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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, and other specials


The San Pedro Sun

SPHC opens exhibit to El Rey del Carnaval
As a prelude to the annual Carnaval activities, the San Pedro House of Culture (SPHC) opened an exhibit to pay tribute to the late Felix Ayuso, "El Rey del Carnaval" on Friday, February 17th. From his costumes to his skits, for years Ayuso has been a very prominent figure during Carnaval. El Gran Carnaval de San Pedro is a unique tradition that dates back to 1848 and has been passed down through generations. Opening the event was Mistress of Ceremonies, Vivian Noralez, who greeted the audience to the special occasion. She then invited Director of the SPHC, Mito Paz, to give the welcome address. "This occasion is very special as it pays tribute to Felix Ayuso, who is the King of Carnaval. We were actually organizing this show for months, and Felix was excited to participate. He is one of our favorite fans, and he never missed an event. He was one of the biggest promoters for Carnaval and the SPHC decided to do a special show and exhibit in his honor," said Paz. The presentation was a grand success and the audience all cheered in delight. All of the models gathered back onstage as drinks were handed out to do a brindis (toast) in Ayuso's honor. Following after, a dancer of Charikanari's Garifuna Dance Group also paid tribute to Ayuso with a punta dance in rhythm to the drumming sounds.

El Gran Carnaval de San Pedro has started!
The Carnaval fever has once again invaded San Pedro Town as the annual 'El Gran Carnaval de San Pedro,' tipped off this past weekend. With the official ceremonies and block party on Saturday, February 25th, the festivities so far have been bigger and more colourful than ever. The traditional celebration is held to usher in the 40-day Lenten Season, and this year's Carnaval is being held under the theme 'Orgullo, Alegria, y Pasion; Carnaval es mi Tradicion!' The San Pedro Town Council held the official ceremonies at the Central Park, where speeches from the organizers of the Carnaval as well as Mayor Daniel Guerrero were delivered. The program included several different performances and even a tribute to the late 'Carnavalista' Felix Ayuso, who was very instrumental to the Carnaval. A video presentation depicting his life with messages from friends and relatives made for an emotional moment. At the end Ayuso's son, Joran Ayuso was presented with plaque to commemorate his father's life by Mayor Daniel Guerrero and Area Representative and Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Honourable Manuel Heredia Jr.

Ambergris Today

Pic of the Week - Not Your Typical Street Scene in San Pedro
You don't see this everyday in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize, but when you do you know its Carnaval Time! It's normal for a woman to be placing a colorful wig on a man dressed in drag on the side of the street - It's Carnaval Time!!! the best part of the three-day celebration is the street dancing groups that liven up the town with dance, music and comical satire.

San Pedro Carnaval 2017 Kicks Off
Carnaval 2017 has started with colorful costumes, live music and lots of dancing by four compara groups that took to the streets to downtown San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. On Sunday, February 26, 2017, the island came to life with residents enjoyed one of the most traditional celebrations on the island. The four compara groups (street dancing groups) are: Flora's Group, San Pedro AIDS Commisssion, Las Original Barbies, and Jaguar's Girls. Here are some highlights of Day One:

Misc Belizean Sources

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Aji Tapas Restaurant opens Wednesday under new management
Looking for exotic cocktails and great tapas? Be sure to visit Aji Tapas Restaurant!

LAUNCH OF THE BELIZE ARCHIVES ADVISORY BOARD
On Friday, 24th February, the Ministry of Youth Sports and Culture launched the Belize Archives Advisory Board at a meeting held in the Conference Room of the Belize Archives and Records Service (BARS) in Belmopan. The current members of the Advisory Board are: Ms. Marian McNab, Chairperson, Dr. Wilma Wright, Mr. Lawrence Vernon, Mr. Nigel Encalada, Rev. Lancelot Lewis, Mr. Rudy Aguilar and Mr. Derryck Satchwell. The Director of BARS, Dr. Herman Byrd is Secretary of the Board. Mrs. Adele Catzim-Sanchez, Chief Executive Officer with responsibility for Youth, Sports and Culture in the Ministry of Education, deputized on behalf of the Hon. Patrick Faber, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education. CEO Catzim told the Board, that "The Belize Archives and Records Service are at a critical juncture in its development. The work of BARS remains at the core of nation building. The work is not only about the collection, preservation and dissemination of information; it is about showing and telling us who we are as a people. Key historical documents (photographs, letters, reports, and newspaper articles) represent moments in time that bring meaning to the experiences we share today."

The Farm House Deli in Corozal
Hey to all Corozalenos, Deli Farmers will hear this Wednesday March 1, 2017 in front of the Corozal House of Culture.

Belize Forward Marlon Meza shares Golden Boot Award
With Mexican Forward Ramon Maldonado. Congratulations Marlon on this great achievement.

The Belize Street Art Fest 2017 was a blast
From handprints and coloring, to sawdust art, chalk art and dancing bulls, it was a lively cultural event!

San Pedro Carnaval Celebrations 2017

Master Chef Sean Kuylen and his team wowed students at our launch event Culinary Arts at Ocean Academy
Students learned about the amazing diversity and richness of Belizean cuisines and local ingredients. Sean Kuylen's positive energy, passion and delicious samples definitely sparked an excitement and appreciation for Belizean cooking!

Wanted, foster parents
We need you, we want you!

RESTORATION OF SHOULDERS OF THE HIGHWAY PASSING THROUGH SANDHILL VILLAGE
Through lobbying efforts by Minister of Transport and National Emergency Management, Hon. Edmond Castro, who is also Area Representative for Belize Rural North, work is being done to restore the shoulders of that portion of the Phillip Goldson Highway passing through the village of Sandhill near its junction with the Old Northern Highway. Besides helping to preserve the integrity of the highway, this is also very useful to residents of the area who utilize the shoulders of the highway to safely move around as pedestrians from location to location within the limits of the village. It will also increase safety for public and school buses picking up and dropping off commuters in the area.

Cuban Ambassador to Belize calls on the Mayor of San Pedro
Cuban Ambassador to Belize, Her Excellency Lissette Perez Perez and Cuban Counselor in Belize, Orestes Hernandez paid a courtesy call to the Mayor of San Pedro His Worship Daniel Guerrero on Friday February 24th. Since taking up office a little over three months ago, Ambassador Perez has been meeting with Cuban residents living in Belize. "It is my first time on the island," commented Perez, adding that, "during this event I wanted to pay a courtesy call to see how we can work together for the common good of our people of both countries." In speaking to the Mayor, Ambassador Perez offered the SPTC the opportunity to explore ways in which San Pedro can work together with the Cuban government in the areas such as climate change, health, culture, music and sports. "We are happy for your visit. Cuba has been a good friend to Belize and we are fortunate to have benefited from Cuba's generosity especially in the area of health and educational opportunities," commented Mayor Guerrero. "The help offered by the Cuban Ambassador is the step in the right direction and we happy to be able to explore ways to collaborate," ended Guerrero.

Beach soccer team returns home with a top scorer
CBSC2017 Top Scorers: Marlon Meza of #Belize and Ramon Maldonado of @miseleccionmx Individual Awards Golden Ball: Alfonso Maquensi (Panama) Golden Glove: Diego Villasenor (Mexico) Top Scorers: Marlon Meza (Belize) and Jose Ramon Maldonado Alonso (Mexico) (12 goals each) Young Player Award: Jamal Haynes (Guyana) CONCACAF Fair Play Trophy: Canada Standings 1st: Panama 2nd: Mexico 3rd: El Salvador 4th: Guadeloupe 5th: USA 6th: Bahamas 7th: Trinidad & Tobago 8th: Jamaica 9th: Costa Rica 10th: Canada 11th: Antigua & Barbuda 12th: Guyana 13th: Belize 14th: Turks & Caicos Islands 15th: Barbados 16th: US Virgin Islands

CCC marching band and dance group at Carnaval Chetumal 2017

BIRTHDAY BASH FOR JUNIOR BUDDY!
Belize's most famous jaguar and "national treasure," Junior Buddy, hit the big 1-0 last week! Over 100 guests joined us to celebrate this very special decade of jaguar conservation in grand fashion. Our VIP guests included Junior's longtime friends from St. Agnes Anglican School down the road, as well as our "jaguar expert" colleagues from around Belize. After a review of some cool feline facts about jaguars, everyone joined TBZ Director Sharon in a rousing rendition of the Junior Buddy Song, complete with "dancing jaguars" in the crowd. The Birthday Boy was eager to receive his birthday bone, quickly diving into his pond the moment it was tossed in. Junior wowed his fans with his speed and agility (still young at heart!), then triumphantly chomped on his prize for all to see. Jaguar themed games, treats, and prizes followed; plenty of fun for all! PAWS UP to all our party guests, and particularly to 7 News Belize and SanPedroScoop.com for providing excellent coverage for the celebrations. We look forward to many more years of showing the world how proud Belize is to have jaguars in our jungles!

Once a flighted White-front has been caught, they're gently restrained in a towel
They're carefully examined to make sure they're in top-notch condition - essential for success in the wild. We also record the band number of each bird we release as well as their gender and date of release.

Park Manager Ray Makin, welcomed Dr. Richard Leventhal and his graduate students at Nim Li Punit!
It was an exciting day today at work.Dr Richard leventhal,the archaeologist who discovered tomb #1 in1986 was here to revisit his dicovery.at nim li punit archaeological reserve.

Channel 7

Six Year Old Knocked Down and Killed
Tonight, a Belize City family is grieving after their 6 year old daughter was knocked down and killed last night. It happened around 6:40 when 43 year old Albert Martinez was driving a Toyota Corolla and he knocked down a 6 year old who was walking on the highway with her mother near the Faber's Road junction. The mother sustained minor injuries, but her daughter, Ashanti Pollard died on the spot. Police who happened upon the scene right after the accident say he was traveling at high speed. The family told Daniel Ortiz how the accident has devastated them:.. Daniel Ortiz reporting: The family of the 6 year-old baby, Ashanti Pollard, continues to grieve her sudden, rather violent death. Her little body was hit and flung by a vehicle which struck her right outside the gate of her home. Her mother, who suffered injuries in the traffic accident, is in the throes of grief, a pain more than anything physical she endured in that accident.

Cousin Kills Cousin In Orange Walk
The weekend saw one murder, and it was in the Orange Walk district. 54 year old San Roman villager Marcelino Chan was stabbed to death, reportedly by his own cousin, 25 year old Mario Aguirre with whom he'd had a dispute. It happened at 8:30 on Saturday night, when Chan had already left Aguirre's house, reportedly after trying to part a domestic dispute. While Chan was walking away, Aguirre reportedly jumped him from behind and inflicted multiple stab wounds, one of them directly to his chest. Chan's daughter told the media that her father was trying to part a fight between AGUIRRE and his wife, when Aguirre turned on him. In the process he also stabbed another man who was trying to intervene. Here are both accounts in off-camera interviews:

GOB VS. Ashcroft Alliance In Supreme Court
On February the third the Government ran to the Supreme Court to get an urgent injunction against the Ashcroft Alliance. The injunction was granted and it prevents the Alliance, specifically BCB Holdings and the Belize Bank from taking any action to enforce a judgement from a US Court. That foreign judgement allows them to go after Belize's international assets to settle an arbitral award which government refuses to pay. But the injunction prevents them from doing so. Well, now, the Ashcroft Alliance is applying to the Supreme Court to strike out government's claim and set the injunction aside, while the government wants to make it a permanent injunction. Both sides went before the Chief Justice today where they agreed to simply go to trial on March 13th where they will determine the merits of the claim. We got explanations form attorneys for both sides:... Eamon Courtenay, SC - BCB, Belize Bank Attorney: "If we did that on an interim basis, it would largely determine the claim itself. So instead of doing in in two stages, we decided to just agree that we would treat this matter on the 13th as the trial of the claim. It either succeeds or it fails."

Saying Goodbye to a Beloved Bishop for The Catholic Faithful
The Official Funeral for Belize's first homegrown Bishop, O. P. Martin was held today in Belmopan City. But before that there was a Memorial Mass at Holy Redeemer Cathedral in Belize City this morning at 9:00 with a viewing of the body. The church was full to overflowing and many had to take in the service form outside. Inside, the many well wishers and devotees of Bishop Martin, as well as school children filled the pews for the service. OP MARTIN was the Bishop of Belize and Belmopan from 1984 until he retired in 2007. And many who attended today's service were those touched by his ministry, or who had him baptize, confirm, or marry them.

Remembering OP's Humanity and Good Humour
And after that memorial service, his body was taken to the Our Lady of Guadalupe Co-Cathedral in Belmopan for the official funeral. It was full to overflowing and then some where everyone came out to say a final goodbye to Belize's first Garifuna and homegrown bishop. The eulogy was delivered by his lifelong friend Meliton Auil - who remembered the Bishop's humanity and good humour:... Meliton Auil, friend: "He was a spiritual man, but also a true human being who was able to face pain and sorrow with great fortitude. He loved outdoor activity and enjoyed going on fishing trips before he was afflicted with a spinal condition that despite 2 operations was the source of great pain, especially in his back."

Galan's Escape
Police are currently looking for 27 year old Jonathan Galan. Yesterday the El Salvadorian escaped from prison where he was serving a three year sentence for drug trafficking. Police are seeking the public's help in locating Galan, and anyone who has any information about his whereabouts is asked to contact their local authorities. He previously resided in Camalote Village in the Cayo District.

Dale Succeeds Audrey As CWU President
There's a new president of the Christian Workers Union. Dale Trujeque was elected president at an annual general meeting on Saturday with an easy majority: he beat challenger Wilmore Staines by a margin of 175 to 63. Outgoing President Audrey Mature who served fora little over three years did not contest. Today, Trujeque - who is trained in industrial relations - said he wants to engage employers in a different way: Dale Trujeque, CWU President: "I think I want to look at a new model of how we engage our employers, while at the same time looking for the best for my members, my people. I can devote my fully to CWU matters during the day if I want to. So, the employers would be aware that I will always be ready to come and see them." Jules Vasquez, 7News: "The stevedores remain one of the most visible and vocal members of the CWU. When you think CWU is nothing, Central Bank or City Council or Social Security, you think stevedores. Explain to me how you will approach their CBA which they have been working on with the Port of Belize for 10 years?"

Burglar Bailey Get More Jail Time
Last November Eugene Bailey and Raymond Montes were arrested and charged for burglarizing Lucky Star Supermarket on Central American Boulevard. Bailey and Montes allegedly entered the store and stole $2000 in cash and a stash of groceries. Police arrived on the scene before they could escape, so both men fled into the freezer in the back of the building where they were found chilling and were detained. Both men pled not guilty to a charge of burglary and were denied bail. They appeared in the Magistrate's Court today, where Montes stuck to his original plea of not guilty. However, Bailey had a change of heart and pled guilty. The new plea was accepted, however Montes's charges were not withdrawn and he was remanded back to prison until his trial.

"Brother Barrow" Speaks On CCJ Appointment
As we first reported ten days ago, Denys Barrow is going to the Caribbean Court of Justice. He's widely considered to be among Belize's very best lawyers but he is also a well respected Caribbean jurist. Now, he will join the CCJ as one of the Court's 7 judges. It's a highly prestigious post, but its one he had to apply for and earn in a rigorous screening process by the regional judicial legal and services commission. He explained today:... Denys Barrow - Appointed to CCJ: "I think it's a delight and it's a great benefit to Belize and I would want to add as well the Eastern Caribbean where as you know I sat for some time and enjoyed a very happy period of judicial service." Jules Vasquez, 7News: "First of all, one wants to dispel any notion that your brother is the head of government. Its real right? How does one end up on the CCJ?" Denys Barrow - Appointed to CCJ: "There is absolutely no political appointments to that body. So it's the RJLS which appoints judges, they advertise in all the countries of the region, all the CARICOM countries and I'm certain that they advertise abroad as well. So you apply, everybody applies, whether you are the sitting chief justice of Zimbabwe or you are a humble practitioner in Belize you apply.

The US Wants Guat VP
According to international news reports, the US Government is currently seeking to extradite former Guatemalan Vice President Roxanne Baldetti and former Interior Minister Hector Mauricio Lopez Bonilla for drug trafficking. According to the Washington Post, both former officials were indicted in the US District Court in Washington DC for the charges of"conspiracy to distribute cocaine and knowing that it would be distributed in the United States." The extradition request has not yet been accepted by the Guatemalan government. Baldetti is currently being tried in the Guatemalan court for several charges relating to corruption and defrauding the country of tens of millions of dollars.

The Street Was A Canvas
On Saturday downtown Belize City was transformed into a free - ranging creative space as Albert Street was jammed with art and food stalls for the 7th Annual Street Art Festival. Our crew was out there to see the art scene hit the streets... Over the past 5 years, the festival has grown from just a few booths on Albert Street to one of the most anticipated attractions in the City.

Teenage Shot In Home
The area of Antelope Street continues to be hot - and last night it put a child in danger. Late last night around 11:00, a 13 year old was inside his house with his brother watching television when shots rang out. The child felt a burning sensation and realized he had been shot in both feet. Police say he is stable.

Final Farewell For OP Martin
Today, Belize's Catholics said goodbye to a beloved Bishop. OP Martine was the bishop of Belize and Belmopan from 1984 to 2007 and in an official funeral today, the faithful and friends got to say goodbye. Tonight, as out last news item, we have clips from the end of the funeral starting with the moment the casket was taken out of the Our Lady of Guadalupe Co Cathedral by a BDF escort. From there, there was a gun salute, followed by the head of state laying a wreath, then the Deputy Prime Minister doing the same, and then the Leader of the Opposition following them.