FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

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

Town Christmas Tree lights up for the Holidays!
While enjoying the glow of the tree, those in attendance also got to listen to classic Christmas carols as harmoniously sung by Heaven's Voices Youth Choir and by Natalie Arceo. In the spirit of giving, excited children were offered cupcakes and refreshment. Everyone was also invited to snap a picture with Santa and Miss San Pedro Michelle Nu�ez. The San Pedro Town Council would like to thank Lady Dixie Bowen and her family on the kind donation of the Christmas tree. May all island residents and visitors have a happy Christmas season!

Two Belizeans to receive training in clinical management of Ebola
The World Health Organization (WHO) and Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO) will be offering workshop training to doctors and nurses from across the Caribbean and Latin America in the clinical management of Ebola. More than 30 countries, including Belize, will be benefiting from this free training to be held in Antigua and Barbuda and Chile. Representing Belize at the workshop will be Doctor Pedro Arriaga and Nurse Madona Vicente, who upon their return, will train other medical professionals in the country. The workshops are part of a series of PAHO/WHO actions intended to help countries strengthen their preparedness for potential cases of Ebola. The workshops are scheduled to take place from December 1st to 3rd in Antigua and Barbuda for Caribbean participants including Belize, and on December 3rd to 5th and 9th to 11th in Chile, for participants from Latin America. Dr. Marcos Espinal, Director of PAHO/WHO's Department of Communicable Diseases and Health Analysis, participants in any of the three workshops are expected to train other health professionals in their home countries upon their return, with the support of their regional PAHO/WHO agency. "The goal of the workshops is to strengthen the clinical response capacity of doctors and nurses who have been assigned to treat Ebola patients. After this training, we'll have health staff who are better prepared to rapidly detect cases, isolate and treat them, and prevent the virus's spread," said Espinal.

San Pedro Town Observes World AIDS Day
On Sunday November 30th, The San Pedro AIDS Commission and National AIDS Commission/ Island Committee (NAC Island Committee) collaborated in hosting a World AIDS Day Fundraising Fair at the Central Park. International AIDS Day is observed on December 1st and the groups promoted activities such as free HIV rapid testing, information and counselling, condom distribution, and of course some pastry and food sales. With two HIV/AIDS Awareness groups on the island, activities got underway at 10AM, and saw a host of visitors stopping by the various booths. Among the visitors were Miss San Pedro Michelle Nu�ez, who, like many others, decided to "Know Your Status" and get tested. Despite the rainy weather conditions, Rompe Raja struck up the live band and kept the entertainment coming steadily throughout the day. The San Pedro AIDS Commission sold delicious pastries, rice and beans, and cold drinks, while the NAC Island Committee offered free testing, education and counselling.

San Pedro athletes take on CrossFit Chetumal Challenge 2014
Over the weekend of November 29th-30th, a delegation of athletes from Ambergris Caye travelled to Chetumal, Mexico where they competed in the CrossFit Chetumal Challenge 2014. CrossFit Chetumal hosted the competitive event, and saw a total of 40 competitors, which included five athletes from Sun and Sand CrossFit and two from San Pedro CrossFitCFS on Ambergris Caye. Competitors from Sun and Sand CrossFit included James Sanchez, Ernie Longsworth, Alex Garcia, Jennifer Maher and Chandel Rodriguez. CrossFitCFS competitors were Freddy Gonzalez and Gian Rivero. The two-day event included three workout events per day, and saw both males and females competing in intermediate and advanced divisions. While none of the San Pedro athletes competed in the advanced category, each worked hard in gaining a place in the intermediate finals.

Daniel Gregorio graduates from the Belize Coast Guard Academy
On Friday, November 28th the Belize National Coast Guard held commencement ceremonies for intake number five. Held at the Williamson Complex in Ladyville Village, Belize, the ceremony saw 44 recruits officially joining the Coast Guard. Among the recruits was 21-year-old island resident Daniel Gregorio who not only completed the course but received the Champion Physical Training Award. Family, friends and members of the diplomatic corps gathered at the complex to honor the young recruits. Operations Officer, Lieutenant Greg Soberanis welcomed those in attendance and congratulated new members of the Coast Guard. "Today, I am standing in front of these thirty-nine males and five females who, through intestinal fortitude, blood, sweat and tears decided to endure hardship through mental toughness," said Soberanis. The recruits had to endure a 13 week course of both high level physical training and theory lessons.

Ambergris Today

Man Wounded Attempting to Capture Store Robber
An employee of Coral Cable Vision (CCV) was wounded this afternoon, Thursday, December 04, 2014, in downtown San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize, as he attempted to detain a robber who had just stolen items from World Class Fashion Store on Pescador Drive (middle street). According to eye witness reports, four persons were sitting across the store when one of them entered the store around 1:30p.m. and stole some items. As the robber attempted to leave the area, an employee of Coral Cable Vision, located two doors down from the store, was made aware of the robbery attempt and was able to detain the robber. It was during the struggle that the robber was able to retrieve his gun and shoot the CCV employed on the leg, just above the knee.

Tropic Air Plane Runs off Belize City Runway into Water
A press release from Tropic Air has issued information this afternoon that one of its aircrafts ran off the runway in Belize City Municipal Airport and landed a few feet away in shallow waters. On Thursday December 4, at approximately 2:20 PM Tropic Air flight #281 was going from San Pedro to Belize City Municipal and upon landing went off the runway and into the water. There were five passengers and a pilot on board; no injuries incurred. Ambergris Today received information that one of the passengers onboard the plane was Carlos Najera, who was just injured in a shooting incident in San Pedro, an hour before. Najera was being transported to Belize City after he was shot on the leg while he attempted to apprehend a robber coming out of a local store in downtown San Pedro, Ambergris Caye.


With a very short ceremony headed by Mayor Daniel Guerrero, a giant Christmas Tree was lit at Central Park last night, Tuesday, December 3, 2014, to help bring in the holiday season to San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize. Together with Santa Claus taking pictures with the children and the Roman Catholic Church Choir showcasing Christmas Carols, Mayor Daniel Guerrero hit the switch that brought the Christmas Tree to life in downtown San Pedro, Central Park. Everybody took out their cameras to take pictures by the tree and the San Pedro Town Council distributed cupcakes and soft drinks to all the children present. The Christmas Tree is a gift to San Pedro Town by Lady Dixie Bowen and Family.

Belize Special Olympics Torch Comes to San Pedro
The annual Law Enforcement Torch Run that travels the world every year made it to San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize, on Wednesday, December 3, 2014. This torch is paraded around the country by the police and other law enforcement officers in an effort to garner special attention to children with disabilities and the Belize Special Olympics, raising funds for the same organization. The torch arrived into Belize via the Santa Elena Border and in its route throughout Belize, arrived on Ambergris Caye. The historic torch was set up at Central Park by founding members of Camp Starfish and the San Pedro Police Department for public viewing and photographs. The public was invited to make their donations towards Special Olympics.

Misc Belizean Sourcesmzz

2014 Holiday Lighted Boat Parade
The traditional lighted boat parade will be held this saturday night, December 6th! Starting at 6pm the parade will leave Wayo's in Boca Del Rio and begin its voyage south to Caribbean Villas. The parade will then turn around and assemble in front of Central Park. There will be a block party at Central Park starting at 6pm also. Food and drink sales, photos with Santa, a Christmas Carols competition and more will be there for your entertainment pleasure. Bring your family and friends out to enjoy the fun. We look forward to seeing you there. San Pedro Business Association

ROLL the ZAFRA Now!
Sugar cane farmers of the north continue to be anxious and overshadowed by a bitter sweet deadlock crisis in the sugar cane negotiations between the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association (BSCFA which represents over 5,000 plus cane farmers of the North) and the multinational company ASR/BSI. Uncertain whether the Sugar Cane Crop Season will begin December 8th, cane farmers have been diligently seeking to negotiate and come to terms with ASR/BSI on a least the date for this crop (taking into account conditions of the rainy weather and proper access to their cane farms). Though a breakthrough in coming together to the table occurred yesterday, no substantial agreement relating to the 3 points of contention has conceded. According to BSI's Belizario Carballo yesterday, both sides are clearer on the three major areas they have not been able to agree on. It can take as little as 3 days from the signing of an agreement to commence delivery of crop. BSI has asked for time to consult BSFA's recent proposal.

A Season's Feast is All Natural In Belize
This small country in the Caribbean features big natural attractions and plenty of locally farmed food, considered outstanding as organic diets gain favor to extend health and increase vitality. While tourists must eventually bid goodbye to 100% fresh pina colada ingredients and sushi made from fish caught along the world-renowned Belize Barrier Reef, international homeowners enjoy a delicious and dynamic daily diet. Tropical colorful foods considered 'exotic' in most northern supermarkets are available every day in Belize. A current world-wide health-drink favorite is a green coconut brimming with healthful water, containing simple sugars, electrolytes and minerals such as potassium, decanted with a straw! Local coconut tree climbers harvest coconuts and serve with a whack of the machete wherever beachcombers may be in need of rehydration. Coconut trees line the beaches of Ambergris Caye, the most popular destination for Belize beachfront property available.

Residential Mortgage Payment Program: Frequently Asked Questions
Government of Belize Press Office

BELIZE'S STRUGGLE FOR JUSTICE & REPARATIONS!
THE GIANT HAS AWOKEN! by Bilal Morris As the National Convention of The People of Belize head towards Belize City, (Ibo Town) to hold its next meeting in advancing the cause for justice and reparations of Belize's indigenous peoples after an outstanding and breathtaking performance at the University of Belize, on October 10, 2014, and later in Punta Gorda in November, 2014, the movement of a people that finally begins to look like a people's movement in Belize, stands tall for the rights of the marginalized peoples of Belize in conjunction with the Caribbean Community, (CARICOM). In this noble endeavor, it is hopeful that this will be a wake up call, and catalyst for something bigger that is to come.

Channel 7

Engine Failure: Tropic Air Takes A Plunge
A Tropic Air Cessna Caravan plunged into the waters adjoining the municipal airstrip in Belize City today. It happened at 2:20 pm when the turbo prop launched off the runway - reportedly after its engine inexplicably cut off. Five passengers and a pilot were on board - but none of them were hurt. The plane was flying from san Pedro to Belize City when - unofficial reports say - the engine died - and it could not apply the reverse thrust that is necessary for deceleration when landing. With that, it barreled off the runway into the sea. And while details of the incident are still sketchy, 7news spoke with one eyewitness who said it all happened in the blink of an eye.

Gunshot Victim Was On Plane
One of the passengers on that flight was a man who had been shot a few minutes earlier in san Pedro. Carlos Najeras, was shot when he tried to stop a robbery in progress. Police believe the robbers were from Belize City and that they used a 38 revolver which may have been used in other recent robberies on the island. Najeras was passing by when he saw a storekeeper bring robbed. He tried to stop the crime and was shot in the foot. His injury is not considered life threatening.

The Long Delayed Murder Arraignment Of Echeverria
Last night, we told you how the Director of Public Prosecutions signed off on a murder charge for 19 year-old Wilser Echeverria. Tonight, he's at the Belize Central Prison after being taken back to court today before the Belmopan Magistrate's Court. He was arraigned today on the charge of murder, and due to the nature of the offence, no plea was taken. He was remanded by Magistrate Aretha Ford until January 27, 2015, when he will be brought back for an adjournment.

The Mayor: Words And Meaning
Last night, we showed you our interview with Belize City Mayor Darrell Bradley in which we asked him directly if recent differences inside his council had him considering resignation 3 months before municipal elections. As we told you, he's been waging a public and private battle resisting the Government commitment to hire those 170 BML workers next year at the end of the contract with the sanitation company. Bradley says that taking on of these employees will excessively burden the council's finances. Then, there is the outcome of the City Administrator's contract which was renewed against his wishes when he was outvoted by his council members - which we are told is a first, though he says otherwise. Also, there is difficulty he has been having with getting Central Government support to renovate the Commercial Center in Downtown Belize City.

What Was Behind BTL's System Wide Collapse?
At least 144,000 thousand customers on BTL's network experienced interruption of cellular and internet services yesterday from about 2 a.m. until 7:00 a.m. or later in some areas. BTL says it was a critical system failure from within their network. Technicians explain that it was caused by scheduled maintenance and upgrades designed to improve the 4G wireless. The problem is that this maintenance had unintended consequences and it caused major inconveniences to those customers who depend on BTL, not to mention the loss of business which happened during that countrywide interruption. Today, the General Manager of the company's Customer Services Department sat down with the media and discussed what happened:

KHMH Supplier Spring (HK) Holdings, Just A Shell Company
For the past two nights we've been looking at the Auditor General's special audit of the KHMH. It is just a snapshot really - one designed to examine three transactions: the first to acquire X-Ray units, the second to purchase Medical Supplies, and the third to buy pharmaceutical products. We're spending days taking apart the report, because there were a lot of irregularities - not least of which was the sourcing of an X-Ray machine from a mystery company in Hong Kong. Very unusual because typically medical equipment is bought refurbished from clinics or other legitimate suppliers right here in the Americas. So why did they go to the far east? That's what we have been trying to find out:.. Jules Vasquez reporting Spring HK Holdings Ltd - that company name comes up many times in the audit. The HK stands for Hong Kong, and their address says they are headquartered in this towering building, the Trend Center.

Things Still Sour In Sugar, Sweetening In Citrus
Last night, we told you how the Sugar Industry's immediate future remains uncertain. While that situation in the north remains fluid, in the South, things are taking a positive turn for embattled citrus industry. Yesterday, the Citrus Products of Belize Limited, the company which buys citrus products from the farms, released a statement congratulating the major shareholders in reaching an out-of-court settlement. As viewers may know, the ownership of CPBL is made up of the shareholders, Banks Holdings Limited, the Barbadian Beverage Giant; and the well-established Citrus Growers Association - which represents 90% of the citrus farmers. The release does not go into detail as to what the out-of-court resolution looks like, but it congratulates both sides for quote, "the understanding by both parties of the need for their collaboration in the best interest of� the overall industry."

The Many Trials of "Brother B"
You've often seen Prime Minister Dean Barrow's younger brother, Denys, on the evening news as the Government attorney discussing the nature of the court cases that the Barrow Administration is involved in. The lesser-known fact is that he continues to sue the Government of Saint Lucia for pension he is claiming after serving as a judge of Court of Appeal in the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court for 3 and 8 months. The Judicial and Legal Services Commission of Saint Lucia's position is that Barrow did not meet the minimum requirements to qualify for pension, but Barrow disputes that position. He has litigated it in High Court, which has ruled against him, and in April of this year, he went to their Court of Appeal.

Found Live Rounds
Officers operating a Christmas anti-crime patrol found ammunition in the city on Tuesday night. At around 7:10 the team found 5 silver .38 special live rounds in an abandoned yard on Dolphin Drive in Buttonwood Bay. No one was in the area so the items were labeled as found property.

The Powerhouse Combo Coalesces
Small Business Development - it has been one of BELTRAIDE's flagship projects - and now they are partnering with the La Immaculada Credit Union to carry the programme further. These small scale businesses are one of the major drivers of economic development and the new pairing of strategy from BETRAIDE and finance from La Immaculda is described as a powerhouse:.. Melanie Gideon, BELTRAIDE "There is a reason we ae partnering with the credit union, you are good at what you do - lending. We are good at what we do - capacitating, put two of us together, we are a powerhouse."

Fine Finger Spellers
Today the 19th Annual Finger Spelling Bee was held at the Belize Elementary School Auditorium. It takes countless hours of studying and recitation to prepare for a spelling bee competition but these participants pulled it off with sign language and video aids. Courtney Weatherburne has more. Courtney Weatherburne reporting Sign language: to the uninitiated, it might seem bizarre and confusing given the swift and fluid hand gestures, but for these young finger spellers, it's pretty easy. And while they form words with ease, it is challenging for the teachers and facilitators who are tasked with preparing the students for the competition. Earlett Thomas, Manager, NaRCIE "It's a long process. We usually have to select the words, make sure that we find a sign for the word. We do a video and then we distribute it to the districts and then in the districts they have their elimination and their best candidate to participate in the spelling B. It is extremely challenging because you know you can listen by sound and you can learn to pronounce a word, but if you don't get the sound or if you sign it wrongly, a little twitch in the hand can make a difference and then the child won't know which word you are signing and it's also difficult because our children, we don't have parents who can sign, so the only time they get to practice is at school."

Convicted For Firearm, Spared Jail Time
25 year-old Julio Ardon is lucky to be out tonight after being convicted of a firearm offence but being spared jail time. The incident occurred around 8:30 p.m. on March 28, 2014. The complainant, Inmas Espinal, testified that Ardon went to his house and threatened him with a firearm to his head. In his defence, Ardon testified and denied that he committed the offence. Ardon said he went to his uncle's house and he saw Espinal and his girlfriend in the yard. Ardon said it was Espinal who threatened to shoot him and he challenged him to a fist fight.

Toys For Tots At 13
The Toys for Tots programme today hosted a hundred underprivileged primary school children at its annual Christmas party. The kiddies' party was held at the Memorial Park this afternoon - where these six and seven year olds were entertained by the clowns Burger and Fries and even got a special visit from Santa Claus. It's the organization's 13th annual Christmas party and 7news was there. Indira Craig, Country Manager - United "This year with partnered with SBK International and we find that whenever it is that we work with other sponsors it gives us an opportunity to do an even bigger production in terms of what we get to provide and what we have for the kids. We've been raising funds through United's sponsorship of a ticket throughout the year, one that will be raffling tomorrow and in addition to that like I said we have a couple sponsors that has come onboard to help us with the party this year. The initiative started as an employee initiative and it started with Continental Airlines 15 years ago.

Channel 5

Crash Landing at the Municipal Airstrip
A single engine Tropic Air plane left San Pedro this afternoon and crash landed on arrival at the Belize Municipal Airport. While the pilot was able to land the plane, [...]

Good Samaritan Shot During Robbery in San Pedro
As we said, Carlos Najera is the Good Samaritan who almost became a dead Samaritan after he was shot by a robber in San Pedro. At around one-twenty this afternoon [...]

Echevarria Finally Arraigned for Murder
Following the directive of Director of Public Prosecutions on Wednesday, this afternoon Belmopan Police charged eighteen year old Wilser Echevarria for the crime of murder. Echevarria was on remand at [...]

Physical Altercation in Coast Guard Goes to Court
A pair of coastguard officers who reportedly have had a history of enmity with each other is heading to court to resolve a criminal matter resulting from a physical assault [...]

A Closer Look at the KHMH Audit
As we promised you, tonight we take an in-depth look at a special audit of the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, requested by the Financial Secretary in the Ministry of Finance. [...]

No Suspects or Leads in Latest Homicide
On Wednesday morning, twenty-eight-year-old Robert Tracy, a resident of Holy Emmanuel Street, was gunned down as he sat on a stool inside a yard on Wagner's Lane.� A single shot [...]

Two Year Old Marijuana Case Concluded
The trial for a family of four, Olympia King, her son, Tyron King, daughter, Sherin King and family friend, Harrison Smith, who is now deceased, concluded today before the Senior [...]

Cayo Deaf Institute Tops Spelling Bee
Students from the Cayo Deaf Institute are among the brightest spellers. Elizabeth Shub and Brenda Coc won in the junior and senior categories, respectively, of the Spelling Bee for the [...]

Duane Moody Live at Public's Supermarket
Get into the groove because Duane Moody will be live at the Public's Supermarket for tonight's episode of our extremely popular Gimme Five show. Spectacular prizes will be won by [...]

Toys For Tots is bigger and Better
It's that time again�the annual Toys for Tots Christmas Party hosted by United Airlines. This year, the event was held at the Memorial Park in Belize City and like in [...]

Former OW Mayor Passes Away
Orange Walk's first and only female Mayor to date, Agripina Espejo, passed away in Belize City on Wednesday afternoon. Espejo had served as the United Democratic Party's Mayor from 1994 [...]

Healthy Living takes a look at the Hearing Impaired
Various activities are taking place around the country to mark Disability Week. It is estimated that there are about three thousand five hundred persons countrywide living with disabilities. Healthy Living [...]

CTV3

CCCCC Says Increase In Acidic Oceans Reduce Marine Populations
Ocean acidity is affecting the Belize Barrier Reef according to news reports from Caribbean Community Climate Change Center, CCCCC. Again, the big malefactor here is the ever progressing climate change that according to an international report, is weighing heavily on the fishing and tourism industries in the country. The CCCCC says that increasingly acidic oceans reduce marine populations causing adverse effects on exports and foreign exchange earnings. The situation, it adds, is compounded by illegal overfishing and premature harvesting of conch and lobster during the country's enforced closed seasons. In the article, ocean acidification is explained as, quote, "when greenhouse gases, GHGs, in the atmosphere are trapped and stored in the ocean as carbonic acid.

Our Lady Of Guadalupe R.C. School Celebrate 25th Anniversary
While Astrid Clavel from Our Lady of Guadalupe Primary School in Corozal Town puts her school on the spotlight, preparations for the 25th anniversary of that educational institute is in full swing. Today on our visit at the school we caught up with one of the organizers who gave us a sneak peak on the event. Yarely Pol - Teacher / Organizer. "This year is our 25th Anniversary and we are starting celebrations today with the Novenas, nine days of Novenas which starts today the 4th of December at 4:00 and then on the 12th the last Novenas we are going to have the two days activities for our school this year and the last Novena will be at 5:00 and then at 6:30 the mass where we will also be having some children that will be baptized on that day then on the 13th the Saturday we will have the whole day fair where we will have the business Expo where we want to not only work towards the school but also invite the business community and let them also be a part since they have been helping the school as well and so they will be having there discounts and so on and their different promotions here in school."

Bishop Martin High School Wins SAGICOR Visionaries Challenge
After yielding much success through a pilot competition last year, Belize had once again signed up to participate in the region's most exciting science competition - the Sagicor Visionaries Challenge. The Caribbean Science Foundation (CSF), the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) and Sagicor Life Inc teamed up in 2012 to launch the Sagicor Visionaries Challenge Competition, which engages secondary school students in the Caribbean to develop problem-solving skills. This year at national level, 32 projects from 28 highschools was entered in the second annual challenge and there is much to be excited about since Orange Walk's Bishop Martin High School has once again won bragging rights and bested high schools from all across the country. Our newsteam caught up with the defending champions this morning to find out more on their winning entry, Maria Novelo reports��

Our Lady Of Guadalupe R.C. School Wins BNLS Reading Competition
Over 100 students from across the country gathered in Belize City on November 28th for the Belize National Library Service Reading competition. The good news tonight is that the north has proven to have some of the best readers in all of Belize and we met with one today. Meet Astrid Clavel, student of Our Lady of Guadalupe in the Corozal district who excelled at the end of the competition. "It makes me feel proud of myself because I know I am capable of very good things and at the same time happy because I know that my level of reading is very good and that it will help me a lot in college." Victor Castillo - Reporter "You sat among some of the best reader's country wide and you came up on top, now how that makes you feel, was it challenging?" Astrid Clavel - Student. "Yes because there was a little girl from Belize and she came out second and I thought that she was going to win it but I was so confident about myself."

Memorial Service Held For Panamanian Dipomat
A memorial service was held this morning for Jos� Rodrigo De la Rosa, Career Diplomat and Consular, and who served as Charge d'Affaires of the Embassy of Panama in Belize. The service was held at 10:30 am at the National Shrine of the Sacred Heart of Mary, located on Avenida Samuel Lewis in Panama City. De la Rosa's remains arrived at his home country on November 28th. The Panamanian government is reported to have sent a delegation consisting of a representative of the Foreign Ministry and two deputy commissioners of the Judicial Investigation branch of the National Police to conduct the corresponding diplomatic process and coordinate investigations with Belize police. De la Rosa was found dead on November 23rd in the La Choza Area in Belmopan and his body displayed cut wounds to the neck and head. Since his murder, police have arrested eighteen year old Wilser Echevaria and later charged for murder. The vehicle Del la Rosa was using was found in a separate area in Belmopan. Some of his personal belongings were also missing and according to reports, the eighteen year old Echevarria was also charged of theft for De la Rosa's cellular phone.

Tropic Air Plane Plunges Into The Sea
No injuries are reported after one of Tropic Air's planes ended up in the sea as it tried to land at the Belize City Municipal airstrip. The incident happened at two twenty this afternoon. According to a short statement posted by Tropic Air on its Facebook page almost two hours after, and we quote, "Tropic Air flight #281 was en route from San Pedro to Belize City Municipal. Upon landing on the rain soaked runway, the aircraft slid off into the shallow water at the eastern end. There were 5 passengers including a medevac patient and pilot on board. While we continue to investigate the incident, our primary concern is for the safety of our crew and passengers. No injuries were reported," end of quote. Minister of Civil Aviation Manuel Heredia has declined giving any interviews since he says he knew little details about the incident. Not much detail has been released into the matter but as far as we understand, the aircraft was taken out of the water sometime around six using a crane.

LOVE FM

BES Held Annual Crystal Spelling Bee at Gymnasium
The 19th annual Crystal Finger Spelling Bee was held today at the Belize Elementary Gymnasium and Cayo Deaf Institute won first place in both the Junior and Senior Category in the persons of Brenda Coc and Elizabeth Chub, respectively. We spoke to the Manager of the National Resource Center for Inclusive Education, NARCIE, Erlett Thompson ERLETT THOMPSON "First we had the junior competition; those are students from five to nine years old and for those children we selected words that are a bit smaller to practice since they learn through practice by memorizing it and for the seniors, we have six participants for seniors. They're from Orange Walk, St. Peter's, Stella Maris School and Cayo Deaf Institute. It is similar but it is different and it is different because of the skills you need to practice to learn the sign language. You know that when you are doing a regular spelling bee, you can just listen and put phonetics together and you can get your words. When you are doing sign language you have to memorize, you have to visualize and you have to connect it to something that you know so you remember it, so it's different." Crystal Water has been sponsoring the event for the past 19 years and Brand Coordinator, Jason Soliz, told us why Crystal always makes the competition possible.

Craig Speaks On United Airlines Direct Flight
With a large base of Belizeans living in Chicago, Illinois, USA, United Airlines Company is preparing to introduce its direct flight from the Philip Goldson International Airport in Belize to the Chicago O'Hare Airport. Love News spoke with United's Country Manager, Indira Craig, who says that the direct flights between both locations will be available on Saturdays beginning December 20, 2014. INDIRA CRAIG "We have our direct to Chicago starting on the 20 of December; we are very excited to be able to offer that service. United flies to Houston, ten years ago we started flying directly to NEWARK, New Jersey and so this for us in monumental, being able to service the Chicago Diaspora and doing direct flights to that area in the US." As of this month, Belize now boasts non-stop services from Miami, Atlanta, Houston, Los Angeles, California, Dallas, Charlotte, Newark, Chicago and San Salvador.

Belize Municipal Airport; Plane Crash Landed
The Belize Municipal Airport was shut down this afternoon after a Tropic Air plane crash landed. It happened at about twenty minutes passed two o'clock and we understand that the four persons that were in the plane did not suffer any serious injuries. Still, they were rushed to the hospital to be sure that they don't have any internal injuries. We are not sure what went wrong and but there were several reports coming from eyewitness. We spoke to one who told us that the engine suddenly stopped functioning. EYEWITNESS "I was there when the plane came down from the airstrip and I noticed it hit in the middle and then it came down. The machine was not working because the propeller had stopped and when he notice that, he started to make a turn in order to brake and therefore the plane hit. As you notice one of the wheels were bent. No passengers were injured so.." HIPOLITO NOVELO "How many passengers came out of the plane?"

Environmental Organization Representatives Completes Three Day Training
Representatives of a number of environmental organizations yesterday completed a three day creative collaboration training program in Punta Gorda. We hear more in this report from correspondent Paul Mahung. PAUL MAHUNG "One of the facilitators was Art Corp Training and Curriculum Officer, Arie Shell." ARIE SHELL "Art Corp is an organization that believes that creativity is an essential and important resource that is inherent in everyone and every organization and so we work with social and environmental organizations to equip them with more creative and innovative tools and strategies to strengthen the work that they do. We have been partnering with the leading conservation organization here in Belize and the Gulf of Honduras to provide training for their staff, to learn new creative methodologies and tools that they can use to strengthen their work internally and the work they do in communities."

Bowen & Bowen; Belize City Man Complains of Foul Odor
Bowen and Bowen is an establishment well-known country and worldwide for its mouthwatering soft drinks and beers. With several branches station country wide to meet the expectations and needs of the Belizean population and those of neighboring countries abroad, the company manages to live up to their standards with positive remarks. A business man spoke to Love News and told us quite different and his experiences with the company. According to Miguel Zyden, he purchased a bottle of beer which gave off a foul odor at his employer store, Quan Sing Super Market. Here's what he said: MIGUEL ZYDEN "The problem is that I had a beer that I purchased right here at the establishment, I also work here and it came with some substance in here that made me sick. It wasn't beer, it smelled renk. I didn't know because I just opened it, I took a drink of it and it made me ill after that. I have been to the company to claim about it, I have been to BAHA to find out what it is and I have been run around by the company. I would like them to attend to whatever they need to attend to and get to me if not I will seek legal help; whatever it takes, I don't mind if it takes me a year or two years, I will find a way for me to get compensated anyway possible."

Toys For Tots; United Airlines Christmas Initiative
For over a decade, we have been hearing of the Christmas initiative, dubbed Toys for Tots. It is a program that caught on in Belize, so much so, that even when other offices of Continental discontinued the program, Belize held on to it and continued gathering toys for tots each Christmas. Today, the staff of United entertained some sixty children from ten different primary schools via a program coordinated especially for them. Love News was out at the Memorial Park in Belize City to catch some of the entertainment for the children. We also spoke with Country Manager for United, Indira Craig. INDIRA CRAIG " Toys for Tots originally started originally started off as an employee initiative, about fifteen years now and we've continued the program even though it has been discontinued in a lot of the stations. It started off as a Continental initiative. In Belize we've continued doing it because it is just such a fun program. We enjoy coming out here during the holidays with the kids, sending them off and just enjoying the whole feel of Christmas and giving back. We kind of go with the Southside kids, we try to look for kids who we know would be living under the margin and try to have the school focus on giving them the opportunity to come out and so we ensure that they have a gift for Christmas and they have a good time just going off into the holiday season.

Miranda Speaks on The Fluctuation of BTL’s Services
If you are a subscriber of Belize Telemedia Limited, you might have been frustrated on Wednesday when you realize that services such as 4G. 2G, Internet and text messaging services were either down or not functioning properly. At one point subscriber from across the country were affected simultaneously. Yesterday BTL's Marketing Director, Dr. Dionne Miranda, told the media what went wrong and what is being done. DR. DIONNE MIRANDA "At approximately 1:45 am yesterday morning we received our first set of calls into our call centres, I am sure that you know we run a twenty four hours a day call center, where we received different messages saying that customers were unable to browse DSL, they were unable to dial out on their 2 G and 4 G devices, send text and at the same time receive their mobile data.; At that point we called out our standby technicians and they started to look into the matter. What had occurred the night before, we had a scheduled maintenance window and that maintenance window was based on the fact that we're upgrading our systems. I am sure that you can recall that we have been having some congestion within the country with reference to our 4 G services and so we've been having a massive campaign in order to maximize services and improve the level of coverage and the ability for customers to be able to browse and speak freely on the service.

CIBC Donations To Cancer Society
Last week we brought to you the story of Fort Point Security making a donation of a security system to the Belize Cancer Society following several burglaries that occurred. The most recent being in November when thieves took the Christmas presents for children living with cancer. It was a tough break for the Belize Cancer Society but the blow was cushioned when generous business houses and individuals began coming forward to donate to the cause. Today, Love News was on hand to witness a donation from the CIBC First Caribbean International Bank on Albert Street in Belize City. Dianne Finnegan, the Society's Vice President was on hand to receive the donation from the bank's country manager, Glen Smith. GLEN SMITH "I must say with every disappointment comes great reward because just last week we spoke about the contribution we got from the Feinstein family who gave us the full security system because of the recent break in and now to receive over eight thousand dollars as another donation for the efforts of the Cancer Society, I think it's awesome, it's a blessing.

Diplomats Death; Victim’s Brother Speak in His Behalf
19 year old Wilser Echevarria has been charged for the murder of 64 year old Panamanian Diplomat, Jose Rodrigo De la Rosa. Echevarria was charged with murder and theft- one count in regards to the motor vehicle and one count in regards to a cell phone. Two weeks ago, Echevarria family and friends were out in front of the Belmopan Police Station displaying their support for what they believe is an injustice. Love News spoke to the brother of the accused victim, Allen Echevarria, told us more. Correspondent Fem Cruz tells us more. FEM CRUZ "Allan Echeverria brother accused in the case of the diplomat, share with us the concern of the family on new information gathered." ALLAN ECHEVERRIA "Wilson Echeverria an 18 year old teenager who had previously known the diplomat at a recent job institution. He got in touch with the diplomat at Central Belmopan. The man offered him a drink, got Wilson under the influence of alcohol. Wilson socialized with the diplomat like he would any other friend but unexpectedly the diplomat wanted to take advantage of him. Wilson got nervous and was in a state of shock.

Construction Worker Receives Chop Wounds
Police are investigating a chopping incident in Lemonal Village. According to Police reports, they were called to the village where they saw 38-year-old Wayne Anthony, Construction worker of Lemonal Village in a yard with multiple chop wounds. He had been chopped to the finger and knee. He was transported to K.H.M.H where he remains in a stable condition. Police has since detained 55-year-old man of the same village pending Charges.

Shot Gun Stolen From Watchman
A 16 gauge H&R brand single action shot gun was stolen from a store room inside the Belize Adventist College in the Corozal District. The watchman for the school, 51 year old Noel Mazanero Senior told police that the crime happened between the hours of 5:30am on Tuesday and 9:30 on Wednesday morning. Police are investigating.

IDB Commence on Initiatives With MOE
The Inter American Development Bank has been providing loans and grants to Belize for a number of years. The funds have been concentrated in the areas of education, tourism, transport and trade and tax. IDB Country representative, Anneke Jessen spoke of one of the new initiatives they have undertaken with the Ministry of Education. ANNEKE JESSEN "You know that the government spends a lot of money on education about 6 or 7 GDP which is very high compared to what other countries spend; they're not really getting enough bang for their buck, the quality of learning or the learning outcomes in schools is not what we would want to have in Belize and so this program; the EQUIP (EKeep) program focuses very much on education quality to improve the quality of education, to improve what you get for your investment in the education sector.