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The San Pedro Sun
Belize Hotel Association host Bi-Annual meeting in San Pedro Town
The Belize Hotel Association (BHA) hosted their bi-annual meeting at Exotic Caye Beach Resort on Ambergris Caye on Wednesday December 4th. At the meeting, the directors of the BHA tabled their reports to their membership about activities in the industry over the past six months. Several subjects were discussed, including issues affecting the tourism industry in Belize, and the advancements being made to strengthen the local industry.
Speaking at the event, BHA President Douglas Thompson said that crime continues to be a serious issue affecting the industry, especially in areas such as Belize City and Ambergris Caye. While Thompson explained that the negative impact has to do with the way in which the media reports about crime situation in Belize, he reiterated that the Police Department is also not doing enough to address the issue. "We could do a better job in reporting about crime. We cannot stop crime completely but we are hoping that government steps up a little bit more than they are doing now. We believe our police need better training."
Engaging the youth to fight corruption
Engage the youth of Belize about what ethical behavior is, what corruption is and how to fight it. The University of Belize in collaboration with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Belize recently concluded a national training of youth in Social Audit approach. The training provided a cross section of young people including males and females from rural and urban areas as well as indigenous and community leaders with the tools to conduct a social audit. Emanating from the training workshop were two critical foundations for strengthening youth active engagement in calling out and checking in on corrupt practices:
1. The unequivocal declaration by the youth from all over Belize that anti-corruption is a critical platform from which they want their voices to be heard. This is a matter of national interest and they want to be actively involved;
2. A decision to formalize their newly formed platform in an official manner and to register and incorporate the Belize Youth Social Audit Network (BYSAN)
Jenniffer Ramos is first-ever Miss Holy Cross
On Wednesday December 4th, the San Pedro Lions Den was packed with spectators who had turned out to witness the first ever Miss Holy Cross Pageant. Vying for the crown and honor of being Holy Cross' first ever beauty ambassador were five young girls; Jenniffer Ramos, Midiam Torres, Yeimi Lara, Cindy Dominguez and Breanna Amaya. Master of Ceremonies for the evening was Mr. Angel Nu�ez, while deejays Debbie and Kareem kept the music going throughout the festivities. There were many enthusiastic fans rooting for their favorite candidate, but applause was loud and hearty for each girl as she modeled her favorite sports outfit, performed a dance routine and for the grand finale, modeled pretty evening gowns.
Judges for the evening were Ms. Odelia Caliz, Miss San Pedro Solani Graniel and Mr. Mauricio Mejia, and they were tasked with choosing the clear winner. After a question and answer session which each girl handled with grace and poise, the final votes were tallied.
Life Celebration for Jonathan Mullen
Saturday Dec. 14th by Boca del Rio Park
Ambergris Today
25 Years Ago: Old Timers and Christmas
One sure way you can tell the difference between old timer Sanpedranos and the modern ones is by the way they remember the Christmas season. The Sanpedranos of many years ago can all attest that the only time they enjoyed eating an apple is for Christmas. Now we all know that today we enjoy apples, red, green and yellow all year round. However apples appeared in San Pedro about the 15th of December and everyone rushed to the store to purchase their supply for the season. At home we the children delighted in smelling and inhaling the fragrance of the wrappers since each apple was individually wrapped in paper. On December 25, mom would invite us to take a bite; it was almost like a ceremony. If there had been cameras easily available back then, I am sure many photos would have been taken on the family enjoying the first apple of the year. Do you know that apples were considered Christmas fruits just like the black cake was considered Christmas cake?
Holy Cross Holds Pageant to Support Feeding Program
In order to raise much needed funds for its feeding program and other school needs, Holy Cross Anglican School San Pedro held a beauty pageant on Wednesday December 4, at the Lions Den. Five students, all of Standard Four, partook in the exciting event which included segments in dancing, talent, sportswear, professional attire and evening wear. Judges for the pageant were Mauricio Mejia of Skynet Sounds, Education Officer Mrs, Odilia Kelly, and Miss San Pedro 2013 Miss Solani Graniel.
A jammed pack Lions Den enjoyed a wonderful show of dancing presented by students of Holy Cross and in the end Emcee Angel Nunez announced the winners. Jennifer Ramos won first place as well as Miss Amity, while Midiam Torreas was second place and Yeimi Lara was third. Also participating were Breanna Amaya and Cindy Dominguez.
Launch of First Ever Maya Cookbook in Belize
"Nothing is better than a home-cooked meal that is wonderfully flavored with native plants, and served with love." - Aurora Garcia Saqui
Producciones de la Hamaca is proud to announce the publication of U Janal Aj Maya: Traditional Maya Cuisine by Aurora Garcia Saqui with Amy Lichty of Maya Centre. "Learn how to prepare traditional Maya food from garden to table with recipes that have been passed down through the generations."
Misc Belizean Sources
Mananitas for Our Lady of Guadalupe
Wednesday Dec. 11th, 5pm til midnight infront of the San Pedro R.C. Church
60 ASUS VivoTab RT tablet computers donated
The Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) is handing over 60 ASUS VivoTab RT tablet computers, donated by the ASUS Foundation of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to RESTORE Belize to be used to further education goals in Belize. This gift demonstrates the continued commitment of the Embassy of China (Taiwan) to improving education and mainstreaming technology in Belize. Thirty (30) of these state-of-the-art tablet computers will be donated to the E. P. Yorke High School Digital Learning Center to implement a pilot programme using the online Spanish language "Tell Me More" software, as part of a regional effort to improve students' performance in CXC language exams. E.P. Yorke would not have been able to participate in this important pilot without this gift of a the 30 ASUS tablets. This programme will be administered regionally by the Caribbean Examinations Council. The use of a mobile lab to augment a school's computing capacity and to prepare for CXC are landmark accomplishments in the incorporation of technological tools into our education system. An additional thirty (30) ASUS tablets will be awarded to teachers who have demonstrated excellence in teaching practice or who have been innovative in advancing the use of technology in their schools and classrooms.
Wooden bridge in Santa Elena, Cayo district will be closed to vehicular traffic from December 11 to 19
The Ministry of Works & Transport advises that the wooden bridge in Santa Elena, Cayo district will be closed to vehicular traffic from December 11 to 19 to accommodate urgent repairs. The Hawksworth Bridge will support traffic from both directions of the bridge.
RUMPOPO
5 Eggs
9 Eggs
4 Nutmegs (Grated)
1 pk Cinnamon Powder
1 Pint White Rum
5 cans Grace Evaporated Milk (Large)
3 cans Grace Condensed Milk
1 tbsp Vanilla Essence
Beat eggs well (15-20 minutes)
Add Evaporated Milk & beat again.
Add Condensed Milk and check for desired sweetness.
Add grated nutmeg, Cinnamon Powder, Vanilla Flavoring & rum
Store in refrigerator.
Stir before serving.
Senior Steps
Who says the senior dancers from Belmopan can't work the stage? Enjoy. Senior Steppers dance group from Belmopan performs at the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony.
Wooden Bridge Upgrade
The wooden bridge is getting an upgrade, and will be closed through the 19th of December. The Hawkesworth bridge will be open for inbound and outbound traffic.
SHC Hosting Basketball Nationals
This Friday ad Saturday, Sacred Heart College will be hosting the Basketball Nationals. The SHC boys came in first at the regionals while the girls came in second. Go cheer SHC on as they win the tournament.
"High School Basketball Nationals will be held at SHC this Friday and Saturday, December 13th and 14th, 2013. Friday Game 1 is at 3:30 p.m. and Saturday Game 1 is at 9 a.m. Entrance fee is $5 and $3 for SHC students with ID. Support SHC male basketball team as they represent the Western Region."
CTGA New Executive Board
The Cayo Tour Guide Association had their elections last night, and they have a new board. Mr. Joe Awe, owner of Nine Eco Tours, was elected as president. Congratulations to all, and here's to another great productive year.
"The CTGA Executive Board is as follows: Mr. Joe Awe as President, Mr. Eric Tut as Vice President, Mrs. Alba Tut as Secretary, Mr. Anastacio Bol as Treasurer, Mr. Christopher Lowe, Mr. Mario Castellanos and Ms. Kelly Grajales as Board Members. I personally wish them the best in all of their projects for this coming year. It's no easy job to deal with one hundred and seventy five plus tour guides. We will certainly have great things coming to cayoguides.org as Mr. Awe expressed his continued support for our online community."
San Ignacio United Beat Police FC 2 - 1
Congratulations to the SI United on their victory over the Police FC 2 to 1. They'll play again this weekend against the Belize FC here at Broaster.
"Excellent performance by the boys this weekend, we were missing 3 starters due to accumulated yellow cards and injuries but the team secured the 3 points and did well proving that they have what it takes to make it all the way. SIU look forward as they prepare for this Sundays match against Belize FC at the Broaster stadium in San Ignacio."
Corozal Town Council is on high gear to get Corozal Town's streets graded and paved
A private company has been given the contract to carry out some of the works. Here is 2nd Street North getting a complete grade. The 2nd phase will entail paving. We urge the public that this may be a good time to go into the council's office and make arrangements to pay off your arrears on property taxes. More than a dozen streets will be repaired.
Almost 70% of the streets under the jurisdiction of the Corozal Town Council have been damaged by rain since the season started in 2013
As the weather has held up over the past two weeks, street repairs in Corozal Town continue to be spearheaded by the town council.
The Corozal Town Council has dug deep into its coffers to provide its own financing for some of the most badly damaged streets. Central government has also chipped in for its share of the expenses and will also be assisting the council through the Ministry of Works.
Streets to be repaired are those that were paved just 5 years ago which include 1st Avenue, 5th Avenue, 6th Street and others that were recently done. Streets that have outlived their life spans and are beyond repairs, will no doubt require reprocessing and paving
entirely again.
The Corozal Town Council will optimize the standards of having longer lasting streets once completed. The town council will be planning to tighten its spending belt so that priority must be given to the badly deteriorated streets within the town limits.
The financial assistance from Central Government will no doubt compliment the town council's efforts. Area representatives from Corozal Bay and Corozal North have both committed themselves is providing assistance through the Ministry of Works in this urgent endeavor.
The Corozal Daily would like to ask the citizens participation by coming in to the town council's office to pay outstanding arrears of property taxes and trade license fees.
Cooking with Flavors of Belize & Chef Sean Kuylen - Sorrel Glazed Ribs
mmmmmm
Channel 7
Five Men Went Fishing; One Turned Up Dead; Four Missing
Police and Coast Guard teams continue to search tonight for 4 fishermen who went missing while on Belize's southern waters on a fishing expedition.
For the families, it is like living in a state of suspended terror: at any moment, they are expecting bad news, possibly grave news. That's because a fifth member of their party turned up dead yesterday; and he met a violent end.
Today, 7News tried to track down the families of the men, who we found in a state of sustained, unknowing fear. Daniel Ortiz has the story:
Daniel Ortiz reporting
Today, the family members of the 5 fishermen who went missing at sea couldn't put words together to describe the terror they're going through.
24 year-old Elgin "Ricey" Graham, 49 year-old Thomas Young, 26 year-old Derwin Gentle, 26 year-old Kenrick Chi, and 34 year-old Sergio Flores left for a fishing trip to Southern Long Caye since last week Thursday.
Elderly Woman Run Over On Her Own Verandah
Orange Walk police are investigating the death of an elderly woman in San Lazaro village, who was run over - even as she was on her verandah!
CTV - 3 in Orange Walk is reporting that the woman was sitting on her verandah this morning when she was run over by this white vehicle. The driver of the vehicle was another woman who parked it in front of her house earlier, and when she returned and started the vehicle, it surged forward out of her control and slammed into the elderly woman, crushing her against the walls of her house.
Villagers tried to get to the Northern Regional Hospital to receive treatment, but she died on the way. The driver of the vehicle reportedly went into shock after realizing what had happened, and she had to be hospitalized. It is expected that she will be served with a notice of intended prosecution.
Scare Over Ecuadorians With Unusual Visas Unwarranted
There were unconfirmed reports coming out of Mango Creek today saying that 5 visitors were found with suspect Belizean visas at that southern point of entry.
Credible reports say that yesterday evening 7 Ecuadorians were intercepted when they came into Belize from Honduras on a ferry service called D - Express.
They were arrested because they allegedly had Belizean visa's that looked like they had been forged. They told Immigration that they are to genuine tourists and had a tour booked with a local operator - a story which checked out. The confusion seems to arise from the use of an older type visa - which was stamped in their passport, and not the newer type, a sticker which is pasted into the passport.
This evening, Immigration Minister Godwin Hulse told us since the tour company confirmed their booking, and since one of the group, a student visits Belize regularly, they were processed and given the newer sticker visas.
PUP Says PM Playing Politics With Government Money
If you're wondering about the Prime Minister's scraggly beard, he did say he wanted to play Santa. And government has been trying to do just that with two programmes: street and road upgrades in the town and the Christmas Cheer programme.
Well, today the PUP held a press conference to say that both programmes have laudable elements but are ultimately misconceived. Let's start with the municipal upgrades. 350 thousand dollars in street repairs have been been earmarked for the Punta Gorda's PUP Town council; five hundred thousand dollars has been earmarked for the PUP council in Dangriga.
Seems generous enough, and the PM called the Mayors to outline the programme. And, as they say, who pays the piper calls the tune: the PM told the mayors he will choose the contractor which in both cases is CISCO Construction - chosen for their dependence on manual labour, plus the UDP political officer in their towns gets to decide 90% of the workforce. The contractor consults with the Mayors on what streets will be paved.
So, the town council will see the benefits in new streets and a few of the jobs, but they won't get to handle the funds or hand out contracts. Today, they held a press conference with their party leader to say it's not fair and it's not right:...
PUP
The opposition leader also lectured the Prime Minister for not yet resolving the dispute between the cane farmers and BAI/ASR. Things are coming quickly to a head, and after Sunday December 15th, experts say major losses will be inevitable. Fonseca scolded the prime minister for poor negotiating skills:
Hon. Francis Fonseca, Leader of the Opposition
"Respectfully, I am of the view that the Prime Minister is not treating this matter with the sense of urgency that is required to deal with this matter. This thing can have tremendous negative implications for the economy of Belize. He seem to be unprepared going into this meeting with BSI/ASR. If you are going into a meeting with representatives of the company, you send beforehand your plan; what is it that the government wants to get out of this meeting, so that these people can then have their own discussion with their other principals outside of Belize and come to the meeting prepared to make decisions. When you are in that meeting, if they need to get on the phone, you get them on the phone and get decisions made because the cane farmers need to know what is happening. They need to know whether or not they will have work this coming season."
A house meeting will be held on Thursday and the Prime Minister travels to a SICA meeting on Friday.
Man Sentenced For Trying To Kill Ex's New BF
34 year-old Leslie Frazer tried to kill his ex's new boyfriend, and he will spend 5 years in jail for it.
As we reported, Frazer was convicted for chopping Faron Waight in May of 2011. Waight testified that he saw Fraser lurking near his home. Waight grabbed a piece of stick and chased Fraser down on bicycle. When he caught up, Fraser pulled out a machete and chopped him to the back of his head. Waight fell to the ground and Fraser got over him and chopped him several more times. The woman in the middle of the quarrel also testified for the prosecution that she saw Frazer chopping Waight.
It was a trial without jury, and Justice Adolph Lucas convicted Frazer on Friday, and after hearing testimony from his character witness, today sentenced Frazer to eight years in prison.
Instead of serving eight years, however, Frazer will only serve five. That's because the judge deducted three years from the sentence because he said the victim provoked the attack on himself.
Man Acquitted Of Kidnapping Says False Accusation Still Haunts Him
In March of last year, taxi driver Lincoln Miguel was accused of trying to kidnap one of his customers, a 24 year-old woman, after he supposedly offered her money for sexual favors. Well, earlier this year, Miguel stood trial, and he faced his accuser in court, where he was able to prove that the woman concocted the entire story.
Today Miguel came to us today saying that he's been trying to settle for an acquittal in court, but in the public eye, he's been disgraced, where his reputation has suffered because of a wrongful accusation.
He told us today that the laws which protect women against sexual offences are slanted against men because women can simply create stories, lie and convince the police:
Lincoln Miguel
"I was wrongfully accused of a crime that I have not committed. I have been a taxi driver for the past 16 - 18 years. I have also worked in other institution including the police academy training school whereby we were trained to be discipline."
Segura Says Crime Downturn Is Not Necessarily Product Of Precinct Policing
As we've been reporting, the murder count for Belize City in 2013, stands at half what it was around this time last year, and some attribute that downturn to the success of precinct policing, which was developed to create better relationships with the different communities.
All 4 precincts in Belize City come under Eastern Division, which is headed by ACP Mike Segura. Yesterday, we asked him for his take on the crime cool-down, and he told us that the police department can't take much of the credit:
ACP Miguel Segura
"The contribution of crime is not only from the police aspect, the contribution comes from everyone including the media. Its a complex way of dealing it because its multifaceted approach, but also when you look at job employment, media houses, parents, NGOs - everybody putting in their piece. It's not law enforcement alone that is making this difference. I take this opportunity to appeal to all public to continue give us that support because change can happen. We have seen it happen and I appeal that as we moved into 2014 that we could make Belize a different place. We need the continued support from everyone."
Precinct 2 QRT Strikes Again
And while Segura will not accept full credit for the decrease in crime, Police Precinct 2 is making the news tonight after they they've arrested 4 men for fire offence.
At around 9:30 on Tuesday morning, members of the precinct's quick response team visited #7005 Antelope Street extension and conducted a search on the residence of Nurie Polanco. He was present at the time along with Kenroy Willoughby, Julian Willoughby and a 14 year-old minor. The officers found a black plastic bag which contained 3 live rounds of 9 millimeter ammunition. Because they couldn't produce any license, they were charged with keeping unlicensed ammunition. They will be arraigned tomorrow at the earliest convenience.
Senator Shoman Re-Frames Special Select Motion; PUP Leader Not Optimistic
Five weeks ago, PUP Senator Lisa Shoman took a motion to the Senate to form a special select committee. It failed, quite famously: the record will show it was defeated seven to six, while Shoman says the vote was a tie. Whichever outcome you prefer the motion did not pass, but, undeterred, Senator Shoman is bringing it right back..
She has prepared another motion, retouched it, and re-submitted it to the senate for consideration. That is expected to be taken up when the senate meets next week but today the leader of the opposition said he doesn't have much hope for it:...
Hon. Francis Fonseca, Leader of the Opposition
"That we have to keep trying, we have to keep trying and give the government an opportunity to come on board and to support an independent inquiry into this matter. There are still too many unanswered questions. So we will continue to push that matter and we applaud and support Senator Shoman for the work that she is doing. The government obviously made it clear they have no interest in a senate inquiry. I don't expect Senator Hulse to behave any differently and I don't expect the President of the Senate to act any differently. They are under instructions from their leader. So, yes there is good reason for me to not have any optimism that the process will work. But we have to demonstrate to the Belizean people that we are serious, that we are trying and let them understand very clearly that the only reason today in this country that we are not having an independent investigation into this scandal which involves U.D.P. ministers, is because of the Mr. Barrow and the UDP government."
Weed Bust On Caye Caulker
Caye Caulker residents 28 year-old Edwardo Lanza, and 20 year-old Clara Ack are awaiting arraignment at Magistrate Court after police busted them with marijuana today.
At around 8 this morning, Caye Caulker Police officers were patrolling the South Point area when they stopped Lanza and searched him. They discovered 27 small transparent plastic bags which contained cannabis, to a total of weight of 1.71 ounces. The officers decided to escort him to his apartment on Luciano Reyes Street, where they conducted a search. His common-law wife, Clara Ack, was present at the time, and the officers found a plastic bag in a bucket under the house's water vat. Inside that bag, they found 14.5 ounces of marijuana.
Lanza was charged with drug possession, and both of them were charged with drug trafficking. They will arraigned at the earliest convenience.
Media Takes On Tourism
In July we told you about a media trip organized by the Tourism Board. The idea is to get the local media and our audiences to know more about the country. Well, that first trip was to the south of the country, and over the weekend another went to Cayo, the City and the cayes. Monica Bodden was there and she has the first part of her report on the western destinations...
Tomorrow Monica will tell us about the surprising city tour and the cayes�
United For Toys For Tots
Today Toys for Tots hosted fifty underprivileged primary school children at its annual Christmas party. The event was held this afternoon at the House of Culture where these six and seven year olds were entertained by clowns and also got a visit from Santa KLAUS. It's the organization's 12th annual Christmas party and today we found out why after so many years, they still continue the work.
Smart and Grace Kenny Belize also joined in with Toys for Tots to make the event possible.
How To Remember "Madiba"
Today in Soweto, South Africa thousands gathered to attend the memorial service for Nelson Mandela. In Belize, you can pay your respects by signing a condolence book that has been opened at the Library of African and Indian Studies on the KREMANDALA compound. Ya-Ya Marin Coleman told us how you can respect the man they called "Madiba":..,
The book is opened every day until 7:00 in the evening...
Channel 5
One found dead and four still missing at sea
Back in November 2007 seven friends went fishing, days later the body of one was found: Magistrate Richard Swift. The six others mysteriously disappeared and were never found. Tonight there [...]
Area Reps to receive monies for Christmas Cheer program
UDP Area representatives will allegedly receive ninety thousand dollars this Christmas to hand out to their constituents. That revelation came from PUP Leader Francis Fonseca, who says he got that [...]
Spain to reject imports of fishery from Belize starting December 21st
Months ago the government took control of the International Merchant Marine Registry (IMMARBE) because it claimed that the European Union would have imposed sanctions on fleets carrying the Belize flag [...]
2 Police men and 1 civilian busted with contraband
On Sunday at around four-thirty pm, two vehicles were intercepted by a Customs patrol on the Arenal Road. Reliable reports suggest that one of the vehicles, driven by a Police [...]
Infrastrucural projects awarded to Orange Walk, Punta Gorda and Dangriga, but projects to be controlled by the UDP
The Opposition People's United Party controls three municipalities - Orange Walk, Dangriga and Punta Gorda. All three municipalities will be benefitting from some infrastructural works as part of a recent [...]
Orange Walk mayor haven’t been officially informed of works to be done in his municiplaity
At a press briefing this afternoon, Mayor of Orange Walk Town Kevin Bernard said he and the Council haven't even been officially informed of any works in that municipality. All [...]
Lisa Shoman files motion for senate inquiry in immigration scandal
The last Senate meeting held on November sixth ended in some confusion and tension. Opposition Senator Lisa Shoman moved a motion for a senate inquiry into the ongoing immigration scandal. [...]
Group of Sri Lankans detained in Chetumal
We have been reporting on a long list of visas procured by ministers of government exclusively for Chinese nationals even though it is not a legal requirement for ministers to [...]
Sugar Roads in dire need of repair
The bagasse standoff remains in full effect pending word from American Sugar Refinery on whether it is prepared to come to the table to discuss a payment arrangement with cane-farmers. [...]
Cane farmers want to resolve bagasse issue outside of court
Prime Minister Dean Barrow met with representatives of ASR and BSI in Belize City on Monday. Local stakeholders in the industry are awaiting word from ASR which will dictate the [...]
Indian Nationals visas legit
Visa approvals were granted to at least fifty Indian nationals to study at the Central American Science Health University, CASHU, located in Burrell Boom. Their recent arrival sounded alarm because [...]
Honduran National charged for failure to comply with his visitor's permit.
A Honduran national who was granted sixteen days stay in Belize headed to court today on immigration offences. Thirty-eight year old Edwin Delgado Montoya caught the attention of the authorities [...]
Man receives five years for chopping ex’s boyfriend
A man who was found guilty eleven days ago of attempted murder of the boyfriend of his ex, was sentenced today. Leslie Frazer was given an eight year prison term. [...]
School students pays tribute to Nelson Mandela
The father of South African democracy Nelson Mandela is being laid to rest in his home country.� In Soweto earlier today, a four-hour memorial service was held in Mandela's honor.� [...]
Under privileged children gets a treat from United
The annual Toys for Tots campaign concluded today with Christmas gifts being presented to fifty underprivileged primary school students across Belize City.� It's an effort which began earlier this year, [...]