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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
Ombudsman Sworn-In for New Term in Office
Belmopan. February 13, 2017. In a brief ceremony held, February 13th at the Belize House in Belmopan, Mr. Lionel Arzu was sworn-in for a new term as Ombudsman.
This follows the Prime Minister's announcement of Mr. Arzu's re-appointment at the January 27th Sitting of the House of Representatives. This marks Mr. Lionel Arzu's third term as Ombudsman.
Mr. Arzu was accompanied at the ceremony by his family.
Director of PAHO, Dr. Carissa F. Etienne, Visits Belize
The Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Dr. Carissa F. Etienne, is visiting Belize from February 13-15 to meet with the Minister of Health Hon. Pablo Marin, Senior Ministry of Health Officials and various stakeholders.
Her visit will include courtesy calls to the Right Honourable Prime Minister of Belize Dean Barrow, Hon. Pablo Marin Minister of Health, Hon. Wilfred Elrington Minister of Foreign Affairs and Special Envoy for Women and Children Mrs. Kim Simplis Barrow.
The highlights of her visit are the signing of the Country Cooperation Strategy (CCS) 2017-2021, partaking in a dialogue on Health Financing, discussing the challenges and accomplished milestones in health within the multi-sectoral framework and the promotion of a multi-sectoral approach for the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Ambergris Today
San Pedro High School's 2017 Business Fair
On Saturday, February 10, 2017, San Pedro High School held its Annual Business Fair at the R. Angel Auditorium. Seniors and Juniors were given the opportunity to show off their marketing skills by creating a product and then not only putting their product on display but selling it as well.
With eye-catching booths and catchy music to draw customers in, many left with tons of goodies and in awe of what these students have created. Indeed it was a great success for San Pedro High School on their fun Business Fair. Great job everybody!
San Mateo Education and a Successful Food Drive
On Jan 29th and 30th meetings were hosted by Pastor Robert Palacio and his wife Laverne Palacio, along with Belize Red Cross San Pedro Branch (BRCSP) and four Volunteer Vacationers, two of whom are nurses, at Faith Bible Church in San Mateo. The goal is to provide reliable information and material about HIV, sexually transmitted infections and to reduce the incidence of teen pregnancies. The nurses supplied information in Spanish and the Belize Red Cross provided an English flip book that was made possible with support and approval of the Jamaica Red Cross HIV team.
"Open House" at Isla Bonita Elementary School
Isla Bonita Elementary School held its open house on Friday, February 10, 2017 at its school grounds. The class of standard five and six were able to showcase their knowledge on certain topics. Topics included: Child Abuse, Childrens Rights, Alcohol Abuse, Drug Abuse, HIV/AIDS, and STD's/STI's. Every year it gets bigger and better.
Misc Belizean Sources
Splashers
Join us this week at Crazy Canucks Beach Bar to paint "The Toucan".
Central American Waterbird Census 2017
If you are in the area, kindly join us for the Central American Waterbird Census!
Ombudsman Sworn-In for New Term in Office
In a brief ceremony held today, February 13th at the Belize House in Belmopan, Mr. Lionel Arzu was sworn-in for a new term as Ombudsman.
This follows the Prime Minister's announcement of Mr. Arzu's re-appointment at the January 27th Sitting of the House of Representatives. This marks Mr. Lionel Arzu's third term as Ombudsman.
Mr. Arzu was accompanied at the ceremony by his family.
A father writes about his daughter's adventure at the Miss Universe Pageant Part 1
by Tony Rath. We came home last Friday - Bex, Therese and myself - after a long adventure pursuing the mythical Miss Universe crown. We were not successful but that was not due to effort or financial support. And along the journey, something extraordinary happened, Belizeans in Belize and around the world came together and joined the competition. We received literally thousands of messages and emails, many along the lines of "...I never believed in or supported these beauty contests, but something about Bex has made me want to vote and watch." And we did not know most of these people contacting us! I mean the Belize House of Representatives, both political parties together, mentioned Bex? What's with that?
A father writes about his daughter's adventure at the Miss Universe Pageant Part 2
by Tony Rath. Granted it is only a beauty competition, and we really had little chance against countries with millions of people, but I have never seen the outpouring of support or participation by this entire country before in anything. So we were touched and grateful for our homecoming reception. Delta unfurreled a big banner on the tarmack; Bex was treated as a diplomat by Foriegn Affairs; met by the Prime Minister's wife as a friend; by the cultural ambassador in his official capacity; wisked away to the VIP room, given a motorcade through the City where people from shops, and yards and schools shouted her name and smiled and took selfies. There were no crowds, no officials, but that is O)K, everywhere there were cries of "There goes the queen", and when the motorcade stopped at one school, Bex was mobbed by children holding posters with her name and smiles normally reserved for opening Christmas presents.
Xaibe Business fair this Friday February 17th, 2017
The Xaibe RC School presents its Business Cultural Expo on the school grounds, Friday, 17th February 2017, from 9:30am to 5:30pm.
Cultural dances by children and adults, cultural music, and games. Cultural dishes such as relleno, rice & beans, tacos, tamales, pastries, sweets, etc. Refreshments and bargains.
For information call 403-5226.
Corozal Library to have an Valentine's Event this Friday February 16th, 17
Valentine's Day Poetry! Come and use your senses and practice using different parts of speech in this great Valentines Day Activity. Everyone is invited. Light refreshments will be served.
Corozal Women's Forum: meeting this Thursday 16th, 17
The Corozal Women's Forum, in their meeting at 10am, 16th February, 2017, at the Corozal House of Culture, will feature Maggie Polleman. She was raised in Blue Creek, Belize, and lived in Canada. She has returned to her beloved Belize. She will discuss Mennonite history and Corozal Mennonites, versus other beliefs of Mennonite communities.
The meeting will also vote on establishing a scholarship fund for a female student from the Corozal area.
For more information contact [email protected].
Please check our Facebook page. Corozal Women's Forum: meeting this Thursday 16th, 17. The forum is an opportunity for women to meet, enjoy, support, and learn from one another. It is open to all women in the Corozal area. The group promotes self-development through networking and enhancement of acumen among women of the community.
San Antonio Women Coop making ceramics in Maya style
The women of the San Antonio Women Coop are reviving the lost art of making ceramics in the style of the ancient Maya, using the same techniques of their ancestors but also adding their own unique styles as well. We definitely support such endeavors as it helps to minimize looting and it fosters the talent of these women who are happy to share their culture.
Placencia says NO to offshore oil in Belize!
You guys are sensational!
Belize Fishing Report, February 6th - 12th, 2017
Another beautiful sunny week here at the lodge, just the way we like it! Another great week of bone fishing here at the lodge. LOTS of bones caught by Steve, Scott, Sarah, Joe, Alice, Ken, Jon, Bob and Kim. Sunny skies and bonefish highs!
ARTISTIC RACHAEL HEUSNER PAINTS BELIZE AT THE RAINBOW'S END!
In continuing this column we called here, "The Belize Art Shop", Belizean Legends want to feature Belize's own Rachael Heusner, a Belizean artistic phenom who has graced both Belize, the Caribbean, and Central America with her colorful paintings reflecting Caribbean life and culture in some of the most in-depth colors ever imagine on the canvas. Rachael was born in Belize City, Belize. She always liked to draw but it was when she turned sixteen and received her first painting set from a friend that she really began to explore. She started her formal training in the arts at the age of 18 at St. Johns College (S.J.C.) in Belize City, Belize where she opened Rachael's Art Gallery in the eighties straight out of Six Form. She later moved on to study art briefly at Santa Monica College in California before returning home to Belize to train teachers in art education.
CLOSURE OF THE LOBSTER FISHING SEASON
The Fisheries Department takes this opportunity to inform fishers and the general public that the lobster season will be closed on February 15th and it will remain closed until midnight of June 14th, 2017. Any person found in possession of lobster during the said closed season will be prosecuted in accordance with Section 3(1) (b) of the Fisheries Regulation, Chapter 210 of the Subsidiary Laws of Belize Revised Edition 2000-2003.
The Fisheries Department also reminds fishers that lobster traps should be removed from fishing grounds during the closed fishing season. During the month of March 2017, Fisheries officials will be visiting fishing camps and coastal fishing communities to take stock of lobster traps owned by individual fishers in order to facilitate the registration of such lobster traps. The Fisheries Department will be actively enforcing the removal of traps from the waters during this period.
The Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Dr. Carissa F. Etienne and Chief of Staff Dr. Merle Lewis are currently in Belize
Today, she met with the Minister of Health Hon. Pablo Marin, Minister of State Hon. Dr. Angel Campos, Senior Ministry of Health Officials and various stakeholders. Dr. Etienne also made courtesy calls to the Prime Minister of Belize Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, CEO in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs H.E. Lawrence Sylvestre and Special Envoy for Women and Children Mrs. Kim Simplis Barrow.
The highlights of her visit are the signing of the Country Cooperation Strategy (CCS) 2017-2021 and her participation in a dialogue on Health Financing, discussing the challenges and accomplished milestones in health within the multi-sectoral framework and the promotion of a multi-sectoral approach for the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Things to do while you visit Belize
Dives off Ambergris are usually single tank at depths of 50 to 80 feet, allowing about 35 minutes of bottom time. Diving trips run around BZ$90 for a single-tank dive, BZ$150 for a two-tank dive, BZ$90-BZ$110 for a one-tank night dive, BZ$450-BZ$500 for a three-tank full-day drive trip to Turneffe atoll, and BZ$700-750 for day trips with three dives to Lighthouse Reef. Atoll rates include breakfast, lunch and marine reserve admission. Dive gear rental is usually extra-a full package of gear including wet suit, buoyancy compensator, regulator, mask, and fins is around BZ$60-BZ$80. Snorkeling by boat around Ambergris generally costs BZ$70-BZ$100 per person for two or three hours or BZ$140-BZ$200 for a day trip, including lunch. If you go to Hol Chan Marine Reserve there's a BZ$20 park fee, but this fee is sometimes included in the quoted rate. A snorkel trip to the Blue Hole is around BZ$450-BZ$480, including the BZ$80 Marine Reserve fee. Snorkel gear rental may be additional. Prices also may not include 12.5% tax. (Businesses are supposed to include the 12.5% GST in their quoted prices, but not all do.) Most dive shops will pick you up at your hotel or at the nearest pier.
Get Ready with La Ruta Maya 2017
Conceptualized by Richard Harrison of Big-H Enterprises for the purpose of launching Vida brand purified water, La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge made its debut on March 9, 1998.
It was an opportunity to bring together many partners in order to build an event that would allow for promotional themes of 'natural products' identified with sports, endurance, while at the same time raising consciousness about one of Belize's natural resources: The Belize Old River.
Today, the Belikin La Ruta Maya is considered one of the longest canoe races in Central America that brings together professional and amateur paddlers from all over the world who take on the four day grueling challenge of paddling 175 miles of the Belize Old River against rapids and winds.
House of Culture Fifth Anniversary in Corozal
Fri, 24 Feb 2017 - The Corozal House of Culture proudly celebrates its 5th anniversary at 7pm, Friday, 24 February, 2017. Come share its Grand Cultural Presentation.
Caribbean Roots Band Playing Benque
The Benque House of Culture is bringing the Caribbean Roots Band to Centennial Park this Saturday, February 18th. There will be music from 7:00 to midnight, and the theme is...love, of course.
"Make it a date, Saturday February 18th starting at 7:00 p.m. Centennial Memorial Park, February Musical Concert- promoting our Belizean Artists!"
Channel 7
PUP Stands By Its Man, Eamon
Last week Wednesday, we first started reporting on the opening of the UDP's political offensive against PUP Senator Eamon Courtenay. You've probably seen the political ads on the news, calling him out for an alleged conflict of interest. The UDP argues that that on one hand, he's representing the public interest in the Senate, while the other, he's retained to assist the Ashcroft Alliance in recovering 50 million US dollars in arbitration awards by going after Belize's foreign assets - including the reserves.
The ruling party has been insisting that he resigns, or that the PUP forces him to step down. Well today in Belize City, Opposition Leader John Brice�o, called a press conference at party headquarters to say he's doing no such thing. Brice�o says the UDP is jumping on an opportunity to try to get Courtenay out of the Senate Inquiry that has been slowly peeling away at the corruption at the Immigration Department. Here's how he put it:
PUP Says Re-Registration Now!
One other topic that the Opposition Leader brought up at today's press conference was the pending re-registration of the over 198 thousand voters. It's been over 20 years since the country's last one, and the Government has indicated that it won't happen until after the Municipal Elections next year.
That's something that the Opposition has loudly objected to, since a re-registration exercise is due in July of this year. But the Elections and Boundaries Commission has decided to first do a re-districting of the 31 electoral divisions countrywide. Today, Brice�o used this opportunity, which was his first public appearance since the matter came up, to explain why the party is so insistent. He went back to the testimony of Former Immigration Director Ruth Meighan, who agreed that in the run up to the 2012 General Elections, there was nationality fraud, which likely transferred over to voter fraud. The Auditor General's report notes that there were 2,110 persons who got nationality in that 4-month rush, and she wanted to look into their applications to ensure that they truly qualified, but her audit team was unable to do so.
BNTU Says Both Parties Have Played Around With Re-Registration
And while the PUP is insistent on re-registration, if we're judging by results, we'd be wise to listen to the position of the BNTU. After all, the union did accomplish a lot more in 2016 than the Opposition. The union is demanding that the UDP hold a re-registration exercise this year before the 2018 municipal elections. Today the BNTU President told us that in the past 20 years, both parties have been playing political football with re-registration and it has to stop:..
Luke Palacio, President - BNTU:
"We know that both major political parties have played political football with this matter as far as we are concern. The matter becomes even more concerning now with the revelations coming out if the senate special inquiry into this immigration report from the auditor general and if our electoral list have been padded for whatever reasons, if those persons were illegally issued their nationality and allowed to vote, then it really compromises our democracy."
Union Says GOB Has To Be Serious About Cost-Cutting To Get Its Support
But the Union leader is more circumspect on the issue of increased taxes. The Financial Secretary has already put it out there that government will be taxing you more in the new fiscal year. Of course, a large portion of those taxes go to paying the wage bill for public officers and teachers. How much? Well the salaries and pensions combine to cost about 40 million dollars monthly, which makes up 42% of all public spending and 48% of all revenue. So basically, 50 cents of every dollar government earns goes to pay the wage bill. And maybe that's why Palacio said the union is willing to work with government, but only if GOB is serious:...
Luke Palacio, President - BNTU:
"And so that is fact that we have been saying it, taxes will be increased. In fact the Fin. Sec. has alluded to that and there will be other things to come. That we need to monitor and of course if in deed our government is serious about ensuring that our economy turns around and performs well for the benefit of the Belizean people, we would be the first to say yes, let us support certain measures. But you cannot be saying to me cut the fat, trim the fat and yet you are getting fatter. That cannot work."
BNTU President Doesn't Buy Government Spin On Senate Hearings
But the union President isn't so circumspect when it comes to the ongoing Senate Inquiry into immigration irregularities. Today, he rejected the government's spin that irregularities are not illegalities:
Luke Palacio, President - BNTU:
"All Belizeans are witnessing this senate special inquiry. The indications are there and we note the kind of terminology they continue to use, that it may not be illegal, it may be irregular. Come on. When are we going to stop this? Those are the type of questions that we as the Belizean people out here need to get answers for."
BNTU President Plays It Cagey With Courtenay Conflict
And while the union president is rarely shy to wade into any matter of public interest, he played it slightly cagey when it came to the case of Senator Eamon Courtenay. Courtenay is under attack for working for the Ashcroft Alliance in going after the government's assets, while at the same time representing public interests as a PUP Senator.
But, Courtenay is also the attorney for the BNTU - in the ongoing matter of their strike wages - which went to court this morning. That's when we met Palacio and he was in no mood to entertain the suggestion of any bias on his part.
Reporter:
"That has led to the government, not only the UDP calling for the removal of lead opposition senator Eamon Courtenay. Is that something that the BNTU has studied to make a comment on?"
Luke Palacio, President - BNTU:
"No, we've not studied it and therefore I cannot make a comment on it. The legal minds would be the best persons to deal with that."
Alleged Wife Killer Ku Pleads Down To Manslaughter
Back in December 2006, it made headlines in all the media houses when 27 year-old Anna Maria Magdalena Basto, a resident of Orange Walk was murdered by her common-law husband, Daniel Ku. Police said that he confessed to slashing her throat and stabbing her over 30 times.
Since then, he has been convicted of murder, but he appealed his case, and won. He was re-tried a few months ago in Orange Walk but the case was aborted due to jury taint, and so, today, he was to be retried once more before the Chief Justice. But instead of the case starting, the prosecution informed the court that they would be withdrawing the murder charge and substituting manslaughter.
Ku, who was prepared to defend against a murder trial, decided to plead guilty to manslaughter. It was accepted by the Chief Justice, and so that's how the case finished before having to start a 3rd time. Today, we spoke to his attorney, Bryan Neal, who explained why manslaughter is more applicable in this case than murder. Here's what he told us:
A Providential Mishap For Burglars
Police haven't reported it, but 7News has confirmed that there was a botched attempted burglary at Provident Bank on Saturday. According to reports, early on Saturday morning, burglars tried to get into the bank but the alarm went off and they did little more than damage the lock.
More Maya In Dallas, Texas
Last week we gave you previews of the archaeological exhibit that's opened up in Dallas, Texas. Tonight, we have part one of our in depth look at the show which is making its sixth stop in a major US city. So far it has been to Minnesota, Denver, Boston, San Diego, San Antonio and now its in Dallas. It's news locally because the majority of the 250 pieces on display are from Belize, and it is the biggest showcase ever for Belize antiquities. Add to that the fact that well over a million people have seen the exhibit so far, and you'll understand why it's a big deal. Jules Vasquez reports from Dallas:...
The Perot Museum of Nature and Science in downtown Dallas - it's a mammoth, breathtaking structure, a sprawling 180 thousand square feet and for the next 6 months 10 thousand of those square feet will be dedicated to the Maya.
Superbond Negotiations: Is GOB James Bond Or "Powda Bun"?
Government has again extended the deadline for the offer to renegotiate the Superbond. This is the third extension and a notice on the government website says it is for two weeks more. Notably, government has not changed the terms of its offer. We are told negotiators with bondholders are underway for real now, and there is some urgency to it because the next bond payment is due in one week.
On Friday, we asked Financial Secretary, Joe Waight why the bondholders would accept an offer they've already refused:
Daniel Ortiz, 7News:
"The bond holders had already objected this proposal. There is no amendments. Why does the government feel that they will accept it a second time when there is no change?"
Joseph Waight - Financial Secretary:
"The discussions continued, we are hopeful that it would be fruitful and we need to give the process more time. So the government today has extended it for a further 2 weeks."
Sandhill Accident
4 prison officers and a bus driver were injured in a Sandhill accident last night around 9:00. 48 year old Prison officer Richard Gentle along with 3 other prison officers as his passengers were heading to Orange Walk in this car but it collided with an F 150 pickup truck which was heading to Belize City . The police did not say what exactly happened or what or who caused the crash, but no one was killed. The prison officers just got cut wounds to various parts of the body . They were treated and released. Only one man is still in the hospital. He is Bus driver Gilbert Waight. The police report says he was found in the pan of the F 150 with a cut wound to the left foot and face . It was wet and rainy at the time of the accident.
This Is Only a Test On Link Road
In the last few months the Belize City Council has obtained several street paving and maintenance vehicles, and today one of the most important ones was put to the test. Link Road, a small street of Apollo Street in Belama, served as a proving ground for the council's asphalt truck and its operator. City Councilor Phillip Willoughby told us more.
Phillip Willoughby - Belize City Councilor:
"So today we will be seeing or witnessing the first time ever the City Council with its brand new asphalt truck and it's in the flood mitigation area and it will complement the flood mitigation infrastructure project. So a lot of work will be done and will be continued to be done as a result of the new assets that has been procured due to the flood mitigation infrastructure project. But it will not be necessarily be assign solely to this particular area. These vehicles, these assets and everything else that comes with the project will be shared across Belize City to serve the residence of Belize City in an effort to improve the quality of life."
The Passing Of "Pou"
Yesterday morning at around 2:00, legendary Meat pie maker Arthur Francisco better known as "Mr. Pou," died at the KHMH. He was 86 years old. His step daughter Maria Pou told us today that he died of natural causes. She didn't want to go into too much detail but she said he suffered from circulatory problems in his leg but apart from that, Maria says Pou didn't have hypertension or diabetes. In fact he had just gotten a surgery on Thursday and was feeling perfectly fine up until Saturday night. But yesterday morning, his family woke up to the news of his sudden passing. Pou's meat pie shop has been in operation since the 70's and they first started out at 25 Albert street. They moved over to New Road - where they are now - in the 80's. Maria told us that the one thing that makes their meat pies really special is her mother's close attention and high standards when it came to the ingredients. And Mr. Pou's friendly and loving spirit as he served customers made it even better. For meat pie lovers, Mr. Pou's singular style will surely be missed - and as he passes, the debate between the fans of Dario and Pou still rages on. He leaves behind 3 daughters - including his step daughter Maria who will continue running the family business with the same recipes.
US Offers More For Info On Anne Swaney
The FBI has now doubled the reward for anyone with information leading to the arrest and conviction of Anne Swaney's murderer/s. The American journalist's body was found in the Mopan River on January 15th 2016. She was strangled to death. As we told you in late January, the FBI had offered $10,000 US dollars but now it's been increased to $20,000 US. The FBI has issued this poster to get the message out. If you have any information at all you can call the FBI in Belize at 637 - 9915.
Rotary To Unity
The students at Unity Presbyterian School had an extra special day today as they spent most of the morning trying out their new playground. The Rotary Club of Belize along with their partners from Edmonton Canada, donated a playground to the school. It took 3 days to install and it was officially handed over today. The Rotarians and the school principal discussed the significance of this donation.
Rod Karius, Chair, International Service Committee - Edmonton Rotary Club:
"So the playground is just part of this larger program and we brought the playground up from Canada, this playground was in a community in Canada that suffered a flood and the playground was destroyed , the playground themselves were destroyed but the structure was fine , so the structure was salvaged and we worked with another organization called the Emmanuel foundation and they salvaged the playgrounds and we bring them to Belize and install them in schools here and we work with the local rotary club , so the Belize City Rotary Club and the sunrise Rotary Club."
"Fawda's" Road Safety Mission
And after the kids romped around the playground, they went straight into a Pedestrian Safety Program. Philip "fawda" Henry started this program on his own back in 2009 and he has traveled all over the country teaching primary and high school kids about road safety. We caught up with him today at Unity Presbyterian and he told us more about this initiative.
If you would like to support or help Fawda Henry in any way to promote this program , you can call him at 667 -0295.
Rose, The Queen Of Calypso
Last year we told you about the record breaking chart success that Calypso Rose was having in France. Well, on Friday night she got another honor when she won the prestigious "Victoire de la Musique" award for best World Music Album of the Year.
The 76-year old - who always calls Belize her second home - easily beat out her competition for her album Far From Home, which was recorded and mixed in Belize and produced by Ivan Duran of Stonetree Records.
After the award, Calypso Rose performed in what is being called the best performance of the evening. This is the first time a Caribbean artist has won the Victoire award, the French equivalent of the Grammies. Stonetree records says It is the most prestigious music award in France, voted by a panel of more than 1200 industry professionals, and awarded by the French Ministry of Culture.