At the top of our newscast we told you of the registry of sex offenders that was promised six years and still has not had a promising lift off. In that very same interview done in October 2012, there was talk of a DNA lab. Retired Colonel George Lovell noted, quote, “”The second of that is DNA and it is my hope with the work that we are currently doing that we will see this particular discipline up and running in a very short time. We currently have discussions with our friends from the United States Government where we have an agreement for them to have assigned to us and our national forensic science services a DNA expert.” Again …. Six years later and we are still at the drawing board. Today, in an interview at the Radisson, the retired colonel told the media that the Ministry of National Security is closer to establish a DNA lab than before.
RETD Colonel George Lovell: “The DNA labs is one of those things that we are certainly looking forward to happen in a very short time. These things take some time because a lab will not just because we have the money tomorrow show up. We have to ensure that we have proper drawings, there is old procurement procedures that we have to go through and then the construction itself will take some time but yes it is still there we are still working on that. Just last week I have had the privilege of having a detailed discussion with the new Executive Director of the National Forensic Science Service and this came after we have had an assessment done by a team known as ICITOP: Its and assessment group that does assessment of Forensic Laboratory because we were looking at seeing how we can have our laboratory facility to a certain level where we are accredited. We need to look at our whole aspect of Post Mortems that we do and the fact that the limited amount of pathologist that we have that conducts those Post Mortems create some challenges that we might need to want to have not just Dr. Estrada and Dr. Ken and Dr. Blanco but try to have three of four more of these specialist employed in a very short time frame. We are looking at a quality assurance person to be there. We are looking at having a larger category of scenes of crime techinitions.”
Lovell says the land has been earmarked for the facility and the Government of Belize has received the first set of monies under the Central American Bank for Economic Integration, CABEI loan agreement.
It's starting to feel a lot like Christmas! The countdown to the annual San Pedro Holiday Boat Parade has begun.
Boat captains are encouraged to register today. Registration is FREE and you could win from the prize pool of $10,000! Register your boat now by emailing brittneyodaniel82@gmail.com!
From Belize Electricity Limited - BEL, 1:42PM, November 20th: "Power supply to be restored at 4:00pm, Tuesday, November 20 to DFC area, San Pablo, San Marcos, Santa Paula and Escalante Subdivisions. BEL continues to repair downed high voltage lines in the area."
Located at Fairdale Plaza on Coconut Drive, the café offers a cozy, friendly ambiance with a side of classic breakfast plates and lunch sandwiches, and of course, freshly brewed cup of Java.
Island Buzz serves up good old ‘as close to home as possible’ cooking! Sausage, eggs and cheese biscuits, yum! Let’s not forget the gravy. Or a classic pancake breakfast with crispy bacon on the side. Their home-cooked beans were a home run for me – slow cooked to perfection. Breakfast at Island Buzz is a delight! Lunch options range from meatball subs to grilled Paninis and even a chef’s salad if you’re seeking healthier options. Pair any of these plates with fresh, natural juices or some locally roasted Caye Coffee.
Island Buzz Café and Grill also offers a ‘to go’ option – call in your order and pick up when ready. They are open Monday to Saturday from 7AM to 1PM-ish. For orders call or test 501-668-1322 or email islandbuzzcafe@yahoo.com.
Click here to read the rest of the article and see more photos in the My Beautiful Belize Blog
San Pedro Celebrates Garifuna Settlement Day 2018 Garifuna Settlement Day was observed on Monday, November 19, 2012, that made for a long holiday weekend of celebration throughout the country of Belize.
The Garinagu community of San Pedro was nothing shy of showing off their rich culture, especially when it came to the drumming and dancing. Activities surrounding the day of celebration started off early with cultural drumming at Central Park, School visits, translation competitions and much more.
The major social event was held at Central Park on the eve of Garifuna Settlement Day where the Garinagu held celebratory drumming and dancing performances through the night. The traditional Yurumei which is the reenactment of the Garinagu’s arrival to Belize took place at 1:00pm on Monday, November 19, 2018 followed by short parade through town.
Misc Belizean Sources
A Gatsby Inspired Wine & Jazz Night A Portion of proceeds will go to the Rotary's Gift of Life. Mark your calendar for a fun night supporting a great initiative. A group of young people (recent graduates from the UB Tourism Management Course) have undertaken a function as a “practice run” of their fresh new ideas. The attached flyer is the function and I am not sure how many of you have noticed this on social media (?). When it was originally planned and promoted, the price of the tickets was at $100bz per ticket/ person. Sadly, the organizers have received LITTLE Support and hardly any sales have been made for the event. The tickets are now priced at $50BZ per ticket/ person and still, hardly anyone has purchased enough to make the event break even much less functionable.
Many times, for those of us in the tourism industry, we are fast to criticize young people for their lack of enthusiasm and lack of drive but here we have a group who is showing their talent in organizing this event with little backing & support. With their drive, we honestly should NOT allow their efforts to go unnoticed or unsupported- it will discourage them in a way that will cause irreversible “damage” to their morale and drive to succeed.
Murder in the Capital On Monday 19th November 2018, at 12:40 p.m. Belmopan police visited #1 Panama street in the Salvapan area. There they found an Orange color Dodge Neon car with license plate c-04443. Inside the vehicle, on the driver side was a man with a gunshot wound to the left side of the face. He was identified as 23 year old Jermain Micheal sankar, originally from the Corozal District.
The police say Sankar was , he was shot by a man wearing a blue shirt. His body was taken to the hospital morgue for a postmortem examination.
Park Closings today BARTON CREEK CAVE IS OPEN
ATM AND NOHOCH CHEEN ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESERVES REMAINS CLOSED DUE TO FLOODED RIVER CONDITION
H'OBNIL H'obnil is the representation of a sudden death and one of the lords of the underworld. It's name H'obnil means "Sudden Death".
Channel 5
Thieves Target UB Security Early on November 19th, police were called out to the University of Belize compound on Chancellor Avenue, Belize City. Upon arrival police observed 36 year old security guard Anthony Francisco in handcuffs. According to police, three men, one armed with a handgun, arrived at the compound and held up Francisco. The thieves made away with Francisco’s cellphone. Police are investigating.
Corozal Resident Killed in Belmopan Twenty three year old Jermaine Michael Sanker of Corozal Town was gunned down on Monday while he was on Panama Street in the Salvapan Area of Belmopan. Police say that is happened after midday when Sanker was inside a parked orange car. Sanker was approached by a male person of clear complexion who shot Sanker to the face and escaped into the nearby bushes. Sankar was pronounced dead on arrival at the Western Regional Hospital.
OW Police Catches Would-be Robber According to police at around 10:35 am today two men, one armed with handgun, attempted to rob a tacos stand at the Orange Walk Town market. Quick police response led to the detention of a 17 year old minor of of Carmelita Village, Orange Walk District. Police investigation continues
Murder in Belize City 21 year old barber Eric Staine was fatally shot on Sunday night. Police found Staine at the corner of Krooman Road and the George Price Highway suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was rushed to the KHMH where he died while receiving treatment.
The Reporter
Two Persons Missing after Vehicle Slips off Flooded Culvert Two persons are missing and another was rescued after a vehicle slipped off a flooded culvert in Buena Vista Village, Cayo.
The incident happened earlier this evening when the three Americans attempted to cross the flooded road, and the culvert apparently collapsed with them.
The rescued person, Jack Moore, is said to be unconscious.
BARBER MURDERED IN BELIZE CITY A barber was shot dead on Sunday night in Belize City. He is Eric Staine, 21.
The incident happened around 10:30pm, at the corner of Krooman Road and the George Price Highway. Police say they found Staine critically wounded with multiple gunshot wounds over his body. They transported Staine to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
MURDER IN BELMOPAN’S, SALVAPAN AREA – HOLIDAY VIOLENCE A man was murdered in Belmopan early this afternoon.
Police say they were summoned to #1 Panama Street in the Salvapan Area of Belmopan around 12:40 this morning where they found an orange Dodge Neon car parked on the street side. On the driver’s side of the car police found Jermain Michael Sanker, 23, with a gun shot wound to the left side of face.
Breaking Belize News
Bridge in Buena Vista Village, Cayo washed away, 2 persons missing
Reports to our newsdesk indicate that two persons are missing as a result of a vehicle that was washed away along with the Buena Vista bridge this evening.
According to reports, one of the occupants of the vehicle, an American national, has been rescued.
Man murdered inside his car in Belmopan
Police are investigating the murder of a man that occurred this afternoon.
Around 12:40, police were called to Panama Street, Salvapan area, Belmopan where they found an orange car parked on the street side.
Inside the car, a man was seated in the driver’s seat with a gunshot wound to his face.
He was identified as Jermain Micheal Sankar, 23, from the Corozal District.
Man killed in Belmopan
Reports to BBN is that a man was shot and killed this afternoon inside his vehicle in Salvapan, Belmopan.
Police are currently on the scene.
Belize city barber shot dead
Belize City police are investigating a murder that occurred last night.
Around 10:30, police responded to reports of shots being fired at the corner of the George Price highway and Krooman Road.
There, police saw a man lying on the ground with multiple gunshot wounds to the body.
Happy Garifuna Settlement day!
Today is celebrated in Belize as Garifuna Settlement Day.
The National Garifuna Council (NGC) began the month with the Annual Garifuna Solidarity Mass and activities highlighting Garifuna culture continued throughout November leading up to today.
Belize City man shot last night
Police are investigating another shooting incident that occurred last night in Belize city.
Around 8:15, Stephan Tablada, 18, was entering his home on Neal Penn road when he heard about six gunshots ring out.
Police investigating shooting incident
Police are investigating a shooting incident that occurred last night in Belize city.
A Chinese businessman of Belize city told police that he and an employee arrived at his shop, Tommy’s Wholesale on Central American Boulevard when they were confronted by two men.
Minor detained for attempted robbery at tacos stand
Police have detained a 17-year-old minor from Carmelita, Orange Walk for attempting to rob a tacos stand.
Around 10:35 this morning, two men arrived at a tacos stand in Orange Walk. One of the men had a gun and attempted to take money from the owner.
Beltraide hosts Entrepreneurship Convention 2018 (EntreCon)
In collaboration with Global Entrepreneurship week 2018, Beltraide is hosting its fourth annual National Entrepreneurship Convention (ENTRECON).
The theme for this years Entrecon is “Innovation & Knowledge Transfer: Drivers of Competitiveness”.
The most important goal for businesses and organizations is to achieve the highest output and performance.
BTEC Announces Completion of its Wait Staff, Housekeeping and Bartending Training Programs
The Belize Training and Employment Centre (BTEC), a unit of the Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE), has successfully completed its Waitstaff, Housekeeping, and Bartending training which provided participants with the necessary skills to equip them for employment in the hospitality industry.
The three-week training ran from October 29- November 16, 2018.
UB targeted by armed robbers!
With the Christmas holidays just weeks away, there is always a surge in property crimes.
However, no one predicted that the University of Belize which educates our nation’s children would be targeted in this anticipated surge.
Our newsroom has confirmed that in the wee hours of today, four armed men entered one of the university’s campuses in Belize City.
Two persons electrocuted on Saturday afternoon
Two persons were reportedly electrocuted on Saturday afternoon.
They have been identified as William Escobar, 20, and a minor, 15.
They were both cutting down trees near the Westar gas station in Roaring Creek.
Employee shot in a shootout at a Chinese establishment
eports to BBN are that a man was shot sometime around 10 p.m. last night in Belize City.
He has been identified as Chester Humes, 34.
Our newsroom has confirmed that he was inside Sun Led store on Central American Boulevard when he was shot.
Moist and cool conditions to continue
Moist and cool conditions are expected over Belize today.
Cloudy skies with a few showers, periods of rain and isolated thunderstorms are forecasted today.
Antonio “Tony” Herrera wins UDP convention in Corozal Southeast
Yesterday the United Democratic Party (UDP) held a convention to elect a standard bearer for the Corozal Southeast constituency.
After the ballots were counted, Antonio “Tony” Herrera, was declared the winner.
He garnered 1,474 votes while his challenger Narciso Judge Flores received 912 votes.
Eric Staine, 21, killed in Belize City
A Belize City resident was shot dead just before 11 p.m. last night.
He has been identified as Eric Staine, 21.
According to reports, he was found riddled with gunshot at the corner of Krooman Road and the George Price Highway.
Beach Bars And Sunset Cruises: A Typical Week In Placencia, Belize I have been living in Belize for about five years now. I made my home base in Placencia, a laidback community in the southern part of Belize. And I chose this spot for good reason.
Placencia is known as the prettiest village in the country. It’s beautifully situated on a 16-mile peninsula that is mostly very skinny—in some places you can see the sparkling Caribbean on both sides of the one road into town. The whole way down, you’ll see an unbelievable mix of million-dollar beach homes, brightly colored boutique hotels, simple wood shacks on stilts, an authentic Central American village… And it ends in a funky, artistic, warm, and welcoming little village of 1,500 people—Placencia Village, at the southern tip of the peninsula.
Placencia is relaxed, known for being a rustic, simple paradise. There are lots of charming, open-air restaurants—Happy Hour is the craziest time of the day—and things close up rather early.
The latest news and images from Belize!! It was a very exciting couple weeks in the news for Belize!! There was a ton of positive attention all over different media - it started with Lonely Planet placing Belize as #10 on their list of top ten places to go in the world, in 2019... For a tiny country this is a HUGE accomplishment!!!
Then GQ, the knower of all things cool, proclaimed that BELIZE was the place to go - and to skip trendy, super-cool Tulum this year!!
Then, the same week, Belize was announced the fastest-growing place in the Caribbean...
Caribbean Journal announced Belize is the fastest-growing Caribbean destination based on September's tourism results!!
Labour: To Build A Maya Empire Part 1 People from all over the world visit the Maya area. Many come to Belize, Central America and they witness amazing when they enter the jungle and come face to face with history. Most noteworthy in these cities we find, temples, palaces, ball courts, intra-city roads, altars, stelae, barrios, and plaza groups. All built by the greatest ancient civilisation in the America’s. As we walk around these ancient cities, the likes of, Cahal Pech, Xunantunich and Altun Ha, its important to realise the human investment in these cities. After all, these infrastructural projects were not built by UFO’s. They did not just grow out of the earth by wish – they were built by hands. Built without the use of beasts of burden and managed with the power of religion, political management and in instances, by force.
Come Fly Away Looking to take that exotic vacation to some warm location, but without the hassle of swapping planes, flying to multiple cities, and long flight times? Now with more direct flights than ever before, a trip to Belize is even closer than a hop, skip and a jump away!
In just the past two months, AeroMexico and Sun Country Airlines announced two new direct flights into Belize starting making there now 11 total airlines from 15 different cities in the US Mexico and Central America all flying directly to Belize. No matter where you live, there is bound to be a flight nearby and with flights taking anywhere from 1-4 hours max, booking that winter getaway to a warmer climate is just that much more appealing.
Belize Is the Perfect Place for Kayaking It’s hard to think of a better place to enjoy some kayaking than Belize. A combination of year-round balmy weather and the largest coral reef system in the Western Hemisphere make Belize absolutely perfect for kayaking.
Even if you’ve never tried kayaking before, it’s a fun, easy, and safe sport that people of all ages can enjoy. After a quick training course, you can head out to explore one of the most eco-diverse marine environments on the planet. Along the way, you can look for stingrays, eagle rays, manatees, sea turtles, nurse sharks, reef sharks, and even a pod of curious dolphins. The waters of the reef are also brimming with huge schools of colorful fish, so you’ll never run out of amazing marine life to spot. And if you’ve brought along your snorkel gear, you can always hop in the water to get a closer look.
Why You Should Spend Your Christmas Vacation in Belize While you definitely won’t see any snow falling during Christmas in Belize, this small Caribbean country is one of the best places to enjoy the holidays.
Although December and January are quintessential winter months in North America, in Belize, they are when the weather is at its finest. The Christmas period in Belize is full of warm, delicious sunshine and delightful temperatures that average in the mid-80’s, making it perfect T-shirt and sandals time. For many visitors, getting away from the cold and misery of winter is one of the best reasons to visit Belize during the Christmas holidays.
Tips for Solo Travellers Visiting Belize Whether you’re a seasoned pro at solo traveling or are heading out into the world for the first time by yourself, one of the best places to visit is Belize.
Many solo visitors like to visit Belize outside of the major holidays like Christmas and Easter. If you come during the “off season,” you can save on lodgings, and airfare is often cheaper as well. Some of the best months to visit when it’s less crowded are January, February, and after Easter.
And don’t worry about meeting people or making friends! Belize is world-famous for its friendly locals. Belize is still far enough off the beaten path that it feels like a small town. And with everyone speaking English, you’ll never have any problems striking up a conversation.
How to Travel to Belize on a Budget Belize is an amazing and exotic getaway destination, but the good news is that you don’t have to break the bank to travel to Belize.
If you’ve been interested in visiting Belize but were worried about affordability, we’ve provided this handy guide for exploring this astonishingly beautiful country on a limited budget.
In the United States, all four of the nation’s biggest airlines now fly to Belize, making it easy to find affordable tickets. Southwest, United, Delta, and American Airlines now fly non-stop to Belize from more than a dozen major cities.
What to Do in the Rainforest in Belize WestJet Magazine, the in-flight publication of WestJet Airlines, recently recommended visiting the rainforest in Belize. WestJet currently offers non-stop service from Toronto and Calgary to Belize. In the article, WestJet magazine described some of the many exciting things to do in the rainforest in Belize.
By day, hikers can marvel at the variety of trees and flowering plants in the rainforest. But it’s only at night when the jungle truly comes alive. Lodges like Cave Branch offer guided night hikes through the rainforest, giving visitors a unique chance to glimpse deer, tapirs, wild boar, tarantulas, red-eyed tree frogs, and occasionally even jaguars that call the rainforest home.
HAPPY GARIFUNA SETTLEMENT DAY Once again, all of us at Chaa Creek wish our Garifuna brothers and sisters throughout Belize, and in the many Garinagu communities spread throughout the world, a Happy Garifuna Settlement Day.
Garifuna history is such an important part of Belize’s heritage that it’s only proper November 19 is set aside each year as a national holiday to celebrate the arrival of Garinagu, and to acknowledge the many contributions they have made since.
The Garifuna are descendants of African slaves who, shipwrecked off the Caribbean Island of St Vincent’s in the 1600s, swam ashore and intermarried with the indigenous Arawak inhabitants, producing a distinct culture with its own language, customs, music and arts.
Belize’s Great Blue Hole, Richard Branson, Submarines and a Famous Frenchman’s Grandson Belize’ Great Blue Hole made worldwide news back in the 1971 when Jacques Cousteau anchored his research vessel RV Calypso on its rim and made the first extensive dives of what he went on to classify as one of the top five dive spots on the planet.
Now, almost 50 years later, Belize’s Great Blue Hole is back in the news, thanks to Jacques’ grandson Fabien Cousteau, and an intrepid crew of celebrity adventurers that includes Richard Branson. Branson, celebrity businessman, philanthropist, founder of the Virgin Group of companies and co-founder of Ocean Unite, earlier announced that he was partnering with filmmaker and conservationist Cousteau, as well as Harvey Flemming, founding president of Canadian company Aquatica Submarines, and a team of scientists, filmmakers and explorers to send two submersibles to the bottom of the Great Blue Hole.
International Sources
A Bird’s-Eye View in Belize Ohio Wesleyan Student Uses Drone to Conduct Geography Research. Farmer used drones to map the islands of Belize and conducted interviews with locals to provide context for a spatial storytelling aspect of his project. He presented his research at OWU’s Summer Science Research Symposium regarding environmental changes in Belize and how locals are adapting to those changes. He also has submitted his abstract and poster to present at the East Lakes Division of the American Association of Geographers.
“The project description for the track ‘drones and spatial storytelling’ sparked an interest, and so I decided I wanted to just give it a shot. …
TDI-Brooks International Joins Blue Hole Belize Expedition TDI-Brooks International will soon deploy the RV Brooks McCall to Belize and join the Blue Hole Expedition. The vessel will provide the logistical support, hosting and launching of Aquatica’s manned submersible submarines along with providing accommodations for all crew and guests during the two-week expedition. Partnered with Aquatica Submarines, and their partner, the Roatan Institute of Deepsea Exploration (RIDE), they will be deploying their submersibles for the Expedition – Aquatica’s Stingray 500 and RIDE’s Idabel.
Caribbean real estate dream turns into $100 million nightmare for retirees Ever fantasize about fleeing the winter cold and getting in on the ground floor of a beachfront real estate deal in which you double your money in a few years? If you've dreamed that dream, here's how it could turn nightmarish.
When Frank Balluff and his wife, Rebecca, purchased a lot in what seemed to be an exciting new Caribbean resort development, little could they imagine what they were getting into. In fact, it was what the Federal Trade Commission now calls the biggest real estate scam involving overseas property it has ever investigated. Promoters allegedly fleeced 1,000-plus lot buyers out of $100 million or more. Earlier this month, the FTC sought and obtained a federal court order temporarily shutting the project down and freezing promoters' assets.
Balluff, a business owner from Michigan, estimates that his personal losses exceed $310,000, but he says he's heard of others who "invested their full retirement funds" and planned to build homes and move to the resort. Now "they just have nothing left," he says.
The Best Places To Retire Abroad In 2019 When it comes time to pick a retirement spot, the majority of Americans end up staying put, or moving within their own state. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t at least consider the option of retiring abroad. Fact is, many countries offer a high standard of living at a much lower cost and throw in good weather, great scenery and fascinating culture at no extra charge. To assist those planning, or simply dreaming about, a foreign retirement haven, Forbes has scoured the globe to come up with a list, The Best Places To Retire Abroad In 2019. Click on the gallery below for a description of all 24 countries, on five continents, that made our list, in alphabetical order. Note that while we are picking entire nations, not every place in each is suitable. U.S. expat retirees often tend to cluster in just a few locales. So we suggest a few specific spots in each, although in most countries there are many other locations that would also be suitable.
United Airlines makes a major play for spring break traffic United Airlines is at it again — growing its flight schedule around a targeted event. This time it’s that annual tradition known as spring break.
United said Monday it will add nearly 150 additional flights between the carrier's major hubs and popular spring break destinations ranging from Arizona, Florida, Hawaii, Mexico and the Caribbean to a few ski destinations for those party animals who like a slightly colder clime.
Altogether United's new flights will inject an additional 41,000 seats into the marketplace during the annual spring break migration. The airline said it plans to add seven more spring break flights into Phoenix and Tucson as part of the new service.
Origin of chocolate shifts 1,400 miles and 1,500 years The key ingredient of chocolate was being used in South America centuries before it was exploited by civilisations in Mexico and Central America, according to new research.
The cacao tree, and in particular the drinks made from its dried seeds, has long been linked to the Maya and other ancient civilisations in Mesoamerica – a heritage embraced by chocolate companies that produce goods with monikers like Maya Gold.
But now experts say seeds from the cacao tree were first used in present-day Ecuador by members of the Mayo Chinchipe culture, in research that pushes back the date of the first cacao use by about 1,500 years and shifts the location of the culinary event 1,400 miles to the upper Amazon.
“It is used by people in this area more than 5,000 years ago – way earlier than we have ever found in Mesoamerica and Central America,” said Prof Michael Blake, a co-author of the research from the University of British Columbia in Canada.
“It [tells] us that it was domesticated or at least under the process of domestication in this area.”
Videos
Garifuna Settlement Day Videos from around Belize:
(Yurumein) Garifuna Settlement Day, 14min.
At the center of Garifuna Settlement Day celebrations is the reenactment of Yurumein. Yurumein is the Garifuna word which means Homeland, it is a public reenactment of the epic journey of the Garifuna people from their homeland in St. Vincent to the shores of Belize The Yurumein is re-enacted in every major community where the Garinagu reside and presents itself as one of Belize’s prominent cultural celebrations. Other cultures of Belize have come to appreciate this annual celebration and it in fact contributes to our collective understanding of the Belizean identity. It is only hoped that the knowledge of Yurumein will be passed on to younger generations of Belizeans and thereby allow Garifuna Culture to remain an integral part of the Belizean way of life.
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How To Make Belizean Jam Roll, 16min. Belizean Jam Roll is very simple desert that's made by putting together 2 components....pie dough and jam. We will make the pie dough from scratch and I'll show you two different ways to assemble the roll. You can use any flavor jam you like, but I like to use strawberry jam.
Belize TRIP II Nov 2018, 23min. This is Scuba Bob's second trip to Belize to look at property on Turneffe Atoll. We have made a commitment to purchase the property and have an archetect to design a main house and two 3 bedroom casitas. Take a look at the property, refs and mainland of our new Bed and Breakfast: ToRo Eco Lodge.
Garifuna Settlement Day was observed on Monday, November 19, 2012, that made for a long holiday weekend of celebration throughout the country of Belize.
The Garinagu community of San Pedro was nothing shy of showing off their rich culture, especially when it came to the drumming and dancing. Activities surrounding the day of celebration started off early with cultural drumming at Central Park, School visits, translation competitions and much more.
The major social event was held at Central Park on the eve of Garifuna Settlement Day where the Garinagu held celebratory drumming and dancing performances through the night. The traditional Yurumei which is the reenactment of the Garinagu’s arrival to Belize took place at 1:00pm on Monday, November 19, 2018 followed by short parade through town.
Click here to read the rest of the article and see LOTS more photos in the Ambergris Today
Garifuna Settlement Day Videos from around Belize:
(Yurumein) Garifuna Settlement Day, 14min.
At the center of Garifuna Settlement Day celebrations is the reenactment of Yurumein. Yurumein is the Garifuna word which means Homeland, it is a public reenactment of the epic journey of the Garifuna people from their homeland in St. Vincent to the shores of Belize The Yurumein is re-enacted in every major community where the Garinagu reside and presents itself as one of Belize’s prominent cultural celebrations. Other cultures of Belize have come to appreciate this annual celebration and it in fact contributes to our collective understanding of the Belizean identity. It is only hoped that the knowledge of Yurumein will be passed on to younger generations of Belizeans and thereby allow Garifuna Culture to remain an integral part of the Belizean way of life.
Belizean Jam Roll is very simple desert that's made by putting together 2 components....pie dough and jam. We will make the pie dough from scratch and I'll show you two different ways to assemble the roll. You can use any flavor jam you like, but I like to use strawberry jam.
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
Letter to the Editor: A heart breaking and heart warming clean-up Dear Editor,
The clean-up of the San Pedrito road was heart breaking and heart warming. It was an emotional experience.
Heart breaking because the life giving mangroves are being poisoned. Humans have deliberately put trash in the water. The mangroves are trying to grow in water that is scary to look at. The water is a strange polluted colour. It looks and is, toxic.
Heart warming because there were so many hardworking people doing their best to remove this trash. They were standing in the water hand picking the trash and placing it on the road for pick up. This is not fun work. Its is simply depressing, back breaking work.
Then it was either loaded into trucks or placed into bags to be hauled off.
There were not enough volunteers or enough trucks. Not enough water or snacks. Not enough garbage bags or gloves.
And yet the volunteers persisted. All of this done in the hot sun.
Wolfe’s Woofer: A Good Provider “Do you remember Dolores?” Sherry asked. “She’s the girl who used to work doing cleanup for me when I had the Monkey Bites Café.”
“Yeah,” I said. “She also worked for us as a maid for two days a week.”
“That’s her.”
“Didn’t she move back to her village on the mainland?”
“Yes, but she’s back on the island. She came by yesterday looking for domestic work and I’d like to hire her for a couple of days a week. What do you think?”
“It’s fine as long as she doesn’t touch any of my stuff. Anything of mine she ever touched disappeared for a week. Finding my shoes or my keys was like searching for Easter eggs.”
Letter to the Editor: A call to action for EVERYONE Dear Editor,
Warning – what follows is a rant/call to action for EVERYONE, even if you are not on the island.
For the last 5 months, the BIG Garbage Clean up has been in the planning and organizing stages. HUNDREDS of hours have been dedicated to this project by only 4 determined ladies (that also have full-time businesses) and many many additional hours by others wanting to help. The task was ENORMOUS, but they took it on because the issue this island has with garbage being dumped on the roadsides is affecting our environment and it is beginning to have an effect our #1 industry – Tourism.
There is NO job here on the island that does not depend on tourists continuing to come to the island, and yet no one seems to care that the first thing the tourists see as they approach the island by air is trash upon trash along the tarmac dumped on the San Pedrito Highway – not the greatest first impression after the beauty of the ocean that they’ve been photographing on the way over.
Doctor Love: Bored Dear Doctor Love,
All of my life I have been accused of lacking motivation. When I was in school, teachers sent notes to my parents telling them of my unwillingness to get involved with student activities and my disinterest in performing at any level higher than is necessary to pass. Because of this life long attitude, I find myself a single woman in my mid-twenties with not a single close friend, working a job just to pay my bills.
I am simply bored with everything. I have no interest in anything other than sleeping. I don’t care what I eat. I don’t want a boyfriend. I don’t even remember ever getting excited about holidays and birthdays.
Misc Belizean Sources
Annual Christmas Bird Count 2018 It's that time of the year!!!!
Okay friends, let me know who is interested in going on which one of the counts. December 8th and 9th, we will be doing a refresher for rusty birders and intro for new birders. Location will be Caribbean Shrimp Farm, Salt Creek Road, and Belize River Valley area.
Dec 8th - (Saturday afternoon) 1 to 4pm classroom
Dec 9th - (Sunday) 5:30am - 5:30pm all day birding.
ICJ Referendum Forum at The Corozal House of Culture We are very grateful to all our guest who came out to be informed at The ICJ Referendum Forum at The Corozal House of Culture on November 16th 2018. There was a balanced presentation on both sides of the topic. The public has an opportunity to freely and respectfully express their inputs and points of view on the subject. We are grateful for the opportunity to continue to educate on matters that are vital to our past and current history. Many thanks to our seasoned presenters Mr Roy Rodriguez Sr. and Mr Gian Vasquez. Many thanks to our moderator Dr Baldomino Barboza. Thanks to Ms Debra WilkesDebra at The Corozal House of Culture. Thanks to NICH Belize for your continual support of our efforts.Thanks to Miss Celeste Pederson for your financial support. Thanks to members of To'one Masehualoon NGO Mr Adan Palomo, Mr Faustino Yam, Ms Claridelma Sabino and Ms Loreen Maura for your support and participation. Many Thanks to CTV3 and Power FM from Orange Walk Town. Together we achieve more. En la kech a la keen.
Panerrifix: A Christmas Story
Panerrifix will be performing ''A Christmas Story' along with the Cayo Music School. It'll be at the Hilltop Basketball Court on Saturday, December 8th, and starts at 7:00pm.
"Come celebrate the greatest story ever told...the story of Jesus Christ through music and song. Special guests include Chanelle Parks and the Cayo Music School. Get your tickets early from band members or inbox to reserve."
JACINTO CANEK Jacinto Canek or Jacinto Uc de los Santos was a 18th-century Maya revolutionary who fought against the Spanish in the Yucatán Peninsula of New Spain. His sentence was carried out in the main plaza of Mérida on December 14, 1761. A good reading for us Yucatec Maya of Belize to learn more about our ancestors struggle .
The Spanish conquest of Yucatán ended in the late 17th century, with the fall of the Itza people, the last group of Maya able to resist the conquistadors. However, the Mayas continued armed revolt against the Spanish into the 18th century, and after an interruption, into the early 20th century under Mexican jurisdiction. Lands owned in common by the Maya were taken and given as land grants in the form of haciendas to either the Catholic Church or to Spanish noblemen, interfering with the means of subsistence of the Maya.
Channel 5
Shooting in Belize City A man is at the KHMH receiving treatment after he was shot tonight in Belize City. The victim was on Neal Penn Road when a man on a motorcycle approached him and fired several shots. Police are investigating...
Belize City Taxi Man Missing Please on the lookout for 56 year old Ira Hamilton, taxi driver of 4385 Custard Apple Street, Belize City. He was reported missing by his wife. Hamilton was last seen on Friday, November 16th, driving a gold Toyota Corolla. He reportedly broke down somewhere in the Hattieville area and has not been seen or heard from since. If you have any information that can assist in locating Hamilton you are asked to call the nearest police station.
Teenager Raped in Roaring Creek Police in Roaring Creek Village, Cayo District, are investigating a report of rape made by a 15 year old girl. Accompanied by her mother, the girl told police that sometime around 4:00 pm on November 17th she was “drinking alcoholic beverages along with her uncle and another male person when she began to feel sick.” According to the girl, she went to sleep in a bedroom and after some time had passed “the male person entered the room and had sexual intercourse with her against her will.” A medical examination certified that she was carnally known. Police have since detained an 18 year-old male person pending investigation.
Fatal Traffic Accident on the Hummingbird Highway Thirty three year old Pedro Shol became a victim of a fatal traffic accident on Saturday evening. Police say that at around 5:47 pm, officers were called out to mike 10 1/2 on the Hummingbird where they saw Shol motionless on the ground. Shol was on a motorcycle heading towards Pomona Village when he reportedly lost control of the motorcycle and collided into a parked white bus. He was rushed to the Southern Regional Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
The Reporter
Posh Family Park Coming Soon for South-side Residents on the south side of Belize City will soon have their own stylish family-friendly park, after ground was broken for the facility on Ring Road off Western Avenue on Thursday.
Mayor Bernard Wagner told the media that the City Council wanted the southside residents to have a park that is as scenic and that has amenities comparable to the BTL Park on the northside.
The park will consist of barbecue stands and seating for families to have picnics and programs.
Breaking Belize News
Man shot in Belize City
A man was shot in Belize city.
He has been identified as Stefan Tablada.
Information to BBN is that he was socializing at a residence on Neal Pen Road when a man on a motorcycle approached and opened fire.
Dr. Simeon Coc wins UDP Toledo West convention
Today the United Democratic Party (UDP) held a convention to elect the standard bearer for the Toledo West constituency.
Estevan Coc garnered 13 votes, Sylvia Hulse collected 68 votes and Senator Macario Coy gathered 1,281.
In the end, Dr. Simeon Coc emerged victorious with 1,504 votes.
Police Department appeals to motorists to exercise caution while driving
In light of recent traffic accidents, the Belize Police department today issued a statement appealing to all motorists to exercise extreme caution.
Motorists are reminded to refrain from driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
The department is also appealing to all family members and friends to do all in their power to prevent loved ones from driving or riding motorcycles if they are drinking or under the influence.
Man dies in fatal traffic accident
Police are investigating a fatal traffic accident that occurred yesterday evening.
Around 5:47 pm, police went to an area near Mile 10 ½ on the Southern Highway, Stann Creek and saw the body of a man lying face up on the road.
The victim was identified as Pedro Shol,33, of Valley Community.
15 year-old-minor raped in Roaring Creek; Police investigating
Roaring Creek police are investigating a report of rape.
According to reports, a 15-year-old female minor and her mom reported to police that yesterday around 4 pm, she was drinking alcoholic beverages along with her uncle and another male person when she began to feel sick.
According to the minor, she went to sleep in her bedroom and shortly thereafter, the male person reportedly entered the room and raped her.
Taxi driver missing in Belize City
The family of Ira Hamilton, 56, a taxi driver of Belize City is concerned about him.
Hamilton was reported missing by his wife yesterday.
According to reports, he was last seen on Friday, November 16, 2018, driving his 1989 Gold Toyota Corolla.
Ear Muffs & Mule Carts: Snapshots of My Week in Belize Each year – about this time, the weather abruptly shifts. We go from BLAZING HOT and humid to the first cold front of the year. Just a shift in wind and a few degrees drop in temperature and those who live here get out sweatshirts and thick socks and confound all the tourists.
I walked the dogs in a full sweat suit the other day – right past a bunch of visitors sunning in their bikinis.
Monday, breeze from the west, bright sun, temps in the low 80s
Monday night was looking beautiful…
But the next morning…the cold winds were starting to blow. And suddenly it was in the mid-70s with a brisk northerly wind.
Kids were wearing quilted winter jackets – those driving golf carts? Wool hats and I even saw a set of ear muffs.
Here are some snap shots from Ambergris Caye and Belize City – many of which I share on Facebook but…and GET THIS…some of you don’t have Facebook!
SO here they are.
International Sources
Belize’s thriving Afro-Caribbean community The boats came at dawn along the shores of the town of Dangriga on the coast of Belize.
Onboard, vibrantly dressed men, women and children carried homemade flags and waved bright green fronds of coconut palm branches as they approached the shore. On land, a crowd waited, ready to cheer as feet stepped out of the boats to touch sand.
On a similar morning in 1832, the Garifuna people – descendants of Carib, Arawak and West African people – made the same journey from St Vincent Island in the Caribbean, finally able to call Belize home after being turned away by the British government three times. Every year on 19 November, the Garifuna celebrate Garifuna Settlement Day, marking their arrival in Belize (which was then a British colony) and their many contributions to the Belizean landscape.
IMF concludes 2018 consultation with Belize On November 12, 2018, the executive board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded the Article IV consultation with Belize.
Belize’s economic recovery is strengthening, supported by a favourable global environment. Real GDP is estimated to have increased by 1.4 percent in 2017, and recent data indicate an acceleration in economic activity. This acceleration reflects growth in the tourism and agricultural sectors, on the back of economic expansion in Belize’s trade partners, expanded capacity, and foreign direct investment.
Unemployment decreased to 9.4 percent in April 2018 from 9.7 percent six months earlier, the current account deficit narrowed to 7.6 percent of GDP in 2017 from 8.4 percent of GDP in 2016, and the financial sector is strengthening.
Is This Private Island Resort The Privatest Of All Private Island Resorts? "There are no other neighbors – it’s just you and the views.”
There are plenty of resorts, hotels and, in this modern age, Airbnbs that will boast that the experience of staying there is more 'money can't buy', more exclusive and more luxurious than any other. But on the spectrum of things that get you the closest to actually going full Branson and owning your own island in the middle of the Caribbean, we'd be willing to bet that the Gladden Island Resort is probably on the furthest extreme.
Gladden Island sits in the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, where it sits under the legal jurisdiction of Belize. It's little more than a remote stretch of sand and trees "20 miles off the coast of Placencia, Belize," and is shielded on all sides by the Belize Barrier Reef system. This makes it virtually inaccessible by large ships and, as such, almost untouched by human civilisation. Well, until now at least, because one company has thrown a private resort onto it.
Chinese mosquito coil denied registration due to cancer risk Guyana’s Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Control Board (PTCCB) has denied the registration of “Zenden Mosquito Coil”, that is manufactured in China.
The denial means that the import, distribution, sale and use of the Mosquito Coil in Guyana is prohibited.
Officials say the illegally imported Chinese mosquito coils have been an area of focus for the authority for quite some time and smugglers of these products have made little to no effort to register them.
The PTCCB says the process of pesticide registration allows the board to examine the toxicity characteristic of pesticide products to human health and the environment. It allows for more informed decision making regarding the import, distribution, sale and use of pesticides in Guyana.
Venezuela y Belice, los únicos países de la región que no avanzan en la erradicación de la pobreza extrema Cada segundo que pasa, una persona se salva de vivir en la pobreza extrema.
Eso significa que hay menos gente viviendo con ingresos inferiores a los 1,9 dólares diarios. En 2000, uno de cada 4 habitantes del planeta era extremadamente pobre. Para el 2017, la proporción pasó a ser 1 de cada 10, según el Informe de Metas de Desarrollo Sostenible de 2018 de las Naciones Unidas.
La buena noticia es que la tendencia continuará y para el 2030 sólo el 5,6 por ciento de los casi 8.500 mil millones de habitantes del planeta se encontrarán en una situación desesperada.
Belize International Yoga Festival 2018, 2min. Date: December 1st, 2018 Time: 6:0am- 6:00pm Location: Harbour View Greens 12 Fort Street, Belize City (Opposite the Belize Sign, near the Fort Street Tourism Village) Cost: $10BZE Day Pass – Children under 13 enter FREE.
BIYF is designed to bring together yoga and meditation practitioners, aspirants and the general public from Belize and around the world to enjoy soulful moments of wellness, healing, relaxation and reflection. The festival is a time for positive interactions which is vitally important for the well-being of our community,country and the world. BYIF is a non-alcoholic, family friendly event. The first of its kind in Belize and the region; patterned after similar festivals around the world. It is the signature fundraising event for the non profit
Diving & Caving in Belize, 4.5min. Sun, beach, go slow and rum everywhere – that’s unbelizable Belize! We relaxed on Caye Caulker, met awesome people and explored the underwater world of the 2nd biggest barrier reef in the world. We enjoyed the colors of the amazingly healthy corals and lots of juvenile fishes. And when we went snorkeling in between our dives we almost got run over by a big group of nurse sharks and sting rays.
ATM – Another Tourist Missing. That’s the nickname of the famous Maya cave close to San Ignacio that we explored. Daniela is not the biggest fan of darkness, closed rooms and especially not spiders. All of which we expected to experience on this cave tour and she still wanted to do it – but see for yourself how this turned out.
Belize week 2, 2min. Week 2 of our Belizian adventure! ATM Caves, rememberance parade, picnics, Caye Caulker, and Placencia where we lost things, got rained in and Andrew got ill. All in all we are having a class journey!
December 8th and 9th, we will be doing a refresher for rusty birders and intro for new birders. Location will be Caribbean Shrimp Farm, Salt Creek Road, and Belize River Valley area.
Dec 8th - (Saturday afternoon) 1 to 4pm classroom Dec 9th - (Sunday) 5:30am - 5:30pm all day birding.
Residents on the south side of Belize City will soon have their own stylish family-friendly park, after ground was broken for the facility on Ring Road off Western Avenue on Thursday.
Mayor Bernard Wagner told the media that the City Council wanted the southside residents to have a park that is as scenic and that has amenities comparable to the BTL Park on the northside.
The park will consist of barbecue stands and seating for families to have picnics and programs. The area, Wagner said, was designated by previous Councils with the same concept, but it never materialized. “We felt that it was important for the residents of this area to have a facility that they could call their home,” Wagner said. “Many of these people traverse to the BTL Park on the northside for recreation. Having a park such as this in their immediate area certainly will improve their quality of life,” he added.
The park will also have open green spaces around to keep a natural ambiance as well. It’s contract has not yet been assigned, since the Council is still planning the layout of the facility.
Orbital Marine Power, a company that focuses on creating floating tidal turbines, has presented the design for its latest model — the Orbital O2 2MW. The 73m long floating superstructure will be capable of generating 2 MW of energy using both tidal stages without changing the orientation of the vessel.
Orbital O2 has two 20 meter rotors that can be easily raised for maintenance without the use of specialized ships. The turbine's systems are easily accessible and can be adjusted or repaired on site by a small maintenance crew.
The newest model, which will hit the market in 2020, is designed for volume manufacturing and, its creators hope, will thus make tidal energy more affordable for businesses.
Orbital Marine Power's previous floating tidal turbine, the SR-2000, entered production in 2016 and showed impressive results, generating 3GWh. By comparison, the Orbital O2 2MW is expected to have a smaller draught, which will allow it to be transportable even by medium-sized workboats, further reducing maintenance and launch costs.
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
Anke Doehm’s petition to leave the country withdrawn; no new court date announced The legal case against Anke Doehm has gone quiet after her last appearance in court on September 13th, when she sought permission from the Supreme Court to travel to the United States of America (USA) for health reasons. Doehm was to return to court later that month to find out if her application for traveling was approved. However, before the court could make a decision the petition was allegedly withdrawn. The San Pedro Sun contacted the Supreme Court in Belize City, who indicated that there is no further information on when she is to return to court. Doehm faces a charge of ‘Cruelty to a Child,’ in connection with the death of her 13-year-old adopted daughter, Faye Lin Cannon, who was found dead in her bedroom on July 3, 2017.
Ian “Lion” Gordon seeks sponsorship to participate in XX Gran Marathon Pacifico Mexico 2018 41-year-old island resident Ian “Lion” Gordon is seeking financial assistance to participate in the XX Gran Marathon Pacifico Mexico race to be held in Mazatlan, Sinaloa, Mexico on Saturday, December 1st and to Sunday, December 2nd. Gordon has been living in San Pedro Town for the past 19 years, and is originally from Belize City. Gordon is a well-known business person here on the island. In an interview with The San Pedro Sun, Gordon shared that San Pedro’s Sport Coordinator Kent Bob Gabourel was the person who pushed him to start running, which led to him participating in local marathons like the Annual Breast Cancer and Diabetes Awareness walk/run, RISE and SHINE 5k walk/run among others.
NINE MONTHS AFTER ANNOUNCEMENT, GILLNET TASK FORCE IS DEAD IN THE WATER When the Ministry of Fisheries announced the formation of a task force to “reduce the harmful impacts of gillnets” in February 2018, it was framed as a serious step to address a long-standing issue. But time has only served to drown any hope that the Government is prepared to take leadership in protecting the more than 3,000 Belizeans who depend on sports fishing jobs and the more than 2,547 commercial fishers who do not use gillnets to fish and whose livelihoods are compromised by gillnet fishing.
Interdistrict football tournament debuts countrywide On Saturday, November 10th the Interdistrict football tournament started countrywide, with games in both the female and male divisions for the Under 15, and Under 17 level. Two out of three games took place at the Ambergris Stadium in San Pedro Town. The island was represented by both male and female U-17 teams. Although the San Pedro High School (SPHS females) and San Pedro Pirates (male) teams competed, neither team won but played out their hearts on the field against their opponents. The second leg of the tournament is scheduled to continue this weekend.
Misc Belizean Sources
21st Annual Nationals Darts Championship Our 21st Annual Nationals Darts Championship opening ceremonies, sponsored by Guinness/ Digi and Rose Grill and bar, held right here in beautiful Caye Caulker!!!
Insights About Ambergris Caye, Belize, From a 20-Year Expat By Karen Sands Zul. Eileen Jamison has spent 20 years living on Ambergris Caye in Belize. She is from a small city in northwest Pennsylvania where she worked as a pharmacy technician and inventory manager. She and her husband, Dan, loved to travel and shared a dream of living on an island. They visited islands from the Eastern Caribbean to the Pacific, then looked to Belize in the Western Caribbean.
“The minute I set foot on Ambergris Caye, I felt totally at home,” Eileen says. She knew then and there that this would be their island. She loved the good-natured sweet people, the fact that English is the official language, the gorgeous views, and beautiful water. “I have seen lots of pretty islands,” she says, “But this one is incredibly diverse, with so many different nationalities, cultures, and religions. Folks seem to live in harmony, which I love.”
First Tropical Agriculture Conference
The first Tropical Agriculture Conference was held in Belmopan this week. They had quite a few guest speakers who are leaders in the field. Great synopsis of the conference.
"It’s pretty clear that Belizean farmers can grow almost anything. Conference attendees spoke of growing melons, fruits, vegetables, and local-specific crops like inga trees and chaya plants. Roadside stands are filled with mangos, watermelons and jackfruit. Hemp is also becoming a major interest in the country, despite the high humidity that often keeps farmers at similar latitudes around the world from growing dense crops (like corn)."
Cornerstone Christmas Ball 2018
The Cornerstone Foundation is having their annual Christmas Fundraiser Ball. Have fun, enjoy some great food, and support a great cause all at the same time. It's Saturday, December 1st, and it's at the Aguada.
"Cornerstone Foundation Christmas Ball. Get ur Tickets Before they're all gone. Support a worthy cause."
New airline to service Belize! Aeromexico will service Belize twice a week! Now Mexicans will be able to experience a new destination and a curious place, Belize!
Channel 5
Armed Robbery in Unitedville; Store Owner Shoots Robber San Ignacio police are investigating an armed robbery which occurred yesterday afternoon in Unitedville Village. The thieves targeted Yi Long Store. Fifty three year old Kui Xiang Ma told police that she was behind the counter when three men entered the store, two of them armed. One of the men assaulted a customer while another hopped over the counter and pointed the firearm at Ma. The third thief also made his way behind the counter and began putting money in a bag. Unknown to the armed assailants, forty nine year old Jiang Feng Luo was at the back of the store.
One Dead Following Horrific Traffic Accident Twenty seven year old BDF soldier Ruben Orlando Sho died last night after a pickup truck collided into him. It happened at around 7:15pm between miles 90 and 91 on the Southern Highway. Sho was on a motorcycle when a red Ford Ranger pickup, driven at the time by sixty one year old Businessman of Big Falls Village Estevan Caliz, collided into him. Sho received severe body injuries. During the accident Sho lost his left leg from the knee down. He died on the spot. Caliz remains in police custody pending investigations.
Fire Destroys Houses In Dangriga Fire officials in Dangriga are trying to establish the cause of a fire that reportedly destroyed three houses in that municipality. There are no reports of any injuries and the number of persons left homeless has not been ascertained.
The Reporter
WEEKEND BREAKING NEWS BRIEFS . . . . Police have arrested and charged Gregorio Choc, 47, in connection with a traffic accident on the Southern Highway on Monday night which claimed the life of Francisco Sis, 57, a farmer of San Marcus Village, Toledo. Police say that the fatal traffic accident in Toledo last night claimed the life of a BDF soldier.
Convicted Murders Get 35 Years for Stabbing Deaths of Attorney and Wife Milton Maza and Eli Lopez Avila have been sentenced to a prison term of 35 years for the murders of Attorney and former Magistrate, Richard Stuart, 43, and his wife, Chartered Accountant, Maria Stuart nee Fernandez, also 43 at the time of their deaths in 2010. However, because the defendants had already spent eight years on remand prior to their trial, they will spend 27 years, with effect from October 19, 2018, when they were found guilty of the double murder.
Breaking Belize News
IMF advises Belize to implement reforms to boost economic growth, reduce government debt, and strengthen the financial sector
The executive board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded the Article IV consultation with Belize on November 12.
The IMF says that “Belize’s economic recovery is strengthening, supported by a favorable global environment.” The IMF reports that real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is estimated to have increased by 1.4 percent in 2017 and recent data indicates an acceleration in economic activity.
Belize welcomes Aeromexico
Today, Belize welcomed Aeromexico in its inaugural flight to Belize.
Aeromexico is now the only airline in Mexico to offer direct service to Belize from Mexico city. The service will be available from today through to April 28, 2019.
Guns and ammo stolen from home in Roaring Creek
Police are investigating a burglary in Roaring Creek, Cayo.
On November 14, Randy Gaithor told police that his home had been burglarized sometime between October 26 and November 13 while he was in the United States.
Culprit shot while escaping robbery in Unitedville, two escape
Police are investigating an armed robbery that occurred yesterday afternoon in Unitedville village, Cayo.
Kui Xiang Ma, 53, told police that she was inside her business, Yi Long store around 1:13 p.m. when three men entered.
BDF soldier dies in tragic motorcycle accident
Police are investigating a road traffic accident that claimed the life of a soldier from the Belize Defense Force (BDF) last night.
Estevan Caliz, 61, businessman of Big Falls village, Toledo reported to police that he was driving his red Ford Ranger pick-up on the Southern highway when upon reaching miles 90 and 91, he collided head on with a black and grey Lifan motor cycle.
Justice Williams issues 35 years for the double murder of the Stuarts
Earlier this month Justice Collin Williams found Milton Maza and Eli Avila Lopez guilty of the 2010 double murder of Richard and Maria Stuart.
However, yesterday Justice Williams sentenced them to 35 years in prison. Since they have spent the last 8 years in prison, they will only spend the remaining 27 years in incarceration.
Belize defeats Puerto Rico with one goal by Denmark Casey
Last night Belize’s National Team faced off with Puerto Rico’s National Team at the Isidoro Beaton Stadium in Belmopan.
Within half hour into the game, Belize’s Denmark Casey drilled a right-footer just outside the penalty box which connected to the back of the net.
Belmopan businessman gets 6 years for abetment to murder
In September, Belmopan businessman Jahan Abadi, was found guilty of abetment to murder. But yesterday, after deliberation, Justice Antoinette Moore sentenced him to six years in prison.
The charges against Abadi date back to January 2016 when he was one of the co-accused in the Bradley Paumen case.
International Sources
Secrets of the ancient Mayan Empire Imagine walking down a jungle pathway and you turn a corner to see the ruins of a huge temple rising above the trees with a stone platform at its feet. To think that some 4000 years ago, someone stood in the exact place as you perhaps participating in a ritual ceremony! Welcome to the world of the Mayans.
The Mayan civilization is probably one of the greatest pre-Columbian civilisation that extended from central America to present-day Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and southern Mexico. Here the cultural richness of Mayan architecture is seen alongside with the dense rainforests, replete with wildlife. In well preserved soil covered cities, built by an ancient Mayan empire, the temples reveal jade masks and jewellery, elaborate sarcophagi and crystal death skulls.
All about the Great Blue Hole that explorer Fabien Cousteau and Richard Branson are diving into Unlike black holes. Blue holes form in seas, not space. They are deep sink holes in shallow marine waters, much deeper than the sea water around them, and usually have a deeper shade of blue, because of the depth. Unlike black holes. Blue holes form in seas, not space. They are deep sink holes in shallow marine waters, much deeper than the sea water around them, and usually have a deeper shade of blue, because of the depth.
Prince Charles: 70 years in 70 pictures To mark the Prince of Wales' 70th birthday, we present an image from the Press Association archives from every year of his life.
First direct flight on AeroMexico, 3sec. First direct flight on AeroMexico from
Mexico to Belize City arrived at the PGIA at 10:30 a.m. Saturday morning.
Belize 2018, 2min. MIke and Katie go on a mission to Belize with Tri-Cities Christian School' construction crew and medical team.
Belize vs Puerto Rico, 2min. If you missed it on your Television Friday night, Here are the highlights
Day 1 of Belize 2018, 7min.
I have been to Belize 5 times and The footage is basically what we do every time we go to Belize its usually a 10-12 hour travel day (except this time) but I got it in under 10 minutes. Enjoy!
Stay tune for we are here for a week, Still plenty more adventures in Belize. You Betta Belize it!
Eileen Jamison has spent 20 years living on Ambergris Caye in Belize. She is from a small city in northwest Pennsylvania where she worked as a pharmacy technician and inventory manager. She and her husband, Dan, loved to travel and shared a dream of living on an island. They visited islands from the Eastern Caribbean to the Pacific, then looked to Belize in the Western Caribbean.
“The minute I set foot on Ambergris Caye, I felt totally at home,” Eileen says. She knew then and there that this would be their island. She loved the good-natured sweet people, the fact that English is the official language, the gorgeous views, and beautiful water. “I have seen lots of pretty islands,” she says, “But this one is incredibly diverse, with so many different nationalities, cultures, and religions. Folks seem to live in harmony, which I love.”
Eileen has seen her adopted hometown of San Pedro grow from a fishing village with coconut plantations to the bustling, colorful town it is today—with the gorgeous turquoise water as the main attraction for divers, snorkelers, and anglers.
During Eileen and Dan’s first year on the island they took over the local newspaper, The San Pedro Sun. With no experience whatsoever, they ran it well and watched it blossom—learning a lot in the process. “When you see a need in this small environment, that is the signal to get busy and start something,” Eileen says.
She did that very thing when she saw a need for an animal welfare society to care for the island’s strays. She and six friends started the first Humane Society on Ambergris Caye and named it Saga after a founder’s dogs. Today Saga saves many animal lives, educates children and adults about good animal care, shelters animals, helps islanders adopt pets to love, and has veterinary services.
The opportunity eventually arose for Eileen and Dan to sell the newspaper business. They did so, and started an ice cream shop which they still run today. Eileen loves it because it is like getting paid to entertain people. They pride themselves in serving only ice cream with the best ingredients, which they import. She also enjoys serving tourists and locals who have a special place in her heart.
“You can choose how you want to live on Ambergris Caye,” Eileen says. “It can either be on the expensive end if you want to replicate your life in North America, or you can live quite nicely in a more Belizean way, or mix it up any way at all.” Figuring out what is needed and making it happen is how Eileen has survived so well.
Her advice to expats moving to Ambergris Caye is to do their homework, pick a spot to rent and live there for six months to a year before committing to home or business ownership. In essence, get to know the area, its people, and the ins and outs of conducting business before proceeding. The people who move too quickly and are unrealistic about life on an island in a foreign country, may not stay. However, if you are open to a new culture, and are willing to learn about it, you are likely to be pleasantly surprised, exactly like Eileen was 20 years ago. Ambergris Caye is her home and she sees limitless possibilities for herself in the future because she understands and loves her environment.
The opinions and views expressed on this board are the subjective opinions of Ambergris Caye Message Board members and not of the Ambergris Caye Message Board its affiliates, or its employees.
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