September 9, 2017

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Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

San Pedro’s PUP 7 Slate revealed at Endorsement Convention
With municipal elections set to take place on March 7, 2018, the Belize Rural South People’s United Party (PUP) town council slate hosted their endorsement convention on Thursday, August 7th in San Pedro Town. The convention was held next to the Honourable Louis Sylvestre Sporting Complex and saw a large crowd of supporters. The candidates aspiring to form the next town council are Andre Perez, Ian Pou, Marina Kay, Ruben Navidad, Undina Graniel, Dianelie Aranda and Johnia Duarte. Closing the convention was Deputy Party Leader Mai. Not only did he mention the terrible road conditions around the island, but he also stated that San Pedro Town’s tax revenue is higher than any municipality in the country. “If this island produces so many millions in taxes, why is the infrastructure in poor condition?” he asked.

Social Security proposes workers contributions increase to 10%
To make the national pension scheme and Social Security benefits financially sustainable, the Social Security Board (SSB) has proposed an increase in contributions to 10% of workers earnings, and to also raise the ceiling for insurable income from $320 per week to $500 per week. Simply put, expenditure has exceeded contributions, and this deficit is growing to a point where by 2021, it will become unsustainable. In 2014 the $73.6 million paid out in benefits exceeded the $72.1 million in workers’ contributions by $1.5 million. In 2015, the $78.5 million in benefits paid out exceeded the $77.3 million in contributions by $1.2 million. Last year the $82.8 million in benefits paid out exceed the $80.1 million in contributions by $3.4 million. This year, the deficit is expected to grow to $11.4 million as benefits are expected to exceed $93.2 million, but contributions are trending towards $81 million by the end of the year. Benefits have been increasing, while contributions are tapering off.

Police says no reports made following alleged attacks to golf cart drivers in Northern Ambergris Caye
At the end of August, several residents from northern Ambergris Caye reported on social media that they had been attacked and mugged by what appeared to be gangs of teenagers. The assaults done by the alleged group of teens were apparently taking place late in the evenings and mainly targeting people driving golf carts. According to police, they have beefed up operations north of town, but to date, they claim that no one has visited the police station to file a report. Information of the different incidents posted on social media included an attack on a lady, who was driving her golf cart late one evening. She claimed to have her two children with her when she was attacked. It is said that the assailants beat and robbed her. The police were made aware of the incident and visited the area where the attack apparently took place.

Third whale perishes in Belizean waters
The site of a dead sperm whale on Belize’s southern waters on Monday, August 28th, raised concerns as to what is happening to the whale population transiting through the region. The unfortunate discovery near the Silk Cayes in the Stann Creek District marks the third whale known to die in Belizean waters since April of 2016. As such, Belizean marine conservatives are trying to find out what is causing the death of these huge sea mammals that stray away to the country’s shallow shores. TIDE stated that samples from the dead whales were collected in order to determine the ultimate cause of death. They also indicated that as soon as they have results, they will share them with the public. Whales are known to travel great distances during migration season. Some whales travel to tropical and subtropical waters to breed and give birth. Some of these mammals can weigh up to 79,000 pounds.

Ambergris Today

Four Women Among San Pedro PUP 7 Candidates For Municipal Elections
Amidst applause and high spirited cheering, the People's United Party (PUP) Belize Rural South slate for the upcoming Town Council Elections was endorsed and formally sworn in by the National PUP Chairman, Mr Henry Charles Usher. The endorsement convention of the PUP 7 took place on Thursday evening and was well attended by hundreds of residents from this municipality. The PUP slate is led by mayoral candidate Andre Perez and is supported by Ian Pou, Ruben Navidad, Marina Graniel Kay, Johnnia Duarte, Ondina Graniel and Dianeli Aranda. Mayoral candidate Andre Perez promised to bring visionary progress and hard work coupled with accountability and transparency. Highlighted was the fact that the slate of seven consists of four females candidates, a historic and notable accomplishment.

The Special Envoy Speaks Out On Assault Of Female Journalist
Message from Kim Simplis Barrow, First Lady of Belize - On September 6, 2017, frightening images were seen on national television of the unacceptable treatment of a female journalist by law enforcement officers. The journalist in question, Ms. Marisol Amaya of KREM News, was conducting an interview when she was assaulted by a police officer. Sadly, this is not the first time that Ms. Amaya, in her capacity as a journalist, has been disrespected in plain view on national television. As a citizen, I embrace the concept of a free press, given the role of journalists in a democratic society. The rights of journalists are enshrined in the Belize Constitution (Chapter 4), and they must therefore be afforded all rights and privileges as citizens of Belize.

Tremors Shake Belizeans Out Of Their Beds - Strong Quake Hits Nearby Mexico
Mexico’s 8.1 Earthquake Was Strong Enough to Significantly Shake Things up in Belize - At least 20 people have been killed after a magnitude-8.1 earthquake struck Mexico, causing a tsunami and warnings for countries across Central America. Belizeans were very startled at the very evident shaking taking place as usually only slight tremors have been felt during earthquakes in the region. There were no reports of damages in Belize, except for strong shaking followed by some swaying. Belizean’s reported feeling the tremors throughout the country, even on the Barrier Islands off the coast. There have been reports of structure damage in Guatemala.

Misc Belizean Sources

64 Police Officers Trained in Human Trafficking Identification and Referral
The Anti-trafficking in Persons (ATIP) Council of Belize in collaboration with the Belize Police Department is conducting a series of trainings to build the capacity of Police Officers attached to the Domestic Violence Unit and Criminal Investigative Branch. The objectives of the sessions are to provide officers with a clear understanding of human trafficking and its related issues to build the capacity of police officers in victim identification and referral. So far, 64 officers have been trained in one-day workshops held in northern, eastern, and western areas of the country.

World Suicide Prevention Day October 10th, 2017
Story of Recovery: Carla, a 33-year-old hairdresser living in the Stann Creek District became suicidal about 5 years ago. At that time, she was in a dark place where she just “did not feel normal”. She describes experiencing racing thoughts, constant crying and an immense sadness, “I felt isolated, like nobody cared”, and soon she began to think that no one would hurt her if she were dead. She attempted to take her own life several times and felt that Depression was taking over her life. She knew she needed help and eventually she reached out to a psychiatric nurse practitioner (PNP) at the mental health clinic at the Southern Regional Hospital. At the clinic “the nurse listened to me and allowed me to talk” said Carla. She also received medications to help her with her Depression. She stresses that the overwhelming support she received from her family members and her employer complemented the treatment she was receiving from the PNP. The PNP also arranged family sessions where Carla's condition was explained and family members were taught how to support her.

Memorandum of Understanding Signed for Port of Magical Belize.com Cruise Ship Docking Facility
The Government of Belize signed a Memorandum of Understanding Thursday, September 7th, 2017, with Portico Enterprises Limited (the “Developer” doing business as Port of Magical Belize.com), to construct a world class Cruise Ship Docking Facility on a parcel of land located along the coastline just south of the Sibun River in the Belize District (the “Project”). The Port of MagicalBelize.com Cruise Ship Docking Facility, being led by David Gegg and Gulab Sharma, proposes to construct a cruise docking facility to accommodate four Oasis class cruise vessels in Phase I, inclusive of a marina, 120,000 square feet of retail space, a water park and pool area, an arts and craft centre, an aquarium and an indigenous cultural centre. Phase II of the project will include two (2) additional berthing docks, a Five (5) Star 300 room hotel and a water theme park. The total estimated investment size for Phase I of the Project is cited to be US $150 million.

Metal Haven Bash VII
The 7th annual Metal Haven Bash will be on November 4th, at the Los Angeles Sports Bar in Benque. Verge of Umbra, fresh off their win at the Waken Open Air Festival, will be headlining. Death Suppressor and Third Floor Mafia will also be performing. Tickets are going on sale this weekend, and are only $20.

Los Crackers de Chetumal in San Pedro
Crackers are presented for the first time on the beautiful island in the old football field to celebrate the independence of Central America, Mexico and Belize. There we go!!!!

Hol Chan office getting new mural
The Hol Chan office building has been sporting the colors blue and yellow for some years. And while we love our signature colors, we feel its time for a change. To brighten up the building, the neighborhood, and to display what we stand for "protection of our beautiful coral reef for future generations" we are in the process of getting a coral reef mural painted unto the front side of our building. Artist Eruterio Carillo of Chuy Arts has been contracted to make our ideas a reality. We hope that our San Pedro community will enjoy it once it is completed, and maybe feel a little more connected to our reef each day as they pass by.

$21 flights in country Sept. 21 on Propic
Celebrate with us this 21st of September with our $21 tickets countrywide! Tickets available at your local #TropicAir office ONLY! (Call 226-2626 for details on terms and conditions for this offer or check with your local Tropic Air office

A BELIZEAN-AMERICAN BAND CALLED "THE WEBB"!
The 1970's Belizean band in New York called, "The Webb", has passed right under the radar of many Belizean music enthusiasts and has been forgotten somewhat along the way as the 1980's and 90's brought American pop music through the airwaves of Radio Belize, and later the private radio stations of Belize. They became a popular R&B; band that was made up of Belizean musicians like band leader and keyboard player, Jeffrey Adolphous, guitar player Eugene Adolphous, Patrick Pinkard on bass guitar, Patrick Flemming on trumpet and flugle horn, Erling Henderson on Saxaphone, Harrington Trapp on trombone and lead vocals, Ivan Domingo on drums, and Anthony Richards on percussions and lead vocals.

BAMIKI BANDULA & THE BELIZEAN MUSICAL REVOLUTION!
When Belizean musical brilliance Dickie Straughan came home to Belize from New York in 1980, he brought with him a vision for Belizean music that would change how Belizean musicians played music forever. Straughan was a trained jazz saxophone player who could play the best from Coltrane to Miles but he drafted up a group of musicians taken from two of the best Belizean bands at that time--- the Harmonettes and the Vibrations. Some of the best musicians had came to see this legendary Belizean musical innovator but only a few were able to deal with his disciplinary approach to moving from playing covers to composing original music for Belize that should have been done from the onset. Straughan gave music lessons and helped developed many of these musicians into better players and performers that when they exited into the modern world would be respected and would be able to play with the best in the world.

NO BELIZE CELEBRATION SPIRIT WITHOUT ANDY PALACIO!
The true heroes behind our music are really those first Garifuna fighters who in the 18th. Century on the island of Yurume, St. Vincent, stood up against slavery, colonization, and cultural domination. Those were the passionate words that a spiritually uplifted Andy Palacio uttered at the World Music Expo, WOMEX, in reception of the internationally acclaimed music prize in Spain in October 2007. He had finally culminated his cultural and musical crusade for the Garifuna people, and laid the seal to the mission to which he was called. The work of this incredible personality in Belizean history was a life that was lived and not preached. His was the life of a splendid character, whom if you had got to know him and the beliefs that embodied and drove his way of life, was the epitome of a humble cultural revolutionary. He was a man from the inception of his career who had a vision to change the present status quo of what today we call Belizean culture and music. He was the quiet warrior, sometimes quite unpredictable, who sacrificed most of his life for a cause that he truly believed in, the liberation of the Garinagu.

"MISS AFRO HONDURAS", UBAD AND AMANDALA!
Belizean Legends presents a special tribute and respect to "Miss Afro Honduras Pageant" and its second crowned contestant, Sheldon Vasquez, that was one of its kind in the former British Honduras now known as Belize. Seen here in this classic photo in capturing the historical title of the "Black & Proud" beauty pageant that was one of its kind presented by the United Black Association for Development (UBAD), Vasquez continues to speak about the "Miss Afro Honduras" in a truly cultural way that reflects the pride of Belizean black people of the 1960s and 70s. This was a period that appears to have not return again, cherishing the moment and documenting the history. During this time of Belize's 2017 September celebrations where the popular pageants of "Queen of the Bay" and "Miss Belize" stood the test of time, "Miss Afro Honduras" has been almost forgotten, and have been cancelled all together since the demise of UBAD, and that generation of black conscious Belizeans who had migrated to the United States. Belizean Legends presents a special tribute and respect to "Miss Afro Honduras Pageant" and its second crowned contestant, Sheldon Vasquez, that was one of its kind in the former British Honduras now known as Belize. Seen here in this classic photo in capturing the historical title of the "Black & Proud" beauty pageant that was one of its kind presented by the United Black Association for Development (UBAD), Vasquez continues to speak about the "Miss Afro Honduras" in a truly cultural way that reflects the pride of Belizean black people of the 1960s and 70s. This was a period that appears to have not return again, cherishing the moment and documenting the history. During this time of Belize's 2017 September celebrations where the popular pageants of "Queen of the Bay" and "Miss Belize" stood the test of time, "Miss Afro Honduras" has been almost forgotten, and have been cancelled all together since the demise of UBAD, and that generation of black conscious Belizeans who had migrated to the United States.

TRIBUTE TO THE "SKYLITERS'!
The 1970s Belizean-American band, the "Skyliters" of Los Angeles, California became one of the most popular Belizean bands on the West Coast of the United States. The legendary Belizean band recently lost one of its members, Thaddeus Barrow, who passed away in late August of this year. His brother, the legendary Patrick Barrow, was one of the brainchild of the band, and who went on later to form another legendary Belizean band, "Babylon Warriors". Babylon Warriors became one of the first Belizean reggae band to appear on the reggae music scene in the U.S.

BELIZE'S MCC GARDEN & ACTION PACK FOOTBALL!
Memories run while, and nostalgia haunts the Belizean football lovers, in remembering the knockout football tournaments at Belize's most popular football stadium of the 1960s, 70s, 80s, 90s golden age of Belizean sports, the "MCC Grounds" also called, "The Garden"!

MUSICAL ARTIST OF BELIZE GLENN BOOD & HIS ORCHESTRA!
It was the "Mass In Blues" musical project that the Belizean musician and trumpeter, Glenn Bood, received his notoriety in Belize's music scene. The most original Belizean musical project yet to date, that was composed and written by the Belizean musical phenom and classical concert pianist, Francis Reneau in the 1960's, featured Bood's melodic trumpet solo on the instrumental track, "Laura". "Mass In Blues", a classic Belizean musical masterpiece that is still hard to find up to today, could not had sounded better without the smooth jazzy touch of Bood's serenading horn.

CONSUELO DUGAL& THE 1969 C.A.S.T GAMES IN BELIZE!
She was called "The Panther" by the Jamaican coach "Sanchez" who went for his best batter against her. But Dugal still struck that batter out to put Belize ahead to win the 1969 Caribbean Amateur Softball Tournament (CAST). It was the finals: Belize versus Jamaica at the MCC Grounds!

San Pedro Holiday Boat Parade
Raise Me Up is proud to announce that the boat parade tradition will be kept alive again this year! Save the Date: Saturday, December 16, 2017 The first place prize for this year's winning boat will be $5,000 in cash! There are also thousands of dollars in cash and prizes for runners up and other category winners! Hey 2015 champs Ramon's Village Resort, do you have what it takes this year to beat 2016's champs Lisa and Ronnie Cyrier? Or will Chuck & Robbie's Scuba Diving & Instruction edge out this year to take the crown? Will San Pedro AIDS Commission win again this year for the charity category, or will Saga Humane Society or Belize Red Cross take it? All we know is that someone will take home the $5,000 cash prize this year; who will it be?? Send us a message to register your boat, or tag a friend or business in the comments if you want to see them in the boat parade! It's free to join, and charity registrants will receive a starter kit to kick off their decorations. Do you have a boat but don't have the help to decorate it? Let us know, and we'll find people or organizations to help you decorate!

Attorney General’s Ministry Responds to Reports of Justices of the Peace Charging for Services
The Attorney General’s Ministry continues to receive reports of Justices of the Peace soliciting remuneration for services they provide. The Ministry wishes to remind the public that Justices of the Peace are wholly disallowed from requesting or accepting any form of consideration for the duties (which they have signed an Oath of Allegiance and Office) they are to provide voluntarily, without fear or favour, affection or ill-will, as a civic duty. The Ministry informs that any Justice of the Peace found to be guilty of soliciting any form of consideration from citizens will be removed, Pursuant to Section 3 s. 4(b) of the Justice of the Peace Act (Revised Edition 2011) which states:

Stakeholder Consultations Belize Draft Tire Standards
The Belize Bureau of Standards (BBS) in the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Commerce hereby informs the public that notice is hereby given under Section 4(1) of the Standards (Preparation and Declaration) Regulations, 1997 that it proposes to recommend to the Standards Advisory Council that the following draft standards be declared compulsory Belize Standards: 1. The Belize Draft Specification for Pneumatic Passenger Car Tires; 2. The Belize Draft Standard Specification for Pneumatic Tires for Non-Passenger Vehicles; 3. The Belize Draft Standard Code of Practice for Storage of Tires, Inner Flaps and Tubes; and 4. The Belize Draft Standard Specification for Definitions of Terms used in the Pneumatic Tire Industry.

Team Belize U21 played Honduras yesterday
Team Belize won the first set 25-20 but let down on intensity and lost the second set 25-16. Belize was up very late in the 3rd set but lost it 25-23. Honduras pulled out the match winning set four 25-18. Francis Hauze had 25 points while Michael Jenkins had 20 points. Belize plays Panama this morning at 8:30 am and El Salvador at 7:30 pm tonight. Point by point, set by set. Let's go Belize!!!

UB is requesting proposals for a lease or partnership arrangement to operate it's facility on Hunting Caye
The station is located on the island which is 1.29 miles acres. Hunting Caye is located in the south of the Belize and it is about 36 miles from Punta Gorda Town. Hunting Caye lies within the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef system, a World Heritage Site. The deadline for submission of proposals is September 18, 2017. For more information, contact Mr. Roy Polonio at [email protected] Proposals are to be submitted to the Office of the President, University of Belize. or email: [email protected]

10th September 1931
We at BARS are saddened by the utter devastation faced by thousands of our brothers and sisters on the affected islands in the Caribbean. We keep in our thoughts those that are in the trajectory path of Irma, those that will be forced to endure the wrath Jose and those in the path of Katia. Although Belize was blessed enough to be spared from Harvey, some made comments such as "Shucks, I wanted a day off work." Perhaps it is because they weren't alive during the major storms that have leveled Belize City or devastated the islands and the south. Today, we give you an excerpt from the book Cyclone written by Ernest E. Cain. It documents the arrival of the catastrophic Category 4 hurricane which devastated Belize on 10th September, 1931, normally a day of fanfare and merriment. We urge everyone to keep in mind how truly blessed we are as we approach our Tenth of September Celebrations. Have a fun and save weekend whether you spend it inside hiding from the hot sun or patiently waiting for the Carnival to arrive at your viewing spot. Have a beautiful and blessed Tenth everyone! Happy Battle of St. George's Caye Day!

THE NORTHERN MAYA OF BELIZE TODAY
The cotton plant was the basic product for making the wick for Candles used for Maya rituals as seen at the Maya Altar. Nojoch Chiich Anselma Yam(Maya elder over 102years) is skilled in doing this string (K'uuch) from Cotton with a spindle (Pechech) and a Jicara (Luuch).'Wax' produced by bees (Xunaan Kaab) was also a basic product. Honey is also used to sweeten wine made from 'Balche' bark used at the Primicias(Maya Thanksgiving), Cha Chaac and Hanal Pixan. Honey was also used to sweeten "Sacab" sacred corn drink offered at all Maya Rituals at the milpas. If you did not taste "Balche Wine and Sacab" at Marcus Canul Day you surely missed it because the Balche is only made for the Maya traditions already mentioned .

Job Opportunity at BEL
A vacancy exists at Belize Electricity Limited for the post of Human Resources Officer I in the Human Resources Department (Belize City)

'Call for Artist' deadline extended
Kindly be informed that the date for our 'Call for Artist' submission deadline has been extended to Wednesday September 13th, 2017. For further details, contact Ilona Smiling at [email protected] or Yusliedy Chan at [email protected], or you may also call our office at 223-4524. The Museum of Belize is inviting Belizean artists to submit up to three (3) pieces of their original artwork, to be displayed in our new art exhibition on September 29th, 2017. Pieces should be no bigger than 24 inches by 36 inches, and must be submitted by Friday, September 8th. Artwork does not need to be theme-based, but must be family appropriate content. For more information, contact Ilona Smiling at [email protected] Yusleidy Chan at [email protected]. You can also call them at 223-4524.

"Flight Cafe" opens in San Pedro
We are happy to announce that we will be having our soft opening on Tuesday the 12th. We will offer 20% discount on all our coffee drinks and smoothies during all the week. We are welcoming everybody to stop by ! We are located at Sancas Plaza, right across from Tropic air.

Channel 7

Cops Take Aim At Media Using Social Media
For the past 2 days, all the news has been about the showdown between police and the PUP at the Tower Hill Bridge. PUP leaders, supporters and the media got roughed up by the police Special Patrol Unit, as they tried to clear the bridge. But one member of the media seemed to have been targeted for special manhandling, and part of it is surely because she's a female. The police have deservedly taken heavy public criticism for it, and it seems, some police officers are not happy with the coverage. They've taken to Facebook to make their displeasure known. We've seen a posts like this one from a woman claiming to be a police officer who was on duty that day. She makes absolutely no apologies for her comment, which is laced with expletives, and translated from Kriol, it says, "We had a job to protect those people today, and they chose to make it hard on themselves...So, we did what we had to." End quote.

Did the PUP Riot?
And while police can do their own internal discipline, externally there are mounting questions on whether the commander on the scene of the Tower Hill uproar should have read the riot act before using physical force and tear gas to disperse the crowd. Yesterday, Broaster told us that the gathering did not meet the definition of a riot:.. ACP Edward Broaster, Operations Commander: "It didn't meet the threshold." Jules Vasquez, reporter: "What would that threshold be?" ACP Edward Broaster, Operations Commander: "Threshold would have been riotous act where they were throwing missiles and committing other crimes."

Two More Officers Accused Of Extortion
Tonight, 2 police officers are being accused of extorting a civilian of $800. They are 37 year-old Sergeant Lenancio Bol, and 30 year-old Constable Daniel Requena - but they were allegedly caught in a sting operation after the extortion. On Tuesday Estefania Gomez, was at work when a taxi driver friend called her. He told her that 3 of her female friends were detained by police because they did not have proper immigration documents. She asked to speak with the officer in charge, and she recognized his voice as Sergeant Bol, who she is familiar with. She offered Bol $600 to release her friends, and according to her, he said that that money was too small. Gomez said that she upped the offer to $800, and he accepted.

Judge: Akeem Not Guilty In Ardon's Murder
After spending 4 years and 5 months on remand, 22 year-old Akeem Augustine has been acquitted of the March 2013 murder of Ardon Belgrave. That's the decision that Justice Adolph Lucas handed down at the end of Augustine's trial without jury. On March 19, 2013, 27 year-old Belgrave was shot on Caesar Ridge Road in broad day light. Eyewitness reports say that his shooter was chasing another target, who escaped. The gunman then turned around and shot Belgrave in the head.

Deadly Mexican Earthquake Shakes Belize
Last night at a few minutes to 11:00, Belizeans all across the west and north felt their beds and walls shaking. Those were the tremors coming from a powerful earthquake off Mexico's west coast near it's border with Guatemala. At least 58 persons were in Mexico by the country's most powerful quake in a century. The effects of the quake were felt as far out as Mexico City, Guatemala, and of course, Belize got a little taste of it as well. If you're like me, you were terrified, while others didn't even know it happened. Today we went out to Albert Street to sample reaction to the quake.

Caribbean Braces for More Battering
Tonight, Hurricane Irma's southwestern eyewall is moving over the north coast of Cuba with maximum winds of 155 miles per hour. The storm tore through the Caribbean all this week, leaving a wake of massive destruction and devastation in places such as Antigua and Barbuda, Turks and Caicos, Anguilla, and the US Virgin Islands, among others. And now, Hurricane Jose, A category four storm is heading right for Antigua and Barbuda. Today in St. LUCIA, Prime Minister Allen Chastanet - who is the chair of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean states held a press conference to discuss relief efforts being orchestrated by island nations close to those battered and wrecked by the storm:.. Here's one very direct account sent to us by a colleague from Antigua and Barbuda, as they prepare for another big hit from Jose:

Imagine If Irma...
So those two major tropical weather systems are terrorizing the eastern Caribbean, but Belize is very fortunate to be experiencing sunny and warm weather, perfect for the September Celebrations events on the calendar. But, while we celebrate Independence, our fellow Caribbean citizens in places like Bahamas are bracing for the worst this weekend as Cuba takes the beating tonight. Today, CEMO City Councillor Phillip Willoughby publicly breathed a sigh of relief. In a mood for reflection, he told us that Belizeans should be keeping the victims of Hurricane Irma in their prayers: Phillip Willoughby, Councillor: "That's a monster of a storm to be confronted with. We wish that on no one, no country, mo. people, but in light of what has taken place and what I have seen and I hope that the country of Belize even though we are in our festive mood at this time, take time out to look at what Harvey has done to the US, the State of Texas. Look at the islands affected and destroyed by Irma. Take time to search yourself and put yourself in those persons' position and really ravel with the situation they are facing at this time."

Dead Sharks In A Net After Season Closes
A few weeks ago we reported on a dead whale found by the Silk Cayes range. Well, today while giving a tour a San Pedro tour vessell came across a 500 foot net. Inside were two sharks that had been killed. The female, a tiger shark was reported to be about fifteen feet long and she may have been pregnant. The species of the other shark has not been identified yet. This came as a shock to many because the shark season is closed and the net that the sea animals were found in was far larger than the regulation size. The net did not have a tag on it so it is unclear at this time to who cast the net and caused the death of the two sharks.

Cruise Port Craziness?
Just two weeks ago, Government signed what it called a "Definitive Agreement" with the Feinstein Group to build the Stake Bank Cruise Docking Facility. That would be the first Cruise terminal in Belize where ships would actually be able to dock at the port, and not have to use cruise tenders. And now, there are reports that another agreement has been signed, this one with a group called Port of Magical belize.com. They say they want to build their own Cruise Ship Docking Facility which will be on a parcel of land along the coast just south of the Sibun Rivermouth in the Belize District. Port of Magical belize.com - which, oddly, even with a name like that, doesn't seem to have a website - is led by long time Cruise Tour Operator, David Gegg, and Free Zone businessman, Gulab Sharma.

Keeping Citizens Safe In September
Earlier this week, we told you how police took 2 explosives off the streets. This first was a seismic detonator type explosive used in oil exploration, and the other was a live Austrian defensive grenade. Both of these are extreme dangers to public safety especially for the duration of the September Celebrations where tens of thousands of Belizeans come out for the events such as J'ouvert, Carnival, the St. George's Caye Day, and Independence Day Parades. So, the police are on high alert. And today, two of the ranking officers, Assistant Police Commissioners Edward Broaster and Dezerie Philips, held a press brief to reassure you, the viewer, that they will do their best to keep you safe.

Police Minister Not Protecting "Prima"
The Amy Forte land fraud and forgery case that was making so much news a week ago has fizzled tonight - and that's because Amy Forte has still not made a police complaint. But, the investigation is still live - and Darlene Padron - the justice of the peace who signed the conveyance from Forte to Andre Vega remains a key figure in the case. She has said that there was no forgery and it was Amy Forte who came before her to sign the conveyance.

No More Hustling "Japes"
And so while Darlene Padron is under scrutiny in this land deal as the Justice of the Peace who signed off, the Attorney General's Ministry is reporting that they have been hearing of JP's demanding payment for their services. A press release from the Government says, quote, "The Ministry wishes to remind the public that Justices of the Peace are wholly disallowed from requesting or accepting any form of consideration for the duties...they are to provide voluntarily, without fear or favour, affection or ill-will, as a civic duty." End quote

Cops Learn Human Traffic Detection Techniques
Police officers from all over the country have been participating in human trafficking training for the past 2 weeks now. They've been attending sessions with the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Council to identify and address instances of human trafficking. The hope is that these trained officers will be able to conduct victim identification and referrals. So far, 64 officers have been trained in one-day workshops in the north, the east and the western parts of the country.

A Week To Learn Letters and Words
Today was celebrated as International Literacy Day all around the world - the day set aside to highlight the importance of reading to school children. Here in Belize, the District Education Centers organized events in the 6 districts under the theme, "Read to a Child Today, and Every Day". We checked in on the activities organized by the Belize District and learned about literacy: The Ministry also held a digital literacy showcase to demonstrate how technology can enhance reading and learning.

Cops Seized Caesar Ridge Road Weed
Yesterday morning, the Police Special Assignment Team found about a pound and a half of weed in the area of Cesar Ridge Road. They found 27 ounces of weed along with 14 live rounds of 9mm ammunition.

One Burger, No Mayo, Extra Marijuana!
That wasn't extra lettuce in your burger! That green, leafy substance was weed! That's what police must have told 26 year-old Elvis Aldana, a resident of Rivero Street, Belize City, after he tried to smuggle weed to a prisoner at the Magistrate's Court cellblock. The authorities say that he hid it inside a burger. A police officer working at the cell block said that Aldana handed him a burger to give to Trevor Guy, a man on remand who was brought to court for bail. The officer opened the burger and found 2.5 grams of marijuana stuffed inside. Aldana was charged with drug possession, and when he was arraigned before Magistrate Aretha Ford, he wasted no time and pleaded guilty.

The Legend Of Lamb Lives
This evening some Belize's senior citizens went on a short but special pilgrimage to the Lord Ridge Cemetery to honor a few Belizean patriots by laying a wreath on their graves. We caught them as they were honoring Simon Lamb - the man who fought to make the Tenth of September a national celebration. They told us more about Lamb and the impact he had in Belize. The seniors hope to continue this tradition every year.

More Mas Camp Madness
All this week we've been taking you inside the Carnival Mas Camps. Its an integral part of the Carnival judging and the bands have to show organization, and strong spirit from their band members. Here's what the last four bands showed us, and the judges. Nadia Avila, Mahogany Masqueraders: "The costumes they are very detailed and difficult to make sometimes it's good to go outside of the box so I have to bring out things that would suit the judge so the kids and the general; public and I must say it was difficult but due to the assistance from my friend Ms. Jackie my other half Mr. Mcoy, Ms Julie and the kids of course. The kids gave me hope."

Bone Crunching Competition
Next weekend a competition like no other will take place. It's a chicken foot eating competition. Competitors will have to down as many feet as they can in ten bone crunching minutes. However chicken foot is not the only thing on the menu. Pat King the organizer of this charitable event told us more. Sahar Vasquez, reporter: "What can you tell us about the event that you are having?" Pat King, Organizer: "It's Friday night September 15th at the Corozal Civic Center. There are two different events. One is the rum, rice, and rib tasting event. The other is the very first Belizean National Chicken foot eating contest. The rum, rib and rice tasting competition, chefs will prepare their specialties for guests to come in and taste."

Steve Harvey Lives at QOTB
And before we go tonight, there's one stop the press moment that's left our head spinning. A release sent on letterhead from the Queen of the Bay Secretariat would make even Steve Harvey's head spin. It says that the national Queen of The Bay Committee has chosen a new Queen of the Bay. Based on a protest, scores were reassessed and the certified reassessment determined that Miss Orange Walk, Esmeralda Cal, is the 72nd Queen of the Bay. The release says, quote, "The National Committee is satisfied with the due process. Miss Cal will be crowned on September 10th, 2017, at the official crowning ceremony to be held at the Memorial Park.

Channel 5

Getting prepared for holiday weekend with Police; threats addressed
As Belizeans prepare to start the extended celebration weekend, citizen’s security is a huge concern in light of lethal explosives found in recent days. A number of mass events such [...]

What did Home Affairs Minister really mean with media jibe over riot?
Are mixed signals being sent by the Ministry of Home Affairs? The Police Department spent upwards of half an hour at its Thursday press conference seeking to justify its treatment [...]

Cops vent on social media; one is reprimanded by bosses
The unfortunate incident on Wednesday during which reporter Marisol Amaya was physically assaulted by members of the Special Patrol Unit on the Tower Hill Bridge in Orange Walk, remains a [...]

Orange Walkeños to have final say over return of Gapi Vega
The news according to Orange Walk North area representative Gaspar Vega that he is considering running for another term put a cat among the pigeons in the United Democratic Party’s [...]

Embattled rep has no answers for land scam
The Orange Walk North area representative made his first televised interview in several months during Wednesday’s protests, but was careful to skirt the issue of activities at the Ministry of [...]

Cops to court for extortion
A pair of officers attached to Precinct Three in Belize City is out on bail after being arraigned on extortion related charges earlier today.  The duo, identified as Sergeant Lenancio [...]

Succotz tour guide killed in border area
A Belizean was reportedly killed in the Champon area of the western border with Guatemala. News Five has learned that San Jose Succotz tour guide Carlos “Botty” Manzanero was at [...]

Catholic leader in Belmopan promises “re-negotiation” over St. Michael’s land
Pressure from members of the subdivision of Las Flores in Belmopan seems to have turned the Catholic Church around on the issue of two parcels of land located next to [...]

Mom delivers triplets at K.H.M.H.
A set of triplets was delivered at the K.H.M.H.’s Labour and Delivery Unit on Tuesday. Sometime, around ten that morning, the first time mother delivered two boys and one girl. [...]

Shutdown of surgeries in North delivers heavier workload to Karl Heusner
Holiday weekends often carry a greater load of patients for the national referral hospital, the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital in Belize City. This weekend, that load increases because all surgery [...]

New cruise port to be built in southern Belize District
Before Norwegian Cruise Lines’ Harvest Caye opened last November, Belize had exactly zero docking facilities for visiting cruise ships. With construction set to open on Michael Feinstein’s Stake Bank project [...]

Developer touts greater opportunities for villagers, established workers
A second phase to the project will add two berthing docks and a five-star three hundred-room hotel and water theme park. The Government, represented at the signing by Minister of [...]

Man walks from Ardon Belgrave murder
After four years and six months on remand for the murder of Ardon Belgrave in March 2013, Akeem Augustine, is freed of murder. Belgrave was shot and executed while on [...]

Belizeans felt the Earth move after Chiapas quake
Latest reports say that at least fifty-eight persons have lost their lives following a magnitude eight point one earthquake in Mexico on Thursday night, causing tsunami warnings for countries across [...]

Irma races for Florida, leaving destruction across Northern Caribbean
Since the start of this week we have been showing you the devastation of Hurricane Irma across the Caribbean, particularly the Leeward Islands. St Barthelemy, St Maarten, Barbuda and several [...]

J.P.’s warned not to charge for services
No justice of the peace should be asking people to pay for services they provide for free. That is according to the Attorney General’s Ministry, which sent out a statement [...]

Celebrating International Literacy Day
The digital world is changing rapidly as we know. We can get information at our fingertips with just the click of button as long we have access to the internet [...]

Channel Five is the place to be for Carnival!
This Saturday Channel Five will be bringing you a comprehensive and live coverage of the 2017 annual carnival road march. Our coverage starts at one in the afternoon and hosts [...]

The final night of mas camps
Junior and senior bands showed off their costumes on Thursday night at various camps around the city. Four bands were the last to be judged in this season prior to [...]

LOVE FM

http://lovefm.com/2017/09/08/two-police-officers-charged-for-extortion/Two Police Officers Charged for Extortion
Thirty seven year old Sergeant of Police Lenancio Bol and 30 year old police constable Daniel Requena, both attached to Precinct three in Belize City, were jointly charged for extortion following an incident that happened on Tuesday September 5. According to an official police release on the incident, on that day the officers detained three […]

Police Officer in trouble for lashing out the media on Facebook
And while on the topic of police conduct, there is another police officer who has found himself in trouble with the Department’s command. His fault was posting on Facebook. While the department doesn’t prohibit officers from being on social media, we learned today that there are social media policies they must follow. So what happened? […]

NWC condemns man-handling of Female Journalist
The National Women’s Commission fired off a release this morning expressing outrage over the treatment of female journalist Marisol Amaya. (VO STARTS) The NWC condemns the man-handling of Amaya saying that such acts of assault upon anyone, let alone a woman in the media are a form of gender-based violence that must not be tolerated. […]

UDP comments on PUP’s blocking of Toll Bridge
The Orange Walk UDP Executive Committee says what the PUP staged at the Toll Bridge on Wednesday was quote, “irresponsible, foolish and a wanton disregard for the public safety”. End of quote. The UDP is holding Opposition Leader John Briceno and his colleagues responsible for what unfolded on the Toll Bridge. A release from the […]

Elrington comments on Toll Bridge incident
The public outcry on the incident at the Toll Bridge in Tower Hill Orange Walk continues to dominate conversations this week, even as police have apologized to the media and other persons who were caught in the middle of the chaos. On Thursday, the media spoke with Minister of Foreign Affairs Wilfred Elrington who told […]

Commissioner of Police on sick leave
Commissioner of Police Allen Whylie is absenting himself from his position for at least two months. He was on one month’s leave and is now on another month’s sick leave. Is the Ministry concerned that the Police’s high command is out of office for so long? Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs […]

Kareem Augustine walks from murder charge
Kareem Augustine, charged with the murder of Ardon Belgrave, was acquitted of the charge today by Justice Adolph Lucas in a trial without jury. Belgrave was shot and killed on March 19, 2013, on Caesar Ridge Road. In his ruling Justice Lucas said that the Crown has failed to prove beyond a reasonable that it […]

The Police reassure the public it’s safe to celebrate
The September fever continues on Saturday starting early in the morning with the Carnival Jouvert starting at four o’clock and hours later Belizeans converge in the City for the Carnival parade. Today, Assistant Commissioner of Police Edward Broaster, Operations commander and Central Regional Commander Dezerie Magdaleno met with the media to inform the public that […]

Has the public lost confidence in the Police?
But while ACP Broaster has asked that officers conduct themselves appropriately, he was asked whether the public can indeed feel assured that the police personnel will not in fact engage in the use of excessive and unwarranted force. There was a suggestion that the public may be somewhat nervous around the police at the moment. […]

Inauguration of Schools
Four schools were inaugurated today down south. The construction of two primary and two preschools in the Stann Creek and Toledo Districts were recently completed. The Government secured a grant valued more than two million dollars from the Caribbean Development Bank under the bank’s Basic Needs Trust Fund Programme for the construction of the schools […]

Amandala

Mauling Marisol!!
Belizeans across the length and breadth of the nation were stunned after they heard of, or saw the shocking display of excessive police force pointedly used on KREM Radio/TV’s stellar news editor, Marisol Amaya, at the Tower Hill Bridge in Orange Walk yesterday. Marisol, who was covering an event, a “protest march against government corruption” organized by the People’s United Party, Her Majesty’s Loyal Opposition, was grabbed from behind, while doing an interview, and thrown to the ground by Inspector Aaron Gamboa, the Officer Commanding the Special Patrol Unit (SPU). While she was on the ground, another male officer of the SPU, identified as Nicholas Gomez, made an attempt to hit the journalist with his baton. Fortunately, Amaya’s colleague from CTV3, Fernando Pier Sanchez, heroically stuck out his hand, thereby saving her from the blow.

In police custody, almost 5 pounds of suspected cocaine turns into sugar!
A Dangriga man who was remanded on a charge of drug trafficking for allegedly having in his possession 2.2 kilos (4.85 pounds) of cocaine, was cleared of the charge this morning when he was brought to court from the Belize Central Prison, where he has been since July 31, when he was arraigned on the charge. Keenan Flores, 23, appeared before Magistrate Aretha Ford, but the magistrate told him that the prosecution had withdrawn the charge against him based on a memorandum that was sent by the Belize Forensic and Science Services, in which the lab declared that the substance that was supposedly cocaine was in fact sugar.

Corruption has reached a peak – enough is enough, say the PUP
The Opposition People’s United Party (PUP) today had an impressive turnout after declaring over the weekend that it would march on the town of Orange Walk, home to embattled former UDP Cabinet Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, Margarito Gaspar “Gapi” Vega. Vega’s supporters also staged their own gathering in defense of his “honesty” and “integrity.” However, the turnout of about fifty persons could not compare to over a thousand PUP protesters from across the country who poured into the town just before 9 o’clock this morning, creating a blue wave at the San Lorenzo Road near the Northern Regional Hospital. From there, the crowd marched peacefully, but loudly, on the Philip Goldson Highway, the Otro Benque Road, Hospital Crescent, Main Street, Bakers Street, Queen Victoria Avenue and finally to Central Park, where a short rally was held.

In Belize, an average of 2 suicides occur each month
Most suicides in Belize don’t actually make the news. According to information published this week by the Ministry of Health, Belize has averaged about 2 suicides per month over the past 5 years (2012-2016), whereas there have been an average of 6 suicide attempts a month over the same period. What the data shows is that the vast majority of suicide victims are males (a ratio of 4 males to every female), whereas the vast majority of attempts are made by women (6 in 10 or roughly 60%). For the 5-year span, there were 113 suicides: 75 of them by hanging, 24 by medication or poison, 8 by firearm, 2 by drowning, 2 by cutting blades, and 1 by fire. By location, the bulk of cases were from the Cayo District: 31, followed next in line by the Belize District: 27.

8.0 magnitude earthquake offshore Mexico rocks Belize
Belizeans from Corozal and San Pedro all the way down to the southern parts of the country reported tonight that they felt the shaking caused for several minutes by an 8.0 magnitude earthquake which happened offshore Chiapas, Mexico, at around 10:50 p.m. Belize City, followed by powerful aftershocks. The earthquake—which had its epicenter in the Pacific Ocean, 60 miles southwest of Pijijiapan, just north of the Mexico-Guatemala border and 6.2 miles below the surface at 15.13 N latitude and 93.95 W longitude—is said to have caused “slightly damaging effects” in Mexico, where people fled buildings in the capital city amid the earthquake. The quake was also felt in neighboring Guatemala.

Warriors on Wheels founder, Mary Alisa Franklin, brings campaign to Belize
Unless you’ve spent a day in a wheelchair, you very likely cannot begin to fathom the everyday challenges with which a paraplegic has to contend on a regular basis. Imagine having to crawl up the stairway to get into a plane because help is refused, as was the case with a man in Japan, to enable safe boarding onto a commercial flight! And imagine the dread of being carried down wobbly stairs from an aircraft, just because a lift, which would make for safer conveyance, is unavailable. Provisions to enable people with diverse abilities to move around as independently as possible are fundamental to ensuring that these persons can go where they want to go, when they need to go. It is their right to seek and demand the fullest human existence possible.

WW Albert Street Criterium 2017 results
Here are the results from the September Criterium races held yesterday, Sunday, September 3, on the Albert & Regent Street circuits. Races started at 1:00 p.m. Categories included Weekend Warriors (WW) “C”, “B” and “A,” as well as Cycling Federation of Belize, (CFB) Juniors and Elites. Weekend Warriors “C” (10 laps): 1st place – Steve Gill (Smart, 28:38); 2nd Taralee Ordonez (Kulture Megabytes); 3rd Kaylen Gillett (Kulture Megabytes); 4th Anthea Sutherland (Team BFSC); and 5th Karl Mahler (unattached). Weekend Warriors “B” (15 laps): 1st place – Marvin Hyde (unattached, 49:25); 2nd Santino Castillo (Santino’s, st); 3rd Ryan Willoughby (Valvoline); 4th Mark Reid (Santino’s); 5th Gilberto Acosta (Santino’s); 6th Raymond Hyde (Santino’s); 7th Ruthford Cunningham (Spinnaz); and 8th Ian Abraham (Smart). 3 other riders failed to finish.

Dangriga sports stats
The Dangriga Basketball Association (DBA) U-21 semifinals took place at the Ecumenical Auditorium on Saturday, September 2. In the semifinals game 1, Harlem Shockers prevailed, 61-52, over Foreshore Pelicans. For Harlem Shockers, Donell Arzu had 24 pts, Howard Arzu 17 pts 12 rebs, and Dylan Flores 5 pts 11 rebs; while for Foreshore Pelicans it was Lesley Williams 20 pts 12 rebs, Deon Castillo 12 pts 8 rebs, and Erwin Middleton 9 pts 3 rebs. Dangriga Town Council, in conjunction with Dangriga Amateur Cycling Association, along with the Dangriga Town Council September Celebrations Executive, will be hosting the first annual Mayor’s Cycling Classic, which will be a Criterium, 10 laps around Dangriga Town, on Monday, September 11, that will be a public and bank holiday.

“In the Paint” – INTEROFFICE BASKETBALL
With the # 1 seeded Dragons winning their semifinal match-up, 84-76, over Tuff E Nuff on Saturday night; and the defending champs, Belize Bank Bulldogs wrapping up their semifinal leg over Central Health by the final score of 81-73, we’re about to get a finals dream match-up with the #1 seed facing the #2 seed. While a number of the Dragons players have played in the finals before, from a team name perspective, this is the first time they will be in the finals; and on the other hand, the Bulldogs will be looking to complete a three-peat for the first time, a feat which has never been attained in this modern version of Interoffice Basketball.

Measured steps forward for FFB, after more hiccups in 3rd Extraordinary Congress on Saturday
The media is not welcome inside the room at Football Federation of Belize (FFB) Congress meetings; and after over five hours of their closed door session this past Saturday morning, September 2, at the Princess Ramada hotel, Acting-President Marlon Kuylen answered questions from the press on the obstacles crossed at the Congress and those still in the way of the Federation. On the plus side, Kuylen reported that, as opposed to the completely failed Ordinary Congress in late June of this year, when a quorum of members could not be achieved, this past Saturday’s Extraordinary Congress enjoyed one hundred per cent attendance from members of the Federation. But that was still not enough to successfully complete all the agenda items proposed to be settled at the meeting.

Editorial: Who gave the order?
Our feeling at this newspaper is that a civilian politician gave the order for KREM Radio/TV News Editor, Marisol Amaya, to be manhandled and abused on the Tower Hill Bridge on Wednesday afternoon, September 6, 2017. There is, of course, the possibility that Inspector of Police, Aaron Gamboa, who did the actual manhandling, and was videotaped doing so, acted on his own initiative, as commander of the Special Patrol Unit (security forces). Whether he acted on his own initiative or was following orders from a superior, Inspector Gamboa made a mistake which will haunt him for the rest of his life. A few months ago, May 18, 2017, to be exact, during a hearing of the Senate Select Committee which is investigating the various scandals at the Immigration Department, Brian Audinett, an activist of the ruling United Democratic Party (UDP) who is their sergeant-at-arms in the House of Representatives, assaulted the aforementioned Marisol Amaya, who was covering those hearings and was responding as a professional journalist to an uproar in the gallery led by UDP Chairman, Alberto August.

A Francis Arana Independence essay submitted by his son, John
Editor Amandala, Warm greetings. If you can, could you please publish sometime this month the Independence Essay “Independence is just the beginning” attached, written by my late father, Frank Arana, in 1981 before the discovery of oil in Spanish Lookout and Never Delay and before the discovery of gold in the Ceibo Chico. As a backstory, my Dad was affected by “pink eye” and was at home when he became aware of the Independence Essay competition and since he was on sick leave decided to participate and won the second prize. Thanks very much. Best regards,

“Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth.” (Buddha)
Here’s a statement that’s not even controversial any more, but needs to be said: From top to bottom the GOB oligarchy is little more than a criminal enterprise. Period. The expression “thick as thieves”, meaning “partners in crime”, seems particularly appropriate when describing the Dishonorable’s who haunt the halls in Belmopan, and who are recognizable by their lack of a moral or ethical compass. If you believed that the Government was honest and fair-minded you’d be the only one! What I find bedeviling is why Belizeans are not more outraged over the criminal behavior emanating from every opaque and corrupt Ministry. “What it is, is what it is” (there’s a credible assurance that nothing will be done) indeed Mr. Barrow, and that would be a country without a leader who believes in Truth and Justice, Truth and Accountability, who is blind to Lies and Obfuscation; a morally bankrupt country. If there is no justice then the meaning of life is lost, and in order to get justice, you need to have truth.

The etymology of the name “Belize”
According to legend (no proof available), the name “Belize” is a corruption of the name of one Peter Wallace, a buccaneer who sometime in the 1600’s was driven from the island of Tortuga by the Spaniards, but then sailed west, arriving at the mouth of what is now the Haulover Creek (not the mouth of the Belize River), where he set up a camp. It is alleged that the Spaniards called the “river” Valis or Balis; this legend is attributed to the Dominican priest, Fray Jose Delgado. There is also the suggestion that “Belize” is derived from the French word balise, or beacon. E. O. Winzerling, in his book “The Beginning of British Honduras 1506-1765,” suggested that French corsairs were in the area before 1600 and others have suggested that they used to mark channels through the mangroves with “beacons.” The most plausible or reasonable hypothesis is that “Belize” is of Maya origin, at least most scholars are of that view, and my most believable is that of the late Dr. Eric Thompson, the world-renowned anthropologist and hieroglyphics expert credited with cracking the Maya code.

A tale of two mysteries
Belize originally should have been politically independent in the mid 1960s; at least that was what the UK hoped during the government of Prime Minister Alec Douglas-Home. The Prime Minster wanted to join the European Common Market and his chances would have been improved without the encumbrance of colonial territories. However, Alec Douglas–Home was Prime Minister for less than a year, so his successor, PM Harold Wilson, had to continue the task which was first offered to Colonial Secretary, Anthony Greenwood (he came to Belize in October of 1965 to inaugurate the city of Belmopan). Greenwood refused the offer and threatened to resign if his hand was forced. He was moved to Ministry of Overseas Development and Duncan Sandys accepted the post of Colonial Secretary and was able to get rid of eleven colonies. Belize would have been #12 but for the territorial dispute with the Republic of Guatemala. Sandys was eager to do the job and in a secret memo to his staff he is quoted as saying, “Britain has no desire to hold on to her remaining colonies a day longer than is necessary. Politically, they involve much unwelcome controversy with the outside world and economically we draw no profit from our sovereignty.”

Right to the Point
I had seen a notice that the PUP were holding an anti-corruption march in Orange Walk and wanted to attend. I wanted to attend because I am tired of the passive nature of our people in the face of all this corruption and it’s like at the core we are all corrupt and are comfortable in it. I honestly did not mind that it was a political party that was doing it, even though I am not a supporter of that party and really have only had a card membership in the United Democratic Party. Nevertheless, I am fully aware that Her Majesty’s Loyal Opposition needs to act, otherwise it is best they be removed as the official opposition in our government, as they too form part of our system of governance and cannot continue to fail us in denouncing the ills and corruption of this Barrow/Vega/Faber administration. I know lots of people cannot appreciate this finer point of our governance because they are too caught up in the divide-and rule political tribalism… but I am beyond that… I can stand with the PUP against corruption in a rally, and I know that my standing alongside them does not mean I join their party or even would wish to be a card-carrying member.

Ambush in San Pedro; one dead, one hospitalized
Rudolph Pitts, 36, a maintenance worker at a resort in northern San Pedro, was found dead at about 3:30 this afternoon in some bushes off a back road in northern San Pedro, with 4 gunshot wounds in his chest and abdomen. San Pedro police were looking for Pitts after he was reported missing after 8:30 last night by his friend and co-worker Edgar Lopez, 22, of San Pedro, also a maintenance worker at the same resort. Lopez told police that he and Pitts were walking on a back road in northern San Pedro at about 8:30 last night when three men came out of the bushes and opened fire on them.

Miss Jane celebrates 100th birthday
Dr. Jane Ellen Usher (nationally and affectionately known as Miss Jane), the longest running Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in the country, and the Caribbean, today celebrated her 100th birthday. Miss Jane, who lives on the Philip Goldson Highway, has been CEO of the Holy Redeemer Credit Union (HRCU), the largest and most asset-rich credit union in the country — with assets of over $501.2 million dollars and a record 50,564 members — since 1956. True to her spirit, Miss Jane spent her birthday at work at HRCU, on Hydes Lane, where she initially worked as a clerk when she joined the organization in 1944. On her birthday, she said she feels truly blessed to have reached this milestone of 100 years. She loves to go to her workplace, where she gets the opportunity to talk to staff members and of course, the member-owners of HRCU. She says she is humbled to be at the forefront as CEO of the largest credit union in Belize, which is also among the largest in the Caribbean region.

Back from hiatus, Senate Special Select Committee calls Immigration Director Diana Locke
The Senate Special Select Committee commissioned to probe into the latest immigration controversy unearthed by a 3-volume audit into the issuance of Belizean visas, nationality, and passports by Belize’s Auditor General Dorothy Bradley, ended its hiatus when it called Immigration Director Diana Locke to appear this afternoon inside the National Assembly in Belmopan. Locke spoke of continued challenges even as they have moved to put new systems in place to curb acts of impropriety. Senator for the business community, Mark Lizarraga, asked Locke: “We have heard quite a bit about this culture of corruption that existed in this Department. Was this your experience when you came to the department, Director; did you encounter a culture of corruption?”

Road collision claims the life of Joaquin Viamill, 38
Joaquin Viamill, 38, a businessman of Carmelita, Orange Walk District, lost his life at about 7:30 last night in a traffic accident on the Philip Goldson Highway. Viamill and his wife, Julissa, 37, were traveling in their SUV from Orange Walk to Belize City when on arriving near Mile 15, Viamill, who was driving, lost control of the vehicle, which overturned several times and landed on top of Viamill, who was thrown out when it flipped. People who saw the accident moved the SUV off Viamill. Viamill suffered massive head and body injuries and reportedly died immediately.

The Reporter

Man crashes and dies while racing on motorcycle
A man lost his life earlier tonight in a motorcycle accident in the Orange Walk district. Police say that at around 6:30 p.m., they received information of a traffic accident on the Progreso road, about a mile from the junction with Copper Bank. When they […]

HRCU’s Mrs Jane Usher celebrates a century
Tuesday September 5, 2017 marked an important milestone in the life of well-known Belizean Icon, Dr. Jane Ellen Usher as she celebrated 100-years-of life on earth, of which she has dedicated most of her years to serving the people of Belize. Born as Jane Ellen […]

Hurricane Irma wreaks havoc on Caribbean islands; 2 more on the way!
Hurricane Irma - the most powerful hurricane ever recorded over the Atlantic Ocean - wreaked havoc over parts of the northern Caribbean as a Category 5 monster hurricane, with heavy rains and maximum sustained winds of 185 mph this week. Irma ripped through Barbuda, St. […]

GOB says Hurricane Harvey to blame for new gas price hikes
The price per gallon of gasoline in Belize is about to go even higher, and the Government of Belize says that the increase is due to Hurricane Harvey, which hit the United States earlier this month. GOB issued a statement on Monday, explaining that the […]

Churches against celebrating the 10th on the 10th
The much anticipated September celebrations in Belize have officially kicked off countrywide, however the Belize Council of Churches is demanding that the 10th of September celebration not be observed on the 10th on account of it falling on a Sunday. The Council expressed its dismay […]

Aaliyah Ysaguirre wins Queen of Bay 2017
Miss Stann Creek Aaliyah Ysaguirre returned the Queen of the Bay crown to the culture capital Dangriga for the third consecutive year, as she won the judges’ approval with her eloquence and poise, when the Queen of the Bay committee held 72nd annual pageant at Birds Isle last Saturday night, […]

Man crushed to death in tragic accident, wife survives
A 37-year-old Carmelita village reisdent, Julissa Villamil, is recovering from injuries to her leg while mourning her husband, Joaquin Villamil, 38, who was crushed to death in an accident between miles 14 and 15 of the Philip Goldson highway on Wednesday night. According to police, […]

Police find 2 explosives in less than four days!
Police searches conducted in two abandoned lots between Saturday and Wednesday morning have unearthed two explosive devices capable of causing mass casualties if they were to be detonated in a public setting. The most recent device at around 1:15 Wednesday morning is a hand grenade […]

Family fear mounts for missing Belize City teenager
The family of 17-year-old Erwin Paulino Rodriguez are becoming increasingly worried after the teen went missing last week and has not been heard from since. The family carried out a weekend search in the area know as Dyke off Fabers Road in Belize City and […]

US citizen issued with NIP for traffic fatality on the Buena Vista Road
San Ignacio police have issued a Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP) to a US citizen after she allegedly knocked down and killed an elderly man on the Buena Vista road early Tuesday morning. The woman, identified as 20-year-old Jessica Miller, was detained at the police […]

The Billion-Dollar Question: How to fill Belize’s Credit Gap?
There are some things that become so cliché that the reminder of their existence is often void of its original effect. This is true for several things, including the discussion on how to accelerate business growth in Belize. More specifically, we often hear the phrase: “Micro, Small and Medium-sized businesses […]

Taiwan donates $100,000 to Police for equipment
The officers of the Belize Police Department will soon be better outfitted to carry out their work more effectively through a donation of $100,000 from Taiwan. The donation was made during a signing ceremony on Thursday at the Raccoon Street Police Station for a technical […]

New Honorary Consul of Canada appointed to Belize
The High Commissioner of Canada to Belize, Deborah Chatsis, has recently announced that Lynn Young has been appointed as the Honorary Consul of Canada resident to Belize. The appointment was facilitated by His Excellency the Governor General of Belize Honorable Colville Young, after the Belize […]

Land dispute in Las Flores escalates
Las Flores community members took to the streets in protest on Thursday, demanding that Belmopan Mayor, Khalid Belisle, return the land that houses St. Michael’s Roman Catholic School, which the Belmopan City Council (BCC) had sold. Two days after BCC announced the parties had reached “an amicable […]

PUP Protesters teargassed!
Party supporters of both the United Democratic Party (PUP) and the People’s United Party (PUP) made political statements on Wednesday when they staged rallies in support of the two political figures in Orange Walk North, Gaspar Vega for the UDP and Ramon Cervantes for the […]

Policeman roughs up journalist
Wednesday’s rallies in Orange Walk did not go without incident. A senior media representative, Krem’s News Director, Marisol Amaya, was assaulted and dragged away by a policeman while conducting an interview. The policeman grew impatient when the media representatives, who were in the middle of […]

Social Security Board headed for disaster
The Social Security Board (SSB) said this week, that the fund could collapse in four years if there isn’t an increase in contributions. The SSB held a media mixer this week, giving a breakdown in its financials, and explaining the importance of revisiting the contribution scheme. The […]

Health officials battle surgery crisis in the north
The Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital Authority (KHMHA) has gone on record to say that it has not rejected any referral surgeries from the Northern Regional Hospital despite claims it has, during an equipment issue that rendered the NRH unable to perform surgeries requiring anesthesia. The KHMHA emphasized […]

Police assure safe September celebrations
The senior command of the Belize Police Department has assured that the Department will do all in its power to ensure that members of the public are safe during the September celebrations. Assistant Commissioner of Police, Edward Boraster, along with Assistant Commissioner of Police Desiree […]

Massive earthquake kills dozens in Mexico
At least 33 people have been confirmed dead after an earthquake measuring magnitude 8.2 on the Richter scale struck Mexico’s Pacific coastline last night. The earthquake struck at around 10:50 p.m., local time, about 54 miles south-west of Pijijiapan. Mexican media houses report severe damages […]

Breaking Belize News

Deaf mute man remanded to prison for aggravated assault with a firearm
Forty one year old, Gaylon Foreman, a deaf mute with a swollen genital condition, was hauled into #2 Magistrate’s court this afternoon in Belize City. He could barely walk but still showed up to answer to the charge of aggravated assault with a firearm which was read to him with the assistance of an interpreter.

Elvis Aldana busted with weed at Magistrate Court
Elvis Aldana, 26, a fisherman of Rivero Street in Belize City, today was busted as he attempted to smuggle weed in a burger to an inmate in the cell at the Magistrate Court.He was taken before Magistrate Aretha Ford where he was read a charge of possession of a controlled drug.

BPP condemns police and calls for apology to Marisol Amaya
The Belize Progressive Party (BPP) has joined the voices of all concerned Belizeans who saw or heard about the man handling of KREMANDALA journalist and editor, Marisol Amaya, who was assaulted by police for no reason while documenting the PUP’s protest at Tower Hill Bridge in Orange Walk.

Senate hearing winding down
The Government of Belize is discontinuing funding for the Senate Special Select Committee, leading the inquiry into the Auditor General’s Special Audit Report on the Immigration and Nationality Department. Prime Minister Dean Barrow, in a letter written on August 3, told the Clerk of the National Assembly, Eddie Webster to serve notice about the funding coming to an end.

Women’s commission stand with KREM editor, Marisol Amaya
The National Women’s Commission (NWC) has joined the Opposition, Special Envoy for Women and Children, as well as KREMANDALA and other bodies in condemning the man handling of KREM Editor Marisol Amaya.

Jose strengthened to “dangerous” Category 4 Hurricane
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) is also monitoring Hurricane Jose in the Atlantic. Hurricane Jose was strengthened today to an extremely dangerous category 4 hurricane. As of this morning 11, the eye of Hurricane Jose was located near latitude 16.3 North, longitude 57.1 West. Jose is moving toward the west-northwest near 18 mph (30 km/h).

He stashed the weed in a sandwich
A teenager attempting to smuggle weed in a sandwich to a friend in a cell in Belize City was busted by police. Love FM reported that Tibruce Street resident, Jamie Williams, 19, gave police the sandwich yesterday afternoon to give to his friend.

Hurricane Katia to make landfall in Mexico tomorrow
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) is reporting that as of 11 am today, the center of Hurricane Katia was located near latitude 21.0 North and longitude 95.8 West. Hurricane Katia is the sixth hurricane of the 2017 season and it is expected to make landfall in Mexico on Saturday. Katia is currently a Category 2 Hurricane.

Increased police activity in San Pedro deter idle teen gang
San Pedro residents are breathing a sigh of relief due to effective policing in their municipality. At the end of last month several residents had reported on Facebook that they were attacked by a gang of teenagers. The attacks mostly occurred at night and were directed towards persons driving golf carts.

2.2 kilos of cocaine tested turned out to be sugar
Dangriga resident, Keenan Flores, 23, was jailed since July 31, after he was busted with what appeared to be 2.2 kilos of cocaine. However, when he appeared before Magistrate Aretha Ford on Wednesday, the charge of drug trafficking was withdrawn and he was freed. That is because when the Forensic Department tested the substance purported to have been cocaine, it was simply sugar.

Latest update on Hurricane Irma
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) is closely monitoring Hurricanes Irma, Katia and Jose in the Atlantic. As of 11 this morning, the eye of Hurricane Irma was located near latitude 22.0 North and longitude 75.3 West. Irma is moving toward the west-northwest near 14 miles per hour and this motion is expected to continue for the next day or so with a decrease in forward speed. A turn toward the northwest is expected by late Saturday.

Smart donates school supplies in Santa Elena Town
Yesterday, Smart distributed school bags and supplies to 60 students at the Santa Elena Primary School in Cayo District.

Shotgun stolen from Cane field in Orange Walk
On Wednesday, September 6, 2017,Nasario Mendez, 71, a farmer of Douglas Village, Orange Walk reported […]

Grocery store in PG robbed at gun point
Last night around 8:24, Hong Zhan, 23, a businessman of corner Cemetery Street and West Street, Punta Gorda reported that while he was inside his store – Happy’s Store, two masked men ran inside his store.

Elodio Aragon apologizes but gives his account of Wednesday’s protest
Following the mayhem on the Toll Bridge in Orange Walk Town where a journalist and PUP leaders were assaulted, Minister of State in Home Affairs, Elodio Aragon, apologized but provided his account of what transpired.

Is your vote secret? Derek Aikman says no!
Belizeans United For Equal Rights at Home and in the Diaspora (BUFERHD), led by former […]

KREM denounces attack against Marisol Amaya; calls on all media houses to stand against attack
Yesterday evening, KREM Radio and TV and Amandala issued a statement denouncing the attack against […]

Blogs

Remembering Our Father of Democracy: Philip S.W. Goldson
He was a politician, a journalist, a man of faith, a family man, but most importantly, a National Hero. The legacy of Philip Stanley Wilberforce Goldson forms one of the pillars of Belizean history. Known as the Father of Democracy, Philip Goldson dedicated his life to making Belize a better place for all. Growing up, we learned much about Philip Goldson’s contributions to society in grade school, but it’s always exciting to revisit the knowledge! He was born on July 25, 1923 in the former capital, Belize City, to Florence Matilda Goldson and Peter Edward Goldson during the colonial era, when Belize was known as the British Honduras. He became a leading figure during the Nationalist Movement, and was in National Government between 1950 and 2001. Goldson never faltered in his work towards improving his country, and today he is best known for his position in defense of Belize’s sovereignty with respect to the unfounded Guatemalan territorial claim.

Following friends through rehab - Mitch returns for Innie's release
I’ll always remember the day I first met Innie, then a young Yucatan black howler monkeys at Wildtracks, and the moment he leapt onto my neck and purred in my ear. Looking back it was a pretty life-changing moment. It led to me returning to Wildtracks again and again and again. I’ve met so many truly incredible people, monkeys, and manatees during my summers here, but I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that Innie is a little extra special to me. When I first met him he was a tiny baby with a broken arm, the only monkey of his age group at Wildtracks. Affectionate, seemingly confident (as long as his carers were nearby to back him up), and prone to mood swings, he was a handful, but everyone adored him. Then along came Vicky, a pudgy gorilla-like baby with an attitude and confidence that put Innie’s to shame. Thus, a new troop was formed. Now “Innie and co.” consists of Innie, Vicky, Maggie, and Finn...and they are one of the troops moving to freedom in Fireburn this year.

September fun events, Belize Hurricane stats, and other Belize news!
This has been a very stressful hurricane season for the Caribbean as we all know by now. It has led to a lot of panic throughout the region, and if you happen to be traveling to the Caribbean right now, you are probably not very happy about your timing. I wanted to take a look at Belize's hurricane history to find out your chances of being impacted during hurricane season here. Placencia itself was touched by Hurricane Earl in 2016, and was massively damaged by Hurricane Iris in 2001. There aren't too many reports of major hits in the 100 years before this - minor to moderate damage in the 1940's and once in the 1960's. So if you look at a specific village - the chances of that specific village getting hit are still pretty low - so, statistically - I would not plan your vacation around it!!

Magnificent Mangroves
When on your Tropic flight in Belize, if you look below you are bound to spot the Mangroves that make up much of the coast and the Cayes of our country. Mangroves are amazing trees. They are important to our eco – system in so many ways. They protect coastal areas from erosion, storm surge (especially during hurricanes) and tsunamis. Their massive root system is efficient at dissipating wave action and they slow down tidal water enough that its sediment is deposited as the tide comes in, leaving all except fine particles when the tides ebbs. In this way mangroves build their own environment, increasing land mass from mangrove swamp into low laying land. They spread by emitting aerial roots which fasten in the salty mud and eventually become new stems. This intricate root system makes these “forests” particularly attractive to fish as they act as feeding and nursery grounds to approximately 74 species of fish here in Belize. They also provide feeding and habitat to many of the birds, reptiles and mammals that you may see on your vacation.

“We Are Family” in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize
What do you do on a Tuesday afternoon on Ambergris Caye ? You go to a wedding, that’s what.Rose and I have known Solomon and Diani for a few years now and were there when Solomon proposed. And Diani accepted. We joined everyone else in toasting them (again and again and again ) afterwards. He said that they would get married in August. We didn’t think a great deal more about this until a few weeks ago when we were given our wedding invitation. Tuesday 29 August, 4.30 pm on the beach near Banyan Bay. “Get there early”, we were told, “It will start on time”. Yeh right, I thought. But Rose was insistent. So we set off from home with time to spare. Or so I thought. The journey there took longer than I remembered and it seemed that the roads were full of Sunday drivers ! But we made it. Just. I quickly parked the ‘cart. Locked it up (cartjackers are no respecters of weddings) and quickly got the camera out. But only just in time. The bride had arrived.

The Belize Zoo - Top Tips Before You Go
Guided tours are available in both English and Spanish, and visitors will be able to see, touch, and learn more about the many animals that call Belize home. Visitors will also be able to take unforgettable photographs next to the zoo's ambassadors, including Junior Buddy the jaguar, Runt the Keel-billed Toucan, Indy the tapir, and Panama the harpy eagle. Other animals at the zoo include gibnuts ("royal rats"), margays, ocelots, coatis, kinkajous ("night walkers"), toucans, king vultures, macaws, giant jabiru storks, endangered Morelet's crocodiles, colorful tree frogs, coral snakes, and boa constrictor snakes. Far different from a traditional zoo, the Belize Zoo is proud of its role in helping to further the conservation efforts of the country. Every year, the Belize Zoo helps rescue, rehabilitate, and protect injured and orphaned animals. The Belize Zoo is also the first facility in the country to be completely accessible for reduced mobility visitors, giving everyone a chance to learn more about the wildlife and plants that make the country such a beautiful, natural paradise.

Top Beach Destinations in Belize
If you’re planning on visiting Belize, it is very likely that your top priority is finding a great beach location to unwind, relax, and enjoy the sand between your toes and the cool sea breeze against your face as you stare at crystalline blue waters. This desire is very natural, after all, many people believe that Belize is actually a Caribbean island. Well, if you’re interested in finding the best beach destination in Belize, you’ve come to the right place because below I will list 5 of the top beach destinations in the country.

September Celebrations in Belize - Things to do and a brief history of Independence Day
September is one of the best time to be in Belize. It’s the tourism off-season, which means cheaper prices on accommodations and tours, and you can also partake in the patriotic September Celebrations. The most important date is September 21st, which is Belize’s Independence Day, but for almost two weeks leading up to that day, there are many festivities throughout the country. In early Belize history, the country was under Spanish rule, but Spain did not actually control the area due to the belief that the country did not have sufficient resources worth exploiting. Spain allowed British settlers into the area, and the settlers eventually gained a large presence. After some time, Spain regretted the large British presence and asked them to leave, however, the settlers did not comply and a war was waged.

International Sources

8.2 earthquake strikes coast of Mexico, tsunami warning triggered
A massive 8.2-magnitude earthquake hit off the coast of southern Mexico, toppling buildings and homes in various states and killing at least five people, including two children. The U.S. Geological Survey said the quake struck at 11:49 p.m. Thursday local time and its epicenter was 102 miles west of Tapachula in southern Chiapas state not far from Guatemala. It had a depth of 22 miles. Authorities in Chiapas said at least three people were killed, while officials in Tabasco state reported the two children killed. Tabasco Gov. Arturo Nunez said that one of the children died when a wall collapsed, and the other was a baby who died in a children's hospital that lost electricity, cutting off the supply to the infant's ventilator. In Chiapas, Gov. Manuel Velasco told Milenio TV that the deaths occurred in San Cristobal de las Casas. He also said that the quake damaged hospitals and schools.

Author to launch Belize’s first writers conference
She’s on a mission to reinvent literary history. Belizean writer and author Joey Garcia is launching her country’s first ever writers conference next spring. The Belize Writers Conference is set for April 23–28, 2018 and is going to give 30 writers a chance to a retreat on a resort and receive advice from literary experts about their work. It will be the first time a gathering of such is happening because in the past there were meetups for writers but none bigger summits, said Garcia. “There have been maybe one or two writing workshops but I did all the research and none has ever been held,” she said. And as a writer she also took notice that other Caribbean countries in the region are well-known for their literature leaving out Belize.

Harvest Caye, Belize: the island for adrenaline junkies
We slip slowly into Harvest Caye, passing stretches of mangrove swamp on this island outpost of Belize. What appears to be an old lighthouse, standing at 130ft, is one of the tallest buildings in this little Central American nation, topped, so it’s said, only by the Mayan pyramids that dot the interior. Then there’s a shriek, not from a gaily coloured toucan but from a gaudily dressed human launching off the canopy-top zip wire. The “lighthouse” turns out to be the Flighthouse, zip-wire central on this tiny island. Welcome to Harvest Caye, a mix of beach, palm trees and brightly painted little stores run by locals that is the creation of Norwegian Cruise Line and opened only late last year. It’s a pop-up island — each…

Ancient Maya May Have Foreseen Meteor Showers
Modern astronomical techniques have uncovered clues to a possible facet of Mayan astronomy from nearly 2 millennia ago not found in surviving records. Using state-of-the-art computer models, an amateur historian and a professional astronomer have found evidence that many important societal events recorded in Mayan hieroglyphic inscriptions may coincide with outbursts of meteor showers related to Halley’s Comet. In newly published research, the two-person research team has found more than a dozen instances of hieroglyphic records from the Mayan Classic Period (250–909 CE) indicating that important events occurred within just a few days of an outburst of Eta Aquariid meteor showers, one of the celestial displays tied to the comet. No Mayan astronomical records from that period survived the Spanish invasion, and the four surviving Mayan codices from later eras do not mention meteor showers. However, the researchers suspect that many significant historical events that coincided with meteor showers, like a ruler’s assumption of power or a declaration of war recorded in the codices and carved in stone monuments, are not chance overlaps.

Videos

September 8, 2017

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Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

Ministry of Health monitoring unauthorized medicine
The Ministry of Health (MOH) has increased its monitoring of medicine in Belize, due to unauthorized and expired medicines found circulating in the market. These unauthorized medicines have been found in different pharmacy’s, mostly in the Cayo (San Ignacio) and Belize district. A warning is in effect to pharmacists and the general public in regards to multi-vitamin Neurobión ® 50 mil (Vitamins B1 + B6 + B12) syrup in the 240ml bottle. ”We believe that the quality may be compromised,” said the MOH. “The product has been removed from the establishments where it was found and we continue to remain vigilant for any unauthorized product that may still be present in the country.”

SPHS; the first in Belize to get free Diginet High Speed Service
On Wednesday September 6th, a ceremony was held at the San Pedro High School (SPHS), organized by Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL). With the aim to officially launch the Diginet program at the school, SPHS becomes the first secondary institution to receive this program across the country. Attending the ceremony were BTL staff, San Pedro Town council members and the media, along with school staff and students. With the new internet program, the high school internet speed will upgrade from 8MB to 60MB. The Diginet is not in efficient use as yet, as the principal, along with the school committee will decide how it will be offered to the students. To learn more about the Diginet program you can visit www.digicell.bz/en/diginet. This program will be granted free to all secondary institutions across the country.

Department of Environment releases annual 2016-2017 report
For the fiscal year of 2016-2017 the DOE processed 137 projects, of which 79 were of the environmental clearance variety. That figure shows a gradual increase in projects, compared to the previous year. This fiscal year, there were a large amount of tourism-based projects as well. A total of 180 compliance inspections were reported for 2016-2017, of which 80% were inspected and the remaining 20% will be addressed in the fiscal year of 2017-2018. On Ambergis Caye, the DOE was not the only company that conducted compliance inspections. On Thursday, February 16th, the National Environment Appraisal Committee (NEAC) conducted a compliance inspection that revealed several projects requiring follow-up on outstanding matters. Another challenge, DOE reported nine incidents of Marine Groundings for 2106-2017. The main location for these incidents were at San Pedro, Caye Caulker and Raguana Caye. These groundings have a negative impact on the marine ecosystem, as they damage the coral and sea beds, which take a long time to recover.

San Pedro to receive three new schools
The San Pedro Sun has confirmation that plans are underway for the construction of three new educational institutions on the island in the future. The funding for these educational institutions is coming from a Caribbean Development Bank loan of $70 million dollars, granted to the MOE. The program is to serve areas in need of educational institutions, in which San Pedro was included. The island is expected to receive a pre-school, primary school and secondary school. The MOE will be visiting the island at the end of this month to verify the location and to make sure all processes of the construction of the new educational institutions are clear. “The construction of these educational institutions are designed to start up early next year,” said Erold Gill from the MOE. Prior to the construction of the schools, a community consultation will be held to ascertain the best possible location for the schools. It is expected that the schools will be state of the art and able to accommodate San Pedro’s growing population.

Ambergris Today

Caribbean Hotel Tourism Association Statement On Hurricane Irma
The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) has expressed sympathy for the loss of life and hardship following the passage of Hurricane Irma and has urged Caribbean residents and visitors in the projected path of the storm to take continued precautions as it makes its way through parts of the northern Caribbean. CHTA's Director General Frank Comito warned that the Category 5 hurricane was packing winds of 180 miles per hour, and the effects of the storm were already evident on the dual-island of St. Maarten/St. Martin, St. Barthélemy (St. Barts), and Barbuda, where, according to reports, widespread damage has been sustained.

Belize Tackles Potential Radiation Sources And Disposal Of Hazardous Chemicals
Belize Launches Inventory Exercise on Potential Sources of Radiation - The Government of Belize today, September 5, held an opening ceremony to launch the National Inventory on Radiation Sources, an initiative derived from the establishment of a National Radiation Safety Infrastructure in Belize. A team from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Mission to Belize is in the country to carry out this exercise that is jointly spearheaded by the Department of the Environment (DOE) and the Belize Defence Force (BDF).

San Pedro High Is First School To Receive New DigiNet Fiber Optic Internet
San Pedro High School and Belize Telemedia (BTL) celebrated in a brief ceremony after classes yesterday, Wednesday, September 6, 2017, the installation to the school of DigiNet, the fastest internet service in the country. San Pedro High is the first school on Ambergris Caye to have access to the DigiNet service as part of BTL's Internet to School Program. DigiNet will boost the school’s internet speed from 8Mbps to 60Mbps, making internet more reliable to the faculty and student body. BTL, along with Huawei Marine, have successfully installed fiber optic submarine cables between Belize mainland and San Pedro, allowing Ambergris Caye to be the first location in the country to experience faster fiber optic internet service.

Misc Belizean Sources

Earthquake felt in Belize 10:49pm last night
A large earthquake measuring at least 8.0 on the Richer Scale has struck southern Mexico. According to Earthquake Track, it happened 17 minutes ago and shook Chiapas, Mexico and was felt in Belize, Guatemala as well as in Distrito Federal, Mexico. Epicenter 96 km SW of Pijijiapan, Mexico. 8.0, 2017-09-08 04:49:21 UTC 15.068°N 93.715°W

San Pedro Back 2 School Bash 9/16
Calling all youth! Come out and enjoy a fun day at the beach. * Exciting Water Games * Free Food * Limited edition t-shirt for every student who comes * Multiple chances to win fun prizes! *Saturday, Sept. 16th at 1pm * At the Sagebrush property behind the tollbrige. * Ages 13 to 18. Beach Party!

Unethical and irresponsible tour guides, Hol Chan & Shark Ray Alley
Unethical and irresponsible tour guides are giving our favourite tourist attractions a bad name it seems. Please only support tour operators that respect our marine life and habitats.

Help a Child Learn to Read!
Help a Child Learn to Read! Join our Literacy Team! No experience needed, for as little as 2 hours a week YOU can make a difference! Information Session at Holy Cross Anglican School Friday, September 15th at 10:00am Come out and learn how YOU can make a difference.

We introduce Andre Pitts another of our Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative
Andre Pitts is the Founder and President of Group Hug, an organization dedicated to inspiring and spearheading volunteerism, goodwill, and proactivity amongst young people. Group Hug solicits, organizes, and distributes school supplies to families in need. In addition to managing Group Hug, he works at the Government of Belize Press Office. He received his Associate’s Degree in Paralegal Studies from the University of the West Indies, and he is currently pursuing his BA in Political Science as well.

PAN YAAD 2017 IS HERE!
Date: Saturday, September 16 Where: Marion Jones Sporting Complex Time: 7:30PM Price: Adults $10 | Children $5 Contact us for your tickets today! 227-2110

An Evening of Folk and Classic Featuring Francis Reneau
You are invited!!! Wednesday, September 13th 7PM, Bliss Centre ... Free

Caye Caulker Volleyball School Marathon

Belize Mixology on Caye Caulker
September 26th to 28th is Introduction to bartending. Cost 250. Advanced bartending is september 29th to October 2nd. Cost 350. Prices include all liquor and equipment. Certificates are awarded after successful completion. No experience required for Intro. Inbox or text 624-9407 or 664-2531. Spaces are limited.

Ministry of Health and KHMHA Advise Public on Temporary Health Service Situation
The Ministry of Health advises the public of an ongoing situation in the Northern Health Region with medical equipment maintenance and upgrades in relation to our operating rooms. This situation has affected the region’s ability to perform surgeries requiring anesthesia. As a result all surgery related cases are being referred to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital Authority (KHMHA). The Ministry of Health has been working to vigorously try to correct the situation in the least amount of time and we expect a resolution before the start of this long holiday weekend. Management from the Northern Health Region along with management from KHMHA are in communication to ensure the least disruption in the care of patients being transferred and received at the KHMHA.

Memorandum of Understanding (Mou) Signed by the Belize Agriculture Health Authority (Baha) and the Sugar Industry Research and Development Institute (SIRDI)
A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been established on the 4th day of September 2017, between Belize Agriculture Health Authority (BAHA) and the Sugar Industry Research and Development Institute (SIRDI). The major objectives are: 1.1 To contribute to the sustainability, development and economic viability of the agricultural sector in Belize; 1.2 To engage in technical exchanges and capacity building between both parties for the purpose of reciprocal transfer of technology, training in agriculture and other related fields; and, 1.3 To identify synergies where technical expertise can be harnessed to improve the execution of work plans.

Ministries of Human Development and Defence launch Belize Youth Challenge Programme Recruitment Drive
The Ministry of Human Development, Social Transformation, and Poverty Alleviation and the Ministry of Defence have joined forces to launch a youth intervention project entitled the Belize Youth Challenge Programme (BYC). The mission of the programme is “to intervene in and reclaim the lives of at-risk youth to produce programme graduates with the values, skills, education and self-discipline necessary to succeed as adults.” The new 2-year pilot programme is an upgrade and strengthening of the National Youth Cadet Service Corps and is modelled after the Youth Challenge Programme run by the Louisiana National Guard in the USA. The programme targets Belizean males 15-17 years old who are out of school, unemployed/underemployed, and who are at-risk of or may have already come in contact with the law. It will utilize military principles to teach the youths discipline, personnel administration and teamwork, while developing their vocational and academic skills via life skills, literacy and PSE classes or attending the online high school.

Belize Signs Agreement on Police Cooperation with the Republic of China (Taiwan) and Receives a Grant of BZ$100,000.00
Today, the Government of Belize and the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) signed a Cooperation Agreement aimed at developing police cooperation and combating transnational crimes. Signing on behalf of the Government of Belize was Minister of Foreign Affairs and Home Affairs, Hon. Wilfred Elrington, and on behalf of the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) was Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to Belize, His Excellency Charles K. Y. Liu. The Agreement sets out the framework for police cooperation between both governments. The scope of cooperation includes the exchange of personnel visiting for study and training programs, sharing of information in the area of law enforcement, cooperation in combating transnational crimes and the implementation of other areas of cooperation.

Special Envoy issues release on Tower Hill Bridge demonstration where journalist Marisol Amaya was manhandled by the police
On September 6. 2017 frightening images were seen on national television of the unacceptable treatment of a female journalist by law enforcement officers. The journalist in question. Ms. Marisol Amaya of KREM News, was conducting an interview when she was assaulted by a police officer. Sadly, this is not the first time that Ms. Amaya, in her capacity as a journalist, has been disrespected in plain view on national television. As a citizen. I embrace the concept of a free press, given the role of journalists in a democratic society. The rights of journalists are enshrined in the Belize Constitution (Chapter 4), and they must therefore be afforded all rights and privileges as citizens of Belize. Journalists should not be subjected to inhumane treatment by anyone. least of all. law enforcement officers! Ms. Amaya is a woman, mother, sister. a daughter and a journalist. I join the wider society in condemning the assault made upon her person by police officers. This reduces the image of our country and contravenes all efforts being made by many agencies to end violence against our women.

PUP's United Women's Group condemns the actions of the police at yesterday's demonstration at Tower Hill Bridge
The media plays a critical role in Belize's democracy and therefore it is crucial that its journalists are not censured, stifled or bullied in any way. In this regard, the United Women's Group of the People's United Party denounces the use of unwarranted force by the police against a media worker covering yesterday's protest at the Toll Bridge in Orange Walk Town. The excessive use of force was evident by the body slamming of Marisol Amaya, the News Editor of KREM News, which was clearly visible and is utterly unacceptable. "This was uncalled for and demonstrates an abuse of power by these authorities. No political party or organization should condone the behaviour of our armed authorities to treat journalists in this manner. We are outraged that the government and the police forces would tolerate this treatment of the media that was on full display yesterday," says Tanya Santos, President of the United Women's Group. Senator Valerie Woods, a member of the UWG, states that "the freedom of the media and its access to information is critical to a healthy democracy. The force used against Ms. Amaya was despicable and the approach used by the Police Department against the media yesterday was not necessary. The protest was by all accounts a peaceful one and the authorities response and mistreatment of Belizeans is unacceptable"

FCD Biologist pursues degree
FCD’s very own Biologist, Boris Arevalo has now travelled to Florida in pursuit of his PhD Degree. From all of us at FCD we wish him all the best and God Bless.

For the ladies. Mistress Sharmane Garcia says BFLA After Dark
Because the men keep saying they are being left out...If you think you can handle the After Dark Session, bring your money and your game face! I DARE YOU!!!!

Macaw 2017 season concludes
The Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao cyanoptera), representing Belize’s largest parrot species, is locally endangered due to poaching and is listed in the Wildlife Protection Act as a species of conservation concern. For Belize, the wild population estimates are around 200 individuals (Matola & Sho 2002). Nationally, the Chiquibul Forest is the key foraging and breeding habitat for the species. The Friends for Conservation and Development (FCD) annually undertakes a seven-month biological monitoring program aimed at protecting and documenting the wild populations of macaws. Specific effort is directed since FCD has identified the macaw as the flagship species for the conservation and management of this Key Biodiversity Conservation Area. Poaching is a major threat to the survival of Scarlet Macaws in Belize. In 2011, poaching rate was at 89% which was leading to the demise of the wild population. But with the adoption of an adaptive and robust management and conservation strategy the incidences of poaching were reduced to an average of 35% from 2012 to 2015. Thereafter from 2015 to this period, none of the chicks monitored have been lost to poaching (See Figure 1).

ALASKA Coffee shop
It is hot and just in time for the month of September. Just in time for a cool stop at ALASKA Coffee shop. Drive by with your car and stop for a short stop to buy what you need. Buy cold beers, Iced coffee, Snacks and more. ALASKA is located where Esmeralda's Pharmacy use to be.

Carnival 2017....King & Queen winners...

BEL Job Opening
A vacancy exists at Belize Electricity Limited for a Senior Manager, Finance, Business Strategy & Purchasing.

BTEC Hospitality Training
BTEC will be having a free 3 week training course in hospitality, including housekeeping, waiting, and reception, starting on September 25th. "Excellent 3 week training coming to CAYO! Free of cost. Invest in yourself and sign up at the San Ignacio library starting tomorrow- Sept 7th."

Belize Fishing Report, Aug. 27th - Sept. 3rd 2017
Happy anglers and plenty of tailing bonefish. Thirty to fifty bonefish a day have been the stories of the week. The fishery has experienced some ups and downs over the last month with the threat of tropical storms looming, which has created sporadic feeding, but when the bite has turned on, it has been prolific.

Paradise Theater playing this weekend
After what seems like a billion years, the new lamps have arrived for the projector in #1.. meaning the picture is way better . We also hooked up a new projector on Screen 2, until the last one (which was brand new) goes in a gets fixed because........ BZ... which is a huge improvement from the other other.. backup. .. anyway .. See ya at the movies!!
PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN 5, Despicable Me 3, Ghost House, Unlocked.

Belizean ID exhibit
A wonderful day as we launched the Belizean ID exhibit! We graciously thank our community for supporting this educational exhibit. It was an honour to have Ambassadora of the Republic of Cuba to Belize Lizzette Perez and Consular of Cuba to Belize Mr. Hernandez with us. Thank you to our Key note speaker Mr. Omar Mitchell and Mrs. Lydia Ramcharam Pollard curator of the Window into the Past East Indian Museum for your kind vote of thanks. A great thank you to the Standard three students and Maestro of Corozal Methodist School for attending the opening ceremony. The exhibit will be on display through to May 2018, we kindly invite you to visit the House of Culture to view more.

Carnival Jouvert
The Carnival Jouvert is set for September 9th, 2017 and will be commencing at 4:00 AM. There will be a Ceremony for the souls that have gone ahead in the name of Carnival in honor of Jermaine Madrill at 3:45 AM followed by a moment of silence and laying of wreaths. The route for the Jouvert will be as follows: • Start from Belcan Bridge • To Central American Boulevard • Left, on to Cemetery Road • Left, on to East Collet Canal • Left on to Vernon St. • Right, Youth for the Future over BelChina Bridge • Right on to North Front Street • Left on Queen Street • Left on Daly Street • Right on Craig Street • Left on Marine Parade • End at Dock Bands Public Mud – Belcan Bridge Madd Squad – beside Pallotti SOS – coming from MJSC Coco Devils - Courts

Channel 7

Police Minister Apologizes, But Says Police Were Doing Their Job on Bridge
Last night we showed you everything that happened when the PUP went to block the Tower Hill Bridge in Orange Walk. It unfolded quite quickly after the party had a rally in the town's Central Park. From there, the PUP Leader John Bricneo and his Orange Walk South Representative raced to the bridge and blocked it. The rest, as they say, is history - or at least history in the making. 45 Minutes later, the bridge and the road were cleared and the police had teargassed and dispersed dozens of party supporters. But did police go too far? And did they target and attack a female journalist? Those are some of the many burning questions in the public mind after yesterday's event son the bridge.

The Mandhandling of Marisol
And while the Minister of State apologized, it wasn't enough for KREMANDALA, whose news editor Marisol Amaya was lifted and thrown to the pavement, and then hauled off the road. Today several organizations came to Amaya's defense including the Prime Minister's wife, Kim Barrow - who is the special envoy for women and children. Her statement says, quote, "frightening images were seen on national television of the unacceptable treatment of a female journalist by law enforcement officers...Sadly, this is not the first time that Ms. Amaya, in her capacity as a journalist, has been disrespected in plain view on national television."

Is The SPU Out Of Control?
Special Patrol Unit commander Inspector Aaron Gamboa is the officer who lifted Amaya, hauled her away and dumped her on the pavement. We took careful note of his combative behavior and that of his officers out there yesterday - and today we asked the Commander of Operations about it:... Jules Vasquez, reporter: "The second time I've seen the special patrol unit engage in this type of finger pointing behavior and it seems that they temperament of the SPU I believe matches Mr. Gamboa, which Mr. Gamboa behaves in the creole sense of the word "Ignorant, intemperate, irascible, sassy." What would be your comment Mr. Minister or your Mr. Commander of Ops about the temperament and the unnecessary and distasteful use of combative tactics?"

Journalist: Too Much Tear Gas
And realizing too much tear gas is one more excess that the SPU is accused of. We got directly gassed at least two times on the bridge - during the second gassing we were interviewing PUP Leader John Briceno. LOVE FM Reporter Dalilah Ical told the police it was excessive and unwarranted; the Operations Commander disagreed:... Reporter "I feel that there were unnecessary force used, because after the first uproar of canisters were released. Mr. Briceno moved away from where all the chaos began and then I was trying to interview him on the side of the road and I was telling the officer to let us finish the interview, and then they threw those canisters. What that necessary? We were no longer in a group, we were no longer on the street. We were on the side doing an interview."

Home Affairs Minister Said The Media Enjoyed Being Roughed Up
But the Minister of Home Affairs Wilfred Elrington had no apologies. He says that, to him, it looks like we in the media were having a good old time getting hauled and pulled:... Hon. Wilfred Elrington, Minister of Foreign Affairs: "I thought the police did a good job. There was no provision under the terms for the demonstration, for it to be extended to the toll bridge and I would not have encourage the blocking of the bridge. I dont think that was necessary at all. So that I thought police had to act to make sure that in fact the commerce of the country and the free passage of people in the society were not impeded." Jules Vasquez, reporter: "And the roughing up of the media?" Hon. Wilfred Elrington, Minister of Foreign Affairs: "I thought that the media were enjoying it actually or were in the thick of things. When you look abroad you see the same thing happening."

Why Didn't Broaster Read The Riot Act?
And, critics say that what should be "natural and normal" is for the police to have read the Riot Act. That's the warning - given in the Queen's name that those unlawfully assembled and resisting the police should immediately disperse or face the use of force. That responsibility would have fallen to ACP Edward Broaster, but he says in his opinion it was not necessary: Jules Vasquez, reporter: "Should the Riot Act have been read the whole in the name of the Queen thing? Should that have been read before the crowd was forcibly disperse with tear gas?" ACP Edward Broaster, Operations Commander: "This was not that case Jules. This was a clear obstruction of a major thoroughfare where members of the public were gathering illegally blocking the ordinary citizens from traversing the highway."

Aragon Blames It On JB
And while the PUP may decide to sue the police, will the police decide to charge John Briceno? Today the Minister of State suggested that he is responsible:... Hon. Elodio Aragon, Minister of State - Home Affairs: "It was only when the Leader of the Opposition announced publicly on the mic inviting his people, his followers to go out there at the toll bridge to block the road. Is he responsible for what has transpired there? I don't know. Is he directly the person who has lead these people to be in harm's way? Those are the questions you have to ask him."

Reports Say Mennonite Businessman Met Death In Melchor
7News has received multiple credible reports that say a Mennonite Businessman from Spanish Lookout has been killed in Melchor. Reports to law enforcement say it happened earlier this week in Melchor at a bar. The businessman was reportedly in the bar with two business associates, one Guatemalan and one Belizean, when a gunman walked in and shot him in the head. He reportedly also shot after his Belizean association - but that person - also reportedly from the Spanish Lookout area escaped. The Mennonite was reportedly involved in cross border trade with business interests in Melchor.

Man Dies In Fatal Accident After Being Flung From Vehicle
There was traffic accident last night on the Philip Goldson Highway which killed a man from Carmelita Village in Orange Walk, and left his wife in the hospital. It happened at around 7:00 last night between miles 14 and 15 on the Phillip Golden highway. 38 year-old Joaquin Villamil was traveling in his Isuzu Trooper SUV with his wife, 37 year-old Julissa, heading to Belmopan. Joaquin Villamil lost control of the vehicle and ran off the road, where it flipped several times. First responders tell us that both he and his wife, Julissa, were violently flung from the vehicle, but Joaquin suffered the worst of the injuries. The vehicle landed on top of him, and they had to push it off to rescue him.

The Wife Of Slain San Pedrano Speaks
Last night we told about the murder in San Pedro where 36-year-old Rudolph Pitts was killed and 22-year-old Edgar Lopez was injured. Lopez escaped but Pitts's body was found yesterday in Northern Ambergris Caye. His decomposed body was brought to the city today for burial. We spoke to his wife who shared with us her shock at his untimely death. Angela Pitts, wife of Rudolph Pitts: "He is a hardworking father of 7 kids." Sahar Vasquez, reporter: "Was he the source of anybody targeting him? Was anyone threatening him before hand?"

Compol Whylie Gone Again?
We haven't seen Commissioner of Police Allen Whylie in the news for some time - and that's because he was reportedly on a month's vacation leave, followed now by a month's sick leave. That's a lot of missing weeks for the Top Cop - and today we had to ask the Minister of State with responsibility for Police if Whylie is really interested in the job:... Jules Vasquez - Reporter: "We were told he was in a month's leave, now I heard, additionally, he is in another month's sick leave. If he is unwell, of course, we wish him the best, but at the same time, one thinks that if you are in charge of an important national operation you can't take two months off. If you don't want the job somebody else has to do the job. The department requires strong consistent leadership."

Wilfred Says Let The People Decide On Viva Vega
And while Whylie's position may seem suddenly precarious, another public figure who had seemed to be retiring is now back in the front and center. Embattled Orange Gaspar Vega told us yesterday that if he cannot find anyone else to beat the PUP - he will run again for the UDP in Orange Walk North. Now, in the standard doublespeak of politics, that translates to mean: Gaspar Vega will run again in Orange Walk North. That's a lot of baggage for the UDP to carry into the future, and today we asked two of his colleagues who they felt about it - first to Wilfred Elrington:... Hon. Wilfred Elrington, Minister of Foreign Affairs: "I think people are free to decide what they want to do and it all depends on their constituents whether the constituents are supportive of them."

Aragon Says Vega Is A Friend, But...
And while Elrington is somewhat removed from the Orange Walk scene, Elodio Aragon is directly plugged in. Since Vega's demise, he has taken up the role of the UDP's senior politician in Orange Walk. It has seen him assume a more central, national role, but today he seemed sort of divided on whether having Gaspar Vega back would be a good thing or a bad thing:... Hon. Elodio Aragon Jr.- Orange Walk East, UDP: "He's still a representative of the people of the north and I think that at the end of the day, the people will decide for him, so I leave that there." Jules Vasquez- Reporter: "Ministers John Saldivar and Minister of State Dr. Angel Campus were there to support him. Why weren't you there then to support his candidacy or to support him generally?"

PM Pulls Plug On Senate Hearings
Last night, we had coverage of the Senate Hearings on Immigration which resumed yesterday, after a month's break. Well, these upcoming sessions may very well be the winding down of the hearings because the Government does not intend to pay any more money to cover it. In a letter dated August 3, Prime Minister Dean Barrow wrote to National Assembly Clerk Eddie Webster to make that position clear. The Prime Minister says, quote "You wrote on July 20, 2017 on behalf of the Special Select Committee, requesting a supplementary allocation of $124,202 to cover sittings through to November of 2017. Then, on July 21, 2017, you wrote again asking for another supplementary allocation of $41,350 to pay outstanding bills of the Committee as of July 31, 2017.

Surgical Crisis At NRH
There's a major health situation in the Northern Health Region - and as a result, all surgeries now have to be done at the KHMH. A press release from the Ministry of Health says there's a problem with medical equipment maintenance in the Northern Regional Hospital's operating rooms. Specifically, they can't do any procedures requiring anesthesia. It's a huge inconvenience for the public in the north - and a major addition of workload for the KHMH, and the Ministry says it expects a resolution before the start of this long holiday weekend.

Taiwan Donates To Law Enforcement
All throughout the news, we've been showing you the comments from the police bosses discussing the showdown between the police and the PUP at the Tower Hill Bridge in Orange Walk. Well, the opportunity to speak with the police and politicians came after a ceremony for the Government of Belize and the Taiwanese Embassy to sign a cooperation agreement aimed at developing police cooperation and combating transnational crimes. The Government of Taiwan wants to help the police department improve their capacity by providing assistance from their country's police force, training and study opportunities for police officers, and the sharing of information on different law enforcement strategies.

Las Flores Residents Protest For School Land
Despite a compromise proposed by the mayor of Belmopan, the dispute over land for St. Michael Roman Catholic School in Las Flores Village continues, and today it was backed up by a protest in Belmopan City. Though the Catholic school management has accepted a compromise, the community is pushing the issue - and today they said it's not political - we have this clip courtesy PLUS TV in Belmopan:...

Declaring A Carnival Truce
The highly anticipated Carnival is coming up on Saturday. Belizeans wait all year for this event but every year brings its challenges to the groups. This year's challenge seemed to be a feud amongst groups - which played out in a parking lot fight after the King and Queen competition on Saturday. Yesterday, the Belize Carnival Association, band leaders, and the police all came together to assure the public that there is now peace amongst the groups and all they simply want is a safe and fun carnival for all to enjoy. Greg Vernon, President - NICH: "With this, we have a good competitive spirit which to at least calm down and make sure that we go out and head down the road very safely." "We are moving forward with sportsmanship especially as it relates to clause 7 in our rules and regulation. It is very important that we look to our left and our right and we say we would like to be as safe as possible coming down this road."

Pickstock Band Steps Out
But there's no peace in Pickstock where that well known junior Carnival Band has abruptly pulled out. At yesterday's press conference the association announced that the Pickstock Carnival band and the leader Garreth Gill would no longer be allowed to take part in the carnival. He was not happy about this and came to our studio to express his frustration with the decision. Garret Gill, Pickstock Carnival Band Leader: "Our band has gotten disqualified, which I did not get in black and white, so I can't verify it. Miss Sandra is the president for carnival and she and I have our ups and downs. If she and I had an issue the best thing she should have done was to call a meeting to address the issue. We have an issue also with sponsors, because we didn't get back Cuello's, we didn't get back Wave Radio, we didn't get back WASA and we were waiting on these people to give us a feedback and that's what pushed our band back from not being fully prepared for camo night."

Judge Explains Pickstock's Exclusion
Of course, there are two sides to every story so we got a comment on the decision from the head judge of the carnival who played an integral role in making the final call. Here's how they put it: Judge of the Carnival: "As far as we are aware, the carnival association, the commission and the judge association that Mr. Gill had some feud with some of the lady concerning $1,000 and the owner who have Gary the sponsorship has been bothering the commission and the carnival association for the $1,000 because they cannot find Garret and there is a rule that says you have to follow the rules, because they all have the rule book. Mr. Gill has been sending WhatsApp messages and email messages to Miss Sandra who is the president of the carnival association. He says that she has his name slander all over the place which is not true, because Miss Sandra is doing the best that she can to uplift carnival and to help the band leaders."

Night Three Was a Spree!
And while that was Tuesday night - last night the revelry continued at four more camps. We leave you tonight with a look at all the energy, excitement and elaborate designs they put on display. Enjoy Wednesday nights Mas Camp visits, and join us back here tomorrow.

Mas Camp, What a Way!
And so, Gill - who is one of the more colorful carnival characters wasn't there when we went to visit his Mas Camp on Tuesday night. We should have aired this last night - but we were overloaded with news - so tonight here's a look at the bands who were displaying their Carnival costumes and spirit:..

Channel 5

Anatomy of assault: why police were wrong in treatment of Marisol Amaya
There is mounting outrage tonight, including from us here at Channel Five, at the unnecessary use of force against the media by the police on Tuesday. Krem’s Marisol Amaya was [...]

Police plan review of yet another Tower Hill incident
The police department says it has commenced an investigation into the tear-gassing of protestors and the roughing up of Marisol Amaya at the hands of the Special Patrol Unit.  According [...]

Organizations roundly condemn police for Amaya assault
Condemnation of Wednesday’s events has come in fast and furious from several organizations. We lead with the statement issued this evening by KREM Radio in support of assaulted journalist Marisol [...]

Ombudsman asked to intervene
Ombudsman of Belize Lionel Arzu has been asked to intervene to publicly condemn the behavior of the police in respect of several recent incidents involving members of the Opposition and [...]

Aragon neutral; says O.W. North will decide on Gaspar Vega
On Wednesday, during the rapture of public support from his constituents, Orange Walk North Area Representative Gaspar Vega stated that he would contest his seat in the House of Representatives [...]

Police minister does not support corruption, but not about to abandon a friend
Gapi Vega, in recent times, has become a pariah within his own party, causing a wider chasm to drawn between aspiring leaders Patrick Faber and John Saldivar.  The two have [...]

Best friends Faber, Saldivar clash over Vega
Two of the most powerful men in the ruling United Democratic Party appear at odds over support for embattled Orange Walk North area representative Gaspar Vega. Deputy Prime Minister and [...]

Allen Whylie sick; should he be replaced as ComPol?
Commissioner of Police Allen Whylie is on sick leave for a month.  His absence, however, comes at a critical time during the September Celebrations when the Belize Police Department remains [...]

Las Flores villagers protest land sale at City Hall
The Las Flores Steering Committee has been leading the fight against the completed sale of parcels eighty-seven-thirteen and eighty-seven-fourteen near Saint Michael R.C. Primary School in the community outside Belmopan [...]

Area rep says church has final say
Belmopan Area Representative John Saldivar also chimed in on the current land dispute in Las Flores.  While the suggestion to cede parcels sixty-two fifty-two and sixty-two fifty-three to the Catholic [...]

Little feedback on nationality list; is it worth it?
As promised, the Senate Special Select Committee is turning the page after months of questioning on past misdeeds of the Immigration Department. For two and a half hours on Wednesday, [...]

What’s the point of recommenders?
In the case of recommenders for passports and nationality, Diana Locke made the point that records of persons named as justices of the peace, teachers and even religious professionals have [...]

RTA kills husband, lands wife in hospital
Just after seven on Wednesday night, there was a fatal traffic mishap on the Phillip Goldson Highway. Joaquin Villamil and his wife Julissa were travelling between miles fourteen and fifteen, [...]

Belizeans in Florida brace for Irma
It appears that Hurricane Irma is not slowing down and it is heading straight for Florida. Latest weather projections show that it may hit Miami directly. Thousands have evacuated the [...]

Devastation in wake of Cat 5 storm in northern Caribbean
Hurricane Irma continues forward as a category five storm and has left a path of destruction in its wake – almost completely destroying Barbuda, and causing massive damage in Saint [...]

Taiwan boosts police communication
Belize has received one hundred thousand dollars from the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) in a formal cooperation agreement on police development, including the exchange of personnel visiting [...]

Get your SSB money direct
On Wednesday, we told you how the Social Security Board is moving online and how employers are making their payments via the online portal. Well, it is not only the [...]

S.S.B. and the pensioner problem
So, the S.S.B. wants to increase contributions for the forty percent of its insured persons. Those persons earn between three hundred and twenty dollars to five hundred and twenty dollars [...]

Day three of Carnival mas camps
Day three of mas camps took place on Wednesday night. The bands were in true form as the judging begins, all leading up to Saturday’s road march. The competitive spirit [...]

Police, Carnival brass get ready for Mas
On Wednesday, carnival band leaders signed on to a peace declaration following a violent incident involving supporters at the conclusion of the King and Queen Competition. Greg Vernon of the [...]

Challenging the epidemic of suicide
Our viewers have probably noticed that this news station does not regularly report suicides. We understand how this can lead people to believing that Belizeans are rarely taking or attempting [...]

LOVE FM

Is Wednesday’s incident another black eye for Police?
There is still much controversy over the incident on Wednesday at the toll bridge at Tower Hill, Orange Walk where the People’s United Party extended their protest and blocked the northern end of the bridge for at least an hour. The incident has stirred much debate over the use of force and tear gas by […]

Krem decries the attack on their News Editor
The Krem Management has issued a statement on behalf its News Editor, Marisol Amaya. The statement reads quote, “The images clearly show that Ms. Amaya was the only female congregated around a political leader being interviewed, along with other male media-members and party supporters, when she was specifically grabbed from behind by no other than […]

Special Envoy condemns attack on media
The Special Envoy for Women and Children Kim Simplis Barrow fired off a release condemning the attack on the media that happened yesterday on the Toll Bridge in Orange Walk Town. The Special Envoy says the frightening images of Krem News Director Marisol Amaya being assaulted by a police officer are unacceptable. In her statement, […]

PUP condemns attack on media
As expected, the People’s United Party is also condemning the attack on the media. The PUP says that the police used excessive force on members of the media who were covering the demonstration on Tower Hill yesterday. In its release the Opposition states quote, “The aggressiveness and indiscipline of officers of the Special Patrol Unit, […]

BPP condemns attack against media
The Belize Progressive Party is also weighing in on the attack on the media. The BPP says that members of the Belize Police Department used an unreasonable degree of force. The BPP is demanding that an apology is issued to the media and extended to Marisol Amaya. The BPP is also demanding that the behavior […]

Broaster said both UDP & PUP illegal gatherings were asked to move
The Police Department Officials have stated that the PUP assembling at the Toll Bridge in Tower Hill was illegal. The PUP did not have a permit for that. But they were not the only group to have assembled illegally on that day. Earlier on Wednesday morning, a small group of UDP supporters gathered on Clarke […]

Acting Commissioner says Toll Bridge incident under investigation
So what happens now? Acting Commissioner of Police, Noel Leal says they are still reviewing the situation and will be addressing any questionable action by the police if the need arises. Acting Commissioner of Police, Noel Leal “I’ve already began to get some of the reports, we’ll be compiling them together looking at everything contact […]

Minister of Police addresses Toll Bridge incident
Today while addressing Wednesday’s events at the Toll Bridge in Tower Hill Orange Walk, Minister Elodio Aragon briefly switched hats and took a political jab at PUP Party Leader John Briceno, calling him irresponsible. Minister of Police, Elodio Aragon “We have no problem with that provided you follow through with getting your permit, signing your […]

Police and Taiwan signed cooperation agreement
This morning representatives of Belize Police Department and the Embassy of the republic of China (Taiwan) signed a cooperation agreement and received a donation of communication equipment. Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs Elodio Aragon and Ambassador Charles Liu spoke on the cooperation. Elodio Aragon, Minister of Police “Today we are here […]

Las Flores staged demonstration to express discontent over land dispute
A protest was held by members of the Las Flores Steering Committee in Belmopan this morning. Committee members expressed their discontent over a parcel of land adjacent to St. Michael Roman Catholic Primary School that was sold to a private individual by the Belmopan City Council. As we had reported on Tuesday, Mayor Khalid Belisle […]

UDP & PUP showdown in Orange Walk
Well over a thousand people participated in today’s protest organized by the People’s United Party’s Orange Walk North Committee. The crowd assembled at the San Lorenzo Road junction and after nine o’clock in the morning they marched towards the Orange Walk Central Park. The PUP had support not only from the Orange Walk North constituency, […]

Will Gasper Vega return to Politics?
While the embattled Gaspar Vega made his appearance today, he made an unexpected announcement. After he had indicated that he would be abandoning his political career, today he said, he is willing to run again if it meant keeping his enemy, Ramon Cervantes, out of office. Former Minister of Natural Resources, Gaspar Vega “If it […]

Director of Immigration testifies before Senate Select Committee
After a one month hiatus, the Senate Special Select Committee resumed its duties today with the interrogation of Director of Immigration Diana Locke. Locke appeared in a private session this morning and in the afternoon a public session was held. At the beginning of her testimony Locke was asked about the changes that have been […]

John Saldivar comments on Las Flores’ land dispute
Yesterday we shared a release from the Las Flores Community Steering Committee which stated that they rejected the agreement reached between the Belmopan City Council and the Roman Catholic Diocese over lands adjacent to St. Michael RC School. Today Belmopan area representative John Saldivar was asked about the controversy. Belmopan area representative, John Saldivar “I […]

Belize receives grant from Taiwan
The Government of the Republic of China, Taiwan, made another contribution to the Government of Belize. The contribution is earmarked for the infrastructural development of Belize and Ambassador of the Republic of China, Taiwan Charles Liu presented a bilateral cooperation grant to Prime Minister Dean Barrow. The grant is for the year 2017 under the […]

SSB holds consultation on proposed increase of contributions
The Social Security Board hosted the media this morning in Belize with the objective to engage members of the media and provide accurate information on the Proposed Wage Ban increase. The SSB has launched a nationwide consultation with stakeholders with the purpose to receive feedback in regards to a possible increase of social security contributions […]

SSB unveils Facebook
During this morning’s event, Social Security Board also unveiled its Facebook page. It is hoped that through this medium Social Security will better engage its customers. The Social Security Board announced a stronger online presence that employees and employers can utilize to make secured financial transaction. CEO, Dr. Colin Young told us more. CEO of […]

Carnival groups vow to keep the peace
In an effort to avoid any disputes, fights, shootings or any other incidents that may result in the injury of others, leaders of all carnival groups participating in this year’s Carnival Road March signed a declaration of peace. It’s a move that organizers have made in order to have band leaders commit to a peaceful […]

Shooting incident in San Pedro leaves one man dead
A shooting incident, last night in San Pedro, has left one man dead and another injured. 36-year-old Rudolph Eric Pitts was shot and killed, while, 22-year-old Edgar Lopez escaped and is now hospitalized. Deputy Officer Commanding of Eastern Division, Superintendent of Police Raymond Reyes, spoke to the media about the shooting incident. Deputy Officer Commanding […]

Keenan Flores is a free man
Twenty-three year old Keenan Flores, a resident of Dangriga, who was charged with drug trafficking on July 31 for 2.2 kilograms of suspected cocaine, was freed of the charge when he appeared today before Magistrate Aretha Ford. Magistrate Ford told Flores that the prosecution has withdrawn the charge because, according to a memorandum from the […]

Making PG’s roads safe
A two day planning meeting of representatives from the Ministry of Economic Development Road Safety Project and Punta Gorda Town Council Traffic Committee ended today in Punta Gorda. Correspondent Paul Mahung reports. A main participant at the meeting was Chairman of Punta Gorda Town Council Traffic Committee, Ivan Avilez. Chairman of Punta Gorda Town Council […]

EMTs better prepared to save lives
An emergency medical technician course came to an end earlier today in Belmopan. The course formed a part of the Belize Road Safety Project. Correspondent Fem Cruz has the story. Fem Cruz, Love FM: “The EMT this afternoon concluded a three months training with the support of BERT, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of […]

The Guardian

Social Security may fail within 4 years
On Wednesday September 6th the Social Security Board hosted members of the media to a mixer with the sole purpose of informing on the proposal to increase coverage via increased contributions. Established in 1981, the Social Security Board provides a safety net for employed persons who would otherwise not have benefits accrue to them while they work. Since its inception the board has had only one adjustment in its rates and coverage and that was back in 2001. Now a full 16 years later there is an urgent need to revisit the scheme. Speaking to the media, the SSB’s actuary, Hernando Montas, spoke plainly and explained that under the current demands, the fund will collapse within 4 years. Actually, the fund is currently operating at a deficit if it were solely dependent on contributions in order to make benefit payments. Chief Executive Officer for the SSB told the media that the deficit is for 11.4 million dollars. In 2016 there was 81 million dollars in contributions while benefits paid out amounted to 92.4 million dollars.

Grenade and explosive taken off the streets of Belize City
Law enforcement personnel have expressed concerns for public safety and security during the September Celebrations after a fully functional grenade was found in Belize City. Officers of the Gang Suppression Unit came across the explosive in an abandoned lot at the corner of George and Plues Street on Wednesday, September 6, at around 1:15 a.m. General David Jones, the Commander of the Belize Defense Force, confirmed to the press that the military’s operations office received a call from the police about 15 minutes later. A BDF officer trained in explosives safety was then dispatched to the area where the grenade was found, and it was retrieved.

Trapp is back and half his slate are women
This past Sunday, like the Sunday before, was another victory for the women of the United Democratic Party and by extension the nation of Belize. Like the Sunday before in Belize City, so was the UDP Convention, held in Cayo District very well attended.The latter convention was held to vote for the slate that will represent the great UDP, in the 2018 Municipal Election, for the TWIN TOWNS of SAN IGNACIO and SANTA ELENA. A total of 2,739 voters from the Twin Towns came out and cast their votes. In the race to fill the slot for a Mayoral Candidate, the very popular, Incumbent Mayor Earl Trapp received: 2,102 votes. His challenger, Lupita Ferguson received: 548 votes. Some 89 ballots were spoilt and were therefore rejected.

JP Darlene Padron clears her name on land forgery case
A week has passed since Belmopan resident Amy Forte threatened to sue the Government of Belize if her name wasn’t cleared in what she alleges is land fraud. She claims that her signature was forged in a land conveyance deed, but the Justice of the Peace who authenticated the document, says there was no forgery. The JP is asserting that she did sign the document. While the Prime Minister has requested that a full investigation be carried out on the transaction, the police department that has tasked the head of the Major Crimes division to investigate the matter is yet to receive a statement from Forte. This is where the investigation stands now, basically while Forte has complained to the Prime Minister through her attorney, she has not done so to the police department in order for criminal proceedings to take place.

CariWaC ADVANCES - First Ladies/Spouses Network formally launched
First Ladies and Spouses of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) launched its network, “Spouses of Caribbean Leaders Action Network (SCLAN)” to tackle issues related to the health and wellbeing of women, adolescents and children in the Caribbean. SCLAN is the advocacy and action platform to advance the Every Caribbean Women Every Caribbean Child (ECWECC) initiative, now re-titled Caribbean Woman Caribbean Child (CariWaC)” H.E. Ms. Kim Simplis Barrow, Spouse of the Prime Minister of Belize and Special Envoy for Women and Children in Belize, was elected as the first Chair of the Network, while H.E. Ms. Sandra Granger, First Lady of Guyana, was elected its Vice Chair. Other members of the executive body are: Her Excellencies, Ms. Reema Carmona (Trinidad and Tobago); Ms. Martine Moise (Haiti); and the Most Honorable, Juliet Holness (Jamaica). Also at the Launch were: Her Excellences, Ms. Maria Browne (Antigua & Barbuda) and Sybilene Patricia Minnis (The Bahamas).

Alcaldes must undergo training before being sworn in
Hon Michael Peyrefitte, Attorney General of Belize along with Hon. Carla Barnett Minister of State in the Ministry of Natural Resources held meetings in the Toledo district with Alcaldes and members of the district association of village councils on Thursday August 31. According to Hon. Peyrefitte, the meetings held with the Alcaldes centered on the legitimacy of their appointments. According to the A.G. none of the Alcaldes were sworn in by himself or any representative of his ministry thereby making their positions not legally recognized.

Belize City Councilor makes donation to Black Cross Nurses
On Wednesday September 6th, Councilor Hyacinth Latchman-Cuellar handed over a donation to the President of the Black Cross Nurses Association Ms. Karen Taylor. The Association had to acquire a new building and will add an extension in order to accommodate its office and a room to prepare food for the “Meals on Wheels” Program and host craft and game evenings for the elderly.

BNTU Pres Elena Smith on NEWS 5:“…says to us as a people, that internationally we are not recognized.”
It occurred on Aug 31, 2017 on Channel 5; none other than the President of the Belize National Teachers’ Union said some things that made no sense whatsoever! I pasted the exact text from the TV’s Website: “When you listen to the Foreign Minister and certain words that he uses… Come on! I don’t see where any Belizean, any person who says that I love this country, would not be offended by the way the Foreign Minister uses words, the way he describes our borders, and he pretends as if though he is the only one who knows these words and he knows what they mean and the rest of us don’t know what these words mean. We must take offense when no person other than our Foreign Minister describes our borders in such a way and says to us as a people, that internationally we are not recognized. How we can sit back and accept that, yet we say we love Belize?

Carnival Kings and Queens
On Saturday, September 2, 2017, carnival groups made their way to the Marion Jones Stadium to display the intoxicating shimmer and color of their costumes. The event started as early as 5:00 p.m. where a total of 8 judges did their prejudgment. During this segment of the judging, the costumes were looked at for its sturdiness, use of color, as well as mobility of the costume. Quite importantly, the judges looked for how well of a job the reveler did portraying and using the costume as well as how well he or she explained the meaning behind the costume. Two groups did not make the competition so there were a total of 14 bands, 8 juniors and 6 seniors, competed in the King and Queen Competition. Irahunu Mas Band from Seine Bight Village and Caribbean Treasure Band from Belize City removed themselves from the competition and carnival activities but Caribbean Treasure Band will participate in the road march as a participant and not a competitor.

Carnival Mas band leaders band together to sign Declaration of Peace and Safety
With the carnival road march quickly approaching, and the air of violence and debauchery not too far behind, members of the carnival world met on Wednesday, September 6, 2017, three days before, to settle on some agreements. The basis of the declaration is to assure peace among and between band leaders as well as revelers and, to some extent, spectators. On behalf of the Belize Police Department, Desiree Phillips, Eastern Division Regional Commander, wants to assure the public that the department has already called for additional man power to quickly dissipate any unruly behavior. The duty of law enforcement officers is to promote safety and peace and that is the exact intention of the police department. Apart from an increase in man power, there will also be increased safety measures being carried out by additional patrolling officers.

FFB holds extraordinary congress... accomplishes nothing
The internal struggle over leadership of the Football Federation of Belize (FFB) appears to have gone dormant, at least until the elections become the highest priority once again. The FFB held an extraordinary congress on Saturday, September 2, and all the delegates showed up, allowing for quorum to be reached. The major business of the day were some important items which the congress couldn’t address on July 24 and 25, 2017, 9 weeks ago, when the delegates staged a protest and forced the congress meeting to be cancelled. At that time, they were not prepared to move forward with the elections for president and vice-president because they did not agree with the Electoral Committee’s decision to disqualify Sergio Chuc from running for president.

National Flag Day held in Belmopan
National Flag Day was held in Belmopan last Friday to the full embrace of its residents. Mayor Khalid Belisle on that occasion unveiled a flag monument, which includes a specially designed plaque and a flag pole. The plaque itself stands out markedly and gives a detailed description of the flag of Belize. In its entirety, the sparkling plaque reads as follows: “The flag of Belize is made up of Blue (Azure) with a White circle and a Red (Gules) border, these two horizontal red borders are 1/5 of the total width of the Flag, with the Coat of Arms centered on the white circle.

New Health Centre in Santa Elena Town to be inaugurated
The Government of Belize steadfast in its continued commitment to address the basic needs of Belizeans, in the areas of water, sanitation, education, and health, has funded the rehabilitation of the Santa Elena Health Centre Project at an estimated cost of $270,000.00. The residents of Santa Elena will benefit from having primary health care services aimed to improve community health thus, making critical achievements in improving the quality of health of men, women, and children of Santa Elena Town. Residents will also enjoy economic benefits from the closer proximity to the health centre as the cost of travel and time would be significantly reduced since they will no longer have to travel to San Ignacio for health care services.

Job Preparedness Training begins in San Ignacio
As a part of the Youth Resilience and Inclusive Social Empowerment (Youth RISE) Project, the Cornerstone Foundation this week started a job training program. This program is being held in partnership with the Department of Youth Services and the Ministry of Human Development. The job preparedness training has been designed for 15 to 16 year olds and will be held for the next six weeks from 9:00 a.m to 11:30 a.m on both Mondays and Wednesdays. As part of the joint effort, the program comes at no cost to the participants.

6 years later and Johnny has still not answered accusations of corruption against him
On Wednesday of this week the PUP held Protest march and rally in Orange Walk , which is, Johnny Briceno’s backyard . Apparently they could not get enough takers from Orange Walk ,so they busted in a few persons from out of town; paid protesters, from Belize City, Cayo and as far as Dangriga, to make up numbers .The event was dubbed as an anti-corruption protest march and rally . The fact of the date being, September, 6 caught our attention right away, as it brought back memories of something that happened exactly 6 years ago on the 6, September, 2011. That event was a story about some alleged corruption against Johnny .That story broke on Wave Radio/Tv station’s Fus Thing Da Mawnin .The story was based on WIKILEAKS Cable.That WIKILEAKS cable dated back to 2007 when a US Oil company called Lagoon Resources applied for a Production Sharing Agreement. The October 2007 cable, which was classified as confidential, alleged that Lagoon Resources did everything necessary to get the PSA, including offering the government higher royalty and production sharing rates - but the PSA went instead to, quote, “a politically connected local company.”

The Ministry of Health remains vigilant for our safety
The Ministry of Health has issued a report 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 of Health so far indicate that this Neurobión ® 50 mil has NOT been granted an importation permit for entry into Belize and the Ministry believes that the quality may be compromised. The said product has been removed from the establishments where it was found and the Ministry continues to remain vigilant for any unauthorized product that may be present in the country. The said samples of products is labeled to come from “Merk”, has an expiry date of November 2020 and claims to contain the Active Pharmaceutical ingredients such as Vitamin B1, Vitamin B6, Hydroxocobalamin, Cyanocobalamin and Lidocaine Chlorhydrate

Nemo Minister inspects flood mitigation works in Toledo
On Friday September 1, Minister of National Emergency Management Hon. Edmond Castro was on a working tour in Punta Gorda. Hon. Castro was welcomed to the municipality by Punta Gorda Mayor Fern Gutierrez and he accompanied NEMO District Coordinator Kenton Parham and Assistant Coordinator Dennis Williams on an inspection of areas where flood mitigation works have been carried out in that town and surrounding communities over the past six weeks. Those areas, which are known to be susceptible to seasonal flooding, include Hopeville, Magoon Area, Cattle Landing and Jacintoville.

Reviewing & refreshing disaster management – NEMO village leaders conferences
Halfway through the hurricane season and heading into what is normally the most active portion of it, Belize’s National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) continues to review and refresh its Emergency Management Plan and the roles and responsibilities of its coordinators, committees and volunteers countrywide in preparation for the eventuality of storms and flooding events. In line with this objective, three Village Leaders Conferences were recently conducted in the Toledo District. The most recent Village Leaders Conference was held at Corazon Creek High School and was attended by Chairpersons and Alcaldes from Santa Teresa, Mabil Ha; San Lucas, Corazón, Otoxha, Conejo Creek and Corazon Creek.

How to handle an oil spill
The threat of an oil spill can almost permanently damage lives and environment as well as having unconstructive effects on the economy and society of any country. On Belize, those effects would be felt even twice fold considering out geography and demography. As responsible stewards of the environment, it is essential to maintain vigilance in the case of such an emergency. Effective planning and response requires the cooperation of relevant agencies that can ensure proper risk management as it pertains to looking after Belize’s terrestrial and marine environments. In an effort to strengthen Belize’s response capabilities, representatives from various ministries, departments, private sectors, civil and academic society and NGOs met on September 5th to 7th, 2017 at the Radisson Fort George Hotel.

Of this and that....PUP’s Facebook elections
Unable to find candidates to run for the municipal elections, the PUP are finding candidates on Facebook to have them run a parallel election on Facebook. They are selecting some of the persons who post in a prolific fashion and are going so far as creating posters for them to run for the PUP in the Facebook municipal elections. The problem is that even on Facebook people are not voting especially when people see that hand of oppression on the banners being created; they immediately shy away. Its like rubbing salt on fresh wounds and even though the people being picked are good people the blue tinge just makes Facebook users hate them. The PUP need to stop this for the sake of those involved.

PUP mischief making in Orange Walk
Johnny Briceno who has very much to answer as it relates to allegations of corruption against him seems to have forgotten his past and is attempting to somehow lead a charge of corruption against the UDP and in particular the Area Representative for Orange Walk North. To this end he mobilized a national operation bussing in people from all across the country to Orange Walk town for what they call and anti-corruption demonstration. In the end a mere one thousand fanatics showed up, of course their pockets was anywhere between 40 and 50 dollars heavier. They paraded through the streets of Orange Walk and made all the noise they wanted. But it seemed that this was not enough for Briceno, he somehow wanted to look like a leader and instead of disbursing the crowd at the end of the parade, they were egged on to go to the Tower Hill Bridge and block it.

Shyne during school time
This week classes started for all primary schools across the country and any parent who has had to prepare their children for school will tell you that this is perhaps one of the most stressful times of the year. And that is so because of the expenses that come with the new school year. Parents must find the finances to purchase, books and other school supplies, uniforms, shoes and other necessities for their children. Among those necessities are school bags. For one division in Belize City however, when the school opened parents for a hundred children did not have to worry about school bags. That worry was taken away by aspiring area representative Shyne Barrow.

The Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) Contributes to Infrastructural Development of Belize
On Wednesday, September 6, His Excellency Charles Liu, Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan), presented a bilateral cooperation grant to the Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of Belize. The grant from the Republic of China (Taiwan) to Belize is for the year 2017 under the Bilateral Cooperation Program between the two countries. The purpose of the grant is to assist the overall development of Belize and particularly in the development of its transportation infrastructure.

Social Security
On Wednesday September 6th the Social Security Board hosted members of the media to a mixer with the sole purpose of informing on the proposal to increase coverage via increased contributions. Established in 1981, the Social Security Board provides a safety net for employed persons who would otherwise not have benefits accrue to them while they work. Since its inception the board has had only one adjustment in its rates and coverage and that was back in 2001. Now a full 16 years later there is an urgent need to revisit the scheme.

Taiwan, a Valuable Partner for SDGs - True Universality
“As we embark on this great collective journey, we pledge that no one will be left behind”—Transforming Our World: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. New York is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations. As with visitors from other countries, those from Taiwan love to experience first-hand the city’s famous attractions—the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, and, of course, the very nerve center of global affairs: the Headquarters of the United Nations. These landmarks—the latter in particular—are symbols of equality, diversity and freedom. Regrettably, the brilliantluster of these ideals has become tarnished of late as more and more visitors from Taiwan find themselves being turned away from the UN grounds, discriminated against simply because of their country of origin.

Mayor Earl Trapp in San Ignacio now tasked to do more work
With the counting of the ballots now over and Mayor Earl Trapp Junior having won another landslide victory, the future of the Twin Towns of San Ignacio and Santa Elena continues to be placed on a forward course. As the Chairman of the United Democratic Party Alberto August has observed, “Your UDP Mayoral Candidate was elected with 2,102 votes.” Coming from humble beginnings, Mayor Earl Trapp did not win those votes by pure charisma alone. He is a hard worker and is frequently seen getting his hands dirty as major works are undertaken around the sprawling twin towns.

UDP presents its Orange Walk Municipal slate
After months of PUP concocted rumors that the UDP has a difficult time to get candidates in Orange Walk to represent in the upcoming elections in March, the bombshell was dropped on the PUP. On Thursday the 31st August, 2017, the Orange Walk Executive Committee introduced to the media, the candidates who will represent the United Democratic Party in Orange Walk. At a press conference the candidates made a brief introduction and fielded questions from the media. The dynamic team all of whom are of impeccable character were remarkably well composed and handled themselves admirably. The Mayoral Candidate, Mr. Phillip De La Fuente, who has been a past Mayor of Orange Walk has said that he decided to run for mayor because as he put it he “is dismayed at the way the Town is being run” and promised to change this for the better.

Stann Creek takes the crown at the 77th Annual Queen of the Bay Pageant
September in Belize is not September without the curtsy of the girls vying for the title of Queen of the Bay. The 77th Annual Queen of the Bay Pageant was held at Bird’s Isle on Saturday, September 2, 2017. There, the eight contestants participated in patriotic talent, costume, and swimsuit displays, answered questions, showcased their evening gowns, marched the stage, and curtsied before the audience and judges. Aaliyah Ysaguirre represented the Culture Capital and her poise and elegance won over the judges as she was crowned the 77th Queen of the Bay, making it the third consecutive year that a representative from Stann Creek has walked away with the crown. Besides walking away with the crown, Aaliyah was also titled Miss Eloquence.

Accommodations to suit any pocket and preference in Hopkins
On a trip held by the Belize Tourism Board on Friday, August 25 to Sunday August 27, 2107, media persons were taken to the Hopkins Village in Stann Creek to discover Belize. Aside from both terrestrial and marine activities, we were given the opportunity to get an inside look at some very high end hotels and resorts as well as their rooms, restaurants, bars, and other amenities. The group of 14 journalists and reporters had the luxury of calling the Almond Beach Resort and Spa and Jaguar Reef Lodge their home for the entirety of the trip. When we were not being consumed with work, sun, and engaging in group activities off site, we had downtime to explore the resort. We were initially given a tour of most of the compound which covered several rooms, pools, the spa and café, the beach, and the main restaurant and lobby.

Over 2 kilos of cocaine turned out to be sugar
Over 2 kilograms of cocaine found inside a blue GMC Jimmy Blazer more than a month ago turned out to be pure sugar. The allegation was made against 23-year-old Keenan Flores who has been on remand at the Belize Central Prison since the incident on July 31, 2017. Flores has since been freed after getting the news before Magistrate Aretha Ford. Before the magistrate, the charge was withdrawn from against Flores by prosecutor in the case, Cpl. Christopher Smith. A memorandum from the forensic analyst certified that the content that was suspected to be cocaine is actually sugar.

Domestic of Teakettle is given bail for drug charge
Adrian Azueta, a 26-year-old domestic of Teakettle, was arraigned on September 4, 2017 for possession of over two pounds of marijuana. The drugs were found in her possession on Sunday, September 3, 2017 in the Ladyville Area. Azueta was unrepresented when she appeared before Magistrate Carlon Mendoza in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court to answer to a single charge of possession of a controlled drug with intent to supply.

Ex-prison officer charged for assaulting an attorney
Attorney and former DPP Prosecutor, Leroy Banner, reported to police that on Saturday, August 26, 2017 at the Cricket Field in Double Head cabbage, he was assaulted by two men known to him. One of the alleged attackers was arraigned in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court on September 1, 2017 where he appeared before Chief Magistrate Sharon Fraser. He is Calbert Reynolds, a 28-year-old former prison officer. In court where he was unrepresented, Reynolds was read two criminal offenses, aggravated assault with a dangerous instrument and threatening words. He pleaded not guilty to both charges.

Gilbert Goodger denied bail for drug related charges
Gilbert Goodger is on remand at the Belize Central Prison after he was denied bail for a second drug related charge in a matter of days. He appeared before Chief Magistrate Sharon Fraser on September 4, 2017 where he was read two drug related offenses. According to police, a search was executed at Goodger’s home. There they found cannabis in two plastic bags which amounted to 233 grams. A further search was conducted which led to the discovery of 0.5 grams of cannabis. Goodger claims that he was not at home at the time of the search but claimed full responsibility and that is why his girlfriend was not charged.

Two teenagers remanded for armed robbery
A 17-year-old Chinese salesman was robbed at Good Fortune Store and two men accused of the robbery were arraigned and remanded on September 4, 2017 before Magistrate Carlon Mendoza. The young men, 18-year-old Luquan Flowers and 19-year-old Duesberry Bowen, were arraigned in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court where they were represented by attorney Oscar Selgado. The duo was charged jointly with robbery of Ming Long Li while Bowen was charged alone with one count of aggravated assault with a firearm upon Li.

Taxi driver shot in Cayo
Taxi drivers in Western Belize are once again becoming the focus of criminals. At 8:50 p.m on Saturday Efrain Cu was observed by Police to be suffering from four gunshot wounds. The taxi driver from Santa Elena had a wound on the right upper shoulder, left chest and upper leg. Cu had picked up three strangers at the Cayo Welcome Center in central San Ignacio and drove them to a location near the Collins Boulevard near the Bullet Tree Road. There he was shot and his Geo Prizm valued at $10,500.00 was then forcefully taken from him.

Teenager is accused of harm twice in 2 years
A Belize City teenager who two years ago was convicted of harm was on Wednesday before the court for the offense of wounding. She is 18-year-old Daniel Garnett, a resident of Belize City. Garnett appeared unrepresented before Magistrate Aretha Ford on September 6, 2017 where she was read a single charge of wounding upon Tyra Humes. The allegations against Garnett are that on Saturday, September 2, 2017, she punched Humes in the face at the BTL Park. Humes further alleged that she was also hit in her chin with a lock Garnett had gotten hold of.

More time for Inmate for smuggling weed
Richard Taylor, is a 23-year-old prisoner incarcerated for 5 years of a 7 year sentence for burglary. Authorities at the Central Prison were able to detect marijuana being smuggled up his rectum during a routine check and now he has a drug trafficking charge to answer to. He was arraigned before Magistrate Aretha Ford on September 1, 2017 where he was given the option of pleading guilty to drug trafficking or to possession. He pleaded guilty to possession and was sentenced to 5 months set to run concurrently with the remainder of his time for burglary.

Dragons and Belize Bank Bulldogs in the finals of Firms’ Basketball competition
The Belize District Basketball Association Firms’ Competition will enter its championship round on Friday 22nd September and Saturday 23rd September at 8:00 pm at Swift Hall in Belize City. The championship series is utilising the best of three format. If a third game becomes necessary, that game will be played on Friday 29th September. In the first game of the semi-final round which was played on Saturday 2nd September, 2017, Dragons the number one seed eliminated Tuff ‘e’ Nuff by the score of 84-76 to advance to the championship round. The top scorers for the Dragons were Auburn Rivero with 15 points, 1 rebound, 3 assists and 4 steals; Akeem Watters with 14 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal and Eyan Rene with 13 points, 5 rebounds and a steal.

Burrell Boom and Lucky Strike win in Leal Cup Tournament
The 2017 Leal Football Cup Tournament continued on Sunday 3rd September, out at the Sandhill Football Field. In the first game of the day, Burrell Boom defeated Sandhill New Site Warriors by the score of 4-1. The goals for Burrell Boom were scored by Dennis Munoz, Angel Gutierrez, Misael Munoz and Erick Gomez, while the lone goal for Sandhill New Site Warriors was scored by Jordan Wade. In game two, Lucky Strike won over HVYSC by the score of 3-2. The goals for Lucky Strike were scored by Keenen Gillett (2) and Travis Heredia, while the goals for HVYSC were scored by Carlton Rogers and Trvaun Rhaburn. In the third game of the day, Sandhill Blue Hawks and Sandhill Scorpions played to a 0-0 draw.

Guardian Cubs win in Belize City Senior Male Softball opener
The Belize City Softball Association 2017 Senior Male Competition opened on Wednesday 30th August at Rogers Stadium. Organised male softball took a hiatus under the last Belize City Softball Association for four years and finally returned with only three teams. The teams are Guardian Cubs, Dream Crushers and Dodgers. In the first game played, Guardian Cubs defeated Dream Crushers by the score of 5-3. The winning pitcher was Jason Garcia and the losing pitcher was Konrad Gonzalez.

Stann Creek Football Association to hold First Division Tournament
The Stann Creek Football Association is inviting all interested teams to a meeting to discuss the upcoming Stann Creek Football Association First Division Cup Tournament. The meeting is scheduled for Monday September 18, 2017 at 6:30PM upstairs of the Dangriga Town Hall. The main purpose of the meeting is to discuss the start date of the tournament, registration per team, the tournament regulation and picking of teams to be place in their respective group which is either A or B. The association is asking interested teams to please be on time.

Verdes FC early leaders in the PLB Football Opening Season
The Premier League of Belize 2017 Opening Season competition continued over the weekend with four games on the schedule. On Saturday 2nd September, at the Ambergris Stadium in San Pedro Town, the host team San Pedro Pirates FC blanked the visiting Freedom Fighters by the score of 2-0. The goals for the San Pedro Pirates FC were scored by Luis Alchnovic in the 45th minute of play and Hector Martinez in the 90th minute of play to give the San Pedro Pirates its first win of the 2017 campaign. While at the Isidoro Beaton Stadium in Belmopan, the defending champions Bandits Sports edged out the visiting Police United by the score of 3-2.

Popular businessman dies in traffic accident
Family members, friends and well-wishers have said their final goodbyes to the well-known businessman, Omar Ortiz, who died in a traffic accident on the George Price Highway. The 46 year-old was driving his Toyota Laand Cruiser on Thursday, August 31, heading to Galen University, where he is the Vice President. At around 8:30 a.m., he was in an area between miles 30 and 31 on the George Price Highway, near Mahogany Heights, when he somehow lost control of the vehicle. It flipped over 6 times, and a vehicle he had passed on the way stopped to help him in that distress. Those first responders found all the airbags in the vehicle deployed, and they reportedly had to cut the seatbelt to free him. He suffered an injury to the neck, and fearing that they would do more harm than good, they called and waited for an ambulance to arrive and properly transport him. That ambulance arrived from Belize City, and he was rushed to the Belize Healthcare Partners Hospital.

Elderly Motorcyclist killed in accident
An elderly man was thrown off his motorcycle and killed on Tuesday morning while riding through Buena Vista Village in Cayo. Jessica Miller, a U.S citizen has reported to police that she was driving through Buena Vista when the left rear side of her vehicle collided against the motorcycle. The driver of the motorcycle, 80 year old Salvadoran Jose Francisco Ayala suffered serious bodily injuries and was pronounced dead on arrival at the San Ignacio Community Hospital. Miller has been served with a notice of intended prosecution

No Watch GAPI, Watch Kareem!
Goodness! I received a lot of feedback from my opinion piece last week which mentioned Hon. Vega. It seems that he still has many faithful supporters in OW North who swear by him. They maintain that under Gapi Orange Walk North really underwent notable development with thousands of titled house lots having been issued, several schools built, community and sport centers opened, drains installed, roads paved, feeder roads cleared and educational grants awarded, among other projects. Listen, the alternative for Orange Walk North, or the entire country even, is not an attractive option. Change monkey for black dog they say. We no want no sprang, they chanted today Wednesday. I won’t lie to you and say the pro- Vega crowd was big, but they had heart to go out there against the might and money of an organized PUP leadership.

Tell Me My Chances
South Side Belize City, the very bleakest part of our country which also happens to be our most densely populated- here jutting zinc fences enclose clustered decrepit homes; abandoned lots can be seen, overgrown with weeds and infested by critters. Jobs are hard to come by, and children often go to school hungry. The depth of poverty here is not known by many. Although Southside Belize City appears to be where it is concentrated, poverty in Belize is by no means quarantined within this area. It seeps in varying degrees throughout. However, for a long time, the depth of poverty in which some Belizeans live, was unbeknownst to me; that is up until very recently when I began to work in some of the challenged areas of Belize City, alongside Dion Leslie, a man who believes he has a vision to improve Quality of Life here for the people.

Breaking Belize News

Massive Earthquake measuring 8.0 gives Belize a shake
A massive earthquake measuring at least 8.0 on the Richer Scale has struck southern Mexico. According to Earthquake Track, it happened 17 minutes ago and shook Chiapas, Mexico and was felt in Belize, Guatemala as well as in Distrito Federal, Mexico.

Mennonite Businessman murdered in Guatemala
BBN has been reliably informed by residents of the Spanish Lookout community that a Mennonite businessman, Eddie Braun was murdered in Guatemala on Tuesday, 5th September. Details surrounding the incident are sketchy but according to our sources, the incident occurred somewhere between Melchor de Mencos and Flores in the Department of Peten.

Special envoy condemns assault on Marisol Amaya
In light of the assault by police officers on female Journalist and editor of KREM news, Marisol Amaya, many have expressed outrage by the actions of the police including the special envoy for women and children in Belize, Kim Simplis Barrow.

United women’s’ group demands respect for media
The United Women’s Group (UWG), (women’s arm of the People’s United Party) issued a statement today demanding respect for the media. According to the release, the UWG says that the media plays a critical role in Belize’s democracy and therefore it is crucial that its journalists are not censured, stifled, or bullied in any way.

Recinos Imports donate cereals to Belmopan Police Feeding Program
Today, Belmopan Police and Recinos Imports from San Ignacio signed an agreement where 140 students of two primary schools in the Belmopan Police Jurisdiction will receive breakfast cereal as part of the Belmopan Police Feeding Program.

Prominent Belizeans express outrage over Police abuse of KREM’s Marisol Amaya
Less than 24 hours after KREM’s Editor, Marisol Amaya, was manhandled and abused by police at a PUP protest near the Tower Hill bridge in Orange Walk, various media personalities, political activists and women’s advocates have condemned the abusive action by police.

Drug peddler arrested and charged in Belize City
Police have issued an official report on the arrest of a Belize City, “drug peddler.”According to the report, at around 3:15 yesterday, officers of the Gang Suppression Unit were conducting a search on Nargusta Street.

GSU find cannabis in gang turf
side from busting a drug peddler at around 2 p.m. yesterday, the Gang Suppression Unit found 157 grams of cannabis.The discovery was made at around 2 p.m. in an abandoned open lot on Haulze Street.

Saldivar has doubts about Amy Forte
While Prime Minister Dean Barrow believes that Amy Forte’s signature may have been forged in a land scheme involving the family of Gaspar Vega; John Saldivar has publicly discounted Forte’s credibility. On Wednesday, Saldivar questioned Forte’s credibility, given the fact that she never made formal complaints into the allegations of fraud to the police.

“No apologies,” says John Saldivar
Minister of Defense John Saldivar had only apologies for those that disagree with him, but none for using government resources in transporting his football team to and from matches in the cayes. Saldivar was heavily criticized earlier this year when it was discovered that he was using boats donated to the Belize Coast Guard, by the United States Government to take the Belmopan Bandits to their games.

Taiwan contributes to infrastructural development of Belize
His Excellency Charles Liu, Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan), presented a bilateral cooperation grant to Dean Barrow, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of Belize two days ago. The grant from the Republic of China (Taiwan) to Belize is for the year 2017 under the Bilateral Cooperation Program between the two countries.

Ministers Faber and Saldivar bicker about support for Vega
Yesterday, photos of the PUP’s protest against Gaspar Vega in Orange Walk flooded social media. While the protest was on, Deputy Prime Minister of Belize, Patrick Faber posted on his social media page — “for those wondering on a day like today, I do not support or defend corruption and my expectations are that those in our beloved UDP don’t either.”

San Pedro men ambushed; one killed
On Tuesday night, San Pedro residents – Edgar Rene Lopez and Rudolph Pitts were ambushed while walking on a back road near Bright Waters Resort. Lopez and Pitts were shot at by three men. When police visited the Poly Clinic in San Pedro, they saw Lopez suffering from gunshot wounds to the left side of the head and the upper left arm. Lopez is a caretaker and a resident of Mile Ten North of San Pedro.

Hurricane Center monitoring 3 Hurricanes; latest update on Irma
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) is monitoring three hurricane – Jose, Irma and Katia in the Atlantic. Hurricane Irma is a catastrophic category 5 hurricane. As of last night, the eye of Hurricane Irma was located near latitude 19.1 North, longitude 66.1 West.

Hurricane Jose forms in Altantic
Last night, tropical storm Jose was upgraded to a hurricane and it is located east of the powerful Category 5 Hurricane Irma in the Atlantic. The NHC is reporting that the center of Hurricane Jose was located near latitude 13.9 North, longitude 45.8 West. Jose is moving toward the west-northwest near 16 mph (26 km/h), and this general motion is expected to continue for the next couple of days.

Fatal road traffic accident on Philip Goldson Highway leaves one dead
Last night around 7:15, Ladyville Police responded to a road traffic accident between miles 14 and 15 on the Philip Goldson Highway. When Police arrived at the scene, they observed a red Isuzu Trooper on the right side of the road. Beside the trooper was Joaquin Villamil,38, a businessman of Carmelita Village in an unconscious state.

Vega announces his return to politics
Yesterday, the Opposition People’s United Party (PUP) held a protest in Orange Walk town to stand against corruption in the Lands Department initiated by former Lands Minister, Gaspar Vega. But Vega also had supporters standing up for him. A small group of about 40 people came out to show their support for Vega in front of his house.

Blogs

September Celebrations! How To Celebrate in 2017
It’s the most wonderful month of the year. Sure it’s hot and generally humid. Mosquito spray is a must at dawn and dusk and the stream of tourists has slowed to a trickle. BUT…it’s Independence Month! IT’S PARTY TIME! Belize celebrates two major holidays in September and for many, it can feel like the time between Sept 10th and 21st makes for one big HOLIDAY! Time to decorate your home and your cart and your person and get out your calendar. Though I’ve missed a few events – like the Miss San Pedro pageant – here are my favorite things to do in September.

September Celebrations Calendar of Events 2017
Our young ( 36 years) and vibrant country is gearing up for September Celebrations with this years theme being, Belize – confronting challenges, celebrating triumphs and renewing our resolve. Countrywide, numerous cultural, religious, and sporting events are being held from the beginning of September up to the big finale on Independence Day, Sept 21st. This is a very patriotic month and many people show their pride decorating homes and businesses in the country’s colors; white, blue and red. September Celebrations Calendar Here are some of the many events going on this month that are worth the traveling around the country to see:

CARNIVAL IN BELIZE
September is a month of celebration sprinkled with competitions, pageants, and concerts, but the revelry peaks with Carnival - a crescendo of lively music, vibrant floats, and participants in detailed costumes that shimmer and shine through the streets, infecting people with their exuberance. This year, Carnival will be celebrated on the 9th of September, and if you find yourself in Belize on that day, here’s why you might want to save the date. The road march started as a small street parade in 1975 and has grown bigger and brighter each year. The first challenge of the month is the Carnival King and Queen competition, which was held on September 2nd at the Marion Jones Sports Complex. It serves almost as a stress test for the complex outfits as contestants must parade their large, elaborate costumes for the judges. This year, a total of 14 groups, 8 Junior and 6 Senior groups, showcased their elaborate creations. Jump Street Posse took home the title in the Junior category and Belizean Jewels came on top for the Senior category.

Burying Summer in History
When I first sought Galen as an option to further my studies, my sole purpose was to enrol in the archaeology program. So, believe my dismay when I was told that archaeology was no longer offered as major. I felt like a little kid who was eating a quadruple scooped ice cream, which was smothered in whip cream, drowned in chocolate syrup and had an enormous juicy scarlet cherry placed perfectly on the top, when suddenly some stranger comes marching along, slaps the ice cream out of the kids hand and continues walking along, leaving the kid lamenting over a dying dream. Apparently, the archaeology program was replaced with anthropology. When I first heard this transition, I was like Anthro-what? Is that the study of ants? But I was later enlightened. Anthropology is the umbrella and archaeology is just a subfield under it. Ms. Gibbs explained that during the summer semester the field archaeology was taught by Dr Jaime Awe. For that split second my heart stopped beating. Dr. Awe has always been my role model, and having the opportunity to work with him for an entire month would be the highlight of my life! I didn’t need to hear anything else. Galen here I come.

International Sources

Irma's destruction: island by island
The category five hurricane has ripped through the Caribbean, leaving flattened landscapes, flash floods and loss of life. Barbuda, the first island to feel the force of Hurricane Irma was devastated by its high winds, with Gaston Browne, prime minister of Antigua and Barbuda, saying 90% of buildings had been destroyed and 50% of the population of around 1,000 people left homeless.

Our Weather-Prediction Models Keep Getting Better, and Hurricane Irma Is the Proof
By Wednesday of last week, even as Tropical Storm Harvey continued to rain devastation on the Gulf Coast, a new storm, Irma, was taking shape in the eastern Atlantic. Within thirty-six hours, it had morphed into a Category 3 hurricane. Then it seemed to hesitate momentarily, as if to gather itself. “Irma has begun a cycle of reorganization called an eye-wall replacement,” the Weather Channel reported on Friday. This brought to mind something like a home-renovation project, but in practice the replacement cycle is more like mounting a Formula One engine in a Corvette. The eye of a hurricane acts like a chimney, sending warm air whirling into the upper atmosphere. It may hold stable for a while, but eventually it shrinks and sputters, often to be replaced by a larger and more powerful eye, which forms around it. Then the storm hits fifth gear. Yesterday morning, Irma indeed achieved Category 5 status, with winds of a hundred and eighty-five miles per hour, ranking it among the most powerful Atlantic hurricanes in recorded history.

Spouses of CARICOM leaders launch action network
First Ladies and Spouses of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) have launched its network, 'Spouses of Caribbean Leaders Action Network' (SCLAN) to tackle issues related to the health and well being of women, adolescents and children in the Caribbean. SCLAN is the advocacy and action platform to advance the Every Caribbean Women Every Caribbean Child (ECWECC) initiative, now re-titled Caribbean Woman Caribbean Child (CariWaC)” H.E. Ms. Kim Simplis Barrow, Spouse of the Prime Minister of Belize and Special Envoy for Women and Children in Belize, was elected as the first Chair of the Network, while H.E. Ms. Sandra Granger, First Lady of Guyana, was elected its Vice Chair.

Guatemalan Artisans Are Pushing to Remove 64,000 Fake Maya Products From Etsy
In San Juan La Laguna – a town on the shore of Lago de Atitlán in Guatemala – the 20 or so Maya women who make up Casa Flor Ixcaco, a collective that produces organic fabrics, have seen their work misappropriated on several occasions. Plenty of business owners come into the group’s store, ask for a sample of the work, and promise to return to place a large order. But they never come back. “What happens normally, and it’s happened to me, [is] people come here and ask for samples and [then they create their own products], but now they use chemical dyes and industrialized thread,” Delfina Par, a member of Casa Flor Ixcaco, tells me on the phone in Spanish. “And they say it’s handmade and made by us, but normally what they do is take the samples as an example, and later they produce large quantities, but with low-quality thread. That’s what has affected us most.”

Videos

September 7, 2017

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Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

Rudolph Pitts found dead following late night shooting
A male person identified as 36 year-old Rudolph Pitts was found dead on Wednesday, September 6th shortly after 1PM in Northern Ambergris Caye. Pitts had been reported missing from the night of Tuesday, September 5th when he and another friend, 22-year-old Edgar Lopez, were reportedly assaulted by three gunmen. Lopez, who sustained gunshot injuries to the back of his head (grazed), left arm and shoulder, was later airlifted on that same night Belize City for further medical treatment. However, Pitts was not located until his lifeless body was found today.

Tropic Air adds flights from Orange Walk to San Pedro
Tropic Air announced today a substantial investment for its Orange Walk customers as it it will be increasing air service between Orange Walk and San Pedro to three (3) times a day, effective November 15th, 2017. Currently, flights are scheduled at two times a day, and this will add an often requested evening service.

Shooting in northern Ambergris Caye leaves one person injured and another missing
The official report from police indicates that on Tuesday, around 8PM, Lopez along with a friend were walking on a back street on the island, when three men approached them from the nearby bushes and fired several shots at them. An injured Lopez managed to flee from the area and was later assisted and transported to the polyclinic. Contrary to the police report, which gave the impression that the shooting took place in downtown San Pedro, an eyewitness claims that the incident happened near a resort in northern Ambergris Caye. According to the eyewitness, Lopez had just started working in the maintenance department of the resort. The eyewitness stated that when he was shot, Lopez ran to the staff rooms seeking refuge and help. He was quickly taken in a pick-up truck to the polyclinic where he was stabilized. The San Pedro Sun was also told that up to late this morning, Lopez’s friend is yet to be found.

Meteorologist monitoring three storms in the Atlantic
Category Five Hurricane Irma is causing massive destruction in the northern Leeward Islands as it makes it way past the Caribbean and potentially into the Gulf Coast. The ninth named storm of the 2017 Atlantic Hurricane Season, Irma is not the only threat as Tropical Storm Jose and Tropical Storm Katia continue to strengthen as well. Meteorologist have indicated this to be one of the most active hurricane seasons recorded, with Hurricane Irma breaking records as potentially the strongest storm in ever recorded.

Ambergris Today

Belize Water Services Warns Of Imposters Visiting Homes
An urgent and imortant notice has come forth from the office of Belize Water Services (BWS) which informs its customers that a group of imposters are posing as BWS employees to gain access to resident’s homes. The imposters claim that they are there to install shower caps and to conserve water. Please note that BWS does not have any such campaign going on and residents should be wary of any unexpected visitors claiming to be from BWS.

Missing Person's Body Found Following Last Night Shooting Incident
The body of Rudolph Eric Pitts was discovered this afternoon around 2p.m. 10 miles north of San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, following the late night shooting incident reported this morning. San Pedro Police were investigating the shooting incident where it was reported that 22-year-old Edgar Lopez was grazed by a bullet behind his head, then shot to the left arm and left shoulder. Lopez was transported to Belize City for treatment of his wounds. It was reported that he was accompanied by another male person who was reported missing since the incident.

Man Escapes Assault And Shooting Incident In San Pedro
San Pedro Police are investigating an assault that took place on back street in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, Belize that left one man injured with gunshot wound, on Tuesday, September 5, at about 8:00p.m. Investigation revealed that 22-year-old Edgar Rene Lopez was walking on ‘back street’ with a friend when three men approached them from the nearby bushes and fired several shots at them. Lopez managed to escape with gunshot injuries and was transported to San Pedro Poly Clinic where he was treated and later transport to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital for further treatment. He remains in a stable condition.

Misc Belizean Sources

Police Report Shooting Incident
On Tuesday 5th September, 2017 at about 8:49 pm, San Pedro Police visited the San Pedro Town Poly Clinic, where a pickup truck arrived transporting 22 yr old Edgar Rene Lopez of miles 10 North of San Pedro Town with a gunshot wound behind the head (graze), the left arm and left shoulder. Investigation revealed that on Tuesday 5th September, 2017 sometime around 8:00 pm Lopez along with a friend were walking the back street when (3) three men approached them from the nearby bushes and fired several shots at them causing the injuries to Lopez who managed to escape and was later transported to San Pedro Poly Clinic. where he was treated and later transport to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital for further treatment he remains in a stable condition.

Free Weekly Mobile Health Clinics on Ambergris Caye
Projects Abroad Announces Free Weekly Mobile Clinics - DFC, San Mateo, & Central Park. Free Blood Sugar Testing, blood pressure testing, weight and height testing and nutrition advice.

San Pedro PUP Endorsement Convention
The San Pedro PUP 7 Invite the public to their Endorsement Convention where you can listen and meet the 7 candidates running for office in the upcoming Municipal Elections.

New Health Centre in Santa Elena Town to be Inaugurated
The Government of Belize steadfast in its continued commitment to address the basic needs of Belizeans, in the areas of water, sanitation, education, and health, has funded the rehabilitation of the Santa Elena Health Centre Project at an estimated cost of $270,000.00. The residents of Santa Elena will benefit from having primary health care services aimed to improve community health thus, making critical achievements in improving the quality of health of men, women, and children of Santa Elena Town. Residents will also enjoy economic benefits from the closer proximity to the health centre as the cost of travel and time would be significantly reduced since they will no longer have to travel to San Ignacio for health care services.

The Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) Contributes to Infrastructural Development of Belize
Today, September 6, His Excellency Charles Liu, Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan), presented a bilateral cooperation grant to the Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of Belize. The grant from the Republic of China (Taiwan) to Belize is for the year 2017 under the Bilateral Cooperation Program between the two countries. The purpose of the grant is to assist the overall development of Belize and particularly in the development of its transportation infrastructure.

'MARILIN DUPRE' at Princess Casino Freezone
Tthis weekend with the spectacular live performance of "MARILIN DUPRE'. Everyone is cordially invited. It is free admission and happening this Friday, September 8th and Saturday, September 9th. Come join us and get a chance to win. It all starts at 10:00 p.m.

Corozal Animal Progam Fundraiser
Mark your calendars, September 15, Corozal Convention Center for this gala event. Rum tasting, ribs, beans and rice and a chicken foot eating contest! It just doesn't get any better than that. The festivities begin at 5 pm and end somewhere around 9 pm. Corozal Animal Progam will have a table set up and will be selling hot dogs for $2 each, all proceeds going to help the animals of Corozal.

Seatrade Europe 2017

BELIZE INDEPENDENCE CELEBRATIONS JUMP UP & FLAG PARTY
Thank you Orange Walk for an excellent launch of Belize's Independence Day celebrations! His Excellency Governor General Sir Colville Young honored guests with his presence. Mayor Kevin Bernard and Deputy Prime Minister Patrick Faber delivered welcome remarks and Mayan and Garifuna dance groups entertained guests with their beautiful cultural presentations. Charge d'Affaires, a.i. Adrienne Galanek attended the fabulous launch and enjoyed Orange Walk's famous tacos! Mayor Bernard drew the next lucky town to launch next year's independence celebrations -- Congratulations San Ignacio/Santa Elena!!!! Enjoy September Belize!!

Koko King Schedule of events not to miss this 10th Sept weekend
Friday 8th - Dinner and a Movie - Ice Age Collision Course & The Secret Life of Pets. Popcorn and roasted marshmallows for all those who have been good at school this week. Saturday 9th - beach day featuring DJ Karizma followed by our highly anticipated Full Moon Party. Guest DJ Odyssey will join our resident Blue Wave Sounds and a live performance by Stig da Artist. Tickets will be $5bz for ladies and $10bz for the gentleman can be bought in advance (to avoid the line on the night) at KoKo King from Thursday.

Government of Belize Making Educational Opportunities Available for 700 Students in Stann Creek & Toledo Districts
The Government of Belize in its continued commitment to ensuring that the country’s most cherished and greatest asset – Our Children, acquire a quality early childhood and primary education, secured grant-funds valued at $2,232,370.02 from the Caribbean Development Bank under the bank’s Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF 7) Programme for the construction of two primary and two preschools in the Stann Creek and Toledo Districts. When school resumes this September, this milestone achievement will facilitate the enrollment of 700 students at newly constructed government schools namely Santa Cruz Pre-School and Primary School in the Stann Creek District; and Trio Pre-School and Primary School Extension, in the Toledo District. The school project will provide a better learning environment and access to students and enable the schools to address the increasing demand for enrollment, alleviate overcrowding, and thus enable the country’s future leaders to further boost their learning skills for socio-economic development.

Kristin Marin nominated for Caribbean Regional Youth Council Electoral Board
The National Youth Council of Belize congratulates Ms.Kristin Marin on the acceptance of her nomination by the Caribbean Regional Youth Council Electoral Board for the position of Vice of Membership and Partnership! We look forward to fully supporting her on her journey to success in Jamaica on Election Day, October 2nd 2017!

Carnival Road March Line Up 2017
This year's Carnival Road March 2017 line up will be as follows: Grand Marshall – Stanley Lizama, Caribbean Treasures - Non competitive band, Junior Bands (7), Sunshine Masqueraders, Mahogany Masqueraders, Collect Royal Revelers, Black Pearl, Trenchtown Masqueraders, Soca Massive, Jump Street Posse , Ambulance, PanTempters Steel Band, Floats, Presidente, Belikin , Senior Bands (6), Belizean United, Mother Nature’s Creation, Fantasy Karnival Belize, Titans Mas Band, Soca Moca Carnival Band, Belizean Jewels, Ambulance, Tumblers, Party Truck.

Carnival Road March 2017 Route
The Carnival Road March is set for September 9th, 2017 and will be commencing at 1:00 PM. The route for the road march is as follows: Central American Blvd/Faber’s Road, Right onto Vernon Street, Left onto Youth for the Future Drive, Across BelChina Bridge, Douglas Jones Street, into Cinderella Plaza, Left onto Kelly Street, Right onto Baymen Avenue, Left onto Princess Margaret Drive, End in front of Marion Jones Sports Complex , JUDGING POINTS, Junior – CA Blvd & Cemetery Rd, Senior – Youth for the Future Drive, in front of Youth Apprenticeship.

COROZAL LOW COST SPAY AND NEUTER CLINIC FOR DOGS
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, DR. CHARLES CLINIC, FINCA SOLANA. $5 PER DOG FOR ANY COROZAL DISTRICT BELIZEAN. $5 FOR FIVE IN ONE (5 in 1) VACCINATION (REQUIRED). BRING VET CERTIFICATE IF YOUR DOG IS CURRENT ON THIS VACCINATION. NO SOLID FOOD AFTER 6:00 PREVIOUS NIGHT. WATER IS O.K. ALL DOGS MUST BE LEASHED OR CAGED. BRING A TOWEL FOR YOUR PET. PUPPIES MUST BE AT LEAST FIVE MONTHS OLD. LIMITED SPACES - APPOINTMENTS NECESSARY. PLEASE CALL 636 9698 FOR AN APPOINTMENT. Directions: Head towards Consejo on Fourth Avenue. After you pass the Civic Center, turn right. Turn left at the fourth street. Dr. Charles’ clinic is the second building on the left.

Young Leaders of the Americas
U.S. Embassy Belmopan is proud to announce that four businesses and social entrepreneurs from Belize have been selected for the Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative - YLAI Professional Fellows Program 2017! Their companies include sports, environment, youth empowerment and food. Over the next few days we will feature each participant. Starting with Keisha Rodriguez the Co-Founder and Director of Communications, Outreach, and Networking for Belize Association of Planners (BAP), which addresses relevant planning and development issues in Belize, with an emphasis on vulnerable urban communities. BAP seeks to apply knowledge and skills to address inequalities and urban and environmental injustices.

Study on freshwater macro inverts of the Chiquibul
The 2nd study on freshwater macro inverts of the Chiquibul Forest is concluded. Presently the Chiquibul streams have good water quality but gold extraction in southern Chiquibul is reducing water quality. Continuous assessments over time will be important to better understand observable changes and validate the root causes. This research program was supported by Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT)

Termites of Belize
Tiring and exciting weeks of termite research are over. There are still tons of data to be processed, but one of the final products was sent to us from our collaborators- poster on Termites of Belize. We gonna bring one to the forestry and one to BAHA. Our termite team from Ian Anderson's Caves Branch Botanical Garden is holding the products of that work- reference collection of termites in small viles and the reference poster. If anybody from UB wants to study termites, you can use our reference collections as a baseline. There will be also fun brochures for kids to read! Roni Martinez, Elma Kay, Edgar Correa, Minerva González Angela Chen.

Highlights of this year summer camp at Camp Basil Jones

Channel 7

PUP Takes A Stand On Tower Hill
Goodnight and welcome to 7News. Tonight we'll start as we sometimes do when major events happen, with extended coverage of the drama at the Tower Hill Bridge in Orange Walk where police had to use tear gas to disperse a crowd of PUP protestors. Joining me in studio to break down all that happened on the bridge from beginning to end is News Director Jules Vasquez, who has the sunburned face and the red tear-gassed eyes to show that he was out there today. Jules, let's jump right into it - how did it all start? Edward Broaster, Assistant Commissioner of Police: "Sir, please move your vehicle." Hon. Jose Mai: "Arrest me sir. Respectfully I will not move. We are asking for two hours."

Vega Announces Possible/Likely Return to Politics
And so while that is all that happened on the bridge, there was lots of other very big news coming out of Orange Walk today - and most of that from the Gaspar Vega camp. The embattled, scandalized UDP Orange Walk North Representative made an appearance and actually took a few questions form the media. We have all that coming up, but first to the most news making announcement - that Vega - despite all he's been accused of - is considering throwing his hat back into the ring as a candidate for the UDP in Orange Walk north. Here's how he put it today:... Jules Vasquez - Reporter: "Mr. Vega will you run again? Look like you dih get inna political trade." People: "Yes, yes, he will run!" Hon. Gaspar Vega- Orange Walk North Representative, UDP: "Let me tell you something, if me not running means that PUP weh win, I weh bloody run!"

Briceno Prays For Vega's Return
And while many in the UDP - including Deputy Leader Patrick Faber is scratching his head about that - which we'll tell you about in our next segment, the PUP is rejoicing. Here's how Opposition Leader Briceno put it today: Hon. John Briceno- PUP leader: "I am praying to the good Lord for Vega to run again. We want him to run in Orange Walk North to continue to represent the stench of the UDP, the corruption of the UDP, everything that has gone wrong with the UDP." Ramon Cervantes Jr.- PUP candidate, Orange Walk North: "Well, let him run. Let him come and I'm waiting for him whenever he is ready."

PUP And UDP's Sugar City Face-Off
Ok, so far in the news tonight we've shown you the ruction and tear gas at the Tower Hill Bridge when the PUP tried to block it. And then, we showed you the major political announcement from Gaspar Vega who's planning a political comeback, it seems. But the main event really was the competing mass party events: the PUP had a protest against, while Vega's people set up a rally for him in front of his house. Jules Vasquez and Angel Noble covered all corners of this story:.. When the PUP protest moved off at around 9:30 AM it was only a few hundred people. John Briceno bolted out. As the Orange Walk leaders took the front. It was a northern caucus event, but there was definitely a national presence - there were as many as 40 busses from different areas.

UDP Ministers Saldivar and Faber Face Off On Facebook
And so UDP Belmopan Representative John Saldivar went out to give his hearty support for Vega, and that didn't sit too well with the man who replaced Vega As Deputy Prime Minister and Deputy Party Leader Patrick Faber. He posted a very telling remark on Facebook, saying, quote, "for this wondering on a day like today, I do not support or defend corruption and my expectations are that those in our beloved UDOP don't either. John Saldivar posted a lengthy response saying, quote, "Today I went to Orange Town not to support or defend corruption but to stand in solidarity with a colleague...No matter the perception that has been fueled by media and political agents, unless and until Hon. Vega is convicted in a Court of Law, he deserves our solidarity...I stand firmly against corruption and will never support or defend it, but I am also a firm believer in natural justice and our colleague deserves our solidarity unless found guilty."

John Saldivar Disagrees with PM, He Says Forte Not Credible
So while the UDP is clearly divided on the Vega issue, we're not sure where the party collective is on the Amy Forte issue. She's the Belmopan resident who says her signature was forged in a land flip which saw Gaspar Vega's son, Andre end up with 7 acres of land on Mosquito Caye. The Prime Minister has said there is credible evidence that her signature was forged leading to a fraudulent conveyance. But John Saldivar seems to think that Amy Forte's story is not credible. Here's what he said about it today:... Hon. John Saldivar: "The person, who made that accusation refuses to give a statement to the police, refuses to give a statement to the attorney general and we are also aware now that the person who was the agent on her behalf was her own partner."

Saldivar, No Apologies for Coast Guard
And while we had Saldivar in front of us, it was the first opportunity we had to get comment on the controversy surrounding his use of Coast Guard Vessels as a ferry o transport his Bandits basketball teams. The US Embassy who donated the vessels, expressed its diplomatic displeasure, while Prime Minister and other Cabinet Ministers have said it shouldn't have happened, but today Saldivar said - in a very curt remark - that he makes no apologies: Hon. John Saldivar- Minister of National Security: "I have no apologies at all for using government resources to help the young people of this country, to help the communities in this country, to help sports of this country and if there are colleagues of mine who differ from that, I certainly do not resile from that belief because that is why I am in politics- to help my people. And who has a difficulty with that, I'm sorry."

Another San Pedro Murder
There's another murder on San Pedro to report tonight - and again it appears to be an execution attempt. Last night at around 8:30 22 yr old Edgar Rene Lopez and Rudolph Pitts were ambushed and fired upon by three men. Lopez was grazed to the head, but Pitts was unaccounted for. He was found dead at 2:00 this afternoon. This evening superintendent of police and the Deputy Officer Commanding Eastern Division, Raymundo Reyes shared an update. Supt. Raymundo Reyes, Deputy OC - Eastern Division: "San Pedro police received a call via the emergency line and as a result they visited the San Pedro Polyclinic where they saw a male persons suffering from what appeared to be gunshot wounds to the left side of the head and to the upper left arm. The person name learned to be Edgar Lopez, 22 years old a caretaker and a resident of mile ten north of San Pedro.."

Cops Find Another "Gaza" Grenade
And so, while the San Pedro police had to respond to a murder in the island town, just after midnight last night, the Gang Suppression Unit had to call in the BDF's explosive experts to retrieve a live grenade in Belize City. They found it in what is on Plues and Dean street, which is within the territory of the George Street Gang. Today, BDF General David Jones, who is Belize's foremost explosives expert told us that he is worried about the timing, since September Celebrations are picking up, and such an explosive poses a serious threat to public safety:

SSB Wants You To Pay More, Here's Why
The Social Security Board, is on a countdown to destruction, according to the SSB's financial experts. They say that in 3 to 4 years, the Social Security Fund will not be able to support the growing number of pensioners, unless there is an increase in the contribution. Now, before you dismiss this as ploy by the SSB management to take more money from your pay to put into the fund, we think you should hear them out. The last audit of SSB says that they collected around 80.1 million dollars in 2016, but they paid out 83.5 million dollars to persons who claimed for pension, sickness and disability benefits. That's a 3.4 million dollar deficit, and the projections are that the deficit will balloon to 11.4 million dollars at the end of this year.

Senate Hearings Resume With Immigration Director
So, at the top of the news, we've shown you the political hurly burly which happened Orange Walk over the latest Vega land scandal. But, for 8 months now, ruling UDP had been under sustained attacks from the weekly revelations in the Senate Inquiry into the Immigration Department. The Senate Select Committee took a month-long break, and resumed today to take testimony from the current Immigration Director Diana Locke. After all the abuses at the Department have been laid bare for the country to see how the corruption was able to spread in Immigration, the Senate Committee wanted to hear what changes were made since 2014 to improve oversight. They had a 2 and a half hour conversation with Director Locke, and here's what she had to say about the recent fixes:

Belizeans Bleed For Barbuda
Tonight, Belizeans are looking to the eastern Caribbean with prayers and sympathy, after Category Five Hurricane Irma slammed the Leeward Islands, including Antigua And Barbuda, and St. Kitts and Nevis. Barbuda took a direct hit from the 185 mile an hour winds, leaving that island devastated 0 there were three reported fatalities and 90% of the islands housing stock has been destroyed. It showed no mercy bringing down some of the strongest buildings and pummeling the weak ones. IT HIT Barbuda, St. Barthélemy, St. Martin, Anguilla and the British Virgin Islands. The islands are left in shambles. Irma spared Puerto Rico and is now heading for Florida.

Bar Association Rejects PM's Planned Appointee to Appeal Court
Last week we told you about Franz Park - the Miami based attorney who the Prime Minister wishes to appoint to the court of appeal. Well, the Bar Association today sent out a release saying that he does not meet the requirements for appointment under the constitution, and the bar has voted against his appointment at a meeting last night. The Leader of the Opposition also wrote a letter to the Prime Minister earlier this week saying he objects:... Hon. John Briceno- Leader of the Opposition: "We wrote a letter to the Prime Minister on Monday saying that we see nothing, nothing his CV and the Prime Minister refused to give me any new evidence as to why Mr. Park supposed to be appointed in the Court of Appeals. I see something that is very troubling and Belizeans need to take a look at what is happening we need to see the appointments that are being made at the Magistrates level..."

Channel 5

Opposition protest becomes chaotic riot at Tower Hill
A protest proceeded as planned in Orange Walk today.  But what started as a peaceful march against the “hot bed of corruption’’ at the Ministry of Lands escalated into a [...]

P.U.P., U.D.P. lock horns in Sugar City
But before the police would descend on the protestors, by nine this morning, thousands gathered along the San Lorenzo Road where the march kicked off.  Their call was for the [...]

Embattled Gapi Vega speaks, basks in supporters’ love
As we’ve mentioned, beleaguered Orange Walk North Area Representative Gaspar Vega was met by a group of supporters outside of his residence this morning.  While those numbers paled in comparison [...]

Ex-Lands Minister says he helped many get land too
Vega, during a brief interview with the media, also attempted to explain the situation at the Lands Department while he was in office and the many efforts he purportedly made [...]

Belmopan’s John Saldivar sides with Vega over constituent Amy Forte
Standing firmly in Vega’s corner is Belmopan Area Representative John Saldivar.  Saldivar has been an ally of Gapi Vega since his unsuccessful attempt at deputy leadership of the United Democratic [...]

The Bar turns down Franz Parke for Court of Appeal
A special session of the Bar Association of Belize met in Belize City at the Radisson Hotel on Tuesday night. Its purpose was to consider its position on the appointment [...]

Will law group’s opinion count?
There are reports to News Five that members of the social partners are likely to raise objections based on the position of the Bar. The Opposition Leader John Briceño is [...]

Bar president points to landmark C.C.J. decision on tenure
Banner referred us to the Bar’s case against the Government decided in their favor earlier this year in the Caribbean Court of Justice concerning tenure of judges and also setting [...]

Man dies from shooting in North San Pedro
A shooting overnight on the north end of Ambergris Caye turned murder today after police discovered the body of thirty-six-year-old Rudolph Eric Pitts. Just before nine p.m. on Tuesday, twenty-two-year-old [...]

‘No money no deh,’ P.M. tells Senate Committee
The Senate Special Select Committee resumed public hearings this afternoon and we will have details of the testimony of Director of Immigration Diana Locke shortly. But first, the Government of [...]

Three years later, Immigration Director says verification for visas still a problem
As many as one hundred visa applications appear weekly on the desk of the visa vetting committee established in the aftermath of the Won Hong Kim/Elvin Penner scandal. It was [...]

When will passport system be fixed or changed?
In February, News Five reported on a temporary backlog of passport processing in Belmopan due to issues with the antiquated system in place. At that time the Ministry, represented by [...]

No repeat of Won Hong Kim, Director says
The Senate Committee has heard many different explanations for how Won Hong Kim’s picture got into the Belize Passport Information System despite his never having been in Belize – that [...]

Police meet and greet on Jane Usher Boulevard
Police were out on their weekly meet and greet visits today with residents across the city. We went along with the cops on the south side in the Jane Usher [...]

Police aim to disarm criminals on Southside
When we spoke with Superintendent Arzu, we also asked him about the increasing number of weapons and drugs recently seized, retrieved primarily from empty or abandoned lots. Arzu says that [...]

Hurricane Irma flattens Barbuda; northern Caribbean and Florida next for Cat 5 storm
Hurricane Irma – one of the strongest storms ever recorded in the Atlantic – is hammering Puerto Rico tonight after slamming a string of small northern Caribbean islands where at [...]

S.S.B. explains why increased contributions will lead to increased worker benefits
For the past several months, we have been telling you about the Social Security Board’s proposed changes in contributions. Consultations have been held around the country and it is yet [...]

Pay your contributions online!
There’s other news from the S.S.B.  The Social Security Board is slowly changing from its traditional way of receiving and making payments. An online contribution portal is being used for [...]

Carnival leaders promise revelry, not rivalry
Today, carnival band leaders, police and representatives from the National Celebrations Committee and the Belize Carnival Association converged at the Bliss Center for the Performing arts to sign a carnival [...]

Lilian Salazar is KTV the Remix Champion!
KTV, the Remix, closed with a bang on Tuesday night with the big announcement of who the people had chosen as this season’s KTV champ. It came down to four [...]

LOVE FM

First Ladies from across the Caribbean converged in Belize
Today the CARICOM First Ladies/Spouses Network was launched in Belize. The Network sees the unison of the wives of Caribbean state leaders to focus on addressing four key areas within the Caribbean. Dalila Ical reports. First Lady, Kim Simpliss Barrow “Through the efforts of regional organizations we were encouraged to create a network of first […]

Measures taken to strengthen Oil Spill response capabilities
The Government is strengthening the country’s oil spill response capabilities by updating its National Oil Spill Contingency Plan. Stakeholders from various Ministries, Departments, Private Sector, Academia, Civil Society, and Non-Governmental Organizations associated with Disaster Risk Management and Oil Spill Response, are meeting in Belize City to participate in the three day workshop. The meeting’s objectives […]

Las Flores community reject agreement concerning land dispute
The Belmopan City Council has come to an agreement with the Catholic Diocese over land issues at St. Michael Roman Catholic Primary School in Las Flores. As we reported, villagers were up in arms after the land adjacent to the school was sold to a private individual. Villagers say the land had been earmarked for […]

Big Red finds home on Harvest Caye
The Scarlet Macaw affectionately known as ‘Big Red’ remains on display on Harvest Caye. A group of conservationists have launched a campaign that asks the public to boycott everything that has to do with Norwegian Cruise Line. Big Red has been on Harvest Caye for about four months now but despite the cries of environmentalists, […]

NEMO launches National Inventory on Radiation Sources
A team from the International Atomic Energy Agency Mission to Belize is in the country carrying out an exercise on potential sources of radiation. The launch of the National Inventory on Radiation Sources was held today at NEMO’s Headquarters in Belmopan. According to the CEO in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Patrick Andrews, the initiative […]

Former Parliamentarian turns 100
Jane Ellen Usher is today celebrating her centennial year. Our young viewers and listeners may not be too familiar with Mrs. Usher, but she is one of Belize’s highly accomplished women. Many Belize City residents may also be familiar with her as she is the current Chief Executive Officer at the Holy Redeemer Credit Union. […]

Lynn Young appointed as Honorary Consul of Canada
Belizean Lynn Young has been appointed as Honorary Consul of Canada resident in Belize. Young’s appointment was announced this morning as it was accepted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs last month. Young has a Masters degree in Business Administration from Western University in London, Ontario, Canada. Young is described as being an active member […]

Another Belizean makes Belize proud
After five years of scientific research, Belizean Keisha Melodi McSweeney has completed her doctoral degree in the field of genetics and genomics. Dr. McSweeney successfully defended her dissertation entitled “Microelectrode array modeling of genetic neurological disorders in the era of next generation sequencing” to a panel of six accomplished and celebrated scientists at Duke University […]

BWS warns customers of imposters
The Belize Water Services is warning customers of imposters. According to BWS ‘a group of imposters are posing as BWS employees to gain access to residents’ homes. They do this by advising customers that there is a need to install shower caps in order to conserve water. However, BWS does not have ‘any such campaign […]

PUP & UDP take to the streets in Sugar City
The People’s United Party’s Orange Walk North Committee has organized a protest for Wednesday morning in that municipality against what they term as the rampant corruption in the lands department by former Deputy Prime Minister Gaspar Vega. PUP Leader John Briceno spoke about the protest. Opposition Leader, John Briceno “They are the ones that are […]

Fatal Traffic accident claims the life of an elderly man
Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding a traffic incident that claimed the life of an eighty year old man. Police report that around six twenty this morning, twenty year old Jessica Miller, a US citizen residing in the Buena Vista area was driving a red Subaru Impreza on Buena Vista Road going towards Spanish Lookout […]

Manager frustrated with repeated store burglary
A store was burglarized sometime last night in Roaring Creek Village. Fem Cruz reports. Fem Cruz “The Leons family, Manager and Owner of Leons Vegetable Shop located in front of UNO Gas Station in the village of Roaring Creek are appealing to you the public for information that can help them recover a number of […]

Home burglarized in Punta Gorda
A quantity of cash was stolen yesterday from a home in Punta Gorda. We hear more in this report from correspondent Paul Mahung. Paul Mahung Owner of the home Francilia Williamson spoke to Love News about the incident. Home owner, Francilia Williamson “Monday this guy happens to work for me off and on was at […]

Police take drugs and weapons off the streets
Police continue to conduct several successful operations across the country. On Monday, the Special Assignment Team conducted several searches on South Side Belize City. As a result, officers found and confiscated one and a half pounds of marijuana, another 338 grams in Conch Shell Bay area, 145 grams in Partridge Street extension, and 227 grams […]

NEMO’s Search and Rescue Forum
The Atlantic Hurricane Season ends on November 30, leaving two more months of potential storms or hurricanes that could affect Belize. Belize’s National Emergency Management Organization, NEMO, is not taking chances as it continues to review and refresh its Emergency Management Plan and the roles and responsibilities of its coordinators, committees and volunteers countrywide. Over […]

CONCACAF new requirement met with resistance
Football Club owners are putting up resistance to a requirement posed by CONCACAF. The resistance has to do with insurance for football players. FFB’s Acting President Marlon Kuylen shared more details. FFB’s Acting President, Marlon Kuylen “As part of CONCACAF’s club licensing one of the criteria is because there is a list of thirty items […]

Breaking Belize News

Theft in PG
Punta Gorda police are investigating a case of theft in that southern municipality. Anthony Westby Jr., a businessman of #33 Mahogany Street, Indianville area, Punta Gorda, reported that between the hours of 10:00 p.m. on Monday, September 4, 2017 and 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 5, 2017 someone entered his garage […]

FFB’s plans to terminate Ruperto Vicente et al delayed
At the FFB Extraordinary congress held on Saturday, the executive had planned to dismiss a number of employees. Those employees were: Ruperto Vicente, Michael Blease, John Palacio and Shane Orio. However, they were never dismissed because due process never happened.

Of FFB $1.4 million budget, 63% to go to salaries
The Football Federation of Belize (FFB) has budgeted $1.4 million dollars in this fiscal year. FIFA is set to provide $1 million in funding. Interestingly, more than half of the budget or $848,000 will be spent on administrative costs of running the FFB offices.

KREM’s Editor, Marisol Amaya, attacked by police at PUP protest
KREM’s Editor, Marisol Amaya, was today attacked by a ranking police officer during today’s opposition led peaceful protest in Orange Walk. After the rally in Orange Walk Town, the protestors moved to the Tower Hill Bridge and blocked the bridge. Officers on duty attempted to have them peacefully remove the vehicle blocking the road but when diplomacy failed officers fired tear gas into the crowd causing many to scatter.

Woman jacked at her workplace
A woman was robbed at gunpoint inside her workplace on Tuesday afternoon. According to police reports, two men stormed the Belize Solid Waste Management Authority located at mile 3 on Tuesday afternoon.

Police tear gas protestors at Toll Bridge in Orange Walk
Just after noon today, protestors in Orange Walk were taking their protest to the Toll Bridge and had just arrived when they were tear gassed by police. About fifteen buses were also blocked in Orange Walk as they headed to join the other protestors in their attempt to block the bridge for an hour or two as requested by the PUP Party Leader, John Briceno.

Blogs

Orange Walk Town celebrates Maya Hero Marcus Canul
While Marcus Canul may not be the most recognizable figure in Belizean history, he did play a huge role during the Caste War in the Orange Walk District. A Maya general of sorts, Marcus led attacks against British intruders back in 1872. During this time, the British would ransack and burn Maya villages just to be able to penetrate deeper into the interior forest to have access to better logging areas. Many text book stories of Marcus Canul are misleading, as the British portray him and his resistance group as nothing more than a ‘band of thieves’. Still, his true story lives on in the memories of the people that came after him. For the Maya of the North, Marcus was a warrior who fought against invaders for his land, his people and his culture.

Get Sticky for Free to Show Support and Save Wildlife
Sometimes people tip the balance the wrong way the and others have to step in and speak up for nature and the animal kingdom. This is the case down south at Harvest Caye, a cruise ship port island off the coast of Placencia. They wanted to promote Belize’s wild life through having an education center, unfortunately capturing and caging a rare Scarlet Macaw is not the right way to go about it. Sadly macaw, Big Red, was being assessed to be released from rehab back into the rain forest where he should be – home. Thankfully a group has stepped up to help Big Red and you can too. On August 31,2017 a campaign to boycott Norwegian Cruise Lines was launched, and members of the public, especially cruisers, are being offered free bumper stickers to show their support and solidarity with the wildlife of Belize.

Heading South on Ambergris Caye
Yesterday was a day chock full of errands. If my ten years living in San Pedro has taught me anything, it’s one of our primal skills, somewhat lost in the land of Amazon Prime, Uber and Super-Targets – hunting and gathering. A quick stop at the back of town to take a picture of the new sign at the International Water Taxi terminal. And then south…passing Regina’s Paleta Factory. If you haven’t tasted her fresh fruit pops, you are CRAZY! You can buy them all over the place – at the store at Grand Caribe (2.5 miles north), at San Pedrano Store (on Front Street, San Pedro), at La Divina Providencia (in Escalante) and at her shop here – 2 miles south of town.

International Sources

There's No Need to Panic Over the Mexico Travel Warning
Travel warnings for Quintana Roo. Travelers who keep an eye on U.S. State Department warnings may know by now that the department has issued cautions for the Mexican states of Quintana Roo and Baja California Sur. The addition of those states to the government's periodic updates of travel dangers caused a significant stir, largely because they are the homes to two of Mexico's most popular resorts: Cancun and Cabo San Lucas. It is not surprising that these states were included in the warning, which was issued Aug. 22. As Mexico's powerful drug cartels have splintered, a spiral of crime and violence has enveloped all parts of the country, to include its storied resorts. However, I believe that by understanding what drives the violence, and the types of the incidents that result, companies operating in Mexico and travelers to the country can avoid most of it.

Tortola Hurricane Hole (Before Irma): Scroll Down To See What It Looks Like After
Surrounded by mangroves, Paraquita Bay is where charter companies like the Moorings and Marine Max hide their boats from Hurricanes such as Irma. No one has a more scientific, well thought plan. Take a look at it, then scan down to see what the bay looks like post-Irma.

A real cheeseburger in paradise: Miss Debs charms Belize with American-style fast food
This week I reached out for a classic cheeseburger at Miss Debs — the first food truck in the beautiful country of Belize in Central America. With a tip of the hat to Jimmy Buffett ... this is a cheeseburger in paradise. Last week, I was in downtown San Ignacio in the Cayo District of western Belize on a jumping Friday night. I saw a crowd of locals lined up at a food truck. As I drew closer to see what the fuss was about, the unmistakable aroma of drive-through cooking hit me. Yeah, I get around, I'm a regular Anthony Bourdain without the phony, and when I visit a foreign land, nothing hits home like a big juicy burger hot off the grill. Miss Debs is Debbie Baldwin, originally from Arizona, who married a car customizer from Belize in 1985 and moved south. "I have always loved to cook and I've always wanted to have a diner. So my husband and I compromised and we bought the shell of a 1996 Chevy P30 truck," she said.

Mayan child sacrifices in Guatemala were buried with 'supernatural' jet black volcanic stones 4,000 years ago
From building cities aligned with stars to purposefully crossing their babies' eyes, the Mayan civilisation was known for its strange rituals. And a new study has shed light on perhaps one of the weirdest rituals undertaken by the ancient civilisation – child sacrifices. Researchers have discovered 42 obsidian ritual stones in the ancient Mayan city of Ceibal, Guatemala, some of which were found in the graves of child sacrifices. The findings suggest that the precious rocks were thought to hold spiritual or 'supernatural' powers for Mayan people.

Uncommon Cacao vs. global commodity markets
A new report from the farmer financier highlights imbalances that disproportionately hurt farmers and create disincentives among manufacturers and retailers to push for change. To understand the impact that volatile commodity markets have on the “little guy,” just look at the Ivory Coast. The West African country is the world’s largest producer of cacao—the fruit that chocolate is made from. To help farmers stabilize income, the government sets a minimum price for purchasers: last year it was $1.88 a kilogram of cacao beans. But the markets had a different idea. Higher-than-expected yields drove down futures prices for cleaned, roasted cacao beans on the London and New York markets. In turn, the Ivory Coast’s government slashed the guaranteed price to farmers by 36%—a decision that affects cacao farmers worldwide because the price is set every year in West Africa where 60% of the world’s cocoa is produced. Here’s where Uncommon Cacao comes in. The Berkeley, Calif., social enterprise provides logistics and financial services to smallholder cacao farmers, connecting them with premium chocolate makers. It started in Belize in 2010 with a vision of making cacao trading more equitable for local farmers and has grown to a network of 2,600 farmers in five Latin American and Caribbean countries.

Hurricane Irma wipes tiny Caribbean island off the map
The tiny Caribbean island of Barbuda is “practically uninhabitable” after it was steamrolled by Hurricane Irma, officials there said as the superstorm’s confirmed death toll climbed to three Wednesday. Barbuda and Antigua Prime Minister Gaston Browne reported that 90 percent of the structures on Barbuda were destroyed by the ‘cane, which was packing sustained 185-mph winds when it made landfall at 1:47 a.m. “As it stands, Barbuda is practically uninhabitable,” Browne told Antigua/Barbuda Broadcasting Services, adding that destruction on the island home to nearly 1,700 people was “heart-wrenching.”

Videos

September 6, 2017

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Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

2017 September Celebrations officially begin
Under the theme “Belize: Confronting Challenges! Celebrating Triumphs! Renewing our Resolve!”, Belizeans ushered in the most patriotic time of the year during the official launch of the 2017 September Celebrations. Held at the Muffles College Auditorium in Orange Walk Town on Sunday, September 3rd, the ceremony saw government officials, dignitaries and citizens come together to celebrate the 219th Battle of Saint George’s Caye and the 36th Independence Day of Belize. The ceremony commenced promptly after 1:45PM with the march procession by the Belize Defence Force (BDF). Following the arrival of honored guests, the BDF band led the singing of the National Anthem. Governor General of Belize, His Excellency Sir Colville Youn

Appointment of Honorary Consul of Canada to Belize
The High Commissioner of Canada to Belize, Deborah Chatsis, is pleased to announce that Mr. Lynn Young has been appointed by His Excellency the Governor General as Honorary Consul of Canada resident in Belize City, Belize. The Belizean Ministry of Foreign Affairs accepted this appointment on August 24, 2017. Mr. Young is a Belizean citizen with a Master in Business Administration from Western University in London, Ontario, Canada. He is an active member of the Belizean business community, representing a Canadian company in Belize, and is an avid promotor of education and patron of the arts.

Belize Chamber of Commerce & Industry hosts a consultation in San Pedro
On Thursday August 31 st, a consultation was held at the Sunbreeze Hotel, organized by the Belize Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BCCI), with the goal to provide the best marketing practices to business owners. The consultation was attended by a variety of business owners, including restaurateurs, pharmacists, financial businesses and others. The consultation was facilitated by Mrs. Laura Weller, a multidisciplinary Belizean Marketer and Project Manager. Her strengths lie in fusing agility and scalability to deliver actionable insights, a recipe that led to successful award-winning advertising and branding campaigns for global clients. Weller shared tips on the best practices in marketing, with the intent to help business owners strategize and take their business to the next level, boosting their employment and creating innovative ways to ensure the continuity of their business.

Ambergris Today

Expected Increases In Fuel Prices Due To Hurricane Harvey
With the passage of Hurricane Harvey over southern and coastal Texas last week, the oil refineries in the Houston area have shut down and are not expected to resume normal operations and return to full output for some weeks to come. The oil industry in Texas refines about 25% of all crude oil in the USA. The resulting shortages in refined petroleum products have caused a sharp spike in pump prices across the USA and also in other countries that purchase refined fuel product from the Houston suppliers.

Tropic Air Adds Flights From Orange Walk To San Pedro
Tropic Air announced this week a substantial investment for its Orange Walk customers as it it will be increasing air service between Orange Walk and San Pedro to three (3) times a day, effective November 15th, 2017. Currently, flights are scheduled at two times a day, and this will add an often requested evening service.

Misc Belizean Sources

STOLEN BOAT IN SAN PEDRO!!!
23 Ft. Lanchon With 50 Hp Yamaha 4 Stroke Engine. Please Call Armando Gonzalez 610-1448 if you have any information. Thank You.

Belize Launches Inventory Exercise on Potential Sources of Radiation
The Government of Belize today, September 5, held an opening ceremony to launch the National Inventory on Radiation Sources, an initiative derived from the establishment of a National Radiation Safety Infrastructure in Belize. A team from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Mission to Belize is in the country to carry out this exercise that is jointly spearheaded by the Department of the Environment (DOE) and the Belize Defence Force (BDF).

It’s a Centennial Celebration!
Belize Wonder Woman of the century!!!! Happy 100th Birthday to Ms. Jane Ellen Mary Price-Usher (who is still at work even today)! On September 5, 1917, this true Belizean role model was born as a gift to many. A lifetime of love, laughter, service, charity, and achievements!

SBDC Workshop: Introduction to Intellectual Property Rights
Presented by: Ms. Adelita Ake, Assistant Registrar, Intellectual Property Rights. Location: BTEC Training Room, ITVET Compound, Freetown Road, Belize City. Workshop Date: September 14th, 2017. Time: 9am to 12 noon, FREE OF COST!!!! Includes Refreshments !!!! The Belize Intellectual Property Office (BELIPO), established under Part II of the Patents Act (Chapter 253), Revised Edition 2000, is the National Intellectual Property Registry for Belize, Central America. The expectation is that participants will take away the following from the presentation: * What is BELIPO and what does BELIPO do * Identify the main areas of intellectual property and their difference * Identify the different types of IP in a product * Know the laws available in Belize for protecting one's IP and the systems of registration available * Know the importance of IP as a business asset

PRESS RELEASE - REPACKAGING & FINAL DISPOSAL OF HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS STORED IN BELIZE
As far back as the mid-1990s, stockpiles of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) chemicals (including DDT, PCB contaminated transformer oil, and Pesticides such as Aldrin, Dieldrin, and Endosulfan) began accumulating as their use became banned in Belize due to their persistency in the environment and their toxic and carcinogenic properties. These stockpiles were located throughout the country. As Belize continued implementing the Phase-Out of Ozone Depleting Substances, stockpiles of contaminated refrigerant gases also increased. Since POPs are hazardous to both the environment and human health, their inventory, repackaging, and final disposal have been much talked about in the environmental community, with two (2) failed attempts to secure their final disposal over these years. It was not until November 2016 that the final disposal of stockpiles of POPs, obsolete chemicals and ozone depleting refrigerants began in an environmentally sound manner and through the serious work of the Department of the Environment (DOE).

Belize Water Services warns of imposters
Belize Water Services informs its customers that a group of imposters are posing as BWS employees to gain access to resident’s homes. The imposters claim that they are there to install shower caps and to conserve water. Please note that BWS does not have any such campaign going on and residents should be wary of any unexpected visitors claiming to be from BWS. BWS takes this opportunity to remind customers that ALL BWS employees wear marked clothing and drive vehicles that are clearly marked with the BWS logo. They also have photo identification badges and are instructed to display them at all times. We encourage customers to ask for identification from anyone who comes to your door. Residents should be cautious of people claiming to come from BWS without an appointment because visits are planned ahead of time with customers. The only exception is during an emergency, such as a water main break.

Human-Jaguar Conflict Discussion
The UB Environmental Research Institute's Wildlife Biologist and Panthera Representative, Yahaira Urbina will join Marchilio Ack,the Protected Areas Manager of Ya'axché Conservation Trust and Shanelly Carrillo, the Jaguar Officer of the Belize Forest Department on two television programs on Thursday, September 7th, 2017. These conservationists and colleagues will be on Channel 5's "Open Your Eyes" from 6:45 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. and also on Love FM's "Morning Show" from 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.

First Ladies of the region meet in Belize
All the First Ladies of the region and members of the CARICOM First Ladies Net work namely: (from Left to Right): H.E. Mrs. Maria Bowne - Spouse of Prime minister, Antigua & Barbuda H.E. Mrs. Patricia Minnis - Spouse of the Prime Minister, Bahamas H.E. Mrs. Martine Moise- First Lady Haiti H.E. Mrs. Kim Simplis Barrow - spouse of the Prime Minister, Belize. H.E. Mrs. Reeks Harrysingh- Carmona- First Lady, Trinidad & Tobago H.E. Mrs. Sandra Granger - First Lady, Guyana

Happy Birthday to Mrs. Jane Ellen Mary Price-Usher
Please join us in wishing a Happy Birthday to one of Belize’s most exemplary centennials, Mrs. Jane Ellen Mary Price-Usher. On September 5, 1917, this true Belizean role model was born with a genuine passion for service to her Belizean people. She lives this passion everyday by being Belize’s most enduring CEO, who presently still goes to work at the Holy Redeemer Credit Union. For her life-long contributions to economic empowerment, and dedicated public service, she has earned numerous awards, including a Honorary Doctorate from Galen Univeristy,2013; US Embassy’s Woman of The Year Award, 2017; and Special Envoy’s Outstanding Women’s Award, 2017. Happy Birthday Ms. Jane!!

Channel 7

Sugar City Showdown for PUP and UDP
The PUP and the UDP are on a collision course for tomorrow in Orange Walk. As we told you the PUP Northern Caucus, led by Monchie Cervantes in Orange Walk North are planning a protest against the UDP's Area Rep Gaspar Vega. They hope to bring out more than a thousand people form the eight constituencies in the north. Well, last night on Facebook, Vega's camp posted an ad making it clear that they plan to meet numbers with numbers. The ad - which is the first political activity we've seen from Vega's camp in almost a year - calls out UDP supporters to participate in a rally which starts at 8:00 in the morning; the PUP's one starts at 9:00. The ad attempts to rebut all that's being said about the scandal laden Vega in the press and the public, calling him a man of "honesty and integrity."

Still No Forgery Complaint From Forte
And while that happens in the foreground, in the background, the criminal investigation into alleged forgery of land documents involving Andre Vega still hasn't gone anywhere. And that's because the accuser Amy Forte still has not made a formal complaint to police - and unofficial reports to our newsroom suggest she might not do so. We attempted to reach her attorney who didn't reply to our text message, but it seems there are what the attorneys call "extenuating circumstances." First, we have received unofficial reports that there were back channel talks between Forte's representatives and Vega representatives to discuss a settlement - but we are told the quantum of those settlements was where talks broke down. Second, as we have been reporting, Forte has a brother who has some familiarity with land dealings - maybe not this specific deal, but land dealings, generally, we are told.

Opp. Leader Explains Large Acreages of Briceno Lands Have Been in Family For Decades
And as part of the ongoing political warfare of this issue - the Gaspar Vega camp is now throwing allegations of land grabbing by PUP leader John Briceno - who is the former Minister of Natural Resources from 1998 to 2006. They point to some massive land holdings in the name of Briceno's family, his father and his uncles specifically. They point to Parcels for 700 acres and 100 acres which were issued to the Briceno Brothers, Elijio - Joe, Graciano and Eudaldo on March 06, 2008. Today John Briceno told us that those are family lands which his father got in the early 1970's. He says he and his brother brought it from the bank when it was going to be auctioned and they now have it as a cattle ranch.

In Walks Hilmar
And while all this political mud swirls in sugar city, the town has basically moved on from the murder of 24 year-old Daniel Sosa, which happened at end of July. The man who is accused of shooting him in the head is UDP big man Hilmar Alamilla, and he's at Belize Central Prison. He was taken back to the Orange Walk Magistrate's Court today for a routine adjournment in the case, and he was taken back to the Hattieville Prison. Viewers will remember that Sosa, Alamilla and 2 other friends had a wild night on the town which ended when Alamilla allegedly shot Sosa in his head inside his pick-up truck. The two friends reportedly ran off, and that's allegedly when Alamilla shoved the body of his friend out of the passenger seat of his vehicle and drove home. Sosa died near the garbage dump of the D Victoria Hotel in Orange Walk.

Mother Accuses GSU of Brutalizing Her Son
Tonight, there is another allegation of abuse by the GSU, and the woman making the accusation is a former career civilian employee of the police department. Jenny Baizer told us that her son Shakeem Humes - who is not a stranger to police - was picked up by the GSU near George Street - and taken to a deserted location in West Landivar where he was beaten for an hour. She told us why it has angered her so much. Jenny Baizer, Mother of Shakeem Humes: "I really doesn't appreciate what the Gang Suppression Unit did to my child. Jules, when I saw my son I had to cry, because of the condition that he was in. I ask what had happened to him and he said that they chance him. He said that they took me by "Hanger" and took off the handcuff from me and then the police that slapped him on Plues Street, him and I started to fight. And when they saw I was beating the police, they intervene and all of them crowd him and they beat him. He told me that they beat him badly. They stomp and kick and choked him until he was unconscious. He told me that after that he place the handcuff back on him and threw him in the sea. He told me that the water was shoal and so he manage to come out."

Las Flores Says No To Belmopan Mayor
Yesterday we told you about the dispute at St. Michael Roman Catholic School in LAs Flores Village, Belmopan. The community was in an uproar because they accuse the mayor of allowing a private landowner to purchase land that the school had been tending for years, in the hopes that it could use the space for expansion. Mayor Khalid Belisle sprang into action and proposed two alternative parcels of land to Father Jordan Gongora of the Belmopan Catholic Mission. He also made other suggestions to soothe things over with the catholic mission. And with that the mayor said that an amicable and mutually beneficial solution had been arrived at. End of story, right? Not so fast!

80 Year Old Knocked Down And Killed
There has been another motorbike fatality, and this time it's an octogenarian who was knocked down and killed this morning. At around 6:20, 20 year old US citizen Jessica Miller who lives in the Buena Vista area was driving towards Spanish Lookout in a heavy morning fog. She told police she suddenly saw a motorcycle with no license plate. She swerved, but the back of her Subaru Impreza hit the cycle. The driver, 80 year old Salvadorean Jose Francisco Ayala sustained body injuries and was pronounced dead on arrival at San Ignacio Community Hospital. Miller was detained and issued a notice of intended prosecution.

City Cops Find Weed and Weapons
Police continue to find weapons and ammunition. Yesterday, the Special Assignment Team did several searches on the South Side of Belize City and found a total of about one and a half pounds of weed, most of it, in Conch Shell Bay. They also found a black Lorcin brand .380 pistol along with one magazine. And while the Special Assignment Team is win the southside, the Northside still has a strike team. Yesterday, they conducted a search in Munoz Alley and found forty-nine 9 millimeter rounds of ammunition and 129 grams, or four and half ounces of cannabis. All items were deposited as found property.

Two San Ignacio Shotguns
In Cayo, San Ignacio police found two shotguns on Saturday. They searched a bushy lot in San Antonio village where two 16 gauge shotguns and ten 16 gauge cartridges were found. Again, found property.

In Case Of An Oil Spill
At last month's House Meeting, the Barrow Administration introduced legislation to enact an indefinite moratorium on offshore oil drilling. It was immediately embraced by the conservation community. But, while it eliminates the risk of oil spills in the country's marine territory that could have been caused by oil-drilling companies, there are other types of oil spill disasters. That's the discussion that the Department of the Environment hosted today as part of a 3-day meeting with experts to update National Oil Spill Contingency Plan. The DOE wants to make sure that if an oil tanker truck should overturn and spill oil into a river, the relevant Government Departments, the conservation community, the private sector, and the civil service will know just how to respond to minimize the damage to environment, and shorten the clean up time afterwards.

Radiation in Belize?
And while the Department of the Environment was hosting that meeting on the oil spill plan in Belize City, other representatives from that Department were in Belmopan hosting the launch of the National Inventory on Radiation Sources. It's an initiative derived from the establishment of a National Radiation Safety Infrastructure that the DOE and the Belize Defense Force are leading. They intend to collect information on all sources of radiation in the country, especially those that are severe threats to public health. Representatives from the International Atomic Energy Agency are here to assist the Belizean authorities to carry out this initiative. The opening ceremony was held this morning at the NEMO Training Room, and Foreign Affairs CEO Pat Andrews was one of the keynote speakers. Here's what he had to say on the importance of this information collection:

Bringing CARICOM First Ladies Together
Every few months, Ministerial representatives from all Caribbean Nations attend the CARICOM Meetings to discuss shared concerns and challenges within the region. Well, the wives of the Prime Ministers from the different countries which make up CARICOM want to form a network to function in a similar way. It's called the CARICOM First Ladies/Spouses Network. The network is in its infancy, and, right now, the First Ladies and the Wives of the different Prime Ministers who made it to Belize are currently in deliberations about how this network will function. We stopped by the Launch to speak with some of the First Ladies who are participating and here's what they had to tell us:

Courtney W. Featured Presenter At "Silvaana Udz Lecture Series"
UB's Faculty of Education started the "Silvaana Udz Lecture series" in 2014 as a way to introduce students to writers and poets from Belize and abroad. But, in a sense, journalists are also story tellers, just like writers and poets, we live by words except we can only use them to get to the truth. And that's the spirit in which our own Courtney Weatherburne was the featured presenter at this year's lecture. The event was titled, "The Role of Today's Journalist in Belize's Democracy and Development". 7News attended the event at the Jaguar auditorium and organizer Ivory Kelly told us why Courtney was the right choice: Ivory Kelly, Head of Planning Committee- Silvana Udz Lecture Series: "This is fourth Silvana Udz lecture. We started it four years ago in an effort to introduce to our students here at UB people who we feel are good examples of professionals who have majored in the arts and who have contributed positively to their field."

Let the Mas Camp Madness Begin
If you've been listening to the news closely enough, you've probably heard pounding soca music in the background. That's because it's carnival week - and one of the Das Camps, the Titans is set up directly down the street from our studio. And tonight, Titans and a number of other Das Camps in the city are jumping because their camps are being visited by the judges - who want to see the carnival spirit in its rawest form - when people are ready to dance on the streets for hours in just shorts and t-shirts, while others work until the early morning preparing costumes. We got the first tat set last night when we visited two Das Camps:.. The Mas Camps continue tonight and we'll have that story for you tomorrow.

Keeping The Carnival Peace
And while the Mas Camps dominate the week - the Carnival Association is taking time out to make peace. That's after a fight broke out in the parking lot of the Marion Jones Stadium after Saturday night's King and Queen winners were announced. President of the Association Sandra Mahler told us why they had a peace meeting today:... Sandra Mahler, President - Carnival Association: "What we've done, we've called an emergency meeting today and we met with the two bands. We also met with the police department, carnival commission, the judging association and we've come to an agreement that the incident that happened outside of Marion Jones, the two band leaders have decided to move forward in peace. So on Wednesday we are going to have an official press conference so that public can see that the actual bands are sorry about what happened, because that is not what carnival is all about. Carnival is about fun and unity. So we are going to prove to the public that come Saturday we are coming down marching for peace."

A Play To Resurrect the Memory of Antonio Soberanis
In this September Celebration month, you'll hear a lot about George Price and Phillip Goldson, and maybe even Simon Lamb and Samuel Haynes. But one patriot and nation builder you probably won't hear about is labour leader Antonio Soberanis. He's the labour leader from the 1930's who revolutionized Belize's labour movement. Today Joseph Stamp told us why he wants to memorialize and invigorate the memory of this often overlooked historical figure:... The play is set for tomorrow and Friday night at the Bliss Centre.

FFB, Deviling The Details
Last night, we showed you the extraordinary congress that the executive of the Football Federation of Belize hosted on Saturday afternoon. They were trying to take care of some business that was left untouched after the failed ordinary congress in July. Some of the financial matters were addressed, but one element which caught our attention was the 2017 budget. It's for 1.4 million dollars in this fiscal year, and of that 1.4, FIFA provides 1 million dollars in funding to the FFB. Of that, the FFB is going to spend $848,000 or 63% on administrative costs of running the FFB offices. That looks rather high, and so we asked the Acting President about it: Marlon Kuylen - Acting President, FFB: "The budget was approved with conditions that in future the affiliates have more say or a hand in what is or how the budget is produced. So that was approved with the conditions that on a monthly basis the affiliates received financial reports from the federation and that we provide a list of the salaries and stipends that make up the administration cost of the budget."

FFB Fire Who?
And in our last story from FFB's extraordinary congress the executive had to remove an agenda item which had planned to dismiss a number of persons from the FFB. Among that list of persons to be terminated were Ruperto Vicente, Michael Blease, John Palacio, and Shane Orio. But, most of those dismissals never happened because due process was never followed. In that letter from FIFA, the Secretary General referenced the dismissals noting that the congress does not have the authority to terminate them.That's because, similar to the electoral committee, and the electoral appeals committee, no proper justification was given.

TIMELESS Motown MEMORIES
And we close tonight with highlites of this weekend's FrankIe Reneau's TIMELESS Motown MEMORIES show at the Bliss, COURTESY NICH,

Channel 5

O.W. Sees Protests Wednesday over Gaspar Vega Land Issue
The battleground over the continuing scandal in the Ministry of Natural Resources shifts north to Orange Walk Town. On Wednesday, the Opposition People’s United Party, led by its Northern Caucus [...]

P.U.P. Demand Fuel Tax Cut as Belizeans Seethe About Increase
Outrage has been widespread in the twenty-four hours since the Government of Belize’s announcement on Monday that fuel prices are to go up once again for the fourth time in [...]

Is A.G. Too Intimidating for Amy Forte?
The People’s United Party last Wednesday threw its unquestioned support behind Belmopan resident Amy Forte, who directly wrote Prime Minister Dean Barrow to clear her name concerning the allegation of [...]

Opposition Keeps Up Pressure on Land Scandals
According to the Opposition Leader, Prime Minister Dean Barrow has not responded to his letter last Friday that outlined his demands with regard to the land issue. But that does [...]

John Briceño on ‘Get Mi Rich’ Scheme
On Monday’s newscast, we questioned why Andre Vega would be compensated with public land on a private caye in the extreme north of Belize for privately-owned land in which a [...]

Attorney General Says He Needs Statement to Build Case
Opposition Leader John Briceño has taken a firm position in the latest round of the Vega scandal, condemning unreservedly the land grab and compensation scheme involving relatives and friends of [...]

Call Center Employees Call Out Owners for Hard-Pay
About twenty employees of the little known “United Association for Healthy Living” are claiming that they are owed salaries for two pay periods. The call center located on Mercy Lane [...]

American Detained for Causing Death of Elderly Belizean in Cayo
An elderly citizen was knocked down and killed this morning as he rode his cycle in Buena Vista village, Cayo District. Just before six-thirty a.m., twenty-year-old Jessica Miller, a U.S. [...]

Senate Returns with Private, Public Hearings
The Senate Special Select Committee on Immigration resumes on Wednesday after a month-long break. However, the public hearing will not be held at its usual morning time slot, but in [...]

Las Flores Residents Reject Plan to Settle Land Dispute
A land dispute involving the Belmopan City Council, St. Michael Roman Catholic Primary School and residents of Las Flores has taken an unexpected turn, as members of the community have [...]

Presenting on the Strengthening of Belize’s Oil Spill Response Capabilities
This morning, stakeholders from the public and private sectors, as well as members of the environmental community, gathered at the Radisson to present on the strengthening of Belize’s oil spill [...]

Chicken Dread Vs CitCo, Round Two
On Friday following a confrontation with police and special constables of the Belize City Council, proprietor of the ‘Chicken Dread’ fast food franchise Paul Ferguson had agreed to sort out [...]

CARICOM’s First Ladies and Spouses Team Up
A few years ago a special group of women from across the Caribbean gathered to launch a campaign against teenage pregnancy. They are the spouses and partners of the Caribbean’s [...]

The Mas Begins
With the Carnival King and Queen 2017 determined on Saturday night, the mas camps got underway on Monday night in the north and south sides of the city. The bands [...]

Category 5 Hurricane Irma to Strike Caribbean, Florida
The revelry aside….the Northern Lesser Antilles and Florida are bracing for a category-five hurricane to make landfall over the next few days. This morning, Hurricane Irma was upgraded from a [...]

‘Miss Jane’ Marks 100 Years
She was born Jane Ellen Mary Price, but she is known across Belize District as Jane Usher. Today, the founder of the credit union movement and former minister of government [...]

Back to School for Belizean Students
“Free paper bun” for thousands of our nation’s students, most of whom returned to the classrooms on Monday for another year of classes. Parents paid the tuition fees, bought the [...]

The Grand Finale of KTV the Remix
The finale of KTV, the Remix, takes place tonight and we are surely counting down for the moment. Just for tonight, the venue has been shifted to the spacious Saint [...]

CTV3

Hilmar Alamilla Escorted To Court Under Heavy Guard
There was heavy police presence in the area of Hospital crescent between the Orange Walk Police station and court this morning as alleged murderer forty two year old Hilmar David Alamilla, was escorted back into the Orange Walk magistrates court for an adjournment on the murder case brought against him following the shooting death of twenty four year old Orange Walkeno Daniel “Danny Boy” Sosa back in July of this year. Of note is that this time we were allowed inside the court room. Alamilla was arrested and charged on Saturday July 29th for the brutal murder of Sosa, whose body was discovered near the entrance of D-Victoria Hotel parking lot with a single gun-shot wound to the head a few.

Senate Select Committee Hearing Resumes Tomorrow Who Will Testify?
After several weeks of being on break, tomorrow the Senate Select Committee will resume its hearings at the National Assembly building in Belmopan. Prior to going on a temporary pause in late July, the Senate hearings had called a long list of witnesses to testify on what they know about certain activities in Immigration, mostly which were highlighted in the Auditor General’s special audit on Immigration.

Mexicans Lement Cancellation Of Tropic Air Flights To Chetumal
Last month, Topic Air announced that it would discontinue its regional flights including its air travel to San Pedro Sula, Honduras and Merida and Chetumal in Mexico due significantly to the higher tax and fees charged by the Barrow Administration. In their public announcement Tropic Air’s CEO Steve Schulte noted that there was [quote] “no clear path to sustainably serving these markets under current economic and regulatory conditions” [end quote]. The airlines have been hit hard over the years with an increase in the rider’s fee and then an increase in the Departure Tax this year. In a report published in the Novedades Quintana Roo over the weekend, Mexican tourist officials lament the decision by Tropic Air, indicating that they made attempts to keep the flights going.

Corozaleno Residents To Reappear In Court For Drug Trafficking Offenses
Corozal residents, thirty one year old Jose Garcia and thirty year old Bryan Hernandez, today reappeared in the Orange Walk Magistrates court for charges of drug trafficking after they were caught with more than twenty pounds of weed back in July of this year. As we had reported Orange Walk Police were conducting a vehicular checkpoint near the Establo roundabout in Trial Farm village on July 12th when they intercepted a grey Ford Van, belonging to the courier service BPMS, which led to the discovery of two parcels of cannabis weighing ten and one kilogram respectively. Garcia and Hernandez were subsequently arrested and jointly charged for drug trafficking.

Guatemala's Congress To Decide Whether President's Impunity Will Be Revoke
Since last week we have been reporting about the political crisis faced by Guatemala in relation to the investigations being carried out against President Jimmy Morales who is being investigated for allegations of illegal campaign finances amounting to approximately $800,000. Tonight we can report that yesterday the Guatemalan Supreme Court of Justice has evaluated the petition presented by the Public Ministry and the International Commission Against Impunity in Guatemala which claims that President Morales’ National Convergence Front Party received and concealed such funds during his election campaign in 2015. The court has, therefore, ruled to authorize the Guatemalan Congress to review lifting Morales’ immunity so that he can be investigated.

Dr. Jane Usher Celebrates 100th Birthday
Today Belizean icon, Dr. Jane Ellen Usher who is also recognized as the longest running Chief Executive Officer in the country of Belize is celebrating her 100th birthday and today we look back at a few of her many contributions to our jewel over the past years. Dr. Usher was born on September 5th in the year 1917 as Jane Ellen Mary Price to parents William Cadle Price and Irene Cecelia Escalante. She is one of eleven children and is also the sister of the Father of our Nation, Right Hon. George Cadle Price. Similar to her brother, Dr. Usher has touched the lives of many Belizeans as she dedicated her life to serving the people of Belize in various fields including politics, community affairs and union movement. During her career, Dr. Usher began working at the Holy Redeemer Credit Union as a clerk in 1944 where she then became the treasurer before being named as CEO of the company in 1956 at age 39.

Category 5 Hurricane Irma Barrels Through Leeward Island
We’re barely four months into the 2017 hurricane Atlantic season but this morning the 10th storm was named Jose and we could be witnessing the naming of the 11th if a tropical depression in the Gulf of Mexico strengthens before making landfall. But tonight, all eyes are on Hurricane Irma, a category-5 hurricane that has been classified a very dangerous and potentially catastrophic storm, and which at this hour, is battering the Leeward Islands and very likely aiming at the U.S. gulf coast through the weekend. At this time Irma is not a threat to Belize.

LOVE FM

Government says Harvey to be blame for the next fuel increase
A couple of weeks ago Harvey spared Belize and went on to develop into a hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico, causing devastating effects on Texas in the USA. And while we only felt the effects of Harvey’s remnants, motorists are about to feel the real effects in a few days. A government issued release […]

Churches disapprove of this year’s Tenth Celebration
Today, the Belize Council of Churches issued a release expressing its quote “dismay” over the decision to hold the September tenth parade, in observance of the Battle of St. Georges’ Caye, on Sunday. While the Council is not opposed to celebrating the tenth, they are protesting the celebration being held on the Sunday. In its […]

Military Tattoo’s mishap
On Friday, the Police and Military Tattoo was held in Belize City at the Marion Jones Sporting Complex. As part of the show, the Belize Police Department showcased how officers respond in a riot type situation. As part of the simulation of what was believed to be white smoke was used. Turns out, one of […]

Police investigating alleged forgery
The Major Crimes Unit of the Belize Police Department is investigating the allegation made by Amy Forte. What appears to be Forte’s signature, appears on land documents that has to do with a transaction involving Andre Vega, son of Former UDP Minister Gaspar Vega and 7 acres of land on Mosquito Caye. Forte has, through […]

Las Flores up in arms over land
Today was the first day of school for thousands of primary school students across the country. It was not business as usual at the St. Matthew RC School in Las Flores as there was visible police presence. This is because residents have been up in arms over the sale of a piece of property adjacent […]

Police discovery of explosive may have saved lives
An explosive device with a radius blast of 200 meters was found on Saturday morning in Belize City. Members of the Special Assignment Team found the rigid threaded plastic detonator type explosive with one 16 volt battery and two 15 feet electrical wires. The detonator was not found. Authorities believe that the explosive may have […]

Police conduct anti-drug and anti-firearm operations
The Special Assignment Unit of the Belize Police Department has been very active, particular over this past weekend. Several anti-drug and anti-firearm operations were conducted in mostly Southside Belize City. The Unit discovered several bags of marijuana, a .32 Taurus Brand revolver along with six live rounds of ammunition. They also found seven .22 and […]

FFB holds Extraordinary Congress
On Saturday the Football Federation of Belize, FFB, held it’s Extraordinary Congress in Belize City. Items on the agenda were the approval of the 2016 Ordinary Congress minutes, approval of the President’s Activity Report, 2015 & 2016 Financials, 2017 Budget and Strategic Plan and the re-election of Electoral & Electoral Appeals Committee and electing an […]

FFB operational expense is 63% of its budget
During the briefing reporters were given the opportunity to ask questions. One of the questions posed dealt with the FFB’s budget. Figures show that 63% of the budget is earmarked for operational expenses rather that football itself. Acting President of FFB, Marlon Kuylen explained. Acting President of FFB, Marlon Kuylen “When we get our funding […]

FFB fires staff to save cost
In order to reduce operational costs, the FFB has dismissed several employees who form part of the secretariat. The dismissal of these persons was one of the topics that was discussed at length. President of the Premier League of Belize, Ian Haylock spoke on the matter. President of the Premier League of Belize, Ian Haylock […]

Who to Believe Amy or Darlene?
Justice of the Peace Darlene Padron fired off a letter to the Attorney General of Belize through her attorney, Godwin Haylock in respect to her name being called as the JP who authenticated the signature of Amy Forte. The letter confirms that Pardon was indeed the JP who authenticated the documents used for land transaction […]

Cruise lines new schedule may mean more business for Belize
As the Caribbean braces for hurricane Irma, the storm has pushed Florida based cruise lines to change their itineraries. Most of them are either pushing their schedules up or down while others have made changes in course as they stay clear of the of the Eastern Caribbean. Disney Fantasy is switching its schedule around during […]

Aaliyah Ysaguirre is 72nd Queen of the Bay
The 72nd Queen of the Bay is Miss Stann Creek Aaliyah Ysaguirre. She was selected as queen designate on Saturday night at the Bird’s Isle in Belize City. Eight young ladies vied for the coveted title including contestants from Toledo, Stann Creek, San Ignacio, Santa Elena, Belmopan, Belize City, Orange Walk, and Corozal. Throughout the […]

Deserine Usher launches Queen of the Bay book
Last Friday night saw the launch of a publication dedicated to the past queens of the bay. The book looks at the history of the illustrious pageant and was put together by Queen of the Bay 1993, Deserine Usher. She told us where the inspiration for the book came from. Deserine Usher Last year, the […]

Orange Walk in September Celebrations mode
The Official National September Celebrations Launch was held in Orange Walk Town on Sunday. The event officially starts the celebration of the 219th anniversary of the Battle of St. George’s Caye and the country’s 36th anniversary of independence, under the theme, Belize – “Confronting Challenges! Celebrating Triumphs! Renewing Our Resolve!.” The event was held in […]

Carnival King & Queen Winners-Jump Street Posse & Belizean Jewels
Also over the weekend, Belize City hosted the 2017 Carnival King and Queen competition. The event was held at the Marion Jones Sporting Complex. Six Senior and eight Junior groups displayed their flamboyant creations. When all the flaunting was done, Jump Street Posse took the crown for King and Queen in the Junior Category. Mahogany […]

Preparations continue for municipal elections
The People’s United Party continues to prepare for the upcoming Municipal Elections scheduled to take place in March 2018. Over the weekend, they held two municipal endorsement conventions. In Benque Viejo del Carmen, Cristian “Danny” Castellanos will head the slate as the Mayoral candidate. His team consists of councilor candidates Luis Avila, Edgar Guerra, Manuel […]

Patrick Harris & Ervin Fitzgibbon will stand trial for murder in Supreme Court
Two men charged with two separate murders, were committed to stand trial in the October session of the Supreme Court at preliminary inquiries that were held today before Acting Chief Magistrate Sharon Fraser. They are Patrick Harris and Ervin Fitzgibbon. Harris is charged with the murder of Dillon Grinage, which occurred on December 31, 2016, […]

Tropic Air expanding its wings
Tropic Air has announced that effective November 15 they will be providing an additional flight from San Pedro Ambergris Caye to Orange Walk Town. According to President of Tropic Air, John Grief the third, the move is an effort to meet the demands of their passengers. The new flight will leave San Pedro at four […]

Amandala

Spectators teargassed at Military/Police Tattoo
Police holding a military and police tattoo on Friday night, September 1, at the Marion Jones Stadium, fired smoke grenades to show eager spectators a part of their tactics to control an unruly crowd. But this “demonstration” backfired when one of the smoke grenades turned out to be the real deal, a CS Gas grenade, commonly called “tear gas”. Some people were affected by the tear gas but, fortunately, none seriously. An immediate investigation to find out about this mess-up was opened, and explosives expert General David Jones, Commandant of the Belize Defence Force, was called in to inspect the smoke canisters.

Seismic explosive device found on Vernon Street
A seismic explosive device, capable of destroying life within a radius of 50 feet from where it is exploded, and causing massive damage up to 400 feet away, was found by police during an anti-crime search on Vernon Street at about 11:00 Saturday morning. Police said the device, a plastic seismic detonator-type explosive with a 6-volt battery and (2) lengths of electrical wire (15 feet), was handed over to explosive expert General David Jones, Commandant of the Belize Defence Force, for inspection and assessment. During an interview held this morning at Price Barracks, the Belize Defence Force headquarters in Ladyville, Commandant Jones said that he has determined that the device was a live explosive, something that should definitely not be on the streets in Belize City.

Belize imports 20 times its exports to Guatemala
Despite the ongoing territorial differendum between the two countries, Belize and Guatemala continue to engage in robust trade in over 1,500 commodities; however, the bulk of the trade is constituted of imports from Guatemala, causing a huge trade deficit for Belize. According to official information obtained from the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB), Belize imported over 1,500 items from Guatemala, valued at roughly $74 million, for the period January to June 2017. The level of imports from that country is down by roughly 7% or $5.5 million from the same period last year, when those imports stood at almost $80 million. On the export side of the equation, there was an 8% increase, from $3.5 million for January to July 2016 to $3.8 million for January to July 2017.

Corruption, corruption, corruption!!!
There is more trouble, serious trouble, brewing for former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources Margarito Gaspar “Gapi” Vega, and his son, Andre Vega. The trouble stems from an accusation of forgery made by Amy Forte, a Belmopan resident who, according to what is purported in certain Lands Department documents, bought a lot on Caye Caulker from Government, and then allegedly sold the land to Andre Vega the following year, but who denies even being aware of such a transaction. A Minister’s Fiat, No. 175 of 2009, of May 18, 2009, in the name of Amy Forte of 1 Baboon Street, Belmopan, for the sum of $2,500, bears a signature over the title of “Minister.” Gaspar Vega was Minister of Lands from 2008 to 2015.

Pump prices to spike soon due to Hurricane Harvey
Hurricane Harvey’s shutdown of oil refineries in the Texas area—responsible for about 25% of all crude oil in the USA—has already sent pump prices up to the highest level in the USA in two years. Fuel shortages caused by Harvey are also affecting Belize, as it does import a substantial quantity of refined fuel from Houston suppliers on a regular basis in addition to buying refined fuel from Venezuela under the Petrocaribe Accord, said a press release issued today by the Government of Belize. The Ministry of Finance has given no indication what the extent of the increase will be, although reports in the US and Canada say that the increases there were in the region of 12%. There is a huge price differential due to added taxes here, between prices charged at gas stations in the US (where regular gas costs an average of US$2.64) and those in Belize (where the same product costs consumers in excess of US$5.00 a gallon).

In Income Tax heist, a case against Ischelle Tablada crashes due to blotched caution statement procedure
Former government employee, Ischelle Tablada, who was charged with abetment to commit robbery in connection with a robbery last July at the Income Tax Department in Belmopan that netted the robbers almost $29,000, was acquitted of the charge today in the Belmopan Magistrate’s Court after a caution statement that she had given to police failed to meet legal muster. Tablada, 34, was charged along with Richard Hyde, Dean Brooks, Jr. and David Cruz, who are still facing the robbery charge. Tablada’s attorneys, Ellis Arnold, SC, and Leroy Banner, were able to convince Belmopan Magistrate Ladonna John that the caution statement that Tablada gave to police was not given voluntarily, but was given under duress, and as such, was not admissible in the prosecution’s case against her.

No more undefeated; Verdes takes lead at Week 4 of PLB 2017-2018 Opening Season
Former league leaders BDF FC suffered their first loss, and Verdes FC grabbed their third win to take over the standings lead at Week 4 of the Premier League of Belize (PLB) 2017-2018 Opening Season. On Saturday afternoon at Ambergris Stadium, home standing San Pedro Pirates registered their first win of the season, putting down Freedom Fighters FC from Punta Gorda, 2-nil, with goals from Luis Alchnovic and Hector Martinez. Later on Saturday night at the Isidoro Beaton Stadium, it was Bandits Sports prevailing, 3-2, over Police United FC, who were the visitors in this one. Bandits’ goals were by veteran Jerome “Jarro” James (17’ header), rookie Carlos Gonzalez (45’), who scored in his first semipro game, and Darwin Bermudez (65’); while Police replied with Devon Makin (37’ header) and Amin “Tacos” August, Jr. (61’). Police had an opportunity to equalize from the penalty spot, but Harrison “Cafu” Roches’ shot rebounded off the right post.

BDFA Interoffice Football reg. season ends this week
The Belize District Football Association (BDFA) Interoffice Football Tournament 2017 is nearing completion. Four games were played last week at the MCC, and games scheduled for this week Wednesday and Thursday nights will complete the regular season. In the opener last Wednesday, August 30, Deportivo Los Alcones and BTL played to a 0-0 draw. And in the nightcap, Latinos FC defeated Brodies, 2-1. Maynor Hernandez (33’ & 40’) struck twice for Latinos, while Robert Jones (5’) scored for Brodies.

BDFA female team, Orchids FC in Nicaragua for UNCAF Female Inter-Club Championship 2017
Leaving Belize on Friday morning, September 1, was Belize City female football team, Orchids FC, en route to Managua, Nicaragua to participate in the “Campeonato Interclubes Femenino UNCAF 2017.” The tournament is scheduled to run from September 4 – 9. The Belize District Football Association (BDFA) representative female team had emerged champions of the Football Federation of Belize (FFB) National Women’s League tournament earlier this year; and today, we were informed by BDFA Chairman, William Moguel, who is presently in Nicaragua with the team, that they had a light work-out yesterday, and are ready to play their first game tonight at 7:00 p.m.

National Over-40 regular season ends; playoffs next
Well, except for a back match between Kulture Yabra and Pickstock Lake-I Veterans, the regular season for the FFFB National Over-40 Tournament 2017 was completed this past weekend; and the 4 playoff bound teams have been determined. (See standings below.) Scoring details are hard to come by, but our source says that “big bad” Bent Burgess returned to action for Mango Creek Veterans in that important final game on Saturday night at the M.A. Stadium, where they secured the 3-2 victory over visiting Benque Vets FC. Bent scored 1 and Wayne Castillano netted 2 for Mango Creek.

Editorial: Resistance versus appeasement
There are reasons why every empire known in human history has ended up falling. One of the reasons for this historical truth is that there have always been those in the ranks of those oppressed by empires who have chosen to resist oppression. Most of us human beings consider those who resist oppression to be heroes. You cannot chose to accommodate empire and to appease oppression, and at the same time seek to portray yourself as some kind of hero. Accommodation is accommodation and appeasement is appeasement. These two impostors always insist on wearing the garments of intelligence. It is because we are intelligent, the argument goes, that we are supposed to accommodate and appease. There is a perversity in human nature, nevertheless, which provokes some of us to “fight the power”, to borrow the words of Public Enemy. It is not intelligent to “fight the power.” It is a safer, hence more intelligent choice by far, for one to accommodate and appease. Accommodation and appeasement are supposed to assure survival. In history, nevertheless, there have always been human beings who have asked themselves the question: what kind of life is a man to accept as constituting living? For instance, does life as a shackled slave constitute an acceptable form of living?

The true story of Lynam Agricultural College needs to be told
My name is Rudy Bowman, a former student and teacher of what was a long time ago, Lynam Agricultural College in the Stann Creek District. You may recall that this Jesuit institution abruptly closed its proverbial doors in 1971. It was an event that never brought closure to all of us who were directly or indirectly affected. After all these years since, a group of committed alumni still believe that the true story of this high school should be retold. They believe that the school, and what it meant to them individually and to Belize as an emergent nation, deserves no less an effort. To this end, I plan to visit Belize around the middle of September of 2017 and, along with a group of other Lynam alumni and teachers, (some of whom are now in their early eighties like Maestros Hernan Ochaeta, and Pat Scott), to meet in an effort to try to finish a manuscript of the book project – Lynam: a retelling of this story which we hope to present to the Belizean populace: schools, libraries, businesses, government agencies, individuals, etc.

Opposition Leader calls for “claim for misfeasance in public office” against Gaspar Vega
Dear Prime Minister: For too long, the good people of Belize have been fed a constant diet of corruption in the highest ranks of the Government you lead. You have presided, as Prime Minister, over a Government that facilitated and condoned the bucket sale of nationality, passports and visas orchestrated by your Ministers and their cronies for personal profit, the pillaging of the land resources of our country under the leadership of your colleague and former Deputy Prime Minister Gaspar Vega for his family and friends, and the wanton abuse and criminality lately revealed by the Auditor General in several ministries. This criminality has been met with perfunctory acceptance by you: it’s “a hotbed of corruption”; with weak appeals: “for God’s sake stop it”; and callous disregard: “what it is, is what it is.”

But not on your boss’s job
It was beautiful, inspiring — Tommie Smith’s and John Carlos’ raised fist salute in Estadio Olimpico Universitario in Mexico City in 1968. They had run the race of their lives at the Olympics, Tommie coming in first and Carlos running third, in the 200-meter dash. The men knew that they stood to lose a lot of mammon. In America, the richest country on the planet, they stood to make millions off endorsements. Track and field was an amateur sport at the time, but a retired track star was set for life, if they played their cards right. But the men were champions for human dignity. Mammon was not their God. They would have no greater platform than this, and they took it. Every man of colour knew about the terrible Apartheid in South Africa at the time. Muhammad Ali had been stripped of his heavyweight title, in 1967, because he refused to join the American army and go fight a war to, as the Americans declared, stop North Vietnamese communists from overrunning South Vietnam. Back home, in the US, racist whites were doing all in their power to turn back black gains with the ballot and education. Tommie Smith and John Carlos knew about these injustices.

Two more accused murderers committed to Supreme Court for trial
Two separate preliminary inquiries were conducted by Acting Chief Magistrate Sharon Fraser, for two men charged with separate murders in the Belize District. The first preliminary inquiry was for Patrick Harris, 19, who was charged with the December 31, 2016 murder of Dillon Grinage, 25. Harris is being represented by attorney Oscar Selgado. At the end of the paper committal to the October Session of the Supreme Court, the court prosecutor, Corporal Christopher Smith, submitted seven statements that police investigators had taken from witnesses and a number of official reports having to do with the case. The prosecutor also submitted the death certificate of the murdered man (Grinage), scenes of crimes photographs, and the arrest warrant.

Bullet Tree road becoming “hot spot” for vehicle jacking
Less than two months ago, a suspected Guatemalan car thief was gunned down after an attempt to jack a car on the Bullet Tree Road was foiled. On Saturday night, car thieves made yet another attempt in the same general vicinity. Efrain Cu, 30, a taxi operator, told police that sometime around 9 o’clock on Saturday night, he had picked up three Hispanic men from the Welcome Center area of downtown San Ignacio. He then took them to an area on Collins Boulevard off the Bullet Tree Road.

Erwin Rodriguez, 17, reported missing for 11 days
Erwin Rodriguez, 17, a student of Ground Dove Street, Jane Usher Boulevard, Belize City, has been reported missing since Thursday, August 24. He was last seen wearing a grey T-shirt, knee-length Dickies pants, and blue and grey Old Navy slippers. He has tattoos on both arms. His family and the police are conducting extensive searches for him, but he has not been found. Yesterday, Sunday, the search party was searching in the Dyke off Faber Road, and one of his slippers was found, but there was no sight of him.

Former prison officer, Calbert Reynolds, charged with aggravated assault upon attorney Leroy Banner
former prison officer from the Kolbe-managed Belize Central Prison was brought to court late this afternoon to be arraigned on a charge of aggravated assault. Calbert Reynolds, 27, appeared before Acting Chief Magistrate, Sharon Fraser, who arraigned him on charges of aggravated assault and use of threatening words. Reynolds pleaded not guilty to the charges and was offered bail of $600 plus one surety in the same amount. Reynolds told Magistrate Fraser that he was not aware of the charges against him until about 10 minutes before he was brought to court to answer to them.

Breaking Belize News

Compromise in Las Flores land feud
The Belmopan City Council (BCC) and the residents of Las Flores have reached an agreement regarding the land housing at St. Michael’s Roman Catholic School. The BCC explained that Mayor Khalid Belisle met with the management of the school and worked out an agreement, which essentially had three points. Those points stated that the council would: seek how to get the school title for the land where the school is located, grant the school two additional parcels of land for future expansion, and assist with the landscaping of all school lands.

Police find weed and ammunition in Majestic Alley stash spot
The North Side Strike team yesterday conducted a search of Munoz Alley in Belize City. There, officers found (49) 9mm VMA brand of ammunition, and 129 grams of cannabis. No one was in the area at the time and so the items were labelled and deposited as found property.

Police find drugs and a pistol in Belize City
The Special Assignment Team of the Police Department conducted a string of searches yesterday which resulted in the discovery of a total of 710 grams of cannabis and a gun.

New Honorary Consul of Canada to Belize
The High Commissioner of Canada to Belize, Deborah Chatsis, today announced that Lynn Young has been appointed by H.E. Governor General as Honorary Consul of Canada resident in Belize City, Belize. The Belizean Ministry of Foreign Affairs accepted this appointment on August 24, 2017.

Towards a more just and equitable society – My involvement in politics
By Glenn Tillett: You may have wondered and you certainly did not ask but I’ll tell you all the same.I decided to join with the PUP in 1998. I was never formally a member, was never sworn in and never had a party card. Never wanted one. I supported the PUP’s agenda at that time because I thought it was forward looking, promising reform all across the spectrum of our social and political economy. It was, to my mind, revolutionary.

Man dies in fatal traffic accident in Buena Vista
This morning around 6:20, Jessica Miller, 20, a US citizen residing in the Buena Vista area was driving a red Subaru Impressa on Buena Vista road going towards Spanish Lookout when she hit a motorcycle.

Dr. Jane Usher celebrates a century
Today, iconic Belizean Dr. Jane Usher celebrates her 100th birthday. Born on September 5, 1917 as Jane Ellen Mary Price, Dr. Usher is the sister of Rt. Hon. George Cadle Price, the nation’s father, and has similarly dedicated her own life to serving Belize.

Belize launches Inventory Exercise on Potential Sources of Radiation
The Government of Belize today held an opening ceremony to launch the National Inventory on Radiation Sources, an initiative derived from the establishment of a National Radiation Safety Infrastructure in Belize.

Belize Council of Churches says go to church not September 10th festivities
This year, September 10th will fall on Sunday and will feature the customary pomp and circumstance seen every year. However, the Belize Council of Churches expressed its discontent with the celebration falling on Sunday. In a statement released yesterday, the council said: “While this is the date of one of our national holidays, it is primarily and foremost a Sunday, the Lord’s Day – the day of the week set aside for the majority of Christians in Belize to be in worship in their respective congregations.”

Guatemalan Congress to rule on lifting President Jimmy Morales’ immunity
As pressure mounts against Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales over allegations of corruption and an investigation into unaccounted campaign financing, the Guatemalan congress is now considering a request to lift Morales’ immunity.

PUP plans protest against Vega
Last week, Prime Minister Dean Barrow requested an investigation against the Vega family after allegations of forgery were brought forward by Amy Forte. However, in response to other allegations of land fraud by former Lands Minister, Gaspar Vega, Barrow told the media: “…It is what it is”.

Irma intensifies to Category 5
This morning, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) reported that Irma is now an extremely dangerous category 5 hurricane. The NHC says that preparations should be rushed to completion in the hurricane warning area.

Blogs

National Wildlife Day: Belize National Symbols
Hello September. This month is all things Belizean as we celebrate numerous national holidays! In honour of the upcoming festivities AND National Wildlife Day (September 4), here’s a Wildlife & Nature blog with some of our national symbols: The Belize Edition. The toucan is famously known for its canoe-shaped bill and vibrant colours. Its vibrant bill is designed in blue, red, green and orange; its wings are bright yellow with black; and their tail has a noticeable red and white patch.

Easier Travel Between Orange Walk Town and San Pedro
It is becoming a more popular trend for travelers to split their Belize vacations in two and spend part time in Ambergris Caye or Caye Caulker and part time in one of the mainland districts. A short 20 minute flight from Ambergris, Orange Walk Town (soon to become 3 times daily) is a great option for a few reasons. It’s close proximity to Laminai ruins, they make the best tacos and it is pretty cool landing right beside a massive sugar cane field. The additional flight will also benefit the business community as well. The current morning flight is great for anyone doing business to/from either location but the early afternoon flights meant either a short work day or an overnight stay. Upcoming “end of day” flight will be perfect for the business traveler.

Saint George's Caye Day
Red, white and Blue are flown all over Belize in the month of September. It is a month to celebrate the Battle of St George's Caye and our Independence. Schools, offices, and all over the country of Belize decorated schools, offices and around the streets with Belizean flags. St. George's Caye is an island in the Caribbean Sea, eight miles east of Belize City. It is part of the Belize District of Belize, Central America. The village on the island is also known as St. George's Caye. As of 2000, St. George's Caye had a permanent population of about 20 people. St. George's Caye was previously known by the Spaniards as "Cayo Cosina", or "Kitchen Cay". It was settled as a town in 1650, and was the largest settlement in what was then British Honduras in the 17th century and 18th century; however, its importance was eventually eclipsed by the growth of Belize City. St.George's Caye was Belize's first capital in the 1700s. From 3 September through 10 September 1798, British settlers fought and defeated a small Spanish fleet sent to drive them from the area; this battle is marked as a national holiday in Belize each September 10 as the Battle of St. George's Caye.

Tody Motmots and Ornate Hawk Eagles, Birding in the Rio Bravo and Chan Chich
The Rio Bravo Conservation and Management Area (RBCMA) is the located in northwestern Belize. It consists of over 250,000 acres of protected rain forest and it is the largest private reserve in Belize and managed by Programme for Belize. So 250,000+ arces completely protected from logging, hunting and any other environmentally detrimental actions means that the wildlife in the area are undisturbed. Which in parts means great birding and photography opportunities. That's why when my friend Jason ( he's a great photographer, check out his instagram profile here) brought up that we should take a trip there I was all for it. We left from Belize City Friday evening with our girlfriends to start our "Birding and Babes Trip 1.0" We arrived at the La Milpa field station where we met Melvis Valdez expert birder and head guide a the lodge. By this time it was about 9pm and we had to be on the road early as we were headed to Chan Chic in search of the Gray-throated Chat a bird we had dipped on a couple times.

Strengthening Surveillance & Enforcement in Corozal Bay!
SACD patrol team in collaboration with the Belize Coast Guard conducted a joint patrol with the Mexican authorities along the borderline between Belize and Mexico last week – this was with the main objective of informing and acting on the illegal establishment of crab traps in Belizean waters. This lead to the removal of 48 crab traps illegally placed inside Corozal Bay Wildlife Sanctuary within Belize territory.

International Sources

Un-Belize-able! Meet the man who swapped his suit for flip flops and set up the world's most exotic Airbnb
Most people can only dream of escaping the rat race. But, for one brave man, that wasn't enough - and, to prove it, he swapped his entire life in Europe for a remote existence in the Caribbean. Christian Gusenbauer, 41, was a respected pharmaceutical company manager in his native Austria, where he enjoyed a lucrative salary and enviable lifestyle. But he said stress and red tape pushed him to make a dramatic life change in 2016. Selling all of his possessions and leaving his loved ones behind, he made the leap of faith alone - with nothing more than a backpack. But now, 12 months on, he owns Private Heaven, a self-contained off-grid retreat on Lark Caye - his very only private island in Belize - where he's ready to host holidaymakers from around the world. The newly built home, now available to reserve on Airbnb, comes complete with panoramic views of the Caribbean, a pristine lagoon and access to a breathtaking coral reef.

I Thought I Would Die Many Times on This Adventure Through Belize
A trip to San Ignacio, Belize, isn’t just a vacation — it’s a heart-pounding escape. 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.