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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

A celebration of Belize's Agriculture Industry
For years the National Agriculture and Trade Show (affectionately known by Belizeans as the Agric) has been a highlight on Belizeans' calendars. Since its establishment in 1970, the show has grown by leaps and bounds, featuring all aspects of Belize's agriculture industry. The main objective of the show is to educate the public on the importance of agriculture and its contribution to the Belizean economy and food security. This show is so monumental that the show grounds was created specifically for the Agric - talk about important! Each year during the Labour Day weekend, the grounds at the northern entrance of Belmopan City come alive with general display areas for produce, a rodeo area, stables, and a main stage area for entertainment. One of the main reasons why I attend the Agric is for the food. Be prepared to break that diet, because you will be in for a feeding frenzy! From freshly prepared cuts of meat - grilled, smoked and fried - to sweet treats like ice cream - in a million and ten flavours - your taste buds will go wild! Oh and let's not forget the drinks! Only at the Agric can you get a 'yarda' (oversized tumbler) of freshly squeezed OJ with your favourite local rum - only if you are 18 and older - for chump change.

SPHS Female Softball Team training for the CAJFS Championship
On Saturday, April 2nd, the Belize Softball Federation invited all 19 and under junior female softballers for their first ever training camp. The camp was designed to help players prepare for the XV Central American Junior Female Softball (CAJFS) Championship scheduled for August 11-14. The San Pedro High School (SPHS) female softball team took full advantage of the amazing opportunity. Each team member showed dedication, adhering to all guidelines set by the federation. The team impressed the coaches at Roger's Stadium in Belize City, so much that they were invited to continue in the 'try-out' sessions for a total of six weeks. They will be trying out for the U19 team, where only one or a few players from SPHS will represent Belize in the XV CAJFS Championships. Head Coach Derek Jones, Island Season Coach Jason Carlson, Volunteer Coach Andrew Schulman, and parents of the players are thus appealing to the San Pedro community for help. The team appreciates encouragement and recognition for their efforts, as well as support from their peers and school. However, the team seeks financial assistance to help with traveling costs. Any assistance or advice as to how the school, town and community can offer support, would be greatly appreciated by the team.

SPTC represented at regional workshop in Jamaica
Local Economic Development Officer (LEDO) of the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) Jorge Aldana, is one of four Belizeans who recently returned from a regional knowledge building workshop organized and sponsored by CARILED in Kingston, Jamaica. The working visit, which ran from March 30th to April 1st, is a result of the island's integration into the second phase of the CARILED program in the region. According to Aldana, various countries' LEDOs, gained a deeper understanding of their role in the local economic development of their particular areas. "It gave us the opportunity to look at the role we play in developing a supportive relationship with the local business sector on the island," explained Aldana. He elaborated on the importance of taking "an inclusive approach to local economic development as we do strategic planning, especially when developing a strategic plan of action for our island." San Pedro is the fastest- growing municipality in the entire country, and with development there is an increase in traffic, demands for infrastructure, and goods and services.

8-Ball Pool Tournament heading back to the beach
With less than three weeks before the finals, the San Pedro Billiards Association held another round of fun games in their pre-season 8-ball pool tournament. Games were played at All's Pool Bar in downtown San Pedro, where teams battled gain extra points as they head to finals. So far, Team Amigos continues to lead the competition. The games continue this weekend by the beach at Cholo's Bar Pool Room beginning at 7PM on Friday and Saturday, while Sunday's games start at 1PM.

MOH yet to confirm Zika case linked to Belize
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), outbreaks of the Zika virus have occurred in 34 countries throughout the Americas and the Caribbean, excluding Belize from their travel warning advisories. However, on April 6th, the officials of the Ministry of Health (MOH) issued a press release referring to a message that was sent from the United States International Health Regulations National Focal Point concerning a case of Zika detected in a patient from the United States (US). According to the CDC, the transmission may have occurred in Belize. The CDC displayed a report indicated that an adult female resident who traveled to Belize from March 14th through 19th, having an apparent fever and rash on the 23rd of March. At the state health department, serum was tested positive for Zika virus RT-PCR. The patient reported that her travel history during that period was limited to Belize, and there was no evidence of possible sexual transmission.

Veterans and Catrachos to battle for Mayor & Minister's Cup
After ten weeks of intense football matches, the grand finale of the Mayor and Minister's Cup is finally here. Fans filled the Louis Sylvestre Stadium as four teams: Veterans, Ambergris Divers, Catrachos, and Peacemakers, played in the determining semi-final rounds. The first game was on Saturday, April 9th and the Veterans faced Ambergris Divers in a grueling match. Each team fought hard for the 1st place spot in the finals. By the first half, Veterans showed their experience with a 2-goal lead. In the second half, Ambergris Divers fought back, scoring one goal, intending to score another to tie the game. However, they ran out of time and the Veterans defense held up. With a final score of 2-1, Veterans took the #1 seed. On Friday, April 15th, Ambergris Divers and Peacemakers will be competing for the 3rd place trophy at 7 PM. The Veterans and Catrachos are set for the championship game, competing for 1st place and 2nd place on Saturday, April 16th at 7 PM. An awards ceremony will follow, with the presentation of the championship and trophies, as well as the announcement of the recipient of the golden boot, and the MVP of the tournament.

Ambergris Today

Impressive Tourism Numbers Prove Belize is Trending
January and February 2016 saw an increase in arrivals for overnight visitors of 24% and 18.4% respectively over 2015.The increase in passengers over 2015 is reflected by 7,416 in January and 5,800 visitors in February. Overnight arrivals to Belize have grown by 21.2% through the first two months of 2016. This is the first year in history in which the total arrivals to Belize have exceeded 75,000 visitors in the first two months. March, however, was an extraordinary month with over 43,000 overnight tourist visitors. This 10% increase over 2015 is the first time in history that the number surpasses 40,000 visitors in a single month.

Misc Belizean Sourcesmzz

2016 Chocolate Festival of Belize
The tenth annual Chocolate Festival of Belize will be held on the weekend of Friday 20 May-Sunday, 22 May. This year the gala opening Wine and Chocolate evening will be held at The Lodge at Big Falls. Music will be provided by the Garifuna Collective and six local chocolatiers will be offering samples of their products to guests. It is $60 per person for the entrance fee for the Wine and Chocolate evening.

Paint Up a Storm 2016
Paint Up a Storm is next Saturday at the Cayo Welcome Center. It's always a fun time making art at the CWC.

Rotaract Go Kart Fundraiser
The Rotaract Club San Ignacio had their Go Kart Fundraiser, and it was fun for everyone. Those little go karts really get some speed. Check out their page to see the projects that the funds went towards. Thanks, Rotaract!

Deputy Chief of Mission and Embassy staff meet with Lusiola Castillo
The Deputy Chief of Mission and Embassy staff met with Lusiola Castillo to discuss her participation in the International Visitors Leadership Program (IVLP) in the U.S. Ms. Castillo is participating in the Multi-Regional Project "American Libraries". The program will open in Washington, DC, the seat of the U.S. federal government and a city with a thriving academic population. The program will begin with an overview of U.S. Systems of Libraries in the United States, highlighting the current trends in library technology and the increasing importance of modernization of library services. Ms. Castillo will meet with national libraries and associations to discuss federal grants, advocacy and the profession of librarianship. She will also participate in a full day of programming at the Library of Congress. Meetings with the Pew Research Center and with DC high school students will shape a discussion on the changing role of Libraries in today's interconnected world.

The Inspire Celebration Fundraiser
The Inspire Celebration will take place on June 18, 2016 at the Mahogany Bay Village in San Pedro Ambergis Caye. All proceeds go to the Inspiration Center.

Sea Cucumber License Renewal
The Fisheries Department hereby informs Sea cucumber fishermen that RENEWAL of their special license for 2016 Sea cucumber fishing season will run from April 19 - 29, 2016. Failure to comply with the requirements will disqualify fishers from renewing their license for the 2016 Sea cucumber fishing season. Fishers are also advised that fishing for sea cucumber will be allowed during the months of May and June, 2016 only.

Erosion Assessment April 2016
On Wednesday, April 13, 2016, Deputy Mayor Gary Greif along with Mr. Keith Nichols from the Caribbean Community Climate Change Center (CCCCC) and Ms. Carianne Johnson from the Pan American Development Fund (PADV) conducted an visual assessment of the erosion that is highly affecting our beaches. A further study will be carried out to identify the various causes and possible solutions to the problem and how the Town Council along with the community can contribute to help alleviate this situation. Mr. Nichols and Ms. Johnson mentioned that global warming is a major factor that is increasing the risk of erosion in many countries. An observation that Mr. Nichols pointed out was that the vehicles that are trafficking the beach are causing damage to the existing beach and contributing to the erosion.

Caution when approaching mile 90 on the Philip Goldson Highway
Ministry of Works advises all commuters to exercise extreme caution when approaching mile 90 on the Philip Goldson Highway (formerly Northern Highway) as heavy duty equipment road works is currently being carried out. The road works are being carried out approximately 1 mile from the Corozal, Santa Elena border.

NATS 2016 Layout
This year's National Agriculture and Trade Show will be from April 29th to May 1st. They've been upgrading the grounds for it, and here is the map showing the layout for this year's show!

GS.com Grand Opening
There's a great new electronics store in Cayo. GS-COM is the name, and it's on Joseph Andrews drive right next to CTN (the new option for internet).

The Garifuna Film Festival To Feature Two Outstanding Belizeans!
It would have been a blessed thing for me if the late Ambassador Adalbert Tucker would have lived to see his work transferred to the screen of a documentary film. The thirty or more years ago in which his acquaintance came to me through the work of the Belizean grassroots organization in the diaspora, the Belize Rural Economic Development of Agriculture through Alliance (BREDAA), cannot ever be be forgotten in no way, because it was through his very work of self-consciousness and passionate work for Belize, its people, and the oppressed, that gave birth to what could be called my journey to have become a liberated mind.

Channel 7

Teachers Stand Up For Belize
If you're a parent, you probably had to make other arrangements for your children today because classes were canceled countrywide. That was to make way for an event organized by the teachers union called "Stand Up For Belize." It's an educational campaign on the Belize Guatemala Territorial Dispute - and teachers were the first to get the knowledge. They traveled from all parts of the country to Benque Viejo Town. With all that's been happening with Guatemala, the forum was timely, and they got some all-star guests, namely Wilfred Elrington and Assad Shoman. Our news team was there for the entire event. Daniel Ortiz has that story: Daniel Ortiz reporting: Hundreds of teachers from all over the country converged at the auditorium of the Mount Carmel High School in Benque Viejo. It is famous for being the last town near the Belize Guatemala Border, and so, the stage was appropriately set for the launch of the "Stand Up For Belize" Information Campaign. Luke Palacio - National President, BNTU: "We are so happy to be near the border with Guatemala as we send this message today that the Belize National Teachers Union is launching its campaign for all of us to stand up for Belize, because Belize is for Belizeans."

Foreign Minister's Trial In The Court of Public Opinion
And just before that motorcade to the Benque/Melchor Border, the forum closed with a question and answer section. The teachers were allowed to ask the two Panelists, Foreign Minister Wilfred Elrington, and Ambassador Assad Shoman, about any and everything pertaining to the Belize - Guatemala issue. And the "maestros" seized upon the opportunity. In fact, it got to a point where the teachers more or less put Elrington's handling of the Foreign Affairs portfolio on trial in the court of public opinion. Here are some of the tough questions that they put to Belize's top diplomat: Teacher: "I a lot a lot to say." Organizer: "Excuse me, one minutes please. Let's not forget the rule." Teacher: "I will speak. It's my turn. We are bullied by our neighbor and we can't stand up. We are living in a abusive relationship here and we are afraid� as our minister said. I don't know why, but this is not a relationship that is working. We have to stand up to our bullies. The bullies will be there as long as we do not make a stand sir."

Teachers Say "Sedi" Soft
As you heard, some of the teachers called Elrington out for being too passive on controversial issues surrounding the Belize Guatemala territorial dispute. Aware that he might be criticized for that, Elrington started his presentation with an explanation that he is only following the strict guidelines set out by Foreign Ministers before him. Elrington today revealed that there is a special section of the Confidence Building Measures which mandates that all Foreign Ministers are expected to dial it way back while publicly discussing any matters related to the Guatemalan claim. Here's how he made his case to a roomful of skeptical teachers: Hon. Wilfred Elrington, Minister of Foreign Affairs: "Before Assad Shoman ceased to be head of the delegation and head of the negotiating team, he caused the confidence building measures to be agreed upon and I will read to you what he put in train and which I am constrain to follow. You will find that sometimes members of my government speak differently about issues. For example, in the Conorquie issue there were members in my government, head of the police and other, even ministers were saying 'I am certain that it is the Guatemalans that killed Conorquie'. My position was if you bring me the evidence I will say that."

Ambassador Assad Challenges Teachers
So, while the teachers gave it to Elrington during the question and answer session, Assad Shoman challenged the teachers to make two decisions which he thinks are in the best interest of resolving the Guatemala territorial Claim. It is by now well known that as part of the education system in Guatemala, they teach "Belize es Nuestro" in their primary schools. Well, Shoman is requesting that the the territorial dispute be made a permanent part of the education system in Belize Here's how he put it to them during his presentation: Ambassador Assad Shoman - Opposition representative: "It would be a great outcome of this campaign, if your union, I'm going to make a proposal to you now, can pass resolution at your next convention demanding that the Ministry of Education put the Guatemalan claim on the curriculum. Don't just stand there and see your country sovereignty and integrity chipped away, do something about it. Let's move on. I want to suggest to pass another resolution asking the House of Representative to amend the referendum act which now says that by any referendum at least 60 percent of the people have to go and vote..."

Charges For Alleged Killer Cops Downgraded
It made major national headlines and even provoked a riot on Caye Caulker last year when 18 year old Hilberto Sotz was killed while in police custody. Two island cops, 32 year old Hallet king and 43 year old Leonard Nunez were charged for murder. It was a swift and decisive move by police, which did somewhat allay public outrage - after all, the teenager died from blunt force trauma. But, today we learned that the charge of murder against two police constables has been reduced to manslaughter. It happened when they appeared today before the Chief Magistrate, Anne Marie Smith, and the directive came from the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Fissures On the PUP Front?
Last night we told you about the meeting that the PUP held yesterday with Assad Shoman to discuss the Sarstoon peace-keeping Proposals. It was a meeting for the party's national executive members, its parliamentarians, and standard bearers to hear from Assad Shoman - who is the party appointed representative in the Belize- Guatemala talks. But, 7News has learned that some big names were absent: namely Deputy Leader Julius Espat, Cayo North Standard Bearer Misho Chebat, Belmopan Standard Bearer Jason Patrick Andrews, Corozal Southeast Representative Florencio Marin Jr, Orange Walk North Standard Bearer Ramon Monchie Cervantez, Toledo West Representative Oscar Requena, and Freetown Representative Francis Fonseca. Now, Deputy Party Leader Julius Espat also missed the last major executive meeting, and when it was done he was critical of his party leader's purge of the executive. Well this time, there was no such thing. He told us he was simply otherwise engaged; busy in his area meeting with various village council leaders. Fair enough, but we know from our background sources that Espat is firmly against the pro-ICJ stance that has been adopted by his party since Briceno took over.

Legalize IT, Or Criminalize It?
The Social Security Board's Debate Series concluded today. As we've been reporting, there were a number of debates between junior colleges across the country but it all came down to 2 finalists: Ecumenical Junior College and Corozal Junior College. Now during those elimination rounds several topics were argued such as the impact of media on society and law reform among others, but for this final round - it was all about Weed. The specific topic was: "The criminal legislation of marijuana has been a major discussion in many countries. Do you believe that marijuana should be legalized in Belize?" Tough question and Courtney Weatherburne was there to hear both sides of the argument: Whether its weed, ganja, spliff or any other name used, this herb is all around us. It is sung and celebrated in music, in movies and even more so on the streets. It has become a ubiquitous reality that some have openly embraced while others have resoundingly refused.

Sergio Patt, Postman, Wanted
Police say that second grade Post Office cashier, Orange Walk Resident Sergio Patt, is wanted for questioning. He's the lead suspect in the disappearance of $20 thousand dollars which went missing from the Post Office between October and November of last year. Investigations show that Patt produced a bogus spreadsheet to cover the shortages. Initially, Patt was sent home while the investigation continued and the Public Service Commission decided the fate of his employment status. Now, police are actively seeking Patt in their criminal investigation.

Mexican Art With A Yucatan Flair
The great European artist Leonardo Da Vinci was born on this very day- April 15th - 565 years ago. And to honor his legacy, the Mexican Institute in Belize is bringing a little taste of Yucatan to the country. They invited four distinguished artists from SOMAAP, an association of Mexican Artists to share some of their work. The art exhibit is entitled "Yucatan Abstract and Reality Pientre"- which is French for painter. The official launch began just a few minutes ago at 7:00. But we stopped by earlier today to meet some of the artists and to learned a little about their artistic flavor. We also asked them for some tips for our local artists on how to make a successful career out of art. The exhibit will be on display at the Mexican institute for the next month.

When Will Guats Reply To Sarstoon Proposals?
Earlier this week, Foreign Minister Elrington hosted a press conference to outline an 11 point proposal for a protocol which should de-escalate tensions in the Sarstoon River. The Guatemalan Delegation which came down to the OAS Office In Beqnue Viejo to meet with their Belizean counterparts has since delivered that proposal to their government for consideration. The hope is that a response would be forthcoming today, which is the end of the week. Well, according to Shoman, he and Foreign Minister Elrington are still waiting and that response hasn't come as yet: Ambassador Assad Shoman - Opposition representative: "I was there when and I stopped play the most offended proposals that you gave the Guatemalans last Friday. Well we said this is how we should behave in dealing with the river based on 1859 the treaty, which I want you all to read just like how you read article 7, you read article 6 it talks about the river. We put forward our proposal. We, the Belize side it started over, with the minister and then others came in, you and others added to it but I agree with what you put and we asked the Guatemalans to respond within a certain time. We said within a week. Well guess what today it makes 1 week and they haven't responded."

Percy Pilgrim For Supreme Court in June
Exactly one year ago, 19 year old Percival Pilgrim was remanded for the murder of Edward "Ghost" Usher. Well, today he was committed to stand trial for that killing in the June session of the Supreme Court. Pilgrim was unrepresented and did not challenge any of the evidence that was put before the court. Prosecutor, Inspector Hector Rodriguez submitted as many as 12 statements recorded by police from witnesses in the community. The 40 year old Usher was killed in broad daylight on April 11, 2015, as he stood on his stairs in the Ghost Town area. Pilgrim gave the court two names of persons who can give an alibi for him, namely an uncle and a sister.

Primary School "Ping-Pang" Players
7 primary schools, 60 participants, and 5 hours of intense ping pong battling! That's what the 5th annual Dutch Lady Primary School OPEN was all about. The table tennis tournament was held at the Belize Elementary School compound this morning. At the end of it late this afternoon, the two remaining players battled it out for the first prize. It was intense and emotions flared, but at the end only one could be named the champ- and it went to 10 year old Taye Parkinson of St. Joseph Primary. We spoke to the President of the Belize Table Tennis Association who has been trying to promote the game for 7 years. While the tournament was won by a St. Joseph primary student, the overall champion, based on points, was Belize Elementary School. The 12 top athletes were awarded for their performance and some of those winners will be competing at the upcoming CODICADER regional tournament later this year.

Borland Did Win
And before we leave tonight, a small correction to our final story last night. Cyclist Joel Borland was the winner of the Krem New Year's Classic on race day. He retains that hold on first place, but the original second and third place finishers, Greg Lovell and Byron Pope have been stripped of their second and third places due to testing positive for banned substances. So with the revised results, Justin Williams now takes second, and Johnny Vlaencia takes third. The two riders also lose all their station prizes.