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Specials and Events

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


The San Pedro Sun

On the Radar: Christmas 8-Ball Pool Tournament!
A tournament is being organizer for all interested billiard players on the island. The Christmas 8-Ball pool tournament is scheduled to commence in the first week of December and will see teams competing for a grand cash prize of $1,000. 8-Ball is a form of billiards played with fifteen numbered balls and the cue ball. The objective of the game is to shoot all balls (one through seven or nine through fifteen, depending on which team you are) off the table before attempting to shoot the eight ball. The team that completes this first wins the game. Those interested in entering the tournament are asked to register teams consisting of five members. A team captain must be selected for each participating team. Registration fee is at $25 per player or $125 per team. Prizes will be awarded to the top three teams: 1st place - $1,000 plus five case of beer, 2nd place - $500 plus three cases of beer and 3rd place - $200 plus one case of beer.

SPTC attempts to relocate local Vendors
The craft vendors who, for many years had been stationed at the Central Park, have been informed by The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) that they need to relocate. The move has been long coming, and in June of this year, it was officially announced that before 2015 was over, the vendors were going to be moved to the Sunset Board Walk. Authorities from the SPTC reportedly told the vendors that they were to relocate by Monday, November 30th. However, the vendors do not want to move, as they argue that the new location is not viable for business and the conditions are not what they were promised. In a press release issued on Tuesday, December 1st by the SPTC, the general public was informed of the artisans' relocation, which was expected to be before the Christmas Season. However in order to get the right measures in place, the artisants will now be relocated on the first working day of 2016. The release continues to say that after a meeting between the SPTC and the artisans, some of them were placed on the beach, directly in front of the park. This was done to ensure that the vendors were not disenfranchised for the Christmas Season. With this delay, the SPTC will have enough time to ensure the new area where the artisans will move to when is completed with the right facilities as originally envisioned.

San Pedro celebrates 31 years of Township
Mayor Guerrero stated that one of the reasons why this year's celebration was dedicated to education was in order to inform the younger generation about the significance of such occasions and citing the island's evolution since it became a town 31 years ago. "A lot has been accomplished in all these past years and I am thankful to all the past Mayors and Councilors. It is something that I maintained and acknowledge, and in recognition of that we want to establish civic pride and thus, this year we went educational. A lot of children will hear at their schools about Township Day, but they might not know what it really is about. So I believe it's very important to educate them about what is transpiring at the Town Board," said Guerrero. He mentioned that this activity was long coming and he was happy that it was finally accomplished. The many students that visited his office were curious and had some really good questions for the Mayor. "This is really good, because it makes you realize that children are listening, they are watching the news, listening to the radio and becoming aware of what is happening in their community. But I believe it should not be done just during Township Day, regardless if they come here to our offices or we go to their school, these activities should be done more often with our students, who are the future leaders of our community and country," said Guerrero.

DJ Private Ryan stars at Island Invasion's King of the Island Birthday Bash
Trinidadian star, DJ Private Ryan rocked Ambergris Caye, entertaining the Belizean masses at the highly anticipated Island Invasion. Party lovers from across the country flocked to Fido's Courtyard on Saturday, November 28th for Island Invasion's King of the Island Birthday Bash for a truly spectacular music and dance affair. The top DJs of Belize, along with feature performer DJ Private Ryan, kept the massive crowd dancing until the wee hours of Sunday, November 29th. The night featured the musical stylings of DJ Jago, Air Invasion, Evolution Sounds, Fayah Statah Sounds, and DJ Odyssey, with systems being provided by Royal Sound Entertainment. The dance floor was kept packed all night as everyone danced the night away to the best of old and new school soca, dancehall, club, reggae and pop hits.

Miss Garifuna 2015/2016 and candidates receive gifts
On Wednesday, November 25th, Miss Garifuna 2015/2016 Sheila Montero, along with the other young ladies that competed in the pageant on November 18th, were presented with an array of fabulous prizes at the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC). Mayor Daniel Guerrero welcomed each one of the beauties to his office and handed out the prizes. Miss Garifuna Sheila Montero received a brand new bicycle, plus a bag with gift certificates and a cash prize. First runner-up Ashanti Martinez received a coffee maker, along with a gift bag with gift certificates as well. Nicole Dunn and Zennia Nu�ez each received gift bags with gift certificates and cash prizes. Everyone was recognized for their participation in the pageant and for proudly representing their culture. Among some of the prizes were lunches at restaurants, sunset tours, roundtrip flight tickets to Belize City and even golf cart rentals. Even former Miss Garifuna Tisane Martines received some surprises.

Ambergris Today

Belize Bans Offshore Exploration in and Around All Seven World Heritage Sites
Belize Cabinet at its meeting on Tuesday, December 1, 2015, approved a policy that will legally apply a ban on offshore exploration in areas along the Belize Barrier Reef System, and within the seven (7) World Heritage Sites in Belize. From 8 to 15 December 2015, World Heritage Centre staff will travel to Belize to discuss next steps toward the full implementation of the Desired State of Conservation that would make Belize eligible for removal from the List of World Heritage in Danger.

Misc Belizean Sourcesmzz

San Pedros AIDS Solidarity Walk 2015
December 1, 2015, is internationally known as World AIDS Day. In honor of the day, the San Pedro AIDS Commission organized a solidarity walk along the main streets of San Pedro where it counted with the participation of the members of the San Pedro AIDS Commission, members and staff of the San Pedro Town Council, Miss San Pedro 2015, Iris Salguero, members of the San Pedro Lions Club, members of the San Pedro Cancer Society, San Pedro R.C. School Marching band, members of the San Pedor Police Formaiton and guests. Before the walk, Mayor Daniel Guerrero and Councilors Gabriel Nu�ez, Ruben Gonzalez and Hector Alamilla, along with Miss San Pedro, Iris Salguero, on behalf of the people of San Pedro, presented a cheque of $2500 to the president of the San Pedro AIDS Commission, Mr. Felix Ayuso. Mr. Ayuso was very grateful for the donation, as the funds are used to aid those that are living with the virus as well as other needs that may arise to the group.

8th Annual Artisan Fair
More than a dozen artisan booths participated in the 8th Annual Artisan Fair sponsored by the United States Embassy in Belmopan yesterday. Despite the inclement weather we made a go at it and had fun speaking to all participants. They came from as far as, Corozal, Toledo, Cayo, Maskal, Belmopan, Belize District, Spanish Lookout, Unitedville. Some of the names you will recognize include Walter Castillo from Bullet Tree, Angi from Fabric Twist Designs, IRY'S Butterfly Art, ARTEMIS, Exotic Wood Carvings Gift Shop, Dazart, Hot Mama's and many more. It was great meeting Chef Kuylen. We were so fortunate to meet and chat with our good friend Walter Castillo and his lovely wife Mito. Walter Castillo is a self taught artist, who grew up in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. Eary in his teens, he started traveling within Belize and mingling with people from many different cultures. This included the Mayas, East Indians Creole and Garinagu with which he lived amongst from 13 to 17 years old. His use of vibrant colours and people so full of life, springs up from his paintings.

Community Mural Launch
Galen University got some great pictures of the Cayo Mural launch. "On Friday, November 27, 2015, the San Igancio/Santa Elena and Galen Community were graced with fine art in great company as the community mural - A Painted Conversation, was unveiled. The mural is the result of collaboration over twelve months with Art Educator/Artist Natalia Pilato of Penn State University who conceptualized the entire project called A Painted Conversation."

News from Belize Bird Rescue
We took delivery of two confiscated birds the other day - they were being openly sold in the market place, which thankfully is unusual in Belize. A red lored and a female white front, clipped wings, tiny cages, minimal food and no enrichment. It is always a joy to introduce a neglected bird to toys and natural foods, but this time even we were blown away with their enthusiasm. Unfortunately, almost every time we got close with the camera they stopped what they were doing. We can NEVER overstress the importance of enrichment. Smart birds like parrots get bored very easily, and when they are bored, they are destructive - to your home, their cage, themselves or each other. A few minutes of YOUR time providing suitable enrichment will keep a parrot sated for the day. That sounds like a pretty good swap to us!

Belize Specialist Training Miami 2015
Our new Belize Specialists Agents from our training in Miami.

2015-2016 Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program
Gaspari Cordova, 2015-2016 Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program participant met with the Ambassador to USA from Belize, Mr. Pat Andrews in Washington, D.C. Mr. Cordova will be participating as a presenter at the "Belize & El Salvador Cultural Luncheon " that will take place on Wednesday, December 2, 2015. The Humphrey Program brings young and mid-career professionals from designated countries to the United States for a year of non-degree graduate-level study, leadership development, and professional collaboration with U.S. counterparts. We will keep posting the great work and representation that Mr. Gaspari is doing for Belize!

Interested in the Humphrey Fellowship?
Learn more about the Embassy's current Humphrey Fellow Cordova's experience in the U.S. as highligted in this Love FM article.

San Pedro Christmas Boat Parade is ON!
Whoot whoot! New group of organizers! Let us rally and get a boat parade together everyone! What wonderful news!!!!

Splashers in San Pedro
This is not the exact painting we are doing tomorrow! This is the inspiration. Please don't come to the paint party expecting to replicate this exact image. I have not had time to create my own version but it will be a night time island scene with Santa's sleigh across the sky (or not if you wish to not paint it in). Let me know who plans on painting tomorrow Crazy Canucks at 2p.m.

Lighting of the Christmas Tree at Central Park in San Pedro
The San Pedro Town Council presents its annual Lighting of the Christmas Tree at Central Park. Saturday - December 5, 2015 at 6:00 p.m. Come join the fun! Bring the whole family and take your pictures at the Christmas Tree! We will have refreshments and musical entertainment.

First Friday of December Trash Pick Up, Hosted by First Friday Tres Cocos Trash Pick Up
Our new trash barrels are helping, but there's still lots of work to do! Join us at the Paradise Theatre (just north of the bridge) for our monthly two hour roadside and beach clean up! Locals, expats and tourists are all invited to help out and show some Isla Love! Please be there by 9:00 am Dec. 4th :-) AMAZING NEWS ALERT!! We have just been informed that 150 kids from Holy Cross Anglican School will be joining us this Friday for our Trash Pick Up!! The beach all the way from the bridge to Palapa Bar will be spotless!

Agreement on Cooperation in "Genetic Improvement in Sheep and Goat Project between Belize-Taiwan"
The "Genetic Improvement for Sheep and Goat Breeding Belize-Taiwan Project" was signed today December 2, 2015 by Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Gaspar Vega in his capacity as Minister for Agriculture and the Ambassador of the Republic of China(Taiwan) H.E. Mr. Benjamin Ho. This is a three year project with an approved total budget of approximately $1.62 Million US of which the Government of Belize will contribute $0.35 Million US and the Taiwanese Government will finance $1.27 M US. The project seeks to improve and develop the genetic blood lines of both the sheep and goat livestock through natural breeding and an artificial insemination program. Sheep and goat production have tremendous growth opportunity on the national market but also on the regional export market. This project will complement other ongoing initiatives and place the industry on a firm footing for development. In particular the traceability/registry component will provide the base on which an export market could develop.

Letter: The government gets what it pays for, by Charles Leslie Jr.
You must understand that what your government pays for it gets. If you are paid to do something for the government, they will extract from you exactly what they have paid for. They have ordered five more years of absolute power. They have paid handsomely for that power by paying you for your votes. They have gotten what they paid for on November 4, 2015. When we understand that, then we look at our education system, our health system, government financed institutions. Let us focus on our education system and see the kind of education that is being turned out. Logic will tell you that if what is being turned out in those schools was not in accord with what the government wanted, then it would change it. The bottom line is the government is getting what they have ordered, they are getting what they paid for. They do not want your children to be educated. They do not want you to think too much. That is why our country has become so proliferated with drugs, alcohol, entertainment, and all other types of amusement that you can think of, to keep you entertained, so that you don't get in the way of important people by doing too much thinking.

Friday Open Jam!
Friday Night Open Jam! We have a full band that plays every Friday & we welcome anyone to join! Whether you sing, play the maracas, drum, guitar�. come have a�Location : Barrier Reef Sports Bar & Grill, Front StreetStart Date: December 4, 2015 End Date: December 4, 2015 Time: 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Roots Reggae with Julian Melodyman Escobar
Saturday Night is Roots Reggae at the Sports Bar with Julian Melodyman Escobar from 6 - 9 pm! Come listen and dance to the beats of Roots reggae -- Belizan�Location : Barrier Reef Sports Bar & Grill, Front StreetStart Date: December 5, 2015 End Date: December 5, 2015 Time: 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm

Belizean shoppers are being targeted while shopping in Chetumal
BUYERS BEWARE. Reports surfacing on social media and other media sources, including the Mexican Newspapers are that Belizean shoppers are being targeted while shopping in Chetumal, even more so now that the Christmas season is near and everyone is looking for ways to get some extra cash. It is said that thieves have been lurking like sharks and stealing wallets or bags of Belizean shoppers by creating distractions then stealing the items without shoppers even being aware. Specific places noted as hot-spots for the thieves are commercial centers, where many Belizean shoopers frequent, such as Sams Club or Walmart and Plaza de Las Americas mall. These reports have been confirmed by Mexican authorities in Quintana Roo who urge Belizean shoppers to be cautious and keep their belongings close at all times, so as to not lose cash or credit cards to these professional thieves.

Mourning the deaths of Ana, Elizabeth and Shadisha
The Nancy Marin Youth Foundation is organizing vigils country wide to mourn the deaths of Ana, Elizabeth and Shadisha, who died in the tragic fire at the Youth Hostel this weekend. The vigil will be held this Saturday December 5th at 6:30 p.m. Anyone who wants to help me organize the Corozal vigil, please inbox me here, or email me (Ingrid Ferlo) at [email protected] or contact me at 600-7343. I'm saying this one time - No politics in this, please, I can assure you I am not politically affiliated. These girls deserved way more than that. Thank you for any help you provide.

More photos of the 8th Annual Artisan Fair at the USA Embassy in Belmopan held recently.

Channel 7

Shadisha's Family: Mourning and Grief Multiplied By Morgue Delay
16 year old Shadisha Arnold was one of the three girls who perished in a fire at the female dorm of the youth hostel on Saturday. Today, her family set the funeral for 2:00 pm at St. John's Cathedral. It was sure to be a sorrowful event - but a delay at the morgue with Shadisha's burnt remains made it even more painful for her family. Courtney Weatherburne reports:� Frustrated and outraged: That's what these family members were feeling. They had been waiting outside the St. John's Cathedral since for the funeral service of Shadisha Arnold to start. But the service couldn't begin because Arnold's body had not even been released from the morgue. Addison Gillett - Uncle of Shadisha Gillett "People waiting before 2 o'clock and I come to the morgue from 2 o'clock and they still can't release the body; I am a police officer, a special constable and they still can't release the body, they don't want me to see neither, burn beyond recognition. No hand, no head, no foot, so it's only a small portion they will bury. Baby I very upset, I very upset. Everybody the try cool me off that I no flip." Gillett says the body should have been released at 10 but according to him, Human Services Department failed to authorize the release. And apart from that, he says they still don't have concrete answers as to what happened that day of the fire.

Two Prisoners Bolt; On Shot, One On The Run
2 prisoners escaped from Dangriga Police yesterday, and tonight, one of them is still on the run. At around 4:00, Police were transporting remanded inmates Lawrence Bernardez, Edan Guzman, and Daniel McKenzie from Dangriga to the Central Prison in Hattieville in the pan of a pick-up truck. Sources tell us the men were not properly restrained, but police assert that they were properly handcuffed. Whatever the case, when the police mobile slowed for the speed bump in Hattieville - just a hundred feet from the village police station - Bernardez and Guzman jumped out of the vehicle, and ran off into the nearby bushes. Police set chase, and caught Guzman, but the officer says he put a fight, and the cop shot him in the leg. He was transported to the KHMH with a gunshot wound to the thigh.

The New Civic Center Will Be The Most Expensive Building In Bze History
Two nights ago, we told you about the plans for the new Belize City Centre. The contract is for $32.9 million dollars - which would make it the most expensive building in Belize's history, surpassing the Central Bank which was finished in 1998 for 30 million dollars. So, it's a huge outlay - and the last gush of Petrocaribe spending - but is there going to be value for money? And will it address the desperate needs of Belize's basketballers and volleyballers - who have been without a serviceable indoor facility for at least 5 years? Well, Belize Infrastructure Limited is heading the construction and we asked the general manager the tough questions today at the site:� Jules Vasquez "Is that price justified?" Christy Mastry - General Manager, BIL "Yeah, well you know when we talk about structures like this; and I glad you mention public because we're designing in the public realm for high public usage. So we start with the parameter that the government wanted to consider this building and commit this building to being a hurricane shelter. One of the first parameters given to the design team was that the building had to be elevated but yet it still had to be ADA compliant; and that's disability association compliance. So we have to be able to accommodate with the proper ramping system and disability access. And it had to be able to withstand up to a category 4 with the safety factors of being a low end category 5. We're doing a lot of things with the design of the building and it's a prefab steel structure that we will be importing in and that will be all galvanized, dipped structure in order to avoid corrosion."

Authorities Mum On Mystery Plane
Tonight, not much more is known about the mystery plane, which was found yesterday morning in the Green Hills area west of Spanish Lookout. The Cessna 210 was found crashed and burned - and police believe that it was deliberately torched because it was used to transport drugs. Today we asked the Director of Civil Aviation about it - and he didn't have much to add:� Lindsey Garbutt - Director of Civil Aviation "My accident investigator Mr. Jean Young was on the scene almost immediately as we were informed of this and we found that there was a plane that had landed. And who ever landed it burnt it as a means of destroying evidence. We are presently working with the police department to give them all the technical information we can in terms of what type of aircraft, trying to trace the registration so we can provide that information and the police part of the procedure can go on."

Weed Stash Found In An Old CD Player
This morning, a Belize City police unit called the Northern Strike Team along with the Tourism Police Unit and the K-9 unit conducted a joint operation which turned up a weed bust in the King's Park Area. At 10:30a.m. they searched the residence of Arthur Higgs located at #6 - 7th St and found four black plastic bags with five ounces of Cannabis - broken down into 16 smaller bags, along with a pipe all stuffed inside an old Technics compact disc player. That wasn't all: police also found fourteen (14) pieces of weed fudge on the living room table. Police arrested everyone who was at home, including Arthur Higgs, Claudette Hyde, Adrian Gotoy, Eric Humes and Keenan Brown and charged them for Drug Trafficking. That same strike team also searched #35 Cleghorn Street where inside Lionel Lamb's room they found a gram scale and nine ounces of weed. Four smaller weed bags were found in the bedroom. Lionel Lamb was arrested and charged for Drug Trafficking.

Holy Alliance Against Howell
Last week, we told you about the announcement that 200+ churches outside of Belize City broke away from the Belize Association of Evangelical Churches. That's after they were kicked out by the Belize City Chapter of the Organization, which then - according to them - hijacked the appointment of the Senator for the Churches and installed Reverend Ashley Rocke. These Churches, who say that they've been disenfranchised, HAVE formed a new association called the National Evangelical Association of Belize. They say that they were forced to do that when the interim President, Pastor Howell Longsworth, kicked them out of the BAEC. Those 2 grievances are among a series of complaints that they have against Longsworth who they accuse of running the BAEC like a dictatorship. These out-district leaders say that Longsworth stalled the process of instituting a new constitution for the BAEC. The intention of this new constitution was supposed to decentralize the leadership of the association so that it is more democratic and representative of the entire evangelical community throughout the country. They say, that from their perspective, they only thing they did was to pressure Longsworth to move forward as planned, and shortly after that, they received a letter informing them that they had been kicked out of BAEC.

Dean Street Drainage Woes Slightly Eased after Sidewalks Smashed
Last week Friday we showed you Mesopotamia Area Representative Michael Finnegan railing against City Hall for the drainage problems on Dean Street. That street hasn't drained off in months - and ever time a high tide comes- it's an ankle high nuisance to the residents. So Finnegan named and shamed city hall - begging them to clear the drains. This week, that has meant taking a jackhammer to the sidewalks - and when we visited the area today we saw that one whole block of sidewalk from West Canal to Plues street had been uncovered. They did that to get to the drains which were very clogged we are told. When we saw the street today, it was dry - which is a rare event - but we'll keep monitoring it - along with the high tide, which comes in early tomorrow morning.

After Offshore Drill Ban, Conservation Community Says More Must Be Done
Last night, we told you about the Government's announcement that offshore oil drilling is banned in all of the 7 World Heritage Sites in the Belize Barrier Reef System, along with 1 kilometer on either side of the reef system. Oceana Belize's Vice President, Janelle Chanona, told us yesterday that it is a major accomplishment. Today, the organization released a statement clarifying that while it is a good first step, two Marine Reserves have been omitted by the ban. The release says, quote, "Oceana Belize looks forward to reviewing the details of the Barrow administration's plans, especially as it relates to the status of two marine protected areas not named in the release: the Turneffe Marine Reserve and the Port Honduras Marine Reserve." End Quote. COLA President Geovannie Brackett was the very first activist to agitate for offshore oil drilling back in January 2010. He and the conservationists from the Coalition to Save Our Natural Heritage have been actively campaigning to get the support of the general citizenry. Today, he told us that he sees it as a win, but adds that more needs to be done to push for a full ban on offshore oil drilling in Belize. Here's how he explained it:

Cubans: "We Want Free"
Last night we told you about the plight of the 30 plus Cubans who are stuck in jail in Belize. Their own country doesn't want them back, while Belize says it has no way to normalize their illegal entry - so they are stuck in a sort of legal limbo - friends of no nation. Today we got a call from one of the Cubans in jail at Hattieivlle. He told us that they are 33 in total, 4 women and 29 men and that they have been locked up for about 6 months. They called us from prison today and explained that they are victims of human traffickers who tricked and lied to them. The trafficker told them he would provide transport to Mexico, but he brought them to Belize instead. Now, they are begging the government of Belize for a pardon or some pass...something that allows them to be released because they do not want to go back to Cuba. They say they sold everything in Cuba, and have nothing back there now. They says they just left because they want a chance at a better life.

Senator Lisa Wants Senate Probe Into Nanes Schnitzer
The house of representative meets on Friday for its first business session in this new term. That means the Senate will meet next week - and leader of opposition business Lisa Shoman yesterday put forward a motion which is sure to be controversial. She wants the Senate to conduct an enquiry into the circumstances under which fugitive David Nanes Schnitzer, known in Belize as David Banes, fraudulently obtained nationality. And, of course that's just the start: Shoman also wants the Senate probe to look into all matters relating to corruption and mismanagement at the Department of Immigration. Shoman tried a similar motion with the immigration department two years ago, but the motion was defeated

More Equipment For Air Control
The Air Traffic Control System at the PGIA will be getting a major overhaul. Today a contract was signed for the renovation of the Control Tower, the Radar control unit and other facilities on the premise. Now, most of you will remember the sick out at the PGIA in February of this year. The Air Traffic Controllers didn't show up to work - shutting down all operations at the airport leaving hundreds of passengers stranded. They were unhappy with the working conditions and the low-grade equipment in the control tower. Well, this contract will address all those issues and more. Today a press conference was held at the Civil Aviation Department and the Director Lindsey Garbutt told us just how transformed and modernized the facility will be after the renovation is completed. Works are expected to start early next year and will be finished in a year and a half. The contract is for $9 million.

Best Young CARICOM Minds In Belize
The best young minds in the Caribbean are in Belize tonight as part of the 2015 annual governance meetings of CXC. Nine CAPE awardees and eight CSEC awardees from Antigua and Barbuda, Guyana, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago will be presented with the regional top awards as a part of the event. They have been touring Belize and today the 17 of them got to meet the Prime Minister and the Minister of Education. The PM said he was very impressed:.. Brandon Judnarine, form Antigua and Barbuda was the Most Outstanding Candidate Overall in the May/June CSEC examinations, got 22 CSEC passes. Cecil Cox, a student of Queen's College in Guyana, earned 13 grade ones and 1 grade 2.

Better Genetic Stock For Sheep and Goat Through Taiwan Program
An agreement was signed today between Agriculture Minister Gaspar Vega and Taiwanese Ambassador Benjamin Ho. It's 1.27 million US dollars in technical assistance funds for the "Genetic Improvement for Sheep and Goat Breeding." The three year project hopes to improve the genetic blood lines of both the sheep and goat livestock through natural breeding and an artificial insemination program. This si with a view to tapping into the regional export market.


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Channel 5

Investigation into Drug Plane Continues…Still Very Little Known
There are still only few details available on the Cessna single-engine aircraft with tail number YZ3241 which was found in an isolated area behind Spanish Lookout, Cayo District. The Cessna [...]

New Evangelical Association Formed
There is great unrest in the core evangelical church structure in Belize tonight, following a distinct split in the previously powerful Belize Association of Evangelical Churches. Following what they say [...]

NEAB Claims Church Senator Elected by the Minority
The evangelical body which is recognized by government is now governed by thirteen pastors based in Belize City. The new N.E.A.B., according to their numbers, represents almost two hundred and [...]

Association Stands Strong on LGBT and Gender Police Issues
The division has far-reaching implications, especially with critical issues like LGBT rights and the gender policy. The major push in the evangelical stance on those issues came from the districts, [...]

Did Politics Cause Division in Evangelical Movement in Belize?
With all that said, what isn't being put right out there by these leaders is what they believe is one of the main reasons for the division - political manipulation. [...]

Teacher Says System Failed girls Burned to Death at Hostel
The senseless deaths on Saturday of three young girls…Shadisha Arnold, Elizabeth McKoy and Ana Carlos, is still dominating conversation. It happened at the Princess Royal Youth Hostel, where the three [...]

COLA Pleased With Announcement of FOB Groundbreaking
COLA applauding the government on any one thing is big. But imagine COLA commending government twice in one interview. That's what happened today. President Geovanni Brackett and his organization led [...]

President Geovanni Brackett Says Offshore Drilling Ban is a Good Start
And then it was offshore drilling, or rather the ban on offshore drilling announced by government on Tuesday. Brackett told News Five that while the government and COLA rarely agree, [...]

Tourism Minister Vague on Offshore Drilling Ban
N.G.O.s have been clamoring for a number of years to ban oil exploration off the coast of Belize altogether. One of the many initiatives includes a people's referendum to which [...]

UNESCO Committee Applauds GOB Decision
Government acted following a threat to remove the system from the List of World Heritage Sites because of concerns on the sale, lease and development of mangrove islands and the [...]

New Director of Health Services Named
There is a new Director of Health Services at the Ministry of Health�well at least he's the interim DHS until formalities are completed. �Head of the Epidemiology Unit, Doctor Marvin [...]

MoH Will Take Proactive Stance on Health Issues
Doctor Manzanero has hit the ground running, meeting with technical advisors and other officials to plan a way forward for improved healthcare services. Doctor Manzanero told News Five that his [...]

Department of Civil Aviation to Receive Multi-Million $$$ Upgrade
Almost ten million dollars will be spent to improve systems at air traffic control. The signing of an agreement between three parties took place this morning at the Department of [...]

PAHO Hosts Nurse Educators Workshop
A sub-regional workshop on the development of competencies for nurse educators in the region commenced today at the Ramada Belize City Princess. Organized by the Pan American Health Organization office [...]

Session Addresses Nurse Competency
One way to set regional health standards involves a mandatory nursing examination across English-speakingCaribbeancountries. �According to Deputy Director of Health Services with Responsibility for Nursing, Augustina Elijio, the workshop also [...]

CSEC's Regional Top Performers Meet Prime Minister Dean Barrow
The most brilliant students from across the region are in Belize for the regional award ceremony of top performers for the 2015 Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate Examinations. The program starts [...]

ZIKA Confirmed in Central America
There are cases of Zika in Central America. Today, the Ministry of Health confirmed that there have been three persons with the vector-borne illness in Guatemala and El Salvador. The [...]

LOVE FM

Burnt Plane Torched to Destroy Evidence
In the wee hours of Tuesday morning, officials of the Belize Police Department and of the Civil Aviation were called out to an area west of Spanish Lookout where a single engine Cessna 210 aircraft was found torched. The aircraft was found on a farm road near the Aguacate Creek in the Cayo District. Authorities [�]

Civil Aviation Continues Investigation into Plane Crash of 2014 and 2015
Exactly six months ago today, a Tropic international plane crashed into the sea this whilst transporting three persons; the pilot, Denfield Borland and passengers, Arthur Rogiers, an American national and Eddie Bodden, a Honduran National. That flight had left the Phillip Goldson International Airport at 4:30 that Tuesday evening and was heading to the Roatan [�]

Civil Aviation at Work Following Issues with Air Traffic Personnel
The morning of Saturday, February 21, 2015 saw the Department of Civil Aviation having to do some damage control following the collective decision of air traffic control personnel to report sick. It was an incident that affected a wide cross section of persons, ranging from pilots, to locals coming home and tourists arriving in the [�]

Belize's Air Traffic Tower to be Upgraded with COCESNA's Aid
Belize's Civil Aviation signed onto an agreement with COCESNA which seeks for major upgrades in the air traffic control unit of the Philip Goldson International Airport. With the story, we join Renee Trujillo. RENEE TRUJILLO REPORTING "Just over nine months ago, the personnel who man the air traffic control tower at the Philip Goldson International [�]

BYM Calls for Meaningful Attention Towards Youth
Following the weekend tragedy at the Youth Hostel where three young girls were burnt in a fire on the compound, there have been outrage and harsh criticisms coming from several pockets in society. The Belize Youth Movement is one organization that has joined the Special Envoy for Women and Children and WIN Belize in sending [�]

Evangelical Leaders Engage in Feud
Last week we told you about a rift between the Belize Association of Evangelical Churches which led to a number of pastors breaking away and forming a new association. As we told you, the group of church leaders, all outside of Belize City, was suspended by the Belize Association of Evangelical Churches and their suspension [�]

OCEANA Belize Commends Government on Oil Exploration Policy
Yesterday came the announcement whereby the Government of Belize will be putting policies that will legally place a ban on offshore exploration in areas along the Belize Barrier Reef System as well as within the seven World Heritage Sites in Belize. As we mentioned yesterday, it is indeed a victory for the environmental lobbyists including [�]

COLA Says Two Other Marine Reserves Should Be Added to No Drilling Area
Yesterday the Government of Belize announced that it has decided to ban offshore oil exploration in Seven World Heritage Sites as well as areas along Belize's barrier reef system. This is great news for environmentalist groups and activist groups such as Citizen Organized for Liberty through Action, COLA, which has been at the forefront of [�]

World Wildlife Fund Says Government's Move on Oil Ban is not Enough
With Oceana having a weight lifted off their shoulders with these oil exploration policies in the making, the World Wildlife Fund is calling for more. They did not issue any official release to the media but they did publish on their website, a document that this is an important step in the right direction but [�]

Losing Situation in Court for Lionel Lamb
Tonight 32 year old Lionel Lamb who found himself in big trouble with the law found more trouble during his arraignment after an old conviction for drug related offenses came back to haunt him. This morning, Lionel Lamb, a resident of #35 Cleghorn Street, Belize City who is a Porter at the Tourist Village [�]

PlusTV

Torch Run for Special Olympics games
Members of the Police Department and other law enforcement agencies are participating in a torch run which began yesterday. The torch run is a fundraiser event aimed at raising monies for the Special Olympics that will be held at the Marion Jones Sporting Complex. The group of runners left Punta Gor...

Accused attempted murderer granted bail
Today, Justice Denis S. Hanomansingh heard bail applications for 5 persons on remand for different offenses. Of those five bail applications, one person of interest who was granted Supreme Court bail today is 18 year old Jaron Baptist, who last week Tuesday, was arraigned on three criminal offenses ...

Contrabandista fined in court
A businessman from August Pine Ridge in the Orange Walk District must pay over $13,000 in fines by next December to avoid jail time on charges of possession of uncustomed goods. Sergio Chi pleaded guilty in Belize City before Magistrate Deborah Rogers to possession of goods worth $4,450 found inside...

Fire Suppression System for Youth Hostel
The country is still reeling from the horrific news of three teenage girls being burned alive as they huddled together in a locked room at the Youth Hostel at mile 21 on the George Price Highway. As authorities seek answers to the many questions surrounding the profoundly sad incident, steps are a...

Bus transporting Green Tropics Workers catches fire
A bus travelling from San Ignacio Town to Belmopan about a quarter to 6 this morning , Tuesday December 1st, became engulfed in flames as it descended the hill leading into the village of Unitedville. It was at that location that the bus began to stall as smoke began coming from the engine area. One passenger was overheard saying that he smelled smoke in the bus as it travelled as far back as Georgeville. The Westline Bus was transporting 40 employees to Santender's Green Tropics. The passengers were all taken off the bus in time before the fire began to spread and consume the bus, so all passengers were unharmed.

Drug plane landed and then burned
A private aircraft assumed to be a Cessna 172 made an illegal landing behind Spanish Lookout sometime early this morning. Whoever landedvlcsnap-8653-12-12-00h22m56s714 the aircraft, quickly unloaded its passenger(s) and/or contents and set the plane ablaze. Residents of Spanish Lookout say they were awaken by a low flying aircraft passing through the thick fog and light rain minutes to one o'clock this morning. The aircraft crossed Spanish Lookout toward an adjacent farming area known as Green Hills; a non residential farm land used almost exclusively for ranches and planting of grain crops. When our camera crew arrived at the area, the road leading to where the plane landed was blocked as it is a private road on a private property. When we arrived, police were processing the house where the watchman that guards the property lives. It is reported that within ten minutes of the aircraft's landing, a fire could be seen lighting up the sky in the area.

The Reporter

New SJC history program to engage students
The History Club at St. Johns College highschool, this week, presented a new curriculum and e-resources for the school's refurbished history program. The 128-year-old institution has been offering vibrant teaching of African and Maya history courses to first and second formers since 2013. The revised History program leads the student through the journey of the nation providing alternate perspectives on already-taught topics, for example the indigenous and African populations in the Americas. It covers the time period of European contact, focusing on the adverse effects of conquest, slavery, post-slavery, the Caste War and post-independent Belize. It offers a view of pre-independent Belize covering British Honduras in the early 20th century, the rise of the worker, the nationalist movement, social and racial consciousness and the road to Independence. The curriculum places special emphasis on the origins and history of the Guatemalan claim and the modern realities of the debate today.

Breaking Belize NewsPJ

Police Strike Team operations results in several drug arrests
Yesterday morning around 10:00, members of the police's Northern Strike Team searched the lower flat of a cement house on Cleghorn Street in Belize City and inside a room occupied by Lionel Lamb, discovered a gray scale along with 266 grams of cannabis. Further search of the room resulted in [�]

Prisoner escapes from Police in Hattieville
One of three prisoners from Dangriga Town who was being escorted by police to the Kolbe Foundation Central Prison in Hattieville Tuesday afternoon escaped while nearing the destination and police are on the lookout for him. Prisoners Laurence Bernardez, Eden Guzman and Daniel McKenzie were being driven in [�]

Standard and Poor's says debt figures hurt Belizean credit
Citing higher Government spending on wages and compensation owed to Fortis and the Ashcroft Alliance over the nationalizations of BTL and BEL, credit rating agency Standard and Poor's has reduced Belize's long term ratings outlook to stable as of November 25, while affirming the B-/B rating on the [�]

Drug plane burned and abandoned in Cayo
Police suspect that a drug plane was abandoned and deliberately torched early Tuesday morning on a farm road in the Green Hills area of Spanish Lookout, Cayo District, near Aguacate Creek. The single-engine Cessna 210 was heard circling over the village without lights but it did not crash [�]

Police in Roaring Creek find over 1000 grams of weed
Yesterday morning at around 8:30 in Roaring Creek Village of the Cayo District, members of the police's Tactical Response Squad conducted searches in two separate abandoned lots as part of an operation. Police found plastic bags containing cannabis in each lot. There were 211 grams in the first and 924 [�]

Belize looks to develop sheep and goat herding industry with help from Taiwan
A release from the Belize Press Office issued earlier today, announced the signing of the "Genetic Improvement for Sheep and Goat Breeding Belize-Taiwan Project", by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture, Gaspar Vega, as well as the Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan), H.E. Benjamin Ho. This three [�]

Belizean shoppers targeted by thieves in Chetumal
Reports surfacing on Facebook and in Mexican Newspapers are that Belizean shoppers are being targeted while shopping in Chetumal, even more so now that the Christmas season is near and everyone is looking for ways to get some extra cash. It is said that thieves have been lurking like sharks [�]

New Evangelical Association meets the press
Today in Belize City, the majority of pastors forming the executive team of the National Evangelical Association of Belize (NEAB) spoke to the press concerning the schism with the Belize Association of Evangelical Churches (BAEC). The new Association still wants to reconcile with the BAEC, which has been [�]

OCEANA commends Government of Belize for offshore oil exploration policy
A press release issued by OCEANA yesterday, commended the Government of Belize (GOB) for announcing the permanent ban on offshore oil exploration along the Barrier Reef system and within seven of the country's World Heritage sites, stating that: "this is a tremendous step forward for Belize and its people, as [�]

Blogs

Four Steps to Engaging Stakeholders
In developing a sustainability program, especially a community development project, it is essential to determine and strategize on how you will engage stakeholders in the planning and reporting of activities and outcomes concerning that program. After identifying internal and external stakeholders and defining the key indicators you plan to measure achievement of sustainability, the next step is to outline a stakeholder engagement strategy. Below are listed four steps to consider related to engaging stakeholders in your process: Engage Stakeholders Early: Stakeholder inclusiveness should be an essential part of your sustainability program. Involving stakeholders early in your process will give your organization an opportunity to understand their character and emerging concerns, while discovering opportunities to address issues before they become a serious threat to your organization's sustainability. Building an effective engagement strategy will improve trust, collaboration, open dialog and information sharing between your organization and key stakeholders.

What a Beautiful Start to December in Belize!
It's almost impossible believe that it's December - in Belize or anywhere else. Honestly�it's just ridiculous how quickly this year has gone. And, though I bet 99% of you will scoff, winter weather is pushing into Belize - some proper signs of the cold fronts that are dipping low across the states. The wind is from the north, it's in the mid-80s during the day and high 70s at night�brrrr. Here are some photos both mid-day�and as the sun was setting. Happy December y'all. The photos are from just north of town - the Boca Del Rio area. I don't think it ever actually rained�just a beautiful sunny day with a black cloud passing to the south. Perfect for diving�

Breakdown of Public Institutions and related Politics in Belize by: Aria Lightfoot
The tragic death of three teenagers in Belize, the "forgery" or likely illegal accommodation of identification cards from the institutions that hold our Belizean identity in trust; the death of thirteen babies in the public hospital; the failure of the police and judiciary to hold more than five percent of criminals accountable; the education system focused only on top performers - pick an issue or scandal and you will likely find several key elements creating problems. Some of those key elements undermining Belize's governmental system are apathy among Public Officers; non-experts as key decision makers; lack of accountability; a system that discourages meritocracy and a deteriorating moral compass. In order for us to understand the role of government we must define the players. The major players in government are the public officers. Public officers are duly elected representatives such as your elected area representatives from both parties; appointed citizens chosen by elected officials such as the Governor General, judges, magistrates, senators, CEOs and heads of departments; and general workers and service providers benefiting from public funding thru salaries or service contracts such as teachers, doctors, office workers and contractors. The job of public officers is to collectively govern the great nation of Belize. In an idealistic environment government has a social and legal contract for which they are remunerated with citizens' taxes and are constitutionally mandated to uphold, legislate, adjudicate, maintain, uplift, review laws, policies and practices. Government's responsibility is outlined within the legal framework of the Constitution of Belize. Government provides infrastructure, healthcare, security, education etc. and government maintains institutions, provides services and works for the public good.

December 2015 Placencia Breeze
INSIDE December 2015 Pg 3 BTIA news Pg 5 Belize's Cultural Holiday Celebrations Pg 6 Rotary Club Events Pg 9 Itz'ana - Placencia's Future Shines Bright Pg 10 Culinary Tours - Taste Belize Pg 11 Humane Society / Outlet Youth Center Pg 12 Point of View - Rumpopo Pg 13 Placencia Humane Society AGM Pg 14 Seine Bight Wins Battle of the Drums Pg 15 & 18 Placencia BTIA Membership Directory Pg 16 & 17 Placencia Peninsula Map Pg 23 Placencia Peninsula Happenings Pg 24 Events & National Holiday Calendar/Save the Date Pg 25 SEA & Turtle Inn Auction/Evening w/ David Shaw Pg 26 & 27 Classified Ads and Public Notices Pg 30/31 Paid Listings

International Sourcesizz

Government of Belize bans offshore oil exploration at Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System World Heritage site
At its cabinet meeting yesterday, the Belize government approved a policy that will legally ban offshore exploration in all seven areas that make up the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System World Heritage area. The decision will effectively exclude the entire World Heritage area from any future oil exploration and make the site consistent with the World Heritage Committee's position that oil exploration is incompatible with World Heritage status. The decision is a major first step forward in the government's efforts to remove Belize Barrier Reef from the List of World Heritage in Danger. Following an IUCN-WHC mission to Belize last January, the government of Belize agreed on an ambitious 3-year roadmap that sets out a Desired State of Conservation for removal of the site from the List of World Heritage in Danger. A permanent ban on oil in the World Heritage area and its surrounding zones with a functional ecological connection to the property is anticipated by 31 January 2016. The Belize Barrier Reef is the second largest reef system in the world. In 2009, the site was inscribed on the List of World Heritage in Danger because of concerns on the sale, lease and development of mangrove islands and the absence of a solid regulatory framework that can ensure the conservation of its exceptional values. In 2010, the World Heritage Committee expressed serious concern about the potential for oil developments within and immediately adjacent to the iconic World Heritage site.

Ocean Academy presents "Twas the Gala Before Christmas!" Annual Fundraiser
Come on out this weekend and lets start our Christmas Holidays with a bang! Come support Caye Caulker Ocean Academy Annual Christmas Fundraiser: 'Twas the Gala before Christmas - Dinner, Show and Dance! Saturday, December 5th 2015 at the Central Park! Come join the fun with games starting at 3:00 pm- 5:00 pm and then out Gala starts at 6:00 pm! Come dance the night away until 1:00 am! Soft drinks, beers and food will be on sale!

FIFA Corruption: Top Officials Arrested in Pre-Dawn Raid at Zurich Hotel
Swiss authorities began a new series of pre-dawn arrests Thursday in the broad investigation, led by United States officials, into corruption in international soccer. More than a dozen people were expected to be charged, law enforcement officials said, nearly doubling the size of an already huge case that has upended FIFA, soccer's multibillion-dollar governing body. Some of the arrests took place at the same luxury hotel where other FIFA officials were arrested in May. Swiss police entered the hotel, the Baur au Lac, through a side door at 6 a.m. local time. A hotel manager told visitors in the lobby they had to leave the property because of "an extreme situation." The police were targeting current and former senior soccer officials on charges that include racketeering, money laundering and fraud, authorities said. The new charges were expected to hit South and Central American soccer leaders particularly hard, the officials said. The Justice Department confirmed in a news release that Alfredo Hawit of Honduras and Juan �ngel Napout of Paraguay were among those charged. Hawit is the president of Concacaf, the regional confederation that includes North and Central America and the Caribbean. Napout is the president of Conmebol, the South American confederation. Both are FIFA vice presidents and members of the powerful executive committee.

Videos

  • Scuba Diving in Belize, 8min.

  • Snorkle Belize Shark Ray Alley, 9min. Rays and Sharks start about 1 minute in...

  • ANDY PALACIO LIVES THROUGH HIS MUSIC..., 4min. It has been seven years since the untimely passing of the legendary Belizean musician, Andy Palacio. Andy Palacio put Belize on the musical map as he was known across the world for his Garifuna culture and music. In October of 2008 he won the prestigious WOMEX Award from the World Music Expo and in September, he was named Artist for Peace by UNESCO and was presented with the Order of Meritorious Service by the Belize Government. While all Belizeans still mourn the loss of a musical icon, today we all join in remembering Palacio who would have been celebrating his fifty-fifth birthday. In honor of Palacio's birthday, CTV3 has put together a video which highlights Andy's glorious musical career.

  • The UB Song, 2min. The official song of the University of Belize. It was written by Sir. Colville Young, Governor General of Belize

  • Belcampo Belize Promo Video, 3min.

  • UB ERI inaugurates Staff and Visitors Quarters at Calabash Caye Field Station, 5min. The University of Belize Environmental Research Institute held an inauguration ceremony for the "Staff and Visitors Quarters" on the grounds of the Calabash Caye Field Station, Turneffe Atoll on November 30th, 2015.

  • Belize Private Island, 3min. Using the DJI Phantom 3 Drone high over Fantasy Island Eco Resort in Belize. We rented a cabana on this island and ended up being the only ones there, thereby renting our own private island by default!

  • Diving in Belize, 2nd dive, 12min.

  • SWIMMING WITH SHARKS | Caye Caulker, Belize, 5min. Welcome to the clearest water in the world! On the small island of Caye Caulker on Belize's Caribbean coast, I swam with manotees, sharks, sting rays and of course lots of lovely fish! It was amazeballs! I stayed at Bella's Backpackers which I would recommend. The tour was organised by a guy called Steve who did not have an office but wondered the island offering his services! Almost all snorkelling tours in Caye Caulker however should provide a very similar experience so there is no way you can miss out! Tours average around $80 for the day. The easiest way to travel to Caye Caulker is by Ferry from Belize City - takes about 40 minutes.

  • Feeding a monkey in Belize, Central America, 3.5min. We took an excursion called Belize Lamanai Mayan Ruins Experience . After a Belizian lunch, our guide brought along a banana on the boat part of the tour. We then stopped off to feed a monkey.

  • A Bit of Belize, 4min.

  • Belize Dance wku, 4min.

  • San Pedro, Belize Nov 2015, 10min. Good times.

  • GoPro/Drone: Star Fish Island, Belize, 3.5min. Start your snorkeling adventure on board a catamaran or trimaran. Travel through crystal clear waters to your snorkeling destination, the barrier reef. See rich, pristine waters, abundant reef life and coral formations. Then sit back and enjoy our free signature rum punch while you travel to a private island getaway for some relaxation. Sunbathe, swim and enjoy the music and the amenities of the island. A full bar is available where you can purchase your favorite mixed drink, cocktail or local beer. Order our Belize rice and beans made with coconut milk, baked or grilled chicken and salad. Pick up your island souvenir at the island's shop! A truly amazing getaway!


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