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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
Taxi and motorcycle collide in Airstrip Area
On Friday, September 23rd, the San Pedro Traffic Department (SPTD) responded to a traffic accident in the Airstrip Area of San Pedro Town. The accident happened around 11:30AM, and involved a parked taxi car and a motorcycle.
According to official reports, the motorcycle driver was passing by when the taxi driver opened the door to his parked car, causing the motorcycle to crash. The victim has been identified as George Malic, and the taxi driver is Geovanni Reyes. Malic suffered minor injuries, while Reyes' vehicle received slight cosmetic damage.
Chris Nu�ez, Head of the San Pedro Traffic Department (SPTD), stated that the taxi was the culprit in the accident. "Reports indicate how Reyes was parked in the wrong direction, and when the motorcycle was passing by, Reyes opened his car door, and caused the accident," said Nu�ez.
House of Culture opens exhibition on Battle of St. George's Caye
A new exhibit is on display at the San Pedro House of Culture (SPHC), featuring the events of the Battle of Saint George's Caye. The exhibition will be open for viewing for the remainder of the month of September, at the House of Culture located on Angel Coral Street.
The exhibition showcases historical pieces of information courtesy of the National Museum of Belize, and portrays different maps showing the routes of the Spanish attacks to the settlement on St. George's Caye. Other pieces of the important memorabilia feature the different public meetings and the timeline of the Battle of St. George's Caye. The exhibition also counts with the list of all the Baymen who voted to stay and fight the Spaniards, including those who voted to flee instead.
Minister Heredia donates truck to police
Minister of Tourism, Culture and Civil Aviation Honorable Manuel Heredia Jr has donated a new, 2016 Mazda s3 truck to the San Pedro Police Department (SPPD). On September 7th, the new vehicle labeled "Tourism Police" was specifically given over to help alleviate crimes against tourists.
Receiving the donation was Officer in Charge of the San Pedro Police Sub-Formation, Superintendent Sandra Bowden. She is thankful for the donation, as it will go a long-way in aiding them to work on tourism safety. She has also appointed Police Constable Saldano to carry out these special duties, as well as increasing police patrols.
MOH talks Zika at public meeting in Caye Caulker
Any suspicions of the disease should be reported to the local health centres. Seeking attention at private clinics, which are beginning to offer a speedy test, is strong discouraged. "Those express tests are not accurate, thus, we continue encouraging everyone to report any potential cases to the relevant authorities," said Badillo.
Currently, tests are only being offered to pregnant women, children between the ages of 0-5 and elderly persons above 65 years of age. Badillo explained that the MOH can only send a certain amount of specimens to the Caribbean Public Health Agency in Trinidad and Tobago where Zika testing labs are located. "You can still go to the clinics and let them know that you have the symptoms, but since the resources are limited in the Government, your name is put on a list, and whenever a batch of samples are sent to be examined, only a small amount of specimens are sent and we are not guaranteeing that every single one that is reported gets tested," said Badillo. A very important recommendation given to persons infected is to seek isolation in order to not spread the disease. At the moment, there are no medications for Zika, and usually the body's immune system fights it off.
Ambergris Today
Accident on Tropical Wave Street
Car knocks down motorcyclist. Be Careful Out There!
Pic of the Week - Helicopter Ride with Mayor Danny aka Grandpa
So do you want to know who was responsible for dispersing all that candy from the 'Flying Pi�ata' high above San Pedro's Central Park after the Independence Day parade? Mayor Daniel Guerrero was assisted by his grandson Daniel Martin who boasts this big smile as he boarded Astrum Helicopter. His excitement, well he got the opportunity to experience a bird's eye view of the Independence Day celebratons as they were taking place on Ambergris Caye and disperse hundreds of candy to the excited crowd below. What an exciting day for Daniel! Happy Independence Day!!!
Misc Belizean Sources
NICH visits Stann Creek House of Culture
We visited Stann Creek House of Culture- NICH today! It shares facilities with Gulisi Community Primary School & Gulisi Garifuna Museum.
Our Miss Belize Universe is visiting schools!
Our Miss Belize Universe is visiting schools in Dangriga! This is a special photo gallery.
Goldson House for Democracy and Patriotism
When in Belmopan, you should check out The Goldson House for Democracy and Patriotism-NICH... It's in the very home where Mr. Goldson once lived!
CODICADER games in Honduras
Yesterday, Thursday the 22nd the San Pedro High School female basketball team competed in their first match at the Under-17, Council for Sports and Recreation of Central America (CODICADER) games in Honduras. Our SPHS girls went up against the team from Honduras and even though they played excellently, the match still ended in a 33-50 loss for Belize. Nevertheless we are proud of the team's performance and look forward to the results of their next match, scheduled for today against Panama. Best of luck girls!
Solar Water System to Supply Safe Water
To Residents of San Victor Village, Corozal District
Construction works for San Victor Upgrade & Rehabilitated Solar Water Project is well underway in San Victor Village, Corozal District. In this regard, Minister of State, Ministry of Health, and Area Representative, Hon Dr Angel Campos will tour the project-site at 10:00 am on Monday September 26, 2016. The Minister along with other government officials will also tour other Belize Social Investment Projects, which includes San Narcisco Polyclinic and San Pedro Cristo Rey Health Centre.
The completion of the water project means that approximately 1,000 villagers (men, women and children) will have access to the supply of safe water to meet their daily needs such as drinking, washing, bathing and cooking.
INDEPENDENCE EVE 2016
Lots of great photos by the San Pedro Town Council
35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Belize and Mexico
Thirty Five years of diplomatic relations - Yesterday, Mexico and Belize commemorated the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, which started in 1981, coinciding with the proclamation of the Belizean independence from the United Kingdom.
Mexico was the first country to establish diplomatic relations with Belize and ever since it has developed strong links with its neighboring country, which have been characterized by a cordial and constructive dialogue, a robust legal framework and extensive cooperation in areas such as health, energy, tourism, security, education, culture and scientific and technical cooperation.
As neighbors and strategic partners, Mexico shares with Belize a 288 kilometer border that has two official border crossings connecting the towns of Subteniente Lopez, Quintana Roo, Mexico and Santa Elena, Corozal, Belize. In addition to that, the Central American and Caribbean links shared by the two countries have facilitated dialogue with both sub-regions.
Power interruptions cancelled for today
Postponed until further notice, power interruptions previously scheduled for entire Orange Walk & Corozal Districts on Saturday, September 24, & Sunday, September 25.
Cayo Wellness Day 2016
The Cayo Wellness Day is today, across from the market. The Farm House Deli will be there, along with scores of other healthy businesses.
Orange Walk hospitality!
It was our pleasure to Welcome the beautiful and extremely humble Miss Belize Universe Rebecca Rath to Banquitas HOC. She was accompanied by the Student Government of Muffles College High School.
A warm welcome to Sugah City Miss Belize Universe 2016-2017!
Channel 7
ZIKA Cases Mounting, 21 Pregnant Women Diagnosed
Belize could be facing a full blown Zika crisis. Five pregnant women have tested positive for ZIKA, and as many as 21 have been clinically diagnosed. That's what today's Amandala is reporting. The paper says that 341 cases of Zika have been reported in Belize and 42 cases have been confirmed by testing. The greatest number of cases have been reported in the Belize District, with the second most in Cayo and the fewest in the North. Detection of new cases has stepped up since Hurricane Earl.
The Ministry of Health didn't want to discuss the new numbers today and told us that a press conference will be held on Tuesday where the full Zika picture will be laid out.
Dodgy Drafting on BTL Settlement Opens Up Huge Hard Currency Dispute Between GOB and AA
On Monday's news, we brought you coverage of the Caribbean Court of Justice's teleconference hearing trying to resolve the latest fight between the Barrow Government and the Ashcroft Alliance over BTL. They can't agree on whether the half a billion dollar settlement should be paid in US Dollars, or Belizean dollars.
Now, while a fight over currency may appear trivial, it is important because the currency determines who gets a bigger piece of the pie for the final settlement - and it also determines how easily government can pay it.
Now, to understand it all - we have to back to the infamous Accommodation Agreement, signed by the then Musa Administration, which ultimately triggered the nationalization of BTL, and that led to the prolonged legal battle between the Ashcroft Alliance and the Barrow administration. Well, to try to settle it, they both agreed to let the arbitrators at the Permanent Council on Arbitration determine the value of the shares that the Government took away from the Alliance. It was expected that the Accommodation Agreement would drive up the value of the final settlement figures, and so, the two sides agreed that there would be a separation of the value between the book value of the, and the additional value derived from the Accommodation Agreement.
Second Payment, A Pecuniary Pain For GOB
The PM spoke to us after a nearly five hour meeting with the Teachers Union, which went late into the evening. That's why he was only willing to take a few questions. We did use the opportunity to ask about how the Government intends to make the second payment to the Ashcroft Alliance.
Coming out of Tuesday's CCJ hearing, Financial Secretary Joseph Waight told us that the Government will have to borrow 150 million dollars to make the second payment.
We asked the Prime Minister to explain:
Daniel Ortiz, 7news:
"Was this in the works from the time this settlement was on the horizon?"
Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow - Prime Minister:
"We didn't know what the arbitration award would be, but from the time the award came down, we knew that we would be paying in two tranches. The first tranches in year one and the second tranche in year two so we borrowed enough to meet the first payment and it is clear that we will have to borrow to meet the second payment. This is all domestic borrowing by way of the treasury bills and notes. So we are perfectly prepared to do that next year when we will need to make that second and final payment."
One Year Later, "ET" Gets Off Sodomy Charge
In October of 2015, Basil Willis, known as "ET", of Black Orchid Street in Belize City, was charged for raping a 23 year old man behind the Marion Jones Sports Complex. Following Willis's imprisonment without plea, the DPP ordered a written mental evaluation of the victim so that a decision could be made about how to charge Willis. She did this after the victim seemed unstable in a meeting with the DPP's office.
That was last year, but today in the Magistrate's Court, no written evaluation was produced, which allowed Willis to walk away a free man - after 11 months in jail.
McAfee and The Money Order
John McAfee today stepped up his vigorous campaign against the documentary about his turbulent time in Belize. The documentary premieres tomorrow night on Showtime, but McAfee's going all out to discredit it before it goes to air. He's coordinating no less than an international smear campaign in Belize, the USA, and the world, via the internet. So far, McAfee has gotten testimonials from a handful of interview subjects, and posted interviews or sworn statements from others disclaiming their involvement in the documentary or questioning its conclusions.
Morales Makes Mischief At UN
Right now, Belizean patriots are fuming after Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales took yet another swipe at Belize. Morales spoke on the world Stage at the United Nation's 71st General Assembly in New York, and made it clear that his country just won't let up on the fatal shooting of 14 year-old Julio Ruano, even though Belize's law enforcement team was vindicated in an Independent OAS Investigation. And yesterday, making his debut his amongst world leaders at the UN, Morales used a small section of his first address to continue his country's international campaign against Belize.
Here's that moment at the UN Assembly when he suggested that this shooting and other Guatemalan fatalities in the Chiquibul, has hurt bilateral relations:
Kadeem Took The Rap For Revolver
On Thursday, the GSU searched the home of Steven and Kadeem Bradley on Sitee Street in Belize City. They found one unloaded .38 revolver pistol. Both brothers had no license for the gun so they were arrested and charged with keeping an unlicensed firearm. They were taken to court, where Steven, who pled guilty, said that he was holding the gun for a friend. He was sentenced to 5 years in prison with eligibility for parole after serving the first half of his sentence. Kadeem, who was charged with his brother, was allowed to go free after Stevens guilty plea was accepted.
Police Minister's Son Kryston Carjacked
The son of police minister Godwin Hulse was carjacked last night in Belize City - and the thieves made off with a vehicle belonging to the Minister's wife.
24 year old Kryston Hulse reported to police that last night he was on Marine Parade with his girlfriend in his mother's Four Runner. That's when three men rolled up in a car, and one of them pulled a gun on him and demanded the keys. Fearing for his life, he handed over the keys and two of them drove off in the Four Runner, while the other left in a Mazda car. Police have made no arrests and have not recovered the SUV.
7 Weeks after Earl, Sanker Street "Sufferahs"
7 weeks after the storm, a Sanker Street family in the Port Loyola Area is still contending with the aftermath of Hurricane Earl. Sheryl Murrillo and her 4 kids have been living at her boyfriend's house for 14 years. It has always been a challenge because they all sleep in one bedroom. But Hurricane Earl wrecked the little they had. Their roof and siding were ripped off in the storm and they have been trying to restore their lives. Although The Belize Red Cross and NEMO have helped them, they still need a lot more help. Murrillo told us more about their living situation today.
Courtney Weatherburne, 7News:
"After the hurricane came, what did you find?"
Sheryl Murrillo, "Earl Destroyed My Home":
"Well, I found the roof off, the chair wet, bed wet, the speaker wet, and that's about it. My fence was blown down."
Courtney Weatherburne, 7News:
"So you lost a lot, how much would you say you lost in cost value?"
Sheryl Murrillo, "Earl Destroyed My Home":
"I would say about over a thousand dollars."
After The Storm, "Dignity Kits" For Girls and Ladies
And while that family needs urgent restorative help, other storm-affected families have needs of a more personal nature. Today, the United Nations Population Fund handed over 100 pieces of what are called "Dignity Kits" to the Ministry of Human Development. Now if you're wondering what a "Dignity Kit" is - that's what we asked today:
Lliani Arthurs, Ministry of Human Development
"The Ministry of Human Development is the Chair for the relief and supply committee of NEMO. So we are the first responders for people affected by the recent hurricane Earl. We had teams in the affected areas of the different communities and we identified different needs of those communities. One of those needs were basic hygiene needs for women and children - for women and girls and also some of our elderly populations. So we made a request to UNFPA for partnership and support in terms of their dignity kits, and so they positively responded, and now today they are handing over the 100 dignity kits."
Pres. Morales' Brother, Son In Corruption Probe
In our last segment, you saw Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales using the UN's global platform to "throw shade" at Belize. On one level, patriots may find it infuriating, but on another level, you've got to understand that the man needs a distraction, and the BDF bogeyman is one of the best he has. One of the main things he needs a distraction from is the fact that, his brother and his son are being scrutinized by their country's Attorney General's Office for suspicious payments, which those authorities want to make sure isn't corruption.
News reports out of Guatemala say that Samuel "Sammy" Morales, President' Jimmy Morales' older brother, and a close advisor, and Jose Manuel Morales, one of the President's 4 sons, were barred by a judge from leaving the country, pending an investigation into whether or not they were involved in irregular payments. The president is under added pressure, because he was elected on a strict anti-corruption platform. His predecessor is currently in jail on corruption charges.
Deceased Constable Hall Had It Hard At The End
Last night we told you about Police Constable Jason Hall, who passed away Tuesday. He's the officer from Precinct 3 in Belize City who made the news in July 2015 after he was viciously beaten by a man who pretended to be a good Samaritan. That man offered to help him fix a blowout, but instead, he attacked Hall, stole his car, and left him unconscious on the side of the road.
Hall was left in a coma due to head injuries, and a few months later, almost as though, he couldn't catch a break, he was diagnosed with cancer. We got a chance to speak to his close friend and colleague, Fitzroy Yearwood, who told us how they got devastating news of his passing on the eve of Independence Day:
Insp. Fitzroy Yearwood, Fellow Officer/Superior:
"PC Hall, after recovering from that unfortunate incident that you guys helped me with that fundraising for, he began complaining about pain to the back. I worked with him from his day of recovery which was the 1st of October 2015 until I was transferred the end of January 2016.
Hawkesworth Shook Today, Urgent Repairs Activated
Last month, Hurricane Earl washed away the temporary low-lying bridge in San Ignacio, and today the Hawkesworth Bridge had to be shut down when it started shaking. The Ministry of Works Engineer called for urgent and immediate repairs after a shaky portion was identified. Experts from Mexico were rushed in, and the bridge was shut down this afternoon at ten-minute intervals so that repairs could be done without interrupting regular traffic - since there's now only one bridge. The bridge was checked again after repairs were completed and deemed ready for public use. Mayor Earl Trapp tells us that the temporary bridge - which was destroyed by Hurricane Earl will be re-opened in the next two weeks.
Regional Volleyball Tournament Starts in Belize
Today is the last day of practice for the Belize National Men's Volleyball Team, and the seven other teams from Central America and the Caribbean who are here for the FBVI Men's World Championship Qualification Tournament. We stopped by during practice and asked them if they're ready:
Delio Arruebarrena, Head Coach:
"We'll have to take it a game at a time, a set at a time, because with the preparation that the team has they have the ability and the capacity to do good. So they just have to take it in stride as it comes. We know it's not easy, but the guys can do it because they have the training and preparation."
Channel 5
Dead Body Found in Corozal
At news time tonight, there are reports from Corozal that a body, believed to be that of a U.S. national, has washed ashore near the Finca Solana area. A white [...]
Another McAfee Associate Accuses Showtime of Coercion for Documentary
Gringo, a documentary by Showtime producers on the life of John MacAfee, airs this Saturday on the US network. But before that happens controversy is already raging. Producers Nannette Burstein [...]
Attorney Says He May Release Documents Proving Coercion
The fifth person to come forward is Edward McKoy of twenty-six Dean Street in Belize City; he is a former security personnel employed by McAfee, who claims he was paid [...]
B.N.T.U. and G.O.B. - Can They Work It Out?
Thursday's four and a half hour meeting between the Prime Minister, Dean Barrow, and members of the Belize National Teachers' Union concluded just around news time. From the immediate reactions [...]
Billion-dollar B.T.L.? Prime Minister Says It Can Happen by 2030
As we reported on Thursday night in our interview with Prime Minister Dean Barrow following a meeting with the Belize National Teachers Union, he appeared not to be concerned by [...]
P.M. Promises To Fix Superbond Before He Leaves Office
Still on finances….this week we learned that Belize faces greater than ever economic strain, due to the expanding debt issues the country faces. Not the least of these is the [...]
Caye Caulker Fishermen Make Public Plea for Help After Earl
Hurricane Earl swept through Belize since August but months later the damages left in its trail are multiplying. Several of eighteen fishermen on the island of Caye Caulker say they [...]
Help For Housing and Infrastructure on Southside
While the fishermen plea for help, on Tuesday we reported that some eight million dollars in relief was issued to the National Emergency Management Organization to start efforts at reconstruction [...]
Basil Willis Walks From Sodomy Charge
In October of 2015, a twenty-three year old resident accused a forty-seven-year old known criminal figure of Belize City, of sodomizing him. The matter has just come up in court [...]
Brother Spares Brother From Jail on Gun Charge
A Belize City man found himself between a hard place and a rock when a gun was found at the house he is sharing with his brother.� The decision which [...]
B.P.P. Hits Out at Jimmy Morales after U.N. Remarks
On Thursday, we reported about Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales' maiden speech at the United Nations General Assembly in New York City, where he spent about two minutes of a nineteen-minute [...]
Progressive Party Chairman Demands Response from Foreign Minister
On behalf of the B.P.P., Smith called on Belize's diplomatic leaders and Minister of Foreign Affairs Wilfred Elrington to issue a formal rebuke of President Morales' remarks. He told us [...]
A Raft of Public Works Eases Independence Gloom
Back to the Prime Minister's Independence Day speech, which told the story of a recession. If there was any good news to be found in the address, it was about [...]
More to Come, Including Paving of Coastal Road
On the matter of public works, according to the Prime Minister, there is more to come. He announced the planned paving and aligning of the Coastal Road, opening up the [...]
Police Faulted For Not Properly Securing Fire Scenes
Police generally do a good job sealing off exits and entrances for crime scenes and at court moving prisoners around. But scene security during fires, in contrast, has been a [...]
"Dignity Kits" For Girls and Women Affected by Hurricane Earl
This morning, at a brief ceremony on Coney Drive, the United Nations Population Fund handed over one hundred dignity kits to the Ministry of Human Development to aid with ongoing [...]
Department of Human Services to Oversee Distribution
The Ministry of Human Development is the chair of the relief and supplies committee for NEMO and act as the first responders in the communities affected by Hurricane Earl. Director [...]
Belize Hosts Regional Volleyball Qualifiers
The jewel is preparing to host an international volleyball competition. It's a first for the local volleyball association which is putting its best foot forward in terms of logistics as [...]
The Sights and Sounds of the 2016 J'ouvert
The J'ouvert is one of the top attractions of the annual carnival activities. Thousands took over the streets of the Old Capital early on J'ouvert morning just prior to the [...]
LOVE FM
Industrial Action Put on Pause by Teachers' Union
Any industrial action by the teachers have been placed on pause. That is the report we are getting from sources within the Belize National Teachers Union. We understand that several branches of the BNTU will meet next week, while the remaining few will do so in October. During this time, there will be no strike [�]
Guatemalan President Speaks Ill of Belize at UN's General Debate
At the 71st session of the United Nations General Assembly in Washington DC, President for the Republic of Guatemala, Jimmy Morales spoke on regional peace and cooperation, citing that Belize has been uncooperative in those efforts. Here is a translated clip of his ten minute address delivered yesterday. The theme of the general debate of [�]
Hawksworth Bridge Not Compromised
The Hawksworth Bridge is currently the primary entrance and exit for San Ignacio Town, Cayo District. Rumours of its integrity being compromised began surfacing earlier today and in an effort to get an update on what is happening, we spoke with the Chief Engineer at the Ministry of Works, Lennox Bradley who told Love News [�]
Belize: One of the Top 7 Destinations for 2017
Belize has been making its mark on the international scene especially when it comes to the tourism aspect. Destinations in Belize have been awarded by several entities including Trip Advisor, World Travel Awards, Eco-Excellence Awards, among others. While tourism is in its low season right now, Belize is already preparing for the opening of the [�]
Rhaburn Case of Firearm and Drugs Concludes 3 Years Later
After facing arraignment on August 19, 2013, the case of 39-year-old, Carolee Jean Rhaburn concluded today in the Belize City Magistrate's Court. Rhaburn was approached and searched by members of the Gang Suppression Unit on Friday, August 16, 2013 on George Street in Belize City. Rhaburn was reportedly carrying a purse in which officers found [�]
GSU Removes Illegal Firearm from Sittee Street
The Gang Suppression Unit led by intelligence gathered was successful at ridding the street of yet another unlicensed firearm. In a search conducted yesterday at around five o'clock on Sittee Street in Belize City. As a result of that search, 24-year-old, Steven Bradley and 21-year-old, Kadeem Bradley were both arrested when an illegal firearm with [�]
Trio Rob Son of Police Minister at Gunpoint
Police in Belize City have detained two men after the son of a Government minister was robbed at gunpoint last night just before midnight. The incident occurred on Marine Parade in Belize City where 24-year-old, Kryston Hulse was parked with his girlfriend in a red Forerunner SUV. The couple was then approached by three males [�]
