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Specials and Events
Last night's TV news on Channel 7 and Channel 5
Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, and the Dickie Bradley Specials
The San Pedro Sun
Danriga -Belize's basketball mecca
Dangriga was crowned the elite basketball champions of the Gaspar Vega Elite basketball tournament this past weekend. Eight teams participated- one team representing each district as well as Belmopan and San Pedro. Dangriga won a cash prize of $1000. Dangriga had a 3-0 record defeating Belize, San Pedro and San Ignacio in the final game. Daniel Nolberto, the young veteran, led his youthful team in impressive fashion. This weekend's elite tournament was a preview of the National elite basketball league that is scheduled to commence early next year.The rosters of theses teams will not necessarily remain as they are for the national elite league but if it is any indication of what's to come, there are a lot of young and new faces that will be introduced to the basketball landscape. Here are few names to look for in the future: Brian White- Belize, Trevaughn Usher, Shai Peters- Dangriga, Randy Usher and Roger Reneau- Orange Walk, Jaime Carbajal- San Ignacio.
BTB hosts digital workshops across the country
On Friday, September 20th, the BTB's Digital Marketing Team and Digital Marketing Agency (Olson) concluded a one week countrywide workshop to sensitize and enable Tourism Industry partners to become digitally empowered through the use of BTB's newly constructed Content Management System (CMS). The CMS will allow each stakeholder ease of access via personalized codes to manage and update his/her property's profile on the recently redesigned www.TravelBelize.org. To complement the training, workshop participants were given marketing tips, and updated on BTB's branding strategies, as well as upcoming digital marketing initiatives.
Workshops were carried out in Punta Gorda, Placencia, San Ignacio, Belize City, Orange Walk Town and San Pedro Town.
San Pedro Junior Sailing Club takes first place at Corozal Bay Regatta
Several sailing enthusiastics made the journey from San Pedro to Corozal on Saturday, October 12th to support the San Pedro Junior Sailing Club (SPJSC) as they participated in the annual Corozal Bay Regatta. The trip sure was worth it as in the end, Gorge Olivarez of theSPJSC took the top prize. Seven young sailors from SPJSC participated in the regatta, all placing within the top 15 out of 34 sailors. But it was Gorge Olivares who took the grand prize, winning the first place trophy in the Optimist division. Kevin Vasquez also made his mark at the Corozal Bay Regatta winning second place in the Optimist division. The other San Pedro Junior sailors who placed in the top 15 are: Jerdan Anderson 8th, Christian Trejo 9th, Blanca Vasquez 10th,DavinPuc 12th, and Faith Noel 15th.
Lizard Tales: Cadejo
In Belizean villages such as San Jose Succotz, the Cadejo is described as a hairy, goat-like animal or a large, shaggy dog, hence its name, which translates from the Spanish as "tangled hair". The Cadejo is said to have the hooves of a goat, the horns of a bull, and the tail of a puma or lion, and its flaming eyes and foaming mouth give it an aura of evil. Stories of the Cadejo are told among the Maya in Belizean villages, and also in Guatemala. The Cadejo may appear as a white animal, protecting drunken men who have lost their way in the jungle. Most often, however, it appears as a black animal, seeking out habitual drunkards who have fallen in the streets. The Cadejo hungrily licks their mouths and follows them for nine days until there is no longer a chance that they will get well.
Ambergris Today
Caye Caulker Native Wins in Body Building Competition Abroad
Belizean women seem to be on a trend of bodybuilding and are stepping up to the challenge to transform their bodies into healthy works of arts. We have seen local Sanpedrana Katherine Portillo on the spot light and most recently Belizeans Zarifa Waight and Cricel Castillo. This week we bring to you a Caye Caulker native who resides in the United States of America; her name is Luna Novelo.
Luna Novelo grew up in the lovely island of Caye Caulker and is the daughter of Caye Caulker resident Jim Novelo and former wife Cindy. Luna is currently living in Kansas where she was a cheerleader at her high school and is now happily married to Matt Ellis; she has become a professional body builder.
Working Towards Affordable Insurance for Low-income People in Belize
IDB and ICB sign agreement to develop micro-insurance for low-income people in Belize - On September 30, 2013, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the Insurance Corporation of Belize (ICB) signed a technical cooperation agreement to jointly finance a project to develop and implement sustainable micro insurance solutions in Belize. The project is designed to increase formal insurance coverage for low-income people throughout the country. The aim is to provide affordable property and agricultural micro insurance coverage that is specifically tailored to the needs of beneficiaries in rural and agricultural areas, as a means of maintaining income levels in the event of weather-related losses affecting the crops, houses and properties of insured persons. The agreement was signed by IDB President, Luis Alberto Moreno and Thomas Erdulfo Nu�ez, Chief Executive Officer of ICB, at the 16th annual FOROMIC in Guadalajara, Mexico. FOROMIC is the leading conference on micro, small and medium enterprise development in Latin America and the Caribbean
Flashbacks:
Downtown San Pedro Then and Now
In the center are the very beginnings of Sun Breeze Hotel. And note that there is no San Pedro Town Library with BTB offices. Neither is there the building which houses a Real Estate Agency and Chocolate Boutique. Now the famous Ruby's Hotel is not there yet. Instead we see the family home of Mr. Romel Gomez Sr. The cream colored building was for Mr. Apolo�o Escalante, father of Homero Escalante and is now a part of Holiday Hotel. Do note that there is only one vehicle on this now busy street and is going in the wrong direction. Finally notice that once there were concrete lamp posts on the street but due to high salinity the steel rusted and caused them to crack and crumble. Today we have a totally new and different south end of Barrier Reef Drive, San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye.
25 Years Ago: Old School vs. New School in San Pedro Num. 2
Yes we are talking about the Old School but not referring to the old R.C. Primary School on the beach and the new one by the airport. Neither are we talking about the old high school where the Town Hall is now located and the new one behind the R. Angel Nu�ez Auditorium. Rather we keep talking about the old way of living or doing things and how it is done today.
What a great variety of food we have in San Pedro today from delicious meat or poultry dishes, to pastas and pizzas and of course a whole range of salads and desserts. I was raised in the 1950's with a plain diet of corn tortillas and beans accompanied with fried fish. I mean that was six times a week and for many people it was seven times a week and 12 months of the year. For a little variety on Sundays we had a treat of corned beef�yes corned beef! However we did not get it every Sunday because it had a ridiculous high price tag of 50 cents. I remember fighting with my brother to have the privilege of opening the tin can of corn beef with the attached metal key, and also to be able to dip my finger into the meat and have a first bite.
ABC Pre-School Grand Halloween Fair 2013
Get the ghouls and gals, witches and wizards, zombies, vampires and even the adorable fairies and princesses ready for ABC Pre-School's Grand Halloween Fair.
Costume Competition, Miss ABC Pre-School Contest, lots to eat and drink and much entertainment for the entire family.
Special Guests: Burger and Fries the Clowns!!
Come and join in the fun at ABC Pre-School Compound on Saturday, October 26, 2013 from 6:00 p.m. To 10:00 p.m. Don't miss out the fun!
The Reflection of Good Governance on Young People
Our young people today look up to those in Government and the private sector. They are watching every step they make and are ever more vigilant in calling out wrong doings. I am totally impressed with the level our young people today have reached, in terms of standing up and fighting for national development. It is the part of the elected officials to be responsible decision makers, and avid thinkers, as it relates to policies affecting young people, and people in general in Belize. Young people have seen enough where both current and past administrations have allegedly mismanaged tax payers money. They are tired of all the snafu and propaganda, and are looking for real change. They are hoping to work with the Government of the day to effectively help to reconstruct the economic climate of Belize.
Public Consultation Land Use Development in Ambergris Caye
Invitation to attend public consultation on the land use development study for Ambergris Caye
The sustainable tourism program (stp) of the ministry of tourism and culture, and the Belize Tourism Board, in conjunction with the San Pedro Town Council and consultant Oriol Monfort will be holding a public consultation on Tuesday 22nd October at 6:30 pm at the lion's den, on barrier reef drive, San Pedro.
The Purpose of this Consultation is:
1. To update the community on the baseline data collection, mapping and planning activities to date
2. To present to the community the draft land use plans and development guidelines
3. Invite comments and feedback on the land use plans as presented
All potential stakeholders to include the businesses and residents of Ambergris Caye, real estate agents, industry associations, ngos and civil society are encouraged to attend.
Misc Belizean Sources
The Sudden Rise in Popularity of Belize's "Sea Cow"
A naturalist guide at the Lodge at Chaa Creek cited a recent article in the Charleston South Carolina Post and Courier as highlighting a growing interest in one of Belize's favourite animals, the manatee, and raises concerns that this iconic Belizean marine mammal may be relocating.
Brion Young, who is also assistant manager of Chaa Creek's Belize Natural History Centre, said the Post and Courier article confirms his own observations about the manatee's growing popularity.
"It seems that the manatee is attracting more attention in our northern neighbours and appears to be growing in numbers when making its annual passage up and down the Atlantic Coast.
"That's good news for us, as public awareness is important for any endangered species.
Iguana trauma!
Another great day with Helping Paws Across Borders! Maybe they should add claws to their name? After saving this iguana from a dog attack a vet on their team that works with exotics was able to treat her and stitch her up! She seemed happy for the help. Plus they treated almost another 70 island pets yesterday.
Onion!
By Abdulmajeed K. Nunez
Belizeans get caught up eena politricks
Di think bout fight demons with bullets and sticks
Whilst this thing is about powernomics
From Ralph-a-nomics to Barrow-nomics
Deh buoys di play lone gimmicks, dah comics
Independence day speech promise, embarrassing Skerrit
Di give the impression that PUDP deh dah war
Belizeans need to see far the hardware magnets are slowly becoming Belize's Pablo Escobar
We need to teach wi children monopoly
Deh buoys want full control of the economy
To enrich deh pickney, at the expense of the citizenry
Its economic skullduggery
With dummy company, limited liability
No one will get Geg's money,
Discovery solutions is ah entity, its own a company
Cruise solutions is another company
Remember when BTL and Smart's relationship was fiery
Ashcraft owned both companies
We are making the biggest mistake of our lives,
If we listen to their lies! Belizean open unu eyes!
Chopping incident in Corozal leaves young men injured
There was mayhem in Cristo Rey village, Corozal on Sunday night and it left 6 people with chop wounds. According to police a group of youths was on the bleacher at the park in Cristo Rey, Corozal and were reported to be making noise around 9:30 pm.
A man, who lives nearby, identified as Guadencio Che is reported to have approached the youths asking them to stop making noise, and then he left.
Police investigations show that the group of young people followed Che to his house across from the football field and started hurling stones at the house.
Police say that the Che family then reportedly came out armed with machetes and chopped up the stone-throwing youths, leaving them with some serious chop wounds.
BCS San Ignacio Branch
The Belize Cancer Society has a San Ignacio Branch that's been opened since March, 2013. It's located at the BFLA office on Church street. Since October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, they are having their 'Paint Belize Pink' campaign to increase awareness. They are also having a Cancer Walk from Esperanza to San Ignacio on the morning of the 26th.
SHC Fair and Business Expo
Sacred Heart College is having their annual fair and Business Expo the last weekend of October. There will be a parade during the day on Friday the 25th, and the talent show starting at 6:00pm. Saturday the 27th, the Business Expo and fair start at 10:00am, and at night they'll have a dance. There will be games for all ages, along with trampolines, a dunk tank, a wide selection of food and drinks.
This year, they'll be having something different with a 'Car Smash and Cut' fundraiser, where you can break the windows out, paint, drill holes, and cut up an Isuzu Trooper.
SMCU Celebrating Credit Union Day
Saint Martin's Credit Union, the credit union for Cayo, is celebrating International Credit Union Day today from 8:00am until 3:00pm. You can learn about why credit unions are a better choice, and how they help the community, along with learning about the various services they offer. They'll also have free snacks and drinks for everyone. See you there!
In related news, they'll be closed on Saturday, the 19th so they can attend the annual Credit Union Convention, but the ATM's will be working fine. They'll be open again on Monday.
"YOU'RE INVITED - International Credit Union (ICU) Day OPEN DAY at SMCU on Thursday 17 October from 8:00am to 3:00pm - WIN A CELL PHONE - Membership Application Fee WAIVED - FREE SNACKS & DRINKS! See you there."
SI United Visited FC Belize
The SI United played against the FC Belize at the MCC Grounds Sunday. There was a late goal that ended the game in Belize's favor 1 to 0. The next game is on Sunday, the 27th of October, at Broaster Staduim, where they play the BDF.
"Was an exciting match all the way to the end. The guys played well, controlled the whole match but couldn't finish. Late extra time goal would end the game 1-0. Looking forward to bounce back with some late reinforcements next game."
Community Outreach with ReefCI
ReefCI joined forces with TIDE for the annual TIDE Fish festival and had lots of fun spreading the word about the invasive lionfish!
ReefCI donated free samples of delicious beer battered lionfish! The general public were encouraged to give feedback on eating and buying Lionfish. The kids had fun participating in colouring competitions and a wordsearch! And there was a beautiful, innovative selection of lionfish earrings on display and on sale!
It was a great day and a huge success. Team ReefCI also won first prize in the fishing competition, and won an additional prize for catching the most lionfish!!
Channel 7
Penner, No Word On Resignation
Representative for Cayo Northeast Elvin Penner remains in Guatemala tonight. 7news has obtained footage of him crossing the western border on the Guatemalan side last Friday evening at about 4:30. He is seen - apparently with family - lugging a heavy suitcase - not looking quite like the man the Prime Minister described as going to seek medical attention for debilitating migraine headaches.
And as his big red suitcase might suggest - Penner isn't expected back until next week Tuesday or Wednesday. But, in the interim he remains in contact by telephone. He hasn't answered the Prime Minister yet to say whether he will or won't step down as UDP standard-bearer for Cayo northeast. Today, via telephone, the Prime Minister confirmed that Penner has not called him to state his position.
But we do know that Penner has been communicating with some in the UDP and reports say he's been telling them that he's been treated unfairly, even unconstitutionally. We are told that Penner has communicated officially to the UDP that he will come back and consult with the people of Cayo Northeast and his committee to decide the way forward.
The Political Chess Game Begins
And so that's the state of play tonight: the PM abroad, Penner undecided, the future unclear.
Which gives us time to review yesterday - which was quite a day - in terms of history and the political back and forth. We start at the beginning, in Belmopan when Prime Minister Dean Barrow became the first PM or Party leader to urge a sitting member of the House to resign:
Jules Vasquez Reporting
In terms of grand entrances the leader of the Opposition got the nod as he walked into his press conference yesterday. And while the PUP party leader sat flanked by his deputy leaders - candidates and supporters were all around a very full room
The Prime Minister also sat with his Deputy Prime Minister and all of Cabinet - and while we did see a few party supporters, the NEMO conference room had the sense of officialdom, the PUP event was like a political rally.
Both events also centered on documents - the UDP spoke about that which cannot be disclosed,
Hon. Godwin Hulse - Minister of Immigration
"I do not want to be pressed on the details of names etc, because I will not give them out. I cannot."
Saldivar's Documents Re-examined
And, as you saw, lost in the mix of political gamesmanship leading up to a possible bye-election was Arthur Saldivar and his Immigration documents. Last week he strutted across the public stage, a louche whistle blower with not just horse-hair, but the entire horse-hide in hand, making glib promises about "a document a day" and sponsoring a media worker to go to South Korea to talk to Citizen Kim.
And then, suddenly, he was a fugitive on the run, and then�he fell off the radar; "to be continued�" he said. But yesterday the Saldivar mini-series came to a too-abrupt end: he posted a few documents on facebook, flashed them before the media, and handed them over to police. He was, in the end, it appeared, beleaguered by the burden of the documents. Tonight we take a look at those few documents that Saldivar has posted online:
Jules Vasquez Reporting
Commissioner of the Supreme Court Winston Smiling carried the bag full of immigration files, along with an entourage of sorts from the PUP Headquarters down the street to the Queen Street Police Station.
Scores Of Small Lobster Seized
Tonight, 30 year-old Hubert Palacio and 50 year-old Luigi Marin, are out on bail after they were taken to court along with fellow fisherman 43 year-old Mark Sewell in connection with a bust of 431 undersized lobsters which the Fisheries Department made last night.
According to the Fisheries Department, these men were at a fishing camp south of Caye Chapel, when they were busted with the illegal haul. Today, Supervisor Hampton Gamboa explained to us about what led to the raid, and what the effects on the environment this illegal act has caused:
Hampton Gamboa - Fisheries Supervisor, Conservation Compliance Unit
"The public had called us yesterday about 6 or 7 with some reliable information, and we pursued the information last night at around 9 or 10. Fisheries officers went the southern part of Caye Chapel, where on one of these islands, they found a fishing camp. We searched the premise and were able to find 2 iceboxes. One was partially filled, and the other had just a couple lobsters. After the officers proceeded with the procedure weighing each individual, we ended up with 431 undersized lobsters."
Citizen Kim's Saga Continues In S. Korean Court
The man we call Citizen Kim, properly known as 52 year old South Korean Won-Hong Kim has been indicted to stand trial for embezzlement in South Korea. News reports from South Korea say that he was indicted on Monday on charges of conspiring with the jailed chairman of the country's third largest conglomerate in a massive embezzlement case. That Chairman for SK Group, Chey Tae-won was convicted of embezzling nearly $45 million US Dollars from the group. Citizen Kim was a former adviser to SK Shipping is accused of participating as an accomplice in the embezzlement scheme, as the man responsible for the chairman's investments. When the Chairman went on trial in 2011, he fled South Korea for China and turned up in Taiwan in July where he was arrested for an immigration offence. That's when maneuvers were put in motion to fraudulently get him a Belize passport. That was personally seen to by Elvin Penner who signed the nationality certificate and the passport, and by his own words "(saw) to it that (Kim) would get proper attention and would get his passport the same day."
Penner's driver picked up the passport at the Immigration office on September ninth and days later a diplomat from another country, we are told, conveyed the passport to Kim in jail.
Who Burned Immigration Dept's Chavaria's Van
A senior immigration officer had her vehicle set on fire over the weekend. Therese Chavaria - who is currently holding over the Passport Section right now - told police that at 3:00 am on Saturdaymorning she saw her Dodge Caravan on fire near her home on Lumber Yard Crescent. Chavaria was awakened by a loud bang and police say it is a case of arson. Her home is just a few blocks away from the Fire Department and the blaze was quickly extinguished by fire personnel. The vehicle is valued at nine thousand dollars and was completely destroyed.
World Bank Study: Bze Per Capita Income Among Region's Lowest
The World Bank's 2014 World Development report says that, on a per capita basis, Belize is among the poorest countries in the Caribbean.
Per capita income refers draws a very rough average of how much each person in a country makes basically by dividing the population by the GDP.
Of the 14 CARIBBEAN countries for which information was gathered, Belize was the third lowest, with a per capita income of $4,180.00 US dollars. Only Guyana and the US Virgin Islands were lower.
Bahamas at $21,280 and Puerto Rico were the highest.
Belize Census, A Slight Return
The results of the 2010 census were released in 2011, but the statistical institute of Belize chose today Caribbean statistics day to release to final, official census.
It was staged at the Jaguar auditorium at the university of Belize where minister of state in the ministry of finance Santiago Castillo Jr explained how statistics can be important to planning:..
At the time of its release in 2011 the census was criticized for showing Belize's population growth at a below average level and the household size shrinking...
Where Pets Are Treated Like People
The Belize Animal Center first caught our attention back in 2004 - when we hard about their service of pet grooming. Well, tonight the news is that they have moved on up - to a new location with a new range of services.
It's an interesting business model because the expanded facility is owned and operated by two women. We visited their new digs at #1 Mike DeShield Street in Belama Phase two:
They moved into their new digs in September. And yes, the street is named after the founder of the Animal Center, the now deceased Mike DeShield.
Jevaun Needs Expensive Meds
A nine year old standard 4 student of Holy Redeemer Primary School has been diagnosed with a rare disease. Jevaun Freeman is suffering from a condition which causes him to bleed through his pores.
It is a disease that cannot be treated here in Belize and needs urgent attention. Earlier this week, his mother came by our studios to ask the public for assistance in hope that she can get her son out for treatment in Guatemala.
If you would like to assist, you can contact his mother at telephone number 6-0-4-2-5-0-5. The World Pediatric Project has found the medication to treat him and has arranged to bring it to Belize - but it is expensive, over ten thousand dollars and they are trying to fundraise to get the payment for it. So if you can help it would be appreciated.
House Cmte Meeting Was A Marathon
At the end of our lengthy newscast yesterday, 7News told you about the public consultation on the proposed amendment to the criminal code.
It went for just over 4 hours, and we could see why. The extensive amendment was carefully explained, clause by clause, to the gathering at the UB Gymnasium. The speakers also addressed some of the questions submitted in writing as they progressed through their presentations.
Tonight, we revisit a small excerpt where the Deputy Solicitor General explained the significance of equal protection for both young girls and young boys, which inadvertently introduced the issue which the Church wants clarified.
The Committee for Foreign Affairs and Constitution has pledged to carefully consider all submissions made in writing. The Deputy Solicitor General has also pledged that corrections in wording will be made so that there can be no doubt that the proposed amendment does not nullify Section 53.
Channel 5
Elvin Penner says he isn't resigning and he is coming home on Sunday
Prime Minister Dean Barrow left the country today for Los Angeles California and was hoping that he would have accepted Elvin Penner's resignation from the U.D.P. and as area representative [...]
Barrow says U.D.P. cannot expel Penner as elected area rep
As we told you, Penner will be back in Belize on Sunday and he is not resigning as yet. Via phone today, he also told News Five that he will [...]
A closer look shows irregularities in a bundle of nationality documents
On Tuesday, attorney Arthur Saldivar handed over a bagful of immigration documents to Police - including files and binders. Those documents were allegedly in Saldivar's possession for over a week. [...]
Eric Chang to lose title and rank as deputy mayor
By midday Thursday, Eric Chang will probably no longer be the Deputy Mayor of Belize City. That's the word coming out of City Hall today. Chang had been given an [...]
U.D.P. Chairman breaks down the options for Penner
Prime Minister Dean Barrow has made it abundantly clear that his initial position to give former Minister of State Elvin Penner a second chance, has now changed following disclosure of [...]
August says P.U.P. struggling; and explain 3-step process of bye-election
But the prospects, according to August, are less than likely that the People's United Party will emerge victorious if a bye-election should be called since he claims that the opposition [...]
Should Elvin Penner face criminal charges even if he resigns as area rep?
Tonight's question is: Even if Elvin Penner resigns as Area Representative should be still face criminal charges? Yes or No. Send your comments and responses using your SMART phones to [...]
Despite being removed as Immigration Director, Ruth Meighan's signature continues to appear on passports
As we continue to dig into the immigration scandal, we unearthed the following detail. The signature of former Director of Immigration, Ruth Meighan, remains a fixture in all passports currently [...]
Opposition and business community both want independent investigations into scandal
After much public outrage and an overwhelming demand for a criminal investigation into the illegal issuance of nationality certificates and passports at the Immigration and Nationality Department, the Belize Police [...]
Cayo northeast constituents say that they are being bribed by the U.D.P.
At Tuesday's press conference, the P.U.P. also disclosed that voters are reporting that inducements are being offered by the ruling party not to sign a recall petition.� Likewise, there are [...]
Was Elvin Penner legally authorized to sign on Belizean birthright?
There is still debate on whether or not the Prime Minister had the legal authority to allow Elvin Penner, as a Minister of State, to sign nationality certificates and passports. [...]
Dickie Bradley says a minister of state cannot be a member of Cabinet
Bradley also pointed out that Penner could not be removed from Cabinet because he is a minister of state and could only attend cabinet sittings by invitation. Bradley turned to [...]
The attempted rape of a minor lands 2 men before the courts
Two men from the Corozal district have been hit with a slew of charges after an attempted rape on a minor. The sixteen year old girl from Xaibe Village told [...]
Corozal residents charged following chopping frenzy
Today one man lies critically injured in the K.H.M.H. and five others are recovering from wounds they received at the hands of a machete-wielding family in Cristo Rey, Corozal. According [...]
Major bust of undersized lobster
The Fisheries Department is reporting a major bust of undersized lobsters. A total of four hundred and thirty-one undersized lobsters were confiscated and four persons were detained. They have been [...]
2010 Census on Population and Housing officially launched
The 2010 Census on Population and Housing was officially launched today in a glossy report, even though the findings were released since 2011. Still yet there is interesting information. In [...]