Today's Belize News: June 29, 2015

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Today's Belize News: June 29, 2015 #505571 06/30/15 05:37 AM
Joined: Oct 1999 Posts: 84,398 oregon, spr Marty OP
OP Marty	The news will be a bit brief for the next week or so due to time constraints FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report. Specials and Events Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, LOVETV, PGTV, West Vision (Cayo) and CTV 3 Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, Rise and Shine Morning Show, and the Dickie Bradley Specials The San Pedro Sun Salbutes and Panades- Great at any hour! Tonight however I'll be going for one, or should I say two of our Mestizo delights, salbutes and panades. Both are made from premium masa (corn dough). The salbutes,are rounds discs fried to perfection and topped with shredded chicken, julienned cabbage ,tomatoes, and jalapenos while the panades are well season bits of boneless chicken enveloped in masa and fried to crispy perfection. The best thing about these two dishes is that they're actually pretty great at anytime of day, feel free to have them as a mid day lunch as well! They're too good to pass up :-) SPTC plans to undertake Central Park Beautification Now in his second term in office, Mayor Daniel Guerrero has plans of renovating Central Park to be the focal community recreation place. In an interview with The San Pedro Sun, Guerrero explained the San Pedro Town Council's beautification plans for Central Park. According to Guerrero, once the project is complete, Central Park will become a family friendly area for residents and visitors alike. "We definitely need to do some serious work at the Central Park. Now that it has free WiFi and a new playground set, we see that more people are going there. After all, it is a focal point for the island. We are going to be cleaning it up and elevating its standards. When we are finished, Central Park will really look different," said Guerrero. Some of the park improvements will include the allocation of more space and better seating. "We will be removing the palapa to create more space. We will also be putting more chairs and picnic tables so that families can go take a seat and can even have their meal there. We will also be doing a small fountain that can be used by children to rinse off after swimming in the sea," said Guerrero.San Pedro Central Park-1 Basil Jones Summer Camp is a go! Green Reef, a marine conservation Non-governmental Organization (NGO) in San Pedro, announces that it has been awarded a Protected Area Conservation Trust (PACT) Environmental Support Grant to undertake their four week summer camp at Camp Basil Jones on Northern Ambergris Caye. The camp targets youth between the ages of 11-17 and will run from July 6th to July 31st. The program aims to promote conservation and preservation of the Belize Barrier Reef as they work towards youth empowerment. About a hundred participants are expected to attend this fun-filled adventure and experience the thrill of a lifetime at the week-long summer camp. Every week there will be a new set of 25 campers who will pack their bags and head to an idyllic beachside retreat. Some of the activities planned include taking part in competitions inspired by classic camp games, learning about Belize's marine natural resources and creating unique art and crafts from sustainable materials. Work on the Ambergris Stadium to start in August A year after announcing plans to renovate the Ambergris Stadium, the Belize Infrastructure Limited (BIL) has announced that works will start in mid-August, 2015. Ambergris Stadium, located in the Alta Mar area, is the only official football field on the island and is used on a daily basis for recreational activities. Currently the field and its facilities are in a deplorable condition, but according to BIL, once the project is complete the field will boast state of the art facilities. BIL General Manager Christy Mastry indicated that designs for the stadium are currently being finalized. "Our consultants and designers are working on plans for the Ambergris Stadium. This is the last stage before the project contract can go to construction agents for bid. Once everything goes as planned, construction is expected to break ground by mid-August or early September," said Mastry. $2 million has been allocated for the renovations, which will include a grass pitch, bleachers to seat 800, locker facilities, concession stands, bathroom facilities and a storage unit. Ambergris Today Letters: Dock and Boat Mania on Ambergris Caye Dear Editor, For nearly ten years I have been living on the island as a retiree. I have noticed a lot of changes over these years. Traffic in town has exploded and walking during high season has become very dangerous. Remember: some years back you could even still drive on the beach in town from Central Plaza to Blue Water Grill. At that time there were only a few dozen registered golf carts on the island, so that did not matter. Luckily that got stopped. Nowadays high car traffic has made San Pedro unsafe for foot traffic, noisy and unpleasant, especially for tourists. A similar, unsafe situation has evolved with boat traffic in and around San Pedro. Over the years the number of cars has significantly increased but equally the number of boats and their sizes. Larger boats are needed to transport a higher number of tourists to snorkeling spots and to tourist attractions on the mainland. Back then there were fewer docks in town with fewer and much smaller boats. Most boats then were just 15 feet and could accommodate 4 to 6 tourists. Now some boats are 50 feet long and for up to 50 tourists on board. The increase of docks, dock sizes, number of side arms plus the much higher number of boats in town may seem to be normal for some. Unfortunately tourists don't like it. Caye Caulker's New Miss Lobster Fest Crowned Misc Belizean Sources Pandeminium and Pandemonium Steel Band The Regional Director for UNICEF Latin America and Caribbean, Mr. Bernt Aasen, met with the kids from the RESTORE Belize and UNICEF supported Pandeminium and Pandemonium Steel Band today. Thanks a lot for playing for us, guys! The Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) Donates Musical Equipment In a hand-over ceremony today, a consignment of marching band instruments valued at over US$25,000 was presented by His Excellency Mr. Benjamin Ho, Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to the Governor- General, His Excellency Sir Colville Young, as a contribution to his Music in the Schools Program. The ceremony took place at the Belize House in the City of Belmopan. Sir Colville thanked Ambassador Ho for his generous gift to the young people of Belize and explained that most of the instruments would be given to St. Andrews Primary School in San Ignacio and the Anglican Cathedral College in Belize City. The Governor General explained that the two institutions had been selected because they fulfilled the requirement of having a good music teacher able to work with the students to put the instruments to good use. San Pedro power outtage Midnight: BEL crews have been dispatched to identify and rectify cause of unscheduled power interruption currently affecting a portion of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, since 11:29pm, Monday, June 29. Affected areas include Barrier Reef Drive, Caribe�a Street San Pedrito area, Elliot Subdivision and DFC area. Chriss Roggema: Commentaries From The Garden REMEMBER THAT THROUGH HISTORY, THERE HAVE BEEN TYRANTS AND MURDERERS, AND FOR A TIME, THEY SEEM INVINCIBLE. BUT IN THE END, THEY ALWAYS FALL. ALWAYS. = GANDHI What we often seem to forget that we are small specks of dust in this great universe of God's creation and that the planets are going like a clockwork around the sun in different cycles and eclipses. I am told by the astrologers that in these turbulent times the planets as seen from the earth above us are in the same position/constellation as in the years between 1963 and 1968. The happenings of the last weeks in Caye Caulker and the time of mourning made me reflect a lot about our life here in Belize and my past . Today at Lobster Fest in Caye Caulker I was looking at all these beautiful children of Belize dancing, shake their bodies and I remembered myself dancing on a table in a out of town dancehall listening to the Kinks at that time in 1963/64 a totally unknown band. When the singer Ray Davies was asking : What are you all trying to say when you keep on singing-HiHa Happening-HiHa Happening in between our songs? Ocean Academy High School Holds 7th Annual Scholarship Awards Ceremony Ocean Academy, Caye Caulker's only high school, held its 7th Annual Scholarship Awards Ceremony on Saturday June 13th, 2015. Front and Back Pages - list of sponsors by categories (Partners in Education is the top category) who funded these scholarship awards Belize Diving Services/Petersen Foundation was a top donor as well, but no photos are available from the Ceremony (unfortunately). Full Basket Belize sponsored five students with $1000 scholarships this school year, renewable up to Graduation. In September will be an on-campus Assembly to award Honor Roll, Merit Roll, Subject Awards and Trophies. Congratulations to the little school that could, the deserving students and well done to the sponsors! Rotary Scholars Graduation Congratulations, Rotary Scholars! This year, Rotary had 5 graduates. Further congratulations to Anwar Wade and Delsey Hill for receiving the Paulita Bedran Memorial Scholarship to attend Junior College. Thanks, Rotary! "The graduating Scholars shown in the picture from left to right are: - Florita Guerra graduating from Sacred Heart High School - Sheila Gomez graduating from Eden SDA High School - Anwar Wade graduating from Sacred Heart High School - Delsy Hill graduating from Sacred Heart High School - Sandra Hernandez graduating from Sacred Heart High School" Flor de la Feria Talent Show The Flor de la Feria Talent Show pictures. The winner of the show will be announced at the pageant, which is July 11th. Belize Scores High in Well Being Index Belize once again ranks very high on the Global Well-Being Index this year, coming in a number 5 overall. Congratulations, Belize! "The Gallup-Healthways Global Well-Being Index uses a holistic definition of well-being and self-reported data from individuals across the globe to create a unique view of societies' progress on the elements that matter most to well-being: purpose, social, financial, community and physical. It is the most proven, mature and comprehensive measure of well-being in populations." National Song Competition 2015 Any aspiring song writers out there? This year's National Song Competition is on, and the finals will be August 8th. Check with your local House of Culture for more information. The deadline for submission is July 4th. Good luck! I am CARICOM Basketball Marathon The Basketball Marathon for CARICOM Week, was held at the SHC auditorium, and had a great turnout. Congratulations to the Golden Boyz, who won the competition. Thanks, Caricom Youth Ambassador Program, for making this happen. "Kudos to the Caricom Youth Ambassadors, Tarun Frances and Kadeem Bennett for a well orchestrated and exciting 'I am CARICOM' basketball marathon. Great to see 8 teams of male youths from across Belize play in a friendly but challenging game. Learned about Caricom and the CSME through their trivia questions. Big up to the Golden Boyz on their win. June 14th - June 20th, 2015 Fishing Report This week was fairly quiet here on the island with just a few anglers heading out each day into less than perfect conditions. Even on the worst days bonefish were found and caught even though the permit and tarpon fishing was a bit tough. Channel 7 3 Days After Leaving His House "Mumuch" Is Found Dead The body of 23 year old Desmond Usher also known as "Mumuch" was found this morning at around 8:30in Mahogany Heights. His family and friends formed a search party this weekend after he went missing on Friday night. But their worst fear was realized this morning when his body was found in some bushes in the village. Today we went to Mahogany Heights and spoke with his family. They described to us how one phone call might have led him to his death. Courtney Weatherburne reports: Courtney Weatherburne reporting The Family and friends of Desmond Usher gathered on the street near the reservoir in Mahogany Heights this morning. Several of his family members were standing on the side of the road, anxious and restless - waiting to get a final glance of him. 23 year old Desmond Usher went missing on Friday night right after he left his mother in law's house to go visit his father. Police Say These Men Shot Patrick Tillett Viewers may remember 39 year-old Patrick Spencer, AKA, Patrick Tillett was killed last week Wednesday. Well tonight, the men who police believe to the killers are at the Belize Central Prison tonight. They are Charles Middleton and Cesaro Choco, who were arraigned today before the Chief Magistrate, Anne Marie Smith. They were read a single charge of murder, and due to the nature of the offences, they remanded into custody until September 25. Spencer, who operated his taxi service at Novelo's Bus Terminal, was shot on Wednesday night, June 24, in his left armpit and arm. He succumbed to his injuries at KHMH later the same night. Police investigation revealed that he was sitting on a cement block on Cairo Street when his assailant approached him and fired several shots. Rupert Leslie Passed Away On last week Friday, we told you how 15 year-old high school student Tyrique Thompson died at around midday. Well, 16 year-old Rupert Leslie succumbed to his injures a few hours later that same day. The first form student of Wesley College was shot in the forehead last Wednesday night while riding at the corner of Magazine Road and Banak Street. He is one of two students who was shot in the head less than 72 hours apart. 15 year old Tyrique Thompson, a second from student of Canaan High School was also shot in the head while walking on Lake View Street. Both shooting happened the same neighborhood. So far police have no suspects detained for the murders of these students. Wanted By Belmopan Police Belmopan police want your help to catch 2 men, one of them is wanted for a double murder, while the other is wanted in for the crime of robbery. The first suspect is 19 year-old Cardinal Alexander Lemoth Jr, a construction worker Cotton Tree Village, Cayo District. Investigators believe that he has a connection to the double murders of American Julian Christopher Jones, and Paul David Signorino. Viewers will remember that this happened in May at Jones' estate in the village.Jones had been chopped to the head while Signorino was shot twice to the head. The other suspect is Belmopan resident Timroy Neal who is wanted in connection with a recent robbery. Both men are considered to be armed and dangerous, and if you have any information on their whereabouts, you're asked to contact the nearest police station. The Santa Cruz Debate Rages On Santa Cruz Village in the Toledo district - in the past week, it has become the flashpoint for simmering racial tensions between Maya communities and outsiders. That's because while any Belizean can just pick up and go live in any village within the territory of Belize - with Mayan villages, customary practice says you first have to get permission. This is how the area representative for Toledo West explained it to the media on Friday:... Hon. Oscar Requena, PUP Area Representative - Toledo West "People who come from outside must follow the rules and regulations of community and must be respectful at all times to the authority of our country. Because these communities have their customary laws, rules and regulations that require any new entrant, whether it is Maya or non-Maya who is coming into the community - that they have to follow those procedures and protocol. They made it absolutely clear, that if Mr. Myles had follow the procedure that he would be welcome into their community without any problem Jules." But, it's not a position that the Prime Minister necessarily supports: he says constitutional rights supersede customary practice or Alcalde law - and Maya communities will surely find that out if the Rupert Myles incident is repeated: Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister "If ever they do what they did again, the same thing will happen. I trust they won't, because they must realize now they were wrong under the laws of this country. Forget the question of race and ethnicity. They were wrong. Plain and simple. They have no authority under any kind of cultural remit as I said, any kind of alcalde system to do what they did. That was wrong and in the course of their wrong doing they violated the personal rights of Mr. Myles." Melvin's Secret Recording: PM Barrow's Response And also from last week, former UDP Stann Creek West candidate Melvin Hulse made headlines for the secret recording where he was heard boldly criticizing his party leader and accusing him of dubious dealings. Hulse has since retracted his comments and resigned - but the afterlife of that recording will surely be longer than the one week news buzz. We can expect to hear it in political ads for months. And already it has become a chorus for the PUP: Hon. Francis Fonseca - Leader of the Opposition "And of course we all know about the Melvin Hulse tape. The Melvin Hulse tape which exposed the arrogance of Dean Barrow. The arrogance and corruption in their government and making it absolutely clear that what Dean Barrow and this government is all about is about staying in power, not caring about anybody. No loyalty to anybody, no loyalty to any country. It is all about himself, his ego, regardless of what happens to the country. He doesn't care. It's all about politics and winning elections. That is it - third term. That is his history. That is what he wants, to go down in history books, coming from his own standard bearer - coming from river bottom." Jules Vasquez "His words have become an article of faith for the PUP that you are monomaniacal obsessed with a third term and only a third term will do, because you are perhaps megalomaniac-ally interested in your legacy as the only person to get three terms. How do you respond to that?" FIU: Belize's Banking Is Highly Transparent Belize's banking sector has caught up with the standards and regulations set by the US and European Union for accountability and transparency in our offshore sector. That's what the new Director of the Financial Intelligence Unit had to say at press conference rarely called by the stat. Unless you're a banker or you've been keeping up with the international news, you won't know much about the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF). But for clarification, it is an organization of states and territories of the Caribbean basin which have agreed to implement common counter-measures against money laundering. 27 countries in the Caribbean offer offshore banking services - that means banking without full disclosure - using what are called shell companies instead of names. This is done for the purposes of concealment and deception and avoiding having to pay taxes. The EU and the US want to curb the amount of illegal activities connected with that type of banking behavior, and so they've cracked down on all countries that they do business with. PUP VS House Debate On Petrocaribe: Should They have Left? So, the PUP walked out of the House on Friday - the biggest day on the parliamentary calendar so far this year - and in so doing denied all of the public of the opportunity to witness a full debate on the Petrocaribe Loans Amendment Bill. Well on Facebook we saw a PUP statement making their technical case for a walkout. Essentially, the release says that House Speaker Michael Peyrefitte treated Senator Patrick Andrews like a "stranger" in the gallery when he is a member of the House - and, because of that, cannot be treated like a stranger. That's under standing orders of the National Assembly number 87 - a little piece of trivia that no one - opposition included - seemed to be seized on at Friday's walkout. At the time, the opposition leader hinted at a conspiracy: Hon. Francis Fonseca, Leader of the Opposition "It almost seems that it was preordained. That it was a part of some plan. He singled out Senator Andrews." Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister "Perhaps then Mister Andrews is collaborating with us. They better be careful. After Ivan and after Mister Mahmud and the allegations that they make. They better watch Mister Andrews very carefully but no man, on a very serious note Jules, Lord It wasn't even as though they as the speaker got into it because in terms of their interventions in the debate they thought the speaker was unfairly muzzling them. Man, you will use the fact that Andrews, who is not a participant in the particular proceedings inside the chamber, is being ejected to walk out? The member for Cayo South, I think was beside himself and so he's trying to vent his frustration in another way, but I believe he and other were absolutely upset that Fonseca pulled a stunt like that. PUP Condemns UDP Rabble Rousers At BNTU Forum On Wednesday night - the Teachers Union held a forum on the Petrocaribe legislation that - as we showed you on Thursday - devolved into a lot of finger pointing and insult throwing. And it ended up like that because the UDP did a hard charge into the event with a group of young professionals who challenged the panel, while well-known UDP rabble rousers lobbed insults from the back of the room. It made for an entertaining, if mostly unenlightening evening, and on Friday the commentary on what went wrong, or right - went all the way to the House of Representatives: Hon. Francis Fonseca, Leader of the Opposition "The BNTU forum that they had at St. Mary's Hall were you had distinguished speakers, Audrey Matura Shepherd, Mose Hyde, Senator Lizarraga, the Representative for the VIP, Patrick Rogers. There to represent their views to the teachers and to the public on the Petrocaribe, very loan motion, loan act that we were going to discuss today and what did the Government do? What did this UDP Government and Party do? Send thugs and goons including the mace bearer here to that meeting to try to intimidate, intimidate those panelist, to intimidate the teachers, to intimidate those persons who are present that is absolutely disgraceful and should be condemned by all right thinking Belizeans." PM: The EU Misspoke On Belize's Compliance With New Banking Regulations As we've told you earlier in the news, the United States and the European Union has Belize and other Caribbean countries jumping through hoops to keep their offshore services sector functioning. And two weeks ago, the European Union gave those same countries, Belize included, a body blow when it compounded the present problems by also putting out a blacklist naming 30 countries - very many of them in the Caribbean. It called them "non-cooperative jurisdictions." This can affect not only the offshore sector but can also damage correspondent banking relationships - which is the fate that already befell the Belize Bank. But the The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, known as the OECD has sent out a statement scolding the European Union, saying that, as regards money laundering regulations, quote, "a number of countries identified in the EU exercise are either fully or largely compliant (some are) even...early adopters'," On Friday, the Prime Minister seized upon that point when he spoke to the media on Friday:... Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister "OECD has said "this is nonsense." OECD are the ones that are principally in charged and Belize, like all the others are fully compliant. We've signed a general sort of European FATCA, a protocol that requires us to give all the information. But this is the big boys insisting in doing things their way and causing all sorts of difficulties for us and then ceasing on those difficulties to be accused...." Another Ceremony For 10 Anniversary For Petrocaribe 2 weeks ago, we showed you three events that the Government of Belize hosted to note the 10 anniversary of the Petrocaribe initiative. The first was a ceremony by the Coast Guard to welcome the Venezuelan Navy. The second was an informal luncheon for the diplomats from both countries at the APBEL office on Coney Drive, Belize City. Then, the Venezuelan Navy invited the press aboard the Venezuela ship Buque Esquela Simon Bolivar. That was a full day of activities in the honor of Petrocaribe, and so if you thought that the celebration was over, we had the same opinion. That's until the Government invited the press to yet another ceremony to reinforce their appreciation of the friendship between Belize and Venezuela. The Prime Minister was the keynote speaker: Collet Area Rep. Clarifies His Petrocaribe Mother's Day Event Collet Representative Patrick Faber famously used his mother's day cheer funds to sponsor a family day in Corozal for his constituents. As the political narrative went, he used $36,000 dollars to buy them tacos - a gesture that for critics has crystallized all that's wrong with Petrocaribe funded political patronage. But, on Friday in the House, Faber said it wasn't all spent on tacos:.. Hon. Francis Fonseca, Leader of the Opposition "Man, we've heard about the member for Collet taking people to eat tacos and swim in the sea and drink beer." Hon. Patrick Faber, Minister of Education "We did not wish to have a mother's day celebration Mr. Speaker. So, what we chose to do instead was to have a family day. we took mothers, we took fathers, we took the entire family Mr. Speaker on a day Mr. Speaker that brought entire the family together and Mr. Speaker the other $36,000 I noticed the news people are quoting me to say, (Jules Vasquez needs to correct his story) because I at no point in my interview said that the family day costed us $36,000, that was the portion of the Mother's day money Mr. Speaker that was spent on that family day but if anybody who has any sense of these things would check it out. You would see that a trip like that, taking 22 buses Mr. Speaker to Corozal will not cost $36,000." A Petrocaribe Summer Of Sports These days "Petrocaribe" seems to be on the tip of everyone's tongue - like it or loathe it, the program is the main driver of expansionary public spending right now in Belize. From cheer programs to road works, and now to the summer camp in your neck of the woods. That's right, government is sharing up half a million dollars to eligible summer programs. The cheques were cut on Friday at the National Sports Council and a few of the camp organizers told us why it is welcomed: Eligible programs must have been around for a minimum of three years to qualify for a maximum sponsorship of $10,000 dollars. Channel 5 P.U.P. Says Petrocaribe Act Must Be Repealed! The Petrocaribe Amendment Act was tabled in the House of Representatives on Friday with no objections from across the aisle even though the Opposition wants it repealed. As you would [...] Opposition Loses Opportunity to Present Alternative Bill in House The People's United Party consulted the expertise of a team of lawyers, led by Senior Counsel Andrew Marshalleck, to draft a legal alternative to the Petrocaribe Amendment Act.� With all [...] Leader of the Opposition Says Expulsion of PUP Senator Was Unauthorized As we said, the Speaker of the House, Michael Peyrefitte, instructed police to remove Senator Patrick Andrews from the gallery of the National Assembly building during last Friday's sitting of [...] Deputy Leader Julius Espat: Only Way to Repeal Legislation is to Vote Out U.D.P. Deputy Leader Julius Espat, who also shared the head table with Fonseca, frankly says that the only means of repealing the newly passed law is to vote the present government [...] Mahogany Heights Resident Murdered Over the Weekend The last time Desmond Usher, a Mahogany Heights, Belize District, resident was seen alive was on Friday night. The handyman, who is the brother of Leonard "Ghost" Meyers, left his [...] 2 Men Arraigned for the Murder of Hattieville Taxi Driver Funeral services for taxi man, thirty-nine year old Patrick Dean Tillett was held at his home village of Hattieville earlier today. He was killed on Wednesday night as he sat [...] Tarique Thompson Succumbs to Gunshot Injuries Police have another investigation on their hand that is being upgraded to murder. Fifteen year Tarique Thompson, a second form student of Canaan High School, died on Saturday at the [...] Body of Missing Fisherman Mark Swaso Recovered at Sea The body of Mark Swaso, better known as Karm, a resident of Vista Del Mar, Ladyville was discovered this afternoon around three in the southern waters of Belize. Swaso, a [...] Body of Missing San Pedro Businessman Remains Lost at Sea But the Varela family of San Pedro is desperate and is asking for assistance in finding eighty year old businessman Leovijildo Varela, who was thrown out of a tugboat that [...] Stabbing Incidents Reported in Belize City and Caye Caulker There are also two stabbing incidents to report tonight. In Belize City, twenty-three year old Kevin Young of Boots Crescent was stabbed multiple times on the face and chest. The [...] Disgraced Politician Melvin Hulse Still Has a Place in Stann Creek West Melvin Hulse stepped down as standard bearer for the U.D.P. less than a week ago after apologizing profusely to the Prime Minister for allegations made against his boss. In a [...] Petrocaribe Celebrates Ten Years in Belize, PM Says Law Will Not be Repealed In the midst of all the discussion on the Petrocaribe Loans Act, which the Opposition wants repealed, the Petrocaribe initiative officially celebrates its tenth anniversary. While there was much fanfare [...] Barrow Says G.O.B. Won't Entertain Chamber Criticism of Petrocaribe Law As we told you earlier, the People's United Party has drafted a legislation that effectively serves as an alternative to the Petrocaribe Amendment Act.� While the P.U.P. took into consideration [...] PM Maintains Position on Rupert Myles' Unlawful Arrest Last Monday, the prime minister commented on the unlawful arrest of Rupert Myles, who was bound and shackled by villagers in Santa Cruz.� Despite the unlawful detention and the subsequent [...] Fisheries Industry Recognizes Outstanding Fisher Folk� The fishing industry is said to contribute approximately three to five percent to Belize's GDP and employs several thousand locals. At the heart of the industry stand the front line [...] �Accompanying Documentary Launched At the award ceremony this morning, a documentary was also launched, titled: Fishing: A Belizean Way of Life Now and Into the Future. Ralna Lewis, the lead on the project [...] Local CSME Unit Host Public Education Campaign CARICOM Week started on Sunday and runs through to Friday of this week. As part of its public education, the CSME Unit within the Ministry of Trade has embarked on [...] Football and Basketball Stats from Weekend Sporting Events Good evening, I'm James Adderley and this is Sports Monday. PLB 2015 Champion, Verdes FC headed north to Louisiana Field to face an Orange Walk selection in preparation for [...] LOVE FM Work to being on new bridge for San Ignacio/Santa Elena A contract was signed this morning for the construction of the new San Ignacio/Santa Elena/ bridge. The contract was awarded to Cisco contraction and both the Minister of Works, Rene Montero and his Chief Executive Office, Errol Gentle, say that this latest project will great benefit the people of the twin towns. Errol Gentle - [�] Cayo man charged for stabbing his father San Ignacio police have arrested a man for stabbing his father. Police say on Saturday they were on La Loma Luz Boulevard in Santa Elena when they saw a man who had blood on his clothes. Police detained the man and when they went to a house and searched a bedroom they saw another man [�] Delroy Cuthkelvin expresses interest in Stann Creek South, PM says not so fast Following Friday's House meeting, Prime Minister Dean Barrow was asked about the resignation of Melvin Hulse as the party's standard bearer in Stann Creek West. Barrow says that Hulse will still have a role to play in the constituency in terms of political campaign. Nathan Young has been fingered as the man who would replace [�] Taiwanese Ambassador hands over musical equipment Taiwanese Ambassador Benjamin Ho handed over a consignment of marching band instruments valued at twenty five thousand US dollars to Governor General Sir Colville Young as a contribution to his Music in the Schools Program. Sir Colville thanked Ambassador Ho for his generous gift to the young people of Belize and explained that most of [�] Belize celebrates and honors fisher folks Belize has joined in the celebration of Caribbean Fisherfolk Day. A ceremony took place earlier. The day is being observed under the theme, the Caribbean Community Common Fisheries Policy, breaking the cycle of poverty in fishing communities. One of the speakers at this morning's ceremony was The Executive Director of the Caribbean Regional Fisheries mechanism, [�] Coalition introduces new initiative Over the years the Belize Coalition to Save our Natural Heritage has come up with various methods of getting their message across. Today the organization introduced its latest initiative. Tanya Williams is the Executive Director. Tanya Williams - Executive Director, Belize Coalition to Save our Natural Heritage "Today we are handing over preprinted post cards [�] Men charged for taxi driver's murder Two men, Charles Middleton and Cesaro Choco, were charged with the murder of 39 year old taxi driver Patrick Spencer when they appeared today before the Chief Magistrate, Anne Marie Smith. They were remanded into custody until September 25. Spencer, who operated his taxi service at Novelo's Bus Terminal, was shot on Wednesday night, June [�] Prime Minister says economy on right track While the FIU has successfully managed to achieve a great feat for the country, Belize has been getting a lot of criticism from International monetary agencies such as the International Monetary fund and Inter-American development Bank. Their concern has to do with Belize's spending and beliefs if the Government's country on its spending path, that [�] FIU Director updates on recent Caribbean Financial Action Task Force meeting in Trinidad The Financial Intelligence Unit called a press conference today in which they highlighted Belize's recent attendance at the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force's Plenary Meeting in Port of Spain, Trinidad. The FIU reported that at the meeting, Belize was able to successfully exit both the International Country Risk Guide and Follow Up Processes. FIU Director, [�] Public Utilities Commission confirms dip in electricity rate The Public Utilities Commission has made its Final Decision in respect of the 2015 Annual Review Proceeding (ARP) for the Belize Electricity Limited. The Belize Electricity Limited made a submission for an Annual Review Proceeding on April 1, 2015, in which it recommended a reduction in the Mean Electricity Rate from 41.29 cents to 37.0 [�] Breaking Belize News Delroy Cuthkelvin unwanted in Stann Creek West Interest is rising in the Stann Creek West division where Melvin Hulse recently resigned after blasting his party in a private recording made public, then walking back his comments after facing multiple charges of libel. The United Democratic Party (UDP) has turned its attention to selecting a replacement [�] PUP defend walkout over Patrick Andrews; PM calls it "unforgivable" Speaker of the House Michael Peyrefitte ordered Senator Patrick Andrews to leave the gallery at Friday's meeting of the House of Representatives after he was found to have disrupted the session. Not surprisingly, both sides differ about the power of the Speaker to make that decision. For the [�] PUP presents alternative to Petrocaribe Loans Act; PM dismissive They did not get a chance to speak in the House of Representatives on Friday, but the People's United Party (PUP) had their say today at their spiritual home, Independence Hall in Belize City. Truth be told, their position has already been known for some time: Petrocaribe funds [�] Coalition promotes anti-petroleum platform through new media The Belize Coalition to Save Our Natural Heritage is not resting on its laurels as it seeks the complete banning of drilling for petroleum resources in the waters of Belize and in protected areas. Even though the Government has withdrawn its appeal against OCEANA, the Coalition and Citizens [�] Caribbean Fisherfolk Day celebrated with awards and documentaries Belize is celebrating Caribbean Fisherfolk Day in honor of the men and women who farm the seas for a favorite delicacy of the population and visitors as well. At today's official ceremony in Belize City, a Punta Gorda woman was recognized for her life on the sea. Of [�] Belize police seek two men wanted for robbery and murder The Belize Police Department is requesting the assistance of the general public in locating these two men. According to authorities, Timroy Neal is wanted in for robbery and Cardinal Alexander Lemoth Jr. is wanted for both murder and robbery. The two men are considered dangerous and Police are asking anyone [�] Elroy Peters, wanted for questioning Belize City Police are looking for Elroy Peters for questioning in connection to a stabbing incident in the Old Capital. Meanwhile, his victim, 23 year old Kevin Young of Boots Crescent Street in Belize City is listed at the KHMH in a stable condition after he was viciously attacked, allegedly [�] A businessman from San Pedro Town remains missing at sea According to reports, last Thursday night, well known tug boat owner, Leovijildo Varela was flung into the sea when the barge he was pulling, collided into his tugboat due to the stormy weather and rough seas. A search immediately ensued for Mr. Varela but up to the present moment, his [�] Man found murdered in his home in Mahogany Heights Reports reaching our news room is that a man identified as Desmond Usher was found murdered this morning in his home in Mahogany Heights. Information is still sketchy but we will be updating this story as more info becomes available. Governor General receives musical equipment from Taiwan Governor General of Belize, Sir Colville Young, received marching band instruments worth over US$25,000 which will be donated to two schools in Cayo and Belize District as part of the Music in the Schools program. Sir Colville is a trained musician and composer in addition to literary and academic pursuits. [�] Blogs Beautiful Caye Caulker, Belize All the Way to the South End Caye Caulker is a much bigger island than I've ever realized. The internet is telling me 5 miles long. There is the village�which is a perfect leisurely walk from end to end in just a few hours and many many stops. But that is just the village.. There is the whole north side�which is just starting to get electricity. There is what I will call the "far north" which I visited a few months ago with the owner HL Dole�and it is completely undeveloped. Which in this map is labeled "Caye Caulker Forest Reserve"�hmmm� And then there is the additional green�down in the south�below the village and the airstrip (you can see that white strip across the southern end). I decided to walk along the shore line this weekend and check that area out. Here are the many pictures I took in Caye Caulker. Caye Caulker's 2015 Lobsterfest Is A Total Island Celebration Caye Caulker is small enough and their Lobsterfest (THE ORIGINAL BELIZE FESTIVAL) is big enough so that it seems to take over the whole island. Sun and sand, gorgeous water and swimming kids, loud music, dancing and tons of food and drink - there is something for everyone and it's a full family affair. Since I took MANY MANY pictures�both of the candy colored caye charm ones and the Lobster Festival + Caye Caulker cuteness ones�here are photos of the Festival. More tomorrow. I arrived earlier than most of the crowds�on the 10am full water taxi out of San Pedro. For those who have not been to Caye Caulker, it is the divide in the island�BRILLIANT BLUE�and the location of the Lazy Lizard Bar. Aerial view of Caye Caulker taken by Danielle Burruss. International Sources Court Upholds Mayan Indigenous Land Rights In Belize The Caribbean Court of Justice has ruled that indigenous land rights in Belize must be honored by the government. The ruling upheld an earlier decision of an appeals court that gave the Maya people rights to land they have used and occupied for generations in the southern Belizean district of Toledo. The ruling requires that the land be demarcated, protected, and officially registered by the government of Belize. It also dictates that the government of Belize abstain from interfering with the Maya's land rights unless consent is given by the Maya people. In effect, the government of Belize is barred from issuing leases, grants, permits, concessions, or contracts authorizing logging, petroleum, mineral extraction, or any activity that would affect the Maya land rights. The victory for the Maya people confirms a 2004 report from the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, an agency of the Organization of American States. That report's findings were similar to the terms stipulated in the recent Caribbean Court of Justice ruling. One Of The World's Most Appealing Escape-It-All Retirement Spots Land, water, gold, timber, and oil. These are the agendas that have been bringing people to Belize since the Maya settled in the region more than 4,000 years ago. At one time, the forests, coastlines, and rivers of this country supported an agrarian Maya population of nearly 500,000, about 150,000 more people than live in Belize today. Life in Belize, in the time of the Maya and still today, revolves around its rivers. The country's rivers were once its highways of commerce and are still an important part of Belize's economy. There are only four paved highways but 35 major and minor riverine systems. The Belize River catchment and watershed, including the Macal and Mopan river tributaries, contains approximately half the population of Belize. The natural life in Belize today is similar to the natural life of this country in Mayan times. Explore caves and Maya temples, and you see hieroglyphs depicting the same iconic flora and fauna we see in modern-day Belize. Towering ceiba trees (the Maya Tree of Life), colorful toucans, and majestic jaguars continue to thrive in this still very undeveloped country. One of the Mayan creation stories features an iguana with the earth riding on its back. The iguana has existed in the tropical forests of Central America since the Cretaceous Period. The Yucatec Maya called the iguana huh, and today the locals call them bamboo chickens. Stage set for Caricom Summit in Barbados The theme "Vibrant Societies, Resilient Economies", is expected to guide Caribbean Community (Caricom) heads of Government as they tackle a packed agenda at their Thirty-Sixth Summit that will be held July 2-4, 2015, in Bridgetown, Barbados. A release from the Caricom Secretariat Monday said discussions will focus on issues including energy, in the context of a proposal for a new institution to lead the region's energy agenda; the Caricom Single Market and Economy; technological advancement in Caricom; mechanisms for identifying Caricom candidates for international positions; Caricom relations with the Dominican Republic; and border issues between Guyana and Venezuela, and Belize and Guatemala. A high-level strategic dialogue between the Caricom heads of Government and Ban Ki-Moon, United Nations secretary-general, is expected to precede the conference in the morning of Thursday July 2, also guided by the theme, Caricom: Vibrant Societies, Resilient Economies, A Partnership for Implementation. Caribbean women honored at APCCS celebration The illustrious careers of three phenomenal Caribbean-born women and their commitment to serve the community were highlighted during a Caribbean American Heritage Month celebration and awards presentation, in the Ball Room of Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center in Brooklyn. Thanks to the Action Performance Commitment Community Services Inc., in collaboration with the Guyana Cultural Association of N.Y., the June 25 evening which showcased the talents and versatility of expatriates, honored Guyanese American Claire Patterson-Monah, a senior associate executive director of the NYC Health and Hospitals Corporation, Queens Health Newtwork-Elmhurst & Queens Hospitals. Carol Reneau of Belize, a former Marine officer, special education teacher and literacy and education advocate, Political Science graduate, doctoral student and volunteer of Big Brothers Big Sisters, Brooklyn District's At-Risk Youth Program, accepted honors from APC President Dr. Janice Emanuel Bunn who lauded the nationals for their superb contributions during the evening's festivity. Videos TALK AH DI TOWN (FATHERS DAY), 25min. from PGTV News Network Feliz Dia de San Pedro, 1.5min. Here is a short glimpse at the Fisherman's Breakfast held after mass this morning, followed by the boat procession. More on the festivities coming shortly. Caye Caulker Cruisers, 3min. Our typical commute on Caye Caulker. Starring Kirk, Anna and Sue. Needs music but another quick, thrown-together vid. Eating a termite in Belize, 1/2min. I was told to give a termite a try. Supa G from Belize ..Performing Live @Savoy Inglewood, 3min. Nice show.