AmbergrisCaye.com Home Forums Belize Life News Daily news prior to today Today's Belize News: November 10, 2013

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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

Youth Week 2013- "Our voice- Our impact"
Through the Ministry of Education and the Department of Youth Services, Youth Week 2013 is being observed nationwide from November 3rd to Saturday November 9th under the theme, "Our voice, our impact." The week- long activities commenced on Ambergris Caye on Monday November 4th, with a youth rally that was held at the Angel Nu�ez Auditorium. Students of San Pedro High School (SPHS) sat through a program that was solely based on uplifting and encouraging youth. The agenda included a dance by SPHS students Erica Lopez, Diana Cal, Marissa Gonzalez, Tory Lopez, and Jackelyn Caliz, and a song rendition by Elina Palma and Marthalicia Vasquez. Guest Speaker Noel Garwen of Ladyville Technical High School lead a presentation and Lincoln Flowers gave an over view of activities that will be taking place throughout the week. The list of activities to take place include an Ecumenical service, cycling competition, cultural and expressive arts training, Belize Youth Awards, launch of Climate Change Campaign, Reproductive Health Workshop, vehicle and pet wash, and sports exchange.

Dr Paul Beer visits San Pedro Lions Club with gifts from Northeastern Association of the Blind
The San Pedro Lions Club received a donation from the Northeastern Association of the Blind at Albany (NABA), New York, USA on Friday November 1st. Handing over the donation was Dr Paul Beer, a well known visitor to Ambergris Caye and a friend of the San Pedro Lions Club. The two suitcases of items included sunglasses and other reading devices. Dr Beer is no stranger to the island, since he has been an ambassador for the local club, always finding ways to bring donations that will help the efforts of the Lions in Belize. According to Dr Beer, the items donated can be utilized by people who have vision problems. "All of the donated items come from Northeastern Association of the Blind at Albany. They consist of dark sunglasses, most of it being used by people who have had cataract surgery or who have other eye problems and cannot tolerate the bright light. The other suitcase has low vision aids which includes a variety of magnified glasses which is used by people who have decreased vision. These people can use them to read, look at the television or things from a distance."

Frequent visitors to island show appreciation to the crew at Ramon's Village Resort
A group of frequent Ambergris Caye visitors teamed up with the staff at Carlo and Ernie's Runway Bar and Grill in San Pedro Town to give a special treat to the working crew at Ramon's Village Resort on Thursday October 31st. Joe and Debbie McCord, and Dale and Patti Bastin have been coming for the island for many years, and have been guests at Ramon's Village, and after the devastating fire that destroyed a part of the resort, they wanted to bring some smiles and good cheer to the work crew. According to Joe, who has been coming to San Pedro Town for at least 12 years, he pitched the idea to some colleagues and with the support of Carlo and Ernie, who they have known for years, hosted both the staff as well as the workmen who are reconstructing their favorite resort. "We got our newspaper back home (Indiana, USA), and we saw it on Facebook and on the website and people called us to tell us Ramon's Village burnt down. We were coming down and so we decided it would be nice to give a special treat to the people at Ramon's and show them some love. We always say that it is the people who build this island and make it the nice place it is. We know insurance is taking care of the resort but we just wanted to show the people how much we love and appreciate them by way of this small little gesture."

Misc Belizean Sources

VIDEO: On The Mountain Pine Ridge Road
Join me in a short drive on the Mountain Pine Ridge Road. This is only a part of what motorists have to endure every day. A short drive from Taylor Hill into Georgeville on the Mountain Pine Ride Road. This recording was taken on Thursday, November 7, 2013.

Iguana Creek bridge
The Iguana Creek bridge across the Belize River in Blackman Eddy village is flooded.

The New Chechem Ha Falls
The Falls at Chechem Ha got a makeover with all the rains. Still extremely beautiful, of course, and the foliage will grow back in no time. "During the heavy rainfall of late October, the original waterfall at Chechem Ha collapsed creating a new one and with it massive destruction of the rainforest below."

Buy and Sell Classifieds 11-Nov
The latest issue of Cayo's Buy and Sell Classifieds is online. Lots of great info can be found in there.

Pacz Tours New Office
Pacz tours, one of the original Cayo tour operators, has moved their office, literally right next door to their old office. Bigger, better office, same great service. Burns avenue is really looking good. "Pacz Tours, one of the best tour operators in Belize, has moved 5 feet over to a bigger office."

Belize Barrier Reef by helicopter
On luxury travel, I like to go all out to show you just what can be achieved when you truly want to create 'A Trip Of A Lifetime.' Belize was this in every way, but in a completely contrasting way to neighbouring Guatemala. More than half of it is covered in rainforests sheltering indigenous, unique and endangered species. The other half boasts some of the best beaches in the world fringed by the world's 2nd largest barrier reef (190 Miles). Snorkelling and diving here are world-renowned. The Caribbean way of life completes the alluring set. I had the chance to fly by private helicopter from Belize City to Ambergris Caye with Astrum Helicopters . Best experience of my life to date - that is all I can say. I've never seen such dazzling aquamarines and turquoises over offshore Cayes and Atolls. Enjoy the pics!

Invest In Belize
Beltraide has created a new video tha will be airing on airlines as passengers travel across the globe about investing in Belize.

"On the road Again"
The Corozal Daily was out early this beautiful morning, at the junction of Tony's Hotel to witness the annual "RIDE OUT DIABETES 2013" cycle ride sponsored by the Belize Cycling Association. There were both female/male participants. The race started from Corozal at 6:30 A.M. this morning and will finish in Belize City. Riders from Orange Walk will also join in...all in the name of bringing awareness to diabetes and its impact on human life!!!

Channel 7

Hon. Hulse Can't Comprehend Visa Hustle
Last night on the news, you heard Immigration Minister Godwin Hulse speak in his role as a Senator - about the Wednesday's controversial vote in the Upper House. Tonight you'll hear him talk about Immigration matters. Those remain at the forefront of the public discourse - and tonight we'll start our questions at the most basic, to address something that has been overlooked from the entire controversy erupted. How does a Chinese person qualify for a Belizean VISA - and how does hustling enter the picture. Hulse outlined the official process for us: Hon. Godwin Hulse, Minister of Immigration "Our position and policy at the ministry is that every single person coming from the People's Republic of China, not Taiwan need a visa. There are two ways you get a visa; you apply at one of our embassies and we have none in China, so you have to go through a complicated route or you apply here." "To get the visa, you have to send your passport. There is no other way to get it because the visa has to the stuck in the passport, so the passport has to come. Now how you get it here? This same way how we want for example to get a Mexican visa, you can send it with a friend, by courier or however you get in there and somebody has to bring it back, so I never concern myself with how the passports gets here because it have to get here."

Martiza's Mom Worries That Money Matters In The Justice System
At approximately 11:15 yesterday morning, Michael Silva accompanied by his father turned himself into police after 2 years of receiving treatment in another country. He was taken to court and was arraigned for murder- then sent to the Hattieville Prison, where he is now remanded. But while all that was happening, his victim's mother, Maura Larios was unaware and only informed by police afterwards. Maura Larios, Mother of Decease ""I feel bad because they did not inform me yesterday that he came, ahead of time. And I think they should have informed me ahead of time so I could have been at court to hear what it was they were going to say." "Well the detectives came Around 3:30 to tell me that he already returned and that he had court and he was charged for the crime but that he will have court because he has his attorney s to defend himself. Well, I feel bad because they did not inform me."

Felicia Chen Goes To Supreme Court In April To Answer For Killing Her 3 Children
22 year-old Felicia Chen, the woman who is accused of killing her 3 children, will stand trial next year in the April Session of the Supreme Court. That was the result of a preliminary inquiry done today before the Chief Magistrate. The prosecutor presented all the evidence against Chen including witness statements from her only living daughter who is six, and other authorities involved in the case. Presented also were copies of the birth and death certificates of the children along with pictures, and a protection order. When the defence attorney, Antoinette Moore, was asked if they had any alibi witnesses to present to the court, Moore replied that they didn't have any. As we've reported, in April of this year, Chen allegedly took her 3 babies, Triana, Thomas, and Trinaya Teul to the Belizean beach where she drowned them. Her 6 year-old daughter reportedly saw the whole incident unfold.

Men In Coma, Security Guard Remanded
Tonight, 38 year-old Kevin Jex is at prison tonight after he was accused of clubbing a security guard in the back of his head sending the man into a coma. According to police, on Tuesday evening, Desmond Villa was standing in front of the City Council building on North Front Street when a man he knew only as "Pizza" ambushed him and hit him in the back of the head with a piece of wood, causing a huge gash. He fell to the ground in an unconscious state, and had to be rushed to the KHMH. Police investigated, and yesterday, they charged Jex with attempted murder, dangerous harm, and use of deadly means of harm. He was arraigned today before the Chief Magistrate who remanded him to prison until January 7, 2014, his next court date.

Social Partners Half-Accept Saldivar's PAC Compromise
For weeks, we've been reporting on UDP Minister John Saldivar's efforts to get the social partners back on board with the UDP version of PAC. This is after they publicly called it a charade. Saldivar and his UDP Colleagues held meetings with the Council of Churches, the Trade Union Congress and the Churches to try and broach a compromise. Well, today, the Chamber and the NTUCB responded - and in so doing, also briefly touched on the terms of the Saldivar compromise - which up to now, had been a closely guarded secret. It seems his compromise suggested more inclusive membership. But, the Chamber and the NTUCB say they don't agree: instead, they propose a nine member group with 4 from Government, two from the Opposition and all three Social Partners. They agree with Saldivar's proposals that quorum for the meetings be changed to five, and that all Reports of the PAC taken back to the House should include a minority opinion. Overall, they quote, "congratulate the Government of Belize on its efforts to restructure the composition of the PAC." So what's next? Well, we expect a Saldivar counter-proposal which should come next week.

FECTAB Warns Of Mass Discontent On Fort Street Tourism Area
Earlier this week we told you about the taxi operator at the Fort Street Tourism Village who had been detained by police after he allegedly took out a bullhorn and started making his pitch to cruise visitors. His lawyer says he did it out of desperation because the Tourism Board, with a new zoning system had pushed the Taxi Drivers too far away from the area where they can catch customers. Well, apparently, it's not only the taxi drivers who are upset. Today FECTAB held a press conference to say the entire system needs to be re-worked, and urgently before the cruise tourism season starts in earnest after Thanksgiving. Tom Greenwood told the media today that the new system appeared encouraging at first, but soon enough, the gates were locked on the OVER 200 tour guides, taxi drivers, hair braiders and other service providers who gather at the gates:... Tom Greenwood - President, FECTAB "All of a sudden terminal opened again; this is the one with the cover - glory alleluia. This is what we wanted, people started coming out both there and at terminal 2 because it takes time to change back."

Braiders Says They Are Losing Big!
The hair braiders say they are the ones feeling the brunt of it. They say they have been pushed the furthest back and today they told the media that they are making major losses: Vanessa Zuniga, hair braider "We can't even go inside where we were at terminal 2 to get our job, that's where we would get our jobs and all that. Now we have to stay outside." Kizzy Petillo, hair braider "We don't want to be at the park, what will we do at the park? We have to be one and one with the guests - we talk to them. Mr. Longsworth try pleasing us a little bit by having us talking to the guests but with the quick space of time, none of us make any money. There are 16 braiders and he told us that we cannot separate, we are still together in a bombarded way - it's really bad, you guys need to be out there to see the situation." Vanessa Zuniga, hair braider "In two weeks I only make US$3, only that and I have kids going to high school and primary school. What can US$3 do for me?"

Regulating Power and Phone and In Borderless Societies
We regularly feature regional meetings being held in Belize, but this week, once being chaired by the Public Utilities Commission, went unmentioned. It's the 11th. annual conference of the The Organization of Caribbean Utilities Regulators known as OOCUR. This year, over fifty delegates from the Caribbean, U.S., United Kingdom, and Africa are discussingthe "Challenges to Regulatory Power in Borderless Societies." New Chairman John Avery told us more:.. John Avery, PUC Chairman "We try to focus in on this conference are those issues that need to be grapple in a collaborative cooperative manner. Issues that impact the entire region and for which we may not be prepared for. We have been slow to react to and so, basically we are looking at the internet. The internet doesn't respect borders, telecommunications is a global thing right now and more and more we are getting integration of electricity systems. In fact we know Central America is integrated right now. We are looking into the possibility of being a part of that."

Does Sunshine Owe Social Security Mega Bucks?
Approximately 15.1 million dollars of your social security money, plus interest remains in limbo, and it may stay that way until Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin makes a decision next month. The total sum is a result of a case brought by the Social Security Board against Sunshine Holdings Limited, one of the Ashcroft Allied companies. Back in 2005, the company was given a loan of 10 million dollars from SSB to purchase 22.39% shares in Belize Telemedia Limited. The former directors of Sunshine, Dean Boyce and Keith Arnold, say that the company does not owe the money. You may be aware that these men are the very same trustees of the BTL Employees Trust, which has been the local agents of the Ashcroft Alliance in the seemingly endless stream of litigation over the acquisition of the telephone company. When the UDP Administration nationalized BTL, they acquired all the shares held by Sunshine Holdings, so the company didn't make any payments toward the loan to SSB.

Hansel's Mom Is Worried Sick
17 year-old Hansel Garcia, a resident of Dangriga Town has been missing for 3 weeks now, and his family is worried sick about him. His mother, Indira Martinez, has made an official police report, and she continues to search frantically for him. Today, she came all the way from Dangriga to speak to us about her son who has never gone more than a few days without contacting her. She told us that she is hoping for the best, but expecting the worse because Hansel had a quarrel with someone from the Town, which allegedly escalated to death threats before he went missing. Here's her story: Indira Martinez, mother "At this moment I don't Hansel is hiding and I don't think he is playing a game because he knows that I am a person who worries about them. That is why he always try you come and see me or he let his dad know that he is okay." "What I want to know is that what they have done with him. I want them to at least give me his body so I can make a closure within myself and my heart because I know something is wrong with my son."

Rape Bill Still Making Changes
Whatever happened to the so-called rape bill, properly known as Amendment 2 to the Criminal code? The last we told you about it, the final committee consultation had been held, and it would have gone to the House of Representatives for last Friday's House Meeting. But it never went, because the final changes could not have been made in time. Today, Chair of the House Committee on Constitution and Foreign Affairs Patrick Faber told us that all submissions have been considered and several changes were made that people might have been suspicious about. He says the changes were too numerous to be returned to the house before last Friday's house meeting - which was based on the advice of the Deputy Solictor General who told CEO Judith Alpulche and Faber that she was not comfortable that it would be accurate and proper for submission to the House. We reported that Deputy Solicitor General Michelle Daly left the country last week Thursday after the last consultation and would not be back because her contract with the Commonwealth Secretariat was not renewed. Well, that wasn't quite right. Her contract actually ends in January 2014, but she takes terminal leave as of November 11th; those six weeks are accrued under the terms of her contract. As for her contract renewal, she says the Government had verbally indicated a desire to extend it, but only recently wrote to the Commonwealth Secretariat requesting that extension and by then she had made other arrangements.

Ring the Bells for Charity!
Every year, whenever the Salvation Army's Red Kettle bells start ringing, it signals the beginning of the Christmas season. And so it is for this second Friday in November, where the charitable organization launched its fundraising drive today. It is their biggest fund raiser, and at the launch, the regional commander explained to us that they hope that the public supports them, so that they can continue running their outreach programs all over the country: Major Joliker Leandre - Regional Commander "Today is a wonderful day for us although it is raining. We have our Christmas Kettle launch right here. Although it is the official launching, persons have already began to give their donation to the Salvation Army. This is a way for us to publicly invite the public to give the donations so that we can continue with our work here, not only for the Christmas but throughout the year."

Under 16 Footballers Have Promise Of Glory In Them
2 months ago, the Under 15 National Football Team which performed well in the Cayman Islands becoming the first team from Belize to win 3 games in a CONCACAF tournament. Well, the same players are back once again, and they are preparing to participate in the 2013 UNCAF U-16 Tournament, which the Football Federation of Belize gets the honour of hosting. The 6-day tournament is set to start on Monday, November 18, and the FFB is looking for the support of the public attending the games and cheering on the Junior Jaguars. Today, the official line-up of the team was announced, and 7News was there. We got a chance to meet a few of the footballers poised to be the next big names in the country. Here's what they told us: While in camp, the young men still have to keep up-to-date with their homework, so the FFB has hired a tutor. On each night, there will be 3 games played, and because Belize is hosting, the Junior Jaguars will get the opportunity to play the last game of the night. Football fans will get a chance to watch all the games at a cost of $10 for the entrance fee.

FFB Enacting High Standards
Today, the President of the FFB also announced a major change in the way football is developed in Belize. All coaches must now get a license, and they must be trained by representatives from UNCAF and CONCACAF. If they don't, they won't be allowed to coach at any level. The President says that the end result will be better football athletes developed from an early stage, which allows the country to compete at a higher level. Here's how he explained it: Ruperto Vicente, President, FFB "Come 2015 no coach who have not been trained by the Football Federation of Belize or even license by the Football Federation of Belize will not be able to coach in this country. Those days are behind us. Every coach that coaches our football players must be trained and license by the Football Federation of Belize and extension by UNCAF, CONCACAF and FIFA. We have more training coming for our coaches in March. FIFA is providing us with coaches who are trained."

Belize's Best Young Volleyballers
At this hour, the 2013 Volleyball National Championships is underway at the SJC Gymnasium. The best male and female high school teams from the 4 regions of the country are competing against each other for first place and bragging rights. It's usually an intense competition and this evening, 7News stopped by to see the opening matches. The N Triple S A representative explained to us how the competition is to run, and which high school teams made it to the nationals. Here's what he told us about the level of play when compared to the rest of Central America:

PM Recovering After Back Surgery
And, as we close tonight, an update on Prime Minister Dean Barrow. He underwent back surgery on Wednesday at the DISC Sports & Spine Center in Newport Beach California. The surgery went well, and we've learned that Neurological Spine Surgeon Robert Bray removed a build-up of scar tissue from a previous surgery which PM Barrow had done in Belize 11 years ago. The Press office reports that the surgery took two and a half hours and shortly after he was alert and able to walk. He remains under observation and it won't be known for a few days whether the surgery succeeded in alleviating his chronic, acute back pain. As has been reported, PM Barrow has three herniated disks.

The Belize Times

Belmopan Goes Blue!
More bad news for the Dean Barrow and the UDP. This time coming from the voters of Belmopan, the capital of Belize. Despite inclement weather, they came out by the thousands, the strongest signal yet that John Saldivar's days are numbered and as our Party leader has said, it is the beginning of the end for Barrow and the UDP. Four impressive PUP candidates Dr. Amin Hegar, Oscar Mira, and Patrick Andrews, entered the contest for Belmopan Standard Bearer ready to do their part to bring down Belize's worst Prime Minister, the dishonorable Dean Barrow. Newcomer Ruth Logan and Oscar Mira brought added energy and enthusiasm to the PUP supporters in Belmopan. Experienced warrior Dr. Hegar galvanized his supporters. They all pledged their full support to the winner Patrick Jason Andrews to ensure a victory in the general elections.

Illegal CENTRAL BANK Governor!
It is clear that the present UDP government is hell bent on breaking the Laws of Belize in every aspect. Recent reports coming out of the Ministry of Finance is that the Prime Minister is resisting pressures being brought on him to renew the contract for ...

Will cane farmers boycott Nov 25th crop start date? - Farmers demand benefits from bagasse, ASR stonewalls
November 25th has been set as the opening date of the 2013-2014 sugar cane crop season, but if relations between the Yankee owners of the sugar factory and cane farmers continue deteriorating that will not be the case. Led by the fiery Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association (BSCFA), ca�eros have intensified their lobbying for a new agreement with the privately-owned Belize Sugar Industries (BSI), in which farmers would be paid not only for the sugar produced from the cane, but also for the waste product known as bagasse. This waste product is used by BSI to produce electricity, through its cogeneration plant, which is sold to Belize Electricity Limited. Cane farmers want in.

UDP Blocks Senate Investigation into Immigration Scandal - Senator Lisa Shoman says Senate President's vote was unconstitutional!
The greatest travesty to Belize's democracy occurred yesterday, Wednesday November 6th, when a Senate motion introduced by Lead Opposition Senator, Lisa Shoman, to investigate the biggest scandal to rock the Ministry of Immigration was blocked by the UDP-appointed Senators. The UDP displayed monumental arrogance and abuse of power in their planned attempt to obstruct a proper and much needed investigation into the criminal actions of several Ministers at the Immigration Departments where nationality certificates, passports and visas have been sold off for personal gain. ...

Think About It
A DAY OF SHAME Well, there it is people. The government had it all planned. The six government-appointed Senators were to vote against a motion for a Senate Inquiry and if the three social sector Senator voted along with the three opposition Senators, the UDP President of the Senate ...

For God's Sake, Stop It!!
By G. Michael Reid As predicted, last Friday's sitting of the House of Representatives followed the script to a tee. Instead of addressing the issues on everybody's minds, the Prime Minister went digging for dirt on the People's United Party. After spending the entire day attacking Max Samuels (who has not ...

Six is Not Half-dozen
Barrow and the UDP are taking Belizeans for fools. They think we are stupid. It is undeniable that a crime has been committed by Elvin Penner. It is also clear that the UDP are playing political games, pretending to punish him. There was a big song and dance for Penner to resign. ...

SCA & SJC set new records in volleyball
Belize City, October 30, 2013 19-time defending national champ St. Catherine's Academy and the 3-time defending champ St. John's College will represent the Central Region at the high school volleyball championship hosted by St. John's College at the SJC Gym on ...

Bandits rise to No.1 in PLB football Bandits rise to No.1 in PLB football
Belmopan, November 2, 2013 The Belmopan Bandits lead the Premier League of Belize after they came from behind to win 2-1 against the up-to-then undefeated Belize Defence Force at the Carl Ramos Stadium in Dangriga on Saturday night. Vallan Symns' perfectly executed ...

Rigo Vellos retains Mr. Belize title Cricel Castillo wins Ms. Body Fitness
Belize City, November 1, 2013 Rigo Vellos won the Mr. Belize bodybuilding championship organized by the Belize Body Building Federation at the Bliss Institute held last Friday night. Ben Mckoy, the seven-time Mr. Belize champ, presented the trophies and prizes. Meanwhile, Cricel ...

AMAZING GRACE - Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People?
I was ambling along on the internet one day when I stumbled upon a quote from Mark Twain. It was so breathtaking that I didn't understand it (yes, the quote was the problem, not me). Mark Twain commented, "I was gratified to be able to answer promptly, and I did. ...

Corruption vs. Tax Reform & Systems
By Richard Harrison Belize is like a ship with most of the weight on one side, out of balance, floating in turbulent seas, with big leaks. The ship is out of balance because the owners of the ship have systematically implemented rules and systems that go against the basics of sailing and ...

Let's Bring Awareness to Teenage Depression
By Dr. Angela Banner Joseph In life, we all sometimes have bouts of the blues. Sometimes you may get one of many symptoms: despair, feelings of tiredness, apathy, lack of interest, angry outbursts, or destructive behavior, which can happen at unexpected moments for an extended period in your life. These moments ...

Like a sears catalogue of scandals
The Prime Minister of Belize and his Administration have lost all moral ground to govern this country. Almost every member of his Cabinet has been daubed by the brush of corruption, perceived or real. Corruption plagues the Police who seem to be nothing more than ...

A New Vision�.for a New Revolution
By C. Trench-Sandiford - Deputy Party Leader "Where there is no vision, the people perish." Proverbs 29:18 The book of Proverbs in the Holy Bible is described as the 'book of the wise'. 63 years ago, the Rt. Hon. George Price and a group of men and women had a vision for ...

REFLECTIONS ON THE PUBLIC SQUARE
By Francis W. Fonseca MY FELLOW BELIZEANS: Forty-five days after the UDP Representative for Cayo North East was asked to resign from Cabinet for fraudulently and corruptly signing a Nationality Certificate and facilitating the issuance of a Belizean Passport to an international criminal sitting in a Taiwanese prison cell, the Belizean people ...

BYM calls on Ministers of Youth to address delayed National Youth Development Policy
Hon. Patrick Faber Minister of Youth, Education & Sports City of Belmopan Hon. Herman Longsworth Minister of State Ministry of Youth City of Belmopan Dear Sirs, October 27, 2013 marked EIGHT MONTHS since the very spirited and timely unveiling of the National Youth Development Policy was held at the Bliss Center for the Performing Arts in ...

Northern public transportation needs fixing!
Dear Editor, I write as a student and as a regular commuter to bring attention to a serious issue regarding the public transportation that needs to be addressed. For the past four years I have been travelling from Belize City to Orange Walk Town and vice-versa. From my experience, I can ...

Blogs

Maya Air gets a Life Pak 500 from Bandage International
Bandage international takes their role of first aid training very seriously. It is clear they believe in their work, have a passion for what they do and set high quality training standards. They also have a strong understanding of Ambergris Caye and our safety needs. After the two day first aid class, Bandage International announced they are donating a Lifepak 500 Defibrillator to Maya Island Air not only because of their central location but their ongoing transportation support to Bandage International. Maya Air will be joining the first aid program and working with the San Pedro Belize Red Cross to receive ongoing first aid training and defibrillator training. Torrential rain put the kibosh on us yesterday, we did not want the camera crew taking all their big expensive gear to Maya Air in the rain, plus we were pretty sure the airline had enough on it's plate with soggy people and minor weather related flight delays. After waiting for the weather to clear and a bit of back and forth we came to the consensus that 9:00am today was a better option. At 5:00am this morning I was hopeful as the sky grew light, unfortunately that hope got soggy fast. It just started pouring again and I immediately started my prayers to Maya rain God Chac - 'Please let the sky clear enough for Bandage International and the documentary camera crew at 8:30 am to get their equipment to Maya Air dry.'

Placencia, Belize: Candy Colored Cuteness, Coffee And Desserts
I've only been to Placencia in Southern Belize two times but based on the number of pictures that I've taken? It feels like much more. The town is so cute and the food is so good, I just love it. My last post from this trip featured The Seaspray Hotel, the duelling (in my mind) bars, Barefoot and Tipsy Tuna and a look down the sidewalk� Here are some more pictures around town. Signs on the sidewalk. A very pretty breadfruit tree with some small fruit. These things grow to be HUGE.

International Sources

Remarkable Colorized Photos Will Let You Relive History
One thing we really need to thank the internet for: colorized historical photographs. Of course, the phenomenon comes to us courtesy of Photoshop and the talented editors who transformed black and white images into digital works of art. We're just happy we get to feast our eyes upon them. Thanks to a Reddit user named Brinkman87, we have a plethora of polychromatic snapshots that bring history back to life. Behold, some of the best colorized photos on the web:

How to Plan the Perfect Belize Getaway
You're planning a trip to Belize, chances are you've already pulled up images of tucans perched in the jungle, the laid-back shores of Ambergris Caye, or maybe the view from top resorts like Francis Ford Coppola's Turtle Inn and the luxury El Secreto, so named for its sense of deep seclusion and privacy. But what is it about this Central American tropical retreat, equipped with 240 miles of rugged coastline, that places it one step ahead of the pack from neighboring countries like Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras? A new tourism video released this week attempts to answer that question with a series of vivid snapshots (local villagers erupting into laughter, palm trees rustling in the breeze, white sailboats bobbing atop translucent blue-green waters) all edited into a two-and-a-half-minute sizzle reel. The campaign, captioned "Collect Memories Not Things," is enough to make you want to book a flight and go. As in, tomorrow.

Belize: An Insider's Guide to Ambergris Caye
Just an hour's water taxi ride from Belize City, Ambergris Caye serves as the gateway to snorkeling at the world's second largest barrier reef and diving at the infamous Blue Hole. While on the island, enjoy delicious seafood in the fishing village of San Pedro, incredible wildlife, and more. Here's a guide to where to eat, what to do, and where to stay on "La Isla Bonita." Where to Eat: It's impossible to mention all the great restaurants on Ambergris Caye. Let's start with Waraguma, though, because I can't stop thinking about their lobster burrito - stuffed with rice and lobster meat, drenched in a rich broth and topped with more lobster. The small restaurant does seafood right and at some of the most reasonable prices you'll find in Belize. Elvi's Kitchen is a San Pedro institution. The restaurant serves a mix of seafood, Belizean standards like stew chicken with rice and beans, and American favorites, including cheeseburgers and buffalo wings. If you're in San Pedro on Friday night, don't miss the Mayan feast, featuring traditional Mayan dishes such as pibil (pork), mole, and handmade corn tortillas. For a unique experience, make the effort to find El Fogon, tucked along a side street near the airport. You'll sit at picnic tables under a thatched roof as local fare and fresh seafood are prepared in the open air. Opt for the three-course dinner in the evening, which includes an appetizer (try the fish balls), entr�e, and key lime pie for dessert.

The Best of Belize on a Budget
Belize has its share of trendy resorts and exclusive retreats, but you don't have to spend a small fortune to enjoy its lush jungles, Mayan ruins, and Caribbean coastline. With a little planning, you can afford to snorkel, dive, and explore this exotic locale on any budget. What to Do: Belize is for the active vacationer, there's no doubt about that. Snorkel off the world's second largest barrier reef, dive into the depths of the Blue Hole, and deep-sea fish. Inland, climb to the top of Mayan temples, hike through the jungle to waterfalls, and explore caves filled with broken pottery and artifacts. To make the most of your vacation dollars, take advantage of the complimentary bicycles, kayaks, catamarans, and golf carts available at your hotel or resort, as well as any free activities offered. (For example, Ian Anderson's Caves Branch Adventure Company & Jungle Lodge offers free cheese tastings while Hickatee Cottages in southern Belize hosts weekly Garifuna drumming lessons.) Also, don't miss out on Belize's national parks, like Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary (entrance is about $5), and archaeological sites, such as Altun Ha (entrance is about $5).

Inspired Travel: The Great Blue Hole
If you're an avid scuba diver or adventure junkie, you've probably heard of, or maybe even experienced the Great Blue Hole in the Belize Barrier Reef (an UNESCO World Heritage Site). Around 10,000 years ago, the hole's roof collapsed to reveal the previously concealed cave below. Measuring at around 1,000 feet in diameter (and around 412 feet deep), the cave sits in the Lighthouse Reef and it is close to a perfect circle. At low tide, some of the reef (the white part in photos) actually protrudes from the water. The warm water and incredible visibility around the hole make the area great for beginner divers. If you're looking to dive the cave, go with a professional company to be safe (there are plenty of options).

Belize's Ambergris Caye: Four Great Places to Stay
If you're thinking of visiting Belize for a reef-meets-rainforest romantic getaway or honeymoon, there are still a few months left to make it happen before the rainy season ups the humidity (from July through October). One of Belize's top destinations, especially for divers and snorkelers who want to explore Hol Chan Marine Reserve (I have never seen more varieties of fish in one spot!) and the Blue Hole (a very cool landmark that's a 400-foot-deep sinkhole in the reef), is Ambergris Caye. A long, slender barrier island, Ambergris is home to a wide array of beach resorts and the whimsically ramshackle town of San Pedro, where there seem to be more golf carts zipping by than on a public course on a busy holiday weekend. On a recent visit, I discovered that each of the island's resorts has a distinctly different personality (that's the sexy and eclectic ambiance of Matachica Resort & Spa shown at left), so read on for details on four top properties to see which is right for you:

Learning more about the CCJ
British Caribbean Bank Ltd vs Attorney General of Belize By By Kiady Brown Norman Manley Law School Story Created: Nov 9, 2013 at 7:58 PM ECT Story Updated: Nov 9, 2013 at 7:58 PM ECT The case of British Caribbean Bank Ltd vs Attorney General of Belize arose out of a decision to nationalise the telecommunications industry in Belize. In 2009 the Government took over Belize Telemedia Ltd ("Telemedia") and in 2011 it passed legislation to acquire the loan and mortgage owed by Telemedia to a Turks and Caicos company - British Caribbean Bank Ltd ("BCB"). In response, BCB challenged the acquisition legislation in the Belizean courts, arguing that it violated the Constitution. BCB also started foreign arbitration proceedings, relying on an investment treaty between the governments of Belize and the United Kingdom. The treaty provided for the use of foreign arbitration to settle disputes between the Government of Belize and English companies. The government obtained from a Belize judge an injunction to stop the arbitration on the basis that it was unfair for BCB to pursue both arbitration and Belizean court proceedings.

Leaders in self-denial as Caribbean economic crisis worsens
ST LUCIA'S Prime Minister Dr Kenny Anthony says that there is a grave economic crisis gnawing away at Caribbean countries and "governments are busy looking inward - each busy with their own agenda rather than pursuing a Caribbean solution to the economic crisis". Not for the first time Dr Anthony has dared to tread where many other Caribbean leaders have shied away. Describing it as a "tragedy of the times", he charged that governments are "engaged in one form or another of self-denial" while the Caribbean is "in the throes of a major crisis like it has never ever experienced before". Dr Anthony did not say something not previously said by regional commentators, foreign aid agencies and multilateral institutions. But now it has come from a prime minister who was previously legal counsel to the Secretariat of the 15-nation Caribbean Community and Common Market (Caricom) and, earlier, a lecturer at the University of the West Indies deeply immersed in the many challenges and limited prospects of small states.