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Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5 and CTV 3
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The San Pedro Sun

Pablo Diaz found dead in San Pedro
Sgt. Lenencio Bol confirms 50-year-old Guatemalan National, Pablo Diaz of a Swan Street address has succumbed to sudden death. Police are on the scene at the entrance of San Pedrito Area and are confirming cause of death: natural causes. SPSUN will report as info becomes available.

2015 National Agricultural and Trade Show is Great Fun!
The annual National Agricultural and Trade Show kicked off in fine fashion on Friday, May 1st. From shopping at the many booths, to carnival rides, concerts, great food and rodeos, the National Agricultural and Trade Show was certainly a success!

US Embassy Celebrates Earth with Reusable Bags program in San Pedro
Convenience store shopping often yields a large amount of plastic bags. It does not matter if it is just one item being purchased, it will be bagged. While most people do not pay much attention, the reality is that plastic bags are some of the culprits of Mother Nature's deterioration. A single plastic bag will take up to a thousand years to degrade, and it is commonly found worldwide, especially in coastal regions such as Belize. Recently the US Embassy celebrated Earth Day in San Pedro by introducing the Reusable Bag program. This program was launched last year in November in the city of Belmopan with the main purpose of reducing the excessive use of plastic bags and contributing to the welfare of the environment. After its tremendous success in the capital City, the program has now been expanded to San Pedro. According to public affairs personnel from the US Embassy the program's main goal is reduce the use of plastic bags and while getting everyone involved in this valuable initiative that will benefit the environment. At some point the idea is to have everybody utilizing their reusable bags and plastic bags be obsolete.

San Pedro Tiger Sharks make it to the NEBL Playoffs
The San Pedro Tiger Sharks claimed their seventh win in the regular season of the National Elite Basketball League (NEBL) on Saturday, May 2nd. The defending champions, were able to get an 81-91 victory against the Dangriga Warriors at the Ecumenical College Auditorium in Dangriga Town, which earned them a coveted spot in the playoffs. Also securing a spot in the playoffs this past weekend were the Cayo Western Ballaz and the Belmopan Red Taigaz. The Tiger Sharks had a great start from the beginning of the game, extending their lead to 21 points in the third quarter. Even after gaining a two point lead in the fourth quarter, The Warriors still fell short by two points at the end of the match. San Pedro Tiger Sharks was led by Milton James who finished with a double-double with 23 points and 13 rebounds, while Darwin "Puppy" Leslie scored 22 points and grabbed six rebounds. Ashton Edwards and Raul Roches scored 14 and 10 points respectively.

Labour Department hosts open day
On Thursday April 30th, the Labour Department held a countrywide employment fair aimed to educate the general public in terms of the laws and any new amendments to labour laws. For the fourth year the San Pedro Labour Department branch held its employment fair highlighting child labor, HIV/AIDS, occupational safety and health, the employment unit, work permits and other aspects of the Labour Department. Even though the turnout was not as expected (due to the weather), pamphlets and book marks were still handed out to those who attended. There were games for children wherein they would answer questions and get prizes. There were snacks and drinks for everyone who stopped by. According to the Head Labour Officer of the San Pedro Labour branch, Rissela Dominguez, there has been some reactions concerning the new amendments in the labour law. "These new amendments occurred in 2011. To date there are some employers and some workers who don't understand them and they would normally call to get clarification. We also take every opportunity to educate them on the new amendment. So yes there are complaints in regards to the old law and the new law, but not much," said Dominguez. She indicated that these types of events help to sensitize people with the amendments, and is the main reason why they do such fairs.

Belize It Yourself Comes Through Again For Education
Belize It Yourself.com (BIY), San Pedro's only Personal Concierge, travel-related business, has again shown its intention to establish itself as a supporter of education and the future of island students with a focus on Science. As such, the company donated an assortment of scientific equipment to the San Pedro High School (SPHS). The donation was handed over to Vice Principal, Conchita Flota on Wednesday, April 29th. Partner of BYI, Scott Deutsch hopes that the donation helps improve the level of education students receive at SPHS. "As a Global Warming scientist, and former Middle School teacher, I admire the efforts of every student I have met here in San Pedro. Their hunger to learn, as proven at their Science Fair, including the use of the Robotics Kits, inspires us at BIY to do all we can to help. No matter what field these students choose to enter for their careers, a business background is always important. Perhaps in the future, some of these students may choose to work as interns for Belize It Yourself," said Deutsch.

Ambergris Today

Letters To The Editor: No Charges Filed Against Palapa Bar Owners, Police Actions Unjustified
Please allow me space in your newspaper to ensure that the good and clean reputation of my clients is maintained as it should: There were no charges filed against Mr. or Mrs. Harnish by any of the Government Departments, including the Police Department in Belize and with the assistance of their attorney Estevan Perera, their assets were returned to them. Once the funds were returned it was deposited immediately. Furthermore both Mr. Harnish and his wife are known throughout San Pedro as upstanding, successful, friendly and hard working business persons in Belize and are greatly respected by the locals in San Pedro. The actions of the police were unjustified and that we hope as a community that other business owners and investors in Belize are not treated the same by police in San Pedro in the future.

Pic of the Week - The Cutest Fruit Vendor Ever
How could you say no to this beautiful girl selling fruits and vegetables through the streets of downtown San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize? She is all smiles for the camera and her mother's customers as she relaxes under her umbrella while 'mom' stops to sell her produce. A common scene in La Isla Bonita.

Flavors of Belize & Chef Sean Kuylen Represent Belizean Cuisine at Passport D.C.
On May 2, 2015, over 50 embassies participated in the "Around the World Embassy Tour", one of the events that is a part of the annual Passport D.C. event. Passport D.C. is a month-long celebration of International Cultural Awareness Month in Washington that is filled with festivals, open houses, exhibitions and workshops highlighting the state's thriving international diplomatic communities and cultures. Belize was one of the embassies that opened its doors and participated in showcasing their country and welcoming over 7,000 D.C. residents to experience its food, art, dance, fashion and music. Other participating countries included Argentina, Brazil, Costa Rica, Morocco, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Fiji, Iraq and Kenya.

Mapping Town Core with Surveillance Cameras to Fight Crime
"I have met with owners of Boaz Golf Cart Rental, Tropic Air and Cellular World and they have all agreed to join the program and will give police access to their cameras," commented Perera. "We have also discussed the program with Officer in Charge of the San Pedro Police, Henry Jemmott, and his department is on board with this initiative. Enough businesses on Barrier Reef Drive have agreed to share their security camera footage that all of the street is being monitored already. Mayor Guerrero is now asking other island residents to install security cameras on the outside of their homes and businesses to capture activity on the street. The San Pedro Town Council will provide signs for each home/business to indicate that the area is being monitored for criminal activity. "Most businesses already have cameras installed inside their buildings, but we are asking them to install one on the outside of their property," commented Mayor Guerrero to Ambergris Today. "This way we can come together to assist the San Pedro Police in capturing and convicting criminals. It's one way that everybody can easily help and it has proven to be useful and successful in past incidents where criminals have been caught and convicted."

Misc Belizean Sourcesmzz

9th Chocolate Festival of Belize
coming up soon, here is a schedule of events...

Rotary & Rotaract Career Expo this Friday 8th May at the Corozal Central Park
Look out for Department of Youth Services Booth out there! Great opportunity for you to see what the businesses and other Departments have to offer towards your career!

National Festival of Arts Showcase exhibit 2015
The National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) through the Institute of Creative Arts is looking for art pieces from young vibrant artists from each district to become a part of this year's National Festival of Arts Showcase exhibit 2015. This year's theme is "Intelligent Art" (Art with a purpose).

Captain Romi Badillo. passes away
It is with tearful sympathy that we offer our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Captain Romi Badillo. No words can express the sense of loss. Romi meant so very much to so many people for so many different reasons. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Anna, children Romito and Roanne and grandchild Chloe as well as all his immediate and extended family and friends. Rest in peace Romi. We carry you in our hearts now.

Belize Cruise Ship Arrivals Surge, Land-Based Arrivals Remain Flat
One year after posting increases of more than eight percent in both overnight, land-based and cruise-ship visitor arrivals, land travel to Belize was virtually flat in the first three months of 2015. Cruise ship visitors for the quarter, however, continue to surge ahead compared with 2014 totals. Belize recorded 101,747 overnight tourist arrivals between January and March, a slight 1.1 percent increase over 2014, or a total of 424 additional visitors, according to Belize Tourism Board (BTB) statistics issued last week. BTB officials also said overnight visitors arrival numbers were slightly down in January and February. BTB officials cited "weather conditions resulting in [the] cancellation of flights from Canada," for the decreased overnight arrivals. This winter's "severe snow storms" in U.S. destinations including Connecticut, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New York resulted in flight cancellations in those cities, all considered "originating destinations for visitors to Belize," said officials. Last year Belize recorded 321,217 land-based, overnight visitors, a 9.2 percent increase over 2013.

Awareness walk May 7
Footprints For Peace Belize is rallying once again, uniting as a peaceful movement to help bring awareness and an end to the violence that has taken over our island home. We will be organizing an awareness walk at the Central Park on thursday May 07th, 2015 at 6pm. Walk alongside with us, for Peace!

Congratulations for a job well done BYLI participants!!!!
We have been telling about the Belize Youth Leadership Youth Initiative (BYLI). Through the BYLI U.S. State Department Exchange Program Alumni from Belize were partnered with four youth groups across Belize: Youth Advocacy Movement (BFLA), Pathlight International, FCD Environmental Youth Group and Dangriga Youth Advocacy Movement (BFLA). The Alumni met with the youth groups mentioned above from January to April this year and mentored the youth groups demonstrating their leadership skills and the youth groups in turn identified issues in their local communities and came up with solutions to the problems. The U.S. Embassy gave each group a small grant to carry out their projects and make them a reality. The BYLI teams have completed their projects and they were all great successes! These projects took place in the communities of Dangriga, Armenia, San Jose Succotz and Belize City. In honor of their hard work and dedication, the U.S. Embassy held a Recognition Ceremony yesterday where the Youth Groups exhibited their achievements and their future goals. The media was present to cover this milestone of the Youth Groups. Once again, Kudos to YAM, DYA, FCD and Pathlight International for their success and we hope that they continue embedding positive changes in their communities and Belize!

"Find A Way Award"
The Government of Belize received the "Find A Way Award" at the 4th International Road Federation Caribbean Regional Congress today, May 6, 2015 at the Hilton Rose Hall, Montego Bay, Jamaica. Ms. Yvonne S. Hyde, Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development, received the award on behalf of the Government of Belize. Mr. Errol Gentle, Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Works and Transport, was present at the ceremony along with other representatives. Belize delegation was financed by the Caribbean Development Bank.

BOLEDO DRAWING for Wednesday, May 6, 2015: 49

Primary School Art Skills Training Project (PSAST) children
These amazing art works are done by Primary School Art Skills Training Project (PSAST) children. A NICH initiative co-funded by the embassy of the Republic of China, Taiwan!

DELBERT 'DELLY' McGREGOR! ONE OF BELIZE'S MOST CLASSY DRUMMERS, VOCALIST & MUSICIANS OF ALL TIMES!
Belizean Legends will bring its viewers soon on here, a special musical expose on one of Belize's most outstanding musicians in the Belizean diaspora today, Delbert McGregor. His music and passion to go beyond the band Bamiki Bandula has cross over into different shores. COMING SOON!

THE HORSE SIR JUDE & THE MAN CALLED STAMA!
Through the courtesy of the legendary Belizean athlete, Evondale 'Coby' Coburn, has come this picture of the legendary Belizean athlete, Sir Jude, who to many was one of the fastest horses ever to have blazed around Belize's National Stadium (Horse Track) making the extensive furlong races look like a piece of cake. Not only was Sir Jude a horse that could rival the best in appearance of those of the famous Kentucky Derby, but he was a horse of a black shiny beauty that was a spectacular scene to watch in Belize popular golden years of horse racing in the 1970's. Sir Jude was ridden by a jockey they called Stama, and along with the horse Lady Alice, he dominated Belize's horse racing in grand style. Belizean Legends remember this awesome thorobbred in Belizean horse racing.

NOEL 'MUSCELES' GORDON, BELIZE'S CYCLING SPRINTER!
Belizean Ruler of Mexico's 90 Miles Ciudad del Carmen Cycling Classic. by Bilal Morris The first Belizean cycling sprinter to first win Mexico's renowned 90 miles Ciudad del Carmen Cycling Classic was the legendary Belizean cycling machine, Noel Gordon in 1969. Gordon later went to win the race two consecutive times before Rudy Miguel won his Mexico's Merida Cycling Classic in 1972. In the Annual Belize Holy Saturday Cross Country Cycling Classics of 1969, 1970, and 71, Gordon placed in the top five of riders entering the National Stadium but had never won the grueling 144 miles cycling classic. However, he has gone down in Belize's cycling history as one of Belize's best cycling sprinters to date, and the first Belizean cyclist to had ever won the top prize for Belize in Mexico's Ciudad del Carmen Cycling Classic. Belizean Legends honor this Belizean cyclist who brought excellence to the sport of cycling in Belize, and hails him as Belize's best cycling sprinter of all times.

FROM UNDER THE SHADOWS: BELIZE'S WOMEN OF CYCLING!
Hidden under the shadows of the male dominated sport of cycling in Belize is Belize's women of cycling. Since male names in Belize's cycling like Kerr, O'brien, Vernon, Miguel, Halliday, and others, you did not have female cyclists competing at all in the 1960's and 1970's, until the late 1980's, 1990's and 2000's when along came names like Morrison, Zabaneh, Lovell, Cattouse, Thompson, Cruz, Eiley and Martinez. These are the major women in Belize female cycling today, and their oustanding performances in the last few years sends a clear message that just like the men, they are a force to be reckoned with in a global sport where female cyclists are representing big time. When Shalini Zabeneh began to dominate the Annual Women Belize Cross Country, and also sweeping the victories in Mexico, the Caribbean, and races in Belize, there were those right behind her wheel like Gabrille Lovell, Kaya Cattouse, Alicia Thompson, Estephany Cruz, Derlene Martinez, and Keray Eiley. From time to time, it was one of the latter who would come and win these classics in surprisingly rare form. Within these caliber of Belizean female cycling athletes, is a serious competition to dominate and win by any means necessary. And they keep beating the other's challenges and records while at the same time becoming better in terms of riding the race itself.

Channel 7

Romy Badillo Passes Four Weeks After Boating Explosion
After fighting for his life at the Centro Medico Hospital in Guatemala for 33 days, well-known Boat Captain Romy Badillo died this morning at 2:45. The family is in Guatemala right now making arrangements for his body to be brought back home for burial. When we spoke to his son, Romy Badillo Jr. this evening he told us that his father was not on life support and that he died a natural death as a result of his severe injuries and second degree burns which he received to 50% of his body. About 5 days after the family took Badillo to Guatemala in April, they had posted on facebook that the skin surgery to remove the burnt skin was successful and that he was recovering, but things took a sudden turn for the worse. He reportedly got an infection on his leg which had to be amputated and went downhill after that.

PUP Takes GOB To Court For 13th Senator
In March of 2010 - the Barrow Administration passed the Sixth Amendment to the Constitution into law - but five years later, they have not brought sections 7 and 9 into force. Those sections deal with the 13th. Senator - to be selected by civil society. That 13th Senator would give majority control of what's known as the upper house to a combination to the opposition and the social partners - taking away the majority from government. That shift is why, in 2010, Prime Minister Dean Barrow - who had promised it in his manifesto - publicly reneged on that commitment to a reformed senate in an interview with Jules Vasquez. Here's the interview from August of 2010:� Jules Vasquez (August 6, 2010) "This recall bill, we know that it's one of the reform platforms you were elected upon and it's a very progressive one. But at the same time we don't see anything about the reformed senate." Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister (August 6, 2010) "It ain't going to happen! I've made the point, perhaps this is the first time I am able to do so to you, but I have not been shy at all of saying this, giving the way the opposition fought against all the reform measures. Given the way the opposition has demonstrated - and I am not faulting them - its determination to be a completely non-cooperative, Restore Belize being a case in point, I do not see at this stage giving over control of the senate to the opposition even if it would have to be in conjunction with the social partners, I am not going to do it."

PUP Tells Voters: No to The ICJ, No To The UDP
And the PUP has also wants an expedited referendum on the International Court of Justice - which may decide on the Belize - Guatemala territorial dispute. The Opposition says say they want Belizeans to vote no to the ICJ, and to the UDP: Hon. Francis Fonseca - Leader of the Opposition "We are in support of holding the referendum on this matter and we will respect the decision of the Belizean people. The consensus within our party and we are preparing a proper policy statement on this matter. The consensus within our party is very clear today. I have travelled across the country, I have discussed this matter with all 31 constituencies - and it is very, very clear that the consensus is that at this time, the PUP is not in support of Belize going to the ICJ." Eamon Courtney - PUP Foreign Affairs Advisor "We cannot got to the ICJ being led by Wilfred Sedi Elrington. We cannot go to the ICJ to fight for our territorial integrity an territorial sovereignty by a person who believes our border is artificial. We have seen consistent, continual invasions of our territory by Guatemalan nationals with the government of Guatemala turning a blind eye - and what is worst, when security forces of Belize insist on our sovereignty being respected and have to act in their defence; our government act in singular weakness and end up paying and compensating Guatemalans. We believe that if the government of Guatemala wants to go forward to the ICJ they must show good faith. They must stop their nationals from coming across and raping the Chiquibul.

Another Teenager Killed In Orange Walk
An 18 year old was murdered in Orange Walk Town this morning. Derrick Romero was killed next to the apartment complex where he lives. It happened just after 10 this morning on Sittee River Street. The 18 year-old Orange Walk resident was socialising with several persons when a gunman snuck up on the group and fired 5 or more shots in his direction. None of the other young men were injured, but Romero suffered multiple gunshot wounds to the body. He was rushed to the Northern Regional Hospital, but he died while undergoing treatment. This afternoon, Deputy Commander of the Orange Walk formation briefed the press about the information they have so far: Inspector Selvin Tillet - Deputy Commander of the Orange Walk formation "At 10:45 A.M, acting upon information, police visited the Northern Region hospital where they say one Derrick Romero - 18 years Belizean unemployed of #5 Sittee River street in Orange Walk town suffer from gunshot wounds to the upper left shoulder, to his abdomen, centre of back as well as back of his neck. At 11:17 this morning, Derrick Romero passed away.

American Man Who Stalked B'zean Girls on Facebook Gets 15
The name David Wendel Thompson first appeared on the news in March of 2014. That's when the American teacher was caught by US Authorities on his way to Belize. They say he had used facebook to seduce two Belizean girls aged 13 and 15. Well, Thompson pleaded guilty to online enticement of a minor, which carries a penalty of up to life in prison - but the Florida District Judge imposed a lesser sentence of 15 years. After he is released from prison, he will serve 10 years of probation. Evidence produced in the case disclosed that the standard four teacher led a double life - where he was "Big Dave" to under-aged Belizean girls, plying them with gifts and fantastical stories about his life in the US. To snare the minors, he invented and assumed the facebook identity of a teenaged girl named Iris Levy - who introduced the other girls, via facebook to this "Big Dave" - who she claimed spent a lot of money. He plied the impoverished girls with stories of his air conditioned life, cars and a restaurant called Golden Corral, where they had fountains of chocolate for dipping marshmallows and strawberries.

Education Minister on Alleged Pedophile-Predator-Pedagogue Puc
And continuing on the very disturbing revelations of teacher pedophiles prowling on Facebook, we turn to Mopan Technical teacher, Elito Puc. Last night we showed you the very explicit and disturbing facebook messages that he sent to a male student. Well, as we said Puc has been dismissed from the school and his license has been revoked. Today we spoke with the Minister of Education, Patrick Faber and he told us about what further action will be taken to ensure that Puc does not teach again in Belize. Hon. Patrick Faber - Minister of Education "What has happened is that he of course has been dismissed as a teacher from his school and also his teaching license has been revoked. This will mean of course as well that he will be placed on a register of offenders - so that all those in the education system; and I think maybe a similar type services in government are aware of this kind of practice on his part. So that he can not seek employment in another school. This is something that long been a desire of our ministry - we have seen where predators prey on our young people and of course they move from one school to another school."

PUP Media Mouthpiece Gets Free And Clear
PUP Talk Show Host Albert Vaughan has been fighting a loitering charge since August of last year when he was arrested along with the former BML workers for their famous garbage protest. Well, he was finally able to beat that charge in the Magistrate's Court today. At the last adjournment a month ago, his attorney argued before Magistrate Hettie Mae Stewart that he had no case to answer. His position has always been that he was not loitering when the BML workers were protesting against City Hall. He says that he was covering the event as a journalist for Vibes Radio and Belize Times. After considering his attorney's submissions, and the response from the police prosecutor, Magistrate Hettie Mae Stewart agreed with Vaughan's attorney and threw the case out of court. That was a relief for Vaughan and outside of court he and his attorney spoke with us about the acquittal:

PUP Can't Support Petrocaribe-Superbond Carve Out
So the PUP and UDP can't agree on very much these days: certainly not the PetroCaribe Loan Motion, definitely not the 13th Senator, and not even Mother's day cheer. But, surely, you might say, there couldn't be much disagreement on putting aside half of the PetroCaribe proceeds to buy back the super bond debt, and pay compensation for BTL and BEL. That sounds palatable even to the PUP - but the party leader says he's not at all convinced that the Prime Minister has any good intentions: Hon. Francis Fonseca - Leader of the Opposition "In my view, it is just like his rhetoric on this issue we're discussing here today, the 13th senator. A lot of empty political rhetoric. I want to see the meat of it. He talks about the super bond - but Mr. Barrow has borrowed more than the super bond over the past few years. But he was very careful, everything now is to go get him pass an election, all his rhetoric is about getting pass an election now - which we expect in the next 8 to 10 months at the very latest. So he talked about the monies for the bond or nationalisation being set aside 2016 to 2017 and then monies from 2017 going forward being set aside for the nationalisation. I view it as all empty rhetoric. We're prepared to sit down, discuss it, hear more from the government on it - but until then, I view it with extreme skepticism and cynicism. "

PUP Says Barrow Dissed Churches' Senator
And while the leader of the opposition takes a dim view of that Prime Ministerial proposal - he also chastised the PM for calling out Senator Father Noel Leslie. At his press conference last week, the PM said that Father Leslie had acted on his own when he voted against the Petro Caribe loan motion - meaning he had acted without consulting the wider body of church leaders. Today the leader of the opposition defended Father Leslie's vote - and cautiously embraced the government initiative to co-sponsor and ecumenical chapel at the KHMH with Petrocaribe funds:.. Hon. Francis Fonseca - Leader of the Opposition "My understanding is quite the contrary that in fact, Father Leslie did have a discussion on this matter at the council of churches - and that he voted no on the basis of that discussion. I don't know whether specific individuals voiced their views. I can't go into the specifics of that discussion. But my understanding is that he voted no on the basis of that discussion. I can say that this very morning I heard cannon Leroy Flowers confirm his support for the vote taken by Father Noel Leslie on behalf of the council of churches. So, I think it's disgraceful when our prime minister seeks to attack individuals and even attack the church - when they are not toeing his line and doing what he wants him to be doing. In terms of spending money on ecumenical centre on the grounds of the KHMH - our position has been very clear. We're not against the PetroCaribe projects, what we are against is the manner in which is being spent, the lack of accountability."

Trouble At La Immaculada
For weeks we've been receiving reports of internal troubles The La Immaculada Credit Union in Orange Walk. But the Board of Directors has kept it mum - leaving members and depositors to figure it out for themselves. Well 7News has confirmed that the General Manager of the Credit Union Yolanda Gomez has been placed on administrative leave while an internal investigation is conducted. Reports reaching us say that the credit union's accounts are stable, but the investigation centres on her personal conduct as GM- and transactions of a personal nature, which she approved. She will remain on leave while the investigation is conducted so that she is not a hindrance to it. We do not know the quantum of those transactions - but we are told that the credit union, which has assets of 50 million dollars remains stable. The Board of Directors is reported to have met with the governor of the central Bank yesterday. The Central Bank will send its own team to investigate.

Students Solve Youth Unemployment
The Belize Community Fair was held today at the ITVET and over 15 primary schools and high schools participated. But this wasn't just a recreational fair, the students presented real world solutions to tackle the thorny issue of youth unemployment. Today we spoke to some of the students and they told us what some of those solutions are Courtney Weatherburne Reporting� Youth and Innovation: that was the overarching theme of today's community fair. And to show just how innovative they are, these high schools students presented their solutions to an issue that directly affects them: unemployment. The ideas ranged from constructing a new cafeteria at their schools to providing training services for job seekers. This is all in the hope of securing a successful future for themselves and the next generation. Vashdy Tuelcy - Belize Rural High School "We decided to have a cafeteria at our school because we only have 4 vendors at our school and we decided they are selling only unhealthy food, like greasy food. So we decided to start a cafeteria and start selling healthy food and we will be preparing these food in a way that students will want to come and buy it."

Talking Tablets
Remember the 500 tablets that were distributed to UB students in mid-February? Well, while most of those students have gotten used to their new gadget and have personalized it, some haven't gotten theirs as yet. Today we asked Education minister Patrick Faber about this and he says those students must be mistaken. The ministry has launched a 2nd round of distribution for those who qualify to get a tablet. Over 9,000 tablets will be distributed to tertiary level students overall.

Petrocaribe Funding Summer Sports
And while Petrocaribe is funding those tablets, Faber - as the minister of sports and youth - says that this summer, it will also be paying for an ambitious summer sports programme. He explained:�