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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
Belize Free Zone Businessman Killed in Chetumal, Mexico
News coming from the neighboring border city of Chetumal, Mexico over the weekend indicate that local businessman from the Belize Commercial Free Zone, Ernesto Alonso De Miguel (known as "El Espanol") was reportedly killed on Saturday, November 14, 2015.
Noticaribe Mexican press reports that shortly before midnight on Saturday in the downtown restaurant 'El Emporio' of Chetumal city, a gunman shot and executed Ernesto Alonso de Miguel, known as the 'El Espanol' and the ministerial police Agust�n Mart�nez Guevara, who was commander in the border town of Lieutenant Lopez.
Ernesto was dining with several people, including a second police officer and family members. The shooter fled the scene after fatally injuring both Ernesto and police officer Agustin; he left behind the murder weapon. A man with the characteristics of the murderer was arrested, but investigations continue as to whether it is the same person.
BTB Awards 9 Scholarships
On Friday, November 13, the Belize Tourism Board (BTB)
awarded nine (9) students with scholarships for Tourism Programs. The scholarships are as follows: Three (3) two-years tuition scholarships for an Associates in Tourism at one of the Junior Colleges
in Belize offering a Tourism Program, awarded to
1. Giselle Rodriguez
2. Amina Cal
3. Monique Tucker. Three (3) two-years tuition scholarships for a Bachelor Degree in Tourism Management at the
University of Belize, awarded to
1. Jewel Williams
2. Alexander Cal
3. Gariesha Teck. The recipients were selected based on a score sheet, which measured various factors such as
grades/GPA, work and community service experience, essay describing their career goals/aspirations and
their achievements/awards. Those with the highest scores were then reviewed thoroughly and the top
candidates were selected.
Bahia Fest: Fashion show to benefit Camp Starfish
Mexican and Belizean organizations have teamed up to bring a high end fashion runway to San Pedro to benefit the island's special needs youth. Scheduled for Friday, November 20th, the show will feature gorgeous Belizean and Mexican models strutting the runway in the latest fashion trends. Titled BAHIA Fest, this event is being hosted through the collaboration of Mujer Total Catalog, The Candle Garden, Amber Beach Bar and Grill, Caribbean Villas and the Consulate of Belize in Mexico. But the event isn't just about the clothes, shoes and accessories, as its main purpose is to raise funds for Ambergris Caye Camp Starfish.
Ambergris Today
Belize Warns of Five Confirmed Cases of Zika Virus in the Caribbean
If Dengue and Chikungunya were not enough to worry about during the 'Mosquito /Rainy Season' in Belize, the Ministry of Health this week releases an advisory to the public that the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) has confirmed, for the first time, five (5) cases of Zika virus in the Caribbean. Countries within the Americas such as Brazil, Colombia, Suriname and the Dominican Republic have all reported cases of this mosquito-borne disease this year.
Zika is a viral disease, transmitted by the same vector for Dengue and Chikungunya, the Aedes aegypti mosquito. The symptoms lasts approximately four to seven days, and are similar to Dengue and Chikungunya which may include fever, muscle and joint pain, headache, nausea, vomiting and rash. Though complications from Zika are rare and no deaths have been reported, there is no vaccine or treatment for Zika.
Belize's Tiburon Rum Continues Going Global
The award winning Tiburon Rum has definitely been making headlines in the United States of America and in Belize. Many have been buzzing about its taste and happy to have 'The Spirit of Belize' as part of their rum collection, but soon the rest of the world will be able to enjoy this amazing rum as it goes global.
Ambergris Today met up with Tiburon Rum's Basil Destefano and got the buzz on what's coming up next for the award-winning rum from Belize. Mr. Destefano mention that he is ready to take Tiburon Rum to the next level by teaming up with Mr. Jorge Galbis of Global Brand Equity Solutions from Miami who specializing in marketing premium brands to develop their root to market in Central America, Latin America, the Caribbean and duty free outlets.
Flashbacks - Alan Forman Scuba Diving Pioneer of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye
While it can safely be said that Celi McCorkle is the Tourism Pioneer in the hotel industry of San Pedro, Alan Forman is the Tourism Pioneer in the scuba diving operations on the island. Alan and a group of San Pedranos formed the chain of local small hotels known as Coral Beach Hotels. This group offered fishing, snorkeling, sailing, mainland tours, beach parties and anything else that they sensed the visitors would enjoy.
Alan Forman was the first hotelier to offer a bar and entertainment center at the end of a dock and over the sea - The Tackle Box. This place was very popular due to the ambience and spectacular view and also due to its seaquarium with a wide variety of fish, including sharks and rays as well as sea turtles.
However, Alan Forman wanted the visitors to experience the diving spectacles of Belize and the Caribbean Sea. In the early 1970's Coral Beach Hotels set up the first dive tank compressor on the Island and commenced taking tours to the blue Hole and other fine spots around Ambergris Caye. It was the commencement of what was to become San Pedro's vibrant scuba diving operations now offered by many resorts on Ambergris Caye.
Belizeans Graduate in Modeling Course
Fashion and modeling have been on a rise in San Pedro since fashion shows have become very popular for fundraising events, entertainment and retail businesses. The trend has given the opportunity to many Belizeans to take on a modeling career with a modeling course that is being provided by professional instructor Zuzana Mello, in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye.
On Sunday, November 15, 2015, a group of models showcased their skills in a graduation ceremony that took place at a beach resort south of San Pedro Town that included a free mini fashion show presentation, ending with a certificate distribution. The one month modeling course taught the aspiring models course under the themes of runway modeling, photo shoot modeling, auto-esteem and confidence and image projection. Congratulations to all the models for their accomplishment.
Pic of the Week - A Picturesque View Approaching the Caye Caulker Split by Sea
Our neighboring island of Caye Caulker is just a 30 minute boat ride from Ambergris Caye and an hour from Belize City. The San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi makes stops on the island as it commutes back and forth from Belize City, to pick up and drop off passengers. Here is an early morning picture of the famous Caye Caulker Split, a tourist hot spot, as the water taxi approaches the island. It's a beautiful image that shows the charm of one of the top island destinations in the country of Belize.
Pro Golfer Greg Norman to Trademark Caye Chapel Golf Course
The Caye Chapel development group held a press conference on that island on Thursday, November 12, 2015 where the developers shared the news of golf legend Greg Norman adopting and re-designing the Caye Chapel Golf Course as part of the proposed development project on the island.
Greg Norman will build a world-class golf course on Caye Chapel's already developed 18-hole golf course. Developer Jaime Fasja states that the island resort will undoubtedly be a mandatory destination for the most important and renowned golfers in the world. The project is being developed by three top Mexican groups with an investment of over $250Mil on the first phase of the project.
Misc Belizean Sources
Ten Day Weather Outlook for Belize
Here is an outlook for the next 7-days. The forecast model is supporting the unsettled weather to continue through Friday, then resuming early on Monday with an intense arctic airmass incursion over the central and eastern USA and the Gulf of Mexico, generating sho wery weather along a frontal zone entering the NW Caribbean.
Entrepreneurship Symposium
Government of Belize Press Office
International Festival of Culture 2015
The 6th annual International Festival of Culture will be from December 4th through the 6th this year. They are having a lot of great activities this year, including the BVMA, and some international performers.
"VI International Festival of Culture Program:
Celebrating our Heritage while we unearth Potential
Centennial Plaza
FRIDAY - Dec. 04, 2015
7:30 p.m. - Musical prelude
Master Violinist David Snow (USA)
Opening Ceremonies
Marimba Recital - Benque Viejo Marimba Academy directed by Mtro. Edgar Enrique Barrios Heredia (Guatemala)
SATURDAY - Dec. 05, 2015
7:30 p.m. - Orquidea Negra Dance Company (Belize) Concert
Ensamble Universitario de Jazz de la UniversidadAutonoma de Campeche followed by dance - Benque Viejo Marimba Academy
SUNDAY - Dec. 06, 2015
9:00 a.m. - Arts & Crafts Expo
Children's show by
Caracolitos stilt-walkers
4:00 p.m. - Comedia "La Fiesta" - Italian-adapted comedy by "La Bocha" Theatre Company (El Salvador)
6:00 p.m. - Concert
Ensamble Universitario de Jazz de la Universidad Autonoma de Campeche (Mexico)"
Lets Welcome home Ms. Carmelita Leiva, who participated on our International Visitor Leadership Program
The Edward R. Murrow Program celebrated its 10th Anniversary this year. This program is an innovative public-private partnership between the Department of State, and seven leading U.S schools of journalism. In honor of the 10th Anniversary, the Department is also partnering with the Poynter Institute to offer the workshop on journalism.
Ms. Leiva visited Washington DC, Norman, Oklahoma, Tampa, Florida and New York. She has had the opportunity to visit NBC and participate in meetings and panel discussions with fellow journalists from around the world.
Tacos Festival
Tacos Festival is here again, this Sunday November 22nd, 2015 at the Banquitas House of Culture, come enjoy delicious tacos and entertainment galore!
The future of the PUP and BPP in Belize
By Wellington C. Ramos. Before the elections were held in Belize on November 4, 2015, I had predicted that the United Democratic Party (UDP) was going to defeat the People's United Party (PUP) by a margin of 20 to 11 seats. One week before the elections, I increased the margin of victory to 22 to 9 seats. I did not expect the Belize Progressive Party (BPP) to win any seats.
The election results ended up being: 19 UDP seats to 12 PUP seats and 0 BPP seats. If it was not for overconfidence, cockiness and carelessness on the part of a few UDP candidates, they had those 22 seats to win. The election is now over and the UDP candidates who lost by a few votes must blame themselves for losing. I just hope that they learnt from their mistakes for next time.
The PUP's problems started in 2006 when seven of their ministers broke away from their party and asked their then prime minister Said Musa to get rid of one of their fellow ministers Ralph Fonseca who was wielding too much power over them. The prime minister refused to listen to these seven ministers and the relationship turned ugly.
Miss World Belize 2015
Miss Jasmine departed The Belize Phillip Goldson Inter. Airport on Delta Airlines yesterday on her way to Los Angeles for further preparation and training and will leave on Thursday, 19th November to Sanya, China.
RESPECT TO THE BELIZEAN LEGEND ANDY PALACIO: WRITTEN IN STONE!
In commemoration of Garifuna Settlement Day on November 19, 2015, Belizean Legends honor the dynamic work of Belize's most outstanding cultural and musical ambassador, the late Andy Palacio, and his musical, cultural, and educational contribution to Belizean society at home and abroad. No other Belizean artist ever in the hsitory of Belize had ever won the Womex Peace Prize, but Andy Palacio captured the world attention and won it in 2007 for his cultural activism for the Garinagu people, and drawing international attention to the plight of the Pan Garinagu community in Central and South America.
Flood Advisory in Belize: U.S. Embassy Belize
U.S. Embassy Belmopan informs U.S. citizens that due to heavy rainfall the Belizean National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) has issued an advisory. Heavy rainfall has affected parts of the country, particularly in the Belize River valley and along the old northern highway. The highways and main thoroughfare are open and passable. U.S. citizens should stay tuned to local forecasts and follow instructions from local authorities regarding road detours and other safety restrictions. Belizean authorities caution the public not to drive around in flooded areas especially in low vehicles. U.S. citizens living and traveling in Belize should take this information into account, and be aware that localized conditions in affected areas could change without warning.
Channel 7
Miracle Baby Suzette Survives Floodwaters
Heavy rains inundated the whole country this weekend - and when floodwaters overtook parts of the southern highway - it exposed many vulnerable communities. One of them is Santa Cruz on the Jalacte road - where - initial reports said that an infant was lost to flood waters on the road.
LOVE FM reported that a mother was navigating the water across the road, when she stumbled and the child slipped from her grip - and perished in the rushing waters. Well, the good news is that the child didn't die, but she narrowly escaped death. Daniel Ortiz spoke to her 12 year-old sister Yesenia Ca-a today, who was acting as her mother's translator, since she doesn't speak English very well.
The first thing she clarified for us was that it was not her mother, Adelia Shol, who lost the baby. It was actually a man from Redbank Village who was trying to help her cross the stream with the child, 2 month old Suzette Adelicia Caac:
16 Year Old Murdered In Ruthless Home Invasion
A teenager was killed in a brazen home invasion in Camalote village this weekend. Tonight the Choc family is in hiding after 16 year old Ivan was gunned down while he ate dinner with his family. Courtney Weatherburne found out more from Roaring Creek police today:...
Courtney Weatherburne reporting
This green wooden house might look like it has been abandoned for years. The verandah is moldy and decrepit and the weathered door is barred shut.
But it was just a couple a days ago that the Choc family was living in this humble house. On Friday night the family was having their family dinner on this small wooden table.
But that family gathering was interrupted by heavy footsteps splashing the water in the yard. A family member told us that the father Eluterio Choc went to the door with a machete and when he opened it, 2 masked gunmen stormed in. Choc tried to fight them off but he couldn't and the men shot his 16 year old son Ivan Choc.
Floodwaters Receding, But Riverside Communities Must Be On Lookout
And so tonight NEMO is monitoring water levels across the country - especially in the West, the south and central Belize. Low lying bridges in the west like this one at Iguane Creek have been under water all weekend due to the steadily rising Macal river. The Roaring Creek Bridge remains open while water hovers less than a foot below the deck.
Overall, waters are receding, folks have returned home from shelters and the weather is improving.
NEMO's latest update says that flood waters continue to threaten these communities in the Cayo District: Arenal; Succotz; Calla Creek; La Clarissa; Siete Millas; Barton Creek; San Marcos; Billy White; Central Farm; Buena Vista; Ramonal; Paslow Falls, Bullet Tree Falls; Santa Familia, Branch Mouth, and Roaring Creek, More Tomorrow in the Cayo.
International Custody Battle Between Parents; Baby Nina In The Middle
This weekend, a wave of outrage swept across social media when news went out from Orange Walk that two year old Nina Charlotte Alexandra Barrera Perez had basically been abducted by the Department of Human Services. And the Social Worker did it on behalf of the child's Guatemalan father. Well, turns out, that's not quite how it went - and tonight we'll both sides of the story. But we start with what you want to know most: where is the child? She is safe and sound, in Belize, in the custody of the Department of Human Services. The Department took custody under a provision called emergency care in the families and children act. In such a case, the Department has to go to court within 48 hours to get an order confirming the legality of the emergency protective care. That's just what happened at the family court today and Nina's mother, Ana Liza Perez Guttierez was in court with her attorney Marcel Cardona. When it was finished at midday she told us she got some clarity, and relief:..
Ana Liz Perez Guitterrez
"I was satisfied with the results because I am calmer now that my daughter is safe, that she is not being sneaked out of the country and I am happy and I am willing to work and get to the bottom of everything and get everything sorted out."
Notorious Freezone Figure Executed In Chetumal
A notorious figure from the Corozal Free Zone was executed in a Chetumal Restaurant this weekend. Ernesto Alonso de Miguel, known as "El Espanol" was gunned down as he ate with his family in a restaurant called "The Emporium" in Chetumal. His family was spared but a policeman he was dining with was also killed. A gunman reportedly entered the restaurant and opened fire on the pair fo them and then escaped.
Mexican media calls him the czar of contraband - and they say Alonso De Miguel is responsible for a large quantity of the contraband cigarettes and other illicit products moving between the Free Zone and Chetumal.
De Alonzo has been targeted by the Zetas before in Chetumal but escaped as he ran over to Belize. He was also involved in a violent shootout with Mexican police in 2011.
Former Death Row Inmate Baptist's Attorney Wants Him Home For Christmas
Glenford Baptist had been on death row longer than anyone else - but after 13 years, he's going before the judge to learn his fate. But he's not on detah row anymore because his death sentence for killing Azrin White in the year 2000 was set aside earlier this year, and now he's going to court to find out how much longer he'll have to spend in jail. Today, his case came up Chief Justice, Kenneth Benjamin explained to him that his sentencing trial will be heard on December 18, 2015, one week before Christmas.
His attorney Priscilla Banner asked the court for time to file additional affidavit on behalf of her client. Banner told the media that she is hoping that at the end of the sentencing hearing the court will order that Baptist has served his time after almost 14 years on remand.
Nigel Hawke on behalf of the Government, is asking for a time of 25 years be imposed less time served on remand.
Weed Trafficker Chose Air Cargo
On Friday, Corozal police found a pound of weed being smuggled in a Tropic Air Cargo package. It happened in Corozal at the Ranchito airstrip. At 10:15 am, Special Branch and CIB personnel police had information to look for a Lala milk box. It was sealed with transparent tape and found to contain baby clothes and one parcel which was tightly wrapped in transparent plastic. The parcel was cut open and contained a black plastic back with weed amounting to 486 grams - or about a pound. It was labeled as found property.
Sick Stepfather
Benque Viejo police have charged a 40 year old man for fondling his 14 year old stepson. On Saturday morning, the teenager reported to police that at 7:30am, he was sleeping in a sofa in the hall and was awakened by someone touching his genitals. When he opened his eyes, he saw his step father sitting nude on the sofa. The youth told police that the same thing happened between the 24th and 31st October, 2015, when he was sleeping in the bedroom, and his step father would fondle him and then hand him five dollars. On Sunday evening, Police arrested the 40 year old stepfather who is a Carpenter and charged for two counts of "Sexual Assault".
Malaria, Dengue, Chik-V, And Now Zika, Latest Mosquito Borne Malady
Dengue and Chikungunya aren't the only diseases you have to worry about catching when a mosquito bites you. Now there's Zika, another virus that you can get from the same Aedes aegypti mosquito. There were a few cases of Zika in Brazil and Columbia and now the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) has confirmed, five cases of Zika virus in the Caribbean. More worryingly, there are concerns that there might be cases in El Salvador. Now, Zika is called Dengue's first cousin and the symptoms are similar. But Chief of Operations for the Vector Control Program at the Ministry of Health Kim Bautista told us that there is no reason to be alarmed because there are no confirmed cases in Belize nor in neighboring countries. Bautista told us more about this virus and what can be done to keep safe.
Kim Bautista, Chief of Operations - Vector Control Program
"Zika virus is a virus belonging to a member of the group of viruses which includes the more common dengue virus. The West Nile virus is also a member of that family of viruses and also yellow fever. So it's a pretty old disease. The name Zika comes from the Zika Forest in Uganda where this virus was discovered in monkeys in the wild and thereafter between the 60s and the 70s it was detected in humans.
Henkis, Setting The Record Straight
On Friday night's newscast, you saw 73 year old Norman Henkis, lamenting about being put out of his house, because he didn't own the land. Well, Mr. Henkis put his own spin on certain elements of his case, and we've got to set the record straight. Henkis told us that the court ordered a settlement of $4,000.00 Belize dollars to him; not so. What the judgment actually said is that the upper storey of the house is to be valued by a valuator agreed to by both sides, and the landowner will pay him half of that value. After he's paid off, he has one month to move. There's no telling how much that figure will be.
Also he told us he invested $160,000.00 dollars to build and expand the house but in court he pumped that up and said it was half a million dollars.
As a result, the Judge stated in her Judgment that she quote, "did not believe the figure he gave for its construction" and found that "the figure he gives for this is entirely unbelievable".