FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE
Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.
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
San Pedro Police Officer Dean Perez charged for theft
According to San Pedro Police, following an intensive investigation, an Identification Parade was conducted where PC Perez was positively identified. On Tuesday October 28th, Perez was formally arrested and charged for the crime of "theft"
Perez has since been arranged before the San Pedro Magistrate Court where he was offered and met bail in the sum of $2000. He has been ordered to keep away from the complainant and is scheduled to reappear in court on December 5th.
Inspector Jemott said beside the criminal investigation, PC Perez will also face an internal investigation and will be taken before a police tribunal on similar charges.
PC Perez, who has recently been transferred to San Pedro Town, has been placed on interdiction on half salary.
The new sport in town: Rugby
Recently an organization called 'Rugby Belize' has been introducing a new sport to the country. While rugby is quite popular in our mother country, England, it is still relatively unheard of here in Belize. But it looks like that is about to change as Rugby Belize has made it way to San Pedro Town! Practice was held at the Honorable Louis Sylvester Arena (Saca Chispas) and I was certainly surprised at the number of children that had come out to learn more on the new sport. Rugby, which is a style of football, encompasses scoring goals against the opposing team by either running with the ball in hand or kicking it. It is quite an aggressive contact sport that incorporates tackling and body slamming. But, in my view this is a healthy way youths can release the stress and frustration of everyday life (Yes, even homework can be stressful).
Belize's SGA proposes the complete use of the conch at regional conference
According to Schwendinger and Lawrence, if the conch flesh is extracted with the right tool and the conch shell is kept intact, it can fetch not less than US$1 per pound if properly marketed. In addition, parts of the conch can be used as organic food meal for poultry and other livestock. When processed, it can be used as vitamin and calcium supplements and even road/landfill materials. Schwendinger said, "We want to create extra income for the fishermen because of the delicate nature of the species and to discourage fishermen from harvesting juvenile conch. We will assist in the process by showing them how to use parts that are currently not being used and empower them, eventually creating work during the closed conch season."
To be able to use, develop, market and most importantly trade any byproduct of the Strombus Gigas, CITES would need to be on board since they are the international organization that deals with all forms of threatened and endangered species worldwide. "We would need the cooperation of CITES to allow the movement of byproducts derived from the harvesting of legal-sized conch without the many restrictions in place to save the animal. In implementing these restrictions, CITES has endorsed the treating of species such as bears, elephants and sharks in a similar fashion, which we disagree with. CITES allows the equivalence of using the paws of the bears, or the tusk of the elephant and leave the rest of the animal to die and go to the garbage. We think the Stombus Gigas can be treated differently and the entire conch can be used to benefit the local communities of Belize and the wider Caribbean," Schwendinger highlighted.
US and Belize strengthen collaboration efforts to protect cultural properties
The United States Government, through their embassy in Belize and the Belize Institute of Archaeology, hosted a half- day workshop in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye on Wednesday October 22nd. The workshop highlighted the importance and potential benefits of protecting the country's cultural heritage. It also served to update stakeholders about an agreement between the two governments to protect cultural heritage in an effort to address looting, pillaging and illegal trading of cultural and historical artifacts and antiquity.
The agreement between Belize and the US was signed in February 2013 and falls in compliance with the 1970 UNESCO convention on the Means of Prohibition and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Trade of Ownership of Cultural Property. The agreement is seen as a step forward in addressing a serious concern as it relates to the looting of ancient monuments, including archaeological sites, colonial landmarks and even shipwrecks. In many instances, items found during the reckless looting is transported illegally and eventually finds its way into some illicit lucrative collectors market. In Belize, many sites have been looted over the past couple decades, more recently was El Pilar Archaeological site in western Belize.
Another Special Operation conducted on San Pedro
On Wednesday, October 22nd, a team of San Pedro Police, Criminal Investigation Branch, Special Branch and Belize City Gang Suppression Unit personnel, assisted by Special Branch Intelligence conducted a joint anti-drugs and HUTRAC operation within San Pedro Town.
� A search was conducted near the residence of a known drug dealer in the DFC Area, which led to the discovery of a black plastic bag containing two transparent plastic bags which had 36 grams of suspected cannabis. The said drug was labeled as found property. � A search was conducted at an apartment room located in the San Pedrito Area occupied by 21-year-old Honduran Nationals Evelin Pamela Enamorado and Oneida Carolina Enamorado. Both persons were requested to produce their travel documents (passports). Police observed that they both had overstayed their time in the Country. Therefore, subjects were detained for "Failure to Comply with Visitor's Permit" and were handed over to the Belize Immigration Department for charges.
Ambergris Today
House Fire Quickly Averted by Quick Thinking
It was the quick thinking of the security personnel of Atlantic Bank who saved the day as two of them extinguished the fire with fire extinguishers. Both BEL linesmen and firefighters arrived at the scene just in time to assist and cut power to the building.
An electrician who was passing by at the moment commented that there are still some old homes in downtown San Pedro with old wiring and residents should consider rewiring their building and connections to the main electrical supply. In this case a handy fire extinguisher is also a very essential item to have around the house and business. Local electricians and personnel from the electric company can make assessments for homes and businesses to be safe.
Misc Belizean Sources
THE BART'S BASH REGATTA RESULTS - BELIZEAN SAILORS SHINE
No one expected it. No one in the world expected Belize sailors all to finish among the top 15%, and place 4 in the top 50, in the biggest regatta of all time.
On September 21, 2014, twenty-eight Belizeans were among 16,780 skippers of all ages, all over the world, and in all sorts of sailboats, participating in Bart's Bash, a regatta that the Guinness Book of World Records accepts as the largest regatta in history. It was held in memory of a beloved champion sailor and philanthropist, Andrew "Bart" Simpson and in support of The Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation. Bart lost his life at age 37, practicing aboard Sweden's 72-foot America's Cup catamaran that cartwheeled in preliminaries on San Francisco Bay on May 8, 2013. The names of all the skippers in this memorial to his life will be recorded in the Guinness book's on line edition.
It has taken the regatta's volunteer committee in the UK 5 weeks to compile the results, but they are finally in, and they are something of which all Belize can be immensely proud. The performance of the Belizean skippers establishes their homeland in the eyes of the international sailing community as a venue for sailors everywhere to admire, to yearn for, and to come and experience.
1179 of the boats contending were Optimist class dinghies, sailed individually by children aged 8 - 15. Young Belizean Optimist skippers in this massive regatta finished with ranks among the top 5% in their class and among the top 8% over all. Here are their scores:
First Annual Sarteneja Community Day!
Bring the entire family out and have lots of fun! It's all happening this Saturday!
BELIZEANS: remember, you DO NOT require a visa to visit Mexico
With your Belize passport you can travel anywhere in Mexico. You just have to fill out the entry form called FMM, which you can obtain at any Mexican border or airport.
Welcome to Mexico!
Corozal Daily - Picture of the Week
Talented artist from Sarteneja Chuy Carillo, owner of Chuy's Arts. Visit him when in Sarteneja, Corozal.
Shark Satellite Tagging along the MesoAmerican Reef
We are pleased to have caught some of the species that we are targeting in our Mesoamerican Reef study on the spatial ecology of large reef-associated sharks. Thanks to the efforts of a crack team of fishers from Punta Gorda, Monkey River, Sarteneja and San Pedro documented by videographer extraordinaire Becky Kagan Schott, we are off to a good start!
Government of Belize Responds to Opposition Lawsuit Regarding Petrocaribe Funds
The Government of Belize deplores the suit filed by the Opposition PUP against the Petrocaribe program, as an abuse of the process of the court. This unpatriotic attempt to play politics with a breakthrough program that is of vital national financial and developmental importance, in truth has nothing to do with the law.
6th Traveling Caribbean Film Showcase in BELIZE!
Monday, November 3 at 6:00pm in UTC-06
Leo Bradly Library & Bliss Center in Belize City The 6th Traveling Caribbean Film Showcase in BELIZE starts next week Monday, Nov. 3rd to Friday, Nov. 14th. ALL FILMS ARE FREE!! The Official program for the 6th Edition of the Traveling Caribbean Film Showcase is made up of 27 documentaries and 3 short animations that represent 13 countries throughout the Caribbean. It will screen over the course of two weeks in Belize City with screenings for the first week taking place at the Leo Bradley Library's AV Room from Mon. Nov. 3rd to Friday Nov. 7th and the second week at the Bliss Centre for the Performing Arts from Mon. Nov. 10th to Friday Nov. 14th. In both places, the screenings are scheduled to take place from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. During the same time period, additional public screenings have been scheduled to take place at the various Libraries and Houses of Culture in the other 5 districts as well as individual screenings at schools and other established institutions.
Channel 7
PUP Seeks Injunction ot Block Petrocaribe Spending; GOB Scoffs
The PUP has filed suit against the Barrow Administration - seeking to block government from spending anymore of the Petrocaribe money. As we've been reporting, Julius Espat, the representative for Cayo South and Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee has challenged the Petrocaribe Loan Motion ever since it went to the House of Representatives. Espat says it is too late to ask the House's approval for 114 million US dollars - since the money has already been borrowed and much of it spent.
The Auditor General didn't buy his argument - so Espat has filed a law suit in the Supreme Court. It names Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Dean Barrow, the Attorney General, and the local company for Petrocaribe, ALBA PETRO CARIBE (BELIZE ENERGY) LIMITED. They are asking the court for an injunction restraining the Minister of Finance Barrow from paying the Petrocaribe loan out of the public purse, and an injunction restraining Barrow from spending any of the Petrocaribe money. The PUP says it violates the Finance and Audit (Reform) Act and the Belize Constitution.
Cricel Castillo Takes On Bodybuilding Federation
2 weeks ago, the Belize Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation held the 2014 Bodybuilding Championships.
As we've told you, Rigo Vellos was crowned Mr. Belize for the 3rd time in a row, and veteran Gina Lovell was chosen as this year's Miss Body Fitness. The tournament went off without a hitch, and it was well supported by the public who went out to see the parade of chiselled bodies.
But, all that ends well, is not always well: defending Body Fitness champion Cricel Castillo did not compete. She's been banned for two years.
She spoke with our colleagues from KREM News about it and hearing those comments The Federation jumped to action and called the media for an impromptu press briefing. Daniel Ortiz has both sides:
82 Year Old Man Explains How The House Tumbled Down
Last night we told you about the 82 year old man whose house collapsed while he was in bed sleeping early Tuesday morning. It happened on Mangrove Street near the Bel China Bridge. Randy Cabral escaped unhurt but tonight he is begging lodging at his neighbor's house since he is now homeless. We visited the elderly man today as he tried to recollect what happened.
Area Represented Herman Longworth told 7news that Cabral's case is considered an emergency and all efforts will be made to rebuild a home on his property as soon as possible.
Andy Palacio's Central Role InThe Wider discovery Of Paul Nabor
Paul Nabor's Funeral will be held on Saturday in Punta Gorda Town. The humble fisherman and parandero from Toledo will receive an official funeral witnessed by hundreds of adoring fans. But while he leaves this earthly plane as a national and international icon - had it not been for some name dropping by Andy Palacio back in 1995, Paul Nabor might never be as widely known or celebrated as he has become. That was revealed to us today in a conversation with Ivan Duran, the founder of Stonetree records who produced the only Paul Nabor songs most people have ever heard including of course, the anthemic Naguya Nei. Today, we spoke to Duran via Face time in Montreal, Canada where he told us the story of how Paul Nabor came into his life - and nothing was the same after that:�
Tomorrow, we'll have more gems on the legend of Paul Nabor from our extended conversation with Duran, including the happy accident that led to those very familiar opening chords of Naguya Nei.
Lands Dept. Trying To Solve All Those Land Problems
If there is one thing that Belizeans are familiar with whether it be from firsthand experience or accounts from disgruntled family members and friends: its land issues. From stolen land leases, to lost applications, there's a bottleneck of mythic proportions at the lands office. But the Lands and Survey department has been trying to clear things up by conducting Field Inspection Sweeps around the country. They were in Orange Walk from Monday and they told us how this project will help resolve your land issues.
Taking A Look At Tower Hill
In June we showed you the ground breaking for the Tower Hill Airstrip in Orange Walk - and now they're getting ready to officially open the refurbished runway. And it is quite a transformation from a scratch of rough cement to a fully paved strip. The airstrip is ideally located to get tourists get to Lamanai, which is close by. The runway is located just about a mile away from the BSI factory and is now fully operational.
Man Accused Of Pulling Gun On Cops
26 year-old Ronald Smith allegedly got caught with a firearm, and while he tried to escape from police, he was cornered. What happened next, according to police, was that he took aim at the pursuing officer with the illegal weapon.
Police Constable Roman Cantun reported that while he was at the Hatieville Police Station on Saturday, he heard a gunshot. When he went outside to investigate, he allegedly saw smith with a firearm. He said Smith ran into some nearby bushes, that's when he and other officers set chase.
Cantun said when he caught up with Smith, the man pointed a firearm at him, which forced him to draw his service weapon. The officer says that he attempted to fire a warning shot, but his weapon misfired twice. Another officer then drew his firearm and apprehended smith but by that time Smith had already gotten rid of his weapon, which they have not managed to retrieved.
Mild Inflation in September; Highest In San Ignacio
The consumer price index rose marginally in September 2014 - The national inflation rate for the month was 0.7 percent, slightly lower than the 0.9 percent recorded in August. For the first nine months of 2014, the overall inflation rate was 1.3 percent.
Prices for Breads and Cereals declined by 1.2 percent while vegetables, which had seen continuously rising prices since last year, were down by 2.1 percent.
San Ignacio/Santa Elena recorded the highest rate of price increase for the month. The lowest was in Corozal Town, where consumer prices rose by a negligible 0.2 percent compared to the same month last year.
The Reason For Red Ribbons
A recent global survey by the World Health Organization which was launched last week in Europe showed that Belizean drinkers consume large volumes of alcohol. From 2003 to 2008, the average consumption for persons 15 and older was 5.3 litres of pure alcohol per year - that's about 12 pints. But for 2008 to 2013, it was up to 6.8 litres, about 14 pints.
And while drug abuse among youths would seem to be on the upswing, every year, students march in Red Ribbon parades. Courtney Weatherburne captured their messages today
The theme for this years Red Ribbon Week is "Love yourself and be drug free."
Rigo's Dominance Underappreciated
The Cricel Castillo controversy may be dominating the headlines, and 3-time Mr. Belize Champion, Rigo Vellos has been - perhaps unfairly reduced to a peripheral figure. But his dominance demands more: He won his weight category at the 2014 Body Building Championships, and he was also chosen as the overall winner of the competition.
Today, we spoke with him about it, and he said that his winning moment was to return the stage in the shape he had envisioned at the start of the year:
In order to take the record for the Most Mr. Belize Championships, he must win 5 more times.