August 30, 2019

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Specials and Events

Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, LOVETV, PGTV, Reef TV, KREM, and CTV 3. Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, Belize Now, Talk Ah Di Town, and other specials.

The San Pedro Sun

Team Belize qualifies for 2020 CONCACAF Women’s U-17 Championship
Its official! Belize’s female National Team Under-17(U-17) has qualified for the 2020 Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) Women’s U-17 Championship. Other teams who exceled and are joining Belize in the championship round are Honduras, Cayman Islands and Guyana. The 2019 CONCACAF Women’s U-17 qualifier round was held from Monday, August 19th to Sunday, August 25th in different parts of the world. The 16 participating teams were separated into four groups, with only the top team of each group being able to qualify for 2020 CONCACAF Women’s U-17 Championship. Team Belize was placed in Group C, which consisted of Barbados, US Virgin Islands and St. Kitts & Nevis; and all their games were played at the Wildey Astro Turf Stadium in Wildey, Barbados.

Fundraiser for island resident after freak accident leaves her injured
Ana Cruz, a resident of the Elliot Sub-division in San Pedro Town, was the victim of a tragic accident just outside her home on August 8th. In the unexpected mishap, Cruz’ right hand was badly injured, and she lost three of her fingers. Her recovery has been painful and up to now, no one has been held liable. Cruz will need to undergo major medical treatments, which will be costly, thus, a fundraiser has been organized. On Friday, August 30th, a dollar drive and a radio-thon is to take place on Reef Radio. The following day, there will be a Bar-B-Que sale at the San Pedro Lions Den.

Another exciting MMA Beach Brawl on Ambergris Caye
Caribbean Villas was the place to be on Saturday, August 24th, as the Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) event Beach Brawl 2 brought excitement to the night. Organized by the San Pedro Fight League (SPFL), the anticipated event saw fighters from Mexico, Argentina and Belize competing Jiu Jitsu, Kickboxing, and MMA. The fight night saw a packed venue, with hundreds of islanders supporting their favourite fighters. The event kicked off with matches in the preliminary card with the first encounter in Jiu Jitsu. Mexican Julio Cesar Reyes and Belizean Joshua Blanco battled for seven minutes in the cage. But it was Reyes, who claimed the victory via the decision of the judges.

Crisis at Belize’s northern New River; No immediate plan from DOE
The New River in the northern Orange Walk District has been heavily affected by large quantities of pollutants in the water body, which has caused it to change colour and develop a putrid smell. The situation is such that disturbing images have surfaced showing tons of fish and even crocodiles and turtles turning up dead. The Department of Environment (DOE) conducted tests of the water, and after confirming that the river is affected with a deadly condition called eutrophication, they hosted a public meeting in Orange Walk Town on Friday, 23rd to address the emergency. However, no clear course of action to immediately solve the crisis could be established by the environmental authorities.

Ambergris Today

Drugs And Ammunition Found In San Juan Area
San Pedro Police and Special Operations Team conducted a special operation in the San Juan Area of San Pedro Town where they found drugs and ammunition. According to reports on Thursday, August 29,2019, about 11:45 a.m, the Special Operations Team and other officers conducted an operation in the area of San Juan, San Pedro, as a result, they found a black plastic bag containing (30) 5.56 live rounds of ammunition that marked (FC). They also found 222.8 grams of suspected cannabis. Properties were labeled and deposited as found property.

Belizean Flag Standardization Presentation
The Flag of Belize is in the final stages of being standardized. At an event held on Wednesday, August 28, 2019, at the Marion Jones Sporting Complex in Belize City, the media was informed of the work currently underway to standardize the Belizean Flag. This initiative has received bi-partisan support and has already been approved by the Cabinet, with the support of the Leader of the Opposition and is currently embarking on a Consultation and Education Campaign.

Various Belizean Sources

SBDC Workshop: Customer Service for Managers and Business Owners
Workshop Date: September 5th, 2019, 9am to 3pm. This training seminar will assist in providing good customer service and giving you the skills needed to communicate professionalism, gain respect, enhance customer relationships and secure an overall competitive advantage through customer service excellence. Cost $50. LOCATION: San Pedro Town Council, Barrier Reef Dr, San Pedro. Includes - Lunch & Refreshments. Presented by: Ms. Lorraine Herrera, Business Advisor, SBDCBelize, BELTRAIDE.

San Pedro Flag Raising Ceremony
Come one, Come ALL! Mayor Daniel Guerrero and the San Pedro Town Council hereby invite everyone to the Flag Raising Ceremony on Sunday, September 1st, 2019 at 6:00 a.m. at the San Pedro Town Hall. Come show your patriotism! *Refreshments will be served after the ceremony.

BELTRAVEX
Want to win a 3-nights' stay for 4 at Naia Resort & Spa plus $2K in cash? Come out to BELTRAVEX, Belize's first travel expo, on Sept. 28. There will be exclusive vacation deals, local entertainment and double up services courtesy of DIGI! See you then!

This week we welcomed to the Embassy a group of students and professors from the University of Denver
The group learned more about Belize, the Embassy’s work here, and our mutual priorities.

This weeks update from the C.C.V.C
Jafar, one of our street maintenance worker celebrated his birthday. Join us in wishing him happy birthday. The palapa garden craft market project is well under way and the completion of the project should be November 2019. The vector control personnel were on the island fumigating, if you would like to have your yard fumigated please call 226 0043 and ask to put down for the next fumigation session. Stay tune for our September Celebration Calendar coming soon!

Telethon For Anny Cruz Today starting @ 7am.
on Reef TV

Feedback, Grievance, and Redress Mechanism is Developed for the Belize REDD+ Project
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment, Sustainable Development and Immigration (MAFFESDI), through the National Climate Change Office, is implementing the REDD+ Readiness Preparation Project. REDD+ is a global initiative to combat climate change by reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation, and by fostering conservation, sustainable management of forests, and the enhancement of forest carbon stocks. The REDD+ Project, through a participatory and inclusive process, will assist Belize in preparing to participate in future REDD+ carbon payment transactions.

Welcome to Ocean Academy 2019-2020 school year
This year's theme is "The best in me sees and honors the best in you." Join us in celebrating our new and returning students for this academic school year. Enjoy the highlights from this first week which included an award ceremony, ice breaker activities, welcoming new students and house competitions.

Escuela Secundaria Tecnica Mexico High School Back to School Bash
Friday, August 30th.

New River Community Petition
The New River community petition launched by the Friends of the New River Belize (FNR) last week is still going strong! We have now made it easier for you to participate via this online petition! The petition urges the Government of Belize and specifically the Department of the Environment (DOE), among other things, to prevent and control pollution of the New River. The DOE has the legal mandate to implement important functions as laid out in Section 4 of the Environmental Protection Act. The FNR intends to deliver the petition to the DOE in early September 2019. To add your signature to the petition, please click on the link below. Thank you for joining the cause for a healthy New River!

Power outage 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 6 to affect portion of the Orange Walk District
Stadium Street, San Victor Street, San Narciso Street, San Andres Street, Dangriga Street, Yo Creek Street, Sylvester Street, Santa Maria Street, Santa Clara Street, Santa Teresita Street, Santa Monica Street, Oleander Street, Clark Street, Orchid Drive, San Lorenzo Road, Hummingbird Street, Woodpecker Street, Cardinal Street, Lyle Street, Bautista Avenue, Bautas Lane, Main Street, Riverside Street, Otro Benque Road, Trial Farm, Toucan Street, San Lorenzo Housing Site, Laskot Subdivision, Blackwater Creek and Indian Hill. BEL to relocate power lines and remove hazardous vegetation growing into power lines in the area.

Chargé d’Affaires Keith Gilges Tours Harvest Caye
Norwegian Cruise Line’s Harvest Caye is one of the largest U.S. direct investments in Belize’s tourism sector. Chargé d’Affaires, a.i., Keith Gilges recently toured its facilities, where he learned about the company’s plans to further develop the island to a world-class destination and its commitment to safeguard the natural environment.

Paradise Theater playing this weekend
A Dog's Journey, X-Men Dark Phoenix,, Men in Black International John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum.

BUS OPERATORS THREATEN STRIKE!
The Belize Bus Association are dissatisfied that Guatemalan and Mexican bus operators can enter Belize but they can’t enter and operate cross boarders. A meeting was scheduled with the Minister of Transportation Hon. Edmond Castro to resolve the grievances of the BBA but it was postponed by Castro, the Minister of Tourism, the BTB and the BHA. The BBA say they feel pushed around and if the meeting scheduled for Tuesday doesn’t happen then the strike option is on the table.

El DUEÑO DEL AGUA
Between our Northern Maya communities of Belize there is the legend of El dueño del agua(Nojoch Kaan) . This spirit is discribed as a huge snake mostly seen in the Noh Ucum(Rio Hondo) . Some say they guard the rivers,Cenotes,Swamps and even wells. It had also been discribe to have wings . The legend says when they grow to large the Nukux Tat (Los Dueños del Monte) send them away of the forest so they do not harm people . So this spirit goes to live in different water bodies or caves. El Dueño del Agua is also known as Tzukan or Nojoch Kaan(Huge snake). In some versions due to the influence of Christianity El Dueño del Agua is seem as evil and when they grow to large it is believe Chaac (Thunder) stroke them .

Channel 7

Elite Cyclist Gets Four Year Ban
Elite cyclist Nissan Arana was crowned Belize's National Road Champion at the end of June, but tonight he's been stripped of that title.   Cycling's governing body, the UCI in Switzerland has finished adjudicating Arana's case and today posted his final status on their website.   It confirms that he has tested positive for the banned substance, EPO - and it stipulates that he is to be suspended for four years.   This is the longest ban ever imposed on a Belizean cyclist.   Arana tested positive after the Holy Saturday Cross Country Classic where he finished ninth.

Bus Operators Bex and Making Threats!
3 weeks ago, we told you how the Belize Bus Association had convinced Government to make a major concession. The Government had agreed in principle to limit Guatemalan and Mexican bus operators, requiring them to hand off their passengers at the borders, so that the Belizean bus operators and taxi cooperatives could take over and transport those passengers in and around the country.  Well, it doesn't appear that the Government is ready to finalize that decision quite yet.  And, tonight, the local bus operators are threatening to shut down the country's public transportation system in retaliation. They say that these foreign-owned companies from the neighboring countries shouldn't be allowed to provide a service which Belizeans can also provide adequately.

Santa Elena Killer Knew Victim Well
Last night we told you that police had charged 33 year old Jorge Galindo with the murder of Nelson Flores.  You may recall that the gunman who murdered Flores wore a motorcycle helmet to hide his identity. How then were police able to make an arrest? ACP Joseph Myvette told us that Galindo was known to the family. ACP Joesph Myvette - Head, NCIB: "Reference the shooting death of Nelson Flores which had occurred in Santa Elena town on Sunday last. Police have since arrested and charged Jorge Galindo a 33 years resident of Santa Elena town for the crime of murder, attempted murder, and aggravated assault..."

Alleged Burglar With Broken Legs
Thirty-six year old Leon Duncan, a security guard at Gwen Lizarraga High School, was wheeled into court today with his two broken legs to answer to a charge of burglary.  Last week he told us that it's the police who broke his legs simply for being in the wrong place at the wrong time.  He says the police beat him viciously because he refused to disclose the identities of two men who were fleeing after burglarizing an apartment. But, police say he is the burglar.  The incident happened a week ago at an apartment on Antelope Street Extension.

A Lot To Know About Nurse Sharks
Last night you saw our feature on the Hol Chan Marine Reserve where our Courtney Weatherburne went snorkeling with nurse sharks in Shark Ray Alley. Now although these friendly sharks were just an arm's length away, visitors are not to touch them. The technical manager of the reserve Kirah Castillo gave some tips for tourists and spoke about their collaboration with Mar Alliance to better study these creatures. Kirah Castillo - Technical Manager, Hol Chan Marine Reserve: "The Mar Alliance, their focus is on mega fauna and so for the past few years, they have been conducting research at shark ray alley to look at the population of the sharks and the rays and health of the population within the area..."

A Map of Belize Like No Other
Tonight, the Government is reporting that it has taken a major step to integrate technology in the way they do business. They're introducing a new computerized initiative called the Belize National Spatial Data Infrastructure. It is a collection of all known geographical data about the entire country, which were produced by experts from an extensive list of the public and private sector agencies. The GIS database will influence the way that the different government agencies tackle problems in the areas such as of tax mapping, property management, permit tracking, flood mitigation, and disaster management. The project was officially unveiled this morning, and 7News attended to understand out how it will work. Daniel Ortiz has that story:

Basta Bullets on Pedro
San Pedro police found a stash of weed on weapons in one of the island's impoverished neighborhoods.   Yesterday morning, a Special Operations Team did raids in the San Juan area.   In an empty lot, they found a black plastic bag with 30 5.56 rounds - which would be used in an assault rifle - and half pound of weed.  The items were labeled and deposited as found property.

Man Charged For Sex With Girl Half His Age
Police caught 34 year old Steven Castillo in a compromising position with a teenaged girl and today charged him for unlawful sexual intercourse. On Tuesday the cops were conducting a routine patrol in the city when they came upon a parked vehicle. When they looked inside they saw Castillo acting suspiciously in the front seat, while a female sitting in the back seat was wearing no underwear. She's only 15 and the child's parents were called in along with Social Services.  A doctor confirmed that the child was carnally known.

Caught With 39 Tails, Fisherman Has A Tale of His Own
A 51 year old fisherman who was allegedly caught with 39 undersized lobster tails pleaded not guilty today. Evaristo Pedro Tun from Chunox village says he is not guilty of possession of the lobster weighing less than four ounces. The Fisheries Department claims they found the stash on a sailboat named, "Lizeni" on August 7 east of Cockroach Caye in the Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve.

Flour Mill Shooting Investigation Stalls
Dwayne Cherrington was shot on Wednesday morning around the Belize Flour Mill.  But police told us that he isn't cooperating: Supt. Alejandro Cowo - O.C., C.I.B.: "There was a shooting there on Wednesday morning just after midnight but the person that was injured, he was treated and discharged the following morning, however, he has not made an official report to the police yet..."

Mexican Congressman Visits To Revive Cultural Exchanges With Belize
Yesterday a Mexican Congressman visited the new Belize Mexico sports facility near the Marion Jones Stadium.   We met Raul Sanchez Barrales outside that new facility where he gave big props to new president Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador and told us - through a translator that he was here to revive relations between Belize and Mexico: Raul Sanchez Barrales - Mexican Congressman: "We've always considered Mexico and Belize to be a brotherhood neighbours and for some reason it has been stuck for a while, so with a new government in Mexico, we're trying to revive that condition..."

How The Prices you Pay Changed From One Year To The Next
Last night, we showed you the latest figures from the Statistical Institute of Belize, on how the country's economy performed in the second quarter of this year. We also reported on the inflation, and which parts of the country the cost of living was highest. So, we turn tonight to the SIB's snapshot on the consumer price index, and how the prices you paid for items last year compares to what you paid between April and June of this year. Here's what statistician Melvin Perez had to say during yesterday's press conference:

How to Stay Safe During September
September Celebrations kick off this weekend with the Belikin Bash music festival. But while you and thousands of others bash, more boots are needed on the ground to police September events. Police told us what they are doing to make the events safe and enjoyable for all, and they shared a few tips to help you celebrate without incident. Supt. Alejandro Cowo - O.C., C.I.B.: "Yes there's additional police officers that have been deployed to several events that will be taking place within the city, and also if you notice there are special operations that will be taking effect every day at Belize City to combat any crime or prevent any criminal activity during the September celebrations..."

Products With Purpose
Yesterday we got a glimpse of the eco alternatives that could replace plastics at the Eco-Marketplace Expo at the Biltmore. Tonight we'll hear from a few of the organic and environmentally friendly product providers who showcased on the Expo's floor. Here's a bit of how Belize's entrepreneurs are doing their part for a more sustainable world:

A New Bridge to Neulands
The bridge between the Mennonite Community of Neulands and Santa Martha in Orange Walk East is probably one of the least known crossings in wider Belize. But, in that agricultural area it plays a crucial role, and, for decades, the only crossing was a rickety and precarious wooden bridge.  That has now been replaced with a sturdy concrete structure, and here's what residents said about it yesterday: Maria Herrarte - Santa Martha Villager: "It's very important, the bridge and the road we really need because everyone has to pass on this bridge to their jobs."

Toledo Co-Op Gets Funding & Opportunities
The Green Creek Farmers Cooperative in partnership with the Ya'axché Conservation Trust have launched their Conservation Community Project. The Community based organization an NGO came together  to make use of available resources from the Global Environmental Fund/Small Grant Program, which will serve to help change the landscape and social fabric of the Green Creek Farmers' Cooperative and the community of San Jose, Toledo by providing opportunities to grow and develop. 

Channel 5

Major drug trial implicating two lawmen is adjourned; Police’s Prosecution Attorney on sick leave
A major and sensational drug case in which a high ranking police officer and a constable have been charged came up today in the Orange Walk courts.  The trial of [...]

Families of accused Mexicans seek meeting with Attorney Dickie Bradley; they allege police abuse
Following today’s adjournment, Attorney Dickie Bradley told us that the families of the Mexican nationals implicated in this case have requested a meeting. The men, Eli Figueroa Nunez and Azarias [...]

A driver twice the age of a minor is charged with her sexual assault
In Belize City, a driver who was allegedly caught in a compromising position with a fifteen-year-old minor this past Tuesday, appeared unrepresented.  Police believe that Steven Castillo had sexually abused [...]

An alleged burglar arrives in court in wheelchair
A burglary at the home of a teacher ended badly for one of two accused burglars. Thirty-six-year-old Security guard, Leon Duncan, a Ladyville resident, arrived in court this morning in [...]

Final decision on foreign buses on hold
Earlier this month, the Ministry of Transport reported that an agreement of sorts had been reached in respect of Mexican and Guatemalan buses transiting Belize. This came in the wake [...]

What’s Up at Princess Royal Youth Hostel
The situation at the Princess Royal Youth Hostel remains volatile where a number of young girls have been involved in unrest at the facility since August tenth. On that Saturday [...]

Belize National Spatial Data Infrastructure Web Portal Unveiled
After ten years in the pipeline, a modern web portal was unveiled this morning by the Ministry of Natural Resources at the Belize Biltmore Plaza. The system will be collecting [...]

Making the Highways Climate Change Resilient
Representing the Minister of Economic Development at today’s Memorandum of Understanding signing was C.E.O. Yvonne Hyde. Hyde is also the Chair of the Project Steering Committee of the Belize Climate [...]

Police Department to Introduce New Ceremonial Dress
The police will soon be donning a new, formal attire pending approval for members of the Belize Police Department. The regalia will be used for ceremonial activities, as well as [...]

Police Department places more boots on the streets as September Celebrations kick off
The September celebration activities get underway this weekend and the Belize Police Department is ready. In the bi-weekly press brief, today Head of the Crimes Investigation Branch in Belize City, [...]

Tensions Grow at Belize Rural High School
Tensions continue to grow at Belize Rural High School in Double Head Cabbage though students are back in the classrooms. Five teachers of the relatively small school decided to show [...]

Belizeans Living in Florida Brace for Hurricane Dorian
The Belize Consulate in Florida has issued a statement in respect to the approaching hurricane, Dorian. Hurricane Dorian gained strength in the Atlantic Wednesday night, and millions of people in Florida were [...]

Japan Gifts a New Compactor to Belmopan City Council
Representatives from the Government of Japan were in Belmopan today for the official handing over of a much needed garbage collecting truck. Mayor Khalid Belisle received the compactor on behalf [...]

Eight High School Students Awarded Lions Scholarships
The Lions Club stepped up big time on Wednesday night providing scholarships to a group of students. After a thorough view of applications, eight students were selected to receive the [...]

Ya’axché Summer Camp 2019 a Success!
One hundred young men and women of eight communities in southern Belize came together at Ya’axché’s Field Station for a highly interactive and educational week. The annual summer camp focused [...]

Miss Universe Belize Donates to Young Men of Wagner’s Youth Facility
Miss Universe Belize Jenelli Fraser dropped by the Wagner’s Facility on the George Price Highway this morning as part of the community work she is undertaking during her year of [...]

Healthy Living Looks at Early Assessments & Interventions for Learning Disabilities
By Monday, all children across the country will be back in the classrooms, getting ready to start a new academic year. Naturally, parents get nervous about the success of their [...]

LOVE FM

Belize Bus Owners Dissatisfied with Ministry of Transport
A strike may be looming as some bus operators feel that they are treated unfairly in the transport industry. On August 6, the Ministry of Transport issued a press release talking about an agreement made between the Government of Belize and the Belize Bus Owners Association (BBOA). The agreement was to have only one foreign …

Hurricane Dorian approaches Florida
These images show the water section in Walmart in Mira Mar, Florida, as residents have begun to stock up in preparation for Hurricane Dorian. There are thousands of Belizeans living in Florida and tonight those relatives and friends are bracing themselves for a category four hurricane. A press release from the Consulate of Belize in Florida …

Man who was shot not cooperating with police
A man was shot in the early hours of Wednesday morning, however, since the victim is not cooperating with police, details in this case are very scarce. Superintendent Alejandro Cowo told us the little that the police know. Superintendent Alejandro Cowo, Head of Crimes Investigation Branch Belize City: “There was a shooting there on Wednesday …

Mount Carmel preschool will open its door in October
There is another school with problems of its own. Mount Carmel Preschool in Benque Viejo Del Carmen, Cayo District, whose license was initially rejected by the Ministry of Education, will not be able to start school with the other preschools come September 2. Last week, Love News travelled to Benque and reported that the school’s …

Rural High Comments on Recent Teacher Sick-out
Yesterday, we told you about five teachers from Belize Rural High School who called in sick and students were subsequently sent home. We went to Double Head Cabbage to see what was the situation on the ground, and the only people who talked to us were some of the concerned parents. One parent said the …

One person charged for killing man in front of family
While crime might have been slow this week, it does not negate the weeks where crime, and especially murders, are rampant. The police were also asked for updates in any of the recent murders but there was not much to say about those either. In fact, the only other update the media was given was …

Land Tax Campaign, will result in a $90 million loss
When the House of Representatives convened on August 16, 2019, the Prime Minister of Belize, Dean Barrow declared that $90 million dollars would be written off in cases where landowners had fallen behind with their land tax payments to the Department of Lands. In speaking with Kerry Belisle, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry …

Man caught with undersized lobster tails
51-year-old, Evaristo Pedro Tun appeared before Senior Magistrate , Tricia Pitts-Anderson where he was read a single charge of possession of 39 undersized lobster tails. Tun pleaded not guilty to the offense and Senior Magistrate Anderson offered him bail in the sum of $1,000 plus one surety of the same amount which he was able to …

Man caught burglarizing home
36-year-old security guard, Leon Duncan, a Ladyville resident, appeared before Senior Magistrate Tricia Pitts-Anderson where he was arraigned on a single charge of burglary. The charge is in connection with stealing items valued at almost $9,000.00 from Melvin Armstrong’s home. Duncan pleaded not guilty to the charge and he was offered bail in the sum …

Steven Castillo charge with unlawful sexual intercourse
34-year-old Steven Castillo, a driver for a paint store in Belize City, was charged with one count of unlawful sexual intercourse after he was caught in parked vehicle with a fifteen year old whose panties were off. This morning, Castillo, who was unrepresented, appeared before Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford where he was arraigned. It is …

Will Scotiabank be leaving our shores soon?
A few weeks ago when we reported on the possible sale of Scotiabank in Belize, the bank’s administration fired off a release saying they will not comment on rumors and they did not inform their staff of any intention to sell off the bank’s assets, which is what we had reported...

Consumer Prices Down 0.2%
Also coming out of the Statistical Institute of Belize, SIB, are the figures for the Consumer Price Index for the month of July. This figure fell by 0.2 percent, which reflects a minimal deflation. Melvin Perez, Statistician 2, says the main contribution to the decline was transport. Melvin Perez, Statistician: “Now looking at the four …

The Economy declines by 0.8%
The latest figures from the Statistical Institute of Belize are in and they were presented this morning via a press conference. In the second quarter of 2019, the economy experienced a decline of 0.8 percent. According to the Statistical Institute of Belize, Belize’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) which is the main benchmark of the country’s …

Adapting to Climate Change
Climate Change adaptation is a matter taken seriously in Belize as the effects can already be seen in various areas. Yesterday a group of media personnel took a tour to view how bad erosion has gotten in the south. Toledo Correspondent, Paul Mahung, was on the tour and filed this report. Protected Areas for Conservation …

Going Green!
An eco-expo held today gabe many entrepreneurs the chance to show off various alternatives to plastic based products as well as sustainable energy methods. The expo was hosted by McNab Visual Strategies and sought to inform various consumers on the importance and availability eco-friendly products. Creative Director of McNab Visual Strategies, Tanya McNab, told us …

Cayo residents concerned over dredging
Concerns have surfaced in the Cayo District, over dredging taking place in the Mount Pleasant area. According to our Cayo Correspondent, Fem Cruz, a company headquartered in Belmopan has been digging in the Belize Old River which is compounding the problems for residents who are already having difficulties with the drought. Here is our correspondent’s …

Bush fire rages in open lot in Belize City
Today, a fire broke out in an open lot near Vernon Street in Belize City. While it was only a bush fire, many of the residents feared for their homes and their lives. Reporter Courtney Menzies spoke to some of the residents and brought back this report. This afternoon a fire that was reportedly set …

Africanized bees terrorize Belize City residents
For three days, the residents of Lovely Lane and Victoria Street in Belize City, have been terrorized by Africanized bees. Some residents were unable to even get in and out of their homes. One resident who declined an interview said that three of his dogs had been killed by the bees, and he had been …

Breaking Belize News

The Public Service Union has condemned the Government of Belize’s approval of a $40,000 loan […]

Consulate of Belize in Florida closing as Hurricane Dorian approaches
The Belize Consulate in Florida said that it will be closed tomorrow, August 30, as […]

“Drought impact assessments will take more time,” says Agriculture CEO
The Ministry of Agriculture is working diligently on the impact assessments for the agricultural subsectors […]

Meeting to be hosted to discuss transit of Guatemalan and Mexican buses
A final decision on matters regarding buses from Guatemala and Mexico transiting Belize has been […]

Feedback, Grievance, and Redress Mechanism is Developed for the Belize REDD+ Project
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment, Sustainable Development and Immigration (MAFFESDI), through the […]

Transparent BPO Opens 3rd Contact Center in Belize, Continued Expansion Planned
Transparent BPO, a nearshore contact center and business process outsourcer, celebrated the grand opening of […]

San Pedro police find ammunition and weed
This morning, the San Pedro Special Operations Team and other officers conducted an operation in […]

U.S. and Latin America pledge to Work to Promote Science-Based Food and Agriculture Regulations
The U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) and the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) […]

US visa refusal rate at 34% in 2018 for Belize
What are the chances of being refused a United States (US) visa in Belize? Millions […]

Belize U-19 Billiards Team participated in Guatemalan tournament
The Belize Billiards Sports Federation (BBSF) informed that five players (U-19) participated in an 8-ball, […]

Come celebrate Maya Heroes day this Saturday in Orange Walk
The Northern Maya Association of Belize is hosting Maya Heroes day on Saturday, August 31, […]

Heat and Humidity in Sports
y Victor G Rosado MD.MPH: Do you ever wonder why, we as a country find it so difficult to improve our performance in any endurance physical discipline […]

BAHA implements import restrictions to safeguard banana industry
In an effort to safeguard the country’s banana industry from the harmful Fusarium oxysporum (TR4) […]

Belizean health professionals represent at 1st of its kind meeting in Mexico
Health professionals, Ingrid Gomez, who is a Registered/Certified Dialysis Nurse attached to the Miguel Rosado […]

Exports up over 40 percent in July, imports up over 15 percent
After having a rough start this year, Belize’s exports for the month of July 2019 […]

International Sources

Using Social Entrepreneurship to Create Change in Belizean Communities
I’m Andre Pitts, a 26-year-old Belizean. As a developing nation, Belize has its fair share of challenges: an unstable economy, high crime rate, and high unemployment as well as underemployment. One of the biggest challenges is the inability of parents to pay for their children’s education and associated expenses. In the village that I live in, this was especially the case. In 2015 — when I was 22 years old — I grew weary of the juvenile delinquency and general stagnation in my community, so I decided to personally assist one family in their efforts to get their five children prepared for the school year. I undertook to supply them with their backpacks and all the necessary stationery.

Teacher of the Year exemplifies the commitment that our children need
Gail Hudson cried tears of joy and gratitude this week when she was named Nevada Teacher of the Year. But to her and her many dedicated colleagues, here's a loud and proud message: That gratitude flows both ways. Hudson, a fifth-grade teacher at John R. Hummel Elementary School, represents the best and brightest in our community’s teaching corps. An immigrant from Belize, she came to the United States 45 years ago to find the best education she could receive. She was inspired by an eighth-grade teacher who told her she should go to college. For 32 years and counting as a teacher, it’s been her turn to inspire students.

In the Spotlight: Aug. 30, 2019
Jamie Awe, a professor in the Department of Anthropology, authored a piece about his work in recent excavations in Belize, which was published in Research Reports in Belizean Archaeology. The report documents Awe’s findings in Belize and the socio-political implications they prove. Additionally, Awe and fellow anthropology professor Claire Ebert co-authored several articles about their research into the ancient Maya in Belize. “The Role of Diet in Resilience and Vulnerability to Climate Change: Stable Isotope Evidence from the Ancient Maya Community at Cahal Pech, Belize” examines the effects of the Terminal Classic drought on the ancient civilization and how their diets helped them stay resilient through climate change. “Defining the Preclassic Ceramic Economy at Cahal Pech, Belize Using Geochemical Compositional Analyses” is a study that uses neutron activation of ceramics found at the excavation site to determine economic change and social complexity in the area.

A Summer with Dr. Fly
This summer I studied abroad in Belize through Texas Tech’s Field School in Maya Archaeology study abroad program. We excavated an average of seven hours per day, and during our “off day,” we always had some adventure to go on — whether it was hiking through the jungle to find a waterfall or swimming through Actun Tunichil Muknal cave. No matter what we did, we always worked with the looming pressure of the ominous Dr. Fly. In fact, on our first real day of work, our professors warned us about Dr. Fly. While all of us silently agonized over this presumed top scholar, another student in the program raised her hand to ask when we would meet this intimidating individual. Tomas, one of our professors, assured us we would meet him, and oh, we most definitely did. But not until much later. When we worked in Gallon Jug, a site 20 minutes away from our lodge, our restroom was the jungle. Unfortunately for me, I have the orientation of someone who doesn’t have good orientation! Having gone far too deep in the jungle, I was temporarily lost all by myself; it seemed every tree looked the same. Eventually, however, I found my way back to our site. My preferred survival story isn’t one where I got lost because I chose to pee somewhere random, but here we are.

Lord Ashcroft: two Australian businesses owned by Tory and Liberal donor collapsed within a year
Two Australian businesses owned by the Tory peer and former Australian Liberal party donor Michael Ashcroft have collapsed in the space of a year with debts totalling almost $150m, raising questions about their demise and – in one case – the means used to bring it back to life. The financial services group Anne Street Partners and the house builder QNV Constructions were put into administration after falling into difficulty over the past 12 months.

Videos

August 29, 2019

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Specials and Events

Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, LOVETV, PGTV, Reef TV, KREM, and CTV 3. Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, Belize Now, Talk Ah Di Town, and other specials.

The San Pedro Sun

Head of British diplomatic service travels to Belize
Permanent Under-Secretary of State (PUS) at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Sir Simon McDonald will pay an official visit to Belize on 30 August. The Head of the British Diplomatic Service will visit Belize as part of a regional tour including Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala. His visit will reaffirm the warm UK ties with Belize as well as providing the opportunity to discuss a wide range of international issues, such as illegal wildlife trade, regional stability, clean oceans and BREXIT.

Ban on the importation of regulated articles from Countries infested with Fusarium oxysporum (TR4) that pose a serious risk to our banana industry
With the recent confirmation of the presence of Fusarium Wilt of Banana, Fusarium oxysporum (TR4), in Colombia, the entire Central American Region and Mexico is on high alert, implementing quarantine measures to prevent entry of this very devastating banana disease that threatens our banana Industry and Food Security.

San Pedro Police seeks community help to raise funds for two more golf carts
There seems to be a decrease in crime on the island over the past weeks, following the installation of a new Officer in Charge of the Coastal Executive Unit, and the recent addition of 13 tourism police officers. However, with the additional personnel, more resources are needed and the San Pedro Police Formation is in need of more vehicles to better patrol the island. As such, businesses and individuals are being called upon to help raise funds for the acquisition of two golf carts. Captain Shark’s has made an incredible offer to our local police to provide two golf carts for $20,000. Island hotelier and businessman Peter Lawrence is championing the cause to raise the funds and is calling on businesses/individuals to donate $1,000 each.

Central American Firefighter Sharing Operational Knowledge with U.S. Counterparts
The Joint Task Force-Bravo’s 612th Air Base Squadron will be hosting a multinational firefighting exercise at Soto Cano Air Base, August 19-23, with the participation of 25 firefighters from Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Costa Rica. The Central America Sharing Mutual Operational Knowledge and Experiences exercise (CENTAM SMOKE) takes place twice a year and provides an opportunity for all firefighters to work as a team while learning from each other’s capabilities through strenuous partnership-building challenges.

Aaliyah Pilgrim to represent San Pedro at the 74th National Queen of the Bay
As the September celebrations draw near, all is set to select the new National Queen of Bay! Representing San Pedro Town in this year’s beauty pageant is 17-year-old Aaliyah Pilgrim. She is a former student of San Pedro High School (SPHS) and Miss SPHS (2018). Pilgrim is well-known on the island for her athleticism, as she was part of SPHS’ volleyball, football, basketball, softball and track and field team during her years of high school. For her outstanding performance in sports, she received the award of SPHS ‘Female Athlete of the Year’ for two consecutive years (2018 and 2019). She is currently pursuing her Associates Degree in Chemistry and Biology at the University of Belize.

Mayors Sign the Belize National Spatial Data Infrastructure (BNSDI) Data Sharing Memorandum of Understanding
Mayors from across the country gathered at the Belize Police Training Academy in Belmopan on August 22, 2019, to sign the Belize National Spatial Data Infrastructure (BNSDI) data sharing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Through this agreement, spatial data will be shared and readily accessible on the BNSDI Geoportal to Local Government Authorities to support informed decision making in parcel/tax mapping, property management, permit tracking, flood mitigation and emergency management.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Heads Delegation to Seventeenth Summit of the Tuxtla Mechanism
A delegation headed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Wilfred Elrington, participated in the XVII Summit of the Tuxtla Mechanism for Dialogue and Cooperation held on 23rd August, 2019 in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. The Political Declaration adopted by the Heads of Government and States reaffirmed the importance of this regional space for dialogue and cooperation between the countries of Central America, the Dominican Republic, Colombia and Mexico.

San Pedro Pirates F.C secure their first win of the PLB season
During the fifth week of the Premiere League of Belize (PLB) 2019 Opening Season, the San Pedro Pirates have managed to win their first match. With a 2-1 score over FF Valley Pride F.C, the Pirates have secured their coveted three points. The game took place at the Carl Ramos Stadium in Dangriga Town, Stann Creek District on Sunday, August 25th. For their next match, the San Pedro Pirates F.C will be playing at home against BDF on Saturday, August 31st. The match is scheduled to begin at 7:30PM at the Ambergris Stadium in San Pedro Town. ALL islanders are encouraged to come out and support the island team in their home game.

Ambergris Today

Belizean Gail Hudson Named 2020 Nevada Teacher Of The Year
On August 26, 2019, Belizean Gail Hudson, a fifth-grade teacher at Hummel Elementary was selected as the 2020 Nevada Teacher of the Year. Hudson is an educator who migrated to the USA from Belize when it was still known as British Honduras. Ms. Hudson is a national board-certified teacher who has been in the classroom for over three decades. According to reports the elementary school teacher says she takes pride in helping students who come from out of the country, adjust to cultural differences in the classroom.

Belize Qualifies For 2020 Concacaf Women’s Under-17 Championship
Honduras, Cayman Islands, Belize and Guyana have all punched tickets to the 2020 Concacaf Women’s Under-17 Championship after finishing atop their respective groups in last week’s 2019 Concacaf Women’s Under-17 Championship Qualifying. Matched with Saint Lucia, Bonaire and Anguilla in Group A, Honduras marched to a first-place finish with a 3W-0D-0L, 17GF-0GC record at the Estadio Olimpico Metropolitano in San Pedro Sula, Honduras.

Southern Villages In Belize To Enjoy Primary Health Care
The goal of the BNSDI is to avoid duplication of efforts and make spatial data more accessible to public sector users, promote effective and economical management of public resources, and support the application of spatial data in the areas of transportation, community development, emergency response and environmental management. The Ministry of Natural Resources continues its collaboration and partnership with all BNSDI stakeholders, including the Local Government Authorities...

Mayors Sign Data Sharing Memorandum Of Understanding

Various Belizean Sources

San Pedro Lions Club General Meeting
Members of the San Pedro Lions Club are invited to a General Meeting to be held Thursday, August 29th at the San Pedro Lions Den. Be seated by 6:45PM, meeting commences at 7PM.

Paint N Splash
See you this week at from 2-4pm Thursday m to paint this gorgeous sunset!

Fulltime and Temporary Teaching Vacancies at Escuela Secundaria Tecnica Mexico

Job Preparedness Training Summer Program
On August 7 & 8 the Department of Youth Services Benque Center conducted their Job Preparedness Training Summer Program with 10 youth from the Village of San Jose Succotz. The aim is to equip youth with the necessary knowledge, skills, attitude and values to be marketable to join the workforce. It also prepares youth with the necessary skills to be able to identify a job placement that suits their skills and abilities, how to apply and undergo an interview to maximize their opportunity of getting employed and operate to the best of their abilities in a professional manner. The Department of Youth Services would like thank all participants of the training and also Ms. Olivia Pat of the San Jose Succotz Library who provided us with the venue and assisted with recruitment.

Coronation Park in Corozal is being remodeled
They’re doing a great job repainting this park.

Generation Of Heroes
Twelve-year-old Madison Edwards is the first Belizean to swim and snorkel the length of the Belize Barrier Reef. Her goal: to create awareness of the reef’s value and encourage her generation—and the government—to stand up against oil exploration.

Public Service Union Corozal - Membership Meeting

Vacancy in San Pedro with Captain Sharks
Main Office Assistant. With accounting experience, QuickBooks experience, bilingual, good computer skills, good communication skills and a team player. A minimum of high school diploma is required.

BELIZE FISHING REPORT: AUGUST 18, 2019 THROUGH AUGUST 25, 2019
Light winds and sunny conditions provided plenty of action, including Bonefish and Permit landed on the fly from the El Pescador dock. Very good week for numbers of Bonefish on the fly.

The 7th installment of Caribbean Culture and Lifestyle – The Conservation Issue is now available for your reading pleasure
Caribbean Culture and Lifestyle (CC+L) is a creatively designed publication that caters to those curious in nature and those with a passion for travel. With the world moving at a fast pace, and with publications traditionally static, Caribbean Culture and Lifestyle blends print and digital with multimedia platforms. Today, the 7th edition of Caribbean Culture and Lifestyle Magazine was released at the Best Western Plus Belize Biltmore Plaza and is now available for your reading pleasure in both print and online as an E-book.

San Pedro Tourist Guide Association General Meeting
General Meeting for all members at 7pm on Thursday 29 August 2019 at the Lions Den ! Important issues will be discussed!! Do not miss it .

Belize City Auditions: Musicians
Hosted by Carnival Cruise Line Entertainment. Pro DJ I Caribbean Soloist I Male Rockband Vocalist I Female Rockband Vocalist I Trumpet I Saxophone I Trombone

Media Session on Flag Day and Standardization Presentation and Calendar of Events
The Flag of Belize is in the final stages of being standardized. At an event held today at the Marion Jones Sporting Complex in Belize City, the media was informed of the work currently underway to standardize the Belizean Flag. This initiative has received bi-partisan support and has already been approved by the Cabinet, with the support of the Leader of the Opposition and is currently embarking on a Consultation and Education Campaign. The endeavor currently underway is to establish a Belizean Flag that is as close to the design of the original flag flown on the 21st of September 1981 with clear guidelines to enable for accurate recreation both locally and internationally.

FLAG DAY PRESENTATION
The Flag of Belize is in the final stages of being standardized. At an event held today at the Marion Jones Sporting Complex in Belize City, the media was informed of the work currently underway to standardize the Belizean Flag. This initiative has received bipartisan support and has already been approved by the Cabinet, with the support of the Leader of the Opposition and is currently embarking on a Consultation and Education Campaign. The endeavor currently underway is to establish a Belizean Flag that is as close to the design of the original flag flown on the 21st of September 1981 with clear guidelines to enable for accurate recreation both locally and internationally.

LAUNCH OF MINISTRY OF TOURISM & CIVIL AVIATION JOB PORTAL
The Ministry of Tourism is pleased to offer you a FREE, USER FRIENDLY, and FULLY MANAGED web application designed to connect tourism supported employers and job seekers.

Grand opening of the San Pedro/Cristo Rey Villages Health Centers
Together with a Health Fair, held Thursday.

Hitz 100 3rd Anniversary
Hitz 100 is having a huge 3rd anniversary party on Saturday, September 7th, at the Santa Elena Sporting Complex. Supa G will be performing, and Olatunji, from T&T, will also be there, along with many local DJ's and Lucio and the New Generation Band. Happy anniversary, Hitz 100!

Huay Balam
For the ancient Maya, the Maya word "Huay" was used to refer to an animal - real or chimeric - that shared its essence with each person; a kind of "accompanying spirit." In its original meaning, the way could also be an object or phenomenon (star, fire, comet, rainbow) or a combination of all the previous elements. For example, a Ceibal Ajaw had a "Water Jaguar". Linguistically, the "way" particle seems to have a root related to sleep or mystical transfiguration, since its meaning persists among the various Maya languages. After the conquest, the demonization of ancient Maya beliefs resulted in the Huay to be seen as something related to witchcraft and black magic .

A Loving crocodile story in pictures
I met Elda (whose name means Warrior) today as she was being transported to the mainland to have a vet pump her stomach. ACES may have given her a different name but I forgot to ask so I had to give her a fitting name for this post. About a week ago someone, who has no excuse for not knowing better, was witnessed feeding (what we believe was) this croc “biodegradable” not “edible” plastic bags of frozen chicken. ACES caught her this morning about 1am. She is not in good shape and we all hope she will survive. Life on the island hasn’t been kind to her. She measures 8 feet 10 inches. She is super skinny for this size of croc. She is blind in the left eye, has a deep gouge between her eyes and is missing her left foot. Some of these injuries are old and perhaps not caused by people.

Gary P. Nunn's 7th Annual Belize Bash
From August 29th – September 1st we’ll be hosting our 7th annual Belize Bash with Lonestar icon Gary P. Nunn! We look forward to this event of country music under the Caribbean sun all year long and are so pleased that “The Music Ambassador of Texas” will be joining us once again. Unlike other musical events and festivals, Victoria House offers an intimate setting for enjoying the talented Gary P. Nunn with the opportunity to shake his hand and get to know him personally. Gary is also known to create an exclusive list of songs to play so that guests experience a unique performance that can’t be seen or heard elsewhere. Hosted by Victoria House Resort & Spa.

Channel 7

Cabinet Comes Down On Faber For Betraying Collective Responsibility
Deputy Prime Minister Patrick Faber is not a politician known to dodge the media - but he did so today when the press waited for him at the conclusion of another event. He said he didn't want to get in trouble. Sources tell us - the Deputy Prime Minister is in trouble with the Prime Minister and Cabinet. Those sources say the PM scolded him yesterday at Cabinet for speaking out of turn last week. That's when Faber commented publicly on the house approved write-off for the Cabinet Secretary's son, Joshua Perdomo. Here are the remarks he gave to Love TV:...

Fin. Sec.: Perdomo Bond Statute Barred
Faber's refusal to comment today is an indication that he may not be ready to publicly support the Cabinet position on the write-off - which was upheld yesterday in Cabinet. We know it was held because four members of Cabinet - led by Chairman John Saldivar, went to the Finance and Economic Development Committee and approved the write-off. But, party insiders tell us that it's not nepotism favoring the Cab-Sec's son. Financial Secretary Joe Waight today told us that there is a very simple, technical reason why the write-off was tabled; quote, "The GOB has taken this position based on the advice of the Attorney General's Ministry that the Bond is by now statute barred." End quote.

Made in 1981, The Belize Flag is Standardized in 2019
And, switching gears now, our next story is about something we'll all be thinking of over the next month. It's the Belizean flag - unique in the world as the only flag with human figures on it. But, as we've documented before, the skin tone of those human figures has changed significantly over time. You might not know this, but the Coat of Arms started in the 1800's with two black woodcutters - and since then the melanin content of both men has been consistently going down.

Another Hostel Breakout
There was another breakout at the girls' section of the Youth Hostel today. It's another in a series of incidents at the youth hostel over the past weeks, including reports of riots and multiple escapes. Today we spoke to Starla Bradley, the director of the Community Rehabilitation Department. She confirmed the escapes and explained some of the major challenges that the institution is facing. Voice of: Starla Bradley: "What we've had is the same set of children who are high risk, meaning that some of them have some serious mental health issues, some of them being gang involved..."

The Undersea Wonders of Hol Chan
San Pedro residents have a personal connection to the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. It's only about 4 miles south of Ambergris Caye and it provides jobs for the tour operators in the area who take visitors to the reserve. But aside from San Pedranos and tourists, not many Belizeans know or have even visited the site, although it is free for locals. Well, on Monday Courtney Weatherburne went to find out more about the beauty and uniqueness of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve and why there must be constant improvements made to better protect this underwater wonder.

Hol Chan Will fight Cayo Rosario Project
One of the challenges that the Hol Chan Marine Reserve is facing right now is the Cayo Rosario project. As we have reported, Cayo Rosario Development Limited wants to construct of a resort on Cayo Rosario, a 10-acre island off the northwest coast of San Pedro, which is smack in the middle of the Hol Chan Reserve. Viewers will remember that the Ambergris Caye Citizens for Sustainable Development lost their court case against the DOE for granting environmental clearance to Cayo Rosario Development Limited. While that case is dead, the Hol Chan Marin Reserve is not giving up that easily. The Executive Director says the reserve's attorney's will file another injunction to stop any further developments. He says this case will be strong and backed by research. Here are his comments.

The Super Unknown: Sargassum's Effects On the Reef
Aside from this injunction, Hol Chan is also busy working on new research on sargassum. The Technical Manager for Hol Chan, Kirah Castillo says it is a very new initiative so she can't go into too much detail. Kirah Castillo, Technical Manager, Hol Chan Marine Reserve: "Last year we assisted the University of Belize with collecting data on sargassum and so we have been approached again this year to continue that work and make it more a bit more formal in terms of them collecting and looking at sargassum and the effects of sargassum to the reef I don't want to get too much into it because really it is new and we are just starting the initial discussion as to how we will work together on this effort."

GDP Contracted Slightly in Second Quarter
The Statistical Institute of Belize has released its latest data on the country's gross domestic product, the consumer price index, and the external trade for the second quarter of this year. Tonight, we start with the snapshot of Belize's GDP - which had a downturn in the second quarter. According to the SIB, between April and June 2019, the country's overall level of production declined by 0.8%, when compared to the same period last year. The primary sector is down by as much as 2.9%, which is largely due to lower sugarcane, citrus, and banana production.

PG Had Highest Inflation In Second Quarter
So, in which part of Belize was the cost of living at its highest during the second quarter of this year? Well, according to the Statistical Institute, the pockets of the Punta Gorda Town residents were the hardest by inflation, when compared to the rest of the country. Statistician Melvin Perez provided an overview to the media today as to why PG folks ended up having to pay more than everyone else for their everyday needs:

Eco-Alternatives To Plastics
By now, we should all know that there's a plastic ban somewhere out there on the event horizon. And, when it comes, all those plastic straws, styrofoam containers and single use plastics will have to be phased out. What will they be replaced with? Today we got a glimpse of the eco alternatives that could replace those plastics at the Eco-Marketplace Expo at the Biltmore where 17 organic and environmentally friendly product providers showcased their wares. Event organizer Tanya Mcnab told us why going green is the next big trend:...

Softball's Stiff Competition
The 29th Annual Women's National Softball Championship will be held this weekend where 8 Teams will compete for the chance to be named National Champions. This morning at the Roger's Stadium we got a run down on this year's tournament and how the player's have been preparing: The 29th Annual Women's National Softball Championship will open at the Roger's Stadium and starts on Friday August 30th at 6:00pm.

The Story of Belize's Flag
Earlier on in the news we told you about NICH's plan to standardize the Belize flag - so that, once and for all, the colors of all the elements, including the woodcutters can be firmly fixed and uniformly printed. That's a big relief for one of the men who designed the flag in 1981 - former Chief Education Officer, Inez Sanchez. Five years ago, in 2014, Courtney Weatherburne sat down with Mr. Sanchez - who also happens to be her grandfather to get to the bottom of this flag business.

Man Charged for Santa Elena Murder
In news just in, a man has been charged for the murder of Nelson Flores. The 35 year old father of six was killed on Sunday night at his Santa Elena home. A gunman wearing a motorcycle helmet stormed into his home and opened fire on Flores, and also injured his 12 year old daughter. Tonight, Cayo police say that gunman is Jorge Galindo. He is 33yrs old of Santa Elena Town.

Channel 5

George Galindo is charged for killing Nelson Flores and injuring his daughter
The Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams and his team were in San Ignacio today where a surge in violence has residents on edge.  Earlier today, San Ignacio police arrested and [...]

No arrest in Quiroz shooting in Santa Elena
San Ignacio police are also looking for the gunman who let off a barrage of bullets at three persons inside the yard of a house on Perez Street in Santa [...]

Police Department comes down hard on gangs in Twin Towns
In the wake of the recent gun violence in Santa Elena, the Commissioner of Police has decided to come down hard on what he calls are four troublesome groups in [...]

An armed man holds up four patrons in a St Mathews bar
Following our report of an armed robbery in Cotton Tree earlier this week, a video was provided to our newsroom of another robbery in the west. It occurred on August [...]

Dwayne Cherrington is Shot by Motorist Near Dream Like City
There was also gun violence in the city. Thirty-one-year-old Dwayne Cherrington was shot by an unknown motorist sometime after midnight on Tuesday in the vicinity of Dream Like City and [...]

PSU outraged at the debt write off to the son of the Cab Sec
Another matter that has been in days has to do with a debt write-off. The Finance and Economic Committee of the House on Tuesday approved a motion for the unpopular [...]

Abalone Caye’s Struggling Survival Against Erosion
In southern Belize, Abalone Caye is part of a reserve co-managed by TIDE, the Toledo Institute for Development. The caye stretches for half an acre within the larger Port Honduras [...]

Police on the hunt for robbers who have struck in separate villages in Cayo
Also on the crime blotter, Police are looking into a string of robberies that have been plaguing the Cayo District. In less than two weeks, two business establishments were targeted [...]

Police meet with residents in Santa Elena after recent gun violence
Police were back in the hot spots in Santa Elena Town this afternoon but not as part of their investigations into the two recent cases. Officer Commanding Superintendent Henry Jemmott [...]

Teachers of Belize Rural High School Stage Sit-out
Five teachers of Belize Rural High School in Double Head Cabbage staged a sit-out today as a result of a power struggle between the principal and teachers, and the school’s [...]

Brushfire Near Lakeview Street
There was a brushfire in the vicinity of Lakeview Street this afternoon in Belize City and personnel from the National Fire Service had to be called out to extinguish the [...]

A construction worker is accused of harm by his common-law
Tonight, Zane Peter Patt is accused of harm by his common-law-wife. The construction worker, who dismantles houses for a living, appeared before Senior Magistrate, Tricia Pitts-Anderson to answer to a [...]

Economy Declines Marginally in 2nd Quarter of 2019
There has been a decline in the level of production between April to June of this year in comparison to the same period last year. According to the Statistical Institute [...]

Eco-Marketplace Expo 2019 Held in Belize City
The Eco-Marketplace Expo is in full swing at the Biltmore Plaza. It got underway this morning and a number of artistic, as well as creative business persons, are using the [...]

Third Annual Maya Heroes Day to be Celebrated in Sugar City
This Saturday in Orange Walk Town, the Northern Maya Association will be hosting Maya Heroes Day, a cultural event to honor outstanding promoters of the Mayan heritage. The activity which [...]

The National Flag of Belize receives a face lift
The National Celebrations Commission today announced that the Belize flag is being standardized. For years, Belizeans have complained that the national is not uniform. Relying on historical information and after [...]

New Flag design tries to keep historical resemblance
So what does the new flag look like? According to Encalada, it has been a tedious task to complete, but they laboured to make the new design and colour scheme [...]

Twenty Ninth Women’s Softball Championship to be held Weekend
The twenty-ninth women’s softball championship is scheduled to begin on Friday at Roger’s Stadium in Belize City. Four teams, two from Belize City and two from Rural Belize will go [...]

Softball Teams Determine to Win Championship
The women of each participating team spoke to the media, expressing their aims for this weekend’s softball tournament. The athletes shared what they would focus on during the upcoming matches.  [...]

Annual Back-to-School Trimming Drive is Here Again!
In its ninth year, the annual Back-to-School Trimming Drive is here once again and primary and high school students from across south side Belize City are looking forward to spending [...]

The 74th Queen of the Bay to be selected this Friday
The annual pageant to select the Queen of the Bay takes place this Friday. This evening, eight young delegates from across the country were at the Bliss Institute in anticipation [...]

Amandala

Fish dying by the ton in severely polluted New River!
The fish kill in the New River which runs through the Orange Walk District has worsened to the point where even crocodiles and turtles which inhabit this river are now turning up dead. On Friday night, officers from the Department of the Environment (DOE) descended on Orange Walk to make presentations about the increasing threats to the New River. An estimated 500 Orange Walk residents took the time out to attend the DOE presentation, which was expressed mostly in specialized technical jargon that was aided with the use of a Microsoft PowerPoint presentation.

Faber distances himself from Barrow on Cab Sec’s son’s loan write-off
At the last meeting of the House of Representatives, Prime Minister Dean Barrow tabled a write-off motion for a loan of $40,000 that Joshua Perdomo, son of his Cabinet Secretary, Carlos Perdomo, failed to repay after he was granted study leave to pursue a Master’s Degree in Forensic Genetics. Perdomo absconded and never repaid a dime of his student loan. Barrow told the House that Perdomo’s whereabouts are unknown and that the motion had the recommendation of Cabinet.

Belize Women U-17 qualifies, thanks to Kaite Jones’ 4 goals against St. Kitts & Nevis
Belize Women U-17 National Team was on the verge of elimination yesterday afternoon, when our star striker Kaite Jones exploded for 4 goals to help Belize gain a 4-3 victory over St. Kitts & Nevis, and thus secure the top spot in Group C of the qualifiers for participation in the Knockout Stage of the 2020 Concacaf Women’s U-17 Championship next year March – April. The top 16 ranked Concacaf teams, according to the July 2018 Concacaf ranking, automatically qualified to the Group Stage of the tournament, from which the top 12 will go on to the Knockout Stage, beginning with the Round of 16.

Nelson Flores shot to death; daughter, 12, injured
At about 9:00 last night, Nelson Flores, 42, a laborer of Santa Elena, was at home with his family when a man drove up on a motorcycle and went to his house through the back of the yard. He met Flores’ son and asked for his father, Nelson Flores. Flores’ son tried to stop the man from entering their house, and there was a struggle between them, but the man overcame the son and ran into the house, where Flores was, and shot him multiple times in his chest and head. Flores’ daughter, 12, was shot in her abdomen.

Bowen & Bowen terminate contraband-importing employees
Today, Bowen & Bowen confirmed, via a statement from its corporate headquarters in Belize City, that it has terminated the services of an unspecified number of employees for using two of the company’s vehicles to facilitate the transportation of contraband beverages into the country. John Palacio, the Public Relations Manager at Bowen & Bowen, told Amandala this afternoon that on Thursday, August 19, Belize Customs officers discovered two Bowen & Bowen vehicles that were being used for illicit activities.

Vance Cuthbert Vernon, retired businessman, dead at 74
On Saturday, August 24, Vance Cuthbert Vernon, a businessman of Punta Gorda Town died from a heart attack, his son, Nigel Vernon, told us this afternoon. He was 74. Vernon told us that his father had suffered a myocardial infraction in 2001 and has been on medication ever since then, because he had an enlarged heart. Vernon did the first three years of his high school work at Lynam Agricultural School, which was located on Canada Hill, in Pomona Valley, Stann Creek District, then moved on to complete his final year of high school at the prestigious St. John’s College, in Belize City, in 1963.

Defending champs, San Pedro Pirates gains first win at Week 5 of PLB Opening Season
After losing 1 and drawing 3 games, defending champion San Pedro Pirates FC finally entered the winning column, as they claimed their first victory, against winless newcomers FF Valley Pride FC, at Week 5 of the Premier League of Belize (PLB) 2019-2020 Opening Season. The only Saturday night game in Week 5 saw Bandits Sport regrouping in second half, after visiting Wagiya SC had taken a 1-nil first half lead through Carlton “Fubu” Thomas (39’), and turn the tables in the second half with goals from Georgie Welcome (56’ & 88’) and Andres Makin, Jr. (79’), to register the 3-1 home victory.

Orange Walk Billiards Association announces AGM for Sunday
The Orange Walk Billiards Association (OWBA) would like to inform the general public that the Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held this Sunday at Darvis Cool Spot, starting at 10:30 a.m. sharp.

8 medals for Belize at 2019 Yucatan Open Table Tennis Tournament – Circuit of Merida
Report of the results of the 5th Edition of the Circuit State of Merida – Yucatan OPEN 2019. The event was held from 16 – 18 August 2019, with the participation of athletes from Yucatan, along with some other Mexican clubs, and Belize. The following categories were played in the tournament: U11, U13, U15, U21, 1ST CATEGORY, – 900, – 1700, DOUBLES, MIXED DOUBLES.

National Belikin 8-Ball Finals in P.G. – Chatta’s of O.W. – Champs!!!
The 22nd Annual National Belikin 8-Ball Tournament concluded over the weekend at the newly constructed Sports Complex in Punta Gorda Town. Throughout the country, teams competed from May to win a spot in the National Finals. Representing their region were: Mighty Ducks (Corozal), Mean Machine (San Pedro), Chatta’s and Emalee (Orange Walk), Long Island and Warriors (Belize District), BRC Shooters (Belmopan), CK Shooters (Cayo), Warriors (Stann Creek), and Challengers (Toledo).

Editorial: Our formula for success: Made in Belize
When neighbors work together, both prosper. How good it is when one neighbor milks their cow and shares the product with a neighbor who gives them green corn and RK beans in return. That is a healthy relationship. The relationship between neighbors is not always healthy. All is good when the goods and services the neighbors share are comparable in worth, but all is not good when one neighbor is constantly contributing more than the other. In those cases we have an unbalanced relationship. This is not healthy. The side that is contributing less begins to fall into a beggar situation.

Russell E. Czarnecki – put down the rum bottle!
Dear Editor, It was after reading Audrey Matura’s column in the August 24 edition of the Amandala that I was reminded of why I had permanently left Belize after living in the country for seven years. My revulsion over just how corrupt the government is in “The Jewel” — and it’s even gotten worse since I left — made untenable any thought of prolonging my stay.

The Reef Afire – a book review
There is no suspense in Hart Tillett’s latest book, The Reef Afire; we know who the heroes are, and that they will win. We can be happy, or disappointed, that the heroes are a lot more civilized than the crowd Admiral Burnaby met when he landed here in 1785 to formulate a set of laws, Burnaby’s Code, to bring order and decency to the settlement in the Bay of Honduras.

A RELEVANT CONVERSATION ABOUT AGRICULTURE & FOOD SECURITY IN BELIZE!
The classic documented feature, “A Relevant Conversation About Agriculture & Food Security in Belize”, featuring two of Belize’s most respected Belizean legends, the late Ismail Omar Shabazz and David Alexander Buddan, who both passed away in the same year of 2014; comes to us here at “Belizean Legends” with one of the most heartfelt memories of the way they are remembered as two of the most hard working Belizeans in the diaspora in the 1980s.

Our young men represented our culture well at volleyball tournament
I’m talking about the picture on page 45 of the Friday Amandala, a shot of the team that represented our country at the XIX Central American Beach Volleyball Championships last week. There is only one thing more important than winning, and that is dignity, respectability. Our guys placed 5th and 9th (we had two teams) in the tourney which was held at Kukumba Beach at Old Belize. Okay, we didn’t do all that well. (our girls finished 8th in a 9-team competition) There are only seven countries in Central America, and six of them participated. We didn’t do all that well, but we kept our pants up.

“JUSTICE”, CHARLES X EAGAN & IBRAHIM ABDULLAH!
My life as a businessman and activist in Belize in the 1990s brought me around to meet for the first time in my life, the revolutionary and radical Muslim Belizean activist, Charles X Eagan, better know as “Justice”, whom for many had begun the first period of the Nation of Islam in Belize in 1961 (months before Hurricane Hattie), and started its humble beginnings in Belize City after he was deported back to Belize from the United Sates after serving prison time there.

PUP name two new Senators — Isabel Bennett and Dr. Louis Zabaneh
Leader of the Opposition People’s United Party (PUP), Hon. John Briceño, returned to his Belize City office today after spending three weeks on doctor-recommended sick leave, following a road traffic accident in which he received minor injuries on Friday, August 2. On this first day back at the office, the PUP leader named the party’s two new senators. The PUP’s recommendations for the new Senate are long-time nursing educator, Isabel Bennett, who will replace Senator Valarie Woods; and Dr. Louis Zabaneh, who will replace Senator Paul Thompson, the PUP’s Albert constituency standard bearer.

Cop and passenger killed in Spanish Lookout traffic accident
Corporal Lenard Puc, 35, of Santa Familia, who was attached to Belize City police, was driving his car on Center Road from Spanish Lookout to Santa Familia at about 6:30 yesterday evening when he lost control of the vehicle, which collided with an oncoming pickup. The car flipped and overturned several times. Traveling with Puc at the time was a relative of his, Manuel Cabb, 44, also of Santa Familia. As a result of the car flipping and overturning several times, they both suffered massive head and body injuries, and were trapped in the car wreck.

Michael Hyde, 32, found floating in the central lagoon in Turneffe
The body of Michael Hyde, 32, an electrician of Zacaranda Street, Belize City (not to be confused with the Michael Hyde of KREMANDALA), was found floating in a lagoon in the Turneffe Atoll area of the Belize District on Thursday evening. The body was in a state of decomposition. He was found by the owner of CoCo Caye, Fabian Johnson, and some men who were searching for him after they were informed by the watchman on CoCo Caye Thursday evening that Hyde had been missing since Tuesday morning, August 20.

Henry Gideon, 27, arrested for stabbing and robbing grandmother, 64
Henry Gideon, 27, a laborer of Trinidad Village who was wanted for robbery, theft and aggravated assault and was on the run from police, was arrested yesterday in Blue Creek as he was trying to leave the country, on his way into Mexico. Gideon is accused of beating, stabbing and stealing $300 from his grandmother, Fernanda Garcia, 64, of Trinidad.

The Reporter

Mid-Afternoon Bush-Fire In Lake-I, Was Close To Houses
At approximately 1.45pm this afternoon the Belize Fire Service were alerted by neighbors near to a large overgrown lot that was ablaze and could spread to nearby homes.

Another Shooting Out West
On Monday night a man identified as Arden Quiroz, 18, was shot while hanging out with friends at a car wash on Perez Street in Santa Elena...

LOVE FM

British Diplomat Visits Belize
British Permanent Under-secretary of State (PUS), Simon McDonald will be visiting Belize on August 30. During his stay he will be seeing the Governor General, Sir Colville Young, and having a meeting with the Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Leader of the Opposition and other Organizations. He will also be visiting the Chiquibul National …

School Year Begins and Teachers already on Strike
Today is day-3 for this new academic year and already problems are arising for the students at the Belize Rural High School in Double Head Cabbage Village. The students were all sent home today when no teacher showed up to classes. This morning, our newsroom received a call from a concerned parent who informed us …

Ministry of Tourism introduces job portal
In recent years the tourism industry has taken off and in so doing it has become the number one foreign exchange earner for Belize. There is even more being done to ensure that the tourism industry performs at its best, considering the regional competition it faces. In this regard, the Ministry of Tourism introduced a …

Seven girls compete for the title of Queen of the Bay
Last year, Miss Belmopan, Jenny-Lee Cruz, took home the crown for the Queen of the Bay Pageant. This year, seven girls will be competing to become the new queen. Reporter Courtney Menzies was able to speak to each of the girls about why they chose to be a part of the pageant. The 74th National …

“Empowering communities, Conserving biodiversity, Connecting the World”
The Forest is essential to the ecosystem since it creates balance for the climate, control the water cycle and provides habitat to thousands of life forms. Earlier this month, Ya’axche Conservation Trust hosted it annual summer camp where it shared with fifty campers ranging from 9 to 14 years, the essential role the forest play …

Football coaches undergo training
Football coaches are under training via a one week course. Cayo Correspondent Fem Cruz has the details on this initiative. Reporter: The Football Federation of Belize is hosting a one week CONCACAF C license training course at the FFB Stadium in Belmopan. Philip Marin the technical director, spoke about the one-week training. Philip Marin, Technical …

Santa Elena Town Minor Missing
On Sunday, August 25, a 16-year-old from Santa Elena Town, Cayo District, escaped from the youth hostel on the George Price Highway. Tonight, the girl’s whereabouts are still unknown. The family of the young female is concerned as this is not the first time she has run away. According to the child’s mother, this has …

DOE and BATSUB collaborate on emergency simulation
A simulation involving a car accident and several casualties and an oil spill took place earlier today at the Boom Bridge. The simulation was the implementation of Phase 3 of Exercise Tropical Alliance, and it aimed to prepare first responders in the event of a catastrophic emergency. Reporter Courtney Menzies was at the scene. Here …

Youth Hostel Security is Being Questioned
The Princess Royal Youth Hostel located on the George Price Highway has been experiencing many issues lately, with their female residents. Just a few weeks ago twelve girls escaped from the facility; they were all found and returned to their rooms but shortly after, eleven more escaped. In between the escapes, police had to be …

PUP Calls for Sanctions against “Yellowman”
On August 16, we reported that Brian ‘Yellowman’ Audinett insulted Dr. Louis Zabaneh inside the National Assembly as the session broke for a closed door session. Audinett referred to Zabaneh as a thief. Zabaneh reported the matter to the police but they declared that it was not a criminal matter and as such, Audinett could …

Ministers vote in case of Joshua Perdomo write off
Four Cabinet ministers voted in favor of writing off forty thousand five hundred dollars owed to the Government by Joshua Perdomo, the son of Cabinet Secretary, Carlos Perdomo. As we reported in a previous newscast, Joshua Perdomo was employed by the Government, went on study leave with the condition that when he completes his studies, …

Belizean Educator wins 2020 Nevada Teacher of the Year
Belizean immigrant, Gail Hudson won the 2020 Nevada Teacher of the Year award on August 26, 2019. Hudson is a fifth-grade teacher at Hummel Elementary and is an educator who migrated to USA from Belize when it was called British Honduras. On Monday, Hudson celebrated her accomplishment with family, colleagues, city and state leaders here’s …

CRC Ambassadors donate backpack to students in the south
The Convention on the Rights of a Child, CRC Ambassadors travelled to Dangriga where they distributed fifty backpacks to equip children returning to school with the tools necessary for them to thrive. Correspondent Harry Arzu filed this report. Harry Arzu: CRC Ambassadors donated school supplies to some 50 students from Dangriga during an official event …

Breaking Belize News

Consumers paid less in July 2019
Belizeans paid an average of 20 cents less for goods and services in July 2019 […]

NICH hosts media Session on Flag Day, Standardization Presentation and Calendar of Events
The Flag of Belize is in the final stages of being standardized. At an event […]

Jorge Galindo arrested and expected to be charged for murder of Nelson Flores
Officer Commanding San Ignacio Police, Henry Jemmott today gave an update on the investigation regarding […]

Belizean teacher named 2020 Teacher of the Year in Nevada, USA
Belizean, Gail Hudson has been named the 2020 Teacher of the Year in Nevada, USA. […]

Economy sees marginal decline in Second Quarter 2019
Belize’s economy declined by 0.8 percent during the Second Quarter of 2019 (April-June), when compared […]

Commissioner of Police conducts Meet and Greet in Santa Elena, Cayo
Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams was in Santa Elena Town, Cayo this afternoon conducting a […]

Belize on his back: “Max Pain” headed to fight in Mexico
Belizean boxer Max “Max Pain” Williams is headed to Playa del Carmen, Mexico, next month […]

National Women’s Softball Championship this weekend at Rogers Stadium
Eight of the nation’s best women’s softball teams congregate at the sport’s mecca, Rogers Stadium […]

Southern Regional gets new van and generator
Minster of Health, Pablo Marin officially handed over a 2019 Ford Transit Van to the […]

Head of British Diplomatic Service coming to Belize
The Head of British Diplomatic Service, Sir Simon McDonald, is coming to Belize on August […]

National Flag to be standardized
It has been the official and endorsed standard flag of Belize since Independence in 1981, […]

Three years for repeat burglar
Already charged once and under a restraining order, 34-year-old Allison Cuthkelvin was caught once again […]

Salvadoran who illegally overstayed jailed for six months, faces deportation
Twenty-three-year-old Miguel Angel Jimenez Fuentes’ stay in Belize is down to its final six months, […]

“Vincy Heat” returns to Belize in preview of Nations League
For the next week or so Belize is on international football duty, starting with a […]

PUP condemns Macebearer’s behavior
The People’s United Party (PUP) issued a statement condemning the behavior of macebearer of the […]

BELIZE ~ LETTER TO PEDRO BROLO
Vamos para un Guatemala differente! Lets go for a different Guatemala! Vamos a dar rumbo a Guatemala! Lets give Guatemala direction! […]

Rugby Belize continues to make history
Rugby Belize made history this week by becoming the first Central American member of Rugby […]

Social Security sickness benefit payouts increase due to dengue outbreak
As the outbreak of dengue fever across Belize continues, the Social Security Board ( SSB) has […]

United for kids donate backpacks
Community group, United for Kids continue to impact the lives of many Belizean children. Over […]

Galen University welcomes new students
Galen University welcomed a new cohort of students to the Galen family this past weekend. […]

Fire destroys home in Punta Gorda
A wooden structure on Front Street in Punta Gorda was completely destroyed by fire on […]

Police investigate shooting in Santa Elena
San Ignacio police are investigating a shooting incident that occurred last night in Santa Elena, […]

Armed robbers target store in Cotton Tree, Cayo
Authorities are investigating an armed robbery that occurred yesterday evening in Cotton Tree, Cayo. Xinlong […]

Man busted with almost 50 pounds of weed
Ladyville resident, Bryan Hamilton was busted with 22,451 grams of weed ( 49.5 pounds). Corozal […]

Mayors sign the Belize National Spatial Data Infrastructure (BNSDI) Data Sharing Memorandum of Understanding
Mayors from across the country gathered at the Belize Police Training Academy in Belmopan on […]

Brazil to reject millions in aid to help fighting Amazon fires because president’s feelings hurt
President of Brazil, Jair Bolsonaro, said that he will reject some $22 million in aid […]

Tropical Storm warning issued for portions of Eastern Dominican Republic
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) says that a Hurricane Watch is in effect for Puerto […]

Man who allegedly cost pregnant mother her child in beating released on bail
A traumatized mom of two – who was expecting a third – fears for her […]

Fifteen-year-old escapes kidnap and sexual assault
A fifteen-year-old teen survived the worst last week Friday. The teen told police that she […]

Dengue cases increasing at alarming rate
The Office of the Director of Health services is closely monitoring dengue cases in Belize. […]

Met Service cautiously optimistic about end of drought
The National Meteorological Service of Belize (Met’ Service) says that it is cautiously optimistic that […]

Belize~ Investments, LLC & Personal Guarantees
The basic formula for calculating GDP is: y = c + i + e + g, where y = GDP, c = consumer spending, i = industry investment, e = excess of exports over imports and g = government spending. […]

Grandson charged for robbing and injuring grandma
Police have charged a grandson for robbing and wounding his grandmother. That grandson is Henry […]

500 high school students receive school bags in Mesopotamia from Shyne Barrow
Every year around this time, since 2014, Shyne Barrow has distributed school bags to high […]

Man shot in Santa Elena last night
A young man from Santa Elena, Cayo was shot last night. Eighteen-year-old Arden Quiroz was […]

Blogs

Gales Point: One of the Most Unique Spots in Belize & An Effort to Save the Endangered Hawksbill Turtle
Gales Point, a tiny Belizean village located on an amazing piece of land in the middle of a glimmering blue lagoon, has a population of fewer than 300 people. Most are descendants of African slaves, brought to Belize in the 1700s for back-breaking labor – logging in the deep Belizean jungle. Runaway slaves, around the year 1800 made their way down to Gales Point. An area that today is incredibly remote – I’ll tell you about our bumpy trek down there – but 200 years ago? I can’t even imagine the journey. And for tens of thousands…maybe hundreds of thousands of years before even that…hawksbill turtles were visiting the shore near Gales Point to lay their eggs.

Belize Small Towns: So Much Fun to Be Had
When you're traveling, it can be super easy to get sucked into only visiting the major tourist spots. Look, we totally get it! We love recommending all the beautiful spots everyone raves about - but it can also be amazing to visit the smaller gems. Some of our absolute favorite trips have been to the lesser-known cities. They're filled with idiosyncrasies, culture, and hidden treasures. So, let's have a look at some of the best small towns in Belize to visit, that will undoubtedly rock your trip.

International Sources

Into The Wild: 3 Places To Travel If You Love The Outdoors
Though Jon Krakauer rendered the phrase immortal in his nonfiction account of an ill-fated young man who ventured into the Alaskan wilderness, the allure of going 'into the wild' predates his book's 1998 publication date. (Though, of course, Alaska is featured on our list, because—why wouldn't it be?) We are starting our list in Central America, in the (criminally underrated) and devastatingly lush country of Belize. With its vivid combination of dense jungle and the Caribbean Sea, the wild beauty of Belize is reminiscent of Tulum ten years ago—before the influencers, and the pervasive house music, before it became one of the most well-known bohemian getaways on the planet.

Climate change, human activity lead to nearshore coral growth decline
New research from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill compares the growth rates between nearshore and offshore corals in the Belize Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, the world's second-largest reef system. While nearshore corals have historically grown faster than those offshore, over the past decade there was a decline in the growth rates of two types of nearshore corals, while offshore coral growth rates in the same reef system stayed the same. Coral reefs are a critical source of food, income and storm protection for millions of people worldwide. Nearshore corals grow in warmer and more nutrient-rich waters than their offshore counterparts and, because of their warmer temperatures, are believed to give a glimpse into the coral reefs of the future. This growth decline leads researchers to believe that any previous environmental advantage that came from corals being located closer to shore has now diminished.

Dengue kills 720, affects 2m in central America
Central America is grappling with its worst outbreak of dengue fever in decades — and scientists say the disease is likely to spread and become more frequent in the future due to climate change. Worst hit is Honduras where about 109 deaths from the mosquito-borne disease have been recorded, many among children, making this year’s dengue fever outbreak the deadliest on record in the Central America nation, the United Nations noted. Also hard hit in Central America are Nicaragua, El Salvador, and Guatemala, with other Latin American nations such as Brazil, Paraguay, Colombia and Belize also affected, according to the Pan American Health Organisation.

Isotopes in poop show where secretive jaguars hunt
How do you follow a predator so elusive that its nickname is "shadow cat"? To track secretive jaguars in the forested mountains of Belize, the University of Cincinnati turned to geology and poop. Brooke Crowley, a UC associate professor of geology and anthropology, can trace the wanderings of animals using isotopes of strontium found in their bones or the bones of animals they have eaten. This method works even with long-dead animals such as ancient mammoths. Now she and her research partners are applying the technique to jaguar poop, or scat, found in the geologically diverse Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve in Belize.

Videos

August 27, 2019

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, Reef TV, KREM, and CTV 3. Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, Belize Now, Talk Ah Di Town, and other specials.

The San Pedro Sun

NEMO’S 2019 Hurricane season precautionary notice
The Office of National Emergency Management takes this opportunity to urge the public, government line ministries, NEMO national and district emergency committees, its partners and the private sector to continue fine tune your preparations for natural hazards. The period of lull is over; the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea are showing signs of activity. All are strongly advised to convene your emergency committee meetings and identify the logistics needed to make your plan work.

Hol Chan Marine Reserve management discusses 2019-2024 management plan with tourism stakeholders
On Tuesday, August 20th, the management of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve (HCMR) held a consultation with tourism stakeholders and presented a management plan for the reserve intended to start this year and run through 2024. Held at the San Pedro Lions Den, the consultation discussed policies, protection strategies for the reserve, and saw many attendees voicing their opinions and concerns over some of the aspects of the new management proposal. The presentations delivered by board members of Hol Chan pointed out that the reserve is now 25 times bigger than its original size when it was established in 1987. The HCMR now covers an area of 103,058 acres. The expansion includes zones such as Shark Ray Alley, snorkel and dive sites, mangrove wetland areas on the lagoonside, along with shoals that include flats or bajos.

Ambergris Today

Silence Is Wisdom
Have you ever said something you wish you could take back, but it was too late by the time you thought of it? As I talk to many youths and people both young and old, I am amazed how they choose to express themselves in ways that can be hurtful to others. Countless of times we have had the urge to express our point of view or say how we feel, but we do so without considering possible consequences. We do not think before we act, or in this case talk!

Belize's First Cruise Tourism Conference
More than 100 local tourism stakeholders converged at the Radisson Fort George Hotel & Marina on Friday, August 23, 2019, to participate in a one-day Cruise Conference to discuss new trends and key issues pertaining to the cruise industry. Organized by the Belize Tourism Board (BTB), the conference is designed to foster a better understanding of the inner workings of the cruise industry and help Belizean stakeholders improve their cruise tourism business through networking opportunities. As the Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Hon. Manuel Heredia Jr., said in his welcome address: "This growth is greatly attributed to the continuous partnership with the Cruise Line executives, who have supported the economic development of our destination."

Various Belizean Sources

Belize Weekly Weather Outlook Aug 26- Sep 2, 2019
Drought conditions will persist during this week across Belize. Dorian's WNW track over the extreme NE Caribbean during the next 48-72 hours will not dramatically influence the weather over Belize. It will induce a N to NE'ly over the NW Caribbean as it moves north of eastern Cuba, which could generate some refreshing coastal showers in Belize.

EXPO BELIZE MARKET PLACE 2019
GET READY FOR EXPO BELIZE MARKET PLACE 2019! September 14th & 15th @ Marion Jones Stadium in Belize City!

Applications for the position of Foreign Service Officer (FSO) are now being accepted from U.S. citizens by the Department of State
One of the first steps in becoming an FSO is to take the Foreign Service Officer Test (FSOT), which is administered worldwide at various locations, including Belize. The FSOT, which only U.S. citizens are eligible to take, will be offered this year in Belize at the U.S. Embassy in Belmopan on Tuesday, October 1st and Wednesday, October 2nd, 2019. The registration deadline for candidates intending to test overseas is September 25, 2019.

Sakab
This sacred Drink is known as Sakab which is being shared among the Maya during the ritual of Ch'a Cháak in San Jose (Orange Walk). The Sakab is one of the drinks offered to Yuum Chaak in a Luuch(jicara).

Caye Caulker Pizza & Prints for Paws
Join us this Sunday to help us with "Funding for Fussels"!! We have more than $1,700 in Raffle Prizes donated by our awesome Caye Caulker business community!!! In addition, a portion of the proceeds from Art Print & Coffee purchases at Aria Kat Art, and Pizza purchases at Pizza Al Taglio will be donated to the Caye Caulker Humane Society! Sunday, September 1, 2019 at 12 PM – 6 PM. Bring your family and enjoy Pizza, Coffee and Art, and support the Caye Caulker Humane Society! Leashed pets are also invited! Where: The Split, Caye Caulker between Aria Kat Art – Gallery, Boutique & Coffee Bar and Pizza Al Taglio

Workers Struggles: The Americas
Workers at the Southern Regional Hospital in Dangriga, Belize held a protest in front of the facility on August 23 to demand that the national government resolve problems that have plagued the hospital and its community for years. These include the lack of medications and equipment, job stress for personnel, a dysfunctional morgue, and poor working conditions and sanitation. The Southern Workers Union (SWU), which called the protest, also accused the hospital of poor medical care and incorrect diagnoses, resulting in preventable deaths. The SWU also claims that because the southern region is neglected by the central government, the area does not receive adequate resources.

Mexico calls for Mesoamerican countries to unite to influence coffee prices
The Mexican Government proposed the creation of a body that would participate in and influence the process of setting the international price of coffee at the 17th Summit of the Tuxtla Mechanism, held from 21 to 23 August. “In a complex international context, it is our responsibility to strengthen the region in order to promote sustainable development, create opportunities for our more than 233 million citizens and foster an authentic integration that connects us in our shared geography, history and culture, in addition to our challenges and opportunities," Villalobos says, on behalf of President López Obrador.

Gail Hudson named 2020 Nevada Teacher of the Year
Aug. 26 marked a very special day for Gail Hudson. The fifth-grade teacher at Hummel Elementary was selected as the 2020 Nevada Teacher of the Year. Ms. Hudson is a national board-certified teacher who has been in the classroom for over three decades. The educator immigrated to the United States from Belize when it was known as British Honduras. The elementary school teacher says she takes pride in helping students who come from out of the country, adjust to cultural differences in the classroom.

Central America: Dengue Outbreak Information Bulletin no. 1
According to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), in the first 30 epidemiological weeks of 2019 in the Americas Region, there were 2,052,914 dengue cases (12,268 classified as severe), including 740 deaths. The number of cases reported is higher than the annual totals reported in the last two years (2017 and 2018). In 2018, there were 560,586 reported cases of dengue and 336 deaths. PAHO has warned that this latest cycle of dengue outbreak in the region is of particularly concern because children under the age of 15 are among the most affected. Additionally, the deadliest of the four serotypes of the virus, DEN-2 is the one currently affected children and adolescents. The ten countries most affected by dengue (highest incidence) are currently: Nicaragua, Brazil, Honduras, Belize, Colombia, El Salvador, Paraguay, Guatemala, Mexico and Venezuela. The number of cases reported is higher than the previous years but lower than annual totals during the 2015-2016 epidemic cycle.

Mayors Sign the Belize National Spatial Data Infrastructure (BNSDI) Data Sharing Memorandum of Understanding
Mayors from across the country gathered at the Belize Police Training Academy in Belmopan on August 22, 2019, to sign the Belize National Spatial Data Infrastructure (BNSDI) data sharing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Through this agreement, spatial data will be shared and readily accessible on the BNSDI Geoportal to Local Government Authorities to support informed decision making in parcel/tax mapping, property management, permit tracking, flood mitigation and emergency management.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Heads Delegation to Seventeenth Summit of the Tuxtla Mechanism
A delegation headed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Wilfred Elrington, participated in the XVII Summit of the Tuxtla Mechanism for Dialogue and Cooperation held on 23rd August, 2019 in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. The Political Declaration adopted by the Heads of Government and States reaffirmed the importance of this regional space for dialogue and cooperation between the countries of Central America, the Dominican Republic, Colombia and Mexico. An important component of the Tuxtla Mechanism is the Mesoamerica Integration and Development Project, through which member countries work to foster cooperation efforts and leverage international resources that contribute to promoting sustainable development for the benefit of the 226 million inhabitants of member countries.

Corozal Town Council Municipal Bazaar
Don´t miss this Friday, its the Municipal Bazaar. Come and take advantage of the Back to School deals on home and school items. Register now and take part in this growing event.

New River Quest 2019 Edition postponed
Due to the present unhealthy nature of the New River, it's with a heavy heart the Volunteers of the NRQ Race Committee informs the general public that the New River Quest 2019 Edition has been postponed until further notice. The decision was made as to avoid putting our paddlers' health at risk. We hope to use the NRQ as a medium that builds awareness and as an educational event to showcase and highlight the importance of a healthy and clean river.

Belize's Historical Railway System
We invite you to join us on Tuesday September 17th as we launch our annual educational exhibit - Belize's Historical Railway System! We encourage students and educators to engage in learning outside of the classroom as the exhibit will be on display through to June 2020.

Inauguration of the September Celebrations in Corozal
Sept. 1, 7pm in front of the Corozal Town Hall

Public Notice: Sarteneja Tour Guide Training
Professional Core Module (2nd Session) Start Date: Friday, 6th September 2019 Time: 8am Place: SACD's Conference Room All registered Tour guide please take along your notebooks, pens/pencils, and Water! Note* If you have decided not to sit the training because of any personal reason please let us know as soon as possible!

REIGNING COROZAL QUEEN OF THE BAY, SPEAKS OUT ON QUEEN OF THE BAY COMMITTEE (QOB)
In a lengthy social media post, current Queen of the Bay, Jazmine Campos states " ** ENOUGH IS ENOUGH ** I hope my story is heard and hopefully something is done about it. I’m not here to bash or bring down anyone. I’m here to speak not my side of the story but I’m here to state facts. With receipts and proof. One year ago I was a delegate vying for the title Queen of the Bay Corozal 2018-2019 ut little did I know that I was getting myself into trouble. From the very beginning I had a bad feeling about all this because I began to notice my treatment was different from the other delegates.

Corozal Animal Program Dance Party!
Tuesday September 10, 11am-4pm.

Are You a Belizean Traveller?
Hey, Belizean Travellers! Want to win a vacation package valued at $4,000? Don’t forget to submit your video before August 30 for a chance to win! No video skills required, just your passion for travel and Belize. For the full criteria, visit the Belizean Traveller Facebook page.

Major works by WASA Aug 28-30 in San Pedro
On the Wednesday 28th August WASA will be carrying out works on Pescador Drive from 8.00am until 3:00pm, Traffic will be diverted onto Caribena Street. On Thursday 29th August WASA will be working by the roundabout from 8:00am until 3:00pm, South Traffic will be diverted through San Juan while North Traffic will be diverted at the Fire Station. Finally on Friday 30th August WASA will be working on Glitter Street. No traffic will be able to use this street from 7:am until 4:00pm, Only local access will be allowed.

Land Reclamation In Belize Town
We all know that Belize City is at or below sea level. We have been building-up the City to stay one step ahead of climate change. As our mangrove islands are disappearing one by one, the City seems to be winning the battle for now at least. However, when did land reclamation started in the City? Governor Frederick Palgrave Barlee reports in December 1876 that the immigration debt has been paid and a steam dredger has been purchased for the improving the land in and around Belize Town. Then in 1877, the Government Gazette carries a notice that free mud is available from the dredger work for anyone who wishes to fill a lot in Belize Town. Note: During the installation of piles at the Paslow site, they had found portions of brain corals in the foundation mud and a viewer of our page had mentioned that they had found coral in their foundation on West Street. For a while I was wondering how those corals could have gotten on the mainland. Now I think we know the answer. It is my belief that it is around this time that the area we now know as Foreshore may have been reclaimed as well.

Ya'axché Nursery Seeling Sale
EcoTourism Belize will be participating at The Conservation Issue Launch + Eco-Marketplace Expo! The expo will be on August 28th, 2019 in Belize City, Biltmore Plaza from 11 am to 6 pm. Ya'axché’s Nursery will have seedlings for sale at our booth! Get your plants for as low as BZ $1.00 per seedling. The following plants are in stock and available for purchase: Balam, Bilimbi, Cacao Regular, Cashew, Cedar, Coffee American, Coffee Caturra, Coffee Local, Chinese Plum, Custard Apple, Inga, Kinep, Grafted Cacao, Jamaican Lime, Mahogany, Mango, Monkey Cap and Soursop.

Deadline to submit your application for the Development Officer Volunteer opportunity at Ya'axché is this Friday, August 30th
The Development Officer Volunteer is responsible for developing project concepts and financing ideas for programs at Ya’axché. Join our incredible team of passionate conservationists!

Channel 7

Man Murdered In Front of Family, Daughter Shot
A man was killed in front of his family last night - and his 12 year old daughter was also shot. It happened in a quiet residential corner of Santa Elena at the home of the Flores family. 35 year old Nelson Flores - who is known to sell marijuana - was targeted by a masked man in black who stormed into his house after 9:00 last night. Cherisse Halsall went west to speak to his terrified wife.

Two Die in Spanish Lookout Accident
There was a fatal accident in the Spanish lookout area which left a police corporal and his passenger dead, and 2 others recovering from injuries. It happened on Center Road in Spanish lookout just down the hill from Universal Hardware. Pook lost control of his vehicle and veered into the path of an oncoming Dodge Ram. That caused a massive collision with the much larger pickup, which sent the Geo flipping off the road. Police told us more today:

From the Dr. Pitts' Disappointment to A New Senatorial Appointment
Two weeks ago, the PUP made an abortive attempt to appoint Dr. Candice Pitts as a PUP Senator to replace Valerie Woods. They found out - after sending the letter of recommendation for appointment - that Pitts cannot be a Senator and an elected Belize City Councillor at the same time. And so, the PUP is now fixing the error, after pretending that it never happened. In a press release sent today, the PUP said that Opposition Leader John Briceno returned to work full-time after taking 3-weeks' sick leave to recover from his very serious traffic accident on August second.

Southern Regional Morgue Back On Line
The morgue at the Southern Regional Hospital was re-opened today. This is after it went down at the start of this month - just two months after it had been repaired in June. But, despite their inability so far to find a long term fix, the honchoes at the ministry of health were in Dangriga today profiling and proud, happier than the town undertaker that the unit was working again.

Gideon Charged For Stabbing and Robbing Grandma
Last week Wednesday 23 year old Henry Gideon allegedly attacked his own 64 year old grandmother, robbing her of a bosom purse and stabbing her repeatedly. He was living in her house, she thought he was sleeping beside her - but when she awoke and called to him for help, she didn't know that it was her own grandson who was allegedly behind the knife. He went on the run and Police caught him near the border on Saturday.

Teenager Charged For Killing Elderly Mexican Woman
Police have also made an arrest for a heinous crime committed against another elderly woman. Tonight, 19-year-old Derry Bennett, a resident of Camalote Village, is at the Belize Central Prison after he was taken to court for the murder of Ofelia Hernandez Cruz. You'll remember her as the 69-year-old Mexican who was killed at her home in the remote area of the Salt Creek Road in Sandhill Village. On Sunday, August 13th, she was at the house where she and her common-law husband live. Her husband went out on an errand and she was home alone when her neighbors heard the sounds of screams coming from the property.

Abducted Girl Ran To Bank to Escape Captor
A 15 year old girl who had been abducted in Cayo was rescued in - of all places - a bank on Friday, the Belize Bank in downtown Belize City, to be exact. Bank staff called the police around 4:00, three hours after a man - who she worked for over the summer abducted her in Cayo. Police told us more:... ACP Joseph Myvett: "On Friday, Belize City police visited a business on Regent Street where they met and spoke with a 15-year-old female minor..."

Public Consult on New River Was Robust
On Friday's news, we told you about the public consultation that the Department of Environment was hosting for the residents of Orange Walk to discuss the very worrisome state of the New River. Currently, it is very polluted, and both citizens and scientists alike are concerned about the public health and environmental impacts it can have, given that fish and other marine animals that call it home are dying in mass numbers. So, after the urgency of the situation was made publicly clear, the DOE decided that they wanted to talk to the people of the Orange Walk District face to face, to assure them that they are taking action to reverse the current state of the river.

OW Community Called Out DOE
So, that was the DOE's presentation to the residents who showed up on Friday night, and more than 2 hours later, the officials opened the floor for questions or comments from the attendees. And, immediately, the residents made it clear that they were not satisfied with the answers that the environmental authorities had for them on the New River pollution. Here are a few excerpts from that 80-minute exchange between the two sides:

Cougar Sighted Prowling in a Ladyville Backyard
Yesterday in the Lake Gardens area of Ladyville, a homeowner looked out her window and saw an intruding animal. But it wasn't a raccoon, or a squirrel, or event a rat: she saw a full grown mountain lion claiming down a tree in her back yard! That's the right the mature wildcat, which is also called "Puma" locally, had perched himself up in a tree, and was coming down without much worries. But, it's a big worry for area residents who say the cat already took a dog in the area some months ago. And, now, they've called the Forestry and Wildlife Department to come in and get the big cat out of there. Forestry says they first need to see if it's still in the area so they will set up camera traps to see if it comes around again. Those should be set up this week. We'll keep following the story.

Belize U-17 Girls Stun in Barbados
Belize's female Under 17 team has advanced to the Concacaf Women's Under-17 Championship. This is after they finished atop their group in last week's 2019 Concacaf Women's Under-17 Championship Qualifying. They join Honduras, Cayman Islands, and Guyana who also qualified. The Belize team won their final game against Saint Kits and Nevis four goals to three.

Woman Says She Lost a Baby Due To Beating From Ex
A 23 year old woman says she lost her baby after being badly beaten by her ex, 29 year old Miguel Martinez. Stephanie Arzu claims that she was taking her oldest child to visit her ex but he flew into a jealous rage and beat her badly. This afternoon she filed a restraining order against Martinez. Off camera, she shared her account of what she alleges happened to her on Thursday:

Man Shot After Dispute Between Families
A 53 year old was shot in the Belama Phase 4 area on Saturday night. It happened around 7:15 when 53-year-old, Jaime Williams, was shot to the leg, while his companion 21-year-old, Elizabeth Williams was grazed. Police say it all started with a dispute between two families: Supt. Alejandro Cowo, O.C., C.I.B., Belize City "What we understand is that Mr. Williams was inside of his yard along with other friends socializing when someone approached him and fired shots at their direction, causing him to receive a gunshot injury to his body.

Stabbed in Face By Mentally Ill Man
And on Saturday night in Belize City - a man was stabbed in the face near the Pound Yard bridge. Police say the perpetrator is a mentally unstable person:... Supt. Alejandro Cowo, O.C., C.I.B., Belize City: "On the same Saturday, just after 9p.m., police visited the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital where they observed Mr. Horace Carlton Lord, 58 years old, with an apparent injury to his face. What police gathered so far is that Mr. Lord was walking on Cemetery road when he was attacked by a person and as a result an injury was inflicted to his face. He was likewise treated and discharged on that same evening."

No Foul Play to Michael Hyde
Police say no foul play was involved in the death of Michael Hyde. The 32 year old was found floating in the water near the Turneffe Atoll last week Thursday. The St. Martin's resident had been a watchman in the area. Police discussed the inconclusive post mortem in greater depth.

44 Year Old Brindell Shot By Teen
And, finally tonight, police have charged a teenager for shooting 44 year old Brindell Munnings. It happened off Police Street near the Inspiration Center one week ago. Police say the 17 year old and the older man had a dispute:... Supt. Alejandro Cowo: "Reference the shooting of Brindell Munnings, police arrested and charged a minor for the crime of attempted murder..."

Channel 5

Accused Drug Trafficker Executed in Own Home
A Santa Elena man was ambushed and executed on Sunday night inside his house. He is Nelson Flores, who is no stranger to the law and has two drug convictions. [...]

Two Men, Including Police Corporal, Perish in Road Traffic Accident
A corporal and his cousin perished in a horrible traffic accident over the weekend in the west leaving their families to grieve. Corporal Lenard Puc was driving a Geo Prizm; [...]

Shish is Wanted for Alleged Abduction of Teenage Minor
Police are tonight looking for a suspect who reportedly abducted a teenage minor from San Ignacio on Friday and brought her to Belize City against her will.  The fifteen-year-old girl [...]

Henry Gideon Charged for Knife Attack on His Grandmother
Twenty-three-year-old Henry Gideon has been arrested and charged following an incident in Trinidad Village, Orange Walk, where he viciously attacked his grandmother.  Fernanda Garcia suffered multiple injuries inflicted on her [...]

Horace Lord is Attacked by Knife-wielding man on Cemetery Road
A fifty-nine-year-old Belize City resident was attacked on Saturday night as he walked along Cemetery Road.  Horace Lord reported to police that he was assaulted by someone who cut him [...]

Orange Walk residents demand full commitment from the DOE to rescue the New River
An estimated five hundred persons came out on Friday night for the first public consultation on the state of the New River in Orange Walk Town. Now, we have been [...]

Concerned Orange Walk residents start a petition to save the New River
Following the public meeting with the Department of the Environment, Friends of the New River, a non-profit organization, started a petition seeking signatures to press the Department of the Environment [...]

US places Belize on drug transit list
Belize is among four Caribbean countries placed on a list of drug transit or illicit drug producing countries.  President Donald Trump in his Presidential Determination on Major Drug Transit or [...]

Derry Bennett is Charged for Murder of Elderly Sand Hill Woman
Police have cracked the murder of an elderly woman.  Eighteen-year-old Derry Bennett, a resident of Camalote Village, has been remanded for the murder of sixty-nine-year-old Ofelia Cruz, who was bludgeoned [...]

Gunshots in Belama Phase Four Leave Two Persons Injured
There was a shooting incident in the Belama Phase Four neighborhood on Saturday night which left Jaime Williams injured.  It is believed that an argument between two families earlier that [...]

People’s United Party Appoints New Senators
Opposition Leader John Briceño has returned to office following a road traffic accident that he was involved in three weeks ago. Upon his return, Briceño met with the party’s leader [...]

Environmental Consultant says water bodies across Belize are ill
The New River is not the only water body in Belize that is severely ill. Doctor Ed Boles, an environmental educator and consultant who was one of the presenters at [...]

The deteriorating health of the Macal River prompts residents to take action
Also in the west, there are environmental concerns by residents living along the Macal River. The concerns prompted a public meeting among residents and other stakeholders on the night of [...]

A Familiarization Tour of Three Protected Areas with TIDE
The Toledo District is rich with natural resources; it is home to pristine rainforests, mountains, an extensive cave network, rivers, offshore cayes and much more. It is also where TIDE, [...]

Mountain Lion takes a stroll in Ladyville
There was a rare sighting of a Mountain Lion, also known as a Puma in Ladyville Village on Sunday. The sighting happened between four and four thirty on Sunday afternoon [...]

Morgue at Southern Regional Hospital Fully Functional
The morgue at the Southern Regional Hospital in Dangriga is finally up and running after weeks of being non-operational. Earlier in August, residents in Dangriga and the surrounding communities were [...]

D.H.S. Addresses Fake Facebook Post
The Ministry of Health has responded to a social media post in which someone duplicated its Facebook page and posted a fake release on critical of Chinese establishments.  This evening, [...]

Weekend Sporting Activities with James Adderley
Good evening, I’m James Adderly and this is Sports Monday.   [Highlights of the weekend in sports...]

The Reporter

Man and Daughter Shot In Santa Elena
The Reporter has confirmed that a man identified as Nelson Flores was shot and killed in his home in Santa Elena last night.

LOVE FM

Belize’s football team returns from Honduras with gold
Belize’s football stars are back home after making us proud over the last week. The teams brought home gold. Reporter Courtney Menzies reports. Belize U15 team made the country proud as they came back from the CODICADER tournament held in Tegucigalpa Honduras with gold medals around their necks. The team fought their hardest during the …

Drought Severely Impacting Belize
The northern region of Belize has been experiencing a drought over the past few months. Many citizens are concerned as they highly depend on the rain for various purposes. Love News reporter Naim Borges reached out the people of Orange Walk and filed this report. Many citizens are being affected by the drought in the …

Man stabbed in the face
A 58-year-old man was reportedly stabbed in the face on Saturday evening, near the Pound Yard Bridge in Belize City. His attacker is believed to be a mentally ill person. Superintendent Alejandro Cowo said that the suspect is still at large. Supt.Alejandro Cowo, Head of Crimes Investigation Branch: “Just after 9 pm police visited the …

Minor charged for shooting 44-year-old man
Last Sunday, 44-year-old, Brindel Munnings, also known as Brambles, was shot around 11pm in an alley near his Police Street home. Munnings survived the attack, and police say they have his alleged shooter in custody. Supt.Alejandro Cowo, Head of Crimes Investigation Branch: “Police arrested and charged a minor for the crime of attempted murder, use …

Mountain lion spotted in Ladyville
Pictures of a mountain lion were circulating on social media this weekend, as the photos showed the animal in a tree in a backyard in the Lake Gardens area of Ladyville Village, Belize District. When we visited the house, the residents declined an interview, but said that the mountain lion ran off into some bushes …

Teenager charge for the murder of elderly woman
Today an unemployed teenager, 18-year-old, Derry Bennett, was arraigned before Chief Magistrate Sharon Frazer for the murder of 69-year-old, Ofelia Hernandez Cruz, which occurred on August 13 in Sandhill Village, Belize District. Bennett was unrepresented when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Sharon Frazer. No plea was taken since the matter is indictable. At today’s press …

Department of Environment Meets with Public about the New River
he conditions of the Belize New River dominated our news last week as it is resulting in fish kill, a horrible stench in the north and health challenges for residents. On Friday night, the Department of the Environment held a public meeting to discuss the issue. According to DOE, they are aware of the situation …

Breaking Belize News

Lady Jaguars not so friendly to Turks and Caicos Islands in 9-0 win
Belize’s Lady Jaguars senior team dished out a hammering to the host Turks and Caicos Islands […]

U-17 women’s football team celebrations on hold as Tropical Storm Dorian races for Barbados
The U-17 female Jaguars must wait for their celebrations as Barbados is under warning tonight […]

Health Services encourages vaccination for Measles
The office of the Director of Health Services issued a statement today informing of a […]

Dr. Candice Pitts misses out on Senatorial appointment
Belize City Councilor Dr. Candice Pitts will not be appointed a Senator for the Opposition […]

Isabel G. Bennett and Dr. Louis Zabaneh appointed PUP Senators
Today, PUP Leader John Briceño announced that he is recommending the appointment of Ms. Isabel […]

Post mortem inconclusive for Michael Hyde
Last week the body of Michael Hyde was fished from the sea near Turneffe Atoll. […]

Police: Marijuana found at Santa Elena murder scene
San Ignacio police are seeking one man in connection with the murder of Nelson Flores. […]

Camalote resident charged for murder of Mexican national Ofelia Henandez Cruz
Derry Bennett, 18, of Camalote, Cayo District, has been charged for the murder of 69-year-old […]

Group Hug’s backpack drive assists 265 students
For the 5th consecutive year, Group Hug has fundraised and organized volunteers to procure, assemble, […]

Minor, 16, who escaped from hostel is believed to be in grave danger
The family of 16-year-old Jane Urbina is concerned about her whereabouts. Relatives contacted BBN in […]

Taiwan ICDF and IICA strengthen agricultural cooperation in the Caribbean
The Taiwan International Cooperation and Development Fund (Taiwan ICDF) and the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation […]

Traffic accident claims two lives; two others injured
A road traffic accident on Saturday evening claimed the life of two people and left […]

Father and daughter gunned down in Santa Elena, Cayo
Shortly before midnight last night, a gunman entered the home of Nelson Flores, ‘Quacky’ and […]

Blogs

Low Season Closings: Ambergris Caye Businesses Closed in September & October
Low season, slow season, storm season, off-season – the time of the year where tourists from the north are getting back to school and work (after summer vacation). And the Caribbean is HOT and moist and most ripe for tropical storms. Tourism slows and many businesses on Ambergris Caye take the time to renovate and rejuvenate. To close for the slow season and take their own vacations. SO here is the list of those closing and those that will be open throughout the low season months. And please remember to NOT FREAK OUT! According to Tripadvisor, there are 195 Restaurants on Ambergris Caye.

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving in Placencia and The Southern Barrier Reef
Placencia is a lively area that’s popular with visitors from around the world. You can find beaches, dining, and shopping in the heart of Belize’s vacation area. Placencia has over 16 miles of unspoiled beachfront and it is a great place to start your Belize adventure. It’s also a great base for launching your explorations of the Belize Barrier Reef. The Placencia shoreline forms its own inner lagoon. Traveling through this lagoon to reach the Reef takes you through a seascape of small cayes, miniature atolls, and water-filled with rays, sea turtles and dolphins.

Top 5 Overwater Bungalows in Belize
When many people think of an exciting or romantic place to stay, they think of overwater bungalows or water villas. And it goes without saying that often, the first location that comes into mind is Fiji, Tahiti, or the Maldives. But as you may know, getting there takes forever and you better be flushed with cash! So why needlessly take a trip around the world when you can stay at overwater bungalows in Belize! Yes, you read that right! Although Belize is mostly known for beach resorts and jungle lodges, the country also has a few hotels and resorts that offer an array of overwater bungalow suites and villas with spectacular views of the Caribbean Sea and the Belize Barrier Reef.

Truth Be Told About Crime in San Pedro and I Was a Bad Girl
Over the years, I have had a few things like a bike, and gas can disappear. The silver lining with the bike was that I bought a way cooler one. See my deluxe royal blue beach cruiser on Buying a Bike in Belize. Truthfully in almost 14 years on this island in about seven different locations, I have not had enough stolen to make me start looking elsewhere. It is worth noting I have had things taken from me in Canada as well, and it felt the same in both countries – not good. One couple I am friends with, leave stuff on their cart all the time and affirm regularly they never get stuff taken and so far so good. My other friend sometimes forgets to lock her golf cart, and she also confirms so far so good. Of course, I do not recommend either. On the other hand, I have also had friends complain of something as small as their cart rag (for wiping the seats) disappearing.

7 Fabulous Days of Diving!
If you are a scuba diver, then Ambergris Caye, Belize is the place for you! Located just minutes away from the 2nd largest reef in the world it boasts some of the best diving in the northern hemisphere. We know what it’s like to plan a trip around our passion for diving. Check out our suggested “get as much diving in as possible” 7-day diving itinerary:

Yappy Hour, a weekly benefit for Saga Humane Society
Every Tuesday, The Dog House Sports Lounge is thrilled to host Yappy Hour. From 3-close, dogs are not just allowed, they are encouraged. We have a special menu of gourmet hot dogs, dog themed cocktails and of course, homemade dog treats. Folks with their canine friends in tow receive happy hour pricing all night. Most importantly, we donate 10% of the proceeds of the event to our friends at Saga. See you Tuesdays!

International Sources

Cruising to Belize? Don’t Skip the Manatees!
he beauty of Belize is to be found in its natural environment. Whether hiking in the jungles to visit Mayan ruins or touring the mangroves to watch colorful birds, visitors are often enchanted by the diversity of plants and animals in this small country. For a special outing, take a trip to see the manatees in their natural habitat. Their graceful presence makes them a special conservation focus for the nation.

Top Five Things To Do In Dangriga
When you visit Belize, set aside time to visit vibrant, colorful Dangriga. Known as the cultural capital of Belize, Dangriga is the heart of Belize’s Garifuna culture. Discover a thriving town on the banks of the Stann Creek. Here are five amazing things to do in Dangriga.

Tropical Storm Dorian to intensify as it moves over the Caribbean
Tropical Storm Dorian passed over the Lesser Antilles early Tuesday morning, bringing heavy rainfall and gusty winds. Dorian will now set its sights on Puerto Rico and Hispaniola by midweek. The island group was put on alert for impacts ranging from strong winds and rough surf to localized flooding early this week. Numerous tropical storm watches and warnings were issued for these islands by the National Weather Service in advance of Dorian's arrival. The Government of Puerto Rico issued an order to freeze prices of basic necessities and orders to regulate profit margins on the sale and distribution of gasoline, liquefied gas, and diesel.

Videos

August 26, 2019

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, Reef TV, KREM, and CTV 3. Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, Belize Now, Talk Ah Di Town, and other specials.

Various Belizean Sources

National Championship Regatta BIZ19
Sep 7 at 10 AM – Sep 8 at 1 PM, Consejo Shores Limited, Corozal. Come and support our Youths and see our best Sailors compete in the beautiful waters of Consejo Shores.

Leah Myers winner of the Miss Independence event
Congratulations to the newly crowned Miss Independence 2019-2020.

Holy Ch'a Cháak
Today the Maya of San Jose and San Pablo in the Orange walk district celebrated the holy Ch'a Cháak. This Yucatec Maya tradition had been kept alive thanks to the faith of the community.

The Reporter

Mother Detained for Child’s Death
On Thursday, August 22, 9 year old Danielle Hall from Unitedville, Cayo was buried, and according to the postmortem examination she was the victim of manual strangulation , but whose death is shrouded in deep mystery.

Vicious Killer Caught, Elderly Victim Was Beaten With Hammer
After reading about the vicious and horrific murder of 69 year old Ofelia Hernandez Cruz which occurred on August 13th., many people were hoping that the perpetrators would be caught quickly.

Violent Head-On-Collision In Spanish Lookout – Police Officer Dead
On Saturday August 24th. There was an extremely violent traffic accident on a stretch of road in Spanish Lookout. Speculation is high in the town and surrounding villages that the drivers of both vehicles were playing a very dangerous game of chicken at high speed on the road, or that the drivers of both vehicle were asleep.

Breaking Belize News

Bandits and Verdes win big this weekend, will clash at Broaster in Belize’s ‘El Classico’ next week
League leaders Belmopan Bandits and Verdes F.C. tightened their grip on the Premier League after […]

Perfect 10! Katie Jones’ 4 goals propel Belize U-17 to win vs St. Kitts-Nevis
At halftime it looked as if the Belize U-17 women’s side’s dreams of a regional […]

Brazilian President deploys military to fight Amazon forest fires amidst mounting international pressure
President of Brazil, Jair Bolsonaro, has deployed over 40,000 military personnel to assist with fighting […]

Region suffering from drought, Belize hit the hardest
Central America continues to operate under an Overall Orange Alert issued by the Global Disaster Alert […]

One shot, one grazed in Belize City
Police are investigating a shooting in Belize City that left two people injured. Reports are […]

Region suffering from drought, Belize hit the hardest
Central America continues to operate under an Overall Orange Alert issued by the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System (GDACS) as the ongoing drought ravages the region […]

International Sources

Strengthening Tropical Storm Dorian to target Lesser Antilles early this week
The Lesser Antilles are being put on alert for impacts from Tropical Storm Dorian ranging from strong winds and rough surf to localized flooding early this week. An area of disturbed weather that AccuWeather meteorologists were monitoring since last week became Tropical Depression Five on Saturday morning. By Saturday afternoon, it strengthened into Tropical Storm Dorian. Dorian is the fourth named tropical system of the 2019 Atlantic hurricane season.

CARIBBEAN NEWS ROUNDUP – AUG. 26, 2019
Here are the top news making headlines from the Caribbean and Latin America for this Monday morning August 26, 2019: Jamaica, The Bahamas, Haiti, the Dominican Republic and Belize have all been identified as major drug transit or major illicit drug-producing countries by the US. A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Barbados, St. Lucia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines as Tropical Storm Dorian approaches.

Videos

August 25, 2019

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, Reef TV, KREM, and CTV 3. Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, Belize Now, Talk Ah Di Town, and other specials.

The San Pedro Sun

Meet the UDP Leadership Convention 2020 Candidates!
February 9, 2020 has been set as the date for the ruling United Democratic Party’s (UDP) National Leadership Convention. The announcement was made on Saturday, August 10th, during the party’s National Party Council meeting. The anticipated convention will take place at the Belize Civic Centre in Belize City, and the two candidates contending the leadership post are Honourable Patrick Faber and Honourable John Saldivar, two senior UDP ministers. Faber is currently the Area Representative for Collet, Minister of Education, Youth and Sports, Deputy Prime Minister and Deputy Party Leader in the UDP.

Public officer caught in drug bust
On Wednesday, August 21st San Pedro Police searched the residence of 41-year-old Victor Lara and found a large amount of Marijuana, amounting to 89 grams. At the time of the search, there were a group of persons in the household, and as a result they were all detained. These include an employee of the Ministry of Natural Resources, Errol Sebastian, along with Lara, 40 year old American National Breea Stanke, 34-year-old Alex Salazar, 42-year-old Sebastian Young, 25-year-old Marcus Nuñez, 30-year-old Joslyn Daniels, 28-year-old Hilberto Hoare, and 30-year-old Camille Bodden. They were all charged for Possession with Intent to Supply, and because there is no Magistrate available on the island, they were arraigned at the Magistrate Court in Belize City on Thursday, August 22nd.

Various Belizean Sources

Books for sale, used but mainly new at Frogman Store
Just to let fellow avid-readers know, that they sell books at Roaring Creek's Frogman store. I got a lovely large color atlas a Dorling Kindling (?) version - for $10 Bze. Also a biography, and Mark Twain book... Clemens did write a collection of stories about Central America - think he had been in Honduras. Many Grisham and other mystery books, fiction. Would say half of selections there is fiction. Many cooking books also.

Miss.Jasmine Campos voluntarily relinquished her position as Miss.Corozal Queen of the Bay 2018
On August 17, 2019 at 8:43pm Miss.Maritza Campos mother of Miss.Jasmine Campos brought the attention to the National Queen of the Bay committee that her daughter will no longer be taking part on any activites as Miss.Queen of the Bay and with her consent is giving up her reign. Which is very self explanatory that she is no longer Miss.Queen of the Bay 2018-2019, with that stated ; The corozal Queen of the Bay committee works with contracts that has to be signed by all delegates before venturing into the Journey of the pageant. Which means that this organization has policies that must be followed by all Delegates and acting Queen of the Bay.

Free Haircute in Corozal for students
Archangel has come together with the community to offer free haircuts to primary school and high school students welcome from.9am to 2pm! Let's get sharp up for our first day of classes!!! No ticket required! First 75 children will get a little snack and treat while they wait thier turn!!

Traffic accident on North Ambergris Caye
Oops! Be careful out there; it’s the weekend!

COROZAL: POWER OUTAGE AND WATER INTERRUPTION
Power outage 6:00 am to 10:00 am on Sunday, August 25 to affect entire Orange Walk and Corozal Districts. BEL to replace protection device on the power distribution system at Copper Bank, transfer power load at Buena Vista Substation to mobile substation and conduct maintenance of Orange Walk Substation. BWS Notice: Planned water interruption to the entire Corozal system from 6:00 am to 10:00 am, Sunday Aug 25, 2019. Areas to be affected: San Joaquin, Calcutta, Carolina, Ranchito, Corozal Town, South End, Xaibe, San Andres, and Halls Layout.

SHJC Summer Slam
SHJC is having their Back to School Summer Slam party on Friday, August 30th. The SHJC Scorpions will take on the Vipers in a basketball friendly to start off the bash. DJ Diggy will be mixing, and they'll have food and drinks for sale.

BTIA Tourism Expo 2019 — at Orange Walk Town.

Official Grand Opening of The Dog House Sports Lounge
Sunday, August 25, 2019 at 3 PM – 7 PM, The Dog House Sports Lounge, 1/2 Mile North of the Bridge, San Pedro. We unlocked the doors and quietly backed away and the response has been fantastic. Come on out and join us for the official Grand Opening of The Dog House Sports Lounge! Great music by amazing local artists: Valentino, Tsunami Nick and Brent Butcher! Live music and Happy Hour from 3pm until 7pm. Amazing food! Great friends! See you Sunday!

Channel 5

Two die in traffic accident in Spanish Lookout
Two persons lost their lives earlier tonight as a result of a road traffic accident. One of the persons has been identified as Corporal Leonard Puc. The accident occurred in Spanish Lookout in the Cayo District.

18 year old Derry Bennett charged for the murder of Ofelia Cruz
Mexican national Ofelia Hernandez Cruz lived in Belize for years with her husband; he is the caretaker at a property in an isolated area of Sand Hill Village. But as Cruz was home alone on August 13th, she was attacked by two young men who came looking for her husband’s licensed shotgun. They were able to retrieve the weapon, but not before callously taking the life of the elderly woman when she was hammered over the head. Cruz was rushed to the K.H.M.H., but was pronounced dead on arrival.

The Reporter

IMPOTENCE OR DERELICTION?
In October 2016 the Central Bank of Belize introduced its new modern national payment system, the Automated Payments & Securities Settlement System (APSSS). The Central Bank boasted that the APSSS would enhance “the safety, reliability and efficiency of the financial system’s payment infrastructure.”

The New River Is Deathly ill
As recently as today, Friday, the Reporter travelled to Orange Walk where the disturbing condition of the New River shows no sign of improvement. Our reporter was told by sources that even crocodiles have died, and one manatee near the Tower Hill Bridge. From the bridge, observers can see the river covered with filthy scum, and massive fish kills continue to be reported.

Breaking Belize News

Police officer dies in fatal traffic accident
Well known police officer from Cayo, Corporal Lenard Puc lost his life tonight in a road traffic accident in Spanish Lookout today. Details are sketchy but sources confirmed that the officer lost his life and another person was taken for medical treatment. […]

Man shot in Belama
A man was shot minutes ago on Green Street, Belama Belize City. His identity is at this time unknown but we can confirm he was shot in the leg. […]

Police: Boy 17 shoots man 44
Belize City police have charged a 17-year-old, minor in connection with the shooting of Brindell Munnings, 44. The charges include, attempted murder, use of deadly means of harm and dangerous harm. […]

Man charged for murdering elderly woman
Derry Bennett,18, has been charged with the murder of Ofelia Cruz, 69. On Tuesday, August 13, Cruz was found dead in her home at Salt Creek, Sandhill. […]

San Pedro resort owner charged for “unlicensed” weapons after taking them to be licensed
San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye resort owner William Mulligan spent Thursday night in lockup and Friday morning in court after being told his two licensed firearms were in fact unlicensed – or at least, not licensed by him personally. […]

New tropical depression forms in the East-Southeast of the Lesser Antilles
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) is issuing advisories on the newly formed tropical depression five. As of 11 am today, the tropical depression 5 is centered over the tropical Atlantic Ocean about 805 miles (1300 km) east-southeast of Barbados. […]

Mark Anthony Ferguson,38, arrested over attempted murder of his brother
Thirty-eight-year-old Mark Ferguson has been charged with the attempted murder of his brother, 41-year-old Oliver Peters, who was recently acquitted of the murder of his uncle, Thomas Ferguson. […]

Police seek Cayo man for kidnapping and sexually assaulting minor
San Ignacio police are seeking a vegetable vendor from San Antonio, Cayo accused of kidnapping and sexually assaulting minor on Friday. The 15-year-old minor told police that she was walking near the Welcome Center in San Ignacio on Friday when a man forced her into his vehicle and drove to Belize City. […]

U-17 women defeat US Virgin Island 5-0
US Virgin Islands proved to be no match for the U-17 National Women’s team, falling 5-0 this afternoon at the Wildey Turf in Barbados. Belize scored thrice inside 26 minutes and a fourth before half time, adding the last in the second half. […]

International Sources

Tropical Storm Dorian forms east of Lesser Antilles; Will another soon follow near Florida?
As the Atlantic hurricane season enters a "tropical red zone," a new tropical storm has formed east of the Lesser Antilles, and another depression or tropical storm may soon follow near Florida. On Saturday afternoon, the system east of the Lesser Antilles was named Tropical Storm Dorian by the National Hurricane Center. The area being monitored near Florida has been dubbed Invest 98L by the National Hurricane Center. The center of the disturbance was located over the warm waters of the Gulf Stream as of Saturday night.

Four CARICOM Members on Trump’s Drug Smuggling List
The United States has named four Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries, the Bahamas, Belize, Haiti and Jamaica, as major drug transit or illicit drug-producing countries. President Donald Trump named these countries, among a total of 22, in his “Presidential Determination on Major Drug Transit or Major Illicit Drug Producing Countries for Fiscal Year 2020.” The other countries named by Trump are Afghanistan, Bolivia, Burma, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, India, Laos, Mexico, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Panama, Peru, and Venezuela.

Water-landing drones fly BVLOS missions over marine reserve against illegal fishing and pro-biodiversity
Two units of amphibian Aeromapper Talons were utilized successfully during a set of trials during an expedition to beautiful Turneffe Atoll in Belize, in a work lead by the Zoological Society of London and the Turneffe Atoll Sustainability Association. The drones, built by Canadian company Aeromao, were used to detect and document illegal fishing activities and ecology research toward conservation efforts. The Turneffe marine protected area (MPA) in Belize, was delineated in 2012, but is difficult to manage, in part due to illegal fishing, its remoteness, and high running costs.

Videos

August 24, 2019

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, Reef TV, KREM, and CTV 3. Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, Belize Now, Talk Ah Di Town, and other specials.

The San Pedro Sun

Police find large amount of Marijuana on the beach
On Thursday, August 22nd around 8AM, San Pedro Police conducted searches along the beach front area and found a parcel wrapped in tape. Upon inspection the content was revealed to be suspected cannabis, which weighed a total of 7,100grams. No one was in the area and the drugs was deposited as found property.

BTB encourages local tourism via the Belizean Traveller campaign
To encourage domestic tourism in the country, the Belize Tourism Board (BTB), for the fourth consecutive time, launched its ‘Belizean Traveller' campaign on Thursday, August 15th in Belize City. The project is a joint venture with the Belize Hotel Association (BHA), and aims to allow Belizeans to be tourists in their country via attractive discounts at top hotels. The initiative also seeks to highlight what Belize has to offer as a tourism destination to locals. To make the idea even better, this year BTB is giving away a $4,000 vacation package via a video competition on the subject ‘What would be your ideal vacation as a Belizean Traveller.’ Interested persons simply need to submit to BTB a 45-second video explaining their ideal vacation as a Belizean traveller.

Police Report: Robbery and Possession of Stolen Equipment
*23-year-old Jovani Augustine of San Pedro Town was charged on Thursday, August 15th with robbing $1,976.00 cash from the Registry Office on Treasury Lane in downtown Belize City. The incident reportedly occurred in April of this year. *19-year-old Gilberto Santos and a 16-year-old minor appeared at the Belize City Magistrate on Tuesday, August 20th, after San Pedro Police found them in position of a yellow chain cutter. Police on the island reported that on Sunday, August 18th, they found Santos and minor with the chain cutter at a place other that their home.

Official sashing ceremony presents Miss San Pedro 2019-2020 contestants
Five lovely young ladies vying for the title of Miss San Pedro 2019-2020 were presented to their sponsors during an official sashing ceremony at El Patio Restaurant and Lounge on Wednesday, August 21st. The contestants have now begun their journey to become the island’s next beauty ambassador. That decision will be made on Saturday, September 7th at the Honourable Louis Sylvestre Sporting Complex. This year’s aspirants include: 20-year-old Tanisha Rhaburn, sponsored by Castillo’s Hardware, 18-year-old Litzy Castillo, sponsored by Ramon’s Village, 19-year-old Eileen Reyes, sponsored by Jaguar’s Temple Night Club, 19-year-old Blanca Reyes, sponsored by Captain Shark’s, and 18-year-old Helen Barrera sponsored by Toucan Gift Store.

Ambergris Today

Speaker Of The House Of Representatives Attends FOPREL Meeting In Mexico City
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honourable Laura Tucker Longsworth, recently attended the 22nd Extraordinary Meeting of Presiding Officers of National Parliaments of Central America and the Caribbean Basin (FOPREL) that was held in the Chamber of the Mexican Senate in Mexico City. The extraordinary meeting of FOPREL was held on the occasion of the 25th Anniversary of the regional institution that comprises of Legislative Assemblies/Congresses of Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Puerto Rico and Belize.

NEMO's 2019 Hurricane Season Precautionary Notice
The Office of National Emergency Management takes this opportunity to urge the public, government line ministries, NEMO national and district emergency committees, its partners and the private sector to continue fine tune your preparations for natural hazards. The period of lull is over; the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea are showing signs of activity. All are strongly advised to convene your emergency committee meetings and identify the logistics needed to make your plan work.

Various Belizean Sources

TASTY CHICKEN BAR-B-Q FUNDRAISER IN COROZAL
Proceeds to fund the BDA-Corozal Branch activities for Diabetes Awareness, Prevention, Education and Support. August 31st 2019 Price per plate $8.00. *Includes dessert & a bottle of water.

San Pedro Planned Power Outage Cancelled
Postponed until further notice, power outage previously scheduled to affect a portion of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye on Wednesday, August 28, 2019.

Belize Cruise Conference 2019

Job Vacancy at BTB
Are you a Software Developer with diverse programming skills? If so, the BTB would like you to join our team!

NEMO'S 2019 HURRICANE SEASON PRECAUTIONARY NOTICE
The Office of National Emergency Management takes this opportunity to urge the public, government line ministries, NEMO national and district emergency committees, its partners and the private sector to continue fine tune your preparations for natural hazards. The period of lull is over; the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea are showing signs of activity. All are strongly advised to convene your emergency committee meetings and identify the logistics needed to make your plan work.

Monthly Weather Summary, July 2019
July, on average, is the second wettest month of the year for the country of Belize. Systems that affect the country during this month normally include tropical waves, tropical upper tropospheric troughs (TUTTs) and occasionally tropical cyclones. However, July 2019 was significantly drier than normal. Generally fair, warm and dry conditions dominated the country from the 1st through to the 5th of July 2019. The dominant surface feature during this period was the Atlantic High Pressure Ridge north and northeast of the area which supported a moderate easterly surface flow. Based on the National Hurricane Center (NHC) analysis, tropical waves that crossed during this period were mostly south of Belize. Upper level conditions were mostly convergent and dry which inhibited the formation of deep convection over the area. As a result, only light isolated showers were noted.

Over 13,000 Residents in Southern Villages will Enjoy Equitable Access to Primary Health Care
The Government of Belize in collaboration with the European Union (EU) under the Banana Accompanying Measures (BAM) programme will officially inaugurate the Bella Vista Polyclinic II and the Independence Polyclinic (first floor) in the Stann Creek and the Toledo District on August 26, 2019, commencing at 11 am. The completion of the health facilities were funded by the Government of Belize and the European Union under the Banana Accompanying Measures (BAM) Programme at a combined cost of €460,470 or BZ $968,000 – ( Bella Vista € 294,930 or BZ$620,000 and Independence €165,540 or BZ$348,000).

Ministry of Natural Resources to Launch the Belize National Spatial Data Infrastructure (BNSDI) Web Portal
The Ministry of Natural Resources will officially unveil the Belize National Spatial Data Infrastructure (BNSDI) web portal on August 29, 2019, at the Best Western Plus Belize Biltmore Plaza, Belize City at 10:00 a.m. BNSDI is an initiative undertaken by the Government of Belize with funding from the World Bank through the Belize Climate Resilient Infrastructure Project (BCRIP) to create a world-class infrastructure and solutions for developing spatial data decision support tools.

Ocean Academy High School on Caye Caulker is hiring a full time IT teacher

Belize Football Champs will be playing one of Mexico’s top teams in a friendly game on Ambergris Caye on September 7th
Let’s flood the stadium in support of our local team! Tickets will be on sale starting August 30th, 2019! Ticket agent: 3 Brothers Pawnshop. Ask for your Pirates wristband for every ticket purchased!

Declaration of Good Intent
In February, a Declaration of Good Intent for protection, conservation and restoration of natural and cultural landscapes was signed by 11 civil society organizations of Guatemala and 7 from Belize. Today the first technical session was held which resulted in the creation of the Technical Taskforce that will relate jointly on several transboundary matters such as watersheds, trafficking of species, forest fires and indigenous communities.

Belize National Song Competition Playlist
A playlist comprising all entries of the “Belize National Song Competition” 2019. Feel free to open this page in a new tab and be entertained with back to back tracks while you browse other pages.

Channel 7

Family Wants Answers For Man Found Drowned
The body of a Belize City man was found floating off Turneffe Atoll - and, tonight, his family wants answers. 32 year old Micheal Hyde's body was discovered yesterday. The last his family knew, he had gone out to Turneffe to work as a watchman. On Tuesday, a colleague of Hyde's informed the owner of the Island that he was missing. His grieving family told us that it was only after they filed a missing person's report that Hyde's sister was escorted to the island by Police to identify the body.

Scale of Tower Hill Fish Kill Scares Tower Hill
Orange Walk townspeople are getting ready right now, because in less than an hour, the Department of Environment will be hosting a public consultation in that northern town to discuss the plight of the New River. Since the beginning of the month, the frustrations of the conservation-minded Orange Walkeños have been building, to the point where things may become very contentious at the public consultation. But, now it's not just the conservation minded; there's widespread public consternation and outrage because huge volumes of dead fish are floating up at the water's edge.

Crocodile Corpse's Tell Quite A Tale About Pollution
And there's one more source of confirmation tonight that the New River is polluted. Dr. Marisa Tellez, the Executive Director of the Crocodile Research Coalition, is an expert in these apex predators. For several years now, she has been working with the government in a fascinating study and survey of the entire crocodile population in Belize. Her team and the Government are trying to come up with a conservation and management action plan to make sure there's less contact with human populations. We'll have more on her research in subsequent newscasts next week, but today, in an extended Skype interview, she told us that while she and her team were surveying the crocodile population in Northern Belize, they encountered several of these animals in a very sick and weakened state.

Pistol On A Plane
Air cargo - it's one of the fastest ways to send packages around the country. And for traffickers of illicit products, it's one sure way to evade police checkpoints. But, one anonymous sender's illicit package was intercepted by the cops based on intelligence. Yesterday at 3:00, the Special Operations Team and other units, pulled up at the Belize Municipal Airstrip where they picked up a nondescript brown box from one of the airline companies. Then the cops peeled open the the box, and found a black Glock 17 9 millimeter pistol with an empty magazine.

The Southern Regional Hospital Is Sick
The Southern Regional Hospital in Dangriga is becoming a real pain for resident sin the south. The level of service, and the equipment have been failing for a while now; the problems at the morgue are well documented. But, the complaints extended well beyond that - and now, the PUP standard bearer for that area Dr. LOUIS Zabaneh combined many disgruntled groups to stage a protest today. Here's what he said it was about:

Family Says GSU Broke Both Legs
A 26 year old man was admitted to the KHMH yesterday with two broken legs - and his family says the cops did it! The family has asked that we not disclose his name - since they fear reprisals - but, here's how their story goes: he says that he had just come off work as a watchman around 1:00 am, and went to pick up a cell phone that was being repaired nearby. But, he claims that while he was picking up his phone, a burglary was underway. Two men emerged from one of the apartments with a stash of stolen items and jumped a fence. He came out of his hospital bed and spoke to us outside the KHMH to tell us what happened next:

NEMO Warns: Height of The Hurricane Season Is Here
NEMO sent out a warning to the public today, saying basically to beware because the height of the hurricane season is here. What is called a precautionary release says, quote, "The period of lull is over; the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea are showing signs of activity. All are strongly advised to convene your emergency committee meetings and identify the logistics needed to make your plan work." Historically August, September and October are the most active storm months - and the season peaks in mid September. But NEMO says, quote, "We must not wait until a storm threatens the country to focus on hurricane preparations.

Man Once Accused of Stabbing Death Of Uncle, Now Allegedly Stabbed By His Brother
42 year old Oliver Peters remains at the KHMH in stable but critical condition - from stab wounds he sustained on Saturday night during a brawl. Initial reports had been that he was stabbed by a family member - and yesterday his brother was charged for it. On Wednesday police apprehended Mark Anthony Ferguson. He was arraigned late yesterday evening for the attempted murder of his brother. Ferguson was also read two additional indictable offenses including use of deadly means of harm and dangerous harm. Last Monday we spoke to an eyewitness who told us about the Ferguson's vicious attack on Peter's

Bizarre! San Pedro Man Charged For Trying To Renew License On His Licensed Weapons
A San Pedro businessman says he is being charged for trying to license his own guns. And, more than that, William Mulligan says the cops are trying to frame him! Mulligan's story is that he went to license his four firearms earlier this month at the Raccoon street station - as he does every year. But, when he got there this year police said they could only find two of his permits in their system and could not find the other two - even though he had copies of them. Still, they took those two weapons: One 12 gauge Shotgun and one 9mm pistol.

Weed On the Move Through Hattieville
Yesterday morning , police intercepted two crocus sacks with weed on the move through Hattieville village. Around 9:00, 21 year old Patrick Dean Tillett was in a Ford Edge SUV, on an unnamed Road, at mile 17 when a police operation team stopped him and searched the vehicle. They found 2 crocus sacks inside, each containing 10 parcels of cannabis.

Mary Jane On the Beach
No one was arrested in San Pedro yesterday when special branch intelligence led police to a 15 pound container of weed. At around 8:00 am, police found the weed in a parcel wrapped in tape on the beach front. Due to the tourist presence, and the legal possession of 10 grams, San Pedro is known to have a strong demand for marijuana.

A Krooman Kilo
And in Belize City, police also found a kilo of weed. Yesterday afternoon at 2:30 police searched an abandoned lot on Krooman Road when they discovered just over 1 kilo, or 2.2 pounds of weed. It was labeled as Found Property.

Unlicensed Pistol Found Near Canuck's Cannabis Nursery
And from weed to weapons found. Yesterday morning Corozal police found a 22 pistol with 9 live rounds at mile 31 ½ oil the Sarteneja Road. Notably, this was found in a lot adjoining the property of a Canadian who had pleaded guilty to weed cultivation and trafficking the day before.

Big Gun Found in Roaring Creek
And, finally, on Tuesday, police searched a yard in Roaring Creek where they discovered a chrome and black 40mm Glock pistol along with a magazine containing ten live round and 81.85 grams of weed. No one was found in or near the yard so the weapon and the drugs were deposited as found property.

Cruiser Conference Talks About Successes
Today the BTB along with tourism stakeholders held the first Cruise Conference at the Radisson. There were a number of presenters who discussed key tourism topics from guest satisfaction to the wider theme of Belize's place in the Caribbean market. We spoke to a BTB rep. as well as two of the panelists. Here's more. Noriko Gamero, Director of Cruise & Destination Planning, BTB "Today is a first ever Belize Cruise Conference 2019 which is geared to provide information from a collective of 60 years of experience plus of expertise and panelists and people who have been in the industry for many many years.

Cruise Number Sagged in Summer Months
And while Belize is pushing for greater guest satisfaction, how about more cruise ships in the summer months? June and July cruise calls were sharply down from the year before, but to hear the BTB spin, that's just because summer of 2018 was so strong:.. Noriko Gamero, Director of Cruise & Destination Planning, BTB: "For this years statistics we are single digits increase from January to July..."

On Best Behavior, Local Operators Still Have to Scrap
But, try telling that to local operators, who are hustling for scraps on the outside of the Fort Street tourism village - while the Lion's share of the visitors are whisked away by operators on the inside. The BTB has put them to jump through all kinds of hoops to bring up that very same guest satisfaction rating. But, while they have complied, their earnings have not increased commensurately. And, now with Norwegian ships diverted down south, they are on the outside looking in.

Stake Bank, The Ship On The Horizon, When Will It Reach Shore?
But, will there soon be another cruise destination for the Belize District, that is, will the Stake Bank Cruise Terminal proposed mega-project ever get off the ground? Gamero says it is progressing:... Noriko Gamero, Director of Cruise & Destination Planning, BTB: "From the perspective of government in regards to the future of a docking port in Belize..."

UN Store Robbery Still Unclear
It's the robbery that has King's Park residents talking and perhaps fearful that crime from the wider areas of the city might soon infiltrate their residential neighborhood. Yesterday UN Store on D street was robbed by four men armed with three guns and a blade. They stormed into the establishment at 12:35 and a police report says, they demanded money. That report - which is very short on detail - says they made off with an undisclosed sum of money and stayed in the store for almost 10 minutes.

Channel 5

S.W.U. Protests Ministry of Health over Inadequate Health Services in the South
There was a late evening protest in Dangriga where members of the Southern Workers Union this evening protested in front of the Southern Regional Hospital. The hospital has been plagued [...]

GOB’s Decision to Write-Off Joshua Perdomo’s 40K Grant is Unfortunate, Says Patrick Faber
Deputy Prime Minister Patrick Faber says that government’s decision to write-off a forty thousand dollars loan issued to Joshua Perdomo, son of Cabinet Secretary, is unfortunate. Prime Minister Dean Barrow [...]

Faber Confident in Win for UDP Leadership Convention
Patrick Faber will be holding an endorsement convention for the Collet in early September.  He is also the Deputy Leader of the United Democratic Party and his hope is to [...]

Mount Carmel Preschool Denied License Due to Failure to Meet Requirements
Mount Carmel Preschool has failed to receive its license from the Ministry of Education. The school reportedly has sixty students on its enrollment list and the management is concerned that [...]

Michael Hyde’s Body is Discovered Near Turneffe
The lifeless body of Michael Hyde was retrieved earlier today from the Caribbean Sea in the vicinity of the Turneffe Islands by coastguard personnel.  It is believed that Hyde may [...]

Henry Gideon still on the run after stabbing and robbing his grandmother
Police are still looking for twenty-three-year-old Henry Gideon, the man accused of attacking and stabbing his own grandmother on Wednesday night. Gideon allegedly pounced on his grandmother, sixty-five-year-old Fernanda Garcia [...]

Is Scotiabank Limited Leaving Belize?
There have been consistent reports that Scotiabank Belize is pulling out. Regionally the bank is said to be exiting from several branches in the Caribbean. The Central Bank of Belize, [...]

Belize Wins Gold in Football at CODICADER Games
The 2019 CODICADER Games are being held in Tegucigalpa, Honduras where team Belize won a gold medal in male football earlier today.  Belize’s victory over Panama by a score of [...]

Sports Minister Explains Reasons Why Works on Marshalleck Stadium has Slowed
Works on the Marshelleck Stadium in Benque Viejo del Carmen has slowed and the community is taking notice. Repairs were being done under the Belize Infrastructure Limited but there is [...]

San Pedro businessman spends night in lockup after attempting to license his firearm
The Operation Support Team and other Units of the Police Department made a number of busts in the past two days. The Operations team got a firearm off the streets [...]

The brother of Oliver Peters is charged with his attempted murder
A fight between a pair of siblings over property ended violently and tonight, thirty-eight year old Mark Anthony Ferguson is on remand accused of attempting to kill his brother, forty-four-year [...]

First-of-its-kind Cruise Conference Held in Belize
A first conference for tourism stakeholders took place today in Belize City. It was organized by the Belize Tourism Board to encourage those in the industry to become more competitive [...]

Orange Walk residents seek solid commitment from government to heal the New River
Tonight, representatives of the Department of the Environment are holding a public meeting at Orange Walk Town to address concerns on the deteriorating health of the New River. For several [...]

Darrel Smith is shot n the upper leg in Dangriga
At the crack of dawn this morning, there was a shooting in Dangriga. Twenty-one year old Darrel Smith was shot in the upper leg and transported to the Southern Regional [...]

Police search an SUV and comes up with 10 kilos of weed
On Thursday morning, a patrol mounted by the Operation Support Team of the Police conducted a search on a Silver Ford Edge S.U.V., at Miles seventeen in Hattieville, Belize District. [...]

BELTRAIDE Launches 2nd Edition of Made in Belize Catalogue
The Made in Belize Catalogue was launched this morning by the trade and investment arm of the government.  The magazine is a comprehensive directory of fifty local businesses and provides [...]

NEMO issue precautionary notice for hurricane season
Belize has been spared of hurricanes in the recent past, but the National Emergency Management Organization, NEMO is not letting its guard down. NEMO is strongly advising government line ministries [...]

Government seeks to monitor usage and safety of pharmaceuticals
The Ministry of Health hopes to put in place a plan to monitor the use, effectiveness and safety of medications in Belize. This initiative is the first of its kind [...]

CARIBBEAN MEDIA AWARDS 2018 WINNERS & SPECIAL MENTION
The Fiftieth Annual General Assembly of the Caribbean Broadcasting Union was held on Andres Island, Colombia today. An enduring highlight of the yearly gathering of radio and television broadcasters is the C.B.U. Awards where Belize won a majority of the distinctions in television broadcasting. Once again, our newsroom performed exceptionally well.

Amandala

GOB writes off Cab Sec’s son’s $40,000 student loan!
At Friday’s sitting of the House of Representatives, Prime Minister Dean Barrow introduced a motion to write off $40,574.88 that was owed to the government by Joshua Perdomo, a son of Cabinet Secretary Carlos Perdomo. The younger Perdomo was granted study leave to pursue a Master’s Degree in Forensic Genetics, and when he did not return to take up his duties and honor his three-year bond obligation to the government, “his service was terminated on September 1, 2011,” Barrow told the House in his introduction to the motion to write off Perdomo’s debt to the government.

Fernanda Garcia, 64, stabbed by grandson
Fernanda Garcia, 64, a domestic, was treated at the Northern Regional Hospital for stab wounds to her chest and body. Information to us is that about 5:30 yesterday, Garcia and other family members were in her house in the village when a relative went to her and asked for $5.00 to buy drugs. She refused to give him and the relative attacked and stabbed her. Garcia said that he stole $300 from her and then he ran out of the house.

Barrow gives away $90 million, and borrows $100 million
At the sitting of the House of Representatives last Friday, it came as a surprise that Prime Minister Dean Barrow found it prudent to write off 90 million dollars that was owed to government by large landowners who had fallen behind in paying the government their land tax. It is indisputable that that $90 million dollars could have been used to help alleviate poverty or for some other worthy social program that could have been of real benefit to the people. The Prime Minister not only wrote off the $90 million, but he also introduced a motion for the government to borrow $100 million from Taiwan.

UDP “under pressure” for “Yellowman’s” vulgar behavior
The position of Sergeant at Arms has been around since the reign of England’s King George V in 1415, but over the years, the position has become mostly ceremonial. The one core function of a modern-day Sergeant at Arms that has not changed with the times is to keep order. In Belize, since the United Democratic Party (UDP) government led by Prime Minister Dean Barrow came into office in 2008, Brian “Yellowman” Audinette has been the Sergeant at Arms of the House of Representatives.

The Scotiabank saga
For many Belizeans, the fate of Scotia Bank’s operation in Belize became uncertain last week when “speculations” began to reach the media about the institution’s impending closure. Initial reports to several media outlets were that on Wednesday, August 14, a staff meeting was held at which Scotia employees were informed that the bank’s local operation would be sold to a regional financial institution from Jamaica as early as October of this year. According to that same report, the employees were not given any details regarding the fate of their future employment or the legal status of this transition; however, they were allegedly assured that the bank was not intending to close any of its branches in the interim.

National Basketball Team player Glency Lopez gets basketball scholarship to US College
It takes a community to mold an athlete, especially if he is coming from the south side of Belize City where the ambitions of young men could be easily derailed. It is therefore cause for celebration for every youth who defies the odds that are systemically stacked against them. From deep inside the heart of Lake Independence, Glency “Coopeh” Lopez, an unlikely star basketball player, emerged to become a member of Belize’s National Basketball Team, after he was rejected on two occasions. Through sheer discipline and with iron-willed determination to stay the course, Lopez eventually made it on to the national stage, and has become the recipient of a basketball scholarship to study in the United States.

8 medals for Belize at 2019 Yucatan Open Table Tennis Tournament – Circuit of Merida
Report of the results of the 5th Edition of the Circuit State of Merida – Yucatan OPEN 2019. The event was held from 16 – 18 August 2019, with the participation of athletes from Yucatan, along with some other Mexican clubs, and Belize.

National Belikin 8-Ball Finals in P.G. – Chatta’s of O.W. – Champs!!!
The 22nd Annual National Belikin 8-Ball Tournament concluded over the weekend at the newly constructed Sports Complex in Punta Gorda Town. Throughout the country, teams competed from May to win a spot in the National Finals. The results of the tournament are as follows: 1st Place – won by Chatta’s of Orange Walk. Interestingly, this team was the sub-champs from Orange Walk. 2nd Place – won by CK Shooters of Cayo. 3rd Place – won by Mighty Ducks of Corozal.

FFB Youth Inter-District Football Tournaments update
The Football Federation of Belize (FFB) youth tournaments continued over the weekend, with playoffs near for the females, and already under way in the male categories.

“Suffudge” on home visit from New York
The sports desk was thrilled this morning with a visit behind the Zinc Fence of our Charger teammate from the 1975-76 football season in Belize City. One of the great young talents that flashed across the Belize football scene, only to quickly join the northern exodus, Michael “Suffudge” Rushford was a sensational counter-attacking defender on that exciting Charger team that finished third, while Suffudge was chosen the MVP in that 1975-76 season, which was won by back-to-back champions, Berger 404.

Editorial: ALL Belize’s best farm lands (and fishing spots) are taken
We Belizeans have seen so many murders in our country these past two and a half decades, that we should be untouched by the pain they cause, unless we are directly affected as family or close friends of a victim. But, when we think it can’t get any worse, it does. All murders are cruel, but some of them have been particularly gruesome. We’ve seen people murdered as if they were vermin. It is standard practice in many cultures that a hunter or a butcher says a prayer before putting to death, in the most humane way possible, an animal intended for food. Game animals and livestock are treated more compassionately than some murder victims in Belize.

Amandala, from a newspaper to a reputable media network in Belize
Dear Editor, I remember when the Amandala newspaper came to birth in the 1960’s. It was during the time when there was a lot of political turmoil in Belize. The Black people in the United States were fighting for their rights, and at the same time, they were being drafted into the US Armed Forces to go and fight in Vietnam and risk losing their lives. Evan X Hyde returned from his studies in the United States and formed the United Black Association for Development (UBAD) with his supporters to address the racial problems affecting Black people in Belize. The two major political parties, PUP and NIP, were against UBAD for bringing up the racism issue because of fear that it could lead to riots in the city.

We are on a road to serfdom – economic slavery!
Dear Editor, As the anniversary of our independence draws near, I always contemplate the future of Belize. Firstly, the economic future looks weak, and there is evidence of social decay. Regardless of which party is in power, their economic policies and practices seem based on political expediencies. For example, the Super Bond of over a billion dollars is managed for the benefit of the party, not the nation, by both the PUP and UDP administrations.

Adolphus A. Rosales congratulates Amandala
Dear Publisher and Editor, Please accept my heartfelt congratulations on the attainment of the Amandala Golden Jubilee. It’s a newspaper I have been reading from its inception, and I continue to read. Its global headlines and information are masterful and exceptional. Keep up the good work in vigor and truth.

Cocono Bwai, Belize is proud of you
Dear Editor, I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing, in my home, one of Belize’s youngest and most outstanding artists, 22-year-old Cecil Jenkins, whose stage name is “Cocono Bwai.” Cecil was born on November 22, 1996, in Belize City to a family of seven. He was raised by his grandmother, Racquel Baptist, who looked after his upbringing and kept him in school right up to Wesley College.

Saving the New River is saving our Great Barrier Reef
Our wonderful New River has been the victim of corporate savagery during the past 52 years since 1967 when Tate and Lyle/BSI (Belize Sugar Industries) began sugar milling operations at Bound-to-Shine, now known as Tower Hill. Victims have been the wildlife and people whose sustenance/livelihood depends on the New River: the communities of Chan Pine Ridge, Tower Hill, Carmelita, Guinea Grass, to name only a few.

Corruption and nepotism prevail in Belize
It’s good to look at our country’s national development through the eyes of the oldest newspaper, having just celebrated its fiftieth anniversary. When Amandala started, it was at a time when young Belizean blacks were pushing for a higher level of black consciousness, nationalism and for sure involvement in the national life. I was brought to my earlier recollection of politics, it was between my 7th and 11th birthday, when public meetings were still a major event.

Barrow, down; Musa, down; Goldson still up
I, for one, do not want to say anything bad about Mr. Wilfred Elrington, especially not at this time, because it isn’t right to put weight on a brother’s shoulders when it seems his enemies are tearing at him like wild cats on innocent game. Sedi is a human, so he must have sins – yes, among them is that he has sneezed at the intelligence of us regular folk — wait, forget all my concerns about enemies at his door, how dare he say we donsi when we questioned his behavior in the Sarstoon and his discourse about artificial lines separating countries?

Mennonites throw away thousands of liters of water
The waste is carried onto rice crops in the Los Chenes region, with the consent of the authorities, while in other parts of the State the liquid is lacking. May 1, 2019 – Poresto! HOPELCHEN, Campeche, April 30– In the mountain region, where drought is overwhelming and care must be taken of every drop of water, millions of liters of this vital liquid are wasted by the Mennonites who have started the practice of rice planting, which is traditionally practiced in the area of the rivers of the municipality of Palizada. In this way, while other countries lack water and take care of it, in the Mennonite area known as Santa Fe, thousands of liters of the vital liquid are thrown away for minutes to irrigate the rice crop, at the consent of the authorities of the three levels of government.

Belizean says Chetumal cops robbed him of $3,000
A Belizean man has reported to us that he was robbed by Mexican police in Chetumal. The victim, who is afraid of using his name due to retaliation by the Mexican cops when he takes another trip to Chetumal, told Amandala that he went to Chetumal on Monday on a business trip. He and a friend decided to have a few drinks in a popular bar, the Arrecife, and at about 10:30, they decided to leave. Outside the bar, his friend went his own way, and he got in his vehicle and began driving to his hotel.

DOE to hold meeting about polluted New River
For some time now, the New River in the Orange Walk District has been afflicted by high quantities of pollutants that have changed the color of its waters and caused the river to have a putrid smell. This week, the dramatically disturbing pictures of dead fish in the river began making their rounds in social media and also through traditional media. The Department of the Environment recently conducted tests of the water and has confirmed that indeed, the New River has been affected by a condition called eutrophication.

Belize Business Bureau slams National Gas Company as “worst idea of the decade”
The Government of Belize passed a piece of legislation last Friday in the House of Representatives, the National Liquefied Petroleum Gas Project Bill, to create a public/private enterprise — the National Gas Company — to take over the liquid petroleum gas (butane) industry, which is presently controlled by Mexican companies. In his introduction to the new bill, Prime Minister Dean Barrow said that the creation of the National Gas Company would, among other things, lower the price of butane for consumers.

Belmopan man shot when he objected to drug sale in his yard
Brian Chavarria, 44, a mechanic of Sinsonte Street, is presently fighting for his life at the Western Regional Hospital with gunshot wounds to his body after he was shot multiple times by an associate of his, with whom he had been drinking in his garage. Chavarria had apparently objected to the sale of drugs in his yard. According to reports, Chavarria and five other men were drinking in his yard in his garage on Sinsonte Street when he saw drugs being sold by one of the men to another man.

The Reporter

Editorial – Friday August 23rd. 2019
At last Friday’s meeting of the House of Representatives, Caribbean Shores Representative Mr. Kareem Musa, 41, called on the Prime Minister, Mr. Dean Barrow to step down. He charged that the PM was “old and tired.”

Eat With Purpose
I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase “you are what you eat.” Don’t worry, I won’t be making reference to us fat folks. The statement was made in an effort to encourage a shift in food choices and yes it was probably geared towards making the overweight person think before eating.

Scotia shoots Down Rumors of Sale
Despite media reports that ScotiaBank was finalizing a deal to sell its assets in the country and close its Belize branches, the Reporter understands that no such deal is final nor has the Central Bank been informed of any such transaction. A ScotiaBank representative in Jamaica also told the media that Belize remains a part of the bank’s Caribbean network.

Body Found Near Turneffe Atoll Is Belize City Man – Michael Hyde
The Reporter has been able to confirm that a body has been found floating near mangroves in the Central Lagoon of the Turneffe Atoll. Reliable sources have said that the Coast Guard and Scenes of Crime personnel headed to the scene at 5:30am this morning.

LOVE FM

BTB hosts first ever cruise conference
Belize has grown leaps and bounds as it relates to cruise tourism. According to the Belize Tourism Board, BTB, the first ship that docked in Belize had only ninety passengers and to date, ships come calling to Belize with approximately twelve thousand passengers a day. BTB is hoping to attract even more ships to our …

Firefighters receive training in Honduras
The Joint Task Force-Bravo’s 612th Air Base Squadron is conducting the Central America Sharing Mutual Operational Knowledge and Experiences exercise (CENTAM SMOKE) in Honduras. Five Belizean firefighters are participating in the training where they are learning about safety, personal protective equipment, structural and helicopter live fire evolution, vehicle extrication, aircraft familiarization and wildland fires. Love News …

Made in Belize is the latest marketing tool
The second edition of the Made in Belize catalog was launched via Export Belize,a unit of BELTRAIDE, this morning. The purpose of the catalog, which features approximately fifty companies, is to be able to reach places where local producers are not able to physically go and to acquire new customers. Love news spoke with Shahera …

Preschool’s license application denied less then two weeks before school starts
On September 2 when classes are set to resume on the primary level, over five dozen children might be out of school since the Mount Carmel Preschool in Benque Viejo del Carmen Town, Cayo District was not granted their school license by the Ministry of Education. Indications are that the district education office has expressed …

Marshalleck Stadium set to continue construction
A massive stadium in Benque Viejo del Carmen, Cayo District, has been in the works for about three years. The project for the Marshalleck stadium was put on pause for while, but Benque residents can be rest assured that they will be able to witness the state of the art stadium in their own town. …

Mulligan charge for gun related offenses
36-year-old, William Mulligan, a resort owner of San Pedro, was arraigned on four-gun related offenses yesterday and today he was given bail. This morning before Justice Herbert Lord in the Supreme Court, his attorney Ellis Arnold was able to secure bail for him in the sum of $8,000 plus two sureties of $4,000 each. The …

Family dispute leads to man stabbing brother
38-year-old Mark Anthony Ferguson is on remand at the Belize Central Prison after he was arraigned late yesterday evening for the attempted murder of his brother, 44-year-old Oliver Peters. Ferguson appeared before Senior Magistrate, Aretha Ford in court where he was read three charges of attempted murder, use of deadly means of harm and …

Body of Belize City man found on Turneffe Atoll
30-year-old, Michael Hyde is dead, and investigators are looking for answers at the Turneffe Atoll. Hyde’s body was found this morning just before six o’clock in the Atoll’s central lagoon. Love News is yet to receive confirmation from the police officials, but we were made to understand that Hyde’s body was found floating near the …

Breaking Belize News

“Cabinet was unaware of Joshua Perdomo loan write off,” says Deputy Prime Minister
Deputy Prime Minister Patrick Faber commented on the $40,000 Cabinet write off for a student […]

The results are in! Belize U15 team bringing home 5 medals for CODICADER Track and Field
Belize’s team participating in the Central American Athletic Championship (CODICADER) Under 15 Games are bringing […]

Friends of the New River Belize needs your help!
Following an incident this week where hundreds of fish floated up dead in the New […]

Belmopan man missing
The family of Belmopan resident, Robert Castillo is concerned about his whereabouts. Castillo was last […]

11 outstanding Belizean Youth and 1 mentor to participate in Youth Ambassador Program
Eleven outstanding young Belizeans and 1 mentor will participate in the Youth Ambassador program next […]

Belize Lady Jaguars play in triangular tournament
Belize’s national women’s senior team is leaving today and tomorrow, Saturday, for Miami, Florida, en […]

US Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs to visit Belize and Honduras
The United States (US) Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs, Carl Risch will travel to […]

College student in the US hopes to empower indigenous communities through research project on Belize’s territorial dispute with Guatemala
Savannah Kelly, a 21-year-old undergraduate student at Hamilton University is conducting a research project on […]

Southern Workers Union to protest
The Southern Workers Union is staging a peaceful protest today outside of the Southern Regional […]

Nine persons charged for marijuana possession in Ambergris Caye
Eight Belizeans, including a public officer; and one American national, are on bail for possession […]

Accused Lord’s Bank arsonist in court
Thirty-two-year-old Jose Manuel Portillo is behind bars after being read separate charges of arson, using […]

Parolee returned to jail after drug conviction
Eugene Lloyd Ramirez of Taylor’s Alley is headed back to prison for a long stretch […]

Blogs

Butterflies, botanicals, and hummingbirds!
Almost everywhere you explore in Belize has you immersed within a tropical paradise bursting with colorful flora and fauna. When visiting the Green Hills Butterfly Ranch in the Cayo District, you get a magical dose of these fabulous features showcasing gorgeous butterflies, jungle foliage and vibrant hummingbirds! Their butterfly pavilion is teeming with approximately thirty species of butterflies in all colors and shapes. From the iridescent Blue Morpho, which is one of the largest butterflies in the world, to the aptly named Malachite in glorious green and black, the air space within the enclosure is aflutter with a kaleidoscope of color.

International Sources

Kelly '21 Studies Belize Border Disput
Savannah Kelly ’21 is conducting a Levitt Center research project on the effects of the Guatemala-Belize border dispute on Belize’s indigenous communities. She has already conducted numerous interviews and plans to travel to Belize at the end of the summer to conclude the interview portion of her research. What is your research project? I am conducting research on the socio-political impact of the border dispute between Guatemala and Belize on Belize’'s indigenous communities. Guatemala is claiming upwards of 50% of Belize’s territory, much of which is home to the Mayas, Garifuna, and more.

Videos

August 23, 2019

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, Reef TV, KREM, and CTV 3. Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, Belize Now, Talk Ah Di Town, and other specials.

The San Pedro Sun

San Pedro’s male U-15 advance to playoffs in Inter-District Football Tournament
The playoffs in the U-15 and U-17 Inter-District Football Tournament continues, with the remaining top teams fighting for a spot in the finals. San Pedro’s U-15 teams continue in the nationwide tournament, while its U-17 team was eliminated. The island’s U-15 will now head to northern Belize to face a crucial game against Orange Walk at the People’s Stadium on Saturday, August 24th. In the U-15, San Pedro and Orange Walk will face each other at the People’s Stadium. While Belize and Stann Creek will play at the Marion Jones Sports Complex in Belize City. Meanwhile in the U-17, Belize will host Corozal at the MCC Grounds, and Toledo will travel to Independence Village to take on Mid-South at the Michael Aschroft Stadium. Games in the U-15 begin at 1PM and in the U-17 at 3PM.

2019 National September Celebrations Calendar Now Available
The 2019 National Celebrations Calendar has been released today! While the calendar is sought after for the listing of events such as the Queen of the Bay Pageant, Carnival King and Queen Competition and the various municipalities' Carnival Road Marches. It is also a guide to the many national events that show our patriotism, our appreciation of our historical achievements and our love for Belize. The annual listing of national, traditional, patriotic and festive events will be delivered and available in your municipalities by the end of the week.

Ambergris Today

The 2019 National Celebrations Calendar Released
The 2019 National Celebrations Calendar has been released! While the calendar is sought after for the listing of events such as the Queen of the Bay Pageant, Carnival King and Queen Competition and the various municipalities' Carnival Road Marches. It is also a guide to the many national events that show our patriotism, our appreciation of our historical achievements and our love for Belize. The annual listing of national, traditional, patriotic and festive events will be delivered and available in your municipalities by the end of the week.

Official Sashing Ceremony For Miss San Pedro Delegates
It was a cozy social evening that the five beautiful delegates of the Miss San Pedro Pageant shared with their family members, their official sponsors and special invited guests. It was a time for the ladies to get to know each other and spend time with their sponsors. Each of the delegates was presented with their official sash bearing their sponsor’s name and were addressed by Mayor Daniel Guerrero and outgoing Miss San Pedro 2018 Miss Chelsea Munoz.

Team Belize Participates At XIX Central American Beach Volleyball Championship
Belize Volleyball Association Congratulates Team Belize on its Performance at the XIX Central American Beach Volleyball Championship The Belize Volleyball Association congratulates the athletes from all three Belize teams (Bryton Codd/Francis Hauze, Michael Jenkins/Edgar Martinez, and Emma Hoare/Clara Sabal) on their performance at the XIX Central American Men’s & Women’s Beach Volleyball Championship, held at Kukumba Beach, Old Belize from August 16-18, 2019. Our female team ended the tournament in 8th place out of 9 teams, and our two male teams finished 5th and 9th out of 10 teams.

The 2019 National Celebrations Calendar Released
All Belizeans, and the many visitors in Belize at this time, look forward to the more renowned 10th of September’s Official St. George’s Caye Day Ceremony and Parade, the 20th Night’s Official Flag Raising Ceremonies and Fireworks Displays, and the 21st of September’s Official Independence Day Ceremony and Citizen’s Parades. We take this opportunity to encourage your attendance to other key National events such as the Launch of the September Celebrations to be held in Punta Gorda on August 31st as this is the symbolic start of the month of celebration and patriotic pride.

Various Belizean Sources

Caye Caulker Village Council update
It has been another busy week for the C.C.V.C. Firstly, we would like to sincerely express gratitude to Friends of Caye Caulker for sending out their equipment to work on our streets. We take the opportunity to sincerely thank Mr. Joshua and Mrs. Cassia Marin owners of Sassy Barge for ferrying the equipment free of charge to Caye Caulker. Without your contribution, this project would not be possible. We would also like to make special mention of Councilor Delcid for lending the Council his tank and use of his golf cart to wet the streets.

Power outage 6:00 am to 10:00 am on Sunday, August 25 to affect entire Orange Walk and Corozal Districts
BEL to replace protection device on the power distribution system at Copper Bank, transfer power load at Buena Vista Substation to mobile substation and conduct maintenance of Orange Walk Substation.

Showing of the Mexican film: They Called Me King Tiger
The Embassy of Mexico in Belize has the honor to invite the general public of Belize to the special presentation of the Mexican documentary film: They Called me King Tiger, directed by Angel Estrada Soto. Special screening on the occasion of National Day of Mexican Cinema 2019, cultural event to be held this upcoming, Friday August 23rd, 2019, 6:30 PM at the Mexican Cultural Institute in Belize City. Trailer.

Executive members of the Bi-National Watershed Alliance Meet
At a time when the dry weather seems to prevail and the streams and rivers are running an all time low, the work of the Bi-National Watershed Alliance has become more relevant. Executive members of the Alliance from both Belize and Guatemala, representing 20 communities, met to devise steps forward to strengthen their effort. This initiative was began by FCD since 2007.

Speaker of the House of Representatives Attends FOPREL Meeting in Mexico City
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honourable Laura Tucker Longsworth, recently attended the 22nd Extraordinary Meeting of Presiding Officers of National Parliaments of Central America and the Caribbean Basin (FOPREL) that was held in the Chamber of the Mexican Senate in Mexico City. The extraordinary meeting of FOPREL was held on the occasion of the 25th Anniversary of the regional institution that comprises of Legislative Assemblies/Congresses of Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Puerto Rico and Belize.

Summerfest Ready!!!!
OYE's Summerfest 2019 kicks off at 6:30 a.m. today at our Coney Drive Studios.There'll be great performances from our talented kids! The Corozal Communitty College Dance Company is this year's special guest. The first 100 children get a backpack courtesy Caribbean Tires and the second 100 children get a gift package courtesy Wellworth. We've got raffles and lots of prizes. San Cas Ltd., Grace Kennedy Belize and Caribbean Tires will have booths with fun games and prizes. Bring out the family and come have fun with us. Summerfest 2019 begins at 6:30 a.m. Admission is free!

Public Meeting on Issues Affecting the New River (Corozal residents are urged to attend)
The Department of the Environment (DOE) will be holding a public meeting to present information on issues affecting the New River and to give the public the opportunity to voice their concerns on the matter. The DOE encourages the public to come out to be informed of the state of the river, corrective actions that have been taken, and future actions that will be put in place to protect the New River. The meeting will be held on Friday, August 23, 2019, at the Gala Lounge, located on the Belize/Corozal Road, Orange Walk Town, starting at 7:30 p.m. The public is invited to participate in this very important meeting.

Back to the Grotto Vol. 2
The 1st Back to the Grotto dance was such an amazing success, the SIRH has set the date for the next one, and it's going to be on September 21st, which falls on a Saturday this year.

BTB Job Vacancy
The BTB is looking for a skilled lawyer to take on the role of Legal Counsel! If you are interested in applying, read below for more information.

CTO Caribbean Week
The Caribbean Tourism Organization is hosting its Caribbean Week which focuses primarily on Canadian Travel Trade and targeting higher end travel agencies in Canada.

Paradise Theater playing this weekend
Men in Black International, John Wick Chapter 3, Pets 2, Get Home Safe. *Note: the 'Frenemy'* Live comedy will be taking up both rooms until 9ish .. so there will be no movies at 7 but we will play John Wick and MA at 9:30, After the show.

KAKASBAL
Kakasbal or k'aak'as ba'al ( ka = twice, káas= bad, damn, baal = hidden) is a being of a evil nature belonging to Maya culture . It was said that Kakasbal confused people by speaking to them, because those who listened to him thought that his internal voice was the one who addressed them, and Kakasbal was actually the one who sought ruin, suffering, and separation from unity. This voice made men turn bad, violent, greedy, ambitious and ultimately impossible to satisfy. His only purpose on earth was to overshadow the hearts of mortals. It is said that few were those who realized the danger and emerged victorious, because when someone realized that a strange shadow was what caused the evil to pass away died for no apparent reason.

Hoarder’s Haven: Yard Sale
One person’s trash is another’s treasure... Hope Haven is having its monthly yard sale, and we need your help! While we have some great stuff available, we’re always on the lookout for more! If you’ve got any household goods or gadgets or lightly used clothing lying around, won’t you consider donating it for our yard sale? Large items/appliances? No problem! We’ll pick it up! Otherwise, your donations can be dropped off at Hope Haven Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, or Sunday from 3-7pm. Message us or call Kristina at 226-2333 to schedule a pick up for large items!

Channel 7

He Attacked, Stabbed and Robbed Grandma!
64 year old Fernanda Garcia is scarred and badly bruised tonight, but she is alive, having bravely fought off the assailant who attacked, stabbed and robbed her in her own home.  And the prime suspect is her own grandson! Allegedly because he wanted to rob grandma. It happened yesterday evening around 5:30 - shortly after he asked her for some money.  She told him that she didn't have any - but didn't take into account that, earlier on, he had seen her give her husband 10 dollars out of a purse that she keeps in her clothing.  Today, she told Cherisse Halsall about the attack:

Still No Arrests in Hattieville Bus Stop Slaying
Earlier this week, we told you about the murder of 47-year-old Clive Kevin Hyde in his home village of Hattieville.  On Monday evening at 4:00, this working man was in his security guard's uniform, and he was on the way to his job site at the Belize City Council. He was at the village bus stop, when two gunmen pulled up, shot him multiple time and ran off.  His family believes that his killers mistook him for someone else, and they also criticized the reaction time of the Hattieville Police, since the station is only a stone's throw away from the crime scene. Police told us what they know so far:

Grocery Store Held Up In King's Park
A mini supermarket was held up in the King's Park area of Northside Belize City today.  This after around 1:30, 4 robbers stormed into UN store near Lopez Mateos Park on D Street.  Reports say the men - three with guns and one with a knife - were in the store for quite a while as they locked the doors, terrorized the owners, and stole cash, as well as the two security recording systems.   They left in a white car that was waiting.  Police are still gathering information and we'll have more tomorrow.

Cops Say He Burnt Down Ex's House
On Monday's news, we took you to Lords Bank Village, where Kimberly Betancourt's home was destroyed by fire on Sunday night. Betancourt suspected arson, and the authorities have now agreed with her. They've since arrested and charged her ex-common-law husband, 32-year-old Jose Manuel Portillo, with arson. He was arraigned today before Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford, who explained to him that she will not take any plea because the charge is indictable. The police prosecutor made strong objections to bail, and though his attorney, Richard "Dickie" Bradley made counter submissions, the Senior Magistrate agreed with the prosecution. She remanded him to the Belize Central Prison until October 30th, his next court date. 

Public Officer Among those Charged For Drug Trafficking
A public officer was hauled to court in his uniform today after he was caught up in a weed arrest.  Employee of the Ministry of Natural Resources, Errol Sebastian, was allegedly along with 7 others who were found at a San Pedro residence where the cops collected 89 grams - about 3 ounces - of weed. They are 41 year old Victor Lara, 40 year old American national Breea Stanke, 34 year old Alex Salazar, 42 year old Sebastian Young, 25 year old Marcus Nunez, 30 year old Joslyn Daniels, 28 year old Hilberto Hoare, and 30 year old Camille Bodden. They were brought to Belize City where they appeared today before Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford where they were charged for drug trafficking.

SICA Meets With Indigenous People
Today, representatives from SICA and members of Belize's indigenous groups met at the Biltmore. They discussed ways to improve the overall quality of life for the disadvantaged groups in Belize. We spoke to a SICA representative and two participants about the importance of inclusion.  Edly Hall - Central American Black Organization Rep.: "This meeting is part of a project of the general secretariat of SICA and it is accompanied by the civil society which is the CC SICA which is a part of SICA. This project has been sponsored mainly by the Duke of Luxembourg that is an observer of SICA and it's aimed to have full participation of indigenous groups and afro descendants. They are considered the most vulnerable groups in the area. The process is to have a diagnosis of what is the main situation and what possible projects can happen to attend those situations."

One Woman Takes A Stand Against SICA
Now while that meeting was going on inside the Biltmore, activist YaYa Marin Coleman staged a one-woman protest outside. She told us that the the representatives in the meeting should not be making decisions for the indigenous collective without consulting everyone. We also spoke to the acting president of the National Garifuna Council about Marin's protest and he said she should bring her views to the meeting. Here are YaYa's comments first, then National Garifuna Council's Acting President Andrew Castillo's response. YaYa Marin Coleman - Activist: "If this is the 4th meeting we are saying who will come back and tell we the decision they are making on African people behalf, they the move full steam ahead with no accountability so I am out here to alert Belizeans..." Courtney Weatherburne
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City Shooting Victim Clings To Life
On Monday's news, we told you about the shooting of 44-year-old Belize City resident, Brindel Munnings. On Sunday night at around 11:00, he had just left his home, located near the Inspiration Center. He was riding his bicycle on the way to Police Street, but before he arrived there, a gunman ambushed him in the alley and shot him multiple times. He was rushed to the KHMH in a critical condition. Police say his condition has worsened: 

Sinsonte Suspect Still At Large
We turn now to Monday night's shooting of 44-year-old Brian Chavarria. He's the mechanic from Sinsonte Street in Belmopan who was gunned down, allegedly by one of his friends. As we reported, Chavarria was socializing with several friends at his home, which is also his mechanic shop. He allegedly got into an argument with one of those friends, and he asked everyone to leave. For some unknown reason, one of those men returned to continue the confrontation, and, during the quarrel, that man allegedly pulled out a weapon and shot him in the chest. 

Man To Be Charged For Home Invasion/Rape
And police are getting ready to charge 1 man for a terrifying home invasion in Belize City, where the female victim was raped. Sometime during the hours of Friday night, August 16th, and the following Saturday morning, 2 men broke into the woman's home in Belize City, which is located along the George Price Highway. Once they gained entry, they sexually assaulted her.  When they escaping the following morning, the surveillance camera of a nearby business place captured them. Police were able to use that footage to build against one man, who has pending charges against him.  Here's more:

Faber's Shooting Still Unsolved
The cops were a bit more forthcoming when they discussed the Tuesday afternoon shooting of Lloyd Faber.  According to the cops, he was socializing with a friend on Amara Avenue when a vehicle drove up, and gunman jumped out and started firing shots at them: Supt. Alejandro Cowo - OC, CIB Belize City: "Sometime about 3 p.m., police visited the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, where they observed Mr. Lloyd Faber suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. What police established is that he was along with another friend, sitting on Amara Avenue, when a vehicle stopped. Someone exited the vehicle and fired shots at him, causing the injury to him. Fortunately, it was a minor graze that he received. He was treated and discharged that same night."

Cops Following Up On Bus Accident
Today's press briefing also gave us an opportunity to ask about a traffic accident has left 30-year-old Carlos Pena hospitalized with multiple broken ribs. You'll remember him as the resident of Cristo Rey Village in Corozal. On Saturday, he was at the village bus stop waiting for a bus to get to work. One did stop, and he reportedly tried to board it, but someone from inside pushed him out, and he ended up under it. The bus then ran him over, severely injuring his abdomen, and left him with 9 broken ribs. You'll remember his father's outrage that his ordeal wasn't being given any priority, and so, we asked police about that complaint today:

Mitigating Farming Risks
Last night, we showed you the plight of the grain farmers from Blue Creek Village in Orange Walk.  The months-long drought that has been most intense the northern districts has decimated their corn crops. They are at risk of over 2 million dollars in revenue lost because the drought has stunted the growth of their corn.  They can't get any commercial value out of the crop, and so, most of it was salvaged to provide feed for cattle ranchers.  Yesterday, they showed us 2 separate fields of corn. One was kept healthy by mechanical irrigation, which they say is expensive and unsustainable. The other waited for the rain which never came, and the crop had to be scrapped.

The Sickle Cell Struggle Is Real
People living with, and parents having to care for kids with sickle cell disease know that it is a daily struggle.  Viewers will remember our April 2018 feature on 9 year old Orlando Romero from Punta Gorda and 18 year old Jasmine Ramclam – both suffering from sickle cell disease. Everyday continues to be a challenge for both of them. But the aren't the only ones battling this disease. We spoke to a city mother today who has two children with sickle cell disease: her 15 year old daughter Samica and her 1 year 7 month old baby boy Shaquan. This morning she told us of her struggles and why she needs your help and support to keep her kids alive.

Getting Safer Meds To Belizean
The Health Ministry, along with PAHO and an official from the UK's Medicine and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency just finished a 2 and half day meeting to talk about pharmaceuticals.  The ultimate objective is to ensure that medicines are safe for consumers. Here is more from the mission visit:

City Hall Closing Busy Street For Repairs
The City Council is planning some major repairs on one of the busiest stretches of street in the country.  Regent Street, from in front of the Supreme Court right up to the swing bridge will be closed form Sunday august 25th to Friday September 6th. The City Council's communication manager says it is much in need of repair:.. Tamara Minto - Communications Manager, The Belize City Council : "We're going to close from the end of the Battlefield Park to the swing bridge on Sunday August 25th and it will be closed until approximately before or on September 6th. At this time if you can notice on Regent Street It's the only section of Regent Street that the street desperately needs repair..."

Coope's Big Break
One of Belize's moist beloved national basketball team players Clency "Coope" Lopez has gotten a full basketball scholarship from Midland College located in Midland, Texas, USA. It's a huge break and the man who set it up for him is Milton Palacio - who also went to Midland Junior College before his career in the NBA.   Palacio told us that his former coach was looking for tough players, and Coope fit the bill: Milton Palacio - National Team Coach: "You know all year long he's telling me that he needed some players, he needed some guys that could play or had some heart and that could kind of send the school in a good direction, the program in a good direction, you know being tough and the way he coaches, I know he's a touch coach, so Coope came to mind. To be honest with you if I said that Coope came in mind the first year that I coached him, no - but after this tournament against the Bahamas and Cuba and Antigua, I felt Coope was ready.

Channel 5

65 Year-Old Woman is Stabbed by Grandson; He Steals her Money
A sixty-five-year-old woman is attacked by her own grandson while she is resting inside her house in the village of Trinidad, Orange Walk. Fernanda Garcia has lived alongside her husband [...]

2 Hispanic Men Sought for Murder of Kevin Hyde
The police today provided updates on a number of recent crimes.  Police say that they are looking for two Hispanic men who were in the area of the bus shed [...]

Who Shot Brindel Munnings?
While police could not confirm whether the killing of Kevin Hyde is a case of mistaken identity, investigators say that Belize City resident, Brindel Munnings was the intended target in [...]

The Search Continues for Main Suspect in the Shooting of Belmopan Mechanic
Police are also searching for Anthony Williams; he is the main suspect in the attempted murder of Brian Chavarria in Belmopan. On Monday night around eight o’clock, Chavarria was conversing [...]

Ministry of Agriculture Assessing Impacts of Deadly Drought in the North
The deadly drought in northern Belize is crippling farmers and by extension certain sectors of the agriculture industry. Corn farmers and soybeans producers in Blue Creek Village in the Orange [...]

Ministry of Agriculture and Famers to Discuss Way Forward
According to C.E.O. Jose Alpuche, not much can be done to assist farmers who have lost their investment in their corn plantations. He says that after the assessment, farmers will [...]

Water Taxi Fee Suspended for Now
There is good news for commuters tonight as a fee of one-dollar to have been imposed on passengers travelling on water taxis has been withdrawn.  The fee should have kicked [...]

City Hall Moves to Commercial Center
The Belize City Council is moving City Hall and its operations to the Commercial Center at Market Square, a year and a half into the term of Mayor Bernard Wagner [...]

Regent Street Closes to Vehicular Traffic
Relocating to Market Square will also inconvenience motorists in the downtown area for the next two weeks, beginning on August twenty-fifth.  The Belize City Council has announced that as of [...]

Is It the Right Time to Close Down Regent Street?
With the historic Swing Bridge under repair and Regent Street soon to be resurfaced, is it the opportune time for these works to be carried out, and is the schedule [...]

Suspect Detained for Oliver Peter’s Stabbing
There has been a breakthrough in the stabbing case of Oliver Peters, which occurred over the weekend. While the weapon used to inflict the wounds has not been recovered, Superintendent [...]

Who Targeted Lloyd Faber and Why?
He is well-known to the law, and on Tuesday afternoon around three o’clock, Lloyd Faber was targeted by a gunman on Amara Avenue, Belize City.  Faber was socializing with a [...]

9 Persons are Arraigned for 89 Grams of Weed
Even as the law allows for a person to be in possession of up to ten grams of weed, a group of nine persons, including a theologist, were before the [...]

International Decade for People of African Descent
The UN General Assembly proclaimed 2015-2024 as the International Decade for People of African Descent citing the need to the full enjoyment of rights such as economic, social and political [...]

Yaya Marin Coleman Rings the Bell for African Descendants in Belize
Chairperson of the United Black Association for Development, Yaya Marin Coleman today protested the two-day conference saying that the discussions held do not truly represent the interest of the black [...]

Alleged Arsonist Arraigned for Lord’s Bank Fire
An alleged arsonist was before the court to answer charges in respect of a fire at a woman’s house in Lord’s Bank Village.   Jose Manuel Portillo was arraigned for an [...]

Eugene Ramirez Violates Parole and is Back in Jail
After serving five of thirteen years for burglary, criminal figure Eugene Lloyd Ramirez of Taylor’s Alley is back in jail where he will serve an additional six months for violating [...]

Farmers Were Informed of Continuous Drought
Data collected from the National Meteorological Service of Belize confirms a short-term drought developing over the Corozal, Orange Walk and northern Belize Districts. This drought is gravely affecting the farmers [...]

Drought to Spread Across Belize
Meanwhile, areas under a short-term drought watch where short-term drought is also possible include southern Belize such as Stann Creek and the extreme northeastern portion of the Toledo district near [...]

Is Louis Zabaneh and Yellowman’s Row a Civil Matter?
On Friday, P.U.P. Dangriga Standard Bearer, Doctor Louis Zabaneh filed a complaint against macebearer Brian ‘Yellow Man’ Audinette, whom he claims repeatedly called him a thief during the sitting of [...]

Chester Williams Weighs in on Recent Drug Seizures
The police department has been successful in intercepting a number of drug shipments over the past few weeks and that achievement has been the result of intelligence led operations, as [...]

The 2019 National September Celebrations Calendar
The 2019 National September Celebrations Calendar has been released and is now available online and at municipalities across the country.  The calendar has all the details on highly anticipated events [...]

Belize Tax Service Department Refuses Visit of P.S.U. President & his Team
The recently elected President of the Public Service Union, Gerald Henry, has concluded three weeks of his countrywide familiarization tour. Henry traveled the country visiting government offices and while he [...]

Healthy Living: Advice for Parents
The summer is over, and schools across the country have begun re-opening their doors. Tonight’s Healthy Living offers some helpful advice for parents to aid their children through the upcoming [...]

The Reporter

A Closer Look At The Plan To Create A New LPG Gas Consortium
Much of Friday’s house meeting was spent chatting about China. Apart from the 50 million US dollar loan granted by the Taiwanese, there were some important pieces of legislation passed.

Robbery At Popular Chinese Grocer In Kings Park
The Reporter has confirmed that the UN Chinese store located in front of Lopez Mateos Park in the King’s Park Area was robbed this afternoon shortly after 1pm.

LOVE FM

YATA’s latest production: Wake
YATA is famous for hosting theatre production which seeks to explore the challenges faced by our society. This year’s production is entitled “Wake” and it will be held at the Bliss Centre for the Performing Arts. Joseph Stamp-Romero, the Director of YATA, said that the production looks at ethical differences that exist in our society. …

Nine charge for drug trafficking
A group of nine persons including a theologist appeared in Belize City Magistrate’s Court on a charge of drug trafficking. 41-year-old Victor Lara, a tour guide along with his common-law wife, 40-year-old, Breea Sanker; an American national of SpringField Missouri, 34-year-old, Alex Salazar; a resident of San Pedro, 42-year-old Sebastian Young, tour-guide and boat captain …

San Pedro man went missing in Benque
18-year-old, David Marcos Hob, a resident of San Pedro, went missing while he was visiting family and friends in Benque Viejo Del Carmen, Cayo District. Love News spoke to his mother, Sharon Torres, who said that the last time she saw her son was a month ago when he left the island. Sharon Torres, Mother …

Bees attack in Lord’s Bank Village
This morning members of a family came under attack by Africanized bees also known as killer bees. The attack sent them retreating into their home for refuge. Love News spoke with Shandae Moody about the incident. Shandae Moody, Bee Attack Victim: “This morning my mom and my dad were outside, we were bathing the dog …

Jose Portillo charge for arson
32-year-old, Jose Manuel Portillo was arraigned before Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford on a single charge of arson; however, no plea was taken since the matter is indictable. The prosecutor, Corporal Kennard Clark had objected to bail since the accused threatened the victim and actually followed through with his threats by burning down the victim’s home. …

The month of September is upon us and, as such, the National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) has issued the 2019 September Celebrations calendar. As every Belizean knows, September is a month full of activities for adults and children throughout the country. To highlight some of the activities, we start at the end of …

A mother struggles to take care of her children with Sickle Cell
Sickle Cell disease is a life-threatening blood disorder which results from the lack of sufficient red blood cells to transport oxygen throughout your body. Stephanie Garnett has not one but two children with the disease. Love News spoke to Garnett and her daughter, Samica Nicholas about the trials they face as a result of the …

Pathlight 2019 Scholarship Awards
School days are described as the best days of your life and for those students who receive scholarships, it should be even sweeter. Over the summer we have been reporting on different organizations which have been lightening parents’ financial burden that accompanies higher education. Pathlight International is the latest organization which has issued scholarships to …

Teachers must undergo training to maintain their full license
As we told you teachers have been given until December 1, to apply for their full teachers’ license. Ministry of Education, Chief Education Officer Dr Carol Babb, spoke to the media on the deadline, adding that teachers are required to do one hundred and twenty clock hours over a five-year period in order to keep …

Breaking Belize News

Belize City Council hosts back to school drive for children of fallen employees
Today, the Belize City Council held its second annual back to school drive. This initiative […]

Elderly woman stabbed by relative who demanded money from her
An elderly woman has been treated and released after she was attacked by a relative. […]

Shyne Barrow to hold 5th annual school bag distribution in Mesopotamia
Shyne Barrow will distribute 1,000 school bags to the children in the Mesopotamia constituency this […]

Police: Brian Chavarria shot by a friend in Belmopan
Last Monday night, Brian Chavarria was shot at his home in Belmopan. Police say that […]

Two Hispanic men sought for murder
Hattieville police have confirmed that two Hispanic men are being sought for the murder of […]

Brother punches sister in Belize City; gets fine $800
An argument between siblings this week escalated to a full-blown public confrontation, leaving a father […]

National Security Minister engages in senior officers conference
The Minister of National Security, John Saldivar is engaged in a 2-day Senior Officers Conference. […]

“Coope” Lopez to Midland College on basketball scholarship
Smart Belize Hurricanes and Belize National Team point guard Glency “Coope” Lopez is off to […]

Robbery in Belize City
Authorities are investigating a robbery that occurred shortly after 1 pm today. The culprit/s targeted […]

Cayo Animal Welfare Society to host fundraiser event this month
If you are an animal lover, a fan of sweet treats or both, the Cayo […]

BELTRAIDE Launches 2nd Edition of Made in Belize Catalogue
EXPORTBelize, a unit of BELTRAIDE, will be launching the 2nd Edition of the Made in […]

Belize~ The $90 Million Land Tax heist
The stroke of a politicians pen in Belize can make you or break you! All investors in Belize are at the mercy of the broad […]

Blogs

Is Belize Safe?
Since I write about Belize, I do get questions: IS BELIZE SAFE? Is Belize safe for single travelers? Is Belize safe for women? For older travelers? Is it safe to ride the bus in Belize? My immediate answer is YES. Belize is safe to visit. I have been safe and felt safe here for 12 years living full time on Ambergris Caye. But like almost everywhere else on earth, there is crime in Belize. And like the Caribbean and Central America (and most of the world), a lot of it is related to the drug trade. If you use your common sense, follow a few basic guidelines and tips, your trip should be fun and safe.

Bar Hopping on Ambergris Caye!
IF YOU LIKE TO GO OUT AND ENJOY A COCKTAIL, HERE ARE OUR TOP 15 BARS FOR YOU TO CHOOSE FROM WHEN VISITING SAN PEDRO TOWN! here is ONLY one Palapa bar and it is owned by Scott and Jodie! This is an institution here on Ambergris Caye. If you are looking for a romantic place to grab a glass of champagne, or try a French 75 cocktail, the Victoria House, located south of town, is your stop. The grounds are magnificent, the view of the Caribbean Sea is breathtaking. We are placing Boca Del Rio Drive as a one stop shop. Sandy Toes is our first stop when Belize Happy Adventure guests arrive. Ishmael (“Ish”), your happy owner, awaits you. He’ll regale you with fun local stories

Babymoon Bliss in Belize
our little bundle of joy is on the way and you’ve decided to go on a babymoon as final hurrah before the big arrival! You know exactly what you’re looking for in a vacation-quality time with your partner, relaxation, comfort and a great place to spend your days reading books and catching up on the little pleasures you soon might not have time for. Firstly, you don’t want to travel too far and, where possible, you should keep flying time at a minimum when pregnant. Belize is an easy flight from many major North American destinations, with flight times of approximately 2-3 hours on average. This gives you more time to enjoy your pre-baby escape with less travel stress.

International Sources

Forecasters keeping a watchful eye on Atlantic basin as season heads into 'tropical red zone'
AccuWeather forecasters are keeping a watchful eye on the skies over the Atlantic hundreds of miles off the southeastern coast of the United States as peak hurricane season, or the "tropical red zone" as AccuWeather Chief Broadcast Meteorologist Bernie Rayno likes to call it, gets underway in earnest. The Atlantic hurricane season peaks around Sept. 11, on average, and just this week a brief tropical storm flirted with hurricane forecasters. During the next couple of weeks, the risk of additional tropical storm and hurricane formation will increase substantially from its midsummer lull. But things can change rapidly, particularly given the developing conditions in the Atlantic Ocean and in the atmosphere above it. As Rayno puts it, "The entire Atlantic basin is open for business."

CARIBBEAN TRAVEL NEWS ROUNDUP- AUGUST 23, 2019
Here are the top stories making news on the Caribbean travel scene for the week-ending Aug. 23, 2019: A Connecticut man made an appearance in an Anguilla court Thursday to answer charges in the death of a hotel worker. The next preliminary hearing is set for September 9th and expected to last five days. Two men working on the Carnival Fascination cruise are being dubbed heroes are rescuing a girl in a wheelchair who fell into the water in St. Thomas.

Barbados draw with Belikze in CONCACAF opener
A spirited performance by the ladies of the Barbados U17 national football team saw them earn a draw last night at the Barbados Football Association (BFA) Wildey Turf as Group C of the Concacaf Women’s U17 Championship kicked off. Barbados came from behind to tie with Belize 1-1 in front of a small but appreciative home crowd. The opening minutes for the lady Tridents displayed some nerves and the visitors took advantage of this with a number of early attacks on the Barbados goal.

Videos

August 22, 2019

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, Reef TV, KREM, and CTV 3. Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, Belize Now, Talk Ah Di Town, and other specials.

The San Pedro Sun

Copa San Pedro Opening Season rolls into week 3
The third week of the opening season of the 2019 Copa San Pedro saw six intense games between Thursday, August 15th and Sunday, August 18th. The teams competing over the weekend included G-Strikers, San Pedrito Scorpions, Terror Squad FC, Captain FC, Legends, Los Catrachos, Assassins, Boca Bombers FC, Alaia, Ambergris Hopes FC, San Pedro High School (SPHS) and Genesis FC.

CrossFit Wolf excels in first edition of Cancun Games
Over the weekend of August 17th and 18th, seven athletes from CrossFit Wolf competed at the first ever Cancun Games held in Cancun, Mexico. The CrossFit competition tested the skills and endurance levels of the competitors in beginners, intermediate, masters, RX-advanced and teen categories. At the end of the two-day event, Gabriel Nuñez Jr. managed to place second in the intermediate category making his CrossFit box and the island very proud. The other members of the delegation from Ambergris Caye included Lilian Matute, who competed in the beginners’ category, followed by Gian Rivero and Jonathan Reyes in the intermediate division. Rene Reyes Jr. and Marko Pech competed in the RX-advance division, and Karissa Vasquez participated in the teen category.

Various Belizean Sources

Fish Kill upriver from Tower Hill
A resident from the Tower Hill area sent us these photos taken earlier today upriver from the Tower Hill bridge -- a massive fish kill. The foul smell is affecting quality of life and businesses along the river. This is heart wrenching to watch, but shows that while the river may have cleared up downstream from the bridge, the problem still persists -- our New River is suffering.

Corozal, it's Soca Overload!
September 7th @ SKY BAR

BELIZE FISHING REPORT: AUGUST 11, 2019 THROUGH AUGUST 18, 2019
Good weather and wind conditions for most of the week provided plenty of action on all of the areas that El Pescador guides fish. On the windy days; anglers still managed to land some nice fish in protected areas. Bonefish action was good even on windy days. Anglers have done well landing larger than average Bones.

Missing Person in San Pedro
18-year-old David Marcos Hob of San Pedro Town was reported missing today, Wednesday, August 21st. According to police, he was reportedly last seen sometime in July of this year by his mother. David is of a dark complexion with short afro hair, about 5 feet 2 inches tall. He is slim and has a round face. If seen kindly call 911, 922 or the nearest police station.

September Celebrations Calendar Released Today!
The 2019 National Celebrations Calendar has been released today! While the calendar is sought after for the listing of events such as the Queen of the Bay Pageant, Carnival King and Queen Competition and the various municipalities' Carnival Road Marches. It is also a guide to the many national events that show our patriotism, our appreciation of our historical achievements and our love for Belize. The annual listing of national, traditional, patriotic and festive events will be delivered and available in your municipalities by the end of the week.

Official Sashing Ceremony for the Miss San Pedro Beauty Pageant at El Patio Restaurant
Eileen Reyes - Miss Jaguars Temple Night Club, Litzy Castillo - Miss Ramon’s Village, Helen Barrera - Miss Toucan Gift Shops, Tanisha Rhaburn - Miss Castillo’s Hardware, Blanca Velásquez - Miss Captain Sharks.

Vote for Destination of the Year
Have a favorite Belize destination? Now you can vote for it to win Destination of the Year at this year’s National Tourism Awards! This new category will allow you to vote once a day for your favorite destination. BTB’s National Tourism Awards introduces a new award of Destination of the Year where you get to pick the winner! Vote below for your favorite destination* in Belize and it’ll receive an award at the ceremony on October 19th. You can vote once a day until September 26th, so share this link with friends and family!

How the Mayas Abused their White Prisoners
"On the 12th of Aril Lieutenants Plumridge and Twigge report to Seymore (the Governor) on their mission to demand an apology from the Santa Cruz Mayas. They say they and their entire party were taken prisoner and conducted to the Temple of the Speaking Cross. The Oracle spoke at midnight defying the British Government and Army. For the next three days they say they were subjected, 'to the most degrading familiarities' such as being pulled and hauled about, forced to swallow red pepper, drink vast quantities of aniseed. hug and kiss the Chief, and dance and sing"

TEAM BELIZE WINS GOLD & SILVER!
Glenford Williams and Kenrick Gordon of Team Belize (Athletics) who captured GOLD and SILVER in the 100 Metres Race at the 2019 U15 CODICADER Games in Tegucigalpa, Honduras!!! Good luck to the Belize delegation participating in Athletics, Volleyball, and football!

Channel 7

Cops Look to Mental State Of Mother of Strangled 9 Year Old
Tonight, the mother of 9 year old Danielle Hall is under scrutiny as the likely suspect in the child's death by strangulation. The little girl was found dead on Friday morning at her Unitedville home. After relatives heard a commotion, the father, Daniel Hall rushed home from work to find his little girl dead and his common law wife, Emily, in an altered state. But, the Commissioner of police told the media that the DPP will have to decide on charges because of the mother, Emily Ico's mental state:...

Cops Trying to Curb the Hostility At Girls' Hostel
The Commissioner also commented on ongoing problems at the youth hostel at mile 21 on the Western Highway. For the past weeks, we've been receiving multiple reports of girls breaking out of the facility - and it happened again last night. Williams said it is a sore and difficult subject from a law enforcement perspective:... Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police: "We need to do something where youth hostel is concerned and I had tasked Mr. Vidal and Mr. Dawson to go and meet with the administrators of the youth hostel to see what can be done to prevent this constant escape..."

Senator Designate Zabs Complains About "Yellows"�
Switching now to a police matter that intersects with politics - the new PUP Senator Designate, Dr. Louis Zabaneh claims he had a harsh introduction to the Parliament building on Friday from no less than the mace bearer, Sergeant at Arms, Brian Audinett, known as Yellowman. Zabaneh - who is the PUP standard bearer for Dangriga and was in the gallery at Friday's House meeting. He made a police complaint that Audinett insulted him. We heard the commissioner got involved to tell police not to act on the complaint, so we asked him why today:

Canuck Confesses To Cultivating Cannabis In Corozal
Yesterday, police - acting on Special Branch intelligence - found a marijuana nursery behind a Canadian man's home on the Sarteneja road. At around midday, police searched the residence of 48 year old Mathew MEREDITH at 31 ½ Miles on the Sarteneja Road. Police told him they were looking for drugs and he admitted to having loose weed in the house, and weed trees at the back. Police found that he had no less than a marijuana nursery, including marijuana drying in the house, 52 cloned marijuana plants, 40 marijuana plants in plastic buckets up to 3 feet in height, and 25 plants in the ground up to 5 feet 8 inches tall.

Do Marijuana Movements Cause Murders?
And, while Meredith says his weed was for medical purposes; the fact is, trafficking marijuana is big business across Belize. In the past two months, police have found large amounts stowed in the Belize district - most recently Scotland Half Moon - where almost 40 pounds were found last Friday. And while possession of 10 grams or less is legal, trafficking is not legal in any quantity. And wherever drugs are trafficked, large sums of money are involved. When busts are made, those large sums of illicit monies are lost, and - often - persons involved in the trade, get killed.

Manslaughter Cops Dismissed
Two police constables, Leonard Nunez and Hallett King got off a manslaughter conviction with time served. It is a decision bitterly rejected by the family of the man they killed, Hilberto Sotz. And while they walked out of court free after serving less than two years, we learnt today that the two men have been dismissed from the police department because of that conviction.

Man Gets 2 Years For Molesting 8 Year Old Girl
Moises Flores, charged with sexual assault of a child, was sentenced to 2 years today by Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford. The incident occurred some time in 2017. The child, who was 8 years old at the time, testified that Flores went to where she was lying on a bed, fondled the child with penetration, and then told her not to tell anyone otherwise he would kill her and her family.

The In's And Out's Of Teacher Licensing
As we told you on Monday, the deadline for the renewal of full teaching licenses has been extended until December 1st, 2019. One of the requirements to maintain the license is that the teacher undertake 120 hours of Continuous Professional development which must be completed within a five year period. This has caused concern among teachers who have completed masters degrees in educational leadership. There is concern that despite their efforts to obtain higher qualification there is a possibility of their licenses being revoked, should they choose not to participate in the Ministry of Education's mandated courses.

Pathlight Pupils
62 outstanding Belizean students received scholarships from Pathlight international this morning at their Belize City offices. Pathlight is a faith based program that provides teacher training and works with sponsors to offer what they claim to be the only comprehensive high school scholarship in the country. We stopped by their scholarship ceremony to find out more about the organization and all the ways in which they are supporting education in Belize.

Cab Secss Son Gets Student Debt Write-off From Parliament
Every so often, the Minister of Finance has to take write off motions to the house. That is where government has irrecoverably lost an asset or funds, and must write it off. But, it cannot do so without parliament's approval. The write off's don't usually attract much attention or controversy, but one of them from Friday's meeting did. That's because it was a write off for a student loan to Cabinet Secretary Carlos Perdomo's son. Here's the reading of this write off:

Compol Goes Back To Gunglung
So far on the news tonight, you've seen the Commissioner of Police in a couple of stories. We met him back in his old haunts, the Eastern Division on a police meet and greet. We haven't covered one of those in over a year - but Williams says the exercise continues. And today in the Gungulung area he said he got some valuable feedback:

The Curfew Continues
Residents also asked the commissioner about the ongoing children's curfew in Belize City. It was launched a month ago, and the COMPOL says it is working:,..,

Compol's Gripes With Gualberto
We also pressed the commissioner to report to the media on the situation with Superintendent Gualberto Garcia. He's the adjudicator for police tribunals who was removed from that post with immediate effect on Friday. That's two days after he ruled against a directive from the commissioner. That directive was the police officer under interdiction for the manslaughter of Allyson Major, Corporal Kent Martinez could still be a defence advocate in a tribunal. It is considered irregular for a cop under interdiction to act as an advocate in a tribunal.

Cops Catch Aggravated Burglar, Seek One More
And in other police news, there was a home invasion and sexual assault at a home on the George Price Highway on Saturday morning. It happened at mile one at around 8:00 am. Using surveillance video from a nearby business, police have been able to charge one person and are looking for one more:.. "There was a home invasion over the weekend, could you talk to us that investigation and if anybody has been arrested?"

Drought Decimates Corn Crops In North
Last night, we told you how the extended drought in the northern districts has devastated the corn farmers of Blue Creek Village in Orange Walk. Well today, we got to see the extent and cost of the damage to this year's corn crop first hand. Daniel Ortiz has that story: Rodney Dyck - Grain Farmer, Blue Creek Village: "It's supposed to be twice this size, 3 times this size for sure. At this stage, you'd call it the stage to make tamalitos. But, there's nothing left."

Any Relief For Farmers?
So, now that the Belizean public knows the extent of the pain that the drought has inflicted on these farmers from Blue Creek, is there any aid that they can access to mitigate the financial loss? That's what we asked their Orange Walk South Area Representative today:

Fish Kill On New River
The drought is also affecting the New River - which has now witnessed a massive fish kill. An organization called Friends of the New River, said, quote, "A resident from the Tower Hill area sent us these photosupriver from the Tower Hill bridge. The foul smell is affecting the quality of life and businesses along the river. This is heart-wrenching to watch, but shows that while the river may have cleared up downstream from the bridge, the problem still persists - our New River is suffering" End quote. The Department of Environment has scheduled a Public Consultation on Friday night in Orange Walk Town, and most-likely, these photographs will be brought up.

Play Named Wake is "Woke"
If you're a fan of the theater you won't want to miss the premiere of Wake, a play written and directed by Joseph Stamp Romero. This is the 6th production organized through Romero's Youth Advocacy through Arts program, an organization that seeks to create social change through the arts. Azizi Hoy who plays Nadia in this weekend's production stopped by our studio to tell us about the play and why it's extremely relevant to the modern Belizean experience.

Scott Regional Boss Non Comital on Sale
For weeks, there have been murmurs about a rumoured sellout of Scotiabank's Belize operation. Well, the Bank has denied it and, last week, the Central Bank put out a release saying, quote, "Scotiabank's management has not advised the Central Bank of any proposal to sell their Belize operations to another bank." And, today, the Jamaica Gleaner quotes David Noel, the head of Scotia Group Jamaica, who oversees specific countries in Scotiabank International's regional operations.

September Playbill Released
Better late than neverThe 2019 National Celebrations Calendar, or playbill was released today. Notably, the Carnival Road March will be held on Saturday September 7th, and the 21st official ceremony and parade will be held on Saturday the 21st even though the Monday is a holiday.

Another Missing Male On San Pedro
Another man has been reported missing one San Pedro. Her is 18 year old David Marcos Hob a Belizean of San Pedro Town. He was reported missing on August 21, 2019, and reportedly last seen sometime in the month of July 2019, by his mother.

Channel 5

Blue Creek Farmers Lose Millions in Corn Crop due to Drought
As changes in weather patterns rise due to climate change, a drought is wrecking havoc in agricultural fields in northern Belize. Earlier today, the Meteorological office issued a drought warning [...]

Drought May Force Importation of Soybeans
Soybean plantations in Blue Creek and other parts of the country are also being affected by the continuous drought. In Blue Creek, farmers there were expected to plant two thousand [...]

Jose Mai Says Fresh Injection of Capital Can Save Farmers
Parliamentarian Jose Abelardo Mai says the Government must pay attention to the farmers’ plights. Ignoring such issues can have detrimental effects on not only the economy but also on households, [...]

New River’s Health Continue to Deteriorate
The Department of Environment will be holding a public meeting on Friday to disclose information regarding the health of the New River. The public is expected to be informed of [...]

Supt. Gualberto Garcia Stripped of Adjudicator Post
Corporal Kent Martinez remains on interdiction, having been arraigned on a charge of manslaughter by negligence for the shooting death of Allyson Major Junior which occurred on July sixteenth. Despite [...]

ComPol Williams Says Police Department Must Enforce Discipline
According to Commissioner Williams, the police department has been grappling with the issue of public perception where it concerns intra-departmental discipline of its officers. The fact that the former adjudicator [...]

Jenny-Lee Cruz is the winner of KTV-The Remix Season 3
This season of KTV-The Remix came to a close on Tuesday night with a spectacular show. The Bliss was overflowing with fans from all over in anticipation of the announcement [...]

Still No Charges in Death of Danielle Hall
Tonight, there is still no decision on what charges will be brought against Emily Ico, the mother of nine-year-old Danielle Hall who died in her care at the family residence [...]

Chester on Sarkis Abou-Nehra’s Home Invasion Case Falling Apart
In respect of the case involving a gang of thieves who reportedly broke into the home of businessman Sarkis Abou-Nehra in Burrell Boom in December 2015.That case continues to come [...]

Unrest at Princess Royal Youth Hostel
There was another disturbance at the Princess Royal Youth Hostel on Tuesday night where police officers were called in to assist with a group of unruly girls.  During their response, [...]

Moises Flores gets Two Years for Sexual Assault
A man is serving two years behind bars after he was found guilty of sexually molesting an eight-year-old girl. Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford convicted Moises Flores, a Belize City resident, [...]

Dengue on the Rise in Northern Belize
The number of cases of persons infected with dengue fever continues to rise in the northern districts.  According to Director of Health Services, Dr. Marvin Manzanero the spike in new [...]

Only Two Deaths from Dengue Fever says MOH
While the numbers in Belize and Toledo districts are fairly low, they may be the result of an under-reporting of cases.  Despite the number of hospitalizations across the country, the [...]

Belize Youth Movement appalled at debt write-off of Joshua Perdomo
The Belize Youth Movement, which is an arm of the People’s United Party, says it is appalled at the write-off of forty thousand dollars owed to the government by the [...]

Pathlight awards 62 scholarships to Belmopan and Belize City students
Classes are about to begin so this morning more than sixty students were recipients of scholarships that ensure they continue their studies at various colleges. The scholarships are part of [...]

Thieves in Belmopan Attempted to Hit Several Locations in Spate of Burglaries
A string of businesses in Belmopan was struck by thieves in the early hours of this morning. A construction site across from the National Agriculture and Trade Show Grounds, where [...]

Belizean athletes competing in the CODICADER Games are snatching the medals
A contingent of Belizean athletes left Belize without fanfare and are currently in Honduras where they are competing in the U-15 CODICADER games in Tegucigalpa. The local team is taking [...]

Police Meet and Greet Goes to Gungulung
A phalanx of police officers descended on LaCroix Boulevard this evening before making its way into Holy Emmanuel Street where they broke off into individual groups to introduce themselves to [...]

Policing Gungulung is No Joke” – ComPol Chester Williams
Gungulung is well-known for the feuding gangs within that neighborhood and policing the area has been a quite challenge.  According to the top cop, while the Special Patrol Unit focuses [...]

The Reporter

MOH Increases Warning About This Flying Monster
New dengue figures released by the Ministry of Health have prompted health officials to embark on an aggressive vector control program in four districts where marked increases have occurred.

Breaking Belize News

Today was a successful day for team Belize at the Central American Athletic Championship (CODICADER) Under […]

Belize U-17 plays well, finishes 1:1 against Barbados in first game of Concacaf Women’s Qualifier
The National Women’s U-17 side gave a good account of themselves in a battling display […]

Moises Flores guilty of sexual assault of 8-year-old child; gets two years in jail
A first time offender accused of fingering a female child’s private area, then threatening her […]

National Assembly moves to expand, improve press coverage
Soon – likely before the end of the year – you can see the goings-on […]

Cane price stays low despite record production
Farmers of sugar cane have gotten 91.5% of their second payment estimate for the just-ended […]

Efforts underway in citrus industry to combat greening disease
Citrus producers in Belize are implementing measures to combat the Citrus Greening Disease or Huanglongbing, […]

FFB and Town Council partner for 5-a-Side Football Pitch at Falcon Field
A partnership between the Football Federation of Belize (FFB) and the San Ignacio and Santa […]

Family loses home in a fire
Authorities are still investigating the cause of a fire that destroyed a home in Lords […]

National Geographic pays homage to researcher responsible for the creation of Jaguar preserve in Belize
Today, National Geographic Magazine published an article on the importance of protecting jaguars while paying […]

BYM questions ‘write off’ to Joshua Perdomo
The Belize Youth Movement (BYM) issued a statement today saying that it is appalled at […]

Reknowned saxophonist in Belize
Renowned saxophonist and founder of the Kilgore Music Foundation, Ryan Kilgore is in Belize. The […]

Mexican Institute to show the film: “They called me King Tiger”
The Embassy of Mexico in Belize is inviting the public to a special presentation of […]

Meeting to “SAVE THE MACAL RIVER” to be held on Friday
Residents of San Ignacio and Santa Elena are organizing a ‘Save the River’ meeting to […]

The New River is suffering!
Belizeans are gravely concerned about the contamination of the New River in Northern Belize. Several […]

More cloudy spells and a few showers expected
The National Meteorological Service of Belize says that today’s weather calls for cloudy spells with […]

Central American firefighters share operational knowledge with US Counterparts
The Joint Task Force-Bravo’s 612th Air Base Squadron is hosting a multinational firefighting exercise at […]

Shooting reported in Belmopan
Reports to our news desk are that there was a shootout between police and burglars […]

Ambassador of Music donates Saxophone
H.E. Shyne Barrow gave ACC 1st form student Eanne Daley a saxophone at yesterday’s PeaceWork […]

Men accused in Abou-Nehra aggravated burglary walk free
The last of nineteen persons charged in connection with the Burrell Boom home invasion of diplomat […]

Blogs

Amazing Mainland Adventures in Belize
You will arrive in this amazing country by air, boat, car, or even a bus. Though a small country, only about the size of New Hampshire, Belize is amazingly diverse. The country is complete with mountain ranges, the jungle, and a coastline on the Caribbean Sea. It’s a favorite location of eco-tourists and adventure seekers who love to get down and dirty, burn tons of calories, soak up the sun, and forget about the stress and chaos of their everyday lives. Here is our list of Must Do excursions when visiting this amazing country.

International Sources

Aquarium Breakthrough Could Save FL’s Endangered Coral
Florida Aquarium have successfully reproduced a group of endangered Atlantic coral in a lab setting. The breakthrough, which enables sexual reproduction to occur entirely outside of the ocean, could ultimately help save local marine invertebrates from extinction. “When history is made, there is hope, and [this] scientific breakthrough … gives us real hope that we can save the Florida Reef Tract from extinction,” Roger Germann, president and CEO of The Florida Aquarium, said in a statement.

Belize's fishers net bounty of trailblazing approach – in pictures
A strict conservation programme is helping protect the tiny country’s marine ecosystems, despite the growing threat of steadily warming waters Why Belize is a world leader in protecting the ocean All photographs by Tony Rath.

Concacaf Women’s U17 qualifying kicks off this evening
The Cayman Islands joins 15 other countries Wednesday (21 August) in their 2019 Concacaf Women’s Under-17 Championship Qualifying campaign. One of the four qualifying groups will be held at Truman Bodden Sports Complex on 21, 23 and 25 August. Group B will feature Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Martinique, and hosts – Cayman Islands. The winner of each group will advance to the 2020 Concacaf Women’s Under-17 Championship.

Videos

August 21, 2019

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, Reef TV, KREM, and CTV 3. Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, Belize Now, Talk Ah Di Town, and other specials.

The San Pedro Sun

San Pedro Building Unit hosts informational session, talks new amendment to Building Act
The San Pedro Building Unit hosted an informative session on the Unit’s functions and a new regulation that mandates all municipalities to establish a building unit. The meeting was held at the Sunbreeze Hotel on Friday, August 9th, and saw the presence of personnel from the Central Building Authority (CBA), the Department of Environment, the Ministry of Housing and Planning, Architects and Engineer Association of Belize, and The San Pedro Town Council. Mayor Daniel Guerrero addressed the attendees, thanking them for attending the informational meeting. He told them that building is another big industry on the island, and they should take advantage of such events to clear doubts or learn something new.

San Pedro Pirates remain winless in PLB’s 2019 opening season
The defending champions of the Premier League of Belize (PLB), the San Pedro Pirates, continue without a win in the current PLB opening season. On Sunday, August 18th, the island team travelled to San Ignacio Town in the Cayo District, where they faced Verdes FC at the Norman Broaster Stadium. Despite having dominated most of the game, the Pirates were not able to seal the victory, and the match ended in a 3-3 draw. The Belmopan Bandits and Verdes continue to lead the PLB chart with ten points each. On Saturday, August 31st, San Pedro Pirates will be facing BDF FC at the Ambergris Stadium. Game starts at 7:30PM.

Various Belizean Sources

Dengue: Office of Director of Health Services
Our current data in reference to dengue indicates that we have 950 laboratory confirmed cases and 814 clinical suspect cases for a total of 1,764 cases - this is up until this past weekend. Last week alone saw the number spike up to 215 cases in one week with 4 districts still reporting the greater number of cases. Note that not all suspect cases are being tested/will be tested for dengue given the current phase we are in and only those having dengue with warning signs or severe dengue will be hospitalized. For now. 3.2% of our cases have classified as being severe cases! Our call continues to be for the community to continue to engage in prevention and elimination of mosquito breeding sites.

Corozal Queen Of The Bay Pageant
Saturday, August 31, 2019 at 7 AM – 11:55 PM, Andres Campos Civic Center Corozal.

Power outage 6:00 am to 9:00 am on Wednesday, August 28 to affect a portion of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye
Including Almond Street, Barracuda Street, Basil Jones Street, Beach Front, Bermuda Beach, Blue Dolphin, Buena Vista Area, Boca Del Rio, Bonefish Street, Bright Waters Street, Canary Cove area, Coco Beach Area, Deer Street, Habaneros Area, Iguana Street, Indigo Street, Jewfish Street, Lagoon Street, Laguna Street, Mangrove Drive, Middle Street, Pescador Drive, San Juan Area, Sandpiper Street, Seagull Street, Seaweed Street, Spider Lily Street, Lina Point, Mata Grande, Mata Villas, Mexico Rocks Subdivision, North Ambergris, Nunez Subdivision, Playa Blanca, Punta Arena Street, San Feliz Area, Tres Cocos, and San Mateo Subdivision. BEL to repair hotspots on the distribution system in the area.

CTO Caribbean Week
The Caribbean Tourism Organization is hosting its Caribbean Week which focuses primarily on Canadian Travel Trade and targeting higher end travel agencies in Canada.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
The U.S. Embassy is seeking eligible and qualified applicants for the following position: Security Investigator (Senior Foreign Service National Investigator) Closing date: September 4, 2019

Paint N Splash
See you this week at from 2-4pm Thursday to paint “Bopping Along”!

"Frenemy, A Comedy" Aug. 24th in San Pedro
Let’s support our Belizean artists, Saturday, August 24th.

3rd Maya Heroes Day
It is with great pleasure that we invite everyone to come out on Saturday August 31st 2019 and celebrate with us the third Maya Heroes Day, honoring our heroes - past and present - who have in one way or another helped to preserve our rich Maya Heritage. The Maya Heroes Day ceremony starts at 9:00 a.m at the Battle of Orange Walk Monument. Everyone is invited.

Belize Diabetes Association Corozal Branch Office - FUNDRAISER
August 31st at #27, 7th Avenue. From 11:30 a.m. until sold out.

International Youth Day
August 12, was celebrated as International Youth Day across Belize, under the theme: “Transforming Education”. FCD in collaboration with the Department of Youth Services commemorated this day with an educational field visit to the Chiquibul Forest with youths from Belize City. Director of Youth Services Mrs. McKenzie wrote, “They all had an awesome experience that I am certain will be shared with their families and friends.”

5th ANNUAL SHYNE BARROW BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT IN MESOPOTAMIA!!!
For the past 5 years Shyne Barrow has been engaging the Mesopotamia youth in Sports to keep them occupied with athletics as oppose to crime and violence. The 2019 Mesopotamia Basketball Tournament Championship trophy went to Unruly who beat Baba Shop who placed second. 3rd was Bungi who best Tigris street to place. $1800 in cash prizes were given out to the 2019 Champions and runners up. Basketball Icon Pulu Lightburn was in attendance as well as the Commissioner of Police who has overseen a significant reduction in crime on the South Side.

The legend of Sac-Nicte and Canek
Sac-Nicte means white flower. She was born in Mayapan: the powerful alliance that lived in peace—Mayab, Uxmal, and Chichen Itza. Canek means black serpent, a brave prince with a kind heart. When he turned 21 years of age, he was chosen as king of Chichen Itza. That same day he met princess Sac-Nacte. She was 15 years of age. Both quickly fell in love; however Sac-Nicte was destined to be married with young Ulil, prince of Uxmal. The legend says that a young adviser to the princess told Canek that Sac-Nicte would be waiting among green flowers and that it would be necessary to fight for her, before destiny fought against them.

Channel 7

Man Was Pushed Out of Bus, Run Over
Tonight, 30-year-old Carlos Peña Jr., a resident of Cristo Rey Village in Corozal, is at the KHMH recovering from broken ribs and other injuries. That's after he was run over a bus on Saturday. Pena was attempting to board a bus at around 7:00 that morning at the village bus stop. His family tells us that he was walking into the bus when someone inexplicably shoved him down the steps. The allegation is that the driver then moved off, dragging him along until he ended up under the bus. Today at the KHMH, his father, Carlos Sr. lamented that no one is being held responsible for what happened:

City Shooting Was Drive-By
There was a shooting in Belize City this afternoon. It happened at 3:15 on Amara Avenue - right in front of the office of Area Representative Michael Finnegan. According to reports it was a drive by shooting where the victim, Floyd Faber, known as "Deuce" was standing on the street side when he was shot in the back. Faber was reportedly strong enough to get into a taxi which took him to the hospital.

Mechanic Shot At His Shed In Belmopan
There was also a shooting in Belmopan. On Monday night 44 Year old Brian Chavarria, a Mechanic of Sinsonte Street, Belmopan, was socializing with friends including Anthony Williams at his home and mechanic shop, when he was shot to the chest. Reports are that the two men started arguing at about 9:20. Williams reportedly left during the initial altercation, however he allegedly returned with a firearm and fired a shot at Brian causing his injuries.

9 Year old Girl Dead, Suspect Mother Under Police Guard
Danielle Hall's family is still grappling with her violent and incomprehensible death. As we told you, little Danielle was strangled. It happened on Friday morning while at home with her mother, Emily Ico. Relatives and neighbors say they heard a lot of commotion from the house and that is when the girl's paternal grandfather called Danielle's dad, Daniel Hall.

Hattieville Suspects Shoot At Cops
No one has been arrested for yesterday's broad daylight murder of Clive Kevin Hyde. The 47 year old year old security guard, was killed as he waited at the Hattieville village bus stop. He was ambushed by two gunmen who appear to have been waiting for him. His family - which includes the village chairlady is certain it was a case of mistaken identity. Reports say the men may have been targeting another security guard from the village. And while police have made no arrests yet - they do have persons of interest.

An Opposition Oops! PUP Did Nominate Councillor As Senator
Last week Friday's newscast, we told you how PUP Chairman Henry Charles Usher scolded the media for reporting the quote, unquote, "rumor" that the Opposition had appointed Dr. Candice Pitts as a Senator. He insisted that there was nothing official on her appointment, and suggested that we were making things up for sensation. But, we weren't - and tonight we can show you the black-and-white proof of the proposed appointment.

MEDIA AND THE HOUSE...
The meetings between the Clerk of the National Assembly and the media continued today. Except, this time, there was a far better representation of a wide cross section of media, including LOVE TV, KREM Radio and TV, the Guardian, The Amandala, The National Channel, PLUS TV, and Channel 7. As we told you, last week, the purpose of the meetings is to propose a way forward for a modernized video system in the House. This will capture, distribute and stream house meetings using optical angles, and optimal interfaces for working journalists. The Clerk of the National Assembly told the media representatives at the outset of the meeting what it is all about.

Dengue Outbreak May Worsen With Rains
And, now, we have an update on the latest Dengue statistics and trends in Belize. There are almost two thousand reported cases - but health experts say that with the onset of rains - those numbers could increase rapidly. Here's what the Vector Control Chief told us today in Belmopan:... Kim Bautista, Chief of Operations - Vector Control: "At the start of week 34, but at the end of week 33 we were at 950 laboratory confirmed - that both public and private sector and 814 clinical for a total of 1,764 dengue cases. We are still anticipating that it could or it may or may not increase at this point, because we are anticipating the rains to start in the coming weeks. So that figure could change for the worse. Starting today and for the next month we have an additional 16 staff deployed to the specific districts that we are targeting at this time which includes Corozal, Orange Walk, Cayo and Stann Creek. So we are anticipating that we will keep those persons on for at least towards the end of October or November."

Corn Crops Wither Without Rains
And Dengue rates are highest in Orange Walk and that is partially because of the northern drought - which has forced water storage in drums - perfect breeding grounds for mosquitoes. And that is only one negative effect of the drought. Corn farmers in the Village of Blue Creek are feeling the effects of the very dry weather. Reports say that 6 farmers have cumulatively lost over half a million dollars in revenue and investment because of the lack of rain.

Caught on Camera, Sherwin Says He Did It
Not guilty to guilty: 21 year old Sherwin Santos changed the plea for his armed robbery charge before the Chief Magistrate, Sharon Fraser. He was sentenced to 3 years, 2 years less than the minimum sentence for robbery. Before Fraser decided on the sentence, she took into consideration the fact that he pleaded guilty and saved the court time and also that Santos he has seen what prison is like and he wants to make a change in his life. She explained to Santos that she cannot give a suspended sentence like she gave the minor who was convicted of the same offence because he has previous convictions.

Mansion Home Invasion Case Continues To Crumble
Back in early 2016, police charged 19 persons for the home invasion at the residence of the Lebanese Diplomat, Sarkis Abou Nehra. It's a mega prosecution that quickly crumbled. And, tonight, 3 of the 4 defendants have been freed of all criminal charges connected with that crime. You may remember the case from December 4th, 2015. That's when culprits barged into the Abou Nehra's home, located several miles outside of Burrell Boom Village. 8 masked men stormed the compound and held the caretaker and his spouse hostage. They then searched Abou Nehra's estate and stole an assortment of jewelry valued at ten thousand dollars, $1,500 US dollars in cash, two 9mm pistols, a 12 gauge shotgun, and a .22 rifle.

Kilgore the Creator
Ryan Kilgore, saxophonist in Stevie Wonder's band, is in Belize with his Kilgore music foundation. The foundation spearheads music drives in which he provides instruments to children ton inspire and equip the next generation of musicians. Kilgore and his team reached out to the Peace work organization with an offer to pledge a donation of musical instruments and to provide outreach for musical education in Belize.

How To Defuse Conflict In School
Last Friday, we told you about the 6-day workshop that Restore Belize organized for teachers and school administrators. It's called Developing Safe Schools, and last week, the focus was on how these educators could connect with Belize City children who live with the trauma of gun violence and the gang culture. The training ended today, and in this part of the professional development workshop, the focus was on conflict mediation. Now, as viewers are aware, talking things over in a civil manner isn't exactly the norm of how today's Belizean youths address conflict. There is a tendency to resort to aggression instead, and tensions may then escalate to violence.

BBB Blasts New LPG Monopoly
The National Gas Company which got the green light in the House of Representatives last week Friday is coming under scrutiny tonight. As we told you, the company is a public private partnership, a state-protected monopoly which will supply all the LPG - or what we call butane to Belize. It's a major shift from the Mexican supplier which owns all the major butane companies. But at what cost? Tonight, the Belize Business Bureau - which is very rarely heard from - has issued a scathing press release blasting the new company, and the National Liquified Petroleum Gas Project Bill which sets it up as a monopoly.

Tangible Progress! Belize Excels In Regional Table Tennis
A delegation of 10 players and their two Cuban coaches traveled to Merida last weekend to participate in the 5th Edition Circuit of the State of Merida-Yucatan Open 2019. Players participated in the Singles, Doubles, and Mixed Doubles categories. And, they did really well! The Table Tennis Association reports that the Belizean delegation excelled in all categories and turned out an excellent performance earning 3 Gold medals, 2 Silver medals, and 3 Bronze medals.

Channel 5

Kevin Hyde’s Murderer on the Loose
The family of Kevin Hyde of Hattieville, Belize District is still coming to terms with his untimely and senseless killing on Monday evening. Hyde, a forty-seven-year-old security guard employed by [...]

Kevin Hyde Was Murdered A Stone’s Throw from Police Station
Kevin Hyde was waiting on a bus so he can report to work at City Hall. He was under the bus shed in Hattieville village under the nose of the [...]

Mechanic Critically Injured in Belmopan Shooting
A Belmopan resident is clinging to life tonight at the Western Regional Hospital where he was rushed to on Monday night.  Forty-four-year-old Brian Chavarria was shot by a person he [...]

Belize City Man Shot
A man was shot earlier this afternoon in Belize City. He is the third shooting victim in the past twenty-four hours.  It happened at around three o’clock on Amara Avenue [...]

Will Emily Ico be Charged for the Killing of her Daughter?
A nine-year-old girl was killed inside her home in the village of Unitedville, Cayo. At the time of her killing, the other person in the house was her mother, Emily [...]

Evaluation to Determine Mental Health State of Emily Ico
According to Edwardo Ico, a psychiatric evaluation will be conducted on Emily to determine her mental health. Ico lives in Sarteneja Village, Corozal. He was only able to see Emily [...]

Business Bureau Chides National Gas Company as Worst Idea this Decade
The passage of a new piece of legislation which paves the way for the formation of the National Gas Company, via a public/private partnership to regularize the liquid petroleum gas [...]

Joshua Perdomo Gets Amnesty After Defaulting on Government Debt
On Friday, a number of write-off motions, including the waiver of a forty thousand-dollar debt owed by Joshua Perdomo, were brought before the House of Representatives.  Joshua is the youngest [...]

Yellow Man Reportedly Insults and Threatens Louis Zabaneh at House Meeting
There is a criminal complaint against Brian “Yellow Man” Audinette, the macebearer in the National Assembly and a well-known U.D.P. stalwart.  Following Friday’s house meeting, People’s United Party Dangriga Standard [...]

Teachers Commence Renewal of Licenses
The 2019 academic year is less than two weeks away and while students are busy preparing for back-to-school, educators have commenced the process of renewing their teaching licenses.  The move [...]

Teachers are Concerned About One-year Contracts
According to B.N.T.U. National President Elena Smith, while the process of renewal is underway, a discussion is yet to be had with the Ministry of Education to iron out further [...]

C.E.O. Dr. Babb says Meeting with B.N.T.U. Reps Went Good
Also speaking on the meeting and what came out of it is Chief Education Officer Doctor Carol Babb. According to Doctor Babb, teachers who had full licenses will not be [...]

Group Charged for Home Invasion at Sarkis Abou-Nehra Walk Free
A home invasion at the property of a well-known businessman fell apart this morning in court.   As many as nineteen persons were charged initially for the home invasion at the [...]

Sherwin Santos Pleads Guilty to Armed Robbery of New Fortune Restaurant
Belize City resident Sherwin Santos, accused jointly with a fifteen-year-old minor of robbing New Fortune Restaurant in July of last year, is tonight serving a three-year jail sentence. The term [...]

Land Tax Amnesty Only Favorable to Wealthy Landowners?
The House sitting on Friday was chock full of write offs. Aside from debt write-offs, a general pardon has been granted by G.O.B. to a handful of landowners who are [...]

PM Barrow Blames PUP for Obscene Land Giveaways
In responding to Hyde’s criticism, Prime Minister Barrow says that the vast amount of properties acquired by the so-called big landowners took place under the tenure of the People’s United [...]

Who Will be the Winner of KTV-The Remix Season 3?
The grand finale of the hottest summer television show gets underway at the Bliss auditorium at eight-thirty tonight.  The event starts with a red carpet affair featuring the finalists and [...]

Salvation Army School Students Get Much Needed Financial Assistance
Children First and Last Belize, C-FAL, today awarded nine scholarship grants to students of Salvation Army Primary School in Belize City. The organization’s mission is to help children to realize their [...]

Sixty Belize City Students Receive Scholarship Grants
Sixty Belize City students today were recipients of scholarship grants courtesy of PricewaterhouseCooper. PWC, through a partnership with the Ministry of Education, has been financially assisting students for almost a [...]

Amandala

The strange death of Danielle Hall, 9
A 9-year-old girl died suddenly at her home in San Ignacio of unknown causes. A post-mortem exam later revealed that the child had been strangled. The tragedy occurred at about 10:00 Friday morning at the home of the child’s father, Daniel Hall, in San Ignacio. Hall said that when he left home that morning, his daughter, Danielle, 9, was in good health. The devastated father told police that at about 11:00 Friday morning, he got a call at his workplace telling him to come home, and on his arrival, he saw his daughter motionless on her bed, and his wife was acting strangely and was breaking things in the house.

Clive Hyde, 47, murdered at a bus stop in Hattieville
shots that was fired at a bus stop on the George Price Highway, not far from the Hattieville Police Station, and two men of Hispanic descent were seen running away from the area. People and police rushed to the bus stop, where they saw Hattieville resident Clive Kevin Hyde, 47, a security guard of Ranger Security posted at the Belize City Council, dead. He had been awaiting a bus to come to the city to his work.

$100 million loan for Sarteneja road upgrade
This morning, Prime Minister Dean Barrow tabled a motion for a loan of US $50 million ($100 million Belize) from the Republic of China (Taiwan) for the rehabilitation of 47 miles of road from Corozal Town to Sarteneja Village and the upgrading of two bridges, Pueblo Nuevo and Laguna Seca. In his introduction of the motion, Barrow told the House that US$50 million of financial support from the Export Import Bank in the Republic of China would be received by the government in the form of a long-term loan with low interest rates. The loan is for 20 years and it has a grace period of 5 years, Barrow explained.

Liquefied Petroleum Gas Project Bill will create Belize National Gas Company
An important piece of legislation that made its way through the House of Representatives today was the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Project Bill, which will give legal status to the Belize National Gas Company that government is banking on to bring about a reduction in the price consumers pay for LPG (butane gas). Presently, Belizeans get their supply of butane gas from a group of Mexican companies which have control of that particular market. The Belize National Gas Company will be a public/private company which will initially be licensed for 15 years to provide butane to consumers.

Hon. Kareem Musa’s China trip takes center stage at House meeting
Before proceeding with the day’s agenda at today’s House of Representatives meeting, Prime Minister Dean Barrow made a Minister’s Statement in which the primary focus was a trip to mainland China by a delegation that was led by the Opposition People’s United Party’s Kareem Musa, the Caribbean Shores area representative, who was accompanied by Belize City Deputy Mayor Oscar Arnold, City Councilor Michael Noralez and attorney Kevin Arthurs. Musa’s trip became even more controversial after the Belize Chinese Association denied any involvement in the trip.

SEARCH FOR “AMANDALA”!
Returning home to Belize after my migration in April of 1981 just a few weeks after the 1981 Heads of Agreement revolution that rocked the Belizean nation heading towards independence, it was always my desire to see where the revolutionary AMANDALA newspaper was located in Belize City, Belize. It is interesting looking back at it now in this 50-year anniversary of a Belizean newspaper that gave me national pride, love for country and the identity of self, that in reading the Belizean publication so many times living in Belize that its place of origin was never known to me before.

Bandits and Verdes still undefeated, defending champs Pirates winless at Week 4 of PLB 2019-20120 Opening Season
Frontrunners Bandits Sport and Verdes FC are both still undefeated, while defending champion San Pedro Pirates FC drew for the third time, and are still without a win at Week 4 in the Premier League of Belize (PLB) 2019-2020 Opening Season. In the only Saturday night game in Week 4, star studded Wagiya FC travelled to the M.A. Stadium in Independence to face Altitude FC, who held the visitors scoreless, and grabbed the 1-nil home win with a late goal from Elroy Coe (90’).

Kulture crushes San Pedro in Game 1 of National Over-40 Football Finals; Game 2 on Saturday
The much anticipated clash of last year’s finalists, Kulture Yabra and San Pedro veterans in the National Over-40 Football Championship, was quite a surprise, as Kulture Yabra Veterans visited the Ambergris Stadium on Saturday night, and came away with a massive 6-nil victory over San Pedro Veterans. Kulture got 2 goals apiece from Kevin Rowland (12’ & 37’) and Albert “Chicken” Arnold (33’ & 63’), and another from David “Manu” McCaulay (80’) along with an own by San Pedro’s Phillip Leslie (31’ OG). It was a total blow-out in a game that many expected to be a slug fest, after San Pedro had bombarded Belmopan Veterans, 6-nil, just a couple weeks earlier, with their veteran star striker, Orlando Pinelo accounting for 5 of those goals.

BCC 2019 Summer Basketball League final standings
The 2019 Belize City Council (BCC) Summer Basketball League culminated its 5-week tournament with All-Star games and a friendly clash featuring Mayor Bernard Wagner/Belize City Councillors vs the U-17 All Stars on Thursday evening, August 15, at Swift Hall. Below are the final standings for the U-15 and U-17 categories of the tournament.

Stann Creek F.A. Smart U-13 Mundialito Week 7 scores
The Stann Creek Football Association (SCFA) Smart U-13 Mundialito Tournament continued on Friday, August 16, with Week 7 games at the Carl Ramos Stadium. In game 1, Pomona Warriors bombed Harlem (Montise), 10-0, with 3 goals from Tyronel Castillo, 2 from Kimanie Smith, and 1 each from Harrison Roches, Jr., Corey Hynes, Zafeer Moralez, Alston Acosta and Kenyon Roches.

Editorial: The unions can give Belize economic independence too
It is the favorite pastime of the Prime Minister, especially, and other elite members of the governing UDP too, to point the finger at the Opposition PUP and holler at them that they were corrupt when they held the reins of government. The Prime Minister is relentless in persecuting the PUP for their past sins. He has either never read the Gospels, or, if he has, he didn’t learn anything from them. This UDP is no relative of Esquivel (former Prime Minister, Hon. Manuel Esquivel), and the present Prime Minister keeps hurling mud as if he and his party are as pure as when they left government in 1998.

“AMANDALA” IS POWER TO THE PEOPLE!
Reading the book by the renowned Belizean writer, Evan X Hyde, North Amerikkkan Blues, at the young age of 16 years old as a high school student in Belize in the 1970s, lifted my educational spirit and opened my passion for writing after Dr. Colville Young, who was the principal of the historical St. Michael’s College, wrote an essay on the arts for us to copy that exploded with the opening sentence, “The art of a person begins when someone in the community feels the urge to create!” Almost forty-five years ago after reading what to me was literature that my soul could find itself in, the other best reading material for me that connected with me in terms of reading something enjoyable was the AMANDALA newspaper.

Agree with one of three callers to the WuB
Mr. Matthew Smiling called the WuB, KREM Radio’s morning talk show, last Tuesday to express his sorrow over this crazy violence in Belize City. He also declared that it is wrong to describe the genocide in Belize City as mostly a South Side problem because it extended to the entire city. Mr. Smiling said that in his neighborhood, which is on the North Side of Belize City, there are five gangs/sets of rivals, and the separation between two of them was just a fence. Mr. Smiling is sincere, but he has to realize that his establishment is North Side, but because of their proximity to the South Side, whatever good or bad is on that side is bound to come his way. That part of North Side naturally has to be included in the South Side description.

Democracy, Dictatorship and Impunity
The constitution of Belize does not reflect democracy, but rather a monarchical dictatorship where the power lies in the hands of a few who can dictate as they please without respecting rules and regulations, and as a result, after 38 years of independence they have established a path of corruption and impunity. Belize needs an urgent surgery in its constitution. National Plan for Prevention and Fight against Corruption 2013-2017 – Ecuador Acts of corruption:

Statutory Instrument needed to enforce breathalyzer results in court
Ten breathalyzer kits were handed over to police to be used during police highway patrols and other operations to be carried out by police. Commissioner of Police Chester Williams, however, said that before a driver can be convicted of driving with alcohol in his blood above the legal limit, which would be determined by means of a breathalyzer test, a Statutory Instrument (SI) must be passed into law so that the findings of the breathalyzers can be admitted in court.

Oliver Peters, 45, stabbed on Boots Crescent
Oliver Peters, 45, a laborer of Boots Crescent, is in a critical condition at the Intensive Care Unit at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, with stab wounds to his chest and body. Peters was stabbed while socializing with family members on Boots Crescent at about 9:00 Saturday night. Somehow, Peters became involved in an argument which escalated to a physical altercation, during which he was stabbed. He was then rushed to the KHMH.

Customers of Gentleman Bar of St. Matthew held up and robbed
Sixteen customers who were drinking in Gentleman Bar in St. Matthews were all held hostage at gunpoint and forced to lie down on the floor of the bar and were robbed by four bandits who were not masked. The four bandits, three of whom were armed, stole customers’ cell phones, wallets and their personal belongings. The bar was not robbed, and luckily, no one was hurt, although the bandits fired six shots to remind the customers that they were serious, then they escaped.

Fire destroys house in Lords Bank
A lumber house belonging to Kimberly Betancourt, 32, a Lords Bank resident, was completely destroyed by fire at about 8:00 last night. The Ladyville Fire Service was called to the scene of the fire in Lords Bank, and the firemen were able to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to the other buildings in the area.

The Reporter

In Guatemala, The President’s Son & Brother are off the hook
A Guatemalan court on Monday acquitted members of the family of of outgoing President Jimmy Morales, his son Jose Manuel and his brother, Sam Morales. The development comes after an anti-corruption com-mission accused the men of wrong-doing.

Child Dies Suddenly in Mother’s Presence in Cayo
Today, August 19th. a post mortem examination conducted on the body of Danielle Hall, 9, determined that she had been strangled. The lifeless body of Hall was found by her father on Sunday.

LOVE FM

Artists of the Future
Today youths were given the opportunity to meet one of Stevie Wonder’s Band Saxophonist, Ryan Kilgore, during today’s scholarship award ceremony. Youths who were invited were recipients of scholarships from Price Waterhouse Coopers (PWC). Carol Babb, Chief Education Officer, spoke of the collaboration with Kilgore and how this event came about. Carol Babb, Chief Education …

BNTU advises teachers on applying for full license
Yesterday we told you of the BNTU’s notice to teachers, urging them to apply for their full licenses. The decision came after a back and forth between the union and the Ministry of Education which ended with a meeting over the weekend between the ministry’s Chief Education Officer, Dr Carol Babb and the Union President, …

Conflict Training
Secondary school teachers were engaged in a weeklong training on how to act as mediators in school conflicts. The programme was held by Restore Belize in partnership with the Youth and Community Transformation Project as well as the Ministry of Human Development. The programme seeks to help alleviate conflicts within schools, particularly those that end …

BNTU remains vigilant concerning UNCAC
In 2016, the Belize National Teachers Union, BNTU, flexed its muscles by holding an 11-day strike, refusing to return to the classrooms unless certain conditions were agreed to by the government. One of those conditions had to do with Belize signing unto the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC). The Government conceded some months later, …

Belize City man critical in the hospital after being shot
Within the last twenty-four hours there have been three shooting incidents. The most recent occurred today in broad daylight; this time in the old capital. 36-year-old, Lloyd Faber, was shot once in the back on Amara Avenue sometime around three this afternoon. Reports are that Faber, who goes by the alias ‘Deuce,’ was standing on the …

Family furious at police’s response in murder of Hattieville man
Yesterday, the life of 47-year-old, Clive Kevin Hyde was ruthlessly taken. Hyde was sitting alone at a bus stop in Hattieville Village, Belize District, when two Hispanic men allegedly opened fire in his direction. He was reportedly shot six times, and died on the spot. His family believes it was a case of mistaken identity, …

Trio acquitted of aggravated burglary
Brandon Baptist, John and Sheldon Grinage walked away from a charge of aggravated burglary when they went to court today. The charge is in connection with the invasion of the home of Lebanese diplomat, Sarkis Abou-Nehra in Burrell Boom. As many as nineteen persons were charged initially for the home invasion. Today, the trio appeared before …

Sherwin Santos sentenced to 3 years for robbery
21-year-old, Sherwin Santos was sentenced to three years imprisonment after pleading guilty to robbery. Santos appeared unrepresented today before Chief Magistrate Sharon Fraser. While the minimum sentence for robbery set out in law is five years, Chief Magistrate Fraser was lenient and gave him two years less. Santos’ run-in with the law comes after 54-year-old Xinhui …

Breaking Belize News

Lloyd Faber, 36, shot in Belize City
A man was shot in Belize City just before 3 o’clock this afternoon. He has […]

Accused restaurant robber jailed for three years
Aaron Humes: Sherwin Santos,21, threw himself on the mercy of the courts after pleading guilty to the robbery […]

Mass emigration from Nicaragua could destabilize the region says United Nations refugee arm
As the socio-political climate in Nicaragua worsens, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) says […]

What is happening to the Macal River?
The Macal River in western Belize was once known to attract many visitors to its […]

Community organization donates scholarships to children at Salvation Army Primary School
Nine children from Salvation Army Primary School were given the gift of education this morning […]

Caye International Bank leads way toward sustainable banking sector
A little known but fast growing bank based in San Pedro, Belize, aptly named Caye […]

Shyne Barrow hosts 5th annual Mesopotamia Basketball tournament
Shyne Barrow, the UDP stand bearer for Mesopotamia in Belize City held his annual basketball […]

Security guard murdered in Hattieville
Authorities are investigating the murder of Clive Hyde, 47, security guard of Hattieville, Belize. Around […]

Councilor Goodin to host free haircut drive in Lake-I
Belize City Councilor Micah Goodin recently distributed scholarships to 43 students, completed a summer basketball […]

Over 900 confirmed cases of dengue
The Office of the Director of Health Services today informed that up to this weekend, […]

Young man reported missing in Benque Viejo
The family of eighteen-year-old David Hob are concerned about his whereabouts. Hob was last seen […]

Cordel Hyde celebrates 46th birthday
Cordel Hyde, the PUP’s National Deputy and one of few sure-bet candidates with as much […]

Massive Christian Parade coming to San Ignacio and Santa Elena
The Christian community in San Ignacio and Santa Elena is inviting all residents to the […]

Teachers need to renew their licenses,” advises BNTU
The Belize National Teacher’s Union (BNTU) has informed its general membership and all other teachers […]

Cabinet to listen to Waterloo over Port of Belize expansion
Belize’s largest port, the Port of Belize Limited, is looking to get even bigger. Its […]

Gunshot victim needs blood
Sometime around 10 o’clock last night, a man was shot in Belmopan. He has since […]

Patrick, are you ready?
Deputy Prime Minister Patrick Faber is looking ahead to the party’s national convention in Belize […]

Blogs

Postcard From San Pedro, Belize: Water Taxi, Pedicure And Photos
I’m working on a longer post for tomorrow about Safety in Belize – so today I will keep it a bit lighter. As we wait for rain (MAYBE…this has been on DRY summer), here are some pictures of my trip to town yesterday and a walk about… I walked next door to Xtan Ha Resort – my Coastal Xpress water taxi stop – for the 11:30am boat.

If you only had A DAY IN Hopkins
Find yourself venturing along the winding turns of the Hummingbird Highway of Belize, enjoying the views on the most naturally impressive drive to the eastern coast of the country. Be sure to keep an eye out after the cut off for the sign prompting ‘HOPKINS VILLAGE’. Turn left onto a road that will take you through a savannah teeming with wildlife. Watch as Wood Storks and Jabirus gracefully curtsy to fish for their meals and as butterflies and dragonflies flutter at every corner. A straight drive will lead you to the end of the road where you’ll find a quaint fishing village – Hopkins.

International Sources

Florida hurricanes predicted by scientist with unique technique
Months after Hurricane Michael bruised the Florida Panhandle and Irma slammed into the Florida Keys, the state is bracing for what comes next. One scientist is digging for those answers underwater. "It's a relatively new science," said Joanne Muller, a scientist in the Water School at Florida Gulf Coast University. Muller said she has been "coring" for more than 20 years. The technique involves digging in the dirt underwater to uncover information about hurricanes from thousands of years ago that can help predict how strong future hurricanes will be. "We sample the cores, we can date the sediment using radio-metric tools, and then we know how old those hurricane layers are, going back through time," Muller explained.

The struggle to protect a vital jaguar corridor
Jaguars roam throughout a massive territory, as far south as Argentina and north all the way to Mexico—and wandering males have recently been sighted in Arizona. But despite being so widespread, DNA analysis shows that the big cats are remarkably similar throughout their range, which has only been appreciated in the past few decades. Researcher Alan Rabinowitz was one of the first to argue that this connectivity it vital, and the key to saving the animals. Prior to the idea of connectivity, the conventional thinking “was of scientists glued to a site or a region,” says Howard Quigley, Rabinowitz’ long-time friend and colleague. “Alan saw this as small thinking.” Rabinowitz, a pioneering jaguar researcher, traveled throughout this area beginning in 2017 on a years-long campaign called the “journey of the jaguar.” The purpose of the quest was to study and protect the areas in the cat’s vast range, which spans 18 countries and millions of square miles.

Scotia Continues In Belize
David Noel, the head of Scotia Group Jamaica, whose remit includes oversight of select countries in Scotiabank International’s regional operations, says Belize remains within the Caribbean network. It was as close as he seemed prepared to get in addressing unconfirmed reports that Scotia Belize was being acquired by a Jamaican bank. Asked specifically whether Scotia Belize was being sold, Noel chose not to comment directly but instead cited company policy.

Aeromapper Talons Fly BVLOS Missions Over Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve In Belize
Two units of amphibian Aeromapper Talons were utilized successfully during a set of trials during an expedition to beautiful Turneffe Atoll in Belize, in a workshop lead by the Zoological Society of London and the Turneffe Atoll Sustainability Association. The drones, built by Canadian company Aeromao, were used to detect and document illegal fishing activities and ecology research toward conservation efforts. The Turneffe marine protected area (MPA) in Belize, was delineated in 2012 but is difficult to manage, in part due to illegal fishing, its remoteness, and high running costs. The water-landing and waterproof fixed-wing, long-range, multi-camera drones were trialed to monitor and survey marine megafauna (such as turtles, dolphins, and sharks) but also as an exercise to gather evidence of illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (IUU).

The Amazon is burning and smoke from the fires can be seen from space
Forest fires in the Amazon are generating smoke that can be seen from space and may have caused a daytime blackout more than 1,700 miles away in the country's largest city. In the middle of the day on Monday, the sky above Sao Paulo was blanketed by smoke from the wildfires raging in the Amazon region, according to local media reports. The smoke resulting from some of these wildfires was also captured in satellite images released by NASA last week.

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