FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE
WEEKEND WEATHER OUTLOOK FOR BELIZE
Valid: Friday until Monday, May 11-14, 2012
Synopsis: A stable easterly to south-easterly airflow will persist across the NW Caribbean region and Belize this weekend. Surface heating and some influx of moisture could set-off some outbreaks of showers and thunderstorms mostly inland later on Sunday and Monday.
Rainfall Projections: Daily rainfall accumulations will be in the range of 0.01-0.10 of-an-inch over most areas on Friday and this weekend. However, daytime heating and the influx of some moisture will provide the energy for localized showers and thunderstorms, but mostly in the interior on Sunday and Monday. Daily rainfall rates will be in the range of 0.25-0.50 of-an-inch on Sunday through Monday in some localities of the Cayo, Stann Creek and Orange Walk Districts.
CLICK HERE for the full Belize Weekend Weather Report
Last night's TV news on Channel 7 and Channel 5
Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, and the Dickie Bradley Specials
Come out this Saturday 12th May, 2012 at the FFB and support your Belize Police Department in the biggest game of their Rookie Season.
It's the Placencia Assassins Vs. POLICE UNITED.
The San Pedro Sun
John McAfee “demands” an apology for GSU raid
John McAfee, the inventor of the McAfee AntiVirus Scan demands an apology from the Government of Belize after members of the Gang Suppression Unit (GSU) stormed into his estate located on the outskirts of Orange Walk Town. The 66 year old expatriate was the subject of an aggressive search and 14-hour long detention by police that eventually required US Embassy intervention to secure his release. The wealthy US investor, who moved to Belize in 2008 and spends his time between homes in San Pedro and Orange Walk, says that not only was he a victim of an aggressive search but his doors were busted open despite being unlocked. In an exclusive interview with The San Pedro Sun on May 9th, McAfee recalled that sometime around 6AM on Monday, April 30th, GSU personnel descended on the mainland property, namely the Belize Ecological Foundation Limited, located next to the Tower Hill Bridge in Carmelita Village, Orange Walk District. After the GSU officers entered his estate, McAfee said that his dog, Caramelo, was shot and killed. Thereafter, the men broke down doors and ransacked the nine houses on the compound. “I was awakened by a commotion; megaphones and dogs barking and people yelling. I went outside and saw a lot of soldieries in attack formation coming down the driveway with automatic weapons,” said McAfee.
San Pedro’s Tatiana Rivero to represent Belize in Miss America Latina del Mundo Pageant
San Pedro’s very own Tatiana Rivero will be Belize’s delegate to the Miss America Latina del Mundo Pageant in Mexico. 23 year old Tatiana is no stranger to pageantry and has represented Belize internationally before. The Sanpedrana will be amongst 35 contestants from the Caribbean, North, Central and South Americas at the two-week event, ending with the pageant on Saturday, June 9th.
“I feel very excited and honored to be chosen to represent my country Belize and I am very proud of being a Belizean,” said a very confident Tatiana. All the contestants will compete in various segments such as the national cultural costume, swim and evening wear. The top qualifiers from those segments will move on to participate in a question and answer segment. The costume segment of the competition will give the participants the opportunity to highlight their country by depicting cultural wear representative of each country.
Second autopsy confirms cause of Boco-T’s death; Police Officers suspended from active duty
A Press Release sent out to the media today confirms that Kevin Kelly (aka. Boco-T) did not die of natural causes. After a second autopsy was performed on Kelly to clear up any ambiguities, the performing medical physician concurred with the finding of the first autopsy dispelling the idea that Boco-T’s death was accidental. This has led to all of the officers mentioned in the case to be suspended from duties awaiting the result of an internal criminal investigation.
Hon. Lisel Alamilla wins prestigious Whitley Award Fund
Hon. Lisel Alamilla, Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Sustainable Development, is one of the recipients of the 2012 Whitley Foundation Awards. She received the Whitley Fund for Nature award from the Princess Royal at the 2012 Whitley Awards Ceremony, held on the 9th of May at The Royal Geographical Society in London.
Alamilla joins six other nominees from countries like Indonesia, Madagascar, Peru, and Costa Rica in competing for project funding worth £30,000 (US$48,480). The honour recognises the Minister’s work to unite and equip the people who live in the Maya Golden Landscape to match development pressures, including population growth, agricultural change and increased demand for natural resources, with protection for the area’s world-class scenery, wildlife and traditions. The Whitely Foundation granted her the funding, donated by the William Brake Charitable Trust, which she has stated to hand over to the Ya’axche Conservation Trust here in Belize.
Ambergris Today
SP Town Council Keeping With School’s Wish List
In April of this year Mayor Danny Guerrero and Councilors set out on a familiarization campaign in part to address issues concerning the island. During this time Mayor Guerrero and councilors met with school principals who presented the council with a few issues that the schools were facing and needed immediate attention.
In reviewing the schools letters and wish list, the San Pedro Town Council has begun delivering some items on their lists. On Wednesday, May 9, 2012, Deputy Mayor Severo Guerrero Jr., along with councilor Gaby Nuñez, personally delivered to the San Pedro Pre-School items they had asked during the council’s visit. Two wall clocks and a standing fan were handed to Principal Rosela Guerrero who was very much grateful for the donation.
Coca-Cola Moments Of Happiness
Bowen & Bowen Ltd. is celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the bottling production of Coca-Cola in Belize this year. To highlight this Golden Anniversary the company had 50 painters to conjure up the quote “Open Happiness” Coca-Cola through painting in an art competition/exhibition that will travel around the country.
Coca-Cola is the beverage of choice and can be found at just about every social event. Whether or not you enjoy an ice-cold Coca-Cola in the morning with your delicious hot tacos or over the rocks with smooth local rum and a slice of lime in the evening after a hard day’s work, Coca-Cola refreshes Belizeans of every walk of life, every day.
Misc Belizean Sources
Belize Mega Bingo Results For (May 9th, 2012)
Mini X 50.00 Each (8 Balls)
59 36 68 60 17 18 62 28
Lucky Three 25.00 Each (10 Balls)
59 36 68 60 17 18 62 28 56 9
Four Corners 50.00 Each (12 Balls)
59 36 68 60 17 18 62 28 56 9 31 7 ...
The Top 5 Most Popular/Common Cars In Belize By Brand
Whether it is the latest model or an old-fashioned one, Belizeans prefer and choose cars as the number one means of transportation. If you don’t believe me here is something for you to ponder on. How much gas stations are in Belmopan City alone? You will be astonished as to the number of gas stations we have available and let’s not even talk about the other parts of Belize.
In other countries, trains and planes are more common but cars are still the number one means of transportation anywhere you go -- no wonder car companies are some of the richest in the world.
In Belize, we ride tough cars because of the ugly state of the roads that we possess but every now and then I see some people riding some smooth wheels. Cars like those are not meant for our roads but people still like to risk it and go for the hot rides – Belizeans love to brag! If you know what I mean!
Everyone has a preference and a style as to which vehicle they like and feel safe with. Some choose Japanese cars, some prefer German cars, and some go with the more popular USA brands.
Nevermind the Apocalypse: Earliest Mayan Calendar Found
The oldest-known version of the ancient Maya calendar has been discovered adorning a lavishly painted wall in the ruins of a city deep in the Guatemalan rainforest.
The hieroglyphs, painted in black and red, along with a colorful mural of a king and his mysterious attendants, seem to have been a sort of handy reference chart for court scribes in A.D. 800 — the astronomers and mathematicians of their day. Contrary to popular myth, this calendar isn't a countdown to the end of the world in December 2012, the study researchers said.
"The Mayan calendar is going to keep going for billions, trillions, octillions of years into the future," said archaeologist David Stuart of the University of Texas, who worked to decipher the glyphs. "Numbers we can't even wrap our heads around."
The Tomistoma Fund Art Project
At long last, all the drawings have been scanned and made into a fun, short youtube video. It is rather remarkable reviewing all of the coloured papers, they were all really unique and showcased the creativity, imagination, and interest of every student. To them, this video is owed.
A big shoutout goes to "Nana", Dov and Laura Magy, and the Casado family for their support, it wouldn't have been possible without your generous donations. Credit for the original drawing goes solely to Akai, please check out his other work at http://uchiha-zooa.deviantart.com/, he has really helped our organization from the start. It would also have not been possibel without the support from ACES, please check them out if you haven't already.
During a stay in Belize, our nonprofit organized a series of educational presentations for the local schools on Ambergris Caye. Over 1,000 students took part in our presentations promoting the importance of science and conservation. At the end of our elementary presentations, we provided art supplies and coloring papers to the students, hoping to gain some interest from the students. What we received was truly remarkable. There was a "spark" in every student's artwork, which showed genuine creativity, imagination, compassion, and thought. Enjoy.
Mexican Trade Mission to Belize
The Mexican Embassy hosted today a press conference to announce the visit of a Mexican trade mission to Belize from May 15th to 18th, in collaboration with the Trade and Investment Mexican Agency, ProMexico.
A delegation of Mexican business people will visit Belize in order to promote trade and to identify potential buyers and suppliers of various products and/or services.
Companies include: Adrian Manuel Xeque Solis; Botanas y Frituras del Sureste La Lupita; Fábrica de Postes; Galletera Richaud Hermanos, Inco Peninsular; Industrias Metalo Yucateca; Mitchel Salchichonería Alemana; Productos Richaud, Sayer Lack Mexicana; Septi-K; and Victor Manuel Pat Rodriguez.
Products include hurricane shutters, reinforced concrete poles, wood and metal furniture, pipes, biodigestor tanks, coating, jewellery, plastic bottles, and snacks and carmels.
The delegation will be at the Mexican Embassy in Belmopan on Wednesday, May 16th and at the Institute of Mexico in Belize City on Thursday, May 17th, to meet with their Belizean counterparts, government officials and representatives of various organizations.
For further information, please call the Mexican Embassy’s Trade, Tourism and Investment Section at 822-0406 or write to [email protected]
Canada and the Belize Police Commissioner Project
Support for OAS - Belize Police Commissioner Project
Implementing Partner: Organization for American States
Cost: $422,620
Timeframe: April 2012-March 2014
Canada is working in a cost sharing arrangement with the Government of Belize to support a foreign commissioner of police who will lead the police department, implement initiatives and mentor future commissioners of police. This project will support Belize’s objective of reforming and modernizing its police force. Fundamental to these efforts will be the implementation of sustainable programs and processes that focus on identified needs, such as criminal investigation, human resource management, and accountability amongst the senior ranks of the police department.
Picture of the Day: Feed the Children Fashion Show
Danny Chung has posted more great pictures from the Feed the Children Fashion show. This one is quite unique, and very well done.
Calla Creek Primary School Fund Raiser
4 the World is doing a fund raiser to build 2 new classrooms for the Calla Creek Primary School. They'll be building the classrooms over this Summer, and we hope to get to help them out. Kudos to 4 the World!
Youth For The Future in Benque
Youth for the Future's office is now open in Benque! Congratulations to Mr. Jimmy Leslie, who is the Youth Empowerment Coordinator. Youth for the Future is a youth center aimed at empowering young people to pariticipate in the development of Belize. More power to them! You can contact them at [email protected], and find them in the Benque Town Hall.
"Youth for the Future office now in Benque, because investing in our youths is the way forward."
Bridal Photo from Ka'ana
Another feel good bridal photo taken recently in Cayo. This one was taken at Ka'ana by Olivera Rusu. Great picture, and you can see her other ones at Xunantunich.
Buy and Sell Weekly Classifieds
Check out this week's Cayo Classifieds. The entertainment section is shaping up quite nicely. Serendib has a 'progressive happy hour.' Amber Sunset has buy one get one free coupons in there for frozen drinks. Midas has a 50% pool entry coupon.
Channel 7
POLICE HESITANT TO CHARGE GUATEMALAN CAUGHT WITH FIREARM
Tonight a 28 year old Guatemalan is in police custody - after he was caught at the Benque Viejo Border yesterday with this .45 Colt pistol loaded with ten live rounds. That's a prohibited firearm, which means automatic lockup, followed by mandatory remand and trial - and so you might think it's an open and shut case - but, not so fast.
36 hours after he was busted, Ismael Antonio Moran Enriquez has not been arraigned or remanded, though he has been charged and is in custody. And that's because the Commissioner of Police David Henderson didn't want him charged in the first place. In a very candid interview over the phone, Henderson told us that he feels it would be, quote, "really unreasonable to charge him," end quote.
And why is that? Henderson says Moran had asked Immigration personnel at the border to let him assist a woman to carry a bag across the border station - and he never left the customs building. But, 7news has confirmed that he did walk past the Customs Inspection ramp - without a bag - and that's when Customs personnel pulled him over and found the gun.
Anyone who's travelled will know that customs and immigration are two different things - and Immigration can't allow anyone to pass customs. But that's just what Moran tried to do - and when the Customs officer told him he had to make a declaration that's when they say he started to act suspiciously.
POLICE'S SECOND POST-MORTEM CONFIRMS BOCO - T BEATEN TO DEATH
Today - exactly two weeks after he died in police custody - the funeral was held at St, Mary's Church in Belize City for Kevin Kelly, known as Boco-T.
As we've been reporting, a post mortem examination conducted by Dr. Mario Estradabran on Tuesday showed that he died of, quote "internal bleeding, due to multiple abdominal trauma, due to blunt instrument type" - which basically means, he appears to have been beaten to death - possibly with a club or boots.
That contrasted sharply with the original police account, which was that he may have broken his neck when he jumped a high fence while eluding arrest. It is a huge and consequential difference - and to make sure it is so - the police did a most unusual thing last night: they had a second post mortem done by a second doctor.
Now that is absolutely unheard of - but the second post mortem, which lasted from 6:00 pm to 8:45 pm and was conducted by Dr. Hugh Sanchez confirmed Estradabran's findings.
So, today, the police department - already embarrassed by the long time it took to get the post mortem done - have to go another humiliating step forward and launch an investigation into what appears to be a wrongful death.
Minister of National Security John Saldivar discussed it with us today:..
Hon. John Saldivar - Minister of National Security
"We therefore have now intensified our investigation into this matter to determine what exactly took place leading to the death of Mr. Kelly and we have placed all the officers who were around when this was happening - we've placed them on interdiction while the investigation is proceeding."
POLICE DETAIN PERSONS FOR THE CARLOS MEDINA ROBBERY
Tonight, police say they have two known suspects for yesterday armed robbery of a jeweler. It happened at 5:00 pm on Pickstock Street in Belize City.
51 year old Carlos Medina, and his assistant Emmet Jones were entering his yard when two men walked up - one of them pointed a 9mm pistol to his face.
Medina told police he dropped his black portfolio bag with $548 dollars inside. They robbers snatched up the bag and ran from the scene - leaving their slippers behind.
Police have reviewed footage from a nearby security camera and say they are looking for a pair of 20 year old's from George Street.
ELECTION PETITION: BRIBERY GROUNDS FAILS AGAINST PENNER AGAIN
In the past two months - we've reported on election petitions many times. But that was all the preparatory work - leading up to today when the actual petitions were argued in the Supreme Court. Now, bear in mind this is unfamiliar territory; only once or twice before have election petitions been fully argued in court - most times they are thrown out at the preliminary stage.
So, first up was the Orlando "Landy" Habet's petition against Cayo Northeast Area Rep., Elvin Penner.
As we reported, Habet's petition against Penner is on the grounds that he bribed a majority of the new voters by paying for their naturalization papers to become Belizeans. He also alleged that Penner engaged in other corrupt practices to win the election.
When the preliminary hearing for the petition leave was heard, Attorney Rodwell Williams dealt their case a major blow when he successfully argued to have the bribery struck out.
MARK KING PETITION DAY 1: THE ORIGIN OF DISQUALIFICATION LAW
And while that election petition was being heard in one courtroom, another was staged before the Chief Justice this morning. That hearing concerned Martin Galvez's petition against UDP Lake Independence Area Rep., Mark King.
Viewers may recall that Galvez is contending that King is disqualified from being a member of the House of Representatives because at the time of his nomination, he had - and still has - a $135,000 Government Contract and he didn't declare his interests to the public.
Galvez says that the proof exists that King is the managing director of the Brints Security Firm, which has the contract to provide security for several government buildings, including the Charles Bartlett Hyde Building and the San Ignacio Sales Tax Office.
The actual petition stage, which has already been granted by Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin might not even arrive because Attorney Denys Barrow, who is representing King, made an application to strike the petition out of court. He says that there are no grounds for it.
Barrow and Attorney Lisa Shoman, who is representing Galvez, argued at length today on the strike-out application.
AMERICAN WOMAN'S HOME INVADED
Around 8:15 last night, 60 year old San Ignacio Resident Nancy Skiles - an American Buinesswoman of Trench Town Area was roughed up in a terrifying home invasion.
Skiles was approached from behind by 3 men. One of the men wrapped his hands around her neck and told her not to say anything or else she will be killed. She was then ordered to lie down on the floor where her hands were tied behind her back. While on the ground she saw two other men dressed in black with masks covering their faces and armed with machetes.
One of the men demanded that she hand over her Laptop Computer. Skiles didn't have one and that was when she was punched to the face. The men then rummaged through her entire house and stole her purse with two thousand five hundred dollars in cash. No one has been arrested.
BUSINESSMAN CHARGED FOR ATTACKING EMPLOYEE
46-year-old Angel Espat, the Manager of Shell Gas Station in Ladyville, is facing a harm charge after he allegedly punched one of his employees in the face.
According police, Delvith Crawford reported Espat called him into the office on Monday about a complaint he received from a customer whose gas tank cover had been broken. Crawford denied it - and claims that Espat punched him in the right side of the face without any provocation.
As a result, police charged Espat with harm, and he was brought before Senior Magistrate Sharon Frazer today.
Espat pleaded not guilty to the charge, and he was granted bail of $1,000, which he was able to meet.
He is expected back in court on July 5.
SJC JUNIOR BALLER GETS A BIG OPPORTUNITY
A few weeks ago we told you about the Belize Junior team that went to the King James AAU tournament in Akron, Ohio. The whole idea behind the trip was to get exposure for some of Belize's best young talent and to get them in front of basketball scouts from US colleges - who would hopefully recruit them for college programs - giving them a chance at an education - and boosting Belize's stock of players with international training and exposure.
Well, the plan worked - because today a student from St. John's College signed a letter of intent with Lake Superior State University in Michigan for a full athletic scholarship.
It's a huge, rare event - and it was properly observed at Devin Daly's School, St. John's College - Monica Bodden was there and she has this report:..
Monica Bodden reporting
The Fordyce Chapel at St Johns College was filled to capacity -as the entire high school gathered to support and cheer on one of their very own.
Seated at the head table was 17 year old Devin Daly a fourth form honor student of the High School. Daly was one of the 15 best young basketball players to represent Belize at the King James Amateur Athletic Union Classic.
BREAKING NEWS: MAN SHOT ON RACCOON STREET
There was a shooting in the city about half an hour ago. It happened at the corner of Raccoon street and Central American Boulevard. According to reports, one person was injured. He was rushed to the KHMH. We'll have more details on this tomorrow.
MEXICAN TRADE MISSION LOOKING FOR POTENTIAL BELIZEAN OUTLET
A Mexican Trade Mission will visit Belize next week from Wednesday to Friday. They are coming to investigate partnership or joint venture opportunities - but, basically, they want to see what they can sell Belize and possibly the Caribbean.
The companies that are coming specialize in hurricane shutters, wood and metal furniture, jewelry, plastic bottles and snacks. Makes sense for them to explore a new import-dependent market, but does it make sense for Belize's business sector which could be gobbled up by the larger Mexican enterprises?
That's one of the questions we asked today at an press conference announcing the visit:
Marco Antonio Lopez Leon, Head of Trade Tourism Investment - Mexican Embassy
"The companies are coming here looking for joint ventures. They don't want to monopolize the market, they want to increase the range so they can be present in Belize but as a partner more than as a competitor."
Jules Vasquez
"Is Mexico looking to penetrate that CSME market by setting up operations in Belize and then capitalize on that geographical advantage that Belize has."
BLAKBERRY'S PROFILE: FROM THE STREETS TO MUSIC
Tonight's I Am Belize Profile is about Kenroy Espinosa - you'll probably know him as the rapper called Blakberry. He grew up poor in Belize city hustling pints and ended up in jail. But that's where he turned his life around and decided to pursue a career in music, determined not to go back to jail.
In tonight's profile he explains what led him to be a youth mentor:..
GHETTO GIRLS FASHION SHOW DEBUT
Our next story is about a fashion show competition - but a very unusual one - because it's mixed in with a bit of biting social commentary.
It's called the Ghetto Girls Fashion Show - (we know, that sounds mean, right?) - but that's what the organizers have dubbed it. They say they have been to 'hoods all across the southside of Belize City- to prove that so called ghetto Girls can dress and impress. Here's what the organizer told Monica Bodden today:..
Kenny G, Organizer
"Actually what we are having is a Miss Ghetto Gial competition, a pageant, a fashion show. Not discriminating ghetto girls but they say that you can ghetto fabulous in all different kinds of ways."
"It's like doing this interview right now - ghetto fabulous means yes I am doing this interview right now and all I did to prepare was to put on some clothes and put some "cus cus" perfume on - ghetto fabulous."
Channel 5
Galvez/King Election Petition hinges on interpretation of “Public Service”
Two election petitions arising from the March seventh general elections were heard in the Supreme Court today. Martin Galvez is seeking to disqualify Mark King, the Lake Independence area rep, for a contract with the government which he did not disclose prior to the elections. Attorneys for both sides presented arguments throughout the day before [...]
King’s Contract may be inconsequential to CJ’s decision
The Galvez petition is based on a contract that Brint’s Security Service had obtained with the Ministry of Finance. Galvez alleged that King is the General Manager of Brint’s which has a one hundred and thirty five thousand dollar contract which started in July 2011 and ends in July 2013. Brint’s contract includes the Charles [...]
Habet tried to pen Penner for a recount in Supreme Court
Down the hall in the courtroom of Justice Minnet Hafiz, attorneys Said Musa and Rodwell Williams squared off on another election petition. The petition was filed by P.U.P. candidate Orlando Habet, who lost in the Cayo North division by only eleven votes to area representative Elvin Penner. Habet is seeking a recount and also made [...]
Musa will take Penner Petition to Appeal Court
Attorney Said Musa also commented on the proceedings, saying that they will take their claim directly to the Court of Appeal. Said Musa, Attorney for Orlando Habet “We had applied to the court for leave to appeal the court’s decision that was made in the Orlando Habet matter when she struck out the allegations [...]
Cops on Duty during Boco T’s death placed on interdiction
A trio of officers attached to the San Pedro Police Station is tonight on interdiction and a criminal investigation has been launched into the death of Kevin ‘Boco T’ Kelly. Boco T was buried today, but the circumstances surrounding his demise while being held inside a cell at the San Pedro Police Station on April [...]
Academic and baller gets a Jesuit basketball scholarship
St John’s College was in a celebratory mood today. One of its own, a seventeen year old fourth former, has landed himself a scholarship at a US university. Devin Daly is not only a sound academic student; he is also excellent on the basketball court. Those skills have earned him a spot at the Lake [...]
American National Guilty of molesting Belizean child
A seventy-two year old fugitive from Fond du Lac, Wisconsin was caught in Guatemala in February 2011. Roland J. Flath was wanted for “traveling in foreign commerce and engaging in and attempting to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor.” He was charged in absentia in the Wisconsin court in October 2010 for the [...]
Model behavior: CYDP Supervisor charged with Robbery
In the local courts, twenty-three year old CYDP Supervisor, Jose Ayala appeared before Senior Magistrate Sharon Frazer for Robbery. He pleaded not guilty to the charge and was remanded to the Central Prison until July fourth. Shantai White alleges that around five-thirty p.m. on April twenty-eighth she was walking on Newtown Barracks when two men [...]
Assailant who attacked Hofius Manager is charged for assault
Well-known Belize City businesswoman Jacqueline Roe, the Manager of Hofius Ltd., was allegedly attacked by a knife-wielding assailant while walking towards Swing Bridge on Tuesday. Fortunately, several passersby came to her rescue. Her attacker, who has since been identified as forty-five year old Kirk Nicholas, was later arrested and appeared in court today where he [...]
Elderly American woman victim of Home Invasion
An elderly American businesswoman from the West is the most recent victim of a brutal home invasion. According to sixty year old Nancy Skiles, she was at her house in the Trench Town Area of San Ignacio sometime around eight o’clock on Wednesday night when three men dressed in black, reportedly armed with machetes, accosted [...]
Belize and Mexico bridge the Trade divide
Trade relations between Belize and Mexico have been described by local and foreign investors as anemic despite legions of nationals from both countries crisscrossing the Belize/Mexico Border to conduct business on a daily basis. In an effort to strengthen those ties the Trade and Investment Mexican Agency, ProMexico, is partnering with the Embassy of Mexico [...]
Village life at Arts and Crafts Expo
It’s the first of its kind; a Village Arts and Crafts Expo that will showcase the talents of Belizean artisans to local and international visitors. This Saturday at the King’s Room of the Princess Hotel and Casino in Belize City, local artists from villages countrywide will get an opportunity to market a wide range of [...]
Whitley Fund for Nature Award features Lisel Alamilla
As we reported on Wednesday night, Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Sustainable Development Lisel Alamilla, is now also an award winning conservationist. Alamilla received the 2012 Whitley Fund for Nature (WFN) Award and almost one hundred thousand dollars to continue her work with Ya’axche Conservation Trust in the south. The recognition is particularly for conservation [...]
BGYEA and Harmonyville going full steam ahead
Mile forty-one on the Western Highway, better known as Harmonyville, is the pet project of the Belize Grassroots Youth Empowerment Agency (BGYEA). BGYEA dreamt big and squatted on the land while making plans to develop the area into a community that could be inhabited by first time landowners. BGYEA’s president, Nigel Petillo, somehow got the [...]
Healthy Living examines breast cancer options
Mother’s Day is coming up this Sunday in celebration of motherhood. But the entire month of May is observed as Cancer Awareness Month in Belize. In the United States, it is believed that about one in eight women will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime. Closer to home, a cancer registry [...]
LOVE FM
Tuesday, May 8 - POLICE NEWS
Amir Reyes, a prison officer residing in Orange Walk who allegedly tried to smuggle 324 grams of cannabis into Belize Central prison was charged with drug trafficking when he appeared in court today. Reyes pleaded not guilty to the charge. Chief Magistrate Ann Marie Smith o...
BELIZEAN DELIVERS TOP SPEECH AT VALEDICTORY SERVICE IN JAMAICA
A Valedictory Service was held today for the Norman Manley Law School in Jamaica. The top speech was delivered by Barry White of Hattieville Village. Later this year, over six Belizeans will be graduating from the NMLS. Among them are Michelle Trapp-Zuniga, Barry Whit...
BUSINESSMAN SHOT AT IN ROARING CREEK VILLAGE
Belmopan Police are investigating a shooting incident that occurred in Roaring Creek Village last night. Fem Cruz reporting… “Mariano Cruz, 32-year-old businessman of Roaring Creek Village told Love News he was at home last night watching television along wit...
ACTIVITIES FOR EDUCATION WEEK CONTINUE
Educators from primary, secondary and tertiary levels are gathered at the Bliss Institute for the performing arts today, where another activity in observance of education week is taking place. That activity is a symposium that looks to expand the knowledge of not only educators b...
PUC SAYS NO TO INCREASE OF ELECTRICITY USAGE RATES BUT YES TO FEES' ADJUSTMENTS
Your light bill rates will not go up but there are going to be some changes as a result of approvals granted to BEL. The changes come after the electricity company submitted a list of fees and charges that they requested consideration for by the Public Utilities Commission. ...
MINISTER ALAMILLA WINS WHITLEY AWARD
Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Sustainable Development, Lisel Alamilla has won the Whitley Awards. The award was presented this afternoon by the Princess Royal, Princess Anne at the Royal Geographical Society in London England. Alamilla contested against six othe...
CTV3
19 year old Student Charged For Rape
On September 30th 2010 Izak Chan Junior was charged for rape at the Orange Walk Magistrates Court after a 17 year old sixth form student of Muffles Junior College accused him of having sexual intercourse with her against her will. Since it was an indictable matter the case was set to be heard before Judge Dennis Hanomansingh at the northern session of the Supreme Court. Yesterday, after listening to arguments from both the defense and the complainant a jury of 12 found 19 year old Izak Chan guilty of rape. Chan, who faces a minimum sentence of 8 to 10 years imprisonment, was remanded to the Kolbe Correctional Facility until the 23rd of May when sentencing is scheduled.
On September 18th 2010 the then 17 year old student reported to Orange Walk Police that on September 17th she was raped by four of her male colleagues.
The group was reportedly drinking at the Banquitas House of Culture when they decided to leave for another location. The girl was taken to an area along the Honey Camp Road and allegedly raped by the four individuals including Chan.
Three More Employees Fired From Ministry Of Works Orange Walk
First it was Cirilo Teul and Adrian Wade and just when you taught that the firing at the Ministry of Works here in Orange Walk had stopped, three more employees received their walking papers this morning.
Steve Leiva, Cesar Cal and Cornelio Leiva were on the list of seven hard working employees at the ministry of works that were targeted by the Minister of Works and Transport Rene Montero to be fired for no valid reason.
Montero’s plan was exposed a few weeks ago when a letter, written to him in response to his request for termination of the seven employees, by Alfredo Cruz, the then Administrative Officer at the Ministry, was published in the Belize Times.
Despite the fact that Cruz rebuffed the idea of the seven employees being terminated, Montero did not stop on his track and fired Cirilio Teul, Adrian Wade and as recent as this morning Steve Leiva, Cesar Cal and Cornelio Leiva. Today Cornelio Leiva, who worked for 16 years at the ministry as a driver and mechanic, out rightly blamed Honorable Gaspar Vega for his termination.
First Time Mom Blames NRH For Her Son's Death
We continue tonight’s newscast by reporting on a sensitive story involving the staff from the Northern Regional Hospital and a 27 year old woman who lost her new born baby boy. On March 13th 2012, Kimberly Bull from the Village of Guinea Grass was admitted at the Northern Regional Hospital at around 8:00am to deliver her baby. After Bull was examined by a doctor, it was determined that her cervix was open to 5cm. She was; however, left in bed up until 2 o’clock suffering from terrible contractions. According to Bull it was not until 4:00pm that the same doctor examined her again and burst her water bag without even informing her. According to the first time mom, that’s where her worst nightmare began.
Kimberly Bull, Lost her Baby
“It was a rough experience that I had at the Northern Regional Hospital. It was the delivery of my first baby. I was so happy to that I was going to have my baby. Accordingly it didn’t go as plan that I had. So, the nurses they, well they are nurses but they don’t treat people as if we are human beings. They treat us as animals.”
Northenos Win KTV Latino
It was called the hottest show in Belize and as the third season of KTV Latino Karaoke competition got underway, live audiences and viewers at home eagerly awaited the new singing talents from across the country. It all started off with the auditioning of about fifty competitors out of which only twenty two made it through the first cut. The lucky bunch faced a live audience and a panel of judges to prove their
Stay in the competition but only fourteen of the best moved on to compete for the first place position.
After several performances at the Bliss, a live audience and viewers at home tuned in to witness the declaration of a season three winner on Tuesday night. Tonight we are proud to announce that of the final four contestants on stage the North seemingly took over the show as first and second place winners Nassain Montalvo and Francesca Awe proved to be the top singers and fan favorites.
Education Week Celebrated In Belize
“Together We Can Achieve Quality Education For All” is this year’s theme in which the Ministry of Education and schools from across the nation are celebrating education week. Every year the two weeks celebration is set aside to honour teachers and to highlight the importance of obtaining an education. According to the District Education Manager for Orange Walk Carla Alvarez, Education Week also serves as an epoch of reflection on educational goals that ought to be accomplished.
Carla Alvarez, District Education Manager, O/W
"I think a lot of it has to do with- it’s for us to take the time to reflect on what really are our goals in education, what we need to accomplish and we all work together in doing that. So it’s more sensitization. It has to do also with a time of reflection. A part of that is also the Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award ceremony. Here in Orange Walk we have nominees from the primary, secondary, tertiary and we have an outstanding leader of the Year nominee. We also have a Special Ed nominee. So next week Thursday we travel to Belize City, Thursday night, and we hope that some of our nominees will be selected as the outstanding teacher or leader of the year for the entire country."
Doctor Mario Estradabran Back At Work
After more than a month of negotiations and a number of bodies piling up at morgues countrywide, the Ministry of National Security and Belize’s only Forensics Doctor have finally come to an agreement. News tonight is that the ministry has renewed Doctor Mario Estradabran’s contract under terms and conditions and a salary that he was comfortable with. The contract we understand is effective immediately and will run for the next two years.
Reports are that when Estradabran’s two year contract expired on February 1st, the Ministry of National Security sent him a contract under the same terms and conditions as well as salary as the previous one. Estradabran reportedly refused the offer and submitted a proposed contract with changes in terms and conditions and a sizable increase in salary. The ministry refused the proposal prompting the commencement of negotiation for mutually acceptable new arrangements.
Before the new contract was signed the last post mortem Estradabran conducted was on the body of Taylor Street gang leader, Arthur Young.
Education Week Celebrated In Belize
week. Every year the two weeks celebration is set aside to honour teachers and to highlight the importance of obtaining an education. According to the District Education Manager for Orange Walk Carla Alvarez, Education Week also serves as an epoch of reflection on educational goals that ought to be accomplished.
Carla Alvarez, District Education Manager, O/W
"I think a lot of it has to do with- it’s for us to take the time to reflect on what really are our goals in education, what we need to accomplish and we all work together in doing that. So it’s more sensitization. It has to do also with a time of reflection. A part of that is also the Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award ceremony. Here in Orange Walk we have nominees from the primary, secondary, tertiary and we have an outstanding leader of the Year nominee. We also have a Special Ed nominee. So next week Thursday we travel to Belize City, Thursday night, and we hope that some of our nominees will be selected as the outstanding teacher or leader of the year for the entire country."
LOVE TV
Minister Alamilla wins the Whitley award
The Honorable the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Sustainable Development, Ms. Lisel Alamilla has captured the prestigious Whitley Awards. Alamilla received her award today from the Princess Royal, during ceremonies at the Royal Geographical Society in London England. Alamilla joins six other nominees from countries like Indonesia, Madagascar, Peru, and Costa Rica in competing for project funding worth £210,000. She won the award for a community empowerment and education project in the biodiversity-rich Maya golden landscape of southern Belize and along with it, Alamilla is bringing home £30,000. That money, according to Alamilla will be hand over to the Ya’axche Conservation Trust.
Armed robbery reported in Belize City
There was an armed hold up in Belize City last night. The proprietor of Romero’s Suits at the Corner Central American Boulevard and Raccoon Street reported that around eight thirty last night he was inside his business establishment along with his wife, when a tall dark complexion man entered and enquired about the cost of a pants. The man then took out a handgun, pointed it at the proprietor and demanded money. Fearing for his life, the owner says he handed over one hundred and twenty dollars in cash. The robber then proceeded to robbed the owner’s wife of one hundred and thirty five dollars before fleeing the scene.
Teen accused of attempted murder
There was an armed hold up in Belize City last night. The proprietor of Romero’s Suits at the Corner Central American Boulevard and Raccoon Street reported that around eight thirty last night he was inside his business establishment along with his wife, when a tall dark complexion man entered and enquired about the cost of a pants. The man then took out a handgun, pointed it at the proprietor and demanded money. Fearing for his life, the owner says he handed over one hundred and twenty dollars in cash. The robber then proceeded to robbed the owner’s wife of one hundred and thirty five dollars before fleeing the scene.
Policemen suspended while authorities investigate death of Kevin Kelly
Since the sudden death on April twenty-sixth, of thirty-four year old Kevin Kelly, known as Boco T, his family and friends have been vocal about their suspicion that the police were responsible for his death. Kelly died while in police custody at the San Pedro Police Station and not one, but two autopsies have given [...]
Election petitions continue through the courts
Election petitions filed last month in the Supreme Court of Belize between the two political parties have had political pundits and fanatics passing their opinions on how the respective judgment will go. That day will come one week from today but following legal arguments this afternoon for the two contenders, the PUP’s Martin Galvez against [...]
Belizean teen gets athletic scholarship to study in the USA
A popular quotation says in part: keep reaching for your dreams. And that is just what a Belize City teenager is doing. And the road to the top just got a whole lot easier for the young man to pursue the dream of a lifetime. Love TV’s Ava Diaz Sosa and video journalist Brian Castillo [...]
Alleged Freedom Street robber arraigned in court
33-year-old Jose Ayala, a supervisor residing on Freedom Street who allegedly robbed a woman at gunpoint was charged with robbery when he appeared in court today. Ayala pleaded not guilty to the charge. Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser explained to him that the court cannot offer him bail because the offence was committed with a firearm. [...]
Ministry of Works snubs reporters query over fired workers
The hype of the March seventh general elections is slowly fading away; but for a group of workers of the Ministry of Works in Orange Walk the nightmare is just dragging on. Love TV’s Manuela Ayuso Cantun reports.
PlusTV
Young Belizean baller gets big break
Today the St. John’s College Fordyce Memorial Chapel was abuzz with activity as a joint press conference was held t...
Police Minister orders internal investigation into Boco-T’s death
Kevin Kelly a.k.a. Boco-T died in police custody last month. His post mortem was performed on Monday (MAY 7). The p...
Belmopan CITCO wrestles with vendor squatting at market
Market vendors populate the Belmopan market space, and in several instances freelance vendors occupy enviable spots...
13 complete PhD in education studies
This week is Education Week and a key event was the Research Symposium & Oklahoma State University Doctoral Graduat...
Mexican trade mission coming to Belize
The Trade and Investment Mexican Agency (PorMexico) in collaboration with the Embassy of Mexico is organizing a tra...
Belmopan CITCO seeking alternative for farmers market
And while there may be some tension between Elizabeth Mendez and the Council, there is still the issue of the propo...
Father of three succumbs to gunshot wounds
Frank Vasquez a 29 year old resident of Belize City was shot in the face, left shoulder and back as he was walking ...
Lisel Alamilla receives International Whitley Awards
The Princess Royal (Princess Anne presented a Whitley Award for inspirational conservation leadership to Belize’s r...
Police looking for suspects in Belize City robbery
In last night’s newscast we reported on a robbery of a jewellery store owner. 51 year old Carlos Medina, owner of M...
Youth charged with aggravated assault
There was a report of aggravated assault in the south. Silvanus Makin, of Columbia Village reported that around 7:3...
NICH Canoe River Challenge scheduled for Saturday
The National Institute of Culture and History and the Belize Canoe Association will be hosting its first ever “NICH...
Woman assaulted, robbed in San Ignacio
San Ignacio Police responded to a call from Nancy Skiles, last night (May 9). 60 year Skiles, an American Businessw...
Bank repossess car from new owner
Theodora Andrews reported to police that she had purchased a white 1999 Isuzu Rodeo from Vanessa Slusher in Novembe...
The Guardian
Estradabran’s Contract Approved
The Police Department has been able to conduct post mortems on 9 out of 11 bodies which had been awaiting the procedure after pathologist, Dr. Mario Estradabran had discontinued doing them while he awaited the renewal of his contract. The remaining post mortems will be completed tomorrow.
While the backlog has been cleared, the contract for Dr. Estradabran has been finalized. The contract has been revised and has been forwarded to Dr. Estradabran for his agreement and subsequent signing. It is expected that the contract will be signed on Thursday, May 10th.
Dr. Estradabran had discontinued doing autopsies while he was in negotiation with the Ministry of National Security. During the negotiations, he was asking for a higher salary along with other requests. Information suggests that most of his demands are being met and his contract should be finalized without a problem.
Meanwhile, the ministry does not anticipate that there will be backlogs in autopsy services.
Destructive O.W. Mayor
On Monday, May 7th, vendors at the Orange Walk Town Market looked on in complete amazement and disappointment as workers from the Orange Walk Town Council began to dismantle market booths that were just recently completed to serve as an extension for vendors in that municipality.
The 19 stalls took two months and 25 thousand dollars to construct and in a single swoop and in what can only be termed as the council taking leave of their senses, simply began to break down the structure. According to the vendors, who were anticipating the construction of the stalls, the facility was constructed to accommodate tacos and food vendors, who are crammed in the existing market. During the inauguration former Mayor of Orange Walk Town, Phillip de la Fuente announced that the stalls would be distributed shortly. The same idea was passed on to the vendors by the current council and they were even asked to apply for space. To their dismay, however, town council employees arrived on Monday morning and began to strip the roof off the structure. There is absolutely no explanation as to why this is taking place.
When the Guardian checked on Wednesday, the destruction had only reached half way of the roof and the work was abruptly ended. Maybe the Mayor and the council came to their senses after the public in Orange Walk took to the local airwaves and lambasted them for destroying what can only be deemed as a beneficial addition to the municipality’s infrastructure. Hopefully, no one makes off with the zinc that was torn off the structure and it is replaced, and vendors can get benefit from the installations.
According to information we have gathered the facility is a good source of income, which has the potential of generating up to $1,500 monthly. It seems that the current council is not in need of any finances yet, we understand, they are quickly spending what was accumulated over years of hard work at by the former UDP council.
AmbergrisCaye.com 
