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The San Pedro Sun
World No Tobacco Day 2012 Awareness Campaign
Today the Ministry of Health and the National Drug Abuse Control Council (NDACC) in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO) celebrates World No Tobacco Day. Although the day is recognized every year on May 31st, the Ministry will be conducting an awareness campaign today and tomorrow, June 1st at various health centers across the country.
This year the theme is "Tobacco Industry Interference." According to Mr. Amelio Matura, Acting Director, NDACC, the campaign will focus on the Ministry's present campaign, activities and statistics in relation to tobacco use and other harmful drug use. WHO explains that "the campaign focus is on the need to expose the tobacco industry's brazen and increasingly aggressive attempts to undermine the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control because of the serious danger they pose to public health."
The NDACC will have display booths today at various health centers across the country including Punta Gorda, Dangriga, Orange Walk Town and Corozal Town. San Pedro will have a World No Tobacco Awareness Walk later this evening. Tomorrow, June 1st, Caye Caulker village will have a short ceremony and health fair at the Central Park.
Message on World No Tobacco Day from UN Secretary General
This year's World No Tobacco Day comes at a time when the tobacco industry is taking ever more aggressive steps to undermine efforts to reduce the global menace of tobacco. While governments and the international health community try to implement effective measures to contain tobacco use and protect the health of people, their efforts are being aggressively opposed by an industry whose products kill people.
Tobacco kills by causing cancer, heart disease and respiratory diseases. It is one of the leading preventable risk factors for non-communicable diseases. Every year, about 5 million people die because they use tobacco. Another 600,000 people die from exposure to second-hand smoke.
Tobacco takes a pervasive, heavy toll. It hinders development and worsens poverty.
Caribbean Nutrition Day 2012
The Ministry of Health joins all countries of the Caribbean in the celebration of Caribbean Nutrition Day 2012. This year the focus is on 'Wellness in the Workplace', hence the theme, 'Healthy Eating and Active Living: Create an Enabling School/Work/Community Environment.'
The Ministry encourages all organizations to take steps to establish and promote a healthy workplace. Simple activities for the workplace can include organizing wellness committees to highlight and promote healthy lifestyles, having a daily challenge to increase the consumption of vegetables or fruits, conducting health assessments or presentations, and providing healthy snacks for the staff members. Studies have shown that Belizeans are not consuming enough vegetables and fruits which are known to provide many nutrients including vitamins and minerals; they also improve the body's overall state of wellness.
Update on Mrs. Kim Simplis-Barrow's condition
Mrs. Barrow remains in the Intensive Care Unit at a Miami hospital receiving treatment for complications with her heart and fluid in her lungs. She is showing signs of improvement and is strengthening. It is expected that Mrs. Barrow will be transferred from the Intensive Care Unit to a regular hospital room in the next couple days. Prime Minister Dean Barrow remains by her side in Miami and is scheduled to return to Belize over the weekend.
The Prime Minister and his wife thank everyone for the continued prayers and support.
Photos: San Pedro Leo's Club chartered with 20 members
A special ceremony was held at the San Pedro Lions Den for the charter of a San Pedro Leo Club and the installation of its Charter members. The event took place on Saturday May 26th and had in attendance members of the sponsoring San Pedro Lions Club as well as special guests from the Belize City Lions Club. The official charting ceremony and installation of Charter members was conducted by the Belize Lions Zone 59 Chairman Dr. Glenn Espadas. Speaking at the event Dr. Espadas explained the importance of the ceremony. He then conducted the Chartering and Installation of the membership as well as the Installation of the first board of the Leo's Club. During the ceremony he presented the Leo's Club with a Certificate of Organization which should be displayed permanently at their meeting place. "We must support and guide them and we must love them. The relationship of both clubs is that of a friendship. We want the best for them and we will respectfully work along with them in service on an equal basis," said Dr. Espadas. He went on to say that "Leo, you bring a fresh energy to our every endeavor. You all refresh our service mission and we hope that you will grow into becoming Lions."
New Horizon SDA School hoping for support to build more classrooms
Last March, The San Pedro Sun reported on the help and assistance given to the New Horizon 7th Day Adventist School by volunteer students and teachers from the Arlington 7th Day Adventist Church in Dallas, Texas, USA. In addition to offering counseling and free ear clinics for children of the school and community, one of the major tasks the volunteers did to benefit the school was to help renovate one of the few classrooms that the school has to accommodate its 320 students. The support could not have been more welcomed because the classroom that the volunteers helped to renovate and reinforce was close to collapsing on top of its weak and rotting foundation. The students worked together and practically rebuilt the entire ground floor of the classroom to ensure that it is now safe to be used for the students. Principal of New Horizon, Mr. Miguel Hernandez is ever so grateful for the help that the students gave to the school, however he also wants to let people know that there is more needed to help the school accommodate the growing number of students and he is hoping that the Ministry of Education can step in and continue the assistance needed to improve the conditions at the school.
Kylie Alamilla wins NEMO Quiz Contest during NEMO week
Under the theme "Preserving Life and Property", a quiz contest was held at the San Pedro Lion's Den on Tuesday May 29th at 10AM and Kylie Alamilla of the Standard 4 class at San Pedro Roman Catholic School (SPRCS) dominated the competition. Schools from both Caye Caulker and San Pedro were invited to participate, but due to unforeseen circumstances, Holy Cross and New Horizon SDA had to drop out of competition. In the end, Albert Gordon and Guillermo Nu�ez of Isla Bonita Elementary and Kylie Alamilla of SPRCS battled it out at the Lion's Den.
Festival of Arts in San Pedro
The District Education Office of the Belize Rural South under the direction of the Ministry of Education held its annual Festival of Arts on Thursday May 24th. The festival is held yearly encouraging, "art is expression, art is education; let's keep it alive". The festival was hosted at the Angel Nu�ez Auditorium at the San Pedro High School Grounds and saw the participation of seven education institutions on the island.
The participating institutions were; San Pedro Roman Catholic School (SPRCS), San Pedro Dance Academy (SPDA), Isla Bonita Elementary School (IBES), Ambergris Caye Elementary School (ACES), Holy Cross Anglican School (HCAS), Saint Peter's Elementary School (SPES) and New Horizon SDA School (NHSDA).
Ambergris Today
Not Guilty - Men Free of San Pedro Double Murder Charges
Four men, Brionne Swift, Victor Garnett, Frank Edwards, and Gabriel Salazar became free men after they were acquitted before Justice Herbert Lord of the June 2009 double murder of James Swan and Edward "Bro Lee" Gutierrez.
The death of Swan, Gutierrez and Saldivar made headline news in all media house when their bodies were found about 20 miles North of San Pedro Town in January of 2009. It was believed that the gruesome murders were all drug related.
Update on Mrs. Kim Simplis Barrow Recovering in Miami Hospital
Mrs. Barrow remains in the Intensive Care Unit at a Miami hospital receiving treatment for complications with her heart and fluid in her lungs.
She is showing signs of improvement and is strengthening and it is expected that Mrs. Barrow will be transferred from the Intensive Care Unit to a regular hospital room in the next couple days. Prime Minister Dean Barrow remains by her side in Miami and is scheduled to return to Belize over the weekend.
Early Rainy Season Drenches San Pedro
For about two weeks now we have been getting a lot of rain and the onset of an early rainy season has put a toll in some of the streets on the island. We have even experienced some storms with winds up to tropical storm conditions; it has been a rough couple of weeks. Ambergris Today took a ride around the island to see how bad the street conditions were and was quite surprised to see that they aren't as bad as other times. Now we are not saying that the roads are beautiful and don't have pot holes or mud but let's be realistic we live on an island and when it rains the sand will turn into mud!
Misc Belizean Sources
Belize Wildlife Referral Clinic Opens
The Belize Wildlife Referral Clinic is open, and while there's still work to do, they are saving animals most every day. The Xray machine they purchased with the Heska grant is working well. They have bumber stickers and water bottles for fundraising. Best of luck, BWCN!
"The BWCN is fully functional. They have a nice clinic in Central Farm, and are already doing surgeries almost every day. Beautiful location."
National Festival of Arts Opening Pictures
The NFoA is in full swing, and Cayo is there in numbers. Here are some pictures.
"Art is everywhere. We all have creativity inside us it's just a matter of finding it.
CAYO represented very well at the National Festival of Arts 2012."
Slow Cooker Rice & Beans
Rice and Beans is one of Belize's staple dishes. Many have trouble making this dish because they don't know the correct temperature or liquid to solid ratio. In this video, I teach how to make this dish in the slow cooker or Crockpot from start to finish. This recipe is so simple, even a child can make it.
Belize Mega Bingo Results For (30 May, 2012)
Lucky Two 5.00 Each (5 Balls)
30 �38 �33 �61 �14�
Lucky Three 25.00 Each (5 Balls) 30 �38 �33 �61 �14�
Straight Line 100.00 Each (10 Balls)
30 �38 �33 �61 �14 �56 �51 �50 �34 �31�
Four Corners 50.00 Each (16 Balls)
30 �38 �33 �61 �14 �56 �51 �50 �34 �31 �66 �36 �46 �44 �65 �15�
Arrow 300.00 Each (21 Balls)
30 �38 �33 �61 �14 �56 �51 �50 �34 �31 �66 �36 �46 �44 �65 �15 �75 �47 �52 �71 �3� ...
The Top 5 Computer Stores in Belize
Our government and our people are trying the best to keep up with technology and that is something worth celebrating. They have come up with ingenious ways of keeping up with technology but one member remains at the top of my admiration list -- the computer stores. I am not sure what their profits are but let me tell you that they are the number one cause for our country being at least three quarter way down the food chain -- with countries like the USA and Japan ruling the technology kingdom of course.
We must thank those wise businessmen that took the heavy risks when opening these type of businesses here in Belize. If it isn't for them how can the other organizations in Belize be able to survive? So in order to show my appreciation I have come up with a list of the Top 5 Computer Stores in Belize.
Keep in mind that this list is in no specific order. If you have any other stores that you think belong here kindly add them under the comments section.
1. Fultec Systems:
Tel#: 223-3226
Email: [email protected]
2. GS-COM:
Tel#: 223-5128
Email: [email protected]
3. PC.COM:
Tel#: 822-1504
Email: [email protected]
4. Pross Computers:
Tel#: 822-0656
Email: [email protected]
5. SigerTronic Systems:
Tel#: 223-3600
Email: [email protected]
The Top Most Romantic Places in Belize
Am I an expert in romantic weddings or honeymoon getaways? Nope. Matter of fact, I have never been married. But that doesn't inhibit me from seeing how magical Belize is for romance.
The advantage I have is that I have been all over Belize and have worked in the tourism industry for years. I have seen couples on vacation glowing with affection for each and openly expressing how fortunate they were to travel to Belize. Here are six places I recommend for a unforgettable romantic vacation. Victoria House, Roberts Grove Beach Resort, The Lodge at Chaa Creek, Matachica Beach Resort, Hamanasi Resort, Cayo Espanto
Barrier Reef Sports Bar Fri. afternoon Jam sessions
Everyone is invited to the Barrier Reef Sports Bar Fri. afternoon Jam sessions. They run from 3 to 6PM every Fri. rain or shine. Last boat back to San Pedro is 6:15PM from right in front of the bar. We have had amazing musicians from Cuba, Canada, Argentina, France, Sweden and the states.... at that is just in the past 30 days! Come join the fun. Play, sing, dance or just listen with an ice cold beverage. We supply instruments including drum set, bass, guitars and keyboard or bring your own instrument. See you there.
Benny's Kitchen has a new website
Benny's Kitchen has a new website, and the Cayo Scoop scooped it! Kevin Rosado did a great job on their new, free website. They have their Trip Advisor link there, so review them if you've been there. Check out their site on the Best of Cayo.
Baby Toucan at Lower Dover Lodge
Lower Dover Jungle Lodge has a toucan nest in a Bullet Tree with a baby toucan in it. How awesome is that? That cute little bird is going to be world famous. Hope it doesn't go to his beak.
"We were never able to confirm baby birds in the nest, until today, one year later, in the exact same Bullet tree! There is a saying around here on the most copied blog in Belize� 'No bird pic no bird proof.' These are the pictures of the baby bird sticking its head out of the nest taken this morning. This was easily one of the most memorable bird sightings and all around nature experiences ever witnessed at Lower Dover."
Education Week Celebrated at the SIPL
The San Ignacio Public Library celebrated Education Week in May. They visited St. Francis Xavier primary school, and also hosted students from local schools.
National Festival of Arts Cayo Highlights
The NFoA is getting some really amazing talent. Here are some pictures from Cayo's and Corozal's displays of talent. Thanks to the Institute of Creative Arts for making this all happen.
Channel 7
MAN SET ON FIRE BY NEIGHBOUR DIES
57 year old burn victim Joseph Usher has succumbed to his injuries at the KHMH sometime this morning. Over the past couple weeks Usher was fighting for his life in the intensive care unit at the KHMH - after he was allegedly doused with fuel and then lit on fire by his neighbor. The incident happened on May 13 in his yard at the corner of Antelope Street and Central American Boulevard. Usher was walking through another neighbor's yard to enter his own when he was set on fire. He received severe burns to his head, back, chest, and both arms. Today his family still doesn't know why someone would want to set their loved one on fire. And what makes it even worse is that Usher's family strongly believes that the hospital is partly responsible for his death. They told us more today:..
Josephine Usher, Daughter of the deceased
"I received a call from one of the nurse from the hospital about after 2pm. The nurse told me to come in early because changes have been made with my father. So I called my sister and my aunt and we all went to the hospital, when we reach there the doctor told us that he had passed. They didn't want to tell us over the phone."
"I am upset because three weeks ago when my dad was in the hospital we went there and we were told that we cannot see him due to the nature of his burnt. We were allowed to stay a short distance from the door and watch me from there on his bed."
PRIME MINISTERS WIFE IN INTENSIVE CARE
Tonight, Kim Barrow remains in the intensive care unit at a Miami hospital as doctors try to stabilise her heart - which, according to a report in today's Guardian, had lost over 80% of its function.
But the news tonight is that after a few days of being in critical condition, she is improving and gathering strength. According to an official press release, that Mrs. Barrow will be transferred from the Intensive Care Unit to a regular hospital room in the next couple days. That official release was sent out this morning to dispel a widely disseminated text message saying she had died.
But, according to all accounts, it had been touch and go since Sunday when she had to be rushed to the emergency room. That was because she had developed fluid in her lungs which was complicated by an irregular heartbeat.
The Guardian reports that her heart muscle was weakened by the radiation treatments she has been receiving and so, those are now being suspended for six months. That's how long it will take for her heart to fully recover.
The Prime Minister and their daughter are with her in Miami tonight and he is scheduled to return to Belize over the weekend.
MAN SHOT IN PITCH BLACK OF BLACKOUT
A man was shot last night in Belize City - in the middle of a city-wide blackout.
According to reports it happened in the Collet Area - in a street near the Cemetery. Around 11:22, in the pitch black of a blackout night, a gunman fired a shot into the dark which caught 52 year old Domingo Teul in his hands. He was taken to the KHMH and is in a stable condition.
By all appearances, the gunman did not target Teul; they just fired idly into the dark.
BEL SAYS STRONG WINDS CAUSED BLACKOUT
And if you are wondering what caused the very inconvenient three hours blackout late last night, BEL says strong winds caused a piece of equipment to make contact with energized lines at the Magazine Road Substation in Belize City - causing a blackout at 9:51. Linesmen had to work in the rain to fix it, and power was restored to Belize City at 12:31 a.m. today.
At 11:49 p.m. another interruption on the system triggered an outage in the area from Mile 8 to Mile 35 along the Northern Highway including all villages along the Old Northern Highway. That was repaired by 2:15 a.m.
MAN FOUND GUILTY OF KILLING FIDOS SECURITY GUARD
27 year-old Shandoy Jeffords was convicted of manslaughter and burglary today for the gruesome July 2005 killing of Antonio Almendarez, the 50 year-old security guard who was posted at Fido's Restaurant and bar.
Police believed that Almendarez's assailants went to the club to burglarize the place, but they had to kill the security in order for them to escape with more than $18,000 dollars.
In December 2008, Jeffords was slated to be the crown's main witness against his alleged accomplices, Bernard "Dragon" Williams, Austin "Colombia" Mungia, and Luis Lalin, but in November 2008, these men were acquitted of murder because Jeffords refused to show up to testify.
Several weeks later, he was arrested and charged with manslaughter. The prosecution in this case, represented by Crown Counsel Shamilla Williams, was able to get Jeffords' signed confession statement admitted as the only solid piece evidence against him.
In this statement, Jeffords allegedly told the investigating officer that on July 25, 2005, a man he knew as "Dragon" asked him to accompany him on a "move". Jeffords said that he went reluctantly, and at the closing of the club, they ambushed the security guard. Jeffords said they then used to security guard's handcuffs to restrain him, but he was making too much noise, so "Dragon" pulled a crowbar which he used to club the security guard 4 times in the head. They also put duct-tape on his hands, feet and mouth. Jeffords said that he got scared, and that's when he left because "Dragon" was considering if he should slit the guard's throat or not. Jeffords then met back up with "Dragon" later, and they left, but he did not know that the guard's throat was cut.
BDF DEPUTY COMMANDER WAS DISMISSED
Not much has been heard since last year October, when 42 guns were stolen from the BDF Price Barracks Compound. But, quietly on December the 23rd., Deputy Commander of the BDF, Colonel (Cornel) Javier Castellanos was summarily discharged from the BDF. No press release was issued, no public announcement made, in fact Castellanos himself says he was never told why he was discharged or given a chance to defend himself.
The Security Services Commission cited a Court of Inquiry which found him in gross dereliction of duty based on an "investigation".
That investigation found that Castellanos was in charge of camp security and tasking field officers on security checks. The allegation is that Castellanos assigned security arrangements to a junior officer who ignored the order - and thus no one was watching the armoury when the guns went missing.
Well now, Castellanos is appealing his dismissal to the Belize Advisory Council. His attorney Godfrey Smith says that he was dismissed without any specific charge or any allegation of wrongdoing being brought against him, without giving him a chance to rebut any allegation against him and without being given any real reason for his discharge.
BGYEAH SAYS LAND PLANS MOVING APACE
It's been a while since we've heard from BGYEA, the Belize Grassroots Youth Empowerment Association. Well, today President Nigel Petillo gave us an update. He says things at Harmonyville are moving along at a crisp pace, and on Saturday members are being asked to show up at the lands department in Belmopan to get their land papers, signed sealed and delivered.
There are a total of one thousand and forty one acre plots - about 300 of the landowners have received their lease documents and will get their purchase price letters shortly. Another 300 have signed their documents and are awaiting their lease papers while the final third is being asked to come out on Saturday, because if not the train will move on without them. Petillo explained:...
Nigel Petillo, President of BGYEA
"So far about 1/3 of the population at Harmonyville has already receive their lease document in their hand. They have a lease paper that say that piece of one acre is in your name. We are going to the next step to ensure that we get title so that no individual, no foreigner, no government and nobody that come in can take that land from you."
OLD CEO HEADS NEW PORT BOARD
Lindsey Garbutt moved on from the Ministry of Tourism right after the elections, and now he's taken over the chairmanship of the Port Authority.
The new Board convened its first meeting today at the Cancer Center on Mercy Lane this morning. Present was the CEO in the Ministry of Transport Dwight Tillett.
Another interesting appointment in the Ministry of Transport is on the Transport Baord, where former Social Security CEO Merlene Bailey Martinez has been named the Chairperson.
A SYMPOSIUM FOR CANCER CARE PROVIDERS
Over a hundred healthcare professionals attended a Cancer Symposium that was held in Belize City today. The symposium is a collaboration between the Belize Cancer Society, the Belize Cancer Center Treatment in Dangriga, the Medical and Dental Association and the Ministry of Health. Its main focus today was to promote cancer awareness and preventative measures, lifestyle issues and environmental factors. 7news spoke with President, Belize Cancer Society, Laura Longsworth.
Laura Longsworth, President, Belize Cancer Society
"It's really important because we have a number of our patients, our community members who either receive treatment locally or receive treatment abroad. So we brought our health professionals together with support of our international partners and key persons to really present this state of the art management of cancer."
"The overall objective is really making sure that our health professionals understand that this is a partnership and we want to build a partnership to promote cancer awareness and preventative measures that must be taken, lifestyles issues and other environmental practice that must be address as well as understanding how to manage our patients receiving treatment for cancer."
NOT QUITE RECORD RAINFALL IN MAY
Traditionally the rainy season starts in June, but this year the showers came early, and it's been raining pretty much non- stop for the past 10 days.
And it's not just been long spells of showers, the rain has also been especially hard, and the numbers show that the rainfall is well above average.
The average rainfall for the month of May varies from district to district. According to the Belize Meteorology office, the averages for the month of May are usually 4-5 inches for Belize, 3-4 inches for the Northern and Inland areas, 6-7 inches for the Southern areas near Dangriga, and 7-8 inches for southern areas near Punta Gorda. Last year - which was a drought year - the rainfall was below average, but this year it has taken a drastic increase for the month of May. Last year's 0.38 inches increased to 16.4 inches for Belize, and 0.29 inches increased to 6.7 inches for the Northern Areas. The inland areas increased from 1 inch last year to 4-5 inches this year. Last year, the Dangriga area received 1.6 inches of rainfall, but this year it received between 5 to 8 inches. Finally, last year's 2.9 inches for the Punta Gorda Area increased by almost 6 times to 11-12 inches of rain for 2012. Across the board, the amount of rainfall has exceeded the average rainfall for the month of May.
Still, the 16.4 inches for the Belize district, however high that may seem, does not pass the recorded historic high which was a whopping 24.65 inches of rainfall in 1986.
WORLD NO TOBACCO DAY OBSERVED
Today May 31st is World No Tobacco Day, and an awareness campaign is being conducted today and tomorrow at different health centers throughout the country. This year the theme is "Tobacco Industry Interference", and Tyronne Chimilio explained why the theme was chosen and what activities will be conducted during the campaign. We caught up with him at the NDACC, where he showed us an educational video that was created for World No Tobacco Day. Here is an excerpt from the video:
Tyronne Chimilio, District Coordinator - NDACC
"The excerpts that I have shown you - that is geared towards entertainment which is entertainment along with education and we had members from the Youth Advocacy Movement which is the youth arm of the Belize Family Life Association. The escape is informing one of their friends of tobacco smoking in preventing him even from start to smoke cigarettes."
Robin Schaffer
"Can you explain the theme for me?"
Tyronne Chimilio, District Coordinator - NDACC
"The theme is geared towards the publicizing of cigarette tobacco smoking and its dangerous to the health and is part of the things that we want to continue to emphasize to the public that tobacco smoking is bad for the health. So it's a competition that is basically taking place with us convincing people not to smoke, against the tobacco which is emphasizing the sale of their products."
THE PASSING OF AN ARTIST'S ARTIST
Tonight, we note the passing of master of the stage, Bob Reneau.
Reneau was a true artistic legend, known as an outstanding musician, singer, playwright and producer, artist, composer, and choreographer.
He passed away on Wednesday at the age of 92 while at a hospice in Chicago. Many of his students and Belizeans in the arts had the privilege of collaborating with him on the production and presentation of some of his outstanding renditions such as "The Holy City"; " It's a Good Day"; and " Sons of Honduras".
His early productions included drama, music, and dance and so did his later productions such as: ""Breggin Tuba", "Wedding Bells for Kettiebell" and many more. Many of his past students valued his commitment to originality and to uniqueness. Althea Sealey spoke about the importance of Being Bob:..
Althea Sealey
"I have a whole treasured moment of memories inside of me from Mr. Bob. As a matter of fact he was the man who brought out whatever you all see in me, he is the one who brought it all out."
"I started with him at the age of 8 years old and spent a good 15 years with him before he had left - migrated to the United States and I continued on with Majorie Bradley and Leonie Henry and now I continued it on with sharing it with my dance company."
A FESTIVAL FOR THE FLOWERS BANK NEGROES
In 2009, a Flowers Bank festival was held to honor the memory of the Flowers Bank Negroes- 14 men who - as the legend goes - case the deciding votes in 1797, to stay and fight for the colony under the threat of Spaniards and thus set the course for Belizean history. This year the 4th annual Flowers Bank Festival will not only honor these 14 men but it will also depict many cultural and historical practices that have been observed in Belize through the launching of a permanent exhibit in Flowers Bank. Today we caught up with Shari Williams, communications officer for NICH, who told us more about the Festival and the exhibit to be launched.
Shari Williams
"The entire reason behind the festival is to honor the 14 men from Flowers Bank. History tells us that there were 14 men from Belize River Valley who made the deciding factor in whether we were going to run and hide or whether we were going to stay and fight for the battle of St. George's Caye during the battle of St George's Caye."
"The entire festival is honor these 14 men, but in addition to that we wanted to foster an appreciation for the people of the Belize River Valley area as well as to learn about how the river has contributed and carved Belize as a nation. The highlight this year is the opening of a new exhibit. It's a permanent exhibit that is going to be along the river valley but they are going to officially launched it this weekend."
NICH NOW ACCEPTING ENTRIES FOR ANNUAL SEPTEMBER THEME
NICH is gearing up for this year's September celebrations with its annual theme competition. Belizeans are invited to enter a theme of no more than 10 words to be used for the September celebrations.
Shari Williams, the communications officer for NICH explained to us what they are looking for and explained how you can enter.
Shari Williams
"At this time we are inviting people to submit themes for this year's celebration. This year will mark the 214th Anniversary of the Battle of St. George's Caye and the 31st Anniversary of Independence. We encourage everybody from near and far to submit themes. The theme can no more than 10 words; it can be about anything, this year we are celebrating the Maya culture. 21st September is the International Day of Peace and you can talk about contribution to Belize's development from various cultural groups and you can talk about anything - aspirations for Belize as a nation. At this time we are encouraging people to submit their themes and you can email it to [email protected] or you can drop it off here at the House of Culture or at any of the district town councils."
BETTY ROWLAND WON $93K IN LOTTO JACKPOT
Today a still shocked Betty Rowland claimed the $110,000 lotto jackpot. After taxes, Rowland will be walking away with a whopping $93,500. She told us today that although she usually spends anywhere between 15 to 20 dollars on lotto tickets, this time it just took 1:..
Robin Schaffer
"Everyone wants to know what will you do with the money?"
Betty Rowland
"Well, certainly a new house and some for education."
Robin Schaffer
"How did you pick the winning numbers?"
Betty Rowland
"Actually it was by quick pick. This time I bought just one ticket. At first I couldn't believe that I won."
Afterwards it finally sank in that I win. I started to check the ticket again with the numbers. The winning numbers from her quick pick were 08, 17, 20, 22, 28."
PROFILE OF RODWELL WILLIAMS; THE LIFE-CHANGING EVENTS
We've all heard the story of Rodwell Williams who was shot in May of 2010. Indeed, the attempted murder of the Prime Minister's Law Partner has been one of the most covered stories in recent memory.
And while a great deal has been said, very little has been heard from Williams himself. In fact, with the exception of his emotional testimony in court - which only a handful of courtroom observers saw - we don't really know the full story of what happened that night.
Tonight, for the first time, he'll share it all, in granular detail. He's the subject of tonight's "I Am Belize" Profile. We'll warn you, it's quite a bit longer than usual, but it's the kind of story we very rarely get to hear- an account from a man who was knocking on death's door. He tells us how he survived an execution attempt.
Channel 5
Prayer Service for Kim Simplis Barrow
At this time, a healing service is taking place at St John's Cathedral for the wife of the Prime Minister, Kim Simplis Barrow, who is in Intensive Care Unit at a Miami Hospital. Simplis Barrow is receiving treatment for stage three breast cancer and last weekend she experienced complications when fluid was detected in her [...]
San Pedro resident talks his way to Guilty of Manslaughter charge
The trial concluded today against a witness turned suspect, twenty-two year old Shandoy Jeffords. Jeffords is one of four men who were accused of killing fifty year old Antonio Almendarez on July twenty-fifth, 2005 during a Burglary at Fido's Restaurant and Bar in San Pedro. In 2007, Jeffords was the prosecution's main witness when Luis [...]
Hand in window gets you 3 separate counts in prison
Also at court, a man who was allegedly caught inappropriately touching a woman through her window is tonight behind bars and facing three criminal charges. Forty-four year old Ladyville resident, Winfield Mortis, appeared before Senior Magistrate Frazer late Wednesday evening and was arraigned on charges of Aggravated Burglary, Aggravated Assault of an Indecent Nature and [...]
Health Symposium garners awareness for cancer month
Cancer Awareness has become part of the national dialogue since the diagnosis of Kim Simplis Barrow. Throughout this month, a number of activities have been held to build awareness of the disease that afflicts men, women and children from all walks of life. Last weekend thousands participated in a walk from Ladyville to Belize City [...]
2 weeks after being lit on fire, Joseph Usher dies while receiving treatment
For two weeks, fifty-nine year old Joseph Usher was fighting for his life at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. Earlier this morning, he lost that battle and succumbed to severe burns to the head, back, chest and both arms. At around ten-thirty p.m. on May thirteenth, Usher was inside his sister's yard at the corner [...]
Renowned musician and artist, Bob Reneau, passes away
A legend in Belizean arts also passed away on Wednesday in Chicago. Bob Reneau was truly the definition of an artist; he was a talented singer, dancer, painter, playwright and producer, composer and to many, he was a teacher. Before he moved away, his students and other Belizeans in the arts had the privilege of [...]
Belize River Valley resident wins the Lotto!
A thirty-four year old mother of one from the Belize River Valley is the happy winner of the latest Lotto draw. Betty Rowland was listening to the live draw as the numbers eight, seventeen, twenty, twenty-two and twenty-eight were called for the jackpot of one hundred and ten thousand dollars. Even though she heard it [...]
Blackout in the Belize District
If you experienced loss of power on Wednesday night, then you were in the Belize District. It wasn't industrial action caused by tensions between the electricity company and its union; the outages were caused by the weather. The first unplanned power outage occurred at nine-fifty-one p.m. and the entire City was cast into darkness. The [...]
Do you know the Flowers Bank fourteen (14)?
Elsewhere in the valley, a grand festival is held annually in Flowers Bank Village to celebrate fourteen men who changed the course of Belize's history. On June first 1797, the men swayed a vote to stay and fight for Belize and have become known as the Flowers Bank fourteen. So this weekend, all the fun [...]
Flowers Bank Festival will be awesome
The festival promises to be fun for the entire family; but it is also an educational event. Rhaburn is especially inviting students to attend and win prizes for answering questions about Flowers Bank and its history. And, through a partnership with the Institute for Social and Cultural Research, an important exhibit is also being launched [...]
Put your lights out for World No Tobacco Day
Statistics show that over thirty-five percent of deaths in Belize are attributed to tobacco and use of the substance also ranks high among the youth population. These statistics have since moved the Ministry of Health and the National Drug Abuse Control Council on an intense anti-tobacco initiative, the Belize Youth Advocacy for Smoke Free Schools. [...]
The Year of the Maya in Caracol
Earlier this year Channel Five's William Neal and Alex Ellis headed west to the Caracol Mayan site to witness the splendor of the spring equinox of the astrological Mayan calendar, which ends in December 2012. The event, the first of four coordinated by NICH and the B.T.B., was held at the base of Kaana. Our [...]
Highlights of the Festival of Arts
The National Festival Arts, which celebrates the creativity of primary and high school students, started on Wednesday at the Bliss Center for the Performing Arts. Decked out in colorful and creative costumes, over a hundred students from Cayo and Corozal congregated at the Bliss and took over the stage in dance, drama and singing. We [...]
Healthy Living explores Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is incurable and can affect people of all ages. Although the causes of rheumatoid arthritis are not known; the options for treatment have improved. Early intervention can minimize the effects of the condition. This week's Healthy Living tells us more about Rheumatoid Arthritis. Marleni Cuellar, Reporting It is one of the most [...]
LOVE FM
POLICE NEWS
Eighteen days ago, fifty-six year old Joseph Usher was set on fire, allegedly by an enraged next-door neighbour who grew jealous over Usher's close friendship with his common-law wife. It happened just as Usher was walking through the neighbour's yard and was heading ...
POLICE RECOVERS DECOMPOSED BODY IN DANGRIGA
A man was found dead in his home in Dangriga on Wednesday. Police are now trying to figure out how he died. Correspondent Harry Arzu reports. HARRY ARZU "Dangriga police have discovered the body of a man in his house located in the Sabal community area of...
HURRICANE SEASON OPENS ON JUNE 1
It is the eve of the start of the Hurricane Season and already there have been two named storms. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says conditions in the atmosphere and the ocean favor a near-normal hurricane season in the Atlantic Basin this season. Accor...
TENSION RISES AS TOWN COUNCIL PREPARES FOR PARK RENOVATIONS
The tension keeps rising between the Orange Walk Town Council and vehicle vendors who occupy parking space on Park Street by the Central Park. It all started after vendors occupying space in the area received a letter from the Orange Walk Town Council informing them of a new fee of thi...
CANCER CARE SYMPOSIUM HELD IN BELIZE CITY
The Belize Cancer Society in collaboration with the Belize Cancer Center in Dangriga, the Medical and Dental Association and the Ministry of Health hosted a Cancer care Symposium at the Whitfield Tower in Belize City. Attending the symposium were healthcare professionals, physici...
OFFICIAL STATEMENT SAYS PRIME MINISTER'S WIFE SHOWS IMPROVEMENT IN HEALTH
Belize's special Envoy for Families and Children, Mrs. Kim Simplis Barrow continues to receive medical treatment in Miami, Florida. A statement from the office of the Prime Minister was issued this morning, following widespread rumors of her death. The official statem...
DISCUSSION CONTINUES ON SALE OF SUGAR INDUSTRY MAJORITY SHARES
The impending sale of majority shareholding in Belize Sugar Industries Limited continues to be the subject of discussion, particularly in the north. Love FM's Arturo Cantun reports:
MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES TO STANDARDIZE POLICIES ON SPATIAL DATA
The Land and Surveys department in collaboration with Land information center and Protected Areas Conservation Trust held a National Consultation to discuss the draft National Spatial Data Infrastructure Policy. Spatial Data also referred to as GIS is viewed as one of the most po...
MEMBERS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT TO ATTEND TRAINING IN SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT
Members of Local government including the Foreman of the San Pedro Town Council Samuel Gonzalez will be travelling to San Salvador next week to participate in a training course in solid waste management. Love News spoke with Gonzalez who told us of his interest in alternate methods of ...
GOVERNMENT UPGRADES MORGUE FACILITIES
Since its construction in 1995, the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital has been both lauded and degraded in the court of public opinion for incidents that have occurred within its walls. But even in the face of criticisms that have come its way, the hospital has made continuous strid...
BELIZE UNITES IN PRAYERS FOR WIFE OF PRIME MINISTER
A Prayer Service for the Healing of Mrs Kim Simplis Barrow is planned for Thursday May 31at St. John's Cathedral beginning at 6:00pm. The main celebrant will be Bishop Philip Wright. The public is invited to come out and be a part of the special prayer service. ...
BELIZE TO ATTEND CARBON EXPO 2012
Belize will have participation in Carbon Expo 2012 in Germany. The Carbon Expo is a leading international trade fair and knowledge sharing platform for carbon investments, and clean technologies. The event will bring together project developers, service providers, buyers and sell...
EUROPEAN UNION AGREES TO GIVE FINANCIAL BOOST TO BELIZE'S SUGAR INDUSTRY
Arturo Cantun reporting� "The European Union signed agreements today to assist the Belizean economy particularly by pumping Euros into the sugar industry in the north. The financial boost goes to cane farmers in the form of loans for a replanting program and as w...
LOVE TV
Lengthy jail sentence for rape convict
An Orange Walk man was given a long jail sentence after he was convicted of the crime of rape. In a sentence handed down in the Corozal session of the Supreme Court, twenty year old Isaac Chan Junior was sentenced to eight years in prison. The rape happened on September 17, 2011, and Chan was [...]
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Sale of majority shares in BSI gets full support
The impending sale of majority shareholding in Belize Sugar Industries Limited continues to be the subject of discussion, particularly in the north. Love TV's Arturo Cantun reports.
Cancer symposium held in Belize City
The Belize Cancer Society in collaboration with the Dangriga-based Belize Cancer Center, the Medical and Dental Association and the Ministry of Health today hosted a Cancer care Symposium in Belize City. Attending the symposium were healthcare professionals, physicians and nurses and other people from the health field. President of the Belize Cancer Society is Laura [...]
Doctor says cases of lung cancer continues to increase
It was Kim Simplis, wife of the Prime Minister who just weeks before she herself was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer, said at a cancer forum � quote "When I hear the word "cancer" it is not numbers or percentages which come to mind� rather it is the faces of those, who on a [...]
Improved morgue services at the KHMH
Since its construction in 1995, the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital has been both lauded and degraded in the court of public opinion for incidents that have occurred within its walls. But even in the face of criticisms that have come its way, the hospital has made continuous strides to remain a respectable medical institution in [...]
Teenager charged for murder of businesman
Police have arrested and charged 18-year-old Anthony Carballo Jr. for the murder of 48-year-old businessman Jerminie Ellis McNab. McNab was shot and killed just after seven o'clock p.m. on Thursday May 17 at his business establishment, Mobile Hardware Store at the corner of Curassow Street and Central American Boulevard. McNab was shot three times to [...]
Kim Simplis' health shows signs of improvement
Belize's special Envoy for Families and Children, Mrs. Kim Simplis Barrow continues to receive medical treatment in Miami, Florida. A statement from the office of the Prime Minister was issued this morning, following widespread rumors of her death. The official statement however, says that Mrs. Barrow remains in the Intensive Care Unit of the hospital, [...]
Prayer service for Kim Simplis Barrow
And speaking about prayers the Bishop of the Anglican Diocese is at this hour celebrating a special prayer service in honor of Mrs. Barrow. Love TV's Marion Ali reports.
Lengthy jail sentence for rape convict
An Orange Walk man was given a long jail sentence after he was convicted of the crime of rape. In a sentence handed down in the Corozal session of the Supreme Court, twenty year old Isaac Chan Junior was sentenced to eight years in prison. The rape happened on September 17, 2011, and Chan was [...]
Murder case ends in acquittal
Four men charged with murder were today acquitted of the charge in the court of Justice Herbert Lord. 31-year-old Brionne Swift, 25-year-old Gabriel Salazar, 25-year-old Frank Edwards Jr and 25-year-old Victor Garnett were charged with the murders of 26-year-old Elias Edwards Gutierrez and his brother-in-law 25-year James Swan also known as James Edwards. Swan and [...]
PlusTV
Minister Faber lays out bold educational plan
The Hon. Patrick Faber, Minister of Education, Youth and Sports, last night invited stakeholders a town meeting to ...
NEMO awards winners of quiz and poster competition
Awards were given out this morning at the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) to students who partici...
NICHE organizes family weekend at Flowers Bank
This week the National Institute of Culture and History has put together an entire weekend fill with fun and knowle...
Dangriga resident found dead inside parent home
Ervin Petillo was found dead in his bed room yesterday afternoon about 2pm. Petillo who is in his early 40's and li...
False rumour surfaces on Kim Simplis Barrow's battle with Cancer
A malicious rumour surfaced today on facebook claiming that the first lady had died. It was an outright and nasty l...
Four acquitted of 2009 double murder charge
Victor Garnett, Frank Edwards, Brionne Swift, and Gabriel Salazar were acquitted before Justice Herbert Lord of the...
Belize to participate in Carbon Expo 2012 in Germany
The Government of Belize led by the Ministry of Forestry, Fisheries and Sustainable Development in collaboration wi......
The Guardian
In Belize City, 8 Streets paved in less than 100 days
It's been just over two months since the UDP took office at the Belize City Council, under the leadership of Mayor Darrell, and already there has been significant progress being done by the Council. Mayor Bradley came to office with a clear vision of what work the council needs to implement and with that vision he came up with a 100-day strategy.
Cancer Awareness at an All Time High
This year's Cancer Walk was the biggest since its inception in 1996. The month of May is celebrated as Cancer Awareness Month and this year's theme is "Prevent and Control Cancer: Together We Can Do It".
Police receives Patrol Bikes & Machine to destroy Confiscated Guns
A brief ceremony was held at the Queen Street Police Station on Monday, May 28, in which the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace, Disarmament and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean (UNLIREC) handed over a hydraulic shear to the Belize Police Department. The hydraulic shear will be used for the destruction of old, surplus and confiscated weapons.
Shyne to Release New Album in July
Moses Michael Leviy, the artists known as Shyne, signed a multimillion dollar record deal with Island Def Jam Records in February of 2010. L.A. Reid flew all the way to Belize to sign the contract because "Shyne deserves that much". At the time, Reid said that his desire to sign Shyne was not just because of the great "artiste" he is but also because of the great man Moses had become. Reid promised a huge comeback.
Minister Rene Montero addresses Graduating Class
Commencement exercises for Eden Seventh Day Adventist High were held on Sunday, 27th May 2012 at the High School Compound in Santa Elena, Cayo.
Minister of Works & Transport, Hon. Rene Montero was the guest speaker and focused his speech on "Reaching the Pinnacle of Success", and the motto "Guided by Spirit of God".
Minister Montero stressed that students must dream before they can achieve. He also told them that the choices they make now will affect their entire life. Therefore, he urged the students to choose a career of service to the country, fellow men, and above all, service to God.
He encouraged the students to remain focused and committed and pointed out that education is the foundation on which a nation is built and that the Diploma they are receiving is just the beginning of a career of opportunities.
He ended by congratulating the graduating class of 2012, teachers and faculty of Eden High School saying it is one of the largest graduating classes in the 22 years of the high school's existence.
Twenty eight students received Diploma in Business and the rest in Academic Studies. Other speakers included the Principal Erodito Pineda and the Director of Education.
Upgraded Morgue at KHMH for Increased Capacity
It was a proud moment for managers and staff members at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital on Wednesday May 30th when it officially opened its new morgue facilities to the public.
Minimum Wage Increased
The minimum wage has been increased for people working in the citrus industry as well as for those working as domestics labourers and shop assistants.
Failed Cut and Paste Attorneys
The Guardian had predicted from last week that the Cut and Paste Attorneys, Anthony Sylvester and Said Musa would have been unsuccessful in their bid to have an election petition heard at the Supreme Court, and we were right.
Conflict Resolution Workshop hosted by Restore Belize and U.S. Embassy
Restore Belize is once again collaborating with the United States Embassy in an effort to reduce violence in Belize. Over a dozen individuals are participating in a conflict resolution workshop at the Institute for Technical and Vocational Education Training.
BTL & Restore Belize brings Messengers of Hope
On Thursday, May 24, over six hundred students from across Belize City gathered inside the Queen's Room of the Princess Hotel and Casino to listen to the testimonies of four foreigners that overcame great adversities and are now living successful lives. BTL and Restore Belize collaborated to host a motivational rally featuring Roy Juarez Jr., Pamela S. Perkins, Consuelo Castillo Kickbusch and Bert Oliva.
Minister Patrick Faber Holding Town Hall Meetings
Hon. Patrick Faber, Minister of Education, Youth and Sports, is holding a series of town hall meetings from Tuesday, May 29, to Thursday, May 31. Stakeholders of the education system are expected to attend meetings in San Ignacio, Belmopan and Orange Walk. The first meeting was held at the CET building in San Ignacio on Tuesday, May 29. The second meeting was held at the Belmopan Civic Center on Wednesday, May 30, and the third meeting will be held at the Gala Lounge in Orange Walk on Thursday, May 31. All meetings are scheduled to begin at 6 p.m.
Minister Faber maintains his point that education is everybody's business and as such all school managers, principals, teachers, parents, students and other interested persons are asked to attend.