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


The San Pedro Sun

Government of Belize and United Nations sign United Nations Development Assistance Framework
The II United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) was signed by Hon. Wilfred Elrington, Belize's Attorney General and Minister of Foreign Affairs and United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator in Belize, Mr. Roberto Valent, at a brief ceremony in Belize City. The United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) 2013-2016 was developed through a consultative and collaborative effort of the United Nations System (UNS) in Belize, Government of Belize (GoB) institutions, Civil Society and Development Partners. The Belize UNDAF constitutes the framework of reference for the collaborative actions of the entire UN system in Belize and is anchored to the National Development vision and priorities of the Government of Belize as outlined in Horizon 2030, as well as in other national sector plans, policies and strategies.

Update on recent tourist deaths on Ambergris Caye
On Tuesday, April 3rd a snorkeling trip ended in tragedy when two tourists lost their lives while snorkeling at the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. As we reported on the incident in our article 'Two drown in snorkeling accident', several questions remained as to whether anyone was at fault and or in fact would be charged for the terrible incident. American national 54 year old Roger Burger and Italian national Zyihe Florencia both lost their lives that day due to the tragic events. Post mortems were conducted on the bodies on Wednesday April 4th at 1PM where the causes of death were listed as Asphyxia due to drowning. Canadian found dead in SP In regards to the death of 51 year old Jan Peter Sol, a Canadian National vacationing in the country, the case has been closed. According to San Pedro Police, Dr. Estradaban, Chief Pathologists ruled out any suspicion of foul play.

Past BTB Director Tracy Panton appointed CEO of Ministry of Tourism
Mrs. Tracy Panton has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Tourism and Culture. Mrs. Panton was a prominent figure in the Tourism Industry prior to this appointment having spent 12 years as the Director of the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) up until 2009. Now, three years later, she is back, taking the reins as the CEO in the Ministry of Tourism and Culture. In speaking of her appointment, Minister of Tourism and Culture, Manuel Heredia Jr commented, "Tracy has a wealth of experience in the industry. I personally had an extremely good relationship with Tracy when she was my director. I for one did not want her to resign but you know, I have a board and I respect my board and when they decided to release her, well I had to do so.

Saca Chispas Project awaiting National Assembly ratification
Since 2009, there have been several debates over the controversial Saca Chispas boardwalk and Water Taxi Terminal project proposed for the fishing dock lagoon side of San Pedro. The project has the full support of the Area Representative and Minister of Tourism Hon Manuel Heredia and several key stakeholders in the tourism industry. Just before the general elections in March 2012, it was announced that the project was scheduled to proceed in April. As it stands now, the project is awaiting ratification from the National Assembly before work starts.

Ambergris Today

Video Pick: Belize in Ellen's Global Dance Dare
Well, check this out! Ellen Degeneres of the Ellen talk show has this Global Dance Dares which has people dancing behind unsuspecting people in public. And guess what? There was an entry from Belize, but it was captioned as being in Guatemala. Too bad for the mistake because it is clear that Breanne was dancing at Central Park here in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye.

Belize Pursues 'Mundo Maya Games' Project
"The Mundo Maya Games Project is planned to be a series of sports that will be hosted in the five different countries simultaneously, giving all of us the ability to attract visitors interested in seeing the different sport events," said Gonzalez. "I think the meeting was quite successful and the President of the Mundo Maya Organization certainly likes the idea."

Misc Belizean Sources

BETEX Highlight pictures
The Belize Tourism Industry Association got some great pictures from the opening night of BETEX. Looks like they had quite a turnout, from businesses and customers.

"The Economic History of Belize" book launch
"The Economic History of Belize," written by Barbara and Victoria Bulmer- Thomas, had its launch yesterday to coincide with Book Week. Plus TV interviewed the president of the Belize Book Industry Association. Happy Book Week! "I believe it is an important book because it presents the economic history of Belize. We always hear about the history of Belize, but we never see an economic view of the history of Belize, which takes into account everything that has happened in the context of history and geography and I think that's why it is important. It presents the facts eloquently and in a simple way, so it is a book that is accessible to students and to the general public."

World Tapir Day at Belize Zoo
Everyone is invited to a magical event tomorrow at the Belize Zoo! Starting at 10:00am they will be celebrating World Tapir Day, and April the Tapi's birthday. It's her 29th, by the way. There will be games and eco-activities for kids, a special cultural performance by the Ugundani Dance Group, and Skydivers! There will also be a book launch: "Tambo the Tapir Tells His Tale." "In the early days of The Belize Zoo, scores of people were unfamiliar with the National Animal of Belize. And many people believed that they were dangerous animals. It was a common myth that the Central American tapir could 'skin a man alive with its flexible nose'�..April the tapir helped her species in a huge way by erasing this myth from our animal-perspective outlooks. She has met thousands of adults and children and has never skinned anyone alive with her flexible nose. If the old girl could talk, she would tell visitors that her flexible snout is used to pull leaves from trees in order to keep her big body happily filled up with greens."

Mega Bingo Results

Trapped Crocodiles to be Rescued
ACES needs donations to complete a wildlife sanctuary on Ambergris Caye to help wildlife in need like these trapped crocodiles. With such a facility in place ACES, would respond to all wildlife calls and see that the rescued animals are quickly and safely transported to the appropriate permitted facility on the mainland that can help them.

Pre-Agric Parties Dominate Belmopan
Happy Agric Weekend to everyone! There won't be a shortage of good times this weekend in Belmopan as virtually every club celebrates Agric weekend. La Cabana, the Wing Stop, the Junction, and E & L Sports Bar all have dances.

TAS Belize's Tell A Story Thursday episode 7
This week, Mervin Budram, the owner of TAS Belize, talks about why Tell A Story Thursday exists. He gives a great explanation. Here's to all the young entrepreneurs out there!

Feed the Children Fashion Show is Saturday
Danny Chung took some promo photos for Cornerstone Foundation's Feed the Children Fashion Show. They were taken at the San Ignacio Resort Hotel, and their Bedran Hall is where the show will be held. Great promo shots there, Danny!

A remarkable art exhibition to be opened in Belize: "The Fire's Rest"
The Embassy of Mexico invites the public to the opening of the contemporary art exhibition "The Fire's Rest" by Mexican artist Arturo Valencia, on Thursday, April 26th, at the Institute of Mexico in Belize City. This remarkable exhibition is the result of the plastic work produced by Arturo Valencia-Ruiz for the past three years. It will tour different countries of Latin America and the Caribbean in the upcoming months and Belize was chosen as the first country for this exhibition. Arturo Valencia's research is centered in exploring different raw materials within the painting tradition. For him, artistic materials intervene in communicating reflections or memories to the viewer in relation with vital aspects of the human being that in this proposal are represented by wood and iron.

BEL Statement Regarding BEWU Demonstration
Earlier today, approximately 30 employees of the Belize Energy Workers Union (BEWU) staged a public demonstration in front of the headquarters of Belize Electricity Limited (BEL). BEL advises that prior to this course of action, the BEWU Executive did not provide Management with any communication requesting a meeting aimed at discussing any concerns of the Union. Management was therefore unaware of what triggered the public demonstration. In a letter this morning, Management invited the Union Executives to a meeting to discuss their concerns instead of their planned course of action. Unfortunately, the President of the Union refused to accept the letter citing that he would do so after the demonstration.

Channel 7

PROFILE: Dr. Leroy Almendarez
Tonight's I am Belize profile is about Dr. Leroy Almendarez - a Stann Creek Valley boy who grew up with his grandmother after his parents abandoned him. He grew up poor - and went from relative to relative until he re-united with his parents as an 18 year old - and the first thing he had to do was find a way to forgive his mother for leaving him. Here's his story:..

Lovaboy In Town
Acclaimed Punta Rock performer LOVABOY is in Belize tonight. He's preparing to perform at the National Agricultural Show this weekend, but he's also promoting a new album - and today he told us about it:.. Lovaboy, artist "You already know that prince Lova is here and I am here on the Punta Mania tour." Monica Bodden "Tell us a little bit about the tour?" Lovaboy, artist "The tour will kick off about a couple weeks ago in Los Angeles and Chicago and now of course of Love Entertainment we are here to mash up the show grounds on the main stage." "The tour is to support my brand new album that I am holding in my hands. This tour is to support this project. I am very happy and excited." Monica Bodden "Tell us about the new album?" Lovaboy, artist "The name of the album is Punta Mania.

FUNERAL FOR THE BOSS OF "GEORGE STREET GAZA"
The funeral for Shelton Pinky Tillett was held this afternoon at St. John's Cathedral in Belize City. The news is that it went without incident - as with any other funeral, there was great sadness, but there was also palpable tension. But, again, nothing happened. The hearse was followed by a huge procession of George Street Loyalists, family and friends. They proceeded to Lord's Ridge Cemetery - where he was buried in a family plot - above his brother Dean Tillett who was killed in 2009.

TAYLOR'S ALLEY BOSS WILL BE CREMATED
And while the boss of George Street has been laid to rest, the city's other gang boss who was killed over the weekend - Arthur Young will be cremated. According to reports, that is the choice of his family - who has also decided against a wake and a public funeral. The date for his cremation is not known - but it is private. His post mortem was conducted yesterday - and according to police, he died from, quote, "the certified cause of death was Internal and external bleeding due to gunshot wounds to the chest."

NURSE REMANDED BECAUSE HER SON STASHED A GUN
Last night, we told you about Jermaine "Horse" Garnett's alleged shooter, Gion Bernard being taken to Magistrate's Court. Well, today, it's his family that went to court: they had the misfortune to occupy the family home where he stashed the gun allegedly used in the shooting. According to police, while investigating Bernard for attempted murder, they received information that his gun was located at his family's home at #34-B Castle Street. As a result, they searched the house yesterday at 11:35 a.m. and they discovered a chrome and black 9mm Sig Sauer Pistol along with five live rounds of .380 ammunition inside. Police say that Nurse Judith Rocke and her son, Michael Herrera Jr. were both present at the time of the search, and as a result, they were arrested and charged with keeping an unlicensed firearm and keeping unlicensed ammunition.

BEL UNION PROTESTS - WANTS GOV'T APPOINTED CEO TO RESIGN
Thirty BEL Employees took their lunch hour off today to protest against the company. Government took over in June of last year - but now, the Belize Energy Workers Union is saying CEO Jeffrey Locke has to go. We found out what's behind the push from the union - when we stopped in at the picket line:.. Jules Vasquez reporting 30 BEL workers including a good number of linemen walked the picket line through their lunch hour today in front of the company's corporate headquarters at mile one on the Northern Highway. There are many issues - in fact there is a six point list of demands - but the flashpoint issue is the termination of three linesmen - without due notice the Union says - and now they want them reinstated.

BEL SAYS WORKERS AREN'T LIVING UP TO THEIR COMMITMENTS
This afternoon - BEL's Corporate Secretary Dawn Sampson Nunez agreed to discuss the issues raised by the union. She says they have tried to enter into talks but they were rebuffed. Here's why she says BEL is not to blame:.. Dawn Sampson Nunez, BEL's Corporate Secretary "The employees that you saw out there today, I think there were approximately 30 or so members of the Belize Energy Workers Union - we do not discard any concerns that they have. At the end of the day it's a large company, we have approximately 270 or so employees. In a large organization like this, you are going to make decisions that some people are happy with and other employees are not happy with. That is expected." "What we expect though is that when we have differences - when we do not agree in relation to the operations we expect that proper procedures will be followed. We expect that we would be given an opportunity to properly address any concerns and I can tell you in this case that the union prior to the demonstration today and even now up to the time of this interview has not approach BEL; has not approach the management of this company to say can we sit and wait and address our concerns, these are our concerns, these are our issues, can we sit and meet with you to resolved the matters. We are very disappointed from our perspective."

SEARCH CONTINUES FOR MISSING FISHERMEN
The search at sea continues for the three missing fishermen of Sartaneja village. On last night's newscast we told you about 49 year old Silvero Tepaz, 50 year old Teobaldo Tepaz and 20 year old Mejadi Tepaz who went missing out at sea sometime over the weekend. The men were last heard from on Friday and were supposed to make their way to Belize City by Saturday midnight. Their vessel which is named Lucerito was spotted near the northwestern tip of Glovers Reef and was submerged in water. None of the fishermen has been found as yet. If you have any information, please call the nearest police station.

CAJUN COMMITTED NO CRIME
On November of 2010, it hit the headlines of all the media houses when 5 law enforcement officers were implicated in the landing of the Colombian drug plane which netted a massive bust of 5704 pounds of cocaine. Well, one officer who was not implicated in the landing of the plane, but named in a wider investigation, was acquitted late yesterday. Corporal Vidal Cahun was released from the charges of keeping an unlicensed firearm and unlicensed ammunition when his trial ended before the Stann Creek Magistrate, Edd P. Usher. Corporal Cahun was accused of carrying and using a 9mm pistol with 10 live rounds for which the police department did not give him a license. In his trial, the police officer who manages the firearms database at the police headquarters in Belmopan, testified for the prosecution saying that Cahun had no license for the pistol he was using.

GUATEMALAN LOGGERS IN AN ARCHAEOLOGICAL PARK
Yesterday, two illegal loggers were caught in the Caracol Archaeological Reserve. Security forces, park wardens from the Institute of Archaeology and Chiquibul National Park Rangers detained the pair. This came after weeks of hearing the sound of chainsaws around the vicinity of the Caracol - which is five miles inside Belize. The operation was conducted at night when several chainsaws were rattling away - by the time the security team arrived on location under the shadow of darkness, two men were apprehended and one escaped. They had a 33 inch Stihl chainsaw, measuring tape and machine oil. They gave their names as 19 year old Cruz Milian and 26 year old Miguel Angel Sandoval from the village of La Rejoya, Peten, Guatemala. Both were taken to the San Ignacio police station where they are expected to be charged for illegal entry, illegal logging and resisting arrest.

MAN ARRESTED FOR KILLING SAN MARTIN ARTIST
On Tuesday we told you about Luis Valladarez, a 23 year old painter who was killed in the San Martin Area over the weekend. He was with friends early Sunday morning when sources say he got into an argument with a group of men. As he left for home, they followed him with a machete and chopped him to the top of his head, the left side of his face and behind his neck. Police then detained Leonardo Sacareas- an alleged gang affiliate - who was arraigned in court, but it did not end there. Police HAVE ALSO arrested and charged Oscar Cuello, a 23 year old of San Martin Road for the murder of Luis Valladarez.

BETEX "BIGS UP" BELIZE
Turning now to some lighter news - the ninth annual Belize Tourism Expo opened today at the Princess Hotel and Casino. It's good news because, this year - tourism numbers are up sharply. Call it the Mayan Apocalypse bump, or purposeful marketing - but when we visited BETX 2012 today we found not too many reason to complain. Here's the report:.. Jim Scott - President BTIA "Are we ready? Buenos dias." Applause Jules Vasquez reporting And with that, BTEX 2012 was officially opened. If you don't know what BETEX is, don't feel left out most folks outside the industry don't and that's because it's an tourism trade show held in Belize for foreign buyers. Now there are trade shows like this all over the world - but BETEX is Belize's attempt to get a home court advantage: Jim Scott - President BTIA "We are home. Where better can you promote your product? Where better can you promote your culture and your destination than at home?"

PM AND WIFE DEPART FOR ONGOING CANCER TREATMENT
Prime Minister Dean Barrow is leaving the country on Sunday. The PM will be away for a week accompanying his wife Kim Simplis Barrow as she goes for another round of radiation therapy for breast cancer. Deputy Prime Minister Gaspar Vega will act in his absence.

BIG THINGS ON THE HORIZON FOR CAYO ROADS
This morning the Minister of Works signed a contract with CISCO Construction Ltd. for what's known as the Fourth Road Project in Cayo. This project is divided into four phases, and these include the upgrading of Loma Luz Boulevard; a massive new bridge crossing the Macal River, the construction of a new by-pass, and the rehabilitation of Joseph Andrews Drive. CISCO Construction Ltd was the successful bidder for this project, and at the signing today, John Woods enthused about the project. John Woods, CISCO Construction Ltd. "We are grateful to have won the contract. We are grateful to have won it by a large amount of money. We were quite a bit lower than anybody else. So we are saving the country money and we are grateful to be involved in this - putting people to work." "To be awarded this contract - our big deal in the 80s was to do the road between San Ignacio and the border and this will be our first return since then. The big thing about this job is that it's very labour intensive, so we should be able to put lot of people in the area to work." "That is gratifying because the money instead of going into fuel or equipment - goes into people's pocket so they can feed their kids and have a better life."

REMARKABLE ROWAN WILL WALK
Rowan Garel is only 13 years old, but he has already climbed Victoria Peak and now plans to walk across Belize. Those are difficult feats for anyone, but the most remarkable part for this standard six student's is that he has been blind from birth. The thirteen year old along with his father Joe is planning a 90 mile walk from Melchor to Belize City. The goal is to raise $90,000 for BCVI and summer camps for visually impaired children in Belize. It's not an easy road he's choosing to walk, but remarkable Rowan told us that once he puts his mind to it, he can do anything. Joe Garel, Father "We are trying to get some awareness for BCVI for the work that they do and at the same time raise some funds as Rowan mentioned they have lost quite a bit of funds over the last couple of years from agencies pulling out of the Caribbean and finding other places more in need than they think Belize is. We are trying to see if we can help fill that gap." Rowan Garel "My dad and I was just talking about things that we could do and he said how about a walk across Belize and I'm like ok, it's kind of interesting." "We want to set it up in such a way that we arrive in Belize City for the opening of summer camp. This is not something that only my dad and I will do, it's like anyone can join in and if you want you can pitch in a little donation because we really need the funds."

Channel 5

B.E.L. Union Protest firing of workers; C.E.O. must go
Signs that there is trouble between management and union members of the state owned Belize Electricity Limited, surfaced today. A representative number of members of the Belize Electricity Workers Union staged a protest at mid-day in front of the corporate offices of the utility company on the Northern Highway. The BEWU president read a list [...]

Dying man named suspects to his murder
Charges have been levied in connection with the murder of twenty-eight year old Luis Valladarez, which occurred in San Martin, Belmopan on Sunday. Valladarez was involved in an altercation with a group of men, who left the area but two of them returned with machetes and attacked him. He died from large chop wounds on [...]

Massive hunt for 3 missing fishermen
It is now five days since the family of three Sarteneja fishermen last heard from them. Forty-nine year old Silverio Tepaz, his brother fifty year old Teobaldo Tepaz and nephew twenty year old Mijari Tepaz left for a fishing trip on April twelfth and are now lost at sea. They had been contacting their families [...]

Arthur Young died from 3 accidental gunshots?
The funeral of Shelton "Pinky" Tillett took place this afternoon and in anticipation of any violence, police and B.D.F. are on full alert throughout the city and particularly in the George Street area. Meanwhile, the results of the post mortem on Taylor's Alley Gang leader, Arthur Young, who was believed to have killed Pinky, have [...]

New Roman Catholic Auxiliary Bishop
A new Roman Catholic Auxiliary Bishop will be ordained early next month. He is Father Christopher Glancy; originally from Illinois, U.S.A. Father Glancy moved to Belize in 1998 and has done significant work with the Catholic Mission in Corozal. His appointment was announced by the Vatican in February while he was away in Chicago. But [...]

Justice Samuel Awich elevated to Appeals Court
No formal announcement has been made, as is usual in the circumstances, in respect of the elevation of Justice Samuel Awich to the Court of Appeal. But from what we gather, Awich's appointment was formalized this past Tuesday. His new contract is for a two year period. The previous contract as a Supreme Court Judge [...]

Millions of dollars in illegal extractions at Caracol
Two Guatemalans will be facing charges of illegal entry into the country and into a national park, illegal logging and resisting arrest. On Wednesday, a special patrol conducted in the Caracol Archaeological Reserve, discovered the two men conducting illegal logging operations. According to a press release from the Friends for Conservation and Development, in recent [...]

Gunman's mother busted for Firearm
South Side gangster, thirty year old Jermaine "Horse" Garnett Senior was shot on the left shoulder shortly before five o’clock on Tuesday evening. Within an hour, the suspected gunman, twenty-seven year old Gion "Gizmo" Bernard, was in police custody. He was charged on Wednesday for the Attempted Murder of Garnett, but he is also facing [...]

Police Corporal Vidal Cajun vindicated of weapon's charge
Police Corporal, Vidal Cajun, who was charged for keeping an unlicensed firearm and ammunition in November 2010, was acquitted in the Stann Creek Magistrate's Court late Wednesday evening. Cajun was attached to the Independence Police Station down south when he was arrested for a nine millimeter pistol and ten rounds of ammunition that the Police [...]

BETEX; Big Tourism Show of the Year
The Belize Tourism Industry Association is staging its biggest show for the year, hoping to grow tourism numbers. The event has attracted international travel agents and writers, who attended a marketplace day at the Princess Hotel today. New and established tourism stakeholders are taking the opportunity to network and promote the Belizean product. News Five's [...]

PM joins wife in US for medical treatment
The Office of the Prime Minister announced today that PM Dean Barrow will be away for a week beginning this coming Sunday. He returns on May sixth from Miami where his wife, Kim Simpliss Barrow, will be receiving further treatment for breast cancer. While he is away, the DPM Gaspar Vega will act as prime [...]

Her ex, a cop, won’t stop harassing her
A Belize City mother came to us in December 2011, desperately seeking assistance because her ex-boyfriend, a senior police officer, had been harassing her since they broke up. Following that story, a restraining order granted to Crystal Allen was amended from two feet to a hundred feet of protection. But she claims that hasn't stopped [...]

Channel 5 to air fashion show featuring a Belizean
Mission Catwalk; it's the fashion designer reality series that is taking the Caribbean by storm. Designers from the islands of Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago, Jamaica, Belize and Guyana are competing for the opportunity to show at London Fashion Week 2012 and other prizes worth three million Jamaican dollars or some seventy thousand Belize dollars. Since [...]

Free music for all, free food and clothes for homeless
Society has placed emphasis on the gang warfare, but the situation of the homeless has taken a back seat. One local musician has made the cause of the homeless his own. Reality Youth is known for his whiplashing dancehall lyrics that chastise residents from the biblical Sodom and Gomorrah to Belize City. This time around, [...]

Healthy Living examines liver diseases
Poor lifestyle choices are continuously wreaking havoc on our bodies. Whether it is uncontrolled diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity or your vice is excessive alcohol drinking, your body may not show the outward effects immediately. Fatty Liver disease is one effect of these poor choices. It is an asymptomatic condition that can be reversed; however, if [...]

Cop questioned about gang slaying
There is a major development to report tonight on the murder of Peter "Jam Boy" Flowers that occurred on Caesar Ridge Road on Saturday afternoon. And that is that a police officer is under question but his name will not be released because he has not been charged with the crime. The officer is suspected [...]

Video shows suspect tried to shoot SSG but gun failed
As we reported on Tuesday, Jermaine "Horse" Garnett, a South Side Gangster, was shot on Freetown Road on Tuesday afternoon. One bullet found its mark on Garnett who was in a Landcruiser near the Freetown Drugstore waiting for his wife who was inside the drug store. A suspect was charged this afternoon. News Five's Jose [...]

Hattieville villager's 4 counts including murder
And in respect of a previous murder, a Hattieville resident is facing four criminal charges for allegedly killing a fellow villager and injuring a ten year old boy. The suspect is twenty-two year old Allan Sommerville, who was charged late Tuesday evening for the Murder of thirty-two year old Eleno Reque�a as well as Attempted [...]

3 Sarteneja Fishermen lost at Sea
Three Corozal fishermen have been missing for four days and their family now fears the worst. According to relatives, forty-nine year old Silverio Tepaz, fifty year old Teobaldo Tepaz and twenty year old Mejadi Tepaz left Sarteneja Village by road on April twelfth and headed to Mango Creek where their boat was moored. They went [...]

Guatemalan Claim discussed in Washington
With national elections now behind in both Belize and Guatemala, the first round of discussions on a timeline for a referendum in respect of the territorial dispute will take place later this week. Minister of Foreign Affairs Wilfred Elrington earlier today departed for Washington where a ministerial meeting will take place with Guatemalan Foreign Minister [...]

Plans for new City Centre is also dilapidated
The Belize City Center was decommissioned by the National Sports Council in August 2010 because of its dilapidating condition. Years of deterioration caused the facility's structural integrity to be compromised. Following the closure, Prime Minister Dean Barrow, upon his return from an official visit to Mexico in November 2011, announced that President Felipe Calderon had [...]

The cost of housing inmates at the Central Prison
With the number of unsolved crimes, you'd be surprised by the population of the Belize Central Prison, which is run by the Kolbe Foundation. On this week's Dickie Bradley Special, Kolbe C.E.O. John Woods and the Superintendent of the Prison Taheera Ahmad, appeared as guests. They discussed a number of issues on the handling of [...]

Dangriga resident needs life saving medical treatment
A young man in Dangriga Town has been suffering from a huge tumor for almost four years and he desperately needs help to seek medical attention abroad. Diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer, Joselyn Paulino has been unable to walk in recent months. The family has exhausted a number of avenues and unable to [...]

Found Art; fantastic creations at the Mexican Institute
A Mexican artist is staging an exhibition in Belize as part of an international tour. He uses ordinary and sometimes discarded material such as wood and iron to stimulate reflection of everyday life. It took years for Arturo Valencia to put together the display and it is occupying the entire Mexican Institute. News Five's Jose [...]

Economic History of Belize; From 17th Century to Post-Independence
As part of book week activities, an important piece of literature was launched today. It's "The Economic History of Belize; From the Seventeenth Century to Post-Independence" authored by Victor and Barbara Bulmer-Thomas. The book takes an in dept look at Belize's economical development over three and half centuries and offers and understanding of the failures [...]

Who will win $10,000 and title of KTV Latino Champ?
The final round of competition in KTV Latino season three was held on Tuesday night at the Bliss. Four finalists took the stage for one last chance to prove that they are worthy of the title of KTV Latino Champion, the ten thousand dollar grand prize and the bragging rights of the top Latino singer [...]

LOVE FM

Thursday, April 26 - POLICE NEWS
Two people have been arrested on firearms charges. They are Michael Herrera Junior and Judith Roche. According to police reports, authorities conducted a search of a home at number 34-B Castle Street in Belize City, which led to the discovery of a nine millimeter pistol and...

WALK FOR A GREEN BELIZE HELD
This past Saturday the Belize Audubon Society held its fourth annual walk for a green Belize as a part of the celebrations of Earth Day. Dirk Francisco - Publicity Coordinator Belize Audubon Society "The cleanup campaign began at six o'clock a.m. and had ...

BELIZEAN ARTIST, LOVA BOY LAUNCHES NEW ALBUM IN BELIZE THIS WEEKEND
Belizean Punta Sensation Lova Boy is in the country and he arrives with a new clothing line and a new album after embarking in his new tour which has presented in Los Angeles and Chicago. His plane touched down at around 10:30 this morning at the Phillip Goldson International Air...

TEACHERS' WORKSHOP ENDS FRIDAY
The Ministry of Education is about to wrap up a seven month training for teachers in an effort to dispel the negative attitude towards Math and to help them deliver better in the classroom. The teachers hail from 12 primary schools in the Belize District and their engagement toda...

BETEX 2012 UNDERWAY
The Belize Tourism Expo is being held in the King's Room of the Princess Hotel. This exposition that occurs every two years is looking to garner a bigger flow of tourists with its Maya 2012 theme. This morning Minister of Tourism and Culture, Manuel Heredia and Presid...

BELIZE ENERGY WORKERS UNION HOLDS PROTEST
Members of the Belize Workers Union today participated in a demonstration in front of BEL's headquarters. Reporter Marion Ali reporting� "The unrelenting midday sun did not hinder members from the Belize Energy Workers Union from protesting t...

CTV3

The Hunt For Ivan Tun Continues
Tonight Ivan Tun, a resident from the Corozal District, wanted for the murder of 17 year old Aiden Perez, is still on the run and police are nowhere close to capturing him. When we spoke to Corozal Police today we were informed that the manhunt for Tun, who is considered armed and dangerous, continues. It is believed that Tun could be hiding somewhere in the Village of Santa Clara or in San Pedro Town. On Tuesday night Aiden Perez, his cousin Kareem Jones and a group of friends were hanging out at the residence of one Raymond Jones located on Mahogany Street in the Halls Layout Area of Corozal Town when an argument ensued between Kareem Jones and one Sergio Tun who was in the company of a group of young men. Reports are that the argument escalated into a fight between both groups. Witnesses told CTV3 News that during the fight rocks were used as missiles damaging a neighbor's vehicle.

The Story Of A Man Battling With Cancer
On April 9th we brought you the story of four year old Luis Ramos Cal and five year old Yoselin Motino- two little brave cancer patients who were diagnosed with leukemia at the ages of one and four respectively. On April 23rd hundreds of Orange Walkenos showed their support for Cal, Motino and other cancer patients by participating in the 4th annual cancer walk organized by the Orange Walk Cancer Support Group. Tonight we bring you the story of Bernaldino Cabrera who was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer called Synovial Sarcoma in his right leg back in December 2010. His leg was amputated nine months after but worst news hit Cabrera when he found out that the cancer had spread to his lungs. Here is his story. Hipolito Novelo-Reporting Forty year old Bernaldino Cabrera has been battling cancer for the past two years. In 2008 Cabrera begun experiencing pain in his right leg but thought nothing of it. But when the pain got stronger and the pain killers got weaker, Cabrera sought medical treatment. In December 2010, he was officially diagnosed with synovial sarcoma.

Three Fishermen From Sarteneja Village Lost At Sea, Family Fears The Worst
Tonight three fishermen from the Village of Sarteneja in the Corozal District are lost at sea and their family are expecting the worst but hoping for the best. Fifty nine year old Sylverio Tepaz along with Tiobaldo Tepaz and Mijari Tepaz left home on April 12th to Mango Creek where they boarded their boat and headed out to Southern Belize for fishing. Because the conch season closed earlier this year, the three fishermen were expected back on Saturday night. Today we spoke via phone to one of the men's relatives, Gloria Cruz, who told us that the last time they heard from the three men was on Friday afternoon when Sylverio called her and told her that the trio was on their way back home. Gloria Cruz, Relative "Ellos salieron de Sarteneja el 12 de abril despu�s del Easter holiday. Ellos viajaron a Mango Creek y allí tomaron su bote y entonces ellos venían trabajando todo el sur. Mi cu�ado con su esposa que es mi hermana recibió un mensaje el viernes en la noche dici�ndole que iba a legue a Belice el s�bado porque le dijeron que iba a cerrar la fecha de caracol el lunes así que �l se apresuro para legar a Belice y s�bado mi hermana no pudo conseguir comunicación con el todo el s�bado. El domingo tampoco y dijimos que vamos a darles un tiempo cómo dijeron que el lunes van a cerrar la cosecha dijimos que ellos �l lo m�s tarde que van a legar Belice pero no sucedió así entonces dijimos que ya est� m�s serio la cosa porque dijimos esto no es nada bueno."

Alicia Martin A Perfect Candidate For The Unsung Hero Award
The First Caribbean International Bank began piloting their Unsung Heroes Program in 2003 from which they paved a new road for the recognition of outstanding people who do exceptional work in their communities. The public, who is in charge of nominating the individuals, are given the opportunity to shed some light on deserving community members who pledge their lives on the happiness of others. While there are many well known community activists and voluntary workers in Orange Walk Town there are many others who are unspoken of. Here at CTV3 News we decided to market these phenomenal characters as proposed nominees for the Unsung Heroes Program. Janine Ayuso- Reporting Alicia Martin, Coordinator of the House of Mercy is a voluntary worker who extends her work of good deeds wherever possible. Her inspiration is derived from well known Irish nun Catherine McCauley, who is renowned for putting others needs before her own. Following this same path, Martin has devoted her time and efforts, for the past 15 years, to the benefit of the less fortunate.

Converting Your Trash Into Treasure
The Banquitas House of Culture here in Orange Walk has been actively hosting workshops since the start of the year. This Friday the house of culture in partnership with JICA, the Japanese International Cooperation Agency will be hosting a Trash to Treasure Workshop. The name of the workshop says it all- participants will learn how to transform their trash into treasure. Sounds interesting right? Well it should be because the workshop will be conducted by JICA volunteer Fukutaro Furusawa who has worked closely with the House of culture in numerous workshops. If you are interested in participating in the workshop then here are the utensils that you will need to take along. Cindy Rivera, Assistant Coordinator BHOC "The trash to treasure it is a project that we are working together with a volunteer from JICA and so we are working together with this project whereby we are going to be making greeting cards and book marks out of recycle paper and he will be teaching us the process how to make recycle paper out of newspaper and all those items and with the end product we will be doing this lovely bookmarks and greeting cards."

2011/2012 Crop Season On The Right Track
The 2011/2012 crop season is in its 22nd week and so far 42, 030.06 tons of cane has been milled producing a total of 86,764.61 tons of sugar. Sounds good right? Well, it is good news because according to Factory Manager of the Belize Sugar Industries Limited, John Gillett, the 2011/2012 crop season is on the right track. Janine Ayuso- Reporting Sugar accounts for 60% of Belize's agricultural export and is considered the backbone of the Belizean economy. The product is produced by the Belize Sugar Industries Ltd which is supplied with sugar cane by more than 4000 farmers. Since the beginning of this year's crop season we have been following the progress of the industry which from all accounts is on the right track. John Gillett, BSI Factory Manager "This week we had a fairly reasonable week it was a cleaning week where we milled 42 thousand tons of cane and today's position as of this morning is 820,000 tons of cane producing 86,700 tons of sugar." The quality of the sugar cane is the most important factor when it comes to sugar production. So far there has been good news on the quality of juice purity but there has been a downside on the brix of the first expressed juice, according to BSI Factory Manager John Gillett.

Marketing Belizean Soy Sauce
Over the past two years soy sauce production in the north has been a growing progress. It all started with a partnership between the Ministry of Agriculture Central Farm Agro Processing Unit and the Taiwan's Agricultural Mission. The production of soy sauce has now grown into a woman run project in the north that consists of 8 groups in the Orange Walk District and 10 groups in the Corozal District. The food processing project has come a long way since it first began and the Belizean soy sauce is now a bottled product with the appetizing taste to compliment any dish. Winzie Baeza, Chairperson "Well yes you see the soy sauce is a lengthy process so that in the meanwhile the ladies don't get bored and frustrated waiting for the soy sauce to mature we decided to ask the ministry and other entities to assist us in other trainings. So we have taken trainings in technical and practical as well."

LOVE TV

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Belize signs agreements with UN agencies
This morning the signing of the Second United Nations Development Assistance framework for Belize took place at the Radisson Fort George Hotel. The first signing took place in July of 2006. The UNDAF which seeks to provide funding and programs for United Nations resident agencies was signed by Attorney General and Minister of Foreign Affairs Wilfred Elrington and United Nations Resident Coordinator in the United Nations Development Program representative to Belize Roberto Gariele Valent. During his remarks Elrington said Cabinet perused the second UNDAF, approved its contents without reservations and gave its unanimous consent for him to sign it. United Nations Resident Coordinator, Roberto Gariele Valent said during his remarks that there will be an investment of thirty four point six million dollars in the UNDAF which is almost triple the indicative figure of the last one which was twelve point four million. He said this is done in the context of an economic crisis that may loom for the next three years. He also spoke about the areas to be covered by this UNDAF. The United Nations heads of agencies, including PAHO, UNFPA and UNICEF also signed the agreement.

New ambassadors present credentials
Two new ambassadors have presented their credentials to Governor General Sir Colville Young in Belmopan. They are George B. Reyes, representing the Philippines and Abderrahman Leibek representing Morocco. The presentation of their credentials on Monday at Belize House, both ambassadors expressed their desire to consolidate their countries diplomatic and cultural ties with Belize. In response, the Governor General assured both ambassadors of Belize's warm welcome and pledge of cooperation for enhanced cultural, diplomatic and political ties.

GOB to upgrade Loma Luz Boulevard
The Government of Belize has secured a loan from the Caribbean Development Bank for the fourth road project to be implemented in the Cayo District. The project is divided into four phases, the upgrading of Loma Luz Boulevard, a new bridge crossing the Macal River, the construction of a new high embankment by-pass and the rehabilitation of Joseph Andrews Drive to the point where it re-connects with the Western Highway. The signing of the construction contract will take place on Thursday. Minister of Works Rene Montero will sign along with the successful bidder Cisco Construction Ltd. The first phase of the project involves the upgrading of Loma Luz Boulevard for one mile to its intersection with Trapiche Road. Work is expected to begin immediately.

Governor General hands out musical instruments
The students of Paraiso Government School in the Corozal District were today the recipients of a donation of musical instruments from the Governor General. Correspondent Arturo Cantun has the details.

Police nab alleged Freetown Road shooter
Police have detained a man in connection with Tuesday evening's shooting of thirty year old Jermaine Garnett, also known as "Horse". Garnett, who was driving a white Toyota Land Cruiser, had stopped in front of the Freetown Drug Store, while his female passenger went inside to make a purchase. The wait lasted for several minutes and this gave Garnett's shooter enough time to pounce. And just before five he did, riding right up beside the vehicle and aiming at Garnett. The gunman fired one shot, after which Garnett is said to have pushed him out of the way to flee. The bullet hit him under the left armpit and the camera picks up the image from this point, with the gunman, riding past the Land Cruiser after he shoots Garnett and Garnett flees to the rear of the vehicle, never running in the direction of the camera. The gunman, dressed in a clear T-shirt, white shorts and white cap, stops momentarily, leans over and fidgets with his hands, perhaps rubbing of the gunpowder, before continuing along Freetown Road towards Barrack Road. Garnett was released from the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital today, after the bullet missed vital organs and arteries. His family declined to comment on the incident. But the proprietor of the Freetown Drug Store, Raul Acevedo, told Love News on Tuesday evening that he is concerned because the shooting could have left him or any of his family members wounded. Today, 27-year-old Gian Bernard, who lives on Castle Street, was charged with the Attempted Murder of Garnett. In addition, Bernard was charged with Wounding and Use of Deadly Means of Harm. No plea was taken because the offences are indictable. Neither could the court offer him bail because of the nature of the offences. Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser remanded him into custody until June eighth.

Reports of passenger bus hold up
It has not made it to the daily police bulletin; but reports reaching the RSV Media Centre suggest that there was an armed hold up of a passenger bus on Monday morning on the Northern Highway. Sources tell Love News that the bus was held up at the Burrel Boom junction on the Northern Highway early on Monday morning as the bus was heading to Belize City. The robbers, who we are told numbered four, reportedly robbed the passengers, including students of their valuables before escaping into the nearby bushes. As we said, the police have not issued any official report of the incident; but we hasten to add, that it could be that no official report has been made to the authorities. Love News will continue to follow this story and bring you more details as they become available.

Sarteneja fishermen missing at sea
The search is underway for three fishermen from Sarteneja Village, Corozal, who have been missing since Saturday. According to Silvano Cob, his brother and brother-in-law, Silverio and Teobaldo Tepaz, and his nephew, Mijari Tepaz, were supposed to arrive in Sarteneja from Turneffe Atolls from Saturday, but have still not shown up. The Cob and Tepaz families of Sarteneja have grown worried because their loved ones are experienced anglers and have never been in this type of situation before. This is why Silvano Cob is looking to you, the general public, to alert someone if you or someone you knows, have seen the men or know where they are. If you know of the whereabouts of the three missing fishermen or have spotted them, you can reach their family at telephone numbers: 600-6286 or 601-2821.

Baby Daniel back home in San Pedro
He has been out of the headlines for months now. But today, Baby Daniel's transformation into a healthy boy is a testament to the collective goodwill of an entire nation. Love TV's Maria Novelo reports.

PlusTV

Dirt residue found inside bottle of Fanta
It's never a pleasant feeling to find something foreign in your drink and tonight we have such a report. Plus TV ha...

BEWU workers stage demonstration outside BEL headquarters
Earlier today, approximately 30 employees of the Belize Energy Workers Union (BEWU) staged a public demonstration i...

UB Wellness Fair highlights cancer awareness
The University of Belize held its annual wellness fair today at its Belmopan Central Campus. Each year the universi...

Audubon Society springs Earth Day clean-up campaign
Earth Day is commemorated annually around the world on April 22nd with the objective of continuing to build environ...

Contract Signing for Fourth Road Project
The Government of Belize has secured a Loan from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) for the Fourth Road Project t...

Gun used in shooting found at suspect's home
Police conducted a search at Gion Bernard's home, #34-B Castle Street, yesterday morning (April 25). When they sear...

Man apparently commits suicide after receiving phone call
A strange scenario unfolded in the village of San Joaquin after a phone call. On April 25, Police visited a scene a...

Corozal men missing after fishing trip
A family is still waiting for their loves one to return from a fishing trip. Joaquina Tepaz, of Sarteneja Village i...

Arthur Young autopsy report revealed
Normally we don't report on post mortem examinations but we thought this one was important. On April 25 Dr. Mario E...

$14,000 boat goes missing from dock
Abel Guerrero a 74year old, Fisherman of San Pedro Town reported that on 24th April, at 5:00pm he left his 21feet w......

The Guardian

National Security Minister deploys Additional Troops to Belize City
Hon. John Saldivar, Minister of National Security, held a press conference at the Belize Biltmore Plaza on Monday, April 23, after an extremely wild weekend in Belize City. The violent weekend started with a shootout between affiliates of the George Street and Taylor's Alley Gangs on Orange Street. Orlando Reyes, Kevin Peters and Kent Henderson were shot in the exchange. Peters and Henderson did not receive life-threatening injuries however, Reyes was shot in the middle of his chest and attempted to run to safety. He made it all the way to Mike's Club on Regent Street West before he collapsed and eventually succumbed to his injuries.

Security Forces increase Operations in Belize City
The Ministry of National Security informs the Public of the details of their planned operations in Belize City. With effect from 4 pm yesterday, 23rd April, 2012 the following measures have been taken:

Labor for Belize
May 1 is Labor day and the Belize City council is hoping that more than it just being a holiday observance, the day could be used to beautify Belize City. According to Mayor Darrell Bradley, the Belize City Council is taking the day to encourage residents to clean up their surroundings. Many organizations and groups have expressed interest in the campaign with the Council, focusing its attention and manpower on the entrance into Belize City at the Northern Highway.

Guatemalan Minister to visit Belize to set referendum date
The 'Diario de Centro America', a Guatemalan newspaper has reported that a Guatemalan minister will be visiting Belize shortly to try to arrive at a date for the holding of a referendum on the Guatemalan claim to Belize.

Two Gang Generals killed in One Weekend
The most heated and deadly feud in Belize is that between the gangsters of George Street and Taylor's Alley. Both groups lost their generals in the past weekend.


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Denvoy Domingo walks from Murder Charge
On Monday, April 23, 28-year-old Denvoy Domingo was acquitted of the 2007 murder of 27-year-old Jermaine Smart. On August 29, 2007 Smart, also known as San San, was standing at the entrance of Fuller's Alley when two men approached him and one opened fire. He was hit multiple times, once to the right ankle, right inner thigh, right elbow, right arm and three times to the back. Police investigations led to the arrest of Domingo.

Dead woman's Testimony leads to Murder Conviction
Emmerson Eaghan's sentencing has been adjourned to Friday April 27th after being found guilty of the murder of 35- year-old Dennis Nembhard on Monday April 23rd. Nembhard was killed on June 1, 2009 and Eaghan was charged with his death. Dennis Nembhard, known as "Colored" was shot and killed on Flamboyant Street near Oleander Street.

Premier League enters Second Week of Semi-Finals
The Premier League of Belize commenced its semi-final round in its on-going football competition on Sunday April 22, 2012. In the game played out at the MCC Grounds here in Belize City, the league leading Police United and FC Belize played to a 2-2 draw. The host team, FC Belize, got on the scoreboard first when Jeromy James scored a goal in the 1st minute of play to give his team an early lead. However, that lead was short-lived when Bernard Linarez scored the equalizing goal in the 23rd minute for the Police. The Police then took a 2-1 lead when Ivor Arriola scored a goal in the 30th minute of play. The first half of the game ended 2-1 in favour of the Police. The second and final week of the semi-final round will be played on Saturday April 28, 2012 with two games on the schedule. At the Isidorio Beaton Stadium in Belmopan at 7:30 pm, Police United will see action against FC Belize and at the Norman Broaster Stadium in San Ignacio Town, also at 7:30 pm, it will be the Belize Defence Force against the Placencia Assassins. According to the Premier League, the playoffs are being played under the Cup System in a home-and-away format and a winner must be decided in this week's games.

Mirage Lady Rebels outlast Orchid Blazers in Slug fest at the Old Ball Park
The 78th Belize City Female Softball Competition continued on Monday April 23, 2012 at Rogers Stadium between Mirage Lady Rebels and Orchid Blazers. Mirage Lady Rebels scored 3 quick runs in the top of the 1st inning for an early lead. The lead was further increased in the top of the 3rd inning when it added another run for a 4-0 lead. However, Orchid Blazers began its come-back in the bottom of the 4th inning when shortstop, Joline Davis opened the inning with a single to centre field and then advanced to third base on pitcher Nicole Arnold's single to centre field. Davis later scored on left field Ashley Lucas' sacrifice bunt.

Bishop Martin to defend National Primary Schools Basketball Title
The 2011-2012 National Primary Schools Basketball Championship is scheduled for Friday November 27, 2012. The championship in both the female and male categories features the champions from all six districts. The schools representing the six districts are as follows: from the Stann Creek District Holy Family RC from Hopkins in both the female and male categories and from the Cayo District Bishop, O.P. Martin RC in both the female and male categories. Bishop O.P. Martin RC boys are the defending male champions. From the Toledo District, P.G. Methodist in both the female and male categories; from the Orange Walk District in female Louisiana Government School; and in male Trial Farm Government School, from the Corozal District in female Corozal Methodist School and male St. Francis Xavier R.C. Representing the Belize District in female will be Belize Rural Primary School and in the male competition Wesley Upper School. The championship is scheduled to commence at 8:45 am with the Official Opening Ceremony at the YWCA Basketball Court. The championship will be declared open by the Hon. Herman Longsworth, Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports. The games will be utilising the Belize City Centre outside court and the YWCA court. The championship games will be played at the Belize City Centre outside court where the Minister of State Hon. Herman Longsworth will present the championship medals and trophies.

Pablo Marin Cycling Classic is set for May 1
The 7th Annual Pabl Marin Cycling Classic is organised by the Corozal Cycling Committee under the regulations of the International Cycling Union and the Belize Cycling Association. The 7th Annual Pablo Marin Cycling Classic is scheduled for Tuesday May 1, 2012. The race for the Open/Masters/U23 riders will commence at 9:30 am from the Miami Beach Area in Corozal Town to the Belize-Chetumal Border return to Orange Walk Town around the Caribbean Tyre Round-about, Northern Highway turning around back to Corozal where the race will concludes at the Miami Beach area. The male race will cover a total distance of 86 miles. Meanwhile, the race for Female, Junior and Youth will also commence at 9:30 am from the Miami Beach area in Corozal Town travels on the Northern Highway to San Pablo then return back to Miami Beach for the finish. This race will cover a distance of 40 miles.

Telemedia maintains lead in Belize City Softball Competition
The Belize City Senior Female Softball Competition continued on Tuesday April 24, 2012, at Rogers Stadium between Telemedia and Hurricanes. Telemedia won the game via the default route as Hurricanes could not field a team at game time. On Sunday April 22, it was Mirage Lady Rebels winning over the Hurricanes also via the default route. On Friday April 20, Mirage Lady Rebels defeated Orchid Blazers by the score of 7-0 in five innings. Mirage Lady Rebels scored all 7 runs on 6 hits, 2 bases-on-balls and a hit batsman. However, the Orchid Blazers defence committed an astounding 6 errors in the game. Of this amount, 5 errors were committed in the bottom of the 1st inning. J.P. Morgan, a leading financial advice agency, is reporting that Belize's fiscal position for 2012 is sound. In its Latin America and Caribbean Outlook for 2012, the financial agency explains that the restructuring of the Super Bond is inevitable. It states that "any hope that the Barrow administration would reconsider plans to restructure the Super Bond has vanished. Accordingly, attention is now squarely on the shape that such a restructuring will take, rather than if there will be one at all." It goes on to say that the Debt Review Team "will engage investors to see whether terms that are beneficial to both sides can be negotiated," adding that it wants to make the restructuring "as amicable as possible."

Belize's Financial position strengthens says J.P. Morgan
J.P. Morgan, a leading financial advice agency, is reporting that Belize's fiscal position for 2012 is sound. In its Latin America and Caribbean Outlook for 2012, the financial agency explains that the restructuring of the Super Bond is inevitable. It states that "any hope that the Barrow administration would reconsider plans to restructure the Super Bond has vanished. Accordingly, attention is now squarely on the shape that such a restructuring will take, rather than if there will be one at all." It goes on to say that the Debt Review Team "will engage investors to see whether terms that are beneficial to both sides can be negotiated," adding that it wants to make the restructuring "as amicable as possible."

Coming Soon! - Bridge in Santa Elena to replace Hawkesworth
On Thursday April 26th, the Ministry of Works will sign a contract for the upgrading of the Loma Luz Boulevard in Santa Elena. The contract is part of a larger loan agreement between the Caribbean Development Bank and the Government of Belize, which will also see the construction of a new bridge that will link Santa Elena and San Ignacio. In total, the CDB will lend Belize US$24.7 million dollars with grant funding of US$249,000. The project will be executed by the Ministry of Works, and will involve the construction of a bypass road around Santa Elena and San Ignacio, upgrading 3.2 kilometers of existing road and the construction of a 1 kilometer of new road as well as a bridge that will span 154 meters across the Macal river. The project is hailed as one, which will decongest downtown San Ignacio and Santa Elena, diverting traffic from the narrow streets of the twin towns.

Three fishermen missing at sea
The fate of three fishermen is uncertain after they are reportedly lost at sea. On Monday, April 23rd, the Belize Coast Guard was alerted to three Sarteneja fishermen, 50-year-old TeobaldoTepaz, 49-year -old SilveroTepaz and 20-year-old MejadiTepaz, who did not arrive in from a fishing expedition on their scheduled time. The men were scheduled to make their way to Belize City by Saturday midnight however, they never did. By Monday, the Coast Guard, along with personnel from the Fisheries Department and family members of the men, began an intense search in the open waters off the coast of Belize. On the evening of Tuesday, April 24, the vessel, a sailboat named Lucerito, was found. It was submerged underwater in an area on the northwestern tip of Glovers Reef. All that was visible was the sailboat's mast, which was projecting on the water's surface. Coast Guard personnel conducted dives at the sea and found that the boat's engine, some drums and other items were missing. It's not certain what happened with the items but it is possible that they may have washed off in the waters.

Caye Caulker Chronicles

Island Stars Female Football Club recruiting new team members
The Island Stars Female Football Club will be starting an open camp program. Any female interested in joining or participating in the program to form a future female football team is invited to attend a Meeting on Sunday, April 29, 2012 at 1:00 pm at the Football Field. There will also be a game on Saturday, April 28, 2012 at the Caye Caulker Football Field at 3:00 pm.

Raffle Fundraiser for Lucy Reyes
The Reyes Family of Caye Caulker is asking the general public for their generous financial assistance in supporting Lucy Reyes as she is to undergo surgery for a tumor on her thigh. Tickets can be obtained for ONLY BZ$10.00 a chance at either Tropical Paradise Hotel or Tropics Hotel in Caye Caulker. From what I can note, there are some fantastic prizes involved!

Blogs

Yesterday: Neri's Tacos, Wild Mango's and Belikin Cans & Belikin Uniforms
I have always heard that Neri's is the best and since I mentioned them in yesterday's post, it was time to try them. Lucky for me, there are two Neri's in San Pedro. One located closer to the lagoon side in town and a relatively new one, Neri's #2, in the DFC area...just around the block from me. My best directions if you don't know DFC? When you are on the main road about 1.5 miles south of town, look for the signs for Hidden Treasure Restaurant. Make that turn (it's away from the ocean) and ask one of the many walkers or bikers headed to work. Ask them the way to Neri's Tacos. Odds are that they already are carrying a bag of the Neri's with them. They are absolutely addicting. The tortillas are insanely fresh, the chicken filling is rich and salty, fresh chopped onions and the hot sauce is just spicy enough. You will be turned into a breakfast chicken taco junky...you will be converted immediately. And get this...the juice is ONE DOLLAR. My choices today were: watermelon, lime, banana, orange and horchata. Fresh juice. I have never seen watermelon juice less than $4bzd anywhere. One catch, it comes in a bag. So you can either have them snip off the corner and drink it that way (it's pretty much all or nothing at that point) or you can bring it home, dump into a glass and enjoy. Both the watermelon and the lime are delicious. Mango's (one of my favorite favorite places) has a fancy new sign...love the hanging mangos. As always, the food is delicious. It's my #1 recommended lunch place in town. On my way home, I ran into one of the Belikin/Bowen & Bowen employees. All the delivery men have new uniforms. Upside? They have name tags...I like that since I am horrible at remembering names. Not so good? They dress exactly like the police in town. And they are no longer "color coded". Before, the water guys wore blue thin stripes, soda wore red and beer green.

International Sources

A Renewed Matachica Resort & Spa in Belize
Belize is one of the top dive destinations in Central America, and it has a lot going for it as a destination for Americans. English is commonly spoken, and the prices are easy on the wallet. There's great fishing and great lobstering in season, and the reef is spectacular. I've been there twice, first for a week, and then for two weeks. First we (my girlfriend at the time, now my wife) went down to Placencia for a rambling fishing and exploring vacation-going into the caves, checking out the ancient ruins, lots of stuff. We liked it so much we went down there for our honeymoon and stayed at Francis Ford Coppola's places-first in the mountains and then back in Placencia at his Turtle Inn. We did a lot of fishing, but Belize is strongly conservation-minded and there are a lot of protections in place for their reef fish-at least in the southern part of the country where we were staying.

From Summits With Presidents To Meeting Primary School Students
DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER Brent Symonette at the Summit of the Americas last week alongside other world leaders including US President Barack Obama. Front row, from left to right- Barbados' Prime Minister Freundel Jerome Stuart, Jamaica's Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller, President Obama, Trinidad and Tobago's Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Belize's Deputy Prime Minister Gaspar Vega. Back row, from left- Dominica's Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, Antigua and Barbuda's Prime Minister Winston Baldwin, Mr Symonette, Dominican Republic's President Leonel Fernandez and Saint Kitts and Nevis's Prime Minister Denzil Llewellyn Douglas.

Shore Spelunker Billings Explores Around World
He's known in Long Beach as the man with his name on the circa-1941 Billings Ace Hardware, but Doug Billings, 47, has a second vocation that few people have heard about - once a year, he travels to Belize as a volunteer cave surveyor and mapper. Billings, who returned last month from his latest trip to South America, said he feels like Indiana Jones as he and a team of cavers explore caverns that have never been seen by humans. "We go deep enough, or dig into openings, that no one has ever been into before," Billings said. "It's something, it feels like I'm an astronaut, to be the first person to ever step on that ground." His team, armed with helmets, ropes, backpacks and machetes (to cut through the jungle), is responsible for mapping caves as well as recovering or taking inventory of archaeological (from Mayan pottery, petroglyphs and sacrificial tools) or biological findings (from human skeletons to new insect species). Because many cave systems in Belize were used by the Mayans as places of worship, Billings' team regularly finds Mayan artifacts that have been sitting undisturbed for more than a thousand years.

Contaminated red peas confiscated at port
THE Food Storage and Prevention of Infestation Division (FSPID) recently seized 22.73 metric tonnes of imported red kidney beans (red peas) which has been deemed unfit for consumption The peas, valued at more than $2.6 million which was imported from Belize by a local distributor, were found to contain rodent droppings.

Rebecca Stirm Excels Again on Mission Catwalk
While she didn't win the competition on episode 5 of Mission Catwalk, she did score extremely high. "The top scorers from last week's challenge chose their group members for this week's task. Two-time challenge winner Rebecca Stirm of Belize, Janel Jolly of Jamaica and Janelle Forde who represents both Trinidad and Barbados were inspired by Victoria "Posh" Beckham... Apart from Gregory, Ryan B and Rebecca earned top marks from the judges, while Keshon, Janelle and Kerin failed to impress. It was ultimately Kerin, the episode 2 runner-up, who was eliminated."



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