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Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, LOVETV, PGTV, West Vision (Cayo) and CTV 3
Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, Rise and Shine Morning Show, and the Dickie Bradley Specials
The San Pedro Sun
Separating two neighbors: The Rio Hondo
If there is one thing Belize isn't lacking in its water bodies. Not only are we bordered by the Caribbean Sea to the east, we also have 35 major rivers flowing through our lands. This is not mentioning the hundreds - even thousands - of streams, lagoons, creeks, ponds, swamps and little pools that form during the rainy season! Yup, Belize is truly blessed with water! Among all those 35 five rivers, two are mentioned in our National Anthem, the Rio Hondo and the Sarstoon. These rivers acts as the northern and southern most bodies of water in the country and also act as borders between Mexico to the north and Guatemala to the south.
While trafficking the Sarstoon River is a bit complicated due to the ongoing territorial dispute with Guatemala, traveling the Rio Hondo is the complete opposite. Belize and Mexico are pretty good neighbors and the Rio Hondo is a gateway between the two countries.
Ambergris Today
The Little Parade That Cheered Up an Entire Town
It was not a parade - but it was!! Well, not the official Independence Day Parade, that was postponed. But just enough energy from a small group of people got the town going on a gloomy day.
A tropical wave passing over the country of Belize brought much needed rain to the agricultural sector but it put a damper on the Independence Day Parade in San Pedro Ambergris Caye. It rained so hard on Sunday, the 20th and well into the next morning that the parade and festivities in San Pedro Town were postponed until next Saturday, September 26.
The rains finally subsided past 2:30p.m. and all was quiet until the town heard the thump of loud music and roaring cheers of a small crowd coming down the streets. It was the impromptu decision of a group that was participating in the parade to hit the streets that ignited a mini parade. Heck, The islanders wanted to parade and took the opportunity of a break in the bad weather to do so.
My Traveling Feet were by the beach taking pictures for the Belize Story on Snap Chat when they encountered the very happy group of patriots.
Celebrity Spotting: Actress Kayla Ewell and Husband Honeymoon in San Pedro, Belize
The cameras of Ambergris Today captured Vampire Diaries actress Kayla Ewell and her husband actor and model Tanner Novlan strolling down the streets of downtown San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize as the couple enjoyed a quiet and romantic honeymoon in the country.
Having recently married on September 12, 2015, the acting couple immediately came to La Isla Bonita to enjoy a few days in Belize. Looking at Kayla's posts on her social media profiles, the couple enjoyed a romantic stay at El Secreto luxury resort in North Ambergris Caye and some adventure at Hol Chan's Shark Ray Alley. Images on Kayla's Instagram profile also shows her enjoying cocktail poolside at the resort and also at the doors of Elvi's Kitchen restaurant where she quotes, "My mom craved Elvi's fish sandwiches! Now I understand what all the fuss was about!! Unbelievable!"
Ewell is best known for her role as Vicki Donovan on the hit CW series Vampire Diaries. She also previously had roles on NBC's short-lived Freaks and Geeks, as well as CBS's soap staple, The Bold and the Beautiful. She previously dated actor Kellan Lutz for close to two years back in 2006.
Misc Belizean Sources
Prime Minister's Independence Day Speech
In doing this my Administration, as always, seeks to do right by all the people of Belize. And as a Government on this last Independence Day before the next general elections, Im not going to announce the date� we stand before the bar of history fully expectant of a judgment recognizing us as the good and faithful servants we have always striven to be.
Highlights of the September Independence Day Carnival Parade in Orange
Held yesterday September 21st. Photos courtesy Corozal Daily.
Panerrifix Full Moon Concert
The Panerrifix Steel Band is playing Centennial Park in Benque on Saturday, starting at 8:00pm. This is part of the Benque House of Culture's Full Moon Concert series. Don't miss it!
"Mark your calendars for a Concert night featuring the Pannerifix Steel Band from the Capital City."
THE 'SAME OLD ME' IS THE CLASSIC BELIZEAN ARTIST HARRINGTON TRAPP!
The legendary Belizean musical artist, Harrington Trapp, musical career span from his time as as a vocalist in the 1960's with bands in Belize like The Promoters and Glenn Bood & The Telegrams, to his work as a musical artist and vocalist in the United States in the 1970's and 80's with Belizean bands like the legendary The Webb, to the reggae band called the Babylon Warriors.
Since making his mark as an outstanding vocalist and trombone player with the Webb, Trapp later on went on to carve out a career for himself as a solo artist and vocal stylist in the 1980's, 90's, and beyond. His incredible body of work has warranted much respect and admiration from new and younger Belizean artists of today who credited the veteran Belizean artist, producer, and musician, with a model to emulate in their careers.
BELTRAIDE & UB PARTNER TO CONSTRUCT GOVERNMENT OF BELIZE'S FIRST-EVER GREEN BUILDING!
On September 17, 2015, the Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE), in collaboration with the University of Belize held the ground breaking ceremony for the construction of a new facility: Belize Enterprise and Innovation Institute (BEI2).
The building will be located on University of Belize's Faculty of Management and Social Sciences campus in Belize City and will house two of BELTRAIDE's technical units: SBDC Belize an Export Belize. It is designed to nurture entrepreneurship and innovation and strengthen Belize's enterprise competitiveness.
The building will accommodate a series of meeting rooms, small business incubators as well as a resource centre. The BEI2 is the first government facility to incorporate both Green and SMART technologies which will be beneficial in promoting environmental conservation as well as encouraging the use of modern technologies to facilitate enterprise and innovation.
Channel 7
Mother Runs Off Road, Her Eight Year Old Daughter Dies
Tonight, 32 year old Evelyn Kuylen is recovering from minor injuries she received after she ran off the Western Highway yesterday in a Mazda Tribute. But, what she can't recover from is that her 8 year old daughter, Kaylene died as a result of the injuries she received in that accident. Just a short time earlier, Evelyn - who is a clerk at the social security board - and her three children, aged 9, 8 and 2 years old were in the 21st September Parade in Belmopan. The kids were aboard the Social Security float throwing out sweets. They were heading back home to Benque Viejo from that happy outing when the accident happened at 2:30. I visited the devastated mother Evelyn Kuylen at her home in Benque Viejo today:
Courtney Weatherburne reporting
8 year old Kaylene Mai sometimes shared this room with her siblings and her mother
But now this room is cold and empty with her oversized casket lying on the bed she once slept on.
Little Kaylene died in an accident on the Benque road on Independence Day.
Western Regional Chases Vendors, Cites Rat Problem
Rate at the Western Regional Hospital�who's to blame? First it was the pantry, then was the newly installed air conditioner in the nursery, then it was the fact that the building is on the ground floor, then the blame was put on the administrator, and then on the minister, and now�it's the food vendors outside the hospital. They are being blamed - partially at least - for contributing to the rat problem. And now, the hospital administration wants them off the property. But, it's not that simple; the vendors say that they stand to lose their livelihoods for something that isn't their fault. I visited them today:..
Courtney Weatherburne reporting
Under the shade of this Flamboyant tree seems like a cool resting spot for this family waiting for an update from the doctor about their relative in the hospital.
But this is not a hangout spot or a family waiting area, it's where the food vendors set up and sell their food every day.
They are not here anymore because they were given a letter on Friday informing them that they had to pack up and leave the compound - all 4 vendors. And when they showed up again this morning, police came to remove them from the property.
Now the only things left behind are the grey tarp hanging loosely over the tent, and this table now being used as a makeshift bench.
Convicted US Sex Offender Accused of Trading Noodles For Sex With Boys
Tonight, we have a very disturbing allegation of child molestation to report on. It involves a registered sex offender from the US who has been living in Belize for almost 2 years. He had been living in Belize City under the radar, but an accusation has emerged that this man may have sodomized a young boy.
Now, he hasn't been charged for anything in Belize - in fact, he hasn't been formally accused, and so, even though his picture has been published in the state of California as a sex offender, we can't share his name or show an image of him at this time. That's because, -as it has been reported to us - this man was briefly detained, but not charged, on suspicion of child molestation. But, after you hear the following account from a concerned neighbor, you'll definitely wonder why he's free tonight.
This concerned adult told us that after months of suspicious movements of a number of young boys in this man's house which is in the Lake Independence Area, he came upon a male minor who told him that he had been sodomized. He took action and got the police involved, and here's what happened next:
A Home Invasion In San Ignacio
This residence at 29 Rosewood Street in San Ignacio was the scene of a home invasion this weekend. Police say that last night at 11:00 pm, 46 year old Immigration Officer Ismael Pulido was feeding his dogs, reportedly pitbulls, when three masked men entered the yard. They forced him into the house where one of the men clubbed him over the head with a pistol and demanded money. He handed over $1,500 dollars - while the men helped themselves to his Glock pistol and his gold chain. Ismael Pulido had to be taken to the hospital for head injuries. His wife was unharmed. The family had no comment today, but Police say his attackers had been watching him - and waited until the police had gone home after 21st activities.
Hope For Compromise Dashed At Faith Nazarene?
Hope for a resolution to a three-week long standoff has been dashed at Faith Nazarene Primary School in San Ignacio. That's after the Teaching Services Commission rejected both compromise proposals put forward by Principal Policarpia Pech. To defuse the standoff between parents and teacher unified against her, she had proposed to go on long leave and to get a transfer. She put in the applications but the news coming to the school today is that both were rejected by the Teaching Services Commission.
So, that puts the situation back to square one and General Manager Raymond Sheppard had to break the news to the Parent Teachers Association today. Now, with Principal Pech not having anywhere to go, he confessed that fears another cycle of parent led protest may begin. Encouragingly, more than 300 of the 400 registered students showed up for school today, while last week, fewer than half were showing up.
FCIB on the Frontburner For The Labour Department
Last week, the National Assembly passed the First Caribbean International Bank Vesting Bill into law. That allowed for First Caribbean to transfer their assets over to Heritage Bank in a sale - at a date to be set by government.
But, while that sale is being finalized, the date that 60 employees will lose their job keeps moving closer. So, every minute counts, and today, the Labour Department arranged a 3-hour long meeting between the bank and the employees' bargaining agent, the CWU.
That meeting finished just a few minutes before news time, and we spoke with the President Audrey Matura-Shepherd and the Labour Commissioner for a few brief comments. Here's what they had to say:
Audrey Matura Shepherd, President - CWU
"We had a very productive 3 hours meeting and the Labour Commissioner served a mediator I would say. We ironed out certain details and the good news is that now are preparing to actually start negotiations. We won't go into discussion on details what our difference is, but rather that we actually plotted a way forward and that we are looking forward to genuine good faith negotiations. Especially since our employees are still adamant about knowing where they stand."
Pickup Flips Into Drain
No one was seriously hurt when a pickup truck flipped into a large drain on the northern highway last night. It happened near Traveller's Bar at mile two where the Mistubishi L200 reportedly lurched out of an open lot, lost control and flipped into the drain - which was full of water. And while there were small children inside - they managed to get them out safely while the older passengers climbed out through the windows. Police have not provided details but four person were taken to the hospital.
Trafficker Sees Cops, Drops Weed
On Friday, Ladyville police picked up 1.3 kilos, or a little less than three pounds of marijuana when the rural rapid response team pulled up on a suspected trafficker. It happened on Egbert Quilter Street in Ladyville where the suspect dropped the packages and ran.
On Friday, Ladyville police also arrested two prison trustees, 27 year old Jevon Slusher and 33 year old Ernest Bilary for smuggling 132 grams, or four and a half ounces of marijuana into the prison. The marijuana was allegedly stuffed in their boots. Both men are serving time for an unlicensed firearm. On Thursday, three trustees were caught trying to smuggle a pound of weed into the prison in a truck.
BEL's Weekend Blackouts
BEL has been plagued by blackouts for the last three days. First, on Sunday night at 11:30, there was what is being called an "unidentified fault" which caused a ten minute blackout in the Corozal District, Orange Walk District and San Pedro Town. And while BEL only took a few minutes to bring back up the power, BEL still hasn't been able to find the fault - which is somewhere in the northern Belize District.
There was another multi-district blackout yesterday, on Independence day 12:30 - and BEL says that one was caused by an accident in Benque Viejo Town, which damaged a lamp post carrying high voltage lines. That one affected western, central and southern Belize. Power was restored to all areas between 1:00 and 3:30 pm, with the exception of a portion of Benque Viejo Town, which was restored at 5:00 p.m. after repairs to the damaged pole. BEL had to use backup supply from Blair Athol power plant in the South, as neither CFE form Mexico nor BEL's own Gas Turbine supply were available.
CEO Says Vendor Eviction Is Necessary
Earlier we told you how the food vendors at the western Regional Hospital are being moved from inside the hospital's parking lot, to reduce the rat population. From last week, the Health Ministry CEO, Peter Allen, explained that this decision was coming down. Here's how he explained the immediate intervention being made to make sure that there are no more rats in the nursery:
Dr. Peter Allen, CEO - Ministry of Health
"What the ministry was doing already is that we have formed a special committee with the management committee of the regional hospital. We have had our principle public health inspector and go into the facility along with the deputy director of health services and conduct a review of everything that could possibly be done. And of course there are difficult decisions that are being made and being implemented as we speak. For example, the vendors who sell food in the compound may be upset, but we are going to have to ask them to move. People who have overgrown lots around the hospital maybe upset but we are going to have to make sure those lots are properly cleaned and taken care of. Indeed the building is old, indeed there are drains that run under the building and so we will have to do what we can with those to maintain the situation in a clean and sustainable way."
Political Leaders Messages Contrast On Independence Day
Yesterday, countrywide rains dampened Independence Day Activities all across Belize - but mostly, folks pushed on through the wet conditions. In Belmopan, where the official ceremonies were held at Independence Plaza - a tent provided the cover for the country's political leadership to give their national addresses. A welcome from the Belmopan Mayor set the tone:..
Khalid Belisle, Mayor - Belmopan
"Belize renewed a rejuvenation long overdue but in progress. Belize confident certain that together no obstacle is too great, no challenge insurmountable. Belize competitive, improving our capacity and ability to contend in a globalize world. Belize committed, we all have a collective skin in the game and there is very little room for any other agenda other than the Belizean agenda to be advanced."
Hon. Francis Fonseca, Leader of the Opposition
"34 years after independence, 17 years of PUP, 17 years of UDP, our responsibility and obligation is to work together in good faith to change, improve and strengthen the failing systems and structures we have in place to govern and develop Belize. On this independence day, let us embrace governance reform by committing to the appointment to the 13th senator, to reactivating the integrity commission and to restriction it, the public accounts committee."
Another Korea, Another Kim
And while Special Envoy Kim Simplis-Barrow is getting a million dollars of government funds to finish up the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, the Inspiration Center, whose board she chairs, also received a generous donation from the Government of South Korea today. This morning two hundred thousand dollars' worth of equipment and devices were handed over to the center. According to Simplis-Barrow, it is a much-needed donation.
Two brand new vehicles were also included in today's donation. The donation comes three years after Simplis-Barrow made a presentation to a gathering of ambassadors to muster support for the Center.
PUP Pulled Thousands, Plus G11
The PUP had just about its full roster of standard bearers for its Power to the People Rally in Corozal Southwest on Saturday. Official estimates say the party pulled a crowd of two thousand, while the PUP is boasting that it had five thousand supporters in San Narciso. But the number that really mattered was the number of standard bearers on stage. We have confirmed that all of the G-11 attended - and just about everyone else was there as well. This officially puts the party's disunity problem on the backburner as it gets ready to celebrate its 65th. Anniversary next week.
Play, Pan Man!
And as we close tonight - we do so with one last splash of September spirit. We'll look back at the joyous and jumping jamfest that is Pan Yaad. This year, the crowd was huge, bigger than last year, and the bands were at the vivid, vivacious best.
Have a good night and join me back here tomorrow.
Channel 5
Conorquie Family Receives Compensation for Murdered Son
Three days short of a year, on September twenty-fifth, 2015, Belizean Tourism Police Special Constable, Danny Conorquie was murdered as he stood watch at the Caracol Archeological Site in the [...]
Child Killed in Road Traffic Accident
Also in the west…There's a tragic story of a young child who was killed in a traffic accident on Independence Day.� The death of the eight year old Kaylene Mai [...]
PM Delivers Independence Address
Independence Day was officially celebrated on Monday in the capital Belmopan with all the traditional pomp and ceremony. Apart from ogling the "who's who" in government and society, including foreign [...]
P.U.P. Leader Says 34 Years Down…What's Next?
The address by P.U.P. Leader Francis Fonseca was brief and unlike previous years, there was no pointed criticism of government over critical issues. Fonseca seemed pensive as he spoke about [...]
Fonseca Calls for Governance Reform
Fonseca also pointed out the critical importance of reform, though he wasn't taking overt jabs at government. In fact, he seemed to be looking at both the P.U.P. and the [...]
B.D.F. to Build Base on North Bank of Sarstoon River
The Sarstoon - actually the wider picture of Belize's sovereignty - has been a hot-button issue in past months. Relations between Guatemala and Belize are not at the best point [...]
Did G.O.B. Get the Best Deal in the Settlement of the Utilities?
And tonight's question is: Do you believe G.O.B. got the best deal in the settlement of the utilities? Send your comments and responses using your SMART phones to 8686 or [...]
CWU/FCIB Deadlock Broken
After three hours of meaningful discussions which concluded at about six this evening, the deadlock between the Christian Workers Union and the management of First Caribbean International Bank has been [...]
Matura-Shepherd Says PM to Blame for FCIB Employee Action
The recent passage of the Vesting Act to enable the buyout of FCIB calls to question the timeliness of the negotiations between the union and the management of the bank.� [...]
WRH Food Vendors Evicted Because of Rat Infestation
Rats and snakes at the Western Regional Hospital….even the international media has been covering the scandalous state of affairs of the hospital. Today, it was about the hospital's laundry found [...]
Health Inspector Says Vendors Had to Go as WRH Implements New Measures
The letter was issued to the vendors on Friday following a notice that the hospital administration was requesting a meeting with them.� That meeting never happened and they were in [...]
CWU Supports BCWU in Settlement Concerns
As we reported on Friday, the Belize Communication Workers Union, in a scathing release issued following the settlement of the B.T.L. nationalization, soundly criticized the Barrow administration, as well as [...]
Matura-Shepherd Says Discussions with Port on CBA Amicable
Matura-Shepherd also gave an update on negotiations between the CWU and Port of Belize Ltd. with respect of a collective bargaining agreement for waterfront workers.� While the CWU president admits [...]
Bankers Association of Belize Speaks on IRS Investigation
Articles, both local and international, on the banking and financial sectors have prompted a reaction from the Bankers Association of Belize. Just last week, a US federal judge granted permission [...]
Immigration Officer Assaulted During Home Invasion
There was a home invasion in the Santiago Juan Layout of San Ignacio Town. Just after eleven on Monday night as forty-six year old immigration officer and owner of Coaba [...]
Fishermen Remanded for Firearm Offence
Tonight two fishermen, from Belize City and a seventeen-year-old minor from Carmelita, Orange Walk District, are on remand for a nine millimetre pistol with ten live rounds which police say [...]
James Adderley and the Weekend Sporting Highlights
Good evening, I'm James Adderley and this is Sports Monday. Last Thursday, Verdes FC sojourned into Mexico for its away match with Queretaro's Gallos Blancos and this early goal [...]
