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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
Michelle Nu�ez Fourth Runner-up at Miss America Latina del Mundo Pageant
Michelle Nu�ez made her triumphant return to Ambergris Caye after excelling at the Miss America Latina del Mundo pageant, held at the Barcelo Occidental Grand Xcaret Resort in the Mexican Riviera Maya. Nu�ez made her mark in international pageantry, capturing the award for Most Original Cultural Costume and the fourth runner up position to the 2016 Miss America Latina del Mundo, a title that was won by Miss Peru. Upon her return to the island on Monday, October 3rd, supporters and fans gathered at the Tropic Air terminal to give her a San Pedro style homecoming. An emotional Nu�ez thanked everyone who welcomed her and proudly shared with them her prize. "I am very happy for having represented Belize at such a prestigious level," said Nu�ez. "It was a great experience, but also a tough pageant. I am glad I did well. Even though I knew I was competing against top contestants, I was always optimistic about my goal." An entourage of gaily decorated golf carts then escorted Nu�ez in a parade through San Pedro Town.
GOB Agrees on Date to Sign on to UN Convention against Corruption
Cabinet agreed on Tuesday, October 4th to accept the recommendation of the Government/ Belize Chamber of Commerce & Industry Working Group on the Implementation of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) to sign the UNCAC on December 9, 2016, which is the International Day Against Corruption.
By that date, the joint GOB/BCCI Working Group fully expects to have determined the scope of the necessary measures, including legislative and administrative measures, to ensure the proper implementation of Belize's obligations under the Convention after signing.
San Pedro man in critical condition following shooting incident
San Pedro Police are investigating a shooting incident that occurred in the early hours of Monday, October 3rd. 32-year-old Wayne Allen was at his residence in the DFC Area, along with his common-law wife, when he heard a knock on his door around 12:40 a.m. When Allen opened his door, an assailant fired at him twice in the face. Deputy Officer in Charge of the Coastal Executive Unit, Superintendent Henry Jemmott explained what the investigation has revealed so far. "Police visited the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II after midnight on Monday, October 3rd. The investigation revealed that Allen was at his residence relaxing, when he was approached by a lone gun man who fired several shots at his direction causing his injuries," said Jemmott.
He continued to state that Allen was airlifted and transported to the polyclinic for further medical treatment at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital in Belize City. He underwent surgery, but currently remains in critical condition.
Misc Belizean Sources
GOB Agrees on Date to Sign on to UN Convention against Corruption
Cabinet agreed today to accept the recommendation of the Government/ Belize Chamber of Commerce & Industry Working Group on the Implementation of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) to sign the UNCAC on December 9, 2016, which is the International Day Against Corruption.
By that date, the joint GOB/BCCI Working Group fully expects to have determined the scope of the necessary measures, including legislative and administrative measures, to ensure the proper implementation of Belize's obligations under the Convention after signing.
Cabinet Calls for a Return to the Negotiating Table
The Cabinet of Belize is disappointed that the Belize National Teachers Union (BNTU) blatantly moved the goalposts in deciding to strike, close our nation's schools and affect children and their parents.
The initial BNTU campaign was first declared to be centered on a good governance agenda as set out in the eight demands contained in their letter to the Prime Minister. However, the formal strike notice sent to the Chief Education Officer dated September 30, 2016, did a switch and listed the 3% salary adjustment and the so-called Proposal 22 as the main reasons for the strike. Yet, the BNTU had already acknowledged that the Prime Minister has proposed a compromise on the 3%, to which the BNTU has not yet responded; and that Government is seeking to reconvene the Joint Unions' Negotiating Team to further discuss the compromise.
Employment Opportunity
Visit the link for current job opportunities under the Japan Caribbean Climate Change Partnership
E.P. Yorke keeps doors open on second day of teachers' strike
While many schools in Belize City had limited or no classes at all today, Edward P. Yorke High School did; it was also open on Monday.
The reason, according to principal Rodrick Cardinez, is that school policy established under his term ensures that school will always be open unless otherwise ordered by the Ministry of Education, which directly runs the institution.
The school's B.N.T.U. representative reports back to the Union.
Cardinez says the school has always been flexible with absences caused by external forces, such as rainy days and storms.
Four teachers of a staff of 39 absented themselves on Monday and three were absent today; but in each case work was left for the students.
Student absences were low - 36 on Monday, 24 today - and the school will not penalize any student kept at home because of the strike.
Two fires were set this morning in the South at approximately 4am.
The fires located were set at 11 & 18 miles on the Hummingbird Highway. Reports to our newsroom is that traffic was blocked for some time until the firefighters could arrive on location and extinguish the fire.
The new Destination Belize publication is being launched today.
Florentina Choco graduates from Barefoot College
Florentina Choco is the first Indigenous solar engineer from Belize to graduate from Barefoot College. Floretina traveled halfway around the world to India to learn solar engineering.
Since being back home, she has already trained fellow communities to set up 68 solar energy systems. 387 more villagers in Santa Teresa now have reliable and clean electricity.
BELIZE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
Not long now! BELIZE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL Bliss Center for Performing Arts countdown is on...
Tickets for film screenings will $10. The symposium master classes will be FREE and open to the public. More details coming soon!
Improvements at Nim Li Punit
With plans underway for cruise tourism to start making its way to southern Belize, the Institute of Archaeology is already mobilizing and preparing for an increase in visitation for our archaeological sites, with renovations and improvements planned in particular at Nim Li Punit.
Belize's Ocean Heroes
The Ocean Hero award began as a way for Oceana to recognize and celebrate exceptional accomplishments in ocean conservation, advocacy and education. Being an Ocean Hero mostly means taking action to protect our oceans for people and creatures today and for generations to come. The wave to that kind of impact can start anywhere�and by anyone.
Crocodile conservation and awareness
During the month of Croctober, we are planning to head to the local schools to promote crocodile conservation and awareness, with fun games, coloring sheets, etc. 1/week. Today was more of an interactive presentation into the Wonderful World of Crocodiles at the Peninsula International Academy- we had a great time today with all the student's, and loved their enthusiasm and excitement to learn! And the student's made our day when we asked what month it was (as we thought they would say October), and they all yelled back "Croctober!!!!"
Oct 4 Croctober Fact
It's World Animal Day! Take a moment to learn something new about the wildlife around us (such as did you know there are 24 species of crocodylians in the world?), and what actions we can take to ensure future generations can enjoy the myriad of species we have today!
BAHA has confirmed bovine paralytic rabies as the cause of death in cattle in 12 farms in three districts
Orange Walk, Cayo and Toledo Districts. An increase in cattle deaths has been reported since January 2016 with a peak in June 2016. The vampire bat is the vector for bovine paralytic rabies and 1 or 2 farms being affected with rabies cases are expected per year. This current increase is an epidemic. This puts animal and human health at high risk.
People should avoid contact with any animal showing nervous signs, avoid handling wild animals and avoid exposure to vampire bats and other bats.
The last epidemic of rabies in cattle was in 1999 (period 1980 - 2015). In Belize rabies has been known to occur in dogs and cats (last case in 2008), wildlife (last cases in foxes in 2006 ) and in humans (last cases in 1989).
Rabies is a highly fatal disease that affects all mammals, including humans. The disease is always fatal but can be prevented through vaccination. Although laboratory confirmation is essential, affected animals will usually show nervous signs and aggressive behavior. Most animals will show paralysis of the hind limbs, may be down and have excessive salivation. Avoid handling animals showing these clinical signs and immediately call BAHA animal health officers.
The WassUp Expo !!
An opportunity for Youths to find out Wassup In San Pedro
If you are between 13 - 29 come along with your family to find out WassUp in San Pedro.Take advantage of promotions and special offers. Get involved with a community service project or group. Promote your club.
Fitness centers, Cross fit , Non Profit, School and college groups, music, diving , fishing clubs,sports teams come together in one place on one day only at
Clubs and organizations are invited to showcase, promote, share information, and gererate awareness on what they have going on.
Entry to youths is free
Minister of State for NEMO Hon. Edmond Castro Assesses Progress of Hurricane Earl Recovery & Rebuilding Efforts in Rural Belize District
Minister of State for National Emergency Management Hon. Edmond Castro has met with National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) co-ordinators in Rural Belize District to assess the progress of the recovery and rebuilding efforts for victims of Hurricane Earl, which made landfall in Belize exactly two months ago on August 4, 2016.
The rebuilding efforts have included construction of homes and assistance with material for needed repairs such as lumber and zinc. In the Belize District, material has been distributed from the NEMO Office and Warehouse on the Phillip Goldson Highway near the Burrell Boom Junction, with loading, transportation and offloading assistance by the Belize Defence Force.
Hon. Edmond Castro said he is pleased with the timely assistance provided to residents affected, and he thanked the NEMO coordinators, other government personnel and volunteers, as well as local contractors who have been a part of the recovery and rebuilding effort. He also thanked Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow and the Ministry of Finance for promptly making the resources available for the rebuilding effort.
San Pedro Health Fair on October 22! Free check-ups!
CALLING ALL SAN PEDRANOS to bring your families and visit the Lion's Den on October 22 9 AM - 2 PM for a FREE Health Hair! High Quality services being provided by various health organisations include:
- Breast Exams
- Lice Checks
- Blood Sugar/ Pressure checks
- Drug Information
- Practical Zika Information
- Brushing and flossing demontrations
- Kidney testing
- Rapid HIV Testing
.... and a kid's corner to keep them entertained while you get your health checks done!
Cayo Youth Council Supports BNTU
he Cayo District Youth Council of Belize would like to reiterate that it stands in solidarity with the Belize National Teachers Union. It also understand and supports the actions the BNTU has undertaken to gain the attention of the GOB as they demand the promised 3% salary increase as well as the immediate attention to be given to the eight (8) national issues plaguing this country.
Today through their actions our teachers are sending a message to the students and families per extension that in life one must stand for what is right and not allow people to do or give you what it is they want without consequences. That it is important for the people to start to think for themselves and ensure that they all be a part of the decision making process of this country. Enough is enough.
Cayo Vehicles Collision
Accident on the Theodeoso Ochoa Street in San Ignacio Town. One person has been reported injured.
Belize's Kristian Usher: MMA Champ in Chetumal Fight
Valetodo Chetumal MMA & kickboxing tournament results. Well the night started with great controversy as one school from Mexico fighters didnt make weight until the day of the event. While all our Belizean fighters made weight on the day of weigh-ins which was Friday. Here are the results:
1. Elias Meyer lost by TKO due to stoppage by his corner in the first round. Please note that he competed in a kickboxing match. He went to fight in a MMA match but had to fight in a kickboxing match instead.
Murder of Bladis Gonzalez of Chula Vista
And all points bulletin has been issued for the arrest of Robert Locke a.k.a. "Conch Fritters" of Chula Vista Corozal District in connection with the murder of Bladis Gonzalez also of Chula Vista, Corozal which happened in Orange Walk.
Subject is wanted for the crime of Murder that occurred in Orange Walk Town on the 2nd of October, 2016 that claimed the life of Bladis Gonzalez. If he is seen kindly arrest him and inform the Orange Walk Police at 322-2022, 911 or if you know his
whereabouts call your nearest Police Station. In Corozal, please call 402-0022.
Billy White Wildlife Outreach
The Belize Wildlife Referral Clinic teamed up with the Forest Department and Wildtracks to talk about wildlife, and why it should be allowed to stay wild, to Billy White Village. Thanks, BWRC!
In related news, they are having their annual fundraising Gala on Garifuna Settlement Day at the San Ignacio Resort Hotel.
"Thanks to a fabulous team of educators (tagged in pics) from BWRC, the Belize Forest Department and Wildtracks for participating in another follow up event for a special patient, with so many lessons to be learned (sorry lengthy post on this one). A kind human sent young Howler Monkey 'Molly' to the Belize Wildlife & Referral Clinic - BWRC for veterinary care and to return to the wild."
Cayo Halloween Celebration
The SISE Town Council and Bamboo Bar are teaming up to have the best Halloween party Cayo has ever seen. The all day event will be at the Cayo Welcome Center on Saturday, October 29th. Ascenthium will be performing, along with Rosie Wood, Eddie Allen, and Justin Castillo. There will be costume contests for kids and adults.
"On Oct 29th at The Welcome center will be filled with trick or treats! Live music! Great food and drinks! Its an all day event! Bring the family!"
Five most visited sites in Belize
TOP 5! The Institute of Archaeology (NICH) Belize reports that these were the five most visited sites in Belize, from January to July 2016. See you at International Archaeology Day at Cahal Pech!
Nohoch Che'en 104,667 (number of visitors, local and foreign),
Altun Ha 68,876,
Xunantunich 62,425,
Lamanai 41,555,
Cahal Pech 18,953.
"Birds of Belize & the Art of Taxidermy" exhibit
Dr Steven Zitzer educating students from St Andrews and Sacred Heart Primary School at SISE House of Culture, during the first opening of the "Birds of Belize & the Art of Taxidermy" exhibit. Many thanks Dr Steven Zitzer, for sharing such an amazing and educational exhibit at SISE House of Culture. The exhibit will run through to November 9th 2016.
Releasing 5 scarlet macaws into the wild
On the 28th of September, FCD with support from the Forest Department and the Belize Wildlife and Referral Clinic released 5 scarlet macaws into the wild. These birds described as "High at Risk of being poached" had been hand reared by the FCD staff in the Chiquibul. Macaw Conservation is financed by USDOI, ROC Taiwan Embassy and WCS.
Punta Fuego Road Show
Saturday, October 15 at 2 PM - 5 PM,
Dangriga Town. Faced with challenges in life and love, a young fisherman Richie is put to the test when deceit and danger come to his idyllic home town of Punta Fuego.
Channel 7
The Strike Continues, Demonstration On Thursday
There was no school again today - and the way it looks right now, there won't be any tomorrow either! This evening, the Belize City Branch President, Kathleen Flowers, announced at the union's National Headquarters that not only will it continue tomorrow, but it extends to Thursday when there will be another nationwide Teachers Demonstration.
Here's what she said:
Kathleen Flowers, Belize City Branch Rep.:
"Strike action continues."
Kathleen Flowers, Belize City Branch Rep.:
"We shall not be moved, despite what will come at us with that announcement, we will stand our ground. We are standing our ground until we get a feeling that we have a solid enough bakerup to come in, not just a feeling, but we know where the feeling will come from because we are working a process. When we get a solid enough feeling and an indication from those persons we are calling on, then we will say here is the baton, the relay continues. Because BNTU has move this stagnant ship from out the dock and its sailing up the bay on our captaining it. Gearing up for day 3. How many more days there will be? I can just tell you that on Thursday we are doing our mass countrywide demonstration. You people like demonstrate yeah."
GOB Asks Teachers to Come Back To Table
So, while the strike by the teachers continued today and will extent to at least Thursday, today the Government publicly asked them to return to the negotiating table to talk about the 3% salary adjustment. As we told you yesterday, it is given as the cause for industrial action in the notice sent to the Ministry of Education.
The Government released a statement today which says, quote, "The Cabinet... is disappointed that the... (BNTU) blatantly moved the goalposts in deciding to strike, close our nation's schools, and affecting children and their parents." End quote.
Calling them out on the late addition of the 3% as a reason for the strike, the Cabinet says, " The initial BNTU campaign was first declared to be centered on a good governance agenda as set out in the eight demands contained in their letter to the Prime Minister. However, the formal strike notice sent to the Chief Education Officer...did a switch and listed the 3% salary adjustment and the so-called Proposal 22 as the main reasons for the strike. Yet, the BNTU had already acknowledged that the Prime Minister has proposed a compromise on the 3%, to which the BNTU has not yet responded�" End quote.
GOB Commits To Fixed Date To Sign Anti Corruption
And that's not all from the government today, another press release says that the Government has agreed on a date to sign the United Nations Convention against Corruption.
That was one of the 8 demands from the Teachers which initially justified this strike, and so Cabinet "agreed today to accept the recommendation of the Government/ Belize Chamber of Commerce & Industry Working Group� to sign the UNCAC on December 9, 2016, which is the International Day Against Corruption."
Now it's a sharp change from the position PM Barrow took just 6 weeks ago on August 25th when he outlined all the exhaustive and expensive measures that will have to be implemented if he signs. For context, here is that short clip from that interview.
PSU Starts National Consultations To Decide If It Should Stand With Teachers
And will that fixed timeline for singing the convention be enough to placate the other unions? The PSU Belize City branch met this evening and the utility unions are meeting right now. The PSU meeting had about 50 public officers in attendance and it finished at about 5:45 - with most of those walking out expressing disgust with president Eldred Neal. It seemed very contentious inside and Neal told us it was lively. We asked what are the concrete actions coming out of it:...
Jules Vasquez, 7News
"What motions was tabled or taken to the floor at today's meeting? Which were passed and what does it mean for the PSU going forward?"
Eldred Neal, President, Public Service Union:
"Well we had a very spirited meeting must I say and I want to congratulate all the members who came out. The one motion that was passed, that was tabled was that the union are to render a voice..."
Hon. Elrington Provokes Teachers With Comments
So, while the teachers and the Government rift continues to open, some are especially offended by comments made by Foreign Affairs Ministry. He granted an interview over the weekend, and when he was asked for his perspective on the teachers strike - here's what he said:
Hon. Wilfred Elrington, Minister of Foreign Affairs:
"Union leaders are really and truly seemed to have form the view that neither the UDP nor the PUP are in fact doing what they think should be done and that they are the saviors of the country. That is not the role of a labor union. A labor has interest in looking after its constituents; the teachers. In this case teachers union should be looking after the teachers interest and those interest would include making sure that their salaries are paid and that kind of thing. But it is not my understanding that they have the remit really to take on all the issues of the country and I don't even know whether they have the wisdom or the ability or the competence to deal with those issues."
Brackett For Belcan Bridge Blaze?
Who started the Belcan Bridge Blaze? That is what police are trying to find out and today Southside Commander Chester Williams told us they have 5 persons detained and are looking for 3 others. Reports are that one of those 3 is COLA President Geovanni Bracket. Brackett denies any involvement in the fire and says that he will turn himself in tomorrow morning. Brackett sent out a press comment explaining more about this move.
Brackett claims that police want another man and are holding his mother until the suspect appears.
Tyre Fires On The Hummingbird Before Dawn
And we don't know yet if Brackett and others are being investigated for two more tyre fires - which were discovered this morning around 4:00 am on the Hummingbird Highway. 7News got amateur video and out own footage to see what these looked like:..
Six flaming tyres formed a line across the highway at mile 11. In terms of tyre fire pyres, we've seen better, but, still, it must have been quite a sight for the cargo trucks drivers who commute in the pre dawn hours to find this across the road.
It blocked traffic for more than half an hour and this was the scene at 4:45 am when the fire truck from Dangriga arrived and put out the fire in, ah�just about�15 seconds?
The smoky sodium haze provided the end of this little scene. 6 miles north, at mile 18 it was even less dramatic where there only four tires were lined across the road, and it was over even more quickly - the fire man had no trouble - it was a one man, one hose operation.
Capital Schools Were Closed, Again
The teachers continue to stand strong on Day 2 of the strike. Last night you heard the countrywide report on the status of schools. Only a few of them were open with about a handful of students roaming around the compound. Well, today was quite the same. In Belmopan, one teacher was spotted at the Garden City Primary School with 2 students. No one else was around and all the classrooms were closed. That was the case at Our lady of Guadalupe R.C School as well�no one was in sight except for the school warden who was stationed there to turn away those uninformed parents, like this one, who still brought their kids to school. Kuxlin Ha School in Maya Mopan was also closed with a few students standing around quite confused by the sight of their empty playground.
Mixed Bag In City Schools
Today in Belize City - we also did our spot checks and found high schools like ACC and Wesley - but Primary Schools like James Garbutt and St, John's Vianney still closed - although a few teachers did show up.
It was business as usual at Gwen Liz High, while All Saints Primary had a few classrooms open.
How Gwen Liz Manages
Generally high schools like Gwen Liz had better turnout of teachers and students. Yesterday, we asked the Chairman of Gwen Liz how they manage with fewer students and teachers:...
Roosevelt Blades, Chairman, Gwen Liz:
"Students shows up at school, our responsibility is to ensure that we have the necessary mechanisms in place to look after them and that is all that we are doing."
Jules Vasquez, 7News:
"So how are you all entertaining or engaging the students who are here? Are they involved in productive learning?"
Roosevelt Blades, Chairman, Gwen Liz:
"Yes, what we are doing is we are combining some of the classes, because you know you don't have enough students - you might have 3-4 1st forms, so you combine everybody together and then the teachers are passing on the instructions to them."
Evangelical Application for Appeal Dismiss, They Must Pay Caleb's Costs
3 weeks ago, the National Evangelical Association of Belize made much fanfare when they went to the Supreme Court to file their appeal application against Caleb Orozco's victory in the Section 53 case. Well today, that application failed, which means that they cannot be joined in the case which will take place at the Court of Appeal.
That application was heard today before the Chief Justice, and Anthony Sylvestre representing NEAB made the submission before the court. The Chief Justice did not entertain the application because NEAB was not a party to the original claim. Sylvestre, who was holding brief for Dickie Bradley, asked for time to consult with Bradley, but the Chief Justice didn't want to hear what it seems was a misbegotten application, and ordered that the NEAB pay costs of 750 dollars to Caleb Orozco's attorney and the Attorney General.
Jesse Charged One Month Later
A month ago, we told you about a chopping in Ladyville, which left 2 brothers, Frank and Leroy Tejeda injured. Well, the man who police believed is their attacker has been caught, and tonight, he's behind bars.
He's 21 year-old Jessie Mejia, and he was arraigned yesterday evening on the charges of attempted murder, dangerous harm, use of deadly means of harm, wounding, and aggravated assault. Due to the nature of the offences, he couldn't be granted any bail. He was remanded into custody until December 7, 2016.
As we reported, the incident happened on Saturday, September 10, at around 2 p.m. The brothers were at their mother's barbeque stall across from the Lord's Bank cutoff on the Phillip Goldson Highway. Mejia, according to reports, had an old beef with the men. He got into a fight with them, and when that ended, he left. He returned with a machete, and he chopped both of them.
Who Shot Gizmo?
A man well-known to police was shot last night at the corner of Barrack Road and Victoria Street. 31 year old Gion Bernard better known as "Gizmo" was standing in front of his house around 5:00 when a man rode by on a bicycle and shot him several times. Bernard was rushed to the KHMH and is being treated. Police have detained 2 men in connection with this shooting. Bernard has been in the news countless times. He has been charged with attempted murder, with robbery dating back to 2008, he was also charged with rape in 2011 and the list of offences go on.
Copperbank Conch Fishers Plead Not Guilty
Last night we told you about several hundred conch that were confiscated from fishermen over the weekend. Today, one of those fishermen, Benigno Cob, from Copper Bank in the Corozal district, appeared in court. Cob pled not guilty to the charge of possession of 314 out of season conch, stating that the conch the Coast Guard and Fisheries Department found were about thirty yards away from his boat when he was searched. The cook of the boat, Felix Copo, who was present when Cob was arrested, stated in court that Cob was wrongfully charged. He also suggested that the authorities were known to take bribes.
When A Magazine Is An Experience
Destination Belize is the country's leading travel magazine and has been distributed both locally and internationally in its seventeen issue run. It's designed as a kind of handbook and orientation for tourists who find it in their hotel rooms and at embassies and travel agencies throughout the world. Today, the newest edition of the publication was unveiled, but this time, it's more than just a magazine. We spoke to Tanya Mcnab, of Mcnab Publishing Ltd, and Einer Gomez, Chairman of the Belize Tourism Board, about the new features the lift it off the paper...
This edition of Destination Belize is special because it is being printed with two different covers. Some magazines will feature the ATM Caves on the cover, while others will have a shot taken at the Hol Chan Marine Reserve near Ambergris Caye. The Destination Belize app is also currently available on the Apple App Store and the Google Play store.
Around The World On A Bicycle
Since 2009 Chinese cyclist, Likun Lai, has made it his mission to fulfill his childhood dream and travel to around the world on his bike. He has gained a lot of attention throughout the years, from the media and the global Chinese community, and has inspired many. One of those people is Hui Zhang, who joined Lai in 2014, after he gave a speech at her university. Since he started, Lai has travelled to over 55 countries, in Asia, Europe and Oceana. Now he and Zhang are on their tour of the Americas, and have already travelled through Canada, the US and Mexico. They stopped in Belize earlier today and told us a little about how their incredible journey is possible...
Students Support Teachers In OW
While the teachers are striking for what they think is right, they've gotten many pledges of support - including quite a few form kids who are happy for the break form school. But others are full of passionate intensity for their teachers' cause - and so it is at Muffles Junior College in Orange Walk where yesterday about 50 students took to the streets to show their support for their teachers, and to protest against corruption. Here's how they put it:...
Muffles Junior College Student:
"Yeah we're protesting for the teacher, and hoping that the government reaches a compromise decision that could affect us and the teachers as well. So the more teachers fight for, the more us students will want to fight for, because at the end of the day we also get affected too."
Muffles Junior College Student:
"Why this protest is very important for us students now to stand along with our teachers. Our teachers of Belize. It is a national issue, we are standing up for us the students. Not only the students but the country. So it is now time for us the students, in support of the teachers against corruption, corruption in a whole, government corruption, no violence, all these murders going on. So it is time for us the student to now show our support to the teachers and our country Belize."
No So, Luke Says GOB
Earlier in the news, you heard BNTU President Luke Palacio say that Government could sign the UN Convention Against Corruption today if they wanted to. Well tow senior government sources who have been in those meetings with the Chamber says Palacio is setting the record all wrong. They say the proposed date for signing which is December 9th, 2016 was suggested by the Chamber of Commerce. We'll try and confirm tomorrow.
Joy At The Bank
We reported it last week and it was confirmed today that the Governor General has formally appointed Joy Grant has as Governor of the Central Bank of Belize. She took office earlier this week - in a sudden transition from Glen Ysaguirre - who had been there since 2008. Ysaguirre who was a career banker gives over to Grant - who is known primarily as a conservationist.
The press release stresses that Grant holds a MBA in International Finance from the University of Alberta, Canada and, quote, "has extensive experience in commercial and development banking, including experience in foreign trade, credit analysis, project supervision, and financial analysis. She was instrumental in the establishment of the National Bank of Belize which was planned, operationalized, and has expanded its services to Belizeans under her leadership." End quote.