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Specials and Events

Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5 and CTV 3
Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, and the Dickie Bradley Specials


The San Pedro Sun

Footprints for Peace
The community has united once more to speak out against crime. Residents came out to the Footprints For Peace solidarity walk, a peaceful movement to help bring awareness to the ongoing crime situation in San Pedro. After the walk, participants will commune at Central Park to share testimonies and ideas on how to end violence.

Footprints for Peace March
Those affected by the crime and violence in San Pedro are speaking up. Footprints for Peace hopes these initiatives break the silence on crime by encouraging all island residents to speak up and condemn offenders.

The San Pedro Sun Welcomes Staff Reporter Dion Vansen
The San Pedro Sun welcomes new staff reporter Dion Vansen to its youthful line-up of writing professionals. Vansen is the mastered mind and head writer of Belize's first Telenovela (soap opera) La Isla Bonita which premiered in San Pedro on September 5, 2014 and has also contributed articles to online magazines. The writing career has also taken him to pen scripts for a weekly radio drama called Punta Fuego, aired on Love FM radio station. Originally from Independence, Stann Creek, Vansen enjoyed writing from a very young age and always dreamed of having a career doing what he loves the most, writing. He attended the University of Belize Belmopan Campus were English and Literature were his favorite subjects. "I have always had a love of writing," says Vansen. "I once heard a speech from a successful writer where he described the love writers have for their writing profession and what to do to achieve it. I honestly felt it the very minute I walked inside the office of The San Pedro Sun."

Wine and gourmet food: a glorious match!
For its 30th Wine Event, Wine De Vine and Casa Picasso teamed up for a night of delicious food and top-ranked wines. From the moment the menu and wine list landed in our inbox, it was time to make a plan. Based on my previous experiences at wine dinners, there was possibility of some wine-induced shenanigans. Tamara and I know a little bit about wine, rum, beer, cocktail-induced shenanigans, and so, we were ready for some good FUN!! After a social hour, wherein bubbly was consumed and delectable bites of profiteroles with camembert and shrimp salad on wontons were passed around, we were all directed to the seating area where rows and rows of wineglasses extended as far as the eye could see. Oh my�gulp�or should we say�slurp! The menu listed items like black truffle mousse, foie gras, octopus, sea bass, beef and Kakaw chocolate. Wow, were we in for some excellent dining! Flor was excited to share her wine picks with the crowd, detailing bits of her adventures tasting in Argentina, even throwing a little history in the mix. (Just don't ask us about it�because, well, there was lots of wine�ALL of which were 90+ points rated!)

13 Police Officers receive training on New Criminal Procedures
13 island officers were part of the first phase of training on the Amendments of the Belize Criminal Code, Police Act and Indictable Procedures Act. The training was held on Wednesday, April 29th and was led by Woman Corporal Shaida Mckenzie who is attached to Crime Investigation Branch Support in Belize City. Not only were the officers educated on the most recent changes to the law, but they also participated in real situation scenarios that officers may be faced with, and they even received training in interviewing skills. Throughout May 2015, each officer attached to the San Pedro Police Department will receive similar training. According to Corporal Mackenzie, the training is being held countrywide to sensitize all officers and to ensure that laws are being upheld. "Apart from the training that they have received, I have also ensured that every single participant has a copy of the new police guidelines. There should be no excuse for them not to have the guidelines," said Mackenzie. The guidelines dictate proper police behavior and ways to handle criminal incidents.

Poultry Farms in Spanish Lookout suffer major loss after Avian Influenza Breakout
Poultry farms in the Spanish Lookout Community have suffered an estimated $3 million loss after the most recent breakout of Avian Influenza (H5N2). Over 60,000 birds were put down due to the contamination in the last couple of weeks to avoid the selling of infected product to the public. While the loss is very significant and represents a major setback in the farmers' inventory, the Government of Belize (GOB) does not have plans for subsidizing them. The Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) in conjunction with the Belize Agriculture Health Authority (BAHA), have been motoring the farms since Wednesday, January 14th when the Avian Influenza Type A tested positive in two farms. Since then, testing was required for all product before release for public consumption. The infected samples were initially only poultry from the broiler breeder section of the farm, but as the month progressed, chicken used for direct consumption also started showing signs of infection. Chief Executive Officer of the MOA Jose Alpuche stated that after extensive testing, over 75,000 birds were positive for the virus in 12 farms across Spanish Lookout. "This is a huge loss, out of the birds that tested positive, 60,000 have been put down. This is a clear indication of a loss of $3 million dollars and there are still four more farms left to be purged. Much will need to be done in the coming months to build back inventory and stock in the poultry farms," said Alpuche.

Tila Maria Sesto brings Cultural Comedy to San Pedro
Comedy at its best was presented on Friday, May 1st at the Angel Nu�ez Auditorium, during the first ever Tila Maria Sesto Show. Many island residents came out for the comedy show presented by Proud Mestizo Promotions. The main attraction of the night, Tila Maria Sesto, is an iconic comedian from Merida, Yucatan, Mexico that shows the struggles faced by Yucateca women in modern society. Paired with cold drinks and good food, the night was a huge success. Proud Mestizo Promotions is a private company dedicated to promoting the Mestizo culture in Belize. The aim is to document the experiences and knowledge of the culture before it is lost. The Tila Maria show was the perfect opportunity to teach the modern society about the Mestizo culture while having a fun time.

Eyes on the street is a way to fight crime!
In light of recent activities, the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) has partnered with the San Pedro Business Community to launch an initiative to rid the island of major crime and make the streets a safe place for all. The initiative involves installing surveillance cameras across San Pedro Town to monitor street activities. As such, SPTC is encouraging all business owners to install outdoor cameras at their establishment. Not only will the cameras protect their entrance, it will also give a view of a portion of the street, providing footage that can be used in criminal investigations by the police. Cities across the world utilize street camera footage to assist in the identification and capturing of criminals. Even San Pedro Police have confirmed that camera footage from an establishment on Pescador Drive assisted them in solving one of the most recent murders on the island, which has led to the culprits being charged. For each outdoor camera installed by a business, authorities are given one more eye on the street.

Ambergris Today

San Pedro Central Park Wired for Free Wi-Fi Service
The San Pedro Town Council has outfitted Central Park in downtown San Pedro, Ambergris Caye with equipment to provide free WiFi service to island residents. The 'WiFi in the Park' is a project launched between all the municipalities of Belize, along with Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) in order for residents to stay connected and have an enjoyable time at the park. The internet service at the park is in an open access system with no password required to connect. Once you log into the "Welcome to GOB Wi-Fi" network you are required to accept the terms and conditions of the service. The terms include that a.) Guests will be limited to use of the service for 1 hour per day and b.) A maximum of 100 simultaneous users will be able to connect to the wireless network at any given time. The service is coming at no cost to SPTC and will be provided by BTL.

Misc Belizean Sourcesmzz

Introduction to Accounting
May 15th, 2015 Price: $20.00 *** Snacks included *** Workshop Location La Inmaculada Credit Union, Orange Walk Upcoming Workshops provided by SBDCBelize. Objectives: Understand and apply the essential numerical skills required for bookkeeping and accounting Understand and explain the relationship between the accounting equation and double-entry system Record transactions in the appropriate ledger accounts using the double-entry system Audience: Entrepreneurs, Bookkeepers, General Public

Education in Belize: Unrealistic Systems of Education
"All our knowledge begins with the senses, proceeds then to the understanding, and ends with reason. There is nothing higher than reason." Immanuel Kant Throughout Belize during the month of May, thousands of teenagers anxiously and excitedly look forward to their high school graduation. After four years of hard work, they will finally be able to "breathe" from under the daily scrutiny of teachers, school administrators, other students, and parents. For many Seniors it's also time to start taking O'level examinations. Unbelievably, as in Colonial times, throughout Belize and most of the British Commonwealth it really is not the total high school education provided and completed, but rather the outcome of O'level examinations (how many subjects are passed) that will determine which high school graduates get what jobs, and who will be admitted to local or British Commonwealth tertiary (post high school) institutions. After their high school graduation, some students who pass enough O'level examinations will qualify to go on to continue higher studies at home or abroad, if they can afford to pay the expensive tuition; some graduates will immediately start to look for and compete for an "increasingly limited" amount of potential full-time or part-time employment in Belize; and unfortunately, some graduates will merely linger around their communities for who-knows-how-long with no idea what they can/should do in life.

"The People of the Mayan Village" Exhibit
Cultural Institute of the Embassy of Mexico in Belize invites everyone for FREE Admission to the "The People of the Mayan Village" Exhibit May 12

Government Responds to PUP Claim Filed in Court
The People's United Party has filed a claim in the Supreme Court against the Prime Minister Hon. Dean Barrow, basically, seeking an order to compel the Prime Minister to bring into force the Constitutional Amendment that would see the appointment of a 13th senator. That senator would be chosen by the non-governmental organizations, and would result in taking away the Government's majority in the Senate. In turn, that would mean that the Opposition, with the support of the new 13th Senator and others, would be able to frustrate Government's legislative agenda and delay or completely derail (even urgent) Bills. The Government sees this claim as another desperate attempt by a political party that has been repeatedly and roundly rejected at the polls, including as recently as January and March of this year, to thwart the will of the people and try to gain power other than by way of the ballot. Spectacularly unsuccessful in elections, the PUP is seeking redemption through flimsy legal maneuvers and empty posturing. Government points out that a similar claim was brought before by COLA back in 2010. The Judge dismissed the case in its entirety reaffirming that the Prime Minister has wide discretion, when given that authority by Parliament as in this case, in deciding when to bring legislation into force. Section 23 of the Act the PUP is now litigating clearly states: "This Act shall come into force on a day to be appointed by the Prime Minister by order published in the Gazette."

Requiem for a fallen soldier
News of the death of former mayor of Belize City David Fonseca came as a shock to not the citizens whom he served for almost two decades in Belize City; but to the entire country and indeed, many in the international diplomatic corp. To say that David Fonseca was a "well-liked politician" would be understating things quite a bit. Born William Henry David Fonseca, the man who was known to many as simply "David" served as mayor of Belize's largest municipality for a record sixteen years. He was the first mayor to be directly elected and oversaw significant transformation in how the city is governed. Under his watch, the city got its first City Manager, its first Financial Manager and its first Traffic Department. He oversaw significant developments and application in the area of sanitation and left Belize City cleaner and more modern than ever. Unfortunately, David Fonseca was caught up in the political upheaval of 2004/2005 and left City Hall in 2006 under a cloud of controversy. Shortly after the municipal elections of 2006 that saw David losing after winning a record three terms, in- coming Mayor Zenaida Moya embarked on a smear campaign and proceeded to dig up anything that she could find to tarnish her predecessor's name and legacy. She expended much effort in trying to convince then Director of Public Prosecutions Kirk Anderson to charge David Fonseca for anything that he possibly could.

Belize Offshore Oil Plan Sparks Worries for Reefs, Fisheries
Belize is considering new offshore drilling regulations that could open up nearly the entire coast to exploration and exploitation, environmental groups have warned, calling it a threat to vital reefs, fisheries and tourism concerns. The proposal recently made public by the Ministry of Energy would even allow drilling in the vicinity of the Great Blue Hole, a world-famous diving destination that can be seen from space and looks just like what its name suggests, the U.S.-based activist group Oceana said. "They've declared open-season on almost 99 percent of Belize's marine area," Janelle Chanona, Oceana's vice president for the Central American nation, said by phone from the capital, Belmopan. "That includes seven World Heritage sites, that includes marine protected areas ... and it is unacceptable." The proposal is still in the draft stage. Government officials did not respond to requests for comment Thursday, but have said previously that they are considering possible modifications including feedback from groups like Oceana. Belize currently has a moratorium on offshore drilling. Environmental experts say even a small oil spill could jeopardize the powdery-white-sand cays and turquoise waters that make tourism the Central American country's leading source of foreign income, responsible for up to 25 percent of its GDP.

Tortilla (flour) Belizean Style
try this flour tortilla recipe tonite

BOLEDO DRAWING for Thursday, May 7, 2015: 25. FANTASY 5: 22 36 24 12 16 N

Cayo Mother's Day Extravaganza
The Mother's Day Extravaganza will be at the Cayo Welcome Center Friday, May 8th. There will be food, drinks, music, and fun for mothers, and everyone. "Happy Mothers Day from the Management & Staff of the Cayo Welcome Center. Remember tomorrow is the Full Moon Mothers Day Extravaganza 2015. This event is brought to you through the San Ignacio/Santa Elena Town Council, Cayo Welcome Center and the San Ignacio/Santa Elena House of Culture. Happy Mothers Day from Mayor Earl Trapp Jr.!!!"

National Institute of Culture and History offices relocated
Please be advised that the National Institute of Culture and History offices housed at the House of Culture, Old Government House on Regent Street in Belize City, including the office of Ms. Diane C. Haylock, president of NICH, has been relocated to the upstairs of the Bishop Sylvester Memorial Building at the Cor. of Regent Street and Rectory Lane. The new telephone lines are 227-0811 or 227-0518. The Film and Media Arts Unit/Belize Film Commission and the Communication Officer, Ms. Shari Williams have also been relocated to this address. All email contacts remain the same. We apologize for any inconveniences caused and remain committed to the preservation and promotion of culture in all its diversity.

Clearing Land? Trimming Trees? Look out for nesting birds!
Fabulous donation from Belize Ag report. Thanks Beth! Please share with everyone - it's cutting and burning season in Belize, just at the wrong time for the birds

Channel 7

Hon. Gapi Shows Up For Slander Lawsuit
Deputy PM Gaspar Vega is suing his political opponent - slash - accuser Ramon Cervantez Jr for libel - but as we told you earlier this week he doesn't want to have to appear in court for all the adjournments. But he did appear today for a case management conference - and it was agreed that at the next court date, the lawsuit against his political opponent, Ramon Cervantes Jr., will have its full day of arguments. That's the outcome of today's case management conference. That will be on July 23 and 24, when Vega's attorney will argue why the phone call released by Ramon Cervantes accusing Vega of a murder conspiracy was slanderous. So that will play out in 10 weeks - and Vega will have to be in court - which he says he has no problem with because he and his attorney say that the other side gave us the wrong impression about his willingness to appear: Daniel Ortiz "Can we ask you about what's the outcome of this morning's hearing?" Hon. Gaspar Vega "We will be having the case on the 23rd and 24th July."

MIT Seize Guns With Suspected GSG Ownership
Tonight, police are in possession of a cache of high-powered weapons which may be connected to one of the biggest gangs in Belize City. The Mobile Interdiction Team received intelligence yesterday that the weapons were being stashed in Hattieville Village. So, they teamed up with the K-9 Unit to conduct a huge sweep of the area. They started at around 3:30 yesterday afternoon, and about 6 hours later they found 4 guns in an abandoned lot on the Dalla Bank Road. The stash includes two AK 47 assault rifles with the serial numbers filed off, two AK 47 magazines. Additionally, they found a 9 millimeter pistol with a magazine which was loaded with twelve live rounds. And they also found a.38 special revolver with the serial number filed off. It was loaded with 9 live rounds.

Accused of Patricide, Ryan Jones Gets Free
Viewers may remember Hensleigh Jones, better known as "Ryan" - who was accused of killing his own father, Nick Jones on New Year's day. Well tonight, he's at home free after 1 year and 5 months in jail because the Magistrate in Corozal threw the charge out of court. Strictly speaking, he hasn't been acquitted, and the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions can direct police to re-lay the charge against him, but after he was arraigned and remanded, no evidence was put forward in the form of disclosure. That was the status for the first 5 months and his attorney, Michael Peyrefitte, submitted to the court that his client ought to be released from prison because the police have no evidence against him. The Magistrate gave the prosecution more time, and at the 1 year mark, Peyrefitte redoubled his efforts, since yet again, the prosecution couldn't produce any evidence or files against Jones.

Robbery At New Asia Ends With Security Guard Injured
Tonight, Security Guard Victor Hendy, a resident of Guadalupe Street, is at the KHMH recovering from a gunshot wound after robbers made an attempt on New Asia Restaurant the popular and long standing Chinese restaurant on Vernon Street. It happened at about 8:50 p.m. when 2 men barged into the restaurant armed with a gun and went up to the cash register. They began demanding money from the proprietor, but she shouted for the security Guard. Apparently, the spooked the robbers ran off, and on their way out, they noticed that Hendy was on the phone. He was trying to call 911 to report the crime. The man armed with the gun fired a shot which struck Hendy in the neck, and that gave the men time to run into Mosul Street. He was rushed to the KHMH and police report that he is in a stable condition. Police are looking for one man.

Rt. Hon. Musa Won't Retire Anytime Soon
Just over 2 weeks ago, we told you about the discussion within the PUP that elder statesman Said Musa should seriously consider retirement. The talk within the party is that the 71 year-old's baggage may be affecting the Opposition's image to independent voters. His Party Leader, Francis Fonseca, made it clear that he wa sin no rush to send Musa on his way. So what about the man himself? Well, we put the question directly to him today, and here's his response: Daniel Ortiz "Is that something that you've considered?" Rt. Hon. Said Musa, Area Rep. - Fort George "Of course I've considered it, but I will not be guided by what my opposition wants me to do. So, the more Mr. Barrow calls on me, or comments about my age, I need to remind him that I am not the one who have to walk with a walking stick, okay."

Fire On Aloe Vera; Arson or A Product of Faulty Wiring Due to Electricity Theft?
Tonight, a family of 5 is homeless after their house on Aloe Vera Street Extension burnt down before midday. But that terrible misfortune is just the beginning of the story. It's complicated because the homeowners suspect that one of their neighbors burnt their home down. Those neighbors say that the fire victims were stealing electricity - and that's what caused the blaze. So, what do the authorities think? We'll our news team tried to get some answers today. Daniel Ortiz reports: Orin Smith - Station Officer, National Fire Services "At approximately 11:50 am the National Fire Services received and had responded to a call of a structural fire at a number 6 Aloe Vera Street Extension Belize City address. On arrival on scene, a plycem structure was seen engulfed in flames. Following a brief size up, firefighting commenced, the fire was later brought under control and extinguished."

BNTU Says PM Misspoke On Labor Movement's Involvement With Petrocaribe Spending
Petrocaribe...it seems that whoever you talk to about this divisive issue, it's either the country's saving grace, or a downfall foretold. Well, at the last press conference held by Prime Minister Dean Barrow, he made comments to the effect that the teachers and public officers, who don't agree with the Petrocaribe Loans Act, have benefitted from the funds indirectly. He said that this windfall has allowed the Government to afford their 10% salary increase over two years. He added that the executive members of the labour movement are also participating in petrocaribe programs, such as the National Bank. So, is the BNTU a petrocaribe partner? Or, put differently, are they complicit? We got a chance to speak with National President about it today, and he told us that he wanted to set the Prime Minister straight. He said that the PM is misleading the public: Luke Palacio, President, Belize National Teachers Union "The Prime Minister has once again tried to mislead this nation. When the matter of the salary adjustment was discussed, negotiated and agreed upon, a formula was given. We were criticized for accepting that formula.

Will The BNTU Join The Opposition On 13th Senator Lawsuit?
So, what's the BNTU's reaction to the lawsuit filed by Leader of the Opposition yesterday? As we told you, He will take the Prime Minister to court to try to force him to bring the Constitutional Amendment into effect which allows for a 13th Senator to be appointed by the NGO community. The Prime Minister's position for refusing to do it after 5 years is that it will cause legislative paralysis, which the Opposition condemns as an excuse which holds no weight. They say that the constitution provides an avenue to the Government majority to bypass the veto power of the Senate on money bills needed to run the country. They go even further to suggest that the Government is avoiding legitimate attempts at transparency. The BNTU recently went on a country wide tour for the "Teachers Gat Yu Back" campaign on national issues. One of those issues is that 13th senator, so will the BNTU align itself with the Opposition in this lawsuit? Well, the President told us today that it is not so simple:

How Many Storms This Hurricane Season
What are the predictions for this year's hurricane season? Well, according to the Meteorology Department it will be somewhat similar to last year - a below average season with 7 to 11 named systems, 12 being what we usually have. We spoke with Chief Meteorologist, Dennis Gonguez today and he told us that although there are no major threats at this point, preparedness is key. Dennis Gonguez, Chief Met Officer "The outlook for the 2015 hurricane season indicates that we can expect below normal activity. The forecast between 7 to 11 name systems, between 3 to 5 of those becoming hurricanes and major hurricanes between 1 to 2. The average is 12 name systems, 6 hurricanes and 2 major hurricanes. So we can see that the forecast are for well below average activity. This is caused by the cause of the development of a moderate El Nino in the Pacific Ocean which puts a damper on our hurricane season this side. And in addition we are looking at lower sea surface temperatures over the Atlantic basin/Atlantic Ocean. So we're looking at a season that would be well below average. However, I must caution that these numbers do not indicate where the systems will make land fall. So we have to stress on the importance of being prepared."

Cleyon Still Needs Your Help To Fight Leukemia
We have been reporting on the condition of 11 year old Cleyon Marage from the time he was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia last year. This type of leukemia attacks the bone marrow and produces cancerous cells. It has been a long and debilitating process for Cleyon and for his mother who has to come up with the money to pay for his monthly doctor visits and treatment. While little Cleyon is doing well, his mother has fallen short of the funds to pay for his final 9 months of treatment. Clovis Matura came to our studios today to tell you how you can help save her son. Clovis Matura, Mother "Cleyon has been doing excellent. He goes to Merida every three weeks for chemotherapy treatment. He's still in remission so we just need to keep taking him for 9 more months. He's already done 9 treatments and then he should be okay by then. It has been difficult because the funds are not really available that we need. So we constantly need to try to raise money by asking donations from the public and doing fundraising. When he comes back he gets symptoms from the chemo, so we need to deal with that. Sometimes he's back and forth to the hospital. I want to say thank you to everyone who has helped us in the past. I want to ask them to continue to support us and donate so that he can continue to get his treatment and save his life."

PUP Goes After Tracy Taegar P
The UDP will endorse Tracy Taegar-Panton as its candidate for the Albert division tomorrow evening at the House of Culture. And while no less than Party Leader Dean Barrow is expected to be there to consummate her so- far- unopposed ascent, her ride got suddenly rocky today when the PUP threw a political stink bomb her way. They say Taegar Panton led to a BTB employee being fired because she balked at renting a building from Taegar-Panton's mother for the BTB. Here's how it goes: In 2013, Jonelle Hemmans was in charge of a European Union funded tourism project. She says the then Director, who was Laura Esquivel Frampton - allegedly told her that a decision had been made to rent the building owned by the Taegar family on Regent Street. Hemmans opposed it citing EU project guidelines it would have been a conflict of interest to rent a building from the CEO's mother.

Art And It's Everyday Expression
Culture Uncovered is the theme of the Image factory's new art Exhibit and this morning we got an opportunity to meet the very creative and enthusiastic bunch. WE found out what the art exhibit had to offer and why this one is 'unique. The exhibit opens to the public tomorrow night at 6 at the IMAGE Factory.

Community Camera Initiative In San Pedro
A week ago when we spoke to the Minister of National Security John Saldivar about the recent spike in crime in the city, he told us that there will be a boost in police patrols especially in the hot spots. But one local businessman has another solution that he is implementing on San Pedro and says it can be brought to the city. Businessman and Attorney Steve Perrera has launched a "Community Camera Initiative" on San Pedro and he told us today how this initiative can reduce crime on the island and assist police in capturing criminals. Perrera has donated 2 surveillance cameras to the San Pedro Mayor's office and he has installed cameras outside two of his businesses. Perrera says he has started the initiative with this move and hopes other businesses follow through. So far about 28 stores have already installed the cameras outside. Another important element is the sign which should be put up beneath the cameras. If your business has not gotten a sign as yet you can call Perrera at6104444 or email him at [email protected].

BNTU Discusses Dismissed Teacher Puc
Earlier we showed you some of our interview with the President of the teacher's union. Today, we also took the opportunity to ask the President about the former Mopan Technical Teacher, Elito Puc, who was terminated by the Teaching Services Commission after some graphic evidence emerged showing that he was trying to prey on a male student. The Minister of Education told us yesterday that his licenses have been revoked, he's been dismissed, and steps are being taken to make sure that he never teaches in Belize again. We also asked the BNTU President, whose union sits on the board of the Commission, about that decision to terminate that teacher. He told us that from the evidence, the appropriate action was taken: Luke Palacio, President, Belize National Teachers Union "The union, we do sit on the Teaching Service Commission. That is the body that is authorized to deal with the disciplining of teachers. There is a process that had to be followed, it called the "due process." The board of that institution made their complaints to the Teaching Commission. The commission met, they deliberated and determined that yes, the procedures were followed and all indications are that those offences were committed.

The Passing Of A Trade Union Giant
Tonight, the Belize National Teachers Union notes the passing of one of it's members, Eloisa Trujeque. She had a long and distinguished career as an educator and a trade union stalwart. She has been with the BNTU from its inception since the 1970's, and up until her passing yesterday, she was still a serving member. Today, the National President told us that she will be sorely missed: Trujeque was also a former PUP candidate, and the party released a statement this evening saying, quote, "We in the PUP will� miss her tireless love and commitment for her Party..." At the time of her passing she served on the National Executive of the PUP in the capacity of Chair of the Order of Distinguished Service.

PROFILE
William Nicodemus Arthur Lewis Jr. - quite a name right? Well it fits his strong and resilient character perfectly. Tonight's profile is on Lewis Jr. and it focuses on this young man's struggle to provide for his mother after his father died 2 years ago and how he was able to find solace in his step father.

Meningitis Case Found At Stella Maris
Health authorities are investigating a fatal case of Meningitis in the city. Yesterday a 5 year old female student from Stella Maris School died two days after being admitted to the KHMH. Preliminary testing points to bacterial meningitis being the cause of death. But nothing will be confirmed until the post mortem is conducted tomorrow. A health team visited the school and met with parents and teachers today and told them that there is no cause for alarm. At this point there has been no other case at the school or any other in the city. We'll keep following the story.

Channel 5

Terminated Employee Wins Lawsuit Against the B.T.B.
This Friday, a convention takes place in the Albert Division for the endorsement of Tourism C.E.O., Tracy Taegar-Panton as standard bearer for the U.D.P. Panton is to replace Minister of [...]

Trial Date Set in Vega Libel Case
In other news on the U.D.P�..today, Deputy Prime Minister Gaspar Vega and Ramon Cervantes Jr., the man who will contest him in Orange Walk North were in court. The DPM [...]

Musa Says He Is Considering Retirement
There was another issue which Musa addressed when he exited the CJ's Chambers. Rumours about very drastic changes within the executive structure of the People's United Party have been making [...]

Fire Engulfs Home in Belize City
A fire gutted a small house on Aloe Vera Street in Belize City just before noon today. The homeowner was not at home when she heard the dreadful news that [...]

MOH Investigates Death of Student
A young girl died on Tuesday at the K.H.M.H., and it has resulted in a minor panic at the school she attended. Five year old Stella Maris student Veronica Cal [...]

Security Guard Shot in the Neck
An on-duty security guard of Guadalupe Street in Belize City is tonight recovering from a gunshot to the neck. Thirty-one year old Victor Hendy was shot as he stood watch [...]

Burrell Boom Resident Remanded for Sexual Assault
A Burrell Boom resident was to get married this weekend, but instead he will be behind bars for Sexual Assault upon a Child. This morning, twenty-one year old� Jamel Seguro [...]

Busted Sneaking weed Into Belize Central Prison
But a twenty-one year old domestic of Santa Elena, Cayo District secured a five hundred dollar bail after she was allegedly caught by prison officials in possession of seventeen grams [...]

Police Seek One Man for OW Murder
Eighteen-year-old Derrick Romero was shot and killed inside his yard by a lone gunman on Wednesday morning.� He was shot multiple times when his attacker got off a bicycle, jumped [...]

Cleanup in Port Loyola
A neglected street in the Port Loyola area got a much needed facelift this morning. Residents of the area joined P.U.P. standard bearer, Gilroy Usher Senior, in carrying out the [...]

G.O.B. Issues Release On Caye Caulker Lands
On April twenty-third, a retired English couple came forward in the media to vent their frustration with an ongoing land issue on northern Caye Caulker.� The Higgins, Sydney and Anna, [...]

Culture Uncovered at the Image Factory
Culture Uncovered is a mash-up of various mediums of visual art, a collection curated by Kenisha Gooding.� Gooding is a fresh face in art circles across the city, participating in [...]

Healthy Living Looks at Lupus
May is Lupus Awareness Month. As a part of the commemoration people living with lupus, or ‘luppies’ as they are called, are trying to educate the wider public about this [...]


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Marty Offline OP
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CTV3

Three People Detained for Murder Of Derrick Romero
Yesterday we told you about the shooting death of 18 year old Derrick Romero of a Sittee River Street Address of the Louisiana Area of Orange Walk Town. When we left you, police were in their preliminary stages of their investigation. Today, when we checked with our sources we were told that several leads followed led authorities to the detention of three individuals. Those individuals were detained today and are currently still in custody as their statement is being recorded. We understand that one of the men, who is from Belize City, is believed to be the trigger man in Romero's murder. The individuals are also being investigated for their possible involvement in the murder of 18 year old Roy Bayliss who was shot to death early on the morning of August 2nd at the Fort Cairns Plaza as he ate breakfast at a popular tacos place. We understand that an identification parade was conducted late this evening.

Will David Ackerman Remain As Chairman Of The Free Zone?
David Ackerman, he has been at the helms of the Corozal Commercial Free Zone for seven years under contract. But word tonight is that he is looking to be replaced. In fact, reports suggest that tomorrow might just be his last day as the Executive Chairman of the Corozal Free Zone. Rumors are that Ackerman's contract is up and there is no indication if it will be renewed as certain members of the hierarchy of the United Democratic Party believe it is time for him to be changed. And boy there are names popping up for his replacement including that of a Former UDP Minister of Orange Walk East and Raul Rosado who is the current CEO of the free zone. But again we stress these are only rumors. Of note is that the position of Chairman of the free zone is appointed by the Prime Minister of Belize who we understand in this case is not ready to see Ackerman go due to the confidence and the excellent relationship that he shares with the Chamber of Commerce of the free zone. Of note is that since he took over the reins of the free zone seven years ago, Ackerman has built the zones credibility and attracted new investors. We will keep following this story and bring you the developments as they unfold.

Rotaract Belize wins Prestigious Award
Over the weekend a delegation of over twenty Rotaract volunteers from Belize attended the bi-district conference which was hosted in Guatamala City. This year, Belize had participation from San Ignacio, Benque Viejo, Belize City, Orange Walk, and Belmopan who were among other Central American Rotaract volunteers for the event. After all was said and done, Belize walked away with the award of Best Country of District 4250. Azalia Torres, Secretary for the Rotaract Club in Orange Walk says this year they impacted most communities thus garnering the award... AZALIA TORRES - Secretary, Rotaract Club "We were better than the Guatemala clubs and better than the Honduras clubs and the way we giving this award is by our reports that we had to submit, every trimester reports we had to submit to our Rotaract District Representative of what the clubs here in Belize are doing, so all our fundraisers, all of our community service, all of our professional development, all of these projects that we carry out throughout this trimester we send it to the RDR every three months so it is based on these three months that we won the award."

PlusTV

Police cracking down on Noise Pollution
They say that without music, life would be a mistake. Well according to a few residents of Georgeville, Cayo, the only mistake they ever made was turning on their record players in the first place...

PUP challenges PM over 13th Senator
Following on from his�announcement�in the press last week, Leader of the Opposition and of the People’s United Party (PUP) Francis Fonseca has filed a claim in the Supreme Court which asks the Court to declare unlawful Prime Minister Dean Barrow’s refusal to bring into force the sections of the Sixt...

Update on Agric Stabbing
On Monday we reported on a stabbing incident which occurred on Saturday May 2nd at the Agric Show grounds. The incident involved 24 year old Dernell Brown, Belizean labourer of Hattieville village...

Albert Vaughan freed of loitering charge
It was a case of “I told you so” this afternoon for 55 year old Albert Vaughan, the People’s United Party (PUP) activist who was present as a reporter on August 4, 2014 during the protest of Belize Maintenance Limited (BML) workers in front of City Hall which resulted in over 40 arrests at the Queen...

Teacher accused of soliciting minors to be kept out of school
As we told you earlier this week, a male teacher from Mopan Technical High School in the Benque Viejo area has had his teacher’s license revoked for alleged solicitation of male minors attending the school via Facebook, when he sent them naked pictures of himself...

PUP says no to ICJ
The original date for the referendum on settling the unfounded Guatemalan claim to Belize at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, Netherlands, has come and gone and the Referendum Commission practically moribund...

GOB responds to PUP 13th senator claim
Late this evening the government sent out a press release in response on the matter saying saying that, quote, ” Spectacularly unsuccessful in elections, the PUP is seeking redemption through flimsy legal manoeuvres and empty posturing...

Teenager killed in Orange Walk
Orange Walk Police are investigating a shooting incident that has claimed the life of teenager...

American Tourist dies on diving tour
An American tourist died while on a diving tour in Placencia. On Monday May 4, police visited the Roberts Grove marina where they saw 64-year-old American touristDavid Reed Rowley,lying motionless on the floor of a boat apparently dead...

The Guardian

11 year old kills 6 year old with shotgun
Five days after an 11 year-old boy shot him in the head, 6 year-old Travis Polanco, a resident of the Stann Creek River Valley, died at the KHMH on Monday, May 4. He was pronounced brain dead by his physicians, and so his family decided to take him off life support. The incident happened on Thursday, April 30, at around 4:30 p.m. in the Valley Community, which is about 18 miles on the Hummingbird Highway. Initial police investigation determined that Travis Polanco was coming from school, and he started throwing rocks at an 11 year-old boy. That young man then went home, and managed to get his hands on his father's licensed 16 gauge shotgun. He then went back to where Travis Polanco was, took aim, and fired a shotgun blast at Polanco. The pellets struck the boy in the head, and he collapsed under a tree.

PUC proposes 15% Electricity rate reduction
On July 1 electricty rates will be reduced for the fifth consecutive time following a tariff review procedure. The new rates will be the lowest in Belize's modern history. "I recall back in the early 80's electricity was above 41-43 cents [per kilowatt hour] in that rate", says John Avery, Chairman of the Public Utilities Commission. "We are looking at a mean electricity rate of 35 cents [per kilowatt hour] for the period from July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016. This represents a 15.24 percent decrease in the mean electricity rates (MER)." In April, the Belize Electricity Limited submitted an application to the Public Utilities Commission requesting a reduction in the Mean Electricity Rate (MER) of approximately 10 percent. That means that residential customers' rates would decrease from 41 cents per kilowatt hour to under 37 cents per kilowatt hour. The P.U.C. reviewed B.E.L.'s proposal and using its methodology using a forecast within the tariff period the Commisson proposed a 15.24 percent decrease. This would bring the MER from 41 cents per kilowatt hour to about 35 cents per kilowatt hour. Avery says, "This 35 cents is setting a rate that will cover their cost for next year but also rebate to consumers the excess that BEL has had over the last couple of years."

First Belizean Drafted in NFL
With the 41st Pick in the 6th round of the National Football Leagues first year player Draft, the Washington Redskins selected Rakeem Nunez-Roches from Southern Mississippi University. Nunez-Roches is the 217 overall pick in the 2015 Draft but the first ever Belizean born player in the league. According to NFL scouts and draft experts, Nunez-Roches is a "Fireplug with a good motor and an ability to find gaps and drive upfield through them. He's missing the size and brute strength necessary to consistently handle himself in a phone-booth battle, so he will have to play in a one-gap, upfield defense. He has the look of a penetrating nose who will have to start his career as a backup." He is six feet, two inches tall and weighs slightly over 300 pounds. At the combine he ran a 5.02 seconds in the 40 yard dash, jumped 34 inches for the verticals and completed 26 reps for the bench press. Nunez-Roches will now compete to make the roster out of training camp. This opportunity is more than thousands of aspiring players get.

Breakthroughs for over 50,000 Belizean youths
There are not many people who would willingly walk barefeet in a pile of broken glass but it is one of the challenges Bert Oliva presents to people in need of a breakthrough in life. The glass represents the many obstacles that life throws at you. The glass is what is between you and your goals in life. Everything you know about broken glass tells you not to and you cannot walk through. However, it is at that point that you must decide if you are willing to walk through every obstacle that is keeping you from your goals. Those who believe in themselves find out that after walking through the glass they come out unscathed and prepared to face any other challenge that is placed before them. This is the message that Oliva and his team of Potentialists have been bringing to Belizean youths over the last four years. This 2015 tour will push the number of Belizean beneficiaries of Oliva's message to over 50,000. Bert Oliva migrated from Cuba to the United States when he was just eleven months old and grew up in the Little Havana area of Miami. Instead of partaking in illicit activities like his friends, he grew up responsibly and took a job at Xerox in his early twenties. He specializes in growing large corporations by focusing on the human potential. Oliva believes in mind over matter and his message to his audience is "the only person that can prevent you from realizing your dreams is yourself". In 2012, Oliva and his team addressed over 4,000 students in San Pedro, San Ignacio and Belize City.

Prime Minister's Statement on PetroCaribe
Now I want to say something about PetroCaribe in view of the continuing attack of those that are opposed and would wish legally and politically to stop the program. The decibel level of the anti-PetroCaribe campaign reached some quite extraordinary heights last week, with some of those against using some of the most unreasoning, incendiary language imaginable. I am not going to respond in kind. Indeed, I make a clear distinction between those critics that are pure haters, so to speak, and those that are genuinely concerned and unsettled. Whether through misunderstanding or out of, for them, legitimate disagreements with some aspects of PetroCaribe, that latter group must be engaged and answered. So today I speak to those well-intentioned Belizeans that might be experiencing some PetroCaribe disquiet, and not to the shrill and strident few. I want to remind that from the outset there was never anything remotely secret or opaque about the UDP restart of PetroCaribe. We always saw the program as a huge potential aid in the development of Belize, but one that had gone dormant under the misuse of the PUP (who only ever operated the program for the befit of their cooperants down South).

Hon. Mark King first to celebrate Mother's Day
Hon. Mark King held his Mother's Day program on Sunday May 3 as over a thousand mothers gathered at the Bird's Isle to celebrate their special day. Though the event was a week in advance it was nonetheless special. Hon. King treated the mothers to special entertainment including serenades by Shawn Saldano, performances by the Ugundani Dance Group, the St. Luke's Marching Band and the Youth Connection Band. The entire event was punctuated by raffles of prizes including fans, curling irons, and many other prizes.

National Agriculture & Trade Show held in Belmopan
The National Agriculture & Trade Show NATS, being Belize's biggest exposition dedicated to showcasing the work of small and medium enterprises as well as promoting Belize's products, ended this past Sunday after three days of continuous fun filled activities. Some 18,000 persons visited Belize's only dedicated facility for NATS by the Guanacaste Park in Belmopan on Saturday and a further 22,000 persons visited on Sunday; an increase by about 6,000 persons from last year's show. His Excellency, the Governor General Sir. Colville Young did an inspection of the Guard of Honor opening the official ceremonies at about 1:30 pm last Friday. Present for the opening were members of the diplomatic corps, heads of departments and other senior government officials. His Worship Khalid Belisle, Mayor of Belmopan also took the opportunity to welcome everyone to Belmopan and urged all to enjoy the festivities. The Guest Speaker for the occasion was Jose Ruiz Sebastian Marcucci, Minister of Agriculture and Livestock from Guatemala. In his short presentation, Jose Marcucci reported that Guatemala last year created 1,500 credit programs and gave farmers technical assistance to produce corn and rice. He also said that this year, Guatemala will give out over 1,000,000 sacks of fertilizers to micro and large producers---in a country where there exist some 1000 extension officers.

Education month
The Ministry of Education Youth, & Sports kicked off Education Month 2015 on Sunday under the theme "OUR YOUTH: INNOVATORS TODAY; CHANGE MAKERS TOMORROW.". The month-long festivities will focus on bringing all the key players and partners in education together to chart the way forward in this very important sector. Minister of Education Hon. Patrick Faber said that the reason why the ministry decided to extend the commemoration to a month is because the Ministry felt that more events surrounding education can be covered and stakeholders get a chance to actively participate in every level. Prior to May 2015, the showcase was a week-long program and was later extended to two weeks.

Matura reduced to being an attack dog?
Has TOP NOTCH attorney Matura reduced herself to being an attack dog? On Monday of this week she appeared on channel 5 TV and she was foaming at the mouth like a rabid dog. Fortunately the makeup artist for TV 5 were able to disguise the bags and jowls that would have surely rendered her a bull dog. Matura lashed out at Mr. Jenkins for being so elated at the gesture of the PM in advancing bridging finance to the Citrus farmers while they sort out their woes. So excited was Mr. Jenkins that he delivered an emotional impromptu speech.

Ministry of Health Contributes to the Ongoing Discussion on Suicides
The Ministry of Health notes the widespread discussion in the media on the recent alleged suicides involving well-known Belizeans. As the country's ministry responsible for mental health information and treatment, we would like to offer this press release as our contribution to the discussions on this very important issue. Firstly, we would like to express our sincere condolences to the families and all others that have been affected by suicides in Belize. Every person lost by suicide is a life filled with potential and possibility cut short. While there is evidence that suicides are preventable, almost a million people worldwide still die from this condition every year. The Ministry recognizes that while we do not fully understand this condition, most experts have suggested that the factors are varied and complex. There is also very strong evidence to suggest that there are often multiple contributing factors including mental illness and substance abuse; and a person's risk of suicide may increase with a painful loss, social isolation, feelings of hopelessness or being a burden to others, and may not be seeking help.

An outstanding citizen from Benque Viejo del Carmen
Twenty year old Ricky Cunil is an outstanding citizen of his community in Benque Viejo del Carmen; despite being held back by an amputated leg. In November 2012 Ricky Cunil lost a leg after having developed a cancerous tumor, but that could not stop him from receiving his certificate on April 26, 2015 under the Citizen on Patrol Program COP from the Belize Police Department. It is a great achievement for Ricky Cunil as recognized by Rudolf Orio, coordinator of the COP Program. Cunil is being looked up to by many members of his peers and for good reasons. in 2006 at the very young age of 13 years, he began working with youths. He joined the Belize Police Youth Cadet Corps in 2009, moving on to receive a cadet of the month award for exemplary performance in 2010. In June 2012, Cunil would also be awarded Cadet of the Year Nationally for his outstanding contributions to the people of Belize. Again in 2012 he was awarded with a trophy and medals for taking his drill team to first place in the Belize Police National Drill Competition. But those were not the only recognitions for Ricky Cunil, for he was awarded with Doing the Right Thing in 2013 and 2014. He has been certified as a Peer Helper at the Alvin Young Nazarene High School in January 2014 and was elected first president of the group.

Petro Caribe rolls into Corozal Southwest
Hon. Dean Barrow announced that Petro Caribe finances will now be rolled out into the rural areas across the country and already the work has commenced. In Corozal South West, finances have been mobilized and so too has heavy equipment. Over the past couple of days works began on the rehabilitation of the San Roman - San Narciso road. According to UDP Standard Bearer for the division, Dr. Angel Campos, the upgrading of the road will bring in much needed relief to residents in the area. He went on to explain that another road leading to Libertad Village will also be upgraded. These will be .9 and .8 miles of road respectively that will be paved. Additional work to be done in the constituency will be the upgrading of a mile of road in Santa Clara, Concepcion, Louisville and San Victor villages. "This will have a big impact in this area!!! Thanks PM!!!," Dr. Campos stated in a Facebook posting.

Facilities improved at the Police Training Academy in Belmopan
Opening ceremonies for a new gym, a half a mile running track and other facilities were held on Wednesday of last week at the Police Training Academy in Belmopan. In attendance was Belize's Commissioner of Police Allen Whylie as well as the Hon. John Saldivar, Minister of National Security. These new developments at the Police Training Academy come as good news to the current recruits (two recruit squads pass through the Police Training Academy every year) ; as well as established officers, who will now be able to safely exercise for better health. Traditionally recruits and officers would exercise on the Belmopan Ring Road which posedwas a safety concern. The new gym now has four treadmills, three bikes, stamina machines as well as numerous weight devices. Plans are now being made to extend this outreach with better exercising facilities to the rest of the country. Allen Whylie told reporters last week that the new developments at the Police Training Academy in Belmopan were significant. He also said that other police officers countrywide will be able to use the facilities at their convenience.

Man dies after knife is stuck in his head
Dernell Brown, a 24 year-old man who was recently residing in Teakettle Village, Cayo, became the casualty of a knife brawl at the 2015 Agriculture and Trade Show. Police believe that alcohol was a contributing factor in this murder. It happened on the Show grounds at around 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 2, near the Heineken tent. Brown was with a group of friends at this tent, which was at the back of the grounds, when another group of men passed by. One of those persons allegedly disrespected a female who Brown was with, and he confronted the men about it. That led to a fight, and one of the men pulled out a knife and stabbed Brown to the head. That knife went so deep into his skill that it was reportedly left protruding from his head. He was taken for medical treatment where he lost consciousness and passed away on May 4, at around 9 a.m. His family says that they don't know him to be anyone who causes trouble. Brown, was reportedly a hardworking labourer who did all kinds of construction work. He leaves behind a 3 year-old son.

Another taxi in Cayo forcefully taken to Guatemala
In less than three weeks, another taxi in Cayo has been forcefully taken from its owner and driven across the Belize-Guatemala border. In both crimes, a common pattern has been discovered, where requests are made for transportation from San Ignacio Town's taxi men by a single male person, after which several other males would then join in for the passage, only to then forcefully take the vehicle to Guatemala; following the same escape route. At about 8:00 pm on Monday night of this week, a Hispanic male on the Joseph Andrews Drive in San Ignacio Town requested permission to board a taxi. Walter Chinchilla, 49 years old complied, where three other persons also joined in the taxi. But just by the San Ignacio community hospital one of the passengers took out what appeared to be a 9 millimeter pistol and demanded that Walter Chinchilla continue driving. Upon reaching about two miles on the Calla Creek Road Walter Chincilla was ordered to stop. He then took the opportunity to get out of his vehicle. Valued at $5000.00, the 1996 Gold in color Corolla, with license plate 00582, was then driven through the Santa Rosa Road, which crosses the Belize-Guatemala border.

Raymond Myers, set free of murder charges
The murder trial of Raymond Myers began on April 17, 2015 before Justice Traodio Gonzalez. He is being represented by Kareem Musa and the prosecutor in the case is Crown Counsel Kileru Awich. Myers has been on remand for the May 14, 2010 murder of Francis Figueroa since May 18 of 2010. Figueroa was killed in front of Royal Wholesale Liquors, also known as Red House, on Vernon Street. Figueroa and Meyers reportedly got into an altercation in which Meyers beat him up and stabbed him several times. The Guardian is reliably informed that the stabbing was witnessed by two police officers who were near the area at the time of the altercation. One of the officers who lives nearby was unable to stop the fight. By the time he reached the scene Figueroa had already been stabbed and was sitting on a nearby stairway. Figueroa received stab wounds to the left and right side of his chest, upper lip, 6 stab wounds to the left upper back, and a stab wound to the left elbow, and left cheek. Figueroa was stabbed to death, 13 times, and Myers was arrested four days after the incident.

Teenger on remand for Kenroy Parham's murder
Over the weekend police made an arrest for the murder of Kenroy Parham, 25, who was shot and killed in the Mahogany Heights Community on Friday, November 28, 2014. Ronalph Ramsey Jr., a laborer of Belize City is at the Belize Central prison on remand after he was arraigned for Parham's murder before Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith on Monday, May 4. Ramsey appeared unrepresented in court and due to the nature of the offense no plea was taken. He asked the Chief Magistrate for permission to speak and when granted permission Ramsey told the court that the police officer who charged him with murder is "punking" him because he was held for 24 hours without any evidence and he did not get to make a phone call. The Chief Magistrate made a note of Ramsey's statement. A preliminary inquiry will be held in the court room of Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser on August 12 to determine if there is sufficient evidence to commit the matter for trial at the Supreme Court. Ramsey will be remanded at the Belize Central prison until his next court appearance on July 22.

Teenager shot and killed in Orange Walk
Derrick Romero, an 18 year-old resident of Orange Walk was shot and killed right in front of his place of residence on Wednesday, May 6, 2015. At around 10 a.m., the young man was socializing with a group of people in front of his apartment complex on Sittee River Street. That's when a gunman quietly rode up on a bike and fired several shots at him. None of the other persons were injured, but Romero was hit several times in the upper left shoulder, abdomen, the center of his back, and the back of his neck. He was rushed to the Northern Regional Hospital, but he passed away while undergoing treatment about an hour or so after he was shot.

Jose Robles, Kaya Cattouse, and Darien Anderson capture Pablo Marin Cycling Classic
The Northern Zone of the Cycling Federation of Belize in collaboration with the Hon. Pablo Marin, the Area Representative for Corozal Bay, sponsored the 10th Annual Pablo Marin Cycling Classic, which was held on Friday 1st May, 2015, Labour Day. The event attracted riders in the Elite, Female, Juniors, Youth, Masters and Weekend Warriors categories. In the Open Elite Category, the first rider to cross the finish line was Jose Robles of Western Spirit in a time of 2:51:36. He was followed by Nissan Arana of Predators in a time of 2:51:39, and he was followed by Oscar Quiroz of Western Spirit in a time of 2:51:39, and he was followed by Henry Moreria of Team Smart in a time of 2:51:42 and then by Brandon Morgan unattached in a time of 2:51:43 for the top five positions. The other top finishers in this category included Gregory Lovell of Team Digicell in a time of 2:51:44, David Henderson of Team Smart in a time of 2:51:45, Angel Tzib of Team Smart, Shane Vasquez of Western Spirit and Joslyn Chavarria of Digicell in a time of 2:51:46, to round off the top ten riders.

Belize City Primary Schools Football Competition opens
The 2014-2015 Belize City Primary Schools Football Competition opened on Wednesday 6th May, 2015, at the MCC Grounds with three games on the schedule. The schools that are participating in the Girls' competition are St. Mary's Anglican School, Holy Redeemer School, Wesley Upper School and Belize Elementary School, while the schools in the Boys' competition are All Saints Anglican School, Central Christian School, Ebenezer Methodist School, Queen Square Anglican School, St. Ignatius School, St. John Vianney School, Holy Redeemer School, St. Joseph School, James Garbutt Seventh Day Adventist School, Wesley Upper School, Belize Elementary School, St. Mary's Anglican School, Hummingbird Elementary School, Unity Presbyterian School, Queen Street Baptist School, Trinity Methodist School, Salvation Army School and St. John's Primary School. In the only female game played today, Belize Elementary School defeated Wesley Upper School by the score of 4-0. The goals for Belize Elementary were scored by Alyanna Musa (2), Riana Chebat and Leanna Cocom.

Belize Softball Federation to hold Open Tryouts this Saturday
The Belize Softball Federation will be holding Open Tryouts for female softball players 19 years (born 1996 and after) and under on Saturday 9th May, 2015, at Rogers Stadium commencing at 10:00 am. The Open Tryouts for the male softball players 19 years (born 1996 and after) and under will also take place on Saturday 9th May, 2015, at 1:00 pm at Rogers Stadium. The National Training Team will be conducting the Open Tryouts for both the junior girls and junior boys. The Belize Softball Federation is asking all players to bring along an identification that can be used for age verifications.

Well liked boat captain Romy Badillo dies in Guatemala
Well known boat captain Romy Badillo passed away in Guatemala after spending 33 days at the Centro Medico Hospital. He was there trying to recover from burn injuries he suffered on Holy Thursday, April 2. A few days after he was flown out to Guatemalan, his family reported on social media to friends and well-wishers that he had survived the first round of surgeries to remove burnt skin from his body. He had suffered second degree burns to 50% of his body. Later on during his stay at the Guatemalan Hospital, his health took a turn for the worse when he caught an infection in his leg. It had to be amputated, but his vitality was eventually sapped until he passed away on Wednesday, May 6, 2015 at around 2:45 a.m. His family is currently trying to make arrangements for his body to be brought back home for burial.

Former City Mayor David Fonseca commits suicide
City residents and those who knew former mayor of Belize City, David Fonseca, were taken by surprise on Thursday May 30 when news went out that he had committed suicide. Fonseca was found dead at his mother's house, in the unoccupied upper flat on Stuart's Alley. He had shot himself to the head with a 9 millimeter pistol which was found in his hand. His body was found in the bathroom and reports are that Fonseca had shot himself sometime around 2:30p.m. a day shy of his birthday which was to have been on May 1. Fonseca was 60 years old. Fonseca served the Belize city council as councilor and mayor for 16 years up to 2006.

PUP try to grasp at another issue to capture public sentiment
So, the PUP says that they've discussed it among themselves and they have come up with the position that they support having a referendum in Belize, but they do not support going to the International Court of Justice. What kind of nonsense is that? Why would you support one but condemn the other? The persons advising them must know that holding a referendum in any country is an extremely expensive venture. So, to engage in an exercise which they do not believe in has to be foolish, since hundreds of thousands of dollars will be invested and thereby wasted. It should be that either you're for the referendum and going to the ICJ, or you are not.

Belize City Council and Mayor Darrell Bradley express condolences to family of David Fonseca
Mayor Darrell Bradley, the councilors, management and staff of the Belize City Council, through this medium, convey sincere condolences to the Fonseca family on the untimely passing of their son, brother, father, uncle, grandfather, cousin and husband William David. He served as the first elected mayor of Belize City, President of the Mayors Association, and was also active on numerous boards and civic institutions. His contributions to the development of our city will always be remembered, and he will be missed by many. May his family be comforted by GOD's grace through this trying time, and may his soul rest in peace.

H.E. SIR COLVILLE YOUNG, GOVERNOR GENERAL OF BELIZE, LEADS A DELEGATION TO VISIT THE REPUBLIC OF CHINA (TAIWAN)
At the invitation of the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), H.E. Sir Colville Young, Governor General of Belize, accompanied by Hon. Senator Audrey Joy Grant, Minister of Energy, Science and Technology, and Public Utilities; Dr. Colin Young, Chief Executive Officer; and Dr. Alan Slusher, President of the University of Belize, will visit the Republic of China (Taiwan) from May 10th to 15th, 2015. As a senior statesman, Sir Colville Young has visited Taiwan many times, and has accumulated in-depth observation and knowledge about the people and society of Taiwan. He has highly valued the partnership between Belize and Taiwan, and has recognized the importance of, and supported the cooperation projects in a wide array of fields between the Republic of China (Taiwan) and Belize, and among many other developing countries. Governor General Young has been highly knowledgeable, graceful and well-respected and loved by the people of Belize. He served as an educationist for many years and has educated countless excellences. His deep affection for literature, arts and music, and the profound attainment has enabled him to enrich the spiritual life of Belizean people and society, and help to make Belize an amicable and peaceful country.

Government Responds to PUP Claim Filed in Court
The People's United Party has filed a claim in the Supreme Court against the Prime Minister Hon. Dean Barrow, basically, seeking an order to compel the Prime Minister to bring into force the Constitutional Amendment that would see the appointment of a 13th senator. That senator would be chosen by the non-governmental organizations, and would result in taking away the Government's majority in the Senate. In turn, that would mean that the Opposition, with the support of the new 13th Senator and others, would be able to frustrate Government's legislative agenda and delay or completely derail (even urgent) Bills. The Government sees this claim as another desperate attempt by a political party that has been repeatedly and roundly rejected at the polls, including as recently as January and March of this year, to thwart the will of the people and try to gain power other than by way of the ballot. Spectacularly unsuccessful in elections, the PUP is seeking redemption through flimsy legal maneuvers and empty posturing. Government points out that a similar claim was brought before by COLA back in 2010. The Judge dismissed the case in its entirety reaffirming that the Prime Minister has wide discretion, when given that authority by Parliament as in this case, in deciding when to bring legislation into force. Section 23 of the Act the PUP is now litigating clearly states: "This Act shall come into force on a day to be appointed by the Prime Minister by order published in the Gazette."

Labor for Belize attracts record number of volunteers
The entire city was taken over by a whirlwind of volunteers who spread to every corner of the city to make it more beautiful. Under the leadership of Mayor Darrell Bradley, for the 4th consecutive year, the city council organized and executed the Labor for Belize initiative. According to the mayor, the idea is to have Belize City residents gather together to do community work to meaningfully improve the aesthetics of the city. He once again noted as he always has, that the city is made up of the people and it is not merely the buildings and streets. In its fourth year almost 800 volunteers came out to participate in the clean up campaign. These included community groups, non-governmental organizations, business houses, schools and everyday residents. This year the activities included the beautification of a portion of Coney drive where plants were planted in the median, a portion of Cemetery road was patched, drains were cleaned, overgrown lots were bushed in the Lake I Division, Sanker Park was uplifted with the placing of new swings, plants were put down and existing amenities were painted. Other areas saw the painting of railings at canals, basketball courts were also painted, bushing took place along the Phillip Goldson Highway and Jane Usher Boulevard among other activities.

Missing man feared dead
Denfield Bowen, a 27 year-old Plues Street resident, went missing on Thursday, April 30, and after searching for several days, his family believes that he is dead. Information from around his neighbourhood suggests that he has become a casualty of an internal rift between members the George Street Gang. Bowen, who is a father of 4, told his family that he was going out for a bit on Thursday at around 5:20 p.m. He was expected back shortly after that, but when he didn't come home, his family presumed he went missing. They filed a missing person's report on him the following day, and they have been searching all over Belize City for him.

Mother of six gets three years for trafficking
Natalie Fuller, 36-year-old mother of six, is serving her first days of a three year jail term for drug trafficking. Fuller was busted with 3.13 kilogram of marijuana by officers of the Gang Supression Unit in November of 2014. According to PC Paul Phillips, acting on a warrant they visited Fuller's home at #69 Regent Street on November 13, 2014 to conduct a search for drugs. As the police arrived, they saw Fuller throw a bag out the window into the nearby river. The officers retrieved the bag and Fuller was detained and escorted to the police station where the bag was examined. It contained 3,130 grams of weed, over six pounds. Fuller initially pled not guilty to a charge of drug trafficking; however, she changed that plea with an explanation. Fuller says that her ex-boyfriend and friend, Sandra, came to visit her on November 12, 2014 and that was when Sandra asked her for a favor.

Man dies after knife is stuck in his head
Dernell Brown, a 24 year-old man who was recently residing in Teakettle Village, Cayo, became the casualty of a knife brawl at the 2015 Agriculture and Trade Show. Police believe that alcohol was a contributing factor in this murder. It happened on the Show grounds at around 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 2, near the Heineken tent. Brown was with a group of friends at this tent, which was at the back of the grounds, when another group of men passed by. One of those persons allegedly disrespected a female who Brown was with, and he confronted the men about it. That led to a fight, and one of the men pulled out a knife and stabbed Brown to the head. That knife went so deep into his skill that it was reportedly left protruding from his head. He was taken for medical treatment where he lost consciousness and passed away on May 4, at around 9 a.m. His family says that they don't know him to be anyone who causes trouble. Brown, was reportedly a hardworking labourer who did all kinds of construction work. He leaves behind a 3 year-old son.

Another San Pedro Taxi man murdered
Taxi operators of San Pedro are very concerned about their safety after another taxi man was found dead on Sunday, March 3. Donicio Trujillo, 42, was found in a secluded area of the island suffering from multiple stab wounds. His throat was cut, and it appears that his assailant clubbed him over the head with a rock. A concerned citizen contacted police at around 7 a.m. after discovering Trujillo's body on "A" Street, in the Marina area, which is at the south end of San Pedro. Police responded and found him lying in a pool of water beside his taxi van. By that time, his killer or killers had long made an escape from the area, and so police have to do some intense investigations to solve this crime.

Three charged for taxi man's murder
Three men have been charged with the murder of San Pedro Taxi man, Jose Beltran, who was found dead on Tuesday, April 28. Those men, 23 year-old Luis "Sito" Campos, 19 year-old Mark Arzu, and 18 year-old Santos Garcia, they have been remanded since Monday, May 4. The men were arraigned before Magistrate Sherigne Rodriguez on the crimes of murder and conspiracy to commit murder. Due to the nature of the offences, no plea was taken, and they couldn't be granted bail for it. They were remanded to prison while they await a preliminary inquiry into this case, and an eventual Supreme Court Criminal Trial.

15 years for American who tried to lure Belizean girls to have sex with him
On Wednesday May 6, David Wendel Thompson, an American from Tampa was sentenced to 15 years in prison in the U.S. He had pleaded guilty to online enticement of two minor girls from Belize in October of 2014. Earlier that year on March 14, 2014 Thompson flew in to Belize but was denied entry into the country and was later arrested in Miami during a layover to his home in Tampa. Federal police had arrested Thompson and when they did, they found items in his possession which he intended to give as gifts to two girls ages 13 and 15. He was found guilty of luring the girls through Facebook to have sex with him.

Belize City No Limit wins over Cayo Western Ballaz
The National Elite Basketball League Competition continued on Friday 1st May, 2015, with two more games on the schedule. At the Bird's Isle here in Belize City, the home team the Belize City No Limit handed the Cayo Western Ballaz its third defeat of this year's campaign by the score of 77-66. The top scorers for the Belize City No Limit Team were Gregory Rudon with 23 points, 12 rebounds, and 2 steals, Brandon Rogers with 19 points, 5 rebounds, and a steal and Rhetton Belisle with 14 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists and 1 steal. Meanwhile, the top scorers for the Cayo Western Ballaz were Elvis Usher with 20 points, 3 rebounds and 1 assist, Akeem Watters with 17 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists and a steal and Kurt Burgess with 15 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals.

Belmopan Bandits to the big dance again
The Premier League of Belize Closing Season Tournament is fast come to an end with the championship round setting to commence on Thursday 7 May, 2015, at the FFB Stadium in Belmopan between the National defending champions the Belmopan Bulldogs and Verdes FC. On Sunday 3rd May, 2015, at the Norman Broaster Stadium in San Ignacio Town, the host team Verdes FC eliminated the highly favoured Belize Defence Force by the score of 6-0. The first goal of the game was scored by Rodney Pacheco in the 45? minutes of play to give his team a 1-0 lead. The lead was further increased when Orlando Jimenez scored the 2nd goal of the game in the 64th minute of play for a 2-0 lead. The lead was further extended when Jamil Cano scored in the 68th minute of minute for a commanding 3-0 lead. For all intent and purpose the Belize Defence Force did not played up to expectations when Marlon Molina scored the first of his two goals in the 71st minute of play for a 4-0 lead. Molina's struck goal again in the 80th minute of play and then an own goal by Edgar Adderly in the 90th minute of play gave Verdes the 6-0 victory and a place into the championship round.

Breaking Belize NewsPJ

Albert Division contenders trade barbs ahead of endorsement
Tomorrow, Friday, May 8, United Democratic Party (UDP) candidate for the Albert division and former CEO in the Ministry of Tourism and Culture Tracey Taegar-Panton will be endorsed during a Mother's Day event at the House of Culture. She was selected by the party to replace one-term representative [�]

Burrell Boom man remanded for sex charge
Burrell Boom resident Jamil Seguro is accused of fondling a teenager's private area while she was bathing in the Belize Old River at Burrell Boom on April 23. Today he appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann-Marie Smith and pleaded not guilty to a charge of sexual assault of the [�]

Caye Caulker school wins innovation challenge
Schools from rural Belize District took the top three places, with first place going to Ocean Academy of Caye Caulker. The team of students shared a thousand-dollar prize. Belize Rural High School was second and Ladyville Technical, the defending champion, came third. The students were asked to design [�]

ALBERT VAUGHAN ACQUITTED OF LOITERING CHARGE
In August of 2014 then workers of Belize Maintenance Limited (BML) caused great disturbance outside of City Hall on North Front Street, where they had been protesting against Mayor Darrell Bradley and the Belize City Council for falling behind on their payments to the company, which in turn [�]

Hurricane Season is Few Weeks Away and Doppler Radar is Broken
In September 2009, the National Meteorological Service of Belize installed a $3.3 million dollar radar at its headquarters in Ladyville. The radar was expected to be operational by October of the same year but up to now, the radar is still inactive. Back in 2009, in an interview with Chief Metrological [�]

Young artists exhibit at Image Factory
Art is considered part of a nation's culture. But is popular culture art as well? A group of young artists have banded together to exhibit their works which depict their views of popular culture - everything from ladies' handbags to the recent boxing clash between Manny Pacquiao and [�]

Said Musa not ready to leave politics
The Right Honorable Said Musa, now 71 years of age, is in his seventh term of office as area representative for the Fort George division in the House of Representatives and will seek an eighth term in the upcoming general elections. But there have been groundswells of suggestions [�]

Security guard shot during robbery attempt
Police are seeking one person from the Taylor's Alley area in Belize City in connection with the robbery of New Asia Restaurant on Vernon Street in Belize City just before 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday. According to police, 31 year old security guard for the establishment, Victor Hendy, was [�]

Belizeans Should All Reject PUP Candidate B.D.F. Major Lloyd Jones If He Runs For Office in Belize
Every person who was born in Belize should have the right to run for political office in Belize like Retired Major Lloyd Jones. However, under this current Belize Constitution Belizeans who became citizens as adults and swore allegiance to the United States and other countries cannot run unless they [�]

Ramon Cervantes and Gaspar Vega headed to trial in July
Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin has disallowed an application by counsel for Deputy Prime Minister of Belize Gaspar Vega, Senior Counsel Rodwell Williams, to amend the statement of claim to reflect that the alleged slander of Vega which occurred in October of 2014 in Orange Walk was not only heard [�]

PUP stalwart passes
Hon. Francis Fonseca, the Leader of the People's United Party posted this afternoon on his Facebook page the passing of Mrs. Eloisa Trujeque, a PUP stalwart and Chair of the Order of Distinguished Service (ODS) of the party. He said and we quote: "Mrs. Eloisa was a dedicated and distinguished educator [�]

BNTU Votes YES to Unity Against PETRO CARIBE Legislation
The Belmopan Branch of BNTU heard views from Mose Hyde, Senator Mark Lizarraga, Audrey Matura, and the Vision Inspired by the People (VIP) about the Petrocaribe Act and has made a decision. The teachers were given a detailed overview of the history of unlawfully passed laws over a [�]

Most People Don't Want To Hear The Truth
By Charles Leslie Jr. Noh Muhl, 13 babies dead at KHMH, Pennergate, Castrogate, $366,468 stolen from Southern Regional Hospital, $500,000 stolen from treasury, Attorney General driver hit and kill female pedestrian, drunken Deputy Commissioner crashing and killing woman, Petrocaribe Loans Act 2015, low conviction rate, police brutality and abuse of power, SME (Small to Medium Size businesses) [�]

La Immaculada Credit Union's GM under investigation
Yesterday the mainstream media of Belize City reported that an ongoing internal investigation will be carried out by the Central Bank at the La Inmaculada Credit Union. That is because the General Manager of the Credit Union Yolanda Gomez has been placed on administrative leave while an internal investigation is [�]

Education Minister says Petrocaribe will fund summer sports initiative
Since the inception of the Petrocaribe Program, it has been met with much criticism and praise from all sides of the public domain. One thing is for sure, the program has brought an unprecedented level of infrastructural works across the country and to date, and those works are still on-going. To [�]

Minister of Education Condemns Actions of Elito Puc
High school teacher Elito Puc has been dismissed by the Teaching Services Commission and his teacher's license has been revoked by the Ministry of Education. Yesterday Minister of Education, Hon. Patrick Faber condemned Puc's actions and said that he will ensure that Puc never teaches at another educational institution in Belize. [�]

Cervantes and Vega Case Adjourned
Our Belize City reporter has confirmed that the Cervantes and Vega case will go to trial on the 23rd and 24th of July 2015. The Judge ruled this morning against DPM Gaspar Vega and the amendments he wanted to make to the case were disallowed. This is a developing story [�]

Blogs

Poets Corner: Chemical Engineering
By Abdulmajeed K Nunez. Victims of chemical engineering, "stuffed and starved" To live as dependents and subjugated We are what we eat Eating white flour instead of wheat The foods we eat make us docile and weak Eating pork instead of sheep Eating less vegetables and more meat We are what we eat. Chinny man chicken on every street corner Rum shop and bars in every area Burritos and gacho fi tea and dinner Shops stocking up on cigarette and liquor Marijuana on every corner People drinking coke instead of water There is an increase of cirrhosis of the liver Noh wonder cancer is on the increase We are what we eat

Ross University School of Vet. Medicine visits the Belize Zoo
Another wonderful visit from Ross University School of Vet. Medicine! Ross Vet School is located on the island of St. Kitts and has graduated over 2,000 veterinarians since opening its doors in 1978. Working with us here at the Zoo add Belize adds the important facet of tropical wildlife medicine to the students' study agenda. Led by Ivy Dr. Ivy Thomas, the Ross team ensure that the Zoo "residents" receive special attention. Dr. Ivy is superb when it comes to providing animal examinations, and her experience and knowledge is effortlessly transferred to the students, and our Animal Management staff. How valuable is this? TBZ's dedicated animal management staff is responsible for the care of many rare and endangered species. Being able to partake in professional clinical sessions fortifies the knowledge of our animal caretakers, and as a result, every animal who calls TBZ their home, benefits, too!

International Sourcesizz

IICA AND CENTROGEO REPORT ON ADVANCES IN GEOWEB PLATFORM
A new Geoweb system that will become operational this year will contribute to the formulation of public policies on rural-area based development in the Central American Dry Corridor and the Dry Arch area of Panama. The system, which is an interactive, cross-discipline platform that will make strategic information available to decision makers is also compatible with mobile devices. Details of both the on-line platform and the accompanying knowledge network were presented during a technical forum held at the Headquarters of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), in San Jose, Costa Rica. The new technological tool and network are one outcome of an agreement reached between IICA and the Center for Research in Geography and Geomatics (CENTROGEO), of Mexico. The system will provide geo-referenced information, via maps, of natural resources, soil use, demographic and economic trends and the climate outlook for the Corridor and Arch, which will be the focus of attention initially.

Videos

  • THE CASE OF GASPAR VEGA VERSUS RAMON CERVANTES GOES BACK TO COURT, 5min.

    At the Belize City Supreme Court, Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin disallowed Deputy Prime Minister Gaspar Vega's application to the court to amend his statement of claim in the case against Ramon Cervantes Junior. As we've been reporting, Vega filed a libel lawsuit against his political opponent of Orange Walk North, Standard Bearer Ramon "Monchie" Cervantes Junior last November for airing and broadcasting damning allegations that Vega was the one who orchestrated the killing of Ramon Cervantes Sr. in July of last year. Last week, April 28th, both parties were to appear in court for a pre-trial hearing but in absentia, Vega'a attorney Rodwell Williams filed to amend his statement of claim. Meaning that Vega wanted the case to continue but with him not having to appear in court. Today that decision was heard and a trial date was set.
  • NDACC LOOKS AT NEW WAYS TO FIGHT DRUGS, 4.5min. The National Drug Abuse Control Council in the Corozal District is taking a new approach in the fight of drug abuse among young people. The district branch coordinator says it's all about targeting the problem at the roots.

  • Diving in Belize 7 May 15: The Great Blue Hole, Half Moon Wall and Long Key Aquarium, 4min.

  • Short Highlight Video of Belize, 5min. Here is a video of the amazing trip we took to Belize!

  • Belize - May 2015 - Feeding Lionfish to a Nurse Shark, 3min.

  • DISCOVER SCUBA DIVING ~BELIZE IT, 3min. Featuring DSD participant and soon to be PADI Certified Open Water Diver Dara Madrill. Congratulations Dara on completing DSD and welcome to the underwater world of scuba diving.

  • Nic in Belize, 6min. Footage from Nic's dive trip to Ambergris Caye, Belize.


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