The April 7th, 2013 issue of The STAR (Cayo) is online HERE

This Week's Stories:

• Three Months Remand For Accused Drug Traffickers:
  Wednesday, April 3, 2013: Three men busted with weed in Benque Viejo, Cayo, have all been remanded to the big jail in Hattieville. Venturing into the jurisdiction of Benque Viejo police, and acting on information received, a team of policemen from the San Ignacio police detachment rushed into Benque Viejo Town today where at the entrance to George Price Boulevard, they intercepted a white Chevy Malibu car with license plates BZE C-34685 departing Benque Viejo heading eastward to San Ignacio some time around 6:30 pm. The vehicle was stopped and a thorough search of its interior produced nothing incriminating. The police however observed the single back seat passenger in possession of a blue and red bag which, when searched in his presence, was found to contain five black plastic bags tightly wrapped with transparent tape.
• Policeman Remains In Critical Condition:
  An African American woman is currently on remand at the central prison following a traffic accident involving a motor cycle riding policeman. The police informs that at around 3:30 pm on Tuesday, April 2, police constable #1213, Andy Tun, currently attached to the police substation in San Antonio Village, Cayo, was riding the police green and black, Kawasaki brand motorcycle on Center Road in Spanish Lookout when he collided in the mid section of a blue Ford F350 pickup truck, with license plates CY-C-27525, driven by Gail Wells, who allegedly drove onto the main road directly into the pathway of the approaching motorcycling cop. It is reported that the policeman received head and body injuries and was rushed to the emergency ward at the Western Regional Hospital in Belmopan. He was later transferred to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital in Belize City where he remains in critical condition.
• Guatemalan Farmer Busted With Gun And Bullets:
  A Guatemalan farmer alleged to have entered Belize illegally was today stopped at a checkpoint and found in possession of a pistol and seven bullets. The incident reportedly occurred at around 8:30 am on Wednesday, April 3, 2013 at a check point on the eastern outskirts of the village of San Jose Succtoz, between miles 71 and 72 on the George Price Highway. Benque Viejo police informed that a taxi cab heading towards San Ignacio, with a single male passenger on board, approached the check point and a search of the passenger resulted in the discovery of a .22 caliber pistol, brand unknown, along with seven live rounds of .25 Aguila brand ammunition.
• Good Neighbors Prevent Burglary:
  A serial burglar, caught in the act of attempting to break into a house, has been taken off the streets thanks to the assistance of alert neighbors in Santa Elena Town, Cayo. Dorothy Garbutt, 68, Belizean retired teacher of #2 Melhado Street in Santa Elena, reported to police that on Wednesday, March 27, 2013, at about 5:00 pm while at a bus stop in Santa Elena she was alerted by relatives of the report of a man attempting to break into her house. Garbutt rushed home where she encountered the police putting the suspect in the back of the pickup truck as alert neighbors prevented from him from breaking into her house and held him until the police arrived. The suspect Eric Castillo, 39, Belizean laborer of a Santa Cruz address in Santa Elena town was transported to the police station in San Ignacio where he was arrested and formally charged for attempt burglary.
• San Ignacio & Santa Elena Town Council Revenue And Expenditure For February 2013:
  Property Tax Fee Trade Licensing Fee Traffic License’s Fees Peddler’s Fees Liquor Licensing Fees liquor Liensing Extension Cemetery Fees Commercial Garbage Fees Banners & billboards Market Restroom Fee Rental of Market Stalls Miscellaneous Rental of Parks & Playgrounds Interest & Staff Loan Cayo Welcome Center Town Revenue
• Octavia Waight Making Life More Comfort For The Elderly:
  Residents from San Ignacio’s Octavia Waight Center for the Elderly were today treated to the annual riverside picnic. Ophelia Pinelo, an employee of the Center informed that today’s picnic is an annual tradition of the Center which has been ongoing for over 10 years. She additionally informed that, over the years residents have been taken on visits to various parts of the Cayo District. Twenty five center residents participated in today’s field trip which included a fun day of relaxation along the banks of the Macal River. Residents were also treated snacks and lunch all provided by the center.
• Mexico thwarts 'plot to kill' Monreal brothers:
  The authorities in Mexico say they have prevented the murder of two l eftist legislators, brothers David and Ricardo Monreal. A senior prosecutor said two armed men plotting the murder had been arrested at a hotel in Mexico City. Mariana Benitez said the authorities had seized weapons, communications equipment and a vehicle. No motive was given for the planned attack but the men had already confessed, she added.
• Man Accused Of Harming Step-Son:
  A Santa Elena man is out on a two thousand dollar bail as he stands accused of causing grievous harm to his step-son. On Thursday, March 28, 2013, Myner Manzanero, 23, Belizean student, residing in the Bradley’s Bank area of Santa Elena Town, visited the police station in San Ignacio where he reported that at about 5:30 pm on said date, he was at home when he and his step-father, Orlando Borallos, reportedly got into a heated argument . The complainant told the police that the step-father punched him to the left side of the face, causing him to stumble out of the house. The complainant further alleged that as he regained composure the step father continued punching him in the face and in the process drawing blood.
• Cuban Ballet Dancers Defect While On Tour In Mexico:
  Seven members of the National Ballet of Cuba defected during a performing tour of Mexico last month. A ballet spokesman confirmed the news, saying only that they had not returned at the end of the tour. The world-renowned troupe, led by legendary ballerina Alicia Alonso, has been hit by defections before. A Cuban exile website based in Miami said six of the defectors were now in the United States, while the seventh was still in Mexico. The head of Havana's National Ballet School, where some of them had studied, expressed her sadness at the news.
• Argentina Floods 'Catastrophe' For La Plata, Buenos Aires:
  Emergency workers in Argentina continue to try to rescue residents stranded by flooding in Buenos Aires and La Plata. More than 50 people are known to have died after one of the heaviest storms recorded caused flash floods. Thousands were evacuated from their homes and dozens are still stranded on rooftops, treetops and the roofs of city buses, local media report. The government has declared three days of national mourning after what it called "an unprecedented catastrophe". "We've never seen anything like it," provincial governor Daniel Scioli said. "People were taken by surprise, and some didn't have time to escape this deadly trap," Mr Scioli said, referring to the speed with which the waters rose.
• Male Baldness 'Indicates Heart Risk':
  Men going thin on top may be more likely to have heart problems than their friends with a full head of hair, according to researchers in Japan. Their study of nearly 37,000 people, published in the online journal BMJ Open, said balding men were 32% more likely to have coronary heart disease. However, the researchers said the risks were less than for smoking or obesity. The British Heart Foundation said men should focus on their waistline, not their hairline. A shifting hairline is a fact of life for many men. Half have thinning hair by their 50s and 80% have some hair loss by the age of 70.
• Body's Anti-HIV 'Training Manual' Offers Vaccine Hopes:
  The body's own "training manual" for attacking HIV has been recorded by US scientists and it is hoped it can be used to design vaccines. HIV mutates in order to survive the onslaught of a patient's immune system. However, some patients develop highly effective antibodies that can neutralise huge swathes of HIV mutants. A North Carolina team analysed the arms race between body and virus, published in the journal Nature, and has shown how these antibodies are made.
• Youths Who Murdered Mexican Activist Chavez Sentenced:
  A judge in Mexico has sentenced three youths to 15 years in prison for the 2011 murder of Mexican activist Susana Chavez. Ms Chavez was found strangled and with one hand cut off in Ciudad Juarez. She had been a key figure in the community, drawing attention to the killing of mainly poor women in the northern border town in the 1990s. She had coined the slogan "Not One More Death", which became popular at protests against the women's killings. Police found her body dumped in the city centre on 6 January 2011. A trail of blood led them to the home of Sergio Ruben Cardenas, where they found more blood and the severed hand of Ms Chavez.
• Pact Awards Over $800,000 In Project Grants!:
  On Thursday, April 4, 2013, PACT held a Grant Award Ceremony at the Guanacaste National Park in Belmopan, during which it awarded over $800,000.00 in new project grants! PACT awarded Small and Medium-Sized Grants for projects under the themes of Protected Areas Management and Conservation, Protected Areas Promotion and Development, and Environmental Education and Awareness as follows: PACT is confident that these grants will have great impacts on conservation in Belize and thanks all recipients for their hard work and commitment to their respective protected areas.
• Four Reports Against The Police:
  Reference report of extortion made by Ms. Anna Mae Nembhard on Thursday 28th March 2013. On Thursday 4th April 2013, at 4:10 pm police constable #132 Frank McNeal was served with disciplinary charge of Act to the Prejudice of Good Order and Discipline> He was placed on interdiction with effect as of 4th April 2013. 2. Reference report made by Ms. Carol James on Tuesday 2nd April, 2013 that when she arrived home from the United States on Saturday 30th March, 2013, she discovered that some jewelries and money was missing from her house.
• Robbery In Unitedville:
  A near midnight robbery in the village of Unitedville, Cayo, has left a bar owner with a busted forehead, and two male patrons wounded. Marisol Tobar, 35, Belizean businesswoman from Unitedville, reported to police that at around 11:30 pm on Saturday, March 30, 2013, three short male persons of dark complexion, wearing dark clothing and with their faces covered, stormed into her Hill Top Bar. One of them, armed with a handgun, reportedly pointed it her and demanded money. Fearing for her life, Tobar immediately handed over a thousand dollars to the gunmen who reportedly stole her gold chain with a diamond medal, valued at fifteen hundred dollars. The gunman then fired two shots into the bar before all three of them rushed out and disappeared into the darkness.
• STAR Humor
• Your Weekly Horoscope and Lucky Numbers
• Letters to the Editor
• Public Notices

The April 14, 2013 issue of The STAR (Cayo) is online HERE

This Week's Stories:

• Four Charged For Ten Bullets:
  lena, Cayo led to the discovery of ten bullets and the arrest of all four occupants of the house. It was in the early hours of the morning on Thursday, April 11, when at team of policemen, acting upon information received visited the residence of Kaing Contreras located on Eden Drive in Santa Elena. Armed with a search warrant the police arrived at exactly 3:45 am announcing their intention to search the house. Contreras reportedly invited the police to conduct the search which eventually led to the kitchen where a plastic bag, containing 10 live rounds of FC 25 ammunition was found in a plastic bag on top of the refrigerator. The discovery led to the detention of all four occupants of the house who were later identified as the home owner Kaing Contreras, 27, clerk; Shelly Lemus, 22, domestic and Alvaro Aldana, 19, labourer, all Belizeans and a 17 year old Guatemalan labourer, Angel Ermando Recinos all residing at the Eden Drive house.
• Vega and Meda Busted With Over One Hundred Pounds Of Weed:
  San Ignacio police is this week reporting the interception of a cargo of over one hundred pounds of western weed suspected to have been destined for eastern streets. The report reaching us indicate that the sun was just setting in the western horizon when shortly before 6:00 pm on Thursday, April 4 San Ignacio police received the initial information of a weed carrying car heading eastward. By the time San Ignacio police got its act together, the car carrying the weed had already slipped pass San Ignacio from Benque Viejo heading full speed ahead in an easterly direction.
• Police Investigates Police Traffic Accident:
  A four year old boy, the victim of a road traffic accident involving a police vehicle, was today rushed to the Community Hospital in San Ignacio. It was shortly after 7:00 pm on Tuesday, April 9, 2013 when police driver/Special Constable Domingo Kan, 46, was driving a black police Hilux with Belmopan license plates B-0145 on Bullet Tree Road heading to the San Ignacio Community on official police duties. In a report to the police, Kan informed that as he was driving on Bullet Tree Road he observed a child dashing across the road in the pathway of the vehicle he was driving.
• Empowering Education, for Children in Today’s Society:
  Students of the University of Belize from the of Faculty of Education and Arts, Belmopan Campus, will hold a community outreach symposium entitled: “Empowering Education for Children in Today’s Society”. The bi-annual event will be held on April 18, 2013 from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm at the reception hall, Jaguar Building. The symposium is aimed at enriching participants with an understanding and strategies to overcome barriers that negatively impact teaching and learning. Informational booths will be on display about important topics concerning: Career Options, Vocational Programs, Parent workshop for CXC, Workshop for PSE, Motivational Learning, Managing Stress, Behavioral Disorders, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: ADHD, and Oppositional Defiant Disorder: ODD.
• Mendez Pleas Guilty To Criminal Charges:
  The court appearance of a Benque Viejo Town pharmacist was fast tracked this Thursday morning when the presiding Magistrate, Attorney Linsbert Willis, was advised by the defense of the intention of the accused to change from a not guilty to a guilty plea. Cesar Mendez, brother of PUP Orange Walk East area representative, Marco Tulio Mendez, was criminally charged back in June of last year with three counts of aggravated assault of an indecent nature committed against a 12 year old female minor. Since the arrest last year, Mendez has consistently maintained a not guilty plea. The next appearance in court was set for Thursday, April 25 as court cases are currently heard only on Thursdays in Benque Viejo Town.
• Uncle Accused Of Molesting Nieces:
  prison as he stands accused of sexually assaulting two of his nieces. A mother, accompanied by two daughters, visited the police station in Benque Viejo Town where the two minors, in statements to the police informed that the uncle had sexual relations with one and touched the other inappropriately. A medical examination conducted last Friday, April 5, confirmed that the thirteen year old girl was indeed carnally known. She told the police that her uncle, Alejandro Martinez had sexual intercourse with her, against her will, on two separate occasions the last such encounter being in June 2012.
• Mexico Government Says Drug-Related Murders Down By 14%:
  Mexico's government says there have been fewer drug-related murders in Mexico since President Enrique Pena Nieto came to power on 1 December 2012. It said the number of drug-related killings between December and April had fallen by 14% compared to the same period a year earlier. Mr Pena Nieto says the fight against crime is one of his main priorities. Shortly after coming into office he announced the creation of a new police force. 'Early days' Government spokesman Eduardo Sanchez said 4,249 people had been killed by organised crime gangs between 1 December 2012 and 1 April 2013, a fall of 14% compared to the same four months a year earlier. The government of former president Felipe Calderon stopped releasing figures of drug-related violence in September 2011, but Interior Minister Miguel Angel Osorio Chong said the federal government had continued to keep a tally.
• US Blacklists Honduran 'Drug Lord' Chepe Handal:
  The United States Treasury has frozen any assets held in the US by the alleged leader of a Honduran drug-trafficking organisation. The US Treasury accused Jose Miguel Handal Perez, known as "Chepe Handal", of smuggling cocaine from Colombia and Venezuela to Mexican drug cartels. Mr Handal and his family have been banned from doing any business with US citizens and companies. He has denied the accusations. "They fell on me like a bucket of water. We are trying to clarify the situation, as we do not know where they originate," he told the AFP news agency. His wife, Ena Elizabeth Hernandez Amaya, and his father, Jose Miguel Handal Larach, have also been blacklisted by the US Treasury.
• Another Load Of Guatemalan Weed:
  Police is reporting the seizure of yet another cargo of Guatemalan weed making its way into Belize. While the earlier cargo this week was captured by San Ignacio police, Benque Viejo police is claiming fame for this one weighing a few more pounds than the San Ignacio Police seizure. It was exactly ten minutes to midnight on Tuesday, April 9, 2013, when Benque Viejo police received information of a group of male persons waking on the Hydro road towards Benque Viejo Town carrying suspicious cargo “Makapal” style on their backs and strapped across their shoulders. Police rushed to the location where they came upon a group of men on the Hydro Road. Realizing that the visitors were policemen, the men dashed into nearby bushes and disappeared into the night and in the process leaving behind three sacks later found to contain weed, water, food and a few items of clothing.
• National Agriculture and Trade Show:
  The National Agriculture and Trade Show Committee is pleased to announce the winners of this year Farmers of the Year 2013: Senior Farmer – Mr. George Choj. Mr. Choj is 30 years old of Cristo Rey Road in the Cayo District. He currently owns 25 acres of land of which 12 acres are developed into crop and livestock. Mr. Choj’s farm is diversified and mostly based on the Integrated Farming System Concept. His activities involve both Crop (Periurban) and Livestock production through which he maximizes the by-products of each activity to generate income, reduce cost and improve product quality. Woman Farmer – Mrs. Sharon Moody. Mrs. Moody is from Scotland Half-moon in the Belize District and is 28 years of age. Mrs. Moody is a dedicated farmer who has been involved in mixed farming activities for the past seventeen years. Her farm consists of a combination of agricultural activities which include crop and livestock production. Her farm produces an assortment livestock for consumption and for the local market also she is involved in the agro processing of diverse products to include goat cheese, jams, jellies, pine apple, cashew, coconut oil and cohune oil for income generation.
• Tens Of Thousands At US Immigration Reform Rallies:
  Tens of thousands of demonstrators have rallied across the US in a mass call for citizenship for millions of undocumented immigrants. The co-ordinated protests were designed to press Congress to act as senators negotiate an immigration reform bill. In Washington DC cheering crowds gathered outside the Capitol, and more than 1,000 demonstrated in Atlanta. Lawmakers are expected soon to unveil a bill that would grant a path to legal status for undocumented immigrants. The push for immigration reform follows an election in which Hispanic voters overwhelmingly supported President Barack Obama and Democratic candidates.
• STAR Humor
• Your Weekly Horoscope and Lucky Numbers
• Letters to the Editor
• Public Notices

The April 21st, 2013 issue of The STAR (Cayo) is online HERE

This Week's Stories:

• Latest Invasion Of A Western Home:
  There has been much talk, even in the news, since last Tuesday of the latest aggravated burglary, also known as a home invasion, in the west taking place at Rumors Hotel on the western outskirts of San Ignacio Town, the owners of the hotel has been informing the public that nothing is further from the truth. While owners of the hotel are not disputing that the incident took place in the area, the establishment, they say, continues to be a safe haven for guests, customers and visiting friends. San Ignacio police informs that a massive nationwide manhunt is underway for two known convicts believed to have pulled off the brazen mid morning crime. The prime suspects, both from the Cayo District, are Marvin “Bombo” Neal, 20, Belizean laborer of an Eve Street address in Santa Elena Town and Jarod “Steal Bob” Lamb, 25, Belizean laborer residing in Ontario Village.
• Attempt Rapist Remanded:
  A Guatemalan wonderer is today cooling his heels in jail on an attempt rape charge. A 22 year old woman reported to San Ignacio Police that it was shortly after 7:00 pm on Saturday, April 13 as she was walking on Bullet Tree Road in San Ignacio Town when she was approached by a male Hispanic person wearing a green polo shirt, dark short pants and a white cap. The complainant told the police that the man grabbed her by the neck and dragged her into a drain on the road side where he continued struggling with her in an effort to pull off her skirt. She resisted the attempt until another female came to her assistance and pulled her away from the aggressive man.
• Wade Busted With Twenty Eight Pounds Of Weed:
  Thirteen days after an impressive drug bust in Georgeville Village by San Ignacio Police, yet another large quantity of suspected marijuana has been intercepted, this time in Santa Elena Town Cayo. The report reaching us indicates that just thirty minutes into the lunch hour on Wednesday, April 17, 2013, a team of officers on mobile patrol on the George Price Highway in Santa Elena Town intercepted a green Toyota Camry bearing Belize City license plates # BC-C-42803 in the vicinity of Three Flags Super Store.
• Rosewood Amnesty:
  A release from the Government Press Office today informed that A ‘Rosewood Amnesty’ was declared by the Ministry of Forestry, Fisheries and Sustainable Development on the 9th of April 2013. The release goes on to inform that The Amnesty, which will last until April 26th, 2013, is intended to take stock of all the already cut rosewood that private individuals may have in their possession, and to approve this stock for international trade subject to the conditions of the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The Ministry reiterates that the amnesty is only for rosewood that was previously cut.
• Young Bank Now Enjoying Reliable And Safe Water Supply:
  Residents of Young Bank, a community on the outskirts of Camalote Village in the Cayo District, now enjoys quality, potable water twenty four hours a day thanks to the Government of Belize. The official ceremony begun sharply at 3:00 p.m. with the singing of the national anthem by the gathering this was followed by an opening prayer by pastor Gilberto Perez while the welcome was delivered by the Camalote village chairman, Raymond Sheppard. Community leader Miguel Aldana gave an overview of the community over the past 13 years outlining the many struggles the community endured throughout the years every time the dry season came around.
• Elections and Boundaries:
  Public Notices
• Ten Ways To Ruin A Relationship:
  1. Be critical. Even "constructive" criticism can make your partner defensive and reduce the feeling of safety in a relationship. Being harsh and judgmental when angry can trigger a "flight or fight response." 2. Insist your partner be exactly the same as you. Hendrix and LaKelly Hunt say "absolute compatibility" is an express route to a dull relationship. If you insist your partner have the same feelings and perceptions as you do, it can lead to despair and misery. 3. Flee from intimacy. If you habitually avoid being physically or emotionally close with your partner through escaping into work, hobbies, television, or other activities, you risk creating a divide between you and your partner that may become impossible to breach.
• US Holds Back Recognition For Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro:
  The US government is refusing to recognise Venezuela's President-elect Nicolas Maduro's victory in disputed elections in Venezuela. Secretary of State John Kerry said the US was not yet ready to validate the results of Sunday's poll. Mr Maduro's narrow victory has been challenged by the opposition leader, Henrique Capriles. Mr Capriles is insisting on a vote-by-vote recount and has now submitted a formal request for one. However, the National Electoral Council in Venezuela has so far refused to order one, and the Supreme Court said on Wednesday that there was no legal basis for it.
• Mexico Drops Drug Link Charges Against General Angeles:
  Prosecutors in Mexico say they have dropped the charges against retired general Tomas Angeles Dauahare. Gen Angeles, a former deputy defence minister, had been accused of having links with a drug cartel. Prosecutors said they could not corroborate allegations made by two witnesses against the general. Shortly after the announcement, Gen Angeles was released from the maximum-security jail where he had been awaiting trial. He had been facing charges of "organised crime to further drug-trafficking", which he had denied all along.
• Canadian Travel Agents, Journalists & Wholesalers to Visit Belize!:
  The Canadian Market has been one of our growing markets in North America. The Belize Tourism Board has been aggressively working within this market; from successful trade shows to road shows and sales presentations. It gives us great pride to be welcoming a large contingent of Canadian Travel Agents, Tour Operators and Travel Writers, on Monday, April 15th, 2013. The Belize Tourism Board has organized a familiarization trip (FAM), to give 25 Canadian travel industry professionals an opportunity to learn about and experience Belize. The group of travel agents will be in the country from April 15-22. The FAM Tour will consist of a series of site visits at various properties in inland Cayo, Mountain Pine Ridge Area, Placencia and San Pedro Ambergris Caye, and will include popular tours in the respective areas.
• STAR Humor
• Your Weekly Horoscope and Lucky Numbers
• Letters to the Editor
• Public Notices

The April 28th, 2013 issue of The STAR (Cayo) is online HERE

This Week's Stories:

• Neal Surrenders - Lamb Remains On The Lam:
  Today marks exactly three months since the January 25, 2013 murder of Steven Valencia which occurred in his Loma Luz Boulevard home in Santa Elena, one of two men suspected to have collaborated in the home invasion turned murder was today accordingly charged. In the wake of the murder of Steven Valencia, police launched a nationwide manhunt for Marvin “Bombo” Neal, 20, of an Eve Street address in Santa Elena Town, Cayo, and Jarod “Steal Bob” Lamb of an Ontario Village address also in the Cayo District both wanted for questioning in connection with Valencia’s murder.
• A False Sense Of Safety:
  As the none-public reporting of crimes in the community continues, deceptively leading residents to believe that they can let down their guards as all seems to be well; there are two reported burglaries reaching us this week. In the first incident, we were reliably informed that the San Ignacio home of Dr. Miguel Depaz, Director, Animal Health Department, Belize Agriculture Health Authority (BAHA), was burglarized/invaded as his mother in law and son lay asleep in their rooms.
• BWS Water Finally Coming To The Belize River Valley:
  The old promise to provide reliable, constant and safe potable water to the chain of nine communities in the Belize River Valley is now well on the way to finally becoming a reality. Ground was today broken in Double Head Cabbage, following a 2:00 pm ceremony signaling the commencement of this long awaited project. The 7.78 million dollar project will be funded by way of a loan to the Government of Belize by the Caribbean Development Bank with over eight hundred thousand dollars coming by way of counterpart funding through the Belize Water Services Limited (BWSL).
• Sports -An Alternative To Crime:
  As he continues to fullfill his manifesto promises to constituents of Cayo Central, Area Representative Hon. Rene Montero, today officially declared open the extensively renovated Carmen Street basketball court in Santa Elena. The Minister of Works and Transport, has again fulfilled another of his manifesto promises to bring back social activities to the youths of Cayo Central. The project which included the installation of new bathroom fixtures, electrical and water facilities as well as extensive works on the perimeter fence, bleachers, court surface, backboards, entrance gate, and landscaping of the grounds, was implemented by the Ministry of Works at a cost of over twenty thousand dollars.
• Calling On SHC Alumni, Family & Friends:
  Sacred Heart College embarked on a very ambitious project in 2006 to raise funds to build an auditorium that would serve our institution, as well as the community of the western Cayo District. With the hard work of our faculty, staff, students, parents, community and other stakeholders, we are proud to say that the project commenced in January 2013 with Phase 1 and Phase 2. These two phases includes the cement foundation, the purchase and erection of the steel structure and the back fill. SHC has invested over $430,000 for these two phases, which are monies that were attained via multiple fund raising projects over a 7 year fundraising period. Phase 3 of the project is the cement floor/slab, which will cost approximately $200,000 and we are anticipating that this will be completed by June 5, 2013, in time to hold our Graduation Ceremonies.
• My Body is Precious:
  The office of the Special Envoy for Women and Children in collaboration with the Ministry of Human Development, Social Transformation and Poverty Alleviation will be launching a children’s book entitled “My Body is Precious”. It is becoming increasingly important to discuss the sensitive subject of Sexual Abuse of Children. Recognizing that it is not an easy conversation to have, my office partnered with the Ministry of Human Development and with assistance from UNICEF, we were able to produce 30,000 copies of the child-friendly “good touch, bad touch” booklet to be distributed countrywide. “My Body is Precious” is part of a national public information campaign on the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children and follows successful symposiums hosted by my Office in August 2010 and October 2011.
• Tropigas Contributes To Early Childhood Education:
  The Santa Elena Community Preschool on Carillo Puerto Avenue today received a much needed recreational facility generously donated by Tropigas Santa Elena Branch resulting from a competition organized and executed by Tropigas staff with assistance from the community. The award valued at $2,500 includes a swing set with attached slide. Competing preschools were asked to explain why their school was deserving of the award. In accepting the generous award, Santa Elena Community Preschool’s head teacher Mrs. Lorena Rancheran expressed heartfelt appreciation to the management and staff of Tropigas as well as to parents and the community for their support in recommending Santa Elena Community as deserving of the award. The new facility came at an appropriate time explained Mrs. Rancheran, since the current recreational facilities at the school are inadequate.
• New Director of Cruise and Regional Initiatives:
  The Belize Tourism Board is pleased to announce the appointment of its new Cruise and Regional Initiatives Director, Mr. Valdemar Andrade. Mr. Andrade has been in the Tourism Tndustry for the past two years as the Technical Advisor/Project Liaison-Sustainable Tourism Program, for the Ministry of Tourism and Culture. He has several years of experience in conservation and other environmental areas, through his work experience with Protected Areas Conservation Trust, Ministry of Natural Resource and the Environment, and the Belize Audubon Society. “As we embark this year to grow cruise tourism numbers and strengthen Belize’s position in that market, the skills and experience that Valdemar Andrade possesses will augment our goal. The BTB is confident in Mr. Andrade’s abilities, and happy to welcome him to our team,” commented the Director of Tourism, Mrs. Laura Esquivel Frampton.
• The Belize Logo Is A Finalist:
  The Belize logo has been chosen as a finalist for the "One Show Design" 2013 awards, in the category of "Brand Identity - Logo Design." The Belize Tourism Board and its Advertising and Online Agency, Olson, created the Belize logo as a part of a re-branding of Belize's identity. When creating the new logo, Olson made several trips to Belize to capture the essence of Belize's authenticity and incorporate it in the creative behind the new logo. The BTB and OLSON used the old logo as an inspiration, while the new look of the logo is expected to make Belize more recognizable and to better position the destination in terms
• Mexican 'Drug Queen' Pleads Guilty In Us:
  A Mexican woman on trial in the US has pleaded guilty to helping the former head of the powerful Norte del Valle cartel evade justice between 2002- 04. Sandra Avila Beltran, 52, dubbed Queen of the Pacific, admitted to "hindering the arrest" of Juan Diego Espinosa Ramirez, her boyfriend at the time. Avila, who has been in jail since 2007, was extradited to Miami last August. She faces a prison sentence of 15 years after accepting a plea bargain. She previously denied any wrongdoing.
• Four Belizeans Receive Prestigious Honour of the British Empire:
  Four Belizeans were today honoured at the Belize House for their selfless and outstanding contributions to Belize. The honourees included Senior Counsel, Mr. Denys A. Barrow, who was awarded the insignia for Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire for his distinguished service to Belize and the field of law; Commissioner of the Supreme Court and Senior Justice of the Peace, Mr. Patrick Alexander Bernard, was bestowed with the insignia of a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire for his dedication to the Public Service.
• Free Hearing Test in Belmopan:
  There will be free hearing tests available at the Western Regional Hospital in Belmopan from April 24 to May 4 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. as part of the New Horizons exercise. If you are experiencing ringing or pain in your ears, difficulty hearing, or drainage from your ears, you are invited to the clinic to be evaluated. Depending on your symptoms, you may be eligible for free hearing aids or a surgical procedure. These services are provided by a team of U.S. medical professionals.
• US 'spy' Timothy Hallet Tracy detained in Venezuela:
  The authorities in Venezuela have detained a United States citizen they accuse of being an intelligence agent. Interior Minister Miguel Rodriguez Torres said Timothy Hallet Tracy had directed funds towards student protests after the disputed presidential elections earlier this month. He said Mr Tracy was trying to destabilise the country with the goal of starting a civil war. The US has not commented, but Mr Tracey's family say he is innocent.
• Guatemalan Gold Panners Convicted:
  Three Guatemalans were today remanded to the Hattieville prison after being apprehended in the Ceibo Chico Reserve, allegedly mining for gold in a protected area. According to a release issued by Friends for Conservation and Development (FCD), the incident occurred on Friday, April 19, 2013. The release states that the Joint Forces Unit, stationed at the Ceibo Chico Conservation Post, in South Chiquibul came upon a group of three Guatemalans reportedly panning for gold. The men were later identified as Mario Rolando Xol Caal, Marcos Domingo Pana Chiquin and Esteban Putul Mai all residing in the Village of El Naranjon, near San Luis, Peten, Guatemala.
• STAR Humor
• Your Weekly Horoscope and Lucky Numbers
• Letters to the Editor
• Public Notices

The May 12th, 2013 issue of The STAR (Cayo) is online HERE

This Week's Stories:

• Burke Charged For Slusher’s Death:
  Preparations are underway for the Saturday morning, May 11, funeral service in Gales Point, Manatee, for Shaheem Slusher, 19, the latest victim of murder in the western twin municipalities. At around 6:00 pm on Friday, May 3, 2013, after receiving his pay for the week Shaheem left the construction site on Carillo Puerto Avenue in Santa Elena on his way home. He normally rides a bicycle to work but walked home on Friday as he told coworkers earlier that the bicycle had a flat tire. As is said to be customary when returning home after work, he stopped by the Macal River for a wash off swim before heading home. It is reported that on this occasion he came in contact with a man and three females socializing behind the Coconutz bar on the San Ignacio Bank of the Macal River where an argument reportedly first started with one of the females. The argument reportedly extended into a physical confrontation with the girl’s boyfriend. In the confrontation the boyfriend reportedly pulled out a pen knife from wearing, flipped out the blade and rushed to the victim inflicting a first stab wound to the right side to the neck.
• Contrabanding Guatemalan Hens:
  A joint Belize Defence Force and Benque Viejo police operations resulted in the interception of a shipment of 500 live chickens originating from a neighboring Guatemalan village with reported destination to a western village on the Belize side of the border. It was shortly after 8:00 am on Monday, May 6, 2013, near Calla Creek Village on the Belize side of the border, when the joint team came upon a maroon Isuzu Trooper pulling a trailer stacked with wooden crates containing live chickens. The investigation revealed that the cargo of 500 laying hens originated in Santa Rosa, Peten, Guatemala and was reportedly intended to be delivered to an egg production farm in Valley of Peace, a community of mostly Hispanic villagers, located behind Roaring Creek Village near Belmopan.
• Santa Elena Primary School Open Day Invitation:
  We would like to invite you to attend our School Open Day on May 13, 2013. This is a great opportunity for you to have a better understanding of our school vision and mission; our educational philosophy; our teachers and students at SEPS. For the past three years the teachers at SEPS have been involved in a Teacher Leadership Program, focusing on Educational Leadership and Teacher Efficacy. They strive to be: ‘Engaging Teachers who ENGAGE all students’. Come see the changes that have taken place in our school community that has lowered truancy and behavioral problems. Our teachers at SEPS are Education’ and children are experiencing the JOY OF LEARNING. At Santa Elena Primary School we are excited to share with the general public skills and strategies they have learned through the Teacher Leadership Program.
• Two More Stolen Guns In Illegal Hands:
  This week we bring to the public’s attention yet another reported but unreported major crime, as no arrest has been made resulting in no official release from the police as the public remains ignorant of another major crime and potential danger lurking out there. We were reliably informed that sometime last Sunday, May 5, the Unitedville home of Belizean laborer, Kent Smith, 51, was burglarized. The identified stolen items include a point 223 semi-automatic rifle; a twelve gauge shotgun and five twelve gauge cartridges. It is strongly suspected that the burglary was committed or masterminded by someone who is familiar with Smith’s activities and that the guns and bullets were the specific items of choice.
• Keynote Address by the Honorable Gaspar Vega, Opening Ceremony for the National Agriculture and Trade Show 2013:
  Ladies and gentlemen, a pleasant good afternoon to all of you. Once again, it gives me great pleasure to address you, at this, my second Agriculture and Trade Show as Minister of Natural Resources and Agriculture. This afternoon I am particularly proud, as this new Multipurpose Centre we are using represents the start of a five year redevelopment programme for the Show Grounds. These grounds, all sixty acres, are truly a national asset and we must treat it as such. When you consider the rich history of the Agriculture Show and its prominent place in Belizean culture, then I dare say this is really a National Heritage Site. This year’s theme “Stimulating Prosperity in Agriculture and Food Production Through Renewed Public- Private Partnership” captures the essence of the work the Ministry is undertaking. We are very much aware that for us to succeed, the active participation of private sector stakeholders in the work of the Ministry is vital. We facilitate, the private sector invest profitably, Belize and all Belizeans prosper!
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