May 19, 2018

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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

Police Report
Kept unlicensed ammunition: A search conducted by San Pedro Police at 10AM on Monday, May 14th inside the apartment of 18-year-old John Carlos Hernandez, of Central Park Hotel, ended in the discovery of seven 9mm live rounds of ammunition. Present at the time of the search was 21-year-old Tracey Betancourt, resulting in both of them being arrested and charged with Kept Ammunition without a Gun License.
Drug Trafficking: At about 12:30PM on Tuesday, May 15th, a joint operation was conducted in the DFC area, San Pedro Town. Police conducted a search in the home of, 37-year-old Brionne Deston Swift, Belizean Fisherman of DFC area, where 24-year-old Miriam Elizabeth Rodriguez, Belizean part-time teacher of San Mateo Area was also present.

Smiles get brighter at the San Pedro Smile Dental Clinic
The San Pedro Smile Dental Clinic, located at the Holy Cross Anglican School (HCAS) in the San Mateo Area of San Pedro Town, hosted doctors from Big Sky Dental Center, Bozeman, Montana, U.S.A. from Thursday, May 10th to Wednesday, May 16th. Volunteers that facilitated their service to several island children included: Jessie Guilmette, Taylor Hodges, Kyra Doak, Julie Rood, Doctor Jessie McClung, Doctor Craig Duran, Sue Duran, Holly Duran and Adam Duran. Heading the group of Volunteers is Dr. McClung who says that during the clinics, they look for various things. “Oral examinations are to evaluate overall oral hygiene, looking for things such as plaque, cavities, or even gum disease,” he said.

PM Barrow talks Oil Prices, Referendum & Re-registration
Fuel prices, the referendum to take the Belize-Guatemala territorial dispute to the International Court of Justice, voter re-registration and who will succeed him as United Democratic Party leader going into the 2020 general elections were some of the hot topics Prime Minister Hon. Dean Barrow discussed at a press briefing held at the Belize Best Western Biltmore Plaza Hotel in Belize City on Wednesday morning, May 16th. With fuel prices going up at midnight that same day, Barrow said the new prices at the pump are beyond the government’s control since the world price of oil is rising. He noted that the political situation in Venezuela and the economic and trade sanctions imposed on Venezuela has caused Belize to purchase fuel elsewhere, under not so favorable terms as existed under the PetroCaribe agreement with Venezuela.

Primary & Secondary Schools Festival of Arts delight islanders
The Belize Institute of Creative Arts hosted San Pedro’s Primary & Secondary Schools Festival of Arts 2018 under the theme: “Every Child is an Artist: Art for Learning and Earning” at the Angel Nuñez Auditorium in San Pedro Town on Tuesday, May 15th. The event saw the attendance of hundreds of islanders enjoying a variety of entertainment. Participating were Island Bonita Elementary School (IBES), San Pedro Roman Catholic School (SPRCS), San Pedro High School (SPHS), New Horizon Seventh Day Adventist School (NHSDAS), Holy Cross Anglican School (HCAS) and Ambergris Caye Elementary School (ACES).

Ambergris Today

UN Migration Agency To Support Belize To Develop New Migration Policy
The Government of Belize and the UN Migration Agency (IOM) jointly launched on May 16th the development of a National Migration and Development Policy for Belize. The development of the national policy will be led by the Government of Belize through a Steering Committee chaired by the Department of Immigration and Nationality Services. In developing the policy, the Government of Belize requested technical assistance from the IOM in 2016, and a steering committee was formulated in 2017 to work alongside IOM in drafting the policy framework and to ensure that the policy is aligned with the Government’s development strategy and national vision.

Misc Belizean Sources

12th Annual World Telecommunications and Information Society Competition
THE RESULTS ARE IN!!! The FIRST PLACE winner of CANTO's 12th Annual World Telecommunications and Information Society Day Competition is Jamal Witty of Belize!!!!!! Jamal's Video 'AI Road to the Future', "Highlights the journey to the future and how the use of technology, specifically Artificial Intelligence, will lead the way". Jamal won a Trip for 2 to Panama inclusive of flights and hotel accommodation at the luxurious Hard Rock Hotel Panama Megapolis, Panama , 1000 USD and a Tablet!

International Museum Day at SISE House of Culture
Celebrating International Museum Day at SISE House of Culture yesterday with over 700 visitors from different schools including Georgeville and Esperanza. A huge thank you to The Belize Archives Department and Institute of Archaeology (NICH) Belize for their support and collaboration.

Santa Elena Primary School Science Fair
Yesterday, the Department of Youth Services Santa Elena Center participated in the Santa Elena Primary School's Science fair 2018! Our officers delivered a message on how DYS impacts young people through our different units, and they also shared the upcoming summer activities that will be taking place at the Santa Elena Youth Center!

NOTICE FROM THE MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES
It has come to the attention of the Ministry of Natural Resources that certain Justices of the Peace are charging members of the public to provide services in relation to completing applications at the Lands Department. The Public is advised that this is illegal and those JPs will be reported to the Attorney General for appropriate action.

Bigger water tank stand in Midway
The Department of Rural Development assisted the Water Board in the village of Midway by constructing a bigger stand for the Water tank.

Belize Condemns Violence in the Gaza Strip
Belize has been monitoring, with deep concern, the violence at the Israel-Gaza border, which has intensified in recent days, resulting in the death of over 60 persons, including children, and countless injuries. The Government of Belize strongly condemns the use of force by the Israel Defense Force against Palestinian civilians, who have a right to peaceful protest. Belize calls for an end to the violence, and for restraint to be exercised by the Israeli military. At the same time, Belize expresses its sympathy to those who have been injured and to the families of those who have died.

Results for Day 2 of the BTB Love Belize Sea Challenge

Ya'axché Conservation Trust meets with Beekeepers
Today, Friday 18th of May, we are meeting with 18 beekeepers – farmers we have been working with over the past 5 years. We will reflect on the accomplishments, lessons learnt and identify areas that need strengthening as we continuously seek to improve our programs. Honey extracted within the Maya Golden Landscape have been sold across Belize. Thank you for supporting our farmers. We also say a big thank you to numerous donors who have supported our work of improving livelihoods.

The opening ceremony at the Maya Mural Symposium at Dreams Convention Centre in Corozal Town
The symposium is a collaborative effort by Toone Masehualo'on NGO and the Northern Maya Association of Belize. We invite community members to attend and learn about the ancient Chactemal Murals and more. The symposium is on today May 18th and tomorrow. The opening ceremony at the Maya Mural Symposium at Dreams Convention Centre here in Corozal Town. The symposium is a collaborative effort by Toone Masehualo'on NGO and the Northern Maya Association of Belize. We invite community members to attend and learn about the ancient Chactemal Murals and more. The symposium is on today May 18th and tomorrow.

Channel 7

Senator Val Throws Her Name In
Senator Valerie Woods made it official today: she will contest the PUP convention in the Albert Division and challenge her Senate colleague, care-taker Paul Thompson. Woods went to the PUP headquarters at 3:00 this evening - one hour before the deadline - to submit her name and the required paperwork. In so doing she has ended two weeks of intense speculation, which has spawned a fair amount of inter-party tension and social media chatter. She told Daniel Ortiz why she's doing it:.. Reporter: "What is your final decision at this time?" Valerie Woods, aspirant - PUP Standard Bearer - Albert: "I'll be contesting the Albert's Division for sure."

PUP Albert Committee Is All Paul
Woods is the challenger to Senator Paul Thompson who was endorsed as Standard Bearer in late 2014. Thompson said he'll grant us an interview next week, but in the meantime his committee is doing the talking for him. The Committee members sent a signed letter dated yesterday to Party Chairman Henry Usher saying that they give their, quote, "resolute and unwavering support" to Thompson as the party's Standard Bearer for Albert. The letter also notes that Thompson was the campaign manager for the successful Belize City slate in the recent municipal elections. The committee members conclude, quote, "we received overwhelming feedback from the voters that Senator Thompson is…the right leader for the division…" end quote.

Opposition Fury Over Fonso’s Facebook
And in other political news, 7News has learned that Opposition Leader John Briceno is trying to get a Supreme Court injunction against the Guardian's Editor - and UDP Mouthpiece - Alfonso Noble. The issue is in its very preliminary stage, but we understand that Briceno was attempt to get the court to restrain Fonso and his Facebook posts, which Briceño says have and continue to defame and slander him. The hearing was supposed to take place yesterday before Justice Michelle Arana, but it was postponed until this morning. But when we showed up to court, we were told that the attorneys for the 2 sides are in talks to try to work resolve this dispute outside of court.

Not Guilty After 6 Years On Remand
After 6 years on remand, 33 year old Leon Yorke was found not guilty today. In 2012, he was accused of the murder of 43 year old construction worker David John Myvett. Early on the morning of October 31, 2012, Myvett was cementing a street as part of a construction crew when a gunman came up and shot him multiple times to the body. The trial without jury was before Justice Adolph Lucas and Crown Counsel Sheringe Rodriguez, relied on the statement of one eye witness James Noralez.

Chief Elections Officer Defends Her Reputation Against Claims of Wrongdoing
Earlier in the week, we gave you in depth coverage of the PUP's challenge to the March 2018 Municipal Elections in San Pedro. The PUP 7 of that island town is hoping that the Chief Justice will declare those elections void, and that new elections would be called. As we told you, the PUP is complaining specifically about the manner in which the officials of the Elections and Boundaries Department carried out the election. They say that there were major discrepancies, which calls the result into question. The two Elections and Boundaries officials being sued in this election petition are Catherine Cumberbatch, who was acting as the returning officer in San Pedro on that day, and Chief Elections Officer Josephine Tamai.

Breakthrough in Belmopan Murder/Arson
Police have made a major discovery in the case of arson and murder in Belmopan. This afternoon, moving with their trademark swiftness, capital cops found Bruce Davidson's vehicle, a Mahindra pickup burnt up a mile from Belmopan in some bushes. They have also recovered some of Davidson's personal items - including a phone system. Our sources say one person - a minor - is in custody, while an adult is being sought. As we have reported, DNA samples were taken to determine if the murder victim is indeed the proprietor of the farm, Bruce Davidson, who is missing and unaccounted for.

Falling Tree Kills Child In Toledo
A young girl was killed today when a tree fell on her. It happened this morning in San Pedro Columbia in the Toledo District. 58 year old Valentino Teul was cutting down a tree and it fell on his 10 year old granddaughter Emilda Che. She was rushed to the San Antonio Poly clinic, but she didn't make it.

Daring Daylight Robbery
There was a daring armed robbery at the Courts Outlet, on Buttonwood Bay Boulevard yesterday afternoon. At around ten to three, two men entered the store. One of them pulled out a gun and went inside the manager's booth where he snatched $1,420 from the cash pan and then robbed three of the employees of their personal items. All that added up to another $5,500 in valuables. The men escaped and tonight, police have no suspects.

Con-Man Pretended To Be Rotarian On A Life Saving Mission
Police are looking for a con - man who pretended to be a rotarian fundraising for a dying child with cancer. But instead he ripped off at least one business of $1,700 dollars. Police are looking for Michael Rodriguez, who they believe was the master mind of the scam. The bogus rotarian used the name Allan Usher and here's how he made the pitch to the Farmers Light Plant, a business in Spanish Lookout. We have a voice recording from the owner back in late April: Voice of: Conning Victim: "I want to tell you of a little situation. A man called me by the name of Allen Usher and asked if we would like to donate. They had a bad case with a child that had cancer, a 10 year old kid who had to go to Merida quick. He was saying that Tropic Air was sponsoring the flight and the only thing they needed was $5,000 but they already had $3,200..."

Vasquez Charged For Hopkins Shooting
Last night, we told you about the Wednesday night incident in Seine Byte where 25 year-old Austin Williams was shot in the cheek and back. Well, police are reporting that they've arrested one man for it. He's 23 year-old Nyle Vasquez, a resident of Dangriga Town, and he's been charged for Use of deadly means of harm and Wounding. He has since been arraigned at the Independence Magistrate's Court and remanded.

Paying Tribute To Teachers
Today, teachers from all across Belize converged on the Civic Center for a mass celebration of teachers day. For weeks, the status of the event was unclear because the BNTU was not able to pay their share towards the event but - in the end, it all worked out, with good old GOB footing the bill. Sahar Vasquez stopped in got the vibe from some very happy teachers. A few weeks ago chances of a teachers' day celebration seemed like a pipe dream, but today the spirit of celebration was genuine as Education Minister Patrick Faber Stood on the podium and chanted: Hon. Patrick Faber, Minister of Education: "There is nobody that can inspire us like great teachers can."

Union Pres Says Others Also Failed To “Come-Up”
As we told you, the BNTU was supposed to give a third of the funds to sponsor the event. BNTU President Elena Smith said they weren't the only ones who couldn't "come-up" as requested:... Hon. Elena Smith, BNTU President: "BNTU made no contributions towards but please I want to make it clear. It is not only the BNTU that said they could not contribute. We were informed again at a meeting that managers said they were unable to contribute but they were asked to give whatever little they could give whether that was done we are not aware o both groups had some difficulty in contributing towards today."

Travane Trapp For Weed
A hospital attendant has to pay a $3,000 fine after police caught him carrying 7 and a half pounds of weed in compressed parcels. MIT personnel searched 20 year old Travane Trapp and found the stash on him. He was charged with drug trafficking, and taken to court where he pleaded guilty and was fined $3,000. He has up until October 31st to pay.

The Placencia Airport Hustle
It made news earlier this week when 48 year old US Investment Fund Manager Brent Borland was charged with multiple counts of securities fraud. It's related to Belize, because he's accused of tricking investors to front 21.9 million dollars in bridge financing for an International Airport project in Placencia. Jules Vasquez did a deeper dig:... The only time we saw the Placencia Airport in use was in December of 2014 when a SICA Summit was held in Belize. But, this man - Brent Borland - seen here at what looks to be the very same airport - was using it as an investment package.

Breaking Down The Domestic Violence Act
The Domestic Violence Act certainly doesn't qualify as light or leisurely reading - and that's why RET international is working on making the act a bit more accessible to the public by breaking down the heavy law language in lay man's terms. RET and their team met today at the National Women's Commission office to start looking through the document. Here's more from there meeting. Thandiwe Diego, RET International Youth Ambassador: "So the event here at RET, here at National Woman's Commission is a collaboration between the National Women's Commission and RET International in Belize and myself the RET International Youth Ambassador. So what we are doing is we are taking the Domestic Violence Act and with youth together we are translating the act into language that is more understandable to the general public especially youth."

Desiigner In Belize
You've probably seen the ad for music week 2018 - and there have been a number of activities since Monday, plus last night the performances began at the Civic with a line-up of Belizean artists. It's celebrated as one of the biggest music events in Belize. Everyone who is somebody on the music scene in Belize will hit the stage. But international artists such as American Rapper Desiigner among many others will also be performing. Desiigner is well known for the song "Panda" - a rap sensation. Today we spoke with Desiigner and his manager at the airport and they told us their visit goes beyond the music -it's about honoring their slain loved one and friend Fareed Ahmad.

Belize Blasts Israel For Killing Palestinians
Earlier this week, Israeli armed forces shot and killed 60 Palestinian civilians who were protesting, and injured over 2,000 others. They were protesting the US Government's decision to move their Israeli Embassy from Tel Aviv, to Jerusalem. The US and Guatemalan Governments have been first to plant their embassies in this disputed city. Well, speaking to the use of deadly force by the Israeli military against the Palestinians, the Belize Government release a statement today. It says, quote, "The Government of Belize strongly condemns the use of force by the Israel Defense Force against Palestinian civilians, who have a right to peaceful protest. Belize calls for an end to the violence, and for restraint to be exercised by the Israeli military.

Making Mentors For Youths
Very regularly, we report on initiatives by the police department to try and steer young people away from a life in conflict with the law. Well, the cops are making a second attempt at their Youth Mentorship Program. The kids who participate are paired with adult mentors who work with them in a classroom setting, and exposed to sports, life skills lessons, and educational tours around the country - all in the hopes that they stay away from a life of crime. Starting next week, a new cohort of children are about to benefit from the program, and the Police Department held an opening ceremony at the Radisson.

Museums Connect Cultures
Today was celebrated all around the world as International Museum Day, and here at home, the Museum of Belize and the Different Houses of Culture have been holding events all this week. The idea is to raise awareness about the importance of Museums as important methods of cultural exchange, the enrichment of culture, and the preservation of a country's culture and history. The Museum was offering free entrance to Belizeans today, and we stopped by to speak with the Director:

When Expression Is Art
"Express Yuhself" is the name of the art show that will be held at the Image Factory next week. The show is a promising one with an all Belizean artist line up and free entrance, food, and drinks. We spoke to one of the curators and found out why you should come out to see it next week. The show starts at 7 pm next week Friday at the Image Factory.

Channel 5

Choice Bank Partners Pull Out; Central Bank Steps In
Tonight there is grim news in the offshore industry. Indications are that Choice Bank, an offshore bank operating from Belize City, is winding down due to a cash flow crisis [...]

Citco Down to 5 Days to Repay S.S.B. Contributions
A few days ago, the Social Security Board issued a demand note for payment of outstanding contributions to the Belize City Council collected from employees, but not paid by the [...]

More Contributions May be Outstanding; is it ex-City Admin’s Fault?
But who was responsible for making the payments to the S.S.B.? That, says Deputy Mayor Oscar Arnold, was the responsibility of Candice Miller, the former City Administrator, who was initially [...]

CitCo Predecessors’ Priorities Questioned
The Deputy Mayor questions the priorities of the previous administration given the fact that this outstanding payment lingered while the then-U.D.P. council put off a free concert in February. The [...]

B.N.T.U., M.O.E. Showdown at Civic for Teachers’ Day
Despite the back and forth on whether there would have been a teachers’ day celebration, today the event went on without a hitch. Teachers from across the country congregated in [...]

Union Suggests School Managements Spoke from 2 Sides on Salary Docking
On Monday, we reported that there would be no docking of salaries for teachers who rallied in Belmopan on March twenty-second. The Belize Association for General Managers of Pre and [...]

The Fight against Domestic Violence and the Law
We have been reporting on the wide-ranging efforts of the humanitarian organization; RET International, in putting a dent on the reports of gender-based violence and trafficking in persons among other [...]

Girl Crushed by Falling Tree in Toledo
A Toledo family is in mourning tonight after a freak accident in the village of San Pedro Columbia, Toledo. Ten-year-old Emilda Che, also known as Edna, was with her grandfather [...]

Opposition’s Briceño Challenges Guardian’s Noble over Facebook ‘Drug Plane’ Story
On Thursday, the case of Leader of the Opposition John Briceño versus editor of the Guardian newspaper Alfonso Noble was called in the Supreme Court, but was adjourned.  Briceño was [...]

G.O.B. Issues Statement Condemning Gaza Brutality
On Tuesday, former Prime Minister Said Musa got the ball rolling by publicly condemning the unnecessary deaths of over sixty Palestinian nationals, including children, and thousands of injuries caused by [...]

Police Make Weed Bust in the City
A twenty-year-old hospital attendant of Belize City was arrested and charged with drug trafficking. On Thursday night, just before eight-thirty, members of the Mobile Interdiction Team were on patrol in [...]

Orange Walk Resident Charged for Drug Trafficking
There was also a drug bust up north in Orange Walk District. On Thursday just before five in the morning, the Quick Response Team conducted a search at a house [...]

Bruce Davidson’s Vehicle Found; 3 Persons in Custody
There is an update to the arson in Belmopan where the body of a man was discovered on Tuesday. As we told you British national Bruce Davidson is believed to [...]

Police Launch Second Round of Youth Mentorship Program
At the close of 2016, the Belize Police Department introduced a youth mentorship programme aimed at youths at risk in some of the most troubled areas of Belize City.  It [...]

Participants Must Put in the Work to Succeed
The youths will have the opportunity as part of the programme to see more of Belize than they ever have, as most of them have only rarely if ever left [...]

Program’s Successes Include Ending Budding Gang
Deputy Commissioner Williams also discussed the successes of the first cohort of mentees, one hundred of whom graduated about a year ago. He says they learned critical skills to survive [...]

High Schools Take Stage for Belize District Festival of the Arts
The Belize District Festival of Arts got underway on Tuesday with over one hundred performances in dance, drama, song and even poetry at the Bird’s Isle. Two days later, high [...]

Play the Music! Music Week Ends with Big Bash Benefit Concert at Civic
Music Week climaxes this Saturday night at the Civic Center in Belize City. The line-up of local artists has been impressive, but on the last night of the event, a [...]

LOVE FM

The second day of the BTB Love Belize Sea Challenge
The second leg of the BTB Love Belize Sea Challenge left Placencia this morning and kayakers made their way to Dangriga. Belize International Water Sports made up of paddlers, Jesus Evelio Linares, Kenrick Daniels, Hener Cruz and Daniel Cruz crossed the finish line in first position with a time of five hours forty-eight minutes and …

VIP will embark on an ICJ Nationwide Education Campaign
The Vision Inspired by the People (VIP) will be conducting an ICJ Nationwide Education Campaign, which will be led by their Public Relations and Finance Director, Robert “Bobby” Lopez. In addition, the release stated that a separate registered entity and committee called “8867 BELIZE PEACE PROJECT” has been established in order to solicit broad base …

Belize condemns the massacre of Palestinians by Israel
Earlier this week former Prime Minister Right Honorable Said Musa issued a release condemning the massacre of Palestinians by Israel. He called on the Government to condemn the action. Today, the Government issued a release doing just that. The Government says it strongly condemned the violence initiated by Israel’s Defense Force against Palestinian civilians which …

PlusTV

POLICE LOOKING FOR THREE SUSPECTS IN LIPKA MURDER
Police are looking for three persons in connection with the murder of 49 year old American Business owner Lamont Edward Lipka. Lipka was shot to death at his business establishment in San Pedro on Sunday night. According to police, the three suspects are not originally from the Island, but they have...

POLICE FOLLOWING LEAD IN BELMOPAN MAYOR’S HOUSE SHOOTING
Police is following a lead into the shooting of Mayor Khalid Belisle’s home on Monday night. This morning ACP Joseph Myvette told the media that officers will look to see where this lead takes them. ASP Joseph Myvette: In relation to that matter the shooting of mayor Belisle residence in Belmopan, ...

HUMAN REAMINS IN FIRE DEBRIS; POSSIBLE ARSON AND HOMICIDE
Last night we reported to you that the human remains were found in the debris of a burnt house on a farm in the outskirts of Belmopan. Police have not yet confirmed the identity of the body, however they do believe the remains is that of a male. Police told us more about the incident at this morning...

MAYA MOPAN SQUATTERS REMOVED
Squatters in the Maya Mopan Area of Belmopan City are being removed by the Belmopan City Council. Several wooden houses belonging to squatters have already been dismantled and the families relocated. Today Plus News visited the area and found some squatters still in the process of relocating, while ...

MAN SHOT IN SEINE BIGHT VILLAGE WHILE SOCIALIZING
Police are looking for a suspect in relation to a shooting that took place in Seine Bight village, last night. According to police, Austin Williams was standing at a street corner with some friends when several shots were fired at him. Two of the shots caught Williams. ASP Jospeh Myvette: On Wednes...

Man Shot in Palmar Village, Orange Walk
One man was shot in the arm in the Palmar Village of Orange Walk. 32 years old Jose Oscar was inside his yard, walking to his gate, when someone fired several shots in his direction. Police told us more about this latest shooting ACP Joseph Myvett: On yesterday’s date shortly after 11:20pm, police r...

FERGUSON WANTS TO RESOLVE SITTEE RIVER LAND ISSUES
Stann Creek West Area Representative Rodwell Ferguson has been dealing with a land issue in the Sittee River Communuity, in the Stann Creek District, for over the past 13 Years. According to the area rep, he has been left with no other choice but to go public with issue. This morning Ferguson was a ...

MAYOR BELISLE SIGNATURE FORGED ON LAND RECEIPT
Earlier we reported on the Maya Mopan Squatters being removed. Well, One Maya Mopan Squatter claims that he has been paying CITCO for the land he is being removed from. The squatter was able to provide us with a copy of a payment receipt with the signature of Mayor Belisle ...

BELIZE TERRITORIAL VOLUNTEERS SAYS ICJ IS NOT THE ONLY WAY
Last night we told you that the Prime Minister is all for a ‘yes’ vote at Belize’s ICJ refferndum. In yesterday’s Press Conference P.M. Barrow stated that he believes that the ICJ is the only way to resolve the ongoing border dispute. P.M. Barrow also indicated ...

TWO FEMALE MINOR MISSING FROM CAYO DISTRICT
Two female minors from Western Belize was reported missing. The first minor that was reported missing was 15 year old Amelia Fernandez from the Village of Succotz in the Cayo District. 36 year old Ebelita Fernandez told Police that her daughter Amelia went missing on Tuesday, ...

MAN CHARGED FOR MURDER OF DANIEL GUARDADO
Police have arrested and charged 21 year old Benjamin Alexander Reid for the Murder of Daniel Guardado. Here is what Police had to say about the arrest. ASP Alejandro Cowo, Head of NCIB: Police has a duty to investigate all matters to the best of their ability, and I would like to thank the investigators who put a great amount of energy ...

NO MORE FREE RIDE ON CABLE SUBSCRIPTION SAYS P.M.
At yesterday’s Press Conference, P.M Barrow spent some time addressing the increase in fuel prices and the imminent fuel price increases yet to come. During the question and answer segment of the conference, PM Barrow was asked to speak on the increase of cable fees by cable providers ...

Guatemalan Army Turns Focus to Border Protection
Guatemala shares 1,667 kilometers of border with Mexico, El Salvador, Honduras, and Belize. Of recently, Guatemala has decided to increase their border security by deploying more than 2 thousand Guatemalan Soldiers to its borders. In an article written in “Dialago Digital Military Magazine”, Dialago media house quotes the Press Director ...

MINISTER OF SECURITY VISITS WESTERN BORDER
As we reported to you on Monday night, security facilities repairs and upgrades are being done at the Belize Western Border by BDF Light Engineers. The work reportedly includes improvements to fences, gates and other border security features. Yesterday, The Minister of National Security paid a visit to the Western Border Upgrade Project. In a press release issued ...

Amandala

UDP CitCo owed $77,000 in SSB contributions
The Belize City Council that was led by the United Democratic Party (UDP) mayor Darrell Bradley left an outstanding balance of $77,026.80 in unpaid employees’ contributions to the Social Security Board that must be paid by the new City Council administration, led by Mayor Bernard Wagner. In its “Demand for Payment” letter dated May 15, 2018, addressed to the Belize City Council, the Social Security Board is demanding payment in five days, otherwise they will commence legal action against the council.

Belize now importing fuel from Texas instead of Venezuela
Prime Minister Dean Barrow confirmed at his press conference yesterday that Belize has stopped importing fuel from the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, which had been selling fuel products to the country at concessionary rates under the regional Alba Petrocaribe agreement. Belize is now importing its fuel from the US state of Texas. PM Barrow insists that the Petrocaribe program, which Belize signed with Venezuela in 2006, is not yet over, but the country is in need of a steady supply of fuel.

Feds charge Long Island man with securities fraud for bilking investors in Placencia airport scheme
The United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) yesterday brought charges against a Long Island man who, it said, misappropriated millions of dollars of investors’ money that he used to finance a lavish lifestyle for himself and his family, multiple reports out of New York confirmed. Federal agents arrested Brent Borland, 48, of Sage Harbor, following an SEC investigation. Borland was charged with one count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud and wire fraud.

Hold on naturalizing Guatemalans continues
Yesterday at his press conference, Prime Minister Dean Barrow was reminded that the Belize Chamber of Commerce had written to several government entities requesting information on the renunciation process for Guatemalans who apply to become naturalized Belizeans. PM Barrow responded, “They say that once you are a citizen of Guatemala, then you always remain a citizen of Guatemala, and it doesn’t matter how much you renounce that citizenship; they will continue to regard you as a citizen of Guatemala.

At UN Forum on Indigenous Peoples, Maya Leaders Alliance urged GoB to respect the rule of law
The Maya Leaders Alliance and the Toledo Alcaldes Association were represented at the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Peoples Issues last month. Monica Magnusson, Maya Q’eqchi attorney, who represented the 39 communities in the case against the Government of Belize at the Caribbean Court of Justice, made an address in which she urged the government to respect the rule of law. Three years after the Caribbean Court of Justice handed down its landmark ruling, recognizing Maya customary land rights, the government has failed to implement the ruling from Belize’s highest court.

Learning to C.O.P.E
On May 9, the Ministry of Education hosted the fifth annual MOE Youth Innovation Challenge competition at the Marion Jones Sports Complex, where St. John’s College High School students Adrian Marshalleck, Junway Lin, Ganriel Hope, Keenan Hyde, and Hugo Lin presented their “C.O.P.E” project to a panel of 7 judges, 2 representatives from Price Waterhouse Cooper and the international non-profit organization Peacework, and other distinguished guests. The SJC students’ innovative idea “Community Online Peer Education” offered a two- dimensional solution to improve literacy and financial literacy among young Belizeans. The first part of the project would be to launch a Facebook page where young people can meet to share ideas, interests, and conversation about topics that affect them.

Old capital vs new – BDF defenders vs the Bandits from Belmopan in PLB Closing Season Finals
The nil-nil draw between Verdes FC and BDF FC last night at the Norman Broaster Stadium, means that BDF FC has prevailed in the Premier League of Belize (PLB) 2017-2018 Closing Season home-and-away semifinal series by an aggregate 2-0 score, after posting a 2-nil victory in game 1 back on April 22 at the MCC. Last night’s game was a re-play of the semifinals game 2, which was originally played at the same venue on April 29. Verdes had won that game, 3-0, enough to secure a 3-2 aggregate victory and a spot in the Finals against Belmopan Bandits SC; but BDF had protested the game, because the referee failed to allow a re-take of a scored BDF penalty kick (by Trimayne Harris) when an infringement by the kicker’s teammate had occurred.

Cricket update
Greetings from the Belize National Cricket Association (BNCA)! There were only three games completed over the weekend of May 12 & 13 in the Sir Barry Bowen Harrison Parks 2018 Cricket Competition. The results are as follows: BDF won over Suga Boys with a score of 269 to 162. For BDF, Ordel Casasola top scored with 73 runs; and Ordel Casasola and Lloyd Casasola took three wickets each. For Suga Boys, O. Wade, Jr. top scored with 71 runs; and O. Wade, Sr. took four wickets.

Palas Birthday Race results
Here are the results from the Weekend Warriors (WW) Palas Birthday Race held yesterday from Data-Pro to Democracia Junction and back via Boom Road, for 56 miles. The race started at 9:00 a.m. with 51 “WW A/B/C” riders, and 41 of them finished.

ABL U-13 & U-21 Basketball Finals results
Here are the results for the Ahmadiyya 2018 Basketball League (ABL) U-13 and U-21 Finals held at the Belize City Civic Center on Sunday, May 13. U-13 championship In the U-13 third place match, Air Ballers won, 16-13, over Belama Gators. Luis Sosa had 6 pts for Air Ballers, while Kevin Welch had 5 pts for Belama Gators. The U-13 championship match saw Future Shock coming away with the 34-19 victory over ABC Academy. Evan Welch led Future Shock with 13 pts, while Andre Balam had 7 pts for ABC Academy.

Editorial: King Bayman vs Clinton Canul
There are many Belizeans who will not be impressed with Mr. Barrow’s record of litigation predictions, for the reason that the impression he constantly gave Belizeans, prior to and during all the Ashcroft-related cases which have cost Belizeans hundreds and hundreds of millions in the last few years, was that Belize’s legal team was top notch and that we should be looking forward confidently to vindication and triumph. It always turned out to be the opposite, and so sad for Belize’s struggling treasury. As Belize moves towards April 10, 2019, and an existential decision, we think it is desirable that Belize’s leading newspaper make sure to respect the office of the Prime Minister. About a half century ago, we saw that then Premier of Belize, Hon. George C. Price, found himself in a tricky spot vis-a-vis the Thirteen/Seventeen Proposals. As duly elected People’s United Party (PUP) Leader of the self-governing colony of British Honduras, Mr. Price was sworn to secrecy with regards to the mediation of the American attorney, Bethuel Webster, in talks between the United Kingdom and the republic of Guatemala.

From the Publisher
I remember clearly where I was when I heard that President John F. Kennedy had been shot and killed. This was the afternoon of November 22, 1963. It was a weekday, an afternoon after school. I was riding my bicycle on North Front Street between the old Bob Turton office on my right and the Holy Redeemer School play yard on my left, headed east to see my father at the General Post Office. One of my classmates, George (or Jorge) “Cul” Aguilar, was walking in the opposite direction and broke the news to me. In late November of 1963, Cul and I were in the fifth form at St. John’s College. “Fifth form” no longer exists at SJC. You just do your four years of high school and then sit your “O” levels, or whatever it is these exams are called nowadays. But in 1963, the year before they changed the long school holidays in Belize from April and May to July and August, we would do four years and then come back in June/July to prepare for November/December “O” levels The extra half year was the ‘fifth form.”

Aria Lightfoot’s open letter to the Public Service Commission
Dear Public Service Commission of Belize members, According to the Constitution of Belize, Section 105, which sets up the Public Service Commission, the Commission is comprised of the most elite law authorities, administrators and enforcement personnel in the country and for good reason; our founding fathers saw the need for our Constitution to be upheld and for our laws to be followed. The public service is there to implement laws, policy and procedures of the elected officials, and it is understood that while the elected officials may not be versed on the law, the public officer’s responsibility is to ensure that they act within the framework of the Laws and Constitution of Belize.

International insight from Howard A.
Sir, I am laughing so hard, I cannot find the keys to my typewriter. The all mighty United States of America is being shafted…, but get this…, it is being shafted by its own president!!! The USA had sanctioned a giant Chinese company named ZTE for its illegal sales to North Korea and Iran. ZTE is a telecommunications company; it sells about 65 million cell phones annually in the US alone; it is huge!!! But having been sanctioned by the US, it could not find some of the components for its phones elsewhere, and it was going under!!!! So suddenly, Trump calls President Xi in China and says, “Let’s save this company.”

I’m with Ms. Guadalupe
I think that to be with Ms. Guadalupe Lampela, the star of what must be the hottest infomerical on Belize television, means that you are NOT with the Fisheries Department. (Please, I am not about making trouble for Ms. Guadalupe with the big people at Fisheries, because she is very active in the industry.) Ms. Guadalupe is telling the nation that the fish stock in our country is dwindling, and we need to do something about it. The establishment refuses to get real. If the boss at the Fisheries Department was Mr. Wade, and not Ms. Wade, there’d be a hail of arrows going that way for the absolute refusal to do what Ms. Guadalupe says must be done: BAN GILL NETS! It is so that females in big positions don’t get the flak that males in big positions get when people believe they aren’t delivering the goods.

Beware the ICJ…
I am very thankful to Mr. Godwin Sutherland for sending me a copy of the book, Background and Study of the Special Agreement between Guatemala and Belize to submit Guatemala’s Territorial, Insular and Maritime claim to the International Court of Justice, written by Gustavo Adolfo Orellana Portillo. I believe the information that it contains should be widely spread so that Belizeans can learn of what Guatemala has to say. Sometime ago, a Belizean had written a book which was published concerning the same issue. Unfortunately, it was too expensive ($200); therefore, it was only at the reach of a few of the wealthy, elite class. The rest of us, who are the majority, know absolutely nothing of what such book contained.

Police cover-up; Pastor Natalie Robinson, 41, charged with wounding and harm
It appears that there is a cover-up regarding a pastor, Natalie Robinson, 41, who was arraigned in the #2 Magistrate’s Court on Monday, May 14, on charges of wounding and harm. Robinson pleaded not guilty to the charges and was released on a bail of $1,000. Her case was adjourned until July 31. The name of Robinson’s church was not made available. The complainant’s names, as well as their ages, were also not made available by police.

Now is not the right moment to amend the Maritime Areas Act, says PM Barrow
At his press conference yesterday at the Belize Biltmore Plaza Hotel, Prime Minister Dean Barrow was asked if his government would amend the Maritime Areas Act before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) referendum vote takes place in April 10 of next year. PM Barrow answered, “We haven’t amended it so far despite the push from people to do so. And, speaking for myself, I wouldn’t think this would be the right moment at which to do that. But you see, that is because, again, contrary to what I’ve heard people say, I don’t know how on earth anybody can suggest that the forbearance, which was represented by the Maritime Areas Act, passed by a People’s United Party government, I might remind you, how that can constitute any waiver of our rights, how that can give rise to somewhat of an ICJ decision that would say.

Juan Caducio, real estate agent, 73, drowns while fishing
Juan Cordero Caducio, 73, a real estate agent, went fishing alone in his boat Sunday morning. but failed to return home that evening. This made his friends and family members begin to worry, and they reported him missing to the police. On Monday, the police along with a search party went out to look for Caducio, and at about 10:00 that Monday morning, his lifeless body was found floating in the sea not far from Harvest Caye.

Shots fired at Belmopan mayor’s house
On Monday night at around 10:30, shots were fired in the Cohune Walk area at the house of Belmopan mayor Khalid Belisle and at his fiancé’s car, which was parked on the street in front of the house. According to the mayor, he was awakened by four loud bangs. At first, the mayor did not recognize the bangs as the sound of gunshots. He realized that the sounds, however, had come from the direction of his balcony, so he flipped on the lights and peered through, the sliding glass doors to ensure that no one was on the balcony.

The Reporter

Guests arrive for Prince Harry and Meghan’s wedding
Guests are arriving to witness Prince Harry and Meghan’s wedding at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor, England. Among the 600 invited guests are American icon, Oprah Winfrey, tennis stae, Sabrina Williams, and other stars and actors. The couple will wed at noon before travelling through […]

Unofficial reports received of a murder in San Pedro
The Reporter has received unofficial reports of a murder in San Pedro. While police have not yet confirmed the incident, information reaching us is that the incident happened sometime after 11:00 Friday night. The Reporter will have details as they become available.

Falling tree kills girl
A 10-year-old girl died this morning after the tree her grandfather was cutting, fell on her. Valentino Teul, 58, of San Antonio, Toledo was cutting a tree in his yard on Friday, May 18th, and did not notice his grandaughter was nearby. As the the trunk fell, it hit her […]

GOB speaks out on violence against Palestinians
The Government of Belize today condemned the violence against Palestinians occurring in the Gaza Strip and called for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing crisis. GOB said that it had been monitoring “with deep concern, the violence at the Israel-Gaza border, which has claimed the lives of […]

Simplifying the Domestic Violence Act
The humanitarian organization, RET International, hosted a youth consultation this morning with a goal to simplify the Domestic Violence Act, Chapter 178 of the Laws of Belize, and make its content easier to understand for the average citizen. RET held the consultation in collaboration with the National Women’s Commission, and […]

Belmopan Mayor’s house shot up
Belmopan police are investigating a shooting incident which occured at the residence of Belmopan Mayor Khalid Belisle on Monday night in the Cohune Walk area of the city. Belisle and his finace were unharmed in the incident but have been left shaken up in the […]

Haunted killer confesses to murder
Hattieville resident, Albert Jones Sr., 45, is on remand at the Belize Central Prison after he confessed to police that he had killed missing Hattieville villager Alaine Garcia, 35, and gotten rid of the body. Jones reported to police that he confessed because he was […]

Charges upgraded against three following the death beat-down victim
Three men from Trial Farm village who were intially arrested for brutally beating an already injured accident victim, each had their charges upgraded to manslaughter after Demetrio Pott, 47, died over the weekend while receiving medical treatment. On Monday charges against Leodegario Chan, 26; Carlos […]

Ex-police officer is charged with arson!
An ex-police officer, previously convicted of theft, now faces arson charges. Brandon Hertular, an ex-police officer appeared in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court to face a single charge of arson on Monday, May 14th. Allegations are that on May 2, 2018, he started a fire […]

Belize Represented at ECLAC meeting in Cuba
Belize’s Minister for Economic Development, Petroleum, Investment, Trade and Commerce, Erwin Contreras, represented the country at 37th Session of the Economic Commission of Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), held in Havana, Cuba, from May 7-11. H.E. Annie Burns and First Secretary, Shantal Marin, from […]

Confusion over teacher salary deductions
Members of the Belize National Teacher’s Union (BNTU) were preparing to withhold financial contributions from school managements pending a salary deduction; however, the Belize Association for General Managers of pre and primary schools said this week that no such deductions were forthcoming. Reports are that the association […]

Value of Belize’s imports from Guatemala 7 times that of exports
For the last month on record, March 2018, the value of Belize’s imports to Guatemala was substantially more than what is exported to that country. Although the trade deficit fell in March due to a decline in imports and an increase in exports, the deficit […]

Fuel Prices at home, Geopolitics Abroad
The degree of ‘business friendliness’ in the domestic economy is unquestionably an important factor in the growth prospects of local businesses. This is why a large part of the work of the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) revolves around the championing and advocating for policies that eases the […]

PM comments on confusion over Guatemalans in Belize
As Belize prepares to go through its voter re-registration exercise in July, the governments of Belize and Guatemala are discussing a long-standing problem arising from Guatemalans wishing to renounce their citizenship and become Belizeans. Prime Minister Dean Barrow described the problem as a “catch 22” […]

Organized crime in Guatemala linked to incursions into Belize
Guatemalan peasant farmers who get caught inside Belize are the ones who pay the price for pillaging Belize’s natural resources. Those who are really behind the operations continue to elude law enforcement authorities, due to the lack of an effective cross-border strategy to counter those […]

CitCo will not reinstate six fired employees, despite union intervention
A meeting between the Belize City Council, led by Mayor Bernard Wagner, and the Christian Workers’ Union (CWU) led by its president, talk show host, Evan “Mose” Hyde on Tuesday yielded no common ground over their differences regarding six dismissals last week, two of whom […]

Hypertension, a silent killer in Belize, is also a culprit of erectile dysfunction
Hypertension (commonly known as “pressure”) is a strong risk factor in heart disease – Belize’s #1 killer, and experts say that it can also make life miserable for couples, since it has also been linked to erectile dysfunction and loss of libido in women, particularly […]

Editorial
A recurring theme at the annual general meeting of the Holy Redeemer Credit Union, which held its annual general meeting on April 29th, was the growing tendency towards delinquency in paying back credit union loans. HRCU, like all other credit unions, charge one percent interest per month on the reduced […]

Arson reveals possible murder
Belmopan police are investigating the death of an unidentified man whose charred remains were found inside a home on a farm in the Banana Bank area of Belmopan on Tuesday afternoon. The Fire Department had first responded to a fire report and found the corpse […]

PM lays out plans for UDP’s future
Prime Minister Dean Barrow announced this week that his successor to lead the United Democratic Party (UDP) may be chosen as early as May, 2019. At a press conference held at the Best Western Belize Biltmore Plaza on Wednesday, Barrow said that there are several […]

Could San Pedro see a re-election?
Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin has asked the People’s United Party (PUP) to amend its petition with regard to the March 7 Municipal Elections in San Pedro to include evidence given by the Chief Elections Officer, Josephine Tamai, that she had tampered with the ballot boxes. […]

BTB/Love FM team up to hold first ever kayak race
Some 20 years after the La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge was first organized, two entities have teamed up to hold a similar race - only this time via the Caribbean Sea! The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) has teamed up with Love FM to hold […]

More gas pain
As more businesses announce an increase in the cost of goods and services, Belizeans were hit this week with another increase in the price of fuel, marking the sixth price adjustment for 2018. The Ministry of Finance announced this week that as of May 16, […]

Infant and teen talent star at Festival of Arts
Belize infants and students of all ages showcased their talents for music, arts poetry, song and dance at the annual Belize district Festival of Arts hosted by the National Institute of Culture and History NICH, in collaboration with the Institute of the Creative Arts (ICA) and the […]

Breaking Belize News

Battle for Albert Constituency heats up; Paul Thompson endorsed by Albert’s Committee
Today is the closing date for applications for PUP candidates to contest the standard bearer […]

DPM Faber confirms incident with police in US
Deputy Prime Minister, Patrick Faber, during an interview on Love FM’s Morning Show this week confirmed […]

Teacher’s Day 2018
Hundreds of teachers from all over the country gathered at the Belize Civic Center today for […]

UB’s Faculty and Staff Association makes it official
After 18 years, the University of Belize’s Faculty and Staff Association has become an officially registered […]

Mexican government protests Trump’s remarks on immigrants
The Mexican government today issued a statement informing that through its Foreign Ministry, it is issuing […]

John Paul JC awards students who earned honors in National Latin Exam
The only Junior College in Benque Viejo del Carmen, John Paul II Junior College (JPIIJC) awarded […]

Strong man championship to be held in Santa Elena town
The Belize Bodybuilding & Fitness Federation (BBBFF) has announced that it will be hosting its Annual […]

Guatemalan authorities inquire about Belize border fence project
Reports reaching BBN newsroom are that yesterday evening around 5, members of the Guatemalan army, police […]

Belize condemns violence in the Gaza Strip
The Government of Belize (GOB) today issued a statement condemning the violence at the Gaza strip. […]

BDF beats Verdes, advances to football finals against Belmopan Bandits
The semi-final rematch between the BDF FC and Verdes FC was played on Wednesday night at […]

Blogs

Rain, Weather Predictions, Upcoming Events and Pictures Around San Pedro Town
Weather, especially in the tropics, is changeable. Capricious. Fickle. But it’s not entirely unpredictable. I get at least 3 or 4 messages a week from upcoming visitors that are in a bit of a panic. They have been watching their “weather app” (it seems that it is usually from weather.com) and CRAP weather is forecast. We got some rain yesterday! After a week of hot hot humidity but sunny skies. The weather broke and we got some morning rain. Our cistern filled up a foot or two. Hooray! And the lagoon clouded up with the run off from the land and road.

First Maya Symposium Chactemal Mural on Santa Rita was held inside Dreams in Corozal
Today the To'one Masehualo'on (We are Maya ) did there First Maya Symposium Chactemal Mural on Santa Rita was held inside Dreams in Corozal. This morning the cheers were filled up by people this two days historical event this two days event inside Dreams in Corozal. Today the event commenced at 10am. Today and tomorrow will be having this historical Maya history event. Also, do not miss the Maya reenactment starting at 6pm. If you haven't been here yet contact the Belize Yucatec Group. NGO and The Northern Maya Association of Belize for a ground breaking academic and cultural experiences as we explore the hidden secrets of The Murals of Chactemal a Santa Rita Hill, Corozal town, Belize.

International Sources

Belize Deputy Prime Minister confirms his detention in the US
Belize Deputy Prime Minister Patrick Faber has confirmed that he was “detained for about three hours” last month when he visited the United States because police thought he fitted the description of a man who was about to launch a gun attack on a school. Faber, who appeared on a television programme on Thursday night, confirmed that the incident occurred on April 20 in Henry County, telling viewers “there was an incident in the United States with the Henry County Sherriff,”. Faber said that he had gone to the school where his two children are studying and was welcomed by the principal. “I had called the schools to say that I would be visiting and I was welcomed by the principal, to say you are able to come in. I wanted to check on their progress and I wanted to ensure that the school was aware that I am very much interested in their wellbeing, in their learning environment there and so on,” he said.

Belize Resorts Launch Unique Hotels of Belize
Three of Belize’s most highly regarded resorts, Victoria House, Naia Resort and Spa and The Lodge at Chaa Creek, have launched a new signature collection, Unique Hotels of Belize. The exclusive collaboration reflects the distinctive nature and location of each property, while assuring visitors of exceptionally high levels of quality and service. Each member resort celebrates Belizean culture through sumptuous cuisine, on and off property expeditions and friendly local staff, offering visitors authentic Belizean hospitality.

Videos

May 18, 2018

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

San Pedro rejects tourism development at Cayo Rosario
Tour guides and operators, concerned citizens, and activists expressed their sentiments against the building of over-the-water structures at Cayo Rosario, situated on the north-western coast of Ambergris Caye during a boat rally in front of the 10-acre island on Sunday, May 13th. Two days later, on Tuesday, May 15th, those same feelings were shared by hundreds of island residents and visitors during a public meeting held at the San Pedro Lions Den. Citizens on the island are outraged over the idea of the proposed tourism project on Cayo Rosario, which is located within the Hol Chan Marine Reserve extension. As a united voice, they sent a strong message to the investors behind the project and the National Environmental Advisory Committee (NEAC) who approved it. Islanders say they will not allow any development on the island that would jeopardize the sensitive marine environment or the livelihood of present and future generations of San Pedranos.

Island Invasion Mother’s Day edition rocks San Pedro
In commemoration of Mother’s Day, King of the Island Promotions threw a special party for island mothers on Saturday, May 12th inside Fido’s Courtyard. Dubbed ‘Mother’s Day Fete,’ the event was full of surprises and giveaways, along with great music by some of the best Deejays on the island. A large crowd began pouring into Fido’s around 11PM when the event officially started. The party featured a premier DJ line-up including DJ Chabo, DJ Biggz, DJ Odyssey, and Evolution Sounds. The latest summer tunes, including hip-hop, old school, reggae, pop, and dancehall had the crowd going till the wee hours. Fido’s bartenders kept the cocktails and ice cold beers flowing, adding to the festive atmosphere.

9-A-Side Football tournament heads to semifinals for U-15 and Female category; San Pedro Pirates champions of the U-13
After four weeks of games, the regular season of the San Pedro Sports Committee 9-A-Side Football Tournament came to an end this past weekend at the Ambergris Stadium in San Pedro Town. The first set of matches were played on Thursday, May 10th, with San Pedro Pirates versus San Mateo F.C. The game ended in a 2-2 draw, but having collected the most points during the regular season, the San Pedro Pirates claimed the U-13 championship title. The second round of semifinals will be played on Sunday, May 20th, starting at 5PM with Atletico Madrid going against Larubeya F.C in the U-15 category, followed by SPHS girls versus Island Warriors #1 in the female category. The next match will feature Los Catrachitos taking on San Mateo F.C in the U-15 category. The last match of the weekend will be between Island Warriors #2 and Ambergris Combined Force in the female category. All islanders are invited to come out to the Ambergris Stadium in San Pedro Town to support their favorite team during the semifinals. Food and drinks will be on sale during all games.

San Pedro Red Cross hosts second blood drive of the year
Nine pints of blood were collected on Saturday, May 12th following a blood drive held by the Belize Red Cross, San Pedro Branch. The drive took place at the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II, where volunteers and Belize Blood Bank personnel welcomed potential donors from 9AM to 3PM. Meanwhile, $212.50 was collected from a dollar drive held on the streets of downtown San Pedro. The majority of the potential donors made their way to the Polyclinic in the morning, answering the call to donate much-needed units of blood. They were reminded that their donation goes towards the Ambergris Caye’s reserves at the blood bank. This blood is then available for any islander who may need a blood transfusion in emergency situations.

Ambergris Today

Mrs. Martha Badillo – Mother Of The Year 2018
On Saturday, May 12, 2018, The San Pedro Town Council along with Hon. Manuel Heredia Jr. hosted its annual Mother's Day Extravaganza at the Hon. Louis Sylvestre Sports Complex, where the mothers were greeted and presented with a special gift as they entered. It was a night filled with lots of laughter and entertainment. Mothers were serenaded by San Pedro's very own Wil & Dale featuring Mr. Fernando Trejo. El Buki imitator, Ismael Chacon delighted the crowd with popular songs as well. While Yaka’s Elite Dancers entertained with awesome choreographed dances. This year's Mother of the Year was 78-year-old, Mrs. Martha Badillo. Mrs. Badillo was born and raised in San Pedro Town and was married to fisherman, Mr. Ramon Badillo and had eleven children. Mrs. Badillo has always been dedicated to her family and her household. She was crowned by outgoing Mother of the year Mrs. Maria Elena Alamilla.

Cable Price Going Up Too In Belize!!!
You read that correctly, cable price is going up as well! Cable providers countrywide are advising their customers that there will be an increase in cable price effective June 1, 2018. In a press release sent out by the Belize Cable Television Operators Association (BCTOA) it states that it has been agreed by the member cable operators that the new rate for a basic cable package with a minimum of eighty (80) stations will be BZ$60.00 inclusive of General Sales Tax. This increase will come into effect as of June 1, 2018. Cable package sizes and offerings will vary by operator.

Fuel Prices Rise Again Due To Increase In World Oil Prices
There has been a steady increase in world oil prices over the past few weeks due to an increase in demand for the summer months. This has outstripped the ability of major oil producers to respond with sufficient increases in supply in time. The Government has engaged with the key importer, PUMA, to rationalize the delivery cost of the supply into Belize. This has resulted in the decreases in the prices of Premium and Kerosene which become effective as stated above. The Government of Belize is concerned, however, that recent developments in the Middle East and Iran, as well as the announcement of further sanctions against Venezuela, will result in a significant increase in world oil prices.

Misc Belizean Sources

Movie Night at KoKo King
KoKo King's Family Night comes around again!! Featuring the new movies of ... EARLY MAN - Award winning Nick Park's latest venture is set at the dawn of time, when prehistoric creatures and woolly mammoths roamed the earth, Early Man tells the story of Dug, along with sidekick Hognob as they unite his tribe against a mighty enemy Lord Nooth and his Bronze Age City to save their home. THE MAZE RUNNER: THE DEATH CURE Follow the young hero Thomas as he embarks on a mission to find a cure for a deadly disease known as "The Flare". Kids meals, popcorn, marshmallows and adult beverages available. Come and celebrate the long weekend with your family at the beautiful KoKo King!

Minister of National Security Visits Western Border Security Facilities Upgrade Project
On Wednesday, May 16th, the Minister of National Security Hon. John Saldivar visited Belize’s western border to observe the new project aimed at upgrading security at that border. As previously reported, the Belize Defence Force (BDF) Light Engineers are working on a project to repair, upgrade and consolidate security facilities at the Belize-Guatemala border at Benque Viejo del Carmen (Belize) and Melchor de Mencos (Guatemala). The works include improvements to fences, gates and other border security features. They are being coordinated in conjunction with the Belize Border Management Authority. The project is expected to take no more than six to eight weeks to complete. The works are not expected to disrupt the flow of traffic at the border.

BELIZE FISHING REPORT: Weeks of May 7th - May 13th, 2018
The bonefishing, as always, has been excellent again this week. The weather is also cooperating which makes for a great combination and puts many smiles on the anglers faces. First-time saltwater anglers can always find a Bonefish to hook into so they "Like the fish" can also "get hooked."

BWS at Ebenezer School Career Day
Career Day presentation at Ebenezer School by Belize Water Services

UN Migration Agency to Support Belize to Develop New Migration Policy
The Government of Belize and the UN Migration Agency (IOM) jointly launched on May 16th the development of a National Migration and Development Policy for Belize. The development of the national policy will be led by the Government of Belize through a Steering Committee chaired by the Department of Immigration and Nationality Services. In developing the policy, the Government of Belize requested technical assistance from the IOM in 2016, and a steering committee was formulated in 2017 to work alongside IOM in drafting the policy framework and to ensure that the policy is aligned with the Government’s development strategy and national vision.

2nd Annual Masquerade Gala
Saturday, May 19 at 6 PM. Are you ready to enjoy an evening wearing your best island formal? Create and wear your favorite mask and join us for an evening to play your favorite table games (craps, blackjack, and roulette). The top chip holders will win great prizes! Join us Great Gatsby-style for our 2nd annual Masquerade benefiting Hope Haven - Belize, SHINE, Raise Me Up, The Literacy Program, San Pedro Kids Club, Colleen's Kitchen at San Pedro Food Bank and a special silent auction benefiting ACES / American Crocodile Education Sanctuary! If you missed out last year, now's your chance to see how we throw your favorite dress-up gala. You definitely don't want to miss out!

Caye Caulker Health Fair
Today is the last of the health fair come out and make the most of the last day. Dentistry: 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon free Belize Medical Associates: Lab will be open from 7:00 a.m. to do blood work Doctors available for free consultation Dr. Cawich Dra. Cuellar Dr. Rosado Lab and pharmacy at discounted prices.

The Presbyterian Committee on the Self-Development of People Hosts International Task Force Business Meeting in Belize
The Presbyterian Committee on the Self-Development of People (SDOP) in collaboration with the Government of Belize convened their International Task Force Business Meeting at the Sandy Beach Women’s Cooperative Society Limited in Hopkins Village. The meeting was to commemorate the exceptional partnership with the Departments of Co-operatives and Agriculture in the management and implementation of projects funded by the organization. In 2010, Presbyterian SDOP selected Belize as a part of the new international funding strategy.

Hon. Edmund Castro Tours Belize Postal Service
Yesterday, May 16, 2018, Minister of Transport and National Emergency Management, with responsibility for Postal Service, Hon Edmond Castro visited the Belize Postal Service Headquarters and General Post Office Compound in Belize City. He was welcomed by Post Master General James Gabriel, and other members of staff, who gave him a full tour of the offices and discussed with him matters relating to delivery of services to the public. One of the key issues discussed was the need to relocate offices and rehabilitate the main building, which is deemed to be in an unsatisfactory state.

BelizeINVEST, a unit of BELTRAIDE, participates at this year’s Caribbean Hotel & Resort Investment Summit held at the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Miami, Florida, U.S.A
WhatsApp Image 2018-05-17 at 12.34.30 PMBelizeINVEST, a unit of BELTRAIDE, jointly with the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) and in collaboration with the Caribbean Investment Promotion Agency (CAIPA) participate at this year’s Caribbean Hotel & Resort Investment Summit currently being held at the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Miami, Florida, U.S.A as of May 16th – 18th, 2018. The event serves as a platform for various tourism and hospitality stakeholders to meet in discussing strategic investment opportunities available in the Caribbean. The event hosts in excess of three hundred (300) delegates with profiles ranging from prestigious Hotel Brands and Company Executives, Developers, Lenders, Real Estate & Financial Intermediaries, and Government & Tourism Officials amongst others.

Corozal ITVET
Good Morning Friends. We are thrilled to invite you once again to our annual Expo taking place on May 24, 2018. Food and drinks will be on sale. Make it a day and come see the displays our trainees have prepared for you all.

3rd ANNUAL FORWARD MOVEMENTS STREET FESTIVAL
SUGA CITY INVITES - 3rd ANNUAL FORWARD MOVEMENTS STREET FESTIVAL - MUSIC - CULTURE - ARTS - FOOD - DRINKS - FREE GIVEAWAYS. May 19th.

Corozal - PUBLIC ADVISORY - FORGERY OF DIPLOMA
It has been brought to the attention of the Board of Governors and Institutions' Administrators that copies of FAKE diplomas of Corozal Community College and Corozal Junior College have been presented for employment. In both cases, the copies of the fake diplomas have the forged signatures of the Institution's Administrator and Board Chairman. In those 2 cases, the copies of the diplomas presented were not authentic diplomas of our Institutions. Our Institutions only award original diplomas to successful candidates with the original signatures of our administrators, chairman and with the official seal. Employers are strongly advised to properly verify the authenticity of our original documents. Where needed, employers may contact us to verify information for authenticity of diplomas.

Fun moments at BEL Family Day

Paradise Theater playing this weekend:
Peter Pan, The Cured, Pacific Rim, Terminal. *Francisco Puga (from Cancun) performing live on the big Stage Saturday Night at 9pm $25* **Please keep an eye on the movie times, as this is an irregular weekend. TERMINAL AND THE CURED are on Friday and Sunday ONLY**

A Day in San Antonio
June 10th, San Antonio Community Center.

Channel 7

Guatemalan Authorities Come Across Border To Inspect Works
This afternoon, the Guatemalan army and police were on the Belize side of the Benque border reviewing the work done by the BDF Light Engineering Company.  As we showed you on Monday, they’re installing fences and gates to ensure better crowd control at that official border crossing.  So what authority do the Guatemalans have to review their work?  Well, they made the request through the OAS to come and see what’s happening so that they can properly advise Guatemalans coming across.  The OAS set up meetings with Belizean officials and the Guatemalans.  The BDF engineer in charge briefed them - and the visit went smoothly, we are told - even if it did raise some eyebrows.

Defence Minister Reviews BDF Border Work
So, indeed, everyone is keeping an eye on the BDF’s border fence project - and that includes the Minister of National Security John Saldivar.  He took a closer look yesterday when he visited the area accompanied by CEO Felix Enriquez along with other BDF personnel.  A release says, “the improved security measures have become necessary due to the increasing volume of activity at the border, particularly trade, tourism and citizens crossing…Guatemala. The safety of Belizeans and visitors using the border crossing is also a concern that is being addressed in the upgrades being done by our ministry.

Police Have Murder Suspects, But No Charges Yet In Lipka Killing
And while they have what they believe to be the weapon, San Pedro Police still have not made any arrests in Lipka’s murder.  As we told you last night, two suspects are detained - and they were also recently charged for an ammunition offence.   But, the story goes much deeper than that because sources tell 7News that his shooting is being looked at as a professional hit, most likely done by a shooter who was flown onto the island. They still don’t know why he was killed, but the cops do know that he was a litigant in a recent lawsuit. Assistant Superintendent Alejandro Cowo told the media today that that they are looking for 3 suspects at this time:

No Suspects Yet For Shooting Mayor Khalid’s Home
Police are no closer to solving the shooting at the home of Belmopan Mayor Khalid Belisle. As we reported on Monday, the mayor and his fiancée were inside their Valencia Street home, and at around 10:30 p.m. they were awakened by a barrage of gunshots fired at the the house. The bullets pierced outer walls and a car door, but very fortunately, the couple escaped unharmed.  The cops said today that they are hoping that persons with information would come forward and help them to get to the bottom of the incident:

Video, But No Suspects For Torching City Employee’s SUV
And while that attack is on the Mayor of Belize’s Capital city - back here in the old capital - police also don’t have any clues as to who tried to torch City employee Sharlene Rudon’s vehicle.   She’s the Director of Administration and Human Resources at the Belize City Council - and a Molotov cocktail was thrown at her SUV in front of her home shortly after 6 staffers were fired.   The vehicle was damaged, but not destroyed. She signed at least half of the termination letters which went out last week Tuesday. But police aren’t completely clueless on this one: they do have surveillance footage which captured the arson attempt, and they are trying to identify the person caught on camera:

Police Have To Use DNA To Find Out Who Was Burnt In Home
And another case of arson is more confounding and sinister than that one.  As we showed you last night, it happened on the outskirts of Belmopan where 4 houses were burnt down, and a man’s charred remains were found in the rubble.  Those 4 structures were in a yard on Jordan Ranch road, which is an area of the old Banana Bank road, across the George Price Highway from the airstrip, at the entrance of Belmopan. It’s a case of arson - and whoever set the fire probably also meant to burn the person inside. So now it is also being treated as a murder.   But who is the person that was burned to death inside?

Hoper For Hypertensives
“Hypertension is a silent killer”: We hear it all the time, but many people especially those living with the disease, take it for granted. So today on World Hypertension Day the Ministry of Health hosted a seminar for food vendors to show them how they can help reduce cases of hypertension. Courtney Weatherburne has more. Usually when that mid-morning or late afternoon craving hits – a bowl of fruits wouldn’t be the first pick to satisfy that hunger. Many Belizeans would grab a serving of chips or chicharon among other salty or sweat treats. Well nutritionist Robyn Daly says all that salt is killing you.

IDB Wants Belize City “In the Zone”
If you live in a neighborhood where the corner store is right next to the corner bar, which is right across from the school, which is right down the street from the mechanic shop - then you’ll know why Belize needs zoning.   In Belize, we’ve never really had specific zones for commercial, residential and industrial, but that may be changing. The IDB funded a study for Belize about land use and now it seems it might actually be put to use. Today the City Council had a public meeting regarding zoning and we found out more,  Sahar Vasquez
“Explain to us what exactly you mean by zoning? Are you putting restaurants in one area, residents in one area?”

“Grabbaz” Use Golf Cart
San Pedro police have arrested and charged two men for attempted murder and use of deadly means of harm after a brazen and callous crime caught on surveillance camera.   Last Thursday morning at 4:00 am - two men were walking when two men rode up fast on a golf cart and simply knocked one of the men down.  He was flung to pavement while his friend stood by helpless as the men in the golf cart calmly came over and robbed him.  Even though he was knocked out, they calmly searched his pockets and then did the same to his friend.  After that they walked off with what they got and left.   The friend was then left to try and get help for his injured companion. Island police say they have charged two men, Denfield Tasher and Moses Mejia for attempted murder, and use of deadly means of harm.

Territorial Volunteers Reject PM’s Position On the ICJ
Yesterday at his press conference, Prime Minister Dean Barrow’s said that he personally supports a “yes” vote, so does Cabinet, and he thinks that Belizeans should be encouraged - not coerced - into voting to take Guatemala’s territorial claim over Belize to the ICJ. He also said Belize has a watertight case.   Well, for a long-time opponents of the ICJ like Wil Maheia - those are famous last words. The border activist and politician, was the first to respond and criticize the government for wanting to encourage a “yes” vote. Today, he sent this video from PG statement making his stance clear:

A Seine Byte Shooting
A man from Seine Byte Village on the Placencia Peninsula is hospitalized tonight for gunshot wounds he suffered after narrowly escaping what looks to be an execution attempt on his life. At around 7:30 p.m., 25 year-old Austin Williams was standing on a street on the south end of the village. He was in the company of another man, identified to us as Ralph Forbes, when a gunman came up from behind them and immediately turned his weapon on Williams.  That assailant shot him 2 times: 1 to the left upper back, and another to the lower part of his cheek. Police told us more:

Accountant Shot In Palmar
There was also a shooting in quiet Palmar Village in the Orange Walk District. It happened last night at 11:5 when 32 year-old Jose Oscar Santana was in his yard.  A gunman emerged from the bushes of an overgrown lot right next his property. The shooter opened fire on him, but Santana managed to get away with only a single gunshot wound on his right arm.  The cops told us today that they’re trying to get some answers: ACP Joseph Myvette - Head, NCIB: "On yesterday's date shortly after 11:20 PM police responded to a shooting incident in San Jose Palmar village Orange Walk district where upon arrival met one Jose Santana who had one gunshot injury to the right arm. He reported that whilst in his yard moving towards the gate he heard several shots and realized that he was shot to the right arm. Mr. Santana lives opposite an unoccupied overgrown lot from where police conducted searches and recovered 8 expended 9mm shells."

Jack And Tan
There was also a broad daylight robbery in Trial Farm Village. Just before 11:00 in the morning, Two men strode into Tan Store, one them pointed a pistol at the proprietor, and then jumped over the counter and snatched $700 dollars from the cash register.

Police May Have To Rethink Manslaughter Charge
And keeping it in Trial Farm - police today discussed the accident involving Demetrio Pott that happened there three weeks ago.   The 47 year-old Caledonia Villager died earlier this week. Initially, police believed that he died from an alleged beatdown he received from men whose vehicle his brother crashed into. But now, the cops aren’t so sure. A post mortem indicates that he died from “whiplash syndrome”, and the cops told us today that they will be seeking the advice of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions on how they should proceed. ACP Joseph Myvette - Head, NCIB: "The post mortem reports for that is saying that he died from whiplash syndrome."

Team Effort To Find Guardado Killer
Moving now to the city, Police investigators had to work double duty to find the man who allegedly killed Daniel Guardado.  As we told you, police arrested and charged 21 year-old Benjamin Alexander Reid, a Banak Street Resident, for the murder of 43 year-old Guardado, the mechanic who was shot and killed on Partridge Street Extension.  He’s on remand at the Belize Central Prison because the cops think he was the shooter who senselessly gunned down Guardado, a working man.  Today, at the bi-weekly police press conference, the police spokesperson thanked the investigators for effort in aggressively pursuing all tips which led to this arrests:

Griga Ganja
Turning now to weed busts, yesterday morning at about 7:15, Dangriga police searched a bushy lot in the Rivas Estate Area of Dangriga town. They found about five pounds of cannabis stashed in the lot. The drugs were labelled as found property.

Pot Eena Peppa Bottle
In the city this morning, the catch was far smaller, but it had a homegrown feel when police found a stash of forty five dollar bags of weed in black pepper and coffee containers. The find was made on Jane Usher Boulevard in Debbie Copious’s room. The weed amounted to 42 grams.

Solved A Hilux Heist
Last year in December Abner Patt reported to police that his Toyota Hilux was stolen from in front of his residence. The police investigated and while they were not able to recover the vehicle, 6 months later but they charged 22-year-old Belize City resident Calbert Humes and charge him with vehicle theft.   He appeared today before senior Magistrate Aretha Ford. He pled not guilty to the charge and was released on a bail of $6,000 plus sureties of $3,000 each. His next court date is June 14th. 

Senator Val’s Ready To Rumble, No Matta What
Last night, we showed you our interview with PUP’s Valerie Woods, who is contemplating challenging her Senate colleague, Paul Thompson in a contested convention to be the Standard Bearer for the Albert Division. She has told us that she will make a final decision tomorrow, but we wondered. If she does challenge him, will that cause a rift in the party? These types of challenges can often turn messy for mass parties, with infighting erupting behind closed doors.  You’ll already seen something like that between Gilroy Usher Sr. and Dr. Candice Pitts, who made a statement blasting her party after it refused to allow her to challenge Usher in a contested convention.

Sparks Flew On Prom Night
Last week Friday night at 8:30 in Belize City, it was the usual frenetic hype at the Radisson for the SCA Prom.  But then suddenly, there was an explosion and sparks.  A camera-man taping the event captured it:.. So what cause the transformer to explode, leaving more than a thousand people without light?  Well, onlookers tell us that it’s aluminum streamers or confetti which bridged two electrical wires on the lamp-post and caused the transformer to go “boom!” BEL says it was caused by a balloon which touched the high voltage line.  BEL dispatched a crew and power was restored shortly after. Prom goers and their entourages are regularly warned to cut down on the confetti and balloons specifically because of this electrical hazard. 

A Fair For The Future
It was all about health today at the Constitution Park where the Gateway Youth Center hosted their 4th annual health fair. Now it’s hard to get a bunch of kids to listen to grown-ups talking about healthy tips on how to live a long life, but one of the main coordinators says it is definitely worth a try to get the message out there. Here is more. Erolyn Sebastian - Counselor, Gateway Youth Center: "This is Gateway’s 4th annual health fair, so every year we try to find a different location so we can touch base with different people in the community. We have different organizations and ministries here today, we have individuals from BFLA, from VCT, we have from OCEANA, Red Cross, BCVI and we have our Gateway youth center members out here, diabetes society, cancer society."

Law Enforcement Got Love For Students
Yesterday students at the Muslim Community School in Belize City received a huge donation of school supplies ranging from pencils to backpacks from the Coast Guard. We found out more about the inspiration behind the donation. Sr. Supt Howell Gillett - Commander Southside: “What we are doing here is to show that both governments are committed. The Belizean government, as well as the US government, are committed to helping young people to get to that next level which is becoming a positive role model, becoming a positive adult. This is just one of the many things we are doing in a partnership which happens to be at this time the US southern command and the Belize Coast Gaourd. We are so pleased to do this and we hope that this type of engagement can happen on all schools in region 1.”

PM Calls Hypocrisy On Immigration Criticism
Last night’s newscast was loaded with comments from Prime Minister Dean Barrow who had a scattershot press conference to discuss all things current.   Well, we have a bit more for you from that press conference, specifically, when he was asked about the wisdom of splitting the Immigration Department into 2.  Legislation has been passed to break that department into 2 separate Sections. The first will be in charge of granting nationality and passports, and the other will be responsible for immigration and border management.  Last week we had PUP Senator Eamon Courtenay’s harsh criticism of the Barrow Administration’s decision to do this.  He says it will allow the Immigration Department to become more vulnerable to the abuses and corrupt acts exposed during the Senate Hearings on Immigration. The Prime Minister was asked about that criticism, and he called it political opportunism:

PM on Palestine Slaughter
The Prime Minister was also asked to comment on the Israeli-Palestine territorial dispute that has once again become deadly. As we told you, the United States Government has upended decades of international consensus to let Palestine and Israel settle their territorial dispute over the Holy City of Jerusalem. It’s been a bitter dispute where these 2 Middle Eastern Countries have been fighting over who should be allowed to make Jerusalem their capital. On Monday, the US moved their Israeli embassy to Jerusalem, throwing support behind that country’s claim to the disputed city. ctical ways... that we can advance this friendship and this alliance.

Channel 5

Charges Re-Considered after Death of Demetrio Pott
Police and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions are in a pickle tonight because they are revisiting manslaughter charges slapped against three men in Orange Walk. Last Thursday, [...]

Trio Sought in Murder of “Monty” Lipka
There is some progress in the investigation into the brazen killing of American national Lamont Lipka in San Pedro. On Sunday night, the forty-nine-year-old restaurateur, better known as “Monty”, was [...]

Arson Confirmed, but Bruce Davidson Still Missing
There is another case that police are trying to crack and they are not getting any help from the results of an autopsy conducted on charred remains of a human [...]

Deputy PM Goes Down to Georgia; Police Hold Him over ‘Prank’ 911 Call
For weeks, there have been speculations about an incident in the State of Georgia involving Deputy Prime Minister Patrick Faber.  It happened on April twentieth, while he was on vacation [...]

Once a Guatemalan, Always a Guatemalan – Never a Belizean?
With the re-registration process due to start in July, some Guatemalans find themselves in an absurd situation, particularly those who acquired Belizean citizenship by way of renouncing their Guatemala citizenship. [...]

P.M. Issues Support for Belmopan Chief
A criminal investigation into an attack on the residence of Mayor Khalid Belisle in the Cohune Walk area of Belmopan is still open.  The split-level, two storey abode came under [...]

Police Chase Leads in Shooting at Mayor’s House
Police today gave an update on the shooting at the Valencia Street residence of Mayor Belisle. Assistant Commissioner of Police Joseph Myvett confirmed today that the department is exploring a [...]

Territorial Volunteers Hit Back at P.M.
This afternoon, the leader of the Belize Territorial Volunteers, Wil Maheia, issued a video response to the pronouncements of Prime Minister Dean Barrow on the I.C.J. issue. Maheia also spoke [...]

Accountant Targeted in Palmar
A thirty-two-year-old accountant from San Jose Palmar Village in Orange Walk District was the victim of a shooting on Wednesday night.  Jose Oscar Santana says he was inside his yard [...]

Austin Williams in Gunman’s Crosshairs in Seine Bight
Austin Williams is tonight recovering at the Southern Regional Hospital, reportedly under police guard, following a shooting incident that occurred overnight in Seine Bight Village on the peninsula. Williams was [...]

Mistaken for Someone Else; Benjamin Reid Charged for Daniel Guardado Murder
As we reported on Wednesday, police arrested and charged Benjamin Reid for the murder of Daniel Guardado who was shot and killed on May fifth on Partridge Street Extension. Today, [...]

Will Sunshine Ask Again to Come In?
On Friday, Supreme Court Justice Courtney Abel crushed the hopes of Sunshine Holdings Limited to receive a share, or at the outside, all of the more than one hundred and [...]

P.M. Concedes Settlement Agreement Could Have Been Tighter
As has been noted, Sunshine Holdings did not get an exception in the 2015 settlement agreement for its debt as it was government-owned. The agreement explicitly obliged Government to take [...]

P.M. Does Not Support Embassy Moves but Cabinet Will Decide
On Monday, the United States inaugurated its embassy in Jerusalem, as the first country to relocate its headquarters from Tel Aviv, in the State of Israel.  On Wednesday, Guatemala followed [...]

Border Management Agency ‘Dragged Heels’ on Western Border Fence
Minister of National Security, John Saldivar, traveled to the western border on Wednesday to view firsthand security improvements that are taking place at the Benque/Melchor crossing point.  The infrastructure work [...]

In Honor of a Teacher
In light of teacher’s day celebration on Friday, we bring you a feature story of a young teacher described as an outstanding member of the Queen Square Anglican School teaching [...]

Belizeans Show Solidarity with Cuba
The average Belizean doesn’t know that much about the island nation of Cuba – perhaps that it is a socialist state in a mostly capitalist region of the world, or [...]

A Plan for the Old Capital
Over the years we have seen many instances of disruption to life in Belize City, as a result of mutually exclusive activities being forced to co-exist with each other – [...]

Work Starts ‘Soon’ on Dredging Yabra Canal
When last we left the situation of the Collet Canal, specifically the tributary that empties into the Caribbean Sea, the Belize City Council was beginning the process of draining out [...]

Picking Your Favorite Fisherman
The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and its partner agencies want to recognize fisherfollks who are doing good work in the fishing industry. Two outstanding fishers will be awarded along with [...]

To Your Good Health
The Gateway Youth Center held its annual health fair today at the Constitution Park in Belize City. A number of the organizations shared informational pamphlets, interactive games, as well as [...]

Healthy Living: the Link between ‘Pressure’ and Salt
Reducing the use of salt is a priority for health officials in Belize to prevent and contain the risk of heart diseases. The focus this year on the occasion of [...]

LOVE FM

International Hypertension Day: “Know your numbers”
Belize has a small population compared to the other Caribbean and Latin American countries, so two hundred hypertension-related deaths is considered a very high number. The Ministry of Health is doing what it can to reduce that figure and today it targeted food vendors in Belize City as part of World Hypertension Day. This year’s …

Gateway promoting healthy living
The topic of healthy living was also at the center of a fair put off by Gateway Youth Center. Reporter Johnelle McKenzie stopped by and filed this report.

Man got shot in his yard
Last night, a shooting incident occurred in San Jose Palmar Village located in the Orange Walk District. At this morning’s police press brief, ACP Joseph Myvett, Head of the National Crime Investigation Branch briefed the media on the incident. Police have no motive at this time as to why Santana was targeted.

BDF soldiers deployed to the border to bolster patrols
Friends for Conservation and Development (FCD) has recently noted an increase in Guatemalan encroachment in the Chiquibul Forest. In fact, last week FCD discovered areas within the Chiquibul that had been surveyed. FCD believes these recent occurrences are as a result of a ‘yes’ vote to the ICJ in Guatemala. Guatemalans living along the borders …

Man narrowly escapes death
Austin Williams narrowly escaped death in a shooting incident which occurred last night in Siene Bight Village. At this morning’s press brief, ACP Joseph Myvette, Head of the National Crime Investigation Branch, spoke on the incident. Williams was admitted to the Southern Regional Hospital in a stable condition.

Increase of cable bill was inevitable
Your next month’s cable bill will be an additional thirty percent higher. That’s because the Belize Cable Television Operators Association will increase the cost of cable to sixty dollars per month. The increase comes as a result of the association entering into a copyright licensing agreement with programmers. But with the increase, customers can expect …

Another group of squatters in Belmopan being removed by Recondev
Several families have had their houses demolished and forced out of land they occupied in the J and W subdivision in the Maya Mopan area of Belmopan. We are talking about families that have squatted in lands within that area for five or more years. They are being moved by the Reconstruction and Development Corporation, …

PM Barrow explains why there is no need to amend the Maritime Act
In December of last year, PUP Senator Eamon Courtenay attempted to table a motion in the Senate to amend the Maritime Areas Act. That motion was voted down by the Government’s majority. The amendment sought Belize to claim its full twelve miles of territorial waters rather than the three miles it currently claims. If done, …

Is the charred remains that of Bruce Davidson?
At this morning’s press brief, ACP Joseph Myvette, Head of the National Crime Investigation Branch, gave an update of the charred remains that were discovered after fire personnel had extinguished a fire which engulfed four wooden houses on the Old Banana Bank Road on Tuesday. Police have not yet identified the charred remains; however, Bruce …

Benjamin Alexander Reid charged with the murder of Daniel Guardado
Police say that the murder of Daniel Guardado was a case of mistaken identity. At this morning’s press brief, ASP Alejandro Cowo, Head of Crime Investigation Branch, said that police was able to make an arrest with the help of the public.

Has the economy improved?
Is the Government broke? Yesterday at a press conference Prime Minister Dean Barrow refuted that claim, saying that the Government cannot possibly be broke if it has made available eight million dollars for the re-registration exercise and a further sum of two point five million dollars to fuel the ICJ referendum campaign. But has the economy improved? We asked the Financial Secretary Joseph Waight that question yesterday.

PM says BTL agreement “might have been far more tightly drawn so that the objective that I sought to achieve”
The nationalization of Belize Telemedia Limited came at a hefty price and that’s not including the millions of dollars in litigation fees. The complex legal war over the telecom giant spanned many years and the final battle of legal position was heard in the courtroom Justice Courtenay Abel who dismissed a claim brought by Sunshine …

PM says PUP’s claims are nonsense
An amendment to the Immigration, Belizean Nationality, and Passports Acts was successfully passed late in March. The amendment splits the functions of the Immigration Department. One half of the department will be responsible for granting nationality and passport while the remaining half will deal with immigration and border management. It is a move that the …

PM explains the peculiar situation of Choice Bank
Last month it was reported that Choice Bank Limited, an offshore banking company, is experiencing a liquidity crisis. At the end of the third quarter of 2017, Choice Bank considered itself the largest international bank in Belize with more than US$238M in total assets. However, in April Choice Bank told its customers that because recent …

Scammer used Belize to collect millions of dollars
Forty eight year old Brent Borland of Borland Capital Group has been charged by the US for defrauding investors. He used Belize to do so. Borland who operated an investment firm in New York City used investors’ money to live the life of the rich and famous, until he was caught by US authorities. He …

BTB Love Belize Sea challenge – an adventure like no other
The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) and Love FM are teaming up to bring you the first ever BTB Love Belize Sea Challenge, which is set to commence tomorrow. This kayak race will have paddlers going from Punta Gorda to Corozal. It is expected to be an adventure like no other. Love News spoke with RSV’s …

PlusTV

HUMAN REMAINS FOUND IN DEBRIS OF BELMOPAN HOUSE FIRE
A man died in a house fire that took place in the outskirts of Belmopan. According to reports, yesterday afternoon about midday, Fire Personnel responded to a fire on a farm located behind Christian Academy School. After fire personnel were able to put out the fire, they began to go through the debr...

PM IS ALL FOR A ‘YES’ VOTE IN ICJ REFERENDUM
The Belize/ Guatemala ICJ Referendum is scheduled for April the 10th of 2019 and Prime Minister Barrow believes that voting ‘yes’ at the referendum is the best choice for Belize. The PM held a press conference this morning in which he addressed several pressing matters. One of those matters was the ...

BELIZEAN GAS PRICES TO INCREASE AS WORLD PRICES DO
Last night we reported to you that Regular gasoline Prices at the pump in Belize will continue to increase as world prices also increase. Yesterday the Ministry of Finance issued a press release stating that in fact, as of midnight on May 16, regular gasoline in Belize City will go up by ten cents. ...

PM ON EDUCATION CAMPAIGN
On May 2nd COLA, Citizens Organizational for Liberty Through Action, issued a press release sternly urging the Government of Belize to not corrupt the ICJ Referendum Educational Campaign by using it as a tool to persuade Belizeans towards a yes vote. COLA stated and we quote, ‘we issue this warning...

Weed Plants found and destroyed
Lady Ville Police destroyed a large number of Marijuana plants found during an operation. Yesterday evening at about 3pm Lady Ville Police conducted a searched in the area of Old Salt Creek. As a result of the search police discovered 50 marijuana plants in buckets ranging from 3 inches to 2 feet in...

P.M. TALKS RENOUNCING GUATEMALA
Thousands of Guatemalan immigrants have gained Belizean citizenship without renouncing their Guatemalan citizenship. This is a matter of great concern to many Belizeans since both the national re-registration process and the Belize ICJ Refferendum are on the horizon. The Belize Chamber of Commerce, ...

PM On Voters Re- Registration
National Voters Re- Registration is scheduled to begin on July 2nd of this year. After almost 20 years the national voter’s list is being replaced by a new list. Current registered voters and new comers are being asked to visit a registration office nearby to register or re-register. The process is ...

PM SHARES CONCERNS FOR MAYOR BELISLE
Yesterday we reported to you that the house of the Mayor of Belmopan, Khalid Belilse was under gun fire late Monday night. We showed you footage of the bullet holes on his concrete house, his yard fence and even his fiancés vehicle. Mayor Belisle told us yesterday that he does not fear for his life ...

Who will Succeed P.M. Barrow?
PM Barrow has been serving as Prime Minister of Belize for the Past 10 years. In February PM Barrow indicated that he will be retiring even though he was not sure when. During that interview Barrow said that he will certainly leave at a time that gives his successor enough space to lead the Party in...

BELMOPAN POLICE MOTHERS DAY LUNCHEON
Yesterday the Belmopan Police Department held a Mother’s day Luncheon for its officers. The luncheon was held at the My Refuge Christian Radio Station in Roaring Creek. Along the mother’s day luncheon, 9 officers were awarded for their outstanding Performance. Plus News spoke to the Operating Commander of Belmopan, Sutherland who told us more about the luncheon

PM TO TAKE SURGERY
This morning the PM took some time to comment on his personal health. As most Belizeans are aware, earlier this year PM Barrow took several trips abroad for medical purposes. He separate occasions he left both Minister Hugo Patt and Minister Junior Heredia as acting Prime. PM Barrow told the media today that he is expected to return abroad for further checkup and a possible surgery

The Guardian

PM announces timeline for leadership succession
Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, announced on Wednesday May 16 the timeline for the succession in leadership of the United Democratic Party to take place. He said that conventions will be set for representatives in the various constituencies to start in November and are to be concluded by the end of January early February of 2019. After this, delegate conventions will be held to select delegates that would attend and vote at the UDP National Convention. That process should be finished by March of 2019, thereafter the date for the leadership convention will be set and it is expected that it would be no later than May of that year.

CWU helpless for its fired members
The Christian Workers Union has been unable to get two recently fired employees of the Belize City Council reinstated. They first wrote a letter to the council and got no result and on Tuesday May 15, representatives of the union including President, Evan Mose Hyde and General Secretary, Floyd Neal were unable to get the council to budge. In a release to the media, the Belize City council explained that the meeting took place but that they will not be rehiring the two employees who are members of the union who were recently fired. All the council did was to wish them well. Of course this does not bode well for unionism in Belize since employees join unions for this very reason, to get protection from these kinds of arbitrary dismissals.

PM to vote YES to ICJ
“I am completely convinced that going to the ICJ and voting Yes is the correct choice for our country,” stated Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow at a press conference on Wednesday May 16th. He made the announcement after saying that the date for the referendum has been set for April 10th, 2019 in consideration that there is a re-registration exercise that is slated to commence in July of this year. By that time it is expected that the list of electors would be ‘robust.’ While the Prime Minister will be voting Yes to take the Guatemalan dispute to the ICJ he said that it is a particularly emotional issue and opinions are divided on going to the ICJ. PM Barrow stated that if we don’t go what would be the option? He said he could not come up with any other answer.

Shots fired at Mayor Khalid Belisle’s Home
Just around 10:30 p.m. on Monday, May 14, 2018, shots rang out in the Cohune Walk Area in Belmopan City. The victim of the attack was Mayor of Belmopan, Khalid Belisle, and while he himself was not hurt, his house was shot at. There were at least 4 bullet holes in the walls of his home and another four in a car which was parked in front of the mayor’s home. Eight expended shells were recovered from the scene but have not yet led to any arrests or motive. According to Mayor Belisle, he and his fiancée had retired for the night just 30 minutes before when they were awoken by 4 loud bangs. “My fiancée and I were upstairs… and we heard four loud bangs, at least that’s what I could count.

San Pedro businessman shot in his business
Lamont Edward Lipka, an American businessman and owner of the Tropicana Restaurant and Bar in San Pedro, was shot and killed inside his business place, located in the island’s downtown area. The 49 year-old native of Texas, USA, was cruelly gunned down, as if the shooter’s one purpose was to end his life at all costs. Police say that at around 9:30 p.m., on Sunday, May 13, 2018, they received information of shots being fired at the business place, which is located on Coconut Drive. They responded and found Lipka’s lifeless body behind the cash register area of the Restaurant. He had suffered 6 gunshot injuries to the face, 1 to the right side of the neck, and another to the back of the neck.

BDF to Build Fence at Western Border
The Government of Belize has issued a press release stating that “The BDF Light Engineers will be working in conjunction with the Border Management Agency to improve the fences and gates to ensure better control at that official crossing point.” The decision to improve the fence comes from the need for effective border management and flow of traffic, which have sometimes been hard tasks to accomplish. Felix Enriquez, CEO, Ministry of National Security, comments that “For some time now there has been a general policy in place and a strategy to improve the way how things are managed at the border and while it is a national security issue, it is fundamentally to be managed by the Border Management Agency.

Fleecing of the Council - Wagner’s STRANGE Restructuring
The Belize City Council is currently in the middle of the strangest expense cutting and restructuring exercise in the history of public service. The Guardian has received reliable reports of cheques flying out of City Hall in the names of relatives and friends of the Councilors and the addition of several absentee workers on the payroll. With two former bankers sitting in the Mayor’s chair, it is mind blowing that the Council can attempt to pass off its recent acts as a cost saving restructuring exercise.

Alberts Division Mothers’ Day Party
Over 600 mothers from the Alberts Division gathered at the Tropicana Casino on Saturday night, May 12, for a good old fashion girls’ night out. The event organized by the Alberts Care Committee was a powerful demonstration of sisterhood and solidarity as the ladies were able to shed chains of self-consciousness, forget about their individuality and embrace a night of true bonding. Motherhood is a tough assignment and ladies rarely ever get a night off. Hon. Tracy Taegar-Panton invited the mothers of her division to a much needed night off. They left the children at home to attend the first ever event in the fabulous Tropicana Casino. The night began with a short greeting from Panton. She thanked the six hundred plus women for making it out and announced that the mic was open for karaoke.

Three ambassadors present credentials
On Monday May 14th, three ambassadors presented their Letters of Credence to the Governor General of Belize H.E. Sir Colville Young at the Belize House in Belmopan. H.E. Dr. Franz Josef Kuglitsch, Ambassador of the Republic of Austria; H.E. Mrs. Zana Rudi, Ambassador of the Republic of Kosovo; and H.E. Mr. Leszek Bialy, Ambassador of the Republic of Poland; all presented their credentials to the Governor General. They each conveyed on behalf of their respective countries well wishes to the Government and people of Belize and their commitment to ensuring continued peaceful and prosperous diplomatic relations with Belize.

BEL’s Family Day
Belize Electricity Limited held its Annual Family Day on May 12, 2018 at Kiki Witz in Belmopan. Employees from countrywide and their families enjoyed a day of fun, games and entertainment. Each year, employees compete under four house names, which represent retirees being honored at the event. The retirees honored this year were: Mr. Frank Ramclam, Mr. Peter Ciego, Mr. Jose Espat and Mr. Herman Flowers who each gave over 30 years of service to the company.

Cable going up
For years, from in the late ‘80s cable operators have been pirating signals from the US allowing Belizeans to enjoy almost 200 channels of various television channels. The practice was a simple one, operators would purchase channel packages in the US and simply amplify and multiply the signal and sell to subscribers in Belize. Those glory days are now fast coming to an end with the strict enforcement of copyright laws. On May 9th a letter from the Belize Cable Television Operators Association began to be circulated where they are telling subscribers that, “It has been agreed by the cable operators that the new rate for the basic cable package will be capped at BZ $60.00 inclusive of General Sales Tax.

Getting our exports to CARICOM
The Directorate General for Foreign Trade DGFT is in a new push this week to boost our exports by informing the private sector businesses on the export process, export documentations required, trade agreements and other essentials. Along with EXPORTBelize they will be conducting a Trade Clinic this Thursday at the La Inmaculada Credit Union in Orange Walk. Just last week the DGFT had met with its Public-Sector Partners to review Belize’s Draft Trade Policy as part of a mandate to enhance Belize’s export opportunities and for good reasons.

A time to honor our mothers out West
The San Ignacio and Santa Elena Town Council held a mother’s day special at the Cayo Welcome Center on Saturday night. Hundreds of mothers came out to celebrate their contributions to the Belizean society. Staff members from the Town Council based in San Ignacio had pooled their resources along with the local business community towards one hundred gift packages. These gifts were distributed to mothers on Saturday.

Belize represented at 37th Session of ECLAC
Belize had representation at the 37th Session of the Economic Commission of Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) in Havana, Cuba. The session lasted from May 7 to 11 and was attended by Hon. Erwin Contreras, Minister of Economic Development, Petroleum, Investment, Trade and Commerce. The Belize delegation also included Ambassador H.E. Annie Burns and First Secretary Shantal Marin from Belize’s Embassy in Cuba. The country representatives at the meeting approved 18 resolutions which focused on leaving no person behind in pursuit of the United Nations (UN) 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The group also reaffirmed a commitment to prioritize the needs of the Caribbean in the UN Framework.

Fuel price hike inevitable says PM
On Tuesday May 15 the Government of Belize announced yet another increase in the price of fuel. Regular gasoline will go up by 10 cents to $11.14 per gallon while diesel will go up to $10.60 up by 11 cents. Meanwhile premium will see a slight decrease of 3 cents to $11.36 per gallon and kerosene likewise will fall by 12 cents to $7.75 per gallon. Commenting on the price changes on Wednesday, Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow expressed that the country is going to be in for a difficult time as a result of global cost of oil increasing at what he referred to as an alarming rate. He said that geopolitical decisions of decreasing oil supply by OPEC as well as the country’s inability to secure fuel from Venezuela as a result of U.S. sanctions on that country has made the price surge.

G.R.E.A.T Program benefiting students in Spanish Lookout
The San Ignacio Police formation has conducted a Gang Resistance Education and Training Program G.R.E.A.T graduation in Spanish Lookout. A total of 136 students have graduated from the middle school curriculum of the G.R.E.A.T program. With that event, G.R.E.A.T has almost encompassed all schools within the 38 communities of the San Ignacio Police jurisdiction. Graduates have now been empowered to be more resistant to gangs, bullying and other negative influences and at the same time they have been equipped with life changing skills.

PUP Party Hack tells his troubles to Facebook
On Tuesday morning Joseph Nunez (aka Channel 3) did his lamentation of Clarence Thomas’ “A few troubles I’ve had.“ The only difference between Clarence and Joseph was, that Clarence’s song is about his troubles, while Joseph wrote about his on Facebook. Joseph started off by saying that he doesn’t usually put his business out in public, but he was doing so at this time because he needs a miracle. From what we gathered the context in which the word “miracle” is being used is to describe how badly he needs help. According to Joseph Nunez he attended Family Court last week Thursday, and he was told that he owes $5,200.00 in child maintenance bills.

Justices of the Peace to verify their status
The Attorney General’s Ministry informs that all Justices of the Peace, including Senior Justices of the Peace, must contact the Ministry to verify their JP status before July 31, 2018. This exercise is being carried out in preparation for the upcoming re-registration process by the Elections and Boundaries Department. All Justices of the Peace are required to provide some form of proof of their status. Kindly note that the JP certificate can be used as proof of status. Each person must also provide their contact information to the Ministry.

Lake I Resource Center nears completion
After a groundbreaking at the Lake Independence Resource Center in April 2016, progress on the construction has been slow. The center is a part of the Youth and Community Transformation Project, which exists to reduce the vulnerability of children and youth to crime and gang membership in the Collet, Lake Independence, Pickstock, and Port Loyola divisions of Belize City. It is being built under the Ministry of Human Development, Social Transformation, and Poverty Alleviation.

Micah Goodin supports firings at City Hall
According to Micah Goodin, he stands with the Mayor when it comes to the termination of the City Administrator. He said he finds it ludicrous that she has gone on the media. According to him she is crying for her almost $100,000 per annum salary in addition to perks. He said that she was smiling all the way to the bank while her former bosses left the council saddled with debts upon debts. Micah said the amount of debts has afforded the new council to have less resources to assist people.

PUP wants to undo San Pedro elections
Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin has begun listening to legal arguments in the election petition brought by the PUP to try to void the results of the 2018 Municipal Elections in San Pedro Town. The losing PUP 7 are alleging that there were discrepancies in the way the Elections and Boundaries officials oversaw the elections, and they suspect that they were cheated out of the Town Council Seats. The first day in court, which took place on Monday, May 15, was a marathon 8 hours. The litigants in this case are the politicians from the PUP 7 team who tried and failed to convince the island town electorate to put them into office. Those include Abner Andre Perez, the Mayoral Candidate; Dianeli Aranda; Johnnia Duarte Graniel; Urbina “Dina” Graniel; Marina Kay; Ruben Navidad; and Ian Pou.

Re-registration to cost 8 million dollars in first year
PM Barrow announced on Wednesday that the first year of the re-registration exercise will cost government some 8 million dollars to finance. Already the Chief Elections Officer and the Elections and Elections and Boundaries Commission have met with political parties to share the operational aspects of how the exercise will proceed. In the early months of re-registration, additional classrooms will be opened in order to accommodate the original mass number of people coming in to register. According to the Prime Minister the first list will be available by October of 2018. It is expected that by April of 2019 the list will be robust enough in order to have a valid referendum on the ICJ matter with Guatemala.

Renal Failure Prevention Project Nurses Recognized
An award ceremony was hosted on Monday, May 14, 2018 by the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan). The ceremony was held for dialysis nurses of the dialysis units from both Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital in Belize City and La Loma Luz Hospital in Santa Elena, Cayo. Those nurses were recognized under the Renal Failure Prevention Project, an ongoing three year project with a total budget of approximately US$2.2 million.

Sunshine fails to get back 114 million from Ashcroft
Sunshine Holdings, the Government controlled company acquired from the Ashcroft Alliance during the fight over the ownership of BTL, has lost its lawsuit against the Alliance. Justice Courtney Abel has ruled that they will not get any of the 114 million dollars they were trying to get from the Alliance. In the last issue of the Guardian Newspaper, we told you about the opening arguments in this case. Dean Boyce, and the Trustees of the BTL Employees Trust, an Ashcroft outfit, received the last installment in their share of BTL settlement last year. This was compensation that the Barrow Government paid them for the 11 million+ shares in the telecommunication company that the Government took control over on behalf of the people of Belize.

Albert Jones Sr. confesses to murder of missing man
A Hattieville resident, 45-year-old Albert Jones Senior, is on remand after he allegedly confessed to the murder of Alaine Garcia, a mechanic of Hattieville. According to police, Jones Sr. confessed to the murder but the body of Garcia remains unfound. Jones Sr. appeared unrepresented before Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford on Thursday, May 10, 2018 where he was read the charge of murder. Because the charge is an indictable offense, no plea was taken from him and will be tried at the Supreme Court. The magistrate explained that she could not grant him bail. As a result, he was remanded to the Belize Central Prison until June 26, 2018.

Three charged for deadly beating after an accident
On Friday April 27th, 2018 a vehicle being driven by Demetrio Pott crashed into another vehicle in Trial Farm village in Orange Walk. As a result of the incident Demetrio and his brother were badly beaten by some men who were in the area. That beating landed Demetrio Pott at the hospital with serious head injuries to which he succumbed on Saturday may 12, 2018.

Arson and murder in Belmopan
Police in Belmopan are trying to ascertain the identity of a body that was found amidst the rubble of four wooden structures that were set ablaze on Tuesday afternoon. Reports are that fire personnel were called out to an area know as Jordan Road off the old Banana Bank road outside of Belmopan opposite the airstrip. On doing their work at the site firemen discovered the remains of a person who was burnt in the rubble. They were able to determine that all the structures were set ablaze at the same time

Belmopan resident bleeds to death
Quick action by Belmopan Police has led to the detention and charge of Roaring Creek resident Richard Hyde for the murder of Luis Monge. However; an entire community has been left in mourning following the killing of a well liked resident. Bar tender Luis Monge and his companion Dennis Monterrosa had come to the rescue of a woman, who had reported that her golden chain had been stolen while at the La Cabana Night Club. Both were stabbed on Zultana Street in the very early morning hours of last Friday.

Robbery and high speed chase in Belmopan
A robbery at a restaurant on Nim Li Punit Street in Belmopan just before 10:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 12, 2018 led to a police chase. Police officers responded to the location after reports of a robbery and upon arrival at the scene, a white Ford Escape was seen leaving. The police pursued the car and the occupants fired upon the police leading them to return fire. A car chase soon ensued but ended with the vehicle being abandoned and later found in an off road in Cotton Tree Village. The vehicle has since been impounded but according to ACP Joseph Myvett, Head, National CIB, because there was no license plate on the vehicle, no arrests have been made.

Charged for murder of Daniel Guardado
Daniel Guardado, who was a Belize City mechanic, was ambushed and killed on Saturday, May 5, 2018 on Partridge Street. Police now say that the alleged gunman has been captured. He has been identified as 21-year-old Benjamin Alexander Reid, a carver of Banak Street, Belize City. Reid appeared unrepresented before Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford on Wednesday, May 16, 2018 where he was read a single charge of murder. No plea was taken from him; due to the nature of the offense, he was denied bail and remanded into custody at the Belize Central Prison until August 16, 2018.

Dennis Matura freed from murder charge
Dennis Matura, who was accused of a murder in April 2012, has walked away from that charge. Matura was arrested and charged on April 10, 2012 for the April 4, 2012 murder of 23-year-old Michael James Garbutt, a deportee. The murder occurred in front of the victim’s relatives’ home on Albert Street in broad daylight. He was shot as many as five times, execution style, and died on the spot. As many as three persons gave police statements which led to the arrest of Dennis Matura, 19-years-old at the time.

Ex-common-law husband charged with deadly means of harm
Irvin Noralez is out on bail after he was charged with dangerous harm after leaving his ex-common-law wife, Nifa Ramos, injured during a stabbing incident. The 41-year-old caretaker of Anglican Cathedral College was arraigned on Monday, May 14, 2018 on two indictable offenses of dangerous harm and use of deadly means of harm with a deadly instrument- a machete.

Ex-police officer charged with arson
Brandon Hertular, an ex-police officer who has been convicted before on a charge of theft, is facing a serious charge of arson. Hertular, who is now occupied as a fisherman, appeared in the Belize City Magistrate’s court on Monday, May 14, 2018 on a charge of arson. The allegations against Hertular are that on May 2, 2018, he damaged a butane gas tank and several pieces of lumber. The items were all property of Sherlett Hyde and valued a total of $1,540.

High School student arraigned for allegedly stealing $15,500
A rburglary on April 22, 2018 at Kim’s Shop on Antelope Street saw a 4th form student in court on May 16, 2018. That student of a Belize City High School, Robert Lamb, 18, was arraigned before Chief Magistrate Sharon Fraser where he was read a single count of burglary. The allegations against Lamb are that on said date, he entered the business and stole $15,500 cash from a gray safe, property of Jiabi Wong. Scenes of Crimes technician said that the burglar gained entry into the establishment by removing three wooden lovers from a window located by a storeroom.

Interdicted police officer on bail for traffic related offense
An interdicted police officer was charged for a traffic offense in which he is being accused of colliding into another vehicle at the entrance of the Los Lagos Community. After weeks of investigation and the victim’s recovery, police have since levied three traffic offenses against 32-year-old Sacario Cus, a police officer already on interdiction for a criminal offense. Cus appeared unrepresented before Magistrate Kadeen Palmer where he was read three traffic offenses of negligent harm, failure to report an accident, and driving without due care and attention.

Jedd Burgess and Micah Tillett awaiting bail hearing
Two Belize City men, who were students at the time of their arrest for murder, remain on remand at the Belize Central Prison awaiting a ruling as to whether or not they will be eligible for bail. They are 28-year-old Jedd Burgess and 23-year-old Micah Tillett. The duo was charged in September 2013 for the crime of murder for the shooting death of Jamaal Neal, who was gunned down on Banak Street.

William “Danny” Mason and employees to stand Supreme Court trial
A shocking look was what William “Danny” Mason displayed at the ruling of his preliminary inquiry when it was decided that he and his employees would be standing trial at the Supreme Court. Mason along with his four employees, Ashton Vanegas of Camalote Village, brothers Keiron and Terrence Fernandez, and Ernest Henry Castillo, all of Roaring Creek Village, appeared before Senior Magistrate Merlene Moody in the Belmopan Magistrate Court.

Pastor bailed after charges of harm against two minors
Natalie Robinson, a 42-year-old pastor and resident of the Burrell Boom area, was arraigned in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court on two criminal charges of harm and wounding upon two minors. The pastor appeared before Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford on Monday, May 14, 2018 where she pleaded not guilty to the charges. There was no objection to bail and she was offered bail in the sum of $1,000 plus one surety of the same which she was able to meet. The pastor is due back in court on July 31, 2018.

Sandhill villager chopped to the neck
There was a chopping incident in Sandhill Village which has left one man hospitalized, pending surgery. That man is Ivan Hyde, a 26-year-old construction worker who was chopped to the neck. For that incident, Jude Joseph Moody, a 28-year-old fisherman also of Sandhill, has been arrested and charged. Moody was arraigned in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court on Monday, May 14, 2018, represented by attorney Godwin Haylock. There, he appeared before Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford where he was read three indictable offenses, neither of which a plea was taken for.

Shaylon Santos guilty of maim
Shaylon Santos remains on remand after he was found guilty of maim before Justice Francis Cumberbatch in the Belmopan Supreme Court. Santos is a 21-year-old resident of Teakettle and at 17-years-old, he was charged for chopping another Teakettle resident. Santos and Aldo Moro became involved in an altercation that left the victim with a chop wound to the head and the left hand completely severed at the wrist.

Six year old is injured during shooting incident
A shooting incident on Saturday, May 12, 2018 has left a 6-year-old injured. According to police reports, police visited the KHMH where they observed a male person by the name of Lamar Orellano who appeared to have gunshot wounds to the body. It was upon inspection of those wounds that the doctor classified them as remnants of a windshield that splintered and hit the minor to the upper right side of his back during the shooting.

Second man charged for shooting of Joshua Augustine
Two men have now been charged in connection with a shooting incident in which 21-year-old Joshua Augustine was shot at but missed. The shooting incident occurred on Saturday, May 5, 2018 on Police Street and this week, a second suspect was charged. Charles Young Jr., a mechanic and resident of Police Street appeared unrepresented before Magistrate Michelle Trapp where he was read a single charge of aggravated assault with a firearm upon Joshua Augustine.

Weed peddler caught by undercover cop
Emmerson Neal, a 33-year-old Belize City carpenter, is lucky to be home and not in jail after he pleaded guilty to supplying a controlled drug to someone else. Neal had initially pleaded guilty but changed his plea on Tuesday, May 15, 2018 when he appeared before Magistrate Michelle Trapp. The bust was made by an undercover police officer, Robert Chi, on Monday, November 8, 2017 during a sting operation in the Complex Area of Belize City.

Conorque floater gives Griga a 70 – 69 win over Hurricanes
In a do or die game for the Dangriga Dream Ballers after getting blown away last week in Belize City, Griga Dream Ballers had to defend home court if they wanted to live to see another day. They’re looking to redeem themselves and not let history repeat itself for the fourth consecutive year. While for the Smart Belize Hurricanes they too are chasing history as well, being the only team not to play a game 3 in the semi-finals and trying to do so in a hostile environment.

Belmopan Bandits whitewash Unitedville Rebels United in Cayo Softball competition
The Cayo Softball Association Senior Women’s competition continued on Sunday 13th May, 2018, at the Joan Garbutt Softball Stadium in Esperanza Village. In the first game of the day, the Belmopan Bandits behind the pitching of Keneshia Sutherland whitewashed the defending champions Unitedville Rebels United by the score of 2-0. The losing pitcher in the game was Shareenie Soberanis. In game two, Esperanza Wolverines edged out the winless Belmopan Capital City Emeralds by the score of 8-7.

Digicell Belize City Defenders defends home turf
In a must win game, Digicell Belize City Defenders were out to avenge their second consecutive loss on the island against the San Pedro Tiger Sharks, while making every effort to seal a victory on their home court. The home team jumped out to an early 27-21 lead to end the first quarter, with a hot start from Darwin and Jacob Leslie. San Pedro Tiger Sharks was able to narrow the gap to 1 point going into the half, trailing 44-43. San Pedro’s top scorer was Jihad Wright with the game high of 21 points, while tallying 9 rebounds and 7 assists.

Belize City Primary Schools Football Competition opens
The 2017-2018 Belize City Primary Schools Football competition opened on Monday 14th May, 2018, at the MCC Grounds. The schools competing in this year’s girls’ competition are Queen Square Anglican, Holy Redeemer, St. John Vianney, Salvation Army, Wesley Upper, Belize Elementary, St. Luke Methodist, St. John’s Primary and St. Ignatius. The girls are divided into two divisions.

Belize District won National Primary Schools Track and Field Meet
The Belize District captured the 2017-2018 National Primary Schools Track and Field Meet with a total of 22 medals. They were followed by the Stann Creek district with 19 medals and the by the Cayo District with 11 medals. The meet was held at the Marion Jones Sports Complex in Belize City.

Caribbean Culture and Lifestyle: The Belize Edition
The second edition of the Caribbean Culture and Lifestyle magazine was launched on Friday, May 11 and it highlights the cultural aspect of our Jewel, Belize. According to publisher and Creative Director at McNab Visual, Tanya McNab, the magazine contains everything one should do in different destinations. “It has everything from what you should do in different destinations and because we publish so often, you may see a San Pedro edition one time and you see a Cayo and out west another time. So, that is the only thing we have the opportunity to feature much more than we were in the past with just one and we have the opportunity five times.”

Three Fires in the Belize District leave 11 Homeless
A fire erupted in a wooden house on Friday, May 11, 2018. The home housed 9 people of which 4 children were inside a room at the time of the fire. According to Sharmane Bainton, one of the residents, she received a call just before 4:00 p.m. from her daughter who was at their home on Manta Ray Boulevard in Vista del Mar. That daughter was the one who helped to get all the children out of the house and while all of them made it out with their lives, they were not able to save anything else.

Words of Life With Pastor Barry Fraser
This week we look at another special mother, Elizabeth: The Mother Who Believed in Miracles Elizabeth was married to a priest named Zechariah, and in the Gospel of Luke, chapter 1, we learn that both Elizabeth and Zechariah were righteous before God, observing all of His commands. But Elizabeth was childless, and they were both old in age. Similar to people in Job’s day, people would have thought that sin prevented Elizabeth from bearing a child.

“We See them fighting for Power”
People often call eyes the windows to the soul. But what exactly do we see when we gaze into the eyes of another person? In fact, the eyes do provide lots of information about another person’s emotional state. (Phycology today, Google.com.bz). Look, I will never criticize any Belizean who demonstrates deep emotional passion in support of his/her political party of choice. Nothing wrong with that. But when this passion mutates into fanaticism and obsession I feel compelled to comment, since at a certain point the fanatic can become deceitful, vengeful and offensive. Recent examples of high profile citizens with these character traits are Matura, Gabb, Carter, Wade, and Lizarraga. I want to nominate Courtney as president of this distinguished group.

Life Principles I Recommend Part 3
Be kind for everyone is fighting a battle you know nothing about… Being a genuine believer of this quote, I realize that my readers may be going through personal difficulties of many sorts. You may be at a point where, like me. You deeply question life. Have you ever thought about it? What is life? What are you supposed to do? We don’t come with manuals at birth teaching us at to be awesome human beings. I’ve realized that even though there’s no right or wrong way to live your life, there are certain universal principles that lead to a happy, wealthy, and healthy life.

The Reporter

Courts outlet in Belama reportedly robbed!
Reliable reports reaching the Reporter is that there was a robbery at the Courts outlet in the Belama area of Belize City sometime this afternoon. We understand that about $1,600 was stolen, along with personal items. We were also made to understand that two culprits […]

Man shot near Placencia; under police guard at Southern Regional Hospital
A man was shot this morning near Placencia village, Stann Creek. Austin Jason Williams is under police guard at the Southern Regional Hospital with gunshot wounds in his jaw and back. The details of what happened will be discussed in a Police-Media briefing later this […]

Breaking Belize News

Police find 50 marijuana plants in Old Salt Creek
Police are investigating the discovery of 50 marijuana plants in Old Salt Creek, Belize District. On […]

BBN Person of the Week: Abel Simpson Sr – The Insurance Guru of Belize
Abel Simpson Sr. is one of Belize’s most respected and experienced insurance advisor. This year, […]

Man shot in Palmar village, Orange Walk
Yesterday at around 11:15 PM, police received reports of a shooting incident in San Jose Palmar Village, […]

NEMO minister tours postal service
Yesterday, Minister of Transport and National Emergency Management, with responsibility for Postal Service, Edmond Castro […]

Is the top brass in the Cayo’s Ministry of Works a normal Belizean?
For consecutive mornings now, a water truck can be seen wetting the full length of […]

15-year-old minor from Succotz village missing
Benque Viejo police are investigating the disappearance of a 15 year old minor. Succotz resident, Ebelita […]

14-year-old minor from Santa Elena missing
A 14-year-old minor from Santa Elena Town went missing this week in Cayo. According to reports, […]

Trial Farm Chinese store robbed at gunpoint
Orange Walk police are investigating an armed robbery of a Chinese store in Trial Farm, Orange […]

The Daily Telegraph: Belize is one of the world’s most underrated tourist destination
An article published on May 15, 2018, in the British Telegraph Newspaper, ranked Belize among 15 […]

UDP Timeline and real Belize politics
The views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not necessarily those of Breaking Belize […]

A Taste of Belize in Chicago
Belizean cuisine will be featured at this year’s ‘Taste of Chicago’ event being held on July […]

Corozal Community College warns of forged diplomas
Today, the Corozal Community College (CCC) issued a release warning the public that fake copies of […]

National Security Minister visit Western border Security Facilities upgrade Project
Minister of National Security, John Saldivar, visited Belize’s western border yesterday to observe the new project […]

Benjamin Reid charged for murder
Yesterday, police arrested and charged Benjamin Alexander Reid, 21, of Belize City for the crime of […]

Land titles for Government-led housing programs to be expedited
Today, Belize’s Commissioner of Lands issued a statement informing that to clear the backlog of […]

PM Barrow explains increase in fuel prices
Fuel prices once again went up this week and many Belizeans raged on social media, ranting […]

Blogs

The Hopkins Mango Festival is coming!
This year, hundreds of Belizeans and visitors alike descend to the seaside village on June 2nd and 3rd, ready to indulge in the over twenty varieties of mangoes that grow in the area. With names such as blue, Julie, Harry, #11 (a personal favorite), thunder shock, white, slippers, black, common, belly full, apple, and more, the fun is discovering new favorites and flavors. June 2nd will see Floyd Arana’s dory fishing contest starting at 6AM. The festival itself is officially slated to start at 11AM, with live cultural music playing as around 40 gaily decorated booths present their wares to those eager to enjoy every bit of Mango goodness and culture that Hopkins has to offer. From jewelry to arts and crafts, wood works and paintings, as well as prepared mango items, there will be tons to choose from! As we all know, being out in the hot sun imbibing and eating can be pretty exhausting, and well, festival organizers have thought of everything for this year. “Spa booths” offering massages or pedicures will be just the escape needed for those weary tootsies!

International Sources

Belize farm offers look into the world of spices
When vanilla begins to bloom in the summer months, farm workers at the Belize Spice Farm have only a six-hour window to pollinate the crop. They have six acres to cover and they do it all by hand, using toothpicks. If they’re too late, they’ll have to wait until the next flowering season because it blooms only once every year. “Harvest would be in November or December, and it takes about a whole year before we market them,” said Ancelmo Shol, who works on the farm and provides tours. The farm pollinates by hand, he said, because the female part of the flower is covered, which makes it difficult for bees or hummingbirds to do the job. To get around that, farmers use toothpicks to manually move pollen from the male part of the flower into the female part.

Kingston students help build home in Belize
Johs Erlandsen, of Kingston, a junior at Boston College High School, along with with other classmates, alumni and staff members, spent their April vacation helping construct a new home for Florence Baisa, a 72-year-old woman in Belize, Central America. The volunteers went to Belize to assist an organization called Hand in Hand Ministries to build a home for a family in need, reflect on their place in the world and pray together. Hand in Hand provides simple yet stable housing for people in Appalachia and Central America. The group built the 349th house for the Hand in Hand Ministry Building for Change Program. This was Miss Florence’s first home ever. BC High bought her a mattress, sheets, a pillow and comforter. Building for Change is committed to dignity one build at a time.

Sanibel Sea School to take teen campers to Belize
After a successful expedition in 2017, the Sanibel Sea School will once again offer an educational, biology-focused trip to Belize for teens over the summer. Open to participants ages 15-18, the program will run from July 30 to Aug. 8 and will include time spent in the jungle and on a remote island close to pristine coral reef habitat. "Last year, we saw monkeys, toucans, tarantulas and so much more," Director of Education Nicole Finnicum said. "In the jungle you are completely surrounded by creatures and you can hear and see them all the time."

Videos

May 17, 2018

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Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

SPTC Mother’s Day Extravaganza entertains island mothers
The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) celebrated its annual Mother’s Day Extravaganza at the Honorable Louis Sylvestre Sporting Complex in San Pedro Town on Saturday, May 12th. For a $20 admission fee, hundreds of island mothers enjoyed a variety of musical and comedic entertainment, gourmet food, drinks, and tons of giveaways. Gates opened at 6PM, with members of the SPTC, Councilors and Miss San Pedro 2017-2018 Virginia Vasquez welcoming the mothers with a gift and escorting them to their seats. Thereafter, volunteers began to serve the mommies refreshments. At 9PM, Master of Ceremonies Eiden Salazar Jr. welcomed the guests and wished them the best on their special day before inviting Mayor Daniel Guerrero to share a few words. “Mothers are very important in our society. The love of a mother is priceless and you won’t find it anywhere,” said Mayor Guerrero.

Win or go home! San Pedro Tiger Sharks one game away from NEBL championship
It’s ‘do or die’ for the San Pedro Tiger Sharks on Saturday, May 19th, when they face the Digicell Belize City Defenders in the third and last game of the National Elite Basketball League (NEBL) tournament’s playoffs. The Tiger Sharks had the lead after the first game in the best-of-three series on May 5th, however, they were not able to seal their ticket to the finals when they lost the second match against the Defenders 86-83. Now both teams are in a must-win situation in order to advance to the finals and a chance to become the next NEBL champion. Game 3 of the series will take place in San Pedro Town on Saturday, May 19th at the Angel Nuñez Auditorium. The Belize City Defenders will attempt to win a game on the island, while Tiger Sharks will defend their home court, and hope to advance to the NEBL Championship series.

San Pedro Municipal Elections case heard at the Supreme Court
After the end of the court sessions on Monday, PUP Senator and Attorney-at-law Eamon Courtenay, representing the PUP stated that returning officer Catherine Cumberbatch, along with Chief Elections Officer Josephine Tamai and Presiding Officer Desiree Flowers, admitted that errors were made during the reconciliation of ballots. Courtenay states that Flowers said that she wrote down 379 as the number of ballots used instead of 359, an error not witnessed by PUP scrutinee Alex Noralez before he signed off on the document. Flowers could not explain the reason of the mistake. ”This case is not about mathematics, it’s about the politics and the votes,” said Courtenay. Another argument was the claim that Tamai kept the ballots in her office. “They should be in a secure place, whatever she finds to be a secure place,” Courtenay said. “The issue is that they are not to be opened- she opened them, and counted them and did other things with them and that is absolutely prohibited by the regulations,” Courtenay added that they will be making submissions to the Chief Justice regarding the irregularities that have been identified and are not compliant with the law.

Successful coastal clean-up held during Reef Week 2018
As part of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve Reef Week 2018, a massive coastal clean-up was held around San Pedro Town on Saturday, May 12th. The clean-up served as a way to continue raising awareness about keeping the environment clean, as well as to send a message to stop the use of non-biodegradable products. At 8AM a large crowd of residents gathered at the Hol Chan Marine Reserve Dock located at the end of Caribena Street. Before the clean-up began, organizer of Reef Week 2018 activities Mariela Archer shared a few words with the present crowd. “I want to thank everyone who came out today to be a part of this activity. It is very important for us to protect our environment and marine life, as we all depend on it some way or the other,” she said.

Ambergris Today

SPHS Graduation Announcements – Record Breaking!
Graduation season is here and there was quite a buzz at the San Pedro High School this morning as they gave graduation announcement. Students were all excited and nervous to know what the results were as we enter graduation season. Students on campus were happy to receive the great news and without fail the ever popular signing of uniforms took place. Well wishes and congratulations written all over the uniforms with bright colored markers! The San Pedro High School is proud to announce that after professing results a total of 97 students have met graduation requirements. Five students will receive two weeks of intensive training and will be retested. If they are successful, SPHS will break the record this year with a total of 102 graduates.

Residents Against Over-The-Water Development At Cayo Rosario!
In April 2018, residents of San Pedro and Caye Caulker received word that the highly contested Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for development at Cayo Rosario had been approved. This small mangrove caye lies in the center of the newly expanded Hol Chan Marine Reserve just west of Ambergris Caye. Approval comes despite vehement objection to the construction of numerous over-the-water structures and extensive dredging within the protected area. Island residents are outraged by the approval given to the developers by the National Environmental Appraisal Committee (NEAC) and on Sunday, May 13, 2018, a group of concerned residents gathered at Cayo Rosario with their boats and posters for a peaceful protest against the development of over-the-water structures. Tour guides and fly fishers, along with island residents and children gathered at Cayo Rosario in over 25 boats with posters protesting and expressing their discontent.

Misc Belizean Sources

Coastal Clean up 2018!!!
Thanks to all the brave volunteers and partners that came out on Saturday to help clean up our coastline...ACES, Reef Angels, MJ Leslie, Belize Bank, Ambergris Divers, KellerWilliams Reality, Ocean Tide Beach Resort, Javier Romero & Kristin Marin (Projects Abroad)....we all did an awesome job!!!

Belmopan Cleanup Campaign
In preparation for the upcoming wet season, the Belmopan City Council in collaboration with the Ministry of Health will be carrying out a Cleanup Campaign of Belmopan on Saturday, 2nd June 2018. We hereby inviting volunteers to join us. Please call 822-2271 Ext. 234 for more information.

Register to Vote (Re-Register)
Beginning 1" July, 2018, every registered elector needs to be registered afresh, and any other person who has not yet registered to vote can apply to be registered. All applicants are encouraged to take along their documentation to the Registration Center to facilitate the process. Re-registration is to register afresh or anew, without being re-registered, YOU CANNOT VOTE IN AN ELECTION. All eligible persons are being encouraged to participate in this Re-registration of Electors Exercise.

Percussion Summer Camp, Hosted by Panerrifix Steel Band
Panerrifix Steelband's "Percussion Summer Camp" is the place to be this summer. Maestros Carlos Perrote and Benoit Coye will be conducting classes in Steel Pan, Marching Band, Latin Drumming and Marimba. It's open to everyone starting with children ages 5 (steelpan) and ages 7 (percussion/marimba). No previous knowledge necessary. High schoolers and other interested persons who may play in a band already as well as those who want to learn new styles and techniques are also welcomed.

Francisco Puga on Ambergris Caye
This May 19st for the first time on the beautiful island - Francisco Puga. Tickets for sale for only $25.00 on Reef Radio. Saturday may 19th starting at 9 pm at Paradise Theater. There we go!!!!

Applications to Purchase and Obtain Titles to Lands Subject to Government- led Housing Programmes
In our continued effort to clear the backlog of applications and in line with improving the efficiency and delivery of service, the Ministry of Natural Resources, through the Lands and Surveys Department, takes this opportunity to call the attention of individuals who have over the years benefited from Government Housing Projects that in instances where: Applicants will be able to apply to purchase their land directly, providing that they supply all the documentation necessary to support that the property under the Housing Project has been fully paid.

World Hypertension Day
Every year on May 17th, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) celebrate World Hypertension Day. This year it is being celebrated under the theme, ‘Know your Numbers’ with the goal of increasing awareness on the dangers of high blood pressure and ways to prevent it. This year, the Ministry of Health in partnership with PAHO and the Institute of Nutrition of Central America and Panama (INCAP) is organizing a forum with local chefs to promote the reduction of sodium and salt in the preparation of food.

No More Petro Oil, Fuel goes up as Belize seeks US source of fuel
Prime Minister Dean Barrow’s held a Press Conference in Belize City on May 16, 2018 in Belize City. He conceded it has been a while since he fielded questions from the media and he spoke about a variety of topics including the rising cost of fuel. “We are going to be in for a difficult time when it comes to fuel prices because the global price of oil in increasing at a rate that small countries such as ours, is alarming. There are several reasons to that but basically there is huge and increasing global demand as the pace of global economic growth accelerates.” Prime Minister Barrow referred to global issues stemming from OPEC and pending US sanctions on Iran for the rise in fuel acquisition costs as well as a decrease in production in Latin America. “Venezuela is also where they are down to just under one million barrels per day which is a 41 percent drop from the previous year. With the threat of additional sanctions by the U.S. by Venezuelan contribution to the global supply can plummet even more.”

Paint N Splash
See you this week at from 2-4pm Thursday. Join us to paint this "Sexy Permit" with all the contraversy going on with the destructive development planned near Cayo Rosario we want to do our part to spread awareness. So we will be doing a series of 3 paintings starting with the Permit. Belize is one of the most famous destinations for saltwater flyfishing - and for the elusive permit. We were the first country to protect the "Grand Slam" - the permit, the bonefish and the tarpon and now we must protect their habitat AND our reef from destructive development. Join is this week and be sure to take a picture of your painting and caption it "protect the permit" "save Cayo Rosario" "To love and protect Belize." Our website is down so for the time being to sign up send us a private message on our Paint N Splash page or email us at [email protected].

MOTHER'S DAY EXTRAVAGANZA 2018
On Saturday, May 12, 2018, The San Pedro Town Council along with Hon. Manuel Heredia Jr. hosted its annual Mother's Day Extravaganza at the Hon. Louis Sylvestre Sports Complex, where the mothers were greeted and presented with a gift as they entered. The night started with a serenade by San Pedro's very own Wil & Dale featuring Mr. Fernando Trejo. They delighted the crowd with some of their favorite renditions in their Caribbean style. After Wil & Dale's performance, the official, but short, ceremonies took place, where Ms. Leticia Nuñez offered a prayer asking the Lord to bless all mothers on this very special day.

The BTB Love Belize Sea Kayak Challenge

Chocolate at International Airport!
In honor of Chocolate Fest this weekend, travelers were greeted with the authentic taste of our local cacao!

The Belize City Master Plan 2030
Belize City, home to over 80,000 people, and destination centre for many thousands of foreign visitors, has, for the past few decades, felt enormous strain by the population dynamics which has seen an approximate population increase of 67 percent between 1980 to 2009 (Data received from the Statistical Institute of Belize), and secondly by the growing concern of Climate Change impacts on the city. These two forces are creating an important strain on the City Council and on the other city authorities responsible for the day to day management and oversight of Belize City. The overwhelming impacts, as a result of these two forces, on the city’s infrastructure and services offered are now creating instances of contention against the ability for its citizens and visitors to enjoy a sustainable quality of life, and to conserve and better the appreciation of the city’s historic past and heritage. The Belize City Master Plan Project, a Technical Cooperation between the Government of Belize and the Inter-American Development Bank, set out in the September 2010, to answer these questions:

Channel 7

PM Calls On Cops to Get Answers for Attack On Mayor Khalid’s Home
Tonight, Belmopan Police don't have any compelling leads on who shot up Mayor Khalid Belisle's House. As we told you last night, it happened at his Valencia street home around 10:30 on Monday night. Belisle was awakened by the sound of gunshots and didn't see the damage until the next morning - where multiple bullet holes were seen in his wall and on his fiance's car. Police recovered eight shells expended from the scene. Today at a press conference, the Prime Minister called on police to find the perpetrators:... Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow - Prime Minister: "For such a thing to happen to any individual, any politician, is terrible. But for it to happen to Khalid Belisle, whom we all know and I don't care what side of the political fence you are, to be an extremely bright, talented, honest, sincere, genuine hardworking individual is absolutely terrible."

Four Homes Burn In Belmopan, Human Remains Founds
We'll have much more from the Prime Minister's 90 minute press conference later on in the news, but, first, there's the report of another outlandish crime from the capital. 4 homes were set on fire on the outskirts of Belmopan yesterday at midday. Someone was killed in the blaze but police have not identified the body…or we should say what's left of the body. The 4 homes were in a yard on Jordan Ranch road. That's the area on the old Banana Bank Road opposite the airstrip at the entrance of Belmopan. There are still a lot of questions at this time and Courtney Weatherburne went to look for some answers today. Here's her story.

Police Say They Have the Man Who Killed Guardado
He is accused of killing 43 year old Mechanic Daniel Guardado and Benjamin Alexander Reid was taken to court today. The 21 year old was charged with murder and remanded to prison until August 16th. Guardado - a mechanic - was shot and killed on May 5th. He was hanging out with a friend on Partridge Street when he was targeted for no known reason.

Texan Killed In a Professional Hit; San Pedro Pol Have Suspects
San Pedro police have two persons detained in connection with the murder of American businessman Lamont Lipka. Sources say that the murder is being looked at as a professional hit - and the likely killer was possibly flown in from Belize City to execute it. Investigators are reviewing multiple surveillance videos and are still questioning two suspects who have already been charged for another offence. And what might the motive have been? Well, they don't know yet but - we do know that police are looking at a lawsuit where Lipka was the claimant claiming he was jilted in an investment - and had monies owing to him.

Senator Valerie Thinking of Challenging Senator Paul
On last Friday's newscast, we told you about the persistent reports we got that PUP Senator Valerie Woods had expressed interest in running as a standard bearer for the Albert Division. If true, she would be going up against her Senate and Party colleague, Paul Thompson, who's currently the divisional caretaker. Well today, she confirmed that she's been testing the waters in the Alberts, to see if Albert voters would support her if she went up against Thompson in a contested convention. Woods grew up on Palm Lane, which is right off Regent Street. Her family home is still on the same street, and today, she invited us for an interview at that location to discuss why she would want to become the area rep for Albert:

PM & Party Leader, Mutually Exclusive Posts
When the Prime Minister called a press conference today - it was his first meeting with the press since March. And some thought that he was going to announce the timeline for his departure. Well, he didn't, but he did discuss the plan for his succession. He introduced an interesting model where a new party leader will be elected in March of 2019 - but that new leader will not automatically become Prime Minister. That new leader will have to wait in the wings until he decides to step down. The PM explained that the party's run-up to electing a new leader begins in November of this year when constituency conventions will be held countrywide, followed by the selection of delegates for a leadership convention:...

Government Working With PUMA To Moderate Fuel Increases, But Expect Price Shocks
The Prime Minister covered as many as a dozen subjects in his press conference today - and one of the most pressing ones is the price of fuel. It budged up by a little last night - but more increases are expected - because of global pressures. And because of domestic budgetary pressures, government cannot cut back on its tax take. The PM explained:... Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister: "We're going to be in for a difficult time in terms of fuel prices. Because the acquisition costs, the global price of oil is increasing at a rate that, for small countries such as ours, is alarming."

PM Powerless To Stop Rise In Cable Bills
And while future price shocks are expected for fuel - your cable bill may also shock you next month. The Cable Television Operators say they are forced to increase the monthly subscription to basic cable by 33%, or fifteen dollars. So, you can expect your June cable bill to go up to $60.00 monthly, inclusive of GST. The Prime Minister who has broadcasting in his portfolio says it is to be expected, basically because when it comes to pirating signals from satellite "free paypa bun":...

PM, Cabinet Say “Yes” to ICJ
And from the cost of cable to the referendum on the ICJ…..the PM says he will vote "yes" to the ICJ on April 10th of next year - and, that's also the government's official position. He said when he looks to the future, there's really no other way to put away this centuries old claim:... Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister: "I am completely convinced that going to the ICJ and therefore voting yes in the referendum is absolutely the correct choice for our country." "I first of all I ask myself if we don't go to the ICJ - what is the option. And I can't come up with a satisfactory answer." "Our case at the IC is so watertight there's no way we could suffer any setback/loss in consequence of an ICJ hearing."

GOB Urging Army To Hold The Line After Post Referendum Delirium in Guat Border Communities
So, while the Government already has a roadmap for its ICJ education campaign and the referendum date, What will be done about the effect that the referendum had in Guatemala? As we've told you both the Friends for Conservation and Development and the BDF have confirmed that the "yes" vote in that country have caused an increase in Guatemalan incursions into the South Cebada area of the Chiquibul. The FCD says that they've seen an increase in clearings, surveyed plots and farms being set up by Guatemalans in the Chiquibul. Rogue leaders on that side of the border have been misleading residents of Guatemalan border communities, and encouraging these incursions into Belizean territory.

Guatemalan Citizenship On Hold
So, what's going to happen to those hundreds of Guatemalans who do come into Belize and have built a life here with Belizean children? As we've reported over the years, there is a problem with the renunciation process for such applicants to apply for Belizean citizenship. Under Belize's Constitution, Section 29.3,, quote "No person shall be entitled…to be a citizen of Belize or be granted citizenship of Belize if such person shows any allegiance to or is a citizen of a country which does not recognize the independence, sovereignty or territorial integrity of Belize …". End quote. And, basically, that's Guatemala.

Why Not Repeal Maritime Areas?
Keeping it on the topic of Belize/Guatemala relations, the Prime Minister was asked why it is that his Government still has not amended the Maritime Areas Act, even though it has been recommended time and again by experts on the Belize/Guatemala territorial dispute. As we've told you, the persistent advice, even from Assad Shoman, Belize's foremost authority on the territorial dispute, is that the time has long passed for Belize to claim all its territorial waters and its exclusive economic zone off the southernmost banks of the Toledo District. As it stands right now, Belize is only claiming 3 of its 12 miles of territorial waters between the Sarstoon River and the Ranguana Cayes. That was done so that the two countries could hopefully negotiate a settlement of Guatemala's claim to Belizean territory. But since such negotiations are at end, and both countries are staring down the prospect of a ICJ solution, the advised position is that Belize should claim its entire 12 miles to enhance Belize's bargaining position.

Sweating the Sunshine Loss
And while the PM had it easy enough navigating legalistic questions about Belizean sovereignty, it didn;t go as smoothly when we asked him about his government's latest defeat at the hands of the Ashcroft Alliance. As we told you last week, the Government controlled company, Sunshine Holdings Limited, tried to convince Justice Courtney Abel to order the Ashcroft entities, Dean Boyce and the Trustees of the BTL Employees Trust to give them back part of the 114+ million dollars they collected as part of the half a billion-dollar settlement over BTL. Sunshine claimed that the Government wrongly paid compensation to the Alliance for 11 million shares in the telecoms company that were once assets of Sunshine, back when it was an Ashcroft company.

Li’l Kim’s, Big Theft
On April 22nd someone stole a grey metal safe with $15,500 dollars from Kim's Shop on Iguana Street Extension in Belize City. The burglar squeezed into the shop by removing three wooden louvres from a window at the store. Police investigation led them to the arrest of 18-year-old Student Robert Lamb. Lamb appeared before the Chief Magistrate Sharon Fraser today. Lamb pleaded not guilty to the charge and was offered bail of $6,000 plus 2 sureties. His case was adjourned until July 10th.

Failed Fire Truck Repaired
At the top of the news we told you about the deadly fire in Belmopan - the fire fighters were able put out the spot fires and conduct their investigation without issue. But that wasn't the case with last week's Iguana Street fire. The fire truck had some unforeseen mechanical issues. Well, Assistant fire Chief Benisford Matura told us that the truck has been repaired. Matura says the fire trucks are inspected 3 times a day, everyday, but the part that malfunctioned is not easily accessible and isn't normally checked.

The Official Word On Troubled Construction Of Youth Center
For the past two days we've been reporting on the Lake Independence Resource Center, a youth facility that will also be a multipurpose center. The 4.66 million dollar building is part of the wider Youth and Community Transformation Project funded by the CDB. But construction is delayed and the contractor is having cash flow problems where he can't pay his workers. The Project falls under the Ministry of Human Development Social Transformation and Poverty Alleviation - and we asked the Minister about the problems it's been experiencing. He told us he sees no problem:...

Got An Airport in Placencia To Sell You...
A New York investment manager has been charged in the US for a 22 million US dollar dead raise for an International airport in Placencia. Brent Borland falsely promised investors in the project a high rate of return secured by property owned by the firm. But, it seems some of the property didn't even exist, and Borland used the money he raised to live a lavish lifestyle. He was arrested on Wednesday and charged with fraudulently raising $21.9 million US. US authorities said all investors in Borland's Belize Infrastructure Fund lost money, while the 48-year-old New Yorker diverted close to $6 million for his personal use. Borland was criminally charged with securities fraud, wire fraud and conspiracy counts. There's no word yet on what - if anything - this may have to do with the existing airport project in Riversdale which has been on freeze for years.

Belize & Cuba, Comrades
Today the Image Factory in Belize City hosted the fifth National Solidarity Encounter between Belize and Cuba. The audience was made up of people young and old from across the country that wanted show their respect and support for Cuba. We stopped by this morning and found out that it was more than just a solidarity declaration, it was also an art show honouring Cuba. Yasser Musa, SJC Teacher/Artist: "We developed a simple declaration pledging our continued support to the people of Cuba in our Quest I believe to expand and make more dynamic the solidarity efforts. What do I mean by Solidarity? The basic idea is to show friendship by building human capacity. This is an idea that Fidel Castro developed, his revolution and developed Cuba using the idea of building people. Building their capacity whether it is thru doctors, better literacy, and it has been transferred to Belize..."

Making Music Week Matter
It's the third annual music week - a big event for Belizean musicians - where they discuss the future of the industry, and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. But, it's more than just talk - there has to be music in a week by the same name! And that's why an all-star line up of superstar performances is part of the activities. This afternoon music ambassador Shyne Barrow told the media what people can expect. Shyne Barrow, Music Ambassador of Belize: "We have 60 of the biggest and best artists. 20 of the biggest and best DJs from all around the country. We started On Monday and yesterday with music business conferences where we were discussing the digitalization of the music industry with brilliant minds such as Kenmore Simpson, Big Bang and other music executives."

Choice Bank Situation Explained
And our final two items tonight are also from the Prime Minister's board spectrum press conference. We asked him about the situation at Choice Bank. It's an offshore Bank which offers financial services to international clients. But, a few weeks ago, it informed customers that it's in a liquidity crisis. It told customers in an email, quote, "the Bank has taken the decision in its view as a matter of necessity, with immediate effect, to temporarily suspend all withdrawals from deposit accounts with the Bank and other outbound payment activities…until the Bank and/or its relevant regulatory authorities are satisfied that such suspension is no longer required."

Update On PM's Bad Back
And, finally tonight, the Prime Minister also updated the public on the condition of his ailing back. He's been seeking treatment for years - but with no success. Now, he's contemplating the possibility of surgery or stem cell therapy; he explained: Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister: "I travelled in connection with medical consultations. I want to make clear that those consultations have always been and will continue to be about my informal back difficulties. There is as far as I know absolutely nothing else wrong with me in all other respects I am to use that colorful perhaps somewhat inappropriate expression "as healthy as a horse..."

Channel 5

Prime Minister Returns; Says He Personally Supports I.C.J.
The Prime Minister had not appeared in front of the media since his last press conference on March eighteenth, but today he did for the better part of two hours. [...]

Majority of Cabinet Stands in Support of Judicial Resolution
The prime minister is on record stating that it is his personal view that the ICJ is the best option for the resolution of the claim.  Barrow also says that [...]

Gov’t Will Not Attempt to Influence April 2019 Vote
While he would not put forward what percentage of Cabinet is in favor of a yes vote, the prime minister does acknowledge that there are indeed a few members who [...]

Why There is Still a Place for O.A.S.’ Adjacency Zone Office
The relationship between Belize and Guatemala is at times tense, but for the sake of carrying out the education campaign successfully, the existing state of affairs between both countries must [...]

Getting Out the Voters for Re-Registration
Before the I.C.J. referendum is held next year, there is the matter of the re-registration exercise spearheaded by the Elections and Boundaries Department, which is set to begin on July [...]

What’s Behind Fuel Price Hikes
The prices of fuel at the gas pumps are up yet again.  Those increases come almost two weeks after the last hike and will see the cost of premium gasoline [...]

Correspondent Banking Bogey Bedevils Petrocaribe Relations
News Five understands that the persistent issue of correspondent banking was also a factor in government’s decision to source fuel from the U.S. Gulf Coast.  Admittedly, G.O.B. has also been [...]

Arson/Murder as Body Found in Belmopan; is it Missing British-South African?
Police suspect that a cluster of houses in the Banana Bank area in the outskirts of Belmopan was set on fire to disguise a murder. The fire swept through the [...]

Charge in Murder of Daniel Guardado
Police have arrested and charged twenty-one-year-old Benjamin Alexander Reid for the murder of Daniel Guardado. After leaving his place of work on the night of Saturday May fifth, Guardado was [...]

Senator Val for Albert?
While she has not yet officially put in her papers, Senator Valerie Woods is very close to making a decision on whether she will contest the Albert Division for the [...]

For Women Candidates, Quality is as Important as Quantity
While Woods harbours greater political aspirations, as one of the most prominent female faces in the P.U.P., what does she think of the conundrum on women candidates?  Former Port Loyola [...]

P.M.’s Aching Back May Need Surgery
The prime minister’s personal health, more specifically, complications he has been having with his back, has forced him to take short leaves of absence while seeking medical treatment abroad.  Today, [...]

New U.D.P. Leader by Next May
In the context of his health, Prime Minister Barrow also outlined a timetable during which the U.D.P. will go about electing a new party leader.  That process begins with a [...]

Free Ride on Cable is Over
Your cable bill is going up as of June first, and the recent push by international content providers to regulate signal piracy is the primary reason why. A few weeks [...]

U.S. Investor Charged for Fraud on Placencia Airport
Brent Borland, principal of Borland Capital Group and an investment manager from New York, faces separate criminal and civil cases in the Southern District of New York and by the [...]

Immigration to Produce Official Policy on Migration
According to local statistics, approximately as many Belizeans – fifteen percent – are emigrants from the country as there are immigrants coming to Belize from places like Central America. To [...]

The Reason for Coming Split of Department
Meanwhile, a few months ago, legislation went to Parliament for a split of the Immigration and Nationality Department. At the time, the Opposition People’s United Party objected on various grounds. [...]

No Word on “High-Risk” Nepalese Entrants to Belize
The Ministry of Immigration and Nationality continues to investigate how two citizens of the Kingdom of Nepal were granted entry to Belize on landing at the Philip Goldson International Airport [...]

San Pedranos Vent on Cayo Rosario Development
On Tuesday, we told you about a developing story in San Pedro where residents and tour operators are against the Cayo Rosario development. The ten-acre mangrove caye falls within the [...]

Company Promotes Integrated Firewall to Protect Key Information
As connected as we all are via computers and the Internet, society is becoming increasingly vulnerable to attacks on personal security and information. It can be quite a job keeping [...]

Music Ambassador Kicks off Music Week
Music Week kicked off on Monday and continues through to the end of the week. As a part of celebrating and empowering Belizean artists, the week features a combination of [...]

LOVE FM

Eight million dollars set aside for re-registration
But before the ICJ referendum is held, the Government will undergo a re-registration exercise which is slated to commence on July 2. Eight million dollars have been set aside for this exercise which aims to purge the voters list. The Election and Boundaries Commission has met with both major political parties to discuss the operational …

UDP sets timeline for leader convention
Prime Minister Dean Barrow today announced that he will not complete his parliamentary term. He is scheduled to travel out of the country next week to see a physician for consultation for a surgery and stem cell treatment for his back problem. Barrow has long been considering whether or not he undergoes surgery and if …

PM Barrow condemns Israel’s slaughter of Palestinians
Former Prime Minister, Right Honourable Said Musa has called on the Government to condemn Israel for slaughtering dozens of Palestinians who were taking part in mass protests on the Gaza border. Prime Minister Dean Barrow was asked to comment on the matter. The massacre has been the highest Palestinian death toll in a single day …

Belize in for some difficult times in terms of fuel prices
Prime Minister Dean Barrow also addressed the recent increase in the price of fuel. At midnight, gas prices increased and according to the Government, the increase was triggered by increasing world gas prices. According to PM Barrow, as a small consumer country, Belize is in for some difficult times in terms of fuel prices because …

Prime Minister hopes Sunshine Limited appeals case
Last week, Supreme Court Justice, Courtenay Abel dismissed a claim brought by Sunshine Holdings Limited against the Government of Belize and the BTL Employees Trust. The claim is in relation to 11 million shares of BTL and millions of dollars. Justice Abel found that Sunshine’s claim had no merit. Essentially, what Sunshine was attempting to …

PM says best option is to say ‘yes’ to the ICJ
Prime Minister Dean Barrow says Belize has an airtight case if Guatemala’s claim is decided upon by the International Court of Justice (ICJ). This pronouncement was made this morning at a prime ministerial press conference in Belize City. The last time the Prime Minister called a press conference was in March to address the increased …

Prime Minister addresses BCCI’s concerns
Guatemalans who have attained Belizean citizenship will be allowed to re-register and consequently be able to vote in the ICJ referendum next year. The Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) along with the Belize National Teachers Union and its umbrella union, the National Trade Union Congress of Belize, have an issue with it. The …

PM explains why border fence took too long to erect
While the Government is able to take a pause in granting Belize citizenship to Guatemalans, it is impossible for the Government to stop all illegal entries through the porous western border. But in an effort to do so, BDF light engineers have been deployed to the Benque border crossing to improve security and efficiency at …

International organization assist Mayan and Garifuna villages
Self-Development of the People, a Presbyterian organization based in the United States of America has been supporting works in the south of the country. Cynthia Ellis-Topsey, Co-Facilitator, spoke about some of the works the organization has been supporting for the past eight years. Members of the Presbyterian organization visited Seine Bight Village, where they were …

PlusTV

BELMOPAN MAYOR TARGETED IN SHOOTING
Shots were fired in the Cohune Walk area of Belmopan last night and the Mayor of Belmopan appears to have been the intended target. Plus News spoke to a fearless Mayor Belisle this afternoon at his residence. He told us what transpired at the time of the incident Khalid Belisle, Mayor of Belmopan C...

More squatters removed from Maya Mopan, Belmopan
And in more Belmopan news, as we said, the Belmopan City Council has been exercising pressure on a squatting situation that has begun to plague the capital city. More squatters were removed today. After the squatters were removed from the reserve in the Doyle’s Delight Street area a few weeks ago, o...

Mason and Co-Accused Head to Supreme Court for Kidnapping
William ‘Danny’ Mason and his four co-accused are headed to the Supreme Court to face charges of Kidnapping. This morning Mason, Ashton Vanegas of Camalote Village; brothers: Keiron Fernandez and Terrence Fernandez, as well as Ernest Henry Castillo, all appeared in the Belmopan Magistrate Court to h...

PUP challenging San Pedro Municipal elections
In last night’s newscast we told you about the court case where PUP Mayoral candidate for San Pedro, Andre Perez, is asking the court to declare the results of the municipal elections in San Pedro as void. The trial began before Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin yesterday morning and lasted until about...

Police Officer Fires Shots at Car with Children Inside
An off duty police officer fired over 6 shots at a Honda SUV with 5 passengers inside, including two children. A passenger of the SUV told Plus News that he along with his family were on their way from a church service in Orange Walk to the Village of Armenia on the Humming Bird Highway, where they ...

Belizean Gas prices to increase as world prices do
Regular gasoline Prices at the pump in Belize will continue to increase as world prices also increase. That’s according to a press release from the Ministry of Finance. In fact, as of midnight on May 16, regular gasoline in Belize City will go up by ten cents. Diesel will also go up by 11 cents. Pre...

Citco and CWU Executive meet over termination of employees
Today, the Belize City Council met with the Christian Workers Union Executive and their employees’ representative. As you may recall, six city council workers were terminated from employment. Among those were two members of the Christian Workers Union. Today at the meeting, both sides conveyed...

No Docking of Teachers Pay- Managers Press Release
Last week, BNTU President Elena Smith told the media that Managers of Schools had indicated in a meeting that they would not be paying teachers who participated in the BNTU rally against violence which took place in March of this year. However, a press release has since been...

Rounding up drugs and drug peddlers on SAN PEDRO
Yesterday San Pedro Police officers conducted a search at an apartment in San Pedro where they discovered 9mm live rounds of ammunition. The apartment belongs to 18 year old John Carlos who was present at the time of the discovery. Also present was 21 years old Tracey Betancourt....

Registry Employees Charged for Forgery
Two men from the Belize Registry Department have been arrested and charged with forgery. Reports are that police visited the Registrar General at the Supreme Court building in Belize City where they were told that some documents had been forged....

Senior Citizens Discount Continues
Belize City senior citizens will not experience any interruption in their property tax discounts. During the transition period of the new Belize City Council, Mayor Wagner indicated that the council was losing revenue due to property tax discounts...

Call to All Justices of The Peace
Re-Registration is scheduled to begin on July 2nd and in preparation, all Justices of the Peace are being asked to contact the Attorney General’s Ministry. According to a press release issued by the Ministry, this process is necessary in order for JP’s, including Senior Justices of the Peace, to verify their status...

ANTI-BULLYING MARCH
Students from the Our Lady of Guadeloupe Primary School assembled on the Ring Road in Belmopan this morning to begin their 2nd Annual Anti- Bullying March. This year the march was held under the theme H.E.R.O, ‘Helping Everyone Respect Others.’ Students marched as they held up posters and signs saying ‘NO TO BULLYING.” ...

Demetrio Patt dies after 2 weeks on life support
47 year old Demetrio Patt, who was in the KHMH in critical condition after he was beaten up two weeks ago, succumbed to his injuries on Saturday. Patt, a father of 5, was in the passenger seat of a vehicle that was being driven by his brother when they allegedly crashed into a...

Soldiers at Western Border cause alarm; no tension says Ministry of Defence
There were reports of tensions at the Western Border over the weekend. According to information received, the tension was as result of an attempt made by BDF troops to clear an area in the Adjacency Zone at the Western Border. Guatemalan officers reportedly entered the area in...

Government of Belize & UN Migration Agency sign MOU
This morning the Government of Belize and the UN Migration Agency (IOM) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to develop a National Migration and Development Policy for Belize, which is expected to guide Belize’s management of its multidimensional migration dynamics. Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment, Sustainable Development and Immigration Godwin Hulse signed on behalf …

San Pedro Murder at Tropicana Restaurant
An American businessman was shot and killed at his business establishment in San Pedro last night. According to reports, sometime around 9:30 p.m., 49 year old American Business owner Lamont Edward Lipka, owner of Tropicana Restaurant and Bar, was standing in front of the cash register when a male p...

PUP challenging San Pedro Municipal elections
PUP Mayoral candidate for San Pedro, Andre Perez, has taken his claim of an unfair election to court. The trial began today before Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin and follows the PUP’s allegations of several discrepancies during the March 7th municipal elections on the island. PUP claims that there w...

6 Year old injured in Belize City shooting
A 6 year old boy was injured in a shooting incident on Central America Boulevard over the weekend. Reports are that about 10 a.m. on Saturday, 6 year old Lemar Orellano was seated in the rear passenger seat of taxi that was parked in front of Henry’s Bar on C.A Boulevard when shots were fired in the...

Ivan Hyde chopped to the neck; survives
A young man was chopped to the neck on Friday while socializing in Sand Hill Village. Reports are that about 11pm on Friday, 26 year old Ivan Hyde was socializing in front of a friend’s house when an argument ensued between Hyde and 28 year old Jude Joseph Moody. As a result, Moody chopped Hyde to ...

Richard Hyde arrested for Murder
One man has been arrested and charged in connection with the murder of 23 year old Luis Monge which occurred on Thursday night. On Saturday, Police arrested and charged 35 year old Richard Hyde, a butcher from Camalote Village in the Cayo District, for the Crime of Murder. Here is what Police had t...

Missing man found dead at sea
The lifeless body of a man who was lost at sea over night was found this morning. According to information received, 70 year old American/Belizean Juan Caducio went fishing in his boat sometime yesterday and did not return home last night. As a result, a concerned relative went looking for him at s...

Belmopan Restaurant robbed by armed men
A Belmopan Chinese Restaurant was robbed on Saturday night. According to reports, three male persons armed with fire arms walked into the Samsung Restaurant on Nim Li Punit Street at about 9:45 p.m. on Saturday night and robbed business owner, Ya Yong Ma of an undisclosed amount of cash. They also s...

GOB loses another multi million dollar case
The Government of Belize lost yet another case at the Supreme Court, costing the people of Belize $20 million. Sunshine Limited , a company owned by the government, sued GOB, Dean Boyce and the Belize Telemedia Employee’s Trust. ...

GOB loses another multi million dollar case
The Government of Belize lost yet another case at the Supreme Court, costing the people of Belize $20 million. Sunshine Limited , a company owned by the government, sued GOB, Dean Boyce and the Belize Telemedia Employee’s Trust. ...

House Fires at Mile 8 and Ladyville
There was a house fire over the weekend at mile 8. A cement bungalow caught fire on Sunday afternoon and was totally destroyed by the blaze. We hear more from Orin Smith, Station Manager at Belize Fire Service. Orin Smith, Station Manager, Belize Fire Service: On Sunday, 13th May at approximately 5:36pm, the National Fire Service received and responded ...

Accident on Phillip Goldson Highway
There was a traffic accident on the Phillip Goldson Highway sometime after twelve o’clock on Saturday morning. A video released on social media shows two vehicles off the side of the road, both with extensive damages. One of the vehicles was a red SUV and the other was a white 4 door car ...

Three women arrested for Drug Trafficking
A female Costumes Broker and two other women were arrested and charged on Friday Night for Drug Trafficking. Reports are that Corozal Police arrested and charged 29 year old s Custom Broker Camile Bodden, 26 year old Stephanie White, and 69 year old Blanca Bodden after a search was conducted at the residence of Camile Bodden ...

Money stolen from Brodies Salesman Vehicle
Over 14 thousand dollars were stolen from the vehicle of a James Brodies Company Limited Salesman in Orange Walk. Reports are that sometime between Thursday Night and Friday morning a Blue Toyata Tercell Car belonging to 30 year old Ashton August that was parked in his yard ...

Another vehicle torched in Belize City
Another vehicle was torched in Belize City in the span of two days. According to reports, on Thursday night around 11:30 p.m., 36 year old Melonie Staine was awakened by her tenant who informed her that her vehicle was on fire ...

The Reporter

Man’s charred remains reportedly found in burnt house
The Reporter has received reliable information that police have found the charred remains of a man inside a house that fire destroyed. Information is still fresh at this time, but unconfirmed reports reaching the Reporter indicate that the body of the man was found inside […]

Breaking Belize News

Belize to Celebrate World Hypertension Day 2018
Every year on May 17, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) […]

Belize celebrates Museum Day 2018
The Museum of Belize and Houses of Culture will celebrate International Museum Day on Friday, […]

CARICOM concerned over Palestine- Israel conflict
The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) issued a statement today saying that it is deeply concerned by the […]

American charged for $21 million Belize airport fraud
An American man, Brent Borland, 48, of Sag Harbor, New York, has been charged for defrauding investors of over $21 million for the construction of an airport on land in Belize […]

Reflections of the night: From Palestine to Maya Mopan
The views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not necessarily those of Breaking Belize […]

Children from Eastern Division Region 1 to begin agriculture program
Commander of Eastern Division Region One, Howell Gillett continues to engage the children and youths of […]

Belize to develop new migration policy
The Government of Belize and the United Nations Migration Agency (IOM) jointly held a launching […]

Police investigating shooting at Belmopan Mayor’s home
Belmopan police are investigating a shooting incident that occurred on Monday night in the Cohune Walk area of […]

PM Barrow gives timeline for departure
Prime Minister Dean Barrow, during a press conference being held at the Biltmore hotel this morning, […]

SSB says Belize City Council owed $77,000
During his transition report, Belize City Mayor, Bernard Wagner revealed that the council had not […]

Music Week 2018
Belize Music Week 2018 is being held in collaboration between the Office of the Music Ambassador […]

Belmopan car thieves make off in Toyota Hilux
Police are investigating the robbery of a Toyota Hilux pickup truck that occurred on Monday. Juan Hernandez, […]

Dr. Gonzalez gets his job back!
Former two time Belize City Councilor, Dr. Alaine Gonzalez, has been reinstated at the Surgical […]
inated six
After an intense meeting with the Christian Workers’ Union (CWU) yesterday, the Belize City Council […]

Belizeans: What are we working for?
The views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not necessarily those of Breaking Belize […]

Football dust settles – Semi-final football rematch between Verdes and BDF set
BBN has been informed that the semi-final rematch between Verdes and the Belize Defense Force […]

Blogs

San Pedro Turns Out for Cayo Rosario Meeting: NO is Unanimous
Yesterday I arrived early at the empty Lions Den in downtown San Pedro for the Public Meeting About the APPROVED Development at Cayo Rosario on the west side of Ambergris Caye. I watched new residents, long term business owners, kids, parents, fishing guides, resort operators, tour operation owners, real estate agents, repeat visitors, San Pedranos…hundreds file into the large room. The universal response from the crowd, reiterated by Billy Leslie, President of the SP Tour Guides Association, again and again (great post about Billy from the San Pedro Sun in 2000 – a bit of his history on the island) NO OVER THE WATER STRUCTURES IN A MARINE RESERVE AND NO DREDGING OF ANY SEA BED IN OUR PROTECTED BAJOS. I was there to listen. And report back.

How To Eat Like A Local In Belize
When in Belize, eating like a local has many advantages: it’s a great way to learn about Belizean food, immerse yourself in the culture, and interact with Belizeans. Here’s a quick informational guide on the local food scene to prepare you on how to eat like a local in Belize. I’m sorry for anyone who visits Belize and is addicted to McDonald’s, Wendy’s or Pizza Hut! American fast-food chains don’t exist here. When Belizeans want a fast-food fix, they head to hole-in-the-wall places and order things such as panades, salbutes, garnaches and tacos. These take-out items are cheap, filling and delicious – make sure you try them out If you’re planning on trying a local restaurant, make sure to go before you’re hungry because food orders usually take long. Restaurants in Belize are not used to large crowds, which means pre-cooking is never necessary and your meal is generally prepared from scratch. So go to dinner early, drink a few belikin beers and do some people watching as you wait for your delicious FRESH meal.

What to Know About Belize’s Summertime Lobsterfest Celebrations
Mid-June is a time for celebration in Belize as the official lobster season opens. It typically opens June 15th every year and closes on February 14 of the following year. To celebrate the start of the new season, there are gastronomic events in different parts of the country. If you’ve considered traveling to Belize to try Caribbean spiny lobster, try to coordinate your trip around one of these three festivals. Lobsterfest on Ambergris Caye is serious business. The week-plus long event incorporates daytime and nighttime activities throughout the island. You can even pick up a complimentary Lobster Passport that you get stamped at all the event locations. You can use this to enter a drawing for a return trip to Belize! The highlight of Ambergris Caye’s Lobsterfest celebration is the giant block party on the final Saturday night. Here you’ll find many of the island’s top chefs showcasing creative lobster creations, fun libations, and the Belizean steel drum band, Panerrifix, performing.

How To Find A Long-Term Rental Property In Belize
There is a common thread in the conversation that many expats have when they first move to Belize and try to find long-term rentals—it is hard to do. There are many reasons for this, and I’ve experienced them while trying to rent in two of the most popular areas of Belize, San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, and Placencia. There are several factors that are important to know going in to your search: where the best areas are in town to live, how to find your rental, what is actually available, and what expats wished they knew before they rented.

Exploring the ATM Cave, Belize’s Grand Adventure
A vacation is one of the greatest opportunities to make new memories. In Belize, that can mean memories of exploring the wildlife-rich jungles, trekking to historic Maya ruins, or even lounging poolside, ice-chilled cocktail in hand. One of the most magical adventures we love sending guests to is Actun Tunichil Muknal, better known as the ATM Cave. Under an hour from Ka’ana, the cave, whose name translates to “Cave of the Stone Sepulcher,” is most famous for a series of archaeological deposits with ancient skeletons. One, “The Crystal Maiden,” is from a teenager, whose now-calcified bones sparkle like crystals after over a millennia in the dark. Was she a sacrifice victim? Nobody knows for sure, but she’s become a veritable destination in her own right. As just one of the human remains, The Crystal Maiden suggests the ATM Cave’s significance to the Maya civilization. The presence of ceramics, stoneware, and even alterations to the actual cave walls—altars, plus carvings that create silhouettes of faces and animals—further showcases that the ATM Cave was an important, sacred place of worship to the underworld gods.

Belize Is a Great Birding Destination for 2018
As a warm country with an incredibly diverse ecosystem, Belize is a natural haven for birds. The Audubon Society estimates that approximately 600 different bird species have been recorded in Belize. Approximately 80% of the birds in Belize are year-round residents while approximately 20% are migrating birds from North America that spend the winter in Belize. The Audubon Society has identified seven different Important Birding Areas (IBAs) in Belize, but you can spot birds everywhere in the country, including on the offshore islands.

The Perfect One Week Belize Itinerary
If you've only got one week to spend in the tropical paradise that is Belize, why not visit the best of both worlds? Our all-inclusive Belize vacation packages include time on both the pristine mainland as well as a sojourn to the fabulous offshore islands and Caribbean beaches. Belize is a small country in Central America just 2-5 hours' flying time from major cities across the United States and Canada.

Hiking in Belize - Great For Your Heart, Mind, and Body
Belize is just a short flight away from North America, but its exotic wildlife, unparalleled natural beauty, and thriving eco-system make it truly a world away. In Belize, the sound of birds and the perfume in the air from hundreds of flowering plant species are far more common than the hustle and bustle of modern life in the United States and Canada. That's why Belize is one of the best places in the world to unplug, relax, and unwind. Although it may not sound glamorous, one of the most popular activities in Belize is hiking through the jungle. Far from any wireless internet signal, shopping mall, or noisy highway, the jungles are, instead, an oasis of natural beauty, color, and tranquility. Everywhere you look, you'll spot incredible examples of nature at its finest, ranging from elusive jaguars to tiny frogs and insect that make the jungle thrum with energy.

Is Belize Safe
Belize is a small country, but because it isn't well-known by outsiders, a lot of visitors want to know if it is safe to visit. Of course, no country is ever going to be completely safe from crime and other risks, but Belize is an incredibly safe country for foreign visitors. Tourism is an important part of the Belizean economy. With over one million visitors a year to a country smaller than the state of Massachusetts, the government of Belize takes visitor safety extremely seriously. As such, the vast majority of visitors to Belize enjoy a wonderful, safe, and incident-free vacation. Belize is primarily a rural country. The only relatively large urban area is Belize City. Formerly the capital, Belize City is still the largest metropolis in the country with around 75,000 inhabitants. Some areas of the outskirts of Belize City are very poor and where most of the serious crimes in the country occur. But because these are far from the normal tourist spots, these incidents rarely impact foreign visitors.

Why You Will Love Birding in Belize
With one of the most ecologically diverse landscapes in the world, it's no surprise that Belize is a popular destination for bird watchers. More than 600 species have been recorded in the country, including more than 500 indigenous bird species that include the roseate spoonbill, orange-breasted falcon, endangered Jabiru stork, the scarlet macaw, sungrebe, enormous harpy eagle, solitary eagle, the chestnut-bellied heron, and the endangered ocellated turkey. Beyond its enormous domestic variety of tropical and subtropical bird species, Belize is also the winter homefor hundreds of bird species from all across North America. With seven different Important Bird Areas managed by the Audobon Society, Belize is one of the best places to see birds in a pristine, natural landscape.

Belize Summer Weather
Summer is a great time to visit Belize. With abundant sunshine, warm water temperatures, and deliciously cool breezes at night, Belize has everything that families, honeymooners, couples, and adventure travelers can enjoy. Here are just a few exciting things you can do in Belize during the summer: For thousands of years, Belize was the heartland of a vast empire that stretched from Mexico down to El Salvador. Today, visitors can climb enormous pyramids, explore sacred temples, and see the bloody stones where the infamous ball game was played.

Belize City - What You Need to Know Before You Visit
For nearly 200 years, Belize City was the capital of the country. Today, it's still the largest urban area and transportation hub in Belize. All international flights land at the Philip Goldson Airport just nine miles away, so Belize City is often the first place that visitors see. Despite the fact that Belize City is no longer the political capital, it is still home to many government offices, and the city is the undisputed commercial hub of the country. Two of Belize's three highways begin in Belize City, and the water docks are the main transportation gateway to the offshore islands like Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker. Since most people come to Belize to engage in sports like diving and snorkeling on the islands or to visit some of the pristine natural areas on the mainland, Belize City often gets overlooked. The city often gets a fearsome reputation, but there's a lot to do and see here for tourists.

Keeping Belize’s Rivers Clean – One Bag At A Time
The Macal River has a rich history – as the part of the ancient Maya superhighway it connected the highlands of Guatemala to the Caribbean coastal trade routes, as the gateway to Belize’s interior it penetrated Belize’s lush rainforests and opened them up to countless explorers and settlers. Even as recently as the early days of Mick and Lucy farming at Chaa Creek, the Macal River was the primary route in and out of San Ignacio. Today, it’s the source of adventure and delight for the countless Chaa Creek visitors who enjoy tubing and canoeing down the river into San Ignacio Town. So when Chaa Creek’s naturalist Brion Young rallied staff to join him in an ambitious clean up project, the response was, to say the least, enthusiastic.

International Sources

U.S. charges New York fund manager with Belize airport scam
A New York investment manager was arrested on Wednesday and charged with fraudulently raising about $21.9 million that he told his investors would be used to build an international airport in Belize, the U.S. Department of Justice said. Brent Borland, a principal at Borland Capital Group, was accused of having promised double-digit rates of return on investments related to temporary “bridge” financing for the airport in Placencia, roughly 110 miles (177 km) south of Belize City, and secured by real property in Belize. Instead, authorities said all investors in Borland’s Belize Infrastructure Fund lost money, while the 48-year-old resident of Sag Harbor, New York and Delray Beach, Florida diverted close to $6 million to fund a lavish lifestyle for his family.

Kampf gegen Müllberge: Belize verbietet Plastik
Immer mehr Urlauber produzieren immer mehr Abfall – beliebte Reiseziele kämpfen gegen die Vermüllung von Orten, Meeren und Stränden. Die beliebte Baleareninsel Mallorca hat dem Pastik den Kampf angesagt und ein Gesetz auf den Weg gebracht, dass die Wegwerfprodukte verbieten soll. In Kenia ist seit August 2017 die Herstellung und Einfuhr von Plastiktüten verboten, bei Nichtbeachtung drohen Strafen. Großbritannien will Plastik-Strohhalme, Wattestäbchen und andere Wegwerfprodukte ab 2019 verbieten.

U.S. Charges Brent Borland With $21 Million Investment Fraud
The founder of a New York-based investment firm was charged with defrauding investors and using their money to fund a lavish lifestyle, including payments for a Florida mansion, multiple luxury cars and private school tuition. Borland Capital Group LLC founder Brent Borland, 48, of Sag Harbor, was charged in a complaint unsealed in Manhattan federal court Wednesday with cheating investors who contributed more than $21 million for the construction of a Belize airport by falsely promising a high rate of return secured by property owned by the firm.

How Britain's Colonial Legacy Still Influences LGBTQ Rights in the World
Of the 72 countries that still criminalise gay sex today, at least 38 were once subject to British colonialism. At the recent Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in London, British Prime Minister Theresa May urged Commonwealth nations to reform existing anti-gay legislation held over from British colonial rule. And while stopping short of a formal apology, she used her speech to explicitly acknowledge Britian’s responsibility: “As the United Kingdom’s Prime Minister, I deeply regret both the fact that such laws were introduced and the legacy of discrimination, violence and death that persists today.” As we show in our newly published book, British Colonialism and the Criminalisation of Homosexuality, many laws that make homosexuality a crime today were imposed during rule by the British Empire.

Videos

May 16, 2018

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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

Over 900 Lionfish caught for Hol Chan Reef Week Tournament
As part of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve Reef Week 2018 a Lionfish Tournament was hosted at Estel’s Dine by the Sea on Friday, May 11th. The tournament is meant to raise awareness of the invasive species that poses a major threat to marine life. Teams competing for the grand prize were French Angel, Amigos Del Mar Dive Shop, The Dive Bar, Team Bradley, Ramon’s Village, and Sea Star Belize. Around 7AM, boats headed out to sea fully equipped to catch as many lionfish as they could and hoping to claim one of the fabulous tournament prizes. After approximately eight hours at sea, teams began returning with their ice boxes full of lionfish, ready to weigh and count. A large crowd gathered at the scale to view the huge amounts of fish caught. Out of the total 901 lionfish caught, the smallest was only five centimeters and the largest 40 centimeters.

Ambergris Caye Fishing Guide Association holds first meeting of the year
The Ambergris Caye Fishing Guide Association (ACFGA) held its first 2018 meeting at the Lions Den in San Pedro Town on Thursday, May 10th. In attendance were various fishermen and stakeholders who had a variety of topics to discuss and follow up with. After ACFGA President Enrique Marin, welcomed everyone, Hol Chan Marine Reserve manager Miguel Alamilla spoke to the gathering about a new project his organization has started. “We have started to create artificial reefs at the back of the island to expand areas for fly fishermen,” said Alamilla. He asked ACFGA members to check out the project and provide feedback to Hol Chan so that they can improve, re-design or re-evaluate. ACFGA secretary Giovanni Marin spoke next, sharing with those gathered that the Belize Tourism Board has approved their petition of extending the size requirements on ‘lanchon’ boats – primarily used for fly-fishing – to 26 feet and under, as the majority of the fishermen’s boats are currently built to that length. BTB also approved their request to increase the number of boat passengers to six, with one guide, and no helper required. Secretary Marin also revealed the association’s new website www.ambergriscayefishingguideassociation.com.

Ambergris Today

It’s A Wrap! – Successful Reef Week 2018 Comes To An End!
Hol Chan Marine Reserve’s Reef Week 2018 came to a successful end with two major events, the Lionfish Competition and Coastal Clean Up. Hol Chan Marine Reserve’s Lionfish Tournament was hosted at Estel's Dine by the Sea on Friday, May 11, 2018, where participating businesses headed out to sea from early morning to catch as much fish as possible. The count took place at the end of the day on the beach at Estel's with fun activities that included a Lionfish filleting competition. The Lionfish Tournament and fillet competition results are as follows:

San Pedro Election Results Dispute Goes To Court
It is the first of its kind in Belize, Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin yesterday, Monday, May 14, 2018, heard the claim brought by Andre Perez against San Pedro Town Mayor Daniel Guerrero. Perez has contested the March 7 municipal elections results for the PUP claiming that there is a discrepancy with regards to the results of San Pedro Town. While deliberations ensued in court, a small protest took place in front of the Supreme Court building. Daniel Guerrero won out Andre Perez the elections by only 38 votes and immediately after the People’s United Party (PUP) contested the results by alleging multiple irregularities in the handling and reconciling go the ballots.

Notice To All Justices Of The Peace
The Attorney General’s Ministry informs that all Justices of the Peace, including Senior Justices of the Peace, must contact the Ministry to verify their JP status before July 31, 2018. This exercise is being carried out in preparation for the upcoming re-registration process by the Elections and Boundaries Department.

Misc Belizean Sources

Hands Across the Sand 2018
Join us at this international event this Saturday to send a message to the world. Let's stand together and Let's Say NO to dirty fuels and YES to clean energy.

Replay Match: Premiere League of Belize 2017-2018 Closing Season. Verdes FC vs BDF FC (Replay Match)
Game has moved to Wednesday, May 16th, 2018.

Become a Friend of Ya’axché
When you become a Friend of Ya’axché, your contribution will support the conservation and management of a 700,000-acre mosaic landscape of protected areas and private and community lands. You will:

Upcoming Rotary clinics around Belize!

Chocolate festival coming up
Excited to announce the last of the Three Kings, Mr Florencio Mes, will be performing at the Grand Finale at Nim Li Punit on Sunday 20th May! Thanks to NICH for supporting this event!

The 2018 Turtle nesting season has begun!
To those enjoying the northern beaches Punta Azul, Basil Jones, Robles, please remember that for the next 6 months you will be sharing the space with sea turtles who are laying eggs so be careful not to drive over the nest, take your garbage home with you to dispose of properly, and do not tamper with marked nests. The turtles will thank you.

Expected Changes in Domestic Fuel Prices Due to Increase in World Oil Prices
The Ministry of Finance advises that with effect from midnight on May 16, 2018, there will be adjustments in the pump prices of fuel products as follows: Belize City Prices: Premium Gasoline - $11.36 per gallon – down by 3 cents. Regular Gasoline - $11.14 per gallon – up by 10 cents. Diesel Oil - $10.60 per gallon – up by 11 cents. Kerosene - $7.75 per gallon – down by 12 cents.

Caye Caulker Dental clinic today
Another successful day 2 of Health Week, thank you BCVI for another day of eye clinic and thank you Dr. D for the package. Today at 9:00 a.m. at Allan Chan's conference room dental clinic, no appointment required come in and patiently wait your turn.

DFC Loan Inquiry Form
DFC - Helping farmers since 1963. Agriculture - Business - Homes - Education. How can we help you?

2018 Cacao Festivities - BTB Kiosks

Museum of Belize and Houses of Culture Celebrate International Museum Day on Friday, May 18th
This year’s International Museum Day will be celebrated on Friday, May 18th 2018, under the theme “Hyperconnected museums: New approaches, New Publics”. The objective of International Museum Day is to raise awareness of Museums as important methods of cultural exchange, enrichment of cultures and development of mutual understanding, cooperation and peace among peoples. The Museum of Belize will be granting free access for Belizeans to the Museum of Belize, gifting the public a complimentary viewing of the Slavery, Maya and Insect displays. The Museum of Belize will also be sending their cutest and most loved representative “Beulah” to the various events being supported by the Houses of Culture to show support.

TS'UNU'UN MAYA LEGEND
The hummingbird is one of the most fascinating birds: beautiful, light and with the ability to move subtle as a feather. But ... do you know his story? The Maya have a beautiful legend about the hummingbird or hummingbird. For them, their feathers were magical. The hummingbird was a bird with a very special purpose ... do you want to know which one? The wisest Maya say that the Gods created all things on Earth and in doing so, each animal, each tree and each stone was commissioned a job. But when they were finished, they noticed that there was no one in charge of taking their wishes and thoughts from one place to another. As they no longer had mud or corn to make another animal, they took a jade stone and with it carved a very small arrow. When it was ready, they blew on it and the little arrow went flying. It was no longer a simple arrow, now it had life, the gods had created the x ts'unu'un, that is, the hummingbird.

Channel 7

8 Shots Fired At Belmopan Mayor’s House
There was a shooting in Belmopan last night but it wasn't just any random shooting, the Mayor - Khalid Belisle's house was the target. Last night around 10:30, Belisle was awakened by the sound of gun blasts. When he checked his house this morning he saw the bullet holes and piercings in the walls and his fiancé's car. It is a bold and brazen move and it is even more shocking because it happened in the Garden City to a soft-spoken politician, who is far from being abrasive. Courtney Weatherburne went to Belmopan to try and find some answers. Mayor Khalid Belisle has been living in this Valencia Street house for 3 years. He and his fiancée has made it their home and they enjoy the peace and quiet in the area. But that calm was ruptured last night after someone shot up his house.

Danny Mason Will Stand Trial For Kidnapping
Last year, accused murderer William Danny Mason was committed to the Supreme Court to stand trial along with his co-accused for the beheading murder of Pastor Llewelyn Lucas. Today, he got more bad news when Senior Magistrate Merlene Moody ruled that he will stand trial for the charge of kidnapping. This kidnapping was alleged to have occurred weeks before Belmopan police found Pastor Lucas' decapitated head in the back of Mason's vehicle. Mennonite Lloyd Friesen reported to police that he got into a business arrangement with Mason, where Mason would import three hundred thousand dollars' worth of corn through Argentina. Friesen told police that he fronted the money, but the shipment never materialized. He then demanded that Mason return his money, and kept pressing for it.

SSB Demands Payment From Citco
Weeks ago, the new Belize City Mayor Bernard Wagner reported that his predecessor hadn't been remitting Social Security payments to the SSB since August of 2017, right up to the election. Former mayor Darrell Bradley flatly denied it - as did his now terminated city administrator, Candice Miller. Here's how she responded to the allegation last week: Jules Vasquez, reporter: "The suggestion is that, which is illegal, that the council withheld the taxes and social security from August 2017 and didn't pass it on to central government and social security."

City Hall Refused To Re-Instate Terminated Union Employees
But we did get word from the council on a meeting with the Christian Workers Union - which represents two of the 6 workers who were fired last week. The release says, quote "Today, the Belize City Council met with the Christian Workers Union Executive and their employees' representative. Both sides conveyed their concerns. However, the council remained resolute that there will not be any reinstatement of the employees that were let go and the council does wish them the best." End quote.

Dr. Alain Wins Re-Instatement At KHMH
And while city hall isn't re-instating, at the KHMH a doctor who was fired didn't need a labour union - he just needed a good attorney. One month ago we told you about Dr. Alain Gonzalez, the former two term UDP City Councillor who was abruptly fired from the KHMH - after 10 years and one month of service. And not only was he fired without a chance to defend himself, he was escorted out of the hospital by security. But, Gonzalez didn't blow them up with a scathing interview or Facebook post - he got a lawyer, filed an appeal with the board of directors and bided his time. And it paid off, because he has been re-instated. 7news has confirmed that Gonzalez is back at work and transferred form the emergency room to the surgical ward.

Gas Going Up, But Not Yet Gone
US President Donald Trump's pullout from the Iran nuclear deal is driving up oil prices worldwide, and you can expect the same with Belize's already sky high fuel prices. But the news isn't all bad - not yet, at least. Effective tomorrow May 16th at midnight, Premium Gasoline which is now $11.36 per gallon in the city will actually go down by 3 cents, Regular Gasoline will go up by 10 cents, and you will be paying 11 cents more per gallon for Diesel, while Kerosene will go down by 12 cents.

Patt Manslaughter Suspects Charged
Today, the three men accused of causing the death of Demetrio Patt were taken back to the Orange Walk Magistrate's Court where their charges were upgraded to manslaughter. After a night in the detention cell, Carlos Westby, Deltran Perez, and Leodigario Chan were marched to Orange Walk Magistrate's Court this morning in handcuffs. They had already been charged for wounding and dangerous harm - and now they are charged with manslaughter.

Your Cable Bill Is Going Up
For weeks we've been warning you that there's going to be changes with your cable television service. And it looks like it's here: fewer channels for more money - and it takes effect within 15 days. 7News has received a press release from the Belize Cable Television Operators Association which says that they propose to offer a basic package of 80 channels or $60.00 dollars. That's up 33% from what most people currently pay: $45.00 for over two hundred channels. And those two hundred channels presently include HBO, STARZ, SHOWTIME - and all those - which are called premium channels. Well, not anymore. As we understand it - those are not included in this basic package. For those channels you'd have to upgrade to a premium package for more money. The details on that haven't been released.

Why The BDF Sent Soldiers To Erect A Fence
Last night on the news, you saw the fence that the BDF is building out at the Benque Viejo border - and heard about the slight disturbance it created with Guatemalan Taxi drivers crying foul. Today we asked the BDF Commander why they chose to send the BDF to build a fence at the border and what was the message sent by that. He said it was a practical decision: Jules Vasquez, reporter: "Usually if you want to put up a fence or cordoned off an area, you hire a contractor and it's just a civil process. Why did you all choose to send in the military in the form of a light engineering company?"

BDF Increasing Patrol Presence In Chiquibul
The BDF plans to pull out of the area when the fence is finished. But while they won't stay at that border the army is increasing its presence along the western border in the Chiquibul Forest. Last week, the Friends For Conservation and Development reported that since the April 15th referendum in Guatemala, many of the campesinos in the border communities adjoining the Chiquibul were misled into believing that the "yes" meant, "yes" they now own Belize. The BDF has had to respond by increasing patrols along the wide frontier before Guatemalan farmers put down roots in Belize:

The San Pedro Election, Which Way Will The Court Decide?
Last night, we took you to the Supreme Court for the PUP's petition against the San Pedro Election results of March 7. You'll remember that the election ended with UDP's Mayor Daniel Guerrero and the UDP 7 being declared as winners. The PUP wants the Chief Justice to set aside those election results, and order a new election for the island town. That hearing lasted the entire day yesterday, and it ended only a few minutes before the start of news. So, to properly summarize why it is that the PUP feels that the Elections and Boundaries Commission mishandled that process, Daniel Ortiz recounts the most important elements. Here's his story:

Interesting Ammunition Situation In A San Pedro Room
As we told you last night, San Pedro police made an interesting bust yesterday morning. They searched 18 year old John Hernandez - and it led them to his hotel room at the Central Hotel. Police searched the room and found seven 9 millimeter rounds of ammunition. They also learned that 21-year-old Tracey Betancourt is the one who had rented the room. Police arrested and charged both Hernandez and Betancourt with Kept Ammunition without a Gun License. Betancourt is known as the girlfriend of the recently murdered Paul Jex.

Is BDF Befriending Guatemala’s Ally?
So with all this chuminess between Israel and Guatemala - what's a BDF Captain doing in Mexico - along with the police and Coast Guard at a cyber security conference? That's what we asked the BDF commander today:.. Jules Vasquez, reporter: "The President of Guatemala is in Israel today for the opening of their embassy. The Guatemalans are big supporter of Israel, but I saw that a BDF Captain Usher, was in Mexico recently at an Israeli cyber security conference. Is that something that the BDF is looking at knowing that the Israeli and the Guatemalans are very close allies?"

Filipino/Belizean Found Dead At Sea
Yesterday morning the body of 73-year-old Placencia village resident Juan Caducio was found floating in the Sea near Harvest Caye. According to authorities, Caducio left to go fishing on Sunday in his fiberglass skiff but never returned. Reports say Caducio was a Filipino who had been in Belize for over 20 years and was into real estate. He is believed to have fallen off his boat while fishing and foul play is not suspected.

Work Resumes, Slowly On Multi Purpose Building
Last night we told you about the woes at the multi-purpose building on Lake I Boulevard. The 4.46 million dollar project is two years behind schedule - and the contractor has chronic problems paying suppliers and employees. That's why when we went there yesterday, the 25 man work crew had basically gone on strike because they weren't paid on Friday - and neither were they paid yesterday. But today when we went there we saw some activity - though the work crew still hadn't returned. The supervisor told us more - and did his best to put a happy spin on a less than ideal situation:..

Reward For Stolen Explorer
On Friday night, someone stole businessman Dean Fuller's 2012 Ford Explorer. He told police he parked it across from the Old Chateau Caribbean. When Fuller returned to the spot, the SUV was gone. Inside his stolen vehicle was a Samsung Galaxy S7 cell phone and a black Dell Laptop. The vehicle has comprehensive insurance. Fuller is offering a reward of $3,000 to anyone that is able to locate the vehicle. The police investigation continues.

The Urological Solution
We've reported extensively on the One Struggle the group that brings together those affected by gun violence. The group has done a lot of work with not only direct victims of violence but also with family members of the deceased, and today we found they are doing more. They are seeking free medical treatment for victims of gun violence. Urologists from the United States will be here on Sunday in Corozal and Dangriga. Since urological complications often follow gunshot injuries, The One Struggle group is offering free transportation to people who would also like to be examined.

Festival Of The Arts Starts
The Festival of Arts is an annual event where primary and high school kids showcase their many talents. Today was day one of this year's festival and the kids took to the stage at Birds Isle with a great deal of excitement. We stopped by to find out more about the festival and what this year has to offer. Darlene Lozano, Education Officer: "The festival of art highlights the expressive arts program in schools. This year we are doing it over three days. The 15th, 16th, and 17th. The 15th and 16th are for primary schools and the 17th is for secondary schools." "We have performances in drama, music, and dance. This morning we had 22 items from six different primary schools."

Come To Cacao Fest
This weekend Belizeans and tourists have the chance to visit chocolate heaven at the tenth annual Cacao fest in Punta Gorda. The fest is an eagerly anticipated event because of the rich diversity of chocolate and cultural offerings. We found out more about what the weekend has to offer from one of the event organizers Dennis Garbutt - who we spoke to via phone. If you would like to buy tickets for the event you can do so at the BTIA office in PG.

Channel 5

Belmopan Mayor’s Rude Awakening: House “Shot Up” in the Dead of Night
Belmopan’s Mayor Khalid Belisle was awoken on Monday night to the sound of gun blasts. Located on Cohune Walk in the capital, there were at least four bullet holes on [...]

Mayor Beefs Up Security; Police Not On Call
Monday night’s shooting in Cohune Walk happened less than a hundred feet away from a police booth at the entrance of the community.  That checkpoint, according to Mayor Belisle, has [...]

2 Seek Bail on 4-Year-Old Murder Charge
There has been a recent trend of accused murderers seeking bail while on remand for their charges. It is a symptom of the heavy backlog in cases at the Supreme [...]

CitCo Says No to Rehiring Fired Employees
The Belize City Council says it is not interested in taking back any of the six employees fired a week ago. A meeting took place today with the executive of [...]

Gov’t Warns of Oil Situation; Regular and Diesel Hiked
Barely two weeks after the last change, there are further changes to report tonight in relation to fuel prices, which take effect at midnight on Wednesday. Premium gasoline moves down [...]

Will C.E.O.’s Blunder Lead to New Election in San Pedro Town?
It was one of those rare court cases that didn’t wrap up when the courts normally close at five o’clock. But that’s not even the most unusual thing about the [...]

Separate Gun, Drug Busts on the Island
At around midday today, San Pedro police conducted a search at the residence of thirty-seven-year-old Brionne Deston Swift, a fisherman of the DFC area.  The joint operation led to the [...]

City Man Fined for Drug Sale to Undercover Cop
A Belize City man was caught red-handed supplying drugs to an undercover police officer and took the rap for it today. Emmerson Neal of Aloe Vera Street admitted a charge [...]

“Danny” Mason et al Face Kidnapping Trial
An apparently shocked William “Danny” Mason was told this morning he would face yet another Supreme Court trial.  Back in February of 2017, Mason and his co-accused were similarly committed [...]

2 Charged in Aggravated Assault of Friend
Two men are charged in connection with the aggravated assault by firearm of twenty-one-year-old Joshua Augustine on May fifth, 2018.  Eighteen-year-old Phozhaun Lewis was charged last week and today it [...]

Said Musa Speaks Up for Palestinian People
Former Prime Minister Said Musa, in a statement, has called on the Government of Belize to join in condemnation of Israel for using excessive and deadly force to respond to [...]

San Pedranos Meet on Cayo Rosario Development
San Pedranos are up in arms about a proposed development within the Hol Chan Marine Reserve.  A small caye called Cayo Rosario was sold off to a private developer and [...]

69 Murders for 2018; What’s Driving Killings?
There have been an alarming number of homicides countrywide for the first five months of this year and counting. More than sixty-five are recorded which means that so far, there [...]

Fisherman’s Body Found Off Harvest Caye
A postmortem examination is pending following further investigation into a body found on Monday morning off the Placencia peninsula. Reports are that the remains of a man, who has since [...]

Checking on the Fish You Eat
Over the past few months, the Wildlife Conservation (WCS) has been rolling out a mobile app used to determine local fish consumption. The app, which is compatible with android phones, [...]

Tests to Determine What’s Killing Fish in O.W., Ambergris
One week ago, we reported on the apparent pollution of the New River in the area of Orange Walk Town as well as villages to the north and east, including [...]

Nazarene Kids Tell Truth on Teen Issues at Expo
The school year is fast winding down and while most students are already looking forward to summer camp, visits abroad or just generally hanging out, there’s still lots to learn. [...]

Belize District Festival of Arts Underway
Day one of the 2018 Festival of Arts for the Belize District got underway at the Bird’s Isle in Belize City. Over one hundred items from twenty-five primary schools and [...]

LOVE FM

Chief Justice reserves decision for first ever Election Petition
Yesterday Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin heard a case challenging the outcome of the March 7 elections in San Pedro Town. The People’s United Party is challenging the elections results of San Pedro Town because they believe that there were enough discrepancies that affected the results. The UDP’s Mayor Daniel Guerrero and his council defeated the …

Belmopan Mayor targeted; police search for motive
Is Belmopan Mayor Khalid Belisle being targeted? This is what Belmopan Police are investigating after someone fired several shots at the Mayor’s home in that municipality. It happened around ten thirty last night, and while the Mayor heard what he described as four loud bangs, he did not realize his house had been shot at …

Education Minister says Proposal 22 has already been discussed
A meeting between Minister of Education Patrick Faber and the Belize National Teacher’s Union (BNTU) is pending. The meeting was requested by the BNTU and last week Minister Faber confirmed that he would grant the union the meeting. The BNTU requested the meeting to discuss matters concerning the collective bargaining agreement, which it says has …

Fire-fighters respond to three fires over the weekend
Fire fighters were kept busy this past weekend with three structural fires. Three houses, two in Ladyville and one in the Eight Miles Community, caught fire. The first happened on Friday. Fire fighters were called out to Manta Ray Boulevard in Ladyville Village where they saw a fire consuming a wooden house. Station Manager at …

CDB and GOB partner up for capacity building programme
The second phase of a capacity building programme was launched yesterday by the Government and the Caribbean Development Bank. The programme aims to further strengthen the human resource capacity and competence of public officers at the technical, middle and senior management levels in the areas of Public Policy Analysis and Management and Project Cycle Management. …

Concern lingers at Belmopan City Hall following shooting
As mentioned earlier, the police are still working identifying a suspect and a motive for the shooting. Meanwhile, those close to the Mayor are left wondering why this has happened. His colleague Ralston Frazer, the City Administrator, says he does not have any idea why Mayor Belisle would be targeted. He added that while no …

UNDP’s Belize River Watershed Project
Today, the United Nation Development Programme (UNDP) launched the project preparation phase of a multi-sectoral project at the Radisson Fort George Hotel. Love News was there and spoke with Diane Wade-Moore, Programme Analysis at UNDP, who said the project addresses bio-diversity management, sustainable land management, integrated water resource management and forest management within the Belize …

Anglican Diocese to celebrate 50th Diocesan Synod
The Anglican Diocese will be celebrating its fiftieth Diocesan Synod under the theme “Intentional Discipleship –It is What We Are About”. Love News spoke with Bishop Philip Wright of the Anglican Diocese of Belize about the event. Bishop Wright went on to speak about some initiatives which have been birthed from past Diocesan Synods. Bishop …

Churches joins Belmopan Police Formation in recognizing outstanding police officers
Police officers at the Belmopan Police Formation were recognized for their outstanding work today. The formation leaders also recognized women police officers who are mothers in celebration of Mother’s Day. The event was held at the My Refuge Christian Ministries which, in collaboration of Word at Work, sponsored a luncheon for officers awarded. Director of …

Belmopan Mayor maintains trust in his community
The incident has shaken the residents in the Cohune Walk Area, an area in Belmopan that is not known for crime and violence. Mayor Belisle says that, in fact, crimes are usually isolated around the city. He adds that despite the severity of the incident, he continues to trust his community and believes that Belmopan …

SSB threatens legal action against Belize City Council over monies owed
The Social Security Board is threatening to take legal action against the Belize City Council for unpaid Social Security deductions. A letter, dated May 15, sent to the council, reminds the council of an outstanding balance of m …

School managements will not dock teachers’ salaries
The Belize Association of General Managers for Pre and Primary Schools says that it will not dock its teachers’ salaries. The decision was relayed via a press statement issued yesterday. The association disputes statements made by BNTU’s President Senator Elena Smith last week …

JP’s have until the end of July to verify their status
The Attorney General’s Office is giving all Justices of the Peace until the end of July to verify their JP status. According to the Ministry, the exercise is being carried out in preparation for the upcoming re-registration process by the Elections and Boundaries Department …

Pain at the Pump
Fuel prices will go up once again. According to the Ministry of Finance, the new prices will come into effect at midnight. The new price of premium will be eleven dollars and thirty-six cents, a decrease of three cents, regular gasoline went up by ten cents with the new price being eleven dollars and fourteen cents …

Amandala

In court, irregularities in San Pedro elections exposed
The March 7 national municipal elections have come and gone, and all the elected municipal bodies are functioning, except for the United Democratic Party (UDP) Town Council in San Pedro, which is facing a legal challenge in an election petition about its legitimacy. In the election, the UDP mayoral candidate Daniel Guerrero won with 2,667 votes while the PUP mayoral candidate Abner Perez received 2,629 votes. This morning, a group of PUP supporters from San Pedro gathered in Battlefield Park, in front of the Supreme Court buildings on Regent Street, clutching their signs of protest as their party’s election petition got underway in the biggest courtroom in the country, which was packed to capacity, with standing room only.

San Pedro businessman, Lamont Lipka, 49, murdered
Lamont Lipka, 49, an American businessman and owner of Tropicana Restaurant, died after he was shot multiple times by a gunman in his restaurant. Information to us is that Lipka was standing behind the counter of his restaurant at about 9:30 last night, near the cash register, with his back turned towards the side door. An unknown gunman entered through the side door and fired multiple shots, five of which struck Lipka. The killer then ran out, behind the restaurant and onto Coconut Drive, and escaped.

Richard Hyde, 36, arraigned for the murder of Miguel Monje, 23
Miguel Monje, 23, a bartender and a father of two children, lost his life after being stabbed in his armpit by a chain snatcher. Information to us is that the incident occurred as the Cabaña Night Club was about to close at about 3:00 Friday morning. The patrons in the club were already going outside, when one of the men snatched a chain from the neck of a woman. The woman began shouting for help and Monje and his friend, Dennis Monterrosa, intervened. They saw the thief, who was running away, and they pursued him and caught him on Sultana Street, not far from the club.

6-year-old escaped death in “dalla-van”
Lamar Orellana, 6, was almost killed when a 16-year-old minor fired at a rival gang member on Central American Boulevard, who was running away from him. The minor fired about 10 shots at the rival gang member, one of which hit the rear window of a “dalla-van” that had stopped in front of Gadgets store, at the corner of Vernon Street and Central American Boulevard. Orellana and his mother were in the back seat of the van, which was headed towards Cemetery Road at about 9:30 Saturday morning.

House destroyed by fire due to old, malfunctioning fire-fighting equipment
At around 7:37 a.m., the Fire Department was alerted to a fire at 7007 Iguana Street. Upon arrival at the scene of the fire, they discovered that the upper flat of a two-storey wooden structure was engulfed in flames. According to Benisford Matura, Deputy Fire Chief, the firefighters immediately began to extinguish the fire using one of the two units that they had brought. After they had gotten the fire under control, they decided to use the other unit. However, Matura said, they began having mechanical difficulties with the second unit.

Sunshine’s claim has no merit, finds Justice Courtenay Abel
The Government of Belize has been litigating with the Ashcroft alliance since 2009, when it passed a legislation to re-acquire Belize Telemedia Limited in a second nationalization that saw six years of legal wrangling, costing taxpayers millions of dollars. This lasted until September 2015, when Prime Minister Dean Barrow announced that he was leaving the country for “medical reasons” and returned with his now controversial BTL Settlement Deed. However, the BTL Settlement Deed was not the last move. Prime Minister Barrow’s law partner, attorney Rodwell Williams, SC, brought a claim from Sunshine Holdings Limited, a government-controlled company, against Dean Boyce and the BTL Employees Trust. The claim involves 114 million dollars that was paid out of the BTL Settlement Deed.

Verdes vs BDF re-play on Wednesday at Norman Broaster
As we were about to go to press last Thursday night, word was received that the Football Federation of Belize (FFB) Appeals Board had ruled in favor of BDF FC, overturning the previous decision of the Premier League of Belize (PLB) Disciplinary Committee which had turned down their protest of the April 29 semifinal game 2 against Verdes FC, that Verdes had won, 3-nil. BDF had protested the game on the grounds that the referee failed to allow a re-take of their scored penalty kick, after he had ruled an infringement by a BDF player. The Disciplinary Committee hearing had been followed by sanctions for both the referee and linesman involved in the incident; but it had also ruled that the game result stands...

Mr. T. Birthday Race this Sunday in ‘Griga
In conjunction with the Third Annual Dangriga Day this weekend, the Dangriga Amateur Cycling Association, in collaboration with the Dangriga Town Council, will be hosting the 8th Annual Mr. T. Birthday Classic this Sunday, May 20, starting at 10:00 a.m. This race is an Open race for Juniors and amateur riders from across the country – NO ELITES. The race will start (and finish) from in front of the Dangriga Police Station on Commerce Street, and head on to the Southern Highway, into Hopkins Village, make a U-turn from in front of the Hopkins Police Station, and head back to the finish.

National Women’s League Week 5 scores; 1 more week to playoffs
The Football Federation of Belize (FFB) National Amateur Women’s League (NAWL) 2018 completed Week 5 of its Group Phase over the weekend. Aýfter Week 6, the top 2 teams from each group will go on to the home-and-away semifinals. In the only NAWL game on Saturday, undefeated Jewel Fury of Belmopan had to come from behind to secure a 2-2 draw with visiting Toledo Rumberas at the Isidoro Beaton Stadium. After a scoreless first half, Ashley Rodriguez struck twice (64’ & 67’) to give Rumberas the 2-nil lead; but Suswani Martinez came up with 2 big goals (77’ & 90+’) to equalize for Jewel Fury, who maintain their lead in the standings.

C-Ray High School Cycling Week 2 results and standings
Here are the results from Day Two (Thursday, May 10) of the C-Ray Cycling Club High School Cycling Series 2018, as well as the overall standings. (Legend: Wesley College – WES; Maude Williams High – MWH; St. Catherine Academy – SCA; Sadie Vernon Technical – SVT; Gwen Lizarraga High – GLH; St. John’s College – SJC; Excelsior High – EXH; Canaan Seventh Day Adventist – CSDA; Edward P. Yorke High – EPY; Institute of Technical Vocational Education & Training – ITVET)

From here to April 10, 2019
We listened to an interesting conversation last Friday morning on PLUS TV between a Belizean lady Ph.D. who is an intense proponent of our going to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for arbitration on the Guatemalan claim, and the host of the show, Pastor Louis Wade, who is also highly educated but is a strong opponent of ICJ arbitration. Pastor Wade is a man with some strange beliefs. For example, he believes that the abandoned planes being found in Belize are directly related to Belize’s decriminalization of 10 grams of marijuana where individual possession is concerned. But, Pastor Wade is a pleasant man whom we have never heard lose his temper. The lady Ph.D. is an impatient individual who can’t see why any Belizean would not want to go to the ICJ “to get the Guatemalan monkey off our backs.” She is 100 percent positive that the ICJ will rule in Belize’s favor. Pastor Wade’s position is that Belize is simply risking too much – half of our territory – in the hope of a favorable ruling.

From The Publisher
Kremandala reached a peak of power twenty five years ago when the Kremandala Raiders became champions of semi-pro basketball in Belize. I think that some very big people at that point decided that we were getting too big for our britches on Partridge Street. The Raiders represented a supreme management and business effort on Kremandala’s part. It was an investment in youth, and in basketball as an urban entertainment industry which, in my opinion, could not possibly fail. On the eve of my birthday two weeks ago, I dreamed of a “little man,” a proud black man by the name of Richmond Fitzgibbon, from Victoria Street. I saw him very clearly in my dream, and after I woke I thought of a tall man they called Farouk, who used to work at the old slaughterhouse. I thought of Farouk along with Mr. Fitzgibbon, because to me these two represented black Belizeans who had believed in me in the early days almost a half century ago.

Burgos must rent upstairs apartments
Immediately I heard that the Belize City Council was going to address the silting eyesore at Yaabra Bridge, I thought they were being presented with an opportunity. I thought that while it was silted (and we were in dry weather), was the most cost effective time for them to put in a gate. Before I go on, let me say this. I will never offer an opinion to an engineer about the design of a bridge over a river. But I will question an engineer about the siting of the bridge. I will never offer an opinion about the construction of a two-storey, and up, building. But I will respect my two cents about where they are putting it. It is incredible that they cemented the sides of the main canals, East/West and Collet Canal, in Belize City (BC). I believe the bottoms of the canals were cemented too. When we buy materials our country doesn’t make, for examples cement and steel, we absolutely have to put them to best use. It wasn’t necessary in the canals.

MUSLIMS CELEBRATE RAMADAN
Muslims will begin the one-month fast of Ramadan this year on Wednesday, May 16, 2018. The twenty-nine or thirty days of fasting is one of the central tenets of the religion of Islam, which is adhered to by over two billion people worldwide. The end of this years’ fast is expected to be on June 14 or 15, 2018. Ramadan is the ninth of 12 lunar months observed in Islam. It is a time of fasting and worship prescribed by Almighty God in the final revelation to Prophet Muhammad, (peace be upon him), known as the Holy Qur’an. In it God says: “O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you that you may attain God-consciousness.”

BELIZEAN STANISLAUS
To make reform an achievable goal, those who have political power should be the prime agents of change or at least not be obstructionists. Without their approval reformers could find themselves leading a not so peaceful revolution, which may God spare us from, often results in the most barbaric expressions of human nature. Therefore, it will be most salutary if those with power allow themselves to be disciplined to accept useful and necessary curtailment of it. What we need, really, is peaceful, constructive change. Those who support the status quo may object asking: what is wrong? Everything is going fine! Look at the improvements in infrastructure! Let’s leave good enough alone!

Three weed busts over the weekend
Three drug busts reportedly occurred over the weekend. The first occurred in the Orange Walk District, on Friday at around 5 p.m., when police conducted a search on Asuncion Street in an abandoned lot. This search resulted in the discovery of 21 live 9mm rounds of ammunition and 451 grams of cannabis. Since there was no one found in the area, the ammunition and drugs were labeled as found property. The second drug bust occurred in the San Pedrito area of San Pedro Town during a joint operation that was conducted on May 11 at around 4 a.m. During the operation, police searched an abandoned lot, where they discovered 79.5 grams of a hydro-type of cannabis, as well as four 9mm live rounds consisting of three GFL Luger brand ammo, and one Anguilla brand of ammunition.

Aquatic life found dead in Ambergris Caye, New River, and the Belize River
On May 8, Ambergris Today reported that dead fish had washed ashore near Sandy Toes Beach Bar and Grill on the island. Among the dead fish were sardines, needlenose fishes, and puffer fishes. Naturally, the residents of the island were concerned about this unusual occurrence, and wondered what could have been causing it. There was no obvious answer, but there was much speculation about possible causes, including a strong rip current, a low tide leaving the fish stranded out of the water, and Sargasso toxins poisoning the fishes.

Guatemalans jumpy at the Adjacency Zone over Belize construction work
Guatemalans got jumpy at the Adjacency Zone between Belize and Melchor on Sunday, when Belize Defence Force light engineers moved to clear the area of Guatemalan taxis so that they could discharge construction materials for a perimeter fence that Belizean authorities are planning to build to ease the flow of traffic and to make traversing the area more convenient, according to a news report aired on News5 earlier this evening. The CEO for the Ministry of National Security, Felix Enriquez, told News5 that for some time now there has been a general police presence in place to improve the way that things are managed at the border.

Sandhill fisherman charged with attempted murder
Jude Moody, 28, a fisherman of Mile 19, Philip Goldson Highway, Sandhill, was arraigned on three indictable offences when he appeared today before Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford. The charges were attempted murder, dangerous harm and use of deadly means of harm for a chopping incident that occurred around 11 p.m. on May 11 in Sandhill. The complainant, Ivan Hyde, 26, a construction worker of Sandhill, reported to the police that he went in front of the house of a friend and saw some men playing a card game. He said one of the men was Moody, and a misunderstanding ensued between him and Moody.

Breaking Belize News

House of Belmopan Mayor shot at
Reports to BBN is that around 10:30 on Monday night, the home of Belmopan Mayor Khalid Belisle was shot […]

No mercy! Gas going up again at midnight
The Ministry of Finance informed today that with effect from midnight on May 16, there will be adjustments in […]

Warm weather to continue
The National Meteorological Service of Belize is reporting that mostly sunny skies and warm weather will […]

Police issue report on man found floating in sea
Yesterday around 10:30 a.m., police visited Harvest Caye where a man’s body was found floating in […]

Health Ministry receives US $170,000 from Taiwan
Yesterday, an award ceremony was held by the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) […]

Registry clerks busted forging documents
Last week, two clerks from the Belize City Registry Department were busted for forging two certificates. […]

Minor charged for weekend shooting incident
Over the weekend, BBN reported of a shooting incident that resulted in the injury of a […]

Gas, electricity and now cable prices hiked
Cable providers are now issuing public notices to their customers informing of a coming increase in […]

Belize City Council says senior citizens’ tax discount remains uninterrupted
After the Belize City Council announced that it would be ending the 25 % discount on […]

Benque Viejo police seize 22 pounds of weed
Benque Viejo police seized over 22 pounds of marijuana yesterday from a bus parked at the […]

International Sources

Belize principal pledges to return to Penn Relays
After creating history by becoming the first country in Central and South America to compete in the illustrious Penn Relays in more than 80 years, the principal of the Belize high school that participated in last month’s relays carnival has pledged to be back. “We will definitely be back at the Penn Relays,” vowed Dr. Jeremy “Jackie” Cayetano, of the Stann Creek Ecumenical High School, in an exclusive Caribbean Life interview over the weekend. “Mr. Cordice has indicated that he will continue to support our team,” added Dr. Cayetano, referring to James Cordice, the Vincentian-born, Philadelphia-based architect behind Belize and St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ participation in the oldest and largest collegiate athletic meet in the United States.

Capacity building programmes launched by Government of Belize and Caribbean Development Bank
The government of Belize (GOB) entered in a collaboration with the Caribbean Development Bank to launch a series of capacity building programmes in Belmopan. The aim of the programme will be to strengthen public capacity and enhance the competence of public officers at different levels. Public Capital Investment Programmes as well as Growth and Sustainable Development Strategy launched by GOB, will get a fillip by the recent collaboration. Yvonne Hyde, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Economic Development and Petroleum said that the training imparted will serve to increase the ownership of the project cycle by concerned stakeholders.

Videos

May 15, 2018

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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

Boat rally against Cayo Rosario development held prior to public meeting
Many of the supporters at the rally were fly fishing tour guides who have traditionally used the area for many years. Over 25 boats anchored on the leeward side of Cayo Rosario, the sounds of the Belizean National Anthem filling the air as more boats arrived. Soon thereafter, the gathering began their rallying cry: ‘We do not agree! No over the water structures, respect Belize’s marine protected areas!” Handwritten billboards blasted similar messages: ‘Build on your island, not on the sea, leave something for future Belize and me!” Even a few children joined in the protest to protect their future, their colorful banners proclaiming, ‘My future is not for sale,’ and ‘I will be the voice that will change the world.’

Boat rally against Cayo Rosario development held prior to public meeting
Hoping to send a strong message against development on Cayo Rosario, a small island within the Hol Chan Marine Reserve Zone IV on the northwest coast of Ambergris Caye, a large crowd of island residents convened in front of the caye on Sunday, May 13th in a peaceful protest. Boats lined up at Cayo Rosario The event was spearheaded by active members of the island community who are opposing the tourism project that will include 40 over-the-water structures at the southern tip of Cayo Rosario. This part of the project is considered a threat to the future of some of the most important fishing flats around the island that supports the fly fishing industry. As such, a public meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday, May 15th, starting at 5:30PM inside the San Pedro Lions Den. The public is invited to come out and discuss the next step on this sensitive matter.

Business owner Lamont Lipka shot and killed in San Pedro
Police have launched an investigation into the murder of 49-year-old businessman Lamont “Monty” Edward Lipka, American national of Texas, U.S.A., who was shot and killed at his place of business, Tropicana Bar & Grill located on Coconut Drive south of San Pedro Town on Sunday, May 13th. Lipka was apparently shot six times, with injuries to the face, the right side of the neck and to the back of the neck. According to residents in the area, around 9:30PM they heard several gunshots, however by the time they came outside they found Lipka’s lifeless body inside of his restaurant. “I was inside my house when I heard the gunshots I quickly came outside. When we came outside we saw the employees and guests of the restaurant running outside,” said a resident of the area. “Until afterward we noticed the body of Lipka lying inside his restaurant.” The resident further stated that they have no clue as to who could have done this to Lipka as he was a very calm person.

Ambergris Today

Belize Brewing Company Partners With Heineken
Belize Brewing Company enters partnership with leading International Brewer - Belize Brewing Company Limited (BBCo) announced on Friday, May 11, 2018, that it has taken Heineken International B.V. (HEINKEN) as a minority stake partner. This is a strategic relationship which provides BBCo with a strong international partner (the second largest brewer in the world), access to global procurement, international best practices, and greater potential growth in the CARICOM and beyond. HEINEKEN, a publicly traded company, is first and foremost a brewer... A brewer in which the Heineken Family owns majority voting rights, which makes it a Family Company who shares similar corporate values as BBCo.

Shooting at Tropicana Restaurant Leaves Manager Dead
Another shooting in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize has left one man dead in what appears to be an execution-style homicide given the reports from the San Pedro Police. The incident took place around 9:30p.m. at Tropicana Restaurant and Bar located on Coconut Drive south of San Pedro Town. The restaurant manager Lamont Edward Lipka has been reported as victim of the crime. Initial investigation reveal that about 9:20p.m. Lamont Edward Lipka was standing inside the restaurant at the cash register with his back facing the side door when a dark brown complexion male person approached him and fired two shots. It is reported that Lamont fell to the floor at which time the male person then fired five more shot at his face and then ran unto Coconut Drive, escaping in a southern direction.

Misc Belizean Sources

Caye Caulker Meeting: Road Access to Properties South of Airstrip
Public Notice: Meeting. Topic: Road Access to Properties South of Airstrip. Where: CCVC. Date: Tuesday, May 22nd. Time: 6:30 PM.

Pedicures and Manicures!
The Ocean Academy Cosmetology students want to invite you to the OA campus Tuesday May 15th, 1:30-3:00pm for an amazing experience. $15 each, or $25 for a combo mani-pedi. The girls have been trained by Sharon Tillett of ITVET and this practical experience is part of their certification requirements. Thank you for your support!. Call 226-0321 or just show up 1:30-3:00 tomorrow.

BDF to Improve Security and Efficiency at the Benque/ Melchor Crossing
The Ministry of National Security hereby informs the public that starting today May 14th, the BDF Light Engineers will be undertaking a project to improve the security and efficiency at the Benque Viejo del Carmen / Melchor Border Crossing. The Light Engineers will be working in conjunction with the Border Management Agency to improve the fences and gates to ensure better control at that official crossing point.

Men at Work Art Exhibit in Corozal
Friday June 8th, 7pm Corozal House of Culture

San Pedro Election Protest
PUP supporters outside Belize City Courthouse as court hearing takes place between the San Pedro United Democratic Party (UDP) and the San Pedro Peoples United Party (PUP) at the Supreme Court.

BTB LOVE BELIZE SEA CHALLENGE 2018
From Punta Gorda to Corozal. 190 wearing miles and 5 grueling days kayak challenge. Kayak Lovers don’t forget to sign up for this amazing adventure that takes place May 17th-21st, 2018.

BEL Vacancy
A vacancy exists at Belize Electricity Limited for the post of Superintendent, System Expansion in the Planning & Engineering Department.

For the month of May, we are excited to feature Mr. Gabriel Pop as our Exceptional Belizean!
Gabriel Pop is a farmer and a friend to hundreds of cacao farmers across Southern Belize. We are proud to call Gabriel our 2016 Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative - YLAI participant! As the founding Executive Director of Na’Lu’um Cacao Institute, he works alongside his fellow Maya farmers, encouraging them to increase the production and quality of their organic cacao in harmony with the natural environment and empowering farmers to improve their livelihoods through meaningful market access. During his 12 years of work in the cacao industry, Gabriel has excelled as a leader and as a father of three boys.

Traditional Yucatec Maya Drink
A very delicious drink with white pumpkin based on Maya Como X To'op. U kaaba le ukuula' XEEK.. This drink is a mescla of rice, cinnamon, sugar and sugar sugar and a little milk to give you that unique touch. This picture is from nojoch mak faustino yam in his house in the corozal district.

Notice to all Justices of the Peace
The Attorney General’s Ministry informs that all Justices of the Peace, including Senior Justices of the Peace, must contact the Ministry to verify their JP status before July 31, 2018. This exercise is being carried out in preparation for the upcoming re-registration process by the Elections and Boundaries Department. All Justices of the Peace are required to provide some form of proof of their status. Kindly note that the JP certificate can be used as proof of status. Each person must also provide their contact information to the Ministry.

Government of Belize and Caribbean Development Bank Launch Capacity Building Programmes in Belize
The Government of Belize in collaboration with the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) launched a series of capacity building programmes today, May 14th, in Belmopan. The aim is to further strengthen the human resource capacity and competence of public officers at the technical, middle and senior management levels in the areas of Public Policy Analysis and Management and Project Cycle Management. The capacity building programmes are critical to the implementation of the Government’s Capital Investment Programmes (PSIP), monitoring and evaluation, and in particular the implementation of the Growth and Sustainable Development Strategy (GSDS).

Presentation of Credentials
Three ambassadors presented their Letters of Credence today, May 14th, to the Governor General of Belize H.E. Sir Colville Young at the Belize House in Belmopan. H.E. Dr. Franz Josef Kuglitsch, Ambassador of the Republic of Austria; H.E. Mrs. Zana Rudi, Ambassador of the Republic of Kosovo; and H.E. Mr. Leszek Bialy, Ambassador of the Republic of Poland; all presented their credentials to the Governor General. They each conveyed on behalf of their respective countries well wishes to the Government and people of Belize and their commitment to ensuring continued peaceful and prosperous diplomatic relations with Belize.

Belize Represented at 37th Session of ECLAC
Hon. Erwin Contreras, Minister for Economic Development, Petroleum, Investment, Trade and Commerce, represented Belize for the 37th Session of the Economic Commission of Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) from May 7th-11th, 2018 in Havana, Cuba. The group of countries at the meeting approved 18 resolutions focused on leaving no person behind in pursuit of the United Nations (UN) 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The group also reaffirmed a commitment to prioritize the needs of the Caribbean in the UN Framework.

Community Workers Day in San Pedro
Last week we had some visitors from the San Pedro R.C. School. It was community workers day and the students were all dressed as police officers, doctors, firefighters, nurses and even town council workers, to name a few. As part of their visit, they brought some goodies for each worker of the town council and they mentioned they were really grateful to our traffic wardens that conduct the school crossing patrol every morning and at lunch time. THANK YOU ALL FOR THE GOODIES AND FOR THE VISIT!

Hands Across the Sand this Saturday
Join us as we stand in solidarity and say YES to renewable energy. Sarteneja - Saturday, May 19th - 12:00 Noon - Parque Del Almendro. Corozal Town - Saturday May 19th - 12:00 Noon - Round House, Miami Beach.

Power outage scheduled for portion Cayo District from 6:00am to 2:00pm on Tuesday, May 15
Portion San Ignacio Town including Trench Town, 23rd Street, Trespuntas Road, Maya Vista Area, Rostow Lane, Collins Boulevard, Awe Street, Teodoso Ochoa Street, 6th Street, 9th Street, 11th Street, 18th Street, Santiago Juan Layout and all areas along Bullet Tree Road including Bullet Tree, Paslow Falls and areas along Santa Familia Road, including Santa Familia. BEL to replace utility poles, install new switch and lightning arresters and conduct line clearing in the area.

Dr. Ludwig Palacio's 'Audacity' Included in Belize's National Art Collection
On Friday May 11, 2018, Ms. Sapna Budhrani, Interim President of the National Institute of Culture and History (NICH), graciously accepted a work of art from Dr Ludwig Palacio which will become a part of the Belize National Art Collection. Dr. Palacio is a Veterinary Doctor, writer, poet, sculptor, painter, appropriate technologist, craftsman and published author. He enjoys teaching young people to develop their artistic talents and has a keen eye for beauty and creativity. Palacio’s early influences are rooted in his Garifuna culture, a combination of African and Native Amerindian. He only took his talents seriously in the year 2000 when he produced his first wood sculpture: The Statue of Unity. At that time, he cemented himself in his true passion painting, carving and sculpting of abstract art.

National Institute of Culture and History Honors Mr. Timothy Bardalez with Community Heritage Leadership Award
On Friday, May 11th, 2018 Deputy Prime Minister, the Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, the Hon. Patrick Faber visited the home of Mr. Timothy Bardalez in Forest Home, Toledo District, where he presented Mr. Bardalez with the Community Heritage Leadership Award on behalf of the Ministry of Culture and The National Institute of Culture and History (NICH). Deputy Prime Minister Faber was also joined by the Interim President of NICH and by the Director of the Institute of Social and Cultural Research (ISCR) of NICH. Mr. Bardalez, who is now 83 years old, has spent much of his life in dedicated service to Belize. Over his life Mr. Tim, as he is affectionately known, was responsible for helping to establish schools in Toledo such as Laguna Government School, Adventist Primary School, and Midway Primary School. He also taught in Mafredi, Forest Home Methodist School, Cattle Landing and Fairview R.C. School.

Corozal Wavemakers
Corozal Wavemakers led by Corozal field representative, Ryan Rivera meet to strengthen team work, communication and leadership skills as they continue to make waves for conservation in their community. Kudos to you guys! Awesome meeting where we got to strengthen team work, communication and leadership as we make waves of changes for conservation. Thank you wave makers. Thank you to Nekeisha Lima from Department of Youth Services, Nissa Waldman and Mrs. Debra Wilkes from House of Culture for collaborating with us and making this happen.

Channel 7

American Businessman Killed In San Pedro
It's Belize's number one tourist destination - but due to the drug trade, San Pedro has become all too familiar with murders. Usually, those murders happen in the San Mateo or San Pedrito slums, at the back of the island - far away from the tourist centers. But last night was very different. 49 year old American businessman Lamont Lipka was executed in the heart of town - at the restaurant he owned. Tonight, police are looking at a number of leads - and Sahar Vasquez found an island community shaken by the murder:... Usually, in the mornings at Tropicana everything is neat and clean but this morning it wasn't because last night chaos unfolded at the popular eatery.

Tensions at Benque Border When BDF Build Fence
Those crossing the Benque Border to Melchor over the weekend, may have noticed a couple BDF officers standing in front of the Adjacency Zone next to a mound of sand and cement blocks. The Government of Belize plans on doing some upgrade works in that area - sounds simple right? Well - not so fast - nothing is ever simple at the Benque Border. In order to get this project done, those Guatemalan cab drivers who operate in that area have to leave and find another spot to pick up passengers. Information is that when the BDF light engineering company arrived, some of the cab drivers did not leave peacefully. Our news team traveled out west today to see what was the situation on the ground. Courtney Weatherburne has more. It wasn't work as per usual for these Guatemalan Benque Border cab drivers. They would normally operate freely in front of the Adjacency Zone office which is on the Belize side of the border. They would park their taxi's in this lot near the office and ferry Belizeans crossing the border to Melchor - it has been happening for years. But it seems that won't be happening anymore, after the BDF cordoned off this area. The taxi drivers are now forced to just hang back and look on.

Charged for Monge Murder
One man has been charged for the murder of 23 year old Las Flores resident Luis Monge. He was fatally stabbed early last week Friday morning near La Cabana club when he tried to run down a chain snatcher. Police caught the suspect at the scene and charged him on Saturday. He is 35 year old Richard Hyde, a Butcher of Camalote Village. Police told us more today: ACP Joseph Myvette - Head, NCIB: "Police was in the area early Friday morning some time shortly after 3, when the police observed a struggle between 3 persons. Upon the police's approaching the area where the struggle was going on, 2 of the persons fell during the struggle and the third person attempted to run away but was caught up with by the police, whom they had a brief struggle as well in an attempt to escape."

Demetrio Pott Passed, Charges Upgraded
Caledonia resident Demetrio Pott died this weekend. The father of five had been in an accident - and then gotten beaten up in Trial Farm on April 27 - which was 15 days before his death. On Thursday, three men, Carlos Westby, Deltran Perez, and Leodigario Chan were charged for causing him dangerous harm. Well now, their charge has been upgraded. Police told us more:.. ACP Joseph Myvette - Head, NCIB: "In relation to that matter of Demetrio Pott, police has since arrested the 3 persons who were previously arrested: Carlos Westby, Deltran Perez, and Leodigario Chan have since been arrested for the crime of manslaughter."

Pott Family Angry With Attorney
This evening, we spoke to Pott's family at the morgue while his post mortem examination was being conducted. They had a lot to say about Marcel Cardona - who is the attorney for the accused. He claims that Pott's injuries are from the accident and that both he and his brother who was driving - were very drunk. Here's how the family responded to that:... Sahar Vasquez: "So the lawyer for the accused has said it was not the beating that killed Demetrio it was the accident. He also alleged that Mr. Demetrio and his brother were drunk. What is your response to that?" Brittney Molina, Niece of Deceased: "If it was because of the accident Mr. Cardona is saying he has evidence but we have evidence on Facebook that we also got so nothing about the accident makes sense when we look at those pictures. One was on the right side threw on the floor and my other uncle was behind the pick up on the floor..."

Child Injured By Broken Glass in Blvd. Shootout
A 6 year old child was injured in a shootout on Central American Boulevard on Saturday morning. It happened at the height of the morning on one of the busiest streets in the city. One 17 year old from the nearby Ghost Town area saw a rival gang figure across the street - and let off with a spray of bullets right into the morning traffic. The child was sitting in a parked van - and the information was that he had been shot to the glass. But doctors found it was the shattering glass of a side window that injured him. Police told us more:...

City Council Retains Discounts For Senior Citizens
In his March transition report, the Mayor of Belize City, Bernard Wagner said that property tax discounts had to stop. He said the council was losing too much revenue because of it. Well, turns out a lot of those discounts are for senior citizens - who get 25% off. So, after coming off as uncaring about the elderly, the council has had to tone down the rhetoric. A release today says, quote, "elderly Belizeans will be able to continue making their property tax payments without facing economic ruin. The property tax discounts of 25% to senior citizens of this city will not be interrupted. It shall remain in full effect. It only applies to the property where they reside and does not include vacant lots."

Big Bust In Benque
For the past two weeks, we've been telling you about busts of major quantities of marijuana coming down through the western corridor. Today, Police made another: this one at the Benque bus terminal. This afternoon around 3:20, police searched the bus and found 22 pounds of weed in a black traveling bag. No one claimed the bag so the cannabis was taken to the Benque Viejo Police Station where it was labeled as found property. As you can see the weed was bundled in shrink wrapped plastic bags.

Sandhill Slashing With Machete
Two Sandhill men were socializing this weekend - and then it got nasty. Around 11:00 on Friday, 28 year old Jude Moody and 26 year old Ivan Hyde had a dispute about a card game. And that's when Moody allegedly pulled out a machete. Police told us more: ASP Alejandro Cowo, OC - CIB Belize City: "Mr. Hyde was at the residence of a friend at 19 miles, Sand Hill Village. They were socializing when an argument ensued between a group of persons that were there present in that gathering and as a result, one of the male persons inflicted the chop wound to his neck. So far, police detained that male persons who was brought into custody and questioned and on yesterday's date, that male person was arrested and charged for the crime of Attempted Murder, Use of Deadly Means of Harm and Dangerous Harm."

Capital Cops Set Chase
On Saturday night in Belmopan three men - one of them masked and with a gun robbed Samsung Restaurant, on Nim Li Punit Street in Belmopan. Police told us they arrived shortly after and set chase but to no avail:.. ACP Joseph Myvette - Head, NCIB: "On Saturday, shortly after 9:50p.m., police responded to a robbery on Nim Li Punit Street in Belmopan. Upon their arrival, a white in color Ford Escape was seen leaving the area which was pursued by the police and the occupants fired upon the police and the police returned fire and a chase continued to ensue. The police later found the vehicle abandoned in an off road in Cotton Tree Village. The vehicle has since been impounded and the police investigation into this matter continues."

PUP Takes San Pedro Election Petition Before Chief Justice
2 and a half months ago, we told you about the election petition that the PUP had filed to up-end the municipal election results in San Pedro. Well, just after the start of news tonight, Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin adjourned the first day in the full hearing of this petition. As we reported, Incumbent Mayor Daniel Guerrero and the UDP 7 held unto their seats in the island town by a small margin. PUP's Mayoral Candidate Abner Andre Perez and the councillor candidates from the PUP 7 team say that there is a discrepancy of 275 ballots from polling station #37. Their party scrutineers cross-checked the numbers they had, and when they compared it with the figures from Elections and Boundaries officials on March 7, they came to the conclusion that these 275 ballots were not properly accounted for.

Multipurpose Center Contractor Going Broke?
In April of 2016, ground was broken for a 4.6 million dollar youth facility in the Lake I Community. The pitch was that the facility - which is right off the new, sinking Lake I Boulevard - and at the border of Gungulung would provide a safe space for youths to engage in sports, arts and culture, literacy and life skills programs. It was a glowing beacon of promise - that was to be finished by September of 2016! Well, we're lucky if it is finished for September 2018! And that's because the contractor, Wood Brick and Stone Company seems to have chronic liquidity problems. It can't pay suppliers and can't even pay its 25 workers.

CDB Schooling GOB
The CDB is also involved in a more hopeful project. It's called Public Policy Analysis and Management and Project Cycle Management. I know…those terms probably just fly over your head. But, they do mean something to public service officers whose work has everything to do with proper analysis and management. So the CDB hosted a training session for public officers in Belmopan today. Here is more from the training. This is the second round of training sessions, the 1st phase was done online.

JP, show Your Stripes!
Justices of the Peace will play a key role in the upcoming re-registration exercise. And that's probably why the Attorney General is cracking the whip on this body which operates with little oversight. The AG's Ministry says that all Justices of the Peace, including Senior Justices of the Peace, must contact the Ministry to verify their JP status before July 31, 2018. Those who don't will no longer be able to use their JP title - simple as that. JP's - and there are hundreds of them - can either visit the office of the Attorney General in Belmopan or contact the office via email at [email protected].

Channel 5

Belize’s Security Initiative at Western Border Irks Guatemala
Tensions flared up at the western border over the weekend when authorities sought to clear the area to allow for the discharge of construction material.  Government has decided to upgrade [...]

Taxis, Students Need Not Fear
Amid the chaos that ensued at the border on Sunday, the Guatemalan media also reported that students from neighboring Melchor who commute to Benque Viejo daily to attend school, would [...]

“Monty” Taken Out in San Pedro Restaurant
An American businessman was murdered in cold blood inside his restaurant in San Pedro Town on Sunday night.  Lamont Lipka of Texas, U.S.A was inside his bar and grill on [...]

Manslaughter Charges after O.W. Beating Victim Dies
More than two weeks after Demetrio Pott and his brother were badly beaten following a traffic accident in Trial Farm, Orange Walk on April twenty-seventh.  The forty-seven-year-old succumbed to his [...]

Charges for Accused Killer of Luis Monge
Richard Hyde is tonight in big trouble with the law after he was charged on Saturday and arraigned today for the murder of Luis Monge, who was killed on Friday [...]

Minor Charged for Shooting a Vehicle; Injuring 6-Year-Old
A seventeen-year-old minor from Mayflower Street in Belize City was remanded today following a shooting incident on Saturday morning, in which a minor was injured. According to police, just before [...]

San Pedro Election Petition to Court; Elections Chiefs Make Major Admissions
A first of its kind election petition was heard in the courtroom of Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin today between the slates of the two major political parties, who contested the [...]

U.D.P. Says P.U.P. Witnesses Did Themselves No Favors
Representing the United Democratic Party seven, Estevan Perrera believes the case is going better for their side than for the P.U.P.’s and that the other side has not done enough [...]

U.D.P. Chairman Calls Case ‘Waste of Time’
At this morning’s break, U.D.P. Party Chairman Alberto August offered his guarded view of the proceedings. He felt the other side did not look good, but it was still too [...]

Protestor Calls for Justice
The occasion of the court case brought a handful of protestors from the island in blue shirts to the Battlefield Park. Like their political fellows they believe they were given [...]

Registry Clerks Caught Forging ID Papers
Former registry employees Alvan Alvarez and Benedict Pascascio are tonight without jobs having been charged for forgery at the Registry of the Supreme Court. The two clerks are accused of [...]

Robbers Get Away with Attack on Restaurant in Belmopan
Just before ten p.m. on Saturday, a robbery at a restaurant in Belmopan led to a vehicle chase involving police and the robbers. That pursuit quickly escalated to a shootout, [...]

1 Charged in Sand Hill Stabbing
Jude Joseph Moody of Sand Hill Village was arraigned for attempted murder, use of deadly means of harm and dangerous harm before Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford following a chopping incident [...]

Iginio Canto Released, But Still Faces Investigation for Out of Season Lobster
Corozal fisherman Iginio Canto Bacab is tonight at home with his family in Caledonia, after being held in detention in Livingston, Guatemala for illegally harvesting lobster in its waters.  Canto [...]

Ladyville Family of 9 Loses Home to Fire
Fires have been erupting everywhere; this weekend there were three fires in the Belize District.  In Ladyville on Friday afternoon, a fire swept through a wooden house where a family [...]

Another Ladyville Home Ablaze over Weekend
Less than twenty-four hours later, there was yet another fire in Ladyville, also on Manta Ray Boulevard for which a family of two has been displaced. A single mother and [...]

Abandoned House Afire in Western Paradise
The third fire occurred in the Eight Miles Community on the George Price Highway. What residents say was an abandoned wooden house, made from pimenta sticks, went up in flames [...]

Ex-Policeman Charged for Burning Household Goods
A former police officer is in trouble with the law again after apparently setting afire goods belonging to a Belize City woman last week. Six years ago the then-police constable, [...]

Pastor Held for Wounding Minors
Men and women of God are not usually known for violence, but a pastor of the Burrell Boom area is tonight charged with wounding and harm against two minors. The [...]

School Managers Say No Docking Salaries
Teachers’ salaries for March twenty-second will not be docked. That’s the word coming out of the Belize Association for General Managers of pre and primary schools. In a release issued [...]

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

LOVE FM

San Pedro PUP supporters protest in favor of legal challenge to elections results
While the trial was ongoing, a handful of PUP supporters were in front of the Supreme Court Building protesting the elections results. Persons like Santos Acosta believe that the elections results in San Pedro Town do not reflect the political will of the San Pedro community, an assertion which the UDP and its Chairman Alberto …

BDF light engineers to make border crossing more secure
Over the weekend Guatemalan media began reporting an increased presence of BDF soldiers along the western border. Red Informativa, in particular, reported that BDF soldiers and police officers began forcibly removing Guatemalan vendors from in front of the OAS office in the adjacency zone. That area is called “no man’s land” because neither Belize nor …

RET Belize molding future leaders
RET International is a humanitarian organization which has been in existence since 2005 and its headquarters is located in Geneva, Switzerland. The organization has been working in Belize since October 2015, with funding from the US State Department. RET Belize is involved in working with young people through building their leadership skills. For the past eight …

US National gunned down in San Pedro restaurant
Was the murder of Lamont Lipka a hit? That is what police are investigating after the 49-year-old Texan was gunned down on Sunday night on San Pedro Ambergris Caye; another homicide on a growing list on the island. Police say a lone gunman walked into the establishment and fired several times at Lipka shortly after …

SMART Mundialito in its 7th year
On Saturday the annual Smart Mundialito kicked off in Belize City. It’s a sporting event that the telephone giant has been sponsoring for years and one which has seen the participation of children from across the country and different social and economic background. Besides awarding them with trophies and medals for their athletic abilities, the …

Chopping incident lands Jude Moody behind bars
An argument on Friday night has landed one man behind bars after he allegedly attacked and chopped another with a machete. According to police, officers found 26-year-old Ivan Hyde hospitalized at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. He had been chopped to the left side of his neck after he got into an argument with another …

Robbery leads to car chase; suspects escape
A robbery in Belmopan led to a vehicle chase and shootout between Police and the perpetrators on Saturday. Head of the National Crimes Investigation Branch, Joseph Myvett briefed the media on the incident. ACP Joseph Myvette: “On Saturday shortly after 9:50 pm Police responded to a robbery on Nim Li Punit St. in Belmopan. Upon their …

Chief Justice hears legal challenge to San Pedro Town elections results
The PUP’s legal challenge to the March 7 elections results in San Pedro Town is being heard by the Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin. We say “is” because while the trial began this morning, it is still underway with the cross-examination of Catherine Cumberbatch who was the returning officer for that municipality for the elections. The …

Combating Crime through arts
No one has been safe from the recent spike in crime. Many parents have wept over the loss of their children and children have wept over the loss of their parents. Therefore, there has been an urgency to come up with solutions to the problem. Joseph Stamp Romero, Founder of (Youth Advocacy through Arts) YATA, …

Youths return from conference ready to implement new knowledge
Kyle Miller, Youth Empowerment Coordinator at the Department of Youth Services and Councilor Allan Pollard represented Belize at the Caribbean Youth Conference held late last month in St. Lucia. Now that he is back from his trip, Miller told Love News that he is looking forward to implementing an action plan which was drafted at …

6-year-old injured in Saturday morning shooting
A six year old boy was injured in a shooting incident that happened on Saturday morning in Belize City. The child identified as Lemar Orellano, was reportedly in a “dalla’” van along with his mother and other passengers when shots rang out at the corner of Vernon Street and Central American Boulevard …

Police charge one man with the murder of Luis Monge
Thirty five year old Richard Hyde has been charged for the murder of Luis Monge. Hyde is accused of fatally stabbing Monge on Friday morning at La Cabana Night Club in Belmopan. According to reports, it all happened after Monge attempted to retrieve a gold chain that had been stolen from a …

Three men charged with the manslaughter of Demetrio Pott
Demetrio Pott, the man who was beaten in late April, died on Saturday. Last week police formally arrested and charged three men for that incident. Carlos Westby, Deltran Perez, and Leodigario Chan were …

PlusTV

Man stabbed and killed in Belmopan
A young man was murdered in Belmopan early this morning outside the La Cabana night Club. 23 year old Luis Monge was stabbed when he got into a scuffle trying to assist a woman whose belongings were snatched by a man. The young lady was reportedly leaving the La Cabana night club in Belmopan when he...

Villagers protest swearing in of new water board in Valley of Peace
Residents of the Valley of Peace community in the Cayo District are protesting the appointment of a new community water board in their community. This afternoon the members of the community held a meeting at the Valley of Peace community center, where a representative from the Ministry of Rural Deve...

Investigation into High Risk Nepalese citizens’ entry into country
Plus News has learned that there is an ongoing investigation in immigration into the processing of entry into the country for two Nepalese Citizens. We understand that an internal investigation has been launched since the 2 Nepalese citizens were granted entry to the country on Tuesday even though t...

Split in Immigration department causes concern
And while there is an investigation into what went wrong at airport immigration, concerns have been raised over another immigration matter. Back in March of this year, when debating amendments tot eh Immigration passport Act, The PUP had raised objections over GOB’s plan to separate the Immigration ...

Deputy Mayor Speaks on City Council Terminations
As we reported on Tuesday, a mass firing took place at the Belize City Council. Six persons were terminated, including former City Administration Candice Miller. Miller was placed on suspension in April after allegations of over spending were made against her. Among the six terminated employees are ...

28 Year old Dies on Shrimp Farm in the South
A 28 year old employee of a Shrimp farm died while on the Job. Plus news has received information that the young man was found on the farm gasping for air but he passed away a little later. Family members told us off camera that the young man was working at the time. They also told Plus News that Po...

Patrick Faber detained in the US?
Reports recently circulated that the Deputy Prime Minister of Belize was detained in the United States on his last visit. While Minister Patrick Faber did not deny the reports, he did not confirm either. The media pressed Faber on the matter yesterday. Here is how that went. Hon. Patrick Faber, Depu...

Bay Basketball Tournament
Belmopan Advocates for Youths, BAY, kicked off its 4th annual Basketball tournament on Saturday. The organization has been a leader in youth events throughout Belmopan, since 2012. This year’s BAY Basketball Tournament promises to engage youths in...

Belize City Deputy Mayor Blames Ex-Mayor for Miller’s Demise
As we reported earlier, Ex City Administrator Candice Miller, was among the 6 individuals terminated from the Belize City Council on Thursday. Miller’s strife with the new PUP City Council has been ongoing for weeks. First she was placed on termination after serious allegations of mismanagement and over spending was made against her...

Belmopan Cancer Society Walk
The Belmopan Cancer Society will be hosting its annual Cancer walk on Saturday. The walk attracts hundreds of supporters nationwide. It is a yearly event organized to raise funds for cancer treatment. This year’s Belmopan cancer walk will begin...

The Reporter

Robbery and shooting reported in San Pedro
An armed robbery and shooting happened last night in San Pedro. The incident occurred at Tropicana Restaurant on the southern portion of the town. People in the area reprted hearing five shots shortly after 10:00 p.m., and there is an unconfirmed report that someone was shot.

Breaking Belize News

New plant species found in Belize
A new plant specie, Alsobia baroniae, was recently identified in Belize and published in a […]

GOB and Caribbean Development Bank launch capacity building programs in Belize
The govern