Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, LOVETV, PGTV, and CTV 3. Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, and other specials
The San Pedro Sun
San Pedro Independence Parade Belizeans on Ambergris Caye celebrated Belize's 37th Independence Anniversary with a grand colourful and patriotic parade!
Wolfe’s Woofer: Haircut “Meet me at one o’clock for a late lunch at that restaurant by Brodie’s,” Sherry said. “If you have time, you need to get a haircut.”
I was already tired of shopping, so I found a small two-man barbershop and took a seat for waiting customers. A barber finished one customer and took his money. Then he waved me into the seat.
“I’m behind this young man,” I said.
I pointed to an eight or nine-year-old boy who was the only other customer waiting,
“It’s alright,” the man in the next barber chair said. “You can go ahead. He’s with me.”
Billionaire’s Poker Lounge debuts at Captain’s Casino On Monday, September 17th Billonaire’s Poker Lounge debuted in San Pedro Town with a round of No Limit Texas Hold’em Poker games. Held at Captain Morgan’s Casino north of San Pedro Town, the grand opening of the tournament saw many eager players, who at the end of the night walked out with cash and other fabulous giveaways.
Organizers of the event deemed it successful, with an excellent turnout of players. The game is a variation of the card game of poker. Two cards, known as the hole cards are dealt face down to each player, and then five cards known as ‘community,’ are dealt face up in three stages. These consist of a series of three cards, later an additional single card, and a final card. Each player looks for the best five-card poker hand from any combination of the seven cards of the five community cards and their two hole cards.
Doctor Love: Not Fanfare Dear Doctor Love,
My sister married her fiancé in June, and the planning of the wedding was a year-long drama with costs that skyrocketed, feelings that were hurt and fights that sometimes even led to things getting broken. I watched this all from the bridesmaid seat and swore that I wouldn’t have this kind of stress in my life, especially during what is supposed to be a very happy time full of love and hope for the future.
My boyfriend and I have decided to get married. The problem is my family doesn’t like that we plan to go to the Justice of the Peace and marry in a civil ceremony then have a short honeymoon at a seaside B&B. The twenty grand we will save by not having a huge wedding will be put as a down-payment on a house.
Misc Belizean Sources
ORANGE WALK DISTRICT HOUSE FIRE About 5:10 a.m., on 23.9.2018, Police responded to a report of a house fire at the Corner of Progress and Cinderella Street, Orange Walk Town Upon arrival, they observed an apartment that house the Petillo family totally engulfed in flames. Police were also informed that four persons were trapped inside the apartment. The fire was later extinguished by personnel from the Fire Department. A search in one of the rooms led to the discovery of three apparently burnt bodies identified to be Kevan Clare, 14-year-old, Mia Petillo, 10-year-old and Jeda Petillo, 12-year-old. Zelda Bowen, 31-year-old, Belizean Domestic of said address reported that she saw the kitchen area of their apartment engulfed in flames and ran out for help as her three children were inside one of the room. Her husband Alfredo Petillo who was outside running in the apartment, however, the fire began spreading and he got trapped inside with the children, they were all burnt inside by the fire. The four bodies were transported to the Northern Regional Hospital where they were pronounced dead. The bodies now await a post-mortem examination. The cause of the fire has not been ascertained and Police investigations continue.
Independence Eve Christian Parade 2018 Many of the Cayo churches came together for an Independence Eve Christian parade. Downtown was packed.
"There was a rainstorm throughout the day with intermittent power outages but it was a beautiful moonlit night that was just perfect for the very first Independence Eve Christian Parade for the Twin Towns of Santa Elena and San Ignacio. It was a celebration not only of Belize Independence but also of the joy of the Lord that cannot be contained but overflows into the streets of the city with singing and dancing. Area churches joined together to create the parade that included floats, a marching band, music, drama and dancing. Free Bibles and Christian literature were distributed to the crowds of people watching the parade. There were 14 stops along the parade route for the special presentations, which were repeated after the parade at the Falcon Field basketball pavilion. Fireworks ushered in Independence Day at midnight."
THE MAN IN THE MIRROR Last week a friend of mine posted, on Facebook – “As a people we are lost. No principles, no loyalty, no moral compass…we think everything is about doing what we feel, never considering the consequences of our actions on others. We are selfish and self-centered.” Ihad to edit slightly because my friend, bless her acerbic soul, curses worse than a sailor on shore leave, but the message is intact.
I start on a personal note, and I go there first because I am many things, many terrible things, but I draw the line at being a hypocrite. I have been as lost as it is possible to be. I have taken long journeys on seas of alcohol where my moral compass was nowhere in evidence. I have done, and continue to do selfish things, putting my wants and pleasures first, and my family’s needs last.
A FAMILY IN ORANGE WALK PERISH IN EARLY MORNING FIRE Residents of Orange Walk are still trying to comprehend the tragedy which took four lives this morning. There is confirmation that father Alfredo Ernesto Petillo, 35, stepson Kevaughn, 14, and daughters Jada, 12 and Mia, 10 all died in a fire which started at around 5:00am in their wooden home. Reports are that Petillo, his wife Zelda and youngest child got out safe, but he went back in to save them. Friends and neighbours say the fire is believed to have been started by a candle left burning in the home.
Breaking Belize News
Senior citizen found dead in Caye Caulker
Police are investigating the death of a senior citizen in Caye Caulker.
Yesterday morning police visited the residence of Estanislao Villamil, 75, on Estrella street.
That was when they saw Villamil on the floor and his neck stuck between his bed and a drawer. […]
Cayo man shot in his left ear last night
A shooting out west has left one man injured.
He is Harvey Trapp, 27.
According to police reports, last night just before 9:00 p.m. he was at the residence of Noel Hyde located on Santa Teresita Street in Santa Elena Town. […]
Over $13,000 in cigarettes stolen at Western Free Zone
Benque Viejo police are investigating a case of burglary at the Western Free Zone.
Yesterday morning, Eswin Gutierrez reported that upon arriving at his business, he observed the building was broken into.
According to him, forty boxes of Modern brand cigarettes and four boxes of Golden Deer brand cigarettes were stolen. […]
Police issue official report on fatal fire in Orange Walk
When police arrived on the scene they observed an apartment that housed the Petillo family.
Police were also informed that four persons were trapped inside the apartment.
The fire was later extinguished by personnel from the Fire Department.
However, during a search in one of the rooms, three dead bodies were found.
They were identified to be Kevan Clare, 14; Mia Petillo, 10; and Jeda Petillo, 12.
Zelda Bowen, told police that she saw the kitchen area of her apartment engulfed in flames and ran out for help as her three children were inside in one of the room.
Her husband, Alfredo Petillo, ran inside to save the children but he got trapped inside with them. […]
Fire claims life of father and three children
BBN has confirmed that a fire in Orange Walk Town has claimed the life of three children and their father.
We understand that the victims are the Petillo family who had resided at the corner of Id Cinderella and Progress Street.
Reports are that the fire started 5 a.m. while the family was asleep inside their home. […]
One year old baby found dead
A one year old baby boy is dead under mysterious circumstances in Belize City.
He has been identified as Kelvin Sanchez.
The child was reportedly left in the care of his maternal grandmother who resided near the Krooman Lagoon.
He apparently wandered away and was found by his father inside a nearby vat dead. […]
Working Hard Towards Former Parade Glory – Happy Birthday Belize Yesterday was Belize’s 37th Independence day and countrywide the nation turned out in style to say “Happy Birthday Belize”. While it was always great the past few years, the parade has been a little light. This year it finally felt like it was getting back on track towards what it once used to be (but still nowhere near as big.) I say that because 12 years back and the next few years following, there were so many more parades, decorated golf carts, and big flatbed trucks for floats with increased giant speaker action.
I did not see any of the friends I had loose plans to meet and of course, I ran into many friends I had no plans with. The first two I saw when I came barreling down Buckaneer Sreet were Mary and Tamara from, our local newspaper and tourism magazine, My Beautiful Belize. This was fortunate on my part as those girls are also crowd cutting professionals and swiftly had us navigating through the spectators and parade to the other side. We made it to Front Street just in time to catch the full parade at one of the best parts when it disperses into the park and turns into a big party.
Videos
San Pedro Independence Day Parade, 5min. La Isla Bonita Sure Knows How to Celebrate with an Awesome Independence Day Parade! The Hype, the Colors, the Fun, The Patriotism.
About 5:10 a.m., on 23.9.2018, Police responded to a report of a house fire at the Corner of Progress and Cinderella Street, Orange Walk Town Upon arrival, they observed an apartment that house the Petillo family totally engulfed in flames. Police were also informed that four persons were trapped inside the apartment. The fire was later extinguished by personnel from the Fire Department. A search in one of the rooms led to the discovery of three apparently burnt bodies identified to be Kevan Clare, 14-year-old, Mia Petillo, 10-year-old and Jeda Petillo, 12-year-old. Zelda Bowen, 31-year-old, Belizean Domestic of said address reported that she saw the kitchen area of their apartment engulfed in flames and ran out for help as her three children were inside one of the room. Her husband Alfredo Petillo who was outside running in the apartment, however, the fire began spreading and he got trapped inside with the children, they were all burnt inside by the fire. The four bodies were transported to the Northern Regional Hospital where they were pronounced dead. The bodies now await a post-mortem examination. The cause of the fire has not been ascertained and Police investigations continue.
Reports are that Petillo, his wife Zelda and youngest child got out safe, but he went back in to save them. Friends and neighbours say the fire is believed to have been started by a candle left burning in the home.
On Monday, September 17th Billonaire’s Poker Lounge debuted in San Pedro Town with a round of No Limit Texas Hold’em Poker games. Held at Captain Morgan’s Casino north of San Pedro Town, the grand opening of the tournament saw many eager players, who at the end of the night walked out with cash and other fabulous giveaways.
The games on Monday night featured a lot of young talents among veteran players. There were six prizes up for grabs and at the end of the competition, the winners walked away with cash and gift certificates. First, second and third place winners receiving cash prizes were Sir B, Delbert Tolsdorf, and Ricky Manzano respectively. Billionaire’s Poker Lounge is open on Monday nights through the month of September.
Click here to read the rest of the article and see more photos in the San Pedro Sun
Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, LOVETV, PGTV, and CTV 3. Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, and other specials
The San Pedro Sun
Presentation of Credentials to the Governor General of Belize Three ambassadors presented their Letters of Credence on September 18th, to the Governor General of Belize, H.E. Sir Colville Young, at the Belize House in Belmopan.
In their address to the Governor General, H.E. Mr. Eric Mayoraz, Ambassador of Switzerland; H.E. Mr. José Renato Sepúlveda Nebel, Ambassador of Chile; and H.E. Mrs. Ana Elena Moser Cazar, Ambassador of Ecuador, conveyed greetings from their respective countries and their pleasure in being in Belize to celebrate the nation’s independence.
First UDP Leader, Dean Lindo passes at 86 Former politician and first leader of the ruling United Democratic Party (UDP) Attorney Dean Russel Lindo passed away on Monday, September 17th at his residence in Belize City. Lindo rose to political significance when the UDP was founded in 1973. As its first leader, the party rose rapidly to become a prepared Opposition against the People’s United Party. According to the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Lindo was also known for his conservation initiatives, which led to the establishment of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve in the country in 1987, when he headed the Ministry of Natural Resources and Agriculture.
Private businesses to soon pay fees for beach use, says SPTC The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) plans to implement a new norm that will see beach restaurants and bars paying a fee for accessing the beach. This implementation will apply to those private businesses that keep tables and chairs on the beach for the comfort of their customers. Such practice, according to the SPTC, has been encouraged to service the demands of the tourism industry. However, as the industry continues to grow, the plan is to eventually charge a fee for the usage of the beach, which according to the laws of Belize, is ‘Queen’s Land’ or public property. The Ministry of Natural Resources in Belize have, on different occasions, explained that all land up to 66 feet from the high water level is considered National Land or Queen’s Land. According to them, these areas are to be kept accessible to the public. Mayor Daniel Guerrero says that he understands it is a public area, but at the moment the practice is allowed because the industry calls for it.
Misc Belizean Sources
Independence Day Address by the
Hon. Patrick Faber, Acting Prime Minister,
September 21, 2018,
Belmopan Before I get into this address, kindly allow me to say what a privilege it is for me to be
standing at this podium to be offering such a notable speech that lands me in the company
of only a few others, probably not more than five in number who have had such a
distinguished honor to address the nation in such a capacity on the anniversary of our
nation’s Independence. Allow me as well to encourage all Belizeans to continue to pray
for the full recovery of our prime minister, the Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow and to thank the
many who have extended, by way of the government, their best wishes for his recovery.
I’d also wish to ask you to remember in your prayers, the family of another great Belizean
leader and patriot, the Hon Dean Russel Lindo who passed on and will be buried by an
official funeral on Monday afternoon at St John’s Anglican Cathedral.
Eternal Sun Rave Ready for the next dance party? Chai Garden Ashram will be the location, and Night Quest will be mixing. Under the Moon will also be performing, as will many others.
"Conscious Dance Culture, alcohol free event features local and international DJ's, yoga, vegan food, unlimited fruit, techno, kombucha bar and brewery, electro-acoustic kirtan, chanting and meditation in the jungle of Belize. Natural spring fed waterfall and swimming! All this AND free camping with admission! An uplifting intimate gathering, this microfestival has limited tickets available."
Voting in the USA Many states allow registered voters to submit Federal Post Card App via fax or email.
TSOTOB Today Tsotob is being made in the village of San Pablo/San Jose in Orange Walk . Tsotob is one of the traditonal Yucatec Maya food known also as "Tamalitos de Maiz" . Many Northern Maya still plant milpa from where they get the corn to create the nice tsotob . Corn continues to be very important for the Maya today . Not in vain the Popol Vuh says we are made of Corn .
The Reporter
APRIL 10th. 2019: BE NOT AFRAID In its drive for the YES vote in the upcoming ICJ referendum,the Barrow administration has relied on two main weapons: fearand half truths.
Belize went to independence on September 21, 1981 under a state of emergency and without a defence guarantee from the British. There were a great many people, including the then opposition (United Democratic Party) who were terrified that Guatemala would have invadedus as soon as we became independent. Thus September 21, 1981 was a frightening time for many in the Jewel. Belizeans have had a tangible fear of Guatemala for decades because we, who are not a warlike people, had good reason to fear Guatemala’s belligerence.
BODY OF MISSING FISHERMAN FOUND The Reporter has confirmed that the body of missing San Pedro fisherman Miguel Arroyo, 23, has been found. Arroyo left home on September 10th at 2:00pm to go to the store and never returned. The Reporter is investigating and will provide more details shortly.
Breaking Belize News
Man missing for 12 days found dead
San Pedro fisherman, Miguel Arroyo, 23, has been found dead.
Further details are sketchy at this time but we remind readers that Arroyo left his home on Pelican Street in San Pedro Town on September 10th at 2:00 pm to go to a store. […]
Belize Network of NGOs launches ICJ Survey
In the next seven months, Belizeans will go to the polls to determine if they want have Guatemala’s unfounded territorial claim adjudicated in the Internal Court of Justice (ICJ).
Several Belizeans have taken to social media to express their views in an open way. However, the Belize Network of NGOs (BNN) has launched a survey to collect that data. […]
Deputy Prime Minister delivers Independence Day speech
Deputy Prime Minister Patrick Faber, in the absence of Prime Minister Dean Barrow who is still recovering from back surgery, delivered the Independence Day address to the nation on the 37th anniversary of Belize’s Independence.
Faber credited the government and Barrow’s Cabinet for ensuring that democracy and the rule of law always prevail despite many challenges facing the country. […]
Man shot on Independence Day in Belize City
Leroy Waller, 37, remains hospitalized in a stable condition after he was shot last night.
According to police reports, Waller was at a residence on Neal’s Pen Road when someone opened fire.
He was shot in the neck and transported to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. […]
Son of UB President arrested in Florida after trying to steal plane
Nishal Sankat, 22, the son of University of Belize President, Clement Sankat, was arrested on Thursday in the Orlando Melbourne International Airport after he had reportedly hopped a fence and boarded a plane, which was being worked on by a maintenance crew. […]
International Sources
The tropics are heating up again: Tropical Storm Kirk forms in eastern Atlantic Following a brief lull in tropical weather across the Atlantic Basin, several areas of interest have developed this weekend, including the season's newest named storm.
Tropical Storm Kirk developed on Saturday morning. It formed at 8.3 degrees north latitude, making it the lowest latitude at which an Atlantic named storm has formed since 1902.
"Kirk is moving through an environment of warm water and within an area of relatively low shear," AccuWeather Expert Senior Meteorologist Dan Kottlowski said.
Elsewhere in the Atlantic, a tropical depression is slowly churning towards the Caribbean. This system is expected to dissipate as it approaches land over the next couple of days.
USA SCORE RECORD BREAKING 198 RUN WIN OVER BELIZE Friday saw an incredible TeamUSA performance as twin centuries from Malhotra and Patel powered the hosts to 249 before they bowled Belize out for 51 to claim a record breaking 198 run win and remain unbeaten at the ICC World Twenty20 Americas Qualifier in North Carolina.
Videos
Nest Cam: Visitors, 1min. How many different animals can you find at a croc nest? Well, check out our Nest Cam video to find out! As an added challenge, who thinks they know the species of bird shown at then end!?
BPP'S PATRICK ROGERS ON KPFK LOS ANGELES, THE ANGLO GUATEMALAN CLAIM & TO VOTE NO TO THE ICJ!, 60min. Patrick Rogers, the Belize Progressive Party (BPP) political leader of Belize addressed Belizeans in the diaspora on pertinent issues concerning taking the Anglo Guatemalan Claim to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), how Belizeans abroad can participate in the April 10, 2019 referendum, and the present status of the Belizean nation state in the advent of September celebrations and Belize's future to maintain its Sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The BPP political leader paid a courtesy visit to the Los Angeles Belizean Community and was the guest on the popular Los Angeles based Belizean internet show, "Ah Wayk Op Lyke Dis" on Radiobelizmix with "Queen Lorna" Smith and Brother Wil Johnson.
Belize City: Fun, Beaches and Rum, 16min. This is my 1st trip to Central America. I explore Belize City, the Mayan ruins, near by islands, Cave tubing ect....it's a place I will be traveling back to. Great food, great people, great weather and there's alot to do.
A decomposed body was found this afternoon in northern Ambergris Caye. The Reporter has confirmed that it is the body of missing San Pedro fisherman Miguel Arroyo, 23. Arroyo left home on September 10th at 2:00pm to go to the store and never returned.
The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) plans to implement a new norm that will see beach restaurants and bars paying a fee for accessing the beach. This implementation will apply to those private businesses that keep tables and chairs on the beach for the comfort of their customers. Such practice, according to the SPTC, has been encouraged to service the demands of the tourism industry. However, as the industry continues to grow, the plan is to eventually charge a fee for the usage of the beach, which according to the laws of Belize, is ‘Queen’s Land’ or public property.
The Ministry of Natural Resources in Belize have, on different occasions, explained that all land up to 66 feet from the high water level is considered National Land or Queen’s Land. According to them, these areas are to be kept accessible to the public.
Mayor Daniel Guerrero says that he understands it is a public area, but at the moment the practice is allowed because the industry calls for it. “It makes it warm and welcoming,” said Guerrero. “There must be a fee, but we have not been charging it, but eventually we will have to because they are using crown’s land,” Guerrero added that as the industry grows, private establishments that use the beach for business will need to pay a fee, charged by square footage.
Before the implementation of this rule, the SPTC will be surveying to determine where the Crown Land begins. The Mayor said that once the boundaries of private and public space are determined, businesses will have the option to pay the fee if they want further access to the beach to cater to their customers. Guerrero said that before any decision is made, they will meet with the different establishments that conduct business on the beaches and inform them of the policy.
Guerrero, however, did not set a timeline for the fee implementation. He indicated that it is in the preliminary stages, and not yet a policy. Questions about this initiative may be directed to the SPTC by calling 226-2198.
Click here to read the rest of the article in the San Pedro Sun
Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, LOVETV, PGTV, and CTV 3. Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, and other specials
The San Pedro Sun
Ministry of National Security Issues Statement on Recent Incident on the Sarstoon River The Belize Territorial Volunteers (BTV) conducted their third annual Sarstoon Kayak Challenge on September 15th, 2018. While in the previous two years, there was no resistance from the Guatemalan Armed Forces (GAF) during the races, there was resistance this year.
The Belize Forward Observation Base (FOB) Patrol Commander reported that on September 14th, a vessel with five men and two women passed near the FOB. The patrol recognized that one of the men on board was Mr. Wil Maheia of the BTV but noted that the vessel did not stop at the FOB as has been publicly advertised and is advised for all vessels. The commander reported that the persons onboard shouted that they were not going far. The Commander also reported that the seeming intent of Mr. Maheia was to plant a flag on the Sarstoon Island.
Independence Day Message from the Prime Minister of Belize, Rt. Hon. Dean Oliver Barrow As we prepare to celebrate the anniversary of our Independence, I have been reflecting on just how glorious an achievement it was. Consider the circumstances. We were confronted by twin, seemingly insurmountable odds: a large, militarized neighbour with an unjust and illegal claim to our country, threatening our extinction; and a colonial power reluctant to do what was necessary to help finalize our secure freedom. But we would not be deterred. And history records the tremendous persistence and skill with which Belize persevered and overcame. The nations of the world all remarked the force of our campaign. No one doubted that its triumph stamped our small country as one destined for greatness.
Island authorities in Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye seek more autonomy for better decision-making The authorities on the islands of Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye are concerned over the lack of autonomy in their respective jurisdictions. Some problems include the assignation of personnel to run the islands’ Transport Department and the approval of high-rise buildings. Island leaders take issue with the assignations, as they include members from the mainland, making the decision process on important island matters frustrating. Ambergris Caye’s local authorities have long voiced concern over this system, and the Caye Caulker Village Council has recently disclosed their challenges as well.
Misc Belizean Sources
Letter: My Independence Day reflections, by Charles Leslie Jr. Whereas the people of Belize-
(b) respect the principles of social justice and therefore believe that the operation of the economic system must result in the material resources of the community being so distributed as to subserve the common good, that there should be adequate means of livelihood for all,…
that labour should not be exploited or forced by economic necessity to operate in inhumane conditions but that there should be opportunity for advancement on the basis of recognition of merit, ability and integrity,…
that equal protection should be given to children regardless of their social status, and that a just system should be ensured to provide for education and health on the basis of equality;
What we need to do is reflect and ask ourselves if this system is doing what it should be doing.
More and more youths have very little opportunity to pursue happiness and upward mobility…
Happy Independence Day, Belize! The Caye Caulker Village Council put on a spectacular show Thursday night, and the 20+ minutes of fireworks were superb. Thank you.
School Children’s Parade, Independence Day Sept. 21st. 2018 Belize’s Independence Day celebrations kicked off this morning with simultaneous celebrations in Belmopan and Belize City. The official ceremonies in Belmopan featured formalities such as the Governor General, Sir Colville Young, inspecting the Guard of Honour of the Belize Defense Force, an address by Leader of the Opposition John Briceño and Acting Prime Minister Patrick Faber.
INDEPENDENCE DAY ACCIDENT REPORTED ON THE PHILLIP GOLDSON HWY. There was a road traffic accident sometime this afternoon near Crooked Tree on the Phillip Goldson Highway. There are no details at this time. It appears two vehicles were involved and two persons injured.
NGO NETWORK LAUNCHES ONLINE ICJ SURVEY The Belize Network of NGOs (BNN) has launched an online survey geared towards understanding Belizeans’ perspective on Guatemala’s territorial claim.
The BNN explained that the survey aims to produce data that will give a sense of Belizeans’ willingness to take the territorial dispute to the International Court if Justice.
Breaking Belize News
Three guns stolen from home in Belize city
Police are investigating a burglary report in Belize city.
On September 20, between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., the home of Reginald Welch on Jones street, Belize city was burglarized. […]
Gas Tomza in Belize city robbed
Police are investigating a burglary that occurred this morning.
Police reports say that around 12:20 a.m. today, two men with their faces covered entered the Gas Tomza limited located at mile 4 ½ on the Philip Goldson highway and held up the watchman. […]
Woman killed in hit and run accident
Police are investigating a hit and run accident that occurred around 9:30 last night.
Caroline Riverol, 22, was walking across the Philip Goldson highway when a truck hit her. The driver of the vehicle did not stop to render any assistance. […]
CARICOM congratulates Belize on 37th anniversary of Independence
he Caribbean Community (CARICOM) today issued a statement expressing its wholehearted support for Belize’s stance on its sovereignty as the country celebrates 37 years of independence.
CARICOM Secretary-General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque, in a congratulatory message to Prime Minister Dean Barrow noted that the theme of the celebrations, “Belize Da Fi Wi – Now and Forever 8867!” […]
United States Department of State wishes Belize a Happy Independence Day
Today, the Secretary of State of the United States of America, Michael Pompeo issued a statement on behalf of the Government of the United States congratulating the people of Belize on the 37th anniversary of Independence. […]
Santa Elena Primary School hosts patriotic competition
Yesterday, the Santa Elena Primary School in Santa Elena town hosted a classroom patriotic competition.
Teachers, students and parents were tasked with decorating the primary school in patriotic, red, white and blue colors, incorporating this year’s Independence day theme and depict student patriotism in Belize. […]
BPP demand transparency on Government’s referendum campaign
The Belize Progressive Party (BPP), yesterday, issued a release demanding transparency from the Government in regards to the national referendum education campaign.
The BPP says that the issue is of paramount importance and warrants the full attention of all Belizeans and friends of Belize who understand the true depth of its gravity. […]
Thief gets away with $6,000 in Belize City
Police are investigating a robbery that occurred yesterday in Belize City.
Around 12:33 pm yesterday, Pedro Gudiel,33, a salesman for Fiesta Chicken told police that when he entered his delivery truck and was about to close the door, he was approached by a man. […]
Belize celebrates 37th Independence anniversary
Belizeans at home and abroad are today celebrating the 37th anniversary of Belize’s Independence from Great Britain.
This year, Belize celebrates under the theme, “ Belize da fi wi, Now and Forever, 8867.”
Belize, formerly British Honduras, obtained its Independence on September 21, 1981. […]
Cotton Tree man shot in buttocks in Belize City
Police are investigating a shooting incident that occurred yesterday morning in Belize City.
Around 10:30 am, police went to the KHMH and saw Michael Arnold,25, of Cotton Tree Village with a gunshot wound to his buttocks. […]
Beautiful Belize Turns 37 Today: The 2018 Jump Up Celebration Parade You might think I’m crazy but September 21st is my favorite day of the year. Yes, it’s INCREDIBLY HOT. Always. And it’s slow season. But Belize celebrates Independence Day is such a ridiculously joyous way, I can hardly get enough.
I may have missed the ceremonies in town last night – but here is a gorgeous photo taken by Danny Medina of the fireworks.
I have SO many photos…so I’ll try to keep this reasonable. This was my 12th parade and one of my favorites yet.
Each year I consider going to the biggest parade in the country – in Orange Walk…but I just can’t NOT go to San Pedro’s Jump Up Parade. It’s so ridiculously fun seeing all the people you know celebrating Belize.
It is most DEFINITELY my favorite September motto – each year on a national level a competition is held and one chosen.
International Sources
For this Christian sect in Belize, community is everything Mennonites reject cars for personal use – not because they're bad for the environment, but because travel by horse and cart stops settlements growing too far apart. When Mennonites began moving to Belize in the late 1950s, they did so for the same reason their ancestors have migrated for centuries: to live in line with their religious beliefs, including the separation of church and state, pacifism and sustainability, without interference. That means apart from the government, with limited technology and surrounded by farmable land.
Mennonites, a traditionally sectarian Christian denomination, trace their roots to the Anabaptist wing of the Protestant Reformation. Today they number approximately one million worldwide, with most living in parts of the developing world, including Paraguay, India and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Those in Belize, called Old Colony Mennonites, descend from the settlers of Chortitza, the earliest Mennonite colony in Russia. Their ancestors moved from the Netherlands and what is now Poland to Russia in the 1780s, then to Canada in the 1870s, Mexico in the 1920s and, a few decades later, Belize.
All Eyes on Belize: The Tiny Country Hits Double-Digit Tourism Growth For decades, Belize has remained a mostly quaint, laid-back destination viewed by many travelers as an alluring alternative to some of the Caribbean’s more upscale and fully developed tourist stops.
For those who prefer flip-flops as their go-to footwear, and the opportunity participate serious diving (a la the Great Blue Hole and the Belize Barrier Reef), low-key Belize has been the go-to destination for decades.
“As the rest of the Caribbean was growing up, we were still a fishing village,” developer Andrew Ashcroft, whose family has lived in Belize for three generations, told TravelPulse during a recent interview.
And while the charm that keeps the tourists coming is not changing, what is changing is the numbers of tourists who have discovered Belize and who are spending time there.
5 popular folklore from Belize still told till date Belize is a country with a very diverse society and fascinating history. The main ethnic groups that make up the Caribbean nation include the Creoles, the Maya, the Mestizos and the Garifuna.
The Creoles are mostly made up of descendants of African slaves imported into the country between the 18th and 19th centuries.
The Maya, though a part of the minority in the country constitute its indigenous population with records showing their inhabitance on the Caribbean nation dating back to 2500 B.C. There are three Maya groups in Belize namely the Yucatec, Mopan, and Q’eqchi’ Maya.
The Mestizos, on the other hand constitute people of mixed Spanish and Maya descent who originally came to Belize in 1847 to escape the Caste War.
Wholehearted Caribbean Community support for Belize on its 37th Independence Anniversary The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has restated its wholehearted support for Belize’s stance on its sovereignty as the country celebrates 37 years of independence.
CARICOM Secretary-General Ambassador Irwin LaRocque in a congratulatory message to Prime Minister Dean Barrow noted that the theme of the celebrations, “Belize Da Fi Wi – Now and Forever 8867!”, highlights the staunch position of Belizeans that their country unequivocally belongs to them, a position the Caribbean Community wholeheartedly supports.
The Secretary-General also praised, as being of great value to the Community, the Prime Minister’s role as lead Head of Government for Justice and Governance in the CARICOM quasi-cabinet.
“Your leadership in this area is aptly demonstrated by the fact that Belize is among the four countries which have accepted the Caribbean Court of Justice in its Appellate jurisdiction.”
Los Hijos del West at Culture of Peace, 8min. The Los Hijos del West played at the OAS Culture of Peace celebration at the border on Wednesday. They are fast becoming experts on the marimbas.
"A little snippet of yesterdays Belize Culture of Peace Celebration by the OAS at the Adjacency Zone, Western Border."
President Reagan Meeting Prime Minister George Cadle Price of Belize on May 12, 1983, 7min. President Reagan Meeting Prime Minister George Cadle Price of Belize during his Working Visit with Meeting in the Oval Office and Cabinet Room with Lunch in the State Dining Room and then their Departure Remarks at the Diplomatic Entrance on May 12, 1983
Belize | Swimming With Sharks, 4.5min. Part 2 of our time in Caye Caulker sees us swimming with sharks.
Our snorkelling tour with EZ Boy tours was one the best (alongside Black Tours of course). Snorkellng sharks, turtles, sting rays, dolphins and more! Lobster ceviche with nachos and rum punch was th perfect way to enjoy Caye Caulker.
Belize 2018, 3.5min. Dive trip to Belize in Central America June 2018 Footage from Go Pro and Canon underwater camera.
Beautiful Belize Turns 37 Today: The 2018 Jump Up Celebration Parade
You might think I’m crazy but September 21st is my favorite day of the year. Yes, it’s INCREDIBLY HOT. Always. And it’s slow season. But Belize celebrates Independence Day is such a ridiculously joyous way, I can hardly get enough.
I have SO many photos…so I’ll try to keep this reasonable. This was my 12th parade and one of my favorites yet.
Each year I consider going to the biggest parade in the country – in Orange Walk…but I just can’t NOT go to San Pedro’s Jump Up Parade. It’s so ridiculously fun seeing all the people you know celebrating Belize.
It is most DEFINITELY my favorite September motto – each year on a national level a competition is held and one chosen.
Click here to read the rest of the article and see LOTS more photos in the San Pedro Scoop
Happy Independence Day Belize! We hope everyone had fun for the parade and we thank you all for participating in the name of our country, Belize!
1st Place group winner: ABC PreSchool
2nd Place group winner: The Island Academy
Great job guys!
Long live Belize!
San Pedro Town Council
Belizeans on Ambergris Caye celebrated Belize's 37th Independence Anniversary with a grand colourful and patriotic parade!
Click photos for more pictures!
Working Hard Towards Former Parade Glory – Happy Birthday Belize
Yesterday was Belize’s 37th Independence day and countrywide the nation turned out in style to say “Happy Birthday Belize”. While it was always great the past few years, the parade has been a little light. This year it finally felt like it was getting back on track towards what it once used to be (but still nowhere near as big.) I say that because 12 years back and the next few years following, there were so many more parades, decorated golf carts, and big flatbed trucks for floats with increased giant speaker action.
I did not see any of the friends I had loose plans to meet and of course, I ran into many friends I had no plans with. The first two I saw when I came barreling down Buckaneer Sreet were Mary and Tamara from, our local newspaper and tourism magazine, My Beautiful Belize. This was fortunate on my part as those girls are also crowd cutting professionals and swiftly had us navigating through the spectators and parade to the other side. We made it to Front Street just in time to catch the full parade at one of the best parts when it disperses into the park and turns into a big party.
Click here to read the rest of the article and see more photos in Tacogirl's Blog
San Pedro's Independence Day Parade ROCKED!
The residents of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize put on a FANTASTIC parade in commemoration of Belize's 37th Independence Day celebrations this past weekend. On Friday, September 21, Belizeans all over the country showed off their patriotism in many ways; San Pedro organized one of the most energetic and colorful parades. It was hot, but then it rained, then it was hot once again, but none of this made it any difficult for the revelers to put on a spectacular show full of color, dance and pride for Belize.
Click here to read the rest of the article and see more photos in the Ambergris Today
Sherlette, Queen Of the San Pedro Jump Up Parade, IS BACK! The 2018 Jump Up Parade for September 21st – Independence Day was extra awesome this year. It just seemed a little bit longer…a little bit more colorful…super fun.
And despite the fact that it is always BLAZING hot in late September in Belize (think 100% humidity and temperature that feels over 100) and the parade always starts a bit late…I wouldn’t miss it for anything.
There is a bigger parade in Orange Walk, Belize on the 21st – and ONE DAY, I keep saying, I will totally make it to that one. But I just can’t seem to rip myself away from San Pedro.
This year it was SO GOOD to see some of the schools participating again. There has been a bit of controversy in years past…about kids and drinking (many of the floats have coolers and bartenders!) but I love to see Island Academy and ABC Pre-School parading again.
Hello everyone, First of all, thank you for your great forum. We are a French family which loves to travel and spend a couple of months in English-speaking countries (as I am a translator of films) to get a taste of their everyday life. We will be coming to spend two months/two and a half months in beautiful San Pedro in January, February until around the 10th of March with our two kids. Our 11 year-old daughter will be going to school (either Island Academy or ACES, it’s not settled yet) and our 2 1/2 year-old son will be going to day care occasionally. We are looking for a furnished house or apartment with at least one bedroom, if possible two bedrooms, around USD 1,300 per month. We would also consider sharing a house/apartment. I found a few places on the San Pedro Classifieds, but they prefer long term rental, and Airbnb is so expensive... If you have any advice or contact, please let me know. Thank you very much, Anouk
Steep Bail for Drug Plane Trio There are two major developments on the illegal landing of a drug plane with fourteen million dollars worth of cocaine. The drug, one thousand two hundred and twenty-six pounds of [...]
Millions of Dollars in Cocaine Goes Up in Smoke Tests confirm that more than one thousand two hundred twenty-six pounds of cocaine were inside bales discharged from a CESSNA aircraft on September ninth. Today, a convoy of heavily armed [...]
John Briceño: “There Are Even Bigger Fish Than That” On Wednesday, P.U.P. Leader and Orange Walk Town Central Area, Representative John Briceño expressed shock when he learned that Orange Walk Commanding Officer, David Chi, had been implicated in the [...]
Chinese Businessman Perishes 10 Day after He Was Shot Ten days after he was shot, a Chinese businessman, Jing Wu, succumbed at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. Wu was along with his sideman, who is believed to have been [...]
Michael Arnold Shot on York Street A Belize City resident is the latest victim of gun violence. Twenty-five-year-old Michael Arnold was shot this morning sometime around ten-forty as he was riding his bike on York Street [...]
Belize City Brothers Shot on Neal Penn Road Prior to this morning’s shooting on York Street, at about seven p.m. on Wednesday night, shots rang out—some say up to nine blasts—on Neal Pen Road Extension. As the echoes [...]
Is Pier 1 Stabbing Connected to Neal Penn Road Shooting? But was the shooting on Neal Pen Road Extension in retaliation for the stabbing incident at Pier One over the weekend? Coincidentally, earlier on Wednesday, Wayne Leslie, who is the [...]
Pier One Bar Lease Expires in 2019 The shocking bar brawl at Pier One Bar and Grill has some parents concerned over the safety of their children. The park is a place that attracts entire families, especially [...]
Corozal Police Investigate Strange Shooting Incident A man from San Narciso Village in the Corozal District was injured in a scary ordeal in a contraband hotspot in the north. Wilfredo Pott says that on Tuesday night [...]
Illegal Logging Operation Busted in San Felipe, Toledo Police busted a logging operation in the southern village of San Felipe, Toledo. On Wednesday, a joint patrol between police and the Forestry Department led to the discovery of three [...]
Elderly Man Claims Unfair Treatment at the Hands of GSU The following is another story involving claims against the Gang Suppression Unit. Seventy-two-year-old Belize City resident Gladstone Brown and Melda Casimiro Valerio say that their house was raided by members [...]
No Arrest for Kortobacco Heist Police have yet to levy charges for the major heist which took place at Kortobacco Belize Limited located inside the Benque Viejo Free Zone. The heist took place in the [...]
Duo Charged for Maya Center Robbery; 2 Others Sought A Belize City man and another from Dangriga have been charged in connection with a robbery on Tuesday night in Maya Center Village in Stann Creek. Just before eight-thirty p.m., [...]
More than $100,000 in Jewellery Stolen from Cayo Businessman Police in San Ignacio are investigating an alleged burglary at a jewellery store in that municipality. A businessman, Oscar Cano, is reporting that his business located on Savannah Street in [...]
Is the I.C.J. the Only Option? The Referendum Unit of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has launched its awareness campaign to educate the public about the territorial claim and taking it to the International Court of [...]
Leader of Opposition Disappointed with the Chambers Leader of the Opposition John Briceño says he is disappointed with the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Briceño’s comments come after the B.C.C.I. fired off a release eight days [...]
Belize City Mayor Takes on N.T.U.C.B. President Belize City Mayor Bernard Wagner had some strong words for National Trade Union Congress of Belize President, Floyd Neal. On Wednesday, during the P.U.P.’s annual wreath-laying ceremony for George Price, [...]
A Look Back When Belize Became an Independent Nation Prime Minister Dean Barrow remains in Havana, Cuba, after undergoing spinal fusion surgery. He’ll spend Independence Day recuperating and is expected to return to the country in a few days. [...]
LOVE FM
Another man shot in broad daylight
A broad daylight shooting has left one man injured. Michael Arnold was walking on Yorke Street when he was fired upon. ASP Alejandro Cowo, Head of CIB, provided the media with the details. ASP Alejandro Cowo, Head of Crimes Investigation Branch: “Police responded to shots being fired on York Street. They visited the hospital where …
Briceno: It was pointless to vote on UHS bill
Earlier this month, the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) condemned the Government of Belize for failing to resolve the decade old UHS debt saga on Friday, August 31st in Parliament. The opposition did not get off the hook since BCCI felt that they were also to blame. It described what transpired in parliament …
Illegal Logging Operation found in Toledo
On Thursday a joint police and Forestry Department operation in San Felipe Village in the Toledo District sought out and found an illegal logging operation. The Head of the National Crimes Investigation Branch, Joseph Myvett said from time to time they cooperate with the Forestry Department in joint operations. ACP Joseph Myvette, Head of National …
Orange Walk Carnival
Belize will be 37 years old tomorrow, way off the calendar but not yet old enough for a midlife crisis. It’s been a bumpy 37th year with unsolved crime; unflattering international categorizations about high murder per capita; being a tier three trafficking country and having a political divide on whether or not to forward Guatemala’s …
Briceno: The nation has lost another great leader in Lindo
Yesterday, the People’s United Party honored the Father of the Nation, George Cadle Price, who led Belize to its independence on September 21st, 1981. The former Prime Minister was well known for his emphasis on service to the nation. It is noteworthy to mention that this week we also lost another great leader, Dean Russell …
Will the new law deter Belizeans from going to Chetumal?
Thousands of Belizeans visit Chetumal on a monthly basis spending an average of one hundred dollars. With the new mobility law, will fewer Belizeans make the trip across the border to Chetumal? The new law will make it mandatory for Belizeans entering Chetumal in their private vehicle and staying for twelve hours to pay two …
SHOOTING IN SAN VICTOR
There have been reports in the north that the Customs Department was in hot pursuit of a vehicle carrying contraband and the chase allegedly ended with the vehicle flipping over. The story changed today and it is still unclear if the Customs Department was involved. According to ACP Joseph Myvett, the police received a report …
Bail for Chi, Friesen, and Anthony
On September 9th law enforcement officers discovered a single engine aircraft with over one thousand two hundred pounds of cocaine on board. Following the discovery, five men, including the Officer Commanding Orange Walk Police, were charged with abetment of the importation of a controlled drug; conspiracy to land a plane at an unlicensed airfield; and …
ROBBERY IN MAYA CENTER
A robbery in Maya Center in the Stann Creek District resulted in the police first chasing a lead on a getaway car, followed by the thieves fleeing on a bus. It happened on Tuesday night, shortly before 8:30. Assistant Commissioner of Police, Joseph Myvett said they have caught a couple suspects and are seeking more. …
2 shot at home on Neals Pen Road
There was a shooting minutes before seven o’clock on Wednesday night in Belize City. Two persons were shot on Neal’s Pen Road. The police department is also looking at the possibility that the two shooting victims may be collateral damage of the Pier One fight which occurred last weekend. Another resident of 95 Neal’s Pen …
Central Bank and CWU signed agreement The Central Bank of Belize and Christian Workers Union signed a three year collective agreement. Security officers who are represented by the Christian Workers Union are poised to receive a ten percent salary increase...
Amandala
Elrington’s deplorable scare tactics At a ceremony for the Status of Forces Agreement that was signed today between the Government of the United Kingdom and the Government of Belize, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Wilfred Elrington, area representative for the Pickstock constituency, said that if we vote no to go to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), “The whole country will become refugees if the Guatemalans come across and chase us out.”
Elrington explained that the Guatemalans had been insistent that they get our land: “either that or they want to exercise control over our foreign affairs and our defence. They are not asking for money, they want land. If you give them an inch, they will not stop. We cannot reach any agreement with them that is hopeful.”
Court of Appeal orders new trial for Aracely Cahueque for abetment to murder In March 2014, Aracely Cahueque, 21, a former Corozal beauty contestant, walked out of the Belmopan Supreme Court of Justice Dennis Hanomansingh freed of a three-count indictment for abetment to murder.
The Director of Public Prosecutions, however, appealed the judge’s decision to acquit Cahueque, and the Court of Appeal has handed down a decision ordering that Cahueque be tried a second time.
Cahueque’s entanglement in the criminal justice system came as a consequence of the murder of Raylene Dyer, 18, who was killed in October 2010. According to evidence given in court, Dyer’s head was cut off and her body was dumped in the river around the Roaring Creek area. Dyer’s body was never recovered. The motive established for the murder was that Cahueque allegedly wanted Dyer’s baby.
Baby born at home after hospital turned mother away News of a woman giving birth to a baby boy at a relative’s home after she was told by the Corozal Community Hospital that she wasn’t ready to deliver, spread like wildfire on social media yesterday. Fortunately, the baby was safely delivered by the father, but there has been much public criticism of the hospital that told a pregnant mother to go home while she was in labor.
In an interview with CTV3, the baby’s father, Jaime Hernandez, age unknown, said that he and his wife, Elena Hernandez, went to the hospital after she began experiencing what felt like labor pains. After being examined by a nurse and a doctor, she was told that the pain was simply due to hunger or gas, and that she should go home and eat.
Guatemalan aggression in the Sarstoon, but Hon. Saldivar blames BTV Last Saturday, the Belize Territorial Volunteers (BTV) held their third annual Eco Challenge, with the route of the race being from Barranco, a village in the Toledo District, to the Sarstoon Island and back to Barranco.
The kayakers were to paddle around the island, but that didn’t happen. Guatemalan Armed Forces (GAF) prevented the kayakers from doing so by blocking their path with gunboats. This extremely provocative move took place despite the presence of Belize’s Forward Operating Base on the north bank of the Sarstoon River.
National Service Day held in remembrance of Rt. Hon. George Price Today marked seven years since the Father of Belize’s Independence, Right. Honorable George Cadle Price, passed away and was laid to rest at the Lord Ridge Cemetery in a massive state funeral that saw thousands of Belizeans line the streets of the old capital to get a glimpse of the funeral procession for the man who is credited as one of the founders of the nationalist movement that led Belize to independence in September 1981.
This morning, a number of PUP executive members and supporters converged on the Lord Ridge Cemetery to pay their respect to Price, who was Belize’s first national hero, in a wreath- laying ceremony.
SMART commissions book to promote reading in students The telecommunications company, SMART, is giving back to the community by commissioning the production of a children’s book designed to motivate kids to put down their electrical devices and read instead. The book, Do The Smart Thing, was launched yesterday at the Best Western Belize Biltmore Plaza.
According to Adelaide Sabido, public relations representative from SMART, they wanted to collaborate with different organizations which are involved in improving literacy among students in Belize. They also wanted to find a fun avenue to motivate students to want to read more.
Football tournaments under way in Corozal This week, the Corozal Football Association (CFA) marked the 6th week of our ongoing U-15 Male and U-17 Male Tournaments. There are a total of 5 teams for the U-15 Male, and 10 teams for the U-17 Male tournaments. It has been going well; all teams trying to top the ranking scores. In addition, this week we launched a U-17 Female and a U-10 Male/Female tournament. For the U-17 Females, we have a total of 4 teams; and there are 5 teams for the U-10 tournament. Another success for Corozal!
Three games were played on Saturday, September 15: (U-15) Corozal Invaders clipped Rising Stars, 1-0; (U-17) Libertadores and Bacadia Warriors played to a 3-3 draw; and (U-17) Caledonia also drew, 3-3, with Progresso United.
Bandits’ protest dismissed; standings remain; Verdes leads at Week 6 of PLB 2018-2019 Opening Season As reported in our Tuesday issue, the nil-nil draw on Saturday night last between San Pedro Pirates and Belmopan Bandits out at Ambergris Stadium had resulted in a protest lodged by the Bandits. But on Tuesday, the Premier League of Belize (PLB) secretariat informed us that, “The point of contention was cleared by the referee; therefore, the protest had no validity and was dismissed.”
Quickly reviewing the weekend results, they are: On Saturday night, San Pedro Pirates FC drew, 0-0, with Belmopan Bandits SC at Ambergris Stadium; and Altitude Assassins FC clipped Wagiya FC, 2-1, at the M.A. Stadium in Independence. Then on Sunday afternoon, BDF FC dropped Police United FC, 3-1, at the Isidoro Beaton Stadium; and Verdes FC crushed Freedom Fighters FC, 5-0, at the Santa Elena Sporting Complex, to take first place in the standings.
Independence High School Invaders stun Honduras 6-2 in boys football at CODICADER Games in Panama (F) St. Ignatius High lost 3-1 to Guatemala on Sunday afternoon. Guatemala’s Andrea Alvarez Donis, Julia Lopez Hernandez and Nayeli Bocel Perez each scored a goal, to lead 3-0 before Kelly Dawson scored for Nashus, making it 3-1 at the half. No goals were scored in 2nd half.
(F) Ashley Rodriguez, lately of Rumberas fame, scored Nashus’ only goal in their 6-1 loss to Panama on Friday morning at the FIFA Goal Project Stadium – Estadio Luis E. Cascarita Tapia.
(M) The 2018 NSSSA male MVP Alwynn Zelaya and Alexis Chan each scored a goal in Independence High boys’ 7-2 loss to Panama at the Maracana Stadium on Saturday.
BDFA Interoffice Football concludes at the MCC The Belize District Football Association (BDFA) McLean Insurance Brokers Interoffice Football Tournament 2018 concluded on Saturday, September 15, at the MCC Grounds, where the championship final was preceded by the third place game.
In the third place game, Fort St. Tourist Village won, 3-2, over BWS. Tourist Village got a goal each from Thomas Castro, Carlos Lino and John Castro; while David Robateau netted both goals for BWS.
And in the championship game, it was MOE Sports/Premium Wines with the 2-1 victory over Ramada/Habet. Steven Baizer and Melhelm Hernandez shook the net for MOE, while Kareem Flowers scored for Ramada.
Editorial: Three decades and seven years ago … Many of us Belizeans have not viewed political independence as a challenge to consolidate our status as a nation-state. Rather, we have been encouraged by leaders of various descriptions to see these annual commemorations of our September 21, 1981 independence primarily as opportunities, or just reasons, to indulge in the merrymaking which has become a focus of so many of our lives. Have fun, the Belizean people are repeatedly being told, have fun.
Unfortunately, crisis is a characteristic of the human condition. Fun is something you’re allowed to have when you have survived or overcome crisis. Belize in September of 2018 is a nation which is experiencing some serious challenges. We have not done a good job of preparing ourselves for these challenges during the 37 years of our independence.
From the Publisher This year’s September celebrations, the last before next April’s International Court of Justice (ICJ) referendum, are almost over. Soon, Settlement Day and Christmas will be upon us. After that, April 10 will stare us directly in the face. The days dwindle down, to a precious few, as the song says.
I find it strange that Belize never, ever reviews the incidents involved with the Heads of Agreement in mid-March of 1981. These incidents were unprecedented in my lifetime, and no events of equal drama have transpired in Belize since then.
I say I find it strange, but the silence is not strange if we had expected the then ruling People’s United Party (PUP), or the then Opposition United Democratic Party, which was in relative wreckage following their 1979 general election disaster, to want to remind Belizeans of the anti-Heads uprising, an uprising which may be blamed for the violent deaths of Sylvino Riveroll in Corozal Town and then of the musician/policeman Pete Matthews at the Queen Street Police Station.
Another successful Soundfest with honours going to Zoila Clarke and Lucio Alcoser Dear Editor,
On Friday, September 14, 2018, the 17th edition of the Soundfest was held at the beautiful Bird’s Isle. The brainchild of Tony Wright, also known as “The Real Deal Music Ambassador of Belize,” the Soundfest was attended by many Belizeans from home and those visiting from abroad for the September celebrations.
The show flowed smoothly, featuring many Belizean talents. There were giveaways and lots of food and drinks. The highlight of the show was the presentation of lifetime awards going to two Belizean icons who have given, and continue delivering to The jewel, their undiluted talent from their hearts and souls.
Belizeans, open your eyes I ask this question – Do Belizeans want to be the second Palestine in the middle west of the world, who have lost their homeland?
Now is the time for Belizeans to open our eyes, our minds, and our hearts and stand united as one people in defense of our national sovereignty and the sanctity of our borders.
In relation to the convention between Her Majesty and the Republic of Guatemala, relative to the boundaries of British Honduras, signed on the 30th of April 1859, I consider this great historical event so important for the permanent national security of our independent nation of Belize that I feel obliged to reproduce in writing the exact contents of this great achievement as a guarantee for our national existence with our secured national boundaries in perpetuity.
Far right capitalism like monarchy Architects of capitalism worried about what would happen to the system when everyone had all the material goods that they wanted. We know the answer to that¯marketers came along to convince people that what they had wasn’t enough. The capitalists, maybe more than socialists, invest a heck of a lot in research. And the marketers are always at the ready to pounce to get the sales going. They’re the ones who found out that a super prime girl posing beside a bottle of rum could make a fellow change his brand, and such.
Allow me a little pause here so we can retrace the steps to the glory of the material world. We know that there is nothing new under the sun. Every invention of man is really a discovery. The wheel was born when man saw an orange rolling on the ground. A monkey using the spring in a bent branch to catapult himself through the trees, a feathered seed flying through the air, a frog going downstream on a piece of board, lightning brightening the skies, all these things gave man ideas when he observed them.
Salinas de Gortari: one of the worst Mexican governments … In this time of uncertainty Belize is going through, I thought it important to consider certain historical issues that arose with projects that were conceived by the representatives of the corporations and the neoliberal capitalist think-tanks. It is very important for us to bear in mind that the Anglo-Guatemala-Belize issue is not something surprising, since the objective from the birth of the United States of America has been to extend its hegemony throughout the Latin American and Caribbean countries, with the starting point being the 1823 Monroe Doctrine. Thereafter, there was the first American continental war, in which the United States seized more than half of Mexico´s territory.
Expo 2018 saw decline in attendance numbers, but hailed as a success by BCCI Thousands of Belizeans in search of a good bargain and wholesome fun and entertainment converged at the 22nd annual Expo Belize Marketplace on the ITVET campus (old Technical College campus) on Saturday and Sunday. Although the number of persons who attended this year’s Expo is less than the number of those in attendance at the Expo last year, the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) hailed it as a “landmark event.”
The BCCI, in a press release issued yesterday, Monday, reported that this year’s Expo had the participation of 110 companies which were spread out in 189 booths across the vast ITVET campus.
Mexican vehicle insurance requirement deferred for about 5 months Belizeans traveling to Chetumal will likely not be denied entry because their vehicles don’t bear the Mexican vehicle insurance, as was announced previously. The Mexico Honorary Consul to Belize, Dr. Luis Montero Maldonado, told us there has been a delay in the implementation of the new Mobility Law enacted by Mexico because the Mobility Institute has not yet been established as the main body with the mandate to carry out and enforce the new laws which came into effect on September 12.
The Mexico Honorary Consul to Belize told us that there will be a delay of about 5 months before the administration begins its operation.
Dr. Maldonado explained to us in an interview today that authorities at the border are requesting that vehicles entering Mexico have the mandated insurance coverage, but a clarification must be made.
Steven Moss, 24, accused of murder, committed to stand trial in Supreme Court Steven Moss, 24, charged with the murder of Daniel Anderson, 31, was today committed to stand trial in the January 2019 session of the Supreme Court by the Chief Magistrate, Sharon Fraser, after a preliminary inquiry was held to determine if there was enough evidence to establish a prima facie case against him.
Moss had agreed to a paper committal — a process that would involve a submission by the Crown of all of the evidence it intends to rely on without it being challenged by Moss.
Moss is also charged with 2 counts of attempted murder and 2 counts of use of deadly means of harm with intent to cause dangerous harm.
Dennis Haylock, 37, committed to stand trial for unlawful sexual intercourse Dennis Haylock, 37, a resident of Lords Bank in the Belize District, who has been charged with unlawful sexual intercourse with a girl 14 years and 11 months old, was today committed to stand trial in the January 2019 session of the Supreme Court by the Chief Magistrate, Sharon Fraser, after a preliminary inquiry was held.
Haylock had agreed to a paper committal, whereby all of the evidence that the Crown intends to rely on is submitted to the court without it being challenged by him.
The incident occurred in May 2017 in Lords Bank.
The Reporter
IN THE NAME OF CORRUPTION Some years ago,I was speaking to a friend of mine, a brilliant political mind from the Middle East. He opened my eyes to look at corruption from a completely different angle.
Where I thought the Government was creaming from the top of the money pile, this conversation really made me look at incidents I have been exposed to in our country and made me understand better why politicians would risk their ‘reputations’ to protect seemingly common petty criminals.
Khaled AlSa’di said to me that our Government usesour judicial system to protect low-level officials or petty criminals, because they are key players in a criminal system.
CWU and CENTRAL BANK SIGN NEW CBA The Christian Workers Union has negotiated a new collective Bargaining Agreement with the Central Bank of Belize, allowing the security staff to get a 10 percent salary raise.
The CWU announced the new CBA today, explaining that agreement is for three years with 5 percent of the increase taking effect in 2018, 3 percent in 2019 and 2 percent in 2020, without any reduction to other benefits being received.
POLICE SEEK ASSISTANCE IN IDENTITY OF MAN IN VIDEO Police in Orange Walk are seeking your assistance in the apprehension of this man, identified as Fredrick Rhaburn Jr. of an Orange Walk Town address who tried to rob an undisclosed Chinese establishment a short while ago.
SECURITY GUARD ATTACKED AT 1.30am BY 3 MEN Security Guard Adan Martinez, 55, is lucky to be alive after he was attacked at around 1:30 this morning by 3 men who tried to take his gun. Martinez, who was on duty at Maria Chang and Sons on Castle Street...
My Independence day Reflections
By Charles Leslie Jr. :BELIZE CONSTITUTION:
Preamble:
Whereas the people of Belize-
(b) respect the principles of social justice and therefore believe that the operation of the economic SYSTEM must result in the material resources of the community being so distributed as to subserve the common good, that there should be adequate means of livelihood for all,…
Drug plane suspects get bail
Peter Friezen, Norman Anthony and Superintendent of Police David Chi, three of the five men […]
Corozal held its 2018 Carnival Parade A month of festivities is held around Belize in the month of September. Carnival in each district is held on different dates. Today I blogged about the Corozal Carnival float parade. So, sorry that I could not continue going live. Usually, the Carnival is always held on the 20th of September in Corozal. Because everyone loves to go to Orange Walk on the 21, of September. Corozal felt the September Celebration on Thursday, September 20, 2018, with Colorful floats that gathered at the roundabout by the Corozal Hospital at 3pm. By then, the people had already lined up all through the main streets of Corozal parade Line. Main floats came out very decorated, creation, drum line, businesses and other floats that participated in this year's event.
Citizen input through Primate-Watch Belize helps monitor monkey populations However we look at it, primates – the Yucatan black howler monkey and the Central American spider monkey, are coming under increasing pressure in Belize. Both considered globally endangered, their main threat is from agricultural expansion – with hundreds of acres disappearing under bulldozers each year.
Using citizen science, we are starting to map primate distributions across Belize, asking people how populations are doing in their area, and to send reports and photos in to the Primate Watch Belize Facebook Group, linked to the Wildtracks page, to build a picture of what is happening in Belize. This will be combined with community surveys and protected area data to provide a much better picture of how our monkeys are doing in Belize, and what steps we can take to ensure that they continue to live in Belize’s forests in the future.
Join us! Make a difference for the conservation of these species in the long term! Add your sightings (species, location number in troop, adults / young), photos and comments online at Facebook.
International Sources
Students dive into their research in Belize UTRGV students studying abroad in Belize this summer explored one of the most famous dive sites in the world - the Great Blue Hole.
“You dive down and it’s just open blue, just beautiful,” said Chelsea Pavliska, a UTRGV graduate student from Liberty Hill, Texas.
The Ocean, Coastal and Earth Sciences major was one of the students enrolled in the coral reef ecology course in Belize, led by Dr. David Hicks, director of the UTRGV School of Earth, Environmental and Marine Sciences.
“I don't know very many places where you get to go diving for your research or diving for a class, like at UTRGV,” Pavliska said.
The Great Blue Hole is part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the largest coral barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere.
ITU finalises coordination for Caribbean and Central American digital switchover The ITU has finalised the coordination process that will enable digital switchover to go ahead in Central America and the Caribbean region.
The global telecom body worked with regional regulators the Comisión Técnica Regional de Telecomunicaciones (COMTELCA), the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU) and the Inter-American Telecommunication Commission (CITEL) to finalise the cycle of regional frequency coordination meetings on the use of the VHF band (174-216MHz) and the UHF band (470-806 MHz) at a meeting last week in Belize City, Belize.
That meeting, the final of four that took place across the region over the last 18 months, stablished the basis for formal frequency coordination inter-government agreements for broadcasting and mobile services in the VHF and UHF bands.
Caribbean sugar producers want protection from white sugar imports With the region no longer enjoying fixed quotas and guaranteed access to the European raw sugar market, the region’s four remaining sugar producers have asked governments to clamp down on refined, or white, sugar imports, saying they can meet the required average demand for 100,000 metric tons.
This week, Guyana, Jamaica, Belize and Barbados petitioned the council of trade ministers to order governments to increase import taxes on white sugar imports in a bid to restrict merchants in the region from buying white sugar from Colombia, the U.S. and other markets.
In the past year, the four countries have been moving to switch from raw brown sugar manufacturing to white, or refined, sugar after their decades-old sugar protocol with the EU collapsed when the EU ended the fixed quota system, guaranteed prices and a market of indefinite duration in October of last year.
The Belize Soca and Culture Festival, 40min. Kes The Band - Artist
Rupee - Artist,
Troy "DJ Dalla" Flowers - Promoter,
Omar "Mr. Flava" Arzu - Promoter.
Belize City Council - Independence Day City Fest, 33min. Councilor Allan Pollard Jr. - Traffic, Community Participation, Public Relations and Special Events.
Ian Mariano Sr. - Public Relations Personnel.
Culture Apparel - Clothes, 12min. Marcus August is the creator behind Culture Apparel. We spoke with the young entrepreneur about his inspiration and design process. You can currently get T-shirts, Tank tops, hats and slides by contacting him on Facebook.
Many of us Belizeans have not viewed political independence as a challenge to consolidate our status as a nation-state. Rather, we have been encouraged by leaders of various descriptions to see these annual commemorations of our September 21, 1981 independence primarily as opportunities, or just reasons, to indulge in the merrymaking which has become a focus of so many of our lives. Have fun, the Belizean people are repeatedly being told, have fun.
Unfortunately, crisis is a characteristic of the human condition. Fun is something you’re allowed to have when you have survived or overcome crisis. Belize in September of 2018 is a nation which is experiencing some serious challenges. We have not done a good job of preparing ourselves for these challenges during the 37 years of our independence.
On Thursday, November 19, 1863, United States President Abraham Lincoln delivered a short speech at the dedication of the Soldiers’ National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. The speech, which would become known, famously so, as the Gettysburg Address, was given in the middle of a civil war which almost destroyed what we now know and respect as the United States of America. The Gettysburg Address was delivered 87 years after the United States had declared its independence from Great Britain. It was delivered 155 years ago.
We would like for you to read the Gettysburg Address on the occasion of Belize’s 37th anniversary of independence. 155 years ago is not that long ago, so that we can appreciate from how deep in crisis the United States has climbed to where the U.S. is today. Belizeans began migrating to the United States after the 1861-1865 American civil war to which we have referred, and we have been migrating there ever since. There are many Belizean families, although Belizeans are a relatively tiny percentage of the U.S. population, who can rightfully say that they have contributed to the building of the great United States.
Our point in recalling the Gettysburg Address is that the United States was not born great. The United States was a work in progress in 1863. In fact, the United States was a nation in bloody, divisive crisis in 1863.
In opening our editorial, we remarked, and we intended to do so disparagingly, on the nature of our previous independence celebrations, which have always emphasized merrymaking. After a while, Independence Day merrymaking became a business aspect of the occasion for more and more people, because, incongruously to our mind, tourism had become Belize’s leading industry in the third millennium. Tourists from developed countries who visit countries like Belize want to see a happy people. They are not interested in interacting with a people absorbed with making critical decisions. No, tourists want their natives to be happy.
What’s going on in Belize today does not justify a lot of happiness on the part of us natives. But, while we Belizeans could have been at a better place, a more organized and stronger place today, we should know that where there is life, there is hope. Yes,hope springs eternal. The Gettysburg Address should give us reason for hope. Back then, the American people paid a price in human suffering for the wealth and success they have enjoyed in our lifetime.
We have believed at this newspaper that the most important role of government is to ensure that the masses of our people are protected from the aggressive depredations of the socio-economic elite. You must recognize that Belizeans began a fight against British colonialism in 1950, and British colonialism was a system which had followed British slavery, both slavery and colonialism being systems which exploited and impoverished the masses of the Belizean people. Belize’s colonial economy in 1950 was absolutely dominated by a British company called the Belize Estate and Produce Company, Limited.
It is perhaps unfortunate that this newspaper and its parent organization came into conflict in 1969 with the political party, the People’s United Party (PUP), which had begun the fight against colonialism in 1950, just nineteen years before. In retrospect, it is clear that our generation was impatient with the rate of progress being achieved by the ruling PUP in 1969. There were specific areas where we believed that the PUP had compromised with colonialism and white supremacy.
But, the PUP succeeded in leading Belize to independence in 1981, and it is noteworthy that Rt. Hon. George Price, as PUP Leader, had made it his business to protect the Belizean masses from the socio-economic elite. Belize’s three Prime Ministers since Mr. Price have not focused on protecting the Belizean masses, and the result has been that a large gap has grown between the standard of living of the base Belizean people and that of a new elite which, sad to say, includes and features many of the political leaders who were supposed, in our opinion, to ensure socio-economic balance in The Jewel.
To be truthful, Mr. Price had already begun to lose control of the PUP, and indeed of Belize, before he lost political power to the United Democratic Party (UDP) in 1984. The historians here have not paid enough attention to the PUP chairmanship convention of 1983, when Said Musa challenged the incumbent PUP Chairman, Louis Sylvestre, for his position. It was the last attempt to return the PUP to its real social justice roots, and that attempt failed. Sylvestre triumphed, and the PUP lost power the following year.
In 2018, both Belize’s major political parties are controlled by neoliberal leaderships. It was felt worldwide in 1989 that neoliberal capitalism had triumphed, as a development philosophy, over scientific socialism. Neoliberal capitalism has done an outstanding job of disguising itself as Christian democracy, so that even though neoliberalism creates massive disparities in wealth, as we have seen in Belize to our consternation, it is the philosophy, to repeat, which rules both the UDP and the PUP.
For us, one of the problems with neoliberalism is that Belize had catching up to do, where educational empowerment and economic productivity were concerned, as we began the fight to shed colonialism in 1950. Catching up in a competitive region and competitive world, means that Belize had to think outside the box, outside of orthodoxy. If we examine our post-colonial history, we can see that Mr. Price experimented with some of that kind of thinking. As time went on, and his political enemies became more threatening, however, Mr. Price became less and less daring, more and more compliant with Belize’s socio-economic elite. For that reason, the indications are that he felt compelled to support, even if only discreetly, Mr. Sylvestre against Mr. Musa in 1983.
It should be noted, as the present UDP leaders celebrate the life of their first Leader, who passed this week, that it was in the October 1974 general election, the first for the UDP after it was formed in September of 1973, that Mr. Price and the PUP first experienced a serious political threat. Our thesis at this newspaper has been that the UDP was unabashedly neoliberal from its beginning, though “neoliberal” was not a word used in Belize back in 1973. For the UDP in 2018, then, nothing much has changed. It is the PUP which has gone away from its social justice roots, and Belize has suffered because of that.
Three decades and seven years ago, we conceived of a nation where Belizeans enjoyed equal opportunities, we would develop our natural resources, and we would become a people brave and strong. On Independence Day 2018, we should renew our commitment to national unity, and understand that, ultimately, it is only the masses of the Belizean people who can save this fledgling nation from the predators within and without.
This afternoon, the smell of burnt cocaine filled the Cayo air. The 1,225 pounds of cocaine that was found in Blue Creek in this Cessna 210 single engine plane 11 days ago was destroyed. The drugs were escorted by a convoy of police vehicles. Members from the GSU, BSAG, MIT, BDF, and Special Patrol guarded the drugs all the way to Pine Lumber in Georgeville for the destruction. And the team maintained their heavy presence at the site. Courtney Weatherburne was there and here is her story.
After 11 this morning, a fleet of police vehicles zoomed out of Belize City. The convoy was westbound transporting 1,225 pounds of cocaine to the Pine Lumber compound in Georgeville, where the fire raged on, feeding on scrap lumber.
While police officers and forensic personnel, dressed like surgeons, unravelled the neatly packaged parcels with pocket knives.
And then the team hurled the parcels into the blaze – just as Commander of Operations Chester Williams had said would be done.
DCP Chester Williams - Commander of Operations "When we had the press conference following the interception of the aircraft with its content, we had said at that press conference that we will be doing our best endeavour to ensure that the then suspected cocaine would be destroyed within a reasonable time because having it in our custody do possess some threat from those persons who were involve in its trafficking."
Initially there were some murmurs about whether it was really cocaine, but Williams says the lab test results confirmed that.
DCP Chester Williams "We had to get confirmation from the lab that the content of those parcels were indeed cocaine and that confirmation was obtained yesterday. We wanted the media to be there to be able to let the Belizean people know that what we indeed destroyed was cocaine - so that there are no rumours or to dispel rumours that some may want to spread in some quarters."
And now that those notions are dispelled and millions of dollars’ worth of cocaine has disintegrated into ash and smoke, it’s time to focus on the court case element.
DCP Chester Williams "I am pleased to say that we have rid ourselves of that burden and we now look forward to the matter being heard before the court when the time comes."
The drugs were found on the night of September 9th. The drugs were transported to the city on the 10th and stored at the Queen Street Police station until the parcels were burnt today.
Island students celebrate Belize’s 37th year of Independence
Various pre-schools in San Pedro Town joined the San Pedro Roman Catholic School (SPRCS) in a patriotic parade through the main streets of the island on Thursday, September 20th. The fun display was in honor of Belize’s 37th anniversary of independence on September 21st.
The parade began around 9AM, heading north on Barrier Reef Drive. Many island parents join their children in the parade, dressed in their most patriotic colors, while others gathered along the street sides of the route to get a good view.
Leading the parade was a marching band complete with dancers, followed by the different pre-schools of the island with the SPRC students ending the parade.
Click here to read the rest of the article and see LOTS more photos in the San Pedro Sun
Independence Eve Children's Patriotic Parade
It's our country's Independence Day Eve and the San Pedro RC School hit the streets of San Pedro and paraded in patriotic colors. The Marching Band played its melodious beats and majorettes danced gracefully to the tunes. Classes displayed their beautifully made banners with this year's theme "Belize Da Fu Wi, Now and Forever. 8867".
Happy Independence Day to all!
Click here to read the rest of the article and see LOTS more photos in the Ambergris Today
Fireworks in San Pedro, Official Flag Raising Ceremony Memorial Park
Mayor’s Independence Day Remarks
Ambergris Caye celebrates Belize’s 37th Independence anniversary with much patriotism
Belize celebrated its 37th Independence Anniversary on Friday, September 21st, and thousands of islanders on Ambergris Caye honoured the memorable occasion with patriotic activities. Under the theme ‘Belize Da Fi Wi- Now and Forever, 8867,’ San Pedranos convened at the Honourable Louis Sylvestre Sporting Arena on Thursday, September 20th for the official Independence Eve and midnight flag raising ceremonies. After ushering in Independence Day, the celebration continued on Friday with a grand parade through the main streets of San Pedro Town, culminating at the Central Park where a beach party took place until late in the evening.
As the clock ticked closer to midnight, the newly crowned Miss San Pedro 2018-2019 Chelsea Muñoz arrived at the festivities escorted by Deputy Mayor, Ruben Gonzalez along with the San Pedro High School marching band and members of the San Pedro Dance Company. Mayor Guerrero and Heredia then inspected members of the Belize Coast Guard. Afterward, they proceeded with the midnight flag raising ceremony and the 21 gun salute.
Following the Independence Eve Celebrations, island revellers enjoyed the vibrant and colourful J’ouvert held on Friday, September 21st through the main streets of San Pedro Town. DJ Debbie, DJ Patron and DJ BIGZ kept the group dancing to the tunes of Soca and carnival hits in the early hours on Independence Day.
Click here to read the rest of the article and see more photos in the San Pedro Sun
Significant rain showers continue from time to time in any part of Belize, but more so in central and southern areas, as swellups develop more and more.
there is a power failure effecting Belize. BEL are trying to find the cause right now, it is due to a fault on their transmission system, which presumably they mean the 115kV high voltage power line that links the Hydro generators to Cayo district, Belize district and then up through Orange Walk and the Corozal district to connect with power from Mexico.
BEL has found which branch or connection the fault is on, but have not found the fault yet. They reconnected good power to Belmopan around 14:25 But when they connected the faulty circuit a few minutes later, it overloaded the system and tripped out the whole system completely again.
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