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FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

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The November 22nd, 2012 issue of The Northern Star is online HERE

This Week's Stories:

  • Millionaire wanted for Murder Facts Vs. Fiction!:
    American expatriate John McAfee, went into hiding as he is wanted by our authorities and is labeled as the prime suspect in the murder of 52yrs. old Gregory Viant Faull who wasmurdered in his home in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye sometime between the 10th. - 11th. November 2012. Gregory Faull was an American expatriate and was the neighbor of the 67yrs.old, Anti-Virus Pioneer, John McAfee. Sometime prior to his death, Gregory Faull made a formal complaint against John McAfee in the form of a letter addressed to the San Pedro Town Council complaining about some vicious, loose dogs that Mr. McAfee had that were and chasing and attacking people both residence and tourist.
  • The Super Bond IDB President, the US Treasury Department and Barack Obama:
    The Super Bond Renegotiation has suffered its first set back as a direct result of the IDB President LuisAlberto Moreno refusal to take to his board our proposal for the IDB partial guarantee of its restructuring with a policy based loan.TheUS Treasury Department has insists that the Government of Belize must first go to the IMF. Our Belize Government has and will simply refuse to go to the IMF. The IDB feeling pressured by the US Treasury Department has therefore withdrawn its support for a partial guarantee.
  • Editorial Page:
    Another year is almost over, and many believe that the end of the Mayan Calendar, signals the ending of the world as we know it. But what they fail to realize is that it is not the end of the world but simply the ending of a cycle, a generation, a system that has quickly become obsolete, no longer useful for the new Era that is dawning. And so with this new genesis on the horizon; we begin a new start, full of vigor, with high expectations, hope, opportunities and an undeniable love of God, an unending belief that Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior along with the conviction that "The time to save our country is beforewe lose it!"
  • BELIZEAN TEEN MURDERED ABROAD:
    Suri Baeza, a 15-year-old, Belizean Student from Rockwall High School who left her home in Orange Walk in 2002 was killed on Tuesday. Baeza's mother found her body on the floor of her bedroom at about 7.15 p.m. and called 911. She told the police her daughter had stayed home from school that day because she had felt ill and that, though she'd arrived home at about 4 p.m., she hadn't seen Surie since that morning. Baeza reportedly sent a text message around 2 p.m. and was killed between that time and 4.30 p.m. Her mother went to wake her up for dinner, but found her unresponsive on the floor in a pool of her own blood.
  • MINISTER OF NATIONAL SECURITY REMARKS - PRIME MINISTER FORUM - 1st NOVEMBER, 2012:
    Prime Minister, Members of the Cabinet, Members of the business community, CEO's, other distinguished delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen. The recent spike in crime and violence especially in Belize City hits at the core of our efforts to create a safe and secure environment where our citizens and visitors can live in peace and security. Let me assure you though, that despite these occasional spikes which have the effect of eroding any appearance of progress in our fight against crime, the Ministry of National Security and the Police Department have been employing and will continue to employ new and innovative strategies to vanquish what is undoubtedly the greatest national challenge in our postindependence history. My task, as the Minister, is to move the Ministry of National Security forward and ensure that we strengthen its Departments to allow them to deal with the various threats to national security and safety in an efficient and effective manner. While we are doing that we have to deal with the challenges of the day to day policing realities as it relates to crime and violence.
  • British Government Donates Motorcycles for Belmopan Police:
    A donation of two (2) motorcycles, to be assigned to the Belmopan City Formation of the Belize Police Department, was made this morning to the Ministry of National Security by the British Government through its Embassy in Belize. Making the presentation on behalf of the BritishGovernment was the visitingMinister of State for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Latin America, Hon. Hugo Swire, MP, along with the British High Commissioner resident in Belize, H.E. PatAshworth. Receiving the donation was Belize's Minister of National Security, Hon. John Saldivar, accompanied by the Commissioner of Police, David Henderson
  • Double Layer Pumpkin Cheesecake:
    Directions: 1) Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). 2) Cut the pumpkin in half, stemto base. Remove seeds and pulp. Cover each half with foil. 3) Bake in the preheated oven, foil side up, 1 hour, or until tender. 4) Scrape pumkin meat fromshell halves and puree in a blender. Strain to remove any remaining stringy pieces. Store in the freezer in freezer safe bags.
  • Honduras: Quincea�era y su novio actuaron con cinismo y frialdad:
    La motivación de una quincea�era para planificar el asesinato de sumadre se vuelve un an�lisis complejo para los especialistas en conducta humana. La menor, en complicidad con su novio de 17 a�os, mató a pu�aladas a su madreAna Brenda Bodden Guzm�n por oponerse a aquel noviazgo que comenzó en las aulas de un colegio en Siguatepeque, donde ambos estudiaban. El perfil en las redes sociales de ambosmenores podr�a dar un punto de partida para los estudios que psiquiatras y psicólogos deber�n hacerle a la pareja, que sin ning�n remordimiento confesó su crimen.
  • Belize Police News
  • Cartoons and Joke of the Week
  • MESSAGE FROM THE CLERGY by Rev. Dr. Rudolph Anthony
    St. Mark's Gospel tells us today that "A poor widow came and put in 2 small copper coins, which were worth a penny". And Jesus, after he saw what happened, told his disciples "This poor widow has put in more than all thosewho are contributing to the treasury...out of her poverty she has put in everything she had". Today aswe look at this lesson, we will find that this is only a snippet of Scripture. In the theological world, these snippets are called "periscopes", "clippings". You see, as we read the clipping, we may not know what comes before or after it. If we were to tract Mark's Gospel, we would know that Jesus had a busy week as it is laid out in the Gospel. One day, he rode into Jerusalemon a donkey; next day he overturns the moneychangers' tables in the temple. The day after, he is engaged in theological debates with at least six different religious leaders.
  • HEALTH AND NUTRITION: Schizophrenia
    Schizophrenia can be Schizophrenia frightening, but it doesn't have to define your life. With medication, therapy, and support, many people with schizophrenia are able to control their symptoms, gain greater independence, and lead fulfilling lives. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent many unnecessary complications and improve the chance of recovery, so if you're worried that you or someone you care about has schizophrenia, don't hesitate to seek help. Recovering from schizophrenia doesn't happen overnight. Finding the right treatments takes time and setbacks happen. But it is possible. In fact, most people with schizophrenia get better over time, not worse. So no matter what challenges you presently face, there is always hope.
  • Message from Prime Minister:
  • Your Weekly Horoscope
  • Another Earthquake Rocks Guatemala in just Four Days:
    Yet another 6.5 magnitude earthquake struck in the Pacific off the western coast of Guatemala. Striking about 17miles (27 km) below sea level, the tremor was centered about 19 miles west-south-west of Champerico, Guatemala, and 115 miles from the capital, Guatemala City. The quake was not far from southern Mexico, with the USGS reporting it was 27 miles south-southeast of the border community of Suchiate, Mexico.


Last night's TV news on Channel 7 and Channel 5
Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, and the Dickie Bradley Specials

The San Pedro Sun

San Pedro Town Council's newest machine working for San Mateo
The emergency cart at the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro PolyClinc II now has the addition of a brand new Mobile Emergency Defibrillator. The donation came as a result of fund raisers in the form of weekly "Poker Runs" held just north of San Pedro and organized by Alexandra Nicholson of Kama Lounge. On hand to receive the donation were Mr. Owen Vellos, administrator of the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro PolyClinic II, Dr. Javier Zuniga, Dr. Noeli Nicholson and Dr. Laurenzco Nicholson . The presentation of the new defibrillator took place at the clinic on Tuesday, November 20th at 2PM and was awarded by the group of individuals instrumental in donating it.

San Pedro Poly Clinic receives donation of Mobile Defibrillator
Work continues on the San Mateo streets and the recent donation of $100,000 from Bay Trust International in Belize is in full swing, providing for two barges of hardcore being laid onto the streets in southern San Mateo, then graded. On Wednesday afternoon, November 21st workers and equipment were in full swing, bringing the dream of new streets to a reality for the residents of San Mateo. According to Mayor Daniel Guerrero, the donation will provide for three more barges of hardcore which will help to complete the streets in the southeastern part of San Mateo. A dump truck, purchased a couple of months ago at a cost of $35,000 has been assigned to the San Mateo area to work on the roads as well. The vehicle was not in proper working condition when it was purchased, but after some much-needed work, it is in full operational mode. Speaking to the media, Mayor Guerro stated, "This truck used to have a huge back [portion] which we had to take off to turn it into a dump truck, and it now reaches international standards." According to the Mayor, the work done on the truck easy exceeded $8,000. Mayor Guerrero is optimistic about the outcome of the work being done in San Mateo. He stated, "The council will continue work on the streets in San Mateo, going towards the west. We will try to open all of these streets to try to avoid these London bridges here. As you can see here it's very beautiful� getting very solid� it's a good foundation and I think it will be very soon that we will be able to get electricity [for the residents]." Once work is done in San Mateo, the truck will be used to haul landfill material (crushed rock similar to marlstone) from Grand Belizean Estates to create roads in the Eiley Subdivion.

THE NEW MISS ETHNIC WORLD IS MISS BELIZE
Destinee Arnold, made history as she was crowned Miss Ethnic World 2013. The pageant was held at the elegant Westin Hotel in Long Beach California where delegates from all over the world gathered for a weekend of activities, photo shoots and rigorous rehearsals. The delegates were judged in six categories including personal interview, cultural expression, fashion- active wear, fashion- after five, evening wear and community service in which documentation of service hours were verified by a third party. While most international pageants have either removed the cultural competition from their score sheets or offer minimal points for it, Miss Ethnic World remains the only international pageant that is dedicated to celebrating cultural diversity through talent presentation and extensive interview. These two categories are each worth a hefty twenty percent of the delegate's overall score.

Ambergris Today

Mobile Defibrillator Donated to San Pedro Poly Clinic
A group of businesses is responsible for the addition of a mobile defibrillator at the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Poly Clinc. The donation was made possible by Captain Morgan's Retreat, Palapa Bar, Kama Lounge and Cowboy Doug's Pool Bar that united to donate the LIFEPACK Defibrillator along with some medications last week. The group raised the funds to acquire the supplies through the Poker Runs social events that have gained massive popularity in San Pedro over a three-month period. The defibrillator that was donated has rechargeable batteries which is a great advantage prior to the one that they had could only be used approximately three times and had to be disposed of. The donation has an estimated value of Bze$5,000. Mr. Owen Vellos, administrator of the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro PolyClinic II, Dr. Javier Zuniga, Dr. Noeli Nicholson and Dr. Laurenzco Nicholson were on hand as Alexandra Nicholson and Dave Hauttli of Kama Lounge , Ernie Olmstead of Captain Morgan's Resort and Casino, Scott and Jodi from Palapa Bar and Doug Mercer Cowboy Doug's/Grand Caribe presented the donation.

Sagging! How Appearance Affects Perception of Social Class
So every teenager has his own style and way he acts around people. The guys that are usually mean to people will wear gang-related clothing to make them feel like they are part of a gang and, who knows, maybe some of them are. A lot of guys these days will have their pants down way below the waistline and this is what we call "Sagging". They are even proud of exposing their underwear! What is up with that? I ask! I assume that most of you have heard that our San Pedro Mayor, His Lordship Daniel Guerrero, has asked the local police to stop those people who are sagging on the street and ask them to 'Pull up their Pants". It's his way to create a more positive vibe on the island, although it will not be a well-liked rule amongst those who like sagging.

Misc Belizean Sources

Falkland Cricketers to visit Belize to play our national team and make donation to Liberty Children's Home
As part of their Caribbean tour of Belize, Barbados and Jamaica, the Falkland Island Cricket Association will have representatives of their team in Belize for several days starting next week Sunday, November 25. The purpose of the visit will be to promote cricket in the Falkland Islands and improve the skills of their players. While in Belize, the team will be received by the Belize National Cricket Association and the British High Commission, play several exhibition matches against the Belize National team and contribute a charitable donation to the Liberty Children's Home in Ladyville. Tentative Schedule: Sunday 25th - A.M. - Arrival at Phillip S. W. Goldson International Airport. Welcome BBQ at Royal British Legion, Price Barracks. (4:00 p.m.) Monday 26th - A.M. - Team to conduct a practice session at Burrell Boom Community Grounds. (Elton Gillett Park). Visit to Liberty Children's Home, Ladyville for charitable donation. (4:00 p.m.). Tuesday 27th - The squad will play two 20/20 games. The first one against Belize Senior National squad, and in the afternoon against Belize U19 Squad. Wednesday 28th - Team will play its 3rd and final game against Belize National Squad for a 45-over game at Bermudian Landing Cricket Grounds. Farewell reception at Black Orchid Resort. (7:30 to 9:30 p.m.)

Channel 7

Municipal Bond Prospectus Launched; Will It Fly?
The prospectus for the 20 million dollar municipal bond was finally launched today, after months of delays. It's been a long time coming - but the Mayor says the prospectus is distilled to a fine essence - balancing the city's sustainability against the council's grand infrastructural ambitions. Jules Vasquez got a first taste today: Jules Vasquez Reporting Today there was a rare sighting of most of the city councilors - and they sat in thrall for the Darrell Bradley show: Darrell Bradley - Mayor, Belize City Council "The Municipal Development Bond, as it is called, is a first of its kind in Belize. It's actually the first municipal bond that has been done by any municipality in the Caribbean region." Everything you need to know about the municipal development bond is contained in this 22 page document - the much discussed and much delayed prospectus. For regular city residents - the most interesting part would probably be this page - listing the 67 streets that the city intends to pave with the bond money.

14 Shells On Pen Road; Two Got Shot
Last night just before 7, there was a shooting at the far end of Neal Penn Road which left 2 persons injured - but it's a minor miracle that no one was killed. Today 7News caught up with the 2 victims, and we found out that the gunman came and fired indiscriminately - over a dozen shots - at a group of about 8 people who were all socializing. Here's what they told us about the incident, including how the assailant risked hitting a baby girl as well: Voice of Shooting Victim #1 "Well, I was sitting down with my brother, my cousin, and other people on the street, and brother looked at me and said, 'look at that man who is walking over here.' By the time I spun around and looked at the person, I saw that he was coming in full black. By the time I took my eyes off of him, I heard a loud bang. As the first shot caught me in my leg, I ran through 2 different yards, and a lot more shots started to fire. After that, I came out and one of my friends asked us who got shot. I told him that it was me who got shot in the legs, and he told me to go with the police to the station. And, that's how I ended up going to the hospital. Everybody who was out there at the time, I mean we sit down out there all the time. We don't make problem with anybody. We usually sit down on the sidewalk, drink and smoke a little weed from time to time. We don't miss with anybody."

Best, Brightest CSEC, CAPE Students Honoured
Very often, youths exhibiting antisocial behavior become the subject of the headlines in our nightly newscast. But, while they get the headlines, they don't represent the whole because a there's a super-majority of Belizean youths who excel and do right every day. So today, when the Ministry held a ceremony in honor of this year's top CSEC examination performers 7News attended and caught up with a few of these bright young people. Here's what they had to say about the award ceremony, and about their plans to further their education: Mireli Solis - 3rd Place, CSEC Examinations 2012 "Well, I just went over the program, and I'm getting a plaque. So, I guess I wasn't coming here with the expectations of getting anything big, but a plaque is nice, and it's nice to know that you're getting recognized for your work." Daniel Ortiz "Tell us a little bit about how much effort it took to actually perform excellently in the CSEC." Mireli Solis "Well, I had to go through a rigorous course work throughout the year. I had to pay attention in all my classes; I had a lot of work to do. I had a lot of homework to do; I had to a lot of independent studying, since I took some subjects independently. Before the exams I had to review again, so I was a lot of work. I mean I took my breaks as I saw the need to, but I feel that it paid off - that my work payed off."

Weed Found In Open Lots
The Special Branch usually moves in silence, but tonight police are boasting that yesterday based on Special Branch information, Police searched an empty lot on Kraal Road and found about two and half ounces of marijuana. Special Branch stats also led police to an empty lot on Antelope St. Extension which turned up (5) plastic bags with three ounces of cannabis. In both cases, the drugs were labeled as "FOUND PROPERTY".

A Cruiser Trying to Get Some Belizean Breeze
Thanksgiving in the US means the cruise tourism high season in Belize - but it seems one cruiser used his visit to Belize as an opportunity to get high! 19 year-old John Webster, an American University Student from Florida, was unable to return on the cruise ship he arrived on because he was busted with marijuana in Belize. According to police, he came on the Norwegian cruise liner, Dawn, yesterday. He was about to board a boat back to the ship at around 2:30 p.m. when a tourism police, acting on information, searched him before he could leave. The officer found 8 grams of cannabis in his right front pants pocket, and inside the right pocket, he found a bamboo pipe used for smoking weed. As a result, Webster was charged with possession of a controlled drug, and possession of a pipe, and he was arraigned before Senior Magistrate Sharon Frazer today. He pleaded guilty to both charges, and was sentenced to pay fines to a total of $1,600 forthwith. He was able to pay the fine, and he left court a free man. His family must make flight arrangements for him to return home.

Turneffe Atoll Reserve: Signed, Sealed, Delivered
commemoration and signing ceremony was held this morning - for the declaration of the Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve. The reserve was enacted In September, by Minister responsible for Forestry, Fisheries and Sustainable Development -Lisel Alamilla. It's important because it manages the three hundred and twenty five thousand acre Marine Reserve - which is the largest in Belize and is considered the largest and most biologically diverse atoll in the Caribbean. This morning's commemoration and signing ceremony took place at Old Belize where Minister Allamilla told us about this historic event. Hon. Lisel Alamilla - Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Sustainable Development "Well, I think it's really a history event because from my understanding, the Turneffe Atoll has been a gap, like a big hole in the marine protected areas system of Belize. It was already recognized that it is of ecological importance, and that we needed to protect and manage it. But for whatever reasons, that had not transpired, so today, that was made possible. So, it's really - some people are telling me that more than 20 years ago, it was recognized that this was an area which really needed to be protected. It will be managed like any other marine reserve. Really, the way we manage and utilize marine reserves is that it's really to enhance them; it's a tool to manage the fisheries sector. Only 10% of the area is a no-take zone. So all the other area, people can fish in it and conduct other activities. So, it's really to more enforcement, monitoring and research going on. We were fortunate enough to have gotten a major contribution for the Bert Arelli Foundation in millions of dollars, which will be used to set up the management for Turneffe Atoll."

He Allegedly Tried To Burn Down The Youth Cadet Core
18 year-old Glenn Murrillo, the young man who was charged with arson and damage to property for allegedly trying burn down the Youth Cadet Corps at mile 21, is free tonight after he was acquitted in the Supreme Court today. The allegation was that on February 12, 2009, Workers at the Cadet Corps reported seeing flames coming from the bathroom section of the compound around 11:30 p.m. They were able to quickly put out the fire with water. Murrillo, who was only 15 years-old at the time, was linked to the arson, and he was criminally charged for it. But, when Crown Counsel Thalia Meagan Francis presented the prosecution's case before the court this morning, she was only able to call 4 witnesses to testify against Murrillo. However, none of them were able to give any compelling evidence against Murrillo. As a result, Justice Troadio Gonzalez directed the jury of 9 which was just empaneled today, to return a mandatory not guilty verdict.

Remanded For Lack Of Respect
18 year-old Tanisha Bell, a resident of Antelope Street Extension, is in prison tonight, and she will remain there for 7 days because she insulted Senior Magistrate Sharon Frazer. Bell was charged with possession of controlled drugs because police allegedly caught her with 1 gram of cannabis. She pleaded guilty to that offence today, and because she showed no remorse, and didn't provide a sufficient reason why she shouldn't be sent to jail, Senior Magistrate Frazer remanded her for 1 day. She was taken back to the cellblock at the Magistrate's Court to await transport to prison, and while there, an employee of the court overheard her insult Senior Magistrate Frazer. This employee reported the incident to Senior Magistrate Frazer, who decided to extend her remand from 1 day to 7 days because she showed disrespect to authority. According to police, at around 7:25 p.m. yesterday, police officers were on mobile patrol, when they saw a group of people standing at the corner of Elston Kerr and Antelope Streets.

Katarina's Story
Last night we told you the good news about 11 year old Katarina Ishim from San Pablo village in Southern Belize. She's the little girl who had a massive tumor - about the size of a watermelon growing on her face. She's been receiving specialized treatment in Knoxville Tennesse since March. Now she's just about done and ready to come back home. NBC affiliate WBIR in Tennessee aired this story yesterday: All told, her surgeries lasted over 40 hours. She will now be fitted with a prosthetic nose.

Straight Talk On Crooked Tree
Last week, we showed you Crooked Tree Residents lashing out at the Audubon Society which manages the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary. But the Audubon says it's a bigger problem a legislative one - having to do with the Departments of Forestry and Fisheries. Today the minister with responsibility for those ministries told us a legislative review is underway: Hon. Lisel Alamilla - Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and Sustainable Development "What you need to visit is the legislations which governs these protected areas, and we are in the midst of an exercise - in fact, at the very tail end of the exercise to look at the protected areas system of Belize to determine whether we're going to re-categorize those protected areas which will allow harvesting and other activities to happen within protected areas. Until that exercise happens, Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary will remain in that category because we will not do it in a piece-meal manner. We're looking at the entire protected areas system of Belize." According to a release sent out by the Audubon, the entire flare up in Crooked Tree stems from an event onFriday November 9th when the Police Dept, Forest Dept and staff of Belize Audubon Society carried out a joint patrol in the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary.

Juniour Athletes Going For Glory In Costa Rica
Right now, there is small contingent of junior athletes who are making their way to Costa Rica to compete in 10th Central American Infant A and Junior C track and field games. 7News caught up with them before they boarded their 5 p.m. flight, and they told us that they are hoping to bring back medals: Fredrick Evans - Coach "This is the Junior C Central American Championships. This is for kids, ages 14 and 15 years-old. Shanicka and G'anne are both competing in the long jump, 100 metres, and 150 metres. Shanicka is the reigning triple jump champion for the Junior B, which is from 14-17 for Central America, but at 14 and 15, they don't have triple jump. So, she's only doing the long jump. And Kadean is also primarily a triple jumper. They don't have triple jump in this competition, so he's doing the long jump and the 100 meters. If they don't win medals, they have to walk back. I'm extremely confident that each of them will win at least one medal. And there's a good chance that all 3 of them will win more than one medals." G'anne Humes - Athlete "My first trip, I was really nervous, and I came in like 4th or 5th. But for this trip, I'm expecting to place in the top 3. I'm expecting to bring home a gold medal also."

Profile Of A Punta Rock Star
This week's profile is about Punta Rock legend Chico Ramos. He has penned some of the most memorable songs in the Punta Rock canon - but behind the music, there's a deep story. And he shares it in tonight's profile:

Why Marching Matters
The Women's Department celebrates its 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence annually. The tradition is that It kicks off with a march through the city streets - bringing awareness to issues women face on a daily basis. Today 7news spoke with Human Development Coordinator, Cynthia Williams about how you can take a stand: Cynthia Williams - Human Development Coordinator, Women's Department "We just wanted to come and invited the general public to the opening ceremonies and the march for 16 days of Activism campaign. Every year, we have these opening ceremonies to really bring to an opening, the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence. It is a worldwide campaign which started since 1991, and it really brings efforts locally and internationally to raise more awareness of violence against women, especially in looking at violations of women's rights as a violation of human rights as well. And so, it's really an opportunity for, not only those who are working in this sector to come out and participate, but also to the general community. We feel that it is important that every Belizean take action, as we strive toward the elimination of violence against women. This year's theme is 'Unite to End Violence Against Women and Children'. It is very central to another campaign in which the Department is also a part of, which is the orange unite campaign, which also brings awareness to the issue. It is a United Nations Campaign which was opened in 2008 by the Secretary General to really highlight and ensure that everybody is contribution for legislation and policies to be brought forward and created to ensure that we work toward the elimination of violence against women and girls. We felt that it was important to include children because we know that there is an issue where our boys are also being affected. It is a call to action for all Belizeans. The route of the march is that we'll be going down Mahogany Street Extension, Cemetery Road, Orange, Mosul, Vernon Streets, the Belchina Bridge, North Front Street, and then ending at Memorial Park." The theme for this year's 16 Days of Activism is: "United to end Violence against women and children".

San Mateo Money Being Spent Wisely
A few weeks ago, our colleagues at Reef Radio shared a story with us about a major donation for the upgrading of the San Mateo area in San Pedro. IT is as poor as any area you will find in Belize city - complete with London Bridges. But the hundred thousand is already being put to work to lay out new roads. Reef Radio tells us about the equipment that hit the ground yesterday: Mayor Guerrerro estimates that half the residents still have road access problems...

Channel 5

Patrick Faber, next U.D.P. Party Leader?
The United Democratic Party is heading to its national convention next February. For months there have been signs that Party Chairman and Minister of Education, Patrick Faber would launch a challenge to unseat Gaspar Vega who is the Deputy Party Leader and the sitting Deputy Prime Minister. Faber has been an up and coming heavyweight [...]

$20 Million Municipal Bond launched
The Government has suffered a major setback in the re-structuring of the US five hundred and forty-four million dollar super bond now that the IDB will not be guaranteeing the Policy Based Loan. But the City today went public with the prospectus for a twenty million dollar bond.� The mayor of the City is inviting [...]

European Union may ban Belize vessels for Illegal Fishing
There is trouble brewing for Belize in the international fisheries industry tonight, following decisive measures taken by the European Union (EU) against eight countries it shares trade relations with. The EU recently issued a release, warning fishing vessels flying the Belizean flag that if they fail to comply with standards set by the European Fisheries [...]

While receiving treatment for gunshot, victim's home ransacked
There was a shooting on Neal's Penn Road early on Wednesday night. The victims are a man and a woman who were injured as they sat on the sidewalk.� Nineteen year old Leticia Cardinez and twenty two year old Devain Flores were hanging out with friends, including two children, when a man wearing a warm [...]

"Robbery" waiting to be charged for foiled robbery
No charges have been levied in the foiled robbery attempt at Dits Restaurant on Wednesday afternoon. While the gunman, Aspinal Welch was shot and police have a second suspect detained, the two have not been arraigned. Welch, who is also known as "Robbery", reportedly targeted a customer inside the restaurant, who was said to be [...]

Top CSEC and CAPE students honored
The nation's brightest minds were recognized today at the annual CSEC and CAPE awards. Proud parents, teachers and peers turned up for one of the most anticipated events on the calendar of the Ministry of Education. Teresa Juana Meza of Stann Creek Ecumenical and Dorien Villafranco from Saint John's College received kudos for topping the [...]

Co-signing of park management with a few NGOs
A sustainable Development in Action Forum was held this morning. The occasion was two pronged: the signing of a declaration officially designating the Turneffe Atoll as a protected area and the signing of the co-management agreement of national parks. There were two ministers present, few NGOs and enough primary school students. News Five's Jose Sanchez [...]

Fishers Act to be upgraded
There were several undertakings that were announced during the two hour press conference at the old Belize. Minister of Tourism Manuel Heredia announced a tourism development plan for areas like Turneffe. The Fisheries Department also had an announcement; the living aquatic resource bill is an extremely important document that Minister Alamilla will take to Cabinet [...]

Former Youth of the Cadet Corps, survives arson charge
Glenn Murrillo was only fifteen years old and was enlisted in the Youth Cadet Service Corp when he was accused of arson in February, 2009. The charges were in connection with a fire inside the bathroom at the Cadet Corp. Trial against the now eighteen year old man started on Wednesday.�� After calling four witnesses, [...]

Smoked turkey for Thanksgiving? Tourist smoked marijuana instead
A nineteen year old student from Tampa, Florida missed his cruise ship that sailed to Mexico where he was to spend thanksgiving with his family today. It's because on Wednesday, John Webster, who arrived in Belize on a cruise ship named Dawn, was caught with weed and a smoking pipe while boarding a boat at [...]

Minister Lisel Alamilla says NEAC questioned US Capital EIA
US Capital Energy's Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) presentation in Sunday Wood Village did not have the desired result for the company, the villagers, the NGO's or the Department of the Environment.� During that October meeting, an incident involving the director of the Sarstoon Temash Institute for Indigenous Management (SATIIM), Greg Choc and Martin Alegria, flared [...]

Ishim survives 4 pound cancerous tumor and on the way home
Catarina Ishim; she's the twelve year old girl from San Pablo, Toledo whose story touched many in Belize because for years she had struggled with a massive tumor on her face. Catarina was diagnosed with Leimyosarcoma, a rare and malignant type of tumor that kept recurring even after she survived two surgical procedures. But on [...]

Forestry Department will intervene in Crooked Tree Village argument
Crooked Tree Villagers have been up in arms with the Belize Audubon Society following the confiscation of some twenty logs from a villager sometime last week. Audubon's action has led to the villagers protesting in front of the office of the Wildlife Sanctuary at the entrance of the village. But it was their non-attendance at [...]

16 Days of Activism against Violence
The Women's Department has a packed agenda planned for this year's Sixteen Days of Activism, which officially begins on Sunday. But the activities will be launched on Friday with an opening ceremony followed by a march through the city streets to send a clear message against gender based violence. The department is partnering with the [...]

One person's drive to find toys for needy kids
Christmas is fast approaching and there are many families who don't know where the gifts and food will come from. This year, a Belize City woman has taken it upon herself to try and make the holidays a little brighter for some of those needy families. Karistan Harris has launched a toy and food drive [...]

Nurse speaks of caring for HIV infected children
In Healthy Living tonight we get up close and personal with a caretaker of children infected with HIV/AIDS. Nurse Leah Jex works with Hand and Hand Ministries and she comes in contact with these children on a daily basis. Her experience, while challenging, is rewarding as she offers advice to parents and children about learning [...]

LOVE FM

Belize City Launches First Municipal Bond
History was made today in Belize City when its first ever Municipal Bond was launched. The specifics of the initiative were laid out by Mayor Darrel Bradley, who said that there has to be new legislation to regulate how the Bond will work. DARREL BRADLEY MAYOR Belize ...

National Award Ceremony for CAPE and CSEC Examinations Outstanding Performers Held
The eighteenth national awards ceremony for outstanding performance in the May/June 2012 Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination, CAPE and the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate Examination, CSEC was held this morning in Belize City. Close to three hundred secondary school an...

Police News
Over eighty thousand dollars worth of electronic and other items were stolen from a Belize City house in a burglary which happened sometime last week. A resident of Cross Lane in Belize City reported to police that the burglary happened sometime between November eleventh and Nove...

Armed Robbery at Northside Store
An armed robbery was reported in Belize City on Wednesday morning at the Sea Shore supermarket at mile two and a half on the Phillip Goldson Highway. According to police, around eight fifteen yesterday morning, two men who wore stockings over their faces and armed with a firearm ...

Shooting in Belize City Leaves Two Injured
Two people were injured in a shooting incident in Belize City last night. Twenty two year old Devain Flores was injured in his right knee and left calf, and nineteen year old Leticia Cardinez was grazed to the right side of her buttocks. According to police Flores and...

Ministry of Health Receives Results on Pharmaceutical Drug
The Ministry of Health today announced that the findings of an investigation of a particular pharmaceutical product proved it is safe for public consumption. Earlier this year concerns were raised about the sale of TLEMOL in Belize and a sample of the project was sent to Jamaica ...

Citrus Growers To Receive Increase in Payments
The Citrus Growers Association has announced a new first payment advance for oranges at nineteen cents more than the initial first payment advance. A statement from the CGA issued this afternoon says that the new first payment advance to growers is ninety seven cents per pound so...

Honorary Consul of Mexico Awarded The Order of the Aztec Eagle
Mexican honorary consul Maria Luisa Espat has been awarded by the Mexican President with the Order of the Aztec Eagle Award. The Order of the Aztec Eagle is the highest Mexican decoration awarded to foreigners. The ceremony to award Espat was held last Friday at the Corozal...

Belize's Ambassador to UK Installed
Belize's new Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Perla Perdomo has assumed her duties. According to a government release Perdomo was received by Her majesty Queen Elizabeth the second in a private audience at Buckingham Palace yesterday. The release goes on to say High Commis...

Inauguration of Mental Health Day Care and Resource Centre Held
The Mental Health Day Care and Resource Centre project was inaugurated today in Belize City. The new facility will provide a daily meal, medical referral and recreation for the homeless and people living with mental health problems. The Resource Centre project is located at the c...

Villagers Call for Removal of Audubon Society in Their Area
Last week villagers of Crooked Tree Village raised a number of concerns of their livelihood being threatened by legislation put in place. Some of the villagers called for the removal of the Belize Audubon Society from the village. Today Love News spoke with Advocacy Manager...

Man Guilty of Unnatural Crime with Minor
Forty-five year old Lee Henkis, a resident of Dean Street who was charged with an unnatural crime was found guilty of the charge today in the court of Justice Troadio Gonzalez. The jury of 4 men and 5 women deliberated for about 4 hours before it arrived at its verdict which was unanim...

Construction Worker Guilty of Murder
Twenty-four year old Gregory August, a construction worker of mile 8 on the George Price Highway charged with the murder of 73 year old Alvin Robinson, was found guilty of the charge today in the court of Justice Adolph Lucas. The jury of 12 deliberated for about four hours befor...

Attempted Robbery At Popular Belize City Restaurant
There was a shooting incident this afternoon in Belize City. The mid-afternoon incident happened at the popular Dits Restaurant on King Street in Belize City. The area was cordoned off by police as scenes of crime technicians processed the establishment where one person sustained gunshot wo...

CTV3

Mexico To Assist With Bridge Construction
In February of 2013, President Elect Pe�a Nieto will officially take over duties as President of Mexico but until then, Felipe Calderon continues to finish projects and wrapping up matters before demitting office. One of those projects is completing the new bridge bordering Mexico and Belize. At the moment, President Calderon is lobbying to have members of the Mexican military sent to complete the bilateral bridge which has not been able to be completed by Belize for some years now. For the past five years Belize has been unable to meet its commitment in completing the road and facility which will allow both Belizeans and Mexicans access to that port of entry. Felipe Calderon has officially pledged to provide financing and personnel to complete the work. A press release coming out of the Mexican Embassy states that President Calderon is lobbying with Mexican Senate and Department of Defense in efforts of securing eleven members of the Mexican Military to complete the task. The eleven member team will consist of a colonel, a captain, a lieutenant and eight soldiers working hand in hand to complete the project in four weeks. We will be traveling to the northern border and bring to you the story when the work kicks off.

P.M Barrow Chastises IDB President
At news time tonight things are looking exceedingly grim on the economic front, even more so than usual, as Belize's financial outlook has taken what seems to be a grievous injury. The news broke last night that the Inter-American Bank, a lending agency which has so far enjoyed a cordial relationship with this government and those before, had refused to make good on a number of Policy Based Loans. Those loans were considered critical to the restructuring of the Super-bond, and had been regarded as a done deal by the Prime Minister Dean Barrow. So you can imagine that when Barrow got the news, he was not a happy camper. According to Barrow, the loan was blocked by no less than an intervention by the US Treasury. Here are those comments. Prime Minister Dean Barrow "The IDB, certainly at the level of the staff, was extremely helpful, extremely supportive and at the level of the executive director on the board into whose constituency Belize falls, a lady from Costa Rica called Carmen Maria Madris. I had met with [IDB President Luis Alberto] Moreno and I understood from then that he was not as committed as his staffers seemed to be but I thought that we had been able to persuade him. Ultimately it was that the U.S. Treasury indicated clearly to Moreno and directly that it would not support the IDB agreeing to the guarantee. It then became a matter of our saying to Moreno, "we'll take it to the board nonetheless." I didn't understand the IDB to be a branch of the U.S Treasury. Moreno, for his own reasons, ultimately did not do that. He called me to say that because of the U.S. Treasury opposition it was off. So that's where things stood."

2012/2013 Crop Set To Commence On November 27th
There is no doubt that the 2011/2012 crop season was a good one. This year the factory milled a total of 1,070,128 tons of cane, producing 114,536 tons of sugar at a TCTS of 9.34 percent. For the 2012/2013 crop season, set to kick off on November 27th, it is estimated that the same amount of cane will be delivered to the factory producing the same amount of sugar. Based on the frog hopper infestation that affected hundreds of cane farmers this year, delivery is not expected to go over the projected mark. Despite the hurdle, it is expected that the 2012/2013 crop season will be a fructiferous one. This year, the factory, under the new management of American Sugar Refinery, is expected to mill one million seventy thousand tons of cane producing 110 thousand tons of sugar at an estimated TCTS of 10 percent. In 2009 the industry saw a record breaker in TCTS as it took 8.57 percent tons of sugar to produce a ton of cane. This year, if weather permits, the same can be expected by the end of the crop season.

Empty Promises No Oil Refinery For Belize
And in related news or incomplete projects and empty promises by this UDP administration, it was no surprise to us when Prime Minister Barrow announced that contrary to their manifesto promises and campaign pledges, there will be no national oil refinery constructed in Belize. This announcement comes just eight months after being re-elected a second term with major campaign promises, one of them blurted out by Barrow at the launch of his party's manifesto stating that his government will, and we quote, "absolutely determined that there will be the construction of an oil refinery in this country. We have to start processing our own local crude." End of quote. But according to Prime Minister Barrow, a feasibility study was done by the Government of Belize in conjunction with BNE; Belize's only producing Oil Company. The preliminary study shows that projections made by both GOB and BNE do not have mass quantities of oil to make the refinery practical. Prime Minister Dean Barrow "We had a study done. We had a feasibility study done, paid for by ourselves and BNE. Our share came from something we made off a backhaul arrangement we had allowed B.N.E. to have done. Bottom line though that study shows that it's not feasible in current circumstance at all. It's not going to, in terms of the throughput and the economies of scale, they aren't there so that it would not result in any appreciable lowering of the price to the consumer at all."

Cane Farmers To Vote For Or Against $6.9 Million Budget
On Sunday November 25th cane farmers will converge at Escuela Secundaria Tecnica Mexico where they will either vote for or against the $6.9 million 2012/2013 budget presented by the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association. During the Annual General Meeting several topics will be laid on the table but high on the agenda will be the 2012/2013 budget which cane farmers basically formulated this year. Alfredo Ortega- Chairman BSCFA, COM "Principalmente que ahora somos certificados del comercio justo as� es que tenemos esa obligación de llevar acabo esta junta adonde los caneros van a probar los proyectos que se van a llevar acabo en el ano fiscal que viene. Sin embargo en esta ocasión ya se esta haciendo un poco mas diferente que los otros anos, ya se dieron dos rondas a nivel de los branches, en la primera ronda fue para que ellos sacaran cual es son sus prioridades entonces vinieron los t�cnicos y desarrollaron ya poni�ndoles figuras en lo que va a costar para hacer ese proyecto y se dio la segunda ronda a los branches adonde ellos tuvieron la oportunidad para mover y poner porcentajes en los diferentes proyectos que ellos ven de necesidad a nivel de branch y entonces en esta junta general se les esta pidiendo que ellos vayan a ratificar ya entonces en junta general ya aprobados a nivel de branch y tambi�n al mismo tiempo a probar el Budget general de la organización."

Louisiana School Celebrates Children's Day
Tomorrow thousands of children from across the country will celebrate children's day. While some will engage in different sporting activities other students will accompany their teachers on field trips getting to know the jewel even better. One of the schools that will be traveling out of Orange Walk tomorrow is Louisiana Government School. In sight that the entire student body will be parting ways, the management of the school decided to hold a special assembly today in commemoration of Children's Day. Enrique Ayuso- Vice Principal Louisiana Government School "Tomorrow all the schools will be vacated because we are going of different educational trips so we decide to have a special assembly this afternoon to entertain the children on their special week. We just had invited some artist, we have Mavis usher singing the Greatest Love of All for them, now we have a dance by Jermaine, a Mayan dance, we have Ms Jessica Palencia from Yo Creek as well who is going to do a special presentation for them and the teachers have some other items for them. So apart from being fun it is educational also and we have the drum core from our school that will be presenting as well."

LOVE TV

Mexican honorary consul Maria Luisa Espat
Mexican honorary consul Maria Luisa Espat has been awarded by the Mexican President with the Order of the Aztec Eagle Award. The Order of the Aztec Eagle is the highest Mexican decoration awarded to foreigners. The ceremony to award Espat was held last Friday the Corozal Free Zone. Love News spoke with Espat about her award.

Crooked Tree Village raised a number of concern
Last week villagers of Crooked Tree Village raised a number of concerns of their livelihood being threatened by legislation put in place. Some of the villagers called for the removal of the Belize Audubon Society from the village. Today Love News spoke with Advocacy Manager at the Belize Audubon Society Arreini Palacio Morgan. According to villagers they have formed a committee and have plans to meet with the Prime Minister to discuss the issue.

Belize City Council launches a pilot survey
The Belize City Council today announced the launch of a pilot survey to document the number of persons living with disabilities or chronic medical conditions. This pilot survey will be conducted in the Belama phases three and four areas of Belize City and will be carried out on Monday of next week. During a press briefing this afternoon at City Hall, Councilor with responsibility for emergency management for the Belize City Council Phillip Willoughby announced that the pilot survey will be carried out by students of St. John's College high school. The risk assessment survey is being undertaken following the experiences of the threat of Hurricane Ernesto in august of this year, when the City Emergency Management Organization was flooded with calls from persons with disabilities and chronic medical conditions for assistance. According to organizers, one hundred and thirty fourth form students will be tasked with going door to door completing the survey based on a pre-agreed set of questions, which includes the number of persons living in a particular house, any special conditions any of those individuals suffer from and the type of housing in which they live. CEMO liaison officer Wayne Usher says that at all times, the students will be supervised by staff of the Belize City Council and there is even a security component to ensure that those taking the survey do so in a climate of safety and confidentiality. The base for the risk assessment survey will be the Belama police sub-station. According to CITCO officials, five police officers have been assigned to Monday's project, in addition to mobile patrols which will be out in the area to ensure a smooth conduct of the survey.

Shooting in restaurant on King Street, Belize City
There was a shooting incident this afternoon in Belize City. The mid-afternoon incident happened at the popular Dits Restaurant on King Street in Belize City. The area was cordoned off by police as scenes of crime technicians processed the establishment where one person sustained gunshot wounds during the incident. Love News understands that it was a case of attempted robbery; but in speaking with the owner of the establishment, she told us that it was not the restaurant that was being robbed. Instead we are told that two alleged robbers walked in and accosted a patron of the restaurant who fought back, injuring the would-be robber. That would-be robber was taken away to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital for treatment and his alleged accomplice was taken into police custody at the scene. Late this evening, the police press officer Raphael Martinez gave reporters the details of this afternoon's incident. Welch continues to undergo treatment at the KHMH under police guard. The owner of Dits Restaurant told Love News that the establishment should be open for business on Thursday.

Jerome Flores completes the ride across Belize
Jerome Flores has completed an ambitious ride across the country of Belize. Flores, who is a paraplegic, finished the last leg of the journey on Garifuna Settlement Day in Punta Gorda town. Today, Flores told Love News that he is proud of the accomplishment. Flores says that now that the ride across Belize has been successfully completed, he has now set his sights on the 2016 Paralympics to be held in Brazil.

Belmopan police formation recieve two new vehicles
The Ministry of National Security has provided two new vehicles for the Belmopan police formation. The keys to the vehicles were handed over to the Commissioner of Police David Henderson by Minister John Saldivar. The new vehicles, an Isuzu D-Max Pickup Truck and a Mahindra truck were purchased by the government of Belize. In handing over the vehicles, Minister Saldivar said he is pleased to be able to meet the growing demand for police mobility in the rapidly expanding capital city and surrounding areas.

PlusTV

The Belize City Council launches its 2012 municipal bond prospectus
Today the Belize City Council launched the Municipal Bond at a press conference hosted by Mayor Darrell Bradley. Th...

PM displeased after meeting IDB representative
We reported that yesterday November 21 marked the sixty day "grace period" extended to Belize by creditors of the s...

New facility in Belize City for Special Needs
A new facility that will provide a daily meal, medical referral and recreation for the homeless and people living w...

Drugs discovered at 2 locations in Belize City
On Wednesday 21st November, based on Special Branch information, Police conducted a search on an empty lot on Kraal...

12 year old returns home after life-saving operation
12-year-old Catarina Ishin will be coming home for the holidays. Catarina has been flown to Knoxville, Tennessee ea...

New Police Vehicles will have "Designated Drivers"
Earlier in the week we featured the addition of two new police mobiles to the Belmopan Formation. At least a dozen ...


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More News: Scroll up from here

Government makes Turneffe Atoll a Marine Reserve
Government makes Turneffe Atoll a Marine Reserve. This morning in ceremonies at the Old Belize Adventure Resort, Mi...

New World Oil and Gas report favorable results in Blue Creek
New World Oil and Gas operating in Blue Creek is reporting favorable results. It has achieved its target depth of 1...

TLRMOL meets US Pharmaceutical requitements
Earlier this year, the Ministry of Health received reports concerning the sale of a pharmaceutical product being ma...

Shooting in Belize City leaves two persons wounded.
Belize City residents are sitting ducks for gunman's bullets. Just after 7pm last night (Nov 21) police responded t...

Man detained following armed robbery of Sea Shore Store
Owners of Belize City Store are the latest victims of armed robbery. WEICHAO HUANG and his wife the owners of Sea S...

Thieves take items worth $81,000 from Belize City home.
A home in Belize City is cleaned out to the tune of $81,000. A house on Cross Lane was burglarized sometime between...

Toledo man had cannabis in knapsack
The attention of a patrol unit on Prince Street, in Punta Gorda Town, was drawn to a man standing in front of a Bik...

The Guardian

Prospectus Ready! Municipal Development Bond to float
It has long been awaited but now the Prospectus for the Belize City Council's Municipal Development Bond (MDB) is finally ready. The prospectus has three key features in it. Firstly, it paints a historical picture of the finances of the Council through audited financials up to the period ending March 2012. This is accompanied by unaudited reports for three previous years as well as projections for the next 4 years. This will show revenue streams and how they are expected to perform for that period. Secondly ,the prospectus has a description of the bond structure with its accompanying legislation. Thirdly, it features the breakdown of the bond tranches with its interest rates, maturity dates and the works to be procured with the 20 million dollars. The bond itself is broken down into three tranches with the first being for 3 million dollars for a period of 3 years, bearing an interest rate of 3.5%; the second tranche will be for 7 million dollars for a period of 5 years with an interest rate of 5.5%. The third tranche is for 10 million dollars for 10 years at an interest rate of 8%. According to Mayor Darrell Bradley, the market had indicated that investors had varying needs, some wanted to stay for a full 10-year-term and wanted to get higher yields in interest while others wanted shorter yields and yet, some were concerned with political risk and wanted their investment to mature within this political cycle. Bradley explained that because of the varying requests, the Bond was structured in such a way that half of the payments will be retired within this central Government's tenure in office. He added that it is not the intention of the current Belize City Council to saddle any future Government or Councils with debt.

IDB punks out on Support for Superbond Restructuring
Prime Minister of Belize, Hon. Dean Barrow has expressed his disgust at the decision of the President of the Inter American Development Bank, Luis Alberto Moreno, not to support a partial guarantee of Belize's debt restructuring. Belize has been engaged in exhaustive negotiations with the multilateral body for the guarantee but that has now fallen though. The Prime Minister is telling the nation that as a result of pressure put on by the U.S Treasury Department, IDB has stated that Belize will have to go to the International Monetary Fund for the guarantee. P.M. Barrow says that the decision to grant the guarantee stood squarely on the IDB and pursued it as such, even going to the board of directors since the IDB is not a branch of the U.S. Treasury. Now, the Prime Minister is none too pleased with Moreno's decision and he explained that he has told the IDB president as much. "He has to bear the brunt of Belize's ire," remarked the P.M. And while there is where the negotiations stand, Prime Mnister Barrow is not disassociating himself from the lending institution since we "must be mature in the relationship with IDB" and that relations can and should continue. Even with the move to have the IDB partially guaranteeing the debt restructuring out the door, negotiations still continue for better terms with the bondholders, who are expected to give a counter proposal on the restructuring of the debt within the next few days.

Mark King assists Fire Victims
On Tuesday, November 21st at around 1:45 a.m., a long barracks located in the Lake Independence area of Belize City caught on fire leaving 27 people homeless, reportedly 21 of those people are children. The building housed 4 apartments, which were completely destroyed and the residents were left with absolutely nothing. Quickly responding to assist his constituents, Hon. Mark King paid the residents a visit on Wednesday evening at around 5:30p.m. taking emergency supplies to begin to make the residents comfortable. He explained to The Guardian that in the first instance he brought some mattresses food supplies, clothing and cleaning supplies. He said that after a cleanup is conducted in the area, building supplies will be provided for the residents to begin the reconstruction process. Hopefully he says, at least a portion of the entire structure will be up before Christmas so as to make the residents a bit comfortable before then. Within the next few weeks, more building supplies will be provided for every resident to be able to get back their homes.

Two New Police Vehicles for Belmopan Formation New Police Station for Belmopan Coming Soon
Minister of National Security, Hon. John Saldivar on Tuesday, November 20th, handed over keys for two new vehicles to Commissioner of Police, David Henderson at the Police Headquarters in Belmopan City. The two new vehicles, an Isuzu D-Max Pickup Truck and a Mahindra Truck, were purchased by the Government of Belize and are being assigned to the Belmopan Formation. In handing over the vehicles, Hon. Saldivar said he is pleased to be able to meet the growing demand for Police mobility in the rapidly expanding Capital City and surrounding areas. He said it is in line with the policy of his Ministry and the Government to adequately equip the Police Department as it intensifies its fight against crime nationwide. Also present for the handover this afternoon was Officer Commanding the Belmopan Formation, Superintendent Alvan Gentle.

BMDP Project Consultations in Cayo
Project leaders for the Belize Municipal Development Project (BMDP) held a consultation with the residents of the Twin Towns of San Ignacio and Santa Elena on November 15. The event was held at the Center for Employment Training in San Ignacio Town. Present for the meeting was the Mayor of San Ignacio and Santa Elena, John August and some of his Councilors, along with other community members. The purpose of the meeting was to hear from the community what recommended projects were to be undertaken under phase two of the BMDP. "We are hoping that under phase (two), as the gathering has so recommended, that most streets will be rehabilitated and that even consideration will be given to the upgrade of the (San Ignacio) market. However, at the end of the day it will be the amount of monies available that will determine how many of those recommended sub projects can be attempted", said Ernest Raymond, Project Coordinator of the BMDP. Under Phase One of the BMDP, major works in infrastructure has already been done in the Twin Towns, which included the improvements to 18th Street and West Street in San Ignacio. Indeed, so much work is ongoing under Phase One, that Mayor John August has called on the Twin Towns to bear patience as he is fully aware that the these projects cause disruptions to traffic but in the end, everyone in the municipality will benefit. Computers have also been provided under Phase One to the San Ignacio and Santa Elena Town Council, along with updated accounting software.

Dangriga Man killed while intervening in a Fight
Dangriga police have arrested and charged Juan Rubio in connection with the stabbing death of 25-year-old Karim Peters of a Pomona New Site address, some 11 miles outside of Dangriga. Police report that at about 8:48 p.m. on Sunday, November 18th, Peters was riding his bicycle to go home when he intervened in a dispute between brothers Nigel and Juan Rubio. While he was intervening, Juan allegedly lunged at Peters with a knife and stabbed him to the left side of the chest. He was rushed to the Southern Regional Hospital but died before he reached for medical attention. 34-year-old Juan Rubio, of a New Site Area address in Pomona Valley, Stann Creek District appeared in Belize City Magistrate's Court on Wednesday, November 21st, where he was arraigned before Magistrate Sherigne Rodriguez on charges of murder. Bail was denied and he was remanded to the Hattieville Prison until January 23rd, 2013 when he will appear in Dangriga Magistrate's Court.

Wesley College Girls lead in High Schools Basketball
The 2012-2013 Central Region Secondary Schools Basketball Competition opened on Monday, November 12th, at Bird's Isle. The schools that are participating in this year's competition in the female category are Gwen Lizarraga High School, Pallotti High School, St. Catherine Academy and Wesley College, while the schools in the male category are Excelsior High School, Gwen Lizarraga High School, Maud Williams High School, Nazarene High School, St. John's College, Anglican Cathedral College, Edward P. Yorke High School, Sadie Vernon Technical and Wesley College. On Monday, November 20th, in the female game played, Gwen Lizarraga High School defeated Pallotti High School by the score of 41-14. The top scorers for Gwen Lizarraga High were Ann Ma Chen with 12 points and Tameka Smith with 10 points. In the male game played, Wesley College edged the defending national champions Sadie Vernon Technical High by the score of 78-77. The top scorers for Wesley College were Brian White with 25 points; Wilhelm Franklin with 23 points; and Jaron Palacio with 11 points. Meanwhile, the top scorers for Sadie Vernon Technical were Lincey Lopez with 22 points and Jay Palacio with 13 points. On Saturday, November 17th, in the first female game played, Wesley College defeated Gwen Lizarraga High School by the score of 17-15. The top scorer for Wesley College was Shanice Humes with 9 points. Meanwhile, the top scorer for Gwen Lizarraga High School was Ann Ma Chen with 9 points.

CEMO conducts survey for People with Special Needs
The City Emergency Management Organization (CEMO) will be conducting a pilot survey in the Belama Phase 3 and 4 to determine how many people in that area are living with disabilities.

Belize Rural South New Executive
Belize Rural South Executive Committee On Saturday, November 17th, the new UDP, Belize Rural South Executive committee was elected in San Pedro Ambergris Caye. New Chairman is Claudio Azueta with members being Enrique de Leon, Yadira Garcia, Walter Zepeda, Hector Alamilla, Karen Canul, Pablo Ico, Kevin Gonzalez, Sean Keating , Samuel Gonzalez, Roberto Canul, Gloria Stainez, Laura Che, Fernando Sosa and Ralph Humes. Elected as alternates were Betty Longsworth, Severo Guerrero, Sr. Joel Chi, John Marin and Alberto Villanueva.

New Mental Health Day Care and Resource Centre inaugurated
New Mental Health Day Care and Resource Centre inaugurated On Wednesday, November 21st, inaugural ceremonies took place at the corner of Tibruce and Vernon Streets in Belize City for a new Day Care and Resources Center for persons with mental health setbacks.

OAS and Mexico Launch New Scholarship Program
The Organization of American States (OAS) and the government of Mexico, through the National Council for Science and Technology (CONACYT) today launched a scholarship program for students of Member States who wish to pursue graduate studies in that country.

Francis fries Papas
The People's United Party keeps on falling apart. It seems that despite the fact that they were able to win quite a number of seats in the National elections, they can't keep themselves together. There is great animosity and backbiting within the leadership, with Francis Fonseca being unable to solidify his leadership. Most maintain that he simply does not have the wherewithal to be the party's leader. Some speculate that he is doing even a worse job than Johnny Briceno was doing before he was dethroned.

New High Commissioner for Belize assumes Duties in United Kingdom
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of England, received Her Excellency Perla Perdomo in a private audience at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday, November 20th, 2012. The audience marked the formal recognition of Perdomo's assumption of duties as High Commissioner for Belize in the United Kingdom. High Commissioner Perdomo has commenced her representation with a focus on investment, Diaspora outreach, and efforts to seek support for Restore Belize and other social programmes.

Sugar Crop to Start Next Week
After consultations were held between all stakeholders, the Sugar Industry Control Board (SICB) has set Tuesday, November 27th to commence the 2013 sugar cane crop. The Tower Hill Sugar Factory will open its gates for cane delivery at 10:00 am on that date. The SICB has estimated cane production to be at 1,100,000 tons this crop, as against 1,070,000 tons in 2012. This should translate in increased sugar production once the cane quality meets or exceeds the levels of 2012.

Belize and Taiwan Relations Strengthening
Minister Elrington receives donation from H.E. David Wu Tangible results in the engagement with the international community became clear on Wednesday evening with the handing over of symbolic keys to two new vehicles, to the Hon. Wilfred Erlington, Minister of Foreign Affairs. The two vehicles, a 30-seat Coaster Bus and a 15 -seat Van were handed over by His Excellency Ambassador David Wu, Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) near the NEMO Headquarters in Belmopan.

New University of Belize Book Store opens in Belmopan
A fully outfitted bookstore with modern architecture opened on Wednesday, November 21st, at the University of Belize Campus in Belmopan. To recognize the achievement, University of Belize faculty and staff gathered in community settings to witness the ribbon-cutting and their finished product of over three years of work. Present for the occasion was Simeon Lopez, the Mayor of Belmopan.

Dangriga Man killed while intervening in a Fight
Dangriga police have arrested and charged Juan Rubio in connection with the stabbing death of 25-year-old Karim Peters of a Pomona New Site address, some 11 miles outside of Dangriga. Police report that at about 8:48 p.m. on Sunday, November 18th, Peters was riding his bicycle to go home when he intervened in a dispute between brothers Nigel and Juan Rubio.

Johnny Briceno Employees busted with Weed
Two employees of Centaur Cable company have been charged with drug trafficking after they were found in possession of 2 1/4 pounds of cannabis. Police report that at about 4:00p.m. on Thursday, November 15th, they were at a Northern Border Customs check point along with customs officers when they seached a 2002 white Isuzu double cab pick-up truck bearing license plates CZL C-00758. The search led to the discovery of a black plastic bag containing Kellog's corn flakes bags, which contained a large quantity of cannabis. It was in a transparent plastic wrapping and was found on the floor behind the passenger's seat. At the time of the search, the occupants of the vehicle were Mainor Sanchez and Filbert Valdez.

Convicted of Murder
On Wednesday, November 21st, 2012, a jury of 12 people stepped into the deliberating room to decide the fate of 24-year-old Gregory August, a Construction Worker of Western Paradise Village, who was accused of the murder of 73-year-old Alvin Alpheus Robinson. Robinson had been killed inside his pimento home on the night of May 23rd, 2009. Robinson was stabbed multiple times to the neck and face and died as a result. After deliberating for 4 hours and 12 minutes, they concluded that August was guilty of Robinson's murder based on circumstantial evidence as no one saw him commit the murder. During the trial, a neighbor placed August in Robinson's yard. There was other evidence linking August to the crime including a bloody pair of Air Nikes, a white shirt and footprints he left on one of Robinson's sheets.

Convicted of Sodomizing 11- year-old school boy
On Wednesday, November 21st, 43-year-old Lee Henkis was found guilty of sodomizing an 11- year-old primary school boy when he appeared in Supreme Court.

Rotary to assist Schools in Cayo
Ground breaking for additional toilet facilities for the Saint Andrews Anglican Primary School in San Ignacio was held on Tuesday, November 20th. Present for the occasion was the immediate past President of the Rotary Club of San Ignacio, William 'Bill' Butcher. Also present were John August, Mayor of San Ignacio and Santa Elena and Isaura Williams, Education Officer for the Cayo District.

Jerome Flores concludes Reef Ride
"I thank Oceana for making this possible. Oceana's sponsorship, along with the support of my family and so many others, allowed Shaphan and I to today complete the ride across Belize here in Punta Gorda, to coincide with a special day for our Garifuna brothers," said inspirational paraplegic Jerome Flores shortly before midday yesterday after Reef Ride 2012 culminated at the Central Park in Punta Gorda Town, Toledo District. Added fellow paraplegic Shaphan "Bala" Domingo, "I am so glad I was able to meet this challenge of riding a trike from Dangriga to Punta Gorda. Next stop: Rio, Brazil in 2016 at the Para Olympics!" Reef Ride 2012, a 2-day event, left Dangriga on the morning of November 18th and that first leg of the ride ended in Independence, where the team rested for the final leg the following day. Joining Jerome and Shaphan, were 12 cyclists from the Belize Zoo, including its Director Sharon Matola. On day two, Jerome and Shaphan were accompanied all the way from Independence to Punta Gorda by cyclist John Olivera. There were intermittent cyclists who joined the ride along the way into Punta Gorda. Reef Ride 2012 was very much a family affair. Jerome's dad, Samuel Flores, celebrated his 54th birthday by riding alongside his son almost the entire route. Jerome's twin brother Jeremy, and his partner Gina, also rode. Damion Jones and Mitchell Bainton accompanied Shaphan. Other members of the Flores Family, including Jerome's mom, Francine Flores, his partner Alexie Silva, Sister Monique, nephew Caleb, and cousin Esmeralda along with Oceana in Belize staff, who comprised the service team that followed the riders to ensure their safety and that their other needs to complete the ride were attended to. Escort was provided by the Transport Departments of both Dangriga Town and Punta Gorda Town.

Diabetes Presentation for First Diabetes Conference
Imagine 366 million people worldwide or 8.3% of the adult population is estimated to have diabetes in 2011. If the trend continues by 2030, some 552 million people or one adult in ten will have diabetes. Closer to home, an estimated 37.7 million people with diabetes, live in this region and by 2030, the number is expected to increase by more than a third to 51.3 million. Belize, Guyana, Jamaica and Mexico have the highest prevalence of diabetes in the region. The truth is too many lives in this world have been cut short by chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, hypertension and of course diabetes. Globally, 3.2 million deaths are attributable to diabetes every year. One in every twenty is attributable to diabetes or 8700 deaths every day and six deaths every minute. I can go further in telling you that at least one in ten deaths among adults between 35 to 64 years old is attributable to diabetes. And three quarters of death among people age 35 years are due to diabetes. Clearly, one can see that this is no longer happening in high income countries as is evident in the growing trend in our small country, Belize. The last known statistics, which came from the Ministry of Health and PAHO indicate that 13.1% of our adult population is living with diabetes. This percentage translates to approximately 45,000 Belizeans between the ages 20 to 79 years old are living with diabetes. It must be noted that a significant number of our people living with diabetes are unaware of their condition. And recently there has also been a rise in the number of cases of children and adolescents with type 2 diabetes.

Garinagu Celebrate in Cayo
A series of celebrations were held in San Ignacio Town, Cayo on Monday, November 19th, as part of the celebrations of Garifuna Settlement Day. A re-enactment of the arrival of the Garinagu to Belize was observed early in the morning on the Macal River near San Ignacio Town. Later on in the day, the Garinagu and other members of the Community gathered at Piache Enterprises in San Ignacio to give recognition to Godsman Ellis and his family for their pioneering work in cultural exchanges in the Cayo neighbourhood. While there, the children had portions of 'hudut', cassava porridge and other traditional Garifuna foods. In the lively atmosphere, there was determination to hold more such events before the transpiration of November 19, 2013. Piache was also witness to dances in 'Punta' and 'Paranda' style. By dusk, the Sacred Heart Church in San Ignacio, beautifully decorated by Laura Augustine and other ladies of the Garifuna Community, opened in welcoming praise. There were many songs and praises in the Garifuna Way. Leaders of the Garinagu Community in Cayo would like to thank the Augustine, Ceigo, Pastor and other families for making the November 19th Celebrations in San Ignacio a very good and memorable one. "We look forward to this type of sharing, to teach drumming and hope to have them integrated in the curriculum, so that as many people learn about Belize, that it is beautiful in terms of the diversity that we have as a people," adds Cynthia Ellis Topsey, who is the contact person for the National Garifuna Council in the San Ignacio and Benque Viejo Area.

Eulogy of Velda Marguerite Aguet
Delivering a eulogy is a difficult task, one made more daunting when the person to be eulogized has had such a tremendous impact at all levels of the society and throughout the length and breadth of the country. Added to that difficulty is the fact that this is my sister. And so, I have taken this task on with much reflection and deep thought and with great humility. I can only hope that what I have to say will do justice to the sum total of her achievements and her contribution to her country.

Port of Belize and Airport advances to Next Round
The Belize District Basketball Association U-23 and Firms Competition entered its playoff rounds on Friday, November 16th, 2012, at Bird's Isle. In the U-23 game played, Tuff E Nuff eliminated Tigersharks by the score of 73-64. The top scorers for Tuff E Nuff were Jamal Kelly with 29 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal; and Vinnie Garbutt with 16 points, 14 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 steal. Meanwhile, the top scorers for the Tigersharks were Winston Pratt with 30 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist and 6 steals; and Jaret Jones with 18 points, and 4 rebounds. In the first game in the Firms Competition playoffs, Airport eliminated Atlantic Bank by the score of 48-47. The top scorers for the Airport were Paul Swasey with 18 points, 17 rebounds, and 2 steals; and Charles Armstrong with 12 points, 14 rebounds, and 3 assists. For the Atlantic Bank squad, the top scorers were Ervin Orosco with 22 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists and 4 steals, and Jermaine Tillett with 8 points, 20 rebounds, and a steal. In the second game played, Port of Belize eliminated the Belize Bank by the score of 61-44. The top scorers for Port of Belize were Kent Franklin with 10 points, 3 rebounds; and Maxwell Nicholson and Leroy Forbes with 9 points each. Meanwhile, the top scorers for the Belize Bank were Troy Gabb with 14 points, and 3 rebounds; and Chris McGann and Dominique Guzman with 11 points each. The playoffs will continue this coming Friday, November 23rd at 6:30 pm with the U-23 game between Bulldogs and Truckers followed by Firms playoffs at 8:00 between BWSL and Central Bank; and BTL and Bowen & Bowen.

Falkland Island Cricketers to visit Belize 25th - 29th November
Belize will be the first country to be visited during the Falklands Team's 3rd International Tour where the team will play the Belize National Under-19 11 and the Belize National Senior 11. The prospect of playing the Belize National Team and world class players is one that the Falklands players are relishing and are particularly excited about. The tour will not only benefit the players but, will also be a way of fundraising for a charity in each country visited. The team is aiming to raise £1,000 (BZ$3000) for Liberty Children's Charity.

FIFA Officials in Belize
The Football Federation of Belize welcomed the arrival of five high ranking FIFA officials to Belize. Arriving in Belize is Gregory Engelbrecth (Senior Manager Development Program of the Americas), Angenie Kanhai (FIFA development officer Northwest Caribbean), Kevan Cipe (FIFA Performance consultant), Rodrigo Kenton (FIFA Technical Consultant) and Marco Leal FIFA Legal Counsel & Group leader FIFA Player Status department. The delegation will be conducting interview sessions with all members of the Federation, Premier League of Belize, club officials, the media and potential sponsors of the federation. The first of a three-phase program of the Football Management program of FIFA commenced on November 18th and concludes on Sunday, November 25th, 2012. High on the agenda of the delegation is to assist the Federation, its Secretary General and Technical Director to better manage the affairs of the Federation. Three areas of high priority include the following: a.) To review the organizations management activities and operations of the member associations with the aim of assessing the adequacy of management of each operational and technical area of the federation. b.) To make recommendation for actions by the member association and by FIFA with the aim of enhancing the performance of the Federation and to present these recommendations to the federation. c.) To identify possible areas of support from FIFA to enhance the performance of the federation.

Belmopan Bandits and Verdes FC maintains lead in PLB Tournament
The 2012 Premier League of Belize Football Competition continued over the last weekend with six games on the schedule. On Saturday, November 17th, at the Marshalleck Stadium in Benque Viejo, the home team,Verdes FC blanked the visiting RG City Boys United by the score of 3-0 to maintain its share of the lead in this year's competition. The goals for Verdes FC were scored by Julian Maldonado in the 25th and 73rd minutes of play, and Emmanuel Martinez in the 46th minute of play. Meanwhile, out at the Michael Ashcroft Stadium in Independence Village, Police United nipped the home team Paradise Freedom/Fighters by the score of 3-2. The goals for Police United were scored by Daniel Jimenez in the 37th minute of play, Lennox Castillo in the 63rd minute of play; and Evan Mariano in the 86th minute of play. For the home team, Paradise Freedom/Fighters, the goals were scored by Alexander Peters in the 44th minute of play and Wilmer Garcia in the 90+ minute of play. The competition then continued on Sunday, November 18th, with four more games. At the Ambergris Stadium in San Pedro Town, the Belmopan Bandits kept pace with Verdes FC when it also blanked the San Pedro Seadogs by the score of 4-0. The goals for Belmopan Bandits were scored by Woodrow West in the 18th minute of play via a penalty kick, and Jacinto Bermudez in the 31st, 75th and 81st minutes of play.

Guadalupe RC Girls' and Our Lady of the Way Boys are Rural Champions
The Belize Rural Football Championships were played on Thursday, November 15th, 2012 out in Burrell Boom Village. The championships saw the participation of 10 male schools and 6 female schools. The schools that participated in the boys' championship were Biscayne Government School, Lucky Strike Government School, Hattieville Government School, Guadalupe Roman Catholic School (Sandhill), Our Lady of the Way Roman Catholic School (Ladyville), Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic (Maskall), Burrell Boom Methodist, Pancotto (Sandhill) Zion Park Methodist and Ladyville Evangelical School. Meanwhile, the schools that participated in the girls' championship were Lucky Strike Government School, Guadalupe Roman Catholic School (Sandhill), Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic (Maskall), Ladyville Evangelical, Burrell Boom Methodist and Pancotto (Sandhill). In the girls' championship game, Guadalupe Roman Catholic School defeated Lucky Strike Government School by the score of 1-0. The only goal of the game was scored by Shameka Dawson. In the semi-final game, Guadalupe Roman Catholic School eliminated Burrell Boom Methodist by the score of 2-0. The goals for Guadalupe Roman Catholic were scored by Shevaun Vaccaro. In the first girls' game of the day, Burrell Boom Methodist blanked Pancotto by the score of 1-0. Burrell Boom Methodist goal was scored by Faith Young.

Belize City Primary Schools Football winding down
Tyrique Ciego scored all goals for Muslim Community against Ebenezer The 2012 - 2013 Belize City Primary Schools Football Competition is fast winding down at the MCC Grounds. On Friday, November 16th, two boys' games were played in the continuation of the competition. In the first game played, Ebenezer Methodist edged Muslim Community School by the score of 4-3. The goal scorers for Ebenezer Methodist were Kirk Broaster and Tyreek Muschamp, while the goal scorer for Muslim Community was Tirique Ciego; he scored all three goals for his team. In game two, St. Luke Methodist blanked Calvary Temple by the score of 1-0. The only goal of the game was scored by Justin Menzies. The competition also saw games played on Wednesday ,November 14th with three games on the schedule. In the only girls' game played, St. Luke Methodist blanked St. Ignatius School by the score of 1-0. Crystal Ku scored the only goal of the game for St. Luke Methodist. In the first of two boys' games played, St. Ignatius School blanked St. Luke Methodist by the score of 2-0. The goals for St. Ignatius were scored by Bijoun Barera and Haldwin Castillo. In the second game, St. Martin De Porres and Ebenezer Methodist played to a 0-0 draw. The regular season will come to an end on Wednesday, November 21st, 2012 with the semi-final round scheduled to be played on Thursday, November 22nd, 2012, and the championship games scheduled for Monday, November 26th, 2012.

Blogs

Taste of Playa 2012 - WOW
I knew that the international food festival in Playa del Carmen had grown but we were all surprised at just how much. They had a packed event from start to finish and I am not surprised the tasting booths were endless and the food delicious. We scoped out a good spot in the vip tent and took turns going out in the crowd for more food and drinks. Wicky's meat sandwich was a big hit with our crowd, so was Dirty Martini. I also enjoyed pulled pork, sliders, sausage and veg skewer, smoked pork on potato salad, a double watermelon martini and tiramisu. I am still editing my pictures and will get them up asap. Here is a video slide show to wet your appetite, sent in by Michele Kinnon of Buy Playa and Life's a Beach Blog.

Moon Guide to "Living Abroad in Belize": YOU WON!
I asked for something brief (just a sentence)...about why you love Belize and why you are thinking of moving here. My top 2 (and remember this blog is ME all me, so I am judge) would receive free copies of the book to help them along with their preparations. Here are my two winning entries. Thanks to everyone (I received almost 50 on blog comments and emails) who submitted something. A little charity, a little romance (she doesn't need a book but I loved her message) and a little humor. Mother Nature in Belize says: I visited Belize in 1980; Ambergris Caye was spectacular! No telephones, no television, no radio. And I dreamed of moving there ever since! I returned in January 2012 to a more connected Belize; still in love with the country and the people. I will be returning in February 2013, for good this time. I will be living in Cayo and be totally off grid - capturing energy from the sun, water from the rain and a spring, and growing my own food - enough for me and enough to share! I will be building Learning Centers in several villages where I will teach sewing to the women so they can have a cottage industry and improve their family's lives. I will also teach them the Square Foot Gardening method so they can grow enough healthy organic vegetables for their family. I would love to have a reference guide to refer to to help my transition to living abroad. I love your Scoop, Rebecca! Cath says: My boyfriend (now and forever husband) went on a biology field trip to British Honduras as a university student in 1977. We hooked up later that year and as a Christmas gift he gave me a beautiful leather satchel with a card that said 'I will take you to British Honduras someday.' Someday was about 28 years later. Men! :~) At that point, I had never been anywhere and I was seriously in awe! ...and I fell in love! First with Benque and San Ignacio and then (and now) with San Pedro. I now own a place in San Pedro and feel extraordinarily fortunate to have found my winter home in Belize. I don't need the book so please consider other posters. I look forward to meeting you sometime very soon, Scoop.

Investing In Belize Is A Sure Bet
Whether you're looking to open an international business venture, relocate to a tropical country, or retire in paradise, Belize makes for a great investment. Major advantages include the official language being English, a stable government, easy access to North America, a booming tourism industry and a good economy. Here are some investment opportunities Belize has to offer: A Vacation Home Belize is an ideal place to run away from it all. When most people think about taking a vacation they think about traveling to paradise, and that's just what Belize is. With our lush rainforest, legendary Mayan temples, pristine beaches, rich marine life, many islands, diverse cultures, and lots of fresh air, Belize has it all. There's just never enough time in just one visit to do it all. Due to great demand for vacation homes, real estate quality has significantly increased in the past years. The cost of real estate is reasonable enough that one can enjoy the luxuries you're used to at home, with paradise on their doorstep. There are various types of homes that can be purchased to use as your home away from home all depending on what's your cup of tea (or coffee), and of course, with the diverse terrain, you have various locations to choose from. A Retirement Property Retiring in Belize is a good way to make the best of your golden years. After years of working for your family, it's time to kick back, relax and enjoy Belize's slow paced lifestyle. The low cost of living and tax-free pensions leave you with more money to do the things you really want to do - exploring and having fun. You can wake up in the morning surrounded by trees and mountains and in the next few hours you can be relaxing on the beach, enjoying your favourite drink. The weather is warm all year round, making anytime of the year an ideal time to get out and enjoy the country. The international airport in Belize offers direct flights to 5 US states, making a trip back home, easily achieved or close enough for family and friends to come visit. A New Home If you're looking for a new lifestyle for your family, Belize is the place for you. Belize is the only English speaking country in Central America, which makes the country ideal as you won't have to learn a new language. We have a slow paced society. The average person in Belize works 8 hours a day, 5 days a week, with a commute of about 15-30 minutes leaving you with additional time to enjoy your family and explore the country. Tax rates in Belize are also low. The average Belizean doesn't pay income tax. There is a General Sales Tax (GST) on all items other than basic staples; however this is only 12.5%. Real Estate is also relatively low when compared to developed nations. If you're willing to live outside city limits, those real estate rates get even better (city limits are roughly about 6 miles from the centre). An average 4 person family can live comfortably on about BZ$3000.00/month (US$1.00 = BZ$2.00 appr.)

International Sources

John McAfee now claims that employees were plotting to kill him
The founder of McAfee, John McAfee, has been on the run from authorities for a while now, and has added an interesting new twist to the already interesting story. McAfee is currently wanted by the police in Belize, for questioning in regards to the murder of his neighbor, Gregory Faull. McAfee of course denies that he murdered Faull, and is now stating that he is the victim of a murder plot. Forgetting that he's not starring in his own movie, McAfee is posted a transcript of a conversation that allegedly took place between an ex-employee, and another employee, which McAfee says he taped using "secret recording devices" on the grounds of his $1.5 million property. The post shows that the two men were talking about planting a bomb at McAfee's house, and afterwards calling officials in the police force, which they suggest are involved in the conspiracy. But, if this post isn't a troll, it would explain why McAfee is afraid that the police will kill him if he comes in for questioning. The two employees worked for McAfee, after the founder had left the company. The plot centers on the first employee being sacked, but McAfee is set to add another twist to the story by adding a second recording, which he says will expose the man's links with the government. McAfee has also said that he received a handwritten death threat, which demanded that he pay $150,000. McAfee, not trusting the police, went down the route of a private investigator instead, forcing his employees and guards to copy the note in their own handwriting - but none matched. McAfee's four dogs were also poisoned, which the police believe may be linked with the murder of his neighbor, Faull.

Cheap and Off the Grid in Belize
On a recent visit to Belize's Cayo District, near the border with Guatemala, I found something interesting happening� It wasn't the low prices-I expected those. The Cayo has long been popular with expats for its low cost of living, and it lived up to its reputation. In and around the town of San Ignacio, where most expats live, I saw a number of small homes renting for $400 to $600 a month-a very affordable price if you're on a budget. A few houses even had sales prices below $100,000-and plenty were $150,000 or less. No, what interested me was what's happening outside town�. Outside town, you'll find real jungle in the Cayo. Not the scrubby, low-to-the-ground stuff you see closer to the Caribbean, but rather the kind I remember from old Tarzan movies as a kid-tall trees, with thick lianas twining up them, and masses of greenery. The Cayo is green and mountainous, tending toward savannas as you head east. Much of it is uninhabited and off the grid. And that's what a number of adventurous, North American expats these days are seeking. They're harking back to their pioneer ancestors and heading for the frontier� the Belizean frontier�to live off the land-and off the grid. In the Cayo, they're looking for 15 to 40 acres. In these parts, that's more than enough for a proper farm to support a family. More "pioneers" have bought land east of the Cayo, along the lush, green Hummingbird Highway that runs east-west across Belize.

SIRH in Vancouver Sun
The SIRH was mentioned in the Vancouver Sun's travel section recently. The Green Iguana Conservation Project is listed in there too. Well done! "The lively town of San Ignacio is in the heart of the lush Cayo district, which boasts over 880,000 acres of protected land. Towering mountains, rushing rivers, waterfalls, jungle forests and ancient Maya temples and ceremonial caves draw visitors to Cayo. The San Ignacio Resort, overlooking its namesake town, is situated on a 17-acre estate along the Macal River. The family-run hotel, committed to the conservation of the threatened green iguana, created the Iguana Project 15 years ago to educate Belizeans and visitors on the importance of protecting the ecological balance of the river habitat."

Hands for Life Christian Concert
Sacred Heart Junior College's Hands for Life club will be having a Christian concert tonight. They'll have Mission 3:16, Omega, and Creaven there, along with the Cornerstone Youth Group, the San Ignacio Baptist Youths, and the Shekinah Dance Group. Digicell will also be on hand to do their double up promotion. The entrance is free! "The Hands for Life Club at SHJC is doing a Christian Concert in memory of one of our recent SHJC graduates - Samantha Tzib "STAR". Food & Drinks will be on sale & a portion of the proceeds collected from the sales will be donated to Samantha's parents. ENTRANCE IS FREE!!!"



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