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The San Pedro Sun
San Pedro Junior College places third at National ATLIB Volleyball Competition
The Association of Tertiary Level Institutions of Belize (ATLIB) Volleyball competition came to an end on Saturday November 10th in San Ignacio. Sacred Heart College Junior College hosted the event at the Falcon Field, and San Pedro's own San Pedro Junior College brought home the third place trophy in the male division.
The first game saw St. John's College Junior College going up against Ecumenical Junior College. This game was pretty tight in favor of UB in the first two sets, with scores of 25-20 and 25-22. SPJC was up next, going up against UB. 25 seem to be the lucky number as UB took the lead in both sets with scores of 25 - 18 and 25 - 19.
Update - John McAfee still on the run - Speaks to The San Pedro Sun
A US National was murdered on Ambergris Caye sometime between the night of Saturday, November 10th and Sunday November 11th on northern Ambergris Caye and The Belize Police Department is looking for computer anti-virus pioneer John McAfee for questioning as part of the investigation.
Fifty-two year-old Gregory Viant Faull, a retired American from the state of Miami, Florida USA was found dead by a housekeeper inside his living room with an apparent gunshot wound to the back of his head. The incident took place some six miles north of the populated town of San Pedro on Ambergris Caye in the Mata Grande Area. As a result of the ongoing investigation, police in search of McAfee, found an arsenal of ammunition inside his beachfront property on northern Ambergris Caye.
According to the National Belize Police Press Officer Rafael Martinez, 39 year-old Laura Tun, a housekeeper of the Boca del Rio area of San Pedro Town arrived at around 7:20 AM at Faull's residence to conduct routine house cleaning. Tun told police that after she entered the house, she noticed Faull in a motionless state and lying on the floor of the front living room. When Police arrived at the scene of the crime at the second floor of a two-story concrete home situated on the beach area in the Mata Grande area, they found an expended 9 millimeter shell at the second stairs of the step situated on the southern part of the outer part of the building. They also found Faull inside his living room situated in the middle of the building with an apparent gunshot wound to the back of his head. Police claimed that no possible motive has been established and San Pedro Police confirmed that there were no visible signs of forced entry to the building. As part of the investigation, Belize Police investigators has processed the scene three times, the last was on Tuesday November 13th where two US investigators were brought into the country to assist in the investigation.
John McAfee in hiding; calls The San Pedro Sun to tell his story
Anti-virus computer software king John McAfee is a "person of interest" in regards to the murder of his neighbor, Greg Faull. McAfee called San Pedro Sun editor Tamara Sniffin from hiding to tell his side of the story. The shooting apparently took place just south of McAfee's compound in Faull's home just north of San Pedro town on the Island of Ambergris Caye in Northern Belize, Central America.
Ambergris Today
Belize Going Up Against US NGO to Defend Right to Harvest Conch
Belize's conch industry is valued at BZD$10 million (US$5 million) annually but it could virtually be wiped out if the United States Congress institutes a widespread ban against the importation of the seafood delicacy.
Currently, the United States purchases 95% of Belize's queen conch harvest, but in March of this year the WildEarth Guardians, a non-governmental organisation in Denver, Colorado petitioned the US Secretary of Commerce, acting through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the National Marine Fisheries Service, to have the species listed as threatened or endangered.
According to James Azueta, acting fisheries administrator at the Belize Fisheries Department, if the petition is granted and the Queen Conch status is downgraded from appendix II to I (prohibited trade) under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), no country will be able to export conch to the USA or any other country.
McAfee Media Frenzy Continues on Ambergris Caye, Belize
CNN International Correspondent Martin Savidge arrived in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize yesterday afternoon, November 14, 2012, and immediately set up interviews with San Pedro Mayor Daniel Guerrero and Minister of Tourism/Area Representative Hon. Manuel Heredia Jr., wanting to get more information on the Gregory Faull murder case which has millionaire software mogul John McAfee in the police spotlight.
"Everybody wants to know more about John McAfee and his involvement in the Gregory Faull homicide case that occurred over the weekend," commented Mayor Daniel Guerrero to Ambergris Today. "At this point I just update them with the official police reports and that is that Mr. McAfee is only wanted for questioning in the murder case at this point and that he is eluding the law right now; he is in hiding."
Mayor Guerrero stated that he has been very busy entertaining interviews, both on the phone and personal interviews with major media houses that include ABC News, Reuters, FOX News and media from Mexico and Canada. He has another line up of more international press to talk to, who arrived today.
Yoga for the Spirit, Mind & Body at Sol Spa, Belize
Yoga! I believe that many people will be surprised at how good they can be at it, how much they will like it and be glad to find out how beneficial it is for the body and soul. Many take yoga as not being a good exercise; but with Yoga becoming more mainstream and people finding out about its great benefits, the exercise technique is popping out everywhere. More and more people are joining the revolution, you might say.
The staff of Ambergris Today had the opportunity to do some yoga in San Pedro. Carrie Tengler Stuart of Sol Spa was our yoga instructor who took us through a beginners' class as we were fairly new to it. Sofie had already taken some classes and Gerry had practiced some yoga at home; I was the newbie! But Carrie is an excellent instructor; she went through the different moves with ease and went along at our pace at mastering the techniques. She was always making sure we kept in posture and performing the procedures properly; of course adjusting to our limitations.
Post Mortem Report on Gregory Faull Released
Four days after US National Gregory Faull was found dead at his house on North Ambergris Caye, police have finally released the results of the post mortem examination which was conducted on Tuesday, November 13, 2012.
According the a press release by Raphael Martinez, Belize Press Officer, the post mortem examination conducted on the body of 52-year-old, US National, Gregory Viant Faull, on Tuesday, November 13, 2012, between 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. At the conclusion of the examination, the doctor certified the cause of death to be "Traumatic shock due to massive brain damage due to head injuries sustained as a consequence of gunshot wound." Police investigations into this matter are still ongoing.
Zumba to Gangnam Style
Zumba® fitness is exercise in disguise because you're having fun dancing while working out to exciting music. Tuesday, November 13, 2012 the community of San Pedro united for a Zumbathon in benefit for crime prevention on San Pedro, Belize. I was invited by certified Zumba Fitness instructor Karen Mielcarek to join the three-hour Zumbathon at the Lion's Den. I have done Zumba in the past, so I was definitely excited to join the class and even more for a worthy cause (I am a sucker for dancingCool).
Misc Belizean Sources
BEL Opens $25 million Series 5 Debenture Offer
Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) has opened its $25 million Series 5 Debenture Offer, which will earn a highly competitive interest rate of 7 per cent for twelve years, through to 2024.
The cost of each debenture is $100 and subscriptions must be for a minimum of one debenture.
With the proceeds from this debenture offer, the company will in whole or in part refinance its $16.9 million Series 1 Debentures currently bearing interest at 12 per cent and maturing on December 31, 2012 as well as help fund the Company's medium term needs.
The Series 5 Debenture Offer will close on December 17, 2012. A copy of the prospectus is available on the company's website at www.bel.com.bz and hard copies will be made available at the company's Corporate Headquarters and Collection Agents within the next week.
Interested persons may contact the Company at 227-0954 or email [email protected].
IMF mission concludes visit to Belize
An International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission led by Mr. Gerardo Peraza, visited Belize from November 1-15 to conduct its yearly review of the country's economy, in the context of the IMF's Article IV consultations. Peraza released the following statement in Belmopan at the conclusion of the meetings on Thursday:
"Belize is experiencing an output rebound despite the decline in oil production. In 2012, real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth is expected at 3.5−4 percent, led by a recovery from last year's effects of weather-related damages in commodity exports as well as a recovery in tourism, and electricity generation. Inflation, which stood at 1.5 percent in January-August, has been easing as commodity prices pressures abate. The current account deficit is expected to narrow to 2.3 percent of GDP (down from 2.5 percent of GDP in 2011) thanks to higher inflows from tourism, lower repatriation of dividends by foreign companies operating in Belize, and higher remittances, despite a moderate widening of the trade deficit in goods. Preliminary fiscal data suggest that the government's primary surplus target of 2 percent of GDP is within reach, but will require a close monitoring of spending for the remainder of this fiscal year.
"In light of ongoing negotiations with bondholders on the restructuring of the "super-bond", further discussions with the authorities are required to complete this year's Article IV consultations. Talks are expected to resume in the near future. Discussions so far have been focused on fiscal sustainability, external stability, and policies to enhance the financial sector resilience. In parallel with the Article IV consultations, a technical assistance mission assessed the current framework for debt management and helped the authorities build relevant institutional capacity.
Taste of Belize Coming to Cayo
The Taste of Belize will be coming to Cayo this year! It'll be at the San Ignacio Resort Hotel on December 1st, and the new Cayo Welcome Center on December 2nd. The Belize Tourism Board is calling on all chefs, bartenders, and BBQ masters to join in the celebration of Belize. Contact Perry Bodden at 247-2420 for more information.
"Imagine standing mere inches away from flaring and sizzling Belizean culinary masterpieces, simmering to perfection. Surrender to the enticing aromas as it hypnotizes each of your senses-we invite you to experience ALL this and more at the anticipated, 'Taste of Belize'...
The fusion of cultural dishes provides visitors with a true sense of Belize's diversity. Creativity is a must, and a variety of secret ingredients challenges these chefs to add depth to their already unique Belizean dish. The winner then walks away with the title of, 'Belize's Master Chef'."
DYS Basketball Tournament
The Department of Youth Services in Benque will be having it's under 18 basketball tournament starting tomorrow evening, and going for the next week.
"The following teams are those participating in the Department of Youth Services in Benque Viejo U-18 Basketball Competition. The following teams are participating: Western Ballers, M.C.H.S., Young Starts, and San Jose Succotz
The competition started on Friday Novermber 9, 2012 at Deacon's Basketball Court."
Concrete Park Earth Tour and Competition
Great article about the comic book clinics that have been in Cayo, and many other towns around Belize. There is one week left to enter the competition.
"Why teach the basics of comic book creation in a country of 300,000, a country where comics are not even for sale? (the team is working to change that). Why encourage school kids to try this medium, let alone compete in it? Erika Alexander explains: Whether you live in the first world or the developing world, ideas are the most valuable currency there is. Our message is that your story is unique and valuable. Pencils and paper are cheap, and comics, whether self-printed or self-published on the web are a simple, accessible medium for expressing ideas in stories. In teaching comics creation, we are also teaching storytelling, business skills, entrepreneurship and connectivity."
You have to feel sorry for San Pedro!!
Our big brother island - better known as San Pedro, has for the last week been under the watchful eye of all international media houses since the beginning of this week. But unfortunately it is not because the of our wonderful geography or Mayan history, not even because The Batchelor is filming it's next episode here - it is because a once respected genius now paranoid and 'bonkers' (quote taken from the Belizean PM himself!!!) is running from the police and turning it into an international media frenzy!!
The weather is glorious with the blue, blue skies and the fresh breeze that is blowing from the North and there is a sense of excitement for the up and coming season � why is the media not covering this???
John MacAfee, the antivirus software pioneer, has had a colorful history here in Belize since his arrival 2 years ago, with run ins with the police over firearms, drugs and liaisons with under age girls - all which he claims he is the victim of!!
The police are wanting him for questioning for the murder of Gregory Faull, 52 -McAfee's enemy and neighbor in San Pedro as evidence does make McAfee a chief suspect. Since his neighbors death he has been on the run from the police, whilst still managing to be interviewed by many of the major networks and publications around the world it has to be added!!!!
Channel 7
"Lova Boy" Denies Sexual Battery Allegations
Tonight, Belize's most popular Punta Rock artist Lova Boy is on the defensive - after LOVE FM broke the story yesterday that he is being investigated for "sexual battery" in Los Angeles.
This story has been swirling on Facebook for over a month without any charge being brought against LOVA BOY - whose legal name is Daniel Cacho.
But LOVE spoke to the mother of the 13 year old who alleges that LOVA BOY - a family friend - touched her inappropriately - and started doing it more than two years ago - when she was only ten. The formal complaint was made on the 13th. October.
LOVE has also gotten confirmation from the Special Victims Unit in South Los Angeles who have confirmed that Daniel Cacho is the subject of an investigation for an offence known as "sexual battery" in the United States. In Belize it would be called indecent assault.
Now he hasn't been charged - and the Los Angeles resident, who's been up and down between Belize and California in the past month - says he has not even been questioned.
But tonight, he's on the defensive and he proclaimed his innocence to Jules Vasquez:..
Lova Boy, Punta Rock artist
"I am 100% innocent of these allegations. I am very heartbroken and disappointed with the whole situation."
McAfee's Bonkers Show Attracts Major International Media
famous wanted person.
His story has been picked up by most major international media outlets - and from what we can tell that's just what McaFee wants. So far, CNN, Reuters News Agency, the Wall Street Journal, ABC and NBC have sent crews to Belize to follow up on the story. They're here to report on the death of Greg Faull, a Florida native - who retired in Belize - and lived up the beach from McAfee on northern Ambergris Caye.
7news has obtained a copy of the letter of complaint that Faull and other residents of the Mata Chica area of northern Ambergris Caye sent to the Town Council listing their complaints against McAfee.
It speaks about vicious dogs on his property which had attacked or bitten three residents and three tourists. They also complained about his armed security guards acting aggressively with their weapons.
And they noted taxis trafficking to Mcafee's residence at all hours of the night, along with delivery trucks and what they call mule traffic.
Shortly after this complaint was made - McAfee says some of the dogs were poisoned - and Greg Faull was found shot to the head the next day.
Belize police say McAfee is a person of interest in the investigation. Four of his associates or employees - including his chief of security - have been charged for firearm offences - relating to the arsenal of weapons at McAfee's home. In a report this morning, ABC NEWS compiled what is known so far.
Ladyville Couple Knocked Down By Drunk Driver
Last night at 8:15, a speeding car knocked down a Ladyville couple - and a drunk driver may be to blame.
Leila Kelly and her boyfriend Policaro Asi were walking on the left shoulder of the Northern Highway from Lords Bank to Marage Road, when a Geo Prism driven by Raymond Codd Sr, lost control and charged towards them from the opposite direction.
They were both knocked down and Asi's bicycle which he was walking was snapped in two. Both were rushed to the KHMH - where I spoke to Asi's sister about his condition:
Filberta Ico, sister of Policario Assi
"My brother usual routine when he come from work - his girlfriend works at La Popular Bakery in Ladyville and every day he goes to pick up his girlfriend and I understand that when they were coming home and in front of technical there is a curve there - they saw a vehicle spinning out of control and he pushed her out of the way so that she doesn't get the full impact. He got all the impact and he was in a very critical condition last night."
"One of his lungs had collapse, his knee is broken, his wrists; they are not sure if it is broken as yet. There is no internal bleeding but he looks stable at the moment but we can't determine as yet because they are still doing further tests on his."
Police Make Major Marijuana Bust In Belama
Today Police made a major marijuana bust: 37 pounds of cannabis, which the found at stashed in the bushes in Belama Phase 4. At around 2:20 p.m. yesterday, police found the drugs stuffed in two buckets.
And today, police officers went back to Belama Phase 4, where they conducted a routine search on 19 year-old Michael Anthony Saldivar. The officers found a black plastic bag which contained 22 grams of cannabis.
As a result, police arrested and charged him with possession of controlled drugs.
Security Guard Who Killed Man Won't Be Charged
Last night, we told you about the shooting death of 29 year-old Wellington Hemsley Jr. He's the Tea Kettle Resident who, according to reports, tried to burglarize the containers at a residence right next to Cheers between mile 30 and 31 on the Western Highway. Well, the security guard who shot him to death is not criminally charged tonight, and he has not been detained by police.
According to Security Guards who work at Cheers, just before 3 a.m. yesterday, security cameras picked up 2 men trying to break into one of the storage containers.
The guards went to try to prevent the men, who were later identified as Hemsley and his 53 year-old uncle, Gilroy Welcome Sr., from stealing equipment from the container.
Hemsley and Welcome allegedly attacked and tried to wrestle the weapons from the guards, who reported that they were forced to shoot both men in self-defence.
Bar-ladies Had No "Papeles"
33 year-old Chinese Belizean businessman, Zhon Yue Ruan, the owner of Fusion Bar, and 35 year-old Jose Mejia, a Honduran Belizean businessman, who owns Long Island Bar, are facing fines for immigration charges after they were busted for hiring illegal immigrant workers.
According immigration officers, at around 6:30 p.m. yesterday, they went to Fusion Bar, and saw 8 women with nationalities from neighboring countries who were working as waitresses.
When the officers asked the women for their immigration documents, they were unable to produce any, and it was later discovered that Ruan hired them without any valid working permits. As a result, Ruan was charged with 8 counts of employing persons not in possession of valid working permits.
He was arraigned before Magistrate Adolph Lucas today, where he pleaded guilty to all 8 counts. He was ordered to pay fines to a total amount of $14,000 which he must pay in its entirety by June 30, 2013.
In relation to Mejia, the immigration officers said that shortly after that operation at Fusion Bar, they went to Long Island Bar. The officers saw 4 Honduran women, who reported that they were working at the bar as waitresses, and that they were employed by Mejia. They, however, couldn't produce any valid working permits.
Should An 18 Year Old Student Have Gone To Jail for Drugs
You may vaguely recall the name Jaslyn Cadle- she was on the news two weeks ago.
The 18 year old student pleaded guilty to drug trafficking and was sent to jail when she could not pay the fine. The story has gone away - but behind the headline is a student on a scholarship to Gwen Liz High whose dream of finishing high school has been taken away by a drug law which makes no provisions for first time offenders.
We got some context on the story when we spoke to her family today:..
Jules Vasquez reporting
On Saturday, November third, the GSU found Joslyn Cadle with this: 159 grammes, five and a half ounces of marijuana and one hundred and ninety five dollars in cash.
She admitted that the money was the proceeds from selling marijuana - and in court she pleaded guilty to drug trafficking.
Drug Case To Court Two Years Later
On November of 2010, it made all the headlines when a drug plane landed on the Southern Highway in the Bladden Area. The story became more sensational when 5 lawmen were accused of facilitating its landing.
Those 5 men are Customs Officer Harold Usher, Police Corporal Renel Grant, Police Corporal Lawrence Humes, Police Corporal Nelson Middleton and Police Sergeant Jacinto Roches. They were all criminally charged with the importation of a controlled drug by facilitating the landing of an airplane.
Well, exactly 2 years after the aircraft landed in Belize, these men are finally facing a criminal trial in the Supreme Court. On Monday, the jury for the case was empanelled, and yesterday, the crown counsels representing the DPP's office started calling witnesses from their extensive list of to give testimony against the men.
So, today was day 2 of the biggest drug case in recent history in which the police made a bust of almost three thousand kilos of cocaine, which came in on the very same plane that these officers are accused of being connected to.
The judge sitting on the case is Justice Dennis Hannomansingh, and it is expected to continue to the end of November.
Is The Seed Of Urban Violence In Child Abuse?
For years, social studies on Belize's crime climate has shown that the knee-jerk, paramilitary response to crime hasn't worked for any sustained period of time.
Well, one organization is trying to come up with viable proposals to offer them to the government as alternatives. That organization is the Mental Health Association, and today, they held a conference at the SCA campus.
The association believes that child abuse whether physical or sexual, may be a major contributing factor to youths who grow up and turn to a life of crime.
Here's what the President told us:
Jenny Lovell, President, Mental Health Association
"We've become very concern about the increase, the spike in crime and violence among young people. We also realize that because we've been getting calls - we've been seeing children that are being brought to us with behavioral problems. When we talked to these children we find out that they've been sexually abused. We find that for some of them they have things like learning disabilities and so they are in classes giving a lot of problems but it's not because it's just bad behavior - they don't have no clue what's going on in the classroom because a lot of them they are in Standard 4 but can't read and write in fact they can't even recognized their letters; their ABCs. So we realize that some of these children are learning disable or they are other things going on."
City Council Holds Off On Prospectus Launch
It's been a tough week for the city council as Belize Waste Control put the City on Blast when it went on a garbage strike and had its workers picket City Hall.
And that's why the much delayed launch of the Prospectus for the Municipal Bond has been held off for another week. The mayor today told us that with all that's been happening he did not feel the timing was right.
BEL Rolls Out Debenture Offering
And while City Hall is in a holding pattern, BEL is rolling out its debenture offer to mop up all that excess liquidity in the banking system.
An announcement from the power company says that it has opened its $25 million dollar Series 5 Debenture Offer, which will offer an interest rate of 7 per cent for twelve years.
That 7% is significantly higher than interest rates on savings currently being offered at the banks. To invest, you must buy at least one debenture valued at one hundred dollars. The offer will close in a month's time.
You can find a copy of the prospectus on the Company's website or you can get a hard copy at BEL Offices.
Great Art Way Out West
For its new art show - the Image Factory has gone out into the country - to Cayo - to see what artists out West are painting. As Gilvano Swasey - the curator of the show called "Beyond Mile 50" told us - he was very pleasantly surprised.
Gilvano Swasey, curator
"The idea behind the exhibit was to show what was new from Cayo - 50 miles from Belize City and beyond. What is happening is that these artists even though they go through similar experience that we go through in Belize City struggles in society and so forth - they have found a new hope in what they paint and what they capture and what is life around them; the nature, the people, the economy and so forth. It's a very good collection to show what artists are doing beyond Belize City but also with the new skills that they have gained working with each other."
"For example the works of Lincoln Gordon; his stuff would be describe as super/hyper realism. It's beyond a photograph. It is at a point where I remember going to school this is where you are young and free and innocent and you have all the time in the world. I was surprise that people was still doing this with the world changing so fast. I was very impressed with Lincoln pieces."
"The other artist that really stands out for me is German Figueroa; he does a style that is sort of surreal. Traditionally you would do collage where you would tear papers and create an image. Not only does he tear paper and create an image - he paints that image itself. So he takes it to a different level and his pieces are a lot about social issues."
Pen the Old Master With Some New Tricks
Pen Cayetano may be considered a respected elder of the Garifuna Culture, but don't write him off just yet, the Old Master is still in the wide, open space of artistic creativity.
As per tradition, he's mounted an exhibit of new paintings at the Mexican Institute to coincide with Garifuna Settlement Day. It opens tonight, but he gave 7News a preview this afternoon:
Pen Cayetano, artist
"This exhibition is entitled "All Culture." All Culture is what is happening right here in Belize right now. Once it was a heavy cultural place. But today as how we see it happening right now is the culture is deteriorating slowly. We can that the people and the youths of today are not going through many of the stages of our culture that we use to do in the past. This is the only way they could have an understanding about it is to come and see the exhibition pertaining to culture."
"The children's day - it's a new painting, its talk about the children of Belize trying to do something in sports and so. There will be other painting of our cultural dances and as well as drumming and entertainment kind of painting. You will also see the process of the cassava baking and a painting that I have here is the silent night - the birth of Christ in Garifuna style."
The exhibit is now opened at the Mexican Institute, and it continues for the next 3 weeks.
PROFILE: Sebastian Cayetano
And from Pen Cayetano to another Garifuna elder Sebastian Cayetano is the subject of tonight's I am Belize profile. He's the founder of Luba Garifuna Museum and a key promoter of Garifuna culture in Belize.
He tells The Profile about his greatest accomplishment:..
Channel 5
John McAfee remains on the run; girlfriend says he didn’t kill anyone
John McAfee remains on the run tonight and authorities are asking him to turn him himself in. McAfee, the antivirus founder is likely the only suspect in the murder of Gregory Faull, his next door neighbor who had complained about McAfee's dogs. In our coverage tonight we talk to the Minister of Tourism, the Mayor [...]
McAfee's Girlfriend says her life has been threatened
But as the story continues to unravel, Tiffany told News Five that she is in fear of her life. Duane Moody "Since then you've had no contact with him? You haven't been able to talk to him about his whereabouts or anything of that sort?" Voice of: Tiffany, McAfee's Girlfriend "Since then no. [...]
Investigation underway on claim that police behaved inappropriately with a Mayflower Street minor
Last Friday, during a police search on Mayflower Street, one of Belize's hotspots, a thirteen year old student and her grandmother told the media that the minor was strip searched and sexually abused by a female police officer inside her home. The minor claimed that she was sleeping when the officers entered the home, undressed [...]
G.O.B.'s campaign approach to 2013 Belize/Guatemala Referendum
A referendum on whether or not to take the territorial dispute to the International Court of Justice takes place in 2013. In Guatemala, a public awareness campaign is ongoing but in Belize the campaign will kick off in January. Government is taking a three prong approach; it is naming a commission comprising a number of [...]
Questions asked in Belize/Guatemala referenda were stated in compromis
After resisting the courts for years, in 2007, Guatemala, under the leadership of President Alvaro Cocom, finally agreed to start negotiating a special agreement to go to the ICJ. That agreement, known as a compromis, contains the question that will be asked in the simultaneous referenda as well as the question being taken to the [...]
Superbond: restructuring talks to pick up after U.S. Thanksgiving
The last press conference by Prime Minister Dean Barrow was back in August so there were numerous matters to raise when the press descended on him on Wednesday morning. The five hundred and forty-four million US dollar superbond was top on the list of questions. The PM said that the government and bondholders are miles [...]
New Sporting Complex to replace City Center; is it a reality?
The City Centre in Belize City has not been used for over a year because its dilapidating state would put athletes at risk. When Belize won silver in the COCABA Basketball games in 2009 in Cancun, the Prime Minister promised the athletes that rebuilding the facility would be a priority. The Mexican President Felipe Calderon [...]
Anti-crime measure to detain young persons with anti-social behavior
On Wednesday, Police and B.D.F. executed a search of a Crime Ridden area in the Lake Independence. Some residents were caught off guard while others said they cooperate fully with the police in the searches for which do not require warrants. That is only one anti-crime measure that is being undertaken; others have to do [...]
2 more persons caught by Immigration Department
The Immigration Department continues to carry out sting operations in the city; three persons were taken to court on Wednesday and two more were charged today. Jose Nelson Mejia and Zhong Yue Ruan, both bar owners, were charged in separate cases for illegally hiring immigrants. Mejia, the owner of Long Island Bar on Blue Marlin [...]
Charles Leslie Junior to stand trial for Attempted Murder in Supreme Court
Over in the courtroom of Chief Magistrate Ann Marie Smith, twenty-four year old Charles Marvin Leslie Junior was committed to stand trial in the January 2013 session of the Supreme Court for the Attempted Murder of twenty-one year old Woodrow Reyes. Both men were on remand for separate offences when on April twenty-third, Reyes was [...]
A Cultural inspired Youth Rally by the Garifuna Council
One of the biggest cultural showdowns takes place this weekend in anticipation of Garifuna Settlement Day. But today at the House of Culture, the National Garifuna Council organized a rally for students. There was drumming, dance and poetry depicting the Garifuna culture. Duane Moody dropped by and got in the spirit of the celebrations. [...]
Mental Health Association focuses on crime
Crime continues to be a huge challenge across the country and according to the Mental Health Association young people have become particularly susceptible to criminal activities. That's the focus of their annual conference which opened today at the St. Catherine Academy Conference Room. The two days of presentations and discussions will address issues that impact [...]
Healthy Living: keeping your gums healthy
It's common knowledge that brushing and flossing should be an important part of your daily oral care. If you or your child are neglecting that process; it not just your teeth that might be affected. Tonight on Healthy Living, we take a look at the impact of bad oral hygiene on your gums. Marleni [...]
LOVE FM
Award Winning Belizean Artist Accused of Sexual Misconduct
Award winning recording artist and entrepreneur Daniel Cacho, also known as Lova Boy is at the centre of an allegation of sexual abuse of an underage girl. Love News first reported on Wednesday that the allegation is made by a thirteen year old girl from Los Angeles, California who cla...
Ambassadors Speak on Belize, Guatemala and the ICJ
It was announced earlier this year that a referendum to take the ongoing Guatemala territorial dispute to the International Court of Justice. The referendum will take place in Belize and Guatemala next October. Since then a number of Belizeans led by the Belizean Coalition ...
Well Known Tour Guide Charged Following Altercation with Police Officer
Tour guide Thomas Greenwood Jr. who was allegedly involved in an altercation with tourism police officer corporal Walford Berry yesterday at Tourism Village was charged with harm and using insulting words when he appeared in court today. Greenwood pled not guilty to the charges. He was...
Immigration Continues Crackdown on Workers Without Valid Permits
Immigration officers, in their continued crackdown on persons who employ women from neighboring countries who do not have work permits, have nabbed two more bar owners. They are 33 year old Zhon Yue Ruan, a naturalized Belizean originally from China who is the owner of Fusio...
Chagas Insects Discovered in Corozal
Health officials have confirmed that there is not an outbreak of chagas at San Antonio Government School in Corozal. Earlier today health officials went to the school after the insects were detected by teachers who were at the school lunch shed yesterday morning. The te...
Special Envoy for Women and Children Visits School in Orange Walk
Special Envoy for Women and Children Kim Simplis Barrow was in Orange Walk Town this morning visiting St. Peter's Anglican School. Barrow visited the school on a special invitation from the school which offers trained special education to children in the district. We ...
Training Workshop Ends on Pesticides
A series of training workshops on good pesticides management practices continues this week. Farmers from the Cayo district underwent the training on Tuesday and Wednesday and today, farmers of the Belize district are concluding their sessions. The trainings are bein...
Police News
The manager of La Popular Bakery Kapil Talreja is being sought by Belize City police. The owner of the establishment, located on Logwood Street reported to police that on Tuesday midday, his secretary gave Talreja six thousand dollars to deposit in La Popular's account at A...
Belmopan High School Students Robbed
Belmopan police have detained four men following an incident in which four high school students were robbed. Reports are sometime around seven o'clock this morning four students were on their way to school using the shortcut that leads from Cohune Walk area to the Georg...
Honduran National Charged for Illegal Entry into Belize
In other Immigration news, 33 year old Honduran national Rene Rivera who entered Belize illegally in March along the banks of the Mopan River was charged with illegal entry when he appeared in court today. Rivera pled guilty to the charge. He was fined $1,000.00 and was ordered to pay ...
Employers Charged for Failure to Produce Employment Permits
Two bar owners were charged with employing persons not in possession of employment permits when they appeared in court today. They are 23 year old Belizean Annibal Lemus, the owner of Chi Chi Bar, located on Orange Street and 36 year old Vilma Coh, a naturalized Belizean originally fro...
LOVE TV
Indian's new year starts
Christmas and New Years is still a few weeks away in the Christian world, but one community in Belize is celebrating Diwali. It is the Indian concept of New Years and last evening the Indian community in Belize had a festival of lights at the Hindu Temple on Albert Street. Love News stopped in with Indian Honourary Consul in Belize, Arun Hotchandani, who explained the significance of Diwali.
The Indian festivities continue throughout the week.
Love FM'S annual Southern Tour for 2012 starts
Since the September celebrations passed, the drums and the different style of music playing on the airwaves have been signifying that another event was on the horizon. Tonight Love FM'S annual Southern Tour 2012 enters its first round as the Garifuna Settlement Day festivities approach. Station Manager at Love FM, Julia Carrillo, says that this year the event is as upbeat and classic as it has been over the years.
P.M. Barrow gives update on legalizing marijuana
Central American leaders, including Prime Minister Dean Barrow, say that the decision by two U.S. states last week to legalize marijuana will have important implications for efforts to fight smuggling in this region. Prime Minister Barrow says the concerns focus primarily on the war against international crime and in particular narco-trafficking.
P.M. Barrow gives details on the oil drilling issue
The issue of drilling for oil in the Sarstoon-Temash reserve has ignited a fierce debate among proponents of the initiative by US Capital Energy and those who are opposed. It is a divisive issue; but today, Prime Minister Dean Barrow told Love News that he is open to the idea of making a part of any proceeds from the discovery of oil in commercial quantity available for the benefit of communities in the south.
Julius Espat reponse on the P.M. comment
Late this evening following a meeting with the Clerk of the National Assembly Eddie Webster, the Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee Julius Espat spoke with Love News and says that he will be taking up the Prime Minister on his offer to agree that meetings of the House Committee be made public.
P.M. Barrow put the issue to rest with the PUP
The issue surrounding the meeting of the Public Accounts Committee of the House of Representatives continues to linger; but today Prime Minister Dean Barrow put the issue to rest, saying it was a manufactured problem. Yesterday afternoon, the People's United Party hosted a press conference where the chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, the member for Cayo South Julius Espat said that all he is trying to do is what he was chosen to do; while the former Clerk of the National Assembly Conrad Lewis described the issue as an administrative bungling. Prime Minister Barrow today went on record saying that the government is not opposed to entertaining the suggestions of the Chairman of the Committee that meetings be held in public; but the Prime Minister says Mr. Espat is lying and is plain out of order.
First Aid training in Punta Gorda
A two day first aid and medical safety training course ended yesterday in Punta Gorda. Correspondent Paul Mahung reports.
High school student share their Business acumen
And while today the entrepreneurship fair stopped in at Queen Square Anglican, on Tuesday, high school students got to display their business acumen. Love TV's Natalie Novelo reports.
Queen Square School hosted a Business Fair
Entrepreneurship and marketing are still farfetched topics to many people, but this is entrepreneurship week and today, students at one local primary school had the opportunity to put their skills and creativity to the test after weeks of preparations. The over 700 children that attend Queen Square Anglican School today showed off their manual skills and their ability to earn a living from those talents. Love News was there and spoke with representatives from the Youth Business Trust Belize and the school.
The students proved that aside from knowing how to do problem solving or spell a scientific word, they can also put hands to work and make more than art, but also a living.
The Youth Business Trust Belize has held similar events with other schools this week. It is an annual showcase of children's ability to earn a living and the organizers say that from year to year, the children display a degree of development.
P.M. Barrow gives details on McAfee
Police have arrested and charged two people associated with businessman John McAfee for the crime of keeping a firearm and ammunition without a gun license. Twenty nine year old William Mulligan and twenty two year old Stefanie Mulligan were taken into custody on Sunday afternoon after a search of McAfee's property on North Ambergris Caye resulted in the discovery of a twelve gauge pump action shotgun and cartridges and a twelve gauge single action shotgun and a belt containing twenty two 12-gauge Aquila brand cartridges. Neither William or Stefanie Mulligan could produce a license for the weapons. Both were arraigned in court and are on remand to the Hattieville prison. Sixty seven year old John McAfee is wanted by for questioning by police in connection with the investigation into the murder of fifty two year old Gregory Faull. McAfee is claiming that he is being targeted by the police and fears for his life and has gone as far as claiming that the Prime Minister dies not like him. This morning, Prime Minister Barrow called McAfee paranoid and urged him to come forward and talk with the police.
False alarm for a protest of BWC
There was a planned protest scheduled to take place in front of City Hall again today but the protestors backed off at the last minute when their boss told them that Mayor Darrel Bradley had made a good-faith arrangement. The contention spawned earlier this month, gained public attention when employees of the Belize Waste Control Services stormed to North Front Street and held placards demanding that City Hall pay their boss. George Lamb had come public saying that City Hall had fallen behind on twelve weekly payments for sanitation works that the company provides to keep the old capital clean. Lamb told us today that there is a further extension on the protest.
Lamb says that City Hall currently owes Belize Waste Control around half a million dollars.
P.M. give updates on the superbond
Prime Minister Dean Barrow is back home following a series of meetings in Honduras, the United States and Mexico. During his trip to Honduras the Prime Minister held talks with President Porfirio Lobo Sosa about the possibility of formalizing a prisoner exchange program, similar to the one Belize shares with Mexico. From Honduras, Prime Minister Barrow traveled to Miami, Florida for a meeting with the legal advisors to Belize's debt restructuring exercise. When he appeared on the Love FM Morning Show today, the Prime Minister said that he is confident that an agreement will be hammered out by the time the next coupon payment becomes due in March of 2013.