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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
San Pedro Library highlights literacy during summer camp
The San Pedro Town Library (SPTL) started its free Literacy Camp on Monday, July 25th for children ages 7 to 13. With 29 registered children, the camp aims at getting the island's youth to become more creative, while creating better readers and spellers for tomorrow. The primary focus is on grammar, vocabulary, character building, basic anatomy, functions of the brain, and sharing useful information. The camp will culminate on Friday, August 5th, where prizes will be given out to the campers based on their achievements. Coral also mentioned that the library has extended their pilot tutoring program. Level II (over 11), can meet at the library on Mondays and Tuesdays at 9:30AM to 11:30 AM, and Level I (under 11) meets on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays at the same time and location.
Former leader of GSU, Mark Flowers charged for unlawful sexual conduct
Former head of the Gang Suppression Unit (GSU), Superintendent Mark Flowers has been replaced after being arrested and charged for unlawful sexual contact with a minor. According to police investigation, Flowers has been accused of allegedly engaging in sexual activities with a 14-year-old girl as recently as May of this year.
On Tuesday, July 26th, after appearing before Chief Magistrate, Ann-Marie Smith, Flowers was read his charges, being two counts of unlawful sexual intercourse, then remanded to the Belize Central Prison. He is to re-appear in court on September 26th when disclosure is to be given. A case management has also been scheduled for October 6th to take place in the Belmopan Magistrate's Court.
Flowers admitted having met the minor in the summer of 2015, but he strongly denies ever having any physical contact with her. He also pointed out that the report against him was done shortly after he let go of the minor's stepfather from duties at his farmland in Blackman Eddy Village.
Finn + Martini organizes first ever Reina Del La Costa Maya parade
The Mundo Maya region was represented with vibrant color and sounds on Thursday, July 28th as Finn + Martini hosted the first-ever Reina De La Costa Maya parade through San Pedro Town. To the sound of drumming and cheers of the crowd gathered to watch, elaborately decorated golf carts carried the beauty representatives from Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua and Panama from Finn + Martini on Laguna Drive down Pescador Drive to the ultimate destination: Fido's Courtyard and Pier.
Experience Ballet on Ice on Ambergris Caye!
For the very first time, Belizeans will be treated to a never-before-seen performance by the Russian Ballet on Ice. The world class ice skating show is scheduled to take place in both Belize City and San Pedro Town, and even though Belize does not have a skating rink, the show will be possible through the use of an Ice Equipment Complex (IPC). Everyone is invited to attend the once-in-a-life time show and experience a magical night.
The IPC is a portable artificial ice skating rink that can be installed on any solid surface and provides the similar conditions of a natural rink. The performances will be taking place on Saturday, July 30th at 8PM and Sunday, July 31st at 4PM at the Bliss Centre for Performing Arts in Belize City and on Wednesday, August 3rd at 7:30PM at the Angel Nu�ez Auditorium in San Pedro Town. For an admission fee of $65 per adult, $75 reserved and $35 for children (2 to 12 years), you can attend the show, which will feature performances such as "Swan Lake" and "Cinderella on Ice".
Venice Basketball League to host tournament in San Pedro Town
Basketball fanatics on the island will, for the first time ever, experience a one of a kind tournament organized by The Venice Basketball League (VBL). The sporting event is slated for Saturday, July 30th at the Boca Del Rio basketball court and aims to unite all basketball players on the island while teaching new skills in the sport. The all- day event will see music and lots to eat. At the end of the tournament, winning teams will be awarded with trophies. Founder of VBL Nick Ansom told The San Pedro Sun that he began the league ten years ago at Las Angeles' Venice Beach in California, USA. According to him, the beginnings of the organization were very humble, giving everyone who loves the sport the opportunity to be part of a loving community. "It began like an organized pick- up game of basketball, and we would play on the outdoors, exposing all that talent that people don't get the chance to show," said Ansom. Venice Basketball League-4He is currently on vacation on Ambergris Caye and brought 30 basketballs with the intention to give them away to players who love the sport. However, he never thought he would be spearheading a competition on the island. "Since we created this league, we have done tours all over the world. In addition we also have basketballs for sale and for every one we sell, we give one away. In the last month we sold 30, so I brought back 30 with me to give away," said Ansom. He stated that the organization follows a structured team agenda and has evolved from its humble starts to be a reputable roster compiled with the highest of standards in ethics and talent.
Ambergris Today
Costa Maya Festival Kicks Off with Parade Organized by Finn + Martini
"Last Night Finn and Martini became the cultural capital of The Americas!" boasted Findley Halliday while he took time to rest after the Costa Maya Festival Parade to the Sashing event that took place last night, July 28, 2016. Finn + Martini sponsored and hosted, along with the Costa Maya Festival, a parade that officially kicked off the Festival celebrations on the island of Ambergris Caye, Belize.
Each of the eight Costa Maya Pageant contestants had her private golf cart adorned with their national colors, flags and emblems as the beauty delegates were the highlight of the parade that lead its way to Fido's from Finn + Martini. The crowds gathered streetside as the parade came to life with music, dance and the charima of the eight lovely delegates. Joining the parade were Miss San Pedro Iris Salgero, Miss America Latina Belize Michelle Nu�ez, Miss Costa Maya 2015/Miss Honduras Gabriela Vanessa Salazar Valle, the Miss San Pedro 2016 contestants, the Garifuna Charikanari Group and the San Pedro Roman Catholic Marching Band.
Three Belize Athletes to Participate in Rio 2016 Olympic Games
With just over a week to go for the opening of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, The Belize National Olympic Committee says that Belize's contingent is ready to represent in two sporting disciplines (Judo and Athletics) made up of 3 athletes, 3 delegates/coaches and the Chief of Mission, Mr. Giovanni Alamilla.
Athlete Renick James will compete in the Judo - 90kg category, Katy Sealy and Brandon Jones will compete in the 100m Hurdles and 200m respectively. Accompanying the athletes are Judo and Athletics delegates Franz Menzies and Deon Sutherland along with Athletics coach Denis Costello. Brandon Jones has been selected as the flag bearer for Belize at the Games of the XXXI Olympiad.
Misc Belizean Sources
SBDC Workshop: Introduction to Intellectual Property Rights
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Presented by:
Mrs. Koreen Flowers, Sr. Assistant Registrar of Intellectual Property, BELIPO.
Location:
Beltraide Conference Room, 14 Orchid Garden Street, Belmopan
Workshop Date:
August 4th, 2016.
Time:
9am to 12noon. This course is designed for entrepreneurs, managers and business owners who are interested in learning more about Copyright, Patent, Trademark and Industrial Design.
Splashers
Attention North side Splashers. We will be having a paint party at Captain Morgan's every Friday at 1p.m. Today we will be painting a turtle.
Stann Creek House of Culture
We are ready. Come on out and learn more about the Stann Creek House of Culture!!!!!
IDENTITY Youth Art Exhibit
Corozal House of Culture, Aug 5 at 7pm.
Summer Art Wave 2016's Traditional Mestizo Workshop
The Summer Art Wave 2016's Traditional Mestizo Workshop ended today with preparations for tomorrow nights performance as part of the Cultural Explosion event beginning at 7pm at the Corozal Town Central Park. We must give a most gracious thank you to a kind soul, Maestra Libertad Cal, who has instilled our intangible cultural heritage into the minds, hearts and souls of our young performers. Congratulations to our performers who were able to learn three Mestizo Dances within ten hours of study. We also want to thank our sponsors Atlantic Bank - Corozal Branch for nutritious snacks and to Bowen & Bowen - Corozal for keeping everyone hydrated!
We "dig" archaeologists!
On this Day of Archaeology, check out these photos of Antonio Beardall of Institute of Archaeology (NICH) Belize & other young excavators of the Belize Valley Archaeological Reconnaissance at Cahal Pech.
Chiquibul Forests Investment Initiative
August 4, Caracol Room, Radisson Fort George Hotel & Marina Beize City. 1:30pm. Our Ministry and partners have been working very hard to make this happen! The investments will be unprecedented in scale and will definitely assist the many efforts to curb the illegal farming, hunting, gold mining, looting of Mayan artifacts, poaching of scarlet macaw, xate harvesting etc., occurring in the Chiquibul forests (from Vaca in the north to Columbia Forest Reserve in the South).
Do join us to learn about and participate in this event!
White-Crowned Parrots
These adorable White-Crowned Parrots were confiscated a little over one year ago; they arrived at BBR as babies with clipped wings and worms. As you can see they are quite photogenic, as well as healthy and happy. We look forward to their release back where they belong, in the wild.
U.S. Embassy Belize OUT AND ABOUT
Earlier this week, Ambassador Moreno attended the Belmopan City Council's Ground Breaking Ceremony of the Independence Park Rehabilitation Project. The City Council plans to revitalize this once popular park into a business and entertainment hub for all residents and visitors of Belmopan.
Boat for sale on Caye Caulker
Hey you guys looking to sell this 12feet yellow and black boat. Asking price is $3,000 bze. Price is negotiable. It goes as it is. Serious inquiries only inbox me for more info.
Poets Corner: John dah no Penner!
By Abdulmajeed K Nunez. John dah no Penner
Is John dah wah fighter?
John dah the "Big Deal"
Did Deeno support Faber to get the steal?
Dah murder the paper wrote
Deh naah go tek back no chat
Shuffle the deck Deeno ah the King a di pact
Look how him bold and got bad back
He have quell the people or deh vote deh gwen teck back
A vote no confidence gwen bring elections jack
A cabinet shuffle
Has now become inevitable
But Byner is in lots of trouble
How please all his people
Without forcing bi elections people
Is this how the cookie will crumble
Di pot di bubble
Costa Maya Festival Parade kicks off celebrations in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye
A Parade of Mundo Maya Nations - International Costa Maya Festival kicks off with Parade featuring the eight pageant delegates of Miss Costa Maya Pageant.
Power interruption 7:00am to 10:00am, Sunday, July 31, Orange Walk
San Antonio Road, Price Avenue, San Francisco Street, Asuncion Street, portion Pasture Street, Dunn Street, Progress Street, Bakers Street, Muffles Street, Mahogany Street, Sapodilla Street, Ziricote Stree, Louisiana Road, Pineapple Street, Mayflower Street, Naranjal Street, Baytias Lane, Lover's Lane, portion Main Street, portion Riverside Street, Queen Victoria Avenue, Bautista Avenue, Otro Benque Road, Petville, San Estevan Road and San Estevan Village. BEL to replace pressure device on 2 transformers at Buena Vista Substation.
Belmopan Roundabout Landscaping
The Belmopan Roundabout is getting landscaped. Thanks, BNE!
"Belmopan Roundabout landscaping underway with the support of BNE and Pandora. Drivers, be on the alert to stop when the team moving plants to the inner circle. Appreciate your patience and cooperation as we stride towards a comprehensive road safety system."
Costa Maya Delegates Have All Arrived
It's been a busy day. We started the day meeting Miss Panama, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and El Salvador at Maya Island Air. From there everyone headed to Ramon's Village to Check In and then it was time to board a boat with Seaquarious Adventures for a Snuba Adventure.
Let me just say, I can't edit fast enough!!!
Next it is off to Finn & Martinis for a parade over to Fido's for sashing. (Please Mother Nature, don't rain just now. Thank you for listening.)
Moments aboard YOLO with Island Dream Tours
A quick edit of some moments from last evening. Thanks to Kevin, Heather and all the crew for a wonderful evening.
Now, it's almost time to meet the rest of the delegates.
Channel 7
PM Barrow: National Security Minister Saldivar Will Stay Put
The Prime Minister returned from Miami today - and instead of standing to face the press at the airport - which his back can hardly bear - he opted instead for a press briefing at the Biltmore. Of course most of the questions were about his Minister of National security John Saldivar and his relationship with William Danny Mason. Jules Vasquez led off the questioning by asking whether Saldivar would be stripped of his ministry:...
Jules Vasquez
"Are you able to say anything about the standing of Minister John Saldivar as the Minister of National Security when it appears that there was a very significant relationship which was a beneficial relationship for at least Mr. Saldivar's sports team? Is he in good standing in your cabinet right now as the Minister of National Security?"
Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister:
"Let me be absolutely clear, I accept that the optics of this situation is bad. Moving beyond optics though, I have not been provided with any material to suggest that any minister did anything that could be considered improper from the point of view from the bar of impropriety that would oblige the sort of action you asked about."
Supt. Mark Flowers Got Bail; Keeps Quiet
So, he won't hear anything from Mason, but would the PM listen to evidence brought to him by his old friend Superintendent Mark Flowers? He has that option now because Flowers is out on bail tonight.
He was arraigned on 2 counts of unlawful sexual intercourse against a 14 year-old minor on Wednesday. Before he handed himself into police, he made the media rounds to rant against National Security Minister, accusing him of inducing the family of minor to make a malicious complaint against him. He also suggested that Saldivar meddled in Police business and got him removed as the head of the GSU, all out of personal malice.
Saldivar has categorically denied all allegations, dismissing Flowers as a desperate man who will do and say anything to try to shift blame from himself. It had been rumoured all of yesterday that while he was at the Belize Central Prison, Flowers made contact with William "Danny" Mason, who supposedly gave him certain information, which he would be disclosing, specifically pointing to Mason's relationship with John Saldivar.
PM Says He'd Consider Meeting With Supt. Flowers
And now back to our original question, now that Flowers is out on bail - would the PM be willing to listen to him? The PM today agreed that he has a long relationship with Flowers going back to his days in the Esquivel Administration - and under very limited circumstances, he would consider speaking to him about supposed evidence of corruption and wrongdoing that Flowers claims to have:...
Reporter:
"One of the things that he said was that he had documented proof via emails and receipts and several other documents that there were cabinet officials as well as other government officials who received a lump sum of money that would parallel would constitute money laundering and he has that documented evidence."
Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister:
"Has he shown you the documentary evidence?"
Reporter:
"No he hasn't, because after that he was remanded to prison."
Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister:
"Well he is out now, isn't he?"
Reporter:
"Yes he was granted bail today."
Gapi Socialized With Mason Also
And getting back to Mason now, after some digging, the press has found out that Former Deputy Prime Minister Gaspar Vega was also a guest of William Mason. The media went north to go ask Vega about it, and after some back and forth, he admitted that he too had socialized with Mason.
Here's how he put it:
Hon. Gaspar Vega - Minister of Agriculture:
"I don't know where they came up with that, that I introduce Mr. Mason to the Mennonite business person. I am not even aware that anyone in the ministry took part on it. I spoke to my CEO and he said that the only thing he knows is that Mason had visited the ministry once, but not even he took part in introducing Mason to the Mennonite community."
Reporter:
"What about Manuel Trujillo sir?"
Hon. Gaspar Vega - Minister of Agriculture:
"I didn't ask him, to be sincere, when they said the minister, I figured it's me and the closest to me is the CEO and that's how far I went. I don't know if Manuel Trujillo had any dealings. It's the first time that I even got anyone to mention such thing."
Ischelle Got Bail
8 days ago, we told you about the 5 persons from the Cayo District who were arraigned and remanded for the brazen robbery at the Income Tax Department in which almost 30 thousand dollars of taxpayer dollars were stolen. Well, one of those accused is Ishchelle Tablada, who is accused of being the driver of the getaway car, and tonight she is out on bail. The other persons she is charged with is 19 year-old Devon Brooks Jr. Seen here in white, 23 year-old David Cruz Jr., seen here in Green, and 33 year-old Richard Hyde, who is the other older man in white. David Cruz's mother is charged along with him and Devon Brooks for the gun that the robbers stole from the cop who was performing guard duty at the Income Tax Department.
Alleged Cayo Extortionist Jailed
10 Days ago we told you about the bomb threat that ABC store in San Ignacio received. Now bomb threats do not usually make news, but when the cops searched the store, they found a cordial note written in Spanish pleading for $2,000 dollars. Well it turns out a similar one was delivered to a store in Succotz Village earlier this week. Now, police have charged A 61 YEAR OLD SALVADORAN OF CALLA CREEK VILLAGE. He is CARLOS ROMAN DIAZ and he has been charged FOR THE CRIME OF BLACKMAIL. HE APPEARED IN SAN IGNACIO MAGISTRATE'S COURT and was REMANDED UNTILAUGUST 18, 2016. HE IS ALSO UNDER INVESTIGATION for the LETTER DROPPED AT ABC STORE in San Ignacio.
CWU and City Hall Sign Historic CBA
As we told you last night, the Christian Workers Union and the Belize City Council hammered out a collective bargaining agreement which was signed today. It's a monumental accomplishment since it was first started in 1993 by then Mayor Stephen Latchman. And today, both sides were glad that a work in progress for 23 years was finally finished:�
Audrey Matura-Shepherd, President, CWU:
"Today is an historic day. Of Course it was not an easy battle but it was a battle nonetheless and we are seeing the fruits of it. It's not the most perfect CBA but it's a massive step forward and of course the Mayor and I have has our toss and tassels over things but I'm glad that we can sit down today and sign this CBA."
PM Discusses US Currency Fight With Ashcroft Alliance
Today's press conference by the Prime Minister was dominated by talk of William Danny Mason and John Saldivar, but the press also got to ask about the situation with BTL. Government and the Ashcroft Alliance are back in court arguing over what portion of the judgment should be paid in US dollars and what portion in Belize dollars. The Prime Minister says it is clear enough to government:..
Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister:
"The Central Bank is saying to government you cannot be giving 70 million dollars more in foreign currency to pay Ashcroft. The Central Bank knows why it is saying that. In any event government does not want 70 million dollars more in US currency to pay Ashcroft, because government is absolutely convinced that Ashcroft does not deserve 70 million dollars more in US currency. I need to be careful because the application is before the Caribbean Court of Justice with respect to the settlement agreement, but Ashcroft knows as I know and as God above knows that our agreement was for that award to be split, that is what we asked the tribunal, so that it would be clear how much of it was for the shares and how much of it was for the accomodation agreement and that the entirety of the accomodation agreement minus of course claims for expenses. The entirety of the accomodation agreement was to be spent on the people of Belize. That is the only way I would have agreed to any settlement. For him to come now with an interpretation that would see him not only get this additional amount in US currency, but in consequence short change the 60% of the award that is for the accomodation agreement and so shaft the people of people of this country is absolutely intolerable."
Marion Jones: Taste of Belize
The first thing that comes to mind when the Marion Jones Stadium is mentioned is sports, but how about food? And we aren't talking about the snacks and fast foods that are sold at a tournament. Nope, we are talking about Belizean cuisine. From now on, It won't be only sporting events that are held at the stadium, that is because a section of the Stadium is being transformed into a mini tourist destination in the city, where tourists can drop by on a tour and sample Belizean dishes. Today at the City Tastes of Belize tour launch we found out how this idea came about and what it means for tourism and sports in Belize.
Ritchell Dominguez, Dir., National Sports Council:
"We are looking for great things to come out of Marion Jones. it has been sitting here for a couple of years locked up but this is time that we can change it and change it for good in using it as a museum to generate funds for our needed sporting in Belize."
NSC Director Says MCC Parking Lot Is An Asset
While the Marion Jones Stadium is being upgraded and transformed what about the other sporting complex, the MCC Grounds? Well if you drive past Marine Parade or are a regular at the Princess Hotel and Casino, you would know that a portion of the MCC Grounds is being used to a parking lot. While it might seem like a downgrade, Director of National Sports Council Ritchell Dominguez says not at all, the parking business is actually helping to upkeep the facility.
Ritchell Dominguez, Dir., National Sports Council:
"The season is out, football is not playing, FFB is just getting ready, and we are working on it in getting up the lights. I think at the end of the month the minister is saying that we'll do the inauguration there because it has become dormant whereby nothing has been said about it or where it is or what we have been doing with it. We behind the scenes have been working, back and forth with the electricity board to get the lights up. There are several teams that have come forth and said they would like to use it for their home games and different stuff, but we're working at it and we keep that same money that you talk about the parking lot to be used on the field and get the facility up to where we want. Each facility has to maintain itself."
BTL Paid Curtis Swasey
And while the Prime Minister and the Government is working to pay compensation to the Ashcroft Alliance over BTL, we've learnt that BTL has paid Curtis Swasey the 25 thousand dollar award that the Supreme Court ordered them to. As viewers will remember, Justice Courtney Abel has ruled that BTL Shared the Corozal businessman's idea of lottery texting with the owners of the Mek Mi Rich Game Show, Sanjay Hotchandani and Minister Gaspar Vega's Son, Andre Vega. Justice Abel has ruled that Mek Mi Rich and Swasey's game, Super Slam Sunday, are basically the same.
BTL is refusing to accept the ruling of the court because they insist that the did not breach a non-disclosure agreement to share Swasey's idea with the owners of Mek Mi Rich. There is an appeal lodged at the Court of Appeal, which hasn't been heard as yet, but Swasey and his attorney had to force BTL's hand by getting the Supreme Court to crowfoot their assets. Today, Swasey'S attorney, Kareem Musa, explained to us the extreme action that they had to resort to:
Cane Farmers Protest BSI Again; Not Happy About Bagasse Loss
Today cane farmers launched another protest against BSI. The last time they only had eight, but this they had well over 100. And the difference in numbers is probably because farmers got their second payment on Wednesday and it was less than expected because the revenue from the lost molasses had to be written off. Today Fred Ortega said the message has been sent:..
Alfredo Ortega:
"We would want to see a huge number of farmers but what is most important into this is the message that is going out that we are not happy. These farmers that are here is a message that is being given that we are not happy and we are not acceptant to bare any loss because of the negligence of BSI."
Reporter:
"How do we see a reimbursement for this loss that has already been charged to the cane farmers in the second payment?"
Alfredo Ortega:
"What we are seeking right now is we want to see what will be the response of the SICB (the Sugar Industry Control Board). A letter has been sent to them for their intervention, I spoke to the chairman and he said that he has not received any response as yet..."
Belize Bank Funds Classically Trained Musicians
3 National Youth Orchestra members are heading to Trinidad next week Friday. It is the first time these kids will be visiting Trinidad, but they aren't going for sightseeing or tourism, they are going to work and train for one month. Today we spoke to the 3 talented musicians about their expectations of this trip and also to the Belize Bank's Executive Chairman about why this initiative was important to fund.
The team leaves on August 5th and return on August 30th.
Shyne's $1000 Rap Contest
And Musical Ambassador Shyne Barrow is sponsoring another kind of musical expression. He hosts monthly open mic nights at BTL park to encourage lyricism and gives a nice thousand dollar prize to the crowd favourite. He told us about it last night.
As you heard, the first prize is a thousand dollars, and the second prize is a cellular phone from BTL.
Shyne Touched The Stage With Barrington Levy
Shyne just returned to Belize from Jamaica where he performed with Barrington Levy at SUMFEST - which is Jamaica's premier reggae festival. He touched the main stage with the headline act and told us it is the start of what he hopes is a new stage of his career:...
Shyne Says Jamaican Newspaper Misquoted Him On Elected Office Aspirations
And while in Jamaica Shyne made many media appearances, including one in which he was asked, if he is thinking about following in his father's footsteps and running for office. He is quoted as saying, quote, "I'm going to be in Parliament in Belize very soon. I'm going to be leading my nation and contributing to my nation with all the capacity that I have. My father is the right honorable prime minister, and he's retiring and I'm succeeding him and my uncle."
So Shyne's going to be leading? And succeeding his father? Did Patrick Faber get that memo? Shyne told us last night that it was a misquote:..
Gapi's Grand Summer Camp Draws Hundreds
And while Shyne is just getting into politics, Gaspar Vega says he's getting out of it. And if he's serious about his retirement, he'll surely be missed in the Orange Walk summer. That's because every year he has close to a thousand primary school kids in his summer camp. He's been doing it for ten years, and today, we got to see the closing of the camp. Here's what Vega had to say to those in Trial Farm Village who kept busy and made use of the opportunity:
Ladyville Jackers Were Caught On Camera
Last night we told you about the Santiago Castillo salesman jacked in Ladyville.
Mark Lisbey was making sales in Ladyville when he was robbed of his knapsack with 3,843 dollars in cash and 4808 in cheques.
Well, tonight police have surveillance images of their main suspects in the robbery. Anyone seeing these persons is asked to call police�
Channel 5
Prime Minister Admits to Corruption in Government
So no clear evidence means no repercussions for Saldivar, or any other cabinet minister, just yet. The PM admits that there is corruption in government and will always be corruption [...]
Will Barrow Meet with William Mason?
Prime Minister Dean Barrow returned to Belize today, and by this afternoon was seated in the hot seat facing a barrage of questions on a variety of very pressing issues. [...]
Will John Saldivar Face Political Repercussions?
It is believed that much of what Mason purports to have would involve Minister of National Security John Saldivar. �Saldivar, by his own admission, was very close to Mason - [...]
PM Says No Evidence on Saldivar Yet
The Prime Minister pointed out that realistically speaking, many people from every walk of life - including politicians, police officers, pastors, businesspersons and common folk - were taken in by [...]
Barrow Says He Will Act if Evidence Surfaces
The PM also maintains that if evidence surfaces which contradicts what Saldivar has said - that he cut ties with Mason in September 2015 - then all bets are off [...]
Is Police Investigation Being Conducted Properly?
Where the investigation into the murder of Pastor Llewellyn Lucas is concerned, there have been more questions than answers. Because the public is well aware of the accused murderer's connections [...]
Mark Flowers Gets Bail in Supreme Court
Superintendent Mark Flowers, former commander of the Gang Suppression Unit, is out on bail tonight after posting a bond of seven thousand, five hundred dollars, plus one surety of the [...]
PM Claims Flowers' Fall From Grace is Regrettable
In the sensational interview prior to his arrest for Unlawful Sexual Intercourse, Flowers alleged that he had been set up by the Minister of National Security. Whether he was set [...]
So Will Flowers Get Meeting With Barrow?
The Prime Minister has stated that he will absolutely not meet with accused murderer William Mason, who says he has evidence to provide. Mark Flowers has basically made the same [...]
B.T.L. Settlement Back in Court
Following incessant and expensive litigation over B.T.L. since 2009, the PM declared the half a billion plus final payment for the utility company a vindication and a victory for the [...]
PM Barrow Explains Letter from Central Bank
That seventy U.S. million dollars in litigation has caused Central Bank to issue a dire warning to the Government of Belize, claiming that such a payout would destroy what is [...]
Barrow Says There's No Reason to Panic
The letter from the Central Bank seemed a dire forecast, even with the Ashcroft-request payment aside. There is talk of the economy contracting two percent in the first quarter of [...]
Did Gaspar Vega Know William Mason?
There's one more minister who today admitted that he had trekked up Intelco Hill to visit with William Mason. In Orange Walk Town today, we drilled the former Deputy Prime [...]
Vega Says He Did Not Receive Money from Mason
The former DPM could not say when exactly he met Mason, but was emphatic that he did not receive any monies from the accused murderer for campaign financing or other [...]
Vega Cagey When Asked about Saldivar's Relationship with Mason
But is it fair game to remove John Saldivar from cabinet because of his connections and business dealings with Mason? Saldivar's integrity is being called into question and by extension [...]
Blackmail Attempt in Calla Creek Village
There is a report tonight about a blackmail attempt in the Cayo District. Police received a report on Monday, that a Benque resident who works as a manager of three [...]
Cane Farmers Protest at B.S.I. Again
Earlier this year, a small group of caneros protested against ASR/B.S.I.; today in a second demonstration, the numbers had swollen somewhat.� The bone of contention is that the miller is [...]
CWU and CitCo Sign Collective Bargaining Agreement
The Belize City Council and the Christian Workers Union have entered into a Collective Bargaining Agreement on behalf of employees at City Hall.� The contract of employment, negotiated between management [...]
Mayor Bradley Says Council Needs to Adopt New Standards
Mayor Darrell Bradley, who signed on behalf of the Belize City Council, acknowledges the need for City Hall to adapt similar standards as that of the public service, where employees [...]
Belizean Musicians Participate in Regional Workshop
Come next week, three young Belizean musicians will partake in a regional orchestra workshop in Trinidad and perform in two sold out concerts along with musical professionals in classic, pop [...]
The Biggest Summer Camp Concludes in Orange Walk
By any account, one of the biggest summer camp is held in Orange Walk. One thousand seven hundred students to be precise attended the event in the Orange Walk North [...]
Growing the Future Summer Camp Concludes
And in Belize City, another summer camp held its certificate ceremonies for the more than four hundred and fifty participants. The camp is the brainchild of Growing the Future Projects [...]
LOVE FM
Vega Seeks Intervention on Molasses Issue
As we reported, cane farmers staged their second protest for this week in Tower Hill in the Orange Walk District. The farmers are upset that they have incurred financial loss after a batch of molasses went bad at the BSI Factory. Minister of Agriculture, Gaspar Vega was asked to weigh in on the issue. He [�]
City Council Signs Collective Agreement
The Christians Workers Union and the Belize City Council signed a Collective Bargaining Agreement today. Present at the signing was the president of the CWU Audrey Matura- Shephard who spoke about the agreement and the negotiation journey towards signing it. Matura-Shephard stated that the union had to compromise some of the expectations that they initially [�]
Senior Citizen Charged with Blackmail
A villager from Calla Creek Village in the Cayo District has been charged with blackmail. Love News spoke with the Acting Officer in Charge of Benque Viejo Police, Inspector Stanley Bodden. Inspector Bodden says while it appears that Diaz may have been acting alone, their investigation continue.
GSU Ops Yield Significant Quantity of Marijuana
With gang members and drug dealers having spending power to purchase firearms and ammunition via the sale of their products, law enforcement officers particularly of the Gang Suppression Unit carried out several operations over the last few days that yielded a significant output. The operations began on Friday, July 22 in various known gang territories [�]