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Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5 and CTV 3
Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, and the Dickie Bradley Specials
The San Pedro Sun
Promoting proper sanitation with the SWaMA
On Monday July 21st The Belize Solid Waste Management Authority (SWaMA) set up a public information booth at the Central Park. The booth provided vast information on what the entity is and how they operate in the country. Established in 2000, SWaMA is the entity responsible for the coordination and control of municipal solid waste as well as for setting the standard for proper waste management. Throughout the day members of SWaMA tested community members with trivia questions on sanitation among others, awarding small prizes to those that proved their knowledge. Questions ranged from "Have you ever heard of SWaMA, if so where?" to "Why do you believe littering is such a major problem?" Six youngsters interning with the company also hit the streets visiting households and shared information on the organization and sanitation control via flyers to those who could not make it to the booth. Flyers provided readers with information on the classifications of waste, identifying items that make up municipal solid waste such as household items, commercial and institutional waste and why proper disposal must be regulated. SWaMA promotes sanitation so as to protect public health and safety and to preserve and protect the environment and natural resources.
Belize Infrastructure Limited plans on renovating Ambergris Stadium
For months, island footballers have been complaining about the deplorable condition of the two football fields on Ambergris Caye. San Pedro Town is among the several municipalities of Belize that do not have a proper sporting facility, even after a multi-million dollar investment was made to renovate one of the island's fields. But the General Manager of Belize Infrastructure Limited (BIL), Christy Mastry has confirmed that the problem will be addressed as plans are ongoing for the renovation of Ambergris Stadium, located on the south end of Ambergris Caye. San Pedro's two fields, the Ambergris Stadium and the Honorable Louis Sylvester Sporting Arena, are improperly landscaped, prone to flooding and inadequate for sporting activities. The Honorable Louis Sylvester Sporting Arena was inaugurated in March, 2014 and replaced the "Saca Chispas" Football Field. The arena was initially intended to have an improved football field, but even after completion, the arena's landscape is not suitable for sports. Mastry stated that several changes were made on the original design for the Honorable Louis Sylvester Arena.
9th Belize International Film Festival awards international and local directors and producers
Best Narrative Feature sponsored by Belize Bank Limited - Only You / Abo So, directed by Juan Francisco Pardo and produced by Audio Visual Institute of Aruba.
Best Documentary Feature sponsored by Belize Bank Limited - The Pathways of Aissa / Los Caminos de Aissa, directed by Rolando Diaz and produced by Luna Llena Producciones
Best Short Film sponsored by the National Institute for Culture and History (NICH)- Tom's Diary, directed by Oscar Kightley and produced as part of the Commonwealth Shorts Writers Program
Special Mention - Passage, directed by Kareem Mortimer and produced as part of the Commonwealth Shorts Writers Program
Best Short Documentary sponsored by Oceana in Belize - PLACEnta, directed by Jules Koostachin and produced as part of the Commonwealth Shorts Writers Program
Special Mention - Fight against the Lionfish Invasion directed by Katja Dohne
Best Animation sponsored by NICH - Noka: Keeper of the Worlds, directed by Shaun Escayg
Best Music Video sponsored Belize City Council - Jenko's "Through the Alley," directed by Kenneth Grant Jr. and produced by Poconobwy Productions
Ambergris Today
Rugby Sevens - First Rugby In Belize
Preparations are being made for the first rugby clubs to be established in Belize, focusing on the hugely popular and fast growing Sevens game, which will make its debut in the 2016 Rio De Janeiro Olympic Games.
Rugby Sevens is a variant of the traditional rugby union game in a number of ways, chiefly:
* Seven players on the field only (2 Props, Hooker, Scrum half, Fly-half, Centre & Winger)
* Seven minute halves, instead of forty minutes, with one minute half-time
* All conversions are drop-kicked, not place-kicked
* Only three players in the scrum instead of eight
"Rugby Belize plans to focus on the development of rugby sevens as a forerunner to growing a full regular (15 man) team, and prepare to enter Belize into the next Commonwealth and Olympic games. Rugby Belize Global Ambassador, Jono Woodward, is himself an experienced sevens player and is enjoying a very successful pro-rugby career in sevens." Explained Tony Gillings, Founder of Rugby Belize.
Belizean Student Takes Second Place in Regional FCCA Competition
The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) is pleased to announce that two Belizean students were awarded prizes in the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) Foundation Children's Environmental Poster Competition.
Belize's Junior Division representative, Amber McKoy of Grace Primary School (pictured below), placed second at the regional level. For her entry, Amber was awarded $1,500USD. As the second place school, Grace Primary also won $1,500USD.
Misc Belizean Sources
Applications for 2015/16 Chevening Scholarships open 1 August.
Applications for 2015/16 Scholarships will open on 1 August 2014. In the meantime, those interested in becoming part of the prestigious Chevening community should sign up for alerts through our country pages.
Chevening Scholarships are the UK government's global scholarship programme, funded by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and partner organisations. The programme makes awards to outstanding scholars with leadership potential from around the world to study postgraduate courses at universities in the UK.
MOTORCADE through the City of Belmopan on Sunday
There will be a BIG MOTORCADE through the City of Belmopan on Sunday, July 27th at 10 am to welcome home the Belmopan School of Talent U12 Team who placed 3rd in the Codiacader Games in Retalhuleu, Guatemala. Come out and show your love and support for out little ones who made us so PROUD!!
BELIZE BOYS U-12 SELECTION (14 photos)
MEET THE BELMOPAN SCHOOL OF TALENT U-12 SELECTION. 3RD PLACE CODICADER U-12 FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT, GUATEMALA. (Belmopan Bandits/Anfernee Lopez)
RESTORE Belize is pleased to announce that nine (9) fourth form students under the I AM Belize Scholarship Program have successfully completed their course requirements for high school and have graduated.
Four of these graduates received special honors for outstanding performance. Six of the graduates were assisted with funds from the Belize Natural Energy Charitable Trust (BNECT), presently the major funder in the Program, and three were assisted with funds from the Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT). The Belize Natural Energy Charitable Trust is currently the primary funder of the I AM Belize Scholarship Program, which is being implemented through RESTORE Belize. Initial funding was received from the Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT) in October 2010. Generous assistance has also been given by private individuals through the Adopt-A-Student Programme.
Today, would have marked the 91st birthday of Philip Stanley Wilberforce Goldson
Born in 1923, in Belize City, he was the second son of Peter Edward Goldson and his wife Florence Matilda Babb Goldson. He attended St. Mary's Primary School and although he never had the opportunity to go to high school he studied at night and successfully obtained the Cambridge University Overseas Junior certificate in 1939 and the Senior School Certificate in 1941.
From 1941 to 1947 he worked in the British Honduras Civil Service. While in the Civil Service, Goldson started his career in journalism editing the "Civil Service Chronicle", "OUTLOOK", a cultural quarterly of the St. John's College Literary Society and writing short stories and sketches for the BBC in London. With the advent of the Nationalist Movement, he wrote news items for the Belize Billboard. The plight of the workers in Belize led him into trade unionism. He became the National Organizer of The General Workers Union in 1949 and later became its General Secretary.
Let's give up for the Corozal cane farmers
Ongoing ceremonies and events...come out and enjoy. It is a beautiful day on the Corozal Bay!! Special promotions and discounts! (8 photos)
The celebration begins
"Celebrating 55 years in the sugar cane industry, strengthening the development of our small farmers" - Truly a labour of love.
A heartfelt congratulations to the BSCFA Corozal Division and all the sugar cane farmers and their families for a job well done
Hats off and a well deserved celebration. We invite the entire community to come out and enjoy all day activities between the Rotary Park and the Corozal House of Culture. The Mass commences at 8:30 a.m. with the official ceremonies at 9:30 a.m. following with cultural presentations and dances.
Special appearance by the CCC Marching band at 11:00 a.m. Come out and take advantage of a bright and beautiful day with wonderful people.
Plenty of giveaways, raffles, and promotions. Wheel and deal with all sorts of goodies to take home.
Things are already kicking off. No need to stay home bring out the entire family and show your support to our hard working cane farmers and their families. Power to the people in the struggle. (4 photos)
IDB President Visits Cayo Welcome Center
The president of the IDB, the organization that funded the Cayo Welcome Center, got to visit the amazing new downtown Cayo.
"Inter-American Development Bank's President Luis Alberto Moreno was in the country briefly yesterday, and I had the opportunity to give him a tour of the Cayo Welcome Center."
Cayo Classifieds - Issue 26
This week's Buy and Sell Weekly.
BWRC Wildlife Fundraiser
The Belize Wildlife Referral Clinic, which has saved or rehabilitated 100's of animals(157 in 2013) is having another fundraiser. Help them out if you can. Thanks, BWRC!
"Thanks once more for your support in sharing this campaign and helping us raise a 3rd of our 10 K goal in one week! Here another lucky BWRC patient example: 'Mike' the Yucatan squirrel was received as a 35 g orphan, raised and eventually released in the Crested Caracara Reserve. Note: Unlike in the US, in Belize squirrels are rather rare, so this was our first fully rehabbed squirrel and we were fortunate enough to be able to observe him for nearly two weeks after release - thriving in his natural home :) "
Team Belize at Commonwealth Games
The Belize Team is at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. They are ready to start the games, but first, they had to take some selfies. They got some pictures from the opening ceremonies. Go Belize!
"Behind the scenes at opening ceremony of Commonwealth Games"
Benque Summer Art Program
The Benque House of Culture is getting ready for another spectacular Summer Art Program. If you want to learn how to marimba dance, weave baskets, or speak Maya Mopan, then they invite you to register. Contact them for more information.
"Summer Art Program 2014 is back and better than ever, sign up today and don't miss out!!!!!!!!!!!"
1st Indian Diaspora Conference in Belize
August 6-7, 2014
Debra Wilkes Honored by NICH
Debra Wilkes, coordinator for the Corozal House of Culture, has recently been named Employee of the Quarter by the Museum of Belize and Houses of Culture which functions under NICH. Debra is a professional photographer and naturalized Belizean who has lived in Corozal full time since 2005. The very popular monthly Art in the Park in Corozal is her brainchild and she has coordinated activities there since 2009. She has been the Coordinator for the Corozal House of Culture since its renovation and reopening in 2012, and continues to support craftsmen and artists of all ages and genres. She loves the rich culture in Corozal and her contribution to its highlighting and preservation continues to be invaluable. This is a well deserved recognition. Congratulations, Debra!
More pics of our turtle friend
ReefCI
Channel 7
Fatal Accident Kills 2 Men On Motorbikes
There has been a fatal accident on the Northern Highway. It happened just before 6:00 this evening at mile 7 on the Northern Highway. Our team is currently on the scene, and all we can confirm at this time is that two persons are dead after a head on collision involving a motorcycle and a BTB pickup. Traffic on the highway is completely blocked so the traffic jam on this Friday evening currently stretches for miles.
Mike Rudon, Ch 5
"Sir could you give me an idea of what you saw? I know that you were right behind the accident when it happened."
Eye Witness
"I saw the cycle fly passed me and hit into a black truck on the side of the road. When it hit the black truck it cut away right into a BTB vehicle and right up in the air and flat on the ground."
Mike Rudon, Ch 5
"It seems that the BTB truck was on its side just from looking at it. Was the cycle overtaking or did it lose control when it knock the black vehicle?"
Eye Witness
"It overtake the black truck and hit the mirror on the black truck and then it went over to the left and the BTB truck look like it was trying to get out of the way off the road, but it still hit him."
Mike Rudon, Ch 5
"Could you tell from what you saw if death was instantaneous from the cycle?"
Eye Witness
"When the thing happen, I got out of my car and the one in the middle of road looks like he was dead, but the one on the fence was breathing for a while and then he stops and then we thought that he must have died too."
Father Claims Schoolteacher Murdered
Early this morning, 28 year old school teacher Stephen John Michael was found dead in his house which is off Faber's Road Extension. His family believes it was murder: they say that he had been robbed and clubbed in the head. 7News was at the scene around 8:00 am and we found out more:..
Steven John Michael Sr., Father of Deceased
"I found my son on his bed dead."
Robin Schaffer reporting
Early this morning Michael made the discovery no father ever wants to face. A neighbor called to his attention that the door to his son Steven Jr.'s home on Jaguar Avenue was wide open. Steven Sr lives just behind his son and so he went in to check:
Steven John Michael Sr., Father of Deceased
"I didn't see any physical injury. He was bleeding, I can't say though his nose, but he was on his back and you could see a spot of blood behind his head in his bedroom. I feel like they chance my son and I am not afraid to say it because certain stuff is missing from out of the house. As I get in I could see the TV missing, the laptop, the phone and his wallet are missing. All I could say is that they chance my son."
Family Says Murder, Police Say Sudden Death
As you saw in that interview with his father, he believes that Stephen Michael was killed in his own house. That suspicion is based on his conclusion that his television, his wallet, and his cellular phone were all stolen.
This morning the Police Press Office released a statement saying that foul play was suspected, but that apparently changed 3 hours later. Police investigators who are handling the case, aren't so sure, and today they told us that the case is being treated as a sudden death for now:
Sgt. Robert Novelo, OC - CIB Precinct 2
"So far the investigation is in its preliminary stage and we cannot say at this time whether its a murder and we could classified it as a sudden death at this time."
Mike Rudon, Ch5
"Could you tell us what police found when they were called to the scene?"
Sgt. Robert Novelo, OC - CIB Precinct 2
"Police found Mr. Steven John Michael, 28 years of age, he was lying on his bed inside is bedroom."
Reporter
"However there were signs that blood was coming from his mouth?"
Sgt. Robert Novelo, OC - CIB Precinct 2
"Yes, blood was seen coming from his mouth."
Police Sting Operations Foils Extortion
Police foiled a major extortion attempt with a sting operation.
23 year-old Edwin Flores, allegedly tried to blackmail a businessman and extort him of $8,000, and tonight, he and his girlfriend are at the Belize Central prison for it.
The complainant, Wilbert Valencia, a business man from Orange Walk Town, reported to police that on Tuesday, Flores contacted him and demanded that he hand over $8,000 dollars or else, a member of his family would be killed.
In view of what happened in Orange Walk recently with Ramon Cervantes Sr, you can guess how this would cause quite a scare.
Valencia told police of the extortion attempt, and the cops set up a sting operation where police waited at the Lord Ridge Cemetery. That's the location that Valencia's blackmailer demanded that he deliver the money.
Reward Offered For Hattieville Chairman"s Safe Return
Hattieville Chairman Kevin Carcamo has been missing for 5 days, and though the intense searches have been fruitless, the civilian and military authorities have not given up. But now, the company that Carcamo was employed with is offering a reward to anyone who can assist them to find and return Carcamo safely.
Discover-seis Geophysicial Services released this flyer today in which they are offering a $10,000 dollar reward to anyone who can provide them with information which leads to the authorities finding Carcamo alive.
As we've reported he was last seen in the Freetown Sibun are of Hattieville with his work crew on Sunday. He reported to work, but he didn't return with them at the end of the day.
Four Prisoners Returned From Mexico To Belize
7News has confirmed that there are 4 Belizean Prisoners who arrived at the Belize Central Prison this afternoon after being transferred from a Mexican Jail.
The transfer took place this afternoon where the Mexican Authorities transported these persons to the Belize Mexico Border. They were all convicted of Firearm offences in that country, and they've served out a part of their 10 year prison sentences. The reason that these prisoners were allowed to be transferred is because they made the request to the Mexicans who have a longstanding arrangement with Belize, which is known as the Agreement between the Government of Belize and the Government of the Mexican United States on the Execution of Penal Sentences.
The transfer was only made possible after a lengthy process of application through the Foreign Affairs Ministry of both Governments, and it was overseen today by Belizean Ambassador Said Guerra, a Consular and Protocol Officer within the Foreign Affairs Ministry.
US Capital Ready To Drill
US Capital Energy, the Government, and Mayan Communities of the South have been ordered to participate in court-ordered mediation, but the oil company isn't waiting around: it announced today that it should be ready to start drilling within a months' time.
PUP Says Penner Acquittal A "Dark Day"
"A dark Day for the Belizean Nation", that's what the Opposition Party is calling yesterday's acquittal of Former Minister of State Elvin Penner.
As we told you, Magistrate Aretha Ford struck the case out against him for the immigration offences because, in her opinion, there was a lack of evidence before her for the criminal trial to continue.
Today, the PUP released a statement saying quote, "We share the disappointment, disgust and anger of so many Belizeans in respect of (yesterday's) decision, but we are not shocked by it."
The Opposition adds, quote, "This case did not fail because of a lack of evidence. It failed because the UDP placed its political interests ahead of the national interest."
Salvation Army To The Rescue For Fire Victims
Yesterday we told you about a house fire on Plues and Berkely Streets which affected 4 families, leaving 3 structures destroyed. Well, today the Salvation Army made a donation to one of the fire victims, Jenisse Ramirez who is the mother of the unsupervised children who accidentally set their house ablaze. After the items were handed over, we asked Ramirez how she and her children are coping with the aftermath.
Fire Department Making Strides In Water Cannon Response
So with all the recent news about fires, fire hazards and fire safety, there's one more tip to make you safer. In case of fire, call 90, or 911. It may seem obvious, but it's not that simple because those numbers go through a police operator before they get to the Fire Department. Now you can call the Fire station directly at 207-2579, but that is not a hotline, it's a business phone so it might be busy.
And one more thing we've learned this week is that after the fiasco with the disastrous fatal fire on Newtown Barracks, the fire Department has apparently enhanced its deployment and rapid assessment of fire threats. On two recent fires we've seen the early and effective deployment of the water cannon - which was late to the scene in the Newtown Barracks fire.
What"s The Plan For Climate Change?
Like many other low-lying coastal nations, Belize is vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Today a group of organizations and stakeholders gathered at the Coastal Zone Management Authority Institute in Belize City for the Belize District regional consultation on a National Climate Change Policy, Strategy and Action Plan. Topic discussed at today's consultation included regional and national overview on climate change and how it has impacted Belize.
Robin Goes Bell Hunting
All this week we've been reporting on the crackdown on quality of life crimes. This has resulted in scores of arrests for minor offences such as bikes without bells or lights. The effect has been a rush on these items at the few stores which still sell bells and lights. To keep up with demand, bike storeowners have had to dig up old stock - since no one has been buying these items for decades - including our intern Robin Schaffer who went bell-hunting today.
Dara Riding For The Kids
On Sunday, grassroots philanthropist Dara Robinson will hold his third annual Ride for Hunger. This is Dara's 7th year of running a feeding program out of his own home, but he seemed just as dedicated to project today as he was when he first began. We asked him how the Ride for Hunger has evolved over the past three years.
The ride begins in front of the SMART building on the Northern Highway, then continues through Hattieville before running back down the Western Highway and ending at the SMART building. Registration starts at 6 am and there a $5 registration fee, but all donations, including food and care packages are welcome. Dara's next fundraiser, the Lucky Dube 7th annual tribute will be held at Bird's Isle on August 3rd.
Rastaman Vibes For Sunday Earth Strong
Every year on the 23rd of July, Rastafarians celebrate the birthday of Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie I who is the Supreme Messianic Figure in the Rastafarian belief. So, the Belizean Rasta United will be hosting their 8th annual Selassie I Earth Strong Concert this weekend. Today we asked the organizers of the event the meaning behind the concert and who will be performing:
The concert will be held at the BTL Park on Sunday July 27th from 2 pm to 11 pm. It is a free event, and all are invited to attend.
Belize Athletes Get Ready For Commonwealth Track and Field
The track and field segment of the 20th Commonwealth games will begin this Sunday in Glasgow, Scotland. For Belize Kaina Martinez and Mark Anderson will compete in their 100 meter qualifying heats. Kenneth Medwood and Brandon Jones will also start their qualification processes next week as Medwood competes in the 400 meter Hurdles and Jones competes in the Triple Jump and Long Jump. Finally, on Wednesday, Katy Sealey will begin her events in the Heptathlon Competition which will end the following day.
CCJ Explains
Earlier this week, we told you about the labour conflicts at the Caribbean Court of Justice Headquarters in Port Of Spain Trinidad. Well, now, the Regional Judicial and Legal Services Commission has retained a Public Relations and Crisis Communications Agency which sent a lengthy release to all regional media today.
It refers most pointedly to Dr. Leighton Jackson's attack on the court. He is the Jamaican acting registrar of the court who was reportedly fired and has been bad mouthing management practices at the court. The release says the Regional Judicial and Legal Services Commission is "responding to set the record straight and to protect the Court, which is much larger and more important than the personalities involved."
They say that Dr. Jackson was not Dismissed but that the Dean of the Law Faculty at UWI wrote the President of the CCJ Wrote the court a letter saying that it is "necessary for him to return to his full duties." As for the restructuring which Jackson criticized as being secretive, the release says that he was invited to a review of the structure and manpower requirements of the court - but went to Jamaica instead.
Channel 5
Breaking News: traffic fatality claims 2 lives
As we reported earlier, late this evening a traffic accident took place around mile seven on the Philip Goldson Highway. Two persons died when the motorcycle they were riding on [...]
Belize City teacher found dead in his house�was he murdered?
Early this morning the body of twenty-eight year old Stephen Michaels Junior was discovered in his home at the corner of Jaguar and Tapir Streets in the Faber's Road area. [...]
Anabell Kumul spends her first night in prison for the murder of her common-law
There was a murder on San Pedro on Wednesday morning, which is believed to have been the cause of a domestic dispute; a twenty-eight year old tour guide on the [...]
Drilling equipment lands on Temash National Park
U.S. Capital Energy is tonight one step closer to drilling for oil in the Sarstoon Temash National Park.� On Thursday, a convoy of vehicles carrying heavy equipment used to set [...]
D.P.P. Office issues directives on case against Nasley Sommerville
Belizeans have been following with much interest the curious case of Nasley Sommerville, formerly the administrator of the Southern Regional Hospital. She has been under investigation for at least [...]
A cargo of precursor to meth from Belize busted across the northern border
Mexican newspapers are reporting a major bust of precursor used to manufacture synthetic drugs such as methamphetamine or crystal meth. The precursor is said to originate from Belize. According to [...]
72 year old is man is hospitalized after he was mauled by 4 Rottweilers
Seventy-two year old McKesson Garrett remains hospitalized recovering from injuries sustained when he was attacked by four vicious Rottweilers. Garnett went to visit his friend, Leroy Woods, who lives at [...]
$10,000 reward for information on the missing Hattieville Chairman
A candlelight vigil for the safe return of Hattieville Chairman, Kevin Carcamo will be held tonight, five days after his mysterious disappearance behind Freetown Sibun.� Carcamo vanished while reportedly returning [...]
P.U.P. has its slate for municipal elections
Municipal elections are set for early next year, and already mass party machinery is cranking up for the election of slates in all municipalities. It doesn't exactly have the fever [...]
P.U.P. proposed amendment to Firearms Act
One issue that the People's United Party is tackling is the draconian gun laws. The leader of the opposition says that the party has written and submitted an amendment to [...]
Berkley Street fire victim get help from Salvation Army
On Thursday morning, three families were displaced by separate fires in Belize City. Today, Jenise Ramirez and her two children, ages six and four, received some assistance courtesy of Salvation [...]
Man and female minor charged for blackmail
Coming up, we'll have a report on the fatal traffic accident� But in the court, a twenty-three-year-old man along with his sixteen year old girlfriend, who is originally from [...]
Residents comment on failed Penner prosecution
Last September corruption came to light when the Penner immigration scandal was first exposed. This involved the corruption in the issuance of Belizean passports to individuals who did not qualify. [...]
M.O.E. hosts closing ceremony for expressive arts camp
For students interested in creative arts, a summer camp hosted by the Ministry of Education is the perfect setting to engage in the many facets of the arts. This year [...]
A camp for at-risk youths
There was another camp taking place, but outside the city where at risk youths were engaged in various activities. News Five's Isani Cayetano files a report. Isani Cayetano, Reporting [...]
CTV3
Traffic Accident Claims The Life Of Orange Walkeno
Sometime after 1:30 today police and traffic personnel were alerted of a road traffic accident on the Yo Creek road, approximately two miles from Orange Walk Town.
When officials arrived on the scene they saw an army truck in the middle of the road and a Suzuki jeep on the right side of the road extensively damaged. Our news team arrived shortly after the incident and Reporter Maria Novelo filed the following report.
Maria Novelo - Reporting
Nadir Munoz was on his daily routine for his employer, providing and selling tortillas for the Maya Tortilla Factory in the surrounding villages of Orange Walk Town. Shortly after one today little did he know his ride back to town would be his last as two miles on the Yo Creek Road he collided into this army truck, and slammed into the left side of the road where his jeep came to a halt.
The World of Gangs, How Close Are They To Your Neighborhood?
Most if not all have heard of gangs and their crimes that range from petty to heinous and in the past, Orange Walk residents have been privy to some of these at the hands of gangs. But what happens when gang members from other much more organized groups enter Belize and how do we know where they are and who they are? Viewers may have seen gang insignias around town but often pay no heed as news of their criminal activity in the district is relatively low to non-existent.
Following the information we have received, we thought it would only be appropriate to share the following information with the viewing public and raise the awareness of how serious and how dangerous some of these international gangs are and how close they are.
Gang activity in Orange Walk Town is relatively low but the gang tagging seems to be popping up more frequently in all corners of the town.
Among the most popular being the Trial Farm Crips also represented as 30' and Trial Farm Bloods also represented as 20's. Also visible in town are the LA tags in the Louisiana Area and the Baka Town Crips also from that side.
These are all gangs believed to be organized by Belizeans. Then there are these�..tags from the MS 13, or the Mara Salvatrucha Trece.
Case Against Former Minister Of State Elvin Penner Dismissed, COLA Not Back Down As An Appeal Is On The Way
This morning in the Belmopan Courtroom, the case against former Minister of State Elvin Penner was thrown out on the first day in trial. The private prosecution was brought against Penner by COLA on passport and nationality offenses. Now, today, Penner is free and cleared of all charges in the Immigration scandal but the prosecution, COLA, was outraged by the decision. It has been a tedious matter for COLA which, despite scrutiny, pressed on with the case. President of COLA Geovanni Bracket said that despite the road blocks they encountered in the process and the turn of events, they are thankful to at least have been able to reach this far. Despite the court's decision, though, an appeal may be in order. COLA's Attorney Kareem Musa explained what transpired this morning in the courtroom.
San Pedro Cop Charged For Extortion
Sticking to the subject of extortion, San Pedro Police have arrested and charged one of their officers attached to the San Pedro Police Station for extortion. According to the San Pedro Sun Police Constable No 1308 Elvin Nah, was arrested and charged today following an incident that occurred on July 6th.
The San Pedro Sun reports that on July 17th, at about 5:00pm, a male person visited the San Pedro Police station and made a formal report against PC Nah. The individual stated that on July 6th, at about 1:00am, he was heading home when he was stopped by police officers while passing in front of a store on Pescador Drive.
The individual reported to authorities that a search was conducted on him by a Hispanic police officer who found two small plastic bags with suspected cannabis on him. The man was then taken to the San Pedro Police Station where the suspected drugs, amounting to four grams, were weighed. But no charges were levied against the individual. Instead he was told by the Hispanic cop that that for four hundred dollars he could be set free.
Two Corozalenos Face Several Charges Of Bike Theft
Tonight two Corozale�os are under police custody pending investigations of a number of bike thefts. According to 29 year old Antonette Armstrong, a teacher of 2nd Street North in Corozal Town, sometime around 8:30 on Tuesday night she was at home when she heard a noise coming from her front gate. At that instance she thought it was her mother-in-law coming to visit.
With that in mind, Armstrong opened her front door but saw that no one was at the front gate which was open. She then decided to check the back of the house and that is when she noticed that her 24" beach cruiser bicycle was not where she had parked it earlier. As she ran out to the yard, she saw a male person wearing a white jersey shirt speeding off with her bicycle heading towards Santa Rita Road.
Another Extortion Call Is Made, Police Make Arrest
Over the past month we have been hearing about the growing instances of extortions taking place around the country and the north it is no exception. While authorities are being tight lipped piecing together what may be a momentous breakthrough as it pertains to crime incidences, we have been reliably informed that a sting operation proved successful for authorities. Information to our newsroom is that a businessman who lives on the Chan Pine Ridge Road in Orange Walk is the latest victim of extortion.
We are informed that the caller requested a large sum of money and if there was non-compliance on his part, he and his family would face grave consequences. After notifying police of the incident, a sting to catch the perpetrators in the act was set up by authorities. The caller arranged for the exchange to take place in a certain area in Belize City and that is where the police waited for the perpetrator.
Matura Also Charged For Mischievous Act
Apart from facing other possible bike theft charges, Rocky Matura has been additionally charged for mischievous act.
Yesterday, at about 10:30am, Corporal number 441, Adrian Marin and PC #854 Marco Cob both attached to the San Narciso Police Sub-station were conducting patrols on the San Narciso/San Victor main road when their attention was drawn to a couple walking on the road carrying a luggage. One of the officers approached the male and female of Creole decent and informed them that a search would be conducted on their luggage for illegal drugs. The search revealed nothing incriminating.
Fire Leaves Family Of Four Homeless
A blaze displaced a family of four in the Black Water Creek area of Orange Walk Town mid-afternoon today. When our news crew arrived on the scene, fire personnel had already gotten the fire under control but were scavenging thru the rubble to decipher what caused the fire. Reporter Maria Novelo and video journalist Jesus Melgar filed the following report.
Maria Novelo - Reporting
When fire officials received the call of a fire in the Black Water Creek area of Orange Walk Town, it was a little too late to salvage the house or its contents. Chief of operations at the Orange walk Fire Service, Kenneth Mortis, says the fire started from an unoccupied bedroom of this cement bungalow structure.
San Joaquin Fiesta, Its Tradition And Culture
Each year in the month of August residents of San Joaquin Village in the Corozal District celebrate the day of their patron, San Joaquin. While here in Belize the event is celebrated in a span of three days, the official opening ceremonies kicks off the 8th of August in the community of Bacalar in Quintana Roo, Mexico where residents also pay tribute to the patron San Joaquin. This year is no exception as preparations are already underway for the celebration to take place. Reporter Victor Castillo tells us what to expect this year in the following report.
Victor Castillo - Reporting
The traditional Feria de San Joaquin is an event celebrated by both Mexicans and Belizeans as both countries share the same history. While Belize and Mexico are separated by an international border, they share no boundaries when it comes to the celebration of the event. Each year residents of San Joaquin Village in the Corozal District and those of the community of Bacalar in Quintana Roo, Mexico, honor their patron saint San Joaquin. And this year our interest in getting a firsthand look at the celebration and its history led us to Bacalar where organizers of the event met to finalize preparations.
Alexis Rosado Appointed Ambassador To Guatemala
Following the death of former Ambassador Alfredo Martinez, the Government of Belize has been left with the task to appoint a new Ambassador of Belize to Guatemala. Even before an official announcement is made reports are already suggesting that C.E.O in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Alexis Rosado is Governments favorite for the post.
It is expected that Prime Minister Dean Barrow will officially announce Rosado's appointment as Belize's new Ambassador to Guatemala sometime next week during a press conference.
Traffic Accidents Claims The Life Of Orange Walkeno
Sometime after 1:30 today police and traffic personnel were alerted of a road traffic accident on the Yo Creek road, approximately two miles from Orange Walk Town.
When officials arrived on the scene they saw an army truck in the middle of the road and a Suzuki jeep on the right side of the road extensively damaged. Our news team arrived shortly after the incident and Reporter Maria Novelo filed the following report.
Maria Novelo - Reporting
Nadir Munoz was on his daily routine for his employer, providing and selling tortillas for the Maya Tortilla Factory in the surrounding villages of Orange Walk Town. Shortly after one today little did he know his ride back to town would be his last as two miles on the Yo Creek Road he collided into this army truck, and slammed into the left side of the road where his jeep came to a halt.
LOVE FM
Two Confirmed Dead in Traffic Incident
A fatal traffic accident occurred sometime after five o'clock this evening. The incident occurred at mile seven on the Philip Goldson Highway and involved a pickup truck and a motorcycle. There were two people on the motorcycle heading to Ladyville while the truck was headed to Belize City. It appears to be a head on collision killing both people on the motorcycle. We will have more details in our subsequent report.
Flores Sets Up Girlfriend (Minor) to Pick Up Blackmail Money
Twenty-three year old Edwin Flores, a construction worker of Belize City who allegedly tried to extort eight thousand dollars from a businessman, was charged with blackmail when he appeared today before Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser. Flores' girlfriend, a 16 year old girl from Honduras, was charged with abetment to commit blackmail. No plea was taken because the offences are indictable. The prosecutor objected to bail for Flores on the grounds that the offence is of a serious nature and if granted bail Flores might interfere with the complainant. Senior magistrate Fraser upheld the objection and remanded Flores into custody until September 16. In addition to that, Flores owes the court 750 dollars so a warrant has been prepared for him to serve the time in default of payment of the fines. Senior magistrate Fraser ordered that Flores be taken to the hospital before he is taken to prison.
Two Fires Consume Homes in Old Capital
Today's infernos mark the fifth house fire for the month of July with three of them being caused by minors playing with incendiary items. Meanwhile, fire officials have told Love News that the cause of the San Pedro fire has been concluded as being undetermined. Reports are that there are some residents, who have not been cooperating with the investigators and therefore the cause of the fire remains as undetermined.
