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The San Pedro Sun
For the Love of Lobster!
While many only observe February 14th as the day of love, here in Belize it also marks the closing of the Lobster Season. That's right, the ability to fish for or indulge in this delectable crustacean closes after Valentine's Day. The Spiny Lobster is sought out across Belize as one of the top sea-food platters, but in order to ensure generations to come can still enjoy this marine critter, the Belize Government, through the Fisheries Department implements a fishing season to allow our tasty lobsters to re-populate.
The Spiny Lobster (Panulirus argus) open season runs from midnight of June 14th to midnight of February 14th. After the season closes, any person found in possession of lobsters will be prosecuted in accordance with 3(1)(b) of the Fisheries Regulations, Chapter 210 of the Subsidiary Laws of Belize Revised Edition 2000-2003. During this time, all lobster traps need to be removed from the water, and restaurants need to deplete their lobster inventory within a two week grace period.
The four month closed season is prime spawning and breeding time for the Spiny Lobster. After hatching it takes up to three years for a lobster to reach full maturity. In Belize it is also illegal to catch berried lobster (with eggs) or undersized lobsters (if they are under 3.5 inches in the carapace length they are still considered juvenile) throughout the year. Penalties for breaking a lobster related law can result in a six month imprisonment or up to a $1,000 in fines.
CARICOM Heads to tackle key development issues at Belize Meeting
Advancing the regional response to the Zika threat will be among matters engaging CARICOM Heads of Government at their 27th Inter-Sessional meeting in Placencia, Belize, 16-17 February. The Heads are also expected to focus on measures to position the Region to benefit from the historic Paris Agreement on Climate Change, including access to climate finance. The Belize meeting comes a fortnight after the World Health Organisation declared Zika as a 'public health emergency of international concern'. The suspected Zika link to cases of microcephaly in parts of Latin America, with babies born with underdeveloped brains, has also heightened public concern about the virus. At least five CARICOM Member States have diagnosed cases of the Zika virus. The Caribbean Regional Public Health Agency (CARPHA), which has been providing testing and prevention and control guidance to Member States, is expected to help the Meeting determine the future actions in the Zik-V fight.
BA 1 project participants finally receive their grants
On Friday, February 5th, 34 women from San Pedro, Ambergris Caye finally received their long awaited grants to start or expand their businesses. After graduating in May of 2015 from a three week- training seminar designed for victims of domestic violence and human trafficking, the participants were to receive a monetary assistance in order to be more self-sufficient and independent. That assistance did not happen instantly as promised, which led to the belief by many of the participants that it would never materialize. After several inquiries from the participants, pleas through the media and couple of meetings, the women have finally received their grants. Now the town can look forward to a variety of new business ventures to begin. The official ceremony for the handover of funds took place shortly after 12:30PM at the SunBreeze Hotel conference room. Participants were treated to a reception while members of the Belize Training and Employment Centre, the International Organization for Migration and the Small Business Development Centre of Belize, briefed them on what they are expected to do with their business plans with the help of the funds. The participants received between $3,000 and $4,000 to assist them in starting their new businesses.
Decline in oil prices drastically affect PetroCaribe funds
With oil prices declining, the Venezuelan Government is preparing for an economic setback and possible humanitarian crisis. But this will not only affect Venezuela, as the decline in oil prices is having a global effect. Among those who continue to be affected either directly or indirectly by the decline of oil prices is Belize, who has being receiving substantial funds from the PetroCaribe Loan agreement with Venezuela. But with Venezuela's economy failing, Belize is already feeling the challenges as currently, only $15BZ million remain from the PetroCaribe funds. In Prime Minister of Belize's, Dean Barrow's New Year's address he indicated "with the dizzying fall in oil prices, we expect to get much less from these Venezuela loan funds than we did in 2015. And already 2015's intake was only half of 2014." The PetroCaribe loan agreement sees money being received under an arrangement which allows the Government of Belize (GOB) to defer half of the payments for fuel imported from Venezuela under a 25-year financing agreement and instead keep the portion of revenues from local fuel sales to finance its programs. The other half of the monies received have to be paid within 90 days. Throughout 2015, GOB was receiving up to $2US million monthly from PetroCaribe funds, but in the past months, that amount has substantially dropped to under $1US million.
Kent Gabourel wins Weekend Warriors' race against the clock
Kent "Bob" Gabourel of the Kulture Megabytes team won "race against the clock" with the best time of 25 minutes 45 seconds, when the Weekend Warriors Cycling Club held individual time trials over an 11.5-mile course on the Burrell Boom bypass road from the Data Pro junction with the Philip Goldson Highway to the Hattieville Cemetery on Sunday morning, February 7th.
Gabourel won the A category, in which Daniel Cano and Warren Coye of the Santino's team ranked 2nd and 3rd respectively, clocking 25:52 and 26:55. Robert Mariano of the DigiCell 4G team was 4th in 27:09; Isaiah Willacey of the F.T.Williams team was 5th in 27:15; and Fitzgerald "Palas" Joseph was 6th in 27:18.
Clarence Tesecum of the F.T. Williams team won the B category in 28:49; Ryan Willoughby of the SMART Zoom team was 2nd in 30:03; and John Burns of the DigCell 4G team was 3rd in 30:05. Santino "Chief" Castillo and Francis Cassasola of the Santino's team were 4th and 5th respectively in 30:22 and 30:32; and Albert Conorquie of the Sugar City United team was 6th in 30:39.
CARICOM Reform
As the integration movement deepens, numerous demands are being placed on key Regional institutions, and the CARICOM Secretariat, the Community's administrative body headquartered in Georgetown, Guyana. In an effort to address this situation and further accelerate the implementation of decisions, Heads of Government agreed that the structure and functioning of Community institutions needed to be
In July 2010, the Heads of Government commissioned a consultancy to produce a report restructuring of the Secretariat. The independent consultancy was supervised by a Project Management Team comprising representatives of Member States. At their Inter-sessional Meeting in March 2012, Heads of Government received the Landell Mills Report on the Restructuring of the CARICOM Secretariat.
Secretary General's Visit to Leo Bradley Library
he Secretary General of the Caribbean Community Secretariat Ambassador Irwin LaRocque visited the Belize National Library Service on Thursday, February 11th, 2016 to officially unveil software, donated by the CARICOM Secretariat, for the visually-impaired.
In 2015, the CARICOM Secretariat donated and installed software for the visually-impaired at the Belize National Library Service that would be available to the public. The Library located on Princess Margret Drive in Belize City was identified as the ideal location because of its proximity to several high schools, university and technical vocational institutions. It is also near to the Stella Maris School which caters to students with special needs.
2015-2016 Lobster Season comes to a close
Lobster season officially comes to a close on Monday, February 15th, and the Belize Fisheries Department has reported a stable 2015-2016 season. The Belize Fisheries Department informs all fishermen and the general public that the once the Spiny Lobster (Palinuridae) fishing season is closed, any person found in possession of lobsters during the said closed season will be prosecuted. The season will remain closed until midnight on Tuesday, June 14th.
Ambergris Today
American Student Dies on Field Trip in Belize
Authorities in Belize are investigating the death of teenage student from North Cobb High School, Kennesaw, Georgia, USA, who died while on a fieled trip to the country on Saturday, February 13, 2016.
While details of the teen's death is still unclear, a US district official in Cobb County confirmed that 16-year-old Tomari Jackson died after disappearing while the group of students and chaperons were swimming in shallow waters near a riverbank in the Tiger Sandy Bay area of Hattieville, Belize District.
The body was discovered and retrieved by the Belize Coast Guard who was called to the scene. Ambergris Today, along with the country of Belize, expresses its sincere condolences to the Jackson family.
China's Health Agreement with Belize to Boost Services
An agreement on cooperation in public health and medical skills was signed on February 10, 2016, between the Government of Belize and the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan).
The objective of the agreement is to access technical support from the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) in the area of public health and will include, but will not be limited to, health education, disease screening and clinical services. Another major aspect of this joint collaboration will be the capacity building of medical personnel in Belize.
Misc Belizean Sources
CARICOM Youth Ambassadors
CARICOM Youth Ambassadors in Belize preparing the venue for Monday night's Opening Session of the CARICOM Heads of Government 27th Inter-sessional meeting.
Passing of Mr. Santos Elijio
Mayor Daniel Guerrero, the San Pedro Town Council and Staff would like to extend its deepest condolences to the Elijio family & friends on the passing of Mr. Santos Elijio on February 8, 2016. May his soul rest in peace.
Mr. Santos Elijio was father to former councilor, Joseph Elijio. He was also a former employee of the San Pedro Town Council.
Kudos to the The Phoenix for their efforts in keeping San Pedro clean
The Phoenix organizes a beach clean up every Saturday at 8 a.m. with the help of volunteers. Check out their facebook page The Phoenix for updates on their next clean up! Thank you The Phoenix!
4th Anniversary Corozal House of Culture (NICH)
You are kindly invited to celebrate our 4th anniversary as we honour our historical landmark; Corozal Town's Public Market built in 1886.
Belize Telemedia Ltd (BTL) is seeking the services of a "Graphic Designer" in its Marketing Division
Looking for that AMAZINGLY creative marketing talent who can design and execute cutting edge print and video ads, as well as shape winning marketing campaigns. Belize Telemedia Ltd (BTL) is seeking the services of a "Graphic Designer" in its Marketing Division with duty station in Belize City.
The Graphic Designer in BTL's Creative Support Unit team is responsible for creative development and input into BTL's internal and external advertising campaigns, and for the production of high quality print & video content across the full range of BTL and DigiCell product lines.
The Graphic Designer will also be required to constantly be aware of print/video/audio advertising and marketing trends and how to employ these trends in order to ensure design solutions that have high consumer impact.
Applicants must possess the following:
Associates degree in Marketing, Graphic Design or related field.
Knowledge of layout, design and editing of print and video content.
Mr Greedy's Pizzeria is up for sale
Mr Greedy's Pizzeria is up for sale. Mr. Greedy's is a well established family owned business of 11 years. Mr Greedy;s has a country wide following.
With the new location it has more potential than every before. With four times the space and plenty of parking. Great new interior decor.
Contact Mary K Cariddi only serious inquires please.
Largest Resort Spa on Ambergris Caye Set to Open
Known for its stunning beachfront location, personal service and luxurious accommodations, award winning Victoria House on the island of Ambergris Caye, Belize, plans to open the doors to its full service spa and fitness facility in May, 2016.
"We're delighted with the result - everything has come together better than we could have hoped for, and we can't wait to share the new spa with our guests," says Brent Kirkman, General Manager of Victoria House. "This is something our guests have been looking for, waiting for, and anticipating and we're so proud that it's finally here."
The spa, fitness and wellness facility, at 3,500 sq. ft., will be the largest of its kind on Ambergris Caye. Styled in a Caribbean plantation/colonial theme, the new building of white stucco and chocolate brown shutters, is set in a tropical garden with coconut palms, Flamboyants and Bougainvilleas creating a serene and therapeutic atmosphere.
"Part of Victoria House's appeal is our magnificent beachfront location on Ambergris Caye, and our grounds are truly a work of art," says Janet Woollam, Managing Director of Victoria House. "We want to bring that beauty, sense of space, peace and serenity to the new spa and we were able to do that."
Meet a Belizean tour guide who can navigate by the stars
Kimike Smith can navigate his boat by the stars and tell you the name of every sea creature along the reef. He's a guide here with Island Expeditions.
How did you come to work at Island Expeditions?
Everyone in Belize knows about Island Expeditions. They have been here since 1987 and provide good jobs to a lot of Belizeans. We know the ocean and the jungle unlike any foreigner and they respect our knowledge. They are also the best tour company in the country - the most professional and protective of our wildlife. I started working with them 12 years ago, and they saved my life. How did they save your life?
I was young, my parents were no longer in my life and I was living in a friend's basement. I was getting into some trouble. A friend's mother told me about IE and the type of jobs they offered. I knew the ocean, and I liked working with people, so I thought, "Yeah, I'm gonna be a guide." I was cocky. Because I didn't have my tour guide licence, they only let me work maintenance. I quit once. I was frustrated that they wouldn't let me guide just on my knowledge, but they have a high standard for their guides, and I couldn't be one until I met those standards. Finally, once I got my ego in check, they helped me go to guiding school where I aced it. Of course. If they hadn't supported me and believed in me, I don't know where I would be now � I have the best job in the world.
Government of Japan gives grant to "The project for the Improvement of the Sea Island Cotton Industry"
The Government of Japan is once again aiding Belize in another project.
The Government of Japan is granting a total of $102,029.00 USD to the Cotton Industry in Belize. This contribution was made under the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security projects of the Government of Japan.
This project was initiated by cotton farmers in Belize and is represented by Mr. Kensuke Inoue. Seeing as agricultural is one of Belize's main strength, the development of this industry provides job and stability in such field.
The Embassy of Japan wishes success of this project because the Sea Island Cotton is one of the most potential products to strengthen the relationship between Belize and Japan.
Belize produces some of the best cotton in the world.
Milpa incursions in the Chiquibul
Honourable Minister Omar Figueroa and CEO Dr. Colin Young flew today over the Chiquibul to see first-hand the milpa incursions occurring on the western flank of the park.
Become a History Detective and win!
Treasure hunt in downtown Belize City. Weekly clues.
CALLING ALL WOMEN ENTREPRENUERS IN BELIZE!!!
DEADLINE - February 18, 2016 (THIS THURSDAY!!!)
This year the Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) will bein Silicon Valley, California! Last year two Belizean entreprenuers were able to participate in the GES in Kenya and we hope that other women entreprenuers from Belize will take advantage of this opportunity in 2016.
Unleashing the economic potential of women is a powerful tool to drive economic growth and prosperity. Women entrepreneurs are integral to stable and thriving formal economies, which is why we are developing content with the needs of women entrepreneurs in mind.
Click on the link below and follow the insturctions to submit your application. Good luck!!
Channel 7
CARICOM Comes To Belize
CARICOM Heads of Government are meeting in Placencia tonight for the Twenty-Seventh Inter-sessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government. The meeting is being held in Belize as Prime Minister Dean Barrow takes over the Chairmanship of CARICOM from The Prime Minister of Barbados, Freundel Stuart. The opening ceremony was scheduled to start at 6:00 at the Placencia Hotel but up to news time, it hadn't started yet.
The Heads of Government meeting reportedly has the attendance of all 15 CARICOM heads of government, and a total of 125 delegates.
The event got off to a running start this morning when Finance Ministers met to discuss the de-risking by US Banks that is affecting the entire region's commercial banking sector. Gaston Browne who is Antigua and Barbuda's Prime Minister and Minister of Finance chaired the meeting, which included the Committee of Central Bank Governors, the Caribbean Association of Banks and the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force. The recommendations from this morning's meeting will go before the Heads during their deliberations on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Teenaged Tourist Drowns In Sibun
On Saturday, a 14 year old American tourist drowned in the Belize District. Tomari Jackson was in a group of 33 American Students between 14 and 15 year old, along with their chaperones from the North Cobb High School in Kennesaw, Georgia. They came to Belize and were on the first day of their school trip, which took them to Monkey Bay resort. While on the trail the group along with local guides stopped by an area known as Tiger Sandy Bay a few miles off mile 31 on the George Price Highway to take a swim in the Sibun river. They left the area after 5:00 in the evening, but when they made headcount, the chaperones realized that one of the students was missing. Inspector Juanito Cocom from the Rural Eastern Division told us more:
Inspector Juanito Cocom - Deputy Commander, Eastern Rural:
"Based on the information received of a missing person in Tiger Sand Bay area, which is about 6 miles off the Mile 31 on the George Price Highway. Police visited Monkey Bay resort where one Mr. Matt Miller, 59 year old American businessman reported that on the same date around 3pm, a group of around 32 Americans students ages 14 and 15 accompanied by 6 American chaperons visit the resort and went swimming. Around 5:15pm, the group left the swimming area and border a bus back to the resort. A head count was conducted on board the bus when it was then discovered that one of the students namely Tomari Elija Jackson, 14 years who unfortunately would have been 15 today - a student of Atlanta Georgia USA was missing."
Report: Luis Alcoser Re-Emerges
On January 6th, we told you about Luis Alcoser, the resident of Caledonia village whose vehicle was found shot up on the side of the road. He was missing and his family feared the worst. Well, tonight we can tell you that he has re-emerged alive and is presently in the custody of Corozal police. Police aren't talking right now, so we don't know the circumstances of his re-appearance. His father told us he has heard the same and sent his other son to check. He told us if his son is indeed alive, it will be a joyful day for his family. We'll keep following the story and hope to have more on this tomorrow.
CARICOM: Correspondent Banking A Priority
Right Now, the collective technical might of the Government of Belize is all down on the Placencia Peninsula for the 27th Inter-Sessional Meeting of The Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
As we told you earlier, Belize took over the interim chairmanship of CARICOM, and right now, Prime Minister Dean Barrow is heading all sessions. He's currently the keynote speaker in the opening ceremony which should start sometime tonight at the Placencia Hotel.
Our news team is there for that ceremony, and we'll have highlights of tonight's event for you in tomorrow's newscast. But, just before the ceremony started, our Daniel Ortiz spoke with Elsworth John, the St. Vincent and the Grenadines' Ambassador to CARICOM, who also serves as Head of the Regional Integration and Diaspora Unit. He told us that the CARICOM Finance Ministers hit the ground running with the itinerary delve right into the issue of de-risking, which all the CARICOM nations face since the tier 1 American Banks are terminating the corresponding banking relationships with banking institutions all across the Caribbean. Here's that interview with the Ambassador:
Five Teenagers Shot In 30 Hours In city
Five people were shot this weekend in Belize City - all of them teenagers - and, luckily, none of them were seriously injured. The gun violence started on Friday night at 7:00 on Allan Pitts Crescent in the Port Loyola area where 19-year-old Raheem Bailey was shot to his chest and to both legs. Police say that Bailey was at home with a friend, when a man known to him rode up on a bicycle and came to a stop twenty feet away where he pulled out a firearm, and fired several shots at them - but only Bailey got hit. Bailey was rushed to the KHMH where he is in a stable condition. Police have one man detained.
And then one hour later, at 8:00, in the same Port Loyola area on Boots Crescent, police responded to gunfire and found a 17-year-old male lying on the right side of the street at the corner with Rivero Street Extension. He had been shot to his upper back by a 23 year old who came up from behind. He was rushed to the KHMH where he is also in stable condition. Police have since arrested and charged 23-year-old Joseph Lopez with "Attempted Murder, Dangerous Harm and Use of Deadly Means of Harm".
Gunman Sprayed Fire On Club Going Crowd Heading Home
And then, 3 more teenagers were shot on Newtown Barracks this weekend. Early Saturday morning at around 3:45, a crowd was leaving the nightclub at Princess, and a shooter sprayed gunfire on a crowd headed towards BTL park. The target was 19 year old Wilbert Welch. He was hit to his left shoulder and two others who had the bad luck of walking behind Welch at the time, 19 year old Devon Gillett and 19 year old Chelsea Young were also hit - Gillet to the neck and left shoulder, and Young to the hand. Police have detained 3 persons. Police believe the shooting was related to Friday night's shootings involving the Southside gang and an ongoing rivalry with a crew from Jane Usher Boulevard.
Cannabis By Cargo
The San Pedro police strike team used intelligence to make a weed bust. On Sunday, they waited outside the town's airstrip for 21 year old Romario Mai to pick up a package. He was riding away from Maya Island Air's cargo section, when police stopped him and searched his knapsack. Inside they found 341 grams, or 12 ounces of weed stuffed into a corn flakes box. The package came from Belize City and Mai was only picking it up for a known dealer on the island. Still, Mai was charged with drug trafficking. The dealer - whose name was on the box - was questioned and released. Police say they are keeping a close eye on the cargo services which they believe are a transit point for drugs entering the island.
Baby Nina: Friday's Scene At Court
On Friday we told you about the late evening court decision to send 2 year old baby Nina back to Guatemala in the custody of her father, Ernesto Barrera. According to the mother, Ana Liz Perez Gutierrez, back in October last year, she ran away from Guatemala with her child allegedly escaping abuse. She entered Belize and found refuge with her family in Orange Walk. But her freedom and that of her daughter's was short lived. In November last year, social workers swooped in and removed baby Nina from her custody. This led to an international custody battle that culminated on Friday. As we told you the session took all day and the decision was not made until after 6:30. With the tight time constraints we could not bring you a full report - which we have for you tonight:
A platoon of officers lined the entrance of Bishop Street on Friday. They had barricaded the road from about 8 in the morning AT the other end of the street there was also a strong presence of uniformed police officers.
At the entrance of the family court everyone was searched, men and women alike. Police had gotten a hint the day before that their might be a protest in support of Baby Nina Staying in Belize with her mother.
Peering Inside El Pilar
The El Pilar Archeological Site: it's situated about 11 miles outside of San Ignacio - right on the Belize Guatemala border line. Now, we have reported extensively on the problems this particular location presents - the main threat being Guatemalan bandits. Tour Guides and tourists have even expressed fear in visiting El Pilar. But Researcher Dr. Anabel Ford says there is so much more to El Pilar; beyond these geographical pressures, and her new book "The Maya Forest Garden" highlights this beautiful and elaborate world beneath the canopy. Today that book was launched at the Image Factory. We spoke with one of the Master Gardeners, 75 year old Alfonso Tzul as well as Dr. Ford - they told us this book traces the deep connection between humans and nature.
Alfonso Tzul, Master Forest Gardener:
"I've been practicing agriculture. I've been using the land, the forest, and the animals in such a way that it contributes, not only to me, but to the animals, to the land and to the forest as well. So Anabel came to me one day by accident and we got to know one another and she asked me why I do all those things and that is where the concept came about that you cannot live without the land. The land will remain, but you will go, the trees will go, but the land will stay. So you have to treat it carefully. That was the secret of the Mayas even from ancient days. That was how she began to collect information for this book that I have in my hand. So this book is an account of how the Mayas live many years ago - thousands of year ago and how they still continue to live like that today on their plot of land. One of the big issues in Belize is that lots of us tend to look at the land as a curse. The land should not be looked as a curse, but as a blessing. Something that can make` great improvements in your life. Case in point: the farmer may not have a lot of money, but he will always have something to eat."
John Yapp, Searching For Closure At The Scene Of The Crime (Against His Reputation)
Former British High Commissioner John Yapp left Belize in shame and scandal in June and 2008, when a complaint was made about his conduct - it alleged that he had touched the backside of a female senior counsel at a cocktail. The former Deputy High Commissioner David Spires reported this to the British Foreign Office - and said the complaint came from former foreign Minister Eamon Courtenay. Courtney denied making any such complaint to Spires. A fact finding mission sent by the British Government said that Courtney had made the complaint in confidence - and it led to disciplinary action against Yapp - who eventually lost his job - and ran into health difficulties.
In short, the entire ordeal ruined Yapp personally and professionally - so much so that even after being cleared of any wrongdoing whatsoever by the two highest British courts - he still had lost his career. Now he's back in Belize visiting old friends and looking for closure. He told Jules Vasquez as much on Friday:...
John Yapp, Former British High Commissioner to Belize:
"You know I feel genuinely robbed of the great time that I felt confident of having here, both in professional and personal terms, but it was not to be. The disappointments I think which I still suffer from some of the effect, including you know the price I had to pay in terms of my health, are things which are essentially now focused in the UK rather than in Belize. But I wanted to come here perhaps one last time to say goodbye to, you know, many of my friends and, you know, incredibly loyal supporters who have sustained me over the last eight years."
Digicell Valentine's Tour Ends
We're used to one day cycling races, which are many times known as "classics." Those are staples on the Belize sporting calendar - especially the biggest classic of them all, the Holy Saturday Cross Country Cycling Classic. But, in the wider global cycling community, stage races are what dominates the sport. And Belize's first tour in a while was held over the last four days. It started on February tenth and finished yesterday - with Mexican rider, Yapur in the lead, and Joel Borland trialing by just nine seconds. Would Borland be able to make it up on the western Highway? Our team was on the road:..
Stage 5 - fifth and final stage - of the Digicel Valentine Tour 2016 - San Ignacio to the Benque border to Belize City - a total of 90 miles.
Mexican Juan Manuel Yapur is the overall race leader - as they pulled off at 9:00 am all 48 remaining cyclists wanted to prove that they could win a stage.
As we head towards the Western border, we can see that this will be no walk in the park - heading into a north wind.
Giovanni Lovell attacks the peloton early - and the peloton responds in kind.
Maim Victim Francis Gill's Civil Solution
Imagine going to Li Chee to buy a late night fried chicken and to end up losing your leg right at the chicken joint because of some hard talk.
That's what happened to Belize City resident Francis Gill: he lost right leg from the knee down after he was run over by 35 year-old Devon Jones in September of 2014.
As we had reported, Gill and Jones had some words, and Jones jumped into his Chevy Trail Blazer and people thought that was the end of disagreement.
But, without any warning, Jones lurched unto the sidewalk towards Gill, and slammed him into the wall and pinned his leg there. He had to be rushed to the KHMH, and a few days later, the doctors had no choice but to amputate Gill's leg from the knee down in order to save his life.
Jones has since been awaiting trial on the criminal charges of maim and aggravated assault. But, although he has yet to his day in the Supreme Court, Gill didn't wait around for a criminal court to establish guilt against Jones. He took out civil lawsuit against Jones, and on Friday won a judgment in default against Jones, who did not put up a defense.
Exquisite Cotton Produced in Belize
The Government of Japan is giving a very generous grant to the Belize Cotton Industry. The grant in excess of 102 thousand US dollars was handed to the Government of Belize for the project named the Improvement of the Sea Island Cotton Industry. Sea Island Cotton is said to possess fine, almost legendary qualities that are sought after worldwide.
But, this strain of cotton is very sensitive and vulnerable to pests, and requires very specific environmental and climate conditions - which is why production has declined all across the Caribbean. Now, through engineering, the Japanese have been able to produce quality cotton with more durable plants.
And so, Belize is now considered to produce the best cotton in the world.
Last year six farming families participated in the Sea Island cotton cultivation project. This year, the Japanese say they have over 40, and are expecting to produce 100,000 pounds of cotton. So far, according to a release from the Japanese, 28,000 pounds have been produced. They handed over two tractors to help the project.