FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE
Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.
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
Oh noooo!!! No 3-peat Championship for our beloved San Pedro Tiger Sharks...
But ... congratulations to the SMART Belize City Hurricanes for winning the 2016 NEBL Championship! Final score 98-92!
Five A Side Football Tournament to conduct first round elimination
There is one more round of games to go, and the San Pedro High School and Island Citizen Sporting Club will be entering its second round on the Five a Side football tournament. The tournament continues delighting football fans, and excitement grows as only one set of games remains in the first round of the regular season.
The different matches played on Sunday, May 8th saw players competing in the Under 11, and Seniors category. The football action continues this weekend with games set for Sunday, May 15th at the Angel Nu�ez Auditorium starting at 11AM. Of the 17 teams that registered at the beginning of the tournament, only eight will advance to the second round.
The Five a Side finals will be dedicated to the late Melvin Almendarez, who was very active in the tournament and was coaching one of the teams in the Under- 11 category up till his untimely death.
Blue Water Grill and Phoenix donate funds for Camp Starfish
The Ambergris Caye Camp Star Fish was the recipient of the monthly donation program from Blue Water Grill (BWG) Restaurant for April 2016. Every month, BWG raises funds to support different organizations on the island and their sister business, The Phoenix, also contributes to the cause. For the month of April, customers from BWG donated $1,546, which they matched, while guests of The Phoenix donated $80, which they also matched. In total, the two businesses raised $3,252 and all proceeds went towards the two-week long summer camp held in San Pedro for children with special needs.
The camp is free of cost and children who attend get to participate in a number of activities throughout the day, receive a snack, meet new people, and make friends. Some of the activities of the camp include songs, dancing, arts and crafts, finger play, and movement. Camp Starfish also plans to host a couple of off-site trips within the community. To hold these activities, funds are needed, so donations like this are greatly appreciated.
Finn and Martini holds Mother's Day Lunch
For the second consecutive year, Findley Halliday hosted a Mother's Day Lunch dedicated to under privileged island mothers. The event took place shortly after midday, on Sunday, May 8th at Finn and Martini restaurant, where dozens of mothers were invited to enjoy a delicious three-course meal.
According to Halliday, this is one of the ways to give back to the community and he takes pleasure in doing such events during special occasions. The event is done to acknowledge special mothers who may not otherwise enjoy a proper Mother's Day with all the pampering they deserve. Halliday has been taking the challenge to identify those mothers who don't have the means to enjoy their special day and make them part of the celebration. He also extended invitations via recommendation. Anyone who knew of a deserving mother was asked to inform Halliday, who then extended an invitation to the person. The mothers who attended the event were very happy, and extremely grateful to Finn and Martini for the kind gesture.
Saga conducts educational presentation at NHSDA
In an effort to educate students on recently enforced laws regarding pets and proper animal care, Sandie Betz-Eisenberg, a representative from the San Pedro Saga Humane Society, visited the New Horizon Seventh-Day Adventist School (NHSDAS) on Thursday, May 5th. Saga isn't the only one that promotes kindness and prevents cruelty to animals. Before furthering the discussion, members from NHSDAS' Dog Club came forward and presented themselves to Eisenberg. The group, consisting of more than fifteen students, explained why they created the club.
Over a hundred students gathered at the school's chapel, ready to listen and learn. Accompanied by her son Spencer, and their foster dog "Lucas", Eisenberg elaborated on the newly enforced leash law.
SPTC upgrades road in San Pedrito
As development continues in San Pedro Town, so does the need for infrastructure and better roads. Recently, works on the entrance road to San Pedrito have been quite visible. While some believe the road was going to be paved, The San Pedro Town (SPTC) has clarified that it is only being filled. SPTC is fully financing the rehabilitation of the road. The idea to start upgrading the road in San Pedrito and other areas of the island came after speaking with Rommel Burgess, who is in charge of the construction of road in Northern Ambergris Caye. "This company finished the first phase of the road in the north part of the island, now they are waiting for the approval of the second phase. But while they wait, they have agreed to come and help us in fixing our streets in the town," said Guerrero. He added that this is a good example of team work and giving back to the community without expecting anything in return.
Ambergris Today
Social Scene - Career Day Creativity at San Pedro RC School
The kids at San Pedro Roman Catholic School really got into the career day spirit yesterday. Our Facebook newsfeed was bombarded with the cutest little kids dressed as grownups ever! It was remarkable to see how much effort the children, and of course their dedicated parents, put into their career day ensembles.
It's great to see we have so many youths being inspired by their loved ones in the community. Kahlen wants to be an electrical engineer one day in hopes that she will be "Daddy's Boss"!
We have pilots, scientists, and some excellent additions to the police force and fire department and even a future mayor! Our children are a great reminder and motivator to continue doing our best in whatever profession we have chosen, because they are looking up to us and aspiring to be like us.
Tropic Air Makes Airline History, Rated Safe
In a press release, Tropic Air says it has again successfully completed the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Standard Safety Assessment (ISSA), which is an internationally recognized evaluation of the safety practices and management of the airline. The assessment focuses on key areas within an airline such as flight and ground operations, maintenance, cargo, security and aeronautical safety. It promotes high industry benchmarks, and allows for expanded partnership opportunities with other airlines.
Tropic Air joined IATA's ISSA Registry in 2015, and was the second airline to be registered. It is also the first airline to complete the renewal assessment, which will now be valid for two years (until 7 May 2018).
Misc Belizean Sources
San Pedro Blood Drive Saturday, May 14
SBDC Workshop: Introduction to Development Financial Statement Workshop
Presented by:
Ms. Monique Usher. Post/Teaching Description:
Business Adviser, SBDCBelize, Beltraide. Location:
Beltraide Conference Room, 14 Orchid Garden Street, Belmopan.
Workshop Date:
May 19th, 2016.
Time: 9am to 4pm. This course is designed for individuals who need to understand basic accounting in order to interpret financial statements. It is ideal for individuals who are accountable for public funds but are not accounting experts!
Basic terminology and normal account balances are covered.
Please note: No computers are used in this course.
Residents Engagement Meeting
The Belize City House of Culture and Downtown Rejuvenation Project will be holding its Inaugural Residents Engagement Meeting on May 18th at 6:00 p.m. at the Belize City House of Culture for the residents in the Albert and Regents Streets Area of downtown. However, If other residents and businesses in the Albert Division (scope area of project) feel as though they are not being included, don't worry because there will be other meetings targeting other blocks in the Albert Division as you will see from the uploaded maps. The dates and times for the other meetings will be communicated via flyers in your area.
Empowering Belizeans with Excellence at Samuel Haynes Institute of Excellence and the Leigh Richardson Knowledge Center
Hundreds of Belizeans will now have even greater access to skills training and income generating programmes for self-empowerment and gainful employment at the newly built and fully furnished Leigh Richardson Knowledge Center on the South Side of Belize City. These programs will complement the ongoing after school and income generating programs already being offered at the Samuel Haynes Institute of Excellence facility. These programs include training for men, women and youth in cosmetology, information and communication technology, and driving. The Samuel Haynes Institute of Excellence has been offering instruction in computer literacy mathematics, reading, sewing, cake decorating and landscaping. The facility was built from funds provided by the Government of Belize through a loan from the Caribbean Development Bank under the Social Investment Fund Program and from a Grant from the Government of Japan. The total cost of construction was $716,960.64.
Road improvements in San Pedro: San Juan area and the street leading to Caribe�a Street
White mall material is being spread and rolled on the streets of the San Juan area and the street leading to Caribe�a Street.
This project is an effort to alleviate the traffic congestion in San Pedro Town which will become safer for all residents, tourists and especially the children.
Benque Art Classes
The Benque HoC is teaming up with Furman University to bring some art classes to Benque for the next 3 Saturdays in May. Still Life is tomorrow, and the lessons start at 2:00pm.
"Art Sessions every Saturday for the month of May starting on the 14th - Still Life Lessons at 2:00 p.m."
Consular Tip: Applying for a Visa
Visiting family in the U.S. this summer? As we enter our busy season, we encourage you to apply NOW. Do not wait!
Appointments are available on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings.
Mark your calendar for upcoming events by the San Pedro House of Culture (NICH).
11th Annual Reef Week Fair, History of Fishingr
Join us for the 11th Annual Reef Week Fair at the San Pedro House of Culture. The "History of the Fishing Industry of San Pedro" Exhibition will be on display.
Romantic Nite Under the Full Moon
The San Pedro House of Culutre (NICH) and the SP AIDS Commission invite you to a Romantic Nite Under the Full Moon. Local Musicians serenading with their romantic tunes and then giving way to the dancing music. Full Service Bar and Snack Booth Available. Tables and Chairs for those attending. The friendly members of the AIDS Commission will be your servers for the evening. All are invited for a nite of Good Music, Romantic Atmosphere and and overall Good Time. See you there
Channel 7
Back to Back Shootings On The Same Block!
Last night our headline was a 5:00 pm shooting on King Street at the corner with Far West Street. Well, by 9:00 last night, shots rang out again in the same area, this time about one block away, at the corner of Euphrates Avenue and Cairo Street. The victim this time was 25-year-old Mark Vernon. Police told us more about it today:...
ACP Chester Williams - OC, Eastern Division South:
"Yesterday evening shortly after 5pm, police were called to West Street, Belize City, where information was received of shots being fired. One, Aaron Garbutt was met suffering from gunshots wounds to the feet. He was transported to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital where he was treated and release for those injuries. The other shooting took place shortly before 9pm last night, when again police received information of shots being fired on Euphrates Avenue and upon responding, police met a male person known as Mark Vernon, suffering from gunshots wounds to the lower back. He was transported to the KHMH where he is currently admitted in a stable condition."
They Shot At Chester!
And the Commander of the Southside police happened to be driving nearby in his personal vehicle when the shots rang out. But Assistant C ommissioner Chester Williams didn't just call for backup, he sprang into pursuit - and a few minutes later, he was coming under fire. He told us what it was like:...
The narrative begins on Euphrates Avenue. Mark Vernon had just been shot and South Side Commander Chester Williams heard it on the police radio as he was driving near Vernon Street.
ACP Chester Williams - OC, Eastern Division South:
"As I make my way into Vernon Street, I heard a transmission on the police communication network to the effect that shots were being fired on Euphrates Avenue. The transmission also describe the vehicle that was involve in the shooting which is a black Mazda pickup truck super cab. So I applied my instincts and I said 'if the shooting happens on King Street, then more than likely the targets would have been people from the George Street area and the suspects would have been from either the Jane Usher Boulevard or the Faber's Road area or the Supal Street. And so I think about escapes routes where the vehicle involved would use to flee the scene. So I made my way into Magazine Road and onto Dolphin Street. Whilst on Dolphin Street reaching the intersection with Raccoon Street, I saw the black Mazda pickup resembling that described on the police communication network coming out of Raccoon from the direction of Euphrates Avenue onto Dolphin Street. So I went immediately behind the vehicle and upon getting closer to the vehicle, I notice that the vehicle began to pick up speed. So right away I said this must be the vehicle involved in the shooting."
Shootings Are Connected
The vehicle was intercepted near the corner of Central American Boulevard and Faber's Road and all men inside the vehicle have since been taken into custody pending charges. They are 44 year old Larry Wright of Jane Usher Boulevard, and the driver of the vehicle, 21 year old Justin Hyde of Curl Thompson Street and 23 year old Devon Sankey of Unity Street Belize City. 19 year old Zacaharia Knox of Faber's Road Extension was later apprehended. He also awaits charges for the attempted murder of ACP Williams.
Yesterday's shootings happened between a four hour span, and near to each other. Two different vehicles are reported to have been used to perpetrate the crimes, but police believe they are very much related.
ACP Chester Williams - OC, Eastern Division South:
"What is unique about the entire situation is that the expended shells found at the 5 O' clock scene is the same type found at the 9 O' clock scene and the same type found at the scene where I was shot at. So it appears from our investigation that they were also the ones involved in the earlier shootings and it's the same gun that they use in all 3 shootings. So we will be looking at ballistic evidence to see how we can tie the 3 scenes together and create a nexus between them and the scenes and then we will see how we proceed from there."
Gang Retaliations On the Upswing
Police are investigating all incidents and as a part of this investigation they are looking intently at gang elements as it is believed that these shootings were gang related. And even more, there is strong supposition that it might be a retaliatory shooting for murder of Keon "Gambis" Williams. His brother, Devon Sankey, after all was one of the persons found inside the black vehicle.
ACP Chester Williams - OC, Eastern Division South:
"Well there is an issue with the crowd from Supal Street, Jane Usher and Faber's Road, who seemingly had now join forces and attacking George Street and it would seem that it is a situation where in both cases they actually came into George Street area to these shootings. So we were monitoring them because we had received intelligence as to the different players involved and there is a another high profile person who will be taken to custody today, who we believe is one of the key players behind these recent spate of shootings and our investigation into this - it will continue and we are looking at charges of conspiracy and abetment to commit murders in respect to that high profile individual. The key figure that will be brought in today is a very important part of what is happening and he too needs to get the message that we are fully aware of what he is doing and we are fully aware of what he is sending people out here to do."
Teachers Rally Against Sarstoon S.I.
The BNTU is the most powerful union in the country, and so today the nation's focus was on the city where Teachers came to rally against the Sarstoon S.I. Now, this did happen on Teacher's Day - and it was a last minute substitution for a trip - so you can imagine that many of the nation's five to six thousand decided to take it as a day off, rather than take a stand against an S.I. that will be history in two weeks. But, still hundreds did choose to use the day to take a stand.
Our news team was out there from the start to the finish, and Daniel Ortiz has that story:
Hundreds of teachers, supporters, fellow union representatives, and politicians, from all over the country, took to the Principal Streets of Belize City for BNTU's demonstration.
This was all about the Sarstoon SI, which prevents persons from going to that southern river.
And as the Parade got closer to the BTL Park, it grew, and by the time it got to our camera on Swing Bridge, it took 6 minutes to pass.
The final destination was the BTL Park, and that's where the BNTU Branch Leaders and Guest Speakers, rained fire and brimstone on the Barrow Government for stopping the free movement civilians.
Is PUP Clutching At Coattails?
As you saw in our story, politicians from the PUP and the Belize Progressive Party showed up to the rally to lend their support to the teachers.
As we told you, the PUP has its own well publicized opposition to the S.I. - so, shouldn't Belize's oldest mass party be the one taking the lead in organizing events like today's one? That's what we asked Opposition Leader John Briceno:
Daniel Ortiz:
"The suggestion could be made that the party which is supposed to be able to mobilize people to lead national issues is simply riding the coattails of the unions when you all should be the leaders."
Hon. John Briceno, Leader of the Opposition:
"I will not concede that. We have been on the forefront on this matter. We are the ones that are challenging the government on this issue and it is a matter of taken it step by step. We are challenging the case, we are going to the Sarstoon, we are educating our people, we are still engaged with the government with this matter, so there is absolutely no case for you to say that we are conceding..."
Wil Warned About Sarstoon
For the past 2 nights, we've been showing you leaked videos which demonstrate in detail how the Guatemalan military in the Sarstoon, have been confronting the BDF patrols in the Sarstoon River.
The videos show clearly that the Guatemalans are exercising authority over the river and sticking by what they say is the mutually agreed protocol: any Belizean vessel going up that river has to check with them first. Now, the government of Belize is certain no such agreement was ever made, but right now, those are just words, the actions are playing out on the river.
And the Guatemalans have seized upon the airing of these videos to boast that they do control the river and that the Belizean military does, in fact, have to check in with them before it goes down the river.
The Guatemalan Newspaper, Prensa Libre, today reported that the Guatemalan Minister of Defence and Foreign Affairs have commented on the first video. That's the one where the Guatemalan soldiers demanded that the BDF, quote, "Respect the Protocol".
Reckless Driver Spared Custodial Sentence
Yesterday we told you how reckless driver Boyd Lopez pleaded down to the lesser charge of causing death by careless conduct. He had originally been charged with manslaughter by negligence for running over 70 year old retired teacher Marie Knowles.
Well today, Justice Adolph Lucas imposed a non custodial sentence, meaning the 20 year old won't go to jail. Lucas ordered him to pay a fine of $5,000, $1,000 of which has to be paid immediately, and the balance in a year's time, in default one year imprisonment.
Justice Lucas didn't order Lopez to pay any compensation to the Knowles family, because there is presently a civil suit case against him in court.
Missing Case File Causes Murder Charge To Go Through Door
"The case file is missing" - that's the news that greeted two alleged murderers in court today. With that Tarique Gillett and James Cacho were declared free of murder charges today in the Magistrate's Court.
Gillett and Cacho were jointly accused of killing Michael Welch and injuring his cousin Kingsley Morrison on March 1st 2015.
Welch and Morrison were hanging out on Periwinkle Street when they were ambushed by 2 gunmen. Morrison was shot to the upper right shoulder and managed to escape but Welch didn't survive.
After almost a year on remand, the pair was released.
Alleged New Year's Killer Gets Free For Want Of Witness
Today in court, 26 year old Akeem Humes, beat his second murder rap in the last 5 years.
This time it was what's known in court jargon as a "nol-le pros", meaning the prosecution gave up on the case. So, Humes who has been on remand for three years was free to go.
He had been accused of killing his neighbor Orlando Williams in January, 2013. Williams was gunned down as he stood in front of his home on East Canal. He received as many as 11 shots. It was an act of stunning violence, because Williams - a grown and working man with no gang involvement - was shot for no reason at all. In fact, the random but ruthless murder it appeared to be a retaliation against the state for detaining gang related men over the Christmas Holidays.
This morning in the Court room of Justice Adolph Lucas, Prosecutor in the case, Shanice Lovell informed the court of the nolle prose, but gave no reason. She did add that if their main witness had cooperated, the prosecution would have been able to proceed with the matter.
Jealous Man Slit His Wife's Throat, Man Pleads Down To Manslaughter
53 year old Ermit Bradley, a father of 4 charged with the murder of his wife, 54 year-old Nirba Bradley, pleaded guilty of the to the lesser charge of manslaughter today before Justice Denis Hanomansingh.
After consideration, Justice Hanomansingh sentenced Bradley to 15 years. But he's been waiting on remand for 8 years while he awaited his trial. Additionally, the judge subtracted 2 years from the sentence because he pleaded guilty and expressed remorse for his actions. That means that he will only have to serve 5 more years, which began counting back from April 21, last month.
The incident happened on July 4 of 2008 at Espat Poultry, which is located in Santa Elena Cayo. Nirba Bradley was working there at the time, and that's where Ermit Bradley went to visit her to question her about her brother's wedding. She reportedly told him that she would not be taking him as her date, and instead, she would be taking her boss. That's what is believed to have triggered Ermit Bradley's jealous rage. He pulled out a knife and slit her throat.
PUP Leader Chastises Government For Hard-Headed And Costly BTL Takeover
2 nights ago, we showed you our interview with Prime Minister Dean Barrow in which he conceded that the final cost of the BTL nationalization is "not cheap". The Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Netherlands has released a first draft of their review of the take-over. It calculates that the Government should pay about 250 million Belize dollars for The Ashcroft Alliance's 45 million shares in BTL, in addition to sums already paid.
That's a hefty price for the Belizean taxpayers, and when Opposition Leader John Brice�o was asked about it, he pointed fingers at the Prime Minister. Brice�o said that the Barrow Government mismanaged the nationalization simply because the Prime Minister was too proud to settle and pay compensation to the former owners earlier:
Hon. John Briceno, Leader of the Opposition:
"I am not surprised as to what has happened. We know that the Prime Minister was held over the barrel and he had no choice, but to accommodate the formers owners of BTL. It is something that we've been saying from the beginning; if you nationalize a company, you need to pay..."
Shootings Spike, But Crime Still Down
Earlier in the news we told you about the two south side city shootings. It happened only a couple blocks from each other and in the span of just about 4 hours. Fortunately there were no casualties, but it certainly is indicative of a further spike in gun violence. But not to ACP Williams. He says that despite the recent spate of city shootings, city crime is still down.
Dredge In Place But Mayor Non Committal
Yesterday we told you about the dredge that had appeared in the mouth of the Belize Harbour. This is after a dense buildup of siltation that has all but choked up the harbor mouth. Now, we know that the mayor says it will cost 2 million dollars to dredge out the harbor - so has someone decided to foot that bill? Well, no. But something is afoot - and when we asked the mayor about ti today - we almost got a straight answer.
Jules Vasquez:
"But there's a dredge in the water right now and that is operational so that means the problem is on the mend."
Darrell Bradley, Belize City Mayor:
"Of course, I think we are right at the precipice in terms of getting some activity done. Whether not it is something that could complete the entire project that remains to be seen but I think that this is something where we really need the leadership of the Central Government who has far deeper pockets than the municipality. If we don't have a flowing river, then we're going to have a much worse drainage situation because the river isn't functioning in the way that it should function. But I anticipate that if we were to get the full resources it won't be a project that would take very long."
KHMH PICU: ' Getting there ' with more equipment
It's been 8 months since the opening of KHMH's new Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. The unit has 2 sections: the PICU, which can hold over 8 children, and the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit which can treat about 23 babies. But right now there aren't any newborns in there. Sure, the unit seemed all decorated and ready at the October 2015 launch, but it is still not fully operational - there are still a few key finishing touches left to complete the unit. A part of that process is getting more equipment and today several pieces were handed over. It's part of the Japan Grant Assistance for Grassroots and Human Security Project. We stopped by to find out how this program has helped build and upgrade the new unit.
H.E. Masanori Nakano, Japanese Ambassador to Belize:
"I come to know that Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital had been in dire need to improve its facility; to enhance the responsiveness to a patient. We've decided to offer our assistance to the hospital almost 2 years ago."
Future of KHMH, Promising
Now while the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit is getting all the attention and fancy equipment, what about other sections of the hospital that urgently need major improvements? Well, KHMH CEO Dr. Adrian Coye told us that the same effort and investment they are putting into the unit - will also be put into the hospital. Coye explained that they are already working on renovating a few wards in the hospital and that more works are on the way.
Coye told us that the hospital should get a new paint job by the end of the year. They are also working on opening a new National Physiotherapy Unit among other projects.
Increase of Clinic Fees means better health care for everyone
But to be able to sustain all these renovations and health care upgrades, the hospital needs money and a significant part of those funds come from clinic fees. As we told you, the hospital's clinic fees have increased from about $15 to $25. That new cost went into effect on February 15th. CEO Coye further reiterated why this fee increase was necessary and how it is being used to improve health care services.
So, to repeat, the clinic fee is now $25 per visit. This only applies to elective or non -emergency cases.
Hope Through Hoops
Crime in the city - it's been all over the news tonight, from a spike in shootings, to court cases for gang related murder going "kaput".
But while it's easy to despair, there's also hope - in the form of a 16 week basketball tournament for the males of gang ridden neighborhoods. The initiative is spearheaded by the police department and sponsored by BTL. It started today at the Roger's Stadium - and the aim is simple, but also complex: to create peace through basketball:...
Southside Police will also have a family day for gang ridden neighborhoods on Sunday.
Channel 5
Teachers Rally Against Sarstoon Law
Teachers descended on the Old Capital today for a protest march against one of the most controversial and unpopular laws to be put in effect. The march started from the [...]
PUP Proceeds With Constitutional Challenge to Controversial SI
The People's United Party is moving full steam ahead with a constitutional challenge of the Sarstoon Law even though the temporary instrument expires on May twenty-ninth 2016 by the time [...]
Senator Courtenay Says SI is Unlawful and Counterproductive
Earlier this week the P.U.P. filed a claim against the attorney general and the governor general seeking a determination from the court to declare the Sarstoon Law unconstitutional. Senator Eamon [...]
BPP Proposes Bypassing the ICJ
Lending its unwavering support to the B.N.T.U. at today's rally was the Belize Progressive Party.� The B.P.P. is of the position that government has not relaxed the law and that [...]
Gunman Fires at Top Southside Cop
There was an attempt on the life of top cop, Chester Williams who has been strengthening community outreach with the police as a way of reducing crime and violence in [...]
Gang Related Shootings in the Old Capital Escalate
The man who fired at Assistant Commissioner of Police Chester Williams, Zacharia Knox, was picked up shortly after at a residence on Benbow Street. Police have also gotten a lucky [...]
ACP Williams Says Police Are Monitoring Gang Activity
So what's the reasoning behind the sudden spate of shootings? Apparently there is a revival of gang activity in a city which was surprisingly bloodless in 2015. Within the last [...]
Did Guatemalans Detain Mennonites Near El Pilar?
As we bring you the news tonight, Cayo Police are still trying to verify very disturbing reports at the farthest regions of their jurisdiction near the Guatemalan border. Unofficially, News [...]
PUP Leader Speaks on Half a Billion Arbitration Award
A final award on the acquisition of BTL shares by the Government of Belize is yet to be issued by the Permanent Court of Arbitration Tribunal based in the Netherlands.� [...]
Courtenay Says GOB Will Pay Millions in Interest
Government's procrastination in settling the claim, according to Senior Counsel Eamon Courtenay, has resulted in an exorbitant amount of interest to be paid outside of the principal cost of acquiring [...]
Humes Beats Second Murder Charge
Three murder cases fell apart in court today. We start with forty-five year old Orlando Williams who was the first murder victim at the start of the New Year in [...]
Duo Walks Free on Murder Charge - Case File Lost
A pair of men also walked free of the murder of Michael Welch and the attempted murder of Kingsley Morrison, who were both shot in the Saint Martin de Porres [...]
$5000 Fine for Fatal RTA
Twenty-year old Boyd Lopez is home tonight following his sentencing for the February eighteenth, 2015 traffic fatality that took the life of seventy year old Marie Knowles. Knowles was walking [...]
State of the Art Equipment for KHMH's PICU
The Pediatric and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of the K.H.M.H. has been with gifted with cutting edge equipment courtesy of the Government of Japan. The hospital's C.E.O., Doctor Adrian Coye [...]
When will dredging begin in the Belize City Harbor?
Silt has been accumulating at the Belize City Harbor specifically in front of the Bliss Institute for Creative Arts. But the big question on everyone's mind is when will dredging [...]
KHMH CEO Says Service Has Improved Dramatically
Earlier this year the K.H.M.H. introduced an increase in clinic fees from fifteen to twenty five dollars. And while some speculated that there would be a reduced number of patients [...]
Cops Promote Hoops for Community Policing
Fighting gang and criminal activities with basketball? That's what the police department is doing. Today they officially launched a sixteen week basketball programme in the Southside that will see members [...]
Guatemala government is upping the ante on the Sarstoon
And on more issue on the Sarstoon. A provocative article appeared today in Prensa Libre, the mouthpiece of the Guatemala government which is upping the ante on the Sarstoon. The [...]
HelpAge Belize Pays Tribute to an Icon
Jane Usher has led an extraordinary and exemplary life. Over the years she has touched so many lives through her involvement in community affairs, politics and the credit union movement. [...]
LOVE FM
Chester Shot At in High Speed Chase
There were two city shootings yesterday; the first taking place just after five o'clock in the evening on West Street. There were no fatalities as Assistant Commissioner of Police explained to the media this morning. The second shooting took place a few hours later at the junction of Euphrates Avenue and Cairo Street. This incident [�]
Top Cop - Not a Fan of Guns
Out of last night's high speed chase in Belize City, perhaps, the most alarming revelation was the fact that Assistant Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams was unarmed while pursuing the group of men suspected to be involved in a shooting, just minutes prior to the chase. Williams spoke to Love News explaining that he is [�]
ACP Chester Not Duly Compensated by GOB
Since his return to Belize from studying law in the Caribbean, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams has been making strides in the Belize Police Department and may even be raising the bar for other high ranking and up and coming officers. He has been promoted, he has been called to the Belize Bar Association, [�]
Opposition Leader Says Belizeans were Hoodwinked with the BTL Takeover
Belize stands to pay millions of dollars to Lord Michael Ashcroft following the nationalization of the Belize Telemedia Limited in 2009. The matter is before the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Netherlands and they recently concluded their review of the value of the shares that GOB would have to compensate the Ashcroft Alliance for. [�]
Senator Courtenay Speaks of Court Application Against Sarstoon Regulation
Former Foreign Minister Eamon Courtenay was at this morning's rally at BTL Park in support of the message of solidarity. Whilst there, we spoke with him on the recently filed application in the Belize courts regarding the Sarstoon regulation. Love News asked him how effective such an application will have considering that the SI will [�]
US Ambassador Says He Is Pro-ICJ on the Belize/Guat Issue
US Ambassador, Carlos Moreno says the involvement of an independent party appears to be the best way to resolve the Belize Guatemala dispute. Ambassador Moreno shared the position taken by his Government on the issue. As has been reported, the Guatemalan military has seemingly stepped up its aggression in the Sarstoon.
Ambassador Speaks on Refugee Issue
The issue of refugees in Belize has been in the headlines over the last week as some have questioned how the program is operating. Last week Prime Minister Dean Barrow and Minister of Immigration, Beverly Castillo said there are two programs that deal with refugees. Last night when we caught up with US Ambassador we [�]
Chamber of Commerce Weighs In on Boycotting Guat Products
The debate on the Belize Guatemala situation continues strong on social media. One of the main topics that has gotten a lot of feedback is the suggested boycott of Guatemalan products. A popular bar in Belize owned by a naturalized Belizean, was boycotted because of a post she made on social media using derogatory statements [�]
Advocate Group for Lesbians and Bi-Sexual Women Launched
The organization, PETAL- Promoting Empowerment through Awareness for Lesbian and Bisexual Women was launched last night at the Biltmore Hotel in Belize City. Coordinator of PETAL Simone Hill explains what the organization is about and its aim. In attendance were several high profile figures lending their support. Love News spoke with US Ambassador Carlos Moreno, [�]
PICU and NICU More Equipped
Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital added some equipment to their new Pediatric and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit this morning. A donation of one hundred and twenty thousand US dollars was donated to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital through the Special Envoy for Women and Children, Kim Simplis Barrow by the Government of Japan, through its Grassroots [�]