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The San Pedro Sun
Getting the job done with a smile
Meet Mr. Elder Quintanilla.
Even under the hottest of suns, despite having to rake after filthy us, cleaning our streets day in and out, he will have a smile and a wave if you just look and acknowledge him. I walk past him nearly every day, and our exchanges have only ever been of the smile and maybe a passing comment on the weather.
Gloomy Day? You can still have fun with Splash 'n' Paint!
But if a little rain holds you back from getting in the water (why is that?) - there's other fun stuff to do, and that includes a little color and creativity! Melody Wolfe owns her very own cute little gallery that features tons of Belizean artists, and she's super encouraging to others who want to explore their inner Picasso.
So she's created a fun weekly event called Splash 'n' Paint. For $30BZ, you can create your own masterpiece. Stenciled canvases are provided, as well as paint and of course, Melody guides you when you're feeling a little behind. The go-to location for this paint party is at Crazy Canuck's beach bar, every Thursday.
Armed Guatemalans threaten to destroy conservation post in Belize; PM reacts
Tension is increasing between Guatemalan civilians and members of the Belize Defense Force (BDF). On Friday October 3rd, a group of about 40 Guatemalans, armed with rifles, shotguns and machetes barged into Belize's territory and engaged with five members of the BDF. The illegal civilians threatened to burn down a conservation post that is under construction in the area of Valentin Camp located inside the Caracol Archeological site and one kilometer from the Belize Guatemala border.
A government press release dated September 3rd outlined the incident and indicated that the BDF members stood their grounds and after very tense verbal engagement, the Guatemalans retreated and returned to their country. "The BDF has since quickly deployed re-enforcement and is firmly and completely in control of the area, and construction of the conservation post continues." The conservation post is one of three that are being built to discourage illegal activity and help protect the Chiquibul National Park from Guatemalans who have been destroying the natural resources. The engagement is also at the heel of the death of Special Constable Danny Cornorquie.
Police Report
*On Wednesday, October 1st, as part of a special intelligence operation, the San Pedro Police, Quick Response Team, Criminal Investigation Branch and Special Branch personnel conducted a search on an abandoned building located in the Bayside Area. The search led to the discovery of five cases of Tecate beers, four case of Sol Beer and one case of Superior Beer, all contraband goods from Mexico. No one was found in the vicinity. The goods were labeled as "Found Property" and handed over to the Belize Customs Department. *On Wednesday, October 1st, a search was conducted at the residence of 30-year-old Wayne Allen and 18-year-old Irma Mejia in DFC Area as part of special intelligence information. Present at the time of the search was 25-year-old Diego Wade, 24-year-old Martin Martinez and 19-year-old John Gillett. The search led to the discovery of 6.1 grams of suspected cannabis. All persons were informed of their offense and escorted to the San Pedro Police Station where they were formally arrested and charged for the crime of "Possession of Controlled Drugs"
UDP rallies crowd at Endorsement Convention
On Saturday October 4th, San Pedro Town residents gathered at the Central Park as the Belize Rural South (BRS) United Democratic Party presented their official town council slate and standard bearer at the party's first endorsement convention. Members of the House of Representatives including Honorable (Hon.) Mark King, Hon. John Saldivar, and Hon.Patrick Faber were in attendance to offer support to their fellow UDP counterparts.
The night opened at 8:30PM as members of the UDP executive Karen Canul welcomed party supporters from San Pedro Town and Caye Caulker Village. With Municipal Elections set for March 4th, 2015 the UDP Town Council Slate appealed for voter support as they vowed their township oaths led by UDP Party Chairman Alberto August, pledging to do their utmost best for the island once elected. Official councillor candidates include Hector Tito Alamilla Jr., Flora Ancona, Ruben Gonzalez, Gary Grief, Severo Guerrero Jr., and Gaby Nu�ez, along with Mayoral candidate, current Mayor of San Pedro Town Daniel Guerrero, and the BRS UDP Standard Bearer candidate,current Minister of Tourism, Culture and Civil Aviation Manuel Heredia Jr.
Ambergris Today
Belize Audubon Society's Urban Bird Watch Kicks Off
Every Sunday in October for the past five years, Belize Audubon Society (BAS) has been conducting bird watching expeditions in every town in Belize. This year Dangriga was the venue for the first urban bird watch of 2014. Twenty-five birders participated, most from Dangriga, but also from Belmopan, Belize City and the Stann Creek District communities. Prominent among the participants were students from the Stann Creek Ecumenical Junior College.
The group witnessed massive migration numbers. A conservative estimate of over thirty thousand egrets, herons, swallows and kingbirds in constant groups of over one hundred over flew the birding group during the three-hour bird watch. A total of 73 species were recorded.
Saga Humane Society Announced Halloween Party
The 11th Annual Saga Humane Society Spooktacular Halloween Party has been set for Sunday October 26, 2014 from 11a.m. to 5p.m at Carlo & Ernie's Runway Bar. It is expected to be the largest Saga Halloween Party in history.
New for 2014, is celebrity judged contests (Best Costume, Best Kisser, Owner/Pet Look-A-Like, Best Trick, and more), fun activities and games for pets and kids, raffles, auction items and so much more. Saga is pleased to also include this year a Smooch-A-Pooch kissing booth that is sure to delight young and old.
Invest Belize Magazine Releases Third Volume
The Belize Trade & Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE) in collaboration with McNab Publishing Ltd., proudly unveiled the third volume of the Invest Belize Magazine on September 30, 2014, at the Biltmore Plaza Hotel in Belize City.
Through this new partnership, that was announced in May of this year, the Invest Belize magazine has been completely revamped and transformed into an effective publication on the world of investment, business and trade in Belize. The magazine itself, whose theme was "Agribusiness" for this volume, features engaging articles from various sectors of the business community and relevant statistics that, when combined, provides pertinent information to an important target audience - potential investors in the country of Belize.
Misc Belizean Sources
One woman protest outside the US Embassy in Belmopan.
In anticipation of today's protest, the road outside the Embassy has been cordoned off and there is police presence.However, activist & media personality, Yaya Marin Coleman is the only person demonstrating in front of the United States Embassy In Belmopan.
The protest was scheduled for Belizeans to demonstrate their discontent with the US Embassy to hire a Guatemalan company to build the military base on Hunting Caye.
Refurbishment Works to commence at the Lands & Survey Department in Belmopan
The Ministry of Natural Resources & Agriculture informs the general public, that in line with the Ministry's commitment to improve efficiency and delivery of service, it has commenced refurbishment of the Lands & Survey Department in
Belmopan.
HUNTING CAYE FORWARD OPERATING BASE
The Ministry of National Security hereby announces that the United States Army Corp of Engineers, the US agency responsible for the construction of the Hunting Caye Forward Operating Base, has issued a letter to the Guatemalan company BINARQ which has had the effect of causing all construction at the Base to cease. This action came about after consultations between the Ministry of National Security, the Belize Coast Guard and the United States agencies in Belize. The Ministry of National Security is insisting that this remains in effect until a satisfactory policy decision can be arrived at among all parties that takes into consideration the sensitivities expressed by sections of the Belizean population.
The Ministry takes this opportunity to clarify that BINARQ, the Guatemalan company in question, was contracted to build the Hunting Caye Base in 2011, months before the current Minister of National Security, Hon. John Saldivar assumed the portfolio. Minister Saldivar was briefed on the ongoing Hunting Caye and San Pedro projects, shortly after being appointed as the Minister of National Security in the second term of the United Democratic Party government. This also means that as on-going projects that were approved prior to our second term, there was no obligation or requirement on the part of the new Minister to report the details of these contracts to Cabinet.
Scarlet Six Biomonitoring Team
The 2014 season finally ended today. The team and the funds are exhausted. We extracted today, with mixed feelings. 7 Macaw chicks survived this season (that's 2 more than last year). But, we found other active poacher camps in more remote areas...
COROZAL YOUTH FORUM
As communities in Belize seek for a better child friendly environment, the old phrase of "It takes a community to raise a child" certainly takes center stage in these very trying times. Families are part of a larger community that help or hurt our best efforts to raise our children.
Yes, it's the parents' responsibility to care for their child. However, I believe, like many others, that it takes the community to provide the best environment for nurturing the individual. Communities that encourage involvement from different professions offer learning opportunities for all children. There are numerous ways we can join together to provide the best possible childhood for today's children. Initiatives as the Youth Forum are only a few of the ways children care programs can interact with the community, parents, and extended family members.
The theme for this year's Youth Forum "Youth to Youth My Way" resonates even more. Special guest Neidi Rosado, Coordinator of the National Youth Council stated that we should all note that 70% of our Belize population are youths and pointed out that not one organization is at the fore representing their needs and concerns.
Sept 28 - Oct 4 2014 Fishing Report
A great week even though it was lightly attended with just 3-4 boats going out daily, weather was great, permit, tarpon and bonefish were available each and every day.
Channel 7
A Halt On Hunting Caye Construction By Guatemalan Company
"Stop it!" That's the letter that the United States Army Corp of Engineers - sent to the Guatemalan Company that's building the Coast Guard Forward Operating Base on Hunting Caye.
A press release from the Ministry of National Security half an hour ago announced that all construction at the Base has ceased. The release says, quote, "This action came about after consultations between the Ministry of National Security, the Belize Coast Guard and the United States agencies in Belize."
It continues, "this remains in effect until a satisfactory policy decision can be arrived at among all parties�" The Ministry has committed to keep the public informed as soon as an agreement is reached with the United States Army Corp of Engineers.
Did A Tornado Tear Up Maskall?
There were very heavy rains and winds all across the country yesterday and last night, but the folks on the old road seem to have taken the brunt of the bad weather.
Tonight, 8 families in Maskall Village are displaced after a freak storm whipped through and destroyed their homes.
The residents say the storm seemed like a tornado to them. This morning, our News team travelled there to assess the aftermath. Daniel Ortiz has that story:
Daniel Ortiz reporting
This frame on stilts used to be an almost fully completed house - that's until a strange weather event destroyed it last night. Winds from a tornado-like storm ripped the roofing off t and flung it against this adjacent house, which is where it remains right now.
All over Maskall Village, 7 other homeowners reported varying degrees of damage to their houses. There were a number of downed trees, which had to be cleared out of the road. Still there were others which were leaning on power lines, stretched to their limit.
Dawn's House Tumbled Down After Rain
And while that storm was whipping up last night in Maskall, this morning in the city - a woman's house just fell apart like wafer biscuits.
Dawn Philips had been living at her Port Loyola home for 14 years but this morning at 6:45, her life literally fell to pieces when her house tumbled down. We found her in a bad way this morning:..
Courtney Weatherburne reporting
This morning we found Dawn Phillips living on a septic tank in her neighbor's yard, cradling what's left of her belongings after her home collapsed early this morning. She narrated the frightening moments.
Bobby Chin Charmed Caleb, Says UNIBAM Won't Go For Injunction
The Bobby Chin Birthday Bash, which has been in the news because of the controversy over objectionable lyrics, will go ahead unchallenged.
That's because as we showed you last night, Jamaican Artist, Robert Lee, better known as "Bobby Chin" or "Black Chiny", responded to UNIBAM's criticism that they might incite violence at their concert. Bobby Chin told us that he did not need UNIBAM to pressure him into a doing a clean show, because that is the standing orders at any event he hosts or performs, and that it has been a long-standing practice of his.
Well, UNIBAM says that the they've gotten the verbal undertaking they wanted from him, and so, they are not going to the Supreme Court to get any emergency injunction to block the concert from happening.
Alleged Burglar Drags Himself To Court After Breaking Legs
Keith Burgess showed up at court on crutches today - and had to scrape himself up off the ground when he was called into court. But, it wasn't the police who left him like that - the allegation is that he did it to himself. Police say he broke both legs when he jumped form a building he was caught burglarizing.
The 53-year-old Caye Caulker resident was caught in the act, on a surveillance camera after stealing 20 whole lobsters from Bamboo's Beach Bar & Grill in Caye Caulker two days ago on October 7th.
He was arraigned on a single charge of burglary - to which he pleaded not guilty. He got bail of $1,000 and is due back in Court #4 on December 9, 2014.
Gunplay At Mile 8
4 residents from Mile 8 were charged with aggravated assault this afternoon when they appeared before Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser. The 4 are 22 year old Mark Evan Vernon, 22 year old Jamal Grant along with two minors. The incident happened on Monday where the men reportedly assaulted Mile 8 resident Brandon Dawson with a firearm. Vernon was also charged with kept ammunition without a gun license because he was found with a .22mm caliber round the following day. Due to the nature of the offense, no bail was granted and the two minors were remanded to the Belize Wagner Facility while Vernon and Grant were remanded to the Belize Central Prison. Before Vernon left the court, he told Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser that the complainant had dropped the charges but the police still went ahead to press charges. Their next court date is set for November 21st, 2014.
FCD Launches Telethon To Fundraise For Rangers
For two weeks now since the murder of Danny Conorquie - national attention has been laser focused on the western border with Guatemala - and the 25 miles or so that abut the Chiquibul forest. And, the friends for Conservation and Development, which co-manages the Chiquibul National Park says the attention is much needed. That's because the Chiquibul, which is four times the size of Barbados, needs more boots on the ground. The BDF has already sent more soldiers, but the Friends have to provide Forest Rangers to accompany them - to gather important information about the preservation and the plunder of the largest conservation area in Belize. And so the FCD is hoping to harness public interest in the area - to get some support for their rangers program. They're organizing a telethon - and today at a press conference they told the media why:..
Jules Vasquez reporting
In ten days Camp Valentin will be fully operational. It is a conservation post which sits just across the border form the Guatemalan village of La Rejoya - and angry villagers came across on Friday demanding that it be taken down:
Mayor Says He'll Pave Terrible Thoroughfare
We have been reporting on major road renovations in the city for the past few months - and while it usually happens without publicity, municipal elections are coming, and it seems ground breakings are the thing.
Today ground was broken for the concreting of the battered Blue Marlin Boulevard. The Mayor explains the extent of this 1st phase of renovation works in the area.
Darrell Bradley, Belize City Mayor
"The people in this community and those persons who travels through this area will have a two-lane carriage way that will be a beautiful boulevard equip with earthen drains for the time being, but the second phase will cause us to do concrete drains and sidewalks, but that's not part of this first phase, but this will be a major improvement. We are also going to implement a round-about right behind me.
Dean Street Drainage Difficulties After Every Deluge
On the topic of road renovations, the residents of Dean Street are plagued with a major and chronic flooding issue caused by the lack of proper drainage. We also asked the Mayor today what he is doing to fix it:
Darrell Bradley, Belize City Mayor
"I've heard the complaint about Dean Street before and we sent out crews to clear some of the areas. We are working to ensure that they are outflows into the canal as best as possible. We know that there will be flooding, but what we are trying to aim at is to ensure that within a reasonable period of time after the rains the water can flow out as quickly as possible."
PM to DC
Prime Minister Barrow left the country today for official business in Washington DC where he will meet with officials of the Inter-American Development Bank. He returns in 5 days on Tuesday October 14th. Deputy Gaspar Vega will act as Prime Minister in his absence.
Drug Destruction in Dangriga
Dangriga police had a drug destruction today - it wasn't like a tonne of cocaine - it was more like housekeeping - as the formation destroyed all the individual drug busts they had made by fire. The entire session was witnessed and tallied by the requisite legal and police authorities.
Another New Intake of Police
Yesterday, 136 male and female recruits who passed out as fully fledged police officers, after going through their four months of formal training at the police academy.
These new police officers were part of the recruit intake #90, and 7News was there to see them take the oath. It's part of government's increased spending on security and Minister of National Security John Saldivar, told the officers what is expected of them:
Hon. John Saldivar, Minister of National Security
"Recruit Squad #90, let me start by congratulating all 135 of you for successfully completing this process of entry into the Belize Police Department. 26 females and 109 males; you are 135 amongst the more than 800 applicants as I said before who have persevered over the last 18 weeks sacrificed and trained at the police academy. You have worked hard and now you are launching your career as a police officer.
Police Minister Says Media Sensationalizing Murders
50% of this intake is expected to go to the nation's crime hotspot, Belize City. That's about 65 new police on the ground, but despite ever more officers on the streets, Belize City residents still feel unsafe and that 2014 has been a violent year. We can't say for sure because the police department has stopped producing statistics.
Yet, still, The National Security Minister, who hadn't been granting interviews for some months now took an opportunity yesterday to publicly criticize the media, suggesting that press has been sensationalizing homicides, while taking them out of context.
Here's how he put it:
Hon. John Saldivar, Minister of National Security
"No one in the media is bothering to look at the numbers before declaring that crime is spiraling out of control. Yes, there are times when there are spikes in murders, which is a cycle which we all know. However a closer look at the numbers will tell you that the overall trend for 2014 is still far better than 2012 when we had 145 murders.
Senate Debates New Gun Law
Minister John Saldivar has also been integral in the amendments to the gun law which has been publicly criticized on many different occasions as being oppressive to citizens.
As we've told you, the amendments to the law, after months of work came in the form of the Firearm Amendment Bill and the Crime Control and Criminal Justice Bill. These amendments were supposed to rationalize the law so that first time offenders wouldn't be tied up in jail for unreasonable amounts of time, as is currently the case.
As we told you, yesterday, those bills were passed by the Senate, and awaited the Govern General's Assent to law.
The Senators got their chance to debate the bill, and it received quite a number of negative reviews because those senators who don't support it say that these bills do not provide any sort of institutional alleviation to the problems created by the "draconian gun law" currently in effect.
Chiquibul, The Scenic River Route
And tonight we go back into our archives again to continue our in depth look into the many issues at play in the Chiquibul. In 2009 we went into the depths of the National Park but not overland, instead we took the scenic route by river where many of the issues can be appreciated from up close. Here's a look back at that story:..
Jules Vasquez Reporting,
Here at Chalillo where the wide span, 420 feet of the 150 foot high containment wall holds in and harnesses the upper branch of the Macal, one can truly appreciate the sharp juxtaposition of what's probably Belize's greatest civil engineering feat buttressed against nature's finest creation, the broad breathtaking landscape of Chiquibul. Jarring but compelling, as the coppery tones of the boulders blasted to clear the land for the dam - form a neat contrast against the still waters
Seine Bight Teacher Poisoned Himself
On Monday, we told you the tragedy in Seine Bight Village where 33 year-old Byron Castillo stabbed his common-law wife 34 year-old Nicole Swazo, in an ugly public dispute last week Saturday.
Immediately after the attack, police found him dead inside his house, he had hung himself after drinking an insecticide. Well, Police say that the post-mortem concluded that he died from acute chemical pneumonia due to bronchial aspiration as a consequence of ingesting a chemical substance, namely malathion. This means that he died from the poison he drank, before he attempted to hang himself.
Channel 5
U.S. Southcom Sends Guatemalans South
The Minister of National Security John Saldivar informed the media on Wednesday that the construction of the military facility at Hunting Caye had not been stopped. Hours later, on Wednesday [...]
One Woman Protest at the US Embassy
As we told you, the US Embassy has issued a press statement in which it explained the decision of the US Southern Command to select a Guatemalan contractor to build [...]
Heavy Rains Destroy Home in the City
A family of five is without their house tonight after heavy rains and winds lashed the City on Wednesday night. This morning just before seven o'clock, their small wooden house [...]
FCD to Hold Telethon To Raise Funds
Rafael Manzanero of Friends for Conservation and Development has been making desperate pleas for much needed assistance to co-manage the Chiquibul National Park. Manzanero has told just about everyone who [...]
Beenie Man Gets the Green Light from UNIBAM
The fuss over the Bobby Chin Birthday Bash Concert has all but been settled. Earlier this week, the attorney for the United Belize Advocacy Movement, UNIBAM, wrote to the promoters [...]
Ministry of Lands Silent on Unitedville Dispute
Prime Minister Dean Barrow has gone on the record to state that the Ministry of Natural Resources is a hotbed of corruption. He probably could have gone further to call [...]
Two Men Arraigned for Separate Murders in the Toledo District
Two men were formally arraigned for murder this morning at the Punta Gorda Magistrate's Court. Although the charges were just laid, the murders go back some time. Twenty-one year old [...]
Sewell’s Attorney Applies for Leave to Appeal Extradition
Gary Sewell has been behind bars since 2010 fighting an extradition request by the U.S. On July third, 2014, Justice Michelle Arana handed down a decision to extradite Sewell. �But [...]
CitCo Breaks Ground for Blue Marlin Blvd. Renovation
Since taking office in 2012, Mayor Darrell Bradley and the Belize City Council have concreted a total of one hundred and twenty-seven streets across the municipality.� This morning, ground was [...]
Mayor Bradley Offers Update on City Infrastructure Works
With another phase of road works set to begin on Monday, we asked Mayor Bradley earlier today for an assessment of the already cemented streets, in light of the recent [...]
Major Drug Destruction in Dangriga
This morning, in the outskirts of Dangriga, a drug destruction operation took place. Two batches of both cocaine and marijuana went up in smoke, all in all, a total of [...]
Canadian Named in Billion-Dollar Fraud
Bahamian nationals Rohn Knowles and Kelvin Leach met bail of a hundred thousand dollars on October first, for an extradition warrant. The duo and three others are wanted by the [...]
Senator Shoman Blasts G.O.B. for Skewed Priorities
There's been much said about the Coast Guard's Guatemalan constructed forward operating base on Hunting Caye amid furious anti-Guatemalan sentiment in the wake of the murder of Danny Conorquie, the [...]
Top 20 Art Students Awarded by Atlantic Bank
Atlantic Bank Limited on Wednesday hosted an award ceremony for its fourth annual art competition. This year, primary schools students, who are avid painters, were asked to submit pieces that [...]
Healthy Living looks at the ChikV threat to Belize
On Tuesday, officials from the Ministry of Health hosted a press conference to discuss Belize's preparedness for Ebola and Chikungunya. Belizeans have been preoccupied about the country's level of readiness [...]
CTV3
Another Stalemate In The Negotiations For Bagasse
There seems to be no 'happily ever after' in sight when it comes to reaching to a mutual understanding and agreement between the BSCFA and BSI/ASR. Today, another round of discussions was held where members of both entities met to review the draft counterproposal from the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association to BSI/ASR's newly proposed commercial agreement presented to the association on September 8th, the date the two entities last met.
BSI is saying that they hope to finalize the agreement by the time the next crop season begins but that their position remains the same where they don't want to enter into an interim agreement but to conclude negotiations once and for all. This is being proposed for many reasons, says Financial Controller for BSI, Belizario Carballo Jr.
OWTC Conducts Pets Sterilization Program
In some dog-related circles, the question of surgical sterilization, otherwise known as spaying (females) and neutering (males) is sure to spark hot debate. And while pet overpopulation and euthanasia are a continuing problem, the Orange Walk Town Council will be engaging in a first Dog and Cat Sterilization Campaign to spay your pets. Deputy Mayor, Ian Cal, says saying or neutering your dog is an important part of responsible pet ownership and is the most humane way for population control of stray pets.
Ian Cal - Deputy Mayor, OWTC
"An avenue the council use to take before and it has been done for many years is the dog eradication where at least every six months the Council goes around and eradicates stray dogs and cats or whatever pets are on the streets and it is an inhumane way of doing things but it was a way on getting it done so we as a council decide that it is not the best option, after consultation with many of the residence as well there are many dog lovers and pet lover sin this country...
Local Artist Expresses Passion About His Art Work
A lot of us have stared in awe at the art work of people living abroad and often times we fail to notice the raw talent that surrounds us within our very own community. And these are plenty and the talent comes in every form and shape. Tonight we want to highlight the work of a young Orange Walk resident who is finding his way up in the world of art. The following is a look at the work of twenty seven year old Jesus Melendez who not only paints but also tattoos and then some.
Jesus Melendez - Artist
"Everyone looked up to me for drawing until 1st, 2nd form and I went to art club and that is when Mr. Bennett taught me a little about painting and then until then I just stopped because I was looking more into an educational field and I never thought that art would be my way of living."
Police Cleans Up Orange Walk
Tonight, several persons have been detained and are in custody after a string of operations carried out by Orange Walk Police proved successful. We were reliably informed that the raid seeks to rid the town core of drugs, firearms, ammunition and stolen goods. Several persons have been detained but are yet to be charged. Deputy Commanding the OW Police Formation, Inspector Selvin Tillett, says the operations are necessary to provide for a crime-free community. And like in any undertaking, criticism from families of the persons detained has already started. According to Inspector Tillett, once police officers are following protocol and have credible evidence to detain a person that is exactly what will be done. The men detained are expected to be charged tomorrow. The operation says Tillett, will be an on-going one for the next couple of weeks.
Four Charged For Family Feud
A family feud landed three women who are cousins and one man who is a friend of the family at the Corozal Magistrates Court today.
Twenty three year old Nurse Nancy Chan, 18 year old student Fernando Martinez and a 17 year old and a 15 year old minor were arraigned in front of Magistrate Hurl Hamilton for charges ranging from harm to common assault.
Reports are that on September 4th 2014, Martinez and the 17 year old minor were in the village of San Roman, Corozal when they attacked the 15 year old minor and burst her gold chain valued at $300. Because of that incident both Martinez and the 17 year old minor were jointly charged for harm and damage to property. Both pleaded not guilty and were granted bail of $1000.00 each plus a surety of the same amount.
First Ebola Patient Dies In The US
Yesterday we told you about The Ebola outbreak in West Africa and measures being taken in Belize to prevent its introduction to the country. Ebola, which is the world's deadliest disease to date, has prompted the World Health Organization to declare an international health emergency as more than 3,850 people have died of the virus in Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Nigeria this year. But this morning, 42 year old Thomas Eric Duncan, the first person to be diagnosed with Ebola inside the United States amid an outbreak that has killed thousands in Africa, died. His death was confirmed by Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas where he was being treated.
World Mental health Day Observed In Orange Walk
October 10th is designated as World Mental Health Day across the globe and in Belize it is no different. In this light, the Ministry of Health will observe this day with a national ceremony at the Welcome Resource Center in Belize City on Friday. The theme of this year's World Mental Health Day is "Living with Schizophrenia" which seeks to focus attention on the burden of stigma that persons with this illness face on a daily basis. The Ministry's release states that Schizophrenia is a serious but treatable mental illness that affects how a person thinks, feels, and acts. An affected person finds it difficult to tell the difference between real and imagined experiences, to think logically, express feelings or how to behave appropriately.
Alex Tillett Turned Over Himself To The Police
Wanted man Alex Tillett, turned himself to authorities' sometime this morning. Tillett is accused of taking part in the heist of the Hung Yun Store on the Phillip Goldson Highway near the Northern Regional Hospital and was wanted for two counts of robbery. Tillett had absconded police since September 19th.
Police say 27 year old Alex Tillett; known as "lexus" was one of two men who also robbed Darvis Store at gunpoint on September 11th. You may recall that the September 19th armed robbery of Hung Yun Store proved fatal for his accomplice Leslie Logan Jr. who was shot by the proprietor of the store. Following several weeks of hiding, Tillett is now in police custody and is yet to be charged. We spoke with a family member today who wished to remain anonymous.
Ranchito Government School Burglarized
Last night, thieves targeted the Ranchito Government School and made off with proceeds from the schools fundraising effort that was scheduled for this coming Friday. It's a stinging blow for the faculty of the school who are looking forward to the reconstruction of two school buildings. Reporter Victor Castillo has more on the story.
Victor Castillo - Reporting
A routine day for students and faculty of Ranchito Government School quickly turned heart wrenching when they arrived on campus today only to find out that vandals had burglarized the school sometime last night. Member of the Parent-Teacher Association, Consuelo Magana told us more.
Consuelo Maga�a - member of the PTA
"We work very hard and some people just come into our school break Windows, break doors and take stuff that is no theirs the PTA is working hard for the benefit of our children."
Corozal Police Discovers The Body Of Female Corozalena
Corozal Police are tonight awaiting the results of a post mortem examination being conducted as we speak on the body of female to decipher if she was murdered or if she died of natural causes. Around 3:00 this afternoon the badly decomposed body of the elderly female from the Village of Cristo Rey, Corozal, was discovered by villagers in a cane field located within the village. While we have been provided with the name of the woman it will be withheld since some of her family members are yet to be notified. At this time information into the case is hard to come by but we understand that the woman went missing approximately eight days ago. Yesterday, her family and residents of Cristo Rey became concerned and organized a search party that went out looking for the woman. But they came back to the village empty handed. This afternoon the search party continued looking and that is when they discovered the body of the woman who is in her seventies. As mentioned a post mortem is being conducted on site and we understand that right after, the body will be buried due to the bad state of decomposition. We will have more on this story in tomorrow's newscast.
LOVE FM
Investigators Make Progress in Two Toledo Murders
Charges have finally been laid against two men from the Toledo District for two separate murders. On Mother's Day, the body of 26-year-old Janice Floris Vargas was found at Jamaica Bar in Punta Gorda. The young woman had been stabbed to death. More than four months after her murder 21-year-old Kenner Gomez of a Cemetery area address has been charged for the crime. 24-year-old Miguel Choco d San Pedro Columbia was also charged for murder. This is connection with the murder of 61-year-old Agripina Coc who was murdered on August 30.
Blue Marlin Boulevard to Be Completed for Christmas
Today Belize City Mayor, Darrell Bradley, held a ground breaking ceremony for the cementing of Blue Marlin Boulevard in Belize City. Bradley also shared that the council's technical team is putting significant emphasis on the upgrading of city streets. So far, 127 streets have been paved. It is expected that the commencing of Blue Marlin Boulevard and surrounding areas should be completed by December.
"This street had always been slated for a boulevard. However the original street was just a double lane carriage way and so with the ground breaking this morning we are launching the project which should take three months so that before Christmas we are going to have a boulevard be developed here. It is going to be three times as big as the existing carriage way. It is also going to feature a roundabout that is going to intersect the boulevard with Coney Drive and our analysis is showing that that should ease some of the traffic flow coming on to Coney Drive. We are going to put drains along the side, these are not going to be the drains that you see along Chetumal Boulevard; those were too expensive but they are going to be nice drains.
National Security Minister Kept Details of Contract Private
Saldivar also commented on the Forward Operating Base being built by a Guatemalan Company at Hunting Caye in Southern Belize. It was also made known that the company chose to hire Guatemalan nationals. This fact was not communicated to Prime Minister, Dean Barrow and Saldivar told us why�
JOHN SALDIVAR
"I don't believe that anyone in the security apparatus would have allowed for this to happen if they felt that our national security was threatened by the fact that the Guatemalan company was doing the construction. We understand the sentiment of our Belizean people and the matter has been reviewed we have already been in communication with the US Embassy with respect to some flexibility in their procurement guidelines."
LOCAL REPORTER
"What will happen at this time with this Guatemalan contractor at the Forward Operating Base will he continue?"
JOHN SALDIVAR
"At this point no decision has been made to discontinue."
LOCAL REPORTER
"Did you know about it?"
JOHN SALDIVAR
"Yes I did."
National Security Minister Has No Answers In Conorquie's Death
The murder of Special Constable Daniel "Danny" Conorquie at the Caracol Archaeological Site has sparked anger since it is widely speculated that the culprits were Guatemalans. That anger further escalated when it was made public that an internal memo was sent to the Commissioner of Police, Allen Whylie, by the Officer in Charge of the Tourism Police Unit, Assistant Superintendent of Police, Diana Hall, on January 24. ASP Hall wrote, quote "the Guatemalans have become so bold that they are also falling trees next to the main road used to access the Caracol site approximately 1.5 miles from the site���there is evidence of well-established trails used by Guatemalans for such activities��..I personally believe that these officers are put in a high risk position and although it is an Archaeological site, the Tourism Officers are not the one who should be manning that site," end of qoute. Hall recommended that officers posted at Caracol be provided with bullet proof vest, that their shotguns be replaced with higher powered weapons and that that all personnel stationed at Caracol be adequately trained. However, nothing came of Hall's warning and recommendations. So today, we asked Minister of National Security, John Saldivar, about that memo and here is how he responded.