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Channel 5
P.U.P. Suspends Arthur Saldivar
Arthur Saldivar’s political career, or at least a political career with the PUP, is tonight in serious jeopardy. The controversial attorney and Belize Rural North Standard Bearer was summoned to [...]
Fonseca Says an Intensive Investigation Underway
In the allegation of the nine hundred and four thousand dollars, the matter is being litigated and a claim has been filed against him by the Coye family. But while [...]
ASR Deals Farmers a Crippling Blow
Sugar cane farmers have been dealt a crippling, and completely unexpected blow by Tate and Lyle sugars, a member of the ASR group. The terrible news came by letter dated [...]
New Schedule for Fairtrade Payments
That was the really bad news, but it gets worse. Traditionally farmers received payment for Fairtrade sugar when it was received by the company. But that’s not happening this time. [...]
Is First Caribbean Discriminating Against Garifuna Language?
There is controversy brewing tonight in Dangriga where a young woman’s job as a teller is reportedly in jeopardy after being reprimanded by her superiors for speaking her native language [...]
Garifuna Activist Dr. Theodore Aranda Lashes Out at FCIB
Earlier today, CIBC First Caribbean issued a statement in which it says that the use of official language is encouraged within the working environment as a courtesy to all its [...]
Cousins Remanded for Burglary
Two cousins were remanded to prison today after they were charged in connection with a tire shop burglary. Ninety-six tires were stolen from Quality Used Tires on Central American Boulevard [...]
Is an Alleged Murderer Hiding in Belize?
This man is Lyle “Ty” Hoffman; could he be hiding in Belize? Hoffman is the alleged triggerman in a shooting incident in Arden Hills, Minnesota, U.S.A. on August eleventh. He [...]
Gang Leader Detained for Questioning in Lemonal Murder
Tonight, there is little to report in the cruel murder of a resident of Lemonal. The body of twenty-seven year old Denvo Banner was found buried in a shallow grave [...]
No Trace of Hattieville Chairman After 6 Weeks
The family of Denvo Banner is grieving his loss, but their grief is somewhat tempered by the comfort of closure in the tragedy. The family of missing Hattieville Chairman [...]
2nd Quarter Stats is a Mixed Bag
The Statistical Institute of Belize has released its latest economic figures corresponding to the second quarter of 2014. All be told, transportation shot up by ten percent while the basket [...]
SIB Explains Dip in Sugar Exports
As we mentioned earlier in the newscast, sugar cane farmers in the north have been dealt a serious blow by Tate & Lyle when the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association [...]
Clifford Hoare Brings It…And Wins Big!
The spectacular grand finale of our summer entertainment show took place on Tuesday night at the Bliss. The live broadcast of If you can Sing it, Bring It started with [...]
Yoga Dance Show Set for Sunday
A yoga dance concert and competition will be held this Sunday at the B.T.L. Park. The event is organized by Yoga Instructor Ashanti “Airbender” Garcia and is focused on bringing [...]
LOVE FM
Sad Bull Sharks’ Faith
“Concerned inhabitants who saw the shark in the area of the bridge at the Northern Entrance to town informed personnel form TIDE who went to the location and upon checking found out that body of the shark had no visible lacerations except for injuries in the mouth believed to have been caused by fishing hooks. Further inspection thereafter determined that the shark had no internal injury nor infection. Indications are that the female bull shark measuring six feet ten inches was caught as recent as one or two days ago and been dumped irresponsibly at the location where it was seen. With another smaller dead shark found in the area within the same day it is believed that the two dead sharks found so far were caught with fishing hooks and dumped in the area by an individual who had caught them within the closed shark season from August 1 to October 31.”
Statistical Institute Of Belize
“According to the Statistical Institute of Belize, the Consumer Price Index for July is 1.3% while the average inflation for the first 7 months of 2014 is at 1.5%. The food index reduced in the month of July by 3.5%. Voice 1: So the higher prices were observed in the transportation services where they increased by 10% mainly due to an increase in 24.1% in air fares, housing, water/electricity, gas and other fuels where we saw the over all expenditure category increasing by 1.3%. We had rent prices going up by 1.4%. Water prices going up by 6.9% in this category. Accommodation services increased by 6% where we had international hotel services increasing by 13.2%.”
HIPOLITO NOVELO: “The highest inflation was recorded in Santa Elena/San Ignacio with 2.5% attributed to the highest inflation of rent at 4.9%. Belize City recorded the lowest at 0.8%. As for the External Trade Statistics, according to Statistician, Javan Charvarria, in the first seven months of 2014, Belize imported goods totaling $1.14 billion dollars- an increase of $68 million dollars or 6.4%. In July alone, Belize imports were valued at $184.9 million.”
Back To School Shopping
RENEE TRUJILLO: “Just over a week ago the majority of the secondary schools in the country reopened to start its new school year sessions and in just a few days, the public primary schools will resume classes for the school year 2014/2015. It is a time when a lot of children and sometimes even parents are excited and eager to begin gathering up supplies because it means shopping, it means the smell of new items like school bags and shoes and exercise books…..but while preparing for the new school year can bring some excitement, it also brings expenses. Love News recently did a few interviews downtown Belize City to find out just how parents and guardians are coping with their children’s educational expenses and how much they will be spending this school year.”
INTERVIEWEE 1: “When we added up everything it came up to almost $2,000-$3,000, that is including tuition and books and everything else.”
INTERVIEWEE 2: “I have a child, the youngest one going into infant 2 my other son going into second form at St. Johns and I have another daughter doing 4th Form at Palotti.”
Another storm hits the sugar cane industry
ARTURO CANTUN:” A letter straight from London based Tate and Lisle Sugars was served yesterday to the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association and the news is nothing good. The correspondence informs the association that because of the market vulnerability it has been forced to reduce the association’s quota from 65,000 tons to 10,000 tons. Fred Ortega is the spokesperson for the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association.”
ALFREDO ORTEGA: “Really and truly this is bad news for the association and the industry. It will really have a negative impact to the industry but also to all the staff and the country of Belize because that means that there will be a reduction in regards to the premium that we have received from the sales of sugar under the fair trade umbrella.”
ARTURO CANTUN: “Since Belize sugar has been selling under the fair trade logo the quota has been steady at 50,000 tons. Last year the quota was increased to 65,000 tons. Ortega says that he does not believe that the vulnerable market is the reason why the quota has been reduced.”
Arthur Saldivar suspended over allegations
FRANCIS FONSECA:
“You have been made aware of the fact that at its meeting today of the National Executive the PUP has discussed the issue of Belize Rural North and the candidacy of Mr. Arthur Saldivar our standard bearer in that area. I want to say that we had a very robust discussion and at the end of that discussion the party took the decision that Mr. Arthur Saldivar would be suspended as a candidate for the PUP in Belize Rural North from all party activities pending the outcome of an ongoing investigation that the party is carrying out into the very serious allegation that has been made in respect of certain monies which a client of Mr. Saldivar says he took and has and has not returned to her. You are aware of the allegation the media is aware of that allegation. So that investigation has been ongoing, we expect that investigation to be concluded and a report to be delivered to myself and the National Executive by September 12 and the party will then convene a meeting of the National Executive on September 17 at which time a final decision will be made on this matter. So that was the discussion and those were the decisions taken by the party.”
Harlem Week Bestows Honors on Two Belizeans in New York, USA
A Belizean-born centenarian and a popular community advocate were among honorees during the recently-concluded Harlem Week. The Board of Directors of Harlem Week, Inc. and New York City Senior Citizen’s Committee, Inc. bestowed the honor on 105 year old Caroline Lightburn, and Verna Arthur, Manhattan Community Outreach Director and Senior Advisory Council Liaison with the New York City Department for the Aging (DFTA). Lightburn, the oldest female honored at the event, was born on Jan. 12, 1909 in San Ignacio, Cayo and grew up in Belize City. Lightburn says that she never drunk nor smoked and was a baseball player and a member of the Belize All Stars team. As a housewife, who later became a domestic worker, Lightburn said she raised nine children, four of whom are still alive. She has 21 grandchildren and 32 great grandchildren. Her late father, Joseph Ingram, was a sergeant in the Belize Police Force; and her mother, Jan Ingram, was a seamstress.
PlusTV
Nisani Garcia charges upgraded to murder
In reference to the shooting death of Hansil Elvis Garcia, a 17 year old Belizean Fisherman of Dangirga, on Wednesday August 26th, 21 year old Nisani Daniel Garcia, a baker of Rivas Estate, Dangriga, was charged with murder.
On the 5th of May 2014, 17 year old Hansil, succumbed to his injuries sustained during a shooting incident on April 30th, where he sustained three gunshot wounds to the left forearm, right leg and lower left side of his back. The young fisher man had received two separate surgeries and after fighting for his life for almost a week, Hansil Garcia passed away.
Dangriga police arrested and charged 21 year old Nisani Garcia for attempted murder, use of deadly means of harm and dangerous harm on May 2nd. On Tuesday, his charge was upgraded to murder.
Levy Says Saldivar Was Guest at His House
Earlier this month, An American couple, Don and Vanessa Blunt claimed that a home in Placencia that they sold to a client of Attorney at law Arthur Saldivar became a source of frustration for them. According to Don Blunt, Mr Saldivar used his clout as an officer of the court to invade his Placencia home in an effort to try and force him out before the court ordered date.
Media reports claimed that the Blunts allegations included that “Police officers stormed the house along with their clients and started moving the Blunt couple’s personal belongings. He allegedly even had his posse break one of the locks of the house, which allowed him to gain entry, very much like a common thief.”
The story has caused much public discussion as Arthur Saldivar is a well known Public figure vying for Public office.
Last week, PlusNews received a call from Glen Levy, Sadivar’s Client, who granted us an interview on location at the disputed House in Placencia. He explained what happened that fateful night, and gave us a brief history of his real estate nightmare that started in January of this year. It started he said when he made a down payment to the Blunts to purchase their furnished home on the beach.
Extraordinary Meetings at FFB; but no one is talking
There were two big meetings Monday night and early Tuesday morning concerning all matters FFB. Reliable sources tell us that the executive members of the federation met with the FFB Congress last night, in a meeting that concluded until after 10:30 pm. It was rumoured that Ruperto Vicente would at the meeting push for the suspension of Sergio Chuc, which he had previously attempted to do. No one from FFB is talking yet, however, we have been reliably informed that no one has been suspended, however the executive members were made to renew their pledges, which was witnessed by all 8 members of the congress. The congress is to re-evaluate the executive members of the federation for the next 90 days.
On Tuesday executives also met with representatives of FIFA and CONCACAF at the federation headquarters in Belmopan. The purpose of the meeting is still not known nor were we able to confirm if the two are connected in anyway. When we contacted President Ruperto Vicente on Tuesday he said he couldn’t speak on the matter at this time, but promised he would address all matters concerned in a press briefing on Wednesday.
Players say the Federation Still owes them money
There were two big meetings Monday night and early Tuesday morning concerning all matters FFB. Reliable sources tell us that the executive members of the federation met with the FFB Congress last night, in a meeting that concluded until after 10:30 pm. It was rumoured that Ruperto Vicente would at the meeting push for the suspension of Sergio Chuc, which he had previously attempted to do. No one from FFB is talking yet, however, we have been reliably informed that no one has been suspended, however the executive members were made to renew their pledges, which was witnessed by all 8 members of the congress. The congress is to re-evaluate the executive members of the federation for the next 90 days.
On Tuesday executives also met with representatives of FIFA and CONCACAF at the federation headquarters in Belmopan. The purpose of the meeting is still not known nor were we able to confirm if the two are connected in anyway. When we contacted President Ruperto Vicente on Tuesday he said he couldn’t speak on the matter at this time, but promised he would address all matters concerned in a press briefing on Wednesday.
Deon and Shane Back in Belize
There are some tensions at the FFB, but in the midst of all the chaos taking place there, there is still some good news concerning Belizean football.
For starters, Deon McCauley, the top striker for the Belize Jaguars, is back in the country to train with the Belizean National A Team, for the upcoming Copa Centro Americano. He told us about his experience with the Atlanta Silverbacks.
Dean McCauley – Stricker for Belize National Team and Atlanta Silverbacks
“So far this season I have scored five goals. I’ve played about ten games. I came in off the bench in a couple of games. I’ve played against MLS teams. I’ve been to MLS trials. It’s very good so far.
When I went to Atlanta, my team accepted me very well. They welcomed me. So I gained their respect. I build a family out there with my team-mates. But here in Belize for me it’s more comfort, because I’ve been around these players a long time. I know a lot of them, and I’ve gained the respect of a lot of them.
To me, being here is very comfortable for me, because I know them a lot, and I’m ready to play.”
In an article written in the official Atlanta Silverbacks website, the club boasted of Deon McCauley whom they say, combined with Junior Burgos, scored 11 goals for the Silverbacks during the NASL season and the Open Cup this year. The Atlanta Silverbacks expressed their regret at having to release Dean McCauley for a little spell but wished him the best.
Patrick Jones
Record GDP quarterly growth driven by agricultural rebound
The Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB) today released the latest economic data regarding estimated economic growth, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and external trade. We begin with the big news about the economy. Between April and June the national gross domestic product (GDP) grew substantially by 8.7%, double […]
Mexican pianists to deliver international concert
The Mexican Embassy’s cultural exchange program continues on Thursday with the visit of three young but experienced pianists who will be teaming up on some classical pieces from famous composers. The trio – Carlos Camacho, Ricardo Tovar and Ricardo Moo – have extensive experience playing the piano since […]
Arthur Saldivar suspended; PUP investigates alleged wrongdoing
In an unprecedented move, the People’s United Party’s (PUP) National Executive today decided to suspend sitting Belize Rural North standard bearer and attorney Arthur Saldivar from acting in that capacity pending the results of an internal investigation into allegations of misbehavior on his part. Saldivar is accused of taking and failing […]
Computers stolen from Corozal primary school
Classes are set to resume for Primary School students on September first; but for the students and teachers of Xiabe Roman Catholic School it will not be a happy event. That is because a heartless thief or thieves decided to steal five laptop computers from the principal’s office […]
The 15 Most Romantic Belize Resorts
Wedged between Mexico and Guatemala and facing the Caribbean Sea lies Belize, a country prized by locals and tourists alike for its beautiful coastlines, tropical jungles and impressive resorts. These getaways from the hustle of everyday life are the perfect spots to unwind and take in […]
Errant link on Police Department website site serves porn
The Belize Police Department’s website link to the Jasmine Alert service is pointing internet visitors to a porn site. The error in the URL was discovered this evening by a high school student who was doing research on the Jasmine Alert program and visited the police department […]
Auditorium under construction at Muffles High School in Orange Walk
Muffles High School in Orange Walk town is in the process of constructing an auditorium for the educational instruction. Ground was broken in January of this year and the projection is for the facility to be completed in November, 2014. Principal of Muffled High School Marian Johnston […]
PUP suspends Arthur Saldivar
The main opposition People’s United Party (PUP) has taken a decision to suspend the standard bearer for the Belize Rural North constituency Arthur Saldivar.
At a meeting of the PUP’s National Executive this morning, which was held at Independence Hall, Saldivar was given a chance to make presentations regarding allegations of wrongdoing and mishandling of funds, laid against him by former clients Melonie and Marlene Coye.
Traveling South in Belize: From San Pedro to Placencia – Here’s What I Saw & Ate…
As the crow flies, I traveled about 100 miles. San Pedro on Ambergris Caye to Placencia Village. But as I often do, I took the cheaper route and it took me most of the day. Traveled from breezeless heat thru pouring rain over the mountains and then back down to the heat.
There is a MUCH faster way to do it…in fact, I took that easy breezy flight down just this past June. Super convenient.
My departure point yesterday was the San Pedro Belize Express water taxi. The 7:30am boat should get me to Belize City – HOPEFULLY – for the 9:15am bus from the Belize City terminal to Independence, Belize. ($24bzd each way if you have their Membership Card.)
Swimming into History – Actun Tunichil Muknal
And now, as promised, we explore another watery adventure in Belize’s Cayo District – The Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave, otherwise known as ATM, and one of most impressive day trips to be had anywhere.
You’d be forgiven for thinking that cave exploration belongs more in the spelunking than the watersport category, but trust us, you will get wet exploring ATM. Delightfully, invigoratingly, adventurously wet. Sort of like a squelchy Indiana Jones.
Your first wet encounter, depending on how much rain there’s been recently, will be in wading across the streams during the hike in. The original ATM explorers, recognising the potential for looting this artefact-rich underground treasure, did what they could to keep the trail in as hidden as possible, and today’s path still follows a circuitous route through the forest and across the streams. There’s even a swimming hole on the way that some hikers take advantage of to cool off in before carrying on to the big adventure.
“Bring It On, Bring It On” in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize.
In my haste (who do I think I’m kidding, I don’t do anything fast nowadays) to get the last edition “out there” I omitted (OK, so I forgot) to mention that last Friday Rose and I did the Ice Bucket Challenge.
I’d been very “kindly” set the challenge by Carlo Segura (the Carlo of Carlo & Ernie’s Runway Bar & Grill) so last Friday afternoon in the heat of the afternoon sun I decided to “man up” and go take the punishment.
Now up until Friday I’d thought that Carlo and I got on well. I’m not so sure now. Why? Well the bucket was huge and it was full of ice cold water and a double helping of ice cubes.
You Have To Attend The Mind As Medicine Workshop in Belize
Dr. Mark Pirtle ( Skillfully Aware) in collaboration with Michelle Ashanti Williams (Om Shanti Yoga and Reiki Center) presents: A workshop entitled “Mind as Medicine” – Stress related illnesses like insomnia, depression, anxiety, chronic pain, addictions, eating disorders and more are caused by the same unconscious mechanism: Attentional Fixation. This explains why mindfulness is a remedy for them all. Understanding the nature of mind, and how to influence it through meditation practice can provide more therapeutic benefits than any pill. This one-day workshop , limited to only 30 people, will teach participants about the mind, its connection with the body, and how meditation and mindfulness can be practiced and used as medicine. It is a blessing and an honour to have him in Belize to share his Skillfully Aware approach with us.
International Sources
Making Friends and Enjoying an Active Social Life in Belize
While living in the San Francisco Bay Area my husband and I both worked long days, and too many weekends. We rarely bumped into our neighbors, had little free time for socializing, and even less energy.
We hoped that would change when we moved to Ambergris Caye, Belize--though we worried that by basing ourselves on a small island we might be in for a limited social circle. And what if it didn't suit us? It was a big unknown.
Well, we've been surprised by how much our social horizons have actually expanded since our overseas move. This is an unexpected benefit of the expat life. And from what I hear from other expats based outside Belize, it holds true across the board.
First of all, we now have the time and energy for an active social life. And our openness to it has been rewarded by the broad array of diverse and interesting people we've met living here. Many have become close friends. The tropical climate and genuine beauty of Ambergris Caye draws people from all over and we've met acquaintances from far flung corners of the globe.
Want to live the Caribbean dream? You'd better believe in Belize
Belize boasts ancient Mayan ruins, lush rainforests and the world’s second longest UNESCO-protected barrier reef. This year the former British colony, which used to be known as British Honduras, celebrates 50 years of self-governance.
Bordered by the Caribbean, Guatemala and Mexico with a population of 330,000, Belize is around 10 times the size of Luxembourg and is ranked by the Caribbean Tourism Organization as one of the region’s fastest growing tourist destinations. Property, too, is in the ascendancy.
Less known than its Caribbean island neighbours for property, Belize has lashings of desirable expat attributes including political stability, English as its first language, a currency fixed to US dollar, a British-based legal system and Commonwealth membership. It also boasts retirement advantages. Retirees, classified as being 45 years and older with an annual income of US$24,000 (£14,500), can gain residency through the Qualified Retired Persons (Incentives) program, known as QRP (cdn.gov.bz / belizeinvest.org).bz).
“Although the Belize government doesn’t have the funds for a global marketing campaign, the country really has everything going for it, and various indicators put it on the cusp of becoming better known as an international property destination,” observed Ben Mason, a Belize-based British developer.
Heaven in our hemisphere
How nice it is to be the only guy sitting in the exit row of this flight! Savoring the rare luxury of leg room, I cross my right gam and rest it on my left knee. Since I’m wearing shorts, I can’t help but instantly notice the scarlet constellation on my right calf. A constellation of bites, little circular red bites, made by the dangerously stealthy and perpetually hungry no-see-ums of Belize. During the four hour flight to LAX, I have plenty of time to actually count the stars in this itchy formation (one possible name for my calfy constellation—Calamina). 55. Little sumbitches apparently found your correspondent to have excellent taste! But in the end, I must conclude that this mild discomfort is a small price to pay for my introduction to this extremely pleasant Central American country.
Belize, as in puh-leeze or puh-lease, depending on your preference, is a small gem facing the Caribbean. Or Caribbean. Here are some tidbits I discovered during my week in this happy place, tidbits of positivity that intrigue those of you with passports and a desire to visit new places. I can't think of another country that is easier for us norte americanos to deal with (well, OK, Canada). The official language, remarkably enough for a country surrounded by Guatemala and Mexico, is English. How charming. The currency is the Belizean dollar, but our bucks are gladly accepted, at the rate of 2 of theirs for one of ours. And the water is absolutely off the charts crazy awesome perfect.
It’s an online war of words and granny’s winning
My 80-year-old grandmother is demolishing me at Words With Friends. That may sound adorable to you, but to someone as competitive as I am, it’s infuriating and embarrassing.
Here’s a little backstory. My grandmother — whom I call Chichi (which I believe means grandmother in Mayan, but don’t quote me on that because I’m in no way an expert on the Mayan language or culture) lives in Belize, a beautiful little country in Central America. She is by no means techno-savvy. But she’s been playing Scrabble for years and years.
So while she probably doesn’t even know how to set up an email account, she’s got years of Scrabble experience in her corner.
Scholarship receivers
Diplomats from Taiwan pose with students in Belize who were set to study in Taiwan on scholarships in Belize City on Aug. 23. Photo courtesy of the Embassy of the Republic of China in Belize Aug. 27, 2014
Videos
Video: Wildtracks Volunteer Programme, 1min.
Introducing Sintra, a Wildtracks volunteer. She has a dream job - supervising the young manatee calves in the new pool. During the hour exercise time, she keeps a careful eye on Lucky, ready to assist him if he has problems reaching the water surface, she has to convince the two calves that they want to exercise, building their muscles, their stamina and improving their digestion, she encourages them to focus on each other, to interact with each other...this is a small part of her day as a Wildtracks volunteer.
She has sat up on night watches with them when the calves first came in, counted their breaths at 2:00 in the morning, been bitten by mosquitoes, she has scrubbed pools, been a manatee feeder...
Video: If You Can Sing It... Bring It RED CARPET FINALE (August 26, 2014), 2hr41min.
Video: BELIZE OCEAN CLUB, 2min.
We didn't get a lot of footage the first time at the Belize Ocean Club but this time, we got lots!
Video: United 737-824 landing Belize, 7min.
Video: week6 part2 filming for iservants in Belize, 11min.
There's no internet in this part of Belize... the experiment was to record every day of my life... so I just used a different camera. sorry snapchat.
Show more
Video: Noah, le zip-liner le plus jeune de tout Belize, 2min.
Noah va "super fast" !!!!
Video: Belize Webinar by Save the Frogs, 41min.
Video: Belize Barrier Reef, 3min.
Video: Crooked Tree - Lamanai - Belize, 3min.
Crooked Tree Sanctuary, un oasi in Belize per il relax nella selva e il bird watching, vicinissimo dal sito Maya di Lamanai, raggiungibile con in giro in lancia.
Video: Belize EEL attack, 1min.
Belize eel attacks Renee.