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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
World Water Day Poster Contest Announced
An International day to celebrate freshwater was recommended at the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), and the United Nations General Assembly responded by designating March 22, 1993 as the first World Water Day. Every year thereafter, World Water Day is celebrated on March 22 around the world.
This year the Ministry of Natural Resources and Agriculture, in collaboration with other Ministries and Departments, has taken the lead for the celebration of the annual World Water Day (WWD) event as a means of focusing attention on the importance of freshwater.
The San Pedro Traffic Department acquires Speed Gun
The Transport Department on Ambergris Caye has stepped up to address one of the many traffic issues affecting the island - speeding. For some time now, islanders have been complaining about vehicles and golf cart that speed at limit far beyond what has been assigned for the island. About three weeks ago, the Transport Department acquired a speed gun that will help with this issue.
The speed gun comes in time for the Easter Holiday and traffic wardens will be using the gun to measure the speed of all forms of vehicles, including motorcycles and golf carts. Because of the size of the island and width of the streets, speed limits should not exceed more than 15 miles per hour (mph). In fact the assigned speed limit for town core area is 10 mph and 15mph on the rest of the island. School areas in particular have a speed limit of 5 mph. These speed limits are made visible by signs across the island.
"Alegr�a y Color, La M�scara de la Tradici�n" the carnaval in full swing
The carnaval is an old tradition, dating back over 150 years and is centered on a Mestizo character called Juan Carnaval. When the Mestizo from southern Mexico migrated to northern Belize, they brought many of their beliefs and traditions, including the Juan Carnaval celebration that is still observed in northern Belize (including on Ambergris Caye). It is held three consecutive days prior to Ash Wednesday, which kicks start the 40 days of the Lenten Season in the Christian community. The carnaval celebration includes lively and originally choreographed street dances - mostly in Spanish - depicting current events and other forms of livelihood on the island. In addition, the century old painting tradition of blue dye and soot (black powdery substance left behind by burnt material) has slowly evolved into colorful modern-day water paint.
Coast Guard vessel runs aground near the San Pedro Marina
The particular location in which the accident occurred was near a "hard turn" and according to Bennett the general area is shallow and challenging to navigate. The impact sent the vessel, an all around rotated equipped aluminum base boat, into the shores coming to a stop on a mangrove patch. "None of the officers were injured and the vessel has since been recovered and pulled out of the mangrove this morning (Monday March 3rd)� the vessel made its way to the Coast Guard base in Belize City on its own power so the damage, mainly some scratches on the hull, appears to be superficial," said Bennett who indicated that a full inspection to assess the damage on the vessel is pending.
Wild about World Wildlife Day
Today, many nations across the globe are celebrating the first ever World Wildlife Day. In recognition of the importance of the world's wild flora and fauna and in an effort to raise awareness for its conservation and protection, this day has been set apart. Most naturally, Belize has joined in on the campaign. From our pristine rainforests, home to our jaguars and countless wild flora to our dazzling waters home to the world's second largest barrier reef- we have much to not only celebrate but to protect.
Ambergris Today
Carnaval de San Pedro Alegria y Color La Mascara del la Tradicion
The painting and street dancing (comparsas) were in full swing on the first day of Carnaval in San Pedro, Belize as the traditional celebrations commenced on Sunday, March 2, 2014. Carnaval revelers took to the streets of downtown to enjoy in the painting while other residents came out to see the fun and entertaining comparsas (street dancers).
The San Pedro AIDS Commission was entertaining with their interpretation of "Los Inditos" and Do�a Flora's group dressed up as "Los Chinitos" and took to the streets with their lively song and traditional Carnaval dancing. Carnaval wouldn't be complete without The Barbies as they interpreted Marc Anthony and Los Barbies. More painting and dancing continue until Tuesday, March 4, 2014. Enjoy the pictures and videos that Ambergris Today has prepared.
Actor Donald Faison Mingles with Locals in San Pedro, Belize
Looks like word about the 'Number 1 Island in the World' is getting around in Hollywood because Ambergris Today has yet another celebrity sighting to report this week.
American actor, comedian Donald Faison was in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize last week and into the weekend where he made appearances at favorite hotspot in town like Ramon's Village and Senor Marlins. He was very sociable and willing to take pictures with anybody who asked.
He had loads of fun during his stay on the island and enjoyed the luxury accommodations of Las Terrazas Resort in North Ambergris Caye, according to Pat Armitage, Executive Chef at Las Terrazas Resort.
Donald is best known for his role as Dr. Chris Turk in the ABC comedy-drama Scrubs as a leading role and as Murray in the film Clueless.
Misc Belizean Sources
CARNAVAL FIESTA 2014 (33 photos)
Carnaval 2014 kicked off with the Carnaval Fiesta! Block Party at the Central Park on Saturday, March 1. The Fiesta included speeches from the Deputy Mayor Guillermo "Mito" Paz, Hon. Manuel Heredia Jr., Minister of Tourism, Culture and Civil Aviation and Mayor Daniel Guerrero. In between speeches the spectators were entertained with dances from the Little Angels Pre-School, the San Pedro High School, San Pedro R. C. School, the San Pedro Dance Academy and the San Pedro Revolution Dancers.
The fiesta also included food and drink booths that were competing for the title of Best Carnaval Inspired Booth, Food and Drink!
Master of Ceremonies was Mr. Eiden Salazar.
The San Pedro Town Council would like to thank everyone for coming out to this event and making it another successful one!
Que Viva el Carnaval de San Pedro!
Belize signs a Partial Scope Agreement with Guatemala
Belize signed a Partial Scope Agreement with Guatemala on 26th June, 2006 in Belize City. Eight years later, on 28th February, 2014, Belize hosted the first meeting of the Administrative Commission established through the provisions of the Agreement. The Commission has direct oversight of four technical committees also created by the Agreement to resolve trade and trade related issues in the areas of Customs Procedures of Rules of Origin (ROO), Plant and Animal Health (SPS), Standards and Quality (TBT) and Land Transportation. The objective of this meeting was to gather the relevant stakeholders to make effective the administrative mechanism that would facilitate the resolution of cross border trading issues between the two countries. Ms. Margaret Ventura, mistress of ceremony, opened with Belize's national prayer; followed by the Head of the Belize Delegation, Chief Executive Officer Michael Singh, who reaffirmed the Government of Belize's strong interest and commitment in commerce between Belize and Guatemala. He also noted the importance of conducting trade in an official manner and in accordance with the Partial Scope Agreement (PSA). The Head of the Guatemala delegation, Vice Minister Maria Luisa Flores Villagran echoed similar concerns and commitments from the Government of Guatemala.
Ms. Ivory Kelly publishes in the December 2013 issue of Caribbean Quarterly
Faculty of Education and Arts lecturer Ms. Ivory Kelly has published one of her newest short stories in the December 2013 issue of Caribbean Quarterly, one of the region's leading scholarly journals.
"The Kite" is a coming of age narrative as well as a thought-provoking postcolonial discourse and is part of a collection of short stories that Kelly plans to publish in the near future.
Another of Kelly's stories, "This Thing We Call Love," will be published next month in a Caribbean anthology titled Pepperpot: Best New Stories from the Caribbean (Peekash Press).
Ivory Kelly is the author of Point of Order: Poetry and Prose (Ramos Publishing, 2009). Her works have also appeared in several Belizean anthologies including The Alchemy of Words, Vol. 2 (Cubola, 2008); Treasures of a Century (Belize National Library Service, 2005); Memories Dreams and Nightmares, Vol. 1(Cubola, 2002); and She (Factory Books, 2001). Kelly currently teaches in the English Department at the University of Belize and worked previously as assistant editor at the North Carolina Literary Review.
Chief Justice orders continuation of passport scandal investigation
Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin today ordered the Commissioner of Police Allen Whylie to continue and conclude the halted investigation of Honorable Elvin Penner's involvement in the recent passport scandal.
Of note is that the statute of limitation on the issuance of a Belize passport to South Korean national Won Hong Kim expires today. Kim's passport was issued in September, 2013.
The statute of limitations on the issuance of a nationality certificate to Won Hong Kim expires on March 9.
Policeman stabbed up in Orange Walk
A policeman was viciously attacked and stabbed multiple times over the weekend.
The officer, identified as Police Constable #1322 Abimael Eleaser Romero was stabbed at least 18 times to the back, abdomen and right hand.
Police say PC Romero was found with the multiple stab wounds on Asuncion Street in Orange Walk town around 1:40 am on Sunday. He was taken to the Northern Regional hospital for medical attention.
According to police reports, PC Romero says he does not recall anything about his assailants. He did tell his colleagues, however, that a blue and grey knapsack containing his passport, clothing and a cell phone is missing.
Child Stimulation month underway in Toledo
Activities for Child Stimulation Month were launched this morning during ceremonies at the Punta Gorda Central Park.
The annual Child Stimulation Month is being celebrated under the theme: "Early Childhood: Where Our Future Begins."
Here in Toledo, PreSchool children from all over the district converged on the Central Park for today's launch.
Tropic Air makes inaugural flight to Merida
It is a big day for the San Pedro-based Tropic Air.
The airline is today making its inaugural flight from Belize to Merida, Mexico.
Among the passengers on this inaugural flight will be the airline's Chief Executive Officer Steve Schultz.
The Boost Program
Building Opportunities for Our Social Transformation!
Cayo Family Receives New House
Oasis Ministries built Wendy Cruz and her family, from Unitedville, a new house. Oasis Ministries has built 74 houses around Belize in the last decade, and they'll build many more in Cayo during the Summer. Thanks, Oasis!
Western Ballaz Play Tiger Sharks
The Western Ballaz had a working vacation on Ambergris Caye, where they played the Tiger Sharks. They didn't win, but had a great time visiting. They are now tied for first place. They host the Belize City No Limit this Friday at Sacred Heart College. The first game, between SHC and Benque will start around 6:00pm.
"The Western Ballaz took a fun trip out to San Pedro to plat the Tiger Sharks. They didn't win, but learned a lot about poor sportsmanship from the other team. It was a great first half, with pretty much an even score, and it was tied in the 3rd quarter. Too bad the other team used underhanded tactics(literally pulling down our players shorts during the game). It was great that the young kids got to play between the quarters. Future pros in the making. The Ballaz are tied for first place now. They host the Belize City No Limit this Friday in Cayo."
Death of Louisa Martinez Waight of Georgeville
News has been received of the death of Louisa Martinez Waight of Georgeville. Rest in Peace Ma Lou.
Belize Economic Data
The Statistical Institute of Belize has released economic data for last year and last month. Also this link.
Profiting from a strong private sector - INVESTMENT Part V
In a robust economy, the private sector seeks and makes investments. Lending to a business, or buying a share of it enables it to grow, often resulting in more or better employment. Individuals and businesses invest in other businesses for the purpose of growth, development and profit.
Of course, credible investment alternatives must provide a higher return than bank savings, and that return should be proportionate to the risk the investment takes.
Let's all Build Corozal and keep it Safe and Clean!!!
Man dies after falling out of moving passenger bus
Almost one week after he tumbled out of a moving passenger bus on the Phillip Goldson Highway, 62 year old Jose Elmer Villanueva has died.
According to family members, Villanueva died on Sunday night while undergoing treatment at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital.
As we had reported earlier, Villanueva was traveling on a north-bound J&J bus on Tuesday morning of last week when the unfortunate incident occurred.
Villanueva, according to a fellow passenger, was sitting on the cover of the engine because the bus was overcrowded.
When the bus neared the Burrell Boom junction, Villanueva allegedly tumbled out of the bus as it maneuvered a curve.
National Women's Month
The month of March in Belize is celebrated annually as National Women's Month; as a result, the Special Envoy Office in collaboration with the NWC is staging the 20,000 Strong National Women's Empowerment Rally on Thursday, March 6, 2014 from 10AM to 3PM at the Marion Jones Stadium in Belize City. Contact 662-4447 to participate. FREE transportation for Caye Caulker & San Pedro Women! Boats via Caye Caulker Water Taxi by Cholos in San Pedro at 8AM and Caye Caulker Front Pier at 8:30AM... Sign up today via 662-4447...Please share this information with your Sisters/Mothers/Daughters and attend the Empowering Rally for a Better Belize!
Apprenticeship Program
By Abdulmajeed K. Nunez
Belize has always had an apprenticeship program
That is one of the hallmarks of the this nation
This is an area in which many have made a contribution
Friendship youth club, Stafford youth group program
This was a part of the 50s, 60s, 70s Belize youth revolution
Liberty Hall had one for generations
Back in the days every established tradesman was part of the program
However after the heads of agreement in 1980 bredda man
The youth movements in Belize suffered deterioration
Killing the youths' dreams and aspirations
Ensuring that there was not another youth insurrection
The ruling party stifled all these programs
Encouraging political patronage
Systematically destroying the youths' vigor and courage
Any initiative for the youth upliftment was discouraged
Carnaval Painting Day 2!
Don't miss out on the fun!
Journey to Xunantunich
A guest to Xunantunich made a pretty cool video of the journey from Belize to El Castillo.
BTB 2013 Tourism Statistics
The Belize Tourism Board has released the tourism statistics from last year, and overnight tourism is up an average of 5.5%.
"The final figures for the 2013 tourism year are in, and we are happy to report that Belize's Overnight and Cruise arrivals are up! Last year Belize recorded 223,510 in PGIA arrivals. March 2013 saw the highest tourist arrivals at the Philip Goldson International Airport (PGIA) with 28,623 visitors; this is a 10.2% increase in comparison to March 2012. The month with the largest increase in 2013 was August, with a 10.5% increase when compared to August 2012. While there were 3% decreases for April and September, overall PGIA arrivals are up 5.5%."
Video: Belize Nurse Shark
Profiting from a strong private sector - Export earnings - Part VI
Obviously the productive and services sectors are especially important for this. Tourism, sugar and citrus are our biggest earners of foreign currency.
Other earners include shrimp, business process outsourcing (BPO) firms; the hair braiders who indulge visitors' desire to have a "Caribbean look;" the Belize musicians and other local artists who work abroad but bring their earnings home; the realtors who sell condos and other real estate to foreign buyers.
The importing sector also generates foreign currency earnings in cases where it imports goods to sell to foreign buyers from across the border, or to tourists
British psychiatrist to assist defense of Lavern Longsworth
A British forensic psychiatrist, Dr. Gillian Mezey, has been assisting Senior Counsel Godfrey Smith in preparing a defense for convicted murderer Lavern "Anti-Christ" Longsworth, 40, whose appeal was set for the current session of the Court of Appeal.
This morning, Smith told presiding justices Dennis Morrison, Douglas Mendes and Minnet Hafiz-Bertram that he needed further time to prepare the appeal, specfically to review Dr. Mezey's report, which included interviews with Longsworth and others, which is due within the month.
Dr. Mezey is noted as an expert in battered women and domestic violence and mental abuse.
Longsworth was convicted in November of 2012 for the murder of her common-law partner, David White, 32, who was allegedly doused in kerosene and set on fire at their Castle Street home on July 15, 2010 and later died from his injuries.
BEVERLY CASTILLO CAPTURES UDP STANDARD BEARER BRC
Best description for Sunday's UDP convention in Belize Rural Central is that it was an orgy. It was a festive atmosphere as the the Ladyville area was decked out in red, weather was great and convention goers were in a euphoric state all day, observers say. Only one candidate was responsible for the fanfare and she emerged the winner when the counting was done - but was it worth?
Voting started at 10:00 a.m. and finished at 5:00 p.m. When counting finished Beverly Castillo, former CEO in the Ministry of Natural Resources emerged as the winner. The convention was hotly contested by five candidates: Beverly Castillo, Dean Samuels, Michael Hutchinson, John Lizama and Emroy Castillo.
Beverly Castillo garnered 961 votes; Michael Hutchinson garnered 502 votes, Dean Samuels got 353 votes; Emroy Castillo got 152 votes and John Lizama got 19 votes.
Diving Belize with Belize Pro Dive Center Feb 4th - March 3rd
We've had a great week of diving, eagle rays, wrecks, sharks and more!
Diving Tackle Box, Ambergris Caye, Belize
Video
Channel 7
Court Compels COMPOL to Investigate Hon. Penner
Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin has granted the Writ of Mandamus ordering the Commissioner of Police Allen Whylie to immediately commence a criminal investigation against Former Minister of State Elvin Penner for his role in the Citizen Kim passport scandal.
That's the decision he handed down today in the Supreme Court after carefully looking at the materials presented before him. It's a dramatic end to the case where the Leader of Opposition brought judicial review proceedings against the Commissioner outlining clearly that there was indeed enough material to act on.
Chief Justice Benjamin also declared in the favour of Opposition Leader Fonseca that Commissioner Whylie's decision not to investigate was quote, "irrational, unreasonable, and unlawful". Those are very strong and stern words for the Chief Justice to use against the highest officer in the Police Department, and today, Fonseca also noted it when he spoke with the media..
Man Shot In Jaw, Was It Village Vigilantes In Boom?
Tonight 43 year old Geovanni Berry is lucky to be alive after gunshots rained down in the house he was taking care of on Saturday morning. It happened in Burrell Boom village, where at about 1:00 am on Saturday morning someone broke into Chad Gillett's home and stole a licensed 9mm pistol. Gillett awoke to find the gun thief fleeing his home on bicycle. He pulled a shotgun and fired at the intruder, who seemed to have gotten sprayed by the shotgun pellets and fled on foot with the gun. Gillett called the village police officer - and they rounded up a crew of armed friends from the village and they went out looking for the thief. Paint traces on the bicycle he abandoned led them to a house in the village - a house that was under construction.. The official story is that the police officer leading the crew identified herself and said they wanted to search the house. Now, this is at about 3:00 in the morning. No one responded and so one member of the crew - a civilian - reportedly went up to the house to look around - which is when a shot came from inside the house at him. Well, the rough and ready crew didn't need much after that, they let off on the residence with shotguns and 9 millimeter pistol spraying it with gunfire. Geovanni Berry was inside and he got shot in the jaw. He said even though it was pre-dawn hours, the posse shot first and asked questions later. Today in the hospital, he told the media his story:..
Drunken Policeman Stabbed 18 Times in OW
A policeman was robbed and viciously stabbed this weekend. On Sunday morning at 1:40 am, Police Constable 1322, Abimael Romero was found on Asuncion Street with 18 stab wounds to the back, abdomen and right hand. He was rushed to the Northern Regional Hospital but told police he doesn't remember anything about how he was attacked or how his assailants looked. He told police he had been robbed of his personal possessions, including passport, clothing and cell phone.
Residents in the area say that he appeared to have been drinking when they found him bleeding from those stab wounds. He told them that he was looking for his mother-in-law's house.
8 Shots Fired, Minor Injuries In City
And to round out what was a violent weekend, there was a shooting in Belize City where two minors and a female were injured. It happened on Saturday night around 7:30 on Curassow Street in Belize City. Two 17-year-old students, Marlon Samuels and Devin Parham, were socializing with 42-year-old housewife Arlene Cole, when a gunman on a bicycle pulled up and opened fire. Fortunate all 3 were only shot in their feet and legs, and they were treated and released.
Still, it could have been far worse. Police recovered eight 9mm expended shells from the scene.
Johnny Zabs Tells US embassy To Ask El Chapo About Him
If you follow international news, you'll know that Mexico's biggest cartel boss, Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, was caught 9 days ago in Culiacan, Mexico. He's now in a maximum security Mexican jail facing a multitude of charges in that country. Barring the possibility of escape, which has happened before, he could end up spending the rest of his life in jail.
One man who's taken a keen interest in his arrest is banana grower Johnny Zabaneh. In August of 2012 Zabaneh's business world came tumbling down around him when the United States Office of Foreign Assets Control designated him and two other Belizeans under the Kingpin Act. They said, quote, "John Zabaneh and two members of his drug trafficking organization, who are based in Belize and are key associates of Joaquin "Chapo" Guzman, and other members of the Sinaloa Cartel."
The OFAC Office referred to, quote, "John Zabaneh's drug trafficking activities and his organization's ties to Colombian sources of supply and Mexican buyers." End quote. They described him as quote, "a critical figure in the narcotics trade."
Bermudian Landing Villager Dies On ATV
Tonight villagers of Bermudan Landing are mourning the death of one of the village's well known businessmen - 52 year old John Wade. Wade was involved in a fatal traffic accident last night. Reports are that he was last seen getting on his ATV four wheel motor-bike around 11 last night and left off in the direction of his home. But he never made it home. His body was discovered around 4 this morning - on the side of the road outside of Bermudan Landing. Villagers say he was found with the bike on top of him - which indicates he may have lost control of the ATV. Today his family spoke to Monica Bodden.
Stanley Herrera - Brother-in-law of Decease
"I am trying to get all the details about really what happen because yesterday morning I came up from Cotton Tree and him and I spend pretty much the whole day working on the farm, we were taking care of the animals and then I eventually left to go back home. My sister calls and told me that he went out on the bike and I got the news this morning. It wasn't news that I really expected to get. When I saw her number on my phone calling me this morning I expected she would have told me something happen, but not that he was dead, so I was pretty shaken up this morning when I heard it. It's a really sad thing to know that that could happen in such a short notice."
Two Killed When Truck Slams Into Drain
There was also another accident which happened last night at around 7, and this one was fatal for 2 Independence residents. Wilfredo Jaime, Antonio Mejia, and Christopher Gutierrez were traveling in a pickup, and when they were in front of the Trio Village Primary School, the driver lost control of the vehicle and overturned in the drain. Wilfredo Jaime and Antonio Mejia were flung from the vehicle to their deaths.
Teenager Passes Two Weeks After Hit And Run
And while those three traffic fatalities happened less than 24 hours ago, two accidents that happened last week are now also fatalities.
The first is 13 year old Earl Ishmael Flores. He is the little boy who was knocked down in a hit and run incident just outside of Burrell Boom Village.
Just before midnight last night, Flores died. The teenager had endured a serious surgery just hours before his death, after which doctors detected a massive swelling of his brain - which led to his death.
He was run over 2 Sunday's ago and still no one has been arrested and charged. His family told Monica Bodden today that police are dragging their feet.
The Passing of "Pantas"
Last week we told you about 63 year old Jose Elmer Villanueva, known as "Pantaz" who tumbled out of a moving and overcrowded J&J bus travelling from Benque. We reported that he was hospitalized at the KHMH since February 26th when the incident occurred and was placed in an induced coma by doctors. After fighting for his life for 5 days at the KHMH, Villanueva passed away just before 9 last night. Today police are asking passengers who were on the bus that day to assist with any additional information.
Supt. Chris Noble, O/C Ladyville
"With regards to the bus we did manage to get relevant information from that scene. The driver was very cooperative; we did get all our statements. We are asking that persons who were in the bus that may have seen what transpired - come forward for us, you can go to any station and say you were on that bus and I am certain that we can arrange for the recording of a statement for file purposes to assist in the investigation. The gentleman passed away sometime early today and we are preparing for an autopsy at this stage."
Cycle Crashed Head On Into Vehicle
And the Traffic Investigators of the Ladyville Police Station got called back out to another accident which happened on Friday night near Los Lagos Village. Steve Myles and Wellington Hall were on a motorcycle when they slammed head-on into a vehicle. The driver of the motorcycle told us that it was caused when the vehicle over took another:
Steve Myles - Accident Victim
"I had my friend whose belt burst for his car and he just asks me to assist him in putting back electricity for people who got cut out. The last place that we put in electricity was in Maxboro and in coming down slowly on the cycle on mile 12, a pick-up was coming and all of a sudden a car just burst out overtaking the pick-up. We were in the front and I swerve off the road and the driver came off the road and still hit us."
Steve Myles says that the doctors have given him a 50% chance of losing his leg due to the damage. He is asking the public for help to pay his medical bills, and he can be reached at telephone number, 607-6980.
Police Say They Have Men Who Robbed 208K In Free Zone
A week ago, brazen armed thieves held up a Mexican businessman and robbed him of 1.25 million pesos, or 208 thousand Belize dollars. Well, police have been investigating, and today they report that they've charged 3 Corozal men for that robbery. 22 year-old Israel Rancharan of Corozal Town was charged with conspiracy to commit robbery, while 26 year-old Hector Kelly and 18 year-old Zandon Myers, also of Corozal Town, were charged with robbery.
21-year-old Benigno Loria, a resident of San Andres Village was charged and arraigned last week for conspiracy to commit robbery.
As we reported, 48 year-old Villasenor was walking to his vehicle, which was parked in the compound of his business place, North America Store. That's when 2 men ambushed him and at knife point, they robbed him of the money and shoved him into the trunk of his car.
Got their Money, But Teachers Will Still Take A Stand
The budget will be presented on Friday on Belmopan, and one of the main attractions will be the proposed 5% raise of teachers and public officers. It's costing the public purse upwards of 22 million dollars, but the teachers union isn't resting on its laurels; it's keeping up the public pressure. They promised to march on in March, and on Friday in Belmopan, they will.
President Luke Palacio sent out a letter to all school managements today notifying them that teachers will be going up to Belmopan on Friday for a peaceful demonstration and rally. Palacio's letter says, teachers will be out of class on that day to travel and participate in the event. His letter says the Union will not quiet the call for reform until QUOTE, "numerous and mounting social issues" are addressed.
And as for the 5% announcement? Well Palacio isn't happy with that either. His letter says the financial year hasn't ended yet the Prime Minister has announced final figures. He says it, quote, "negates the use of the salary adjustment formula" which government presented to the unions.
Family Of Mental Patient Killed By Cops Still Angry
2 weeks ago, 7News told you about how mentally unstable Big Falls resident Moses Williams lost his life in a violent encounter with police.
Williams is known to have mental problems, and on Monday February 17, he had already chopped a special constable, and to subdue him, a special constable shot him in the right leg. The bullet hit a major artery, and he died while receiving treatment.
Well, his family has been doing their own investigation, and they say that the police officer did not do his job properly. Moreover, they say that police officers were trying to get him kicked out of Big Falls:
Myrtle Williams, Mother of Moses Williams
"The young man that they killed in Big Falls Village last week Monday the 17th February: what happen was that from the beginning I thought something was fishy because I got to understand that he was killed by friend and other from Toledo but not the police. They had not called me and tell me anything. I had to go to Mr. Russell Brackett from Belmopan and ask then to call the superintendent in PG to get a confirmation that it was true that he has been shot and he is dead."
Cayo Fire Claims Upper Flat
There was a serious fire last night in Cayo. Around 7:00. a two storey building caught on fire. The upper flat which is wooden was completely destroyed by fire. 46-year-old Angelina Gordon, Belizean domestic of same address left her common-law husband Eugene Flowers at home at 6:00p.m. and an hour later, , she received information that her house was on fire. The estimated cost of the house and items is $40,000.00Bcy. No one was injured and the cause of the fire has not been determined.
Siarsha Showing Signs Of Improvement
3 year old Siarsha Alvarez is improving at a hospital in Merida. We spoke to her father Simeon Alvarez today and he told us that her skin is healing, she can open her eyes and sit up, and she's finally able to eat but only corn flakes. On the downside, she still can't talk, she still has fevers and her medical bills are mounting. Still, the overall trend is good and she could be out of intensive care by Saturday.
Her father says right now her bill in the hospital is over ten thousand US Dollars, plus he owed the doctors another three thousand US dollars. He's trying to get a discount on the hospital bill.
Alvarez says he thanks all those who've donated, but there is still need. His account number is Scotiabank 8734347.
You can link him on facebook where his handle is Bunzy Simeon.
Talking Trade With Guatemala
The new round of confidence building measures are in full swing, and on Friday in Belmopan, there was high level meeting with trade officials from both countries.
It's called the Belize-Guatemala Administrative Commission where Mike Singh, CEO in the Ministry of Trade, welcomed Guatemalan Vice Minister Maria Luisa Flores Villagran.
One of the Commission's first jobs is to figure out how to implement the Partial Scope trade Agreement.
AG: SC Welch A "Rare Bird"
2 weeks ago, well-known attorney and football aficionado, Lionel Welch passed away in Los Angeles after a tough battle with prostate cancer.
Welch had a long career as an attorney, and his peers in the legal community gave him a send-off today. At a special sitting of the Supreme Court, majority of the members of the bench and bar noted his achievements and held a small remembrance ceremony in his honour. Attorney General Wilfred Elrington, was good friend of Welch's and he told us today about the ceremony:
Welch was a member of the Member of the FFB Disciplinary Committee, the integrity committee for football and Legal adviser to the Football Federation of Belize.
Beverly Beat Them Bad
Former CEO in the Ministry of Natural Resources is the UDP's new standard bearer for Belize Rural Central. In a five way convention, 2015 voted and Beverly Castillo got 961 votes to Michael Hutchinson's 502, and Dean Samuels 353.
Chetumal Can Carnival Too
And that's 7news tonight, we leave you with footages of Belize's carnival Group, Mother Nature making a special appearance in the Chetumal Carnival which was held yesterday in that Mexican City. It is courtesy of NICH and we hope you enjoy.
Channel 5
CJ orders ComPol to investigate Elvin Penner and passport issued to Won Hong Kim
Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin today issued a writ of Mandamus against Commissioner of Police Allen Whylie. In simple terms, the Court has now instructed Whylie to criminally investigate the Won [...]
3 more Asians got nationalities almost on arrival to the jewel
Director of Public Prosecutions Cheryl-Lynn Vidal dropped an inadvertent bombshell last week, in the form of a memo to the National Crimes Investigation Branch. In that memo Vidal quotes from [...]
Armed Mexican soldiers enter Belize; they are detained, but soon released
What is being called a miscommunication between the Belize Defense Force and the police department resulted in the brief detention of several armed officers who crossed into Belizean territory at [...]
Cop is stabbed 18 times in Orange Walk
A San Ignacio police officer was stabbed as many as eighteen times over the weekend. The stabbing took place in Orange Walk Town where the cop had reportedly gone to [...]
Wild Wild West in Burrell Boom; Belize City man shot
While PC Romero remains hospitalized at the Northern Regional Hospital with multiple stab wounds, in Burrell Boom, a Belize City man was more fortunate despite a volley of bullets unleashed [...]
Brazen shooting on Curassow; 2 minors and woman shot
Ongoing enmity between two rival Belize City groups has resulted in yet another brazen shooting, this time at a residence on Curassow Street.� On Saturday night, a group of young [...]
Mother says shooting death of mentally challenged son in the south is murder
Moses Williams was shot and killed on February seventeenth, on his farm in Big Falls in the Toledo District. Police say they went for the mentally challenged young man to [...]
5 fatalities: hit & run victim, 13 year old Earl Jones Jr., succumbs
A family is grieving tonight the death of thirteen year old Earl Ishmael Flores Junior. The minor was hospitalized since last week in a coma after he was injured in [...]
Elderly man who fell from bus dies
Another victim of a traffic accident, Jose Elmer Villanueva, succumbed just prior to the passing of Earl Flores Junior. The sixty-three year old was seriously injured last Tuesday when he [...]
Double Head Cabbage villager killed in early morning traffic accident
A third person who lost his life in a traffic fatality is John Wade. The Double Head Cabbage Villager was traveling towards Burrell Boom when he lost control of his [...]
2 Independence villagers killed in vehicle mishap
There were two other fatalities to report�this time in the south. Two men from the village of Independence died on Sunday night when the vehicle they were travelling in overturned [...]
3 others including a female police officer injured in separate accidents
Aside from the five persons who died in traffic fatalities, we can confirm that three other persons including a female police officer were more fortunate and survived traffic mishaps. Just [...]
Unions to take Independence Hill for 2014 budget presentation
The national budget for the 2014 fiscal year will be presented in the House of Representatives this Friday, where Prime Minister Barrow is expected to formally announce that the unions, [...]
Police investigate serious reported case of gang rape
The Ladyville Police had their hands busy over the weekend with traffic fatalities and shootings, but they are also investigating a very serious reported case of gang rape. A teenager [...]
Weekend Sports Stats with James Adderley
Good evening I'm James Adderly and this is Sports Monday. Week 4 in the National Elite Basketball League found 0 & 3 Orange Walk Running Rebels hosting Dangriga Culture Warriors [...]
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