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Posted By: Marty Today's Belize News: November 17, 2016 - 11/17/16 07:05 AM


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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

San Pedranos participate in Caye Caulker's dart competition
Six darts players represented Ambergris Caye at a recent competition hosted by the Caye Caulker Darts Team in Caye Caulker. San Pedro's team included Yolanda Rivero, Ricky Manzano, Melanie Paz, Omar and Dimas Guerrero, and Luis 'Libra' Rivero. During the two- day competition at Roses Grill Bar, the island competitors faced players from the Belize and Cayo District in both male and female divisions. At the end of the tournament, Manzano captured third place in the male category, followed by Ubladimir Alfaro in second place and Theodore McLennan in first place, both from the Cayo District. During the tournament, the male competition was dominated by the visiting players. However, in the female category, all top three prizes stayed on La Isla Cari�osa. Taking third place was Cecilia Jacobs, followed Emerita Marin in second place, and Marie Osmon took home the first place.

Accused of murder, Mason returns to court for the second time
William 'Danny' Mason along with his four accomplices who is serving time at the Belize Central Prison for the murder of Pastor Lewellyn Lucas, appeared in court for the second time on Wednesday November 9th. Under heavy security escort, Mason and his group were taken to the Belize City Magistrate's Court around 9AM. Inside the court room, Chief Magistrate Anne Marie read a single charge of murder and then adjourned their case to January 18, 2017. Also present in court was Mason's girlfriend, Melissa Ferguson who is a person of interest to the police and has been out on bail. She has not been directly link to the murder, but because she was Mason's partner, police believes that she can assist them in their investigation to solve the case. As a result, Ferguson will be incarcerated and ineligible for bail due to the capital charge she has been associated with. Belizeans across the country were shocked by the news of the heinous murder, which was revealed in July of this year. It is believed that Pastor Lucas met his death after visiting Mason's residence in Belmopan. According to investigations, Lucas was kidnapped by his henchmen (Ashton Vanegas, Keron Fernandez, Terrence Fernandez, and Ernest Henry Castillo), and taken to Mason's farm at Mile 31 of the George Price Highway, where he was beheaded.

Combating crime through Fatherhood Workshop
In an effort to address the crime situation of both Ambergris Caye and Belize, the Belize Police Department (BPD) and the Community Policing Unit partnered up with the Evangelical Alliance to host their first fatherhood workshop: "Concerned Fathers Against Crime; Helping to Change Headline News". The intent of the workshop was to get fathers to help their children fight against crime and to spread awareness by forming a committee that will make a change within their home and community. Held at Living Word Church from 2PM to 5PM on Sunday, November 13th, the workshop was attended by concerned parents, police officers, pastors, teachers, and the media. After an invocation from Pastor Ian Zaldivar, Retired Superintendent and National Coordinator of the BPD, Rudolph Orio, gave the official welcome, and explained to the audience that the rise in juvenile crime as both perpetrators and victims is of grave concern for fathers, leaders, educators and the entire community. From 2011 to 2015, Orio has collected observations indicating that youths are: peddling firearms, selling illegal drugs, involved in gang activity, engaging in alcohol and drug abuse, becoming pregnant, dropping out of schools, and disrespecting authority.

Letter to the Editor: Caribbean Developers Ltd. building on Maya Sites
I'm writing you because of reading another article on what this corporation proposes to do to our delicate island. Not only do I see the threat to natural habitat, wildlife, mangrove affected nurseries and its babies who will no longer thrive and grow up to become a tourist attraction somewhere on the reef, I'm also seeing it from a history aspect. The article defines the 3,000 acres as being "partially in the Bacalar Chico World Heritage Site area", taking in the western locations of Laguna de Frances and Santa Clara. Can you say Maya sites? REGISTERED Maya Sites? Then to the center of the development map lies Basil Jones, very close to the proposed reconstructed airport. Another REGISTERED Maya Site. I'm attaching a map from the Dr. Thomas Guderjan book "Ancient Maya Traders of Ambergris Caye". (An archaeological team came to AC in the early '80's, sought out the Maya presence and Dr. Graham registered them with GOB.) See a pattern of dots? #17 - Santa Cruz; #16 (to the south and perhaps out of the proposed development) Laguna Frances; #18 (again not on the proposed development map) is Punta Limon; #8 - Basil Jones. A route and home sites of the Coastal Maya Traders on Ambergris Caye. I have been on walk abouts' in the area of Basil Jones and there are more sites which have NOT been registered back in the 1980's.

Energy from Waste is a go for Belize
Belizean businesses and industry can achieve large energy cost savings, become more environmentally friendly and sustainable, and less dependent on fossil fuels, by investing in biogas/biomass energy systems and/or solar energy. This was the message communicated by the experts from the Dutch think-tank TNO (Nederlandse Organisatie voor Toegepast Natuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek), the Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research, at an energy seminar and expo held at the Belize Biltmore Plaza Hotel in Belize City on Wednesday, November 9th. The Caribbean Community Climate Change Center (CCCC) commissioned the study with funding from the United Nations Development Programme, to help Belize become more resilient and to adapt to climate change and to reduce the country's carbon footprint. TNO's Johan van Groenestijn, Robert de Kler and Marco Linders presented the findings of their study of Belize's potential for energy from waste. Their study had considered various sources of waste: citrus waste, shrimp shells, fisheries waste, Sargassum, banana stems left over after harvesting, sewer waste, roadside and yard waste, manure from agricultural livestock, cohune palms and nuts, and liquid waste after distillation of rum.

Ambergris Today

Fatherhood Workshop Forms Committee to Assist At Risk Island Teens
The community of San Pedro, especially fathers and single mothers, were invited to attend the first ever fatherhood workshop held at the Living World Church on Sunday, October 13, 2016. The workshop was hosted by the Police Department with assistance from Pastors on Ambergris Caye, Belize. The main goal of the workshop is to create a group of people who will work together in assisting the island community with ideas, efforts and programs to prevent juvenile crime, decrease the amount of drugs being consumed by teenagers, decrease the amount of school dropouts, prevent teen pregnancy and most importantly prevent young domestic violence. The workshop and group is also interested in providing help to the youth who show signs of social, emotional and behavioral problems. Speakers from the different schools, Pastors, and OC Police officer gave their view and experience that they have had working along young teenagers and what they believe can be done to help improve the situation they are in. One of the most important messages brought out is that fathers need to re-capture a strong sense of values and beliefs in order to discipline and teach their child the good principles of life in order for them to succeed and become productive citizens in the next generation. After all children tend to learn by example.

Belize Woman Wins Commonwealth Caribbean Youth Worker of the Year
The Commonwealth Youth Worker of the Year for the Caribbean has been announced as Manuela Lue, from Belize. Ms Lue is director of the Energy for Life program, which mentors and tutors under-privileged Belizean youth in handicraft production, connecting them with their culture and enabling them to earn a living. Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland, who presented the awards at a ceremony on Thursday, November 10, 2016, at the Commonwealth Secretariat's headquarters, Marlborough House, in London, stated: "I salute the hugely impressive recipients of these 2016 Commonwealth Youth Worker Awards. They represent thousands of youth workers across the Commonwealth whose work to empower and engage our young people too often goes unsung and unrecognized. It is of immense and enduring value in building resilient communities and overcoming the economic and social divisions that create vulnerability - locally, national and globally."

NGO Process to Select Belize's 13th Senator Commences
Representatives of Belize's non-governmental organizations (NGOs) met on Wednesday, November 9, 2016 at the George Price Center for Peace and Development in Belmopan to define the process to be followed to elect Belize's 13th Senator. Of the 143 NGOs registered under the NGO Act, twenty-two have thus far been deemed to be in good standing under the law. The NGOs in good standing represented at the meeting have committed to ensuring that the way forward is as inclusive as possible. Within that context, among the decisions made was the election of a Steering Committee that will facilitate the process for the 13th Senator. That Steering Committee is comprised as follows: Janelle Chanona (Oceana Belize) as Chairman, Osmany Salas (Belize Tourism Industry Association) as Vice Chairman, Amanda Acosta (Belize Audubon Society) as Secretary, Armando Aban (The Scout Association of Belize) as Treasurer, and Froyla Tzalam (Sarstoon Temash Institute of Indigenous Management) as Media Relations Officer.

Misc Belizean Sourcesmzz

SBDC Workshop: INTRODUCTION TO EXPORT
Presented by: Ms. Diana Hernandez, Export Development Officer, Beltraide. Location: Belize Training & Employment Center (BTEC) Training Room. ITVET Compound, Freetown Road. Workshop Date: November 24th, 2016. Time: 9:00 am to 12 noon. The Introduction to Exporting training covers the basics of exporting, highlighting key factors that should be considered when venturing into regional or international markets and introducing participants to key export terms. The session also includes the completion of a cost sheet for the export process and an export readiness assessment that allows participants to evaluate key aspects of their operation to determine the level of readiness for the export market. This workshop will provide participants with requirements for export including general procedures and documentations, a brief overview of trade agreements and an overview of key export factors.

Presentation of Credentials by Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to Belize
H.E. Mr. Charles Keh-yue Liu, Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan), today presented his Letters of Credence to the Governor General of Belize H.E. Sir Colville Young at the Belize House in Belmopan. Ambassador Liu expressed his pleasure in being a representative of his country in Belize and conveyed his country's pleasure in continuing the strong diplomatic relationship and friendship between the two countries. The Governor General warmly welcomed and received the Ambassador's credentials. Ambassador Liu was accompanied by members of the ROC Taiwan Embassy in Belize.

Entrepreneurship Symposium 2016
SBDC and UB had the Entrepreneurship Symposium at the GPC. Global Entrepreneurship Week has kicked off. EntreCon is Friday, and the winners of the Business Hackathon will be announced. "The George Price Center for Peace and Development in Belmopan was filled to maximum capacity on Monday, 14th November as students from the University of Belize and Belizean entreprenuers converged to participate in the 4th annual Entrepreneurship Symposium. The symposium was a joint venture between The Small Business Development Centre, Belize (SBDCBelize), a unit of Beltraide, and the University of Belize, Belmopan campus as part of activities in connection with Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW)."

Protravel Long Island Autumn Event.
Belize Tourism Board

Punta Gorda knows how to throw a party!
On Friday, Punta Gorda hosted a Food Fete showcasing Garifuna food including delicious hudut and tapou and filled with lots of fantastic cultural performances. Deputy Chief of Mission Adrienne Galanek joined in the fun.

Entrepreneurship Convention 2016 (EntreCon)- Unlocking ICT Innovation In Belize
International speakers and experts in the field of Information and Communications Technology (ICT), along with members of the entrepreneurial ecosystem, will meet at the Belize Biltmore Plaza Hotel in Belize City on Friday, 18th November to participate in the second annual National Entrepreneurship Convention (ENTRECON). On November 20th, 2015 the Small Business Development Centre, Belize (SBDCBelize), a unit of the Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE), launched its National Entrepreneurship Strategy at its First National Entrepreneurship Convention, branded as ENTRECON. ENTRECON is now an annual event that is designed to create a platform for bringing together key players in the entrepreneurial ecosystem with the purpose of sharing ideas, creating awareness of existing and new business and investment opportunities, promoting innovation, and building an entrepreneurship culture.

Poets Corner: Deja vu
By Abdulmajeed K Nunez. People are more familiar With 'firing' than restructure The word 'retrenchment' became a political curse After Esquivel agreed with an IMF scheme 21 years later Barrow has joined the team In 1995 to trim GOB's wage bill Nearly 800 public servants gone home from Independence Hill The R word was the nail in the coffin Resulting in UDP 1998's thrashing Trying to save $11 million dollars on its wage bill This time dah half billion plus still After squandering PetroCaribe pan Pibil Cutting contract officers and a wage freeze Some contract officers had gone on increment cease Government had turned to open vote workers to retrench Stagger terminations over a period to soften the blow Back then it was "cost containment" Or cost cutting by this UDP government Government workers were retrenched.

Manuela Lue Wins Commonwealth Caribbean Youth Worker Of The Year
Congratulations, Manuela Lue! Manuela is a Director of the Energy for Life Program, which mentors and tutors under-privileged youths in handicraft production, connecting them with their culture and enabling them to earn a living. Keep up the amazing work!

WOMEX Delegation Network Meeting
MUSICIANS AND PERFORMERS: Have you ever wondered how you can represent Belize at WOMEX and other international festivals? Join Shyne Barrow, Belize's Music Ambassador for this important meeting on Monday!

Maya 2020 Project
FCD signed a Letter of Agreement with Selvana Ltd marking the launching of Maya 2020 Project. The project seeks to strengthen FCD's capability and capacity for park management and conservation. Serving as witness to the signing was High Commissioner of Belize in London, Mrs. Perla Perdomo.

Celebrating the Garifuna culture at the Western Border

Chiqui, the six-month old jaguar, has a new home!
Today, the Embassy representatives participated in an exciting event at the Belize Zoo, including a ribbon cutting ceremony for Chiqui's new home and unveiling of the donor plaque (thanks to the individual members of the Embassy community for your generous support)! Local preschool students' performance made the festivities memorable!

Free Oral History Workshop
Free Oral History Workshop to be held on Nov 17 and Nov 29 in Belmopan

Channel 7

Third Child Dies From Burns Received In October 4th Fire
Six weeks ago, three children were severely burnt in a house fire on Aloe Vera street in the Lake Independence area. One of them, 11 year old Aaron Gabourel died in the house, while his two cousins, 8-year-old Empress Hamilton and 4 year old Ian Carr received third degree burns to 90% of their bodies. Through the efforts of the Burn Victims Mercy Fund they were flown out to Shriners Hospital in Galveston Texas but even at a premier burn center, their injuries were too severe for their small bodies to survive: Ian Carr died on November ninth while receiving treatment, and early this morning, one week later, his big sister passed away, also from complications due to her massive burn injuries. Their mother who returned from Texas on Monday to deal with funeral arrangements for Ian, now has to prepare to bury her two children. She passed out when she got the news early this morning, and told us this afternoon that the Doctors tried their best but Empress's heart just stopped:

Farewell, Tyler
And 7 year-old Tyler Savery's murder is, of course, the most resonant loss right now. His funeral was held this afternoon at the BTL park. That's where the family was joined by friends, well-wishers and community members who joined to celebrate the life of a promising child whose life was cut short by gun violence. It's most likely the first funeral in memory to be held at a park, but Tyler's mother, Shakera Young, wanted to give everyone a chance to say good-bye to her son before she cremated his body. His murder has shocked the nation, and today, we spoke to a few persons who attended the funeral. They told us that his grieving mother's message of peace is something that everyone can identify with:

Killers Lay In Wait In Libertad
And, tonight there's one more violent execution style murder to report. It happened last night in Libertad Village in the Corozal District. That's not often the scene of murders, but last night, four men lay in wait for 22 year old Sherman McFarlane. Corozal cops told our colleagues at CTV-3 more: Sr. Supt. Dennis Arnold - OC, Corozal: "Upon arrival we saw a male person slouched beside a vehicle, Hispanic with what appears to be one single bullet wound to the right side of his cheek apparently dead. Initial police investigation reveals that four men came from the nearby bushes. 3 of them stood back, whilst a dark skinned male person step forward. He was wearing a camouflage jacket, a black hat, with a red rag covering his face. He stepped up to the deceased, Mr. Sherman McFarlane, 22 years of a Corozal Town address. He fired one single shot which caught Mr. McFarlane subsequently causing his demise."

BNTU Attorney Eamon Courtenay Files Suit
On Friday, we told you about the letter that attorney Eamon Courtenay sent to Education Minister Patrick Faber, on behalf of the Belize National Teachers Union. The BNTU is demanding that the Deputy Prime Minister rescind the decision to dock the teacher's pay at the end of November, and they gave him until Monday to give a favourable response, or else they were going to sue him. As we told you, Faber told us that neither he nor the Attorney General intended to respond, and so, Courtenay filed the lawsuit in court today. The first part of the claim is an application for injunction against the Government of Belize to stop them from withholding any contributions to the managing authorities of the different schools. This is the money used for teachers' salaries. This month's payday for teachers is November 25, which is next week Friday.

Boots Takes On Briceno In Family Attack
Politics is a dirty business, but we live in a small society - and usually politicians try not to mash each other's personal corns when they're outside of the House of Representatives. But the UDP's Port Loyola Representative Boos Martinez says the PUP Leader crossed that line last night when he said this: Hon. John Briceno, PUP Party Leader: "A daughter I don't know that she has been working for a year. So, if it's the name of a daughter, where did she get the money? Has the FIU done an investigation? Maybe the FIU needs to investigate where his daughter got the money to build that mansion if that is the case." So today, Anthony Boots Martinez called his own press conference to defend his daughter, who he says Briceno has baselessly maligned. But Boots didn't just defend; he went on the offensive to blast Briceno's family - extending even to the PUP leader's deceased father - Eligio Joe Briceno, who Martinez eulogized just a few months ago. Today, all the niceties were put aside and it was about getting out the hurt, and putting a hurting on Briceno:..

Drones For Agriculture
In the last few years, drones have become popular, even in the media - when we want those magnificent aerial shots for our stories. But these drones can do a lot more than just take footage. They are used for monitoring, surveillance and delivering mapping information. And that's how the Ministry of Agriculture will use the 3 drones they got from the Inter American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture. There was a short handing over ceremony yesterday in Belmopan and both the IICA Representative and the CEO in the Ministry of Agriculture discussed how these drones will enhance the Ministry's work. Dr. Dowlath Budram - IICA Representative: "At a request from the ministry we agree to collaborate in the ministry in the post hurricane event by providing this kind of technology here that will help in data gathering and verification of information in the field. So we went ahead and got some resources from headquarters, we were able to purchase 3 drones and so we have these here today and we will be handing over these to the ministry."

New Taiwan Ambassador Presents And Represents
As we told you, the Taiwanese Ambassador to Belize, Benjamin Ho has retired after 35 years of service. Now, the partnership between both countries will definitely continue, but just with another friendly face leading the Taiwanese mission. The new ambassador ,Charles Liu presented his credentials to the Governor General today at the Belize House. In a release it states "Ambassador Liu expressed his pleasure in being a representative of his country in Belize and conveyed his country's pleasure in continuing the strong diplomatic relationship and friendship between the two countries. The Governor General warmly welcomed and received the Ambassador's credentials. " Liu is a career diplomat.

A Jaguar Named Like A Bird
The Belize Zoo has a new addition to its family. Her name is Chiqui the Jaguar. She was found abandoned in the Chiquibul forest but FCD rangers came to her rescue in May. Now as we told you, the Zoo recently lost its beautiful black Jaguar named Lucky Boy and they are still heartbroken about his death. While no other Jaguar can replace him, the zoo managers can preserve Lucky Boy's memory by keeping Chiqui happy and healthy. Well, the founding Director Sharon Matola and her team plan to do that and more. Today, the zoo crew officially welcomed Chiqui to her new home with a short ceremony and viewing. Matola told us more about how Chiqui overcame all odds and what her story represents. Sharon Matola: "She was drowning, literally drowning and crying and the FCD forest rangers heard this strange sound and went to this sound and saw a baby cub trying to crawl out of the stream bed and literally dying

The Many Uses Of GIS Revealed
Today, students from all over the country gathered in Belize City for World GIS Day. GIS, or Geographic Information Systems, is a way to record, interpret and analyze data using satellite imagery. GIS uses maps to present information and show patterns in a way that text cannot. In order to introduce students to this technology, Total Business Solutions Ltd. along with several members of the business and technology sectors held its annual expo to showcase the ways GIS can be used to enhance their education and how they can turn it into a career. We spoke to Loretta Palacio, the Managing Director of Total Business Solutions Ltd., and she told how GIS can be used for development purposes�

Ping-Pong Perfection With Central American Senior Table Tennis Championship
Today was the first day of the 2016 Central American Senior Table Tennis Championship which is being held in Belize for the first time. Athletes from Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama, Honduras, El Salvador and Belize converged on the multi-purpose centre at SCA to match speed and skills. President of the Belize Table Tennis Association, Arturo Vasquez told us more about the tournament� As Vasquez mentioned, there isn't an age limit for competitors, but among the all the teams, Belize stands out. That's because the home team has the youngest players in the tournament, with the oldest being 15, and the youngest being 11 - competing against men in a senior tournament. Now, Belize has many talented adult players, but Vasquez told us that the BTTA deliberately chose their youngest to compete�

Spanish Lookout Looking Out , Not In
Yesterday afternoon, the Spanish Lookout business community handed over a new pickup truck to Cayo Police. Now, one pickup isn't all that big a story, but it is in this case, because it marks a Sea Change for the usually insular and self-sufficient Spanish Lookout community. They accept that in a changing criminal landscape, where their open way of life makes them vulnerable, they do need the police:.. Norman Dueck - Spanish Lookout Chamber: "And I am proud to say that when the idea was presented at our meeting, 100% of the people supported the idea of partnering with the police department. I think that shows that we believe that this is a partnership. I think we know that policing only works when police and the community works together."

Posted By: Marty Re: Today's Belize News: November 17, 2016 - 11/17/16 07:05 AM

Channel 5

Empress Hamilton Dies, Family Plunged Into Grief Again
It's a sad week when the loss of innocent children in a vicious crime wave continues to shatter families. The Hamiltons of south side Belize City have lost a third [...]

Mourners Remember Tyler Savery as Mom Vows Fight for Justice
An already bruised nation continues to reel from the double murder of seven year old Tyler Savery and twenty-one year old Porshan Pipersburgh last Friday afternoon. There is a growing [...]

In Libertad, a Corozal Man Ambushed and Shot to Death
There is further loss of life. Up north in the village of Libertad, Sherman McFarlane, was ambushed by one of four gunmen who lay-waited him in the dark of the [...]

Teachers' Union Officially Goes to Court Over Salary Deductions
The Belize National Teachers Union is proceeding to court on the matter of the deduction in salaries of teachers who went strike for eleven days in October when the union [...]

Minister "Boots" Martinez Hits Back at John Brice�o
On Tuesday, Leader of the People's United Party John Brice�o lashed out at fellow parliamentarian and Minister of Human Development, Social Transformation and Poverty Alleviation, Anthony "Boots" Martinez, over allegations [...]

"Boots" Throws in the Towel; Leaving Politics After Current Term
A political career started in the 1990s has reached its endpoint. According to Minister of Human Development and four-term area representative for Port Loyola, Anthony "Boots" Martinez, he is stepping [...]

Stevedore Charged Again with Attempted Murder, This Time of 13-Year-Old Girl
A Belize City stevedore has been placed on remand again; this time accused of another attempted murder on the life of a minor. Anthony Crawford was arraigned this morning before [...]

Police Announce Plans for Continued Patrols During Weekly Community Meeting
Eastern Division police were back on the streets of south side Belize City this afternoon where they conducted their weekly Meet and Greet initiative.� North Creek is of particular interest [...]

Operations Ramp Up for 19th and Christmas; Motorcycles a Target
A recent increase in firearm offenses committed by culprits on motorcycles has forced the Belize Police Department to crackdown on motorists in the Old Capital.� A spike in drive-by shootings [...]

Police Prepare to Keep the Peace on Holiday Weekend
With weekend Garifuna Settlement Day festivities commencing in Belize City on Thursday, additional boots on the ground are being deployed onto the streets in various hotspots.� ACP Williams says it's [...]

Is Belize's Dollar Under Threat from Economic Issues?
For as long as Belizeans can remember, the exchange rate peg has been at two Belize dollars to one U.S. dollar. The Government has tried mightily to keep it that [...]

Why Nationalization Due to Accommodation Agreement was Drastic
The People's United Party has gone on record as describing the nationalization of Belize Telemedia Limited and subsequent settlement with former owners as, in one statement, "the greatest con of [...]

Police Officers Recognized for Hard Work at Special Ceremony
The Police Department's regular recognition and award ceremonies in Eastern Division have become as much a staple of the news as the crime they try to stop and solve. It [...]

CTV3

Opposition Leader Weighs In On Crime Issue
Today 7 year old Tyler Savery was laid to rest in Belize City after he was mercilessly gunned down in the street-style execution of his older cousin, 22 year-old Porshan Pipersburg. Tyler who was on his way to purchase his favorite treat was shot once to the chest and died almost instantly. The death of the young boy has the nation in shock and grappling from the reality that crime is out of control. As you heard earlier in the newscast a 22 year old Corozal resident also lost his life to gun violence in an execution that occurred last night. There is no denying that the increscent crime rate has certainly caught the nation's attention and yesterday Leader of the opposition, Hon. Jon Brice�o, made a call for national unity to fight violence in our beloved country. Honorable John Briceno - Opposition Leader People's United Party: "Tyler Savery was murdered in the streets and make me wonder what country and where we are getting to, where a man can just go on the street and just shoot at somebody else without regards to if there is women or children around and in here we have a seven year old that was killed, I think that it is not only an issue of the government but we as a people need to be outrage what is wrong with us..."

BNTU Takes GOB To Court
The Belize National Teacher's Union has taken its defence of teachers from the streets to the Court room as today the Union's attorney applied for leave in the Supreme Court to hear their case for an injunction on the Ministry. The BNTU wants to halt the Ministry of Education's plan to dock the salaries of those teachers who took part in their 11 day strike in October. The BNTU took their case to Court today, after a letter to Minister Patrick Faber went ignored. In that letter, attorney Eamon Courtenay pointed out that the Government's decision to withhold salaries in November is ultra vires, unlawful and unconstitutional.

Recall For Gaspar Vega
Over the weekend, the PUP's Northern Caucus met in Ranchito Village and decided that it was prepared to launch a focused political campaign to remove former UDP Minister Gaspar Vega. This would be done using the ballot - no not yet elections, but a constitutional petition to recall the Minister for wrongdoing, in particular the land scandals involving his family and political friends. There is a recall mechanism in our laws which has only been tested once, that was against disgraced former UDP politician Elvin Penner in Cayo North East. The PUP Northern Caucus has said it stands ready to get its machinery going to get Vega out, but PUP Leader Hon. John Briceno said Vega shouldn't wait for the PUP to mobilize. He believes Vega should do the conscious thing and resign. Honorable John Briceno - Opposition Leader People's United Party" "We believe in the Northern Caucus after a long discussion that what the Honourable Gaspar Vega did was a betrayal of the trust of the people of Orange Walk Central..."

US Elections Can Teach Us A Thing Or Two
Real estate tycoon Donald J. Trump shocked the entire world on November 8th when he was elected as the next President of the United States of America. Yesterday Leader of the Opposition, Hon. John Brice�o spoke of Trump's stunning victory saying that he did not expect it in the very least but stated the Belize can learn a lot from the American election. Honorable John Briceno - Opposition Leader People's United Party: "He won simply because there were these marginalized people that felt that they have been forgotten for so long and the same thing has to apply in Belize that we are having more and more people that are marginalized that feel that they have been forgotten, that feel that they have been abandoned and we as a PUP we also have to take a closer look with the lessons of the American election and to make sure that policies that we have to put forward will be able to be inclusive of everyone especially the people..."

Trial Farm Resident Charged For Murder In Case Of Manuel Alejandro Toloza
A resident of Trial Farm Village here in the Orange Walk District is sitting behind bars tonight at the Central Prison after he was formally arrested and charged this morning for the murder of twenty six year old Manuel Alejandro Toloza which occurred last month. After several weeks of intensive investigations, Orange Walk police managed to detain twenty three year old Elroy Arnold who appeared in court today for his arraignment. Since the case is an indictable one, no plea was taken from Arnold and as a result he was immediately remanded to the Hattieville Prison. Viewers may recall that on the night of Saturday October 29th, Toloza was socializing in front of a Chinese establishment in the village of Trial Farm when an altercation reportedly ensued between him and another individual. Further reports indicate that after Toloza and the said individual parted ways, Toloza was attacked by a group of male persons just a few yards away from where he stood prior to the incident. Sometime in the middle of the assault, Toloza received two stab wounds one of which proved to be fatal.

Breaking Belize NewsPJ

Vehicle with drugs abandoned in St. Margaret's village following police chase
Officers from the Belmopan Quick Response Team set chase after a vehicle when they saw marijuana being thrown from the car. The vehicle was pursued by police from the Roaring Creek junction to St Margaret's village. The [�]

Baby Empress dies from burn wounds
There are reports that Empress Hamilton, 8, died last night while receiving treatment at Shriner's Hospital for kids in Texas. Her brother, Ian Sambula, 4, had also passed away last week from injuries while receiving treatment. Their cousin, Aaron Gabourel, 11, had died the [�]

Bikers beware, cycle crackdown commences
The Belize Police Department will be enforcing all motorcycle violations with immediate effect. According to a statement released yesterday, the department claims that, "�we have been noticing an increase in crimes particularly shootings being committed by persons on motorcycles." "With a view to curb [�]

Corozal resident gunned down
Sherman McFarlane was gunned down last night in Corozal. According to preliminary police information, sometime after 9:00 p.m. McFarlane was in Libertad village, walking to his vehicle when he was ambushed. A man rose from behind some bushes and fired several shots at him. [�]

Belize's credit rating cut as country looks to restructure $530 M in bonds
Belize's credit rating has been downgraded by S&P Global Ratings. Prime Minister Dean Barrow attempted for the second time in four years to renegotiate the country's debt. The agency has now lowered the rating from B- to CCC+ with a negative outlook. PM Barrow [�]

Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to Belize presents credentials to Governor General
"H.E. Mr. Charles Keh-yue Liu, The Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan), today presented his Letters of Credence to the Governor General of Belize H.E. Sir Colville Young at the Belize House in Belmopan," according to a Government of Belize press release. The [�]

Belizean Young Leaders to meet President Obama
Karryn Dawson and Hernan Urbina have been selected to meet outgoing US President Barack Obama in Peru this month. Their selection comes after their success at the Young Leaders of the Americas initiative. Belize sent six representatives to compete among 250 fellows from Latin [�]

Belmopan police snag three for drug trafficking
Belmopan police have arrested three persons for three separate instances of drug trafficking charges between Monday and Tuesday. The men were all fined for a total of BZ $13,000. Ronals Gill of Roaring Creek village was fined $6,000; Gilroy Blancaneaux of Cotton Tree was [�]

Blogs

Palapa Bar Phoenix Rising from the Caribbean Sea
The Palapa Bar and Grill has risen from the ashes a few times over the years. With each renewal and resurrection owners Scott and Jodie Harnish manage to bring it back stronger and better than ever. Hurricane Earl was monumental when their entire building was decimated by the storm. With ample open air seating with unobstructed views of the reef and cool breezes for patrons, featuring a completely rebuilt bar, brand new kitchen, and new GIANT Palapa roof, The Palapa Bar and Grill with hand cut timbers is more beautiful than ever before. So many people stepped up to help the dynamic duo through this challenging time and keep them on track for success. Local Belizean contractor Isael Juchim dedicated himself along with his crew and has been on the job sight everyday seven days a week. Scott and Jodie maintained all the staff since the hurricane, preserving local jobs for many families. Staff were given an opportunity by Isael to become tradesman and help in the reconstruction. Marcial Flores stepped up and held the team together of bartenders, cooks, and dish washers in the rebuild process. All employees will continue as invaluable staff.

Moving to Belize After US Elections Made Easy
For some reason, many of us in Belize have recently been inundated with requests for information about moving or retiring to Belize, our little piece of tropical paradise. We won't get into the whys of this sudden increase, but we will say, as we always have, that yes, Belize is a great place to live - a wonderful country filled with wonderful people enjoying great weather and an endless amount of things to do. Fresh air oxygenated by huge tracts of pristine rainforests, clean rivers, a stunning Caribbean coastline and scores of tiny islands sheltered by the world's second largest barrier reef, ancient Maya ruins, and exotic wildlife to explore, and lots of fresh seafood and healthy organic fruits and veggies contributing to an increasingly sophisticated foodie culture. Oh yes, there's the vibrant arts and music scene as well, with opportunities to participate in sports, theatre and pretty much whatever interests you. What's not to love? Come on down and see for yourself what makes Belize so awesome! Top 10 Reasons to Move To Belize: - Belize Real Estate Prices - Stable Exchange Rate - Strategic Location Of Belize - English Spoken In Belize - Strong Belize Tourism Trends - Attractive Belize Taxation Incentives - Belize Real Estate Laws - Belize Real Estate Opportunities. - Political And Economic Stability Of Belize - Belizean Lifestyle.

"Happy Anniversary" in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize.
One of the most pleasing things for Rose and I since relocating to Ambergris Caye are the friendships we have made. Many of them with Belizeans. Some of these friendships started to form when we visited (usually twice a year) from our (then) home in the UK for holidays. Amongst those embryonic friendships were the relationships we began with Carlo and Ernie (they of Carlo & Ernie's Runway Bar fame) when they both worked at BC's. Since moving here the friendships we already had have strengthened and we have made new ones. And, unless you are a recluse, the friendly nature of Belizeans (amongst the friendliest I have witnessed on our travels over the years) have made it nigh on impossible not to. One of the real joys for us is to be included when events are organised to celebrate special occasions and the latest of these was yesterday when Rose and I were invited to join Alma and Carlo on a day trip to Mahahual to celebrate their wedding anniversary. Obviously the day held significant importance for Alma and Carlo but it had some significance for us too. Why? Well Rose and I were invited to their wedding 8 years ago but I worked for a living back then and was in the middle of a major project and just couldn't take the time off for a holiday.

Some rare and breathtaking images of Placencia, Belize village!
Thanks Breeanna! A good "friend/family" of CBC is http://www.breeannakayphotography.com, and when she comes into town, she loves to get (National Geographic quality!) images of the village through her eyes. When I saw her latest, I had to share...more coming in the future, as they are so good, they are hard to take in all at once! Enjoy!!

Experience the phenomenon: Magnetic Hill in Belize
Imagine stopping at the bottom of a hill and then being pulled back up the hill involuntarily. It may seem crazy, but for many tourists, this is a phenomenon they look forward to experiencing on their trip to Belize. The reason why this magnetic hill is popular is because it defeats the Laws of Physics. Afterall, stopping your car downhill but seeing your car being pulled uphill instead is a bit bizarre. Many people speculate that it's a magnetic force that is beneath the ground that pulls metal objects in another direction. Others say that the magnetic hill is just an illusion, that the end -or top- of the hill is actually lower in elevation than the start - or the bottom- of the hill and that the " position of trees and slopes of nearby scenery, or a curvy horizon line, can trick the eye so that what looks uphill is actually downhill". They concluded that the mind is a powerful thing, but it can still be fooled.

International Sourcesizz

NOAA Outlook for Central America November November 17 - 23, 2016
Enhanced rain forecast along the Atlantic basin and portions of northern Central America. From November 8-14, suppressed rain prevailed over Central America. The heaviest (> 50 mm) rain fell in southwestern Guatemala, central El Salvador, the Atlantic Basin of Nicaragua and southern Caribbean. Since mid-August to date, rain has been poorly-distributed throughout western and central Guatemala to western and central Honduras. The largest ninety-day rainfall deficits have been observed over portions of central Guatemala and north-central Honduras, where accumulated rain have accounted for only between 25-50 percent of the average. Although rain is expected to gradually subside across the interior of Central America during this time of the year, rain has diminished significantly over the dry portions of the region since late September. An analysis of vegetation conditions from remote sensing techniques has indicated degrading conditions in western and central Guatemala and western Honduras as a response to the lack of rain.

United Will Start Charging Some Passengers To Use Overhead Bins
United will become the first big U.S. airline to limit low-fare customers to one carry-on bag that fits under a seat. The announcement on Tuesday could frustrate flyers who already feel burdened with airline travel restrictions and fees. United, the No. 3 U.S. airline by passengers carried, said customers who bought its cheapest fares would not be assigned seats until the day of departure, meaning people on the same ticket may be split apart. United will also prohibit these travelers from carrying on bags that can only fit in overhead bins, and they will not accrue miles toward elite status. The company expects the moves to add $4.8 billion to its annual operating income by 2020.

FAO to help combat illegal fishing in Latin America and the Caribbean
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) this week presented a cooperation project to support eleven Latin American and Caribbean countries to put an end to illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. "Illegal fishing threatens not only food security and fishery resource sustainability and conservation but also the economic well-being of two million people who depend on fishing for their livelihood," explained Tito D�az, FAO subregional coordinator for Mesoamerica. The project, which was presented to fishing organisations of the countries of the region during a high-level meeting in Panama, will allow Belize, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru and the Dominican Republic to take coordinated steps towards the elimination of illegal fishing, strengthening their control mechanisms and institutions in the sector. It will also strengthen fishing monitoring, surveillance and control procedures, thus contributing to better sustainable management of fishery resources.

Mayan 'nesting doll' pyramid is found in Mexico
Archaeologists have discovered a second structure within the famous pyramid of Kukulkan at the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza. Last year, archaeologists used electrical imaging techniques to find that the pyramid, which is also known as El Castillo, was built atop a subterranean river, or a cenote. Experts have long known that a smaller pyramid is encapsulated underneath the visible temple. Today they said they had detected an even smaller structure inside the outer two layers. Using what is called 'tri-dimensional electric resistivity tomography', or 'ERT-3D,' they found a 32.8-feet (10-metre) tall structure within the 65.6-feet (20-metre) tall 'intermediate' pyramid that was covered over by the last construction stage, perhaps around 900 A.D. The process involved scanning the pyramid using a series of electrodes placed around the site. These sent electrical currents that were used to measure resistance in electrical current flow in order to digitally map any existing structures. Archaeologist Denisse Lorenia Argote said: 'If we can research this structure in the future it could be important, because it could tell us about the first-period inhabitants' of the site'.

Videos

  • Energy Awareness Week, 3min. Belize joins CARICOM member states November 13th-19th, 2016 to commemorate Energy Awareness Week. Minister of State in the Ministry of Energy Hon. Frank Mena speaks on the importance of this week's activities.

  • Toronto To Belize Drum Controlled Billboard, 1/2min. We're celebrating the new direct flight from Toronto to Belize on WestJet with the debut of the world's first Belizean drum-controlled billboard right in Yonge-Dundas Square. Come jam with us!

  • LYVEARTS Performance Reel, 1.5min. WATCH! This is a taste of what you'll see at Dance X BZ 2016, Nov. 25-26. It's Lyvearts International LLC! Performances in San Ignacio, Orange Walk and Belize City... Email us for details: [email protected]

  • CGSB Belize post Idea Generation Session, 4.5min. Caribbean GreenTech Startup bootcamp Belize idea Generation Session was held on Nov.9 at the Belize Training and Employment Centre (BTEC)

  • TRYB4 DEATH: BELIZE - AMBERGRIS CAYE (PART 1) - (Full HD), 9min. This movie take you to Belize we will visit Ambergris Caye, beautiful island on Caribbean Sea.

  • DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT - IMPENDING BUS FARE INCREASE NOTICE, 28min.

  • UNIVERSITY OF BELIZE MARKETING EXPO, 18min.

  • Here's iTravel Belize with a fun Mannequin Challenge, 2min. A sneak peek of Mahogany Bay Village, Curio Collection by Hilton in our unique version of the Mannequin Challenge

  • Latin America Project - Belize Lauren Falke, 6min.

  • BMDP Feature Nov 2016, 5min. Belize Municipal Development Project achievements transforming and modernizing Municipalities for present and future generations in Belize.

  • Flight from Belize City to Blackbird Caye Resort, 18min.

  • CLASSIC DELL SMART OF DELL & THE SENSATIONS! (PART ONE), 30min. The silky alto touch of Belizean vocalist and balladeer, Dell Smart of Dell & The Sensations has touched the spirit of many a Belizean music lovers over the years. Dell's popularity grew as he sang lead for the legendary Belizean band in Los Angeles, Dell & The Sensations, to become one of the first Belizean bands ever to pioneer Belize's musical prominence as a band in the Los Angeles Belizean community and the Belizean diaspora in the United States. Dell's vocal pitch and quality is rare, and his melodic and harmonic voice has captured a unique sound ever since he began to sing covers in Belize as a youth growing up in one of Belize's prominent villages, Gales Point Manatee. He began listening to the music of legendary American musical artists like Percy Sledge, Otis Redding, Elvis Presley, Jim Reeves, Aaron Neville of the Neville Brothers, Wilson Pickett, and many more. Dell reflects on the moments in his life as a youth when he began realizing that he had a voice for singing, and started to sing songs from R&B, Country & Western, and pop music in song competitions that his mother had set up at home as a means of entertainment for her boys. He recalls how he would win them every time, and then telling his mother that he wanted to sing. She would encourage her son and support him in his dream for the spotlight as an entertainer and artist in Belize.
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