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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

Michelle Estrella Nu�ez is Miss San Pedro 2014/2015
San Pedro Town has a new beauty ambassador, and she is Michelle Estrella Nu�ez! Selected during the Annual Miss San Pedro Pageant on Saturday August 30th, 23-year-old Michelle captured the hearts of the public, as well as the judges as she joined five other contestants on stage. Nu�ez also got the award of "Mujer Sanpedrana" as selected by the management of Los Cocos Hotel in Chetumal , Mexico. Sponsored by Ramon's Village Resort Michelle Nu�ez was joined onstage by Doris Soriano sponsored by Diamante, Elma Gonzalez sponsored by Castillo's Hardware, Daphney Panti sponsored by Fido's Restaurant and Bar, Illeny Aguilar sponsored by Captain Sharks and Janelli Ack sponsored by Jaguar's Temple.

New Labor Officer assigned to San Pedro Labor Office
On Monday August 11th, Ms. joined The Labor Department-San Pedro Office as the new Labor Officer. Risella was transferred from The Labor Department (Ministry of Labor) at the Corozal Free Zone and she replaces the recently transferred San Pedro Labor Officer Ms. Tanya Peters. The San Pedro Labor Department is here to ensure that the labor laws, legislations and acts are being adhered to by business entities, both government or privately operated. In addition to rendering advise and lodging complaints from employees and employers, Ms. Dominguez works through the department to carry out investigations, and in extreme cases where need be, seeks the persecution of culprits (whether employee or employer) through civil cases. Another major role of the department is to facilitate Belizeans who are in search of jobs through job placement opportunities. Persons seeking this service are directed to employment officer Mr. Vernon Avila.

Surcharge on credit card is illegal in Belize
A surcharge is an additional fee that a merchant adds to a consumer's bill when a credit card is utilized for payment of goods or services. But in Belize, all banks offering credit card service abide by US Visa and Master Card regulations which do not allow for surcharges, with the exception of ten states in the United States of America. According to US documents on credit cards, currently there are laws limiting surcharging to California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts, Oklahoma, Texas and Utah. But because Belize falls within the Latin American and Caribbean regulation on credit cards, and because banks in Belize abide by Visa and Master Card regulations, it is prohibited to surcharge on credit card use (whether charging Visa, MasterCard, Discovery or American Express). But what can consumers do who are victims of surcharge?

Ambergris Today

San Pedro Selects Michelle Nu�ez as New Beauty Ambassador
Six beauty contestants were in full bloom as they took center stage on Saturday, August 30, 2014, at the Miss San Pedro Beauty Pageant. Michelle Estrella Nu�ez, Miss Ramon's Village, was selected as the new Miss San Pedro 2014-2015. The pageant ignited with a group dance performed by the six contestants accompanied by outgoing Miss San Pedro 2013 Solani Graniel; the energetic performance set the mood for the show. The pageant then immediately flowed into the costume segment where the beautiful girls modeled in fantastic animal inspired costumes that included the seagull, seahorse, blue morpho butterfly, hummingbird, green iguana and the whitetail deer, all native animals to San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize.

Food Borne Diseases Amount to $6.2Mil in Burden to Belize Public Health System
The highest monthly prevalence of cases of AGI came from the Cayo District followed by the Belize District. The burden of AGI on the public health system was estimated at BZ$6.2 Million annually taking into consideration basic medical services, supplies, hospitalization as well as working days lost and the need for caregiver services. Food borne infections are linked to a significant number of illnesses and deaths worldwide. Studies have shown that 70% of diarrheal diseases are food borne. Research also shows that cases are not reported to the health system. The results of this survey provide evidence that the estimated health burden of AGI and other food borne diseases are significantly higher than what is reported to the Ministry of Health. The results will be used for targeted interventions in food safety and improvements in underreporting at the laboratory level.

Misc Belizean Sourcesmzz

Letter: Given the current state of affairs, what are we truly celebrating in Belize?
It is September in Belize and, as per usual, it is filled with excitement and lots of festivities. Yet, given the current status of matters in Belize, I am compelled to ponder, "What precisely are we celebrating?" I pose this question given the existential threat to Belize's current reality, due to Guatemala's unfounded claim to our sovereign territory. This threat only persists, which makes it a reality, it increases with each day! Meanwhile our so-called "Honourable Representatives" continue to pussyfoot and acquiesce to the whims of our neighbour to the west, the very same aforesaid neighbour continues its backdoor and underhanded activities by encouraging its citizens to encroach on and expand into our sovereign territory. That alone is irresponsible, but the lack of conviction by elected Belizean authorities to take effective and sustained strategic action, is an indictment of negligence from within.

Clay Art Classes with Maki
Maki, a Japanese artist, is coming back to Cayo, and he'll be giving some clay art courses. Classes start on September 13th. Check with the Soul Project for more details. Daniel Velazquez did a documentary on Maki that was shot in Belize, Japan, and Guatemala. "FIRST CLASSES WILL START SEPT.13 11AM, FOR MORE INFO INBOX ME, DANIEL VELAZQUEZ ARTIST, FACEBOOK, SOME HOW THE SOUL PROJECT INBOX IS NOT OPENING MESSAGES."

National Call to Action Conference on Women & Girls' Financial Health
On Friday, the Office of the Special Envoy Belize hosted the National Call to Action Conference on Women & Girls' Financial Health. The conference also featured the 20,000 Strong Marketplace where aspiring, emerging and successful female entrepreneurs from across the country got a chance to share their products with Belizeans. Take a look at a few of our entrepreneurs and their products. Have you heard of these? Do YOU buy Belizean products? (24 photos)

SI United Tryouts
It's September, and the San Ignacio United are having training and tryouts this evening. Stop by the Broaster Stadium around 6:00pm if you are interested. Good luck! "San Ignacio United will commence training and tryouts this Monday 1st of September 2014 in preparations for the 2014/2015 Premier League of Belize Opening Tournament. All Player and any one wanting to tryout are called for training start at 6pm at the Broaster Stadium. Go SIU!!!"

Belikin 8 Ball National Finals
Belikin had their 8 Ball National Finals at Hode's this weekend. Congratulations to team Elements, from Belize City, for winning the tournament.

Le Petit Art School Fall Program
Le Petit Art School is starting their art program on September 8th. "Enroll your child in a fun, creative after school art program that will allow them to explore a world of art. Le Petit Art School's art program resumes September 8th. Register here => http://lepetitartschool.com/register-for-belize-art-school/ "

A sneak peek at the launch of the September Celebrations 2014
at the House of Culture on Sunday August 31st...The event was well attended (10 photos)

Channel 7

Pre Dawn Sunday Slaying In City
There are two weekend murders to report tonight - one of them, the kind we've seen too many times before in Belize City, the other an outlandish and savage assault in Punta Gorda. We start in the city where a man was killed early Sunday morning on Faber's Road. Before dawn, at 4:30 am, 38 year old City resident Michael Usher was riding alone at the far end of Faber's Road when a lone gunman shot and killed him. Monica Bodden spoke to his family today. Voice of: sister of murder victim "I really think they chance my brother and thing because it's from the back my brother got shot. Its not like he could have defend himself." Monica Bodden "You know if he had just left home or if he was coming home?" Voice of: sister of murder victim "He had just left from home because he had come in earlier from 7pm because I went to buy food to eat. This morning we found out that the man got shot and die on Faber's Road."

Man Uses Chevy Blazer To Settle Argument In Front Of Fried Chicken Joint
And while that murder is unsolved - police have the man who they believe pulled off an outrageous assault with an SUV. It happened in front of Key Lee restaurant, which is the former Li Chee - the popular fried chicken joint in front of ITVET on Freetown Road. At 12:45 am, there was hard talk in front of the restaurant between 47 year old Francis Stanley Gill and 33 year old Devon Jones. Gill was reportedly the aggressor while Jones was with a female. When she got her food, they jumped into his Chevy Blazer. There were about a dozen people outside the restaurant, and they all thought that was the end of it. But then, suddenly, Jones started driving unto the sidewalk towards Gill. And eyewitness who asked to appear off camera told us about the crazy and bloody scene that unfolded next:.. Voice of: Eyewitness "One his girlfriend got the food and she got in the vehicle, I remember seeing the guy turning his vehicle from his parking position, like he turn facing Li Chee and the guy without the shirt was right in line with the vehicle and before the vehicle ran into him the driver was revving his vehicle on the guy without no shirt.

Savage Murder and Rape Of Woman In San Pedro Colombia
Tonight, the Village of San Pedro Columbia in the Toledo District continues to mourn the loss of one of their own after the body of 61 year-old Agripina Coc was found dead on Saturday night. Investigators suspect at this time that she was raped and murdered. Coc reportedly went to the shop to buy in the evening, and after being missing for hours, her family got very worried. They went out looking for her, and at around 7:30, they discovered her nude body beside the main road at the southern entrance of the village. She had a large chop wound to the center of her head. A search around the area also led the officers to find pieces of clothing and blood stains, which they believe must belong to her. Her family also claims that they found a bag of rice and her hair clip near to her body.

Unlicensed, Drunk Driver Implicated In Double Fatality Western Hwy
A teenager was killed in a massive collision on Friday night outside Belmopan - and it was all caused by a drunk driver who didn't even have a license. It happened between miles 46 and 47 on the Western Highway where a red Mitsubishi pickup with Belize City plates collided into a Grey Chevy Tracker from Stann Creek. The pickup was reportedly travelling to the city when the Tracker which was heading to Belmopan, crashed into it, and spun off the road, flipping several times. As this footage shows, it was extensively damaged. Three persons were trapped inside the Tracker, including Indian Medical student 20-year-old Lenin Mayavan, and his passengers 17-year-old Jose Manuel Castellanos of Salvapan and 22-year-old Maritza Cruz Rodriguez, a Honduran Waitress. Mayavan survived with only minor injuries while his passengers were crushed inside and died. They were reportedly coming from M and S bar at mile 37, and we saw signs of beer bottles in the Tracker.

Two Teenagers, One Adult Shot In Foiled Ice Cream Parlour Robbery
Two teenagers and an adult were shot in Friday's failed attempted robbery at the Western Dairy Ice Cream Parlor on Freetown Road. The two 17 year olds were shot - one to the back, and the other to the shoulder when they tried to rob four men who were loading a truck at the back of the building on Heusner Street. Here's how it happened: at 4:30, four men were riding on bicycles when they pulled up behind Western Dairies on Heusner Street. That's where four men were loading up a cargo truck. Two of them pulled out pistols and ordered the men to lie on the floor. But, very suddenly, the predators became the prey, as someone inside the store opened fire shooting the two teenaged robbers, while their partners in crime dashed off, dropping a small .25 pistol in the process - as well as leaving their bicycles behind. Police found seven 9 millimeter expended shells on the scene, while the robber's .25 pistol had two live rounds.

Day One At School Is Special
Last week we told you about the financial burden of back to school expenses on the parents, but tonight we have another side of the back to school story and we got it from the very enthused students and teachers. I visited St. Joseph Primary School this afternoon to find out how the first day of school is going for the students and teachers.

Cordel Calls It A Comeback In Lake-I
And while those kids were coming back to school, on Saturday Cordel Hyde came back to the PUP. We first told you about it 4 months ago. It was news because he'd had had a less than amicable departure from the PUP in March of 2012. Viewers may remember that in February, 2012 - right before the general election, Hyde announced to his party and the public that after 3 consecutive terms as Area Rep, he was resigning because his son's battle with cancer had worsened, and that he needed to focus on his family. That happened days before his political colleague, Mark Espat's, decision not to run for the Albert Division in the 2012 Elections. You may recall that in last few years of both of these men's political careers in the PUP, they became infamous for their attacks on their own party, the so-called Old Guard of the PUP, which had departed from the Party's social justice roots.

Can Cordel Take Down Hon. King?
And while Hyde got love from many of his former PUP foes, he finds himself in an unfamiliar position: that of the challenger. The incumbent is now the UDP's Mark King. As we told you, after Hyde stepped down, King won as Area Rep in Lake Independence. Many have speculated that if King had faced the former 3 term Area Rep, he might have lost. So now that Hyde is back in as standard bearer, those "what if" scenarios are becoming a real possibility. That's exactly what we asked King about this weekend when we caught up with him at another event. He says that Hyde's return changes nothing about the way he operates in Lake I. Here's how that conversation went: Hon. Mark King "As you know I've been doing my work as an area rep. and as the minister of gangs and the responsibility also for conscious youths - that is my job. I am always in this community. You guys have don't many interviews with me. Politics is nowhere around the corner for us, no elections. But if we ought to look at it about the return of the PUP's candidate, he has just become basically a name in this area and we have no fear for that kind of thing."

PUP Leader Remains Firm On Saldivar Suspension
And while PUP is riding the wave of Hyde's come back, they're also trying to put out the fires in the wake of the political intrigue developing in Belize Rural North. As we've told you, the Party has suspended Arthur Saldivar as Standard Bearer for that division following the allegations that he made off with almost a million dollars of his former client, Melonie Coye's, money. As we showed you on Friday the Rural North Executive Committee protested that decision saying that the Leader and the Executive overstepped their authority when they suspended Saldivar. We couldn't get any comment from the Opposition Leader on Friday when our story aired, so after Hyde's endorsement we took the opportunity. He told us that he respects their position, but he remains firm: Hon. Francis Fonseca, PUP Leader "We respect their right to obviously voice their dissent - that is absolutely an important right within the People's United Party.

Police Cop A .38
Good intelligence led police to a weapons bust. This morning at about 11:00, a police strike team searched a yard in the Victoria St area and found.38 special revolver with no serial number.

National Football Team Leaves For Copa Centroamericana
Remember the Gold Cup 14 months ago? And all the hype and hysteria that accompanied it? Well, tonight Belize's National Football Team is in Washington DC for the first game of the Copa Centroamericana, or Nation's Cup - and the event has received very little hype. That's because it's a smaller event, and really only a qualifier for the Gold Cup - but also because the FFB is going through its own internal problems - and only brought players into camp a few weeks ago - whereas, for the Gold Cup, they were there for months. But, no matter, the players will still be wearing that flag on their chests when they take the field at RFK Stadium on Wednesday afternoon. What was their state of mind as they took wing..? 7News was at the airport. Jules Vasquez reporting There was no great fanfare when the national team arrived at the airport. With veteran leadership, the team was calm and ready for Wednesday's game at the 50 thousand seat RFK Stadium in Washington DC.

Outrage About Murder From Toledo
At the top of the newscast, we told you about the two murders, one in Punta Gorda and another in Belize City. Well, the Chamber of Commerce, says the crime wave has gotten out of hand. The organization sent a release today saying, quote, "This steady growth in violent crime raises major red flags for Belize's future." It adds with a call on the Government�quote, "to ensure that updated and effective measures be put in place to restore law and order." And while many regular folks are upset about the enforcement of quality of life crimes, that's the one thing the Chamber congratulated police on. And while that release kind of came out of the blue, another release in response to crime was more direct. The Toledo Maya Women's Council expressed its deepest condolences to the family of murder and rape victim Agripina Coc. The release says, quote, "The news of her brutal murder is deeply saddening and brings into focus the appalling levels of violence in our society, but more importantly to our women." End quote.

Who Is This Year's Iron Lions?
The 15TH annual Lionman triathlon was held on Sunday morning on Marine Parade in Belize City. The lionmen and women competed in a 1,500 meter swim, then 40 kilometer ride, and finally, a 10 kilometer run - which are the international parameters for a full triathlon. 7News was there to see the competitors in action. Here's how it looked: Defending champions Kent "Bob" Gabourel Jr. and Shalini Zabaneh were the winners in the male and female categories and are the 2014 Lionman and Woman, respectively. By our count, this is Shalni's eight first place finish in the event. Team Coast Guard was first in the team event. That team consisted of swimmer, Alma Pinelo, cyclist Joel Borland, and runner James McFoy.

Celebration Season Opens, Officially
And though it is not a celebration, per se, the lionman event is part of the September Calendar. The official launch of the Celebrations Season took place on Sunday at the official opening ceremony. It is usually held on Saint Georges Caye but due to bad weather it was held this year at the House of Culture. Here's what the Co-Chair of the National Celebration's Commission told the gathering: Diane Haylock - Co-Chairperson, September Celebrations Committee "On behalf of the government of Belize and as co-chair of the national celebration commission I extend to you a warm welcome to the launch of this year's national 2014 September Celebrations. Today marks the start of a month of patriotic events being held under the theme "Industrious Hands, Intelligent Minds, Together for Belize."

Prison For Purse Snatcher
21 year-old Kenrick Longsworth, a Castle Street resident, is spending his first night of a 6-month sentence after he was convicted of theft in a trial before the Chief Magistrate Ann Marie Smith. The complainant, Sherlett Lamb, testified that on September 23, 2013, she was at a shop on Freetown Road, and she noticed Longsworth monitoring her. She said that she took her purse out of a plastic bag, placed into the basket on her bike, and rode off. Lamb said that while she was on her way, she noticed Longsworth following her. Before she could react, Longsworth snatched her bag out of the basket and ran off. In his defence, he denied that he committed the offence.

Went To Unlock Phone, Got Locked Up
23 year-old Michael Usher is also spending a 6-month prison sentence after he was convicted of theft. The Complainant, Shawn White, accused him of promising to run an errand for her, but instead he stole her money and property. White testified in a trial before the Chief Magistrate that on May 14, 2014, she asked Usher to take her cellular phone along with $200 cash to unlock her phone for her. Instead, Usher pocketed the money and stole the phone, and after investigating, police charged him with theft and obtaining by deception. Usher chose to remain silent, and after considering all the evidence, Chief Magistrate Smith found him guilty of the offences. She sentenced him to serve 6 months for each count, but the sentences are to run concurrently, so he will only spend 6 months in jail.

San Pedro Pol Nab Peddler
Police from San Pedro are reporting tonight that they've caught a reported drug peddler with weed. At around 6:30 yesterday morning, acting on Special Branch Intelligence, a team of officers conducted a raid at his house in the Bayside Area. They found 117 grams - or 4.1 ounces - of cannabis. It is expected that he will be arraigned shortly.

On The 16th Day...
In our last segment, we showed how active Lake Independence was abuzz this weekend with Cordel Hyde's return. But, there was another community event held known as the Days Of Healing. The outreach effort, as we've shown, goes into the different embattled neighborhoods where gangs are dominant. It's lead organizer, Perry "Stikz" Smith, tries to put together a fun day for the families and children living in these areas, and this weekend Days Of Healing went to the PIV area. We spoke to the lead personalities behind it: This weekend's Day of Healing was the 16th in the Series.

Channel 5

San Pedro Columbia residents make citizen's arrest
An elderly woman from San Pedro, Columbia was killed on Saturday, resulting in a manhunt for the alleged killer, who villagers feel is a resident of the community. We'll have [...]

Elderly Villager Raped and Brutally Murdered in San Pedro Columbia
The brutal murder and probable rape of the elderly woman from the village of San Pedro, Columbia has sparked tremendous grief, outrage and fear. The nude body of sixty-one year [...]

Michael Usher Shot and Killed In Pre-dawn Attack
The other murder victim is thirty-eight year old Michael Usher. The Fabers Road resident, who is well known to the law, was killed at about forty-twenty on Sunday morning. Usher, [...]

3 Minors Arrested For Western Dairies Robbery
There was a late evening attempted robbery on Friday in Belize City, but it didn't go quite as planned. In fact, two of the robbers actually ended up at the [...]

2 Perish In Deadly Car Collision Near Belmopan
A minor and a woman perished on Friday night at about nine o'clock in a traffic accident on a dangerous stretch of the George Price Highway. The two victims are [...]

Media Blackout – Eastern Division to Introduce Public Relations Buffer
It's official - media personnel will no longer have access to Senior Police Officers from the Eastern Division when trying to access information. That bit of bad news came via [...]

Belize City Man Loses Leg After Purposely Being Crushed With A Vehicle
A man who allegedly used his vehicle as a deadly weapon was today charged with maim and aggravated assault. Police believe that thirty-three year old electrician Devon Jones deliberately reversed [...]

Police Department Issues Media Advisory for September Celebrations
The press conference at Raccoon Street this morning was actually to issue an advisory to Belizeans. September is here, and along with the celebrating and carnival, there is also, always [...]

Cordel Returns to His Political Roots in Lake-I
Former Lake-I area representative and two-time Minister of Education Cordel Hyde is officially back in the P.U.P. fold.� Hyde, who is unbeaten in that constituency, stepped down from participating in [...]

P.M. Barrow on Friends of Conservation and Continued Chiquibul Incursions
Incursions along the western border continue unabated; Friends for Conservation and Development has in fact documented an increased number of incidents. Recently, nine dwellings constructed inside the Chiquibul National Park [...]

Prime Minister on Leadership of O.A.S.
Belize's Ambassador to the Organization of American States is aspiring to succeed Surinamese national Albert Ramdin as Assistant Secretary General to the O.A.S.� The seat becomes vacant, as does the [...]

Motivating Youths of Belize Organize Street Play
A group of Belize City youths are joining efforts to put off a six-month project focusing on social issues affecting teenagers. The list is long and includes teenage pregnancy, police [...]

Team Belize Heads to Washington for UNCAF Football Tournament
The national football team left Belize from the Philip Goldson International Airport today with high hopes. The team has been training for a month hoping to qualify for the Gold [...]

Sports Monday with James Adderley
Good Evening I'm James Adderley and this is Sports Monday.   It was a heroic effort mounted by Belize Bank Airport Friday night to crush Complex 76-61 and force the [...]


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CTV3

Elections For New Lands Committee Put On Hold By Residents Of San Jose Nuevo Palmar
Last week Friday we told about a decision from the descendants and village elders of San Jose Nuevo Palmar in the Orange Walk District who had voted to fast track the election process of a new lands committee for the village. For context, descendants of the village have accused the current lands committee in the village of mismanagement of land and money. This decision however, is questionable as it is being held without the authorization of the land trustee which is the government. In February this year, villagers met with representatives of the trustee and formed a committee to develop a voters list that would be reviewed by the solicitor general's and lands department offices. After that was completed, the date for election would be set.

Another Chinese Businessman Robbed In Corozal
Over a thousand dollars was robbed from a Chinese businessman in Corozal Town last night after the heavy rain came down. 48 year old Tan Guo Zhang, proprietor of Tan's Game Room located on 7th Avenue in Corozal Town, was inside his business when sometime between 9:15pm and 9:30pm, a clear Hispanic male person entered the business place and changed a $10.00 bill into US$5.00 to play one of the machines. Ten minutes after, another male person of clear complexion knocked on the front door and upon Zhang opening the door, the man who was inside playing the machine placed a knife to his throat.

Orange Walkenos Learn More About Traffic Legislation And Safety
The Road Safety Program was rolled out a year ago and today the work continues in achieving the goals set out with a large focus on drunk driving and curbing this trend in the country. Only last Thursday, the transport department and stakeholders held a town meeting with the residents in Orange Walk Town with the purpose of educating them on traffic legislation and safety. Chief Transport Officer Crispin Jeffries was at the meeting and spoke with us on the project. Crispin Jeffries - Chief Transport Officer "What is happening is that we have initially started on the corridor from Belize City to Belmopan that is called the "Road Safety Corridor Project" but it is actually a survey to look at the best practices that we need to put in place for the same program to roll out nationally, so whilst this current project is a three year project it will impact Belie in many ways, it will have impact on the education system; all teachers will be trained will be added to the curriculum, we will have a number of public awareness campaign that will go national on national radios, we have training for enforcement officers from all the municipality, the police department, the transport department so it is already impacting Belize an it will continue, it will also see national standards set for signage on roads , markings on road and those things are already happening, what you will be seeing between Belize City and Belmopan will be repeated as a standard that will be used across Belize so yes it will benefit Belize in the long term but the initial thing is a demonstration corridor between Belize City and Belmopan that is taking some of the new things that ought to be develop."

Campos To Run Again For Mayor Of Corozal, Pablo Marin Also To Contest Municipal Elections
While the People's United Party in Corozal Town has two mayoral candidates and 12 councilor candidates that will meet at a convention on October 5th when party supporters will exercise their right to vote and elect who will represent them for the upcoming Municipal Elections in March of 2015, the United Democratic Party in Corozal hosted an endorsement convention this past Sunday. Mayor Hilberto Campos will once again run for office but his entire councilor team won't among those not running is councilor Jude Budna. The UDP's slate is comprised of Hilberto Campos for Mayor and Elva Perez, Staci Chi, Estevan Cruz, Guillermo Arana, Raul Gomez and Rafael Castillo for councilors. Also endorsed on Sunday was Pablo Marin as standard bearer for the Corozal Bay Constituency for the next General Elections. He will meet face to face with Gregorio Papas Garcia who is the PUP Standard Bear for the area. In 2012 Marin won Garcia by a close margin.

Orange Walkenos Honor Marcus Canul
This year will mark 142 years that the Battle of Orange Walk took place, on September 1st, 1872. Events that succeed that grand event have had a profound influence on the history on Northern Belize. History teaches us that in the 18th century, the British tried to consolidate their settlement and pushed deeper into the territory in search of mahogany but they encountered resistance from the Maya. In the second half of the 19th century; however, a combination of events outside and inside the colony redefined the position of the Maya. During the Caste War in Yucat�n, a devastating struggle, that halved the population of the area, led thousands of refugees to flee to British Honduras. Though the Maya were not allowed to own land, most of the refugees were small farmers who were growing considerable quantities of crops by the mid-19th century.

Miss Belize Named Fourth Runner Up At The Miss Freedom The World 2014
And in news from the pageant world, Miss Belize, Jessel Lauriano, was named 4th runner up at the Miss Freedom of the World 2014 in Prizren, Kosovo on Sunday August 31st. Miss Hungary was bestowed the Freedom of the World crown while Miss Mexico was named first runner up. Twenty six year old Jessel Lauriano arrived in Prizren, Kosovo, in Southeast Europe, on Friday, August 15th where she joined delegates from 21 countries. While in Kosovo, Lauriano and the other delegates got to savor the rich culture of the country. We must note that Miss Belize, who also holds the title of Miss Freedom of Belize 2014 and Miss Heritage Belize 2014, took fifth place in the Miss Freedom of the World Bikini Competition.

More Trouble Brewing At Progresso Seventh Day Adventist School
They said they would not send their children to school today if principal Wilbert Tamai and teacher Alvaro Tzul were not transferred from the Progresso Seventh Day Adventist School by the opening of the new school year which was today. And since their demand was not met, approximately 30 parents stuck to their guns. While they did send their children to school, instead of attending classes the student's remained outside with their parents since Tamai and Tzul were not transferred. It is a serious situation since the children are being affected but it's one that parents are adamant to see through as they have clearly stated that Tamai and Tzul are unfit for the job they are paid to carry out.

Cordel Hyde Returns Home To The PUP
On Saturday August 30th Cordel Hyde was sworn-in as the PUP Standard Bearer for Lake Independence at the St. Martin de Porres football field. The endorsement was witnessed by a huge crowd of PUP supporters from Lake Independence and other parts of the country. Hyde was surrounded by the party's hierarchy including Party Leader Honorable Francis Fonseca, Honorable John Briceno, Honorable Said Musa and also standard bearers including Ramon Monchie Cervantes, Jr. The three time Lake I Area Representative parted ways with the party back in February of 2012, weeks before the General Elections were to be held sending the PUP scrambling for a new standard bearer for the area. Back then Hyde made it known that his Khalid was diagnosed in New York with a cancer called Hodgkin's lymphoma and he needed to be by his side.

ITVET Orange Walk Kicks Off New Training Cycle
Schools countrywide opened their doors to their campuses for the new academic year and in the North it was no different, except to say that the Technical Vocational school known to us at ITVET, Institute for Technical Vocational and Education Training, got off on a high note with a slightly different spin to its first day of school. Chairperson for the events committee at ITVET Orange Walk, Josette Espadas, says the schools training cycle got off on the right foot. Josette Espadas - Chairperson, ITVET, OW "We had different speeches from people of the industry, past trainee, our manger and an address coming from the board and it was just to encourage the trainees to do their best during their training cycle an as well thanking the parents for having ITVET's in general as their choice for the continuing education of their sons and daughters."

Man Found Dead In San Estevan Village
The death of a sixty-three year old man is not the result of foul play according to authorities. The elderly man, Francisco Rodriguez, was found this morning about 8:10 by his niece Rosalin Rodriguez at her home in San Estevan Village. According to her, her uncle was drinking heavily on Sunday and apparently fell asleep on some card board boxes he had laid open on the floor behind the house. When she found him this morning, she says she thought he was asleep and only realized he had passed when she went to touch him. His feet were soaked wet, according to Rodriguez and when police moved him there was some blood on the card board.

LOVE FM

38 year old Micheal Usher is dead
A 38-year-old mason of Belize City is dead and his mother has resigned herself to a case that police will never solve. It was in the wee hours of Sunday morning on Faber's Road Extension in Belize City when Michael Usher was hit by a spray of bullets just a few blocks from home. Just before five o'clock in the morning, police reported that Usher was riding a bicycle towards Central American Boulevard from the direction of the George Price Highway when he was approached by a man, who fired the fatal shots at him. Usher was hit twice in the head and four times in the upper back region. Inspector Hilberto Romero, Head of the Criminal Investigations Branch spoke to the media on this matter. HEAD OF CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS,HILBERTO ROMERO "Police responded to a shooting incident on Faber's road where they saw The lifeless body of a male person who was identified as Michael Usher with several gunshot wounds to his head and body. He was taken to the KHMH and was pronounced dead on arrival. The police commenced and investigation, statements have been recorded however so far no one has been charged for this crime. "

Religious serviced held in Honor of Benjamin and Onelia Rash
The disappearance of two children in the Toledo District in 2010 led to a series of activities. After the children were reported missing, an incensed group of villagers set the ACES compound on fire. This past weekend a religious service in honor of the two missing children of San Marcos Village was held. Correspondent Paul Mahung reports. PAUL MAHUNG " Saturday marked the fourth year since Benjamin and Onelia Rash went missing on Augusts 30 2010. Since their mysterious disappearance then concerns were echoed nationally and abroad as hopes remain alive in their home village of San Marcus and parts of Belize for their safety and possible contact with their family and return home. Love News spoke with father of missing Benjamin and Onelia Pedro Rash." PEDRO RASH " I remember when I first went to your house and reported the two children missing on the 30th of August 2010. "

“Industrious Hands, Intelligent Minds, Together For Belize”
Industrious Hands, Intelligent Minds, together for Belize" A ceremony to mark the official opening of the festivities took place on Sunday morning. Co- Chair of the National Celebrations Committee, Diane Haylock spoke of the importance of unity, togetherness and a renewed appreciation for our Jewel Belize. CO-CHAIR OF NATIONAL CELEBRATIONS COMMITEE,DIANE HAYLOCK "For this year's festivities the National Celebrations commission has put together what we consider a remarkable series of activities over the ensuing weeks. This calendar of activities will only excite your imagination but will also inspire a spirit of togetherness and renewed appreciation for our jewel Belize. As part of our September Celebrations we honor many diverse expressions of nationalism yet two days stand as the most prestigious hallmarks of our nation's birth, the battle of St. George's Caye and Independence Day. The battle of St. George's Caye celebrated on the tenth of September will be the 216 anniversary of this historic event. It was only fitting as we've been doing for a number of years now that we planned to launch the September Celebrations on St. Georges Caye the first capital of Belize and the area in which a small nation began to see hope and the promise of achieving liberty and prosperity.

Villagers in Search for Murder Suspect
A number of villagers of San Pedro Colombia in Toledo joined in search operations to capture a suspect in connection with the murder of a woman in their community on Saturday. Correspondent Paul Mahung has the story. PAUL MAHING " Love News caught up with some family members at the Punta Gorda hospital after 9:30PM as the body of the woman was brought to the hospital where she was pronounced dead and taken to the morgue. Love News spoke with the woman's husband Francisco Coc." FRANCISCO COC " She told me that she was going to deliver crop with her brother and they also told me that they would buy rice so I gave them some money to buy the rice. When she left with her brother she went and did shopping. I was expecting at home at any time but because she is not reaching home I began asking where she was and I went to the brother and he told me she left a long time ago. "

Fatal Accident on Western Highway claims the life of two persons
IMG_445720-year-old Lenin Mayavan, a medical student of Los Lagos, Ladyville has been charged with a number of traffic related offences. Mayavan was the driver of a Chevy tracker that was involved in a fatal traffic accident on Friday night on the George Price Highway. Correspondent Fem Cruz has the details. FEM CRUZ "According to 67 year old Louis Romero Urbina a businessman and resident of Orange Walk town, on Firday night August 29 sometime around 8 o'clock he was driving his red and grey Mitsubishi L200 from San Ignacio to Belize city. Upon reaching a curve between miles 47 and 48 on the George Price highway he saw the lights of a vehicle that was coming from the opposite direction suddenly take an extreme left into his path and collided into the front portion of his vehicle. Love News spoke to Elizabeth Pascasio who was the first to arrive to the scene of the accident."

PlusTV

Another man shot and killed in Belize City
Police are still baffled over the murder of 38 year old mason Michael Usher of Belize City. Around 4:30 Sunday morning, Mr Usher was riding his bicycle from the George Price Highway on Fabers Road, toward Central American Boulevard, when a single man approached and fired several times at him. He was hit in the upper body and head and died almost immediately at the scene. Police continue their investigations, after recovering six expended 9mm shells and a slug from the scene.

Man charged for vehicular altercation
The alleged use of a vehicle as a weapon led to charges for 33 year old Devon Jones of Belize City. Mr Jones, a self-employed electrician, is accused of aggravated assault and maim of 42 year old Francis Stanley Gill in front of the Key Ley Restaurant, formerly Li Chee, on Freetown Road. Around 12:45 in the morning of August 30, 2014, Francis Gill was buying at the restaurant, when he and Devon Jones got into an argument. Mr Gill went to stand in front of the restaurant, and that is when Mr Jones got into his blue and gray Chevy Blazer car and reversed it into MrGill, then backed up and did it at least once more, causing Mr Gill's right leg to become mangled and eventually broken. Francis Gill was treated at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, where his right leg was amputated.

Patrick JonesPJ

Memorial to Marcus Canul held in Orange Walk
Residents of Orange Walk town took time out of their schedules today to commemorate the death of Icaiche hero Marcus Canul on September 1, 1872. Historians note that Canul, a Maya leader, led a raid on a mahogany camp at Qualm Hill on the Rio Bravo in what [�]

Francis Fonseca unfazed by Rural North protests
PUP leader Francis Fonseca has responded, after a fashion, to the protests of the Belize Rural North executive committee on Friday. The committee says they were not consulted and believe the party had no right to suspend standard bearer Arthur Saldivar last Wednesday while carrying out its investigation [�]

Man charged for vehicular altercation
The alleged use of a vehicle as a weapon led to charges for 33 year old Devon Jones of Iguana Street in Belize City. Jones, a self-employed electrician, is accused of aggravated assault and maim of 42 year old Francis Stanley Gill of Kelly Street in front of [�]

National team leaves for Central American Cup
Belize's Jaguars left home soil today for the United States hoping to repeat history. In 2013 the national men's football team shocked the region with a fourth-place finish in the Central American Cup, qualifying for the first time ever to the CONCACAF Gold Cup in the United States. [�]

Traffic accident on the Placencia road
One person sustained injuries when a pickup truck overturned this evening on the Placencia Road. According to information received, the accident happened near Santa Cruz and photographs obtained from the scene show the pickup truck extensively damaged. Reports say that the driver who was alone in the [�]

San Pedro Columbia want justice for murdered woman
Villagers of San Pedro Columbia have taken into communal custody some family members of a man believed to have been involved in the murder of 62 year old Agripina Coc. After a community meeting, hundreds of villagers marched over to the home of the brothers and took them [�]

San Pedro Columbia villagers detain family of alleged murder suspect
Villagers of San Pedro Columbia village in the Toledo district are taking drastic action to try and capture the man who is believed to have murdered 62 year old Agripina Coc. At a just concluded meeting, the village leaders decided to "arrest" the entire family of the suspect [�]

Controversy at El Progresso Government School
The first day of the new school year was full of chaos and controversy at the El Progresso Government School in the Cayo district. The situation escalated to where the parents refused to allow their children into classes when they learned that the principal of the school [�]

The Need and Justification For Overhauling Home Mortgage Financing in Belize
y Richard Harrison. Many thousands of Belizean families are still living in sub-standard housing�.many in "casas de carton" type dwellings�.that slowly descend into ghettos, with several generations piled up one on top of the other. There is need for a complete rethinking and reformulating of the mortgage financing regime, in order to address this challenge. The existing formula was drafted in the 1960-70s period, and is based on 15% per annum, 15-year-term�with large bias advantage in the contracts leaning in favor of the financial institutions, including foreclosure rights that give financial institutions complete sway over the assets that back the mortgage. The World Bank estimated that life expectancy in Belize in 1960 was 59 years�.and that by 2012 it had increased to 73�.and increase of 14 years, or 23.7%. In Mexico, the average effective retirement age is 72, while the official retirement age is 65. In the USA, these are 65 and 67 respectively. For France, workers can retire at age 60, with 41.5 years of contributions; for Greece, at 59 with 37 years of contributions. ~ OECD

Blogs

More of Placencia Village, a Sunset Cruise and Uber-Cute Casa Placencia
Okay�so in my previous post, I left off in Placencia sipping soda waters in the Barefoot Bar trying to cool off. The almost noon time sun was HOT! I headed back out. The village was so quiet�and lovely. A few places are closed for the season - most importantly my FAVORITE ice cream place. Everyone's favorite ice cream spot - Tutti Frutti Gelato. Closed until October. Julia's Guesthouse. I've stayed here a few times. Cheap and on the beach.

"Lay Me Down" in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize.
On Sunday I enjoyed a bit of a lie -probably caused by the exertions (for exertions read Belikins) of going on a Poker Run- and got out of bed unusually late at 06.15 hours. I hurriedly (well you can't hurry up a kettle really apart from putting less water in) boiled the water for my mug of coffee fairly well rushed -OK, I walked quickly- out on to the veranda. Yep, the western, lagoon facing one. Why the hurry (or maybe you're not), you're thinking. Simple. The Spurs versus Liverpool game was on TV with a 06.30 hours kick-off. What right minded Arsenal fan wouldn't want to watch Spurs take a good hiding. And they did. What a perfect start to my day. Or so I thought. Time for another mug of coffee and my breakfast (no time to go to Estel's Dine By the Sea for a last breakfast before it closes for a month) before the Leicester City versus Arsenal game. Exquisite scheduling by the Premier League (or was it the TV companies?).

Beef Fajitas
Beef Fajitas are very similar to shrimp fajitas in the regard that it uses basically the same ingredients with the exception of the beef. I used the beef that is perfect for stir frying and allowed it to cook until tender. The home made fajita seasonings is the thing that made this recipe unique, delicious and irresistible.

50 Reasons to Buy Real Estate in Belize
What will it take to convince you that paradise awaits-that you're just one "yes" away from living a dream in a place and at a pace that you've only dreamed about? How about 50 reasons? Each one of the following offers a compelling reason to choose Belize for your new home. 1. Save on gas. The entire nation of Belize is just 8,860 square miles. Travel the nation without racking up huge gas bills. 2. Save on heating and cooling. Move to Belize where your power bills won't send you into sticker shock. 3. Everyone speaks English. Dubrovnik is gorgeous but learn a new language? Not in Belize. 4. It's easy to buy real estate. Belize real estate laws make it easy to put down roots. Choose from three options: Tourist card, QRPP (Qualified Retired Person Program) or permanent residency.

Belize climate and tax advantages make it a retirement destination
Belize's year round warm climate makes it a number one vacation, and now retirement destination. The Qualified Retired Person's Programme provides exemption from taxes on income and import duties for expats living in Belize, adding to its attractiveness that includes plenty of recreational options as well as daily familiarities, like an easy currency exchange, for Americans. Following are 15 reasons to consider becoming an expat that makes Belize their new home away from home. There is no need to learn a new language before you move to Belize. Belize is a former British colony and while Spanish is commonly spoken, most in Belize are bilingual and most media, signs and documents are in English. If you have children, the schools are English speaking and highly regarded by locals and newcomers alike.

International Sourcesizz

Caribbean local govt ministers meet in The Bahamas
Local government ministers from the Caribbean met over the weekend to finalise the agreement of the Caribbean Forum of Local Government Ministers (CFLGM). CFLGM's eighth general meeting also discussed the Regional Policy and Cooperation Framework (RPCF) as well as securing recognition by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). CFLGM has set 2014 as the deadline for signing off on the RPCF by member states. So far the Bahamas, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, St Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago, and St Vincent and the Grenadines have endorsed the RPCF. Bahamas Local Government Minister Alfred Gray said the meeting also sought to set the stage for carrying out the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) as well as having CARICOM leaders sanction the recommendations "to advance and approve the Millennium goals in 2015.

Belize in Morning Calm Magazine
Belize was featured in Morning Calm magazine, the magazine of Korean Air. It's a great article, and Cayo is spoken of fondly, as the author stayed at Ian Anderson's Caves Branch. There are pictures of Mountain Pine Ridge, and they talk about Xunantunich. The article starts on page 36.

Videos

Video: Peace Corps Belize Pre Service Training 2014, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kncyQvVYwz0min.
Belize Health 2 Pre-Service Training June 25th-September 5th 2014 I think my cohort would want me to tell you that our work is not all sunshine and rainbows, but we've loved getting to know this country and our place in the Peace Corps world over the last few months.

Video: 2014 Cruise Dive Video, 3min.
This video was recorded during our scuba dives from our 2014 Royal Caribbean Cruise to Roatan, Belize, and Cozumel.

Video: La Isla Bonita Telenovela Trailer La Isla Bonita, min.
Are you ready for the grand premiere of La Isla Bonita Telenovela? Be sure to attend the Red Carpet premiere on Friday,September 5th at Paradise Theater. Tickets available exclusively at Island Gear Boutique for $75 for a limited time only! Tickets for screenings throughout the week available for $12-Kids and $15-Adults! La Isla Bonita Telenovela Trailer Huge thanks to all our fans. Here's the "talking trailer" many of you are asking for, en espanol. Have an awesome week and see you at Paradise Theater starting Friday!

Video: Michelle Nunez Selected Miss San Pedro 2014 -Pageant Highlights, min.
Six beauty contestants were in full bloom as they took center stage on Saturday, August 30, 2014, at the Miss San Pedro Beauty Pageant. Michelle Estrella Nu�ez, Miss Ramon's Village, was selected as the new Miss San Pedro 2014-2015.

Video: Belize Activities for the Adventurous Travelers, 2min.
Belize is a perfect destination for active travelers, with its variety of sport and adventure opportunities. Know more about some of its most popular adventure sports and activities.

Video: 7 Top Reasons to Visit or Move to Ambergris Caye, 2min.
It's vast variety of natural attractions of Belize high contributed to Belize tourism. More than a quarter of it land and sea is preserved, which vary in level of protection and purpose.One of the biggest contributors of Belize tourism is its natural attractions. About 26% of Belizean land and sea is preserved within a 95 reserves, which vary in their purpose and level of protection. This network of protected areas exist under various management structures. Below are the main natural attractions of this beautiful country.

Video: School of Blue Tangs. Silk/Queen Caye, Belize., 21sec.

Video: Fun in Belize! Mayan Ruins and Cave Tubing, 8min.
Ambergris to Belize City, then a drive to the Mayan ruins of Xunantunich and lazy river tubing through caves.

Video: Semi Sub on Barrier Reef, Rendezvous Cay, Belize, 3min.

Video: Barrier Reef Snorkeling in Belize at Rendezvous Cay, 4min.



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