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Specials and Events

Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, LOVETV, PGTV, Reef TV, KREM, and CTV 3. Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, Belize Now, Talk Ah Di Town, and other specials.


The San Pedro Sun

San Pedro Drowning
Reports are that a male resident of San Pedro Town drowned around 2PM on Friday, November 8th while fishing out at sea. According to unofficial reports, two island residents went out fishing in a kayak, without life jackets. According to the victim's friend, while out at sea, their kayak turned over. The friend then swam back to the island seeking help. It took him about two hours to make it to the island, where he was assisted by some hotel employees, who went out and retrieved the body. The San Pedro Police Department is yet to issue an official report on the incident, as they are conducting their official investigation.

Belize removed from the EU List of Non-Cooperative Jurisdictions for Tax Purposes
The Economic and Financial Affairs Council (ECOFIN) of the European Union (EU) has released the results of its recently concluded meeting held in Brussels on November 8, 2019. The ECOFIN Council is made up of the economic and finance ministers from all member states and is responsible for economic policy, taxation issues and the regulation of financial services. The Government of Belize has been informed that the recent amendments to the International Business Companies Act and the promulgation of the Economic Substance Act on October 11th have been positively assessed and the ECOFIN Council has agreed to remove Belize from the EU list of non-cooperative jurisdictions (the 'blacklist').

UNHCR trains journalists in the proper coverage of refugee stories
Hoping to increase media personnel's knowledge on issues regarding asylum seekers and refugees, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) hosted a workshop on Saturday, November 2nd, in Belize City. The all-day event taught journalists from across the country on properly reporting sensitive issues involving vulnerable persons to avoid causing harm or exposing them to danger. The seminar also covered the statistics of refugees in Belize, their origins, and a view of this global phenomenon.

Aerated Septic systems now required for businesses operating at Secret Beach
As Secret Beach on the north-west coast of Ambergris Caye continues to develop into a popular destination for tourists and Belizeans alike, concerns for the surrounding natural environment have prompted local authorities to set measures to make businesses more environmentally friendly. The San Pedro Sun has confirmed that every business establishment at Secret Beach is now required to build an aerated septic system, or The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) will not renew their liquor license. (SPTC).

Crocodile poaching incidents increase on Ambergris Caye
The poaching of crocodiles continues to increase on Ambergris Caye according to the American Crocodile Education Sanctuary (ACES). On Thursday, November 7th via their Facebook page, ACES shared that two island crocodiles have been targeted by poachers within 24 hours of each other. One was able to be saved thanks to reports from vigilant residents. However, they were unable to rescue the other. ACES managed to save the crocodile named 'Fluffy' from an illegal trap. A resident of the area told ACES that she saw a man wading through the water, and when she asked him what he was doing, he admitted that he was trying to capture a crocodile. She addressed him of the illegality of this offense, after which he left.

Mining Unit addresses irregular dredging on Ambergris Caye
Over the past weeks, dredging has been ongoing near the southern tip of Ambergris Caye, within the vicinity of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve (HCMR). While these dredging projects, mainly for sand, have permits and one is under the consent of The San Pedro Town Council, a few irregularities have caught the attention of the Mining Unit in the Ministry of Natural Resources. The Unit, which is responsible for allowing dredging, is addressing alleged reports that no silt curtains are being installed within these areas as required. Failure to comply with such regulation can lead to fines or even the revocation of permits previously granted.

Ambergris Today

Belize Removed From European Union's Blacklist For Tax Purposes
Belize's Removal from the EU List of Non-Cooperative Jurisdictions for Tax Purposes Belmopan. November 8, 2019. The Economic and Financial Affairs Council (ECOFIN) of the European Union (EU) has released the results of its recently concluded meeting held in Brussels on November 8, 2019. The ECOFIN Council is made up of the economic and finance ministers from all member states and is responsible for economic policy, taxation issues and the regulation of financial services.

The Dangers In Pride
by Selenie Perez - Pride is a nasty feeling that consumes our time and consequently our life. It poisons our mind, while its feeds our ego; pushing everyone away, the ones who truly love and appreciate us, for who we are. We are left with a feeling so vile and selfish. It happens in all of us at some point, while for some it is just for short time; others carry it out for as long as it takes.

Various Belizean Sources

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Belize's Removal from the EU List of Non-Cooperative Jurisdictions for Tax Purposes
The Economic and Financial Affairs Council (ECOFIN) of the European Union (EU) has released the results of its recently concluded meeting held in Brussels on November 8, 2019. The ECOFIN Council is made up of the economic and finance ministers from all member states and is responsible for economic policy, taxation issues and the regulation of financial services. The Government of Belize has been informed that the recent amendments to the International Business Companies Act and the promulgation of the Economic Substance Act on October 11th have been positively assessed and the ECOFIN Council has agreed to remove Belize from the EU list of non-cooperative jurisdictions (the 'blacklist').

Mr. Andre Perez on Caye Caulker
The presence of Mr. Andre Perez who is the Standard Bearer for the People's United Party, was felt yesterday as he was on Caye Caulker launching his campaign for the 2020 general elections. His team captured footage of key areas of the island that Mr. Perez stressed on, and his focus is aimed towards the sewer issue that has been plaguing the island. He also expressed concerns on the lands that have been given out. Civilians greeted Mr. Perez with excitement and expressed their support for the People's United Party. The Voice Of Caye Caulker spoke with Perez and he explained to us that being a good listener for the people is an important trait that one must have when running for office. Our colleagues at Reef TV in San Pedro will be releasing the official video launch on their station.

Ya'axch� Conservation Trust: JOIN US As GIS and Remote Sensing Specialist
We are securing the services of a GIS and Remote Sensing Specialist - with a strong interest in conservation science - to contribute to our growing geospatial data work in the Toledo district. He/she will be assisting program directors in carrying out various GIS and Remote Sensing related tasks and projects Deadline to submit application is Saturday, 4th of January 2020. Visit our website for more details.

Southern Ambergris Caye Neighbourhood Watch General Meeting November 13
It is that time again. Our general meeting will be held Wednesday, November 13 at 7:00 pm Lone Star Grill & Cantina. If you are still "up North" getting ready for your trip down, be sure to leave a little extra packing space. We will be sending out an email of patrol needs and wants very soon.

What Happens During the Belize IFF
The 14th Belize International Film Festival (Belize IFF) ends on Sunday, November 10th with a closing ceremony at the Bliss Center in Belize City. Dozens of films, shorts, and documentaries from across the planet have been curated to be shown to a Belizean audience. A special category for local music videos was created to highlight content creators in Belize who do not often get recognition for their craft. That public viewing takes place at Thirsty's Belize City on Saturday night while a free public viewing of films are showcased also on Saturday night at the Digi Park. While these venues are hoping to attract new people to film, traditional viewing takes place at both the Bliss Center and the Ramada Princess Cinema. Regional movies are highlighted as well as productions that have been done in Belize. HARPOON and MY FATHER BELIZE lead the pack with US and Canada teams while several other films are homegrown.

Movie Night in the Park- This Saturday in Belize City

The Caye Caulker Fire Department held a simulated fire exercise Friday at the split
The motive behind the drill was to practice safety techniques in the event of a fire or a civilian being trapped in a burning building. The drill Operation was an effort organized by the CCBTIA to do a practice on effective measures in the case of a fire and to assist with casualties. A total of of 39 people participated in the drill. We extend our kudos to the CCBTIA and the Fire Department for thinking ahead and having the safety of our Hicaque�os in mind.

Forum on Food and Nutrition Security
Members of the Belize Parliamentary Alliance against Hunger and Malnutrition (BPAHM) gathered this morning at the Marion Jones Conference Room in Belize City for a forum on Food and Nutrition Security for a Healthy Belize. In his address to the gathering, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, Honourable Patrick Faber, said his Ministry is planning to scale up school feeding in Belize as well as ensuring that school children are fed one healthy meal a day. The Minister of Agriculture, the Senator the Honourable Godwin Hulse, who is also a member of BPAHM, spoke about the importance and benefits of school gardens in Belize. On the other hand, the representative of the Ministry of Health informed of the Ministry's initiatives in the promotion of wellness and prevention of malnutrition in Belize.

Prime Minister Departs the Country
The Office of the Prime Minister informs the public that the Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow departed the country today, Friday, November 8th, 2019, on a personal family visit. During the Prime Minister's absence, the Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Patrick Faber will act as Prime Minister. The Prime Minister will return to Belize on Tuesday, November 12th, 2019.

Minister Aragon Attends Seventh Meeting of Ministers Responsible for Public Security in the Americas
Minister of State in the Ministry of National Security Hon. Elodio Aragon Jr. returned to the country after attending a series of meetings, including the Seventh Meeting of Ministers Responsible for Public Security in The Americas (MISPA VII) in Quito, Ecuador. The meeting, which was organized by the Organization of American States (OAS), was held from October 30th to 31st. Topics addressed at the meeting included transnational organized crime, acts that threaten and undermine democracy, and human rights issues. The purpose was to promote regional cooperation among member states of the OAS in an effort to deal with these problems collectively.

Cayo Arts Festival 2019
The SISE HoC will be having the 2019 Cayo Arts Festival on Saturday, December 7th. This year, the event will be held at the Macal River Park. If you are interested in displaying your art, call 824-0783 for more information. "Calling on all artists and artisans & food vendors ,registration is now opened for the Cayo Arts festival .Contact us at 824-0783 for more information."

Aquila Tour Guide Trainings
with BTB.

Channel 7

Teenaged Jaswant, Missing In the Morning, Dead In The Afternoon
Last night, we told you about the missing persons case of Jaswant Brooks. He's the 18-year-old from the Lake I area of Belize City who mysteriously went missing on Monday. His family instinctively knew that something was wrong because, according to them, he has never failed to come home like that before. Their worst fears were confirmed this afternoon, shortly after 2:00, when someone called the police saying they spotted a body in the mangrove swamp, off the George Price Highway, near mile 6. The cops and his family showed up, and his father positively identified the body as his son's. It appeared that his body was already in a state of decomposition.

Teenager's Body Found Floating in A Mangrove Swamp
That morning's search ended just before midday, and less than 3 hours later, police received a call from a civilian who said that he saw a body on the other side of the highway, further down from the bridge. They responded, and after they retrieved the body from the mangrove swamp, Kent Brooks Senior was quickly able to identify the body as his missing son, Jaswant. It's the tragic end that the family was hoping wouldn't come, but which they were mentally preparing for. After police removed the body from the crime scene, we spoke with Jose Espat, who helped with the search. Here's what he and the victim's aunt had to say about the devastating discovery:

Alrick Carcamo Killed
29 year old Alrick Carcamo was ruthlessly gunned down by a masked figure last night. Sometime around 8:40 a gunman entered the yard of a home and furniture store on Raccoon Street extension. Carcamo ran for his life but was pursued and gunned down, shot to the abdomen and finally collapsed in a swampy open lot a stone's throw away on Fire Lane. We spoke to the mother of the man that discovered Carcamo's body. She says that Carcamo was targeted and that he may have been hiding out in this neighborhood.

Knocked Down and Killed Six Year Old, Got Off With A Fine
He was charged with manslaughter for knocking down and killing a 6-year-old girl in 2017, but former Police Constable Albert Martinez has pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of causing death by careless conduct. Just after 6:30 p.m. on February 26, 2017, Dawn Swasey, and her daughter, 6-year-old Ashanty Pollard were walking on Krooman Road. They were heading home, and when they arrived at the intersection of Fabers Road Extension, a vehicle came up from behind and knocked down little Ashanti. She died on the spot from the injuries she suffered. A police report on the incident said that police intercepted Martinez shortly after the incident, and according to them, he was quote, "traveling at high speed." End quote.

A Forum For Ending Hunger
The Belize Parliamentary Alliance against Hunger and Malnutrition met this morning at the Marion Jones Complex. They met to better focus and solidify their plan and the legal framework to combat hunger and malnutrition in schools and the wider population. It's difficult task to get all Belizeans on the same page because many are already used to eating all that rice and bread, but change in eating habits can come by early intervention with the youth. Here's more from the meeting to consider "Food and Nutrition Security for a Healthy Belize."

Deputy Faber Rejects Whispering Campaign
Last night you saw our extended interview with Patrick Faber about all things having to do with the race to be the next leader of the ruling UDP. And, tonight, we have more from that interview. We asked Faber to respond to some of the grumblings we've heard in the background from his Cabinet colleagues. Reporter: "But at a certain level, they di talk 'bout you. And what they're saying about you is that you are disrespectful to your colleagues. You don't respond to your colleagues, you don't treat them with respect, you disrespect, ahm, you've been disrespectful to - I am told - a senior member of the cabinet, right in the cabinet. I'm just saying..."

Faber Says Vega Perception Will Hurt Party
But Faber is worrying about the possible re-emergence of Gaspar Vega as a candidate for the UDP. The Orange Walk North representative seems to be flirting with the possibility of a comeback - and was in the front row at the recent John Saldivar convention. Now, he's not currently the standard bearer; in fact, there is none after Dr. Homero Novelo stepped down two months ago. So will Vega step up? Well, even he refused to answer that question. But, Deputy Leader Faber says, if he does, he would have a problem with it:...

PM Takes Leave, Faber Takes Charge
And while Faber is strategizing about how to line up delegates for a convention success, he will have to set those aspirations aside if only for a few days because he'll have more pressing concerns: he's acting Prime Minister for the next few days. The Prime Minister's office announced today that Prime Minister Barrow departed the country today, Friday, November 8th, 2019, on a personal family visit.

Hon. Hulse Waits Impatiently For Immigration Report
Senator Aldo Salazar is the chairman of the the Special Senate Select Committee charged with putting together the report on irregularities at the Immigration Department. But, it's been two years in the making - and recently Salazar told the media it's not done yet, basically, because he's busy. He referred to exigencies of his personal and political life which the NTUCB called a lame excuse. His Senatorial colleague Godwin Hulse was not so unkind - but today, when the pressed asked him about it - he seemed to be impatiently waiting:

Belize Tries to Get Off Anti Doping Blacklist
In August of 2018, the National Anti-Doping Organization - known as NADO - was suspended by RADO - the Regional Anti-Doping Organization. Well, today, NADO was trying to get off that blacklist with an important two day training at their office at the Marion Jones Complex. The certification training will re-vitalize NADO, restore their spot in the Regional Anti-Doping Organization and in the long run, equip NADO with skills and legal tools to handle their own sports doping cases. I found out more at the training this morning.

Greg Choc, From Activist to Attorney
In the early two thousand's Greg Choc rose to prominence as a national figure - always on the front-line for Maya land, cultural, and human rights. At the time he was the head of SATIIM, The Sarstoon Temash Institute for Indigenous Management, and, indeed, became synonymous with that organization. But in 2014, Choc abruptly took a step back and decided to go to law school at UWI in Barbados. Today, five years later, he was called to the Bar at the Supreme Court. He spoke to LOVE TV after and said that becoming an attorney is just a different way to tackle the same problem of disempowerment.

Radiology, Deeper Than Your Think
Today is the International Day of Radiology - and while that might sound about as interesting as taking an X-Ray, really there is a lot more to it. Imaging is a key diagnostic tool in modern healthcare - and today the importance of it was celebrated with a display at the KHMH:... Dr. Carillo, Head of Radiology Department, Diagnostic and Inventory Radiologist: "This exhibit is to bring across the message of the importance of imaging in modern healthcare it's something that is being celebrated. This is the 8th year it's being celebrated and its actually the first time we're celebrating it here at the KHMH it's just to make people conscious about the importance of what we do."

Politicos Point Fingers
UDP Candidate for Freetown OJ Elrington and the Belize City Council are in a squabble over a basketball court - and like those elephants when they fight - only those who want to shoot hoops are being harmed. Elrington was the first to strike last night accusing the council of quote, "waging war against the youths of Freetown." In a Facebook post, he accused them of "removing the back boards and rims from a community park so a community basketball tournament cannot be played." He called it, quote, "petty, infantile, and utterly disgusting."

The Cathedral of St. John The Baptist Restored
One of Belize City's key historical landmarks is looking sharper than it has for a few decades! Phase one of the restoration work at St. John's Cathedral Church has been completed. It included the stabilization, repair and refurbishment of the brickwork, windows, doors, west and east entrance gates, and roof of the building. The restoration of the church was funded primarily through the Belize City House of Culture and Downtown Rejuvenation Project, a project funded by the GOB and The Taiwan International Cooperation and Development Fund (ICDF).

Channel 5

Missing Man Found Dead
Missing teen, Jaswant Brooks has been found. He was murdered and dumped in some shallow waters in a patch of mangroves off the George Price Highway.� As we've reported, eighteen-year-old [...]

Alrick Carcamo is Gunned Down by Masked Man
Twenty-nine-year old Alrick Carcamo was shot after eight o'clock on Thursday night but his lifeless body was not found until two years later in the south side of the City. [...]

E.U. Removes Belize from Tax Haven Blacklist
Belize has been removed from the list of non-cooperative jurisdictions following a meeting of the Economic and Financial Affairs Council of the European Union which was held in Brussels today. [...]

Get Your Popcorn and Enjoy the Show, says Opposition Leader
The ruling United Democratic Party is gearing up to select its new leader and the process is causing a major rift within the party. Belmopan Area Representative John Saldivar is [...]

Gapi Still Reaping Ministerial Benefits Two Years After Resigning
Orange Walk North Area Representative Gaspar Vega continues to enjoy all allowances made available to him by the Government of Belize, despite no longer being assigned a portfolio.� Since he [...]

John Brice�o Wants Gaspar Vega to Return to Electoral Politics
Opposition Leader John Brice�o has also commented on the re-emergence of Gaspar Vega, his political opponent in the north. Vega appeared on Sunday in support of John Saldivar at Saldivar's [...]

Attorney Greg Ch'oc is Called to the Bar
At the Supreme Court this morning, the well-known former executive director of SATIIM, Gregory Ch'oc was called to the bar.� Ch'oc gained national prominence for his work to promote the [...]

Albert Martinez Guilty of Causing Death by Careless Condition of 6-Year-Old
In the courtroom of Justice Colin Williams, the case of forty-five-year-old Albert Martinez concluded. He was spared jail time after taking a guilty plea to the lesser charge of causing [...]

P.U.P. Leader: "it is more than just the forty thousand dollars"
After public outrage peaked, the Cabinet Secretary, Carlos Perdomo, on October-thirty first announced that the forty-thousand dollars debt owed by Joshua Perdomo, his son, had been paid.� This is after [...]

John Brice�o Calls on U.D.P. Government to Write Off Student Loans
And since the government was quick to write off the Joshua Perdomo loan, the People's United Party is calling on the Barrow Administration to do the same for hundreds of [...]

Take Back Lands in Place of Taxes Owed, Says Opposition Leader
On October twenty-sixth, a statutory instrument signed by Minister of Natural Resources, Hugo Patt was gazetted. Through that S.I., the government extended the most recent land tax amnesty. The amnesty [...]

The Political Battle for Belama's Basketball Court
Every Thursday, for the past year, Belize City youths have been converging at a community basketball court in Belama Phase Two for the Ball is Life tournament. The tournament, however, [...]

Focusing on "Food and Nutrition Security for a Healthy Belize"
A parliamentary forum on Food and Nutrition Security for a Healthy Belize took place today in Belize City. Members of the Belize Parliamentary Alliance against Hunger and Malnutrition gathered to [...]

NADO Becoming Fully Functional
In November, sports enthusiast and former footballer Carlos 'Charlie' Slusher was appointed a new director of the National Anti-doping Organization, NADO, which was suspended from the Regional Anti-doping Organization following [...]

International Radiology Day Celebrated in Belize
International Radiology Day is being celebrated today across the world. In Belize, the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, which counts for the largest number of employees attached to a radiology unit, [...]

The Misconception about Radiology
Doctor Barnabe Carrillo also spoke on the misconceptions about radiology and the effects that it can have on patients.   Dr. Barnabe Carrillo, Head Radiologist, K.H.M.H. "It's real that some [...]

The Restoration of St. John's Cathedral
The Saint John's Cathedral Church at the end of Albert Street in downtown Belize City is a landmark structure, having been erected centuries ago. Over the years, the building has [...]

Billy White to Get a New Preschool
Ground was broken on Thursday morning in the Billy White community, Cayo, where a new preschool will be constructed in the months ahead.� Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education [...]

Plastic and Styrofoam Ban Take Center Stage at Film Festival
As you may know by now, last March the Department of Environment announced that a phase-out of single use plastics and styrofoam. Once that phase out is over, there will [...]

Belize VU Donates $60K Worth of Security Cameras to Benque Police
Benque Viejo police received sixty-thousand dollars worth of surveillance cameras. The donation was made by a security tech company called Belize VU and the technology and infrastructure for the project [...]