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Specials and Events

Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5 and CTV 3
Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, and the Dickie Bradley Specials


The San Pedro Sun

Gabriel Salazar charged for the murder of Rolando Espat Jr.
Police on Ambergris Caye have arrested and charged 27-year-old Gabriel Salazar Villafranco in the murder investigation of 22-year-old Rolando Espat Jr. The deadly shooting took place in the wee hours of Saturday, September 6th in the San Pedrito Area of San Pedro Town. Espat Jr was ambushed and gunned down by a lone gunman as he exited a local bar in the area and about 50 feet away from his home. According to Police, at about 12:20AM on Saturday, they visited the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro PolyClinic II where they saw the body of a male later identified as Rolando Espat Jr, fisherman of San Pedrito area, San Pedro Town. The body was observed with two apparent gunshot wounds to the chest, one to the left eye and one to the right upper thigh.

Glitz and Glamour at the Premier of La Isla Bonita Telenovela
Also walking the red carpet was male lead Josh Nu�ez (Juan-Manuel Mendoza), and lead antagonist and Executive Producer, Horacio "Chito" Guerrero (Maximiliano de la Roca). Both men looked dashing and shared their experiences on the telenovela. "La Isla Bonita brings new light on life in San Pedro. Everyone worked so hard from the production staff to the cast. This telenovela is a huge achievement for the Belize filming industry," said Guerrero. Lead female, Denny Mend�z (Carolina Del Valle), was unable to make it for the event but she sent her greetings through a video that was posted on the telenovela's fan page. Following the red carpet was the screening of the telenovela. La Isla Bonita is based on the life of people living in San Pedro and highlights issues of friendship, peer pressure, hate, envy, greed, drugs and lust all the good stuff that make telenovelas so fun! The main story line follows the life of Carolina, who was left at the alter on their wedding by her fianc�, Jorge. After being heart broken and losing her father, who suffered a heart attack with confronting, Carolina renounces love completely.

Ambergris Today

Pic of the Week: Leaving The Belize Islands is Never Easy
When visiting the main touristic islands of Belize, it is very hard to say goodbye when the day finally arrives to head back home. You see people with their packed bags with them on the beach, taking advantage of every last minute in the sun, sand and sea. Luckily there are last minute flights and water taxis that leave just as the sun is ready to set. Island life is like no other in Belize. Pictured here is one fellow with his luggage at the Caye Caulker Split, waiting until the very last minute to run and catch his boat home. He just needed to admire the sunset a few more minutes.

A Hollywood Premier for Belize's First Telenovela La Isla Bonita
The opening scenes had everybody at the edge of their seats as the interesting plot of the first episode unraveled with plenty of drama and filled with intense scenes of despair, anger and deception. A bride left standing alone at the alter on her wedding day, as her groom eloped with his mistress and a stressed father of the bride dies of a heart attack. Love, friendship, romance, hatred, deception and vengeance - the telenovela had it all, in true spirit of an intense soap opera. The island of Ambergris Caye was also like another character in the telenovela as it is the perfect backdrop for all the action that took place. The episode had amazing aerial footage of San Pedro Town and local businesses, streets and beaches were also major highlights of the project.

Misc Belizean Sourcesmzz

San Pedro Town Council: Please note a change in the Schedule of Events.
The date of the Central America & Mexico Independence Eve has been changed to Saturday, September 13. See you there!

Small Business Owners Receive Financial Aid for Startups
A series of checks in various denominations were distributed this afternoon to small business owners who will use the financial assistance as venture capital and for the expansion of their businesses. They gathered at the Radisson where Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Trade and Economic Development Mike Singh was on hand, along with a representative of the Taiwanese Embassy, to present the disbursals. The assistance is part of a collaborative effort between Beltraide, the Center for the Promotion of Micro and Small Enterprises and the Embassy of Taiwan. News Five's Isani Cayetano has the following story. Isani Cayetano, Reporting The emergence of small businesses across the country, from mom-and-pop stores in rural communities to medium enterprises with a complement of employees carrying out the day-to-day operations of the concern, aids in bolstering the Belizean economy. To get any venture off the ground successfully however, a formal business plan has to be outlined and seed capital needs to be infused into the initiative. It's all part of a blueprint for entrepreneurship.

Most dangerous natural sites around the World - The Great Blue in Belize, amazingly #4
Most dangerous natural sites around the world ᴷᴬ 1. Saltstraumen (Norway), the most dangerous swirls in the world 2. Gouffre Berger Cave in France, also called "The Cave of Death" 3. Rock Preikestolen, Norway. Only for those without vertigo 4. Blue Hole in Belize, beautiful but very dangerous 5. Hussaini Bridge in Pakistan, a challenge trying to get through it 6. Nature Reserve Tsingy in Madagascar. The forest of stone knives where you can lose your life (6 photos)

Taiwan Computer Donation Ceremony
Thanks to the Taiwanese Embassy, some of the primary schools around Cayo received computers, laptops, and projectors. The new Taiwanese Ambassador, Benjamin Ho, gave a short, inspiring speech, and then presented the donated computers and projectors to many of the local primary schools, and SHJC's Hands for Life club, which works with the Taiwanese student groups every Summer. A big thanks to the Taiwanese Embassy, and all the great students from NTHU that spent a huge amount of time and effort acquiring the computers! "The Taiwanese Embassy donated computers to many of the primary schools around Cayo. SHJC hosted the ceremony, the Tourism Management students provided the delicious food for the event, and the computer staff and students will be installing the computers in the computer labs at the primary schools."

Channel 7

Hon. Faber's Private Life In A Tailspin Again
The news went out like wildfire on Saturday afternoon: a police report had been filed by Minister Patrick Faber's female friend - and she alleged that he assaulted her. On Saturday morning at 5:00 am, 25 year old Nickesha Polanco went to the Ladyville Police Station to report that Faber had choked her, pulled her by the hair, and puncher her twice in the face. Polanco works as a license officer in the Ministry of Education - and if we are to judge by facebook photos and postings, she and her Minister had an intimate friendship. She told police that on Friday night, she was having her 25th birthday party at his home in Ladyville. At 2:30 on Saturday morning, she was in his bedroom using her cell phone - which, she claims, caused Faber to go into a rage. She says he choked her, and when she called her friend to help, he dragged her by her hair into the corridor. She claims he also assaulted another female.

Police: Hon. Faber's Accuser Withdrew the Complaint
And while that's the allegation that the 25 YEAR OLD made against Patrick Faber during the weekend, today, when the media asked the Police Press Officer about it, he was very tight-lipped. He told us that the report has been withdrawn, and so police cannot disclose the nature of its contents. No matter how hard we tried, he wouldn't give anything else on the topic: Mike Rudon, Ch5 "Could we ask about the situation where we understand that there was a complaint made in the Ladyville Police Station against Minister of Education Patrick Faber? Could you confirm if that report was made?" Rafael Martinez, Police Press Officer "A report was made in deed and was subsequently withdrawn." Mike Rudon, Ch5 "Could you tell us the substance of that report or could you give us any information at all about that report?" Rafael Martinez, Police Press Officer "A report was made and it was withdrawn. Hence meaning that it does not exist."

Police find Grenade Lying Around In Ghost Town
Police took another grenade off the streets on Saturday - it is the ninth grenade event in six years. Deputy Commander of Eastern Division Edward Broaster got information of where the dangerous explosive was stashed. 7News came upon the scene shortly after,. Jules Vasquez has the report:.. Jules Vasquez reporting Senior Superintendent Edward Broaster received information that led him to this abandoned house on Banak Street. He responded immediately, still in his Saturday slippers, and here he is trying to call the BDF Bomb Expert. His information told him to look in the overgrowth under these stairs, which is where Broaster took us, as he unearthed the deadly explosive. It was tucked inside the domed cover of a coffee cup.

The Street Slaying Of The 4th Espat Male
Tonight, the Espat family in San Pedro is reeling from the loss of their loved one, 22 year-old Rolando Espat Jr. who was violently killed early on Saturday Morning. To be grieving the death of one loved one is by itself, unimaginable. For the Espat's, however, this is the fourth male in their family to be murdered, and so, the sorrow they feel is multiplied. Today, Daniel Ortiz travelled to the Island to speak with them about the death of the man they affectionately called "Rolito". Here's his report: Daniel Ortiz reporting The Espat family was beside themselves with grief as yet another of their young men was murdered in cold blood.

Police Make Quick Arrest For Rolito's Murder
As you heard in our story, Rolando Jr.'s mother and aunt are demanding justice, and San Pedro police are working diligently to get it for them. This afternoon, Police reported that they've already charged a man, and they also discussed what their investigation into his killing has revealed so far: Rafael Martinez, Police Press Officer "I just want to report that we have since arrested and charged 27 year old Gabriel Salazar, a Belizean fisherman of San Juan Area, in San Pedro for the crime of murder." Supt. Hilberto Romero, O.C., Crimes Investigation Branch "Police took several statements, consultations were made with the Office of the DPP and they directed that this person be charged for the crime of murder. It was a thorough investigation, they had several tips and leads and that information was followed up."

Motorcycle Gunmen Killed Jason Paulino
At the top of the news, we told you about the murder in San Pedro which happened on Saturday morning, but there was also another which occurred in the City on Sunday morning. 38 year-old Jason Paul Paulino was sitting in a yard on Neal Penn Road at around 10, and he was socializing with 2 men when two men drove past on motorcycle. Police say that the men immediately targeted Paulino and fired several shots at him. He suffered a gunshot wound to the head, 1 to the right side of the abdomen, and 2 to the left shoulder. Today, police told the media that while they have no suspects, they believe that he had a prior misunderstanding, which led to his death: Supt. Hilberto Romero, O.C., Crimes Investigation Branch "We have several persons detained. We are recording statements, but at this time no one has been charged for that murder likewise. The information we have gathered so far is that it was a misunderstanding that he had with some persons. We do not believe that it is gang related. Some incident he had a week ago with some persons and that resulted in that shooting."

Education Minister: Parents Will Get An Ease On School Fees
At the top of the news we showed you how Education Minister Faber is under extreme scrutiny tonight for an alleged assault on his girlfriend. But he's still holding unto his portfolio as Minister of Education. Budget-wise, it's the biggest portfolio in all of government - and last week, before his public life was thrown into a tailspin, Faber and the Ministry of Education higher up's planned a media breakfast to discuss nine subjects which are all topical at the opening of the new school year. First among these was that subject which might also be a subject dear to you parents, the issue of those school fees, outside of tuition, which seem to increase every year. Education Minister Faber discussed the rule on new fees for the primary level: Hon. Patrick Faber, Minister of Education "Primary school fees my friends are set by the school but are approved by the Ministry of Education via the Chief Education Officer. And so there is no school that should be charging outrageous primary school fees or fees for that matter at any level that is receiving aid from the government or where it is a totally government or state own institution.

7 Charged For Fabers Road Robbery
And from Minister Faber, right back to Faber's road. On Friday, we told you about the brazen daylight robbery which the Gang Suppression Unit foiled. Well tonight, the 3 men who police say they caught in the act, are at Prison, and one of them has pleaded guilty to the crime. Those men who police say was directly involved are 29 year-old Jareth Crawford, 21 year-old Christian Robateau, and 21 year-old Kevin Bowen. But, there are others who police believe are involved in its planning or execution, and today, they briefed the media about their investigation. Here's what they told us: Rafael Martinez, Police Press Officer "Quick police responds lead to the recovery of all items just over $8,000 worth of items and cash as well as the detention and now the charging of several persons."

Corey Howard's Murder Still Unexplained
On last week Friday's newscast, our headline story was about the murder of the 21 year-old Security Guard, Corey Howard, who was shot to death on Sibun Street. As we told you, he was a working man, and investigators were having trouble finding a motive for his killing because it defied other patterns of violence in the City. Today, when the media asked for an update, they told us that they are still trying to figure out what led to his murder: Supt. Hilberto Romero, O.C., Crimes Investigation Branch "On Friday we had the murder of Corey Howard. Police had commence an investigation, several persons have been detained and interviewed, however no one has been charged for that murder. We have several theories and leads that we are following up, but again like I mention before that we have no suspects at this time and the investigation continues."

Another Brutality Allegation Against GSU
It seems like almost every day our newsroom receives complaints of police brutality and general abuse of power. But today, it seemed like things got really out of hand over the weekend. We came across at least five substantial complaints of police physical abuse. And it can't all be fictional� Here's one story, today a single mother of 4 says told us that the news is her last resort, since she has been complaining about police abuse to higher authorities since 2012 and has gotten nowhere. Here's her story.

Despite the Rain, Expo Drew Record Crowds
One of the main highlights of this weekend was the 18th Annual Expo at the ITVET compound. While last year many businesses had to adapt a more creative approach to their marketing techniques to accommodate the major clash between expo and carnival, this year, carnival was not in the way. Here is Courtney Weatherburne with the story on Expo 2014. And indeed the rain didn't affect the turnout.

The 2014 Carnival King & Queen
All last week, we showed you the Carnival Mas Camps - which is a buildup to the carnival road march, but also to the King and Queen of Carnival. On Saturday at the Roger's Stadium, a total of 14 bands participated in this year's competition. Courtney Weatherburne has that story. First place Senior King and Queen received $5,000 dollars.

Police Shot Kent Skeete
Tonight, 50 year-old Kent Skeete, is out on bail recovering from a gunshot injury he got when a police officer shot him, allegedly in the line of duty. The officer says that on Saturday morning at around 3:15, he was part of an operation in Taylor's Alley, in which he encountered Skeete standing on Orange Street. The officers says that he tried to search Skeete, but the civilian allegedly attacked him, and that led to a scuffle. The officer further accuses that in that confrontation, Skeete went for his gun, and he had to pull it and shoot him in the leg. Police today told the media that professional standards branch has been called in to investigate this shooting: Rafael Martinez, Police Press Officer "Whenever there is an incident regarding police and the use of force, whenever a police draws out his license firearm to use it against anybody, there is always an internal and an external investigation to justify whether or not the use of force was justifiable. What happened in this case, the officer commanding eastern division saw it fit to get in touch with the professional standards branch to look into this and of course we will be very thorough when it comes to investigating our own. There is absolutely nobody that can hide under the radar when it comes to use of justifiable use of force."

Internal Affairs Investigating Karique Tzul's Allegations Against GSU
Last week, we told you about the allegations which Karique Tzul made against the Gang Suppression Unit. He says that officers from the unit descended on a house on King Street where he was hanging out, and without warning, they started to brutalize him. It was an outrageous case, where officers allegedly kicked him so hard that he soiled himself. Well, today, when we asked the Deputy officer Commanding Eastern Division about it, he told us that Professional Standards Branch is investigating the allegation: Sr. Supt. Edward Broaster, 2nd In Command Eastern Division "Whenever there is allegations of police abuse the professional standard branch is task to carry out investigation and yes there is an investigation being carried out with respect to the 3 officers of the GSU." Reporter "Did the officers go at the wrong house and detain the wrong man?"

CWU Will Meet With CIBC
The Christian Workers Union will meet with the First Caribbean International Bank Management tomorrow. The meeting had long been requested, but both sides could not agree on who all should attend. Today the uni9on sent a press release saying that visiting CIBC Managing Director for Human Resources, Ella Hoyos, out of its Barbados Headquarters, wall participate in the meeting. She will meet with the CWU Team, including Uwahnie Martinez, tomorrow at 10:00 am at CIBC's main Belize City Branch.

Works Ministry Signs Road Rehab Contracts
Minister of Works and Transport Rene Montero signed off on another batch of contracts in Belmopan today. The contracts were signed this morning and Works CEO Errol Gentle outlined the upcoming renovation projects across the country:.. Errol Gentle, CEO - Ministry of Works "The first contract we will be signing this morning is with Rodla Construction and that's for the paving of 5 miles of the Old Northern. We will then be doing the concreting/paving of Oliva Sentino and Cairo Streets in Punta Gorda with CISCO. The concreting of Ramos Road and a section of the Ecumenical Drive again with CISCO Construction Limited. And then there is some baseline data monitoring equipment and this has to do with the flood mitigation project in Belize City and this will be done with after which we will be signing contracts for both roundabouts in Belize with CISCO Construction Limited and finally the feasibility study for the Punta Gorda Sporting Complex by Mahung and Partners."

Belize Lost To Guatemala
The Belize National Football team lost a heartbreaker to Guatemala in Dallas yesterday in the ongoing Nation's Cup. The final score was two to one. Carlos Ruiz opened the scoring with a brilliant strike in the 26th minute. With his back to goal, Guatemala's all-time leading scorer took a cross off his chest, turned and beat Belize goalkeeper Shane Orio with a bouncing volley from 10 yards. El Pescadito's sixth career CCA goal and first in 11 years came two minutes after Orio robbed Marco Pappa of his third tournament tally, making a sensational diving save on a 22-yard shot. Avila put Guatemala in front, 2-0, in the 51st minute, latching onto a deflected cross and putting a lunging eight-yard header on frame. Orio dived to his right and made the save as the momentum carried the ball just over the goal line.

Channel 5

Patrick Faber Accused of Assaulting MoE Staffer…
Minister of Education Patrick Faber is neck deep in a personal and political scandal tonight. The senior government minister has been accused of assaulting a staff member and her friend [...]

Minister Doesn't Exactly Deny Accusations…
Despite being up that proverbial creek without a paddle, Faber has both hands in the water and is churning up a storm. Interestingly, while the report speaks about the Minister [...]

Faber Says He doesn't Expect Political Fallout…
The Minister didn't deny the incident happened, but insisted the report was withdrawn.� As Minister of Education, Faber travels the nation speaking to students, encouraging them to reach for the [...]

Police Says Faber Report Withdrawn…So Doesn't Exist!
At a press briefing called today, the newly formed Public Relations Unit of the Police did their best in a bad situation. When asked the question about the report made [...]

Fisherman Gunned Down in San Pedro…
One man has been arrested and charged with the murder of a San Pedro resident. Rolando Espat Junior was executed early on Saturday morning reportedly by someone he knew and [...]

Death Finds Mechanic in his Own Yard…
There was another murder, this time in the dangerous streets of the south side in the Old Capital. Thirty-eight year old mechanic, Jason Paulino, was shot to the head, abdomen [...]

Another Grenade Found Just Before September Celebrations…
The threat of a grenade attack during the September Celebrations is very real, following a bold attempt in September 2008 when a hand-thrown bomb was hurled into a crowd of [...]

Police Shoot Man in Leg…Internal Investigation Ongoing…
While the police have successfully retrieved a grenade from the streets, an incident on Saturday morning is raising questions about one of its own. A police officer is under investigation [...]

Family Seeks Answers in San Ignacio Chopping…
A vicious chopping incident in San Ignacio Town over a month ago remains uninvestigated, despite numerous attempts by the family of Felix Romero Junior to have a formal inquiry conducted [...]

P.U.P. Attorney Arthur Saldivar in the Hot Seat…Again!
There is more political news. While U.D.P. Minister Patrick Faber is under heavy public scrutiny tonight, attorney Arthur Saldivar's political star is dimming very quickly.� Saldivar is currently on suspension [...]

P.U.P. Leader Says Video Will Be Used Against Saldivar…
This afternoon, the People's United Party called a press conference. The P.U.P. leader, Francis Fonseca was asked about the Saldivar fiasco. He told the media that the members of the [...]

P.U.P. Says PM Barrow Lied in the House…
P.U.P. Leader, Francis Fonseca was among the last Friday's House meeting. He pointed out that the government was not helping P.U.P. town Councils. But the Prime Minister responded with serious [...]

P.U.P. Insulted by PG Town Council Receivership…
The monthly subvention that the PG Town Council receives, says Fonseca, is in the tune of twenty-two thousand to pay salaries for the mayor, his deputy and councilors. But the [...]

Education Minister Says Arbitrary Raise in School Fees Wrong!
Earlier in our newscast we showed you Minister of Education Patrick Faber on the hot seat. He was at a media breakfast which was organized last week to deal with [...]

Faber Says G.O.B. Provides ALL Primary School Textbooks…
That will be welcome news for some parents, who'll be scrutinizing those school fees much more closely now. And there's also the issue of school books for primary level students. [...]

The Merging of 3 Schools…An Update!
Also on the table for discussion today was the merging of the resources of three high schools - Maud Williams, Sadie Vernon and Excelsior. It was officially announced at the [...]

Carnival King & Queen 2014 - the Highlights…
It all leads to the road march this coming weekend. But on Saturday night, an extravagant show of stunning and colorful creations overwhelmed revelers as a record number of Bands [...]

Sporting Highlights with James Adderley
Good evening, I'm James Adderley and this is Sports Monday.   After falling in a 2-zip score to Honduras at the COPA Centro Americana, being hosted inside the United States, [...]