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 and Channel 5
Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, and the Dickie Bradley Specials
The San Pedro Sun
Children enjoy San Pedro's first music camp of its kind
Ambergris Caye's first ever music summer camp commenced on Monday, July 22nd. Over 60 registered children aged 5-18 will have the unique opportunity to learn the vibrant art of music. The program is scheduled to run until August 9th and takes place at the San Pedro High School from Monday to Friday. Training the children is Cuban music teacher Carlos Perrote. Perrote is well educated in the world of music, having played in the National Symphony Orchestra of Cuba, and even touring Germany, France and Italy. Since 1991, Carlos Perrote has resided in Belize, where he has produced two albums, worked as a music teacher at the National Institute of Creative Arts, and was even musical director for the late Andy Palacio and the Garifuna Collective. Perrote has hosted similar music camps in Orange Walk Town and Belize City.
Hon. John Saldivar visits annual Battle Camp
Minister of National Security Hon. John Saldivar visited and addressed members of the Volunteer Battalion of the Belize Defense Force who are currently engaged in their Annual Battle Camp.
Battle Camp 2013, which is being held at Camp Belizario, located at Central Farm in the Cayo District, focuses mainly on operations conducted in what the BDF calls the Western Tactical Area of Responsibility. This includes internal security; assisting and supporting agencies such as Immigration, Customs, Belize Agriculture Health Authority (BAHA), National Institute for Culture and History (NICH) and the Police; inland and border patrols; and manning observation/conservation posts. Speaking to the troops, Honorable Saldivar congratulated them for their unselfish service to their Country, and he emphasized the increasing role they must play in preserving safety and security both internally and along our national borders.
Belize Lions Zone 59 writes to PM Barrow
The Belize Lions Zone 59 has submitted a letter to Honorable Dean Barrow, Prime Minister of Belize on recommendations from the Lions Club Seminar under the theme "Understanding and Nurturing our Belizean Youth." The recommendations were gathered as part of the 40th Anniversary of Lionism in Belize. The anniversary was celebrated with an annual convention in San Estevan Village, Orange Walk District, from April 19th to April 21st, 2013.
During the seminar important solutions to alleviating problems faced by Belize's youth was discussed. The panel consisted of members from the Lions Club, teachers, students, village council members, business community members, area representatives, the media, religious leaders, non-government organizations and government departments. The discussion reiterated the fact that the youth are both the future and the present, and that there is an absolute need to invest in them now.
The outline addressed to PM Barrow consisted of nine recommendations. The first recommendation was to promote ongoing youth volunteer programs whether they are for the environment, the community or the elderly. The Lions also stated that more skilled training programs for the youth should be carried out, since this would lead to a better rounded education. They also stated that less emphasis should be placed on local and overseas examinations such as PSE and CXC.
Ambergris Today
Bus Accident Kills Belizean Football Player in Guatemala
A bus traveling from Quetzaltenango to the capital city of Guatemala fell in a ravine at kilometer 163 of the Inter-American route, in Nahual�, Solola on Tuesday, July 23, 2013. The accident left one person dead and at least 14 injured, eight of which were transferred to the National Hospital in Solola, and the rest were treated at the scene.
The dead man was identified as 22-year-old, Belizean, Luis Eduardo Mendez. Mendez was footballer who played as a defender for the Belize Defense Force Football Club. In 2010 he signed for Belize Premier Football League club Hankook Verdes and started his international career with Belize national football team in 2011.
Area Rep and Town Mayor Hand Out Educational Grants
Hon. Manuel Heredia, Minister of Tourism and Culture and Area Representative of the Belize Rural South Division along with Mayor Daniel Guerrero presented subsidies for education to 40 students of San Pedro Town on Friday, July 19, 2013.
A total of 100 subsidies will be given to both Caye Caulker (21 Students) and San Pedro students (79 students). The subsidies range from $300 to $400 for 1st and 2nd form students, $500 to $600 for 3rd and 4th form students, $800 up to $1,000 for sixth form students and up to maximum of $1500 for university students.
Students and parents were on hand to receive their subsidies. A second handing out of grants will take place later on in the month and students from Caye Caulker will also be receiving their financial educational assistance.
Saga's Princesses for Paws
Saga is happy to announce our Princesses for Paws fundraiser Monday, July 29, 2013 at Fido's Restaurant. The Reigning Queen 2012 Karen Jordan and 2013 La Reina de Costa Maya Queen contestants will be hosting a benefit cocktail party. We will have our World Famous Raffle as well as a silent auction. Items range from Seashell frame from Lara Goldman, a gift basket from The Rum and Cigar House, Photo session with Jose Luis Zapata and Chocolate & Wine basket and much more prizes!
Misc Belizean Sources
OCELOT INCIDENT OCCURRING AT THE BELIZE ZOO
To Whom It May Concern: The Belize Zoo would like to address the incident involving a youngster who was bitten by our ocelot, "Ollie", as this has received much attention. An ocelot is a wild cat, native to Belize, and is considered to be a small-to-medium in size, weighing about 20-25 lbs. To clarify what occurred last Monday at the zoo, please read the points below. Sharon Matola, Founding Director
Workshop on Intangible Cultural Heritage
Gay in Belize? You're breaking the law. Still.
As a growing number of US gay couples exercise their new right to legally wed, here homosexuals wait for the day when they're no longer criminalized for being gay.
This tiny Central American nation is one of numerous member states of the Commonwealth - former British colonies from Tonga to East Africa - where colonial-era laws banning "buggery" (sodomy) and "gross indecency" remain in effect.
Section 53 of Belize's Criminal Code mandates up to 10 years in jail for anyone convicted of "carnal intercourse against the order of nature with any person or animal."
Meanwhile, immigration laws here bar gay foreigners from even entering the country.
Although prosecutions are rare, that legal status has kept the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community living in the shadows and may even encourage homophobic violence.
But now Section 53 faces an unprecedented court challenge over its constitutionality as an alleged human rights violation of LGBT Belizeans.
VIDEO: Sardine Stampede, Turneffe Atoll
WOW, During PADI Certification, Confined Open Water. It's not everyday you get to perform course skills in a Stampede of Sardines.
Ervin Gordon Tribute
Musical interlude of Ervin Gordon, aka, HIcks, from the World Culture Band. Thanks for the music, Hicks!
"Here is the late great Ervin Gordon, playing with the World Culture Band at the lucky 5 bar. San Ignacio Town"
Benque Marimba Academy with William Harvey
The Benque Marimba Academy played with William Harvey at the Benque House of Culture when he was visiting Cayo in an effort to highlight cultural preservation through music. In related news, the Summer Bram: Brukdong and Strings concert is tonight at the Bliss Centre.
"William Harvey, Artistic Manager, Afghan Youth Orchestra conductor, and Violin & Viola Teacher spent yesterday's afternoon interacting with Benque Marimba Academy Players."
Belize Individual Country Promotion - 2013 Taipei International Food Show
Belize Individual Country Promotion - 2013 Taipei International Food Show. For Belize's participation in the 2013 Taipei International Food Show, the Embassy of Belize in the R.O.C (Taiwan) utilized the individual country budget and imported new samples of Belizean products to be exhibit and marketed at the regional Central American Pavilion. The highlighted items for 2013 were: hot sauces, liquors, and coffee.
CATO organized one product presentation at the Central American Pavilion for the Belizean hot sauce, Marie Sharp's. CATO invited its Taiwanese importer, ABCO Co., Ltd., to introduce the hot sauce series, enhanced by preparing the traditional Belizean cuisines seasoned by the said products. Sample tasting of the hot sauces (for the two major brands from Belize, Marie Sharp's & Hot Mama's) was also provided at the Center Stage of the Central American Pavilion.
Antonio Beardall: How much can I get for this?
Ancient artifacts, relics of the colonial history of this great land of ours, you can easily see them in our museum and various houses of culture in Belize. Some of them are a few hundred years old, some are thousands. Some were left behind by the English and Spanish who made their presence in Belize, others by the ancient Maya. "But I have one of those" you might say.
We have heard it before. Your grandmother had old bottles; while you were digging for your farm you came across a stone tool or ceramic pot. Some red flags may go up, fear creeps in, that the Institute of Archaeology is coming, along with the police, to arrest you for having a bottle and take away your land because you found a pot.
Channel 7
100+ Acres of Chiquibul Forest Destroyed For Milpa Farms
Last week - we told you about the Chiquibul Symposium - a meeting of the minds to figure out how to solve the problem that faces this vast national park. The problem is, simply, that Guatemalan farmers in search of fertile land are pushing over from the Peten to make their farms in the Chiquibul. Last week at the symposium, the BDF Commander called it "alarming." But to hear it said is one thing, to see it, quote another. So yesterday, Daniel Ortiz and Camera-man Codie Norales left before dawn heading for the edge of Belize to see the milpa farms for themselves. Led by the Friends For Conservation and Development which co-manages Chiquibul, they found over a hundred acres of milpa farms squarely and unapologetically within Belizean territory. Here's the full story.
Daniel Ortiz reporting Looking at it, a uniformed observer might think that this clearing of land is unimportant, and routine, just another developer working on his or her property. But it is not; this actually a part of the Chiquibul Forest - 55 acres to be exact in a protected reserve where farming is prohibited.
FCD: Enforcement Not As Simple As Should Be
And while discovery is one thing, enforcement is quite another. The rangers from Friends for Conservation and Development expend a great amount of time and resources to police the Chiquibul.
It is very difficult for them to actually capture the Guatemalans who are engaging in illegal activities, and when they do, it is not always a solid case that they can present against them in court.
Well, the FCD is reporting that even before they get to that stage, they encounter resistance from various government agencies.
The Executive Director explained how it is not as easy as one would think when trying to protect the national park after they've extracted the Guatemalans:
Rafael Manzanero - Executive Director, FCD
"We are really not well synchronized in terms of all the agencies - if you look at a Milpa like this it means that there was an infraction of illegal entry, it means that they are occupying a protected area which means under the National Parks Systems Act and the deforestation also falls either under the forest act or under the National System Parks Act. So we would assume that the regulatory agencies would be able really to uphold those particular rules and laws but at the end of the day we will need that synchronicity so that everybody would be able to do that particular tasking.
Rhett's Second Chance Begins
Four months ago, we told you how the Court of Appeal gave Rhett Fuller his first major break when the court allowed his appeal of the decision by Minister of Foreign Affairs Wilfred Elrington to surrender him to the US.
The main ground by which the Court allowed Fuller's appeal was that the Minister, within his wide jurisdiction, did not consider whether or not the delayed extradition process was unjust and oppressive to him.
In addition, the court provided a list of guidelines to the Minister for a second hearing on this matter, which came up today.
The hearing held at the Foreign Affairs office in Belize City was very brief, and when his attorney Eamon Courtney exited, the media asked him to give an update.
He told us that this time, the Minister is taking steps to carefully consider how the extradition will affect his family.
The Premise Behind SATIIM's Pending Challenge
Courtenay is also the attorney for SATIIM and four villages - who are suing government and US Capital Energy for various breaches in the Sarstoon Temash National Park.
As they explained at yesterday's Punta Gorda Press Conference, they want the villages to exercise informed consent over the activities of US Capital Energy in the Park. Courtenay - who couldn't make it to PG yesterday - explained -
Eamon Courtenay, S.C. - Attroney for SATIIM
"This is in my view a very simple case - does the law of Belize allow commercial drilling in a National Park? That's the question - second question is - does the law of Belize allow the Government of Belize to allow commercial drilling in communal lands of the Maya indigenous people without their consultation, without their informed consent, without their permission? The question of whether we are going to allow a non-Belizean oil company and rape the National Park in the search for dollars and trampling on indigenous rights and environmental protection - is a very stark case and we will see which side the government takes. The law as it stands is as it was pronounced by Chief Justice Conteh and the rights of indigenous people must be respected. The law of Belize says that that land is owned by the indigenous people and they have certain rights in relation to that.
Rawell's Been Facing Narcotics Charges
Last night, we told you about Rawell Pelayo, the Vice President of the FFB, who was caught by US Authorities when he tried to go follow the team to the Gold Cup.
Tonight, he's being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York, and he is now awaiting trial on grand jury charges related to narcotics smuggling into the US.
He is expected to stand trial in United States District Court in the Southern District of New York.
Pelayo's situation is becoming more serious, and today we spoke today with the President of the Football Federation of Belize. He told us that he will try to make contact with Pelayo when he goes to the US for the finals of the Gold Cup.
Ruperto Vicente - President, FFB
"We have not received any information - in fact the only information that I got is the one that I got on the news last night. We have no received further information about Mr. Pelayo, so I will be in contact with the embassy in Washington to see what information they can provide the federation about Mr. Pelayo but so far we have not received anything."
FFB Says Good Bye To Luis Mendez
And while Ruperto Vicente had the opportunity, he extended condolences to the family of former national team player, Luis Mendez.
Mendez was killed in a traffic accident yesterday in Guatemala where a bus flipped injuring 6 other passengers.
Vicente told us that his administration is saddened by the loss of a promising footballer:
Ruperto Vicente - President, FFB
"I need to first of all express my condolence to the family of Luis Mendez who was a member of the Football National Team in Costa Rica which caused us to qualify to the Gold Cup in the United States. He suffered an accident yesterday and passed away. So, on behalf of the Football Federation of Belize, the football family, we express our condolences. He was a great support for the National Team, he was not one of the key players in Costa Rica but he came into one match but he was one of the greatest support because he was a defensive player and he also played defensive mid-field and so when he was drafted into the game - that was the role he played. He did an excellent job when he was injected into the game but he never made it to the team that went to the Gold Cup but he was always a part of the National Team Program and he also played on the U-20 team that went back to Costa Rica and so he did well on that team."
The Reward For Turning Bribes
And while there was that tragic news for the football family today, Vicente also confirmed some great news. The executive of CONCACAF are making arrangements for National Team members Ian Gaynair and Woodrow West to return to the US.
They're being rewarded for the honorable way in which they turned down an offer of match fixing bribes, and now they're being rewarded with a trip back to the US to see the Gold Cup Final.
We spoke to both Vicente and Gaynair today about it.
Ian Gaynair - Turned Down Bribe
"Yesterday I got a call from our President, Mr. Ruperto Vicente, that the president of CONCACAF sent an invitation for Woodrow West and I to attend a dinner with him and the rest of his executives and to attend the final game on Sunday."
Ruperto Vicente - President, FFB
"This is a time of celebration, I believe we have not herald their achievements enough but with this recognition by CONCACAF and the president inviting them to the championship game in Chicago and as well to the president's banquet this weekend - is a great achievement for our players. It shows that CONCACAF and FIFA reward players when they recognize match-fixing and they refused to be a part of match-fixing which is a danger to football. So FIFA and CONCACAF celebrate this kind of achievements so our players deserve the recognition, the invitation and so they are going to be at the finals at the Gold Cup."
Armed Robbery Caught On Camera
Just before 7 this morning, Ladyville Police responded to reports of an armed robbery only 2 blocks away from the Police Station. The owner of Vin Li Shopping Centre was held up at gun point by 2 armed robbers. But the store's surveillance camera picked up their faces- because neither was wearing a mask. Today 7news travelled to Ladyville to get the story.
Monica Bodden reporting
The armed robbery happened just before 7am this morning. The owner of Vin Li Shopping Center in Ladyville had just opened his shutters for business when a young man described as being under 20 entered his establishment and began lurking around the store.
Minutes after he yelled out for another man who was standing across the street. The man then entered the store with a handgun. At the time, a customer was inside the store. If you look closely at the surveillance footage, you will see that the 2 men were not wearing any mask.
GSU Gets Guns And Gang Members
Tonight, 27 year-old Michael Young, 26 year-old Kareem Gladden, and 2 minors are on remand after they were arraigned for an unlicensed firearm.
On Tuesday night, the Gang Suppression Unit searched Young's residence on Zericote Street where all 4 men were present. They found a .22 caliber revolver under one of the beds, and charged all 4 men with keeping an unlicensed firearm. They were arraigned and remanded today at the Magistrate's Court.
The GSU states that Young and Gladden are reputed gang members.
And, the self-proclaimed Leader of the Ghost Town Crips gang, Roger Anthony is facing additional deportee related charges after the GSU found him associating 5 gang members.
The GSU searched a house on Mayflower Street on Tuesday morning, and they found Anthony hanging out with 5 other reputed members of the Ghost Town Crips.
PUP Consolidates Power In The Bmp
Politics can be a tough venture, but, at every turn the road is rising to meet newcomer Jason Patrick Andrews. First, he got a free pass for months sitting in like a PUP Sleeper Cell on PLUS TV's Rise and Shine Morning Show, and now, his sponsor, PUP Deputy Leader and Cayo South Rep. Julius Espat has gotten Andrews' most formidable inter-party opponent to endorse him. Espat told us today that he wouldn't quite put it that way but then conceded that he is quote, "responsible for all (party) decisions made in the west."
Today the PUP sent out a release showing immediate past Standard Bearer Amin Hegar shaking Andrews' hand and announcing that Andrews has Hegar's full support. The release says Dr. Hegar is encouraging his committee to support Andrews.
The endorsement is important, because Hegar is a seasoned politician and a formidable opponent at the convention level - as he proved in the last PUP Belmopan Convention where he easily beat out gilded candidates who had the endorsement of Party Headquarters.
Okeke Rages Against City Hall
Stepehen Okeke, he's been fighting an uphill battle longer than Sisysphus; it seems he's always at the losing end of some public sculpture deal gone sour. He struggled for years to get the Phillip Goldson bust adopted and paid for, and now he's having the same problem with the recently completed Antonio Soberanis Bust.
As we told you, a few months ago, Okeke took on the project when it was announced that Battlefield Park would be completely renovated. Okeke found a rare picture of Soberanis - and set out to make a defining bust of the legendary labour leader - to replace the once that was in the park - which was not faithful to the man's features.
Now, the bust is finished, but it seems another Okeke ordeal has just begun. We got a look at the bust and a listen to Okeke's rage against City Hall today.
Stephen Okeke - Frustrated with City Hall
"There is no photograph of Antonio Soberanis - there was none at the archives department and it was difficult to even get family members to provide one. I was over the Facebook and the media asking for just a picture - eventually after years of searching, I was able to find one. Here we are telling a story - so what goes into here is not only a form of the man but his character that is why you have to read about the person because what you are doing here is called 'Public Visual Dialogue'. Once you're looking at the sculpture, you're actually feeling the man, feeling his presence and looking at it tells you who this person could - that makes you ask the question "who is he?" Then the dialogue begins from there."
A Camp For Young Footballers
And, as our closing story tonight, we take you to another one of those football camps. This one primarily sponsored by SMART is hosted at the ITVET compound in Belize City and has over 150 children participating. It is led by football legends and coaches - and we stopped in today where we found the camp organizers in a beautiful struggle pushing the beautiful game:..
Anthony Bernard - Football Coach (FC Belize)
"We told ourselves that we want to start from here with the kids, starting here is what we need to bring out in them. Same basic work - kick, pass, position and move with the ball - we have basic skills that we teach ourselves on a daily basis, kick, pass, buck."
Dion Cacho - Promising Young Footballer
"I play center mid-field and the person that I look up to is my neighbor Avan Crawford."