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Channel 5
No Official Motive for Murder of ‘JawMeighan’
As anger continues to build, police have spoken for the first time since Saturday’s shocking execution of the sporting legend, Ernest “JawMeighan” Meighan. But they have still not been able [...]
Persons Detained But No Arrests in Crawford Murder
While a connection is yet to be established between the Saturday morning murders of Raheem Crawford and Ernest Meighan, police have detained several persons of interest. News Five understands that [...]
7 Men Detained in Gruesome San Pedro Murder…
San Pedro police are tonight continuing their investigation into the grisly murder of fifty-seven-year-old Santiago Trapp whose remains were unearthed from a shallow grave in the Basil Jones area, approximately [...]
Farmer Hacked to Death in Trio Village…
There were four murders reported over the weekend between Saturday and Monday morning…two in the city, one near the eight miles community and one in San Pedro. Well today, the [...]
Police blames the media for the perception that crime is out of control, do you agree?
And our question for tonight is: Police top brass has blamed the media for the perception that crime is out of control, do you agree? Send your comments and responses [...]
Belmopan Resident Killed in RTA…
Tonight one man from Belmopan is in Police lockdown and another is in the morgue following a traffic accident on Monday. It happened about eight miles off the George Price [...]
Columbia University Students Stage Youth Summit in Belize…
A couple of students from Colombia University in the United States are in Belize putting off a timely three-week program targeting youths between the ages of fourteen and eighteen. The [...]
Jamie Dawson Sentenced to 17 Years for Manslaughter
After spending eleven plus years behind bars for a murder, Jamie Dawson learnt his fate today. He’s twice been tried for the December 2002 murder of Maurice Neal which took [...]
Minors Charged for Sexual Assault of 15 year old girl…
Tonight, two-fifteen year old friends are on remand at the Wagner’s Youth Facility located on the compound of the Belize Central Prison until their next appearance in court on September twenty-ninth. [...]
British National Alleges Rape by Tour Guide…
A British national on vacation in Caye Caulker is alleging that she was raped by tour guide Jaime Rosado early Saturday morning. The female, whose name we cannot mention, told [...]
Body of American National Found off Caye Caulker…
The body of a retired American national was found floating off Caye Caulker just before three p.m. on Monday. Police are awaiting the results of a post-mortem examination, but they [...]
Belmopan Police Thank Residents for Assistance in Fugitive Apprehension…
On Monday’s newscast, News Five told you about Tyrone Davis, wanted for a frightening home invasion in Crooked Tree in July. He’d been on the run since then, but was [...]
Police Offer Tips to Incoming UB Students…
Fugitive Edwin Paula was charged for robbery for his role in a brazen jacking on the UB campus in Belmopan in 2013. On and off the campus, students have become [...]
The cycling world without JawMeighan
In the aftermath of the heartbreaking loss of champion cyclist Ernest ‘JawMeighan’ Meighan, there have been overwhelming expressions of sympathy to family and friends, as well as the wider cycling [...]
The Shakespeare Global Theater Company Performs Hamlet at the Bliss
Opening at the Bliss tonight is the play, the Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, better known as Hamlet by actors from the Shakespeare’s Global Theater Company of London. The [...]
September Celebrations Calendar Launched
Following the national song competition over the weekend, the September Celebrations Committee officially announced the calendar for the 2014 September celebrations. Preparations have been underway since February of this year [...]
The winners of the National Song Competition 2014
Nello Player and TR Shine are among the top vocalists in the Jewel. This past weekend, they energized the crowd at the Memorial Park during the national song competition 2014 [...]
CTV3
Police Investigate Murder In San Pedro
Late this afternoon, police on Ambergris Caye were investigating a body of a male person found in a shallow grave about 8 miles north of San Pedro Town.
The Sun Newspaper reports that the body was identified as that of a 57year old Santiago Trapp, a caretaker of 13 1/2 miles North Ambergris Caye.
Trapp was discovered in a shallow grave sometime around 1:30pm by a search party consisting of family and police. According to family members, his body was observed to have a slit throat and what appears to be a gunshot wound to the head.
O/W Town Council Kicks Off Summer Program
A few more weeks and the summer is officially over but still there are hundreds of students seeking an opportunity to make some money having the time in their hands. Some of these students have enrolled in the summer program at the Orange Walk Town Council in which they are hired to do some work around town for a small wage. This is the first week and we caught up with some of them this morning as they labored at various sections of town.
Dalila Ical – Reporting
A little extra cash never bothered anyone but for these students, the money they are earning this week goes far. They have all enrolled into the summer program at the Town Hall.
Winners For The National Song Competition Selected
The National Song Competition finals was held on Saturday at the Memorial Park in Belize City where Belize City media are reporting saw a record crowd attending the event.
In the sixth event of its kind, there were fifteen finalists. The song battles were in three categories – Belize Song Category Junior and Senior, and Carnival divisions. The songs were original compositions and at the end of the three hour long presentations, the three winners were announced. In the Senior Division, Nello Player, real name Kernelle Parks, took home the prize of Best Belize Song in the Senior Division with his original piece “Real Belizean”.
Women Of Corozal Take Up The Living Healthy Challenge
Health is the biggest key factor for self-confidence, having more energy, living a longer life, having less chance of getting sick, being less stressed, and feeling mentally and emotionally happier in general. But being healthy is a lifestyle choice and something that has to be achieved over time, not just overnight. In the Corozal District a group of women have decided to take the challenge and start living a healthy lifestyle and the first step in doing so is signing up for Zumba classes. The classes form part of a pilot program that deals with Zumba Cardio activity organized by Doctor Nelson Marin Manger of the Corozal Community Hospital.
Belize Under Lock Down, PUP Condemns Senseless Murders
And amidst all the bloodshed, the police department extended its sympathies to the grieving families and stands in solidarity with the General Public and committed to do all in their power to investigate and prosecute those responsible, for these crimes, to the full extent of the Law.
A release from the Department reveals that with immediate effect, citizens and visitors to Belize City will see an increased presence of Law Enforcement Officers in selective areas of the City. Officers will be overtly patrolling the streets of Belize City and vehicular checkpoints will be conducted at strategic locations across the city in order to stem the violence.
And while the most sensationalized murder over the weekend was that of Ernest Meighan, his death reflects a great loss for the cycling world since he was a key component in the industry.
LOVE FM
Traffic Incident Leaves Delivery Man Injured
A delivery man for a tortilla factory received multiple injuries after he was hit by a taxi this afternoon. The incident occurred just after midday when taxi driver, Sefriano Lopez was pulling out of a parking lot on the Philip Goldson Highway between miles three and four. Lopez was turning onto the highway heading towards Belize City but he reportedly failed to yield to oncoming traffic….that is when he allegedly hit 33-year-old, Jose Rodriguez, who was on a Honda motorcycle. Rodriguez, who resides on Holy Emmanuel Street in Belize City, was taken to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital where he is being treated for head and body injuries.
Minors Remanded for Having Sex with 13-Year-Old
Tonight two friends are on remand at the Wagner’s Youth Facility located on the compound of the Belize Central Prison until September 29, 2014, after they were both charged jointly for allegedly having sex with a 13-year-old girl on Friday of last week in Belize City. This afternoon, the two minors were escorted to the Belize City Magistrate’s Court where they were processed and their charged sheet forwarded to the Belize Family Court. There, they were charged with a single count of sexual intercourse since they are minors. The allege victim, a 13 year old minor female, told police that she was allegedly raped by two brothers. According to the minor, at around Friday night, August 8, she went to a Chinese Shop located at the corner of Kraal Road and Caesar Ridge Road where her alleged boyfriend introduced her to another male whom her boyfriend said was his brother. The trio then made their way to a house where the 13 year old minor says she was raped. No plea taken and they are due back in the Belize Family Court on September 29, 2014.
Ministry of Natural Resources Explains Land Concerns in Silk Grass
Earlier in the week we reported that residents of Silk Grass Village were up in arms because they claim that the Lands and Survey department would not accept payments for lots that were issued to them over four year ago by the former Chairman of the village. Today the Ministry of Natural Resources and Agriculture fire off a release in response to the claims by the villagers. The Release states that quote, “In January 2008, just prior to the February 2008 elections, 120 lots were issued as part of a programme implemented by the government at that time. Investigation reveals that a private surveyor was contracted and while surveys were conducted, the survey plans were not submitted to the Lands and Surveys Department for authentication and registration by the private Land Surveyor. Consequently, the opening of the corresponding lease accounts issued could not be processed since they were issued based on a proposed subdivision plan. The Land Information System only allows for the opening of accounts and recording of leases for lands legally demarcated and boundaries officially represented on authenticated survey maps,” end of quote. The release assures that the matter has been forwarded to the Minister Gasper Vega who, in order to rectify and regularize the survey and consequently the lease hold interests, will seek Cabinet’s approval for funding to cover the cost for re-surveying, preparing and authenticating the survey plans for the lands in the Silk Grass area.
Deputy Vega Acts As PM in Barrow’s Absence
Prime Minister Hon. Dean Barrow left the country today on Government business in addition to two days personal leave. The Prime Minister is scheduled to return to Belize on Saturday, 16th August, 2014. During the Prime Minister’s absence, the Hon. Gaspar Vega, Deputy Prime Minister, will act as Prime Minister of Belize. Vega who is also the Minister of Natural Resources and Agriculture the Vega recently returned back to Belize after completing a week-long official visit to the Republic of China, Taiwan. During his visit, Vega met with Taiwanese President Dr. Ma Ying-Jeou. Both Minister Vega and President Ying-Jeou pledged to continue building the already strong bilateral relationship between the two countries.
Honduran Farmer Found Dead in Southern Belize
In southern Belize, investigators retrieved a body found in Independence Village yesterday morning about eight thirty. Independence police responded to a call and went out to a farm located about three quarters of a mile from Trio Village, where they came across the body of a Hispanic man donned in a red t-shirt and long black jeans and barefeet. His body had two stab wounds, one on the right side of the chest and the other to the abdomen. Police later identified the man as being 23-year-old, Juan Manuel Espana, a Honduran farmer of Trio Village. Espana was last seen alive about 6:00pm on Sunday, August 10, riding a motorcycle in the Village. The body was taken to the morgue where it awaits a post mortem examination. Police are investigating.
Severed Head of Caretaker Found on Ambergris Caye
In what was believed to be a case of arson on Ambergris Caye turned out to be far more yesterday when officers came across a severed human head. At around 11am, investigators made their way to the Basil Jones area, just north of the island where they found a twenty thousand dollar wooden structure burnt to the ground that belonged to 50-year-old, Moses Campos of a San Juan area. After observing the burnt structure, investigators set out to locate the caretaker, 57-year-old, Santiago William Trapp, who resided in the home. It was just before two o’clock yesterday afternoon when the search team came across a shallow grave about half of a mile from the burnt structure. In that shallow grave was the headless body believed to be the caretaker. The body and the severed head were retrieved and it was noted that the body bore multiple stab wounds. Trapp was last seen on Sunday at around 9am. San Pedro Police has detained seven men pending investigations.
Investigating Officer Says The Recent Murders are Gang Related
According to Superintendent Romero, the Police Department is looking into two theories reference the murder of Ernest Meighen. It has become public knowledge that Meighen is the father of the teenaged girl that was charged for the stabbing murder of Chrislyn Gladden. The first theory is that Meighen’s murder may have been some sort of retaliation. The second theory relates to the shooting murder of 20-year-old, Raheem Crawford. Crawford was shot while he was with his cousin Kevin Faber on Gibnut Street at about 4 o’clock on Saturday morning. Superintendent Romero told the media that Crawford’s murder is as a result of gang rivalry.
SUPT. ROMERO
“The murder of Raheem Crawford, he was along with one Kevin Faber on a motorcycle, the information we have is that one gunman came from behind a vehicle and fired shots at both of them. Raheem Crawford succumbed to his injuries. Again we are working on this case, we are speaking to persons in the area and we continue that investigation.”
Officer Romero Comments on Murder Investigations
This past weekend was dominated by the shooting murder of 43-year-old, Ernest ‘Jawmein’ Meighan. As we told you, Meighan, an accomplished Belizean cyclist, was on George Street on Saturday morning when a gunman lurked up from behind and fired one fatal shot. A neighbor, rushed Meighen to the KHMH but he died on the way. Yesterday we were unable to get the police side of the story, however this afternoon, the head of the Criminal Investigation Branch, granted the media an interview. According to Superintendent of Police, Hilberto Romero, the police are looking at all leads.
SUPT. HILBERTO ROMERO
“On Saturday a police responded to a report of a shooting incident at the area of George Street. Police visited the KHMH where they saw the lifeless body of Ernest Meighan with one apparent gunshot wound to the back of the head.”
PlusTV
San Pedro Caretaker brutally murdered and buried
There was a brutal murder on San Pedro. On Monday morning, August 11, San Pedro police were alerted to an alleged arson in the Basil Jones area of the island. Both police and Coast Guard personnel visited the area located about 13 ½ miles north of San Pedro Town. There they saw a wooden structure measuring 16’ X 20’ completely burned to the ground. Initial investigation revealed that the house belongs to 50-year-old Moses Campos and was valued at $20,000.00. The caretaker of the place, 57-year-old Santiago William Trapp, could not be located. A search was conducted in the area and just before two o’clock, a shallow grave was located about ½ mile from the burned house. In that grave was the body of Santiago Trapp. He had been decapitated and there were multiple stab wounds to his body. Police have detained seven men of San Pedro Town as their investigations continue.
Trio Village Farmer stabbed and killed
There was another murder by stabbing. On Monday morning, August 11, a body was found in Trio Village on a Farm road about ¾ of a mile north of the village. The body was identified as that of 23-year-old Juan Manuel Espana, a Honduran Farmer of Trio Village. Mr Espana had been stabbed twice; once to the right side of the chest and once to the abdomen. According to police reports, Juan Manuel Espana was last seen alive about 6:00pm on Sunday, 10th August, riding a Motorcycle within Trio Village. The body was taken to the morgue awaiting a post mortem examination. Police are investigating.
Accident at Green Tropics leaves two men injured
Two men employed at Green Tropics sugarcane company are at the Western Regional Hospital receiving treatment, following an incident that occurred sometime after 2:00 pm on Tuesday, at one of the construction sites at Green Tropics. According to reports, the two men were working at a construction site in the factory, located in the Banana Bank Area, Cayo District, when some beams fell on top of them. According to our sources, a crane was picking up some metal beams measuring about 40 ft in length; however it was reported that the beams were not secured properly and as a result the beams started rolling back to the ground. The two men who were injured during the incident were immediately rushed to the Western Regional Hospital. According to our sources, one of the victims received severe injuries to his leg and will be taken to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital to receive surgery. The other individual received minor injuries to his leg and was treated and released.
Ernest Meighan killed in Belize City
There were four shooting incidents in a span of approximately 12 hours in Belize City over the weekend. But it was the last one that has shocked the nation, and particularly the sporting world. 42 year old Ernest Dwayne “Jawmeighan” Meighan was visiting family on George Street in Belize City around 11:35 a.m., in his white Tacoma pickup truck, and while he was standing in front of the residence, according to police, a man in a white t-shirt approached from behind and fired a single gunshot to the back of his head. Immediately sent to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, Ernest Meighan would be pronounced dead on arrival around five minutes later. A single expended shell was retrieved from the scene. With more on the moment of Ernest Meighan’s fatal injury here is his boss and cycling promoter Santino Castillo.
Santi Castillo remembers Ernest Meighan
If it were only that he was a two-time Cross Country champion or KREM Classic champion, then Ernest “Jawmeighan” Meighan would have done enough to be forever remembered by Belizeans. But he did far more than that, and in such greater style that he transformed himself from simply great to legendary. After Jawmeighn was shot and killed this weekend, the man most closely associated with Jawmeighan in his glory days, promoter of the Santino’s Cycling Team, Hon. Santiago “Santino” Castillo, spoke fondly of the deceased.
Santiago Castillo – Friend/Teammate of Jawmeighan
“Well, I’ll be very honest with you. That’s the part I will enjoy speaking about the most. Jawmeighan is one of the few talents in Belize. Probably Jawmeighan and Marlon Castillo, had they been drafted by a professional team when they were 18 years old, they could have both made it to the Tour de France. I am so serious about that statement. Those are the two talents that I believe could have made it internationally. Jawmeighan, as it is, stayed and competed in Belize and won every single race there is in Belize. You can’t mention a race that Jawmeighan did not win. From the Krem Classic to the Cross Country, Belmopan Classic, there is not a race that Jawmeighan did not win. At one time they had Saturday races. Jawmeighan wan nine in a row, nine Saturday races in a row. He would jump out and run from start to finish. That young man was talented. Jawmeighan could train two times, three times, a week, and still come out there and hurt people.”
Murder suspect gunned down near Boulevard
The other weekend murder in Belize City took place seven hours earlier and several blocks away, at the corner of Gibnut Street and Central American Boulevard. According to police , 20 year old Raheem Crawford and 25 year old Kevin Faber were on a motorcycle on Gibnut Street heading home, when a dark-skinned man with a grey cap over his face emerged from behind a parked vehicle and fired at least 12 shots at them. Raheem Crawford was hit in the lower back and Kevin Faber in the left leg and back of the neck. With more on her relatives’ attack here is Yolanda Wade.
Yolanda Wade – Aunt of Deceased
[Paraphrased] “After I heard the gunshot, me and my gentleman, we jump up and open the door. I ran down the step and I saw my son get up off the ground. He came to me and said [to take him to the hospital because he got shot.] Then afterwards I pick him up, and send him to pick up the other young man, who is my nephew. Then afterwards his brother call for the neighbor, Mr Philip Cadd. He drove up his vehicle, and we got in the vehicle, and carried him to the hospital. When we arrived at the hospital, they took him straight into the theater, because he was bleeding and unconscious.
Amandala
Indira Mejia, 29, charged with abetment to murder
A Belize City businesswoman who has been in police custody since last Thursday was released on bail after she was arraigned this morning on one count of abetment to commit murder before Chief Magistrate Ann Marie Smith.
Indira Mejia, 29, appeared composed as Smith read the indictable charge to her and asked her if she understood the charge. Mejia replied that she understood the charge.
The incident for which Mejia was charged occurred on Wednesday, August 6, when Mejia’s common-law husband, Brian Clare, 57, was shot in the arm on Partridge Street Extension. Clare was driving a pickup truck when he was shot by two men who were riding on bicycles
70 murdered in Belize since 2014 began
Information provided to Amandala by the Joint Intelligence Coordinating Center (JICC) of the Police Department in Belmopan indicates that Belize has seen 70 murders since the year began, and a total of nearly 1,500 major crimes (murders, rape, robbery, burglary, theft and carnal knowledge) for the year to date.
Of note is that July saw a peak of 13 murders, the same amount of murders recorded in July 2012, Belize’s deadliest year on record.
The July murder count nearly doubles last year’s tally of 7 murders for that month. This notwithstanding, the JICC report states that nationally, two more murders happened between January to July 2013 compared to the first seven months of this year.
Raheem Crawford, 20, fatally shot on Gibnut
Police say that Raheem Crawford, 20, an unemployed resident of Gibnut Street, died after he was shot by a gunman while he and his cousin, Kevin Faber, 25, were travelling on a motorcycle onto Gibnut Street.
The assassin, said police, came from behind a parked car and shot both men at about 3:00 Saturday morning at the junction of Central American Boulevard and Gibnut Street. The men were turning onto Gibnut Street to go home.
Crawford was showing his cousin, Kevin Faber, 25, home from the US for a visit, the sights of the city when they were ambushed.
Crawford was shot in the abdomen and back, while Faber was shot in the neck, from which the bullet exited. They were both taken to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) by their neighbor.
Cycling icon Jawmaine executed
Two short blocks away from Police Precinct 1, which is located at the corner of Kut and Euphrates Avenues, a young assassin dismounted from his bicycle and walked toward his target’s house.
As his target bent down to secure a gate, the shooter shot him once, stuffed the gun under the waist of his pants, jumped on his bicycle and fled from the scene.
The news of the killing of two-time Cross Country champion Ernest “Jawmaine” Meighan, 43, at the southern end of George Street shortly after 11:00 Saturday morning, spread with electronic speed through text messages, on cell phones and overseas calls, and the social networks hummed with the tragic news.
Trio remanded for over 2 pounds of “coke”
Last Friday, August 8, three men – one from Orange Walk and two from the Cayo District – who were busted with just over 2.6 pounds of cocaine the day before, were remanded to the Belize Central Prison after being arraigned for drug trafficking in the Orange Walk Magistrate’s Court.
The suspected drugs were found just before 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 7, 2014 when Orange Walk police set up a vehicle checkpoint between Miles 68 and 69 on the Philip Goldson Highway, and searched a gold Toyota Corolla Sedan taxi with license plates OW D-00268, driven by Jorghino Chan, 20, of a Cristock Street address in Orange Walk Town.
Persistent homicide crisis in Belize City apparently becoming more entrenched
Belize boasted a notable reprieve in homicides in 2013, but the recent spate of killings, particularly those which have occurred since the end of May, underscore the fact that the lack of sustained and effective measures to tackle the persistent crisis in Belize City continues to pose a major national security risk.
The families of two-time Belizean Cross Country champ, Ernest “Jawmaine” Meighan, 42, and honor roll student Chryslin Gladden, 17, recently killed a week apart, know this risk all too well, and some persons who have been discussing this topic in the public domain are even calling for the reinstatement of the death penalty.
Of note is that one of Meighan’s daughters was recently remanded in connection with the murder of another Belize City female, and there are reports that prior to his death, Meighan had received death threats but was adamant not to let those threats force him into hiding.
Condolences from the sports desk on the passing of a legend – Jawmaine
BELIZE CITY—I was at a mechanic shop on Cemetery Road near midday on Saturday, when a relative sent me a text with the shocking news. Because I had spent just over fifteen years in the wilderness, [...]
Tribute to Jawmeighan
BELIZE CITY—“Jawmeighan” was hands down the best rider of my era. I was privileged to have raced against Ernest Meighan, Charles and Michael Lewis, Fitzgerald “Palas” Joseph, Orlando Chavarria, Robert Mariano, Francisco Flores, Roque Matus, Dwight [...]
Female Volleyball U-23 Team Belize wins one in Honduras
TEGUCIGALPA—Reports received from our Female Volleyball U-23 National Team at the U-23 Central American Female Volleyball Championship in Honduras are that our girls are holding their own, although they presently have a 1 win 2 losses [...]
Editorial: Southside savagery
The stunning news which broke around noon on Saturday that two-time Crosscountry champion and longtime Santino’s employee, Ernest “Jawmaine” Meighan, had been shot in the head and killed on George Street, brought the immediate reaction in most Belize City residents that this must have been some kind of retaliation for the sensational murder, just one week before, of a 16-year-old Wesley College graduate for which one of the cyclist’s daughters had been charged.
This was, however, not necessarily the case. There was talk that one or two of Jawmaine’s close relatives, well known to the law, may have been involved in a murder around 4 a.m. the Saturday morning, so that Jawmaine’s murder may have been retaliation for that instead of retaliation for the Chryslin Gladden murder a week earlier.
The problem with ASP Chris Noble
In Belize the head of every governmental department has the right to transfer any of the people who work under him or her for the best interest of his or her department. However, there are many times when transfers are being done by the heads of departments in Belize because their supervisors did not like the person working under them, racism, insecurity, jealousy, ulterior motives and other unjustifiable reasons.
I was a member of the Belize Police Force for five years and I witnessed male Police Officers who were transferred because the senior ranking officers wanted to have an affair with their wives or were having an affair with a woman the senior ranking officer was having an affair or wanted to have an affair with, female Police Officers who were transferred because they refused to have an affair with senior ranking Police Officers and Police Officers who were investigating a case against one of the senior officers’ friends, relatives or business owner. When these Police Officers tried to fight the transfer or transfers, the Commissioner of Police would not even listen to his or her complaint because he was a friend of the senior ranking officers that he promoted.
Bagasse negotiations on hold
In spite of major hurdles at the start of the year, the 2013/2014 sugar crop harvest turned out to be one of the best seasons yet; however, the impasse between the factory owners Belize Sugar Industries (BSI)/American Sugar Refineries (ASR) and the local cañeros of the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers’ Association (BSCFA) continues, since the dispute over bagasse profits has not been fully resolved.
Cane farmers rejected the BSI proposal of 51 cents as the quantum payment for bagasse at a general meeting which was held on July 20 of this year, after which they sent a letter to the Sugar Industry Control Board (SICB) to seek an international expert to help the two parties – BSCFA and BSI – negotiate a fair payment for bagasse.
No deal with US Capital, Maya leaders say
Last week, four of the buffer communities near the Sarstoon Temash National Park, where US Capital Energy plans to proceed with exploratory oil drilling later this month, issued a statement suggesting that some Maya leaders had excluded them from talks and had struck a deal with the oil company.
However, Pablo Mis, spokesperson of the Maya Leaders Alliance and the Toledo Alcaldes Association, told Amandala today that no such deal has been struck.
In their statement last week, the buffer communities of Conejo, Crique Sarco, Midway and Graham Creek, said that they reject the move by the MLA and TAA to engage the oil company in talks over oil exploration without their knowledge. They added that “the prevailing perception in our communities is that a deal has been reached between the TAA, MLA and US Capital Energy.”
72 BDF soldiers graduat
LADYVILLE—After enduring 18 weeks of rigorous physical and mental training, 72 recruits took their place among the ranks of the Belize Defence Force (BDF) today.
Four recruits received special honors.
The new batch of soldiers, which make up Recruit Intake #58, withstood tests which challenged their emotional and psychological strength, and having proven their competence, they marched proudly onto the grounds of Price Barracks in Ladyville, where they earned the right to be inducted into the country’s national security force.
Patrick Jones
Belmopan Bandits dropped from CONCACAF Champions League
The Belmopan Bandits will not get to play in the 2014-2015 CONCACAF Champions League. The governing body for football in North America, the Caribbean and Central America today announced that the Belmopan Bandits was removed from the competition because the Football Federation of Belize stadium in Belmopan […]
Improving weather, warm temperatures
Weather conditions will improve over the next couple of days before another bout of rain sets in this weekend. The general forecast for Belize and her coastal waters is for partly cloudy skies tonight. Wednesday will be sunny with a few cloudy spells. Winds over the open […]
Police investigate homicide in Trio Village
Police in Stann Creek are investigating a homicide. According to reports, the body of 23 year old Juan Manuel Espana was found on Monday morning on a farm road about three-quarters of a mile north of Trio village. According to information supplied by officers of the Intermediate Southern […]
BAHA trains to address food safety
This morning, officials from the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) met in Belize City with a few representatives of major agricultural industries and those to be tasked with directly reaching out to farmers across Belize on the issue of food safety. According to food safety director for BAHA, […]
Globe Theater brings world tour of Shakespeare’s Hamlet to Belize
It is one of his most recognized plays, and today, for one day only, there were performances by a visiting London company of the William Shakespeare play The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, usually referred to by its title character’s name. Shakespeare’s Globe Theater Company of London […]
September Celebrations calendar of activities released
The September Celebrations is less than a month away and Belizeans can look forward to a packed calendar of events that has already kicked off with last Saturday’s National Song Competition Final. According to Communications Officer for NICH Shari Williams, it is a mix of old and new, […]
Jamie Dawson given 17 year prison sentence for manslaughter
Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin has sentenced Jamie Dawson, also known as “JJ”, 35, to a term of 17 years in prison. He pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the death of Maurice Neal on December 7, 2002 at Bismark Club on Queen Charlotte Street. He was previously tried twice, […]
Deputy PM returns from Taiwan visit
The Honourable the Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Gaspar Vega is back home following a one week official visit to the Republic of China, Taiwan. During his visit, Mr. Vega, who is also the Minister of Natural Resources and Agriculture met with Taiwanese President Dr. Ma Ying-Jeou. According […]
Policeman in PG faces extortion charges
A police officer stationed in Punta Gorda town is facing a charge of extortion. The officer is in detention pending investigation. Information received says that the officer allegedly busted a group of students with marijuana on Wednesday night, August 6, at a park on Front Street in […]
Slow Season? What Slow Season? New Businesses in San Pedro, Belize
A few friends and I came to town to try the “new restaurant”. A Chinese buffet had opened just a few weeks ago – Red Chili’s.
We walked in around 12:15 and the place was hopping. About 4 or 5 tables and maybe 10 people waiting to order? The menu looks legit…
The sign outside says Buffet but they are planning that for Fridays and Saturdays only. Right now, you order off the menu. The buffet equipment is functioning properly just yet…
The slow season, often a time for business renovations or even closings, a time for less tourists and the possibility of more stormy weather, is approaching. But that does not seem to be slowing down the new businesses in San Pedro. There is this Chinese restaurant and on the front street, Yo Mama! is looking almost ready right next to Fido’s.
Yo Mama! is a chain the states, I just found out. Yogurt bar? Does that mean that you weigh the toppings and yogurt and pay that way? People serve themselves?
Chaa Creek In USA Today’s “Bucket List” a Boost for Eco-Tourism
The Belizean eco-resort’s co-owner and GM Lucy Fleming, who started Chaa Creek as a family farm with her husband Mick in the 1970s, agreed that the USA Today nod had wider implications for the entire eco-tourism industry.
Ms Fleming also said that while Belize has so much to offer travellers, such as the second largest barrier reef in the world, vast tracts of protected pristine jungle reserves, a large concentration of ancient Maya temples and archaeological sites, hundreds of tiny islands and a friendly, English speaking population, the little country’s emphasis on environmental sustainability set it apart from other destinations early on.
“Belize’s tourism industry is relatively new, having really only started after Belize achieved independence in 1981, the same year we began taking guests in at Chaa Creek. In some ways this was fortunate, as environmental sustainability and responsible travel were part and parcel of our operations from day one.
Miss Mexico wins La Reina de la Costa Maya 2014
The International Costa Maya Festival took place from Thursday, August 7 to Sunday, August 10, 2014. This was 22nd edition of what is considered the biggest festival in San Pedro and as always, it brought people from across Belize and from all over the world. One of the main attractions is La Reina de la Costa Maya pageant and once again I was tasked on documenting it. The women were from Guatemala, Mexico, Belize, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama. Here are the lovely ladies:
The first runner up was Miss Guatemala, Keyla Bermudez and the second runner up is Miss Nicaragua, Katherine Tapia. Miss Mexico also won best cultural dress.
If you didn’t make it this year…I hope you do next time! Adios from sunny San Pedro!
SALAD BAR – STRAWBERRY SPINACH SALAD
1.In a medium bowl, whisk together the sesame seeds, poppy seeds, sugar, olive oil, vinegar, paprika, Worcestershire sauce and onion. Cover, and chill for one hour.
2.In a large bowl, combine the spinach, strawberries and almonds. Pour dressing over salad, and toss. Refrigerate 10 to 15 minutes before serving.
International Sources
Every Rose Has Thorns Play
The Rotaract Club of San Ignacio is teaming up with the HRCB to bring the play Every Rose Has Thorns to Cayo. It'll be a dual fundraiser, and will be this Saturday, August 16th.
"The Human Rights Commission of Belize- H.R.C.B. and the Rotaract Club of San Ignacio, invites the general population to a joint fund raising activity for both organizations. The event consists of the popular play 'Every Rose has Thorns' performed by Pastor Dillon Burgin. This event is scheduled to be held on Saturday August 16th, 2014 at the Sacred Heart College Auditorium in San Ignacio."
Power outage Hopkins
Power interruption 8:00am to 1:00pm, Wednesday, August 13, entire Hopkins Village. BEL to relocate high voltage lines and utility poles along the Hopkins Road and replace poles carrying high voltage lines in Hopkins Village.
Belize's Belmopan Bandits pitched out the CONCACAF Champions League
The debut of a team from Belize in the CONCACAF Champions League will have to wait for at least another season after confederation inspectors ruled that their pitch was unplayable. Belize Premier League champions Belmopan Bandits will be replaced in the competition by Costa Rica's Club Sport Herediano.
CONCACAF inspected the playing surface at the Football Federation of Belize (FFB) Stadium on August 10 for a second time, finding that the conditions did not meet the regulations for Champions League standards. Belmopan were scheduled to play their first game in the competition, at home, on Friday August 22 against El Salvador's Isidro Metapan.
The world’s 6 most stunning lagoons
EVER since Brooke Shields and Christopher Atkins were marooned in paradise in the 1980 film Blue Lagoon, the word “lagoon” has held exotic appeal for me.
It evokes images of romance, azure waters, languid relaxation ... oh, and Christopher Atkins in a loincloth ...
The idea of a little languid relaxation and escaping from the winter chill is pretty appealing mid-August, so I’ve tracked down six of the world’s most beautiful lagoons. Enjoy …
2. Lighthouse Reef, Belize
The reef is famous for the Great Blue Hole found near its centre. The Hole is a popular dive site, the deeper you dive, the clearer the water becomes, also revealing an array of stalactites and limestone formations.
The only place to stay on Lighthouse Reef Atoll is with Huracan Diving as part of a dive package. The four guest rooms at Huracan’s lodge have private bathrooms, king beds, ceiling fans, and screened windows.
Fortis Inc. Acquisition of UNS Energy Corporation Approved by Arizona Corporation Commission
Fortis Inc. ("Fortis" or the "Corporation") (TSX:FTS) and UNS Energy Corporation ("UNS Energy") (NYSE:UNS) announced today the issuance of the final written approval by the Arizona Corporation Commission (the "ACC") of the Corporation's agreement to acquire UNS Energy (the "Acquisition"). As a result, all conditions precedent to completing the Acquisition have been fulfilled other than those which by their nature cannot be satisfied until the closing date, which is expected to occur upon completion of the required documentation.
New World Oil & Gas Still Waiting For Niel Petroleum Investment
New World Oil and Gas PLC Tuesday said it continues to work with Niel Petroleum SA to complete a deal in which Niel Petroleum would invest USD25 million into New World.
In September, Niel Petroleum agreed to invest USD25 million in New World in return for a 75% stake in the oil and gas explorer which operates in Belize and Denmark. Niel Petroleum planned to buy 2.19 billion shares in New World for USD25 million, while also providing a USD25 million debt facility. However, the deal was beset by delays, meaning New World was left waiting for a transfer of funds.
Videos
Video: Belize City cruise ashore impressions in HD, 2min.
For our shore excursion in Belize we tenderten with small boats in the capital of Belize City. In the harbor the already familiar picture, caribbean bars, souvenir shops, leather, jewelery and clothing stores in a secure zone. The small city tour by bus showed us some highlights of the city on the way to the ruined city of the Maya (Altun Ha), such as the Fort George Memorial Park and some upscale neighborhoods and hotels.
Bei unserem Landausflug in Belize tenderten wir mit kleinen Booten in die Hauptstadt Belize City. Im Hafen das schon gewohnte Bild, karibische Bars, Souveniershops, Leder-, Schmuck- und Bekleidungsläden in einer gesicherten Zone. Die kleine Stadtrundfahrt mit dem Bus zeigte uns einige Höhepunkte der Stadt auf dem Weg zur Ruinenstadt der Maya (Altun Ha), wie z.B. dem Fort George Memorial Park und einige gehobene Wohnviertel und Hotels.
Video: MAINLAND Belize Jennings Adventure 2014, 8min.
Our trip through the mainland of Belize from zip lining to cave tubing to waterfalls
AmbergrisCaye.com 
