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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

Crime Control Council Concurs With New Anti-Crime Measure
The Crime Control Council met yesterday, November 7, 2012, in Belize City and, after intensive discussion, has given its concurrence with the Minister of National Security's decision to declare 'special areas' in accordance with Section 12(1) of the Crime Control and Criminal Justice Act. The meeting was attended by all members of the Crime Control Council as listed or appointed under Section 25(1) of the Act, except for a Justice of the Supreme Court and a Representative from the Ministry of Human Development. Members present included the Chairman of the Crime Control Council, a representative of the Opposition, the Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of National Security, the Commissioner of Police, the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), the Chief Magistrate, representatives from the Solicitor General's Office, the Council of Churches, the Bar Association, the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), the Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) and the Women's Issues Network of Belize (WIN Belize). The first set of 'special areas' to be declared by the Minister of National Security will soon be published in the Belize Gazette, as required by the Law. This order will now afford the residents of these particular areas, in conjunction with law enforcement agencies, to take back control of their communities from the hands of the criminal elements. It is hoped that this will also help to strengthen the overall partnership and cooperation between the public and the law enforcement agencies as we continue working together towards restoring safety and security throughout our communities.

Kind visitors bring smiles to the island
Belize Mission Dental Project for the past 20 years has been brightening smiles of Belizeans across the country. Added to the voluntary dental services that the project offers yearly, for the past 15 years have been bringing smiles to the faces of needy families on Ambergris Caye through their kind donation of food baskets. This year, the group will spend some Bze$6,000 on food items to be given out the communities they feel are most in need. Last Friday, November 2nd the group visited the San Mateo sub division where they handed out some 300 gift bags containing rice, beans, oranges, powdered milk, salt potatoes and plantains to families. The team will return this Friday, November 9th once again, to San Mateo where they hope to reach the remainder of the families and bless them with grocery baskets as well. Assisting in making the food baskets possible, are Maria and Jose from Maria's Vegetable Stand. The team offers special thanks to them both for travelling to the city and purchasing all items to be donated.

San Pedro AIDS Commission gears up for World AIDS Day 2013
On Saturday, November 10th the team is hosting a fundraiser to hopefully raise some much-needed funds to continue with their mission to assist persons living with HIV. On sale for $10 a plate will be a delicious Belizean Turkey Lunch , complete with rice & beans, potato salad and turkey. Tickets are available with any member of the SP AIDS Commission or may be bought by calling 663-9922. On Friday, November 30th the group will be visiting the San Pedro High School grounds to share a Red Ribbon for ALL students to wear. They will also provide an HIV/AIDS fact sheet and explanation on the significance of the Red Ribbon. On Saturday, December 1st, the actual date set aside to observe World AIDS Day - the group is spearheading the annual Solidarity Walk. The general public is invited to join us in this annual event. The walk is scheduled to begin from the Central Park at 6:00PM. On Sunday, December 2nd be sure to swing by for the annual World AIDS Day Fair at the Central Park. On offer will be free confidential rapid HIV testing. There will also be an HIV/AIDS Information Booth. Food and drinks will be on sale, with proceeds going to assist those living with HIV/AIDS. There will be live music - so be sure to come by and show your support!

Black & White Bar revamps and infuses culture into establishment
The old Black and White Bar is back to what it once was as a cultural, family friendly establishment. The official opening took place on Friday October 26th where members of the local press and other local dignitaries had the opportunity to sit back, relax and enjoy Garifuna cultural presentations and even sample the traditional food. Speaking to the gathering, proprietor of the establishment, teacher Julia Martinez explained that she had to leave her establishment and concentrate her efforts to her teaching profession. Now that she has retired from teaching, teacher Julia, as she is commonly known on the island, has decided to take over the management of her establishment and make it into what it was originally envisioned as, a family friendly cultural establishment. On the day of the opening, live drumming, Garifuna songs and Garifuna skits filled the venue which had the crowd entertained and laughing as well. Following the presentations that were translated [...]

Ambergris Today

San Pedro Mayor Puts a Ban on Sagging Pants
Mayor Daniel Guerrero announced this morning on the Reef Radio's Good Morning San Pedro Talk Show that he has instructed Police Officers to "Pull Up" anybody's pants that are sagging and exposing underwear. He wants to put a ban on people sagging their pants and made it clear that he has instructed the police to warn those who are sagging and force them to pull up their pants; failure to comply will lead to penalties.

Investments to Improve Bacalar Chico World Heritage Site
As construction projects under the Sustainable Tourism Program (STP) are rolling out around the country, the last on the list of STP investment projects was initiated on November 2, 2012, with contract signature for a tourism assessment and architectural designs for tourism infrastructure at Bacalar Chico National Park and Marine Reserve (BCNPMR). The winning bid for the $210,300Bze contract was awarded to Belmopan based firm, Architecture and Project Management Limited headed by lead architect Mr. Alex Laasner who acquired qualification as a LEED Green Associate (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) in October. Mr. Laasner is excited for this opportunity to "walk the talk" in terms of sustainable design and put the principles of "Green Design" into practice within this fragile ecosystem. The STP is working closely with the management bodies for the area, the Fisheries and Forestry Departments, and will finance investments in visitor facilities as recommended by the tourism assessment to include overnight accommodations.

Medical Safety Growing Strong in Belize
The Belize Red Cross is pleased to announce the beginning of the Belize Red Cross Medical Safety website button initiative. San Pedro and Punta Gorda branches are the first districts in Belize to launch this ongoing effort. Bandage International will be coming to Belize to teach the first official Certified First Aid training course in the Red Cross Belize Medical Safety program. Businesses country-wide are stepping up to make Belize a safer place to visit by sending staff to the upcoming Certified First Aid / CPR Courses being held at the Parish Hall, Punta Gorda on November 12 and 13 and Nov 14 and 15 upstairs at El Divino Restaurant at Banana Beach Resort, San Pedro.

Misc Belizean Sources

Fall Fashion Show Makeup
More behind the scenes pictures of the Fall Fashion Show at the Bedran Hall. They had their makeup done at The Dollhouse, which has a brand new location on West Street. Great job by all, and photographer Pablo Cambranes. "All our beautiful models getting ready at 'The Dollhouse' makeup done by: Emma Habet, Ileany Ileani Tragedii Sansores and Alexandra Bedran Photographer: PabLo Cambranes Amazing makeup work and photography as well Thank you very much."

VIDEO: Naguya Nei - Paul Nabor
Nati nuguya merumayatina Wanwa nuguya merumayatina Balabada naru tura nigabana nay Lau nuragu le hadan hara familia Ayanuhayatina hama namulenu (x2) Dame le gia nowen wanwa Lauba la banda habunana Hawagu namulenu naritagua Hawagu nisanigu naritagua Brother, I am ill Dear Brother, I am ill I have tossed and turned in my bed With this ailment in the presence of my family I have spoken with my children Dear Brother when I pass away They must have a band at my funeral It is my little ones I'm worried about It is my children I'm worried about

Artisan Fair in Belmopan
Today in Belmopan, in front of the U.S. Embassy, they'll be having their 5th annual Artisan fair. It'll start at 10:00am, and finish at 2:00pm. "5th U.S. Embassy Artisan Fair will be held on Friday, November 9, 2012. It will take place in front of the U.S. Embassy main gate from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Vendors from all over Belize will offer their beautiful crafts, jewelry, and art for sale. Perfect for you, your home, or Holiday gifts. Please see flyer for more information."

Purple Movement Parade and Rally
The Purple Movement will be collaborating with Youth for the Future, and they'll be having a youth rally and parade to celebrate the end of Youth Week. Saturday, starting at 10:00am at Macal River Park, they'll have the parade through the streets of Cayo, and then the rally afterwards. Go Purple! "Join us in the Parade and at our Rally this Saturday , November 10th, 2012! Ceremonies start at 9 am at the Macal River Park followed by parade the Youth Rally! Remember to wear Purple :)"

Mexico Embassy Talks Scholarships at UB
All those thousands of scholarships to universities in Mexico we've been hyping up. Today the Embassy of Mexico wil be at the University of Belize to explain them, as will past recipients of the scholarships.

Miss Earth Belize Wins Gold in Greenbag Challenge
Miss Earth Belize, Jessel Lauriano, won gold in the Miss Earth preliminary challenge! She won gold with Belgium and Australia. Congratulations, Jessel! Here are the winners for the Greenbag Challenge (group activity): Bronze - Slovak Republic, Singapore, South Africa. Silver - Bosnia & Herzegovina, Botswana, Austria. Gold - Belgium, BELIZE, Australia.

Recipes: Cracker Jacks
I've always loved Cracker Jacks while growing up in Belize, but never knew how to make them. This recipe is very simple and the end result is amazing. The caramel is sweet and intoxicating and very easy to make. You will not be able to get enough of this.

Best Golf Courses in Belize
As an avid golfer, there is nothing more that I like to do then set out on a bright, fresh morning, set up my tee and begin swinging away. Well, there might be one more thing that I like to do better and that would be setting up my tee on a bright, fresh morning on a course caressed with tropical trade winds and the heady scent of salty surf. So a Caribbean destination that encompasses both my love of golfing with a little equatorial climate might be a win-win on both accounts. Where to go to do both? Belize! But before we hit the courses, let's find out why this little hotspot destination appeals to so many tourists, ex pats and retirees alike. Belize is not a wealthy country, but what is lacks in capital wealth it more than makes up for in its beauty and charm. Like many Caribbean nations, Belize has its history in the indigenous tribes that inhabited these coastal isles before European explorers came and not only enslaved these primitive islanders but pillaged the land and natural resources. Many peaceful farmers and fishermen, the Arawaks and the Caribs are now just ghosts, even their neighbors, The Mayan have long since disappeared. But their cultural an

Channel 7

Midday Murder On Busy Street
There was a midday murder on a busy Belize city street today. It happened on Vernon Street at a chicken store where four men went to pull off an armed robbery. But, a long standing employee put up a fight - and it proved to be a fatal decision. 7news arrived on the scene shortly after - and here's what we saw:.. Daniel Ortiz reporting The family of 54 year-old Dennis Williams, a resident of Supal Street, is grieving tonight, after he was shot to death while at his workplace at Three Star Quality Chicken establishment. Indications are that he was shot in a robbery where 4 men targeted the establishment just before the lunch hour. Raphael Martinez - Police Press officer "At approximately 11:57 on the 8th November 2012, police responded to a 911 call of a robbery at the Three Star Quality Chicken establishment at #46 Vernon Street here in Belize City. Reportedly during the robbery a struggle ensued between one of the robbers carrying a firearm and an employee of that establishment. Allegedly during this struggle the firearm fell to the floor which was pick up by the accomplice and unfortunately he fired a shot and fatally wounded the employee of that establishment." "Quick police response has led to the pursuits and detention of two Belize City men and the recovery of one 9mm pistol." The police response to this crime in progress is admirable indeed, but to the family of Dennis Williams, it is no comfort. To them, it makes no difference because their loved one is dead.

Crime Ridden Zones "Da Gazette"
And while broad daylight robberies and killing remain a prominent feature of the city's crime landscape, police have officially declared certain areas of the city as crime ridden. These zones include at least five areas within Lake Independence and Queen Square division. The Extraordinary Gazette listing the specific boundaries is being printed tonight - and we will be able to list them specifically tomorrow. As we told you last night, The Crime Control Council has approved the Minister of National Security's proposal to declare these as 'special areas.' Members of the council who attended include the Chairman of the Crime Control Council, Michael Young, a representative of the Opposition, Lisa Shoman, the CEO from the Ministry of National Security, George Lovell the Commissioner of Police, David Henderson, The DPP Cheryl Vidal, Chief Magistrate, Anne Marie Smith as well as representatives from the Solicitor General's Office, The Council of Churches, the Bar Association, the Chamber of Commerce the BTIA and the Women's Issues Network.

Hot Steel In Coro!
Tonight this 18-wheeler with Cayo plates strapped with five thousand lengths of steel is parked in front of a hardware store in Corozal town. The store - reportedly bought it, but Midwest Steel in Spanish lookout says the steel was fraudulently purchased from their company using a bogus check. It was a big check, 68,388 dollars and 75 cents received from an individual who says he was working for BWS and who had a Belize Bank checque. We have his name but cannot release it - as he is only a suspect. He bought it on Saturday, November third in two thousand lengths of 3/8 inch steel, one thousand lengths of half inch steel, and two thousand lengths of quarter inch steel. Corozal Police have spoken to the truck driver who took them to Old College Road in Corozal where he parked the steel. He claims he was hired by the person who bought the items with the bad checques. And then this same person - who is being sought by police - bought 250 sheets of plywood from Caribbean Tyre. He did this on Friday November second and when he bought 100 sheets with a Scotiabank Checque for six thousand and twenty four dollars. And then on Saturday, he was back at Caribbean Tyre with another Scotia Bank checque, this one for nine thousand four hundred and sixty six dollars with which he purchased another 150 sheets of plywood.

Laverne Longsworth Gets "Life In Prison"
Today, one week after being convicted of murder her 32 year-old common-law husband, 38 year-old Lavern "Anti-Christ" Longsworth is at prison tonight, where she will serve a life sentence. In the mitigation hearing today, Longsworth's 18 year-old daughter, Kyla Reynolds, spoke on her behalf to the court. In that statement, she recounted to the court that she loves her mother, no matter what she had done. She also apologized publicly to White's family, and asked the court, to quote: "please find it in your heart to forgive her." Justice Lucas then handed her a life sentence and Longsworth was then escorted from court. The sentence will be recorded as taking effect from December 2010 when she was first arrested. Longsworth's trial has now set a precedent because it was the first time that electronic evidence was used to secure a conviction for murder. She becomes the 3rd woman in 18 months to be convicted and sentenced to life.

Man Gets Convicted of Carnal Knowledge, For A Second Time
Today in Orange Walk, Romero Jimenez was convicted of the carnal knowledge of a female child. The child was 12 years at the time of the incident. Sentencing was adjourned. Christophe Rodriguez appeared for the Crown and Simeon Sampson appeared for the accused. It is the second time he has been convicted for this but the first conviction was set aside by the court of appeal. In that first case he was sentenced to serve 17 years for going to the home of the 12 year old, as she was exiting the bathroom with a towel wrapped around her. The allegation is that he followed her to her room, tied her hands, pushed her on the bed and raped her.

A Social Service Summit
Two days ago, we told you all about the Ministry of Human Development's Social Protection Programmes, BOOST and the Food Pantry. Those and other initiatives are under the microscope all this week as the ministry engages in what's called a Social Policy Dialogue. It's a major effort with local and international stakeholders giving their input on suitable models for social protection. At the opening this morning, Education Minister Patrick Faber says a practical approach to problem solving is best:.. Hon. Patrick Faber, Minister of Education "We have been critically ill for a very long time when it comes to our social policy. We have been critically ill for a long time when it comes to social justice in this country - when the poor and the vulnerable do not have access to basic services and opportunities to help them break the cycle of poverty and vulnerability then it is not only their quality of life that is affected by the quality of life for all of us. We must be practical in our approach to social policy. We must know where we are. We must set achievable goals for more desirable state of affairs and we must plan how we are going to do this more desirable state of affairs. In short these are situations where we truly problem solved and think outside the box. As we deliberate over the next couple of days remember that we need to begin with our reality, decide what is worth wanting and achievable and then consider what is the best way to get there, especially in those unfamiliar unique situations." Hon. Anthony "Boots" Martinez "I always believe that yes policies are always good to guidelines and so but practical information and practical doing of things is very important especially to poor people, like having people standing in lines for a long time not knowing where they are going, not knowing what the processes are; how easy it is - the easy access to poor people is always important to me."

Mayor Darrell And "The Cliff"
If you saw the news last night, you probably remember our interview with Belize City Mayor Darrel Bradley. He staunchly defended himself against criticism that - in his haste to pave so many streets - he had over-extended the council - and put it in a cash flow crisis - or in more trendy terms, put it at the edge of a fiscal cliff. Here's how the Mayor explained the difference between being at the edge and going over it:.. Mayor Darrell Bradley "The council had been stretch because many of the infrastructure works we had expected now to be paying for out of bond proceeds. Whereas we are trying to pay for it out of internal funds that is unsustainable. These are works that we are investing in. It's unbudgeted and of course that causes a problem on our cash flow because we didn't expect to spend them." Jules Vasquez "You have put the council through your own doing in an adverse position where recently it was behind on its obligations for example to the sanitation companies." Mayor Darrell Bradley "I entirely reject everything that you are saying; I make no apologies for everything that you are saying because at the end of the day the city is meeting its obligations. If we have to be a little bit on the edge I wouldn't characterized it as irresponsible."

OW Mayor Forced To Make Layoffs
Another municipal leader who probably wishes he could float a bond is Kevin Bernard, the PUP mayor of Orange Walk. Like many municipalities, Bernard's council is strapped for cash. It got so bad last month that they had to lay off 11 employees. Yesterday, we asked the mayor about his money woes - and here's what he said:.. Kevin Bernard, PUP Mayor - Orange Walk "We've been trying to hold on to the employees that we have but we have reach that point that we had to make the tough decision and I know it's not always the best decision but sometimes we have to make those tough ones and in this economic hard times that people live in - it was a hard thought out decision that yes we had to relieve 11 individuals from the council to save us some payroll expenses. The council has a very heavy weekly payroll for workers, staff and administrative staff and so we had to cut down where we know we had to cut down. We cut down some from administration and we had to lay off 11 from the other area. Why we have come to this point; we still have some huge debts that we encountered when we came in, we have been paying those. Our Social Security debt that we had to paying and keeping current and trying also to maintain the arrears that were left there." Jules Vasquez "I understand that you want to implement a residential garbage fee." Kevin Bernard, PUP Mayor - Orange Walk "The council has been looking at the cost of sanitation; maintaining the sanitation department. It cost us almost $37,000 - $38,000 a week because all we collect in a month on garbage collection is about $4,500 and so when you look at that it's a huge disparity. We are saying to the residents let's see where you can help us to alleviate some of these costs."

GSU Gets Two Guns
Tonight, 27 year-old Kenroy Tyrone Gillett, is detained and awaiting an arraignment tonight after the Gang Suppression Unit busted him with a firearm. According to the GSU, this morning, they conducted a 4-hour long search at #3413 Central American Boulevard. Gillett and a 20 year-old woman were present at the time of the search. Inside the attic bedroom of the house, police found a 9 mm pistol, which was loaded with 6 live rounds of ammunition. They also found 2 grams of cannabis in the pocket of a pair of pants. According the officers, Gillett allegedly admitted that he was the owner of the gun. As a result, he was arrested and charged with keeping an unlicensed firearm, keeping unlicensed ammunition, and possession of a controlled drug.

SATIIM Gets High Powered Legal Team
SATIIM and the Indigenous communities in the Sarstoon Temash National Park in Southern Belize have gotten some high powered lawyers to challenge US Capital Energy's oil exploration activities in Mayan communal lands. According to a release from SATIIM, "a team of Belizean and international human rights and environmental lawyers will support the communities." It includes Lisa Shoman, along with the US law firm Sheppard Mullin Richter Hampton LLP. SATIIM says it must retain legal counsel because at they were denied a voice at the "community consultation" two weeks ago.

San Pedro Airstrip Gets Major Upgrade
You might not know that the San Pedro airstrip is regarded as the busiest in all of Central America. And since mid year, it has been getting an upgrade worthy of the level of traffic that it gets. Today it was officially opened and Monica Bodden was there:.. Monica Bodden reporting Inauguration ceremonies of the new San Pedro airport were held this afternoon on the island. Construction began in January of 2011 and after 20 months of work; the new airport will be providing both locals and tourists with a much safer and more efficient air navigation service. More than 2.3 million dollars have been invested in the project with the Central American Cooperation for air navigation services being one of the main contributors. Louis Ake - Regional Manager "In honor of our commitment towards providing a safer and a more efficient air navigation service the Central American Cooperation for Air Navigation Services (COCESNA) is honored to be able to contribute towards the betterment of civil aviation, tourism and the economics of our region specifically Belize, our beautiful country. After 20 months of constant work we now can see that teh project is a reality. With the firm commitment and support from COCESNA and the constant cooperation from the Belize Airport Authority more than 2.3 million US dollars have been invested. This project is comprise of the following; construction of 2,175 meters of perimeter fencing, the rehabilitation and resurfacing of the runway and taxiway, the construction of a new airport parking apron, the installation of a runway and taxiway lights and the installation of a precision approach pathway indicator lighting system which will provide visual aid for landing aircrafts."

PROFILE: Matthew Martinez
When you hear the term nurse, you probably think of a woman, but Matthew Martinez has been battling and breaking that stereotype since the mid-80's. He's a pioneer in male nursing - and in tonight's I am Belize profile, he explains how he had to endure many insults for choosing his career path. Here's his story.

Channel 5

Daylight robbery and murder of security guard
The Crime Control Council has agreed to support an anti-crime measure which will allow for police to designate crime ridden areas in the Old Capital; most of the hot spots are in the Lake Independence constituency. The Government is going full speed ahead and it is expected that by Friday going into the weekend, the [...]

Medical Council investigating Northern Regional baby deliveries
The Medical Council has met to discuss the allegations of malpractice at the Northern Regional Hospital. From what is reported, the council is asking the Ministry of Health to suspend a doctor who performed surgeries on the affected victims. There are now at least fifteen cases involving allegations of medical malpractice in the maternity unit [...]

Lavern "Antichrist" Longsworth gets life in prison for murder
Last Thursday, a jury of twelve persons found Lavern Longsworth, also known as Anti-Christ, guilty of the murder of her common-law-husband, David White. Longsworth was back in court this morning for sentencing before Justice Adolph Lucas. Her family, as well as White's family, was both in court where it got emotional.� In her mitigation plea, [...]

The harsh economic indicators of life in the jewel
In tonight's economic indicators we look at the staggering external debt and what it says about the health of the economy. The government is engaged in the restructuring of the super bond and its inability to meet its debt obligations has brought the International Monetary Fund to Belize. In this analysis, we look at the [...]

Upgrading the airstrip on La Isla Bonita
The overhaul of the San Pedro airport is complete; the multimillion dollar project was launched this afternoon just in time for the beginning of the high tourism season. The event pulled out numerous ministers and key players in the tourism and aviation industries. The expanded and modernized facility was named after John Greif the second, [...]

John McAfee donates to San Pedro police
Millionaire businessman John McAfee's Orange Walk estate was raided by GSU personnel in early May during an operation in which it was believed that drugs and illegal firearms were being housed on the premises.� In the wake of the search, McAfee and the Belize Police Department became embroiled in a highly publicized tiff which eventually [...]

Dental Mission at St. Martin De Porres leaves big smiles
The Belize Mission Project is back in Belize. In the past two weeks a team from the US comprising dentists, physicians, dental technicians and others in the profession, have been providing free medical dental care across the country to school children to ensure bright smiles. News Five's Jose Sanchez was at St Martin's Primary School [...]

Chamber pleads for committee to address Auditor General's Report
The Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee of the House of Representatives is Cayo South Area Rep, Julius Espat. Espat recently wrote to the Clerk of the National Assembly, Eddie Webster, to inform members of the committee of a scheduled meeting on Monday, November twelfth. To achieve quorum, a majority of members must be present, [...]

Man convicted for carnal knowledge for a second time
In the Orange Walk court today, a man was convicted for the second time for the crime of carnal knowledge. Romero Jimenez was found guilty of sexually abusing a girl who was twelve year old at the time of the incident. Sentencing is expected to follow soon. Christopher Rodriguez appeared for the crown and Simeon [...]

Magistrate says no bail for second drug trafficking charge
Thirty-one year old Dwight Mariano who has a conviction for drug trafficking, was before the court today for another drug trafficking charge.� He appeared without legal counsel before the Chief Magistrate, Anne Marie Smith and pleaded not guilty to the offense.� The allegations are that on Wednesday, November seventh, Mariano was found in possession of [...]

Police department's additional stop and search; more areas are crime ridden
There are five zones to be designated as Crime Ridden Areas.� Initially the zones would all fall inside the Lake Independence constituency in Belize City. However, News Five understands that it will include other areas and it will possibly include Queen Square going down to the Swing Bridge Area and coming back around the Vernon [...]

GSU snoops out marijuana
A reputed Ghost Town Gang arrested and charged today for firearm related offences. Early this morning, the GSU searched a house on Central American Boulevard which was occupied by Kenroy Tyrone Gillett. In the attic, the GSU found a nine mm pistol and six rounds of ammo. According to the GSU admitted under caution that [...]

St. Luke gets donation from BelAms
Saint Luke Primary School is nestled in the heart of the South Side along Mahogany Street. The school and students ended the workday with a visit from three Belizean American women. The leader of the Miss Belize America group, Glenda Flowers said that for the fifth year they have returned to the school to give [...]

Peace Walk for St. Martin De Porres on Saturday
Belize City Resident Deon Flowers is well known in the St. Martin De Porres neighborhood.� He regularly hosts football camps for the neighborhood kids in an effort to keep the occupied, involved in positive activities and far from influences that would lead them astray. Flowers has decided to organize a peace march on Saturday at [...]

Whoa! Healthy Living's early signs of depression
Often times we face difficult times in our lives that may make us sad, but when the feeling persists for a bit too long; it may be a sign of one of the most common mental disorders. Depression is said to affect up to three hundred and fifty million people worldwide. It has become so [...]

LOVE FM

Chairman of Public Accounts Committee Calls for Commitment of Members
The president of the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry Kay Menzies has written a letter to the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition, urging participation by the appointed members in the upcoming meeting of the Public Accounts Committee of the House of Representatives.&...

Diabetes Conference to be Hosted By University Students
Nursing students of the University of Belize will host the first health promotion Diabetes Conference in connection with World Diabetes Day. Nurse Isabel Bennett is a lecturer at the University. Nurse Isabel Bennett Lecturer University of Bel...

Police News
Thirty-two year old Dwight Mariano, a resident of Curl Thompson Street, who the police reported they busted with over two pounds of cannabis, was charged with drug trafficking when he appeared in court today. Mariano pled not guilty to the charge. The prosecution did not object to bail...

Belizean Woman Sentenced to Life Imprisonment After Killing Spouse
Thirty-eight year old Laverne Longsworth, a.k.a. "Anti Christ", who was convicted last week of the murder of her common-law husband 33year old David White, was sentenced to life imprisonment today by Justice Adolph Lucas. Justice Lucas stipulated that the sentence is to...

LOVE TV

Murder on Vernon Street
There was a shooting just before noon today on Vernon Street in Belize City. Police sources have confirmed that one man is dead. Two suspects are is custody. Police have cordoned off a section of the Vernon Street area just after the bridge. Tune in to the Love FM midday news for a report on the incident.

The Roads in the Toledo District are completed
Major report works have been completed on the Barranco Road and others in the Toledo District. Correspondent Paul Mahung reports

A student did well in CAPE/CSEC
On Tuesday we reported on the results of the 2012 CAPE/CSEC examinations results which were published this week. Dorien Villafranco, a graduate of the Saint John's College Junior College topped the CAPE section of the exams earning a total of six grade one. In the high school segment of the exam, Juana Meza of the Stann Creek Ecumenical College was the most outstanding candidate, scoring thirteen grade one. As a result of his outstanding performance, Dorein Villafranco was awarded the Belize Scholarship, which he can use to pursue undergraduate studies. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering at St. Louis University under a Jesuit Scholarship which he obtained from SJC. Today, Villafranco told Love News that he is honored to have won the Belize Scholarship. Villafranco told Love News that he is yet to decide which course of studies he will take up under the Belize Scholarship. The soft-spoken young man says that good study ethics and the loving support of his parents propelled him to excel and he plans to continue to pursue his education. Villafranco obtained 6 grade 1 in Caribbean Studies; Communication Studies; Pure Mathematics Units one and two and Physics Units 1 and 2. As an accomplished performer in the field of mathematics, Love News asked Villafranco for his advice on solving the challenges that Belizean students face in math. The annual national CXC awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on Thursday, November twenty second at the Bliss Centre for the Performing Arts in Belize City.

Belize and CARILED teams up for the CARILED program
Belize is among seven Caribbean countries that will benefit from an investment of monies in specific projects from the Government of Canada and the Federation of Canada Municipalities. The twenty-three million dollars will be shared among the countries in projects that the Canadian Government sees potential for development and growth, particularly in the eco-agro-tourism industries. Today, Belize and CARILED signed a Memorandum of Understanding, making the project official in Belize. Executive Director of CARILED, Naresh Singh, told reporters that within the next few months, the funds should be disbursed, and that there will be close monitoring of the progress of its use. Minister of the Public Service, Godwin Hulse, explained that people should be able to benefit from the program through local government agencies. Minister Hulse says that there will be measures in place to discourage against quote� "vagaries of human misconduct"�unquote.

On Garifuna Settlement Day they will be having the Reef Ride in the country
The last segment of the Reef Ride which takes paraplegic Cyclists around the country will take place just in time for Garifuna Settlement Day. Burrel Boom resident Jerome Flores alongside his newly trained companion from Hattieville, Shaphan Domingo, will be taking the ride on their hand trikes in the south of the country. Love News spoke with Flores about the venture. Meanwhile Jerome and his team are also preparing for another race which is scheduled to take them to South America. He told us more on that.

The Minister of education give update on the walk out
About a month ago the teachers and students at Orange Walk Technical walked out of class on grounds that their principal was not following proper protocol. On Tuesday of this week, there were similar situations at the same school and another at the Belmopan Baptist High School. This morning the media met Minister of Education, Patrick Faber and engaged him on the incidents.

The C.C. Council meets to consider the proposed declaration
After years of dormancy, the Crime Control Council has been resuscitated. The Council met today to consider the proposed declaration made by the ministry of National Security under the Crime Justice Act to declare certain parts of Belize City in which the police should exercise special powers, which are conferred upon them by the act once the declaration is made. Minister of National Security John Saldivar announced the move to make the declarations last week during the Prime Minister's business forum. But one member of the Crime Control Council, the representative of the opposition People's United Party, Senator Lisa Shoman told Love News earlier today and before the meeting was carried out, that the Minister may have jumped the gun by going public with the announcement before the legally required procedures had been adhered to. Around 11:00 o'clock this morning, the Crime Control Council involving all members which include representatives of the government, the opposition, private sector and non-government partners conferred at Young's Law Firm on Regent Street to discuss the matter. Love News caught up with the Chairman of the Council, Attorney At law, Senior Counsel Michael Young shortly after the meeting and he told Love News what had been holding the council back from meeting. CEO in the Ministry of National Security, George Lovell says the names of the designated crime areas will be released once they undergo the proper process. Although allegations exist that police have already been exercising extra-judicial powers in searching areas for over five hours, Lovell explained what conditions falls under the three hour area cordoning law which comes hand in hand with the new operations. And in terms of the constitutional rights of residents being violated in the communities where the operation will be put into effect, Young explained that the operation aims in working with the communities. But no operation can be launched without the proper funding, in this case as proposed by the Minister of National Security, that of one hundred thousand dollars a week. Lovell explained how the government will be able to sustain the program, especially in these crucial economic times. George Lovell, CEO in the Ministry of National Security.

Minister Faber reenforce the rule of education
At the end of October the Belize National Teachers' Union sent out a press release expressing its disappointment and dissatisfaction with the way Minister Faber signed into law Statutory Instrument number 87 of the Education Rules. According to the BNTU, the Ministry of Education held initial consultations and committed to a final review of the document. But that last meeting was not done and that made the union irate. Today Minister Faber defended his position.

The Guardian

Dorien Villafranco Top Belize Student Again
The Ministry of Education, Youth & Sports and the CXC National Committee of Belize have announced that Dorien Osric Villafranco of St. John's College Junior College is the Most Outstanding Candidate for the May-June 2012 Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE) and is therefore the recipient of the Belize Scholarship for 2012. Villafranco obtained six (6) Grade I's in the following subjects: Caribbean Studies, Communication Studies, Physics Unit 1, Physics Unit 2, Pure Mathematics Unit 1 and Pure Mathematics Unit 2. Villafranco also achieved first place in Belize for each of the six subjects.

Carlene Martinez is Garifuna Settlement Day Queen
Carlene Martinez representing, Hopkins Village, won the annual National Miss Garifuna Belize pageant, organized by the National Garifuna Council, at the Bliss Institute for the Performing Arts in Belize City last Saturday, November 3rd, 2012.

Book Publisher represents Belize Abroad
A major book publisher has recently represented Belize at a renowned book fair abroad. Ms. Montse Casademun, Publisher and Director of Cubola Productions from Benque Viejo Town, took the opportunity, during a period of ten days, to promote Belizean books in Frankfurt, Germany. The October 5th to the 15th fair brings together professionals of the book and media industry from around the globe in an attempt to make them competitive in the marketplace. The Frankfurt Book Fair is one where publishers go to sell and buy rights from other publishers. According to Casademun, the first three days of the fair was dedicated to workshops on Rights Trading, Book Marketing and Book Design. The remaining days were spent in setting up and attending to the Belize booth as well as meeting with other publishers.

Marlon Brighton Cordova, 10, laid to rest
On Saturday, November 3rd, Marlon Brighton Cordova, 10, was laid to rest in Trial Farm Village, Orange Walk District. Brighton died on Thursday, at around 5:30 a.m., at the family's new home.

Rememberance for Miss Cherry Mae Pascascio
And God saw it fit to lend us a special light for He knew that that light would shine bright and illuminate with its brilliance and warmth the lives of many of His children here on earth.

Caribbean fishers to benefit from Euro 117,956 project
Thousands of fisherfolk from across the Caribbean are poised to benefit greatly from a unique and timely Euro 117,956 (US$150,000) project which will help them develop a more sustainable and professional industry, and improve their quality of life as well as the nutrition they obtain from seafood.

What Belizean Women think a Real Man Is
On Friday, November 2nd, the Pan American Social Marketing Organization (PASMO) presented the results of a qualitative study done in Belize. The research focuses on "What women think a 'real man' is." The study is a follow up to one done in 2008 in which men were asked the same question. The latest study took place from October 2011 to March 2012 and focused on women ages 18-40 in Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Guatemala and Panama.

Business Community applauds Government's Internet Cost Reduction Efforts
Opponents of the Barrow administration did an excellent job of painting the last Government as anti-business. They based such propaganda on episodes of Government's public battle with the Ashcroft Alliance and the subsequent takeover of two utility companies. It also didn't help the administration that businesses locally began to feel the full impact of the global economic crisis during Prime Minister Barrow's first term. However, non-politically affiliated businessmen will concede that considering the amount of tax breaks introduced by the administration, and the impact of the infrastructural stimulus, this administration has been the most business - friendly in Belize's history. The administration now plans to continue building on a much improved direct relationship with the private sector by immediately implementing policies that will foster an environment for businesses to succeed. That means looking beyond tax breaks and policy reform and towards the environment in which the businesses exist.

Campaign launched in Cayo
Special Envoy for Women and Children, Mrs. Kim Simplis-Barrow assisted parents on Tuesday, November 6th, to register their children at the main office of the San Ignacio and Santa Elena Town Council. The momentous occasion forms part of an initiative spearheaded by the United Nations International Children's Fund (UNICEF) and its many partners, which begun in the Toledo District in February of last year, to give every child in Belize an identity.

Belize taps into $23.2M CARILED funds
On Wednesday, November 7th, Minister of Rural Development, Immigration and NEMO, Hon. Godwin Hulse signed on to an agreement which will see Belize tapping into $23.2 million dollars to stimulate economic growth, create jobs and develop the business sector. The program, Caribbean Local Economic Development (CARILED) is financed by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). Seven Caribbean countries will be beneficiaries to the program and Dr. Naresh Singh, Executive Director of CARILED, explained that finances have not been specifically earmarked for any particular recipient.

What's the Agenda, Channel 5?
Many who looked at Channel 5's newscast on Tuesday, November 6th were left wondering exactly what the agenda of the television station is. We write specifically about the news item in which the television station claims that money that is being spent on Government's BOOST Program and the Food Pantry program is "going into the wrong hands."

Crackdown of Quality of Life Crimes
Minister of National Security, Hon. John Saldivar announced last Thursday that the Police Department will be cracking down on quality of life crimes, and indeed they have.

Corozal Bay has New Executive committee
On Sunday, November 4th, the Corozal Bay constituency held elections to select a New Executive Committee. The meeting was held in Santa Rita during which Narciso Flores was elected as the Chairperson. Members of the committee also include the following Estevan Cruz, Rocio Vasquez, Melhelm Williams, Jorge Perez, Reydel Cobb, Carol Williams, Idalicia Zetina, Paulita Manzanilla, Ronaldo Babb, Benjamin Cal, Richard Quan, Maria Villanueva, Alba Nunez and Armando Ramirez. Alternates are: Alma Rochester, Ada Romero, Martha Lima, Eli Leslie, Nancy Chable.

New School Building for Corozal Methodist
The Government's initiative to address the ever- growing educational needs of the country took another step forward today with the official inauguration of a two-storey, ferro-concrete school building, which was held this afternoon at the Methodist School in Corozal Town.

Congratulations to Hon. Dean Lindo
By any measure, Dean Lindo is an accomplished Attorney, Statesman, Politician, Ambassador and Lecturer, heck he's even published legal papers; to prove this all one needs to do is look at the good gentleman's resume which spans decades of service in all the above-mentioned areas. His career is studded with accomplishments as he's held positions as a Minister of Government, Ambassador, lecturer and many others too numerous to mention. Now the United Democratic Party's First Leader, Dean Lindo, will hold the position of Doctor of Philosophy, honoris causa ad gradum. He received the distinction from Trinity College in the Seychelles. To Hon. Dean Lindo, we say, Congratulations!

Youth Worker killed in Belize City
"Fun loving and determined- a solid advocate for Belizean youths." That is how 27-year-old Youth for the Future employee Gayle Escarpeta's friend and coworker, Crystal Dacoff, described Belize City's most recent female to fall victim to gun violence. Family and friends of Gayle are left with more questions than answers after they found out that she had been killed a little after 2:30 a.m. on Saturday morning, November 3rd. Police say that at approximately 2:30 a.m. Gayle was traveling with a male friend in a white Mazda on West Canal and their vehicle was being pursued by a green car with 4 male occupants inside. There is no official statement released as to when and where the pursuit began but, it ended at the corner of West Canal and South Street where occupants of the green car pulled up and opened fire on the white Mazda. While her friend escaped unharmed, Gayle was struck by at least three bullets: two to the right arm and one to the right arm pit. She succumbed to her injuries shortly after.

New Stimulus: $35 Million for First Time Home Owners
The Prime Minister of Belize has earmarked an initial $3.5 million to assist aspiring home owners. The initiative is Government's latest effort to galvanize an economy made stagnant by local financial institution's inability to attract clients. According to the Hon. Dean O. Barrow, "There is currently $131 million in excess liquidity in the banking system." That is $131 million that could have been invested in education, entrepreneurship, small business expansion, home improvement and social development. Instead, it is locked up in vaults somewhere. Government's first- time home owner's program could see $35 million of that $131 million invested in new home construction.

Hon. Hugo Patt attends His Constituency
On Monday, November 5th, the Hon. Hugo Patt, Minister of State in the Ministry of Natural Resources and Agriculture and Area Representative for the Corozal North Division, went on a working tour of his division.

Land Management upgrades
The Government of Belize signed a loan agreement with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) on November 16, 2009, in the amount of US$2,500,000 to finance the execution of the Land Management Program Phase III (LMP III). The Project is for a period of three (3) years and is in its final stage of development.

Ministry of Health highlights Statistics on the occasion
The Ministry of Health joins the international community on the occasion of World Malaria Day 2012. Countries in the region observe Malaria Day in the Americas annually on November 6th. This year, it is being celebrated under the theme - "Test. Treat. Track. - Scaling up Diagnostic Testing, Treatment, and Surveillance for Malaria." The World Health Organization estimates that Malaria transmission still occurs in 99 countries - killing an estimated 655,000 people every year - mainly children under five years of age. Belize has made significant progress in the control of Malaria over the past years, having reduced the incidence from 540 cases in 2008 to 79 cases in 2011. This year, the Ministry is on track for another successful year, having reduced the number of cases to 33 in 9 communities, a drastic reduction from 2011 in which 27 communities were producing cases. Migrant populations, case detection, and treatment compliance are among the greatest challenges that not only affect control efforts, but threaten re-emergence in many communities across Belize. The Ministry continues to take an integrated approach to Malaria control in order to reduce cases. Health education remains at the forefront while complementing other efforts such as indoor residual spraying, distribution of long lasting insecticide treated bed nets, and engaging in community based efforts to control and eliminate mosquito breeding sites. World Malaria Day is an effort by the global malaria community to highlight the reported successes and the remaining challenges in malaria control today, and to maximize the impact of substantial investments for this preventable and treatable disease. We encourage the community to work with the Ministry to continue the hard works towards the elimination of this potentially deadly disease.

Minister Montero and BWS Team visit Work Site in Santa Elena
Minister of Works and Transport, Hon. Rene Montero and Belize Water Services Limited officials visited the work site of the Santa Elena/San Ignacio Bypass Project on Thursday, November 1st.

P.M. Barrow in Honduras
PM Dean Barrow and President Porfirio Lobo Sosa Prime Minister, Hon. Dean Barrow arrived in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, on Wednesday afternoon accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Kim Simplis-Barrow and a delegation including Minister of Foreign affairs, Hon. Wilfred Elrington and CEO Alexis Rosado; Minister of Tourism, Hon. Manuel Heredia; CEO in the Prime Minister's Office, Audrey Wallace and ambassador Alfredo Martinez.

Prime Minister Dean Barrow's Address Business Forum "Partnering for Growth" at Old Belize Pavilion
Mr. Master of Ceremonies, Rev. David Goff, Distinguished Members of the Business Community, Ministers of Government and Members of Cabinet, Chief Executive Officers and other Members of the Public Service, Other Invited Guests, Representatives of the Media, Ladies and Gentlemen:


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Minister of National Security Remarks - Prime Minister Forum on November 1st, 2012
Prime Minister, Members of the Cabinet, Members of the business community, CEOs, other distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen:

New Master Plan for Tourism Sector
Minister of Tourism Hon. Manuel Heredia and Dr. Jaime Awe A new Master Plan for the Tourism Sector has been approved for Belize. The plan, named the National Sustainable Master Plan has a timeline to 2030 and was approved by Belize's leading officials on October 30th, 2012. The expertly made Xunantunich Ferry, delivered to the people of Succotz on November 1st was just one of the 'deliverables'under that Master Plan. Speaking to those gathered last Thursday in the Village of Sucotz, Dianne Haylock of the National Institute of Culture and History NICH thanked the Inter -American Development Bank IDB for providing the funds for this Master plan.

U.S Government donates A State-of-the Art Detection System
The Ministry of National Security has received a new donation from the United States Government to help upgrade security at key locations.

Bar owners charged for employing persons without employment permit!
The Immigration Department has embarked on operations at local bars and within the last few days, there have been three businesswomen who have been caught hiring foreigners at their establishment, without employment permits.

Boat Captain charged for carnal knowledge of 10-year-old girl
Honduran Boat Captain, Candido Alamilla of Boca-del-Rio area on Ambergris Caye was charged by police for a count of unlawful carnal and three counts of aggravated assault of an indecent nature. Alamilla was charged after a 10-year-old student of Ambergris Caye visited the police station accompanied by her mother. The girl told polcie that at around 1:30p.m. on October 7th, she had gone swimming when she met Alamilla, who touched her in an inappropriate manner. She also reported that sometime between October 8th and 12th she and her younger brother were picked up around midday by Alamilla and taken to his house. There, he left her brother outside of the house and took the 10-year-old girl into a room and had sexual intercourse with her after which he took them back to school. The perpetrator continued molesting the child as she told police that on a third occasion, between October 15th and 16th he again picked her up from school at around midday and took her to his house where he touched her inappropriately after which he took her back to school.

18-year-old female pleads guilty to drug trafficking
On Monday, November 5th, 18-year-old Jaslyn Cadle appeared in Magistrate's Court before Chief Magistrate, Anne Marie Smith where she was charged for drug trafficking. Cadle pleaded guilty to the charge and was fined $10,000. She was ordered to pay $2,000 forthwith in default 2 years imprisonment. She is to pay the balance by December 31st, 2013 in default 3 years imprisonment. Cadle was arrested on Saturday, November 3rd in front of MCC Grounds, where she was found in possession of 159 grams of marijuana inside a school knapsack. Police say that at about 6:05 p.m., PC#1051, Shol of the Gang Suppression Unit was on mobile patrol on Barrack Road when they saw a female who was seen in front of the MCC gate with a blue knapsack on her back. She was acting suspiciously and was approached and searched. During the search, police found a plastic bag inside the knapsack. When it was opened in her presence, they found several other packages containing suspected marijuana. Police also found $100.

Man pleads Guilty to stealing Police Commissioner's plantains
On Monday, November 5th, Lincoln Kent Crawford appeared in Magistrate's Court before Chief Magistrate, Anne Marie Smith where he was charged with theft after he was accused of stealing 79 plantains belonging to Commissioner of Police, David Henderson. Crawford wasted no time and pleaded guilty to the charge and was fined $200, $100 to be paid forthwith and the balance by February 28th, 2013. If he defaults, he is to spend 6 months in prison. According to the police, on Saturday, November 3rd, 2012, at about 9:00 a.m., COMPOL David Henderson visited the station and reported to police that on that same day, 79 plantains were stolen from his farm. Police investigation led to of Crawford's detention. In court Crawford told the Chief Magistrate that the plantains were hanging out on the street and not on the farm and anybody could have taken them. When asked why he took them since it did not belong to him, Crawford said that he is an honest worker and has no need to steal.

Five charged for Possession of Police Radio
Raquel Baptist, Emmeth Baptist, Linval Baptist and Geovanni Smith On Monday, November 5th, 50-year-old Raquel Baptist, of #628 Lavender Street, along with her two sons, Emmeth Baptist, aka "DaDa", 25, and Linval Baptist, 27; and with 27-year-old construction worker, Geovanni Smith, a resident of Belize City and a 17-year-old minor appeared in Magistrate's Court to answer to charges of possession of a communication apparatus without a license. In court, Emmeth Baptist, the home owner's son pleaded guilty with an explanation. He told the Magistrate that he found the device on Mahogany Street in front of the complex building and that he was going to sell it to the owner of a security company. He further told the Magistrate that he had placed the device on his television stand and was not hiding it since he did not know what kind of radio it was. With his explanation, the magistrate entered an equivocal plea of not guilty on his behalf. The others pleaded not guilty to the charge and they were all offered bail in the sum of $300 plus one surety of the same amount. Their case was adjourned for December 4, 2012. Over the weekend, police officers were on mobile patrol in the Saint Martin De Pores area when they conducted a search at #628 Lavender Street in Belize City where they found the police hand held radio in Baptist's home on a television stand. Present at the time of the discovery were the five above-mentioned people who were all detained and escorted to the Queen Street Police Station since they did not have a license for the device.

Remanded to Prison on Charge of Carnal Knowledge of 13-year-old
On Thursday, November 1st, 36-year-old Herman Williams, a construction worker of #9522 Faber's Road in Belize City appeared before Chief Magistrate, Anne Marie Smith where, he was read a single charge of unlawful carnal knowledge of a child age 13 years 9 months old. No plea was taken since the matter is an indictable offense and he was denied bail and remanded to the Belize Central Prison. Allegations being made against Williams are that sometime in the month of July 2012, he had sexual intercourse with the child. The incident occurred at a home where Williams was working as a construction worker. The child visited the police on October 31st in the company of her grandmother. She told police that sometime in July, Williams approached her and asked her to have sex with him. The child agreed and claimed that's when Williams had sexual intercourse with her. A medical examination was conducted on the minor and a doctor has certified that she was carnally known. Herman Williams is due back in Court #1 on December 6th.

Leon Yorke charged for Murder of David Myvette
On Wednesday, October 31st, 43-year-old David Myvette, a supervisor with Maheia's Construction was shot and killed whilst he was working on Electric Avenue. Since the murder, police arrested and charged 27-year-old Leon Yorke, a resident of #40 B Berry Street. Yorke appeared before Chief Magistrate, Anne Marie Smith in where he was charged with murder and escape. No plea was taken from Yorke and the Chief Magistrate explained to him that since the police are alleging that the escape occurred as a result of the murder, she would not take a plea from him for that offense either. Due to the nature of the original offence, Yorke was remanded to the Belize Central Prison until December 11th. Before leaving the court, Yorke told the Chief Magistrate, Anne Marie Smith that the only reason why he escaped from police was because he needed to inform his relatives and loved ones that he was detained for murder. 43-year-old David Myvette was gunned down on Wednesday, October 31st, whilst on Electric Avenue at around 10:00 a.m. Myvette was supervising workmen on the site when two men emerged and open fire. A hail of bullets went his direction and he was shot as many as 10 times to the body.

Airport and Port of Belize lead in Firms Basketball Competition
The 2012 Belize District Basketball Firms Competition continued over the last week with a number of games over the weekend. On Saturday, November 3rd, in the first of two U - 23 competition games played, Belize Bank defeated Cellular World by the score of 66-59. The top scorers for the Belize Bank were Terique Gabb with 25 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists and a steal; and Brian White with 19 points, 18 rebounds, 4 assists and a steal. Meanwhile, the top scorers for Celluar World include Marvin Skeet with 16 points, 11 rebounds, 1 assist and a steal. In the second U-23 game, Tigersharks defeated Tuff E Nuff by the score of 77-72. The top scorers for Tigersharks were Jarett Jones with 24 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 assists; and Tyron Anthony with 14 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists and a steal. For Tuff E Nuff, the top scorers were Jarrell Velasquez with 26 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals; and Vinnie Garbutt with 24 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists and a steal. In the Firms competition game, Port of Belize defeated Belize Bank by the score of 53-46. The top scorers for Port of Belize were Angus Cherrington with 12 points, 21 rebounds, 5 assists and a steal; and Jason Wade with 11 points, 2 rebounds and a steal. For Belize Bank, the top scorers for the Belize Bank were Troy Gabb with 19 points, 3 rebounds, an assist and 3 steals; and Dominique Guzman with 11 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists and a steal. In the second game, BEL edged Smart by the score of 45-43 to pick up its first win of the competition. The top scorers for Herschell Armstrong with 16 points, 11 rebounds, and 2 assists; and Brandon Cadle and Jason Bennett with 10 points each. For Smart, the top scorers were Kurt Budd with 17 points, 11 rebounds, 2 assists and a steal; and Jason Gentle with 12 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals. The Firms Competition continued on Friday, November 2nd with three games on the schedule. In game one, BTL defeated Bowen n Bowen by the score of 68-46. The top scorers for BTL were Lennox Cayetano with 19 points, 20 rebounds and an assist; and Lupito Acosta with 16 points, 1 rebound, 8 assists and a steal.

Police United and Belmopan Bandits at top of PLB standings
The Premier League of Belize 2012 Football Competition continued over the weekend with a number of games across the country. On Saturday, November 3rd at the Isidoro Beaton Stadium in Belmopan, the National Sub-Champions edged the defending National Football Champions the Placencia Assassins by the score of 2-1 to hand them its 3rd losses of the season making it 2 defeats in a row. The visiting Placencia Assassins got on the scoreboard first when Garry Young scored his team's only goal of the game to give them a 1-0 lead. The defending champions, Placencia Assassins took that lead into the second half of the game before it was relinquished. The home team, Police United got on the scoreboard when Orlando Jimenez scored the equalising goal in the 51st minute of play via a penalty kick. The Police United squad was then given a lead when Evan Mariano scored the go-ahead goal in the 83rd minute of play. At the end of the long whistle, it was a 2-1 victory for the Police United team and a place at the top of the standings. In the game played out at the Michael Ashcroft Stadium in Independence Village, RG City Boys United also edged the Paradise Freedom/Fighters by the score of 3-2. The goal scorers for the RG City Boys United were Jason Young in the 29th minute of play; Deon McCaulay in the 33rd minute of play; and Dalton Cayetano in the 37th minute of play. Meanwhile, the goal scorers for the Paradise Freedom/Fighters were Leonard Valdez in the 58th minute of play via a penalty kick and Wilmer Garcia in the 89th minute of play.

Holy Redeemer Girls and Boys win in Primary schools Football
BES and Muslim Community played to a 0 - 0 draw The Belize City Primary Schools Football Competition continues at the MCC Grounds. On Tuesday, November 6th, in the girls' game played, Holy Redeemer School defeated Belize Elementary School by the score of 1-0. The only goal of the game was scored by Jada Myvette. In the first of two games in the boys' category, Holy Redeemer also won over Belize Elementary School by the score of 2-1. The scorers for Holy Redeemer were Herman Card and Clayshaun Lewis. Meanwhile, the goal scorer for Belize Elementary School was Kim Chee. In the second boys' game, Salvation Army won over St. Mary's via the default route. On Friday, November 2nd, in the first of two girls' games played, Belize Elementary School and Muslim Community played to a 0-0 draw. In the second game, Queen Square Anglican School edged St. Martin De Porres by the score of 1-0. The lone goal of the game was scored by Jada Davis. In the first boys' game played, Muslim Community blanked Belize Elementary School by the score of 1-0. Tirique Ceigo scored the goal for Muslim Community. And in game two, Queen Square Anglican School also blanked St. Martin De Porres by the score of 1-0. The goal for Queen Square Anglican was scored by Rayne Gentle.

St. Catherine Academy and Toledo Community College to defend National Volleyball Title
The National Secondary Schools Sports Association (NSSSA) will be holding its National Secondary schools Volleyball Championship on Friday and Saturday, November 9th and 10th, 2012 respectively at the University of Belize Gymnasium in the City of Belmopan. This year's National Volleyball Championship is being hosted by the Belmopan Baptist High School and will see the return of St. Catherine Academy (Central Region) and Toledo Community College (Southern Region) as the defending champions in the female and male categories. The other schools that have earned the right to represent its respective regions are from the North female ,Muffles College and male, Escuela Secundaria Tecnica Mexico, from the Western Region female, Belmopan Comprehensive High School and male ,Mopan Technical High School. From the Southern Region female, Stann Creek Ecumenical College and male, Toledo Community College, the three-time back-to-back champions, and from Central Region female, St. Catherine Academy and male, St. John's College.

Toledo Community College to defend National Volleyball Title
The Southern Region Secondary Schools Volleyball championships took place on Saturday, November 2nd at the Punta Gorda Sports Complex in Punta Gorda Town and it was hosted by Julian Cho Technical High School. The schools that participated in the female championship were Georgetown Technical High School, Stann Creek Ecumenical College, and the host school Julian Cho Technical High School, while the schools that competed in the male championship were defending champions, Toledo Community College, Stann Creek Ecumenical College, and Independence High School. In the championship game in the female competition, Stann Creek Ecumenical College defeated Georgetown Technical High School by the score of 25-20 and 25-23 to capture the Southern Region volleyball Title. In the third place game, Georgetown Technical High School defeated Julian Cho Technical High School by the score of 24-26, 25-12 and 15-8.

St. Catherine Academy and St. John's College are Central Region Volleyball Champions
The 2012-2013 Central Region Secondary Schools Volleyball Championships came to an end on Friday, November 2nd at the Belize Elementary School Auditorium with the championship game in both the female and male categories. In the female championship game, St. Catherine Academy won its 15th Central Region Secondary Schools Volleyball Title when it defeated Wesley College in three sets by the score of 25-9, 25-5, and 25-5. St. Catherine Academy's dominance in the discipline of Volleyball started back in the mid 1980's and only on few occasion they have failed to capture the Central Region Title. In the male championship game, St. John's College won yet another Central Region when it defeated Anglican Cathedral College in four sets by the score of 25-16, 23-25, 25-17 and 25-10. In the male category, St. John's College has won more but Central titles than any other male school in the city but it has not been dominant as St. Catherine since there were other champions that include Wesley College, Nazarene High and Edward P. Yorke High School that quickly come to mind.

Belize has the Best Pro-Poor Program in the Hemisphere
Hon. Dean Oliver Barrow, Prime Minister of Belize: "The government repeats, with no apology and indeed much pride, that our pro-poor programmes are the centerpiece of our social campaign, our mandate of egalitarianism." Prime Minister Barrow is one of many Heads of State that have based their public service career on pro-poor initiatives. He is also one of the few to put the money where his mouth and heart is. Judith Alpuche, Chief Executive Officer in Ministry of Human Development, Social Transformation and Poverty Alleviation, said, "when we came in 2008, the social assistance program was about half a million per year and now it's at 5.2 million." That $5.2 million dollars covers the Conditional Cash Transfer Programme, also known as Building Opportunities for Our Social Transformation initiative (BOOST). The World Bank praises Belize's social protection programme, in particular the BOOST initiative, as the best in the hemisphere. Sara Berger, Social Protection Specialist from the World Bank, said, "Belize is far beyond many of the countries in Latin America in moving the dialogue from programmatic perspective to systematic perspective." BOOST has been effective because it provides financial support to the country's most vulnerable population in an attempt to help them escape from what the World Bank refers to as "intergenerational transmission of poverty". BOOST offers small cash assistance to poor and vulnerable households. A piece in the World Bank's "News and Views" from June 28 of this year explained the program best: "The deal is simple: vaccinate your children, send them to school; and, if you are pregnant, visit your public health center, regularly starting with the first 12 weeks. In exchange, the BOOST Program will give you a monthly allowance between BZ$44 and BZ$82 (US$22 - US$41) per person, up to a maximum of six per household." Since its inception in January 2011, more than 4,500 applicants for the program have been assessed and there are currently 3,224 households benefiting. Hon. Anthony Boots Martinez is extremely proud of the program's early success. The Ministry points out that some of BOOST's current features already match or surpass best practices in the world. Recorded school attendance for children included in the program was at 97.3% in May of this year and that number is expected to be just as strong by the end of the year.

More Taxes, Retrenchment and Mismanagement by O.W. Mayor
It seems that the hallmarks of the Orange Walk Town Mayor are overtaxing residents, retrenchment and mismanagement. In the 8 months that Kevin Bernard has been in office, he has proven that the Orange Walk Town Council is in the worst hands that it has ever been. Immediately after taking office, he fired workers, broke up the existing equipment at the Council and began overtaxing the residents. Now the mini-mayor is looking to impose even more taxes on the people of Orange Walk. By his own admission, the Mayor says that the Council is broke and they need to find ways through which they can bleed more money from the residents of the town. As it is, the Council is unable to collect finances that were projected including trade licenses, liquor licenses and property taxes. Adding insult to injury for the residents of Orange Walk is the fact that at least one official of the Council is know to have soirees in neighboring Chetumal with young men. Now the Mayor is looking to add a $5.00 garbage tax on the residents. And the feedback from the town is that the residents simply will not have it. They claim that already the Council is unable to do simple maintenance work on streets and drains yet it is asking for residents to pay a garbage tax. They clearly recall that the Council is overspending money on salaries for friends and cronies of the Mayor and the councilors yet the people of Orange Walk Town cannot get services from the Council. The bright idea to impose a tax when there is nothing that can be shown for the money that the council is spending will definitely not be taken lightly.

Preacher Man charged with Carnal Knowledge
Police arrested and charged a pastor of Franks Eddy Village in the Cayo district after an 11-year-old girl made allegations that he had sexual intercourse with her. Julio Cesar Garcia was arraigned in the Belmopan Magistrate's Court before Magistrate Aretha Ford. Due to the nature of the offences, bail was denied and he was remanded to prison until January 25th, 2013. The girl, accompanied by her mother, visited the Belmopan Police Station where she reported to police that Julio Cesar Garcia, who is a Pastor of the Baptist Church in Frank's Eddy Village, had sexual intercourse with her on two occasions. The first occasion allegedly happened on Sunday, October 28th at the church in the village. On the second occasion, the pastor allegedly had sex with the girl on Thursday, November 1st, this time, she told police, that it was inside his house. Suspicions arose after the child reportedly got a fever and she was taken to seek medical attention and the crime was detected. Police have since arrested and charged the pastor with two counts of unlawful carnal knowledge.

Business Community applauds Government's Internet Cost Reduction Efforts
Opponents of the Barrow administration did an excellent job of painting the last Government as anti-business. They based such propaganda on episodes of Government's public battle with the Ashcroft Alliance and the subsequent takeover of two utility companies. It also didn't help the administration that businesses locally began to feel the full impact of the global economic crisis during Prime Minister Barrow's first term. However, non-politically affiliated businessmen will concede that considering the amount of tax breaks introduced by the administration, and the impact of the infrastructural stimulus, this administration has been the most business - friendly in Belize's history. The administration now plans to continue building on a much improved direct relationship with the private sector by immediately implementing policies that will foster an environment for businesses to succeed. That means looking beyond tax breaks and policy reform and towards the environment in which the businesses exist. The success of the business community is dependent on the social advancement of the society in which it dwells. Belize is ranked 123 out of 142 countries on the 2012 Global Competitiveness Index Report. This is an extremely poor position to be in however, considering the fact that Belize didn't even rank in previous surveys, the country is definitely on the right track. The poor rating is due in large part to our technology readiness. Belize's Internet penetration of 10% is lowest in the region and the cost of technology is highest. Improving these statistics is of paramount importance to the 2012-2017 Barrow Administration. That is the reason Prime Minister Barrow appointed the country's first Minister of Science and Technology, Senator Joy Grant. Improved accessible technology will immediately improve the business climate of Belize. Since October 2010, Internet costs in Belize have been reduced significantly. At its lowest speed, 128 kb, cost of internet was above $100 per month. Today, it is below $50 and on December 1st, it will be at $25. The reduction is even more incredible at faster speeds. The cost of 1 MB speed internet was $500 in 2010. Today, it is $300 and on December 1st, it will be $140. Prime Minister Barrow announced the price changes at the second annual business forum between the private and public sectors. Private sector representatives greeted the news with a huge round of applause.

Campaign launched in Cayo
Special Envoy for Women and Children, Mrs. Kim Simplis-Barrow assisted parents on Tuesday, November 6th, to register their children at the main office of the San Ignacio and Santa Elena Town Council. The momentous occasion forms part of an initiative spearheaded by the United Nations International Children's Fund (UNICEF) and its many partners, which begun in the Toledo District in February of last year, to give every child in Belize an identity. In her presentation to the gathering, Mrs. Barrow expressed that she was pleased to be back home in the Twin Towns of San Ignacio and Santa Elena. "This place is where I first received my first right as a child", she said. "We can't stress enough the importance of registering your children." "One of the most important things we will ever apply for is a birth certificate�it lays the foundation for other documents later in life", she reminded. Ms. Christine Norton, Representative for UNICEF in Belize told The Guardian that there are many advantages to getting a child registered, immediately after birth and with the Ministry of Health. These include having access to a Social Security card, being able to enter school and having a Belizean identity.

Blogs

National Regatta
The Belize Sailing Association has invited 17 young Optimist Class Dinghy Sailors from San Pedro to compete in the 2012 Belize National Regatta. The 2-day regatta will be held here in downtown San Pedro, off Central Park, the weekend of November 17 - 18. Listed alphabetically, the San Pedro Junior sailors are: Jerdon Andeson Davin Puc Zulema Ayala Alexander Rh ...

Top 10 Foods Of The Maya World
We may not realize it, but many of our favorite foods-from guacamole to tamales to chocolate-were discovered, developed, and refined centuries ago in the Maya world. Here are a few of our favorites.-By Michael Shapiro Baking tortillas in Chichicastenango, Guatemala Photograph by Aldo Pavan, Grand Tour/Corbis 1.Chocolate Cacao is endemic to the lands of the Maya, who were the first to take the seeds of the fruit and roast them to make hot chocolate. The ancient Maya didn't make candy bars, nor did they add sugar and milk to the cacao. Instead they took their chocolate as a ceremonial elixir and a savory mood enhancer. For the Maya, cacao was a sacred gift of the gods, and cacao beans were used as currency. Ek Chuah, the Maya god of merchants and trade, was also the patron of the cacao crop. When the Spanish invaded Maya lands in the 1500s, they adopted the beverage, adding sugar and milk to make it sweet and creamy. To learn more about cacao and taste chocolate, visit the Ecomuseo del Cacao in the Puuc region of Yucat�n, www.ecomuseodelcacao.com.

International Sources

Transnational Organized Crime Continues to Plague Central America
On September 27, 2012, combating transnational organized crime more effectively was the subject of a meeting of the foreign affairs ministers of Central America and the U.S. On the margins of the U.N. General Assembly in New York. n1 U.S. Department of State, Western Hemisphere: Remarks at her Meeting with Central American Foreign Ministers, Sept. 27, 2012. U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton observed that since the Groups of Friends at the Third Central American Citizen Security met in June, homicide rates were lower than the first six months of 2011: homicide rates are down 10 percent in Guatemala, 25 percent in Honduras, and 26 percent in El Salvador. Nevertheless, she said governments must make police more responsive and more effective. For instance, the U.S. has funded model police precinct programs in El Salvador and Guatemala. The program provides training and equipment to get local police more involved in their communities, to build trust between citizens and law enforcement, and to target the zones of impunity where criminals operate. In these three precincts, homicide rates have declined even more than the national average -- 35 percent, 40 percent, 50 percent. Clinton said that the successful program should be expanded and law enforcement should be strengthened, making it both more professional and more connected and sensitive to the needs of the people in the communities. Second, Clinton said governments should build on the success of violence prevention programs that target those who are the most vulnerable to being recruited by criminal gangs, namely young people and marginalized populations. USAID is working in twelve high crime areas in El Salvador, partnering with civil society, municipal leaders, and businesses to provide education and vocational training for these at-risk groups, Third, governments hope to keep strengthening partnership and collaboration. Donor countries must continue to coordinate to focus resources where they are needed most without duplicating their efforts. Regional governments must share effective practices and start joint efforts, because crime, of course, does not stop at borders.

Deadbeat nation can't discriminate among creditors
A unanimous three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit has ruled that the government of Argentina must not discriminate among its creditors. Let's hope that principle also applies in America the next time the government decides to bail out the auto industry. In a unanimous October 26 decision, the court affirmed a district court ruling in favor of a group of Argentina's bondholders. Ever since Argentina's 2001 default on roughly $100 billion of its sovereign debt, these bondholders have held the reasonable position that Argentina ought to pay its bills. Holding more than $4 billion of Argentina's debt, these creditors declined restructuring deals in 2005 and 2010 that offered bondholders as little as 25 cents on the dollar. Argentina has refused to pay a nickel of the more than $1.3 billion in principal and interest due so far to the holdouts. At the same time, Buenos Aires has been making regular payments to bondholders who accepted a restructuring and took big write-downs. This practice of treating some bondholders better than others is specifically prohibited by the contracts with investors that Argentina's government freely accepted.

Jamaica Bond Yields Jump to Nine-Month High After Belize Default
Jamaica's borrowing costs are surging to the highest level in nine months after defaults by two Caribbean neighbors combine with the region's slowest economic growth prospects to undermine investor confidence. Yields on dollar bonds due in 2019 from the island nation, which restructured $7.8 billion of bonds almost three years ago, reached 8.31 percent on Oct. 31, the highest since February, and traded at 8.25 percent yesterday. Jamaican notes lost 0.9 percent in October, the worst performance among 15 Central American and Caribbean nations, according to JPMorgan Chase & Co. Bonds sold by Pakistan that carry the same B- rating from Standard & Poor's returned 6.3 percent. While Jamaican yields are below the 13 percent level reached before its 2010 restructuring, some investors are concerned that Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller's government will struggle with debt payments following Belize and Grenada's defaults this year, said Stuart Culverhouse, the chief economist at Exotix Ltd. in London. Jamaica's economy is forecast to expand 0.9 percent this year and 1.5 percent in 2017, the slowest pace in Latin America and the Caribbean, according to the International Monetary Fund. Central bank reserves fell by more than half since April 2011 to $1.1 billion in October.

All the Reasons Pot Is Good for You
Colorado and Washington both passed legislation that legalizes the recreational use of marijuana on Tuesday. While recreational marijuana is controversial, many people believe that the drug should be legal, especially for medical uses. Psychiatrist Tod H. Mikuriya, who helped develop Proposition 215, the state ballot that allowed doctors to recommend marijuana for patients in California, began researching marijuana's therapeutic possibilities in the 1960s. He believed the symptoms of over 200 ailments could be treated with marijuana including stuttering, insomnia, premenstrual syndrome, and writer's cramp. Even the National Cancer Institute agrees with Mikuriya - specifically the use of marijuana for treatment of side effects of chemotherapy, preventing nausea and vomiting, increasing appetite, relieving pain, and improving sleep. While the benefits and risks of smoking pot may be overstated by advocates and opponents of marijuana legalization, the new legalization will help researchers study the drugs' medicinal uses, and better understand how it impacts the body.

Americans Overseas Domestic Violence Crisis Center in Belize
The Americans Overseas Domestic Violence Crisis Center will be hosting an information session in Belmopan during the second week of December as part of our "Global Campaign to Empower Americans Abused Abroad." A member of AODVC will present on the barriers faced by victims of domestic violence as well as the services the organization has available to Americans experiencing domestic violence overseas. Also, a consular officer from the American Embassy will present on what the Embassy can do to help Americans experiencing domestic violence in Belmopan. For all event-related questions, please contact Rachel Petersen at [email protected]. To find out more about the Americans Overseas Domestic Violence Crisis Center, please visit our website at www.866uswomen.org. Read about us in the March 2012 issue of Reader's Digest: http://www.rd.com/true-stories/inspiring/paula-lucas-international-angel/

Climate Change May Have Doomed Ancient Maya, Study Finds
The mystery of the ancient Maya downfall might be solved by a rock formation that suggests climate change could have led to the civilization's demise. Researchers from Pennsylvania State University traced a climate trail recorded in a 2,000-year-old stalagmite found in a cave in Belize, concluding that prolonged periods of drought corresponded with the disintegration of the Maya political system. The findings are published today in the journal Science. The Maya, who originated around 2600 B.C. in current day Southeastern Mexico, grew to prominence and size during the next three millennia, building temple step-pyramids and developing highly accurate astronomical and calendar systems. Why some of their larger cities were abandoned a thousand years ago is largely a mystery. Though weather shifts have been proposed previously, the stalagmite findings may offer the data that was lacking, said Douglas Kennett, the lead study author. "We lucked into very good material to work with, to develop a very detailed climate record that is anchored chronologically in a way that other records haven't been able to," Kennett, a professor of anthropology at Penn State in State College, Pennsylvania, said in a phone interview. Previous climate records, taken from lake bed samples, would have provided a picture of rainfall levels in 10 year to 30 year increments, with potential errors as much as a century off.

New World Belize well on schedule, under budget and set to test additional formations
AIM-listed New World Oil and Gas (NEW) on Thursday revealed that its latest well on its Blue Creek prospect in northwest Belize was ahead of schedule and under budget. Because the current programme is $750,000 (£469,000) under budget, New World has decided to use this opportunity to drill into the Y3 formation and the Hillbank intervals. The company will test this area where it said there remains "considerable potential" for the existence of multiple productive horizons. The company expects to reach the revised total depth for the Blue Creek 2 well of 10,450 feet, on or before 15 November. Following completion of the drilling, New World will then evaluate the intervals which have oil shows on both the mud logs recorded while drilling, and the electric logs which will be recorded after drilling has been completed, to ascertain amongst other factors the oil and gas saturation levels, porosity and thickness of the reservoirs. The company will then determine at what depth and which zones to commence well testing operations.

12-foot crocodile stands up as villagers feed it in West Africa
Using a long stick to dangle a live birds in front of the crocodiles, locals encourage a few of the most acrobatic, clever and hungry crocodiles to stand up on two legs to snap up their food



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