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The San Pedro Sun
Seven island students receive CSEC Awards of Excellence
On Wednesday, November 26th the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) National Committee of Belize held their annual national award ceremony for the 2014 Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and Caribbean Advance Proficiency Examination (CAPE). The ceremony was held at the Multipurpose Complex Building in Orange Walk Town and saw hundreds of secondary and tertiary students being awarded. Among the awardees were seven graduates from San Pedro High School (SPHS) who received CSEC Awards of Excellence. The awardees were: Alisha Cadle, Geovanna Carillo, Kelsey Luna, Vivian Noralez, Mahe Perreira, Jasmine Ritchie, Gian Rivero, Marlon Santos and Doris Soriano.
CSEC and CAPE are proficiency exams offered to students graduating from secondary and tertiary institutions, respectively, across the Caribbean Region in May and June of each year. According to the Ministry of Education this year's results saw an increase in passes and higher grades. "We are here to celebrate our students both at the CSEC and the CAPE level because they are the excellent; they are the shining stars of the Belize education system and we ought very much to be proud of them and to give them all the praise, the props, everything that they have worked so hard for. This year, Belize performed exceptionally in both exams, and we expect to continue in this growth in the years to come," said Minister of Education, Patrick Faber at the ceremony.
PC Hector Blanco takes the November Officer of the Month Award
November's Officer of the Month Award went to Police Constable (PC) 1443 Hector Blanco who was honored during a short ceremony on Tuesday, December 2nd. PC Blanco works as the administrative assistant at the San Pedro Police Department and was thrilled to be the recipient of the Officer of the Month award. At the ceremony, Deputy in Charge of San Pedro Police, Inspector Henry Jemmott and General Manager of Fido's Courtyard, Brian Cook presented PC Blanco with several tokens of recognition for his hard work.
PC Blanco has been serving in San Pedro for the past two years. According to Inspector Jemmott, although PC Blanco is one of the officers that is not often seen by the community, his role plays a crucial part in the smooth running of the station. "PC Blanco works as one of our administrative staff. He plays several roles in the station and has several tasks to do on a daily basis. PC Blanco is our computer specialist, technician, clerk, and even secretary. He ensures that everything is ready for police officers to charge criminals and that cases are well prepared. Overall, his assistance to the police is essential," said Jemmott.
San Pedro Cadets and Police hold Christmas Drive
Christmas is a time of giving and the San Pedro Cadet Corps have taken on the task to give back to their community. Your help is needed to help the Cadets meet their goal of giving back to the less fortunate residents of Ambergris Caye. This year, the Cadets in collaboration with the San Pedro Police Department, are conducting a Christmas Drive to collect items that will be distribute to underprivileged families just in time for the Christmas Holidays. According to Deputy in Charge of the San Pedro Police, Inspector Henry Jemmott, the aim of the drive is to give back to the community and spread Christmas cheer. Police are asking the community to donate anything from non-perishable food items, to clothes and toys. "We are asking the community to give what they can. These items will be sorted and packaged to be given to families. Not everyone living on the island is privileged to receive gifts for Christmas.
Mayor's Cup heads to the finals
The final round of games for the regular season was played on Saturday, November 29th at 6PM and saw five matches. The night also saw four teams fighting for the three remaining spots in the semi-finals. In the first match, Warriors FC took on Green House FC. As one of the teams competing to qualify for the semi-finals, Green House FC had to win their match in order to advance. The match was a struggle for both teams, but in the end Green House FC managed to take advantage of Warriors FC and took the victory in a 1-0 point game. There was much anticipation on the field as FC Aluminum Fabricators took on Pro Divers FC in the second match of the night. The teams only have one more game to prove themselves and it's going to be more than exciting after the first games' result! The second leg of the semi-finals will take place on Saturday, December 6th starting at 3PM. Green House FC will once again face off against FC Aluminum Fabricators, while Dorados FC will take on Pro Divers FC. At the end of the two games organizers will announce the two teams heading to the finals that will be played on Sunday, December 7th starting at 3PM. Presentation of trophies, prizes and individual awards will be issued immediately after on Sunday. You don't want to miss out on this football action! For more information on the tournament contact, organizers Jesus Lozano at 607-1543 or Kenny Witzil at 664-7566.
Ambergris Today
Blue Water Grill and Social Media Raise $1,717 for Cancer Society
"Feels So Good To Know We Are Not Alone In The Battle Against Cancer!" commented Miguel Perez, of the San Pedro Cancer Society as he and the group members humbly accepted a check of $1,717.00 from Blue Water Grill on Wednesday, December 3, 2014.
December 2 was 'Happy Giving Tuesday' and the management of Blue Water Grill was feeling very giving so the decision was made to donate $1 for every "LIKE" they received on a special Facebook post. "We need your help," stated the post on the restaurant's Facebook Page. "Help us make a difference in the lives of those battling cancer."
And so the followers, fans and clients of Blue Water Grill started liking; by the end of the day at midnight the post had received 1717 likes as people shared, commented and showed their support. True to their word, Blue Water Grill presented a check of the same amount of likes to the San Pedro Cancer Society that was very grateful.
Ride For Belize. Ride With Oceana 2014 for a Cause
Between Thursday, November 27 and Sunday, November 30, 2014, cyclists from across Belize took to the country's major highways to promote the need for increased public participation in the protection and sustainable development of Belize's precious marine resources.
The participants rode from the shores of Corozal Bay in the North to the coastal town of Punta Gorda in the South via the commercial capital Belize City in the East, the geographic capital of Belmopan and the twin towns of San Ignacio and Santa Elena in the west, a distance of approximately 350 miles.
According to event organizer Oceana's National Grassroots Coordinator Amelita Knowles, in total more than 100 riders participated in the various stages of the four day event. "The metaphors between cycling and conservation are clear: when we all come together and do our part, we achieve great things. Everyone has a role to play in maintaining environmental consciousness. Present and future generations of Belizeans will benefit from our efforts today. We need to create a Belize where the environment doesn't need protection; protecting what we love should be as natural as being proud of being a Belizean."
Belize Public and Bank Holidays 2015
The Government of Belize Press Office has sent out a press release informing about the Public and Bank holidays for 2015. It is notified for general information that public and bank holidays specified in the First and the Second Schedules to the Holidays Act, Chapter 289 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2003, will be observed on the following days during the year 2015 in accordance with section 3 of the said Act:-
Misc Belizean Sources
Belize FISHING REPORT: November 22nd - 29th, 2014
It was a bustling Thanksgiving week here at El Pescador. Turkey dinner for 85 - and it was amazing. Thank you to Bella our head chef and the talented kitchen crew for pulling it off under the direction and wise guidance of Miss Chris. We are thankful for our return "family" that make El Pescador their home in Belize. Cary and Kristen have been diving with Alonzo for ten years - and because they are teachers, we see them on Thanksgiving vacation. Aki, Chris and Mak - we always love to see you here and it was especially wonderful to share Thanksgiving with you. Jack and Ann - thank you for telling your family you had to change things up this year and go fishing. It's a good reason! Sally, I know this is going to be a wonderful year for you! With all the generations of family and friends that showed up to wish you the most special 50th birthday - it has to be great!
And to our El Pescador family, thank you. We are a team of 45 and everyone's job here is very important. We are thankful to Ali, Chris and Steve for running a tight ship and at the same time "being there" for your employees when needed. And Max our EP dog is thankful that Jacob is back working as one of our night guards. Jake was out for a month due to a bike accident, and Max was in a deep dark depression. Now his tail is wagging. So we leave you this week with wagging tails and gratitude. May the wind stay at your back and offer you good tides!
28 year old murdered today
Robert Tracey was shot and killed in the Jump Street Area of Belize City this Wednesday December 3rd, 2014.
In 2012 Tracey, then 25 years old was once charged with attempted Murder and Grievous Harm for the stabbing of a former security guard of the Magistrate's Court. In January 2011, Tracey then 24 was remanded for being one of three men who allegedly robbed a man at gunpoint on December 31st, 2010. In 2009, Tracey, then 22 was charged along with a minor the robbery of Brads Store on West Collet Canal at gunpoint. He allegedly was going to turn his life around.
Belmopan RingRoad Project Approved
More good news for our beautiful Belmopan. The Caribbean Development Bank has approved the Belmopan RingRoad Project. This will include walking, running and cycling path; roundabouts at hospital/ringroad junction, Western Highway/Hummingbird Highway junction, Forest Drive/Hummingbird Highway junction. And Belmopan's first set of traffic lights at the Police Training Academy junction.
Boxes of Joy Fashion Show
Adorable kids strutting the run way for a great cause. You too, can help to bring Christmas to underprivileged children by purchasing a ticket.
Tickets available @ The San Pedro Sun Office
General $5, Reserved $10, Front Row $20.
What's the connection between Cayo North and the Forestry Department?
Equipment from the Forestry Department was designated to fix the terrible road conditions in the Mountain Pine Ridge Area of Cayo. However, though the roads are deplorable the equipment for the past few months have been taken to Cayo North. A bulldozer that is property of the department is currently in the El Pilar area. Does the Forestry Department know that it's equipment is being used elsewhere? Residents are claiming it is a political issue why the equipment has been removed from the Pine Ridge.
If you live in Cayo South or the Mountain Pine Ridge area, please contact the Forest Department or if you know the identity of the Returning Officer for Cayo North, please contact that person as well about the situation.
Seasons for game meat in Belize
If stewed Gibnut is favorite meal for you, make the most of it this month in December because come Jan 1st the season to hunt and eat it is closed until June 1st when season reopens. Be responsible and only buy your game meat from licensed hunters or licensed game meat dealers, these people PAY Forestry for a license to legally hunt, don't undermine their responsible hunting practices by buying meat from unlicensed hunters or out of season. Below is the seasons for game meat in Belize and requirements for hunting or dealing/selling game meat license.
More basketball competition this weekend in Corozal at the Andres Campos Civic Center.
Dance X BZ 2014 (56 photos) - Friday Night
Channel 7
Amidst Speculation, Mayor Says He Isn't Going Anywhere
Has Belize City Mayor Darrell Bradley resigned? Well, that's the strong report we got this afternoon. As we told you on Monday, he's very frustrated with Central Government and his own council for a number of reasons. But is it enough to make him do the unthinkable and resign three months before a municipal election?
Well, reports to our newsroom on Monday said that he packed up his office. But what really has the Mayor done?
We caught him just a few minutes ago at a tree-lighting in downtown Belize City. Santa Claus hat and all that's what Daniel Ortiz asked him. Because of time constraints, we air the interview uncut:
Daniel Ortiz
"We have received persistent reports that you have tendered your resignation and that is has not been accepted, have you done such thing?"
Usher And Hon. Boots Square Off On Sidewalk
Gilroy Usher Senior has been making a name for himself in the media recently. We wouldn't say he's a nationally known figure - but with the egg throwing stunt he pulled in early October, he certainly earned some recognition - after all nobody had thrown egg at the Guatemalan Embassy before.
And today, he turned his focus from national issues to the division where he is running. That's Port Loyola - where he is challenging incumbent Anthony Boots Martinez for a second time.
Today's protest was designed to challenge Martinez as the Minister of Poverty Alleviation - but it ended up in a sidewalk face that will make you need laughter alleviation. And while it ended in comic relief it started on a confrontational note:�.
This morning at 9:30. a few dozen supporters gathered under the bus shed on Central American Boulevard.
BSI and BSCFA Back To Negotiating Table
Tonight, the cane farmers and the factory owners still have not signed a commercial agreement for the start of the crop season, but they are closer than they have been in almost a year.
In a Government facilitated meeting held today, BSI, BSCFA and the Sugar Industry Control Board met for 6 hours at the BSI Staff Club in Orange Walk where both sides tried their very best to arrive at a compromise on 3 major points of contention which is preventing a signed commercial agreement for the crop season.
As we've told you the farmers have directed their negotiators that to inform BSI that they will not deliver their cane unless an agreement, either long term or interim, has been signed.
The points they can't agree on are the term of the agreement, the formula for bagasse and the ownership of the cane.
DPP Says Teenager Will Be Charged For Diplomat's Murder
Last week Thursday, we told you how the 18 year-old Belmopan Resident, Wilser Echeverria, was arraigned and remanded for a charge related to the death of the Panamanian Diplomat, Jose Rodrigo De la Rosa Stanford. Well tonight, the news is that he will now be charged directly for De La Rosa's murder.
After 6 days of reviewing the case file for herself, the Director of Public Prosecutions signed off, and indicated to the investigator that her office now supports the laying of the charge.
In communication with us today, DPP Cheryl-Lynn Vidal told us quote,
"My request to the police for additional evidence in the Echeverria matter was finally complied with in its entirety this morning and I later gave them the authority to lay the charge of murder. This is obviously a case in which there is no eyewitness evidence and in order to rebut the allegation of the suspect, and prove that the killing was unlawful, the circumstantial and forensic evidence is critical. I could not have properly made a decision until I had certain evidence before me and so no directive was given until today."
City Murder Devastates Family
There was a murder in Belize City this morning. It happened two blocks across from our Albert Street studio on Wagner's Lane, known as Jump Street. Robert Tracey who'd had run-in's with the law before was out of his neighborhood - he's from behind Gungulung but found himself in foreign turf this morning. Is that why he was shot and killed? That's what Monica Bodden tried to find out from his family today:�
Rafael Martinez - Police Press Officer
"Regarding the shooting incident that occurred on Wagner's lane at about 10 o'clock this morning. We have confirmed the identity of the person who was shot he is 27 year old Robert Austin Tracy, Emmanual street address in the Gungulung area as it is locally known."
It was in front of this two story concrete building on Wagner's Lane - where 27 year old Robert Tracy was gunned down just before 10 this morning.
He was allegedly sitting on a stool - when his attacker pulled up from behind him and fired a single shot-
That shot caught Tracy to the head- and killed him almost instantly.
His family received the news just minutes after he was killed.
Curious Relationship: KH and HK
We told you about the KHMH special audit last night. At 77 pages long it details a good many of eyebrow raising procedural irregularities in just a few product acquisitions.
And in the audit we found that the KHMH made a surprising number of those acquisitions from a company all the way in Hong Kong. We tried to find out more about Spring Holdings:�
Jules Vasquez Reporting�..
Spring HK Holdings Ltd - that company name comes up many times in the audit. The HK stands for Hong Kong, and their address says they are headquartered in this towering building, the Trend Center.
It says they are in Room 2015 - but we found multiple businesses all over the internet using that same address - including this one, Astra Defence a Swiss arms company.
"Rebel" for Robbery
Twenty-two year old Elvis Olivera, aka "Rebel", charged with robbery, is spending the first night of a 2 year prison sentence, handed to him today by the Chief magistrate, Anne Marie Smith.
Kerwin Humes testified that at about 8:30 p.m. on March 20, 2014, he was riding home from a friend's house when Olivera pulled up beside him on Regent Street near to the House of Culture and threw him off his bicycle. Humes said Olivera, who used to play with him on the same basketball team, got over him and began to punch him on his face.
Humes said Olivera then took his Samsung Galaxy cellular phone from his shirt pocket and rode away contrary to the flow of traffic. Humes positively identified Olivera as the person who robbed him, and a police constable who was at the House of culture, went to the scene when he heard Humes crying out for help. The officer testified that when he arrived he saw Olivera riding off. A police sergeant testified that he retrieved the cell phone from Olivera 3 days later.
Visionaries In Innovation Nation
Innovations in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics were on display today at the Princess Hotel and young bright minds were behind those innovations. High School students from across the country were tasked to devise practical solutions to problems affecting their schools and communities for the SAGICOR VISIONARIES CHALLENGE.
On Monday we gave you a glimpse of what to expect with Canaan's electromagnetic generator ventilation system but today the innovation nation was in full force. Courtney Weatherburne found out more:�
The Kings Room at the Princess Hotel was packed with young visionaries this morning. The participants in the SAGICOR Visionaries Challenge had ingenious innovations on display that explored solutions to various health and environmental issues.
Jon Moreno - Muffles College
"What I am basically doing is using lemon grass tea, mostly known as fever grass. You boil the leaves to make this tea that will make you reduce high blood pressure. The reason i'm doing this is because due to many of our parents and adults working, they have less time to take care of themselves. They have less time to cook their own meals and they rely on fast foods and canned foods."
Lost Police Flash Drive Has Super Sensitive Information
More is known tonight about the flash drive, which was lost by a police officer attached to Special Branch. As we told you, the drive with thousands of files has found its way into civilian hands. The problem is that many of those files are sensitive - and tonight we know that as many of a hundred of them are what we would have to call "super-sensitive."
We have learned that the drive contains what are known as "source sheets" - these are documents that the Special Branch keeps to compile details of confidential informants.
Former special branch officers tell us that there are strict rules against having these on any portable memory device - and that they should only be hand delivered in hard copy to the head of special branch.
Talking Tourism to Mexico
A month ago we reported on the visit from the Chetumal Chamber of Commerce to establish a strong and more balanced business relationship with Belizean business owners. Well today another trade show was held that echoed that objective. It was called the Tourist fair and tour operators, travel agencies and hotel representatives from Chetumal, Mahahual and Bacalar met at the Institute of Mexico. The hope is to encourage Belizean service providers to consider doing business in Mexico. The Mexican ambassador told us more:�.
Mario Velazquez- Ambassador of Mexico
"It is just wonderful to have this kind of occasion when we can exchange Mexican entrepreneurs and Belizean entrepreneurs. When they meet together in that moment, they start to find that perhaps you have the ideas, the knowledge, the products that I need. The Canaco is a Mexican organisation of entrepreneurs. They are inviting Belizeans to come, to their premises in Mexico for making business in Mexico, selling Belizean products and services."
Five Remanded For Firearm Offences
Five people are in jail tonight after they were taken to Magistrate's Court for firearm offences relating to 2 separate cases.
In the first, a family of three adults, and a 16 year old boy were charged for a single round of unlicensed ammunition when they appeared before Chief Magistrate, Anne Marie Smith. The adults are 29 year old Shantel Usher, 19 year old Donovan Usher and 23 year old Danika Usher.
They all pled not guilty to the charge, and during the arraignment, Chief Magistrate Smith told the prosecutor that if he doesn't come back with the facts of this case on Friday, December 5, to prove the case against the defendants, she will dismiss the matter. Her hands were tied in relation to the law, and so, she remanded the four defendants into custody until December 5. The incident occurred on December 2. The police reported that when they searched a house on Cardinez Alley they found one single bronze 9 millimeter bullet on a shelf beside a pink bag in one of the rooms.
Cop Charged For Handcuffs Found On Cervantez Sr.
Police have charged one of their own with disciplinary charges because his handcuffs were found with the body of Ramon Cervantes Sr., the well known businessman and former politician who was abducted and murdered.
It's of note because the man claiming to be Manuel Castillo, who allegedly spoke to the Cervantez family, said in the phone call that there was police involvement in the murder.
As we've told you, investigators found police handcuffs with Ramon Sr's body in the shallow grave where he was inhumanely dumped. They have determined that it belongs to Police Constable Javier Alvarez. Sources tell us that he was fined $200 by disciplinary body today, and he will face serious reprimand by the department.
Standards For Laboratories
Englebert Emmanuel - Director of Licensing and Accreditation Unit, MOH
"It is to come up with a standard policy that will actually address the whole concept around quality and standards, that then prepare laboratories for the accreditation system."
Courtney Weatherburne
"What are some of the topics you are discussing here, some of the key topics that surround the broader issue of that laboratory policy?"
Englebert Emmanuel
"We are looking at regulation, we're looking at lab support systems, we're looking at quality system and we're looking at data management and public health response. So those are the 5 main areas we are focusing on in term of insuring a standardisation across the country."
Mixing Water, Oil and Oil Paint
Water and oil can't mix - and the Belize Coalition to Save our Natural Heritage held a poster competition to encourage primary schoolers to come up with artwork depicting Belize with a Properly Planned Oil Industry versus an Improperly Planned Oil Industry."
Now, we all know, and the kids kind of do too, that for the coalition "properly planned" means no offshore oil exploration. So you could call it a slightly leading proposition, but the kids didn't seem to mind. 43 of them from across the country entered and they were put up for display today at the Bliss Center:�
As you saw, 1st Place went to Amber McKoy from Grace Primary School, 2nd Place went to St. Mary's Art Club and 3rd Place: Tanya Chi from Belize Elementary School.
Disability and Diversity
It's disability awareness week - and this year it's being celebrated under the theme, "Sustainable Development - the promise of technology." The week started with a mass and the highlite event is the finger spelling Bee which will be held tomorrow. But today, they took to the streets to communicate the message about people with diverse abilities:�
The City's Tree ...
And while they were in the city streets today - tonight - all roads led to the downtown area where the Bowen and Bowen Christmas Tree was lit.
It was the 4th Annual Ceremony and the mayor told us why it's significant:
PUP Says Cheers to Christmas Cheer
And in one more news item tonight - the UDP has posted on Alfonso Noble's facebook page that the Secretary General of the PUP has written to the financial secretary informing that the PUP will participate in the Chrstmas Cheer programme.
Channel 5
Tracy Gunned Down in Belize City
Blood spilled again this morning in Belize City. So far there have been three execution style murders in six days; the most recent occurred at ten this morning on Wagner's [...]
BSI and BSCFA at the Negotiating Table
After a long period of hostilities from afar, A.S.R./B.S.I. and the B.S.C.F.A. are back at the negotiating table. Along with representatives of the Sugar Industry Control Board, both parties met [...]
Echeverria To Be Charged for Murder
The life of a Panamanian diplomat was snuffed out on Sunday, November twenty-third; his body was found by a church goer in an area called La Choza in the capital. [...]
KHMH Audit Lists Serious Irregularities
Former Director of Financial Services at the K.H.M.H., Carlos Perera, was let go from the K.H.M.H. amid reports of irregularities; the Board of Governors decided not to renew his contract [...]
Gilroy Usher Protests in Port Loyola
A peaceful protest by residents of Port Loyola, avid supporters of P.U.P. Standard Bearer Gilroy Usher Senior, ended in a brief squabble with area representative Anthony 'Boots' Martinez this morning.� [...]
Christmas Cheer Mortgage Program Explained
On Tuesday, government announced that it was going ahead with a Residential Mortgage Payment Program it had first announced in September to pay interest and principal payments for mortgages for [...]
Family Remanded for a Bullet
At�noon today�a family, including a sixteen year old minor, was dragged to court on a single charge of possession of a round of a nine-millimeter ammunition, but the Chief Magistrate [...]
Winners of Visionaries Challenge Named
The Sagicor Visionaries Challenge took place today in Belize City. More than thirty entries were submitted by schools across the country on projects that focus on science, technology, engineering and [...]
Citrus Industry Dispute Settled Out of Court
Since the restructuring of Citrus Products of Belize Limited in April, news from Pomona Valley has been rather far and few.� That's not to say however, that there isn't much [...]
Audits of CPBL Underway
As far as progress concerning the state of affairs of CPBL, audits of the company, which had been stalled indefinitely, are being completed for 2013 and 2014.� The delay subsequently [...]
Mexico Hosts Tourism Fair
Three weeks ago, a bilateral meeting was held between the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry and its counterparts in Mexico. As a follow-up to that meeting, today at the [...]
Disability Week Launched
The first week of December every year is celebrated annually as Disability Week�including December third that is designated as International Day for People with Disabilities. The week of activities promotes [...]
Nunez Speaks on Theme of Disability Week
As a person living with a disability, Nunez spoke on the theme for this year's celebration�that is, "Sustainable Development; the Promise of Technology."�He says that disabled persons have equal rights. [...]
MoH Holds Workshop in Belize City
A workshop to develop a national laboratory policy of medical labs-both private and public institutions-was held today in Belize City. The event brought together stakeholders and partners to create a [...]