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Last night's TV news on Channel 7 and Channel 5
Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, and the Dickie Bradley Specials
Capt. Hillyboo's Fishing Report, May 23, 2012
Well it was not a good fishing week since it poured most of the time. It rained so hard that quite a few boats that did not have automatic bilge pumps, even sunk!! Thanks god I got to one of my small boats in time, otherwise it would have turned into a submarine as well!!
Anyway, some of us did manage to get out and fish for a couple of days. A friend of mine went out and caught 14 nice black fin tuna's
The San Pedro Sun
Rebecca Stirm Sews Her Way To win #4 on Mission Catwalk
Having won prior challenges on episodes two, four and six, Rebecca Stirm‘s episode 9 win makes the Belizean the winningest designer on Season Two of Caribbean fashion reality series Mission Catwalk which has seen participants from five Caribbean countries competing in its second season.
After a visit to the Hope Zoo, the seven remaining contestants were instructed to design a gown for a charity gala and a second garment for a charity luncheon inspired by one animal from the zoo.
Rebecca chose the turtle because it was “an unusual and unique animal that people didn’t already have preconceptions about what turtle- inspired garment should look like.” Using a kaleidoscope patterned fabric similar to the pattern on a turtle’s shell; Rebecca created a gown with dramatic neckline while using layers of different fabrics in circular cutouts to build a skirt that would mimic a turtle’s shell while still allowing movement. For her second outfit the kaleidoscope fabric was more prominent and used for most of the blouse, while the pencil skirt was in a monotone beige..
Liberty Home fundraiser set for Sunday May 27th
Almost five months ago, in the spirit of Christmas giving, residents of San Pedro came out in great number to support the children in need at Liberty Children’s Home and raised over $16,000 for the organization. Liberty Children’s Home is a sanctuary for children in need, providing in a natural environment, love, nurturing, and a high standard of education. Situated on the mainland in Ladyville, Liberty Children’s Home is a registered charity in Belize and the UK.
Once again the very energetic children and the Home are in need of our assistance and stepping up to the challenge of raising funds for the Home are the Island Academy, Ms Diane Campbell and Pedro’s Inn. An all afternoon BBQ & Pool Day fundraiser is scheduled for this Sunday, May 27th commencing just before noon.
What was originally slated to be a yearly fundraiser has now become a twice-a-year event to help sustain the Liberty Home. In a letter to The San Pedro Sun, after last year’s fundraiser, Director of Liberty Home, Delfina Mitchell commented, “First of all I have to say I love San Pedro and the people of San Pedro because they have always been supportive of us. They always pour out their love to us. In the past they did a jump-a-thon and a fundraiser which I believe raised $18,000 dollars and this year they are doing it again.”
Public Inquiry – Recent Murders in Mexico
Last week, Mexican law enforcement authorities found 49 mutilated bodies on a northern Mexico highway leading to the Texas border, a region where Mexico’s two dominant drug cartels are fighting. The condition of the bodies has made them very difficult to identify.
According to Adrian de la Garza, Attorney General for the State of Nuevo Leon, victims could have been killed at another location as long as two days before being discovered, and then transported to San Juan, a town in the municipality of Cadereyta, about 105 miles west-southwest of McAllen, Texas, and 75 miles southwest of the Roma, Texas, border crossing where they were found. De la Garza said he did not rule out the possibility that the victims were U.S.-bound migrants.
If you have any information about this case or know of missing Belizean relatives who were traveling to the United States of America by land beginning mid-May 2012, please contact the U.S. Embassy Consular Section by e-mail: [email protected] or by telephone: 822-4011 extensions 4245, 4224, or 4223. The U.S. Embassy Consular Section will forward all inquiries to the appropriate authorities.
Glenford Cadle Jr. leaves for surgery in the USA
Glenford Cadle Jr., an eleven year old student of San Pedro Roman Catholic School and a resident of San Pedro Town, left for Virginia, USA for a life saving surgery. As The San Pedro Sun reported in an article published in the Volume 22 issue 10 dated March 8th 2012, Glenford was diagnosed with a rare congenital kidney malfunction which compromised his health. After the family pooled resources together with community support, the young boy finally left for the much needed surgery along with his dad on May 23rd.
According to the father of the child, Glenford Cadle Sr. his son will be undergoing a series of examinations in preparation for the surgery which will be performed at a hospital in Virginia under the World Pediatric Association of America. “He has seen deterioration in his health. His condition has deteriorated between 30 to 40 percent. Currently, one of his kidneys has a very bad infection,” said Cradle Sr. The condition of the child is known as “Horseshoe kidney.” In this disorder, two distinct functioning kidneys on each side of the midline in the body is connected at the lower poles by an isthmus of functioning renal fibrous tissue that crosses the midline of the body to form a horseshoe-shape which occur during development in the womb. The condition went undetected until the child’s health began deteriorating early this year. Glendford’s condition has led to serious kidney malfunction that has now caused severe urinary tract infection.
BTL and Restore Belize join forces to host Youth Rally
One thousand Six hundred, 2nd Form students throughout the city of Belize 440 Students at the San Pedro High School as well as 600 students at Sacred Heart College in San Ignacio will be impacted by professional motivational speakers from across the United States as a collaborative effort between Belize Telemedia Limited, RESTORE Belize and the Belize Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (BELAIFA) on May 24th, 2012. The purpose of the Youth Rallies are to assist with stimulating and educating children from schools throughout the country about living a positive lifestyle. This partnership is indicative of the passion to positively impact the youth in our society shared by the sponsors of this event.
Four of the attending internationally renowned speakers have offered their time and talent to give back to the country of Belize. They are Consuelo Kickbusch, Roy Juarez, Pamela Perkins and Bert Oliva and they will be addressing the youths. These speakers are well known for their motivational, inspirational and charismatic speeches and have instilled the values of staying in school, self esteem, overcoming hardships and igniting their own potential. Within the scope of their personal businesses, these speakers are highly paid for their services but are volunteering their time and effort to youths of Belize in San Pedro and Belize City.
The events will be hosted at San Pedro High School’s auditorium by Hon. Manuel Heredia, Minister of Tourism, which will host over 440 students beginning at 9:00am to 10:30am. “the kindest kid award will also be presented at this event.
Contestants Announced for the 2012 Miss San Pedro High School Pageant
San Pedro High School is once again celebrating its annual Miss SPHS Pageant to be held on June 2nd, 2012 at 7:00pm at the Angel Nunez Auditorium.
The seven lovely young contestants are Emily Simoes, Arlethe Lima, Kaysha Martin, Fatima Reyes, Nicky Coleman, Ethel Villatoro, and Nissi Arzu.
Ambergris Today
Sanpedranos represent Belize in Track and Field in El Salvador
Three great athletes from San Pedro High School will be participating in track and field events at the Central American Junior Championships which will be held in San Salvador, El Salvador. Gian Rivero, Brandon Santos and Charles Richards are part of the Belizean team that will be representing our beautiful Belize in the sporting event.
Gian, Brandon and Charles were selected to be a part of the Belizean Track team by the Belize Amateur Athletics Association. Both Gian and Brandon participated abroad in track and field events a part of a National team representing Belize in the CODACADER Games in El Salvador in 2011. Most recently they were also a part of the SPHS Track and Field team became the Regional Champions in the NSTA Regional Track and Field Tournament 2012.
Old Timer or Modern Sanpedrano? #13
YOU KNOW YOU ARE AN OLD TIMER SANPEDRAN0 IF
You used to pee in a white bucket. And what is this white bucket all about? Well, it was a porcelain tall white bucket used to urinate in the night only. You have to remember that in the old days there were no indoors bathrooms. The toilet or latrine was located outside at the very end of the backyard. So for the convenience of all, every home had a white bucket which was used in the middle of the night instead of going outside to the toilet. Today some people have very fancy bathrooms with toilets that even clean your buttocks with water called a “bidet”. I certainly prefer the newer bathrooms with toilets over twenty five years ago.
Belizean Native to Carry Olympic Torch
Meet 24-year-old, Joel Hodgson, a born Belizean, adopted by Scottish parents and brought up in Renton, Bunbartonsire. Joel was recently featured on the Daily Record Website for being a great role model facing many adversities and who will now proudly carry the Olympic torch and represent Belize in the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
Joel has come a long, long way since being born in Belize, abandoned by his mum when he was just three months old, adopted by Scottish parents at the age of four, moving to London to start a new life with his girlfriend, sleeping on the steps of police stations to keep safe, and landing a job at one of London’s Top Law firm.
Hurricane Season Kick Starts Early
It rained and it rained and it rained over the weekend in San Pedro and most of the country was also waterlogged as the unexpected start of the rainy season came early. It is usually June that kick starts the rainy season all the way to November (also known as hurricane season), but May (as hot and dry that it was earlier in the month) proved to bring down lots of rain.
What also came with the rain was an early start of the Atlantic Hurricane season. Although very far from the Caribbean, Tropical Storm Alberto was the earliest-forming tropical storm in the Atlantic basin since Ana in 2003, which formed on April 21.
Condolences on the Passing of Doña Teresa Betancourt
Ambergris Today and the community of San Pedro send out sincere condolences to the Betancourt family on the passing away of Teresa de Jesus Betancourt (October 3, 1935 – May 19, 2012).
Doña Teresa (76) is survived by her children Maria Castellanos, Yolanda Aguilar and Audelio Betancourt (Emidio Betancourt +, Mario Betancourt +). We extend our sincere condolences to the Betancourt family. May she Rest in Peace.
Misc Belizean Sources
Thief caught on camera, recognize him?
I got an email from Joan Johnson from the Conch Shell last night with this photo they got on video. Apparently one of the guests left their room unlocked and this guy came in and stole their backpacks and their passports. (Apparently he needed some beers and toilet paper too) They think his last name is Pilgrim. Just checking to see if anyone recognizes him and can give her his full name and maybe where he lives.
Divaz Next Door needs women
Divaz Next Door is teaming up with Cayo Adventure Tours to take 5 moms rock climbing, zip lining, and canoeing through Barton Creek Cave, which has been getting great press lately. Plus TV and CAT are sponsoring the adventures, which are sure to thrill. For more information, call 668-1232 or email [email protected] Good luck!
Generation of Fire's Mother's Day Celebration
"Honoring Mother's at Oasis de Bendicion Church - a Joint effort of the Youth's and Men's Ministry of the Church Generation of Fire Youth Group"
Artist in Development Tour Coming to Cayo
The Artists in Development Consultation Tour is currently touring the country. They will be in Cayo on June 7th at Midas. The Institute of Creative Arts, along with MIAB, BAVIA, NICH, and BSCAP are putting on the tour. Call 227-2110 for more information. Don't forget that the Belize Film Festival is being relocated to Cayo.
Institute of Creative Arts FB page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Institute-of-Creative-Arts/129954480354313
Belizean Native will Carry Olympic Torch
Feelgood story of the day. What an amazing success story. Good luck to Joel Hodgson. Run like the wind!
"JUST three years ago, Joel Hodgson was sleeping rough on the steps of a police station. Today, the 24-year-old is preparing to carry the Olympic torch. Born in Belize in Central America, adopted by Scottish parents and brought up in Renton, Dunbartonshire, Joel’s life has already been an amazing rollercoaster. And, in another twist, he is now training to run for Belize at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2014."
Rebecca Stirm Wins Again on Mission Catwalk
Rebecca Stirm has won for the fourth time on Mission Catwalk. One of the 2 dresses she made this week was inspired by a turtle after a visit to the zoo. Nice!
"After a visit to the Hope Zoo in St Andrew, the seven remaining contestants were instructed to design a gown for a charity gala and a second garment for a charity luncheon inspired by one animal from the zoo. Stirm chose the turtle because it was 'an unusual and unique animal that people didn't already have preconceptions about what a dress inspired by that animal should look like,' she explains. Using a patterned fabric, she created a gown with a dramatic neckline, and for the skirt created layers from circular cut-outs that mimic a turtle's shell. For her second outfit the patterned fabric was more prominent and used for most of the blouse while creating a pencil skirt in a monotone beige."
Belize Wildlife Conservation Network Fundraiser this Friday
A Wild Night Out, the BWCN's fundraiser, will be this Friday, and the Pig and Parrot Clubhouse in Belmopan, starting at 7:00pm. Enjoy music and an auction with dinner, while helping out a great cause. Call 610-0400 for more information. Tickets can be bought at Corkers Restaurant, or any BWCN member.
Channel 7
11 YEAR OLD'S KILLER TO COURT
Last night, we told you about 11 year-old Daniel Matura who was killed in the crossfire of what police believe to be a gang rivalry. Today, his cousin-in-law, who police say shot him to death, was brought to Magistrate's Court.
31 year-old Andrew Willoughby, a laborer of Arlington Drive, was arraigned on 1 count of murder for the death of Daniel Matura, and 2 counts of attempted murder for shooting at Brandon Taylor and Roy Bennett.
Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith remanded him to prison until June 27, his next court date.
As we reported, on Monday morning at 8:30, Taylor and Bennett rode past the Matura residence on Central American Boulevard, and that's when Taylor allegedly pulled out a gun and threatened the Matura family.
Police say that Willoughby fired several shots at the men as they sped off on their bicycles.
Daniel Matura was returning from the shop when the shots were being fired, and he was hit by 3 of the bullets as Taylor and Bennett rode past him.
Matura suffered fatal injuries to the chest, and back.
ALLEGED MATURA-KILLER TO COURT, MOM SAYS HE'S NO ANGEL
And just before Willoughby was arraigned, the man he was aiming at was taken to court.
25 year-old Brandon Taylor, a construction worker of Jane Usher Boulevard, was arraigned on one count of murder for the shooting death of 28 year-old Kaylon Matura.
Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith remanded him to prison until June 26.
As we reported, at around 7 a.m. on Wednesday, May 16, 2012, Matura was getting ready to leave his house on Central American Boulevard for work, when a gunman ambushed him in front of his gate.
This gunman fired several gunshots, and 3 of those shots caught Matura: 1 in the chin and 2 in the chest.
Police initially held Taylor as a suspect, but no one would enter a statement naming him as the shooter.
And so, he was released on Saturday and by Monday morning, he was allegedly throwing threats at the Matura Yard and that led to the death of Daniel Matura.
Not surprisingly, his mother doesn't buy the story. She says he was at home when Kaylon Matura was shot one week ago. She asked to appear of camera, hut insisted on telling her son's side of the story:
Voice of: Mother of Brandon Taylor
"Brandon was at home Wednesday morning. I didn't even go to my work on Wednesday."
Jules Vasquez
"But are you sure that he stayed home during those hours, 7 o'clock, when that murder happened?"
DANIEL'S SCHOOLMATES MARCH FOR PEACE
And while all parties can profess their innocence or blamelessness, the ugly truth is that a child is dead.
Eleven-year-old Daniel Matura is in the morgue - the standard three student's life cut tragically short when he was shot as a result of a war between adults.
Today his schoolmates from the Muslim Community School took to the streets to protest against violence. And right that they should - the school is at the corner of Faber's Road and Central American Boulevard; six people have been killed within a half-mile radius of that location in the past month.
It has put these children literally in the middle of a war zone - and today they walked through that area demanding peace - Monica Bodden has the story:
Monica Bodden Reporting
This morning residents of the Southside Community -where 11 year old Daniel Matura was gunned down- joined in with over 200 hundred students of Sister Clara Muhammad School - as they marched through the south side streets of Belize City - demanding peace!
Written on colorful banners and posters - were messages -most of which read - stop the violence!
These signs were waved high in the air - as others held up pictures of loved ones lost to gun violence. Many chanted assalamu-alaikum to the tip of their voices - which means peace be unto you in the Muslim community.
It was a touching demonstration - with one message... the violence must stop.
SCARY CITY HOME INVASION
Tonight there are reports of a disturbing home invasion that has left a Belize City family shaken.
It happened on Freetown Road just after 7 last night when businessman Carlos Jacobo Peraza was at home with his 16 year old daughter and wife.
He told 7news that he noticed 3 men entering his yard - dressed in military style camouflage resembling police officers.
Peraza opened his front door to see what they wanted and that was when the trio stormed inside the house. One of the men was armed with a firearm and used his weapon to club Peraza in the head and face. The other two men demanded money from his wife. While she was being manhandled in front of her husband who had a gun pointed at his head - Mrs Peraza handed over three thousand, seven hundred dollars in cash and other personal items.
Their 16 year old daughter was in her bedroom on the upper floor of the Peraza's two story concrete home when she heard the commotion.
She bravely jumped through a window from her bedroom balcony to downstairs which - a 15 foot leap. She ran to her neighbors and called for help. The police arrived just minutes after while the 3 culprits were still inside the house along with Peraza and his wife.
Police got in through a side door and found 26 year old Jermaine Cattouse of Raccoon Street Extension, a teenaged minor of West Canal and 30 year old Lyjon Franklyn of Iguana Street Extension.
Police recovered all items stolen along with a 9mm Beretta pistol, 1 magazine containing 8 live 9mm rounds, Military style camouflage jackets and a cap with police marking on it.
The 3 were arrested and taken away.
WOMAN WILL BE CHARGED FOR MURDERING LOVER
The main suspect in the killing of BDF Corporal Donovan Castillo has been released. The Director of Public Prosecutions instructed Dangriga Police to release 35 year old Belize city resident Martha Reid - who confessed to stabbing Castillo multiple times.
According to our information, the DPP wanted to see the findings of the post mortem examination, which would shed some light on whether Reid was acting in self-defence.
That post mortem examination was conducted today and it showed that the deceased, Castillo had no defensive wounds on his hands meaning that he was not in a position where he could defend himself when he was stabbed twice to the neck, once to the shoulder and sliced across his temple.
Based on that finding, the DPP's office has confirmed that based on the post mortem, Reid will now be arrested and charged for murder.
PETITION AGAINST LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION FAILS
Tonight, the Leader Of The Opposition's hold on his seat in the Freetown Division is stronger than ever - after an election petition against him was struck out of court.
Originally, the petition brought by his former opponent Lee Mark Chang - alleged that on election day, Fonseca's workers bribed voters. But in court, the allegations were not substantiated.
Our newsroom got information earlier in the week that Chang intended to withdraw because his witnesses refused to commit themselves to witness statements which were supposed to be the foundation of this case.
And so no statements were presented to Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin in time for the first hearing today.
As a result, Chang's attorney, Michael Young, indicated that they would be forced to withdraw the petition, but the steps needed to do that were not taken. As a result, the lack of evidence was dealt with in court today.
Fonseca's attorneys, Eamon Courtenay and Godfrey Smith, filed 2 applications to have the court strike out the petition.
Young then asked the court to grant Chang more time to prepare his evidence, but Chief Justice Benjamin indicated that he cannot grant this extension because the law doesn't provide for it.
It was an abrupt end to this petition, so we spoke to both sides outside of court about what led to its failure
GION BERNARD CHARGED AGAIN
Exactly 5 weeks ago, 7News told you about 27 year-old Gion Bernard who was charged with attempted murder for the April 24 shooting of Jermaine "Horse" Garnett. Well, now, he's been charged in connection with another shooting incident.
Codrington Bodden, who was shot in the face just up the street from where Garnett was attacked, only one day earlier. Bodden finally made his report on last week Friday.
As a result, they charged Bernard with attempted murder, wounding, and use of deadly means of harm.
According to the reports to our newsroom, Bodden was shot due a personality in the area who was involved in an illicit transaction.
You may recall that Bodden was the man who was shot at ten on the morning of April 23rd - just as the Minister of National security was starting a press conference on anti-crime measures.
ATM CAVE CLOSED TOURIST DROPPED CAMERA ON ANCIENT SKULL
The Actun Tunichil Muknal cave or ATM - for short, may be the most prized and treasured Mayan site in Belize - and that's because of the spectacular skeletal remains of 15 individuals that can be found there.
They are estimated to be over a thousand years old - and the most precious is the so called Crystal Maiden, the skeletal remains of a young woman.
Not far from Belmopan, it is a popular tourist destination, but a couple weeks ago, during one of the regular tours, one of the tourists got a little careless around one of the skeletons. He dropped his camera, fracturing one of the thousand year old skulls.
No, it wasn't on the famous crystal maiden - but it is still a very serious issue, and today we spoke to Director of the Institute of Archaeology Jaime Awe who told us how serious it is, and how they plan to prevent this from happening again.
BRIAN BROWN TURNS HIMSELF INTO POLICE
Last week - the GSU conducted a 12 hour search on Brian Brown's home in the Faber's Road area. Brown is considered a kingpin in the GSG - the gang called George Street Gaza.
They found an assortment of items, from bulletproof vests, to high grade marijuana called Purple Haze, to crack cocaine and cash.
They found all those items - but they did not find Brian Brown - who was not at home - and at large.
That's where he has been for the past week - until he turned himself into police today.
He is in police custody tonight, after he handed himself in this afternoon.
Brown handed himself to CIB at around 1:30 p.m. today in the presence of his attorney, Dickie Bradley.
Bradley told court reporters earlier this morning that he was making arrangements for Brown to turn himself in.
Bradley, who was in court, received a call from with the Brown's location, and he immediately moved to pick up Brown.
At around 12 this afternoon, a black vehicle arrived at the court, and Brown then moved to Bradley's vehicle, and in the presence of his attorney, they drove to CIB where he officially handed himself in.
CHILD WITH EXTRA KIDNEY GOES FOR CORRECTIVE SURGERY
A 12 year old boy is on his way to the United States to receive surgery to correct a rare condition: he was born with an extra kidney.
Glenford Cadle Jr., a standard 5 student from San Pedro Town, was born with three kidneys. He was diagnosed a couple months ago, and with the help of the World Pediatric Project, he may be able to live a normal life. Robin Schaffer has the story.
Robin Schaffer Reporting
12 year old Glenford Cadle Jr. may look excited as would any other 10 year old headed for the states.
Robin Schaffer
"Have you been to the States before?"
Glenford Cadle Jr. - 12 Year-old Born with 3 Kidneys
"No."
Robin Schaffer
"So, are you excited to be going?"
Glenford Cadle Jr.
"Yes, ma'am."
Robin Schaffer
"What are some of the things that you want your parents to do for you when you get there? Where do you want them to take you?"
Glenford Cadle
"A lot of places."
WOMAN CAUGHT WITH 36 POUNDS OF WEED
33 year-old Teresita Flores is at prison tonight after she was busted with over 16 Kilos - that's over 36 pounds(!) of marijuana this morning.
According to police, at around 8:35, they searched at Flores' residence at #7031 Pelican Street extension.
Inside a clothing barrel in her room, they found 16.7 kilos of marijuana packaged off in various plastic bags and a multi-coloured "Winnie the Pooh" handbag.
While that may explain why Pooh Bear is always hungry, forgetful and lethargic, Flores had her own explanation: she told Senior Magistrate Sharon Frazer that she didn't know what was in the barrel. She also said that she was doing a favor to a friend.
With that she pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Senior Magistrate Frazer did not accept this as a good enough reason to grant her bail, and as a result, she remanded Flores to prison until June 22.
WESTERN KILLING CONFIRMED
Police have provided details on the murder we told you about last night, the one at the remote western reaches of the Cayo district.
The body of 40 year old Guatemalan Enecon Moralez was found yesterday afternoon about one and a half miles North of Xunantunich and about 200 yards from the Belize-Guatemala border.
His father told police that Moralez went to go cut firewood at 8:00 in the morning. When he didn't return, checks were made and they found him dead from a gunshot to the head.
Though Moralez was encroaching in Belizean territory, the area he was in is closer to a settled community in Guatemala. Belize police found out about the murder from their Guatemalan counterparts and had to access the crime scene through Melchor.
Still, the homicide happened in Belize and the post mortem will be conducted in Belize.
52 CARDIO CATH PROCEDURES IN 7 MONTHS
In October of last year, the KHMH instituted a Cardio-Cath programme in Belize, and in 7 months, this programme has treated an impressive 52 patients.
The procedure - which was not offered in Belize before - costs about 15,000 US dollars in the United States, and about $2000 US dollars in neighboring countries, but under this programme, it costs Belizeans about $750 US dollars; that's $1500 Belize dollars.
Today, the Cardiovascular team led by Dr. Glen Kowalchuk held a press conference to celebrate the milestone, and explain how important this is to the country.
Dr. Francis Gary Longsworth - CEO, KHMH
"We've manage to see, evaluate, and in some cases, manage quite a few patients since the inauguration of the Cath Lab service."
Dr. Chadwick - Cardiac Lab Specialist
"Catheterization really is only half the story. What we're doing really is identifying severe cardiovascular problems which are correctable. And by correcting these problems, individuals who suffer from these problems, will be able to live longer, healthier, and more productive lives. What is done with the cardiac catheterization is that a tube is placed into the artery, through the leg - we're doing the femoral approach - the catheter is advanced to aorta, where the arteries that feed the heart come off, and we inject x-ray dye into the arteries that feed the heart, to visualize any potential blockages, or any particular shunts - holes - that may be there. Not every problem can be corrected, and that's unfortunate, but it does identify a number of cases which are treatable, or it helps to guide our therapy."
Youths Design Virtual City
Today the first annual "My Virtual City" competition was held at the Princess Hotel and Casino. 8 teams from 6 schools designed and built models of futuristic cities, addressing social issues such as poverty, crime, health and pollution.
It was an all-day event, in which the students displayed and presented on their projects. The competition was guided by the theme "Designing our Future! Mobilizing People for Change!" , and it was done using hi tech mapping and planning software.
It was divided into 2 segments - a junior segment and a senior segment- and during the award ceremony that followed, the winners were beaming, and one was so overwhelmed by it all he was even moved to tears.
Max McField - Junior 1st Place Winner, BES
"I am representing all of us, and I just want to say thank you to the GIS, Ms. Catherina, Ms. Loretta, and especially Mr. Andrew, who went to a lot of practices with. We really couldn't do it without him. I really just want to say thank you for all of this for renting the Princess and everything. I really thought we were not going to make it, so we worked really hard. And at the end, when they were giving out some award on best use of GIS, and when we didn't get any, I thought that this wasn't looking good. At the end, I was shocked. It's a major honor, and it feels really good to us to have been going through all this, and then at the end come in at the top."
Chloe Kelly - Junior 1st Place, BES
"It's amazing, and it's worth all that working hard, and staying up. It's very worth it what all we have done."
Robin Schaffer
"So can you describe your project for me?"
Chloe Kelly
"It's an eco-friendly city that has many job opportunities, and has sustainable energy, which uses solar. And if something happens to solar energy, we have a back up, which is windmill power."
Belize Athletes Depart For Regional Games
A contingent of 35 Belizean athletes is tonight on their way to El Salvador where they will be representing Belize in the Annual Central American Junior Competition. The group left the city at 2:30 this afternoon by bus and is expected to arrive in El Salvador tomorrow morning.
7news caught up with them before their departure.
Deon Sutherland - Vice - President, BAAA
"Well, this is one of our mandatory events, the Central American Junior A and Junior B competitions, which we must attend for the year. It ranges from ages 15 to 19. This competition carries to categories: 15 to 17, and 18 and 19. These athletes will be competing in athletics: both the field and the track events. We have a contingent of 35 athletes, and 6 adults: me as the delegate, 3 coaches, and 2 female chaperones."
Monica Bodden
"Now, tell us about preparations for this. How was practice to get ready for this tournament?"
Deon Sutherland
"Well, you know that we don't have the facility. These kids have been working out at the MCC Grounds for the past few months, but what happened is that because the time was short for the BAAA to do an event without having the proper facility and funding, the results of the national secondary school athletic competition, which was held in Dangriga on the 4th and 5th of May, those results, were used to make the selection for the team here today. So, from that result, we have these teams."
The team is expected back in Belize on Monday.
Channel 5
Taylor charged for Matura Murder and Matura cousin charged for child’s murder
The shooting deaths of a twenty-eight year old man followed by the shooting of his eleven year old cousin caused outbursts by family members in front of the Magistrate’s Court this morning. Two men were charged separately for the murders of twenty-eight year old Kaylon Matura and eleven year old Daniel Matura. The first to [...]
School marches for Peace after 11 year old Daniel Matura is murdered
In the vicious cycle of violence, the shocking murder of eleven year old Daniel Matura has numbed the community. This morning a march was organized by his school. The numbers were small but the message was powerful from those who are feeling the pain of the urban warfare. News Five’s Andrea Polanco reports. “We [...]
Guatemalan murdered on Belizean soil
There’s another murder to report. A joint investigation is currently underway into the murder of a Guatemalan national. The body of forty year old Enecon Moralez Chajaj (Chahah) was found a mile and a half northwest of Xunantunich in the Cayo District on Tuesday afternoon. Chajaj, a resident of Melchor, is believed to have been [...]
Main suspect in murder of B.D.F. corporal freed
Donovan Castillo, a B.D.F. corporal, was stabbed to death in Dangriga on Monday morning. His common-law-wife, Marsha Reid, is the main suspect and police indicated on Tuesday that charges would soon be levied. But today, Reid is a free woman, even after she reportedly confessed to the murder. That’s because after being held for forty-eight [...]
Is government clueless on how to solve crime?
Tonight’s question is: Do you think that the government is clueless on how to solve crime? Send your comments and responses using your SMART phones to 8686 or post your vote on our e-poll at channel5belize.com. You can also send an email with your comments to [email protected]
Election Petition against P.U.P. Leader Francis Fonseca fails
The residuals of the March seventh general elections may finally be fading away. The Martin Galvez and Mark King petition died of natural causes and the Elvin Penner petition will be decided on Thursday, but today the election petition filed against P.U.P. Leader and Freetown Area Representative Francis Fonseca was struck out of court. When [...]
Attorney says the witnesses decided to back down in petition case
In a release sent by Francis Fonseca and the PUP Freetown Committee, Fonseca says he welcomes the court’s decision and he is proud to have defended the will, votes, and integrity of the good people of the Freetown Division. But with all the evidence, audio tapes, sworn affidavits of several individuals, what happened to Lee [...]
Brian brown turns himself in to face drug related charges
After a week on the run, George Street don Brian Brown has finally surrendered himself to Belize City police. Brown was wanted following a raid on his walled premises at Jimmy Dyer Street last Wednesday which turned up a significant quantity of drugs, money, drug paraphernalia and a bulletproof vest. Brown, who wasn’t at home [...]
Atlantic Bank and Smart team up to Go-Mobile
Banking in your hands, it’s the slogan for the new mobile banking services being provided by Smart in collaboration with Atlantic Bank. Smart customers already had the option of recharging their accounts using their bank accounts, but with the enhanced service, they will have access to many features offered through Atlantic Bank’s online banking system. [...]
Smart P.R. says service restored in southern communities
While the new service will be convenient, Smart customers in the south experienced difficulties connecting on Saturday and this past Tuesday. According to PR Officer, Ian Courtenay, damaged fiber lines caused long breaks in service in several southern communities. But he told News Five today, that the damage has been repaired and precautionary measures are [...]
Rebecca Stirm continues to sew her way into Catwalk history
Rebecca Stirm has been creating a storm with her designs on Caribbean fashion design reality series, ‘Mission Cat Walk Season Two’. The eighteen year old Belizean won her fourth challenge in episode nine of the show. The remaining seven contestants were tasked to design a gown for a charity gala and a second garment for [...]
K.H.M.H. and Heart Centre show love to patients
There is some good news to report on the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. A year after it opened a cardiac catheterization lab in conjunction with the Carolinas Heart Centre, a record number of patients benefitted from affordable treatment. This morning, specialists from the K.H.M.H. and the Heart Centre proudly announced that the joint mission has [...]
Festival launched with art from seasoned and new artists
Every year the Institute of Creative Arts presents artistic talent and creativity in the National Festival of Arts. The talent of Preschool, Primary and Secondary level students is regularly showcased at the district level, while the best performances are showcased at the National Festival of Arts. Throughout the week, different events will be held in [...]
Kids build their own Virtual City
The winners of My Virtual City competition were announced this morning. Of the twenty-five schools that entered the contest, a northern high school and a city primary school bested the teams. Since last October when it was launched at the GIS Day, the teams began to conceive their model of a futuristic city incorporating national [...]
LOVE FM
Wednesday, May 23 - POLICE NEWS
31-year-old Andrew Willoughby also known as Balls, a labourer of Arlington Drive was charged with the murder of 11-year-old Daniel Matura Jr. when he appeared today in court. No plea was taken because the offence is indictable. Neither could the court offer him bail.&...
KARL HEUSNER MEMORIAL HOSPITAL IMPROVES CARDIAC CARE
Marion Ali reporting… “Cardio-vascular disease is the number one killer in the world, and with this reality, Belize’s only referral hospital, the Karl Heusner Memorial, has sought to elevate cardiac care from the far reaches of the dark ages to an acce...
CDB APPROVES LOAN FOR ROAD IMPROVEMENT
The Caribbean Development Bank has approved a loan of seven point two million US dollars for Belize. According to a statement from the CDB, the purpose of the loan is for a project to reduce deaths and serious injuries associated with road traffic accidents, particularly on the W...
SUPREME COURT JUSTICE RULES AGAINST CITRUS GROWERS ASSOCIATION
The Supreme Court has handed down a ruling in the case of a group of citrus growers versus the Citrus Growers Association. The case dates back to February of 2010, when the group, led by Dwight Montero was excluded from a CGA meeting because they had not paid their membership fees.&nbs...
HOME INVASION IN BELIZE CITY
Marion Ali reporting… “Carlos Perazza, a Cuban national, settled in Belize thirteen years ago and ever since then, has been contributing to society as a merchant. He, along with his wife, son and daughter, have made lived at this house at 101 B Freetown Road for ...
CDB REPORTS POSITIVE ECONOMIC GROWTH FOR BELIZE
Belize is among the countries of the Caribbean that registered stronger than marginal economic growth last year. The assessment comes from the Caribbean Development Bank as its board of directors is holding its annual board of governors meeting in Georgetown, Cayman Islands. Acco...
UDP'S FREETOWN ELECTION PETITION STRUCK OUT IN COURT
Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin has struck out the election petition filed by the UDP candidate for Freetown Division Lee Mark Chang for lack of evidence. Last month Chief Justice Benjamin granted Chang leave to bring an election petition against Opposition leader, Francis Fonseca...
SCHOOL HOLDS PROTEST MARCH
The Muslim community school organized a rally this morning to protest the crime condition in Belize, especially since once again it has taken away the life of a child. Eleven year old Daniel Matura was a student of the school. Principal Lana Ahmad spoke to Love News this mo...
Tuesday, May 22 - POLICE NEWS
Three men who allegedly robbed six persons at Oasis Bar located at mile four and a half on the Western Highway were charged with six counts of robbery when they appeared in court today. They are 46-year-old Hugh Espat, 26-year-old Kenroy Gillett and 20-year-old Elmer Linares.&nbs...
POLICE COMMISSIONER ORDERS FOR A CRIMINAL AND INTERNAL INVESTIGATION INTO SHOOTING INCIDENT
The Commissioner of Police has ordered a criminal and internal investigation after a man was shot, allegedly by police. The victim has been identified as Lawrence Bernardez, who is reported to be hospitalized at the Karl Heusner Memorial in a critical but stable condition. ...
DOMESTIC DISPUTE LEAVES SOLDIER DEAD
Charges are expected soon in connection with the murder of a Belize Defence Force soldier in Dangriga. Corporal Donovan Castillo was killed inside his home in the new site area of Dangriga on Monday morning. Police Press Officer Inspector Fitzroy Yearwood gave reporters the...
MUSLIM SCHOOL HOLDS ANTI VIOLENCE MARCH
The death of eleven year old Daniel Matura has shocked not only his relatives his immediate community but it has also taken a toll at the Muslim Community School on Central American Boulevard where he was a STD III Student. As a result, the Muslim Community School is organizing a...
POLICE DEPARTMENT HOLDS PRESS BRIEFING ON RECENT MURDER OF MINOR
Police today held a press briefing to give an update on the Monday morning murder of eleven year old Daniel Matura, Junior. The head of Eastern Division Assistant Commissioner of Police Elodio Aragon read from a prepared statement and started by offering condolences to the family...
CTV3
Armando Gomez Wins Outstanding Leader Of The Year Award
On Friday we shined the limelight on Elizabeth Vellos, a Special Ed teacher at Saint’s Peter Anglican School who won this year’s Outstanding Teacher Award in the Special Ed category. Vellos, undoubtedly made her school and the entire Orange Walk Community proud, and so did Armando Gomez- the manager of Orange Walk ITVET. Gomez won the first ever Outstanding Leader of the Year Award in the post secondary school category. Gomez has been teaching since 1985, but he didn’t always want to be a teacher. In fact his aspiration was to become a bean architect.
Armando Gomez, Outstanding Leader of the Year, Winner
“To be sincere with you I never envisioned being a teacher in my life as a matter of fact I wanted to be an architect when I was a young person coming out of high school but at the time I did not have enough opportunities to go to further education so I did go to get my associates degree in building and civil engineering but after that I did not get any other breaks. After that I ended up in the classroom because at that time if you did not have a job you had to find one so I ended up in the classroom and just to find out that I loved teaching and that is what started my educational career and here I am now. I am not satisfied and my faculty and staff, my dream team knows that Mr. Gomez is a very greedy individual, I always tell them I am very greedy and I always want more and they know that so if I would say that I am satisfied right now I would be lying to you because that is not true. I know there are many more accomplishments to get, many more challenges to overcome and I know that together with my team and with the support of the good Lord and the Ministry of Education that support us tremendously I know that with all of us together working as a team we will accomplish much, much more successful stories for our institution.”
Lee Mark Chang Withdraws Election Petition Against Francis Fonseca
On April 4th of this year Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin granted leave for UDP's Lee Mark Chang to bring an election petition against PUP's Party Leader and Representative for Freetown, Francis Fonseca. But news tonight is that Attorneys for failed U.D.P Freetown Candidate Lee Mark Chang have filed a motion in the Supreme Court to withdraw the petition they have filed to challenge the results of the Freetown election. Reports are that the motion states that there is no evidence to present to the court and therefore the case must be withdrawn.
Viewers might recall that on April 4th Chief Justice Benjamin handed down his ruling after Chang’s attorney Michael Young read affidavits from seven individuals who said they accepted bribes from one Albert Vaughn to vote for Fonseca in the Freetown Division. Of note is that none of the sworn statements accused Fonseca of being involved in erroneous acts. In his defense Fonseca’s attorney Said Musa made mention that at least one of the affidavits was inconsistent. After hearing arguments from both sides Chief Justice Kenneth granted leave for the complainant to bring the election petition against Francis Fonseca. Fonseca, Vaughn and Bodden, were represented by attorneys Said Musa, Godfrey Smith, and Anthony Sylvester.
LEAP Doctors Perform 40 Surgeries In Two Days
Over the weekend 21 doctors from “Life Enhancement Association for People” (LEAP) and members of Rotary Club Orange Walk joined hands for the annual LEAP mission at the Northern Regional Hospital. Over the course of two days doctors saw patients from across the country suffering from facial deformities. According to John Avila, President of Rotary Orange Walk, over forty surgeries were performed by doctors.
John Avila, President Rotary Belize
“What LEAP is, is a group of doctors and nurse, technician that come every year to the Orange Northern Regional Hospital to attend to people that suffer from facial deformities. For example they have cleft lips, cleft palates, a missing ear by accident or otherwise. They come and do surgeries on these to get the people with these deformities to live a better life. They performed about 40 surgeries in total. On Friday they screened about 150 people. Anybody that needed the surgery got the surgery. Of course the LEAP team tried to focus mostly on children or tried to perform these surgeries on children first and then the adults got the available slots.”
The team will be back at the Northern Regional Hospital on June 8th.
Councillor Ladrick Sheppard Kicks Off Softball Competition
Over the past few years softball matches in Orange Walk Town have become dormant and the sport itself has become almost non-existent, that is, until now. Sports enthusiast Jimmy Smith, with the assistance of councilor in charge of sports and youth, Ladrick Sheppard designed a female softball competition that will span 14 games. The competition kicked off yesterday with the participation of 8 teams. Here is how it went.
Hipolito Novelo Reporting
The opening games were held yesterday at the People’s Stadium and saw the participation of 8 teams. The tournament officially got underway with the first pitch thrown by Ema Flowers, a pioneer of the sporting event here in Orange Walk.
Here in Orange Walk the sport of softball has been dormant. For sports enthusiast Jimmy Smith and Councilor Ladrick Sheppard that was a problem and so they got down to business and organized a female baseball competition.
Ladrick Sheppard, Councillor in charge of Youths and Sports
“The sports has been abandoned for a load of time and seeing the amount of people that was out there it shows that it was a long awaited opportunity for the girls to go outside and prove themselves to bring back the sports which they love that much. Knowing that from now they can consider softball is basically back again.”
LICU Holds 63rd AGM
The La Inmaculada Credit Union Ltd has come a long way since it first opened its doors in 1949 and has become one of the notable cooperative financial institutions in Belize. On Saturday 19th the LICU held its 63rd annual general meeting at the Multi Purpose Complex here in Orange Walk to inform members where it stands in assets, membership, and finance. During the meeting, LICU also empowered its members by providing them with reports on the different sectors that make up the institution.
Janine Ayuso- Reporting:
This past Saturday La Inmaculada Credit Union hosted its 63rd Annual General Meeting which saw the participation of hundreds of its members who made an appearance in observance of the management and growth of the credit union. As seats were filled and members listened with opened ears the meeting was brought to order with the confirmation of last years minutes and reports.
The credit union, also known as the poor mans bank, is owned by its members who voiced out their concerns vis-à-vis the institutions operations on Sunday.
Next on the agenda was the board of director’s report, credit committee, and treasurer’s and Supervisory committee report.
Yolanda Gomez, General Manager LICU
“The members the people who use the credit union services are owners so we have an obligation to report back to them what activities we conduct throughout the year how there money is being invested how it is being spent and what returns back to them.”
Save definitely increase your savings definitely borrow because that is how we generate our profit we generate revenue and most importantly please repay your loans. If you don’t repay your loan it is an added cost to the institution and that also reduces the dividends.”
LICU Prepares In The Event of A Social Crisis
La Inmaculada Credit Union Ltd prides itself with customer satisfaction. Among the list of improvements for the year 2011/2012 LICU is taking the next step in creating a more structured institution with a statutory reserve. According to General Manager Yolanda Gomez, the fund will be used as a safeguard in the event of any social crisis.
Yolanda Gomez, General Manager LICU
“There is something by law within the Credit Union Act that refers to the Statutory Reserve. What the Statutory Reserve is basically a fund that we have to have that we need to build up. We need to have to have a certain amount of money in there which is a 10% of the assets. So the worth of this business is 33 million then we have to have 10% of that which is 3 million and 3 hundred thousand. What the Statutory Reserve is, it is a fund that is used as a cushion in the event we face any kind of challenges. For example, we are all aware that we are going through an economic crisis, this is global. Even the European Union is feeling the effects of this. Fortunately for us La Inmaculada Credit Union is doing excellent. We have still been able to maintain our double digit increases. We grew profits by 11%, savings by 18% and loans by 18% and assets by 19%. However, if this economic challenge continues and it does affects us or besides being an economic challenge let us consider the natural disasters. We are coming into the hurricane season. If a major hurricane should hit us and we depend quite a lot on farming and this would wipe out many crops- the cane fields and the papaya- and all the other crops. We will suffer a great loss, our members will suffer a great lost. Now this is where this reserve funds serves as a cushion whereby we can then continue to sustain ourselves. So, this is the purpose of this fund.”
Gang Related Violence Claims the Life of 11 Year Old In Belize City
Gang related violence and murders in Belize City have undeniably caused a panic across the old capital. But so far the government has been more reactive than proactive. On Monday May 21st the ongoing uncontrollable gang warfare reached its climax as it saw the death of an 11 year old student.
Brandon Taylor and Roy Bennett were riding on separate bicycles on Central American Boulevard in Belize City heading towards the direction of Faber’s Road onto Penn Road when upon passing in front the Matura’s residence one Andre Willoughby, who was inside the Matura’s yard, came out, pulled out a gun and fired several shots at both men. Both Taylor and Bennett escaped unhurt. But the same cannot be said for 11 year old Daniel Matura who in the click of a second became the victim of a dreadful circumstance. Reports are that the 11 year old student was passing by in front of the group of men on Central American Boulevard when the shots rang out. Matura was shot to the left side of the chest, right side of the back and the left ring finger. Matura ran away but seconds after collapsed on Central American Boulevard.
Belize City Police has conceded that this particular murder is linked to the ongoing gang rivalry. Police believe that the shots were not intended for Matura but for Taylor and Bennett in retaliation of the murder of 28 year old Kaylon Matura last week Wednesday. Police believe that the person who shot Matura was a member of his family.
LOVE TV
School plans march for peace
The death of eleven year old Daniel Matura has shocked not only his relatives and his immediate community but it has also taken a toll at the Muslim Community School on Central American Boulevard where he was a STD III Student. As a result, the Muslim Community School is organizing a march tomorrow, which is a form of protest for the violence that prevails in our streets. Lana Ahmad is the principal of Muslim Community School.
Ahmad told Love News that many of the students are traumatized because they live in the area of the incident and the saw Matura’s body, she told us just how the school is helping students to cope with the tragedy.
And just who is the march calling to? Ahmad explains.
Ahmad told us a little bit more about eleven year old Daniel Matura who seemed to be a positive light, undeserving of this tragedy.
Letters have been sent out to join the March, but Ahmad says that this is everyone’s problem, so any and everyone is invited to come and march for peace tomorrow at 9:00 am.
Policeman charged in theft of government vehicle
Three men, one of them a police constable, have been charged with theft and handling stolen goods for a Government owned 2009 Toyota Hilux valued at $44,500.00 that was stolen from the Ministry of Health Central Region compound on May 8. They are 24-year-old Herwin Godoy, an attendant at KHMH, 23-year-old Police Constable Marvin Wade, and his brother 32-year-old office assistant Jason Wade. They were arraigned today in Magistrate’s Court. They pleaded not guilty to the charges. The prosecutor objected to bail on the grounds that the offences have become prevalent, that the matter is of public interest and it has received a lot of attention and that the investigation is still ongoing and if granted bail the defendants might interfere with witnesses. Attorney Brian Neal who represented the Wade brothers, made submission on their behalf but Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser upheld the objection and she remanded the defendants into custody until Tuesday, May 29. The police reported that they recovered the Toyota Hilux in Biscayne Village on Saturday, May 19. The Wade brothers were reportedly detained during a sting operation in Biscayne.
AmbergrisCaye.com 
