I will not be doing the news tomorrow morning, Sunday February 2nd. I will return on Monday morning!


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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

Ministry of Health Belize: Travel Advisory re: Coronavirus (2019-nCov) outbreak
he Ministry of Health continues to closely monitor the evolving novel Coronavirus (2019-nCov) outbreak, particularly with the changing dynamics of the infection. The public is thus reminded that information in reference to this can change and any such change for the Belize context would be communicated through the official channels of communication of the Ministry of Health.

Still no answers in Noel Romero's sudden death
No official report has been made available regarding the sudden death of 30-year-old Noel Romero, who was found dead on Monday, January 27th inside his room. Romero worked at a resort north of San Pedro Town and after failing to report to work, his motionless body was discovered by some of his colleagues. Police reported no signs of injuries to the body, thus, no foul play was suspected. An official report on the cause of his death is yet to be provided by the relevant authorities. As of press time, a post-mortem examination had not been conducted.

Another marathon and another medal for island runner Ian 'Lion' Gordon
Islander Ian 'Lion' Gordon ran his first marathon of the year after participating in Veracruz, Mexico on Sunday, January 19th. Gordon competed in a 13.1- mile half-marathon and placed 241st out of more than 9,000 competitors. The Belizean marathoner is now preparing to compete in Cancun, Mexico on March 8th at the Medio Maraton Internacional de la Mujer. Gordon also hopes to be able to participate in competitions scheduled to be held in Brazil and Jamaica later this year.

Authorities enforcing shop liquor license laws, closing stores at 9pm
In recent weeks, San Pedro Town has seen a change in the opening and closing hours of several stores on the island. This is a result of the slow but effective enforcement of the new law mandating that all stores with a Shop license must close and are not permitted to sell alcohol past 9PM. Officer in charge of the Coastal Executive Unit, Superintendent Christopher Noble said his approach to enforcing the law is by educating the people. He says he and his officers aren't doling out immediate punishments or hefty fines, but rather informing owners of their rights and the full scope of their license.

Verdes nails tight victory against the San Pedro Pirates
Week three of the 2019-2020 closing season of the Premier League of Belize (PLB) saw the San Pedro Pirates FC defeated by Verdes FC in a 2-1 game. The island boys traveled to San Ignacio Town, where at 4PM on Sunday, January 26th, they faced the current PLB champions at the Norman Broaster Stadium. The home team dominated the match from the beginning and within the first 23 minutes in the first half, they scored the first goal. The San Pedro Pirates continued playing defensively but their barrier was not strong enough to avoid a second goal by Verdes. By halftime, the score was 2-0, with goals by Verdes' Andres Cortabarria and Denmark Casey.

Ambergris Today

Novel Coronavirus Declared Public Health Emergency
National Surveillance Team of the Ministry of Health is aware that the Director General of the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared that the novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) epidemic is now a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). The Ministry will be following the developments in this regard so that the relevant changes in terms of response will be mirrored on the ground as they evolve.

Gabriela Varela Representing As Miss Belize In Reina Hispanoamericana
Gabriela Varela is Reina Hispanoamericana Belize 2019 and she is representing Belize in Bolivia. 26 year old, Gabriela Varela, was born and raised in San Pedro, Belize. She has an Associate's Degree in Business Management and is currently working as a Corporate Officer in an international financial service provider. Her hobbies include exercising, cooking, reading and enjoying the lovely beaches of San Pedro.

Various Belizean Sources

mzz

Continuity for Belize's Exports to the United Kingdom
The United Kingdom (UK) and the European Union (EU) have now finalized the withdrawal agreement whereby the UK will exit the EU as of today, January 31, 2020. Thereafter, a one-year transition period will commence. During the transition period, Belize's trade with the UK, which is the largest market for Belize's export of sugar and bananas, will continue to be governed by CARIFORUM EU Economic Partnership Agreement.

Students Illustration Art Exhibit
The San Ignacio & Santa Elena House of Culture is launching their new exhibit next Friday, and it'll display art from local students.

Paradise Theater playing this weekend:
Farmageddon, Last Christmas, Ford v Ferrari, Jay and Silent Bob Reboot. SUPERBOWL SUNDAY 5:30 FREE Who is everyone rooting for? the Kansas City Chiefs or the San Fran 49ers?? We'll be playing it on the big screen for all to enjoy .. Free Entry .. kick off is 5:30

Cannon Foundations ready for Independence Day Flag Raising Flagpole
The foundation blocks for the six historic cannons that will stand guard at the historic Independence Day Flag Raising Flagpole has been constructed. These cannons will symbolically stand prepared to protect our sovereignty in the event any despot here linger and threatens this tranquil haven of democracy. Two cannons will be of the 32 pounder (cannonball size) and four will be of the 24 pounder size. We have one Lee kunku one of the 8 pounder size, but I am not sure where that will go. You can try again Boca Negra, we will be waiting for you!

3rd annual International Mother Language Day and our Evening of Caldo
We are proud to present to you all, our 3rd annual International Mother Language Day and our Evening of Caldo!! Tickets will soon be available for you to purchase so stay tuned for more details! Start reserving yours as soon as possible! Come and enjoy an evening surrounded by Maya people, language, laughter, music and dance. This event will consist of cultural performances, a marimba, and a harp concert among so much more.

New Generation Unit for Caye Caulker in Transit to Belize
Belize Electricity Limited informs customers in Caye Caulker that a new 1705kW capacity generation unit sourced from Panama is scheduled to arrive in Belize by February 3 and transported to the island by February 7. Our teams will install the unit within a week. A 4-hour power outage will be necessary to commission the unit. Customers will be informed of the date and time in advance.

Belizean Delegation Travels to Costa Rica on Beekeeping Exchange
As a part of the linkage and collaborations between the Governments of Belize and Costa Rica, a one-week beekeeping exchange visit was held in Costa Rica for a delegation of Belizeans from the 19th to 24th January 2020. The exchange sought to build institutional and governmental linkages, identify innovations in marketing and product diversification, observe the implementation of good production and manufacturing practices and honey traceability system for the development of the local beekeeping industry.

Coronavirus Travel Advisory
he Ministry of Health continues to closely monitor the evolving novel Coronavirus (2019-nCov) outbreak, particularly with the changing dynamics of the infection. The public is thus reminded that information in reference to this can change and any such change for the Belize context would be communicated through the official channels of communication of the Ministry of Health. The Ministry of Health is aware that the World Health Organization has declared this as a public health event of international concern, and therefore, the Ministry has scaled up its surveillance efforts at the principal ports of entry.

Prime Minister Barrow Receives OAS Secretary-General
This morning the Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow and Minister of Foreign Affairs Hon. Wilfred Elrington received H.E. Luis Almagro, Secretary-General of the Organization of American States (OAS), at the Laing Building in Belize City. The Prime Minister and the Secretary-General took the opportunity to discuss hemispheric and regional issues as well as bilateral relations with Guatemala. The Secretary-General presented an update of the work of the OAS Office in the Adjacency Zone especially in the areas of promoting a culture of peace and conducting verifications.

Continuity for Belize's Exports to the United Kingdom
The United Kingdom (UK) and the European Union (EU) have now finalized the withdrawal agreement whereby the UK will exit the EU as of today, January 31, 2020. Thereafter, a one-year transition period will commence. During the transition period, Belize's trade with the UK, which is the largest market for Belize's export of sugar and bananas, will continue to be governed by CARIFORUM EU Economic Partnership Agreement.

HUAY PEEK
At the end of the 17th century,a healer whose name was Juan Moo(Moh). This sorcerer had the ability to transform into Huay Peek', the Sorcerer Dog. This healer stood out for his powerful personality and was known as one of the most successful popular doctors, whom they called from Campeche and Quintana Roo, for his widespread fame. Juan Moo was very respected among the population, even when the ecclesiastical authorities did not accept him and called him pagan. Who knows why the Holy Inquisition had not arrested him.

Graphic art exhibit titled "CUBA-BELIZE @ 25"
The National Institute of Culture and History cordially invites you to the opening of the graphic art exhibit titled "CUBA-BELIZE @ 25"! The opening event will be held at the Museum of Belize, tonight, Friday, January 31st at 7:00pm!

Channel 7

Belize Keeping Out Coronavirus
The coronavirus outbreak is moving quickly and tonight, the news is that the US will put into place temporary travel restrictions that will bar entry into the United States by any foreign national who has traveled to China in the past 14 days.  And what's the plan for Belize with this public health event of international concern?  Well, a Ministry of Health press release says it is enacting what sounds like a sort of soft ban.  A press release says "for those who were/are planning to travel to China from Belize, it is recommended that those plans be postponed until we are further aware of the extent of this  novel coronavirus.

UDP Spending: Panades Shop or Split Decision
The PUP is claiming victory tonight after the Chief Justice handed down a long anticipated decision today.  CJ Kenneth Benjamin ruled that the Prime Minister, as Minister of Finance and the Financial Secretary violated the constitution when they spent public funds without first getting parliamentary approval.   The judgement found that this happened with the famous 100 million dollar OOPS between  2012 and 2013 which never went to parliament, and another 1.3 billion dollars in Petrocaribe funds, which was taken to Parliament after it was disbursed.  

PSU Reaches Impasse, Threatens Industrial Action
But, right now that judgement is not on the front burner for the Financial Secretary; he has to focus instead on major discontent at the Tax Services office.  The newly amalgamated department which came into being just a few months ago had not made a smooth transition, and tonight the Public Service Union is declaring a trade dispute after it has, quote, "reached an impasse with the Ministry of Finance in resolving several issues of concern.   But today the Financial Secretary told the media said that he has not been apprised of the dispute.  He started out by explaining that the change has not been easy:..

PSU Says Justice For Jumoke
The Fin. Sec. is also at odds with the PSU over Jumoke Castro.  He's the son of Minister Edmond Castro, and also an employee of the Tax Services Department.  His name was all over the news 6 weeks ago when he made a facebook post, making sinister threats of a sexual nature against the wife of PLUS TV's Luis Wade.   He was suspended and widely condemned for the post.  But one of those groups that condemned him has also had to come to his defence. That is the Public Service Union and after Castro was suspended, the Union wrote to the Financial secretary to say that he was being penalized unfairly for actions committed outside the performance of his duty.

BDF Passout Under Pressure
106-New BDF soldiers-14 of them women had their formal passing out today at Price Barracks Ladyville. It was a ceremony filled with the usual Pomp and Circumstance but, it happened under a cloud because varied and vile sexual improprieties are alleged to have occurred during their basic training.  And, the allegation is that it came down from the senior personnel who was in charge of the training of the female recruits.  And, after the passing out ceremony, we spoke to the Commander of the Belize Defence Force Brigadier General Steven Ortega who yesterday in a press release called the occurrences grossly unacceptable. Today he told us that the only way to fix these issues is to investigate and put measures in place to ensure that these types of abuses never happen again:

Kajaon Killed, Shot At The Gate
There was another murder on the city's Southside last night - the fourth in a week.   This one happened around 8:15 on Ebony Street near its junction with Magazine road. The victim is 21 year old Kajoan Tony Roches, who was standing on the street side talking to some friends, when a gunman passed on a motor bike and opened fire.   A friend who walked to appear off camera told the media that killing had never come to that corner before:

Allegation: Man Scalded By Police
And, a family in that same general area is reporting tonight that their loved one was scalded by police with hot water.  They sent us pictures of Francis Nolberto's whose chest appears indeed to have been scalded.  The family says he was picked up for questioning about a stolen cell phone, and then viciously scalded.   An aunt asked us to appear off camera when she told us about how he looked when they saw him at the Mahogany Street station:

Coast Guard's 40K Bust
The Coast Guard has made a major bust of illegal gillnets and fisheries products.   They conducted operations in the area of Manatee Bar Mouth today and discovered three fishermen operating with expired fisher folk license.  They had in their possession an assortment of nets; 3 of the nets exceeded a 1000 feet. Of the three fishermen, one is a Belizean and the other two are originally from Guatemala with naturalization documents.

Almagro Blew Through Belize
The OAS Secretary General blew into town for a visit today and the media was left out without an invite for a meet and greet or interview.  This morning, Prime Minister Barrow met with His Excellency Luis Almagro at the Laing Building in Belize City.  The two used the opportunity to discuss hemispheric and regional issues as well as bilateral relations with Guatemala.  The Secretary-General presented an update of the work of the OAS Office in the Adjacency Zone especially in the areas of promoting a culture of peace and conducting verifications.

Belize Unbothered For Brexit, for Now
BREXIT is a done deal. Today, the UK and the European Union (EU) announced that they have finalized the withdrawal agreement whereby the UK will exit the EU. The process has implications for Belize and today we received a press statement from the Government Press Office informing that during the transition period, Belize's trade with the UK - the largest market for Belize's export of sugar and bananas - will continue to be governed by CARIFORUM EU Economic Partnership Agreement.

Taxi Tempest In A Teacup
SJC boasts one of the largest school campuses in the City, and for decades sat on the Princess Margaret Drive with no security fencing.  Well, times have changed and the dangers of a wide open, easily accessible campus presents a danger to the student body, teaching and administrative population.   So SJC is building a major concrete fence spanning its large compound, but for Ernesto Torres and the taxi drivers of West Landivar it threatens to displace them.   Torres and his ever changing band of taxi occupants have been enjoying the location since 2001, without the infringement of any tax, peddler or user fee from the property owner SJC or the City Council.

Belize Hosts Table Tennis Tournament
The Belize Table Tennis Association will be hosting the U15 & U18 Central American Table Tennis Championships in Belize from February 4 to 8, 2020.  It will be held at the the Mexico Sports Center, adjoining the Marion Jones Sports Complex.  We stopped in today and spoke to one of the top players on the male u-18 team:..

Dara and Bob For The Kids
Since he made his plea on the media, renewed vigor has come to the Dara Feeding Programme.  Today he dropped by our studios to say thank you and promote his annual Bob Marley Concert.  He and the Concert Director Kwame Scott say it is a Reggae, Super Bowl Charity affair you just should not miss.  Feeding 50 children costs and Dara said there is nothing else in life he would rather do than making every effort to keep that programme alive not for him but for the children. Joel Dara Robinson: "I must say I have to give thanks to the media because when I invite unnu the reaction and pour of love from all the people dey all inna di States di reach out and try sustain the programme..."

New Soldier Pass Out During Passing Out
Despite the allegations of sexual misconduct in the BDF, the show went on at the passing out for new recruits today, complete with a parade, musical interludes, and even a mock battle.  And while some soldiers actually did pass out, as in FAINTED in the afternoon sun, the majority held strong and many were even recognized by the Governor-General with special awards. And the ceremony seemed to make Brigadier General Steven Ortega wax nostalgic about his own intake. 

Saldivar No Show At BDF Passout
And one very notable at the BDF Passout, was Minister of National Defence John Saldivar who tasked Minister Boots Martinez to deliver his usual keynote speech.  BDF Commandant Steven Ortega who told us that this is the first passing out that Saldivar has missed out under his command.  Reporter: "Why was Mr. Saldivar not here?" Brig. Gen. Steven Ortega, Commander, Belize Defence Force: "He will have to answer for that, I don't know."

Channel 5

Supreme Court Declares G.O.B.'s $1.5 Billion Expenditure Unconstitutional
The much anticipated ruling in respect of the Petrocaribe case brought by the Opposition was delivered this morning by Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin in the Supreme Court. The ruling found [...]

Is G.O.B. Running Its Financial Operations Like a "Panades Shop"?
Following today's decision, Senior Counsel Eamon Courtenay, who represents the People's United Party, broke down the Supreme Court ruling in layman's terms before likening government's expenditure of public funds to [...]

"We Purchase Panades, We Don't Make Panades" – FinSec, Joseph Waight
On the heels of an interview with Senior Counsel Eamon Courtenay, the question of government's fiscal prudence was also put to Financial Secretary Joseph Waight.� Here's how he responded.   [...]

P.U.P. Claims Victory
The P.U.P. says the ruling is a victory for the people of Belize, not for the People's United Party. A release states that the� historic and hopefully precedent setting move, [...]

Unpacking Lev Dermen and His Belize Connections
The trial of Lev Dermen in the U.S. District Court of Utah before Judge Jill Parrish recessed today and will resume on Monday morning.� News Five has been following very [...]

Utah Journalist Details Lev Dermen Trial
During our interview with Carlisle, we inquired what bearing, if any, an admission corroborated by evidence proving that Dermen did in fact pay Saldivar these significant sums of money, would [...]

Kajoan Tony Roches is Murdered on Ebony Street, Belize City
A resident of Mahogany Street, Belize City was shot and killed around eight-thirty on Thursday night. Two men rode by on Ebony Street where Kajoan Tony Roches was hanging out [...]

Does the B.D.F. Tolerate Sexual Harassment of its Female Staff? One Victim Speaks Out
Tonight we bring you more of our interview with the member of the civilian staff at the B.D.F.� The victim has been working there for many years but as you [...]

B.D.F. Commander Comments on Allegations of Sexual Abuse in the Force
The head of the Belize Defence Force Brigadier General Steven Ortega today braced for reporters who sought answers after allegations of despicable acts of sexual abuse against female recruits was [...]

Will B.D.F. Act Swiftly Against Sexual Predators?
A special investigative team has been assigned by the Ministry of National Security. The team is being led by Assistant Superintendent Sherlette Ramclam and includes Inspector Shaida Mckenzie, Josephine Garbutt, [...]

Belize Coast Guard Makes 40 Grand Fisheries Bust!
The Belize Coast Guard made a fisheries bust of marine products valued at forty-thousand dollars.� The Coast Guard was carrying out an operation near the Manatee Bar Mouth earlier today [...]

Murder Trial of Louis Carter Wraps Up
The Prosecution and Defense Counsels in the murder trial of twenty-six year-old Louis Carter wrapped up their closing arguments today before Supreme Court Justice, Colin Young, and Carter’s fate will [...]

Man Accused of Raping a 12 Year-Old is Denied Bail
A Belize City man charged with Unlawful Sexual Intercourse and Incest upon a relative was denied bail today when he appeared before Justice Marilyn Williams to seek his freedom before [...]

Jasmark Arnold, Charged With Aggravated Burglary & Wounding, Denied Bail
He is accused of entering the home of food vendor, Elvia Cal at her Rio Grande Crescent home off Faber’s Road Extension in Belize City and stabbing Cal and her [...]

Bail for Sherman Rodney, Charged With Murder
Sherman Rodney was not lucky in his attempt to get Supreme Court bail today while he awaits his murder trial for an incident that occurred in 2013.� Rodney, who is [...]

Khris Gentle is Missing; Family Concerned
There is growing concern by family and friends of Khris Gentle, who remains missing up to news time tonight. The Belizean fisherman of Cemetery Lane in Belize City was officially [...]

Former Principal Guilty of Misappropriation of Funds at Excelsior High School
An audit of the Excelsior High School speaks poorly of the state of affairs at the high school. At the conclusion of an investigation, it was determined that a former [...]

FinSec Weighs in on Jumoke Castro Situation
Jumoke Castro is back to work at the Belize Tax Services, after disciplinary action was taken against him following a vile and tasteless social media post made against the wife [...]

P.S.U. and Ministry of Finance at Impasse over Belize Tax Services
There a new issue that is bubbling; the Public Service Union is at loggerheads with the Ministry of Finance following the amalgamation of the Belize Tax Services Department.� In a [...]

Secretary General of the O.A.S. visits with the Prime Minister
The Secretary General of the O.A.S., Luis Almagro, today met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Wilfred "Sedi" Elrington as well as with Prime Minister Dean Barrow. �Soon after his [...]

Cuba Celebrates Revolution Anniversary & Bilateral Ties with Belize
Today an official celebration of the sixty-first anniversary of the Cuban Revolution as well as the twenty-fifth anniversary of bilateral relations between Belize and Cuban will be celebrated at the [...]

B.D.F. Celebrates 42nd Anniversary with 101 New Soldiers
The ranks of the Belize Defense Force grew by a one hundred and one soldiers today. After undergoing rigorous training, the young men and women donned their uniforms this afternoon [...]