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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

CARPHA introduces Caribbean Tourism & Health Program to Ambergris Caye
Aiming to raise awareness on a newly implemented Tourism and Health Information System (THIS) the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) held a training session at the NEMO office in San Pedro Town on Wednesday, April 25th. The presentation was facilitated by Head of Tourism and Health Programme and Foodborne Diseases of CARPHA Doctor Lisa Inder, with members of the islands hospitality industry in attendance. The session began shortly after 4:30PM, with Dr. Inder thanking everyone for their attendance, followed by a brief explanation of the program. THIS is a real-time web-based health information management system for hotels and other facilities to monitor the health of their visitors and staff. The program monitors provide alerts on the health of guests and staff members.

Reniery Garcia killed in San Mateo Area
On Thursday, April 26th 25-year-old Honduran National Reniery Adalid Figueroa Garcia, business owner of the San Mateo Area in San Pedro Town was shot and killed. Garcia received one fatal gunshot to the head. According to the official police report, around 8PM, Garcia's body was found behind the counter inside his shop, Dicky's Store, located on the lower flat of his building. Two male persons entered the shop, and one of them fired a single gunshot towards the victim, causing the fatal injury. They then ran towards the lagoon area making their escape. Residents of San Mateo Area are shocked at the news of Garcia's death, as they knew him to be a good person and not a troublemaker.

San Pedro Police officer awarded for outstanding performance
The San Pedro Police Department is proud to have one of their own recognized at the annual Eastern Police Division Awards. San Pedro's Corporal 1037 Allan Woods was recognized as one of the top performing officers for 2017 Wednesday, April 25th in Belize City for his outstanding performance for the most drug interdictions. Woods is very happy to receive such award. "I am part of the criminal investigation branch where we deal with drug and firearm operations," Woods told reporters. "I was also tasked to do some operations in Caye Caulker where I did a lot of drug-related arrests. I feel very proud of myself and the officers that work along with me." Woods pledged to continue working harder for the betterment of San Pedro.

Cayo Rosario Developers must comply with Environmental Compliance Plan
Residents of Ambergris Caye are greatly concerned at reports alleging the approval of a tourism development on Cayo Rosario, located off the northern-western coast of Ambergris Caye within the Hol Chan Marine Reserve Zone IV: Cayo Rosario Conservation Zone. The Environmental Impact Assessment was given the green light by the Department of Environment (DOE) in December of 2017, while the National Environmental Appraisal Council (NEAC) is yet to weigh in on the first draft of the project's Environmental Compliance Plan (ECP) which comes with specific stipulations demanding changes in the construction design. Some of the changes include a reduction of over-the-water structures and allowing access to fishing in the area to name a few. This initial draft will be discussed next week by NEAC, and once it is finalized the developers will then be required to sign it before they can start the project.

Ambergris Today

Shop Owner Murdered In San Mateo Area
San Pedro Police are investigating the murder of a San Mateo Area resident of Ambergris Caye. Police arrived at the scene of the crime to find the lifeless body of businessman Reniery Adalid Figueroa Garcia, a 25-year-old Honduran national, with an apparent gunshot wound to the head. Initial investigations reveal that on Thursday, April 26, 2018, that about 8:00p.m., the deceased was inside his shop, Dicky's Store, located on the lower flat of his building seated behind the counter. Two male persons entered the shop where one of them fired a single gun shot towards the victim, causing the fatal injury. They then ran towards the lagoon area where they escaped.

Belize And Cuba Share Ideas For Sustainable Fisheries Management
Belize and Cuba meet for a Fisheries Exchange to Share Challenges, Innovations and Success Stories for Good Governance of Fisheries and Sustainable Management of the Caribbean Ecosystem Sustainability and good governance of marine resources are critical for the national interests of both Belize and Cuba. This week, from April 24-28th, 2018, delegations from Belize and Cuba comprised of government representatives, managers, scientists, leaders of the fishing industry and representatives of fishing communities are meeting in Belize to share lessons learned and success stories in sustainable fisheries management and good governance of the seas.

Minister Of National Security Meets With San Pedro Residents
It was quite ironic that heads of government officials and high ranking members of the Belize Police Department were on the island addressing the crime situation in the country and addressing issues on the island of Ambergris Caye, that a shooting incident took the life of a shop owner as the meeting took place. The San Pedro Chapter of the Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) held a special meeting at the conference room of the Sunbreeze Hotel last night Thursday, April 26, 2018, that was a stakeholders consultation on citizens security to address crime. The discussion lead to the crime situation on the island and views were shared on ideas and possible strategies that the island community can take to address key crime issues. Officer Jemmott also answered questions from those in attendance. He also made mention of new police substations to be opened in North Ambergris Caye, continued works on a boat passenger manifest for increase in travelers' safety, issue with golf cart theft and arrests made in some of the cases, admission of testimony via teleconferencing for court cases, among others.

Misc Belizean Sources

mzz

Ministry of National Security meets San Pedro BTIA Chapter to discuss Citizens' Security on the Island
Last night, Hon. John Saldivar and representatives from the Ministry of National Security met with the BTIA San Pedro Chapter to discuss Citizens' Security on the island.

HAPPY WORLD TAPIR DAY!
We join wildlife lovers across the world today in recognizing one of the most amazing megafauna to ever trundle across the earth: the tapir! There are 4 species of tapir globally, and Belize's National Animal, the Central American Tapir, is the largest land mammal in our region! Tomorrow, Saturday 28th, we will be bringing festivities home with National Tapir Day at the Zoo from 10am to 3pm. Activities will be on-going throughout the day.

Paradise Theater playing this weekend
Wildling, Submergence, The Week Of, Early Man

Tapir and the Maya
Several Maya cave sites showed evidence of tapirs being sacrificed. Crystal Cave and Actun Uayazba Kab in western Belize both have tapir remains along with ceramic offerings to the gods. These creatures were associated with the underworld since they are nocturnal. Happy Tapir day!

Market Cay VENUE CHANGE
Due to the rain, the Market Day is being MOVED to Om Shanti Belize - Yoga, Spa & Wellness, Healthy Cafe -Vegan/Vegetarian at 10 Fort Street (The old Harbour View building close to the lighthouse). Still all your local favourites, but now in a cute place that will keep ya dry! Same HOURS: Saturday April 28, 11AM-2PM Please tell everyone you know about the changes!!!

Ambassador of the Republic of Peru Pays Farewell Visit to Belize
Today, April 27th, the Ambassador of the Republic of Peru accredited to Belize, His Excellency Jorge E. Rom�n Morey, paid a farewell visit to the Government of Belize. His visit commenced with a bilateral meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Wilfred Elrington and Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, H. E. Pat Andrews to discuss topics of mutual interest and cooperation. The Government of Belize and the Government of the Republic of Peru also signed a Framework Agreement on Friendship and Technical Cooperation aimed at promoting and deepening the mutually beneficial friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

Power outage scheduled from 10:00am to 2:00pm, Sunday, April 29: Mile 1 to Mile 8 along George Price Highway
Including West Lake, Western Pines, Sunset Park and Tropical Park; and Mile 1 to Mile 3 along Philip Goldson Highway including Coral Grove, West Landivar, Buttonwood Bay and Belama Phase 1. BEL to facilitate construction works on the George Price Highway.

Channel 7

Dangriga Witnesses Second Broad Daylight Murder in 72 Hours
Dangriga Town residents are still in shock tonight - after they witnessed the second murder in three days. And the reason they are shocked is that this kind of thing just doesn't happen in Griga - maybe Belize City, maybe Orange Walk or San Pedro, maybe even Cayo or Belmopan - but not Dangriga - which is known for its easygoing way of life. But, it is happening: two execution style killings in broad daylight in just 72 hours. Daniel Ortiz raced down to Griga to see what this one was about - and he found that it may have been the common denominator in many recent killings: a battle over drugs:... 43 year-old Gabriel Laurie Jr. was found dead here inside his house this morning after 10:00. Residents of the Wagierale area tell us that they heard the sounds of about 5 gunshots, and as soon as they felt it safe enough to venture outside, they discovered Laurie's body near to his front door.

Police Actively Investigating...
Less than two hours after that murder, we spoke to Deputy Commissioner of Police Chester Williams who would not speculate on a motive:.. DCP Chester Williams, Commander of Operations: "The investigation in Dangriga is still underway. It is still in its infancy stage. I can't say much about but I can confirm one male person was shot and killed in his in Dangriga and the police are currently working on that investigation." As we told you, police do have a known suspect who they are actively seeking.

San Pedro Shopkeeper Killed At The Counter
And going now from a municipality not used to murders - to one that has seen too many for its own liking….San Pedro witnessed another killing last night. It happened in the San Mateo area of the island town. 25 year old Shop-owner Reniery Figueroa Garcia was killed as he sat behind the counter. Two men came in - not to rob - but to kill a man who his family says kept to himself. Sahar Vasquez found out more from his heart broken aunt. Dicky's store is usually filled with customers but this morning it was filled with grief. His aunt still in shock grabbed her dead nephew's cap and held it close to her heart with tears pouring out of her eyes.

Deputy Compol Says It Was a Robbery
And while Figueroa's family told us that the only thing they took was his cell phone, and police said in a press release that there was no robbery at all, Deputy Commissioner Williams had a different take. He told us that the incident now looks like a robbery because contrary to what was said before it seems money was stolen from the shop. DCP Chester Williams: "Well from what we are gathering the motive may have been robbery." Sahar Vasquez, reporter: "I know they did not take any money. DO you find that strange?" DCP Chester Williams: "From what we understand money was taken."

Renesha Remanded For Stabbing Common Law In Chest
Today a 19 year old female was arraigned for stabbing her common law husband, Herman Solis, who's also 19. Police say she did it after she read a text message on his phone. Renesha Alvarez, from Holy Emmanuel Street was charged with dangerous harm when she appeared today before Chief Magistrate, Sharon Fraser. No plea was taken but the Crown objected to bail. They say that if she gets bail, she may end up being harmed by the relatives of the man she stabbed. The police prosecutor added that he has two more surgeries to take and his condition is still uncertain; and further charges may be levied against Alvarez.

Belizean Remains In Guate Jail, Family Fears For His Safety
Tonight, Belizean fisherman Iginio Canto remains in a Guatemalan jail - and his family is worried about his safety there. As we told you he was arrested along with 2 Guatemalans 10 days ago allegedly smuggling large quantities of out of season lobster into Guatemala. On Wednesday, his brother in the Corozal District told CTV-3 that they got a call from inmates at the Puerto Barios prison demanding five thousand dollars to ensure his safety.

Vicious Robbery In Sandhill
A Chinese grocer was pistol whipped and robbed in his Sandhill shop. It happened on Thursday night around 8:00. Jimmy Huang was at his store when two armed masked men along with another man, stormed in. One had a shot gun and the other had a hand gun. The men held up Huang and stole about $5,000 from the cash register. They also made off with his wallet. One of the men hit him in the head with the gun. The trio then escaped.

A Quarantine Arch Now At Port
For some crossing the border to Chetumal, or even for those Guatemalans hopping over to Benque through the western border - those Quarantine treatment facilities that spray your vehicles may seem to be a nuisance. But, these structures are important. It keeps pests, bacteria and other agricultural crop- threatening diseases from entering the country. Well, to ensure this practice continues, one of these automatic spraying facilities has been installed at the Port of Belize. It was officially opened today and the Minister of Agriculture elaborated on the importance of this facility. Hon. Godwin Hulse, Minister of Agriculture: "This is a new spraying station. We have built it in cooperation in OIRSA. If you recall there is one in the North we opened some time ago, there is one at the Benque Border..."

While Contraband Produce Keeps Coming�
And while those quarantine facilities have been set up at all the key border crossings - we know all too well that those contrabandists still find a way to get illegal produce in through the back door. A proof of that came this morning between 6:00 and 7:00, when officers from the Eastern Division Region 3, Quick Response Team and Special branch nabbed a whole bunch of contraband vegetables on 3 different buses. They stopped the buses at the intersection of the Phillip Goldson Highway and the Boom Road. In total the team confiscated 4 sacks of lettuce, 4 sacks of broccoli..

What To Do About Sagging Sugar Fortunes?
On Wednesday we told you the not so sweet news about Belize's sugar industry. The industry is taking a blow as the price for sugar on the world market has plummeted. As you heard from BSI, Belize was getting 21 cents per pound but now we are only getting 11 cents per pound. And it is all because of that cheap European beat sugar that's flooding the market. Today we asked Agriculture Minister Godwin Hulse, how Belize will recover. Well, he says he had anticipated this price drop, But he is optimistic that ASR/BSI will find a way to work around it.

The Wreckage Of The Rains
As we have reported, January 2018 was the wettest month on record. And while many of us might wish for some those rains right now to put out this scorching April heat, the farmers certainly don't need anymore rain. Many of their crops were destroyed in the deluge. Minister Hulse didn't give any stats or figures in terms of damage assessment or cost but he believes these farmers will bounce back with the Ministry's help. Hon. Godwin Hulse, Minister of Agriculture: "There was some damage in the south, from flooding and the Ministry did have a look down there to see how we can help the farmers particularly with seeds and that sort of thing, there were farmers in the central who has some issues one particular farmer with watermelons."

Come One, Come All To Agri
And the place you can find some of those farmers is at the National Agriculture and Trade Show. It's this weekend and Minister Hulse told us why everyone should be out there. Hon. Godwin Hulse, Minister of Agriculture: "Our theme is let's get growing and so you will have displays of livestock, you will have displays of vegetables, fruits, you will have processing and the grounds have really really been improved, I mean I can assure you this year when you come even the sun hot you used to walk through, we have done something to help with that so you can cool off in some areas, there is a lot more benches, there are garbage bins all over so please no garbage on the grounds, there are bathroom facilities. It is just a good fun day but more importantly to inform our people and celebrate our hard working farmers." The show grounds open tonight.

Police Will Be Super Vigilant At Agri'
Hulse is not the only on that has something to say about the highly anticipated Agric fair this weekend. Alarmist threats have been sent out suggesting that gang members will be looking for five men during the fair. But Deputy COMPOL Chester Williams ensured everyone that the police presence will be heavy and they are taking all the necessary steps to avoid any adverse event. DCP Chester Williams: "In respect to the national agriculture which begins this evening and will come to an end on Sunday I would like to inform the Belizean public that the police will be at the show grounds in full force as well as on the highway to ensure that the show ground goes through peacefully and we know that there are certain rumors going around about threats against individuals at the show grounds.."

One George Street Man Charged For UNO Robbery
San Ignacio police have charged one man for the robbery of the UNO gas station in their town. He is 19 year old Marvin Phillips, from George Street in Belize City. He was formally arrested and charged for robbery and other suspects also from Belize City are being held pending charges. The armed robbery happened on Monday, and was caught on security camera, and cell phone by civilians standing outside the gas station. They saw the robber dashing off, but he was one of a team of 4, who got away with a whopping $33,000 in cash and cheques.

Belizean Boxer Big Baby Ready To Rumble
Tomorrow night on HBO, Belizean American World Heavyweight Contender Jarrell "Big Baby" Miller is fighting french boxer Johann Duhaupas at Barclays Center in Miller's hometown of Brooklyn, New York. The Frenchman is a former world title challenger - but he's seriously undersized at 244 pounds - while Big Baby weighed in this evening at 304 pounds. It's an important fight for Big Baby because its' basically an audition for a shot at world champ Anthony Joshua.

The Persistent Manhole Problem
Yesterday you saw Belize City Mayor Bernard Wagner lambaste the fiscal indiscipline and reckless spending of the previous UDP council. And while he did a takedown for the financial mismanagement, his Deputy Oscar Arnold brought up the previous council's failing with those manholes. We had challenged the mayor on it many many times before. And now the new council's says it is something they plan to address: Oscar Arnold - Deputy Mayor, Belize City: "The council inherited an issue where there are many missing covers to what people refer to as manholes but they are actually over the drains where people walk; where individuals of diverse abilities have to navigate almost daily..."

Mayor Won't Let Tax Slackers Get Away
And while the council will spend on those manholes - it plans to crack down hard on those businesses which aren't paying their trade licenses. The mayor says it is an area of lax enforcement which cannot stand:... Bernard Wagner - Mayor, Belize City: "Again, arrears continue to rise. Businesses are allowed to operate without paying taxes. This must come to an end because it clearly demonstrates a weak compliance." As you heard yesterday, the PUP council is looking seriously at putting an end to property tax discounts. Today the UDP issued a release saying it, quote, "strongly condemns the callous decision of Mayor Wagner to discontinue the property tax discount program..."

Channel 5

Family Grieves in San Pedro as Killers Slay San Mateo Shopkeeper
There are two murders to report tonight that occurred within fourteen hours of each other; one in San Pedro and the other in Dangriga. We start tonight's newscast with the [...]

In Dangriga, Death Came for Gabriel Laurie at Home
Another Dangriga resident was murdered today, making it the second homicide in that municipality over the past three days.� While both incidents may not be related, investigators are tonight piecing [...]

Referendum Push Gets Underway with Visit to Cayo
Guatemala completed a successful referendum on taking the Guatemalan claim to Belize to the International Court of Justice two weeks ago. A super-majority of voters said yes, but soon it [...]

Foreign Minister Wants Media to Stop 'Obsession' with Sarstoon Protocol
But even before Guatemala's referendum on April fifteenth, questions were raised in a lawsuit in Guatemala's Constitutional Court about the validity of the 2008 Special Agreement and 2015 amendment. The [...]

Belize, Peru Sign Cooperation Agreement
Fresh off the recent Summit of the Americas in Lima, Peru, Foreign Minister Wilfred Elrington and Peruvian Ambassador to Belize Jorge Roman Morey, based in El Salvador, signed a special [...]

The Results of the Summit of the Americas
Belize was represented at the eighth Summit of the Americas by both Minister of Foreign Affairs Wilfred Elrington and Attorney General Michael Peyrefitte. This triennial meeting of members of the [...]

Teen Girl Charged for Near-Fatal Stabbing is Remanded
Nineteen-year-old Renesha Alvarez is behind bars tonight, charged with dangerous harm against her domestic partner, who is in a critical but stable condition at the hospital. Alvarez is accused of [...]

Security Guard Accused of Sex with Schoolgirl Out on Bail
He is accused of a sensitive crime, but tonight, twenty-seven-year-old Ryan Neal is out on bail on a charge of unlawful sexual intercourse and grievous harm. Neal is accused of [...]

U.D.P. CitCo Didn't Pay Taxes, Social Security
On Thursday, Belize City Mayor Bernard Wagner held a press conference at City Hall to share with the media findings from a transition report that was commissioned upon the new [...]

Successors at City Hall Fear Cash Crunch
During the past two terms of the U.D.P. city council, large sums of money were borrowed for the construction of streets across the city.� Those projects were funded with the [...]

Port of Belize Gets New Area for Quarantine Treatment
Today, the Ministry of Agriculture officially opened a quarantine treatment arch at the Port of Belize in Belize City. The new arch is part of a wider effort done across [...]

Forum to Discuss Response to Gender-Based Violence and Trafficking in Persons
Last November a project tackling official responses to gender based violence and trafficking in persons was launched. Supported by the U.S. Embassy through the Central American Regional Security Initiative, it [...]

Peruvian Photographer Featured in Exhibition
At this hour, an exhibition called "La Mirada de Chambi" is opening at the Mexican Institute in Belize City. �It is a photography collection by Peruvian artist Martin Chambi which [...]

Mexico's Great Artists Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera Featured on Exhibition Tour
The "Diego y Frida" exhibition is on a tour across Belize. Last September, the exhibition opened at the Mexican Institute in Belize City and now it is in San Ignacio [...]

LOVE FM

New Quarantine Treatment arch inaugurated at the Port of Belize Ltd.
The Ministry of Agriculture and the International Organization for Health in Agriculture, (OIRSA) officially inaugurated a treatment facility at the Port of Belize Limited. Hipolito Novelo reports. Belize has been part of OIRSA since 1996.

The life of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera on display
Frida Kahlo is one of Mexico's most famous artists. She is known for her self-portraits and admired as a feminist icon. She married Diego Rivera, a famed Mexican muralist. The lives of the famous Mexican couple is on display at the San Ignacio and Santa Elena House of Culture. The exhibit is a collaboration among �

Belize represented at 3rd annual regional training
The third annual Regional Training against Illegal Trade and Custom Defraudation was held in San Salvador. The two-day event saw representation from Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, the United States of America, and Belize. Senior Superintendent Howell Gillett, Commander of Eastern Division Region One, represented Belize at the event. The event discussed tools to recognize contraband �

Ministry of Transport will open office in Spanish Lookout
The residents of Spanish Lookout and surrounding villages will soon have a transport office in that vicinity, making it easier to conduct their transport related business. Earlier this week, the Ministry of Transport, Edmond Castro, and leaders from Spanish Lookout met to discuss the matter. Love news spoke with Castro about the initiative. Castro said �

Recological System Ltd interested in developing Port in the South
Minister of Transport and National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO), with responsibility for Ports, Edmond Castro met with representatives of Recological Systems Limited, who have formally submitted a proposal to the Government of Belize for the development of the Commerce Bight Port in the Stann Creek District. Love News spoke with Minister Castro who said that �

Belize represented at UWC Summit in Guatemala
Central American countries, along with Mexico, are participating in a scholarly summit which commences today in Guatemala. United World Colleges is hosting the summit. Emil Pulido, who is a volunteer member of the United World Colleges, is representing Belize at the summit. Pulido spoke with Love News about his participation. The 3-day summit is to �

Mayor Kevin Bernard wants to be Area Representative
Orange Walk Town Mayor Kevin Bernard wants to be the Area Representative for Orange Walk East. He wants to defeat the current UDP Area Representative Elodio Aragon Jr. Bernard told Love News why he has decided to take up the challenge. Before Bernard can challenge the current UDP Area Representative, he needs to defeat his �

Peruvian Ambassador donates Quena flutes to Samuel Haynes Institute
The Peruvian Ambassador later stopped by the Samuel Haynes Institute to make a donation of Inca Wooden Peru Quena Flute. Minister Elrington spoke of the donation. Belize and Peru established a relationship in 1991.

On last official visit Peruvian Ambassador sign framework agreement
As part of his farewell visit to Belize, Peruvian Ambassador to Belize, Jorge Morey signed a framework agreement with the Government of Belize. The Framework Agreement on Friendship and Technical Cooperation is aimed to promote and deepen mutually beneficial friendship and cooperation between the two countries. Hipolito Novelo reports.

'La Mirada de Chambi'
This evening the exhibition "La Mirada de Chambi' will officially open for public viewing. The exhibition is a collection of black and white photographs by Peruvian artist Martin Chambi. He was one of the first major indigenous Latin American photographers. Legal and Press Affairs Officer for the Mexican Embassy in Belize, Hugo Juarez Carrillo, says �

Ninety-nine youths awarded
The Community Rehabilitation Department within the Ministry of Human Development has awarded ninety-nine youths from across the country. The awardees were recognized for their remarkable strides to live a positive life in spite of the hardship they face.On hand for the occasion were: Captain Adrian Ramirez, a pilot in the BDF Air Wing, who was the Guest Speaker, Starla Bradley, Director of CRD, and Minister of Human Development, Anthony Martinez...

US Embassy giving away $1.2 million dollars
The US Embassy has been offering grants for several years under their Central American Regional Security initiative economic support fund. The first several years of the grant focused on at-risk youths; however, last year it shifted to support initiatives that promote good governance. In this regard, this year the US Embassy will be disbursing as �

"A Call to Action"
RET International Belize, in partnership with the University of the West Indies Open Campus, is hosting an open forum which is coined "A Call to Action". This forum will tackle gender-based violence and human trafficking. Love News spoke with Malenie Barnes, National Programme Coordinator at RET International Belize about the initiative. The forum will �

Trio responsible for murder of Oscar Rosado remain at large
Police continue to look for three persons in reference to the murder of businessman, Oscar Rosado Sr. The well-known businessman was in his business place Rosado's Construction Supplies around 1:30 Monday afternoon when armed robbers entered. Following a confrontation with the men, Rosado was fatally injured. Inspector Wilfred Ferrufino gave an update on the investigation �