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

The San Pedro Sun

Belize takes the lead in implementing first CARICOM regional energy efficiency project
Belize became the first of five Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries to begin implementation of a multi-million dollar regional energy efficiency project, the Energy for Sustainable Development (ESD) in Caribbean Buildings Project, aimed at reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and making the energy sectors in the participating countries of Belize, Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, Saint Lucia and the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago more efficient while increasing their use of renewable energy. The project was officially launched on 13 August 2013, at the Best Western Belize Biltmore Plaza Hotel, and was attended by approximately 30 key stakeholders involved in the project.In his opening remarks, Dr. Al Binger, Energy Science Advisor at the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC) and Technical Coordinator for the ESD Project, said that the Caribbean region imports in excess of 170 million barrels of petroleum products, annually, with 30 million barrels used in the electric sector, and since buildings are major consumers of electricity across the region, the project focuses on the buildings sector for improving the efficiency of energy use. “The regional project has five national components whose outputs are expected to make a significant contribution to improved use of electrical energy in these countries and provide examples of best practices across the region, and consists of various interventions whose outputs will contribute to increasing the markets, addressing financing barriers, and increasing awareness and building capacity,” he said. � � � � � � � � � � � � � �

Ambergris Today

Health Officials Monitoring Dengue Cases in San Pedro, Belize

Junior Sailors Battle for National Championships Spot at St. George Caye
The general public is invited out to cheer on the sailors as they make their bids for a spot in the national championship that will be held in November of this year. Sailors from around the country will converge on St. George’s Caye on Sunday September 1st. Sailing Clubs participating will be Belize City including Liberty, Sea Scouts; Corozal Bay, Placencia, San Pedro, Ambergris; and the newly formed Caye Caulker Sailing Club. Seven other races will include the single handed SunFish, Lasers, Picos, high performance multihulls and the venerable Sea Scout Bosuns. Traditional racing dories are also expected. Pre-registration closed on 9th August but all sailboat enthusiasts are welcome to enter (However, only pre-registered sailors will receive prizes.)

Grand Opening of Ambergris Divers Resort
Ambergris Divers Resort opened its doors to their invited guests for their grand opening. The guests enjoyed nice appetizers under the stars while enjoying the ambiance around the pool, ending the night by quenching their thirst with tropical drinks under the the Caye Bar palapa, while enjoyiong some reggae music by the talented Man at Work. This all inclusive tropical dive resort is now open to all dive lovers to enjoy and unwind in paradise.

Belize Tourism Board Extends Free Vacation to Stars of Breaking Bad
This is why I love Belize and its entire people – we are friendly and inviting people who love to show hospitality to just about anybody. Case in point, the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) invited eight cast members of the popular AMC drama “Breaking Bad” and its creator Vince Gilligan to a full paid vacation to Belize, even after the show had a not-so-quite-flattering comment of our country. Instead of freaking out on what could have been some bad publicity for Belize, the BTB took the initiative to put a positive spin on the buzz that the show created for the country. On last week Sunday’s episode (August 18, 2013) of Breaking Bad one of the characters suggested sending another character on a “trip to Belize” which was intended as a euphemism to have him murdered. Not quite the best image that we want painted of our country. � � � � � � � �

Misc Belizean Sources

Tanya Carter wows thousands in Suriname
Belizean artist Tanya Carter has performed before thousands in Suriname as part of the ongoing CARIFESTA XI. According to Aurelio Sho of Ak’kutan Radio, Carter took to the stage at the Jazz Caribbean Party-Reggae/Soca concert and performed hits like “My Ex-Boyfriend,” and “Mr. Dj Boy” among other songs.

Fe Movie Premier in Benque
CACHE is having their Benque Movie night tonight at Cancha Marshalleck. They'll be showing Fe - Faith - starting at 7:00pm. It's being shown throughout Central America this weekend. "CACHE partners with NM Productions to bring to you for the first time throughout all of Central America a Movie Premiere- Fe/ Faith."

National Belize Youth Awards
"The Department of Youth Services is now accepting nomination forms for the National Belize Youth Awards 2013 to take place on November 8, 2013. Help the department identify and award the exemplary youths in this beautiful jewel of ours Belize. The Belize Youth Award is a prestigious national honor bestowed on outstanding young Belizeans from age 15 to 29 who demonstrate high standards of achievement and commitment within their various communities. The categories include: Youth in Sports, Media, Volunteerism, Arts and Culture, Person Living with Disability, Leadership, Entrepreneurship, Science and Technology, Environmental Awareness, Tourism and Academic Excellence, Youth Service providers and social clubs."

Emmanuel Mangar: Cayo's Superstar
Emmanuel Mangar is going for the $10,000 Be the Next Superstar prize. Text 3 to S-T-A-R (7-8-2-7). His talent and originality is commendable. He plays every Friday night at Mr. Greedy's, so check him out if you want to be amazed. Good luck, Emmanuel!

Express Oh! Café Reveals New Treats
Express Oh! Café has rolled out some new treats, and boy do they look yummy. Cayo has some great coffee shops and cafés to choose from, and a new one, Guava Limb Café, which is opening this Saturday. "Coconut Fudge, Peanut Fudge, Oatmeal Cookies, Chocolate stuffed Vanilla Cookies, Ginger cookies and Chocolate peanut Brownies..." � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �

Channel 7

Sex Scandal Swirls Around Psychiatric Ward At Western Regional
A driver at the western regional hospital is suspended tonight after an investigation by the Ministry of Health, which confirmed some serious irregularities in the Western Regional Psychiatric Ward. The ward is the only in-patient psychiatric facility in the country – and because it houses mentally ill patients, the unit has strict protocols – but 7News has learned that these regulations were ignored by hospital staff who failed to protect a female patient dealing with serious emotional trauma – so serious that she has been deemed unfit to face trial at this time. 7news has confirmed that the patient, a woman who is being held pending charges has been having what appears to be a relationship with a hospital driver. 7News has confirmed that nurses repeatedly buzzed the driver into the closed unit at night. He then visited the female in her room. The female, who, again, is there under the court’s orders pending serious charges, was also allowed by the nurses to leave the unit and visit her family. Because of the sensitive nature of the case, we cannot disclose her name, but it’s become a source of consternation for the Hospital Administration and the Ministry of Health.

Hon. Saldivar: PAC Moving Forward With Our Without Chairman Espat
What will happen with The Public Accounts Committee? Last night on the news you heard PUP Committee Chairman Julius Espat reject the Government side’s proposal to move forward. They want to review the years 1998 to 2008, as well as 2008 – 2012; Chairman Espat says he will only review 2012 going forward. Today UDP Member of the Committee and a past chairman himself John Saldivar said that Espat can do as he wishes, the government side has its own plan:… Hon. John Saldivar - Member - Public Accounts Committee "Because the previous committees that were constituted between 1998 and 2008 were never given an opportunity to examine the auditors' general report. From that period we want to also examine those reports, along with examining the reports from 2008 onwards." Jules Vasquez "Mr. Espat says that if you all want to do that, you have to have a house special select sub committee, but the work of the committe that he chairs, is to review 2012 going forward." Hon. John Saldivar "He will certainly need to show me which part of the standing orders say that, and his record speaks for itself, that he simply does not understand the standing orders." Jules Vasquez "This thing has traction from civil society, social partners. How will you all resist that?"

GSU Busts MS-13 Gang Member In Cayo
The GSU is famous for making raids at gang hotspots in the city, but this morning, they were focusing on Latin gangs in the Capital city. Tonight, 19 year-old Jose Alfredo Herrera is serving his first night of a 6 year prison sentence after the Gang Suppression Unit busted him with drugs, weapons and ammunition near to his house in Valley of Peace. The GSU searched his house this morning at around 5 o’clock, where they found nothing illegal. But, when they searched a lot in front of his house, they found a 16 gauge shotgun with a galvanized pipe attached to the barrel in a plastic bag. It was loaded with a 16 gauge cartridge. They found a second 16 gauge cartridge inside a black plastic bag atop a tree trunk. The officers also found a white bucket with 650 grams – or 22.9 ounces – of marijuana. Herrera admitted that all the items belonged to him, so, as a result, he was charged with drug trafficking, 1 count of kept an unlicensed firearm, and 2 counts of keeping unlicensed ammunition.

Junior Jaguars Honored In Cayman Islands
On Tuesday, 7News told you about the U-15 National Football team’s performance in the Cayman Islands in the first ever Under 15 Tournament organized by CONCACAF. The team faced St. Lucia, Jamaica, Guatemala, Grenada in Group B, and they played exceptionally, scoring 11 goals, and only giving up three, and defeating all the teams in their group except Guatemala, which managed to advance to the next round. With a final performance of 3 wins and 1 loss, the Belize Delegation has been knocked out of the tournament, but they aren’t returning home until Monday. That’s because they have been awarded by CONCACAF with an extended stay, all expenses paid at their hotel, Holiday Inn Resort. The reason?Because of their good, disciplined behavior of the entire delegation, along with their outstanding performance on the field.

UNICEF Reports On World’s Disabled Children
You probably know all about 15 year-old Rowan Garel, the blind young man who’s taken on great challenges to raise money for the Belize Council for the Visually Impaired. He’s climbed Victoria Peak, walked across Belize, and dove the Blue Hole. But, while Rowan is the model of living with disabilities, he is not the norm. Children all across the world struggle with their disabilities on a daily basis, and that struggle was the main focus of the launch of the UNICEF’s 2013 reports. They’re called the State of the World’s Children: Children With Disabilities, and the Situation Analysis of Children With Special Needs and Disabilities. Today, all the outreach organizations gathered at the Radisson Fort George Hotel for the launching where they shared their perspective on how well Belize is performing to improve the lives of children living with disabilities. Here’s an excerpt of what the speakers presented to their colleagues and peers: Eloida Bautista - Special Olympics Belize "Today is indeed a great pleasure for me to stand here among friends and colleagues who have championed the rights of children with disabilities. It is also a memorable occasion to know that all organizations such as Care Belize, NCFC, Special Olympics Belize, NARC, Paps Now, Office of the Special Envoy have joined forces to build awareness and work arduously for children with disabilities. We welcome you to join us in our work without children and add aspects of their well-being and focusing on their abilities."

Hon. Saldivar Discusses His PUP Opponents
Who will represent the PUP in Belmopan? On Tuesday, you saw PUP hopeful for Belmopan Amin Hegar and PUP deputy Leader for the West Julius Espat shot him down – saying he “can’t run.” And while the PUP have to play out that internal struggle – who would the incumbent John Saldivar rather face? He told us today: Hon. John Saldivar - UDP Belmopan Representative "Anyone of them can come Jules; I am very confident. The hardest election to win is the election when they're looking to be re-elected in government; we did that, I did that in 2012." Jules Vasquez "Yes, but you only won by a little over two hundred votes." Hon. John Saldivar "That's enough to put me in the national assembly and I am sure that will happen again when the next elections comes. Whosoever their candidate is." Jules Vasquez "Amin Hegar came dangerously close to an upset in 2012; wouldn't you prefer to face Jason Patrick Andrews being that he's a political newcomer and a rookie?" Hon. John Saldivar "The road already travelled is the easy road to travel again."

FCD’s Teaches Environmental Education In Poptun
7news was in Poptun Guatemala last week Friday for the signing of a bi-national agreement to combat illegal logging in the Chiquibul – that is, the Montanas Mayas Chiquibul on the Guatemalan side and the Chiquibul Forest on the Belize side. It’s a unique agreement because it demonstrates how conservationists are forging common ground across a shared ecosystem when diplomats at the state level have a hard time even settling on a date for a joint referendum. After that agreement was signed, the Friends for Conservation and Development headed a meeting where they taught their Guatemalan counterparts who to embark on an environmental education programme to save the Chiquibul. This took place in Poptun, as well and our camera was there for this rare bi-national strategy session: Jules Vasquez reporting The meeting was to promote Bi-National Community Involvement through Environmental Education Efforts. It was a small, consultative session between the Friends for Conservation and Development and its Guatemalan counterparts. There was a lively exchange of information with input from both sides, but really FCD was leading the session, with executive director Rafael Manzanero explaining their environmental educational initiatives. Followed by FCD’s two environmental educators making PowerPoint presentations explaining what they are doing to educate border communities using what’s known as the PRIDE system of environmental education.

Lessons In Humility For Precinct Police Youth Cadets
Police may not be popular as role models in poor neighborhoods where they are more well known for brute force and ignorance than for community policing. But with precinct policing that is slowly changing and the very active police youth cadet corps in many neighborhoods is at the forefront of that change. Today we found the Cadet Corps from Precinct 2 helping out one of the elderly residents of the area. Sergeant Brent Hamilton told us why they did it:… Sargeant Brent Hamilton - Mahogany Police Youth Cadets "Part of discipline to show love and appreciation to persons older than them and to let them understand that they're going to get old and they must assist people that are older than them. One of my methods of the Cadet that I work under is to do a good turn everyday, whether it is assisting someone crossing the street or whether it is giving someone something - it is doing good."

BDA Gets CellerateRX Donation
It is estimated that as many as one in eight Belizeans over the age of 20 have diabetes and theBelize Diabetes Association is at the forefront of the effort to push education and healing. Today, they did that with a donation of CellerateRX. The president of the association explained its usage and availability… Anthony Castillo - President Belize Diabetes Association "This medication is primarily used for diabetic ulcers, surgical wound, and regular ulcers. As you may be aware, problem with the feet is one of the complications suffered by persons living with diabetes, while we at the association continue to preach healthy choices for healthy living. There are some of us, for one reason or another, who will have complications with the feet. I think that there are much too many amputations taking place in this country, and it's all because of the lack of education, the lack of care etc. We've partnered with BFLA, NHI on the corner of Mahogany Street and Boulevard; we are also partnering with Cleopatra White Polyclinic, and we'll be also partnering with Southern Regional Hospital. Persons wishing to get their wound seen and dressed, need to go to the clinic, they'll have their name on a register and they'll be seen by the nurses."

BTL Donates 14 New Scholarships
School is about to start, and while parents are trying to scrape up all the funds to get their kids ready, a few are lucky enough to qualify for scholarships. And for those few, a BTL scholarship is considered to be among the best. This year, though, only 14 were lucky enough to get it, that’s down from 26 last year – and it’s only 14 out of the hundreds who applied. We found out who they are at today’s ceremony:… It was no easy task when it came to the selection process. The 14 students were selected out of 458 applicants. Monica Bodden reporting They are Belize’s largest Telecommunications Company and every year, they give back to communities around the country. This year, through their annual scholarship program BTL added 14 more scholarships to their list this morning to some well deserved recipients. Dr. Dionne Miranda - General Manager of Customer Services/ PR "We are here today to celebrate 14 young people who have been successful in gaining BTL's scholarships and the reason I say 'celebrate' is because Michael, who is the project manager for this - this isn't a one day thing for him. So, basically today we're celebrating the people who choose the scholarships, we're celebrating some teachers and parents who are a part of the whole education system and we're also celebrating the fact that BTL has been doing this for many years and we now have hundreds of students who have actually graduated through our program. It's a celebration, we start off with awarding them their scholarship, brief word from the Minister and now we will now invite everybody to lunch following so that we can get to know each other a little better. Because unlike other scholarship programmes, BTL believes in mentorship of the student so it's not just about giving them money or paying bills. Michael has a close relationship where he talks to the kids, he trains them, mentor them and parents asking him for advice and help and he becomes a parent to them. This is the father of the BTL scholarship program."

Channel 5

Orange Walk Pastor being sought for alleged sex crimes
Orange Walk Police are tonight in search of a pastor from that municipality. They believe that he can help them get to the bottom of a sinister plot involving the [...]

Residents say young women visit the pastor everyday
This morning, News Five also spoke to residents in the area of the Zion Ministries Assemblies of God Church in Orange Walk Town. They told us off camera that almost [...]

Chinese businessman detained following Wednesday night shooting in Orange Walk
A Chinese businessman from San Jose Village in the Orange Walk District has been detained after a shooting on Wednesday night. Reports are that at around six p.m. three men [...]

Belize City Council prepares to receive newly renovated Memorial Park
The restoration of Memorial Park, a massive undertaking spearheaded by the Sustainable Tourism Project, through the Belize Tourism Board, has been completed after months of painstaking labor.  The newly renovated [...]

Bust of Antonio Soberanis adopted for the Battlefield Park
Meanwhile, in the downtown area, finishing touches are being added to Battlefield Park, having undergone a much needed sprucing up recently.  To complete the face-lift, City Hall is in discussion [...]

See Ability in Disability; State of the World’s Children’s Report
UNICEF Belize and its partners, BCVI and CARE Belize today officially launched its Situation Analysis of Children with Disabilities and the Situation Analysis of Blind and Visually Impaired Children. Also [...]

14 deserving students received scholarships
Fourteen high school and sixth form students were today awarded opportunities to pursue secondary and tertiary education through B.T.L.’s scholarship program.  The twenty-second annual Scholarship Award Ceremony was held at [...]

Hair braider taken to court after she assaults a cop
A Belize City hair braider, whom police say assaulted one of their own, was before the court this morning to answer to three criminal offenses.  Forty-three-year-old Carol Wade, of Dolphin [...]

Fishermen charged with taking conch during closed season
A pair of Belize City fishermen, caught in the act of harvesting conch from Southern Long Caye on Wednesday, by a team of fisheries officers, was before the court today [...]

She escaped stabbing charges, but will be deported to Honduras
A Honduran woman, who was picked up by police in relation to a stabbing incident during which her husband was stabbed in Belize City over the weekend, may have escaped [...]

Diabetes Association receives much needed donation
The Belize Diabetes Association today received twenty thousand dollars in medicine for patients in need of podiatric care.  The donation was given by Harvest Ministry, a Belizean-led religious organization operating [...]

Belizean delegation wows audience at CARIFESTA 2013
Belize is being represented to the fullest in the 2013 CARIFESTA in Paramaribo, Suriname.  Despite being the smallest delegation; the jewel is showcasing Belize at its best in music, dance, [...]

Update on Belize Teams in International Sport Outings
Aside from the Belize delegation in Suriname that has been making a name for the country in its cultural and artistic form, two junior teams are representing Belize internationally in [...]

Healthy Living: the serious problem of prostate and men.
Men don’t access healthcare as often as women do. Problems with the prostate are common with aging men. Prostate cancer is one of the top cancers affecting men in Belize. [...]

LOVE FM

Former PUP Standard Bearer Seeks Reinstallment
The rumor has been circulating for the past few weeks that former PUP heavyweight, Cordel Hyde, might be going back to the party. But while talk of it was running rampant, there has been nothing to substantiate that claim – that is until today when PUP Chairman, Henry Usher, told Love News exclusively in an interview that Cordel Hyde is as good as in with the PUP, minus a few final loose ends that the two sides are typing up. Henry Usher, Chairman, PUP “I don’t believe that Cordel ever left the PUP; so, it’s not a matter of him coming back; it’s just a matter of him offering himself again as the standard bearer for the Lake Independence constituency. It’s a decision that has to be made by the majority of the party, of the National Executive and it would be taken to the National Party Council as well. Personally, I welcome back Cordel, he is a friend of mine; he has reasons why he didn’t run in the last election. He and I have spoken on a few occasions and I understand his reasoning; I don’t have any problem with him attempting to come back but it is a decision for the people of Lake Independence and in particular, the PUP supporters of the Lake Independence area to make.”

Senator of Mississippi Visits Belize
US Senator, Robert Jackson is in Belize but his short visit has little to do with political or diplomatic business. He was invited by the Belize Credit Union League through Cynthia Ellis Topsy, who is his friend. Jackson, who is a former Chief Executive Officer of a credit union back home in Mississippi, was invited to speak to his fellow colleagues in the credit union movement. Love News was there for his presentation today and this is what he had to say. US SENATOR ROBERT JACKSON “Some of the things that we are doing in Mississippi right now is trying to teach our people how to grow their own foods; we are trying to get people into their own homes where they can live better lives; have them get their own vehicle so they can get to and from work and it’s all so they can get an opportunity to go higher in terms of government. I am one of 52 state senators in the state of Mississippi and I have an opportunity to talk more about community based development, gardening, cooperatives and all those things that help our people in need at the lowest level; that’s provided me an opportunity to grow and to learn.” Executive Director of the Belize Credit Union League, Coreen Robinson Fuller, told Love News that the Senator’s visit became a reality because of one local activist.

Chinese Grocer Detained For Allegedly Shooting Customer
Orange Walk Police are investigating a shooting incident that landed one man in the hospital. The incident happened around 6:30 Wednesday evening at a local shop owned by a Chinese man. Reports are that three Hispanic men had stopped at the shop which bares that very name, “Shop” to have some beers. It was nothing out of the norm until neighbours heard a single gunshot. One neighbour who wished to remain anonymous told us what she heard. WITNESS 1 “We just heard that they were pounding on the door and we heard the proprietor talking; they were hitting the door as though they wanted to tear it down; then we heard a shot but I did not come out because I was afraid.” A second neighbour rushed out after hearing the shot and told us what she saw. WITNESS 2 “It was just one shot and we came out and immediately we saw from an angle, a truck was taking off in speed but it backed up because one of the three men was left behind but when they backed up we noticed that one of the men was injured and they changed driver. They then changed direction because at first they were headed towards Corozal. A police patrol was coming and we told them that one man was injured in the truck that just left and we thought they would follow it. We immediately thought that it was an attempted robbery of the Chinese man. We also checked the license plates of the truck but we noticed it didn’t have one on the front or on the back.”

Pastor Eludes Church Elders After Soliciting Sexual Favors from Congregation
Strong accusations are being made against a former pastor in Orange Walk Town. The accusations are from obtaining property by deception, theft to sexual harassment. Interestingly no formal report has been made to the authorities. Arturo Cantun reports from Orange Walk. ARTURO CANTUN REPORTING “Little by little more members of the Orange Walk community have come forward to present allegations against the former pastor of the Ministerios Zion Central Assemblies of God Church on Aurora Street. They are mostly women who allege the former pastor offered to take them to the USA, promising them a job. All they had to do was to pay $200 and give a copy of their passport. Being a pastor they trusted him. Alma Daniels told us her experience. ALMA DANIELS “Yes, he offered me to go to the states to work and to have a better life and he said that the condition is to pay two hundred dollars per person and the job was going to be for five and a half months.” LOCAL REPORTER “Did he show you anyone he has taken before?” ALMA DANIELS “No, he said that he was going to form a new group in Orange Walk because the groups he took already were from PG and so he cannot show anybody that has gone already on this trip.”

Neighbourhood Watch Detains Duo Who Allegedly Assaulted An Elderly Man
Following the brutal attack on 78 year old Onofre Sabido on Sunday afternoon on Tuesday two men were charged for that offense. They are 27 year old Najirie Quiroja and 18 year old Edwin Cruz. Both men pleaded not guilty for the offense of aggravated assault and robbery. They were offered bail of three thousand dollars plus a surety of the same amount which they were able to meet saving them from being sent to the Central Prison. The incident occurred on Sunday evening in San Jose Nuevo Palmar around3:30pm. Onofre Sabido, an elderly man confined to a wheel chair was home alone when the men paid him a visit inquiring if he wants to purchase glass pints. But before they left they attacked the elderly man, hitting him with a pint bottle on the forehead and hitting him on the stomach. They proceeded to steal 464 dollars and left the elderly man for dead. After hearing the cries for help some neighbors came to assist. The active village neighborhood watch detained the men and handed them to police. The men are to reappear in court on October 22. 2013.

Police Sergeant Trains Cadet to Help Elderly
Hubert Bowen is an eighty six year old man who resides in the Lake Independence Area of Belize City. Today Mr. Bowen was blessed to receive help from the Mahogany Police Cadet, who came to his small home to give it a facelift. Sergeant Brent Hamilton is the Officer in Charge of the Mahogany Street Sub Precinct and is also in charge of the Police Cadet for that area, said that they decided to extend a hand to Bowen because he is known in the community but they when they visited his home they realized it was not fit to house a senior citizen SGT. BRENT HAMILTON, OC, Mahogany Sub-Precinct I decided that I will team up with some business persons of the community along with the cadets who donated canned food to give to Mr. Bowman. We had Belize Foam Factory who gave a mattress, Mr. Grinage gave a bed, Mr. Hyde gave the linoleum and different people came and gave to Mr. Bowman along with myself and the cadets.” And so it was a day full of activity today as Bowen’s little home got a makeover and so did his yard SGT. BRENT HAMILTON, OC, Mahogany Sub-Precinct “What we are doing right now is that we are painting inside the house trying to revamp the house to make him feel comfortable. I have teamed up with some other members of the community and we have decided that every month or every week, we along with the cadets will come and do something helpful for Mr. Bowen; whether it’s chopping the yard or bringing a food hamper for him; we are adopting him as our great father.”

Bakery Employer Arraigned for Failure to Make Social Security Contributions
Forty-three year old Chinese businessman Zi Hui He, the owner of Jackie’s Bakery, located at mile 8 on George Price Highway, was charged with failure to produce records to Social Security Board when he appeared in court today. He pled not guilty to the charge. His case was adjourned until October 16. The allegation is that he failed to produce records for the period January 2010 to March 2013 for persons employed at his bakery for whom he has not paid social security contributions.

Court Deports Woman to Honduras Following Domestic Disturbance
Twenty-four year old Wendy Ardon, a Honduran woman who entered Belize illegally, said she was forced to come to Belize when she appeared before Magistrate Dale Cayetano and pled guilty to illegal entry. She told Magistrate Cayetano that the men who took her across the Mopan River into Belize, told her that if she did not cooperate they would incarcerate her. She said the men took her to a bar in Orange Walk and made her work without paying her. She said she ran away and came to Belize City where she met a man who became her common-law husband, but their relationship came to a halt when he began to physically abuse her. It was as a result of this abuse that she landed in the hands of the police who found that she was in Belize illegally. The police handed her over to immigration authorities who deemed her a prohibited immigrant and brought her to court. After hearing her story, Magistrate Cayetano fined her one thousand dollars and signed a removal order for her to be deported to Honduras.

Fourteen Scholarships Awarded by Belize Telemedia Limited
For the twenty second year in a row, Belize Telemedia Limited has given the opportunity to fourteen outstanding students who have qualified for full scholarships to attend the school of their choice. This year the BTL Scholarship Committee, comprising of a cross-section of company employees had the difficult task of selecting thirteen of the most deserving applicants from across the country and one student who was awarded a sixth form scholarships. Love News spoke to BTL’s Senior Public Relations Officer, Michael Augustus and Customer Service Manager, Doctor Dionne Miranda, more about the initiative. MICHAEL AUGUSTUS, Senior PR Officer, BTL “We sent out over two thousand five hundred application forms to school and we also had them at our district officers countrywide; students then filled the forms and sent them in with all the necessary requirements that were placed on the form. We received almost five hundred applications this year; the committee was then selected and the committee went through all the application forms and they were narrowed down to sixty applications; we invited those sixty in for an interview and we looked at their academic performance for standards four, five and six along with the PSE score along with their need; based on that the committee did the week of interview and came up with the fourteen students that we were looking for. It covers tuition, books and fees for four years of secondary school and this year we have a junior college student who was awarded one and we covered books, tuition and fees for two years.”

Commonwealth of Learning Sponsors Open School Initiative in Belize
The University of Belize is supporting Gwen Lizarraga High School in the launch of the first ever Open School in Belize. The vision of the initiative is for the current Evening Division of Gwen Lizaragga High School to be converted into an Open School that offers courses and programs to meet the needs of adults and out of school youth. Initially over 125 women and men will benefit from the use of innovative technology while pursuing a Secondary School Diploma. Education Specialist with responsibility for Open Schooling at the Commonwealth of Learning in Vancouver, Canada, Frances Ferriera is in Belize this week to work with administration and teachers at Gwen Lizaragga and administrators at the University as they begin the process of establishing the Open School. She is training instructors at Gwen Lizarraga Evening Division on how to use Open Educational Resources and innovative technology to enhance instructional practices; identify resources and support to effectively use technology to motivate students to develop requisite skills and competencies; and identify policies to govern Open Schooling in Belize. This initiative sponsored by the Commonwealth of Learning and supported by the University of Belize will form the basis for the development of Open Schools country-wide and for the development of the University of Belize Open and Distance Learning Unit. The official launch will take place tomorrow.

CTV3

First It Was Football Now Belize Shines In The Sport Of Volleyball
The Belize Under Fifteen male football will be returning from the Cayman Islands on Monday after a spectacular tournament that saw them barely edged out with Guatemala’s one to nothing...

Councillor And Area Representative Join Hands For Summer Camp
Children of the Orange Walk East Constituency are currently taking part in the third annual Louisiana and Belize Road Summer Camp held at the Solomon’s Seventh Day Adventist School. The...

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Study Launched In Corozal
During the summer of 2012, The National Aids Commission and the Country Coordinating Mechanism of Corozal Committee applied to the US Embassy for a grant in efforts of conducting a...

Fisheries Department To Meet With Stakeholders Of The Industry
Earlier in the newscast, we told you about the National Road Safety Committee which is being set up to look after the infrastructural integrity of our major highways, the Belize...

CDB And GOB To Launch National Road Safety Committee
The two major highways in Belize have borne witness too many fatal and serious traffic accidents throughout their existence. The newly renamed Phillip Goldson Highway and George Price Highway have,...

Orange Walk Teacher Commits Suicide
Tonight, we are saddened to report the untimely death of the son of a prominent teacher and principal of Orange Walk Town. Last night, Orange Walk Police were called to...

Chinese Business Man Detained For Shooting An Alleged Burglar
A resident of a Santa Rita Layout address in Corozal Town spent the night at the Northern Regional Hospital in Orange Walk Town last night suffering from a gunshot wound...

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FECTAB opposes NCL development at Harvest Caye
The Federation of Cruise Tourism Associations of Belize (FECTAB) is a grassroots organization which has been on the frontline of the daily battles within the cruise tourism industry. They have previously been critical of foreign investors with an outsize agenda coming to Belize and “taking over” from...

FECTAB comments on Stake Bank project
While there has been much talk about Harvest Caye, the $200 million investment in Stake Bank east of Belize City has been meandering along. Should it come to fruition, will that change the ballgame for cruise interests in Belize City who are worried about losing their customers to the...

Government holds off demand for tax arrears of BISL
Belize International Services Limited (BISL) lost control of the International Merchant Marine Registry (IMMARBE) and International Business Companies Registries in June when the Government moved to take them. At that time, GOB charged that the company owed 22 years of taxes adding up to $30 million dollars. BISL charged...

SATIIM decides to go to trial over oil company drilling
After weeks of lobbying, the Sarstoon Temash Institute for Indigenous Management (SATIIM) packed the court with Toledo District alcaldes and supporters for the first leg of its latest legal battle with the Government of Belize. They wanted an injunction to stop US Capital Energy from proceeding with plans to...

Eamon Courtenay outlines SATIIM’s case against Government and US Capital Energy
There is much interest in the case filed by the Sarstoon Temash Institute for Indigenous Management (SATIIM) against the Government and US Capital Energy. SATIIM attorney Eamon Courtenay outlines his client’s case. Eamon Courtenay – Attorney for Claimants: The primary argument is that the National Park systems Act does...

Man dies after falling off ladder
A Belize City man has passed away after falling off a ladder, fatally puncturing his lung. The wife of 65 year old Charles Emmel, a retired American, told Police that her husband left home on the morning of August 17 and almost three hours later, she received a telephone...

PUP criticizes PM and Cabinet for their stance on proposed PAC reform
The long-dormant Public Accounts Committee has been thrust under the microscope by Chairman and PUP Deputy Leader the Hon. Julius Espat. Espat called for a restructuring of the committee, which presently is comprised of four representatives from the UDP and two from the Opposition. The proposed reform would allow...

Cordel Hyde could possibly return to the PUP
Speculation has been rampant that former three-term Lake Independence area representative Cordel Hyde is close to a possible return to the People’s United Party. Mr Hyde was kicked out of the People’s United Party (PUP), along with brother-in-law Mark Espat, after the PUP narrowly lost the 2012 general elections,...

OCEANA search for new VP
Thursday, August 21, will be Audrey Matura Shepherd’s final day as Vice-President of OCEANA in Belize. On Wednesday she briefed the media on the search for a replacement while in her final act in the role, launching a new educational website, www.oceanateachbz.com. According to Ms Matura Shepherd, 2 members...

Niccanor Fermin will serve 18 years in prison for sexual abuse
41 year-old Niccanor Fermin was sentenced to 64 years in prison on Friday, though he will only serve 18 of those years. That sentence was handed down by Justice Troadio Gonzalez after Mr Fermin was convicted on 6 counts of carnal knowledge. This was as a result of the...

Jaguar Cubs defeat Grenada
On Tuesday night the “Jaguar Cubs,” Belize’s U-15 men’s football team, played big and knocked off opponents Grenada 6 goals to 1, concluding what is according to the CONCACAF website an “impressive” participation in the U-15 Championship in Grand Cayman Island. They needed a big score and a Jamaica...

Belize Female National Volleyball Team beats competition in Honduras
The Female’s National Volleyball Team is not unheard of in Belize. They have often competed and won in various different tournaments outside of the country; and not once have they failed to represent. This week the ladies are at it again...

Galen University held its summer 2013 commencement exercise
Galen University held its summer 2013 commencement exercise. The institution was founded in September of 2003 with an initial intake of 14 students. As an independent university chartered by the Government of Belize, Galen has grown its student population to around 500 in Fall 0f 2012. And this past...

Belize Cycling Association hosted their Annual King of the Hills Race
This past Sunday the streets of San Ignacio were flooded with ecstatic cycling fans cheering on their favourite team. This was all as a result of the Belize Cycling Association hosting their Annual King of the Hills race. Our Western Correspondent got to speak with one of the officials...

The Guardian

PUP Political Brawl in Belmopan
There is a storm brewing in Belmopan within the People’s United Party where contestants for their convention in that division are crawling out of the woodwork. In Mid July Jason Andrews showed his true colors and declared that he would be contesting the Belmopan constituency. He even produced a picture showing Amin Hegar shaking his hand. Shortly thereafter Julius Espat claimed to have been able to solidify the deal where Hegar would support Andrews. And the picture did seem to be convincing with both Andrews and Hegar sharing a charming smile. But PUP politicos are vipers and there was not time enough for Andrews’ seat to cool off on Plus TV when Hegar announced that he actually was not supporting him for the Belmopan constituency. He has boldly declared that he will shake anyone’s hand and take pictures with them. This is the kind of man Hegar is.

Office of the Prime Minister Takes a Position on PAC- Julius needs to work!
The Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) announces that the Cabinet of Belize has carefully noted the positions taken by the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) and by the National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB) on the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the House of Representatives. Cabinet considered the call of both bodies for the PAC to be converted into a Special Joint Select Committee of the House and Senate, and for that new Select Committee to comprise a membership that would include all three social partner Senators. Cabinet remains convinced that such a proposal is fundamentally inconsistent with the spirit and letter of the Standing Orders of the House. The radical and serial amendments of the Standing Orders that would be required for the transformation of the current PAC into the creature envisaged by the BCCI and NTUCB would render the proceedings of the new Committee both expensive and impractical. For all three social partners, the Opposition, and the Government to be on the proposed new body; and for the fundamental Standing Orders principle of Democracy, which requires the Government to be the majority on all Standing Committees, to be maintained, would result in an unwieldy and top heavy Committee and greatly ratchet up the costs associated with Committee hearings. Cabinet cannot, therefore, agree with such a proposal.

Commerce Bight back to the People
It has been quite a while in the making but sure enough, the Commerce Bight Port is back in the hands of Belizeans. The Government of Belize made the announcement last week Friday, August 16th. In a release by the Ministry of Works stated that an order was signed by the Minister of Works revoking a lease granted to the Port of Belize Limited to operate and manage the Commerce Bight Port. It added that arrangements were being made to take possession and control of the Port. Three main factors were stated as being reasons for the repossession of the port. The first was that the Port of Belize Limited had failed to submit a development plan to carry out any development work on the facilities. Secondly, the company failed to operate and manage as well as to do maintenance work on the facility including the dredging of the channel and the dock basin. Thirdly PBL had failed to pay lease rental to the Government.

Orange Walk Businessman to Prison for Driving into Police Officer
David Carillo, 50-year-old businessman of Trial Farm Village, pleaded guilty to aggravated assault with a motor vehicle in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, August 20th. Carillo was unrepresented in court when he appeared before Magistrate Dale Cayetano to face allegations that he ran a checkpoint and drove into a police officer on Monday, August 19th. According to police, sometime between 9 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. on Monday night, police officers were conducting a checkpoint in front of the Hattieville Police Station. Police Constable Yann Chinn was standing in front of a BTL vehicle when a white Grand Marquis cut the line and drove through the checkpoint into PC Chinn who narrowly escaped being hit by jumping out the way. The vehicle was pursued by a police mobile attached to the station and it eventually stopped. The driver was identified as David Carillo. In court Carillo said, “My mind suddenly went blank - couple minutes later I realized that I was about to hit the vehicle so I swerved into the drain to avoid hitting the vehicle. It was never my intention to hit the officer.” He pleaded guilty to the offense and was sentenced to 1 year in prison.

Two Teenagers Charged for Stealing Samsung Galaxy
Two teenagers are out on bail after they were accused of stealing a Samsung Galaxy cellphone valued at $1,000. 18-year-old Troy Augustus of #63 West Street and a 17-year-old minor of Belize City appeared before Magistrate Clive Lino on Tuesday, August 20th, to face charges of theft, handling stolen goods and conspiracy to theft. On Friday, August 16th, they allegedly stole a blue and grey Samsung Galaxy phone from Tran Nguyen. In court both teenagers pleaded not guilty to the charges. Augustus was offered bail in the sum of $4,000 plus one surety of the same amount and the minor was handed over into the care of his aunt who is responsible to make sure he returns to court. The accused are due back in court on October 8th.

Police News from Cayo
At about 8:00 P.M. on Monday of this week, residents in Santa Elena Town, Cayo were startled by several loud bursts in rapid succession coming from an unidentified area. At first everyone thought that they were coming from large fire crackers but on closer inspection 13 nine mm expended shells and one live round of a 9 mm S& B Brand ammunition was found on the ground near to the former Greedy’s Pizza location, near the La Loma Luz Hospital in the Red Creek Section of Santa Elena Town. The location of the shooting was abandoned a few years ago after a daylight invasion. It is an abandoned lot with a large open building, adorned with curved architecture in a poorly lit area and serves as a perfect hiding place for criminals to pounce on their victims.

Female Police Officer Charged with Extortion
A woman police constable attached to the Caye Caulker Police Station, 36-year-old Jennie Tanner, was taken to the Belize City Magistrate’s Court on Friday, August 16th, to face an extortion charge. Christopher John Graham is accusing the officer of intimidating him and demanding $100 in cash and two margarita drinks from him on December 11th, 2012.

Niccanor Fermin Convicted of Carnal Knowledge of 9-year-old
Niccanor Fermin, 41 years of age, has been convicted of six sexual offenses and will serve as much as 18 years in prison. On February 4th, 2010 a girl was accompanied by an adult when she visited the Family Violence Unit of the Belize Police Department and reported that Fermin had been having sex with her since July of 2004 when she was only 9 years old.

Garfield Flowers and Kenroy Vanzie Charged with Burglary
34-year-old Garfield Flowers of #9 Johnson Street and 31-year-old Kenroy Vanzie of #63 Central American Boulevard appeared in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court on Monday, August 19th, to answer to a charge of burglary. They are two of three men who allegedly entered the business place of Muriel Jones on Poinsetta Street around 4:30 a.m. on Friday, August 16th, and ordered breakfast. One of the men then turned to another customer in the shop, Lincoln Hamilton, and demanded money. He punched Hamilton in the face and the trio rushed from the area. The incident was reported to police, and Flowers and Vanzie, whose faces are familiar to Jones, were later arrested.

Lennox Stevens Charged for Assaulting Police Officer
Lennox Stevens, 29 years of age, was arrested and charged for assaulting and using insulting words towards an on duty police officer. According to reports, a mobile unit was on patrol in Belize City on Saturday, August 17th, and upon passing Shell One Stop gas station Stevens approached Special Constable Gerald Smith. He was angry about an old robbery case that he was accused of being involved with and he cursed out Smith. Smith instructed him to leave the area but he continued the verbal assault and the officer decided to approach him. Stevens started to run and Smith chased him down. When he caught up with him, a struggle ensued and Stevens punched Smith in the chest. Other officers assisted and they managed to restrain Stevens. He was taken to the Raccoon Street Police Station but was released on police bail on Sunday, August 18th.

Edward Neal Charged for Stealing Car Battery
Belize City Electrician, 34-year-old , Edward Neal, is out on bail after he was arrested for allegedly stealing a car battery from Errol Garbutt’s car on Wednesday, August 14th.

Salvadoran Man Busted with 85 Pounds of Weed
Officers of the Gang Suppression Unit executed a search of #5 Princess Margaret Drive early on Friday morning, August 16th, at 1 a.m. Upon their arrival at the residence, Corporal Mark Martinez knocked on the gate but got no reply. They then entered the yard and went to the second floor of the building. The officers knocked on the door of 44-year-old Jeremias Pichinte, Salvadoran with permanent residence status. They got no answer but the door was open and the officers entered to execute a search for drugs and ammunition. That was when they found Pichinte holding a black plastic bag in his hand. Pichente ran and threw the black plastic bag over the fence of an adjacent yard. According to Cpl. Martinez, he chased and detained the man then took him to retrieve the bag and open it in his presence. The bag contained a green leafy substances suspected to be cannabis. Inside the house, the officers found a second black plastic bag which contained a green leafy substance. Pichinte and the two bags were escorted to the Queen Street Police Station where both bags were weighed in his presence. The first bag contained 33 ½ pounds of cannabis while the second bag contained 52 pounds of cannabis. Pichinte was charged with drug trafficking.

Carolee Rhaburn Busted with Gun and Drugs on George Street
Police Officers were on George Street around 11:50 a.m. on Friday, August 16th, when their attention was drawn to a woman walking on the street. They approached and she identified herself as 39-year-old Carolee Jean Rhaburn of an Antelope Street address. Police searched a purse she was carrying and found a bag containing 72 grams of weed. They also searched a shoebox she had and found a .38 revolver with three live rounds of ammunition. Rhaburn was arrested and taken to the Queen Street Police Station where she was charged.

Teenage Boy in Jail for Sex with Teenage Girlfriend
18-year-old Evyn Ardon Pena is in jail after he was charged with unlawful carnal knowledge of his girlfriend. Pena allegedly had four sexual encounters with his girlfriend between March 10 and August 14th of this year. The first incident took place when the girl was 13 years 10 months and 16 days and the last encounter was at the age of 14 years 3 months and 21 days. Pena appeared before Magistrate Clive Lino on Friday, August 16th, where he was arraigned for four counts of unlawful carnal knowledge. Due to the fact that the charges are indictable offenses, no plea was taken in court and bail could not be granted. Pena is remanded to the Belize Central Prison until his next court appearance on October 28. His family will apply for bail at the Supreme Court.

The Republic of China (Taiwan) Donates $651,725 USD to GOB Tilapia Project
Hon. Gaspar Vega and H.E. David Wu and Presentation of donation On Tuesday, August 20th the Republic of China (Taiwan) donated $651,725 USD to the Ministry of Agriculture for the GOB-ROC (Taiwan) Aquaculture Project.

Is Cordel Returning To Remove The Malignant Tumors?
In the issuance of condemnation of the highest order against the Musa/Fonseca maladministration which was rightfully booted out of office in February 2008, it was neither the United Democratic Party nor its Leader, the Hon. Dean Barrow, but rather the brightest legal minds in the region, sitting on the bench in the Caribbean Court of Justice, who referred to the actions of the current leader of the opposition and his colleague, the former prime minister, as “malignant tumours that eat at democracy. No court can afford to encourage the spread of such cancer”, said the CCJ.

Kevin Bernard Squeezes the small Man
Mayor of Orange Walk town, Kevin Bernard, has announced that he will be increasing the fees for car dealers to sell at the Central Park in Orange Walk town. Needless to say the announcement has been met with great disdain by those who are being affected by the announcement. Car dealers are currently paying $10 dollars a month for them to sell their vehicles at the park, now the mayor is arbitrarily raising that price to $30. The salesmen are more upset since there is absolutely no justification for the increase in the fees. Some comment that there has been nothing done to improve the facilities yet the mayor is gouging their eyes out.

Belizeans Feel Safer as Murders Decrease by 25%
The Government’s employment programs in major municipalities across the country and the precinct policing strategy being executed by the Belize Police Department has resulted in a significant reduction in crime. The Belize Police Department recently released the major crime statistics for the first seven months of 2013 and it shows that major crimes have been reduced by over 12 percent.

Audrey’s goodbye
Audrey Matura-Shepard will be moving on after serving 4years and 4 months as the Vice President of Oceana in Belize. Speaking to the media on Tuesday, August 20th, Shepard explained that she will officially be leaving the office on Thursday, August 22nd. She explained that she will now be pursuing her law profession, in particular she expects to be practicing constitutional, family and criminal law.

Countrywide Workshops on Belize’s Intangible Cultural Heritage Underway
A two-day workshop on Belize’s Intangible Cultural Heritage ended on August 16, 2013 at the Center for Employment Training in San Ignacio Town. In attendance were librarians, artists and craft persons interested in enhancing Belize’s cultural life.

Denny Grijalva sponsors sports in Orange Walk Central
UDP caretaker for Orange Walk Central, Denny Grijalva is dedicated to the people of the constituency he represents, and he demonstrates this dedication through many avenues. One of these avenues is the promotion of healthy lifestyles through sports. Denny explained to The Guardian that he has a passion for sports that spans even before his political journey began and he is still committed to his community through this medium. It was for this reason that Grijalva played a crucial role at organizing the Mundialito championship games in Orange Walk Central where he offered the first prize.

United Garifuna Association Inc Response to NCL Proposal
The United Garifuna Association Inc (UGA) has been aware of the NCL proposal for Harvest Caye since the news first broke in the media. UGA was able to obtain a copy of the MOU between the Government of Belize and NCL. We are aware that IDEA Inc of Orlando Fl is the company charged with bringing the concept through to fruition for NCL.

The Mad Ranger
If there is any individual that can be relied upon to be present at any and all demonstrations, it is Patrick Menzies. He has been involved in all manner of pointless walks, protests, and demonstrations. He's been there with the COLA, he's been there with the BBOC, he's been there with the now defunct Purple Movement, he's been there against a medical school, he's been against U.B. School Fees, he's been fired from U.B., and he's been on the Jasmine alert program. He apparently is everywhere and goes nowhere.

Belize Successfully Navigating Through Troubled Waters
It is not the United Democratic Party telling the world that Fonseca and Musa are bad for Belize, but rather it is the most brilliant legal minds in the region, the Caribbean Court of Justice, describing the actions of the shameless duo as “Malignant Tumors”.

New teaching website by Oceana
Oceana Belize launched a new website on Tuesday, August 20th. In her last capacity as the Vice President of the organization, Audrey Matura-Shepard explained that the website is called T.A. Belize. Located at the url, www.oceanateachbz.com, the site is designed to provide teachers and the general public with all manner of information from global warming to coral reefs. According to Shepard, the site is packed with teaching materials, modules and activities which is geared at providing information for primary and secondary school teachers to use as teaching aids as well as for students to do research.

Eastern Zone and Coastal Sub-Formation Win Police Minister’s Monthly Awards for Greatest Reduction in Major Crimes in July 2013
The Coastal Sub-formation, which includes Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker and falls under the Eastern Zone, has recorded the greatest reduction in major crimes for the month of July. Minister of National Security, Hon. John Saldivar, today presented a Cheque for $1,000 to Assistant Commissioner of Police Miguel Segura, who heads the Eastern Zone, and will be presenting a Certificate of Recognition to Superintendent Luis Castellanos who heads the Coastal Sub-formation.

Prime Minister Barrow Welcomes Revocation of Commerce Bight Lease
Prime Minister Barrow has welcomed the decision of the Minister of Works and Transport, Hon. Rene Montero, to revoke the lease of Commerce Bight Port.

Stann Creek DAVCO elected
On Saturday, August 17th, 2013, the newly elected Village Councils of the Stann Creek District met at the Independence High School, in Independence Village, where they conducted their Annual General Meeting. At the meeting the villages elected new representatives to the District Association of Village Councils for Stann Creek.

School Leaders Meet in Cayo
Various leaders from Belize's Education Sector met for a learning session on August 16th at the Center for Employment Training in San Ignacio Town. Present were Principals, Vice Principals, Local Managers and Heads of Departments from various high schools. Also present to give an overview of the Belize Teaching Services Commission was Christopher Aird, Chief Education Officer. Aird made it clear to teachers that the possession of a teaching license was now an important part to teaching.

Curtain Falling on Gonzalez and McFoy
The Christian Workers Union will hold an Annual General Meeting on October 26th and a new President will be elected. The announcement came after a general meeting at the Labour Office on Monday, August 10th, which was attended by representatives of all affiliated associations of the CWU. After the meeting among members, Antonio Gonzalez, President of the CWU, announced to the press, “There will be an AGM, or what we call a congress- a convention, come the twenty-sixth of October and there will be financially audited statements before that so that it is taken up to the convention.”

ABORTION ! - Thou shalt not kill. Thou shall not leave the innocent to suffer!
Abortion! A cliché topic, every woman and man in this world knows a little about. It can happen naturally or induced to a mother, a girlfriend, a wife, a friend or a sister. In whatever case, no case of abortion is a nice one; since the body not only takes on a physical turmoil but also an emotional one. My questions are thou, how do we feel about abortions? Should we be against it or should we just allow every individual to use their own discretion and human right to decide what they want to do with their bodies? Should it be legalized? Should a person have a child if their life is at risk, if the child was conceived of rape or if the parent simply just cannot maintain it? The bible condemns abortions. Under the Ten Commandments it states boldly ONE SHALL NOT KILL. So we will not kill but we will let live in horrible circumstances. Some people would tell you they would have been better off dead than born. Some would say anything is better than death. Many say life over death anytime though they have never been in the situation. Living in cardboard houses, being abused by a stepfather as a child, having nothing to live for but suffering. Is that really life? Why does the mother not have a choice over her body? Why bring a child into the world when deep down inside she knows the baby will without a doubt suffer?

For Protest’s Sake
If you are a devoted fan of the evening news as I am, you will have noticed the extraordinary amount of protests being staged in our country these days. These protests did get highly emotional at times; especially the one where Ms. Matura gave a Fidel Castro-length speech and flung the gender policy booklet to the ground, and the other where an effigy was burnt in Toledo. I repeat; things were getting a bit emotional, but, to me, entertaining nevertheless. In fact, it gives me something to write about this week. As usual, I invite you to join me in exploring a little deeper into the genesis of these protests. Most of us will acknowledge that when a protest is staged, regardless of the issues, there will be genuine organizers and participants in attendance who truly believe in their cause. We have to give these people our respect and our ears; they are the ones who truly strive to ventilate their concerns on issues they perceive to be wrong. I actually can identify with this class of protestors since it keeps our young democracy alive and kicking.

Guardian Bombers lead in male softball competition
The 2013 Belize City Softball Association Smart Male competition continued on Monday, August 19, at Rogers Stadium between Guardian Bombers and Belikin Stout. The Guardian Bombers blasted Belikin Stout by the score of 13-2 in six innings. Guardian Bombers scored 3 runs in the top of the 1st inning, added another 10 runs in the top of the 6th inning that cemented the victory for it. Guardian pounded the pitching of Roy Briceño for 9 hits which included a 3 run home run by pitcher Milton Flores in the top of the 1st inning, and a 2 run home run by shortstop Alex Flores in the top of the 6th inning. The winning pitcher for the Guardian Bombers was Milton Flores (3-0) who struck out 12 Belikin Stout batters in the game. Flores also scattered 1 hit in the game. The losing pitcher for Belikin Stout was Roy Briceño.

Atlantic and Belize Banks lead in Firms Basketball Competition
The Belize District Basketball Firms Competition for 2013 continued on Saturday, August 18th, with three games on the schedule. In the first game played, BWSL defeated PUC by the score of 58-52. The top scorers for BWSL were Lindbergh Graham with 17 points, 6 rebounds, 1, assist and 2 steals, and Jamir Enriquez with 12 points and 2 rebounds. For PUC, the top scorers were Ian Haylock with 20 points, 6 rebounds, and an assist and Andrew Roberteau with 10 points, 9 rebounds and an assist. In game two, Port of Belize defeated Courts by the score of 76-67. The top scorers for Port of Belize were Lennox Bowman with 31 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists and Vince Estrada with 29 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals. Meanwhile, the top scorers for Courts were Rennon Pandy with 20 points, 8 rebounds, an assist and a steal and Delroy Caliz with 17 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal

Belize Cycling Association National Elections set
The Interim Committee of the Belize Cycling Association is pleased to inform the general populace that the Election Commission of the Belize Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association has confirmed that the elections for the Belize Cycling Association’s National Executive has been scheduled for Saturday, August 24th, 2013 at the UWI Open Campus on Princess Margaret Drive commencing at 2:00 pm. The elections will be conducted by the Election Commission of the Belize Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association.

Geovanni Choto crowned King of the Hills
The Belize Cycling Association in collaboration with the Belikin Western Spirit Cycling Team, and the Belize Cycling Association Western Zone held the annual King of the Hills Cycling Meet on Sunday August 18, 2013. The event which attracted some 44 riders concluded with 33 riders finishing the course. At the end of some 1:2:22 Geovanni Choto of Belikin Western Spirit Cycling Club was the first rider to cross the finish line and as a result was crowned King of the Hills. The second rider to cross the finish line was Delon Gentle of BECOL Uprising Cycling Team. He was then followed by Giovanni Lovell of Telemedia Cycling, and then by Nissan Arana of Depredadores and he was then followed by Donizetti Vasquez also of Depredadores. The other top finishers were Daniel Choto of Daniel Choto of Belikin Western Spirit Cycling, Walter Silva of Tinidustrial, Henry Moreria unattached, Shane Vasquez of Belikin Western Spirit Cycling Club, and Peter Choto also of Belikin Western Spirit Cycling Club to round off the top ten finishers in the 1st Annual King of the Hills Cycling Race.

Junior Footballers win three games in CONCACAF tournament
The National U-15 Football Team of Belize who participated in the ongoing CONCACAF U-15 Football Championship in Grand Cayman, Cayman Island, captured 3 wins and suffered only 1 defeat in this tournament.

Vega’s Cup Tournament rolls on in the North
The 2013 Edition of the Vega’s Cup Tournament continued on Sunday, August 18 out at the Trial Farm Football Field. There were four games on the schedule. In the first game played, San Luis FC defeated Untouchables FC by the score of 3-2. The goals for San Luis FC were scored by Geovanni Marin in the 10th minute of play, Alberto Coh in the 44th minute of play, and Nelson Fortunato in the 84th minute of play. Meanwhile, the goals for Untouchables were scored by Felipe Magana in the 20th and 39th minutes of play. In game two, AC Aliari FC blasted San Pablo Youngstars by the score of 5-2. The goals for Aliari FC were scored by Gadiel Samos in the 27th and 44th minute of play, Jose Castellanos in the 38th minute of play, and Teodoro Chan in the 70th and 75th minute of play. For San Pablo Youngstars, the goals were scored by Eric Arcurio in the 9th and 85th minutes of play.

Belize wins two in junior girls’ volleyball tournament
The National Junior Girls’ Volleyball Team is currently in Santa Rosa de Copan, Honduras, where it is participating in the Central American Junior Girls Volleyball Championship. On Tuesday, August 20th, 2013, Team Belize won its second game when it defeated El Salvador in three sets to one by the score of 25-18, 25-18, 21-25 and 25-23. The top scorer for Belize was Sherika Burton with 17 points, 15 kills and 2 blocks. The other scorers were Jahshema Saunders 13 points, 12 kills and 1 ace, Maurissa Williams who had 11 points, 6 kills, 4 blocks, 1 ace and Leandra Betson who scored 6 points, 4 kills, 1 block and 1 ace. On Monday, August 19th, Team Belize won its first game when it defeated the host country Honduras in three sets by the score of 25-17, 25-13 and 25-20.

A Short Lifetime of Betrayal
Dwayne Jones, a sixteen year old transgender teenager, was murdered last week in Jamaica. He was beaten, stabbed, shot and run over by a car and died a lingering and horrific death that was witnessed by crowds of party goers. That no-one tried to stop the mob or at least call the police during his two hour ordeal is but the final act of a lifetime of betrayal. His family not only failed in their duty to protect but Dwayne’s father actually kicked him out of the house when he was just fourteen years old and encouraged a group of neighbours to drive him away from the neighbourhood where he grew up. His mother was either unable or unwilling to protect her son and so Dwayne survived on the streets as best he could. Even in death they could not forgive him for being different and refused to claim his body. The schools that Dwayne attended similarly failed him when they were unable to prevent him from being bullied for being too effeminate. No one in authority was there to help him when he dropped out of high school.

Blogs

X’tan Ha Resort – Gorgeous Beach, Plenty of Belizean Charm and VERY Good Times
After a few years of being closed, the old Belize Legacy Resort was renamed , revamped and re-opened in Dec of 2012 as X’tan Ha (pronounced Ish-Tan Ha) or Mayan for “The Waterfront”. And what a waterfront it is. Just over 7 miles north of town, the resort is situated on one of the prettiest stretches of water and reef off Ambergris Caye – a snorkeling and dive spot called “Mexico Rocks”. The water is crystal clear and almost unnaturally blue. GORGEOUS.

Does “Breaking Bad” suggest that Belize is Heaven?
Writing about one of your favourite places in the world, in this case Belize, is a dual edged sword. On one hand, you receive a daily barrage of information, tips, theories, comments and information, relevant and otherwise, about a place you love. On the other hand, you wade through a daily barrage of… you get the picture. So it was no surprise to see the inbox was filled with the news that Belize was mentioned in Season 5, Episode 10 of Breaking Bad, that insanely popular television series. Being at the moment on the other side of the world from the Jewel, we don’t get to see Breaking Bad until the day after most viewers do, so it was with even more than the usual anticipation that we waited for it to air. Yes, we’ll to admit to being totally hooked and agree with most of the world that BB is a truly great creation, works on so many levels, blends high art with pop culture, etc.

“Dirty” in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize.
Really enjoying my ‘morning time’ on the veranda yesterday with my black coffee and The Times online on my iPad until I worked my way through the sports’ section. Good coverage of the latest Ashes Test Match. Fairly positive coverage of Arsenal’s victory over Fenerbaçhe. And then I came to it. Arsenal are considering re-signing Mathieu Flamini! He did a good job for the club when he was there its true. But that was five years ago and he’s suffered a lot of injuries since then. And he’s got older. I know we need players but… It was a very nice morning and it didn’t look like there was going to be any rain (all of a sudden I am a meteorologist) so I decided to wash the golf cart. A combination of where we currently park the ‘cart (close to the road) and the drive to and from our build in Ambergris Caye, Belize combine to make the ‘cart very dirty. And I mean DIRTY. Ninety minutes (amazingly long time for such a small vehicle) later though it was sparkling. After having breakfast Rose and I did a shopping trip. Normal routine. I drive the ‘cart to the various shops (we normally have to ‘hit’ a few before we have managed to get everything on the list) and then wait for Rose while she does the shopping. We take this approach so that we don’t have to lug the bags around from shop to shop. Well thats my reasoning anyway! � � � � � � � � � � � � � �

International Sources

Belize Extends Trip To 'Breaking Bad' Cast
The tourism board of Belize was so so happy that "Breaking Bad" made a murder reference with the phrase "on a trip to Belize" that they've offered a real life trip to eight members of the cast and the show runner, Vince Gilligan. While we're pretty sure that these fine folks can afford a trip to Belize on their own, this is still pretty awesome. Good on you, Belize!

‘I’ll Send You to Belize’: Stars of ‘Breaking Bad’ Offered Free Vacations
Nothing on “Breaking Bad” is quite what it seems: a mild-mannered chemistry teacher is a powerful drug lord; a run-of-the-mill car wash is a sophisticated money-laundering operation. And a darkly comic proposal of mortal violence has led, at least, to offers of a relaxing tropical vacation for the creators and stars of this AMC drama. On Thursday, the Belize Tourism Board said that it would offer free vacations to Vince Gilligan, the “Breaking Bad” creator and show runner, and eight of its stars, including Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul, following an offhand and not entirely flattering reference to that Central American nation on Sunday’s broadcast of the show. In that episode, Saul Goodman, the unsavory lawyer played by Bob Odenkirk, asks the meth-cooking kingpin Walter White (Mr. Cranston) if he has considered sending the nosy D.E.A. agent Hank Schrader (Dean Norris) “on a trip to Belize.” Goodman gingerly reminds White of a former colleague already said to have relocated there – White in fact murdered this person – and an incensed White replies, “I’ll send you to Belize.”

Niel debt and equity for New World Oil & Gas
New World Oil & Gas is raising $50 million in debt and equity from Niel Petroleum to support its joint venture activities in Denmark and Belize. The financing consists of Niel paying £16...

US in talks to fund security of non-US southern border of Mexico
U.S. officials confirmed that the United States and Mexico are considering a joint effort to strengthen border security with an elaborate three-tier system — along Mexico’s southern border separating it from Guatemala and Belize. The scheme would call for U.S. funding and technical support to create a security system extending up to 140 miles north of Mexico’s southern border. The system would employ electronic sensors and intelligence-gathering to halt human and drug trafficking that eventually makes its way to .the United States, according to The Washington Free Beacon. This news comes at a time when immigration reform measures are being considered in the House, and security of our own southern border is very much a part of that debate. The Free Beacon noted: According to the officials who discussed the U.S.-Mexican talks on condition of anonymity, the Mexican government proposed setting up three security cordons using electronic sensors and other security measures along the southern Mexican border, along a line some 20 miles from the southern border, and along a third security line about 140 miles from the southern Mexican territorial line.

Norwegian Cruise Line to develop eco-friendly cruise destination in Belize
IDEA Inc., a leading designer of branded ports of call and branded destinations, has been contracted by Norwegian Cruise Line to design and develop a $50 million eco-friendly cruise destination in southern Belize. “With an emphasis on indigenous local culture, this new cruise destination will tell the unique story of Belize, and set a new standard in the development of an eco-friendly destination,” said Hugh Darley, president and executive producer, IDEA Inc. “Rather than an imposed plan, we are focused on a design approach that is determined by the local environment to ensure that the unique surroundings and features of the area will be protected and showcased for all to enjoy.” Darley, an ex-Disney Imagineer, and developer of guest experiences for many leading destinations, hotels and cruise lines emphasized the need for a world class guest experience and sense of arrival at Belize. “This new port comes at the perfect time,” said Darley. “More than 600,000 passengers arrived through the port last year, and Norwegian alone is predicting passenger growth in the Western Caribbean to more than double over the next four years. For Belize to grow its tourism, an upgraded experience is necessary. This new destination will be designed to not only take pressure off the City port, but give visitors the best first impression a destination can give.”

Not All Is Good With Norwegian Cruise Lines Future Belize Port
"Our ships will be going somewhere else, unless we can figure out a way to make the experience better." Colin Murphy, Norwegians Vice President, Destination & Strategic Development, following the rejection of their proposed purchase of Crawl Caye in southern Belize for development as a cruise port. TROUBLE IN PARADISE: Dirty tricks and bully boy tactics in the Tropics? Norwegian Cruise Lines announced the purchase last week of the 75 acre Harvest Caye off the coast of southern Belize, and their intention to create a cruise port and eco-friendly private island two miles south of the tiny fishing village of Placencia, along with a mainland hub for land-based tours. The project is apparently set to generate local jobs, so you could be forgiven for wondering why there is local, and very vocal, opposition.