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The San Pedro Sun
Child Stimulation Month ends with closing Parade
A full month of activities as part of Child Stimulation Month concluded countrywide with separate parades in the different municipalities. In San Pedro Town, it was no exception as pre-school students, along with their parents and teachers took to the street in a lively and colorful parade. The parade started from the Central Park and made its way through the principal streets of town culminating at the Central Park. All five preschools, ABC Preschool, Little Angel Preschool, Holy Cross Anglican, San Pedro Preschool and Brighter Tomorrow were assigned a specific color. The students were dressed in their school's colors and their balloons enthusiastically throughout the parade. With a large truck blasting music and members of the San Pedro High School Marching Band drumming away, students, parents and spectators were entertained throughout the route.
San Pedro Health Fair a success
The Dr. Otto Rodriguez PolyClinic II in conjunction with the Ministry of Health held its annual Health Fair on Saturday March 23rd at the Lion's Den. Hundreds of residents took advantage of the many free services offered, including pap smears, breast exams, blood sugar check, blood pressure, Body Mass Index, HIV testing, and mental health services. On hand to provide information of their job and service to the San Pedro community were the San Pedro Police Department as well as the Fire Department. Dalia Alamilla, a mother of a child with Down Syndrome was also present, giving information on the condition as well as advances that individuals with Down Syndrome have made. Miss Romero from NDACC was at hand sharing the very detrimental effect of drug abuse.
Belize Bandfest 2013: Corozal Dominates!
On Saturday March 23rd, the quiet streets of Belmopan came alive with the sound of the 14 marching bands making their way to the Governor General Field for the opening of the ninth annual Belize Bandfest. Teams from every corner of Belize gathered in the capital city to compete at the FFB Stadium for the coveted titles of Best Drum Corp and Best Wind Instrument Band. While they all prepared for the show, Special Guests, Banda Marcial San Isidoro from La Ceiba, Honduras showcased their talents with extreme flair and precision raising the bar for future Belize Bandfest competitions in all categories.
The Caimito - or Star Apple
What: Caimito
Come again? Kai-mee-toe
Try me one more time: Fine�Star Apple, Milk Fruit, Aguay, Estrella, Pomme du lait�in Sierra Leone it's actually referred to as breast milk fruit�
Okay, okay�so what is it? It's a fruit (duh) and it's delicious.
That's helpful�Well, scientifically speaking, it is a tropical tree - Chrysophyllum Cainito, from the Sapotaceae family. The tree is native to Central America and the West Indies, growing quickly and up to 20 meters in height. It has tiny purplish-white flowers with an amazing sweet smell. The tree is hermaphroditic.
It's what? Hermaphroditic; that means it's self-fertilizing.
That is so cool! Right?! So it self-fertilizes, and produces these little round, purple-skinned fruits. Actually, in Belize, the majority of the fruits are green. But purple abounds as well. The skin and rind are not edible, but wow the fruit itself delicious. The texture is almost jelly-like, and it is sweet and refreshing. One warning: the skin and rind are rich in latex, so you end up with super sticky mouth. It's really fun to glue one's lips together while eating them; it's all in the fun!
Read more: The Caimito - or Star Apple - My Beautiful Belize
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Ambergris Today
Grand Baymen Residential Community Holds Ribbon Cutting
The Grand Baymen development, located south of San Pedro Town, held a ribbon-cutting celebration on Friday, March 22, 2013 for its first residential building, Building A, home to 12 units. Grand Baymen was formed in 2007 to create an upscale residential condominium community on Ambergris Caye, Belize.
The first condominium building has one and two bedroom units, 720sqft & 1070sqft respectively, and contain top of the line amenities, full kitchens, and large closets. On site already, Grand Baymen has a 3-tier, 250,000 gallon pool, two tennis courts, a sand volleyball court, and a fitness club which are shared with sister resort Exotic Caye Beach located down the street.
Tropic Air Bridges Airways Between Belize and Cancun, Mexico
Tropic Air today, Monday, March 25, 2013, held a ribbon cutting ceremony for its inaugural nonstop flight to Cancun, Mexico at the Phillip Goldson International Airport, it's 14th destination. The flight took four people over to Cancun, in what will be a one hour and twenty minute flight that shortens the travel time to the popular Mexican destination and makes important connections back to Belize.
President of Tropic Air, Mr. Johnny Greif III, commented that the airline is proud to bring back the direct service to Cancun which is an airway bridge to Mexico.
"It's a flight that will bring revenues to Belize with a hardworking Belizean airline, Belizean pilots and Belizean employees," commented Mr. Greif. "The new land bridge to Mexico inaugurates shortly and we are very happy inaugurate this air bridge to Cancun, Mexico."
Teen Talk: Music for Your Changing Moods
Music is the number one thing that every teen uses to come off planet earth for a couple of minutes and be transported into the magical world of imagination and emotions. But which music is best for the mood you are in?
Everyone knows that feeling when you just put on your headphones and at that same moment someone starts talking to you. It is probably very annoying but depending on what kind of music you are listening, to will actually change the mood of your response.
For example if you are listening to a nice soothing song you wouldn't be so mad; just take out your ear buds and listen to what the person has to say. But if you were listening to a song with a very fast beat you would probably answer with a load, "What!" You might not be angry but you will give that impression.
Pic of the Week: Bride Trashes the Dress at Jaguar's Temple Club, San Pedro
Ambergris Today was able to take a picture with newly weds Jason and Bonnie Bridges as they celebrated after their beach wedding at Coco Beach Resort, in San Pedro Ambergris Caye, Belize. The newly weds were seen tearing up the dance floor at Jaguar's Temple Night Club with their bridal party. Bonnie was literally trashing her wedding dress amongst the visitors and locals who invaded the night club on Thursday, March 21, 2013. Ambergris Today congratulates Jason and Bonnie and wishes them a happy marriage.
San Pedro Town Council Opening Hours
On Wednesday, March 27, 2013, due to work being done by the Belize Electricity Limited, our office at the San Pedro Town Council will open at 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
On Holy Thursday, March 28, 2013, our office will be closing at 12:00 p.m. and will open on Tuesday, April 2, 2013 at our regular working hours except for the Cashier which will open at 1:00 p.m. due to the beginning of our fiscal year
For More information and updates visit the San Pedro Town Council Facebook Page or call 226-2198
Bon Appetit at Portofino Restaurant, Fine Dining in Ambergris Caye
Très bon et d�licieux! Very good and delicious. Bring a good appetite to Portofino Restaurant because the new management has decided to take the restaurant to a new level by completely redesigning the menu as well as introducing new techniques and products that have resulted in a creative menu designed for a special night out.
With an ever changing menu, Portofino Restaurant guarantees a creative flow in the kitchen and seasonal influences on the menu. You will always be wondering what is new at the restaurant and after having a fantastic dining experience you will quite surely be heading back for more.
The one thing that is for sure at Portofino is that their fish is delivered and cleaned almost daily at the end of their dock; guaranteed is an every-fresh selection of fish and seafood. Of course, for the meat lovers, there is imported steak and fresh local chicken and to top it all off their pasta is home made. You can't top freshly made pasta.
Channel 7
PUP Rejects Guatemala's ICJ Proposal; Urges Cabinet To Do Same
Tomorrow, the Cabinet will meet to consider the Guatemalan' proposal to move the date for the ICJ referendum.
And while the UDP party and government has explicitly supported the ICJ referendum, the PUP has been playing coy throughout, not taking one side or the other.
That is until today, when Party Leader Francis Fonseca announced that the party was rejected Guatemala's recent request to change the date of the referendum or to change Belize's referendum laws. Here's the entire statement from opposition leader Fonseca which was delivered two hours ago...
Hon. Francis Fonseca - Leader of the Opposition/PUP Party Leader
"On Sunday March 17, 2013 Guatemala put forward certain proposals that make clear its intention to breach its agreement with Belize to hold simultaneous referenda on October 6, 2013. The People's United Party (PUP) rejects any proposal which violates the spirit and letter of the Special Agreement signed by Belize and Guatemala in December 2008. Neither option proposed by Guatemala is acceptable. Guatemala's latest proposals raise serious concerns about its good faith in finding a just and definitive solution of this longstanding claim. The PUP has consistently rejected this unfounded claim while always remaining supportive of any initiative that would lead to a definitive and just solution. The PUP does not support the holding of any unilateral referendum on October 6, 2013, or on any other date. We do not support the amendment of our national law to reduce our threshold participation in referenda, simply to accommodate Guatemala. The PUP calls on the Government of Belize to remain resolute in maintaining national and international support for our inalienable right to self-determination with full territorial integrity."
Murder In Belize's Northern-most Village
There is one weekend murder to report tonight - but it didn't happen in the city or any major population center; it happened in a canefield near Belize's northern-most village, Chan Chen.
37 year old Israel Matu was found dead in a cane field near the village. Daniel Ortiz found out more about the strange circumstances of his death:
Daniel Ortiz Reporting
The body of 37 year old Israel Matu, a resident of Pachakan Village in the Corozal District, was discovered in a cane field about a mile away from his home on Sunday morning.
The state that his family discovered him in has led them to believe that he was beaten to death.
Leopoldo Matu - Father of the Deceased
"I found him dead without clothes, his head busted up and when I saw tht he passed, I felt something like something cold, my hair stood up and I got a little afraid. I told my wife not to go see it because he is without clothes. I took off my shirt, covered him, told my daughter to call the police."
According to his father, the last time he was seen on alive was on Friday night.
OW Cop Dies Under Strange Circumstances
And while that was a murder - no one can say for sure what caused the mysterious death of a policeman in Orange Walk. All that's known for sure is that he was found dead in the new river early on Saturday morning after leaving work in his car 12 hours earlier. That same car plunged into the river with him inside. Daniel Ortiz asked the Commander of the Northern Police Region to explain the information they have at this time.
Sr. Supt. Joseph Myvette - Commander, Nothern Police Region
"On Saturday morning, sometime around 7:20 a.m., the police was called to an area in Trial Farm in the area of Honey Camp Street, where the body of a male person was seen floating in the water. The police then got into the water by getting a boat, this person was - the body was retrieved and it was later identified to be that of PC #886 Antonio Chan. The body was then transported to the Northern Regional Hospital where it was pronounced dead on arrival. PC Chan has been attached to the Orange Walk Police formation for the past 3 and a half years, where he has been working relief duties. At this time, as we speak, the post martin examination has been carried out in order to determine the cause of death. Upon the discovery of the body, I believe there where some abrasions over both eyes, the vehicle itself was found submerged in the water, a few yards from where the body was found."
Preschooler Suffocates In Car
A small child died a terrible death in Dangriga this weekend - he probably suffocated in a hot car.
At 10:45 on Saturday, 46 year old Joan Garcia noticed that her 4 year old son, Jahrion Joseph Lightfoot, had gone missing. She started to search frantically around their address at #15 Polack Street, Dangriga Town. But she didn't find him until 12:30pm; he was in her Toyota Camry unconscious. She rushed him to the Southern Regional Hospital but he was pronounced dead on arrival. A post mortem will determine what caused the child's death.
We have learned that the car had been parked in the yard - and it was locked. But on Saturday, due to the heat, his father opened it up. That's when the pre-schooler is believed to have slipped in and possibly pressed the power lock button and locked himself inside. The windows are also power windows so he couldn't lower them. No one thought to look in the car, since it is usually off limits.
Jahrion was the baby of his family, and he was doted upon.
Convicted Guatemalan Escaped, Pol Said Nada
A Guatemalan convicted of firearms offences escaped from Cayo police a week ago, and police issued no public advisory. According to the Cayo Star newspaper, this man, 22 year old Walter Leonel Boteo Ralda, disappeared from the cell block last week Monday.
Boteo-Ralda is serving a five year sentence for possession of a Glock pistol he stole fromAlain Langois, a retired Canadian businessman, who lives in Santa Elena Town. Ten thousand dollars in cash was also stolen.
Boteo Ralda - already convicted for the firearm was to appear in San Ignacio Magistrate's Court for other charges. But he escaped when the shift changed. And while public awareness might have aided in his recapture, police said nothing - and only released details when we pressed for them today. Press Officer Raphael Martinez told us that two officers are to be placed on charges and the prisoner is still at large.
Ralda is a Guatemalan so it is quite possible that he skipped across the border back to his home country.
Woman Says Police Gang Raped Her; Police Say She "Changed Her Story"
And two other police officers in Cayo are under scrutiny for the alleged gang rape of a woman from a village near San Ignacio. We cannot give details as it may lead to the identity of the woman, but we can say that she reported that two police officers attached to the Special Patrol Unit raped her on Saturday.
It started when her husband called police to remove her from a village bar where she had been drinking. It wasn't a crime, so the officers left her. Later on that night, they were called to intervene in a domestic dispute between the woman and her husband. They took her in a car separate from her husband which is when they allegedly raped her.
She reported that due to her inebriation she could not say where they took her, but only recalled that they both raped her. She was injured as a result.
It is a very serious allegation of a monstrous breech of the public trust, and the police press officer told us quote, "a lady did make some accusations against two officers but later changed her story. O.C San Ignacio is investigating this allegation and will take action as necessary if the allegations are found to be true."
Hepatitis Outbreak In Trio
There is an outbreak of Hepatitis A in Trio Village, Stann Creek District. According to the ministry of health, a cluster of 14 suspected cases have occurred over the last three weeks.
Cases have been identified in the rural communities of the Corozal, Cayo and Toledo Districts.
Hepatitis A is a food and waterborne disease with symptoms that may include yellowing of the eyes and skin, dark urine, light-colored stool along with mild fever, vomiting, diarrhea and loss of appetite among others. It is also self-limiting meaning it will run its course and usually resolve itself without the need for medical intervention.
It is usually transmitted through the fecal-oral route and to avoid its spread persons should wash hands diligently, treat water, and disinfect contaminated dishes, toilets and common surfaces.
In a public statement, the Ministry of health says is conducting house-to-house health education and environmental cleanup campaigns in all the affected areas.
New Horizons: Winning Hearts and Minds
Last week Janelle Chanona visited the Headquarters of the US Army Southern Command where she found out about their strategic interest in Belize. But it's not all just drug transshipment in submarines that Southcom is looking for; there's also the hearts and minds component where the US military builds goodwill with civil projects.
And that's where New Horizons Belize comes in. The operation is staged in Belize regularly and it was officially opened at the Ladyville Technical High School today.
This year, the project is focuses on providing medical and dental treatment and building classrooms throughout Belize. The US Ambassador explained:
H. E. Vinai Thumalapally - US Ambassador to Belize
"This exercise, allows us to work with the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health and the Belize Defense Force on mutually beneficial programs of New Horizons, while we continue to cement our very strong relationship. This exercise is unique. U.S air men and soldiers from active and National Guard Units will build 4 new classrooms in the Belize and Orange Walk Districts, and render medical services in different villages and towns throughout the country of Belize.
Tropic Takes Off to Cancun
It started out with a single airplane and two employees back in 1979 - but Tropic Air has grown to become the largest airline company in Belize.
With over 180 daily flights to 13 destinations in Belize, Honduras and Guatemala, the air company has now added another destination to the list. But it's not just any other connection; Tropic says it can take you to Cancun, Mexico.
The airline owner says it's a strategic addition as it willlessen travel time for passengers connecting with European, Asian and Caribbean flights who previously had to drive to and from Cancun or take a bus. John Greif told us more:
John Greif - President, Tropic Air
"We've now inaugurated our flights to Cancun Mexico, which now gives us flights with all of our neighbors. We have daily service to Honduras and San Pedro Sula, to Flores in Guatemala and Guatemala City and now to Mexico. So much like the Government of Belize is inaugurating the land bridge soon; we're inaugurating an air bridge to Mexico today. Tropic at the end of the day really is a Tourist airline, so we're hoping that tourist component will be large but there's a big business component too. For instance; our flights to Guatemala are 20 - 30% business, so we're - you just never know, you just cast a big net and see what we catch.
Belize's Jaguars Play Trinidad's Soca Warriors to A Draw
On Saturday night - over two thousand football fans crowded into the FFB stadium in Belmopan to see the international friendly between the Belize Jaguars and the Trinidad Soca Warriors. The Trinidad team had four international players and a programme that has taken it to the world cup before.
But, the Belize team showed remarkable offensive resourcefulness - and played to a draw, nil - nil. It's an encouraging starts for the national team as it starts to get ready for the Gold Cup in July, but the Trini-team was still complaining about the pitch.
Here's what they said after the game:
Deon McCauley - Forward, Belize National Football Team
"Well, I think we played a very good game, offensively today. With these guys up there with me, I think that they can do the job. The only thing that was missing today was a goal."
Woodrow West - Goalkeeper, Belize National Football Team
"I can proudly say that we outplayed them this time. We had more control of the ball, the only thing we did wrong was that we were hasty when we got to our grave to score, we made wrong decision by - at the last moment, or to make the right pass or to score the goal."
The Annual Rose Tournament
Easter is here again and the annual Rose Classic Basketball games for youths is underway. It is the 7th anniversary of the three week long basketball tournament which is the brainchild of Belizean American, Cleon Hyde.
Opening ceremonies were held this morning - where Mayor Bradley spoke with over 400 youngsters - all with a passion for balling.
Not The English Channel, But the English Caye Channel
This weekend, a brave group of swimmers crossed the English Caye Channel.
Now, it's not the English Channel but the 1.5 mile span between Goff's and English Cayes is a good distance, riddled with rough seas. 14 started but only 5 swimmers completed the whole course. 18 year old Eric Donis was first in 70 minutes, Melanie McField was second in 71 minutes, Keyren Tzib was third in 107 minutes and Denise Diaz was fourth in 108 mins.
Tanya Returns From JA, Ascendant, Schooled, Humbled
Last week we told you all about Tanya Carter and her catchy new reggae single ex-boyfriend, recorded and produced in Jamaica. She returned home today and stopped in to tell Monica Bodden what it's been like:
Tanya will be working on her new video called Secret. The song was written by Jamaican reggae artist Duane Stevenson and the video will be shot in Belize next month. If you would like to check out Tanya's video for " Ex-Boyfriend", you can view it on her Facebook page.
Channel 5
Child dies in hot locked vehicle
The parents of an infant from Dangriga are grappling with his death tonight. The four-year-old child tragically perished on Saturday morning in the most unusual circumstances. In fact, it is believed that it is only the second death of this nature to have occurred in the country. Saturday's scorching temperature led to the child's death, [...]
P.U.P. rejects Guatemala's proposals
A Tuesday's Cabinet meeting the government is expected to take a position in respect of Guatemala's latest proposal on the referendum. But the People's United Party has jumped out in front and issued its own take. The background is that Belize and Guatemala met at OAS headquarters in Washington on March seventeenth. At that meeting [...]
P.U.P. says no position on ICJ is acting in good faith
The P.U.P. leader, Francis Fonseca also took the opportunity to criticize Guatemala for what he calls 'scuttling' the process, saying that Guatemala has been acting in bad faith. Francis Fonseca, Leader of the Opposition "Guatemala in our view is the entity responsible for trying, if you like, scuttle the process. It is clear to [...]
Fonseca asks for Elrington's removal as Foreign Minister
And even as the People's United Party claims that it has been acting in good faith, and Guatemala has been acting in bad faith, Fonseca also reserved some special time for an opinion on Minister of Foreign Affairs Wilfred Elrington. He claims that Elrington has been doing a disservice to the country and should be [...]
Naked watchman was robbed and murdered?
The naked and lifeless body of a watchman was found in a cane field over the weekend.� Israel Matu left his house for work last Friday and hours later he was seen hanging out at a bar. But it was until Sunday that his body was found; his family believes that the motive for his [...]
Dead cop and vehicle retrieved from river
The police department up north has lost one of their own in what is called a case of sudden death. Around eight-thirty on Saturday morning, Orange Walk Police visited the Belize New River near Honey Camp Street in Trial Farm Village; Orange Walk District where the lifeless body of the Antonio Chan was seen floating. [...]
Unions and P.M. go back to negotiating table
With the budget now approved by the House, the issue of salary adjustment for the unions is back on the table. There is a meeting scheduled for April fifth between the Joint Union Negotiating Team and Prime Minister Dean Barrow. The PM is rejecting both the union's counter-proposal which calls for salary adjustment in 2013, [...]
N.T.U.C.B. prepares for hard talk with Prime Minister
The union team has been busy building its case for a salary adjustment for teachers and public officers. And that means not only asserting why that it is justified, but also pointing out areas in which government can find the money to pay it. That probably won't go over well with Prime Minister Dean Barrow, [...]
N.T.U.C.B. questions government's private company
Aside from targeting inefficiencies in government ministries, the unions also made comments aimed at the latest government innovation, the much lauded special purpose vehicle, Belize Infrastructure Limited. N.T.U.C.B. President, Dylan Reneau, says there are a few things in the latest budget which concern them, and B.I.L. is at the top of the list.� According to [...]
New Horizons, U.S. Military construct buildings for schools
Construction of a spanking new classroom is getting off the ground; it is a welcome expansion to the Ladyville Technical High School. The project is being implemented by New Horizons as part of US Southern Command's initiative in partnership with the government.� Aside from educational purposes, the facility will be used for medical and dental [...]
U.S. fugitive caught in Belize
An American fugitive has been caught in Belize. US national, Daniel Rae Morris, who attempted to re-enter Belize at the Corozal border with Mexico on Wednesday March twenty-first, had a Belizean passport in his possession. But something was apparently wrong with the information on the seventy year old passport. As it was later revealed the [...]
Minors and teen acted with common purpose to commit murder
Two minors have been charged for a City shooting last Tuesday for which Akeem Augustine has already been arraigned and remanded.� The suspects are believed to be involved in the shooting of a group of minors who were standing at the junction of Police Street and La Croix Boulevard.� The sixteen and seventeen year old [...]
Salvadoran national wields machete at a cop
Also in court, a Salvadoran national pleaded guilty to assaulting a police officer. Fifty-eight year old Hector Isidro Marroquin Amaya of Belmopan appeared before Magistrate Hettie Mae Stewart where he pleaded guilty to Aggravated Assault on a police officer. Appearing confused, he told the court that he did not commit the assault and that [...]
5 inmates brawl in cell while waiting for judge
An all-out brawl among a group of five inmates, inside a holding cell at the Magistrate's Court in Belize City, has resulted in additional charges being levied against the feuding men.� While it has long since been speculated that the casual practice of detaining rival gang members in a singular lockup is deliberate, the melee [...]
The Sporting Highlights with James Adderley.
Good evening, I'm James Adderley and this is Sports Monday. After a tremendous performance at the 12th Copa Centro Americana at Costa Rica that saw the National Football Team of Belize in 4th place among the 7 countries of the region, Belize looked to build on that momentum by hosting the Soca Warriors [...]
LOVE FM
Jessie White Tumblers Depart Belize Following Love FM's Bandfest
Illinois Secretary of State, Jessie White along with the Jessie White Tumblers, left the country this morning to head back to Chicago. Love News caught up with White and the tumblers minutes before they departed from the Phillip Goldson International Airport and this is what Whit...
Concerns Arise Over Brutal Death of Manatee
A manatee recently found in Monkey River has triggered off concern about its suspected brutal death. Correspondent Paul Mahung reports. PAUL MAHUNG "A manatee recently found in Monkey River has triggered off concern about its suspected brutal death. It was on M...
UB Relathon Held Over The Weekend
The 36th annual University of Belize relathon took place yesterday. Coordinator Darren Bovell shared the outcome with Love News. DARREN BOVELL "The males started in Cayo and the females started in Belmopan at the Market Square. The race started at 8:...
Hepatitis A Confirmed In Belize
The Ministry of Health has issued an advisory following the rising cases of Hepatitis A. A release from the Ministry says it is investigating a cluster of fourteen suspected cases that have occurred over the last three weeks in Trio Village in the Stann Creek District. One ...
Forestry Officer Dies Whilst On Duty
A Forestry Officer lost his life on Sunday. Police say a joint operation between Police, Belize Defense Force and personnel from the Forestry Department was underway in the Maya Mountain Forest reserve when 40-year-old Gumercindo Baiza, a forest officer suddenly collapsed. ...
Toddler Dies In Mom's Vehicle
A four year old boy from Dangriga lost his life on Saturday. Police reports are that 46-year-old Joan Garcia was looking for her four year old son Jahrion Jospeh Lightfoot. The search for the young boy ended some two hours later when he was discovered in an unconscious stat...