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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
Who will be the next PUP Party Leader?
Three members of the People's United Party (PUP) have been nominated to contest the position of party leader in the upcoming convention on January 31, 2016. Nominations ended at 5PM on Tuesday, December 15th, with Honorable Cordel Hyde and former party leaders Honorable John Brice�o and Honorable Francis Fonseca officially up for contention. But party supporters will not only select their next leader at the 2016 convention, as nominations were also held for the position of deputy party leader, national communication manager, national campaign manager, legal advisor, treasurer and chairman of the PUP. The shocker at nomination came with the announcement of Fonseca running for party leader after recently announcing his resignation after the November 2015 General Elections. Fonseca has indicated his actions are attributed by request from party members and an overwhelming encouragement from supporters who wish him to continue as party leader.
Keeping Belize Wild
Belize is a melting pot of magnificent and unique creatures. From the graceful swimming manatees, to the beautiful aeronautical macaws to the majestic and powerful jaguar, Belize is home to some of the world's most prized wildlife. Yet, the rarity and beauty of Belize's animals can cause us to forget our manners, disrespecting the animals and their environment�and sometimes the livelihoods of the local community. How so you may ask??? Well, here is a little story for example�
You are on vacation and absolutely excited to see some real wildlife! You ask people where you can see some animals, and some locals point you into the direction of a place where you can see various bird species and crocodiles. You are totally thrilled to see crocodiles; and you know from TV they love chicken! You and your family head to the spot. You see Warning Signs and Private Property signs, but figure it has to be ok to go on the property since this is a known spot for birds and crocodiles. As you head to the waters edge, the crocodiles seem curious. You are excited to get close and personal with these apex predators, and the crocs are getting closer, and closer, and THEN�
Top Shatta takes the lead of the Christmas 8-ball Pool Tournament
The first ever Christmas 8-ball Pool tournament has brought much sporting fun to the island. With the second round of games over, only one more round is left in the tournament with the championship match being set for Sunday, December 20th. The eight registered teams are giving it their all in every single match in hopes of winning the grand cash prize of $1,000. Currently in the lead is team Top Shatta with 48 points, but anything can happen during this coming weekend's games. After the last round of matches on Sunday, December 13th, team Top Shatta took the lead from last week's leaders AJ's Shootaz. Still in second place is team Un-expected with 41 points with AJ's Shootaz close behind with only one point less. AJ's Youths follows in fourth place with 38 points, Sand Bar Ballers are in fifth place with 36 points, Iguanas in sixth place with 26 points, Under Ground in seventh place with 24 point while Maldonado's is in eight place with one point.
Islanders enjoy the festive Love FM Christmas Parade
Love FM hosted their fifth annual Christmas Parade in San Pedro on Saturday, December 12th. The festive parade brings color, music and much Christmas cheer to the main streets of the island with brightly lit floats and participants in themed costumes. This year's parade was a spectacular show of creativity with elaborate floats from the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC), Love FM, Top Notch, Isla Bonita Elementary School, Belize National Library Service and Information System, the Garifuna Council San Pedro Branch, Wings and the San Pedro Lions Club.
The parade started shortly after 7PM from the Boca del Rio Park. Residents and island visitors flocked to the streets along the parade route to get a prime viewing spot. The sounds of Christmas carols announced the parade was near. Leading this year's parade was the San Pedro Town Mayor, Councilors and staff who were happily handing out sweet treats to all the children. Miss San Pedro Iris Salguero then followed on a decked out Christmas sleigh float. Also in the parade was Area Representative Honorable Manuel Heredia Jr.
Island tour guides participate in Manatee Conservation Workshop
The importance of protecting the endangered Antillean manatee cannot be stressed enough by Belize's environmentalists, and as such, a workshop on their conservation was held in San Pedro on Thursday, December 10th for tour guides and boat captains. Representatives from the many tour companies in San Pedro gathered at the Lion's Den at 1PM to participate in the event which provided valuable information for tourism industry partners on manatees. The workshop was a collaborative effort of the Belize Tourism Board (BTB), Sea to Shore Alliance (C2S), Belize Forest Department, Belize Port Authority and Swallow Caye Wildlife Sanctuary. Opening the workshop was Maria Vega of Swallow Caye Wildlife Sanctuary, who welcomed everyone to the event, and explained what would be covered during the workshop. The first presentation was given by Jamal Galves of C2S. Galves, a self-made manatee expert who has dedicated much of his life towards the protection of these animals, spoke on the basic details of these gentle giants, including their habitats, importance to society, population dynamics, reproduction, eating habits, as well as the threats they face in Belize.
Big renovations to come to the Air Traffic Control Sector in 2016
The New Year will see some major improvements to Belize's Air Traffic Control Sector with the signing of a $9 million renovation project contract. The project is scheduled to commence in early 2016, and will see the upgrade of air traffic controls, radar systems and meteorological devices. This much needed upgrade comes after a long petition from Air Traffic Control workers and the Public Service Union who claimed the facilities at The Philip Goldson International Airport are not up to par with today's demanding aviation industry. The project contract was signed on Wednesday, December 2nd as part International Civil Aviation Day and is expected to take up to 18 months to complete. Indra Systems will be providing all the equipment necessary for the renovation will CONCESNA and the Ministry of Civil Aviation will be jointly overseeing the that the project is completed in a satisfactory manner.
Heredia remarked on the great benefits the upgrade will bring for Belize's Aviation Industry and even the Tourism Industry. "This is a very important milestone for civil aviation in Belize; the si
Ambergris Today
Black Team Belize Sweeps Regional WOD Competition in Mexico
Ricky Luna, Rene Reyes, Liliana Nunez and Lucian Pollard Black Team Belize place first place at intermediate level. After a two-day competition that saw Belize's Black Team competing against 26 other intermediate teams in the WOD Challenge Merida 2015, Mexico, and surpassing rigorous exercise challenges, Belize claimed the top spot on the podium.
Coaches Liliana Nunez and Rene Reyes of Crossfit San Pedro teamed up with Coaches Lucien Pollard and Ricky Luna of WOD Zone to represent Belize in a team competition that took place in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico. The Belize Black Team was the only non-Mexican team in the competition as they faced teams from Crossfit boxes from all over Mexico including Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, Merida, Campeche, among others. The first day of competition had the team battling in three heat events taking place indoors at the Universidad Model. The next day competition moved to the beaches of Progresso, where things got more challenging, but fun, according to Coach Liliana Nunez.
"We definitely made a good team," commented Liliana Nunez of Crossfit San Pedro. "No misunderstanding, no stress, no confusion, no fight; we worked so good together it was smooth, that was the best part of it. And everyone did there part and work hard for that first place."
Misc Belizean Sources
Hon. Gaspar Vega meets with Alexandra Costeau
Hon. Gaspar Vega, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, Environment & Sustainable Development met with Alexandra Costeau, National Geographic filmmaker, ocean explorer, Oceana Senior Advisor and granddaughter of the legendary Jacques Costeau. Jacques Costeau explored Belize's marine environment in the 1970's, becoming the first person to document and reveal the mysteries of our Great Blue Hole.
Her week-long trip included a visit with the Deputy Prime Minister to discuss sustainability in management and greater protection for Belize's marine resources.
Costeau said of Belize, "My husband and I fell in love in Belize and with Belize. This is where he and I took our first trip together. This is also where I taught him how to dive. Later, our daughter touched the ocean for the first time in Belize. Now, we're looking forward to bringing our newborn son to Belize. Belize is one of those places that just feels so much like home to me."
Fifth Road (Phillip Goldson Highway Upgrading) Project - Section A - Airport Road Junction to Haulover Bridge
The Government of Belize secured Loan from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) for the Fifth Road (Phillip S.W. Goldson Highway Upgrading) Project. This project, located in Belize City and Ladyville is divided into several components, two of which directly address road infrastructure: Section A (Airport Road Junction to Haulover Bridge) and Section B (Haulover Bridge to Buttonwood Bay Boulevard Roundabout).
Section A of this project involves the upgrading of Phillip Goldson Highway from its intersection with the Airport Road to the northern approach of the Haulover Bridge. Included in the scope of works is the construction of retaining walls in areas where there is the threat of erosion on the road foundation, the installation of erosion protection baskets and rock rip-rap, widening of the road cross section to include paved road shoulders, pavement restoration and re-surfacing. The project also includes installation of road lighting and safety features, such as signs, reflectors, road marking and improved visibility through the clearing of the road reserve.
The passing of Ms. Balbina Sanchez
Mayor Daniel Guerrero, the San Pedro Town Council and Staff would like to extend its deepest condolences to the Sanchez family & friends on the passing of Ms. Balbina Sanchez.
Ms. Balbina lost her battle to cancer, but she sure gave it a good fight. May her soul rest in peace.
Inauguration of the Sarteneja Community Library
The official inauguration of the Sarteneja Community Library was made by Minister Hon. Patrick Faber. The building, housing the new library, was converted from and old water reservoir to a beautiful library. Special salutation and thanks to Ms. Julia Kern, friend of the Sarteneja community for her contribution and everyone that made this library possible.
Belize Tourism Pioneer Mick Fleming Honoured by BTIA
Congratulations are in order for Chaa Creek's Mick Fleming. The award was 'to honor outstanding members, pioneers and sponsors who were actively involved in the growth and development of the BTIA and the tourism industry of Belize.' That about nails it.
"Belizean eco-resort The Lodge at Chaa Creek reports that it is ending the year on a high note after co-owner Mick Fleming was honoured with a special award as part of the Belize Tourism Industry Association's (BTIA) December 2015 annual general meeting and 30th anniversary celebration."
The U.S. Embassy is selling a satellite dish!
No minimum bid!
FREE Christmas Camp for kids in San Pedro!
The San Pedro House of Culture in collaboration with Projects Abroad invite all kids to a FREE Christmas Camp on December 28th to 30th from 9 am to 12 noon. If your child in interested in attending the Christmas Camp, please contact the House of Culture at 226-5100 or Kaitlin McWhorter at 607-1765.
Leap Year-Leap Forward Meet & Greet
Get acquainted and learn about the progress being made with creative agriculture, vocations, skills, co-operative, and more.
Monday, February 29, 2016at 1 PM - 4 PM,
#12 Hunters Lane, Belize City, Belize.
Created for The Humaniterrium Project Friends
Power interruptions 8:00am to 8:30am & 12:30pm to 1:00pm, Thursday, December 17, Placencia Peninsula
Portion between Surfside Dev & Plantation including Coco Plum Dev, Maya Beach, Poinciana Dr, Coconut Walk Rd, Forest Lagoon Estate & Maya Lagoon area. BEL to conduct upgrade works in the area.
Allegro Choir Christmas Sing-along Concert
The Allegro School of Music had a great Christmas Sing-along Concert. Merry Christmas!
"Allegro Music School was so very proud to present the Allegro Choir for our first ever public performance last night in Belmopan! We had an audience full with friends, family, and music lovers. The audience did pretty well joining in with the sing-along songs although we'll get them going more next year! Our choir songs sounded great - and we will get better and better each performance."
Groundbreaking ceremony for the new U.S. Marine Security Guard Residence
Last Friday, Ambassador Moreno assisted in taking the first step to getting the Embassy ready for the addition of U.S. Marine Security Guards at a groundbreaking ceremony for the new U.S. Marine Security Guard Residence on the U.S. Embassy compound. Construction for the new building started in November 2015 and is expected to be completed in June 2017
San Pedro Dance Academy Annual Christmas show
Sunday December 20th @ 7pm
Paradise Theater playing this weekend
The Visit,
The Ghost Dimension,
The Walk,
Pan
Channel 7
Will GOB Block Guyanese Rice?
Tomorrow morning all eyes turn to the Port in Big Creek where a shipment of three containers, containing 75 tonnes of Premium Rice from Guyana is expected to arrive. It's the property of merchant Jack Charles who is determined to get the rice to market so he can offer consumers "Grade A" rice at 69 cents a pound, while the government-controlled price for "Grade C" is 90 cents per pound. So will the government allow him to introduce the imported rice to the market? Today, speaking to us from El Salvador, the CEO in the Ministry of Agriculture said Charles hasn't applied for the necessary BAHA Permit:
Jules Vasquez
"Rice is scheduled to arrive at Big Creek port from Santo Thomas tomorrow. What is the plan for the government of Belize; will the rice be allowed into the country?"
Jose Alpuche - CEO, Ministry of Agriculture
"Prior to importation of plant and animal material, importation permit should be requested from BAHA. The last time I checked, no permit request had been made to BAHA, this is yesterday. If the rice lands, BAHA has laws by which that guides them and they will apply the law."
Jules Vasquez
"Okay, now all this is heading for a sort of showdown. We know Mr. Charles has been advertising that the rice will be 21 cents cheaper than the new control price and certain charitable organisations will get it for even less than that. Explain to me, is this adding pressure unto the Ministry of Agriculture?"
Cabbie Killed In The South
Last night, we told you about the murder of 64 year-old Antonio Rodriguez, better known as "Sapote". The well-known taxi man from Eldridgeville, Toledo was found murdered in a remote location just outside of Punta Gorda town.
He is known as a hard worker, but sometime on Tuesday before midday, a customer, someone he most likely knew, lured him to that location and stabbed him multiple times while he was driving the taxi. He had his licensed handgun beside him, but investigators believe that because the attacker surprised him from behind in the backseat, he did not have any opportunity to draw it.
So, why would anyone want to kill the older man? That's what our news team went to PG to find out today. Daniel Ortiz reports:
Just after midday yesterday, taxi driver Antonio "Sapote" Rodriguez, was found here on this feeder road just outside of Punta Gorda Town.
He had been stabbed multiple times and left for dead, an uncharacteristic and violent end for this productive community member.
One of his fellow taxi drivers, the last person to speak with Rodriguez while he was alive, recounted their conversation before he left on a taxi run.
Charges Reduced For Santa Cruz 13; Is GOB Case Crumbling
6 months ago, on June 24, it made headline news when Cristina Coc, and 12 villagers of Santa Cruz, collectively known as the Santa Cruz 13, were arrested and charged for unlawful imprisonment. That's after they handcuffed and tried to kick Creole Belizean Rupert Myles out of the village.
He reported them to police, and investigators took swift action against the Santa Cruz 13, marching them before the Punta Gorda Magistrates Court. Well today, after a flurry of adjournments, the 13 Mayan defendants reported to court only to find out that the prosecution withdrew the charge of unlawful imprisonment.
It's an important vindication for the Maya who maintained that they did not break any law when they detained Myles for allegedly damaging their Uxbenka Mayan monument. We had publicly speculated that the criminal case was losing strength, and today's outcome is being interpreted by the defendants as a step toward complete vindication. Cristina Coc, one of the accused, told us how the Santa Cruz 13 is preparing to beat the prosecution at the next adjournment:
Former Cop, Now Parolee Sent Back To Jail
30 year old Ronald Sutherland is a former police officer who was sent to jail for beating up his girlfriend. He was released on parole but is back in jail tonight, accused this time of smuggling weed. Surveillance by Special Branch led to a search of his home yesterday at 5 Adam's Lane which turned up four ounces of marijuana.
Sutherland told the court that his brother left behind a bag and he didn't know what was in it. Still, Sutherland took took a guilty plea for drug trafficking and begged the court for leniency.
But, he is a parolee, so, after considering the fact that Sutherland will no doubt be taken back before a parole board for violating the conditions of his parole, Senior Magistrate, Sharon Fraser did not accept the guilty plea and instead denied him bail.
Will Sugar Sellers Pay For Premature Price Hike?
Last week Friday, we showed you proof that although the increase in price of sugar takes effect on New Year's Day, grocers are already trying to gouge the consumer by hiking up the price prematurely.
That's illegal, and punishable by a fine of $1,000 or an imprisonment of up to 6 months, or both, but even though there is stiff penalties for this crime, retailers are still taking the risk. That's because they know that the Bureau of Standards, which is responsible for consumer protection, is infamously lacking in enforcement capabilities.
Yesterday we caught up with the Director of the Bureau, and we asked him about what his department is doing to dissuade those crooked retailers from breaking the law and chancing you the customer. Here's how that conversation went:
"Last 2 weeks we have been conducting inspections across the country, mainly Belize City; not across the country because soon we will have to cover certain areas but the areas we have touches so far is Belize City, San Ignacio and Belmopan. We have inspected roughly about 35 stores across these municipalities and what we have been trying to do is ensure 1.) The supply is there for sugar..."
BDF Goes Old School With New Land Rovers
Today the Belize Defence Force received two new 2013 Land Rovers. Both vehicles will be used primarily for patrols near the Caracol Archaeological site and in the Chiquibul.
Now, normally the police receive Great Wall Wingles, while the BDF get Mahindra's, but Brigadier General David Jones told us those Asian-made pickups simply won't do in the remote reaches Belize's dense forest terrain.
"These two Land Rovers cost about little over 55 thousand dollars, Belize dollars. They are going to be used in the Caracol Area where tourist will be escorted from Camp De Silva to the Caracol ruins. So the troops that will be escorting the tourists will be using one of these Land Rovers. One of them will always be on stand-by in case one goes down; we'll have the other one to use. Actually both of them use for that actual patrol in the Chiquibul Area."
Remember Danny, Keep Caracol Safe
Now, as you heard, these Land Rovers will be used to transport tourists to the Caracol Archaeological site and also for patrols in that area - this will add to the already heightened safety and security measures that were implemented following the murder of Danny Conorquie in September of 2014. He was shot and killed while on duty. Today General Jones told us that increased security presence at Caracol has dramatically reduced illegal incursions.
"Well the main buffer to Caracol was the area of Velanetin, where we had concern with incursions from our neighbouring countries coming over. We have seen a significant drop but there are still a few incursions, mainly for agrarian reasons. We have people coming over doing planting, lumber has reduced dramatically, we haven't been having cases of illegal lumber being cut as we did in the past because we had that conversation post there. So the soldiers that are working diligently there, things have reduced there but the patrols continue. It's even more effective now because we have the CP that was constructed there and we also have the base of Caracol where we have soldiers stationed there now as well. So we have increased level of security to the effect that we don't expect to see any incidents in regards to what occurred with Danny Conorquie occurred there."
BDF Ready To Start Work At Forward Operating Base
On the topic of increased security - the Joint Forward Operating Base will provide just that at the mouth of the Sarstoon River. As we told you, there was a ground breaking ceremony a week ago and construction is expected to begin as early as next week. While it's a historic event for Belize, what are the Guatemalans saying about it and will there be any contention between Belize's military forces and theirs? Today General Jones told us there shouldn't be any issues because both countries will work together to maintain peace and order at the Sarstoon.
"We intend for construction to start as soon as possible. We've identified a contractor. It hasn't been finalized yet who is going to do the construction that will be finally decided by the government. But we expect construction to start very soon, probably by next week if possible. When start, it should be within 3 months, so probably by the end of February, we should have that base maned. The base is for the Belize Defence Force and we will also invite the coast guard to jointly work there with us but it's a BDF initiative and we intend to do our patrolling in that area; hopefully working jointly with the Guatemalan base which is just on the other side of the river. That protocol needs to be established and agreed upon by our Ministry of Foreign Affairs and by Ministry of National Security. So we're hoping that dialogue could start so that we could have a similar protocol we have with the Western Border, to have a similar protocol with the Sarstoon river, jointly with the Guatemalan armed forces."
An Absence Doesn't Mean an Absence Of Interest
So now if there is no animosity between Belizean and Guatemalan soldiers then why wasn't there any Guatemalan official at the ground breaking ceremony last week Wednesday? Is this a sign that they aren't on the same page as it relates to this base? General Jones told us that although they weren't present for the ceremony, they expressed their willingness to cooperate and work together to safeguard the river.
"No, I don't see it as a protest and even though and even though the ground breaking was there, I did go over to the median line between Belize and Guatemala on that same day and the Colonial that was there, who is in charge of the marines there is one of the same officers that I have met before in previous discussions in regards to a protocol in the Sarstoon. We met at the middle of the river and we exchange pleasantries and we expressed, that yes it's the ground breaking today and we intend to start working together with them."
General Jones And President Jimmy
So while both countries seem to have a cordial relationship right now- that could change under the new leadership of President Elect Jimmy Moralez. As was widely reported Jimmy Moralez made some provocative remarks during his campaign about his plans regarding the Belize - Guatemala territorial dispute. His tone has changed since taking office, but is Belize prepared for any shift in relations under Moralez? That's what we asked General Jones today.
"I don't except any changes to occur with our military counterparts. We've had a long standing relationship with our military counterparts but political directives can change; if politicians decide otherwise then the military will have to follow because the military work under the directives of their politicians. But the long standing relationship that we've had with the Guatemalan armed forces, I don't expect things to change. If it is going to change, we're going to discuss what the best way is forward for both forces to work together because we're both professionals and we only execute our political directives but we try to work together in a professional manner."
FCD: Your Dollars Helped The Chiquibul
And a big part of Belize - Guatemala relations is the Chiqubul forest. There are dozens of small and impoverished Guatemalan communities in the south-eastern Peten which are pushing up against the verdant and resource - rich Chiquibul. The job of keeping them out falls principally to the co-manager of the Chiquibul National Park - which is the Friends For Conservation and Development. They work with the BDF and Police to preserve the reserve - and this year with the help of government and the public, they've had measurable success. They reported this to the press in a press conference held in Belize City at the marine parade law chambers�
Raphael Manzanero - Executive Director, FCD
"Whenever we talk about not losing a single blade of grass or not losing a single inch of land; in Chiquibl we see this thing on a daily basis and we really believe about maintaining our territory with all the inches of land then it basically means we do need a presence out there."
And in 2015, they got a big boost with public financing for additional park rangers - it made a difference:
Derrick Chan - Manager, Chiquibul National Park
"So prior to the telethon so we had only 7 rangers. We have hired now 18 rangers since the year started of 2015."
One Heck Of A Highway!
The northern highway between the Haulover Bridge and the airport junction is one of the most trafficked and most dangerous stretches of road in Belize. And now, it's going to get a 13.6 million dollar upgrade. The contract was signed today between Cisco Construction and the Ministry of Works in Belmopan.
First, the road will be widened to include paved shoulders. The pavement will also be restored and re-surfaced, and retaining walls will be constructed in areas where the Belize river threatens to erode the highway. Road lighting, signs, and reflectors, will also be installed. The project will be supervised by an international consultant, IMC Worldwide of the United Kingdom. Work should begin immediately on this, the first phase of a two phase project. At the signing today in Belmopan, Works Minister Rene Montero said that it will provide road safety and create jobs:
The second phase will be from Buttonwood Bay to the Haulover bridge.
Just A Snack For Soldiers
Today over 500 BDF soldiers took a break from their duties and enjoyed their Christmas luncheon at the Price Barracks in Ladyville. It's an annual luncheon where these soldiers get to unwind, spent time with family and interact with their colleagues in a calm and relaxed environment. General Jones told us what the luncheon means for these soldiers.
Brig. Gen. David Jones - Commander, BDF
"The Christmas luncheon is a once a year event. It is an event we use to say thank you to our soldiers who have been serving the BDF for their career here. And we do that by having the senior officers, which ever minister of CEO turns up to serve the troops their lunch during this time. We serve their food, we serve their drinks and we say a big thank you to them for the hard efforts, the sacrifices they have been providing for the country; putting their lives on the line, maintaining the territorial integrity and patrolling along the borders 24 hours a day. So we take this opportunity once a year to say thank you to our soldiers and we personally as officers and leaders, we serve them their meal for that day, which is today."
Woodrow West Takes Winning Ways To Progreso, Honduras
Woodrow West is one of the best known athletes in Belize, and now he's making a name for himself in Honduras where he's taken his winning ways to the Progreso team in Honduras. That's a top team playing in the top league of Honduras, and now they are only one game from the very top as they prepare to play the final game on their home field this weekend. Today, our football expert Freddy Cantialiano spoke to Woodrow West in Honduras where he's preparing for the game:..
West says his father and his uncle as well as a few friends will travel to Honduras for the game on Saturday.
His team was recently shaken up by the murder of one of its players, Jaun Delgado. It's the kind of crime too common in Honduras which ahs the highest murder rate in the world. West spoke about how he stays safe:
Shooter Charged
25 year-old Jeffrey McDougal, a labourer of 40 King Street, is spending the second night on remand after he was taken to court for shooting another Belize City resident.
The victim, Brandon Allen, reported to police that on Sunday December 13, he was walking on East Canal Street. When he reached the Water Lane Junction, someone fired a barrage of shots at him, injuring him in the buttocks.
Police arrested and charged McDougal with the offences of attempted murder, dangerous harm, and use of deadly means of harm. He was remanded into custody until February 15, 2016.
Charged For Norman's Manslaughter
On Monday, we told you about how Norman Castillo died as a result of that crazy accident on the Western Highway Last month. That's the one where the truck tried to squeeze past a Mennonite trailer carrying a house, but it ended up hitting the bus, loaded with passengers, which had pulled over to allow the trailer to pass.
Well, 59 year-old Arthur Cadle, the driver of the truck, who was criminally charged for that accident, was taken back to court and his charge was upgraded to manslaughter by negligence.
He was arraigned before Magistrate Carlon Mendoza, and he was offered bail of $5,000. He must return to court on February 12, 2016.