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The San Pedro Sun

Emaciated Spider Monkey rescued on Ambergris Caye
Authorities on Ambergris Caye, acting on information received, launched an operation at a residence in the southwestern tip of the San Pedrito area of San Pedro Town where a spider monkey was rescued. The adult female spider monkey was being held captive and is believed to be in very poor condition and extremely underweight for its size. Scientifically known as Ateles Geoffroyi, spider monkeys are classified as a critically endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and in Belize they are protected. The operation was carried out by members of the San Pedro Police Department, the Tourism Police Unit and American Crocodile Education Sanctuary (ACES) on behalf of the Belize Forestry Department. According to Cherie Chenot-Rose, research biologist at ACES, the monkey was tied to a rope that was fastened to a metal chain hooked to a small little shed in a yard. "The police noticed the monkey chained outside, two iguanas and some other miscellaneous wildlife, not yet identified in the person's home� it is illegal to have any wildlife in Belize without the proper permits from the Belize Forestry Department," said Chenot-Rose. More importantly is that the Forestry Department does not issue permits to keep any species of monkey as a pet. The rescued spider monkey was transported to the Wildtracks facility in Sarteneja Village in the Corozal District where it will be treated and rehabilitated.

Caleb Orozco's case against Attorney General now in deliberation
Section 53 of the Belize Constitution states, "Every person who has carnal intercourse against the order of nature with any person or animal shall be liable to imprisonment for ten years." Essentially this law criminalizes all acts of anal sex between men and men, men and women and men and children, regardless of age and consent. For about three years Caleb Orozco, Executive Director of the United Belize Advocacy Movement (UNIBAM), had prepared to challenge Section 53 in the Belize court of law, since according to the law homosexual intercourse between consenting adults is a criminal activity. The court hearing began on Tuesday, May 7th. The claimant's party consisted of the Commonwealth Lawyers Association, the Human Dignity Trust, the International Commission of Jurists and UNIBAM. They argue that the case is not about legalizing gay rights in Belize, but rather empowering a person's right to privacy and human dignity since the laws seems to degrade and criminalize acts that occur in the privacy of home. "I am forcing the issue to the Supreme Court because of discrimination, whether it's selective discrimination or unjust discrimination. You cannot pick or choose the fundamental rights and freedom that we have as humans. It is my right to bring the issue to the court and treat the issue fairly, not with the prejudice that is perceived but with the discussion it deserves," said Orozco.

Consolidated Waters donates to Rotary for San Mateo residents
One community on Ambergris Caye that does not have proper access to safe drinking water is San Mateo, situated just north of the heart of Belize's largest tourism town of San Pedro. Water samples extracted along various sections of the waterlines conducted by Engineers without Borders, as recently as January, 2013, showed that the waters were contaminated with coliform (fecal bacteria), making it unsafe to drink. In an effort to continue addressing the lack of proper drinking water, Consolidated Water Belize Limited has made a donation to the Rotary Club of Belize. The donation was held on Friday May 10th, where members of the Belize Rotary Club were presented with a check. One of the organizations in Belize that has been helping in addressing the water issue in San Mateo is the Rotary Club of Belize. The club has been providing water-filter buckets to the people of San Mateo in order for them to treat their own water - making it safe for drinking. After carefully following the work that The Belize Rotary Club has been doing with San Mateo residents, Consolidated Waters - Belize Limited decided to help by ways of a donation of $2,500BZ. President of the Belize Rotary Club Maria Coye said that the donation will go a long way in their efforts in San Mateo. "This donation will be used to purchase more water-filter buckets. What will happen is that we will have Rotary International match the donation so that we can get more from it. The essential thing is that the people of San Mateo will be benefiting from filter buckets so that they can have safe drinking water. This is part of a countrywide effort in different rural communities to address the lack of proper, clean and safe drinking water," said Coye.

Nyisha Gabourel - a multi-faceted diamond in the rough
For our first Diamond in the Rough, we are very excited to present our first artist, Nyisha Gabourel. Nyisha is a multi-talented artist (we are talking the usual arts and THEN SOME�Nyisha is a barber too!). We share with you just a few of the many extraordinary pieces in Nyisha's gallery (see above). MBB knows talent when it sees it, so be sure to keep an eye on her!

Ambergris Today

Teens Belize Org. Crowns Miss Top Celebrity 2013
Press Release - Teens Belize Organization is humble to present the official results of the Miss Top Celebrity Pageant, verified by the Chairpersons of Teens Belize, Floridalma Fajardo and Abel Coleman; the Executive Director, Kenny Jacobs; the Teens Belize Committee and the official judges. Charlyn Flowers Miss Punta Gorda Miss Top Celebrity 2013-14 The ten candidates who participated in this year's pageant are Roxannie Bowman, Leilani Nah, Victoria Canul, Marilyn Lopez, Charlyn Flowers, Nikki Chan, Shanice Flowers, Ivorie Mendez, and Jenny Ramirez. They brought a package of intellect, talent, beauty, grace, eloquence and national pride to this year's pageant which positively echoed across the world. Besides this, they advocated the values of discipline, respect and self- growth to our Belizean youth. They are "The Belizean Inspiration: Nothing More, Nothing Less." s

Crime Stoppers Signs Go Up Around Town
Eight Crime Stoppers information signs have gone up at key points around San Pedro Town, especially at entry points on the island on Monday, May 13, 2013. On hand to do the work were Town Councilor in charge of Policing, Wally Nu�ez, along with fellow Councilor Gabriel Nu�ez, Town Council Forman Freddie Gonzalez and San Pedro Superintendent of Police, Luis Castea�os. The signs were placed at island entry points which include aross from Tropic Air and Maya Island Air airport terminals and one each at the San Pedro/Belize Express and Caye Caulker Water Taxi Terminals, two at the Villas at Banyan Bay intersection and two on the north end of the Sir Barry Bowen Bridge in the Boca del Rio Area.

Misc Belizean Sources

"My Life, My Dreams, My World": By Maria Luisa Villarreal
The Mexican Embassy invites you to the opening of the art exhibition: "My Life, My Dreams, My World" By Maria Luisa Villarreal. Opening: Thursday, May 16th, 2013 6:30 pm Entrance is FREE and open to the general public Institute of Mexico Belize City (Corner of Newtown Barracks and Wilson Street)

Chocolate Week in Belize with Taza Chocolates
Cotton Tree Lodge & Taza Chocolate are proud to present Chocolate Week! This March, we invite you to join Taza cofounder Alex Whitmore for a full week in beautiful Belize, exploring the Mayan origins of chocolate and relaxing in the thatched-roof cabanas of Cotton Tree Lodge. Alex has spent the last several years travelling extensively through Latin America and the Caribbean, sourcing the highest quality organic cacao for Taza Chocolate. These efforts have recently led us to Belize where, in partnership with Cotton Tree Lodge and Maya Mountain Cacao, we're laying the groundwork for our next single origin chocolate bar. For enthusiasts seeking to better understand the chocolate-making process from bean to bar, this is the opportunity of a lifetime.

Drums not Guns a fundraiser to help the youths of Belize
I would like to pass on to you a link to a good cause started by Emmeth Young. A Belizean trying to make a difference for the youths of Belize. "Drums not Guns came about because many of the youths of my villages were going up into the city to join gangs, and when they come back, they come back in their coffin. They get killed by gun violence. So I decided to start a program called 'Drums not Guns'." If you have been looking for a hand carved drum from Belizean hard woods you can get one made by the youths of Belize and help this is a great cause.

Placencia Belize Resorts Prepare for the Annual Lobsterfest Celebration in Placencia Village - June 28, 29 & 30
The Placencia Lobsterfest is a grand celebration of the opening of the lobster season in Belize and attracts thousands of local and international visitors to the Placencia Peninsula. The manager of guest services at Chabil Mar, Tiffany Edwards, tells us about what to expect at Placencia Lobsterfest 2013. "Of course there are lobster dishes of all types and recipes and each dish will be eligible to enter the Placencia Lobsterfest 2013 "Best Lobstah" Dish Competition. And for those not so keen on lobster, no worries. The food vendors have you covered with shrimp, fish, chicken, steak, pork and sumptuous vegetarian sides. Many of the cooks at the Placencia Lobsterfest come to the beach carrying years of strong family kitchen traditions. Food is Placencia's ultimate cultural immersion experience. Taste Creole, Mayan, Garifuna, Caribbean, European, Asian and North American culinary influences at the leading gastronomic party in Belize." "No Belize festival would be complete without Music. Popular local DJs, musicians and major headlining Belizean bands will have visitors and locals alike moving and shaking their feet in the sand throughout the weekend. Chabil Mar Resort will be featuring Garifuna drummers at their open-air beachside restaurant on Friday evening to compliment the weekend's event and then guests can stroll along the beach to the site of the official festivities."

International Museum Day Celebration 2013
The Benque House of Culture posted some publicity stills from their celebration. In related news, they'll be having the Benque tourism plan launch today at Centennial Park at 2:00pm.

BNE Fire Unit in Action
Cool news of the day. Belize Natural Energy's Fire Unit went to Buena Vista primary school to assist with their fire drill. They spoke to the students, and showed how their equipment works and stops fires. Thanks, BNE, for making their day! "Members of BNE's Fire Unit visited Buena Vista Village this week to participate in the school's fire drill."

Melonie Gillett Releases Lord Be Her Breath
Melonie Gillett has uploaded Lord Be Her Breath to Soundcloud for cancer month in honor of her aunt being a cancer survivor. You can download it for free. Beautifully sang. Thanks, Melonie! "In 2009, my aunt was diagnosed with Stage 4 Lung Cancer. She battled and survived for 2 years, defying the next day death certificate that the doctors had given her. She was and still is a major part of me, and who I am as an artist. I wrote this song for her and she did a picture video for it...just like she had done with so many of my performances and songs before. Here you go....dedicated to Verna Gardiner Ewing and all those who batttle with cancer. I will always love you, auntie!!"

Scarlet Macaws in the Chiquibul
Tony Rath got some amazing pictures of the Scarlet Macaws, and many other birds, when he joined the FCD and the Scarlet Macaw researchers as they performed health checks last month. Beautiful shots. A selection of scarlet macaw images from an April 2013 expedition into the Chiquibul Forest Reserve, Belize, with the Scarlet Macaw Biomonitoring Team.

Sacred Heart Primary Enjoys Education Week
Feelgood news of the day. The San Ignacio Public Library hosted Sacred Heart Primary students from standard 1 and standard 3, where they got some great stories read to them. The SIPL takes Education Week seriously. "This morning the Std 1 students of Sacred Heart visited the SIPL as part of education week for stories and activities."

Benque Tourism Plan Launch
The Benque Viejo Tourism Committee will be launching the new tourism plan, website, travel guide, and Heritage Tour for Benque today at 2:00pm in Centennial Park. This is a monumental event for Benque, and Cayo, because Benque will be another tourism destination. Lake Benque is on its way to becoming a major tourist attraction too. Everyone is invited.

International Museum Day at Benque HoC
The Benque House of Culture's celebration of International Museum Day was great, and they had a great turnout from the local primary schools. They launched their new Belizean Heroes and Benefactors exhibit for the occasion. Antonio Beardall was there from the Institute of Archaeology, and he did a wonderful job of explaining to the students about antiquities, and how we need to preserve the culture and history of Belize. The Belize Audubon Society was there to give information on their 9 protected areas in Belize, and the National Heritage Library had an interesting display of older books and memorabilia. "The Benque House of Culture celebrated International Museum Day by inviting all the local schools out for events and presentations, and the opening of their Belizean Heroes and Benefactors exhibit."

Pedestrian Safety Month
May is Pedestrain Safety Month, and the GOB has released some safety guidelines. They are helpful, especially when you consider how some people drive. Stay safe! "It's Pedestrian Safety Month! Be sure to check out the list of pedestrian safety tips from the Road Safety Unit. Remember, 'Wheels and Feet Share the Street!' Happy Monday Facebook Family!"

Channel 7

Grijalva Accepts Blame for Noh Mul Destruction
Since Friday of last week, Denny Grijalva has gone from a relatively obscure northern politician to a household name. He's the owner of De-Mar's Stone Company - and after a long and, (can we say?), "stony" silence, he issued a statement today. Grijalva says he was out of the country - and addressed the matter as he returned today. His statement says, quote. "as the Managing Director of De' Mar's Stone Company - it is my duty and indeed my obligation to inform the public�of the sequence of events leading to this unfortunate incident." The statement explains that quote, "De' Mar's was recently contracted to undertake the construction and rehabilitation of roads in Douglas Village also in the Orange Walk district. My understanding is that a first site for the excavation of material was identified by the company Foreman. The Chairman of Douglas Village was reportedly not satisfied with the quality of the material and as such he obtained permission from a landowner to extract material from his property from which material has been excavated for well over a decade." The statement the goes unto say, quote: "De' Mar's excavation on the site began at around 8:00 am on Thursday, May 9 and continued up to 5:00 pm that day. Operations resumed the following day when at around 10:30 am persons identifying themselves as officials from NICH�appeared on the site�(and) instructed the company Foreman to halt operations."

Institute Of Archeology Director Visits Noh Mul
But whether they did it for a day or a decade, De-Mar's Stone Company is the one in the crosshairs of legal and public scrutiny. The investigation is underway and today the Director of the Institute Of Archaeology went to the site to see it for the first time. 7news was there when he arrived. Jules Vasquez reporting Today when Dr. Jaime Awe arrived at the scene, he shook his head in weary bewilderment, seeing the site for the first time - the rubble of the ruin, he walked around it to get a sense of the scale of destruction. Looking at the back side, the towering, fractured edifice and it's near demolition was apparent and undeniable. Dr. Jaime Awe - Director, Institute of Archaeology "Now seeing it firsthand like you said in 3-D, it's just gut wrenching. It's obivous as you look at the stratigraphy there that this was a big temple that was built stone by stone and was carved out by the Mayas from their own qurries in the past. When I looked at it just now it reminded me of the coring of an apple - when you core an apple you cut out all the outside and what you're left at the end is the core. So you don't have any idea of what the apple used to look like in the outside." Awe said it is the undoing, the rubbishing of centuries of painstaking work by hand with stone tools:

Police And Media Make Peace, Plan to Move Forward
Often in our Newscast, we are forced to highlight the strained relationship that the media has with the Police Department. And that's because we often work at cross purposes: On one side, the media requires full disclosure to properly inform the public, and on the other hand, police have to protect certain information to ensure a proper investigation results in a successful prosecution. And that creates friction - leaving the media to speak to a designated police press officer - who often has not been updated by the officers commanding at various formations. And so, the information that reaches our newsroom is in such a form that if we were to present it to you, in the form it arrives, there would be more questions than answers. Well that should change now - or at least, start to change. Police Commissioner Allen Whylie, who has been making bold administrative decisions since he was appointed he has extended a hand of friendship to the press. In an unprecedented first step, members of the media were invited to make presentations to the senior police officers in the first ever police-media summit. Today, Commissioner Whylie opened the workshop with a surprising move in which he changed the rules of media engagement for these commanders, allowing them to speak freely if they so choose, on matters in their jurisdiction. Here's what he said -

Compol Assures Successful Investigation In Eligio Killing
And while we had the opportunity, we asked Whylie to comment on the death of 18 year old Rasheed Eligio, who was shot to death by police last Friday in Punta Gorda. As we showed you, his family is very upset with the department because according his mother; the officers abused their authority when they used deadly force against him. As we also reported, that Senior Superintendent Robert Mariano was having difficulty with the PG officers, who have refused to own up to firing the bullet which killed Eligio. Today, Whylie told us that these challenges will not stop the department from pursuing justice in this shooting. Allen Whylie - Police Commissioner "Let me first express condolences to the family of Mr. Eligio. As Mr. Mariano explained there is a thorough investigation both criminally as well as internally been done. I know that sentiments are high because it's a police related shooting but the process of investigation is not an overnight system and it does take time. Indeed the post mortem results were required and the ballistics is needed to confirm which weapon - there were a number of different weapons out there. Officers did admit to shooting but none have admitted to shooting the individual and that will take us through the issue of investigation and the ballistic match.

Crime Stats: Murder, Carnal Knowledge Up, Other Major Crimes Down
And while senior police officers got to hear from the media today, one of them, the officer in charge of the Northern Zone, also got a big up from police. Senior Superintendent of Police Joseph Myvette, who heads the Northern Zone received a cheque for a thousand dollars for the best performance in reducing Major Crimes during the month of April. In Belmopan this afternoon, Police Minister John Saldivar also presented Myvette with a Certificate of Award for the best performance by the Orange Walk Formation for the same period. Those crime statistics still show 2013 outpacing 2012 for murders - there have been 41 up to the end of April, 2013. Up to the end of March 2013, reports of Robbery, Burglary and Theft were down - when compared to the same period in 2012, while rape was unchanged and carnal knowledge went up.

We've Heard of US Navy Seals, But Belize Coast Guard Seals?
This morning 7News and other media houses got a last minute invitation to attend a graduation ceremony at the Coast Guard Headquarters. But as soon as we got there, we were un-invited - and that's because the US Navy training was classified. We later got the story in a press release form the ministry of national security. 24 members of the Coastguard and 5 members of the Anti-Drug Unit (ADU) participated in a 5-week intensive Special Warfare Operations Course. The release says they were trained by Special Warfare Combatant Crewmen of the US Navy in Navigation, Small-Boat Handing, Communications, Board Search and Seizure, Weapon-Handling Skills, Waterborne Techniques among other areas. The release says this is moving towards development of what is called the Belize Coastguard Seal Team. It adds that "The Coastguard Seal Team is the special operating arm of the Belize National Coastguard, and is charged with the responsibility of conducting high-risk operations, counter-narcotics operations, counter-terrorism operations, and maritime interception operations."

Fisheries Makes Off-Season Bust
Tonight, the Fisheries Department is in possession 2,000 dollars' worth of out of season lobsters, undersized conch, and illegally harvested fish fillet. They intercepted these fisheries products on a commercial vessel yesterday, and the captain and crew are now facing criminal charges. Their vessel has been confiscated by the Fisheries Department, and it will not be released until June 10, the earliest, when the matter goes to court. Today, a member of the Fisheries Department, allowed us to view the cache, and he briefed us about the status of those products: Hampton Gamboa - Member, Fisheries Department "Yesterday which was the fourteenth of May - we got some information that a vessel was harvesting lobsters in the southern portion of Tobacco Caye range and South Water caye marine reserve. This vessel came into Belize City harbor yesterday morning right about 9:00a.m and there was a quick response by fisheries personnel both in vessel and in vehicle - and we were able to board this sailboat.

Female Cross Country Abruptly Cancelled
The 24th Female Cross Country was scheduled for Sunday May 19th but tonight Belize's female cyclists are crestfallen because the event has been abruptly postponed. Who's to blame? Well, you can safely chalk it up to the ongoing upheaval in the sport �. A press release was sent out by the Belize Cycling Association stating that an injunction has been brought against Hilly Martinez - the President of the Belize Olympic and Commonwealth games association and the interim executive of the Belize Cycling Association. The injunction is from president of the Association, Emil Moreno. "As a result the Female Cross Country race and other upcoming events have been cancelled until the matter gets straightened out." That leaves the lady cyclists very let down and understandably very angry. Defending Champion Kaya Cattouse told us how she feels: Kaya Cattouse - Defending Champion "First and foremost receiving this news today was - I really don't know how to explain it; you have been training for a race and you're the defending champion, you're looking for that repeat and it's just postponed. I don't even know if the word is 'postponed' because it's just cancelled there will be no female cross country this year.

SJCJC Grants Scholarships, SJCHS Threatens Mass Suspension
Saint John's Juniour College today announced that it is making 1.54 million dollars worth of Jesuit scholarships available to its 2013 Juniour College graduates. This year's awardees are Natasha Khawani, Dionne Habet, Edgar Nah, Aaron Stock, Shan Shan Tam, Gian Hernandez, Aldair Gongora, Yael Perrera and Ki'ila Salas. In other, less happy news from the school, today, 7News received several calls from concerned parents in relation to a developing situation at Saint John's College high school. It centers around a 3rd form class which is facing the threat of mass suspension and academic failure because of a stolen cellular phone belonging to one of the female teachers. The class is suspected to have information which could lead to the discovery of the culprit, but they have been uncooperative with the administration. As a result, the Prinicipal of the School is determined to get to the bottom of the situation, and it is causing the parents to worry that her disciplinary action is too drastic.

Four Injured When Government Prado Flips
There was an accident today on the Burrell Boom Road near the Data Pro Compound. It happened this afternoon around three when a Toyota Prado with government plates flipped and tumbled off the road. Four prison officer who were hitching a ride received injuries and were transported to the KHMH. Reports tell us that the Prado was found to have four or five cases of contraband Carta Blanca Beer.

Cacao Fest Comes Around Again
The 2013 Chocolate Festival is scheduled for May 24 -26, and the Festival's committee is finishing up preparations, for the event. It is one of the biggest events on the calendar which is focused primarily in Southern Belize. It will be filled with activities, but the centerpiece is those organically grown cacao beans from the south and the many delicious treats they can make. Today, the Vice Chair of the Committee told us why you should go. Armando Chocho - Vice Chairman "One of the objectives of the chocolate festival is to raise awareness for Toledo district as a responsible tourism destination. We do that by true the Cacao Chocolate Festival, by promoting the Toledo's rich culture, the food that we have to offer and of course the natural resources - the waterfall, the Archaeological site, the snorkeling and the barrier reef, all of this in the Toledo district. That is one of the reasons but also to celebrate Cacao and chocolate, a lot of Belizeans love chocolate and who else wouldn't love chocolate and so the chocolate festival weekend was designed about all things chocolate and cacao. People can come down to the Toledo district and learn more about how chocolate is made and learn more about the Mayan farmer and how they cultivate their cacao and of course their living. There will be a chocolate demonstration making process; we'll also have Cacao trail tours - going into the communities for people to have an opportunity to learn where cacao comes from and how chocolate is made."