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The February 3rd, 2013 issue of The STAR (Cayo) is online HERE

This Week's Stories:

• No Arrest Yet In The Murder of Steven Valencia:
  An arrest is yet to be made in the shooting death of Steven Valencia, 40, who was fatally shot inside his home at around 8:30 pm on the night of Friday, January 25, 2013. San Ignacio police reports receiving the 911 call from the victim himself who reportedly told police that an intruder was at his back door trying to break it down. Valencia reportedly stayed on the telephone with the officer right up until he was fatally shot and killed by the intruder. While the police rushed to the scene, valuable time was lost as they mistakenly wasted time checking the Pasadita Bar located across the street from Valencia's residence. By the time the police rushed over to the right location it was too late as they came upon the lifeless body of Steven Valencia, face downwards, in a large pool of blood, on the floor inside his bedroom.
• Canadian Man Allegedly Falls To Death Inside Police Cell:
  As the police investigate the police, it is reported that an internal investigation has been ordered into the circumstances leading to the death of a Canadian national detained by San Ignacio police. Acting on a report received at around 10:30 pm on Saturday, January 26, of a suspected dead body on the ground in the Savannah Area, near the Welcome Center in San Ignacio, a team of policemen rushed to the scene where they encountered a male Caucasian laying face down on the ground. The man was aroused by the police and, with the high aroma of alcoholic beverage coupled with his inability to stand on his own, was suspected to have been in high state of drunkenness.
• Laid To Rest Master John Pinelo Sr.:
  It is with profound sadness that we join the community, and indeed the nation, in the expression of sincere condolences as we record the passing of a trade union giant, career teacher and principal, loving father, brother, uncle and true friend, Master John Pinelo Sr., MBE. After battling with cancer for several years, the 64 year old former President of the Belize National Teachers Union (BNTU) passed away quietly at home in San Ignacio on Saturday, January 26, 2013. John Pinelo was born in Trapiche, Santa Elena, Cayo on November 24, 1948. He attended Santa Elena RC School and started teaching as a Pupil Teacher in 1964.
• Food For Thought - "To ICJ or Not to ICJ?":
  The question that will be put to Belizeans in the Referendum this October is whether or not to take the still unresolved Belize-Guatemala dispute to the International Court of Justice for resolution. October seems a bit far down the road to some, but just around the corner to others. Somewhat like the threat of Guatemalan military invasion. For many older people, this was just a moment ago. To the younger generation? Ancient history. Something they themselves have no first-hand experience with. But while the historical animosity and failed attempts at diplomatic resolution form part of the collective historical memory for all adult Belizeans, ultimately it will be the ability, or inability, of the older heads to put the territorial dispute to rest. No matter the outcome, this will be our legacy to our children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all future generations.
• The World Trike Tour Reached Belize!:
  On July 21, 2012 the German adventurers Andreas Zmuda and his partner Doreen Kroeber began there 100,000 miles trip around the world in a three-wheel, weight-shift ultralight plane, a kind of "flying motorbike", aim to set seven world records! There trip is planned to last approximately four years before landing in Sydney on August 31st, 2016. They will cross five continents, 74 countries and three oceans. Right now they make a brief stop till middle of February at Central Farm airstrip in Cayo and Placencia before flying to Honduras. Difficult weather conditions, delays caused by flat tires, a broken radio and long maintenance times have made every day and stage a new adventure. The traveling duo will document their four-year journey in their blog with detailed reports and photos with help from close-to-theaction 3-D cameras on the trike's wings. The trike can also be tracked on their website, Trike- Globetrotter.com.
• Bidding Farewell To A Friend By A Colleague And Friend:
  BY: Mr. George Frazer, Colleague Educator and Trade Unionist. We are gathered here today-family, past and present educators, trade union leaders, members, sympathizers and friends to celebrate the Life, memory, achievements and contributions of our dear departed Brother, the late, John Pinelo Sr., husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle and friend; a humble, dedicated and great leader�who has inspired and touched many of our lives for the better and who has impacted many positive changes in the education and trade union system and movement of Belize and even beyond. John was a true, committed, visionary and fearless leader; a dedicated, loving and trusted familyman and friend, who, many times, went beyond the call of duty, even at great, personal sacrifice and that of his family to see and get things done.
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The February 10th, 2013 issue of The STAR (Cayo) is online HERE

This Week's Stories:

• Father And Son Facing Joint Burglary Charge:
  A father and son, caught in the act of burglary, are today out on a three thousand dollar bail each after appearing in the Belmopan Court room of magistrate Linsbert Willis. The information reaching us indicated that at around 3:00 pm on Thursday, January 31, 2013, Georgeville police reportedly received an emergency call from Leopold Mai, Belizean caretaker at Maya Ranch Farm located in the village. Mai reported that two male persons, of Hispanic descent, arrived at the farm in a white pickup truck, broke the lock attached to the farm storeroom and were in the process of removing items from the building when he found them in the act.
• Burglary in Buena Vista:
  Police are this week reporting the solving of another burglary this one in the village of Buena Vista on the outskirt of the Mennonite community of Spanish Lookout. At around 2:00 pm on Saturday, February 2, 2013, the policeman stationed in Spanish Lookout received information of a burglary in progress in Buena Vista Village. The policeman rushed to the scene where he met the complainant Ramon Coronado who told the police that his house was burglarized and that he knew who committed the crime. Armed with this information, police visited the Buena Vista home of Victor Alfonso Limas. The suspect was reportedly found in bed where he was informed of the report made against him. He was detained and transported to the sub-station in Spanish Lookout.
• Sacred Heart College Auditorium Finally Becoming A Reality:
  After fundraising for many years Sacred Heart College has officially commenced construction of a 100X200 feet, state of the art multi-purpose facility which is expected to be completed in time for graduation in June. President of Sacred Heart College, Dr. Eve Aird, informed that reaching the ground breaking stage has been slow and painstaking. Dr. Aird informed that it took over six years to gather enough funds to start the project that is to become a major facility for sports and other social activities at Sacred Heart College. The auditorium which is estimated to cost over 2 million dollars was designed by Mr. Lennox Bradley, Chief Engineer in the Ministry of Works, himself a former student of the college. The facility will be constructed to withstand a category 4 hurricane. It will be pressed into service as a hurricane shelter. Upon completion the facility will house a grand stage for the performing arts, kitchen area and offices.
• Theft Of Haitian Relief Funds By The Red Cross On Third Earthquake Anniversary:
  Three years ago, an international expression of caring went out to Haiti in the aftermath of the earthquake that devastated the nation. Belizeans responded with open hearts, giving what they could. The major focal point in Belize for collection of donations was the Belize Red Cross despite information surfacing that the Red Cross money did not always get to where it was supposed to go. We wrote the media and called the talk shows about the The Red Cross and offering an alternative way to donate, the Haiti Emergency Relief Fund (HERF). It was founded in March 2004 by Harry Belafonte and Danny Glover and worked to address the crisis of the earthquake as well as giving concrete aid to Haiti's grassroots democratic movement supporting the long-run development of human rights, sustainable agriculture and economic justice in Haiti.
• Michael Flowers - Taking Complaints For The Ombudsman Office:
  I would like to take this opportunity to inform readers that over the past two years I, Michael Flowers of #16 Carmen Street, Santa Elena, Cayo, has been authorized by the Office of the Ombudsman to record and forward complaints to that office. The Ombudsman at that time, Ms. Cynthia Pitts, has since retired and a new Ombudsman in the person of Mr. Lionel Arzu was recently appointed to fill the vacant post. This letter serves to inform under the auspices of the new Ombudsman, I have been re-appointed to continue providing this service to the people in all of the three office locations where my business is operated. I consider it a great privilege to be able to assist those persons with complaints that they believe could be handled by the office of the Ombudsman.
• Mexico Hunts Acapulco Spanish Tourist Rape Gang:
  Mexican authorities say they are determined to capture those responsible for the rape of six Spanish women near the holiday resort of Acapulco. Masked gunmen burst into a rented beach house on Monday, tied up and held at gunpoint six Spanish men as they attacked the women for several hours. A seventh woman escaped after telling the attackers she was a Mexican. Acapulco is one of Mexico's most famous beach resorts, but it has recently suffered from drug-related violence.
• From Your Valentine:
  month of February has millions across the world presenting their loved ones with candy, flowers, chocolates and other lovely gifts. In many countries, restaurants and eateries are seen to be filled with couples who are eager to celebrate their relationship and the joy of their togetherness through delicious cuisines. There hardly seems to be a young man or woman who is not keen to make the most of the day. The reason behind all of this is a kindly cleric named Valentine who died more than a thousand years ago. It is not exactly known why the 14th of February is known as Valentine's Day or if the noble Valentine really had any relation to this day. The history of Valentine's Day is impossible to be obtained from any archive and the veil of centuries gone by has made the origin behind this day more difficult to trace. It is only some legends that are our source for the history of Valentine's Day.
• Hemispheres: "Three Perfect Days In Belize":
  Belize has received the prestigious honor of being featured in the February 2013 issue of the United Airlines in-flight magazine, Hemispheres. Belize was chosen for the "Three Perfect Days" article, and is also featured on the cover of the magazine. To capture the hill authentic Belizean experience, the twelve page spread features a myriad of adventures and gives readers a peek at just what sets Belize apart; the people, culture, food, and landscapes are just a snapshot of what makes Belize the ideal tourist destination. Joe Keohane and Al Argueta take readers on a journey into the heart of Central America, Belize.
• Nine-year-old Girl In Mexico Gives Birth To Baby Girl:
  A 9-year-old girl in Mexico has given birth to a baby girl, Agence France- Presse reported Wednesday. Authorities are now hunting for the 17-year-old father in what they believe is a case of rape or sexual abuse, Mexican newspaper Milenio reported. "We are looking for the young man to get his story because she does not understand what has happened. This is a rape or child sex abuse case," Jorge Villasenor with the state prosecutors' office was quoted by Terra Noticias as saying. The girl, who has been identified as Dafne, was just over 8 when she got pregnant, the mother of the girl told local officials in the western state of Jalisco, AFP reported.
• University of Belize appoints Internal Auditor:
  The Office of the President of the University of Belize, Dr. Cary Fraser is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Dudley Heredia, MBA, as Internal Auditor of the University of Belize. Mr. Heredia's appointment will serve to strengthen the management structure within the University and his role will focus upon ensuring that there is a continuous process of evaluation of institutional performance.
• Launching Of Belize Cancer Society San Ignacio Branch:
  The Belize cancer Society is pleased to announce the official launching of the Belize Cancer Society -San Ignacio Branch under the dynamic leadership of Mrs. Flora Usher and a team of dedicated committee members. The launch of the San Ignacio Branch is an important activity for the Cancer Society. The inauguration of the San Ignacio Branch signals to the community that the Belize Cancer Society is working to fulfill its mandate to advocate, educate, provide evidence based guidance, and promote the awareness,prevention and treatment of Cancer for the benefit of those affected and their families. The San Ignacio Branch of the Belize Cancer Society will provide opportunities to share information on lifestyle changes and services that support cancer prevention and control in Belize.
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• Public Notices

The February 17th, 2013 issue of The STAR (Cayo) is online HERE

This Week's Stories:

• Pineda In Critical Condition At KHMH:
  A Honduran man today is in a coma on life support at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital in Belize City. The incident which landed the man in the hospital is reported to have occurred inside Las Ninfas de Mariana Bar, located at #23 Back Street in San Ignacio which is operated by the victim's estranged common law wife from whom he has been separated for about two months. When police arrived on the scene at around 2:00 am on Sunday, February 10, 2013, they first came upon a male person of Hispanic descent sitting on the ground in the yard. His face was swollen and blood was coming from the nose and mouth. He was identified as Jose Santos Pineda the estranged common law husband of the bar operator, Mariana Galvez.
• Benque Teen Drowns:
  The body of Rodney Javan Guerra, 15, the victim of a drowning incident on Sunday afternoon, February 10, was laid to rest today in his hometown, Benque Viejo Del Carmen. It is reported that after having dinner at around 3:00 pm Guerra left home on a bicycle in the company of a younger brother. About an hour after leaving home, the family was notified of the tragedy which reportedly occurred in a popular swimming area of the Mopan River just behind the new clinic in Benque Viejo Town.
• Another Man Is On Life Support At The KHMH:
  Another man from San Ignacio, suffering from a blow to the back of the head with a blunt instrument, is on life support at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital in Belize City. It was around 2:00 am on Sunday, February 10, 2013 when the police was summoned to the emergency unit of the San Ignacio Community Hospital where they encountered a male Hispanic person, with an injury to the head, undergoing emergency medical treatment. A male youth who was present at the hospital identified the patient as his father, Pedro Choc, a taxi operator. The 16 year old boy told the police that, after the close of the Blue Angeles Night Club, his father was on a job transporting three male persons to Bella Vista Street just off Bullet Tree Road also in San Ignacio.
• Who Is LyIng?:
  One incident, two exact opposite pronouncements. A vehicle, admittedly the personal property of the Cayo North PUP elected Area Representative Joseph Mahmud was photographed with the front driver's side wheel, on top of a 17 year old boy. The politician confirms that he is the owner of the vehicle but that he was neither in the vehicle nor on the scene of the incident. The child's aunt who was the first responder is adamant as she continues to insist that the politician was on the scene and that when he and his associate refused to assist in getting her nephew for under the weight of the politician's vehicle, she reportedly began hurling curse words in their face.
• Editorial: The Days Of The PUP Are Numbered:
  The House of Representatives met last Wednesday during which Prime Minister Dean Barrow announced to the nation that the dreaded PUP Super Bond has been successfully renegotiated just like he publicly promised in the days leading up to the March 7, 2012 general elections. Wednesday, February 13, 2013 was just another day in which another possibility was transformed into reality. While economies of regional states are crumbling around us, Belize is recording unprecedented economic growth. While neighboring nations states are announcing tax increases, the cutting of thousands of jobs (aka retrenchment) occasioned by the inevitable entering into stand by arrangements with the dreaded International Monetary Fund, the Prime Minister of Belize, Hon. Dean Barrow stands proud, beats his chest and tells the IMF to go fly a kite.
• Jamaica In Crisis Debt-Swap Plan:
  Jamaica has announced plans for its second debt swap in three years in the face of a "serious economic crisis". Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller is taking measures to reduce its debt, which currently stands at 140% of gross domestic product (GDP), one of the highest ratios in the world. "If this debt is not reduced, Jamaica faces a dismal future," she said. The move is aimed at satisfying conditions demanded in a deal with the International Monetary Fund. About 55% of government spending goes towards paying the nation's debt, while 25% goes on wages. That leaves just 20% for everything else - including education, security and health.
• Do You Have A Favorite Child? You Should Read This:
  It is perhaps motherhood's dirtiest little secret: Favoring one child over another. Favoritism is usually not intentional and can happen for a variety of reasons. Maybe one kid is the most well-behaved in the brood, especially talented, has an inexplicable bond with a parent. And often times the opposite can be true: If one child has behavioral problems, he can become the favorite because he requires extra attention. And while moms may objectively realize that favoritism isn't ethical or even a conscious act, a new study published on Tuesday in the February issue of the journal Child Development shows that showing more love to one kid harms more than just the "naughty one"-it damages the entire family unit, causing increased mental health problems in children such as aggression, attention, and emotional problems.
• Learn These Basic CPR Steps:
  CALL 911 FIRST!Check the scene for immediate danger. Make sure you are not putting yourself in harm's way by administering CPR to someone unconscious. Is there a fire? Is the person lying on a roadway? Do whatever is necessary to move yourself and the other person to safety. Assess the victim's consciousness. Gently tap his or her shoulder and ask "Are you OK?" in a loud, clear voice. If he or she responds, CPR is not required. Instead, undertake basic first aid and take measures to prevent or treat shock, and assess whether you need to contact emergency services. If the victim does not respond, continue with the following steps. Call 911, give the dispatcher your location, and notify him or her that you are going to perform CPR. If you are alone, get off the phone and start compressions after that. If you have someone else with you, have him or her stay on the line while you do CPR on the victim.
• Chicago Names Joaquin Guzman Public Enemy No. 1:
  The city of Chicago has named its first public enemy number one since Al Capone - a drug cartel leader who lives in a mountain hideaway in western Mexico. Joaquin Guzman is the leader of the powerful Sinaloa cartel, which is suspected by federal agents supplying the bulk of narcotics sold in Chicago. The Chicago Crime Commission has named other public enemies, but the 1930s gangster was the only prior number one. The US has offered a $5m (�3.2m) reward for Guzman's capture. He has been indicted on federal trafficking charges and US officials want him extradited if he is ever captured, said on Thursday.
• Oscar Pistorius: Olympian and Paralympian faces murder charge:
  South African Olympic and Paralympic athlete Oscar Pistorius is facing a murder charge after his girlfriend was shot and killed at his Pretoria home. His arrest over the death of model Reeva Steenkamp has stunned the country where he is considered a national hero. The 26-year-old is due to appear in court on Friday. Pistorius made history in London last year when he became the first double-amputee track athlete to compete in the Olympic Games.
• Six Arrested Over Rape Of Spanish Tourists In Acapulco:
  Six men have been arrested in Mexico in connection with the rape of six Spanish women near the holiday resort of Acapulco last week, officials say. Attorney General Jesus Murillo Karam said the suspects had confessed. The women were raped by masked gunmen who had broken into their bungalow. The police said they were looking for one more suspect. Acapulco is one of Mexico's most famous beach resorts, but it has recently suffered from drug-related violence. The brutality of the case shocked Mexicans and foreigners living in Mexico alike.
• Bolivia: Morales Criticises Chile Over Sea And Soldiers:
  Bolivia's President Evo Morales has renewed his calls for the release of three soldiers arrested in Chile. The soldiers were arrested in January after crossing the Chilean border carrying an assault rifle. In a speech marking the 134th anniversary of the war in which his country lost access to the Pacific Ocean, Mr Morales called the men "great defenders of the sea". It was the first time in decades that a Bolivian leader celebrated the event. Chile says the men were detained after entering the country illegally, while Bolivia argues they were following car smugglers as part of an army operation.
• Pope Benedict Hints He Will Retire Into Seclusion:
  The outgoing head of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Benedict XVI, has hinted he will withdraw into seclusion after stepping down at the end of this month. "Even if I am withdrawing into prayer, I will always be close to all of you... even if I remain hidden to the world," he told a meeting of Roman priests. The pontiff, 85, shocked the world's biggest Christian Church on Monday when he announced his resignation. He cited his advanced age as the reason for resigning. The Pope appears to be planning a complete retreat from the public eye, the BBC's Alan Johnston reports from the Vatican.
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• Editorial:
• Your Weekly Horoscope and Lucky Numbers
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The February 24th, 2013 issue of The STAR (Cayo) is online HERE

This Week's Stories:

• Jerome Tillet Remanded For Attempt Murder:
  A Ministry of Works truck driver, charged with the attempt murder of his sister's estranged common law husband, is currently on remand at the central prison in Hattieville. The 911 call of a chopping incident on Maxi Street in Santa Elena, Cayo, was reportedly received by San Ignacio police at 8:45 pm on Saturday, February 16, 2013. By the time the team of policemen arrived on the scene, the injured man had already been rushed, by relatives, to the Community Hospital in San Ignacio. On the scene however the police encountered and detained the suspect, Jerome Tillet, 30, Belizean driver also of a Maxi Street address in Santa Elena.
• Is Cotton Tree Village Dispatching Criminal To Urban Communities?:
  Last week we reported on the violent attack upon San Ignacio Taxi driver, Pedro Choc who remains in critical condition at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital in Belize City. This week we report on the arrest of the suspected attacker Alex Anthony Reid, 24, Belizean laborer residing in Cotton Tree Village around mile 44 on the George Price Highway in the Cayo District. Police strongly suspects that Reid is the man who whopped the taxi driver with a piece of wood behind the head. Reid, who is no stranger to San Ignacio, was picked out in an identification parade by both the brother and son of the victim. Slapped with an attempt murder charge, the accused Alex Anthony Reid appeared in front of San Ignacio's magistrate, Narda Morgan, where the indictable charge was read to him. Being a matter for Supreme Court hearing, no plea was entertained. Reid was remanded to the central prison in Hattieville with instructions to be brought back to court on Wednesday, April 24, 2013.
• Allegations Of Theft From Pro World:
  Two high ranking members from PRO World Foundation are in problems with the law as they stand accused of making off with cash belonging to the Foundation. John Mundy, 27, British/American Global Project manager for PRO World, visited the police station on Thursday, February 7, 2013, where he reported that on Monday, January 28, 2013, he visited the Foundation's office located at # 28 Benque Veijo Road in San Ignacio with intention to meet the local director, Akiesha Anderson to investigate the report of missing funds. Anderson was absent from the office and later sent Mundy a text message allegedly informing that she was resigning from the Foundation.
• U.D.P Poised To Win A Third Term:
  Four months of rigorous campaigning climaxed today at the Andres Campos Civic Center in Corozal on the occasion of the United Democratic Party's National Convention 2013. While thousands of UDP supporters, from every corner of the country, converged on the convention site, the focus was on the Party's 566 delegates from all 31 constituencies along with elected municipal officials, senators and members of the Party's Central Executive each with one vote to cast for the candidate of their choice to fill the three contested positions of First Deputy Party Leader, Party Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Party.
• Bradley Accused Of Trafficking In Drugs:
  A well known Santa Elena man, accused of drug trafficking, is today out on a five thousand dollar bail. Police reports that on Friday, February 15, 2013, members of the Mobile Interdiction Team (MIT), on an anti-drug operation in Santa Elena, Cayo found over one and a half pounds of weed inside a house on George Price Avenue. The team, accompanied by a senior Justice of the Peace, conducted a search at the George Price Avenue residence of Derick Bradley. The search reportedly led to the discovery of 781.1 grams of marijuana, inside seven separated black plastic bags, found inside the cavity of a cement block in an interior wall.
• International Raid Targets Illegal Timber Trade:
  Interpol has announced that it arrested nearly 200 people in a wide-ranging international operation against illegal logging and the trafficking of timber. The three-month effort spanned 12 Central and South American countries, and $8m (�5.2m) worth of timber was seized. Interpol says the illegal logging trade could be worth up to $100bn world-wide. It has also been linked to a rise in murders and corruption, as criminal groups move into remote forest areas. Interpol said officials had checked lorries, ships and containers, as well as retailers and individuals, seizing a total of 50,000 cubic metres, or about 2,000 lorry-loads, of illicit timber. More than 100 people remain under investigation.
• Mexico Security Forces Colluded In Disappearances:
  The pressure group Human Rights Watch says Mexico has failed to properly investigate human rights abuses committed by the security forces. The group has documented almost 250 disappearances during the term of former President Felipe Calderon. It says evidence suggests that in more than half of the cases the security forces participated either directly or indirectly in the disappearances. HRW has called on the new government to find the missing.
• Grenada Opposition Wins Clean Sweep In General Election:
  Preliminary results of the general election on the Caribbean island of Grenada suggest a landslide win for the opposition New National Party (NNP). Election supervisors said the preliminary figures showed the NNP had won all 15 seats. The governing National Democratic Congress admitted defeat. If the results are confirmed, Keith Mitchell, who served three terms as prime minister between 1995 and 2008, will return to power. The main theme during the election was the economic crisis.
• Deepest Undersea Vents Discovered By UK Team:
  UK scientists exploring the ocean floor in the Caribbean have discovered an "astounding" set of hydrothermal vents, the deepest anywhere in the world. Deploying a remotely-operated vehicle (ROV) in the Cayman Trough, they stumbled across a previouslyunknown site nearly 5000m below the surface. Video pictures relayed live back to the research ship mounting the operation show spindly chimneys up to 10m high. They are belching out dark water - "a stunning sight", one scientist said. In the immense pressure of the sea three miles down, the ROV, known as ISIS, was gently steered around the vents, taking pictures and gathering samples.
• Investing In The Caribbean:
  By Joseph Doway Someone asked me this week, where are investors all flocking to certain islands or regions within the Caribbean, and neglecting others. My answer was simple. Kudos to the government and the people of those countries that accept change and development. As advisors to investors and developers of hotels and resorts in the 2006 to 2009 period, we were always asked to do studies on the destinations where these developments were to take place. Consistent and transparent policies hold the key to economic development of any country or island, which then help to boost its efforts to attract foreign investment.
• Haiti's 'Baby Doc' Duvalier Bids To Avoid Court:
  Haiti's former ruler has filed a last-minute appeal with the Supreme Court to avoid appearing in court on allegations of crimes against humanity. Jean-Claude "Baby Doc" Duvalier was due to attend a hearing in the capital, Port-au Prince, on Thursday afternoon or face arrest. The ex-leader, who returned to Haiti in 2011 after 25 years in French exile, has already missed two hearings. He denies all charges, with his lawyers saying the case should be thrown out. Mr Duvalier's chief counsel, Reynold Georges, earlier told journalists that the ex-president would not attend Thursday's hearing.
• Hugo Chavez Returns To Venezuela After Cuba Cancer Care:
  Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has returned to the country after receiving treatment for cancer in Cuba. In three messages posted on Twitter, Mr Chavez, 58, thanked Cuban President and ex-leader Raul and Fidel Castro. He also thanked Venezuelans for their support and said he would continue treatment in his home country. He has been president for 14 years and was re-elected for another six-year term in October 2012, but his swearing-in was delayed because of his illness.
• India's Hyderabad Hit By Two Explosions:
  Two explosions have killed 12 people in the southern Indian city of Hyderabad, in what Prime Minister Manmohan Singh labelled as a "dastardly attack". The blasts that hit the city in Andhra Pradesh were 10 minutes apart, police said. Television images showed casualties being rushed to hospital. India's home minister said bombs had been planted on bicycles 150m (500ft) apart near a crowded fruit market. Major cities have been put on alert as police probe the cause for the blasts.
• China Cultural Revolution Murder Trial Sparks Debate:
  The trial in China of an elderly man accused of murder during the Cultural Revolution has sparked online debate. The man, reportedly in his 80s and surnamed Qiu, is accused of killing a doctor he believed was a spy. The Cultural Revolution, launched by Mao Zedong in 1966, was an era of violence against intellectuals and other alleged bourgeois elements. Some have questioned why one man is on trial so belatedly when so few officials have been brought to account.
• China's 'Leftover Women', Unmarried At 27:
  Over 27? Unmarried? Female? In China, you could be labelled a "leftover woman" by the state - but some professional Chinese women these days are happy being single. Huang Yuanyuan is working late at her job in a Beijing radio newsroom. She's also stressing out about the fact that the next day, she'll turn 29. "Scary. I'm one year older," she says. "I'm nervous." Why? "Because I'm still single. I have no boyfriend. I'm under big pressure to get married." Huang is a confident, personable young woman with a good salary, her own apartment, an MA from one of China's top universities, and a wealth of friends.
• Facts Related To Death Of 17 Year Old Of Toledo District:
  The Ministry of Health would like to state the medical findings in relation to the death of a seventeen year old female of Golden Stream Village, Toledo District. The patient first visited the Big Falls Health Center on March 19th, 2012 where she was treated for a chronic abdominal condition and released. She later returned to the clinic on March 22nd, 2012 where she was diagnosed with a chronic disorder. She received a blood transfusion at that time and was hospitalized for a week at the Punta Gorda Hospital for observation before release by her doctor.
• STAR Humor
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• Letters to the Editor
• Public Notices

The March 3rd, 2013 issue of The STAR (Cayo) is online HERE

This Week's Stories:

• The Low Key Appearance Of Bert Vasquez:
  In the absence of all the hype and public assembly in front of the police station in San Ignacio on the two previous occasions when Bert Vasquez, the accused murderer of Jasmine Lowe, appeared in San Ignacio court, his third appearance today went almost unnoticed. Is it a case of the public losing interest in the matter? Is it a case of the case gone cold? Can it be a case of the public forgetting the adjournment date? Can today's low key appearance of the accused murderer be attributed to the absence of policemen who crave the media and public spotlight resulting in neither the media nor the public being alerted of today's event?
• Businessman Busted With Undeclared Cash:
  A businessman from San Ignacio Town today pled guilty to the offence of failure to declare money in excess of the stipulated ten thousand Belize dollars A police report informs that Suresh Jaisinghnai was detained at the Phillip S.W Goldson International Airport after he was found in possession of nine thousand two hundred and seventy six thousand US dollars just as he was attempting to board an international flight.
• Jorge David Moro Dies In Car Crash:
  Relatives of a deceased taxi driver are today making arrangement to lay him to rest while they are still struggling to come to terms with the sudden change in their lives. The deceased Belizean taxi driver, , from San Ignacio, Cayo, was last seen by his wife Azucena shortly after 8:00 am on Tuesday, February 26 as he left home to transport their children to school. He reportedly departed from San Ignacio shortly thereafter on a regular charter trip eastward to Belize City to drop off a businessman.
• Amazing Voter Turnout In San Antonio Village:
  The almost 62% voter turnout in San Antonio Village for today's United Democratic Party convention to elect a candidate to contest the upcoming village council elections is nothing short of AMAZING!!! With 972 voters on the list for this village, a whopping 601 voters today made their way to the community center to cast their ballots. There was a steady stream of voters from the time the polling station was declared open at 9:00 am right up to closing time at 4:00 pm. The two candidates in the race were Rene Canto the incumbent chairman of the village and Cruz Mai, himself a former chairman of the village.
• Prohibiting Vehicular Traffic On Burn Avenue:
  A work crew from the Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) was this week busy replacing all the plastic manhole covers with more durable metal ones on Burns Avenue in San Ignacio Town. The changing of manhole covers became necessary when several of them were broken due to the load of vehicular traffic on the carriageway. While the Town Council had initially announced that vehicular traffic would not be allowed to transit the area, it nonetheless began experimenting with allowing them to do so. The experiment has resulted in damages to the pavers. The Town Council is now contemplating to revert to the original plan of prohibiting vehicular traffic in the area.
• Mexico Union Leader Elba Esther Gordillo Arrested:
  Union head Elba Esther Gordillo, known as Mexico's most powerful woman, has been arrested on corruption charges. Ms Gordillo, who runs the 1.5 million-member Mexican teachers' union, is alleged to have embezzled more than $156m from union funds. No-one from her legal team has responded to the allegations, but in the past she has denied any wrongdoing. Her arrest came a day after the government enacted major reforms to the education system.
• Nation Builders Commits To Championing National Youth Policy:
  The Nation Builders national youth movement celebrates today's launching of the NationalYouth Policy, as it will further empower young people. Since the inception of our movement, almost a year ago, the National Youth Policy has been one of our key demands, as the lack of a comprehensive youth development strategy has been a major setback in the creation of an enabling environment for our young people to become fully productive citizens.
• Belizeans Must Become More Nationalistic To Save Their Country From Guatemala:
  The British landed in Belize in 1638 long before Guatemala ever dreamt of become a nation state and still Guatemala is claiming our country up to this day. Why? Because in the early part of Belize's history, the British had no intention of making Belize one of their colonies until 1862. If the British wanted to obtain Belize as their property, they had several opportunities when they signed treaties with Spain to make it their territory. This was done because the British settlers who lived in Belize loved the country and exerted pressure on the British to grant them colony status. Also, the settlers fought in the Battle of Saint George Cay on the 10thof September 1797 to drive the Spanish out of Belize. This day should have been the Independence Day for the country of Belize because of its significance in demonstrating our forefathers true nationalism when many of them died in defense of our homeland.
• St. Ignatius Students Expressing Their Views:
  I am a student attending St. Ignatius High School and I am concerned about the dramatic increase of unemployment in our country. This has been the highest recorded for the past fourteen years. As we face changing occurrences, our country can only become better and better or worse and worse. However, the extensive increase in unemployment only makes our nation worsen. Research shows that the main reason our population suffers from unemployment is because of lack of education combined with the advancement of technology.
• Pay The Boys:
  There is an issue that I thought should be addressed. Our Men's National Football Team - The Belize Jaguars - recently qualified to play in the Central American Gold cup. This is the first time we as a country have ever qualified for such a tournament and we are proud of the men for having achieved such a historical accomplishment for our country. Now, we also know that sports in this country doesn't pay, and I'm proposing to the government to pay our players a suitable sum of money for the next six months in order for them to train hard and not have to concentrate on their job and practice after work. It would only be for a short period of time. Our players need to train to get to their highest potential.
• STAR Humor
• Your Weekly Horoscope and Lucky Numbers
• Letters to the Editor
• Public Notices

The March 10th, 2013 issue of The STAR (Cayo) is online HERE

This Week's Stories:

• Two Villagers Beaten In Separate Incidents In Unitedville:
  Two male persons have been detained as the search continues for another two comprising a group of four young men suspected to have attacked and injured two men in separate incidents in the western village of Unitedville on the George Price Highway in the Cayo District. In the first reported incident, Unitedville resident Rosa Macharro reported to the police that she was at home at around 8:30 pm on Sunday, March 3, 2013, when her husband, Miguel Macharro, arrived at home in a taxi from a trip to Guatemala City. The husband was reportedly unlocking the gate to enter the yard when he was approached by a group of four young men one of whom is said to have asked him for a dollar. He reportedly ignored the request and this was when he was allegedly attacked with sticks and a machete by the group.
• The UDP Getting Stronger And Stronger:
  As this year's round of village council elections draw nearer, the number of supporters seeking to contest these elections for the United Democratic Party (UDP) is growing exponentially. This new phenomenon has resulted in the Party having to conduct an unprecedented number of conventions across the country. Two recent such conventions were held over the past two consecutive weekends in the western villages of San Antonio in the Cayo Central Constituency and the other in the village of San Jose Succotz in the Cayo West Constituency. In the San Antonio convention which was held between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm on Sunday, February 24, an astonishing 601 villagers, of the 972 registered voters on the voters list for the village, flocked to the polls to cast their votes for one of two candidates seeking to contest the upcoming elections as the UDP Chairman candidate for their Village.
• First historic National Communication System installed:
  For the first time, the Ministry of Health has established a National Communications System to network with the Public health providers across the country. Enhanced communications have already been established between Northern Regional Hospital, Southern Regional Hospital and Central Health Region since its installation last month. This system will support real-time reporting and communication from incident site directly to the Emergency Operating Center (EOC) at the headquarters in Belmopan. It will also be useful during possible electricity downtime during disasters or emergencies.
• Third Cohort of Field Epidemiology Training Program commences:
  The Ministry of Health has commenced on the third cohort in a basic level course in Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP) for participants including, Public Health Inspectors, Public Health Nurses, Laboratory Technicians and Medical officers of the Ministry and from the Belize Defence Force. Objectives of the program include building capacity for front line responders in the detection, surveillance, response, analysis and prevention associated with high priority public health problems.
• Nutrition Unit conducts training to improve Dietary Services at Hospitals:
  In an effort to improve on Dietary Services within the regional and district hospitals across the country, the Nutrition Unit of the Ministry hosted a Dietary training session at Southern Regional Hospital Kitchen with cooks, dietary aides and dietary supervisors to improve on the quality of food preparation in hospitals. During a short theory session, participants were educated on specialized diets and the importance of nutrition care and the quality of foods served at patients. A practical session was conducted in the preparation of nine commonly used recipes. These recipes included Corn, Oatmeal, Squash and Rice Porridges, whole wheat Johnny cakes and tortillas, soy milk and preparing herbal seasonings mixture.
• World Cancer Day 2013:
  A Cancer Symposium was held at the Bliss Center in observation of World Cancer Day celebrated globally February 4th. It was a night of facts, statistics and survivor's stories. In the Caribbean, Central and South America, cancer remains as the second leading cause of death. Dr, Francis Morey, National Tuberculosis Coordinator, at the Minstry was among the presenters featured that night at the symposium. He mentioned that in Belize more than 10% of annual deaths are related to cancer. During the 5 year period, 2007-2011, there were a total of 857 cancer deaths and almost half of these occurred in persons less than 65 years of age.
• PROTECT OUR RIVERS AND WATERSHEDS!!! WATER FOR LIFE, NOT FOR DEATH!:
  BELPO joins with groups from countries around the world in celebrating International Day of Action For Rivers on 14 March.The aim on this Day of Action for Rivers is to bring awareness about the importance of our rivers to our lives. BELPO's struggle against destructive dams and the current model of water and energy management is a struggle against a social order that puts profits before people. BELPO rejects the spread of dam projects that threaten our rivers and the downstream communities; BELPO rejects the promotion of intensive mineral and oil exploitation in our watersheds. Every year BELPO joins millions across the world to celebrate victories such as river restoration, dam removal and theprohibition of the building of dams. It is a day to educate one another about the threats facing our rivers, and learn about better water and energy solutions. Above all, it is a day to unite - by acting together, we demonstrate that these issues are not merely local, but global in scope.
• Relocation Of Gang Members:
  I am honoured to express my perspective, through your renowned newspaper, about the situation whereby the Government has decided to relocate some gang members of Belize City. As a concerned citizen of Belize, I hope to shed some light on the absurd distribution of numerous, dangerous gang members across our county. On January 8, 2013, a massacre was committed in the heart of a gang territory known as George Street. This unfortunate incident caused the citizens of Belize, especially Belize City, to become afraid assuming that the George Street Gang (GSG) would respond to this incident by terrorising civilians. As a result, the Government had a meeting with the gang members. Among all the solutions found to alleviate this situation, the one that struck me the most, was the idea of relocating gang members.
• Hugo Chavez's Body To Stay On Display In Venezuela:
  The body of the late Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez is to be embalmed and put on display after his funeral, Vice-President Nicolas Maduro says. The decision reflects the huge crowds queuing to pay their respects in Caracas, where he is lying in state. Mr Chavez's body will be moved to a military museum after the state funeral on Friday, Mr Maduro said. Hugo Chavez, who led Venezuela for 14 years, died on Tuesday after a long battle with cancer. More than two million mourners have already filed past his body at the military academy in Caracas, queuing for hours to see him lying in state.
• Brazil's Bruno Fernandes Jailed Over Ex-lover's Murder:
  Brazilian football star Bruno Fernandes has been given a 22-year prison sentence for ordering the murder of a former girlfriend. He was also found guilty of hiding the body of Eliza Samudio and kidnapping their baby son in 2010. The ex-Flamengo goalkeeper admitted to knowing that Ms Samudio had been strangled and her remains fed to dogs, but denied ordering the killing. He said two other defendants in the case carried out the murder. The murder has attracted intense media interest in Brazil where it has been compared to the OJ Simpson trial in the US. Fernandes, who was hugely popular with fans, had been tipped to play for Brazil in the 2014 Fifa World Cup finals.
• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora:
  It is difficult to put on paper the beauty of watching the sun rise over the ocean while heading out to sea for a day on the water. I have seen Belize's extensive biodiversity while snorkeling off of the cayes, including a variety of sharks and stingrays. The United States and Belize have long worked hand in hand to protect our natural heritage, especially in the sea. Sharks and manta rays are important to ocean ecosystems, and the United States is concerned about the conservation status of species that are increasingly affected by international trade. These species are all biologically vulnerable to overexploitation, as a long-lived, low productivity species. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is a valuable tool to address the threats posed by unsustainable global trade in shark and manta ray parts and products, including fins, meat, and gill plates.
• Carlos Slim Tops Forbes Rich List For Fourth Year:
  Mexican tycoon Carlos Slim has topped Forbes magazine's list of the world's richest billionaires for a fourth year. The magazine estimates that Mr Slim, whose business interests range from telecommunications to construction, is worth $73bn (�49bn). He is followed by Microsoft founder Bill Gates on $67bn. Famed investor Warren Buffett has dropped back to fourth place, with third spot going to Amancio Ortega, the founder of the Zara fashion chain. Record profits, and a resulting surge in the share price of the holding company Inditex that he owns, has propelled Mr Ortega from fifth place, leapfrogging Mr Buffett.
• Processed Meat 'Early Death' Link:
  Sausages, ham, bacon and other processed meats appear to increase the risk of dying young, a study of half a million people across Europe suggests. It concluded diets high in processed meats were linked to cardiovascular disease, cancer and early deaths. The researchers, writing in the journal BMC Medicine, said salt and chemicals used to preserve the meat may damage health. The British Heart Foundation suggested opting for leaner cuts of meat. The study followed people from 10 European countries for nearly 13 years on average. Lifestyle factors: It showed people who ate a lot of processed meat were also more likely to smoke, be obese and have other behaviours known to damage health. However, the researchers said even after those risk factors were accounted for, processed meat still damaged health.
• STAR Humor
• Your Weekly Horoscope and Lucky Numbers
• Letters to the Editor
• Public Notices

The March 17th, 2013 issue of The STAR (Cayo) is online HERE

This Week's Stories:

• Police Kill Two Robbers:
  Preparations are being made for the burial of two young men who were reportedly shot by police as they fled the scene of a robbery in San Ignacio shortly after 12 noon on Tuesday, March 12, 2013. San Ignacio police reported receiving an emergency call via the 911 line of a robbery in progress at Roses Chinese Restaurant & Store located between miles 67 and 68 on the George Price Highway on the western outskirts of San Ignacio town. It is reported that a team of policemen rushed to the scene where in the area they came upon two male persons, one of whom was seen with a blue rag concealing his face while the other wore a black stocking over his face and toting a sawed-off shot gun.
• Fully Equipped Resource Center For Arenal Village:
  A spanking new resource center will soon be constructed in the western village of Arenal, Cayo. The fully furnished 30 x 60 feet building will be constructed at a cost of $250,000. The furnishings will include computer equipment and furniture. The building will be located in a spacious new area of the village alongside a new football field. Daniel Cano, Executive Director of the Social Investment Fund, informed that the design for the new building will be completed within the next two months. He told the gathered villagers that bids for construction will be invited thereafter. The building is expected to be completed before the end of this year.
• Cayo's Oscar Quiroz Is The Cyclist To Watch On Holy Saturday:
  Oscar Quiroz, the junior cyclist who has recently graduated into the major leagues will be the cyclist to watch in the March 30, Annual Holy Saturday Cross Country Cycling Classic. The rising young cycling star who participated in the Smart Belmopan Cycling Classic on March 10, shocked the crowd when he captured the top prize in the junior league category by crossing the finish line one minute and forty seconds ahead of the second place finisher. Quiroz has dominated the junior league since exploding onto the scene back in March 2010 when he competed in the Junior Cross Country Cycling Classic placing 9th in this prestigious race, an excellent feat by any standards for a first time rider.
• A New Basketball Court For St. Andrews Anglican Primary School:
  Thirteen students from Toronto District Christian High School in Canada arrived in Belize on March 5, 2013; sleeves raised and ready to work on constructing a new basketball court for St. Andrews Anglican Primary School in San Ignacio Town. Country coordinators Richard Zul and Lucille Sosa explained that works on the basketball court took a total of four days, which included preparation of the building site, laying stone ground work, and pouring of the concrete slab. During their spare time, members of the visiting team visited classrooms, entertained students, painted hopscotch on the cemented courtyard, leveled out the school grounds and prepared new garden beds.
• D'bi.Young Anitafrika performing live at the Bliss:
  The Institute of Creative Arts (ICA) and the Winsom Foundation in collaboration with Women's month presents for the first time in Belize, African-Jamaican- Canadian dubpoet, playwright, monodramatist and educator D'bi.Young Anitafrika. She is internationally celebrated as a visionary storyteller, a passionate humanist and a leader in the development of arts education. She will be performing one of her eight plays 'Blood Claat', specializing in what she terms biomyth monodrama, D'bi. writes one-person theatre plays comprised of music, poetry, dance, and drama that chronicle the stories of global peoples and our quests for self-actualization. She has recently completing her third global tour, performing and teaching, D'bi. has shared the stage with many renowned names such as legendary American poet Saul Williams, and world renowned singers Alicia Keys, Angelique Kidjo, Annie Lennox, and Sarah Maglachan.
• Pope Francis Warns Church Could Become 'Compassionate NGO':
  Pope Francis has warned the Catholic Church would become "a compassionate NGO" without spiritual renewal. In a Sistine Chapel Mass with cardinals on his first day as Church leader, the pontiff said: "If we do not confess to Christ, what would we be? "We would end up a compassionate NGO. What would happen would be like when children make sand castles and then it all falls down." Francis is the first Latin American - and the first Jesuit - Pope. The BBC's David Willey, in Rome, says the 76-year-old has already been swift to stamp his style on the papacy. Pope Francis is regarded as a doctrinal conservative, but he is also seen as a potential force for reform of the Vatican bureaucracy, analysts say.
• Early HIV Drugs 'Functionally Cure About One In Ten':
  Rapid treatment after HIV infection may be enough to "functionally cure" about a 10th of those diagnosed early, say researchers in France. They have been analysing 14 people who stopped therapy, but have since shown no signs of the virus resurging. It follows reports of a baby girl being effectively cured after very early treatment in the US. However, most people infected with HIV do not find out until the virus has fully infiltrated the body. The group of patients, known as the Visconti cohort, all started treatment within 10 weeks of being infected.
• China Confirms Li Keqiang As Premier:
  China's leaders have named Li Keqiang premier, placing him at the helm of the world's second-largest economy. Mr Li, who already holds the number two spot in the Communist Party, takes over from Wen Jiabao. Mr Li was elected for a five-year term but, like his predecessor, would be expected to spend a decade in office. On Thursday, Xi Jinping was confirmed by legislators as the new president, completing the transition of power from Hu Jintao. Li Keqiang's widely-signalled elevation was confirmed by 3,000 legislators at the National People's Congress, the annual parliament session, in Beijing, by 2,940 votes of 2,949 cast.
• Brazil Outrage Over Sao Paulo Cyclist's Lost Arm:
  A road collision in Brazil has caused outrage after police said a motorist drove off with a cyclist's severed arm attached to his vehicle. The driver, who later turned himself in, told Sao Paulo police that he had dumped the limb in a stream. The arm has not been recovered but doctors believe it could have been reattached, police told local media. The cyclist - a window-cleaner on his way to work - is said to be in a stable condition in hospital. The accident that saw the cyclist's arm torn off took place on Sunday morning on Avenida Paulista, one of Sao Paulo's busiest streets.
• STAR Humor
• Your Weekly Horoscope and Lucky Numbers
• Letters to the Editor
• Public Notices

The March 24th, 2013 issue of The STAR (Cayo) is online HERE

This Week's Stories:

• Convicted Guatemalan Man Vanishes:
  While San Ignacio police remained tight lipped, as has now become the rule rather than the exception, reliable reports reaching us indicate that a gun charged convicted Guatemalan man disappeared from the cell block in the middle of the evening hours on Monday, March 18, 2013. The embarrassing incident is being kept hush hush as no one is saying anything not even if any of the cameras in the area of the cell block captured the escape as it unfolded. Reports are that Walter Leonel Boteo Ralda, 22, Guatemalan male of a Belize Central Prison address in Hattieville where he is spending a five year sentence on a firearm possession charge, was brought from prison on the Monday morning run although he was not slated to appear in court, on other charges, until the following day, Tuesday, March 19, 2013.
• Three Small Weed Trees In Blackman Eddy Village:
  San Ignacio police returned to their base station with three five inch marijuana plants, the product of an early Saturday morning anti-drug operations in Blackman Eddy Village on the George Price Highway. Police reports that during the early morning hours on Saturday, March 16, whilst on an anti-drug operation, they visited the Blackman Eddy Village home of Henry Gordon. Present at the time were Gordon and his common-law-wife. A detailed search of the house produced nothing of an incriminating nature. The search continued outside the house where, in the yard near an outhouse the police is said to have found a plastic vase filled with earth in the middle of which stood a 5 inch suspected marijuana plant.
• Hon. Rene Montero Working For Cayo Central:
  Keeping true to his promise to address the needs of his constituency, Minister of Works and Transport, Hon. Rene Montero has undertaken the refurbishment of the basketball court in Santa Elena. Minister Montero informed that this latest project will entail a total transformation of this important sporting facility in Santa Elena. "The works," explained Minister "encompasses the replacement of the perimeter fence, the filling of the grounds around the court, behind and between the bleachers, the bathrooms and the vending house as well as the construction of a cement walkway linking the court to the nearby Carmen Street"
• Medical Training For San Ignacio Hospital Staff:
  A group of forty members of staff of the San Ignacio Community Hospital today participated in a basic life support training seminar conducted by members of the Belize Emergency Response Team (BERT). Dr. Misael Ramirez, medical chief of staff at the San Ignacio Community Hospital, informed that the one day basic life support training involved the participation of several departments of the hospital including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, lab technicians, drivers, dentists and dental assistants. The overall goal of the training said Dr, Ramirez, is to ensure that each member of staff can identify and assist the general public with basic life support techniques which may prove invaluable in times of emergency.
• Bullet Tree Family Fun Day:
  The Bullet Tree Neighbourhood Committee will be having it first family fun day on March 23th 2013 at bullett tree football field. PC. Jason Jones informs that the "main purpose of this funfilled day is for the bullett tree committee to raise much needed funds and also to bring the residents of the village together and enjoy a day full of fun for the entire family". There will be lots to eat and drink. Come and bring the whole family and support the Bullet Tree Neighborhood watch committee.
• Thank You, Pallotine Sisters:
  With very grateful hearts and nostalgic memories, we have begun the celebrations marking the one hundred years of service by the Pallotine Sisters to the people and country of Belize. It was on June 2, 1921 that the first four Pallotines arrived in San Ignacio, known then as El Cayo. These four German nationals were Sisters Dominica, Radigundis, Sebastiana and Veronica. They had left their families, homes and country to serve us, mainly as teachers in our primary schools of San Ignacio and Santa Elena. Over the years, these four pioneers were joined and succeeded by others, including our own Belizean Pallotines. Hundreds of us - our sons and daughters, our brothers and sisters, our aunts and uncles, our cousins and friends, our own parents and grandparents - were touched by the positive influence of these committed followers of Vincent Pallotti. And they knew so much!
• Launch of BRDP II Project, "Making Tourism Benefit Communities Adjacent to Archaeological Sites":
  The Belize Tourism Board, along with the National Institute of Culture and History, are proud to announce the launch of a European Union s upported Action entitled, "Making Tourism Benefit Communities Adjacent to Archaeological Sites." The launch took place at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 20th, 2013, at the House of Culture in Belize City. The BTB received a grant from the European Union in November 2012, for BZ$2.75m for a project with a total estimated cost of $4 million BZD. The project, scheduled to be implemented over 24 months, seeks to improve economic opportunities in rural communities and contribute to the reduction of poverty by enhancing the overall tourism experience through improvements to tourism infrastructure and the services offered. The tourism experience will be enhanced at the archaeological sites of Xunantunich, Barton Creek, Actun Tunichil Muknal, Caves Branch, Altun Ha, Lamanai, Nim Li Punit, Lubaantun, and Blue Creek.
• Rotary Convention Held In San Ignacio:
  Recently 245 Rotarians, from as far away as Canada, the U.S.A. and Panama and as close as Belize converged on San Ignacio to celebrate the 18th Rotary International Conference of Belize, Guatemala and Honduras. This prestigious four day event which takes place every third year in Belize, was the foremost Rotary event of the year. This yearly Rotary International Conference has always been held in a major city of the host country i.e., in Guatemala it is always held in Guatemala City, in Honduras it alternates between Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula, and in Belize-Belize City. However, this year's District Governor, Andre Lopez, chose to break tradition and hold the Conference in his home town of San Ignacio.
• Grandparents 'May Relay Autism Risk To Grandchildren':
  The risk of developing autism may be passed on through - and not just to - future generations, researchers say. The international study suggests older fathers are more likely to have grandchildren with autism than their younger counterparts. The mechanism is unclear but it is thought they may transmit "silent mutations" to their grandchildren. But experts have urged caution, stressing autism is the result of many different factors. The study, looking at almost 6,000 people with the condition, is published in the journal Jama Psychiatry. According to the National Autistic Society, more than one in every 100 people in the UK have the condition. Previous studies suggested older fathers may be at greater risk of having children with autism than younger dads.
• International Red Carpet Affair Caribbean Style:
  This year's International Red Carpet Affair Caribbean Style will be an exciting one, and most anticipated event for year. It's set to one of the best!!! there is a star lineup with some of the most influential individual from Belize that has done some outstanding jobs through-out the years both in US and back home. They have served on committee's and have been supporting several organization in Belize and the United States. The event will be held at the Hollywood Park Casino on April 20th 2013. It's the 3rd annual and is sure to be on of the best event for 2013. The night will start off with a Waltz and Return of the Mac contest followed by the Life time Achievement Award presentation. Those receiving awards that night will be Prof. Drummonds, Mr. Jose Moreno, Mr. Ray Gongora, Mrs. Martha Martinez, Mr.Ellis Cayatano, Mr Fred Dixxon, Mr.Harry Shaw Sr., Pelle Ellis, Guwie Posse and Daddy Tracey.
• Guatemala Ex-ruler Rios Montt On Trial For Genocide:
  The trial of the former military ruler of Guatemala, Efrain Rios Montt, for genocide and crimes against humanity has begun in Guatemala City. During Mr Rios Montt's 17-month rule in the 1980s, more than 1,700 indigenous people are thought to have been killed. The UN says it is the first time a former head of state has faced a national court for such crimes - rights activists say the trial is "historic". The former general denies the charges. The trial is expected to last months. Shortly before the start of the trial, the defence team of 86-year old was replaced. His new lawyers filed motions which could have delayed the proceedings, but were rejected by the court. Gen Rios Montt faces charges of crimes against humanity in connection with the killing of 1,771 indigenous Mayans during his rule in 1982-1983.
• World Rotaract Week 2013:
  Rotaract - AWay of Life! From March 11-17, 2013, Rotaract Clubs around the world celebrated World Rotaract Week 2013 in commemoration of the first Rotaract Club that was chartered on March 13, 1968. The Rotaract Club of San Ignacio planned a week's worth of activities in lieu of this grand event. These included the launching of the Club's official logo, presentations on recent projects from the Rotary &Rotaract Clubs of San Ignacio, a quiz night for club members and community service projects. The Rotary and Rotaract Clubs of San Ignacio embarked on a joint Gift (Food) Baskets Project that was carried out on Saturday, March 16, 2013 in Benque. In collaboration with the Help Age Center and Mount Carmel Primary School in Benque Viejo, the Rotary and Rotaract Clubs of San Ignacio partnered together, and went from home to home distributing the 20 food baskets to the elderly, single mothers and other deserving families. Part 2 of this project will take place in Santa Elena Town.
• Pope Francis In Plea For Poor As Inauguration Mass Held:
  Pope Francis has inaugurated his papacy at a Mass in Rome, calling on global leaders and all the people of the world to defend the poor and the weak. Up to 200,000 people attended the Mass in St Peter's Square. His homily focused on protection - of the environment, children, the elderly and those in need, who he said were "often the last we think about". Francis was elected by a conclave of cardinals last week to take over from Benedict XVI. Benedict became the first pontiff in 600 years to abdicate last month. Citing his age, 85, he said he could no longer continue in the post.
• The ICJ Referendum Appears To Be Dead In The Water:
  In remarks delivered Wednesday evening at the George Washington University's Ambassador Series forum in Washington, DC, Belizean Ambassador to the U.S. and O.A.S., Nestor Mendez, made clear that the Belizean government is "frustrated" and "upset" with recent actions by the Guatemalan government. His comments and answers to questions from the audience indicate the whole ICJ referendum process is now in serious jeopardy. Furthermore, Belize clearly feels while it has acted in good faith, the Guatemalans have let them down and even disrespected them during this last week in particular. I've known Ambassador Mendez for several years now and the always unflappable diplomat showed clear signs of frustration and even said at one point, "I'm sorry if I seem upset but it's not the first time our neighbors have bowed out. It's not helpful." This was a special night for the Ambassador as he returned to his alma mater to deliver an address at one of the George Washington University's most distinguished forums.
• What Will Happen If Belizeans Vote Against Going To The ICJ:
  By: Wellington C. Ramos If the people of Belize vote "NO" to take the Guatemalan dispute to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), then the agreement signed between Guatemala and Belize will be fulfilled. This will also happen if the people of Guatemala were to vote "NO" in their Referendum which is scheduled to take place simultaneously in both countries on October 6, 2013. I have read carefully the Anglo-Guatemalan Treaty signed between Great Britain and Guatemala in 1859 and based on that I am fully confident that the court will rule in favor of Belize. In this treaty Guatemala accepted and acknowledged the boundaries of Belize which exist up to this day. If the Government of Guatemala did not like anything that was contained in that document then they should not have signed it.
• STAR Humor
• Editorial:
• Your Weekly Horoscope and Lucky Numbers
• Letters to the Editor
• Public Notices

The March 24th, 2013 issue of The STAR (Cayo) is online HERE

This Week's Stories:

• Convicted Guatemalan Man Vanishes:
  While San Ignacio police remained tight lipped, as has now become the rule rather than the exception, reliable reports reaching us indicate that a gun charged convicted Guatemalan man disappeared from the cell block in the middle of the evening hours on Monday, March 18, 2013. The embarrassing incident is being kept hush hush as no one is saying anything not even if any of the cameras in the area of the cell block captured the escape as it unfolded. Reports are that Walter Leonel Boteo Ralda, 22, Guatemalan male of a Belize Central Prison address in Hattieville where he is spending a five year sentence on a firearm possession charge, was brought from prison on the Monday morning run although he was not slated to appear in court, on other charges, until the following day, Tuesday, March 19, 2013.
• Three Small Weed Trees In Blackman Eddy Village:
  San Ignacio police returned to their base station with three five inch marijuana plants, the product of an early Saturday morning anti-drug operations in Blackman Eddy Village on the George Price Highway. Police reports that during the early morning hours on Saturday, March 16, whilst on an anti-drug operation, they visited the Blackman Eddy Village home of Henry Gordon. Present at the time were Gordon and his common-law-wife. A detailed search of the house produced nothing of an incriminating nature. The search continued outside the house where, in the yard near an outhouse the police is said to have found a plastic vase filled with earth in the middle of which stood a 5 inch suspected marijuana plant.
• Hon. Rene Montero Working For Cayo Central:
  Keeping true to his promise to address the needs of his constituency, Minister of Works and Transport, Hon. Rene Montero has undertaken the refurbishment of the basketball court in Santa Elena. Minister Montero informed that this latest project will entail a total transformation of this important sporting facility in Santa Elena. "The works," explained Minister "encompasses the replacement of the perimeter fence, the filling of the grounds around the court, behind and between the bleachers, the bathrooms and the vending house as well as the construction of a cement walkway linking the court to the nearby Carmen Street"
• Medical Training For San Ignacio Hospital Staff:
  A group of forty members of staff of the San Ignacio Community Hospital today participated in a basic life support training seminar conducted by members of the Belize Emergency Response Team (BERT). Dr. Misael Ramirez, medical chief of staff at the San Ignacio Community Hospital, informed that the one day basic life support training involved the participation of several departments of the hospital including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, lab technicians, drivers, dentists and dental assistants. The overall goal of the training said Dr, Ramirez, is to ensure that each member of staff can identify and assist the general public with basic life support techniques which may prove invaluable in times of emergency.
• Bullet Tree Family Fun Day:
  The Bullet Tree Neighbourhood Committee will be having it first family fun day on March 23th 2013 at bullett tree football field. PC. Jason Jones informs that the "main purpose of this funfilled day is for the bullett tree committee to raise much needed funds and also to bring the residents of the village together and enjoy a day full of fun for the entire family". There will be lots to eat and drink. Come and bring the whole family and support the Bullet Tree Neighborhood watch committee.
• Thank You, Pallotine Sisters:
  With very grateful hearts and nostalgic memories, we have begun the celebrations marking the one hundred years of service by the Pallotine Sisters to the people and country of Belize. It was on June 2, 1921 that the first four Pallotines arrived in San Ignacio, known then as El Cayo. These four German nationals were Sisters Dominica, Radigundis, Sebastiana and Veronica. They had left their families, homes and country to serve us, mainly as teachers in our primary schools of San Ignacio and Santa Elena. Over the years, these four pioneers were joined and succeeded by others, including our own Belizean Pallotines. Hundreds of us - our sons and daughters, our brothers and sisters, our aunts and uncles, our cousins and friends, our own parents and grandparents - were touched by the positive influence of these committed followers of Vincent Pallotti. And they knew so much!
• Launch of BRDP II Project, "Making Tourism Benefit Communities Adjacent to Archaeological Sites":
  The Belize Tourism Board, along with the National Institute of Culture and History, are proud to announce the launch of a European Union s upported Action entitled, "Making Tourism Benefit Communities Adjacent to Archaeological Sites." The launch took place at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 20th, 2013, at the House of Culture in Belize City. The BTB received a grant from the European Union in November 2012, for BZ$2.75m for a project with a total estimated cost of $4 million BZD. The project, scheduled to be implemented over 24 months, seeks to improve economic opportunities in rural communities and contribute to the reduction of poverty by enhancing the overall tourism experience through improvements to tourism infrastructure and the services offered. The tourism experience will be enhanced at the archaeological sites of Xunantunich, Barton Creek, Actun Tunichil Muknal, Caves Branch, Altun Ha, Lamanai, Nim Li Punit, Lubaantun, and Blue Creek.
• Rotary Convention Held In San Ignacio:
  Recently 245 Rotarians, from as far away as Canada, the U.S.A. and Panama and as close as Belize converged on San Ignacio to celebrate the 18th Rotary International Conference of Belize, Guatemala and Honduras. This prestigious four day event which takes place every third year in Belize, was the foremost Rotary event of the year. This yearly Rotary International Conference has always been held in a major city of the host country i.e., in Guatemala it is always held in Guatemala City, in Honduras it alternates between Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula, and in Belize-Belize City. However, this year's District Governor, Andre Lopez, chose to break tradition and hold the Conference in his home town of San Ignacio.
• Grandparents 'May Relay Autism Risk To Grandchildren':
  The risk of developing autism may be passed on through - and not just to - future generations, researchers say. The international study suggests older fathers are more likely to have grandchildren with autism than their younger counterparts. The mechanism is unclear but it is thought they may transmit "silent mutations" to their grandchildren. But experts have urged caution, stressing autism is the result of many different factors. The study, looking at almost 6,000 people with the condition, is published in the journal Jama Psychiatry. According to the National Autistic Society, more than one in every 100 people in the UK have the condition. Previous studies suggested older fathers may be at greater risk of having children with autism than younger dads.
• International Red Carpet Affair Caribbean Style:
  This year's International Red Carpet Affair Caribbean Style will be an exciting one, and most anticipated event for year. It's set to one of the best!!! there is a star lineup with some of the most influential individual from Belize that has done some outstanding jobs through-out the years both in US and back home. They have served on committee's and have been supporting several organization in Belize and the United States. The event will be held at the Hollywood Park Casino on April 20th 2013. It's the 3rd annual and is sure to be on of the best event for 2013. The night will start off with a Waltz and Return of the Mac contest followed by the Life time Achievement Award presentation. Those receiving awards that night will be Prof. Drummonds, Mr. Jose Moreno, Mr. Ray Gongora, Mrs. Martha Martinez, Mr.Ellis Cayatano, Mr Fred Dixxon, Mr.Harry Shaw Sr., Pelle Ellis, Guwie Posse and Daddy Tracey.
• Guatemala Ex-ruler Rios Montt On Trial For Genocide:
  The trial of the former military ruler of Guatemala, Efrain Rios Montt, for genocide and crimes against humanity has begun in Guatemala City. During Mr Rios Montt's 17-month rule in the 1980s, more than 1,700 indigenous people are thought to have been killed. The UN says it is the first time a former head of state has faced a national court for such crimes - rights activists say the trial is "historic". The former general denies the charges. The trial is expected to last months. Shortly before the start of the trial, the defence team of 86-year old was replaced. His new lawyers filed motions which could have delayed the proceedings, but were rejected by the court. Gen Rios Montt faces charges of crimes against humanity in connection with the killing of 1,771 indigenous Mayans during his rule in 1982-1983.
• World Rotaract Week 2013:
  Rotaract - AWay of Life! From March 11-17, 2013, Rotaract Clubs around the world celebrated World Rotaract Week 2013 in commemoration of the first Rotaract Club that was chartered on March 13, 1968. The Rotaract Club of San Ignacio planned a week's worth of activities in lieu of this grand event. These included the launching of the Club's official logo, presentations on recent projects from the Rotary &Rotaract Clubs of San Ignacio, a quiz night for club members and community service projects. The Rotary and Rotaract Clubs of San Ignacio embarked on a joint Gift (Food) Baskets Project that was carried out on Saturday, March 16, 2013 in Benque. In collaboration with the Help Age Center and Mount Carmel Primary School in Benque Viejo, the Rotary and Rotaract Clubs of San Ignacio partnered together, and went from home to home distributing the 20 food baskets to the elderly, single mothers and other deserving families. Part 2 of this project will take place in Santa Elena Town.
• Pope Francis In Plea For Poor As Inauguration Mass Held:
  Pope Francis has inaugurated his papacy at a Mass in Rome, calling on global leaders and all the people of the world to defend the poor and the weak. Up to 200,000 people attended the Mass in St Peter's Square. His homily focused on protection - of the environment, children, the elderly and those in need, who he said were "often the last we think about". Francis was elected by a conclave of cardinals last week to take over from Benedict XVI. Benedict became the first pontiff in 600 years to abdicate last month. Citing his age, 85, he said he could no longer continue in the post.
• The ICJ Referendum Appears To Be Dead In The Water:
  In remarks delivered Wednesday evening at the George Washington University's Ambassador Series forum in Washington, DC, Belizean Ambassador to the U.S. and O.A.S., Nestor Mendez, made clear that the Belizean government is "frustrated" and "upset" with recent actions by the Guatemalan government. His comments and answers to questions from the audience indicate the whole ICJ referendum process is now in serious jeopardy. Furthermore, Belize clearly feels while it has acted in good faith, the Guatemalans have let them down and even disrespected them during this last week in particular. I've known Ambassador Mendez for several years now and the always unflappable diplomat showed clear signs of frustration and even said at one point, "I'm sorry if I seem upset but it's not the first time our neighbors have bowed out. It's not helpful." This was a special night for the Ambassador as he returned to his alma mater to deliver an address at one of the George Washington University's most distinguished forums.
• What Will Happen If Belizeans Vote Against Going To The ICJ:
  By: Wellington C. Ramos If the people of Belize vote "NO" to take the Guatemalan dispute to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), then the agreement signed between Guatemala and Belize will be fulfilled. This will also happen if the people of Guatemala were to vote "NO" in their Referendum which is scheduled to take place simultaneously in both countries on October 6, 2013. I have read carefully the Anglo-Guatemalan Treaty signed between Great Britain and Guatemala in 1859 and based on that I am fully confident that the court will rule in favor of Belize. In this treaty Guatemala accepted and acknowledged the boundaries of Belize which exist up to this day. If the Government of Guatemala did not like anything that was contained in that document then they should not have signed it.
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The March 31st, 2013 issue of The STAR (Cayo) is online HERE

This Week's Stories:

• Zamir Guerra Makes Us All Proud:
  Santa Elena's 16 year old Zamir Guerra of Cayo High Road Cycling Team shattered the record to be crowned the new Junior Cross Country Cycling champion of Belize. With 19 riders participating, the 14th Annual Junior Cross Country Cycling Classic got underway at 9:00 am on Sunday March 24, from the village of San Jose Succotz on the George Price Highway for the 72 mile ride to the finish line at Leslie's Imports, mile one just outside Belize City. Guerra completed the race in three hours, 34 minutes and 38 seconds leaving the chase group a whopping 12 minutes behind and in the process crushing the record set six years ago by Byron Pope. Although he is young in age, Guerra has been riding for the past four years competing in other youth races. This is however, his first time in the Junior Cross Country Classic.
• Roni Banos Crowned Best Reggaeton Artist in Belize:
  Good things have been happening in Santa Elena, Cayo: The reigning Cross Country Champion comes from Santa Elena; The current Junior Cross Country Champion hails from Santa Elena and the Reggaeton Superstar also comes�.. you got that right ��..from Santa Elena. The circle would have been complete if only our Dream Marching Band would have been, last Saturday, crowned Band Fest be competed if we recapture the garland in this Holy Saturday's Cross Country Classic. Santa Elena's Reggaeton superstar Roni Banos has been crowned the 2013 Best Reggaeton Artist at the third annual Belize Music Awards held on Saturday, March 23, 2013 at the Bliss Center for the performing arts in Belize City.
• Two Alleged Rapists Continue In Uniform:
  The news began spreading like wild fire on Sunday morning of the Saturday night brutal raping, by two policemen, of a woman from Bullet Tree Falls Village, Cayo. Given the implications of the grave betrayal of the public trust, we moved swiftly to check into this matter and found that such a report indeed existed. There was also the simultaneous indication of the attempt to cover up the allegation at the highest local level of the police in San Ignacio. The incident began at around 4:00 pm when a first report was received at the Bullet Tree substation which is manned by elements of the Special Patrol Unit on weekly and sometimes bi-weekly rotation mostly for the purposes of anti drugs and anti contraband activities from across the border in the Peten Area of Guatemala.
• Left at the Altar�Again?:
  Contributed by: Karla Heusner. I don't know about you, but there seems to be a real sense of deja-vu in the latest communication from the Guatemalan government regarding the long-standing territorial claim. Despite their previous bravado about being more than willing to take the issue to the International Court of Justice, it seems they are reverting-once more-to their previous pattern of stalling, postponing, and giving every excuse they can come up with to keep from participating in the agreed-to referendum in October. Yes, my friends, we have on our hands, once more, a runaway groom� The most recent proposals from the Guatemalans shared with us by the Honorable Wilfred Elrington, Minister of Foreign Affairs, have done little to improve my confidence in Guatemala's good faith stance. As of this writing, their latest proposals ask Belize to change our referendum law to require a simple majority vote, and then they would agree to honor the agreement to hold the referenda simultaneously. Their second proposal is that they would wait and see if our people vote "Yes," then they would hold their referendum.
• Ambergris Caye Wins 2013 Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Islands Award:
  Ambergris Caye as the top recipient of the TripAdvisor® Travelers' Choice® Islands awards. These awards honor top islands around the world, based entirely on the millions of valuable reviews and opinions from TripAdvisor travelers. In total, more than 100 winning islands were named across Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe, South America, South Pacific and the U.S. Honourable Manuel Heredia, Minister of Tourism and Culture, said, "We are delighted that Ambergris Caye of Belize has been recognized as the world's top island in the TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Islands awards. We would like to thank all the travelers who have made this win possible, simply by sharing their love of Ambergris Caye with the TripAdvisor travel community. We look forward to welcoming more visitors to our paradise this year and beyond."
• Leave The Rest To God:
  Submitted By: Ernestine Patnett. This is a beautiful and touching story of love and perseverance. Well worth the read. At the prodding of my friends I am writing this story. My name is Mildred Honor and I am a former elementary school music teacher from Des Moines, Iowa, USA. I have always supplemented my income by teaching piano lessons - something I have done for over 30 years. During those years I found that children have many levels of musical ability, and even though I have never had the pleasure of having a prodigy, I have taught some very talented students.
• Belize Rejects Guatemalan Proposals:
  The Government of Belize, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today informed that after having reviewed the proposals by the Republic of Guatemala as presented in writing on 17th March, 2013 to Secretary General of the Organization of American States, Jose Miguel Insulza, for the parties to consider postponement of the referenda for an indefinite period or for Belize to proceed on its own to hold a referendum on the agreed date, has decided to reject the Guatemalan proposals in their entirety. The Government of Belize notes that tremendous efforts over many years and through successive administrations have been spent in finding a negotiated solution that would bring to a definitive end Guatemala's unfounded claim to Belize, and that the failure of these attempts is what led to the signing of the Special Agreement by Belize, Guatemala and the OAS on 8th December, 2008.
• Colombian Police Seize Cocaine Stashed In Bricks:
  Police in Colombia say they have seized half a tonne of cocaine hidden in a shipment of bricks. Officers said the drugs had a value of $1.7m (�1.1m) - and were intended for the US. The cocaine was found stashed inside the cargo in the Colombian port city of Cartagena. Police are investigating the construction firm behind the shipment, which they suspect was set up solely for the purpose of smuggling drugs. The shipment was destined for Honduras, from where police believe the cocaine would have been smuggled to the United States.
• Mexico Uncovers Ancient Pelota Courts At Tajin Site:
  Archaeologists in Mexico say they have uncovered three ancient playing fields at a pre-Hispanic site in the eastern state of Veracruz. They found the courts, dating back some 1,000 years, at the Tajin World Heritage site by using laser scanners. They believe the fields would have been used to play pelota, a game in which players used their hips to propel a rubber ball through stone hoops. The sport was widely played by Mayan and other pre-Columbian people. Experts from the National Institute for Anthropology and History (INAH) said the use of aerial photography, remote sensors and laser scanners had made it possible to find the ancient structures, hidden by layers of soil and dense vegetation.
• Tv Time 'Does Not Breed Badly Behaved Children':
  Spending hours watching TV or playing computer games each day does not harm young children's social development, say experts. The Medical Research Council (MRC) team who studied more than 11,000 primary school pupils says it is wrong to link bad behaviour to TV viewing. Although researchers found a small correlation between the two, they say other influences, such as parenting styles, most probably explain the link. But they still say "limit screen time". This cautionary advice is because spending lots of time in front of the TV every day might reduce how much time a child spends doing other important activities such as playing with friends and doing homework, they say.
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