AmbergrisCaye.com Home Forums Belize Life News Daily news prior to today Today's Belize News: February 16, 2017

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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

Rebecca Rath receives a Belizean welcome
Miss Belize Universe Rebecca Rath received a very warm welcome on Friday, February 10th upon her return from participating in the 65th edition of Miss Universe in Manila, Philippines. Although she did not bring back the coveted crown, the country celebrated her hard work and effort with a motorcade around Belize City. The parade ended at the Bliss Center for the Performing Arts, where a press conference took place. As Rath was treated with love from many supporters, she proceeded to share her experience at Miss Universe. The conference ended with entertainment provided by fans. The overwhelming support continued on Monday, February 13th, when the Dangriga Town Council welcomed Rath back to her hometown "Griga Style". She was welcomed at Pelican Beach Resort, followed with a motorcade through Dangriga Town, and ending with a ceremony at the Ecumenical Auditorium.

William Mason's trial coming up; Melissa Ferguson set free
William Mason and his henchmen (Ashton Vanegas, brothers Keiron and Terrence Fernandez and Ernest Henry) are on remand for charges of murder and kidnapping of the late Pastor Llewellyn Lucas. While everyone awaits their scheduled court appearance on February 21st, an unexpected twist in the case took place on Friday, February 10th, when Mason's wife, Melissa Fergusson, was acquitted of conspiracy to commit kidnapping of Pastor Lucas at the Magistrate Court in Belize City. Fergusson walked free of the charges after a directive to withdraw the case against her came from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). Police Prosecutor, Assistant Commissioner of Police Chester Williams, explained that the DPP gave the directive after concluding that there was not enough evidence to pursue the case against her.

Softball Tournament heating up
It was another fun weekend of softball competition at the Honourable Louis Sylvestre Sporting Complex on Sunday, February 12th. The San Pedro Town Council's Co-ed Softball Tournament rolled in into its third week with another set of games that saw Quality Reef, Sea Star, San Pedro High School (SPHS), Rusties, Extreme, and Tuff E Nuff competing against each other. The first game started shortly after 9:30AM, with Sea Star facing Quality Reef. Sea Star dominated the match from the beginning, giving Quality Reef no chances of scoring. At the end of four innings, the final score was 14-0 in favour of Sea Star. The SPHS continues leading with three wins in the tournament. The next set of games continues this weekend beginning at 9:30AM on Sunday, February 19th. The schedule is as follows: 9:30AM Rusties vs Extreme, 11:30AM Sea Star vs Atlantic Bank, 1:30 SPHS vs Quality Reef.

Projects Abroad holds first Father and Daughter Dance
On Monday, February 13th, Projects Abroad in Belize, organized the very first 'Father Daughter Dance' event in San Pedro Town. For a small admission fee, several fathers, along with their daughters gathered at the San Pedro Lions Den for an evening of dancing, games and much fun. All proceeds from the event went to the San Pedro Lions Club. The fun started shortly after 6PM, with fathers and their little princesses dancing to soft music. The DJ then kicked it up with some hip hop and even some dancehall. Everyone was indeed having some quality time with their loved ones, while enjoying snacks and refreshments. Before the event wrapped up, the fathers had the chance to show off some moves with 60's dance hits. Afterwards, it was time to Punta, and everyone crowded the dance floor, dancing to hits from Belize's Punta King, Supa G! The dance ended with each girl receiving a coloured card bearing a message from their father.

Lobster season comes to a close
The Belize Fisheries Department reminds the public that the Spiny Lobster (Palinuridae) lobster season officially closes on Wednesday, February 15th, and resumes on June 15th. During the closed season, the Department informs all fishermen and the general public that it is illegal to purchase, receive or possess lobsters. 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.

Ambergris Today

Artisan Market Booths are Now Opened for Business
On Tuesday, February 14, 2017 an inaguration ceremony for the Artisan's Market Project was held at the side of the Hon. Louis Sylvestre Sports Complex or better known as Saca Chispas. The mayor expressed that it has been a work in progress that has finally come to reality with the help of CARILED (Caribbean Local Economic Development Project.) CARILED is a canadian government organization that helps developing countries with projects to develop and test models of Local Economic Development across the Caribbean. CARILED is the number one sponsor of the Artisan's Market and has helped la isla bonita through various ways. CARILED also took the opportunity to present to Mr. Chris Nunez, traffic department manager, some traffic signs that will soon be seen all around town. Marion Villanueva, CARILED program director expressed her love for Belize and the entire caribbean. She hopes to continue helping Belize for as long as possible.

Pic of the Week - An Islanders Favourite Sport Activity
One of the most popular sports on the island is Football. After a long day of work or school there is nothing better to do than to cool off your mind and what better way than through sports. Wether football, volleyball, basketball or any other sport activity, to relax oneself especially children before its time for homework. Its nice to see children being involved in positive influencing activities and keeping themselves distracted from the negative things society surrounds us with. Great job guys!

Misc Belizean Sources

Annabella Requena wins Ecology Projects International Leadership Award
Annabella Requena, Ocean Academy and Next Gen Croc trainee learning the methods of crocodile nocturnal eyeshine surveys. On Nov 22, 2016, the CRC received exciting news- our Next Gen Croc high school student Annabella from Ocean Academy won the Ecology Projects International Leadership Award in recognition of her leadership in the conservation and research of the American Crocodile in Caye Caulker, Belize! We are so happy for Annabella, and look forward to her continue work and growth as one of Belize's future leading conservation scientists!

Next Gen Croc
A look into the new community initiative, collaborating with Ocean Academy and FAMRACC on Caye Caulker.

Safer and More Pleasant Street Environment for Belmopanese
The Government of Belize recognizing the critical importance of transportation for residents in the City of Belmopan and surrounding communities rehabilitated five streets that will enable men, women and children to traverse much easier in their daily lives. The project was financed by Government at a cost of $2,778,274.80 with funds through a loan from the World Bank, and counterpart contribution from the Belmopan City Council amounting to $83,348.24. It includes the rehabilitation of Roaring Creek, Mussel Creek, Haulover Creek, Garbutt Creek, Waul Street and section of Barton Creek Street. The new road infrastructure project will also significantly improve the quality of life for all Belizeans in the City of Belmopan and its surrounding communities since they will no longer have to be confronted by poor road conditions such as dust during the dry season, as well as mud and puddles of water during the rainy season.

COMMUNITY CENTERS REFURBISHED TO MEET HURRICANE SHELTER STANDARDS
The Community Centre in the Village of Lucky Strike, in Belize Rural North, is currently being refurbished, its roof being replaced, bathrooms built, and proper doors and windows installed. Area Representative and Minister of National Emergency Management Hon. Edmond Castro explained that the works being done with funds from the Government of Belize will enable the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) to utilize it as a Hurricane Shelter when it is needed for that purpose. Chairman of Lucky Strike Village Andrew Chacon says his council and residents of the village are thankful for the works being done on the community centre. He explained that ever since he was first elected 13 years ago as a member of the village council, it has been a top priority of his to have the community centre repaired, and he is pleased that it is now being done under his leadership and that of Hon. Edmond Castro as Area Representative.

Official Ribbon Cutting for Monument Dedicated to Entrepreneurs of Belize City

Library Valentine Poetry Night
On Friday, 17th February 2017, from 5pm to 6:30pm, the Corozal Public Library will hold its Valentine's Poetry Night. Come write and read aloud your own poem. Construct your homemade Valentine card for that one you love.

3D view of Corozal Bay
Well - we can never get tired of this view. Another beautiful landscape in this wonderful paradise we call Corozal.

Mopan Valley Archaeology Project/Mopan Valley Preclassic Project members have amazing accomplishments this week
Congratulations to both the Mopan Valley Archaeology Project/Mopan Valley Preclassic Project whose project members have amazing accomplishments this week: Zoe Rawski for being awarded a National Geographic Young Explorers Grant. She will be continuing her dissertation research entitled "Constructing Power in the Preclassic: Monumental Architecture and Social Complexity at Early Xunantunich, Belize" and Bernadette Cap for being chosen as the 2017 recipient of the Society for American Archaeology Dissertation Award. Her dissertation was an in-depth investigation of a Classic period marketplace at Buenavista del Cayo.

REMEMBERING WAYNE "DALLAS" THURTON!
BELIZEAN BASKETBALL MOST BEST POINT GUARD OF THE '70'S! Never will forget that day when Wayne Thurton came on the scene and rose to fame as his junior team at St. Ignacio's destroyed the legendary SJC Pyrannas led by Gus Pererra and won the Belize's national basketball Junior league championship. That was a game to be seen. Live on Wayne!

OIRSA vehicle announcing political activity in Benque Viejo
Its plates are red as you can see. Open intervention of central America in Belize. They pass close to police which they waved in accordance. The announcement claims the activity at the park is sponsored by a political figure not by a cultural group.

If you have seen Chen or know where he is, please call the family
Goodnight family and friends on Caye caulker my cousin here is a special needs person,and he left Ms cush store about 6 or 6:30 and did not arrive home if you see him please inform us here! He is quarreling with his brother and maybe decided not to go home! Thank you!!!

Caye Caulker Lobster Fest is ON!
The Caye Caulker Lobster Fest Committe is happy to annouce that lobster fest is on. We are looking forward to the community's support at the official Caye Caulker Lobster Fest 2017

FREE RABIES VACCINATIONS - FRIDAY 17th FEB on Caye Caulker
The Dept of Health is coming to Caye Caulker to do RABIES VACCINATIONS along with volunteers from the Humane Society. These are free! They are starting at 8.30am and going around the whole island. Rabies can kill our pets and is carried by bats, rats and birds. There has been an increase in rabies in Belize. PLEASE LET THEM ACCESS YOUR PETS!

Minister Elrington Leads Delegation to Twenty-Eighth Inter-sessional Meeting of Heads of Government in Guyana
A Belizean delegation led by Minister of Foreign Affairs Hon. Wilfred Elrington has left for Guyana to attend the 28th Inter-sessional Meeting of the CARICOM Conference of Heads of Government. The Meeting of the Conference of the Heads of Government will be hosted at the Marriott Hotel in Georgetown, Guyana from February 16th to 17th, where regional leaders are expected to discuss a wide range of issues critical to development in the region. Topics include Correspondent Banking, Tourism in the Region, the status of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), Crime and Security. The regional leaders are also expected to ratify decisions arising from the 37th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM. Issues relating to regional security, including border disputes between Belize and Guatemala and Guyana and Venezuela, will be discussed during closed-door sessions.

Ministry of Health Advises on Actions After Increase in Diarrheal Cases
The Ministry of Health has noticed an increase in the number of gastroenteritis cases in the Stann Creek District since December 2016. In over 50 percent of the cases, patients present symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting, with abdominal cramps and fever. The illness is mostly affecting children in the age range of one to four years, but present as well in children up to the age of 12 years, with a few cases among adults. As a result of an initial investigation for the month of January, a total of 242 cases has been reported in the said district. Of that number, 145 cases are among children of less than five years, and 117 among persons over the age of five. The communities most affected include Dangriga Town and Independence and Bella Vista Villages. The Ministry has increased its surveillance activity from the start of this year and continues to remain present in the communities, engaging with the residents at health sessions and house-to-house visits to advise and assist in best practices to reduce further spreading of the illness.

Inaguration ceremony for the Artisan's Market Project
On Tuesday, February 14, 2017 an inaguration ceremony for the Artisan's Market Project was held at the side of the Hon. Louis Sylvestre Sports Complex or better known as Saca Chispas. The mayor expressed that it has been a work in progress that has finally come to reality with the help of CARILED (Caribbean Local Economic Development Project.)

Shipstern gets some media love
CSFI is going international once again !! We are very proud to host TV Crew ( Pluk media) seat by one of our very close partners, the Royal Burger Zoo in Holland ! Daily activities of our team on our three protected Areas (Shipstern, Freshwater creek & Honey camp) are being filmed for a documentary that will be released at the Burger Zoo. This will help the conservation efforts of CSFI to be better known internationally.

UFC fighter in Belize to promote Mixed Martial Arts
Today we got to host UFC Middleweight Nate Marquardt and his family at our Municipal terminal! If you're into Mixed Martial Arts, Nate and Prevail Combat Club will be hosting an MMA Seminar on February 17 & 18 at the Body 2000 in Belize City! To register, sign up on this link.

U-15 AND U-17 MALE TO KICK OFF SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18TH, 201
The nationwide program for youth, U-15 and U-17 male, will kick off on Saturday, February 18th, 2017 in each municipality under their respective district association. U-15 players must be individuals born no earlier than 2002. U-17 no earlier than the year 2000. These countrywide tournaments will be played every weekend. The winners of those tournaments will then represent their municipality in the National U-15 and U-17 District Championship to be played in May 2017. For additional information on the upcoming tournaments contact your district association chairperson.

St. Joseph Catholic Church Friendly Youth Retreat
St. Joseph Catholic Church in Caledonia Village invites you this Saturday. A family affair and youth retreat!

A day of archaeology with the students of the Gulisi Primary School in Dangriga
Acting Deputy Chief of Mission J. Nathan Bland joined the students in their group projects. We learned much about the local culture and at least 40 primary level students learned about archaeology, science, and the importance of preserving Belize's cultural heritage.

Paradise Theater playing this weekend
Underworld: Blood Wars, Shut In, Doctor Strange, Gold

To Love & Protect Belize
Valentine's Day is a time for love and appreciation. Our Wavemakers across the country has been using this day to show love for their marine environment and appreciation for the protection they get from our barrier reef. We Love You, Belize.

Channel 7

Government's Top Lawyer To CCJ
Government is losing its best attorney - and that's because Denys Barrow is leaving to take up an appointment as a judge on the Caribbean Court of Justice. Barrow confirmed to us today that terms have been finalized and he will join the court in June of this year. Barrow becomes one of only 7 CCJ judges - and replaces a judge who leaves at the end of May. He says he will continue to work privately until he leaves, and the appointment will have no effect on cases he's worked on which are either before the CCJ, or those which will end up there. He says that at the CCJ he would have "absolutely nothing to do" with any matter in which he was previously involved. And, he adds, he would not expect to sit on any cases involving the Government of Belize. It's worthy of mention because in 2011, Barrow resigned from the Belize Court of Appeal after only 18 months - one year after his brother judges found that there was the appearance of bias in a case. At the time it was clear that because his brother is Belize's Prime Minister, Barrow would have difficulty sitting on weighty matters involving the Government.

Immigration, the Belly Of The Beast
Since the Senate Hearings on Immigration Started last year in November, we've been faithfully reporting on all the major revelations. But nothing so far has caused as much of a stir as today's testimony from Teresita Castellanos. She's the former Finance Officer for the Immigration Department from 2011 to 2014, and she was called to answer questions in the afternoon session of the hearings last week, right after former CEO Candelaria Saldivar-Morter left the stand. She returned this morning to finish up, and she told the Senators that she had something which they needed to hear. When she was given the floor to share her perspective, she stunned the unusually crowded gallery with what she asserts is her honest opinion of the Immigration Department. She called it a place of hustling and corruption, with the Immigration Officers acting as a fraternity, resisting order and transparency, and covering for each other.

Officer Reynolds and The Missing Visa's
In the afternoon session, the Senate called Senior Immigration Officer George Reynolds who has been at the Department for over 26 years. He's currently a port commander in Independence Village, but during the audit period he was in charge of the Immigration Services Section of the Department in Belmopan. That means that he was in charge of visas and all other temporary immigration permits. He was called to answer for that infamous incident with the 8 stolen visas from the Western Border Station. 8 Visas foils went missing in December 2012, and that's what brought the disappearance under the microscope of the Audit Department - which now brings us to the Senate hearings. You'll remember that the Auditor General quoted in her report from an internal investigation into that matter in which Immigration Officer Vernon Leslie declared that on December 26, 2012, Officer Mark Tench realized that the 8 visa foils were missing. They initiated an investigation, and allegedly discovered that Officer L. Wade removed them without authorization and allegedly sold them to a private citizen. That man then allegedly took them to former Deputy Mayor Eric Chang and City Council Financial Controller Patrick Tillett, who allegedly purchased the visas.

Sent Committee Chasing After Chang
So, at the centre of this scandal about the 8 stolen visas are Former Deputy Mayor Eric Chang and Former Financial Controller for the Belize City Council, Patrick Tillett. The Senate sent them invitations to appear and defend themselves against the allegations. Of course, it's not that simple for Chang, who is named in the Auditor General's Report as the man who acted as a courier for Citizen Kim, while he was in a Taiwanese jail, back in 2013. So, no doubt, the Senate also wants to ask him a few questions about that. Neither of them showed up to testify today, and we asked the Senate Committee Chairman about the implications of that. Here's our conversation with him on their absence: Daniel Ortiz: "Has Mr. Eric Chang and Mr. Patrick Tillet indicated that they will present themselves before the Senate sir?" Hon. Aldo Salazar - Chairman, Senate Select Committee: "No they declined the invitation, I should explain that we don't have a lot of history of Senate inquires so the convention as I understand it the practice is that you invite persons to attend. They have declined the invitation saying that after consideration they declined the invitation so they won't be here today."

Cops Get Big Guns, Big Bag Of Weed
The cops are reporting a major weed and weapons bust in the city. This morning before dawn a joint Southside strike team, with the Special Branch and the K9 Unit found (40) .9mm rounds, a .45 revolver with six rounds, an ak47 rifle and 70 pounds of cannabis. No one was in the area on Nurse White Street, so the items were labelled as found property. And, early this morning South Side police searched an abandoned lot on Queen Charlotte Street, where they found several bags containing just under six pounds of weed. The abandoned house is believe to be used by known drug peddlers operating in the area. No one was in the area when these items were found, so they were all deposited as Found Property.

Accused off Shooting A Cop In Substation, Men Get Off Crime
PC Nigel White was shot to the chest at the Belama Substation in March 2011. But the 3 men accused of carrying out this brazen attack on a police officer, are free of charges tonight. Karim Morris, Linsford Acosta and Justo Lopez were acquitted of attempted murder and dangerous harm in the Magistrates Court today. The case fell apart when Justice Adolph Lucas ruled that Morris' and Acosta's confession statements were not admissible because they were made under duress. Also since White did not clearly see his attackers, the results of the dock identification could not be used or submitted. Without the identification evidence, the Crown's case collapsed and with no more evidence to offer, Justice Lucas found the defendants not guilty.

CCJ Upholds Constitutional Amendment, But Says GOB Must Reform System of Appointments to Court of Appeal
There was a major judgement coming out of the Caribbean Court of Justice today relating to Belize. The CCJ dismissed an appeal from Bar Association of Belize challenging The Attorney General of Belize challenging the sixth amendment to the constitution. That's the one that relates to the appointment and tenure of judges. The CCJ did not find the amendment unconstitutional, but it did find that the way of appointing judges does not bode well for an independent judiciary. The panel of 5 judges unanimously agreed on very clear recommendations to completely revise the appointment and tenure of Justices of Appeal. And that's why the Bar Association - which, although it didn't win, did seize upon the judgement as a major move towards effective judicial reform. Eamon Courtney and Andrew Marhsalleck argued the case for the Bar - and today Marshalleck underscored the key points:�

Another City Shooting
There was a shooting a short while ago in Belize City. It happened in the St. Martin's area on the city's Southside. Reports say the man was shot at 6:30 and was rushed to the hospital. Our news team is on the scene, and we'll have details as they develop.

Getting Familiar With Forestry's New Fines
As we told you earlier this month, illegal timber harvesters can now be fined up to quadruple the standard amount under the revised forestry act. Now this is just one more approach to combatting illegal extraction and exportation of hardwoods. A lot more needs to be done - including continuous training of forestry officers. Today the Forestry Department concluded a 2 day timber identification workshop in Belmopan. 15 forestry officers got to learn more about the different types of hardwood and what special features they should look for when confiscating flitches of timber. Courtney Weatherburne explores how this workshop complements the amended act and the overall work and responsibility of the forestry department. Mahogany is one of the most well-known and sought after hardwoods in Belize. Other prized timbers are rosewood and Cedar but these are just 3 of many species of hardwood. Percival Cho - Forestry Expert: "Now there is species like Hobio, Granadio, you probably haven't heard of those things, black cabbage bark right."

Labour Appoints Consultative Bodies
The Ministry of labor today activated the Labour Advisory Board, Tripartite Body and the National Child Labour Committee and Interest-Based Bargaining Stakeholders. These are important advisory bodies which should have been activated from 2012, but it just happened today. Minister of Labour Hugo Patt told us what they will advise on: Hon. Hugo Patt - Minister of Labour: "Anything related to issues starting from the rights of a child, protecting a child, making sure that our children are not working under hazardous environment to issues affected trade unions and to the core of what is affecting us in terms of labour laws, in terms of labour issues, in terms of making our policies consistent with our international commitments, these are the supporting bodies that would actually make recommendations to the ministry and eventually leading it into cabinet and if necessary going into the house for the necessary amendments in terms of making our laws as much as possible plausible and as much as possible reflecting the real time environments we have today. We decided to make sure that the bodies are up and functional so that the actual work of the ministry becomes more productive and becomes more efficient for the needs that we have in the country. We want to make sure that everybody has equal voice, everybody has freedom to opine and everybody understands fully the decisions being taken by the board."

A Gateway To The Tourist Side Of The City
Belize City residents, or anyone that has passed by the the Swing Bridge intersection has probably noticed that a large arch has been erected on North Front Street. Well today work on that structure was completed, and Mayor Darrell Bradley officially introduced the city to the Gateway to the Fort Street Tourism Zone. Mayor Bradley told us more about this new Belize City landmark... Darrell Bradley - Belize City Mayor: "We've been working with our partners including the Belize Tourism Board and I mention cariled over the last I would say 18 months in terms of trying to organise the Fort George Tourism Zone better. You can see as we had the ceremony there was a tremendous amount of traffic in the area, the competition in terms of residence and then the buses and then the vendors and businesses and so forth. So that we've been working over many months to try to see how we can put in place various policies that would make the area come alive. It was always the idea to really have a gateway monument to be a focal point and entrance way into the area to that you can mark the area."

Mayor Really Likes Roundabouts
The Mayor also told us why the gateway is not a waste of money, and gave us an update on the status of the City's street lights, which for the most part have not been working reliably since 2013, and why he's so opposed to them... The new gateway is just on of the City Council's initiatives for re-branding Belize City as a tourist destination.

IDB Appreciates Apprenticeship Program
Today the Youth Apprenticeship Program received a donation from the IDB and Ministry of Human Development. The two agencies handed over cooking, barbering and car washing and detailing supplies, which are to be distributed to young entrepreneurs who have benefited from the apprenticeship program. Dianne Finnegan, the Youth Apprenticeship Program's Coordinator and the Ministry of Human Development's Program Coordinator, Elvis Requena told us more... The donation is valued at about $12,000.

Mayan Artifacts Holding Up Well 7,500 Miles Later
Tonight we take our final look at the archaeological exhibit "Maya: Hidden Worlds Revealed". We've seen the show in three US Cities, and wondered about the wellbeing of these ancient artifacts which have been on the road for four and a half years now. Here's what we found out:� These artifacts or, in this case, replicas, still have the power to transfix and mesmerize - and well over one million persons have already seen them. But in the past four years, they have logged about 7,500 miles of travel crisscrossing the United States, from coast to coast, and they are already on contract to make two more stops. That's a lot of miles and years for objects that are over a thousand years old: Jules Vasquez: "These antiques, these pieces have lot of miles on them. How are they holding up?" Sherilynne Jones - Tech Director, Museum of Belize: "They are holding up very well. Like i said we have experts from the Science Museum that travels to every venue. Each time we unpack an object it is meticulously reviewed and conditioned to ensure that the safety of the object is paramount to the exhibition."

Tux Gets Table Tennis Presidency
Last week, the Belize Table Tennis Association's President, Arturo Vasquez attended the General Assembly of the Central American Table Tennis Federation in Guatemala City where he was elected President of the Federation. As President, Vasquez will preside over Mexico, El Salvador, Panama, Nicaragua, Honduras, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and of course Belize. During his four year tenure, Vasquez will also join the Board of Directors of the International Table Tennis Association. It's a major endorsement for Belize's Association - and comes on the heels of Belize successfully hosting the Central American Table Tennis Championships. Vasquez is the first Belizean to hold this title.

Belize Shows Encouraging Performance At CA Juniour Championships
And while Vasquez was attending the General Assembly, the U15 and U18 teams were participating in the Central American Junior Championships. Belize's most talented young table tennis players played single, double, team and mixed double matches against some of Central America's best. And while the Belizean athletes managed to win several matches and even challenge some of the tournaments favourites, they were unable to make it through to the final round. Most of Belize's players came in third in their groups, while only first and second places moved on to the next round. And while Belize did not bring home any medals, it is only their second appearance at the tournament, and their coaches are confident they will do better next time.

Shooting Was Gang-Related
And, we close tonight with an update on the shooting we told you about earlier. We can confirm that a male was shot on Western Avenue at 6:30 pm and was rushed to the hospital. the shooting is believed to be gang related. We will not release his name at this time - but we'll have the full story tomorrow�

Channel 5

Breaking News: Murder reported in Lake Independence
There is breaking news of a shooting in the city. It happened at around six-forty p.m. in the Saint Martin's De Porres area. One person, identified as Jason Cortez, was [...]

"Culture of Corruption and Hustling" Swamped Immigration, Senate Committee Hears
The public hearings of the Senate Special Select Committee on Immigration have moved into high gear and today under oath, a bombshell was dropped from an unexpected corner.� In the [...]

Finance Officer Teresita Castellanos Turns Fire on Former Co-Workers
Castellanos went on to accuse immigration officers of treating 'civilian' officers like herself as 'intruders' at the Department and even cannibalizing their own who were doing the right thing. She [...]

Justice Denied in Sprawling Cases of Corruption at Immigration
While the cases of Won Hong Kim and the eight visa foils are dominating recent headlines, there was no shortage of scandal at the Immigration Department that necessitated immigration officers [...]

George Reynolds Says He Was Asked to "Fix" Chinese Passports With Missing Visa Foils
The second witness to appear at the Senate Special Select Committee this afternoon was George Reynolds. He is entering his twenty-seventh year with the Immigration Department and in 2013 was [...]

Did Ministers' Recommendations Really Matter?
As a senior man in the Immigration Department, George Reynolds saw his share of important people coming in and out - even a Minister or two. But he told the [...]

C.C.J. Has Recommendations for Government on Tenure of Judges
From the senate to the courts�Belize's highest court, the Caribbean Court of Justice, has ordered changes to the appointment of judges to the Court of Appeal. Today, the CCJ dismissed [...]

Bar Association's Attorney Says Ruling is a Victory for Belizean Justice
The Prime Minister currently has power to recommend the appointment of judges to the Court of Appeal, after consulting with the Leader of the Opposition, while the Judicial and Legal [...]

Eric Chang, Patrick Tillett No-Shows at Senate Inquiry
As we reported earlier, the Senate Special Select Committee has called multiple witnesses on several occasions for public hearings in the past few weeks.� While there have been rescheduling of [...]

Senate Committee Chair Says Don't Complain If You Didn't Testify
Is this the end of the line as far as the matter is concerned? Chairman Salazar said the Committee is considering its options and has not ruled out litigation, although [...]

Exasperated Mayor Says Cinderella Plaza Traffic Lights Were a Bad Idea
If you are a driver who uses the Cinderella Plaza area, you may just want to pay attention to avoid an accident waiting to happen.� Belize City Mayor Darrell Bradley [...]

The Cement and Asphalt Revolution Continues in Old Capital
But the mayor had positive news about the streets�If you are living in the south side divisions of Port Loyola, Lake I and Collet; you can expect to see some [...]

Tux Vasquez Leads Central America in Table Tennis
In sporting news�for the first time, a Belizean now leads the Central American Table Tennis Federation, or CONCATEME. He is Arturo 'Tux' Vasquez, who was elected at the general assembly [...]

Trio Accused of Shooting Policeman See Charges Dropped
The case against three men, who shot a police officer, fell apart today two weeks after it begun before Justice Adolph Lucas. �The shooting of Police Constable Nigel White occurred [...]

Missing Shooting Victim Leads to Freedom for Accused Shooters
Two others also walked free today of a charge of attempted murder when the office of the D.P.P. entered a case of nolle prosequi.� They are notorious figures, Tyrone Meighan [...]

Monument Honors City's Entrepreneurs
For about eighteen months the Belize City Council and its partners have been working on a gateway monument on North Front Street just below the Swing Bridge. Well, that project [...]

Que Pasa, PASA? Nada, Says City Mayor
It has been more than a month since PASA informed the Solid Waste Management Authority that they would not be carrying out anymore works at the transfer stations and the [...]

Youth Apprentices Get I.D.B. Help
The Youth Apprenticeship Program got a boost today with a donation that will go a long way in providing jobs for at-risk youths in the city. At the program headquarters [...]

Atlantic Insurance Adopts Ward at K.H.M.H.
Healthcare is everybody's business. The national referral hospital has been encouraging the private sector to invest in the K.H.M.H.� Well, Atlantic Insurance has stepped up and retrofitted a room within [...]

Reviving the Bodies of Labour
Today, the Ministry of Labour held an inauguration ceremony to reactivate the labour advisory board, tri-partite body and the national child labour committee - made up of members from government [...]

LOVE FM

Peter Portillo Gets 5 Years for Firearm Offence
Twenty-eight year old Peter Portillo, a laborer of 4 Coffin Street, charged with kept firearm and ammunition without a gun license, was found guilty of the charges today by Magistrate Carlon Mendoza. He was sentenced to 5 years for each offence with the stipulation that the sentences are to run concurrently. Therefore, Portillo will only [�]

Trio Acquitted of Attempted Murder of Police Officer
Three men charged with the attempted murder of 28 year old police constable Nigel White were acquitted of the charge today by Justice Adolph Lucas in a trial that was without jury. They are Karim Morris, Linsford Acosta and Justo Lopez. They were also acquitted of dangerous harm and use of deadly means of harm. [�]

Renovations Underway at Lucky Strike Community Centre
Work is being done on the Lucky Strike Community Center in the Belize District. Works include replacing the roof, building bathrooms and installing proper doors and windows. Area Representative Edmund Castro said Government is funding the works. The Community Center will be used as a Hurricane Shelter. Similar works is being done on the Community [�]

Joint Police Efforts Yield Illegal Weapons and Ammunition
A joint Southside strike team conducted an early morning operation on Caesar Ridge Road which resulted in the discovery of forty point nine millimeter live rounds, a point forty five revolver, an AK forty seven rifle and seventy pounds of cannabis. Police say the abandoned house in which the items were found, is believed to [�]

Lobster Season Closes
At the stroke of midnight lobster season will officially be closed and it will remain closed until midnight of June 14. Anyone found in possession of lobster after today will be penalized by being criminally charged and fined a dollar amount for the offence. Fishermen are also reminded that they need to remove lobster traps [�]

Breaking Belize News

Thousands of sacks of potato rot in La Gracia Village, Cayo District
Today, BBN visited La Gracia Village in the Cayo District to meet with concerned potato farmers. La Gracia is a quiet village that is made up of mostly hard working farmers who cultivate the land by planting potatoes, carrots, beans, and corn. Farming is a family business at this community and the only source of income for most families. The farmers are in trouble since thousands of sacks of potatoes that they harvested is rotting since vendors are not purchasing it from them. This is because government has allowed for massive importation of potatoes to the country, according to the farmers.

Another man murdered in Belize City
Another man was shot dead almost an hour ago just a stone's throw from his home. The incident occurred in the Western Avenue area of Lake Independence in Belize City. The victim was rushed to the Karl Huesner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Family members present at the KHMH confirmed that the victim is 21 year old Jason Ortiz.

An Insight into Interest calculations
I want to start by commending the person in this pawn shop story for taking the extra step and seeking legal action that has shed light on another area where our regulatory authorities are failing us. Even though the attorneys are in the limelight, and credit must be given where its due, given they did take up the case. However, it seems that there is not a clear understanding from both sides in terms of interest rates. It is questionable how much is really understood about the actual calculation involved and one is left to wonder how the the formulas are derived in both the judgment and in the actual loan at the pawn shop. 120% does sound high, but from what was said on the news, it seems to not be that straightforward. It was said that the loan was at 10% per month, but the lender chose to

CitCo inaugurates gateway monument
Today, the Belize City Council inaugurated its new Gateway monument at the entrance of the Fort George Tourism Zone. The council held a brief opening ceremony for the monuments, which are dedicated to the entrepreneurs of Belize City. Mayor Darrell Bradley, explained that the monuments are valued at $30,000 which formed a part of an $80,000 grant provided by the Government of Canada through the Caribbean Local Economic Development Project (CARILED).

Immigration Department: “Belly of the beast”
Former Finance Officer for Immigration Department, Teresita Castellanos, today gave a heartfelt testimony to the Senate Select Committee conducting an inquiry into the findings of the Auditor General's special report on Immigration. According to Castellanos, she was "�in the belly of the beast." She told the committee that there was a culture of corruption among immigration officers who worked together like a, "fraternity". She revealed that she and former Director, Maria Marin, tried to set things straight but the officers disregarded their instructions.

Briceno says GOB to sell all utility companies
In an exclusive interview with our newsroom today, Opposition Leader John Briceno, confirmed that the Government of Belize is seeking to sell state owned utilities to private investors. According to Briceno; BTL, BEL and BWSL are all on the table in a proposal written to Prime Minister Dean Barrow. These companies, we are told, will be lumped together as one and sold for an estimated quarter billion dollars.

PUP supports Eamon Courtenay during Senate meeting
Today the Secretariat of the Opposition People's United Party (PUP) packed almost 40 of its members inside the galleries of the National Assembly for the Senate Hearing. According to the party's secretariat, the purpose was for the party to show support to its Senator, Eamon Courtenay, who has been on the receiving end of scathing government criticism.

Community centers refurbished to meet hurricane shelter standards
The Community Centre in the Village of Lucky Strike is currently being refurbished, its roof being replaced, bathrooms built, and proper doors and windows installed. Area Representative and Minister of National Emergency Management, Edmond Castro, explained that the works being done with funds from the Government of Belize will enable the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) to utilize it as a Hurricane Shelter when it is needed for that purpose.

Twin towns plan welcome-home motorcade for Miss Belize Universe
Miss Belize Universe, Rebecca Rath represented Belize at the 65th edition of Miss Universe in Manila, Philippines on January 29, 2017. Rath unified Belizeans at home, abroad and on social media, which was loaded with showing their unwavering support for "Bex", as she has affectionately come to be known, throughout the pageant. Belizeans also requested that Belize gives her a royal welcome for making the country proud and representing it to the best of her ability on an international platform.

Belize: How to fix the macro-economy
After interviewing several public and private sector leaders of the economy, I have come to the conclusion that they are mostly fixated on micro-economic issues�with rightful concern about nit-picking areas where the economy is bleeding through government corruption, and where efficiency can be gained. BUT�.too much focus on the micro-economy is coming at the expense of focus on the macro-economy. Macroeconomics (from the Greek prefix makro- meaning "large" and economics) is a branch of economics dealing with the performance, structure, behavior, and decision-making of an economy as a whole.

Eric Chang declines invitation to attend Senate hearing
BBN has learnt that former Belize City Deputy Mayor, Eric Chang, has declined an invitation to appear in front of the Senate Select Committee. Chang had been named in the "hot" Auditor General's report after it claimed that he and a city council official purchased visa stickers that were stolen from the Immigration Western Border in December 2012.

Cayo men arrested for keeping gun without license
According to police reports, yesterday evening around 5:00, while police were conducting a mobile patrol on the Green Hills Road in St. Margaret's Village, Cayo District, they stopped and searched 46-year-old Jose Maria Ignacio Marroquin and 57-year-old Carlos Catalino Chiapaz both of St. Margaret's Village who were on a motorcycle.

Prime Minister to meet with Belize's Legal and Financial Team in New York
Prime Minister Dean Barrow left the country today on official business to the United States of America. Barrow will be traveling to New York to meet with Belize's legal and financial team that is involved in the negotiations to restructure the Super Bond.

Press Office issues advisory on fake PM profile
The Government of Belize Press Office has issued a press release stating that the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) is aware that members of the public have been contacted by Facebook accounts under the name "Dean Barrow". The OPM informs the general public that any pages purporting to be the personal or official account of or bearing photos or personal information of Prime Minister Dean Barrow are fake and unauthorized.

Big contraband bust reported by Guatemalan authorities
Guatemalan authorities today seized 9.9 millions boxes of cigarettes in Peten, along the border with Mexico and Belize. The Agencia Guatemalteca de Noticias reported yesterday, that Jorge Aguilar, spokesman for the National Civil Police (PNC), detailed how agents of the substation in Popt�n (Pet�n) intercepted a truck, detaining one Byron Misael Cabrera Gonz�les, and seizing a hefty 9,914,600 boxes of contraband cigarettes.

FBI double reward to $20,000 to solve Swaney's murder case
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has doubled the US $10,000 reward to US $20,000 for any information leading to a breakthrough in the Anne Swasey murder investigation. In January, the FBI had offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the killer or killers. The 39-year-old ABC7 executive producer was killed in Belize on January 15, 2016. It has been a year now and no one has been charged for the crime.

Croc on the loose in Belama Phase 11
Reports reaching our newsroom is that there is a crocodile in a canal in Belama Phase 11 in Belize City. Several concerned residents have taken to social media raising their concerns over the presence of the animal. Some pictures and videos are circulating on social media showing a large croc crossing the street. The residents say that the croc crosses the street early in the morning and then around 7:30 at night.

Cayo Community Policing commander train Special Constables on Vehicle Search tactics
On Sunday, several members of the Cayo Special Constables Committee attended a training facilitated by Cpl. Jason Jones, officer in charge of Community Policing for Cayo. The vehicle-search training included theory and practical for the proper way police officers should approach and search vehicles. The practical included search for drugs, weapons and explosives.

Blogs

Delegaci�n De Michigan Visita Sarstoon Con Los Voluntarios Territoriales De Belize
El 13 de enero de 2017, las inclemencias del tiempo no impidi� que los Voluntarios Territoriales de Belize (B.T.V.) hicieran otro viaje por el l�mite meridional de Belize, el r�o Sarstoon. Belize todav�a permanece sin un protocolo sobre los viajes al Sarstoon, salvo para el personal militar, y en el pasado Guatemala ha seguido como sombra y en ocasiones acosado a los civiles que visitan la zona. Ellos estuvieron acompa�ados por una delegaci�n de Belice�os de Michigan dirigida por el C�nsul Honorario de los Estados Unidos George Carr. En este videoclip cortes�a de Wil Maheia y PGTV, George Carr comparte su experiencia y inquietudes.

Why San Pedro, Belize Isn't Your Typical Tourist Town�
The caye is ridiculously beautiful - white sand, the bluest ocean, the barrier reef, the wildlife. There are great restaurants, fun bars and plenty to keep you busy day and night, if that's what you like to do. But a vacation to Belize is so different�so obviously unlike visiting NYC or Paris or Miami and, not as obviously, so different from other Caribbean trips I've taken. There is a reason that I went to Aruba and Curacao, Grenada and Costa Rica, the Bahamas and Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic and St. Maarten and never thought about relocating there� When you arrive on Ambergris Caye, take a walk around town. You are vacationing within a community. Pause for just a second - there are kids in uniform going to school, there are street vendors selling fruits or tacos to people on their way to work, there are parades and holidays, there are signs for fundraisers and school parties, talent shows and business openings -it doesn't take too long to see that the community is pretty fantastic. Here the locals don't actively avoid the tourists� There are no huge chains - no Senor Frog's, no McDonald's or Starbucks. When you drink a Belikin beer after your snorkeling trip, you are just as likely to be sitting next to a San Pedrano as you are another visitor. When you head home after your Belize vacation, I bet that one of the reasons that you want to return is to visit the local friends you met.

Best Time to Visit Belize
Belize has gained a reputation for being one of the most beautiful countries in the world. With its diverse culture, exotic wildlife and lush landscapes the country continues to lure thousands of visitors to its shores every year. There is so much to see and do in Belize and you might ask yourself when is the best time to visit belize and experience all it has to offer? Every month holds endless possibilities and adventures! There are some months, however, during which specific activities occur in the country that will allow you to experience events unique to Belize. Here is a breakdown of the best time to visit Belize:

Belize, the ideal haven for birders
With an extremely varied landscape that includes river deltas, mountain ranges, wetlands, rainforests, coastline, and jungles, Belize has a thriving ecosystem that abounds with birds. More than 580 species of migratory and local birds have been recorded in Belize, including the Spot-breasted Oriole, Collared Forest Falcon, Rufous-tailed Hummingbird, Canada Goose, and Crested Caracara. From the moment you step off the plane, the sight and sound of birds are everywhere, forming an integral backdrop to the daily rhythms of life in Belize. The Audubon Society is very active in Belize and have cataloged six Important Bird Areas (IBAs), many of which are administered or co-managed by the Audubon Society in protected nature reserves, wildlife sanctuaries, and national parks.

Aguacate Lagoon in Belize
The Aguacate Lagoon is one of the best birding and wildlife spotting areas in western Belize and is located just down the road from the Mennonite village of Spanish Lookout in the Cayo District. A pristine wetlands where birds flit through the air and amphibians sun themselves on lily pads, the Aguacate Lagoon is a favorite birding destination where ornithologists can easily find Vermillion Flycatchers, Fork-tailed Flycatchers, Yellow-rumped Warblers, White-Tailed Kites and Hawks, Laughing Falcons, Meadowlarks, Swallows, Herons, and even Jabiru storks. Aguacate Lagoon is located approximately 20 minutes from the Mennonite village of Spanish Lookout in Belize's western Cayo District. The lagoon is located on a 284-acre private reserve that also includes an unexcavated ancient Maya site. If you're heading to Aguacate on your own, follow the signs on the Western Highway and head to the village of Spanish Lookout. Once in the village, your best bet is to ask locals how to get to the lagoon.

International Sources

Belize IFSC Begins Enforcement of New Capital Requirements
Forex Magnates has learned that Belize's financial services regulator, the International Financial Services Commission (IFSC), unfolded its plans to begin the enforcement of new capital requirements for registered derivatives brokers. The step comes nearly 14 months since the issuance of the 'Licensing Amendment Regulation' in late 2015. The commission said in a circular to stakeholders that with effect from today: "All companies having a license for trading in financial and commodity-based derivative instruments and other securities or license for trading in foreign exchange must provide evidence of statutory capital increase up to 500,000 US Dollars."

CCJ dismisses constitutional motion brought by Belize Bar Association
The Trinidad-based Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) Wednesday dismissed an appeal brought by the Belize Bar Association concerning a perceived threat to that country's Court of Appeal's judicial independence. The CCJ, Belize's highest court in dismissing the claim, also made strong recommendations for changes to the appointment and tenure of Justices of Appeal that would provide them with security of tenure and a selection process that was independent of the government. The Court recommended immediate adoption of those recommendations. The Belize Bar Association had filed a Constitutional motion challenging the Belize Constitution (Sixth Amendment) Act which states that when an existing or future appointment of a Justice of Appeal did not specify a period of appointment, the judge's term of office would last one year from the date of commencement of the amendment, or one year from the date of appointment. The amendment also stated that at the end of the period the office would become vacant. At the time, the changes applied to two sitting judges.

Belize recognized for achievements in vaccination and malaria
The Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Dr. Carissa F. Etienne, congratulated Prime Minister Dean Barrow of Belize Monday for his country's success in promoting immunization and dramatically reducing the burden of malaria. "Thanks to high rates of vaccination, Belize has been able to eliminate measles, rubella and congenital rubella syndrome, as has the rest of the region-the first in the world to achieve this," Etienne told Barrow after visiting Belize's National Vaccines Storage Facility, which was built with PAHO support. Etienne also noted that investment in health in Belize has risen to 5.4% of GDP, and that the country has made impressive progress toward the elimination of malaria. Belize is currently in the pre-elimination phase, having reduced the number of malaria cases by 95% between 2007 and 2012, from 845 to 37 in five years. In 2016, only five cases of malaria were reported.

Belize Prepares For the 2017 La Ruta Maya Canoe Challenge, And Chaa Creek Says You're Invited
Belize's annual La Ruta Maya River challenge is one of the longest, most gruelling canoe races in the world. It is also a way to raise awareness about the beautiful river system that was once the "superhighway" of the ancient Maya. The La Ruta River Challenge was the brainchild of Belizean entrepreneur Richard Harrison, who started the race in 1998 in part to promote a line of purified water, sport and soft drinks and partly to raise awareness of the importance of Belize's network of rivers and the need for conservation. Starting in San Ignacio Town, downriver on the Macal River from Chaa Creek, three person teams paddle 175 miles to the finish line in Belize City, overnighting in the riverside villages of Banana Bank, Double Head Cabbage and Burrell Boom before the final sprint to Belize City on "National Heroes and Benefactors Day", a public holiday in Belize.

Almasys, Shaw & Selent took us for a run in Belize
Butch and Ann Almasy of East Sparta, Ohio, and Mary Shaw and Pete Selent ran with the Farm Dairy as they competed a half marathon in Placencia, Belize, in December.

The Garifuna People
In 1635, two Spanish ships were wrecked near what is now St Vincent in the West Indies. The ships held West Africans who were to be sold as slaves in the West Indies. The West Africans escaped from the Spaniards and hid themselves among the indigenous Amerindian group, the Carib people on the island. The Africans eagerly adapted to the new environment in hopes of avoiding slavery and remaining under the protection of the Carib community. Likewise, the Caribs protected their new African neighbours because they resisted European encroachment on their lands. Eventually the Caribs and West Africans began intermarrying, and ultimately, created the Garifuna people. When the French defeated the Garifuna on St Vincent in 1795 and drove them to nearby Becquia Island, they and other Garifuna left the Lesser Antilles Islands by the thousands and settled on the coast of Honduras. By 1802, they had migrated to what is now Belize. Led by Thomas Vincent Ramos, they settled in the township of Dangriga and soon spread out to other communities. The Garifuna population resides at present in 43 locations on the Atlantic Coast between Belize and Nicaragua. The largest of these communities are in Honduras and Belize, where about 98,000 Garifunas are concentrated in various towns.

Caldwell University students volunteer on break
A group of Caldwell University students and faculty and staff spent a week in January volunteering in an impoverished village in Belize. The group helped repaint a school, spent time playing with the children and were treated to gracious hospitality and home-cooked meals. Marisa Juliano, a senior, attended for the first time. "I saw things that broke my heart a little and things that were so beautiful," Juliano said. Juliano said working with the schoolchildren made her heart grow 10 times bigger. "As soon as I met them I wanted to do 10 times more. I wanted to paint the whole town for them," Juliano said. Senior Sean Puzzo was on the mission trip for a third time. The villagers are not rich in material things, he said, but they are certainly rich in "community, spirit and respect."

Judge Gives Ex-treasure Hunter Way to Provide Coin Details
A federal judge is giving a former deep-sea treasure hunter another chance to reveal information about the location of 500 missing gold coins. Federal Judge Algenon Marbley on Wednesday directed government prosecutors to draft an order related to the coins involving a Belize-based trust. The order would permit ex-treasure hunter Tommy Thompson to give written consent for the government to probe the contents of the trust. A trust representative has refused to allow an inspection of the trust without Thompson's consent. Marbley has held Thompson in contempt of court since December 2015 for violating terms of a plea deal by refusing to respond to questions about the coins' locations. The coins were minted from gold taken from the S.S. Central America, which sank in an 1857 hurricane.

Regional police officers to receive training in supporting victims of crime
The Canadian government-funded Improved Access to Justice in the Caribbean (IMPACT Justice) project is hosting a training course entitled "Enhancing Support to Victims of Crime". The course will be attended by police officers of varying ranks along with gender specialists, counsellors, community development officers, social workers and others who work with victims of crime. Participants are from Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Montserrat, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines and Trinidad and Tobago.

Videos

10th European Development Fund, 4min. Two weeks ago, we mentioned the 10th European Development Fund, an agreement that cost over 20 million U.S. dollars signed between the CARICOM Secretariat and the European Union (EU) in 2012. Last week, trade economists at the Ministry of Foreign Trade spoke to us about a significant project being executed through the fund. Janel Rodriguez has more�

Senate Special Select Committee Public Hearing, 90min. Senators question Immigration Finance Officer on revenue and procedures for visas given at missions and borders

, min. Join us for the opening of an exhibition in tribute to Jose Felix Ayuso, El Rey Del Carnaval de San Pedro. We will be celebrating the spirit and history of carnival. Friday, February 24th, at 7:30 pm.

Zenaida Moya Show Episode 9, 104min.

BELIZEAN BRUKDONG "PREACHAMAN" MICHAEL NAVARETTE (PART ONE)!, 26min. This feature on the Neo-Brukdong Belizean artist, Michael Navarette, aka "Preachaman", comes at the right time and on the right place right here on the "Belizean Soul" we call here Belizean Legends. Not only was it most appropriate for a Belizean of East Indian heritage to have been embracing his Creole culture and music we Belizeans called "Brukdong", but that Navarette chronicles in this documentary series on his music how he has embarked on a journey to bring together through music and culture the unity between Belize's two black groups, the Belizean Creole and Garinagu. He resurrects in this interview the richness of Belizean Brukdong music paying tribute to all those legendary Belizean artists that came before him like Mr. Peters, Leela Vernon, Brad Pattico, bredda David, Bella Carib, Harrington Trapp, and many more. Preachman joins a whole list of other neo-Belizean Brukdong artists in Belize like Cocono Bwai, TR Shine, Donkey Man, Dan Man, Mr. Program, Ernestine Caballo, and Coolie Rebel just to mention a few, who have began to honor the pulsating Belizean musical art form while carrying on Mr. Peters' tradition of tribute to the ancestors of the music.

THE VEGA FAMILY ALLEGED LAND SCHEME�DOCUMENTS SHOW THEY OWN MORE PRIME LAND IN THE VILLAGE OF CARMEL, 12min.

Sarstoon Visit, 2min.

Combating climate change, 3min.

Chamber of Commerce - Recommendations to GOB on Finance, 41min.

PAHO - Signing of Country Cooperation Strategy 2017 - 2021 (CCS), 40min.

McNab Designs - InterChange Belize Limited, 29min.

Darrell on City Maintenance, 4min.

Luis Blas Mendez at Arenal Village, 20min.

Belize Fly Fishing Highlights - Jack Trout, 1min. Hopkins, Placencia, Dandriga, Caye Caulker, Punta Gorda, Belize City, One Day Fly Fishing Excursions

Xanadu Island Resort, San Pedro Belize, 2min.

Belize: January 2017, 2.5min.

Belize snorkeling, 4min.

Antelope Trail Belize 2, 7min.