The Reporter
Belize City certified as child friendly
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) on Friday, certified that Belize City is a "child Friendly" municipality. The Belize City Council, along with partners UNICEF and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), held a ceremony at the Battlefield Park to commemorate the milestone in the [�]
Gunman shoots Dad and teenage son
A man and his 13 year-old son narrowly escaped death from a couple of bullets while at an apartment complex on Ebony Street sometime around eleven on Monday night. The shooting occurred while Dean Parks and his teenage son, Justin were at one of the […]
Robbers show up at Altun Ha
In Altun Ha last week two men with a gun held up six tourists as they were hiking along a medicinal trail. The gunmen took money, cameras and cell phones then disappeared into the bush. The tourists were part of an eight person tour interested […]
Attack on concert-goers leaves one dead, two hurt
Two women returning from a pop concert in a hired taxi early last Sunday morning were shot as their taxi entered gang territory on Faber’s Road, near St. John Vianney Church. One of the injured women, Tanika Lemott, died of her wounds when she reached […]
Belize's Sustainable Tourism Program II gets US$15 Million IDB funding
The Ministries of Tourism and Forestry, Fisheries and Sustainable Development collaborated with the Inter-American Development Bank in launching the a US$15 million Sustainable Tourism Program II (STP2), with all stakeholders participating in a three-day workshop at the Black Orchid Lodge in Burrell Boom on Tuesday to Thursday, March 8-10. The […]
Guatemala hostility unites mainstream Parties But BPP stands aloof
The Belize Progressive Party this week blamed the Barrrow Government and the Organization of American States for the aggressive posture being taken by Guatemalan Armed Forces in the area of the Sarstoon. "Under the aegis of the OAS the Guatemalans have been afforded a free hand in usurping our territory, […]
OAS is broke! Needs loan funds to continue
The Organization of American States (OAS) is in danger of shutting down if member states don’t approve an internal loan, OAS Secretary of Administration and Finance, Jay Anania announced this week. Anania, speaking at a meeting of the Permanent Council in Washington, put forward a […]
GOB pushes on with plans to build 35 new schools
The Government of Belize through the Ministry of Education, began the construction of five new schools this week under the Belize Education Sector Reform Project. The ministry held ground- breaking ceremonies for Kuxlin-Ha Pre-School and Primary School on Tuesday March 15 in Belmopan.. Ground-breaking ceremonies […]
New Airport Link Road will help the flow of traffic to Belize City
The Government of Belize has accepted a loan from the Organization of Oil Exporting countries (OPEC) to pay for building the Airport Link Road. The Airport Link is a new road which will branch off from the George Price ( Western Highway) and lead to […]
Caribbean women honoured for entrepreneurship
The Caribbean Center of Excellence for Sustainable Livelihoods (CoESL), in celebration of International Women’s Month, has honored 19 Caribbean women for their work in developing entrepreneurs. Dr. Dionne Chamberlain-Miranda, managing director of Chamberlain Consulting, is among those who have been honoured. “These women entrepreneurs�� are […]
Unprepared for cyber attacks Central and South America
Latin America and the Caribbean are highly susceptible to cyber attacks , according to a new report issued jointly by the Organization of American States (OAS) and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) this week. The “Cyber Security Report 2016: “Are We Ready in Latin America […]
GM mosquitoes are safe to propagate, says U.S.
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has published a report saying that the use of genetically modified mosquitoes to help fight the Zika virus is environmentally safe. The FDA this week gave the British company Oxitec, Ltd. tentative approval to hold trials in […]
Editorial
If you can keep your head when all about you Are losing theirs and blaming it on you; If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you, But make allowance for their doubting too; If you can wait and not be tired by waiting, Or, being lied about, don't […]
Guatemala diplomats at OAS promise to keep the peace
Belize and Guatemala have resolved to keep the peace in the Sarstoon, Foreign Minister Wilfred Elrington reported Thursday evening following a special meeting with Guatemalan counterparts at Organization of American States (OAS) headquarters in Washington D.C., on Tuesday. The Guatemalan delegation promised to take […]
Taiwan's President Ma visits Belize
Four world leaders visited Belize this week, three from the Caribbean, for talks with outgoing President Ma Ying-jeou of Taiwan who is on a three�country tour before the end of his term in office. Prime Ministers Timothy Harris of St. Kitts and Nevis, Prime Minister […]
Virgin claims rape
Charges have been withdrawn against four males, three teenagers and one man, accused of raping a young girl, after Director of Public Prosecutions Cheryl�-Lynn Vidal reviewed the case and determined the accuser was an unreliable witness. The three boys, 15 and younger, along with […]
Three way crash leaves husband and wife in critical condition
A man and his wife are in critical condition at the Medical Associates' Intensive Care Unit after their vehicle crashed head-on into a dump truck on Thursday afternoon on the George Price Highway. The accident happened at around 1:30 p.m. between miles 11 and 12. […]
Is Lords Bank stabbing a suicide?
The Police Rural Eastern division unit is investigating a fatal stabbing in Lords Bank Village, which may be a case of suicide. Officer Commanding Rural Eastern Division, Assistant Commissioner of Police Edward Broaster, explained that on Thursday night they responded to a call and found […]
Happening now: Taiwanese President visits Belize
Taiwanese President, Ma Ying-Jeou arrived in Belize at 10:50 this morning on an official visit. President Ma is visiting Belize as part of a farewell tour to three countries. The first country he visited was Guatemala, and now Belize. In delivering a speech upon his […]
Guatemalan military confront BDF at Sarstoon FOB; we are headed to OAS
After Guatemalan armed forces confronted Belize Defense Force (BDF) soldiers late Saturday evening, the Government has announced that it will take the issue to the Organization of American States (OAS) on Tuesday. The report of the incident started surfacing on Saturday night. BDF soldiers were […]
Family Day at Bottonwood Bay hosted by Kareem Musa
With the intent of bringing the residents of Caribbean Shores together, Area Representative, Kareem Musa hosted a family day with fun activities on Saturday.� Musa stated that he is an avid believer in the family nucleus being the stronghold of the society. He said the […]
Breaking Belize News
Traffic accident on the George Price Highway
Breaking Belize News has received information of a traffic accident between miles 16 and 17 on the George Price Highway in the vicinity of Hattiville Village. Information reaching our news desk indicates that a passenger bus and a bicycle were involve in an accident. This is a [�]
O.W. Town Council releases thieving revenue collector
The Orange Walk Town Council is dealing with an internal situation involving a former employee caught with thousands of dollars in town revenue. Revenue collector Carlos Tillett was let go for failing to hand in monies he collected from residents. But it is not true, [�]
Motorists avoid death in late evening accident
While initial reports yesterday suggested possible deaths in an accident occuring between miles 11 and 12 on the George Price Highway involving a Freightliner truck, a black SUV and an ambulance, we now understand that no one died in that accident; rather, the two occupants of [�]
Did Lords' Bank/Ladyville man kill himself?
Forty one year old Oscar Gomez may have committed suicide on Thursday night in Lords' Bank, but the case is strange enough that police have not ruled out foul play. Investigators from Eastern Division Rural are probing the circumstances leading up to the death of the Salvadoran man [�]
2 minors charged for the murder of 31 year old Godfrey Hemsley
Today, two minors ages 14 and 15 were escorted to the Belize Family Court at around 3:00 to be arraign for the Wednesday, March 16, 2016 murder of 31 year old Belize City man, Godfrey Hemsley, who met his untimely death whilst on the Yabra green area [�]
Court of Appeal drops two cases, upholds two others
The final day of the Court of Appeal's March session took place today with announcements of judgments. On the criminal side, the court allowed the appeals of Leonard Godoy on charges ofattempted murder and robbery and in part for Newellyn Nicholas on a charge of [�]
Ronald Ramsey beats murder charge
19 year old Ronald Ramsey Jr., accused of the murder of 25 year old Kenroy Parham on November 28, 2014 in Mahogany Heights, saw the charge dropped after the prosecution could not provide his case file nor disclosure after ten months on remand. At January's [�]
Top cyclist suspended after suspicious doping test
Cycling contender Byron Pope was suspended last week Friday by the Cycling Federation of Belize (CFB) after urine results tested following the 2016 KREM New Year's Day Classic came back positive for what appears to be a steroid in his system. And several other cyclists, [�]
Warm weather to continue
The National Meteorological Service of Belize is calling for seasonably warm and dry weather to prevail for the next couple days. The 24 hour forecast is for mostly sunny today and partly cloudy tonight. Little or no rain fall is expected. Winds will blow east to southeast [�]
Placencia community joins police in cleanup campaign
The Placencia police in collaboration with the Village Council, Fire Department, and members of the Belmopan Community Oriented Policing Program and village residents joined forces to clean up one of many abandoned lots popular for drug activity. By the end of the initiative, the entire [�]
Corozal resident busted with two pounds of weed
Corozal Police arrested and charged 45-year-old Anthony Daniels of Corozal Town for drug trafficking after he was found with a little over two pounds of marijuana. Daniels was caught with the drug on Thursday morning at a checkpoint in Buena Vista Village between miles 67 and 68 [�]
Benque Police seize over 200 grams of weed
Officers attached to the Special Patrol Unit in Benque Viejo Del Carmen, were on a special operation in Arenal Village in the Cayo District when their attention was drawn to a red and white Toyota Corolla coming from Arenal, Guatemala into Arenal Belize. As a [�]
The Gorgeous Sea, Sharks, Subwings, Snorkeling and Sun with Belize Parasail: What A Day.
I'm ashamed. I take it for granted. The gorgeous Caribbean Sea and barrier reef right outside my door.
I haven't been in the water off of Ambergris Caye in�months. MONTHS! But yesterday, I made up for it�3 water sports. 5 different locations.
My day started at Belize Parasail at the Fido's Dock in downtown San Pedro at 9:30am. Woefully under-covered with sunscreen, I met Eric, his guides, his awesome Golden-doodle Monte and Ashley from Tampa there for parasailing, trying the new-fangled SUBWING and three snorkel stops.
Let the water madness begin!
Next up was subwinging. And I won't lie, I was a little nervous. I hadn't been waterskiing since I was about 13. I'd been tubing once and remember it being a bit like my idea of waterboarding�I think I had an overly aggressive driver. One who wanted to harshly introduce me to the concept of centrifugal force.
CAYE CAULKER DAY SAIL
There's something about being out on the water that just seems to put you in a good mood. There's a reason for this. Studies show that the varying moods of a person are largely affected by a body chemical called serotonin. The saltiness of the sea air is composed of charged ions that help in the body's oxygen absorption which in turn results to more balanced levels of serotonin. The more balanced your body's serotonin levels are, the happier you're going to be. Now if this isn't enough to get you to go sailing, I invite you to continue reading.
Imagine. Open water as far as the eye can see that seem to kiss the clear blue skies off in the horizon, combined with that cool refreshing ocean air, the gentle breeze caressing your face, and the magnificent sun as its rays re-energize your body!!!
This, coupled with a few awe-amazing snorkeling stops, make for a day of memories that will last a lifetime. This is what you get on our Caye Caulker Day Sailing adventure.
Foodie Friday with Chefs Ennel and Sean Kuylen
Sean Kuylen is a name that has become synonymous with Belizean Cuisine. The famed chef has made his mark on the global culinary scene and especially in Belize's own culinary landscape. Arguably the most well-known Belizean Chef, Sean studied the art of cooking at the City College of San Francisco where he learned the complexities of American and French cuisines.
However, as Sean would tell you himself, his true passion for cooking began with his mother who created a foundation of Belize cuisine in him. These influences set in place his unique cooking style blending the best of French and American haute cuisine with the peculiarities of traditional Belizean food. .
Given Belize's interesting cultural blend which translates to a very interesting culinary medley, you will definitely expect some unorthodox but knock-your-socks-off dishes to be served out by Sean.
Sean along with other pioneering Belizean chefs are on the edge of a culinary renaissance here in Belize, innovating and creating dishes that will define our cuisine and form a foundation to show the world and ourselves what we know already, and that is "Belize gah nice food fi eat".
12 Belize Real Estate Facts Everyone Should Know
Is Belize the hottest investment market in the Caribbean? We think so. Ex-pats are treated to all manner of investment opportunities, but perhaps the most exciting aspect of moving to Belize involves acquiring a beautiful new home. Find exactly the style and size you seek; including homes in such close proximity to the sea, breezes will lull you to sleep each night.
1. You don't have to put up with high condominium prices in trendy Ambergris Caye (e.g., $500,000USD) when moving to Belize because you have so many options. Of prime consideration is Corozal, home to Orchid Bay, the district's most popular ex-pat community where homes, condos and lots are attracting buyers from all walks of life.
2. The Corozal District has been named a top retirement destination by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), International Living.com, Kiplinger.com, "U.S. News and World Report," "The New York Times," "Huffington Post," "Conde Nast Traveler" and legions of other authorities and publications.
3. Since English is Belize's first language, real estate contracts are written in English, the structure of real estate transactions matches those conducted in the U.S. and Canada, English-speaking realtors, attorneys and title companies make the process a breeze and fees associated with a home buy are extremely reasonable.
International Sources
Genetically modified mosquitoes to fight Zika get FDA nod
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says genetically engineered mosquitoes being used in the fight against the spread of the Zika virus are environmentally safe - a decision that could pave the way for a trial in the US.
British company Oxitec has modified male Aedes aegypti mosquitoes so that their offspring die before they can reach adulthood and reproduce. It has carried out trials in Brazil, Panama, and the Cayman Islands to battle the mosquito-borne dengue and says the Aedes aegypti population has been reduced by more than 90 per cent.
The FDA said its investigations have determined that a proposed field trial of the insects in the Florida Keys is unlikely to cause any harm to people, animals or the environment.
"While we didn't expect anything different, we're pleased the FDA has now published their data. Now we want to get everybody comfortable with the decision," Oxitec's chief executive officer Hadyn Parry said.
"If we do get permission from the FDA to go ahead, we are hoping that we will start running the programme sometime in 2016."
Hotel construction stopped permanently
"A judge ordered that there must be no construction within 100 meters of any mangroves or coastal wetlands, a ruling that a lawyer says puts an end to the 530-room Hotel Riviera Canc�n." A temporary halt to the construction of a US $95.6-million hotel in Canc�n has become permanent following a judge's decision this week. A judge ordered that there must be no construction within 100 meters of any mangroves or coastal wetlands, a ruling that a lawyer says puts an end to the 530-room Hotel Riviera Canc�n.
"Basically, they can't develop anything," said Francisco Villarreal Escobedo, who had sought to stop the the Spanish hotel chain Riu Hotels & Resorts from proceeding with the project. He said the entire piece of land on which the hotel was to be built, located at kilometer 17 in the Canc�n hotel zone, is affected by the ruling.
To one side, and just 14 meters away, are the mangroves of the Nichupté protected area.
The hotel is the second Canc�n development to be stopped in the past three weeks due to concerns over the depletion of mangrove forests. The Malecón Tajamar project was halted by a court ruling in early February.
"Let's preserve our natural resources, which are so fragile that we have an obligation to take care of them," wrote Villarreal Escobedo in a comment on Facebook.
Wild Side: There's lots to see in the sea in Belize
Carol and I have been going to Belize on vacations nearly every year since 1990. Belize is a small English-speaking country in Central America on the Caribbean Sea, bordered on the north by Mexico and on the west and south by Guatemala. This year, we are again part of the winter cheesehead invasion of the country along with Bill and Sue Smith and Jeff Cudd of River Falls. Like many others from the snowy parts of the U.S. and Canada, we have found that a winter break in Belize is just what the doctor ordered.
Belize is a naturalist's delight. It's a physically beautiful country with a variety of ecosystems. Limestone mountains riddled with caves covered in rain forest, pine-covered granite ridges, palm savanna, river jungles, freshwater wetlands, mangrove forests, shallow sea grass flats, hundreds of cayes (islands), the largest coral barrier reef in the western hemisphere, and three big offshore atolls make for spectacular scenery and biodiversity.
Three of the first five laws passed by the new Belize government upon gaining independence from Great Britain in 1981 were environmental protection laws. Because Belize has only about 368,000 people, most of the country is wild and undeveloped. In addition to citrus and sugar cane agriculture, ecotourism is a big industry. Belize has set aside over 40 percent of its land area as conservation reserves. The coastal zone and the coral reef are gaining protection with marine reserves.
Crystal Skull on display at Camp Chesterfield
A legendary source of healing powers, the Mitchell-Hedges Crystal Skull, will be on display Saturday at Camp Chesterfield.
Admission to the display is free, although a love offering will be accepted. The skull will be shown from 1 to 4 p.m. at Hett Art Gallery & Museum, 50 Lincoln Drive.
The skull was discovered Jan. 1, 1924, during an expedition led by British explorer F.A. Mitchell-Hedges to Mayan ruins in Belize. His adopted daughter, Anna, discovered a hidden chamber inside a pyramid structure. Inside was the clear crystal skull, according to published accounts.
Mitchell-Hedges died in 1959. His daughter inherited the skull. Legend has it that he asked that the skull be buried with him but she chose not to fulfill his wish.
Often referred to as the Skull of Doom, the artifact's beauty and mystery have captured the imagination of both scholars and seers, organizers said.
NOW THAT THE SARSTOON HAS BECOME GUATEMALA'S
by Thérèse Belisle Nweke
Belizean in Nigeria on the Annexation of the Sarstoon... The subterfuge, excuses and unimpressive attempts to conceal the truth have ended. The Sarstoon is no longer Belize's, but is now a part of the Republic of Guatemala. This, the redoubtable Wil Maheia recently proved when as head of the Belize Territorial Volunteers (BTV), he and 19 other Belizeans were arbitrarily prevented by armed Guatemalan military personnel from entering the Sarstoon river, on their way to the Gracias a Dios border marker. Guatemala's uncompromising Foreign Minister, Carlos Raul Morales, justified the action by accusing the Belizeans of "entering Guatemalan water".
This recent February 27 action by Guatemala to exercise sovereignty over Belizean territory did not create any great furore among Belizeans at home, including the PUP Opposition, or those in the Diaspora. Diasporan Belizeans neither protested at nor picketed Guatemala's UN Mission in New York, or spoke to correspondents of Al Jazeera, the BBC, Reuters, AP, AFP, even VOA, Press Trust of India, NAN, and CNN - which are among those media organisations with wide international coverage operating in the US. In a sense, I can understand why Belizeans at home did not take to the streets as would have been the case once upon a time. They are a generally decimated people; a former majority, now Diasporan, has become an impoverished minority at home. They are hungry, jobless, careless, unknowing and, therefore, indifferent - broken, used, abused and sold down The Belize or Old River by their black brothers, whose only mantra is: "It's the money, Stupid"!
Videos
Ernestine Carballo 'Till Di Sun Come Up' Video Debut, 23min. on Open Your Eyes...
Belize Rotaract Club on Rotaract Week, 20min. on Open Your Eyes...
Salvation Army on Mega Gospel Concert, 19min. on Open Your Eyes...
SubWing Belize, 5min.
Belize 2016, 4.5min.
Howler Monkey at Hickatee Cottage - Punta Gorda, Belize, 1min. Howler monkeys are prevalent on the grounds of Hickatee Cottages in Punta Gorda, Belize. Not actually visible in this video.
Scott Stirm insults the Garifuna and admits his real agenda!, 6min. In his own words, Scott Stirm - the pastor from Texas - admits to a congregation in the USA that:
-he is in Belize to seize power by overthrowing authority!
Belize Bonefish on a fly rod, 2min. Jake landing a Bonefish in Ambergris Caye Belize.
Bonefish on fly rod in Ambergris Caye Belize, 1.5min. 8 weight with a Gotcha shrimp pattern.
PADF on "Open Your Eyes" Morning Show March 16, 2016, 27min. PADF Belize staff and George Washington University students appear on "Open Your Eyes" morning show in Belize to discuss coastal erosion, mangrove reforestation and the community resilience project funded by Taiwan.
Driving across Belcan(Belize-Canadian) Bridge Belize City, 5min.
Belcan Bridge Foot Belize City, 2min.
Motion: Hiking in Stunning Belize, 3min. Greg brings a guest hiker to the tropical paradise of Belize for a long-overdo vacation.
It's always this cheerful and alive in Belize, 1min. Children celebrating as San Pedro Town Council works on making municipality child friendly.
Belize Bird Rescue: Last week we got to do one of the most rewarding releases ever, 1min. The two catfish pelicans (see post 19 Feb) were finally free of parasites, up to weight and raring to go. Their pouches will take time to heal completely, but they will certainly hold for fishing - unless it's another catfish of course...
Thanks to the Rawlings family for the assistance with the release, and our apologies for the wobbly video - it was a very windy day!