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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
Football and Family - the Deon McCaulay story
The McCaulay family lived on Mayflower Street, in an area of Belize City that is considered the center of a gang-ridden area. Exposure to drugs, guns and gang violence is nothing unusual for a normal youngster in the southern part of the old capital. "I played football at the Berger's Field on Vernon Street along with Raptures Football team," recalls Deon. "Instead of gangs, drug and violence, I chose playing football. I could have been on the street, but instead I concentrated on playing, spending many hours kicking ball." When asked what kept him away from the norm in his challenging neighborhood, Deon credits family and discipline. "It is not easy, but you have to have the right people around you to help you overcome those challenges. You have to be a leader and know what you want in life. My grandmother, Mrs. Evonie, was a very strict woman and if she knew that I was doing something wrong, she would discipline me. I also had a very strict uncle as well." Like any other Belizean child, McCaulay said he took "chances" and ran away to play football when growing up, opting to "deal with the consequences" when he returned home.
Saca Chispas to be renamed Honorable Louis "Cuz" Sylvestre Sporting Arena
The Saca Chispas football field in San Pedro Town will be renamed as the Honorable Louis "Cuz" Sylvestre Sporting Arena. The announcement was made by the Mayor of San Pedro Town Daniel Guerrero during the official inauguration of the San Pedro Sunset Boardwalk Project. Guerrero said that the decision to rename the field was as a result of the inauguration coinciding with the date of Sylvestre's burial on Friday March 14th.
Ambergris Today
New Facilities Inaugurated at Bacalar Chico National Park and Marine Reserve
As part of the Sustainable Tourism Program (STP) that invested US$15Mil around the country of Belize to strengthen the tourism sector's contribution to the national economy, new facilities were inaugurated at the Bacaler Chico Nationl Park and Marine Reserve that is located 20 miles north of San Pedro Town.
Designated on August 1996, The Bacalar Chico National Park covers 12, 640 acres and the adjacent marine reserve covers 15, 529 acres. It is part of the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System and has been nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Pic of the Week:
Thousands of Tropical Islands Line Belize's Coast
There are literally thousands of small islands that line the coast of Belize. Many fringe the Great Barrier Reef; most have names, but there are those that still lie undiscovered with no name to call their own. Some are private, some are still up for sale and others are government property. But the one thing that they all have in common is that they have this unique charm that makes them so special, so Belizean. This tiny little island featured this week is one of the many that you will encounter as you travel from Belize City to Ambergris Caye by water taxi. It's big enough to house a small house, a pier to dock onto and a tall tree to hang the hammock. The rest is just white sandy beach, whatever space is left. We could not catch its name!
ABC Pre-School to hold Annual Spectacular Presentation
ABC Pre-School will once again be hosting its annual spectacular presentation.
Join them on Saturday, March 29, 2014 at the Angel Nu�ez Auditorium!
Show starts at 7:00 p.m. bring out the family to this wonderful even and witness seing, Hananah Montana, Caullio, Batman, Superman and much more.
Prices: Regular Seating Adults $10 and Children $5
Reserved Seating Adults $15 and Children $10
Misc Belizean Sources
BELIZE BUREAU OF STANDARDS ON LPG
Government of Belize Press Office
PRESS RELEASE
Blancaneaux Teaches Organic Farming
Blancaneaux Lodge is teaching students from San Antonio and Cristo Rey the importance of organic farming as part of their community outreach programs. Thanks, Blancaneaux!
"Teaching our upcoming generations the importance of ORGANIC farming. Not only feasible but also healthier. Part of our community outreach efforts at the San Antonio and Cristo Rey Schools."
Sad And Beautiful World
The Garifuna Collective and Danny Michel have a new video out for their song entitled 'Sad and Beautiful World.' Cayo is shown in the video, as is the Xunantunich ferry. Sam Harris, leader of the World Culture Band, which plays often around Cayo, is a featured musician on the song and in the video. It's a great song, with a powerful message.
In related news, the Garifuna Collective is getting ready for another Summer tour with Danny Michel. They're going to show their Grammy award winning, Belizean music to the world.
"Be sure and select 1080 HD for best quality! - Filmed in Belize 'Sad And Beautiful World' By Danny Michel with 'The Garifuna Collective' from Belize. From the album 'Black Birds Are Dancing Over Me' www.dannymichel.com"
Staggering men arrested in Placencia village
Two men who were found staggering on the road on the outskirts of Placencia village are cooling their heels in the cell block at the police station tonight. 33 year old Rigoberto Villanueva and 42 year old Felix Palacio were picked up by Placencia Police tonight, primarily for their own safety [�]
Placencia man arrested for possession of controlled drug
A man has been arrested and charged by Placencia police after he was found with marijuana. At 8:30 pm today, police stopped and searched Andre Noralez and found him to be carrying a transparent plastic bag with what police described as "green leafy substance believed to be cannabis." Noralez hs been [�]
Placencia police make cocaine arrest
Police in Placencia village, Stann Creek district have arrested an American woman on cocaine possession charges. 45 year old Sandra Garty has been arrested and charged for the crime of possession of .1 gram of crack cocaine. Garty's arrest was part of "Operation Stay Alert" carried out by the Placencia Police [�]
Businesswoman assaulted and robbed in Orange Walk
An Orange Walk businesswoman was the victim of a mid-afternoon robbery. Blanca Lopez, the proprietor of Joshwell's Fashion, Blanca Lopez, was held up and assaulted by two men this afternoon. Reports from Orange Walk say that a couple who drove up to the business establishment, found Lopez dragging herself on the [�]
Local activists donate to schools
Co-promoters of the "Blazin' Reggae Vibes" Concert held on March 9 Dion "Ras" Pitter, the noted stevedore and trade union activist, and KREM Radio DJ Anthony Grant, today gave donations to two local schools made with the proceeds of the recent event. Ebenezer Methodist Primary School's feeding program received a sack of [�]
Caribbean Red Cross Societies exchange on HIV
The annual meeting of the Regional Exchange for the Caribbean HIV/AIDS Program (CHAP) is being hosted in Belize. The CHAP meeting seeks to bring together four Caribbean countries - Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica and the Bahamas - with their Belizean counterparts to discuss their experiences, challenges and best practices of promoting education and [�]
Toledo West football tournament gets underway
Football teams from rural Toledo district are taking part in a tournament being sponsored by the Honorable the Area Representative for Toledo West, Mr. Oscar Requena. The tournament started on Sunday with games being played in San Antonio village. Organizers say that the tournament will last for 4 months. The winning team [�]
A close encounter with birds...
The Crooked Tree Junior Bird Club had the opportunity to interact with researcher, Dr. Bill Hilton and his team, who have been visiting Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary in Crooked Tree Village for the last five years to study Ruby-throated hummingbirds. Site Manager, Derick Hendy has dedicated a lot of time to teaching the students about birds and seeking opportunities to enhance their birding experience and appreciation for nature conservation. As a result, for the past four years, Mr. Hendy has arranged for the students to make a short visit to a banding site within Dr. Hilton's study area to learn about the Ruby-throated hummingbird project. On March 13th, 2014 students listened keenly about the importance of Crooked Tree as a habitat for birds and saw firsthand the mist nests that capture birds, data collection station where the birds are assessed, weighed and released. As well, students got the opportunity to see all types of birds up close, hear what information scientists collect when studying birds and to ask any questions.
OAS anti-corruption mission to Belize
By Frank Edward Paco Smith, Jr. JP
On 13th March, it was reported that the Organisation of American States (OAS) Anti-Corruption Mission intends to conduct a site visit to Belize. Needless to say, upon reading this, I was immediately hit with a myriad of thoughts. For those who are not aware, let it be known that their visit should prove "instructive", at the very least. If the OAS is genuine in its effort concerning this matter, they had better re-double their efforts because a truly in-depth assessment of the legal/institutional framework of my nation, coupled with an impartial analysis of both recent and current matters, should reveal that Belize (unfortunately) will prove a classic case-study in institutionalised corruption.
Although, they need not delve much further than the recent case involving the actions of former Minister Elvin Penner, buttressed by his Cabinet colleagues' blatant attempts to shield him from scrutiny, I certainly hope they do! Thankfully, the aforementioned matter resulted in the chief justice issuing a writ of mandamus, which effectively directed the Compol to do his job and investigate former minister Penner. Needless to say, there is no doubt the prevailing powers that be are not too pleased with the decision.
The Cassava Minister
By Abdulmajeed K. Nunez
They mocked him the "Cassava Minister" and targeted his projects
Before Chiste many of Belize's produce could not hit international markets
Realizing this he brought in BAHA
To regularize the health status of any and all products
For local consumption and international export
This was one of Chiste's signature projects
This is one of his legacies that you hear nothing about
Chiste determined to help his nation
Went to Taiwan
Knowing that one of Belize's premier exports was shrimp and lobster
However the practice of lobster catching for eons in country
Made this an unsustainable industry
He brought in experts to create a marine culture
For crayfish production in this nation
This would increase Belize's stock
And not necessarily pressure the wide stock
MAHOGANY BAY VILLAGE "SUMMIT BY THE SEA" (22 photos)
On Thursday, March 13, 2014, Mayor Daniel and Hon. Manuel Heredia, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Civil Aviation, were invited to the Open House Event that was held at Mahogany Bay Village. The event "Summit by the Sea" hosted a large group of potential home investors who are considering making Belize their home. The guests were given a tour of the chic, yet rustic and comfortable cottages that have been completed as part of phase one of the Mahogany Bay Village Project.
The "village" consists of a coffee and rum shop called "The Rum & Bean" to enjoy their stay. With its cozy interior there's no doubt they'll want to make Belize their home.
Mahogany Bay Village is located near the Victoria House and beside Consolidated Waters. You will definitely not miss their Grand entry way!
HON. LOUIS "COZ" SYLVESTRE'S FUNERAL (41 photos)
On Friday, March 14, 2014, Mayor Daniel Guerrero and Deputy Mayor Gabriel Nu�ez assisted the state funeral for Hon. Louis "Coz" Sylvestre. Mr. Sylvestre was a well known person in both Caye Caulker and San Pedro, two places that he cared for and worked hard for while he was in office.
In honor of his past work, the recently inaugurated Sunset Boardwalk was renamed to Hon. Louis "Coz" Sylvestre Sports Facility.
Mayor Daniel Guerrero, Deputy Mayor Gabriel Nu�ez and the San Pedro Town Council would like to express its most sincere condolences to the Sylvestre family. May his soul rest in peace.
San Pedro Pre-School
Mayor Daniel Guerrero and Deputy Mayor Gabriel Nu�ez visited the San Pedro Pre-School as part of their activities for Child Stimulation Month and handed out exercises and pencils. (10 photos)
MMAC: Race to Live
The YogaSlackers have released the 4th and final video from their win of the Maya Mountain Adventure Challenge. It chronicals the 3 days and nights of their journey through the Chiquibul and MPR. Lots of great scenery and adventure, and stories, like having to carry their bikes due to there being too much mud. Wonder if they'll be back for the next one.
"Welcome to the final video in the Maya Adventure Challenge series. Follow the YogaSlackers as they prowl through untamed jungles for three days and three nights non-stop in the Maya Mountain Adventure Challenge. We'll be there every step of the way to bring you the planning, the execution, the failures, and the triumphs in a four-part video series."
ERI and Panthera Seminar Series
The Environmental Research Institute and Panthera have teamed up to bring experts in the field down to give seminars, and tomorrow, Dr. Dan Thornton from Washington State University will present on Mammals in Space. Not outer space, temperate and tropical space; species distribution.
"ERI and Panthera is proud to announce it's first presentation in our Seminar Series.... hope you can join us for this exciting new, venture!!"
OAS Culture of Peace Art Project
The Benque House of Culture was the site for the Organization of American States Culture of Peace Art Project. Looks like the kids had a great time doing art and learning about culture.
In related news, they had the cultural night Saturday night.
"A Culture of Peace OAS Art Project 2014, engaging and empowering one and all in the promotion of the Arts &Culture."
4 The World Visits Calla Creek
Feelgood news of the day. 4 The World had a Spring Break volunteer group in Cayo last week, and they went to Calla Creek and La Gracia to work with students and teachers on everything from computer training to reading to nutrition. Thanks again, 4 The World, for helping out so much around Cayo. See you soon.
"We did some great educational and fun programs for the kids at Calla Creek Village while educators did a special Professional Development Training for teachers. It was so much fun while learning new things for all. These programs are very useful for the teaching staff at the schools and the kids really enjoy our programs and the friendships created by our volunteers. Swimming, climbing trees, playing football, basketball games, flying kites, making friendship bracelets and reading books after school made this day so much fun!"
33rd Belmopan Cycling Classic
The Belmopan Cycling Classic was this weekend, and the Cycling Federation of Belize has 100's of pictures from the event.
"Here are some shots of the activities that were going on while the racing was on the road. Thanks to SMART for a great job in keeping the crowd in anticipation of the arrival of the finish"
Beautiful moon
The moon over Belize last night and this morning. You can certainly appreciate the beauty of Belize by moonlight in some areas. Certainly romantic and breathtaking.
Belize Colonial Architecture - Belize Supreme Court
"Belize's first court house was designed by Gustav Von Ohlafen and built in 1818. The first sitting of the Supreme Court was held therein. An entirely wooden structure, it was destroyed by fire on 17 August 1918; then Governor-General William Hart-Bennett, who had come to render aid in extinguishing the fire, was hit by a flagpole and died of his injuries a few days later. A new reinforced concrete court house was built in 1926 in Belize City." Source - Wikipedia
Video: "Woman of the Year" Selected by U S Embassy
Video: Gospel Expo' Kicks off With Great Euphoria from Tonight Until Sunday
Video: Belize Wind Energy Part 1
Belize Wind Energy Ltd goal is to build multiple large scale wind farms in strategic locations in Belize and thereby guaranteeing the people of Belize price stabilization and supply security, supporting Belize in becoming energy independent and creating an economically viable industry by producing energy and exporting it to the entire Americas.
Belize Wind Energy Ltd is investing hundreds of millions of dollars in the Belize economy over a very short period of time by financing and building large-scale wind farms.
The initial feasibility study is ongoing and we project construction to commence in 2014. Clean, reliable and renewable wind energy will be available in Belize in 2014.
Video: Belize Wind Energy Part 2
Video: Belize Wind Energy Part 3
Video: Belize Wind Energy Part 4
Video: Famous Belizean Entertainer Dankiman on the Entertainment beat
Video: Vanilla Hills Lodge Hotel - San Ignacio - Belize
Vanilla Hills Lodge offers spacious bungalows located in the lush tropical jungle outside of San Ignacio. It is a short walk from the Mopan River and offers free Wi-Fi and parking.
Each bungalow here features cozy wooden d�cor and comes equipped with a seating area, a kitchenette and a private bathroom with a shower and toilet. They also have a private terrace overlooking the gardens.
Vanilla Hills Lodge serves a wide variety of organic meals for breakfast and dinner, and guests can also prepare meals in their bungalows. There is a market within 6 km of the property.
The Mayan ruins of Xunantunich can be reached in a 20-minute drive, while Philip SW Goldson Airport outside Belize City is 125 km away
Video: Dive video, Belize 3/3/2014
Carnaval 2014. Ambergris Caye. 2� dia de mergulhos gravados com uma GoPro Hero2.
Video: Maruba Resort & Jungle Spa Hotel - Maskall - Belize
In the middle of the jungle outside of Maskall Village in Belize, this property features an on-site helicopter for tours, free Wi-Fi and a spa. Maruba Resort and Jungle Spa also has banquet facilities.
Each room at this property features elaborate and unique jungle-style d�cor, a flat-screen TV, purified water and a private bathroom with a shower, bathrobe and slippers.
The property's restaurant serves "Nouveau Jungle Cuisine" for all meals, and there is a breakfast buffet until 12 pm. There is also an on-site bar.
Activities like basketball, hiking, horseback riding and bird watching can be arranged by the property. There is a 24-hour heated mineral bath, and the Lamani Mayan ruins are only a 40-minute drive away.
Caye Caulker island is a 1-hour boat ride from Maruba Resort and Jungle Spa, and Philip SW Goldson International Airport is 30 miles away.
Video: Barefoot Caribe Hotel - Caye Corker - Belize
Barefoot Caribe is located just 100 metres from The Split swimming spot, on the beautiful island of Caye Caulker. It offers a terrace, free Wi-Fi and air-conditioned rooms with flat-screen cable TV.
Each room at the Barefoot Caribe includes functional d�cor, a fridge and a private bathroom with a shower. Some rooms have garden views, while others have a balcony with sea views.
The on-site restaurant, Sobre las Olas, serves international and Caribbean-style. Various local bars and restaurants can also be found within a 2-minute walk, including the famous Lazy Lizard bar at The Split.
Barefoot Caribe's tour desk can provide information about activities around the island. Caye Caulker Water Taxi Terminal is just 200 metres away and offers regular connections to Belize City and San Pedro Island.
Video: Belize Ocean Club Hotel - Maya Beach
Belize Ocean Club is located on the beachfront in Maya Beach, just a 40-minute drive from Placencia. It offers an outdoor pool, an international restaurant and stylish air-conditioned apartments with free Wi-Fi.
Each Ocean Club apartment offers modern, functional d�cor and a fully equipped kitchen with a microwave, toaster and fridge. Some apartments also have ocean views.
Free parking is available at Belize Ocean Club. You can go ziplining within a 45-minute drive of the property, while Mayan ruins can be found within a 90-minute drive. Belize City is 200 km away.
Video: Cruise Vacation Belize Honduras & Cozumel
Montage Video of my 2013 cruise vacation shot on a Go Pro Hero 3 black edition and edited by Max Fuerst Films.
Video: Kiskadee Lodge Hotel - San Felipe - Belize
Offering a restaurant, garden and a terrace, Kiskadee Lodge is located amid the tropical forest in the Mayan Highlands. Free Wi-Fi access is available in public areas of this lodge.
The rooms offer a private bathroom with a shower. Guests also enjoy garden views, a fan and a fully stocked fridge. Daily housekeeping is included in the room rate.
The property offers Continental and American breakfast and local food at the on-site restaurant. The property offers free parking and activities such as snorkelling and scuba diving.
This property is 5 minutes' drive from Lubaantun and Nim Li Punit Mayan sites. Punta Gorda Airport is a20-minute drive away from Kiskadee Lodge and regular daily flights arrive here from Phillip Goldson International Airport in Belize City,
Video: Belize video showing you different areas to live in Belize if you are looking to move !!
by Rainforest Realty
Video: The adventure: shipwrecked in Belize
Does it count as getting shipwrecked if the boat only takes on damage but doesn't sink? Listen to my adventure from the ferry between Chetumal, Maxico and San Pedro Island, Belize and weigh in.
Oh, and for those wondering? There were no bathrooms on the ferry.
This video is part of my travel adventure story series where I recount some of my most memorable, exciting, and at times awkward travel experiences. Join me as I take a stroll down memory lane and re-visit Belize in today's episode.
Special thanks to Kevin Verner for handling the camera work.
Sorry about the wind noise in a few spots!
Video: Playful bottlenose dolphins - Turneffe Atoll, Belize
Our volunteers were excited to find this of playful pod of bottlenose dolphins while conducting research surveys near our Turneffe Atoll field station.
Video: Belize Carnival 2012 pt 1
Video: Belize Carnival 2012 pt 2
Video: Belize Carnival 2012 pt 3
Video: Belize Carnival 2012 pt 4
Video: Rotaract Week 2014 Celebrates
Video: Banana Beach Resort Hotel - San Pedro - Belize
Banana Beach Resort is in Tumbo Beach, just one mile from San Pedro Airport. It features free airport shuttle, massage service, a furnished terrace and 2 swimming pools.
The rooms and suites offer modern d�cor, air conditioning, a desk, fridge, cable TV and balconies with views of the grounds. The bathrooms include hairdryer and shower.
El Divino Caribbean Steakhouse serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with imported steaks, seafood, snacks, salads, lobster and a variety of worldwide wines. The Martini Bar features snacks, burgers, martinis and tropical drinks for the guests.
The Banana Beach Resort can arrange activities like snorkeling at Hol Chan Marine Reserve, diving in the Blue Hole and tours to Ancient Mayan Ruins. Golf carts, bikes, jet skis and kayaks are available for rent.
This complex is 1.5 miles from The Belize Chocolate Company and its Cacao Farm, and 2 miles from San Pedro Church. The San Pedro Belize Express dock is a 5 minute drive away.
Video: Vega Inn & Gardens Hotel - Caye Corker - Belize
Vega Inn & Gardens is located in Caye Coulker beach, next to the water taxi station and 1 km from Caye Caulker Airport. Free Wi-Fi access is available in all areas.
The rooms offer wardrobe and the private bathrooms also come with a shower.
At Vega Inn & Gardens you will find a garden and a terrace. The property offers free parking.
Guests can find a variety of restaurants and bars within 100 metres.
This property is 650 metres from Asunci�n Church.
Channel 7
Sir Manuel and Kathy Esquivel Resign From All Government Posts/Appointments
Sir Manuel Esquivel and his wife Kathy have resigned all government posts and appointments in protest of their eldest daughter Laura being pushed out as Director of the Belize Tourism Board.
Sir Manuel confirmed to us that he resigned as Senior Advisor to the Prime Minister in a letter sent to the Prime Minister last Thursday March 13th. He confirmed also that he is stepping down as government appointed Director on the Boards of BTL and BSI. Esquivel would not comment on the reasons for his blanket resignations, only to say, "There is a tide in the affairs of men." Thursday March 13th is also the day that Kathy Esquivel resigned as Chairman of the National AIDS Commission. She had been on the board since 2002 as opposition representative, and was named Chairperson in 2008. She told us that she is resigning for personal reasons.
Will Aracely Cahueque Face Trial?
On Friday's newscast, we told you about the 3 men who were acquitted of the murder of 18 year-old Raylene Dyer, who was beheaded and dumped into a river, reportedly in a plot to steal her baby. Since the acquittal of the men, the alleged mastermind, 21 year-old Aracelly Cahueque has been on trial in the Belmopan Supreme Court since last week.
As we told you, her attorney, Dickey Bradley, is challenging the caution statement she allegedly gave to police which Senior Crown Counsel Cecil Ramirez will attempt to tie her to the murder of Dyer because she wanted her baby, Reyven Dyer, who was only 3 months old at the time. The crown intends to show that she contracted help to Dyer and get control of the baby.
Bradley made his challenge today of that statement in a trial within a trial. It went to completion, but because the jury is not privy to this evidence we cannot reveal on what basis the defense is trying to get it thrown out.
Former Travellers Cashier Accused of Stealing 80K!
24 year-old Rashida Kira Sedacey, a former cashier for Travellers Limited, is in police custody tonight awaiting an arraignment hearing in the Magistrate's Court after she was accused of stealing over $80,000 from the liquor company.
She was taken to court this evening, and she should have been arraigned, but the Office section of the Magistrate's Court just couldn't type up and prepare the over 100+ counts of theft that she is about to face. Our sources from the court says that she's facing 116 counts, but other sources have also told us that it it's actually 130 counts.
Sedacey, a resident of Los Lagos, was terminated from the company in December after the management accused her of stealing money from them in an 8-month span from the beginning of January to August of last year.
Three Shot Including 17 Year Old Female
Three people were shot in Belize City last night - including a 17 year old female. It happened in the Queen Square area on North Creek around 8:30 last night where a gunman opened fire on a group. Monica Bodden found out that three were injured but the shots were so wild that two more persons could have been killed. Here's her story:..
Monica Bodden reporting
The shooting happened on this basketball court on North Creek Street just after 7 last night.
The victims -17 year old Hortense Lynch, 24 year old Justin Orellano and 18 year old Kenyon Moss were sitting on this parked car socializing when two gunmen opened fire in their neighbourhood.
Lynch was caught in her right knee, while Orellano was shot twice to his lower back and Moss to his right thigh.
The shooters were on bicycles and came from the direction of Central American Boulevard.
American Teachers Enticed Belizean Minors Via Facebook
News is emerging tonight out of Tampa Florida about a male American teacher who used Facebook to chat and plan sexual encounters with two underage girls in Belize. David Wendel Thompson who has reportedly travelled to Belize nine times since 2011 was arrested in Miami on Friday. A press release from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement says he flew to Belize, where he was refused entry and then returned to Miami where he was then arrested. Ge's in custody now for online enticement of minors, a federal offence for which he could face ten years to life in prison.
The US Attorney's office says the 48 year old had sexually explicit conversations with a 13-year-old and a 15-year-old in Belize in February. In those conversations, he discussed flying to Belize to meet the minors and to engage in sexual activity with them. Reports say, a cyber crimes unit of Homeland Security received information about the chats around March 12.
Stepfather Impregnated 13 Year Old
There is another disturbing case of sexual abuse to report tonight, but this one is homegrown. A 13 year old girl from a village in the Toledo District went to police with her mother to report that on five different occasions, he step father had sex with her. A medical exam confirmed that the she is 20 weeks pregnant. The stepfather is expected to be charged.
Red Cross Responds To Catholic Church
Last week we told you about the Catholic Church's blacklisting of the Belize Family Life Association, the National Aids Commission, UNIBAM, and The Belize Red Cross. The communiqu� from the bishop said that these organizations were no longer welcome in the over 200 Catholic Schools countrywide because they, quote, "foster programs that ultimately undermine our Catholic values."
We heard from the National AIDS Commission and UNIBAM, but we didn't hear from the Red Cross, which is the only international agency in the group. The Church criticized their programme which is called Together We Can. Today the Director General of the Red Cross Lilly Bowman defended the programme known as "T-W-C":..
Lily Bowman, Executive Director, Belize Red Cross
"We have a mandate and we have committed to reach all the most vulnerable and most at risk people in our country. We alleviate suffering where it is found, don't discriminate, but we've been working to our TWC program in prevention which encourages and promotes behavior change, encourages and promotes right choices, we believe that knowledge gives you the power to make the right choices to have a better life."
Belize Red Cross And Regional Counterparts Discuss AIDS Awareness Strategies
The "TWC" programme is built on regional methodologies, the kind that were discussed today at the 2014 Annual Caribbean HIV AIDS Program Regional Exchange Meeting. The event is being hosted in Belize this year and it brings together forty Red Cross Delegates from Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Bahamas and Belize.
There are here for an exchange of ideas and best practices. Director General Bowman told us more:..
Lily Bowman, Executive Director, Belize Red Cross
"These 5 countries have been involved in the Caribbean HIV and AIDS program which is funded by the American Red Cross for the last 3-4 years. Every year they have an exchange such as this, we go to another country and we all get together and we exchange experiences, exchange good practices, exchange the new tools that have been developed and just basically discuss challenges and ways to overcome these challenges so that we can synchronize and act as one. We are one movement and so we bring all our experiences together."
Another Suit Against the GSU
Belmopan businessman Miguel Menjivar will sue the state for the damages that the Gang Suppression Unit caused when the unit rained down bullets on his family home almost 3 years ago.
Today, 6 months after Menjivar was acquitted of trying to kill 9 different officers of the GSU, he and his family have started the process of suing the Commissioner of Police, the Attorney General and Sergeant #360 Santiago Gongora an officer of the GSU. As we we've reported, in May of 2011, the GSU, while under the leadership of Superintendent Marco Vidal, conducted a pre-dawn raid at Menjivar's family home outside of Belmopan. In that operation, the officers unloaded over 100 bullets at his home, supposedly in response to Menjivar who fired first. Menjivar thought that it was armed bandits who were trying to rob him, and he was trying to protect his pregnant wife and 2 children.
Well, after beating that criminal case in the Belmopan Supreme Court, Menjivar is going on the offensive, and today, he went to file the documents at the court. He spoke with the media about it:
Miguel Menjivar
18 Year Old Accused of Shooting 17 Year Old
18 year old Leith Bermudez, a construction worker of Oleander Street, is at prison tonight, after he was accused of shooting a 17 year-old minor last week Wednesday.
17 year-old Tarique Gillett was shot to the right side of the chest around 3:00 in the afternoon on Holy Emmanuel Street when 2 men rode past on bicycles. They had an exchange of words, and that's when one of the men pulled out a firearm and shot him in the chest. Fortunately, he was rushed to the KHMH in time, where the doctors were able to successfully treat him.
3 days later, Leith Bermudez was arrested and charged with attempted murder and dangerous harm, and he was arraigned today before Senior Magistrate Sharon Frazer. Due to the nature of the offences, he was remanded into custody until May 5.
Victim Armed Like A Vigilante
He was the victim in a San Pedro shooting last week but tonight 21-year-old Darrington Lauriano is the one in police custody. That's because police say they searched him this morning as he was leaving the KHMH. They found him in the hospital parking lot with a knapsack and a suitcase - which police sya he was going to San Pedro with. Police searched the bags and found a 9mm Ruger pistol and a magazine with 8 live rounds along with 196 grams of weed.
He has been detained pending charges of "Kept Firearm and Ammunition Without a Gun License" and "Drug Trafficking."
Gobi Rides From PG to Belmopan
The Gobi foundation has pledged one million dollars to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at the KHMH. They are doing it all by fundraising, and every year for the past 6 years, a ride is held to focus the fundraising events. This year's ride was the most ambitious thus far: 150 miles from Punta Gorda to Belmopan - and it went all through the night. Here's more on this slightly bizarre event:..
Jules Vasquez reporting
They set out from Punta Gorda at 6:00 pm on Thursday - as dusk fell, the riders were in good spirits, including the man in the dog suit.
At the dump cutoff - the CEO in the Ministry of health waved them on and the convoy disappeared into the night.
Trailing in the blur of lights, the man in the dog suit is still there. He's Alan Gobi the organizer of this year's ride:
Dr. Peter Allen, CEO - Ministry of Health
"The group decided this year to do the longest ever cycle ride that they have done all the way from Punta Gorda, so it started off from down in PG Town at the dollar sign entrance for PG and they rode through the night, beautiful moon - people were lining the streets of the Southern Highway as they came pass all the way through the Southern Highway and they came up the Hummingbird Highway right here at Caribbean Tyres at the junction with the Western Highway at Belmopan."
The Last Big Test Before The Cross Country
And while the fundraisers were on the road on Thursday and Friday, on Sunday the pro's took over for the 33rd riding of the Belmopan Cycling Classic - sponsored this year by SMART. It was the final major test before the biggest race on the calendar, the Holy Saturday Cross Country Cycling Classic.
With only 6 weeks before that race, the competition was stiff, but in yesterday's race, 2 riders stood out. Mexican, Ignacio Prado and Belizean Herman "Hijo" Requena dominated, running out in front for some 60 + miles, where the chase group were only able to catch them in the second half of the race.
At the last 10 miles both riders made a final attack, and found themselves alone, once again in the lead, and from there, they battled for first place. 7News was at the finish line, and we spoke to the second place winner, about being defeated by Prado who is younger and has less experience than him and all the other Belizean riders:
Japan Celebrates Sushi
culture's culinary arts. World class sushi chefs were brought in alongside Japanese community members from Belize. We sampled their selections:..
Hiromoto Oyama, First Secretary Embassy of Japan in Jamaica
"We need to have a bit of understanding among each other, because if your people and my people misunderstand each other, it's going to be difficult to work together, so it's very important that we understand your culture and you understand our culture and we have friends among our people."
"Human like us, we are what we eat, so it's very important that we show Belizean people what we eat and we like Belizean people to appreciate our foods and Japanese people here they appreciate Belizean food - it's very good that we appreciate your food and you appreciate our food so that we can understand each other better."
Yosuke Masuda, Japanese Volunteer - Curry Koichi Fukuoka
"This is Japanese curry, it's different from Indian curry and its more mild and thick. The ingredients are onion, carrots, potatoes and chicken."
Ras Pitta, Promoter Turned Philantrophist
Deon Ras Pitta and Anthony Toni G Grant are promoters of Blazing Reggae Sundays at the Bird's Isle. But the event isn't just about good vibes and conscious reggae - it's also about doing good. They're making donations to worthy causes form the proceeds of each concert. We found out more at Ebenezer Primary School today:..
Their next event will be held on Easter Monday.
Melvin For UDP Again
And, finally tonight, we close with news of a UDP political convention that caused a lot some fall out in the UDP. Yesterday in Stann Creek West ?2134 ballots were cast and Melvin Hulse emerged victorious with 1223?votes while Alexander Romero had 882. The interesting part is that Delroy Cuthkelvin who boycotted the convention at the last minute got only 19 votes. He said the party had unfairly taken his voters off the approved list. He couldn't be reached for comment today.
AmbergrisCaye.com 
