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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

Searious Thing: Beauty Queens Enjoy La Isla Bonita!
The beauties of Costa Maya Festival 2015 have been busy getting to know all about Ambergris Caye since they arrived on the island on Wednesday, July 29th. From dinners to photo calls and even attending awards shows, they have been quite busy. But on Sunday, August 2nd, it was time to get SEArious! Okay, not really! But they were ready for some real fun and relaxation at sea. And providing the perfect getaway was SEArious Adventures! All eight beauties from Central America and Mexico jumped on board the Searious Escape Catamaran for a wonderful day tour to Caye Caulker.

Caribbean Flavors
Capture the flavors the Caribbean with fresh local produce. Whether local ground food, fruits or veggies there's no better way to experience the best of Belize than through taste :-)

Miss San Pedro delegates sashed at official ceremony
Six beautiful island ladies were officially sashed as delegates of the 2015-2016 Miss San Pedro Pageant on Thursday, July 31st. The ceremony was held at Belizean Shores Resort on Northern Ambergris Caye, where each contestant was presented to their sponsors. The event kicked off at 7:30PM with Mayor Daniel Guerrero giving his remarks on the pageant. Guerrero congratulated the pageant committee's dedication to making the event so successful year after year, bringing local and international recognition. Following the opening address each delegate was presented with their sash by outgoing Miss San Pedro 2014-2015 Michelle Nu�ez and pageant choreographer and former Miss San Pedro, Yakarelis Hernandez. After the sashing, the delegates mingled with the guests, stopping at each table for a few minutes to converse.

Reina de La Costa Maya contestants officially presented to the public
The highly anticipated Reina de La Costa Maya Pageant is nearing, and the eight lovely ladies vying for the crown are preparing for a spectacular show. As per tradition, Fido's Restaurant and Bar hosted the ladies on their second night on the island, officially sashing them as Cost Maya delegates. The glamourous event took place on Thursday, July 30th shortly after 9PM under the biggest palapa in San Pedro. After receiving their sashes, the beauties enjoyed a spectacular night of dining, dancing and mingling with the Belizean community. Presenting the delegates with their official sashes that will be used throughout the rest of their stay, was Fido's general manager, Brian Cook accompanied by the reigning 2014/2015 Queen Elisa Espinoza G�mez. Dressed in stunning outfits, each participant proudly received their sash and shared a couple words with those in attendance. In the running for the title and crown are Miss Belize Samalia Vernon, Mexico Samantha Gut�errez G�nzalez-Rubio, Miss Costa Rica Corlin On Porras, Miss El Salvador Genesis Margarita Fuentes Bola�os, Miss Honduras Gabriela Vanessa Salazar Valle, Miss Nicaragua Yuliset Laguna, Miss Panama Maria Saavendra and Miss Guatemala Lisa Hayet Francis.

Renowned Biologist Shawn Heflick studies American Crocodiles in Ambergris Caye
Another issue identified by Heflick is the declining health of the animals. Through testing and previous studies by Tellez, who is the Central American Co-Chair of the International Union for Conservation of Nature and sits at the International Species Survival Commission of the Crocodile Specialist Group, it has become evident that many crocodiles are sickly. "We are seeing several issues with crocodiles' health. Those suffering the most are hatchlings. They are very sick and dying at unprecedented rates. These are the next generation for the species, and if they don't survive, the population will crash. The growth in human population is altering the ecosystem where these animals live and they are suffering the adverse effects," said Heflick. Crocodilians have been one of the longest surviving creatures on the planet and are known to have one of the most resistant immune systems that can live and survive healthily in the worst environmental conditions. Heflick stated that these signs of illness in crocodiles in San Pedro indicate major concerns in the ecosystem that need to be rectified immediately.

Ambergris Today

San Pedro Bids Farwell to Mr. Efrain Guerrero
San Pedro is in mourning as we report with sadness the loss of a son, a bedrock, a beloved dad, grandfather, uncle, brother, and great grandfather, Mr. Efrain Lorenzo Guerrero. Frain or Frainy, as his close friends and family called him, was one of San Pedro's grand activists and contributed much to the development of the coconut community, the fishing village and the vibrant Town of San Pedro. In the 1950's it was Don Efrain who acted as agent of the lobster buyers Colony Club, that operated from Belize City. Fisher folks delivered whole lobsters right at the beach and received payment immediately from don Efrain, who transported the produce to Belize City by sailing boat. Don Efrain introduced to San Pedro the very first outboard engine opening the doors for others to enjoy this privilege.

Costa Maya Pageant Delegates Paint the Town Red
One of the perks of being a beauty ambassador at the Costa Maya Festival is that local businesses pamper the candidates, including restaurants, resorts, tour operators and gift shops. During the days leading to pageant night, August 6, 2015, the eight contestants, along with the reigning Miss Costa Maya, enjoy San Pedro's hospitality as they are wined and dined at some of the island's best eateries, explore the underwater marvels of our coral reef and set sail to our national marine park and visit neighboring islands. Here are some of the highlights: Sailing and Dining on the Yolo Catamaran, Island Dream Tours, Sashing Ceremony at the Fido's Restaurant & Bar, Sea Trek adventure with Discovery Expeditions...

BTB Honors Celi McCorkle as Belize Tourism Pioneer
"I wish I had 50 more years," is all Mrs. Celi McCorkle had to say to the gathering at the BTB Tourism Awards ceremony that took place on Saturday, August 1, 2015. The award's show, now in its 13th year, celebrated a special 50 Years of Tourism on Ambergris Caye. The highlight of the evening was a celebration of a pioneer in the tourism industry for the entire country of Belize. Mrs. Celi Nunez McCorkle, whose hotel, Holiday Hotel, is celebrating 50 years of service to San Pedro, also marks the commencement of tourism in Ambergris Caye and in a way, the entire country.

Misc Belizean Sourcesmzz

Men charged for Bank Robbery
First Caribbean Bank Branch, located at the corner of Phillip Goldson Highway and Central American Boulevard in Belize City was robbed on July 31st at 8:40 a.m. Three men escaped with $50,000. Police had reviewed cameras from the bank and detained 5 persons for questioning. Officers have since arrested and charged 22-year-old Patrick Jones of Gabourel Lane, 33-year-old Jermaine Belgrave of Courtenay Crescent, 30-year-old Jareth Crawford of Gabourel Lane and 24-year-old Emmerson Skyers of Cemetery Road, jointly for the crime of "Robbery."

Costa Maya Delegates with Rene, owner of Caramba Restaurant
They are ready for a savoring lunch.

Pueblo Nuevo Ferry closed Thursday
The Pueblo Nuevo Ferry on Ferry Road will be closed this Wednesday August 5th, 2015 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The Ministry of Works apologizes for any inconveniences caused.

Belize does not have to consult anybody to build a coast guard base
By Wellington C. Ramos. Under international law, nations have the right to govern their countries and citizens in accordance with their constitutions, without the interference of other nations in their domestic affairs. For Guatemala to tell Belize that they do not have the right to establish a coast guard base on Sarstoon Island is in gross violation of international law. Unless, Belize signed an agreement with Guatemala stating that before they construct any type of military base in that area Guatemala must be consulted first. If Belize signed such an agreement with them, the people of Belize should know, because that is conceding some of our territorial rights to a foreign nation, which is in violation of the government's constitutional obligations.

Cristo Rey Women's Group Arts and Craft Center Inaugurated
he Minister of Works and Transport and Area Representative for Cayo Central, Hon. Rene Montero today inaugurated an Arts and Craft Center for the Cristo Rey Women's Group. The women's group was formed in June 2012 with the ambitious goal of producing arts and craft and bakery products. Their members total 30 gracious ladies. The ladies have been using the Community Center for their arts and craft and baking activities. However, since the Community Center is used for various village purposes there was need for the construction of a building that would be specific for commercial use by the ladies group. Three years after its formation the group can proudly say that it has its own Arts and Craft Center. The construction of the Center was completed at the end of June this year. The Center has a kitchen section for hygienic food preparation and an area for arts and craft production, exhibition and sales. This project is a timely investment in the Group's quest to become an effective and sustainable economic entity in Cristo Rey Village. With their new building and the use of proper business management practices, the ladies are now poised to contribute to an increase in employment and earnings for themselves and their families.

BOLEDO DRAWING for Monday, August 3, 2015: 94. PICK 3: 8 8 6

Plastic trash in the environment
As you may have noticed we have a group of visiting scientists / artists visiting Caye Caulker and raising awareness about plastic trash in the environment by collecting trash and turning it in to art. These visitors and local residents will be joining forces tomorrow morning, Tuesday to pick trash up along the shoreline from the Mini Reserve to as far south as we get, including the cemetery if we have enough help. Meet at the Mini Reserve at 7 AM. Gloves are recommended, buckets are helpful, trash bags are always appreciated.

Reina de la Costa Maya Delegates enjoying a delightful evening at Mambo Restaurant.

Noches San Pedrano - Traditional Dress - at Ramon's Village Resort.

Big Up our Corozal talent heading to the Nationals!!!
Our home grown talent is headed to the National Song Competition in Belize City, Friday August 14th. Both Mr. Egbert Gill (Senior Division) and Miss Brianna Castro (Junior Division) won in the Regional Elimination Rounds held last month and will represent the Corozal District in the Belize Song Category. You can listen to the songs at www.mynationalsong.bz. Congratulations on your achievements, and we wish you all the best at the Finals!!

PAT BENNETT & BELIZE'S SOFTBALL HALL OF FAME!
Belizean softball giant, Pat Bennett, of the 1974 Gold Medal Team became one of the assets against the Caribbean and Central American softball teams to win the historical gold medal for Belize. She later on became Belize's first female president of Belize Softball Federation doing an incredible job for the continuation of Belizean softball. A true Belizean hero beyond the game!

MICHAEL HYDE: BELIZEAN GRAMMY AWARD WINNER!
Belizean Legends look forward soon to bring you the incredible success story of Belize's most accomplished musician and artist of all times, Michael Hyde. The prolific piano and keyboard player carries a pack schedule every summer, juggling his work with the legendary Jamaican artists, Ziggy Marley with the worldwide performance of some of the biggest acts in reggae music like Big Mountain, Wailing Souls, and other big reggae and world beat acts.

BELIZEAN SOFTBALL PAN AM GAMES STAR, BERNADINE MCDOUGALL, ON THE SET OF WHEN WE WERE QUEENS!
Called here at Belizean Legends, the Quiet Storm of Belizean softball stardom, Bernadine Mcdougall became of those outstanding Belizean softball champions of the 1979 Belize Softball Hall of Fame that won over the United States in the 1979 Pan American Games. The gold and Bronze medalist appears here on set with your truly, Bilal Morris in the shooting of the documentary When We Were Queens. Outstanding!

THE ONE & ONLY LORD RHABURN IN RARE FORM!
Belize's most celebrated Calypsonian, musician, artist extraordinaire, and musical legend, the Mighty Lord Rhaburn strikes one of his most popular poses during a performance with his legendary band, The Lord Rhaburn Combo. The Lord will be Primetime act at the 2015 Belize Independence Day Celebrations at Hollywood Park & Casino in Inglewood in September of this year. Belizean Legends will post event soon. The Mighty Lord Rahburn, coming down to Los Angeles, California like dogs of war!

IN STUDIO WITH SOFTBAL LEGEND DEBORAH THEUS SANCHEZ!
Deborah Theus Sanchez held her own as one of the 1974 Gold Medalist that played at the 1974 Central American & Caribbean Games in Santa Domingo where Belize won the gold medal. They are called the Gold Medal Team, and Theus Sanchez has been no stranger to glory and victory in Belizean softball of old.

FROM THE GLORY DAYS OF MCC GROUNDS TO THE MARION JONES SPORTING COMPLEX: LET THERE BE TRACK!
The building of the new synthetic track at the Marion Jones Sporting Complex appears to have reach completion but without any fanfare and publicity in terms of its readiness for competitions. We Belizeans celebrate the glory days of Track & Field in Belize in the 1960's, 70's and 80's, and mourn for the days of track and field glory to come back again. Let the races begin!

SHOOTING WHEN WE WERE QUEENS WITH THE INCREDIBLE BELIZEAN SOFTBALL STRIKER, GLENDA ELLIS!
Even the golden ladies of Belize's softball hall of fame before her like Linda Lewis mentioned Glenda Ellis's incredible softball athleticism as one of the upcoming players that were talked about in the Belizean softball circles. It was an honor to hear this softball great story!

ON THE SET WITH BELIZEAN SOFTBALL GREAT, ELAINE SMITH!
Memorable and lasting shots with Belizean softball great, Elaine Smith, that will produce one of the most outstanding softball stories of all times called When We Were Queens. This Belizean gold medalist was one of the champions of the 1974 Central American & Caribbean Games when Belize whipped every nation in sight in the Caribbean and Central America to win the highest award, The Gold Medal!

YOURS TRULY & BELIZEAN SOFTBALL ACE PITCHER, MARGARET USHER!
Margaret Usher pitched gold in the 1979 Juvenille Softball tournament in Mexico, and then went on that same year to beat the greatest softball team in the world at that time, the United States Orlando Rebels, wining the bronze medal at the 1979 Pan American Games. Golden lady!

TWO CLASSIC BELIZEAN BROADCASTERS REVISITED!
True memories of two of the most talented Belizean broadcasters who were masters in their own leagues. The captivating voices of the late Edison 'Seferino' Coleman and David Buddan still lingers on in the minds of many a Belizeans. Stay gold gentlemen!

Channel 7

Bank Robbers Busted
On Friday, five armed men robbed the First Caribbean Bank's northside City Branch - and tonight police charged the 5 men who they believe are the culprits. They are 22-year-old Patrick Jones, 33-year-old Jermaine Belgrave, 30-year-old Jareth Crawford, 32 year-old Erwin Castillo and 24-year-old Emerson Skyers, and they have been charged with conspiracy to commit robbery. Everyone except Erwin Castillo was additionally charged with the crime of robbery. All five have been remanded to prison. As we told you, the robbery happened just before 9:00 a.m. on Friday at the san Cas Plaza - in the thick of the payday rush, and the robbers first right in - they dressed like ordinary civilians to get inside without raising any suspicion. Their faces were caught on the bank's surveillance cameras, and that will be a key piece of evidence when they actually face trial.

Heritage Bank Buys Over First Caribbean Assets, 60 Workers Sacked
But collecting the insurance on that money won't be First Caribbean's problem - and that's because they are selling out their Belize operations to Heritage Bank. A release this evening confirmed what has been rumoured for weeks: FirstCaribbean and has finalized an agreement to transfer their assets to Heritage Bank in what is called a "first-of -its-kind consolidation." The deal will still take some weeks to finalize as it has to meet with regulatory approval in both Belize and Barbados where First Caribbean is headquartered. Managing Director of Heritage Bank, Stephen Duncan, is quoted as saying that the acquisition will cement his bank's place in the Belize market. The CEO of FirstCaribbean's Regional Operations, Mr. Rik Parkhill is quoted as saying, "these decisions are never easy, however it was necessary to sharpen our focus on the growth opportunities we have in other markets where we operate�.given the growth path we have identified we have made the difficult decision to sell our Belize operations."

PUP Kumbaya, Kinda...
Recently, we've been telling you about the PUP's rebel 12, a dozen candidates who feel that the party is on the road to electoral ruin. They were calling for a national convention - one where they could challenge leader Francis Fonseca. That proposal was squashed by the national executive - and the PUP moved ahead with business as usual, launching their "Power to the People Tour" - the first one going right into the heart of Cayo - where one of the lead rebels, Dan Silva has his political stronghold. Well, right on cue, Silva showed up, while 10 of the other 12 dissidents stayed home. We asked him pointedly if the rebellion has been put down. Here's what he told us: Daniel Ortiz "You're seen here, we know that you were a part of the original 10-12 individuals from the party politicians who voiced that issue that they want that national convention held and we want to see if the support is still for Francis Fonseca as leader. What should we make of attendance here today? Are you separated from that 10 now or what do we make of it?"

While the PUP Fights, UDP Observes
And while the PUP is trying to stir the spirit of '96 with its power to the people tour, the UDP is just looking on�.no doubt happy for the PUP's internal strife and political misfortunes. Today, we got an opportunity to discuss it with Education Minister Patrick Faber, the area representative in the Collet Division. As a veteran politician, he commented on the rift in the opposition, and the influence it has on the voting public: Hon. Patrick Faber, Minister of Education "We've gone on record to say that we love Francis Fonseca as Leader of the Opposition. Can't seem to win an election and that of course keeps us happy that he is the leader of the party. But I think if I am allowed to meddle a bit - that they really do some soul searching in that party and to own up to some realities. I've heard the leader of the opposition say that he has placed his leadership on the table for anybody to call him out if you will. But nobody should have to do that. If you are in the position where you have lost so many elections, it should be unconditional that you say to your party 'you know what, I cannot, I have not done it, I have failed you and so I should depart.' That would certainly be a position that I would take. You've heard Mr. Barrow take similar position over the time that he has been leadership in the UDP. Of course he has not been in any position near what Francis Fonseca has been in. Since he has been leader, we continue to make gains and we have small victories that eventually translate` into much larger victories for the UDP."

With PUP Problems, Is The UDP Heading For An Early(ier) Election?
So, since these problems continue to plague the PUP, will the UDP Government call a snap general election? That's what everyone wants to know, and when we asked Faber about that, he said that the Prime Minister is playing it close to his chest: Hon. Patrick Faber, Minister of Education "We have to be weighing these events happening with the opposition quite continuously, because you never can tell what is going to happen next. A lot of things have happened so far, but whether it translates into an early election for us is something that requires more thought. We are always very careful. I mean there are examples in the past where people have jumped at such opportunities and of course that has not turned out well. So, we want to be careful. We are optimistic that we can call an early elections and in fact the Prime Minister has given indications that is something that is quite possible. He is the ultimate decision maker when it comes to that. But as far as we see it, yes, an early election is quite possible. When it is, when it is the right time to strike is what is still to be decided and of course as I've said, the ultimate decision will be made by the Prime Minister. But of course we weigh in all of these factors that are happening with the opposition." "I myself are never too overly cautious, because I know that the UDP for instance was once in a very bad position back in 1998 and of course it did not signaled the death of the UDP. The UDP came back, rose and is now the winningest part since the independence of this country. So, the PUP is down, but I am not counting them out and we are not taking anything for granted."

Former OW Mayor Guilty OF Causing Death By Careless Conduct
He's a Crown Counsel in the Attorney General's Ministry, and a former mayor of Orange Walk Town, but tonight Ravell Gonzalez guilty of knocking down 2 persons and causing their deaths by careless conduct. That's the verdict that a jury of 9 handed down this evening after 3 hours of deliberation. The incident happened on at around 7:30 p.m. on June 15, 2008, between miles 35 and 36 on the Phillip Goldson Highway. The jury heard evidence that Gonzalez was driving his Dodge Caravan, heading towards Orange Walk. That's when he knocked down and killed Manuel Coto and his 2 year-old toddler Martita Lopez. Coto was walking the bike, while the toddler was sitting on it. In his defense, Gonzalez told the court that he was temporarily blinded by a light of a vehicle coming in the opposite direction. After deliberating the evidence presented on both sides, the jury found Gonzalez guilty of both counts of causing death by careless conduct.

10 Year Old In PG Missing In Water Mishap, Presumed Drowned
A police search team has been looking for a 10 year old boy who went missing in Punta Gorda on Friday. That's when a few American summer camp organizers took a group of Belizeans including kids on a tour of the Blue Creek Cave. But after the tour ended at 3:30, they realized that 10 year old Jason Pau was missing. The group searched the area and then called police when no one could find him. When we spoke to Punta Gorda police today, they told us that there are varying reports. Some witnesses say the boy jumped into the water others say he was pushed in and drowned - police are still trying to piece the facts together. They told us that another search was done today in the cave because there was a foul odor coming from inside but there was no sign of the boy. For now police are treating this case as a missing persons case until they actually find a body to confirm that it was a drowning. Police say they will continue to search tomorrow. Pau is from Cuxlin Ha Village.

BTB's Gives Private Sector Broad Strokes Of Tourism Re-Tooling
On Saturday in San Pedro, the Belize Tourism Board held its Industry Conference. It's an annual event where the BTB sits down with private sector stakeholders to discuss common concerns - and try their best to convince the private interests that their investments are safe, and things are looking up. That's proven true in the past few years when arrival figures have been on an upward trend - but this year, the figures are on a down tick - so we wondered what the message would be. Director of Tourism Karen Bevans gave that to us right off the bat:.. Karen Bevans, Director of Tourism "The main message Jules, is that the industry is strong, it's stable, tourism is growing and there are many opportunities in new and emerging markets that the BTB is looking at and is going after for the stake holders." Jules Vasquez reporting On Saturday at the Fido's courtyard in San Pedro - that's the message that tourism stakeholders - mostly from the overnight sector gathered to hear at the annual industry presentation.

Learning Computers Engineering From Bottom To Top
Last week, we told you about how the Public Utilities Commission wants your high schooler to become tech savvy. They want to give kids the tools to learn how to take apart a computer and build it from scratch, using the most basic components. The science will come from the computer teachers in their high school. So, the PUC opened their train the trainers workshop today where the teachers are going to be learning how to make use of the Raspberry Pi computing system as the teaching tool. 7News stopped by to see the start of the program. Daniel Ortiz reports: Daniel Ortiz reporting The first 3 units of the Raspberry Pi were on display at the official opening of the Train the Teachers workshop.

Cops Commence Crackdown On Public Drinking/Loitering
Public drinking and loitering - these two practices are the bane of the city's southside - and commander Chester Williams is determined to put an end to it. Now others have tried and failed, but Williams - who is an attorney - is putting his lawyerly knowledge to use by issuing warning letters - which spell out very clearly the offence, and the penalty for offenders who ignore the warning. Last week, he told us what's behind the crackdown:.. Sr. Supt Chester Williams, OC - E.D. Southside "Most of the crimes occurring on the streets of Belize City emanates from either loitering or public drinking. So what we will be doing one month from today, we will be enforcing public drinking and loitering. So I am drafting some generic letters, which I will be giving to the patrolling officers. So if they see you to meet you public drinking, they will serve you a written notice informing you, 'you know what, what you are doing here is public drinking, it is contrary to this section of the law and the consequence of public drinking is X,Y,Z and if you are caught public drinking again, this will be the result.' The same thing with loitering." Williams says they have started issuing the warning letters today.

Cops Shot Man Twice
Police shot a man twice for advancing towards them with a machete. On Saturday night around 7:00, 47 year old Jennifer Ramos was at her home in Punta Gorda with her 19 year old boyfriend Byron Paiz when he began threatening to burn down the house. Ramos called the police and when they arrived Paiz advanced on the two officers with a machete. One of them shot Paiz in his right hand to subdue him. The officers took the machete away and threw it on the ground but Paiz scrambled to reclaim it - and that's when the police officer fired the second shot to his right leg. He was taken to the Punta Gorda Hospital where he was later transported to the K.H.M.H in a stable condition. When Paiz is released he will be charged with 2 counts of aggravated assault.

Man Stabs Teenager, Throws Acid in His face For Having Sex With Underaged Daughter
A man stabbed a 16-year-old boy for allegedly having sex with his 13 year old daughter. The incident happened in Sandhill this afternoon at around 1:00. The father reportedly walked in on both having sex at their house. The enraged father grabbed a knife and stabbed the 16 year old boy twice and then threw acid on the boy's face. The boy is at the KHMH with a stab wound to the stomach and the father has been detained by police.

Wide Sargussum In Seas Off San Pedro
The entire Caribbean, including the islands and Coast of Belize as well as Mexico's eastern seaboard are under attack by Sargussum - which you might call seaweed. But sargussum is different from the traditional seaweed - the brown mass it moves in vast drifts and is a living organism. But, it's a blemish on the beaches and shoreline- and a major headache to clean because it rots and generates a foul odour. In San Pedro on Saturday - with a sargassum spread right in front of her - The Director of Tourism told us it is on their radar. Karen Bevans, Director of Tourism "The seaweed, the sargussum, is something by nature which we are working with stakeholders in some way or the other to get the necessary equipment or resources to clean up the beach. most of them have employed additional workers to clean up the beach daily, which yes it's unfortunate that we have that situation, it do creates some employment for some of the persons out here. We are now just trying to deal with it how we can to minimize the effect on tourism." Jules Vasquez "Is it resulting a lot of negative reviews on Trip Advisor?"

The Changing Airline Picture
And while that is in the sea, in the air the Belize Tourism Board has other worries. Yes, as we've been reporting the number of airlines coming to Belize are more than ever - but that also means that traditional hubs such as Miami are seeing their dominance erode. In fact reports say that American may soon be sending smaller planes to Belize less frequently do to unsold seats. On Saturday we asked the Director about the changes in the dynamics of air transport into Belize:.. Karen Bevans, Director of Tourism "We recognize that maybe certain areas, the seats are not filled, but if you look at it now, south west is moving into the Houston area. Because we have to look at the travelling patterns and recognize the hubs which the travelers are using. So yes one are may not work out, for example, Miami may be going down but we're opening up in Houston and LA. Again we have been asked to look at Canada which we are in serious discussion trying to get a direct flight from Canada."

Local Tourism A Hit
And while the international tourists can jostle for space on all those carriers - local tourists can jump in a bus, or a water taxi for their vacation. That's what the BTB is encouraging with a local tourism drive which they launched earlier this month. Director Bevans says it's been going swimmingly:.. Karen Bevans, Director of Tourism "That is impressive, we did not expect the results we have been seeing so far. Stakeholders have been contributing promo codes, we've been given special rates to Belizeans and already we are hearing feedback that the stakeholders are seeing the promo codes being used. In fact just today, they told me that a wedding is happening because of the promo codes as well."

The PUP Taking It To The People
At the top of the news, we showed you interviews with PUP big shots talking about the ongoing internal rift in their party. They were speaking at the first stop of the PUP's Power to the People Tour. And while the controversy eclipsed the tour, the idea behind the meetings is to make the leaders of the party more available to their followers for public consultation. As we said at the top of the news, we counted about 700 persons in attendance, but the politicians at the event told us that they're satisfied with yesterday's turn out in San Ignacio.: Hon. Julius Espat - Deputy Leader PUP "This is not a rally. This is a the start of our consultation and I think it's a reasonable crowd, we have I believe a little over 1,000 people which is a fair amount of people for what it is. It is the start of what we are going to do throughout the whole country which is consultation. Anybody can go up there, ask their questions, make a statement and hopefully we can respond a way that they see fit."

How To Pick Your Favourite September Song
The National Song Competition: it's the event that marks the beginning of the September celebrations and gets everybody in the mood for Carnival and the calendar of events throughout the month. Well, the competition is set for the 14th of this month and the 18 finalists are preparing to take the stage. Today we spoke with the Communications Officer for NICH, Shari Willaims and she told us why it's important to have this competition every year and what you can expect on the 14th. There are two main categories in the competition: The Belize Song and Carnival Song. To vote for your favorite song you can go to the website mynationalsong.bz. All the songs have been uploaded so you can listen and click to vote.

Yolanda Gomez Speaks, Just A Little
Last week we told you how the General Manager of La Inmaculada Credit Union, Yolanda Gomez got her walking papers. They also said she had failed to comply with proper banking procedures and that she was afforded the opportunity make herself available to assist in the investigations but she did not do so. So, you might think she is lying low - but today she gave CTV -3 an interview in which she noted the petition in her favour: Yolanda Gomez was very limited in what she could say on the instructions of her lawyer.