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Amandala
Monisha Stuart crowned 69th Queen of the Bay
On the occasion of official ceremonies held at the Memorial Park in Belize City to commemorate the 216th Anniversary of the Battle of St. George's Caye, Her Graciousness Monisha Stuart received the scepter from outgoing Queen of the Bay Jahrine Courtenay Avila, with which she will reign for the next 12 months over the "hearts of the Bay."
Jahrine also transferred her red and gold crown and red robe to Monisha, who was beaming with a jubilant, radiant smile as she received the emblems of royalty, officially marking the start of her reign as the 69th Queen of the Bay.
Stuart, who won the pageant held at the Bliss Center for the Performing Arts on Saturday, August 31, was serenaded by Sofia Muschamp as she made her way to the throne to witness the performance of the winning song for this year's National Song Competition.
For the 5th year, Nello Player submitted a winning entry. This year's up-tempo song is dubbed "Real Belizean.
Another grenade found - rusty, but still deadly!
An American-made grenade, identified as an M62, was found, along with a .38 Special Revolver, in a black plastic bag at about 10:00 a.m. yesterday, shortly before the 10th September Parade commenced.
The grenade was found by police who were conducting an operation in the area of Mayflower Street, and was safely recovered by BDF bomb experts, without any incident.
Senior Superintendent Edward Broaster, Deputy Commander of the Eastern Division Police, in an interview at the Racoon Street Police Station this morning, said that he and Brigadier General David Jones, Commander of the Belize Defence Force, were at the 10th September ceremonies at the Memorial Park when he got a call that a grenade was in the area of Mayflower Street, and they immediately went into operation to recover the grenade.
Man charged for drinking beer on the street on 10th September holiday!
The so-called "quality of life crimes", the enforcement of which has caused the crowding of the "[#%!] house" and has cluttered the Magistrate's Court bureaucracy, were again prompting arrests by some over-zealous policemen yesterday, September 10, which was a national holiday.
In their enforcement of these "quality of life crimes," a term borrowed from New York when Mayor Rudolph Giuliani led that US city, police officers may have been guilty of violating many citizens' rights, keeping them in police lockdown for simple transgressions, such as riding a bicycle without a bell or light.
An engineer appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann Marie Smith this morning. His offense: "Public drinking."
The hardworking and upright citizen was found by police drinking a beer on Euphrates Avenue.
FBI busts billion-dollar offshore "safe haven"
The US Federal Bureau of Investigation and Belize police have launched a major operation at the Matalon and Gordon House on Coney Drive, two of the most prominent business centers in the area, in an effort to unravel what US authorities allege is a billion-dollar scheme through which US citizens were allowed to use shell companies incorporated offshore in Belize to hide their assets from US officials.
"Today's sweeping indictment, charging the individuals and companies responsible for this US$500 million scheme, closes this fraudulent offshore safe haven and sends a strong message to those who seek to abuse the financial markets in order to enrich themselves that we will investigate and prosecute them no matter where they set up shop," Loretta E. Lynch, United States attorney for the Eastern District of New York, said in an official statement.
4-time accused murderer is again on remand for murder
Gabriel Salazar, 27, who classifies himself as a fisherman of San Juan, San Pedro, was remanded on Monday, September 8, to the Belize Central Prison until November 6, on a charge of murder.
Police allege that Gabriel Salazar was the killer who shot and killed Rolando Espat, Jr., 23, of San Pedrito, San Pedro, at about 1:30 Saturday morning in San Pedrito while he was walking home after being at a club near his house.
As Espat was about 50 feet from his home, a gunman came up to him and shot him several times, at close range. The gunman then ran away and boarded a boat, which sped away.
Espat was declared dead on the scene. Police say that they saw him at the San Pedro clinic with two gunshot wounds in the chest, one in the left eye and one in the right upper thigh.
$14 mil downtown cultural museum project announced
$14 million cultural renaissance project was announced on the occasion of the St. George's Caye Day celebrations by chairman of the National Celebrations Commission, Hon. Manuel Heredia, Jr., Minister of Tourism, Culture and Civil Aviation.
In his address on Wednesday morning, September 10, Heredia said that the multi-million-dollar project will be spearheaded by his ministry, working in collaboration with the National Institute of Culture and History, and the Belize City Council.
The project will entail the rehabilitation of colonial resources in what he described as the old, historic downtown of Belize City, he said.
Alleged mastermind of the A&R heist charged with 2 counts of robbery
The man who police investigators believe masterminded the A&R robbery on August 20 was remanded to the Belize Central Prison after he appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann Marie Smith, who arraigned him on two counts of robbery.
Yesterday, Monday, Kevin Bodden pleaded not guilty to one count of robbery for A&R and one count of robbery for the theft of Deidra Hall's two pieces of jewelry, valued at $350.
Bodden and his accomplices allegedly committed the robbery with a firearm, so the question of granting him bail did not arise and he was remanded to prison until his next court appearance date on October 9.
Bodden's adjournment date is also the date when Leroy Ciego, 28, a security guard employed at A&R, will return to court for his case of conspiracy to commit robbery.
Nicholi Rhys, 23, remanded to prison on robbery charge
Nicholi Rhys, who was charged with the high profile murder of the South Side Gangsters (SSG) leader Andre Trapp in June 2010, was remanded to prison today on a charge of robbery.
Rhys, a resident of 7 Tigris Street, pleaded not guilty to the single count of robbery when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann Marie Smith.
The court prosecutor, Corporal Christopher Smith, however, objected to bail being granted to Rhys, on the grounds of the seriousness of the offense, and the fact that Rhys has another similar case pending before the court, and if he is granted bail, there is a strong possibility that he would commit another similar offense.
In an effort to secure his freedom, Rhys asked the court not to remand him to prison, because he presently has a construction job.
Another Hilux stolen from the Ministry of Health compound in Belmopan
A 2008 Toyota Hilux pickup truck has been stolen from the Ministry of Health compound in Belmopan and as of press time, the vehicle has not yet been found.
The driver of the pickup reported that at about 9:00 last night, he parked and secured the vehicle in the Ministry of Health compound, but at about 7:00 this morning, when he reported to work and went to get vehicle, it was not where he had parked it, and it was nowhere to be found.
Superintendent Howell Gillett, Commander of Belmopan police, said that the vehicle which was stolen is not one of the new ones that were donated to the Ministry of Health by the Pan American Health Organization with funding from the European Union, but an older vehicle.
Patrick Faber "escapes," with police help
-A report made by a young woman who was throwing a party at the home of Minister of Education, Hon. Patrick Faber, against the Minister, has been withdrawn, according to police, who have now said that they have "no comment" about the matter at a press conference this afternoon at the Racoon Street Police Station.
The cordon of protection around the Minister was so tight that even Police Press Officer, Raphael Martinez, refused to offer any information to the media. He even refused to provide a timeline between the time that the report was made to the Ladyville Police Station, and the time at which the complaint was actually withdrawn, which is standard information in a case of this kind.
Martinez would only say that "A report was made indeed, and it was subsequently withdrawn."
When pressed about the substance of the report, Martinez reiterated that he could not comment on the report because it was withdrawn, and therefore "no longer exists."
Belize Jaguars return home after disappointing outing
After playing three valiant, but unsuccessful matches at this year's UNCAF Nations Cup tournament, which is being held this month in the United States, the Men's National "A" Football Selection, known as the Belize Jaguars, returned home today after falling out of the competition with three losses.
This year's outing, unlike last year's, could be considered disheartening, and LeRoy Sherrier-Lewis, the coach for the Jaguars, gave us his thoughts on how the team performed in the tournament and what were the challenges they encountered.
He said, "As a coach, I think we did a good job. We played heart and soul, but we couldn't play better than that with 2 weeks of training. I just hope that in the future, the FFB and those in charge of football start to take this thing serious because we see that we can go out there and compete; but if we can't compete at the same level, we will have problems all the time. Last year, we had three months of training. I just came in this year as a matter of emergency. I'm a coach, not a miracle worker, so I just want to be clear with the people. I'm just saying that if the team does not prepare like other teams prepare, then it's impossible; we'll never make it."
Is FFB "going rogue" again?
The jury is still out, so to speak, on the Ruperto Vicente led FFB administration.
There was no great fan-fare with the recent National "A" Team's preparation for the UNCAF Central American Cup tournament. With a full financial report still pending for the last Gold Cup competition in the U.S., donors could hardly be expected to go overboard in support of the new initiative. As a result, our squad barely had a month in camp, and there were no international friendlies to help get our team in the best form possible. The explanation given was the missing FFB Vice-President, Rawell Pelayo, still being held in the U.S. by DEA authorities. Pelayo reportedly was fully in charge of the national team management at that time, and thus the FFB is unable to give account of all the monies. At the least, such a situation spells a shortcoming in the financial arrangements of the FFB, where transparency and accountability are concerned.
Victory party ends in mourning
I am writing this essay with a deep, sad heart and tears in my eyes. Please forgive me if sentences are not in correct order. I must first say to all in Lemonal Village, especially to the Banner and Duheney family, on behalf of myself, my wife and family, our deepest sympathy on the tragic passing of Denvo Banner, who was one of the founding members of the cricket champion of this year's competition, EASY DOES IT.
This gentleman came out on this blessed Saturday at the club's victory party, not knowing that on that night, his delightfulness, his joyful spirit would have been the end for him. Someone was lurking around, waiting for the opportune time to cut his life short.
When his missing was reported, as I was informed, I don't think that authorities had taken it that seriously, because his remains were found within the village. If correct actions were taken, the body would have been discovered earlier. I am not in any way criticizing the authorities in any damaging way, but it is time that a missing person report be dealt with in a more professional manner. One in those positions must know when a report is made, if that missing person is one who is always one who goes but comes back. Or, let's say, a runaway child.
Mugger Day football games at St. Martin's Field on Sunday
Vincent "Winty J" Johnson informed us today that two friendly football games are being planned in connection with the 2nd Annual Mugger Day, which is again hosted by a living legend himself, Nelson "the Roo" Robinson at #3 Oleander Street, across from the St. Martin's football field, on Sunday, September 14. Winty J said the first game is a youth match, featuring kids coached by Jerome "Peeloff" Maheia of Yabra and Dion "Pussy" Flowers of Third World. That game starts at 12:00 noon, to be followed by the veterans' game - Kulture vs "The Rest." Kulture won last year's Mugger Day veterans' game.
All veteran football players are invited to the festivities.
For interested donors, contributions are still welcome. "A football would be appreciated," said Wiinty J. The Roo can be contacted at 627-7471 or 661-6908; and Winty J at 635-9724.
Brands and bull �
First Caribbean International Bank used to be Barclays Bank. It was established by two brothers, David and Alexander Barclay, who made their money in the slave trade. What's the point? Capitalism changes its brands in order to create new images of itself. The philosophy of capitalism itself became "free trade," privatization," and "globalization" over the last two decades.
Capitalism was once known as "racism," "colonialism," and "imperialism." This was during the era after World War II when the people of Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean were rising up against the said racism, colonialism, and imperialism, and in the United Nations the white supremacist nations of the world, such as Belgium, were scurrying to change their brands. In seeking to change its brand, Belgium hastily gave the Belgian Congo independence in 1960. But Belgium had no intention of giving up the mineral riches of the Congo. This is capitalism. Capitalism does not care about people. Capitalism only cares about money, profits.
From the Publisher
It seems to me that at foundation in 1950, the People's United Party (PUP) was a revolutionary movement, but I am not convinced that the Right Honorable George C. Price was himself a revolutionary. In 1951, the National Party (NP) was definitely a colonial organization, but the Hon. Philip Goldson, an original PUP leader who in 1958 led the Honduran Independence Party (HIP) into a coalition with the National Party to form the National Independence Party (NIP) was certainly not himself a colonialist.
In the early 1950s Mr. Goldson was a more daring official of the PUP than was Mr. Price. Mr. Goldson visited Guatemala City for a week during the presidency of Jacobo Arbenz, and on his return to British Honduras he publicly described that week in Guatemala as "seven days of freedom." Afterwards, he was convicted in the British Honduras Supreme Court for sedition and served nine months in jail, "with hard labor."
The first Leader of the PUP was Johnny Smith. Less than two weeks after Richardson and Goldson were imprisoned, he buckled under heavy pressure from the British colonial authorities and resigned from the leadership and membership of the PUP. He later ran against Mr. Price in Belize North in the 1954 general election, and was badly beaten.
Letter to the Editor: What's going on?
Dear Editor,
I usually like to slip on a little music while I'm cooking dinner, and the other day and in a certain mood while stirring the pot, I was moving to the sounds of Marvin Gaye's timeless masterpiece of a secular church service from 1971,"What's Going On."
I call it a "secular church service" because Marvin Gaye-an African American roots brother-through his own talent and generosity of spirit, knew how to invoke high spirituality and soul, and he knew we would all be better off if all the religious orders, with their beliefs in unknowable absolutes were to disappear- along with their superstitions and divisive doctrines, their pious platitudes and hypocrisies.
I imagine the good people of Belize must daily ask, What's Going On? It's a secret to no one that the political parties in Belize are riddled with corruption-along with corrupt bureaucrats, corrupt police, attorneys and the judiciary-everyone with their kick-back schemes, their bribes, busily enriching themselves while fleecing the country: WHAT'S GOING ON?
GSU commander out of order: Major Jones
Dear Editor,
It was with incredulity that I watched Inspector Mark Flowers, the Commander of the Gang Suppression Unit (GSU) attack, with what appeared to be partisan undertones, a senior Member of Parliament and a former two-time Prime Minister of Belize.
My horror was derived not from the notion that the Rt. Hon. Said Musa was undeserving of a verbal flogging for his comments about the GSU, but rather that such a rebuttal came from a senior police officer-the head of the most feared, armed agency of the State.
I do not wish to dissect the comments of the Rt. Hon. Said Musa nor do I wish to dissect those of Inspector Flowers. My sole concern here is the message being sent about the state of our democracy, when a member of one of the constitutionally defined, "disciplined forces" of Belize, can so publicly and so viciously attack a sitting member of Parliament. And with apparent impunity!
Two crocs transferred from San Pedro to Ladyville
Chris Summers, the British national crocodile wrangler and environmentalist, along with Chenot Rose, Director of ACES (American Crocodile Educational Sanctuary), captured two crocodiles in San Pedro and transferred the aggressive female crocodiles to the ACES crocodile sanctuary in Ladyville this afternoon.
The two crocodiles, each weighing around 250 pounds, are about 9 feet in length. The crocodiles were put onboard a boat from San Pedro, which docked at the wharf in the Haulover Creek, near Quality Poultry store on North Front Street.
Summers said that the transfer was done to prevent the crocodiles from attacking and killing humans because they have been fed by people, and might become aggressive and lose their fear of humans.
Crocodiles should not be fed either directly or indirectly (by throwing food into an area where they are known to be living) by humans, Summers explained.
Carlos Ra�l Morales is Guatemala's new Foreign Minister
Guatemala's president announced changes to his Cabinet on Monday, September 8, including the installation of a new Foreign Minister to replace Fernando Carrero, who will assume the position of Gert Rosenthal as Guatemala's Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Washington, D.C.
With Carrera's departure, his vice minister, Ambassador Carlos Ra�l Morales, will become the lead official in Guatemala's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
President Molina also announced that V�ctor Corado would assume the role of Minister of Communications, Infrastructure and Housing, in place of Alejandro Sinibaldi, who has resigned to take up a leadership role in Partido Patriotico.
The BDF, the 10th and the border
Each year since the nation's Independence in 1981, Belize Defence Force (BDF) soldiers, as "Guard of Honor" welcoming dignitaries to the official event, provide the pomp and circumstance for the official St. George's Caye Day ceremony, but their presence there is far more symbolic, according to Brigadier General David Jones, BDF Commander.
Jones told Amandala that their presence during the ceremony is symbolic for the armed forces because like the Baymen, they have a vital role to play in the continued defending of Belize, particularly along the country's border with Guatemala.
"We keep our armed forces around to give our Belizean public a reminder of that. There was a battle and the people decided to defend Belize and now we do have an armed force that has that responsibility," said Jones.
Belize's Baymen: Timeless examples
At official ceremonies for St. George's Caye Day held at Memorial Park in Belize City on Wednesday morning, hundreds of Belizeans and guests had the opportunity to reflect on the meaning of the annual 10th celebrations, which was the highlight of the September celebrations before Independence was declared in 1981.
It is also fitting to pause and reflect on the reason for assembly: What is it about the Battle that is worthy of celebrating, probed Belize City Mayor Darrell Bradley, in his welcome remarks.
"Today, we celebrate the Baymen and their historic victory at the Battle of St. George's Caye for their timeless examples of nation-building. It is not that these Baymen were perfect-far from it-but their example of courage in the face of aggression, unity in the face of struggle, determination against all odds, are lessons for us on how we should embrace our struggles and how we should build this our Belizean nation," said Bradley.
Bernard Wagner leaves Belize Bank after 23 years
After 23 years with the Belize Bank, Bernard Wagner, Retail Manager at the Market Square branch in Belize City, is moving on into international banking.
Wagner is one of the few locals to make it up the ladder in the banking sector, but he tendered his resignation on Friday, August 29, with effect on October 29. We understand, though, that the bank fast-tracked his departure effective Friday, September 5, which, we are told, is a customary practice when senior personnel opt to leave.
Belize Bank is the country's largest bank, and we asked Wagner why he has opted to resign. He would only say that he has been seeking greater career opportunities and has decided the time is right.
BSCFA and BSI meet to hammer out new commercial agreement
Officials from the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association (BSCFA) and Belize Sugar Industries (BSI) convened at BSI Staff Club yesterday in an effort to work on engagements for a new commercial agreement which is being designed to cement the commercial relationship between local ca�eros and the country's premier sugar producer.
The negotiations for the new commercial proposal comprises of discussions on the looming issue of quantum payment for bagasse, which has been a recent source of contention between the two parties, and after the meeting, vice chair of the BSCFA Committee of Management, Alfredo Ortega, told the media that the association will analyze the proposal which has been put forward in hopes that there will be a win-win situation for all involved at the end of the negotiating process.
Schism between CWU and CIBC First Caribbean Bank partially resolved
President of the Christian Workers Union (CWU), Audrey Matura-Shepherd, announced to the media Tuesday morning that it had just been agreed in a face-to-face meeting with officials of CIBC First Caribbean International Bank that Uwahnie Martinez, the loans officer from the Dangriga branch who had recently resigned after tensions peaked with the management over restrictions she said she has faced in using her native language, could part ways with the bank immediately with all her benefits intact.
"The bank believes that the matter has become very tense or contentious, whatever word they want to use, and so Ms. Uwahnie Martinez has effectively been released from her job today," Matura-Shepherd notified the press.
CCJ to hear nationalization and Maya land rights appeals in October
The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) has set December as the month for hearing the appeals filed by the Ashcroft Alliance and Fortis Energy International (Belize) challenging the nationalization of Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) and Belize Electricity Limited, respectively.
Case management sessions are scheduled for November in the appeals filed by Dean Boyce, British Caribbean Bank and Fortis, as well as a cross-appeal by the Government of Belize.
Next month, October, the CCJ will also hold case management sessions for the Maya land rights appeal filed by the Toledo Alcaldes Association, the Maya Leaders Alliance and 23 villages of the Toledo District, as well as a cross-appeal by the Government of Belize.
The Reporter
Haulover Bridge repaired
Work to repair the Haulover Bridge took far less time than was anticipated on Thursday night, with traffic halted from 10 p.m to a few minutes past midnight.
The repairs were to weld back angle iron that protect the edges of the precast slabs that form the deck on the bridge.
Reports are that two of the irons broke and had to be re-welded to prevent the concrete from breaking.
Lennox Bradley, the Ministry of Works' Chief Engineer has said that the public need not be concerned about the structural integrity of the Haulover Bridge and that continuous maintenance work will be carried out to keep the bridge. Bradley added that the Ministry is satisfied with the structural soundness of the bridge.
One detained for violent in home invasion in San Pedro
San Pedro Police have detained one man after a violent home invasion in the Tres Cocos Area of San Pedro Town. The department told the Reporter on Saturday that due to protocol, the person's name will not be released until he has been formally charged.
Reports are that officers visited the Cloister's apartment building yesterday where they saw 68-year-old Douglas Kelly, his wife 65-year-old Gail Neal, and 40-year-old Thomas Fiorille, all American citizens, suffering from cut wounds.
Investigations revealed that Kelly and Neal were in their living room when they heard a noise coming from their front veranda. When Kelly went to investigate a tall, dark-skinned man attacked him. His wife was injured as she tried to assist him in the struggle.
Chilean parliamentarian charged with killing left-wing militants
A member of Chile's parliament has been charged with the killing of three left-wing militants during the dictatorship of Gen Augusto Pinochet.
Rosauro Martinez was an army captain at the time of the incident in 1981.
He led a patrol in southern Chile in search of members of the Revolutionary Left Movement (MIR), which sought to overthrow the Pinochet regime.
By Marion Ali, Staff Reporter
Rosauro Martinez, a member of Chile's parliament has been charged with the killing of three left-wing militants during the dictatorship of General Augusto Pinochet.
Expo 2014 - waterproof!
Not even Saturday morning's torrential rains could keep Belizeans away from the annual Expo Marketplace organized by the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry. BCCI ticket sales show over 19,000 Belizeans visited the Expo at the Institute for Technical Vocational and Employment Training (ITVET) in […]
Jump Street, Erotic & Mother Nature Creations win Carnival Kings & Queens
The Jump Street Masqueraders swept both junior Queen and King titles, while the Erotic Mas Band won senior Queen and Mother Nature's Creations captured the senior King title, when the National Institute for Culture and History (NICH) hosted the annual Carnival kings and queens competition […]
Contracts worth more than $9 million signed for more infrastructure
Infrastructural works are set to begin, with the signing on Monday of several contracts that have a combined value of more than $9 million. The contracts, signed on Monday by Minister of Works and Transport, Rene Montero, include the pavement of five miles of […]
Taiwan donates to educational institutions
A number of schools in the Cayo District recently received donations of computers, printers, projectors, school bags and boxes of stationary from the government of Taiwan. The recipients included Sacred Heart Junior College, El Progresso Primary, Hidden Paradise, Buena Vista Government School, San Marcus, […]
PUP vs Saldivar
PUP Leader Francis Fonseca says that his party's national executive did not act illegally or outside of its authority when it decided to suspend the party's Belize Rural North standard bearer, Arthur Saldivar. In an interview with The Reporter this week, Fonseca said: "We're […]
Belize to receive anti-corruption recommendations from OAS
Belize is one of six countries to receive recommendations on anti-corruption matters from the Organization of American States (OAS) at the 24th Committee of Experts meeting in Washington D.C. this week. The conference, which started on Monday, was the latest meeting of the Mechanism […]
Minster of Education cautions parents about school fees
Minister of Education Patrick Faber this week called on parents to be vigilant about the cost of school fees and make reports to the Ministry in cases where schools may be over-charging for fees. According to Faber, each school sets its own fees but […]
Belize premiers first telenovela drama
Belize's first locally produced telenovela "La Isla Bonita" officially premiered at the Paradise Theatre in San Pedro town this past weekend. According to Executive Producer, Horacio Guerrero, the plan is to do 25 episodes. Guerrero said they are currently in talks with national and […]
US$500 million scam found
The United States' Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has indicted six men including one Belizean on charges of conspiracy to commit securities fraud, tax fraud, and money laundering of up to US$500 million. The indictment was read on Tuesday in a Federal District Court […]
Seven men charged for Faber's Road robbery
Seven men who police say used a gun to hold up the Faber's Road Snack Shop at the corner of Lionel Tillett Street and Faber's Road Extension just before 11:30 a.m. last Friday have been charged with a series of offences, including robbery, conspiracy […]
Fisherman murdered on la Isla Bonita. Suspect charged and remanded
Gariel "Gabby" Salazar, 27, a fisherman of San Juan layout, San Pedro Town, is on remand at the Hattieville Correctional Facility following the Saturday morning shooting death of Rolando Espat Jr, 22, a fellow fisherman of the San Pedrito area in the same town. Espat was reportedly heading home from […]
Editorial
Recent statements by leaders of the People's United Party avowing to disband the Gang Suppression Unit when the party comes to power were made on impulse, we believe, and do not reflect the broad-based opinion of the members and supporters of the PUP. Even though the GSU has stepped on […]
Accountability first! Senator Lizarraga: National Bank should account for money before getting more
Senator representing the private sector, Mark Lizarraga, said the government's request for an additional $10 million for the National Bank of Belize should not be approved until the bank can show how it has been using its money. Lizarraga, during Thursday's Senate meeting, said […]
Coming Soon: Public consultations on gun law
Citizens will have a chance to express their opinions about the controversial amendment to the Firearms Act in upcoming public consultations, according to Prime Minister Hon. Dean Barrow. Barrow speaking at a special sitting of the House of Representatives on Friday explained that government tabled […]
Grenade found on Tenth!
Police found another grenade on Mayflower Street on Wednesday, September 10 according to Senior Superintendent of Police, Edward Broaster.
Broaster told reporters that police received a call around 10 on the morning of the 10th holiday. He said that Belize Defense Force Commander and bomb expert, Brigadier General David Jones, who was already in Belize City attending the formal ceremony for the 10th, was able to quickly move to the scene and safely remove the device.
Along with the grenade, authorities also found a .38 calibre revolver.
Broaster explained that the tip about the weapons came as part of the Police Department's "Not in My City" campaign.
Jones told The Reporter that the grenade, which was in a bag, was slightly corroded and extremely dangerous.
The Belize Times
FABER ABUSE COVER UP
It is a shame that none of the normally-vociferous advocates of women have stood up to condemn the actions of Minister of Education Patrick Faber. Not even the Special Envoy to Women and Children, Kim Simpliss-Barrow, has issued a statement over Faber's reported assault of a female employee of his Ministry. Could it be that her silence reflects her compromised position as wife of the Prime Minister? Is she more concerned that her comments on this issue would affect his political lifeline? If it were not for the Opposition People's United Party the entire nation would appear to be quite ok with the serious transgressions of the Minister of Education. Social media has been buzzing and boiling with views, opinions and enough criticism to force the Minister's firing but the Prime Minister doesn't budge at the stroke of keys. The expected voices of condemnation, which could have rattled Barrow's cage, never came so there has been no reprimand. Faber, 36, was accused by Nickeisha Polanco of assault.
Why I write�
By G. Michael Reid
I have been at this business of writing columns for well over two decades. I have had advice, compliments and criticism; yes and even condemnation. I must say, I enjoy the feedback and take them all in stride. I pay heed to every critique and take note of anything that anyone has to say. If it is complimentary, I fluff up a bit but try desperately to not let things go to my head; cognizant that some folks will tell you anything. If there is reproof, I examine it and if with merit, reflect and grow; if I find them baseless, I toss them aside for I feel it, so I know. Whatever I find constructive, sensible and with merit, I embrace and forge forward in my futile resistance to this unyielding "cacoethes scribendi".
I imagine that writing comes easy to some people but for me, it is quite the effort. I try to stay with topics that will interest readers and try to write in order that readers can readily follow the points I am trying to make. While attributed to several persons, I believe it was Alexander Pope who said, "Easy reading is damn hard writing." Someone flipped it around and said that "Easy writing is damn hard reading". That reverse version carries equal validity and veracity.
Editorial: The Prime Minister is a �. Liar
What is worse than a lying Prime Minister? A thieving Prime Minister, perhaps? Or a lying and thieving Prime Minister?
We categorically condemn Prime Minister Dean Barrow for lying on Hon. Anthony Fuentes at last Friday's meeting of the House of Representatives.
It was a shameful, low-down, dirty attack on the elected Mayor of Punta Gorda Town who was not present to defend himself and provide the facts to the nation. It is also a cowardly act.
This is not the first time, nor dare we say, the last time that the Prime Minister has used meetings of the House to engage in scurrilous attacks on persons he wishes to humiliate and scandalize.
Digicel 4G takes on BDF in volleyball finals
BTL Digicel 4G and the Belize Defense Force will meet in the Belize District volleyball interoffice championship finals on Thursday and Friday, September 11-12.
Digicel 4G won over the SQ Dragons in 3 sets on Saturday. BTL's Victor Hernandez, Adrian Mahler, Otis Clother and Rasheed Pollard led the offensive scoring points on plays set by Janine Salazar, Emily Turner and Shanti Roches, and libero Amir Arnold rotated into play to help on defense whenever they lost the serve, but nothing seemed to work in the 1st set which the Dragons won 25-10.
Alex Evans, Kelsey Balderamos and Nerissa Ramirez led the Dragons' attacks at the net spiking home points at the net, and the Quan brothers James and Peter, and Antonio Quan received, set or tricked the ball over the net, but they had bloodied BTL's nose. The Digicel crew moved in for the kill and won the 2nd set: 25-11 and the 3rd set: 15-10. Digicel had also won the 1st semifinal: 25-14, 25-15.
Weekend Warriors' Criterium results
Team Santino's James Frampton won the A division, Team Smart's Kaya Cattouse won the B division and Santino "Chief" Castillo won the C division of Weekend Warriors Cycling Club's annual criterium on the downtown circuit of Albert and Regent Streets on Sunday.
A Division - 20 laps
1st James Frampton - Team Santino's - 51.44 minutes
2nd "Big Mike" Lewis - Santino's
3rd Jack Sutherland - Team Digicel 4G
4th Robert Mariano - Digicel 4G
5th Warren Coye - Santino's
6th Santino "Chief" Castillo
7th Shelton Graham - Santino's
8th Ray Cattouse - Stationery House/Medina's Jewelry
9th Vallan Symns - Benny's Megabytes
10th Eric Burns - Team Scotiabank
Team Belize wins 5 medals at XVIII CODICADER Junior Scholastic Games
Team Belize won 5 medals including 1 gold, 1 silver and 3 bronze at the 18th CODICADER Junior Scholastic Games in Retalhuleu, Guatemala.
ACC's Shanicka Augustine won our only gold medal when she cleared 11.42 meters in the triple jump at the Multisports Complex in Quetazlatenango on Thursday, September 4.
TCC's James Bregal won silver in the 100m on Tuesday and Muffles College's Catherine Tan won bronze in the javelin. TCC's Ezhay Cayetano cleared 12.84 meters to also win bronze in the triple jump last Thursday. Belize's track and field team came home last Friday, September 5, the same day Caesar Dyke of Sacred Heart College won Belize's 3rd bronze medal in karate kumite in the 76kg division
The Citizen Kim- Elvin Penner Immigration Corruption Saga - Extracted from the Auditor General's Preliminary Report dated March 19, 2014
Passport Application Wonhong Kim - Passport Number P0246777
Section 3(1) (a) of the Passport Regulations 2013 stipulates:
An applicant shall submit his application for a passport to be issued -
(a) In his own name, in the form set out as form I in Schedule I
The application form dated 3rd September was found in the file processed on 9th September 2013, for Wonhong Kim was not the original application, but a photocopied form.
We observed that the surnamed on the application submitted by the applicant was stated as Kin and not the surname Kim in which his passport P0246777 was issued in. The supporting documents which included his native Korean passport M38368121 issued 23rd December 2008 with expiry date 23rd December 2018, nationality certificate number 28577/13 dated 22nd April 2013 signed by Minister Elvin Penner. Also included were recommender forms A and B endorsed and signed by Alfonso Cruz Jr. and Minister Elvin Penner dated 2nd and 3rd September 2013, stating that they knew him for 4 years and 3 years as a friend respectively. These were all attached to the application form which had the name Wonhong Kin.
Representative Democracy - A Necessity
The problem of functionality of violence is implicit in traditional political and legal parlance. For on the one hand, we learnt that the state has a legitimate monopoly of force or violence or the monopoly of sanctions for the allocation of values and such statement that violence is functional to the political system or order when employed by its legitimate rulers or power wielders, but not when employed by others J. Carl Freidrick, Man and His Government, 1963.
Aside from the inherent problem, a bigger problem exists in the "functionality of violence" when the "Legitimate monopoly of force" unleashes unwarranted force and strips its citizenry of their constitutional values in carrying out its function. This has become the concern of the vast majority of Belizeans living in the downtrodden neighborhoods of the Southside of the "Jewel". Constant allegations of GSU brutality and illegal searches have been made against the Gang Suppression Unit. The people have been crying out for the representative democracy that should be afforded through the present Government of which members of the United Democratic Party comprise the majority.
Another Government Vehicle Stolen – Police link Guatemalan black-market to thefts
City of Belmopan, September 11, 2014
The way late-model vehicles are disappearing under the nose of Government officials, one would think they are aimlessly being given away at the expense of tax payers.
Another vehicle - the fifth in just three months- went missing sometime between Tuesday September 9th and Wednesday September ...
U.S. agents descend on Matalon Building – US accuses Belize offshore firms of operating billion dollar scam
Belize City, September 9, 2014
Belize's Police and United States Department of Justice officials invaded the Matalon Building on Tuesday afternoon on the strength of a warrant to search the 4th floor which houses Titan International Securities Inc.
Titan International Securities is ...
KHMH to pay for 2013 neo-natal deaths
Belize City, September 3, 2014
One year and four months after thirteen babies died at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital due to gross maladministration, ...
Corralling the Private Bar
By E. Andrew Marshalleck SC
Last week Friday the Government tabled in the House of Representatives a Bill proposing to amend the Legal Profession Act of Belize to abolish the mandatory requirement that attorneys-at-law called to the Bar in Belize be ...
My tomato dream for Belize
By Richard Harrison
Tomato is a vegetable-fruit that can be grown year-round in Belize.
Belize can produce a large surplus of tomato, using a fraction of the land used to produce corn. However it would have to develop green-house tomato production and/or expand irrigated systems production to make this happen.
In 2007, the ...
Representative Democracy - A Necessity
Contributed
The problem of functionality of violence is implicit in traditional political and legal parlance. For on the one hand, we learnt that the state has a legitimate monopoly of force or violence or the monopoly of sanctions for the allocation of values and such statement that violence is functional to ...
The Citizen Kim- Elvin Penner Immigration Corruption Saga – Extracted from the Auditor General's Preliminary Report dated March 19, 2014
Passport Application Wonhong Kim - Passport Number P0246777
Section 3(1) (a) of the Passport Regulations 2013 stipulates:
An applicant shall submit his application for a passport to be issued -
(a)��� In his own name, in the form set out as form I ...
WOMAN IN THE HOUSE – TOO BIG TO APOLOGIZE!!
By Dolores Balderamos Garcia
On Friday September 5, 2014 the House of Representatives met in Belmopan. Earlier in the morning I called in to Plus Television to say that the Opposition members were expecting that Government would be introducing legislation to reduce the draconian provisions of the gun laws, and as ...
REFLECTIONS ON THE PUBLIC SQUARE – UDP NEGLECT AND DISRESPECT
By Francis W. Fonseca
At the last sitting of the House of Representatives I rose on the adjournment to address the issue of the growing neglect and blatant disrespect of our rural communities by this UDP Government and the ongoing political victimization of our duly elected PUP Town Councils in Punta ...
You cannot serve two masters, Insp. Mark Flowers
Dear Editor,
It was with incredulity that I watched Inspector Flowers, the Commander of the Gang Suppression Unit (GSU) attack, with what appeared to be partisan undertones, a senior Member of Parliament and a former two-time Prime Minister of Belize.
My horror was derived not from the notion that the Rt. Hon. ...
Will any of the 20,000 stand up?
Dear Editor,
For a second time the women of Belize have been disrespected by the Minister of Education, Youth and Sports, Patrick Faber. Adding salt to this injury is that none of the so-called women advocates are standing up for one of their own.
One would have expected that considering the gravity ...
Patrick Jones
Security guard charged for unlicensed firearm
Forty year old Leroy Salgado, a security guard employed by Anchor Security, was charged with kept firearm and ammunition without a gun license when he appeared today before Magistrate Dale Cayetano. Salgado pleaded not guilty to the charges and was remanded into custody until September 30. On September [�]
Allanamiento de morada en la municipalidad de San Pedro deja a tres personas heridas
Un allanamiento de morada en el municipio de San Pedro ha dejado heridos a una pareja de Americanos jubilados y a su vecino. A eso de las 12:10 am hoy Douglas Kelly, de 68 y su esposa Gail Neal, de 65, fueron atacados dentro de su apartamento en el [�]
Non-appearance frees constable of extortion charge
Two persons who accused 41 year old police constable Dayton Sacassa of extorting money from them to release them from police custody failed to appear in court today, ensuring that charges were dismissed against him. Sacassa was freed by Chief Magistrate Ann-Marie Smith, who dismissed the charges after [�]
Owen Parham dodges robbery and assault charges
Magistrate Herbert Panton has found 37 year old Owen Parham not guilty of attempted robbery, harm, aggravated assault and going equipped for crime, but he must pay a fine for resisting lawful arrest by special constable James Stewart. It is an unusual story because the two men tell [�]
MCC reconstruction moves forward
The MCC Grounds is the primary sporting and activity venue for Belizeans in the wake of the still-incomplete Marion Jones Sporting Complex. But for the past few months it too has been under renovation, with improvements to the football field and general amenities. We got an update today [�]
Home invasion in San Pedro town terrifies American retirees
A home invasion in San Pedro town has left a retired American couple and their neighbour injured.
Around 12:10 am today Douglas Kelly, 68 and his wife Gail Neal, 65, were accosted inside their apartment Tres Cocos area of San Pedro Town by a tall, dark skin man.
The intruder, according to police carried a knife and after gaining entry to the building, inflicted cut wounds to Kelly and Neal.
A neighbour, Thomas Fiorille, 40, heard the commotion and came over to investigate.
That was when he too was attacked and also suffered cut wounds.
After a brief struggle, during which the intruder was reportedly injured in the head, the attacker made good his escape. Initial police report says that nothing was reported stolen.
Los Garifuna se unen contra discriminaci�n
El asunto de discriminaci�n contra el pueblo Garifuna recientemente explot� p�blicamente despu�s de alegaciones de que un gerente del Banco Internacional First Caribbean hab�a prohibido el uso del lenguaje Garifuna en la sucursal de Dangriga del banco.
Es un asunto que el Alcalde de la municipalidad de Dangriga Gilbert Swazo dice que est�n tomando muy en serio, y que va a trabajar junto con el Banco para evitar discriminaci�n.
Es un asunto de derechos humanos a vista de las organizaciones que trabajan juntas.
Pero cuando presionamos a Swazo en cuanto a si los problemas en los Concilios de Dangriga y Punta Gorda se deben a discriminaci�n �tnica, no pudo hacer comentario.
Top 15 Resorts, Lodges & Hotels in Cayo Belize
Over the years, Cayo has been dubbed as the Eco tourism Capital of Belize due to its abundant of Maya ruins like Caracol, Xunantunich and Cahal Pech, waterfalls like Rio on Pools and Thousand Foot Falls, meandering rivers like the Macal and Mopan, and spectacular caves like Actun Tunichil Muknal and Barton Creek.
Cayo also has a plethora of resorts, lodges and hotels that can be used as bases to explore the wonderful attractions of western Belize.
Below we have put together a list of the top affordable and reasonable resorts, lodges and hotels in Cayo that you can stay in on your next vacation:
Belize Travel: 21 Great Articles You Might Have Missed This Week
In this post we share with you the top 21 articles on Belize that have been making headlines on the Internet for this week.
Friday's Featured Food: The Best Cheesecake in Belize at Delicious Designs, El Rey Hotel, Belmopan
This week I've been travelling in Belize and one of the things I really wanted to do is prove there is so much more to see here than beaches and snorkelling. After an awesome few days in Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye (San Pedro), I decided to hit up the capital city of Belize. You might not know that the capital is Belmopan!
I searched online and found a cool hotel there called El Rey Hotel so I booked in for a couple of nights here to enjoy the capital city and do some tours to sites such as Xunantunich and Actun Tunichil Muknal (I'll write more about them soon!). Belmopan had a few surprises in store including what is easily the best cheesecake I've had for a long time! In fact the only other cheesecake that comes close was the Brunei Cheesecake I tried in Bandar Seri Begawan.
Integrating the Caribbean and Central America
In continuing with what I've been talking about for several years now as to how things are being integrated into districts and all that. Earlier posts talk about the over all picture, others talk about the regional CARICOM and SICA stuff and some other angle. This one speaks more into that. Time to wake up Belizeans.
The Central American Integration System (SICA) was formed in 1991 and is a regional organization which includes the States of Belize, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama.
This alliance was formed with the purpose of enhancing integration for the cohesion on sensitive issues such as poverty, democracy, freedom and trade.
According to SICA's mandate, one of the purposes of SICA is to "promote, in a harmonious and balanced way, the sustained economic, social, cultural and political development of Member States and the region as a whole."
International Sources
Videos
Video: Frank Connelly - Shortened Version Sustainability Overview Part 1, 19min.
from Sanctuary Belize
Video: Eddy's Dolphins, 2min.
Video: Sustainable community development in Belize, 4min.
Capitalism is a world wide tool for development. It has been poorly used for selfish ends everywhere and has become a pariah to sensitive humanity. Used properly, ethically, it can be of great benefit to the world.The tools for this exist in ethically and conscience based business models.
Our 'Ethical Business Exchange' will undertake many seminars, presentations, trainings and consultancies in Belize and Central America.
The Organic and quality solar dried fruits model business is established locally and must export its products to become well used and financially useful.
Video: My birthday @ Belize, 5min.
Video: Belize Day 1, 4min.
08/31 - Hol Chan Marine Park & Esmeralda dive sites. Rained all day, water wasn't too clear.
Video: ProMexico at "Open Your Eyes" show of Channel 5, Belize., 21min.
ProMexico and the Embassy of Mexico to Belize discuss the trade, commercial and investment relations between Mexico and Belize at the morning show "Open Your Eyes" live in Channel 5 (Belize).
AmbergrisCaye.com 
