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Specials and Events
Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5 and CTV3
Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, and the Dickie Bradley Specials
The San Pedro Sun
The Belize Fisheries Department report an increase in marine exports
The Belize Fisheries Department has reported a 46% increase in marine product export for the year 2013. Of a reported $24,997,526.70 in marine export revenue, fish fillet was the most valuable and the northern waters of Belize proved to house highly productive marine ecosystems, contributing $13,986,395 of that figure. Queen Conch product was the largest export, coming in at 965,068.9 pounds for 2013. Spiny Lobster and whole fish were also prominent exports, totaling at 547,638.5 and 525,879.7 pounds, respectively. Both lobster and conch are seasonal marine products and fetch high prices at international markets such as the USA and Mexico. 432,000 pounds of sea cucumber, a marine invertebrate not commonly consumed in Belize, was also exported to supply the Asian and Guatemalan market. Sea cucumber is considered a delicacy in Asia and is sold at relatively high prices. Like the conch, lobster, and grouper, the sea cucumber is also a seasonal product.The Belize Fisheries Department informs sea cucumber fishermen that renewal of licenses for 2014 will run from February 19 to February 28, 2014.
BIOPAMA trains regional officers using Belize's robust protected areas system
The multi-million dollar project, now in the second of its four year tenure, is expected to impact 11 of the world's 25 biodiversity hotspots which are all found in ACP countries. BIOPAMA covers terrestrial and marine protected areas (MPA). What gives the project more emphases in MPAs in this region is the fact that the Caribbean has roughly three times more marine areas that are protected than on land. "ACP countries are hotspots for biodiversity but because of the lack of resources, whether it is human or financial, we realize that it is not being protected and sustained the way it should be. BIOPAMA is meant to give support where the support is not there and increase the human capacity to be able to better protect the areas and improve in protected area management," said Vaughn.
According to Vaughn, in the Caribbean, MPAs are more developed than terrestrial protected areas, with Belize having one of the strongest MPA systems. For that reason, countries that are facing challenges in MPAs have been identified and invited to see firsthand how they are managed in Belize. Junior Marine Protected Area Officers, who conduct the day-to-day job in protected areas, were invited to attend the capacity building initiative. "Junior level professional require some exposure; they are young and have ideas. They have come into a system that for some, it may be frustrating depending on the type of set up they have. Others are coming from a system that doesn't exist at all because there are countries that are new to protected areas. We decided to bring them to Belize because this country has a good history of protected area management. For the region, Belize has a robust protected areas management system. Of course while all is not perfect, there are success stories that can be useful to these participants, who can then strengthen what they are doing, or even develop policy papers," explained Vaughn.
Grand Opening: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
On Saturday February 8th, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints officially opened their doors to the community as they inaugurated their new building with an Open House and dedication service. Located on Seagrape Drive, the new church is spacious and has several rooms including an air conditioned central chapel, and several classrooms with topics such as family history and temple, primary, young men and young women, relief society and priesthood, and a Bishop's office.
Hey Blue Water Grill, 'Sushi-Me' Please!!
When it comes to eating out, I am biased. Ambergris Caye simply has the best eats; there, I said it. Restaurants and eateries cater to even the most finicky of taste buds. Topping the list of places to dine at is Blue Water Grill (BWG), especially as on Tuesdays and Thursdays, you're looking at sushi night. Visitors and residents alike love the variety of Chef Chris Aycock's creations. From the veggie rolls to the adventurous Sashimi, Nigiri and the aforementioned Monkey Brains - there is something for even the most hesitant diner.
Chef Chris promised us a plethora of his divine creations, but first, he took away the soy sauce�! Wait, what was happening?! Don't we need that sauce for the meal? Oh�Chris explained that each of our special dishes came with its own sauce. I look over to the boss - 'ooohhh�we're special!!' Always known it, but love that it's acknowledged! (Ha).
Belize Bobsled Team training for big event
Go Belize!!!!!
Kathy Augey, Larry Pelotte, Robert W Spica and Connie Fournier-Nelson.
Ambergris Today
Celebrity Talk Show Host Chelsea Handler Vacations in Belize
When Astrum Helicopters hovers above Ambergris Caye residents start to wonder which celebrity is being brought to the island. It has become widely known that A-List celebrities acquire the services of Astrum to be flown directly from the international airport to destinations around the country.
Case in point, this past weekend word had it that celebrity talk show host of E! Network's Chelsea Lately, Chelsea Handler was in Belize. Rumors spread that she was staying at Victoria House and spending time at Rojo Lounge in Ambergris Caye. But over the weekend Ambergris Today got hold of a picture of Chelsea Handler in southern Belize.
Alfa Iguana at Belize's Green Iguana Conservation Project Dies
The many students and visitors who have visited the Green Iguana Project Site at the San Ignacio Resort Hotel in the Cayo District had the privilege to meet Gomez, a three foot iguana who was sort of the king of the iguanas and the main attraction at the project site. It is very sad to report that the beloved alpha male Gomez died last week. The many students and visitors who have visited the Green Iguana Project Site at the San Ignacio Resort Hotel in the Cayo District had the privilege to meet Gomez, a three foot iguana who was sort of the king of the iguanas and the main attraction at the project site. It is very sad to report that the beloved alpha male Gomez died last week.
Pic of the Week:
Go Island Tubing in Caye Caulker
We just recently highlighted one of Belize's newest tours on our iTravel Belize page, Island Tubing in Caye Caulker. The tour takes you around the island while you relax while being gently dragged in an inner tube sipping on some rum punch. It is total relaxation at its best in Belize. Here is another image of the tour as the 'Island Tubbers' pass by the famous Caye Caulker Split.
Misc Belizean Sources
Antoinette's Day Spa Opens
Antoinette's Day Spa has moved to Cayo, and it's now officially open. It's a full service spa, and they offer many different massage modalities, along with manicures and pedicures. They are located at 30 Cahal Pech Street, and you can email them at [email protected].
Rotary Repairs Playground at OLoG
Rotarians from Canada that partner with the Belmopan chapter came back to check up on and fix the playground that they originally put in at Our Lady of Guadalupe. Thanks, Rotary!
"Recently Rotarians from Canada returned to repair playground equipment that they initial brought from their home country. Some local Rotarians helped as well...great for our fellow Rotarians from Canada to come back to make sure that the equipment is in good shape!"
PACT announces grants
Today, Monday, February 17, 2014, PACT, accompanied by Honorable Senator
Lisel Alamilla, Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Sustainable Development,
held a small Grant Award Ceremony at the Belize Audubon Society's Office in
Belize City, where it awarded $356,253.75 in two new medium-sized project
grants!
The two grants were awarded to the Belize Audubon Society and Programme
for Belize. The Belize Audubon Society's project is entitled: Enhancing St
Herman's Blue Hole National Park (SHBHNP) through new infrastructure,
mapping and management plan and is for a total of $199,998.75. St.
Herman's Blue Hole National Park is one of the more visited sites co-managed
by the Belize Audubon Society.
Chikungunya
Health authorities say persons who have contracted the mosquito borne disease, Chikungunya, should remain home as Dominica recorded more than 31 cases of the disease so far.
Chikungunya is a viral disease that is spread by the aedes aegypti mosquito and the island recorded its first case on January 16 this year.
"The numbers keep changing on a daily basis � we have a number of suspected cases and we have a number of confirmed cases. The last count that we have in terms of confirmed cases was 31 cases and we have other persons who have not been confirmed.
"We're asking the persons with the disease to remain at home and to use mosquito nets when they are sleeping and other persons to use mosquito repellents as well," said Chief Medical Officer Dr David Johnson, adding that it was advisable that people take precautionary measures to reduce the risk of spreading the disease.
Rape of 19 year old in San Pedro
On Saturday, February 15, 2014 at about 10:30 a.m. a 19 year old woman of San Juan Area, San Pedro Town visited the police station and reported that at about 12:00 a.m. on the same date she left her house with one of her female friends and went socializing with other friends. At about 3:00 a.m. she said that she was ready to go back home and so her friend decided to accompany her as far as the Central Park. She further stated that she continued to walk home and noticed that she was being followed by a male person she knows. Upon reaching home at about 4:00 a.m. she reportedly locked her door when about 2 minutes later she heard a knocking on her door. She stated that she went to open the door because she thought that it was her female friend who had returned. As she opened the door she saw the same male person that was following her at the door. He then reportedly forced himself inside her home and forcible had sexual intercourse with her against her will. Police are seeking one man as investigations continue.
SS Board buys into Citrus Products Limited
The Honorable the Prime Minister Mr. Dean Barrow announced this morning that Belize Social Security Board will be buying into Citrus Products of Belize Limited. More details coming shortly.
FISHING REPORT: Week of February 8 - 15th , 2014
We are just giddy around here. We had two months of rain and some pretty tough weather. This week we have our beautiful Belize weather back here on Ambergris Caye! Anglers and non anglers alike enjoyed the beautiful sunrises and days filled with sea breeze under sunny blue skies. Julie has been to EP the last three years celebrating her birthday! It's so much fun to see our repeat guests. David and Lea have returned to fish with Captain Kechu, and Rob, Kyra and Tegan are pretty much super stars around here. It was a week where hearts were captured by the special fish that make dreams come true. Through fishing, families spend time together and friends reunite for laughs and more stories to share down the road. Thank you for a beautiful week of fish and hearts.
Official inauguration of the Santa Elena Library Renovation and Expansion Project
Talented kids, visionary leaders and a community working together to better Belize! (5 photos)
SHOOTING INCIDENT
Acting upon information of a shooting incident, Ladyville Police visited the Ladyville Basketball Court where initial investigation revealed that Arlene Bainton, 37, was along with Ornan Joseph Avila, 16, where they were watching a basketball game when they heard gun shots. People began running and some laid flat on the ground trying to shield themselves. They felt something warm running from their feet and a result both persons realized that they had been wounded. Investigation revealed that the shooter came from behind the fence of the basketball court and fired shots from a shot gun in the direction of the bleachers. Bainton received gun shots to the left side of the temple, foot and arm and Avila received to the left chest, inside the left lower arm and his left foot.
Both persons where taken to BDF hospital in a stable condition, where doctor certify their injuries as wounding. Police are seeking one man pending investigations.
Regional body moves to protect spiny lobster
BELIZE CITY -- The executive committee of the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) says it is working on "legal instruments" to strengthen regional cooperation for the conservation, management and sustainable use of the spiny lobster and the protection of its habitat.
The 22ndmeeting of the (CRFM) executive, which concluded Friday in Kingstown, St Vincent and the Grenadines, saw a two-day deliberation on matters such as coral reef management, the lobster fishery, and cooperation between CARICOM States and the French Islands in fisheries.
"The Committee addressed a number of important regional initiatives designed to ensure sustainable use of our fisheries resources and protect the marine ecosystems," said Milton Haughton, CRFM Executive Director.
The CRFM executive committee consists of representatives of six member states of the regional inter-governmental fisheries organisation. The membership of the committee is drawn from the Caribbean Fisheries Forum, a group of government officials, fishers and representatives of private companies from CARICOM states tasked with providing technical support to the CRFM.
Moto Cross Race 4 Pictures
The Belize Moto Cross Association got some great pictures from their 4th race which they had at the Peter August stadium in Santa Elena.
"What a GREAT RACE it was. The track was in Perfect Condition, Had a lot of Riders that participated. We want to Thank All the Riders, and Fans That came Out. The guys that prepared the Track. And Also A HUGE THANK YOU to Our Great Sponsors, without them there would be No Race. Sponsors are Makita, Universal Hardware, Tropic Air, Infinite Wireless, Motor Solutions, Maranco, Southwest Construction."
Architects of Human History
By Abdulmajeed K. Nunez
When Garinagu talk about Ahari
They are talking about Annikai or Annikari
The architects of human history
February is the month of Black History
What an irony?
It's amazing how our story has been commercialized by the oligarchy
Hell bent on being subjects of the monarchy
We noh di teach our pickney
Their rich heritage, culture and legacy
Di tell dem rass bout slavery mi betta fi wi
When Africa was the cradle of humanity
Timbuktu is the blueprint of all modern universities
We have made the slave master our deity
They have used religion to enslave wi
By having us subscribe to religiosity
Ignoring our African spirituality
Calling it necromancy, we even gave the world freemasonry
Which they stole and corrupted calling it Illuminati
Surprise Wedding Proposal Dive Video
Here's a very special dive for all our divers! Congratulations to Todd and Kristina!
BRAS for Belize!
Got Bras?? Women in Belize need good quality bras! Donate cash (here!), gift cards, or new/gently-used bras to BRASforBelize so we can help very deserving women in Belize in a very personal way!
I am an archaeologist and have been working in the country of Belize every summer for the past seven years. I work at an important ancient Maya city called Xunantunich. Just across the Mopan River from Xunantunich is the village of San Jose Succotz, or just Succotz for short. Not far down the road is Benque Viejo del Carmen (Benque for short) and the larger town of San Ignacio. Over my summers in Belize, I have become very close with so many amazing Belizean women from these places! My friend Sylvia Batty (a strong Belizean women and up-and-coming Belizean archaeologist) and I want to give back to Belizean women in very personal ways. There is a huge need for adequate women's undergarments in Belize. Donations to BRAsforBelize will impact women's daily lives! Donated funds and gift cards will be used to purchase good quality bras in the US (we are bargain hunters!). Donated bras and those we purchase will be distributed to women living throughout the country of Belize and particularly in rural areas. I will travel to Belize in May to conduct archaeological research and I'll pack every last bra I can into my luggage and any extra bags I can afford!
Western Ballaz Defeat Orange Walk
The Western Ballaz travelled to Orange Walk this weekend to play the Orange Walk Running Rebels. They won the game, 80 to 70, making them the number 1 team in the Elite League. Thanks to Tarun for the great pictures and collage.
The Western Ballaz are hosting the Dangriga Warriors this Saturday night at the Sacred Heart College auditorium. Please come out and support them as they remain the best in the league.
"10% luck 20% skill 15% concentrated power of will 5% pleasure 50% pain and 100% reason to remember the name! 2-0 watch the WESTERN BALLAZ live in action ad they play their first home game, February 22 (this saturday )8pm @ SHC Auditorium!!!"
Reconstructing the Youths Mentality for National Development
Some people might ask, what is "Reconstructing the Youth Mentality for National Development"?
Well, in my professional perspective, the majority of our young people in Belize is poor and thus, is OVERLOOKED.
The system TOLERATES this.
We, at the Teens Belize Organization say that this must change.
There is URGENT NEED for reconstructing the youth mentality if our youths are to take Belize to economic prosperity.
Currently, the majority who is poor, and are at a disadvantaged, just "go" with the flow. But they have potential, but it's no use they advance this potential because the system generates a sense that "it's the survival of the fittest".
How about "the fittest who survive" help those who didn't survive the system? Have our people "up there" ever thought of that?
A careful person should provide help to those in need. It is in the midst of all the "Rackle & Tackle" of society that this reconstruction begins.
Shotgun taken in Corozal burglary
Police officers in Corozal town are are seeking the assistant of the general public in locating a firearm that was stolen from Lorenzo Reyes.
On Valentine's Day, February 14, Corozal Police were called to the Village of San Andres where businessman Lorenzo Reyes reported that someone had broken into his residence.
Upon making checks Reyes noted that his licensed 12-gauge Mossberg Brand Pump Action Shotgun, valued at $ 2,500, an undisclosed amount of money and jewelry were stolen in the burglary.
Caye Caulker Sailing Club Fundraiser
The Caye Caulker Sailing Club will be having a fundraiser this Saturday starting at 10AM. We are looking for sponsors who are willing to donate towards our raffle. It can be a type of tour, dinner or hotel stay. Anything that you are willing to donate is welcome. If you would like to donate some sort of food for us to sell we will appreciate it as well. We are also asking for anyone who would like to offer their help, they are willing to come. We are having a meeting today at Mr. Neil Bradley (Madelin's Hardware by Paradiso Cafe) at 6p.m. so if you would like to be a part of the club or hear what are our plans feel free to come by. Everyone is welcome as well as their ideas to have a successful fundraiser! We will greatly appreciate all the help we can get as all this effort is for the kids. I am once again asking for any parent who would like to have their kids be a part of this club. Sign up sheets will be available on Saturday and it is free. All we ask is dedication from parent and child. This is a serious activity. It will not only give Caye Caulker a name but also your child will have the opportunity to become great sailors and compete against the top sailors from the rest of the country. Our kids attended the Corozal Regatta last week and did exceptionally well for their first time! Your child can be a part of this exciting recreational activity. Please contact me at the Island Link or call me at 226-0592 if you are interested.
Channel 7
Man Shoots Into Crowd In Ladyville, Injures 3
Public terror was unleashed last night in Ladyville when a gunman opened fire on a crowded public event at the community basketball court.
It happened at around 8:30 when the gunman pulled out a shotgun and without any regard for the crowd - which included children - shot at a group sitting in the bleachers.
Innocent people got shot, while many others could have been hurt, or even killed because the gunman fired indiscriminately. Daniel Ortiz went to Ladyville today to find out what happened:
Daniel Ortiz reporting
Public Terror unfolded last night here at the Ladyville Basketball court when a family function was broken up at the sound of shotgun blasts.
Around 200 villagers and their children were at a PUP event organized to be a sports day. It was supposed to be an outing of activities to promote peaceful and enjoyable interactions, but somehow, violence made its way into the event.
"Beefing" At Club Leads To Southside Shooting
There was another shooting which happened early on Saturday morning. At around 3:00 am, 27 year-old Robert Tracey was walking on Central American Boulevard, and when he got to the Boots Crescent intersection, someone shot at him. One of the shots struck him in his back, but fortunately, he was rushed to the KHMH in time to receive treatment.
Today, 7News spoke with the Officer Commanding Police Precinct 1, Superintendent Alden Dawson. He explained that police believe that this shooting is connected to a prior incident which happened after the Friday night opening of the BTL Park.
Superintendent Dawson worked to help secure the event, and no flare-up happened at the event.
Investigators believe that rival gang members had friction at the Elements Club, where some of the concert-goers went after the BTL Park opening, and which led to Tracey's shooting:
Police Kill Mentally Unstable Man In Toledo
Today police killed a mentally unstable man in Big Falls village. Best information says that a special constable in the village along with a regular constable was called to respond to a case of Moses Williams, a man in his 20's with known mental problems, who was exhibiting violent and aggressive behavior.
When they got there, Williams was reportedly brandishing a machete, and chopped the special constable on his fingers. The police constable then shot him in the right leg. He was rushed to the hospital in PG Town , but apparently the gunshot punctured a major artery in his leg and he died at 8:30 am.
The special constable was taken to the southern regional hospital.
GOB Comes Up With Multi Million $$ Solution to Standoff
On Friday, we told you about the very serious talks in the citrus industry. The background was the ongoing cash flow crisis at Citrus Products of Belize Limited. That's the company that buys the citrus products from the farmers. But its accounts have been frozen because its board of directors is deadlocked on finding a new auditor - and the bank First Caribbean wouldn't release any money until it gets audited figures. With that the industry wasn't paying farmers, and they had stopped delivering - bringing one of the country's three major agro industries to a grinding halt. The fallout in terms of losses could be huge - so government was pressed to make a dramatic and expensive intervention. The plan for that was outlined this morning at a Prime Ministerial press conference. 7News was there:�
PM Says The PUP Should Launch Private Prosecution For Penner
One week - that's how long the opposition gave the Commissioner of Police Allen Whylie to respond to an appeal that he commence an investigation of criminal wrongdoing against area representative for Cayo Northeast Elvin Penner. Well, that one week expired today and the PUP's Legal Advisor Anthony Sylvestre confirmed to us today that the Commissioner has not replied.
Sylvestre says that on Wednesday the PUP will go ahead and apply to the Supreme Court for a writ of mandamus which would compel the commissioner to act.
Speaking with the Prime Minister today he said the decision on what to do is solely for the Commissioner:...
Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister
"That's a matter for the commissioner of police."
Marion Ali, reporter
"Sir, people have been saying in some sectors that the commissioner has been intimidated."
Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister
"Then you talk to the commissioner about that. I don't know that the commissioner is a man to be intimidated and if he is I don't know by who. But speak to him."
Integrity Commission Member Served On BAA Board, Signed Castro Cheque
Another headache that the Prime Minister is contending with is the Integrity Commission. Two of his appointees stepped down because they didn't want to have to endure the scathing scrutiny of the Politically Exposed Persons disclosure rules. So the Prime Minister has to find two more members, one of them a chartered account. But one of his appointees who did stay on has come under scrutiny. Armeid Gabourel is a former member of the Belize Airports Authority Board of Directors - yes, the same board that was made to resign after the Castro cheques appeared. Today the Prime Minister said that her former service on the BAA, and the signing of a five thousand dollar cheque in Castro's name - is not fatal for her appointment to the integrity commission:..
Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister
"It is my understanding that Miss Gabriel was one who in fact opposed and it's on record as having done so the decision of the board to approved a sort of ongoing commitment to assist the minister in his constituency, so I wouldn't. Clearly we had to ask everybody to resign. You can't at this point making distinctions, but I wouldn't see the resignation there as being fatal to the Integrity Commission appointment. I am more concern about finding the replacement to the new resignations now even before formal constitution of those on the Integrity Commission that have said we simply are not prepared to live with the PEP obligations."
Immigration Minister Holds Forth On Nationality Employees Involved With Kim File
At the Prime Minister's press conference today, we also caught up with Immigration Minister Godwin Hulse. He patiently waited for the media while we interviewed the Prime Minister - and spoke with us after. First, he discussed the two officers from the nationality section who have been asked to answer for irregularities with the Citizen Kim nationality file:�
Vitalino Gives His Side Of Yohnny Story
Last week, WE told you about the situation developing with Yhony Rosado, the owner of Cavetubing.com, where he is fighting an allegation of disorderly conduct in the Magistrate's Court and before the Belize Tourism Board's Licensing Committee. His accuser is Vitalino Reyes Sr., one of his competitors, who owns Cavetubing.bz. Rosado claims that the Reyes family is trying to destroy his reputation and his business, but Reyes claims that he's doing no such thing.
Reyes visited 7News today to explain his side of the story where he claims that Rosado tried to steal some guests from him, and when he was unsuccessful, Rosado allegedly assaulted him. Here's how Reyes explained it to us:
Daniel Ortiz
"You do understand that whatever you say to us is not final. You have to go to court and prove these things and we as the media have to accept the ruling of the court. We can only present facts and the facts are Mr. Rosado beats that case and he is now claiming that he will be able to beat this allegation as well, so what you say to us has no real bearing on the case. Do you understand that?"
3 Injured In Gardenia Incident
Though the Police Press Office has not yet gotten around releasing the details, there was a serious traffic accident on the Northern Highway, near Gardenia Village, which left 3 persons injured last night.
It involved a head on collision between a Chevy Tracker and an Isuzu Rodeo, and today, the Rural Executive Officer explained more about it:
ASP Chris Noble - Rural Executive Officer
"It occurred last night in the area of Gardenia. It was a head-on collision, it was not fatal. Persons were taken to the hospital and were being attended to. Their condition is unknown to us at this time, but we are looking to what was a traffic accident is that area."
Lied About Rape Report, Women Remanded
18 year-old Myesha Williams lied about being raped by a man, and tonight, she is at prison after being taken to court for committing a mischievous act.
We won't reveal the name of the man she falsely accused because it will unfairly damage his reputation, but she told police that on Saturday, he sexually assaulted her. The officers responding to the report conducted a full preliminary investigation where photographs of the scene and statements were recorded. She showed them a damaged lock on her door, and the bedroom where the assault supposedly took place. The problem is that when the officers took her to the doctor to be medically examined, they found nothing to suggest rape.
Under questioning, she revealed that she made the whole story up, so they charged her with a mischievous act. She told investigators,quote, "I mih only want they deal with the man. I am sorry I made up the report." End Quote.
GSU Gets 53 lbs Of "Hydro"
The GSU made a major weed bust in the city this morning - and they say it's hydro, known as high grade weed. It happened at 9:30 am while the unit was conducting an operation on West Collet Canal. They stopped a white 4 doors Taurus car driven by Reynard GRINAGE, a 40 years old Belizean mechanic of Faber's Road.
Nothing was found in a search, but a bunch of keys was found on GRINAGE and the GSU followed up. So they executed a search at the upper flat of a board house at #5842 Bachelor's Avenue. Inside one of the rooms, the officers found 2 cartoon boxes each containing bricks of compressed hybrid cannabis.
Inside one of the boxes were 13 parcels bricks wrapped in brown wrapping and tape that was along with another 5 smaller bricks to a total of 18 parcels. In the other box were 8 similar bricks and 2 smaller parcels in saran wrap to a total of 10 parcels. The box with 18 parcels weighed a total of 17.1 kilograms and the other box containing 10 parcels weighed a total of 7.1 kilograms. All parcels combined weighed a total of 24.4 kilograms or 53 pounds of hybrid cannabis. This would have a street value well in excess of 75 thousand dollars.
A Lovely Race!
The Valentine Cycling Classic, which hadn't been held for 2 years, took over the Western Highway on Sunday morning, from Belize City to Belmopan, and 7News was there for every single mile of the race from start to finish. Daniel Ortiz reviews it in detail in this report:
The results of the open elite are Byron Pope, 4th place, Darnell Barrow 3rd place, Giovanni Lovell, second, and Angel Tzib, the champion. In the female category, Kerah Eiley won, defeating Shalini Zabaneh, the second place, and Kaya Cattouse, who came in 3rd.
Hon. Collet Endorses Luke, Says It's Not About His Bills
The PUP is preparing for a major convention in Cayo Central at the end of April. Luke Espat and Dan Silva will face each other in a hotly anticipated contest. Espat has been on the ground for 7 months, but Silva is the PUP's old general in the area. The wild card in this has been Senator Collet Montejo. He represented the PUP in Cayo central in the 2012 general elections and came within a few dozen votes of beating UDP incumbent Rene Montero. First we heard he would support Silva, then that he would run, but today he confounded all observers when he threw his support behind the Espat camp. He made the endorsement at Espat's residence in Belize City today:..
Senator Collet Montejo
"I had to choose between the 2 and decided to come out publicly today endorsing the candidacy of Luke Espat. The obvious question then is why. Let me answer in a nutshell and I will give only 3 direct points: 1.) I have met a man that in our discussion shares the views that I have that the party must return back to its social justice agenda, that we've got to go back to the grassroots, that it's time for poor people to again be able to survive in this country. Not just with cheap food pantry programs, but with programs that will move them from that dependency to independence - to true economic independence.
Family Fears Worst For Missing Cab Driver After Finding Car
A Belize City family has grave concerns for their loved one tonight. Taxi-man Lester "Doggy" Roland has been missing for 6 days, and today fear struck at his family's heart when his taxi cab was found abandoned, bogged on the side of a city street. His brother told us more:..
Steven Rowland, brother of missing man
"We found his car earlier this evening on Faber's Road right close to Crooman Lane and Western Highway and any information about his whereabouts will be greatly appreciated by the family."
Jules Vasquez
"You all found his vehicle?"
Steven Rowland, brother of missing man
"We found his vehicle yes."
Jules Vasquez
"People have been using his vehicle? What was the status for it?"
Steven Rowland, brother of missing man
"That's what it seems like."
Jules Vasquez
"Sir, his vehicle is in good working order and someone was rollin' in it?"
Doing It For Dara
This weekend, Jennine Hamilton held a promotion at her newly opened business place, Mr. Ham's Juices Smoothies, and Shakes. It's one of those news businesses operating from the kiosks at the renovated BTL Park, which was officially opened on Friday night. To give back to the community, she promised to try to sell 1,000 smoothies where she would donate 1 dollar for each cup to the grassroots philanthropist, Dara Robinson. She's trying to assist Dara with his feeding program, and though she missed her target of $1,000, she did very admirably.
Today, she handed over $703 to Robinson, and 7News was there:
Robinson told us that he already has plans for the money which will go to helping 40 needy children
PM Travels With Wife For Checkup
After meeting with the representative of Banks Holdings this afternoon, the Prime Minister left the country for Houston. He is travelling to be with his wife who is following up on her post cancer reconstructive surgery. He explained today:..
Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister
"It's the usual follow-up of visits and there was to have been some residual reconstructive surgery but we are having some difficulties with the insurance company which is most upsetting, but there is no change in her condition, in other words as far as we know the cancer is still in remission, so it's not anything to worry about."
The Prime Minister returns on Friday, 21st February, 2014. Deputy Gaspar Vega is acting Prime Minister.
The Passing Of Lionel Welch
And tonight, as we close we note the passing of attorney and football aficionado Lionel Welch. After a long and difficult illness, the 63 year old Welch died yesterday in afternoon in Los Angeles where he was being treated for advanced prostate cancer. He left Belize in November for treatment but it was too late as the cancer had already spread.
He was well regarded in the legal profession and much loved in the football family where he was the owner of the FC Belize Club, recently crowned Sub-Champions of the PLB Tournament. He was also a member of the Member of the FFB Disciplinary Committee, the integrity committee for football and Legal adviser to the Football Federation of Belize.
A statement from the FFB says, he will be missed by all involved in the sport of football.
By tragic coincidence, his mother, Emma Cattouse who was 81 died yesterday evening in Belize City. She was hospitalized the day before in an unconscious state and never got to hear the sad news of her son's passing.
AmbergrisCaye.com 
