Channel 5
David Nanes Dominates Debate During House Meeting
The house met today in Belmopan for the approval of more than forty million dollars being spent in three months but it is the curious tale of multi-millionaire fugitive David [...]
PM Admits Nanes Debacle Has Created Tension with Mexico
But speaking on a more serious note, P.M. Barrow expressed that he greatly regrets the Nanes situation which has created some tension with our northernmost neighbour who had requested the [...]
PM Addresses Corruption in Immigration
After that apology of sorts to Mexico, P.M. Barrow also embarked on a variation of his infamous 'for God's sake stop it' exhortation, and again…the issue is corruption in immigration [...]
$44.7 Million in Petrocaribe Money, Was It Used for Electioneering?
Today's sitting of the House of Representatives was the last of this year, and the one usually reserved for the only bit of goodwill and cheer ever seen in that [...]
Opposition Chides Barrow Administration on Distribution of Flood Relief Funds
While there is some issue from the Opposition on the use of more than four million dollars on quote unquote flood relief just before elections, a major point of contention [...]
Toledo West Area Rep Comes Out Swinging on Flood Relief Efforts
The always feisty member for Toledo West, Oscar Reque�a was on fire this morning, claiming that while Belize City residents got stoves and refrigerators, all the people of Toledo got [...]
Is Belize Prepared for Mass Cuban Influx?
Costa Rican and Belizean officials are in negotiations over the fate of thousands of Cuban refugees stranded in Costa Rica for weeks where they were detained as they made their [...]
PM Says There Are More Questions Than Answers
According to the Prime Minister, there are more questions than answers and a whole lot of verification that would need to be done. One question which immediately arises, says the [...]
New Allegations of Immigration Hustle in Bella Vista
G.O.B. has come under intense scrutiny for the fact that when fugitive David Schnitzer Nanes was caught and released he had every form of Belizean I.D. it is possible to [...]
More from PM on Immigration Fiasco
As you saw, when the Prime Minister was protected by the parliamentary privilege afforded in the House, he was quick to make a connection between the alleged Immigration scam artist [...]
Psychologist Florence Dillett Joins Investigation into Deadly Hostel Fire
Three young girls perished in a fire at the Princess Royal Youth Hostel seven days ago. The details provided so far are less than convincing and questions continue to linger [...]
Couple Attacked, Wife Sexually Assaulted During Home Invasion in Burrell Boom
Police are investigating a home invasion that occurred on Thursday night in Burrell Boom, Belize District. The residence of the Honorary Counsel of Lebanon and businessman Sarkis Abou Nehra was [...]
Fire in San Pedro Guts Two-storey Building
Authorities on San Pedro Ambergris Caye are trying to determine the cause of a fire that completely destroyed a two-storey building in the island.� The fire started shortly after two [...]
Women Caught Stealing Underwear are Granted Bail
Two women who were captured on surveillance camera footage stealing more than two hundred pieces of underwear are out on bail. Donela Smith and Johny Netty Lopez were seen stealing [...]
Cost of Local Sugar to Increase in January
The price of white sugar on the domestic market will increase from fifty cents per pound in January 2016. A Statutory Instrument was signed today setting the maximum price to [...]
Sugar Crop Scheduled to Begin on December Seventh
The C.E.O. also provides an update in respect of sugar industry. A new crop season begins this Monday. � Via Phone: Jose Alpuche, C.E.O., Ministry of Agriculture "As they said [...]
Regional CXC Awards Ceremony Held in Belize
This week, top achievers from the Caribbean have been in Belize to be recognized for their impressive performances at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) C.X.C.� An award ceremony paying [...]
47th Meeting of CXC Concludes at the Radisson
A press conference following the meeting of the Caribbean Examinations Council was held this afternoon at the Radisson.� While the panel gave an update on matters that were discussed during [...]
LOVE FM
Costa Rica Asks Belize for Help with Cuban Immigrants
Thousands of Cubans are currently displaced after making a failed attempt at reaching the United States on the backdrop of the Cold War Era Policy whereby the US accepts them once they set foot on US soil. Almost four thousand Cubans are currently in Costa Rica and Panama but they are facing difficulties as Guatemala [�]
Estate of Lebanon's Honorary Consul General Invaded Again
Almost ten years ago, the home of the Honorary Consul General of Lebanon, located on the Bermudian Landing Road just outside of Burrell Boom Village in the Belize District, was invaded by armed robbers. Tonight, it is like history repeating itself only that this time there were eight armed men who invaded the estate between [�]
Fire on Ambergris Caye Destroys 2-Storey Structure
Just after two o'clock this afternoon there was a fire on Ambergris Caye in which an abandoned building near the beach became engulfed in flames. The San Pedro Fire Department was notified and responded immediately to the scene, right next to the Crazy Canucks Sports Bar near Coconut Drive. The two-storey structure that was destroyed [�]
Two Minors from Children's Home Go Missing
Two minors who were in the care of the Dorothy Menzies Children's Home in the Kings Park Area, Belize City, have been reported missing. According to the police blotter, the 11-year-old boy and girl were sent to school with the other children, as per the norm, yesterday morning at around eight o'clock. When the van [�]
Dillett Joins Nicholas in Hostel Fire Investigation
It has been less than a week since the tragedy unfolded leaving three young girls burnt and creating outrage from the public as well as myriad questions. Monday morning saw the administration of the Youth Hostel where the fire occurred, sitting at the head table of a press conference along with the Minister and the [�]
Traffic Incident Injures Four on Southern Highway
Four persons were involved in a traffic accident last night on the southern highway. Correspondent Harry Arzu reports.
Belize Hosts Governance Meetings of CXC
Belize is the only Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) participating country in Central America and our country has been selected to host the 2015 annual governance meetings of CXC. The CXC governance meetings are held annually in one of the CXC participating countries. The meeting of the School Examinations Committee took place yesterday in Belize City [�]
Youth Awards Gala Comes Together with DYS and Love Foundation
To end the celebrations of Youth Week, the Department of Youth Services along with the Love Foundations have come together, once again to hold the National Youth Awards Gala at the Belize Biltmore Plaza in Belize City. Tonight's show, which starts at seven o'clock, seeks to recognize the outstanding achievements of several young persons in [�]
PlusTV
Contraband Cigarettes from Free zone confiscated in Chetumal
Federal Police in Mexico have confiscated a truckload of contraband cigarettes they say are from Belize's Free zone. The large white cargo truck was speeding down the highway and police began following it. When the truck stopped at a gas station to refuel, the police approached the truck only ...
Escaped prisoner still on the run
Police are still trying to locate 27-year-old Lawrence Bernardez of Lakeland area Dangriga. As we told you yesterday, Bardalez escaped from police custody while being transported to the Hattieville Prison on Wednesday December 2. Bernardez, was along with fellow prisoners Eden Guzman and Daniel McKe...
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 chu...
Top CXC candidates visit Belize
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 to Belize for the annual meetings of the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) and award ceremo...
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 and 5 years for the ...
693g of Cannabis found
The North Side Strike team in Belize City found 693 g of Cannabis. Today, the 3rd of December, members of the Team conducted a search in an open lot located on Kelly Street where they found a black plastic bag containing 496 grams of Cannabis. Further searches of the empty lot led to the discovery o...
Belize City resident charged with drug trafficking
A Belize City resident was found with 65g of Cannabis. Today, the 3rd December, members of the North Side Strike team were conducting mobile patrols on Pitts Alley, when their attention was drawn to Albert Ford, who at the time was holding a plastic bag. When the Ford saw the police, he threw away t...
The Reporter
PM says GOB will consider helping Cuban immigrants
Following an appeal by the Government of Costa Rica, Prime Minister Dean Barrow says he is willing to consider the issue facilitating the passage of some 4000 Cuban immigrants through Belize to help them get to the United States. Barrow said on Friday that he [�]
House of Representatives gets down to business
The House of Representatives gathered on Friday for its first official meeting since the inaugural ceremony. Amidst the traditional political back and forth between the incumbent and the opposition, government tabled a number of Bills, including: a motion to enter into a loan agreement with the [�]
Barrow to hand over Queen Square to Sister B
Denise “Sister B” Barrow, the younger sister of Prime Minister Dean Barrow, will likely inherit the Queen Square Division from him when he leaves politics at the end of the 2015/1520 term. The Prime Minister confirmed the report to the media during a joint […]
MOH holds training for nurses
The Ministry of Health (MOH), along with several international organizations, hosted a sub-regional workshop for nursing educators in Belize on Monday. The workshop was organized with the aim to review, update and develop a plan of action for nursing and midwifery practicioners. The workshop, in […]
Belize observes World AIDS Day 2015
This week countries around the world, including Belize, joined together to observe World AIDS Day under the theme "Getting to Zero", symbolizing the global target to have zero new HIV infections by 2030. The Ministry of Health, through its various departments, and several of its […]
EDC to lead development of transportation master plan
It is likely safe to assume that most business professionals, academics and policy makers would agree that the "school is out" on whether or not there is a positive link between infrastructure development and a country's overall economic growth. More specifically, some studies have (including Bom and Ligthart, 2009) gone […]
Taiwan's Magnificent Gesture:+ donation to the Inspiration Center
Taiwan's Ambassador to Belize, H.E. Benjamin Ho, on bahalf of his government, has made a $400,000 donation to Special Envoy for Women and Children, Kim Simplis Barrow, for the community-based rehabilitation (CBR) program at the Inspiration Center. The donation was presented during a ceremony on […]
Bus with passengers erupts in flames
Passengers aboard a West Line Bus on Tuesday morning had a terrifying experience as the bus suddenly erupted in flames near mile 60 on the George Price highway. According to Manager of the West Line Bus Company, Usbaldo Castillo, the bus was transporting workers that […]
Belize and Taiwan team up to improve sheep and goat farming
Belize is looking toward creating a viable export market for sheep and goats, after the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry and Sustainable Development and the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) signed a project agreement this week. Minister of Agriculture Gaspar Vega and the […]
Party condemns GSU for ‘excessive use of force’ against protesters ppppppdemonstrators
The Belize Progressive Party (BPP) has condemned the Gang Suppression Unit (GSU) for what it describes as excessive use of force against unarmed Belizeans who gathered to peacefully protest Guatemalan-President-elect Jimmy Morales’ visit to Belize. The BPP described the actions carried out by the GSU […]
Youth caught with TEC-9 Family escapes serious jailtime
A Belize City family, including an elderly woman and children, has been spared serious jailtime for possession of a TEC-9 submachine gun after a teenage member of the family claimed sole responsibility for the outlawed weapon. On Thursday, 18-year-old Richard Mervin Bennett Jr; along […]
Barranco hosts first Andy Palacio music festival
Celebrated Punta Rock legend, Andy Palacio, will be honoured posthumously in his home village of Barranco, Toledo this weekend with the first ever Andy Palacio Music Festival, in commemoration of his birthday on December 2nd. The event is a partnership between the Wagiya Foundation […]
Proposed new bill will protect the Geographic ID of Belizean products
The Ministry of Economic Development, Petroleum, Investment, Trade and Commerce, this week, held a validation workshop for a proposed Bill to protect the Geographical Indicators of Belizean-made products. Geographic Indicators (GI) are aspects of a product that are tied to a specific location, such as […]
Special Envoy launches new Inspiration calendars and agendas
The Office of the Special Envoy for Women and Children (SEWC), in collaboration with McNab Design, this week, launched the latest editions of the inspiration calendars and agendas. The SEWC, Kim Simplis Barrow, held the launch at the Inspiration Center on the George Price highway […]
Suspected drug plane lands in Spanish Lookout then burnt
Police have not yet issued any details regarding the circumstances of a suspected drug plane landing on a remote dirt road in the Mennonite community of Spanish Lookout, Cayo early Tuesday morning. The private single engine Cessna 210 aircraft, which apparently contained illicit drugs, landed […]
Fallout spawns new evangelical association
After months of contention, the leaders and members of some 200 churches have broken away from the Belize Association of Evangelical Churches (BAEC) and formed their own association. The national executive for the newly-formed National Evangelical Association of Belize (NEAB), held its official launch on […]
Road fatalities down since Road Safety project introduced
Road traffic fatalities have been on a decline between since the Road Safety Unit introduced a road traffic safety project, called the Pilot Safety Corridor, which extends from Belmopan to the entrance of Belize City.�� Of the total number of fatalities that have taken place […]
GOB says "No" to offshore drilling
The Government of Belize, this week, officially banned offshore oil exploration within the seven World Heritage Sites in Belize and in areas along the Belize Barrier Reef System. GOB made the announcement after a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, stating that the Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve […]
Belize 2016 & Beyond – the Perfect Economic Storm in the Making..?
Belize's economy does not appear to be in 'freefall' state, and there is no definite indication of gloom and doom in the immediate future, but there are definite suggestions of a wobble that may turn into a topple if what could be a perfect storm continues to build. Like any […]
British Honduras memorabilia exhibit opens at Corozal House of Culture
British Honduras memorabilia dating back over 100 years and accumulated in the private collection of Canadian visitor James Lindsay, went on public display in an exhibition that opened at the Corozal House of culture on Monday, November 30. James Lindsay hails from Toronto, Ontario, […]
Higher speed internet on the way, says BTL
Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) announced it is in the final stages of selecting a mobile network vendor to build and launch its Mobile Long-Term Evolution (LTE) network in 2016, expected to be among the fastest, most robust mobile data networks in Central America. Chairman of […]
Editorial
Law enforcement in Belize has deteriorated so much that people no longer look to it for answers. The Minister in charge of law enforcement needs to pull up his socks. Here's why: Last weekend three teenage girls, detained in an institution by order of the court, were killed in a […]
Oil industry in trouble
As Belize's oil industry continues it's downward spiral, revenue derived from the industry is at the second lowest it has been since extraction began, according to data from the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB).
In 2014 the industry only earned $102 million in revenue, coming in some $15 million above the $87.5 million when the industry first began. the figure is far less compared to the $236.5 million in 2007, and the $292 million in 2012...
Breaking Belize News
Sugar prices set to go up for the New Year
A release from the Belize Bureau of Standards issued today, served to inform the general public of the signing of a Statutory Instrument by the Minister responsible for Supplies Control, which made official the increase in sugar prices effective January 1st, 2016. The document signed [�]
Lebanese Consul's home robbed and vehicle stolen
Preliminary reports from Belize District Police indicate that a group of eight robbers hit the burglary jackpot in the wee hours of this morning when they broke into the residence of the Honorary Consul to Lebanon, Sarkis Abou Nehra, in Burrell Boom Village. Police [�]
British Honduras memorabilia exhibit opens at Corozal House of Culture
Toronto's James Lindsay, a frequent visitor to Belize and collector of Belizean memorabilia on the internet, has offered his private collection for public display in an exhibition opened this week at the Corozal House of Culture. Lindsay has expressed the intention to donate his [�]
Petroleum exports will continue to decline, Government says
Former Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Energy, Science, Technology and Public Utilities which was also responsible for petroleum, Dr. Colin Young, has told the Reporter Press that oil extraction is projected to continue downward until at least 2024 if no more oil [�]
Several arrested in San Pedro drug raid
While conducting drug searches in San Pedro yesterday, police detained four persons from two different apartments and seized a total of 166.6 grams of cannabis in the Bayside area.
The first search was conducted at around 5:30 a.m. in an apartment occupied by 53-year-old Anthony Montes and 43-year-old Clarina August, where officers found 67 grams of cannabis and subsequently arrested the pair for "Drug Trafficking".
A second search in the same area around 6:00 a.m., resulted in the discovery of 99.6 grams of cannabis in the apartment of 33-year-old Deon Pitts and 26-year-old Glenis Martin. Upon seeing police, Pitts threw away a plastic bag containing the drugs but it was retrieved and later weighed in his presence [�]
Fisherman charged for shooting incident
A Belize City fisherman was charged yesterday in connection with a shooting on November 22nd, in which two other fishermen received gunshot wounds and had to be treated at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH). Around 6:20 that morning, police responded to reports of [�]
Daring daylight robber caught by police
A bold daylight robbery in the old capital yesterday afternoon resulted in a Western Pines resident losing items and cash valued at $1900, along with identification cards, credit cards and keys. 39-year-old Angela Hislop reported to police that around 12:35 p.m., while walking at [�]
Two young boys missing
Up to the time a report was made last night, two boys were missing and had not returned to the Dorothy Menzies Childcare facility after leaving for school that morning. 35 year old Shere Leslie who works at the facility, told police that 11 [�]
Costa Rica in talks with Belize over plight of Cuban migrants
After Guatemala refused to allow them in, Costa Rica has turned to Belize to allow thousands of Cuban migrants to enter Belize en route to the United States. Nicaragua too has denied access to the over 4,000 Cubans camped along the Costa Rica-Nicaragua border for [�]
Belize Destination Weddings - 11 Breathtaking Photos!
Belize is a small and vibrant country in Central America that offers the perfect elements for a destination wedding. Warm tropical climate year-round, miles of Caribbean coastline, the world's second largest barrier reef, a pristine rainforest and ancient Mayan temples are just a few of the many reasons why couples opt to have a magical wedding in Belize. Whether you are planning a large group wedding extravaganza, an intimate elopement, or celebrating a vow renewal you are bound to create memories that will last a lifetime in this scenic country.
We've hand picked a few breathtaking photos that will surely entice you to book your destination wedding in Belize!
Second Fire of 2015 on Exotic Caye Resort Property
Earlier this year, the southern portion of Exotic Caye Resort started fire in the laundry room and spread to a number of rooms in the early morning hours. (See story from February 2015.) Thankfully no one was hurt.
At about 2pm today, the property recently acquired by the company and expanded by a sizeable sea wall - also caught fire. And the partially wooden house quickly went up in flames.
Here is a photo of the house in September.
I arrived just as the fire trucks did.
The San Pedro Fire Department quickly went to work�
And the fire was quickly put out. THANK GOODNESS. Thank goodness also for the good-sized space between this home and the bar, Crazy Canuck's and the restaurant above it. Staff was preparing to wet the buildings- but the fire was put out quickly.
As I walked home, I spotted the burned buildings from February's fire.
White Castle comes to San Pedro and other craziness
Inspired by one of our conversations over lunch on the high prices of snack food, I decided see what kind of crazy food items I could find walking home. Anyone who has been grocery shopping here knows what I mean. You can find the weirdest things on the shelves.
I knew Island City (the old Island Supermarket) across from Island Academy and Mermaid store were the prefect places to play around with some artistic food photo journalism. The picture story portrays adjectives both locals and tourists often use to describe Ambergris Caye by crazy through things I found at the two supermarkets.
Some other interesting stuff around town. If you have been following Ambergris Caye News, you will know that the San Pedro Town Council is revamping Central Park and starting the process of moving the souvenir vendors. Closer to the sea for now then long range plan is the west side of town. The bottom pics show some of the changes going on in the park. The top two bike shots I added for fun, I liked that the first guy was carrying his ride - I am sure he was feeling a little bah humbug.
International Sources
Upper Mountain Volunteer Fire Co. providing the town of San Pedro, Belize with its first ambulance
Just in time for the season of giving, Upper Mountain Volunteer Fire Co. has announced it will be donating an ambulance to the town of San Pedro, Belize.
Upper Mountain's 1992 Ford E450, Type III ambulance was retired earlier this year after the purchase of a new ambulance. This will be San Pedro's very first ambulance - a big leap forward for the community.
Upper Mountain President Greg Sitek said a former member reached out to ask what the fire company had in store for the retired vehicle. He then connected the fire company with Dominick Walenczak, an EMT with Twin City Ambulance and a procurement officer helping to connect San Pedro with medical supplies. Walenczak said he started visiting Belize when his parents from Amherst began living there part-time. He became involved with the health system down there and works to help grow the town's EMS program from right here in Western New York.
Alex Parmelee is the man leading the charge to improve public health services in this small Central American country. He started volunteering and visiting Belize 10 years ago as a medical school student, said the 48-year-old Colorado native. He has since finished his MD and was recently asked by Belize's Ministry of Health to start an EMS program in San Pedro with a 24-hour emergency room as the operations manager for San Pedro's emergency services.
Costa Rica Asks Belize to Accept Stranded Cuban Migrants
Costa Rica has asked Belize to accept nearly 3,000 Cuban migrants who have been stuck at the Costa Rican border with Nicaragua for weeks, authorities said Friday.
The plan envisions flying the migrants to Belize, which is on Mexico's southeastern border. From there the Cubans would presumably continue north toward their stated destination: the United States, where special migrant policies let them stay once they touch U.S. soil.
Costa Rican Foreign Minister Manuel Gonzalez said Belize's council of ministers will meet Tuesday to consider Costa Rica's proposal.
Gonzalez said authorities ruled out transporting the migrants to Guatemala because officials in that Central American nation said conditions did not exist to guarantee their safety.
"Mexico insists that (the Cubans) must be received from another country - that they cannot arrive directly in Mexico," he said. "For that reason we had been thinking of Guatemala, and now we are considering Belize."
Parrots and Plymouth Argyle in the jungle with the Coldstream Guards
In his latest report on an exercise with the Coldstream Guards in the Central American country of Belize, journalist David Wells meets a jungle hero who started out in life bunking off school
Coldstream Guard Captain Steve Taylor's name is spoken in reverential terms among the battalion of Coldstreamers training in jungle warfare deep in the jungles of Belize.
His skills, expertise and knowledge of survival, military tactics and warfare in this type of swelteringly hot, harsh, unforgiving terrain has even earned him an unofficial title which hints at his command of the environment - 'OC Jungle' - as in officer commanding of the jungle.
His status is a far cry from his early days growing up in a working class suburb of Plymouth where, by his own admission, he was less than a model pupil at school.
Videos
Channel 5 Christmas Spectacular 2015, 120min.
Belize, 7.5min.
Fire in San Pedro, 1min. The San Pedro Fire Department responds to a fire that has now destroyed an abandoned building next to Exotic Caye Beach Resort south of downtown San Pedro. The blaze has been kept under control
Turneffe Island Resort of Belize Nov 2015, 4.5min. Few photos & videos of Turneffe Island Resort in Nov 2015. The private island resort is a special place where you can enjoy scuba diving and fishing. My trip was to dive the famous sites of Belize but also to enjoy the benefits of wonderful people who enjoy diving as much as me. The food was superb, the atmosphere was total relaxation and enjoyment. Turneffe Island has something for everyone! Enjoy & Happy Diving!
Belize Guatemala, 4min.
The Blue Hole - Belize, 6min. The great Blue Hole of Belize is a wonder of the world! Diving it with the love of my life, Beth, was one of the most exciting experiences of my life! We reached 139 feet!
Reef Shark Clips - Half Moon Caye Wall, 1/2min. 7 Foot Reef Shark along the coral reef wall near the island of Half Moon Caye off the shore of Belize.