rise by 0.6 percent, on average, when compared to the same month in 2016. The All-Items Consumer Price Index for the month stood at 104.4, an increase from 103.8 in July of 2016 (See Figure 1). For the first seven months of 2017, a year-to-date inflation rate of 1.4 percent was recorded. During the month of July 2017, Belize’s imported goods were valued at $154.1 million, down by 8.4 percent or $14 million from the $168.1 million imported in July of 2016. The Statistical Institute of Belize’s preliminary Gross Domestic Product estimates for the second quarter of 2017 showed that, during the three months from April to June of this year, the country’s overall level of economic activity increased by 1.1 percent when compared to the same period in 2016. The total value of goods and services produced in Belize was $737 million, up almost $8 million from $729 million in the second quarter of 2016. For the first half of the year, the country’s level of production was 1.1 percent higher than in 2016.

Community Baboon Sanctuary Women’s Conservation Group Grant
On 23rd and 24th of August 2017, the Community Baboon Sanctuary Women’s Conservation Group (CBSWCG), the recipients of a Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT) Small Grant entitled “Promoting the Community Baboon Sanctuary as an Eco-Tourism Attraction,” hosted a two-day symposium under the theme “none but ourselves,” at the Natural History Museum headquarters in Bermudian Landing village The CBSWCG, in 2013 completed its 5-year management plan that articulated key goals necessary for the proper management of the Sanctuary as well as the development of the Belize River Valley (BelRiv) area. While the CBSWCG recognises previous community development efforts by both governments and civil society organizations over the years, it also notes that most of these efforts have been unsuccessful primarily due to lack of coordination and communication amongst the entities involved as well as the high levels of duplication of efforts.

Office of the Prime Minister Requests Police Investigation into Allegations of Fraud Brought Forward by Amy Forte
The Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) confirms that the Prime Minister has received, in his capacity as Minister responsible for the Lands Department, a letter from Attorney Deshawn Arzu Torres on behalf of her client Amy Forte. That letter makes clear that Ms. Forte was never aware of Minister’s Fiat Grant no. 175 of 2009 in her name; and that Ms. Forte did not sign any conveyance to anyone of the land to which the Grant related. Ms. Forte and her attorney have further provided to the Prime Minister a preliminary certificate of a handwriting expert asserting that the signature purporting to be Ms. Forte’s, and which appears on a Deed of Conveyance of the said land to Andre Vega, is not genuine. This is notwithstanding the fact that a JP “authenticated” Ms. Forte’s signature.

Belize Fishing Report, August 21st - August 27th
Not too many anglers in the lodge with the threat of Harvey looming last week. Everyone that decided not to let the threat change their plans had an excellent week of fishing. There were plenty of bonefish to be had by all. Lucky for us Mother Nature was kind. We hope our friends along the Gulf coast are safe and their lives aren’t disrupted too significantly. We are thinking about you guys. Stay Safe!

Dr. Kelly Dittmar inspires women of the Toledo District to play a greater role in politics
I met some incredible women in Punta Gorda today at a roundtable with women leaders, and then at the University of Belize - Toledo District. One more talk tonight and then on to day 3 with U.S. Embassy Belize.

Summer Arts Program 2017, the Museum of Belize
To wrap up our Summer Arts Program 2017, the Museum of Belize (NICH) in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture's Horticulture Unit embarked on a Community Outreach initiative by extending our program highlighting Ti-Tai basket weaving and gardening to the children of the Dorothy Menzies Child Center. In this initiative, some participants of our Summer Arts Program 2017 were able to learn life skills and garner camaraderie in sharing their newly learned talents with the children of the Dorothy Menzies Child Center. Also in the spirit of sharing and in the season of 'Back to School', Director of the Museum of Belize and Houses of Culture Mr.Alexis Salazar, handed over four (4) school bag hampers for four deserving students at the Dorothy Menzies Child Center.

Summer Arts Program 2017, the Museum of Belize, II
Here are some images from our Summer Arts Program 'Gardening and Art' workshop which was done in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture's Horticulture Unit in bringing back the tradition of urban/backyard gardening to Belize City fused with abstract art (painting). The Museum of Belize would like to thank all our participants who made this initiative possible and especially the Ministry of Agriculture's Horticulture Unit for teaching our youths the fundamentals and best practices of growing vegetables and herbs in an urban area.

Kudos to Corozal House of Culture on their murals project
Beautiful mural by Corozal Street Art Movement(CSAM) member Elvis Eddie Aldana at Her Majesty's Prison historical landmark on 2nd Street South. We are so delighted to have Mr. Aldana with us, instilling his artistic knowledge with our members! Visit the House of Culture to learn more about CSAM.

Unauthorized Neurobión ® 50 mil Syrup Bottle Found Circulating in Belize
The Ministry of Health would like to inform the public of an unauthorized Neurobión ® 50 mil syrup 240ml bottle that has been found to be circulating in the Belize market. Investigations conducted by the Ministry indicate that this Neurobión ® 50 mil has NOT been granted an importation permit for entry into Belize and we believe that the quality may be compromised. The product has been removed from the establishments where it was found and we continue to remain vigilant for any unauthorized product that may be present in the country. Product Details: Product Name: Neurobión ® 50 mil (Vitamins B1 + B6 + B12), Batch Number: 05496, Expiry Date: Nov/2020, Stated Active Pharmaceutical ingredient: Vitamin B1, Vitamin B6, Hydroxocobalamin, Cyanocobalamin and Lidocaine Chlorhydrate. Stated Manufacturer: Merck.

Belizario Sanchez passes away
Mayor Daniel Guerrero, the San Pedro Town Council and Staff would like to extend our most sincere condolences to the family and friends of Belizario Sanchez. Sanchez was an employee of the San Pedro Town Council. He was a very hard working individual and always willing to help. He will be greatly missed, especially at our sporting events. May his soul rest in peace.

Mr and Miss Cultural International Maya
Tonight at the Central Park the delegates of Mr and Miss Cultural International Maya will be doing cultural presentations starting at 7 pm

River and Beach Clean Up
Show your patriotism this September and your love for our beautiful Belize by helping us rid the pollution and trash! The global and annual River and Beach Clean Up is happening countrywide this year on Saturday September 30th 2017. Be a part of Belize's solution, not pollution! For more information contact Jacinta Gomez at [email protected] or call our office at 822-2792.

Channel 7

Prime Minister Orders Investigation Into Land Fraud Involving Andre Vega
Tonight, there is a whole lot happening with that piece of land which Amy Forte says was fraudulently conveyed to Andre Vega with a forgery of her signature. First, her letter to the Prime Minister has prompted him to act - which is a big reversal from the position he took two weeks ago, when he famously said of the shady land deals involving the Vega's: "what it is, is what it is." Well, tonight he's telling the police that what it is, is likely a forgery and that they should investigate, IMMEDIATELY. A statement issued from the Prime Minister's office at noon today says, quote, "the Prime Minister has received a letter from Attorney Deshawn Arzu Torres on behalf of her client Amy Forte. That letter makes clear that Ms. Forte was never aware of Minister's Fiat Grant no. 175 of 2009 in her name; and that Ms. Forte did not sign any conveyance to anyone Ms. Forte and her attorney have further provided to the Prime Minister a preliminary certificate of a handwriting expert asserting that the signature purporting to be Ms. Forte's, and which appears on a Deed of Conveyance of the said land to Andre Vega, is not genuine. This is notwithstanding the fact that a JP "authenticated" Ms. Forte's signature."

PUP Calls on PM To Investigate Vega For Misfeasance And Expel Him From UDP
And into this hot, steaming mess enters the PUP to play some world cup level political football. The party had a press conference at its Independence Hall headquarters today to demand that the Prime Minister take decisive action, beyond just telling the police to investigate. Opposition Leader John Briceno says it is an act of misfeasance and government should investigate it as such: Hon. John Briceno - Leader of the Opposition: "I condemn yet again the corruption in the government of the United Democratic Party under the leadership of the Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, we Belizeans have witness an obvious act of misfeasance in public office which occurred at the lands ministry. The fact that the prime minister removed Gaspar Vega from the Ministry of Natural Resources is not enough. The fact that Vega was allowed to resign from cabinet is still not enough. I'm aware of the statement coming out of the prime minister's office but this action comes way too late and does not go far enough. We in the PUP demand that the prime minister take the following immediate actions."

The Case For Forgery Involving A JP
And, Briceno says the PM also owes the press and the public a more thorough explanation than the one he gave at the House Meeting 12 days ago. Now, the Forte land deal wasn't exposed yet, and he was commenting on the one involving the Vega's, the Banos's and lands on Ramsay Caye. But - to hear Briceno tell it - the PM was blowing everyone off with his dismissal. Hon. John Briceno - Leader of the Opposition: "I place on record our utter dissatisfaction with the prime ministers dismissive comments to the press and ask about the recent revelations of yet another Vega land scheme. I suspect that the prime minister knew all along what was taking place that is why he was trying to dismiss it and try not to answer it and almost gave you like the middle finger to the Belizean people that he is not going to do anything about and he didn't even want to look at the files. "

Mosquito Caye Was The Prize
And while the personalities involved are all from the Orange Walk area, the island involved in this case is off San Pedro. Mosquito Caye - according to Briceno - was the prize all along:.. Hon. John Briceno - Leader of the Opposition: "Now this Mosquito Caye land swap is an obscene UDP scam designed to reward Vegas with their own private island located right next to Leonardo De Caprio's Black adore Caye. It was never about Mr. Henry and Ms. Forte and Guzman, it was never about them. I'm not even sure if Guzman and Henry got that, I don't know who they are, I haven't spoken to them but at least Ms. Forte was brave enough to come forth and say she didn't get this land, so it was not about them it was about the Vegas, it was about compensating them. Once this land was passed over which they knew was private land because there was already a case about it then he then decided..."

Chamber Says PM Must Encourage Thorough Investigation
Today the Chamber of Commerce weighed in on the issue with an obliquely worded statement grandly titled "Underscoring the need for the rule of law." It says, quote, "The constant media reports of the many corrupt schemes employed at the Ministry of Natural Resources are appalling. Despite evidence of blatant abuse of office for personal gain, the Prime Minister has commented that he doubts there is any "actionable illegality." With due respect to the office, it is not for any Prime Minister to make that determination. Corruption accusations must be subjected to the same judicial scrutiny to which any other criminal accusation would be subjected.

Briceno Urges PM to Live Up To Promise of 2004
And continuing along that line of calling on the Prime Minister to act decisively to cut off corruption, the leader of the opposition today reminded him of one of his most famous quotes from way back in 2004 when Barrow was leader of the opposition. we have his original statement from our archives followed by Briceno's comment today Hon. John Briceno - Leader of the Opposition: "He promised the people of this nation before 2008 that he was not going to tolerate not a single whiff of corruption and that the minute you smell corruption that he was going to act swiftly. Now here we have a case where he's not only smelling corruption but now he has the proof. Now the prime minister will tell you well he is no longer in my cabinet but I want to point out to the prime minister Mr. Vega is still seated in the front row..."

Customs Officer Charged For Manslaughter In Contraband Search Gone Bad
Three weeks ago, 30 year old Dwayne Almendarez was shot by a customs officer - and he died a few days later. Alemndarez got into a dispute with a joint law enforcement team at a contraband checkpoint in Yo Creek village. As we've been reporting, those encounters when law enforcement officers search busses with contraband have been showing increasing signs of volatility - and this one ended up with a man dead. And, tonight, in what may be a first, the customs officer is being charged for causing Dwayne Almendarez's death.

Three Men Charged For Patchakan Maim
3 men have been charged in for a grisly chopping incident in the Corozal District. It happened on Saturday night around 11:50. Police responded and found 23 year old Diego Ek in a bad way, he had been chopped to his feet and hands. Well this morning in the Corozal Magistrate's court 20 year old Cesar Gomez was charged with maim he is the one accused of chopping Ek. His brother, 25 year old Walter Gomez was charged with abetment to commit maim. He is accused of giving the machete to his brother Caesar and 28 year old Luis Cob was charged with common assault for threatening Ek. Magistrate Arana did not take a plea from the men, advising that she will await the guidance of the Director of Public Prosecutions since maim is an indictable matter for the Supreme Court, but the other charges are matters to be heard at her court.

Teenaged Minor Charged For Downtown San Pedro Execution
On last week Monday's newscast, we told you about the brazen daylight murder in San Pedro's Downtown. That happened 10 days ago, and today, police reported that they've charged someone for it. He's a 16 year-old minor, and because it is a murder charge, it is expected that he will be arraigned at Magistrate's Court at the earliest convenience, and he will be remanded. Police found the 16 year old in the San Mateo area. He is originally from Orange Walk and has been on the island for a few months.

Island Cops Got Another Gun
And, San Pedro police are keeping up the pressure. This afternoon around 12:45 in the same San Mateo area, police found a .40 pistol along with 3 live rounds. No one was present at the time of the find so it was deposited as found property. This is the fourth gun found on the island in a little over a week.

Thieves In The Temple At J Witness Church
There were thieves in the temple at the Jehovah's Witness Church on Cemetery Road in Belize City last night. Burglars broke in and stole assorted electronic items valued in the thousands of dollars. We spoke to one of the Church elders about it. Abel Vera - Congregation Member: "Between Monday night and Tuesday morning we had a burglary at the Kingdom Hall here, they actually cut the burglar bars for the windows for one of the halls and they gained access to the hall and they burglarize mostly electronic equipment, amplifier sound system that we use when we have meetings, computers that we use to show the videos and thing for our meetings. This is not the first time that they tried the attempt, they actually gained access one time before so I think the target the place. We are installing a brand new alarm system to deter the burglaries and soon we will be putting a camera system in."

Police Looking For Causes Behind Recent Flare-Up In Violence
And while San Pedro police have been cracking down after a string of murders, what are Eastern Division police doing to reclaim the peace in Southside Belize City? Well, today. Southside commander Senior Superintendent Mark Vidal told us that he and his officers are doing all they can include engaging the gang intervention team. But another important factor in finding a solution to the rash of violent crimes and murder is to understand what is causing it. Here is what Vidal had to say on that: Sr. Supt. Mark Vidal - OC, Southside Commander: "I think generally there are certain areas that are a little bit tense obviously because of the frictions that are occurring between rival gangs but we intend to do everything that is necessarily to bring that to a halt and we will. This September festivities will attract a number of people and unfortunately will attract people who have nefarious intentions so we will certainly address those and we will address them."

No Charges Yet In Murder of Father of Five
And of course one major part of addressing crime is solving cases. Police are having some difficulty laying charges in the murder of Gilroy Martinez. He is the father of five who was killed near his home in the Jane Usher area on Monday. As we had told you police had detained 2 persons, but Vidal says they have been released. Sr. Supt. Mark Vidal - OC, Southside Commander: "We have made some inroads but not enough that we can move forward with charges. But there are other information we are working on and certainly as it develops you will see something in that regard as it comes to any"

No Clues For Newborn Baby Discarded In Canal
Another case police are having trouble with is the discarded new born baby that was found on East Canal on July 20th. Vidal told us this case isn't as straightforward as you might think. Sr. Supt. Mark Vidal - OC, Southside Commander: "There are a bit of challenges with that investigation as you know it is not a simple get statements and move forward there are other things with it. As you know there were certain items recovered from a house so we are waiting for a response in that regard and there are other things that needs to be done there have been persons of interest detained but they have to be released, we can't hold them forever so as the investigation continues we a can bring back those people and then once they are brought back and we have enough those people will be charged."

PUP Leader Says Good Riddance To Carlos Raul
As we've been reporting for the past two days, Guatemala's Foreign Minister Carlos Raul Morales was fired on Sunday after he refused to do President Jimmy Morales's bidding and expel the head of a UN backed agency. But Carlos Raul - who is married to a Belizean - won't find much sympathy in Belize where he only has one public friend - and that's foreign Minister Wilfred Elrington who sings his praises without apology. Today the Leader of the Opposition had no kind words for him:..

Zabaneh: Lost A Hundred Mil At Mayan King
On last night's newscast, we showed you the first on-camera comments that Stann Creek businessman John Zabaneh granted after the US Treasury Department removed him off their list of drug kingpins. You heard him say that his attorneys are reviewing his case to determine if he can sue the US Government for the tremendous losses he and his family suffered. He estimates that figure to to be in the vicinity of 100 million dollars in losses over 5 years. Perhaps the most striking example of the real time effects of the kingpin designation is the Mayan King Banana Farms. It was one of the most successful agro businesses in the south, but the US sanction struck like a hammer blow, sending it into the depths of complete ruin.

GDP Shows Modest Growth In Second Quarter
And Maya King is big part of Belize's Gross Domestic Product. Since the Kingpin designation put Belize's most productive banana farm out of commission, Banana exports have struggled. Today, the news from the Statistical Institute of Belize was that the GDP grew modestly in the second quarter of the year, even though Banana exports were down. Here's a clip from their press conference outlining the figures, and posting to a few key developments in the economy: Angelita Campbell - Statistician II: "For the second quarter of 2017 Belize produced goods and services totaling 737 million dollars, an increase of 8 million dollars when compared to the same period of last year. For the first 6 months of 2017 we saw an increase of 1.1 percent or 16.5 million dollar increase when compared to the same period of last year. We have an increase in agriculture hunting and forestry of 4.2 percent of 3 million.

Trade Imbalance Decreased In First Six Months
Turning now to external trade, for the first 7 months of the year, imports were down, and exports were up - which reduces the trade imbalance. Here a few key areas that went up, and down: Tiffany Vasquez - Statistician II: "For the period January to July 2017 Belize's imports were valued at 1.05 billion dollars, this is a decrease of 5.3 percent or 59 million when compared to January to July of 2016. Falling imports within the category of machinery and transport equipment was the primary cause of the overall decline in imports."

Minor Inflation in July 2017
Turning now to the Consumer Price Index, prices in July of 2017, were only slightly higher than one year ago - including the sky-high price of gasoline and diesel. Here's how the numbers people put it: Jacqueline Sabal - Economic Statistics Department: "The inflation rate for the month July 2017 stood at 0.6 percent. This means that on average prices were higher than they were in July of 2016. The inflation for the first seven months of the year 2017 1.4 percent in comparison to the same period of last year the 0.7 percent decrease in the food and non-alcoholic beverages category was solely due to a decline in food prices. "

MOH: Say No To Neurobion
IF you take a multivitamin suspension named Neurobion, the Ministry of Health says you should stop doing so now. A release says that an unauthorized bottle of the multivitamin suspension has been found circulating around the Belize market. they say It is packaged in a 240 ml bottle that has syrup in it. According to a release, quote, "The ministry conducted investigations that discovered the Neurobion 50 mil was not granted an important permit for entry in Belize leading them to believe that the quality of the product may be compromised. The product has been removed from establishments."

Forget Beating Swords into Ploughshares, How about Turning Bicycle Parts into Guns?
The bible talks about beating swords into ploughshares, meaning turning weapons into tools for work. Well in Belize, it's more like turning bicycle parts into guns! This afternoon at 3:00, Ladyville police saw a man standing on the step of a shop acting suspiciously. Police searched him and found part of a bicycle with a rubber handle adapted to be used as a firearm. The 26 year old was detained pending charges.

PUP Not Ready For Vega Recall
Earlier on in the news, you heard the leader of the opposition waxing poetic about why the UDP Party Leader Dean Barrow must expel former Deputy Leader Gaspar Vega from the party. But, the opposition has avenues it can also use to remove Vega as area representative in Orange Walk. They can force a recall vote and if Vega is as unpopular as they claim, it shouldn't be that hard. Today, Briceno came quite a bit short of supporting a recall effort; he said, though, that they would be willing to engage in a symbolic effort:Ã¢â‚¬¦

Who Will run For PUP Mayor?
But it's nonsense to talk about a recall right now when the PUP appears to be struggling to attract top tier candidates for its municipal slates in a few key areas, like Belize City. The UDP had a "buff" city convention on Sunday which featured hotly contested races - while no one seems to have any clue who the PUP will feature as its Mayoral candidate for the city. We asked the PUP Leader about it today:.. Jules Vasquez: "When will the PUP name or select or nominate its City Council slate for Belize?" Hon. John Briceno- PUP Leader: "We are working on it and we are taking our time because we want to ensure that we get the best possible team to represent the party."

Does PUP Leader Stand By Hon. Julius?
We also asked the opposition leader about the recent Julius Espat walkout from the House of Representatives. He walked out and his party didn't follow. Today, the party leader said respect to the honourable Julius, but they've got work to do:.. Jules Vasquez: "Much has been made of when Julius Espat left the house two weeks ago, he walked out in an anger, I don't want to say a tantrum, but he was upset when he walked out and he seemed to have spoken to you and if one can read lips he seemed to say Ã¢â‚¬ËœWeh uno gwen do?' and then you seemed to have said Ã¢â‚¬ËœWe a meet you up' or something to that effect. What was that exchange about and was that an indication that the PUP have become somewhat fatigued with Mr. Espat's tantrums and histrionics?"

Sr. Supt. Vidal Feels Media Taints Meet And Greet Sessions
Now back to police news, the 7 August murders certainly has the city on edgeÃ¢â‚¬¦well what better way to try and calm residents than to go out on a meet and greet in the hottest of the hotspots. We caught up with Commander Vidal and his team in the Conch Shell Bay area. But Vidal took a different angle at today's session, he started off by saying that we the media don't really help the situation when we attend these sessions. He didn't ban us but just hinted that we should give the police and the residents some space and alone time. Sr. Supt. Mark Vidal - OC, Southside Commander: "There has been this talk about no meet and greet, the meet and greet have continue, one of things though I think from having spoken to the residents not only here but they are a bit intimidated by the media presence in getting some information. I have personally visited some areas alone..."

Solar For San Carlos School
When school opens next week, many kids and teachers will be dragging their feet to their classrooms after this long summer break. But the students and staff at San Carlos Government School will be rushing to get back. That's because Programme for Belize installed a solar panel system at the school. Now this school has been operating without electricity for years and today the system was finally declared complete. Executive Director for Programme for Belize Edilberto Romero told us about the significance of this project not only for the school but for the community.

PFB Gives Schoolkids Scholarship
And beyond that San Carlos Solar Panel Project, Programme for Belize also has 6 other students excited to go to back to school after they were awarded with a 1 year Scholarship to high school. Romero told us more about this scholarship initiative. We also spoke to the recipients about how this scholarship has given them a major boost in their academic journey. Edilberto Romero - Executive Director, Programme for Belize: "Now the scholarship today we are awarding 6 scholarships, it is funds we got from the Massachusetts Audubon Society we got a grant and it is raised through birding people who go birding in their parks and pay for it."

Fam Trip Finale
For the last two days, we've been showing you highlights of the FAM trip that the BTB organized for the press, so that we can't try to entice you to become a tourist in your own country. But, just how much did BTB pay, and did they get value for money? We have the answer in our final our final story on the trip:

Channel 5

G.O.B. Cancels Mosquito Caye Land; Initiates Investigation into Document Forgery
We start tonight with important developments in the case of Amy Forte, a Belmopan resident who wrote the office of Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources Dean Barrow on [...]

Too Late, Andre Vega Says He Will Give Up Land and Blames Agent and J.P.
This evening, News Five obtained a letter sent by Andre Vega’s attorney, Estevan Perera, to C.E.O. in the Ministry of Natural Resources, Sharon Ramclam Young. Basically, the son of the [...]

P.U.P. Goes after Vegas for ‘Get-Rich’ Scheme with Lands
This afternoon, the People’s United Party registered its disgust with the latest revelations. In a forty-five minute press conference at its headquarters, Independence Hall, leader John Briceño assailed the Prime [...]

What Did P.M. Know and What is Status of Vega Lands
As the Prime Minister contended in our interview after the House meeting of August twenty-first, the transactions detailed in a prior set of leaked documents involving the Vegas appeared to [...]

Reform Must Be More than ‘Window-Dressing’
So what needs to be done differently to address the ‘hotbed of corruption’, as the Prime Minister himself termed the Ministry of Natural Resources to Belizean-Americans in Los Angeles in [...]

Vega and Darlene Padron Must Go!
Briceño also discussed the role of various Vega family members and acquaintances in roping off the Lands Ministry for their personal grab-tub, most notably former National Estate Officer and Justice [...]

Manslaughter Charge for Customs Officer Who Shot Dwayne Almendarez
The fatal shooting of thirty-year-old Dwayne Almendarez on August fifteenth, in Yo Creek Village, has resulted in a single charge of manslaughter being brought against a customs officer earlier today. [...]

Leads Scarce in Gilroy Martinez Murder Investigation
On Monday, we reported on the murder of thirty two year old Gilroy Martinez of Curl Thompson Street in Belize City. Martinez was shot in the head around eight on [...]

1 Month Later, No Movement in Dead Baby Find
No one has been charged for the discarding of a baby boy in the east canal of Belize City. The discovery of a dead baby with its umbilical cord still [...]

Economy Stalls; Imports and Exports Down While Cost of Living is Up
Figures released by the Statistical Institute of Belize show that economic activity slowed down to some extent in July. Goods and services went up slightly, while imports and exports registered [...]

Chamber of Commerce Says Land Hustle Must Be Investigated
Back to the issue of fraudulent land transactions….The Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry issued a strong release today condemning the corruption at the Ministry of Natural Resources. It says [...]

Chamber Supports Expanded PAC Committee, UNCAC Implementation
Despite the signing of the UNCAC last December, corruption continues to be pervasive. Usher calls on all stakeholders to come together and put in place a mechanism to keep all [...]

P.U.P. Getting Ready for CitCo; Tells U.D.P.’s Butt Out
Following his press conference, Opposition Leader John Briceño was questioned on several other burning national issues. The United Democratic Party this past Sunday held a contested convention for the post [...]

P.U.P.: Bye, Carlos Raul!
In Guatemala, the Constitutional Court has upheld its provisional ruling that President Jimmy Morales cannot expel Ivan Velasquez, a veteran Colombian prosecutor who leads Guatemalaâ€™s International Commission against Impunity, known [...]

Jehovah’s Witnesses Lose Equipment to Burglars
Overnight on Monday, a burglary was reported at a house of worship in Belize City. Enterprising thieves broke into the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses on Cemetery Road and stole [...]

Meet KTV the Remix Finalist Cheng “Hano” Lin
On Tuesday night, four finalists in KTV, the Remix, brought their ‘A’ game to the stage in the last round of competition to determine who will walk away with ten [...]

Meet and Greet is Back; Media Not Allowed?
It’s been weeks since the media has been invited to a meet and greet organized by the Police Department. But today, we found out from the Regional Commander for Eastern [...]

Police Clamp Down for September; Mediators Involved
There were simultaneous meet and greets taking place all over the south side of Belize City. While we caught up with Senior Superintendent Vidal on Lindo’s Alley, officers were also [...]

Mayflower Youths Trained in Food and Hospitality Service
Ten youths from the Mayflower area in Belize City received their certificates in food preparation and hospitality training today after concluding a summer program with the ITVET through the Department [...]

CTV3

Police To Investigate Land Fraud Allegation, File To Be Sent To The DPP
At the center of the biggest land controversy the country has probably ever seen is father and son Gaspar Vega and Andre Vega. The son, we have learnt, wrote to the Ministry of Natural Resources today through his attorney Estevan Perera, claiming that the land transaction was done through an unnamed land agent who prepared all the documents, got signatures and simply delivered to him for his signatures. Now, we’ve heard of notorious visa and immigration agents, but land agents is a first. Vega, in his letter, indicates that considering the evidence that has come to light, he is prepared to relinquish his rights to land which he was eventually given by the Government in exchange for the Caye Caulker lands.

Customs Office Charge For Manslaughter For Death Of Almendarez
Thirty nine year old customs officer, Rudolf Williams, appeared today before the Orange Walk Magistrates court to face a single charge of manslaughter following the shooting death of thirty year old Dwayne Almendarez. Almendarez as you may remember received three shots, one to the thigh, one to the left chest and one to the abdomen during an altercation with customs and BDF officials on Tuesday August 15th in the village of Yo Creek.

Patchakan Chopping Incident Lands Three Men Behind Bars
This morning three men detained by Corozal Police in connection to a chopping incident that occurred in Patchakan Village on Saturday August 26th, appeared before the Corozal Magistrate Patricia Arana, to answer to criminal charges. Twenty year old Cesar Gomez, 28 year old Luis Cob and 25 year old Walter Gomez were all read different charges. Cesar Gomez was charged with maim, and he is accused of chopping 23 year old Diego Ek’s feet and hands.

Prices Of Goods Continue To Increase Across The Country
The Statistical Institute of Belize today published its latest statistics on prices and external trade for the country of Belize. First we take a look at the consumer price index for which the report shows that prices increased, on average by 0.6 percent for the month of July 2017 as it stood 104.4, compared to 103.8 in July 2016. For the first seven months of the year 2017, an inflation rate of 1.4 percent was recorded. Higher prices were recorded in two of the largest categories, namely ‘Transport’, and ‘Housing, Water, Electricity Gas and other Fuels’, which together account for almost half of all household purchases.

GDP Sees Slight Increase
Unlike the country’s Consumer price index and external trade, the area of Gross Domestic Products spelled some good news for Belize. For the first half of 2017, the GDP showed a slight growth. The country’s level of economic activity increased by 1.1 percent when compared to the same period in 2016. The total value of goods and services produced in Belize was $737 million, up $8 million from $729 in the first half of 2016. Production was slightly up across all major industries, including agriculture hunting and forestry. All that accounts for this quarter’s increase in the total goods and services produced by Belize in the second quarter of 2017.

MOH Issues Advisory Over Illegal Medications
Belizeans are tonight advised to be on the alert for an unauthorized medication that somehow made into the market. According to the Ministry of Health, the medication that goes by the name of Neurobión a 50 mil syrup 240ml bottle has been found to be circulating in the Belize market and the Ministry of Health believes the quality may be compromised. The Ministry of Health also notes that no importation permit has been issued for this medication. For now the product has been removed from establishments where it was found.

PM Barrow Orders Investigation Into Allegations Of Land Fraud
In yesterday’s news, we told you about the major legal worries for former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources Gaspar Vega and his family, after a Belizean residing in Belmopan, Amy Forte, went public that her name and signature appear on land documents fraudulently. Forte’s name appears on a Minister’s Grant Fiat No. 175 of 2009 which declares her the purchaser and new owner of a parcel of land in Caye Caulker Village bought for $2,500 from the Ministry of Natural Resources. Another document, a Deed of Conveyance dated February 17th 2010 indicates that she then transferred the title to Andre Vega, who is the former Minister’s son, for $30,000. But Forte, through a letter from her attorney to the Prime Minister and a release to the press, has indicated that she has never owned land, did not know about the Minister’s Fiat Grant document and doesn’t even know Andre Vega. Having become aware of such documents, Forte hired a handwriting expert, who has confirmed to her that her signatures on the files were forged. In her letter to the PM, she requests action to be taken on whoever used her name to commit fraud.

Chamber Demands That PM Takes Swift Actions In Land Scandal
The deepening controversy over the most recently expose Vega land deals have triggered public condemnation on social media and morning show airwaves. Today the social partners also began to chip in, with the Chamber of Commerce expressing concern over the Prime Minister’s responses to reports of wrongdoing. The Chamber’s release says [quote] “despite evidence of blatant abuse of office for personal gain, the Prime Minister has commented that he doubts there is any actionable illegality. With due respect to the office, it is not for any Prime Minister to make that determination” [end quote]. The Chamber then adds its voice, supporting the call for an investigation into the allegations in the Lands Ministry.

The Reporter

Trade License Reform: Balancing Public-Private Sector Needs
Every business that operates in any of the nine municipalities in Belize must acquire a Trade License, after having paid whatever applicable trade-license fee. As things currently stand, it is Belize’s Trade Licensing Act that empowers local authorities to charge businesses this fee, which Section 24 of the Act sets at twenty-five percent of their rental value. To be more precise, the current law reads: “The annual licence fee payable in respect of the carrying on of any trade shall be an amount equal to one-fourth of the annual value of the premises in which the business is carried on.” Based on this law, a business—let us say a Restaurant—that has an annual rent of $60,000, would be expected to pay $15,000 per year. Now, industry benchmarks suggest that for businesses of this type, rent should only be about 7 percent of total sales. However, that extra fee (that behaves like a tax of an expense) of $15,000 adds an additional 1.75% to this cost, for an almost 9% of total sales revenue cost.

Breaking Belize News

PUP leader goes on the offensive regarding new Vega land scandal
The Leader of the Opposition, John Briceno, today organized a press conference in the wake of another land scandal during the tenure of former Land Minister, Gaspar Vega. Recently surfaced land documents revealed that Amy Forte had purchased a piece of land on Mosquito Caye and then flipped it to the Vega family for next to pittance.

Minor charged for San Pedro murder
Today, police charged a sixteen year old male for the murder of Armando Lopez, 36. On August 20, Lopez and his friends were socializing at a club in San Pedro when a gunman entered and fired a shot that hit Lopez to the chest.

PUP team provides assistance to fire victims in Corozal town
A Corozal Town family of four who lost their 2-bedroom wooden home to a fire that occurred on Saturday, August 26th received assistance today when PUP Mayoral Candidate Rigo Vellos and members of the PUP Town Council slate visited them to deliver food and clothing donations. Vellos and his team also assisted the family in carrying out a clean-up of dangerous debris.

Custom officer charged for killing contrabandista
Two weeks ago, Yo Creek resident, Dwayne Almendarez, was shot multiples times by a custom officer during a search for contraband. Almendarez later succumbed to his injuries received.

Belize Police Department launches investigation into ‘land swapping saga’
Today, the Office of Prime Minister Dean Barrow issued a statement indicating that the PM has instructed the Belize Police Department to investigate the alleged corrupt ‘land swapping saga’ involving Andre Vega’s 7 acres acquisition on Mosquito Caye as compensation for a parcel of private land that was allegedly and fraudulently obtained by Andre Vega from Government using Amy Forte’s name.

PM Barrow requests Police Investigation into allegations of Fraud brought forward by Amy Forte
The Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), in a press release issued today, confirmed that PM Barrow has received, in his capacity as Minister responsible for the Lands Department, a letter from Attorney Deshawn Arzu Torres on behalf of her client Amy Forte. This press release is the latest development in the alleged corrupt ‘land swapping saga’ involving Andre Vega’s 7 acres acquisition on Mosquito Caye as compensation for a parcel of private land on Caye Caulker that was allegedly fraudulently obtained by Andre Vega from Government using Amy Forte’s name.

Chamber asks Belizean authorities to investigate corruption at Ministry of Lands
The Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) today issued a press release underscoring the […]

San Pedro gunman, Christian Espat, secures bail
On Friday afternoon Christian Espat secured bail at the Supreme Court in Belize City. The […]

Police issue official report on Belizean artist robbed
Police have today issued an official report on the robbery of Belizean artist, Christiane Young, […]

Police find ganja plants and illegally harvested boards
The Government of Belize is making moves to decriminalize certain quantities of marijuana. However, it […]

Jehovah Witness Church burglarized
Burglars in Belize City have demonstrated absolutely no regards for the house of God. They […]

Belizean men cause trouble at Belize-Mexico border
Two Belizean men have caused much trouble at the Belize-Mexico border. According to Mexican media […]

Another whale found dead in southern Belize
According to a report from 7 News, yesterday a sperm whale was found dead near […]

Belizean man busted with gun and fourteen credit cards in Guatemala City
Belizean national, Harold Lindsay Amos Rodriguez, 57, has been detained by Guatemalan authorities. According to […]

Dangriga home burns to the ground
At around midnight on Sunday there was a fire in Dangriga town. A 14 by […]

A Scholarship Recipient speaks about the Journey
My name is Tanya Bowen and I am a 29 year old single mom. I grew up in […]

Blogs

You Can Be An Artist! Paint N Splash on Ambergris Caye
My friend Melody (aka Belizean Melody) is a fantastically talented women. She’s an event-wedding coordinator, a mother of two boys, a Belikin calendar model (okay….that was a few years ago but it’s the equivalent of Sports Illustrated here in Belize), an art shop owner and an amazing artist. Melody also does what many would think is the impossible. She can make YOU an artist. Or at least make you feel like one and act like one for a few hours. AND you walk away with a super cool souvenir. One that YOU made. Once a week – give or take – Melody announces Paint N Splash. A location, often a beach bar, usually a drink special (like 2 for 1 rum punches) and a subject.

You can skip the story and go for the moral: Wear sunscreen and use your noodle
It started on Sunday with a pool party down the road, next to Coco Loco’s Beach Bar. The party was actually a continuation of a birthday party from the day before which included a glorious day aboard the No Rush catamaran with snorkeling and good food, plenty of rum punch, great friendship and a brilliant sun over head. At any rate, I was already feeling underwater when the time for the pool party neared. I was thinking maybe I should sit this one out. It is not that I’m not a fan of back-to-back good times. I am. If I had the constitution for it I would go on three- and four-day back-to-back good-time binges. It would be easy to do on a tropical island like Ambergris Caye.

This is Belize: Nature serves up a spectacle this morning and gratitude runs amuck
The breeze, steady as ever through the night, picked up urgency around 5:30 this morning. The time is a guess. The first water taxi hadn’t yet sped up the coast. The bell-curve thump-and-rumble of that boat is like a morning cock’s crow to mainlanders. Only more pleasant. It was still too black out to see, but my wind gauge was beginning to go off the charts. I use the rustle of the coconuts and palms posted outside my bedroom window as a reliable source of wind information. Slightly breezy and they sound like waves lapping against the beach.

Vegan Options on Ambergris Caye, Belize
Finding vegan-friendly restaurants on Ambergris Caye has proven a lot easier than I thought it would be. Ever since I decided to live a vegan lifestyle it’s taken a little more planning to eat out. I thought I’d save our vegan readers the hassle and create a list of the things I’ve had when I eat out besides your obvious salads. So here goes…

Hurricane Hoax and Harvey Still Affecting Belize From Afar
Ambergris Caye, Belize businesses and residents thought we were in the “all clear” as far as Tropical Storm Harvey is concerned. Technically we were, however, as it increased to a category 4 Hurricane and reeked havoc over Houston, there has been some unfortunate fallout. Not only have many of our Texan friends and family been dealing with hard times, several local Belize businesses have been faced with last minute cancellations and the country has lost some tourist revenue. Yesterday I got a private message from Bo and Lori Puckett telling me they had to cancel their trip. Sadly the travel insurance they had purchased ended up being worthless and they won’t be reimbursed. If Belize had been hit or their house burned down, they were covered. Houston being completely under water and shut down by weather, not covered. Crazy. As for their accommodations, The Palms Oceanfront Suites was willing to work with them and offered the Puckett’s to use their booked days within a certain time frame. Unfortunately time off within the date range to come back and do so is not an option for the couple. Sorry you were faced with this vacation loss Bo and Lori – wishing you a windfall and the time off to use it to make up for your lost Belize Vacation.

International Sources

Discovering the Caribbean castaway island so beloved by Hollywood A-listers that a stay there was once included in an Oscars goodie bag
How does it feel to live like an A-list celebrity? Booked into the 'hyper luxurious' Cayo Espanto, a five-star private island paradise in Belize, we were about to find out. The uber-private resort, with a staff-to-guest ratio of two-to-one, is a celeb favourite, with Tiger Woods, Robert De Niro, Leonardo Di Caprio, Penelope Cruz and Brad Pitt among the guests who have stayed there. In fact, it has proven so popular with A-list stars that a stay on the island was included in the 2011 Academy Awards goodie bag handed out to all nominees. Prior to arrival, guests are given a detailed survey to fill out where you are asked to state your favourite food, snack, cocktail, whether you prefer to be lavished with attention or left alone – hell, even what time you like your coffee served in the morning. We were coming to Cayo Espanto from the bohemian island of San Pedro, three miles away, the gateway to the crown jewel of Belize - the second largest barrier reef in the world.

Belize nationals hope to practice law in Fiji
Two of the 10 students are Police Prosecutors from The Republic of Belize, Central America who chose to do their GDLP in Fiji after it was recommended to them by their Head of Law School who is currently a law lecturer at University of Fiji. Mannon Dennison and Holman Katanegie will return to Belize after the completion of their studies but remain hopeful to return to Fiji in the future to practice law.

Videos

KTV The Remix Final Leg to Ten Thousand Dollars, 48min.

Motown Music Show, 27min.

actical Tattoo and Military Parade (BDF, Police Department & Nat. Fire Service), 20min.

Suyatours Beachcookout san pedro belize, 4min. Suyatours eating fresh fish and lobster.

Snorkeling in Belize, 18min. Our snorkeling trip to Belize... June 1, 2017.

Sanpedro belize, 2min. Spearfishing fresh catch of the day.

San Pedro, Belize, 3min. by Mahogany Bay Village

Woman of Belize, 11min. This Summer, 9 of us, along with our professor, traveled to Southern Belize to study medical anthropology for three weeks. We stayed in a beautiful town called Punta Gorda. Throughout our stay, we encountered life changing experiences, life altering decisions, and cultural shock beyond compare. However- like every anthropologist conducting fieldwork- there are the negatives.

UN DIA EN STARFISH ISLAND (BELIZE CITY), 13min. UN DIA EN STARFISH ISLAND Y BELIZE CITY, ESPERO QUE OS GUSTE MUCHO EL VIDEO, Y QUE LE DEIS MUCHO APOYO!

Belize, 4min. Un petit tour du c“t‚ du Belize...... Short trip to Belize, Blue Hole dive

University of Belize Fete 2017, 1.5min. UB 1st President's All-Inclusive Endowment Fete is a fundraiser event all for the long term benefit of students.The first soca fete event is a Belize-Trini affair, featuring Crazy who sings the song Nani Wine, Oscar B and Belizean artists Super G and Ernestine Carballo. The proceeds will be used to fund scholarships for well deserving Belizeans to attend UB. To contribute to the UB Endowment Fund, deposit to UB Scotia Account number: 9138989.

Belize, 4min. Un petit tour du côté du Belize...... Short trip to Belize

San Pedro - Belize, 3min.

Snorkeling in Belize, min. Snorkeling in Belize...June 1, 2017.

Rio on Pools, 1min.

Another whale spotted in Belizean waters, 1min. Sperm Whale while out deep sea fishing yesterday!

Introducing The Curious Place Of The Month, 1min. A monthly tour of a unique and delightful site in Belize. This month we’re exploring The Belize Reef—the world’s second-largest barrier reef.

August 30, 2017

Casting Call for Miss Earth Belize and Miss World Belize

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

The San Pedro Sun

Lyndon Flowers charged for the rape of a 14-year-old girl
Ambergris Caye resident, Lyndon Dean Flowers was remanded to Belize Central Prison on Monday, August 28th on charges of the rape of a 14-year-old girl. Flowers appeared in front of Magistrate Carlon Mendoza in Belize City, where he was read the charges. Despite his attorney’s attempt to get him out on bail, Flowers was locked down until his next court appearance on October 27th, 2017. According to the victim, Flowers raped her on July 3rd of this year, but she was afraid to report the matter, because he threatened to kill her if she did so. Flowers’ attorney tried to avoid his remand, but the court prosecutor raised formal objections.

Ambergris Today

Second Whale Death Reported In Belizean Waters
“Something terrible is happening at sea,” posted Oceana Belize on their Facebook Page. They are reporting a second whale that has been found in Belizean waters. According to Boat Captain Jason Westby, it's a juvenile sperm whale which he found lifeless and floating near the Silk Cayes. Oceana Belize urges that an investigation needs to be launched to determine why these whales are dying.

Misc Belizean Sources

Power interruption 7:00am to 2:00pm, Friday, September 1, San Pedro
Pescador Dr, San Pedrito, Elliot Subdivision, San Pablo, San Marcos and DFC Area. BEL to replace poles and grips carrying high voltage lines; and install high voltage mid-spans in the area.

Ko'one'ex táant óoltik Marcus Canul (vamos a celebrar a Marcus Canul)
The Northern Maya Association of Belize extends you a cordial invitation to a memorial event to Honour Maya Hero Marcos Canul. The event is first of its kind and will be held on Saturday September 2, 2017 on Queen Victoria Avenue in Orange Walk Town. Join the Yucatec Maya(Maya Mestizo) community of northern Belize as we acknowledge the struggles of our ancestors, celebrate our forgotten heroes, and strive to keep our identity alive. Following the short ceremony, treat yourself to typical Maya Mestizo food on sale, learn more about the Yucatec Maya from exhibits on site, take a tour of the grounds where the 1872 Battle of Orange Walk took place, and enjoy live performances by cultural groups. Kux'ano'on !!!!!!

How did the Maya get salt?
Today we look at salt and don’t really stop to consider how it came to be. We just know we walk to a store if we need more. We cannot live without it though. We need salt to live, and imagine a world where salt did not exist to add flavor to our food and snacks! The ancient Maya needed salt as well, and thanks to Dr. Heather McKillop and her work in southern Belize we are quickly learning that there were salt workshops on the coast that likely supplied major sites in that area, including Nim Li Punit and Lubaantun.

REFURBISHMENT & LIGHTING OF CROOKED TREE SPORTS FACILITIES
Inauguration ceremonies will be held tomorrow, Wednesday, August 30, 2017, for the newly lighted Softball and Cricket Field in Crooked Tree Village, as well as the refurbished Basketball Court which has been repainted and re-fenced with new lights also installed. The project was executed by the National Sports Council through the lobbying efforts of Belize Rural North Area Representative Hon Edmond Castro. Main speakers at the ceremony will be National Sports Director Ian Jones and Area Representative Hon Edmond Castro. The ceremony will start at 10:00 AM.

Ministry of Health Responds to False Reports on Pharmaceutical Trade in Belize
The Ministry of Health would like to inform the public that a recent “NBZLive” Facebook post of 24th August 2017 makes utterly false, destructive and defamatory accusations regarding the ownership of a pharmaceutical company, and the trade of pharmaceuticals, by the Minister of Health, Hon. Pablo Marin and his immediate family. In response to the allegations, the Ministry of Health advises that Allied Tech, the company referred to in the post, is registered as having its principals based in Ladyville, Belize. Additional information can be provided by the Ministry upon request. The Ministry of Health has implemented rigorous legislative measures to ensure that safe, high-quality pharmaceuticals, in the required quantities, continue to be made available for all Ministry of Health facilities and that similar quality assurance measures are extended to the private sector. Pharmaceuticals are being imported into Belize by approximately 50 importers, and recent legislation ensures an increasingly transparent process in the Ministry's regulation of pharmaceuticals, the pharmaceutical trade and the operation of pharmaceutical facilities.

NOTICE from the National Sports Council of Belize
To the public/users of the Marion Jones Sports Complex for recreation, track practice, etc.: Kindly be advised that the Marion Jones Sports Complex is CLOSED, 29 August 2017 through Monday, 4 September 2017. The public’s cooperation in this matter is greatly appreciated. The Complex will re-open on Tuesday, 5 September 2017.

Training in rappelling and the use of ropes for the Karst Mapping Team
This training is one of several training sessions for these volunteers as they prepare for the mapping of the Chiquibul Cave System.

Channel 7

Alleged Fraud and Forgery in Land Flip To Andre Vega
One week ago 7News broke the story of another Vega family land scandal. Well tonight it is exposed as a case of blatant land fraud, including outright forgery. The Belmopan resident who supposedly flipped a piece of land to Andre Vega says she never even knew she was in any kind of land transaction until she saw it on 7News. Amy Forte's attorney has written to the Prime Minister - who is also the Minister of Natural Resources - asking him to cancel the conveyance because her signature was forged. Her attorney says she applied to purchase national land in Caye Caulker in 2007 but never got any title to any property. And, now, suddenly, 10 years later, her name is all over the evening news, saying she got beachfront property on northern Caye Caulker, and flipped it to Andre Vega for thirty thousand dollars.

Johnny Zabs: How I Got Off The Kingpin's List
On last week Tuesday's newscast, we told you how John Zabaneh was removed from the US Treasury Department's KINGPIN list. After 5 years of suffering, the Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) lifted the sanction they had placed on the Stann Creek businessman in August of 2012, which prevented pretty much anyone from doing business with him. All banks, suppliers, and most of his business partners had cut him off. They would not conduct business with him or his family-owned companies because of the taint of the kingpin designation. His family's fortunes were dealt a deathblow and the banana industry suffered after Fyffes ended its business relationship with his Mayan King Banana Farms, which was being managed by the company, Meridian. The Irish based fruit packing giant stopped buying their bananas because could not risk being associated with Zabaneh.

Belizeans Accused of Assaulting Mexi-Taxi
2 Belizeans allegedly assaulted a Mexican taxi-man near the old Belize-Mexico bridge on Monday. According to an online news report in "El Punto", the taximan picked them up at a casino in the Free Zone and as they were heading over to Chetumal, the Belizean passengers assaulted the taximan and tried to subdue him. But he threw himself out of the vehicle. The taximan was injured to his elbow and right ankle. The Belizeans then drove off with the taxi back to the Belize side of the border. The Police in Chetumal said they could not intervene because the car ended up in the Belize Free Zone, where it has no jurisdiction.

Weed and Wood In Maya Center
The law to decriminalize possession of small quantities of marijuana may be before the House of Representatives, but growing it is still illegal. That's why Stann Creek Police are making news of the fact that they conducted an operation where they found and burnt ten mature trees at a reserve in the vicinity of the Maya Center village. The police also found several different sizes of board from timber that had been harvested without a permit.

Philloughby's Lessons Learned In Convention
Phillip Willoughby is a four term city councillor - and now he will be trying for a fifth term. The man we call "Philloughby" tried for the mayorship but he came 685 votes short of his colleague Dion Leslie. Now, we know for sure, he put his heart and soul into a campaign that was always an uphill struggle. So, how does he handle losing? Up until today, we just didn't know. He wasn't there during the counting on convention night - and he didn't make himself available for an interview yesterday. Today, he called the press to City Hall to congratulate his opponent - and say he learned some mighty big lessons:

Another Dead Whale In Belize's Southern Waters
Yesterday another sperm whale was found lifeless in Belize's waters. This one was found in the Stann Creek District near the Silk Cayes. This becomes the 3rd whale to die in Belizean waters since 2016. So what's causing the untimely deaths of these huge sea mammals? That's what we asked Oceana's Vice President Janelle Chanona today: Janelle Chanona, Vice President at Oceana Belize: "We had a humpback whale die in April 2016 and one two and a half weeks ago that was I believe a baleen whale and now a sperm whale." Sahar Vasquez, reporter: "What was the cause of death for that?"

Ministry of Health Gets Hot About Facebook Post
The Ministry of Health sent out a release today condemning a Facebook post by NBZLive. As seen here, it is a picture of newly-weds, Health Minister Pablo Marin and Director of the Drug Inspectorate Danini Contreras. The post reads "Pablo and Danini have given birth to Allied Tech a company that is monopolizing the importation of pharmaceuticals in the country." The Ministry of Health today fired back with a heath press release, claiming the post, quote, "makes utterly false, destructive and defamatory accusations..." The release continues by saying, quote, "Allied Tech, the company referred to in the post, is registered as having its principals based in Ladyville, Belize."

RAV Driver Charged For Causing Death of Passenger
Yesterday we told you about the fatal accident in Orange Walk Town which happened on Sunday. Well, tonight police are reporting that the 20 year old driver, Ramon Dominguez, was formally arrested and charged for Manslaughter by Negligence, Causing Death by Careless Conduct and Drove motor Vehicle without due care and attention. He was arraigned today and received bail of $6,000 with an adjournment date for November. The result of a blood alcohol test IS PENDING.

Houston's Harvey Problem Has Resonance in Belize
Tonight, the city of Houston Texas has suffered a hurricane experience unlike any other this century, with the possible exception of Hurricane KATRINA in 2006. Hurricane Harvey, that just missed Belize as a Tropical Storm, turned into a Superstorm that pounded Texas and then circled Houston for three days, dropping as much as 50 inches of rain and causing the loss of 9 lives. Now, Houston is a city that Belize has many connections to. Thousands of Belizeans live there and it's also a hub for United and Southwest Airlines - both of which have had to cancel all their flights because the airports are closed. Yesterday Foreign Minister Wilfred Elrington said, Houston, we know your pain:..

President Jimmy Still Holding On
Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales remains under pressure tonight. The United Nations said today that it was, quote, "disturbed" by his decision to expel the head of CICIG, a U.N.-backed anti-corruption unit investigating his campaign financing. The UN called for guarantees that judicial figures would be protected. On Sunday, President Morales declared CICIG's leader Ivan Velasquez, a persona non grata. He did so after firing his Foreign Minister Carlos Raul Morales, who, apparently, refused to expel Velasquez. Following Morales' announcement on Sunday, hundreds of Guatemalans took to the streets, mostly to defend Velasquez outside his offices and in the center of Guatemala City.

Remembering Marcus Canul
Marcus Canul is a major name in the History of Belize - but only now is he coming to true prominence as a rebel against the colonial powers. This weekend his legend will be honored in Orange Walk by a newly formed NGO named The Northern Maya Association of Belize. The chairperson and an organizer of the event stopped by today and shared some insight with us on the upcoming occasion.

The Sweetness of Silk Caye
In last night's news, we took you on the first day of the Familiarization Trip that the BTB sponsored for the local media. In their all-expense-paid weekend vacation, the press visited different tourist destinations in and around Hopkins Village. After that, the BTB organized a visit to the Gladden Spit and Silk Caye Marine Reserve, which is 22 miles east of Placencia. On this trip, it was all about snorkeling around the barrier reef near the reserve. Daniel Ortiz picks up the story where the charter boat pulled up:

Looking Back: National Song Contest
And that's all we have for you tonight. We leave you this evening with highlife of the national song competition from Dangriga on Saturday night. The event was aired live on channel 7 - and here's a look back at the top performances.

Channel 5

Amy Forte calls on P.M. to clear her name in alleged land fraud and forgery
There are more revelations tonight concerning the extent of the Vega family’s grab for land across the country. Not only was there land swapping with seemingly willing accomplices, but new [...]

P.M. on Vega land deals: “What it is, is what it is”
It remains to be seen how the Prime Minister and Senator Doctor Carla Barnett, who has been put in day-to-day charge of the Ministry of Natural Resources, will react to [...]

Singer Dajah shakes off trauma of robbery near cemetery
For the second time in several months, a well-known Belizean artist is the victim of an armed robbery. The most recent and brazen attack occurred this morning near the Lord [...]

Down, but not out: Philip Willoughby trods on
The last word on Sunday’s United Democratic Party municipal convention in Belize City goes to the vanquished Philip Willoughby. He lost out to the better-heeled Dion Leslie for the mayoral [...]

Councilor candidate will push for more social City Council
Even though Willoughby is not at the top of the ticket, his decision to focus his race on promoting a “softer social” side of a council appears to have some [...]

Drugs, gangs, and the fragile truce in Belize City
Following months of calm, the bloodbath in the month of August has resulted in eight murders. Not all, but it is considered that most of the killings are gang-related. So [...]

Indian community disproves report that visas for visiting ballet not paid for
The Chinese Disabled People Performing Arts Troupe departed the country earlier today, after spending a few days in Belize visiting with the local Chinese community. But their brief stay in [...]

Divided Football Federation seeks to heal wounds at extraordinary congress
Back in June the tenth general congress of the Football Federation of Belize dissolved into uncertainty as a majority of the Federation’s members decided to boycott the process, which would [...]

P.R. officer let go in ‘streamlining’ of F.F.B. office
Acting President Kuylen expects full quorum since the meeting was called for by members. Also on the agenda are the dismissals of general secretary Michael Blease and others. Blease was [...]

Belize football looks to the future
It has not been a good year on or off the field for Belize in football. In January, the national team was shut out of qualification for the Gold Cup, [...]

Teen told to keep the peace after slapping girlfriend twice
Nineteen-year-old Kadeem Augustine was remanded to the Belize Central Prison on Friday, after pleading guilty to harming his girlfriend. The teenager, who claims to be in love with his girlfriend, [...]

Impatient security guard fined for taking off in B.E.L. vehicle
Twenty-one-year-old Maximiliano Morey, a security guard of Milpa Area, Ladyville, is in hot water after making off with a vehicle from Belize Electricity Limited’s Magazine Road compound on Saturday. It [...]

C.C.J.’s President, Sir Dennis Byron, set to retire
But the highest court, the Caribbean Court of Justice headquartered in Trinidad and Tobago announced the imminent retiring of Sir Dennis Bryon, having reached his seventh non-renewable year at the [...]

Bethel primary schoolers have fees covered by organization
Children First and Last Belize is a non-profit organization that supports children in education and health care. As a part of their contribution to education, today members of the organization [...]

Who will reign over the Carnival?
On Friday, the annual carnival motorcade throughout the streets of Belize City gets underway. This will be followed by the revered competition of the giant costumes on Saturday night at [...]

Has something happened to missing teen Erwin Rodriguez?
Seventeen-year-old Erwin Paulino Rodriguez of Grown Dove Street in Belize City is missing. The teen was last seen in the Jane Usher Boulevard area on Thursday sometime after three o’clock [...]

Teenager “Pito” Reyes sought in vicious chopping in San Jose
Police have issued a bulletin for an eighteen-year-old Orange Walkenos who is wanted for a vicious crime that occurred last Thursday in the village of San Jose in the north. [...]

Prevail Combat calls junior jiu-jitsus
On Monday, we reported that the Prevail Combat Club of Belize City hauled in thirteen medals, eight of which are gold, when they participated in the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competition held [...]

KTV remixes the rhythm and blues for final four
KTV, the Remix is inching closer to a successful end. The show started with fifteen performers selected from a wide pool of talent from around the country. After many rounds [...]

CTV3

Evidence Of Fraud In Vegas' Land Documents Surfaces
Tonight the scandals surrounding former Minister of Natural Resources Gaspar Vega and members of his family and their unbridled land grab have gotten deeper and much more serious. For weeks, we have been exposing leaked land documents which show the family of Gaspar Vega acquiring land all over Belize, in particular during the time Vega was the Lands Minister. Among the recently leaked documents, there are files which show that the Vegas bought land from groups of persons who accessed land at very cheap rates. The persons then sold their parcels of land to members of the Vega family.

Raymond Dominguez Charged in Relation To Deadly Traffic Accident
Yesterday we reported on the fatal traffic accident here in Orange Walk Town on Sunday which claimed the life of fifty one year old, Raymond Hendricks. A postmortem examination was conducted today on Hendricks’s body which concluded cause of death as multiple Blunt force Traumatic injuries due to road traffic accident.

Mexican National Allegedly Abducted By Belizeans
A Mexican taxi driver and resident of Chetumal, Quintana Roo was allegedly assaulted by two Belizean nationals in the wee hours of yesterday morning. According to reports coming from the Mexican media, the alleged victim who was identified only as A.H.V. reported to authorities that he picked up two men of Belizean nationality sometime around 1:35 a.m. at a well-known casino in the Commercial Free Zone area, who requested his taxi service. The victim added that just before entering Mexican territory, the alleged assailants attempted to take control of the vehicle and in fear for his life, upon passing the old bridge at Subteniente Lopez, he threw himself out of the moving vehicle and as a result injured his left elbow and right ankle.

LOVE FM

Guatemala President Jimmy Morales fires his Foreign Affairs Minister
A political crisis in neighboring Guatemala is unfolding after President Jimmy Morales attempted to expel the head of the International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG), IvánVelásquez. President Morales has declared Velasquez a persona non grata after Velasquez asked the courts in Guatemala to strip Morales of his political immunity in order to proceed with charges linked […]

Despite the visa hiccup, Chinese still performed
The China Disabled People’s Performing Art Troupe still managed to perform at the Bliss Center for the Performing Arts on Sunday after the government had denied a request to waive visa fees. The group of more than thirty disabled performers travelled through Panama and arrived in Belize on Saturday. Before their arrival to Belize, the […]

Police hold two for murder
Police have detained two men in connection to the latest murder in Belize City. That happened shortly after eight o’clock this morning when 32 year-old Gilroy Martinez, also known as “fries”, was shot and killed. He was shot in a yard located just about two blocks away from his home. Police say that he had […]

Two charged for the murder of Windell Gibson
Police have charged two men for the murder of Windell Gibson and the attempted murder of Keron Santos. The accused are 21 year old Joel Benito Choco, a Belizean construction worker of Hattieville Village and 26 year-old Orlando Salazar, a Belizean delivery man of a South Creek address. As we reported last week, Windell Gibson, […]

Police implement changes to deal with the crime
The recent increase in shootings and murders within the city is starting to spike up a sense of insecurity in residents. For a few months, there was a relative sense of peace within the city that has been credited to the gang intervention program. Of late however, many men have met their death at gunpoint, […]

Traffic accident leaves one dead in Orange Walk
Orange Walk police report that shortly after seven o’clock on Sunday morning, they visited the corner of Cemetery Street and Belize Corozal Road in Orange Walk Town where they found a red Toyota RAV 4 with the front portion extensively damaged. They also found the body of 52 year old Raymond Hendricks of Trial Farm […]

House goes up in flames in Dangriga
A late night fire destroyed a house in Dangriga. Correspondent Harry Arzu has the details. Dangriga Fire Harry Arzu reporting… “A one bedroom wooden house measuring 14 by 16 feet in length was destroyed by fire last night. About 11:25 p.m. last night personnel from the Fire Department responded to a call of a house […]

CariSecure project opens in Belize
The CariSecure Ministerial Study Tour was officially opened today in Belize City. The CariSecure project was first approved by the United States Agency for International Development (US AID) in 2016. As the title suggest, the fourteen million US dollar project seeks to strengthen evidence based decision making for citizen security in the Caribbean. The CariSecure […]

Victory – how sweet it is!
Dion Leslie will be contesting the mayoral seat for the 2018 municipal elections after he bested his colleague Phillip Willoughby in the United Democratic Party City Council convention on Sunday. The ballot also included sixteen councilor candidates. For the Mayoral candidacy, five thousand five hundred eighty nine persons voted. Of this Dion Leslie garnered three […]

Leslie is UDP Mayoral Candidate, Willoughby remains on UDP ticket
The UDP convention is over and while Phillip Willoughby was beaten for the Mayoral Candidacy, he still remains on the UDP ticket to contest the 2018 municipal elections. We cannot forget however that Leslie enjoyed most of the support within the party, receiving an endorsement from Mayor Darrell Bradley and Minister Tracy Panton, who Willoughby […]

Amandala

Curl Thompson Street execution
Gilroy “Fries” Martinez, 32, a father of five, became the 7th person to be murdered in Belize City since the start of this month. He was shot twice in his head today, Monday. According to police reports, sometime before 8 o’clock this morning, as Martinez entered a yard just a short distance from his residence on Curl Thompson Street, an artery of Jane Usher Boulevard, someone opened fire, killing him on the spot. Martinez was taken to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH), where medical examiners certified him dead. In a press conference held today, Senior Superintendent of Police, Marco Vidal, revealed that two men have been detained in connection with Martinez’s murder, which, according to Vidal, was gang-related.

Dion beats Philip by 685 votes
The ruling United Democratic Party (UDP) held a convention today on the sprawling compound of the ITVET compound on Freetown Road to select its Belize City Council slate for next March’s municipal election. In the wake of the departure of the UDP’s two-term mayor, Darrell Bradley, the stage was set for a contested mayoral convention, and incumbent councilors Dion Leslie and Philip Willoughby squared off for the coveted spot. Leslie handily dusted off Willoughby. The balloting began at 10:00 a.m. and went on until 5:00 p.m. It was not until after 6:00 p.m. however, that the lines of voters ended and the counting began. A total of 16 persons had placed their names on the ballot to fill the 10 councilor spots.

Jimmy Morales sacks Carlos Raúl Morales
Guatemala president Jimmy Morales has sacked Canciller Carlos Raúl Morales, that country’s foreign minister, after he did not execute the president’s order to expel Iván Velásquez Gómez, the head of a United Nations-backed, independent anti-corruption commission, whom President Morales declared to be “persona non grata” in a video message released yesterday. The vice minister for Foreign Affairs, Carlos Ramiro Martinez, was also removed from office, according to reports appearing in the Guatemalan press. An official announcement issued by the Government of Guatemala yesterday said that the deposed foreign minister has been replaced by the former vice minister in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sandra Érica Jovel Polanco. Jovel is reportedly facing legal proceedings for irregularities in the adoption of a child.

Sedi, Sedi!
On July 21, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) ordered Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Wilfred “Sedi” Elrington, to return close to a million dollars’ worth of land titles owned by his former client, Progresso Heights Limited. The CCJ gave Elrington thirty days, effective August 5, to make the return, so he still has an estimated eleven days remaining to return the titles. It appears that Mr. Elrington will not comply with the court’s orders. Amandala has intercepted a letter sent by him to the CCJ in which he explained that he does not have the land titles. In the letter, dated August 17, Elrington confirmed that he had read the order from the CCJ.

12 Belizean students depart for Cuba to study medicine
Since the late 1990’s, a number of Belizeans have been awarded scholarships to study medicine and become qualified doctors, courtesy of a scholarship program launched by the Cuban Government and its visionary revolutionary leader, the late Fidel Castro. Yesterday, Sunday, a contingent of 12 Belizean students who have been awarded scholarships to study medicine for six years in Cuba, left the country to embark on their studies. On Friday, the Cuban Embassy in Belize held a farewell reception for the twelve Belizean students. Deryck Satchwell, Deputy Director of the Tertiary and Post-Secondary Education Service, told 7News on Friday that there were 13 scholarships that were offered this year to Belize, but so far only 12 have been granted, so there is a spot for one more student.

BDF on top, only undefeated team at Week 3 of PLB 2017-2018 Opening Season
Well, this looks like one heck of a competition in the making in this Premier League of Belize (PLB) 2017-2018 Opening Season. Already, Wagiya FC is in the winning column at Week 3 of this Opening Season, after only claiming their first point at Week 7 of the previous Closing Season; in fact, all 8 teams in the present Opening Season, including newcomers San Pedro Pirates FC, have already garnered at least 2 points. (See Standings below.) Two Week 3 games over the past weekend were played on Saturday, August 26, and two on Sunday, August 27.

Unitedville wins Softball Nationals at Rogers Stadium
Our sources say that the Women’s National Softball Championship, played this past weekend at Rogers Stadium in Belize City, was won by Unitedville of the Cayo District, with Roaring Creek taking second, and Belize City’s Digicell settling for third place. More details as we receive it in our weekend issue.

Editorial: The limits of party politics
If you listen to the reggae and dance hall lyrics coming out of Jamaica, you will often hear direct, serious criticisms of politicians coming from Jamaican composers. To those of us who believe we understand how parliamentary democracy works, the attitude of those Jamaican composers may seem negative and defeatist. In achieving functional democracy, what else is there besides party politics and politicians? Jamaica’s base situation was always more dire than Belize’s during slavery and colonialism, because Jamaica is half Belize’s size but has to provide for eight or nine times as many people as live in Belize. Less had to feed more in Jamaica. Rastafarianism, a set of religious beliefs which emerged in Jamaica in the early 1930s, is like all other religions in that Rastas look to a supernatural force, Jah Rastafari, for the ultimate solutions to the problems of daily life, those problems being mostly socio-economic. Rastas are very focused on the Bible, especially on the Old Testament; their belief system is a complex one.

Visa waivers denied for Chinese Blind People Performing Arts Troupe
Minister of State with responsibility for Immigration, Beverly Williams, told Amandala that after a Cabinet meeting last Tuesday, the longstanding practice of issuing discretionary visa waivers to certain visitors who are ordinarily required under law to pay, has been halted, as there is no provision in the Immigration law for the granting of such waivers. The Belize Chinese Association expressed its disquiet last week with a recent decision by the Immigration Department to deny their request for visa waivers for 33 members of the Chinese Blind People Performing Arts Troupe. The first-time visitors to Belize put off what Williams described as an “exceptional” performance at the Bliss Center for the Performing Arts yesterday, but a BZ$2,000 fee had to be paid for each entertainer before they could be admitted into Belize. The total which the association had to raise was BZ$66,000, which they said increased their entire expenses to over BZ$100,000.

Feinstein and GOB sign investment agreement for Stake Bank Cruise Docking Facility
The Government of Belize and Stake Bank Enterprise Limited, a Michael Feinstein company, signed an investment agreement today, August 25, 2017, for the construction of what is described as a world-class cruise ship docking facility on Stake Bank Caye, located four nautical miles southeast of Belize City. Feinstein said at the signing ceremony that the US$50 million project should commence around December this year, and span 18 months. This means that the new facility could be completed by mid-2019. A press release from the Government of Belize said that the proposed cruise docking facility would accommodate 4 voyager class cruise vessels, including a 60-slip marina, an 80-room luxury guesthouse with supporting amenities, and a theme park with water rides, roller coaster and aquaria.

Marroquin brothers charged for the murder of Scott Charles
San Pedro police today transported two brothers to Belize City, where they were charged for the murder of Scott Charles, 25. Jose Marroquin and Sarbeto Marroquin appeared this afternoon in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Carlon Mendoza. Magistrate Mendoza read the murder charge to the two brothers, who needed a court interpreter proficient in Spanish to make them understand what was being read to them. The two brothers are accused of causing the unlawful death of Charles on August 16, in San Pedro Town.

Re-registration needed in light of “alarming” stats, says Senator Salas
The NGO community is not happy with the decision by the Barrow administration to defer the re-registration of electors until after the 2018 municipal elections—a long overdue exercise which has been delayed by a decade through successive amendments to the law. Speaking at the conclusion of the Senate meeting yesterday, NGO Senator Osmany Salas spoke on this issue, which, he said, is “of national importance.” “This is a matter that should be of concern to every single Belizean, in particular every Belizean of voting age,” said Salas. He said that when we talk about the tenets of our political democracy, we are talking about several different important matters: the right to vote, freedom of expression, the availability of choice between parties, and a free and fair election process which should result in a legislature that is representative and accountable.

Breaking Belize News

Man charged for village shooting
Today, police arrested and charged Elvis Arevalo, a farmer of San Estevan village for the crimes of ‘dangerous harm’ and ‘use of deadly means of harm’ for injuries caused to Moises Ismael Duque. […]

Man charged for causing death by careless conduct
This morning, a post mortem examination was conducted on Raymond Hendricks, who was killed in a traffic accident on Sunday. The medical officer certified his cause of death was due to multiple blunt force traumatic injuries as a result of the accident. […]

Ministry of Health responds to False Reports on Pharmaceutical Trade in Belize
The Ministry of Health issued a statement today informing the public that “a recent “NBZLive” Facebook post of August 24th, 2017 makes utterly false, destructive and defamatory accusations regarding the ownership of a pharmaceutical company, and the trade of pharmaceuticals, by the Minister of Health, Pablo Marin and his immediate family.” […]

Amy Forte says signature forged by family of Gaspar Vega
On August 22, 2017, Channel 7 News aired a story entitled “Another Vega Family Special” which implicated Amy Forte as being involved in a land hustle scheme with certain members of the family of former minister of lands, Gaspar Vega. According to a press release issued by McKoy Torres Law Firm (Forte’s lawyers), Amy never applied to purchase national land in Caye Caulker in or around the year 2007 and never received any title to property from the Government of Belize or any response whatsoever from her application. […]

Conservation Enforcement meets Technology
By Jon Ramnarace, WCS:The Implementation of Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool in Belize A small weathered, pale-blue skiff sits on the Caribbean Sea. Years exposed to sun, salt and wind have taken their toll on it. As emerald blue-green waves rock it up and down, a loud crack pierces the air, and then another. Sitting in his skiff a fisherman is working on his catch, breaking the hard conch shell to remove the delicious mollusk from inside. He smiles as he works removing one after another, after another, thinking of the payment to come. […]

US backs CICIG Commissioner; Protests erupt against Morales’ decision
The Comision International Contra la Impunidad Guatemala (CICIG) is the comission charged by the UN for investigating high ranking government officials for corruption and is headed by Ivan Velasquez. Velasquez told the Guatemalan media that current President Jimmy Morales could not account for $800,000 worth of campaign financing. […]

Singer, Dajah Glamor, robbed at gunpoint
Belizean artist, Christine Young, better known as Dajah Glamor, was robbed at gun point in Belize City today. Dajah had just entered Belize City and exited a vehicle near the Lord Ridge Cemetery near the start of the George Price highway when the armed robber accosted her. […]

CARISECURE forum held in Belize
Government Ministers and Permanent Secretaries from Eastern and Southern Caribbean countries, including Barbados, Guyana and St. Lucia are in Belize this week for a Citizen Security forum as part of the CARISECURE Project.The CARISECURE Project is an initiative organized by the US government, aimed at strengthening evidence based decision making for citizen security in the Caribbean […]

Belize City teen reported missing
Erwin Paulino Rodriguez, 17, was last seen on Thursday, August 24, leaving his home at 1:00 p.m. Rodriguez is of Hispanic decent, stands at about 5 7, and is medium built with short brown hair[…]

Two Libertad minors missing
Yesterday, Elemina Fuentes, 38, a Belizean housewife of Libertad village, Corozal reported to police that on Saturday, August 26, around 3:30 p.m. her daughters left home en route to their brother’s house in Orange Walk but never arrived and have not been heard from since. The two minors are Jamileth Etelmina Fuentes,12, and Rocely Lupita Fuentes,13. […]

13 Belizeans heading to Cuba to study
The Embassy of Cuba led by Ambassador H.E. Lissette B. Pérez Pérez opened its door on Friday, August 25 to students and representatives of the various ministries for a farewell ceremony for 13 young Belizeans who will be traveling to Cuba […]

Police confirm gang warfare responsible for murder spike
Belize City has recorded eight murders in the month of August, a noticeable spike compared to previous months, when the city had experienced an unprecedented calm, which many have attributed to the community policing initiatives and supposed “gang-truce” introduced by former Easter Division South Commander, ACP Chester Williams […]

Blogs

Finding a Peaceful Space
Owner Paulette says “Science and Soul Wellness was born out of the passion and clear vision of living a joyful life and total well being”. Paulette and her team firmly believe well being is our natural birthright. She believes this authentic gift should be savored and nurtured by embracing it daily and committing to self care and study – a lifelong process. The manifestation of Science and Soul Wellness Center (clickable link to reviews) at Mahogany Bay Village grew from the unique desire to create a flourishing boutique style Caribbean home-base for the yoga and wellness community. This includes practice, education, training, self care, and products.

A day well Spent in Corozal
Corozal Town is one of the best-kept secrets of Belize. Situated by beautiful Corozal Bay, it is peaceful and quiet. Locals enjoy swimming in the bay year round, where the water seldom gets really cold. Corozal is a drive through for tourists that enter Belize to vacation in a tranquil place. But, some may not hear about Corozal's greatest place to visit while coming down to Belize. One of my favorite things I saw on the immigration border is people from Canada and around the world travel all the way down here to Belize with bicycles, motorcycles, mobile home cars, and more just to experience how North, Central, and Southern American like. Corozal has some amazing beach starting from Mangrove beach all the way to the south end of Corozal. Sugarcane plantations surrounding Corozal Town provide livelihoods for many of Corozal Town's 10,000 residents. The town's surrounding attractions showcase the area's intimate relationship with this crop. The old Aventura Sugar Mill seven miles south of Corozal Town no longer processes sugar, but its main chimney reminds visitors of an industry still dominating the Corozal District.

What's happening in Orange Walk
Do you know your city better than anyone else? Places to visit, Things to do in & around your city, events to attend? What would you recommend someone who visits your city for the first time? Would you be interested in being the Top Explorer to follow from your city? Ge Explore these amazing events this weekend, and have a Happening Weekend! This Wednesday, 30th August, 11:00 am, Miss Debs At Reimers Belmopan in Belmopan: Next month, 2nd and 19th September, 05:00 pm, Miss Debs At September CELEBRATIONS in Orange Walk. 2nd Annual Tribute to DJ Che 2017: This event features some of Belize's premier DJs and performers onstage for a benefit performance.

Corozal Miss Carnival Queen Pageant
Saturday, Sept 1.

Corozal are you ready to bring in the September with a Bang??
Then come out September 2nd to Scotty's bar and grill for the Baddest Soca Fete "Buss Head".... Live performance by: Dian Songs Musical Entertainment by: DJ Dutch, DJ Trick, Generation 2 sounds, & DJ Absolute Free Tequila shots,Beads and Whistles giveaway at the door!! It's gonna be a blast, you can't afford to miss???

International Sources

Report: Israeli PM Netanyahu Wants Meeting With Caribbean Leaders on Sidelines of UN General Assembly
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is trying to arrange a meeting with Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders on the sidelines of next month’s UN General Assembly gathering in New York City, Caribbean News Now! reported on Monday. According to the report, Jamaica — led by Prime Minister Andrew Holness, who visited Israel earlier this year — is pushing to make such a summit happen. However, other Caribbean nations – including Belize, Suriname, Guyana, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Dominica, St Lucia and Antigua — were said to be resistant to the idea, due to pro-Palestinian proclivities.

De-Risking ‘Phenomenon’ Puts 700 Million Globally at Risk
The current era of political unrest and uncertainty, coupled with the rise of terror and cyberattacks, means that financial institutions have had to adhere to increasingly strict policies to minimize their risk of being involved in money laundering or funding terrorism. The regulations and legislation in place work to prevent the cross-border flow of money to criminal groups, creating a more secure financial sector. However, the consequence of these policies can have far-reaching costly effect on people in poor countries and has given rise to an inadvertant practice known as “de-risking.” The Financial Action Task Force (FATF), an intergovernmental policymaking organization aimed at combating money laundering and terrorist financing, defines de-risking as “the phenomenon of financial institutions terminating or restricting business relationships with clients or categories of clients to avoid, rather than manage, risk in line with the FATF’s risk-based approach.”

Chairman Royce Statement on Guatemala
Washington, D.C. – House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ed Royce (R-CA) issued the following statement on the constitutional crisis in Guatemala: “One of the bedrock principles of a constitutional system is that no one is above the law. I urge President Morales to change course, respect the Constitutional Court, and allow Ivan Velasquez to continue his important work supporting Guatemalan authorities fighting high levels of corruption. “The U.S. Congress has spoken with one voice in support of the International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala. We will continue to stand with the Guatemalan people, and especially those in poverty, who are hurt most by corruption.” NOTE: On May 17, 2017, the House unanimously passed H.Res. 145, reaffirming U.S. support for efforts to combat corruption in Central America through independent commissions.

Río Azul Mask
The culture of trafficking is still alive and well. This is a sad example of culture lost because of looting, a Classic Maya funerary mask apparently looted from the Guatemalan site of Río Azul and illicitly trafficked into the United States and then Europe.
The most famous apparently-looted object from the site of Río Azul is a mask made of fuschite[1] depicting Kinich Ahaw, the sun god. The mask seems to have been the death mask of a lord, and text on the back of the object confirms that it belonged to a Río Azul ruler (Adams 1999: 216). Adams speculates that the mask may have come from Tomb 1, as inscriptions in that tomb claim the sun god as an ancestor. If this is true, inscriptions in the tomb would date the mask to the Early Classic Period (Adams 1999: 216). At least two other jade objects from Río Azul have appeared in a private collection in Brussels: matching earflares that bear the Río Azul emblem glyph (Adams 1999: 217). There is some speculation that these relate to the jade mask and may have come from the same body.

Videos

Women in Politics Conference, 35min.

Decriminalization of marijuana has been its perceived medicinal benefits, 31min.

Youth Enhancement Services (YES), 15min.

2017 TACTICAL TATTOO AND INTER-AGENCY SHOWCASE, 1min. The 2017 Tactical Tattoo and Inter-agency Event to showcase the Belize Defence Force, the Police Department and the Fire Department will be held on September 1st at the Marion Jones Sports Complex, starting at 6:00 p.m. and on September 8th at the Santa Elena Sports Complex at 6:00 p.m.

Getting to Know Hopkins and Southern Belize, 5.5min. San Pedro Ambergris Caye is considered a tourist’s paradise; but a visit to southern Belize shows that in the jewel you can do the sea, enjoy eco-tourism and learn so much of our cultural diversity… all in one package. Over the weekend, the local media travelled south, courtesy of the Belize Tourism Board to experience the awesomeness of the country and how gratifying it is to be a visitor here. News Five’s Duane Moody hiked, rappelled and snorkeled; he files the following report.

Developing Our Future, 1min. BEL employees volunteered in April, July and August to assist with educational and sporting programs for children.

Grace And You Cooking Show Semi Boil Up Caricom Featuring Belize, 19min.

Turtle & Ray Paradise, Scuba diving Belize, Southwater Caye, 7min. A highlight video of our 1 day adventure to Southwater Caye Marine Reserve. We saw plenty of turtles, stingrays and fish. The wall dives were amazing. This was all shot with a go pro hero 4 silver and a polar pro red filter on May 12,2017.

Belize 2017, min. We went to Belize for my parent's 25th anniversary. it was a time.

Butterfly Dance Performance, 16min.

The Northern Maya Association of Belize honors Marcus Canul, 25min.

Belize Educational Service Group (NTHU) discuss volunteer work in Belize, 12min.

University of Belize and newly established Endowment Fund, 36min.

BELIZE again!, 7min.

Belize Cave Tubing!!!!!, 18min.

Journey to the Road March Belize Carnival 2016, 31min. Catch the Carnival spirit as we journey with the bands gearing up for Last years Carnival 2016 in Belize. Experience the highs and lows, the laughter and tearsand the love and passion of the world of carnival in Belize.Be sure to support the Efforts this year On September 9th,2017 As the Road March takes over Belize City once Again.

Ride into P.G. Ride Across Belize 2017, 11min. Ride Across Belize 2017 last few Miles.

Police Check Point Talk Show, 53min.

August 29, 2017

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

Construction worker falls from building in northern Ambergris Caye
A construction worker, identified as 28-year-old Oswaldo Mancia, is lucky to be alive after falling headfirst from the second floor of a construction site in northern Ambergris Caye. Mancia suffered injuries to his right side of the face and severely broke his right wrist. He was airlifted to Belize City where doctors will attempt to save his hand, which according to them is in very dire condition. Meanwhile, island residents once again ask government authorities for a proper medical facility on the island. The accident happened shortly after lunch on Monday, August 28th when Mancia was on the second level of a building making some measurements. According to some of his co-workers, he had just returned from running some errands in downtown San Pedro. “It happened so fast,” said one of his co-workers.” I saw him up there and I even said hi to him, but then after a minute or so, I heard that he fell down.” Apparently, Mancia hit a concrete area of the building before hitting the hard floor at the foot of the building.

San Pedro Turtles rugby team hosts first inter-division game
On Saturday, August 26th, the San Pedro Turtles hosted their first inter-division rugby game against Belize City’s Kings Park Scorpions. The match was the first of its kind on the island, and took place at the Honourable Louis Sylvester Sporting Complex. Even though the home team was defeated by the visiting squad, it served as a great experience for all the players. Many fans showed up to witness the game and supported their favourite team and players. The game tested the endurance and strategies of each team, who played exceptionally well. When the game ended the final score was 70-40 in favour of Kings Park Scorpions.

Ambergris Today

San Pedro Hosts First Inter-Division Rugby Game
The San Pedro Turtles Rugby Football Club hosted its first rugby game in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye this past weekend on Saturday, August 25, 2017. It was the first of its kind on the island and the team was very excited to host and compete against the Kings Park Scorpions Rugby Football Club of Belize City. The match was an exciting one as it was interesting to learn a new sport. Even as a spectator it was intimidating to see the smaller teammates of the San Pedro Turtles match up against the much larger boys of the city Nevertheless, the island team’s performance was phenomenal. They lost against the Kings Park Scorpions but won great experience from their first match.

Misc Belizean Sources

AN INSIGHT INTO THE CAPTIVE BIRDS ON HARVEST CAYE - Marlene Garay
The controversial issue about captive wildlife kept on Harvest Caye through the efforts of a foreign company, Norwegian Cruise Lines, continues to occupy the thoughts and actions of many. An online petition opposing this project, has resulted in over 50,000 signatures. The stark reality of Harvest Caye, with regard to the toucans and the scarlet macaws being held captive there, is sad and unfortunate. To start, there is no “comfort zone” for the birds to escape from huge crowds of people, who climb off a cruise ship and saunter over to the “Nature Center” so that they can gawk at these rare birds. The marine environment, so foreign from their natural habitat of humid tropical forests, is destined to have adverse effects on their skin and feather condition. And while managers of the Harvest Caye Nature Center proclaim that “no evidence exists” about negative impact of salt and sand would have on the health of these birds, evidence indeed DOES exist. Professional feedback from a certified avian vet at the Biodiversity Research Institute in Portland, Maine (there are no certified avian vets in Belize) strongly states that this type of situation bodes dangerous to the health and well –being of both forest dwelling species. Not only does overexposure to harsh sunlight on the cayes damage their eyes, but so do salt and sand in the air.

Support Hopkins Belize Humane Society
I know quite a few wildlife NGOs and humane society folks that are familiar with HBHS, and have received support from the wonderful Clara Lee Arnold. Help them to continue making an extremely positive impact in Belize. If you can't donate, please share and spread the word. Or do both! Thank you!

Visit the 2nd Annual See and Taste Festival!
TASTE exquisite Belize Culinary Delights, Belkin Beer and Local Belize Rum. Welcome Reception: Friday October 6th, 2017, 6:00pm - 9:00pm. Saturday October 7th, 10:00am - 5:00pm. Bayview Waterfront Ballroom, Florida International University, 3000 N.E 151 Street North Miami, FL

The Urban Bird Watch
This is an outdoor birding activity started by the Belize Audubon Society in 2009. Since then, this citizen science event has gained popularity, becoming BIGGER and BETTER with each year! This year, we'll be traveling to 13 locations to observe the birds of Belize. Join us at 6:00 a.m. sharp at each meet-up location - no registration needed.

Marcos Canul Day in Orange Walk
Northern Maya Association of Belize - Marcos Canul Day to be commemorated in Orange Walk Town on September 2nd, 2017 for first time.

Tour Guide Training Schedule
Interested persons can become a certified tour guide through The National Tour Guide Training Program, which consists of the General Core and Professional Core modules, and Specialization training. The General Core modules include basic knowledge such as history and geography of Belize, Belize's governance structure, an introduction to Belize's tourism product, laws and regulations about or impacting tour guide and tourism activities, and contemporary issues affecting the Belizean society. The Professional Core modules include a more in depth training of Customer Seruice, Promoting Tourism Products and Services, Developing Workplace Communication Skills & Techniques, and Conducting Tours. After completion of the General Core and the Professional Core modules, participants then select a specialization training (e.g. Archaeology, Birding, Advanced Marine, Dining, etc.) to complete the training program thus paving the way for application of his/her tour guide license.

Splashers
Come paint with us this Thursday at Crazy Canucks Beach Bar. We will be painting "Being Coy".

Ministerial Exchange
The Government of Belize and the United Nations Development Programme are hosting a two-day ministerial exchange on the 28th and 29th of August 2017. During these two days, sessions will promote dialogue and exchange between Ministers and Permanent Secretaries/Chief Executive Officers of Ministries with responsibility for National Security from CARICOM (Barbados, Guyana, Saint Kitts and Nevis and Saint Lucia) member countries with their counterparts in Belize. There will be various presentations and opportunities for reflection and sharing of good practices to improve policy-making and programming aimed at decreasing crime and violence in the Southern and Eastern Caribbean.

Launching the new book program in Forest Home Village
Free story books for all children aged 0-5. One book a month from Bedtime Ministeries, hoping the mothers will read to their children every night!

Jacob's Rehabilitation Farm Center in Patchakan
It was a wonderful privilege to honor and recognize two wonderful professionals who have given selflessly and supported our efforts at The Jacob's Rehabilitation Farm Center in Patchakan Belize as we work to combat the epidemic of addiction in our beautiful jewel of Belize. Doctora Amparo Muro and psychiatrist nurse Juchim has been an invaluable support to us all as we walk the path to recovery together with our brothers at the Rehabilitation center. They have always extended kindness and compassion coupled with the highest level of professionalism.

Dead whale near Silk Cayes
Here are photos of what appears to be another dead whale in the Silk Cayes area of Southern Belize. The surface photos look like a baby sperm whale. There are quite a few whales in our waters. This is the second recent report of a dead whale in southern Belize. Photo by Conrad Villanueva.

Corozal Police Mass
Officers of the Corozal Police Station together with our Police Cadets attend a mass service this past Sunday at the St. Francis Parish Xavier Church in Corozal. Congratulations to all those who attended and made Corozal proud. It is the little things that you do that impact our community in a positive way. We support these efforts wholeheartedly.

Conch Shell Street closed tomorrow in San Pedro
Street Closure. Tuesday 29th and Wednesday 30th August, Conch Shell Street will be closed from 4:00pm till 10:00pm for a Church function. Please avoid the area and use an alternate route.

Belizean Patriots: Nadia Evadne Cattouse
Nadia Evadne Cattouse was born in British Honduras on 2nd November 1924 (93 years old). Her father Albert Cattouse was a civil servant who went on to become Deputy Prime Minister of British Honduras. She is a Belizean-British actress, singer and songwriter. She is best known for her acting roles in many British television programmes including Play for Today, Crown Court, Dixon of Dock Green and Johnny Jarvis. As a singer in the 1960s she performed at Les Cousins folk and blues club in Greek Street, London, and appeared on television programs including the BBC’s Sing Along and Hootenanny. On the folk scene she was a contemporary of Julie Felix and Fairport Convention, and was called by Melody Maker "one of the giants of the folk-song revival in Britain". With Robin Hall and Jimmie Macgregor she made Songs of Grief & Glory (1967).Her album Earth Mother (1970) was partly recorded at the 1969 Edinburgh Festival. Among other compilations, Cattouse features on Cult Cargo: Belize City Boil Up (2005), singing "Long Time Boy", and on the 1972 album Club Folk 2 (Peg Records PS3), singing "B. C. People" and "All Around My Grandmother's Floor".

Channel 7

Father of Five Killed In City
So far in the month of August, we have reported on seven murders in Belize City - and tonight there's one more. A 32 year old father of five was killed close to his home on the Jane Usher area of Belize City this morning. 7News was first on the scene and here's our report: Sahar Vasquez reporting: Just after 8:00 this morning on Curl Thompson Street 32-year-old Gilroy Martinez was murdered a couple blocks from his residence. Police report that Martinez was visiting a residence in his neighborhood and he left upon his return back to the residence he was murdered. His family and friends are shocked, but his sister says that this is not the first time they tried to kill him.

Police Say Murder Is Gang Related
We note that his sister told us Gilroy Martinez was going to see the mother of the men who threatened him, while his wife says he was going to return a saw, but Vidal confirms that he was going to the residence of the man who tried to kill him, and when he left, they did kill him. This afternoon Senior Superintendent Vidal said that the murder seems to be gang related. Here is more of what he had to say. Marco Vidal, SR. SUPT. Officer - Eastern Division: "In regards to Mr. Martinez's demise um we have two persons in custody at this time and we are conducting the investigation in retaliation to that matter." "He got injuries to his head and there may have been two wounds to his head, gunshot wounds."

Two Charged For Fish Market Murder
And while that is today's murder...last week Thursday, the killing came out of a wild shootout at the Conchell Bay Fish Market. There was a spray of gunfire in the busy market place on Thursday evening, and when the shooting ended, 26 year-old Windell Gibson Jr. was found dead, and Karron Santos was injured. Well, police have arrested and charged 2 men for that shooting. They are 26 year-old Orlando Salazar and 21 year-old Joel Choco, and tonight, they are at the Belize Central Prison. They were arraigned jointly on the charges of murder and attempted murder before Acting Chief Magistrate Sharon Frazer. Because of the nature of the offenses, Acting Chief Magistrate Frazer couldn't grant them any bail this morning, and she remanded them to the Belize Central Prison until October 30.

The Cravan Cardinez Murder At Sea Still a Mystery
And while there's been an arrest for that murder, no one has been arrested for throwing Crevan Cardinez off a boat to his death. On Wednesday eyewitnesses saw him being thrown out of a boat by the Rock Park on Princess Margaret Drive. He never resurfaced and was found dead the next day. Senior Superintendent Vidal told us what police know so far: Reporter: "Has there been any developments regarding this murder. I know that last week Friday when the media was here, it was indicated that police were looking for two suspects?" Sr. Supt. Mark Vidal, OC, Southside Commander: "Right. That matter is still being investigated. For the police to charge somebody they have to have all the necessary evidence to charge, so they are still investigating."

Can Police Contain The Killing?
So, there have been four murders in less than a week, and what are the police doing to contain the crime spree? Here's how Vidal put it today. Reporter: "Several murders on the Southside Belize City in particular. In terms of the response of the police department, can you speak to what the department is doing to mitigate against an escalation of crimes of this nature?" Sr. Supt. Mark Vidal, OC, Southside Commander: "Right. We have made several changes in this regard. But first of all we must understand that this is not something out of the ordinary for this year. If you look at the statistics for January, there were 7 murders as well in that one month. We are looking at our deployment. We are looking at our intelligence given that these matters recently are gang related. So we are revisiting a number of areas with information where these incidents are occurring and we are in fact addressing them as we speak."

Guatemala Lurches, Close to Crisis: Wilfred Worries
Turning away from crime now, Tonight, there's trouble in Guatemala for president Jimmy Morales. He's moved to expel the head of a U.N.-backed investigative body called CICIG. CICIG is the same body that led the investigation which put Morales's predecessor Otto Perez Molina and his vice president in jail - where they remain today. Well, now CICIG and Guatemalan Attorney General Thelma Aldana announced on Friday that they would seek to strip President Morales of his immunity from prosecution. The allegation is that he had failed to report anonymous contributions to his campaign.

Wilfred Remembers Carlos Raul, With Fondness
And while Elrington hopes for the best in terms of the referendum process - what about the successor for the Guatemalan Foreign Minister's post? Elrington's critics would say that for him, a Foreign Minister couldn't get any better than Carlos Raul. Elrington was often criticized for being too soft with the hawkish and occasionally insulting foreign Minister Morales. Today he confirmed that he did like Minister Morales - even when he wasn't answering Elrington's calls - but Elrington says, he should've listened to his boss:.. "But the report is that he was instructed by the President to expel the head of CICG, the Colombian Ivan Velasquez, and when he refused to expel, he was then summarily dismissed." Hon. Wilfred Elrington, Minister of Foreign Affairs: "Dismissed! Well, you know it is always dangerous not to obey the instructions of your boss, Jules! And if he did not obey the instructions of his boss, I imagine his boss would have taken that kind of step. That is the danger when you are minister, you are very expendable, you cannot afford to get your prime minister or your president upset."

Fatal Accident In OW Town
There was a fatal accident in Orange Walk Town yesterday morning. A passenger was killed on impact when A Toyota RAV4 slammed into a lamp-post. It happened around 7:00 when 20-year-old Raymond Dominguez was driving the RAV4 and careened into the lamppost near the Akihito Hotel on the Belize-Corozal road. Dominguez survived and tried to help out his passenger 52 year old Raymond Hendricks, but he died on impact. The police have served Dominguez with a notice of intended prosecution.

San Jose Village, OW: 18 Year Old Wanted For Leaving 15 Year Old In Coma
A fifteen year old boy from San Jose Village in Orange Walk is in a coma at the KHMH after he was viciously chopped up in a brawl with a village gang. Police say that 18 year old Ronald Reyes known as "Pito" is responsible for the chopping and have issued this wanted poster for him. He is also a San Jose Villager, but the police say he is believed to be near Big Falls Farm between miles 24 and 25 on the Western Highway. Police say they plan to charge him for attempted murder.

The World Series Of Politics: Dion Vs. Willoughby
Dion or Philloughby? Who were you riding with for the UDP Belize City Municipal convention. Indeed, it was just a local convention - but because both candidates are in Belize City with all the media - both city councillors took on a national profile. And when we went to the ITVET for the convention yesterday - we found a turnout befitting that. Jules Vasquez was there:... The ITVET was swarming with UDP supporters, and political animals of all species - it was like a political bazaar. And political paraphernalia littered the landscape. Police had a very heavy presence in the line and on the ready. As conversant with M-16's as they are with mobile phones.

The Peculiar Case of Mesop
The convention itself raises lots of questions, not least is the peculiarity of the Mesopotamia division. As you saw, the area representative, Michael Finnegan declared himself neutral, and Willoughby won that area. But the man who wants to be his successor, Shyne Barrow wasn't neutral at all - he was out there batting hard for Dion Leslie. So what does it mean, then that Willoughby won the area? That's what we asked Finnegan:... Jules Vasquez, reporter: "Your nephew Mr. Shyne Barrow who hopes to take over the Mesopotamia, he was batting hard for Dion Leslie and you said in a race without any interference from you he lost. That's not a good sign." Hon. Michael Finnegan, UDP Mesopotamia Rep.: "But I don't now how hard he worked. I don't know what they put in and how hard they worked. So I cannot really comment on that. Maybe they say they worked and they don't really worked."

Penny-wise In Pickstock
We also wondered about the effect of money on yesterday's race. A few hundred thousand dollars were spent on t-shirts, banners, mobilization, logistics and, not least taking care of voters in need - to put it gently. Today, Wilfred Elrington - whose daughter Alifa came in second in the polling for councillors - told us he knows nothing about that big money rolling:... Jules Vasquez, reporter: "Our leaders, yourself, your party, the Opposition operate with complete impunity. You all can get any amount of money in cash from wherever you want to fund political galas like you did yesterday."

San Pedro Cops Got Another Gun
San Pedro police are keeping up the pressure on the island's criminal element after a spate of drug related murders. On Saturday police got their third gun for the week. Police searched a home in the Escalante subdivision which led to the discovery of one silver colored pistol with the inscription GUA on the handle - meaning it comes from Guatemala. They also found a magazine containing 8 rounds of ammunition. At the time 28-year-old Ellerton Staine. 21-year-old Joshua Gongora, 24-year-old Andrew Reyes, 21-year-old Clifford Spencer, 29-year-old Ruth Hyde, 30-year-old Elton Staine, and a 16-year-old minor were all present. All seven were arrested and charged with the offense kept unlicensed firearm and ammunition.

The Chinese Troupe Did Their Thing With Wonderment
The Thousand hand Goddess: We have seen it in pictures, youtube videos and it is often times featured in music videos, but this weekend, Belizeans got to see this mesmerizing performance right at the Bliss. The China Disabled People's Performing-Art troupe traveled to Belize to showcase the uniqueness and diversity of Chinese art. And on Sunday at the Bliss, they mesmerized audiences. The President of the Belize Chinese Association Edmond Quan told us more after the show.

Belize-Chinese Community Still Stung By No Visa-Waiver
While the show was well received, it certainly was a struggle for the performance troupe to get here. As we told you, one main setback was that the visa fees for the troupe would not be waived. That's two thousand dollars per visa, for a troupe of 33. And on top of that some members of the troupe even lost their luggage. Quan told us how they got through this hurdle. Edmund Quan, President - Belize Chinese Association: "The Visa fee waiver was denied to this group of 33 children with disabilities. We manage to get our board to embark on a loan and also additional sponsorship to come up with the money to pay for the Visas. We got through it yesterday at the airport around like 8pm in the night."

Foreign Minister Says Chinese Community Can Afford to Pay For Visas
And while, privately, the Belize - Chinese Community is complaining bitterly about what they feel is unfair treatment - today the Foreign Minister Wilfred Elrington told us, basically, that "they could halla that!" Here's how he put it:... Jules Vasquez, 7 News: "Let's be real Mr. Elrington, we are sweating fever for Taiwan, because they have to maintain their cultural and economic sway over Belize. That's the nature of our alliance. If it was a Taiwan troupe, well I know there is a Visa waiver, but if it was an Indian troupe from India, they wouldn't have paid - they are here for a few days. Goodwill." Hon. Wilfred Elrington, Minister of Foreign Affairs: "As far as I am aware Jules, what I heard stated by the Minister of Immigration, the substantive Minister - that there is no provision in our law for visa waiver - for the waiver of the visa fee. You see its a catch 22, you waive the visa fee and then they will want a senate inquiry to find out why you waive the visa fee, because you had no authority to do so in law."

Media Making Waves In Hopkins
On Friday night's news, we gave you small peak at the media familiarization trip that our news team was a part of over the weekend. The Belize Tourism Board organizes the event every few years, to show the local media, what the international press regularly gets to see: which is the best tourist attractions in Belize. This time, they chose the southern Village of Hopkins to showcase all the tourist attractions that the coastal community and its surroundings have to offer. We showed you how some of the press corps had some comical mishaps while going on their first ever waterfall rappelling tour. Tonight, we have the full story for you from the Bocawina National Park, and Jaguar Reef Resort. Here's how day 1 of the weekend looked when our Daniel Ortiz and camera man Codie Noralez went out to be tourists in Hopkins Village:

CARISECURE, One Shot of Orwell, Once Shot Youth Utopia
You might not have heard of the CARISECURE project, but it's a major information sharing initiative that the US government is organizing between Belize and Eastern and Southern Caribbean. It's about citizen security, but with a bit of an Orwellian twist: that's because it's about collecting, analyzing and sharing citizen data with the intent to improve youth crime and violence policy-making. The idea is to pool all this data to address the root causes of criminal activity among youth. This week, Government Ministers and Permanent Secretaries from Ministries with responsibility for National Security from Barbados, Guyana and Saint Lucia are in Belize to see the models for citizen security data management and analysis.

National Song Competition Played!
You know September is here when The National Song Competition rolls around. It is first time it moved from the old capital, to be held in the culture capital, Dangriga. But that didn't make a difference because an energetic crowd came out to support their favorite artists. 26 participants took the stage but only one came out on top for each category. There were 3 categories - Belizean song for Juniors and seniors and the Carnival song category. Belize's Soca Queen Ernestine Carballo took first place for Carnival. We met up with her to find about her winning entry. And Carballo isn't just settling for this win, she is moving forward and launching her new Album this Thursday night at the Jungle Restaurant and Bar at 7:00. We also caught up with the winners for the Belizean song senior category - It was a collaboration between musician Alexander Evans and artist Denise Castillo. Here is what they had to say about the significance of their song "Umoja".

A Chinese Goodnight
We leave you this evening with highlites from the China Disabled People's Performing Arts Troupe. They're all disabled - and don't have use of different senses - but when they hit the stage, they created SUPER-SENSORY magic.

Channel 5

Guat Foreign Minister is Fired; He Refused Order to Expel Anti-Corruption Official
Across the western border, Guatemala has been thrown into a political crisis following an attempt by President Jimmy Morales to expel United Nations anti-corruption commissioner Ivan Velasquez. It succeeds an [...]

Sedi Elrington Pays Tribute; Warns Belize Cannot Be ‘Scapegoat’
The unrest is particularly worrisome for Elrington who says that Belize must now be extremely conscientious of its relationship with its neighbor since the territorial dispute can be used as [...]

Belize Must Show Caution in Uncertain Time
So, with Carlos Raul gone, should Belize step up its security presence along the western border? According to Elrington, that has been his intonation all along; however, it doesn’t mean [...]

Dion Leslie is U.D.P. Mayoral Candidate for Belize City; 1 Incumbent Councilor Dropped
2008 was the last time the United Democratic Party staged a contested convention for the mayoral nomination for Belize City; the U.D.P. has been in control of the City Council [...]

Like Father, Like Daughter? Pickstock Rep Proud of City Councilor
Earlier today, we asked the Minister of Foreign Affairs about dubious campaign financing. Elrington says it’s not a charge that can be made against him since his political campaigns and [...]

Gang War Flares Up; Latest Murder Rocks Curl Thompson Street
Has the gang truce in the city fallen apart? This month alone, there have been as many as eight murders in the Old Capital where August has turned out to [...]

2 Belize City Men Arraigned for Murder of Windell Gibson
Following Friday evening’s news, police announced the arrest of two men in connection with the murder of Windell Gibson and attempted murder of Karon Santos. The men were shot by [...]

Teenager Raped in San Pedro; Suspect Charged
Lyndon Dean Flowers is accused of the rape of a fourteen-year-old girl on Ambergris Caye in July. Today, he was read charges alongside his attorney Oscar Selgado in the court [...]

Gangs’ Warfare Blamed for Surge in Murders
There have been as eight murders in the city this month and all indications are that the killings have broken the fragile truce. Today, Eastern Division South’s Senior Superintendent Marco [...]

Belizean Arrested in Guatemala for Credit Card Fraud
Guatemalan authorities have arrested a Belizean man they believe is behind a criminal structure dedicated to cloning credit cards for the purpose of fraud. Guatemalan news sources say fifty-seven-year-old Harold [...]

Man Killed in Accident on Philip Goldson Highway
Twenty-year-old Raymond Dominguez of Otro Benque Road, Orange Walk Town has been served with a notice of intended prosecution in respect of a fatal traffic mishap on the Philip Goldson [...]

Foreign Minister Bristles at Suggestion of Taiwanese Influence behind Visa Waiver Denial
The Chinese Disabled People Performing Arts Troupe arrived in Belize over the weekend and took to the stage free of cost at the Bliss on Sunday, as part of a [...]

PAC Will Not Meet in Public; Chairman Disappointed
The Public Accounts Committee of the House of Representatives met in session this morning in Belmopan to plot a course for investigation into the 2012-2013 Auditor General’s Report tabled in [...]

Why the PAC Must Be Non-Partisan
Espat is hardly deterred, saying he will continue to fight for publication of the Committee’s work before the final report is laid on the House’s table at some point in [...]

Belizeans Staying Safe as Harvey Wrecks Houston, Texas
Belize was spared a direct hit from what was then Tropical Depression Harvey a week ago tonight, but residents of the Gulf Coast of Texas have not been so lucky. [...]

Getting to Know Hopkins and Southern Belize
San Pedro Ambergris Caye is considered a tourist’s paradise; but a visit to southern Belize shows that in the jewel you can do the sea, enjoy eco-tourism and learn so [...]

Regional Officials Tour Belize to Address Citizen Security
Across the region, the economic and social well-being of the Eastern and Southern Caribbean have been plagued by high levels of violent crimes. Formally known as CariSECURE, short for Strengthening [...]

The Winners of the National Song Competition
The song competition is an anticipated event in the calendar of national celebrations for budding as well as established artists. The judges look for originality, presentation and performance by the [...]

Jiu-jitsu Athletes Return with Many Medals from Mexico
A group of Belizeans returned from a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competition with a trove of medals over the weekend. Nine competitors travelled to Cancun to participate in the South Eastern Regional [...]

Softball and Cycling Top Sports Monday
Good evening, Iâ€™m James Adderley and this is Sports Monday. [Highlights of weekend sporting activities...]

CTV3

Traffic Accident Claims One Life
Tonight the family of fifty two year old, Raymond Hendricks, A well-known football enthusiast affectionately known as ‘cususini’ are mourning his death following a tragic traffic accident on Sunday morning. Official police reports indicate that shortly after 7:00 yesterday morning authorities responded to a traffic mishap on the Center of town at the corner of Belize Corozal Road and Cemetery Street where a Toyota Rav4 was seen with extensive damage to the front passenger side.

Corozal PUP Slate Assists Fire Victim
A family of four in Corozal Town is trying to pick up the pieces and get back to normal after a fire totally destroyed their homes on Saturday morning. The family is accepting donations of building material, food and clothing as they lost everything in the fire. And one group that has responded quickly to the appeal is the PUP Town Council slate. This morning PUP Mayoral Candidate Rigo Vellos and the town council team members gathered donations of food and clothing and delivered them to Glen Roches and Zolany Whitaker. Vellos told us that the slate stands ready to help the fire victims meaningfully.

Guatemala Falls Into Political Crisis, Elrington Comments
Guatemala is in deep political crisis as demonstrators have taken to the streets, demanding the resignation of the President, Jimmy Morales, who was elected two years ago. The row is the result of an attempt by Morales to expel Ivan Velasquez, who is the head of the International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala, known to them as CICIG. Morales attempt was blocked by the constitutional Court. The move by the President came after CICIG launched in investigation of him and his party, over allegations of corruption, in particular illegal campaign financing. Reports are that Morales even travelled to New York, in an attempt to convince the UN secretary general Ban Ki Moon to fire Velasquez as the chief prosecutor in Guatemala.

Police Issue Wanted Poster For Ronald Reyes
Fifteen year old Allen Sanker from the village of San Jose here in the Orange Walk District tonight remains in a coma at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital after he sustained two chop wounds, one to the head and one to the left arm on Thursday afternoon. As we reported on Friday, Sanker along with his cousin, another minor, were making their way back home after visiting a local grocery store shortly after mid-day on August 24th when they came under attack by a group of boys from the village. Reports from Sanker’s cousin is that while they both tried to escape, their attackers managed to catch Allen after which one of the boys, identified as Ronald Reyes proceeded to inflict the wounds.

Death of Almendarez Treated As A Criminal Investigation
Official information tonight is that the incident which transpired on Tuesday August 8th in the village of Yo Creek where thirty year old Dwayne Almendarez was shot by a customs official and subsequently lost his life, will be treated as a criminal matter by authorities. Viewers may remember that the incident played out as Customs supported by BDF officials conducted a search on a passenger bus where they attempted to confiscate illegal goods from passengers on board. An altercation reportedly ensued between officials and a group of individuals including Almendarez, during which he physically attacked one of the custom officers, who reportedly fired a warning shot in the air. Almendarez allegedly did not cease his attack and the officer fearing for his life fired the shots which wounded Almendarez.

LOVE FM

After a 5 year delay, GOB signs agreement to build Docking Facility
The Government of Belize has finally signed an Investment Agreement with Stake Bank Enterprise Limited to construct a world class Cruise Ship Docking Facility after about five years of delays. The Stake Bank Cruise Ship Docking Facility is a project led by the Feinstein Group of Companies. Today, Attorney General, Michael Peyrefitte and Michel Feinstein […]

Shooting incident leaves one man dead,the other hospitalized
24-year-old Windell Gibson was shot and killed on Lindos Alley shortly before five o’clock on Thursday afternoon. A second man Keron Santos was also shot to the left shoulder and is currently hospitalized at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. Love News understands that two men on a motorcycle rode up to them and fired several […]

Vendor injured in shooting incident
Belize City police are also investigating another shooting incident that happened after four o’clock this morning. ASP Alejandro Cowo says 30 year old Peter Sutherland, a vendor of Belize City was injured. ASP Alejandro Cowo – Officer Commanding, Crimes Investigation Branch: “On Cemetery Road in front of the homeless center a male person by the […]

Police seek two in connection with man killed at sea
Police are seeking two persons in connection with the murder of Crevan Cardinez. The 18 year old was the person who was beaten and stabbed and then thrown overboard a vessel by Rock Park on Princess Margaret Drive. Police continue to investigate the incident and this morning ASP Alejandro Cowo told the media that they […]

AG explains GOB options against Lord Ashcroft
On August 18, U.S. District Judge, Colleen Kollar-Kotelly agreed to have Midway Investments of Turks and Caicos take over the ownership of the twenty seven point four million US dollar arbitration award owing to the BCB Holdings and the Belize Bank Limited by the Government of Belize. This means that Midway Investments can enforce the […]

Attorney General updates the media on trip
Earlier this month, Belize participated in a Human Trafficking Seminar in Washington D.C. Minister of Human Development, Anthony Martinez and Attorney General Michael Peyrefitte represented the country. Both men met with the Deputy Attorney General for the US Department of Justice Rod Rosenstein and discussed the partnership between both countries to halt human trafficking. The […]

Queen of the Bay Committee at odds with Moya
There is trouble brewing within the Queen of the Bay Committee. A statement was issued this afternoon which states quote, “Five of the seven district pageant coordinators for the District Queen of the Bay Committees have united to stand in solidarity against the National Coordinator, Ms Zenaida Moya and her team on the national pageant […]

Chinese Community not happy with GOB
Earlier in the week, we reported on the request made by the Chinese Association of Belize to the Government of Belize. The association had requested for the government to waive more thansixty thousands dollars in visa fees for a group of visually impaired performers travelling through Panama to Belize. However, that request was denied. Yesterday […]

Thirteen Students leave on scholarships for Cuba
The Embassy of Cuba and the Government of Belize today held a farewell ceremony for thirteen young Belizeans travelling to Cuba to pursue studies in medicine, dentistry and health technologies as part of the CUBA – CARICOM program through which Cuba provides scholarships to citizens of its sister nations in CARICOM. The ceremony was hosted […]

Elrington says – he shall not be moved
Several activist groups and outspoken Belizeans along with the People’s United Party have called for the immediate resignation of Belize’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Wilfred Elrington. Yesterday, Elrington told us that he is not going anywhere any time soon. WILFRED ON POLITICS Wilfred Elrington, Foreign Minister: “I have not made that determination yet it depends […]

The Reporter

Editorial
The Battle of St. George’s Caye was the climax to a series of provocative actions taken by the forces of Spain against the Baymen Settlers,who were cutting logwood for export to Britain, where it was used to make a rich purple dye. The ups and downs of the early settlement were determined by the frequent strife between Britain and Spain. In 1779 Spanish forces destroyed St. George’s Caye, taking many of the settlers as prisoners and shipping them off to dungeones in Havana. . Spain, which was overlord of all the territory on the Atlantic side of the continent, allowed the Settlers to cut and harvest logwood and mahogany, but they were forbidden to build any permanent structures, especially fortifications or any defensive work on the mainland. They were also required to confine their logging activities to the lands north of the Sibun River.This arrangement was cemented by treaty in 1783. . But the Baymen settlers chafed under these restrictions and largely ignored them. They pushed their logging operations to lands beyond the Sibun and for their own comfort and protection, built permanent buildings on the mainland.

Breaking Belize News

“Avoid going to Guatemala if possible,” says Foreign Minister
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Wilfred Elrington, is calling on all Belizeans to limit their interaction with Guatemala in light of the looming social crisis that the country is facing. International media has pointed out that social tensions have been running high in Guatemala since their president Jimmy Morales came under investigation for corruption charges. Elrington called on Belizeans, both security forces and civilians, to do all in their power to avoid any kind of confrontation in Guatemala.

Early morning murder in Belize City
This morning around 8:15, police received information of a man found dead on Curl Thompson street. According to police, 32-year-old construction worker Gilroy Martinez was found with multiple gunshot wounds.

Elrington prays for good relationship with new Guatemalan Foreign minister
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Wilfred Elrington, said today that he is hoping to have a close relationship with whoever replaces former Guatemalan Foreign Minister, Carlos Raul Morales. Elrington explained that he has worked well with all foreign ministers from Guatemala, including Morales, on maintaining the relations between the two countries.

Jimmy Morales fires Foreign Minister Carlos Raul
According to a report from Guatevision.com, yesterday, Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales fired Foreign Affairs Minister, […]

Crisis escalates in Guatemala as President Jimmy Morales investigated for corruption
Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales, the comedian with zero political experience turned president after the previous […]

Dion Leslie wins UDP Mayoral convention
Dion Leslie is the United Democratic Party’s (UDP) new Belize City Mayoral candidate after defeating […]

Blogs

Green Juice: The Official Ambergris Caye Recipe
But I had two giant bunches of chaya…so pretty that you could just display them on your table… We de-stemmed one bag – chopped it, quickly sauteed it with onions and garlic, mixed it with some pesto and ate it with pasta and LOTS of feta. Delicious. The second bunch was earmarked for Jeff’s famous GREEN JUICE. I’d first tasted it at the now defunct Chaya Cafe and then at Rojo Beach Bar & Lounge and I was HOOKED. It’s the perfect thing to do with a pineapple. Even better than just eating the pineapple. Here is the recipe. And it is originally from the Cayo region. From a man named Saeed who works in bamboo – art and furniture – who prepared the juice many years ago.

I Thought I Would Die Many Times on This Adventure Through Belize
I don’t necessarily consider myself an adventurer. At a young age, movies served as my adrenaline fix: beefy heroes jumped from ledges, confronted threatening wildlife, and uncovered mysterious secrets–I never considered I might one day come close to experiencing anything as remotely exciting. But after having the opportunity to explore San Ignacio, Belize, go ahead and put me on the same page as the leading heroes of Hollywood. I didn’t quite fall into a pit of insects, face off against bandits, or escape the lair of a weird alien. But there were tarantulas! Dark, tight caves and ancient Mayan ruins! Horse rides through the jungle! Looking for an exhilarating adventure with all the trimmings of a luxury vacation? San Ignacio summons you.

Open for business: Jyoto delivers authentic Japanese Cuisine
When I heard in 2016 that Ambergris Caye would soon have a Japanese restaurant, I was over the moon. Since then, I have met restaurateur Toshiya Tsujimoto, and even had the privilege of tasting an array of his cuisine in two separate occasions. Located at Mahogany Bay Village, just south of San Pedro Town, Jyoto Japanese Restaurant and Sushi Bar is causing quite a stir among sushi lovers. With authentic flavors from his homeland, made with only the freshest sourced Belizean produce, Toshiya has set the bar high. On a recent Girl’s Night Out, my best girlfriend and I headed to Jyoto for dinner. The restaurant’s façade blends in with the colonial theme of Mahogany Bay Village. But once inside you’re in a different world. While there is plenty of table seating, we were there to see Toshiya in action, so we chose the bar seats!

Eight Instagramable Photos at Villa Margarita, Hopkins
Our stay at Villa Margarita was brief. We only stayed one night as we moved from Hopkins village further down south to Placencia. Still, it was a relaxing getaway with a sandy beach and picturesque view at our doorstep. Villa Margarita is a beautiful three story dwelling with expansive amenities and comfortable rooms that are suitable for families, friendly gatherings or for business persons looking for a gorgeous atmosphere. The smell of the salt air, sound of the crashing waves and the warmth of the rising sun greets you as you open your sliding doors. The beachfront resort features a swimming pool, hot tub, bar and spa services. We loved the heated pool and hot tub. They were just perfect to unwind at night after a long day of activities.

Why Visit the Belize Blue Hole
Instead of its roaring waves and scary storms, the calm ocean often offers amazing natural wonders below its otherwise uncertain surface. The Great Blue Hole of Belize, which is located off the coast of Belize, on the eastern coast of Central America, is one of such existing wonders. Researchers say this giant underwater sinkhole was made by the collapse of a cavern formed during the glacial ages tens of thousands of years ago. Located less than hundred kilometers away from the city of Belize, this swallow hole is one of the world’s most famous diving zones now.

International Sources

Nine things they do in Central America that we should be doing here
Ever notice how people in other parts of the world seem to be a bit more relaxed than North Americans? Part of the reason for that can be attributed to a difference in culture and on placing more value on time rather than on things. I spent a week in Belize and learned how easy it can be to slow down, chill out and live a little bit better. All you need to do is apply these simple customs from Central America to your own life.

Videos

Woodpecker: Belize bird rescue 2017 soft release., 1.2min.

Whale Shark Dive Belize 'Virtual Dive Highlights', 1min. Gladden Spit, Silk Cayes Marine Reserve Belize. SEA Belize (Southern Environmental Association) Sanctions Enforced~ $10,000 fine for touching a Whale Shark, Max Depth Restriction 80ft , 12 Guest Max Per Boat. SHOW MORE

On Saturday the annual BTIA Tourism Expo took center stage here in Orange Walk, 8.5min. On Saturday the annual BTIA Tourism Expo took center stage here in Orange Walk. Since its inception three years ago the expo has consistently grown and has earned its reputation for offering a marketing platform for Belize’s Tourism Industry. Apart from presenting an effective showcase for persons active in the tourism, the organizers revitalized the exhibition this year by expanding the showcase. Here is a look at some of the highlights of the event.

FIRE DESTROYS HOME OF FAMILY OF FOUR IN COROZAL TOWN, 5.5min. The family is accepting donations of building material, food and clothing as they lost everything in the fire. And one group that has responded quickly to the appeal is the PUP Town Council slate. This morning PUP Mayoral Candidate Rigo Vellos and the town council team members gathered donations of food and clothing and delivered them to Glen Roches and Zolany Whitaker. Vellos told us that the slate stands ready to help the fire victims meaningfully.

National Meteorology Service of Belize, 8.5min. Last week, our team visited the central office of the National Meteorology Service of Belize and prepared this special report on the daily work of the staff.

Health fair in Gardenia Village, 3min. Water is essential to public health and while the Social Investment Fund continues to Provide Safe Potable Water to communities across the country, they found it equally important to ensure that with access to clean water, people practice safe health. On Thursday, August 24th, the Social Investment Fund hosted a health fair in Gardenia Village.

Goldson House summer camp, 6.5min. Last month we shared an update on the Goldson House, which was built in honour of National Hero Philip Stanley Wilberforce Goldson. Last week, the museum held its first summer camp and our Belize Now team was there for the excitement.

Webinar: Making Marine Ecosystem Services Matter, 90min. This webinar was presented by Nicola Beaumont of PML, Esther Wolfs of Wolfs Company, and Samir Rosado of BCZMAI. For this webinar, presenters showcased how marine ecosystem service information can be used in conservation and sustainable development decision making. Two Blue Solutions case studies were featured: “Nature’s contribution to the economy” in Bonaire and “Mapping and valuing ecosystem services for integrated management” in Belize.

Horse powered saw mill, Belize, 6min.

Belize Underwater, 4min.

Snorkeling, Belize 2017, 2min.

The Landscape of Belize, 4min. A Visual Journey Through the Land of Belize.

Belize Nurse Sharks, 1.5min.

Belize shark feeding dives, 6min.

Belize Canyon reefs dives, 6min.

Belize caves, 2.5min.

Dead whale near Silk Cayes, 1min. A second whale has been found in Belizean waters dead. According to Boat Captain Jason Westby, it's a juvenile sperm whale. He found it lifeless and floating near the Silk Cayes.

Timeless Motown Memories show, 1min. Wow! Such jaw-dropping Belizean talent! Here's Rohjani Perriot performing Etta James' hit, At Last.....at the Timeless Motown Memories show, Bliss Center for the Performing Arts. Lets go down memory lane together! Catch KTV the Remix Judge - Rohjani Perriott performing Live at Francis Reneau's TIMELESS MOTOWN MEMORIES on Thursday, August 31 or September 1 at the Bliss Center for the Performing Arts!!! Tickets are only $30 Reserve | $20 General

August 28, 2017

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

Misc Belizean Sources

Dion Leslie is the UDP Mayoral Candidate
Unofficial numbers so far are as follows: Dion Leslie: 2,731. Phillip Willoughby: 1,976. Rejected: 117. Reports are that Leslie won in all constituencies except Mesoptamia & Collet. Ballots are still being counted to determine the councilor candidates.

Ms. Ladyville 2017
EXCEPTIONAL!!!

Results of the 2017 Belize National Song Competition
Junior Category: *Winner: Cynthia Najarro *Runner up: Garif Jr & Jamir Valentine Belize Song Category 2017: *Winner: Denise Castillo & Alexander Evans *Runner Up: Jean Brooks & Gafaar Rodriguez *Break Out Artist: Shanya Garnett *People's Choice: Brandon Flores

The Reporter

Minor detained for attempted robbery of restaurant with pellet gun
A 16-year-old minor is detained at the Ladyville police station pending charges after he allegedly attempted to rob a resturant with a pellet gun. Police say that at around 10:50 p.m., on Friday, police responded to a report of an armed robbery in progress at New Hope Restaurant in Ladyville. Police responded promptly, but were not able to detain the culprit in action; however, a quick review of the business surveillance footage was able to provide police with a clear description of the suspect.

Fatal traffic accident claims life
The lifeless body of a Trial Farm resident was pulled from out of the wrecked remains of a red Toyota Rav4 in Orange Walk Town early on Sunday morning. The man identified as Reymond Hendricks, 52, was a passenger in the vehicle. He sustained head injuries and was transported to the Northern Regional Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

UDP supporters elect city’s mayoral candidate today
United Democratic Party (UDP) supporters in Belize City are today selecting their mayoral candidate of choice for next year’s municipal elections. The candidates who have offered themselves for the post of Mayor are businessman and current City Councillor, Dion Leslie and fellow Councillor in charge of the Council’s City Emergency Management Organization, Philip Willoughby.

Fire destroys house in Orange Walk
A young mother and her two children are homeless after a fire destroyed their house early Saturday. Police say that at around 4:20 a.m., they responded to a report of a house fire on Crab Fish Street, Trial village and observed a wooden house engulfed in flames.

Belizean journalists on familizarition tour
The Belize Tourism Board (BTB), is currently hosting Belizean journalists on a three-day adventure and familizaration tour of local tourist attractions in the south of the country. The event is an opportunity for members of the media to be able to portray to Belizeans the beauty and value of travelling locally and being a tourist in their own country. The three days of gruelling activities kicked off on Friday with one of the most exciting backyard adventures at the Bocawina National Park, located about 4 1/2 miles off the Southern Highway.

Breaking Belize News

Shoman sounds concern on developing crisis in Guatemala
My fellow Jewelizeans – Please pay more attention to what is going on in Guatemala NOW. A presidential crisis is unfolding rapidly. One close and respected observer has told me that he expects serious and sudden upheaval – and essentially any number can play. The situation is very fluid. Monday will be critical. Morales, President Morales could be stripped of presidential immunity and arrested.

Vehicle crashes into lamp post leaving one man dead
Sometime around 7 a.m. today police visited the corner of Cemetery Street and Belize Corozal Road in Orange Walk town where they saw a red Toyota Rav 4 with extensive damages to its front portion. On the road beside the RAV 4 police saw the body of 52 year old Raymond Hendricks, a resident of Trial Farm Village.

Man chopped up in Patchakan
Just before midday on Saturday, police responded to a chopping incident at Patchakan Village in the Corozal District. When officers arrived on the scene, they saw 23-year-old Diego Ek suffering from chop wounds to his feet and hands.

7 charged for keeping unlicensed firearm and ammunition
San Pedro police have charged seven persons for the offence of ‘Kept Unlicensed Firearm and Ammunition’. According to police reports, on Saturday afternoon police conducted searches at a wooden house in the Escalante Sub Division, DFC area, of San Pedro Town.

Guatemalan President calls for removal of UN anti-corruption chief
Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales announced today that he is expelling the head of the United Nations Anti Corruption Commission, Ivan Velasquez. Comisión Internacional contra la Impunidad en Guatemala, (CICIG) is an international body responsible with investigating and prosecuting serious crimes involving high ranking government officials in Guatemala. According to a report from ABC News, the order was blocked by Guatemalan court. In the capital of the country, protests erupted to decry the order and Morales is being criticized heavily for the decision.

Caye Caulker couple busted with cannabis
At around 9:30 on Saturday night, Caye Caulker Police conducted a search inside an apartment on Avenida Langosta Street which was occupied at the time by 30 year old Wilmer Sanchez, and 28 year old Joyce Eck.

UDP to select new Belize City Mayoral candidate and slate in the next three hours
Two time Belize City Mayor, Darrel Bradley, will not be seeking a third term. And so two of his incumbent councilors, Philip Willoughby and Deon Leslie, have both offered themselves as his replacement. Today, there is an open convention at the ITVET compound to select the UDP’s Mayoral candidate and slate in Belize City. Polls opened at ten a.m. and are scheduled to close at 5 p.m.

Village fight leads to shooting
A fight between two Orange Walk men took a turn for the worst when one retrieved a firearm and opened fire on the other. Police visited the Northern Regional Hospital shortly after 7 p.m. last night where they saw San Estevan Resident, 26 year old Moises Ismael Duque, suffering from gunshot wounds in his abdomen.

Blogs

Happiest Zoo in the World!
The Belize Zoo is the best, and happiest, little zoo in the world. The way the animals are kept in their natural habitat is perfect, and all the animals are Belizean, and only there due to being rescued or rehabilitated. The article from the San Ignacio Resort Hotel is short and sweet, and has a lot of great pictures. "You can get up close and personal with them in their natural habitat and learn about the importance of protecting them and conserving the homes that sustain them. As you walk through the beautiful natural walkways, be ready to meet the gorgeous Jaguars, friendly Tapirs, noisy Coatimundis, or the clever Spider Monkey. Have you ever met a Jabiru Stork? You can! Along with many other vibrant birds like the Scarlet Macaw or the Keel-Billed Toucan. The Morelet Crocodiles patiently float around while the Boas play hide and seek."

Latina’s Guide to San Ignacio, Belize: Where to Eat, Drink, Sleep, and Play
Whether you’re looking for adventure activities in the rainforest, local punta music and authentic comida in town, or simply some WiFi-free time in a hammock with a book, you can do it all in San Ignacio, Belize.

This is Belize: There’s just no bad day aboard the No Rush
We spent all day Saturday playing “tourist” on a boat, a local favorite called the “No Rush.” It is an older catamaran that holds about 24 people, plus crew. It is the crew that makes it a favorite, they are long-time friends to many aboard. That, and the fact that the No Rush lives up to its name. This catamaran raises sails when ever it can. Most of the newer and larger touring cats tend to motor out to the reef and back. When you sign on to No Rush you have to plan on letting the rest of life rush past you and put your faith in the winds. A very therapeutic and congenial experience. This occasion was a birthday celebration for Denise, a neighbor and friend who runs her own artisan bread baking business. In fact, we toasted some of her cranberry-walnut bread for breakfast that morning. Fresh-baked bread is only one of the ways that our island life is improving gastronomically — but that is a story for another time.

International Sources

Crisis flares in Guatemala over corruption and organised crime
Constitutional court blocks attempt by president, Jimmy Morales, to expel head of unit investigating campaign financing. Guatemala has fallen into deep political crisis after the president declared the United Nations-backed anti-corruption chief investigating him and his party persona non grata, only to have the expulsion order blocked hours later by the country’s constitutional court. Jimmy Morales, a former comedian who was elected president two years ago after the previous government was toppled by corruption charges, was left fighting for his political survival – and freedom – on Sunday after the failed attempt to oust head of the International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG), Iván Velásquez.

Guatemala Has Been Plunged Into Constitutional Crisis Over a U.N. Anti-Graft Probe
Two days after prosecutors announced they would seek to lift Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales' immunity, he ordered the expulsion of the head of a highly praised U.N. anti-corruption commission and plunged into a faceoff with the nation's top court and the international community. It was a stunning reversal for a president whose predecessor had been forced to resign by the same body's investigation two years earlier and who campaigned as the panel's biggest advocate. "Neither corrupt nor a crook" was Morales' campaign slogan.

USF professor and student design septic system to save the Belize Barrier Reef
A University of South Florida professor and one of her doctoral candidates have helped a national park in Belize stop flushing away its coral reefs. "We were the right people at the right time," said graduate student Christine Prouty, who worked on a wastewater project there with Dr. Maya Trotz, an associate professor in USF's Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. "We were experts on wastewater who knew how to put people together to make a difference." The two discussed their work and its impact on Sunday at Sulphur Springs Museum and Heritage Center, which is currently hosting an exhibit on the Caribbean's coral reefs and sharks. Their work centered on Laughing Bird Caye National Park, a 1.8-acre island off the coast of Placencia, Belize.

Ancestral Mayan Ballgame Comes Back to Life After Centuries at Festival in El Salvador
An ancient Mayan ballgame has been brought back to life at the First Festival of Pelota Maya in El Salvador. It's believed the game dates back to some two thousand years before the Spanish conquest, but it has rarely been played since. The festival was organized in the northern community of Guazapa, with the aim of "recovering this activity, which is thousands of years old, but which has been forgotten for so long," one of the players, Danilo Dominguez, told reporters. Archaelogical remains of ball courts show that the pelota Maya was played across a wide area of Mesoamerica by peoples of the Maya tradition, in what is now Mexico and most of Central America.

Taxista se mete en problemas
Intoxicated Chetumal taximan crashes into a truck with Belizean license plate in Chetumal City, México.

Videos

Polly! Amazona oratrix (subsp. belizensis), 1.5min.

REVOLUTIONARY BELIZEAN NATIONALIST WIL MEHIA STANDS READY FOR THE REVOLUTION!, 21min. At a short moment's notice, Wil Mehia, the revolutionary Southern Belizean Activist against the Guatemalan military oligarchy aggression on the Belize Sarstoon River and Island in the Toledo District, comes to "Belizean Legends" finally in this powerful and informative exclusive interview with yours truly about the state of affairs of Guatemala's recent aggressive tactics against Belize, and to share his perspective on the scheme to force Belize to go to the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

Jacinto Creek Belize, 3min. This is a promotional video for Jacinto Creek Belize, a jungle camp and lodge, in the heart of the jungle.

Snorkeling at Mexico Rocks, Belize, 3.5min. Here's a snorkeling video from Belize (8-19-17), this one is at a place on the reef called Mexico Rocks. At 16 seconds in you'll see a barracuda. And the guide took my camera to dive down to get the shots of the lionfish, lobster and stingray.

How Belize's Port Works., 1min. Loading boats groceries and constuction materials towards San Pedro Island .

The Great Blue Hole Belize" Virtual Dive with Michael Davis", 4min. The Great Blue Hole Belize The 8th Wonder of The World. November 1, 2013 – The Belize Tourism Board is pleased to announce that The Great Blue Hole has placed in top ten of the ‘8th Wonder of the World’ competition. Competing against three hundred man-made and natural sites from across the world, Belize finished 8th in the Virtual Tourist competition.

August 27, 2017

Beautiful day in Sugar City at the BTIA Tourism Expo

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

Misc Belizean Sources

Belizean Citizens Abroad is Hosting it's First Event
A panel discussion on The Citizenship Rights of Born Belizeans With Dual Nationality. The panel will be broadcast "LIVE" on KREM from the Biltmore Plaza in Belize City. Tuesday, Sept 19 , 2017 at 7pm. Our Panelists Are: Lisa Shoman, Maja Lloyd Jones, Hubert Pipersberg, Debbie Curling, Host: Nuri Muhammad. Seating at River Hall, Biltmore Plaza is limited to 500 people; the forum is open to the public so please get there early. Everyone needs to be seated by 6:30 pm.

The U.S. Embassy Belmopan has an opening for a Janitor
The successful candidate will be required to obtain a security clearance and undergo a medical examination. BASIC FUNCTION OF THE POSITION: • Cleans offices and other work areas, public areas and entrances, hallways, bathrooms, water fountains, sidewalks and storage areas, including outlying buildings, and U.S. Government owned and leased residences during transition periods.

The Reporter

Police charge two for Thursday’s deadly shooting
Belize City police have arrested and charged two person believed to have been the assassins behind the Thursday evening double shooting in Conch Shell Bay, which has claimed the life of one man and left another recovering from injuries. Official statement by police have indicated that Belize City resident, Orlando Salazar, 26, and Hattieville resident Joel Choco, 21, have been jointly charged with ‘murder’ and ‘attempted murder’, which occured on Thursday. The duo is alleged to have gunned down 26-year-old Windell Gibson, killing him on the spot with as many as eight bullets to various parts of his body while he was walking along Lindos Alley at around 4:40 p.m.

Minor critical following chopping
A minor of San Jose Village, Orange Walk is listed in a critical condition at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital after he suffered multiple chop wounds while heading home early Thursday morning. According to police, the 15-year-old was walking home at around 12:17 in in the company of a female when Ronaldo Reyes allegedly attacked him and inflicted a large chop wound to his head and arm.

Breaking Belize News

Criminals hid home made gun in black t-shirt
Belize City cops have taken a gun off the streets and out of the reach of criminals. Just before midday on Friday police conducted searches on Amara Avenue which led to the discovery of a homemade firearm.

Home burns down in Trial Farm
There was a fire in Trial Farm Village in the Orange Walk District, this morning. Police reportedly responded to the blaze on Crab Fish Street at around 4:20 a.m. where they saw the wooden house on fire.

Attorney General, Michael Peyrefitte, comments on recent move by Ashcroft Alliance
We had previously reported that the Ashcroft Alliance had assigned the British Caribbean Bank’s 50 million dollar arbitration award to Midway – a company registered in the British Virgin Islands. The Government of Belize (GoB) disagrees but the courts in the US have granted the application so that Midway will be able to collect those monies instead of the British Caribbean Bank.

Investment Agreement Signed for Stake Bank Cruise Docking Facility
The Government of Belize signed an Investment Agreement yesterday, August 25, 2017 with Stake Bank Enterprise Limited (the “Developer”) to construct a world class Cruise Ship Docking Facility, equipped with a resort and a theme park on the Stake Bank Caye located four nautical miles southeast of Belize City (the “Project”).

Minor robs restaurant with pellet gun
A minor attempting to rob a restaurant in Ladyville with a pellet gun has been […]

Blogs

Tips For Handling Money in Belize: Exchange, Cash Machines, USD Accepted
I get lots of questions from first time visitors about money in Belize — does everyone accept credit cards, do shops accept US dollars, do ATM machines take US or foreign cards? It’s just smart travel planning. So here is a break-down of the basics of currency in Belize. The Belize dollar is the official currency of Belize – and it is pegged (or set) to the US Dollar. $2bzd = $1US. Bills come in $2, $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 – coins 1 cent, 5, 10, 25 (or a “shilling”) and 50 cents. Cash machines in Belize dispense money in Belize dollars. There is often a $500bzd-$800bzd limit depending on the bank. You will find ATM machines in all major tourist towns and more urban centers – San Pedro, Caye Caulker, Hopkins, San Ignacio, Punta Gorda, Dangriga, Belize City, Belmopan, etc. There are no official money exchanges in Belize and banks (for some reason) give a less than ideal rate for exchanging money (like $1.96BZD to $1US). Unlike the US market, cash is still the standard form of payment in Belize. These days all hotels, many larger restaurants and bars accept credits cards for payment – generally for amounts over $20bzd. Your hotel expects credit card payment, as do the more expensive restaurants. It is no problem at all.

International Sources

Hurricane Harvey in pictures: Nasa releases stunning images of massive storm that wreaked havoc in Texas
Apart from the various meteorological centres and weather research stations that are tracking the hurricane, Nasa has also been taking photographs and monitoring the storm since the time it formed over the Eastern Caribbean Sea. The first images released were on 18 August and the space organisation continued to capture Harvey on camera and study it till it made landfall and weakened.

Videos

Honeymoon on Coco Plum Island, Belize, 1min.

DAY 5 NCL DAWN......BELIZE, 7min. Day five of our trip on board the Norweigian Dawn. We had a wonderful time on the private island owned by Norwegian.

Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Belize 8-18-17, 4min. Snorkeling at Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Belize, 8-18-17. At 26 seconds in you'll see two Spotted Eagle Rays. And I didn't shoot the closeup of the Green Moray Eel, one of our guides dove down with my camera to get that footage. At 2:13 you'll see a Nurse Shark and after that - more Nurse Sharks! At the end you'll see a Caribbean Roughtail Stingray.

BEING HIGH , IN THE TREE TOPS OF BELIZE, 8.5min.

Finding Belize, 3min. We were looking for Belize and we found her.

FAMILY TRIP IN BELIZE, 2hr.

2017 Belize City, Belize, 8min.

Drunken Sailors, Rum, Sharks, and more Lobsters!!, 9min. While I don't agree with the feeding of sharks to make them a tourist attraction, I enjoyed today so much! The crew was a blast, the views were spectacular, and seeing the wildlife naturally was as breathtaking as always. Yo ho ho and a bottle of rum!!

Belize Zip Lining, 4min. Zip Lining on 8-13-17 in Belize with the family! And that's my cool Dad you'll see, he's ___ years old, still a kid at heart and trekked ...

CNN Special on the Hummingbird Highway in Belize, 4.5min.

Discovery Channel: À Prova de Tudo - Floresta de Belize Dublado, 50min.

August 26, 2017

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

Jeff Bella is a new U.S. Warden for Ambergris Caye
As of July 28, 2017, Jeff Bella is a newly appointed American Warden for Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker. Bella, who hails from the State of Wisconsin in the United States of America, has been living on La Isla Bonita for the past 15 years. As a new representative of the Embassy of the United States in Belize, he is tasked to assist American citizens living or travelling to the island. Bella says that his main responsibility as a Warden is to assist consular sections in disaster preparedness, welfare, whereabouts, and alerting fellow Americans of emergency situations. “I will also provide important, timely, safety and security information. This might include the times and locations of upcoming local demonstrations, areas of potential unrest due to local celebrations or elections, or information about a specific medical issue,” said Bella. “I will also provide the Embassy with information on any citizen who may be in need of Embassy involvement due to arrest, serious illness, death or being a victim of crime,” he said.

Ambergris Today

San Pedro Police Make Positive Steps In Recent Crimes
San Pedro Police have cracked down on latest murder case on Ambergris Caye as the department has boosted personal on the island, including the presence of the Gang Suppression Unit (GSU). Police have charged Jose Armando Marroquin and Sarbelo Marroquin for the murder of Scott Charles who was gunned down at his home in the Elliot Subdivision of San Pedro Town on Wednesday, August 16. They will be arraigned in Magistrate's Court at the earliest convenience, and they will then be remanded to the Belize Central Prison.

Misc Belizean Sources

Floyd Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor at the Paradise Theater
This Saturday Night, Free Entry .. Screen one will be playing the fights all night.. For so many who've asked us to play this fight ... this is for you. Who are you rooting for??

Rugby match in San Pedro
INVITATION - To experience San Pedro's First Rugby 7s match between Belize City and Ambergris Caye on Saturday, August 26th, 2017 as Kings Park Scorpions RFC take on San Pedro Turtles RFC. Kick-off @ 11am Saca Chispas/Louise Sylvestre Sports Complex

Investment Agreement Signed for Stake Bank Cruise Docking Facility
The Government of Belize signed an Investment Agreement today, August 25, 2017 with Stake Bank Enterprise Limited (the “Developer”) to construct a world class Cruise Ship Docking Facility, equipped with a resort and a theme park on the Stake Bank Caye located four nautical miles southeast of Belize City (the “Project”). The Stake Bank Cruise Ship Docking Facility, being led by the Feinstein Group of companies, proposes to construct a cruise docking facility to accommodate four Voyager class cruise vessels, inclusive of a 60-slip marina, an 80-room luxury and supporting amenities, and a theme park with water rides, roller coaster and aquaria. The total estimated investment size for the Project is cited to be US$62.5 million. The Project seeks to employ at least 500 Belizeans and provide long-term socioeconomic benefits to Belize and the Cruise Sector.

Support Scouts in Belize
Tshirts for sale

Poktapok team practices
The Xaibe Subin K'in Poktapok team practices each Wednesday and Saturday night at Liberty Court. Drop by to see the action!

16 farmers of the Maya Golden Landscape have established 1-acre Inga alley cropping plots!
These amazing Inga edulis (bri-bri) trees will create a blanket of weed-suppressing mulch, protect soil from erosion, keep soil moist and reduce the need for costly herbicides, pesticides, and harmful fires. The rows of trees will continuously provide nutrients to the soil via their nitrogen-fixing roots and nitrogen-rich leaves and branches.

Channel 7

Stake Bank Cruise Project Finally Gets The Executive Green Light
Belize City's Cruise Tourism future - so long in doubt - is on stronger footing tonight after the Government of Belize and the Feinstein Group signed an investment agreement to proceed with the development of a Cruise Ship Docking Facility at Stake Bank Caye, which is four miles southeast of Belize City. The announcement came as a surprise - after all, Parliament approved the project in 2014, but the Barrow administration and the Developer could never agree on the finer details - until recently when Cabinet's Investment Committee decided to give it another look. They isolated the problem which was an exclusivity clause - and agreed to compromise. And that led to today at ITVET when both sides signed what is being called a definitive agreement. The Attorney General - who is on the investment committee explained:...

Gang Warfare! Shots Fired Into Fish Market
Yesterday a gunman on a motorbike fired shots into the crowded Conch Shell Bay Fish Market. The gunman let loose at least 8 shots, six of which hit 26-year-old Windell Gibson, killing him at the scene. 24-year-old Karron Santos was also shot once to the left shoulder, and remains in stable condition at the KHMH. Today police are trying to figure out what prompted the shootings after learning that Gibson and Santos were likely not the intended targets. Alex Courtenay, spoke with the police and the family of one of the victims, here's what he found out... Yesterday evening the usual organized chaos of the Conch Shell Bay Fish Market was disturbed by a gunman and his getaway driver. The assailants allegedly rode up to the crowd, attempted to confirm who their target was and began to fire. The crowd dispersed, but two men were hit as they tried to escape down Lindo's Alley. Police arrived on the scene not long after the incident.

Cops Try To Figure Out What Happened on the Boat Where Cardinez Met His End
On Wednesday eyewitnesses saw a body being thrown out of a boat in the sea in front of Rock Park on Princess Margaret Drive. A day later, the body of 18-year-old Taylor's Alley resident, Crevan Cardinez washed up in the same vicinity. Reports say that there was a struggle before he was thrown off the vessel, and now the cops are trying to figure out what happened on that boat. The CIB Commander told us more. ASP Alejandro Cowo - OC, CIB: "So far we have nothing much. Finally we were able to get a family member sometime last night and hence the reason we divulge the name of the person late on that night. The family member were was not notified until sometime after 7-8 last night a family member came forward to actually confirm the identity of the person."

Another Shooting In Gang Hotspot
Cowo also told us about a non-fatal shooting that occurred in the city early this morning in the same general hotspot area that's been flaring up. Just before 5:00, Peter Sutherland was riding is bicycle on Cemetery Road heading towards Albert Street when a lone gunman appeared from an alley and fired a single shot, hitting Sutherland on the right hand. Here's what the CIB Commander had to say about the investigation so far. ASP Alejandro Cowo - OC, CIB: "There was a shooting this morning at about 5:30 on Cemetery Road in front of the homeless center. A male person by the name of Peter Sutherland had received a gunshot wound to the right shoulder. He was riding his bicycle enroute from Cemetery Road towards Albert Street when a male person just came out and fired several shots at his direction."

Police Descend on Pregnant Alley
And so with this rash of shootings and murders, the police have to respond to contain it. We are told the senior command met this morning at the Raccoon Street Station, and this afternoon the residents of Pregnant Alley - which is a part of the Taylor's Alley Gang off Orange Street - got a dose of the latest crackdown. Residents say, that around 4:00, the GSU and the SPU tore into heir neighborhood and went wild allegedly attacking a number of residents. They broke open a door and used heavy means of force in a one hour sweep. Mediator Dianne Finnegan who was called to the scene by residents of the alley told us this kind of brutality needs to stop. We spoke to her and two residents. Here's what they had to say:...

Belize-Chinese Community Not Happy About Visa Charges
Yesterday we told you about the Belize Chinese Association's dissatisfaction with the government of Belize after they found out the the visa fees for the incoming China Disabled Persons Performing Arts Troupe would not be waived. This is, according to the Association, the first time in history that fees were not waived for foreign performing act, and it's costing them a lot of money. The Association's Chairman, Edmund Quan, told us today that the original budget to host the Troupe in Belize was about $40,000, but cost has since skyrocketed to over $100,000, since they will now need to pay a total of $66,000 for visas for each of the 33 performers. We spoke to Quan today about situation.

Talking Trafficking
Attorney General Mike Peyrefitte recently came back from a seminar on Human Trafficking in Washington DC. A team of experts from Belize led by Peyreffitte and Minister of Human Development Anthony Boots Martinez, met with Rod Rosenstein, the Deputy Attorney General for the United States Department of Justice - among others. The mission of the Belize team was to try to get Belize upgraded from a tier three trafficking country. That abysmal ranking comes from the US State Department - and Belize is one of only three countries in the entire Western Hemisphere on listed in tier three. Peyrefitte told us that Belize made very specific commitments:...

15 Year Old Critical After Cut To Head
A 15-year-old minor was cut up in Orange Walk yesterday. At midday, Police visited the Northern Regional Hospital and found the youth suffering from a serious cut wound on the top of his head and one on his left arm. An investigation revealed that the minor was heading home with a female and was then approached by Ronald Reyes who inflicted the wounds. He was later transported to the KHMH where he is in a critical condition.

To Cuba With Love
Last night we told you about the 7 Belizeans who were awarded the Chevening Scholarship. Well, while they will be heading to the UK another group of Belizeans will be heading to Cuba this weekend. 13 were chosen to study medicine as part of the ongoing relationship between Belize and Cuba. Today a "going away" ceremony was held for the recipients and we found out how ready they are to take up this new challenge in their academic life. Deryck Satchwell, Deputy Director, Tertiary and Post-Secondary Education Service: "We have 13 scholarships offered by Cuba to Belize this year, we have identified 12, we are still looking for one more and today the Cuban Embassy has had a farewell ceremony for them, they leave on Sunday actually for Cuba."

Media Living Like Tourists
Tonight - members of the media including our Daniel Ortiz and Codie Norales are on a media familiarization trip in Hopkins Village. The Belize Tourism Board is hosting members of the press on tour of different vacation getaways in the village. It's a free promotion where the local media gets to experience the location the way a tourists do. As part of the day 1 experience, BTB took the press to the Bocawina National Park for a bit of rappelling. We got a chance to speak with the General Manager of the park, and here's what he had to say, accompanied by clips of blooper-like moments of the novice rappelling that the reporters demonstrated this afternoon.

Ashcroft Alliance At It Again
The Ashcroft Alliance saga has entered another tedious, taxing chapter. The latest move by the Alliance is that it has assigned the British Caribbean Bank's 50 million dollar arbitration award to Midway, a company registered in British Virgin Islands. The government disagrees but the courts in the US have granted the application so Midway was able to replace the British Caribbean Bank. Today, we asked the attorney General if this means that they can go after Belize's reserves:.. Michael Peyrefitte, Attorney General "What the Ashcroft Alliance has done they assigned their rights in BCB to a Midway, which is a British Virgin Islands outfit type of thing, similar Ashcroft type of company and we objected to that assignment, saying that essentially the issues wouldn't change, essentially the merits of that case have been decided upon. So really what are you trying to do? You're trying to hide behind a name. In their ultimate wisdom the courts in the US granted them that application that they won.

"Philloughby" - On The Verge of Greatness or Infamy
The UDP is in the full swing of its municipal convention season - and in about 40 hours, the polls will open in the biggest convention - which is in Belize City. There are two candidates for mayor - and 16 candidates for 10 councillor spots. That means that there's going to be lots of competition, and Phillip Willoughby is definitely the underdog for the Mayoral nominaiton. We asked him about his chances an hour ago: Polls open at 10 on Sunday and you can check our 7News Facebook page for live updates

Hello To Haircuts
For all you parents stressing out and rushing to get those back to school supplies for your kids in time, you at least don't have to worry about giving your children a brand new look for the school year. That's because you can take your son and your daughter to the back to school trimming drive next weekend to get their hair cut or braided. One of the organizers told us more today. Brian Dina, Organizer: "This is the 7th annual back to school trimming drive, it is an event that kids look forward to every year now and I give thanks to the community and the kids at large that need that support and we will be having kids from around the city, city wide whereby we go out and look for kids that are less fortunate and try to give them a nice haircut due to school opening and some school supplies as well."

Channel 5

Stake Bank is a go! G.O.B. and Michael Feinstein shake hands on multi-million dollar cruise port for City
After years of negotiations with the Government of Belize, developer Michael Feinstein has finally gotten the green-light to proceed with the construction of the Stake Bank Cruise Ship Docking Facility. [...]

Two detained as police probe murder of Windell Gibson
There have now been four murders in Belize City in as many days, and seven so far in the month of August. At news time Thursday evening, twenty-six-year-old Windell Gibson [...]

Peter Sutherland is Old Capital’s latest shooting victim
As if police did not have enough on their plate to deal with this week, another shooting was reported near downtown Belize City. The officer in charge of the Crimes [...]

Two suspects wanted in murder of Crevan Cardinez
The body of eighteen-year-old Crevan Cardinez was recovered from the shallow waters in front of the Sir Barry Bowen Municipal Airstrip on Thursday morning. Cardinez, living in Belize City but [...]

Suspects also sought in murder of Linton Wilshire
Police are also chasing leads in at least one other murder reported this week. Around two o’clock on Wednesday afternoon, the body of a man was discovered some three hundred [...]

Chinese Association vents frustration over visa waiver denial for visiting performers
The Belize Chinese Association is not happy with G.O.B. They have had to fork out thousands of dollars after they requested a visa waiver for The Chinese Blind People Performing [...]

Belize refocuses efforts to address human trafficking
Last Wednesday, Minister of Human Development Anthony Martinez and Attorney General Michael Peyrefitte met with U.S. Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein as part of a roundtable seminar on trafficking in [...]

U.S. refuses to name trafficking suspects; police to be pulled from ‘extra duties’ at nightclubs
One finding of the report that clearly rankles the Barrow administration is the references to trafficking-related complicity by government officials, including those at high levels. Try though he might, Attorney [...]

G.O.B. refuses to acknowledge new owners of arbitration debt
The Government of Belize remains at an impasse with several companies seeking enforcement of various arbitral awards due them after judgments made in U.S. courts. It maintains the position that [...]

Belize sends off thirteen to study in Cuba
The Cuban Embassy hosted a farewell event for students who are leaving Belize to pursue studies in Cuba. The students were selected from a pool of about seventy applicants to [...]

Kids taught cultural skills at House of Culture summer program
The Museum of Belize and Houses of Culture concluded an annual summer program for children in Belize City earlier today. The camp ran for a month and a half and [...]

Making the summer GREAT for City youths
The Eastern Division South held the closing for its annual Great Summer Programme. Fifty youths from the south side kicked off the programme on August seventh and it ended on [...]

Amandala

Fish cleaner murdered by motorcycle assassin
Over the last four days, four men have lost their lives to the callous violence that has become common in Belize City. The latest victim, Windell Gibson, Jr., 26, was killed today, Thursday, August 24, around 4:30 in the afternoon. Gibson, also known as “Horse” or “Footie,” was at the junction of East Collet Canal and Lindo’s Alley, near the popular Conch Shell Bay fish market, where a cement structure, inside which the fishermen clean their catch, spans the river. Information to Amandala is that Gibson was speaking to Pomona resident Karron Santos, aka “Killa”, 24, when two men pulled up on a motorcycle.

Crevan Cardinez, 18, beaten, stabbed and thrown overboard
A search in the sea in the area of “the Hangar”, off Princess Margaret Drive, for a man who was seen being beaten with paddles by three men in a boat, after which he was thrown overboard, at about 2:30 yesterday afternoon, came to a sad conclusion at about 10:00 this morning. The body of the man was found in the sea in the area of the Sir Barry Bowen Municipal Airport by Coast Guard divers who began the search for him yesterday. The victim, whose body was taken to the morgue, has since been identified as Crevan Cardinez, 18, of Orange Walk Town, who reportedly was a student of ITVET in Dangriga.

Men, women and children in Partridge Street Extension attacked by killer bees
Bernard Richards, Jason Saldivar, and two young mothers, who are sisters, and their three children were stung by killer bees in the Partridge Street Extension area near the Lord Ridge Cemetery around 4:30 this afternoon. The police and the ambulance services were called to the scene to rescue the victims. The ambulance was unable to retrieve the children due to the swarming bees, but the heroic police officers got out of their mobile and went for them. They successfully brought the children to the ambulance, despite the bees that were attacking. The two sisters and the children were taken to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital for treatment.

It is what it is!
Former Lands minister Gaspar Vega resigned from Cabinet last October in the wake of a land scandal in which his son, Andre Vega, and well-known Belizean attorney, Sharon Pitts-Robateau were implicated in a deal which saw them acquire privately owned land through the Government for $2,500 each, before getting $400,000 in compensation from the Government for the duplication of ownership. That matter is now being pursued in the courts, as the Government has demanded the return of the money paid to those persons. Since that case was unearthed, there have been others coming to light involving the purchase of lands from the government at a nominal fee and resale of lands for much higher prices, several of them involving the Vegas directly or persons close to them, from whom the Vegas later acquired the lands.

Senator Rocke swings vote on town council borrowing
There was a lively debate in the Senate today on proposed amendments to the Town Councils Act which, according to the description of the bill given to Parliament, would afford greater autonomy to town councils to raise money for capital projects. The presentation of the bill comes about 6 months ahead of the next municipal elections, which will see voters from 9 municipalities (two cities and seven towns) go to the polls to choose their local governments. The seven towns are Corozal Town, Orange Walk Town, San Pedro Town, Benque Viejo del Carmen, Dangriga Town, Punta Gorda Town, and the twin towns of Santa Elena/San Ignacio – the municipality for which the bill was apparently crafted, in order to enable them to borrow funds from the National Bank of Belize to complete their town hall.

Why HARM?
We have been informed of the charge read against the accused on the matter of the vicious beating of 22-year-old Galen student, Kevin Brown. The three accused were brought to court to face a single charge of HARM. Based on what this ordinary citizen has read about this charge, if any of them, or all, is/are found guilty, he or they is/are liable to spend one year in prison. The Substantive Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2000, describes HARM as bodily hurt, disease or disorder, whether permanent or temporary. There are different kinds of HARM. There is GRIEVOUS HARM, which amounts to injuries that can be classified as maim, dangerous harm, or lead to permanent physical/health problems or disfigurement; DANGEROUS HARM, which is harm that endangers life; MAIM, which is the destruction or permanent disabling of any limb or organ; and WOUND, which has to do with injuries that puncture or cut through the skin and muscles.

“In the Paint” – INTEROFFICE BASKETBALL
The 2017 Interoffice Basketball Championship postseason is finally here, and the spectacle commences tonight, as the #1 seeded Dragons take to the court against #8 seeded Belize Telemedia, while the nightcap game has #4 seeded Warriors facing off against Tuff-e-Nuff, seeded at #5. The Dragons, as their seed signifies, enters the postseason as the clear favorites to win it all, after posting a league-best (7-1) record during the regular season; and should be off to a good start, given the fact that they will be playing against a BTL team that won only two of the eight games played during the regular season. The other bracket will see the (5-3) Warriors doing battle against a tough-minded (5-3) Tuff-e-Nuff team, who, incidentally, won last week against Infotel/Mars by the final score of 83-80. In that one, it was the duo of Jason Wade and the veteran Rico Black totaling 24 points each for Tuff-e-Nuff, while Elvis Olivera was high man for Infotel/Mars, totaling 26 points 10 rebounds on 10-of-17 shooting from the field.

The “man in the middle” – a necessary part of the game
The same as in baseball/softball/hockey, etc. where passionate fans sometimes go over the limits in their outrageous remarks against the well-being of game officials (e.g. “k___ the umpire!!”) when calls go against their team, in football you can sometimes hear some pretty distasteful pronouncements coming from normally decent folks, as they take the opportunity to vent their week-long daily-life frustrations, using the referee or linesman as their lightning-rod target for emotional release. Sometimes the criticisms are merited; after all, the referee is a part of the game, just like the players, who similarly receive their fair share of insults and condemnation from disgruntled fans. It’s all a part of the game; but when the long whistle blows, it is expected that we all return to sanity and civility in our behavior towards each other. In the heat of the game, players who are even otherwise friends in daily living, will sometimes go hard at each other in tackles that sometimes could even lead to injury.

Basketball exchange planned between Belize and Chetumal teams
A basketball exchange has been planned between Atla Eagles U-20 male and female teams of Belize and the Huracan male and Fenix female teams of Chetumal, Mexico. The Atla Eagles U-20 male and female teams along with Abrey’s Eagles U-15 male team are invited to play in Chetumal on September 29th and 30th at the Instituto de Tecnologico basketball court. The Eagles U-20 male and female teams along with Abrey’s Eagles U-15 male team of Belmopan will play against Fenix Female, Huracan male and Instituto de Tecnologico male teams of Chetumal.

Dangriga sports stats
Here are Week 3 results from the Dangriga Basketball Association’s 2017 tournament games held last week at the Ecumenical Basketball Auditorium. On Thursday, August 17, Benguche Flames won over Ghans Stars, 65 to 30. Quinton Bowen had 19 pts 8 rebs, and Frederick Williams 14 pts 5 rebs for Benguche; while for Ghans, Shedrak Jorgenson had 9 pts 4 rebs, and Bryton Augustine 9 pts 4 rebs. In game 1 on Friday, August 18, it was Foreshore Pelicans over Ghans Stars, 78 to 42 Leading Pelicans were Glency Lopez 21 pts 2 rebs 2 stls, and Leslie Williams 13 pts 3 rebs; while Marion Young had 17 pts 6 rebs for Ghans. In game 2, Benguche Flames defeated Harlem Shockers, 66 to 49. Quinton Bowen 18 pts 3 rebs, and Raheem Thurton 8 pts led Benguche; while Donell Arzu had 21 pts 6 rebs, and Dylan “Chris” Flores 21 pts 4 rebs for Harlem.

Editorial: Leslie vs Willoughby
Political insiders know that there is a rivalry between the Dean Barrow/Michael Finnegan axis of the ruling United Democratic Party (UDP) and the Kremandala chairman, Evan X Hyde, which is more than four decades old. Every now and then, that rivalry flares up, such as when Mr. Barrow, as Prime Minister/Minister of Finance and UDP Leader, poured millions into the ill-fated Mark King’s 2015 campaign in an abortive attempt to block Cordel Hyde’s triumphant return to Lake Independence. As a highly intelligent man, Rt. Hon. Barrow should have known better, but he just couldn’t help himself. He is a prisoner of the rivalry. In Mr. Barrow’s case, it is a family rivalry between the Barrows and the Hydes which began with the respective grandfathers – E. O. B. Barrow, a high ranking civil servant and pro-British National Party (NP) leader, and James Bartlett Hyde, a machinist, mechanic, seaman, and PUP-supporting employee of the late millionaire, Robert Sydney Turton, the man who sponsored the Right.

Czarnecki quotes Claude McKay
Editor Sir, Claude McKay ,a Jamaican born poet and self-educated man-of-letters who lived and wrote in the early part of the twentieth-century, is seldom read today, but like all inspired poets who tell it like it is, his words never grow stale, remaining timeless for other men who have ears to hear. Sure, it’s a bit somber perhaps, but the words ring true … Towards the latter part of his life, and while living in Harlem, he converted to Catholicism, although it’s hard to see him as a man likely to turn the other cheek; nor can I see him lining up and getting fat at the public$ trough like so many of today’s hypocritical men of the cloth. No. He sounds like a MAN to me.

RIGHT TO THE POINT
In continuing in the series of dealing with family and matrimonial issues, it is important to ensure that readers know that these series are not legal advice, but rather a sharing of information of the law and legal principles, so that citizens know their rights. In law a simple change of fact could give a different outcome from another person that seems to be in almost the exact same situation. That being said, I must address errors not to make before marriage, during marriage and especially after divorce. I know when people fall in love they bring out a more vulnerable side of themselves. And when they get married and at their wedding they read the above Biblical verse, (a favorite at weddings) they get even more disarmed. I know, love … does not keep records of wrong, but the verse did not say the spouse should not keep records of your financial and monetary transactions. Ironically, its seems that many couples, only heard “love does not keep records” … full stop!

The real re-registration affair
The evil genius and father of modern wartime propaganda, Joseph Goebbels, was not only instrumental in spreading the righteousness of the German cause in World War II, but most important he was able to galvanize the German population behind its leader and his twisted agenda. For the most part, he was successful and the evidence to that is that there are still those today who believe that Nazi German was on the right side in World War II. Goebbels’ programs were not targeted only at the German population, but also at those territories that the Wehrmacht had conquered and those populations outside Germany, like the Sudetenland, that were sympathetic to Nazi occupation. Early in the war, the British, the US and all Allied forces quickly realized the power of propaganda and any type of German propaganda was banned in all countries under the Allied umbrella. Fast track to the 1950 and the Korean War, where the North placed a total blockage on any type of pro-democratic propaganda emanating from the South, in fear that their population would embrace democracy.

The long view on Chinese immigration in Belize
Those of us who think that there is nothing amiss with Chinese immigration and overarching influence in Belize which, to my mind, portends a far graver danger than even the spectre of Guatemala – are living in a bubble that will burst in the fullness of time. And, critics like Neri Briceño are neither racist or paranoid, nor alarmist. The present dynamics in international relations, especially as it concerns Belize, with its tiny population, easily exploitable natural resources, strategic location and an inefficient, shortsighted, ignorant, but conceited and hopelessly corrupt political class, are full of foreboding for its future. Almost 200 odd years ago, Napoleon Bonaparte warned: “China is a sleeping giant. Let her sleep, for when she wakes she will move the world.” Nothing lasts forever, and empires and superpowers come and go – Greece, Rome, Spain, Britain, the USSR; and the US now in decline. Barring an unforeseeable incident, the 21st century is Asia’s, with China, the “sleeping giant,” fully awake and leading the charge as the world’s newest superpower on the block.

EULOGY FOR CHARLES VICTOR LEWIS
Where do we start in recounting the life of a husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, a friend to many and a lover of life? This short sketch and remembrance that I will share with you, on behalf of all of us who were closest to him and loved him dearly will reveal only a fragment of a soul who was unassuming, who cared for his family, his people and about his country. One of his most ardent desires and hopes, as he struggled with the disease that robbed him of his independence, was to get well enough to be able to return to Belize for whatever period he could be here, to be among his people and to continue to serve Belize in whatever way he could. He is here with us, in spirit, this morning.

Dareth Cayetano Obermayer is the PSU’s new president
Following a spirited round of elections held this past Saturday at the Agriculture and Trade Show grounds in Belmopan, Dareth Cayetano Obermayer, Examiner of Accounts at the Office of the Auditor General, emerged as the new president of the Public Service Union (PSU). Obermayer received 88 votes, 7 more than the only other contender for the post — Gerald Henry, Jr., also of the Office of the Auditor General. A hundred and eighty-five PSU members attended the AGM. In a thank you letter to PSU members, the newly elected president said: “My victory was made possible by the outpouring of support from you the members who had the trust, belief and confidence in me to serve you for the next two years as president.”

Office of the International Zoological Expedition burglarized
A thief or thieves burglarized the office building of the International Zoological Expedition located on South Water Caye, Stann Creek District, sometime between 8:00 Sunday night and 8:00 Monday morning. They stole an Avanti security safe valued at $350, an expired Canadian passport, a Belizean residence certificate, a Canadian birth certificate, an updated Canadian passport and $16,000 cash. The burglary occurred at the office of Barbara Dawn Kelt, 58, a Canadian who is the manager of the enterprise. So far, no one has been arrested in connection with the burglary, and the stolen cash and documents have not been recovered. Apparently, over the weekend, there were a number of individuals on South Water Caye. When Kelt went to her office on Monday morning, she found that her office had been burglarized.

Ciguatera poisoning linked to Turneffe barracudas
Each year, between 10,000 and 50,000 people who live in or visit tropical and subtropical areas suffer from Ciguatera Fish Poisoning (CFP), which is said to be the most frequently reported seafood-toxin illness in the world, according to an article published in the US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health. Ciguatera poisoning—which causes symptoms such as tingling and numbness in fingers and toes, around lips, tongue, mouth and throat; nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and/or abdominal cramps; joint pains and headache; and breathing difficulty—has also been reported in Belize, and over the past four days, two alerts have been issued by the Ministry of Health in Belize, following reports of cases cropping up, which have been linked to the consumption of barracuda fish.

Pump prices increase for premium gas, diesel and kerosene
Pump prices continue on their upward trend, with new prices taking effect at midnight last night. According to an official release, premium gasoline will now cost 50 cents more per gallon in Belize City, with an increase from $10.49 to $10.99. The price of diesel sees its second consecutive increase in a matter of 8 days, from $8.82 to $9.26. The price of diesel increased from $8.68 to $8.82 on August 16, when the price of regular gasoline also saw a substantial increase, from $9.70 to $10.21. This time, though, the price of regular gas is unchanged.

The Reporter

Police recapture murder suspect
Almost 24 hours after escaping from lawful custody, Belize City police have recaptured a man believed to have been involved in a weekend murder. While police have not issued the circumstances under which 24-year-old Jevaun Belizaire was recaptured, they have indicated that he was detained […]

NGO Senator speaks on the need for re-registration
At the Special Sitting of the Senate this week, Senator for the Non-governmental Organizations Osmani Salas joined the ranks of those who are concerned about the government’s decision to postpone voter re-registration. Salas pointed out that is has been 20 years since the last voter re-registration exercise, […]

Sustainable Development Symposium kicks off in Belize River Valley
Residents of the Belize Rural North constituency gathered in Bermudian Landing this week for the Belize River Valley Sustainable Development Symposium. The two-day symposium began on Wednesday, August 23, at the Community Baboon Sanctuary. The objective of the symposium is to assist communities in the villages throughout […]

Four students get scholarships from BTB
Four students were awarded scholarship opportunities in tourism related fields by the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) during a short ceremony at BTB headquarters in Belize City on Wednesday. The scholarships, valued at over $31,000 is expected to cover tuition costS, book costS, fees and other related charges. […]

Education Minister lashes schools charging unnecessary fees
Minister of Education, Patrick Faber, is calling members of the public to report any schools which they feel are charging outrageous fees for the upcoming 2017/2018 school year. Faber started his controversial campaign with a post on his Facebook account, showing a book list for Valley of […]

Faber weighs in on Gwen Liz fallout
Minister of Education Patrick Faber explained, this past week, that the decision to suspend Gwen Lizaraga high school Principal, Lorna McKay, on administrative leave was a school board decision and not done with any malice by the school boardâ€™s Chair, Roosevelt Blades. Faber said that McKay was […]

Pallottine sisters to host telethon to raise much needed finance
The Pallottine Sisters are inviting the general public to take part in a telethon set for this weekend, the proceeds of which will be used to finance the demolition of their old dilapidated convent. The telethon, set for Saturday, August 26 will be hosted at the Bliss […]

Rehabilitation works coming for Santa Elena
Officials from the Ministry of Work, on Monday, met with Belize Roadway Construction Ltd. to sign a contract marking the commence of rehabilitation works in Santa Elena town. The project is valued at nearly $7 Million and will include drainage and pavement works on the George Price […]

Taiwan donates towards Chiquibul cave
The government of Taiwan this week donated US $10,000 towards the protection of a cave in the Chiquibul National Park. For the third consecutive year, Taiwanâ€™s Forestry Bureau of the Council of Agriculture has supported the conservation work with the monetary contribution to Friends for […]

Seven-year-old knocked down and killed in Stann Creek
A seven-year-old Dangriga girl was knocked down and killed by a motorist on Tuesday afternoon between miles three and four of the Stann Creek Valley Road. According to police reports, Janey Bailey, who was in the company of her grandmother, had just exited a passenger bus at […]

Ganja farmer gets 7 years in jail
A Cotton Tree farmer will be spending seven years in prison after being caught near a marijuana plantation with an unlicensed gun and ammunition last Wednesday. At around 5:05 p.m. on August 16, Belmopan police were on patrol approximately 4 miles west of Cotton Tree village and […]

Contrabandista shot by Customs Officer dies
An Orange Walk resident is died over the weekend of injuries he sustained during a face-off with Customs and BDF officials on the Santa Cruz road last week. Dwayne Almendarez, 30, died around 6:47 a.m. last Saturday at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH), where he was […]

Two San Pedro residents busted for high-power rifle
Two San Pedro residents were remanded to the Belize Central Prison on Monday, after being caught by San Pedro cops with an illegal high-powered rifle along with ammunition. On Monday, Aureliano Pascual,18, and a 17-year-old female were both taken before the Belize City Magistrate Court where they […]

One dead, one critical in Conch Shell Bay shooting
One man is dead and another critically injured during an evening shooting on Lindo’s Alley, in the Conch Shell Bay area of Belize City on Thursday. According to witnesses on the scene, shortly after 4:30 p.m., Windel Gibson was double riding another man on a bicycle when […]

Vega land scandal continues
The Vega family was named again this week for more questionable transactions which occurred over land on Mosquito Caye, located about 8 miles northwest of San Pedro town, while disgraced minister, Gaspar Vega was in charge of the Natural Resources portfolio. The prime parcels of […]

Man beaten, stabbed and thrown into sea
Police are investigating a case of murder in which a man was reportedly severely beaten, stabbed and thrown into the sea from a moving boat off the Belize City coast near the Fisheries Department on Wednesday. The body was fished out of the sea by Coast Guard […]

Gas prices hiked again
Drivers faced another price hike at the pump this week. With the new prices, premium fuel is now almost $11 per gallon. On Thursday August 24, gas prices went up for the 11th time for this year, raising premium fuel up by 50 cents, from $10.49 to […]

Man found with throat slashed near dump site
A man was found dead with his throat slit near the dump site at mile 3 on the George Price highway in Belize City on Wednesday afternoon. According to police, Linton Galenorman Wilshire of a Neal’s Pen Road address was found partially nude and was found with […]

Breaking Belize News

Five district coordinators lash out at Zenaida Moya over Queen controversy
The Queen of the West pageant held last weekend has stirred much controversy over the scoring of the participants and allegations of bias. The controversy also included conflicting views between the San Ignacio/Santa Elena Pageant Committee and the National Coordinator, Zenaida Moya.

Four murders in four days - Is Belize City missing Chester Williams?
Tensions are high in Belize City where four (4) men have been murdered in the last four (4) days. Police have increased their visibility and patrols in known hotspots while several check points have also been initiated, much to the discomfort of drivers. BBN understands that two (2) of the murders were allegedly caused by a dispute between neighbors while the other two (2) may be due to gang rivalry.

Food vendor shot in Belize City
A food vendor was shot early this morning in Belize City. According to confirmed reports, at around 4:55 a.m. Police visited the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) where they saw Peter Sutherland, 30, suffering from a gunshot wound to his right hand.

Culprits steal $400 from Westrac in Orange Walk
On Wednesday night, the branch of Westrac located on the Philip Goldson Highway, Orange Walk District was broken into. According to 7 news, the culprits stole the whole metal safe which contained the four hundred dollars and some documents.

Minor chopped in Orange Walk
Yesterday afternoon, police visited the Northern Regional Hospital where they saw a 15-year-old minor of San Jose Village, Orange Walk District suffering from a cut wound on top of his head and left arm. According to reports, the minor was heading home along with a female companion when he was approached by Ronald Reyes who inflicted the chop wounds to the minor.

Man stabbed in Dangriga, police seek suspect
Last night around 7:30, police visited the Southern Regional Hospital and saw 17-year-old Japhet Castillo, student of Harlem, Dangriga with a stab wound to the left side of his stomach and cut wounds to both arms and right shoulder. Castillo is listed as stable.

Hurricane Harvey heads to Texas
Last week, Belize and the Yucatan Peninsula had been monitoring Tropical Storm Harvey for possible formation. While approaching the Yucatan peninsula, Harvey dissipated and advisories were issued on the remnants of Harvey. However, Harvey has now strengthened to a strong Category 2 Hurricane heading for Texas tonight or early Saturday morning. Forecasters say that Harvey will then stall or meander for several days, leading to a devastating flood threat in parts of Texas and Louisiana.

International Sources

USC program helps educate children in Belize
“Jim and I have always tried to do some community service wherever we’ve been,” she said. “And across from one of our properties, there’s a little school called St. John’s Anglican School.” St. John’s represents a side of Belize that HGTV viewers and Turtle Inn guests don’t see. The former British Honduras has a per capita annual income of about $4,900, according to the World Bank, and the state of education is hardly on par with what the Berquists are used to seeing. “The schools are concrete, with no air conditioning,” Rebecca said. “The teachers have to make their own teaching tools. A teacher is not paid well, at all. You make more money being a bartender or server. And education is only mandatory to eighth grade.” St. John’s website elucidates further. “Some children are unable to attend school because they don’t have shoes to wear, uniform or school supplies. This is not a rule which school imposes, rather something which parents (and children) see as a barrier.” And so the Berquists made the acquaintance of St. John’s principal, Stephen Whyte, and asked if they could help in any manner.

Indigenous Group launches Maya Land Registry to Protect Ancestral Territory
On Aug. 9, in the context of the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples and the 10th anniversary of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, the Sarstoon-Temash Institute for Indigenous Management (SATIIM) launched the Maya Land Registry to protect their ancestral territories due to the Belizean government has not complied with a Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) ruling of 2015 that ordered it to “create an effective mechanism” to identify and protect Maya lands in accordance to their traditional governance. “Given the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the implementation of the Court order, [the Mayan community of] Crique Sarco took the matter into their own hands,” said Froyla Tzalam, SATIIM executive director. “They identified traditional territorial boundaries and resolved boundary conflicts, creating a local model that can be applied nationally.”

Videos

Belize 2017:Gopro Hero 4, 2.5min.

Matriculation Oath- Belize City 2017, 2min.

Living the Island Life in San Pedro, Belize (Ambergris Caye), 8min. On our final full day on the island of San Pedro, Belize we finally get to drink straight from a fresh coconut! I also give a room tour at the resort we stayed at.

Belize 2008: Iguanas, 10min.

Collaborative Psittacine Conservation Efforts in Belize: Scarlet Macaw and Double Yellow-headed Amazon By: Charles Britt, MS, 60min. With Isael Mai and Roni Martinez, our local hero's and celebrities!!! Psittacine conservation in Belize has many challenges and successes. We initiated our research on Scarlet Macaws in 2010 to investigate nest survival. We found that nest protection efforts were unviable; nest poaching peaked in 2011 (89% of nests). We partnered with Friends for Conservation and Development to decrease poaching in Belize and with the addition of a lab for raising chicks at risk of poaching (and soft-releasing), poaching was eliminated in 2015 and 2016.

Oceana's Janelle Chanona calls on Belizean leaders to take a public stand on the issue of offshore oil., 1.5min. My fellow Belizeans: In just a few days, official celebrations will begin to commemorate our national holidays. This September as we raise our flags high and proud, we call on all Belizean leaders to take a public stand on the issue of offshore oil, to stand solidarity with the tens of thousands of Belizeans who depend on our source of common ...

THE VEGA LAND SCANDAL THAT PENETRATES ALL ACROSS BELIZE, 5min.

Cross Di Nitro & Homegrown Online Show, 35min.

The Belize Table Tennis Association (BTTA), 26min.

Grace & You Lionfish Recipe, 22min.

Belize Now | August 25, 2017, 30min. In tonight’s headlines: Goldson House held its first ever summer camp for children, the Belize Social Investment Fund promotes water and sewage health, and we’ll take you on a tour of the National Met Service. These stories and more on this week’s edition of Belize Now. Thanks for joining us on this Friday, August 25th, 2017.

Belize Trip 2017, 12min.

ONDE FICA O BELIZE? APOSTO QUE VOCÊ NÃO SABIA DISSO! - Estevam Pelo Mundo, 6.5min. Obrigado Copa Airlines e Visit Belize pela experiência incrível!

August 25, 2017

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

Jose Armando and Sarbelo Marroquin charged for murder of Scott Charles
Police have formally charged Jose Armando Marroquin and Sarbelo Marroquin for the murder of Scott Charles. Charles was gunned down at his home in the Elliot Subdivision of San Pedro Town on Wednesday, August 16th. Charles received gunshot wounds to the lower part of his abdomen and lower thigh, and was transported to Belize City in a critical condition. He succumbed to his injuries around 1PM the following day while he was undergoing medical treatment. (l) Jose Armando and (r) Sarbelo Marroquin have been charged for Scott Charles’ murder. The official report states that on the night of August 16th, at around 8:40PM, someone knocked on Charles’ door. As soon as he opened the door, several shots were fired in his direction, causing his injuries.

David and Anke Doehm appear in court; case adjourned for September 20, 2017
David and Anke Doehm were back in court on, Thursday, August 24th in Belize City, facing charges of Cruelty to a Child. The prosecution informed the media that the court sessions dealt with mainly statements that were provided by persons who claimed to have witnessed child abuse by the Doehms. Due to the lack of scientific evidence, the rest of the disclosure of the case was scheduled for September 20, 2017, when the Doehms are expected to return and face the results of the tests from the forensic investigation. The couple continue to be the main suspects in the death of Anke’s adoptive daughter Faye Lin Cannon, who was found dead in her bedroom on July 3rd, at a condominium complex in northern Ambergris Caye.

Orange Walk’s Joanne Cantun is Miss Estereo Amor 2017
On Saturday, August 19th, Joannie Cantun of the Orange Walk District was crowned as the new Miss Estereo Amor 2017-2018. The pageant took place at the Sacred Heart College Auditorium in San Ignacio Town, Cayo District, and saw the participation of seven candidates from around the country. The community of Ambergris Caye was well represented by Vivian Noralez, who did a great job showcasing the Hispanic/Mestizo culture that dominates the island. The other contestants included Carmelita Lara (Cayo), Ederline Gree, Kayla Awe and Julissa Gilharry (Corozal), and Selena Urias from Belize City.

The BTB awards scholarships to Four Belizean students
The Hon. Manuel Heredia, Minister of Tourism & Civil Aviation, presented scholarship awards to four full-time Belizean students during a brief ceremony this morning at the BTB’s headquarters in Belize City. Those receiving the scholarships are Kody Roaches, who will pursue an Associate’s Degree in Tourism at St. John’s Junior College; Rayeli Ake, who will pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Tourism Management at the University of Belize and Norberto Alvarado, who will pursue Culinary Studies at Conalip El Pantel Temixco/Bakery Program at Ambrosia Centro Culinario in Mexico.

Belize was Guest Country at the XXI Afro-Caribbean Festival in Veracruz, Mexico
Belize was the guest country at the Twenty-First Afro-Caribbean Festival in Veraruz, Mexico, held from August 10-12, 2017. The event was hosted by the Government of the State of Veracruz, through their Ministry of Tourism and Culture and the Veracruzan Institute of Culture. The importance of the festival is to acknowledge Africanism as a part of the Mexican culture. The event was organised by Belize Honorary Consul in Veracruz Ms. Sandra Vasquez. Belize’s Ambassador to Mexico H.E. Oliver del Cid, congratulated the Government of Veracruz and the people of Mexico for recognizing African aspect of their culture. According to the Government of Veracruz website, Ambassador del Cid mentioned in his address at the opening ceremony that “culture is not only to sell tourism or take photographs but to respect and recognize the rights of indigenous peoples who in many cases in Latin America are Afro-descendants.”

Reef Radio celebrates 18 years of service to island residents
The island’s first radio station, Reef Radio, celebrated its 18th anniversary on Saturday, August 19th at the Honourable Louis Sylvester Sporting Complex. The celebration saw live performances and fabulous giveaways, and lots of entertainment. Reef Radio supporters joined the celebration early in the evening, and founder Eiden Salazar warmly welcomed everyone to the special occasion. The program of events began shortly after 8PM. “I am happy that everyone came out tonight to join us for this special evening,” said Salazar. “The radio is not really a business; it is a service for the community.” Reef Radio has assisted island residents in all possible aspects throughout its existence. It has been the main means of massive communication when residents are in crisis and in need of emergency donations. Every successful radiothon/telethon or any fundraiser of its kind has been possible through the generous assistance of Reef Radio.

Ambergris Today

Perspective People! I Choose To Make San Pedro My Home
The island is all abuzz about a murder that took place late yesterday afternoon in downtown San Pedro; a shooting purportedly connected to another murder that occurred just a few days before, and likely not very coincidently taking place on the day of the funeral of the first murder victim. I have read through hundreds of comments posted on the local news articles about these murders, and a good majority of the comments were made by tourist types who state in a variety of ways that because of these crimes (and others that have made the news) they will likely never visit (or return visit) to San Pedro, and some who are second- guessing in commentary whether or not San Pedro is any longer a fit and safe place to which they might consider moving. Of course this town thrives on its tourism industry. News of crimes can and does have a detrimental effect on the psyche of potential visitors.

The BTB Awards Scholarships To Four Belizean Students
This year’s Jean Shaw Scholarship Award went to Emilse Marin, who will pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Tourism Management at the University of Belize. The Jean Shaw Tourism Scholarship was established in memory of the late Jean Ursilla Shaw, a renowned female tourism pioneer who played an integral part in the development of Belize’s tourism industry in her lifetime. The Fund was established by the BTB, in collaboration with its private sector counterparts, to support the development of qualified Belizean females pursuing a career in tourism. This scholarship covers tuition, books, and fees.

David And Anke Doehm Appear In Court For Cruelty To A Child Charges
David and Anke Doehm appeared in Belize City Court this morning, August 24, 2017, on charges of Cruelty to a Child in connection to the death of Faye Lin Cannon. The court hearing was scheduled to be held in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, but moved to Belize City this week. Attorney Jaqueline Willoughby representing the state commented that a partial disclosure (mostly statements) was granted to the Doehms. Ellis Arnold represented Anke, but Dickie Bradley wasn't there for David. The prosecution states that they should receive the rest of the disclosure by September 20, 2017, The preliminary inquiry into Faye’s death would be set for October 5, but that depends if the disclosure arrives as scheduled.

Misc Belizean Sources

If you see crocs in your area, call ACES at the number in the link, don't kill them.
ACES traveled to Caye Caulker to save a couple of crocs this weekend. It's a sad state of affairs when a wild animal needs rescuing from it's natural habitat, but after numerous reports of dead crocs in this area and poachers continuing to set baited hooks to catch and kill we had to take action. If anyone sees anything like this going on and a crocs life, or any wildlife for that matter is in danger, please don't hesitate to contact ACES on 623 7920. We're always here to help

La Isla Carinosa Academy Turkey Dinner
Aug. 26, $10.00

Caye Caulker Spay and neuter surgery Aug 28
The CC Humane Society is bringing Dr. Baptiste to the island to do spay and neuter surgery this Monday, 28 August. If you want an appointment to have your pet snipped, please send me a PM. This will probably be the last opportunity to have it done on the caye for the next few months.

Poets Corner: PUDP Apartheid
By Abdulmajeed K Nunez. From slavery to apartheid Since 1981 this cannot be denied Political, economic and educationally deprived The entire country is polarized Inter-connectivity is still not realized Consecutive governments have done power consolidation There is still no proportionate representation One party and its elite class eats After every election pass Every party weh come rips us off No freedom of information Even the opposition get debate notes hours Before a parliamentary session When party loyalist di have big discussion

New mural in Corozal
Congratulations to our youngest member of the Corozal Street Art Movement (CSAM) Miss Cayley Wade(13 years) with her original design and Miss Vianay Bautista in painting a mural on the wall of the Public Restrooms at Rainbow Beach!

Miss Divali Nagar Queen 2017 Pageant
Miss East Indian Belize 2017 Shaenna Gilharry of Corozal, outgoing queen Asia Gilharry, and members of the Corozal Organization of East Indian Cultural Heritage (COEICH) recently met with Ambassador of India to Belize Mr. Muktesh K. Pradeshi and Honorary Consul General of India to Belize Mr. Arun Hotchandani, as well as with Kathak dancers from India. Shaenna will represent Belize at the upcoming Miss Divali Nagar Queen 2017 pageant hosted by the National Council of Indian Culture of Trinidad and Tobago (NCIC TT), scheduled to conclude on October 16, 2017 in Trinidad & Tobago.

San Pedro Power Outage postponed
Postponed until further notice: Power interruption previously scheduled for a portion of San Pedro Town on Friday, August 25.

SSBA Summer Camp Showdown
The SSBA's Basketball Summer Camp is coming to a close, and they are having a grand finale that everyone is invited to on Friday, August 25th, at the SHC auditorium, starting at 5:30pm. There will be many games throughout the evening, along with food and drinks. It's free, so go out and support their wonderful initiative of engaging kids with learning sports and skills.

National Flag Day is September 1st
September 1st is now National Flag Day. To celebrate, many municipalities will be unveiling a flag monument. Great way to kick of the September Celebrations! "On the morning of Friday, September 1st, 2017 at 6 a.m., most municipalities will be unveiling a Flag monument. The monument will include a Flag pole and a Plaque detailing the official description of the Belizean Flag. The plaque is approximately 48 inches high by 32 inches wide and is designed for public awareness regarding the official description of the flag of Belize. The unveiling will be accompanied by the raising of the Belizean Flag. Members of the public and civic organizations are all asked to take note of this initiative and are all invited attend the unveiling in the municipalities. Households, businesses and government institutions are also encouraged to feature the Belizean Flag on September 1st. The National Celebrations Commission invites everyone to become familiar with the Belizean Flag and to raise it with pride."

The U.S. Embassy is offering scholarships for an online course "Exploring Web 2.0: Tools for Classroom Teaching and Professional Development."
This course trains English language professionals to optimize the use of internet resources for teaching purposes and to conduct distance education or enhance face-to-face instruction. This is a three-week long course: October 2-20, 2017. The time commitment is approximately 1-2 hours per day, but participants do not have to be online at any specific time and can complete assignments at their convenience. Deadline to apply: September 6, 2017.

Paradise Theater playing this weekend
Please pay attention to the schedule: Rough Night @ 7 Screen 1 - Fri & Sun Screen 2 Saturday. All Eyez on Me @ 9 Screen 1 - Fri & Sun Screen 2 Saturday. Captain Underpants @7 Screen 2 - Fri and Sun ONLY. Baywatch @ 9 Screen 2 - Fri and Sun ONLY. Mayweather vs. McGregor Saturday Night Screen 1 Free.

Belize Fishing Report, August 14th - August 20th, 2017
Tropical storm Harvey was threatening to visit us this week, but it now seems the threat has dissipated. The fishing before a major storm is usually really good and this week has not proven any different. Our bonefish are feeding well and all bonefish anglers are benefiting from the bite.

FOOTBALL SUPERSTARS TEAMS OF BELIZE (PART TWO)!
These classic Belizean football teams remains some of the best Belize has ever seen.

Frankie Reneau's Timeless Motown Memories
Which show will you attend? August 31st or September 1st? Bliss Center for the Performing Arts, Reserved Seating $30 (Limited Seats Available), General Seating $20

Channel 7

Fourth City Murder In A Week
Belize City has been relatively quiet since April, after former Southside Commander ACP Chester Williams facilitated a citywide gang truce, but this month has seen a sharp spike in murders. In August alone, seven people have been murdered in the city, four of them killed just this week! The latest in the string of violence occurred at around 4:30 this afternoon when a gunman shot up the area surrounding the Conch Shell Bay Fish Market. In an attempt to escape the gun fire, reports say Windell Gibson and Keron Santos ran over to Lindo's Alley, but were followed by the assailant, who fired at least eight more shots at the pair. Both men were shot and Gibson succumbed to his injuries not long after. Santos is currently in critical condition. It is still unknown if Gibson and Santos were the intended targets since the fish market is a heavily trafficked area, and it was crowded at the time of the incident.

Doehm Couple Back To Court
A month ago, we told you about the high profile case out of San Pedro involving the American couple, David and Anke Doehm. They were charged with cruelty to a child for the death of their 13 year-old adopted daughter, Faye Lin Cannon, after a week of being investigated but not charged with murder. Well, they've been out on bail, living in Belize City, staying under the radar while they await today's adjournment of their case in the Magistrate's Court. The DPP's Office committed to provide partial disclosure to them so that they can see the evidence that the police has amassed against them for the questionable death of their daughter. Crown Counsel Jacqueline Willoughby showed up, and did just that. She handed over a sheaf of police witnesses statements that she intends to use to convict them of the negligence which directly led to Faye's death.

Police ID Body Found, Family Grapples With Loss
The body that was found yesterday afternoon has been identified as 25 year old Linton Broaster-Wilshire. His family had to bury him last night- no coffin, no funeral service because his body was starting to decompose. They didn't have any other choice. And it's that tragic and devastating end that his family now has to come to terms with. Today Courtney Weatherburne met with the family who is now left wondering...why. Veree Hyde, Cousin: "Linton was here, he came Monday afternoon because he wanted me to plat his hair and then I was cooking so he asked Cristina, the next cousin to plat his hair and she went out for her mom and he dropped asleep right here in my chair. He get up off the chair like an hour after, he went to hail his aunt, came back, drank water and he just walk and went."

18 Year Old Crevan Cardinez Was Dumped Overboard and Left For Dead
Yesterday we told you about a report that a man was thrown out of a boat by Rock Park on Princess Margaret Drive. Two Fisheries officers saw it and deployed their own vessels while also calling the police and Coast Guard who deployed divers and boats, but found nothing. But the report was accurate, and the body was found this morning, in the sea near the municipal airstrip. It is 18 year old Crevan Cardinez - a young man from the gang neighborhood of Taylor's Alley who was just in court two weeks ago, accused of shooting at someone here in the city. He was also found with a gun. And now, just 6 days after getting released on bail, he's dead. Today, police told us what they know so far:

Jevaun Recaptured and Arraigned
Last night, we told you about 24 year-old Jevaun Belizaire. He was the man who escaped for police custody after he was charged for the murder of 24 year-old Ryan "Fish" Thompson. Well, he has been recaptured, and tonight he's behind bars at the Belize Central Prison. Police say that they caught him in Belize City at around 5:30 a.m., and he was charged with escaping from lawful custody. He was arraigned today before Acting Chief Magistrate on the offenses of murder and and escape. Due to the nature of the offense, he was remanded to the Belize Central Prison until October 24.

Two Supposed Hitmen Charged For Drug Related Murder On San Pedro
And police cracked another recent murder, this one on San Pedro. We told you last week how 25 year-old Scott Charles was killed inside his Bay Side home one week ago. Well police have arrested and charged Jose Armando Marroquin and Sarbelo Marroquin for the crime of murder. They will be arraigned in Magistrate's Court at the earliest convenience, and they will then be remanded to the Belize Central Prison. Police sources tell us these men are believed to be hitmen for one of the warring groups on San Pedro that has been trying to protect their drug turf. They were identified by witnesses in an identification parade.

No Goodwill From GOB, Chinese Performing Troupe Has To Pay 70K For Visas
The China Disabled Persons Performing Arts Troupe is set to arrive in Belize on Saturday for a performance on Sunday night. Featuring persons who are blind, deaf, and mute, the Troupe is well recognized internationally for their awe-inspiring performances. But, tonight the Belize-Chinese community isn't happy with the Government of Belize - because they have to come up with sixty-six thousand dollars to pay for the visas for the 33 members of the troupe. Now, the troupe will only be here from Saturday to Tuesday - and the precedent with other Asian performers is that they usually get the fee waived - since it is a goodwill cultural visit. But, these mainland Chinese performers aren't getting any waiver - because, reportedly, because the minister has no power to waive fees.

PUP Make Scathing Statement On Land Scandals
For the past 2 nights, we've been showing you the latest set of leaked documents out of the Lands Department. It shows how family members of Former Lands Minister Gaspar Vega ended up getting compensated with island properties on Mosquito Caye. That's after the Lands Department sold duplicate land titles to parcels of land on Caye Caulker that were already privately owned. The owners of those pre-owned titles then sold it to the Vega's in a private transaction - which, the Ministry of Natural Resources compensated them for. It follows a similar pattern that has been revealed several times over the past few months with land acquisition by the Vegas and today, the PUP released a statement basically saying, enough is enough.

Stole The Safe, But Didn't Get Much
Thieves broke into Westrac Orange Walk on the Phillip Goldson highway last night - but they didn't get much - even though they stole the entire safe! According to police, 30 year old Jacob Friesen reported that when he got to work this morning at around 7:30 he saw that a glass window located on the front side of the building was broken. Friesen looked inside the store and found that his metal safe containing only four hundred dollars in cash along with other documents had been stolen.

Police Get Big Handgun In City
Last night at 8:20 PM the GSU searched a white Mariner SUV in front of the Yabra basketball court. Karon Wright was driving accompanied by Monica Murillo. The search turned up a .45 pistol - which is a high powered, prohibited firearm. Both were detained and now have pending charges of kept prohibited firearm.

'Round George Street
Last night in Belize City, police searched an abandoned lot on George Street. They found two pounds of weed and ten 9 millimeter rounds. No one was present at the time of any of these searches so the items were marked as found property.

Another Gun On Pedro
Two more searches were conducted yesterday. At 5:00 pm GSU officers attached to San Pedro searched an abandoned lot in the San Juan area - which is a crime hotspot. They found one one rusty, but working .380 pistol.

Dion and PIV Team Up For Park
The convention for the UDP mayoral candidate is coming up on Sunday. And, right now, both candidates are wrapping up their final campaign efforts. Today we caught up with mayoral hopeful Dion Leslie painting a park with members of the PIV gang: Dion Leslie, Mayoral Hopeful: "This is a combination of about 2 weeks of work where we chose the Flamboyant street Oleander street, Jasmine street, and all the areas in between that people may know as PIV um but we chose this area in Lake independence in parts of pick stock to do a comprehensive clean up in terms of cleaning of drains picking up of garage and a basic upliftment of the area in general. All the residents got involved."

Leslie Ready For Sunday Convention
In the run-up to the convention, Leslie has been working on several projects to keep himself visible in the community. But for his opponent Phillip Willoughby, visibility is business as usual. Seems like he's on the news just about every other day - and even though he is the underdog in Sunday's convention with less money and less support from his political colleagues, Willoughby's high public profile has made him a kind of dark horse. But Leslie is still the favorite to win, and the choice of his party. We asked him about the road ahead.

A Single Service Website For Foreign Trade
Today the Directorate for Foreign Trade launched a new website aimed at making details of its activities more accessible to stakeholders and the public. The website features information regarding Belize's trade policies and relations, as well as regular updates and press releases. Today the CEO in the Ministry of Trade told the media about significance of the new site... Amparo Noble Masson - CEO, Ministry of Investment, Trade and Commerce: "The website for us is a big step forward. The Ministry has been making efforts, because it realized that it's important to have all the information relating to the Ministry and the particularly the Director General for Foreign Trade, to share is with stakeholders and the general public. The Ministry and the Directorate have been working very, very hard, have been doing a lot of work and making a lot of progress in areas of trade and so on, and the general public is no really aware of what we're doing. This website will be the platform for which we will be sharing information on a consistent basis."

To Graduate From GREAT Is Great
Today 48 kids graduated from the GREAT summer program. It's an ongoing initiative spearheaded by the police to keep Southside youth away from gang life. The program began on August 7th and the participants had a packed 3 weeks with all kinds of fun educational activities. The officer commanding the Community Policing Unit Inspector Elroy Carcamo told us more about the objective of the summer program. The program was sponsored by The Youth and Community Transformation Project and the US Embassy.

Charity In Celebration Of Tyler's Life
7 year old Tyler Savery was killed in November of 2016, and since then his mother Shakera Young has been leading her own crusade to turn his loss, into a gift for others. She followed through with that today when she donated one hundred backpacks to deserving children. 7News was there:... Shakera Young, Event Coordinator: "We are giving away backpacks today with supplies within the backpack. But within the backpack, I have also included a New Testament bible for the kids."

Belize Volleyball Girls Silver At CODICADER
We told you earlier in the week about the girl's volleyball team that did make it to Honduras to represent Belize at the CODICADER games. The good news tonight is that after facing off against four different teams they came out of the CODICADER games with a silver medal.

Chevening Champs Named
7 Belizeans will be traveling to the UK for a postgraduate degree. This is after the British Government awarded them the Chevening Scholarship. In a release it states that "the Chevening scholarships enable outstanding emerging leaders and influencers to pursue a one-year Post Graduate degree in their field of expertise at any UK university". This year's awardees are Cinnamon Bottaro, Shari Bowen, Jaraad Ysaguirre, Lloyd (Ian) Smith, Janine Cayetano, Sylvia Batty and Nicole Haylock. They will be studying in areas as diverse as Conflict, Security and Development, to International Security and Global Governance.

Channel 5

Evening Murder Rocks Conch Shell Bay; 1 Other Critically Wounded
We begin tonight’s newscast with a third murder to report in just over twenty-four hours. Gunmen executed the attack with precision in broad daylight through Lindos Alley late this afternoon [...]

Why was 18-year-old Crevan Cardinez Killed Aboard a Boat?
A team of divers from the police department, the coastguard and civilians gave up the search for an unidentified body on Wednesday evening, following a report of foul play in [...]

Another Neal’s Pen Road Resident Killed; Are Deaths of Linton Wilshire and Ryan Thompson Related?
Meanwhile the body of a man found off the George Price Highway on Wednesday has also been identified as a Belize City resident of a Neal’s Pen Road Extension address. [...]

Jevon Belizaire Recaptured and Arraigned for Murder
After twenty-four hours on the run, accused murderer Jevon Belizaire has been recaptured by Belize City police. The twenty-four-year-old suspect fled from custody on Wednesday morning while being allowed to [...]

Brothers Charged for Ambush Murder of Scott Charles on Ambergris
A pair of brothers is awaiting arraignment in San Pedro after being charged for one of two recent homicides on the island. Jose Armando Marroquin and Sarbelo Marroquin have been [...]

Doehm Couple Handed Partial Disclosure in Faye Lin Cannon Cruelty Case
Today, former residents of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, David and Anke Doehm, are charged with child cruelty in the death of thirteen-year-old Faye Lin Cannon almost two months ago. The [...]

American Living in Belize Pleads Guilty to Drug Possession
A Belizean-American couple and their visiting friend were read drug charges after a police search of their Caye Caulker cabana on Tuesday afternoon. Twenty-four-year-old Sloane Breaux; his wife, twenty-three-year-old Catherine [...]

John Zabaneh Counts Cost of Fight to Get Off ‘Kingpin’ List
Embattled businessman John Zabaneh has been cleared of the kingpin designation that was given to him and two others, including Dion Zabaneh, by the United States Treasury a few years [...]

How Banana Businessman Plans to Rebuild
In order for Zabaneh to move on with his life, he now has to rebuild his businesses from the ground up. He says the ordeal has also taken a significant [...]

Mayoral Aspirants for Belize City Make Final Pitches Ahead of Convention
The United Democratic Party’s Belize City Council convention is set for Sunday morning at the ITVET grounds from ten a.m. to five p.m. It is headlined by the race to [...]

Beautifying ‘the Valley’
We caught up with Leslie at the basketball court on Flamboyant Street in Lake Independence constituency, where residents were hard at work laying plants and cleaning up the neighborhood’s basketball [...]

GREAT Work Continues with Sporting Cup
To continue to engage at risk youths, the GREAT and Cadet Programmes have joined forces for an event they call the GREAT Cup. It will feature three sporting disciplines and [...]

Tyler Savery Foundation Helps Kids Get Back to School
The Tyler Savery Foundation distributed close to one hundred school bags to under-privileged children. The kids were treated to a fun day at the pool at the Pickwick Club and [...]

LOVE FM

Police have identified murder victim found on George Price Highway
Police have identified the body that was found on Wednesday afternoon along Mile three of the George Price Highway in Belize City. Yesterday police received a call which led them to the body of 25 year old Linton Wilshire, about three hundred feet in the bushes off the highway. Wilshire was wearing only his boxers. […]

Police recovered body of a man lost at sea
Belize City police continue to investigate the death of a man whose body was fished out of the sea this morning. As we reported on Wednesday, shortly after one o’clock, Coast Guard personnel were called out to an area near the Fisheries Department in Belize City to look for a man who had been thrown […]

The Doehms case adjourned to September 20
Today, Anke and David Doehm appeared before Acting Chief Magistrate Sharon Fraser in Belize City where their case was adjourned to September 20. It is expected that on that date the prosecution will be able to provide full disclosure. In July, the San Pedro community was shocked and outraged, after 13 year old Faye Lin […]

Magistrate Rodriguez, accused of rape, makes appearance in Dangriga Magistrate Court
Suspended Magistrate Norman Rodriguez also appeared before a magistrate today. Rodriguez appeared before a magistrate in Dangriga Town for a disclosure session. The prosecution presented evidence in the rape case against Rodriguez. The preliminary inquiry case has been set for October 25, when it will be determined whether there is a prima facie case. If […]

Man, who escaped from police, is back in custody
Police confirmed this morning that the man who allegedly killed 24 year-old Ryan Thompson was recaptured by police. 24 year old Jevaun Belizaire, who was in custody at the Raccoon Street Police Station, was allowed to use the restroom. But this opportunistic detainee managed to escape from the station. Police then launched a manhunt for […]

Elrington tight-lipped about who he is supporting for Mayor
Two men are vying to be the UDP’s Mayoral Candidate for the 2018 March municipal elections. They are two councilors Dion Leslie and Phillip Willoughby. So who does Elrington support? That’s a question he refused to answer. Wilfred Elrington, Minister of Foreign Affairs: “Historically our practice has been for us to invite the various candidates […]

GOB refuses to pass up over $30,000 in visa fees
Yesterday reports surfaced that the Chinese Association of Belize was not happy with the Government of Belize. Reports are that the Chinese Association of Belize had asked the Government to waive more than thirty thousand dollars in visa fees for a group of visually impaired children who are traveling through Panama to Belize to perform […]

PUP calls for Vega’s resignation
The People’s United Party came out swinging today at former UDP Cabinet Minister, Gaspar Vega. In a release, the PUP is calling for Vega’s immediate resignation as a Member of Parliament. The PUP is also asking that the Prime Minister quote, “immediately convene an impartial investigative team to look into the gross unjust enrichment of […]

Minister of Tourism comments on the increase of Departure Taxes
Earlier in the month, Tropic Air had announced that it would suspend its routes to Chetumal, Merida and San Pedro Sula, Honduras. Tropic Air says the decision was made to suspend the routes after they conducted an in depth analysis of their performance of the last four months. President John Grief says an important factor […]

San Pedro Police make arrest in Scott Charles murder
San Pedro Police have arrested and charged Jose Marroquin and Sarbelo Marroquin for the murder of Scott Charles. On August 17, gunmen reportedly went looking for Charles at his home in the Bay Side Area of the island and when Charles opened his door, it was then that someone fired several shots at him. Charles […]

Man attacked and thrown overboard
This afternoon, shortly after one o’clock, Coast Guard personnel were called out to an area near the Fisheries Department in Belize City. Police received reports that a man was thrown into the sea after being beaten by three other men. Love News understands that a team of fisheries officers was leaving on assignment when they […]

Unidentified man found dead
A man was found murdered this afternoon along Mile 3 in the George Price Highway in Belize City. Investigator are still trying to identify him but what we learned so far, is that the back of his neck was slash three times. Officer Commanding the Crimes Investigation Branch, ASP Alejandro Cowo shared more details. Officer […]

Senators cast doubts on Town Council Bill
This morning the Town Council Amendment Bill 2017 was passed in the Senate but not before it was widely debated. The bill makes provisions to give greater fiscal autonomy to local governments in seven municipalities. These municipalities will now be able to raise funds for capital projects. While supporting the bill, Senator Mark Lizarraga, who […]

Senator keeping the Re-registration issue alive
Just before the Senate was adjourned today, Senator for the None Governmental Organizations, Osmany Salas raised the issue of re-registration of electors. Senator Salas again pointed out why they feel the process is important. NGO Senator, Osmany Salas: “This has a direct bearing on our electoral division, our constitution stipulates provides that we shall have […]

Border Dispute has the country divided
The Belize & Guatemala Dispute originated with the British who had settled Belize once called British Honduras. Under the British rule, the dispute was never resolve despite repeated efforts. Today, the border dispute is still an issue that Belizeans are divided on. As we shared with you, Former Minister of Foreign Affairs Lisa Shoman has […]

Guatemala launches Educational campaign on Border Dispute
According to Agencias Guatemalteca de Noticias, AGN, the Guatemalan Government has decided to launch two hundred and twenty seven thousand teachers for its educational campaign on the Guatemala/Belize Dispute with the purpose to take the case to the International Court of Justice. According to the article, Guatemala’s Ministries of Education and Foreign Affairs seek to […]

Zabaneh emerges victorious against the USA
Belize businessman, John Zabaneh was successful in his case against the US Treasury Department. In July we reported that Zabaneh had filed papers in the DC Federal court suing the US treasury Department after he was named as a drug trafficker which led to the downfall of his business and by extension, the deterioration of […]

Efforts are being made to level the playing field in Politics
On August 31, the National Women’s Commission in collaboration with the US Embassy will be hosting a National Women in Politics Conference. Executive Director, Anne-Marie Williams, told Love News that the conference is being spearheaded under the Commission’s mandate which is to act as advisory body for the achievement of gender equality, equity and women’s […]

BTB gives away $31,000 in scholarships
Today, Belize Tourism Board (BTB) handed out four scholarships to deserving students. Herbert Haylock, Director of Quality Assurance & Industry Standards at BTB said that despite the small number the scholarships given to the students today, the value of the initiative is worth Thirty-One Thousand dollars. Director of Quality Assurance & Industry Standards, Herbert Haylock: […]

Men found with questionable money
Yesterday evening, Belmopan police search the home of 49 year old Ruben Magana and 21 year old Isau Magana in Valley of Peace Village. Officers received information that the Magana’s had thousands of dollars in their possession. A search of the residence confirmed the tip as police found a total of thirty three thousand nine […]

The Guardian

Kevin Bernard saddles Orange Walk with a 12 year debt
Just in time for the municipal elections Kevin Bernard after doing nothing for Orange Walk after two consecutive terms, ran head first and saddled the Orange Walk town council with a debt that will see at least three consecutive councils Struggling to pay for the debt with one of the municipalities most secure revenue streams. In May of last year Bernard went into a contract with a construction company, De’Mar’s Stone Company to do work in the municipality to the tune of $999,456. In a letter addressed to De’Mar’s, Bernard committed to start paying for the works at the start of June 2016 and he further committed that those payment will continue for a whopping twelve years up to June 2028.

Barracuda can make you sick
In the space of four days the Ministry of Health has put out two advisories that the consumption of Barracuda can make you sick. On Friday August 18th the ministry put out a release stating that, “suspected fish poisoning (Ciguatera poisoning) was detected in persons that had eaten fish bought from a fish vendor in Ladyville, Belize District. Further investigation into these cases has linked and identified that the fish consumed was barracuda.” Then on Wednesday August 23rd a second advisory was issued stating that, “2 further cases of suspected Ciguatera poisoning have been identified. Investigations conducted so far reveal that the barracuda fish from the Turneffe Islands area has been the sole carrier of the ciguatoxin or poison.”

$6.9M More on road improvements for Cayo
On Monday, August 21 the Ministry of Works and Transport and Belize Roadway Construction Ltd. signed on to a BZ$6,968,955.40 contract to conduct extensive works in Santa Elena town. The contract is for Lot 5 of the Fourth Road Project, which is rehabilitation works within Santa Elena Town in Cayo District. The works will include the drainage improvements of 1,870m on the George Price Highway between Three Flags and Loma Luz Blvd. intersection with the Hawksworth Bridge; 160m along Liberty Street; and 1,940m along George Price Avenue between the Loma Luz Boulevard intersection and Hawksworth Bridge. Works to be carried out will include the clearing and removal of any remnant structures (including existing driveway entranceways), fencing and the like within the road reserve, earthworks, construction of concrete box drains, sidewalks with roadside curbs and runoff channels, pavement rehabilitation including the application of double surface dressing, and the installation of road furniture and road user safety features such as line markings, signs and lighting.

Corozal sets record number for conventions
The United Democratic Party held its convention in Corozal to select a team to represent the party in the March 2018 Municipal elections. During a spirited election process a total of 10 candidates placed their names on the ballot with the expectation of winning a position as a councilor candidate. Meanwhile 2 persons placed their names for the mayoral position. Voting started at 10 and after 1,661 persons had cast their ballots the winners were declared. Shortly after 6pm it was clear that Richard Quan had bested his opponent Rafael Castillo. Quan had received 1,274 votes while Castillo received 375. It would be about a half hour later that the results for the councilors would be known and in the end it was Melhem Williams who received the highest votes with 1,142; Nonita Ramirez received 1,012; Benjamin Acosta got 1,008; Carlos Acosta Sr. received 962; Rodolfo Riveroll got 920 and Juliet Marokin received 833. These are the candidates who will now represent the UDP in the upcoming elections.

Julius abandoned by his party
This Saturday being August 26th, will make one year since Julius Espat’s uncouth behaviour cause him to be named, suspended and eventually carried out the house like a bag of dirty laundry or garbage.Well like the old saying goes, last week Friday, it appears to have been déjà vu all over again. It appeared like Julius was about to embark on a reenactment of his performance from last year. Last Friday was exactly eight days short of being one year since that infamous performance by Julius. The similarities between what occurred last year and this year almost mirror each other. Like last year, the bone of contention was a similar issue. Just like last year, on the MOTION OF THE ADJOURNMENT, Julius rose to speak on the matter of an Auditor General’s Report. For clarity we will transcribe the interaction the way it happened in the house last Friday.

John Zabaneh no longer considered a drug kingpin
After 5 years of suffering, Stann Creek businessman John Zabaneh is no longer considered a drug kingpin by the US State Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). The sanction has been lifted, and he can resume conducting business relationships as per normal. His family owned businesses have had great misfortunes, however, where millions of dollars have been lost because of the designation. Back in August 2012, when OFAC first sanctioned him, and his companies with the designation, those business interests took a nose dive. He and his businesses, Mid-South Investments Limited, Mayan King Limited, Crown Paradise Enterprise Limited, and Belize Chemicals Limited, were effectively isolated. No business entities, no service provider, and no financial institutions were willing to conduct business with someone designated a “kingpin”. Zabaneh complained as loudly as he could, insisted that he was not a narco-trafficker, but it was to no avail. He even pointed out that this designation prevented not only US companies from doing business with him, but Belizean companies were also giving him a wide berth, rather unfairly.

Members of the Belize City Council Child Advisory Body receive School Grants
Children of the Child Advisory Body, an arm of the City Council which consists of 13 members, received back to school grants on Thursday, August 15, 2017 at the City Hall. There, Councilor Hyacinth Latchman-Cuellar presented to members of the body who range between the ages of 8 and 17. Latchman-Cuellar’s portfolio includes everything involving children and she was grateful to be a part of this initiative. The first grant was distributed in 2015 and for each subsequent year, she has played an integral part in the relationship between the city and its youths. This initiative offers a unique approach that equally benefits both parties. The hardworking children have been very active in some decision making that’s related to youth and have all been enthusiastic to help. According to the councilor, the grants are just ways of saying “Thank you.”

Benque Viejo neighborhood watch summer camp
A Zone 4 neighborhood watch group activity under the leadership of Captain Samuel Bruce concluded last Friday in Benque Viejo. As a result, Inspector Stephanie from the Benque Police Formation proceeded to hand out certificates of completion to the children of the zone 4 summer camp, followed by volunteers serving a delicious meal to all. Since 2008 the Zone 4 Benque Viejo Neighborhood watch has been very active with various community events. Among their signatory event is the annual Children’s Summer Camp offered free of charge to hundreds of children. Among the activities this year were arts & crafts, sports, educational lectures, and implementing community policing programs such as the GREAT program.

BTB offers four Scholarships
The Belize Tourism Board presented four lucky recipients with scholarships all relating to the field of tourism. The short ceremony took place on Wednesday, August 23, 2017 at the BTB Conference Room where the recipients and family members were present. The program, which has been in effect for over 5 years, seeks specifically to benefit students that wish to endeavor into the field of tourism. Financial support given to recipients is accompanied with individual agreements. Each scholarship beneficiary enters a specific concord with the Board which generally stipulates that the scholar maintains a certain GPA and performs well since all their efforts should be dedicated to their work rather than on the financial burdens of studying. After their study periods, each recipient has the opportunity to join the BTB for a short period.

The new Carnival route
The Belize City Council hosted a press conference on Tuesday, August 22, 2017 with the purpose of establishing parking and vending regulations for carnival day. The council also finalized their update on the carnival route and gave reassurances on the safety to be expected at the crime hotspots at Mayflower Street and Conch Shell Bay. The route starts at Caesar Ridge Road, into Central American Boulevard, right into Vernon Street, left onto Bel-China Bridge and onto Douglas Jones, through Cinderella Plaza, onto Kelly Street, Baymen Avenue and finally onto Princess Margaret Drive. The endpoint of this year’s carnival is the Marion Jones Sporting Complex, the first time in many years.

Hon. Edmond Castro opens Belize River Valley Development Symposium
Minister of Transport and National Emergency Management and Area Representative for Belize Rural North Hon. Edmond Castro was Main Speaker on Wednesday morning at the opening of the Belize River Valley Sustainable Development Symposium in Bermudian Landing. The objective of the symposium is to assist communities in the villages throughout Belize River Valley to organize and put in place proper systems and institutions for residents to utilize existing technical knowledge, expertise and skills for profitable production in Agriculture, Clothing and Textile, and Agro-Processing; and to develop innovative initiatives which will attract the youth in the area into agriculture and working in their community for its overall development.

Top track athletes receives City Council recognition
Mayor Darrel Bradley and several other city councilors hosted Ashantie and Ashontie Card and Faith Morris and their coach at City Hall on Friday, August 18, 2017 for their international representation of Belize. Morris has recently returned from Kenya when she participated in the International Association of Athletics Federation Under-twenty World Championship. The trio has also represented Belize in Central American and other regional athletic games in which they performed well.

Government of Belize officially announces legislation on Indefinite Moratorium on Offshore Oil Exploration
During the sitting of the House of Representatives on Friday, August 18th, Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow officially announced Cabinet’s August 15th decision to legislate an indefinite moratorium on offshore oil exploration in Belize’s territorial sea, including the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Prime Minister Barrow stressed that the current administration has had, and has committed to for some time now, an official policy decision to abstain from oil exploration in our territorial sea and EEZ. Cabinet’s decision is in furthering that policy decision, to assure citizens, the environmental community, and investors, that the Government of Belize is committed to sustainable development.

Goldson House teams up with BCVI for 3 day summer camp
A summer camp for about 20 children has just successfully ended in Belmopan with the participants learning about one of Belize’s brilliant leaders. The Goldson House at number 82 Orange Street, Belmopan, in collaboration with the Belize Council for the Visually Impaired (BCCI), ended its summer camp last Friday. The three-day summer camp sensitized participants on issues relating to blind persons. The camp was open to children 6 to 15 years, and commemorates the 94th birthday of Belize’s National Hero, Hon. Philip S. W. Goldson, who was blind.

No momentum for the PUP
Over the weekend the PUP held a convention in Punta Gorda to select candidates for the municipals. Well when it was all over it was as if it never started. They had dusted off the good old Carlos Galvez to run as mayor and after overworking, there were a mere 518 persons who voted. The other two candidates Charles Selgado got 191 votes, Joseph Martinez got 46 and Soraya Roches got 35 votes. To say the least the turnout was pathetic and indicative of the kind of support that the PUP has in that municipality.

Taiwan supports the Chiquibul National Park conservation
The Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) is pleased to announce that Taiwan’s Forestry Bureau of the Council of Agriculture is happy to support the conservation work in the beautiful Chiquibul National Park for the third straight year. Through a contribution of US$10,000 to Belize’s “Friends for Conservation and Development (FCD)”, this year’s sponsorship will particularly help manage and protect the Chiquibul Cave System. The Chiquibul Cave System, deeply situated in the Chiquibul National Park, is the largest and longest cave system in Central America as well as a world class cultural heritage. However, it is relatively unknown and a robust management presence is needed. The surrounding forest cover is also under continuous peril from illegal extractors.

Taiwanese group assisting schools in Cayo
Schools in rural Cayo are becoming equipped with computer hardware, thanks to international help. The Belize Educational Service Group BESG from Taiwan recently handed desktops and laptops to schools during a special ceremony at the Sacred Heart College auditorium in San Ignacio Town. Present for the delivery of the computer hardware was H. E Charles K.Y Liu, Ambassador of Taiwan to Belize, who shared that such acts will undoubtedly increase the friendships between Belize and Taiwan. Community developer Ricky Cunil, commenting on the special occasion says, “I want to commend them for the great job they have been doing in schools and in Belizeans lives. It is not easy to do community service and fly to another country to carry out your project. Every year they are helping schools in rural areas with computers, with classroom equipment and other stuff to make school environment student friendly.”

Traffic Teams working for a safer Belize
Traffic management in the Nation’s capital continues to be addressed by various stakeholders. On Thursday of last week, the Belize Road Safety Project Management Unit, Belmopan Police, National Transport Department, and the Belmopan Municipal Traffic Department met to discuss traffic management; especially on the George Price Highway and within Belmopan. According to Senior Superintendent Howell Gillett, the evidence derived from statistics indicates that serious and fatal accidents occur mostly during weekends.

Christian Espat denied bail for shooting that left three injured
Christian Espat, the 21-year-old accused by police of trying to kill two minors, is behind bars because at his bail application on Friday, August 18, 2017, there was objection to bail by Crown Counsel Jacqueline Willoughby. His application will be heard again on August 25, 2017. Late August 14, 2017, the resident of the San Pedrito area, San Pedro was arraigned and remanded to the Belize Central Prison without bail after he appeared before Magistrate Carlon Mendoza in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court

Road traffic accident near Northern Border leaves two hospitalized
On August 18, 2017 at about 7:00 p.m., Corozal Police visited an area between miles 89 and 90 on the Phillip Goldson Highway where a red Freightliner Century Truck with container was parked on the left side of the road. It was also observed that a Toyota Corolla was on the right side of the highway with its front portion extensively damaged. Initial investigations revealed that about 6:40 p.m., the driver of the Toyota Corolla lost control of the vehicle and slammed into the rear of the container. The car was being driven by Ernesto Pech. Pech was accompanied by Jarbi Alvarez and Rosari Alvarez. Pech was travelling toward Corozal Town from the Belize Northern Border.

Bail after being charged for wounding his ex-lover’s mother
On Monday August 21, 2017, 23-year-old Angel Gonzalez, a chef from San Pedro, was brought into Belize City to be arraigned on a single charge of wounding upon his ex-partner’s mother, Adelita Gonzalez. He appeared before Chief Magistrate Sharon Fraser where he pleaded not guilty to the charge. Allegations against Gonzalez are that on Saturday, August 19, 2017, Gonzalez intentionally and unlawfully caused a wound to Adelita Gonzalez. There was no objection to bail and it was granted to him in the sum of $1,500 plus one surety of the same. Unfortunately for him, he was unable to post bail due to the late arraignment and had to be remanded to the Belize Central Prison for the night. His employer, Sergio Pech, posted bail for him on Tuesday, August 22, 2017.

Man with broken jaws wants help with his medical bills
A football game on San Pedro has left Patrick Robinson with two broken jaw and Moryl Diaz liable for thousands of dollars. The incident occurred on August 20, 2017 on San Pedro which left Robinson unable to walk properly and with a large medical bill. A misunderstanding ensued during the game when Robinson allegedly charged at Diaz. In a moment of instinct, Diaz swung at Robinson and now has Robinson in the position he is in. On Monday, August 21, 2017, 51-year-old Diaz, a captain and fisherman of Belize City was arraigned in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court on a single charge of grievous harm upon his friend, Robinson. Diaz who was unrepresented, pleaded guilty to the charge.

Canadian manager’s home burglarized
Barbara Dawn Kelt, a 58-year-old Canadian Manager of South Water Caye, Stann Creek, reported to police that between 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 20, 2017 and 8:00 a.m. the following day, someone burglarized her office at the International Zoological Expedition (IZE) building. Stolen were an Avanti security safe valued at $ 350.00, an expired Canadian passport which had in it her Belizean residence certificate, a Canadian birth certificate, an updated Canadian passport, and $16,000.00 in cash. Total loss amounted to over $16,350.00. Police investigation continues.

Hard working carpenter killed in San Pedro
Armando Lopez, a 34 year-old carpenter and fisherman who moved to San Pedro Town over 10 years ago, became the second victim to lose his life to gun violence on the island in 4 days. Island Police sources tell the press that there is a recent feud over drug turf that has flared up between 2 dominant groups, and Lopez may have been a casualty of that war. The incident happened in broad daylight on Sunday, August 20, 2017. Sometime around 2:40 p.m. Lopez was sitting inside the Winner’s Spot Bar on Barrier Drive, which is a street in the heart of Downtown. It is one of the busiest parts in the island tourism destination, but Lopez’s shooter and his accomplice still carried out their attack.

Customs officer shoots and kills a man, police still investigating
Dwayne Almendarez, a 30 year-old resident of Orange Walk Town died at the KHMH on Saturday, August 19, 2017 after clinging to life for 4 days in a coma. Cellular phone footage shows that he got into a confrontation with a Customs Officer in a contraband hotspot in the Orange Walk District. Shortly after that incident, he was shot by a Customs Officer, and those injures claimed his life. Footage captured by a civilian shows that on Tuesday, August 15, 2017, at around 4:45 p.m., a customs officer, who remains unnamed by police, was supported by BDF soldiers in an attempt to stop a bus traveling through Yo Creek Village. It was heading from Santa Cruz, a famous contraband hotspot that borders Mexico’s Botes.

Motorcycle thief is denied bail
Shawn Perez, a 22-year-old fisherman and construction worker of Jane Usher Boulevard, Belize City is on remand at the Belize Central Prison after he was accused of handling a policeman’s stolen motorcycle. Perez, who was unrepresented, appeared before acting Chief Magistrate Sharon Fraser in court on Wednesday, August 23, 2017 where he was read a single charge of handling stolen goods. Allegations against Perez are that on July 26, 2017 in Belize City, he dishonestly appropriated a red motorcycle valued at $3,100, the property of Edwardo Ciau, a police officer with the Belize City Prosecution Branch in Belize City. The officer had parked his motorcycle at home in the Port Loyola area when it was stolen.

One fake cop granted bail, the other nowhere to be found
Earlier in 2017, two Belize City men, Dorian Blair and Barrington Slusher Jr., were accused of impersonating police officers. Blair was previously accused of this crime and in court on Wednesday, August 23, 2017, he was a no show. This is the second time that Blair has failed to show up to court and as a result, a bench warrant has been issued for his arrest. At their initial court appearance, the men were both denied bail but Blair managed to secure bail through the Belize City Supreme Court. Slusher was remanded to the Belize Central Prison until August 23, 2017 when he was granted bail in the lower court. He appeared before acting Chief Magistrate Sharon Fraser who granted him bail in the sum of $2,500 plus one surety of the same amount.

Father of two is gunned down at home
The Belize City family of 24 year-old Ryan “Fish” Thompson continues to mourn his untimely and violent death. Gunmen shot him right outside of his house, just as he arrived home. His two young daughters and his girlfriend were at home when he was attacked. Thompson’s relatives told the press that he arrived at his home on Neal Penn Road Extension at around 9:30 p.m. on Sunday, August 20, 2017. He was just about to open the door to the house when a gunman emerged from the darkness and immediately started shooting at him. Thompson was injured to the left side of his chest, and to the right leg, and as soon as the gunfire subsided, first responders found him where he had collapsed.

Four men charged for attack on retired Superintendent of Police
Two brothers and two others are accused of attacking a retired superintendent of Police. They have been identified as 24-year-old Darrell Brown, a Security Guard at the Princess Hotel & Casino, 29-year-old personal trainer Rayford Brown, Eckert Powell, a sales agent, and 25-year-old Aaron Tillett, a security guard at Sadie Vernon High School. The first three appeared before Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser on Friday, August 18, 2017 while Tillett was not arraigned until Tuesday, August 22, 2017. At each of the arraignments, they were all unrepresented. The four men all pleaded not guilty to the single charge of wounding upon Francis Williams, a retired Superintendent of police who ended up losing a tooth at the end of the vicious attack.

Men accused of robbery in PG out on bail
Two Belize City men accused of robbing Three Star Chicken Company of an undisclosed amount of money on July 10, 2017 and who have been on remand for the armed robbery are presently out on Supreme Court bail. They were granted bail by Judge Adolph Lucas when they appeared in court on Friday, August 18, 2017 where they were represented by attorney Anthony Sylvester. They have been identified as 18-year-old Kevaughan Smith and 23-year-old Jovanni O’Brian, both residents of the May Flower area. They were brought to the Supreme Court for their bail application. There was no objection to bail and they were each offered bail in the sum of $5,000 plus one surety of the same.

Scott Charles dies after being shot in San Pedro
On Wednesday, August 16, 2017, another shooting incident occurred on La Isla Bonita. This time, Scott Charles, a tour guide and fisherman, was the victim. According to initial police reports, Charles was at home with his wife and child when someone knocked on his door. Upon opening the door, several shots were fired in his direction causing him to be hit in the lower abdomen and upper thigh. He was taken to the San Pedro Polyclinic but had to be air lifted to the KHMH where he succumbed to his injuries on Thursday, August 17, 2017.

Accused of stealing a Skill Saw
Corey Sebastian, a 21-year-old Belize City resident, is being accused of burglarizing the Security Booth of Global Company located on Barrack Road in Belize City. Allegations are that on Sunday, August 20, 2017, he entered the Security Booth of Global Company as a trespasser and stole a silver Skill cutting saw valued at $700, the property of Errol Lynch. Sebastian appeared unrepresented before Acting Chief Magistrate Sharon Fraser on a single charge of burglary. He pleaded not guilty to the charge and since there was no objection to bail, he was granted bail in the sum of $3,000 plus one surety of the same which he was able to meet.

Shooting Incident
On August 21, 2017 at 5:35 p.m., police visited Vernon Street in Belize City where they saw 18-year-old Marquise Conorquie, unemployed, with a gunshot wound to the right thigh. Investigations revealed that Conorquie and a companion were on Laura Dunn Street when a male person came from behind a wooden house and fired a single shot in their direction, causing his injury. Conorquie and his companion then ran through the burial ground onto Vernon Street and the perpetrator ran in the direction of Antelope Street. Although the victim is failing to cooperate with the police, investigation continues.

Traffic officer is on remand following gun play
A Traffic Officer is on remand after an alleged incident involving a gun that occurred on Tapir Street on Friday, August 18, 2017. On Tuesday, August 22, 2017, the 24-year-old Mario Vernon was escorted to the Belize City Magistrate’s Court where he appeared unrepresented before Magistrate Carlon Mendoza to answer to a single charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon upon his neighbor, 21-year-old Jervin Lewis. In a report to police, Lewis said that he and Vernon had a misunderstanding on August 18, 2017 over money and that was when Vernon pointed a gun toward him. Fearing for his life, Lewis reported the incident and as a result, Vernon was detained and charged.

Austin Williams fears losing his arm after knife attack
A man could lose his arm after being attacked by another man over the weekend. The man accused of the attack was arraigned in the Belize City court on Tuesday, August 22, 2017. He has been identified as 21-year-old Lynton Maskall, a resident of Belize City. Maskall appeared before acting Chief Magistrate Sharon Fraser where he was read a single charge of grievous harm upon Austin Williams, his neighbor. No plea was taken from Maskall in light of the fact that the doctor that performed the examination on Williams recommended that he see a specialist in reference to his injuries. As a result, the charge against Maskall might be upgraded to a more serious offense.

Digicell Belize City Senior Female Softball champion
The Belize City Senior Female Softball competition came to an end on Wednesday 16th August, 2017, when Digicell defeated Beacon by the score of 10-7 in the second game of the best of three series to recapture the prestigious Belize City title it lost four years ago. Digicell won the series 2 games to 0, while scoring a total of 23 runs against the pitching of Beacon while giving up 19 runs to Beacon. The winning pitcher for Digicell was Mary Flowers and the losing pitcher was Hortence Thurton in relief of Kenisha Sutherland.

Belize Athletics Association to hold National Track and Field Championship
The Belize Athletics Association invites all athletes and track enthusiasts once again to be a part of its National Track and Field Championship event. The event will be hosted at the Marion Jones Sports Complex on the 26 – 27 August, 2017. All athletes 16 years and older can participate in the events. Registration forms can be obtained from and returned to the Belize Athletics Association via email ( [email protected]) or from our Facebook page (Belize Athletics Association) or at the Marion Jones Sports Complex. Cost of registration is $10.00 per athlete.

Firms Basketball competition enters playoffs round
The Belize District Basketball Association 2017 Firms’ competition regular season came to an end on Thursday 17th August, 2017, at Swift Hall here in Belize City. In the first game played, Central Health defeated The Kings by the score of 72-45. The top scorers for Central Health were Faisal Ahmad with 20 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals; Keith Pollard with 14 points, 17 rebounds and a steal and Paul Moro with 11 points and 3 rebounds. Meanwhile, the top scorers for The Kings were Farron Louriano with 16 points, 7 rebounds and 5 steals; Dave Apolonio with 10 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist and 2 steals and Leon Williams with 7 points, 6 rebounds and an assist.

Conscious Youth Development Programme 2017 Peace Cup to commence on August 28
The Conscious Youth Development Programme (CYDP) has announced that its 2017 Football Peace Cup will commence on Sunday 28th August, 2017. Interested teams can register to participate in the up- coming competition at the offices of the CYDP at 117 North Front Street in Belize City. It is noted that the first 14 teams to register will participate in the Peace Cup. The Organising Committee informs that the first meeting for the 2017 Football Peace Cup is scheduled for Thursday 10th August, at 1:00 pm at the CYDP Office.

Roaring Creek Grace Kennedy repeat as Cayo Softball champions
Roaring Creek Grace Kennedy repeated as the champions of the Raymond Garbutt Sr. Cayo Senior Female Softball Competition which was sponsored by the Hon. John Saldivar, when it defeated the Unitedville Rebels United by the score of 5-0. The winning pitcher was Leandra Guy and the losing pitcher was Francine Salazar. The Cayo Softball Association presented the championship awards and individual awards immediately after the game. Roaring Creek Grace Kennedy and Unitedville Rebels United will represent the Cayo Association at the XXVII National Women’s Softball championship.

Verdes FC and Police United win in Premier League of Belize Football competition
The Premier League of Belize 2017-2018 Football Opening Season continued over the last weekend with four games on the schedule. On Saturday 19th August, out at the Ambergris Stadium in San Pedro Town, the host team San Pedro Pirates FC and the visiting Belize Defence Force FC played to a 1-1 draw. The goal for the visiting Belize Defence Force FC was scored by Hector Martinez while the goal for the San Pedro Pirates FC was scored by Jarren Lambey. At the Michael Ashcroft Stadium in Independence Village, the visiting Bandits Sports and the Placencia Assassins FC played to a 1-1 draw.

Marijuana, LOUIS, MOSE, EAMON, LISA, RALPH, SAID and GOEBBELS
Louis Wade babbled:“…every beer, versus tequila, versus ‘big foot’ or ‘elephant foot’…” He is mouthing foolishness because alcohol, bottle size and folklore are not comparable! Beer and tequila are alcoholic drinks. Elephant foot refers to a large sized bottle. Bigfoot is a make believe ape like creature. “Marijuana comes from a plant just like cocaine comes from a plant, just like alcohol comes from a plant, just like heroine comes from a plant. Plants have chemicals. It just so happens that marijuana has 420 Tetrahydrocannabinol of which science has only identified and tested 50 of the 420. When a person smokes marijuana they add heat to 420 chemicals, so a chemical reaction takes place and the 420 chemicals turn into something else.” The previous words are again owned by Louis Wade. He is talking even more foolishness this time!

Jack in the Box
To set the record straight, I don’t want you to think that all supporters of the People’s United Party whom I come in contact with are all insufferable fanatics. In fact, many of them are reasonable, rational individuals whom out of fidelity to family and tradition are PUP’S. You see, here in OW people will hardly change their religion or their political affiliation. With that common courtesy out of the way, I want to tell you that two major issues transpired over this past week which has the Opposition going “Cinco, seis” as they say in Spanish. The first is that the popular Phillip de la Fuente is once again contesting for the mayoral seat here in OW on behalf of the UDP. Before Phillip’s entry, the PUP was practically celebrating a “sure –win”. Now they are depending on Facebook with fake news to try “belittle” Philco. One half-crack bird brain told me that he heard it from “high up” that Bernard would win.

Breaking Belize News

Two shot, one dead in Conch Shell Bay shooting
Just before 5:00 p.m. today, two men were shot on Lindo’s Alley near the Conch Shell Bay area of Belize City. In the aftermath of the shooting, one man is dead and the other is was taken to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH). […

BTB awards scholarships to four Belizean students
Minister of Tourism & Civil Aviation, Manuel Heredia, presented scholarship awards to four full-time Belizean students during a brief ceremony this morning at the Belize Tourism Board’s (BTB) headquarters in Belize City yesterday. Those receiving the scholarships are Kody Roaches, who will pursue an […]

PUP demands investigation into corruption at Ministry of Natural Resources
The People’s United Party (PUP) issued a release today saying it is appalled at the level of corruption which has been revealed in the Ministry of Natural Resources, and which overwhelming evidence shows is directly linked to former minister Gaspar Vega and members of […]

Rainy weather to continue
The 24-hour forecast is for mostly moist and unstable conditions to continue. Sunny skies with a few cloudy spells are expected today with cloudy skies tonight. Isolated showers are expected over most areas. Southern and coastal areas will experience more showers. The wind will […]

BTV calls for GOB to suspend further talks with Guatemala
The Belize Territorial Volunteers (BTV) today issued a press release stating that August 24, 2015 is a date which will live on in shame and regret. The Belize government was informed by Guatemala that the Sarstoon Island and Belize’s half of the Sarstoon River […]

Zone 4 Children’s Summer camp completes 10 years
This year, the annual Zone 4 Benque Viejo Neighborhood Watch Children’s Summer Camp reached its milestone 10th camp. Captain Samuel Bruce is the leader of Zone 4 neighborhood watch group. It has been in full operation since 2008 with various community efforts through the […]

GSU finds gun in San Pedro
Yesterday evening, members of the Gang Suppression Unit (GSU) searched an abandoned lot in the San Juan area of San Pedro and found a .380 pistol. No one was in the area and the gun was deposited as ‘found property’. Today's News Sponsored By: […]

GSU bust man and woman with illegal gun
Last night at around 8:20, Gang Suppression Unit (GSU) officers searched a white Mercury Mariner SUV in front of the Yabra basketball court in Belize City, in which cops found a .45 pistol. The vehicle was being driven at the time by Karon Wright […]

Police recapture Jevon Belizaire
This morning around 5:30, Jevon Belizaire, a murder suspect who had escaped police custody, was re-captured in Belize City. Belizaire is in police custody and will be additionaly be charged for ‘escape from lawfully custody’. Belizaire was charged yesterday for the murder of Ryan […]

Ranchito pair detained for ammo
Yesterday around 1:00 a.m., police were patrolling on San Andres Road, Corozal town when cops saw a man and a woman riding on a motorcycle. A search was conducted and officers found four rounds of .9mm ammunition in the immediate area. Both persons were […]

Orange Walk police find weed
Last night at around 7:30, Orange Walk police searched an abandoned building on Rio Grande Street which resulted in the discovery of a black plastic bag containing 1,570 grams of cannabis. The weed was labeled and deposited as ‘found property’. Today's News Sponsored By: […]

Issue #36 of The BELIZE AG REPORT is online!
Click HERE to download the PDF

Issue #37 of The BELIZE AG REPORT is online here!.
Click HERE to download the PDF

Biochar Implementation in Agricultural Systems of Belize
In addition to pressures to adapt to climate change, agricultural production demands include innovative and effective solutions to balance both food production and environmental sustainability (Lehmann and Joseph, 2015). Volatility in agricultural commodities, in parallel with population growth, have initiated an alarming concern as to whether the rates of agricultural production will be able to meet its future food demands. Recent years have shown an improvement in agricultural productivity, but future demands are uncertain, especially in light of environmental factors such as climate change (Sands et al., 2014). The climate problem is now extremely large and is drastically affecting our food production systems.

Old Crops Become New: Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batata) Part 2
An Underutilised Tropical Root By Santiago Juan. An Underutilized Root Sweet potato is a plant grown for its tuberous roots in tropical, subtropical and warm-temperate regions. As mentioned in the last Belize Ag Report, issue 36, sweet potato is cultivated for food in more than 100 countries, sometimes as a staple food but usually as an alternative food. All varieties of sweet potato are a good source of vitamins and minerals. In East Africa, the sweet potato is known as “the protector of children” because it is often the only food that stands between a child’s survival and starvation. A fast-maturing perennial plant, it is grown mainly as an annual. The roots are adventitious, mostly located within the top 25…

Belmopan Weekend Farmers’ Market at NATS Grounds
By Sally Thackery. The new pavilions at the Belmopan showgrounds are now open on Saturdays and Sundays for local farmers to sell their products to the public. Opening day, Saturday July 29, was lively and well-attended, by both the public and the market sellers. Big thanks to CEO Jose Alpuche and Show Grounds Coordinator Gary Ramirez for such a bright vision for this property at the entrance to Belmopan. The entire showgrounds have been cleaned up, mowed, landscaped with beautiful plants and vendor stalls have been colorfully painted. These detailed improvements also include a new entrance gate, bathrooms in all sections and designated parking areas.In addition to fresh vegetables, the market offers dry goods, eco-friendly cleaning products, fruit trees, flowering…

SIRDI EU IPDM Project: Metarhizium anisopliae Production to Control Froghopper in Sugar Cane
By Jeffy Gomez, Luciano Chi, Luis Gongora and Jian Cob. Froghopper is considered a major pest in sugarcane; every crop cycle it affects sugarcane farmers by increasing control costs while decreasing productivity. The problem is especially serious with the elimination of the preferential market for Belize’s sugar. Hence, it is of great importance to start adapting more environmentally-friendly controls by deterring the use of chemicals and meeting standards set by the Fairtrade market. With the assistance of the European Union (EU), the Government of Belize (GOB) and the Sugar Industry Research and Development Institute (SIRDI), the project entitled “Strengthening of Integrated Pest and Disease Management (IPDM) in the Sugar Industry” is being implemented in the northern sugar belt. The…

Beyond the Backyard: Suck Your Way to Health
By Jenny Wildman. I came across an article about a strange fruit that can boost your brain function – something all seniors think of when they cannot remember names or misplace their glasses. The picture was that of the fruit known here as kenep, kinnip or guayo. The deciduous, polygamous kenep tree is part of the soapberry family along with logan, rambutan and lychee, all cousins to the northern chestnut. The scientific name is Melicoccus bijugatus commonly referred to as Spanish lime, quenepa, genip, chennet, talpajocote and mamoncillo from the verb mamar to suck. Kenep trees are native to South America and the Island of Margarita and also found in drier woodlands and gardens of the Caribbean and Central America.…

2016 Domestic Export Trade Data Disaggregation
Top Export Partners,Top Exported Products, Data extracted from Statistical Institute of Belize

Rice: Circle R’s Contribution to Food Security in Belize
By Jeffrey Magaña. The highest priority for Circle R Products Limited, a farmer-owned business, is food security for Belize. Their newest product, Dalla Rice, was recently introduced to provide a 14 oz. package of grade A rice for $1. Harvest for Kids is grade A premium rice; Jade is grade B; Ruby, grade C and Topaz, grade D. The Harvest for Kids product is named for the socially responsible project it supports. A percentage of the sale of all Harvest for Kids rice goes to support Belize Camping Experience in Belize City, summer Bible camps and work with kids in schools throughout the city. We believe that if our children are inspired today, our country can become a better place.…

Fusarium spp.: An Important Disease of Soybeans
By Felix Cawich, Agronomist, M.Sc. Worldwide, soybean is considered an important crop for the production of oil and as a source of protein for people and animals. In addition, it´s now being used for biodiesel production. According to the Worldwide Web Foundation (WWF), soybean production has grown 10 times in the last 50 years, covering over one million square kilometres. The increasing production area, like the increase in yield of monocultivation, has also led to higher presence of disease in soy plantations. Furthermore, the varying climate may favor rapid development of diseases. Important Diseases Diseases originating from different microorganisms can cause blights, cankers, rots, rusts, wilts and others, causing damage to different parts of the plant at any given growth…

Fertility Needed for Growing Pastures and Hay
By Neal Kinsey. When the requirements for life-giving soil fertility to provide abundant plant growth and robust animal health are accurately considered, far too many pastures and hay fields used for livestock production are seriously lacking. Testing the soils in pastures and meadows has sadly proven this to be true far too often, even when only the absolute minimum nutrient content for those soils is considered. To treat your animals right you have to treat your soils right. Anything less and you rob from the total potential of life-giving principles for your soil, the plants grown there, the livestock that consume them and the products that are provided as a result. When soils are not cared for correctly, it is…

Modern Water Wisdom: An Interview
AUTHOR JUDITH SCHWARTZ EXAMINES WATER MANAGEMENT Reprinted with permission from Acres USA magazine, Vol.47, No.6 Interview: Author Judith Schwartz Examines Water Management. When writer Judith Schwartz learned that soil carbon is a buffer for climate change, her focus as a journalist took a major turn. She was covering the Slow Money National Gathering in 2010 when Gardener’s Supply founder Will Raap stated that over time more CO2 has gone into the atmosphere from the soil than has been released from burning fossil fuels. She says her first reaction was “Why don’t I know this?” Then she thought, “If this is true, can carbon be brought back to the soil?” In the quest that followed, she made the acquaintance of luminaries like Allan Savory, Christine Jones and Gabe Brown and traveled to several continents to see the new soil carbon paradigm in action. Schwartz has the gift of making difficult concepts accessible and appealing to lay readers, and that’s exactly what she does in Cows Save the Planet And Other Improbable Ways of Restoring Soil to Heal the Earth, which Elizabeth Kolbert called “a surprising, informative, and ultimately hopeful book.”

Homemade Health – Why and How to Use Essential Oil – Part 1
By Marguerite Fly Bevis, RN, BSN. This article, part 1 of a 2 part article on essential oils, describes their basic properties and why they are used. Part 2 will describe how to use them. Essential oils, the quintessential essence of medicinal plants, have been used by man for therapeutic purposes for thousands of years. They are mentioned in the Bible at least 600 times. Thirty-three different oils are mentioned. Essential oils are the original medicine upon which modern medicine is based. Birch and wintergreen contain salicylic acid, the same component in aspirin but essential oils are easier on the body and present fewer, if any, side effects, whereas modern medicines can have many, some of which can be more…

Belize Strengthening Partnerships by Applying “One Health”
By Dr. Joe Myers, DVM. BAHA Medical and veterinary officers from Belize were trained to collaborate using “One Health” strategies in zoonotic and food-borne disease surveillance, diagnosis and preparedness and response, through a comprehensive two-year professional development programme, the One Health Leadership Series (OHLS). The OHLS is part of the regional One Health, One Caribbean, One Love Project, implemented by the University of the West Indies (UWI), School of Veterinary Medicine. The One Health project was funded by the European Union (EU) and managed by the ACP Science and Technology Programme (S&T; II), in collaboration with the ‘Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS) Project’, of the 10th European Development Fund (EDF) Programme coordinated by Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA).…

Control Postbloom Fruit Drop in Citrus Production

Maya Mountain Heirloom Cacao
What Makes Belizean Cacao So Special? Understanding Genetics of Belizean Cacao Beans By Dan O’Doherty & Minehaha Forman. In the rapidly growing world of specialty craft chocolate, Belize has earned its place among the fine flavored origins of cacao. Known for its unique fruity/caramel flavor, Belize cacao has won numerous awards in recent years. Cacao beans originating from Maya villages in the Toledo district of Belize and processed by Maya Mountain Cacao, Ltd (MMC) recently received an heirloom designation from the Fine Chocolate Industry Association (FCIA). The cacao sample was made into chocolate and blind-tasted by a panel of nine veteran chocolate companies including Guittard, Valrhona, and Felchlin. Panelists universally praised the sample for its overall high quality, as…

Cannabis Hemp Building Materials
By Karin Westdyk. James Savage, a New York business analyst, was greatly disturbed after learning about mold problems making thousands of New Orleans homes uninhabitable after hurricane Katrina, and of the thousands killed in Haiti, crushed by their own homes during an earthquake. He searched for solutions and came up with a material that has been around for thousands of years and started a company to create building materials made from mold resistant, stronger-than-steel cannabis hemp. Hempcrete The outer portion of the hemp stalk has a long history of use for producing paper, fabric, rope and sails (the word canvas comes from the word cannabis), but Savage discovered that hemp chips made from the woody interior of the cannabis plant…

Nematodes – Friend and Foe
by Mary Loan. Nematodes are non-segmented worms that live everywhere on the planet, including in ice and snow to the depths of the ocean and even in arid deserts. They are most abundant in tropical regions of the world, like Belize. Other names they are known as include: eel worms, thread worms, root knot worms. There are thousands of identified species of nematodes with estimates of about one-half million varieties to be ‘discovered’, studied and named. Most nematodes are almost invisible to the human eye and are less than 1 mm, or 1/125 of an inch in length. There are generally thousands of nematodes in a handful of soil, over one million in a spadeful, and as many as three…

The Humanure Handbook — A Review by Chris Harris
This is the book no one would publish. Why? Because it deals in some detail with a subject distasteful to some, uncomfortable to others and “something we just don’t talk about “ to yet more. So the author, Joseph Jenkins, published it himself. And in the process he did us all a big favour. OK, so what is this “taboo subject”? Well it deals with the subject of the ecological disposal of human waste. At first glance the author’s ideas amount to little more than an advanced view of the “bucket and chuck it” approach used in many rural areas of the world already. But here comes the rub. Jenkins applauds the “bucket” idea, but strongly challenges the “chuck it”…

Dear Veggie Detective
Dear Veggie Detective, Would you please investigate the mystery of the white-centered tomato? Why do some tomatoes have white centers and others are all red and tasty? Signed, Tomato Lover Dear Tomato Lover, Your mystery is solved! Tomatoes with white centers have a deficiency in potassium, an element abbreviated as K because phosphorus was assigned the letter P. Basic fertilizers that you buy have three main elements: nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) and are designated in 3 numbers which corresponds to these three elements. If your soil doesn’t need N or P you can buy elemental potassium fertilizer. Potassium will give you not only the nice red color on your tomatoes but bigger fruit…

Ag Briefs
UB CF announces that the next Neal Kinsey Soil Fertility 3 day course will be held the week of August 27th (note this has been changed from the dates in the previous Ag Report). This will be a repeat of the very well-received Intro 2 Course given in February. To register, contact David Thiessen at 670-4817 or [email protected]. Limited registration. Avocados reached the highest prices in the US over 19 years early this summer, at $28 USD/10 kilos, due to lowered yields caused by bad weather and other problems in the main producing countries of Mexico (strikes), Peru (floods), Chile (droughts) and the US (California droughts). Avocado as colorant: Researchers at Penn State, USA, inadvertently discovered that avocado…

Blogs

Beautiful Japanese Food Served In A Beautiful Space: Jyoto Restaurant
I’ve been waiting for one particular restaurant to open for a while. Announced at the end of 2016, Jyoto Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar is finally OPEN! Located at Mahogany Bay Village – about 2 miles south of town, the restaurant opened quietly last month. But it was this advertisement on their facebook page that was my call to action. The entire menu is available and it’s quite impressive. I loved the selection of teas – I tried the smoky green tea ($3bzd) and loved it. The appetizers all sound absolutely delicious. Garlic-soy edamame, gyoza (or Japanese pork dumplings), poke salad, seaweed salad…yum. Let me stop for one second to say how great our server was. She was knowledgeable about the entire menu – answering all of my questions about the fish and the difference between the green teas. Really really on top of it all.

Birding the unbirded road
Yes another Crooked Tree blog. Like I said in the previous blog Crooked Tree is a birding hotspot and it's not just the egrets ,ibises, cormorants, storks and herons that call the lagoon and waterways home.We have vireos, warblers, woodpeckers and whole bunch of other "land dwelling" (I don't think land dwelling is a good term to describe birds) birds. Since I've begun birding I've failed at trying to class the village of Crooked Tree as one sole habitat. I mean it's primarily cashew trees? with Pine, Oak, Palmetto and even few patches of Broadleaf. This mixture offers some good birding. Crooked Tree has been where I've done a lot my birding in my short time as a birder mainly because I spend a lot of time here, my grandfather was born and raised in Crooked Tree so I'm often visiting. I've been birding the same patches over and over so I decided to try somewhere different, there is this road know by the villagers as the Big Pond Road, before the highway was built it was used to connect the villages of Crooked Tree and Carmelita, now that there's a highway vehicular traffic is almost none existent. Perfect for birding!!!!

“Our Property Taxes Are So Low, We Pay For Five Years at a Time”
Cristo Rey, the charming village where the Baker’s home is located, is near the twin towns of San Ignacio and Santa Elena. “It’s a quiet, respectful village,” says Mark. “Cristo Rey Road is the gateway to the beauty of Mountain Pine Ridge that houses Caracol, an amazing Maya archaeological site. There’s also a plethora of caves, streams, and swimming holes to soak in during the warm summer days.” The Bakers paid $120,000 for their Cristo Rey jungle home. Mark says, “You get three times the home for your dollar here. Our house was one of the three featured homes on the House Hunters International show that aired in September of 2010. It’s a two-story, two-bedroom, two-bathroom home on a three-quarter-acre lot. A small creek flows through our property about eight months a year. We bought our home turn-key. Furniture, linen, towels, kitchen appliances, and pots and pans were all here.” Note that it’s not unusual to buy a fully-furnished house in Belize.

Top 10 reasons travelers choose Belize, over all the other tropical places they can go!
This list is based on the feedback we've received from guests over the years. We always ask during a guest's stay, why did you pick Belize? We love the answers so much, we wanted to share them. Most people only have a certain amount of vacation time and it is precious, so we hope this helps you decide on your place this year!! 1.) The number one reason is ......Belize is one of the few unspoiled, authentic places left, that are still considered accessible to travelers. There are plenty of rustic places in the world, but many are quite difficult to get to, and few people want to spend a full day or two of their precious vacation time getting to the place. You can get to Belize in a half day or less of travel, and the minute you step on the land, you can feel the difference. It is just different enough to be a challenge, but friendly and small enough that you feel like an expert by the time you leave.

Elote | Mexican Corn

Elfreda, your daughters are being humiliated: The Political Disempowerment of Women in Belize
Political empowerment remains out of the reach of Belizean women but it doesn’t have to be. Not with the long history of women's political activism in Belize. Anne S. Macpherson starts the introduction to her book, “From Colony To Nation: Women Activists and The Gendering of Politics in Belize 1912 – 1982 with the story of Elfreda Reyes, who in the 1930s joined the fight against British colonial rule. Elfreda was a prominent speaker and organizer and was a founder of the nationalist campaign to secure a minimum wage for domestics at the time. The story of Elfreda’s activism is one of fierce determination and courage. She was an "agitator." What would Elfreda think of the disempowered status of Belizean women today? Her story is missing from Belize’s history but the role she played in the political arena in her time is significant.

September 10th: Belize Celebrates Battle of St. George's Caye
On a warm September morning in 1798, the future of what would become Belize was uncertain. After numerous clashes between Spanish naval forces and a small contingent of British hardwood loggers, issues came to a head. Relying on stealth and superior strategy, the ragtag British forces defeated a superior Spanish naval fleet on September 10 in the waters offshore of St. George's Caye, one of the most important historical events in the country's history. Today, the Battle of St. George's Caye is a national holiday celebrated every September 10 with parades, singing, live music, games, and festivals in every town and village. Coming at the beginning of what is widely known as "Patriotic Month," September 10 is a time when Belizeans working overseas return home to join friends and family for a month-long celebration of their heritage. The recitation of patriotic poems, the singing of popular local songs, and streets and people bedecked in red, white, and blue (the national colors) continue until September 21, the day that Belize celebrates gaining its independence from Britain in 1981.

International Sources

There’s More to Belize Than Just Beautiful Caribbean Islands
In my 30s, I dreamt of living on a romantic Caribbean island, surrounded by the aquamarine Caribbean Sea… I wanted to swim to my heart’s content in clear, lukewarm water, surrounded by vibrantly colored tropical fish, corals, and sponges. In 2008 my dream became a reality when I moved full-time to Ambergris Caye. My husband, Mike, and I first visited Belize in 1999, on an International Living tour, and we bought our first property on Ambergris Caye. Since then I’ve indulged in all of the water activities I’d yearned for, and many more besides. Snorkeling and scuba diving top the list. But I’ve also danced to live rock bands on the beach under a full moon, with a brisk sea breeze keeping me cool and my husband and I have regularly indulged in a delicious meal at a café on the beach, with the sea but a few steps away. We’ve spent many lazy Sunday afternoons at popular beach hot spots, socializing with friends while listening to live bands, and we’ve walked miles of publicly owned beaches, on the south and north sides of Ambergris Caye. Belize may be small, but it’s jam-packed with interesting options, for tourists and expat residents alike. This spring I’ll return to the Cayo, to update expat lifestyle options for our readers and I’m certainly looking forward to enjoying the Cayo’s rivers and ruins again.

Freeing up ganja: Belize moves ahead
Just one week ago, legislation to decriminalise small amounts of ganja received its first reading in Belize’s parliament. It’s not yet legalised light-up time in Belize City. There’s a fair way to go—the proposed amendment to the Misuse of Drugs Act goes to a parliamentary committee. There will be second and third readings in both houses, all that sort of stuff. But the bill looks certain to get through. It has backing from the full cabinet. It was introduced by the home affairs minister, Wilfred Elrington.

Who is Latin America and the Caribbean leaving behind?
Last month at the High Level Political Forum in New York, more than 40 countries — 11 from Latin America and the Caribbean — shared their progress in achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), within the new 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. The meeting has made evident the region’s political will to adopt and accomplish this universal agenda. Argentina, Belize, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Panama, Peru and Uruguay presented their progress, along with Colombia, Mexico and Venezuela that shared their reports in 2016. The SDGs recognize the virtue of inclusive, sustainable economic growth that respects the environment and strengthens institutional and regulatory frameworks. The agenda seeks to “leave no one behind,” and admits that the market alone does not solve all problems. This is fundamental for our region, the most unequal in the world.

Videos

Belize Audubon Society - Reef Protector Program, 28min.

BTL Expo Promotional Campaigns, 17min.

BTIA Orange Walk Chapter - 3rd Annual BTIA Tourism, 18min.

See and Taste Belize Festival, 18min.

Talk Ah Di Town August 24, 2017, 25min.

Exploring San Pedro, Belize montage, 13min. Today we headed north of San Pedro and brought you guys along. Hope you enjoy the beautiful Island.

2 dollar rod shore fishing in Belize Placencia, 3.5min. A video showing what to use and what you can expect to catch while fishing from shore in Belize.

KTV the Remix (August 22, 2017), 2hr.

In new NASA video, Hurricane Harvey looks like it’s about to swallow all of Texas, 2.5min. A brief-but-haunting video released by NASA on Thursday night shows Hurricane Harvey’s powerful churn toward Central Texas, where the slow-moving storm is expected to throttle coastal communities with high winds and up to 25 inches of rain. The footage was captured just after 6 p.m. by cameras aboard the International Space Station, not long after the tropical cyclone — aided by warm water and favorable winds — regenerated over the Gulf of Mexico. An astronaut on board, Marine Corps Col.Randy Bresnik, later tweeted two photos of the storm with a message of solidarity for those in its path.

Belize Film Commission, 6min. The Belize Film Commission is making efforts to strengthen independent film pursuits in Belize and to make the country a greater film destination for foreign investors. What does this mean for Belize? Watch our story below to find out!

Fisherman in Belize, 1.5min.

Casa Santa Maria, 2min. This video is about Casa Santa Maria - Bed and Breakfast in Cayo, Belize - Central America

Jumping Off Things, 1.5min. In Mexico, Belize and Guatamala. We ended up spending quite a lot of our time jumping off things in nice places.

Explore Belize, The Top Tourist Attractions in Belize, 2.5min. Picture a country with tropical beaches, coral reefs, cave formations, exotic wildlife and a laid back Caribbean atmosphere.

Howler Monkeys at Chaa Creek Lodge in Belize, 7min.

Santino's Messengers Band - Belize on Fire, 5min.

Fishing, Lobster Fetch, Snorkel, Beach BBQ, 2min. Good times with guest Dana and Carl from Tyler, Texas. Great work Roberto and Shadow...Amazing, we'll done! The fresh catch for Beach BBQ was superb.

August 24, 2017