Channel 5
Is S.S.B. Interested in $55 Million Worth of G.O.B.'s Utility Shares?
Is Government broke? A recent report from the IMF raised alarm bells painting a dismal economic picture and recommends retrenchment and increased taxes. And tonight, we can report that G.O.B. [...]
Another Fuel Increase Means More Gas Pains at the Pump!
It seems that where the price of fuel at the pumps is concerned, it's all bad news. We wish we could tell you different tonight, but we can't. News Five [...]
Belize and Guatemala Commence Rounds of Meeting in Washington
Foreign Ministers Wilfred Elrington and Carlos Raul Morales met in Washington today. The start of the meeting was somewhat delayed because the permanent council of the Organization of American States [...]
Trigger Happy Urbie is Remanded to Prison
Tonight, thirty-five year old police constable Urbie Alamilla is on the other side of the law and on remand at the Belize Central Prison. This evening, he was denied bail [...]
Muslim Family Comes Under Siege from Special Branch
A well-known Belizean family within the local Muslim community was the subject of a predawn raid on Monday at their house in Hattieville.� Former Superintendent of the Belize Central Prison [...]
Monima Employment Investigated by Ministry of Labor
Audibaldo Monima Junior - he left the Coast Guard to take up a post as the Regional Health Manager in the North. It's a post that calls for a Master's [...]
Chief Pharmacist Versus Former Health C.E.O. Wraps Up in Supreme Court
The case against former C.E.O. in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Peter Allen, wrapped up this afternoon in the Supreme Court where submissions were made on behalf of Chief Pharmacist [...]
Government is Sued by Sharon Anderson for Spreading Defamatory Email
At the time of the dissemination of that email, a subsequent press conference held by the Ministry of Health also conveyed the fabricated information.� The falsehood prompted the Public Service [...]
�.Was Email Message Confidential?
In its defense, government, through Deputy Solicitor General Nigel Hawke, contends that the email was confidential and presented its argument from that position. But the content of the email was [...]
A Ceremony Honoring Inmates Who Passed Their P.S.E.s
This afternoon at the Central Prison in Hattieville, a ceremony was held to honor seven inmates who successfully completed the 2016 Primary School Examinations. The inmates took the exams at [...]
Is Government Contemplating a Wage Freeze?
As we showed you earlier in the newscast, G.O.B. appears to be in a serious cash crunch�so much so that they are trying to raise fifty million dollars from that [...]
Minister of Labor Says Laid Off Industrial Workers Were Duly Compensated
A significant part of the economic downturn has been attributed to problems in traditionally robust industries - like papaya, shrimp and bananas. Fruta Bomba has closed its doors, shrimp farms [...]
Hugo Patt on Sugar Industry Negotiations
Since Minister of Labor Hugo Patt has also been G.O.B.'s representative in the sugar industry, we also asked for an update on negotiations between G.O.B., the three cane-farmers associations and [...]
Katy Sealy is Triumphant at Central American Championships
Gold medalist Katy Sealy is back in the country after crushing her competition in the recently held Central American Championships in El Salvador.� Sealy is one of several Belizean athletes [...]
Belize Sets 6 New Records in Regional Games
According to Deon Sutherland, President of the Belize Athletic Association, all accomplishments by the participating athletes were record setting. Deon Sutherland, President, Belize Athletic Association "We attended the Central [...]
Belize's Standing Improves Among Central American Athletes
Belize's overall ranking has improved since the prizewinning outing over the weekend.� Of the seven participating Central American countries, Belize ranks fourth place. Deon Sutherland, President, Belize Athletic Association [...]
A Seminar for Labor Industry Stakeholders
The University of the West Indies Open Campus Belize, in collaboration with the Ministry of Labor, is hosting a three day workshop for stakeholders entitled "Reinventing Collective Bargaining in the [...]
How is that Message Translated on Broader Scale?
The workshop only caters to a small cross-section of employers, employees and union representatives. So how does the message get from this small room to where it needs to go? [...]
Fireball Loan Program to Provide Funding to Entrepreneurs and Businesses in the West
Results of a study show that as it relates to west, seventy-one percent of the population is thirty-five years and younger. Of that sector, thirty-five percent is less than fifteen [...]
CTV3
Image Of Virgin Mary Appears In Calcutta Village
Tonight a family from the Village of Calcutta Corozal strongly believe that the image of the Virgin Mary appeared on a cutting board belonging to the family. According to the husband and wife who wished to appear off camera, this is not the first time they witness the apparition of the Virgin Mary. Nine years ago the Virgin visited them but they did not make much of it.
Wife:
"Actually I was getting ready for lunch and I was preparing food and my husband came and he moved the cutting board and he saw it and he showed me and it was there, I don't know, make people can see and let them judge and I don't know." Reporter: "Has something like this happened before?" Wife:
"Yeah, this is the second time, the first time it happened on my plantain tree, it was colorful but I didn't pay mind to it, I just saw it and just leave it there so this is the second time and it is just more than obvious and we are not Catholic, let the people judge and see, I don't know."
Monima Gone, Payment Owed To Him Being Reviewed
Tonight Audibamdlo Monima the former Northern Region Health Manager who resigned last week after being an option to resign or be terminated after his file was reviewed and it was established that indeed he was unqualified for the position which required a Master's Degree in Public health administration, Health systems management and a minimum of five years' experience in health administration, finance and human resource management, neither of which Monima possessed. Monima resigned but under the terms of his contract, he was to be given three months' notice, so the Ministry can now either choose to send him home and pay him for those three months, or keep him around for three months and find something for him to do. That is also being reviewed.
Drugs Found Near School
Twenty five marijuana plants ranging from ranging from about 6 inches to about 1 foot in height were confiscated today by Orange Walk Police. The plants were found yesterday at about 12:50 in the afternoon in an area located about 100 feet away from the San Estevan RC School in San Estevan Village, Orange Walk District. All marijuana trees were taken to the Orange Walk Police station and labeled as found property.
Program To Increase Goat And Sheep Meat Production
A regional program to increase goat and sheep meat production was launched in seven Caribbean countries last week. The program seeks to improve the stock of sheep and goats in the region while training persons in animal husbandry, with particular emphasis on small ruminants. The program which includes countries like Belize, Jamaica, St Lucia, Guyana, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Dominica, and Grenada is funded by the Food and Agriculture Organization, and the Government of New Zealand.
Conchs Season Near Its End
Belize's conch season is nearing its closing date of Friday June 24th and will remain closed until October 1st 2016.
The general public and restaurants are advised that during the closed season anyone caught with conch meat will be charged and prosecuted in a court of law in accordance to fisheries regulations.
The general public is advised to report any illegal fisheries activity by calling telephone numbers 224-4552 or 223-2623.
Violence Erupts In Neighborhood Chetumal
Violence erupted in the streets of our northern neighbors, Chetumal after citizens were barred from attending a sitting of the Quintana Roo state congress. According to a report on the Mexican news page 'Diario La Verdad' yesterday's congress sitting was interrupted by an estimated 200 individuals who are opposing the appointment of a new senior state auditor. When the congress decided today to reconvene without a public audience, crowds broke through police barricades and attempted to storm the session hall as Police responded with tear gas.
Meanwhile demonstrators who managed to get inside the meeting of the Quintana Roo legislative chamber, shouted 'Out, out' during the meeting. Protesters view the appointment of a new state auditor and public prosecutor as an attempt to avoid investigations of corruption and misappropriation of funds by current governor Roberto Borge.
High Level Meeting Takes Place In Washington
A delegation from Belize, comprising of Foreign Minister Wilfred Elrington, Brigadier General David Jones and Ambassador Alexis Rosado today met with diplomats and senior military officers of Guatemala including Guatemalan Foreign Minister Carlos Raul Morales, Guatemala's Commander of the Armed Forces, General Perez and Guatemalan Ambassador to Belize, Manuel Roland Barillas and OAS Secretary General Luis Almagro at the OAS Main building in downtown Washington DC. The high level meeting which was scheduled to commence today at 2:00pm is a follow up to the discussions that took place in Istanbul Turkey on May 21st to discuss the Sarstoon mechanism - a plan to make certain that Belizean military and civilians enjoy full access to the north side of the Sarstoon without hindrance from the Guatemalan army.
One Charged For Attack One Carmelita Resident
On Friday we reported on the case of 33 year old Carmelita resident Rhondine Reynolds who was attacked inside her home on Friday June 17th by a male individual who broke into her residence. As a result of this attack the business woman received cut wounds to the left side of her face, cut wound to the left hand and abrasions to her right shoulder.
Reports were that the male person then left running and was chased by concerned villagers. Police have since arrested and charged Lennox Rhaburn for the Crime of Aggravated Burglary.
Internal Investigation Carried Out In Suicide Of Luis Antonio Magana
The post mortem examination performed on Luis Antonio Magana, the 29 year old Orange Walkeno who committed suicide while inside a cell at the Orange Walk Police Station, has concluded, ruling his death as "COMBINED MECHANICAL ASPHYXIA AND VENOUS LONGESTION DUE TO HANGING."
As we reported on Friday, Magana was taken into the Orange Walk Police Station on Thursday June 16th following a report of domestic abuse. Reports from the Orange Walk Police indicate that when they went to check on him after 12:00 on Friday morning, Magana was hanging by his neck with piece of cloth that he tied to the cell bar - he used a belt to secure the knot.
LOVE FM
Muslim Families Outraged at House Raid by Special Branch
A raid on three Muslim families has left the Muslim community outraged. Twenty Muslims including men, women, two of whom are pregnant, and children were taken from their homes yesterday morning and detained at the Raccoon Street Police Station. The families were not informed of why they were being taken and were deprived of making [�]
Unions, Government and UWI Team Up to Hone Negotiation Skills
The University of the West Indies Open Campus in Belize along with the Ministry of Labour, Rural Development and Local Government is hosting a three day workshop. The workshop is being facilitated by Dr. Noel Cowell, a senior lecturer in employment relations at Mona School of Business and Management UWI and Danny Roberts, Head of [�]
Unions and Government Discuss OSHA
The Occupational Safety and Health Bill has been at a standstill since 2014. Recently there has been a move to address the bill and consultations have been taking place between the National Trade Union Congress and the Chamber of Commerce. Minister of Labour, Rural Development and Local Government, Hugo Patt spoke about the progress of [�]
Guatemala Runs Circles Around Belize's Foreign Minister, Says JB
Guatemala has been running circles around the Foreign Minister and this Government" - those are the words of the Leader of the Opposition, John Briceno when he spoke to the media on the importance of making it known how Guatemala is behaving and undermining the confidence building measures. JOHN BRICENO " The People's United Party [�]
Who Will Supervise Foreign Minister?
Talks to develop the framework that was agreed upon at the bilateral talks in Istanbul, Turkey on May 24 and 25 are taking place at the OAS Headquarters in Washington DC. As we told you on Friday, the People's United Party had decided to not take part in those meetings. That decision came after several [�]
PUP Leader Advises Belizeans to Get In-the-Know
With discussions on the Sarstoon River taking place in Washington DC; with the Opposition Party not taking part in these recent meetings and with the mixed messages coming out of the local and Guatemalan media, the Leader of the Opposition, John Briceno shared some words of wisdom when we spoke with him last Friday. JOHN [�]
Inclement Weather Deters Officials from Assessing Damages to Reef
June 15, 2016, local authorities were called out to an area facing Ambergris Caye where a 39-foot trawler had ran into the reef after experiencing mechanical failure. The captain of the vessel, 66-year-old, Roger Day was arraigned in court on Thursday, June 16 with damage to the Belize Barrier Reef system. The recent weather conditions, [�]
Urbie Behind Bars After Discharging Firearm in Public
Thirty-five year old police constable Urbie Alamilla, a resident of Mitchell Estate in Ladyville, became an inmate of Belize Central Prison when he appeared today before Magistrate Carlon Mendoza and was arraigned on a charge of discharging a firearm in public. Alamilla pled not guilty to the charge. He was remanded into custody until August [�]
Mexicans Riot Over Unprecedented Level of Debt Incurred by their Government
A riot took place earlier today in front of the Congress Building in Chetumal Quintana Roo, Mexico. The following videos were obtained from the Facebook page of the newscast "El Punto Sobre La I (EE)" in Quintana Roo. Citizens are infuriated over alleged public funds mismanagement. The public is directing their rage against Quintana Roo [�]
OAS Operates in the Red
By now, the Organization of American States is no stranger to the Belizean people, considering that they have played a major role in the Belize/Guatemala territorial differendum over the last few years. Belize, however, is not the only country that the OAS has involvement in as they are the agency that deals with American States [�]
PlusTV
Murders reported in Hattieville, Belize City
The small community of Hattieville was rocked by murder over the weekend. The victim has been identified as 23 year old Mark Shepherd and he was shot while socializing at the Green Iguana Lounge with his common law wife. ACP Edward Broaster has the details. ACP Edward Broaster,Officer Commanding ...
San Benito man murdered while walking home after church
A man of San Benito Village in the Toledo District was murdered on his way home from church. On Saturday the 18th of June, 36 year old farmer of San Benito Village, Francisco Ack, was walking home from church when he was attacked by two unidentified male persons. On the following day, the 19th of Ju...
Well Known DJ perishes in road traffic accident
There was a fatal traffic accident in the north this past weekend near the village of Buena Vista in the Corozal District. Two SUV's collided and well known DJ, 34 year old Serjio Che Mendez, better known as DJ Che, succumbed to injuries he received during the fatal accident. Some around 9 a.m.,...
Three new Zika cases confirmed on Caye Caulker
Three new Zika cases have been confirmed on the island of CAye Caulker. According to a press statement from the Ministry of Health they are investigating and closely monitoring the situation on the island of Caye Caulker. MOH says, "These cases stem from an investigation of fever and rash cases rep...
Corozal man drowns while fishing in Turneffe Island
A fisherman of Corozal has drowned as a result of a fishing trip during the heavy rains experienced over the weekend. On Saturday the 18th of June, 29-year-old Eugenio Santos Jr., a fisherman of Corozal was with his father 66-year-old Eugenio Santos Sr, a boat captain of Sarteneja Village, along wi...
Minor arraigned for Queen Street shooting was steeped in gang life
A Stann Creek minor, age 15, was charged with attempted murder at Queen Street Police Station. He was alleged to have been brought in to target a well-known gang associate. But indiscriminate gunfire resulted in injuries to 4 persons, including a police officer, and he was unable to get away. A 15 y...
Orange Walk inmate commits suicide
An Orange Walk inmate allegedly hung himself after being detained by the police. On Friday the 17th of June at 1:15 a.m., Orange Walk Police reported that earlier that day, a male prisoner, 29-year-old Luis Magana of Trial Farm Village, hung himself in Cell Block number three. Magana's body wa...
Corozal experienced flooding over weekend
Over the weekend due to the heavy rains, parts of the Corozal district received flash flooding. The continuous rains caused significant damages to families in different areas of Corozal. The villages that were mostly affected by the heavy rains were Libertad, San Narciso, San Roman, and Santa Clara,...
Catholic Church to conduct mass at Belize Guatemala border
The Catholic Church in Belize held a mass at the borders of Belize and Guatemala over the weekend. The mass was held under the theme "Neighbors seeking the way of peace." The objective of the mass was for both churches to pray together for a peaceful resolution of the differences betwee...
Amandala
Belize and Guatemala to discuss Sarstoon mechanism on Tuesday afternoon
Belize and Guatemala are scheduled to hold bilateral talks at the headquarters of the Organization of American States (OAS) on Tuesday afternoon, according to Lawrence Sylvester, the Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Belize delegation is being led by Foreign Minister Wilfred "Sedi' Elrington. Belize's Ambassador to Guatemala, H.E. Alexis Rosado; Belize's Permanent Representative to the OAS, H.E. Pat Andrews; Belize's Deputy Chief of Missions at the Belize Embassy in Washington, Ardelle Sabido, as well as Belize Defence Force Commander, Brigadier General David Jones, are part of the delegation, Sylvester said.
We asked the CEO, what is the scope of tomorrow's discussion? He told us that the parties will be discussing bilateral relations, and more specifically advancing the work on trying to get an agreement on the situation at the Sarstoon River.
Ahmad family raided
At least 19 members of the prominent Ahmad (Bulwer) family of Hattieville, Belize District, were hauled off by police in a Special Branch operation around dawn this morning. A spokeperson of the Muslim community told Amandala that the family members, including well-known Belize City barber Fareed Ahmad and former prison superintendent, Taheera Ahmad, as well as their elderly parents, were taken from five separate homes this morning to the Racoon Street Police Station in Belize City, where they were held until late this evening and released without any charges.
On the other hand, police have kept all the family's electronic equipment, including their laptops and cellphones, as well as their Islamic books, including the family's copies of the Koran. Since the phones of the family members were confiscated, other family members who were trying to contact them did not know where they were.
Murder on Kraal Road
Another young man has lost his life as a result of the senseless gun violence that is plaguing Belize City.
Edison "Southey" Williams, 29, was shot multiple times in the chest and abdomen by a vicious gunman who went into his yard at about 9:00 Friday night.
Williams, of a Kraal Road address, was standing alone, leaning on the side of a building at the front of the yard when the unknown gunman came up from through an alley leading from the adjacent street, and appeared at the same side of the house where Williams was standing, and shot him several times.
The killer then escaped back through the alley.
People who were socializing in front of the house scattered and ran for cover as the gunshots were fired.
Williams was then rushed to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital by his landlord, who was at home at the time, but at about 5:00 Saturday morning, Williams was declared dead at the hospital while undergoing treatment.
Editorial: Economics and migration
Some people have said that politics is "the art of the possible." Clausewitz opined that war is an extension of politics by other means. Both politics and war are built on the foundation of economics, which has to do with how human beings use the resources in their surroundings to feed, clothe, house, educate, recreate, and protect themselves.
The settlement of Belize began as an exercise in predatory economics, which is to say, piracy. The European pirates who took refuge here inside the Barrier Reef later became entrepreneurial. They began to cut down logwood trees (later mahogany) and ship the logs to markets in Great Britain. By the time of mahogany, their market began to include cities in the United States.
As we look at the dysfunctional black youth of Belize City today, it is important to remember that their ancestors were brought to these shores as slaves precisely because of their working ability in the forestry and forestry-related industries of the settlement. Our ancestors were brought here in chains by European pirates who were becoming entrepreneurs. Our ancestors built this country.
From the Publisher
My family didn't raise me to think or behave like a slave, but the ultimate reality was that we were all colonial "British subjects" in this territory, and most of us were not white. The fact of being non-white, or to be brutal, black, added a complication to the "subjects" mix, I guess, but I was still a child innocent to sociology and politics, more than sixty years ago, when I had an experience which, in retrospect, may have been a precursor of things to come.
I would have been maybe 8 or 9 years old and in Standard II or Standard III at Holy Redeemer Boys School (HRBS) on North Front Street. On beginning school at age 5, I had been a kind of sensation because the HRBS curriculum was very much reading-biased, as opposed to being technical, scientific, or vocational, and letters and reading were where my strengths lay. So they "skipped" me a couple times, early and quickly.
Letter to the Editor: Why?
Why did our Prime Minister after reading the letter sent to him by the Leader of the Opposition advising that the PUP intended to use the opportunity to internationalize Guatemala's arrogation and annexation of the Sarstoon island and river, unexpectedly withdraw his invitation for their representative to attend the OAS meeting in the Dominican Republic, thereby depriving Belize of a timely and significant opportunity to lobby with the heads of state in attendance for support and the condemnation of Guatemala's annexation of our southern border? Had the aforementioned representative been allowed to attend, might this not have resulted in a demand by those heads of state present, that the relevant OAS resolution passed should include a directive to Guatemala to cease its aggression and immediately withdraw the GAF from our sovereign and internationally acknowledged territory on the Sarstoon River?
Why do our leaders appear to be so ostensibly afraid to offend or criticize Guatemala despite its overt belligerence, disparagement, aggression and blatant disrespect for Belize?
Breaking Belize News
Chief Pharmacist sues former Ministry CEO
In the first quarter of 2014, then Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Peter Allen, was under sustained fire from the Public Service Union primarily over the appointment of an inexperienced minister's daughter as the Director of Drug Inspectorate, who along with [�]
Belize, Guatemala in Washington for Sarstoon talks
Belizean Minister of Foreign Affairs, Honorable Wilfred Elrington and his Guatemalan counterpart, Carlos Ra�l Morales are in Washington to begin negotiations for a Sarstoon protocol. These are being held at the headquarters of the Organization of American States in the presence of its Secretary General, [�]
Should Labour Department give allegedly fired Facebook poster his job back?
In the wake of the Orlando Pulse nightclub shooting nine days ago, many sympathized with the US over the horrific crime, in which one Omar Mateen took 49 lives before being killed by police. However, in some cases, the thoughts of those who felt differently [�]
Labour, unions, business to look at new way of bargaining
The collective bargaining agreement is the foremost instrument used by labour unions to ensure their members receive maximum benefits from employers. And while some negotiations over CBA's prove not to be especially stressful, others - like the protracted one between the stevedores and Port of [�]
Constable remanded for firing weapon in restaurant
Thirty five (35) year old police Constable Urbie Alamilla attached to the Intelligence section of Eastern Division (South) and a former Minister's driver, has been remanded to prison, having been accused of discharging a firearm in a public place, to wit, Green Jade Restaurant located [�]
Conch season nears closing
The conch season will close on June 24. The advisory has been issued by the Belize Fisheries Department stating that the Queen Conch (Strombus gigas) fishery season closes on that date and reopens on October 1, 2016. All conch should be consumed on or by June 24 by restaurateurs [�]
Blue Creek man drowns on fishing trip
Punta Gorda police are currently investigating the drowning of 21-year-old Thomas Salam from Blue Creek Village. According to a police report, on June 20 around 2:30 a.m. police received information about a male person who allegedly drowned while on a fishing trip with four other men. Initial [�]
Marijuana plantation destroyed in San Estevan
Orange Walk police destroyed a marijuana plantation in San Estevan village just about 100 feet away from the primary school in that village. Reports indicate that over 25 plants were uprooted, ranging from 6 inches to a foot in height. No one was in the [�]
Orange Walk woman reported missing
While Orange Walk police are still searching for the whereabouts of 32-year-old Saul Cooch, Rubicile Castillo from San Jose Nuevo Palmar reported to police that her 33-year-old sister Alma Lily Castillo has gone missing. Castillo reported to police that her sister left her house saying that [�]
Minor detained for 489 grams of cannabis
Over 400 grams of cannabis was removed from the streets of Belize City. Officers were on their daily patrol when their attention was drawn to a shirtless male person who carried a blue gift bag behaving in a very suspicious manner. When officers approached him, [�]
Police question youth in connection with La Popular robbery
A 17-year-old boy is being interrogated by Belize City Police for a broad daylight robbery at La Popular Bakery located at the corner of Logwood and Sarstoon Street in the old capital. On Monday, twenty-seven-year-old Adelita Ocompo, a cashier at the bakery reported to police [�]
Celebrating Inspiration and Points for Pineapples
The "Inspiration Celebration 2016" which took place Saturday night, June 18th and raised a substantial amount of money for First Lady Kim Simplis Barrow's charity that helps disabled Belizean children receive physical therapy.
The first Lady and Prime Minister Dean Barrow were on hand, as were about 300 people in support of the cause. The evening was filled with good company, great food, drinks and dancing with all the proceeds going to the charity. Raffle prizes included a Louis Vuitton bag, Tropic Air tickets to the mainland and Cancun, a stay at Ka'ana Resort, tour gift certificates and a round-trip flight and hotel at Martha's Vineyard.
Having a magical moment while doing yoga at the end of a pier
Happy International Yoga Day.
During yoga on this past rainy Sunday morning, under the palapa at Ak 'Bol, my gaze was drawn to an osprey cruising the shore, then diving into the water for breakfast. I was in downward dog, so the whole scene unfolded with my head upside down.
Later, as my head rested on the floor, I looked through the planking with one eye into my own private aquarium. Sargent fish and needle fish were swimming in and out of my view in the crystal clear green water.
Honestly, yoga just doesn't get any better than that.
Things to do in Belize: Top Attractions & Activities (2016 Guide)
Belize is frequently called "Mother Nature's best kept secret", and for good reason. Being the best-kept secret can make finding out about things to do in Belize a chore. We've saved you the hassle of all the research and present you this guide on the best attractions and activities to see and do in Belize.
Adventuring Xibalba; The Mayan Underworld (explore Caves),
Diving & Snorkeling is one of the top 10 things to do while in Belize
Exploring ancient Mayan Ruins can be one of your favorite things to do in Belize!
Visit the Belize Zoo,
Watersports,
Hiking,
Camping,
Rest and Relaxation.
THE LOVE THAT ENDURES!!!
It is human nature to search for happiness! In fact, most people spend their entire lives, searching for the one thing, person, place or situation that makes them most happy. For a lot, this yearning is never quenched. This was NOT the case for two of our guests that recently offered us the honor of hosting them for their 60th wedding anniversary.
This was truly an honor. Bob and Patty Steinfeld checked into Grand Caribe Belize on May 28th. Visiting San Pedro Ambergris Caye for the very first time, this vacation was a gift from their lovely daughter Brenda and her husband Mark.
Bob and Patti met through a mutual acquaintance when Patty was 18 and Bob was 21. Their first date was a blind date. Patty reminisced on the first time they met. "It was raining the night he came to get me for our date. The poor man got soaking wet as he made his way from the car to my door. It was quite adorable."
International Sources
Chetumal, Quintana Roo, Mexico after the weekend rain
Anglers of the Caribbean, Part I: the $75 charter experience
My wife Anna and I recently enjoyed a weeklong adventure in beautiful Belize. We stayed at an island resort, snorkeled on the world's second-largest barrier reef, visited ancient Mayan ruins and, in general, had the time of our lives.
But this is a fishing column, so I'll get right to the good stuff.
On previous vacations I've paid for fishing charters, with varying degrees of success. Anna caught a nice mahi-mahi in Hawaii and we tangled with some feisty sharks off the coast of Mexico. But charters are expensive, and we've yet to have one of those "fish of a lifetime" days that would justify the cost.
So this time, I decided to go it alone.
I bought a telescoping rod and a cheap reel. I didn't want the saltwater to ruin my nice ones. Local tackle shops don't exactly have saltwater sections, so buying lures was mostly guesswork. I threw a handful of jigs, spoons, swimbaits and bait hooks into a small tackle box, and I was ready to roll - all at less than 10 percent of the cost of booking a charter.
On our first full day in Belize, I set my alarm for 5 a.m. The sun was already up, and the aquamarine Caribbean looked eager to reveal its secrets. I tied on a white, soft plastic squid stuffed with a 3/8-ounce jig head and casted off the pier.
One jig. Two jigs. Three jigs. BOOM! A savage hit doubled my rod over. And then it was gone. I reeled in to find my 15-pound line completely sawed through. A barracuda - or something with serious teeth - must have been the culprit. The good news was the squid worked. The bad news? I hadn't brought any wire leaders.
Belizean Wins Women in Maritime Logo Competition
When the Women in Maritime Association for the Caribbean (WiMAC), announced its logo competition last year, Belizean Nicole Allen, a 16-year veteran in the maritime industry, was eager to enter.
She wanted to show off her artistic skills and to design a logo that represented the women, who work in the industry.
"They wanted a logo that would be reflective of the women in maritime and decided on opening up the competition where everyone across the region could have a say," the 36-year-old Port of Belize Limited employee told JIS News.
"I instantly thought of a design, which would include the words 'To chart the course for generations of women in maritime', a design I felt would highlight the importance of women in maritime," she added.
The logo was to represent the women across the industry, at all ages and stages of training or career, in seafaring as well as shore-based professions.
Videos
Belize Ocean Club Resort & Spa, 1.5min.
Southern Belize! Nice Diving guys!!, 4min.
LA VOZ KARAOKE 2016 - WEEK 10, 124min.
June 20 Hurricane Outlook and Discussion, 12min. A look at TS Danielle plus SST anomalies, the MJO and potential for development towards the end of the month. By Mark Sudduth over at HurricaneTrack.com on the current and future state of the Tropics. Video covers the possible development coming out of the Caribbean in about 10 days
Chiquibul Jaguars, 1min. Its not every day you see a Jaguar in Chiquibul. But when you do, make sure you take a video of it! Our rangers just came out from the field with this cool lil clip. Want to see these big cats yourself? Then share this post and ask your friends to like the S6 page. Doing this, automatically enters your name for a chance to win a day trip to the Magnificent Chiquibul in Belize where wildlife is still the way it should be... wild!
Great Blue Hole - Belize, 1min.
Belize Trip 2016, 4min. Belize City, San Pedro & Caye Caulker
Belize Movie, 6min.
Skydiving into the Blue Hole, Belize, 8.5min.
Dolphin Pod Playing in Belize 6-21-2016, 1min.
Exploring Pathways to Expand Sustainable Agriculture in Maya Communities of Southern Belize, 70min.
Belize Day 4 Dive 3 Tarpon Creek North, Turneffe Atoll, Belize, 5min. Third dive at Turneffe Atoll. Really nice reef.
"They Only Take Pictures" Maya Perceptions of Tourism in Southern Belize, 68min.
MIDAS RESORT - BELIZE!, 3min. A journey through the jungle resort of Midas Belize, in the town of San Ignacio (Cayo, Belize).