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GOB to pay December Mortgage for 7,400 h
Every year the Independence Day address by Hon. Dean Barrow has been one that has always attracted much attention, this is a time when the country's health, both social and economic, is examined and a form of report is offered to the nation. It is also a time when the Prime Minister makes announcements that relief of some sort is being given to the ordinary man.
Last year it was announced that over 6 million dollars would be written off for persons holding loans with the DFC for which the collateral was not enough to cover loans which were owed. Over three hundred persons benefitted directly from this gesture. This year the scope of relief was broadened even further as the Prime Minister announced that Government will be meeting the interest payment for the month of December for homeowners who have mortgages with an original value of up to 100 thousand dollars.
UDP at 41 - The 41st Chapter of UDP History
Belize begins "the 34th stanza of our existence as a Nation" (PM Barrow's 2014 Independence Day Address); while the UDP completes the 41st chapter of our existence as a mass party. And while nothing or no one could ever be greater than, or even equal to the Nation, history bears out the fact that the successes and triumphs of the United Democratic Party are inextricably interwoven with the fate and development of the Nation; for the UDP has proven, time and time again, in and out of government, that it is the party that truly has the interest of the People and Country at heart.
The UDP, from its genesis back in 1973, has been the party of inclusion. In fact, the UDP's very birth was the result of a historic amalgamation of the various elements around the country that were systematically denied a place, or even a say, in the management of the affairs of the fledgling, self-governing colony whose political landscape was hitherto dominated by a monolithic party that ruled for over thirty years.
There was the National Independence Party (NIP) led by the heroic, legendary Phillip Goldson, along with Herbert 'Buntin' Fuller, Henry Fairweather, Joe Andrews and Jorge Guerra Mena. There was the People's Development Movement (PDM), led by the venerable Dean Lindo (who would later serve as a leader of the UDP), along with Collet Gill, Ken Tillett and Charles Wagner. There was the Liberal Party featuring icons like Manuel Esquivel (who would become our first Prime Minister to be elected in an Independent Belize), Harry Lawrence, Paul Rodriguez, Nestor Vasquez, Henry Young and Curl Thompson (who would serve as Deputy Prime Minister in the first UDP Government that took office in 1984). And in the North, there was the Corozal United Front (CUF) with Israel Alpuche, Andres Campos, Edmond Longsworth, Maria Reyes, and others.
BTL to double Internet speed for same price
During an address at the 2012's Business forum, the Prime Minister announced that BTL's internet cost for 128K speed would go from $49 to $25 per month. At the time, the cost of DSL Internet speeds were also doubled for the same price that meant that 1 megabit which sold for $300 was reduced to $140 per month. 2 megabits went from $500, to $240. That announcement was in November of 2012. Two months shy of two years, the Prime Minister, during his Independence Day address made the announcement that BTL would once again be doubling its speeds for the same price.
PM Barrow stated that as of October 1, the doubling of bandwith for the same price will commence. He noted that the government has also signed a statutory instrument which will make internet services zero-rated rather than exempt from GST. "This will allow all internet service providers to charge even less," said the Prime Minister. He continued, "Of course GOB takes a revenue loss in consequence. But it is well worth it as together with BTL we deepen all important internet penetration in this nation."
J'ouvert Now Biggest Draw of September Celebrations
A record number of people came out for this year's carnival J'ouvert on Saturday, September 13, making it quite clear that this event is now the most popular of the September Celebrations.
J'ouvert or Jouvay is now such a big draw that promoters are taking advantage of it by organizing pre Jouvay fetes. There was the pre Jouvay Splashdown at BTL Park where one had to pay $10 to enter the park and there was the Wet Fete at ITVET where one had to pay $25 to enter. There was a huge pool at the BTL Park in which people were encouraged to take a dive and get wet in preparation for Jouvay. There was no pool at Wet Fete but there were water pumps, water hose, water guns, water bottles and balloons to get patrons wet. Entertainment at both events was provided by local artists who tore up the stage. Apart from these two promotions, various night clubs promoted their events as pre Jouvay activities in which you were likely to be sprayed with some sort of substance (chocolate, paint, water, etc.). Several people also held private parties in anticipation of Jouvay. Various events in one night but they all led to the northern approach to the Belcan Bridge at 4 a.m.
Businessman kills robber
Police have served Chinese businessman, Lie Wen Lee, 35, with a notice of intended prosecution for the shooting death of Leslie Kenrick Logan Jr. Logan was shot and killed just before 3 p.m. on Friday, September 19.
Lie Wen Lee reported to police that two dark skinned men entered his establishment, Hung Yun Store, at the entrance of the Otro Benque Road and pointed a handgun at him and his attendant. The men ordered them to get on the floor and proceeded to take $500 in cash and two cell phones, a total value of $1,075. The robbers then ran out of the shop at which time Lee took out his licensed 9mm pistol and followed them. According to Lee, one of the men made a motion to pull something from his pants waist so he fired several shots in his direction hitting him on the right side of the body. The man, later identified as Logan, collapsed to the ground and died shortly after.
Ryan Davis Charged for Shooting on Explosive Wednesday
There were numerous shooting incidents reported on Wednesday, September 17, and thus far police believe they have been able to solve one. On Friday, September 19, CIB personnel esorted 26-year-old Ryan Davis to the Belize City Magistrate's Court to be read a single charge of attempted murder upon Joseph Roland.
On Wednesday night, Roland was at the corner of Central American Boulevard and Antelope Street when a gunman pulled up an opened fire at him. A bullet struck him in the head but miraculously damaged no vital arteries. However, the bullet remains lodged in his head and he has since been released from the hospital. Roland is at home recovering.
Several Charged for Gang Affiliation
The Prime Minister of Belize met with top brass of the Belize Police Department on Thursday, September 18, and implored them to use the laws that are on the books to tackle gang violence. This was after the murder of George Street Gang affiliate Brandon Tillett's father triggered widespread retaliation. Since the meeting with PM Barrow, police have arrested and charged many notorious gangsters and affiliates. Those include Kareem "Robbery" Lopez, Brandon "BT" Tillett, Shane Harris, Mark Medina, Jeremy Rhaburn, Moses Gonguez, Eugene Tillett and Shane Budran.
Kareem Lopez was charged with causing public terror for allegedly discharging a firearm in public at the corner of Douglas Jones and North Front Street on Carnival Morning, September 13. Bail was denied and he is remanded at the Belize Central Prison until November 7.
Brandon Tillet was charged with violating the conditions of his deportation for affiliating with the George Street Gang. Bail was denied and he is remanded until November 13.
Kareem Lopez, remanded for causing public terror at Jouvert
Police say that George Street associate Kareem Lopez, better known as Robbery, discharged a firearm in public and caused public terror on the morning of Saturday, September 13, during the J'ouvert procession at the corner of Douglas Jones Street and New Road.
Lopez was escorted to the Belize City Magistrate Court on Friday, September 19, to answer to a charge of causing public terror. Lopez was unrepresented in court and pleaded not guilty to the charge. Court prosecutor, Cpl. Christopher Smith, objected to bail on the grounds that Lopez is a deportee and he may not reappear in court since he has means of getting back to the United States. Smith also asked the court to take into consideration the serious nature of the charge, causing public terror by discharging a firearm in a public place. Smith also notified the court that Lopez is currently being investigated for a murder. With that, Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith upheld the objection to bail and remanded Lopez into custody at the Belize Central Prison until November 7.
Keyron Gibson Charged with Murder of Tulio Caceres
Julio Caceres was gunned down in broad daylight on June 13 of this year as he was standing at the mouth of Majestic Alley. Shortly after 10:30 a.m. several gunshots rang out and the 31-year-old Caceres was left laid out on the street. Police combed the area and recovered eight expended shells from the scene. Three months into their investigation, police arrested and charged the man they believe is responsible for Caceres' murder, Keyron Gibson.
Police escorted Gibson to the Belize City Magistrate's Court on Tuesday, September 23, to be arraigned for a charge of murder. Gibson appeared before Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith where he was read a single charge of murder upon Tulio Caceres. No plea was taken since the matter will be dealt with on indictment and bail was not granted. Gibson will be remanded at the Belize Central Prison until his next court appearance on November 11.
Many people, one society
You may be thinking right now that only when we know how bad things are that we can fix them, this I agree with. However, stating all the problems will do nothing but just that, state them. Only when we actually start making moves towards implementing solutions will things start to change. This is not to be confused with just giving ideas for solutions, since giving the ideas but not helping to carry them out is on par with just stating the problems.
The main problem with moving towards change in Belize is that many of our citizens do not believe change can occur. This is an issue, because if we use that approach or mentality we will never get anywhere. The people who believe nothing can change are mainly the ones who also love to lament and complain about our current state but will do nothing more. It is like having a dirty laundry basket and waiting for the clothes to wash themselves, while you try to avoid the odor. If you do nothing more than complain about the smell, the clothes will never be cleaned and you will never be happy.
Teachers
School is where we spend most of our time growing up. We meet friends, gain experience and most importantly learn. So it is interesting to actually think that the place you spend more time at is the place where you may find yourself uncomfortable or stressed at times. A school consists of a body of teachers. They are two types of teachers: teachers who are nice and don't break your peace of mind with the work they assign and teachers who are not compassionate and just break your peace of mind with everything they do.
Yes there are teachers that are nice, good and understanding with students. Some teachers are so nice you feel a connection. A teacher that can interact and have the class attention because everyone is comfortable is what I think a classroom should be like. Many students find it best learning with someone that keeps a friendly smooth class. It's like doing hard work while having fun. A good teacher not only knows the content, but understands how it relates to life. A good teacher is the one that motivates you and captures your attention instead of bringing you down.
Worse Bihayvyah!
It is with deep sadness that I announce the death of everything we once classed as good behavior. Autopsy results would show that the time of death is somewhat unclear due to the severe state we are already in, and the cause of death, socialist dispositions of what is hype and fitting in. Aside from the obvious issues with crime and drug use that plagues our country, especially my fellow youths, there are much more inconspicuous, or dare I say deliberately ignored, social issues of great concern. For some weird reason (Human nature if you ask me), we find fun in destruction, chaos and general misbehavior. We have forgotten how to conduct ourselves in public and show no concern for fellow Belizeans.
It is not my intent to bash on anyone's fun, but there are certain things that are just too over the top. For the thousands of Belizeans that flocked to Orange Walk this past weekend, many did not quite enjoy the experience, not solely due to the eminent tragedy, but also the general misconduct of the spectators. There's a theory that addresses how we treat the environment around us; that if each individual perceives his little negative impact as showing no effect, the aggregate of all our impacts has an exponential detriment to the environment. Put into effect with this scenario, several pockets of Belizeans wanting to have their own void definition of "fun" in the same area, equals total chaos. Somehow, what should have been a structured parade displaying the performances of those invited to participate, became a rave of not revelers, but spectators getting on to their own mischief.
King and Queen Popularity in Jeopardy
The Carnival King and Queen competition was held on Saturday, September 6, and while the performances continue to improve the lure of the event continues to fade.
The competition that once routinely made the National Stadium standing-room-only can now barely full the bleachers of Rogers Stadium. Where there were once deafening roars from hundreds of supporters there are now soft shout outs from dozens. The participants work hard to prepare for the event; therefore, the organizers need to do a better job to make the event more spectator friendly. One suggestion is to get a sound system that people can actually hear. From the beginning to the end of the competition people were sitting in the bleachers- bored.While moving around the compound it became obvious that the reason they were bored is that they could not hear anything. The only place you could hear clearly was from directly infront of the entrance to the stage to the bands' preparation area. That means for more than 70 percent of spectators it was difficult and, in some cases, impossible to hear. Think of it as watching your favourite show on mute.
Catholic Church Turns ALKALINE into Choir Boy
Earlan Bartley's rise to fame as the artist "Alkaline" is due to many things, but clean lyrics is not one of them. The Roman Catholic Church was granted an injunction on Friday, September 19, that would have canceled the artist's much hyped "Live Life" show at the Sacred Heart Auditorium in Cayo. However, to soften the Church's position the promoters promised a "clean" show.
An emergency hearing was held at the Supreme Court on Saturday, September 20, the morning of the show, during which a compromise was struck between the Church and Marine Promotions. The promoter promised that Alkaline would perform a clean show that would not undermine Catholic teachings and morality. It was a very broad undertaking by, at this time, a very desperate promotion team. It was also agreed that representatives of the Church would be allowed to tape the performance and if he breaks the agreement then court action would be taken.
Only a few scores of people attended the event and according to reviews Alkaline gave an unspirited performance that lasted less than 30 minutes. Every word from his lips was monitored and he escaped without being sued.
BEL and EU Providing Free Service Entrance for Rural Residents
The Government of Belize and the Belize Electricity Limited embarked on a rural electrification project made possible through the European Union's Energy Facility II Grant Funds in 2011. This project connected over 40 rural communities to the national electric grid. Belizeans who have been relying on lamps and candles for all their lives were finally able to benefit from the comfort of electrical devices. Unfortunately, for the majority of rural residents this was not the case.
In order for an individual to get electricity to their home they must have a service entrance. Since there are no lamposts in these areas, individuals must pay for personal service entrance posts. The cost of one runs from $800 to $1200. Since the communities were connected to the national grid only about 40 percent of households have been able to afford a service entrance. Therefore, the Belize Electricity Limited made a request to the European Union for permission to use the savings realized from the original electrification project to finance the "Connecting Homes, Improving Lives Project". This project will see the Belize Electricity Limited install service entrance for 1000 families who are currently unable to afford it.
Cayo comes alive with the September Celebrations
A number of events that brought in a highly welcomed involvement of floats and ceremonies as well as live entertainment were held in the Cayo District to Celebrate Belize's Independence Day. In both San Ignacio and Benque Viejo del Carmen, School and Youth rallies were held last Friday, culminating in an intense activity of events for September 21, 2014.
The Town of Benque Viejo del Carmen became vibrant for September 21st as community leaders gathered at the Cancha to celebrate the event. Area Representative for the Cayo West Division the Hon. Erwin Contreras was at the Cancha to fully participate in the events that saw the presentation of Miss Independence, Kerry Nabet.
Just two days earlier, a Pre-Independence Day Celebration had been held in Benque. Shortly after 9:00 am last Friday and on a fair day, children, teachers, parents, political leaders, the Traffic Department and others gathered at the much celebrated Centennial Park in Benque to listen to a message from the Mayor of Benque, Mike Valasquez. The Mayor of Belmopan Simeon Lopez was also in attendance on Friday of last week and joined with the people of Benque for the celebrations.
Corozal South West Celebrates Independence Day
The Corozal South West constituency celebrated the 33rd anniversary of Belize's independence in grand fashion. Under the stewardship of UDP Standard Bearer for the division, Doctor Angel Campos, the celebrations started off with the final game of the Torneo de Invierno 2014 sponsored by Campos. The tournament started off 4 months ago with 12 teams front the 8 villages of the constituency participating. The final match was played in San Narciso village on the 20th of September at 1p.m. when Libertad's Libertadores won the championship game against San Narciso's La Union.
After the match a parade took off from San Narciso to Santa Clara Village passing through Louisville and San Roman. There was participation by residents of all villages where they all had floats in the parade. The village of Concepcion had their queen on their float as a participant as well.
By 7p.m. the parade reached Santa Clara village where there was the inauguration of a newly constructed bus stop, the only one in the village took place.
Judiciary Reviewing Laws Governing Children
Hazel Thompson-Ahye, an expert in family law, is in Belize to host a two-day workshop focusing on the treatment of delinquent juveniles in the justice system.
There is a reason why delinquent juveniles are often referred to as misguided youths. It is because their transgressions, for the most part, are committed not with malicious intent but simply because of poor judgement and bad mentors. Whether that period of deliquency continues indefinitely depends largely on the intervention measures taken. Youth advocates in Belize have been of the position for years that in this country there has been greater focus on punishing the delinquent than rehabilitating the youth. Punishment without rehabilitative measures only builds resentment and hardens the individual.
In an effort to correct and improve Belize's intervention measures, the National Committee for Families and Children is partnering with the Supreme Court of Belize and UNICEF to launch a series of dialogues discussing standards for the treatment of juveniles in the courts and at school. Supreme Court Justices and Magistrates will particpate in a workshop facilitated by Thompson-Ahye on Thursday, September 25, and Friday, September 26. This workshop will include a review of legislations dealing with young people who come into conflict with the law as well as a look at domestic and international standards for handling youths in the justice system. Then on Tuesday, September 30, and Wednesday, October 1, School Managers will participate in a workshop to discuss the rights of children and effective intervention measures in school.
Independence Day Address - Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister of Belize
Once more we come together to hymn our country in this most important of national rituals: the celebration of the anniversary of Belize's independence. This year the huzzahs and the hosannas, the alleluias and the amens, are anchored by the theme "Industrious Minds, Intelligent Hands, Together for Belize".
Well, it is indubitable, as we begin the thirty fourth stanza of our existence as a nation, that this is a land peopled by industrious minds and intelligent hands. But that "together for Belize" might give the dispassionate observer some pause for thought. If it is merely aspirational, a plea, then we are ok.
But if it is stated as accomplished fact, some might beg to differ. And there are several things such contrarians might offer in evidence. Certainly, the often fractious nature of engagement in our public square would be one.
The bewailment of an assortment of activists and local Jeremiahs, is a daily staple. And the picture their Lamentations might convey to the uninformed is the obverse of the togetherness this year's theme is either describing or mandating.
But I want to say straight off that to buy in to any notion of an essential rupture of the Belizean body politic, is to be misled. Superficially concentrating on the relatively small things that divide us while ignoring the undoubtedly big things that unite us, is either laziness or perversity. As with any growing, developing, multicultural democracy, there are inevitable stresses and strains in Belize. But on the whole ours is a society of progress, where setbacks are temporary, achievements permanent.
Mrs. Barrow Participates in First Ladies Forum on Women's Reproductive and Sexual Health
Mrs. Kim Simplis Barrow, Special Envoy for Women and Children and Spouse of the Prime Minister of Belize, had the honour of being a speaker at the First Ladies High Level Forum on September 23 in New York. This is a side event held within the margins of the 69th United Nations General Assembly. The event was hosted by the Africana Women Working Group at the UN and supported by the Nigerian Consulate General in New York, the United Nations Population Fund, the Jewelry Institute of America and the Joint Office for the Commonwealth Permanent Missions to the United Nations.
The forum focused on the Beijing Declaration, a resolution adopted by the UN at the end of the Fourth World Conference on Women on September 15, 1995 and its status after 20 years. The discussion zeroed in on the successes that have been achieved but also evaluated the gaps, challenges, and areas for improvement and transformation.
BEL and EU Providing Free Service Entrance for Rural Residents
The Government of Belize and the Belize Electricity Limited embarked on a rural electrification project made possible through the European Union's Energy Facility II Grant Funds in 2011. This project connected over 40 rural communities to the national electric grid. Belizeans who have been relying on lamps and candles for all their lives were finally able to benefit from the comfort of electrical devices. Unfortunately, for the majority of rural residents this was not the case.
In order for an individual to get electricity to their home they must have a service entrance. Since there are no lamposts in these areas, individuals must pay for personal service entrance posts. The cost of one runs from $800 to $1200. Since the communities were connected to the national grid only about 40 percent of households have been able to afford a service entrance. Therefore, the Belize Electricity Limited made a request to the European Union for permission to use the savings realized from the original electrification project to finance the "Connecting Homes, Improving Lives Project". This project will see the Belize Electricity Limited install service entrance for 1000 families who are currently unable to afford it.
A rare treat for San Ignacio residents
Residents of San Ignacio Town and surrounding areas have been treated to a rare opportunity to check the condition of their eyesight as well as get free frames and lenses at minimum cost. As a result many came out in large numbers last week Wednesday at the Red Cross Building in San Ignacio Town; thus triggering a rapid response from the Cayo Neighborhood Watch Association CNWA for more chairs.
Many residents in Cayo suffer from a variety of eye disorders, but do not have the economic resources to get the needed care. Where a few years ago, a frame of glasses at the local eye clinic would command a price of $700.00, alone, the opportunity presented last week Wednesday for free frames was one that could not be missed.
Some of the patients coming to see the experts last week had cataract and were referred to specialist care in Belize City.
Members of the Belize Council for the Visually Impaired were screening residents for the various eye disorders all morning until 3:00 pm last week with Dr. Ed Paul and Dr. Michael Boon providing expert examination and advice.
Kaya Cattouse wins Test Races
The Cycling Federation of Belize sponsored three Test Races that will be used to select the National Cycling Team of Belize to represent the country at the Caribbean Cycling championship scheduled for Puerto Rico in October of 2014.
The second of the three test races were held on Saturday Sept 20th on the Boom Circuit where the federation utilized a 12 mile circuit.
In the junior category, first place went to Tarique Flowers of Benny's Megabytes, second place went to Kaydine Pinello of BECOL Chavarria, third place went to Keion Robateau of BECOL Uprising, fourth place went to Shawn Codd of BECOL Chavarria, fifth place went to Darien Anderson of SMART Junior Team, sixth place went to Michael Grajalez of Mando's Pizza and seventh place went to Freddy Sandoval of BECOL Chavarria.
In the female category, Kaya Cattouse of SMART C- Ray captured her second test event in as many days when she was the first rider to cross the finish line. Patricia Chavarria of BECOL Chavarria finished second, while third place went to Alicia Thompson of Belize Bank Swoosh with Kerah Eiley unattached finished fourth.
Football Federation holding Young Assistant Referees training in Belize
The UNCAF Referee Seminar for Young Assistant Referees in Projection is currently taking place in Belize at the FFB Headquarters in Belmopan from September 23 - 25, 2014.
Young assistant referees from Central America including Belize are attending the seminar.
The seminar will be conducted by Mr. Carlos Gonzalez Barren from Mexico City along with UNCAF Director of Development and Competitions Mr. Victor Hugo Estrada.
The following were selected to represent Belize: Abner Alvarez (Cayo), Wendelle Esquiliano (Belize City), Assair Escalante (Cayo), Carlos Leon (Belmopan), Ascel Perez (Belmopan), Salvador Caal (Stann Creek) and Zakir Escalante (Corozal).
XXIV National Women's Softball Championship set for October 3-5
The XXIV National Women's Softball Championship will be played from October 3-5, 2014, at Rogers Stadium.
The National Softball Championship is played between the champions and sub-champions of the Affiliated Associations that makes up the National Federation.
The championship will feature from Belize City the Belize Bank Bulldogs (Champions) and Beacon (Sub-champions), from Belize Rural Sunrise of Lord's Bank (Champions) and Burrell Boom Orchid Girls (sub-champions), from the Cayo Association Roaring Creek Grace Kennedy (champions) and Esperanza Wolverines (sub-champions) and from Orange Walk Carmelita's Caribbean Queen the number one seed.
The championship will commence on Friday October 3rd at 6:30 pm with game one between Beacon and Roaring Creek and this will be followed by game two, which will see Belize Bank Bulldogs against the Esperanza Wolverines.
Businessman kills robber
Police have served Chinese businessman, Lie Wen Lee, 35, with a notice of intended prosecution for the shooting death of Leslie Kenrick Logan Jr. Logan was shot and killed just before 3 p.m. on Friday, September 19.
Lie Wen Lee reported to police that two dark skinned men entered his establishment, Hung Yun Store, at the entrance of the Otro Benque Road and pointed a handgun at him and his attendant. The men ordered them to get on the floor and proceeded to take $500 in cash and two cell phones, a total value of $1,075. The robbers then ran out of the shop at which time Lee took out his licensed 9mm pistol and followed them. According to Lee, one of the men made a motion to pull something from his pants waist so he fired several shots in his direction hitting him on the right side of the body. The man, later identified as Logan, collapsed to the ground and died shortly after.
Ryan Davis Charged for Shooting on Explosive Wednesday
There were numerous shooting incidents reported on Wednesday, September 17, and thus far police believe they have been able to solve one. On Friday, September 19, CIB personnel esorted 26-year-old Ryan Davis to the Belize City Magistrate's Court to be read a single charge of attempted murder upon Joseph Roland.
On Wednesday night, Roland was at the corner of Central American Boulevard and Antelope Street when a gunman pulled up an opened fire at him. A bullet struck him in the head but miraculously damaged no vital arteries. However, the bullet remains lodged in his head and he has since been released from the hospital. Roland is at home recovering.
Several Charged for Gang Affiliation
The Prime Minister of Belize met with top brass of the Belize Police Department on Thursday, September 18, and implored them to use the laws that are on the books to tackle gang violence. This was after the murder of George Street Gang affiliate Brandon Tillett's father triggered widespread retaliation. Since the meeting with PM Barrow, police have arrested and charged many notorious gangsters and affiliates. Those include Kareem "Robbery" Lopez, Brandon "BT" Tillett, Shane Harris, Mark Medina, Jeremy Rhaburn, Moses Gonguez, Eugene Tillett and Shane Budran.
Kareem Lopez was charged with causing public terror for allegedly discharging a firearm in public at the corner of Douglas Jones and North Front Street on Carnival Morning, September 13. Bail was denied and he is remanded at the Belize Central Prison until November 7.
Brandon Tillet was charged with violating the conditions of his deportation for affiliating with the George Street Gang. Bail was denied and he is remanded until November 13.
Kareem Lopez, remanded for causing public terror at Jouvert
Police say that George Street associate Kareem Lopez, better known as Robbery, discharged a firearm in public and caused public terror on the morning of Saturday, September 13, during the J'ouvert procession at the corner of Douglas Jones Street and New Road.
Lopez was escorted to the Belize City Magistrate Court on Friday, September 19, to answer to a charge of causing public terror. Lopez was unrepresented in court and pleaded not guilty to the charge. Court prosecutor, Cpl. Christopher Smith, objected to bail on the grounds that Lopez is a deportee and he may not reappear in court since he has means of getting back to the United States. Smith also asked the court to take into consideration the serious nature of the charge, causing public terror by discharging a firearm in a public place. Smith also notified the court that Lopez is currently being investigated for a murder. With that, Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith upheld the objection to bail and remanded Lopez into custody at the Belize Central Prison until November 7.
Remanded for rape
On Tuesday September 22, Ladyville resident, 29-year old Otto Palma was remanded to the Belize Central Prison after he was accused of raping a woman in the Ladyville area. Palma, a laborer of the Milpa Area, Ladyville was arraigned before the Chief Magistrate, Anne Marie Smith where he was read a single count of rape, upon a woman which is alleged to have occurred on Monday, September 15, in a secluded area of Ladyville.
No plea taken and Palma was remanded into custody at the Belize Central Prison until November 12, 2014. Outside the courtroom, Palma's mother and relatives were emotional when he was denied bail and remanded into custody.
Glenmore Stevens Gunned Down on Raleigh Street
Police are investigating another murder in Belize City. On Friday, December 20, 38-year-old Glenmore Stevens was walking on Raleigh Street shortly after 7 p.m. when he was approached by a dark complexion man who pulled out a handgun and fired numerous shots at him. Stevens was shot multiple times to the back. He was rushed to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital but soon succumbed to the injuries. Police recovered 10 expended 9 mm shells from the scene. Raphael Martinez, Police Press Officer, chose not to speak about possible motives when he briefed the press about the murder on Tuesday, September 23. However, Martinez says police have already detained one man who they believe can assist in the investigation.
Rafael Usher Gets 5 Years for Keeping Prohibited Sawed-Off Shotgun
Rafael Usher, 22, of Arlington Drive is in prison after he was convicted on Friday, September 19, of keeping a prohibited firearm and ammunition.
On June 3, 2011, Usher was busted by officers of the Gang Suppression Unit with a homemade sawed-off shotgun with two brass cartridges, one in the barrel of the firearm and the other in his pocket. The incident occurred around 10:20 p.m. when officers were responding to a report of shots being fired on Matura Street. According to PC Paul Phillips, the arresting officer, while they were on Gill Street they saw Usher riding a pink beach cruiser bicycle heading towards their vehicle. They stopped Usher and a search of his person led to the discovery of the sawed-off shotgun tucked in his waist.
Patrick Jones
Tourism Police Officer murdered in the line of duty
A shooting incident this morning at the Caracol Archaeological site in the Cayo district has left one man dead. Danny Conorquie, 20, a Special Constable assigned to the Belize Tourism Police Unit, was fatally wounded when he was fired upon by two men of Hispanic descent. According [�]
Orange Walk schoolgirl reported missing
Orange Walk police have appealed for the public's help in locating a 14 year old student. Marisol Jessica Patt left home in the Louisiana Area of Orange Walk town to attend classes around 7:30 am on Wednesday and has not been seen or heard from since. Marisol Jessica [�]
Fish Festival planned for holiday weekend in October
The Toledo Institute for Development of Environment is holding their Annual TIDE Fish Festival in Punta Gorda town. Organizer of the event Stephene Supaul says the event is "the only full conservation themed 3 day festival in Belize." The Fish Festival started in 2002 as a one day [�]
Punta Gorda native residing in the US gives back to her community
A United States-based non-profit organization called Everything PG has donated book bags to primary school students in Punta Gorda town, Toledo. The group is made up of Belizeans living in the US and their stated goal is to give back to the community of Toledo through various means, [�]
"Careful What You Wish For" in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize.
Regular readers will know that I've been harping on about the paucity of rain for some time. We've got a large (well I consider a 45,000 gallon capacity fairly large) rainwater collection tank under the house but it doesn't stop me from wanting to see the overflow pipes in action.
There's been some rain during this "the rainy season" but the downpours haven't lasted long. Sometimes as quickly as I got excited (and where rain is concerned I can throw off my normally reserved and reticent demeanour and become highly excitable) my mood turned to one of deflation as the rain dwindled to a gentle pitter, patter just as quickly as the downpour appeared.
This changed during the course of Tuesday night/ Wednesday morning (I really don't know when it started) when the heavens opened up and the rain came down in a torrent. It was bucketing down when I 'hit' the veranda (yes, it was the western ((lagoon) facing one)) with my mug of black coffee (absent sugar) and the iPad. Oh, and Ziggy too - he now, more often than not, joins me for some early morning "me (and "him") time".
Joint Investment Promotions Strategy (JIPS)
The Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export) is to support the development of a Joint Investment Promotions Strategy (JIPS) for Haiti and the Dominican Republic that will focus on the mutual development of opportunities that will attract foreign direct investment (FDI). This was announced by Deputy Executive Director for Caribbean Export, Mr. Escipion Oliveira at the inaugural "Invest in the DR" summit hosted by the Export and Investment Centre of the Dominican Republic (CEI-RD) on September 4-5, 2014 at the JW Marriott Hotel in Santo Domingo.
Attracting some 250 investors from over 40 countries and 400 local investors, the Invest in the DR Summit is the first and most important investment event held in the country. It provided an excellent opportunity to generate important business contacts at both a local and international level, while acquiring key insights on industry trends and strategies through various conferences and dissertations for those in attendance. In addition a great wealth of knowledge was shared on how to carry out successful investment projects in the Dominican Republic.
Horizon 2030 the vision for Belize that never came
We still have time, I guess; but it's slowly slipping away and each day that passes by I see it all going down the drain. I'm not sure how much money was spent to put this Horizon 2030 vision together and the studies that went into it all but so far it was a gross waste of time and money.
VISION FOR BELIZE by the year 2030
Belize is a country of peace and tranquility, where citizens live in harmony with the natural environment and enjoy a high quality of life. Belizeans are an energetic, resourceful and independent people looking after their own development in a sustainable way.
Acknowledgement
Many stakeholders at all levels of society and in all parts of Belize participated in the consultation meetings which fed into the preparation of the Horizon 2030 Long Term Development Framework for Belize. The Horizon 2030 preparation team wishes to acknowledge their input and to articulate the hope, which many of them expressed, that this effort yields tangible results in the form of follow-up action to implement the strategies which have been identified. Implementation is the key to achieving the improvement in the quality of life of citizens as articulated in the vision for Belize for the year 2030.
The Sapodilla cayes is the only place in Belize where you get the chance to see Whale sharks year round!!!
What a fantastic couple of months Aug and Sept have been for sighting Whale Sharks! Here are some of Polly's photos:
Friday's Featured Food: Dinner at Corker's, the Only British Bar in Belize
While backpacking in Belize I ended up staying for two nights in the capital city Belmopan. I stayed in the El Rey Hotel there and found out that Belize's only British Bar is right here, in Belmopan. It's called Corker's Bar and Restaurant and was only a 12minute walk from our hostel so we popped in around 6pm to sample its delights.
Corkers is small, cosy, welcoming and of course - British. I admire the walls adorned with Beer Coasters, the beer on tap, the British imports and we pick our food and drink. Then I meet the manager and it's another crazy coincidence. She is Sam from Bournemouth in England. A town I spent years living in! The weirdest thing is that until the last week I had NEVER met another Bournemouthian on my travels and now suddenly three in a week. Firstly Alex who attended the crazy fireball festival with me in El Salvador. Then I met Jenny from Bournemouth on my boat from Belize City to Caye Caulker.
International Sources
Central American leaders: investment will curb migration north
A Central American plan presented to the US and Mexico on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly aims to boost their economies and cut down on illegal immigration to the US through new airports in Nicaragua and Belize and regional energy expansion.
A plan by Central American governments to boost economic growth in the region and cut illegal immigration to the United States foresees major spending on infrastructure and energy projects, a draft of the proposal showed on Wednesday.
The "Plan of the Alliance for Prosperity in the Northern Triangle" aims to renovate highways, city bypasses and border crossings in Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala, as well as carry out improvements to other infrastructure in the region.
Why I went: It was my honeymoon (with husband, Ryan)...
Why I went: It was my honeymoon (with husband, Ryan) and we love a good adventure.
Don't miss: The Actun Tunichil Mukal (ATM) cave tour. You swim, wade and rock-climb through this ancient cave with a headlamp. Mayans would do ceremonies and sacrifices deep in the cave. There is pottery and skeletal remains from the rituals they did 1,400 years ago.
Don't bother: Don't do the ATM tour or any other cave tour if you feel you might get claustrophobic. We had a couple of people panicking the whole time while we were in the cave, which was not fun for anyone.
Coolest souvenir: Homemade pineapple, papaya and mango jam from an eco-lodge we stayed at in the town of San Ignacio. The lodge was called Black Rock Lodge, it's very off the grid and high up in the middle of the rain forest. We loved it.
UT professor lectures on Mayan agriculture
Based on his years of field study in Belize, geography professor Timothy Beach discussed the chronology and formation of ancient Maya and wetland agriculture on Thursday.
Beach, along with his team of graduate students, has conducted studies on wetlands to better understand their significance to the Mayan civilization. Through his research, Beach and his team also work to raise awareness of the impact human activity has on the natural sites.
At the event, which was part of the Mesoamerica Colloquium Series and hosted by the Department of Art and Art History's Mesoamerica Center, Beach said that human activity greatly affects the wetland ecosystem. Because of this, he said it is important to preserve the Central American wetlands and to add them to the UNESCO World Heritage list, which would designate them as culturally or physically significant.
Touring caves and Mayan ruins in Belize
Why I went: It was my honeymoon (with husband, Ryan) and we love a good adventure.
Don't miss: The Actun Tunichil Mukal (ATM) cave tour. You swim, wade and rock-climb through this ancient cave with a headlamp. Mayans would do ceremonies and sacrifices deep in the cave. There is pottery and skeletal remains from the rituals they did 1,400 years ago.
Don't bother: Don't do the ATM tour or any other cave tour if you feel you might get claustrophobic. We had a couple of people panicking the whole time while we were in the cave, which was not fun for anyone.
Videos
Video: Video Animation: Seafront Condominium, 3min.
Watch a video animation showing Orchid Bay, Belize's Seafront Condominium residences. Affordable waterfront condominium real estate located in Belize's Corozal district. Homes in Belize designed for second home and retirement living.
Video: Belize Trip Sept 2014 GoPro, 5min.
A compilation of just some of the amazing sights and adventures we had visiting San Pedro Belize in September 2014. I filmed most of this with my GoPro camera. We stayed at the Belizean Cove Estates on Ambergris Caye which was fantastic!
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Video: Why You Should Travel in Belize Top Tourist Attractions, 2min.
To travel in Belize is one of the best adventures that you can give yourself. Loaded with so many interesting sights and sounds, you will definitely have a great time with the Belize dive resorts and numerous historical places. Travel in Belize and see a country with exotic wildlife, cave formations, coral reefs, tropical beaches, and a laid-back Caribbean atmosphere. From the Belize drive resorts and ancient temple ruins, you would not believe that such a beautiful place exists in your midst.
AmbergrisCaye.com 
