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Channel 5
Opposition says appointment of Anwar Barrow as Chairman of Executive Committee at B.T.L is nepotism
On Tuesday, we reported on a series of major management changes at the top of the government controlled Belize Telemedia Limited on the heels of the departure of Karen Bevans [...]
Karen Bevans replaces Laura Esquivel-Frampton at the B.T.B.
But back to Karen Bevans�.The former Chief Operations Officer of B.T.L. resigned from the telephone company on February seventh. Last Thursday was her last day at B.T.L., and this coming [...]
B.T.I.A. threatens court action for faulty EIA done for NCL Project
The Norwegian Cruise Lines tourism project ran into stiff opposition from the get go from stakeholders in the south who support pocket tourism as opposed to mass tourism. The controversial [...]
CitCo owes Belize Maintenance Limited approximately $3.5 Million
Mayor Darrell Bradley - it's probably a good thing he's an attorney and can represent himself in court because he's there a lot. As News Five told you on Tuesday, [...]
Mytheon - big business and big money - is it owned by Minister John Saldivar
It is not unheard of for ministers of government to be involved in personal businesses which benefit from their offices and positions. It is certainly not unusual. It is unethical, [...]
Ebony Street residents complain of dust on street
Belize City is currently in the midst of unprecedented, major infrastructure works. It's enough to make any city resident smile…or at least it will be when the street and drainage [...]
Viola Pook to be retried in May for the murder of her common-law husband.
On March fourteenth, 2014, the Court of Appeal set aside a conviction on fifty-six year old Viola Pook for the murder of her common-law-husband, forty-eight year old Orlando Vasquez, and [...]
Steven Buckley is hauled back to court; this time for drug offenses
Remember Stephen Buckley? He was awarded a sizeable settlement after he was shot multiple times to the head by an inspector of police which left him unable to work. Well [...]
Dangriga Market Project to resume, but at a higher cost
The Dangriga Market Project, after months of delay, is finally set to resume, but at a higher cost. The market which was originally contracted to Kenard Smart at a cost [...]
KTV Latino finalist robbed with gun and cement block
Thieves have become more brazen over the years and on Tuesday night; two robbers set their eyes on Doctor Jose Espat. Doctor Espat is the well-known finalist in Channel Five's [...]
Fire in Biscayne village
There was a fire on Tuesday afternoon in the village of Biscayne. An elevated wooden and concrete structure at mile twenty-seven and a half on the Phillip Goldson Highway, was [...]
Rotary project to rejuvenate South Side Belize City with playgrounds and libraries
The mayor is building streets all over the city, but a project between Rotary Club of Belize and Restore Belize is intended to rejuvenate the south side with playgrounds and [...]
CTV3
LOVE FM
Accused Burglar Gets Ear Bitten Off by Prison Inmate
Twenty-nine year old Cruz Allen, a prisoner who is serving 15 years for burglary and other convictions, came off the prison bus this morning holding his left ear. According to reports, a piece of Allen's left ear was bitten off by another inmate in an altercation that occurred while they were being transported from the prison to the magistrate court in Belize City. Allen was taken to Karl Heusner Memorial hospital where he was treated and released then taken back to prison. So far, no one has been charged in connection with the incident. Allen was to appear in Court for trial on a charge of burglary.
Police News: Robbery, Theft and Carnal Knowledge
Police are investigating a robbery that occurred on Tuesday night. Doctor Jose Espat reported to Police that on arrival at his home, he was approached by two dark complexion men. He said the men wore mask and one was armed with a handgun. The other man reportedly hit Espat with a piece of cement block to the head leaving him with a wound to the left side of the forehead. One of the men then grabbed off Espat's gold chain valued at ten thousand dollars from around his neck. Both men then escaped.
San Pedro police have detained a man pending a charge of theft. An American retiree who lives on the island told Police he sold a boat on March 1 and hid the money in a bag. He said sometime between that time and the end of the month his handyman stole three thousand dollars. The handyman has owned up to stealing the money. He was detained pending charges.
BEL Applies For Reduction of Rates
Belize Electricity Limited has applied for a reduction in the mean electricity rate. BEL made its submission to the Public Utilities Commission under the Annual Tariff Review Proceeding for the period July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2015. The reduction is from forty four point six five cents to forty three cents per kilowatt hour. According to the company the proposed reduction takes into consideration the most recent forecast of cost of power. Copies of BEL's submission are available at its corporate headquarters on the Philip Goldson Highway and its branch offices countrywide or at PUC's office on Gabourel Lane.
Barrow Says PUP Is Playing Petty Party Politics
Late this evening, Anwar Barrow responded to the release sent out by the People's United Party, saying that the party, for many years, has been attacking his credibility, making baseless. He added that as far back as 1997, the opposition party has had to settle several libel suits through financial compensation to him and have been compelled to make several public apologies the last of which was made in 2010. Barrow, pretty much concluded that he will not give attention to the petty party politics but rather he will remain focused while working with the board and committee members to move BTL forward under the stewardship of the Board Chairman, Nestor Vasquez.
Opposition Party Objects to BTL Chairman
As we mentioned earlier, a shift in the powers that be have occurred at the Belize Telemedia Limited via the appointments of a new Acting Chief Executive Officer and a new Chairman of the Executive Committee of Management. Well, in view of the change on the company's Executive Committee, the People's United Party made clear their objection to the choice in the new Chairman, when they fired out a release today calling on the company's Board of Directors to take back their decision of appointing Anwar Barrow as the new chairman, noting that the company is state-owned and government controlled and citing that Barrow is the son of the Prime Minister/Minister of Finance. The release added that the move is a clear act of nepotism and the opposition party does not believe that the move is in the best interest of the company or the people of Belize. The release went on to say, (quote) "There already, in our respectful view, exists a perception that BTL is being used to advance the political interests of the UDP and this appointment only serves to strengthen this perception. Further, there are serious and credible allegations which we are presently investigating, that Anwar Barrow may in fact be a "silent partner" in business interests which either have contracts with BTL or are indirectly engaged in business with BTL. If the BTL Board fails to act, we call on Prime Minister Barrow to do the right thing and to ask his son, Anwar Barrow to resign." Love News attempted to get an interview with the Opposition Leader, Hon. Francis Fonseca today but we were told that he has been in meetings all day. We will continue following this story, bringing you the details as they unfold.
PlusTV
PUP Wants Anwar Barrow Out; Anwar Responds
Yesterday, news broke that Anwar Barrow, the second son of the Prime Minister and the Minister of Finance Hon. Dean Barrow, was appointed to the post of Chairman of the Executive Committee of Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL). Big changes occurred in 2009 when the government nationalized BTL. Since then...
BTIA Says They Want Another Hearing
The Belize Tourism Industry Associaion, BTIA, has retained the services of Senior Attorney Godfrey Smith as it relates to the Norwegian Cruise Line's Nature Park Project on Harvest caye. In a three page letter made public today written to Cheif Environmental Officer, Martin Alegria, Attorney Godfrey Smith laid out...
Consultations begin on Occupational Health and Safety Bill
The Occupational Health and Safety Bill was tabled in January at the first session of the House of Representatives for 2014. It seeks to regulate and improve working conditions for workers at all businesses countrywide and has the unrelenting and vocal support of the trade unions. But the business...
Prisoner Treated for Bitten Ear During Fight
A prisoner serving time on a burglary charge was slated to appear in court on a separate case this morning, but instead he spent his day at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital being treated for a bite to his left ear. Cruz Allen was seen holding his left ear...
BTB Appoints New Director of Tourism
The Belize Tourism Board, which was recently rocked by scandal after the forced resignation of its Director of Tourism, Laura Esquivel Frampton, announced today the Appointment of a New Director of Tourism. She is Mrs. Karen Bevans. If the name sounds familiar, that is because she was the former...
Doctor Gets Robbed
A doctor in Belize City was robbed of a ten thousand dollar gold chain. Last night, at around 9:30 pm, Doctor Jose Espat arrived at his Belize City home. He was on his motorcycle and when he pulled into his yard on Teacher's Street, he was approached by two...
Businessman Failed to Pay GST
70 year old businessman Arthur Seawell has been charged for failure to file returns on General Sales Tax for the last three months of 2013 and the first of 2014. Seawell appeared before Magistrate Hettie Mae Stuart and pleaded not guilty to the charge. The owner of Seawell Seed...
Steven Buckley and Family in Court for Drugs
Belize City Police dragged 42 year old Steven Buckley and his family to the Magistrate's Court this afternoon over, in his words to Magistrate Hettie Mae Stuart, a "lee roach." For the 'not so street savy person', that is a joint of weed. This morning around 10:00, Buckley's residence...
GMO's or No GMO's; Where Does GOB Stand?
And while we were on the topic of Belize's competitiveness of Agriculture in the Food Sector, We asked Director of Extension Belarmino Esquivel, to comment on the very controversial issue of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO's) and whether or not Belize should exploit this technology. The Government has so far...
Man Acquitted of Keeping Unlicensed Firearm and Ammunition
Kenroy Vanzie of Arlington Drive was freed today after Police conceded they could not tie him to a rusty 9mm pistol allegedly found at his Arlington Drive residence on New Years' Day of 2013. Vanzie had been in police custody from December 30, 2012 in connection with a robbery...
Concerned Citizen Hands Over Suspicious Bag to the Police
A concerned citizen of Santa Elena spotted a suspicious bag under the steps of a library and handed it over to police. Yesterday afternoon, the police visited Carmen Street, Santa Elena Town by the library where the concerned citizen handed over a black plastic bag containing green leafy vegetable...
See some spectacular sights with Tropic Air tours
Want a unique and different way to see the Country of Belize and some spectacular sights? Tropic Air tours could be just what you are looking for. All prices below include GST and are in USD.
Lamanai (1/2 Day Only)
One of the most common things said about Laminai aside from "stunning" is that the tour is a long day. Not with Tropic Air and you still get to enjoy a scenic boat ride down the new river.
, ATM Cave Tour
Tropic Air and with Pacz tours come together to bring you an adventure of a lifetime Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave. Black Hole Drop & Botanical Tour
Hike the foothills of the Maya Mountains in anticipation of rappelling 300 feet down through the rainforest canopy into the magnificent Actun Loch Tunich and the river that shares same name. On this tour you will learn about cave history preservation and safety.
Belize is more than just a pretty face!
We always like to say that Belize is more than just a pretty face, what with the lively music and arts scene and the national contribution to things such as global responsible travel and sustainable tourism.
But that's not to say there aren't many pretty faces around Belize, backed by charm, quick wit, intelligence and all the other things needed to be recognised as a modem Miss International.
Yes, gone are the days when it was all swimsuit competitions and prancing around. Modern competitions look for knowledge and sophistication.
So it is with some national pride that we announce that Belizean up-and-comer Jacinta Gomez won the annual University of South Florida Miss International Pageant this week.
The event, which seeks to "provide a superb opportunity for young women to share their unique cultures and educated members of the USF community about their area of the world," Is an annual event that showcases the most promising women from the area.
How to make Peanut Brittle in the Microwave
No candy thermometer needed. Only 7 1/2 minutes of cooking time and in no time at all you will have gorgeous, delicious peanut brittle
The Beer of Belize
International Sources
Caribbean winds site
An animated map of Caribbean wind and weather. Click for a green circle or position, showing the exact location longitude and latitude, temp and wind speed.
Eating Tilapia is Worse Than Eating Bacon
We all have the notion that eating fish would be the better option over bacon when it comes to health. And the truth is, it really is! Fish is a low fat, high protein food that has a range of health benefits. However, given what we know of fish and its sources today, we may have to re-examine this statement.
Fish can either be one of the best foods for you or detrimental to your health depending on where it is sourced. There is a world of difference between fish that is caught in the wild, farm-bred or farm-raised fish. The most common farm-raised fish are: salmon, tilapia, sea bass, catfish, and cod.
So why would farm raised fish be toxic to our health? What are the dangers of eating farm-raised fish? We'll answer all of those queries below!
Why Farm-Raised Fish is So Bad for You:
Recent Studies have found that farm-raised Tilapia may cause more inflammation - Farm-raised tilapia has always been a popular source for fish, not only because it is widely available in the US, but it is also very inexpensive. However, before you stock up on Tilapia, you may want to know about its correlation to inflammation. Recent studies have concluded that eating Tilapia may worsen inflammation that can lead to heart disease, arthritis, asthma and a world of other serious health problems. People who resort to eating more fish as a way to get their dose of omega-3-fatty-acids and lessen their risk of heart attacks may want to hold off on the tilapia. In fact, scientists have found that the inflammatory potential of tilapia is far greater than that of a hamburger or pork bacon!
Latin Based Hot Sauces & Salsas from Costa Rica, Belize Brought the 'Zest and Flavor' to the NYC Hot Sauce Expo 2014
When you savor hot sauce or a salsa do you know where the ingredients really come from? Chances are, you can find that most hot sauces or salsas have a Latin origin and a flavorful island spin.
This past weekend I attended the Second Annual New York City Hot Sauce Expo 2014 and found that while I was 'en fuego' like some other newbie "chileheads," I also was pleasantly surprised to find that there was an array of tasty and tolerable sauces that packed a flavorful punch, rather than just set my taste buds on fire.
While I was initially leery of turning up the heat, I was thrilled to meet someone who celebrates the Latin origin of hot sauces and salsas that were present at the expo, despite the low number of Latinos in attendance.
The Last Coral Reefs
A new survey is documenting the rain forests of the ocean-before they're gone. There's only one way to lower a $20,000 custom-made camera from a swaying fishing boat into the open sea: very carefully. And that's exactly how Manuel Gonzalez-Rivero's colleagues handled the SVII camera as they nudged it overboard, into the bathtub-warm waters off the coast of Belize. Once submerged, the beach-ball-size camera snapped a photograph of the protected Glover's Reef every three seconds. Later, computers would analyze the pictures, providing a close-up look at one of the most valuable marine ecosystems in the Caribbean.
And we have to see it today, because coral reefs may not be here tomorrow. It's a clich� to call coral reefs the rain forests of the ocean, but if anything, that understates their ecological value. They occupy less than 0.1% of the sea area, yet "between one-fourth and one-third of everything that lives in the ocean lives in a coral reef," says Nancy Knowlton, who holds the Smithsonian Institution's Sant Chair in Marine Science. Fish are not the only beneficiaries. The net economic value of coral reefs globally is almost $30 billion a year, and some 500 million people around the world depend on coral reefs for food, coastal protection and tourism.
Teens dig Mayan culture
Davidson Day School students help dig up pieces of history that wind up in museums globally. Soon, experts will make the annual trek to Davidson to discuss other breakthroughs.
Teens participate in excavations each summer, where they have joined archeologists in unearthing Mayan ceramics, obsidian and jade as well as temple walls. To prepare for this summer's trip to Belize for more Mayan digs, students will meet with international experts during the fourth annual Maya at the Lago conference, held April 10-13 at Davidson Day School.
"It's a meeting of the minds for scholars collaborating and networking," said Davidson Day School archeology department leader Mat Saunders. "Professors give fresh information about new discoveries, but I tell them it has to be to where a freshman in college can understand it."
People who buy conference tickets include students, professionals in the field and other enthusiasts. This year's conference includes lectures on reading glyphs, discussion on Pre-Colombian attire, ways Mayans interacted and recent archeological advancements.
"The conferences are cool because you can hear leading experts come and lecture," said senior Sebastian Soria, of Huntersville. He especially enjoys learning about glyphs.
Royal Caribbean announces Southern Caribbean itineraries for 2015-2016
Royal Caribbean today announced its 2015-16 Southern Caribbean itineraries, with ships departing Port Canaveral, Port Everglades, Miami and San Juan.
Adventure of the Seas will offer seven-night Southern Caribbean cruises out of San Juan, Puerto Rico from May through October 2015. This will be Adventure of the Seas' first summer program from San Juan since 2009, and shifts from Sunday to regular Saturday departures.
Adventure of the Seas will offer three itineraries, one calling at St. Maarten, St. Kitts, Antigua, St. Lucia, and Barbados, while the second replaces St. Kitts with St. Croix. A third itinerary calls at St. Thomas, St. Kitts, Aruba and Curacao. A one-time, six-night itinerary sailing on May 3 will call at Barbados, St. Lucia, Antigua and St. Maarten. Adventure of the Seas will then alternate two Southern Caribbean itineraries from Nov. 2015 through Apr. 2016. One seven-night, roundtrip sailing will call at St. Croix, St. Kitts, St. Maarten, Dominica, and Barbados, while the second include calls at St. Thomas, St. Croix, Antigua, St. Lucia and Grenada.
Machete Attack Only Built Resolve of Nurse-to-Be
Rather than anger over a lost ear and injured neck, shoulder and hand, Peace Corps volunteer and Johns Hopkins student chose forgiveness. A machete attack at his Belize hut nearly ended all prospects of a nursing career before it could begin for Owen Smith, a master's student at the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing.
The wounds the Peace Corps volunteer suffered - a lost ear, damaged shoulder, severed finger, injured neck, and facial deformities - were terrifying, he admits. But the blade never touched his spirit.Smith chose Trio Village as a Peace Corps destination in 2011 because he felt he could make a difference there, and the State College, PA, native had quickly become part of the local community, teaching music to young kids in the Trio school, helping to build structures and working to address issues including sanitation and malaria control.
"I never really felt any danger the entire time I was there, until I was injured," Smith recalls. "I had already been in the village for 19 months and I felt ... at home."
Renewable energy in the Caribbean
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) says it has signed an amendment with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to a 2011 Memorandum of Understanding and a 2012 Framework Agreement to support renewable energy and energy efficiency for the mitigation of climate change in Central America and the Caribbean.
Under this amendment, the target amount of JICA's co-financing for this program, known as "Co-financing for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency" (CORE), will be increased to US$1 billion from a previous amount of US$300 million, "as well as the eligible beneficiaries will be expanded in Central America and the Caribbean," said the IDB on March 29.
It said the amendment was signed between IDB President Luis Alberto Moreno and JICA's Senior Special Advisor Kunio Okamura during the IDB's 2014 annual meeting in Costa do Sau�pe, Brazil.
The IDB also said the signing took place in the presence of Yasuhiro Hanashi, Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Finance of Japan.
TOP PICKS: Life's a beach
There's more to do at seaside locations than laze around, writes Khairul Ashraf Kammed
IF you are a beach bum who just want to soak in the sun and do nothing, then you're missing out on all the fun.
Here is a list of top 10 beach activities at various locations by Virtualtourist.com: 9. Catch-and-release fishing at Glover's Reef Atoll, Belize
Glover's Reef Atoll is considered to be the prototypic atoll in the Caribbean and is also the best developed biologically. It contains the greatest range of reef type and is home to a variety of sea life including three species of sea turtles, eight species of sharks and rays, more than 20 species of reef fish and numerous species of coral. Fishing can be enjoyed year round, but because the area is now a marine reserve, it is catch-and-release only. Fishes you may encounter are bonefish, jack, mutton snapper, yellowtail, bonito, cubera snapper, barracuda, king mackerel, wahoo and groupers.
Royal Caribbean Unveils 2015-2016 Bahamas, and Southern and Short Caribbean Vacations
It's always an exciting time of year when we find out what new ports cruise ships will be hitting in the coming cruise season. Royal Caribbean International just released their cruise schedules for its Bahamas, and Southern, and short Caribbean program for 2015-2016. Cruise ships Independence of the Seas, Adventure of the Seas, Jewel of the Seas, Enchantment of the Seas, and Majesty of the Seas will be sailing on an exciting variety of itineraries our of Port Canaveral, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and San Juan, Puerto Rico. Adventure of the Seas will travel to the Southern Caribbean on 7 night itineraries from May to October 2015 out of San Juan. The itineraries on this summer program will shift from Sunday to Saturday departure dates. Cruisers will be able to choose any one of 7 night itineraries. One will have ports of call in St Maarten, St. Kitts, Antigua, St. Lucia, and Barbados. Another itinerary will visit all the same ports except it will replace St. Kitts with St. Croix. And the third will call on St. Thomas, St. Kitts, Aruba, and Curacao.
Alamo Rent A Car and National Car Rental to Offer Discount in Latin America and Caribbean
Brands to Offer 25 Percent Savings Through June 30th. Alamo Rent A Car and National Car Rental will launch a 25 percent discount off daily rates for all car rentals at participating locations in Latin America and the Caribbean.
The National and Alamo brands recently expanded into Belize, Peru and Turks & Caicos, and today operate in more than 25 countries and territories throughout these regions.
"We want more people to experience the unparalleled customer service, quality and convenience these brands are known for, no matter where our customers travel," said Lee Broughton, assistant vice president of global marketing and communications for Enterprise Holdings, which owns and operates the National and Alamo brands. "We want to encourage North American customers to plan more international travel during their summer months, as it's an excellent time to vacation in these countries."
This promotion will be valid on rentals picked up after April 21st and returned by June 30 and is available for all rental vehicle types, excluding those through Brazil and Jamaica locations.
From reef to plate - Belize combats the lionfish
With its venomous sting and voracious appetite, the lionfish is one of the biggest threats to the world's second-largest coral barrier reef in Belize. Now, human intervention seems the only way to fight the danger.
Project goal: Combating the invasive lionfish in the Caribbean in a bid to protect the biodiversity in coral reefs
Size: The Belize Barrier Reef off the coast of Belize. Stretching over an area of 960 square kilometers, it's the largest barrier reef in the Northern Hemisphere
Biological significance: The Belize Barrier Reef is one of the most diverse ecosystems of the world and is a UNESCO world heritage site, but one that's considered to be in danger
The red lionfish is an eye-catching species. But it's also dangerous and predatory. Its long spikes are venomous and can cause painful stings. As a result, it's no longer hunted by fishermen in the Caribbean. The invasive species has a huge appetite, eating its way through the marine reef life. It now poses one of the greatest threats to the Belize Barrier Reef, the world's second-largest coral reef system after the Australian Great Barrier Reef.