Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 84,397
Marty Offline OP
OP Offline

This news synopsis will be a bit more condensed than usual for the next several days due to time constraints.


FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5 and CTV 3
Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, and the Dickie Bradley Specials


The San Pedro Sun

Ilan Nu�ez: inspiring dancers in the USA and Belize
"Dancing demands a lot of discipline and that is what I want to instill in the children at a young age," commented Rosita Baltazar to The San Pedro Sun, days after The San Pedro Dance Company was founded on October 10, 1998. Since then, hundreds of dancers have passed through the dance organization. Many of [�]

Roast Habaneros - because they burn so good!
SPICY!! Caliente! Fuerte! Delicioso! Yes, these habaneros are hot peppers. I think they're one of the hotter varieties known to man. And they are just delicious when made into this condiment. This is like a staple on most Belizean tables, and it's major fire. It is delicious because of the tartness of the lime juice, yummy smelling because of the onions and uber-fresh cilantro. Man, it's got all the things I love. Great scent, onion, and HEAT! It's super hot right now and perfect for grilling. Imagine drizzling some of this on hunks of grilled beef for fajitas, or that delicious steak or burgers� *drools*�ahem! When it gets colder, a good hearty stew with a few drops of this spicy goodness guarantees you'll be warmed up and raring to go in no time! So�on to making this deliciousness!!

One man dies at the Blue Hole
On Thursday, June 26th local dive master and tour guide, Marcus Alamina reported to the San Pedro Police Station that one man had died while on a dive expedition to the Blue Hole. According to the report, Alamina along with four other dive masters and 19 tourists left Ramon's Village Resort Dock at around 6:25AM [�]

AG's preliminary report on immigration scandal shows gross irregularities; Director of Immigration refuses to cooperate
Since September of 2013, Elvin Penner, the United Democratic Party (UDP) elected representative for Cayo North East, has been in the middle of a major nationality and immigration scandal. Penner was pointed out as the main person who facilitated a passport for South Korean criminal, Kim Won Hong, who had been in prison in Taipei, [�]

Ambergris Today

Minister Heredia Awards Top PSE Scorers of San Pedro and Caye Caulker
Minister of Tourism, Hon. Manuel Heredia Jr. presented checks to the Top PSE scorers of San Pedro and Caye Caulker as recognition for their excellent results on the examination. In a short, yet meaningful, ceremony Minister Heredia congratulated the students for their hard work and dedication. He stated that the money given to them was a form of acknowledgment for their excellent work in the Primary School Examination. Chelsea Rodriguez of Caye Caulker RC School received 82.8 averages on the Primary School Examinations and received $500 from the Belize Tourism Board and will be attending Palloti High School in Belize City. Shanelle Palma of San Pedro RC School achieved the highest score for the school and placed 9th highest countrywide. Shanelle received $500 from the Belize Tourism Board and will be attending Corozal Community College.

Two Permanent Doctors Join Clinica Los Pinos
The clinic welcomes the services of Doctors Sorangel Monteagudo and Mr. Hamir Adair Castaneda who are specialized in General Medicine for children, adults and pregnancy. They are permanent doctors at the clinic who will be an asset to the growing community on Ambergris Caye. Clinica Los Pinos is proud to be working together with different specialist so as to provide better services to the community. The clinic also announces this week the installment of a 24-hour emergency service with hotlines where residents can access emergency medical attention whenever needed.

Bath Time just got Better with Belizean Breezes Soap Co.
"Have a little fun in the shower" is the slogan of the brand new (super cool) store on the island named Belizean Breezes Soap Co. The novelty store carries a huge variety of 100% percent all natural handmade, eco-friendly, good-for-your-skin-soap! Located on Barrier Reef Drive near the Belize Bank, sits this aromatic, cool, eco-friendly soap shop that you must visit. Get ready to be surprised and amazed by their huge variety of hand poured soaps from single bars to full loaves, soap cakes...

I Became a Priest in La Isla Bonita Soap Opera, Now Filming
"History in the making" is exactly what is happening on Ambergris Caye Belize. Producer Matthiew Klinck of Make Belize Films is back in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize filming the very first telenovela on the island called "La Isla Bonita". Many have been buzzing about the filming that has been taking place at different locations of beautiful Ambergris Caye. This highly anticipated telenovela will capture everything from drama, love, action and much more to keep the audience engaged and...

Homemade Belizean Style Lobster Hash
When in Belize you want to eat like a Belizean, so you enjoy the rice and beans. And when in San Pedro, Belize you want to the savor succulent lobsters. At a restaurant you will get the whole lobster but go to any home and hashed lobster is what you will find. You can't get any more Sanpedrano than this! Prep InfoPrep Time: 10 minutesCooking Time: 1 HourServes: 6 people Ingredients(Lobster Ingredients)2 Pounds Lobster ( 8 lobster tails)3 Medium Onions3 Medium Tomatoes1 Large Green...

Misc Belizean Sourcesmzz

E-course Announcement
The course is being facilitated by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research and aims to develop participants' understanding of the climate change policy framework, by building an appreciation of the science, causes and impacts of climate change, the history of the policy making process and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change frame-work, and will also consider the pertinent challenges currently facing diplomats and international decision makers in making progress with what is currently on the negotiating table.

DIA DE SAN PEDRO 2014 (59 photos)
Friday, June 28, marked the opening of the Dia de San Pedro festivities which included the return of the Dia de San Pedro Karaoke Competition and the Dia de San Pedro Fishing Rodeo. Also making its comeback were the mechanical rides for all to enjoy. On Friday's opening night, the festivity had the participation of the San Pedro Dance Academy and the return of the Dia de San Pedro Karaoke Competiton which had the contestants sing infront of a live audience and panel of judges to with a grand cash prize. In the end, Mr. Pablo Cob proved to be victorious overall with Mr. Wilber Rivero coming in second place and Mr. Jaime Bautista in third place. On Saturday night - June 28, the festivity opened with dance presentations from the San Pedro Dance Academy where they were accompanied by students from the Dance Factory of Winsconsin and put on a spectacular show. The show then continued with a mariachi presentation from Mariachi Tierra Maya from Chetumal, Quintana Roo which had the crowd and cheering for more. And lastly, the Super Furia Band had the crowd dancing with their catchy songs and uptempo beats. On Sunday - June 29, the traditional Fishermen's Mass, breakfast and boat procession took plae in which many assisted to this event. The crowd were serenated by Mariachi Tierra Maya while enjoying their breakfast treats. Mariachi Tierra Maya also performed at the Boat Procession.

Thanks to Mr. Edmundo Castillo
We would like to congratulate and thank Mr. Edmundo Castillo for his 20 years of service to the people of San Pedro as a Loyal, Hardworking and Dedicated employee of the San Pedro Town Council. Thank you Mundo! We're glad your still with us!

Clarinet Ensemble Concert
The Embassy of Mexico in Belmopan is having a free concert on Sunday, July 6th. They'll have P'aax utia'al iik do a clarinet ensemble concert.

Cayo Classifieds - Issue 23
This week's issue of Buy and Sell Weekly. They highlight the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve.

Cayo Community Health Workers Graduation
Congratulation to all the Cayo health workers that graduated their certification course! "Over 35 CHW graduated last week of the Cayo district. We thank them for their dedication and completion to the certification course."

Channel 7

Kimmie's Fire Was A Case Of Arson
The fire at Kimmie's Bar on Newtown Barracks 10 days ago was a case of arson. The Fire Department has finished its investigation and concluded that it was - using their terms - an "incendiary fire" - meaning "a person or persons lit the fire knowing that they should not have (done so)" - sounds convoluted, but that's the Fire Department's technical definition. The term "arson" is one used by police because it is a criminal offence. Fire Chief Ted Smith had only just received the written report today - and has told the media he will grant an interview about it on Monday when he has fully reviwed it. It was one of the worst fires in years - not so much because of the considerable loss of property - but because a 21 year old mother of three perished in the blaze. Jacqueline Arteaga lived in an apartment above Kimmie's Bar and perished in the early morning fire. It started at around 4:15am, and the Fire Department arrived at about a quarter to five. But by then the fire was already in free-burn stage and could not be contained. Fuelled by a strong breeze off the sea, it destroyed three buildings and damaged another. It caused physical damages estimated in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. At least two of the buildings were not insured.

Cervantez Sr. Still Missing, Police Working On Leads
Orange Walk businessman Ramon CervantezSr is still missing tonight - and best reports say his family still hasn't heard from him. Now, rumours say differently, but reliable sources close to the family maintain that they have not been contacted and no demands - such as a ransom - have been made of them. Orange Walk Police have not upgraded his status; they still have him listed as a missing person and this afternoon officer commanding for the North, Superintendent Joseph Myvette explained why:.. Supt. Joseph Myvette - Commander, Northern Police Region "Investigations still continues. We are following several leads but so far we haven't had much successes, but we are following some leads." Reporter "Is this being treated as missing person case still?" Supt. Joseph Myvette "Yes it is." Reporter "Not kidnapping contrary to reports?" Supt. Joseph Myvette "Not to my knowledge."

Flood Waters Rise And Fall Quickly In Toledo
The southern Toledo District experienced flooding this morning after heavy rains last night. The river rose to 10 feet above normal and the flood waters blocked the road in the Jacintoville area - which is the road that comes out of Barranco, meaning that access to and from the majority of the rural areas was cut off. That was bad news for market day in PG, since the busses could not come in until the water had slightly receded around 9:00 am. That's when our colleagues at PGTV spoke to NEMO Coordinator Kenton Parham: Kenton Parham, NEMO Director - PG "We experience quite a bit of heavy rains last night and early this morning resulting in what you can see. Right now the only area that is flooded and impeding traffic is the area right here. Reports from the other areas around the district, Blue Creek, Jordan is that water is low. Some rivers like Bladen has risen about 5 feet, but right now this is our main concern. Presently we have about 3 families that we know that water went into their house about a foot or so. The BDF is out here with support transferring people back and forth."

Anxiety Is An Emergency Too
On Wednesday morning, police fished the body of 22 year old Andrea Bernard out of the Belize River under the Bel China Bridge. A post mortem examination has concluded that the young woman drowned; there was no foul play and she showed no signs of physical trauma. Her family says it may have been suicide because she had threatened to take her own life before - and yes, even to drown herself. And that's because Andrea Bernard suffered greatly with mental illness. We don't have a psychiatric diagnosis, but her family says she had anxiety, which can be a crippling disorder. And on Tuesday night - her mother took her to the hospital to get something to calm her nerves - but after two hours of waiting in the emergency room, Andrea couldn't take it anymore and she bolted, never to be seen again alive by her family. The KHMH has sent out a typically self-absolving press release, saying, quote, "The KHMH does not have a Psychiatric Service and�only manages acute psychiatric emergencies.." Well, according to her family, they surely didn't manage Andrea Bernard's case promptly enough - and that may have led to her death. But, in any emergency room, the mentally generally do not get the priority treatment afforded to those with bodily injuries. Today we discussed the issue with Eleanor Bennett, the Nursing Administrator for Mental Health:

PUP will Pay Hon. Hulse 15K
Last night we told you about Minister Godwin Hulse's libel suit against the Belize Times. Both sides have agreed to a settlement which will be read in court on July 10th. But, today's Amandala quoting times Attorney Kareem Musa reports that the paper is looking at a settlement in the region of fifteen thousand dollars, plus the costs of Hulse's attorney Michael Young. That's above average, since most libel settlements with private individuals are in the range of eight thousand dollars. The offending article referred to private lands in the Belize River Valley and suggested wrongdoing.

Barrister Bradley Sues 7 and 5
In news of other notable libel suits, former KHMH director of Finance Carlos Perera has sued Channel 7 News for libel. He says that we defamed him in our reporting on the investigation into two vans acquired by the KHMH. The matter has been referred to our attorney Godfrey Smith - and is at the preliminary stages, so that's not really news, not yet at least. But what is news is that Perera's attorney is none other than the Mayor of Belize City, Darrell Bradley. Bradley, as is well known, moonlights as a private attorney. For a mayor elected to, and paid in a full time post, it is a practice frowned upon by many - but, strictly speaking, it's not disallowed because the law is silent on it.

Hon. Hulse Stands By Director Marin
We have learned that Director of Immigration Maria Marin had also threatened COLA with a lawsuit before it released the Auditor General's preliminary report. The Auditor General singles her out for special censure - saying that she demonstrated blatant disrespect for the Auditor's office and the law. The report also links her to a number of offences. But her minister Godwin Hulse, still stands by Maria Marin. Yesterday, he told the media why:.. Mike Rudon, Ch5 "Has your confidence ever been shaken; your confidence in Maria Marin?" Hon. Godwin Hulse, Minister of Immigration "Not the lease Mr. Rudon or any of you. I have work with Ms. Marin fairly close and I find her to be stellar. As I've said before and will say again and this applies to any and everybody: first of all I have to have confidence in the people who work for me. I have 9 departments, I have the Investment Committee, I am on the Works Committee, I head government business in the Senate and I think the nation know I am a workaholic. Even when I get nail "juk" and my back� - I still have to work. I have to have confidence in the people and I could not work with anybody I don't have confidence in. If the confidence is lost for any reason I would be terrible disappointed, but that would be the end of the relationship. I am not going to support anybody, no matter who it is. I've said that time and time again, it could be my children, it could be my wife, could be anybody - I'm not going to support wrong doing, so up to this point I have no reason to have any doubt and that's where I stand."

Pharmaceutical Caution Needs Be Exercised
Tonight, a couple from Orange Walk continues to mourn the death of their 1 and a half year-old baby girl who choked on a pill after she ingested it. The unfortunate incident happened on Sunday night just before 9:00. Edmundo Cabanas was at his house on Palmar Road with his wife and daughter, Melitsa Cabanas. He told police that he placed half of a pill, known as neo melubrina - which is fever medication - on the kitchen table. A short while after, the child grabbed the pill, put it in her mouth, and swallowed it. Shortly after, the baby started to tremble, and that's when her parents rushed her to the Northern Regional Hospital. She didn't make it to the hospital in time, and she was pronounced dead on arrival. The family is no doubt going through a very rough time, but this incident once again underscores the importance of safety with medication. Today, we spoke with the Vice President of the Pharmacists Association, and she explained the nature of the pill the child swallowed, as well as a few tips about handling medication:

Benque Police All But Give Up On Abducted 6 Year Old
One week ago, we told you about Germayoni Letran, the 6 year old Guatemalan child who was abducted by her aunt from her school in Benque Viejo town. Well, she still hasn't been found on either side of the border and Belize police believe that she was smuggled out of Guatemala to join her mother in Los Angeles. As we reported, the child's father had custody of her in Melchor - and would send her to school daily in Beqnue Viejo. But it seems the child's aunt planned the near perfect crime: she abducted her in Belize, and then fled to Melchor, most likely sent the child to the US, and remains safely in GUATEMALA where she cannot be arrested because she has committed no crime on that country's soil.

Where Are The June Rains?
The hurricane season started 5 weeks ago, and usually June brings in the rainy season. But June's finished, and still, most of the country hasn't experienced the heavy rains. Now, we're not praying for rain - surely not, we had enough of that last year. But, with climate change and all, is the rain delay a cause for concern? That's what we went to ask the Chief Meteorologist today. Daniel Ortiz reports: We all remember the unexpected rains which flooding all across the country which started in late October and continued well into November. Daniel Ortiz reporting The rainy season, which should have normally started in June, hasn't begun as yet. The National Met Service says this weather behavior was expected.

Taking An Afternoon Off For The World Cup Quarterfinals
The first leg of the World Cup Quarterfinals were played today in two of the most hotly anticipated match-ups: perennial European powerhouses France versus Germany from Maracana Stadium in the morning and South American powers: Brazil and Columbia in the afternoon from Estadio Castelao in the afternoon. For world cup fans, it was a feast - but a feast served during the daytime - when many were at work. That meant stealing glances at TV's, furtive texts to find out the score, or just cutting out of work completely to see the game. That's what Daniel Ortiz did when he went to two popular watering holes to share in the experience. Here's what he found out form patrons at the Riverside Tavern and the Radisson's Stone Grill: And if you couldn't catch the game, you can see an encore of the Brazil Columbia match tonight on channel 7, the exclusive broadcaster of the 2014 World Cup.

Happiness Can Be A Breath Away
What is happiness? Who defines it - and what is they key to it? These are questions that have baffled philosophers throughout the ages, but one consultant believes he has the answer. That's right, Adrian McInman is a happiness consultant and he has been in Belize for a week talking to police, BERT, and the Ministry of Health. We caught him at a session today, and he gave us a happiness quick fix - after we were told about his session with health collaborators:.. Eleanor Bennett, Nursing Administrator - Mental Health "We thought about having these people here because the message from Mr. McInman is simple; the happier you are, the better you do and we just wanted to share this message with as many people as possible. He was with the Ministry of Health in Belmopan and we had like over 50 people there, he was with other health people here and so we thought about extending this to the collaborators."

Mexican Clarinet Ensemble In Belize
And if classical music takes you to that happy place, the Mexican Embassy is inviting you to come out and enjoy the 5 young, talented, Mexican musicians who call themselves, Paaxutia'aliik'. The ensemble is made up of musicians who specialize in the clarinet, and today the press officer for the Mexican Embassy told us why you should come out and hear them play: The first concert is set for Saturday, July 5th, at 6:30, at the Institute of Mexico, located at the corner of Newtown Barracks and Wilson Street in Belize City. The second concert will be on Sunday, July 6th 2014, at 6:30 pm, at the Embassy of Mexico, located on North Ring Road, Belmopan. Both concerts are free.

Channel 5

The search for Ramon Cervantes Sr. continues
Seventy-two hours after businessman and farmer Ramon Cervantes Sr. was reported missing, his family is saying nothing and the police are being very cautious about what they do say. The [...]

Shaquille Meighan out on bail for aggravated assault
Several bail applications were heard today in the Supreme Court. There were no objections from prosecutors in the Supreme Court all morning until the application of Shaquille Meighan came before [...]

Overnight rains in Toledo inundates Southern Highway
Torrential rains overnight in the south have resulted in flooding in the Toledo District.� This morning, commuters along the Southern Highway were delayed near the Jacintoville Bridge where several inches [...]

Police move in on squatters in Krooman Lagoon
Two squatters are tonight in detention following a complaint from a reported land owner in the Krooman Lagoon area. The men have been arrested for illegally squatting on private property. [...]

4 persons receive Supreme Court bail
As we told you earlier in the newscast, several bail applications came before Justice Herbert Lord today. Four residents from Orange Walk and Benque were granted individual bail in their [...]

Security guard charged for possession of drugs
  Twenty-six-year-old Jason Sutherland, reportedly a security guard employed by Minister of State Mark King, was busted on Thursday attempting to dispose of a bag of weed.� Police on mobile [...]

Minister of Labour Godwin Hulse says no dispute over Danini Contreras
Danini Contreras is the daughter of U.D.P. Minister Erwin Contreras. She is also the newly appointed Director of the Drug Inspectorate, a post that was created for her. It's an [...]

Belize off to Commonwealth Games 2014
Belize may not have qualified to participate in this year's World Cup tournament but our athletes in five other disciplines will take to the international stage on July twenty-third in [...]

Gregory Lovell replaced Byron Pope in Glasgow, Scotland
Also accredited to take part in the Road and Time Trials in Glasgow is Byron Pope.� Due to a near-fatal mishap last weekend in which the cyclist collided into the [...]

Mexican ensemble to perform clarinet concert in Belize
'From Yucatan to the World', a two-night clarinet concert series opens on Saturday evening at the Institute of Mexico in Belize City and will feature the music of the five-member [...]

Bowen and Bowen prepared for the King of the Hill cycling race 2014
A cycling race in collaboration with Bowen and Bowen will be held this weekend in San Ignacio. It is the annual King of the Hill cycling race that will see [...]

LOVE FM

Belizean Couple Speaks on Son’s Club Foot Deformity
Anyone who is a parent knows how tough a job it can be but for the expecting parents, things can get even tougher when at the birth of your child, you are forced to face and deal with some sort of deformity. Deformities can range from congenital heart disease to Down's syndrome to spina bifida �.tonight, we take a look at a Belizean couple and their challenges and fears they conquered after their son was born with a left club foot. Kimberly Tzib, originally from Burrell Boom Village in the Belize District is the mother of four children with her only son and youngest child born with a deformity to his left foot. KIMBERLY TZIB "He was born with a left club foot. At first I was saddened because I was worried about how he would walk, will people make fun of him and will he have a low self-esteem if I don't fix his foot? In seeking help the pediatrician recommended to us to the doctor at the hospital who came to see us on the second day.

Heavy Rains and Flooding in Southern Belize
The first major flooding for this year in Jacintoville in the Toledo District was a major setback to vehicular traffic early this morning. Correspondent Paul Mahung reports. PAUL MAHUNG "Heavy rainfall during the night caused the flooding in Jacintoville as explained by villager, James Parham." JAMES PARHAM "Early last night we had an all-night rain, heavy rains, thunder and lightning. This is the first flood for the year and every rainy season we expect to have these types of flooding. Right now from the Quaver bridge to the Jacinta Bridge is under 3-4 feet of water. Even a wooden house right across the road is about eight feet off the ground and the water is under the flooring. All this water is coming from the Rio Grande and its pumping all the water into the small creek especially the Jacinta and Quaver Creek." PAUL MAHUNG "Parham also spoke of floodwaters in the area of the junction of Jacintoville and San Felipe road leading onto Santa Ana and Barranco."

Mental Health Head Nurse Weighs In On Herbert’s Death
Yesterday the KHMH issued a release in regards to 22 year old Andrea Herbert whose body was found floating in the Haulover creek on Wednesday morning. As was reported, Herbert's family says that the young woman who had mental issues had gone to the KHMH for treatment however because the matter was not dealt with in a timely fashion, she left and was later found dead. The release from the KHMH says that Herbert and her mother did seek attention at the KHMH and were dealt with in a timely manner. Nursing Administrator at the Mental Health Unit in the Ministry of Health, Eleanor Bennett, spoke about dealing with psychiatric emergencies in the late hours of the night. ELEANOR BENNETT "Like the release from the Karl Heusner says they do manage all emergencies. If there was a psychiatric emergency in the middle of the night that person can be taken to the emergency room at the KHMH. What they do is they triage, they stabilize and then they refer if they did. We have a challenge with stigma. I do know when it comes to triage, the Karl Heusner has a level system and indeed certain conditions will take priority over others but it is through education, working with the health professionals, having them have contact with people with mental illness that we get to address the situation.

Fire Officials Rule Arson in Last Week’s Night Club Fire
It's been nine days since the fire at Kimmie's Night Club destroyed three buildings and claimed the life of 23-year-old mother of three Jacqueline Arteaga. At the time of the incident investigators were unable to determine whether it was an accident or if the establishment was set on fire. Well today we contacted Orin Smith of the National Fire Services who told us that the investigation has wrapped up. Smith told us via phone that the investigation revealed that it was an incendiary fire�in other words, it was arson. It is believed that a person or a group of persons torched the building. Smith guaranteed to give more details of the investigations on Monday as he has just gotten the file�.but now we are left pondering who would want to burn Kimmie's Night Club to the ground? As we reported, the owners of the bar, were receiving threats- "from who?" is the other question yet to be answered. Arteaga worked at Kimmie's for about a month and she was renting a room on the second floor where it is presumed she died of smoke inhalation. Apart from Kimmie's Night Club, Business Computer Systems was totally destroyed. Pandora's Caf� was partially damaged by fire but received much water damage as well as a structure behind Pandora's Caf�.

The Search Continues For Past Senator and Mayor
The Cervantes family continues to await word on the whereabouts of 71-year-old Ramon Cervantes Senior. Arturo Cantun reports. ARTURO CANTUN "Intensive search continued into late Thursday night for Orange Walk businessman Ramon Cervantes Sr. The 71-year-old past Mayor and Senator was reported missing on Tuesday afternoon after he failed to come home for lunch from his cane field which is located on the San Roman Rio Hondo Road in the Orange Walk District. Police is tight-lipped on the details of the investigation but Love News has managed to investigate that several persons have been brought in to the station and questioned. Likewise, a series of rumors have been circling within the Orange Walk community about the whereabouts of Cervantes. What Love News has managed to confirm however is that there are several accounts from residents of San Roman who allege they saw Roman Cervantes in the company of three men crossing the Rio Hondo.

Media Gives Minister A Passport Case To Investigate
Today the media got a hold of a passport issued to one Eric Jahmal Sanchez. The passport was issued as a replacement for a lost one and under those circumstances it would take six weeks to replace it. Documents show that this particular passport was issued far before the six weeks. The allegation is that it was Minister of Immigration Godwin Hulse who made the call to expedite the issuance of the passport; something the Minister denies. GODWIN HULSE "I see no application at all, ever, that is the purview of the department's Head and the Director. There are three things; there are people who get expedited passports, people who get one week and people who get normal and there are different fees. In terms of the last passport, it used to be three months, under the law up to six weeks, but that six weeks is from the time you report it to the police or the department whichever is first. So, in the case of Mr. Sanchez I really couldn't comment but believe me when i get back to the office i will check."

Former Mayor Says Brother Was Murdered; Police Say No
Fifty year old Michael Richard Ysaguirre died on Saturday and on July 1st a post mortem examination was done on the body. The post mortem revealed that the cause of death was Cardiogenic due to Chest Trauma with a Blunt Instrument. His sister and former mayor, Zenaida Moya, says that last Thursday, Ysaguirre was involved in an altercation at the fish market. ZENAIDA MOYA "Apparently my brother got into an altercation but what my brother said was, 'mommy if something happens to me this is exactly what happened.' He went over to this green shop by Conch Shell Bay where this guy, Jaime Bennett owns it and he went asking for a job because my brother cleans fish at the Conch Shell Bay market. He went there and I don't know what transpired but the next thing you know, this guy beat my brother, they said about four times to the chest with a piece of fiberglass and apparently a piece of it got lodged in his heart.

Minister Hulse Updates Media on Stake Bank
The third project that Godwin Hulse has been involved with as the Chair of Cabinet's Sub-Committee of Investment is the Stake Bank Project. The project has been given the green light but it has not commenced. Hulse told us why. GODWIN HULSE "The Stake Bank issue is very simple. Mr. Feinstein's project is a good-on and should move ahead but there is an agreement government signed with FSTV and BTB which included to an extent the Stake Bank project which government is saying, please ask FSTV to indemnify the government against any claims etc., because as you know they make money." LOCAL REPORTER "Were they given an exclusive license?"


Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 84,397
Marty Offline OP
OP Offline

More News: Scroll up from here

Puerto Azul Is Real; Stakeholders Meet With Investment Sub-Committee
The other project that has gotten negative feedback from the environmental community is the Puerto Azul project. Investors Dominico Giannini and Fabio La Rosa want to build a 7 stars extra-exclusive resort on Northern Two Caye. At this stage, it is a proposal and the environmental community is strongly opposed to it. We are not sure if Giannini and La Rosa are still in Belize but what we can tell you is that they have met with Cabinet's Sub-Committee of Investment chaired by Godwin Hulse. Hulse shared where the idea is at the moment. GODWIN HULSE "They met for three hours and it was the full team; the full investment committee that met with them. So, we had about twenty people in the room and it was an interesting presentation. They have pitched to the government what they intend to do."

Minister Says Government Has Sanctioned NCL Project And It Is A Go
On Wednesday, Justice Courtenay Abel, granted BTIA partial leave to file for judicial review on two of four grounds in relation to the decisions of the National Environmental Appraisal Committee and the Department of the Environment on the environmental impact assessment for Harvest Caye- a project managed by Belize Island Holdings Limited on behalf of Norwegian Cruise Lines. The BTIA wants to stop the project but Minister Godwin Hulse, who is the Chair of Cabinet's Sub-Committee of Investments, say the only way they will succeed if they get an injunction. GODWIN HULSE "I don't think it would be stopped. I think that what BTIA is doing is using all efforts which is their right to ensure that according to them everything is done properly. They have a concern that the EIA process wasn't proper, that's what they are saying. We think otherwise but if the courts decide it wasn't proper, doesn't mean the project stops, it means you do it over and do it proper. That can be done in a very short time but this project will go ahead; Government has sanctioned this. This project has met all the criteria and this project is important to the government and to the people in the south and it will proceed."

Sewell’s Extradition Case Heads to Court of Appeals
Gary Sewell is to be extradited. A ruling from Supreme Court Justice Michelle Arana, upheld the decision of the lower courts to have Sewell extradited to the USA where he was fingered along with his brothers of allegedly importing cocaine. Sewell's attorney, Arthur Saldivar, told the media today that he will appeal the matter. ARTHUR SALDIVAR "I'm not really surprised in the sense that it was a 50/50 proposition in every instance and i expect at a certain point our position will be vindicated and is just a part of the process." LOCAL REPORTER "So, do you know what the reasons for the judge's decision are?" ARTHUR SALDIVAR "Yes, I've had the chance to review the judgments and the reasoning and as much as I may not be in agreement fully in how it has come down, I do understand this may not have been the forum for some of the issues to be ventilated and to be adjudicated upon and that the more suitable forum would be the Court of Appeal. So that is where we go next."

Search Continues for Former Mayor and Senator
There has still been no concrete lead in the search for Orange Walk businessman Ramon Cervantes Senior. Arturo Cantun reports. ARTURO CANTUN "48 hours have passed since Ramon Cervantes Sr. has gone missing. Today the search for the 71 year old business man from Orange Walk continues throughout the district. Several volunteers have joined the search teams that are combing the immediate area where Cervantes' land rover was found and along the Mexico-Belize border on the Rio Hondo. Love News understands that the police have assured the family that they are doing all at their disposal to return their loved one safely home."

Police News: Robbery and Burglary
A 43-year-old Belizean business woman of Ceaser Ridge Road reported that sometime between May 16 and July 2 someone stole 15 thousand dollars in US and Belizean currency from a safety deposit box which was in the guest room of her residence. She stated that she suspects her 23-year-old house guest as he had access to the guest room. Police have since detained the guest pending investigations. 52-year-old John Webber reported to San Pedro Police that his house was burglarized and an assortment of tools, electronic items, diving equipment and an outboard motor were stolen. The total value of the stolen items amounted to 12 thousand 614 US dollars. Police continue their investigations.

PlusTV

Who Sped up Lost Passport?
Losing a passport is not a particularly fun experience. �It involves additional expenses and time for something that is only rarely used though no less important. But one Belize City young man was relieved of his misery a bit quicker. Eric Sanchez lost his passport late in the month...

Still Clueless in the Case of the Missing Ramon Cervantes Sr.
It has been almost 96 hours since well known business man of Orange Walk Town Ramon Cervantes Sr. was reported missing. However despite the relentless efforts of the community and police officers there is still no clear lead on the case. Police have reserved comment on the ongoing investigation,...

Man Thrown from Motorcycle in Belize City Accident
There was a minor traffic accident in Belize City yesterday evening. According to police reports, 31-year-old Onofre Vellos, a Belizean Tour Guide of Belize City was driving a white van. At the exit of the Brodies parking lot, he took a left onto the Phillip Goldson Highway when a...

Business Senator Says the Senate is Failing the Belizean People
According� to Senator for the Business Community, Mark Lizarraga, the Senate as it is performing at this time in our nation’s history is�“suffering from an urgent crisis of the erosion of public confidence in governance in our jewel Belize!” He made those comments at the last sitting of the...

USA and Russia Changing Roles on Protection of Traditional Family Values?
The US Ambassador arrived in Belize on Sunday, 22nd June 2014 and on Tuesday, June 24th, he was sworn in at the Governor General’s residence in Belmopan. A small protest by Alianza and Patrick Menzies quickened a remarkable response to media probing on the LGBT agenda from US Ambassador...

Belizean Shrimp Farms Reducing Adverse Environmental Impacts
Eight shrimp farms, members of the Belize Shrimp Growers’ Association, are preparing for Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) assessment in Belize later this year. The Belize Shrimp Growers Association has been working with WWF Mesoamerican Reef program to get their farms ASC certified. This is all aimed at developing better...

Camp Joy for Special Needs Children
Camp Joy Belize is a 4 day camping experience for children with special needs which is being done through a collaborative effort between Living Waters Fellowship Church East Lake Community Church and the Association for Inclusion of Persons with Special Needs (AIPSN). �Beth Tuten Camp Director for South Carolina...

Belmopan's Oldest Man and the "Good Ole Days"
Mr. Alfred Pandy a resident of Belmopan and a retired senior superintendent of the prison, celebrated his 96th birthday this past Sunday making him the oldest man in the City of Belmopan. �Our journalist Emanuel Pech sat down with him to talk about what life was like in Belize...

Sugar Industry Negotiations On Bagasse Still Strained
  Many believed that the tense atmosphere between the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association and the Belize Sugar Industry and American Sugar Refiners back in late 2013 was a sign that the sugar crisis of 2009 would be repeated. However the fires were extinguished in good faith as an...

The ‘Rod of Correction’ Reloads
It is in its infancy as a movement and already has taken hits from Prime Minister Dean Barrow and the United Democratic Party (UDP). But the group of activists known as the Rod of Correction (ROC) is moving deliberately to address the issues on their plate. Today, they held...

Tropic Air Halts a $6m Project Over Land Ownership Dispute
National airline carriers Tropic Air, based out of San Pedro Town, have had to halt a $6 million project for an airplane maintenance complex near the municipal airstrip because of a dispute over who owns the land on which the unfinished building is located. Tropic Air has a lease...

Porfilio Rodriguez Meets Bail in Court
Today, 19 year old Porfilio Rodriguez, a transvestite accused of aggravated assault, met bail of $300 arranged by his father after spending the last two days at the Central Prison. Rodriguez, who also goes by the name Vanessa Champagne Paris, is accused of putting a knife to the neck...

Gary Seawell Faces Extradition Again
Earlier this year Justice Michelle Arana heard arguments from attorney Arthur Saldivar on behalf of accused drug trafficker Gary Seawell, who is wanted by U.S. authorities in the state of Ohio on allegations that he and brothers Mark and Duane masterminded a large-scale cocaine moving operation between Belize and...

Unitedville Businessman Robbed at Gunpoint
A 46-year-old �Slovenian/Naturalized Belizean business man of Unitedville Village, Cayo District reported that at 11:15p.m. on July 2nd, �he was at his business place – Brown Sugar Bar and Grill situated in the village. Along with him at the time was �his wife and an employee. Two Creole descent...

Amandala

Wife-beating cop sent to prison!
A police constable who has been on interdiction since last September pending the outcome of criminal charges was the recipient of bad news today, when Chief Magistrate Ann Marie Smith summed up the evidence at the conclusion of his trial and announced a guilty verdict before sentencing him to prison. PC Ronald Sutherland, 29, who has been facing charges of aggravated assault with a machete, wounding and use of threatening words, was sentenced to two years imprisonment each for the aggravated assault and wounding charges and two months for the use of threatening words charge. The sentences are to run concurrently, which means that he will spend two years and two months in prison. Sutherland's legal troubles stem from his actions on the night of September 26, 2013, when he returned home and began beating his common-law wife, Tanisha Ortiz, who had to run out of their Police Street home.

Ramon Cervantes, Sr., 71, vanishes!
Both law enforcement authorities and concerned relatives are presently engaged in a frantic search for Ramon Cervantes, Jr., 71, a ca�ero who went missing sometime yesterday afternoon while working in his cane field near San Roman, in northern Belize. The family of Cervantes, Sr. - who is the father of recently elected People's United Party (PUP) standard bearer for the Orange Walk North constituency, Ramon Cervantes, Jr. - was initially alarmed when he (Cervantes, Sr.) did not come home for lunch at 12:00 midday, as he usually did, and they became even more worried upon noticing that he was acting strange and speaking in a different tone of voice when he was contacted via his mobile phone. Today, in Orange Walk, Amandala spoke with Ramon Cervantes, Jr., who said that when the family realized that something was not right (after a phone call Cervantes, Sr.'s daughter made to him that raised her sense of alarm), they went to Cervantes, Sr.'s cane field, but he was nowhere in sight, after which they did an extensive search that lasted up until the wee hours of this morning, but to no avail.

PUP to pay Godwin $15,000
A hearing in a libel suit brought against The Belize Times, the official organ of the Opposition People's United Party (PUP) by Immigration Minister Hon. Godwin Hulse was held in the chamber of Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin this morning. Hulse is suing The Belize Times over an article it published in its July 5, 2012, edition. The subject of the article, captioned "Godwin Hustler?" was the acquisition of lands in the Belize River Valley. While Hulse does not deny owning and farming lands in the River Valley, he instructed his attorney, Michael Young, of Youngs Law firm, to initiate libel proceedings against The Times for bringing his integrity into question, if the paper did not publish a front page retraction of the offending article the following week. Attorney Kareem Musa told Amandala today, Thursday, that they are working on the details of an out-of-court settlement of the libel claim.

Did troubled girl, 22, commit suicide?
The authorities at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) today, in a press release, said that they were "saddened" by the death of Andrea Herbert, 22, whose body was recovered from the Haulover Creek near the Bel China Bridge on Youth for the Future Drive at about 9:30 Tuesday morning by police. Her body was taken to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital morgue, where she was declared dead on arrival. Her family suspects that she may have taken her own life. Herbert's grieving mother, Agnes Herbert, told Amandala that on Tuesday evening, she took her daughter, who was suffering from depression, to the KHMH for treatment, but Andrea walked out of the hospital, because they had been waiting for too long a time - about three hours - without getting access to a doctor.

Football icon Gene "The Japanese Bomber" Guild dies in New York at 58
This week, older football fans were saddened when they received the news of the passing of one of Belize's great football players, Maurice Eugene Guild, who earned the nickname "The Japanese Bomber" for his brilliance on the football field and his prolific goal scoring abilities. Guild died of a heart attack in New York at age 58 on Tuesday, July 1. If Belize had a Football Hall of Fame, the legendary Gene Guild, as he was mostly known, would have been among its first inductees. Guild was given the nickname "The Japanese Bomber" in his early years as young striker. This was a man whose sharp thinking and agility on the field, together with his powerful shots, made him the scourge of many goalkeepers. Guild's football abilities appear to have been genetic, both maternally and paternally. His father, Louis Guild, Sr., was an all-Belize star during the 1940s and 1950s. His mother was a sister of the Brannon brothers who led St. Mary's School to football greatness in the 1950's before they migrated to the United States.

Cancer boutique for Belizean women
The physical changes that women experience as a result of cancer-fighting procedures can be very difficult to cope with, but the Belize Cancer Society of California has been teaming up with our local Belize Cancer Society for the past two years in an effort to provide women who have had to undergo mastectomies or those who have suffered hair loss with a range of items such as prosthetic breasts, special bras, wigs, scarves, clothing as well as medical equipment and supplies in order to help make life more comfortable for those women. Arlette Pilgrim, president of the Belize Cancer Society in California and a nurse by profession, is in Belize on a campaign to raise awareness among women. Pilgrim is also a businesswoman, and she told us that when she came across the prosthetic breasts on eBay, she decided that she would start making them available to women in Belize.

Has Minister Elrington signed a new agreement with Guatemala?
Amandala was informed today of a news item appearing online, captioned "World Court To Settle Guatemala, Belize 200-year-old Boundary Dispute," and dated July 2, 2014, claiming that Belize's Foreign Minister Wilfred "Sedi" Elrington has signed an accord with Guatemala in Washington. Indications from the Organization of American States are that Foreign Ministers from the hemisphere are meeting in Washington this week; however, the OAS reports on no such signing. The credibility of the article appearing on http://www.bernama.com.my/, which claims to be the official national news agency of Malaysia, is dubious, since it also names Guatemala's Foreign Minister as Roger Rodas, when the current Foreign Minister is Fernando Carrera.

From The Publisher
At the end of July and the beginning of August, there will be an "international black summit" (ibs) held in Belize. Regional and international conferences and conventions are always beneficial for the host domestic economy, because hotels, restaurants, shopping districts, nightclubs, tour guides, and the like will make money catering to the influx of foreign guests. As I understand it, the organizers of the event come out of Atlanta, Georgia, and the local coordinator is Zenaida Moya, the former two-term (2006-2012) Mayor of Belize City. My name is on the local coordinator's mailing list, but I have not seen the names of Rufus X and Norman Fairweather, for example. My understanding is that Virginia Echols, who is a board member of the UBAD Educational Foundation (UEF) and was one of the organizers of the Belize Black Summit held in September of 2003, is involved with this international black summit, but I am not sure at exactly what level. Virginia, a native of Detroit, Michigan, is an American citizen. I did not see the name of Ya Ya Marin Coleman, the chairperson of the UEF, on the local coordinator's mailing list.

Editorial: Family and state
On the Southside of Belize City, sad truth be told, we have gotten used to losing our young men. The gang wars have been going on for more than a quarter century now, and the larger Southside community has been forced to develop emotional calluses. There are only so many tears we can shed. On this side of the Haulover Creek, there is a lot of blood and gore and death. In a sense, death has become our way of life. Wednesday's Southside tragedy had a new twist. This time a young Southside lady, a 22-year-old graduate of Anglican Cathedral College, ends up as the tragic victim. To graduate from high school when you come from the Southside, it means you had faith in the system. You paid your personal dues and your family paid your school fees. You kept your nose clean, and you believed in whatever God you were being offered. You didn't become a hooker or a female gang banger. You had ambition and pride. But then, you couldn't get a job. You are a sensitive child, so after a while this begins to bother you. Were all the years of school worth it? You begin to have issues with your self-esteem. Your Southside environment is depressing; the news is mostly negative. And so, you begin to have issues with anxiety. You receive treatment for this anxiety. But, the socio-economic conditions which sparked your anxiety do not improve. You lose your confidence. Your family members worry about you; but then some of the worry turns to shame. Things get worse.

Court agrees to hear BTIA's challenge to Norwegian's US $50 mil Harvest Caye project
The Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) had a partial victory in court this evening, in its bid to challenge the US$50 million cruise port development being undertaken in Southern Belize by Norwegian Cruise Line, after Supreme [...]

Gene Guild, rest in peace
In the December 1979 issue of Fun & Games, the final issue of a magazine published for six months back then by Cream, Ltd., James Adderly wrote a story in honor of the great Gene Guild, [...]

Electricity rates going down this month
The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has announced that new electricity rates are taking effect this week which would reflect an average 2.7% reduction in light bills for consumers, due to a fall in the mean electricity [...]

ROC meets, charts the way forward
The recently formed advocacy group called the "Rod of Correction (ROC)" – which consists of a mixture of trade unions and local activists – met at the Belize National Teacher's Union conference room today, where they [...]

BTL says Belize was on "top 10" list for cyber-attacks
Representatives of the Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) called a press conference on Tuesday afternoon to update the media on efforts to try to contain what the company said is a flood of attacks against its web [...]

Friday night boxing
Friday night boxing at BTL Park In its drive to create healthy entertainment for young people in the City, the Belize City Council, in conjunction with the Belize Boxing Federation (BBF) and the Lions Den boxing [...]

2014 Commonwealth Games
Belize to participate in Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games With just over three weeks to go until the opening of the 2014 Commonwealth Games, Belize's contingent is ready to represent in five sporting disciplines. Belize Olympic & [...]

Cricket Corner
The Harrison Parks National Cricket Competition 2014 continued over the weekend with two very spectacular games. Seeing the scores tells a lot. In Burrell Boom, Easy Does It from Lemonal defeated Wicked Eleven of Flowers Bank [...]

Summer 4-A-Side
Lilly White presents "Under-15 Summer 4-A-Side" at Holy Redeemer playground on July 12 Sports/community activist Edward Charles Rubio, well known in sporting circles as "Lilly White," told us this morning that he is organizing a small-goals [...]

Taxi driver charged with attempted murder of taxi driver
A Belize City taxi driver appeared in the Magistrate's Court this morning and was remanded to prison after he was arraigned on charges of attempted murder, use of deadly means of harm and dangerous harm. The [...]

Hit-and-run on Xaibe Road claims life of resident
Leocadio Valentin Cobb, 49, of Xaibe, Corozal District, died after he was knocked down by a hit-and-run driver at about 10:00 p.m. Monday night, June 30, on the Xaibe Road. Cobb was found lying on the [...]

In trial by judge, a Ladyville man is freed of attempted murder charge
A Ladyville man was freed today of an attempted murder charge indictment when the prosecution's case against him collapsed after the victim failed to identify the accused as the person who stabbed him during a basketball [...]

Police impound killer dogs; no one charged as yet
Police in Independence have impounded two pitbull dogs that killed village resident Jeffrey O'Brien. Independence police announced that they are seeking legal advice, and this is why no one has been arrested for the death of [...]

Tenant poured Clorox into landlord's eyes
The tenant then locked him in his room for 3 days William Hubert, 70, an American businessman of Wahoo Street, in San Pedro Town, is recovering after one of his tenants held him down on the [...]

"Spam", 50, victim of alleged assault, dies 2 days later
His family says murder; police say sudden death This past Saturday, June 28, a sense of uneasiness filled the air near the Conch Shell Bay Fish Market off Vernon Street in Belize City, as news of [...]

Transvestite arraigned for aggravated assault
Perfilio Rodriguez, 19, appeared in court in female attire On Tuesday morning at approximately 9:05, the police mobile unit transporting persons from the Queen Street Police Station to the Magistrate's Court arrived with its cargo of [...]

Burglary in San Pedro
The home of a Canadian, John Webber, 52, of Palmero Point, San Pedro Town, was burglarized by thieves who got away with an assortment of tools, electronic items, diving equipment and an outboard motor to a [...]

Albert Castro not dead, but "very critical"
Police said he was shot twice; his family says it was 6 times Based on late-breaking information that we received from police just before press time late yesterday evening, we reported that Albert Castro, 31, also [...]

Woman robbed in her home
A woman was robbed in her house at about 9:00 Sunday night by three masked men at gunpoint, and the thieves got away with $200 and her 19-inch color television. The woman, 30, of an apartment [...]

Tropic Air and Construction Depot at the negotiating table
An ongoing dispute over a 300×77-foot plot of land in San Pedro, which was leased to an airline company but partially claimed by 2 other titleholders, is set to be resolved via the Supreme Court, so [...]

Mysterious skull found at Lord Ridge
A Belize City resident who was attending a funeral service yesterday evening at the Lord Ridge Cemetery in Belize City came upon a ghastly find after tracking a foul scent which was emanating from a nearby [...]

Bus veered off road to avoid hitting motorcycle rider
A passenger bus heading to Belmopan veered off the road at about 6:00 a.m. on Monday near Mile 47 on the George Price Highway and landed in a culvert to avoid hitting a motorcycle rider who [...]

UDP First� no apologies
"A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your [...]

Another baby dies in the north
A postmortem conducted on the body of baby Melitsa Melaney Cabanas, 1 year and 7 months old, of Palmar, Orange Walk District, certified that her death was caused by "asphyxia by braudicel aspiration of pill medication." [...]

Patrick JonesPJ

Flooding interrupts traffic on the Southern Highway
Residents of rural Toledo district had their routine activities in Punta Gorda town disrupted this morning due to flooding of a portion of the Southern Highway. The area near the Jacintoville bridge was inundated this morning due to overnight rains in the Toledo district. According to some people [�]

NGC Youth Arm prepares for Youth Cultural Immersion 2014
Young vibrant Garifuna Youths will gather at Georgetown Technical High School Grounds next weekend July 11-13th to learn about their cultural heritage, engage in personal uplifting sessions, prayer, language learning and Garifuna crafts among other fun things. The NGCYA is branch of the National Garifuna Council, which [�]

The Economic Value of Marine Algae (seaweed) in Belize
Belize is blessed with a large area of pristine sub-tropical waters inside the Great Belize Barrier Reef which is fertile for the growing of marine algae. This food is very low in Saturated Fat and Cholesterol. It is also a good source of Dietary Fiber, Vitamin K, Calcium and Copper, and a [�]

Spend Your Fourth of July at Any of These Five Belize Resorts
On July 4, 1776, thirteen colonies claimed their independence from England, an event which eventually led to the formation of the United States. Each year on July 4th, also known as Independence Day, Americans celebrate this historic event. On behalf of our blogging team at Belize [�]

Blogs

SALAD BAR - MIXED MUSHROOM SALAD
Preheat the over to 350 degrees. Heat a non stick skillet over medium heat, add the pine nuts, and cook. Turning until just browned. Tip into a bowl and set aside. Put the onions and 1 tablespoon of the olive oil into a roasting pan and toss to coat. Roast in the pre heated over for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon of the remaining oil with the garlic in the nonstick skillet over high heat. Add the bread and cook, turning frequently, for 5 minutes, or until brown and crisp - croutons. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Flights to Belize City: Delta added four Weekly Runs!
Flights to Belize City: Delta added four Weekly Runs! More Good News for Air Service to Belize: Yes, it is great news that major airlines are keeping up with Belize's growing popularity by offering more and more flights each year. Last month we posted that United Airlines was expanding its air service from Chicago to Belize with new direct flights beginning December 20 2014, and now we have even more good news for travellers. Delta airlines has just announced that, beginning December 4, it is adding four weekly seasonal flights to its Atlanta, Georgia - Belize City run. This is in addition to the eight weekly round-trip flights to Belize it currently offers year round. In the announcement, the airline also said it will resume its weekly seasonal service from Los Angeles' LAX to Belize City on November 7th, which is seven weeks earlier than last year's launch of the service.

International Sourcesizz

Protecting Parrotfish on the Path to a Caribbean Reef Revival
Coral reefs in much of the Caribbean have been badly degraded in recent decades by die-offs of algae-munching sea urchins, high-temperature bleaching events, overfishing, invasive species and runoff from fast-paced coastal development. But a comprehensive international report released this week charts a guardedly optimistic path to recovery - starting with conservation of an unlikely reef champion - the parrotfish. The report, prepared over three years by 90 experts, was produced by the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network, the International Union for Conservation of Nature and the United Nations Environment Program (news release). This excerpt from the executive summary makes the parrotfish point: Coral reef health requires an ecological balance of corals and algae in which herbivory is a key element. Populations of parrotfish are a critical component of that herbivory, particularly since the decline of Diadema sea urchins in the early 1980s; the main causes of mortality of parrotfish are the use of fishing techniques such as spearfishing and, particularly, the use of fish traps�. [M]anagement action to address overfishing at the national and local levels can have a direct positive impact on reef health now and for the future.

Videos

Video: Benque Marimba Academy at the BAAS, 2min.
The Benque Marimba Academy played at the opening dinner of the Belize Archaeology and Anthropology Symposium. Great as always.

Video: Lions of the South: Leonides Sanchez & The Special Truth!, 10min.
The documentary features the work of the southern Belizean community organizer, farmer, and activist, Leonides Sanchez, and his struggle for food security and agricultural awareness in his hometown of Punta Gorda in Belize's southern district of Toledo. Sanchez also an educator, has been advocating for black consciousness and self awareness among the Garinagu, and has developed farming cooperatives among the Belizean people of the South while working with civil society in Belize to bring about change in land reform and self-sufficiency.

Video: Snorkeling Belize- Hol Chan and Shark Ray Alley, 8min.

Video: San Pedro Belize, 5min.
San Pedro, Belize first time scuba diving. Everything from the food to the dive was all I hoped it would be. So much more left on the table in San Pedro. A return trip may be mandatory.

Video: Belize 2014, 10min.
Jimmy Walker and Matthew Reece in Belize doing sand search research for a future islands beach.



Link Copied to Clipboard
March
S M T W T F S
1 2
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
31
Cayo Espanto
Click for Cayo Espanto, and have your own private island
More Links
Click for exciting and adventurous tours of Belize with Katie Valk!
Who's Online Now
0 members (), 353 guests, and 0 robots.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Forum Statistics
Forums44
Topics79,199
Posts500,011
Members20,460
Most Online7,413
Nov 7th, 2021



AmbergrisCaye.com CayeCaulker.org HELP! Visitor Center Goods & Services San Pedro Town
BelizeSearch.com Message Board Lodging Diving Fishing Things to Do History
BelizeNews.com Maps Phonebook Belize Business Directory
BelizeCards.com Picture of the Day

The opinions and views expressed on this board are the subjective opinions of Ambergris Caye Message Board members
and not of the Ambergris Caye Message Board its affiliates, or its employees.

Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5