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The San Pedro Sun

Baby Mariani Tun needs your help
Four month old Marianie Tun is in desperate need of the kind generosity of the community of San Pedro. Little Marianie was recently diagnosed with biliary atresia, a rare, congenital or acquired disease of the liver. As a birth defect in newborn infants, it has an occurrence of 1/10,000 to 1/15,000 cases in live births in the United States. In the congenital form, the common bile duct between the liver and the small intestine is blocked or absent. The acquired type most often occurs in the setting of autoimmune disease. Infants and children with biliary atresia have progressive cholestasis (stoppage or slowing of the flow of bile) with all the usual affiliated features: jaundice, pruritus (itchiness), malabsorption with growth retardation, fat-soluble vitamin deficiencies, and eventually cirrhosis with portal hypertension. The cause of the condition is unknown and the only effective treatments are certain surgeries such as a liver transplant which is the procedure little Marianie needs. According to mother, Rosita Barredo, the operation can only be done abroad. In order to get the operation alone, the family will need to come up with BZ$30,000. With travelling and other expenses, the total expenditure will amount to more than BZ$50,000. The family is from Chunox, Corozal, and they are joining with friends and other family members that live on the island have joined the cause in seeking assistance.

Mel Spain installed as the new President of the San Pedro Lions Club
Justice of the Peace Lion Murlene "Mel" Spain has been installed as the San Pedro Lions Club President for the year 2012/2013. The installation ceremony took place on Saturday July 7th at the San Pedro Lions' Den and was conducted by Belize Lions Zone 59 Chairman Dr. Glen Espadas. Lion Spain takes over responsibility from outgoing president Lion Marina Kay, making her the third consecutive female to head the San Pedro Lions Club. The event had representation from the Belize City Lions Club and the Chetumal City, Mexico Lions Club. In giving the welcoming remarks, SP Lions Club Queen Shantell Pascascio reiterated the solemnity of the installation. She also encouraged Lion members to take the installation as an opportunity to renew their commitment to the Lions organization, "to serve." Afterwards Kay, in her remarks, explained that one of her leading projects came to a reality with the chartering of a Leo's club. She also thanked the community and members for lending their support during her year of presidency and pledged to work with the new president in moving the club forward. After Kay's remarks the installation was conducted. Installing officer, Lion Espadas carefully detailed the responsibility of each new officer who is tasked to ensure the efficiency and good running of the affairs of the club. Installed as the new board of the SP Lions Club were: President - Mel Spain, 1st Vice President - Rigoberto Kumul, 2nd Vice President - Ruben Trejo, 3rd Vice President - Roger Musbach, Secretary - Bonnie Musbach, Treasurer - Abel Guerrero, one year Directors Ricardo Verde and Francisco Verde, two years Directors Nesher Acosta and Baldemar Graniel Sr., Membership Chairperson - Ines Anderson, Lion Tamer - Jan Brown and Tail Twister - Pedie Palaza.

31 dogs eradicated by the SPTC� poisoning to continue
There is mounting concern from some sectors of the San Pedro Town community regarding a sudden dog eradication exercise recently carried out by the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC). The SPTC is claiming that after increasing concerns, the eradication exercise was necessary to bring a short term solution to the issue of stray animals on the island. After social website backlash following the eradication, in which 31 dogs were killed between the night of Monday July 9th and the morning of Tuesday July 10th, Mayor of San Pedro Town Daniel Guerrero responded in depth to explain the council's decision for taking such actions. The Mayor said that it was a combination of factors that led to the sudden eradication of dogs and the straw that broke the camel's back was when he witnessed a tourist step in dog feces. "Based on that incident I said 'it is enough'. There are just too many dogs out there and we have to do something about it. I took the decision against my will. I have been working with SAGA Humane Society and the San Pedro Animal Hospital. We have been getting complaints from tourists about the dog feces all over the beach and island," said Mayor Guerrero. But of more concern are the health issues that come with the animal excrement highlighted by the health facilities, both private and public, on the island. Mayor Guerrero said that for some time now the SPTC has been warned about the increase in medical issues in islanders as a result of the animals' feces around public areas.

Ambergris Today

Performers Line Up for Costa Maya Festival 2012
This year the International Costa Maya Festival promises to be bigger and better. Two international performers have been booked for audiences to enjoy and the list of performers is growing and top notch artists are being booked. The following are just a few performers who will be taking center stage at this year's International Costa Maya Festival.

Town Council Continues Work in Keeping Island Clean
We have gained the name "La Isla Bonita" and it is up to us the residents to keep it "Bonita" and most importantly clean! This is one of the main priorities of Councilor Carlos Barrientos who is in charge of the island's beautification and keeping our island clean. With this in mind Councilor Barrientos purchased four Homelite Brush Cutters for the street workers hired by the San Pedro Town Council. According to Councilor Barrientos, when they came in office, the council only had one working weed cutter and decided that it was important to invest in more equipment for the island's beautification and up keep. The Town Council is working arduously in maintaining the island as clean as possible and would like to ask island residents to have civic pride and help in cleaning the island and keeping it as beautiful as we can!

Unregistered Cell Phones in Belize to Be Shut Down This Friday
In October 2011 the Ministry of Police and National Security made an official announcement advising the general public that in the interest of National Security under the Telecommunications Act edition 2002 section 44 (5), Belize Telemedia Limited and Speednet telephone companies will begin the mandatory registration of all existing pre-paid cellular numbers. The public was further advised that at the end of the six-month registration period, all unregistered phones will automatically be disconnected by the respective telephone company. The six month registration period has come and gone and an extended deadline was given. According to Digicell's Facebook account, customers were being advised to register their phones by Thursday, July 12, 2012, as all unregistered phones will be shut down on Friday, July 13, 2012.

BTIA Hosts David Meerman at Tourism Summit
As part of the Belize Tourism Industry Association's 2012 Marketing and PR Summit to be held at the Belize Biltmore Hotel's River Room August 23, Mr. David Meerman Scott will be conducting a Real Time Marketing Masterclass, consisting of three 90 minute presentations covering cutting-edge approaches to marketing in the new global online environment Mr. David Meerman Scott; renowned marketing strategist, author and professional speaker will be conducting a Real -Time Marketing Masterclass. After each segment, there will be a panel discussion which will include key tourism stakeholders (both local and international), providing added insight in the various themes discussed. The purpose of the summit is to provide all industry stakeholders with ways in which to generate attention and build business. Below is a rundown of Mr. Meerman's topics of discussion:

Dorian's Angels Paint It Up with Castillo's Hardware
Dorian's Angels are always looking to promote the island's best businesses and we always want to do our best in everything we do so this past week the Angels headed on up to Castillo's Do It Best Hardware. The Angels did not want to interrupt Mr. Alfonso Castillo from his busy work schedule so we had Mr. Ricardo Verde helping us out and giving us a tour of Castillo's warehouse in the DFC Area. Castillo's Hardware has everything from power tools, household appliances, gardening tools and supplies, construction supplies, paint and much more. At Castillo's Hardware you can always find great products at excellent prices. They are always offering great promotions and hold amazing raffles, especially their grand Christmas raffles.

Misc Belizean Sources

SAGA Cook-off for July 2012
Saga Humane Society Monthly Cook-off Fundraiser Wednesday, July 18, 2012, 6 - 9 p.m. Hosted by Wet Willies Saga Humane Society needs your support to operate the Shelter. Without fundraising & your generous donations, Saga would not be able to care for the homeless, sick and/or abused animals of San Pedro Town. Thank you for your continued support. ONLY $10.00 BZ to sample all the entries! You vote for the winner! *Prizes for 1st, 2nd & 3rd Place. *Great Raffles! "SALAD'S" is the Theme! Come out and support the community by attending the SAGA Humane Society monthly cook-off fundraiser hosted this month by Bruce, Diane & Steve of Wet Willies. "SALAD'S" is the theme! There are so many varieties of a salad. Enter a dish! It's easy and fun to join in the competition. Come out and challenge our host! The monthly cook-off is a fun, social event for the whole family! See you all there!! To enter a dish, please call the clinic at 226-3266, or contact any Saga representative. Your dish will need to serve a minimum of 65 bite size or sample size servings. Registration is not required, but encouraged. Please bring your entry by 6:00 p.m. on the night of the event. Food Serving starts at approx. 6:20 p.m. Tickets sell fast! Here are some examples of some of the many salads available to make: Garden Salad Pasta Salad Three Bean Salad Taco Salad Seafood Salad

Seventh edition of Belize Film Festival gets underway this weekend
It is curtains up once again as the seventh edition of the Belize International Film Festival kicks off this Friday with its traditional Red Carpet Opening Gala at the Bliss Centre in Belize City. The film festival will expose the country to over 60 films, which will all be screened at the Princess Cinemas from July 14 to 16. Included in this year's activities is an audio visual symposium on the 16th at the House of Culture in Belize. Film awards will be presented to the winners on the 17th at the House of Culture. The Belize International Film Festival offers the perfect opportunity to view Belizean, regional and international movies, documentaries, narratives and music videos not normally accessible to local audiences. This year, the festival will open with a triple treat of Belizean films, with the highlight being a local feature film made by Belizeans, with Belizean actors and filmed in Belize. "2012: KURSE A DI XTABAI" is completely done in the Kriol language, and produced by 'Make-Belize Films'. According to Suzette Zayden, director of the National Film Commission, "Sixty four films were selected from an astonishing 120 entries submitted from countries like Trinidad and Tobago, USA, Brazil, Mexico, Dominican Republic and Chile among others. The films competing this year include narratives, feature length documentaries, short narratives and documentaries and short animations from 24 different nations."

Rowan's Walk Across Belize
Rowan starts his Walk Across Belize tomorrow from Benque! Be sure and show him some support. It's all for a great cause, and proceeds will go to BCVI. "Make a contribution or get some sponsors to as you walk with Rowan from the Benque Border to Belize City to help support rehab services for blind children throughout the country!"

CCA Senior's Zipline Trip
The seniors at Cayo Christian Academy celebrated their achievement by doing some ziplining and hitting the beach.

Channel 7

Sparks Fly During Budget Debate
The Budget was presented at the end of June - and it was debated today - again the first time in memory that we've had a budget debate in July. The day began as it always does with the Official response to the budget from the leader of the opposition. In a workmanlike effort, he characterized the budget as failing to address the needs of a majority of the population - and things flowed from there: Hon. Francis Fonseca - Leader of the Opposition "'We have turned things around, and once more are free to fly.' You remember those famous words. 'It is onward and upward.' He proudly proclaimed, 'Free to fly', 'onward and upward'. Well, Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister's flight seems to have crash-landed. Mr. Speaker, the Belizean people know the UDP very well, that they will do what they do best. They will always do what they do best, personal attacks and living in the past. And over the rest of today and tomorrow, it will be on in full gear, personal attacks and living in the past. That is all the Belizean people - that is all you will hear from them. Nothing, about jobs, that is all. You all think the people like it. You all escaped narrowly this time, you all think the people enjoy that. Mr. Speaker, the Belizean people have had enough of this excuse. They are living in the here and now, and they want to hear us in this National Assembly, when we talk about the future, and about specific ways of making their lives better. Indeed, for a majority of Belizean, these are the worst of times. Each day brings with it, uncertainty and anxiety. How will they put food on the table? How will they keep the lights on? How will they keep the stove burning? How will they keep their children in school? How will pay the rent or the mortgage? What if I or my child gets sick? Where do I turn? Will I be able to find a job? Or for those lucky enough to have a job, will my employer be cutting back, or cutting my salary? These, Mr. Speaker, are real concerns of real Belizean families in July of 2012, under this failed UDP Government."

Kendale Flowers Not Shot To Head
Last night police rereleased a sensational photo of 18 year old Kendale Flowers - which they say they had a month before he was killed by the police. IT shows him and 22 year old Salvapan resident Alex Manzariego - both of whom were killed on Saturday on Northern Ambergris Caye - wielding M-4 Carbine machine guns and a 9 millimeter pistol. Well today, police have released the result of the post mortem on his body and it says he died of "Internal and External Bleeding, Left Kidney, Left Lung and Heart Injuries as a Consequence of Gunshot Injuries." The funeral for Kendal Flowers will be held tomorrow afternoon in Belize City. He is the third and last son of Shelmadine Middleton to be killed by gunfire. Her other son Peter was killed three months earlier. Back to the photos, police say they are seeking a number of suspects - one of whom also appears in the photo wearing a brown shirt.

Delivery-Man Marty Goff Clinging To Life
Last night, we gave you an update on 35 year-old Marty Goff, the Kee's Bakery deliveryman who was shot in an attempt to rob him of the proceeds of his company's sales. Well today, 7News caught up with his family and they told us that he remains unconscious after his surgery to treat the gunshot wound. According to the police he had been shot in the face, but the family told us today, that he was shot in the chest, and he suffered a minor injury to the face - most likely from the fall after being shot. Here's what his mother told us this evening: Helena Goff - Mother of Shooting Victim "So, far, he's in the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, in the ICU, recuperating from the gunshot." Daniel Ortiz "Can you tell us where exactly he was hit?" Helena Goff "In in the side of his chest." Daniel Ortiz "Tell us about the operation and the last time you guys say him conscious."

Shooting Victim Escarpeta Critical
Another shooting victim, 27 year old James Escarpeta is in a critical but stable condition at the KHMH. As we reported last night, he was shot in the back and arm on Baracat Street in the Port Loyola Area of Belize city yesterday afternoon - just a short distance from his home. According to police, he was shot by a fair skinned man who fired a single shot at him. No one has been arrested.

Was California Abuser A Predator/Teacher In Belize?
The story of a pastor from a church in Inglewood California who is accused of sexually abusing a 13 year old is making news in Belize tonight. And that's because 50 year old Gordon Solomon used to teach at a number of high schools in Belize. We have received reports that he was a teacher at a number of Belize City High Schools in the 80's and early 90's. It's important because according to multiple accounts - he allegedly did the same thing in Belize - preying on teenaged girls. He was never charged - but we have spoken to persons who insist that he was a known predator. And while he was never charged in Belize, Solomon faces nine felony counts in California court. He is being held in lieu of $3-million bail. According to news reports from Los Angeles, Solomon met the now 14-year-old victim at Christ's Community Church, where he is the pastor. The alleged abuse started in June 2010 and didn't end until Sunday, according to the Los Angeles County district attorney's office. The abuse was revealed when the victim's mother stumbled upon one of the text messages sent to the girl. Solomon was charged Friday with seven counts of committing a lewd act on a child, one count of continuous sexual abuse and one count of oral copulation of a person under the age of 14. If convicted, Solomon faces up to 26 years and 8 months in state prison.

Luke Says He Owes "A Tidy Sum"
Last night you heard Luke Espat, the displaced owner of the Port of Belize explaining his position on a renewed round of litigation between the Port and the Government of Belize. The bottom line is that he was not in court last week because the receiver for the port doesn't want him there. And the truth is that when companies go over to a receiver, only rarely do they return to the hands of the original owner. So it seems Espat's chances at re-assuming control of the Port are very slim - particularly considering his overall indebtedness, which, we are told is in the hundreds of millions of Belize dollars. Still, he remains upbeat - but Jules Vasquez didn't seem quite convinced. Here's more of their exchange from yesterday's interview: Luke Espat - Displaced As Owner of The Port of Belize "Nothing is impossible in this world, you know. I have never looked at life as though anything is insurmountable. There is always a way." Jules Vasquez "So then, how do you go forward? You are saddled with multiple debts. You are in multiple receiverships. How do you move forward?" Luke Espat "That's a simple one; we are moving forward. There are new things on the horizon that we are doing, and we are working on the market to get the funding to pay the debt. It's as simple as that."

GSU Uncovers GSG Nest
The Gang Suppression Unit is reporting a number of seizures of illegal items. On Monday, they searched an abandoned property on West Street where they found half a kilo of high grade Mexican marijuana known as purple haze in the yard wrapped in plastic bags. No one was found nearby, but according to the GSU, the 534 grammes or 18 ounces was found in the territory of the George Street Gang. The unit then searched another abandoned property between West and Tigris Streets where they found awhite, Safari Land Brand bullet proof vest tucked away under a tree. An empty magazine for a 40 mm Glock pistol and a empty magazine for a Tech 9 sub machine gun - both prohibited - were found in the same area as the bullet proof vest. According to the GSU, These items were also found in the George Street Gang territory. And yesterday, in Lindo's Alley, the GSU searched a grey Honda Passport and found a purse with just under a pound of marijuana. 23 year olds Carlton Pakeman and Ashanti Scott of #58 Regent Street were inside the vehicle and they were arrested and charged with Drug Trafficking.

House Humour
Earlier on we had some fiery highlights from today's budget debate. And while those were the more heated moments, there were also some humorous ones - with former Prime Minister Said Musa playing the court jester. It was only tangentially connected to the budget but he regaled the house gallery and representative with a story about three horses and some unlucky soldiers. Rt. Hon. Said Musa - Area Representative, Fort George "The other issue I want to raise, Mr. Speaker, is that our nation's future sovereignty and security is facing yet another very serious challenge. This is the daily erosion taking place with illegal incursions into our protected areas along the border with Guatemala. And the Belize Defence Force, that is charged with the responsibility of patrolling and protecting our borders. They have to travel miles into the jungle, Mr. Speaker, to carry out their very important task. Well, we know that the British Government has withdrawn all their helicopters, which greatly facilitated this important exercise. And what are they doing? They're using horses, yes horses, to ferry their heavy equipment and rations in the jungle. According, Mr. Speaker - I am saying this because it needs to be said. According to a reliable account, 3 of these horses were confiscated from illegal Guatemalan settlers. So, they were commissioned to do the heavy lifting. When the horse reached the Guatemalan border, they bolted, and galloped straight over the border, back home to Guatemala, along with the BDF provisions. Mr. Speaker, if this was not so comical, it would be a tragedy. It's this kind of farce that makes us look bad, makes us a laughing stock. I would say this, since we're now looking to the US Government - they did help us with the Coast Guard, with vessels - why not ask the Pentagon to help us with at least one helicopter, Mr. Speaker."

Port Of Belize and CWU Reach Interim Agreement
The situation remains fluid at the Port of Belize as the negotiations continue between the members of the Christian Worker's Union and the Receiver's management. 10 minutes before news time they finished their meeting, and a major breakthrough came out of their all-day discussions. According to the Port's Receiver, Arturo Tux Vasquez, they have signed an agreement that all items that are up for discussion must be put on the table for negotiations by August 31. In addition, anything they have agreed upon will be placed in a Memorandum of Understanding, and both sides will be bound by that. If there is anything left over after that date, negotiations will continue on ONLY those pending matters. But today, that all day meeting did not sit well the stevedores who camped outside the entire time. The stevedores received word that the management was considering reducing the number of members in the gangs in order to improve efficiency. Well, the stevedores would have none of that talk, and today, they called us to vent about the current management even considering that idea. We spoke to Arturo Tux Vasquez, the Port's Receiver, and he told us that it was a misunderstanding, and that reducing gangs does not mean that anyone will be laid off. Here's what both sides told us, beginning with an update about the day's meeting:

Rowan Will Walk
Rowan Garel, the fearless 14 year-old who is blind, has been featured in this newscast several times. He performed excellently on this year's Primary School Examination, and before that, he was thrust into the national limelight when he climbed Victoria Peak. Tomorrow, he starts a walk from western to central Belize - 90 miles in five days. It is part of a campaign to raise awareness and funds for the Belize Center for the Visually Impaired, and tomorrow, he invites members of the public to join him as he starts off from the Benque Vejo Border. We caught up with him before he left for Cayo and he seemed upbeat - as he always does: Rowan Garel - Will Walk Across Belize "I think that it will be challenging because it's really long distance but you're just - okay, granted, you're walking a really long time, but I think it will be a little easier than Victoria Peak." Daniel Ortiz "And do you think that you will have the support tomorrow from the Belizean public in this effort for the fundraising?" Rowan Garel "I hope so. We have no idea how many people will show up, and even if you don't want to walk the whole thing, you can walk a part of it. It's going to take 5 days starting tomorrow, and it's 92 miles."

Kids Who Did The Right Thing
Almost every evening on the news, at risk youths with antisocial tendencies dominate the headlines. But that's only a small part of the picture; every day there are thousands of youths who are doing the right thing. And some of them were honoured today at the Belize Police Department's 7thAnnual Du Di Rait Ting Award Ceremony at Old Belize. There were 29 monthly winners, but there were 10 students who were singled out for special distinction. Here's how they described what it means to stand up for the right thing. Ken Alexander Gabb -1st Place Gwen Liz High School "Doing the right thing wasn't an easy task for me growing up because I had a lot of obstacles in my way, distracting and holding me back. But as I matured, I started to realize that I wasn't going on the right path. So, I decided to stand tall, and hold my head high, proceeding through the path of righteousness, and knowing that at the end of the road, will be a lot of rewards. Thus, I was told about the Du Di Rait Ting Competition, and decided to compete. I was elected as the regional first-place candidate for Belize City, and went on to achieve first place as the National Du Di Rait Ting candidate."

Channel 5

The great debaters: Musa Barrow and Fonseca on 2012/2013 Budget
The Prime Minister read the 2012/2013 budget on June twenty-ninth. It has been called everything including austere, spartan, slim and disciplined. Today in parliament, elected representatives from the government and Opposition squared off and took turns either applauding or shredding the budget. Prime Minister Dean Barrow, Opposition Leader Francis Fonseca and former P.M. Said Musa [...]

Economics Minister of National Security? Saldivar forgets crime
Minister of National Security John Saldivar, addressed the House following the Leader of the Opposition's presentation. However, he did not mention the cost of anti-crime measures and the financial resources that government has set aside for national security despite an increase of about a million dollars. As it stands, there have been seventy-five homicides since [...]

Budget not empty on education says Faber
The budget debate continues on Thursday. And while much has been said about the re-alignment of funds within the education budget, Minister of Education Patrick Faber announced during his presentation that primary and secondary school teachers in the Stann Creek District will also benefit from approximately two hundred and fifty thousand dollars which have been [...]

Cops award youths who did the right thing
A research is not needed to know for sure that many of the country's murders are being committed by young people who should be part of the productive sector. The victims themselves are often in the same age bracket. Since 2006, the police department adopted a strategy of finding and communicating with teens, who faced [...]

SUV owner wakes to burnt vehicle
And though there are those who do the right thing, there are plenty who are ready to commit offences. On Tuesday night, police were called out on Kelly Street where a Sport Utility Vehicle belonging to Lynn Leslie was observed on fire. Leslie told police that she was asleep on the upper flat of her [...]

Restaurant owner runs in fear and foils robbery
A robbery attempt at Suly's Restaurant located near the Belize City Fire Station, was unsuccessful. But there was still an arrest and charge for the July fifth crime. Eighteen year old Glenn Murrillo, a Construction Worker of Sarstoon Street, is believed to have been one of two men who entered the restaurant, pretending to be [...]

Scholarships given in honor of late cyclist
The Ariel Rosado Memorial Education Foundation was established in February in honor of cyclist Ariel Rosado, who died in a traffic accident on May fourteenth, 2011. It was the brainchild of Rosado's parents along with Bruce Sanchez Senior and Junior. Sports and education are two areas the cyclist championed in life and in his honor; [...]

Senator/Minister Joy Grant at SICA Summit
Senator Joy Grant, Minister of Energy, Science, Technology and Public Utilities, accompanied by Margaret Juan, of the Embassy of Belize in Guatemala and Richard Vinelli of the Embassy of Belize in Honduras, represented Belize at the thirty-ninth Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Governments of SICA in Honduras. During the technical and ministerial meetings [...]

World Population Day; where is Belize in the count?
On July eleventh each year, issues affecting population and development take the global spotlight as countries observe World Population Day. This year the focus is on Universal Access to Reproductive Health Services since issues relating to pregnancy and childbirth remain among the leading causes of illness and death for women of childbearing age worldwide. Erika [...]

Restore Belize looks to conflict mediation training
The increase in crime and violence has spilled from the streets to many homes across the old capital as well as in Cayo. The situation has overwhelmed and exhausted most allocated resources since conflict is normally solved at the barrel of a gun. One of the programs formed just two years ago as a crime [...]

He forgot to pay fine and busted again on marijuana charges
Police made an early morning bust at an apartment building on the corner of Baymen Avenue and Saint Joseph Street. Four persons, including two minors, were arrested and charged with Drug Trafficking for one hundred and thirty-three grams of cannabis found during the search. But by the end of the arraignment, twenty-three year old Ryan [...]

Legalize it; official initiative to discuss small quantities of weed
While the Police Department and the Belize Defence Force have been doing their part to collect and destroy marijuana plantations in the country, burning an entire field may not be the end to the problem. There is an initiative underway to possibly legalize it on the corner. It won't make you smarter as the popular [...]

LOVE FM

PUNTA GORDA POLICE DETAINS ONE PERSON IN RELATION TO ARMED ROBBERY IN PUNTA GORDA
One person was charged for Armed Robbery in Punta Gorda. Correspondent Paul Mahung has the details. PAUL MAHUNG, Reporter "The armed robbery occurred at King's Service Station on Monday morning and later on in the evening, on that same day, twenty s...

BELIZE AND AUSTRALIA CO-HOST THE INTERNATIONAL CORAL REEF INITIATIVE
Belize and Australia to Host the International Coral Reef Initiative(ICRI) Belize to Participate in 27th ICRI Meeting in Australia 16-19 July 2012 In an historic partnership, Australia and Belize, the two countries with the longest Coral Reefs in the world have joi...

BELIZE RED CROSS HOSTS SIX DAY SUMMER CAMP
The Belize Red Cross is hosting a six- day summer camp for children ages 9 to 12 from the Jane Usher Blvd. area at St. John's Vianney Primary School. The camp started on Monday July 9, running to Thursday 12. The second phase will be on Thursday July 19 & 20, from 8:30 a.m. t...

THE OBSERVANCE OF WORLD POPULATION DAY TAKES PLACE IN BELIZE
World Population Day is being observed today. In 1987 the general assembly set aside this day to give focus and special attention to population and development issues primarily focusing on how reproductive health contributes to development in countries. Therefore, as ...

LOVE TV

Man acquitted of attempted murder charge
Twenty five year old Ronlee Petillo, charged with the attempted murder of Stackle Monsanto, was acquitted of the charge today in the court of Justice Herbert Lord. Monsanto was shot around 9 p.m. on April 7, 2009. The case for the prosecution fell apart when Monsanto took the witness stood up in court and said he doesn't know who shot him. Monsanto said He only thought that the person was Petillo. Monsanto testified that he was walking on Allemby Street when his assailant rode up to him on a bicycle and began to fire shots at him. Monsanto said he ran behind St, Ignatius Church and collapsed, after which the police came and took him to the hospital. Monsanto was shot in his right shoulder, his lower back, his right leg and his right foot. Because Monsanto did not identify Petillo as the shooter there was no evidence against Petillo. So after the prosecution closed its case Justice Lord directed the jury of 9 to return a formal verdict of not guilty. But although Petillo was acquitted of the charge he was not freed because he is on remand for another charge. Petillo was not represented by any attorney. Senior Crown Counsel Cecil Ramirez Represented the prosecution.

Two alleged sea pirates brought up on charges
Brenton Brackett and Sherwin Moore, two of four alleged sea pirates, were charged with 9 offences when they appeared today in the Magistrate's Court. The offences include 3 counts of attempted murder, 1 count of robbery, 1 count of dangerous harm, 1 count of use of deadly means of harm, 1 count of burglary, 1 count of aggravated assault and 1 count of handling stolen goods. No plea was taken because the offences are indictable. Neither could the court offer them bail because of the nature of the offences. They were remanded into custody until August 28. The charges arose from an incident which occurred at Colson Range Caye in the Stann Creek District. In that incident a fisherman, 60 year old Cornelio Verde and his two sons were attacked on the night of July 3 while they were in their fishing boat. According to the police report, four men who were in another boat asked them for fuel then they produced firearms resembling AK47 assault rifles and ordered them to jump overboard. While they were in the water the gunmen opened fire and Cornelio was shot in his buttocks and thigh. The gunmen then ordered them back into their boat and took them to their camp at Colson Caye wher they robbed of several items and their residence was burglarized. The items that were stolen amounted to $9,570. IN VALUE. The sons managed to escape and they alerted the Coast Guard. The police reported that on July 6 they went to Southern Long Caye and they recovered one of the stolen items.

Farmer drowns in rural Toledo
A drowning incident was reported in the Toledo District. Our Correspondent Paul Mahung has the details

Serious organized crime threat training in Belmopan
Representatives of the Police Department, the Belize Defense Force, the Immigration and Customs Departments and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime are taking part in a four-day regional training workshop on Serious Organized Crime Threat Assessment in Belmopan. A press release from the Police Department states that the aim of the session is to strengthen regional cooperation on criminal intelligence and strategic analysis in the Caribbean, specifically on organized crime and drug trafficking. The project has the support of key partners of the region in the area of security such as Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom. It is the second training workshop, but the first for the Caribbean. As a complement to the training workshop, a high-level meeting will take place on Friday in Belmopan to discuss the importance of periodic exercises to conduct national threat assessments in the fight against organized crime and drug trafficking.

New camapign against human trafficking launched
Human trafficking is referred to as a form of modern-day slavery. Even while many people use it as a form of making a living, it is illegal. The United Nations Development Programme, UNDP, is currently on a media campaign to create more awareness of the risks and potential dangers of human trafficking. Coordinator of the International Organization for Migration's Anti-Trafficking Project in Belize, Diana Shaw, told Love News today that the catchy title of "It Could Happen to You" aims to alert primarily young people because that is the age range that perpetrators target. Shaw says that even if someone has voluntarily or consensually been used in the act, he or she is a victim and only the person who used that individual can be charged with the offense. If you are or know of someone who is a victim of human trafficking, you're encouraged to notify the authorities by calling the hotline number: 0-800-922-TIPS.

Police gives update on north Ambergris Caye incident
A press conference was held this afternoon to provide an update on the weekend death of three men during a crossfire with police on northern Ambergris Caye. Love Tv's Marion Ali reports. Police say that both Alexander Mazariegos and Alley Garcia had several charges of Robbery pending before the Belmopan Magistrate Court.

San Pedro resident claims town council poisoned his dog
The San Pedro Town council is this afternoon under heavy criticisms following an overnight eradication of stray dogs. An irate San Pedro resident told Love News via telephone that there were no prior warnings and that even pets were caught up in the early morning operation. Findlay Halliday is one of the affected residents, and he says that he has spent a lot of money caring for his dog only to have it killed in the eradication exercise. Love News contacted the San Pedro town council this afternoon for comment on the claims by Halliday; but we were told by the Mayor's Secretary that he would get back to us, but up to news time tonight we haven't been contacted.

Dance classes offered at the Bliss
Another Level Christian Dance ministry is a dance group from Harrisburg Pennsylvania who is currently conducting a training at the Bliss Center for the Performing Arts this week as part of the Institute of Creative Arts Summer Program. Love News visited the Bliss this morning and spoke with the people involved in the program. Vasquez invites the general public to come out on Saturday and be inspired by the uplifting music and performances that will be taking place.

New queen of the jewel chosen
The Queen of the Jewel Pageant was also held this weekend at the Bliss Center for the Performing Arts in Belize City. Ten contestants were judged in different categories including swimwear, National Costume and question and answer session. Here is a summary of what took place on Saturday night. The new queen of the Jewel, Destinee Arnold will represent Belize various international pageants.

PlusTV

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Blogs

Thanks for the ride
This morning felt like I was running in glue, trying to sort pics and get all the high res ones off my computer. I was hoping to finish before going out but it was just to sticky and slow, I decided that taking myself on a date to Estel's would make everything right. Around Grand Colony LouAnn stopped to give me a ride and took me as far as the gas station. I got around the corner and Carlos pulled up and said he would take me as far as Belikin Distributor. No sooner did he drop me off, Ken and Martha pulled up and told me to hop on. They were headed to Mayan Princess for a bit to enjoy the view in their friends unit and dropped me right at my destination. No need to look at the menu I knew I wanted my usual eggs over easy, bacon, potatoes and fried jacks with butter n honey. Totally starvin Marvin so thanks to everyone who gave me a ride and got my stomach here faster

You Voted For My Lunch in Town and Noticing Some Changes
Yesterday, I asked for a lunch suggestion on the San Pedro Scoop facebook page. I promised to lunch at whatever place received the most votes. And I got tons of votes. Over 60. People voted for Elvi's Kitchen, Ramons, Mickey's, Caliente, Blue Water Grill, Wild Mango's, Red Ginger, El Fogon, Caprice, Hemmingways Cafe, Victoria House, Mesa Grill, Mathieu's and more. So I counted the votes on facebook and email and the winner? Caliente. Did I go? No. I went to Wild Mango's instead. It was raining! And Mango's outside deck is protected from the rain. Here is my protecting roof decorated with old buoys. And yesterday specials. But I always choose one of two things. I had the buffalo chicken wrap. Delicious rainy day comfort food. Creamy dressing, avocado...yummy. And half is packed up for dinner. Economical too! Today, I promise, I will eat at Caliente. I love Caliente. See the hardship that I go through for you guys?

3 Reasons to Skip the Wild Spring Break Trip and Volunteer in Belize Instead
If you're just starting college, you might be very excited about the prospect of taking a trip with your peers alone for the first time. Personally, I had never experienced anything other than the family vacation until I was a sophomore in college. Of course, I did take a "spring break" trip to Panama City Beach in Florida, but I was incredibly underwhelmed by the experience. I vowed from that point forward that I'd take an off-the-beaten-path trip from then on out. My first volunteer experience during spring break was to Mexico, and the following year I went to Belize. Both were unforgettable experiences, but Belize was particularly riveting. Here are a few compelling reasons to consider volunteering in Belize:

Belize's ATM Cave packs a punch, Indiana Jones style
Belize's Actun Tunichil Muknal (otherwise known as ATM Cave) is near San Ignacio, Cayo and is one of those places that everyone thinks is really cool at first blush: skeletons, caves, and the general feeling of being Indiana Jones when scoping out artifacts. Unfortunately, once you remember that the presence of skeletons mean it's a burial ground, you begin to understand the controversy of it and why the local Maya aren't keen on tourists tromping about. According to Maya mythology, caves are sacred given that they are the entrance to the underworld - Xibalba. The balance of trying to figure out tourists coming to the cave is a serious one that has implications beyond offending the sensibilities of the locals: In May 2012, a tourist dropped his camera and fractured one of the ancient skulls. While they say they should be able to repair it, there's an effect on everyone due to this mistake: current visitors can no longer take pictures/video inside the cave. Exceptions can be made but permission from Belize's National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) must be requested in advance. Perhaps the next incident will involve further restrictions, so I'd get out there while you still can. ATM Cave awaits.

Anatomy Of Present-Day Belizean Panades
Panades is one of the most common fast foods prepared in Belize. Apart from being one of my favorite foods, panades holds a special place in the hearts of many food lovers. Because I love panades so much, I decided to make an interesting graph on the anatomy of present-day Belizean panades and how they are prepared here in Belize. The graph might seem to display some controversial information but in the end panades is one of the most delicious foods you can eat here in Belize, Period!


Last edited by Marty; 11/17/12 10:00 AM.