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Specials and Events

Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, LOVETV, PGTV, West Vision (Cayo) and CTV 3. Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, Rise and Shine Morning Show, and the Dickie Bradley Specials


The San Pedro Sun

Letter to the Editor: Why does the island's administration care so little about tourism?
Letters-to-the-EditorDear Editor: We were regulars since 2009; sometimes we visited twice a year, all together 12 times. We used to love this island - it was cozy, charming and there was a unique character. Our first year, we stayed at a hotel in/near town, then further South and a few times up North. Mostly we had visited just the 2 of us. Three times we also brought friends, and twice we vacationed with our kids. Finally we will quit. We saw it coming over years, the worsening situation how unsustainably the island was developing. But for some years, we were still somewhat hopeful that logic eventually would prevail. By now we have no hope. The years of "no rules, no regulations, no plan, no foresight, no vision" has smashed this originally so beautiful island to a new low in attractivity. For years, charm, coziness and local identity had been compromised on behalf of convenience, tastelessness and quick money. As a result, it took only a few short years from being voted "Island #1 in the World" to a ranking somewhere near the bottom. The tackiness of electronic billboards, the ugliness of the advertising sign bonanza all over the island, the loss of island identity due to high traffic in combination with often arrogant and unsafe driving, unsightly development, the complete absence of a zoning law (junk yard businesses are mixed into residential areas w/o regards for tranquility, beauty and tourism), the absence of a sustainable transportation/traffic plan, unregulated and dangerous boat traffic, lack of infrastructure to name just a few�"Viva to a cheaper version of Mexico but at higher prices!"

Letter to the Editor: Killing the Golden Goose
Dear Editor: For over 10 years we have had family vacations for 2 weeks over Easter and on different tropical islands. The traffic in your town and on your island's roads is the worst we have ever seen and experienced on an island. It was unsafe and not fitting for a family vacation. We have seen the reef and made the snorkeling tours. Nice. The conditions on land and roads are so bad that we would not think about a return. You are killing the Golden Goose.

Wolfe's Woofer: Shave And A Haircut
Charlie and I arrived in Chetumal, Mexico early on Friday. After we got our hotel room we started walking around looking for a place to have lunch. "You know, we might not find a restaurant serving lunch yet," Charlie said. "It's only eleven-fifteen." "We'll find a way to kill time," I said. "Look. Here's a barber shop with a sign in the window that says English Spoken Here. I could use a haircut." "I would like a haircut," I told one of the two barbers. "I wouldn't mind having a good old fashioned barber shop shave," Charlie said. "I can't shave myself with a straight razor but I like a good straight razor shave." As we sat in the barber chairs a very pretty woman came out of the back room. She wasn't just pretty. She was drop-dead gorgeous.

Police Report
On Wednesday, March 23rd at 6:15PM, acting on Special Branch information, a joint team of Special Branch and Criminal Investigation Branch personnel visited Tropic Air Cargo section located on Sea Star Street, San Pedro Town where a Hispanic male person was seen exiting the building holding a small yellow carton in his hands. Identified as 22-year-old Faustino Francisco Rodriguez, police conducted a search of the box that was sealed with transparent and duct tape. The search led to the discovery of a parcel wrapped in foil paper, containing a black plastic bag containing one kilogram (equivalent to 1000 Grams) of suspected Cannabis.
On Friday, March 25th at about 1AM police responded to a fight in front of a beach bar located on Pescador Drive in which 22-year-old Michael Mendez was detained and escorted to the San Pedro Town Police Station. A search was conducted on him, resulting in the discovery of three small transparent zip lock plastic bags containing 1.21 grams of Cocaine. Police have since charged Michael Anthony Mendez for the offence of Drug Trafficking.
On Friday, March 25th at 9:20PM, while police were conducting mobile patrol along the beach side in the Boca del Rio Area, they stopped and searched a 17-year-old Hispanic male person on a bicycle. The search yielded 1.02 grams of Cocaine and the minor was charged for Drug Trafficking and Possession of Controlled drugs.

Doctor Love: Attitude
Dear Doctor Love, I have been with my guy for four years now. We started dating when were in high school and were real serious from the start. We are getting married late this year. We like so many of the same things that everyone thinks we are very compatible. I would say so too but the truth is that we fight about everything in our lives. I am not talking about important things like wedding dates or jobs or jealousy. I am talking about everyday things like what we are having for dinner, who is going to drive when we go out. We fight about what to watch on TV. At first I didn't even notice it but it has been getting worse in the last year. It is not just him. It is me, too. We do not fight physically but we are constantly picking at each other. In the last few months it has been bothering me badly. I tried to talk to him about it but he doesn't even know what I'm talking about. He thinks this is normal. I'm not sure about that. Should we re-think this whole marriage thing? /s/ Attitude

Misc Belizean Sourcesmzz

ESTABLISHING A BUSINESS IN BELIZE: "START UP ESSENTIALS"
You have a passion, a hidden talent, do you know what it takes to turn that skill into a successful business? Attend this workshop if you are an entrepreneur, new business owner, innovator or a 'closet' business person. Prepare to be informed, motivated, and focused on your business plan for action. The workshop is FREE and information - PRICELESS! Who should attend? It's designed for individuals who are considering self-employment, or who may be at the beginning stages of starting a business. This introductory helps aspiring entrepreneurs assess their abilities to lead and manage a company; as well as, evaluate market and sales potential for their products/services. Start-up costs, financing options, and business planning are introduced, along with necessary steps to get started. Date of Workshop: April 07th, 2016 PRICE: ***FREE*** Location: BTEC Building, ITVet Compound, Belize City. Time: 9am - 12 noon.

Corozal Junior College (CJC) Debate Team gets first place
Let's cheer them to the finals. Congratulations to the Corozal Junior College (CJC) Debate Team!!! The sacrifices we make in life pay off. A very well deserved FIRST PLACE against Galen University in the "semi-final" round of competition!! Now, it's time to work and prepare harder for the big win in the final round of competition on April 15. Let's bring the National Championship home.

The Reporter

Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama'at offers skills-building and training courses
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama'at (AMJ) in Belize is offering five days of skill-building and training courses at their center in Belize City. Taught by four Canadian instructors, the purpose aim to train local people in skills of Cellphone repairs, basics of Microsoft Office, urban farming and resume writing. The courses are free of cost and will be held at 529 Buttonwood Bay Boulevard, commencing Monday April 4-8 between the hours of 4:30 and 6:30 in the evening. The courses are partly sponsored by Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports, Patrick Faber.

ACP Chester Williams holds family day for Jane Usher community
Assistant Commissioner of Police Chester Williams and the Jane Usher Neighborhood Watch group held a family day at the Jane Usher basketball court today, Sunday. The newly renovated court was completed in time for events including balloon toss, egg toss, watermelon eating competition, basketball games and football five a side matches between police teams and resident teams. The aim of the events, stated Sergeant Emery Carcamo, officer in charge of Community Policing at the Eastern Division police branch is to bring the community and police together in a family event. The police members who regularly patrol the streets in their community policing activities, stated that the importance of having informal events with the residents is that "it builds relationship; it builds that trust and we can get things done the proper way. The proper way is listening to the people instead of imposing the way people should live. The police privided drinks and food, and listened to the people's concerns, which according to Carcamo, include appeals for more activities between residents and the Policw Department and more renovations to facilities.

Former Minister of Belize narrowly escapes extortion in Mexico
A former government minister narrowly escaped extortion when he received an anonymous phone while he was staying at Fiesta Inn in Chetumal Mexico, this weekend. The article published in the Mexican newspaper, "Por Esto" states that the delinquents called the minister around 2:00 a.m. on Friday March 29, 2016, demanding a large amount of money. The minister, whose name is still not known, called the Mexican authorities to report the issue. Minutes after the call, two patrol vehicles containing approximately a dozen guards from the Mexican armed forces showed up at the hotel, heavily armed to protect the former minister. While the guards secured the hotel, officials met with the ex-functionary and investigated the call. Subsequently, the former minister left with the Mexican authorities to an undisclosed location until his return to Belize.

Breaking Belize NewsPJ

Belize boasts 2 of Central America's top 10 destinations
San Pedro, Belize is the number one tourist destination in all of Central America, according to Trip Advisor's latest compilation of its top 10 list. But one of Belize's other top tourism destinations, San Ignacio, also makes that top 10 list! "San Pedro is 'La Isla Bonita' that Madonna made famous," Trip Advisor says, adding that it's a tourist mecca that boasts great beaches and plenty of dive shops where visitors can enjoy the sun, sand, and sea. Trip Advisor also encourages tourists to plan a side trip to Caye Caulker while in Belize because although it is less developed and more laid back, it has its own splendid swimming areas. San Ignacio ranks at seventh on the list of top 10 destinations in Central America. According to Trip Advisor, San Ignacio is the kind of town that appeals to the tourist truly looking for a getaway. "It's true: parts of Belize are getting touristy. But San Ignacio remains rustic, making it a great base for budget-friendly tropical adventure travel," Trip Advisor says.

Blogs

150 Budget in 4 days
I decided to do something different this year and see just how much fun I could have over the Easter Holiday on a $150 bz budget and if I would have anything left over or would I break into my reserve stash. (knowing the bank machines would have long lines and run dry I took out extra just in case). Weekend fun: I will start at the end. As we got to my road, it was all blocked off and there was a band playing. Thankfully they did not end late. the night before it was rockin till 2:00 am in my neighborhood. I am pleased to say that at the various times I was out and about, I did not notice a crazy amount of garbage on the beach this weekend. We all know how it can get for holidays and I am sure there was a bit of clean up needed along the main strip and in Boca Del Rio by the end of the long weekend.

An Epic Mission in More Ways than One: Kite Surfing From Ambergris Caye to Placencia
Saturday, April 2nd, the plan was set. A group of kite surfers, kite boarders and wind surfers were going to leave Ambergris Caye and travel over 100 miles down the Belize coast. The exact route would depend on the winds but the plan was basically three legs. San Pedro to Belize City, Belize City to Dangriga, Dangriga to the point of the Placencia Peninsula. And then the winds changed. Saturday - they would die down quickly - a "cold" front was coming in. With a last minute scramble and all day phone calls and preparation, the crew bumped the ride up a day. The "Kite to the Point" left at about 6:30am on Friday April 1st - and the winds were looking great. The ride was inspired in memory of a young and popular San Pedrano, Jeffrey Eiley - who was shot just over 2 years ago. And his heartbroken family and friends are still waiting for justice.

Queso Fundido
Instructions Heat oil in a large saucepan. Add onion, scallions and garlic. Cook until tender but not browned. Add tomatoes and cook about 15 minutes over medium heat. Stir in chiles and cilantro. Add water. Add salt and pepper to taste. Set aside from heat. In another large saucepan, heat butter until melted; stir in flour until the mixture looks like applesauce. Saute over medium heat about 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Do not let flour burn. Add milk and cheeses, stirring until the cheese melts and the mixture thickens. Add the vegetable mixture to the cheese mixture and stir to blend. Place in a fondue pot (or crock pot) over a medium flame. Serve with chips.

Queso Fundido Del Grito
In a skillet, cook the chorizo until almost done, drain well. Add the poblano and onion and cook until tender. Completely remove pan from heat. Carefully add tequila. Return to heat and simmer, uncovered, for 15 to 20 seconds or until most of the tequila has dissipated. In a medium casserole or glass dish, stir the cheese with chorizo, peppers and onions. Bake uncovered about 10-15 minutes or until cheese is melted through and slightly golden brown on top. Sprinkle with tomato and cilantro. Serve with tortillas.

Grilled Corn Chorizo Sopes with Queso Fresco
For sopes: Place the masa corn flour in a bowl and add about � cup of water and mix with your hands for about 2 minutes. Make 3-inch rounds of the masa using the palm of your hands, pinching the perimeter of the rounds to create a little wall. The cooking process is divided into two parts: 1) pre-cook on pan without oil 2) fry crispy. After completing all of the sopes, heat a wide thick bottom saut� pan or comal (tortilla cooker) over medium heat for 5 minutes. Once hot, place the sope on pan or comal and cook for about 4-5 minutes. Begin to preheat another pan with 1 quart of canola oil to 375F. Fry the pre-cooked sopes a couple at a time in the 350F oil until golden brown. Once browned, carefully remove onto paper towels.

TripAdvisor selects Ambergris Caye and San Ignacio Town as Best Destinations to Visit in Central America
TripAdvisor, one of the most respected travel sites in the world has selected Ambergris Caye and San Ignacio Town as two top destinations for travelers to visit in Central America. Ambergris Caye was ranked as the #1 best destination to vacation while San Ignacio Town was rated #7 in the list. "San Pedro is "La Isla Bonita" that Madonna made famous. Now it's a tourist mecca, but still boasts great beaches and plenty of dive shops so you can enjoy the sun, sand, and sea. Plan a side trip to Caye Caulker while you're here; it is less developed and more laid back, and has its own splendid swimming areas," reads the description of Ambergris Caye on TripAdvisor's website. Meanwhile San Ignacio Town was described as follows: "It's true: parts of Belize are getting touristy. But San Ignacio remains rustic, making it a great base for budget-friendly tropical adventure travel. Canoe on the Macal River, or walk to the Mayan ruins at Cahal Pech (just be warned: it's uphill)." Other destinations in Central America that made it in the list include places in Honduras, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Panama and Costa Rica.

International Sourcesizz

Belize: Indian Connection
Interestingly, Belize is the only officially English speaking country in Latin America. Many may not even know that Belize too has a albeit small percentage of population that derives its roots from India (East India). I came across this 7 minute interesting documentary film directed by Dr Kumar Mahabir, an anthropologist and an academician at University of Trinidad and Tobago. According to this documentary titled: "Artifacts of East Indians in Belize" " East Indians in Belize comprise four percent (7,000 persons) of the population. Understandably, they have lost almost all of their traditional Indian culture. Interestingly, Indians in Belize are longing to rediscover and re-claim their Indian history, heritage and culture. They are looking towards Trinidad for inspiration, interaction, support and sustenance. Formally known as British Honduras, Belize is the only English-speaking country in Central America. Bordered by Mexico in the North and Guatemala in the West and South, it lies at the heart of the Caribbean Basin. Belize has giant Mayan pyramids and the world's second largest barrier reef. It has a m�lange of over ten different cultures which are concentrated in the six districts.

Belize City foto's & tips
In mijn streven om van alle landen waar ik ben geweest iets te laten zien, is vandaag Belize aan de beurt. Om eerlijk te zijn, ik was daar maar kort. Na ��n overnachting trokken we al weer verder - richting Mexico. Belize City is de grootste stad van Belize. Er wonen meer dan 60.000 mensen. Er zijn veel houten huizen en de stad kwam niet welvarend op me over. Britse houtvesters stichtten Belize Town in het midden van de 17e eeuw. De stad heeft de belangrijkste haven van Belize en is ook het financi�le en economisch centrum van het land. Belize City was tot 1970 de hoofdstad van het land. Maar de orkaan Hattie heeft de stad in 1961 voor een flink deel vernietigd. Daarom besloot de toenmalige regering van de Britse kroonkolonie de hoofdstad te verplaatsen van de kwetsbare kust naar een veiligere plek landinwaarts. Daar werd Belmopan gebouwd, dat in 1970 de hoofdstad van (toen nog) Brits-Honduras en later van Belize zou worden.

Party girl who bought Caribbean island paradise reveals why and how she realised her dream
I wasn't prepared for my �mother's death. Having fought cervical cancer the previous year, within three months of it returning she was dead, aged 69. While caring for her I �realised how short life is and that I needed to fulfil an urge I had for change. One day an ex-boyfriend �visited and we pulled together a plan to start a business in an idyllic location. He dropped out but I'd seen the future. I found out I could borrow money against the pub, added that to my inheritance from Mum and started hunting. I'd visited Belize and loved it, so googled properties and an uninhabited island popped up. Once you realise you could own a Caribbean Island, you can't look at anything else. I went for a viewing and on the boat there spotted a mother and baby dolphin - I don't believe in mystical stuff but could only take it as a good sign. The island had no �electricity or running water and just three dilapidated �buildings, but a new airport and �construction on the next island were positive signs. My offer of �150,000 was accepted. We arrived and it was �magical - an unspoilt view of coastal Belize, brilliant blue sea �teeming with corals and the clearest star-scapes. But the extent of work needed was scary.

Setting up your own tax haven shell company takes 10 minutes
One of the most important tools is a "shell company" - this is a company that exists only on paper and has no office and no employees. It's usually registered to the address of a company that provides a service setting up shell companies in a tax haven. For example, that's why this five-storey building in the Cayman Islands supposedly houses more than 12,000 corporations. You can buy one of these companies directly from an offshore service provider. Shell companies are legal. They only become criminal when they are used for criminal purposes - things like tax avoidance or money laundering. Unfortunately, they're used for criminal purposes quite a lot. This is because setting up a shell company doesn't require much identification and, in any case, customers are promised their identity won't be exposed. That's why the Panama Papers leak is such a big deal. The release of 11 million documents from the notoriously secretive Central American law firm Mossack Fonseca has exposed 12 current and former world leaders and 29 Forbes-listed billionaires.

Smuggling as social negotiation: pathways of Central American migrants in Mexico
The people of Central America who migrate and flee to Mexico, the United States or Canada include mixed migration flows and mixed populations. Along the routes one can find people who have been displaced, persecuted or expelled alongside vendors, temporary workers, and travelers. The majority of those who rely on this migration corridor are people from the northern triangle of Central America: El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. Although the mass exodus of people from these countries is not recent, reinforced border control is - especially at crossing points (formal and informal) along the Mexico-Guatemala and Mexico-Belize borders, as well as in the states of southeast Mexico. In recent years, the difficulty for migrants to travel through this south-north passage has increased, with Mexico becoming the main hunter of Central Americans without a regular migration status.

Videos

  • UnBelizable, 2.5min.

  • Belize Zoo - Jaguar Cage Experience 2016 Mar. 26, 1.5min. Jaguar cage experience with "Junior Buddy", Belize Zoo's famous Jaguar.

  • Trip to Belize, 6min. Trip to Belize: Long Caye, Half Moon Caye and Blue Hole Enjoy!

  • Cahal Pech 2 (Belize), 3min.

  • Belize Dive 2 08/05/15, 17min.

  • You Better Belize It, 4min. The Salveter's and friends took a week during spring break to explore all that Belize has to offer. It was good fun.

  • Belize Cave Tubing and the Gang!, 6min.

  • Belize 2014, 33min.