The Guardian

PUP's convention most expensive ever, delegates paid $3,000 for a vote
The United Democratic party has received a copy of the list of the delegates and the alternates who will be able to vote at their upcoming national convention. And while the UDP has gotten the list, our information suggests that not all the candidates have been able to get their hands on the list. That is because those who have access to the list and who are responsible to ensure that it is given to all those running, have chosen to keep it and share it with only one of the candidates. This decision has caused great animosity between the candidates who were left out and the PUP's secretariat which is being accused of playing favorite with only one of the candidates. Even as that is taking place however, the secretariat has been blatant in their disrespect to the two candidates so much so that while they have not gotten the list, it has been made available to us at the UDP.

Agriculture Minister Hon. Gaspar Vega says Guyana does not have problem with Belize not importing rice
In an interview with the media upon arrival to Belize from Guyana, Honorable Vega elaborated, "We thought that due to present circumstances with the rice, it was just proper for us to go and visit with my colleague Minister of Agriculture Hon. Holder. We also had a meeting with Vice President and Minister of Foreign Affairs Hon. Grinage. We also met the CEO and chairman of the Guyana rice development board with whom we discussed the present situation of the rice. They already knew of the breach or the breaking of the law by the importer. They knew about it." When pressed if the Guyanese felt slighted by Belize's refusal to import the Guyanese rice Honorable Vega said, "By no means. In fact they can recall that when we imported early 2014 we had to go through that process to ensure that the supplier was complying with food security that the food was safe enough for us to import and in this case we needed to ensure the viability of our rice industry. We discussed that in detail and we even discussed that we must look for a way forward in ensuring the food security."

Debate of three dead horses - questions for the candidates
In a time when the nation is ordering the People's United Party to reform and rebuild, they present us with Francis Fonseca, Johnny Briceno and Cordel Hyde as their candidates for PUP Party Leader. This field of candidates causes one to reflect on the words of the forgotten Henry Cate VII, "The problem with political jokes is that they get elected." This is a scary field of candidates because one of these three men, on January 31, will immediately inherit no less than a 41 percent chance of becoming the next Prime Minister of Belize (based on PUP's worst General Elections performance to date-2008). These three men have agreed to a debate, if one can believe anything Glenn Tillett says, tentatively set for January 28. Their biggest hurdle, in getting Belizeans to support their candidacy, is convincing the masses that they are an agent of change for the PUP.

Papa" Mena in touch and staying on top of things
When the Hon. Frank "Papa" Mena was looking for a place for one of his weekly visits, he chose the Agriculture and Natural Resources Institute (ANRI) in his own backyard.The former Jesuit-run Lynam Agricultural College opened its doors in 1953 to become one of the most respected international agricultural institutions in Central America. Lynam has experienced some good and bad times. It went from educating and producing some of the best leaders in Belize and the region for close to 30 years, to housing some of the criminal minds as a maximum security prison in the mid 70's. It was reopened as an educational institution in 1994 at the determination of then Minister of Agriculture Hon. Russell "Chiste" Garcia. The school is presently home to a student body of 85 in the pristine hills of the Stann Creek Valley. Even though the campaigning for office is over; the work continues for the best is yet to come. Minister Mena has been on a whirlwind tour of several organizations and establishments in the relatively short time he has been a member of parliament.

CRC Ambassadors: The continued commitment and progression towards championing children rights
The National Committee for Families and Children (NCFC) was launched in 1994 as the major advisory body to the government on families and children issues. Some five years later, NCFC status was change to a statutory body, giving NCFC more power to further advocate for children rights and legal reform. Since then, NCFC is mandated with promoting, monitoring and evaluating the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), advocating for government to meet its obligation as a signatory to the convention, advocating for the adoption and implementation of positive policies for families and children, and coordinating and promoting activities and child centered development programs that focus on the rights and participation of all children.

Caricom's Community Council meets to prepare for heads of government meeting in Belize
Holding chairmanship of CARICOM, Belize will be hosting the upcoming heads of government meeting in Placencia in the middle of February. As preparatory work is taking place for that meeting and in order to set an agenda for it the 37th meeting of the community council of ministers was held in Guayana on January 15th. Chairing the meeting was Hon. Wilfred Elrington who explained that the meetings being held next month is important to give the region a common voice. For his part CARICOM's Secretary General Irvin LaRocque explained that high on the agenda for the heads of government will be the issues of climate change and correspondent banking as well as foreign policy issues. In the interview after the meeting of the community council Hon. Elrington noted that Belize is looking forward to hosting the heads of governments of CARICOM and stated that it is going to be the first time that many of the heads of state will visit Belize but that it should be something that should be more routine.

A community agenda to solve crime in Cayo
With its continued commitment for proactive policing, San Ignacio Police launched a "Meet & Greet" activity with residents from the Twin Towns of San Ignacio and Santa Elena last Friday. Members of the Community Oriented Policing Program COPP as well as other staff members from the San Ignacio Police Formation fanned out to different police zones in the afternoon to meet residents on a face to face basis as well as to take a standard survey on the community's perceptions regarding police performance. Officer in Charge of San Ignacio Police who also oversees the Benque and Belmopan Formations, Andrew Ramirez, told police officers last Friday that the community policing was the Police Department's direction in resolving the crime problem. Police Officers like Henry Lemus then took his turn along with other colleagues to visit Zone One with intention to return by 4:00 pm that evening.

What are the CCJ ordered Maya Land Rights?
The Maya Land Rights Commission is getting set to open its office in Punta Gorda and plans to hold consultations throughout the Toledo District shortly after. The Caribbean Court of Justice has affirmed that the Maya people of villages in the Toledo District have rights to property based on customary land tenure. The court handed down a consent order that for some appears to be ambiguous. The order did nothing to explain what property exactly are the Maya people entitled to or which exact group of people are entitled to such right. The order seems to have left more questions than answers and where answers are not available the interested parties have inserted their own. However, according to Indigenous Affairs expert, Queen Counsel Anthony Ross, there isn't cause for confusion in regards to the consent order handed down by the CCJ. Ross says, "The order of the Caribbean Court of Justice is quite clear." The Commission's role is to explain to the Belizean people the points in the consent order issued by the Caribbean Court of Justice on Maya land rights; gather information on the desires of Maya people in Toledo villages; include feedback from other residents of the area and make recommendations to Government for the execution of the consent order. Government has until April 30 to report its progress to the Court.

The Homework Revolution
A young girl sits at her desk, reviewing her homework assignments for the evening. English: read three chapters and write a journal response. Math: complete 30 problems, showing all work. Science: do a worksheet, front and back. French: study vocabulary for tomorrow's test. It's going to be a long night. This describes a typical weeknight for students across the country. Now is the time to start a homework revolution. Do students receive too much homework? It is often times recommended that students should be assigned no more than 10 minutes per grade level per night. For example, a first grader should only have 10 minutes of homework, a second grader, 20 minutes, and so on. Yet this is often doubled, sometimes even tripled. There are negatives to overloading students. Have you ever heard of a child getting sick because of homework? Today it can be noticed that kids are developing more school-related stomachaches, headaches, sleep problems, and depression than ever before. The average student is glued to his or her desk for almost seven hours a day. Add two to four hours of homework each night, and they are working a 45- to 55-hour week. A student who receives excessive homework will miss out on active playtime, essential for learning social skills, proper brain development, and warding off childhood obesity.

American Journalist found dead in Cayo
Anne Swaney, a Journalist working for ABC 7 online operations in the United States was found lifeless by Benque Viejo Police at about 8:15 am on Friday morning of this past week; face down in the Mopan River in a remote location near the property of the Nabitunich Farm Resort at the outskirts of Succotz Village. (Nabitunich is located between mile 71 and 72 on the George Price Highway.) Police believe that she had also been sexually violated as she was partially nude. The body of Swaney was transported to the San Ignacio Community Hospital where the doctor on duty pronounced it dead on arrival. A post mortem examination that was conducted on the body has confirmed that the American National from Chicago died as a result of asphyxia due to compression to the neck area. The main examiner, Doctor Leyden Ken, also reported that the 39 year old died as a result of traumatic injuries (blunt force) to the head and neck region.

18 defendants in court for Abou Nehra's home invasion
The Belize City Magistrates Court was crowded on Thursday, January 14, but not with spectators. There were a total of 18 individuals appearing in court in connection with one incident, the home invasion of Lebanon's Honorary Consul, Sarkis Abou Nehra. His Excellency Sarkis Bou Nehra was out of the country when his home was invaded by armed gunmen on Thursday, December 3. According to police, Tyrone Meighan, Brandon Baptist, John Grinage, Jerson Grinage, Sheldon Grinage, Randolph Coleman and others forced themselves into Bou Nehra's residence. Police say they held the caretaker of the property at gunpoint and forced him into the main residence. The men then proceeded to steal three 9 mm pistols, one 12 gauge shotgun, one .22 rifle and one Pietrro Berreta Single Action Shotgun. They also made off with an assortment of jewelry, one black DVR player, one leopard styled Diane Von Fursteinberg purse, a collection of alcoholic beverages, additional items and $11,500 cash. During the home invasion, the wife of the caretaker was raped by one of the robbers. Adding insult to injury, her blue Alcatel cellular phone and $388 cash was also taken away.

Fatal traffic accident in San Ignacio
Residents in San Ignacio are still reeling from a fatal traffic accident in which a Corozal resident sacrificed his life to avert further disaster. On Tuesday, January 12, 2016 about 4:50 pm, acting on information received of a fatal traffic accident in San Ignacio Town, San Ignacio Police visited a scene situated on Benque Road, near St. Gabriel Medical Center, where Police observed a blue Freightliner Truck bearing license plate number CZL A-00153 with its front portion down a hill and off the right shoulder of the road. Attached to the truck was a trailer with license plate CZL A-0375. Also observed was a male person of dark complexion and Hispanic descent trapped between the rear right wheel of the truck and the hill, motionless bleeding from the neck, shoulder and face. Initial investigation has revealed that 47 year old David Dominguez, a Belizean Truck Driver of San Jose, San Pablo Village, Orange Walk District, was driving the blue Freightliner truck on Benque Road, travelling from South to North, in the direction from Benque Viejo Town towards the Hawkesworth bridge and at the time he was accompanied by 20 year old Christopher Usher.

Bradley Paumen accused of ordering a hit is out on bail
American businessman, Bradley Paumen, has been released on bail of $50,000 plus one surety of the same amount after he was arraigned in the Supreme Court for allegedly ordering a hit on four individuals. Paumen was represented by Senior Counsel Ellis Arnold when he appeared before Justice Antoinette Moore on Thursday, January 14. Paumen is facing charges of abetment to commit murder and the Director of Public Prosecutions raised strong objections to bail. Cheryl-Lynn Vidal argued passionately that Paumen should be remanded because he is a flight risk. Vidal also informed Justice Moore that Paumen is expected to be levied with additional charges in connection to the same matter. Arnold said the question as it relates to bail is whether or not the defendant will appear in court on dates set by the court. He argued that bail is a right and that a person is presumed innocent until proven otherwise and that his client is a nationalized Belizean with financial ties to the country.

Keyren Tzib back in court
Former Coast Guard officer, Keyren Tzib, was back in court on Thursday, January 14, for the attempted murder of her comrade, Kurt Hyde. Tzib walked into court on her own free will since she has been out on bail since December 23. Tzib allegedly shot her colleague in the face while on the way back from a mission. She is being represented by attorney Darell Bradley who was expecting disclosure to be provided at the court appearance. However, Bradley was informed by the court prosecutor, Inspector Egbert Castillo, that the case file was still at the DPP's office so disclosure could not be provided in the attempted murder case. Since Tzib was already before the court, the prosecutor went ahead and provided disclosure to her for another offense. She was given disclosure for the charge of manslaughter upon her common-law-husband, Thythus Blancaneaux.

Kraal Road FC to face Uprising FC in Peace Cup finals
The Conscious Youth Development Programme Peace Cup Tournament is fast coming to an end at the MCC Grounds. On Sunday 17 January, 2016, in game one of the semi-final Round played, Uprising FC and Kelly Street FC played to a 1-1 draw at the end of the regulation time to send the game into overtime. In regulation time, the goal for Uprising FC was scored by Francis Briceno while for Kelly Street FC the goal was scored by Steven Baizar. In overtime, Uprising FC was able to eliminate Kelly Street when Harold Thompson scored the winning goal that gave his team the 2-1 victory and the first finalist spot in the championship game. In the second game of the afternoon, Kraal Road continued on its winning path when in eliminated Tut Bay FC by the score of 4-1.

What did the CCJ consent order say?
BY CONSENT IT IS ORDERED AND DECLARED THAT: 1. The judgment of the Court of Appeal of Belize is affirmed insofar as it holds that Maya customary land tenure exists in the Maya villages in the Toledo District and gives rise to collective and individual property rights within the meaning of sections 3(d) and 17 of the Belize Constitution. 2. The Court accepts the undertaking of the Government to adopt affirmative measures to identify and protect the rights of the Appellants arising from Maya customary tenure, in conformity with the constitutional protection of property and non-discrimination in sections 3, 3(d), 16 and 17 of the Belize Constitution. 3. In order to achieve the objective of paragraph 2, the Court accepts the undertaking of the Government to, in consultation with the Maya people or their representatives, develop the legislative, administrative and/or other measures necessary to create an effective mechanism to identify and protect the property and other rights arising from Maya customary land tenure, in accordance with Maya customary laws and land tenure practices.

$$$ Cordel Hyde to Determine Next PUP Leader $$$
The People's United Party's national convention is two days after the movie "50 Shades of Black" debuts in theatres across the world. Appropriate because it has long been established that the most charismatic candidate in the leadership race of the party is at least that many shades too black to even mount a serious challenge against the other two challengers. Both Francis Fonseca and John Briceno are already proven losers. They have both had a chance to lead the PUP and both have failed miserably. Even worse, both of them have already resigned from the job after realizing they were not up to the challenge. Despite these individual's poor public service and leadership record, they are the only candidates with a chance to win. For Cordel Hyde, the die has been cast - not dye - and there will be no dark horse in this race. Even those close to Cordel's camp admit that the chance of victory for him are somewhere between zero and nil. Why then is he running such a laborious campaign?

Paumen's Dark Knight in trouble
American-Belizean businessman Bradley Paumen is out on bail for allegedly setting a hit on American-Iranian Faroud Michael Modiri and three others. While the prosecution objected to bail on the grounds that he is a flight risk, Paumen's defense was that he has significant business ties to the country and has no plans to leave. One of those businesses is Dark Night Cave Tubing which operates at Nohoch Che'en National Park. Unfortunately for Paumen, it appears that even his business is now in trouble. That is because Dark Knight started the year without a valid tour operator's license and despite warnings and cease and desist orders from the authorities the firm continued to operate as normal. This blatant disregard for rules and regulation may result in penalties against Dark Night. The Belize Tourism Board is under sustained pressure from small Belizean tour operators to ensure that huge foreign owned agencies are held in compliance with national regulations. Speaking on Paumen's legal and operational troubles, Tom Greenwood, President of the local tour operators association (FECTAB), said, "The concept too often is seen on the ground, that if you are a local you get hammered and if you are a foreigner you get kissed on the cheek and forgiven or allowed to continue. That has to stop!"

Not even Emeritus?
Before Friday, January 15, 2016 most of us Belizeans and certainly us over this side of the political spectrum, would have sworn that the one thing that UNITES all People's United Party members as one was their complete adoration and reverence for George Price. That however appears to have been thrown out the door as soon as the present leadership convention was called. As usual on January 15, every year since his death, a short wreath laying ceremony, is held at his grave site, to mark George Price's birthday and thus pay respect to his memory. At this event, prayers are said, a few speeches are given and a few wreaths are then placed on his tomb at the conclusion of the National Anthem which is sung, pleasantries are exchanged by those present. They would then leave the cemetery usually charged up and unified. As if though they had just lifted a PUP Love Fest.

Fatal accident on old Northern Highway
The family of 19 year-old Maykon Divas, a resident from Lucky Strike Village on the Old Northern Highway, is mourning his loss after he was killed in a head-on collision between his motorcycle and a Toyota Landcruiser. It happened near mile 25 on the winding highway, on Saturday, January 16, at around 2 p.m. He was on his black Meilun motorcycle when he slammed into the vehicle being driven at the time by 47 year-old Joan Crooks. She was taking 4 passengers to Altun Ha when it happened, and the crash flung Divas to the side of the road, where he suffered massive head and body injuries. He died shortly after on the scene. Police are investigating what is the cause of the accident, and who was at fault. Try to ensure that there is no recurrence, Eastern Division Rural Police intend to place highway patrols in the area. The hope is that with a police presence to monitor the highway, motorists will be less likely to speed along a very dangerous stretch of road.

Guatemalan woman missing believed to be in Belize
A resident of Guatemala has complained that his mother has gone missing in Belize. Alexander Enrique Garcia Giron, a 19 year old Guatemalan store keeper residing at Suchitan Melchor De Mencos, Guatemala, reported to Benque Viejo police on Monday that his mother Lidia Giron, 39 year old Guatemalan, had left home enroute to a banana farm #16 in the Cow Pen Area, Stann Creek District. At that location she was to meet with a male person whose nickname he only know as "EL NICA". She was last seen wearing a black blouse, sky blue color long jeans pants and a black sandals. She is of clear complexion, brown eyes has reddish straight hair and had a tattoo on one of her legs with the name 'HUMBERTO." Lidia Giron has small nose, round face, medium built, measures about 5 feet 9 inches in height and had in possession a sky-blue and yellow in color bag with a Winnie the Pooh design. The last time Alexander Giron had communicated with his mother was at 5:30 am on January 8, 2016 when she was in San Ignacio Town.

Jayear Flores remanded for armed robbery
Eighteen-year-old Jayear Flores of Currasow Street is at the Belize Central prison on remand after he was charged for robbing businessman, Kemuel Marchand, 32. In a report to police, Marchand of #3 Calle Al Mar Street in Belize City told police that sometime around 1:30p.m. on Thursday, January 14, he was inside Small Entrepreneur Business, at #69 Vernon Street, when two males entered the store. One of the men was armed with a handgun. He pointed the firearm at Carla Flowers and held her around the neck with his other hand. The gunman then walked up to him, pointed the gun at him and ordered him to lie down with his face towards the ground. The gunman then searched his right rear pocket and stole his wallet. He then went after the cash register but found nothing inside and that was when they left the store. Police were called to the scene and a quick investigation led to the arrest of Flores who was picked out by Marchand in an identification parade.

Jealousy leads to murder in Indian Creek
Orange Walk Police are on the hunt for 58 year old Salvadoran Juan Carlos Lopez Gutierrez, known as "Chile", who is believed to be a flight risk. He is wanted for questioning in the murder of 51 year-old Guatemalan Francisco Arrevalo which happened in the very remote village of Indian Church in the Orange Walk District. At around 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, January 17, police found Arrevalo's nude body near an unfinished concrete house, which is located at the entrance of the village. Someone had chopped him in the back of the head, and to the left hand, which was partially severed. He was last seen alive the night before at around 7:30 p.m. at his house. At this time, police suspect that he may have been lured to this location by a Guatemalan woman he was having an intimate relationship with. Once there, the killer is believed to have attacked Arrevalo, killing him, after which time, the assailant fled. The motive at this time is believed to be a dispute with another man over this very same woman he was involved with.

Machete and knives weapons of choice in two murders
Forty Eight year-old Honduran Jose Alfredo Villeda continues to receive treatment at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital for extensive stab and chop wounds he suffered at his home in San Pedro. He's under police guard and as soon as he has recovered from his injuries, he will be investigated for the killing of his friend, 35 year-old Guatemalan Sergio Uribio. Police investigations at this time are that both men were socializing at Villeda's apartment in the San Pedrito area of the island. It is believed that they were drinking, and somehow, they ended up in an argument, which escalated to a knife and machete fight. Investigators believe that the deceased, Sergio Uribio, struck first, and he was the one who pulled a knife and stabbed Villeda. The machete was pulled shortly after, and in the aftermath of the fight, Uribio laid dead in the apartment from a stab wound to the left side of the neck, and left arm. Villeda had to be rushed via air transport to the Karl Heusner after he had suffered a cut wound to the right side of his face, another to the left knee, the right leg, and the left lower leg. His left wrist was partially chopped off, and a portion of his left pinky finger had been completely severed.

Holy Redeemer School boys' win in primary schools basketball competition
The Belize City Primary Schools Basketball competition continued on Monday 18 January, 2016, at Bird's Isle with five games on the schedule. In the girls' competition games played, St. Martin De Porres School won over Muslim Community School by the score of 13-6. The top scorer for St. Martin De Porres was Shantel Flowers with 11 points while the top scorer for Muslim Community School was Bonnie Udoye with 4 points. In game two, Wesley Upper School defeated Holy Redeemer School by the score of 7-0. The top scorers for Wesley Upper School were Leandra Bainton with 4 points and Jada Gillett with 3 points. And in the final game in the girls' competition for the day, Belize Elementary School won over Bethel Primary School by the score of 13-4. The top scorers for Belize Elementary School were Kelly Liu with 5 points and Sanna Rowland and Rianna Chebat with 4 points each.

Belize to host CADICA Championship in February
The Belize Athletics Association informs the general public that the Belize Athletics Association will be hosting the 10th Central American Cross Country Championship in Athletics. The championship is being sponsored by the Central American Track and Field Organisation (CADICA). The championship is scheduled for Saturday 20th February, 2016, at the Roaring River Golf Course in Roaring Creek Village, Cayo District. It is anticipated that the championship will bring together some 125 cross country athletes and officials from all seven Central American countries. The Belize Athletics Association will be holding a national competition on Saturday 30th January 2016 to select the athletes that will represent the country. The Competition will be held at the Roaring River Golf Course in Roaring Creek Village.

Wesley College males and St. Catherine Academy leads high school football competition
The Central Region Secondary Schools Football Competition continued at the MCC Grounds with a number of games during the course of this week and last week. On Tuesday 19 January, 2016, in the male competition, Anglican Cathedral College routed Belize High School by the score of 9-0. The goals for Anglican Cathedral College were scored by Trevaun Rhaburn (2), Herman Card (2), Christian Ancona (2), Darrell Flowers (2) and Kenroy Daly. The only Red Card of the game was issued to Anglican Cathedral's Shaquille Matute. On Monday 18 January, in the female competition, St. Catherine Academy blanked Ladyville Technical High School by the score of 1-0. The lone goal of the game was scored by Renisha Martinez.

National Elite Basketball League 2016 season opens
The 2016 Season for the National Elite Basketball League opened on Saturday 16 January, with three games across the country. At the UB Gymnasium in Belmopan, the visiting Smart Belize Hurricanes edged out the host team the Belmopan Bandits by the score of 75-71. The top scorers for the visiting Smart Belize Hurricanes were Jacob Leslie with 29 points, and 4 steals, Darwin Leslie with 12 points, 1 rebound and 4 assists, Farron Louriano also with 12 points, 8 rebounds and 2 steals and Brian White who also scored 12 points, and 8 rebounds. Meanwhile, the top scorers for the Belmopan Bandits were Jarrel Velasquez with 24 points, 5 rebounds and 1 assist, Geovanie Lennan with 11 points, 4 rebounds and 1 steal and Kyle Pascascio also with 11 points, 6 rebounds and 1 assist. The competition will continue this coming weekend with five games on the schedule.

Breaking Belize NewsPJ

Temperatures will drop over the weekend in Belize as cold front passes
Belizeans are advised to get their sweaters and warm pants out this weekend as the cold temperatures return. Forecaster at the Belize Meteorological Service, Ronald Gordon, says temperatures will start to fall Friday night through to Saturday morning. The temperatures are expected to drop to [�]

Major improvements for Hopkins and Punta Gorda
Earlier today, a newly upgraded market was inaugurated and opened in Punta Gorda (PG) town, with the presence of Head of the Delegation of the European Union (EU) to Belize, Ambassador Paola Amadei, who also inaugurated Hopkins' upgraded road during her final visit as [�]

Cuban migrants arrive in the United States
Fifty Cubans are in the United States after leaving Costa Rica where they were stranded for many weeks. Fox News Latino reports that the group of 50 left the Mexican Border on Saturday in a bus chartered by South Florida television station, America Teve. [�]

Restauranteur caught with undersized lobster
Caye Caulker businesswoman Suyapa Saldivar, 52, has pleaded guilty to possession of undersized lobsters found at her restaurant Sobre Las Olas on Front Street in Caye Caulker. The restaurant owner was busted with ten pounds of the crustacean and on pleading guilty in court today [�]

Busy weekend sports activities kick off on Saturday
Belize's Premier Football League kicks off its season this Saturday with two games being played at the FFB Stadium in Belmopan City and at the Michael Ashcroft Stadium in Independence Village, both starting at 7:30 p.m. In Belmopan, Police United FC will face off [�]

Belizeans in Las Vegas convicted of Government fraud
According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, a Belizean family has been convicted of multiple felonies by a federal jury for using false identities to steal close to 300 thousand US dollars in unemployment funds and other government benefits. Frederick Vernon Williams, 35; his sister [�]

Belize Defense Force Helicopters Are Here, But Not Assembled
Courtesy of the Republic of China (Taiwan), the Belize Defence Force (BDF) has acquired a pair of UH1H Huey helicopters to be used in building air support for the national army. But they cannot be used just yet; the aircraft are not fully assembled [�]

Belize shines bright on Trip Advisor's list of best resorts
Belize is once again gaining international recognition for its world class resorts! TripAdvisor just released its list of the 25 best hotels in all of Central America and 4 hotels from Belize have made it into the top 20, with two in the top 10! [�]

Cayo cops meet with the community
Officers Commanding (O.C) the San Ignacio and Benque Viejo Police Formations, took to the streets last week Friday, January 15th, to launch their weekly meet and greet with the public in their respective municipalities, during which they got feedback and heard concerns. O.C of [�]

Ladyville teen chopped up
Last night around 7:35 p.m., while 34-year-old Jordana Frusto of Ladyville village, Belize District was reporting her son, 18-year-old Jonathan Zetina missing at the police station, a pickup truck driven by John Olivera, dropped off the teenager who was seen bleeding from cut wounds. Olivera told [�]

Gradual improvement expected over next 24-36 hours before another cold front
The National Meteorological Service of Belize is predicting cloudy skies tonight with sunny breaks tomorrow. Showers will be generally isolated, except for a few over central areas tonight and tomorrow morning. Winds will be blowing from the Northeast at 10-20 knots and the sea state will be choppy. High temperatures tonight are expected around [�]

Blogs

A Fundraiser, Lots of New Building and My First Scoupon!
As the east coast and much of the US (and I'm SURE Canada - but we only get US tv) is shivering away, the cold front has dipped as low as Belize. Which so far has meant the sweatshirts are out in the evening and the morning and the temperature is in the 70s. Boo hoo�I know. Few are shedding tears for us - probably because you know they will freeze to your cheeks. Things have been warming up since mid-week but Saturday, SATURDAY! another front arrives, and highs will be in the low 70s! Or at least that is what's predicted. Here is what else is going on in San Pedro town. I posted about the music, a food truck and more just a few days ago. Here are some additional things that I saw while I was walking about yesterday afternoon� I stopped into RubiMoon to thank Anke for giving me the boost to enter the contest to go to Kerala, India. The tour starts February 15! And the store looked gorgeous�TOTALLY got me into the mood�especially on a grey afternoon. They've also decided to give a 15% discount on their website if you mention SCOOP. I am working on changing their advertisement on my site. But until then, take a look. They have beautiful things and�well�this is my very first SCOUPON. Rubimoon Boutique.


1. Vibrant Colors: Anyone who knows me even a smidgen has noticed that I absolutely adore bold, vibrant colors. In this regard, I fit right into Belize, where boldly-colored houses, hotels, bars, beach chairs and buses are the norm. Just looking at all these gorgeous colors every day makes me feel happy and alive. 2. Aquamarine Caribbean Sea: Speaking of gorgeous colors, the sea in Belize comes in the most unbelievable shades of turquoise, aquamarine, teal, pale green and blues that I've ever seen - and that's in 18 years of world travels, much of it in the tropics. Swimming in these dreamy clear Caribbean waters under cobalt blue skies and puffy white clouds is a surreal experience, like floating in paradise. 3. The Belizean Barrier Reef: The Belizean Barrier Reef runs 185 miles just off the coast of Belize, paralleling the country's entire coast north to south. It's part of the much larger MesoAmerican Barrier Reef that runs from the tip of Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico, to the north, down to Honduras. The reef also carries UNESCO World Heritage status - it's the largest reef in the western hemisphere and second largest barrier reef in the world. The reef's protected status, Belize's low population and the country's relative anonymity as an international travel destination mean this massive reef / island system is particularly pristine. Divers visit from all over the world, though not in the mass numbers found at other Caribbean dive destinations like Cancun, Cozumel and Grand Cayman Islands.

International Sourcesizz

7 Things to Eat in Belize
Belize, a small but diverse country of 350,000 inhabitants, is bordered on the north by Mexico, on the south and west by Guatemala, and on the east by the Caribbean Sea. While often overshadowed by its bigger and better-known neighbors, Belize shines thanks to its pristine beaches, untouched jungles and rich culinary scene. Most inhabitants speak English, Maya, Creole and Spanish, and even Mandarin is common in certain communities. This amalgamation of ethnicities is reflected in the Belizean kitchen, with dishes from all over the world reinterpreted the local way. They may sound familiar, but they will taste very different from the original creations. Here are some delicious dishes to try the Belizean way. Ceviche, Pupusas, Tamales (Bollos), Rice and Beans, Conch Fritters, Chimole, Freshly Caught Seafood.

How much fish are we really catching?
Scientists Find That 30% of Global Fish Catch Is Unreported. In a new study, scientists led by Sea Around Us calculated the annual global fish catch to be roughly 109 million metric tons, about 32 million metric tons more than officially reported in 2010 by more than 200 countries and territories. The new estimates provide countries with better assessments of their catch levels than they have had before. Joshua Reichert, executive vice president and head of environment initiatives for The Pew Charitable Trusts, calls the research a "groundbreaking study that confirms that we have been taking far more fish from our oceans than the official data suggest and provides a nuanced portrait of the amount of fish that are being removed from the world's oceans each year." In the study, published Jan. 19 in the journal Nature Communications, lead author Daniel Pauly and co-author Dirk Zeller gathered information with help from hundreds of scientists around the world. This team of researchers examined fish catch data for more than 200 countries and territories from a broad range of sources, including academic literature, industrial statistics, local fisheries experts, law enforcement, human population data, and other records such as documentation of fish catch by tourists. Using a method called "catch reconstruction," the Sea Around Us team then estimated total catch, including that missing from official data.

4 Ambergris Hotels on Trip Advisor best in Central America
TripAdvisor is judging the "Top 25 Hotels in Central America" based on the millions of reviews and opinions collected this last year from travelers all around the world. The "Top 25 Hotels in Central America" list includes hotels from Costa Rica, Panama, Nicaragua, Guatemala and Honduras. All 4 of the Belize hotels on the list are on Ambergris Caye, including the Coco Beach resort at #8, the Victoria House at #9, the Grand Caribe resort at #13 and the Las Terrazas resort at #19.

Violence and children rights in the Caribbean
The Caribbean Mentorship Institute has joined the public outcry about the number of violent deaths of young children in the region. The recent call to curb and eradicate violence against children should warrant immediate educational programs for Caribbean youth. The Institute believes that greater protection for young children should be promoted to realise their right to live free from violence and the fear of violence. A UNICEF report dated 2014, on Violence against Children, states that violence disproportionately affects children, either directly or indirectly. Violence by young people is extremely visible, and most of the perpetrators, as well as most of the victims, of violent crimes are male adolescents or youths.

Art Museum of the Americas to Present Belize Exhibition in Honor of 35th Anniversary
The OAS AMA | Art Museum of the Americas in partnership with the Permanent Mission of Belize to the OAS presents an exhibition celebrating the 35th anniversary of the nation's independence. For this exhibition, sculptor Santiago Cal and photojournalist Karl Villanueva commemorate the 35th anniversary of Belize's independence. Belize 35 is exemplary of AMA's mission of highlighting artwork promoting human rights, democracy, and peace as core values of the Organization of American States, in support of the autonomy of nations as well as the global cooperation under which each nation may thrive. Cal's "Untitled" is one of two installations that the artist is contributing to Belize 35. It includes as its subject matter Belize's first Prime Minister, George Cadle Price along with symbolic national elements such as the tapir, the national animal. According to the artist, the tapir's mannerisms and dignity are consistent with Belizean identity as a peaceful nation. Belizean curator Yasser Musa describes "Untitled" as "imagination at full throttle, casting a sculptural illustration specifically for an Art Museum of the Americas exhibition commemorating Belize's 35th Independence.

Archaeological dig begins at Honduras' famed 'City of the Monkey God'
After years of speculation and research, scientists have finally begun their dig at the elusive "Lost City of the Monkey God" in Honduras. Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández announced that the new dig - in partnership with Colorado State University archaeologists - has begun on the site where a God is said to have fathered half-human, half-monkey children. "This discovery has created a lot of excitement because of its significance for Honduras and the world," Hernandez said, according to the Daily Mail. The most recent search for the site began back in 2012, when a group of archaeologists and filmmakers used a form of light detection and ranging equipment known as lidar to find the remains of the lost city by airplane. In layman's terms, the scientists flew a small plane over the dense stretch of jungle, shooting lasers at the topography to map out the land below the canopy, where they purportedly discovered a network of plazas and pyramids, hidden for hundreds of years.

Expedia reports rise in Caribbean travel demand
The Expedia group, one of the world's largest online travel companies, reported on Tuesday at the Caribbean Travel Marketplace organized by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) an increase in travel demand of 20 percent year over year for the Caribbean via the company's platforms during the third quarter of 2015 with significant growth reported across the entire region. New data from Expedia indicates that the United States remains the key feeder market for the Caribbean with a reported growth of nearly 20 percent to Caribbean destinations. Other international markets reporting substantial year over year growth in the third quarter of 2015 include:

Report shows that Cuban migrants becoming more violent with Coast Guard
Cuban migrants desperate to reach U.S. shore are increasingly violent and noncompliant with Coast Guard crews who detain them at sea, authorities said Wednesday, citing reports of attempted poisoning and self-inflicted wounds as rumors swirl that the "wet-foot, dry-foot" policy will soon be abandoned. U.S. immigration policies haven't changed since President Barack Obama ordered the restoration of diplomatic relations between Havana and Washington in December 2014, and for over a year the Coast Guard has warned migrants and their relatives in the U.S. that no change is imminent. But an ongoing surge in Cubans fleeing their homeland by sea is fueled by fears they soon will lose the "wet-foot, dry-foot" benefits that allow those reaching U.S. land to stay and pursue citizenship, according to the chief of response for the Coast Guard's 7th District in Miami.

Videos

  • Belize - Ambergris Caye, 6min. Diving the Belize Barrier Reef, Spotted Eagle Rays, Turtles, Sharks. Featuring guest diver Sara Brown.

  • Y de nuevo RADIO LATA oraleee!!!!!!, min. Chequen ustedes

  • Empowerment Show Jan 21th 2016, 32min.

  • Belize April 2014, 5.5min. Channel 23 Belize

  • Belize 2016 Study Abroad in Caye Caulker, 8min. Miami University Study Abroad trip 2016 in Caye Caulker, Belize. Explored the mainland of Belize before heading over to a small island called Caye Caulker to teach at the Roman Catholic elementary school!

  • Snorkeling Rendezvous Caye, Belize, 15min. We recently took a snorkeling excursion to Rendezvous Caye, Belize. Rendezvous Caye lays on top of the largest barrier reef in the northern hemisphere. We had a fabulous time. This video shows our day. We hope you enjoy it!

  • Dolphins in Belize, 1min.

  • Belize Mantee Trip, 2.5min.

  • UB Study Abroad- Belize 2016, 15min. University at Buffalo School of Nursing students volunteered in Belize this past week. This is a video about our trip.

  • Snorkeling at the Belize Barrier Reef, 5min. Sailboat outing with stops at Shark & Ray Alley and Hol Chan Marine Reserve.