The Guardian
Former BSCFA CEO alleges corruption within BSCFA
The former Chief Executive Officer of the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association came out on Facebook, swinging at the directors of the association like 'halligator from riva bottom.' In a posting by David Madrid of January 11, 2015 he made wide allegations of corruption against the directorship of the BSCFA. His posting was picked up by Love FM's Arturo Cantun and in a lenghthy interview Madrid catalogued a series of allegations against the leadership of the BSCFA.
But it is not the first time that Madrid has spoken up publicly. On October 4, 2010 he had made an appearance on Channel 5 claiming very much the same thing which he claimed on Wednesday. At the time he had just been fired as the Chief Executive Officer of the association. The allegations he's consistently made include the misappropriation of funds from Fair Trade, the Cess which farmers pay to the association, the awarding of supply contracts to select bidders among other allegations.
In his facebook posting he notes thus:
Cane Farmers Association splinters
After 55 years of serving a majority of the cane farmers in the north, the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association has lost just under half of its membership. That follows in the wake of the very misinformed decision to reject the cane deal at the last general meeting held on January 4.
Readers may remember that in our last issue, this newspaper outlined what happened at that meeting where Audrey Matura-Shepherd, and others convinced the general membership that they should fight for a better cane deal and sue the Sugar Industries Control Board and have the Supreme Court compel that independent body to declare the season open in the absence of a signed deal between the cane farmers and the factory owners.
That was an ill-advised outcome, despite the best efforts of Chris Coye, the attorney for the cane farmers, who tried to convince them at that meeting that the compromise deal, facilitated by the Government was the best opportunity at this time.
They clamored for the Prime Minister to go back and convince the factory owners, BSI/ASR, to start accepting sugarcane deliveries without any commercial agreement governing the operation. Well, Prime Minister Dean Barrow did just that, and as he has reported back, ASR/BSI refused to start the season without a signed agreement from both sides. Furthermore, if the Government makes any attempt to force their hand in accepting cane deliveries, they will close down the factory, and leave the country.
Independent Cane Farmer begin to sign agreement with BSI
The Belize Sugar Industries Ltd. announced on Wednesday January 14 that they have begun to sign commercial agreements for the delivery of cane with farmers who are not affiliated with the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association (BSCFA). The Guardian has been reliably informed that there are at least two groups of farmers who have signed with BSI while the United Cane Farmers Association headed by Wilfredo Magana is expected to sign shortly, possibly before the end of the week.
There is no word yet when the BSCFA will sign but all indications are that BSI would choose to sign with them only after they have gone to their general membership to get a yes vote on the cane delivery.
Largest Heroine bust in Belize
Officer from the Anti-Drug Unit went looking for a stolen car, and ended up busting 4 men who allegedly had 43 pounds of heroine in their possession at a restaurant in Corozal Town on Monday night. At this time, the officers don't know what kind of quality it is, but the street value is estimated at several million dollars.
ADU officers were on an operation looking for a stolen vehicle which matched a grey Chevy Tahoe pickup truck which was parked outside the restaurant. This drew their attention to 32 year-old Jose Antonio Lara, a fisherman from Julio Street, San Pedro; 30 year-old Lenon Leonardo Tillett, a BEL Contractor of Ebony Street, Belize City, who also has a house in Corozal; 42 year-old Gerardo Beraldo Allen, a tour guide of Back Street, Caye Caulker; and 35 year-old Hierder Martin Perez, an employee of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve Office from San Pedro.
Perez had his licensed 9 mm pistol when the ADU Officers approached, and decided to search them. That's when they found 15 parcels of heroine on the back seat. They weighed it, and found out that it was tallied at 19.5 kilograms - or 43 pounds - the largest amount of heroine seized on Belizean soil.
Honduran busted with fake nationality document
Honduran national, Carlos Roberto Cantiano, 30, has been deported from Belize for an immigration offense. On Thursday, January 8, Cantiano was picked up by police and during questioning the officers asked for his immigration documents. Cantiano presented a Belize National Certificate, #1684, 1/13 Volume 16/26 issued on July 29, 2013 in the name of Carlos Roberto Cantiano Tut. The officers turned Cantiano over to the Immigration Department along with the document. Immigration Officer Robert Gursney investigated and learned that the certificate is one of many on a list of flagged certificates. Cantiano was charged with using a document not entitled to.
Pleads guilty but says girlfriend set him up
David Castillo was busted with .2 grams of crack cocaine and pleaded guilty to drug possession but claims he was set up by his ex-common law wife.
The Quick Response Team of the Police Department was on mobile patrol at about 12:05 a.m. on Saturday, January 10, when they saw Castillo riding a female beach cruiser. The officers stopped and conducted a search on him. In his right rear pocket a dry tobacco leaf, a bamboo paper and other items were found. Inside the bamboo paper police found the crack cocaine. Castillo was arrested and charged.
In court on Monday, January 12, Castillo pleaded guilty to the charge with an explanation. He told Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser that he had gone to look for his ex common law wife when the police met him that morning. Castillo said he had gone to the shop to buy and that was when his ex gave him an amount of items; including the bamboo and tobacco leaf. He said he didn't check it until the police stopped him and made the discovery. Castillo told Fraser that his ex wants more than the $150 he is currently giving for child maintenance of their two children and that is why she set him up.
Killed in a boat
Police continue to investigate the very strange murder of 29-year-old Pedro Aldana Ayuso Jr, a fisherman who was killed on a boat near the Belcan Bridge on Tuesday, January 13.
Not much is known about how Ayuso was killed, but what police have been able to determine is that sometime around 7 p.m., he was on a skiff. He had just dropped off a skiff to the Conch Shell Bay Area, and was on his way back with another vessel when someone on another boat approached him and fired two fatal shots at him. He was struck in the abdomen, and he collapsed into the boat, with the shooter speeding off toward the Bel China Bridge. Police responded as soon as they got the call. While Ayuso was being transported to the hospital he died.
Police have no leads to go on at this time, but they do suspect a possible drug connection, for which there is no proof currently.
Alleged chain snatcher stopped by police
A man walked up to Brea Burgess on Thursday, January 8 and ripped a $475 Cuban gold link chain from off her neck. The culprit then ran from the scene but police in the area were made aware of the incident and responded quickly. The officers apprehended Joseph O'Brien and took him back to the scene of the crime. He was identified by Burgess as the individual who snatched her chain and was arrested and charged with robbery. According to Police Constable Josel Garcia, O'Brien attacked him with a piece of 2x4 lumber while he was trying to make the arrest. Police Constable Victor Cholin also reported that while trying to make the arrest, O'Brien told him, "I wah kill yuh, I see yuh face." O'Brien was additionally charged with one count of harm upon Burgess for hurting her neck, one count of aggravated assault upon PC Garcia and one count using threatening words against PC Cholin.
Snatched weed from police and threw it in a canal
Police are accusing Jane Usher Boulevard resident, Shawn Palacio, of resisting arrest, assault upon a police officer and obstruction of justice after he allegedly grabbed an amount of weed out of an officer's hands and threw it into a canal.
According to reports, police was conducting a search on Palacio's Jane Usher Boulevard home on Saturday, January 10, and found an amount of marijuana inside. Police say that Palacio snatched the drugs from the hands of PC Delton Mariano and ran out of the house. According to police, Palacio ran up the street to a nearby canal and three the marijuana into the body of water. Palacio was arrested and charged with resisting lawful arrest, assaulting PC Mariano and obstruction of justice.
Prisoner Charged with Murder of Cellmate
Lorenzo Smith Jr., 29, is serving a ten year prison sentence for arson and now he is staring down a much longer sentence for the murder of a cellmate back in 2009.
Smith is being accused of killing inmate Alfonso Eck in October of 2009. Eck was found dead on Friday night, October 9, 2009 inside his prison cell. He was serving time for maim and assault and was due to be released in 2010; however, a few months before his sentence was to expire his cellmate, Lorenzo Smith Jr., found his body hanging from his blanket inside the cell. According to reports, authorities initially thought it was a case of suicide. Five years later, police's investigation now end with an arrest for murder.
San Ignacio Police recover stolen items
A variety of computer related items have been recovered by San Ignacio Police. Peter Redekop reports that he had left for the Casino in San Ignacio Town at about 11:00 pm on Sunday of this past weekend and while there his peach in color bungalow house was burglarized. When he returned home at 4:00 am, he discovered that the door knob of his door was completely damaged.
Police were informed of the burglary and immediately went to work, which has resulted in the recovery of four lap top computers and an assortment of computer peripherals worth over $5,500.00. These were found at several residences in the Cayo District and Police are now in the process of laying charges.
Hector Rangel of Benny's Megabytes is 25th KREM Classic Champion
The 25th Annual KREM New Year's Day Cycling Classic is now history. The much heralded event was held on Thursday 1 January 2015, where some 68 elite riders participated in the 96 miles event.
In the Open Elite category, the first rider to cross the finish line was Hector Rangel, a Mexican who rides for the Benny's Megabytes Cycling Team, in a time of 3:50:26 to laid claims to the 25th Annual KREM New Year's Day Cycling Classic. He was then followed by David Santos of Bel-Cal Cycling Club in a time of 3:53:25, and he was followed by Ron Vasquez of Western Spirit Cycling Club in a time of 3:53:00, and he was followed by Angel Tzib of Team Smart in a time of 3:53:27 and he was followed by Giovanni Lovell of Digicell 4G Elite in a time of 3:54:00 for the top five positions.
The other top positions went to John Delong who is unattached, and he completed the course in a time of 3:54:00, and he was followed by David Henderson of Team Smart, Nissan Arana of Predators, and he was followed by former champion Byron Pope of Benny's Megabytes, and then by Henry Moreria of Team Smart for the tenth position.
Belize Athletics Association to hold Annual General Assembly
Belize Athletics Association will hold the 2015 Annual General Assembly at the University of the West Indies Auditorium, Princess Margaret Drive, on 31 January, 2015 at 2:00pm.
There is one vacancy open for the election of a committee member for which nominations are sought.
All members are required to pay their 2015 annual dues by the 27 January, 2015. Payment of dues can be made at any of the National Sports Council offices throughout Belize.
All members are asked to please bring along their identification cards.
Dr. Omar Figueroa officially sworn in as Cayo North Area representative
Dr. Omar Figueroa was officially sworn in as Area Representative for the Cayo North Constituency on Monday, January 12. Accompanied by family members and close friends Hon. Dr. Figueroa took the oath of office which was administered by the Governor General, Sir Colville Young at 4p.m. on Monday.
Along with him now being sworn in he was appointed by Prime Minister Hon. Dean Barrow as a Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister. He joins other Minister of State Hon. Santino Castillo in the PM's office.
Hon. Dr. Figueroa will officially take the Oath of Office as a Member of the House of Representatives on Monday January 19 which is scheduled as the next House Meeting.
Bar President Makes Pitch to Free Agent Attorneys
Belize's most intelligent legal minds marched through downtown Belize City on Monday, January 14, 2015 for the Opening of the Supreme Court. This year's pageantry signaled the start of a new era for these officers of the Court. It is the first in which they are being granted the fundamental human right of Freedom of Association. Therefore, the President of the Bar Association, Eamon Courtenay, had to briefly depart from his mountain of complaints about the state of the Judiciary and make a pitch to these first time free agents.
Courtenay encouraged his colleagues to stay with the Association as it continues to work tirelessly in an effort to provide continuous education and training to people of the profession and develop the judicial system of Belize. He called on them to exercise their rights and make the choice to join the Association, "voluntarily" because "There is no other body in the legal profession that will continue to do the work that will assist the judiciary, to assist the judicial arm, to assist the government and to advance reform and revisions of the law besides the Bar Association of Belize." Attorney General Wilfred Elrington championed the amendment to the Legal Profession Act which eliminated the clause for mandatory membership to the Bar Association of Belize for local attorneys. He pointed out that the Bar seems to be doing more for the development of its members recently and pronounced that he himself might consider rejoining the Association.
Stevedores call on their president Matura-Shepherd to represent them
Stevedores have approached this newspaper in the hopes of trying to get the attention of their president for her to get up and actually represent them. Readers will recall that in mid August of 2013 there was a move to oust the then President, Antonio Gonzalez and its General Secretary, James McFoy of the Christian Workers Union (CWU). At the time there was a swirl of allegations of financial mismanagement and irregularities at the CWU where it went as far as it being kicked out of the National Trade Union Congress of Belize. There were also accusations that the leadership of the union was not interested in negotiating a new collective bargaining agreement with the Port of Belize.
Amidst the entire fiasco surfaced Audrey Matura-Shepherd who somehow managed to be endosed as the president on December 13, 2013. At that time she stated "I told them that I am prepared to serve for one term, I do not believe in holding on to an office forever because you become complacent, you become so complacent; you don't become accountable. It becomes about you and not about the job." Well it appears that her words are turning prophetic against herself.
Belizeans represent our heritage at UWI
The Belizean Students' Association of Jamaica, BelSAJ, is a group of Belizean students studying in Jamaica at the University of the West Indies, Norman Manley Law School and the University of Technology in Jamaica. These students come together to make the best of their new home away from home and become ambassadors for the Jewel by portraying the rich "Caribbeanness" and Central American heritage that makes Belize unique. Though the Association structure has been a struggle to maintain due to all members being students, the pressures of the stressful academic life and funding issues, 2014 had proved to be its comeback year and the students surely represented with a vengeance.
Bobble Head Journalist
It's amazing how local media houses and talk show hosts expose themselves as either being biased or disingenuous. Day-in day-out these pseudo intellectuals pose on their thrown where they are comfortable since they have control with absolutely no idea of topics discussed. Yet they float along like bobble head dolls pretending to know. Their head bounces from call to call trying to maintain a middle of the road stance to mask their ignorance. Not one journalist or talk show host discussing this issue have ever spoken from an informed position, as none have ever bothered to discuss while reviewing a copy of the sugar act or the draft agreement.
At last week's PM press conference a certain religious media person displayed this classic case of media ignorance. The person went to the press conference where he had the golden opportunity to ask and be educated on the cane industry problems by a well informed individual- the PM. He chose not to do so, but rather to big up the Chetumal Street bridge.
Belize Central Prison packed to capacity
To close the 2014 session of the Supreme Court, Honourable Justice Troadio Gonzalez concluded with the "jail delivery" which was sealed by the testimony of Prison Officer Jarette Twist. Twist is in charge of the Processing Unit at the Belize Central Prison Department, Kolbe Foundation, and he gave a report on the prison's population.
According to Twist, as of Friday, January 9, 2015, there were 1,545 inmates at the Belize Central Prison, 44 females and 1,501 males. There are 11 tangos at the prison. In Tang 1 there are 65 inmates, 92 inmates in Tango 2, 95 inmates in Tango 3, 104 inmates in Tango 4, 137 inmates in Tango 5, 56 inmates in Tango 6, 225 inmates in Tango 7, 254 inmates in Tango 8, 129 inmates in Tango 9, 35 inmates in Tango 10 and 120 inmates in Tango 11. There are 102 inmates receiving treatment at the Ashcroft Rehabilitation Center, 44 inmates in the female section and 48 juveniles at the Wagner's Youth Facility. 172 inmates are foreigners: 36 on remand, 80 convicted and 56 presently locked up for illegal entry.
Respect for others - and children too!
Every day we come across individuals that may be older than us, most often share the same generation lineage, or even those that are younger. Who we choose to be affiliated with tells something about ourselves; however, not so much. A person's decency, it has been said, should be judged by the way he treats his subordinates. Deference towards a superior may indicate nothing other than perhaps cowardice. But when we show respect to someone socially or politically inferior to us -- now that is a person of integrity.
The finest form of praise is not the compliment you offer someone -- whether sincere or not -- but the real value you attach to his or her opinion. Telling a child she is clever is not nearly as meaningful as genuinely showing interest in what she has to say. Asking your colleague for his opinion goes much further in promoting his self-worth than saying a few nice words.
A new sense of urgency for a San Ignacio Police Generator
Whenever there is an interruption in electrical power in San Ignacio, the San Ignacio Police Station also goes dark and this hinders the operations of San Igancio Police. As a result, a group of concerned citizens recently met at Hodes Place in San Ignacio Town to discuss what can be done to assist the police during such blackouts.
At the same time a new measure of urgency now exists at the community level, so that San Ignacio Police can have its own standby, a 55 Kilowatt Olympian Generator now sits at Caesar's Gift Shop and Guest House at number 62 miles on the George Price Highway, which has kindly been stored there by the owners for the last five months. This expensive Standby Generator came courtesy of the United States Embassy in Belmopan and is intended for the San Ignacio Police Station.
Southern Regions Benefits from Belize Global Fund Malaria Elimination Project
The Southern Region of the Ministry of Health added two new Mahindra pickup trucks to its fleet of vehicles. The new vehicles will assist in the Vector Control Program with a focus on the reduction and elimination of Malaria cases in the south where the disease is concentrated in a few communities.
Funding for the purchase of these pickup trucks was made possible through the "Elimination of Malaria in Mesoamerica and the Island of Hispaniola" regional initiative, which Belize signed unto as a COMISCA member state. The initiative, signed in June 2013, is funded by the Global Fund which has committed an initial US$10 M over the next three years. The funding is expected to assist countries to identify gaps in their national budgets to begin the execution of an elimination strategy.
Over 300,000 Overnight Visitors for 2014
2014 was an outstanding year for the Tourism Industry in Belize. The year started with several properties in Belize earning awards in TripAdvisor's 2014 Travelers' Choice Awards. Ambergris Caye was then named the #1 Island in the World, for the second year in a row. Scuba Diving magazine outlined Belize as the "Central American paradise" who "earned a host of 2014 Top 100 Readers Choice Awards." Delta Airlines employed additional flights through the Atlanta route to Belize, while United Airlines announced a new direct flight for Chicago-Belize, operational December, 2014, to May, 2015. Then, there was the announcement by Southwest Airlines that they would begin nonstop service to Belize, via Houston's William P. Hobby Airport, commencing October, 2015.
In October, 2014, Belize saw one million visitors into the country, including overnight and cruise arrivals, which was two months earlier than the projected time.
Now, the total arrival numbers are in and the Belize Tourism Board is pleased to announce that Belize has surpassed the elusive 300,000 overnight visitors mark. The total overnight visitors to Belize in 2014 were 321,220. This shows a 9.2% increase in overnight visitors, when compared to 2013.
UDP Youth Leader Honored by Her Majesty
The Public Relations Director of the Youth Popular Front, Denielle Neal, is one of 60 youths from across the globe that is being recognized by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for outstanding leadership and service to peers and the community.
18-year-old Neal will travel to London, England in June to receive the inaugural Queen's Young Leaders Award.
Neal has been active in community organizations since early childhood. She says the emphasis placed on community service by her high school, Pallotti, bolstered her desire to serve. Her ascension to youth leadership dates back to 2011 at the age of 14 when she became an executive member of the Youth Enhancement Services' (YES) fellowship group.
The Ultimate Judge visiting Belize
Officers of the Courts of Belize will have the privilege to spend some time with the ultimate Judge of Belize. Sir Dennis Byron, the President of the Caribbean Court of Justice, the highest court of Belize, will arrive in the country on Thursday, January 15.
Sir Dennis is coming to Belize on the invitation of the Bar Association of Belize. He will be the Keynote Speaker at the Bar's Law Conference 2015 on Friday, January 16. According to Eamon Courtenay, President of the Bar Association of Belize, Sir Dennis will be making courtesy calls on key public officials. The Governor General, Prime Minister, Chief Justice, Leader of the Opposition and Attorney General are expected to be on the list of people visited by President Byron.
Improving access to justice is the focus of the judiciary
There are currently 17 Belizeans who have been locked up at the Belize Central Prison for more than five years and have never been convicted of a crime. It is a human rights blackeye almost comparable to Guantanamo - perhaps even worst when factoring that the people we have locked away are our own countrymen. It is an issue that predates the tenure of Honourable Kenneth Benjamin as Chief Justice, Honourable Wilfred Elrington as Attorney General and Senior Counsel Eamon Courtenay as President of the Bar; and they, just like their predecessors, have registered complaints, issued challenges and made pledges to speed up the pace of justice. However, at the 2015 Opening of the Supreme Court, these distinguished gentlemen returned to report that their efforts have only resulted in marginal gains. Chief Justice Benjamin introduced a bold new measure on Monday, January 12, to motivate all players in the justice system to pick up their pace.
Public Sector Workers Trust beneficiaries prepare for legal battle against trust protectors
In 1993 when the United Democratic Party took office, it took over an administration laden with maladies enough to give skeletons mange. The economy was performing poorly; the unions were agitating for salary increases at a time when the IMF was instituting standby arrangements and the government coffers had been emptied out by an unconscionable PUP Maladministration. The then Prime Minister, Dr. Manuel Esquivel, whilst facing all these onerous conditions still managed, even at a huge political cost, to salvage the economy and brought it back from the brink of collapse.
One of the things that was a point of contention back then was the issue of salary increase. After many hours at the table an agreement was reached and the government approved a raise of 7% in three installments of 3, 2 and 2% over three years. This happened in 1995. At this same time the issue of increments which had been frozen was also a sticking point. As a result of government's arrangement with the IMF there was simply no way that the frozen increments could have been paid to the deserving public servants and teachers.
These days, we spend so much time with electronics at work and even more so socially. When was the last time you and your family spent a day "unplugged," without watching any TV, checking any emails, or staying glued to your cell phones? Perhaps, such an idea is impossible to happen. Set a goal of spending at least one day a month (if not per week) without your gadgets, and instead, enjoy the outdoors or have a board game marathon.
Individual resolutions are easy to give up on, because they are all about you in a world where you're focused on taking care of everyone else. So, moms and families, why not try making resolutions as a group this year? It can be fun, painless, and are sure to benefit your entire household.
For many of us, the New Year means it's time to take stock of our lives and fix what we don't like. Whether it's our diet, exercise routine or tendency to procrastinate, there is always room for improvement in the coming year. We do not only benefit from New Year's resolutions, our children can also learn a lot about self-discipline and the value of making goals. In fact, this is perfectly in line with article 12 and 13 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child: the right to freedom of expression.
Belize City primary schools basketball competition heats up
The Belize City Primary Schools Basketball competition continued on Tuesday 13 January, 2015, with three games on the schedule. In the first game in the boys' competition, St. Ignatius School defeated James Garbutt SDA School by the score of 33-11. The top scorers for St. Ignatius School were Glenford Bermudez with 11 points and Tairel Carcamo with 2 points. For James Garbutt SDA School the top scorer was Ralston Menzies with 4 points.
In game two, St. Joseph School defeated St. John's Primary School by the score of 35-2. The top scorers for St. Joseph School were Justin Williams and Daemion Garcia with 8 points each, while the top scorer for St. John's Primary School was Levan Tillett with 2 points.
In the only game played in the girls' competition, St. Luke Methodist School defeated St. John's Primary School by the score of 6-1. The top scorer for St. Luke Methodist School was Khia Leslie with 4 points, and the top scorer for St. John's Primary was Taliyah Hyde with 1 point.
Belize Athletics Association to hold National Track and Field Championship
The Belize Athletics Association invites all athletes and track enthusiasts once again to be a part of a National Track and Field Championship event. The event had to be postponed and is now set to be hosted at the Marion Jones Sports Complex on the 24 and 25 January, 2015.
All athletes 16 years and older can participate in the events.
Registration forms can be obtained from and returned to the BAA via email ( [email protected]) or from our Facebook page (Belize Athletics Association). Registration forms can also be obtained from and returned to the National Sports Council's offices throughout the country.
Please be advised that registration forms should be submitted no later than Wednesday 21 January, 2015; no late registrations will be accepted. Cost of registration is $5.00 per athlete.
Belize Athletics Association to hold Annual General Assembly
Belize Athletics Association will hold the 2015 Annual General Assembly at the University of the West Indies Auditorium, Princess Margaret Drive, on 31 January, 2015 at 2:00pm.
There is one vacancy open for the election of a committee member for which nominations are sought.
All members are required to pay their 2015 annual dues by the 27 January, 2015. Payment of dues can be made at any of the National Sports Council offices throughout Belize.
All members are asked to please bring along their identification cards.
Cycling Community mourns the passing of Duncan Vernon
The cycling fraternity in Belize and Belizeans at home and abroad is mourning the passing of a great Belizean Cyclist Duncan Vernon.
Duncan Vernon captured the Annual Cross Country Cycling Classic Title three times. He accomplished this great feat in 1957, 1960 and 1961. He placed second three times in 1956, when he finished behind Edward Miguel and again in 1958 when he also finished behind Edward Miguel, and again in 1965 behind John Miguel when the race went from Belize City to Orange Walk and then back to Belize City.
It was in the 1960 Cross Country Classic that two winners were crowned. It was the first and only time in the history of this historic cycling event that two riders were crowned champions. The two riders that crossed the finish line together were Duncan Vernon and Johnito Majarrez. According to cycling history in Belize, the two riders officially crossed the finish line together and as a result it was pronounced a dead heat.
Workshops for writers to begin in Cayo
The first in a series of workshops for writers is scheduled to begin this Saturday, January 17th at the San Ignacio Public Library. Being brought forward by the Belize Book Industry Association BBIA, the Workshops are intended to further expand an already thriving writing community. At the first lecture, the ABCDE of Short Fiction will be presented by Dr. Virginia Hampton, who is a lecturer of English at the University of Belize.
There will be further workshops on the ABCDE of Short Fiction for this year, but in March and April, Dr. Hampton wants to do more sophisticated versions, such as talking about character development, publishing and playwright writing. Her presentations on the Playwright's Craft will further be developed at the University of Belize.
"You don't just write something and hand it in, it needs to be revised; whether it is a poem or a play or a story, and so that's one reason for the workshop," says Dr. Hampton.
Failing Grade
Imagine teachers in Belize entering their classrooms one morning to find them half empty. The Ministry of Education does not have any information to explain the empty classrooms but enquiries reveal that a letter had been sent to the various Managements informing them that students would be attending rallies on designated Fridays to learn more about their rights. The rallies are being organised by a group of concerned parents who have read reports showing that high repetition and drop-out rates can be largely attributed to poor teaching and school administration. The Management Authorities appear ineffective in weeding out poor teachers, the Teachers' Union mandate is to protect teachers and so the full brunt of this institutional failure falls on parents and students. Some parents therefore decided to take matters into their own hands and hold sessions in every district to teach the students and their parents how to monitor the quality of the education they are receiving, rate their teachers and school administrations as well as report instances of inappropriate or inequitable behaviour and poor educational practices.
Patrick Jones
No-case submission expected in Titan case
Attorney Godfrey Smith, Senior Counsel, is expected to make a no-case submission on behalf of his clients Rohn Knowles and Kelvin Leach, the Bahamian executives of Titan International Securities, after the prosecution led by Christelle Wilson closed its case today.
The Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) accuses both men of failure to declare funds totaling US$12,300 upon leaving Belize as they tried to do in September of 2014.
In December when the case was heard before Senior Magistrate Sharon Frazer, a police officer who picked up both men from the Philip Goldson International Airport testified that the envelope he confiscated from Leach contained US$6,300 and 11 Belize dollars and was so labeled.
Leading cane farmers restate position on sugar crisis
The reports of the demise of the sugar industry in Belize and especially that of the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association (BSCFA) appear to be greatly exaggerated, in the view of at least one senior leader of the Association, although the Association was quick to distance itself today from their comments. Attorney Audrey Matura-Shepherd maintains that the planned signing of the Commercial Agreement between multiple parties and BSI/ASR is under protest and the case for writ of mandamus to force the SICB to open the season under consultation will not be withdrawn immediately.
PUP launches education agenda
Last year the PUP used the occasion of Rt. Hon. George Price's birthday to launch its Social Justice Agenda in which the party re-committed to the view that all should benefit from the bounty of the nation.
One of the three pillars of the agenda in addition to economic/financial and governance reform is education reform - making sure not only that all of Belize's youngest residents participate in the process of development, but are also able to contribute to it. At this morning's launch of the party's Education Agenda, former Minister of Education Cordel Hyde, the party's standard bearer for Lake Independence, lamented the state of affairs that has kept Belize's education system from developing and which, he says, contributes to the social ills that plague this young nation.
PUP marks 96th birthday of Rt. Hon. George Price
It has become an annual tradition for the People's United Party (PUP) to honor and recognize the legacy and contribution to Belize's development of National Hero and Father of the Nation of Belize, the Right Honourable George Price. This is usually done both on his birthday, January 15, and National Service Day, observed on the date of his death, September 19.
Today's observance at the Lord's Ridge Cemetery featured appearances from students of three City primary schools and PUP party supporters. After prayers and wreath-laying, grandnephew of Price and PUP chairman Henry Charles Usher said that Price wanted more time to help shape modern Belize.
Caye Caulker, Belize
Caye Caulker in Belize was another location that I added to my itinerary last second, hearing about it from other travelers. The only thing I wanted to do was the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, based from San Pedro. Turns out that this place is packed with hotels though, whereas Caye Caulker has more of a backpacking vibe for it, making my decision to go there instead very easy. I stayed in the Bella's Hostal just next to the Dirty McNasty's, which seems to be the place-to-go for all those party hungry backpackers. I was glad I did not stay there.
An afternoon at Cahal Pech Ruins
I've never gotten over the fact of how even though Cahal Pech ruins are just a short walk from downtown San Ignacio, it feels very secluded. I can't pinpoint the age I was when I first visited this Maya site but I think it must have been when I was a grade school because I can recall how huge the temples seemed and running through the arch ways with a bunch of friends who's faces are unfortunately blurry in my memory.
Last week I had the opportunity to revisit Cahal Pech and I excitedly explored every inch of the place just like I must have done when I was a kid. The truth is that since Maya sites are surrounded by nature, I find them very relaxing and hiking temples is a great way to get a nice work out.
Enjoy the photo essay.
10 Astonishing Birds of Belize!
Almost 600 bird species have been identified in Belize, 20% of them winter migrants from North America. Even if you are not an 'avid birder', you'll be amazed by the colorful species that you will encounter on any nature trip.
The tropical forests, savannahs, numerous cayes, wetlands, and coastal plains of Belize offer a myriad of habitat to many birds. Nearly half of our nation's land and adjacent waters are protected under forest reserves, marine reserves, wildlife sanctuaries, national parks and other protected area designation.
We listed the most impressive birds found in Belize:
1. Scarlet Macaw
(Ara macao)
2. Keel-Billed Toucan
(Ramphastos sulfuratus)
3. Blue-Crowned Motmot
(Motmotus motmota)
4. Harpy Eagle
(Harpia harpyja)
5. Red-footed booby
(Sula sula)
6. Great Egret
(Casmerodius albus)
7. Magnificent frigatebird
(Fregata magnificens)
8. Jabiru Stork
(Jabiru mycteria)
9. King Vulture
(Sarcoramphus papa)
10. Yellow Head Amazon
(Amazona oratrix)
15 year History of Saga Humane Society
Saga Humane Society recently celebrated it's 15th year as a not-for-profit humane organization on Ambergris Caye. In order to know where you are going, it is often said you need to know where you have been�
Although the organization was named after one of the founder's dogs, it is an appropriate name as Saga is a seemingly endless story of a community's tireless dedication to its animals.
In March of 1999, Dr. Bronwen Eastwood, a Veterinary Surgeon, got together with six other members of the island community (Walker Marchal, Sari Frank, Eileen Jamison, Ruben Gonzalez, Ramon Nunez, & Lane Llewelyn) to form The Saga Society (also known as The Saga Humane Society or just "Saga"). On June 16th of that year, it was officially registered as a non-profit, non-governmental organization under the Laws of Belize, possibly the first of its kind in Central America, as a means to address stray animal challenges.
International Sources
Start Using Your IRA to Invest in Foreign Real Estate
So, how has your IRA been performing over the past few years? If you're like most, you've probably seen minimal growth or even stagnant returns at best. At worst, your retirement account may have lost money and/or been eaten alive by broker fees.
These difficult economic times have not been kind to what was once our most promising option for saving for retirement and reducing our taxable income. Surely, Americans are telling themselves, there must be a better way.
Rather than relying on the standard options that have failed them in recent years, many Americans are taking control of their own retirement savings. And with the subpar performance of traditional domestic investments, many are also looking overseas at emerging real estate markets, such as the many opportunities available in Central America.
Investing in offshore real estate is a far cry from the boring Option A, B, or C type investment choices most custodians offer. It's exciting. It's outside the box. It gives you complete freedom over your funds and your future. And it offers incredible investment potential that no traditional option could ever rival.
Better yet, it's all perfectly legal.
What Factors Leads To The Development Of Tropical Storms & Hurricanes?
I thought I would give everyone some background on what we look for in terms of environmental conditions and other factors that can lead to the development of tropical storms and hurricanes.
There are generally six items (and sometimes more) that we look for in the tropical Atlantic, Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico that are necessary for tropical cyclone development (called tropical cyclogenesis). They are:
1. Ocean water temperatures that are at least 26 degrees Celsius or 79 degrees Fahrenheit to a depth of at least 50 meters or 150 feet.
2. Moist air at about 10,000 feet.
3. A generally unstable atmosphere.
4. An area of enhanced vorticity (spin) which can be caused by low pressure developing or from a tropical wave or tropical disturbance.
5. Weak vertical wind shear.
6. The area of interest has to be at least 5 degrees of latitude away from the equator.
So, let's look at each item a little more in depth:
FIFA and CONCACAF Introduce Club Licensing in Region
FIFA, in collaboration with CONCACAF, today held final discussions during a landmark seminar on club licensing in Miami. The main objective of the two-day event was to inform member associations about the implementation of the FIFA Club Licensing System in CONCACAF that will introduce a set of minimum criteria into national and continental competitions from 2015 and 2016, respectively.
FIFA Vice-President and CONCACAF President Jeffrey Webb opened the seminar by stressing the importance of club licensing for the future of football in the region: “This seminar is a continuation of everything we do for the professionalisation and the transparency of football. The member associations must be the agents of change, the catalysts for the transformation of CONCACAF.
Consolidated Water Co. Sees Significant Drop in Short Interest (CWCO
Consolidated Water Co. (NASDAQ:CWCO) was the target of a large decrease in short interest in December. As of December 31st, there was short interest totalling 283,423 shares, a decrease of 43.6% from the December 15th total of 502,223 shares, AnalystRatingsNetwork.com reports. Approximately 2.0% of the shares of the company are short sold. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 206,438 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 1.4 days.
Separately, analysts at Zacks downgraded shares of Consolidated Water Co. from an "outperform" rating to a "neutral" rating and set a $13.80 price target on the stock in a research note on Friday, November 7th.
CARICOM reveals initial results of pilot project to reduce youth violence
The Caribbean Community revealed Thursday initial results from of a pilot project to reduce youth-on-youth violence, particularly in schools.
For over seven months CARICOM has conducted surveys and focus groups to grasp the experience of 520 school children in five of the 15 member-states: Antigua and Barbuda, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia and Trinidad and Tobago.
The majority of students between the ages of 11-16 said they were victims of bullying, theft and robbery by other students.
"Information from the survey revealed that violence in schools was related to gangs moving into the schools and communities (27 percent); easy access to drugs and guns (14.8 percent); lack of positive activities (13.2 percent); among other factors," CARICOM said.
CONCACAF draw lights 2018 touch paper
The road to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia� kicked off, officially, on Thursday evening in Miami Beach, when representatives of CONCACAF conducted a preliminary draw for the region's qualifying competition.
The event was overseen Jeffrey Webb, President of the North, Central American and Caribbean Zone, but the job of pulling balls from the pots fell to a quintet of men who have all tasted World Cup action on the field of play. Shaka Hislop, goalkeeper of the Trinidad and Tobago Soca Warriors that made history in Germany 2006, Carlos Pavon of Honduras, Mexico favourite Pavel Pardo and former USA defender Tony Sanneh were all on stage to lend a hand. The biggest VIP, however, was Brazilian World Cup winner from 2002, Ronaldo, who did his part to help decide the fate of some of the smallest fish in the footballing pond.
How Do Sea Turtles Find the Exact Beach Where They Were Born?
The marine reptiles use Earth's magnetic field as a guide back home, new study says. For loggerhead sea turtles, home is where your (magnetic) heart is.
After hatching on beaches around the world, these huge marine reptiles undertake multiyear, epic migrations at sea. Then, the turtles return to the exact spot where they were born to mate and lay their own eggs.
Scientists have long known that the turtles, like many animals, navigate at sea by sensing the invisible lines of the magnetic field, similar to how sailors use latitude and longitude. But they didn't know how the turtles were able to return to the very spot where they were born.
Ignacio Volunteers serve abroad over break
While most were sleeping in, lounging around and enjoying winter break, 22 students gave up those few weeks to serve as teachers in Jamaica and Belize.
The two groups of Ignacio Volunteers spent their fall semester raising money and preparing for the trips.
Allison Rogers, political science senior and group leader at the Belize Christmas Camp, said that this included weekly meetings to educate the volunteers about the Mayan culture and lifestyle. They were also required to participate in a day of service with children from local schools along with an overnight retreat.
Students who volunteered in Belize were teaching at a camp located in Mayan villages in Southern Belize. They taught the children of the village math, English and arts and crafts, in addition to playing sports like soccer and volleyball.
Bain warned of likely implications of participating in Belizean case
PROFESSOR Brendan Bain yesterday admitted that four human rights advocates had warned him about the likely implications of him giving his expert witness in a Belizean court.
Under cross-examination from Queen's Counsel Hugh Small yesterday, Prof Bain recalled that he was approached by Dr Ernest Massiah, director of UNAIDS for the Caribbean; Ian McKnight, former executive director of the Caribbean Vulnerable Communities Coalition; Dr John Walters; and Dr Peter Figueroa, a well-known epidemiologist and HIV/AIDS researcher.
The doctor admitted that Dr Massiah was the fourth person that had cautioned him about the likely consequence of the report that he was to tender in Belize. Prof Bain said that Dr Massiah told him that it would be dangerous for him to participate in the case.
Baseball team serves and scores during Belize service trip
Of all the ways students can spend winter break, several members of the Loyola baseball team chose to spend their holidays volunteering in Belize.
Seven members of the baseball team embarked on a nine-day trip to Belize to hold a baseball camp for Mayan children. The players served in the small, Mayan village of San Jose from Dec. 27 to Jan. 5.
The villagers of San Jose live without any electricity or running water. While the players were there, they stayed in a community center and slept on mats on the floor.
Doug Faust, head baseball coach, said that not only was the trip an opportunity for the team to teach others, but also a chance for them to learn.
"The trip is a once in a lifetime opportunity to not only see and spend time in a Mayan village, it allows them to truly make a difference in the lives of the children they work with," Faust said.
Videos
Belize Permit, 3min. I went to Belize for a yoga retreat and was lucky enough to catch a permit of a lifetime!
Best Western Belize Biltmore Plaza, Belize City, Belize, min.
nouvelle esp�ce de tarentule, Belize, .5min.
Global Degree visit Belize and Honduras | Season 1, Episode 1, 6.5min. Global Degree set off on their epic round-the-world journey, starting with Belize and Honduras.
Highlights include an impromptu rap about Utila, one of the coolest places in all of Honduras; running around the Mayan ruins in Copan; and of course some truly awesome hostels.
INFANTIL VS BELIZE 9 ENE 2015, 10min.
Bullet Tree River Belize, .5min. Short clip with a Waterproof Panasonic Lumix in the river @ Bullet Tree Village behind Mahogany Hall Resort, Cayo Belize, during the summer time when its really hot in Belize.
Cross Catholic Outreach Vision Trip - Belize Nov. 2015, 10min.
Fly Fishing Belize 2013, 50min. This is a great video, 50 minutes and good production values and entertaining!. 5 Friends just having fun on their vacation on the beautiful island of Caye Caulker in Belize
Ross Kemp au coeur des gangs Belize, 43min. Entre le Mexique et le Guatemala, se trouve Belize, un petit pays anglophone de plus de 318 000 habitants.
Depuis la fin des ann�es 1980, il est devenu un point de transit majeur pour le trafic de coca�ne entre la Colombie et les Etats-Unis, et donc l'un des endroits les plus dangereux du monde.
Ross part � la rencontre d'anciens membres de gangs de Belize City et fait �galement �quipe avec la police pour voir comment se d�roulent leurs raids.
2014 Bowen Vacay Roatan, Belize,Cozumel,Costa Maya, 10min.
2014.11 - Caye Caulker, Belize, 10min.
San Pedro Belize Aug. 2014, 11min.
Soldiers learn to fight in merciless jungle of Belize, 2min. 40 selected officers and non-commissioned officers of the marine Corps and the Airmobile Brigade to follow in november and december 2013.