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Specials and Events
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
Mommy's Jungle Getaway at Maruba Resort
Between a full-time job and a lively infant, my days are hectic, and some time off sounds like heaven. I love my little girl to pieces, and my job is fun, but even I need a getaway sometimes. Just a couple nights, to recharge, rewind, relax, get my mojo back and return ready to take on the world, one nappy and one deadline at a time! So, off to Maruba Jungle Resort I went!
Three days and two nights sounded like the perfect amount of time - just enough to immerse myself in jungle fever. I left the island via Tropic Air, where we landed at International Airport for Maruba's shuttle pickup. With visions of mineral pool swims, rainforest hikes, village exploration and more, I was off to see what awaited me at the unique jungle retreat.
Eclectic is the best word to describe this retreat. This was not your typical resort with identical rooms and uniformed amenities, nope, this place was everything but conventional. Each room unique with styles ranging from ceramic gold and silver painted jungle penthouses. The rooms had peculiar lighting, with gorgeous silks that draped the beds and uniquely tiled mosaic. showers.
Belize Receives First Place Award for Immunization Programme for the Fourth Time
Belize was awarded first place for the surveillance of Vaccine Preventable Diseases (VPD) at the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) Managers' Meeting, which was held in Guyana from November 17-20. As part of the week's activities, awards were presented to countries who demonstrated improvement in the immunization programme, specifically for achievements in the area of surveillance of VPD. The selection criteria are based on efforts, meeting the indicators for surveillance of diseases, and timely weekly reporting on the surveillance.
Auditions held for Boxes of Joy's upcoming Children's Fashion Show
The Christmas season is around the corner and with that in mind; organizers of Boxes of Joy Shantell Pascascio and Francisco Mendez are already making preparations for their annual Fashion Show, Boxes of Joy. Boxes of Joy is a non-profit organization that raises funds to provide Christmas gifts for underprivileged children of San Pedro Town. On Tuesday, November 24th, auditions for children ages 4-12 took place at the Lions Den. The auditions continued the following day for children ages 13-16, all in preparation for this year's show to be held on December 18that the San Pedro High School Auditorium.
Pascascio started Boxes of Joy in 2012, through her love of volunteering and giving back to the community, especially during Christmas. The annual event has slowly gained the support of the island and it brings joy to hundreds of needy children during this time of the year. According to Mendez, all proceeds of the show will go toward the purchasing of gifts for Boxes of Joy and he emphasized it is all about giving back to the community. "Through this activity, we also teach the participants the importance of giving back to the community and to be generous as well with other children who cannot afford a happy Christmas. We will be picking models from among 50 candidates to participate in the fashion show. We are also encouraging the community and parents to come out and get their tickets for the show next month. Last year we gave approximately 880 gifts, and this year we hope to increase that amount," said Mendez
Ian Pou among Belize's selection to UNCAF Male U-16 Tournament
San Pedro's Ian Pou was among the football player representing Belize at the Central American Football Union (UNCAF) Male U-16 Tournament. The Belize National Male Under-16 Football Team participated in the tournament held in Managua, Nicaragua from Tuesday, November 17th to Monday, November 23rd. Even though the Belize selection did not win the tournament, they still displayed excellent sportsmanship. The UNCAF tournament will feature selections from Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Belize in hope of selecting two teams to represent the region at the CONCACAF Male U-16 Championship. All games of the tournament were played at the Estadio Nacional de Futbol.
Assistance needed for San Police and Cadets Christmas Drive
The Christmas Season is here once again, and the San Pedro Police Department, along with the San Pedro Cadet Corps are embarking in their second annual toy and food drive. An initiative by the Community Policing Unit, the Christmas Drive collects items to be distributed to underprivileged families on the island. In 2014, the Christmas Drive brought much joy to families in the San Pedrito and DFC Areas, and this year, they expect to double their efforts. Items will be collected from Friday, November 20th up to Sunday, December 20th. "The intent of the drive is to collect small toys in good condition and non-perishable food items to give as food hampers to less fortunate persons in the San Mateo, San Pedrito and San Juan Areas of San Pedro Town. Christmas is a time of giving and we want to give a little back," said Officer of the Coastal Executive Unit, Superintendent Sandra Bowden.
Misc Belizean Sources
Prime Minister Barrow Meets with President-elect Morales
Prime Minister of Belize Hon. Dean O. Barrow today received President-elect of the Republic of Guatemala His Excellency Jimmy Morales at the Prime Minister's Office in Belize City. President-elect Jimmy Morales had indicated from as early as 6h November, 2015 to Belize's Ambassador, H.E. Alexis Rosado to Guatemala that he intended to pay a courtesy call on the Prime Minister as part of a visit he is making to all Heads of State and Government of SICA member countries and Mexico.
In a cordial atmosphere they both congratulated each other for their respective recent victories at the polls. Prime Minister Barrow and President-elect Morales discussed the bilateral relations between Belize and Guatemala, including a way forward in respect of resolving our historical differences. They agreed to continue along the path set out in the Framework Agreement and Confidence Building Measures of 2005 for expanding functional cooperation between the two countries, and each committed to strengthen the processes that already exist for good neighbourly relations so that the two countries may continue to live in peace and as friends pending a legal resolution of the territorial dispute. Both sides agreed to make a greater effort to enhance cooperation and understanding at various levels, especially in areas of security, business, trade and investment.
City residents arrested after staging protest against visit of Guatemalan president elect's visit to Belize
Protestors Yaya Marin Coleman and Geovanni Brackett continued thier protest against the arrival of the Guatemala President elect Jimmy Morales as they laid down in front of the president's escorting vehicle. Geovanni Brackett was removed by police. President elect Jimmy Morales' vehicle was the silver suv directly behind the escorting black suv.
Geovanni Brackett has been released without charges.
Cat tracks
These are some cat tracks in our back yard in Basil Jones, N. Ambergris Caye. It was taken Jan. 15, 1014. We only see signs of the cats during the winter months when the wind is coming from the NW.
Dog wash on the beach
We did it again: almost 50 dogs came by for a refreshing bath, check ups, shots and some other treats. Some went willingly in the tub, others needed a hand and only a few left without a bath, but with some clipped nails or clean ears. A big thank you to Rainbow, Sportsbar, Wish Willy, Sailing Club and Kenny, who sponsored the dog wash with space, water, cases of beer and more. And a big applause for all the hard working volunteers who donated their time, care and muscles.
Barrow and Morales Meet
Today Prime Minister Hon. Dean Barrow had a courtesy call from Guatemalan President-elect Mr. Jimmy Morales at his Belize City Office.
Opinion/comedy: Did the Guatemalan President give the Belize Prime Minister a bag of Ma�z Chino Picante?
But why didn't the PM give him some Cina, Powderbun or meatpies? or better yet, a "History of Belize" with a map.
Did COLA try to block the passage of a head of state? If it was any other country in the region, the protesters might have been shot. Some may say they should write the Guatemalan president with their concerns.
It does put into perspective one fact. Some people don't want a referendum on Belize/Guatemala issues. And they don't want the Guatemalan President to discuss a bag of chips with the Prime Minister. So how then do we ever end the unfounded claim that our neighbor has on us?
No one has provided an alternative other than the ICJ. Experts in disputes say that we stand a great deal to lose some territorial seas in the south to grant Honduras and Guatemala access to international waters.
Youth Hostel. Arson again?
Eyewitnesses say everyone is not accounted for.
Trivia Night! on Caye Caulker
Come join the fun every Sunday and Wednesday! Test your knowledge of useless facts, have a laugh, and win money towards your bar bill! Always a great time - Fun,�Location :
Barrier Reef Sports Bar & GrillStart Date: November 29, 2015End Date: November 29, 2015Time: 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm
COLA PRESIDENT ARRESTED
Geovanni Brackett, President of Citizen Organized for Liberty through Action COLA was arrested today on Coney Drive. Brackett and other supporters of COLA staged a small protest for the arrival of Guatemalan President Elect, Jimmy Morales. Morales is paying Prime Minister Dean Barrow a courtesy call.
"Buen Fin" in Corozal
ohoho..."Buen Fin" promotions extend out to the Belize Bank lot across the Central Park. Many discounts on various merchandise, clothing, shoes, glass windows & doors, motorcycles, lubricants, tires, smart phones, etc. Many, many more items to mention.
Finger licking BBQ on sale!
Come out and take advantage of all these promotions and discounts and get a chance for your children to meet and greet Santa Claus!
It is all happening in the spirit of Christmas.
"Buen Fin" in Corozal 2
Great deals and discounts by various businesses currently set up in-front of Atlantic Bank. Take advantage of their pre-Christmas promotions and discounts. From furniture, financing, household items, insurance and many more. Get into the the Christmas spirit today. Come out and enjoy!
Nov. 15th - Nov. 21st, 2015 Belize Fishing Report
A fairly quiet week with just a few boats going out daily. Lots of great couples this week including some honeymooners - Tim and Amy and John and Megan celebrated some great times here at EL Pescador. We are so happy to have been a part of their celebrations.
The Reporter
Guatemalan president visits Belize amidst small protest
Guatemalan President, Jimmy Morales visited Belize on Saturday as part of his plan to tour Central America. Morales, who had longed expressed his view that Guatemala should pursue its claim to Belize, paid Prime Minister Dean Barrow a courtesy call at his Coney Drive office, […]
Three girls of Youth Hostel perish in afternoon blaze
Three girls are confirmed dead following an afternoon fire at the Belize Youth Hostel on Saturday. The details of the incident are sketchy and police investigators are meeting at this hour with the management of the facility, as well as with the parents of the […]
Fire at Youth Hostel; lives in danger according to report
A fire at the Belize Youth Hotel, mile 22 George Price Highway, about an hour ago, was said to be endangering lives, as fire fighters battled intense heat to try to conduct rescue efforts. The blaze was reported at around 3:00 p.m. at one of […]
Ladyville murder could be due to internal gang conflict
An ongoing dispute among members of theTaylor's Alley street gang, reportedly over how monies from a bank robbery were shared, is one of the possible motives police are looking keenly into, following a murder in Ladyville. The shooting incident occurred at around 8:00 on Samuel […]
Wesley College makes recommendations to MoE over VP’s criminal charges
The Board of Wesley College has reportedly come up with a set of recommendations which it intends to forward to the Ministry of Education, after drug trafficking charges were filed against the school’s Vice President, Melvin Hewlett last week Friday. This comes off the heels […]
Breaking Belize News
University of Belize Toledo Campus holds Marketing Expo
The University of Belize's (UB) Toledo Campus held its annual Marketing Expo at the Punta Gorda Central Park yesterday, November 27th where extravagantly decorated booths and students in professional attire were offering original products and services for sale to the public. As part of their marketing class at [�]
Three girls confirmed dead in Youth Hostel Fire
Three teenage girls are reportedly dead after a fire broke out in their dormitory at the Youth Hostel at Mile 21, George Price Highway facility and they were unable to escape this afternoon. At news time the fire continues to burn in the dormitory located along the [�]
Letter to the Editor
In agreement with the current promotion of diabetes awareness in Belize, I take this opportunity to examine the growing illness of our society and environment from the impact of cruise tourism, a condition sickening the nation of Belize. I note the recent appointment made by the Right Honorable Prime Minister [�]
PM Barrow and President-elect Morales discuss Belize-Guatemala relations
A press release issued this morning by the Government of Belize, states the purpose of the visit by president-elect Jimmy Morales. Here is that press release on it's entirely: Belmopan. November 28th, 2015. Prime Minister of Belize Hon. Dean O. Barrow today received President-elect of the Republic of Guatemala His [�]
COLA President arrested
BMG News has confirmed information that Geovanni Brackett, the president of COLA was arrested this morning on Coney Drive. Brackett was staging a protest with a group of COLA supporters joined by members of the Belize Progressive Party (BPP) for the arrival of Guatemalan President-Elect, Jimmy Morales to meet with [�]
Tropical Foodie Paradise Expands
The food has always been good on the island but it is continuing to get better and better as we are currently experiencing an influx of great new Ambergris Caye Restaurants. If you missed reading about the other recent restaurant opening check out Two Indian Food Reviews and Frozen Custard.
First off while I did not make it there yet, I am super excited Two Tree Banh Mi is back. I am also not surprised people are raving about her food, I have had it before many times. For those of you who do not know back in 2010 Cori, used to cook and sell her delicious Caribbean fusion of Vietnamese and Thai cuisine at Lola's Pub (click through for menu.) After that, she moved to cooking her famous Bahn Mi sandwiches out of her house on the beach and was very popular among the dive crowd in Bocal Del Rio area.
Onto the food - Yum. The outdoor food court has 2 meal options and dessert. For main course options, Arpea and Rasa are owned by popular Ambergris Restaurateurs Jackie and Adam who own and operate well known and very popular Casa Picasso Restaurant. Dessert at Cool Cone, run by Joanna. The ice cream served there comes from the Ice Cream Shoppe in Belize City (formerly known as Scoops.)
Shopping San Pedro, Belize: RubiMoon, A Step into A Beautiful World
RubiMoon Boutique in San Pedro is filled with all sorts of things India and Bali�and Belize. Ok�back to Rubimoon Boutique and a quick look around. So that you can either go to the store on Front Street, San Pedro - or check out their website.
Everything in the boutique is gorgeous quality�and I think very reasonably priced.
To read more about the lovely owners of this shop, check out their write-up in International Living. Anke and David moved to San Pedro and opened their store in the summer of 2012. (After being married in Hawaii on the beach in 2011�)
Chaa Creek Cares assists the San Ignacio Police Department
Christmas is a time of giving and it is with this thought in mind that Chaa Creek joined the San Ignacio Police Department's fund raising effort by offering a vacation gift-package raffle. The 100 raffle tickets will be sold at $20.00 each offering the winners an exceptional Eco-lux experience and the SIPD well needed funds for police operations in Belize's largest district.
The raffle draw will take place at St Andrews School on December 22nd.
No Bake Chocolate Icebox Pie
Combine 2 cups milk, sugar, cocoa and butter in a medium-size saucepan.
Bring just to a boil over medium heat. In a medium-size bowl, completely dissolve cornstarch in water.
Stir in remaining 1/2 cup milk. Whisk in egg yolks and vanilla until well-blended.
Gradually add egg yolk mixture to mixture in saucepan, stirring constantly with wire whisk.
Creamy Frozen Lime Pie
1. Beat cream cheese in small mixing bowl until smooth. Gradually add sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk; beat until smooth.
2. Add lime juice and lime peel; beat on medium speed for 1 minute.
3. Pour into crust; freeze for at least 2 hours or until firm. Let stand at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes. Garnish with lime slices. Serve immediately.
International Sources
Central America is a Family Vacation Paradise
The Caribbean and Mexico are always obvious choices when considering a family vacation south of the border, but expanding your horizons beyond these more popular destinations and into Central America could lead to an unexpected adventure. In this less-peopled region, discover exotic animals and lush flora and fauna in the jungles and on the beaches of these Central America resorts.
Belize:
It's teeming with sea life, affordable, safe and action-packed. Belize is also the heartland of the Maya with 1,400 recorded sites that include ceremonial temples, structures, artwork, stone and clay. The country is home to one of the world's largest living barrier reefs and where you will find the Great Blue Hole, which has been ranked as one of the 10 most amazing places on earth by the Discovery Channel.
Travel to Belize is easy from North America and communication is easy - it's an English-speaking country. There are an abundance of family-friendly properties around the nation and myriad activities from sailing and snorkeling to exploring Maya ruins and caves. Get to know the country's wildlife at the popular Belize Zoo or zipline through the jungle canopy. There's probably more to do in Belize than you can tackle in one trip.
Videos
Fire at youth hostel, 1min. at mile 21. 3 girls burned and killed in blaze.
Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama'at in Belize Introduction: channel 5, 4min. Channel 5 visits Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama'at Belize to find out about what Islam is really about and does it really teach violence.
Famous Chicken Drop @ Wahoo's Lounge in San Pedro Ambergris Caye, Belize, 13min. Everyone from around the world comes to witness the famous chicken drop at Wahoo's Lounge held every Thursday. Tickets starts selling @ 5:30 and first game @ 7pm. every 20 minutes.
Macarena and Tom at the Lands Department in Belize, 3.5min. Macarena and Tom speaking at the Lands Department in Belize. The Lands Department is the Belize Government agency that handles all the land transfers in Belize.
Spotted eagle ray at Lighthouse Reef, Belize, 10sec. Check out the beautiful markings of this spotted eagle ray. Even though we don't have evidence that they are attracted to the bait, we still see swim-by's on the BRUVs. This male was seen on a snorkel in between setting BRUVs in Belize.
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Manta ray at Lighthouse Reef, Belize, 16sec. One of our MS students got the chance to see this magnificent ray in between setting BRUVs in Belize.
Dolphin Belize, 7min. Dolphins escort us to shore after a wonderful days of diving and spearfishing in the Belize.
Honeymoon at Caves Branch in Belize, 23min. Our honeymoon at the Caves Branch resort in Belize.
Plubells Take Belize, 6min. A quick video from Dave and Vicka's adventurous honeymoon in Belize!
belize zip lining 2 1, 10min.