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The San Pedro Sun
Placencia Sidewalk Arts Festival, a full weekend of fun!
While visiting Placencia over the weekend of February 15th for the annual Placencia Sidewalk Arts & Music Festival, we found there was so much more to the fun event than just the unique and creative art. Strolling along the once regarded "narrowest main street in the world" by the Guinness Book of World Records (Reutlingen, Germany now holds claim to the title) the sights, sounds and smells of grilling meats invited us in to the very heart of the village.
It's a blowout: Tigersharks beat the Corozal Heats 79-54!!
The San Pedro Tigersharks picked up their second win in round three of the National Elite Basketball League after they defeated the visiting Corozal Heats on Saturday February 22nd. Held at the San Pedro High School Angel Nu�ez Auditorium, the much talked about game saw national basketball action back on Ambergris Caye and had quite a large turnout. Not only did the spectators enjoy a good game, in which the home team blew out the Heats, but fans also got the opportunity to get Tigersharks t-shirts. Looking into the up-coming games in week four of the season, on Friday February 28th, Belmopan Bandits will face the Corozal Heats at the Andres Campos Civic Center in Corozal Town while Orange Walk Running Rebels will host the Dangriga Warriors at the Orange Walk Sporting Complex. On Saturday March 1st, Belize City Smart No Limits will play Toledo Diplomats at the Punta Gorda Sporting Complex while the San Pedro Tigersharks will host their second game of the season against Cayo Western Ballaz.
The Tigersharks game will start at 8:00PM at the Rafael Angel Nu�ez Auditorium and spectators are asked to come in black t-shirts to show support for the home team!
BTB and Industry Partners Give Couple A Belizean Honeymoon
It is not every day that the Belize Tourism Board receives requests to give a couple a honeymoon in Belize, matter fact, it has never happened, at least not that we can recall. So, when the BTB received a letter from WPC Leyna Cano on behalf of Precinct II requesting the BTB's assistance for what we believe was a well-deserved and truly touching story, we knew that we had to try our best to make it happen. The Belize Tourism Board extends a sincere thank-you and acknowledges all the people who made this initiative a success. We want to recognize Tropic Air, Robert's Grove, Tutti Frutti, The Art Affair Gallery, Laru Beya, Splash Dive Center, Maya Beach Bistro, Barefoot Services, Rum Fish Y Vino, Wendy's Creole Restaurant, The Lodge at Chaa Creek, Yute Expeditions, Rolson's Cosina Y Cantina, San Ignacio Resort Hotel, Hode's Place, Boaz Golf Cart Rental, Belize Pro Diving, Caprice Restaurant, El Divino, Victoria House, Elvi's Kitchen, Caramba's, and Seaduced.
Ambergris Today
Terminal Cancer Patient Received Belizean Honeymoon by BTB & Partners
In her letter, WPC Cano articulated what a trip would mean for the couple. Very much in love, PC Leon Flowers and Dana got married in court and never had a honeymoon. Shortly after, Mrs. Flowers was diagnosed with Stage III cancer and despite treatment abroad, a few days ago she returned home after learning her cancer is terminal and that she has only a couple months to live.
The couple's positivity in the face of such a difficult time in their lives, coupled with the acts of thoughtfulness and kindness demonstrated by Precinct II, really moved us and we created a nine day itinerary after we received overwhelming support from our industry partners.
On Friday, February 21st, Mr. & Mrs. Flowers departed for the much needed break which takes them to the destinations of Placencia, San Ignacio and San Pedro. The pair is set to experience the warmth of our Belizean hospitality and the indescribable beauty of our country through the best of what Belize has to offer in attractions, food, art, transportation and accommodation.
San Pedro Carnival 2014 Kicks off with Masquerade Ball
The San Pedro House of Culture, in collaboartion with the San Pedro Town Council and Holiday Hotel, hosted its first Masquerade Ball to kick off the San Pedro Carnival 2014 celebrations this past weekend on Saturday, February 22, 2014. The invitation was sent out for everybody to join the party dressed in elegance and wearing special masquerade masks. Those who did not have time to create their own masks were able purchase one at the party and join in on the fun filled celebration along with great music, Mardi Gras beads, appetizers and plenty of cocktails. Prizes were given out to the Most Elegant, Most Creative, Best Couple and Most Energetic party goers.
Isla Bonita Elementary School Hosts Drug/AIDS Fair
Students of the upper division at Isla Bonita Elementary School (Std IV, V and VI) in Ms. Sharon Hazel's Social Studies class held a mini fair on Drugs, Sexually Transmitted Infections and HIV/AIDS on Friday, February 21, 2014.
Students were divided into groups where they presented on topics given to them. They were very elaborate in their explanations and provided great examples and interactive games. Invited guests included students, teachers, media, San Pedro Police and SP AIDS Commission.
Island Torch Bar & Grill Promises Hearty and Local Dishes
We have found the perfect place for breakfast in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye; well, another awesome place with a superb breakfast menu that you can have at any time of the day. Island Torch Bar & Grill offers large hearty breakfast options that will have you satisfied and full of energy for the rest of the day!
But Island Torch is more than just a place for big breakfast; although it has gotten popular as a hotspot for morning meals, the restaurant has amazing lunch specials that compare to homemade meals and evenings come alive with delicious pizza and beer/cocktails at the bar.
Island Torch opens bright and early at 6a.m. every morning, so you can have a great Belizean breakfast before you head to the office or commence your daily rituals. Or you might just want to relax, sip on some good coffee while you update your social media status or check your emails. It is located across Central Park on Barrier Reef Drive so you can sit back and observe as the island comes alive.
A Glimpse into San Pedro Mayor's Oval Office
It is the equivalent to the President of the United States' Oval Office! It is cleary not as majestic and prestigious as the one in the White House, but the office of the Mayor of San Pedro Town is pretty awesome. With posh furnishings, ample desk space, seating for small meetings, and a private bathroom, 'Mayor Danny's office is very comfortable for a man who has the task of running the very busy town of San Pedro. The most impressive decor in the office is the artwork on the ceiling that depicts a 3D logo of the San Pedro Town Council. A suitable office for our hard-working Mayor.
Misc Belizean Sources
BELIZEANS STRIVING TO SECURE GRANTS FROM CARIBBEAN EXPORT
Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export) in partnership with the Belize Coalition of Service Providers (BCSP) will deliver a two-day workshop on the Direct Assistance Grant Scheme to attending firms as part of the Regional Private Sector Development Programme (RPSDP) funded by the European Union under the 10th European Development Fund (EDF) on February 26 and 27, 2014.
Following a recent virtual grant proposal training session delivered on February 11, 2014 by Caribbean Export to BCSP and Beltraide officers, at the request of Beltraide, this workshop was subsequently requested to ensure Belizean firms are in the best possible position to access the available funds from the scheme.
Taximan busted with suitcase of marijuana in his van
elmopan resident Lisburn Marin, 45, was booked on drug trafficking charges late last week.
Police busted Marin, a taxi driver and security guard, with a suitcase containing just over 16 pounds of suspected marijuana.
Police say that the bust happened in Roaring Creek village on Thursday afternoon.
Police conducted a search of Marin's van and the suitcase was found behind the last seat of the vehicle. Marin has been arrested and charged for the offence of drug trafficking.
Community journalists gradaute in Punta Gorda town
Graduation exercise was held on Saturday, February 22 for a group of Toledo men and women who underwent training as community journalists.
The training was an initiative of Ak'Kutan Radio and was designed to give participants of the training course a basic understanding and knowledge of what it takes to gather the news, write stories and present the news on radio and television.
The training was conducted by veteran broadcaster/journalist Patrick Jones.
A total of 12 community journalists graduated on Saturday during ceremonies which were held at the Father Francis Ring Parish Hall in Punta Gorda town.
Ministry of Health to Benefit from Training in Quality and Performance Delivery
Government of Belize Press Office
PRESS RELEASE
FFB Inter-District Championship
Congratulations to the MnM Steelers, for winning the 2nd FFB Inter-District Tournament against the Roaring Creek United yesterday in Belmopan.
"Championship of the second FFB Inter-District tournament was held at the FFB Goal Project stadium in the Garden City yesterday 23/2/2014 between Roaring Creek & MnM Steelers of Independence village."
Benque Sawdust Art Project
The Sawdust Art Project that celebrates Holy Friday will be on April 18th this year. Benque's famous sawdust art tapestries always impress, and they are inviting everyone to come out and show off their skills and creativity. See you there. Email [email protected] for more information. Thanks go out to NICH and the Benque House of Culture for setting up this amazing cultural event.
"Join us in the elaboration of sawdust tapestries in Benque, be creative, innovative and live the momentum of Holy Friday in Benque Viejo. Interested group from all over Belize are invited to partake in this activity, kindly touch base soon, for more information inbox us."
Armed robbery on the Mountain Pine Ridge road
There was a frightening armed hold up on the Mountain Pine Ridge Road on Saturday morning.
Guatemalan businessman Leonel Cardona, reported to police that around 9 am on Saturday, he was driving towards Barton Creek when two men emerged from the bushes armed with shotguns.
Cardona, who was being accompanied by Luis Aroldo Ochoa Mendez, says that when the vehicle came to a stop, the armed robbers proceeded to relieve them of a total of $4,000 in cash along with 500 Quetzales.
The robbers then fled the area.
Police say no one was physically hurt in the incident and an official investigation is ongoing.
Cayo cop charged for extortion
A policeman attached to the San Ignacio police station has been arrested and charged for the crime of extortion. He is Constable #444 Henry Nunez.
PC Nunez was arrested and charged following a report made by a motorist that he was shaken down for $300 after he was caught driving a motor vehicle without insurance.
The alleged shakedown happened on Tuesday of last week by Esperanza resident Francis Requena, 56. Requena told police that he was stopped at the La Loma Luz Boulevard roundabout on the George Rice Highway and notified of the traffic offence. Requena claims that the officers requested the $300, which he was able to get from his son who arrived at the scene shortly after a call was placed by Requena's wife.
Requena's son says that after giving the money to his father, he saw when Francis Requena handed the money to the officer who was seated in the rear seat of the police vehicle after which the vehicle drove off.
Edmund Castro versus Alvarene Burgess in Supreme Court
The case of Minister of State Edmund Castro and the woman identified as Alvarene Burgess who accused him of involvement in corrupt transactions over visa recommendations is before the Supreme Court for case management.
Castro is seeking a retraction, apology and damages from Burgess and Great Belize Television, Channel 5 who interviewed burgess and broadcast her allegations in October of 2013.
#1 Island In the World-Again!
Very proud and happy about this recognition for Belize, Hon. Manuel Heredia, Jr., Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Civil Aviation, says that collaboration and hard work with industry partners, coupled with satisfied guests, made this possible, "We are honored that Ambergris Caye is once again the #1 Island In The World. The commitment and love invested in this industry have not gone unnoticed. We are thankful for the great partnership that we enjoy with our stakeholders and applaud their dedication to the standards that they keep setting not just for Belize, but also for the global tourism industry. We are also very grateful to the travelers for sharing their wonderful experiences with the Trip Advisor community, because without the visitors this award would not have been possible."
FISHING REPORT: Week of February 15 - 22nd, 2014
Everyone said, "The week went too fast!" And it did. What fun to meet new friends and most enjoyable for us at El Pescador to see you all leave with big smiles. It is so rewarding for the guide team to see you leave with more confidence and with plans to return! Anglers and guides working together make dreams come true. And remember, you now become the teachers for your family and friends. They look at your adventurous self and think that they too might have that possibility someday to land a fish on a fly. Or wade the flats with a special lure like Scott's. Carlos brought his wife and four children here to run around in the sun and be exposed to the life from the sea. We are thrilled you joined us and look forward to seeing you all soon. In the meantime, practice your cast so you too can cast to your dreams!
National Women's Month
Greetings from the Office of the Special Envoy for Women and Children and the National Women's Commission (NWC). The month of March in Belize is celebrated annually as National Women's Month; as a result, the Special Envoy Office in collaboration with the NWC is staging the 20,000 Strong National Women's Empowerment Rally on Thursday, March 6, 2014 from 9:00A.M. to 3:00P.M. at the Marion Jones Stadium in Belize City.
The aim of this first-of-its kind event is to demonstrate the power, influence and significance of women by showing the Belizean society a day without women. This rally will serve as a platform for a collective approach at finding solutions to the issues that affect the lives of women. We are, therefore, inviting all women, from as near as Belize City to as far as the Toledo District to take the day off from work as a means of celebrating their collective strength and participate in the rally en mass.
Ya'axch�'s ranger team develops skills for tree conservation
In April 2013, the Ya'axch� Conservation Trust initiated a new programme in Belize focusing on increasing the capacity of protected area managers and staff to carry out tree species conservation. Approaching the end of the project's first year, Gail Stott reports on the early progress made working with Ya'axch�'s ranger team.
The first year of Ya'axch�'s Global Trees Campaign project has so far been an extremely busy one, involving training workshops, competitions, monitoring trees in the field, and the revamp of our tree nursery.
Bearing in mind the relatively low capacity of Belizean NGOs to identify, monitor and manage different tree species, we have started with the basics: new training materials have been developed and tailored to the needs of conservationists in Belize, focussing on plant identification, core field skills, survey methods and the collection of voucher specimens.
The cohune, the gibnut and us
The cohune, the gibnut and us is a short film produced by Ya'axch� Conservation Trust in Belize, Central America. The film is explains the concept of biodiversity and what an ecosystem is, and why we humans need to take care not to break the links in the forest ecosystem. The film uses the example of the gibnut (paca), a ground dwelling rodent which disperses the nuts of the cohune palm, which is used for thatching. The paca is also hunted for meat by humans.
Galen Wins ATLIB Basketball
Congratulations, Galen Eagles! They won the ATLIB Basketball championships over the weekend, and this makes it 2 years in a row.
"Galen University Eagles Basketball Team: undefeated champions for the second year in a row! GO EAGLES, GO!"
Cayo BTIA Website
The Cayo chapter of the Belize Tourism Industry Association has a web page. It's still being constructed, but it's looking nice so far. Cayo is the ecotourism capital. Great picture of ATM.
"San Ignacio Town is the main town in the Cayo District of western Belize and is an ideal base to explore ancient Maya cities like Caracol and Xunantunich, ceremonial caves like Barton Creek and Actun Tunichil Muknal, and cascading water falls like Rio on Pools and Big Rock waterfalls in the Mountain Pine Ridge Nature Reserve. Hiking, kayaking, bird watching and horseback riding are also top rated outdoor activities in the area. San Ignacio is also an important en route to and from Guatemala since it is one of the last towns in Belize before entering Guatemala where many travelers go to visit Tikal - one of the largest archaeological site in the country."
UB Lady Jaguars Win ATLIB Basketball
Congratulations to the UB Lady Jaguars for winning the ATLIB Basketball championship! The UB male team took second place.
"The ATLIB Basketball nationals was held on Friday, February 21, 2014 and our Black Jaguars went to represent the University after qualifying in the Regionals. UB Lady Black Jaguars first faced Belize Adventist Junior College and secured a win. The championship game was between UB Lady Black Jaguars and Stann Creek Ecumenical Junior College (SCEJC). Our team subdued SCEJC and became the new ATLIB champions. The males defeated Wesley Junior College in their first game but unfortunately lost to Galen University in the final game of the day. UB Black Jaguars earned second place in the tournament. Congratulations to our athletes for representing the university well."
Love is in the Air Concert
The Benque House of Culture has posted pictures from the Love is in the Air Concert that was at Centennial Park on Saturday.
"The kindness and support of our community brings us through the celebration of a close knitted community, our Air of Love Concert was a blissful partnership with you all. We are humbled by the support of each and everyone who assist in fortifying our solid arts & culture spirit."
Corozal: Stop searches, vehicular checkpoints, bike patrols
Feb 24 - Superintendent Andrew Ramirez of the Corozal Police Department is notifying the general public that stop searches, vehicular checkpoints, bike patrols, mobile patrols and highway patrols will be carried out every Saturday and Sunday from 6:00 P.M. to 10:00 P.M.
These operations have been instituted and will stay in effect until the conclusion of the sugar cane season. They apologize for any inconveniences caused during these operations.
Toledo Community College Fair this weekend
The Toledo Community College (TCC) is hosting its Annual fair this Saturday March 1 at its campus in beautiful Punta Gorda town.
According to one of the organizers Ms. Arlene Pennell, the objective of the fair is not only to raise the public profile of the institution, but also a fundraising event for the school to help support different academic initiatives at TCC.
Pennell says that the fair also helps to keep the students committed to giving back to their school and community.
Organizers say it will be a full day of fun activities to suit everyone, whether it be children, youth or adults.
BELIKIN LA RUTA MAYA CULTURAL NIGHT
FORMER UDP SAN PEDRO DEPUTY MAYOR STABBED MULTIPLE TIMES
Former UDP Deputy Mayor of San Pedro, Romel "Nesto" Gomez was stabbed multiple times on Sunday night by his wife sources say. Details are still sketchy on the circumstances surrounding the attack. Guerrero is said to be in serious condition and has been hospitalized at a private facility and is expected to be transferred to the KHMH in Belize City today.
Guerrero sustained injuries to the neck, chest and abdomen.Image
Channel 7
Fugitive Steel Bob Shot
San Ignacio Police shot fugitive Jarod "Steel Bob" Lamb this evening. Lamb had escaped from police last week Thursday by busting out of a police van near Ontario Village.
San Ignacio Police say that at around 4, someone in the Santa Elena Town spotted him in the Santa Elena Cemetery. The person, who had seen his photo in the media, recognized him as a fugitive and called police. Officers responded and spotted him in the area, and when he saw them coming, he tried to run. One of the officers shot him in the left leg, one inch below the knee. He fell, and police apprehended him after four days on the run.
He was escorted from San Ignacio to the KHMH under police guard, where he is being treated for his wounds. As soon as he is released, he will be charged with escaping from lawful custody.
Anthony Hunter Dead In Traffic Tragedy
Tonight, the Hunter Family is grieving the loss of 52 year-old Anthony Hunter who died in a terrible motorcycle accident at mile 2 on the Western Highway just in front of the Foam Factory.
At this time police believe that he slammed his Kawasaki Z motorcycle into a backhoe tractor belonging to Cisco Construction. The impact was massive, and here's what we found on the scene:
Daniel Ortiz reporting
When we arrived on the scene, it was an hour or so after the accident had occurred. Tony Hunter lay died in the middle of the road, a sheet wrapped over him to try to conceal the damage that had been done to his body.
Police worked quickly to process the scene. They had blocked off the Western Highway for at least a half a mile, and so they needed to reopen it as soon as possible.
Former PUP Minister Hunter Discusses Loss of Third Son
And while the police put the pieces together, for the family, it's more like picking up the pieces of a shattered life. Today, Anthony Hunter's father, former PUP Minister Freddy Hunter, told Monica Bodden that they couldn't have expected to get news of his death because he had left for work and was expected home soon. And then, they got the call that all families hope to never receive:
Freddy Hunter
"I was up there at 8am when I got the phone call and my daughter Lourdes call me and said Anthony just passed away and then she told me that he had an accident on the motorcycle; the motorcycle ran into the back of a back hoe and he died on the spot. They came for me, my granddaughter Gina and another grand daughter Amy came and brought me to Belize City and then I found out what really happen that - he works for Bowen and Bowen, they have a car rental and there was two customers in a car that he was showing how to find the Western Highway, so they were riding behind him and when he got them on the highway and they were satisfied that they were on the right road - he went ahead to most turn around or go through Boom, I don't know what his intentions were, but he sped up the motorcycle and when the passengers pass the curve they saw him on the highway already dead. It was on a curve that he went. That is all we know about it."
Alfredo Allegedly Chopped By Brother
Alfredo Martinez, a resident of 170 East Canal, continues to receive treatment at the KHMH tonight after he was either chopped with a machete or slashed with a knife in the head and face.
But it's no common "cut him up" crime because police say that his brother is their main suspect. Today, they told 7News why:
Inspector Jorge Villanueva, Operation's Commander
"Last night shortly after 8pm police responded to an incident. They visited #170 East Canal where on their arrival they encounter a dispute between two brothers. As a result, one sustains superficial cut wounds to the head and the nose. He was transported to the KHMH where he was treated and police are investigating into the matter. His brother Ricardo Martinez, 53 years old, Salvadorian security of the same address - he has been detained and he will be charged shortly."
Nephew Charged For Uncle's Murder
And while that brother is being investigated, a nephew will now face murder charges after the uncle he was accused of stabbing, died this weekend.
44 year-old Thomas Ferguson Sr. got into a fight with his nephew, 36 year-old Oliver Peters on December 7, at a house on Arlington Drive. Peters took out a knife and allegedly stabbed his uncle in the center of the chest.
Ferguson had been fighting for his life since then and on Saturday, 2 and a half months later, he passed away at the KHMH. That means that Peters, who was charged and arraigned on charges of attempted murder, use of deadly means of harm, and dangerous harm, will now be upgraded to murder.
Andrew Augustine Shot In The Neck
Almost 12 hours later, police had to return to the KHMH to investigate the shooting of 21 year-old Andrew Augustine, who was hit in the neck.
Police told us today that Augustine's shooting last night on Jasmine Street is being closely looked at as an escalation of violence in the Lake Independence area:
Cpl. Jorge Lemus, Admin
"Acting upon information received from the police control room on Sunday 23rd of February, 2014 at about 11 minutes after 10 police from Precinct 2 visited the KHMH hospital where they saw a male person suffering from a single gunshot wound to the neck area. Initial information received is that one Andrew Augustine, he is a computer technician of a Belize City address was walking on Jasmine Street when a lone gunman rode up and pointed a firearm in his direction and fired a single shot which caused the said injury."
Still No Gold For Employees Of Princess Gold
Former employees from the Golden Princess Casino, who were abruptly laid off last week Friday, intend to go back to the Human Resources Department tomorrow to find out if they will be paid their severance packages for the years of service that they were employed at the company.
7News understands from solid sources that those who were terminated were promised that they would be called today, so they postponed the plan to go asking for their pay to give the former employers a chance to follow up with them.
We understand that the employers have not gotten back to them, so they will now go and seek out HR.
As we told you, reports to 7News were that over 130 employees were laid off without notice on Friday morning at around 11, and our colleagues at CTV3 were on the ground just after the news was delivered to them, and they spoke with one of the former employees. Here's what she told them about how management had ensured them job security days before they were blindsided:
Alleged Sea Cucumber Queen Pin In Jail
Tonight, Guatemalans Georgina Maribel Mendez Aldana, her common-law husband Honduran, Hugo Salas, and their associate, Cesar Gerardo Ramirez are in jail. They couldn't pay substantial fines incurred for pleading guilty to a slew of fisheries offences. One week ago, they were busted with 7,033 sea cucumbers, weighing 3 thousand pounds, which were destined for illegal export from Belize. Aldana and her crew were expected back in court last week Friday, but it seems that her charges had to be amended before they were finally arraigned.
They were read charges of engaging in commercial fishing without a fisherman's license before Magistrate Leslie Hamilton today. They all pleaded guilty, and were sentenced to pay a fine of $500 each. The other 2 charges of engaging in fishing for Sea Cucumbers and attempting to export fisheries without a valid exporter's license were both withdrawn.
Castro Vs Channel 5 Goes To Court
By now, you know very well about the consequence arising from the allegation that Minister of State Edmond Castro used the Belize Airport Authority like a political piggy bank. Prime Minister Barrow made the entire board resign, and the BAA was removed from Castro's Portfolio as the Minister of state in the Ministry of Transport.
But before Castro's name was called in that scandal, Channel 5 and immigration agent Alvorine Burgess accused him of selling dozens of visa recommendations for hundreds of thousands of dollars. Castro admitted he wrote letters for her, but he said he never did the amounts she alleges, and he never did it for money. So, he took out a lawsuit against Burgess and Channel 5 for defamation, and today, that case made its first appearance in the Supreme Court before Justice Courtney Abel.
King vs. Castro On Secret Recording: "Big Man Business"
3 weeks ago, 7News told you about the tension within the UDP Government after Lake Independence Area Representative Mark King secretly recorded a conversation with Belize Rural North's Edmond Castro. There are widely varying reports about what Castro did and did not say in that recording - but the most credible information we have been able to piece together says that he was complaining, quite bitterly, about Prime Minister Barrow leaving him under-resourced, and to fend for himself in his division. It was a Friday evening meeting with a UDP linked businessman, drinks were being served, and Castro's conversation we are told was loose and critical of the PM.
Shortly after the meeting, King forwarded the conversation to Prime Minister Dean Barrow, who has confirmed to the media that he did indeed receive it.
The full contents of that conversation are still unknown at this time, and when we tried to get it out of the Prime Minister, he deflected saying that he considers it an internal UDP matter. But in a climate where the Prime Minister has admitted that the scandals are threatening to destabilize his government, we wondered what King's intention was.
Husband And Wife On Weed Charge
37 year-old Barry Lee Wade and his common law wife, 34 year-old Elizabeth Ann Linarez are facing a drug trafficking charge after they were busted by the GSU with over 8 pounds of marijuana.
According to the Gang Suppression Unit, they searched the couple's home on Mahogany Street Extension on Saturday afternoon at around 4:30. Inside their room, the officers found 3 large plastic bags on top of a television shelf. One of the bags contained 10 parcels of marijuana; another contained 6 parcels, and the final bag several small plastic bags. When the officers weighed the drugs in their presence, it amounted to 3.9 kilos or 8.58 pounds of marijuana, so the couple was charged with drug trafficking.
Busted, Disgusted, Remanded
23 year-old Belize City resident Steven Palacio is at prison tonight after police say that they busted him with 9mm rounds of ammunition.
When police searched his vehicle on Saturday, they found four live rounds of ammunition. They charged him with keeping unlicensed ammunition, and he was arraigned today before the Chief Magistrate.
He pleaded not guilty and claimed that the officers who searched him planted the bullets in his vehicle. His protest notwithstanding, due to the nature of the offence, he couldn't be granted bail, and he was remanded to prison until his next court date.
One Prisoner Caught, Another Still At Large
At the top of the news, we told you that police recaptured one of the prisoners who escaped from their custody. But another prisoner escaped from police a few hours after Steel Bob ran off.
According to police at around 6 o'clock on Thursday evening, he escorted Rodney to the KHMH to seek medical attention because he was complaining of severe pain to the left arm. Rodney was taken into a room by a nurse, and when she left, and the officer went in to check on him, he was nowhere to be found. He had made his escape, and tonight, police continue to search for him.
Art: The view From The Street
On Saturday, the 4th annual Street Art Festival took over Downtown Belize City where the streets were closed off to make way for a convoy of creators. 7News was there from the very beginning to the end 8 hours later. Here are some highlites:
Healing Helping Community
And while that was Saturday in the city's downtown area, on Sunday in Lake Independence, community activists joined up with law enforcement to host the 9th Day of Healing, an effort to foster fraternity between at-risk youths living in the different turfs in the Belize City Gang Landscape.
It's a grassroots initiative which started on George Street, but picked up and carried on by Perry "Stix" Smith try to show the youths that there are alternative avenues to gang life.
It happened at the Complex Field yesterday, where boys from different hoods converged on neutral territory, to make peace from the ground up. Daniel Ortiz dropped by to see how it went. Here's what he found out:
Sunday's Healing day was the second for 2014.
Hon. King, Positive Recreation
A few blocks away from the Day of Healing, Lake Independence Representative Mark King was hosting his first 3-on-3 Street Basketball Tournament.
He and his fellow organizers, including the Belize City Council as his partner, closed 2 blocks of the main artery into the Lake Independence area yesterday and that was transformed into the basketball court.
It's an interesting model of positive recreation in a neighbourhood under heavy influence of violence and so Daniel Ortiz stopped in to see the basketball talents from the hood go at it in the tournament. Here's his report:
I Am 100
How often do you hear of a Belizean citizen reaching the age of 100? That's exactly what Jaqueline Ernestine Gibson Celebrated today; she was born on February 24, 1914. To note the landmark in longevity, Help Age threw her a birthday party and invited the media to join in.
7News stopped in and spoke with Gibson, who has a pleasant disposition which allows her to fit into any social interactions, regardless of age. Here's what she told us about the importance of her hundredth birthday:
Jaqueline Ernestine Gibson
"100."
Daniel Ortiz
"Ma'am, tell us about your 100th birthday? The people around you I see they are making it as special as they can for you."
Jaqueline Ernestine Gibson
"Yes, because I am a special person of course. Anywhere I go I always be the life of the party."
Daniel Ortiz
"How does one become 100 years old? How do you stay healthy like that to get to that age?"
Jaqueline Ernestine Gibson
"You just take good care of yourself."
Jaguar Man Is Cayo North's Man For UDP
The UDP has a new standard bearer in Cayo North. He is Dr. Omar Figueroa, the well-known jaguar researcher. In a convention on Sunday where 2051 persons voted, Figueroa garnered 1,383 votes, trouncing his opponent Jorge Tesecum who had 648 votes.
It's an impressive showing considering that in the run up to the 2012 election, the PUP had a total of 1250 voters at a four way convention to elect Joseph Mahmoud who went on to become the area representative.
Of course, conventions are one thing and elections another, because Cayo North has about 6500 voters.
AmbergrisCaye.com 
