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Specials and Events

Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, LOVETV, PGTV, West Vision (Cayo) and CTV 3. Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, Rise and Shine Morning Show, and the Dickie Bradley Specials


The San Pedro Sun

Belize Free Zone Businessman Killed in Chetumal, Mexico
News coming from the neighboring border city of Chetumal, Mexico over the weekend indicate that local businessman from the Belize Commercial Free Zone, Ernesto Alonso De Miguel (known as "El Espanol") was reportedly killed on Saturday, November 14, 2015. Noticaribe Mexican press reports that shortly before midnight on Saturday in the downtown restaurant 'El Emporio' of Chetumal city, a gunman shot and executed Ernesto Alonso de Miguel, known as the 'El Espanol' and the ministerial police Agust�n Mart�nez Guevara, who was commander in the border town of Lieutenant Lopez. Ernesto was dining with several people, including a second police officer and family members. The shooter fled the scene after fatally injuring both Ernesto and police officer Agustin; he left behind the murder weapon. A man with the characteristics of the murderer was arrested, but investigations continue as to whether it is the same person.

BTB Awards 9 Scholarships
On Friday, November 13, the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) awarded nine (9) students with scholarships for Tourism Programs. The scholarships are as follows: Three (3) two-years tuition scholarships for an Associates in Tourism at one of the Junior Colleges in Belize offering a Tourism Program, awarded to 1. Giselle Rodriguez 2. Amina Cal 3. Monique Tucker. Three (3) two-years tuition scholarships for a Bachelor Degree in Tourism Management at the University of Belize, awarded to 1. Jewel Williams 2. Alexander Cal 3. Gariesha Teck. The recipients were selected based on a score sheet, which measured various factors such as grades/GPA, work and community service experience, essay describing their career goals/aspirations and their achievements/awards. Those with the highest scores were then reviewed thoroughly and the top candidates were selected.

Bahia Fest: Fashion show to benefit Camp Starfish
Mexican and Belizean organizations have teamed up to bring a high end fashion runway to San Pedro to benefit the island's special needs youth. Scheduled for Friday, November 20th, the show will feature gorgeous Belizean and Mexican models strutting the runway in the latest fashion trends. Titled BAHIA Fest, this event is being hosted through the collaboration of Mujer Total Catalog, The Candle Garden, Amber Beach Bar and Grill, Caribbean Villas and the Consulate of Belize in Mexico. But the event isn't just about the clothes, shoes and accessories, as its main purpose is to raise funds for Ambergris Caye Camp Starfish.

Ambergris Today

Belize Warns of Five Confirmed Cases of Zika Virus in the Caribbean
If Dengue and Chikungunya were not enough to worry about during the 'Mosquito /Rainy Season' in Belize, the Ministry of Health this week releases an advisory to the public that the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) has confirmed, for the first time, five (5) cases of Zika virus in the Caribbean. Countries within the Americas such as Brazil, Colombia, Suriname and the Dominican Republic have all reported cases of this mosquito-borne disease this year. Zika is a viral disease, transmitted by the same vector for Dengue and Chikungunya, the Aedes aegypti mosquito. The symptoms lasts approximately four to seven days, and are similar to Dengue and Chikungunya which may include fever, muscle and joint pain, headache, nausea, vomiting and rash. Though complications from Zika are rare and no deaths have been reported, there is no vaccine or treatment for Zika.

Belize's Tiburon Rum Continues Going Global
The award winning Tiburon Rum has definitely been making headlines in the United States of America and in Belize. Many have been buzzing about its taste and happy to have 'The Spirit of Belize' as part of their rum collection, but soon the rest of the world will be able to enjoy this amazing rum as it goes global. Ambergris Today met up with Tiburon Rum's Basil Destefano and got the buzz on what's coming up next for the award-winning rum from Belize. Mr. Destefano mention that he is ready to take Tiburon Rum to the next level by teaming up with Mr. Jorge Galbis of Global Brand Equity Solutions from Miami who specializing in marketing premium brands to develop their root to market in Central America, Latin America, the Caribbean and duty free outlets.

Flashbacks - Alan Forman Scuba Diving Pioneer of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye
While it can safely be said that Celi McCorkle is the Tourism Pioneer in the hotel industry of San Pedro, Alan Forman is the Tourism Pioneer in the scuba diving operations on the island. Alan and a group of San Pedranos formed the chain of local small hotels known as Coral Beach Hotels. This group offered fishing, snorkeling, sailing, mainland tours, beach parties and anything else that they sensed the visitors would enjoy. Alan Forman was the first hotelier to offer a bar and entertainment center at the end of a dock and over the sea - The Tackle Box. This place was very popular due to the ambience and spectacular view and also due to its seaquarium with a wide variety of fish, including sharks and rays as well as sea turtles. However, Alan Forman wanted the visitors to experience the diving spectacles of Belize and the Caribbean Sea. In the early 1970's Coral Beach Hotels set up the first dive tank compressor on the Island and commenced taking tours to the blue Hole and other fine spots around Ambergris Caye. It was the commencement of what was to become San Pedro's vibrant scuba diving operations now offered by many resorts on Ambergris Caye.

Belizeans Graduate in Modeling Course
Fashion and modeling have been on a rise in San Pedro since fashion shows have become very popular for fundraising events, entertainment and retail businesses. The trend has given the opportunity to many Belizeans to take on a modeling career with a modeling course that is being provided by professional instructor Zuzana Mello, in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. On Sunday, November 15, 2015, a group of models showcased their skills in a graduation ceremony that took place at a beach resort south of San Pedro Town that included a free mini fashion show presentation, ending with a certificate distribution. The one month modeling course taught the aspiring models course under the themes of runway modeling, photo shoot modeling, auto-esteem and confidence and image projection. Congratulations to all the models for their accomplishment.

Pic of the Week - A Picturesque View Approaching the Caye Caulker Split by Sea
Our neighboring island of Caye Caulker is just a 30 minute boat ride from Ambergris Caye and an hour from Belize City. The San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi makes stops on the island as it commutes back and forth from Belize City, to pick up and drop off passengers. Here is an early morning picture of the famous Caye Caulker Split, a tourist hot spot, as the water taxi approaches the island. It's a beautiful image that shows the charm of one of the top island destinations in the country of Belize.

Pro Golfer Greg Norman to Trademark Caye Chapel Golf Course
The Caye Chapel development group held a press conference on that island on Thursday, November 12, 2015 where the developers shared the news of golf legend Greg Norman adopting and re-designing the Caye Chapel Golf Course as part of the proposed development project on the island. Greg Norman will build a world-class golf course on Caye Chapel's already developed 18-hole golf course. Developer Jaime Fasja states that the island resort will undoubtedly be a mandatory destination for the most important and renowned golfers in the world. The project is being developed by three top Mexican groups with an investment of over $250Mil on the first phase of the project.

Misc Belizean Sourcesmzz

Ten Day Weather Outlook for Belize
Here is an outlook for the next 7-days. The forecast model is supporting the unsettled weather to continue through Friday, then resuming early on Monday with an intense arctic airmass incursion over the central and eastern USA and the Gulf of Mexico, generating sho wery weather along a frontal zone entering the NW Caribbean.

Entrepreneurship Symposium
Government of Belize Press Office

International Festival of Culture 2015
The 6th annual International Festival of Culture will be from December 4th through the 6th this year. They are having a lot of great activities this year, including the BVMA, and some international performers. "VI International Festival of Culture Program: Celebrating our Heritage while we unearth Potential Centennial Plaza FRIDAY - Dec. 04, 2015 7:30 p.m. - Musical prelude Master Violinist David Snow (USA) Opening Ceremonies Marimba Recital - Benque Viejo Marimba Academy directed by Mtro. Edgar Enrique Barrios Heredia (Guatemala) SATURDAY - Dec. 05, 2015 7:30 p.m. - Orquidea Negra Dance Company (Belize) Concert Ensamble Universitario de Jazz de la UniversidadAutonoma de Campeche followed by dance - Benque Viejo Marimba Academy SUNDAY - Dec. 06, 2015 9:00 a.m. - Arts & Crafts Expo Children's show by Caracolitos stilt-walkers 4:00 p.m. - Comedia "La Fiesta" - Italian-adapted comedy by "La Bocha" Theatre Company (El Salvador) 6:00 p.m. - Concert Ensamble Universitario de Jazz de la Universidad Autonoma de Campeche (Mexico)"

Lets Welcome home Ms. Carmelita Leiva, who participated on our International Visitor Leadership Program
The Edward R. Murrow Program celebrated its 10th Anniversary this year. This program is an innovative public-private partnership between the Department of State, and seven leading U.S schools of journalism. In honor of the 10th Anniversary, the Department is also partnering with the Poynter Institute to offer the workshop on journalism. Ms. Leiva visited Washington DC, Norman, Oklahoma, Tampa, Florida and New York. She has had the opportunity to visit NBC and participate in meetings and panel discussions with fellow journalists from around the world.

Tacos Festival
Tacos Festival is here again, this Sunday November 22nd, 2015 at the Banquitas House of Culture, come enjoy delicious tacos and entertainment galore!

The future of the PUP and BPP in Belize
By Wellington C. Ramos. Before the elections were held in Belize on November 4, 2015, I had predicted that the United Democratic Party (UDP) was going to defeat the People's United Party (PUP) by a margin of 20 to 11 seats. One week before the elections, I increased the margin of victory to 22 to 9 seats. I did not expect the Belize Progressive Party (BPP) to win any seats. The election results ended up being: 19 UDP seats to 12 PUP seats and 0 BPP seats. If it was not for overconfidence, cockiness and carelessness on the part of a few UDP candidates, they had those 22 seats to win. The election is now over and the UDP candidates who lost by a few votes must blame themselves for losing. I just hope that they learnt from their mistakes for next time. The PUP's problems started in 2006 when seven of their ministers broke away from their party and asked their then prime minister Said Musa to get rid of one of their fellow ministers Ralph Fonseca who was wielding too much power over them. The prime minister refused to listen to these seven ministers and the relationship turned ugly.

Miss World Belize 2015
Miss Jasmine departed The Belize Phillip Goldson Inter. Airport on Delta Airlines yesterday on her way to Los Angeles for further preparation and training and will leave on Thursday, 19th November to Sanya, China.

RESPECT TO THE BELIZEAN LEGEND ANDY PALACIO: WRITTEN IN STONE!
In commemoration of Garifuna Settlement Day on November 19, 2015, Belizean Legends honor the dynamic work of Belize's most outstanding cultural and musical ambassador, the late Andy Palacio, and his musical, cultural, and educational contribution to Belizean society at home and abroad. No other Belizean artist ever in the hsitory of Belize had ever won the Womex Peace Prize, but Andy Palacio captured the world attention and won it in 2007 for his cultural activism for the Garinagu people, and drawing international attention to the plight of the Pan Garinagu community in Central and South America.

Flood Advisory in Belize: U.S. Embassy Belize
U.S. Embassy Belmopan informs U.S. citizens that due to heavy rainfall the Belizean National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) has issued an advisory. Heavy rainfall has affected parts of the country, particularly in the Belize River valley and along the old northern highway. The highways and main thoroughfare are open and passable. U.S. citizens should stay tuned to local forecasts and follow instructions from local authorities regarding road detours and other safety restrictions. Belizean authorities caution the public not to drive around in flooded areas especially in low vehicles. U.S. citizens living and traveling in Belize should take this information into account, and be aware that localized conditions in affected areas could change without warning.

Channel 7

Miracle Baby Suzette Survives Floodwaters
Heavy rains inundated the whole country this weekend - and when floodwaters overtook parts of the southern highway - it exposed many vulnerable communities. One of them is Santa Cruz on the Jalacte road - where - initial reports said that an infant was lost to flood waters on the road. LOVE FM reported that a mother was navigating the water across the road, when she stumbled and the child slipped from her grip - and perished in the rushing waters. Well, the good news is that the child didn't die, but she narrowly escaped death. Daniel Ortiz spoke to her 12 year-old sister Yesenia Ca-a today, who was acting as her mother's translator, since she doesn't speak English very well. The first thing she clarified for us was that it was not her mother, Adelia Shol, who lost the baby. It was actually a man from Redbank Village who was trying to help her cross the stream with the child, 2 month old Suzette Adelicia Caac:

16 Year Old Murdered In Ruthless Home Invasion
A teenager was killed in a brazen home invasion in Camalote village this weekend. Tonight the Choc family is in hiding after 16 year old Ivan was gunned down while he ate dinner with his family. Courtney Weatherburne found out more from Roaring Creek police today:... Courtney Weatherburne reporting This green wooden house might look like it has been abandoned for years. The verandah is moldy and decrepit and the weathered door is barred shut. But it was just a couple a days ago that the Choc family was living in this humble house. On Friday night the family was having their family dinner on this small wooden table. But that family gathering was interrupted by heavy footsteps splashing the water in the yard. A family member told us that the father Eluterio Choc went to the door with a machete and when he opened it, 2 masked gunmen stormed in. Choc tried to fight them off but he couldn't and the men shot his 16 year old son Ivan Choc.

Floodwaters Receding, But Riverside Communities Must Be On Lookout
And so tonight NEMO is monitoring water levels across the country - especially in the West, the south and central Belize. Low lying bridges in the west like this one at Iguane Creek have been under water all weekend due to the steadily rising Macal river. The Roaring Creek Bridge remains open while water hovers less than a foot below the deck. Overall, waters are receding, folks have returned home from shelters and the weather is improving. NEMO's latest update says that flood waters continue to threaten these communities in the Cayo District: Arenal; Succotz; Calla Creek; La Clarissa; Siete Millas; Barton Creek; San Marcos; Billy White; Central Farm; Buena Vista; Ramonal; Paslow Falls, Bullet Tree Falls; Santa Familia, Branch Mouth, and Roaring Creek, More Tomorrow in the Cayo.

International Custody Battle Between Parents; Baby Nina In The Middle
This weekend, a wave of outrage swept across social media when news went out from Orange Walk that two year old Nina Charlotte Alexandra Barrera Perez had basically been abducted by the Department of Human Services. And the Social Worker did it on behalf of the child's Guatemalan father. Well, turns out, that's not quite how it went - and tonight we'll both sides of the story. But we start with what you want to know most: where is the child? She is safe and sound, in Belize, in the custody of the Department of Human Services. The Department took custody under a provision called emergency care in the families and children act. In such a case, the Department has to go to court within 48 hours to get an order confirming the legality of the emergency protective care. That's just what happened at the family court today and Nina's mother, Ana Liza Perez Guttierez was in court with her attorney Marcel Cardona. When it was finished at midday she told us she got some clarity, and relief:.. Ana Liz Perez Guitterrez "I was satisfied with the results because I am calmer now that my daughter is safe, that she is not being sneaked out of the country and I am happy and I am willing to work and get to the bottom of everything and get everything sorted out."

Notorious Freezone Figure Executed In Chetumal
A notorious figure from the Corozal Free Zone was executed in a Chetumal Restaurant this weekend. Ernesto Alonso de Miguel, known as "El Espanol" was gunned down as he ate with his family in a restaurant called "The Emporium" in Chetumal. His family was spared but a policeman he was dining with was also killed. A gunman reportedly entered the restaurant and opened fire on the pair fo them and then escaped. Mexican media calls him the czar of contraband - and they say Alonso De Miguel is responsible for a large quantity of the contraband cigarettes and other illicit products moving between the Free Zone and Chetumal. De Alonzo has been targeted by the Zetas before in Chetumal but escaped as he ran over to Belize. He was also involved in a violent shootout with Mexican police in 2011.

Former Death Row Inmate Baptist's Attorney Wants Him Home For Christmas
Glenford Baptist had been on death row longer than anyone else - but after 13 years, he's going before the judge to learn his fate. But he's not on detah row anymore because his death sentence for killing Azrin White in the year 2000 was set aside earlier this year, and now he's going to court to find out how much longer he'll have to spend in jail. Today, his case came up Chief Justice, Kenneth Benjamin explained to him that his sentencing trial will be heard on December 18, 2015, one week before Christmas. His attorney Priscilla Banner asked the court for time to file additional affidavit on behalf of her client. Banner told the media that she is hoping that at the end of the sentencing hearing the court will order that Baptist has served his time after almost 14 years on remand. Nigel Hawke on behalf of the Government, is asking for a time of 25 years be imposed less time served on remand.

Weed Trafficker Chose Air Cargo
On Friday, Corozal police found a pound of weed being smuggled in a Tropic Air Cargo package. It happened in Corozal at the Ranchito airstrip. At 10:15 am, Special Branch and CIB personnel police had information to look for a Lala milk box. It was sealed with transparent tape and found to contain baby clothes and one parcel which was tightly wrapped in transparent plastic. The parcel was cut open and contained a black plastic back with weed amounting to 486 grams - or about a pound. It was labeled as found property.

Sick Stepfather
Benque Viejo police have charged a 40 year old man for fondling his 14 year old stepson. On Saturday morning, the teenager reported to police that at 7:30am, he was sleeping in a sofa in the hall and was awakened by someone touching his genitals. When he opened his eyes, he saw his step father sitting nude on the sofa. The youth told police that the same thing happened between the 24th and 31st October, 2015, when he was sleeping in the bedroom, and his step father would fondle him and then hand him five dollars. On Sunday evening, Police arrested the 40 year old stepfather who is a Carpenter and charged for two counts of "Sexual Assault".

Malaria, Dengue, Chik-V, And Now Zika, Latest Mosquito Borne Malady
Dengue and Chikungunya aren't the only diseases you have to worry about catching when a mosquito bites you. Now there's Zika, another virus that you can get from the same Aedes aegypti mosquito. There were a few cases of Zika in Brazil and Columbia and now the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) has confirmed, five cases of Zika virus in the Caribbean. More worryingly, there are concerns that there might be cases in El Salvador. Now, Zika is called Dengue's first cousin and the symptoms are similar. But Chief of Operations for the Vector Control Program at the Ministry of Health Kim Bautista told us that there is no reason to be alarmed because there are no confirmed cases in Belize nor in neighboring countries. Bautista told us more about this virus and what can be done to keep safe. Kim Bautista, Chief of Operations - Vector Control Program "Zika virus is a virus belonging to a member of the group of viruses which includes the more common dengue virus. The West Nile virus is also a member of that family of viruses and also yellow fever. So it's a pretty old disease. The name Zika comes from the Zika Forest in Uganda where this virus was discovered in monkeys in the wild and thereafter between the 60s and the 70s it was detected in humans.

Henkis, Setting The Record Straight
On Friday night's newscast, you saw 73 year old Norman Henkis, lamenting about being put out of his house, because he didn't own the land. Well, Mr. Henkis put his own spin on certain elements of his case, and we've got to set the record straight. Henkis told us that the court ordered a settlement of $4,000.00 Belize dollars to him; not so. What the judgment actually said is that the upper storey of the house is to be valued by a valuator agreed to by both sides, and the landowner will pay him half of that value. After he's paid off, he has one month to move. There's no telling how much that figure will be. Also he told us he invested $160,000.00 dollars to build and expand the house but in court he pumped that up and said it was half a million dollars. As a result, the Judge stated in her Judgment that she quote, "did not believe the figure he gave for its construction" and found that "the figure he gives for this is entirely unbelievable".


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Channel 5

A Bitter, Transborder Child Custody Battle Before Belize Family Court
A hostile battle over custody of a toddler began to unravel over the weekend. Two parents, one Belizean and the other Guatemalan, are tonight before the courts in Belize over [...]

Sixteen-year-old Shot and Killed in Roaring Creek
In Roaring Creek�a sixteen year old minor of Young Bank Road was callously killed in front of his parents and siblings just before eight o'clock on Friday night. It is [...]

�Was It Retaliatory?
Prior to his murder, sixteen year old Ivan Choc was hit to the pelvis by a gunman about three weeks ago. He was shot near the cemetery in the village [...]

Free Zone Businessman Killed in Double Murder in Chetumal
There is another homicide to report, but local police could not offer any details. A sensational double murder took place over the weekend in the neighbouring Chetumal. A businessman from [...]

Weekend Rains Leave Flooding in the South
Just a few weeks ago, Belize City was underwater…inundated by a weekend of heavy rain. NEMO had to be pressed into immediate and urgent action to relieve suffering caused by [...]

Shrimp Industry Hit by Viral Infection
We've been following the crisis in the shrimp industry where losses to jobs and finances are massive. Six hundred persons have been let go so far and losses are in [...]

Plan of Action in Effect to Manage Bacterial Outbreak
According to Henderson, the industry is trying to manage the effects of the bacteria to ensure that farms put the strategic response in place. Stakeholders are working along with the [...]

Fate of Former Death Row Inmate is Still Unknown
In July of this year, the last remaining death row inmate, Glenford Baptist, learnt that his sentence had been squashed, but the court is yet to determine how much time [...]

Stepfather Sexual Assaults Fourteen-year-old Son in Benque
A forty year old Benque Viejo Del Carmen resident is facing charges of sexual assault on his stepson. The carpenter is accused of acting inappropriately against the fourteen year old [...]

Shipment of Weed Discovered Inside Box of Lala Milk
No arrests have been made, but late last week, police were tipped off that someone intended to transport weed on the Tropic Air flight from Corozal Town to San Pedro. [...]

Macal and Mopan Rivers Rise Amid Torrential Rains in the West
Aside from the south, the downpour over the weekend also affected the western part of the country where the Macal and Mopan Rivers rose above their usual levels. While homes [...]

B.T.B. Awards Nine Tourism-related Scholarships
The Belize Tourism Board (B.T.B.) awarded scholarships to nine qualify students for programs that complement the tourism industry.� Three, two-year tuition scholarships for Associate Degrees in Tourism at local Junior [...]

Zika Cases Confirmed in the Caribbean
A vector-borne illness closely related to dengue and chikungunya has been detected in the Caribbean region.� In a release issued by the Caribbean Public Health Agency, CARPHA, it is confirmed [...]

Ministry of Health Prepares for Possible Outbreak in Belize
While Zika fever ranks lowest on the totem pole of the three related illnesses, the Ministry of Health reminds everyone to protect themselves from mosquito bites.� Preparations for the introduction [...]

Sporting Highlights with James Adderley
Good evening I'm James Adderley and this is Sports Monday.   The weekend of sports was a washout as the torrential rains continued over the weekend across the nation. PLB [...]

CTV3

Three Men Detained For Spew Of Burglaries Committed In Orange Walk
Over the weekend Orange Walk Police were busy conducting several investigations surrounding separate burglary and robbery incidences that have resulted in the arrest of several men. The first arrest was made possible through the swift response of the Quick Response Team. According to 65 year old Angel Maldonado, Salvadoran National, Belizean resident and watchman of Camp 22 in the community of Shipyard in the Orange Walk District, on Friday November 13th, he was at a ranch belonging to Jacobo Wall, Belizean Mennonite of Shipyard Village, fixing a gate when two men approached him asking for water. Maldonado alleges that shortly after drinking the water, both individuals attacked him and threatened to kill him with a machete. One of the culprits then threw Maldonado to the ground whilst the second placed the point of the machete on his chest. The victim further reported that one of the culprits then went inside the house and took a shotgun that belonged to Wall. The assailants then took Maldonado's cell phone and his blue Meilun Motorcycle and before they left they wanted to kill but according to the victim, he pled for his life and luckily it was speared.

MOH Issues Warning For Zika
The Ministry of Health is tonight advising the general public to protect themselves from mosquito bites due to the recent confirmation of the first 5 cases of Zika virus in the Caribbean by the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA). It is the first time that countries within the Americas such as Brazil, Colombia, Suriname and the Dominican Republic have all reported cases of this mosquito-borne disease this year. Based on CARPHA's information, the Ministry of Health is preparing for the introduction of this disease based on the most recent experience with Chikungunya which spread throughout the Caribbean and the Americas, including Belize within less than one year. Zika is a viral disease, transmitted by the Aedes Aegypti mosquito, the same vector for Dengue and Chikungunya. The symptoms of Zika last approximately four to seven days, and are similar to Dengue and Chikungunya which may include fever, muscle and joint pain, headache, nausea, vomiting and rash. Though complications from Zika are rare and no deaths have been reported, there is no vaccine or treatment for the disease.

Thieves On The Lose In O/W
Authorities are investigating a robbery which left a business owner shaken and short of several personal items worth over one thousand dollars. According to the cops, business woman Dora Suyapa Escalante reported that on Saturday November 14th around 12:30am whilst at her business place namely Dora's Cool Spot situated on San Antonio Road, two male persons with blue rags covering their faces arrived at the establishment and demanded her belongings. One of the men placed a knife to her abdomen and fearing for her life, Escalante handed over her purse containing $950.00bcy in mostly $50.00bcy denominations, one gold chain valued at $400.00bcy, two perfumes valued at $200.00bcy and $125.00bcy respectively. The men made good their escape with a total of $1675.00bcy dollars in valuables.

Suspected Cannabis Found In Milk Box
Corozal Police have confiscated a milk box which was used to conceal 486 grams of cannabis. On Friday authorities visited the airstrip located in the Village of Ranchito in the Corozal District where the manager of Tropic Air, Ezequiel Chi, handed over to them a white and blue milk box which was sealed with transparent tape. The box was opened and police found inside baby clothes and one parcel tightly wrapped with transparent plastic. Inside the parcel police found a black plastic bag with green leafy vegetable substance suspected to be cannabis.

Panda's Bar Targeted By Thieves
About a month ago, Pandas's Bar located opposite the Central Park in Orange Walk Town, came under public scrutiny after the murder of a BDF soldier Rafael Rivas inside the bar and for being one of many alcoholic establishments operating near the main recreational area of town. Tonight, there is more news to report emanating from that establishment after armed masked thieves targeted the bar last night. Belizean waitress, Ruby Zetina, reported to police that whilst behind the counter of the bar, two dark skin male individuals with mask covering their faces and dressed in dark clothing, entered the establishment armed with firearms. The men demanded money and fearing for her life, Zetina gave way to the men who helped themselves to the cash register and stole $1,200.00 in Belizean Currency.

Mother Claims Her Daughter Was Kidnapped By Social Worker
Over the weekend news spread like wildfire when a frantic mother from Orange Walk Town reported to police that her two year old daughter "Nina" was removed from her custody by an unidentified Social Worker claiming to work with the Social Services Department. Twenty-two year old Analiz Gutierrez claims that the woman, accompanied by a police officer, went to her home on Friday evening claiming that her daughter Nina was to be sent back to Guatemala to be in the care of her Guatemalan father. With nowhere else to turn to, the child's mother and her family in Belize pleaded to the media and friends to share the word that Nina was allegedly abducted and a kidnapping report was made to the police.

LOVE FM

Weekend Rains Bring Flooding in Western and Southern Belize
It was a very wet weekend in Belize and a number of families in southern Belize was affected by the steady downpour. NEMO remains active as they continue to deal with the impact of the weekend rains. Renee Trujillo reports.

Mother Says Her Child Was Kidnapped
Authorities from the Ministry of Human Development, the Belize Police Department among other agencies are looking into an incident that occurred over the weekend where a two year old little girl was reportedly taken from her mother by a member of Social Services with the assistance of the Orange Walk Police. The family of the [�]

CEO Speaks on the Removal of Child from Mother
We've told you about the two year old little girl who has been taken into custody by the Social Services following an unsettled family court dispute in Guatemala. As a follow up, we spoke with CEO in the Ministry of Human Development, Judith Alpuche for some clarity into the case. JUDITH ALPUCHE "Belize, as well [�]

CEO Criticizes Frenzy on Social Media
As was mentioned by CEO Judith Alpuche, there was frenzy over the weekend on social media as it pertains to the case of the child being taken away. It got so out of control that threats were even being issued not only to the Social Services worker but to her child and family as well. [�]

Ivan Choc Begs for Mercy Before Being Killed
A family is mourning the murder of a sixteen year old boy in Camalotte Village in the Cayo District. Our correspondent Fem Cruz has the story. FEM CRUZ "On Friday night, November 13 sometime around 8pm based on information received of shots being fired in the Young Bank area of Camalote Village Love News visited [�]

Health Authorities Warn of the ZIKA Virus
On Friday, November 13, we told you of the five confirmed cases of the ZIKA virus found in a territory of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). That announcement came from the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) that made the find last Monday. Today, the Ministry of Health issued a press release, reiterating the same information whilst [�]

SSB Workers Paid Uniform Allowance
There is peace, for now, at the Social Security Board as the pending uniform allowance was disbursed to the workers two weeks ago. Love News understands that the SSB workers were paid on November 2, all the monies owed to them under a uniform allowance which became due when SSB failed to meet the deadline [�]

CIBC First Caribbean and Union Negotiate Packages
And while the CWU President, Audrey Matura Shepherd has not been forthcoming in updating us with the SSB payments, her silence in the matter of the Collective Bargaining Agreement and the Exit Packages being discussed for the workers at CIBC First Caribbean Bank is understood as both parties have agreed to not discuss with the [�]

Rains Won't Stop the Garifuna Celebrations
As a result of the incessant rains that the country of Belize recently experienced, many communities in the Stann Creek District were also affected by flood waters including Seine Bight Village and Placencia. Nevertheless, residents in those communities are prepared to celebrate Garifuna Settlement day slated for Thursday for this week. Correspondent Harry Arzu has [�]

Fire Consumes Furniture Workshop
A Sunday morning fire destroyed a building in San Ignacio. Love News spoke with officer in charg of San Ignacio formation, Suprintendent Andrew Ramirez. CAYO FIRE "At about 8:55am on Sunday, November 15, 2015, responding to information received of a house fire on Coral Street here in San Ignacio Town, the Police and Fire Department [�]

Caye Caulker Chronicles

Gelato Italiano
On a grey, chilly and breezy November day, the island was blessed with another new beginning. Caye Caulker, as with many other places, lives up to some well penned lyrics used by the Stereophonics in their song "Closing Time" and those well versed words are, "Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end". This is so true in so many aspects of life and this is a wonderful way of looking at challenges. Located up by the Split, the much-anticipated opening of Gelato Italiano took place on Sunday 15th. Anna and Marco Marini are the proprietors of this new business venture. As the winds blew and the spray danced erratically out on the choppy sea, Marco donned his whites and started preparing his first creation of the day. Homemade gelato made by a family who have been in the business since 1936.

Breaking Belize NewsPJ

Belize Tourism Board awards tourism education scholarships
The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) handed out scholarships to nine persons participating in tourism education at various junior colleges and the University of Belize this past Friday at its Belize City office. The winners were selected for their academic performance and work and community service. According to Director of Tourism [�]

Telethon for Thomas Vincent Ramos bust raises six thousand
A life size bust of national hero Thomas Vincent Ramos decorates Dangriga Town, the outstanding work of Stephen Okeke but he has yet to be paid for it, even considering that he started work before getting a full commission or sponsor. Officialy it was later acquired by the [�]

Edward P. Yorke has top Caribbean Examination Council candidates
Lords' Bank, Belize District resident and graduate of Edward P. Yorke High School in Belize City, Nisa Sanchez, is top among the thousands of candidates who took examinations in May and June for the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC), administered by the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC). Nisa obtained [�]

Man charged in domestic dispute
60 year old Belize City welder, James Parks today pleaded guilty to assaulting his estranged girlfriend, using threatening words and damage to property over the weekend, on Saturday, November 14, 2015. The George Street resident caused damages to four tires valued at $400, property of Oliver Blanco and [�]

Glenford Baptist coming home for Christmas?
Could the old man of Belize's death row be going home for Christmas? Glenford Baptist, the last man on Belize's death row, learned in July that he will no longer have to face the hangman's noose after thirteen years but he has yet to know how much more [�]

Businesswoman fined over Social Security contributions
Businesswoman Jeanette Neal was today fined $1,000 for failing to pay Social Security contributions on time for her employees, despite the fact that they have now been paid. Neal is accused of failing to pay Social Security payment within the prescribed time on behalf of employees employed by [�]

Atlantic Bank promotion offers great prizes for holiday season
Christmas approaches and Atlantic Bank is already in the spirit of giving fabulous prizes to its customers. Atlantic Bank kicks off the season to be merry with their Bank Your Way This Christmas Promotion. In the promotion, customers will be able to win one of 16 fabulous prizes. [�]

Attempted arson in Benque
Benque Viejo Police are investigating an attempted arson after a 31-year-old waitress of San Jose, Succotz reported that a man she knows as Juanito Chi, who also resides in that village, tried to light her house on fire, early yesterday morning. Jaime Chuc told police that she was inside her [�]

Thieves make off with almost $4,000 worth of steel
45-year-old Ryan Gonzalez, a supervisor at RJB Construction, reported to police that sometime between Friday evening and early Saturday morning, 200 lengths of 3/8 steel, valued at $3,600, were stolen from the street side on Seashore Drive in Belize City. The steel was property of RJB and police are investigating the incident.

Belize City police find guns
While conducting an anti-drug operation on Sunday, members of the Precinct Two Strike Team Two and Special branch, made the discovery of two firearms in an abandoned lot on Iguana Street Extension. At around 10:14 a.m., officers found a 9 millimeter firearm with an extended clip containing six live rounds of [�]

Young man killed in Belmopan
Having received information of a shooting incident on Young Bank Road, Camalote Village, police visited the home of 35-year-old Eluterio Choc at around 8:05 Friday night, November 13th. When they arrived on the scene, officers saw the lifeless body of 16-year-old Ivan Choc, a resident of that same address, lying [�]

Panda's Bar in Orange Walk targeted
Two masked, armed thieves targeted the popular Panda's Bar sometime last night, authorities in Orange Walk said. According to the report, Ruby Zetina, a Belizean waitress at Panda's Bar that is situated opposite the Park on Queen Victoria Avenue, reported to police last night that while behind the [�]

Orange Walk police nab burglars suspected of string of crimes
Three male residents of August Pine Ridge Village have been arrested and charged for 'Aggravated Burglary' among other crimes committed. According to Orange Walk Police, 65-year-old Angel Maldonado, a Salvadoran national, and watchman of Camp 22, reported that last Friday while at a ranch that belongs to [�]

Conditions will become less moist and less unstable later today
The National Meteorological Service of Belize is predicting cloudy skies at times with some showers or periods of light rain mainly inland and in the north today, with showers becoming generally isolated tonight. The threat of flooding remains for low-lying areas of the country. Winds will be blowing from the [�]

Blogs

A Dangriga Pet Clinic: Animals in Need�So Many�And the Hopkins Humane Society
The amazing Hopkins, Belize Humane Society, a relatively tiny group spearheaded by superwoman Clara Lee, organizes free veterinary clinics a few times a year for areas that lack easy/free veterinary care. And there are many of them in Belize. This most recent string of clinics hit Hopkins, Maya Center Village, Dangriga (all in Southern Belize) and San Ignacio, Cayo - with a volunteer vet from Tucson teaming up local vets and volunteers to do check-ups, surgeries and as many spay/neuters as is humanly possible in a few days. I went down South to help out at the Dangriga clinic. Amanda, a volunteer from Texas who owns Swell Chick Photography, helped by heading out into Dangriga with another volunteer to find animals that needed help�

Oreo Churros
A beautiful viewer and subscriber who is now a friend makes Oreo Churros wit me. The hi-jinks in the kitchen were great and the churros are just divine.

What are the Best Places to Go Belize Scuba Diving?
Belize scuba diving is one of the best activities in the country. There are many Belize dive sites, but there are a handful of standouts. Read on as we discover the 5 best places to scuba dive in Belize. A couple of months ago, I was on a vacation in Belize and I befriended one of my neighbors who actually turned out to be a dive master. He works in a diving shop near the hotel I'm staying at. Being new to Belize and in scuba diving, I asked for lessons and tips about scuba diving in the country. I was particularly curious on where I can find the best places to scuba dive in Belize, and he recommended 5 places.

Placencia vs Hopkins - How to choose between them for your trip to Belize!
It is so hard to choose cities to visit in a country you have never been to, and you just can't get a real sense of a city until you visit yourself. I had driven through Hopkins a few times before and we decided to stay for a long weekend to get a better sense of what it is like, as we get many questions about the differences between Placencia and Hopkins. In general, you will read that Hopkins is a "sleepier" village, more rustic, and perhaps tourist wise, a bit behind Placencia. Some travelers choose Belize because they want to have an authentic experience, and do not want to feel like they just went to another all inclusive resort. I believe the average tourist will not feel that either place is TOO touristy--I mean really, it is very hard to find a place that has NO traveler comforts unless you are going wayyyy off the beaten path. Both if you are looking for a lot of warm interactions with locals, where the experience IS the village, there are no chains, plenty of local excursions and restaurants, but it is still safe, manageable, and you can get by with English, then you are headed to the right places. I added in a few pretty pictures of Hopkins to enjoy :) So, the comparison....

Northern Arizona University students are credited with helping to preserve archaeological sites in Belize
Northern Arizona University students are credited with helping to preserve archaeological sites in Belize and as a result, supporting the country's tourism economy, as part of a field study program with former Archaeology Director Jaime Awe. Fifteen undergraduates and four graduate students spent the summer months in Belize doing excavations, which included a structure at Xunantuknich. "This work not only conserves cultural heritage, but it also creates jobs, contributes to national identity and is educational", said Awe, who currently serves as an assistant professor of archaeology at the university. In addition to the archaeological tenets of excavation, the students learned about preservation. The Maya built with lime plaster, a combination of water and lime, which deteriorates when exposed to rain and algae. "When we discover fragile monuments, we make a fiberglass replica that covers the original, thereby preserving and protecting it", Awe said. "When you go to the sites, you cannot tell that you are looking at a replica."

International Sourcesizz

Mennonite Farmers Prepare to Leave Mexico, and Competition for Water
On the edge of a high plain fringed by craggy sandstone hills, Johan Friesen's small farm is a testament to the rural providence of his Mennonite people. Neat fields of onion, soybean and yellow corn stretch behind his concrete and adobe house. In the farmyard, a few dozen cows stand in a corral, ready for milking, and a canary-colored reaper awaits repair. But beneath this valley of orderly farms in the center of Chihuahua State, the picture is less than serene, officials and farmers say. Underground reservoirs have been drained by thirsty crops, like corn, that are the mainstay of the Mennonites' success, they say. Competition for groundwater - which officials have warned could run out in 20 years - has strained relations between the pacifist, Low German-speaking Mennonites and other farmers and, on occasion, incited violence. In Chihuahua, nearly a century after the Anabaptist Mennonites migrated from Canada and transformed this valley into a lush carpet of crops, hundreds are trading the land they call home for one where land is cheaper and water is more plentiful. In some ways, the Mennonites' migration is another turn of history. Those who moved to Mexico from Canada had fled persecution in Russia. Over the years, some settled in other parts of Mexico, and conservative groups broke from the Mexican colonies and moved to Bolivia, Paraguay and Belize.

Videos

  • Glovers Reef Excerpt, 1.5min. Science documentary shot in Belize, produced for Wildife Conservation Society. Sort excerpt used in trade show booth display.

  • , 11min. our AWESOME family trip to the western caribbean on the navigator of the seas!! august 15th-23rd 2015! saturday we flew to Houston TX and then sunday we boarded the cruise ship. monday was spent at sea, tuesday we toured some of the mayan ruins in Cozumel MX, wednesday we zip lined in Belize, thursday we scuba dived/snorkeled in Roatan Honduras. friday and saturday were spent at sea cruising back to TX, and sunday we flew back home to vegas.

  • LA CRUZE, 11min.

  • Flight into Belize 2015, 1min.

  • Weekend Rains, 6min.

  • Amazing Belize, 3min.

  • Belize - The Great Blue Hole, 6min. Diving the Belize Great Blue Hole Nov 2015. 1st dive boat to the site w/ Turneffe Island Resort Divers. Small group of us from Chicago, California, Austin, Ohio and Pennsylvania dove the Hole to depth ~130' for 30 minutes. We encountered Reef Sharks on our journey into the hole which is part of the Lighthouse Reef system. The hole is a large sinkhole that at one time was open to a large cave system at ~ 130 that was above the sea level ~10,000 yrs. ago. Over time, as sea levels rose, the caves filled in with water. Today you witness this stalactites and stalagmites that are over 20' some of which have broken off and rest at the btm in over 400' of water. Happy and Safe Diving to All this is a special dive worth the adventure.

  • $10 Lobsters in Caye Caulker Belize (Day 1), 4.5min. Here's our first day spent in Caye Caulker, Belize. Belize International Airport (BZE) , Caye Caulker , Tropical Paradise Hotel 1 , Enjoy Restaurant n' Bar , The Split

  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XuzFMcz88pw, 12min. Flying to BZE from CUK after heavy rains caused our scheduled flight to overfly CUK. Had to wait an hour for the next flight to come in after the storm passed to take us!

  • Weekend floods leave a number of families in shelters in southern Belize, 6min.

  • Belize, Xumantunich Maya ruins, ATM cave & Caye Caulker, 6min. Belize is a great place for diving and snorkelling.


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