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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, and other specials


The San Pedro Sun

Fifth Summit of The Heads of State and Government of the Community of Latin America and Caribbean States
The V Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Community of Latin America and Caribbean States (CELAC) was held on the 25 of January 2017 in Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. The Belize Delegation was headed by Minister of Foreign Affairs the Honourable Wilfred Elrington. At the meeting, Heads of Government endorsed the Political Declaration of Punta Cana V CELAC Summit along with its 20 Special Declarations and the CELAC Action Plan. The Political Declaration spanned a wide range of development challenges including those of an economic, social, financial, technological and political nature confronting the region. Also acknowledged in the Declaration was the positive progress made in transforming the region into a zone of peace as well as other initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life of people of the region. Of key interest to Belize was the ongoing concern over the progressive decline in correspondent banking relationships in light of the de-risking actions by major international banking partners.

Boat accident in Caye Caulker leaves 8 injured
A boat accident on January 14th has left eight tourists injured. The incident occurred at Coral Gardens, west of Caye Caulker Island. After the Caye Caulker Police were informed, they visited Dr. D's Private Clinic in Caye Caulker Village, where the tourists' injuries were evaluated. According to the police report, the tourists boarded EZ Boyz Tour boat and headed to different tour sites with captain and tour guide Roque Badillo and sideman Danier Novelo. However, between 3PM and 3:30PM, a huge wave came in their direction when they were all on the boat. As a result, the wave caused the Badillo to lose control of the boat, causing it to overturn and hit the coral. As the tourists tried to escape, they were injured. However, they were able to stay afloat by holding on to the boat until another boat came to render assistance. A few of the tourists' personal items were discovered by the tour company, but many of their electronics were water damaged. Two American passports also received water damage, but the police contacted the United States Embassy to speak on behalf of the two passport holders.

Caye Note: San Pedro Pirates FC to offer youth football camp
As San Pedro's newly formed semi-pro football team, the San Pedro Pirates are looking for ways to contribute to their community. They believe that the youth are the leaders of tomorrow, and thus they are pleased to announce their youth development plans. The club is looking to expand into two youth teams: an Under-12 and Under-17 team. Within Pirates FC's youth plan, their international coach, along with a local coach will be in charge of developing a program for kids under 17 and 12 years of age. Training will be convenient for the target age groups to participate after school on weekdays and specific times on weekends. The club is willing to do its best to teach children good discipline, as well as helping them develop their full football potential. Youth team players will also take part in positive community-based activities in San Pedro.

Misc Belizean Sourcesmzz

Lipsticks, Mascaras, Eye And lip liners, Avon
I'm in Caye Caulker through tomorrow Sunday and still have tons of items. Feel free to call me at 6052181 to come take a look see. Lots Of Lipsticks, Mascaras, Eye And lip liners, eye brow liners and a variety of Avon Perfumes.

BDF Boxing Match - Live Broadcast
Boxing at the BDF Price Barracks this Saturday, January 28th. Tune in to Channel 10. The National Channel! Central TV & Internet Customers On Channel: 10 Dibo , 132-10 HD , 22-110 San Pedro Channel 53, Orange Walk & Corozal through Centaur Channel 61.

Feast day of El Ni�o de Atocha
Join us in celebrating the novena & feast day of El Ni�o de Atocha on February 4th @ 7:00 pm at the San Pedro House of Culture.

Channel 5

House Meets to Plot Strategy on Arbitration Awards
A Special Sitting of the House of Representatives was called for today, Friday. It is the second in a month and caught just about everyone by surprise. There were two [...]

Jail for Attempts to Encourage Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards
The other piece of legislation is an amendment to the Crown Proceedings Act. It intends to make provisions on enforcements of foreign judgments against the Crown, and is also a [...]

Opposition Complains About Notice and Prolonging B.T.L. War
On the second reading of the new bill, a debate was held in which the Opposition raised its concerns of punitive action against Caribbean Investment Holdings and B.S.D.L. and the [...]

New Legislation Alleviates Issues, But Not Entirely, Says P.M.
The division of the House on the second reading was a rare unanimous vote in favour, with all twenty-nine representatives present voting 'Aye.' It was something for the Prime Minister [...]

Speaker Shuts Down Immigration Debate in House; P.M. Says No "Actionable Corruption" Among Ministers Yet
The final words of ex-Director of Immigration Ruth Meighan at her Wednesday appearance before the Senate Special Select Committee continue to reverberate in the national consciousness. She admitted that quite [...]

The Superbond Negotiations Continue; P.M. is Cautiously Optimistic
Thursday evening saw the time elapse for Belize's consent solicitation offer to holders of the Belize 2038 U.S. Dollar Bonds, aka the Superbond. But the Government has confirmed that the [...]

Puerto Azul, We Hardly Knew You!
The Government of Belize appears to be breathing a sigh of relief, as the fall of the Puerto Azul project for a grand resort project at the Northern Two and [...]

Former Treasury Clerk to be Tried for Theft from Government
Thirty-nine-year-old David Enriquez, a former clerk at the Treasury Department, will stand trial for three counts of theft after being charged in connection with the embezzlement of over four hundred [...]

Meetings to Begin on Sarstoon Protocol in Coming Weeks
Late last year, talk of signing a Sarstoon protocol with Guatemala was a hot-button issue that dominated the news. Well, as you would have noted, December has come and gone [...]

Miss Belize Universe Speaks Before Final Cut on Sunday
In our continued coverage of Miss Belize Universe Rebecca Rath, tonight we go one-on-one with the twenty-three-year-old beauty ambassador in an exclusive interview with News Five. There are twelve spots [...]

House Reps Come Together to Support "Bex for Belize," and Larry Nicasio
Early on Sunday morning, FOX Television in the United States and other broadcasters will be airing the Miss Universe 2017 pageant from the Philippines. News Five has been bringing you [...]

72 New Recruits for B.D.F.
Approximately five hundred applications were submitted to the B.D.F. for Intake number sixty-two but only around one hundred and fifty of those were invited to train. But after the first [...]

Dangriga Cancer Center Partners with U.C.L.A. Medical Center
A team of doctors, including Belizean oncologist Dr. Ellsworth Grant, is on a working visit to the Jewel where a partnership with the Dangriga Cancer Center is being undertaken.� The [...]

A Different Kind of Open Day at Belize High School
The Belize High School opened its doors back in September of 2010, first operating out of the UWI Open Campus on Princess Margaret Drive, before permanently establishing itself on Mercy [...]

LOVE FM

PM introduces bill to protect Belize's reserves from Ashcroft allied companies
At the last Sitting of the House of Representatives, Prime Minister Dean Barrow told the nation that the Government would not pay the fifty million US dollars arbitration award to Belize Social Development Ltd and BCB Holdings Ltd, two companies linked to British-Belizean billionaire Michael Ashcroft. The Supreme Court Judge ruled that the companies may [�]

Second bill seeks to reinforce Central Bank Bill
A second bill to amend the Crown Proceedings Act also went through its three readings. The bill amended specifically Chapter 167 of the Laws of Belize revised edition 2011 to make provisions relating to enforcements of foreign judgments against Belize. Barrow explained. Prime Minister Dean Barrow "This is dealing with the assets of government qua [�]

Negotiations with bondholders continue
As it relates to the super bond negotiations, today we heard from Prime Minister Dean Barrow as to why the Government of Belize decided to extend its offer for a restructuring of the Belize's 2038 bonds. Belize is attempting to restructure the bonds for the third time and this time bondholders rejected Belize's proposed restructuring. [�]

Opposition not allowed to speak on ongoing Senate Inquiry on Immigration Department
On Wednesday the Former Director of Immigration Ruth Meighan appeared before the Senate Special Select Committee. During the session, Meighan said that during the 2012 general elections a massive amount of nationalities were fraudulently issued to immigrants in order for them to vote. Opposition Leader John Briceno attempted to speak on that particular matter during [�]

Prime Minister says Puerto Azul scam is unfortunate
The Puerto Azul project turned out to be a huge multi million dollars scam orchestrated by the so called developers Domenico Giannini, and Fabio La Rosa. Belize is getting bad press about it because Giannini and La Rosa told investors that Puerto Azul would be built in Belize. Tourism Minister Manuel Heredia Junior even attended [�]

BDF increases its numbers
After sixteen weeks of intensive training, today, seventy four recruits joined the ranks of the Belize Defence Force. As usual the passing out ceremony took place at the Sir Colville Parade Square at Price Barracks in Ladyville. The keynote address was delivered by the CEO in the Ministry Of Defence, Retired Colonel Felix Enriquez. Retired [�]

US sponsored training concludes in Belmopan
A two week training for Police Officers concluded today in Belmopan. The training was sponsored by the United States Embassy, through the Central America Regional Security Initiative. Fem Cruz "A two week training sponsored by the US embassy came to an end this afternoon. Craig Crucas the facilitator from the United States spoke to Love [�]

Caribbean Shores area representative speaks on legal fees paid out by GOB
Today the Government fast tracked the readings of two bills to prevent Belize's foreign reserves and assets becoming the subject of litigation by any foreign entity. This was Government's reaction to the US fifty million dollar arbitration award. While supporting the amendments, Caribbean Shores Area Representatives, Kareem Musa, Area Representative, pointed out the huge legal [�]

Justices of the Peace to hold AGM
The Association of Justices of the Peace will be holding its annual general meeting on Sunday. Today we spoke with Adrian Danny Madrid who shared some of the challenges faced by the Association. He also spoke of the upcoming AGM. Adrian Madrid - President, JP's Association " We have Justices of the Peace in this [�]

Orange Walk based group holds fundraiser
The Charitable Roots Foundation based in Orange Walk Town will be holding their annual Bob Marley Tribute this weekend. As in previous years, the proceeds from the event will be handed over to a needy family. Omar Ayuso of Charitable Roots Foundation explains more about the work of the organization and the upcoming event. Omar [�]

The Reporter

Police personnel train in self-defense tactics
The United States Embassy, through the CARSI initiative, held a two week training in defense tactics for 19 Belize police instructors. The training was held at the police training academy in Belmopan from January 16-27 and was facilitated by instructors from the Denver Colorado Police Precinct. The officers were taught self defense techniques and citizen protection. They were also guided on the proper procedures when apprehending suspects. The aspects of the course will be added to the local training academy policy and will also be extended to the field via the field training officer program. A press release issued by the U.S. embassy states that the International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Unit provided over US $26,000 in funding for the two-week training course and for the provision of training equipment for the course.

House passes new law to protect Central Bank reserves from Ashcroft alliance
Prime Minister Dean Barrow called an emergency House Meeting in Belmopan on Friday, to pass an emergency Bill to safeguard Belize's foreign reserves from the the Ashcroft alliance, which is said to be once more attempting to recover a US $50 million in arbitation award, granted by a US court earlier last week. It was said that Aschroft and his team was moving in to freeze the Central Bank reserves before they could be protected by the new legislation. The Prime Minister met with Cabinet members to pass the Legislation called: "A Bill for an Act to restate for greater certainty the immunity of the Central Bank of Belize for legal proceeding with other states." In order for the Bill to be passed, it needed full bi-partisan support. Barrow expounded on the Bill and what is its purpose. "Last Tuesday, those entities filed a motion in the district court in Washington DC, filed an application to be allowed to enforce those judgments against the government of Belize. Nothing so far in the proceedings that have taken place in the US mentioned the Central Bank of Belize, but because we know that this country's reserve constitutes a big fat inviting target to that predator who seeks to collapse our economy, we believe that once they obtain the order for enforcement of the judgement, they will seek to attack the assets, the holdings of the Central Bank of Belize.

Breaking Belize NewsPJ

GOB passes bill to protect Central Bank reserves
The Government of Belize yesterday held a special sitting at the House of Representatives to introduce a bill to protect the Central Bank's reserves from companies belonging to Lord Michael Ashcroft seeking enforcement of upwards of US $50 million in arbitration awards against GOB. The bill will, in essence, criminalize any attempt to enforce rulings against the Central Bank reserves. GOB rushed to present the bill before the Ashcroft Alliance could make good on its enforcement claim. It asked for bipartisan support in the House yesterday and the opposition, despite only getting a first look at the bill yesterday, pledged its support for the bill.

David Nanes Schnitzer caught in Mexico
David Nanes Schnitzer, the American fugitive wanted for his role in a multi-million dollar ponzi-scheme, was caught this week by Interpol in Mexico City. Schnitzer was caught at the Mexico City International Airport. According to authorities, Schnitzer had arrived from Havana, Cuba carrying travel documents including passports, drivers licenses, and other official documents identifying him under another name. He has been taken into custody by Interpol until Mexican police can prepare proper documentation for a formal arrest.

Blogs

Chiquibul Challenge Benefits Belize Wildlife
I recently had this event shared with me by Denver T. Cayetano, Communications and Membership Officer Mesoamerican Society for Biology and Conservation and think it's a great event to put out there and inform all of you about a great project focusing on the health and conservation of Belize animals. Justin Ford, Event Coordinator, Belize Wildlife & Referral Clinic replied with more information and was willing to include his 2 cents about why the Chiquibul Belize Wildlife and the challenge is so important. "The Chiquibul Challenge Marathon is yet another way to highlight the importance of Belize's protected areas, and humanity's connection with nature. The Chiquibul Forest System is one of Belize's most remote and most threatened protected areas. The Belizeans working to protect and earn a living from the Chiquibul's vast natural resources do their work with passion and a sense of stewardship. We at the Belize Wildlife & Referral Clinic have been honored to play a small role in species conservation by providing veterinary support for the Scarlet Macaw Protection program. This work with our friends at the Forest Department and Friends for Conservation is the target for the Chiqibul Challenge Marathon fundraising efforts.

Chinese Celebrating New Year's in Corozal, Belize
Chinese New Year is celebrated for sixteen days (from New Year's Eve to the Lantern Festival). The preparations start seven days before the New Year's Eve. Many activities for this period are traditional customs, but some are quite new... Here is a daily guide to the celebrations in 2017. Pre-Chinese New Year Preparations (January 20-26, 2017) Laba Festival: Some Chinese start to celebrate and prepare for New Year as early as month 12 day 8 of the lunar calendar. This is a festival called Laba. It's January 5 in 2017. Cleaning the House: People clean their houses before Chinese New Year. From the 23rd of the 12th lunar month (January 20, 2017), Chinese people carry out a thorough cleaning of their houses. The cleaning is called "sweeping the dust", and represents a wish to put away old things, bid farewell to the old year, and welcome the New Year.

Blockage through Belize and Mexico are blocked due t o the fayuqueros
In the face of recent violent incidents in the former international bridge of Subteniente L�pez, which communicates to Mexico and Belize, authorities in this Caribbean nation decided to cancel the passage of local residents who pass by on foot, motorcycles or tricycles, only allowing the entry of vehicles that are Carefully reviewed to locate and arrest suspected fayuqueros who operate in this place. After the violent incidents that took place on the border between Mexico and Belize, where police officers of this Caribbean nation violated the national territory to try to arrest the alleged fayuqueros of Subteniente Lopez, the relationship between authorities of both nations has become tense because On the Mexican side is the presence of elements of the Army, Navy of Mexico and Federal Police that guard the boundaries between these two nations. A similar situation could be felt in the 14 communities on the banks of the Hondo River, a natural border of 130 kilometers shared by Mexico and Belize; However, the Belizean authorities determined to reinforce security measures to enter the Free Zone of this Nation, affecting the 300 businesses and casinos that are in the so-called free zone, because visitors are rigorously reviewed, in addition That the input and output times are being limited.

International Sourcesizz

The Challenge of Sustainable Tourism in Small Island Developing States (SIDS)
For most SIDS tourism is a key sector of their economy. In more than half, it is the most important source of foreign exchange. It is also for many the main engine of growth and the source of demands on natural resources, infrastructure and services. For some SIDS the number of tourists on the island can significantly outnumber all residents in peak tourist season. Tourism globally is a very complex and fragmented business. It manages what is the largest migration in human history - every year. The supply chain stretches from the cities of the first world all the way to the most distant islands on the planet. As such it involves many players - at source, in transport and in the destination. Firms range from tiny agencies specializing in, for example, small diving vacations through to global players organizing, transporting, feeding and accommodating thousands at a time. The UN World Tourism Organization, through satellite tourism accounting, has attempted to analyze which employment and other benefits derive directly and indirectly from tourism. This is not easy, as part of the income for many occupations from taxi drivers to caf� owners to the convenience store near the dock are attributable to tourism while the rest is with local purchasers. In some destinations, many of these basic services would not exist at all without the tourists. This complexity carries over into most SIDS.

Belize border crossing closed for 6 hours
There was a dust-up on the Belize border yesterday - not for the first time - after Belizean customs agents clashed with a group of alleged smugglers attempting to carry goods into Mexico. Thirteen people were injured at the Subteniente L�pez border crossing, 15 kilometers from Chetumal, Quintana Roo, after the customs officials refused to allow a group of about 20 people to cross the border because they hadn't paid taxes on the merchandise. The situation worsened when one of the Belize agents, who had crossed into Mexican territory, pulled his gun and began threatening the alleged smugglers. Weekends are a popular time for Mexicans to cross the border and enter Belize to buy merchandise in the duty-free zone and return to Mexico to sell it. Similar confrontations have happened before. After a similar incident last year, Belizean authorities decided to prohibit commercial vendors from gathering at the border crossing, but little by little they have been returning, reported the newspaper Milenio. The crossing was closed for six hours yesterday as a result of the clash.

President Trump's policies and the Caribbean
The president of the United States of America, Donald Trump, is systematically implementing the pledges he made during the presidential election campaign. Those who argued that limitations on presidential power and the restraining hands of Cabinet and Congress would cause many, if not all, of the president's promises to fall by the wayside, are now becoming convinced of his determination. He had reinforced that determination in his inauguration speech when he told the world, "From this moment on, it's going to be America first." And he spelt out the detail in clear terms by saying, "Every decision on trade, on taxes, on immigration, on foreign affairs, will be made to benefit American workers and American families. We must protect our borders from the ravages of other countries making our products, stealing our companies, and destroying our jobs. As I pointed out in my last commentary, the 14 independent Caribbean Community (Caricom) countries have no need to fear on trade in goods with the US. America has consistently enjoyed a balance of trade surplus with Caricom, reaching US$4.17 billion in 2015, and likely to have been higher in 2016. On this score, President Trump can have no quarrel with the Caribbean.

Candy-striped hermit crab discovered in Caribbean
An underwater photographer has stumbled upon a new species of hermit crab with legs and pincers striped like candy canes. Ellen Muller captured photos and video of the tiny creature at dive sites in the National Marine Park off the southern Caribbean island of Bonaire. Just a few millimetres wide, the animal is the subject of a new report in the journal ZooKeys. The report is authored by the Smithsonian's Rafael Lemaitre, a hermit crab expert who documented the new species. The red-and-white colour pattern on the legs and pincers of the crab reminded both Lemaitre and Muller of a traditional candy cane, prompting them to give it the common name "candy-striped hermit crab." Its scientific name is Pylopaguropsis mollymullerae, after diver Muller's young granddaughter, Molly Muller.

Videos

  • Pepsi Maaga Season BASH in Dangriaga!, 1.5hr.

  • BELIZE IN 1975, 10min. The early days of tranquility. Enjoy...

  • Fighting water buffalo, 2min. Was going thru Guinnie Grass village and saw this two male water buffalos, I guess fighting for dominance.

  • Candy Striped Hermit Crab, 1min. New species of marine hermit crab discovered on the island of Bonaire, Caribbean Netherlands Candy Striped Hermit Crab, Pylopaguropsis mollymullerae

  • Chinese New Year, Custom and Traditions, 1min. on 7th Avenue, Corozal

  • Chinese New Year celebration in Coroza!, 1/2min. Happy new years to the Chinese community

  • Belize Diving 2016., 16min.

  • Butts Up! Cave Tubing in Belize, 1.5min. Butts Up! Cave tubing in Belize is an extremely popular cruise ship shore excursion in this Central American country. The tubing takes place on a tributary of the Sibun River called the Caves Branch River. These limestone caves are known Nohoch Che'en Archaeological Reserve (but the locals call it simply Caves Brance). A number of companies operate here, including Vitalino Reyes' CaveTubing.bz and another company called Butts Up! Before tubing in the cool water, you must first hike up a trail and sections of the river to get above the caves. This video covers the whole experience. It's a great time!

  • Fans Show Appreciation for Miss Belize Universe , 4.5min. Fans of Miss Belize Universe 2016 Rebecca "Bex" Rath send messages of support to their beloved beauty ambassador.

  • DIVING BELIZE 2014, 18min.

  • Diving Turneffe atoll - December 25, 2016 - Dive 1 #Belize, 25min. On December 25th, 2016 I headed out with the fantastic dive operation SeaStar Belize to go and explore the reef around Turneffe Atoll off the coast of Belize. It was an incredible experience. The soft and hard corals were very healthy, and the marine environment in really good shape. The only problem was the invasive lionfish, although we had some fun catching them for dinner with our Hawaiian slings.

  • Diving Turneffe atoll - December 25, 2016 - Dive 2 #Belize, 41min.

  • Diving Turneffe atoll - December 25, 2016 - Dive 3 #Belize, 44min.

  • Belize Marine Biology Trip, 5min.