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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

Iris Salguero to represent Belize in Miss World Pageant
Former Miss San Pedro Iris Salguero 2015-2016, was crowned Miss World Belize on Saturday, October 22nd at the Log Cabin Inn in the Cayo District. Salguero competed along with three other contestants Moesha Shaw from Belize City, Kayla Lewis from Roaring Creek Village and Krystalee Martinez from Belmopan City for the honour of representing Belize at the upcoming Miss World Pageant being held on December 19, 2016 in Washington D.C, USA. Salguero was able to charm the audience and judges, who awarded her with the coveted title and crown. To celebrate Salguero's win, family members and friends gathered on Monday, October 24th, to welcome her home. At Tropic Air, a host of friends, fans, and family happily embraced her. Salguero shared with everyone her thoughts about the pageant. She mentioned that the event is not just about the country and its beauty, but about an individual who is compassionate towards others and wants to give back to the community. "I want to see a change and I am definitely looking forward to helping out," she said.

Fugitive Juan Carlos Martinez gunned down by police
One person is dead after a shootout in the San Pedrito Sub-Division of San Pedro Town, involving police officers of the San Pedro Police Formation (SPPF). The deceased was identified as convicted prisoner 25-year-old Juan Carlos Martinez who had been at large since December 13, 2015. Martinez lost his life when he engaged in a shooting incident with the police around 11PM on the evening of Tuesday, October 25th on the lagoon side of the sub-division. The official report from the police states that while acting on information received of the convicted prisoner and escapee Martinez, a team of police officers visited a house in the San Pedrito Area. They surrounded the house and called out Martinez as they identified themselves as police officers. The report states that shortly after, a fair- complexioned male person dressed in a � camouflage pants and no shirt exited the house and jumped off the veranda into the lagoon behind the house. The police officers set chase after the male person through the lagoon, and into a swampy area, during which time they heard what sounded like gun shots. The police quickly took cover and returned fire in the direction from where they were being attacked. After a few minutes of silence, they went to the area where they had heard the gunshots. They immediately came across the lifeless body of Martinez. He had received several gunshot wounds to the upper part of his body and succumbed to the injuries at the spot. The body has since then being transported to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital in Belize City, where a post mortem examination awaits.

Mayor signs Memorandum of Cooperation with BELTRAIDE
On Friday, October 21st, Mayor Daniel Guerrero and Lejia Melanie Gideon, General Manager, Enterprise and Innovation Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE), signed a Memorandum of Cooperation. In attendance to witness the signing at the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) Conference Room were the San Pedro Town Councilors, representatives of the BELTRAIDE, tourism stakeholders, and media members. The memorandum signified the commitment between both parties to introduce strategies that will help improve the business sector on Ambergris Caye. Before the memorandum was signed, the mayor discussed the benefits of partnering with BELTRAIDE, something that had been in discussion for over six months, with the first draft being reviewed and approved. "The beauty is that we can never be [too] prepared for the unexpected. Due to developing lots of business and San Pedro growing so fast, with the help of BELTRAIDE to train in different areas of business, San Pedro will provide better service to residents and visitors.

Aquafino and Sandy Point Real Estate donate generator to Police Department
After a recent power outage that left the San Pedro Police Department without electricity for over 24 hours, Aquafino and Sandy Point Real Estate decided to donate a large generator. Funded through Aquafino's Costa Maya Fashion Show early in August, the machine was handed over to Deputy Executive Office for the Coastal Zone and Assistant Superintendent Henry Jemmott on Friday, October 21st. President of Acquafino, William Narod, was more than pleased to able to donate this generator. "When we heard that the police department needed this equipment to do a better job, and to take care of the island, we put them on our priority list. So in whatever way we could have helped, I and Daniel Hartin from Sandy Point Real Estate were happy to do so," said Narod. At the handing over, Jemmott stated his appreciation. "The police has been requesting a generator for a long time�almost two years. I'm happy that Aquafino and Sandy Points donated this valuable generator to the police. It is well-needed, especially in times of emergency. Since we are experiencing hurricane season, we need to be fully equipped to ensure that if electricity goes off, it won't interfere with our duties," said Jemmott.

Ambergris Today

Blue Water Grill Celebrates 15 Anniversary (Quincea�os)
The award-winning restaurant celebrated with invited guests its 15th Anniversary this past Saturday, October 22, 2016. The restaurant once again closed its doors to the public and had everybody celebrating in style. They presented their guests with sunglasses, souvenir cups and one-of-a-kind headphone that were used for the Belize's first every silent party. If guests wanted to dance, they used their headphone on the dance floor that was silent to anyone else not wearing them. Needless to say, Blue Water Grill once again put on a great celebration. Ambergris Today congratulates Kelly and Mukul Kanabar in the success of BWG and for being pioneers in their philanthropic efforts to collect funds and matching the amounts that have been donated to various organizations, schools and causes on the island community.

Belize Holds 14th National Tourism Awards
The 14th National Tourism Awards was an elegant celebration of the accomplishments made throughout the year by tourism partners and friends. The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) is honoured to host such a significant event which gives reconnection to a few of Belize's tourism stars. These nominees, through dedication to the industry, have contributed to the quality services offered throughout Belize. The theme of the night was "Hollywood Glamour", a setting that was most fitting for the tourism stars of Belize. Held at the Rainbow Heights in Belize City, this grand event saw the attendance of tourism partners and friends from all regions of Belize. Guests were treated to the exquisite creations by the renowned Chef Sean Kuylen, who as always, added his signature style to make the event an even more enjoyable one.

Misc Belizean Sourcesmzz

Halloween Events in San Pedro
Here are the upcoming fun Halloween events this week~ Thurs. & Fri. 6-9pm Haunted House at Wayo's, Benefits Food Bank, Hope Haven, Kid's Club & Literacy Program Fri. 7pm Trivia for Red Cross at Crazy Canuck's~ dress in costume to support Red Cross Sat. 9pm- 4am Holiday Hotel Halloween Party $15. (They say no charge if your costume is good enough!) Sunday 11am Saga Halloween Party ~ dress your pup up!! Mon. 5pm-9pm Black Orchid 5th Annual Halloween Social ~ for kids & adults Candy for the kids, drink specials for adults in costume, or come as you are, but be there or be square!!!

September 2016 External Trade & Consumer Price Index
The latest figures on consumer prices released by the Statistical Institute of Belize showed that, on average, the prices of goods and services purchased by Belizean households were 0.7 percent higher in September 2016 than they were in September 2015. The All- Items consumer price index stood at 103.7, an increase from 103.0 recorded for last September. The first nine months of 2016 saw an overall infl ation rate of 0.5 percent.
In September 2016, Belize imported goods valuing $160.3 million, representing a marginal 1.1 percent or $1.9 million decrease from imports during the same month in 2015. The 'Export Processing Zones' saw the sharpest decline in imports during the month, falling from $11 million in September 2015 to $3.5 million in September 2016. Reduced purchases were observed across various items within that category, with gaming machines, electrical panels and paper machinery among the items recording the most notable declines. A signifi cant decrease in the importation of mechanical harvesters led to an almost $4 million drop in the 'Machinery and Transport Equipment' category, while lowered purchases of plastic tubes, vaccines and fertilizers resulted in a $1 million decline in imports of 'Chemical Products'.

San Pedro Police have confirmed the death of fugitive Juan Carlos Martinez
He had been at large for almost a year. Upon information received, police found Martinez in the lagoon side of the San Pedrito Sub-division. Upon being approached, Martinez fired at the police officers, who returned fire. After inspecting the area, Martinez' body was found floating in the water. Police continue investigating the incident.

BELTRAIDE signs Memorandum of Cooperation with San Pedro Town Council
A Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) was signed on Friday, 21st October 2016 between the Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE) and the San Pedro Town Council. The purpose of the MOC was to formalize the collaboration between BELTRAIDE through its Small Business Development Centre, Belize (SBDCBelize) and the Belize Training and Employment Centre (BTEC) with the San Pedro Town Council in order to promote the development of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME's), job preparedness and professional development trainings in Ambergris Caye. Under the MOC, the San Pedro Town Council will facilitate BELTRAIDE in special projects and or initiatives that are closely related to enterprise development, such as funding for example, seed capital initiatives, advising for start-ups and providing advice to established businesses among many others.

FIU & Income Tax sign MOU
To fight against money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism and tax evasion.

Sargent Pepper's October Fest
"On October 30th 2016 Sargent Pepper's will be launching it's BIG Burger. To Kick Start the Mega Sarg (BIG Burger), Sargent Pepper Will be hosting it's Mega Sarg Burger eating competition. Competitors will have 5 minutes to eat the Mega Sarg along with 12 oz of fries and a large Soda. First person to complete such task will get The First ever October Fest T-shirt, 3 coupons for Free iced tea and A gift certificate for a Twin Pack."

FINADOS
This observance is more common in Mexico than Belize, but there are several communities where it is observed! Also known as Hanal Pixan, Dia de los Muertos or Day of the Dead, it coincides with Halloween. NICH Events around Belize (contact each for details): San Pedro House of Culture​ Nov. 2. Benque House of Culture (NICH)​ "Noche de Cuenta" Oct. 29. Banquitas House of Culture (NICH)​ Nov. 2. Corozal House of Culture (NICH) Oct. 30. San Ignacio & Santa Elena House of Culture (NICH)​ Nov. 1 and 2.

Parrot permit deadline approaching
The deadline for submitting your application is fast approaching. If you have already submitted, please be patient, there are a lot of you and Forest Dept is methodically getting through them.

Kickstarter for YOCHI Film - Post Production
Help finish a film that brings awareness to the plight of endangered Yellow-Headed Parrots in the pine savannah of Belize. The Yochi Team have reached their production goal. Anything over and above that amount will be distributed to facilitate the Educational Film Tour and donated to Belize Bird Rescue!!! Huge thanks to all those who have donated so far: you are doing an amazing thing for yellowheaded parrot conservation in Belize. Team Yochi and Team BBR thank you! Yochi is the story of a 9-year-old selectively mute Mayan boy who guards a nest of endangered Yellow-Headed Parrots in Belize's pine savannah. When his beloved older brother, Itza, returns from the city, Yochi learns that he's in debt and has turned to poaching - setting the brothers on a collision course. Yochi is a film about connection, finding your voice, and protecting that which is most sacred to you.

PLEASANT HOLIDAY CALLS - CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA
BTB TRAVEL TRADE team along with Gifted Travel Network - Ms. Vanessa McGovern, Manager. Facebook LIVE Presentation and chat to 40+ agents from their office.

Professional Development Training Workshop
IA Park Staff will be trained on varying topics over the next three days. It is anticipated that these workshops will improve and enhance the service offered to the public at the various Archaeological Reserves throughout the country. Today staff are participating in Prehistory and Archaeology Lectures while others are receiving basic training in First Aid.

joyjah
Over 100,000 followers on Instagram and in the running to be the Feb 2017 covergirl for Love magazine. May all your wishes come true, nena. She's from PG! Take a bow, Punta Gorda.

Placencia: Keep our beaches clean!
Come join CRC, Projects Abroad and SEA this Saturday, Oct 29 from 8am-11am for our monthly beach clean-up. This month meet us Vern's Restaurant in Seine Bight. Snacks and drinks will be provided after; please bring your own cup for drinks as we don't want to contribute to the trash! And a big thank you to Peninsula Store for their donation of trash bags and gloves for the clean-up!

The Forest Department and The Belize Zoo Sign Memorandum of Understanding
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment and Sustainable Development (MAFFESD) and the Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center (TBZ) this afternoon signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen synergies in order to promote wildlife conservation and ensure cooperation in public education efforts on the importance of wildlife in Belize. The signing ceremony was held at the Belize Zoo, on the George Price Highway, where Honourable Dr. Omar Figueroa signed on behalf of the Ministry, and Sharon Matola signed on behalf of the Belize Zoo. Speaking during the signing ceremony, Minister Figueroa, stated that the MoU is the first-ever agreement to be signed between the Belize Zoo and Government aimed at formalizing the wildlife conservation efforts of the Belize Zoo. This MoU also recognizes the Zoo's key role in wildlife management as it seeks to restore, enhance and protect Belize's wildlife and their habitats.

San Pedro: Presentation to High School Students on Offshore drilling!
Miss Petite Earth International, Vivian Noralez, along side Miss San Pedro High School, Miss San Pedro, Miss World Belize and Miss Belize Universe visited San Pedro High School to educate students on what oil exploration and drilling is, what the negative and positive outcomes are, and what they think should be done. Students also had the opportunity to mingle, take pictures and interact with these beauty queens. Vivian stated "its not only about as pretty face, a crown, high heels or pictures. its about being a role model, an example and making decisions to benefit your community."

John Paul II JC Dedication
Pope John Paul II Junior College had their dedication over the weekend. "On Saturday, JPIIJC was honored with the presence of Bishop Christopher Glancy, who inaugurated our beautiful new building."

UB Wins ATLIB Volleyball Nationals
Congratulations to the male and female Black Jaguars! They both won at the ATLIB Volleyball Nationals. The ATLIB Regionals are today at Sacred Heart Junior College.

BELIZE'S FOOTBALL GREATNESS: YOU NAME THEM!
It continues to baffle me as a Belizean sport enthusiast as to why Belize didn't had a national team that went to the World Cup in the 1960's and 70's knowing the incredible amount of football talent it had across the length and breath of that country. In speaking recently with one of the legendary Belizean defensive football players recently here in Los Angeles, California, Russell Hulse, about Belizean football and how the game was able to develop men of incredible character countrywide, it urged me to produce this photo essay and expose about who were these dynamic Belizean footballers? Those magnificent Belizean football players that played against each other in some of the most electrifying matches that brought Belizeans across Belize in large numbers to enjoy and see them. In the 1960's, 70's, and 80's, Belize was all "Football", that is, what the Americans called "Soccer". And Belizeans traverse across the country of Belize to see teams like Queens Park Rangers, Avengers, Spurs, White Label, and many more awesome teams do their play by play action for the Belizean football fans.

Channel 7

Island Cops Kill Prisoner
Tonight, San Pedro police are investigating several of their own after they gunned down and killed a prisoner who had been on the run for 10 months. Police say that he got into a shootout with him, and having to defend themselves, they fired back, and that's why he was killed. That prisoner is 24 year-old Juan Carlos Martinez. They finally caught a break in the case last night when they received information that he was hiding out at a house in the San Pedrito area. But, according to those on-duty police officers, everything went south when Martinez fired at them. Our news team was on the island today looking for answers. Courtney Weatherburne reports: Voice of Resident: "We heard the gunshots and we came out and see we were surprised what the happen because da first time we the hear about it. So we came and when we saw shootings, well we saw the man running and after that he was shouting for help. When we saw the police light about to see if they could find ah in the area and they find ah and then they shoot up ah rights."

Cop Accused Of Abuse of Public Trust
So, while those officers are staring down both a criminal and an internal affairs investigation, another policeman has to prepare to defend against 2 criminal charges of theft. He's Police Constable Zani Savala, and he's also attached to the San Pedro Police Station. There are two complainants who are accusing him of abusing their trust in him as a cop, and they say that he used his authority steal from them. Police reports say that he is accused of hustling a taxi driver, and in a separate incident, he is accused of also trying to swindle a diver. Both incidents are reported to have occurred last week. In the instance of the Diver, the complainant says that the theft happened in the police station itself. The man reported that Officer Savala conducted a search on him, and while doing so, he took money which did not belong to him. In the other complaint, the taxman reported that Savala stopped him at a police checkpoint. He complied since this was an officer of the law, and so when the cop informed him that a search would be conducted on him and his vehicle, the taxi driver thought nothing of it. He said that during this search, Savala also took money from him.

City Fire Victims Laughed Instead Of Crying
Recently, a number of the fires we've covered have been either very tragic or very heartbreaking. But tonight, one family is able laugh at their pain after a toddler lit a mattress on fire, and it ended up burning up the contents of the entire room. The incident happened this evening at the home of City Council Worker Ines Jimenez, which is located on Hunters Lane. She was a short distance away, not even contemplating that a mishap like this one could happen. That's when she received the fright of her life when she was called and told that her house was on fire. Luckily, the professionals were able to get it under control before it overtook the entire house, and destroyed all her belongings. She explained it to us this evening: Inez Jimenez - Fire Victim: "This afternoon I the relax and ready to go da work when she phone me and say mommy, mommy the house the burn up. I said who, she say the house, I said house and I start to broke way. When she the tell me everything burn I say the house gone."

'Griga Fisherman Wanted By Police
Dangriga Police are hoping that you can assist them in locating this man. He's 32 year-old Alex Sabal, and police say that he is wanted for an attempted murder investigation. Sabal is a fisherman from the Lake Land area of Dangriga Town, and Independence Police say that they are looking for him as part of an investigation of an attempted murder, but also a breach of a protection order, which is alleged to have occurred in Independence Village. He also has 2 bench warrants, one from the Dangriga Supreme Court, and another from the Independence Magistrate's Court, for failing to show up for his adjournments. Police say that he is considered to be dangerous. Anyone with information is asked to contact your nearest police station, or call 911, or 523-202, or make an online report at belizepolice.bz.

FIU & Income Tax Formally Allowed To Share
Today the FIU and the Business and Income Tax Department signed a Memorandum of Understanding. The purpose of the memorandum is to allow the automatic exchange of information between the two departments in order to fight against and prevent money laundering, the financing of terrorism and tax evasion. The memorandum also allows the possibility for joint operations between the FIU and the Income Tax department. Here's the new director of the FIU, Kent Clare, on how this memorandum will help to stop financial crime� Kent Clare - Director, FIU: "What we hope to achieve here is more than just the FIU under its anti-money laundering laws and the FIU act and so - requesting information from our counterparts. What we are seeking to achieve here is a more advanced more organised collaboration specifically on things like the development of legislation. Before we sign one of the things I need to bring to the public's attention is the fact that we would hope to develop legislation to criminalise tax evasion in Belize."

Kent Clare Talks About The FIU Experience
And today's signing also gave us an opportunity to speak with the FIU new director. The Government announced his appointment 5 days ago with the information that his appointment letter was signed by the Governor General on October 11. He replaced Joy Grant who moved on become the new Governor of the Central Bank of Belize. He was a career public servant in the Income Tax Department, and when he left that post, he was the Commissioner of the Income Tax. So, is he up to the job as chief of the unit which polices financial crimes? That's what we asked, and here's what he had to say: Kent Clare - Director, FIU: "At the level of director learning curve will be steep but I think there is a parallel and commissioner will tell you; FIU's challenges in not just we have an obligation to our country to make sure that the financial systems and so on are protected but we already have an international obligation which then does impact our country as well the way we do business."

FIU: Members Of the UNCAC Working Group
We also asked him about the United Nations Convention against Corruption, which the Prime Minister committed to the teachers that he would sign onto by December 9. You would remember that before the Prime Minister reconsidered at the beginning of this month, he was concerned that for Belize to become compliant there would be systems which would have to be put in place, which would basically be redundant to some of the functions that the FIU currently performs. We asked new director about that, about the process now put in place for Belize to become compliant by the deadline. Here's what he had to say: Kent Clare - Director, FIU: "Joan right now sits as our representative; there's a working group developing the TORs for that UNCAC instrument so certainly it's parallel, it's complimentary to what the FIU would do so I think what that convention would seek to do..."

Police Minister Aragon Discusses His Department
And one public official who says he has zero tolerance for corruption is the new Police Minister Elodio Aragon Jr. up until last week when Gaspar Vega resigned from Cabinet, he was the Minister of State in the Ministry of Youth Sports and culture. Prime Minister Dean Barrow moved him to the Ministry of Home Affairs, which puts him in charge of the Police Ministry. Before he entered politics, Aragon himself was a career police officer who left at the rank of Deputy Commissioner, the number 2 cop in the department. So, he's well prepared and experienced to handle demands of the police ministry. Yesterday, when we caught him leaving the Cabinet Meeting in Belmopan, we asked him about his thoughts on his new ministerial tasking. Here's how that conversation went: Hon. Elodio Aragon - Minister of Police: "My whole career has been policing, it's like coming home but I will tell the public that going back to the police I am going back with a lot of enthusiasm, I'm going with a mind-set that will focus on trying to solve some of our crime issues in this country. It's not an easy task, I think out of all our ministries this is one of the most challenging areas as a minister."

Police Minister Investigating MIT Extortion Report
As you heard, Aragon specifically wants to tackle allegations of corruption within the police department, and right now, in his first few days as Police Minister, there are 2 cases which have already landed on his desk. The first is San Pedro Police Constable Zani Savala, who we told you about earlier in the news, and the other is the Mobile Interdiction Team. You will remember that on our Monday newscast, Belmopan businessman Raul Acevedo accused the MIT of shaking him down for 16 thousand Mexican pesos, which is equivalent to 2 thousand dollars Belize. They reportedly hustled him this weekend when we was coming back from Mexico. He had a van of declared goods, but also a box of undeclared colognes. He said that the officers pressured him, with the threat of criminal charges first demanding $5,000, and later settling for $2,000.

Oceana To PM: What Happened The Offshore Oil Referendum Promise?
The Northern Explorer, the ship which started seismic survey work off the Belizean coast, was sent packing last week. And due to public outcry, seismic surveys in Belizean waters have been halted. Even though, the environmental community was instrumental to this outcome with their whistleblowing efforts, they say that they are still waiting for answers. In a press release sent out today, the Coalition to Save Our Natural Heritage restated their request for the establishment of legislation to ban offshore oil exploration in Belizean waters, as well as their appeal to hold a referendum. We spoke to members of the Coalition today about their concerns, here's what they had to say� It should be noted that the Coalition has been waiting a lot longer than a week to hear back on some of these issues. In 2015, we spoke to the Prime Minister about official legislating the moratorium on offshore oil exploration, and asked him about the possibility of an official referendum as far back as 2012, here's what he had to say then�

PM Barrow Travels
It shouldn't be a doubt anyone's mind that the Prime Minister has been having a tough month. First, it was the teachers and their 11 day strike to pressure his Government to make good governance reforms. Then, it was the Gaspar Vega, Andre Vega Scandal which caused upheaval in his cabinet, and he even had to ask John Saldivar to take a 1 week suspension. We'll he left the country today, and he won't return until Sunday. Today, a Government press release was issued, and it says, quote, "The Office of the Prime Minister informs the general public that the Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, departed the country today, Wednesday, October 26th, 2016 for a scheduled medical consultative appointment relating to his back ailment. During the Prime Minister's absence, the Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Patrick Faber, will act as Prime Minister. The Prime Minister returns on Sunday, October 30th, 2016."

Zoo and Agriculture Ministry Sign MOU
The Belize Zoo can now extend its wildlife conservation program. That's because the Zoo's Founding Director Sharon Matola signed an MOU with the Ministry of Agriculture and the Tropical Education Center. In a release it states that quote " the MOU is the first-ever agreement to be signed between the Belize Zoo and Government " it continues quote " This MOU also recognises the Zoo's key role in wildlife management as it seeks to restore, enhance and protect Belize's wildlife and their habitats. The Belize Zoo is expected to create a 5 year plan which focuses on wildlife rehabilitation and public education. The release ends by saying "one of the most important components of the MoU is the collaborative partnership to increase awareness and appreciation for wildlife as an important part of the Belize's cultural and ecological landscapes." The MOU was signed this afternoon on the Zoo's compound.

Senator Courtenay: A Member of Senate Committee
Last week, we told you about how the Opposition, PUP, have decided that they will participate as a member of the Senate Select Committee, which will investigate the Auditor General's Reports into the Immigration Department. That's after the UDP Senator, Aldo Salazar, was forced to accept the seat when neither the Labour, Church or Business Senators wanted to lead the committee. Well, the President of the Senate has confirmed that the Senator who will represent the Opposition is Eamon Courtenay. He posted this comment which says, quote, "I am happy to report that Senator Eamon Courtenay to serve as the Opposition Senator in the Special Select Senate Committee. Welcome. Is the business senator gonna follow?" End quote. Yesterday, we contacted Courtenay for comment, but he told us that he was out. We do note that he was sceptical after the last Senate Meeting on September 30. Here's what he had to say then:

What Happened To Those Tourism Election Promises?
On Monday, we showed you this year's Tourism Industry Conference and Awards, but what many in the tourism sector want to know about is two key development areas that were promised before the election. That's the road to Caracol and the international airport on northern Ambergris Caye. We asked the Tourism Minister if any progress is being made:.. Heredia did not know the status of another pre-election promise, which is the Lamanai road which he says falls under the Ministry of Culture.


Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 84,397
Marty Offline OP
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Channel 5

Breaking News: Murder in San Pedro
There is Breaking News coming out of San Pedro. Minutes ago, a man was murdered in the Boca Del Rio Area on Ambergris Caye. Reports reaching News Five are that [...]

San Pedro Fugitive Shot to Death by Police
Belizean fugitive Juan Carlos Martinez has evaded police for almost a year, but tonight he is dead, following a shooting in the San Pedrito area of La Isla Bonita. Martinez [...]

Education Minister Faber Faces Off With B.N.T.U. on Friday
Minister of Education Patrick Faber is meeting with the leadership of the Belize National Teachers Union on Friday to discuss a way forward in the wake of an eleven-day strike [...]

Faber Open to Compromise on Deductions and Class Time
Both parties have agreed to meet and discuss the terms of the deduction, but has there been any consideration on the part of government to do away with a pay [...]

Coalition Writes Prime Minister on Seismic Testing
In advance of Tuesday's Cabinet meeting, the Belize Coalition to Save Our Natural Heritage wrote to Prime Minister Dean Barrow on Monday seeking clarifications and statements on several issues. The [...]

Environmentalists Still Waiting on Cabinet Response
Cabinet met on Tuesday and as we reported, the matter of the seismic testing in Belize's waters, which many fear is the first step to exploring for oil in our [...]

Prime Minister Previously Showed Support for Oil Moratorium, Referendum
Today, the environmentalists also showed us a video package of separate interviews granted to the media in February of 2012 and May of 2015, in which no less than Prime [...]

Will Prime Minister Stick to His Word?
The Prime Minister's statements do not appear to be contradictory. Indeed, they are clear pronunciations on the issue, despite attempts to prevaricate on the referendum issue. So, is the Government [...]

Fire Destroys Part of family's Home on Hunter's Lane
When a fire engine passes you by on the street, does it occur to you, even for one second, that where they may be racing to in a hurry just [...]

Forensic Evidence Key to Solving Aaron Gabourel Arson/Murder
While the occupants of that home escaped injury, another fire-a confirmed case of arson-took the life of eleven year old Aaron Gabourel in south side Belize City. Last week, you [...]

Police Trying to Close in on Daniel Arzu Jr.'s Shooter
Five people are being questioned in connection with Monday's shooting that has left Coast Guard Daniel Arzu Junior fighting for his life in the hospital. Police say they are almost [...]

New F.I.U. Director Signs M.O.U. with Old Department, Income Tax
The FIU and Income Tax Department signed a Memorandum of Understanding this morning to help domestic cooperation in the fight against money laundering, and countering the financing of terrorism and [...]

F.I.U. Commends Financial Institutions for Compliance, Planning Extended Reach
And while it has only been a matter of days since Kent Clare was appointed the new Director of the FIU, he told the media today that he has hit [...]

F.I.U. Getting Ready for United Nations Convention Against Corruption
And so, where does the FIU fit in following the signing of the United Nations Convention against Corruption on December ninth? In some corners it is believed that with the [...]

Houses for Collet Residents, Three Months after Hurricane Earl
Hurricane Earl swept through the Belize District in early August, leaving in its wake millions of dollars in damages.� There have been significant relief efforts in the aftermath of the [...]

New Houses Are Stronger, But Have No Utilities
Since the hurricane in early August, government has assisted with the reconstruction of approximately one hundred and fifty homes, a majority of them in the Belize District.� Those structures however, [...]

NEMO Minister Says G.O.B. Cannot Help With Everything
In some communities, despite government's assistance, residents are still living in squalor, largely the result of their own neglect.� According to Castro, if it were left up to some constituents [...]

Police Want Raymond Rivers Over Facebook 'Threats'
Police say that they are looking for Raymond Rivers because he has made some threatening Facebook posts. Today, ACP Chester Williams told the media that he needs to have a [...]

Another Unlicensed Firearm Off the Street
Police have arrested well-known Afghanistan Gang affiliate Roy Davis for the possession of an unlicensed firearm. On Tuesday night, police were on patrol when they encountered Davis and conducted a [...]

Cop Charged With Theft in San Pedro
A police constable attached to the San Pedro police formation has been arrested and charged for two counts of theft. This afternoon, PC Zani Savala appeared before the magistrate court [...]

Woman Dies Suddenly in San Pedro Town
On Monday night, police were called out to an area in San Pedro where the lifeless body of a woman was found face down on the pavement. An investigation was [...]

CTV3

Rayjon Eye Clinic To Offer Free Eye Clinic In Corozal
The Corozal Rotary Club held a regular meeting today for members to finalize plans for the arrival of the Rayjon Eye Clinic specialists in Corozal Town. This is a medical team that comes to town every year and assists with much needed ophthalmology services to residents. Their next trip to Belize is in two weeks and we spoke to the President and Secretary of the Rotary Club to find out more. Shelley Falk, President, Corozal Rotary Club: "We have the Rayjon Eye Clinic coming from Canada to do a free eye clinic for us on November 7t through 11th it will be at the Methodist eye clinic from eight until four and it is first come first serve and the nice to know is that they have been here several times, the most recent was in 2011 and they bring a staff of twenty plus people and they bring at least 2000 pairs of free glasses they will be distributing to people and they volunteer their time completely and so we are going to take care and sponsoring them through the Rotary club of Corozal and it is first come first serve and I want to make sure everybody knows that."

LOVE FM

Fugitive Killed in Shootout on Ambergris Caye
San Pedro Police shot and killed a fugitive last night. Police has confirmed that 25 year old Juan Carlos Martinez, who had been on the run for months, was shot and killed during a shootout on La Isla Bonita. Reports are that a tip led police officers to the San Pedrito Area near the lagoon. [�]

Charges Yet to Be Laid in Petty Officer Shooting; Arzu to Be Flown Out for Medical Attention
Five persons have been detained for questioning in connection with the shooting of Petty Officer 3rd class in the Belize Coast Guard, Daniel Arzu. Arzu was shot to the head on Neal's Pen Road on Monday evening. While Arzu is at the KHMH recovering, investigators are trying to figure out who did it and why. [�]

Investigation Continues Into Fire that Killed Aaron Gabourel
On October 4, 11-year-old Aaron Gabourel died when his home went up in flames. The fire was ruled as arson and three weeks into the investigation, no one has been charged. Assistant Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams, gave us an update. CHESTER WILLIAMS "Currently the information we have been receiving is conflicting and we have [�]

BNTU and Education Minister to Meet in Two Days
There is a pending meeting between the Education Minister, Patrick Faber and the Belize National Teachers Union for Friday, October 28 in Belize City. We say pending, since there has been some back and forth between the two parties as to who will be in attendance. Minister Faber explained the situation. PATRICK FABER "That meeting [�]

Coalition Wants More Information and Consultation on Seismic Testing
The Belize Coalition to Save our Natural Heritage has written to Prime Minister Dean Barrow. The Coalition is asking, once more, for the Government to share all the information that it has amassed and used to make its original decision to allow seismic survey in the offshore area of Belize. The coalition believes that given [�]

FIU and Income Tax Team up to Minimize Tax Evasion
The Financial Intelligence Unit and The Income Tax Department have signed a Memorandum of Understanding that promises to strengthen the fight against money laundering, tax evasion and terrorism. The new director of the FIU, Kent Clare spoke of the newly signed MOU. KENT CLARE "What we hope to achieve here is more than just the [�]

ITA System Will Boost Government's Revenue
It is the hoped that the newly signed Memorandum of Understanding will assist in income tax monitoring and collection. Commissioner of the Income Tax Department, Ann Castillo stated that they do not have a clear picture of the figures when it comes to tax evasion. ANN CASTILLO "Presently there is not a ballpark figure but [�]

New Homes for the Victims of Earl
Several starter homes were handed over this morning by the Government of Belize through the National Emergency Management Organization. With five houses located in the Collet division, the Area Representative, Patrick Faber was with NEMO Minister, Edmond Castro for the official presentations on Laura Dunn and Iguana Streets. As explained by Minister Faber, the homes [�]

Imports on the Decline; Sugar Exports Plunge and Citrus Shows Promise
The latest figures from the Statistical Institute of Belize show a marginal decrease in imports for the month of September. Belize imported goods valuing one hundred and sixty point three million dollars which represents a one point one percent decrease from the same period last year. The Export Processing Zones saw the sharpest decline in [�]

PM Gone for Medical Appointment
Prime Minister Dean Barrow left the country today to attend a medical appointment in the United States. In his absence up until Sunday, October 30, Deputy Prime Minister, Patrick Faber will be acting in that capacity.

Breaking Belize NewsPJ

Pair accused of attempting to rape Coast Guard yet to be charged
On Monday it made headlines when a Coast Guard reported to Ladyville police that two men attempted to rape him. He told police he was able to fight them off, even after having had a few drinks. No charges were brought against the accused men [�]

PM departs country on medical leave
A government release was issued to inform the public that Prime Minister Dean Barrow departed the country today for a scheduled medical consultative appointment relating to his back ailment. During the Prime Minister's absence, Deputy Prime Minister Patrick Faber will act as Prime Minister. [�]

Corozal Town Council to tax taxi operators
The Corozal Town Council is seeking to impose taxes on its taxi operators. According to a letter from the Corozal Town Council, taxi drivers will not be allowed to operate in the town without a trade license. Local taxi drivers belonging to a taxi [�]

Gaspar Vega begs PM Barrow for duty exemption on 2016 vehicle
BBN has obtained a leaked document to Prime Minister Dean Barrow dated October 21, 2016 from former Cabinet Minister, Gaspar Vega. "I, Hon. Gaspar Vega, Area Representative of Orange Walk North, is hereby applying for duty exemption on a 2016 Lexus motor vehicle," the [�]

Police find weed in Cayo
Yesterday around 5:30 p.m. , MIT personnel conducted a checkpoint on the George Price highway where they intercepted a green BBOC bus. Upon searching the bus, police discovered a blue and pink backpack marking letters (PINK) on top of the bag rock of the [�]

Escaped prisoner fatally shot by San Pedro Police
According to police reports, on Tuesday, at about 10:00 p.m., San Pedro police received information that convicted prisoner Juan Carlos Martinez, who had escaped from police custody in December, was inside a house in the San Pedrito Area of San Pedro Town. Police visited the location [�]

Government builds new medical center in Sarteneja
The Government of Belize has embarked on an initiative that will benefit the men, women and children of Sarteneja. According to a press release, over 2,000 villagers from Sarteneja stand to benefit from their very own community health care center. According to the statement, [�]

Belize- Squandering the low oil price opportunity
"Since June 2014 oil prices have dropped about 65 percent in U.S. dollar terms (about $70) as growth has progressively slowed across a broad range of countries. Even taking into account the 20 percent dollar appreciation during this period (in nominal effective terms), the [�]

Police take another gun off the streets in Belize City
South Side police have taken another gun off the streets in Belize City. Last night a police mobile was in the Pitta Street area behind Gwen Liz High School when they saw a man with what appeared to be a hand gun. They set [�]

Blogs

San Pedranos Acted Out of Emotion, Not Information on OUR REEF. Really?
You may have noticed that for the past week, instead of San Pedro happenings, parties, invites to this beautiful country, new restaurants and pretty pictures of the beach, my blog has taken a different tone. One that I couldn't feel more passionate about - one that I know this town and this country feels passionate about - the greatest natural gift this country has. What happened: The Government of Belize allowed oil exploration to begin off-shore seismic testing over our waters and around our reef system without public consultation or a public announcement - that is THE LAW . Or wait�maybe it is not. There are a few too many uses of the word: MAY. "The environmental legislation of Belize requires that any project or activity which may have significant impact on the environment may be required to carry out an EIA and following the rules as set out in the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations and its Amendment of 2007�" - Department of the Environment Website

Finding Adventure in San Ignacio Belize
If you live in another part of the country, San Ignacio in the Cayo district is likely a place you are long overdue on visiting. It makes for an easy action packed and tasty getaway. If you live in the area, when was the last time you took a fun filled adventure in your own backyard? The Green Iguana Conservation Project at San Ignacio Hotel Resort is a fun, interactive and educational tour. It takes you up close and personal with this amazing reptile. The best part about the Iguana Tour, aside from seeing an amazing Iguana conservation effort, is feeding time. They literally climb over top of you to chow down on the big green leaves. Located about a mile south of San Ignacio town atop the highest hill, Cahal Pech is a perfect do-it- yourself (DIY) tour. Chances are good you could end up with this mid-size ruin all to yourself. Large trees provide great shade for walking, making for a truly magical experience. The main area consists of seven interconnected plazas that were a big excavation and restoration project in the late 1980's. There is also an onsite museum and several display cases of very cool artifacts.

Pictures of Belize: 13 perfect photo opportunities!
Photos are the perfect way to keep that one resounding memory alive, you can look at them when you feel nostalgic, or just glance at them when you're busy to take you back to a happier time. What are vacations after they end if not good memories? With the many adventures you'll go on and the moments you'll have in Belize we know there will be some that you'll want to keep! By now, surely, you know where we are going with this; check out our most picture pose-worthy photo angles from around Belize!

International Sourcesizz

The Strange Story of Why Belize is Full of Chicago Cubs Fans
Less than four years after gaining independence from the United Kingdom, the Central American nation of Belize notched a smaller, yet somehow lasting, triumph in 1985. That winter, the Chicago Cubs sent their star outfielder Gary Matthews, Sr., to visit the country, which is often claimed to be the most Cubs-friendly land outside the Windy City. Matthews's visit was the culmination of a love affair that had begun in 1981, the year when Cubs games began being broadcast in the country. The relationship has continued to this day. Right now many Belizeans at home and inside the United States are cheering on the Cubs, who have returned to the World Series for the first time since 1945 and are attempting to break a championship drought that stretches all the way back to the first Roosevelt administration, 1908. The team finished the 2016 season with the best record in baseball, wracking up 103 wins (and 58 losses), an achievement that put them a whopping 17.5 games ahead of their closest division rival, the St. Louis Cardinals.

Students strive to end polio
The Rotaract Club held an End Polio Fair in front of the Carr Health Building Monday, Oct. 24, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Anna Vasquez, president of the Rotaract Club and senior from Orange Walk, Belize, said polio is a disease that affects children and causes them to be crippled for the rest of their lives. However, she said children can be protected with one vaccine for the entire time they are susceptible to the disease. She said many people in America have forgotten how devastating polio is because the disease no longer affects Americans. Vasquez said the Rotaract Club's main focus is raising awareness and money for polio vaccines. She said the fair is one of the many projects the Rotaract Club has done in the fight against polio. She said she hopes many students stop by the fair to participate in activities. Twinkle Bhojwani, senior from Belize City, Belize, said polio affects millions of people worldwide, mainly in southern Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Jaguar scat study suggests restricted movement in areas of conservation importance in Mesoamerica
A research group led by the American Museum of Natural History and global wild cat conservation organization Panthera has published the largest gene-based survey of its kind on wild jaguar populations in Mesoamerica. The analysis, published today in the journal PLOS ONE, is based on nearly 450 jaguar scat samples collected in Belize, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico. This work identifies areas of conservation concern for Mesoamerican jaguars and underscores the importance of large-scale genetic monitoring efforts when prioritizing conservation and management efforts for this near-threatened, and elusive, carnivore species. "Mesoamerica has one of the highest deforestation rates worldwide, potentially limiting movement and genetic connectivity in forest-dependent jaguars across this fragmented landscape. Large-scale conservation genetics studies on wild jaguars spanning across several range countries assessing these threats are rare and suffer from low sample sizes for this region," said Claudia Wultsch, the lead author of the paper, a scientist in the Museum's Sackler Institute for Comparative Genomics, and a conservation research fellow at Panthera. "Over the last 100 years, jaguars in Mesoamerica have been pushed out from more than 77 percent of their historic range."

New study finds American jaguars threatened by increasing isolation
A new study from the American Museum of Natural History has found that jaguars in Central America are facing increasing threats as their habitats become more isolated and differing groups lose connections. The study was the largest ever genetic survey of the Mesoamerican jaguar (Panthera onca) and looked at the DNA of big cats from several areas to analyse their genetic diversity. The analysis found that jaguars in Mexico had the lowest genetic variation, with those in Honduras, Guatemala, Belize and Costa Rice not far behind. Low genetic variation is not a good sign for the jaguar, as explained in the study: "Genetic diversity has important ecological consequences in natural populations, including the maintenance of evolutionary potential and individual fitness to respond to threats such as environmental change and disease." "We believe that these jaguars were once continuously distributed over the whole landscape of Mesoamerica, but human activity has resulted in smaller populations that are isolated from other groups," said George Amato, director of the American Museum of Natural History's Sackler Institute for Comparative Genomics.

Videos

  • Cabinet is in the process of reviewing Oceana Belize's offshore oil moratorium. The waiting game is on, 2min. This is what Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow told the national media in May 2015. This is what the country has been expecting. We continue to await the next steps of Government of Belize.

  • Plenty Belize, 32min. on Open Your Eyes...

  • Leaving Jungle Belize, 2min. Leaving the Chukka Camp and jungle in Belize.

  • Going Into Crystal Cave Tubing Belize, 15min. Descending into the Crystal Cave for some tubing in Belize.

  • Belize Crystal Cave Tubing, 30min.

  • Chukka Camp Zip Lining in Belize, 8min. Zip Lining in the jungle at Chukka Camp in Belize.

  • Life Insurance Week {BelfAIFA}, min. on Open Your Eyes... Shawn Smith, President Belize Association of Insurance & Financial Advisors. Ruby Nicholas, President Kidney Association.

  • EPI Belize Google Earth Tour, 3.5min.

  • From Yes To I Do (Season 4, Episode 1), 27min.

  • Recently sat down with Michael Salazar for a little one on one, and here's what he had to say., 4min.

  • Students from Faith Nazarene primary school viewing Birds of Belize & Art of Taxidermy exhibit at SISEHOC., 1min. Hundreds of school children have seen this exhibit... It has proved very popular!

  • CARACOL ROAD CAYO DISTRICT BELIZE, 69min.

  • Fish Fest 2016, 1.5min. The Toledo Institute for Development and Environment (TIDE) would like to extend its sincerest gratitude to all our donors below who contributed to the TIDE Fish Festival which was held on Oct 7-9, 2016 in Punta Gorda Town.

  • Delilah's Ground Nut Adventure In Belize, 2min.


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