FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

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

SPHS teams dominate in Secondary School Northern Regional Volleyball Tournament
Saturday, October 26th was a day for volleyball as San Pedro High School (SPHS) hosted the annual Secondary Schools Northern Regional Volleyball Tournament. Six high school teams from the Corozal, Orange Walk and Belize District travelled to San Pedro Town to compete for the coveted first place championship, and a chance to represent the north in the National Secondary School Volleyball Competition. Competing in the male division was Escuela Technica de Mexico, Orange Walk Technical High School (OWTHS), Kings College and San Pedro High School (SPHS), and in the female division was Escuela Technica de Mexico, Muffles College, Belize Rural High School (BRHS) and San Pedro High School (SPHS). SPHS’ female team comprised of Magdaluz Guerrero, Brianna McLean, Vivian Noralez, Daniela Salazar and Kayla Zetina, while the male team was represented by Gabriel Nuñez Jr., Damian Pollard, Alex Roache, Afrie Black, Josue Marin, Jovi Ico and Guillermo Nuñez. Both island teams have been preparing for months and as such were ready to defend their home turf, and defend they did!

PADI cautions dive guides and tour operators: Belize needs dive and scuba safety policy
There was much concern amongst dive guides and tour operators in Belize after the international Professional Association of Dive Instructors (PADI) sent out a strong letter regarding unsafe dive practices at the world renowned Belize’s Blue Hole. The letter, which was copied to the Belize Tourism Board (BTB), made reference to instances where newly certified or novice divers were taken to a depth of about 130 feet without deep diving training or experience, which violates the code of practice. The letter also reminded tour guides and operators that safety of diving clients and students is the first priority and responsibility.

Ambergris Today

Reaffirmation of Sister City Relationship Between Chetumal and San Pedro
On Friday, October 25, 2013, Mayor of San Pedro Daniel Guerrero, Councilor Gabriel Nuñez, Hon. Manuel Heredia Jr. – Minister of Tourism and Culture and Mayor of Orange Walk Town -Kevin Bernard attended the signing of the Reaffirmation of Sister City Relationship between Othon P. Blanco, Quintana Roo and San Pedro Town, Belize. Eduardo Espinosa Abuxapqui, Mayor of Othon P. Blanco, Quintana Roo (better known as Chetumal) endorsed the sister city relationship that exists between the border cities of Belize and San Pedro during a ceremony with the mayor of San Pedro, Daniel Guerrero and Hon. Manuel Heredia Jr., Minister of Culture and Tourism, representing the mayor of Belize City, Darrel Bradley.

Misc Belizean Sources

ATTENTION FOOTBALL (SOCCER) FANS!
Check out the schedule for the matches to take place the upcoming month! San Pedro Sports Council

Ambergris Caye Shoreline Cleanup
SEE YOU THERE! LET'S ALL JOIN TOGETHER TO KEEP LA ISLA BONITA CLEAN!

Belize has high rate of teenage pregnancies
A United Nations report which was released in New York on Wednesday says that there is a high rate of teenage pregnancies in the Caribbean. Belize is listed as one of the countries in the Caribbean region with the highest rate of teen pregnancy, ahead of Guyana, Jamaica and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Iguana Creek Bridge
The Iguana Creek Bridge which spans the Belize River at Blackman Eddy village remains flooded and closed to vehicular traffic this Thursday morning. Observers noticed that there is a canoe stuck on the railing of the bridge. It is not sure where the canoe came from. Some guys who tried to take out the canoe believe that it is split and that half of it is under the bridge.

Benque HoC Celebrations
The Benque HoC will be having their Finados tomorrow for the Dia de los Muertos. They will also be honoring Elias Awe. The 9:00am prayer time has filled up, but they'll have space starting at 10:30. Later in the evening, they'll have their Noche de Cuenta Cuentos, where David Ruiz and Pedro Can, among others, will tell some stories about Benque. "Just to let you know, we are booked for tomorrow's prayer time that will start at 9:00 a.m so if you are planning to visit you are always welcome after 10:30 am. Prayer leader will be Mrs. Maria Bejerano Martines, prayer ladies will be HelpAge Benque and students of Mt Carmel Primary. Also representatives of ISCR, Belize Archives & Records Service, National Heritage Library and Capital Newspaper will be present."

Dia de los Muertos at Mexican Embassy
The Mexican Embassy in Belmopan is having their Dia de los Muertos celebration today starting at 6:00pm, and all are invited. They'll be displaying paintings from Jose Guadalupe Posada as part of the festivities. Entrance is free, and they ask that you wear white. In related news the Institute of Mexico in Belize just celebrated their 20th anniversary last week. "This Mexican tradition combines the beliefs of ancient cultures with those of the Catholic religion. Mexico has always had its own approach to the concept of death. On the Day of the Dead, the souls of the ancestors are invited to join in festivities including food and dancing. Candy skulls are given to loved ones and funny poems about death are shared. This indigenous festivity dedicated to the dead has already been included by UNESCO since 2008 in the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity."

SISE HoC Finados
Tomorrow, the SISE HoC is having their Finados altar display starting at 9:30am. They are dedicating it to Elias Awe, who was a pillar of the Cayo community. It's been just a little over a year, but we'll say it again: Godspeed, Mr. Awe. "SISE Annual Finados Altar display in honor of Mr. Elias Ajib Awe. Visit SISE HOC for a deep insight of this unique cultural observation, including traditional treats, syrups, and elements that make up a traditional altar. For more details make inquiries through this source of by calling at 824-0783"

BSOLT and BDARRT Help Cayo
A big thanks to the Belize School of Outdoor Leadership Training and the Belize Disaster and Rescue Response Team for helping out around Cayo during the flooding. BSOLT performed a search for a missing person due to a canoe capsizing, and BDARRT assisted NEMO - thanks to NEMO too! - with their Belmopan evecuation. It's people like these that make the world a better place, especially during rough times. We can't thank you enough for your special efforts to help our community. Pictured above is BSOLT in the Mopan river during their search efforts.

Mr. Greedy's New Menu
Mr. Greedy's has a new menu out, and not have the prices gone down, but they've added some new items to it. They now have pizzas starting at $12.50, and slices starting at $3.50. They also have a new Buffalo Burger and boneless wings, and have brought back their cheesy bread sticks. Mr. Greedy's which brought the happy hour to downtown, still celebrates it from 4:00 to 7:00pm every day. In related news, Mr. Greedy's is one of the sponsors of the Belikin Halloween Block Party tomorrow night. See Emmanuel Mangar play, DJ Wolverine mix, and enjoy drink specials all night.

Hode's Halloween Haunted House
Happy Halloween! The Rotaract Club of San Ignacio will be bringing their haunted house back to life. It'll be at Hode's on Saturday night, starting at 6:30pm. They'll also be having a costume contest. "Tell everyone!! It will be a spooky weekend at Hodes Place! Rotaract Club is having Horror House and Costume Contest!! Nov. 2nd!"

True Power!
By Abdulmajeed K. Nunez Despite everyone’s fascination with Gapi Vega The most powerful by far is the Education Youth and Sport Minister Does he know his significance I wonder? Waiting for the PM and Vega’s sanction Worried about losing a convention He has the country’s future in his coffer He is more powerful than the prime minister He has the potential to set the foundation for the future Engineers, pilots, chemists, agronomist, biologist, and doctor If only he was to roll out education proper He could transform this nation with just one signature And teach the country what it means to be a true leader

A Laid Back, Low Cost Lifestyle in Punta Gorda, Belize
Every now and again, when life feels hectic or I fear I’m getting into a rut, I think of little Punta Gorda, Belize. It’s become one of my favorite places to dream of visiting again. Right down near the southern tip of Belize, Punta Gorda looks out on the blue Caribbean. The barrier reef and its wealth of marine life—one of Belize’s main claims to fame—is 30 miles offshore here. That means it takes longer to reach the reef from here than from other coastal spots in Belize…but, in exchange, Punta Gorda has a feeling of wide-open seas and endless space unlike anyplace else I’ve seen on mainland Belize. From Punta Gorda, I can imagine setting sail for parts unknown. The horizon is very wide and beckoning. But I can also imagine just sitting on a dock someplace, basking in the sun and the sea breeze while I enjoy a cold one. There are several little seaside restaurants where you can do just that, mingling with locals, expats, and tourists. One night at dinner I even met some young expats—scuba divers working with various outfits—who’d come over from Guatemala. (The border is quite near, and there’s also a ferry between Punta Gorda and Guatemala.) And given the dinner I’d just had—super-fresh seafood and veggies, washed down with the local limeade, all for about $12—I could understand why they’d made the trek.

Three Great English Speaking Islands
Belize is the only country in Central America with English as its main language, and that goes for on its islands, too. The island of Caye Caulker is only a 25-minute water taxi ride from the bustling, neighboring island of better-known Ambergris Caye. Skimming across the blue waves you can see the island’s white-sand shores, fringed with palms coming into view. On Caye Caulker you are away from it all. At 5 miles long and 1.2 miles wide it has less than 2,000 residents. The developed southern half is separated from the northern jungle half by a popular swimming spot called the Split. Here, life is all about the water. You can swim and snorkel right off the beach and the barrier reef is only a mile away. Many residents have boats in their backyards or moored on the lagoon. Tour-guide operators also offer diving trips to the barrier reef or the Blue Hole, or snorkeling in Hol Chan. It has three sand-packed streets called Front Street, Middle Street and Back Street. Main modes of transport are bicycle and on foot (preferably barefoot). The kick-back and low-key pace of life is what draws people to this island. A simple lifestyle, stunning views and affordable real estate, are all waiting for you on English-speaking Caye Caulker.

Five Top Places in Belize Where Expats are Moving
There are a lot of reasons you might want to be in Belize right now… For a tiny little country (only about the size of Massachusetts), it has much to offer, especially when it comes to scenery. Turquoise waters and white, silky sand beaches… Fertile farmland… Rolling hillsides dotted with pine forests… Amazing Maya ruins… If you’re thinking of relocating to Belize—and you’re looking for real value—there are many places in the country deserving of your attention. Places where you can live the laid-back lifestyle of your dreams. My Five Favorite Belize Destinations In no particular order, check out: The Islands of Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker: (“Caye” is pronounced as “key” in Belize, by the way.) If white sands and turquoise waters are your idea of paradise, either one of these will be your dream come true. La Isla Bonita (beautiful island) of Ambergris Caye may be the most popular destination in Belize for U.S. and Canadian expats (and its stunning little sister, Caye Caulker isn’t far behind)…so you’ll have plenty of company at the plentiful and lively beach bars overlooking those warm gin-clear waters. And if you’re a diver or fisherman or love to snorkel, you’ll be in heaven here. Real estate prices here are among the most affordable in the Caribbean, although you’ll find prices a bit high for imported goods like Pringles and Snickers bars. Word of advice: learn to love the local fare, like the delicious fresh seafood, rum and the tasty national beer, Belikin.

Channel 7

After 15 Months, Ailing Money Launderer Gets Bail
In August of last year, Michael Coye and his daughter Melonie were sentenced to 3 years in jail for money laundering. Since then, Coye's attorney Arthur Saldivar has been trying to get him out of jail - citing his age and the fact that he has diabetes. Today, the plea reached the Court of Appeal and after hearing from both sides, the judges granted him bail. He was able to leave court and go home with his family about an hour and a half ago, and before he got into his vehicle and drove off, 7News got his first reaction to being released after almost 15 months in jail. Here's what he told us: Daniel Ortiz "You are going home with your family, what's that like for you after so many months in prison?" Michael Coye "It's a great relief to be home, so that I can sit in my chair, eat a nice ham sandwich and drink a cup of coffee. Thanks to KOLBE and all my friends at Tango 5 - have a good day." Daniel Ortiz "What's next for you knowing that part of the reason you got release was because the court felt that you had a strong case for appeal." Michael Coye "We have won the strong case of appeal that we were on and on February 24th. We are having a new case. We are set again to after what is right."

Crooked Tree Under Water
The Belize River continues to rise in the Belize District and the Coast Guard has deployed a boat to assist people in the flood prone areas of Rancho Dolores, Boom and Crooked Tree. It was worst in Crooked Tree where the Causeway is impassable and covered by three feet of water. Today 7News went across the Lagoon with the Coast Guard to speak with the chairman who told us that the water is high and rising:.. Darrell Tillett, Chairman - Crooked Tree "We are in a bad situation right now. I hope it wouldn't get worse than how it is right now, most the water are coming in here." Daniel Ortiz "When did the road started to look like that?" Darrell Tillett, Chairman - Crooked Tree "It had gotten worse since yesterday." Daniel Ortiz "I notice that you guys have the Coast Guard assistance today, I was told it started yesterday. Tell us about that?" Darrell Tillett, Chairman - Crooked Tree "They came in last night about 11pm."

Police Borke Up Village Grave Looking For Murder Weapon
Last night, we told you about the 4 men who were arraigned and remanded to prison for the robbery turned murder in which 61 year-old George Blanco Was killed. As we told you, 21 year-old Alton Bailey, 33 year-old Roger Hernandez, 25 Roque Middle Middleton were charged with robbery and murder while 33 year-old Elario Frank Eligio was charged with conspiracy to robbery and handling stolen goods. They all remain at prison tonight, but police are still trying to build an air-tight case against them. This led cops to Eligio's home village of Lucky Strike, where they received a tip that the firearm used to commit the robbery and murder could be hidden in the cemetery, of all places. The officers spent most of the day in Lucky Strike searching for this weapon, and during that process, they dug up the grave of Eligio's grandparents. This was much to the dismay of Eligio's family because they felt that the officers were violating the burial space with nothing more than bogus information. And, the results bear out that belief, because the police didn't find anything.

Saldivar Says He Made A Few Visa Calls
In a time when many politicians are dodging the press, Police minister John Saldivar is available to the media every Thursday morning. That's when he appears on WAVE Radio's "Fus Thing Da Mawnin" as a sort of UDP spokesperson, laying out the party's position on a whole host of issues. After the show, he has to do much the same for the media where he switches hats and becomes an ad-hoc government spokesperson. But, this morning he could have read from a script, because just as we did for the last two weeks, we asked him about visa's and what, if any role he ever played in facilitating them through the Immigration Department. He gave the standard answer, but this week with a small wrinkle: Saldivar says that unlike his colleague Edmund Castro who wrote a letter of recommendation, he made calls to push the process along. Here are his remarks on what elected officials do and don't do for visa's:... Hon. John Saldivar, Minister of Police "Area Representatives are called upon by their constituents to give recommendations for various government services and we do that in the normal course of things and I will repeat since you not have gotten that memo "I am not in any way involved in any visa scam.""

Bus Collision Launches Car Into Cemetery
Just after 10 this morning, there was an accident on the Western Highway near the entrance of Belize City. A D&E bus travelling towards Belize City collided into the back of a small car - which was driven by Edwin Haylock. The impact of the collision launched the car off the road and into the cemetery. According to Haylock, who was travelling along with his wife this morning, the D&E bus tried overtaking them, but due to oncoming traffic, the bus was unsuccessful and instead caused an accident. Here's his story. Edwin Haylock - Car Driver "I was coming from home earlier and this bus was coming from behind and a green Hilux was parked in front of me on the side, some guys was working in the cemetery. At the same time another vehicle was coming from the opposite side. While the bus was coming fast, I approached a pothole and I slowed down, the bus was trying to overtake me and then it hit my car at the side causing the car to slide into the cemetery."

NTUCB/Chamber Ready For National Scrutinizing Committee
Tomorrow, government is expected to take a raft of Immigration Reform measures to the National Assembly. One of the main features of the new law will be increased independent oversight of the nationality process. The social partners have been asked to provide that oversight, and today the National Trade Union Congress of Belize issued a statement saying it "welcomes the opportunity to be part of the National Scrutinizing Committee." But, it's not that simple! The Union adds that before it agrees to be on the Committee it must first get full disclosure of the legislation and terms of reference. In the meantime, they say they'll continue to monitor the evolution of the Scrutinizing Committee. The Chamber of Commerce has also been invited to be on the Committee and this evening that group sent out a statement saying quote, "it must be a part of the transparency and accountability process…." But, again, not so fast; the Chamber agrees to participate only after it has reviewed the proposed amendment to the Immigration Legislation along with the Terms of Reference for the committee.

Police Minister Says ATM Cops Have To Go
By now, we've all seen the video of two police officers shaking down Thyrell Hyde in an ATM Booth. All, except Police Minister John Saldivar, apparently. Today he told the media he hasn't seen the video but he knows that the police perpetrators have to be dealt with:.. Jules Vasquez "Have you seen the Thyrell Hyde video and what are your feelings about it?" Hon. John Saldivar, Minister of Police "I have not seen it on news or anywhere, but I am aware of the video and I know that the police are investigating. I have been told that the DPP has the file now." Jules Vasquez "Is it something that aggrieves you to see police officers shaking down a citizen in an ATM checking his balance and all of that?" Hon. John Saldivar, Minister of Police "Certainly and we will leave no stone unturned in trying to get to the bottom of exactly what took place in there."

Government Ready To Concede Change In Composition Of PAC
And while we had him before us, we also spoke to Saldivar about the Public Accounts Committee. He's assumed the Chairman's seat the few times the group has met, but now the UDP-PAC has postponed as many meetings as it has held. Today we asked Saldivar what's the hold-up and what's in the reform proposal he sent to the social partners. Jules Vasquez "Are you able to say if that proposal changes in any way the composition?" Hon. John Saldivar, Minister of Police "I imagine that it will change the composition yes what is being proposed, but I won't go into the details of that until I hear from the Chamber and the Unions as to whether they'll accept. Like you said this proposal came out of the meeting with the Council of Churches and so it is already clear that the Council of Churches are in favor of the proposal."

PUP – Protest!/UDP – So What?
Tomorrow at the house Meeting in Belmopan - the members will have to contend with protests outside. As we've reported, the PUP will stage a protest which aims to bring one thousand supporters to the capital to rail against the government. But that number didn't move Belmopan Representative Saldivar when we spoke to him today:.. Jules Vasquez "Are you concern - the PUP say they want to mobilize crowd of 1000 for tomorrow?" Hon. John Saldivar, Minister of Police "I don't know that I should be concerned. This is politics and if they think they can mobilize then let them try." Jules Vasquez "But you will recall that in 2005 while it was another scenario, that is how the agitation started with the opposition (your party at the time), starting with protest at the foot of Independence Hill."

Deputy Daly Leaves As Child Protection Bill Goes To House
As a legal drafts-person, Michelle Daly is the essence of a technocrat, but as the Deputy Solicitor General, she had to take center stage as a public figure on the controversial Child Protection Bill. The final House Committee Meeting to consider changes to the bill was held yesterday afternoon, and it ran until after 8:30 at night. All the changes should be made in time for tomorrow's House Meeting when it is expected to be passed by the House. But, Deputy Sol Gen Daly who first approved the bill wasn't there to put on the final touches to the much modified piece of legislation. That's because her contract expired today, and, best information says she left the country this morning. Her contract was with the Commonwealth Secretariat for Capacity Building and it was not renewed. So, the final changes were left to juniour drafts-persons in the Sol Gen's office.

Lebanese Family Jailed, Pregnant Mother Gets Bail
One week ago, we told you how an entire Lebanese family was sent to jail after police found 6 live rounds of ammunition in their San Pedro home. The Nasser family says they had just moved into the house and knew nothing of the live rounds. Well tonight, there is some relief for one of them: 36 year old Jaziba Nasser got Supreme Court bail today on the grounds that she is eight months pregnant and cannot be properly attended to in prison. The men of the family, 43 year-old Nazim Nasser, 19 year-old Jamal Nasser, and 18 year-old Hilal Nasser, remain detained until their bail hearing next week.

Businessman Finds Technology To Cut Costs
Last night we told you about the IDB report which ranked Belize 106 out of 189 countries in terms of the ease of setting up a small to medium sized business. Lascelle Arnold, the owner of Belize Dry Cleaners went through that over 20 years ago when he first set up Belize Dry Cleaners. Now, he's got the market cornered as the only pro grade Dry Cleaner in Belize. But like every other business owner, he's battling rising costs of fuel, electricity and labour. But today he showed us how he's harnessing technology to get past those hurdles: he introduced us to the Princess:... Jules Vasquez reporting Even for dry cleaners, ironing shirts is a pain - this is the old way of doing it - more efficient than what you do at home - but for the cleaners it takes about five to seven minutes per shirt - which is too long when you've got three to four hundred shirts to iron: Lascelle Arnold, Owner - Belize Dry Cleaners "There is a major problem we have in the company doing shirts where we do it by hand and it takes forever to get it done."

How To Track the Flu
A few weeks ago, we told about the presence of the h1n1 virus in Belize. It's not the big deal that it was when it first emerged in 2009. Now there are new strains of the influenza virus and authorities have to remain on high alert. That was the subject of a workshop held today to assess the state of Belize's Pandemic Influenza Response Plan. Dr. Jorge Polanco discussed the ongoing monitoring programme: Dr. Jorge Polanco "We had since 2009 to present a series of variations of influenza outbreaks starting with the H1N1, H5N1 and so we said that it is timely for the region including Belize to review our plans." "We need to have in place structures that would be able as a country to respond in a very timely and appropriate manner to any outbreak that could occur in this case influenza. Since 2009 -2010 we have developed in the country and we have strengthen it as over time a surveillance for influenza virus in general. We have what called SARI (Severe Acute Respiratory Infections) that we monitor in this case especially at the level of KHMH."

Channel 5

Police look for a murder weapon in a grave in Lucky Strike
Yo Creek resident Jorge Blanco was brutally murdered as he drove home through Sand Hill at around midday last Friday.  Blanco was with three other persons when he was shot [...]

Minister of Police admits to facilitating visas, but in a minimal way
Minister of State Edmond Castro first denied that he knew anything about Chinese visa. Later he said he had made one recommendation. And this week, Castro says he admitted that [...]

Does the minister’s sister as C.E.O. in Immigration Ministry allows his interventions
According to Saldivar, he calls so he can see the visa process through. We’re not sure why a Minister completely outside the Immigration Department should be able to do that. [...]

P.U.P. to protest in Belmopan, Saldivar says it does not phase him
As we reported on Wednesday, the People’s United Party is organizing a massive demonstration outside of the National Assembly during this Friday’s sitting of the House of Representatives in Belmopan.  [...]

Pregnant Muslim woman granted bail
Tonight, we can report that a female inmate at the Belize Central Prison is home on bail. Thirty-six year old Jaziba Nasser is an eight months pregnant woman who was [...]

Efforts also being made to bail her husband and teenage sons
It was with the assistance from friends of the Nasser family and members of the Lebanese Community who posted bail and assisted with the process that this afternoon, Jaziba Nasser, [...]

Michael Coye, Businessman behind bars from Money Laundering, is home
Businessman Michael Coye is home tonight. The Court of Appeal granted Michael, the sixty-seven year old former proprietor of Money Exchange International Limited, bail in the sum of ten thousand [...]

Saldivar says he hasn’t seen video of the cop’s shakedown of Tyrell Hyde
On September eight, an evening of hanging out with friends quickly turned into an ugly experience that twenty-year-old Tyrell Hyde won’t soon forget.  As it turns out, Hyde was extorted [...]

PAC meeting rescheduled because Minister Saldivar was unable to appoint substitutes
The Public Accounts Committee was scheduled to meet in regular session on Wednesday, following a round of meetings held last week with various social partners.  Those meetings saw Pro-tem Chairman [...]

Maya Leaders outraged against U.S. Capital Energy and Norwegian Cruise Lines
Charges of false advertisement have been brought against U.S. Capital Energy and Norwegian Cruise Lines by the Maya Leaders Alliance and the Toledo Alcaldes Association. The MLA is outraged that [...]

NCL and oil company falsifying the results of public consultations
NCL, according to Coc, perpetuated a similar falsehood when it began publishing information that alcaldes from several villages across Toledo were in support of the Harvest Caye development project.  A [...]

Investors and Contractor in Dangriga Market Scandal join forces to sue SIF
The recent corruption scandal involving former employees of the Social Investment Fund and the construction of the Dangriga Municipal Market has been overshadowed by the immigration scandal which is rocking [...]

CBC Canada reports on killing of Patricia Lynn Nichiporowich in Corozal
CBC, in Canada is reporting on the death of fifty-seven year old Patricia Lynn Nichiporowich, the Canadian who was found stabbed to death at her house on Consejo, Corozal on [...]

A passenger bus slams into a car and ends up in the graveyard
Earlier in our newscast, we told you about cops breaking open a grave, and to continue the grave theme, this morning a vehicle was forced off the highway straight into [...]

A Lord’s Bank Family receives new house from TUBAL and CALMS
A family in Lord’s Bank is moving into a brand new house, thanks to TUBAL and an organization called CALMS, the Central American Lutheran Mission Society. Irma Bardalez, the recipient [...]

Traveller’s celebrates its 60th anniversary
Traveller’s Liquors is an institution in Belize, and lately the company has embarked on a comprehensive marketing campaign. One of the recent events was a national bartending competition which ended [...]

Healthy Living: expert advice on raising children
Being a parent is easy, but being a good parent is a different proposition altogether. There is no manual and there are no bullet points to follow in sequence. While [...]

More News: Scroll up from here

LOVE FM

Belama Residents Experience Flood

in Belama Phases Three and Four in Belize City, the waters have now invaded the low-lying landscape and have made the drains one with the streets. It made getting to and from home, work and home impossible for some people. According to Jose Pineda, the flooding in his area this time is so bad that he has been at home unable to get out for days now. JOSE PINEDA “We cannot work none at all; students have trouble going to school. It has never been this flooded before. We have trouble going out to work or school. My dad and mom cannot go to work.” MARION ALI “How deep would you say the water is right now?” JOSE PINEDA Well different parts of it is at your knees like that hole right there that is very deep; about three or two feet.” Residents of the area told Love News that they fear that the crocodiles in the nearby creek will find their way into their space.

Mayan Community Outraged Saying Norwegian Cruise Line Reps Are Misleading

The Maya Leaders Alliance, MLA and the Toledo Alcade Association, TAA, have expressed outrage at U.S. Capital and Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) over what they say is the propagation of misleading information. Today MLA and TAA sent out a joint press release. In the first instance it says U.S Capital has been airing advertisements on radio stations in Belize in which a Maya tradition leader is impersonated. This says, Public Relations Officer for the MLA and TAA, Christina Coc, gives a false impression that the alcaldes support U.S. Capital’s activities on Maya lands. CRISTINA COC “We point out that at this assembly the individuals who attended and a few of our Alcaldes, themselves said that they attended in their individual capacity and just to observe the proceedings. They were not in any way representing the collective resolve of the Mayan people whether or not they support Norwegian Cruise Line project. In fact on the contrary in this general assembly of Alcaldes they raised major concerns about the Norwegian Cruise Line

NTUCB and Chamber Raise Concerns on Scrutinizing Committee

In last night’s newscast you heard Minister of Immigration Godwin Hulse speak about the meeting he had with social partners including the National Trade Union Congress of Belize on Tuesday afternoon in Belmopan. That meeting was to invite the NTUCB and other relevant parties to form part of the Nationality Scrutinizing Committee. Well after that meeting, the General Congress of the NTUCB met the following day. According to the NTUCB, it welcomes the opportunity to exercise its platform of participatory democracy and social participation by being on the National Scrutinizing Committee. However, the NTUCB, explains that its participation will be determined when the Congress has full disclosure of the legislation and Terms of Reference that will govern the operations of the Committee. The NTCUB raises concerns in regard to who from the Committee will sign to validate nationality documents. The second point that the NTUCB brings up is whether or not the quorum for meetings convened by the Committee include at least two social partners.

Judge Grants Pregnant Woman Bail

A pregnant woman who was jailed last week has been released. 36-year-old Jaziba Nasser was granted bail today after her lawyer makes application due to her pregnancy. Her lawyer told the court that she has been suffering from premature labour pains and KOLBE does not have facility to properly care for her. Nasser has been on remand at the Belize Central Prison since last Thursday when she and her family, including her husband and two sons were arraigned in Belize City for keeping unlicensed ammunition. Due to the nature of the offense, they could not be offered bail at the Magistrate’s Court and eight month pregnant Jaziba was sent to prison along with her husband and two sons. This morning, their new attorney, Richard “Dickie” Bradley, made an application to the court where he presented a report from Jaziba’s doctor in which he listed that she was experiencing premature labour and needed constant attention from a physician.

A Strategic Look at The Sugar Industry

Stakeholders in the sugar industry are meeting to formalize a strategic plan. Love News spoke with Olivia Avilez, cane farmers relations officer at BSI. OLIVIA AVILEZ “BSI and the Ministry of Agriculture along with SIRDI and the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association had discussed prior to these events to have an engagement with their cane farmers to find out their strategic way forward. The industry is at a good position at the moment with ASR as a key player in this industry. They are able to have a good footing at the moment so we are meeting with the cane farmers from the different branches; yesterday we met with a group of cane farmers from the Orange Walk and Corozal Districts. Today what we did was too met with harvesting group leaders to find out what are the harvesting and delivery challenges; what are the obstacles; what are the solutions and who needs to do it. It’s a collaborative effort; it’s one industry that we have; una industria azucarera; that is the theme that we are having this week “Una industria azucarera unidos solificando un negocio because this is about a business and one of the key important messages this morning was that it’s no longer about survival it’s about a business. How can farmers make more cane out of 1 acr; at the current moment there is an average of 17 tons per acre and what will it take to bring that up to 28 tons so that cane farmers are able to take out more cane out of 1 acre. So we are engaging with all the stake holders, all the key players; not only farmers but we have the field technicians. We had a very good session with field technicians to kind of chart our way forward. The Sugar Industry Research and Development institute is a place near here Mr. Marcus Osorio is the director and he has been part of the organizing of this activity along with the Minister of Agriculture which is also one of our very important players, the Government of Belize, Mr. Jose Novelo, FTCC Chairman and Mr. Javier Garcia gave a presentation this morning on harvesting and delivery as well.” A part of the plan includes meeting with the financial institutions. The workshop ends tomorrow.

New Influenza Virus Emerging; Health Officials Updates Plan

The Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Council of Ministers of Health of Central America (COMISCA) is conducting a workshop session today with health care professionals and other key personnel from the Customs and Police Departments. The key objective of the workshop is to provide technical assistance to publish an updated plan to prepare and respond to new emerging influenza viruses. Jorge Polanco “The Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Council of Ministers of Health of Central America (COMISCA) is conducting a workshop session today with health care professionals and other key personnel from the Customs and Police Departments. The key objective of the workshop is to provide technical assistance to publish an updated plan to prepare and respond to new emerging influenza viruses.”

Teenager Freed of Carnal Knowledge Charge

Nineteen year old Antonio Barraza, a Belize City warehouse keeper who was charged with two counts of unlawful carnal knowledge, was freed of charges today when he appeared in Court and was told that the charges were withdrawn on instructions from the Director of Public Prosecutions, Cheryl Lyn Vidal. The complainant, a 15 year old girl, had reported to the police that Barraza had sex with her on two occasions, the first being on March 22, 2012 and the second on December 12, 2012. Police caught Barraza at the western border allegedly attempting to flee along with the girl, who it was alleged he had been living with until the report was made against him.

Love Foundation Endeavors To Help Homeless and Needy

Tonight, Love FM and Love Television will hold the first ever live auction on air. The event is to raise funds for Love Foundation, which is a philanthropic non-government organization that aims to help the less fortunate. It is the brainchild of the Chief Executive Officer of RSV Media Centre, Dr Rene Villanueva Senior, who envisioned taking the service that Love FM and Love TV to a new level. Francis Gegg, the Executive Director of the Love Foundation, explains the purpose behind tonight’s event. Francis Gegg “We can see clearly that there is a whole lot of need in this community; so, we are addressing it from many different levels, many different perspectives. One of which is our (PSA) Public Service Announcements in which we are having a conversation with the community; a conversation that we hope is going to increase awareness of the needs of those in the society who are in greatest need; increase awareness of brotherly and sisterly love; increase awareness of the realization that we are all members of the human family; we are all members of the human Belizean family and when there are those who are in great need...

PlusTV

Canadian National murdered in her Consejo home
The relative peace of Consejo Village, Corozal District was shattered with this week’s latest bloody homicide. At around 7:00 pm police visited the residence of 57 year old Patricia Lynn Nichiporowich, a Canadian National. They arrived at a two story concrete building where they found the lifeless body of Nichiporowich, laying...

Four men charged with murder and robbery of Jorge Blanco
Four city men have been charged in connection with a murder/robbery that occurred last week Friday. On Wednesday, 21-year-old Alton Bailey, along with Roger Hernandez, and 25-year-old Roger Concepcion Middleton, were jointly charge with the murder of Jorge Blanco. The men appeared before the...

Gender neutral rape bill has flaws and omissions
Three widely recognized and well respected attorneys of the Bar Association of Belize have come out and expressed their outright discontent with the bill seeking to amend the criminal code of Belize. This includes President of the Bar Association Eamon Courtney, Gian Ghandi and Audrey Matura Shepherd. Furthermore, there...

PUP to oppose “Gender Neutral” Rape Bill during Friday’s House Meeting
Two committee meetings were scheduled for Wednesday in the Capital, but only one materialized and that is the Constitution and Foreign Affairs Standing Committee. That gathering started at 3:00 Wednesday afternoon. The Committee is meeting to discuss the Criminal Code Amendment Bill (2), or as it has been dubbed “The Gender...

Staff transferred from Ministry of Immigration
PlusNews has confirmed that Minister of State Edmund Castro has sent a letter to Alverine Burgess, the woman who is accusing the Jr. Minister of partaking in an alleged visa quota system and collecting hundreds of thousands of dollars from the scheme. In the letter, Castro is demanding the woman...

Attorney believes Police will not investigate Ministry of Immigration
It has been a little over a month, since alleged unlawful activity within the Ministry of Immigration has surfaced and up till now, we have yet to receive official word from the Police Department on a potential Police investigation. On Wednesday, Attorney at Law Audrey Matura Sheppard told us...

Body of Carlos Valdez retrieved from Mopan River
The only casualty of the excessive flooding experienced this past weekend was that of 65 year old Carlos Valdez. It has been reported that on Monday a little after1:00 pm Mr Valdez was transporting plantain across the Mopan River when his canoe capsized. The search conducted on Tuesday proved fruitless, as the river was...

CWU expelled from NTUCB
As they had been forewarned, the Christian Workers Union (CWU) has been expelled from the umbrella group of the National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB). About 11 days ago, the umbrella union sent out a press release making its position clear; that CWU is compelled to stick to...

Yearwood family awaits attorney’s evaluation on land dispute
We have been following the land quarrel on Cemetery Road in Belize City. For context, in 1933, two families lived on the same plot of land – one was the family of prominent attorney Rodwell Williams; the other, the Yearwood family. The Williams’ family were allowed...

Glenn Tillett’s case against Lois Young, Nestor Vasquez and the SSB continues at Supreme Court
In June of this year, the Court of Appeal allowed media personality Glenn Tillett’s case against Lois Young, Nestor Vasquez and the Social Security Board (SSB) was freed to continue at the Supreme Court by disallowing an objection to a ruling at the lower court. On Wednesday, Chief Justice Kenneth...

Wesley College Students observe Drug Awareness Week
Last week we showed you the parade organized by Gwen Lizarraga High School in support of its Drug Awareness Week. Many schools around the country have taken up the initiative. But the school that has done it the longest – and the best – was in...

Caye Caulker Chronicles

North Caye Stolen Beachfront Success Story
Many of you know that when the new 2012 Caye Caulker Parcel Index Map came out, several of the “beachfront” lots on the North Caye suddenly had lots marked in front of their lots. According to the map, their lots were no longer officially waterfront, even though in reality most still had just water or mangroves in front. Some of the owners got the news when they were applying for the now-required First Registration to obtain their Land Certificates. One of the owners affected was Barry Papworth. He hired Estevan Perera of Godfrey Law to look into reversing the process of the devaluing of his land. Mr. Perera traveled to Belmopan many times to meet with the Minister of Lands, Commissioner of Lands and Heads of Survey Department. His persistence paid off and this month he was able to get the survey with the fake lot in front of Mr. Papworth’s property cancelled! Mr. Perera attempted to get all of the questionable lots cancelled but was told that he would have to represent each property owner individually. He must pursue each lot separately so as to avoid a mistake being made and a true lot inadvertently being cancelled.

Blogs

Birthday at Carlos and Ernie’s Runway Bar and Scaraoke party
Due to all the rain Tina’s 32nd Birthday Bash (with 18 years of experience) Lori decided to switch the venue from Grand Caribe to Carlos and Ernie’s Runway Bar at the last minute. We were planning to pop in for a short bit before heading to trivia at Coco Loco’s Beach Bar but once the Cover Ups started playing and got everyone dancing, I told tacoboy I would hook up with him later, the party was to much fun to leave.

Don Elijio Panti lives on… in Belize and Wyoming (and our hearts)
Having once studied ethnotoxicology (don’t bother asking) at university and still maintaining an interest in the subject, we ran across an article datelined October 29 2013, Jackson Hole, Wyoming from Planet Jackson Hole by Dr Mark Menolascino. Now, Jackson Hole is right up there with Belize in the beauty stakes – a very different but equally mind blowing beauty. So our interest was piqued. It’s a great story, well written, full of interesting stuff, gives a concise background on ethnobotany; all the things we like in an article about a subject near and dear to our hearts from two places we love. Belize and Jackson Hole. God’s reward or mitigation to us for only thieving one apple from the Garden of Eden, some of us believe.

“You Keep Me Hangin’ On” in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize.
Chose a different position this morning to take my coffee (black), my iPad and myself. The rain was coming down (again) when I got up at 05.45 hours this morning (I think that because I have to go up the stairs to go to bed it is making me tireder!) but had stopped by the time I had made my coffee ( black) so I decided to take my chair to the front of the house. First Floor veranda, near the door. Now where was I? In yesterday’s edition I got as far as telling you what progress had been made on our build in Ambergris Caye, Belize up to Tuesday lunchtime. Today’s edition brings you (and me for that matter) up-to-date. Around 13.00 hours Charlie and Jerome arrived to finish off the carpentry that had been so abruptly brought to an end on the previous Saturday when they punctured the water pipe in the Utility Room. . In no time at all they had fitted the shelf and hanging rack

San Ignacio, Cayo’s Best Food Spots
San Ignacio town, or as it’s locally known “Cayo”, is the ideal place to go in Belize if you are seeking adventure. This small quaint town acts a hub for travelers in search of jungle expeditions, tours to ancient Maya cities, caves and countless other eco activities that get you up close to nature. Visitors are also treated to a glimpse of how diverse Belizean culture is. A few ways to experience this is by strolling down Burns Avenue (the main street) and seeing how locals interact, another is by visiting the farmers’ market on Saturdays, but my favourite approach is by eating at the local restaurants and bars. Below are 5 of my favourite food spots in San Ignacio, Cayo.

Significance of colors and patterns of coral reef fishes: an overview
Coral reefs are very colorful ecosystems, probably the most colorful in the oceans, if not the world (Marshall 2000b). The first pioneers had much to say about their beautiful colors. In an expedition around the harbor of Amboyna, Indonesia, Wallace (1886) described: “the clearness of the water afforded me one of the most astonishing and beautiful sights I have ever beheld. The bottom was absolutely hidden by a continuous series of corals, sponges, actinic, and other marine productions of magnificent dimensions, varied forms, and brilliant colours. […] In and out among them, moved numbers of blue and red and yellow fishes, spotted and banded and striped in the most striking manner, while great orange or rosy transparent medusa floated along near surface.” Jacques Yves Cousteau (1971) described the wall of coral from his mask as “a living kaleidoscope of lilac flecks, splashes of gold, reddish streaks and yellows”.

Corozal: Primary School Altar Competition and Exhibit for Dia de los Muertos
Preparations are under way for today's Primary School Altar Competition and Exhibit for Dia de los Muertos. Join us from 10am - 8pm here at the House of Culture to view the altars. A documentary on Hanal Pixan will be shown throughout the day and into the night. This year's Hanal Pixan altar produced by the House of Culture will honour Mr. Edmond Longsworth.

Children from Corozal begin to celebrate Halloween
St. Francis Xavier Primary School - Class of Infant 1 - The school had a halloween dressed day today with treats and tricks at the school grounds..Those who will be trick or treating on public streets during this weekend, please ensure safety at all times...parents please be conscious of your children's plans at all times. Have a safe and enjoyable Halloween celebration!

International Sources

Vancouver woman stabbed to death in Belize home
A 57-year-old Vancouver woman living in Belize was found stabbed to death in her home on Tuesday night. Lynn Nichiporowich was in the process of moving her life to Belize with a new American common-law husband. She had been living in the secluded village of Consejo, a popular retirement destination, for about a year. John Ractliffe, the former brother-in-law of Nichiporowich, worked for the victim's Vancouver-based air quality business, Eco Impact and Mould. He says he was talking to her on the phone just two hours before she was murdered. “When I spoke to her on the phone, she was jolly – everything was good," says Ractliffe. Ractliffe says the family just can't believe what's happened. Nichiporowich's husband was away in Florida at the time of the homicide.

Vancouver snowbird stabbed to death in Belize
A 57-year-old Vancouver woman was stabbed to death amid a botched home invasion of her apartment in a Belize retirement community, according to police from the Central American country. Patricia Lynn Nichiporowich, a snowbird who had operated an environmental services company in Vancouver, was stabbed to death inside her second-storey unit Tuesday night in the wealthy Consejo Shores area of the Corozal District, according to Corozal police's Assistant Supt. Daniel Arzu. "Upon the police entering the building, they saw this Caucasian lady lying face down on the floor in the living room in what appeared to be a pool of blood, with several multiple stab wounds to her neck and body," Arzu said in a telephone interview Thursday.

Books bound for Belize
Robin Sherwood’s goal is to share his love of books with those who would otherwise have very limited access to them. He has been collecting lightly used books from across Alberta, sorting them into boxes, and stacking them in a sea can located in his yard north east of Vermilion. The project stemmed from a trip he and his wife took to Belize last winter. “I had more books in my house, I think, than they had in their library. And that kind of got me thinking a little bit,” said Sherwood. “The next day we went inland, I met an American-educated Belizean archeologist. We started talking and really hit it off…I must have spent two or three hours with him the first day and then I came back to Alberta here and a few e-mails later I’m on my way to Calgary looking for a sea can.” Vermilion Rotary Club President Jean Vidal said the club was happy to get involved, and the response has been outstanding.

Calvin Hill, 66: State representative was principled politician and gentleman
“He was a great leader,” said former state representative and family friend Charlice Byrd, of Woodstock. “He was always out there taking care of constituents. He was a part of the community wholeheartedly.” Hill’s good business sense served him well in the House. He undertook several business ventures in the U.S. and abroad, including a resort hotel in Belize. Don Stevens, of Canton, described Hill as a pragmatic and strategic thinker

Researcher utilizes drone technology
Graduate student Max Messinger pulls his cap low as he rotates towards the late afternoon sun. Controller in hand, his eyes follow the DeaconEye’s path across the sky: its arms and propellers take shape as it approaches and the whirring gets louder and louder, until it’s directly above Messinger. Blades of grass flatten beneath it and Messinger’s shirt billows out like a sail that’s just caught the wind. To onlookers the DeaconEye may appear to be some sort of souped-up, remote controlled airplane. In reality, it’s a $10,000 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that collects critical data for Miles Silman’s climate change research. Silman’s climate change research concentrates on the oft-ignored tropical regions of the planet. He has research sites based in the rainforests of Peru and Belize, requiring him to collect precise data related to leaf temperature and forest health.

Former Destin residents convicted of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, other charges
A father and son used an offshore bank in Belize to launder millions of dollars from the USA. Now both face lengthy jail sentences after they were found guilty of bank fraud and money laundering. Read more about it here: According to a report carried by News Channel 7 in Pensacola, a federal jury there found Gary Wayne Thomas of Daphne, Alabama, and son Brian Keith Thomas, 40 of Birmingham, guilty of laundering $4.5 million dollars in loans to off-shore banks in the Cayman Islands and Belize. The online report says that the men hid the money in 2008 and stopped paying on the $56 million dollars in loans they received from New South Federal Savings Bank.