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Specials and Events

Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, LOVETV, PGTV, West Vision (Cayo) and CTV 3
Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, Rise and Shine Morning Show, and the Dickie Bradley Specials


The San Pedro Sun

It's RAIN-ing Happy Hour!!
We are always looking for that fabulous deal that makes us both look good and feel good. One place guaranteed to do both is the gorgeous Rain Restaurant and Rooftop Terrace! Don't believe me? Well, when you take the stunning vistas of both the reef and lagoon side, AND couple it with the chic setting of the rooftop setting, and delicious drinks at the bar, believe me - it's good to spend Happy Hour at Rain. And, if you linger long enough, oh those sunsets are GLORIOUS! Most Happy Hours are restrictive, but Rain has made the deal so sweet, you get to taste some delicious appetizers at special prices AND enjoy 50% off their cocktails! Five gazillion coconut mojitos for me please!!

Caye Notes: Fundraising for Jerome Mejia and Al Anon Family Groups
The community is being asked to kindly render assistant to one of its own: Mr. Jerome Mejia. Mejia has a brain tumor and needs to undergo numerous tests to help him with his illness; for this reason he requires substantial financial assistance. Mr. Mejia approached the San Pedro Town Council for an official endorsement to solicit funds from the general public/business community (financial or otherwise). Any assistance granted to Mr. Jerome Mejia will be greatly appreciated. Persons wishing to contribute can do so via Atlantic Bank Account # 210591536 Thank you in advance for your kind contribution. Al Anon Family Groups will be starting a 12 step meeting on Wednesday evening at 5:00PM in the Catholic Church Hall. The first meeting will be June 17th.

Major Jade find at Nim Li Punit
Archaeologists are thrilled with a major discovery made at the Nim Li Punit Archeological Site that yielded a jade pendant believed to be one of greatest finds in Belize. Located in Indian Creek Village in the Toledo District, Nim Li Punit was undergoing excavation after the recent unearthing of a burial chamber in early May. The major find of 26 ceramic pots and several jade pieces was made on Saturday, May 23rd, and has been classified as one of the most important discoveries since the Jade Head at Altun Ha. The excavation at Nim Li Punit, commonly known as Big Hat, was being led by Dr. Geoffrey Braswell, anthropologist with the Mesoamerican Archaeology Laboratory at the University of California in San Diego, USA. The discovery location believed to be the burial chambers of kings and queens between the Maya Classic Period around 800 A.D. "We were excavating in the royal palace of the site where the kings and queens of Nim Li Punit who lived from about 400 A.D. until after 800 A.D. But the discovery that was really exciting came from a much later tomb that dates to about 800 A.D. In it we found 26 beautiful pots, the nicest of which are displayed at the visitors' center in Nim Li Punit. We also found an incredible jade pectoral, a piece of jade that would be worn around the neck of Maya kings for their rituals," said Braswell.

Food Drive a huge success
The drive started at 10AM and went through until around 2PM. Volunteers made their way to various participating stores and businesses where the collection took place. The participating establishments were: Super Buy, Rocks Grocery Store, Paradise Market, Almaza, Reef Radio and TV. Caye Mart, Ritchie's and Mark's, Island City, Super Buy South, Marina's and Mermaid Store. Both cash and food items were collected, including pet food for Saga Humane Society. "Feeding the hungry means feeding our island animals as well, so it was a natural decision to include Saga Humane Society, the island's only non profit full service veterinary clinic, in the event. Founded in 1999 SAGA Humane Society serves to improve the general health and well being of the domestic and wild animals of the island. Community means all of us, and that includes our animals.

Elias Zetina represents San Pedro at 21st Annual Coca Cola National Spelling Bee
The 21st Annual Coca Cola National Spelling Bee took place on Friday, June 5th at the Corozal Community College Auditorium. 12 of the brightest spellers from across all six districts of Belize converged to test their skills hoping to claim the title of top speller. Among them was San Pedro's very own Elias Zetina from New Horizon Seventh Day Adventist School, who had placed second in the Belize District Finals. Unfortunately, Zetina did not take top prizes at National, nevertheless he sure made his community proud. Participants in this year's National Spelling Bee were Lavern Coe from Toledo Christian Academy, Gavino Teul from Santa Cruz Roman Catholic Primary School, Adrianne Young from Shiloh Seven Day Adventist Primary School, Santiago Chub from Our Lady of Bella Vista Primary School, Shandel Parham from St. Ignatius Primary School, Jafet Munoz from Trail Farm Government Primary School, Aaliyah Leiva from Louisiana Government Primary School, Benita Caal from Kuxlin Ha Government Primary School, Laura Menedez from Buena Vista Government Primary School, Aimee Gonzalez from Corozal Nazarene Primary School, Mishtony Castillo from Christiline Gill Seventh Day Adventist Primary School and Zetina.

American Airline launches direct flight between PGIA and LAX
Belize continues to expand its airways, and as such, now has a direct flight to Los Angeles, California, USA. American Airlines (AA) held its first inaugural flight between Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BGIA) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on Saturday, June 6th. The addition of this new route is part of AA's goal of further expanding its airline's route network in Latin America. With this new flight, AA customers in Belize will have access to an extensive route network out of LAX, which includes more than 200 daily flights to more than 50 destinations throughout the USA, Europe, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean.

Ambergris Today

Caye Caulke peace walk and candle vigil
Despite the bad weather, residents of Caye Caulker held a peace walk and candle vigil yesterday evening in observance of the death of Hilberto Sotz and against police brutality in the community. Two Caye Caulker Police Officers stand for murder charges.

San Pedro, Belize to Benefit from Study of At Risk Populations
The San Pedro neighborhood of San Mateo on Ambergris Caye, Belize has been identified as at risk by the Belize Red Cross Society. Flooding caused by tropical storms and hurricanes coupled with insufficient water and electric infrastructure has resulted in increased risk of fire and spread of disease. Belize Red Cross Director General, Lily Bowman suggested the area as the focus of a June 13-21, 2015 survey and research project, being made possible by Florida State University Emergency Management and Homeland Security Program (FSU EMHS). FSU EMHS, in partnership with the local Red Cross Society, is seeking to measure the water and sanitation situation of the San Mateo community and to assess storm vulnerabilities. The research project will include a site survey of the San Pedro neighborhood. The FSU team, which includes six researchers / graduate students plus faculty and staff, will travel June 13-21, 2015 to provide research survey technical assistance.

Wheel of Fortune Winners Cash in on Vacation at Ramon's Village, San Pedro
This week, Ramon's Village Resort, in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize welcomed Wheel of Fortune Grand Prize winner Dan Keyser and his wife Sharlene for a seven day/six night stay at the iconic beach resort. Ramon's Village provided a Grand Prize for the famed Wheel of Fortune show, starring Pat Sajak and Vanna White, which included seven days/six nights accommodations, breakfast for two daily, a snorkel trip to Hol Chan and Shark Ray Alley and roundtrip airfare to Belize City with air transfers via Tropic Air to San Pedro. Dan and Sharlene have been busy exploring San Pedro, enjoying dining at Pineapples On The Beach, shopping at the Tiki Turtle Trading Company and of course snorkeling with Ramon's Village Divers in the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. Ramon's Village owners Richard & Gina Headrick, along with the legendary host of Ramon's Mr. Ramon Nunez, welcomed the couple to San Pedro.

Misc Belizean Sourcesmzz

Peace March on Caye Caulker
Caye Caulker Residents peacefully march after one of their residents, 18 year old Hilbert Sots was murdered inside a police station less than an hour after he returned to the island. Two officers have been arrested and charged for Sots murder. The peace march on Wednesday, June 10th follows the initial unrest on the island that brought out anger against the police. The residents of Isla Carinosa hopefully found peace while making corrupt officials know they will always stand up and march for justice.

Paint N Splash
Next Thursday at Crazy Canucks! Join us for "Toucan Falls"

Dangriga By-election (Including the areas of Hope Creek and Sarawee)
A By-election for the Dangriga Electoral Division (including the areas of Hope Creek and Sarawee) will take place on Wednesday, 8th July 2015. Polls will open at 7:00 a.m. and close at 6:00 p.m. Nominations for persons wishing to contest the election will be received on Monday, 22nd June, 2015 between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. at the Dangriga Town Hall, Dangriga Town. Nomination forms can be obtained from the Elections and Boundaries Registration Office in Dangriga Town or Mr. Colin Griffith, Returning Officer, at the Customs and Excise Department, Ceasar Ridge Road, Belize City; or from Ms. Sylvia Usher, Election Clerk, at the Immigration and Nationality Department, Dry Creek Street, Belmopan City.

June 2015 The Placencia Breeze
INSIDE JUNE 2015 Page 5: Meet Tomas Gongara, aka DJ Dzl; June Flag Designer Knows Marketing, Sales and Parties Page 5: Editorial: We're Jipping the Lobster at Lobsterfest Page 6: Opinion: Will it Take Another Hurricane to Revive the Arts Association? Page 8: Thinking Outside the Box Page 9: Kitty Fox, 1946-2015 Page 10: Lobster Menu Page 11: Prizes in Placencia Lobsterfest Grand Raffle Expected to Draw Many Players Page 11: Official LobsterFest T-shirts Featuring Watercolor Painting Go on Sale; Winning Artist Says She is Humbled Page 11: Lionfish are Reef Stalkers Page 12: Take Placencia Lobsterfest to Your Kitchen Page 16-17: Community Events Briefs Page 23: Few Hurricanes Expected This Year in Caribbean; Still, Peninsula Residents Urged to Be Prepared Page 25: Could you be Love and be Loved? Page 28: Memories of Kitty Fox from Friends Old and New

Guatemala's Navy vessel will sleep on the Reef
Because night has set in the work has been postponed and the ship is still stuck on the barrier reef at the rear of Middle Caye in the Glovers Reef atoll. The Belize Coastguard will continue working on Friday morning to assist the Guatemalan vessel and crew. The Guatemalans were heading to Mexico in the merchant shipping lane when it ran aground on the reef. The vessel was not in international waters but in Belize waters. Typically the vessel's captain would be charged for damage to the reef. No information has been released to determine if the Guatemalans will be charged.

Summer Solstice Event at Marco Gonzalez Maya Site
If you want a magical time to celebrate the start of Summer, please drive south and join us in the Main Plaza of the Marco Gonzalez Archaeological Reserve. Mr. Choc, 87 year old K'iche Maya from the south in Belize, will be here to give the blessing to the site and all who attend for a peaceful and prosperous year. Hopefully he'll pray for good weather before arriving!!! The site is in a jungle environment, complete with Gods creatures large and small.......large is the black striped iguana and small are the mosquitoes - which we'll have at bay for the event. Yucatec Maya Mr. Moh will prepare a delicious Pibil (bury the pig) and tamale dinner to purchase. Wash it down with a cold Belikin or soft drink while enjoying the music and the San Pedro Dance Co. preforming traditional Maya dance. This is a FUNDRAISER for our Non-Profit Organization. Park fees will apply to Non-Residents and, since it's a Sunday when Belizeans/Residents are not charged, we will appreciate a donation in any amount. Come a bit early so you can make the 12 minute walk into the Plaza and not be late!

BOLEDO DRAWING for Thursday, June 11, 2015: 05. FANTASY 5: 28 4 37 26 32 T

5 VEHICLES HANDED OVER TO THE SP POLICE FORMATION
Today, June 11, 2015, is a positive day for San Pedro Town, the business community and the San Pedro Police Formation. Mayor Daniel Guerrero, on behalf of the San Pedro Town Council, and Hon. Manuel Heredia Jr., Minister of Tourism, Culture & Civil Aviation, officially presented the San Pedro Police Formation with a fleet of vehicles which consisted of: 1 Mitsubishi Montero, 1 Land Rover, 1 Toyota Tacoma and 2 Carryall Turf Club Car Golf Carts. The San Pedro Town Council and Hon. Manuel Heredia Jr. are working hand in hand with the business community and the San Pedro Police Formation in acquiring these vehicles in their efforts to alleviate the crime situation in San Pedro Town. These vehicles are much needed by the San Pedro Police Formation and it will improve their effectiveness and efficiency during patrols. In his speech, Asst. Superintendent of Police (Officer Commanding Coastal Executive Unit) Mr. Henry Jemmott assured that these vehicles will be serviced regularly to ensure their durability and performance.

Cayo Wellness Symposium
The Belize Wellness Institute is having another great Wellness Symposium this Saturday. It'll be at the Maya Mountain Lodge, and will start at noon. They'll have over 20 businesses showing off their wellness related products.

Guatemalan Naval Ship
This Guatemalan Naval ship was heading to Mexico in the shipping channel. It ran aground on Wednesday night behind Middle Caye, which is located in the Glovers Reef Atoll. The Belize Coastguard had gone to rescue the soldiers from vessel. The coastguard remains on Middle Caye. They are working through the night to pull the vessel from the reef. The Coastguard will remain on Middle Caye for the night. The vessel was not in international waters but in Belize waters. Typically the vessel's captain would be charged for damage to the reef. No information has been released to determine if the Guatemalans will be charged.

WHEN CYCLING WAS KING: LET'S RECALL THESE CHAMPIONS!
Truly a nostalgic and epic cycling photo of the 1960's Belize cycling greats, and cycling memories that Belizeans of that era will never forget. Name these Belizean cycling champions?

WHEN WE WERE KINGS: A BELIZEAN SPRINTER NAME MORRIS!
When Belize's athletic history speak the names of Belize's legendary track athletes like Sonny Meighan, Colin Thurton, Harrison Pilgrim, Michael Hyde, Jude Lizama, and Father Henry (The Fly), the name Ernest Morris had not come up yet until he began to dominate Belize's Track & Field in the early 1970's as one of the most powerful sprinters that would come out of Belize of all times. Morris dominated the 100 and 200 meters with record time, and left an unbeatable record in both meets after his migration from Belize in the mid 1970's. A powerful sprinter like Ben Johnson out of the blocks, he had beaten some of the aforementioned sprinters that came before him, and became the new athlete on the block.

JOE WAGNER & WE'VE COME A LONG WAY!
It touched my soul to be writing this about one of Belize's most outstanding songwriters of all times, the legendary Joe Wagner, and the father of the legendary Belizean vocalist, Micheal Wagner. It burns like fire when you think about all the Belizean artists, sports athletes, and public figures who has given so much to Belize, and never even got a word of recognition for their honorable contribution. So, it will be short to say that Joe Wagner was remembered for the genius that hid within his struggle to make good music, that we have not seen one bit of today in today's generation of Belizean artists, particularly in songs like, We've Come A Long Way, that became one of Belize's most celebrated patriotic songs of all times. Your spirit lives on brother Joe. Always and forever.

AT AGE 14, FAITH MORRIS IS THE YOUNGEST BELIZEAN ATHLETE COMPETING IN THE 2015 CENTRAL AMERICAN & CARIBBEAN GAMES!
Belizean athelete, Faith Morris is the youngest Belizean athlete to compete in the 2015 Central American & Caribbean Games that will be kicking off this month. The young rising Belizean track athlete is the daughter of Belizean athletic coach, Ernest Morris, who had coached and conditioned many Belizean athletes over the years in preparation for the many athletic competitions that Belize had sent to Central American track meets over the years. Coach Morris also became one of Belize's most respected conditional coaches in Belize's football. Faith Morris will compete in the 100, 200 and 400 meters in this year's Central American & Caribbean Games. The picture here taken with Morris practicing on the hurdles, was taken in 2010 when Morris was only 11 years old. Belizean Legends sends a big shout out to Belize's youngest athlete in this year's Central American & Caribbean Games, Faith Morris.

Introduction to Birding and Bird Identification
Just finished one more "Introduction to Birding and Bird Identification" Course for Tour Guides and Tourism Establishments. This time at the magical Ian Anderson's Caves Branch Jungle Lodge. Too many good birds... it asks for a second course. However, the birds were only half my highlight. This is officially the funniest team I have worked with! Quite the mix of tough Jungle Master dudes and inspiring female guides. - with Ella Baron and Darrel Smith at Ian Anderson's Caves Branch Jungle Lodge.

Channel 7

Planning For Belize Victory Against DR
Belize beat the Dominican Republic "2-1" three hours ago in Santo Domingo. It was a thrilling game, and a tremendous win for Belize. 7News was there with the team - and we'll have their post-game reactions shortly. But they say they key to success is preparation, and that started this morning at the courtyard Marriot in Santo Domingo -when the team had its last strategy session -Jules Vasquez was allowed to sit in:.. Jules Vasquez reporting This morning at 9:00 the team gathered in a hotel conference room for an X's and O's session. In a very thorough 90-minute meeting, Assistant Coach Charlie Slusher outlined a detailed game plan - but more than just X's and 0's, he urged them to seize the moment: Charlie Slusher, Assistant Coach "Life could be hard on us, if we don't handle ourselves today." Slusher also went over what the coaching staff wanted on the defensive and offensive ends. He also warned them against bad habits.

The Jaguars Won!
At around 2 p.m. this afternoon in the Dominican Republic, the Belize National Team, the Jaguars, took to the football pitch to face off against that country's national team and after 90 minutes of play time, plus injury time, the Jaguars managed to defeat the DR Team 2 goals to 1. It's a huge victory, and Belize's two goals were scored by the country's premier striker, Deon McCauley, who put one behind the net early in the first half. The Dominican Republic manage to sneak one past Belize Goal Keeper Shane Orio, but late in the game, McCauley made a repeat performance gave Belize a 2 second goal. 7New Director Jules Vasquez is in the Dominican Republic right now, and right after the game, he got a reaction from the players about the big time performance they put on get this result. Here's what they had to say: Deon McCauley, Scored 2 Goals "The first goal was a penalty. Thank God that the ball rebound back in my path and I ended up putting the ball in the back of the net and the other goal late in the game that was wonderful. A wonderful pass from Evan Mariano on the right wing and I was able to displace the goal keeper and the defender and put the ball in open goal. That's just a striker's instinct in the last moment of any game. We have to try and still win the game no matter what score it is."

Guatemalan Vessel Grounded On Belize Reef
A Guatemalan Navy Gun Ship has run aground on the reef in Belize's southern waters. The report was received early this morning, and after a three hour boat ride to the site, the Coast Guard officers found this ship near Glover's Reef, where it had run aground. That's way inside Belizean territorial waters, and like the general public, and it has raised, eyebrows, alarms and the nation's collective blood pressure. After all, what were the Guatemalans doing in Belizean waters, and how did they end up on the reef? This morning, we spoke to National Security CEO George Lovell, who had received a briefing from the Coast Guard. Here's what he told us: George Lovell - CEO, Ministry of National Security "The Coast Guard was informed that there was a vessel on our reef off Glover's reef in the vicinity of Middle Caye. Immediately our Coast Guard officials centered sent out patrols into area to confirm the reports of this grounded vessel which was confirmed that there is a vessel a Guatemalan Coast Guard vessel with markings GC651 on that vessel. When we went to the ground we also observed that there was a second vessel that was in close proximity to where this vessel went aground and we were then concerned. we got in touch with Ministry of Foreign Affairs who in turn got in touch with our Guatemala counterparts and they informed us that the vessels where destined to go to La Isla Mujeres in Mexico. Our Coast Guard that were on the ground had an opportunity to speak to the crew of the Guatemalan Coast Guard vessel and they confirmed that yes they were heading to Mexico. They claimed that they had lost steering and that they drifted unto the reef."

Police Commissioner Comments On Caye Caulker Craziness
Last night, we showed you the two police officers who were criminally charged with murder for the death of Caye Caulker teenager Hilberto Sotz. We also spoke with Police Minister John Saldivar who spoke candidly about the culture of police brutality and abuse that led to such a heinous death. Well there is more to add tonight the Police Department has both publicly apologized Sotz's family for his death while in the Caye Caulker Police Station. A press release sent late yesterday from the Commissioner of Police. He informed that Leonard Nunez Police Constable # 628 and Hallet King, Police Constable # 819 were arrested and charged with murder, and that they have been arraigned and remanded. More than that, he added that they have been charged with displinary offences as well. There are now 3 others who have been immediately placed on interdiction, and they are WPC #1107 Bernadette Ramos, PC #1932 Edilberto Patt, Corporal Kirby Palma who was serving as the Officer in Charge of Caye Caulker Police. They were on duty at the time that Hilberto Sotz was detained, and it is suspected - but currently unproven - that they may have stood by and let the alleged abuse and torture to happen without question.

Petrocaribe's 10th Anniversary
Today was the 10th anniversary of the PetroCaribe agreement between the Government of Venezuela and the Government of Belize. Now, whenever you say that word the United Democratic Party is quick to remind how that funding has been the pillar of all the construction programs around the country. The PUP, on the other hand, is quick to condemn it for what they say is wanton and unnecessary spending of moneys in questionable programs. But the Government was buttoned all way up when they received the Venezuelan ship known as "Simon Bolivar" with a contingent of Venezuelan Navy Personnel. Officials from the Foreign Ministry, the National Security Ministry, the Belize Coast Guard, the Governor General, other Government Officials held a ceremony for the Venezuela officers and their Ambassador to Belize.

APBEL Receives The Venezuelans With A Friendly Gesture
From there, the Venezuelans went over to the Coney Drive Office of APBEL to greet with the Government officials in that company, who manage the PetroCaribe Finance which comes in every month. An informal social event was set up for the officers in commemoration of the 10 anniversary of the agreement. We stopped by and spoke with the accountant about the importance of such a gesture: Hernan Herrera - Accountant, APBEL "It's a great appreciation what these Venezuelans are doing, first of all for the Petrocaribe program. They came here for a couple days and their primary objective was to pass by the Caribbean and come by Belize and of course there are this solidarity between Belize and our company. They're just passing by in essence." Daniel Ortiz "Talk to us about what you all have done here for this event. What is its purpose?"

Venezuelan Ambassador Comments On Petro Spending
From there, the Venezuelan Navy hosted the press on their sprawling and luxurious vessel known as "Buque Escuela Simon Bolivar". We show you a bit of that ship, but that trip aboard afforded us an opportunity to speak with the Venezuelan Ambassador to Belize about the controversial positions when discussing PetroCaribe spending. Recently, Education Minister Patrick Faber came under fire for announcing that he took his Collet Constituents to Corozal for a family day of swimming and fun, a bill which the PetroCaribe Funds covered. We asked the Ambassador if his Government assesses that kind of spending as either good or bad. He told us that this kind of judgment goes against the principles of the program to question a sovereign nation: H.E Yoel Perez Marcano - Venezuelan Ambassador to Belize "Rules for the Petrocaribe agreement are very much different from those of the IMF and the World Bank. We don't supervise. We don't control. We don't decide for a sovereign country. We issue our opinions. We put forward recommendations. We proposed initiatives, but always in the framework of respect for the sovereignty and of the dignity of our sister countries which are part of Petrocaribe."

Dangriga Police Make Headway in Pattnet Murder
Dangriga police made a major break in the Ralston Pattnet murder case. Police found a 12 gauge gun along with 34 cartridges in the area. Apart from that major find, police have the main suspect in custody along with several others. Charges will be brought against at least one of the suspects. Police believe that this was a burglary turn murder. Apparently, the assailants were burglarizing the house he was maintaining for his American friend on Commerce Bight Road and Pattnet arrived at the same time. That's when Pattnet was shot and then burnt in his vehicle. It happened on Wednesday June 8that around 12:13 in the afternoon. Police responded to a fire on the Commerce Bight Road and that's when Pattnet's charred remains were found in the vehicle.

City Hall Distributes Land To It's Employees
Belize City Mayor Darrell Bradley has intentions to leave that office and become an elected area representative, but he's still looking after the interest of staffers at City Hall. He's been working on a land program for those employees for several months and today at the Holy Redeemer Parish Hall those new land owners found out today how the program will work. The Mayor explained the process: Darrell Bradley, Mayor - Belize City "This is something that we've been working on from last year and the City Council had acquired from the Ministry of Natural Resources 57 acres of land at mile 14 and we've been working through the process of getting lease then getting title then doing the subdivision and dealing with the clearing of the lots and so what we're doing today is that we're doing a random draw because again what we have identified is that it's something we want to do to reward long service. We started. We didn't know exactly how much parcels of land we we're going to get so we started with the employee who worked for the longest that's Miss Cynthia Nunez.

Aboard The Simon Bolivar
As we told you earlier, the Venezuela ship Buque Esquela Simon Bolivar is in Belizean waters for in commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the PetroCaribe agreement between Belize and Venezuela. That ship arrived with a contingent of Naval Officers from that country, and 7News as invited aboard to meet it's captain and crew as a part of today's celebration. Here's what the lead naval officer told us about his ship: Navy officer Gines Anaguren Santana - Captain, Simon Bolivar Vessel "We are much honored to represent the Republic of Venezuela and we for the first time are here in your country Belize. We have the honor and distinction of sailing through your waters for the first time and we look forward to also have more training for our personnel in your beautiful waters. Just a description of the ship: we have 4 ports in the upper section and then 2 upper ports in the second section to the back. I am very grateful to the government of Belize for opening this opportunity for us to be here with you and they have received with open arms and we are very grateful. We offer we our schedule, we left Venezuela on the 23rd May. Our first phase was a stop in Barbados, just before coming to Belize. Our next port of call will be Cuba, then Jamaica and then we go back to Venezuela."

Putting Belize's Kids First
The fledgling organization Belize Kids First held an award ceremony to honor students who are beneficiaries of their programs, and those who have been keeping up with the requirements to keep qualifying for it. They asked us to drop by to meet these persons and hear their stories of overcoming difficult trials, and so we did. Here's what the leaders of the organizers told us:

Prosthetics For The Differently Abled
Yesterday, an international organization was helping differently abled persons at Helpage with prosthetics to replace lost limbs, and we dropped by to see the good work that they were doing. Here's what they told us:

Justin Avila - The Football Super Fan
Belize won on the field today in Santo Domingo but they had help from a secret weapon. That's Justin Avila, a Belizean American businessman from Naples Florida. Justin isn't a big time name in sports sponsorship - but he is, without doubt, the biggest fan of the Belize Jaguars. Since 2006 he's been following the team on every major international outing; he flies from his home in Florida to meet them. But, he doesn't just cheer lead in the stands - he provides key logistics and support. For example, in Santo Domingo, he got there one day before the team, made sure the rooms they got were close together, put gallons of water in each player's room - and rented a car to basically be the team's run man. He gets nothing out of it, nothing form FIFA or the FFB. So why does he do it, well, as he explains he is just the Belize team's biggest fan... Jules Vasquez "You came to us all on your personal timing, on your personal expense. Why do you do it?" Justin Avila - Team Belize SUPERFAN "That's a good question. I do it because I think that there's one place that I was born and that's Belize and I realize that the team always needs help and I think that back home we didn't have the kind of help that we need. Is sounds like a controversy, but it's the honest to God truth - the team is always underfunded.

Keeping The Team Focused For Game 2 Against DR
Super striker Deon McAuley scored two goals - and we must now wait for the return match on Sunday at the FFB Stadium to see if Belize can make history by advancing to the third round of group play. But, a lot can go wrong between then and now when the team returns home to ecstatic fans. This evening in Santo Domingo Jules Vasquez asked the head of delegation, FFB Vice President Marlon Kuylen what they will do to make sure the team doesn't celebrate before Sunday's victory is secure: Jules Vasquez "You all are going back to Belize now. How do you feel about managing the team, because when you get home there will be elation and you can easily fall into that and '[boy] let us party'. How do you contain these guys and keep them focus for the real game that comes this Sunday." Marlon Kuylen - FFB VICE PRESIDENT "We don't even have to wait until we're home Jules. These guys want to celebrate now as it is. We are the Dominican Republic, but we are all focused. They know that the job isn't done. Yes, this is a huge victory but we have to go out there Sunday and at least draw or preferably win again. So when we get back home to Belize, in fact we're staying here at the hotel tonight. Nobody's going out tonight. When we get back to Belize, we'll book them into a hotel and we'll have them there until Sunday. After we play the match then we can celebrate but in the meantime everybody's focus on the job at hand."

GUATEMALAN NAVAL VESSEL GROUNDS ON REEF NEAR MIDDLE CAYE
CEO of National Security, Rt'd Colonel George Lovell, has confirmed to News 5 that about 1:30 am this morning, he was informed that a Guatemalan naval vessel with markings GC 671 was lodged on our reef in the vicinity of Glovers Reef off Middle Caye. He informed us that our coastguard officials are on the ground and a team is being put together to assess the damages and determine how best to remove the vessel. It is possible that Guatemalan tug boats may be used. Lovell says a claim will be lodged with the Guatemalan government if there are damages to the reef. He says that according to the Guatemalans, the naval vessel was headed up North towards Mexico when the ship lost steering and drifted from of their course into Belize's reef. This will be investigated by a Belizean team as well.

Channel 5

Guatemalan Coast Guard Vessel Runs Aground Near Glovers Reef
What is a Guatemalan naval gunboat, unauthorized at that, doing in Belizean waters? That was the million dollar question after reports surfaced�early this morning. Coming on the heels of an [...]

What Was It Doing In Belizean Waters Anyway?
According to C.E.O. Lovell, Mexican officials have confirmed that the Guatemalan coast guard vessel was indeed on its way to the small island town.� To allay concerns that may arise [...]

Environmental Damages to be Assessed In Wake of Grounding
So here are the facts - a Guatemalan vessel is in Belizean waters, but preliminary investigations are that it is not a voluntary presence. Mike Rudon was on the site [...]

Belize Defeats DR to Take Game One of Home and Away Series
The Belize Jaguars did us proud today as they edged out the Dominican Republic's national football team in a match aired exclusively on this station.� Super striker Deon McCauley continues [...]

2 Men Arrested for Murder of Fireman in Dangriga
As we told you on Wednesday night, Dangriga Police recovered the shotgun used and detained suspects in the latest homicide of that municipality. Well, we can confirm that two men [...]

Demonstration Following Arraignment of Caye Caulker Cops
Two policemen, Constables Hallet King and Leonard Nunez, were charged with the murder of eighteen-year-old Hilberto Sotz on Wednesday. And as we told you on Wednesday night, three others have [...]

Fate of Stake Bank Project to be Decided by Supreme Court
Prime Minister Dean Barrow had been trying to fight it off, meeting with multiple parties in Miami and Belize over the past few weeks. But the case of developer of [...]

Developer Michael Feinstein Comments on Stake Bank Project
For developer Michael Feinstein, it has been nothing but a series of headaches since the project began. The enabling legislation to start the project is delayed due to the lawsuit [...]

Honduran National Arraigned on Immigration Offenses
A Honduran man enjoyed a short stint of free passage in Belize before he was nabbed by immigration officials at the Novelo's Terminal in Belize City this morning. Thirty-six-year-old Yony [...]

Teens Charged with Theft Given Option to Join Apprenticeship Program
Two teenage friends have been given the choice of attending and completing the apprenticeship program or spending time behind bars after one of them pleaded guilty to theft today. Eighteen-year-old [...]

Bye-election in Dangriga is Set for July Eighth
The date for the Dangriga bye-election has been set for Wednesday, July eighth.� Nomination day will held on Monday, June twenty-second for persons interested in contesting the election.� Those wishing [...]

Quality Infrastructure for Agriculture Sector�
A national dialogue on the importance of quality infrastructure to the agricultural sector was hosted in Belize today. Agriculture, as it stands, accounts for fourteen percent of the Gross Domestic [...]

�Where Does Belize Currently Stand?
With the assistance from the CARICOM Regional Organization for Standards and Quality, agricultural stakeholders from both the public and private sector gathered to devise a priority list to put in [...]

Petrocaribe Celebrates Tenth Anniversary in Belize
The tenth anniversary of the Petrocaribe initiative was commemorated today in Belize City with a brief ceremony held at the Memorial Park.� The oil alliance which is made up of [...]

How Prepared is NEMO this Hurricane Season?
The rains have started in earnest, and while the 2015 Hurricane Season is forecast as less than average, that does not mean that disaster will not strike. Are we prepared [...]

Healthy Living Looks at Hypertension Control
World Hypertension Day is celebrated annually on May seventeenth. This year, the Pan American Health Organization and the World Health Organization are urging that you pay more attention to blood [...]

CTV3

DEO Emphasizes On District Performance Rather Than Individual Performance
The Primary School Examinations results are in as we have reported before Orange Walk has performed the best across the country followed by Corozal. Schools are in the process of analyzing their performance as is the Orange Walk District Education Center. District Education Manager Carla Alvarez says that these results are subject to change as each school goes over the results. "We are still within the time where schools can make protests and queries and so on that is why we keep on saying that this is just the preliminary reports because it could change, in past years we had experienced where it has changed for some school in terms of the number of points that some students get and so on but the preliminary analysis shows that as usual we have topped the country in terms of performing best overall and also we have performed the best in all subjects, I know that some principals feel a bit discourage that we did not meet the national top 25 list but as I mention to them and I keep on emphasizing we need to focus as a district more on the school performance and stop focusing on individual students yes it is good that we have students that they have done well and we need to applaud them and we need to showcase that they have done well but we need to focus on school overall performance and that is what interest me more than anything."

DEM Speaks On The Importance Of Literacy At Lower Level In Schools
As in other districts Math and English continue to be the more problematic subject areas for students sitting the Primary School Examinations in Orange Walk. This trend again presented itself as the district education center officials continue to analyze the preliminary results of the exams. District Education Manager Carla Alvarez says students continue to have difficulties scoring high grades in the problem solving section of the math exam. "Problem solving continues to be a problem and then it goes back to literacy, we need to ensure that our students know how to read, they might know how to solve the problem but if they don't know how to read the question because it is wordy questions so if they can't read the problem they can't solve the problem and what a lot of schools continue to do is that they continue to read out the problems to the students and when the time comes for PSE the teacher is not there to read the question so we need to really move away from things like that and again it goes back to the fact that we need as a district to work on literacy on the reading and building that foundation from the very early and putting our bet teachers and most qualified teachers at the lower division; teaching them how to read, teaching them fluency and proper pronunciation and things like that."

Belize National Team Victorious Over Dominican Republic
Belize's National Football Team played their first game today for the second round of the World Cup Eliminations. They faced the team from Dominican Republic in Dominica Republic. And at the end of the whistle Team Jaguars did not let down its fans as they won the game two one. Both goals were scored by Belize's striker Deon McCaulay. Here are the highlights of the match. On Sunday team Belize will once again go against Dominican Republic this time at the FFB Staduim in Belmopan. The game starts at 4:00pm.