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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

GOB Expresses Condelences on Passing of Bishop O.P. Martin
The Government of Belize wishes to express its deepest condolences to the family, friends and Roman Catholic community on the passing of the Reverend Bishop Osmond Peter Martin. Born in Dangriga on December 4th, 1930, Bishop Martin served the Roman Catholic community for almost 40 years, beginning with his ordination to priesthood in 1959. He served as a Pastor for many years in several districts. In 1982, he was elevated to Bishop and in 1984 he was named Bishop of Belize City and Belmopan. Bishop O.P. Martin served the Catholic community with great dedication, faithfulness and apostolic vision.


Police Report
On Tuesday, February 14th, Linda Del Valle visited the San Pedro Police Station and reported that on Monday, February 13th, her business, Manelly's Ice Cream, was burglarized. In her report, her employee stayed at the business and at 10:18PM, sent sales report to complainant via WhatsApp. Complainant clarified that at the end of every business day, her workers usually leave $50 in change of various denominations in the cash register. When Del Valle arrived back to Manelly's at 7:30AM the following day, she noticed that the cash register was missing. She then checked inside for the sales of the day and noticed it was missing as well. In total, $680 was missing, plus two buckets of ice cream.

El Gran Carnaval de San Pedro is approaching!
The long- standing island tradition, El Gran Carnaval De San Pedro, is set for Sunday February 26th through Tuesday February 28th. The festivities, which commemorate the beginning of the Lenten season, will be held under the theme 'Orgullo, Alegr�a y Pasi�n; Carnaval es mi Tradici�n.' Combining traditional paintings and comparsas (dancing) group presentations, The San Pedro Town Council has organized several activities for the weekend. This year, the highly anticipated event will be bittersweet. The annual photo exhibit at the San Pedro House of Culture (SPHC) honoring the history of El Carnaval, will instead feature a pictorial exhibit celebrating the life of the late Felix Ayuso. Ayuso was an invaluable part of the traditional Carnaval Comparsas. As President of the San Pedro AIDS Commission, he and his group brought joy and entertainment during their participation in the annual event. The exhibit is slated for Friday, February 24th, and everyone is cordially invited to visit the SPHC on Angel Coral Street at 7:30pm to join in the tribute to Ayuso, considered 'El Rey del Carnaval'.

Construction of seawall affects residents in Southern Ambergris Caye
Residents, stakeholders, and visitors of Southern Ambergris Caye have been complaining about the construction of a seawall, which is affecting homes and businesses. Reports are that the concrete structure has changed the flow of sea currents, allowing seaweed and other sea debris to accumulate in front of beach properties. Residents are indicating that the stench of dead seaweed and garbage has become so unbearable that it is causing a dent in the tourism business in that area. He added that when it comes to the approval of sea walls the jurisdiction is mainly under the Ministry of Natural Resources. He also commented that the aesthetic aspect of properties on that side of the island will eventually change, and anyone living down there would simply need to adapt. "If there are neighbours next to you with seawalls, eventually you will have to build your own one too," said Guerrero. "If not, then the problem of debris accumulation will not stop." Guerrero says that the island is developing rapidly and with it will come many challenges.

GOB demands Courtenay's resignation from Senate; Central Bank reserves at risk
The Government of Belize (GOB) have called for the removal of the People's United Party's (PUP) Senator Eamon Courtenay, claiming he abandoned his duties as a Senator to assist the Ashcroft Alliance in their legal battle against Belize. In a press release issued by GOB on Wednesday, February 8th, the Government condemned Courtenay's actions. "We believe that his action is an outright betrayal of Belize's national interests and comes in extreme conflict with the Senatorial seat he holds. We therefore call for his immediate removal from the Senate," stated the release. GOB is not only making the call to have Courtenay removed because of his unexpected leave, but also due to the fact that he filed a constitutional challenge at the Supreme Court registry on behalf of the Ashcroft group of companies. Ashcroft and his group are seeking enforcement from courts in the United States for an arbitral award of US$50 million dollars through any means, including getting access to the reserves of the Central Bank of Belize, which are held in the United States.

Misc Belizean Sourcesmzz

2nd Annual Lionfish Derby
Save the Date! The Barrier Reef Sports Bar & Grill is hosting its 2nd Annual Lionfish Derby on March 25, 2017! More details coming soon! Organizers/Sponsers/Volunteers: Barrier Reef Sports Bar & Grill, RE/MAX Island Real Estate, Belize Fisheries Department, Oceana, Frontier, Ocean Academy, Belikin.

Mary Maga�a is the new Reina Del Carnaval 2017-2018
Congratulations, and all the best in your reigning!

SPHS Women win NSSSA National Football Tournament
History in the making! San Pedro High School Female Football Team champions of the National Secondary School Sporting Association (NSSSA) National Football Tournament. Congrats on a job well done!

HELP FOR GLENN IN BELIZE
Please meet my dear friend Glenn Tillett. Glenn is a activist and one of the best writers Belize boasts. He is also very ill and undergoing dialysis which is very costly in Belize. The prognosis is not good and Glenn may be needing a new kidney. I know I have very dear friends that would help me help Glenn to pay for his dialysis. At this point any amount will help. If you are in Belize, Glenn's account number is 695-01-1-69440 Belize Bank. Thank you in advance for your kind donations and God bless.

The National Sports Council brightens the future of Queen's Square Youth
The Ministry of Youth Sports and Culture, through the National Sports Council, worked in conjunction with the Queen's Square community to enhance the safety of youth who wish to participate in sporting and recreational activities. Through a lighting project implemented by the National Sports Council, Queen's Square residents are now enjoying brighter evenings and nights on their basketball court. The National Sports Council also assisted the residents in fixing security lights in the area so as to deter violence and criminal activities. This is a part of a wider government initiative of promoting citizen security through sports and recreation. The National Sports Council thanks the residents of Queen's Square and the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture for this opportunity to serve the people of Belize City in a way that facilitates their greater engagement in sports.

Corozal Held its Valentine Poetry inside the Corozal Library; Corozal Youth Cadets where present
On Friday, 17 Feb 2017 the Corozal Youth Cadets held its Library Valentine Poetry Night. It commenced from 5pm to 6:30pm. The Corozal Public Library held its Valentine's Poetry Night inside the Corozal Library. You could have came out to write and read aloud your own poem. Youth children Constructed their own homemade Valentine card for that one they've shared. A number of 26th cadets came out to participate in This event. They learnt how to create and construct English vocabulary words to make their own poems. Sure they did a great job writing poems creative mind. At the end of the event all 26th cadets came out to read out loud their creative poems. They sure did a great job. This event was specifically for the young youth who are involved in the Youth Cadets.

Lavish Habit Cafe Opens
Nayomi Alamilla and her boyfriend Rafa who is a Barista from Guatemala just opened a new coffee shop in San Pedro, Lavish Habit Cafe! It is located right next to Dixie's shakes. Stop by and get your coffee fix!

Street closures for San Pedro, Carnaval
IT"S CARNAVAL TIME !!!!!!!!!

University of Belize Spring 2017 Graduation
The University of Belize honoured 499 Graduates during its February Commencement Exercises which was held on Saturday, 11th February, 2017 at the UB Gymnasium in Belmopan. The keynote address was delivered by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Home Affairs, Honourable Wilfred Elrington. The Graduates received diplomas at the Bachelor's, Associate's, and Certificate levels from the Faculties of: Education and Arts-(214); Management and Social Sciences-(160); Science and Technology-(93); and Nursing, Allied Health, and Social Work-(32). Of the total number of graduates 320(64.1%) are females and 179(35.9%) are males.

Breaking Belize NewsPJ

Court rules against pawn shops
The recent Supreme Court Judgment, Janine Vega Vs. EZY Loans Pawning and Payday Advance, has brought into the spotlight an issue that many Belizeans have been complaining about for years: pawnshops charging sometimes unfair, and perhaps even illegal amounts for interest. Many Belizeans, due to the unfair amount on repayment, have lost properties such as land titles, and ownership of their vehicles, to pawnshop owners. Apart from towering interest rates, many pawnshop customers are unaware that these establishments have them sign onto agreements that are unenforceable, because they do not comply with the Money Lenders Act, Chapter 260 of the Laws of Belize.

Accident reported on George Price Highway, Cayo district
Reports reaching our newsroom is that there was a road traffic accident a short while ago on the George Price Highway near Windy Hill in the Cayo district. BBN understands that a person is trapped inside a vehicle. Police and firefighters are on the scene.

A legal giant passes
He was a giant among men in the legal world but British international attorney, Sir Elihu Lauterpacht, passed away on February 8 at the age of 86. He was known across many borders and inside many countries, which he represented in land and maritime boundary cases. He also served as an ad hoc Judge of the International Court of Justice and an arbitrator for international disputes. Additionally he served as a professor at the University of Cambridge. He had advised several Belizean governments in the fight against Guatemala's unfounded territorial claim. He and Dr. David Bowett published the Belize: Joint Opinion on the claim in 1978.

UB soon to have new President
After serving as the President of the University of Brlize for almost 3 years, Allan Slusher, has reached the end of his contract. The UB board of trustees took a decision not to renew his contract and have instead signed Professor Clement K. Sankat as the 7th President of UB.

Dry weather to continue
The 24-hour forecast is for mostly fair, warm and dry conditions with sunny skies today and partly cloudy skies tonight. The wind will blow from the east to southeast at 10-20 knots. The sea state will be moderate. High temperatures are expected as follows: In the coast, 87 degrees Fahrenheit; 93 degrees Fahrenheit inland and 80 degrees Fahrenheit in the hills.

Road traffic accident in southern Belize sends 7 people to the hospital
Reports reaching our newsroom are that there was a road traffic accident on the Southern Highway right after the Placencia junction yesterday evening shortly before 7. Several eye witness accounts told BBN that 7 people were taken to the Southern Regional hospital.

The Reporter

Belize confirms death of great international law expert
The Government of Belize has sent out an officially press release, confirming the death of a great legal practitioner who provided invaluable counsel in international law for over 30 years to the Belizean government. The release confirmed that Sir Elihu Lauterpacht passed away on February 8th, in Cambridge, United Kingdom. In 2006, Sir Elihu was bestowed with "the Order of Belize", which is the highest honor there is in Belize for persons of great recognition. This was as a result of the numerous assistance over several decades of unwavering commitment to ensure that Belize maintain its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Sir Eli, as he was affectionately known, prepared the important Belize joint operations in 1978, along with the assistance of Dr. David Bowette.

University of Belize elects 7th president
The University of Belize has recently elected it's 7th president, which was announced during its February commencement exercise on February 11. Professor Clement K. Sankat has been appointed as the new president of the University. His appointment took effect on February 15th, and was officially announced by Mr. Harrison Pilgram, Chairman of UB's Board of Trustees. Professor Sankat succeeds Mr. Allan Slusher, who had held the post since June, 2014. The professor is the former pro vice- chancellor and campus principal of the University of the West Indies (WI), St. Augustine Campus, Trinidad. Professor Sankat is a citizen of Trinidad and Tobago; he is a chartered professional engineer by training with a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the UWI, a PhD from the University of Guadalupe in Canada. He has a long and distinguished carrier at the University of the West Indies as a school and administrative leader. He was promoted to full professorship in 1998.

Blogs

February Snapshots on Ambergris Caye
There is SO much going on in Belize in February. Just walk down the streets of San Pedro and you can see how many people are visiting. As winter drags on in the north, the weather here has been perfection for the last weeks� Though those who collect water could use just a LITTLE sprinkle. Here are some pictures from around the Caye and around the country - Belize in February. Heading under the bridge in the SkyDive San Pedro boat. A bare throated tiger heron looking for a girlfriend. The beach in Boca del Rio last week - before our current sargasso situation started heating up. And a look at the West Side and "Secret Beach"�always clear of seaweed. Ahhhh, the west side. I've been spending quite a bit of time on that side of the island.

International Sourcesizz

NY Mag: The Best Travel Accessories and Gear
Harrying a process as it can be, travel can be made an actual pleasure once you devise a system for everything. From the no-fuss carry-on to the multipurpose travel shoes to the game-changing packing organizers, we found all the essentials for maximizing your travel experience. The Best Rolling Luggage, The Best Weekend Travel Bags, The Best Travel Organizers, The Best Travel Shoes for Him and Her, The Best Skincare Products for the Flight, The Best Tote Bag (a.k.a. 'personal item'), The Best Eye Mask for Sleeping on the Flight, The Best Travel Headphones, The Best Earplugs for Travel, The Best Travel Steamer, The Best Cleansing Wipes for the Plane, The Best Lip Balm for Travel, The Best Travel Phone Charger, The Best Travel Cocktail Kit, The Best Toy to Cure Airport Boredom

MCC/MSU Student Teachers Learn from Teaching in Belize
Eleven Murray State University education majors from the Madisonville Community College Campus recently spent three weeks as student teachers in Belize. Elementary and learning and behavior disorders dual certification students Heather Starks and Amanda Morrow and elementary education students Tyler Forsythe and Kaity Young were chosen to experience the teaching opportunity of a lifetime. Forsythe said it was a study abroad program where the four could complete three weeks or 15-days in Belize of their 70-day student teaching requirement. Starks said they applied for the program, then had to wait for the selection process and she said it took about one year. She said their applications were submitted in January 2016, which included essays and other requirements and after being accepted, they applied for scholarships to help fund the trip. "It was a long process," said Starks.

Videos

  • Reina Del Carnaval 2017-2018, 1.5min. The moment when the new Reina Del Carnaval 2017-2018 was announced!

  • Official ceremony of awards for the National Secondary School Sporting Association (NSSSA) Football National Tournament 2016-2017, 1min. San Pedro High School Female Team receiving the first place award!

  • , 35min. CARICOM Skills Certificate Offers Greater Opportunities to Belizeans, "Give Your Heart to A Child" Campaign Seeks Loving Homes for Children, and Local Producers Talk Tilapia Farming.

  • The Reefs of Belize, 1.5min. The Reefs of Belize is produced and kindly made available to the fulldome community by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the Charles Hayden Planetarium, Museum of Science, Boston

  • Royal Caribbean Belize Snorkel Excursion, 6min. Jan 2017 cruise on Royal Caribbean with a stop in Belize City. We decided to do the snorkel excursion. The crew and captain did a good job, but there were too many people on the excursion making it hard to see the fish and reef.

  • Landing in Belize, 11min.

  • Cancun to Belize with my drone, 7.5min. This is a short video from my christmas vacation 2016 in Mexico and Belize. I took a rental car and drove from Canc�n, to Playa Del Carmen, Tulum, Mahahual, Chetumal, Belize City Progreso and M�rida. Unfortunately I wasn't allowed to bring my drone or my GoPro with me to some places... I filmed everything with my DJI Mavic or GoPro Hero 4 black

  • San Pedro Belize Rain Storm, 1/2min. Rocky and I getting caught in a rainstorm in San Pedro whilst trying to tie down the plane.

  • Last edited by Marty; 02/21/17 05:47 AM.