AmbergrisCaye.com Home Forums Belize Life News Daily news prior to today Today's Belize News: May 30, 2014

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5 and CTV 3
Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, and the Dickie Bradley Specials

The San Pedro Sun

Public Service Sector celebrates annual Information Day
Public officers on Ambergris Caye celebrated the 2nd annual Belize Public Service Information Day on Wednesday, May 28th. The event was held under the theme "Belize Public Service: Service for You, Service for Me, Serving the Public, Serving Belize," and is part of country-wide activities ahead of Public Service Day. 23 of the 24 government departments on the island participated in the event, which took place at the San Pedro Central Park. Public Service Day is held celebrated worldwide on June 23rd, and in Belize, the Public Service Day Committee decided to celebrate Public Service Information Day on different dates throughout the various municipalities. This was done to allow more participation from the schools, as well as to capitalize on favorable weather conditions. The main purpose of the event is to give the government departments the opportunity to showcase their work, network with other departments and receive public feedback on ways to further improve service delivery.

PAHO/WHO release new statistics on Dengue in the Americas
The number of dengue cases in the Americas increased five-fold between 2003 and 2013, according to data presented this week at a high-level regional meeting on dengue hosted by the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) this week. Between 2009 and 2012, over 1 million cases were reported annually, on average, with more than 33,900 severe cases and 835 deaths. Last year (2013) was one of the worst years for dengue in the hemisphere's history, with 2.3 million cases, including 37,705 severe cases and 1,289 deaths. By comparison, the number of cases reported regionwide in 2003 was 517,617. Despite countries' efforts to control the disease, dengue continues to spread due to uncontrolled, unplanned urbanization, lack of basic services in communities, poor environmental management, and climate change, among other reasons. In the Americas, nearly 500 million people are at risk of contracting the disease. "Controlling the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which transmits the disease, is a great regional and global challenge," said Marcos Espinal, Director of the Department of Communicable Diseases and Health Analysis at PAHO/WHO. "All government sectors, communities, and families have to work together to fight the vector and control this disease, which knows no borders, discriminates against no one , and is everyone's problem, not just the health sector's."

It starts with the first step: my journey in Crossfit with CrossfitCFS
I even agreed to share my experiences with readers of The San Pedro Sun! Everyone's journey is unique. When that desire has built up and you are ready to make a change, nothing can stop you. I hope my experience can help in pushing you the extra step that will land you at the starting gate. If anything, doing something this different is tons of fun! Believe me, I did the jogging along the beach (until I decided that my legs really hated running). I worked out in the privacy of my home off and on for a year, trying to 'get fit' before I would work out in public. I didn't want anyone to think of me as too fat or too out of shape to be in the gym. (Really! What was I thinking?!) Guess what? Those people working out around me? They're too busy trying to finish their own workout to notice that I'm breathing heavily or that I have to take a rest. They are trying hard to be better versions of themselves too! The mental hurdle is the hardest, and once I crossed that line, I have not looked back!!

Ambergris Today

San Pedro Information Day Opens Minds of Students
Students were invited at Central Park on Wednesday, May 18, to open their minds by participating San Pedro Information Day 2014, put together by the Ministry of Public Service, the San Pedro Sub-Committee and the San Pedro Town Council. After a brief welcome address by San Pedro Mayor Daniel Guerrero and remarks by Hon. Senator Charles Gibson, Minister of Public Service, Elections & Boundaries, students were invited to visit the various booths set up for them to obtain as much information as they desire. Government Departments that had information booths on display included the Labor Department, Belize Agricultural Health Authority, Belize Tourist Board, Border Management Agency, Customs & Excise Department, Dr. Otto Rodriguez Poly Clinic 2, Education Department, Election & Boundaries, Fire Department, General Sales Tax Department, Human Development, Hol Chan and Fisheries Department, Immigration & Nationality Department, Income Tax Department, Magistrate Court, National Institute of Culture and History, NDACC - Ministry of Health, National Emergency Management Organization, Police Department, San Pedro Post Office, Transport Department San Pedro, Treasury Department and Youth Development.

Tragic Death of Washington University Medical Student in San Pedro
It saddens the administration, instructors, students, and staff of Washington University of Health and Science in announcing the sudden passing and loss of newly accepted medical student Suzanna Kaup on Tuesday. As a new first semester student to the medical university, Ms. Kaup began matriculating within the San Pedro, Ambergris Caye campus on May 12, 2014. The U.S. Information Office of Washington University of Health and Science was contacted early Tuesday afternoon by a family member of Ms. Kaup indicating concern of her well-being, requesting assistance from the university to check-in on her. A medical doctor/instructor along with an administrative assistant of WUHS immediately went to her San Pedro residence where they received no response. Family members provided information which permitted authorities to enter her apartment. Upon entering the apartment, Ms. Kaup was located and immediate medical attention including CPR was administered by the physician in attendance.

Industria del Amor to Highlight Costa Maya Festival 2014
With the success of presenting Los Yonics at last year's festival, the Costa Maya Festival Committee announces the confirmed concert performance of Industria del Amor during International Night of the festival that will take place on Saturday, August 9, 2014. California's Industria del Amor began in the late '80s, scoring several minor hits in Mexico before breaking out in the early '90s as a sort of mid-level soft-rock Tejano ballad hit machine. The group's major hit single was "A Capa y Espada" and their albums continued chart throughout the years after. The group's continuing popularity was confirmed with the release of two greatest-hits packages, 30 Inolvidables and 30 Inolvidables, Vol. 2, both of which were Top 20 Latin chart hits in 2003.

People's United Party Public Meeting
Belize Rural South members, its advisors and supporters commit to make this campaign season 2014-2015 a clean, respectable and constructive one. We insist that it is extremely necessary to avoid personal attacks for the sole purpose of giving the many issues our community faces the light they deserve. It is our duty and obligation to ensure the election of professional and respectful candidates and will work diligently in keeping this election's campaign on a professional level. We also acknowledge that it is not necessary to bring down our competitors in order to make us better candidates. We are under greatest confidence that our candidates have and will continue to be outstanding members of this community and that alone will lead this campaign trail to victory. Through this medium we would like to extend an invitation to the general public to attend a meeting to be held Friday, May 30, 2014, at 7:00 p.m. at the Belize Rural South PUP Office, across from the Lion's Den on Pelican Street. We will be presenting our candidates for the municipal elections, Mayoral Candidate Dr. Giovanni Solorzano, Councilors: Conchita Flota, Omar Guerrero, Marina Kay, Alex Noralez, Mundo Nunez, and Wally Nunez Jr.

Misc Belizean Sources

National Public Service Information Day 2014 (81 photos)
On Thursday, May 28, 2014, the Central Park was setup with various booths where all Public Service Departments had setup their booths with informative posters, pictures, banners and decorations in celebration of National Public Service Information Day 2014. Master of Ceremonies of the event, Mr. Jorge Aldana, welcomed everyone present to the event and invited Mr. Clive Welsh from the Lighthouse Christian Radio to offer the invocation. Sining the National Anthem was pre-schooler Alfredo Gongora, which was quite impressive. Mayor Daniel Guerrero then offered the welcome address and thanked all the people working at the various departments for their hard work. Keynote speaker for the event was Hon. Senator Charles Gibson, Minister of Public Service and Elections and Boundaries. Before officially opening the event the participating departments were presented with a Certificate of Appreciation which was given by Ms. Ninfa Matus, fro the Public Service Day National Committee. The participating departments were: 1. Labour Department 2. Belize Agricultural Health Authority 3. Belize Tourist Board 4. Border Management Agency 5. Customs & Excise Department 6. Dr. Otto Rodriguez Clinic #2 7. Education Department 8. Elections & Boundaries Department 9. Fire Department 10. General Sales Tax Department 11. Hol Chan and Fisheries Department 12. Human Development 13. Immigration & Nationality Department 14. Income Tax Department 15. Magistrate Court 16. National Institute of Culture & History 17. NDACC- Ministry of Health 18. NEMO 19. Police Department 20. San Pedro Post Office 21. San Pedro Transport Department 22. Treasury Department 23. Youth Department

Mr. Abel Guerrero, our new town foreman
The San Pedro Town Council would like to extend a warm welcome and at the same time introduce you all to Mr. Abel Guerrero, our new town foreman. With his managerial expertise, Mr. Guerrero will ensure that workers are organized and that our town is maintained clean and well-kept. Mr. Guerrero brings with him more than 35 years of experience in supervision as he was previously the manager at Krystal Shipping and prior to that, the co-manager at The Victoria House. He is a very hard working man with nothing but the town's best interest at heart. Welcome Mr. Abel Guerrero!

Full Moon Concert featuring Super Furia Band
Pin your Calendars for the upcoming month of June. The Corozal House of Culture (NICH) has the month of June loaded with various events - June 14th the House of Culture will be hosting another Full Moon Concert featuring Super Furia Band! Come out with the family and Enjoy!

Surgical technician: Helping people is its own reward
For U.S. Staff Sgt. Nicholasa Partida, New Horizons surgical service technician, "helping people, in general, is its own reward," she said. As a surgical service technician, Partida finds herself in operating rooms assisting surgeons and specialists as they perform necessary, and sometimes life-saving, procedures. In Belize, she is doing the same as part of New Horizons Belize 2014, a multi-faceted exercise that provides valuable training experiences for Belizean and U.S. medical providers. "This is my first humanitarian mission, and it's pretty awesome," said Partida, a native of Victoria, Texas. "I'm here helping patients. I'm here helping the urologists. "Back home, everything can seem real routine, but it's not routine here at all," she said of the opportunity to train and learn in her field. "There are a lot of things you would normally not see in the states. Here, we're going back to the basics." The technician has found that flexibility is imperative when conducting operations in an unfamiliar environment.

Mergers and Cutbacks!
By Abdulmajeed K Nunez. Oh you minister in charge of the people's finances! Please stop enriching your friends and cronies Kindly review the tapes of the Cayo teachers' rally Listen to Don Hector's suggestions of saving monies He suggested merging ministries and cutting back on ambassadors' responsibilities How are you so out of touch with your people's realities? Don Hector suggested mergers and cutbacks To get the country back on track His suggestion was to you despots Who want to take the citizenry for idiots? Belizeans must mount a counterattack We the working poor are enduring the rise in tax There is talk about merging Excelsior, Sadie Vernon and Maud Williams High Teachers are of the opinion that their hands are tied These nonsensical moves must not be allowed to fly What so many people in this ministry so qualified? If this is not planned properly we are sending our children to die More mothers are going to cry

CDB approves loan for highway upgrade, gender capacity building for Belize
The directors of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) have approved a loan of US$29.719 million to the government of Belize that will allow for the rehabilitation of a major highway and the replacement of the Haulover Bridge. The loan will fund upgrade of 9.81 km of the Philip S. W. Goldson Highway, one of three main arterial roads in the country's road network. This upgrade is expected to reduce congestion as well as improve safety on the highway, which passes through the Orange Walk and Corozal Districts. This area is of increasing importance for tourism and trade. The historic Haulover Bridge is a major thoroughfare providing the only access to and from Belize City, and from the airport.

Mrs. Anna Banner Guy, was elected as the new Deputy Mayor of Belmopan
At a meeting of the Belmopan City Council held on Thursday, 22nd May, 2014, Mrs. Anna Banner Guy, was elected as the new Deputy Mayor of Belmopan for 2014-2015. She succeeds Councilor Joel Westby who held the post for period 2013-2014. Mrs. Guy is the only elected female in the Council, she is a successful entrepreneur and youth advocate. She is the founder and President of the Belmopan Active Youth (BAY), a fast growing community youth group with over 500 members, which aims to empower, educate and positively entertain youths of Belmopan. She was recently nominated for the 2014 United States Embassy Woman of the Year award. She also holds the portfolio of Community Resource Development, Seniors, Women, Public Health and Youth. She currently chairs the 2014 Belmopan Celebrations Committee and serves on several boards in relation to her duties as a council member.

Mango Pound Cake
Ingredients 1 stick butter, room temperature 1 1/2 cups sugar 1/2 cup mango puree (1 fresh mango, peeled and processed in the blender) 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 3 large eggs 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract Here's How: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour one loaf pan. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together. Add the mango puree and mix until incorporated. Sift the baking soda and flour together. Add to the creamed mixture alternating with eggs, beating in each egg 1 at a time. Add vanilla. Pour the mixture into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 40 minutes to 1 hour or until toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Enjoy!

Centennial Park Fajina Project
CACHE is having their Fajina Project this Saturday morning, and they'll be upgrading Centennial Park. It was moved to the 31st from the 26th. Snacks will be provided for volunteers, so lend a hand if you can. "Working towards our community is one CACHE's key roles. Lets all work for our community and build one where everyone can feel proud of what we are and what we make of it. Monday 26th a Fajina Project will be carried out. Be there. Make the difference. Let the community be a part of you, and not you be a part of the community. Snacks and refreshments will be provided."

Cayo Classifieds - Issue 18
This week's Buy and Sell Weekly.

Hon. Dean Barrow Departed the Country on Personal/Duty Leave
Government of Belize Press Office

Ms. Rheisha Shol representing Belize in Houston Caribbean Queen Pageant. Support Belize and Vote for her.
Houston Caribbean Queen Pageant is a cultural, educational, and festive event that seeks to celebrate the talent and intellectual abilities of young Caribbean women. The HCQ pageant will be a distinguished public affair held in Houston, which will showcase feminine charisma, poise, congeniality and positive spirit among contestants. The pageant will present an opportunity of a life-time to aspiring young Caribbean women in Houston and surrounding areas. The pageantry aims to bring out the best qualities such as talent, public speaking skills, commitment to public service, discipline and drive for success from young pageant hopefuls. It will offer the female ambassadors the opportunity for personal enhancement through an educational scholarship, as well as other cash prizes and gifts. The HCQ winner will be a role model and an inspiration to young women both in Houston and the Caribbean. Read her bio here.

Channel 7

Hon. Penner Back To Court On Criminal Charge
For the past 2 months, Elvin Penner has been out on bail from Magistrate's Court after he was criminally charged for 2 immigration offenses. His prosecution was initiated by the Citizens Organized for Liberty through Action (COLA), after the Director of Public Prosecutions stated that she doesn't have enough evidence at her disposal to prosecute him for his role in the Won Hong Kim Passport scandal. But all through that time, COLA and its attorney Kareem Musa have not had any kind of success with the Auditor General, the Ombudsman and the Commissioner of Police to get evidence to substantiate their criminal case against Penner. So, today, they went back to court for the first adjournment of the case, and 7News was there. Here's how it went: Daniel Ortiz reporting Elvin Penner exited the courtroom today stoic and silent, not a hint of concern that he was being criminally prosecuted.He ignored all questions from the press demanding a comment for this scandal, which he has yet to publicly address since his email to 7News. The fact is though, he got one step closer to walking away from this criminal case and walking away unscathed. The private prosecution just barely made it past this adjournment after heated arguments from both sides.

Customs Guard Dies In Traffic Accident
Well-known customs Guard Frank Mango Robinson died in a traffic accident in Belize City this afternoon. It happened this afternoon at around 3:00 pm. Robinson was driving a DMax pickup truck headed towards Belmopan. But, reports say that at the end of the Lord Ridge Cemetery, Robinson took an abrupt turn as if he was about to head back towards the city. But, he didn't pay attention to the ten wheel dump truck behind him and that rammed into the side of the pickup. The impact was massive and Robinson was crushed inside. He had to be extracted by the jaws of life. Regrettably, he died as a result of his injuries. His passenger, a female who works at the Customs Department was seriously injured but is reported in a stable condition. Those on the scene at the time tell us he was using his cellular telephone, and that's why he may not have realized the dump truck was right behind him.

Ecuador Wants Ebanks, but How Will They Get Him?
For weeks, we've been reporting on the Ecuadoran Fugitive, Floyd Wendel Ebanks - who was living in Belize under the name Christian Ebanks. He remains on remand at the Belize Central Prison for firearm possession. The last we heard from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was that the Ecuadorians hadn't made any formal request for him to be handed over. But today, we caught up with the Commander of the Gang Suppression Unit, Superintendent Linden Flowers. He told us that law enforcement from that country has made contact with him, and that they're seeking him for murder: Supt. Linden Flowers, Commander - Gang Suppression Unit "Communications that have been received out of Ecuador is in fact that Mr. Ebanks is a person of interest in Ecuador and I would say that it has to do with a murder that occurred in Ecuador some years ago." Reporter "He is wanted for that murder?" Supt. Linden Flowers "He is wanted as part of that investigation." Reporter "Has the communication led to any diplomatic relationship meaning that they are asking for him to be send to Ecuador?" Supt. Linden Flowers "There is communication in that he would be a person on interest and they would like to have communication with him."

Very Dangerous Prisoner Recaptured
As we told you, Paula, who is charged with a slew of criminal offences including robbery and murder, was being transferred to Belmopan for a court hearing on February 3. He managed to pull a Houdini and escaped from a moving police van when it slowed down at a speed bump in Cotton Tree. Since then, he's been on the run, but that came to an end last night when police got intelligence that he was in the Salvapan area of Belmopan. The Commanding officer from the Belmopan Police station explained his recapture to the media today: Supt. Howell Gillett - OC, Belmopan Police "We found that Mr. Edwin Paula was one of the persons who was pending to be recaptured. This morning shortly after 2 based on information we gathered we launched an operation in the Salvapan area where Mr. Edwin Paula, 30 years unemployed of San Martin area was found in a hotel the name I do not care to disclose, and he was in the company of one Martha Vasquez, nineteen-years-old.

Man Found Dead In Cayo District, Murder Suspected
Tonight, San Ignacio police continue to investigate the death of a man who was found yesterday evening in Los Tambos Village in the Cayo District. At this time, they don't know if it is murder, or if the man died of natural causes. 28 year-old Honduran Oscar Armando Gomez Alvarez was found dead inside his room on a farm. The problem is that there was no evidence that was found that his death could have been caused by violence. The only signs police found were several chop wounds all over his face and, left shoulder, and what's even more perplexing is that he got those in a fight 10 days ago. He was treated at the Western Regional Hospital, and he was released, so police are trying to determine if those wounds ended up claiming his life after such a long time later. Today, the Deputy Commander of San Ignacio Police told us about what they know so far:

Cops Blocking Investigation Into Shooting
And while we had the Opportunity, we asked the Deputy Commander from San Ignacio Police about that report from 19 year-old Elston Arnold who says that a police shot him in the back in Unitedville on Monday Morning, and left him for dead. As we've reported Arnold has complained to police internal affairs that the officer who shot him with a shotgun did so without any reason because he wasn't resisting arrest or assaulting the officer in any way. Today Inspector Reyes told us that police strongly suspect that one of 4 officers pulled the trigger, but they are using their knowledge as officers of the law to evade prosecution: Inspector Reymundo Reyes - Deputy OC "In respect to that case here a criminal investigation has been launched. Statements from the victim has been recorded as well as his companions who were along with him. Internal affairs has also come in and interviewed officers which we are also doing - statements and reports obtained from them. We are still in the process of doing a re-interview with the officers and then submit all the information that we have to the office of DPP for directives."

Hapless Bank Robber Ready For Charges
And while that shooting could possibly result in criminal charges for one of those 4 officers, the officer who shot Teakettle resident Cannon Obispo will likely get recognized for good police work. As we told you, Obispo went on a robbery spree in Belmopan where he stole from a clothing store and then stole $6,500 from a patron inside the Scotia Bank across the street. He tried to escape, and when the officer responded and cornered him, Obispo pulled out a machete and threatened him with it. The officer was forced to shoot him to subdue and arrested him, after which, $5,500 dollars of the stolen money was recovered. The officer commanding Belmopan Police told us that Obispo continues to recover from his wounds at the KHMH under police guard. As soon as he is released, he will be facing criminal charges, including robbery:

Dr. Barnett Resigns From CDB, Takes Up Chair of BTB
Dr. Carla Barnett has officially resigned from her senior post at the Caribbean Development Bank. Barnett was appointed to the post of Vice President Operations in March of 2012. On Monday the Bank posted a terse release announcing her resignation effective May 23rd, 2014. It quotes President Dr. Warren Smith and says, "We appreciate Dr. Barnett's service and contribution and wish her well in her future endeavors," Those future endeavors bring here right back to Belize where Barnett will take up the post as Chair of the Belize Tourism Board in mid June. Barnett was the Cabinet choice for new Chair of the BTB which has had a recent history of governance issues, resulting in the resignations of two Directors of Tourism and one Board Chairman in two years.

BEL Cashes In On Excess Liquidity
The commercial banks are being stingier than ever with super-low interest rates on savings, and that allowed BEL to cash in big time with its latest debenture offering. The power company opened a $25 million dollar debenture offering on May fifth, and it reports today that as of today, it been fully subscribed. That's 32 days before the advertised closing date - and a sign that there's a lot of money out there looking for a secure, higher interest yield. This series of debentures yield a fixed interest rate of 6.5 per cent and will mature in 16 years on December 31, 2030. The company reports that it had to turn down 20 million dollars in surplus offers for the debentures. So, the offer is now officially closed and BEL says the proceeds will be used to refinance the $24.8 million Series 3 Debentures which carried a 10% interest rate. The company has consistently paid interest on time to Debenture holders.

Four Manatee Deaths In Three Days
Last night at the end of the news - we told you about a manatee corpse that was seen floating in the Belize City Harbor - just behind Brodies Warehouse on Southern Foreshore. Today, manatee expert Jamal Galvez went in to remove the corpse - which had floated over to the vicinity of the Dive Center, which is closer to the swing bridge. Galvez and his assistant had to drag it off to a nearby island off the coast of Belize City. It is alarming news since it is the fourth report made of a dead manatee within the last 3 days - all as a result of watercraft collision. Jamal Galvez- Manatee Conservation Coordinator "Within the last 3 days we've had 4 dead manatees; 3 in the Haulover Creek and one in the Tourist Village area, all as a result f water craft collision mainly from huge boats from big propellers, not small propellers. All of the animals were found along the "No Wake" areas which is quite alarming because that's the last place you would want to see dead manatees in the area that you are supposed to be going slow.

Brothers Charged For Rape
25 year-old Jeffrey Pott and his brother, 27 year-old Roger Pott are out on bail tonight after being accused of attacking 2 sisters, one of whom was allegedly raped. A 16 year-old girl reported to police that on May 2, she woke up and found Jeffrey Pott on top of her 17 year-old sister having intercourse with her against her will because the young woman was drunk and asleep. She told police that when she saw this, she attacked Jeffrey Pott, and that's when his brother Roger intervened and pulled a hammer on her.

Tillett Accused of Thievery
37 year-old Eugene Tillett, a construction worker of Western Avenue, was taken to court today for breaking into a woman's house and cleaning her out of all her belongings. The complainant, Edelma Ruiz, reported to the police that her house, located at 141 Cemetery Road, was burglarized on Tuesday, and several household items including electronics and jewelry were stolen. Quick police work led officers to Tillett that same day. He was caught with a bag which contained all the stolen items, so, he was charged with burglary and handling stolen goods. He was arraigned today before Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser, where he pleaded not guilty to the charges. He was offered a bail of $4,000. His case was adjourned until July 10.

A Plan For The Department of The Environment
The Department of the Environment - known as the D-O-E - is coming up with a new five-year action plan. The last one expired in 2011, and now the World Bank has stepped up to provide funding and technical assistance. Today, the DOE, conducted a National Stakeholder Consultation Workshop for industry, government and civil society stakeholders, as well as interested private individuals. Chief Environmental Officer Martin Allegria told us what it's about: Martin Allegria, Chief Environmental Officer "Because with time, things change, new priorities comes in, new issues arises that are of importance that take the headline and so we need to plan and execute actions needed. The paramount in every action plan - the past 4 that we have had since 1992 has always been environmental planning. Physical, environment and social planning - all those are part of and that's why the theme that World Bank set up has a social plan a part of it and we acknowledge it."

Haulover Bridge Will Be Replaced
Last night we told you about the 29 million US Dollar loan that the CDB had approved for roadwork's in Belize. But the release wasn't quite clear about what roads would be repaired. Well, we spoke with the CEO in the Ministry of Works Errol Gentle and he told us that the money will be used to upgrade the Northern Highway from the Burrell Boom junction to the first roundabout entering Belize City. He says the upgrade will include a new bridge to replace the Haulover Bridge. That's right, the decades old Haulover will be replaced by a new two lane bridge. But the old Haulover will be rehabilitated before it is removed, while the new one is being built beside it. The CEO says it can may be moved and used somewhere else after the new one is opened.

UDP Hopeful Speaks About Cayo Convention
At the top of the newscast, we told you about Eduardo Salim Juan, one of the 3 UDP Aspirants for Cayo Northeast who are trying to replace Elvin Penner as Standard Bearer. The other 2 are former 3-term San Ignacio Mayor John August Jr. and Tony McNab. Though they're all newcomers to the Cayo Northeast Constituency. And as we've told you, although Penner is still an elected area representative, the UDP have distanced themselves from him in the wake of the Citizen Kim passport scandal. That's left a political vacuum that needs to be filled, and these men want the job. We asked Juan about his campaign today and how he intends to win the convention: Eduardo Salim Juan - UDP Aspirant, Cayo Northeast "My strategy is to visit every single house. House to house, deal with our people, find out what the problems in our villages are and the problem that we have with the residents."

Chief Environmental Officer Alegria On Azul
Puerto Azul - the proposed mega luxury development has conservationists in an uproar. That's because it's planned for Northern Two Caye on the Lighthouse Reef Atoll. It's seen as a delicate environment, and it is an area of high use for many lobster fishermen. Right now, the project is only at the proposal stage, and we asked the Chief Environmental Officer Martin Allegria what he had heard about it:... Martin Allegria, Chief Environmental Officer "What I can tell you is that project has been in the discussion not officially but out there for the past year and a half or so. It has come back, revised and based on conversations we have had with the investment committee and other ministers and so on. But where we are at this stage in terms of the department of the environment I will have to find out and let you know Monday or next week."

Belize's Lady Jaguars Taking Goals But Gaining Experience
Earlier this month, the Belize National Women's Football Team, the Lady Jaguars, went to Guatemala to participate in the UNCAF Female tournament in that country. It's part of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers, but the Lady Jaguars performed in less than spectacular fashion. Today, the President of the Football Federation of Belize told us that though the losses were tough, he's happy that they're getting the experience: Ruperto Vicente, President - FFB "Our first game was against Honduras and we lost 8-1 to Honduras and we played our second match against Panama, panama defeat us 13-1. In the third game which was against Guatemala, we lost 5 goals 2-0." Reporter "The goals that were scored, who scored those goals?"

FFB Getting Ready For Champion's League
Since March, the Football Federation of Belize has been doing an extensive renovation of their football field in Belmopan. This upgrade is budgeted at 1.8 million dollars, and it will see the only stadium that was FIFA certified to reach standards seen in other Central American Countries which focus very strongly on the sport. The most exciting thing for the FFB is that Belize will be able to take part in the Champion's League: Ruperto Vicente, President - FFB "The work here began in the month of March with the electrical part of it doing the lights, doing the bleachers as well as the locker rooms and the field itself and so we are way ahead. We are a little behind of course with the pitch but we will catch up this week because the people who are working on the pitch are committed to complete all of this work this week. If you notice behind here the trucks are running the dirt and once it's leveled and rolled then the pipes are going to be laid for the drainage as well as the irrigation. And so that is going to be done this weekend."

YES Saying No To Hopelessness
Youth Enhancement Services - better known as Y-E-S - has tapped into the European Union funded Belize Rural Development Programme for a novel programme. They got twenty two thousand dollars approved for a craft center in Lord's Bank LAdyville. That includes equipment, training and the building for the craft center. At the opening today, we found out how it will be pout to use:.. The craft center is located near Ramos Bus in Lord's Bank across from the Youth Enhancement Services Training Centre.

Belmopan Police Building Morale
Superintendent Howell Gillett became the commanding officer of the Belmopan Police Station on April 30, and since then, he's been working out different strategies to improve performance within his jurisdiction. He's been observing the success of precinct policing in Belize City, and after careful planning, Gillett will employ aspects of that model at the Belmopan Police Station. He also says that he's working on building morale in the officers under his command: Gillett tells us that he will reactivate a number of community policing initiatives, to increase the relationship between his officers and the community they serve.

Channel 5

Fatal traffic accident in Belize City claims the life of Customs Officer
A customs officer identified as Frank Robinson, en route to Belize City shortly after three o'clock this afternoon, lost his life in yet another fatal road traffic accident.� The collision [...]

Salvadoran fugitive Edwin Paula recaptured in Belmopan
After four months of being on the run, thirty-year-old Edwin Paula, indicted on charges of robbery and murder, has been recaptured by police during an overnight raid.� After being arraigned [...]

Elvin Penner returns to court; case adjourned
The private prosecution brought by COLA against former Minister of State Elvin Penner came back to the courtroom of Magistrate Aretha Ford in Belmopan this morning. Penner sat through the [...]

Honduran national murdered in Los Tambos
On Wednesday night, we reported that the body of a man had been found in Los Tambos, which is located in the Cayo District. Police have identified the body as [...]

Chief Environmental officer speaks on tourism development projects
The Puerto Azul Project by an Italian development company has been raising the ire of environmentalists. Last week, ministers Manuel Heredia and Erwin Contreras were at the Cannes Film Festival [...]

NCL mega-tourism project in its final stages
Another mega development project that has come under a lot of fire from various quarters is the Norwegian Cruise Line's multimillion dollar port of call on Harvest Caye. As of [...]

Department of Environment holds workshop to develop 10 year plan
The Department of the Environment is updating its policy framework and action plan. Since its establishment in 1992, D.O.E. has formulated four, five-year plans. Today, key stakeholders, including the private [...]

Woman charged with harm for attacking her stepmother
  A stepdaughter who felt she was being disrespected pleaded guilty to two counts of harm upon her step mother and her sister. Stephanie Flowers was charged after she admitted [...]

Carla Barnett resigns as Vice President of the Caribbean Development Bank
  Doctor Carla Barnett is heading back home to chair the Belize Tourism Board. Back in April, the government announced that Barnett was taking over as Chairperson of the Belize [...]

World Milk Day 2014
World Milk Day was first celebrated in Belize in 2012 but the event has been growing leaps and bounds. This morning, the Santiago Castillo Group of companies staged a fair [...]

Prerogative - a new exhibit opens at the Mexican Institute
Four budding Belizean artists are holding an art exhibition called 'Prerogative', the venue is the Mexican Institute. The exhibit includes a wide range of pieces that were completed individually by [...]

Tracking baby turtles; a Wildlife Conservation Society feature
For the past fourteen years, May twenty-third has been celebrated as World Turtle Day.� The event is primarily to build awareness on the plight of the turtles because the shelled [...]

Healthy Living looks at preparations for Cancer Walk 2014
The annual Cancer Awareness Walk from Ladyville to Belize City takes place this Saturday. The event has continued to attract thousands of Belizeans year after year to walk the almost [...]

LOVE FM

Fugitive Captured After Three Months
30-year-old prisoner Edwin Paula who had been on the run since February was recaptured earlier today when Police conducted an operation at an apartment complex in the Salvapan area of Belmopan. Paula was found in the company of a 19-year-old woman. Both persons were detained. Paula was charged along with three other men with three counts of robbery and murder in connection with the shooting death of Salvadoran national Isabel Antonio Balona. On February 3, Paula was being transported from Central Prison to the Belmopan Police Station when the van slowed down at a bump in Cotton Tree Village and he managed to escape. Paula was also charged with nine counts of aggravated assault for the robbery of students at the dormitory at the University of Belize last year.

Customs Boatman Perishes in Road Incident
A traffic accident on the George Price Highway proved fatal this evening as an employee of the Customs Department is dead while his passenger is hospitalized at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. It was just before three o'clock this evening when a Government silver pickup truck assigned to the Customs Department was clipped by a sand truck which sent the vehicle spinning off to the left side of the highway. Upon our arrival at the scene the Customs boatman, 51-year-old, Frank Robinson and 24-year-old, Customs clerk, Camira Brown were already transported to the hospital with Robinson in a critical condition. Both vehicles were headed west from Belize City and according to the sand truck driver, he was heading to mile seven when Robinson made a sudden u-turn and so the impact was unavoidable. Robinson was pronounced dead at 3:50 this evening. The sand truck is the property of Imer Hernandez Development Company Limited from Orange Walk Town. Love will have more on this story in tomorrow's newscast.

A Case of Rape Goes Complex
Twenty-five year old Jeffrey Pott, an unemployed of Victoria Street, was charged with rape when he appeared today before Magistrate Dale Cayetano. No plea was taken because the offence is indictable. Pott was released on a bail of seven thousand dollars. His case was adjourned until July 31. According to the allegation, a 16 year old girl, who is a sister of the alleged rape victim, a 17 year old, reported that at about 4 a.m. on May 2, she awoke to find Pott on top of her sister having sex with her against her will. The 16 year old said her sister was drunk and asleep. As a result of the report, an altercation ensued between the family of the alleged rape victim and the family of the alleged perpetrator.

Caught Red Handed with Stolen Goods But He Pleads Not Guilty
Thirty-seven year old Eugene Tillett, a construction worker of Western Avenue who allegedly broke into a house on Cemetery Road, was charged with burglary and handling stolen goods when he appeared today before Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser. Tillett pled not guilty to the charges. He was offered a bail of our thousand dollars and his case was adjourned until July 10. The complainant, Edelma Ruiz, reported to the police that on Tuesday, May 27, her house, located on Cemetery Road, was burglarized and several household items were stolen. The items amounted to just over four thousand dollars in value. The police investigated the matter and later the same day they reported that they found Tillett with a bag that contained all of the stolen items.

Debentures Fully Prescribed Before Deadline
BEL's 25 million dollar series six debentures have been fully prescribed. According to the company this is thirty two days before the scheduled closing date. The Series 6 Debentures will yield a fixed interest rate of 6.5 per cent and will mature in 16 years on December 31, 2030. The cost of each debenture was one hundred dollars. According to BEL's Senior Manager Finance & Human Resources they received subscriptions for over 45 million dollars. The proceeds are being utilized in whole or in part to refinance the 24.8 million dollars Series 3 Debentures bearing interest at 10 per cent, and or to redeem existing Debentures held by Debenture holders who chose not to invest in the new offering. According to the BEL official, the Company is in the process of allocating the debentures based on subscriptions received and will advise subscribers of the status of their subscriptions by June 6.

PlusTV

COLA Gets Extension to Collect Elusive Evidence Against Penner
Ex Minister of State and current Area Representative for Cayo North East Hon. Elvin Penner appeared in court today before Magistrate Aretha Ford for the second day for disclosure of evidence for the Prosecution of Elvin Penner. On February 28th, 2014, Citizens Organized for Liberty through Action, COLA filed a private prosecution against the Area [...]

Police Recapture Murder Suspect in Hotel of Belmopan
Four months on the run, but today, escaped prisoner Edwin Paula was recaptured by police. Paula, who was on remand for murder, escaped on February 3rd while he and other inmates were being transported from the Central Prison in a police van. When the van reached the pedestrian ramp in Cotton Tree Village, Paula somehow [...]

Customs Officer Perishes in Road Traffic Accident
There was a fatal traffic accident this afternoon at mile two on the George Price Highway. The incident happened around 2:30 this afternoon and claimed the life of a customs officer. Frank Robinson aka "Mango" was driving a Gray Isuzu D-Max, property of the Government of Belize and was travelling with two other men when [...]

Cayo Police Investigates the Murder of a Honduran National
The body of a Honduran national identified as 28 year old Oscar Armando Gomez Alvarez was reportedly found in the outskirts of a village in the District of Cayo, called Los Tambos. According to reports, Alvarez has not been in Belize very long. Sources say he arrived in the village of Los Tambos some two [...]

Government Loan for Roads Linked to Gender Capacity Building
The Caribbean Development Bank has approved a 30.1 million dollar loan to Belize for rehabilitation of 9.81 km of the Philip S. W. Goldson Highway and the replacement of the Haulover Bridge. But $110,000 of that loan has to be used to assist in financing consultancy services for gender capacity building within the Ministry of [...]

Teachers to be Dismissed Due to Amalgamation of Southside Schools
The Ministry of Education is planning to merge three Southside Belize City high schools - Maud Williams High School, Sadie Vernon Technical High and Excelsior High School. We understand that this is to be done by August of this year, in time for the new school year. On Wednesday evening, there was a meeting hosted by [...]

Transferred Senior Nurses Have Years of Service in Present Location
Seven senior nurses are being transferred across the country and the Nurses Association has expressed its disapproval and concern. We have reported that the association says that the proposed transfer is being spearheaded by Dr. Peter Allen, CEO in the Ministry of Health and the association "views the management of the entire process by the CEO [...]

More News: Scroll up from here

The Guardian

Pay Now!
There are two things that are cute in life and Arthur Saldivar is definitely not one of them. If he thought his stunt of bringing coins to pay legal fees of 9 thousand 500 dollars which he owes to Senior Counsel Rodwell Williams was cute, then he is learning the hard way that he needs to forget the small change and bring the big money whine (refer to article: Arthur and Vernon pay up! On page 3). On Tuesday May 27, Arthur, trying to be the clown that he is and probably being the mastermind of a similar stunt with Trevor Vernon, decided to try to make a mockery of a court judgment by paying the legal fees he owes in small change. Well no sooner had his minions arrived at the law offices of S.C. Williams than they and his two cans were sent through the door. The payment of two thousand dollars in small change was not received by the office staff at the law firm. The $2000 dollar payment was not received because under a Central Bank Statute, no debt in excess of fifty dollars can be paid with coins. More than that, for Saldivar to have settled the debt, he would have had to pay the entire amount in full as the court had ordered. Two thousand dollars is hardly settlement.

Melinda Guerra has much to answer to
The Auditor General believes that $85,183.49, was misappropriated from public funds by Melinda Guerra, the Manager of the Central Health Region. As a result, she is now before the Public Service Commission to answer to an inquiry as to why she misrepresented, misled and misused public monies in her capacity of regional manager. Of important note is that Guerra has denied all claims that she acted inappropriately with those funds, and that she is innocent of wrong doing. CEO of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Peter Allen contacted the Auditor General on August 26, 2013, requesting that she look into the public spending at the Central Health Region for the year of 2012 because he had received credible allegations that public funds were being misused. An audit team was assembled 4 days later, and they started to audit the Central Health Region.What they found was that there were a series of transactions which Melinda Guerra, the Manager, the Former Finance Officer, Judith Swift, and the current Finance Officer, Ena Codrington, were connected to which were dubious in nature. The first 4 transactions involved reimbursements of Melinda Guerra for out-of-pocket expenses which she incurred in her official capacity as Manager. Those came up to a total of $3,407.50, in which she supposedly paid for food and other medical supplies for different workshops which were already covered by the Ministry of Health, but she requested payment misleading the Ministry of Health that she incurred them herself.

Vernon's Assets Crow footed
Trevor Vernon must have thought himself as cute as Arthr on Tuesday when he made a half payment of a 5 thousand dollar debt which he owed to Senior Counsel Denys Barrow after he was ordered to pay cost in a matter which he initiated against Hon. Edmund Castro but failed. While he made half the payment in shillings, the court had ordered that he pay in full but he did not do so. Since Tuesday, Barrow made an application to the Supreme Court for a writ of execution and it was granted him. On Wednesday a Supreme Court bailiff paid a visit to Vernon's house where crow foot markings were placed on his belongings to be confiscated if he is unable to make the second payment. With the crow footing, none of those assets marked can be disposed of by Vernon since these will be sold off in the event that he does not pay the full amount.

10,000 Shillings
We confirmed that it was a PUP transaction when the bags of coins that Trevor Vernon used to pay legal fees to S.C. Denys Barrow turned up short. On Tuesday May 28, Vernon assisted by Peter Carter, carried two sacks of coins to Barrow and company where he was given a temporary receipt stating that he had paid half of a $5000 bill which he owed. The bill arose after Vernon, maliciously, frivolously and vexatiously took a matter to the Supreme Court where he claimed that Hon. Edmund Castro abused his authority when he assisted constituents of the Belize Rural North Constituency. But more than it being done simply to put the good minister's name in disrepute, he retained the services of a poco-tiempo attorney who improperly prepared the documents. After submissions by S.C. Denys Barrow, Vernon and his attorney were sent packing but not before the judge ordered that Vernon pay legal fees. To ensure that the court not be taken lightly again, the court ordered that Vernon pay Hon. Castro's fees of $5000. Immediately upon hearing the judgment, Vernon jumped on Facebook and began to beg for help and seek sympathy for his misdeed. Needless to say, no one took pity on him as everyone knew that he was just another PUP hack trying to create mischief.

UDP-Now celebrates 25 years
Over 700 women countrywide, members of the United Democratic Party-National Organization of Women (UDP-NOW) are expected to descend on the Belize City House of Culture on Saturday, May 31 at 10:00A.M.for the 25th Anniversary Rally and Re-organization of NOW. Of the 700 plus women, 25 will represent each constituency. The number 25 is symbolic because NOW has been in existence since May 27, 1989, 25 years ago. A highlight of the event is that 38 women from all over the country who are foundation members of NOW will be honoured for their tenacity and vision to have seen the need for such an organization to support and complement the work of the United Democratic Party while advancing the cause of women. UDP-NOW celebrates 25 years Guest Speaker for the occasion is Sen. the Hon. Lisel Alamilla while President, Diane Haylock will present a way forward for the organization.

Protest for Professor Brendan Bain
The terminated Professor from the University of the West Indies, Brendan Bain, continues to be a controversial topic within Belize and Jamaica, which has caused the university to come under sustained criticism and denunciation. On Friday, May 23, the Belize Evangelical Association of Churches along with Belize Action's Pastor Scott Stirm organized a midday demonstration at the Battlefield Park in front of the Supreme Court. They were protesting against Bain's termination, calling it a silencing of freedom of speech. Following after the protests being held in Jamaica, majority of the 100 or so participants who showed up donned tapes over their mouths with the slogan, "Freedom Under Attack". The taping of their mouths represented their sentiments that UWI was used by the LGBT community in the Caribbean to silence Professor Bain for his witness evidence which was taken as being "anti-gay".

SIF Sponsors Computer Skills Training for San Jose Villagers
On Saturday, May 24, the Social Investment Fund collaborated with the Orange Walk Institute for Technical and Vocational Education & Training (OWITVET) to host a Certification Ceremony for residents of San Jose Village who successfully completed basic computer skills training. The training program was a component of the San Jose Multipurpose Center sub project. The training was implemented by the Social Investment Fund as part of its mandate to work in line with the Government's poverty alleviation strategy. Twenty trainees attended sessions every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 12 noon for six months. The lessons were both theoretical and practical, focusing on an in-depth understanding of Microsoft Suite such as Microsoft Word, Internet Explorer, Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Publisher. Trainees received lessons on onscreen components and formatting; browsers, search engines; spreadsheet columns and rows, creating workbooks as well as using formulas to make calculations. Graduates are now competent in using computers as members of water boards, to create flyers/promotional items for their businesses as well as equipped with the relevant computer skills and competencies for the expanding business sector in the northern district of the country, and by extension the wider society of Belize. The program cost $18,770 and was financed by the Government of Belize through a loan from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB).

Sattiim did not win the case
On April 3, Justice Michelle Arana passed judgment on a case in which SATIIM took the Government of Belize and U.S. Capital Energy to court claiming that these two had violated environmental law which protect the Sartsoon Temash National Park as well as they violated the Maya's customary land rights to these lands. At the time both parties claimed that the judgment was in their favor, on one hand the GOB and U.S. Capital explained that the company could drill in the national park since the permits to do so were not struck down and were deemed legal. For its part SATIIM claimed that the judge had told the government that before any exploration is done permission needed to be sought from the Maya people. Well those positions were maintained up until a couple of weeks ago when the order was to have been perfected. In perfecting the order, attorneys generally reach common ground on interpreting the judge's ruling and the order is thereafter perfected. That was not the case on this matter and the Judge, Michelle Arana, perfected the order since consensus could not be reached. The perfection of the order maintained that U.S. Capital was not in breach of any of the laws. She went on to explain that Government now needs to engage in good faith attempts to seek consent from the Mayas. The government has commenced with that exercise and it is being well received.

We have a Stable Economy Says Statistical Institute of Belize
In the first quarter of 2014, the Belizean economy contracted by 0.4 percent; however, the results of a recently conducted Labour Force Survey by the Statistical Institute of Belize will likely show that the country's unemployment rate has also decreased. From January to March of 2014, crude oil extraction fell by 23 percent (from 221,000 barrels in 2013 to 170,000 barrels) as the Spanish Lookout wells are bottoming out. Production in the agricultural sector fell significantly. Earnings from sugarcane, citrus and banana fell by 30 percent. The Citrus Greening Disease has a lot to do with the strong decline in the industry but disagreements between farmers and the company also played a significant part in low citrus products output. Earnings from exporting sugar decreased by $16 million in the first quarter of this year. Because of disagreements between farmers and the company, the crop season which was scheduled to start in mid November was delayed until January. Banana production fell only slightly because of unfavourable weather conditions at the beginning of the year.

Miss Sadie Vernon is Special Envoy's Trailblazer of the Week
This week's trailblazer made waves in one of the most important areas of a nation's development; education! Ms. Sadie Vernon (1918-2008) No truer words were spoken of Sadie Vernon than a 1983 description of her as an "advocate for the voiceless and the powerless". Sadie had no idea that the outcome of her 1963 proposal writing efforts would result in a permanent home for twenty-five times as many girls and boys in similar situations to those of the four mothers who first sought her help more than three decades earlier. On September 6th 1999 a ceremony was held to rename the Belize Continuation School as Sadie Vernon High School. Sadie started the institution in 1964 in the borrowed spaces of the YWCA. After they ran out of space at the YWCA they moved first to the Catholic Extension building and then to a leased space on Dean Street in 1994 before a permanent space was secured for the now Sadie Vernon High School at the end of that decade. Almost a quarter century after Sadie had begun the Belize Continuation School she established the high school preparatory institution 'Friends Boys School'.

Dennis Gabourel Allegedly Beats Up "Interfering" Neighbour
Well known businessman and horse & carriage driver, 58-year-old Dennis Gabourel, is being accused of beating up a woman, Kathleen Grant. Gabourel is the son of recent fire victim, Orseline Wallace Gabourel, who was trapped inside her Cleghorn Street home as the structure was destroyed by fire last week. Grant is the deceased neighbour who called out Gabourel's relatives for leaving the house unattended an unkept. According to reports, on Thursday, May 22, Grant was on North Front Street when a car pulled up and Dennis Gabourel exited. Gabourel told Grant to "Get out ah meh business" and he slapped her across the right side of the face. The hit caused Grant to fall to the sidewalk and Gabourel kicked her several times to the stomach before he got into the vehicle and sped off.

Three Brothers Arrested for Caledonia Murder
Corozal Police have detained brothers, 31-year-old Elias Rosalez, 34-year-old Perfecto Rosalez Jr. and 27-year-old David Rosalez, all fishermen of Caledonia Village, for their part in the murder of 26-year-old Eder Alcoser. Sometime around 9 p.m. on Sunday, May 25, Eder Alcoser went to a local store where he got into an argument with David Rosalez. The argument became heated and developed into a fist fight. Rosalez's brothers, Elias and Perfecto Jr., came to their brother's aid armed with machetes. According to police, at this same time Eder Alcoser's father, Marcelo Alcoser, arrived and tried to stop the fight. However, the brawl continued and moved from in front of the shop to a nearby area up the street. During the brawl, the Rosalez brothers inflicted major injuries upon Eder and Marcelo Alcoser.

Man in stable condition after being shot in Cayo
A few minutes after midnight on Monday of this week, information was received of a male person being transported to the San Ignacio Town Hospital with gunshot wounds. Elson Arnold from Unitedville Village had been shot on the lower left side of his back. Police visited the San Ignacio Town Hospital where Elson Arnold was issued a medical form and he was then transported to the Western Regional Hospital. He was later transported to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital where he underwent surgery to retrieve gunshot pellets from his back.

Remanded for pulling gun on Clerk
Two Belize City men, 27-year-old Nuri Polanco, a resident of #7005 Antelope Street extension, along with 21-year-old Kenroy Willoughby, a Carpenter of #75 Antelope Street Extension in Belize City were charged jointly for the Sunday, May 25, aggravated assault with a firearm upon 23-year-old Jason Lamb, a clerk of #7020 Pelican Street Extension, Belize City. In court, both Polanco and Willoughby were unrepresented. They both pleaded not guilty to the charge but due to the nature of the offense, bail was denied and both were remanded to the Belize Central Prison until July 14, 2014. In a report to police, Jason Lamb reported that on Sunday, May 25, 2014, at 5:45 p.m., he was attending a family dinner on Antelope Street Extension when he got into an argument with Kenroy Willoughby who allegedly pulled a black revolver from his pants waist.

Oscar Hernandez Accused of Stealing Parts from Hon. Castro's Tractor
Nicaraguan national, Oscar Hernandez, is a free man after he was acquitted of a charge of theft by Magistrate Dale Cayetano on Friday, May 23. Allegations made against Hernandez are that sometime between October 1, 2012 and December 30, 2012 in Bomba Village he stole over $49,000 worth of tractor parts belonging to Hon. Edmond Castro. The parts include a cylinder head valued $970.02, a set injectors valued $1,211.94, a sniffler valued $889.48, a hydraulic pump valued $4,589.24, an exhaust valued $9,090.39, an alternator valued $1,986.53 and two jacks valued $11, 305.94. Police investigation led to the arrest and charge of 46-year-old Oscar Hernandez. Hernandez had been incarcerated for more than a year after he was denied bail due to the uncertainty of his immigration status in Belize.

Charles Herrera Charged for Murder of Ezekiel Hernandez
Police have arrested and charged 43-year-old Charles Herrera of #6959 Lavender Street, Belize City for the murder of 25-year-old Dangriga resident Ezekiel Hernandez. According to a police report, police visited the corner of Partridge and Lavender Streets at 5:23 a.m. on Monday, May 26, and saw the lifeless body of Hernandez near the river side. Officers observed three stab wounds to the upper right side of his back and transported the body to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital where it was pronounced dead. Hernandez's relative says that he is a mechanic and he came to Belize to collect money that was owed to him for services rendered. They say that the person who owed him was not honouring his debt and Hernandez was frustrated. From the location where Hernandez's body was found, police tracked a trail of blood to a vehicle.

Two motorcycles stolen in one night in San Ignacio Town
Jorje Bradley, a 33 year old Belizean construction worker and employee at the Mystic River Resort on Cristo Rey Road, reports that his motorbike has been stolen. According to Jorje Bradley he had left his 2013 red and black in color Meliun Motorcycle, with markings ML200GY-5A, in front of the Legends Establishment in San Ignacio Town, sometime between 10:30 PM and 11:30 PM on Friday of last week. He reports that on his return from a nights outing, the motorcycle was nowhere to be seen. Jorje Bradley is now offering a reward of $500.00 for the recovery of his motorcycle.

Albert Moody Acquitted of Attempted Murder
Albert Moody of the Jane Usher Boulevard area has been acquitted of the charge of attempted murder upon Kent Moss. Moody was accused of the January 15, 2013 shooting of Moss on Raccoon Street. Moss, a resident of Freedom Street, was conversing with a friend on a verandah on Raccoon Street when a lone gunman came from behind the house and fired several shots in their direction. Moss was hit three times to the body and was rushed by ambulance to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital for treatment. Albert Moody was charged later that same month for the shooting. However, a letter dated May 14, 2014 instructed the Magistrates' Court to withdraw three indictable charges of attempted murder, dangerous harm and use of deadly means of harm upon Kent Moss. No reason was given for the withdrawal.

Albert Reid charged for Murder
On Tuesday May 27, 34-year-old Albert Reid was arraigned before Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith where he was charged with a single count of murder. Reid was charged for the death of 69-year-old Santana resident, Maurice Dennison Young. Due to the nature of the offense no plea was taken and Reid was remanded to custody at the Belize Central Prison until July 15. Reid who was detained since Wednesday, May 21, is accused of the Tuesday, May 20, murder of Young. On Tuesday, May 20, 2014, at about 6:10 a.m., Ladyville Police visited Santana Village where they were taken approximately 100 feet into a bushy area behind Young's home where they found his body lying face up in a state of decomposition. Young had a cut wound to the neck and was dressed in a blue long jeans pants and a pair of shoes.

Belize City Taxi man Murdered
Relatives of Belize City taxi driver Norman Stanley Thompson, 56, believe he was ambushed and killed on Banak Street early Sunday morning, May 25. Police visited Banak Street at 1:46 a.m. on Sunday morning where they saw a green 4 door Geo Prism crashed into a fence. Inside the car was the body of Norman Stanley Thompson of #163 West Street, Belize City. The body had one gunshot wound to the right upper shoulder and one to the right upper back. According to police investigation, Thompson was driving his car in an alley beside La Popular Bakery heading towards Banak Street when he was ambushed by unknown person(s) who fired two gunshots at him which caused the fatal injuries. Two 9mm Aguila Brand expended shells were retrieved from the area and the body was transported to the Belize City Morgue.

Belizean athletes medalled at Central American Junior Championship
The Belize Athletics Association participated in the Central American Junior Athletics Championship that held in Managua, Nicaragua from the 23rd to the 25th May, 2014. Belize had representation in the following events and by the following athletes in the Jr. B Female category: Shanicka Augustine in the 100m, Long Jump and Triple Jump; Ashanti Carr in Shot-put, Long Jump and Triple Jump; Ashonti Carr in 400m, Shot-put, and Long Jump; Deannia Cooke in 100m and 200m; Zhanea Jex in 100m, 200m and 400m; Julia Puerto in the 1500m and 3000m and Catherine Tan in the Shot-put, Discus and Javelin.

Belize City primary schools basketball competition opens
The 2013-2014 Belize City Primary Schools Basketball Competition opened on Wednesday May 28, 2014, at the Bird's Isle with five games on the schedule. This school year, there are some ten schools participating in the girls' competition which includes Wesley Upper School, St. John Vianney, Muslim Community, Buttonwood Bay Nazarene, Holy Redeemer School, Belize Elementary School, St. John's Primary, Calvary Temple School, St. Martin De Porres School, and St. Luke Methodist School. Meanwhile, in the boys' competition, there are nineteen Schools competition in this year's competition. The schools competing are Wesley Upper School, St. John Vianney, Muslim Community, Buttonwood Bay Nazarene, Holy Redeemer, Unity Presbyterian School, Trinity Methodist, Belize Elementary School, St. John's Primary School, Calvary Temple School, St. Martin De Porres, St. Luke Methodist, Salvation Army School, Caye Caulker Roman Catholic, St. Ignatius School, Queen Street Baptist School, Ebenezer Methodist School, Grace Primary School and St. Mary's Anglican School.

Belize Elementary School girls and boys Belize District Primary Schools Volleyball champions
The 2013-2014 Belize District Primary Schools Volleyball Competition came to an end on Tuesday May 27, 2014, at Bird's Isle. In the girls' championship game, Belize Elementary School representing Belize City defeated Holy Redeemer School also representing Belize City in two sets by the score of 25-12 and 25-10. In the first game in the girls' competition, Holy Redeemer School defeated Burrell Boom Methodist School in two sets by the score of 25-17 and 25-3. In game two, it was Belize Elementary School winning over The Island Academy from San Pedro in two sets by the score of 25-6 and 25-8. Meanwhile, in the boys' championship game, Belize Elementary School defeated Crooked Tree Government School by the score of 25-14 and 25-20.

Burrell Boom Methodist girls and Crooked Tree Government School boys are Belize Rural Volleyball champions
The Belize Rural Volleyball Championship was played on Tuesday May 20 2014, out in Ladyville Village. In the girls' championship game, Burrell Boom Methodist School defeated Lucky Strike Government School in three sets by the score of 22-25, 25-17 and 15-7. In the first game of the tourney, St. Agnes Primary School defeated Pancotto Primary School in three sets by the score of 11-25, 25-15 and 15-8. In game two, Belize Rural Primary School defeated Lucky Strike Government School in two sets by the score of 26-24 and 25-18. In round two of the competition, Burrell Boom Methodist School defeated St. Agnes Primary School in three sets by the score of 20-25, 25-1 and 15-13. In the boys' championship game, Crooked Tree Government School defeated Pancotto Primary School in three sets by the score of 25-23, 20-25and 15-9.

FFB President's Cup tourney resumes
The FFB President's Cup Tournament for 2014 resumed on Saturday May 24, with a single game on the schedule. Out at the Isidoro Beaton Stadium in Belmopan, the visiting Progresso FC defeated Roaring Creek United by the score of 3-1. The goals for Progresso FC were scored by Gabriel Perez in the 20th minute of play and Eliazar Itza In the 53rd and 80th minute of play. For Roaring Creek United, the only goal of the game was scored by Ricky Tamai via a penalty kick in the 33rd minute of play. The competition then continued on Sunday May 25, 2014, with three more games on the schedule. Out at the Carl Ramos Stadium in Dangriga Town, Belize District Stars edged out Pomona United by the score of 3-2. The goals for Belize District Stars were scored by Brian Martinez in the 24th minutes of play, Carlos Lino in the 83rd minutes of play and Dalton Cayetano in the 4th minute of play. For Pomona United, their goals were scored by Jevon Aranda in the 33rd minute of play and Elroy Smith in the 92nd minute of play.

Credit Union holds AGM in San Ignacio Town
The Saint Martin's Credit Union SMCU held its 65th Annual General Meeting on Friday of this past week in San Ignacio Town. Hundreds of residents turned out to attend the meeting at the Octavia Waight Center Convention Hall; where financial prudence in the credit union movement was a mainstay. Present at the AGM were representatives from the La Immaculada Credit Union of Orange Walk, the St. Francis Xavier Credit Union of Corozal and the Belize Credit Union League. Today the SMCU is a strong financial institution, which was incorporated in 1949 to improve the economic standing of its members. As of March 31, 2014 the SMCU had 7,441 members. In a report to the gathering, President Dr. John Morris reported that SMCU's assets stood at $17,985,534.00 and had an increase of over a million dollars from last year. According to Dr. John Morris, studies are now showing that there were at least 1000 untapped members for the credit union movement in Benque Viejo del Carmen, Succotz, Arenal and Calla Creek in Western Belize and that the SMCU needed to expand in those areas.

Ariel Rosado Foundation holds bike ride
It was a RIDE for Scholarships� a RIDE for Healthy Living�� a RIDE for fun! Just before 1:00 pm on Saturday May 10th 2014 about 150 cyclists rolled into the Hour Bar and Grill Compound, Newtown Barracks in Belize City. This marked the culmination of a third very successful Ariel Rosado Annual Bike Ride. The ride started at 6:15 a.m. from Galen University in Central Farm and cruised the 75 miles to The Hour Bar & Grill in Belize City at an average speed of 15 miles per hour. There were rest stops at the Galen Campus in Belmopan, Cheers on the George Price Highway and at the CD Gas Station on the Burrell Boom Road. After its Third Year the Ariel Rosado Annual Bike Ride is being described by knowledgeable members of the cycling community as the best organized and managed Bike Ride in Belize. The Board of Directors of the Ariel Rosado Foundation extends a sincere THANK YOU to all RIDERS, WORKERS, SPONSORS and SUPPORTERS whose participation made it possible to keep the mission and vision of the ARIEL ROSADO FOUNDATION alive.

Arthur and Vernon Pay up!
Arthur Saldivar, the failed PUP politician who has sometimes resorted to all kinds of tactics to further his agenda, has to cough up $69,500 to Prime Minister Dean Barrow for defamation of character. That's what the Supreme Court of Belize says he owes in a record award of damages for a lawsuit of this kind. The defamation attempt by Saldivar took place in 2011, when Saldivar called in on the KREM Wake Up Belize Morning Talkshow. Known as the serial caller, Saldivar is often heard on the radio pushing his different points of view, which tend to have a self-serving motive. On that particular day, he made comments about the Prime Minister and suggested to the public that the Prime Minister was a corrupt politician. In response, Prime Minister Barrow sued him in the Supreme Court, and instead of defending himself against the lawsuit, Saldivar chose to ignore the case. He claims to have not been made aware of it in a timely manner and that's why he didn't offer a defence. If you listen to his explanation to the media carefully, you may pick up on the fact that he and his attorneys thought lightly of the lawsuit, that it didn't have anything of substance that he was liable for.

Ministry of Health Commemorates World No Tobacco Day 2014
The National Drug Abuse Control Council (NDACC) of the Ministry of Health invites the public to join us as we commemorate World No Tobacco Day on May 30th, 2014. This year we will celebrate the day through public awareness activities focusing on the negative effects of tobacco consumption and other 'No Tobacco' initiatives to encourage voluntary adoption by communities to live in a smoke free environment. | The theme this year is "Raise taxes on Tobacco". Under the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO/FCTC), countries are encouraged to implement tax and price policies as a way to reduce tobacco consumption. An increase in excise tax is considered one of the most cost effective tobacco control measures. Activities for World No Tobacco Day will be conducted through NDACC district offices simultaneously on May 30th. Information booths will be in front of office space locations in Belize City, Dangriga Town and Orange Walk Town from 9am to 3pm. San Ignacio and Santa Elena will have a booth at Public Service information Day at the San Ignacio Welcome Center and Belmopan will setup at the market square location.

Facts on Harmonyville Subdivision
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Agriculture takes this opportunity to share the following facts on the Harmonyville Subdivision:- 1. In 2010 Cabinet approved the acquisition of 1,327.139 acres of land located between miles 41 and 42 on the George Price Highway- the area now known as Harmonyville 2. Acquisition cost- BZ$1,990,708.50 plus 3% interest. 3. Cabinet subsequently approved the subdivision design for the development that includes over 1000-one acre plots, open areas (parks, cemetery, and school) and the buffer strip (reserve) along the highway. 4. Cabinet further approved for the distribution of lots to be done based on the recommendation of BGYEA. 5. Cabinet also agreed that the purchase price for each one acre plot be at a social rate of $1000/ one acre plot. a. Note- the purchase price for regular a house lot in rural areas is currently $1,500/lot. A one acre plot allows for 4 regular house lots (100ft/100ft). 6. In 2011, the Department of Lands and Surveys facilitated the urgent acceptance and processing of applications from BGYEA members by accommodating for an unusual opening of our offices on three consecutive weekends and also by the deployment of additional staff to further facilitate.

Caye Caulker Chronicles

Seeking journalists and reporters
JOB ANNOUNCEMENT: The Caye Caulker Chronicles is actively seeking journalists and reporters. We will pay for articles by the piece, so this can be a side job. We are looking for journalists and reporters with cameras, as submitted articles must be accompanied by photos. If you are interested in becoming a reporter, please email us at [email protected]. Going price for a published piece with photo is $10.

Patrick Jones

Youth Enhancement Services opens craft center
Youth Enhancement Services (YES) today opened the new home for their craft center, where young women will work toward becoming self-sufficient with their own handiwork. The students, young women from rural communities such as Ladyville and Lords' Bank, have been taught how to make paper from discarded objects such as banana leaves and fish scale, which they turned into greeting cards, and jewelry from old seeds and wood. Now, they want to expand their work into a means of making money. The program turned to the Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA)'s Expanding Economic Opportunities through Entrepreneurship and Marketing Development Project (EEOEM), a subsidiary of the Belize Rural Development Project (BRDP) funded by the European Union, for assistance. It gave them a $22,000 grant to fund the building of the center and according to its coordinator, Regina Campbell, trained the youth in accounting, bookkeeping and other business-related subjects.

Charges for accused house breaker
A Belize City man has been charged for burglary and handling stolen goods. 37 year old construction worker Eugene Tillett of Western Avenue appeared before Senior Magistrate Sharon Frazer this morning. He is accused of going into the home of Edelmira Ruiz on Cemetery Road on Tuesday of this week and stealing $4,395 worth of electronic and household goods, all of which police later recovered from him. Tillett told the court that he was handed the bag of goods by a young man who came to him asking him to hold it for him. Tillett said he sent the young man on an errand but police showed up at the same time, searched the bag and found the stolen items inside.

Alleged rape leads to confrontation between families
A 17 year old minor who is alleged to have been raped earlier this month has been charged for a later confrontation with her attacker's brother. She appeared in the Belize Family Court today on a charge of wounding and will be released on bail of $1,000. Meanwhile, the accused rapist, identified as 25 year old Jeffrey Pott of Victoria Street, was read his charge today before Magistrate Dale Cayetano. He is accused of forcing himself on the teenager at her home around 4 in the morning of May 2, 2014. A younger sister of the victim told police that she woke up around that time and saw a man she identified as Pott lying on top of her sister, who was reportedly intoxicated and sleeping. Magistrate Cayetano set bail at $7,000 and Jeffrey Pott will return to court on July 31.

DOE prepares new environmental strategy and action plans
The old maxim goes, "If you fail to prepare, be prepared to fail." When your battle ground is the environment, the results can have lasting consequences. The Department of the Environment's five-year strategic statement and action plans expired back in 2011 and it is now on the homestretch to create a new plan that will take it through the next decade. Today it hosted the first of a series of consultations with stakeholders in Belize City. We asked Chief Environmental Officer Martin Alegria to grade how well the Department has done in the last five years. He said that they have met most of their targets, including increasing public awareness, but there remain some challenges, including getting financing to address key issues.

Customs Department employee killed in traffic accident
A mid-afternoon traffic accident today on the George Price Highway has claimed the life of one man. The victim has been identified as Frank Robinson, an employee of the Customs Department. The accident happened around 3 pm near mile 2 on the George Price Highway in Belize City. According to reports, Robinson and a female employee of the Customs Department were west-bound in a DMax pickup truck when the incident happened. Reports are that the pickup truck made a U-turn into the path of a dump truck that was following.

Blogs

Michele Henderson wins CARICOM song competition
Dominican, jazz, fusion singer Michele Henderson is the winner of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) song competition, and her winning entry "Celebrating CARICOM" is now the regional body's official anthem. Henderson beat out 57 semi-finalists and ten finalists to emerge winner in the competition which was announced last year. She says she screamed in disbelief when she first heard the news, and she is "happy and proud" for the accomplishment. "I want to thank CARICOM for the honour. I want to thank my husband (Roland Delsol Jr.) from the bottom of my heart for believing I could do it and for producing the song; Earlson Mathew for his arrangement; Michael Ferrol for his drumming skills and the St. Alphonsus Choir for their choral input." According to the competition rules, the song should reflect a strong Caribbean cultural identity, have versatility and lend itself to be played by various instruments, have a strong Caribbean cultural flavour and rhythm and inspire a sense of regional pride and unity.

Top 5 attractions in Belize
Belize is probably not the number one location on your list of countries you must visit. It should be. Sitting just on the Central American east coast, Belize benefits from Caribbean temperatures and beaches on the Caribbean Sea. More than that it offers a wide range of stunning attractions which tap into the ancient history of the region as well as being immensely enjoyable. A private villa in Belize will give you the luxury you deserve for your holiday as you explore our top five attractions. Ambergris Caye, Lamanai, Actun Tunichil Muknal, Xunantunich, Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary.

Maya King of Cahal Pech
Archaeological news of the day, courtesy of Nine Eco Cultural Tours. King Kawil Ka'an Chan Ba'lam was his name. Cahal Pech is still actively being excavated by Dr. Awe and his archaeological students, and they've made some great discoveries. "In the Summer of 2013 Dr. Jaime Awe and archaeologists colleagues did some excavations at the summit of the grand temple in Plaza B of the site... This was a special gift to the King Kawil Ka'an Chan Ba'lam whose remains was embellished with jade jewellery and a corn god relief. His name, most impressively, was on a ring made out of the remains of a deer antler. Awesome! For the first time, since the early 1950′s when Linton Satterwaite first excavated Cahal Pech, we are introduced to a name of a King. Sixty four years we waited and with lucky strokes of the pick axe and the faithful trowel and faithful and ambitious archaeologists, a royal tomb, for the world to know that a living god walked here."

National Song Workshops
The National Celebrations Commission, along with Atlantic Bank, are doing song writing workshops around the country in preparation for the National Song Competition. They'll be in Cayo, at the Cayo Welcome Center, on June 27th. All song writers and artists are invited to attend. In related news, the National Theme Competition deadline for submissions has been extended until May 30th.

Pandy Show Celebrates 22 Years
The Pandy Show celebrated its 22nd anniversary on the 27th. The Pandy Show, based in Cayo, is the longest running show in Belize. Thanks for the positive entertainment, and Congratulations, Pandy! Here's to another 44!

Fully Subscribed before Scheduled Closing Date; BEL closes its $25 million Series 6 Debenture Offer
Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) advises that as of today, its $25 million Series 6 Debenture Offer has been fully subscribed, thirty-two days before the scheduled closing date. The Company opened the offer on May 5, 2014 and was scheduled to close on June 30, 2014. With the offer now fully subscribed the Company has closed the offer today, May 29, 2014. The Series 6 Debentures will yield a fixed interest rate of 6.5 per cent and will mature in 16 years on December 31, 2030. The cost of each debenture was $100. "There evidently remains high confidence in the operations of BEL," said BEL's Senior Manager Finance & Human Resources, Ms. Betty Tam. "We received subscriptions for over $45 million and are grateful for the high expression of interest in the offering."

Day 1: From Belize City to Flores, Guatemala
We arrived in Belize a little early. My friend landed shortly before us. Well, actually three planes landed within minutes of each other creating a bit of a long wait to get through immigration and customs (especially when you really had to pee!). I got stamped and met Lindsay on the other side. We grabbed a taxi to the bus/water taxi station to take the express bus from Belize City to Flores, Guatemala. We ended waiting about an hour or so until the bus showed up. The express bus left around 1:30pm and we got to the station way before either of us had originally thought. We chatted with a Belizean local from the Southern part of the country about Southern Belize and the Belizean culture. Finally the bus arrived. The border crossing was rather simple once we figured what our Spanish-speaking driver told us to do. Get off. Walk through Belize Immigration. Pay $15 USD exit tax (we paid slightly less because we just arrived in Belize that day). Walk to customs and get passport stamp. Walk across river-bridge to Guatemala. Walk up to Guatemala immigrations and customs to pay the $3 entrance fee and get passport stamped. Find bus driver and bus.

Gone sailing: Caye Caulker to Placencia
Snorkelling stops, rum at midday, a deserted island (Goffs Caye), an army sleepover...and that's just the first day. We had booked ourselves onto a $300pp sailing boat tour from Caye Caulker to Placencia with a local boating company called Liberty. Another company called Raggamuffins were much better known (and more expensive) but we couldn't get a space on their party boat, which as things turned out, was a brilliant thing! Not only were we keeping things local but we were about to experience a once in a life time trip with a wonderful captain and his first mate who brought the seas alive for us. The winds were strong today and so both sails were up and we cruised along at a good place. The sun was shining and the rum flowing, so all 8 of us quickly relaxed and got to know each other. Papa Jo was our all knowing, gentle and seriously amazing 72 year old captain and Raul was our quirky, rum drinking and hilarious first mate. Papa Jo is prepping Raul to take over as captain one day so he can finally hang up his sailing shoes and retire, but we reckon he'll stay on the seas until it is time to go...

Life on Caye Caulker
Great set of photos of Caye Caulker�.

ISLAND LIFE OF BELIZE
The stunning island of Caye Caulker, a place of flat sand like lands, skies open wide as the eye can see, the people are a picture of reggae life. If you want the real Caribbean experience this is the place to go. The waters are full of marine life, everywhere you look there are creatures swimming about and exploring. You might even see a Manatee� I saw three.

The King of Cahal Pech: Kawil Ka'an Chan Ba'lam
When you walk into the site of Cahal Pech the buildings that you will see were built somewhere in the middle of the classic period (700-750AD). The ancient Maya organised and managed space extravagantly well. To prove it, Dr. Jaime Awe did an excavation on a small building in the Southeastern corner of the B Plaza and dug as far as 30 feet in depth. This translates to approximately 13 construction phases (note that there were at least 2 more construction phases over this very building discussed here but we lost them due to looting damage). Superimposition is rampant at this site. There are buildings below the plaza floor you will walk on that date from before the birth of Christ. In fact, the age of the site is only challenged by the great City of Lamanai (Submerged Crocodile), of Northern Belize.

A Week to 10 days in Belize - What to Do?
Belize is a perfect destination for North American travelers during the winter months for a ton of reasons: Its warm for starters, just off shore lies the 2nd largest reef system in the world along with a bunch of beautiful islands, on the other side of the country is full of rain forest, and they even speak English! This small country, nestled under Mexico's famous Yucatan, packs a lot of punch for its size. There is something for everyone beaches, jungle, relaxation, and plenty of adventure. It many only be a few hours away on a plane, but once you are there you will feel worlds away.

International Sources

Caribbean countries ended 2013 on a stronger economic footing says CDB
Caribbean countries ended 2013 on a more solid economic footing than it had done since the start of the 2007/2008 global economic recession, according to figures released by the Barbados-based Caribbean Development Bank (CDB). The CDB, which is holding its 44th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors here, said that many of its borrowing member states (BMCs) recorded increases "albeit modest in economic activity". CDB President Dr. Warren Smith said that "at the regional level, growth and sustainability were recurring themes in discussions about performance". The CDB said that preliminary estimates indicate that the economic activity in the region grew by an average of 1.5 per cent last year, up slightly from a revised figure of 1.2 per cent for 2012. The region's premier development financial institution noted that higher incomes and employment in advanced economies and renewed flows of foreign direct investment(FDI) contributed to solid growth in construction activity and continued recovery in tourism in most of the BMCs.

Stigma and discrimination driving the HIV epidemic in the Caribbean PANCAP statement
The Pan Caribbean Partnership against HIV and AIDS (PANCAP) affirms that Professor Brendan Bain's testimony in the Orozco v. A.G. Belize (2012) case is not consistent with the stated goals of PANCAP to reduce stigma and eliminate discrimination. In fact, it is in dissonance with PANCAP's ongoing work to remove discriminatory laws and affirm human rights. Although the Partnership is inclusive and members are free to have their individual views and beliefs, PANCAP is of the view that, on principle, Prof Bain's action was not compatible with his leadership position. In adopting an active position of opposing the decriminalization of anal sex between two consenting male adults in private, Prof. Bain has undermined the public health and human rights goals of PANCAP. This view was communicated to Professor Bain during the Fifteenth Meeting of the Priority Areas Coordinating Committee (PACC), a technical committee of the PANCAP Executive Board, which was held via teleconference on 15 January 2014. Professor Bain subsequently resigned as a member of the PACC on 14 March 2014. PANCAP recognizes Prof. Bain's significant contribution to the HIV response in the Caribbean including treatment and training and to the work of the Partnership and its governance bodies.

Videos

Video: Kids Milking Goats on the Oregon Homestead | Belize Family Living, 4min.
Follow along with the kids as they start their morning chores on the farm. There is always a lot to do on the homestead here in Oregon. Starting out with feeding the animals and milking the goats is their normal routine. Part 1 shows them preparing the goats for milking. Part 2 shows the actual milking. The La Mancha named "Cindie" is a wonderful doe who give a little more than one gallon of raw milk per day. The Nubian, "Brownie" was a good milker also giving between 1/2 - 3/4 gallon per day. Her milk was delicious! The kids have always loved goats milk. Some goats milk is much stronger than others. A lot depends on the breed and also on what the goats eat. Many people say you should pasteurize all milk that doesn't come from a store. We never pasteurized the goats milk. We always drank raw milk. There is little better than cold, sweet goats milk! Unless it is Ice Cream made from fresh goats milk! We used goats milk in a lot of different things such as cheese making, ice cream, cooking and so much more. We miss our goats and our farm! Just a note: Brownie died unexpectedly from an undetermined cause. She was fine one day, a bit listless the next day and pretty much done for by the third day. We believe she died from an ectopic pregnancy as the timing would have been right for that and she did not respond to any treatment at all. In this video you can see that we have Geese, Turkeys, Chickens with their chicks, goats, honeybees and more.

Video: The chicken game in San Pedro, Belize, 2min.

Video: Dev balina ile yakın temas kamerada, 2min.
Divers with whale sharks. Orta Amerika �lkesi Belize a�ıklarında dalış yapan bir grup dalgı�, y�zeye �ıkıp tekrar derinlere dalan dev bir balina k�pekbalığının eşsiz anlarına şahit oldu. Orta Amerika �lkesi Belize a�ıklarında dalış yapan bir grup dalgı�, y�zeye �ıkıp tekrar derinlere dalan dev bir balina k�pekbalığının eşsiz anlarına şahit oldu. Orta Amerika �lkesi Belize a�ıklarında dalış yapan bir grup dalgı�, y�zeye �ıkıp tekrar derinlere dalan dev bir balina k�pekbalığının eşsiz anlarına şahit oldu. Dalgı�ların.

Video: Belize Blue Hole, 3min.
Diving the Blue Hole in Belize

Video: Caye Caulker Belize Trip, 2013, 26min.
Yeah, its long. Yeah, its kinda boring. But you see the stinkin island for crying out loud and the music's good so deal with it. I'll make a better (see also: shorter, with more sea life) one for this year's trip. And it wont take me a year to edit.

Video: Shark Ray Alley, 10min.
Coral reef Ambergris Caye, Belize.

Video: D�nyanın Renkleri ile Meksika - Belize - Guatemala 2012-1, 4min.

Video: Tortola Marine Management (TMM), 4min.
TMM Yacht Charters is located at Road Reef Marina - Road Town, Tortola. Top quality service with a wide variety of yachts. Good repeat discounts! Powerboats available. Owner on premise. Other TMM Yacht Charters locations: Grenadines and Belize