Today's Belize News: March 20, 2014 - Ambergris Caye Belize Message Board

Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5 and CTV3
Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, and the Dickie Bradley Specials

The San Pedro Sun

NAC/CCM Island Committee brings HIV awareness to Boca del Rio
On 15 March 2014 the National AIDS Commission (NAC) /Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM) Island Committee along with PASMO carried out a community outreach event. The goal of the event was to engage the people of the Boca Del Rio area in education, counseling and HIV testing all free of cost. Volunteers from various areas of the health sector as well as members of the community came together to provide information and condoms also free of charge for the public at large. "It is so important for individuals to know their [HIV] status; individuals need to be aware of these services and need to take advantage of them, the public needs to take charge of their health, that is where we come in_ to provide that facilitation all in a safe and confidential environment," said Dr.Yenisey Cruz, Committee Member in regards to Saturday's community outreach. The event was successful reaching and providing information for a diverse group of people including thirty (30) people that were tested. "Not our most successful in terms of amount of tests, however that is thirty (30) more individuals that are educated and know their status and we hope they encourage their friends, that by its self is a massive success," stated Dennis Craft, Chairperson of the NAC/CCM Island Committee.

Tigersharks leads the National Elite Basketball League
Tigersharks caught 25 2-pointers (50), 23 free throws shots and five 3-pointers (15) accounting for the 88 points while the visiting team caught 28 2-pointers (56), 16 free throws and two 3-pointers (6) garners their 78 points. Gary Francisco was the player of the game, obtaining 22 points for the visiting team. Results from other games played in round six are as follows: Friday, March 14 Cayo Western Ballaz 83VsToledo Diplomats 54 Belize City (Smart) No Limit 73VsBelmopan Bandits 56 Saturday, March 15 Corozal Heats 80 Vs Orange Walk Running Rebels 79

Ambergris Today

National AIDS Commission Community Outreach Event
On Saturday, March 15, 2014, the National AIDS Commission (NAC) /Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM) Island Committee along with PASMO carried out a community outreach event. The goal of the event was to engage the people of the Boca Del Rio area in education, counseling and HIV testing all free of cost. Volunteers from various areas of the health sector as well as members of the community came together to provide information and condoms also free of charge for the public at large. "It is so important for individuals to know their [HIV] status; individuals need to be aware of these services and need to take advantage of them, the public needs to take charge of their health, that is where we come in_ to provide that facilitation all in a safe and confidential environment," said Dr. Yenisey Cruz, Committee Member in regards to Saturday's community outreach.

Flashbacks: Making San Pedro The Number One Island in The World
This gentleman is standing on the street between Fido's and Manelly's Building and as you look beyond there is the Lion's Den and Island Plaza. To the right is Chico Gomez's Coral Beach Hotel. Even farther down is Pete Salazar's home and the office of Pete's Enterprises, and Malak's Hardware Store and Traveler's to the left. Of course, that is not what you see today because this Flashback takes us back in the 1980's with sandy streets and patches of grass with paths cut through empty lots at the corners. Surprisingly we do not see a full clothesline or a dog lying on the cool sand. The young man is Jim Titheridge carrying in his arms a young Moses Arzu, half brother of Joseph Eligio, our past Deputy Mayor. Everybody falls in love with San Pedro and Ambergris Caye and all of this leads to our being The Number One island in the World.

Crime is Everybody's Business
Tourism is everybody's business. Education is everybody's business. And so are many other issues everybody's business. Equally important, crime is everybody's business. Our teenagers and party people are not safe in their regular night outings because guns are being pulled out at public places while they are innocently trying for some safe island fun. Anybody out late at night is not safe because thought they are not looking for trouble, trouble comes looking for them. Even we at home run the risk as bullets are being fired in our sleeping neighborhoods and finding their mark on our home walls. The recently held March and Rally 'Footprints For Peace' held after the senseless murder of a young man, son, husband and father, Jefffery Eiley, proves that crime is everybody's business. Close to 1,000 island participants including children, high school teens, locals and retired expats all shouted for the same cause - "Let's get back our peace on the Island." This is one way in which they all can be part of the solution - by making noise. Speaker after speaker echoed the idea that as long as guns keep on making noise, they too will continue shouting for justice and for peace.

Misc Belizean Sources

Born to be Wild in Belize
Where you born to the Wild? Parrots were. Did you know, capturing or keeping any Belizean bird is illegal without a license from the Forest Department. Did you know while parrots live 40-90 years yet most caged parrots die within five years and suffer horrible abuse. Did you know illegal logging and the pet trade have reduced Belize's parrot numbers to critical levels. Tourist come to see wildlife. No wildlife equals no tourists equals no revenue. Belize Bird rescue will rehabilitate captive parrots and return them to the wild where they belong.

Ms. Nubia Guity passes away
Mayor Daniel Guerrero, the San Pedro Town Council and Staff would like to extend its deepest condolences to the Guity family on the passing of Ms. Nubia Guity. May her soul rest in peace, she was a true cancer fighter! Funeral Services For Ms. Nubia Guity were yesterday At Iglesia Shalom 10 am.

BELIZE CITY POLICE REPORT
THEFT FROM MOTOR VEHICLE On Tuesday, March 18, Kingsley Smith of Belize City reported that on March 7 at about 7:30p.m., he left his work vehicle a 2009 Gold colored Nissan Navarra, L/P BZ C-34872 parked at the corner ...

Ballaz vs Diplomats
The Western Ballaz hosted and defeated the Toledo Diplomats last Friday, and Adma Chuc was there to capture the game in pictures. They play in Belmopan against the Bandits tomorrow night. They have a bus going, and it's only one dollar. Yes, $1.00. It leaves from SHC at 6:15. Contact the Western Ballaz to save a seat. There are more pictures here: Gallery 2 Pictures from their grand entrance(Thanks, DJ Caesar!) here: Grand Entrance

YWCA Anniversary
The YWCA is celebrating their 58th anniversary, and the 1st anniversary of their NRCED, by having an expo in Belmopan today. They are always looking for new members, and you can join there if you'd like. "Join us tomorrow in Belmopan as we celebrate YWCA National Resource Center for Enterprise Development (NRCED) 1st Anniversary with an EXPO! Come for some delicious food & pastries, manicures & pedicures, or even get your hair done."

Grant funding available for Belizean entreprenuers
PATRICK E. JONES Reporting: Belizeans are being invited to submit project proposals for grant funding from the Caribbean Climate Innovation Center. The Proof of Concept Competitive Grant Scheme is being promoted across the region and successful project proposals stand to receive up to US$50,000 in "free money" to be used for implementation. Chief Executive Officer [�]

Education Minister Patrick Faber visits schools in Corozal
DEVON YOUNG Reporting: The Honorable the Minister of Education Mr. Patrick Faber is on a tour of schools in the Corozal district this week. Minister Faber and his entourage stopped in at the Santa Clara/San Roman Roman Catholic School just before ten o'clock this morning. He was greeted with a round of applause by the [�]

Elderly woman found dead in her house
KIMBERLY LOCKE Reporting: The body of an elderly woman was found this morning inside her Santa Elena home. Reports say that neighbors became concerned after the did not see the woman, identified as Norma Lopez for about three days and then notices a foul odor coming from the direction of her house. More information on [�]

Placencia police recover another piece of stolen jewelry
PATRICK E. JONES Reporting: Police in Placencia village, Stann Creek district continue to make progress in the investigation of a jewelry store robbery which happened in the month of February. On Tuesday afternoon, police officers, acting on information they received, went to an area in Seine Bight village where the found another piece of jewelry [�]

Belikin La Ruta Maya from the sky
Oooh this is a fun view of the La Ruta Maya Challenge courtesy of our friends at Belikin/Bowen & Bowen!! Check out footage of the Belikin La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge like you've never seen before -- from an aerial drone flying above the race. Produced by Ben Popik & Joanna Popik of Island Films Quadcopter Pilots: Colte Barnhill, Ben Popik

Donovan the Jabiru geting fixed up at the doctor!
While our UFL student group visited CBS and TBZ with intern Dr. Fidu, it was recheck time for our VIP patient, Donovan the Jabiru at BWRC today. We are happy to share that the bone formation around the fracture site is very promising and we will be able to remove the bone pin tomorrow. Unfortunately, despite a very short 2 week immobilization for bone healing in this big baby, the muscle contraction in the distal wing and scar formation from the site where his bone had punctured the skin give us little hope that he will be able to fly free again. As you might know, we do not give up easy and will continue with intensive physical therapy tomorrow with his fracture healed.

Fund for Sairsha Alvarez
Today, the Rotary Club of Belize Sunrise made a contribution to the fund for Sairsha Alvarez. Her parents were very grateful for the contribution. Little Sairsha is a student at Stepping Stones Pre School. May she get better quickly and get back to school, her friends at school really miss her. They were joined by her teachers Ms Beverly Pook and Ms Celia Will.

Sarstoon Temash Institute for Indigenous Management
communities buffering the Sarstoon Temash National Park (STNP) for seeking redress from the Court via an injunction to stop oil exploration by US Capital Energy Ltd. in the STNP. It is clear that while SATIIM and the communities have acted in good faith and continue to await the Court's judgment; US Capital Energy Ltd. has acted contrary to its very public announcement of not commencing "actual drilling unless the court allows it to." The transfer of drilling equipment to the drill site is a clear indication of the company's plans to commence drilling in the near term within the STNP, a protected area. SATIIM and the communities have sought the Court's intervention to protect environmental services, legally recognized land rights and traditional land use. It is in the best interest of the local communities and the country that the Court's judgment is heard prior to any further actions by US Capital Energy. The Belize Coalition to Save our Natural Heritage continues to advocate for no oil exploration within Belize's protected areas and in the offshore, and will continue to support its members and partners who share the same goal.

CONSULTANCY TO DESIGN, BUILD, IMPLEMENT AND PROVIDE SUPPORT SERVICES FOR THE CREATION OF A FARMER IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM (ID) FOR THE SUGAR INDUSTRY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE (SIRDI)
1. The European Union, represented by the European Commission, (the "Contracting Authority") of the one part, and The Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), (the "Organization") of the other part, (Individually a "Party" and collectively the "Parties"), have agreed to execute the National Project, Institutional Support to Strengthen the Sugar Industry Research and Development institute (SIRDI). The Overall Objective of the project is to promote and to support sustainable livelihoods, particularly in the rural communities of the "sugar belt", thus contributing to the reduction of poverty in Belize. The Specific Objective is to increase the capability of SIRDI to address the technological, production and quality requirements of producers, manufacturers and associations, by promoting and supporting Research and Development in sugar cane production.

International Day of Forests
The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 21 March the International Day of Forests. The Day celebrates and raises awareness of the importance of all types of forests. On each International Day of Forests, countries are encouraged to undertake local, national and international efforts to organize activities involving forests and trees. This year, the Forest Department in the Ministry of Forestry, Fisheries and Sustainable Development is partnering with Academia and the Private Sector to commemorate the International Day of Forests. The first activity is a Forest Management and Monitoring Stakeholder Forum which will be held on March 20th and 21st in partnership with the Environmental Research Institute of the University of Belize. The objectives of the forum are to: Strengthen the capacity of governmental, non-governmental, community and private sector stakeholders in Belize for sustainable forest management and long-term monitoring through information sharing; Provide stakeholder input to the proposed national forest monitoring network for improved forest management using permanent sample plots and Determine priority capacity-building needs, best practices and/or changes to current management systems for improved forest management in Belize.

Belizean Beans Panades
Making Belizean Beans Panades is very simple. You can use refried beans from a can or make your own. In this video I use redi-made masa from the store and I use the masa I made from Harina de Maiz.

Xunantunich Welcome Center Grand Opening
The grand opening for the new welcome center at Xunantunich was yesterday, and the Benque Marimba Academy was there to play for all the attendees, which included NICH president Diane Haylock and Minister of Tourism Manuel Heredia. "Good Morning Belize and the World, our morning is once again filled with happiness and glee, early ma�anitas and we are now at the beautiful and magnificent Xunantunich for the grand opening of the new welcome center with special performance by the Benque Marimba Academy."

Cayo Police Receive Generator
The U.S. Embassy donated a generator to the San Ignacio Police. No more black outs for them. Thanks, U.S. Embassy, for all you do to help the police force here. "The US Embassy, through the efforts of Barry Cuthbertson and the Board of the PCC, has donated a 55kw generator to San Ignacio Police!"

Forest Management and Monitoring Forum
Friday is World Forestry Day. The Forest Management and Monitoring Stakeholder Forum starts tomorrow, Thursday the 20th, and goes through Friday. It'll be held at the Jaguar auditorium. "Forum Agenda- Day 1"

Light The Night For Kids
The Special Envoy for Women and Children put on the Light the Night for Kids fundraiser last Friday in honor of Children's Month. Happy Women and Children's Month! "Just a few snapshots from last night until later when the full album is posted." VIDEO

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY
The Mexican Authorities herein offer Bachelor Degree Scholarships in the fields of (1) Public Administration and Policy and (2) International Relations for the academic period 2014 to 2018 at the El Colegio de Mexico. The application deadline has been established at May 2, 2014.

Mark your Calendars - April 5th and 6th - The Belize Dance Company is having a Dance Concert
DAY 1: "BNDC & FRIENDS" Dance Concert featuring performances from Orquidea Negra Dance Company Latino Mix Dance Company Nu Generation Dance Company DAY 2: "BNDC Jrs. & FRIENDS" Dance Concert featuring performances from Holy Redeemer Dance Program (Belize City)Pancotto Gov't School Dance Program (Sandhill Village)Ebenezer School Youth Group (Belize City)St. Therese RC School (Burrell Boom) BNDC Dance "Centre" BNDC "The COMPANY" Tickets will be available soon!

Belizean Artist, Blak Berry, releases his new single "No Man Is An Island"

Belizean Artist, TR SHINE releases his new song "Soca Dan Dada"
Song: Soca Dan Dada Artist: TR SHINE Produced By: Kendoyll Simpson

Belizean Artist, Nello Player, releases brand new song "HOPE"
Organic Belizean Reggae Dancehall infused with the Paradna melodies and drumming of Dangriga, Belize, Nello Player drops 'Hope' on the MaCafee Riddim. Sabal Studios for Marley Chatuye Productions.

International paper money exhibit
The Corozal House of Culture in collaboration with Dr. Jorge Sajia is pleased to present a one day international paper money exhibit. Join us on this cultural experience and take a tour round the world with over 50 monetary notes on display. The exhibit will be on Friday March 28, 2014 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The whale sharks are here!!
We only take small groups but still have a few places available between now and the end of June!!! It could be you!!!

Video: The Cayes of Belize
Sailing the Cayes (pronounced keys) of Belize, March 2014 aboard sailing vessels Hope and Toucan.

Video: Belize Pirates
Follow the rip-roaring adventures of our two pirate crews aboard the HMS Hope and HMS Toucan sailing vessels along the barrier reef of Belize.

Video: Documentaire Belize, la splendeur des Mayas
44 min. Le Belize , est une monarchie constitutionnelle unitaire ayant un r�gime parlementaire � tendance minist�rielle, dont le territoire est situ� en Am�rique centrale, au sud du Mexique et � l'est du Guatemala. Elle a pour capitale Belmopan, pour langue officielle l'anglais et pour monnaie le dollar du Belize. Sa devise est � Sub umbra floreo � (Je fleuris � l'ombre) et son drapeau est constitu� de trois bandes horizontales respectivement rouge, bleue et rouge, avec au centre les armoiries du Belize. Son hymne est Land of the Free (Pays de la libert�). Le Belize se nommait autrefois le Honduras britannique. La d�nomination actuelle provient du nom de l'ancienne capitale et du fleuve du m�me nom. Le Belize est le seul pays anglophone d'Am�rique centrale. L'anglais est la langue officielle, mais l'espagnol demeure la langue la plus utilis�e au Belize. Peupl� de 334 297 habitants au 1er janvier 2013, le Belize est un pays en d�veloppement, avec un indice de d�veloppement humain �lev�. Le Belize est une d�mocratie parlementaire et membre du Commonwealth. Le chef d'�tat est actuellement la reine �lisabeth II, repr�sent�e dans le pays par un gouverneur g�n�ral, qui doit avoir la nationalit� du pays documentaire documentaire francais documentaire histoire documentaire arte documentaire paranormal documentaire scientifique arte documentaire reportage documentaire mafia documentaire choc film documentaires scientifiques film complet dieudonn� documentaire espace film entier enquete exclusive film complet vf france 5 documentaire documentaire univers national geographic documentaire japon tellement vrai national geographic documentaire

Video: 10 min. Mexico-Belize diving 6-27.2.2014 (cenotes, C-58, eagle rays)
A collection from our diving trip to Mexico&Belize in Feb 2014. highlights: 0:00 Cenote Chac-Mool 0:38 very sharp clip from Chac-Mool 1:43 halocline 2:18 air pocket 2:52 very blurry halocline scene 3:32 Cozumel coral 4:07 a small ray 4:47 C-58 wreck with some eagle rays 6:05 kinda large school of fish ;) 6:56 very nice footage of an eagle ray 7:51 a green eal in Belize 8:55 a turtle having some coral for dinner 9:57 some drumfish

Video: Scuba dive near Rendezvous Caye, Belize

Video: Belize 2014
Some videos taken with my gopro on/near Caye Caulker, Belize. March 2014

Video: Scuba Diving Cozumel, Roatan & Belize

Video: Villa Boscardi Bed and Breakfast

Channel 7

8-Year-Old Knocked Down On Way To School
The family of 8 year-old Kyeisha Joseph is worried sick at the hospital tonight after the standard two student was knocked down in front of her school in Ladyville this morning. Little Kyeisha was getting off the bus when she was run over. Today, we went to Ladyville to get some answers. Daniel Ortiz has that report: Daniel Ortiz Reporting 8 year-old Kyeisha Joseph, a resident of Double Head Cabbage, got out of the bus early this morning, tried to cross the road to get into the Ladyville RC School compound, and she got hit by a vehicle heading to Belize City. The standard 2 student was excited about going on a school trip to the Baron Bliss Grave today, but instead she ended up in the hospital because a driver sped past the bus at the wrong time. ASP Chris Noble - Rural Executive Officer "Sometime after 7:30, I believe, this morning, we did have a traffic accident reported in the area of the RC School. Initially, what we have is that a child may have exited a bus, came across the road, and was hit by a vehicle."

A First: DPP Takes Stand In Cahueque Trial
Today, at the Supreme Court trial of 21 year-old Aracely Cahueque, the Director of Public Prosecutions, Cheryl-Lynn Vidal herself, took the witness stand to try to assist the prosecution with evidence. DPP Vidal testified that when police was initially investigating the case, accused and now acquitted killer Brandon Budna gave 2 separate written statements which were going to be used as evidence. The first was a written confession, which taken together with those of the other 2 men, provided police with a detailed narrative of how 18 year-old Raylene Dyer was killed. Those statements, as has widely been reported, were thrown out because the accused were able to convince Justice Denis Hanonmansingh that the police brutalized them into giving it.

Manual Labourer Accuses CISCO Construction Of Cheating Him
In September of last year, 7News told you about the demolition of the old Civic Center, to make way for a new sporting facility. The news was that it was being dismantled by hand so that jobless men from the neighbourhood could get some work. That's a great social dimension, but there are risks when mauling down a hulking structure like the Civic. And those dangers were underscored when one of the employees, Egbert Jones, got seriously hurt when part of one of the walls fell on him. He suffered extensive injuries, and was bedridden for months. Jones is now out of the hospital, but he claims that his injuries have permanently disabled him from being able to work and provide for himself. Moreover, he claims that Francis Woods, the Director of Cisco Construction, took advantage of him and tricked him into signing a settlement document in which he only got a fraction of what he deserves for his injuries. He spoke with us this evening, and started from the beginning on how the wall fell on him. Here's what he told us:

Deon Bruce Back At Court, Now With New Attorney
Today, was supposed to be Deon Bruce's Habeas Corpus Hearing before Justice Courtney Abel. As we've told you, he is fighting his extradition to the US, where he is wanted for charges of murder and attempted murder. Chief Magistrate Smith has ruled that he should be extradited, but his attorney at that time was Godfrey Smith. He had 15 days to file the Habeas Corpus documents, which was done, but he has had a change of attorney since then. He is now being represented by Audrey Matura-Shepherd, and that court has given an adjournment so that Bruce's new attorney can get up to speed with the case. Bruce goes back to court on June 5, where it is expected that he will get a full hearing. As we have told you, he is wanted in the US for allegedly shooting at Aaron Carter and Bryan Rodgers in Chicago on July 28, 2010.

Man Claims Forestry Legitimized Theft Of His Rosewood
The rosewood amnesty finished in April - and since then the precious hardwood has come under strict CITES regulations - virtually eliminating rosewood as an export product. But the ghost of the Amnesty past continues to haunt the Forestry Department - because there's plenty Rosewood that's being classified as pre-amnesty still out there. One man who knows well about that is American Charles Sellers. He has a concession to log in the Maya Mountain north forest reserve, and he also has a quantity of Rosewood - which he says qualifies as pre-amnesty product. He had hundreds of flitches it on his concessions block, but claims the villagers in Trio systematically stole it. He filed a police report, but while the investigation was ongoing a company called Edison B International Trading bought the rosewood from the villagers. Sellers says its his rosewood, but Forestry Department personnel showed up, and said he has no proof that is his. Yesterday, they ok'd the Mack Truck loading up with the rosewood, which Sellers says is the sanctioning of theft of his property.

Police Department Making Baby Steps In Forensics
It may not yet be visible on the ground, but the police department has made strides in the area of ballistics testing. They've obtained the latest testing technology called IBIS and retained a forensic ballistics consultant. A visiting expert says they are on the right track, and he's here to provide fine tuning. Pete Gagliardi played to a full house today at the Biltmore when he provided a one day workshop on the "13 Critical Tasks Workshop" of ballistics testing. He told us its about taking guns and shooters off the streets: Pete Gagliardi - Author, "The 13 Critical Tasks" "Much of the gun crime today is repetitive and retaliatory. It's usually committed by young people between the ages of 16 and 26. They shot their guns yesterday; they shoot them today, and they'll shoot them tomorrow. The faster we can identify them, arrest them, and take them off the street, we actually prevent more crimes from occurring in the future. There is critical evidence generated from inside a gun, and outside a gun that can help investigators identify and apprehend criminals more quickly before they have the opportunity to hurt and kill again. So, what I'll be talking about all day are best practices to fully utilize this information, process it in a way that is efficient and effective, and that takes shooters off the street to protect the public. It takes competent people, very sound process, and innovative technology, all in balance like a 3 legged stool. If one leg's too short, or one leg's too tall, the stool falls over. The most important thing is the willingness to innovate. Belize has that willingness, to identify the things that they need to do better, and the things that they need to do more of."

Government Looking To Become Distributor Of LPG In Bze
Over a year ago, Liquid Petroleum Gas or "butane" standards were put into law requiring specific butane and propane mixes. Under the law, the maximum approved propane content in Commercial mixtures is 70% propane. But, still, 90% LPG mixes continue to be sold on the market - with the sanction of the Bureau of Standards - which is contravening its own laws. The problem is that government regulations just can't bring the Central American importers to heel - we mean BWEL, Tomza, Southern Gas and Z-gas. Those suppliers say that they can't source LPG from their Central American parent companies with the mix which is approved for residential purposes: that is 60% propane and 40% butane. Well now, after more than a year of frustration, it seems the government is going around them and is trying to set up an LPG regime similar to the one for fuel, where government will import LPG products and then sell it to the Central American companies - since they can't find the right mix on their own.

From Hospital to Jail
On Monday we told you about 21 year-old shooting victim Darrington Louriano Jr. He was caught outside the KHMH with a gun and marijuana, and tonight, he is prison after being taken to court yesterday. He was arraigned yesterday before Magistrate Dale Cayetano on charges of keeping an unlicensed firearm, keeping unlicensed ammunition, and drug trafficking. Though he pleaded not guilty, he couldn't be granted bail, and he was remanded until April 23. According to police, they caught him Wednesday on Princess Margaret Drive, as he was leaving the KHMH with a knapsack and a suitcase, which they believe that he was going to San Pedro with. He had been released from the hospital, after being treated for a gunshot wound he received last week on San Pedro. The officers searched the bag and found a 9mm Ruger pistol and a magazine with 8 live rounds along with 196 grams of weed.

Doing It Right The First Time
Since 2005, the Police Department has been trying to encourage positive behaviour in young people by giving them incentives for doing the right things. Today, the first winner of this season was introduced to the media today. She is Zipporah Taylor, a 4th Form Business Student at Edward P. Yorke High School, and to note the announcement, it was made at her school this morning. 7News attended, and spoke with Taylor about being chosen. Taylor was chosen as by Police Precinct #4 after being nominated by one of her teachers at E. P. Yorke. She will take part in the 8th Annual National Ceremony to be held later this year, where she may be chosen as one of 10 national winners who are doing the right thing.

Capturing The Essence of Infinite India
Most who reach the age of 70, aren't thinking about going on any long and arduous trips. But Rajah Biswanath decided to set out on a difficult journey, a photographic quest to capture the essence of India. It's one of the biggest and most populous countries on earth, a place of almost infinite, multiple realities - but he was undaunted. Now, he's set up a show documenting part one of his journey - and we got a preview of it at the Image Factory today.

129 TB Cases in Bze Last Year
Tuberculosis, it's a bacteria which continues to infect some 9 million people every year, but in Belize there were only 129 new cases recorded last year. It's a deadly disease if left untreated, and though the numbers in the country are low, the Health experts aren't slacking up on their surveillance. In order to join the rest of the world in celebrating World Tuberculosis Day 2014, the Ministry of Health organized a TB Workshop to keep the medical practitioners updated on the disease. Today, the organizers spoke with us about the initiative: Dr. Francis Morey - National TB Coordinator, Ministry of Health "One of our main activities for this year is basically resensitization of our healthcare workers in regards to TB diagnosis, treatment, monitoring and evaluation of all TB that has been positively diagnosed within the year. It also entails reminding our healthcare practitioners that we do have TB in our country, that it is present, that we need to screen all individuals who presents certain symptoms of fever, a chronic cough for more than 2 week, weight loss, night sweats, chills and chest pain, which are some of the symptoms that most TB patients present themselves with on a daily basis to our polyclinics. Hence, this resensitization should serve as a reminder that we should not decrease our surveillance efforts in regards to diagnosing TB in our country."

Siarsha Still Struggling
Siarsha Alavrez, the 3 year old with the rare skin disorder is improving. She's talking a bit, and her skin is clearing up but there are other complications. Her father tells us that she'll need plastic surgery for her eyes because he bottom eyelash is growing inside her eye, which is causing massive irritation. He is trying to arrange to do this delicate surgery abroad.

US Fused In Pictures
The BDF and the US Military teamed up for a training operation called Fused Response between March 5th and 14th. IT was staged in locations across Belize, but the local media was not invited. But US Military media did have a front row seat. They have published picture son a military website which show mostly US troops engaging in a series of simulations and training exercises.

Channel 5

Rosewood plunder on the rise in Toledo despite existing moratorium
The wholesale pillaging of rosewood in southern Belize continues unchecked despite a moratorium which came into effect in February 2012. And we can report tonight that since the start of [...]

Two new opposition Senators to be appointed by the PUP
The People's United Party will be holding a press briefing on Thursday to announce the appointment of two new senators. From what we can gather unofficially, Attorney at law, Anthony [...]

Criminal investigation into Penner passport scandal in limbo
The status of a criminal investigation at the Immigration Department remains somewhat in limbo following an order of Mandamus against Commissioner of Police Allen Whylie. The ruling was time sensitive [...]

Pacheco and Wade lawyer up in ongoing immigration investigation
As Hulse confirmed, all three passport officers who were on suspension since September have been reinstated by the Services Commission. That is�despite specific recommendations by Director of Immigration Maria Marin [...]

Sensational trial of Aracely Cahueque continues in Belmopan; who killed Raylene Dyer?
Today the trial of Aracely Cahueque continued in the court of Justice Denis Hanomansingh. It is a sensational case, perhaps the most disturbing in quite a few years, and there [...]

Godwin Hulse comments on Esquivel resignations
Last week Thursday, former two-time U.D.P. Prime Minister Manuel Esquivel and his wife Cathy Esquivel officially resigned from all government positions held. They did so in protest, in the wake [...]

Police officers attend IBIS workshop for firearms crimes
The government of Canada gifted Belize with an Integrated Ballistics Identification System back in October 2012. Known as IBIS, the system is a modern tool being used to investigate and [...]

Four illegal immigrants busted, employed without proper documents
The Immigration Department made a bust this morning at a construction site which is managed by a Belizean-Honduran national, fifty-one year old Jesus Contreras. He was found to be employing [...]

Coalition supports SATIIM's call for injunction against U.S. Capital
The Belize Coalition to Save our Natural Heritage says its supports SATIIM's efforts to stop any oil drilling activities by US Capital Energy Limited in the Sarstoon Temash National Park. [...]

BEWU says Boycott Bowen & Bowen on Friday
There is the threat of a countrywide boycott of all Bowen & Bowen products this Friday, spearheaded by the Belize Energy Workers Union in solidarity with former employees of the [...]

E.P. Yorke student awarded Du Di Rait Ting Honor
Sixteen year old Zipporah Taylor, a fourth form student at Edward P. Yorke High School is the most recent winner of the Do Di Rait Ting Award.� During a brief [...]

India through the lens of Rajah Biswanath
Payanam, in the Dravidian language of Tamil, means journey.� It is also the name of a photo exhibit that will be launched at the Image Factory on Friday.� The collection [...]

Rosita May, Woman of Culture
As part of Women's Month activities, the National Institute of Culture and History announced today that it is naming Rosita May (Mai) of Corozal Town as its Woman of Culture. [...]

CTV3

The Impact Of Fair Trade In Belize
Belize is certified under Fair Trade and as such there is much activity happening on a yearly basis. Besides the recent request for more sugar from Belize, Alfredo Ortega, Vice Chair of the Committee of Management at the BSCFA, came back from a three week trip to Ireland last Friday. That trip was conducted under Fair Trade and included presentations held over a fifteen day period. Alfredo Ortega- Chairman BSCFA, COM "Estuve haciendo presentaciones en varias partes a ni�os de escuela , pol�ticos a negociantes en relaci�n al impacto de Fair Trade en Belice y al mismo tiempo tambi�n aprovechando si se puede emplear el mercado de nuestra az�car bajo el mercado justo y fue bastante aceptable bajo la presentaci�n que di en los diferentes puestos y realmente lograron conocer que es Belice y c�mo impacta y como nos beneficia la industria azucarera en Belice y como esta nuestra situaci�n con el comercio justo y las experiencias que hemos logrado hasta ahora as� es de que para m� fue una presentaci�n positiva de parte de Belice y de la Asociaci�n para as� podamos ampliar nuestro mercado en relaci�n a la az�car que producimos."

Boycott Planed By NTUCB And BWU Against Bowen And Bowen
A radical boycott of the Bowen and Bowen Group of companies is currently being planned for Friday of this week. This is a movement being spearheaded by the Belize Workers Union and the National Trade Union Congress of Belize based on the wake of 13 employees who complained about new contracts to the media and were subsequently terminated of their posts. A release from the BWU Head Office in Orange Walk Town states that both the NTUCB and BWU views with significant disquiet and concern the recent release of thirteen employees under the pre text that these persons employment status have become redundant. It is the view of both unions that the circumstances in which these employees were driven to take action (employment status alteration), feeling compelled to come out publicly with their plight, is indeed a travesty accelerated by a total breakdown of industrial relations. The release is calling on Bowen and Bowen to take in consideration the reinstatement of the employees.

Florida Teacher Faces Ten years Imprisonment
A Florida teacher is facing ten years behind bars after he was arrested in Miami on Friday after investigators say he booked a plane trip to Belize to have sex with two underage girls. A press release from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement says, 48 year old David Wendel Thompson who has reportedly travelled to Belize nine times since 2011, was refused entry in Belize and then returned to Miami where he was then arrested. Thompson is being charged for enticing minors by holding sexually explicit conversations with a 13-year-old and a 15-year-old in Belize in February.

San Pedranos Missing for Weeks, Police Investigate
Families of two island residents of San Pedro Town keep searching for their loved ones who reported to have gone fishing a few weeks ago and have not been seen or heard from since. Both 31 year old Dean Nassad Joseph, unemployed of San Mateo Area and 49 year old Vincent Crawford, also known as 'Chuku', a laborer of north San Pedro Town, left home on Saturday March 1st and have disappeared without trace. Joseph's wife, Tessa Ochaeta, told police that her husband left home with Crawford saying they were going to work as security guards at a house in the Robles Point area of Northern Ambergris Caye. The report stated that Crawford left home to go fishing. On the same day both were seen walking on the beach with a group of other men. Police also found out from a security officer that Joseph told him that he was going to camp at a base in the Bacalar Chico area. The police say that the duo is believed to have left in a vessel which took them to the northern portion of the island. Both men have not been heard from since.

Bowen & Bowen Overlooks Boycott and Continue To Serve Its Customers
Yesterday we told you about the fiery press release which promoted a movement to boycott the purchasing of Bowen and Bowen products this coming Friday. The release was sent out by the National Trade Union Congress of Belize and the Belize Workers Union in Orange Walk Town. And as we predicted, the news did not sit too well with the Management at Bowen, but it's not as if they are pulling their hair out. Today when we spoke to Public Relations Officer and in-house Counsel for the Bowen and Bowen Group of Companies, Christelle Wilson, she told us that despite the apparent 'threat', business will continue as per normal as their customer demands would have to be met.

LOVE FM

New Trial Date Set for Deon Bruce
The last time we told you about Deon Bruce was in January of this year when Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith ruled that Bruce be extradited to the United States of America where he is wanted for the crimes of murder and attempted murder. Bruce's attorney at the time, Godrey Smith, had 15 days to apply for an appeal which he did and this afternoon, what was expected to be a habeas corpus hearing, was case management. That is because, Smith withdrew himself as Bruce's attorney and now the weight of keeping Bruce in Belize now lies on the shoulders of Attorney, Audrey Matura-Shepherd. In the court of room of Supreme Court Judge, Courtney Abel, dates were set on how the case is to move forward. According to Matura-Shepherd the new trial date is now the June 5. AUDREY MATURA SHEPPARD I agree it is always urgent but you don't want to prejudice the applicant; in this case, if he is getting new counsel, there is need for us to have sufficient time to get full instructions to see what transpired before and to see what can change and cannot change.

Coalition Supports SATIIM in Injunction Application
The Belize Coalition to Save our Natural Heritage has come out in support the Sarstoon Temash Institute for Indigenous Management. As we reported yesterday SATIIM has filed an application for an injunction against US Capital Energy. (VO) The Coalition says while SATIIM and the communities have acted in good faith and continue to await the Court's judgment; US Capital Energy Ltd. has acted contrary to its very public announcement of not commencing "actual drilling unless the court allows it to." The transfer of drilling equipment to the drill site is a clear indication of the company's plans to commence drilling in the near term within the Sarstoon Temash National Park, a protected area. The Coalition goes on to say SATIIM and the communities have sought the Court's intervention to protect environmental services, legally recognized land rights and traditional land use. It is in the best interest of the local communities and the country that the Court's judgment is heard prior to any further actions by US Capital Energy. The Belize Coalition to Save our Natural Heritage continues to advocate for no oil exploration within Belize's protected areas and in the offshore, and will continue to support its members and partners who share the same goal.

Unions Unite on Boycott of Bowen Products
The National Trade Union Congress of Belize has called for a boycott of Bowen and Bowen products for this Friday. This they say is in support of the 13 employees that were fired from Bowen and Bowen Limited last month. The Union says that the circumstances leading to the employees feeling compelled to step out publicly with their plight is a travesty accelerated by a total breakdown of industrial relations. The Belize Communications Workers Union and the Association of Public Service Senior Managers, APSSM, have also sent out strong releases against the company for firing the employees and they too are in support of the boycott on Friday. However, Bowen and Bowen Limited seem to be unmoved by the Unions' statements and we understand that the company will keep operating as it does daily.

PlusTV

More Rosewood on the Move in Toledo
This Friday will be celebrated as National Day of the Forest around the world when nations celebrate and bring awareness to issues relating to the world's forests; but, in Belize, the issue of how prepared we are to protect our valuable rosewood stock is still an issue . Over...

PUP Unsatisfied With Progress of Investigation on Mr. Penner
When will Police talk to Elvin Penner? The ex-Minister of State continues on as Cayo Northeast area representative despite being under scrutiny for the scandal that took him out of office last September. The People's United Party obtained a writ of mandamus directing Commissioner of Police Allen...

Mexican Newspaper says Mr. Penner was a "Fugitive from Justice"
Meanwhile, Elvin Penner has made the front page of Mexican newspaper, Diario Quintanaroo. In its Monday March 17th, edition, an article titled, ' Delata facebook a hampon", rehashed the Citizen Kim passport scandal in Belize and says that Penner is a 'fugitive from Justice' and is in Mexico. The...

Bowen Responds to Union's Boycott on Company Products
Yesterday the APSSM, the BCWU and the Umbrella Union of NTUCB sent out a press release asking for their member's support at boycotting the bottling giants Bowen and Bowen. This morning the BEWU ( the Belize Energy Workers Union) joined their efforts as they announced their support to their... Read More �

American Alleged Pedophile is Married to a Belizean Woman
Earlier this week, we told you about the American pedophile David Wendel Thompson who set up dates via facebook to have sex with two Belizean minors, aged 13 and 15. 48 year old Thompson was busted by American authorities when police searched his luggage in Miami and found laptops...

Police Community Program Honours Winner
Soon-to-be graduate of Edward P. Yorke High School in Belize City, Zipporah Taylor, will represent Police Precinct 4 at the National Ceremony for the Community Policing Department's 'Do Di Rait Ting' award program. Started eight years ago, the programs honors outstanding youths who have either turned their lives around...

PUP Holds Budget Consultation
The Budget Debate is scheduled for next Monday and Tuesday and the People's United Party is getting ready with a series of consultations with key sectors of society. They met today with civil society, churches and Citizens Organized for Liberty through Action (COLA) and yesterday with the trade unions...

The Bumpy Road to Bomba
Bomba is a village in the Belize District and is off the Phillip Goldson Highway and is about 3 to 4 miles from Maskall Village. Bomba residents have been complaining about the condition of the Bomba road. Residents say that the road is next to impassable when it rains...

Photographer Exhibits a Life's Journey
The Image Factory's first exhibit for 2014 features a lifetime's worth of pictures from a photographer who captures experiences of people large and small from his native Indian subcontinent. Sri Lanka born and Belize resident Theagarajah Biswanath gives us a preview of his exhibit, Payanam, Life's Journey. Mr. Theagarajah...

Caye Caulker Chronicles

Letter to the Editor: Etiquette in the anchorage
We are on a sailboat in the anchorage, returning here three years in a row because we love Caye Caulker. We like the friendly people, the restaurants, the shops, and especially the island's motto�Go Slow! Everyone seems to adhere to that motto except for one group: the dive boats and others who roar through the anchorage at top speed. Every day, all day long, we are rocked by speeding boats that seem to be trying to get close to the anchored boats as they pass by, sometimes causing items to fall off our shelves and requiring us to grab hold of something to keep from falling.. Often they will look back after they pass to see how much their wake has caused our boats to hobby horse. Yesterday, we watched one of these boats careen through the anchorage,not in a direct route, but rather moving as close to each anchored boat as possible, apparently finding sport in making us bounce around. Today, another one did the same. barely missing a neighboring boat.

Dates for Lobster Fest 2014 Set
The dates for the 2014 Caye Caulker Lobster Fest have been confirmed. They are June 27, 28, & 29th. Start booking your hotels, folks!

Blogs

My Search For The Country's Best Fried Chicken: Finding a New Favorite at Lily's Treasure Chest in San Pedro
Lily's Treasure Chest is one of the oldest restaurants on Ambergris Caye - a waitress there estimated 30, maybe 35 years old. I'm going to need to get the full scoop on that� Set right on the water across from Amigos Del Mar dive shop and water taxi mega-dock, the location couldn't be more convenient and the view is�just the perfect San Pedro view. I grabbed a seat outside and the waiter came over immediately. I ordered my Diet Coke and the fried chicken. No reason to look at the menu. Leg please. (Just to let you know - I am slightly suspicious of those who pick white meat/breast just like I am slightly suspicious of people with a Tweetie Bird or Mickey Mouse tattoo. I can't help it.) The lovely waiter was honest with me. The fried chicken will take about 20 minutes�and they just had a few orders placed so it could take a bit longer. MMMMmmm�magical words to my ears. The chicken was going to be fried from scratch. I settled in watching divers gear up on the dock, workers run to catch the water taxi and others enjoying their lunch. I also delighted in a bit of free Wi-Fi.

Belize Celebrates Reef Week!
What country has the second largest reef in the World? The largest in the Western Hemisphere? The World's largest atolls? Surprise, surprise, it's that tiny Caribbean/Central American jewel, Belize. And what country has the huge responsibility to ensure the long-term survival of said reef? Got it. And what a responsibility it is. The 186-mile reef system is increasingly under attack by overfishing, habitat destruction, pollution and climate change Hence "Reef Week", an awareness-raising, fun, aquatic celebration (and warning) of all things Reef, which is one entertaining manifestation of this massive responsibility of all Belizeans, was held March 9 to 19. Imagine some truly nasty space aliens coming down to destroy one of the worlds most diverse and wonderful habitats? Well, we have met the enemy, and they are we�

CCIC Grant Funding Opportunity

Video: Making Small Business Happen

Songs I heard in Cuba
I visited Cuba at the beginning of this year and aside from disconnecting from social media, I was reminded of how amazing the Caribbean is. But I'm not only talking about the beaches, I'm talking about the music. Cuba reminded me a lot of Belize: its very relaxing, everyone's super friendly, nature is everywhere and dancing is a big part of life. But I think that their music culture might surpass the one in Belize. I say this because one day as I was biking to a popular beach near Trinidad, I stopped at the sight of an open-air thatch cabana filled with children dancing salsa - super early in the morning. That surely doesn't happen in Belize, I remember starting to dance until I was in my teens, when I had discovered that that was the best way to get close to girls.

International Sources

Denver's link to Mayan culture
It took a combination of archaeology, technology and simple grunt work to reconstruct the history of one of Central America's most powerful civilizations. The current "Maya: Hidden Worlds Revealed" exhibit at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science offers a complex historical story. The ancient Maya civilization that flourished more than 1,000 years ago spanned thousands of miles included dozens of powerful city states and included a population of more than 7 million. The culture made remarkable advances in art, architecture and science. From massive temples to accurate astronomical readings, the Maya matched the output of the Western world's greatest ancient civilizations. For modern historians, recovering that story has hardly been straightforward. Thanks to environment, conquest and time, it's taken innovation and persistence to uncover the true legacy of the Maya civilization. "We really focused on how we know what we know about the Maya," said Michele Koons, curator of DMNS exhibit. "There's a lot about discovery through archaeology, through interpreting the writing system. It's different from something you'd see in an art museum."