GSU Commander Mark Flowers, A Fugitive from Justice
Mark Flowers, head of the infamous Gang Suppression Unit, is tonight a fugitive from justice, according to a police source. Over the weekend, an arrest warrant was issued for Flowers, [...]
Dickie Bradley Says Flowers is Still Commander of the GSU
According to Bradley, Flowers remains commander of the Gang Suppression Unit despite recent announcements that he has since been replaced by Inspector Glenn Caliz.� Bradley says his client is a [...]
Belmopan Compre Teacher Slain in Orange Walk
There were three murders over the weekend, in Gardenia, Belize District where a bar owner was executed; in Belmopan where a woman was likely raped and murdered and up north [...]
Nathan Underwood is Executed Inside His Bar in Gardenia
The life of thirty-eight year old Nathan Underwood was also cut short. The Hattieville resident was at his bar, Nates Cool Spot, when he shot dead. The establishment is located [...]
Mother of 3 Killed in Belmopan; Her Body is Discovered by Her Daughter
The most recent murder took place this morning and in the nation's capital. A mother of three, Regina Williams was found partially nude in front of her house in the [...]
American National Shot While in Bed in Sand Hill
Heading back to the Belize District�.just minutes after the murder of Nathan Underwood at mile twenty-one on the Phillip Goldson Highway, there was a shooting on the Old Northern Highway [...]
Bradley Paumen Back in Court for Preliminary Inquiry
American businessman Bradley Paumen, owner of Dark Knight Cave Tours, was back in court today.� Paumen is another person with high connections in government circles; so much so that he [...]
A Pen Gun is Discovered in Carmelita
We don't normally hear of the use of a pen gun in the committal of crimes in Belize, but around eleven o'clock today, Orange Walk police were called out to [...]
16 Year Old Arraigned for Murder of John Jay Rodriguez
The well-known and loved artist John Rodriquez aka "John Jay" was killed in Dangriga in June of this year. His murder stunned the community; it occurred at the Harlem Square [...]
Richard Smith Guilty of Aggravated Assault of His Stepson
After more than a month in the hospital, police have charged twenty-three year old Richard Smith�with four criminal offenses.� Smith was chopped by his fourteen year old stepson for allegedly [...]
A Vigil in Belmopan to Highlight the Beheading of Pastor Lucas
A candlelight vigil is underway in Belmopan and was organized by a group of religious leaders and concerned citizens, following the decapitation of Pastor Llewellyn Lucas a week ago.� Tonight's [...]
NCFC Says Sexual Abuse of Children Must Stop
The recent allegations of sexual abuse against children prompted a reaction by the National Committee of Families which is citing Belize's ascension to the United Nations convention on the Rights [...]
Everything Quiet on South Side
Interestingly, Eastern Division South did not see any major criminal activity over the weekend. In fact, it's been three weeks since there has been any murder or violence triggered by [...]
Chester Williams Says GSU Not Best Option to Curb Crime
Earlier today, Assistant Commissioner of Police Chester Williams said that he is of the view that putting back the GSU in the streets to curb crime may not be the [...]
Getting to Know Belize - A New Policing Effort of Eastern Division
Eastern Division South has embarked on another community policing program for the summer. It targets underprivileged families and youths who are at risk of being recruited by gangs. Fifty participants [...]
P.U.P. Sides with Farmers on the Issue of the Spoilt Molasses
There is unease in the always volatile sugar industry tonight as millers and producers argue over who should pay, after hundreds of thousands of dollars- worth of molasses was destroyed [...]
Basketball, Softball & Cycling in Sports Monday
Good evening I'm James Adderley and this is Sports Monday. Certainly was a biggie at Birds Isle Friday night in Interoffice Basketball play as Heritage Bank Heatz challenged the [...]
CTV3
Pen gun Confiscated By Orange Walk Police
As a result of the good relationship shared between the Orange Walk police and members of the community, today authorities were able to remove yet another firearm from the streets, this time a point twenty-two caliber pen gun.
Superintendent Selvin Tillett- OC Orange Walk Police: "Due to the good relation with the police that we are trying to build here in Orange Walk a person found at Carmelita inform us about such situation and as a result police visited an open lot in the Carmelita Village where they found this pen gun, the informant told us that he suspected that something was being hidden in that yard and as a result we found a pen gun."
PUP Side With Cane Farmers
Tonight problems continue in sugar land as the estimated price for the second payment to cane farmers is still under dispute. The contention between the miller and the producer arose after BSI/ASR announced that the loss in revenue resulting from 3,900 tons of damaged molasses due to Maillards Reaction will be shared between cane farmers and the sugar mill. As a result cane farmers will pay $281,233.00 equivalent to 65% or $0.22 per ton cane of the cost of molasses lost which amounts to $432,666. As previously mentioned the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association is in total disagreement with having to share the loss and have outlined a number of reasons why cane farmers should not bear the brunt of the cost.
How Did John Saldivar Meet Mason?
A week has gone by since the gruesome discovery of the decapitated head of well-known pastor Llewellyn Lucas, which sent a shockwave throughout the country of Belize. Since then a number of high ranking officials have been in the hot seat about their involvement with the person believed to be responsible for Pastor Luca's death, including Minister of National Security, Honorable John Saldivar, who has had to answer a lot of questions in relation to Guyanese born Rajesh Oullet also known as William Mason. Despite all the questioning, Saldivar had not shared the story of how he met the con-man or who introduced him and when he was asked today, he didn't seem to remember much details:
Mason's Wife Not Under Police Surviellance
Last week we told you about the Belize Police who is on the lookout for 48 year-old Melissa Ferguson, the female companion of accused murderer William "Danny" Mason. She was last seen Tuesday July 19th, leaving Mason's Outback Ranch along the George Price Highway with suitcases. But the question surrounding this situation is why a person with possible vital information to share was able to get from under the noses of the police and go on the lam? Minister of National Security, Honorable John Saldivar responded to that question today.
Honorable John Saldivar - Minister of National Security:
"I guess the police will have their reasons and I have to depend on their expertise in that areas why five days after that is when they decided then they know what they are doing and I trust in what they are doing."
San Pablo's Bus Stop Vandalized
On Saturday the peaceful sleep of the residents from the village of San Pablo here in Orange Walk Town was disturbed sometime after midnight by loud noises which came from an area near the Douglas junction.
After residents living in the vicinity sprang out of their beds with the intention of finding out what the commotion was all about, it was brought to their attention that three individuals, allegedly UDP supporters, were destroying the bus stop building located within the area and managed to rip off the entire roof made of zinc material.
According to the chairman of the village, Javier Sabido, the bus stop was built over two decades ago on a portion of land which is currently privately owned, but with permission from the owner. Sabido is alleging that this mischievous act was undeniably politically influenced.
Belizeans Detained By ICE In Los Angeles
Two Belizeans were arrested this past week in Los Angeles, California as part of an operation carried out by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) targeting criminal foreigners. According to a report on US news "Los Angeles Time" a total of 112 foreign immigrants were arrested in the operation of which 100 were men and 12 women with criminal histories ranging from violent crimes such as child sex crimes and assault to significant or multiple misdemeanors. The largest number of those taken into custody were from Mexico with a total of 89, but nationals from a total of 11 countries were detained, including seven from El Salvador; five Guatemalans ; two Belizeans, two from Honduras, two from Vietnam ; one from Egypt; one from the Philippines ; one from Tonga, one from the United Kingdom; and one from Azerbaijan.
Teacher Murdered In Orange Walk
Sunday morning welcomed Orange Walk residents with the sad news of a murder this time the victim resulted to be a 39 year old high school teacher who was stabbed to death. Tonight police are still seeking the motive behind the murder which played out in the early hours of Sunday Morning. Just before five o'clock, police were called out to St. Peter's Street, In Orange Walk Town, where they discovered the body of a man in a pool of blood on the sidewalk in front of the Barracks football field. Marcelo Azueta, a high school teacher was found with one large cut wound to the right side of the neck believed to be inflicted by a shard object.
LOVE FM
BDF's Battle Camp 2016 Sees 127 Added to Volunteer Element
One hundred and twenty seven men and women have recently joined the Belize Defense Force Volunteer element. With the group divided into seven units, they have survived the first week of the annual battle camp at the Valencia Camp in the Cayo District. Today, the Minister of National Security, John Saldivar along with the BDF [�]
Bounty for BDF Volunteer Element Reinstated
Seventy eight members of the Volunteer element of the Belize Defense Force were presented with an envelope, each containing nothing less than six hundred dollars. The money they received today is referred to as a bounty. The bounty program was halted eight years ago and after much lobbying for the finances, it has been reinstated. [�]
Young Girl Finds Mom Murdered in Western Belize
The murder count increased by three since our last news report on Friday. The latest was reported in Belmopan where the body of a woman was discovered this morning. We get the details from correspondent Fem Cruz. FEM CRUZ '"Belmopan police are investigating the brutal murder 31-year-old, Bella Regina Williams whose body was found this [�]
Teacher Slain in Northern Belize
Meanwhile Orange Walk Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the murder of a teacher in that municipality. The body of 39-year-old Marcelo Azueta was found yesterday morning. Officer in Charge of Orange Walk Police, Senior Superintendent Selvin Tillett shared what their initial investigations have revealed. SELVIN TILLETT "On Sunday July 24th at 5:15am acting upon [�]
Murder, Shooting and Stabbing in Rural Belize
The first murder of the weekend was reported in the Belize District. 38-year-old Nathan Underwood, the proprietor of Nate's Cool Spot in Gardenia Village was shot multiple times. Police say they have not established a motive for the shooting. Inspector Juanito Cocom shares the details. JUANITO COCOM "I have two unfortunate incidents to report this [�]
Freetown Stabbing Under Investigation
A resident of Freetown Road, Belize City was stabbed on his right hand during an argument Friday night. The incident happened just after eleven o'clock when 30-year-old, Gilroy Smith engaged in an argument with Steve Logan and Janelle Gentle. The source of their argument is unknown but Love News understands that both Logan and Gentle [�]
Duo Nabbed in San Ignacio Robbery
Two residents of Bullet Tree Falls in the Cayo District have been detained following a robbery. Assistant Superintendent, Daniel Iche shared the details. DANIEL ICHE "Today the 25th of July 2016 at 8:30am Mr.Erie Manzanero of Bullet Tree Falls in the Cayo district reported to the San Ignacio police that sometime between 5 am and [�]
NCFC Calls for Sexual Offences Against Children to Cease and Desist
The National Committee for Families and Children have issued a statement condemning the increase in reports of sexual offenses against children. The NCFC says quote "Mere words alone cannot express our absolute condemnation of such heinous acts. As adults, we should be protecting our children rather than taking advantage of them. Children will be children [�]
PUP Representative Says ASR Should Take Full Ownership of the Spoilt Molasses
The cane farmers and the Belize Sugar Industries have been in disagreement over the past week over tons of spoilt molasses that resulted from a Maillard Reaction. BSI's stance was to incorporate shared responsibility for the losses and intends to charge the cane farmers sixty five percent which would amount to more than two hundred [�]
Minister Saldivar Speaks Business, Mason and the Bandits
The Mason saga continues as investigators continue to gather their evidence, the prosecutors are building their case, citizens are speculating on what really led to all these events and the media continues to try and find answers to many more questions. While William Mason sits in Tango Ten at the Belize Central Prison along with [�]
The Reporter
Shyne rocks Jamaica Reggae Sumfest
Rapper Shyne returned home to Belize on Sunday after rocking the stage with Barrington Levy at Jamaica's Sumfest 2016.
Shyne and Levy performed their hit song "Bad Boys" as part of Levy's set, which also featured performances of "Living Dangerously", "Murderer" and "Prison Oval Rock" from Levy. Beenie Man was also featured on the set.
Shyne was in Jamaica to perform at Sumfest but he also reached out to Vybz Kartel, who is currently serving 35 years in prison, for a collaboration on his new project. The "Bonnie and Shyne" rapper is working on his new album along with Jamaican producer Supa Hype.
While in Jamaica Shyne did interviews with The Star and OnStage, where he revealed his latest album is a rap/dancehall mix.
Shyne has also reached out to Popcaan for work on a new single. As for the Kartel collaboration, Shyne has already recorded his part and is waiting for a response from Kartel's team to find a suitable verse from his unreleased material prior to incarceration.
Breaking Belize News
Belize celebrates Philip Goldson's 93rd birthday
Today, July 25th is the 93rd birthday of national hero Philip Stanley Wilberforce Goldson and the National Institute of Culture and History (NICH), through the Goldson House For Democracy and Patriotism are celebrating the occasion. The Goldson House, located on 82 Orange Street [�]
Father jailed for attack on stepson
23 year old Richard Smith will serve time of 2 of 4 criminal charges after his teenage stepson intervened to defend his common-law wife from abuse. On May 31, 2016, Smith and his partner, whose name we will not reveal to avoid any reference [�]
Attempted murder charge for stabbing
Alfonso Castillo was stabbed twice last week on July 21, 2016 through Rhaburn's Alley near Victoria Street, Belize City. Police have charged 24 year old Raheem Marsden with attempted murder, dangerous harm and use of deadly means of harm. In court, Marsden claimed he [�]
Accused swindler charged again
32 year old Gina Cherrington, formerly Conorquie, has previously been convicted of running cons and has now been accused of going back to her old ways - and using a popular Minister's name to attempt to cover her tracks. Cherrington has been charged with [�]
No charges yet for Mark Flowers
Rumors flew hot and heavy beginning this morning that boss of the Gang Suppression Unit (GSU), Superintendent of Police Mark Flowers, was to be formally charged today for sexual assault offences in connection with a report by a 13 year old minor. But as [�]
Belizeans arrested in US Immigration sting
Two Belizeans were arrested in California, USA as part of an operation carried out by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) targeting "criminal foreigners". The Belizeans, who were not named, were among 100 men and 12 women with criminal histories who were [�]
Teacher slain in Orange Walk; police still have no motive
Orange Walk Police are still trying to find out why a teacher was killed in Orange Walk on Sunday morning. Police report that officers were called out to Sylvester Street in Orange Walk Town around 5:00 that morning. There, officers found the lifeless body of a man [�]
Belizean family harassed and provoked in Bacalar Mexico
On Thursday a family from Corozal was harassed and provoked at Bacalar in Mexico by members of the Roberto Borge Angulo taxi union in Bacalar, according to Mexican media. The Belizean family visited Bacalar in a green car for pleasure and were intercepted by the [�]
Police respond to shooting on Maskall Road
Rosalind Milligan, 26, of Sand Hill village was shot at her home this weekend. According to police reports, officers received information that someone had been shot at their house on Maskall Road in Sand Hill village and when they arrived on the scene they [�]
Nathan Underwood murdered in Biscayne Village
Nathan Underwood, 38, a resident of Biscayne Village was murdered on Friday at around 10:30 at his place of business. According to police, officers visited Mile 21 on the Philip Goldson Highway, Biscayne Village at Nate's Cool Spot where they saw Underwood on the [�]
Body found in Belmopan
Belmopan police are currently at the scene where a body was found. BBN has been reliably informed that the victim is suspected to have been murdered. We will keep following this story and will post an update as more details become available. © 2016, [�]
Learned Helplessness Is Inhibiting The Second Belizean Revolution
By Charles Leslie Is this psychological disorder the factor that is inhibiting Belizeans from standing up and triggering the second Belizean revolution? Learned helplessness is behavior typical of an organism (human or animal) that has endured repeated painful or otherwise aversive stimuli which it was unable to [�]
Blogs
The Sound of the Caribbean: Steel Pans!
The steel pan music spot light in Belize is shared by five main groups: The Pantempters Steel Orchestra; Panerrifix Steel Band; Pandemonium Steel Band; The Allstars Steel Band, and the Dynamix Steel Band. In addition, several schools have their own bands as part of their music program. The 'Pan Yaad Concert' has been delighting Belizeans since 2009, as part of our September Celebrations (yes, Belizeans we celebrate our independence for an entire month!). The concert is held at the House of Culture in Belize City, and it is full of color, movement and patriotic spirit. Oh! How I love the Pan Yaad Concert! This year's Pan Yaad Concert is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, September 18th. Mark your calendars, because this is an event you don't want to miss! And wherever in the Caribbean you may be, and you hear those tinny sounds starting up, dancing is encouraged!
The Chaa Creek Eco-Campers Have the Times of Their Lives
The Lodge at Chaa Creek is an absolute gem in Belize in the midst of the most beautiful forest. And this year, I was lucky enough to be invited back for two nights of Eco-Kids Summer Camp.
For 7 years now, 24 kids from every corner of Belize have been chosen based on an essay for Chaa Creek's summer camp. They are not judged on spelling or grammar but on their heartfelt descriptions of why they are "Belize eco-kids". How they respect the environment - the plants, the water and the sea and the animals, the importance of protecting mother nature in their backyards and Belize and how they can spread the word�I can think of few things as important.
And few back drops as beautiful to convey the message.
Their essays were chosen and they were invited to one week of amazing summer camp. So well organized, so jam packed with learning and fun - these 24 will go back to their villages and towns and, hopefully, become ambassadors at home and at school.
Rent in Belize From $350 a Month
Belize is a charming little country with one foot planted in the Caribbean, the other in Central America. In addition to an abundance of natural beauty, the offshore World Heritage Mesoamerican barrier reef, and a multitude of Maya ruins, Belize offers expats an outstanding residence program for retirees. Another plus, English is the country's primary language. For these reasons-and others-an increasing number of expats are moving to this laidback, democratic country.
Belize is comparable in size to Massachusetts. It's easy to travel between its districts by bus, car, plane, or water taxi. You can drive from the northern border, across from Mexico, to the southernmost district of Toledo within a day. Take local flights and you can reach any region within an hour or two. In less than two hours you can travel by water taxi between the mainland and the primary cayes - Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker.
If you're seriously considering a move to Belize, be sure to take an initial trip to explore the entire country. After you've narrowed down your geographic options, spend several months renting-it's the best way to explore Belize's diverse districts and lifestyles in depth.
Trading NYC for Caribbean Sunrises in Corozal
"I used to watch the sunset on the Empire State Building. Now I watch the sunrise over the Caribbean, on the bay of Corozal," says Nancy Naftchi-Medoro, 46. For Nancy and her husband Tony, 68, the move has changed their lives for the better.
Swapping "Traditional" Retirement For Overseas Adventures
My wife, Suzan, and I have been living and working abroad for 15 years now, and we can count the number of "traditional" retirees we've met on the fingers of one hand. That probably has a lot to do with the kind of people who decide to retire abroad in the first place. These are not traditional thinkers, so there is really no reason to expect them to have traditional retirements.
You can certainly find what we think of as "traditional" retirees if you look hard enough�the folks who, after a lifetime of hard work, simply want an easy chair, a good book or some knitting, and a shady porch. But as I say, not many of those folks go abroad to find that porch. And the ones who do often discover that the attraction of the rocking chair wears pretty thin after a month or two.
That's when their traditional retirement ends and their new lives abroad begin.
Helpful tips and issues with ATM use at Belize Banks
You may or may not know that there is an an issue happening with foreign bank cards and ATM service in the Belize Banks right now. If you are an expat or traveler this applies to you.
This information could save you from a few heart palpitations and stress.
Not to long ago, I had my Canadian card swallowed at the Heritage Bank ATM and just figured I was having an off day. When I went to the bank I found out that it was a standard thing for now (not sure for how long) that any foreign cards that are unfortunate enough to make their way to the ATM will get snacked on by the plastic hungry Heritage machine. As I understand it, their official procedure is to send it back to the bank where the card is from. Thankfully I got there fast and was able to get my card back without involving Canada.
Belize Eco-Kids Summer Camp - Waste Management & Sustainability Day 6
The morning started off cold and fresh, and as the campers awoke they pulled on sweaters and made their way up to the campfire. After singing some camp songs to warm up, we had a delicious breakfast and moved straight to work - after picking up smooth round rocks and jagged square stones from the river, we cleaned them, dried them and then splattered them with paint and stuck googly eyes on them until they resembled something out of a Tim Burton movie! We cleaned the tables and laid the 'interesting' stones out in the clean sun to dry.
As the day warmed up, we grabbed our backpacks and hiked through the sweating jungle to the lodge, where we were taken to the Ixchel Conference room so that Ms. Lucy Fleming, one of the founders of Chaa Creek, could give us a presentation about one of the greatest growing industries in the world - tourism!
Ancient Foods - Pacaya
Many times when we think about the ancient foods of the Maya, the first thing that comes to mind is corn, and rightfully so, corn was a major part of the ancient Maya diet, but they did not live on that alone. In fact, their diet was very wide and included a vast variety of plants and animals found in the surrounding forests. This brings us to the following question: Did the Maya clear forests completely? That may be true in the corn fields, but what about closer to their homes? If we visit a house of a present day Maya, we will find a variety of fruit trees, plants used in cooking such as spices or even those used for medicine. I believe that the ancient Maya were no different than what we are today and would have kept some plants around their huts or nearby.
International Sources
10 Top Places To Retire Overseas
Do your clients dream of living a life of leisure in retirement on a beach or in the mountains outside the United States?
"Today, retiring overseas is about launching a new life in a new country, starting over someplace sunny and exotic with white-sand beaches or Old World culture," says Kathleen Peddicord, author and publisher of Live and Invest Overseas. "But there is no one way to determine the best place to retire for every person. That's why our 2016 index rates the top destinations around the world that are each special for their own reasons."
The categories considered in the Live and Invest Overseas index represent the most important criteria that retirees consider when shopping the globe for the best place to live, including climate, cost of living, whether English is spoken, entertainment, environmental conditions, existing expat community, health care, infrastructure, real estate, residency options, safety and taxes.
No. 10: Ambergris Caye, Belize. The largest island of the group, Ambergris Caye has the second largest barrier reef in the world, after Australia, and is a ring of white sandy beaches sitting in azure water.