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Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5 and CTV 3
Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, and the Dickie Bradley Specials


The San Pedro Sun

Belize's September Celebrations are fun!!
September is the month of celebration in Belize. Our official Independence Day is September 21st, but the days and nights leading to that date are filled with activity. Under the theme "Industrious Hands, Intelligent Minds, Together for Belize", 2014's celebrations are set to bring in Belize's 33rd Independence anniversary. September 10th is the 216th anniversary of the Battle of St. George's Caye. It's the pre-party and involves a more sedate celebration, with a uniform parade and the coronation of the various municipalities' newest beauty ambassadors. Our Miss San Pedro is the lovely Michelle Nu�ez, and she was crowned by the outgoing Miss San Pedro Solani Graniel. The BIG party starts from the night of the 20th. Pomp and circumstance, a 21-gun salute, rousing speeches and to cap it off, grand fireworks' displays - all come together to bring in the 21st. The next day, a colorful and vibrant parade through the principal streets of the towns, villages and cities of Belize. Music, colorful costumes, revelry and patriotism come alive every September. It's our absolute favorite time of year, and we welcome you to celebrate with us!

Fashion Show fundraiser held for Alicia Cisneros-Sanchez
Alicia Cisneros-Sanchez is currently in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico undergoing treatment after being diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer. A young mother of two, Alicia has remained optimistic, but help was needed, and quickly. With the help of her amazing life-long friends, a fundraiser was quickly organized to help raise much-needed funds. Along with a barbecue sale held on Saturday, September 6th, a fashion show by Foreva Fancy was held at Wet Willy's Cantina. Alicia would like to thank everyone who has been helping during her time of need. To all those who spread the word, sold tickets, stood by her side and have been supporting her throughout her battle, a big THANK YOU. We wish Alicia all the best during her treatment, and your wolf pack awaits your return with open arms.

No gold for volleyball team but Excellent Gain of Experience
The Belize Male Volleyball Delegation may not have placed at the 28th CODICADER (Centroamericano de Deportes y Recreacion) Games, but the boys certainly gained valuable experience playing at an international level. The seven San Pedro High School (SPHS) students that traveled to Guatemala on Monday, September 1st to represent Belize have made their community proud even though they could not mange to pull off a win. To Gabriel Nu�ez, Guillermo Nu�ez, Afri Black, Shemar Broaster, Francisco Pineda, Jovi Ico and Giomar Marin, the opportunity to participate in the CODICADER Games is a victory on its own. Team coaches Erick Santizo, Paul Kelly and Guillermo Rivero congratulate the boys on their playing skills and sportsmanship. "The volleyball team played their best; we could not ask for more. Even with injuries in the team we still managed to give a good game. The boys are now motivated and are looking forward to putting their experience to use in Belize," said Santizo. The delegation would like to thank their sponsors Canary Cove and Gaby's Construction and the entire San Pedro community for their support.

Hol Chan Marine Reserve loses PACT Grant for proposed reserve expansion: GOB subdivides part of the proposed reserve area
The San Pedro Sun can confirm that a grant awarded to Hol Chan Marine Reserve by the Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT) has been cancelled and is considered null and void. The grant of $199,500 was awarded to Hol Chan on October 7, 2013 for the management of the proposed expansion of the current marine reserve. The proposed 'Ambergris Caye Wetlands Project' expansion document has been before the Cabinet for the past three years but has yet to be signed into law. On the wake of the cancellation of the grant and delay of the signing of the proposed reserve, the Government of Belize (GOB) is surveying a part of the swamp and wetland to distribute housing lots within the proposed reserve.

Ambergris Today

Children Rally Highlights (11 photos)
Schools from all over Ambergris Caye, Belize gathered at the R. Angel Nu�ez Auditorium to showcase performances for the Children Rally. Students cheered for The San Pedro High School Bands performance at the Children Rally.

Special Envoy For Women and Children Speaks on Violence against Women
The Special Envoy for Women and Children, Mrs. Kim Simplis Barrow wishes to highlight the fact that violence against women in the family, workplace, community and society in general, is unacceptable and a gross violation of human rights. Violence whether occurring in the home or in the community, instils fear and insecurity in women, often leading them not to report or to withdraw reports. Mrs. Simplis Barrow encourages both women and men to report acts of violence and follow through with legal proceedings; stressing that fear, social pressures and shame should not be a deterrent to seeking help. The Domestic Violence Act is there to provide protection and the Police Department has an obligation to respond to all reports of domestic violence regardless of the perpetrator. Failure to hold perpetrators accountable for their actions not only encourages further abuse, but also gives the impression that violence against women and or men is acceptable or normal.

Misc Belizean Sourcesmzz

Lecture on "Featuring Belize: Exploring Options and Challenges for Economic Development"
The National Celebrations Commission in collaboration with the University of Belize, St. John's College Junior College and Galen University presents a national lecture on the topic "Featuring Belize: Exploring Options and Challenges for Economic Development" to be held at 7:30 p.m. on September 17th, 2014 at the Bliss Centre for the Performing Arts. The lecture will feature presentations by Dr. Philip Castillo, Mrs. Marcia Bouloy, Mr. Gian Vasquez and Dr. Leroy Almendarez. Students, teachers and members of the general public are especially encouraged to attend. For more information contact the Institute for Social and Cultural Research at 822-3307 or email us at [email protected].

Diosa Maya Internacional
The Yucatan in Belize event will be happening at the Cayo Welcome Center over the next week. Belize has won the last 2 Diosa Maya pageants. Dalina Reyes won this year, and Grisel Carballo last year.

Belmopan St. George's Caye Day Parade
They had a fun Battle of St. George's Caye Day parade in Belmopan. "10th of September, St. George's Caye Day 2014, in Belmopan!"

Siam Thai Restaurant
There's a new Thai Restaurant in Cayo, and it's delicious. Siam Thai Restaurant is the name, and it's located in the Riverwalk area, just outside of town. It's from the same people that had Thai Island, so you know it's delicious, and spicy, just like it should be. Right now, it's by reservation only. Call them at 662-4502 to set up a dinner. The view is spectacular.

Belize to support Uruguay for OAS Secretary General
Belize says it will support Uruguay for the position of secretary general of the Organization of American States (OAS) and downplayed any suggestion that its non-support for the Guatemalan candidate was linked to the ongoing territorial dispute between the two countries. Prime Minister Dean Barrow speaking on television said Uruguay's Luis Almagro "is ahead of the game" as regards the campaign for its candidate. But Barrow indicated should the Guatemalan candidate be victorious, there is the hope he "would act professionally as secretary general "one hopes he able to act professionally as secretary general of the OAS. "He doesn't become Guatemala's secretary general of the OAS, he is a Guatemalan national if he wins that will become the secretary general of the OAS. We have to be careful because remember we have fielded a candidate for the deputy secretary generalship," Barrow added.

Belizean Company aiming for Tanzania Gold
First off let me say that with the recent "get rich quick" schemes that have been popping up around Belize, this one smells like one of them from the start. I may be wrong but. Kilimanjaro Capital (KIMJF), a "new breed" natural resource company based in Belize, is looking to acquire an interest in Tanzanian gold assets controlled by Sika Resources Inc., a Canadian company. In a press release issued Friday morning, Kilimanjaro Capital announced an agreement in principle had been made with Sika Resources "to acquire an interest in world class gold assets in Tanzania." Tanzania is the third largest gold producer in Africa, is investor friendly, and politically stable, due to its progressive, western-oriented political system. Although Tanzania is already the third largest gold producing country in Africa, many regions are yet to be explored. According to the press release, the Sika Resources properties that interest Kilimanjaro Capital lie within the Lake Victoria Goldfields, an area mined by a number of resources companies with an estimated 60 million ounces of gold in reserves.

Belize Gets $10.5 Million Loan For Small Business Development
Belize has received a $10.5 million loan from the Caribbean Development Bank for small business development, the bank announced last week. The loan is to the country's Development Finance Corporation, which works to improve home ownership, human development and the development of micro, small and medium-sized businesses. "MSMEs are fundamental to the economic landscape of Belize and are estimated to account for a significant share of economic activity and employment generation," the CDB said in a statement. "However, they are usually faced with a number of challenges including limited access to, and the cost of financing."

Belize Electricity System Upgrade Launched
The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) remains committed to assisting the Government of Belize in achieving its development objectives including those in the electricity sector. This message was conveyed to staff of the Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) at a workshop held from September 3 to 5, to officially launch the project to upgrade and expand the electricity system. This project is being funded by a loan of USD11.231mn. This upgrade and expansion will be the sixth intervention by CDB in the electricity sector in Belize but the first for all of the staff members of BEL involved in its implementation. The aim was to inform these key BEL staff of CDB's procedures and requirements as they relate to the implementation of the Project. CDB's Portfolio Manager, Allison Davis, told the participants that further improvements in the electricity sector were important because of the fact that energy is the engine of growth.

Employment Opportunity - Join our dynamic Team today.
The Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE) is a statutory body of the Government of Belize mandated to perform functions and duties related to: Trade Development and Promotion Investment Generation and Promotion Enterprise Development and Facilitation BELTRAIDE operates within the portfolio of the Ministry of Trade, Investment Promotion, Private Sector Development, and Consumer Protection. BELTRAIDE is seeking the services of a suitably qualified and experienced person for the post of Business Development Officer.

SAN PEDRO SCHOOLS CHILDREN'S RALLY (58 photos)
The Ministry of Education, Youth & Sports in San Pedro held its annual School Children's Rally at the R. Angel Nu�ez Auditorium on Friday, 12th of September. The program included a beautiful rendition of the national anthem by the San Pedro High School's band which followed a well recited National Prayer by students of the San Pedro R.C. Church. Miss Trisha Stokes then graced everyone with her rendition of My Homeland by the Sea followed by an inspirational speech by Miss San Pedro 2014, Michelle Estrella Nunez. As part of the ceremony, selected students and teachers were presented with a certificate of Most Patriotic Student/Teacher in Education by Miss San Pedro 2014. After the official ceremony concluded, the event continued with presentations from the San Pedro Pre-School, San Pedro High School Band and Marching Band, Holy Cross Anglican School and the San Pedro Dance Academy.

Corozal and Punta Gorda to be recipients of IDB Funding
Director of Destination Planning, Kevin Gonzalez - Belize Tourism Board, Dr. Mamoru Osada, Urban and Regional Planner working under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, Destination Planning and Development Coordinator Clive Myers, Belize Tourism Board and the Corozal Chapter of the (BTIA) Belize Tourism Industry Association convened at an 11:00 a.m. meeting this morning at Tony's Inn, to discuss the preparatory phase of planning flow of the South End Park Development Project beginning at the entrance of Corozal from the southern end of town covering the entire coastline to the north end in-front of Cascada Maya. The undertaking is a very ambitious one but with the right components and approach will bring prosperity and an environment conducive to business for the people and residents of Corozal. In Monday's news, we will outline the key objectives necessary to prepare the components for the IDB funding, including the preparatory, analytical design, implementation and finalization phases. The funding is scheduled to be in place, two years of the components being completed and endorsed by the Corozal Town Council. Beneficiaries of this IDB funding, so far, have been San Pedro's Water Taxi Terminal, Placencia's Water Taxi Terminal, San Ignacio and Belize City.

Belize Takes Bronze at CODICADER
Congratulations, Caesar Dyck, for winning the bronze medal in Karate at the CODICADER games, which were just held in Guatemala. "The Belize Karate Federation congratulates Ceasar Dyck on his performance at the CODICADER Games held in Guatemala on September 3-7, 2014. Dyck fought his heart out against Costa Rican Champion, Daniel Alfaro to secure a bronze medal for Belize at a score of 4 points -1 point. Even though Mr Dyck was the sole karate athlete representing Belize, the auditorium roared with support from the Panamanian and Salvadoran fans. The under 76 kilograms category was was won by Guatemalan, Javier Morales, who defeated the sub-champion Nicaraguan, Andres Abrahan. Ceasar Dyck trains at the Cayo Shotokan Karate Club, San Ignacio and has been the National Champion in his category for 2012, 2013 and 2014."

Chevening Scholarships for 3 Belizeans
The British High Commission announced the recipient's of this year's UK Chevening Scholarships, and there were 3 Belizean recipients, with one from Cayo. Congratulations to all 3, and best of luck in your studies. "The British High Commisson in Belize is pleased to announce that Chevening Scholarships have been awarded to 3 Belizeans who will travel to the UK later this month to commence their studies. Ebony Lyall from the Cayo District will be studying for an MSc in Forensic Science at the University of Strathclyde. Brian Duncan from Belize City will be studying for an LLM in International Corporate Governance, Financial Regulation and Economic Law at the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, while Ashanti Guzman, also from Belize City will study for an MA in Criminology and Criminal Justice at City University, London."

Actun Tunichil Muknal Closed
ATM and Nohoch Che'en are closed until further notice�

Channel 7

Taking Down Titan
For the past two days, we've been telling you about the US led crackdown on Offshore companies in Belize, mainly Titan International Securities. Well tonight, two of the Titan owners, Bahamians Kelvin Leach and Rohn Knowles are in police custody after they were intercepted trying to fly out of the country today. As we've told you, 2 of them men have been named with 4 other defendants, including Belizean Andrew Godfrey, in a federal indictment accusing them of participating in a scheme which defrauded the US Government of 1 billion Belize dollars in taxes. As we've shown you, local law enforcement has been going to great lengths to facilitate the US authorities, even though no crime was committed on Belizean soil. As we showed you last night, the US funded Anti Drug Unit, took eight hours to clean out the offices of the 3 men on the 4th floor of the Matalon Building on Coney Drive. At the end of the raid, truckloads of documents, records, computers, and personal items were confiscated and delivered to the Financial Intelligence Unit.

Customs Catch Contraband Beer Buried Underground
Tonight, the Customs Department is reporting a major contraband bust on in Western Belize. 7News has confirmed that Customs from the Benque Viejo border working along with San Ignacio police went to Bullet Tree Village this evening where they found 83 cases of assorted contraband beer buried four feet underground. And that's not all of it! An additional 64 cases were found stowed in an adjacent lot. So, that's a total of 147 cases of contraband - and so far a man and woman who live in the area are being questioned. They are still on the scene, so at this time information is scarce. But we'll definitely have more details of this major bust in Monday's newscast. We should note that Bullett Ree Village, being near to the Western Border is considered one of the main points of illegal cross border trade.

34 Cuban-Trained Belizean Doctors Return Home
Tonight, we have some positive news coming out of the Ministry of health after the bad publicity of multiple vehicle thefts. 34 Belizean doctors have returned from Cuba after 6 years of study. It was a challenging course, but these 34 aspiring medical professionals pushed through - and made it back home with their diplomas. Now, they are getting ready for an internship at the KHMH. Courtney Weatherburne spoke to them today:.. Mr. John Waight, Coordinator, Medical Internship Program "It is design primarily to help reestablish and relocate Belizeans who have been trained in Cuba through the good offices of the Cubs/Belize agreement to relocate and train these young doctors for work in our settings given that there are differences in practice between practices in Cuba and practice here in Belize. It consist of year of in hospital practice and supervision. There are 4 rotations through the 4 major specialties and there are clinical skills that have to be acquired during that time and a fairly robust and intensive continuing medical education which is what I supervise."

Guild Says Not Guilty
Last night, we told you about the arraignment of Patrick Guild, the man who police accused of behaving lawlessly at a traffic stop on Mahogany Street on The 10th Celebration. He was charged with assaulting a police officer, using insulting words, obstruction, and resisting arrest. According to the officers who asked him for his license and other documents for the vehicle, he handed it over, and then because they were taking too long, he got angry and tried to leave. They say that he grabbed his documents back from the officer, arrogantly asked them if they didn't know who he was, and tried to drive away. Allegedly, in the process, he brushed one of the officers, and that's why he was charged with assaulting a police officer. Well today, Guild, who is out on bail, called us out to say that the entire police version is fictional and untrue, made up to try and ruin his reputation.

Cop Beats Extortion Charge
In December of last year, Forty-one year old Police Constable Dayton Sacassa was accused of an ugly case of extortion - he allegedly shook down two men who were in the holding cell, offering them freedom in exchange for what might be called "a few pieces of silver." He was charged with 2 counts of extortion but was freed of both charged today by the Chief Magistrate, Anne Marie Smith when she dismissed the charges after the prosecution offered no further evidence because the complainants failed to appear. The case was cute because Sacassa allegedly offered two detainees freedom for fifty dollars each, but when the detainees found out that they would have been freed anyway they made a report to the Professional Standard branch.

Security Guard Salgado Sent To Jail for Gun
Security Guards carry guns all the time, but tonight, the news is about one who is in jail tonight because police say the gun he carried didn't have a license. Forty year old Leroy Salgado, a security guard employed by Anchor Security was charged with kept firearm and ammunition without a gun license when he appeared today before Magistrate Dale Cayetano. Salgado pled not guilty to the charges but because it is a firearm offence, no bail is offered, so he was remanded into custody until September 30th. The incident occurred on September 9. The police reported that they went to Garden Building on Coney Drive where they saw Salgado with a 9 millimeter pistol.

SICA Foreign Affairs Summit San Pedro
As we've reported, Belize is currently holding the pro-tem presidency of SICA, the Central American Integration System. So far that has meant high level meetings of the Ministers of Forestry and Fisheries, Energy and Science, Agriculture, and now, today in San Pedro, the Council of Foreign Ministers met. This meeting, like two of the others was held in San Pedro Town, and Foreign Minister Wilfred Elrington told us what's on the agenda:.. Hon. Wilfred Elrington, Minister of Foreign Affairs "The important areas which we are going to continue to emphasize are the 5 pillars identified and prioritize by the heads of government. In our last meeting at Punta Cana in Dominican Republic and these are areas including climate change, disastrous management, democratic security, economic integration, social inclusion, poverty alleviation and institutional strengthening.

Hon. Hulse Sour About Sugar "She Seh Seh"
At the top of the newscast we told you about almost 150 cases of contraband beer that Customs found in Bullett Tree Village. As we told you that area is a hot zone for cross border smuggling with Guatemala. On a good night, you can see anything from cattle to rice and cigarettes being smuggled over to Guatemala, and anything from beer to chemical precursors being brought into Belize. And, our next story is about something like that: namely, sugar. The report is that on Monday 8th September at around 8:00 in the night, alert Cayo police came across 2 trucks loaded with 160 sacks of sugar in the area of the Calla Creek road - which is the major smuggling corridor from Belize into Guatemala. Police detained 7 men and escorted them to the Benque Viejo border where they were handed over to Customs. Now, Customs told us that indeed they received the men and the cargo, but because it is not an offence to have local sugar in Belize, they could not charge them. Of course, customs, like everyone else, knows that the sugar was likely destined for Guatemala through the back, but they couldn't bring any charges because, as one official told us, quote, "you can't charge someone for what's in their mind." End quote. The men were advised that if they wanted to export the sugar, they would need a permit to do so.

Man Tells Court Cop Shot Him For Weed Sale
37 year-old Owen Parham, the man who was shot by a special constable who he allegedly attempted to rob, dodged major jail time being added to his 5 year sentence today after he was acquitted of 4 out of 5 charges brought against him by that officer. Special Constable James Stewart testified in his trial that on October 12, 2012, he was on patrol in the Lake Garden area of Ladyville. He says that he was surveying the area when he caught Parham attempting to break into one of the houses. The officer caught him peeping inside of one of the windows, and when he questioned Stewart, he said that he was looking for a nearby house. When the officer searched him, he found a crowbar, and that's when the officer decided to detain him. Stewart said that while he was escorting Parham, the suspect suddenly turned around, punched him in his face, and tried to take away his gun. The officer says that in the struggle, he had to take that gun and shoot Parham in the leg 3 times.

Give Blood, It's Needed
Blood donations are an essential part of our healthcare system. Without volunteers giving blood, many medical procedures we take for granted could not take place. And while doctors and surgeons rely on blood donations to carry out life-saving procedures every day- the Belize Blood Donors Service say they need more volunteers. The organization is encouraging Belizeans to become volunteers for the worthy cause. It is quite a simple procedure and today we were invited inside the office to see how it is done. Ronald Stuart - Treasurer, Belize Voluntary Blood Donor's Association "I am giving my quarterly donation. It's something that I look forward to because I know it is needed and one of the reasons were highlighting the need for the public to be aware and to be sensitize about blood donations is because we don't really want for there to be a situation where persons would try to be scrambling to try to find donors and if it's particularly a blood type that is among the smaller groups in the populations. So be aware how you could help and be willing to give or if you cannot give - to recruit persons who could give donations to help others when they are in need."

Belize's UN Vote For Security Council Sought After
On Tuesday, we told you about a Minister from Spain who was visiting to get Belize's support for that country's bid to be on the UN Security Council. Well, the delegate from New Zealand beat him to it. Sir Donald McKinnon, the former Deputy Prime Minister of New Zealand and Secretary General of the Commonwealth of Nations told us last Friday that he visited the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister asking for their support:.. Sir Donald Charles "Don" McKinnon, Special Envoy - New Zealand Prime Minister "I am here to hopefully get the support of Belize and I had a very good discussion with the Prime Minister, I had a very discussion with the Foreign Minister and I can only say that we hope they will support us. It's really important that smaller states like New Zealand, like Belize, like Trinidad get an opportunity to sit on the Security Council. Yes there is the P5; China, Russia, US, Britain and France do have a dominant role, but it's important that the other 11 nations on the council play an active part."

Patriots Honoured
The Tribute to Belizean Patriots and the National Honours & Awards Ceremony was held last night at the Bliss Center in Belize City. Here are the honourees:..

Channel 5

Wanted Titan Executives Rohn Knowles and Kelvin Leach Nabbed at P.G.I.A.
A sensational arrest was made this afternoon at the Phillip Goldson International Airport. Bahamian nationals Rohn Knowles and Kelvin Leach, wanted by U.S. authorities for their alleged roles in a [...]

PACT Cancels Grant for Hol Chan Marine Reserve Expansion
In a most unusual move that is certainly to raise the ire of environmentalists, the Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT) has reportedly cancelled a grant of close to two hundred [...]

Home Invasion on San Pedro, Retired American Couple Viciously Attacked
A retired American couple and a neighbour endured a terrifying home invasion just after midnight in the north side of the island of San Pedro. The couple resides at Cloister's [...]

Contraband Beer Bust in the West
The Customs Department is reporting a major bust in the West. Benque and San Ignacio Police went to an area in the Bullet Tree Village where a whopping eighty-three cases [...]

Is There a Lack of Accountability in Funding of National Bank?
The senate met on Thursday in Belmopan. It dealt with a number of issues, including three money matters - the write-off for twelve point two million dollars, a twenty million [...]

Senator Mark Lizarraga Demands Accountability
Business senator Mark Lizarraga, in his presentation, expressed concern over the request for ten million dollars in additional capital, since there is not yet a detailed breakdown of how the [...]

Owen Alexander Parham Convicted of Attempted Murder
  Thirty-seven year old Owen Alexander Parham, a vendor of the Cayo area was today convicted of one of five criminal offenses. Parham was facing a string of charges including [...]

Police Constable Dayton Sacasa Acquitted of Extortion Charges
  In the courtroom of the Chief Magistrate, a cop, who is originally from Dangriga, was freed today and will be entitled to half of his pay withheld on interdiction [...]

Regional Foreign Ministers Converge on San Pedro for SICA Meeting
The Council of Foreign Ministers meeting of the Central American System of Integration, SICA was held today in San Pedro. Belize has the six-month rotating presidency until the end of [...]

Outstanding Belizean Students Heading to United Kingdom
Three young Belizeans are heading to the United Kingdom having won the prestigious Chevening Scholarships. The three recipients are from the Cayo District and the City. Ebony Lyall from Cayo [...]

2014 National Heroes Recognized, Post Humus Awards for Orders of Distinction Bestowed
The National Heroes Award is held every year during the national celebrations to honor outstanding citizens from across the country. On Thursday night, seventeen citizens, some posthumously, made the cut. [...]

Weekend Weather Forecast for Carnival Road March
The highly anticipated Carnival Road March takes place this Saturday. This year the parade kicks off at Caesar Ridge Road at one o'clock. This station will be bringing you coverage [...]

Gospel Concert Planned for Memorial Park After Carnival
But after the J'Ouvert and Carnival, there is a huge gospel concert planned for Memorial Park also in the city. Three international artists are in the Jewel for a second [...]

CTV3

It was The Tenth Day But In O/W There Was Division
Yesterday Belizeans across the country celebrated the 216th Battle of Saint George's Caye Day. While some stayed home and made much of the holiday others decided to take part in the celebration by viewing the parade or taking part in the ceremonies.Here in Orange Walk the festivities for the Battle of Saint Georges Caye kicked off with a block party on the 9th followed by a special ceremony on the 10th organized by the Orange walk Town Council to mark the historic Battle of St. George's Caye. We must note that since they took office back in 2012 the town council, under the stewardship of Mayor Kevin Bernard, has honored the patriotic day deemed as a UDP festivity by many. But for Mayor Bernard the day has nothing to do with it being a PUP or UDP holiday, it is about honoring what our four-fathers fought for. Yesterday though, the Town Council and Orange Walkenos carried out the 10th ceremonies without any representation from members of the United Democratic Party. While Deputy Prime Minister Gaspar Vega was scheduled to carry out the inspection of the guard and deliver the main address he was a no show as he decided that it was better to take part in an Endorsement Convention at the People's Stadium Instead of paying tribute to those who fought the battle, as did the Governor General Sir Colville Young and Primer Minister Dean Barrow. This just proves, says Mayor Bernard, that for some, party politics is more important than patriotism and unity.

23 Orange Walkenos Awarded For Being Outstanding Citizens
This afternoon at the Town Hall, a diverse selection of individuals who have impacted Orange Walk one way or the other were acknowledged for their contributions to the community. From medical officials, to business persons to historians, it was an event organized by the Town Council. Our team was there and bring you this report. Maria Novelo - ReportingThis is the second year that the Orange Walk Town Council has acknowledged individuals for exemplary efforts demonstrating creativity, vision, leadership, and citizenship by providing service to programs and activities that positively impact the welfare of the Orange Walk community.Johnny Briceno - Guest Speaker"I know that most of the work that you do you do it from your heart, is something that you love doing, serving the people of this town and by extension our country and so I want to congratulate each and every one of you it is an award that you deserve and award that you have worked for but as you have pointed out that it is not an award that you expected because it is something that you do from your heart."

Violence Against Women Is Unacceptable Say's Kim Simplis Barrow
Violence against women in the family, workplace, community and society in general, is unacceptable and a gross violation of human rights. That is what was mentioned today in a statement issued by the Special Envoy for Women and Children, Kim Simplis Barrow. While the statement does not make mention of any particular case, it is worth mentioning that the release follows an assault report made against Minister of Education Patrick Faber on Saturday September 6th by 25 year old Belizean License Officer at the Ministry of Education, Nickesha Polanco.As has been mentioned the report was withdrawn by Polanco on the same day it was made at the Ladyville Police Station. In her statement Polanco accused Faber of physically assaulted her while she celebrated her birthday at his house in Lord's Bank Village.

UDP Organizes Endorsement Convention On The 10th
As mentioned, Deputy Prime Minister Gaspar Vega and the UDP organized an endorsement convention for yesterday where the aspiring Orange Walk UDP Town Council slate was sworn in at the People Stadium. There are those who are questioning whether the event could have been held on another date instead of making the tenth become a partisan occasion. Now, we must mention that were invited to cover both the motorcade and the endorsement convention. The invitation was extended via email by Louigie Gomez, one of the councilor candidates. But Gomez would soon learn that in the UDP camp, at least here in the north, Vega rules and he has no say, not even as an aspiring councilor. As a professional news organization, we decided to cover the event with the aim of keep northenos informed after all we strongly believe that people of the North, in this case particularly Orange Walkenos, have every right to know who are the candidates that both parties are presenting for the upcoming Municipal Elections.

The Fire Was There But The Corozal Fire Department Wasn't
Three weeks ago Cesario Mozaia, a resident of Calcutta Village in the Corozal District, found himself battling a fire that started in his kitchen. If it wasn't for the help of neighbors Mozaia's house would have been completely engulfed in flames and he would have lost everything. So what started the fire? That is what Mozaia is still trying to find out because on the night of the incident the Corozal Fire Department was a no show and to date they have still not visited his home despite the fact that he reported the incident.Cecilio Mozaia - Fire Victim "It was a Friday night right, about two o'clock in the morning to bring in Saturday morning when I woke up and I heard a big noise behind my house and so I see a blaze of fire and I said oh my goodness, what is going on right here so I got up and when I looked at the door the kitchen was in flames and well the first we did and a friend of mines he start to call the fire engine and unfortunately no fire engine appeared at all, at all and we were waiting and the police man they came."

Another Grenade Found In The Old Capital
Belize Police find a second grenade in the City in the span of a week. Last week the Police briefed the press about a grenade found on Banak Street in the City and promised an update on the investigations this week. Today however, police informed the media that they had found yet another grenade on Mayflower Street which intersects Vernon Street in Belize City. The discovery was made after authorities received a call at ten yesterday morning. Senior Superintendent Edward Broaster, Deputy Commander of the Eastern Division in Belize City briefed the press this morning. Here is audio provided by our Colleagues at KREM News.

LOVE FM

MCC grounds not ready until December
The last time we told you about the MCC Grounds in Belize City was back in June when the National Sports Director, Patrick Henry, informed us that field was being surveyed and leveled. That was three months ago and during the time that has passed, seeds for high quality grass were planted. The upgrade has not concluded because the grass has not yet fully grown yet. Henry told us today that the works are expected to be finished by December. Patrick Henry "If you notice the grass is growing but it takes a process and we must say that the rain came a long at the correct time and as a result it is growing at a faster pace. While the grass is growing we are working on the towers, there will be four towers and each tower will be 47.5 feet high and those towers will replace the existing lampposts and on each tower there will be 15 lights, 3 sets of five so at the end there will be a total of 60 lights.

First time J’ouvert to be done in Orange walk
This year a group is organizing the first ever j'ouvert in Orange Walk Town. Love news got the details from William Smith. WILLIAM SMITH "Lots of fun, excitement, a lot of mud, paint, the music, all that good feeling that you get that carnival is coming on later in the day so I am hoping to bring that to the people of Orange Walk and over the years people have been asking every time people come to Orange Walk 'Why don't we do one for Orange Walk, why doesn't Orange Walk have its own J'ouvert?'. As you know Orange Walk has become the main spot for September 21st I think it may have even surpassed Belize City in terms of crowd going out to watch out parade and Carnival so I think the crowd is very excited that its going to be the first time and I am excited and everyone who is helping me is excited to bring this to Orange Walk for the first time.

A Trio involved in Fraud Scheme, gets caught at Philip Goldson Airport
On Tuesday we reported on the half a billion money laundering and fraud scheme that was taking place on the fourth floor of the Matalon Building in Belize City. As we have reported, the FBI sent directives to the Financial Intelligence Unit, to shut down IPC Corporate Services LLC; Titan International Securities, Inc.; Legacy Global Markets S.A.; and Unicorn International Securities over money laundering and fraud suspicion. The FBI believes, that the directors of the companies orchestrated a $500 million offshore asset protection, securities fraud, and money laundering scheme in Belize. The news tonight is that two of the directors allegedly involved in the fraud where detained by Belize City Police. Love News was informed that Kelvin Leach, and Rohn Knowles, two directors of Titan International Security, along with a female, were picked up by police at the Phillip Goldson International Airport. Sources told us that the trio was attempting to leave the country en-route to Cancun, Mexico.

Renovation of Haulover Bridge
Works were carried out last night on the Haulover Bridge. The bridge was closed to carry out necessary maintenance works on the bridge. Chief Engineer Lennox Bradley told us what sort of works was done. LENNOX BRADLEY " Firs of all I would like to say the motorists or the general public should not be alarmed about the works we are doing on the Haulover bridge. What we did last night was merely a sort of routine maintenance work. The works entailed welding back on some angle iron. Normally if you look at the Haulover Bridge it comprises of several precast slabs that form the deck on the bridge. Those precast concrete slabs have angle iron as a protection along the edges of the concrete slab to prevent the concrete slabs from breaking. What happened is that two of the slabs the welding of the angle iron broke and so we just had to weld back on the angle iron to continue protecting this slab and preventing the concrete slabs from breaking, not the cracking of any slab that would really create a problem with the integrity of the bridge, its none of that. It's just the edges that were breaking off and to prevent that we welded on the angle iron to protect the concrete slabs on the bridge. That is what we did, it took two hours last night. We started at 10PM and we completed it just after midnight. The structural integrity of the bridge is still satisfactory for us. The public should have no fear, no alarm about using that Haulover bridge and the ministry has a program of works to continue maintain that bridge until the new replacement is in place. You do know that we have a replacement Haulover bridge proposed and that should be started shorty. It's being funded through the Caribbean Development Fund and it's a part of the road improvement program that we have between the intersection between the airport road on the Phillip Goldson Highway right down to Buttonwood bay and the roundabout in Belize City, that entire area will be upgraded."

Another Vehicle Missing from the Ministry of Health
Another Government vehicle has been stolen, this one from the Ministry of Health. Correspondent Angelica Cruz has the details. Angelica Cruz "Another vehicle has been reported missing from the Ministry of Health compound in Belmopan. According to the administrative assistant for the Ministry of Health Belmopan on Thursday morning September 11th sometime around 7AM she recieved a phone call from a senior health officer stating that the white 2008 Toyota Hilux pick up truck was missing from outside the Ministry of Health compound. Checks were made and they key for the vehicle was in the draw at the office. Several calls were made to senior officers within the Ministry and others who would normally ask for vehicle assistance but no one knew the whereabouts of the vehicles. This is the 4th vehicle to be stolen from the Ministry of Health compound in less than a year."

Mobile House Burns down in Dangriga
A mobile home was destroyed by fire this afternoon. Correspondent Harry Arzu has the details. Harry Arzu "This is what is left of this mobile home after it was destroyed by fire today. Shortly before 1PM this afternoon the owner of the mobile house, 42 year old Efraim Perez, left his house and insisted that everything was in order. few minutes from the house he heard the sound of a fire engine siren and instinctively responded to the sound. By the time the firefighters arrived on the scene the house was already engulfed in flames. They say that they had to forcefully kick down the main door to enter the building in an effort to extinguish the fire and prevent it from spreading to nearby homes and structures. When it was all over and the crowd subsided likewise the flames Perez told Love News that his loss amounted to some $26,000."