Today's Belize News: January 23, 2018

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Today's Belize News: January 23, 2018 #528473 01/23/18 05:05 AM
Joined: Oct 1999 Posts: 84,398 oregon, spr Marty OP
OP Marty	FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report. Specials and Events Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, LOVETV, PGTV, West Vision (Cayo) and CTV 3. Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, and other specials The San Pedro Sun UKHO conducts seabed mapping in Belize to support marine economy The United Kingdom Hydrographic Office (UKHO) has deployed two vessels to survey the waters of Belize as part of the Commonwealth Marine Economies (CME) Programme, the organization has announced. Following a stakeholder meeting with the Belize Port Authority and wider government earlier this month, priority areas will be surveyed, capturing sonar data of Belize's main ports and approaches. High-frequency mapping sonars are being used which have no negative impact on its diverse ecosystems and marine life. The surveying is expected to continue throughout February and will focus on areas including Belize City, Big Creek and Commerce Bight. Information from the survey will be used to update nautical charts of the region, as well as helping Belize to meet its international maritime obligations, including respective elements of the Implementation of IMO Instruments Code (IIIC). These updated charts will reduce navigational risk and improve the safety of ships, cargo and crew. Data will also support a range of environmental and scientific applications, enabling Belize to better manage the marine environment in these areas. 3-1 point defeat for San Pedro Pirates The San Pedro Pirates Football Club lost their second match in the Premier League of Belize (PLB) tournament against the Belmopan Bandits on Saturday, January 20th at the Isidoro Beaton Stadium in Belmopan City. The Belmopan Bandits closed the game with a 3-1 point score, leaving the San Pedro Pirates off the tournament charts for another week. The match began shortly after 8PM, with both teams hoping to open the scoreboard. It wasn't until minute 24 that Bandits Rony Sanchez scored the first goal for his team. The Pirates responded with a goal at minute 31 courtesy of Inri Gonzaga. The first half continued with crosses and passes, but with no more goals, it ended in a 1-1 point tie. In the next match, the San Pedro Pirates will be traveling to Independence Village, Stann-Creek District, to face the Placencia Assassins on Saturday, January 27th. The game is scheduled to start at 7:30PM at the Michael Ashcroft Stadium. For more information on how to accompany the Pirates as a fan, you can contact 629-6770. Ambergris Today Mesoamerican Reef Gets Improving Bill Of Health The Healthy Reefs Initiative released its report card on the state of the Mesoamerican Reef. In the last decade, the grade has risen from poor to fair. The Mesoamerican Reef runs along about 1,000 kilometers of the coastlines of Mexico, Honduras, Belize and Guatemala. Fish populations have grown, as have the coral that make up the reef. But scientists were concerned to see an increase in macro algae on the reef, which results from runoff and improperly treated sewage effluent. A recent report tracking the health of the Mesoamerican Reef indicates that conservation efforts might be helping to turn the tide for the reef itself and the people who depend on it. "Reefs face ever increasing stress which is outpacing that of our management actions," Melanie McField, an ecologist at the Smithsonian Institution, said in a statement. "[The] measured improvement in reef health demonstrates our capacity to stem the trajectory of decline." Misc Belizean Sources Comparsas Deadline Inviting all Comparsas to sign up at the San Pedro Town Council. Deadline to sign up is February 7, 2018. 2018 Spanish Lookout Expo Mar 2 - Mar 3 The Spanish Lookout Business Chamber is organizing the 2018 Spanish Lookout Commercial and Industrial Expo this first week of March. It will be held at the Country Side Park a.k.a. "The Pavilion". "Belize's Heroes, Patriots, and Benefactors" Exhibit In conjunction with the National Heroes and Benefactors Day Celebrations coming up, the Institute for Social and Cultural Research (ISCR) and The Banquitas House of Culture (BHOC) are dedicated in its objective to preserve and promote Belize's diverse history and culture. We are delighted to hereby extend this invitation to all, to join us in honoring the lives and accomplishments of "Belize's Heroes, Patriots, and Benefactors" in an exhibit produced by ISCR featuring Belizean Artist such as George Gabb, Zelma "Zee" Edgell, Benjamin Nicholas, Robert "Bob" Reneau, Andy Palacio, Lila Vernon, Wilfred Peters, Paul Nabor Wilfred Peters II, Florencio Mes and Gerald "Lord" Rhaburn, as well as National Heroes, George Price and Phillip Goldson, at the 2018 "Heroes, Patriots, and Benefactors Exhibit". This year's annual exhibit honors twelve outstanding Belizeans whom have contributed immensely to the development of our country. This informative exhibit will be on display from January 2018 through to March 2018. We kindly extend an invitation to our community and visitors to view the exhibit and learn more about our past and present heroes and heroines. Don't forget to take advantage of free eye check up at the Lions Den and low cost eye glasses! Sending out an invitation to all the community. The eye doctors from Stanford are back in town for free eye check-ups at the Lions Den. They will be here until Thursday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Take advantage of this opportunity. The Lions together with BCVI and Stanford are here to serve. The 2018 Belize Writers Conference Mon Apr 23, 2018, at 03:00 pm. The Belize Writers' Conference, organized by the Joey Garcia will take place from 23rd April to 28th April 2018 at the Ak'bol Yoga Retreat and Ecoresort in Belize City, Belize. The conference will cover areas like Presentations by local experts on the history of Belize and the Maya, Panels on building a successful career as an author. 10TH ANNIVERSARY BANQUET Saturday, February 24 at 7 PM - 10 PM. Sacred Heart Primary School, established in 1908, was the first primary in the Cayo District and has been educating residents of our community for 110 years. With the assistance of the PTA, local businesses and community members, the school has grown from a couple thatched roof cabanas to several wooden and concrete buildings. Serving the community for so many years, including offering our buildings as hurricane shelters and polling stations, comes with its challenges. One such challenge being the deterioration of our buildings. With that said, we would like to take this opportunity to invite you to our anniversary banquet on February 24th. Tickets are on sale for $50 per person which includes a three-course meal, a non-alcohol drink, 2 digital pictures per person, musical entertainment and door prizes. San Ignacio Resort will have a Cash Bar. All proceeds will go towards the betterment of the school. Maya Alternative Medicine Workshop Over 30 practitioners of alternative medicine participated in a Maya Alternative Medicine Workshop held in Corozal Town on January 20, 2018. The activity brought together practitioners from the Maya and Garifuna ethnic groups whose ancestors for years relied on nature-based remedies for healing before the arrival of modern medicine. Toone Masehualoon organized the event in coordination with the Northern Maya Association of Belize. Areas of traditional medicine covered included Mal de Ojo, Cirro, El Susto, among many other common ailments. Imparting their knowledge was Mr. Harry Rivas, well known Maya Healer from Xaibe Corozal, and Professor Maria "Maruch" Chable Ruiz from La Universidad de Quintana Roo, Mexico. Another session is being planned for the next couple of months. Maya healer Harry Rivas From the village of Xaibe Corozal, talking about herbal medicine at the workshop of Altarnative Medicine at Corozal . He is currently in the process of writting a book about Medicinal plants . Full Moon Concert in Corozal We welcome 2018 with our first musical event of the year. As part of the Full Moon Concert Series the Corozal House of Culture kindly invites you to enjoy a night of cultural music with the Benque Marimba Music Program's Los Hijos del West. Please join us at 7:30 pm Saturday January 27th, 2018 here at the House of Culture for a wonderful night of marimba music. Corozal Animal Program clinic in Patchakan Our clinic was a resounding success. We spayed or neutered 80 cats and dogs in two days with the help of 15 vets and vet techs from Montreal, who were amazing. We also had many local volunteers to plan the clinic and help on the two days. We could not have done it without you. A big thank you to Laura Saxon who made Almond Joy cookies both days, and made a bag of chocolates for each vet and vet tech. Gimar's School Supplies and Stationery Services Relocates Gimar's School Supplies and Stationery Services in Corozal, one of our favourite little shops, has moved to its new and more spacious location at the corner of 4th Avenue and 2nd St North. Congratulations and here is wishing Gimar the best of success! Channel 7 Two Sisters Savagely Chopped Up and Killed In Toledo West There was a grisly double murder in western Toledo last night. It is a crime so savage that it has left that remote rural community in a state of shock and incomprehension. Two sisters, aged 18 and 20, were found chopped to death and partially nude on a deserted road at minutes to midnight on Sunday. Daniel Ortiz has the full story. He produced this story in collaboration with PG TV: Daniel Ortiz reporting: The Toledo family of the sisters, 20 year-old Cresencia Oh and 18 year-old Josephine Oh, were in the depths in grief when our colleagues from PGTV spoke with them today. And, it's easy to understand why. Their loved ones left home on a quick trip to San Jose Village, a few miles away. They were expected to return, but, instead, their mutilated bodies were found on the road last night. Someone had savagely chopped them to death. Alleged Mother-Killer Andy Rhaburn Caught Since last week Tuesday when Carmelita resident Andy Rhaburn bludgeoned his 56 year old mother Braulia Pech to death with a crowbar - the 26 year old has been on the run. Repeated sightings were reported in the village - but he remained on the loose and police addressed it at 11:15 this morning: ASP Alejandro Cowo - OC, CIB Belize City "It is a matter that he is moving up and down and we do not have that exact information as to where he is. However we know that the Orange Walk police are conducting several searches within Carmelita and other places within the highway; information is that he is hiding in different locations." One hour after Cowo said that, the cops found Rhaburn - but it was no easy surrender. Police: Mexicans Were Bilking the Bank's ATM to The Tune of 100k In June of 2017, two Bulgarian men pleaded guilty to 18 counts each of illegally withdrawing money from ATM's, and to theft from ATM's. They did it using bogus international bank cards - and now, less than a year later, a trio of Mexicans is accused of doing the same thing. They were caught on Friday in Corozal - and went to court in Belize City today. Here's the story of what they did, and to which bank:... Jules Vasquez reporting: Three Mexicans, Belen Hernandez, Lionel Rodriguez, in black and Joscan Jafet with the hoodie were all charged with one count of theft today in Magistrate's Court. Police say the trio fraudulently withdrew at least one hundred thousand dollars from Atlantic Bank Branches throughout the country. Cowo Killer Remanded The man accused of killing Alfredo Cowo one week ago, 33 year old San Pedrano William Godoy has been arraigned for Murder and remanded to prison. His family says they have an alibi for him at the time of his murder - but police believe they have strong evidence linking him to the Cowo murder. They say they have an ID parade and a statement from an alleged accomplice to the killing. But, at this time they have not recovered the murder weapon: Reporter: "Was there a murder weapon recovered?" ASP Alejandro Cowo OC-CIB Belize City: "No murder weapon was recovered." Reporter: "Since that man has been charged, has a motive been ascertained for that murder?" Businessman Shot On A San Pedro Late Night/Early Morning And 5 days after the Cowo murder, there was another shooting on San Pedro - before dawn on Saturday morning. Fortunately this one was not fatal, but a couple from the island sustained injuries. The couple was driving their golf cart on Sea Weed Street in the San Juan area of San Pedro when the shots were fired. Police told us more: ASP Alejandro Cowo, OC-CIB Belize City: "Sometime after 3:30 in the morning in San Pedro. A male person was driving his golf cart. He identified himself as Gilbert Lara accompanied by another female named Catherine Torres. Mr. Lara was observed to have an apparent gunshot wound to the left side of his chest and Ms. Torres had a graze on her shoulder. They were transported to the San Pedro Polyclinic where Mr. Lara was then transported to the city via airplane and he was admitted to the ward in a stable condition." Shooter Aimed At A Male, Hit Female And there was also a pair of shootings in the city - which happened last night. At around 7:00 Ajesha Humes was shot on Casuarina Street while conversing with a male companion. Her injuries were not fatal but she did have to be hospitalized. Police have more: ASP Alejandro Cowo, OC-CIB Belize City: "A female was walking on Casuarina Street. She was in the company of another male person and while they were walking on Casuarina Street several shots were fired in their direction, as a result, she suffered gunshot injuries to her body and she was taken to the KHMH where she is still admitted in a stable condition. The other person that accompanied her was unhurt so far Police processed the scene there and observed several expanded shells of two different calibres of the firearm." Shortly after the shooting on Casuarina Street, another shooting incident occurred on Antelope Street Extension. One shot was fired at a man while who was walking in the area. Weed Stash Found In Camalote Yesterday Belmopan police found two and a half kilos, or about 4 pounds of weed in Camalote. They found the stash on a feeder road in the village. The drugs were labeled as found property. 53 Pounds of Weed In a PVC Pipe The GSU made an even bigger bust at the 8 miles community of Western Pines yesterday evening. The team found 53 pounds of weed neatly parceled off into 94 black plastic bags. The drugs were separated in bags and hidden in a one foot wide and ten foot long PVC pipe. This major weed stash was also labeled and deposited as found property since no one was found in the area. Depending on the grade, Weed sells for about 150 dollars per pound on the street, so that right there has a street value of about 8 thousand dollars. Mario Vernon's Uncles Demand Justice At Funeral Leela Vernon's grandson, Mario Vernon the Third, was laid to rest in PG Town on Saturday. You'll remember that he's the PG resident who was killed by Police Constable Tevin Aranda in a controversial shooting. Aranda, who has been charged with manslaughter, claimed that on Saturday, January 13, Vernon pulled a weapon on him, and he had to shoot him in the head. That account is forcefully contested by Vernon's friend's and family, who insist that Vernon had no gun, and that Aranda should be charged with murder. Now, Vernon's grandmother, Leela, is not the only well-known Belizean he's related to. Turns out his uncles are Stanley and and Dennis Usher, 2 former elected parliamentarians, and at the funeral, they both had some strong comments about his death. The PG Highway, No Left Turns Allowed The early part of the Phillip Goldson Highway between Belize City and the Haulover Bridge is now in the midst of a long reconstruction. The messy roads are something Belizeans were prepared for, but the new median is not. The median now prevents drivers from making left turns. They are now forced to drive all the way to the roundabout to get to the other side of the road. This has been a major point of frustration for many as so many city residents are already used to the luxury of simply making a left turn into places like Brodies or Benny's, or Independence Drive down by the Divine Mercy church. In August of last year we did a story on the reconstruction of the highway and ARSENIO Burgos from Cisco Construction explained the change as democratization. Reward For Kids Who Did Right A first form student from Maud Williams was given the "Do the right thing" award today. Johana Ramos has made a positive impact on her peers and she was recognized today. We dropped by to capture this proud moment. Courtney Weatherburne, reporter: "In terms of the criteria how do you guys go about choosing these awardees?" Corporal Wilfredo Petillo, Community Policing: "Well we look at academic, we look at behavior, we look at turn around stories so it is not just those who continue doing the right thing that we award but those that change their life around." "Johana is a proud member of one of our youth programs also she started in the police youth cadet corp. since she was in Standard 6, 2006, 2007. She was awarded cadet of the month in February 2017 and now we have seen her shine overall using her cadet objectives." Channel 5 A Shocking Double Murder of Sisters in San Jose, Toledo A grisly discovery of two nude bodies on a remote road in the Toledo District has left the southern community in shock. The bodies are that of two sisters - [...] Trio of Mexicans Busted for Robbing ATM; Bail is Denied A trio of Mexican nationals was arraigned this afternoon before Magistrate Sharon Frazer for scamming the Atlantic Bank of a substantive amount of cash.� The trio comprises of a couple [...] Orange Walk's Most Wanted, Andy Rhaburn, is Captured in Rhaburn Ridge A week after killing his mother with a crowbar, wanted Carmelita resident, Andy Rhaburn was captured by Orange Walk Police in the vicinity of Rhaburn Ridge on the Phillip Goldson [...] William Godoy Charged, but Why Did He Kill His Friend Alfredo Cowo? On Friday, thirty-six-year-old William Godoy of San Pedro was charged for the murder of twenty-eight-year-old Alfredo Cowo, who had foretold his demise a week before. Cowo claimed that his life [...] Woman Shot While Talking to Friend There were two separate shootings on Sunday night on the south side of Belize City. Around six-thirty p.m., a data entry clerk was shot to the right arm as she [...] Eleck McKoy Targeted on Antelope Minutes later, gunshots rang out again; this time on Antelope Street Extension. Eleck McKoy was shot to the face by a lone gunman who came up to him at close [...] Couple Injured in Overnight Shooting on Ambergris Over in San Pedro Town, a couple was targeted by a gunman in the San Juan area. Gilberto Lara and Catherine Torres were on their way home, traveling on a [...] Shakeem Humes Unable to Evade Police with Weed Western Paradise labourer Shakeem Humes was charged with possession of five hundred and eleven grams or one point one pounds of cannabis with intent to supply for drug trafficking today [...] Dorian Pakeman Shakes Off Last Civil Suit in Dean Dawson Death Last May, Director of the Government's Press Office, Dorian Pakeman, walked out of the Magistrate's Court a free man.� Then-Senior Magistrate Sharon Frazer upheld a no-case submission for lack of [...] Trio to Learn Date for Murder Retrial in Supreme Court A retrial is pending in the case of Tyrone Meighan, Orel Leslie and Brandon Baptist, who were acquitted in 2015 of the November 2012 murder of Belize Defence Force soldier [...] Weed Busts Made in Camalote, Western Paradise Separate busts of marijuana were made in Camalote village and in Western Paradise village on Sunday. Belmopan police recovered five parcels containing a total of four and a half pounds [...] Another Year to 'Du Di Rait Ting' When you do the right thing, it pays off. Just ask Johana Ramos - the fourteen-year-old student of Maud Williams High School was recognized today with an award for her [...] Sports News with James Adderley Good evening, I'm James Adderley and this is Sports Monday. [Highlights of the weekend sporting activities�] LOVE FM Andy Rhaburn Captured and shot in the process Police have captured Andy Rhaburn, who is accused of the murder of his mother, 53-year-old Braulia Pech. According to Police, Rhaburn was found in the bushes around 12:30 this afternoon. He was located about a quarter mile off the Philip Goldson Highway between miles 44 and 45 on the outskirts of Carmelita Village, Orange Walk � Police find 51 pounds of weed over the weekend Police discovered and confiscated over fifty pounds of marijuana on Sunday. The discovery was made by the Gang Suppression Unit during an operation in the Western Pines, 8 Miles Community. The officers found ninety four black plastic bags containing marijuana. These were hidden in a PVC pipe about ten feet long and one foot wide � Hand in Hand Ministries to officially open new headquarters Hand In Hand Ministries Belize will be now be operating form its very own office in Belize city after well over a decade of service to the Belizean community. The faith driven organization has been able to realize this long awaited dream through the generosity of many says the director of operations Abel Vargas. Abel � Hand In Hand Ministries about to deliver 337th house The team of the building for change program of the Hand In Hand Ministries is currently building its 337th house which will also be handed over to a resident in Southside Belize City this week. Director of Operations, Abel Vargas told us who the new recipient is. Abel Vargas - Director of Operations "It has been � PUP holds national party council meeting Harry Arzu reporting Municipal elections across the country of Belize are slated for Wednesday March 7th and already members of the People's United Party have been carrying out a series of activities to win the hearts and minds of voters who will decide the next town council. One such activity that the PUP held was � Elderly Man Dies after Being Attacked By Bees An elderly man has succumbed to injuries sustained in a bee attack last week. 62-year old Omar Cruz and his son Adrian Cruz were attacked while cleaning their lawn. While his son survived, Cruz died over the weekend. Fem Cruz reporting A villager of United Ville fifty seven year old Alma Jean Cruz and her � Garifuna Farmers Market Project inaugurated Paul Mahung reporting The project coordinator, CEO and founder of Wagia Garifuna Foundation Mountain Spirit, Dr. Anna Arzu spoke to Love News. Dr. Anna Arzu "We heard from Sever de Castro who is our consultant; she is a knowledge management consultant who is helping us document this event in a tangible form so that our � New Executive for Toledo Branch of PSU elected Paul Mahung reporting "Newly elected executive officers include Chairman, Densford Mangar, Vice Chair George Tillet, Secretary/ Treasurer Melania Cayetano and Councilors Cherrymae Coleman, John Roches and Sherlette Hill. The election was conducted by Public Service Union Council of Management Officers Chair of PSU Election Committee Lewis Martinez, first Vice President Herman Pastor Jr. and Assistant � Belize City Police investigate two separate shootings Two persons were shot in two separate shootings last night in Belize City. Both shootings happened on the Southside of the Old Capital. ASP Alejandro Cowo shared the details. A.S.P. ALEJANDRO COWO, HEAD, C.I.B. The first one happened after seven at Casuarina Steet, where a female was walking on Casuarina Street by the name of � Popular San Pedro fisherman shot Meanwhile, San Pedro Police are investigating a shooting incident which left 48-year-old Gilberto Lara and 25-year-old Katherine Torres injured. It happened early on Saturday morning as Lara and Torres were heading home on a golf cart on Sea Weed Street in the San Juan Area of San Pedro Town. Lara was shot to the chest, � PlusTV Mexicans withdraw over $100,000 from Atlantic Bank ATMS with stolen cards Three Mexican nationals, two men and one female, were arrested on Friday when they were caught in Corozal Town with more than sixty international bank cards, believed to be stolen, along with a substantial amount of Mexican currency. The arrest was as a result of a report from Atlantic Bank Limited... Unitedville man dies from Killer Bee Attack A Unitedville man is dead following a bee attack. On Saturday January 13, 62 year old Omar Cruz was cleaning a portion of his property with his son which is next to the abandoned community health outpost in the village of Unitedville. HE was reportedly using his weed eater when a swarm of Killer b... Belize in top 5 most murderous countries Belize is listed as the 5th most murderous country in the world according to WorldAtlas. The "worldatlas" internet site lists the 25 most murderous countries in the world and little Belize is starring in the top 5. The majority of the most murderous countries can be found in Central and South Americ... Weed and Guns found in Belmopan Belmopan police were conducting operations on Sunday and searched a feeder road in Camalote Village. There they found five parcels containing two thousand and fifty grams of cannabis. Then, as police continued their operations on the periphery of the Belmopan jurisdiction, they also found some guns... Police find cannabis hidden in PVC pipes A substantial quantity of marijuana was found stuffed in some PVC pipes. On Sunday, Officers from the Gang Suppression Unit conducted an operation in Western Pines, 8 Miles Community within the Pine Ridge where they found ninety four black plastic bags containing cannabis. The bags were hidden wit... Two San Pedro men charged with Drug Trafficking Two men were arrested and charged for drug trafficking on San Pedro. On Sunday January 21st, San Pedro Police were conducting patrol on Nurse Shark Street when they searched two men who were standing on a pier. Police say the men had 115 grams of cannabis. Police arrested and charged 24 year old ... 100 houses from Oasis Ministry with Love Its a big week for Oasis Ministries and an even bigger one for the Body of Christ as Pastor Ron Braaten leads a group of Christians from the USA in the building of the Ministry's 10th House in Belize. Work to lay the foundations began last week and over the weekend members of pastor Ron'... Amandala AG Peyrefitte criticizes US's banning of H2 work visas as ""cowardly and hypocritical" The US Department of Homeland Security, in coordination with the Department of State, named three countries last Wednesday - Belize, Haiti and Samoa - which will no longer be receiving the H2 work visa for at least 2018. On Thursday, the reasons that the three countries were banned from receiving the temporary work visas were published in The Federal Register, which is the daily record and archive of the U.S. federal government. The Federal Register cited the Government of Belize's poor performance in combating human trafficking as the reason that Belizean workers would not be able to access the work visa. Breaking Belize News Police confirm details of gruesome double murder Punta Gorda police responded to a 911 call last night of a woman lying in [�] Police find weed in Camalote Yesterday, Belmopan police conducted a search on a feeder road in Camalote village and found five parcels [�] Two charged with drug trafficking in San Pedro San Pedro Police have charged two men with drug trafficking after busting them on a [�] GSU find over 51 pounds of weed in 8 Miles Community Yesterday around 5:00 P.M., officers from the Gang Suppression Unit (GSU) conducted an operation in [�] Woman, 26, shot in Belize City Belize City police are investigating a shooting that left one person injured last night. According [�] Grim details emerge in cold killing of Toledo teenagers Last night two teenagers were chopped dead in the San Jose area of Toledo. BBN [�] Man who killed mother captured by police Andy Rhaburn, 26, a fugitive from the law accused of killing his mother has been [�] Two women chopped dead in Toledo Unofficial reports from down south indicate that two women were found dead on the San [�] Former Guatemalan Presidential candidate wanted for money laundering charges Manuel Baldizon, a wealthy Guatemalan businessman and former presidential candidate is [�] Dangriga man busted with gun and ammo On Saturday, around 1:25 a.m., police searched a pickup truck in front of a night [�] Benque Viejo minor reports unlawful sexual intercourse from last year Yesterday morning around 10:00, a female minor accompanied by her mother reported that she had been having sexual intercourse with a man since [�] Blogs A day in Ambergris Caye, Belize Looking for a well-priced Caribbean beach living in a cozy and welcoming community? San Pedro Ambergris Caye is named after the Amber grease that was all over the place in the 1600's and 1700's. Ambergris Caye, is one of Belize's largest island, is known for its water sports, scuba diving and Caribbean beaches. Off the eastern shore, the Belize Barrier Reef features famed snorkeling and dive sites such as the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, with an abundance of sea life, and the 124m-deep Great Blue Hole. The town of San Pedro is the island's gateway and center for sailing and reef exploration. The fishing village of San Pedro, Belize town on Ambergris Caye is where you'll find it. "This is a small town of expats from all over the world working together to create the life they all came in search of,". "They're opening businesses, indulging artistic interests, planning community events and inviting each other over for beach barbecues." International Sources Caribbean Tourism Organization Scholarships The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) Scholarship Foundation is accepting applications for scholarships and study grants from Caribbean nationals in CTO member countries. Fitur 2018 Our Minister of Tourism & Civil Aviation,Hon. Manuel Heredia Jr. and Director of Tourism, Mrs. Karen Bevans representing Belize in Madrid for Fitur 2018. Operations During a Lapse in Appropriations, USA At this time, scheduled passport and visa services in the United States and at our posts overseas will continue during the lapse in appropriations. This page will not be regularly updated until full operations resume, with the exception of emergency safety and security information. Mesoamerican Reef gets improving bill of health A recent report tracking the health of the Mesoamerican Reef indicates that conservation efforts might be helping to turn the tide for the reef itself and the people who depend on it. "Reefs face ever increasing stress which is outpacing that of our management actions," Melanie McField, an ecologist at the Smithsonian Institution, said in a statement. "[The] measured improvement in reef health demonstrates our capacity to stem the trajectory of decline." McField directs a consortium of scientific, government, fishing and conservation organizations called the Healthy Reefs for Healthy People Initiative, or HRI, that produces regular "report cards" on the health of the reef. The most recent one was released in early January and pulls together data from more than 300 sites on the reef that measure the reef's live coral, algae cover and fish populations. 2Q16 Belize Mobile Operator Forecast, 2002 - 2018 The new report from Telecoms and Computing Market Reports has been published today. It provides updated in 2018 year analysis of telecoms and computing industries. Our Mobile Operator Forecast on Belize provides key metrics for Belize's wireless market and is one of the best forecasts in the industry. We provide forecasts at the operator level going out to 2018. We also provide quarterly historical and forecast data starting in 2002 and ending in 2Q2016. Our Mobile Operator Forecasts are updated quarterly and are available for one-time delivery or through regular updates. US Ambassador Urges Caribbean Countries To Deal With Money Laundering The United States Ambassador to Guyana, Perry Holloway, Monday urged Caribbean countries to seriously tackle the issue of money laundering in the region. Addressing the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) assessors training workshop, Holloway said regional governments must act now to ensure financial institutions are protected from criminal elements. In a brief address to the opening ceremony he urged the regional countries to the ensure prosecution of financial crimes through compliance with local laws and regulations. Videos Sunrise on Belize waters, 1/2min. Cave Tubing in Belize, 12min. BELIZE MONKEY RIVER ECO TOUR January 2018, 13min. This is a compilation of some photographs and video from our Monkey River Eco tour from Placencia, Belize, Central America. It was a fabulous experience and our guide Derwin was phenomenal. We loved every moment of it and would do it again! When in Belize you have to see the monkeys! This coral snake crossed the road in Hopkins, 10sec. Progress in San Ignacio and Santa Elena towns!, 1.5min. Devin Burns of Belize Film Productions has made another great video, and this time it focuses on some of the great infrastructure projects that have been going on around Cayo. Well done, and worth a watch. "This a small project I was working on from over the weekend. A lot has been going in the twin towns. Check out this short video about it!!" Belize 17', 3min. Meredith & Trevor, 7min. Meredith & Trevor tie the knot in Belize! Belize-Dive 2, 5min. Had a fun encounter with a nurse shark who just wanted some lionfish meat. A Prova De Tudo-BELIZE, 43min. MAN vs WILD. Jeff and Jocelyn 5 year anniversary Belize 2018, 10min. Celebrating our 5 year anniversary we started in the jungle, explored some caves then made our way island-side where we snorkeled for the first time and enjoyed the island vibes. Belize sanpedro snorkleing with alot marine life 2018, 4min. Sanpedro has to offer at suyatours. Diving in Belize, 2min. BELIZE FAMILY BACKPACKING TRIP 2018, 16min. Ambiana, Jakobi, Colleen & Mochi backpacked their way around Belize from Dec.19th 2017 until Jan. 13th 2018. They visited Cay Caulker, Sarteneja, San Ignacio, Hopkins and Belize City. Riding buses, sailboats, ferries and taxis they camped, climbed ruins, explored caves, swam in the ocean, made friends, fell in love with dogs, and celebrated Ambiana's 12th birthday! BELIZE FAMILY DANCE 2018, 4min. Ambiana, Jakobi, Colleen and Mochi dance their way across Belize along with some special guests they met along the way.