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Specials and Events

Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, LOVETV, PGTV, and CTV 3. Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, and other specials


The San Pedro Sun

2019 National Song Competition Accepting Entries!
The National Celebrations Commission invites musicians, performing artists and songwriters to submit their songs for the National Song Competition 2019. The competition, created to provide professional and amateur musicians with the opportunity to create and showcase original songs, promotes artistic expression, national pride and Belize's diverse culture.

San Pedro Roman Catholic School hosts Education Expo 2019
To commemorate Education Month, San Pedro Roman Catholic School (SPRCS) held an Education Expo on Friday, May 31st. Under the theme: "Financial Literacy, a Pathway to a Productive Life," the purpose of the Expo was to build their students' knowledge of agencies that provide essential services to their island community. The Education Expo began shortly after 9AM with several establishments and organizations manning booths to educate the school children on the services they offer to the community of San Pedro Town. After their presentation

The National Oceanography Center and the University of Belize Sign MoU To Advance Marine Science Research in Belize
The National Oceanography Centre (NOC) and University of Belize (UB) formalised their relationship by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the 30th of May, 2019. This partnership will see the two institutions develop joint training, research projects and technical programs to enable knowledge transfer and research collaboration focused on delivering world-class marine science for the benefit of local, regional and global communities. The signing of the MoU formalises an already positive and productive partnership.

2019 SPHS Senior Prom held under an "Arabian Night"
"Arabian Night" attracted hundreds of island residents eager to see the glitz and glamour showcased by the Class of 2019. Held on Friday, May 31st at the Angel Nunez Auditorium, students, their dates, and teachers enjoyed a night of dining and dancing. Shortly after 8PM, SPHS senior students started to make their debut down the glamorous red carpet, dressed in stunning gowns and elegant tuxedos. Some couples went all out, making grand entrances complete with fireworks, thrones and background dancers.

Now Accepting Entries For the 2019 National September Celebrations Theme Competition!
The National Celebration Commission announces the opening of the 2019 September Celebrations Theme Competition. All Belizeans living at home, or abroad, are invited to submit their ideas for the theme of the 2019 September Celebrations in commemoration of the 221st Anniversary of the Battle of St. George's Caye and the 38th Anniversary of Belize's Independence. The theme should not be more than ten (10) words. Multiple entries are allowed and the winner will receive a cash prize of BZ$1000.00 and an invitation to the official ceremonies during September.

Ambergris Today

Deputy Prime Minister Attends Inauguration Ceremony Of The New Salvadoran President
The Hon. Patrick Faber, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture was in El Salvador over the past weekend where he attended the inauguration ceremony for the new Salvadoran President, H.E. Mr. Nayib Bukele. The ceremony took place on June 1, 2019. Upon his arrival, Hon. Faber spoke to the national and international press congratulating El Salvador on their elections. He also welcomed the continued excellent bilateral relations between the two nations.

Belize And UK Scientists Join Forces To Tackle Marine Litter
UK scientists have been working with Belizean partners to tackle litter in the ocean by collecting data to reveal the extent and type of items present in the environment. Belizean scientists are joining scientists from the Commonwealth Litter Programme (CLiP) to monitor litter on Belize beaches and analyze their findings in their new marine litter laboratory. Laboratory training has been delivered to nine trainees and the laboratory will be donated from CLiP to the Department of Environment in Belmopan, once the work is completed. The laboratory will help to build capacity and CLiP's long-term legacy in marine litter for Belize in support of the country's actions on single use plastics.

Coral Reef Ed-Ventures Is Back!
The 20th annual Coral Reef Ed-Ventures Summer Camp is returning to Ambergris Caye! The free, fun and educational camp is a collaboration between students from Smith College in Massachusetts, USA and the local Hol Chan Marine Reserve. The camp includes two programs that work to promote the conservation of the Belize Barrier Reef and teach island children about the coral and marine ecosystems. Everything is free and fun!

Misc Belizean Sources

mzz

Guatemalan Gold Panner Arrested in the Chiquibul National Park
On the evening of Friday, 31st May 2019, Conservation Rangers and Special Constables operating in the Ceibo Chico area of the Chiquibul National Park, 7.5 kilometers inside Belize, intercepted three Guatemalan gold panners two of whom escaped into the jungle. The third was caught in time but a struggle ensued between him and a Special Constable where he had to be subdued by hand before being arrested for illegal entry into the Chiquibul National Park. The detainee, 22-year-old Guatemalan national Salomon Martinez Pascual, is a repeat offender. He was found with 5 grams of what appeared to be gold contained in a small vial.

BEL outage in Placencia next Sunday
Rescheduled to Sunday, June 9 from 6:00am to 2:00pm power outage to affect entire Toledo District and a portion of the Stann Creek District including the entire Placencia Peninsula, Independence, Maya King, Santa Cruz, Georgetown, San Pablo, San Roman, Santa Rosa, Maya Mopan, Red Bank, Cow Pen and surrounding areas. BEL to replace poles carrying transmission lines, upgrade transformers and conduct maintenance of equipment at the Independence Substation to meet the growing demand for power supply in Placencia.

Local Journalist attends International Visitor Leadership Program
Dion Vansen of The Sun Pedro Sun is participating in the worldwide International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) for journalists in the United States. For the next coming weeks, we will be engaged in a lifetime learning experience as we embark in the Edward R. Murrow Program for Journalists on New and Traditional Media in the Digital Age. This program includes investigative reporting among other areas in journalism, and is part of the International Visitor Leadership Program by the U.S. State Department and facilitated by the U.S. Embassy Belize.

MARIA UICAB- QUEEN,PRIESTESS AND MAYA COMMANDER OF THE MAYA REBELS
Mar�a Petrona Uicab(Wicab) also known as "Riena Uicab, Santa Patrona y Reina de Tulum " was from the middle of 1860 commander and priestess of the rebellious Maya soldiers of the peninsular east. Daughter of a cruzo'ob commander with the surname Uicab, Mar�a was one of the main figures of the rebellious Maya in the war they waged against the troops of the state of Yucatan and the Mexican federal government. The military commanders of the villages of Chump�n, San Antonio Muyil and Noj Kaaj Santa Cruz obeyed the orders of the priestess, who resided in San Antonio Muyil and was the interpreter of the designs of the three crosses that had their sanctuary in the Holy Pueblo Santa Cruz Tulum, ancient Tsama '.

Northern Maya Peseants of Belize and the weather :THE WAY OF THE MASEWAL
Our Maya tatitos who did milpa or sugar cane gave us their knowledge on the weather and when to plant . Today many Paseants of Yucatec Maya Descent in Corozal and Orange Walk continue watching the behaviour of the animals like ants to predict rain . Another method use by the Maya paseants is Xok k'iin known in Spanish as " Cabanuelas" . Also our Mayero Grandparents taugth us to observe Uh(Luna) to know when to plant and what to plant . Today Mayeros continue observing the Tuulis Uh(Full moon) or Paal Uh(New Moon). Also some Maya in Northern Belize continue doing the tradition known as Cha Chaac primicias and Wahil Kol primicias to ask for rain and blessings . The way of the Masewal is a connection with earth ,a connection with our ancestors,a connection with our innerself and one which binds together the family .

Pesticides Control Board Hosts Training for Pest Control Operators
Nine Pest Control Operators were recognized by the Pesticides Control Board on Monday, 3rd June 2019, at a ceremony held in Belmopan, for their achievement in the successful completion of an updated training programme for trade applicators involved in urban or structural pest control. The training programme consisted of 48 hours of theoretical courses divided into three modules, with an evaluation following each module, and a final practical evaluation.

Orange Walk gets Exercise Equipment
This afternoon the Minister of Health, Hon. Pablo Marin handed over a set of exercise equipment to the Mayor of Orange Walk Town, His Worship Mr. Kevin Bernard along with Deputy Mayor, Ian Cal. All the municipalities across the country now have a set of outdoor exercise equipment through the support of the Minister of Health and the Taiwanese Government.

Corozal Under 15 District Selection
Corozal Football Association is proud to introduce its Under 15 District Selection currently competing in the FFB Elite Interdistrict Competitions 2019.

Highlights of BioBlitz event
Tune in to 100.9FM from 7-8pm on Wednesday, 5th of June 2019 to hear highlights of recent BioBlitz event! Be sure to join Beth, Oscar, Sayuri and Max on Ya'axch�'s radio show. We will be live on Sunshine Raydio Station and we have lots of surprises.

ALMAHT'AN AND JUAN DE LA CRUZ PUC
One of the first prophetic series given by the Most Holy was the Proclamation of Juan de la Cruz also known as Juan de La Cruz Puc, known among the macehuales (Maasewal) as Santo Almaht'an (The Holy Commandments), perhaps the only document that is preserved of such proclamations and that is had as a book sacred in the communities attached to the cacicazgo of Xcacal Guardia . It was written in 1850, when after the appearance of the Cross, the rebellious Maya were in the process of reorganizing the armed movement; that is why the text is written with a belligerent spirit, which seeks to create awareness of the need to continue the war in which God is already taking part with the macehuales. Hence, one of the central ideas that can be seen in the manuscript is that the Maya of Quintana Roo are part of the people chosen by God in their fight against the whites.

Channel 7

Triple Murder At High School Principal's Home
Tonight, Belize City is stunned after a well known educator and high school principal along with two male acquaintances were found killed at her home at mile 10 on the Western Highway. At around 3:00, 44 year old Alarice Andrewin was found slain along with two friends inside her home. The two males have not been identified, but all three had been shot, while Andrewin's vehicle, a 2015 Nissan Rogue, had been stolen. Today at the scene, the Lead Investigator, Superintendent Hilberto Romero gave the press a briefing: "Around 3pm on today's date, police responded to a call at mile 10 on the George Price Highway, it is a residential area, one house is situated in this particular area. Police entered the house where they found the lifeless bodies of 3 persons inside one of the bedrooms of the house."

Police Try to Build Case Against Father For Battered Child Death
The death of 8 week old Thevane Banner has everyone reeling in outrage and also bewilderment. As we told you last night, based on the results of the post mortem, the baby boy died due to fractures to the head and back - what is known as battered child syndrome. So what happened to the baby ? And if someone did this to the child, who did it? Tonight there are no definitive answers to those questions. What we know is that the child's mother - who is reportedly 18 years old - and father, reportedly 28 - have been detained at the Belmopan police station since last night. Tonight Belmopan police are racing to put the file together to send to the DPP. Now, the baby's father, Troy Banner spoke to Plus TV yesterday before he was detained and we have more from that interview where he denies any allegation of wrongdoing or abuse, blaming the Western Regional Hospital staff and even the police for giving him the run around.

Killer Sentenced to 20
He was convicted of murder in a trial without jury in July of 2018, and, today, 31 year old Henry Jacobs was sentenced for it. Justice Marilyn Williams gave Jacobs a fixed sentence of 20 years with the possibility of parole, starting from when he was first remanded in April of 2012. The Court found that he killed 49 year old Brian Welch in April of 2012. The main witness was a police officer who testified that while he was on Central American Boulevard he saw Jacobs and several other men having a dispute with Welch. The officer said that Jacobs left on a motorcycle and returned shortly afterwards. Then he heard gunshots. Welch was shot in his mouth, his chest and his abdomen. He ran from his attacker and collapsed under a coconut tree and died.

Attorney Puts Up Mighty Fight Against Extradition
On last week Wednesday's newscast, we told you about the latest developments in the extradition proceedings against attorney Andrew Bennett. For the past few months now, he's been resisting an extradition request from the US Government. Law enforcement authorities from that country want him to stand trial in the District of Puerto Rico for 7 counts of money laundering. They claim to have evidence that he met with an undercover US agent, and allegedly negotiated a deal to launder money for a fictitious drug cartel. They further claim that he took payment from them in a backpack which reportedly contained a quarter million dollars in cash. The extradition proceedings were creeping along slowly. In the last few adjournments of this matter, his legal team were attempting to convince Chief Magistrate Sharon Frazer to throw it out on a technicality - a single missing document.

Nurse Stabbed By Mental Patient
A nurse is reportedly in surgery at the KHMH after she was stabbed by a mentally ill patient at the Port Loyola Acute Mental Health Day Care Center this evening. Around 4:30, the 29 year old male mental patient was reportedly receiving treatment when he stabbed the nurse in the shoulder area - though the details are not yet confirmed.

Holy Angels On A Roll After A Bad Spell
The last time we told you about Holy Angles R C School in Pomona was in March when the teachers and parents took the day to stand by the speed bump to ask for donations. As we have shown you, their school buildings were in a deplorable state. Well, not anymore, they have a brand new building tonight. Courtney Weatherburne stopped by for the grand opening. Usually kids would only be going wild like this to play or for treats and toys, but today Holy Angels students were clamouring and pushing their way into the brand new school building. It is a remarkable upgrade from the collapsing rat bat and termite infested structure that stood for many years. But this building shows how successful their fundraising events and pleas for help were.

14 Hondos The Hard Way
Cayo police busted what looks to be a human smuggling operation on Monday. At around 6:30 that evening, they stopped a Suzuki XL7 at the junction of the Valley of Peace Road and the Western Highway. The small SUV was loaded with passengers - a total of 14 plus the driver! They found 5 men, 3 women and 7 minors inside - all undocumented Hondurans - along with a Belizean driver, a 59 year old from San Ignacio Town.

21 Year Old Shot By Gunman In The Dark
A 21 year old is stable tonight after he was shot last night in Sandhill Village. At 8:30, Jordan Murillo from 16 miles on the Phillip Goldson Highway left home on bicycle to go to the store. But, an unknown male was waiting for him inside a but - stop at the road mouth. He came out and fired five shots.

Mother Pleads For Missing Teen
Tonight, the mother of a 15 year old girl is crying out for her daughter to please come home, or just call. Clarissa Wagner left her home in Old Hattieville on Friday morning en route to school - but she never reached. Now, almost five days later, her mom made a plea on the media:..

Orel's Interesting Constitutional Challenge
In November of last year, we told you about the start of the first ever lawsuit in Belize, where a former prison inmate is suing the Belize Central Prison. The claimant is 30 year-old Orel Leslie, a resident of Belize City, who claims that he was subjected to several months of ill-treatment at the hands of the prison authorities while he was on remand awaiting a retrial for murder. He is claiming that his stay at the prison was inhumane, and that the conditions under which the authorities kept him in 4 separate prison cells were a violation of his constitutional rights. Leslie detailed in his claim that the prison cells were not only uncomfortable, but in some instances, they were unsanitary. He claimed that he and fellow inmates had to share a slop bucket, which was left in the cell with them for hours. He said that the foul odor of human waste, was often unbearable, since it was emptied about once a day.

Fire at Elderly Woman's Home Is Quickly Contained
There was a fire on Princess Margaret Drive in Belize City this afternoon. It happened at the Moore family home - which is right in front of the Marion Jones Stadium. Smoke could be seen streaming from the roof of the cement structure. As we understand it - an elderly resident was at home. Fortunately, the Fire Department quickly brought it under control - and it was contained effectively. We hope to have more eon this tomorrow.,

Guat Gold Panner is Repeat Offender
Last week Friday, FCD Rangers and Special Constables operating in the Ceibo Chico area of the Chiquibul National Park, intercepted three Guatemalan gold panners - more than four miles within Belize. Two of them escaped into the jungle, but the third was caught. He put up a snuggle, but a Special Constable subdued him. He has been charged for for illegal entry into the Chiquibul National Park.

Redefining Poverty For Technocrats
It's the Ministry with the biggest name, the Human Development, Social Transformation and Poverty Alleviation - and they have a very big job - trying to unravel all the forces that create and perpetuate the spiraling poverty rate in Belize. This week, they are hosting the fourth event in the 2018-2019 Social Protection Conferences Series. The conference is being held under the theme "Poverty: Dollars to Dimensions" and we found out that it's all about adding depth to the understand go poverty: what it is, and what drives it:...

Belikin, From Humble Beginnings To A Thoroughly Modern Brewery
Belikin Beer is celebrating its 50th anniversary this month. But the actual start date for the brewery was?May 29th, 1969, when Eric?Bowen and his son Barry founded Belize Brewing Company. And while it is the flagship beer of Belize now - when it started it was far from that. It was a venture built on second hand equipment which many said would fail. Fast forward to the 2000's when Belize Brewing was modernized as a state of the art brewery - on par with European breweries. In 2009 our now deceased colleague Keith Swift visited and here's what he saw:

BDF Volunteers in Louisiana USA
Twenty volunteer BDF soldiers are at the Joint Readiness Training Center in Fort Polk, Louisiana, U.S.A., working with the 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team of the Louisiana National Guard. The soldiers will be trained in Wide Area Security, Combat Arm Maneuver and in Conduct of Offensive, Defensive and Stability Operations.

Channel 5

Excelsior High School Principal, One of Three Persons Murdered Inside Her Home
A horrifying discovery was made this afternoon at a home on the George Price Highway. The lifeless bodies of three persons, including a high school principal whose absence from work [...]

Official Details on the Triple Homicide; All Victims were Shot
Late this evening, Superintendent Hilberto Romero spoke with the media and provided details of a preliminary investigation.   Supt. Hilberto Romero, CIB, Belize City "Around 3:00 p.m. police responded to [...]

Former DHS Augustina Elijio is Stabbed by a Mental Health Patient
Just after four this evening, there was an attack on an employee at the Port Loyola Health Centre on Faber's Road. Matron Augustina Elijio, who retired in December from her [...]

Shooting in Sandhill Leaves 1 Man Hospitalized
A resident of Sandhill is tonight recovering at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital after he was shot in the arm. Around eight-thirty on Monday night, Jordan Murillo who lives at [...]

Police Investigating Death of Baby Boy Who Died of Battered Child Syndrome
Police in Belmopan are investigating the death of a two-month-old baby boy. Thevane Banner was rushed by his parents to the Western Regional Hospital on Saturday after he began experiencing [...]

Andrew Bennett's Extradition Case to go Before the Supreme Court
In the lower courts this afternoon, attorney Andrew Bennett appeared once again before Chief Magistrate Sharon Frazier, where he continues to face extradition to the United States for his purported [...]

Was Communications Intercept on Andrew Bennett Done Unlawfully?
According to Bradley, the issue of Bennett's constitutional rights will be heard in the Supreme Court.   Richard 'Dickie' Bradley, Attorney-at-law "From what the lawyers have said to the Chief [...]

Kyron Green Shows Signs of Improvement, but Still Paralyzed
Eleven-year-old Kyron Green remains hospitalized at the K.H.M.H. after being shot in the face on May seventeenth.� The Standard Four student of Saint Luke Methodist remains paralyzed from the neck [...]

Holy Angels RC School Boast Newly Refurbished Building Courtesy Westrac Ltd.
Three months ago, a school building at Holy Angels RC School was shut down by health officials after the structure became infested with rodents and termites. More than one hundred [...]

Compre Teachers Stage Sick Out, Again
Fourth form teachers of Belmopan Comprehensive School today engaged in protest action against the administration of the school. The teachers are up in arms over the decision of the school [...]

Ministry of Human Development Redefining Poverty
As we've reported before, the Ministry of Human Development Social Transformation and Poverty Alleviation is trying to establish a comprehensive social protection system for the country. So today, another round [...]

Which Indicators Will Define Poverty Come 2021?
A number of public and private sector reps, including members of the national assessment team overseeing the next country poverty assessment, were present at today's session. But to help with [...]

Celebrating World Milk Day
World Milk Day is celebrated annually on June first, since milk was recognized as a world food by the United Nations back in 2001. It is a basic essential in [...]

Amandala

Baby, 2 months old, dies; "multiple skull fractures"
The parents of Baby Thevane Banner, 2 months old, are under investigation by police following the child's death. Police believe that the infant was abused, and the parents have been detained at the police station in Belmopan pending the outcome of police's investigation into the child's death. ASP Alejandro Cowo said that at about 11:00 Saturday morning, the parents, who live in Camalote, took the baby to the Western Regional Hospital, where he was seen with bruises to his body, and he was suffering from breathing problems. He died at the hospital shortly after his arrival.

Alvin Cumberbatch, 36, fatally shot in Taylor Alley
Alvin Cumberbatch, 36, a security guard of West Street, was shot and killed in Taylor Alley by an unknown gunman while he was walking in the alley. The gunman shot him in the head and escaped. Cumberbatch was rushed to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, but was declared dead on arrival. The motive for the shooting is unknown, and an investigation into the murder has begun.

Gerald Henry is new PSU prez
The Public Service Union (PSU) held elections for its new council of management and one of the big losers was Doreth Cayetano-Obermayer, who lost her bid to be re-elected as president of the PSU. Obermayer's loss came at a time when the union is facing a serious challenge to get back its Belmopan headquarters that was sold right under their noses by the Belmopan City Council, from which they had been leasing the Hilltop property, which has been serving as their headquarters for many years. PSU members elected Gerald Henry as their new president. Henry topped the polls by capturing 209 votes, compared to the 76 votes received by Obermayer, the outgoing president.

Shamballa runs aground in Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve
The Belize Barrier Reef has yet again been impacted by a boat that ran around on it. At about 8:30 last night, Thursday, a 40-foot catamaran sailboat called Shamballa, which was traveling from Cuba to Rio Dulce, Guatemala, ran aground in the Sapodilla Caye Marine Reserve, not far away from the Hunting Caye Forward Operations Base, where the Belize Coast Guard for that area is located. The boat has since been recovered from off the reef by the Coast Guard and taken to their base, where it has been impounded, and the two Americans who were sailing the boat have been detained, pending the outcome of an investigation to be carried out by the Department of the Environment.

Woman found dead on Belize City sidewalk
A woman was found dead on the sidewalk of Cemetery Road in front of American Imports, near Rene's Store, at about 6:30 yesterday evening. The woman was identified as Stephanie Lozano, 38, of Belize City. She is well known in the area, since she liked to sing for residents. Information to us is that she was seen lying on the sidewalk for some time and when observers went to awaken her, she was motionless. Police were called and she was taken to the hospital, where she was declared dead.

The Class of 1969 - Saint Catherine Academy, Pallotti High School, and St. John's College held 3-day Joint 50-year reunion
The Class of 1969 from Saint Catherine Academy, Pallotti High School, and St. John's College in Belize City held their 3-day Joint 50-year reunion last weekend. Following the reunion Mass at St. Joseph's Church on Friday, each school held it's own mini-reunion. Marta Woods, nee Ordonez, graciously hosted the SCA gathering at Old Belize. Arriving guests found the street scene beautifully decorated with banners and signs for the special occasion and an elegant dinner table stretching out in the center of the street.

Belmopan's Jewel Fury Bandits repeat as National Amateur Women League Champions
It was almost a stunning upset in the National Amateur Women League (NAWL) championship match, as for a few minutes on Saturday afternoon at the Isidoro Beaton Stadium, the star studded defending champions, Jewel Fury Bandits was down 2-nil on aggregate to the amazing Verdes Rebels from Cayo; but a late first half red card ejection reduced the Rebels to 10 players, and Jewel Fury ended up victorious in overtime. Sporting a 1 goal cushion from a 1-nil first leg victory at the Norman Broaster Stadium the previous week, Verdes Rebels came into the Isidoro Beaton Stadium determined to defend their lead; and, when left wing Jamilet Alarcon's center at the 11th minute found striker Florine Vasquez approaching goal on the right side, the young star was calm and efficient, lofting the ball over the head of oncoming Jewel Fury goalkeeper Jasmine Armstrong, to put Verdes Rebels in front, 1-nil, and a 2-0 aggregate lead.

Hurricanes defends home court against Tiger Sharks to even NEBL series at 2-2 in the Finals
After a heart wrenching game 3 loss in San Pedro, and now being down in the finals and facing elimination, the Hurricanes must leave it all on the court in order to force one more game in order to keep their championship hopes alive. From the opening tip, both Hurricanes and Tiger Sharks were quite evenly matched, as neither team gave any leverage to the other, as they both knew how crucial this game was. Hurricanes opened up the lead; however, the Tiger Sharks crew kept their composure together, and managed to trim down the lead to a single point at the end of the first quarter, 20-19. In the second quarter, it was a see-saw affair, as both teams switched leads and tied the game numerous times; but San Pedro took control late, and ended the half with a four point lead, 41-37. Entering the second half, things got physical and heated, as there weren't many calls from the referees; but somehow all players from both teams kept their cool, and were able to play the game.

Universidad De Puebla grants scholarships to 4 talented young Belizeans
The Future Shock basketball team of Belize, owned and managed by the legendary basketball star Clinton "Pulu" Lightburn of Belize City, has opened doors to opportunities for talented Belizean basketball players from ages 12 to 19. Through the team's efforts and collaboration with ABC Basketball Club of Quintana Roo, Mexico, the Universidad de Puebla, a leading university in Mexico, has offered 4 full basketball scholarships to gifted Belizean athletes to study at the university in any area of their choice. The university is the only institution that offers scholarships from Prep to Master's degree level.

National Amateur Inter-District Week 4 results; back match on Wednesday
Week 4 matches, which constitute the decisive 2nd leg in the "Round of 16" match-ups of the Football Federation of Belize's (FFB) National Amateur League Championship (NACL) inter-district tournament, were scheduled for this past weekend, but only 6 of the 8 scheduled games were actually played. One game was won by default, and another was postponed due to weather conditions. In a surprise turnaround, in the only scheduled Friday night game, CJM Strikers from Independence won by default (3-0) over Dangriga's Sampson Proper Fix FC at the M.A. Stadium. Sampson Proper Fix had won the 1st leg the previous week by a 1-nil score, so this would give CJM Strikers the 3-1 aggregate victory, and a place in the quarterfinals.

Editorial: 13th Senator Senate must be replaced by elected Senate
On June 23, 2016, 71.8% of eligible voters in the United Kingdom (UK - England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland) voted in a referendum on whether to leave the European Union (EU), which is comprised of over two dozen countries in Europe. Some politicians in the UK had argued that they could do better if they weren't confined by the rules of the EU, and they won a slim majority, 51.9% to 48.1%. The people in England voted 53.4% to 46.6%, to leave the EU; people in Wales voted 52.5% to 47.5%, to leave the EU; people in Scotland voted 62% to 38% to stay with the EU; and people in Northern Ireland also voted to stay, 55.8% to 44.2%.

Open letter to:
Back in the 1980's, the Convenience Liquor License was introduced and designed for gas stations and properly established convenience stores. Alcoholic beverages were to be sold in sealed packages to be taken out, and were not to be consumed on the premises. This type of license was the cheapest, and it was soon discovered that with this license, one could retail as much as one could, and even more than a bar or a club. These shops started to pop up on all our streets countrywide. Today, in Belize City alone, there are over 400 of these shops scattered throughout our community, and the neighborhood club has all but disappeared.

The Bowmans and the Bowens in 1992
Politically, too, with the change to an elected government local whites have found it more expedient, and effective, to play a behind the scenes role - based on money and international contacts - than to enter the ethnically charged electoral fray. The Bowmans, once active in politics, have withdrawn completely. An early PUP supporter, H. T. A. distrusted Price's anti-British stance, and his close identification with the colony's white administrators made it difficult to make the shift to the strong nationalist politics of the independence movement. One son has moved to the States and another occupies himself with the family's citrus operations, while the third committed suicide when his own son was critically injured in an accident in 1983.

DPM Faber noh gat no chaynj fu chaynj
If one had been tried, convicted and berated for a failure or behavior, and if one were contrite, and if the behavior or failure wasn't of the type that psychiatrists have determined to be addictive, it would be expected that one would do all in one's power to change his or her ways. It is in the nature of man to err sometimes, but at the very least one would make the effort to stay away from recidivism. Football folk know that when you are up against a force that is better prepared than you are, you are limited to striking out of a counterattack formation, and politicians know that when you have been called out for a certain type of behavior you should keep away from it with a 10-foot pole. What DPM Faber did recently gives everyone reason to say that he is the same old leopard, that hihn noh gat no chaynj fu chaynj.

Luis Gordon, 52, pleads guilty to use of deadly means of harm
Luis Gordon, 52, who has been serving a sentence of 5 years for grievous harm given to him in the Magistrate's Court in 2014, pleaded guilty to use of deadly means of harm when he appeared today before Justice Colin Williams. The charges were for an incident that had occurred on September 6, 2013, at 48 Amara Avenue. Gordon and his brother-law, Roberto Gilharry, had a misunderstanding and Gordon struck Gilharry on his head with a shovel and a stick, and then chopped him on his shoulder with a machete.

Sunny Side Bakery robbed
The Sunny Side Bakery of Racecourse Street was robbed by two armed thieves who reportedly got away with over $2,000. Luckily no shots were fired and no one was hurt. The incident occurred at about 7:30 Friday night. The owner of the bakery, Mr. Aaron Pitterson, 57, told police that he and his wife were in the bakery when the men came in, and they were armed. The bandits pointed their guns at him and demanded money. Fearing for their lives, he handed over a bag of money and the robbers escaped.

No charges for Seine Bight boy, 16, who robbed and attempted to rape tourist
A boy, 16, of Seine Bight, who robbed and attempted to rape an American tourist, will not be charged. The American visitor told police that on Tuesday morning, May 28, while doing a morning run from Placencia to Seine Bight, a man came up to her and grabbed her private parts and threw her in the bushes, and attempted to take off her pants, but she struggled with him and fought him off. The woman, 28, jogged to Placencia and went to the police, where she made the report and identified her would-be rapist from a photo identification presented by the police. The woman then returned to her country.

BTIA moving toward sustainable tourism with emphasis on protecting the environment
Since Belize is no longer the best kept secret in the global tourism industry, and in reality, millions of tourists have been arriving over the years, the Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) has set out on a course to cultivate what is has termed "Sustainable Tourism in Belize." It was on the basis of that theme that the BTIA held a symposium today at the Best Western Biltmore Hotel that was attended by the tourism industry's key stakeholders, both public and private; as well as various NGO's and conservation groups. The symposium got underway with the BTIA executive director, John Burgos, explaining briefly the topics that the symposium intended to cover and acknowledging the presence of some of the key stakeholders and representatives of conservation groups.

The Reporter

Triple Homicide At Mile 10 1/2 On The George Price Highway
The victims of a triple homicide was discovered this afternoon at a residence that is at mile 10 1/2 on the George Price Hwy. The REPORTER has also received confirmation that 44 year old Ms. Alarcie Andrewin, who is the principal at Excelsior high schools in Belize City is one of the victims...

Teachers Sit-Out At Belmopan Comprehensive Overshadows Exam Week
The Reporter has confirmed that some teachers at the Belmopan Comprehensive School have commenced protest action in the form of not showing up for classes today.

Breaking Belize NewsPJ

Acting principal of Excelsior High School found dead in triple homicide
Acting Principal of Excelsior High School, Alarice Andrewin, was one of the three persons found [�]

Pest Control Operators complete training
Nine Pest Control Operators from the Pesticides Control Board (PCB) were recognized this week for completing [�]

US Embassy's Movie Night To Commemorate World Ocean Day
World Ocean day is commemorated on June 8th every year. As such, the United Nations [�]

Taiwan, A Global Leader in Social Innovation
A digital media press group exploring Taiwan's Political and Economic development met today with Digital [�]

Belize: Big vehicles licensed as unguided missiles?
The views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not necessarily those of Breaking Belize [�]

Child knocked down on La Loma Luz Boulevard in Santa Elena Town
Minutes ago, a child was knocked down on La Loma Luz Boulevard in Santa Elena, [�]

Triple homicide reported on George Price Highway
BBN has confirmed that authorities are in the scene of a triple homicide between Miles 10 and 11 [�]

Legacy Global Development Shares Top 5 Misconceptions on Belize Real Estate
Legacy Global Development Shares Top 5 Misconceptions on Belize Real Estate Legacy Global Development, the developer of the [�]

Westrac Ltd completes renovation at Holy Angels Primary School in Pomona
Today, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at Holy Angels Roman Catholic (RC) Primary School in Pomona, [�]

Taiwan Mainland Affairs Deputy Minister meets with press group on tour
A digital media press group exploring Taiwan's political and economic development met today with Deputy Minister, [�]

Guatemalan Gold Panner Arrested in the Chiquibul National Park
On Friday evening, Conservation Rangers and Special Constables operating in the Ceibo Chico area of [�]

LOVE FM

Defining Poverty for Future Mitigation
The fourth social protection conference dubbed "Poverty: Dollars to Dimensions" was held in conjunction with a wide array of social partners. It's a high level technical meeting that is expected to bloom with meaningful results in the next year and a half. But poverty is more than just being homeless or short on cash. Love �

Nurse stabbed by mental care patient
While one of our news teams were at the scene of the triple homicide, a report of another violent crime came to our news center. A nurse was stabbed at the Port Loyola Mental Health Day Care Center. Though details are sketchy, 57-year-old Nurse Augustina Elijio was reportedly stabbed twice by a male patient while �

Ahmadiyah Muslim Jamaat gives food hampers to poor
Earlier in the newscast we told you about the poverty assessment tools that would be used to define poverty in a local setting that would eventually aid policy makers to integrate programs into fabric of society to end poverty. But that's a tall order that will be difficult to fulfill. Some other groups have decided �

Case of Child in Company of Guatemalan National still being investigated
A 10-year-old child was taken into custody on May 9 at the western border with neighboring Guatemala. The child was handed over to social services where he remains today. The Department of Human Services said the child was flagged since the adult, Guatemalan national could not prove that he was a relative of the boy. �

Well-know homeless woman, Stephanie, found dead
On Sunday night, the body of a woman was found on Cemetery Road in Belize City. What shocked many people is that the body was that of 38-year-old Stephanie Lozano, who most people know as just "Stephanie." Love News reporter, Courtney Menzies decided to find out more about Stephanie and the life she lived despite �

Guatemalan caught Gold Panning in Chiquibul
A man was caught illegally gold panning in the Chiquibul National Park. On Friday, May 31, conservation rangers and special constables operating in the Ceibo Chico area of the Chiquibul National Park, 7.5 kilometers inside Belize, intercepted three Guatemalan gold panners. Two of the gold panners escaped into nearby bushes. The third suspect was caught �

Another lucky Belizean wins $15k from Scratch & Win
Clive Garnett once bought $50 worth of Scratch & Win tickets, only to come up empty handed. Discouraged, he stopped buying them for a week, but decided to give it a next shot. Little did he know, that he would have been the winner of $15,000. Garnett stopped by our studio to tell us about �

Police investigating triple murder
Three persons are dead including a Belize City School Principal. It was after three o'clock this afternoon when the news began circulating of a triple homicide. Our news team quickly responded to mile ten on the George Price Highway and found police officers cordoning off the crime scene - a white bungalow house. It is �

Blogs

The Garifuna Collective Announces 2019 Tour Dates
THE GARIFUNA COLLECTIVE, Belize's celebrated band will be touring Europe and North America this summer and fall in support of their new album, ABAN. After years of hard work and dedication, and an explosive showcase at WOMEX last October in Spain the band is heading on the biggest international tour in its 18 years of existence. The European leg of The Garifuna Collective's tour kicks off on June 6th in Switzerland, with stops at many of the biggest and best festivals in Europe including Denmark's Roskilde Festival, Norway's F�rde Festival, Germany's Fusion Festival and YAAM Berlin. The North American tour begins on July 12th in Montana, with stops at the Calgary Folk Fest, The Cleveland Museum of Art, and New York City's Summerstage.

International Sourcesizz

On the Ground in Belize to Improve How Satellites "See" Water Quality from Space
Post on NASA Earth Observatory BZ-SDG meeting in Belize a few weeks ago. - Belize is a small Central American country whose people pride themselves on trying to maintain a balance between development and conservation. I grew up in Belize City, near where the Belize River empties into the Caribbean Sea. The country's landscape-covered by tropical forests and a network of rivers extending into the ocean-is fascinating, especially when viewed from the vantage point of space. I was able to return to Belize to join scientists from four organizations (Wildlife Conservation Society, the University of Alabama in Huntsville, the University of Georgia and NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory) to kickoff research the likes of which Belize has never seen before.

Southwest Airlines Resuming Cancun, Belize Routes
Southwest Airlines is set to resume several seasonal routes to the Caribbean for the upcoming winter season, the company announced. That will be highlighted by the return of daily flights between Austin and Cancun on Nov. 1. Southwest will also be resuming a host of weekly Saturday flights to the Caribbean, including service from Houston to Aruba; and from Nashville, Milwaukee and San Antonio to Cancun on the Caribbean coast of Mexico. Southwest will additionally be resuming seasonal Saturday flights between Denver and Belize.

Videos

  • The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) - over 3,000 asylum-seekers registered in Belize, 37min. The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) in Belize is reporting that over 3,000 asylum-seekers registered in Belize. Representatives shared information on refugees in Belize noting that most persons of concern are from El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala. In honor of World Refugee Day the UNHCR is designated the month of June to highlight the state of refugees. We talked with officials of UNHCR about the work they are doing to support the Government's response to refugees. On our couch: Andreas Wissner - Head of Office, UNHCR. Maria Marin - Director of the Refugees Department, UNHCR.

  • The 5th Annual Belize International Jazz Festival 2019,25 min. The 5th Annual Belize International Jazz Festival 2019 takes place this week. We spoke with the organizers about this year's lineup and schedule. We also got a preview of some of the talents that will be showcased. The team explained that the intention is to introduce more Belizeans to Jazz and Jazz fusion music. On our couch: Karen Vernon - Logistic Coordinator, Belize International Jazz Festival. Carlos Perrote - Artistic Director, Belize International Jazz Festival. Dinesh Bhojwani - Proprietor, Northern Shops. Opening and Closing Performance: Kelberman Quartet.

  • Mental Health Association - safely function in their families and communities, 30min. Recent cases have exposed a need to better protect and support persons with mental illness who come in conflict with the law. We invited the Mental Health Association to talk with us about the level of support needed to help these person safely function in their families and communities. On our couch: Kathy Esquivel - Member, Mental Health Association of Belize Aimee Jex - President, Mental Health Association of Belize

  • BOTFLY IN ANKLE FOR 1 MONTH FROM BELIZE TO ENGLAND!, 1min.

  • Island Hunters To Buy or to Build in Belize (June 03, 2019), 22min.

  • Acci�n Deportiva, 16min. Verdes Rebels | Appeal to the Football Federation of Belize on unfair officiating

  • Channel 5 Obituaries - ALVIN JEVON CUMBERBATCH, 2.5min. Luis Armando - Executive Chocolate Maker

  • Mahogany Chocolate Ltd. Artisan Hand Made Chocolates, 26min.

  • The Department of Youth Services - Rising Entrepreneur Gala, 22min. Renata Samuels - Communications Officer, Crystal Samos - Samos Consultancy Firm.

  • Prison Insights 2019, 41min. Virgillio Murillo - CEO, Kolbe Foundation

  • Real Estate in Belize, 6min. The real estate industry has been a key sector for Belize's economy since the early 1990s. It serves as a driving force in construction and development across Belize. Stakeholders in this industry have been requesting reform in the processing of land documents, as this would alleviate some of the challenges faced by agents and buyers. Our team found out more about the dynamics of the industry and the Lands Department improvements.

  • AGRIC 2019 Video, 2min. The 501 Boyz have a video recap of the 2019 Agriculture and Trade Show. Fun video. "Wish we could get it all but here's a bit of what we got...."

  • Belize Spring Break 2019, 7min. Trek through Belize in April of 2019 with Education First and 19 of our students. Our crew is from Peninsula High School and we had a blast snorkeling, zip lining, exploring and adventuring!

  • Belize Diving May 2019 Pt 1, 6min.

  • Belize Diving May 2019 Pt 2, 10min.

  • Female Volleyball in Belize Orange Walk 2019, 12min. Raw footage of Female volleyball in Belize. Best of the Best. Traveled with the team from Punta Gorda to video the game and see them compete against some very strong teams from the other districts. I shared some of the highlights from the game in this videos. Show your support for our female volleyball teams in Belize. Venue was at the Orange walk sporting Complex.

  • Here is a short video on the renovations and constructions going on at the Government House Property, 2.5min.

  • Baktun first Novela in the Yucatec Maya language, 1hr44min. Mundo, continentes, pa�ses, ciudades, comunidades y colonias, ser un MAYA no nos limita el poder tener una plataforma y disfrutar de trabajos relacionados con el fortalecimiento de la cultura, idioma, ciencia y filosof�a maya.