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The San Pedro Sun
Cesar Acosta becomes a Certified Casting Instructor by FFF
El Pescador Lodge is honored to announce that Captain Cesar Acosta has become a Certified Casting Instructor by the International Federation of Fly Fishers (FFF). Cesar is a 2nd generation El Pescador Guide following in his father, Hilberto Acosta’s, footsteps. Cesar loves to fish and loves to cast. He consistently wins casting distance competitions.
Cesar began his journey towards FFF casting instructor certification in December 2010 when El Pescador organized a workshop with FFF Master Instructor and Board of Governor, Gordon “Gordy” Hill. Gordy ignited a fire in all of El Pescador’s guides to further our understanding of the mechanics of casting as well as the teaching of the sport. Ali Flota commented about the clinic “All El Pescador Guides are exceptional at guiding anglers in our diverse and unique fishery.
Cayo Community comes out for Jasmine Lowe
There was an outpouring of emotions for Jasmine Lowe at the Macal River Park last Friday and at the Columbus Park in San Ignacio this past Saturday night. A sea of candle flames was evident from great distances at both events. The Galen University ‘Eagles’ played several meaningful tunes at the Macal River Park.
Chairperson of the Peoples Coalition of Cayo, Albert Moore, told the gathering at the Macal River Park, “Good citizens obey laws, let us obey the laws of our land.” Moore also spoke about strategies to confront crime, such as for more community involvement, the formation of neighborhood watches. Moore pleaded for local residents to forge links with police officers dedicated to community work; such as PC Jones, PC Medina and Corporal Bradley.
Tuff E Nuff playing hard for each other and for San Pedro
The 2012 Inter-office Basketball competition is well underway and hometown players Tuff E Nuff Boys are making waves by winning their first four games despite the fact that the first game they won was also the very first game they played together as a team this year. Tuff E Nuff is the only team from San Pedro competing in the tournament for 2012 and from all indications they seem to have a very good chance of bringing home the gold. However, owner/player/coach Rico Black says that this year they face some strong competition. “It won’t be easy, but we have a good chance…” smiles Black.
Unlike previous inter-office seasons, where players had to be employees of the team office, this year’s tournament has been opened up to the general public and all of the roasters have been strengthened by an influx of ex semi-pro basketball players who have joined with the office employees to play for the championship. The combination of experience and ability that these ex-semi pro ballers bring makes the teams stronger and lift the intensity of the competition to a whole new level for inter-office basketball. The San Pedro Sun sat down with player-coach Rico Black to get his impressions on this year’s teams, the competition, his outlook for the tournament and the performance of his team thus far.
“Mose” Hyde and “Chocolate” Heredia are presented Wavemaker and Ocean Hero Award from Oceana in Belize
Oceana in Belize was proud to honor two renowned Belizeans with Oceana’s Wavemaker Award and Ocean Hero Award. The awards were presented at a special event at the Bliss held on World Oceans Day, Friday June 8th.
Evan Mose Hyde Jr presented with Wavemaker Award
Mr. Evan “Mose” Hyde was presented with the Wavemaker Award for his open and frank discussions about marine issues—especially as the morning host for “Wake Up Belize.” His efforts have helped spread the message about the need for marine protection and conservation. He is gifted in being able to talk about these issues beyond the environment, and shows how they relate to Belize’s socio-political and socio-economic realities. And he advocates for awareness and education as means to promote conservation and environmental activism.
Chocolate heredia Receives Ocean Hero Award
Mr. Lionel “Chocolate” Heredia was presented with the Ocean Hero Award for lifetime service and dedication to marine education and advocacy and promoting sustainable use of Belize’s marine resources. His work as a conservationist for the sea manatee is a true example of being a leader and role model in the protection of the ocean’s precious creatures. He is also well-known for fighting to ensure the establishment of Swallow Caye Wildlife Reserve.
Triple wins for Exquisite Corpse Project screenings in Los Angeles
Director Ben Popik, of Island films here in San Pedro, is fresh off the heels of three huge accomplishments at film festivals and screenings of his film ‘The Exquisite Corpse Project’. The motion picture kicked off its Film Festival run at the Dances with Films Festival is Los Angeles, California USA and nabbed the Audience Choice Award making it one for one on its debut. Just days later the film snatched up another big win when it took Best Documentary at LA’s New Wave Festival. Ben also received Best Director at the LA New Wave Festival making it three wins in the two film festival race! Imagine that… three awards in two screenings… not bad for your first feature length film! Ben says that they are now working on doing a national tour throughout the US in the next few months as well as having the film available online for viewing.
When speaking with The San Pedro Sun Ben offered his gratitude to his local fans by saying, “I’d like to thank the San Pedro community for the incredible support they’ve shown us and our movie over the past few months, and we can’t wait to show it to everyone at the Belize International Film Festival in July! We feel extremely fortunate to live in such a supportive community.”
So be on the lookout for ‘The Exquisite Corpse Project’ showing at the Belize Film Festival, July 13th – 17th.
Congrats to Ben Popik on the great success of his film so far.
The Exquisite Corpse Awards are:
Audience Choice Award – Dances With Films
Best Documentary – LA New Wave Film Festival
Best Director – LA New Wave Film Festival
Letter to the Editor: Pay your fine or serve your time
June 7th completes 90 days since the double election of March 7th. It also marks the deadline for disclosure by all persons elected to office on that day, including members of the Senate and the Speaker of the House.
I congratulate Wally Nunez Jr., the only PUP councillor in San Pedro Town council who has submitted his disclosure within the allotted time. He has set the example and shown the electorate that he will do the right thing. The Prevention of Corruption Act 2007, Part 3 section 10 (1) states: “a person in public life shall, in accordance with this act, file with the commission, a “sworn” (section 10 (4) (in front of a Magistrate, JP, Commissioner or Registrar of the Supreme Court) declaration of assets, income and liabilities.” Section 2 (b) further states: “in the case of a person who becomes a person in public life, within three months of his becoming a person in public life, in respect of his (including spouse and children) assets, income and liabilities for the year ended on the previous 31stDecember.”
Ambergris Today
Music, Fashion and Island Talent, Wave Music Celebrates
Wave Music held a Music Festival with its first fashion show this past weekend, Saturday, June 9, 2012, with loads of entertainment which included models galore and live entertainment by talented San Pedro artists.
The show was a total success as host Gerry Badillo of Wave Music combined music and fashion to showcase talented models, entertainers and island attire from the island’s leading boutiques (Divas & Dudes, Marz Boutique, Top Notch, Foreva Fancy, Moondancer and Island Gear). A dedicated group of models put on a fantastic catwalk show filled with energy, high fashion and the most recent music that is popular on the island.
Transport Department Announces Winners of Essay & Poster Competition
Students of San Pedro Town were asked to put on their thinking caps and enter the essay and poster competition which was launched by the San Pedro Transport Department. Councilor Kenrick Brackett whose portfolio includes transport, teamed up with Ambergris Today, The Reef Radio and the San Pedro Sun to launch the contest titled, “The Importance of Traffic Safety.”
On Sunday, June 10, 2012, a short program was held at the San Pedro Lions Den in honor of all those who participated in the competitions, especially to honor those who won. The poster competition was specifically for primary school students and it was divided in three groups Group A – consists of Infant I and II, Group B - Standards I, II and III and Group C - Standards IV, V and VI. Students were asked to design posters including various traffic signs. Winners of the poster competition are as follows:
Candle Light Vigils Held for Jasmine Lowe
There was an outpouring of emotions for Jasmine Lowe at the Macal River Park last Friday and at the Columbus Park in San Ignacio this past Saturday night. A sea of candle flames was evident from great distances at both events. The Galen University 'Eagles' played several meaningful tunes at the Macal River Park.
Chairperson of the Peoples Coalition of Cayo, Albert Moore, told the gathering at the Macal River Park, "Good citizens obey laws, let us obey the laws of our land." Moore also spoke about strategies to confront crime, such as for more community involvement, the formation of neighborhood watches. He pleaded for local residents to forge links with police officers dedicated to community work.
Flashbacks: Our Founding Fathers
Persons who worked for the Blake’s, the one-time owners of the entire Island, did get some extra help from them and were able to build their comfortable wood houses with zinc or asbestos roofing. Such is probably the case of Mr. Priciliano ‘Nano’ Gomez married to Eloisa Guerrero. Not absolutely certain but quite likely the girls are Patricia Gomez Marin and Pinita Gomez Verde. Indeed Sanpedranos have come a long way into raising their social and economic status.
Misc Belizean Sources
Planned Power Outage: Belize City - Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Belize Electricity Limited advises its customers in Belize City that the supply of electricity will be temporarily interrupted from 5:00 a.m. to 5:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 13, 2012.
Areas to be affected...
Police Department Quality of Life Campaign
With immediate effect, the Police Department is embarking on the Quality of Life Campaign and the public is warned that offenses such as Public Drinking, loitering, littering etc are against the law the cooperation of cyclists is especially required and are being reminded that riding up stop is an offense as well as carrying person/s on a bicycle where both can be charged. After warnings, fines will then be levied against all offenders. This will be an ongoing campaign and the police Department is asking for the public support in cooperating with the police in our effort to make our community a safer place.
Fundraiser for ACES at Wahoo's Lounge Chicken Drop This Thursday JUNE 14TH
Please come down and place your bets, this weeks prizes will be all sorts of great prizes while the money collected from your bet will help to support ACES in their efforts to keep Ambergris Caye and it's beloved crocodiles safe and living in perfect harmony distant from each other!
please see our Facebook for a flyer you can repost or print for your guests!
facebook/wahoosloungebelize
Your CHICKEN DROP BET WILL ENTER YOU TO WIN FROM THESE GREAT DONATIONS
Kate Walsh In Belize
Made possible by Oceana, Kate both flew over and snorkeled the Great Blue Hole. Afterwards she spoke with several media representatives, the majoring most of whom were visiting this historic site for the first time. Kate Walsh, upon learning the entire Lighthouse Reef Atoll is under an oil concession held by Princess Petroleum, expressed her strong opposition to offshore oil drilling not only in Belize, but in all places that are ecologically sensitive and important for the sustainability of marine life.
Call for Artists for Cayo Art Spectacle
The Benque House of Culture is having their Cayo Art Spectacle from the 28th of June through August 3rd. The deadline for submissions is June 25th. This is open to all Cayo artists with original art.
Spanish Lookout Partners with Mount Carmel High School
Spanish Lookout is partnering with MCHS to do some refurbishment projects. The projects will make MCHS better for students and teachers alike. Great news for the Benque high school!
Pitt Community College Students Study in Belize
Pitt Community College students, along with faculty and staff, were just in Belize, and they did a lot around Cayo. Midas has been the hotel of choice for many of the student groups coming to Cayo. They have quite a slide show of pictures online.
"According to Miller, the PCC contingent stayed at Midas Resort in San Ignacio for most of the trip and took tours of the Belize Botanical Gardens, Blue Hole, the Maya Women’s Co-op in San Antonio, and the ancient Xunantunich and Cahal Pech Mayan ruins. Miller said that throughout their visit, students interacted with many of the local people, including artists and major political figures. The last few days of the trip, she said, were spent seaside in Hopkins Village. In their downtime, Miller said students tried their hand at river tubing, canoeing on the Macal River, and snorkeling in South Water Caye. But, as Miller noted, the trip wasn’t all fun and games, as the group members also traveled to San Jose Succotz Village on multiple days to carry out service learning projects."
Belizean Creole Bread
While growing up in Belize, Creole Bread was a staple part of our diet. It was made every Saturday and my grandmother's house by my Aunt Aileen. In the late 1980"s she visit us in America and showed us how to make this delicious, soft bread. The bread is not too sweet, so it can be eaten with any meat dish, cheeses or jams and jellies.
Channel 7
Another Retaliation Type Killing
The morning started out with the news that there had been another murder in the city - the third in three days - this one in the Lake Independence area - not too far from where a man had been shot in the eye on Sunday night.
But the murder probably happened from last night. Residents in the area of Miller and Roches Streets report that they heard a spray of gunfire from what sounded like an automatic weapon yesterday evening just after 6:00.
Police say that Keith Lewis and three other men were standing in a yard on Roches Street when a man approached from the area of Mckoy Boulevard and fired several shots at them.
The area is dark at night and it seems no one knew or cared to check what happened - until this morning when his dead body was seen at the back of a swampy yard; he had been left there overnight, dead.
This morning at 7:00 police processed the crime scene and took the body to the morgue. He had been riddled with gunfire, shot to the Chest, Back, and legs.
Body Found In Sea
Police need your help in identifying a body that was found in the sea this morning. The body was found around 6:00 am, in the waters near the Tourism Village. It is a Hispanic male wearing a green t-shirt and blue jeans pants.
Police say that the body bears no obvious signs of physical violence. There was no identification, so police are asking anyone with information to come forward.
Mayor: Close The Clubs, City Residents Should Be In Bed By Four AM
As we've been reporting, there has been a spate of shootings and murders in the city over the past few weeks.
Eight persons were shot, and two killed while leaving different nightspots. Now the city council says it is going to crack down on the clubs by no longer granting extensions.
The law - as it presently stands - allows nightclubs to open until 2:00 am - but they get to open until four by getting extensions. These should only be granted on special circumstances - but the practice is that they are granted with regularity - every week, actually.
Well, no more. Mayor Darrell Bradley told the media today at a press conference that the long practice is coming to an abrupt end.
Darrell Bradley - Mayor, Belize City Council
"Two of the shooting in the last two weeks occurred outside of nightclubs and shortly after the 4 o' clock hour when these nightclubs close. If we have been steadfast in our enforcement of the law - persons would be at less risk."
"We are putting in place a policy that we would not issue any extensions for nightclubs. I said this and it is sad that I have said this and I've been criticized but at 4 o'clock in the morning persons belong in their bed."
Mayor Bradley is meeting with nightclub owners later this week to discuss the new norms.
Tried Twice, Remanded For Five Years, Brothers Finally Free
Two men who have been tried twice for the same murder - and been on remand for 5 years are free tonight.
The brothers, 26 year-old Jody Gentle and 22 year-old Lynton Gentle, are free tonight after they were acquitted before Justice Adolph Lucas in their second trial for the June 2007 murder of 25 year-old Alpheus "June Bird" Smith Jr.
The prosecution, which was represented by Crown Counsel Christophe Rodriguez, called the police witnesses who testified in the first trial in 2010 which ended in a hung jury.
These officers told the court that they were on Currasow Street when they saw both Gentle brothers with guns firing shots at a parked car.
When the brothers ran away and jumped into a red Chevy tracker parked on an adjoining street, the officers followed behind and arrested them immediately, while they were still armed.
What they could not testify to was that they saw who the Gentle brothers were firing at near that car, and because of this, the prosecution was depending on the testimony of the only other witness they could provide.
PUP Puts Government On Notice
We haven't heard much from the PUP since the March seventh election. But the Barrow Administration's first 100 days in office are about to come to an end - and it seems that has spurred the opposition into action.
The Party held a loaded press conference this morning at its Party Headquarters and 7news was there to hear party representatives hold forth on a wide range of issues. Here's what they said:..
Jules Vasquez reporting
All PUP Parliamentarians - with the notable exception of Immediate Past Leader John Briceno - gathered today at Independence Hall to give the second Dean Barrow Administration a 100 day wake-up call:
Hon. Francis Fonseca - PUP Party Leader
"97 days later, there is no such plan, no new course, no budget, and sense of direct. Today, we sound the alarm, and say to the UDP Government, 'Belize is in crisis The Belizean people are not happy.' It is time to get serious; it is time to get to work."
An the PUP's work began with an attack on all fronts - its own shadow cabinet, speaking out on agriculture, rural development, health, education, crime and the economy:
PSE's (Almost) Perfect "Pikni"
Last night we told you about this year's PSE scores.
Well, today we spoke to some of the top ten scorers who told us how they felt about the results and how they prepared for the exam. It is important to note that Bernice Yorke Institute captured a share of 1st, 3rd and 4th, and a share of the 7th place spots. This is no mean feat, and Sherry Ali, the principal of the school, said she was pleasantly surprised.
Sherry Ali, Principal - Bernice Yorke
"I expected them to do well and I expected students to be in the top ten, I didn't expect so many."
Jasmine Betancourt, 1st PSE - Bernice Yorke
"It felt great. It felt like my hard work and my studying really paid off."
Robin Schaffer
"Were you surprised at all?"
Jasmine Betancourt
"Yes at bit because I expected to do well but I didn't expected to do so well in the exam. I took evening, Saturdays and Easter classes at school and I also work along with my classmates and we help each other out. I also studied at home and got a lot of support from everyone."
Rhiki Alegria, 1st PSE - Hummingbird Elementary
"I found it kind of challenging, I put my mind to it and studied and I did well."
Robin Schaffer
"Were you all excited when you found out that you've place first?"
Gunman Who Allegedly Shot Guyanese Gets Off
2 and a half hours ago, 23-year-old Tarique "Paulie" Cadle, the man who was accused of the attempted murder of 52 year-old Guyanese national, Lyndon Jeffery, walked out of court a free man after he was acquitted before Justice Herbert Lord.
The prosecution, which was represented by Crown Counsels Trienna Young and Meagan Francis, was unable to call the victim, Jeffery, to testify against Cadle because he went back to his home country.
However, they were able to get Jeffery's written statement admitted into evidence.
In this statement, Jeffery told police that on August 23, 2009, he was riding his bicycle home after leaving a friend's house, when 2 men began chasing him on bicycle until they caught up to him at the corner Neal's Penn and Kraal Roads.
Jeffery said that Cadle, who he only identified as "Paulie", pulled out a gun and fired a shot at him, which hit him in the left upper arm.
When the prosecution closed their case, Cadle, who was unrepresented, gave an unsworn statement that he wasn't even at the area at the time of this shooting. He also asked the jury not to believe the statement from Jeffery because he wasn't even in court to accuse him personally, nor to defend the statement.
Green Tropics Dug A Canal Through A Jaguar Corridor
Since last week, we've been keenly telling you about the canal trenched right through the Labouring Creek Jaguar Corridor Wildlife Sanctuary near mile 25 on the Western Highway.
As we've reported, the international company, Green Tropics Limited used as many as four excavators to dredge a canal through the sanctuary which measures up to 2 miles long and 35 feet wide.
Yesterday, the company sent out a press release explaining the development, which the Minister of Forestry, Lisel Alamilla, told us was done without proper permission.
According to Green Tropics Limited, they seek first to quote, "unreservedly apologize to the people of Belize for the recent misunderstanding in the construction of the final drain section through the jaguar corridor". End Quote
The company claims that they have complied with the laws of Belize, and that they've applied for all the permits and licenses required for the development, which includes Central Bank permits for foreign investment; an environmental impact assessment from the Department of Environment, which is still pending a public hearing on July 3; and BELTRIADE permits for approximately 90 US million dollars' worth of equipment for a sugar mill and a processing facility.
According to the company's release, they were under the impression that because the environmental impact assessment was already submitted in full, they could quote, "could commence to a certain degree to avoid the hurdle of the impending rainy season delaying the project for another year."
Mayor Gets a "B" For First 100 Days
As we showed you earlier the Mayor of Belize city held a press conference today. Well, it wasn't just the mayor - the entire council was there because the occasion was grand: to mark the end of its first 100 days in office and report on the progress made with its 100 resolutions for the first 100 days.
Straight off, we can tell you, they didn't get all 100 pledges done - but they did get 82 - which amounts to a solid "B" performance.
Some of the achievements they are most proud of has to do with acquiring equipment and fixing streets. The mayor outlined the progress made in those areas:..
Darrell Bradley - Mayor, Belize City Council
"The equipment that we procured are right outside and again when we look at the 100 day plan - the idea of it was to set out things which are measurable that we could tick off and members of the public could hold us accountably. One of the things there is that we said that we were going to purchase a roller - tick it off because the roller is right outside."
"We were going to purchase a backhoe and we've done that. These are things which are simple but they are very measurable. We also indicated that we were going to carry out a 1 million dollars infrastructure program - a very short term infrastructure program and I am pleased to report also that this has been done. If you see the works which has been going on throughout this City - We are cementing the entire length of Orange Street, we are cementing a portion of South Street, we are cementing Calle del Mar Street, we are cementing Daly Street, we are cementing Thomas Vincent Ramos Street which is very bad and always gets flooded. We are cementing Ferry Lane, we are cementing Belize Bank Street, which is the street behind Belize Bank and Battlefield Park, we are cementing Puma Street, it is a street which has not been name. This is the street between the Esso on the Northern Highway and an open lot. It is a very bad street which has been use a lot."
Electrician With A Gun
26 year-old Alex Soler, an electrician from Ladyville, is at prison tonight after he was allegedly busted with a firearm.
According to police, at about 12:50 a.m. on Sunday, they were on mobile patrol on the Northern Highway when they spotted Soler acting suspicious in front of the Celina's Night Club in Ladyville.
Because of his behavior, the officers searched him, and they discovered a 9mm pistol in his front pants waists. The firearm was also loaded with a magazine containing 14 live rounds of 9mm ammunition.
As a result, the police arrested Soler and charged him with keeping an unlicensed firearm, and keeping unlicensed ammunition.
He was brought before Senior Magistrate Sharon Frazer this morning where he was arraigned for those 2 charges. He pleaded not guilty to the offenses but because he is charged in relation to a firearm, he could not be granted bail.
Senior Magistrate Frazer was forced to remand him, and he will be brought back to court on July 31.
All Kinds Of Wine
Local wine occupies a special place in the culture of Belize River Valley. That's where fruits such as cashew , blackberry, mango, craboo and other more obscure ones like governor plum flourish abundantly.
Turning these fruits into wine is a long standing cultural practice, and one man has turned it into a neat little cottage industry. We caught up with Vince McKesey on the Northern Highway this weekend where he explained the ins and outs of the local wine business.
Here's the story.
Robin Schaffer reporting
Vince McKesey sells local wine on the entrance to Sandhill on the local highway. His wines may not have a fancy cork or bear a stylish label. They may not be vintage and they aren't high priced, but they sure are tasty, and there's an art to making it.
Vince McKesey - Wine Maker
"Here in this village, we have fruits in abundance, and we don't have to sell rotten. We sell fresh fruits that we'd buy from people by the buckets, and I would make - well, in the process making wine, what you are actually doing is that first, you are actually making a juice. You're letting a juice ferment as it gradually turns into a wine. When you make the juice, the citrus acid in that fruit eats the sugar, and it converts to alcohol. So, as the - depending on how much citrus acid is in there - it determines how strong the product will be initially. And as you let it age, the longer it ages in wine, it gets finer and finer. It then gets a better quality. So, this wine will continue to age and ferment until it gets maybe more like a crystal-looking color like this. This sorrel is from last year, and this plum is from like during the Christmas season, so you see, it's a more cloudy color. But it will continue to age until it gets fine like this one."
He's been selling wine for a number of years, and - he says - he makes a variety of flavors, but only to reflect indigenous fruits of this area.
Mayor Says Belize City Is Loveable, Not Most Hated
Last night we told you about the list that appeared on CNN-Go's website. IT placed Belize city at spot number ten on the list of most hated cities in the world. Well, to be fair that list included Los Angeles, Paris, France, and Sydney Australia.
But, no matter what, the Mayor of Belize city says he doesn't like it one bit and challenges the writer to actually visit Belize.
Darrell Bradley - Mayor, Belize City Council
"I think that these types of websites that do these articles are very unfair. Councilor Espejo brought to my attention the person who is the author of the site has never visited Belize, so how can you make an assessment as to the quality of life of a city if you haven't even gone there. I give no credit to that article. I can tell people that I lived in Belize City for all my life and ask somebody who lives in Belize City what their experience in Belize City has been."
"I have also been told by councilor Espejo who is a member of the BTB Board of Director that BTB will extend an invitation to this woman to come to Belize - to see what Belize is really like and to speak to residence of Belize City and to get an experience for herself so that she is then able to make an accurate report and she is able to say having had firsthand knowledge of what being in Belize City is like."
"I don't give any credit to anything like that if you have not come to our city."
No word yet on whether the writer has accepted the invitation.
Burglar Caught By Villagers, Cops Let Him Free
Georgeville may be a quaint village on the western highway - but don't mess with their former chairlady.
This morning an intruder only got halfway into her home - and for that he was viciously beaten.
Monica Bodden has the story:..
Monica Bodden reporting
The attempted burglary happened at this house in the village of Georgeville around 8:45 this morning. Home owner Anna Myvette had just left for work. Home alone was her 17 year old son who was in the bathroom brushing his teeth when he heard a strange noise coming from a window on the side of the house. He made his way down the corridor and saw a Hispanic man entering through his window. His body was already halfway inside the house. He hollered at the intruder who quickly exited and made his way from out of the yard - only to be pursued by neighbors who had heard the commotion.
Damian Westby - Villager
"About 9:30 a young man from the other side of the street call us and told us that someone just break in our house. So we follow the man and caught him by the football field and we took him to the police."
Monica Bodden
"What did you guys did to him?"
Damian Westby - Villager
"We beat him up."
Monica Bodden
"He was then tied up?"
Damian Westby - Villager
"Yes."
Monica Bodden
"While you guys waited for the police to come?"
Damian Westby - Villager
"Yes."
Elderly Man Collapses and Dies On Market Sidewalk
This morning the lifeless body of an elderly man lay dead on the sidewalk in front of the Novelo's Bus Terminal. He was later identified to us as 82 year old Alfred Camera - a resident of Hattiville. According to witnesses, Camera was making a purchase at the nearby market and was complaining about not feeling well. When he exited the market place, he fell on the sidewalk in front of the bus terminal. Many tried to assist the elderly man by calling 911 but they said it took A WHILE for the ambulance to arrive and by that time, Camera was already dead.
Mario Noralez, witness
"While I was coming from this direction, I saw a young lady in a pink and black pants standing with a group of people here. But I look on the ground I saw that a man was laying on the ground. The young lady told me that the old man fall but she doesn't know what happened. I pick up the old man and I check him, he was still living. I got on my phone and call 911 and they told me that the ambulance would come right now. About 15-20 minutes after the ambulance still didn't come."
"Shortly after that a "jew boy" came to feel the man pulse then shortly after that the man dies. I feel like it was the negligence of the system."
Monica Bodden
"He was alive?"
Mario Noralez, witness
"He was alive at the time I call 911. From there I left to do my business."
Monica Bodden
"So you are saying that an ambulance didn't get on the scene on time?"
Mario Noralez, witness
"The ambulance didn't come any at all."
Monica Bodden
"How long you would say the ambulance arrived?"
Mario Noralez, witness
"About an hour after."
Channel 5
Another gang-related murder in Belize City
Over the weekend, ten persons were shot and two of them were mortally wounded. That figure only represents the Belize City portion of the violence while bodies were being uncovered in Orange Walk. The gang related murders and shootings continue unabated. Another gangland slaying occurred in Belize City on Monday night. Twenty-four year old Keith [...]
Family of San Pedro teens say Police lost death threat report
The bodies of two slain San Pedro teens were recovered over the weekend in Santa Marta Village, Orange Walk. No one has yet been charged in the gruesome murders. The police have deemed it a drug related incident as initial reports revealed that the boys went to visit a friend on George Street in Belize [...]
Quality of Life crimes; you may be charged effective immediately
The murder conviction rate for the country by all accounts is less than three percent. The proverbial ‘old beef’ that seems to be the cause of so much retaliation amongst gang members remains unsolved and unchecked. Employment at the Ministry of Works has been one measure that would keep some youths out of criminal activity. [...]
Police need help to identify drowning victim
Earlier today, a body was found floating in the sea near one of the docks at the Fort Street Tourism Village in Belize City. Sometime before seven this morning, police were called out to the area where the decomposing body of an unidentified Hispanic male person was fished out of the water. How and when [...]
Meet the top P.S.E. scorers
The Primary School Examinations (P.S.E.) Preliminary Results for 2012 were released on Monday afternoon. The top scorers were distributed in all districts and attended both private and public institutions. For the third year in a row, Bernice Yorke Institute of Learning was selected by the Ministry of Education as the top learning institution. News Five [...]
Ministry says P.S.E. scores improved, but could be better
The P.S.E. is over and those students are now looking forward to attending the High School of their choice. And while they forget about those two testing days, the Ministry of Education has just begun to mull over P.S.E. 2012. While doing some statistical number crunching, it seems that of the four subject areas tested, [...]
P.U.P. calls out U.D.P. Government on 97 days in office
Earlier this morning, the Peoples United Party lashed out at the Barrow Administration’s three months in office. The ten speakers who spoke during the two hour event were: Francis Fonseca, Julius Espat, Karen Bodden, Dolores Balderamos Garcia, Rodwell Ferguson, Florencio Marin, Michael Espat, Marco Tulio Mendez, Oscar Requeña and Lisa Shoman. The grand old party [...]
Belize earn high rank on Most Hated Cities in the world list
You may have heard of America’s Most Wanted captures in Belize, but there is a report that Belize is one of the most hated cities. CNN Go has released a list of the top ten most hated cities in the world. Belize comes in at number ten, with an article captioned: “Hate Belize? No, no, [...]
MS-13 has firm roots in the Capital
On the heels of that damning report of Belize City being on the top most hated cities, is another international article about organized criminal activity in our backyard. La Prensa Grafica, a newspaper in El Salvador has reported that ruthless Salvadoran gangs are moving into Belize. The article says that over the past decade, the [...]
Witness gets amnesia; accused murderers acquitted
In the local courts, two brothers were freed of a Murder charge today when the main witness recanted a statement given in 2007, following the fatal shooting of twenty-five year old Alpheus Smith. It is the second time twenty-six year old Lynton and twenty-two year old Jody Gentle have been tried for the murder; in [...]
Victim leaves country and attempted murder case falls apart
Not Guilty; that’s the verdict that was announced by a jury of six women and three men in the Attempted Murder case against twenty-three year old Tarique Cadle. Cadle was accused of the August 2009 attempt on the life of fifty-two year old Guyanese national, Lyndon Jeffery. He was facing a possible prison term of [...]
Rebecca Stirm on the Mission Catwalk
Rebecca Stirm is back in the Mission Catwalk Season Two Finale. In a dramatic double elimination last week Tuesday, Stirm was one of the contestants who failed to impress the judges with a mini collection for a fashionista headed to the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. However, Stirm, who has won the most challenges on [...]
Belize Sugar Industry’s sweet season
The Factory Manager at Belize Sugar Industries Limited had announced that the 2011-2012 sugar crop closed last Thursday. It was an exceptional crop season; the production targets were exceeded and the farmers are looking forward to a handsome second payment. The quality of the sugar cane being milled also maintained high standards. But since the [...]
City Hall floats mini ‘Superbond’
The Belize City Council today held a press conference to present the achievements of the hundred day plan they had set out upon taking office in March of this year. While they haven’t achieved the hundred items on the list in the first ninety-seven days, they have achieved more than eighty percent of it. One [...]
P.U.P. prepares to support Belize/Guatemala Referendum Education Process
The settling of the Belize/Guatemala territorial dispute may be years away. However, the direction in which the countries may attempt to negotiate will be known by 2013. On April twenty-seventh, delegations from Belize and Guatemala headed by their respective foreign ministers met in Washington D.C. Both delegations decided that referendums would be held in the [...]
Green Tropics apologizes for biological corridor mishap; P.U.P. offers support
There has been outrage in the conservation community following the news that Green Tropics Limited had dredged a canal through the Laboring Creek Jaguar Corridor Wildlife Sanctuary. Well, there is now word from the company and it is in the form of an apology and explanation. It says that the company, “unreservedly apologizes to the [...]
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PUP HOLDS PRESS CONFERENCE
The March seventh General and Municipal elections are now in the history books, but the government’s and municipals’ terms in office are now approaching the 100 day mark. Keenly watching their performance is the opposition People’s United Party, who today held a...
NEMO ADDRESSES FLOOD IN TOLEDO DISTRICT
Members of NEMO-Toledo district emergency coordinating team are visiting flooded areas in Toledo. Correspondent Paul Mahung reports. PAUL MAHUNG, Reporter “Several Rural Toledo Communities are affected by flood waters due to heavy rain falls Sunday and into...
2012 PSE SCORES ARE SATISFACTORY
Over seven thousand standard six students over the country sat the Primary School Examinations this year and the much anticipated results were released yesterday. The Principal Education Officer for National Exams, Yvonne Davis told Love News what these results look like. &nb...
HOME INVASION IN CAYO DISTRICT
A family from Georgeville village in the Cayo district is worried for their safety following an incident this morning. Reports to the RSV Media Centre are that around nine o’clock this morning, a man broke into the home of the former chairlady of the village Anna Myvette.&n...
CANADA DONATES TO THE BELIZE DEFENCE FORCE
The Belize Defence Force is getting some assistance from the government of Canada. An online report published today says that the donation of two thousand load carrying vests to the BDF is part of Canada’s Americas’ Strategy and broader commitments to support Central ...
LOVE TV
Missing boy last seen in San Victor Village
In Corozal, twelve year old Alvin Choc went missing this past weekend. According to police reports, Choc, a resident of Louisville village in the Corozal district left home to go to a nearby shop Saturday morning and has not returned home. What is disturbing about the report is that police say that a young man was allegedly seen forcing Alvin Choc into a dorey in the river in San Victor Village. Alvin Choc is 4 feet tall, slim built, has a narrow face, low haircut and was last seen wearing a three-quarter pants, with a red shirt. He was bare foot. Anyone with information on this missing child is asked to please contact the nearest police station.
Missing Toledo girl found alive
Concerns are mounting over the disappearance of another teenage girl, this time in the Toledo district. The primary school girl is a student in Bella Vista village. Correspondent Paul Mahung reports.
Update: The RSV Media Center has just received an update from the police department regarding thirteen year old Maria Elena Hernandez who was reported missing in Bella Vista, Stann Creek since Monday. A search conducted in the TRIO Area led the police to finding Hernandez in the company of a forty nine year old man and she has been escorted to be examined by a medical officer.
Police officer hit and killed while riding bike
A police officer lost his life in a road traffic accident on Saturday night in Belmopan. Constable Ken Emmanuel was knocked down as he rode his bicycle on the Hummingbird Highway. Emmanuel was knocked down at the junction of the highway and Zultan Streets in the Las Flores Area. Emmanuel sustained injuries to the face, abdomen and a broken foot. The driver of the vehicle that knocked down the police officer has been identified as seventy one year old Belmopan resident Carlos Santos. Santos told police that he was heading towards Belmopan and upon reaching that location, the high beams of an oncoming vehicle impaired his vision causing him to knock down Emmanuel, who was pronounced dead on arrival at the Western Regional hospital in Belmopan.
Two dead and eleven injured in weekend shootings
It was a weekend of bloodbath in Belize City. Crimes have always punctuated many of the weekends, but this past weekend was so littered that it sent many people to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. There were four shootings, and two of the victims did not survive when someone opened fire into a crowd at a nightspot on Newtown Barracks. It happened on Friday night and today at a police press conference, the Police Press Officer, Inspector Fitzroy Yearwood, and Officer Commanding the Eastern Division Police Station, Assistant Commissioner, Elodio Aragon, opened up with that incident.
Haylock pleads ‘not guilty’ to robbery and assault charges
23-year-old Ian Haylock, a labourer of Richard Street employed by CYDP who allegedly stole a Honda taxi car, was charged with robbery and two other offences when he appeared in court today. The other offences were aggravated assault and kept prohibited ammunition. Haylock pleaded not guilty to the charges. Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser explained to him that the court cannot offer him bail because of the nature of the offences. She remanded him into custody until July 30. The incident occurred around 3 a.m. on Saturday, June 9. The complainant, 27-year-old taxi driver Fermin Matura, reported to the police that he was driving on Newtown barracks with two female passengers and when he reached the pedestrian crossing in front of BTL Park one of the women told him to stop. Matura said the gunman directed him to go to Coney Drive and when he arrived at Coney Drive he was told to stop. Matura said when he stopped the car two men got into it and one of the men put a chrome color firearm to his head, cranked it and told him to drive. Matura told Police that when he stopped the car he jumped out of it and ran. The police investigated and reported that their investigation led them to Mahogany Street in front of the Complex building where they saw a car fitting the description of the stolen vehicle. The police said when they approached the car they saw a man jump out of it and begin to run. They pursued the man when they apprehended him. According to Police when they searched Haylock they found 14 rounds of point 40 calibre ammunition. The police say they are searching for three other persons in connection with the incident.
Inspector Yearwood responds to grenade incident
Among the attacks over the weekend was a grenade lobbed in a residential area that of late has come under siege by gunfire. Luckily for the residents, the device was not the more dangerous kinds that Belize City streets have come to know over recent years. Inspector Yearwood says the grenade is actually used in BDF training exercises.
Remains of missing teenagers found in Orange Walk
A citizen found the decomposing bodies in Santa Marta Village.
The search for two teenagers reported missing last week ended at the weekend with the discovery of their decomposing bodies in the Orange Walk district. With a report, here is our Orange Walk Bureau Chief Manuela Ayuso Cantun.
Today at the police press conference, Press Officer, Inspector Fitzroy Yearwood, provided details of that incident.
A community remembers Jasmine Lowe while police investigate
Police in San Ignacio continue to investigate the murder of thirteen year old Jasmine Lowe. Over the weekend it was confirmed that the suspect who has been in detention was released because he has been able to provide strong alibis pertaining to his activities on the day it is suspected that Lowe went missing. Over the weekend, a series of candlelight vigils were held in various parts of the country in memory of the slain teen. On Saturday afternoon, family and friends as well as members of various scout troops turned out in large numbers for a memorial service for Jasmine Lowe. The memorial was held at the Shining Light Baptist Church in Georgeville, when various speakers recalled the vibrant, joyful and full of life person that Jasmine was. Special tributes were paid to the slain teenage, whose decomposing body was found on a feeder road news Cristo Rey village on Wednesday of last week. Following the church service in Georgeville, there was a motorcade of taxi operators which went along the highway ending at the Columbus Park where a candlelight vigil was held. Various speakers, including the town’s mayor John August and other community leaders delivered speeches and paid tribute to Jasmine Lowe.
BYM voices support of ‘Jasmine’s Taxi Law’
The Belize Youth Movement, a body within the opposition People’s United Party, has issued a statement on the murders of Jasmine Lowe, Edwardo Alamilla and Charlie Espat. In its statement, BYM is calling on the government, community and the churches to come together as one to protect the nation’s children. The statement goes on to say, and we quote: “we as young members of this society are tired of living in fear of dying, and of losing loved ones to violence,” end of quote. The BYM says it is in agreement with the proposed Jasmine Taxi Law, as it will move the country a step forwards in bringing law and order to one sector of our community, while protecting commuters as well as taxi cab drivers.
Influx of trauma patients challenges emergency room personnel
Over thirty thousand patients are seen at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital in the span of a year. And the emergency room there is always a busy venue especially due to the crime wave affecting our country. This weekend however, there was an overflowing amount of incidents involving shootings and stabbings and Love News wanted to know just how the KHMH emergency room is coping with all these patients at the same time. The Director of Medical Services at the KHMH, Adrian Coye said that although there is an overflow of patients, they still manage to get it under control.
Coye explained just how much doctors and room they have to manage the emergency room at its lows and at its highs.
Coye says that the emergency room has undergone transformation throughout the years and that there is a proposal for a phase two transformation, but in the end there is only so much space they do have.
Police announce plan to work with Belize City Council to suppress crime
While many city residents will agree that this weekend was the most littered with crime in recent years, Assistant Commissioner Aragon assures the public that the police are working to put a lid on the problem.
Meanwhile, the Assistant Commissioner told the media that the police, in tandem with the Belize City Council, will work together to address crimes relating to night clubs.
As we understand it, the Belize City Council is planning a press conference of its own to announce its efforts to suppress crimes as they relate to nightclubs in Belize City.
Health fair planned for Belize City
In an effort to educate the public of the work they carry out throughout the year, the Matron Roberts Polyclinic on Magazine Road will be hosting a health fair on Friday June 11, 2012. The Administrator for the polyclinic, Alexi Rosado told Love News more about what you can expect.
Medical Coordinator at Matron Roberts, Melissa Diaz told us the daily duties carried out by the hospital on a daily basis.
Rosado says that the date of the health fair might change if bad weather conditions persist and if so it will be further announced, meanwhile the fair is still scheduled for this Friday.
UNIBAM announces support for “Jasmine’s Taxi Law”
Another community group, the Supporters of the Constitutional Challenge to Section 53 of the Laws of Belize has also expressed solidarity with the grieving family of the slain teenager. The group, under the banner of We Are One, attended the candlelight vigil at Battlefield Park in Belize City on Saturday night. Prior to the vigil, the group distributed 50 meals to some of the homeless who regularly congregate in the park. The group, in a statement issued today said, quote: “we would also like to publicly commend private citizens, as well as the Special Envoy for Women and Children, Kim Simplis Barrow for their efforts to push for “Jasmine’s Taxi Law”, end of quote. The group goes on to say, quote: “those of us who support the Constitutional Challenge to Section 53 pledge our unwavering support for any and all legal reforms that will result in greater protection for the children of Belize,” end of quote.
Police release details of recent shootings
Inspector Yearwood gives details of recent shootings
There were many who were luckier than Dwight Panton and Kenroy Humes who were killed on Friday night and they survived the onslaught of gunfire that came their way. Police Press Officer, Inspector Fitzroy Yearwood, gave the details of these.
2011-2012 sugar crop season closes
The 2011 – 2012 sugar crop has ended. Our Orange Walk correspondent Arturo Cantun has the story.
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Another man falls to gun violence in the old capital
Shots were fired in Belize City on Monday evening. The victim is 24 year old Keith Lewis. Police say they responded...
The opposition express its dissatisfaction with GOB
With the recent crime spree of this past weekend, public discussion has been focused on little else. This morning, ...
PUP says current education efforts are deplorable
The PUP also spoke about education this morning at their press conference, saying that GOB should do more in the ar...
BTL acquisition ruled unlawful
Litigation by definition is never a simple process. Judgements and verdicts are handed down according to the letter...
Spotlight on Blackman Eddy entrepreneurs
During the past month, Plus TV's Rise and Shine has been discussing entrepreneurship and ways to empower Belizeans ...
Sugar cane crop season reaps success, PUP still not pleased
The sugar cane crop season ended on Thursday of last week and according to reports, it was a successful season. At ...
Belize Christian Revival 2012
Belize Christian Revival held its first event over the weekend. The group of volunteers and Pastors has a vision an...
Police seek assistance in identifying male body
A body was found early this morning near the tourist village. Up to our news time, the body has still been unidenti...
PSE scores show slight increase
The Primary School Examination scores are in. This year, a total of 6,983 candidates sat the PSE. What is important...
Accused murders walk free after witness fail to testify
Two accused murderers walk free after the main witness refuses to
Police Department cracks down on petty offences
The police department says it is “tightening the belt” as it were to deal with some petty offenses. They are callin...
Pedestrian knocked down, dies
There was also another fatal traffic accident over the weekend. We had reported on the one involving a Belmopan pol...
More shooting incidents leave men hospitalized
Another person who was shot in Belize City was 20 year old Hazard Rowland. This one happened on Sunday. According t...
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