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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

Francis Fonseca to retire from politics: PUP in search of new party leader
After being in the political arena since 2003 and serving as the People's United Party (PUP) leader since 2011, Honorable Francis Fonseca is stepping down not only as party leader but also as a politician. The announcement was made a day after the 2015 General Elections on Thursday, November 5th during a press conference at the PUP headquarters in Belize City. Fonseca announced that he will be stepping down as party leader and retiring from politics immediately after serving this term (2015-2020). Fonseca is the incumbent Area Representative for the Freetown Constituency, who defeated United Democratic Party's (UDP) Carla Barnett and the Belize Progressive Party's (BPP) Elizabeth Villanueva Dena. "Ladies and gentlemen, it has been my distinct honor and privilege to lead the People's United Party over the past four years. I think given the results of the 2015 General Elections, it is right and appropriate that I stand down as the leader of the PUP. I certainly want to thank the wonderful people of Freetown for their unwavering support for four consecutive general elections. I had been and continue to be humbled by their love and support. This has been my last election. I am still in my 40s, but I think I will have to find another way to contribute to the development of Belize. I will of course serve out my term working for the people of Freetown. But I do not intend to seek re-election," said Fonseca before a crowd of party members and supporters.

Ambergris Today

Manuel Heredia Keeps Tourism Ministry as New Belize Cabinet Appointed
Hon. Manuel Heredia Jr. who now takes on his third term as area representative of Belize Rural South (Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker & St. George's Caye) also takes on his third term as Minister of Tourism for the country of Belize after showing much progress and increase in tourism for the country. Heredia was given back his ministries of Tourism and Civil Aviation, but his ministry of Culture was handed out to another Cabinet member. He joins a new Cabinet that was appointed by Prime Minister Dean Barrow on Monday, November 9, 2015. "Congratulation are in order to all my fellow UDP candidates who went to the polls and I am most grateful that the UDP is remaining in office," commented Hon. Heredia. "Congratulations are also in order to our Prime Minister, who led us to a victory a third time. I would like to thank the Belizean people who have placed their trust in me once again. Thank you to all my supporters that gave up their time and resources, to ensure that the work of the UDP continues. Once again thank you for your unconditional support!"

Misc Belizean Sourcesmzz

Stolen Golf Cart in San Pedro
REWARD FOR INFORMATION LEADING TO THE RECOVERY OF STOLEN GOLF CART: green cart, plate # 2174. Contact 226-4949 or 631-6666

Communique - Inaugural Sitting of the House of Representatives and the Senate

Poets Corner: Educational Zoning
It's time Belize restructures its system of education to accommodate the out of school population To make it relevant to the needs of the nation Arts, dance, agriculture discipline, aptitude and applicable to the population This must be done on a 24 hour rotation It must begin with alphabetization Using UB students, retired teacher, volunteers and teachers vacationing To teach the populace reading Instead of CPDs that are boring Summer incentive with accreditation to another degree in learning The curriculum needs revamping From a European to Caribbean style of teaching School hours needs some tweaking We need re evaluate the population we're serving 8-5, 1-5, 5-9 dah evening Mek sure every household has a garden Revitalize neighborhood and create gardens By engaging in abandoned lot clearing and planting

Children's playground in Lords Bank Village
The Rotary Club of Belize District 4250 is pleased to announce the inauguration of a children's playground in Lords Bank Village, today Tuesday, November 10, 2015, at 5:00 pm. The building of the Lords Bank Playground was coordinated by the Rotary Club of Belize, Rotary Interact Club of Vegreville Alberta Canada, Emmanuel Foundation and the Lords Bank Community. Today's inauguration marks the 15th playground that the Emmanuel Foundation, Rotary Clubs of Belize, the Interact Club of Belize, and other partnerships with local communities, have built.

H.E. Dr. Po-Ya Chang, President of the Control Yuan, the Republic of China (Taiwan), Leads a Delegation to Visit Belize
Her Excellency Dr. Po-Ya Chang, President of the Control Yuan of the Republic of China (Taiwan), the supervisory agency of the country, together with Her Excellency Jane Y. W. Chiang, Member and Chairperson of International Affairs Committee (IAC) of the Control Yuan, and two staff members, are scheduled to visit Belize from November 12 to 14 2015. The purpose of President Chang's visit is to sign an Agreement on Cooperation between the Office of the Ombudsman of Belize and the Control Yuan of the Republic of China (Taiwan), with Hon. Lionel Arzu, Ombudsman of Belize, to strengthen the cooperation and exchanges between these two agencies and to promote and safeguard human rights. The Control Yuan is an independent watchdog body of the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), comprised of 29 members and the Ministry of Audit. All members, including the Control Yuan President, are appointed by the ROC President for a term of six years, which may be renewed. The Control Yuan is mandated to investigate complaints of malfeasance or criminal acts committed by public servants or agencies and to censure or impeach them. Members are empowered to launch investigations on their own initiative. In instances where the watchdog agency concludes that crimes have been committed, it refers such cases to both courts and the Judicial Yuan's Commission on the Disciplinary Sanctions of Functionaries.

Energy Week
The Ministry of Energy, Science & Technology and Pubic Utilities (MESTPU), is pleased to announce that Belize will be hosting CARICOM Energy Week during the week of November 8 - 14, 2015. During this week the MESTPU will be hosting an Energy Expo as a part of a regional effort to raise awareness and foster innovation in the area of sustainable energy in caribbean countries for national and regional development. It is specifically designed to raise awareness within the public and private sectors, civil society and academia of the innovative approaches required for the ef fective adoption of sustainable energy solutions development in government, business and social development geared at enhancing Belize's global competitiveness. Under the theme, "EmPOWERing Our Sustainable Development", the Energy Expo will feature sessions dedicated to practical uses of sustainable energy technologies and systems in education, business, and government. Access to affordable, clean and sustainable energy supplies is one of the greatest challenges facing humanity during the twenty-first century. Belize is in a unique position to lead the charge in the adoption of sustainable energy for development.

Power interruption 9:00am to 3:00pm, Thursday November 12, Belize District
Mile 8 to 25 on the George Price Highway including Sunset Park, Western Pines, Tropical Park, Hattieville, Freetown Sibun, Gracie Rock, Bainsville, Rockville, Jih Chan, entire Boom Hattieville Road and Belize River Valley including Fresh Pond, Burrell Boom, Castleton, Flowers Bank, Isabella Bank, Scotland Halfmoon, Bermudian Landing, Lemonal, Double Head Cabbage, Willows Bank, Saint Paul's Bank, Big Falls, & Rancho Dolores. BEL to replace utility poles carrying high voltage lines.

Xunantunich Conservation Work
The Institute of Archaeology is doing some conservation work on Xunantunich's structure A13. When was the last time you visited Xunantunich? "The Institute of Archaeology continues on with its mission of preserving our sites and enhancing them for visitation. Conservation works were carried out on Structure A13 at Xunantunich. Visit the site today and see the work that was done!"

Peace Corps Belize is hiring for the following positions
1. Safety and Security Manager 2. Health Project, Program Manager Please visit the Embassy's official website for more information on the specific positions and the application requirements.

Embassy Auction
Saturday, November 14at 8:00am. U.S. Embassy Silent/Sealed Bid Auction Items for auction include household furniture, carpets, office furniture, appliances, motor vehicles, computers and more!!! PLEASE NOTE - registration and preview are on FRIDAY, November 13, 2015 from 1-3 PM and the actual auction will be on Saturday, November 14, 2015 (8-9 AM registration and preview) from 9 AM to 12 PM.

This is our prime minister's last term
By Wellington C. Ramos. I hope that the United Democratic Party (UDP) establishes a vibrant and permanent Youth Corps to groom future leaders within the party. One of the biggest problems I am seeing with our political parties in Belize is that some people are running for political offices and have little leadership qualities and substance. People who are elected to political offices have to deal with complex issues that will affect our people and nation. Establishing a Youth Corps within all the political parties will increase the possibilities of producing better leaders for our people and country. When George Price died it was a major loss to the PUP because all they knew was George Price as their leader from the 1950s. It affected them so much that even up to this day they act as if they would like to raise him from the dead to be their leader again. George Price is already dead and there cannot be another George Price like George Price, those days are gone. Why? Because they did not groom other people within their party to replace him as a good leader. Unlike the PUP, the UDP hero was always Philip Goldson but he did not remain the leader of the party since the 1970s. Also, the UDP does not highlight Philip Goldson the way the PUP highlights George Price. This is a big mistake on the UDP party's part because when it comes to the issue of "Guatemala", no Belizean that I know could have a record of defending and protecting Belizean rights to our country like Philip Goldson.

Bahia Fest high end fashion show
Save the Date: Friday, November 20th for Bahia Fest high end fashion show sponsored by Mujer total. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Ambergris Caye Camp Star Fish. Join us for a high end fashion show sponsored by Mujer total. Original fall and winter designs will be showcased along the runway. Ticket admission is $55 BZ. Please visit Caribbean Villas or The Candle Garden to purchase your ticket. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Ambergris Caye Camp Starfish. There will be raffle items and an auction in addition to the latest fashion trends! This event is hosted by: Mujer Total, The Candle Garden, Amber Beach Bar & Grill, Consul de Belice & Caribbean Villas

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY
The OAS Department of Human Development and Education the Inter-American Telecommunications Commission (OAS/CITEL) in collaboration with the Administraci�n Nacional de Telecomunicaciones del Uruguay-ANTEL-; are offering scholarships for the course "Redes de Nueva Generaci�n-NGN-". This is an online course and will be delivered in Spanish. The course will be delivered through the online platform of ANTEL; from December 7th to December 18th, 2015 and from January 18th to March 1st, 2016. Scholarships recipients will be selected from among applications bmitted to the OAS Department of Human Development and Education through the National Liaison Office (ONE) in each Member State.

Boledo Drawing: November 10, 2015: 31

AMAURYS
IMPORTANT NOTICE: AMAURYS will be playing at "Il Baretto" Thursday November 12 from 7.00 to 9.00 pm and NOT on November 11 We apologize for the change.

Ocean Academy Christmas Show
If you have any questions or want to purchase a Gala Ticket please pm me!!!! Thank you!! If you know of any visitors coming to the island, please feel free to tell them about this event! Thank you!

Cayo Vet Clinic Weekend
The Hopkins Belize Humane Society is coming back to Cayo and teaming up with CAWS this weekend. They are having 3 free spay and neuter clinics. Friday: Santa Elena, starting at noon Saturday: Santiago Juan Layout, starting at 8:30am Sunday: Kontiki, starting at 8:30am Thanks HBHS and CAWS, for making this happen. "Friday 13th, Saturday 14th & Sunday 15th: HBHS clinic with CAWS and Dr. Tesecum from PAWS Veterinary Clinic. See details on the flyer below. Message if more details needed and we'll get back to you as quickly as possible."

Great Opportunities & Job Vacancies.
harvest Caye. Be sure you realize that these are VERY part time jobs. And only part of the year. Check NCLs arrival days on Harvest Caye and you can see for yourself.

Happy Diwali
Happy Diwali to our local Indian community as they celebrate Diwali (Festival of Lights). All the best to you on behalf of Museum of Belize and the Houses of Culture, and National Institute of Culture and History.

Channel 7

Sugar Cane Int'l Prices Down: Threatens Local Industry
Right now, the Sugar Industry is bracing for what is expected to be a tough season, which should start sometime later this month. The price of sugar, and the corresponding price that farmers get paid for their cane, has fallen by 21% when compared to last year's number, and so the farmers may end up losing money if the prices don't improve throughout the year. BSI/ASR released their estimates for sugar in the next upcoming weeks put the price at $41.56 per tonne of cane that they are proposing to pay to farmers. It's based on the price of sugar in the European Union's market. That's $11.44 less than last year's initial estimate which was $53 dollars. At first glance, it might not look like much but the farmers are getting a 21% decrease in earnings, which cuts deep into their profit margins. Factor in that they have their debts to pay and a 20% cut in their budget is heavy blow. All of this is happening before 2017 when the preferential market status that Belize enjoys as an ACP member country officially expires. Beet Sugar production will compete directly with Sugar Cane, and so the price will be driven down even further.

Female Senator Supported By Women's Groups
Francine Burns was just named to the senate yesterday by the Prime Minister - but before the young attorney from Orange Walk could warm up to the news - a nasty article was posted on a site called "NBZ Live" alleging that there are nude photos of her on the internet - and purporting to show one such picture. Today an avalanche of criticism came from women's advocacy groups. The Women's Issues Network Belize was first, and their statement says, quote: "While we should be celebrating the women who have been elected and appointed into leadership of our National Government, we are instead disgusted by the outright disrespect and attempt to humiliate yet another Belizean woman." The release says they, quote, "stand in solidarity with Senator Burns and every other woman or young girl who has been exposed against her will by people they have trusted." The National Women's Commission sent out its own release, saying, quote, "(the) nude pictures...falsely and maliciously claim to be that of newly appointed...Senator, Francine Burns." It adds, quote, "it falsely seeks to discredit and demean Burns' character and downplay her achievement as a young attorney; at a time when the government has made strides in promoting women to the highest decision-making levels..."

Cordel's Cagey Candidacy For PUP Leader
PUP Leader Francis Fonseca announced his decision to step down last week Thursday - and, slowly, the names have been popping up as potential successors. We've already told you about John Briceno, Julius Espat and Kareem Musa. Briceno said he would wait and see - but now we have learned that he is interested in the leadership. Julius Espat and Kareem Musa had already said they were considering it. So that's three, but there's one more: Cordel Hyde - the four term Lake Independence Representative, and judging by his share of the vote in the last election, he's the most popular of all PUP Candidates. Cordel Hyde beat his opponent Mark King by two thousand votes - and while he's not making any pronounced maneuvers or overtures for leadership - we are reliably informed that his name is being put out there for leader by a cross section of supporters. Now, it's way too early to say who's a favourite, and who will actually vye for leadership - because no date for a leaders' convention has been set, and already there is talk of alliances being formed. The party meets tomorrow at a luncheon to send off outgoing leader Francis Fonseca, and the national executive will meet thereafter, and may decide on the date for a leadership convention. We'll let you know how that goes.

Cop Charged For Brutality
Yesterday we told you about a police constable who was remanded for carnal knowledge - tonight the story is about a cop charged for police brutality. San Ignacio Police are reporting tonight that they've brought criminal charges against 26 year-old Constable Kent Thompson; he's accused of brutalizing a man who was in detention at the station's cellblock. Exactly a month ago, San Ignacio Resident Gustavo Williams reported officers at the station that he was being detained at the cellblock due to domestic problems. He told police that while he was in lockdown, a police officer opened the door and started to beat him with a baton. He told the investigators that the officer struck him on the left shoulder, the left arm, the left side of his abdomen, his right leg, and his right arm. A doctor certified that Williams suffered injuries classified as harm. Police took the civilian's complaint very seriously and after the revision of surveillance footage and recording statements, police arrested and charged Thompson with for harm.

Wrestling Turned to Gunplay In Cayo
27 year-old Charles Leslie, a resident of Unitedville Village in Cayo, has been arrested by San Ignacio Police because they believe that he shot a man in Santa Elena Town during a fight. Police report that at around 12:30 a.m. last week Thursday, officers were on patrol when they found 2 men struggling on the ground. When the officers got closer, one of the men shouted for help. They intervened, and when they were separated the two, they saw that one of the men, later identified 45 year-old Calvin Leslie, had been shot to the right shoulder. The other man was Charles Leslie, and investigators say that they found him with a black Smith and Wesson 9mm pistol, which was loaded with 5 rounds. Charles Leslie was charged with attempted murder, use of deadly means of harm, keeping an unlicensed firearm, and keeping unlicensed ammunition. Leslie will be arraigned at Magistrate's Court and remanded.

Caught With A Shotgun At A Funeral
22 year-old Wilfred Ramirez, a resident of Antelope Street Extension, is spending the second night of a 4 year sentence after he was convicted of being in possession of a sawed off shot gun while at a funeral. Chief Magistrate Ann Marie Smith heard evidence from the prosecution that on May 9, 2014, police were at Lord Ridge Cemetery to keep a watchful eye on the funeral procession for slain city resident Julian Willoughby. Viewers may remember that his murder was believed to be gang-related, and so, the police were there to keep the peace. That's when they noticed Ramirez who started to behave suspiciously. They saw him holding on to what looked like a gun being held in his pants waist. When the officers moved in his direction, he lost his hold on the object which slid down his pants leg and fell to the ground. The officers quickly detained him and retrieved the object which turned out to be a home-made sawed off shot gun.

Hulse, Mega-Minister Justified?
As we told you last night, the Ministry of Natural Resources - or Ministry of Lands - as it is commonly called - will now be under the portfolio of Senator-Minister Godwin Hulse. Former Minister Deputy Prime Minister Gaspar Vega confirmed that he asked the Prime Minister to be relieved of it - because of all the pressure that his colleagues and others were bringing on him. So now that pressure falls on Hulse - or does it? He put a lockdown on the immigration department that substantially - if not totally - stopped the hustling and influence peddling in that key department. So will he do that same at Lands? The Prime Minister says he gave Hulse the nod because he is good at implementing systems: Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister "I know Godwin Hulse to be somebody who is very big on systems, who is very big on organization because of his engineer's mind will always want to restructure and try to configure things differently and that is fine. I don't know him to be somebody who will simply as you say put things in some sort of lock down. He is far too intelligent - he is far too clever - he is far too enlightened for that to happen. So I absolutely no doubt that the Lands Department, although there may be some sort of re-organization, some sort of refresh, will continue to operate in a way that will see it serve the public and serve the business community and serve the economy." And yesterday at the press conference to name the new minister, we could kind of tell that Hulse - who is the only Senator Minister this time around - was pleased as peach that he had been given a substantial ministry. And why not? It's a choice political plum - and one which some of Hulse's colleagues say should be reserved for someone with a mandate, someone who was elected - not selected. We asked him about all that yesterday:...

Mad Dogs In Belize
Belize is featured in a new British series called Mad Dogs. If you haven't heard about it, it's because it's new - only at its first season. Now, the show was filmed in Puerto Rico but it's about a group of guys who travel to Belize for the weekend - they expect an island thrill with exclusive parties and beautiful Belizean women, but really, they have no idea what's in store for them. Today we met with the writer and creator of the show Cris Cole. He and his team were shooting the Micheal Finnegan Market and Cole told us that's it's all about bringing the real deal to viewers. Cris Cole, Writer and creator - Mad Dogs "So it's basically about 4 old college buddies who reunite in their 40s to meet a fifth college buddy who lives in Belize and has been very successful and they've come down to stay with him for a weekend and everything goes wrong. Everything that can possibly goes wrong, goes wrong. But these are 4 ordinary guys. They don't have any special skills, they don't travel a lot, they are not very worldly and so following the journey of every man as he gets involve in a crime which has nothing to do with him and one thing leads to another.

Play, Don't Park
The Rotary Club of Belize teamed up with their counterparts from Alberta Canada to build a children's playground in Lord's Bank Village. The Rotarians from Canada are called "Interacters" and they have built 14 playgrounds all over Belize. And since Sunday, they have been steadily working on this one in Belize. They finished today, and their youth services coordinator told us more:... Brian Match, Youth Services Coordinator - Canada "We came down with a group of interact students and they fundraise on Canada to be able to come down and help with the playground together. It's a partnership with Emmanuel Foundation. They fins or get used playgrounds in Canada and then they rebuild them in a warehouse and fix them up and then they ship them down here by container, so that we can then set them up here." Lexi Fedoruk, Youth Volunteer "We've been running for less than a year and we already had a chance to do this and it was pretty cool and I got to be a part of it and seeing the kids and how happy they are that now they have a playground, that's amazing."

SCA Again!
The National High School Volleyball Tournament was held over the past weekend in Punta Gorda at the Julian Cho Technical High School in the Toledo District. Out of the four teams in the male division, the hometown favourites Toledo Community College emerged victorious, beating Muffles in the five setter championship game. In the female competition - the most dominant sports programme in Belize - SCA volleyball - again proved themselves and won their 16th national title. They beat Belmopan Comprehensive in the final. This is to complement the SCA programme's remarkable 21 championships in the central zone. Kevanna Sebastian from SCA and Nathaniel Castillo from TCC won the MVP awards. Sol Belize and Crystal water are major sponsors of the event.

Channel 5

Alleged Nude Photo of Newly Appointed U.D.P. Senator Goes Viral
The recent appointment of attorney Francine Burns as a senator for the United Democratic Party was welcomed news on Monday, as it was generally accepted that the Barrow administration was [...]

�Women's Organizations React to Malicious Social Media Post
The online photo has been traced to the nbzlive blog and according to Reynolds; the unwanted attention arising from such indecent exposure is the very reason why women have traditionally [...]

K.H.M.H. Chair Chandra Nisbet-Cansino Asked to Step Down. Was it Political?
News Five has been able to confirm that Chair of the K.H.M.H. Board of Governors, Chandra Nisbet-Cansino, was approached on Monday and asked to resign. Nisbet-Cansino has been Chair for [...]

Ceremonial Sitting of House of Representatives Set for Friday
The first sitting the Cabinet took place today in Belmopan; there are twelve full ministers and seven ministers of state who sat around the table. We do not have any [...]

Who Will Be the New P.U.P. Leader?
Who will be the new leader of the People's United Party? That's the million dollar question left hanging in the wake of the 2015 general election and the announcement of [...]

San Ignacio Police Charged for Beating Up Detainee
A police officer attached to the San Ignacio formation has been arraigned on a single charge of harm after repeatedly striking an individual in custody at the station with a [...]

B.P.P. Challenges PM Barrow to Sign Onto Anti-Corruption Convention
The fight against corruption is an issue that has on the agenda of the former Vision Inspired by the People, which has now become the Belize Progressive Party. The B.P.P. [...]

�Third Party Urges Public to Have Area Representatives Pressure PM
The B.P.P. is also calling on the public to lobby their area representatives to ensure that Belize signs the United Nations Convention Against Corruption.   Paco Smith, Chairman, B.P.P. "Certainly [...]

Belize Progressive Party on Election Results
The general elections held last Wednesday was contested by three political parties-the People's United Party, the United Democratic Party and the Belize Progressive Party. Considering itself a third option, the [...]

Shanile Faber Pleads Not Guilty to Forgery
A school warden appeared in court today and was charged with claiming upon a forged document. She is Shanile Faber, who is related to Tanisha Sutherland who in May of [...]

Warrant Issued for Immediate Arrest of Mr. Program
Tonight, a warrant for his immediate arrest has been issued against thirty-year old Gilbert Alamilla, who is the well known performing artist, "Mister Program". This follows his conviction in absentia [...]

Retired Cop Foils Attempted Robbery in Punta Gorda
A retired police officer is being heralded as a hometown hero after thwarting a robbery attempt in Punta Gorda Town.� The incident has subsequently led to the arrest of a [...]

Armed Robbers Hold Up Vivian's Coffee House in San Ignacio
A daring, armed robbery at a caf� in San Ignacio Town on Monday night has left a cashier and her co-worker short of cash and other valuables.� According to thirty-eight-year-old [...]

Scholarship Opportunities in The Land Down Under
If you're on the lookout for an opportunity to further your studies abroad, and a scholarship would be just your thing, you may want to pay attention. The Australian government, [...]

Taiwanese Delegation to Arrive in Belize to Meet with Ombudsman
A high level delegation from Taiwan is expected in Belize later this week. Headed by Doctor Po Ya Chang, the delegation arrives this Thursday to sign an agreement with their [...]

Harvest for Kids Reaps Soybeans
Harvest for Kids is a fundraising program for Belize Camping Experience. Every year the program transports youths from Belize City to farms in Blue Creek for a firsthand experience on [...]