The Guardian
Government bans offshore oil drilling
The Cabinet has approved a legal ban on offshore oil exploration in areas along the Belize Barrier Reef System, and within 7 world Heritage sites. It is a welcomed decision that has already been endorsed by conservationists, and specifically Oceana Belize, which has been one of the main organizations that has been pushing for it.
The Cabinet met on Tuesday, December 1, after the issue had been a matter for consideration for several months now. The Cabinet has agreed to ban offshore oil exploration in all 7 world Heritage Sites namely, the Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve and National Park, the Caye Caulker Marine Reserve and National Park, the Lighthouse Reef Natural Monument, the South Water Caye Marine Reserve, the Laughing Bird Caye National Park, the Glovers Reef Marine Reserve, and the Sapodilla Caye Marine Reserve. That's a total of 448 square miles, and in addition to that, Cabinet has also agreed to ban offshore exploration within one kilometer on either side of the Belizean Barrier Reef System, resulting in another 868 square miles of territorial waters getting protection under the offshore exploration. v
Investigation into Youth Hostel fire underway
Three Staffers at the Youth Hostel have been placed on administrative leave, and an independent investigation has been triggered following the deaths of 14 year old Elizabeth Mckoy, 16 year olds Shadisha Arnold and Anna Carlos. As has been widely reported, they perished in a fire which burnt down the building that they were padlocked in.
So, why were they barricaded in? Well, according to the head of the Hostel, they were part of a group of 4 girls who escaped the day before, on Friday, November 27. As part of the disciplinary protocol of the Hostel, they were confined to one of the 3 rooms in the building used to house female residents at the facility. They were kept there for a 24 hour period where certain privileges were taken away.
The suspicion is that a young girl with the lighter set fire to the pillow to create a distraction for the officer on duty. That would cause the officer to open the door and let them out, and while this officer was trying to put the fire out, they would have used the time to run away.
Guatemalan President visits the country of Belize's head of state
Guatemalan President Elect Jimmy Morales, who has become sort of infamous in Belize even before his official ascent to office, was in Belize on Saturday, November 28. He was here for a courtesy call on Prime Minister Dean Barrow as part of a Pre-Inaugural familiarization tour.
It would have been just as he had done in all the other countries he visited before coming to Belize, but instead several media houses publicly speculated that he would not. It has been well publicized in the local press that Morales made some worrying aggressive remarks during his campaign to win his first ever Presidential Elections. Had the President Elect's itinerary been actually researched, it would have been revealed that Morales had discussed a visit to Prime Minister Barrow with Belize's Ambassador to Guatemala, Alexis Rosado.
He arrived in Belize City, on Saturday, November 28, just after 12 a.m by a convoy which drove from across the border at Chetumal, Mexico. Before that he had been visiting with the Mexican President. He reportedly crossed the border at around 10 p.m., and took a two hour drive to the Radisson Hotel in Belize City. At around 9 a.m., Morales met with Prime Minister Barrow at his Coney Drive Office. An official press release from the Government says, "Prime Minister�Barrow� received President Elect�Jimmy Morales� In a cordial atmosphere, they both congratulated each other for their respective recent victories at the polls.
Shyne endorsed by PM Barrow
Moses "Shyne" Barrow is at this point in time fully engaged in the legwork that it takes to win a constituency convention as he is pounding the pavement knocking on individual doors in the Mesopotamia constituency. And as Shyne makes his way though the constituency he has the backative of his uncle, current Area Representative, Michael Finnegan.
Earlier this week, that support was bolstered by the support which was thrown behind him by the Prime Minister, and Shyne's father, Hon. Dean Barrow who has without reservation stated that "he has my blessing. He is my son and if that's what he chooses to do I will of course support him."
In politics support goes a long way especially from the higher echelons of the party but what goes further is the work that individual candidates put in. Speaking to the Guardian, Shyne explained that,"I don't want a free run, all I want is an opportunity." And the way in which Shyne has been moving, he does not only want an opportunity, he is going for it.
Inspiration Center launches Calendar and Agenda
Kim Simplis Barrow, Special Envoy for Women and children on Tuesday December 1, launched the 2016 Inspiration Calendar and Agenda. The event is one of the yearly fundraisers that is organized to help in the everyday operations of the institution.
As a collaborative effort, McNab designs produces the agenda and calendar for sale on a yearly basis and at the end of the year presents the proceeds of the sales to the Inspiration Center. This year, a check for $24 thousand dollars was handed over to Barrow as proceeds from sales. An additional $400,000 was also presented by Taiwan's Ambassador to Belize, H.E. Benjamin Ho which is support financing from the government of the Republic of China on Taiwan to the Inspiration Center.
Speaking on the contributions, Mrs. Barrow explained that the calendar is part of the Inspiration Center showcasing children with special needs and highlighting that they can actively participate in society. The paintings which are featured in the calendar are from children who seek services at the center and come up with them during the institution's yearly summer programs. Mrs. Barrow says that the calendar underscores that children with special needs who can be advocated for and have rights as well as talents to participate in society.
Emmerson Burke dies in traffic accident
Well known real estate broker, Emmerson Burke lost his life on Friday November 27. Reports by police indicate that on that day at about 6:08a.m. they visited an area on the Southern Highway between Bladden and Medina Bank Villages known as Machaca Creek where they found Burke's black Toyota Tundra pickup truck wedged into the guard rail of the highway. About 8 feet away from the driver's side door they found the body of Burke. He was lying face up and was apparently dead.
Reports are that Burke was travelling to a farm he has in the area when he lost control of his vehicle and crashed into the guard rail which penetrated through the front portion of the vehicle all the way to the tail gate.
Troy Treston Cole remanded for shooting at Gilroy Randolph Arnold
On Friday November 27, Troy Treston Cole, 26 appeared in Magistrate court after being accused of shooting at but missing Gilroy Randolph Arnold.
Cole who was unrepresented when he appeared before Senior Magistrate, Sharon Fraser where he was read a single charge of aggravated assault with a firearm upon Gilroy Randolph Arnold.
The incident is said to have occurred on Wednesday, November 25, 2015 on Bocotora Street in Belize City. Allegations being made by Arnold is that he was on the street when Cole approached him and with a firearm in his hand, open fire shooting several shots in his direction, luckily the shots missed him and he escaped harm.
Customs fines man thousands for contraband vegetables
It took the Customs Department some months to catch up with an Orange Walk businessman, 28 year old Sergio Chi, who was first caught back in July of this year with a little under $5,000 in uncustomed goods including 21 sacks of onions, 10 cases of tomatoes, 2 sacks of sweet peppers, 10 cases of corn flour and 4 sacks of cabbage, and in court, after he pleaded guilty to the charge, he was slapped with triple the value of the vegetables amounting to $13, 245.00 by Magistrate Deborah Rogers.
In July of this year, the matter first came up before the court after the department had first found him with the items and he agreed to settle the matter out of court but failed to do so the following day.
Since then Chi was nowhere to be found until a week ago when the customs department caught up with him and took him to court on Tuesday December 1.
Allegations are that on July 27, 2015, being the driver of a green GMC Safari van with license plate C-43928 he had in his possession, 21 sacks of onion, 10 cases of tomatoes, 2 sacks of sweet pepper, 10 cases of corn flour and 4 sacks of cabbages which when combined amounted to a market value of $4,450.
Court confiscates bail of accused after he refuses to show up in court
Aaron Flowers, 20, a Belize City resident who has a number of drug related offenses before the court, appeared before Magistrate Deborah Rogers accompanied by his attorney, Phillip Palacio on Wednesday December 2 to address the matter of him not showing up at court.
His attorney, Palacio told the court that his client told him that he could not walk and was for that reason unable to attend court. In June of this year, Flowers was shot and according to him, a bullet is lodged in his body.
He told Magistrate Rogers in court today that it has only been 3 to four weeks now since he has been able to walk properly but said that prior to that, he was unable to walk. But what disturbed the court was when the court prosecutor told the magistrate that he has seen Flowers on two occasions hanging out at different parts of the city. He said that on the second occasion, he was heading to the Fabers road police station when he spotted Flowers and by the time he got a mobile from the station to go pick him up, Flowers had disappeared from the area.
Murder in Ladyville
Kevin Peters, a reputed affiliate of the Taylor's Alley Gang, was murdered in front of his family's home in Ladyville on Thursday, November 26. He was socializing with his family and friends, and they were having a Thanksgiving get-together.
It happened at around 8:30 p.m. on Samuel Gray Street, in an area of Ladyville known as "Japan". That area has seen a lot of violent crimes in the past. Sources tell the media that on Thursday night, his sister, Carla Escarpeta, hosted a Thanksgiving dinner for the family, and he was invited. He reportedly ate with his family, socialized with a few friends, and shortly after that, went to buy marijuana for a smoke.
When he was returning home, he was just a few hundred feet from his sister's yard, when he reportedly stopped to finish his smoke. That's when an unknown assailant came up from behind and shot him at least 4 times. One of those injuries was to the abdomen, and reports are that the gunman ran off and made his escape.
Teenagers charged for killing businessman Rueben Perez
Two teenagers ages 18 and 19 are behind bars after being charged with the murder of businessman, Rueben Perez which occurred on Thursday, November 26, 2015 on Vernon Street in Belize City at his business.
After being in lock down since Friday evening, 19 year old Tyrone Reid, a Construction Worker of Cohune Street, Belmopan City and who once lived on Western Avenue in Belize City along with 18 year old Keon Dennison, of Dangriga Town are on remand at the Belize City prison. They were arraigned for the murder of Rueben Perez which occurred last week Thursday.
Surveillance footage at Perez' business place at the far end of Vernon street show that at around 3:00p.m. on Thursday two young men rode bicycles into the compound. After getting off their bicycles the men approached Perez who was seated inside his business. He met the men just as they entered the door and within seconds one of them pulled out a gun and pointed it at Perez. He attempted to struggle with the unarmed assailant but that was when he was shot by the other individual. He received a single shot to the neck which proved fatal.
Woman bailed after discharging firearm in casino
A female tour operator who police alleged was under the influence of alcohol when she discharged her licensed 380 firearm inside a casino on Caye Caulker was granted a $5,000 Supreme Court bail. Vanessa Medvedkov, 32, tour guide was granted bail after being charged with discharging a firearm in public, possession of a firearm whilst under the influence of alcohol and failure to provide specimen Medvedkov was granted at Supreme Court by Denis S. Hanomansingh when she appeared on Friday November 27th. Justice Hanomansingh offered her bail in the sum of $5,000 plus one surety of the same amount with conditions in which he ordered her to report to the Caye Caulker Police Station every Friday, between the hours of 7:30 a.m., and6:00 p.m., effective Friday, December 4, 2015. She must also attend all her court dates and be present at her next adjournment set for January 12, 2016. She was also ordered to surrender her travelling documents to the clerk of court as well as not interfere with any of the prosecution witness while she is out on bail.
Oceana supports government's ban on offshore drilling along barrier reef system
Oceana Belize applauds the announcement of the Government of Belize (GoB) today to permanently ban offshore oil exploration along the Belize Barrier Reef System and within the country's seven World Heritage Sites. With a moratorium on all offshore oil activity in Belizean waters already in place, this move represents a tremendous step forward for Belize and her people as, for the foreseeable future, Belize's entire marine area is protected from the inherent hazards of offshore oil.
The decision taken today by the GoB reflects recognition of what the people of Belize have been asking for years: the protection of job security, food security and cultural identity. From legal, economic, scientific and cultural perspectives, Belizeans agree offshore oil is a bad idea. We remain confident that the future will continue to reveal reasons why Belizeans should never risk our outstanding and globally unique resources with this type of activity. "This progress should be seen as a major accomplishment by and for the people of Belize," says Oceana's Vice President for Belize, Janelle Chanona. Oceana Belize looks forward to reviewing the details of the Barrow administration's plans, especially as it relates to the status of two marine protected areas not named in the release: the Turneffe Marine Reserve and the Port Honduras Marine Reserve.
PUP gives up on Petro Caribe challenge
The voters of Belize have spoken on all things governance, and on November 4, they endorsed the decisions of the Barrow Government. So, it comes as no surprise that the PUP's last political football has been deflated.
Julius Espat, the PUP Deputy Leader who sued Prime Minister Dean Barrow over the Petro Caribe spending, withdrew his lawsuit on Tuesday, December 1, the first of 2 days when the case was scheduled to have a full trial. Reporters showed up to court on Tuesday expecting, as they had read on the case schedule that Espat's lawsuit would have been heavily contested by the legal big guns of the two political parties. They made a grand show of it, taking an adversarial stance on all things Petro just for disagreement's sake.
Protesting or Posturing?
On Friday evening it was confirmed that President Elect Jimmy Morales would make his scheduled visit that night with the intent of paying a courtesy visit to the Prime Minister of Belize the Saturday morning around 10:30 am. No sooner was the word of that visit out when calls started to be made by COLA to those PROTESTUTES that are usually EMPLOYED at all previous COLA PROTESTS. Only this time there was a huge problem, there was no money to pay the Protestutes. So Geovanni the COLA man had to make the decision to go with who he had. By this time he had a huge crowd of FIVE (5) people, namely himself, Yaya Marin-Coleman, Rosalie Staines, Will Mehia and Patrick Rogers.
It seemed like not even those candidates who were a part of Rogers' slate in the election just a little over 3 weeks earlier wanted to join their Leader who had formed an alliance with Brackett. Well the G-5 hatched their plan on how to make a big splash to gain some sympathy and get seen first on social media then get their airtime on the talkshow circuit leading up to the TV News . They had to use the unsuspecting media houses who would be out a plenty on Saturday.
Somewhere under the Rainbow
There is a strange looking Christmas tree in Orange Walk in the Central Park. It resembles a Teepee like the types we used to see the Native American Indians use in those Cowboy Movies. There is one twist to this one though. This one has peculiar colors. It appears to have been made from a large RAINBOW COLORED FLAG.
We were made to understand that the tree construction was commissioned by the Orange Walk Mayor Kevin Bernard and paid for by the Town Board. Many Orange Walke�os have been going to the park to look at the strange looking structure to try and figure out what it is. Most of them have been heard hurling insults and profanities towards the direction of the Town Hall. Some of those I dare not put on paper.
Bleachers inaugurated in Bullet Tree Village
The BELIZE Natural Energy Charitable Trust is pleased to have partnered with the Bullet Tree Village Council and the Cayo North Sports Committee to fund the construction of two bleachers and two canopies. In May 2015, the Trust approved grant funding in the amount of $49,000 for this project. Construction started in June 2015 and took four months for completion.
Inauguration of the facility was held on Friday morning, November 27th, 2015 at the football field in the village of Bullet Tree. Hon. Dr. Omar Figueroa, Area Representative for Cayo North, delivered the keynote address.
Over the past decade, the village of Bullet Tree has been experiencing population growth and serves as the hub for sporting activities such as football and softball in the area. This growth has brought with it the need to improve and expand sporting facilities. The football field was being used for multiple sporting events that are played throughout the week and into the weekend. Unfortunately, the football field's seating arrangements were non-existent and made it challenging for families, the elderly and children to watch the activities for extended hours. It is expected that the facilities will provide sporting options for the youths and children of Bullet Tree Village.
Belmopan Bandits top seed into Premier League of Belize playoffs
The Premier League of Belize regular season for the Opening Season Tournament came to an end on Sunday 29 November, 2015 with a single game on the schedule out at the Norman Broaster Stadium in San Ignacio Town.
The only game played on the Sunday was between the Police United FC and the National Football Champions Verdes FC that ended in a 1-1 draw.
The home team Police United got on the scoreboard first when Harrison Roches scored the first goal of the game in the 62nd minute of play to give his team a 1-0 lead. However, the lead was short lived as the defending National Football Champions Verdes FC with a late surge was able to penetrate the Police United defence, which allowed Deon McCaulay to score the equalising goal in the 88th minute of play.
For Police United FC, it advance into the playoffs as the number two seed while the defending national Football champions Verdes FC advances as the number four seed into the playoffs.
Leslie's Imports/Belize City Council Pre-Christmas Race
The Cycling Federation of Belize in collaboration with Leslie's Imports and the Belize City Council will be holding its Pre-Christmas Race on Sunday 20 December, 2015.
The Elite Riders and the Master Riders race will commence at 9:00 am from the San Ignacio Town at the Police Station to Leslie's Imports at Mile 1 1/2 on the George Price Highway.
The station prizes locations for this event will be at the following points along the route: Go Slow, Belmopan Cut-Off, Beaver Dam Bridge, La Democracia and Hattieville.
In the Elite category, the first rider to cross the finish line will receive $700.00; second place will receive $400.00 and third place will receive $250.00.
In the Masters category, the first rider to cross the finish line will receive $300.00; second place will receive $200.00 and third place will receive $150.00.
Hattieville Government School girls and Burrell Boom Methodist boys win Belize Rural Zone Volleyball
The Belize Rural Primary School Volleyball elimination for zones 1, 2, 3 and 4 were held on Tuesday 1 December, 2015, at the Star's Volleyball Gym.
In the first game in the boys' competition, Hattieville Government School defeated Our Lady of Lourdes School by the score of 25-19 and 25-16.
In the second game in the boys' competition, Burrell Boom Methodist School defeated Lucky Strike Government School in two sets by the score of 25-17 and 25-15.
In the boys' championship game, Burrell Boom Methodist School defeated Hattieville Government School in two sets by the score of 25-18 and 25-16.
Full Recess
No matter from which angle I look at it, I cannot find a sensible reason why those five persons went to protest the visit of the president-elect of Guatemala. What purpose did the mini protest serve except to create a little bit of entertainment in the news and perhaps give topic for an editorial?
No one is denying that Guatemala has an unfounded and wearisome claim to our country, but this president is not the first nor will he be the last to take a bellicose stand on the issue during election time in that country. This claim has been there for over a century, and it simply refuses to go away, hanging there like a pesky mosquito buzzing behind our ears.
Creating a scene in front of a motorcade will not get us any nearer to finding a solution. After we gained our Independence, the problem became fully Belizeanized, and as a people we must make it a national issue with sober minds at the forefront of the effort for resolution.
If we were to look at the other side of the coin regarding the protest, how would we as a people feel if our Prime Minister was picketed during a diplomatic visit to another country? No matter what, save for having committed atrocious acts against humanity, our leaders represent us and we should lend them our solidarity when they go abroad. In that light, we must claim the same respect be given them as we give others when they visit.
Community service as a graduation requirement
Coming closer to the end of a school year, many students drive themselves insane, trying to debate the importance of graduation requirements instead of simply accepting them and finding a work place to get community service hours. Though some may question the value of this seemingly tedious task, community service is important for many reasons. Since not everyone takes initiative in volunteering and giving back to the community, it teaches compassion and understanding to those who lack such qualities. One of the greatest things about community service is that there are many opportunities and choices right in your neighborhood. You can volunteer for something you really believe and have an interest in, and can volunteer as much or as little as you'd like or have time for.
Students shy away from community service with the excuse of being stressed out from completing homework, studying for tests, and doing chores at home. However, many students fail to realize that on the weekends and within all the free time they have on their side, they could have been completing community service hours like they'd complete any regular assignment. Community service teaches the responsibility of time management, and it is not a complete waste of time. Since it mimics the reality of having a real job, students really learn how to complete tasks within a limited amount of time, and eventually learn how much of a burden procrastination can become.
East bound Westline Bus bursts into flames in Cayo
An east bound commuter bus filled with 40 men and 5 women from both Benque Viejo del Carmen and San Ignacio Town began experiencing mechanical problems around Orange Gallery on the George Price Highway in the Cayo District on Tuesday morning, after which it burst into flames. Fortunately, the passengers were able to alight the vehicle just in time and no one was injured.
The bus was making its regular run taking workers to the Santander sugar factory in the Banana Bank Area, when somewhere around 5:45 am and 6:00 am the driver felt the bus stalling, so he pulled to the right side at mile 60; just after the curve coming out of Unitedville and towards Belmopan. Owner of the Westline Bus, Sergio Chuc has explained to reporters that the driver at the time believed that the wheels had locked on him and that the friction between the brake lining, which was already too low, and other surfaces had started a small fire to the side of the bus. That fire also spread to the engine. Firemen responded to the incident, but the bus was already completely engulfed by flames. The driver then called his supervisor, who sent another bus 15 minutes later to pick up the passengers and take them to their destination.
Fund Raising Run from Belmopan to Santa Elena
A fund raising for the Belmopan Cancer Society BCS was held on Saturday morning November 21. As part of the fund raising, over 24 runners from Belmopan went along the George Price Highway, with a generous aim to reaching the Social Security building in Santa Elena Town, Cayo.
Waiting at the Social Security building in Santa Elena for over an hour was the Mayor of San Ignacio and Santa Elena, Earl Trapp Junior. In a brief ceremony to mark the occasion of the runners reaching their mark, Mayor Earl Trapp distributed limited edition awards that had been donated by his colleague in Belmopan, Mayor Khalid Belisle.
"I am honored to have been given the opportunity to issue these medals," Mayor Earl Trapp told the exhausted runners," who had just a few minutes earlier traversed over a long stretch of asphalt.
"I encourage everyone to come together, united in trying to provide or get a better service and support for the people that are suffering today [with cancer]," he said.
Fire suppressants to be put in place at the Youth Hostel
There have been criticism of the National Fire Service and their response to the fire which claimed the lives of 3 girls at the Youth Hostel. The bosses at the Fire Department assert that the firefighters did their very best.
The first issue raised is that the fire trucks arrived late, half an hour after the fire had been lit. The fire was reported to them at 2:34 p.m. on Saturday, about 4 minutes or so after the blaze had been lit. The truck from Belize arrived at the scene and got into operation at around 3:05 p.m. It had to travel 21 miles to get the Hostel because there is no Fire station that could have responded from a closer area. By the time they arrived, the fire was already in the free burn stage, and the firefighters were already taking on a losing battle.
The Station Manager of the Belize National Fire Service conceded to the media that the first truck ran out of water at the scene, and the firefighters had to try to find other sources of water. They unloaded the 700 gallons that the truck arrived with and 2 more trucks were brought in. They could not use the water from the nearby stream, which was pumping sediments into the truck's tank.
A plea for the Youth Hostel
The tragic death of three young girls, Anna Melinda Carlos, 14; Elizabeth McCoy, 14; Shadisha Arnold, 16; has led to much finger pointing in many quarters but the loss of the young ladies' lives has led the Chief Executive Officer in the ministry of Human Development, Judith Alpuche to call out on the entire public to assist.
In an interview conducted by the Press Office Alpuche explained that she was intrigued by the Facebook comments on the entire situation and more so about the skill sets that people had and she is now inviting those people to be a part of the solution to an ongoing problem. She stated that, " I saw people commenting about the skill sets that they had; like there were psychologist with experience in dealing with this population, lawyers, doctors etc., and that's what we need. We need more skills. We need more energy and more skills to accelerate this process that we are pushing towards and determine to see happen.
San Ignacio Police start active patrols
On Tuesday the San Ignacio Police Formation began active police patrols in the Santa Cruz, Santa Elena, Kontiki and Santiago Juan Layout as part of its Christmas Anti Crime Campaign. As the Police do their part to keep us safe, Deputy Officer in Charge Reymundo Reyes says we can also do our part in being safe.
It is during the Christmas Season that members of families travel abroad or go to a different District for an extended time. Reymundo Reyes suggests that we should leave someone that we trust to be in charge of the house or sleep therein while we are away.
From his many years of experience in policing, Reymundo Reyes says criminals study our travelling to and fro,
"Criminals actually study your movement�they know who you are�," he says.
Agreement on Cooperation in "Genetic Improvement in Sheep and Goat Project between Belize-Taiwan"
The "Genetic Improvement for Sheep and Goat Breeding Belize-Taiwan Project" was signed on December 2, 2015 by Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Gaspar Vega in his capacity as Minister for Agriculture and the Ambassador of the Republic of China(Taiwan) H.E. Mr. Benjamin Ho. The main objectives to be accomplished through the project are as follows:
1. Improvement and development of the National Small Ruminant Center at Central Farm.
2. Introduction of quality breeding stocks and renew breeding stock so as to improve the productivity of stock.
3. The capacity building and technical training of the Ministry's livestock technicians and officers, and the small ruminant producers in the country including the establishment of a traceability registry for the herd.
Sheep and goat production have tremendous growth opportunity on the national market but also on the regional export market. This project will complement other ongoing initiatives and place the industry on a firm footing for development. In particular the traceability/registry component will provide the base on which an export market could develop.
Tilapia Farming for Cayo
A one day Tilapia Farming Workshop was held on Wednesday November 25 at a Belize and Taiwanese built Tilapia Hatchery Center in Central Farm. In opening the workshop, the Director of the Central Farm Research and Innovation Center told the participants, "�be prepared to be exicited, challenged and inspired."
An introduction to the Government of Belize and Republic of China Aquaculture Project was provided by its coordinator, Miguel Sosa. He explained to farmers, students and businessmen that the GOB-ROC Aquaculture Project started in 2012 and ends in 2017, with a budget of USD $2,500,000 to operate on.
The plan for the hatchery in Central Farm is to have the capacity to produce one million fingerlings, deriving from its 16 concrete tanks and 16 earthen ponds. These are coming to closer reality thanks to funding from the Taiwan Economic Development Fund based in Taipei. As from 1996, the Government of Taiwan had decided to create the International Cooperative and Development Fund (Taiwan ICDF) and has so far carried out 155 projects at the Global level.
Drug plane lands and is burnt
Police Investigators from the West are trying to figure out the users and cargo of a mystery plane that was found burnt in an area west of Spanish Lookout. Information reaching the police and the press is that the plane was heard circling over Spanish Lookout without lights at around 1:30 a.m. on Tuesday, December 1. As soon as the day light hours arrived, it was found on a farm road in the Green Hills, near Aguacate Creek. It was completely destroyed.
What the police are pretty certain of is that it did not crash-land, and no one died. Rather, police believe that this was a drug plane that was abandoned and deliberately set ablaze. The state authorities from Police and Civil Aviation were called in, and they determined that it was a single engine Cessna 210 aircraft. Beyond that, the wreckage is too damaged to allow for any other details to be discoverable. The suspicion at this time is that this plane was used to transport drugs, most-likely across the Guatemalan border, which is not that far from Aguacate Creek.
This destruction confirms to police that whatever the cargo was must have been more valuable, and that the persons who were inside probably torched the plane to destroy evidence.
Businesswoman must pay fine for not filing GST
A businesswoman who failed to pay 3 months of GST must now pay the court $1,500 plus $5.00 in fines after she pleaded guilty to three counts of not filing GST.
Esela Simmons, 50, of 11 Freetown Road, appeared before Magistrate Deborah Rogers to answer to three counts of failure to file GST reports. She pleaded guilty to the three counts and was fined.
Allegations being made by the GST office against Simmons is that for the months of June, July and August, 2015, she fail to file GST reports. Simmons tried to explain that when she fail to do so, she visited the office where she spoke with a woman and she explain to her that she did the filing but saved it on her flash drive and that she lost the flash drive and could not relocate it in time to make a payment for those months.
She told Magistrate Rogers that in her conversation with the woman, she was told to bring in the payments as soon as she found the information so she was of the view that it was ok until she got a summons to report to court for the charge.
Businessman busted with .22 gun
Businessman, Nayef Khodr Agha, 33, a Belizean national of #5655 Lizarraga Avenue, Kings Park Area, Belize City was remanded to the Belize Central Prison after police allege they busted him at his home with a .22 pistol and 1 live round.
He appeared on Monday November 30 at the Belize City Magistrate's Court of newly appointed Magistrate, Carlon Mendoza where he was read two criminal offenses for gun related offenses.
Agha who claimed he is being represented by attorney, Dickie Bradley appeared alone in court and when the charges were read to him he pleaded not guilty.
Allegations are that on Friday, November 27, 2015, while at his Lizarraga Avenue home, he was found in possession of a chrome in colour .22 pistol with markings Bersa Thunder, along with a .22 chrome in colour ammunition with the letter C on the base of the round.
Russell Hyde Junior granted Supreme Court bail
On Friday November 27 Russell Hyde Junior of Roaring Creek Village appeared in Supreme Court where he was granted bail by Supreme Court judge, Denis S. Hanomandsingh.
Russell Hyde Junior and 18 year old Justin Banner were jointly charged with the offense of having in their possession ammunition without being granted a gun license.
Allegations against the two are that on November 4, 2015, whilst at Sunview Hotel Room #5, on Morrison Avenue, Belmopan City, Cayo District, they kept, 2-9 mm live rounds Aquila brand ammunition and 1 GLF 9 mm live rounds of Lugar ammunition for which a gun license was not granted to them.
On Friday before Justice Hanomansingh, his attorney, Senior Counsel, Ellis Arnold was successful in getting him bailed in the sum of $5,000 plus one surety of the same amount. He is now to report to the Belmopan Police Station every Friday, effective Friday, December 4, 2015 between the hours of 7:30 - 6:00 p.m., until his matter is concluded. He was also ordered to make sure he appears before the Belmopan Supreme Court on his next court adjournment date which is December 18, 2015. He must also surrender his travelling documents.
Murder in Ladyville
Kevin Peters, a reputed affiliate of the Taylor's Alley Gang, was murdered in front of his family's home in Ladyville on Thursday, November 26. He was socializing with his family and friends, and they were having a Thanksgiving get-together.
It happened at around 8:30 p.m. on Samuel Gray Street, in an area of Ladyville known as "Japan". That area has seen a lot of violent crimes in the past. Sources tell the media that on Thursday night, his sister, Carla Escarpeta, hosted a Thanksgiving dinner for the family, and he was invited. He reportedly ate with his family, socialized with a few friends, and shortly after that, went to buy marijuana for a smoke.
When he was returning home, he was just a few hundred feet from his sister's yard, when he reportedly stopped to finish his smoke. That's when an unknown assailant came up from behind and shot him at least 4 times. One of those injuries was to the abdomen, and reports are that the gunman ran off and made his escape.
Belize Elementary School girls and boys to represent Belize District in National Volleyball
The Belize District Primary Schools Volleyball Competition came to an end today at the Star's Gym in Belize City.
In the first game in the girls' competition, Holy Redeemer School defeated San Pedro Roman Catholic School in two sets by the score of 25-15 and 25-3.
In game two, Belize Elementary School defeated Hattieville Government School in two sets by the score of 25-16 and 25-21.
In the girls' championship game, Belize Elementary School defeated Holy Redeemer School in two sets by the score of 29-27 and 25-23 to capture the Belize District championship.
Meanwhile, in the boys' competition, and in the first game played, Holy Redeemer School defeated Burrell Boom Methodist School by the score of 25-13 and 25-15.
In the second game in the boys' competition, Belize Elementary School defeated San Pedro Roman Catholic School in two sets by the score of 25-14 and 25-22.
Central Region Secondary Schools Basketball regular competition ends
The 2015-2016 Central Region Secondary Schools Basketball regular competition came to an end on Monday 1 December, 2015, with one game played at in the male category.
In the game played, Gwen Lizarraga High School defeated St. John's College by the score of 60-58. The top scorers for Gwen Lizarraga High School were Keyvon Evans with 24 points and Raheem Baptist with 11 points.
For St. John's College, the top scorers were Jahson Phillips with 21 points and Brian Sutherland with 13 points.
On Saturday 28 November, 2015, in the female game, Maud Williams High School defeated Gwen Lizarraga High School by the score of 18-13. The top scorer for Maud Williams High School was Latifa Ferguson with 11 points, while the top scorers for Gwen Lizarraga High School were Armani Bradley and Essenie Vernon with 4 points each.
Hattieville Government School girls and Burrell Boom Methodist boys win Belize Rural Zone Volleyball
The Belize Rural Primary School Volleyball elimination for zones 1, 2, 3 and 4 were held on Tuesday 1 December, 2015, at the Star's Volleyball Gym.
In the first game in the boys' competition, Hattieville Government School defeated Our Lady of Lourdes School by the score of 25-19 and 25-16.
In the second game in the boys' competition, Burrell Boom Methodist School defeated Lucky Strike Government School in two sets by the score of 25-17 and 25-15.
In the boys' championship game, Burrell Boom Methodist School defeated Hattieville Government School in two sets by the score of 25-18 and 25-16.
In the girls' competition, Hattieville Government School defeated Burrell Boom Methodist School in two sets by the score of 27-25 and 26-24.
Breaking Belize News
Cahal Pech welcomes Copa Airlines inaugural flight to Belize
Copa Airlines, Panama's leading airline, will have its inaugural flight touch down in Belize Tuesday, December 8th and will now be offering flights to Belize for its passengers as part of its expansion efforts. Lloyd Alvarez, Cahal Pech Village Resort Reservations Manager, who has been working [�]
Belize Resort Receives Green Globe Sustainability Tourism Certification
The Chabil Mar resort on the Placencia peninsula has been awarded Green Globe certification, an international distinction given to prestigious resorts around the world for commitment to sustainable eco-tourism practices. "This has already been a banner year [�]
New Church Senator wants to bridge divide among Evangelicals
There are now two Evangelical associations in Belize. The new group, the National Evangelical Association of Belize (NEAB) left behind the Belize Association of Evangelical Churches (BAEC), accusing it of being unwilling to finalize a constitution that would make the BAEC more representative of [�]
SMART launches first 4G LTE network in Belize
Telephone provider SMART says that in two weeks' time, ten days before Christmas, it will unveil its gift for the people of Belize. It's not double-triple credit or even lower prices for calls, but it may be even better: Belize's first fourth-generation, or 4G, long-term [�]
Caribbean Examination Council top students praised by Prime Minister, Education Minister
Belize's top awardees in the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) were honoured last week. Their fellows from around the Caribbean have come here for the annual meetings of the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) and award ceremony for their [�]
Mek Mi Rich goes to court
Entrepreneur Curtis Swasey says executives of Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) used his unique idea for a lottery texting program via short message service (SMS) to underline the Mek Mi Rich television program Since February of this year, producers MMR Belize Limited and the state-run telephone [�]
Teenager pleads guilty to firearm possession
Eighteen year old Richard Bennett Jr., one of 7 persons charged with keeping a prohibited firearm and keeping ammunition without a gun license, pleaded guilty to the charges when he appeared today before Magistrate Carlon Mendoza. Bennett was sentenced to 3 years for the firearm [�]
Father pleads guilty to assault of relative
A concerned father went after his daughter's boyfriend because he could not find her after she told him she was going out to a game and then to a movie. He now owes the courts $700 and costs. Zane Perriott pleaded guilty to common assault of [�]
Civil Aviation to invest over $10 million in air traffic control upgrades
Remember the air traffic controllers who called in sick one Saturday at the Philip Goldson International Airport in Ladyville? They had been protesting poor working conditions and lack of proper equipment, including long shifts at the tower. In response, negotiations with the workers and [�]
Civil Aviation joins drug plane investigation
The Department of Civil Aviation has joined in on the investigation into the landing of the Cessna 210 found burnt and abandoned this week in Spanish Lookout's Green Hills section. Police have confirmed that illicit cargo, possibly drugs, were being transported in it but [�]
Police Torch Run continues in support of Special Olympics
The police department continued its annual Law Enforcement Torch Run today. The Law Enforcement Torch Run is a program where law enforcement agencies "fundraise and bring awareness to the community on Special Olympics Belize," says Sergeant Elroy Carcamo, Officer in Charge of community policing for the [�]
San Pedro woman stabbed multiple times after refusing man sex
San Pedro Police visited the island's polyclinic around 11:00 p.m. on Monday after receiving reports of an incident in which 35-year-old clothes vendor, Abigail Lopez, was stabbed to several parts of her body. Upon arrival, officers saw Lopez bleeding from wounds to the face, neck and chest area. She stated [�]
Unskilled labor force hindering Belize's economic growth
In an ever growing and increasingly competitive workforce influenced by globalization, it is imperative that Belize make the necessary investments to foster a more skilled labor force, capable of doing 21st century jobs and able of meeting the demands of modern industries. The Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB) [�]
The Tree in Central Park, Moving Town Vendors & THE Holiday Boat Parade!
Yesterday was a beautiful day in San Pedro, Belize. So pretty, that while we were out driving to town, a crocodile was just slowing making his way north�just paddling along. Almost�cute�
I must be in the Christmas spirit!
Town was hopping with visitors and change. The town tree is going up�sponsored, I believe, by Bowen & Bowen.
And the town palapa is coming down - I have heard that palapa material is now banned in the town center due to flammability. So perhaps a new roof is going up? That covered area is used quite a bit�
The tree is looking good!
You will notice, in the picture above, that there are no street vendors on the street side. NONE! All have been shifted to the beach. (And you can read the master plan and the decision process in the San Pedro Sun. The Town Council has been talking about this for years.)
International Sources
Costa Rica in talks with Belize over plight of Cuban migrants
Costa Rican authorities are negotiating with their counterparts in Belize over the possible entry of thousands of Cuban migrants en route to the United States after Guatemala earlier denied access to its territory.
Since neighbouring Nicaragua shut its border on Nov. 15 to the migrants, more than 4,000 Cubans have been crowded along the Costa Rica's northern border as the multi-national diplomatic row deepened.
"Belize should analyse the situation and take action," Costa Rican Foreign Minister Manuel Gonzalez told reporters on Thursday, adding that he did not expect a response from Belmopan until next week at the earliest.
Belize Prime Minister Dean Barrow is set to meet with his cabinet next Tuesday.
If the negotiations are successful, the Cuban migrants would enter Belize via a so-called air bridge, and the migrants may have to foot the bill for the flights.
Belize Ends Telecom And Electricity Investor Suits For $67M
The government of Belize has agreed to pay $67.5 million to local and international investors of its nationalized telecoms and electricity providers ending a long running dispute over the validity of the nationalization, with further compensation expected as additional investor claims are considered in UNCITRAL arbitration.
Debevoise & Plimpton LLP, which represented investors of Belize Telemedia Ltd. in Britain, Canada and Belize, including the British Caribbean Bank, said in a Wednesday statement on the finalized settlement that litigation between investors and the government had been "hard...
Skipton DJ Connor Holliday tracks the enemy in Belize
A SOLDIER who spins the music tracks in a Skipton club has been tracking the 'enemy' in the jungles of Belize.
Lance Corporal Connor Holliday, 24, of the Coldstream Guards, put his love of DJ-ing on pause for two months' training with the Belize Defence Force (BDF) as part of Exercise Mayan Warrior.
Some 392 troops of 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards, which recruits from the North East and South West, have been dodging venomous snakes, battling through heavy rains and blazing sun during October and November. They have been training with around 100 of their counterparts in the BDF.
But when Lance Cpl Holliday's not in combat or guarding one of the Royal palaces - part of the Coldstreamers' ceremonial role - he's at the frontline of delivering house and techno to revellers at The Venue in Skipton, and he's looking for a bigger break.
Caye Chapel in Belize: The ultimate paradise in the Caribbean
Greg Norman, the famous golf champion and designer of some of the best golf courses in the world, visited Caye Chapel Island in Belize to announce he will be designing the 18-hole golf course of this spectacular resort, located in the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean. Norman spoke in the presence of the First Lady of Belize, Kim Simplis Barrow; Manuel Heredia, Minister of Tourism; Tracey Taegar-Pantom, Minister of Investments; other representatives of the federal and local government, and special invited guests.
Caye Chapel will be the most exclusive and spectacular tourist destination in Latin America. This 280-acre island, located only 11 kilometers from Belize City, will offer breathtaking lots and beachfront houses. It will also offer a luxury hotel with over-water bungalows, a private landing strip that allows for arrivals within minutes to the island from the international airports of Belize and San Pedro, and an outstanding marina that holds yachts up to 140 feet. Surrounding the marina is a select mix of stores, restaurants and bars that will create a unique business center in the area, and an incomparable golf course that only an island like Caye Chapel can offer.
Central American army praise Otley soldier's training regime
AN OTLEY soldier's fitness regime could end up being adopted by a Central American army.
The Belize Defence Force (BDF) have been so impressed by Army Physical Training Instructor Lance Sergeant Sebastian Bentley's example they are considering rewriting their exercise programme.
The 27-year-old has been carrying out physical training instruction for the Force and British soldiers for Exercise Mayan Warrior, a two-month programme involving 392 troops.
Lance Sgt Bentley, who is in the Grenadier Guards, has been toughening the BDF's personal fitness programme, for example by adding a 35lb weight to their two and three-mile runs, like they do in the UK.
He has also been advising them on technique and how to best focus their training.
Not enough gender analysis in policy design and resource allocation, says Caribbean study
There is greater need for polices that increase productivity across the private sector, and which place special emphasis on women-owned businesses. This, as the results of an Inter-American Development Bank/Compete Caribbean study show that women-owned firms across the Caribbean are characterised by lower-levels of productivity than male-owned firms.
The results were disclosed during a four-day workshop on Integrating Gender Analysis in Caribbean Trade and Economic Growth Programmes, hosted by the Caribbean Development Bank, CDB, at its headquarters in Barbados. Compete Caribbean is a private sector development program, and projects in the OECS countries are implemented in partnership with CDB.
Videos
UNTOLD STORIES DECEMBER 3, 2015, 38min.
Empowerment Show Spiritual Restoration Dec 3rd 2015, 28min.
TEDx Belize 2015, 1.5min.
Alex & Leah - Belize Camping Experience Report, 5.5min.
Sailing with dolphins in Belize, 2min. Dolphins people watching.
Scuba Diving the Great Blue Hole, Belize, 6min. We plunged 150' into deep blue to explore the stalactites and geologic markings of the Great Blue Hole in Belize.
Belize, 5min. Official CAS 100 Belize Project Video.
Belize Snorkeling Hol Chan, 7min.
Shark Ray Alley in the Hol Chan Reserve, Belize, 4min. Nurse Sharks and sting rays.
Tango in Belize, "Dance X BZ 2015", Leonardo D'Aquila and Antonia Lema, 3.5min. Bailarines de Eneik Tango representando a la Rep�blica Argentina en el festival internacional de danzas "Dance x bz 2015" de Belice, dentro del marco del festival, los maestros Leonardo D'Aquila y Antonia lema brindaron clases de tango en Belice junto a otros grupos invitados de otros pa�ses.
AmbergrisCaye.com 
