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The San Pedro Sun
Fine dining at Pineapple’s Restaurant
Tucked away on one of the oldest and most prestigious resorts on Ambergris Caye is a restaurant with food as unique as its name. Pineapple’s Restaurant at Ramon’s Village Resort is synonymous with delicious food, so when the My Beautiful Belize gang gets a special invitation to go sample some their signature dishes, it’s a unanimous “Yes” around the office.
Pineapple’s atmosphere is quite different from other restaurants. Surrounded by lush vegetation that recreates the ambiance of a Maya village, yet complimented by an astounding view of the Caribbean Sea, the main dining area sits under 35 foot tall thatched roof. But what really caught my eye was a huge Maya stone head and other artifacts displayed at the rear of the room. It is a truly awesome sight! If you’d rather bask under the sun while having lunch or revel in the moonlight while having dinner, opt for the seating on the veranda instead.
Adriana Haylock to represent Belize at Reinado Internacional del Tropico 2014 Pageant
La Isla Bonita’s very own Adriana Haylock is set to represent Belize in the Reinado Internacional del Tropico 2014 pageant. The pageant will be taking place in San Pedro Sula, Honduras on October 31st. Twenty year old Adriana, will be Belize’s third delegate to represent the country at this pageant since its inception in 2010.
No stranger to pageantry Haylock has also partaken in several pageants including Miss San Pedro 2012-2013 and Miss Tourism Belize. Haylock looks forward to representing her country alongside the other thirteen delegates from Central America, South America and the Caribbean region. With countries across the region boasting rich rainforests and many landmark and wildlife reserves ,the pageant itself, is aimed towards promoting the awareness and preservation of natural resources and habitats for present and future generations to come.
Miss Reinado Internacional del Tropico 2013-2014 Joely Bernat of the Dominican Republic, will be crowning this year’s winner. As Adriana travels to Honduras today, October 27th, The San Pedro Sun and community of San Pedro wishes her the best of luck.
Coast Guard calls off search for Eric Garcia
The Belize Coast Guard has officially called off all active searches for missing San Pedro Town resident Eric Garcia. The 21-year old went missing at sea on Monday October 13th, and his disappearance which led to a massive search and rescue operation. Garcia was a part of a group of three who went on a fishing trip onboard a canoe that capsized at sea near the coast of Ambergris Caye.
Garcia’s friends, 28-year-old Joseph Hernandez and 25-year-old Jamal Martinez were rescued at sea alive and in good health during the initial stage of the search and rescue operation. Garcia, who was not an avid swimmer, is believed to have drowned after large waves and swift current dragged him into the deep sea.
Local diver masters, tour guides and fishermen joined Coast Guard officials in an underwater and surface search and recovery effort for four days. Despite miles of search, all that was recovered were diving gear, pieces of Garcia’s clothing and other items believed to be related to him.
SPJC participates in ATLIB National Volleyball Tournament
On Sunday, October 19th the San Pedro Junior College (SPJC) male and female volleyball teams participated in the Association of Tertiary Level Institutions in Belize (ATLIB) National Volleyball Tournament. Held in San Ignacio, it saw the participation of six tertiary schools: SPJC, Ecumenical Junior College (EJC), University of Belize (UB), Saint John’s College Junior College (SJCJC), Sacred Heart Junior College (SHJC), and Independence Junior College (IJC). At the end of the competition, UB took first place in the male division while SJCJC took first place in the female division.
The tournament was split into two divisions. First to play were the female volleyball teams. Four female teams participated, each playing a total of three matches. Winners of the matches were determined by a best out of five sets. Taking the female championship was SJCJC who played astoundingly, winning all three of their matches. In second place was UB who won two matches but lost to SJCJC. Third place went to EJC with one win and two losses, while SPJC had to settle for last place with three losses.42 SPJC Male Volleyball
World Pediatric Project – Facial Plastics Mission
A team of outstanding Facial Plastic Surgeons will be in Belize next week with the World Pediatric Project. They will be conducting a clinic at Karl Heusner Hospital on Saturday, November 1st afternoon and all day on Sunday, November 2nd at Southern Regional Hospital. If you know of anyone in your community who has a child with a facial deformity, scar, cleft lip or palate, or some other issue with their Eyes, Nose or Throat, They can be brought to either of these clinics to be evaluated and scheduled for surgery if necessary. For additional information please can the World Pediatric offices and speak to Milagro Garel at 223-7300.
The Belize Mission Dental Project returning to Ambergris Caye
The Belize Mission Project is gearing up once again to serve the residents of Ambergris Caye. Led by Dr. Frank Whipps, the team of dental professionals is expected to be on the island on Monday October 27th, to commence the first day of the annual two-week community dental clinic.
The project has been coming to Belize for over 23 years, hosting clinics in various parts of the country including but not limited to, Placencia, Corozal, Valley of Peace (Cayo District) and Ambergris Caye. Last year’s project comprised of approximately 100 US medical volunteers, including professional dentists who conducted dentistry clinics at the San Pedro Lions Den and physicians that volunteered at The Dr. Otto Rodriguez Polyclinic II. While the trip to serve the Belizean communities is certainly not a cheap one (last year’s clinic cost an estimated total of $800,000 in combined time, supplies and contributions to the country), the volunteers and partners do it for the love of the country and Belizean people.
Ambergris Today
The Biggest Halloween Bash of the Year in Belize
It may not be Halloween just yet, but the Holiday Hotel in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize, decided to celebrate one weekend earlier on Saturday, October 25, 2014. It is definitely the biggest Halloween celebration on Ambergris Caye, (probably in all of Belize) as hundreds flocked to the popular venue in costumes to celebrate.
The black carpet was rolled out once again for the huge crowd of spectators outside of the Holiday Hotel to come enjoy all the great costumes as people walked into the party.
Saga Humane Society Rocks Halloween in San Pedro
Now in its 11th year, Saga Humane Society’s Halloween Spooktacular event shows no sign of slowing down. The fundraiser party keeps getting bigger and better with a record number of attendants at this year’s event that took place at Carlo and Ernie’s Runway Bar and Grill on Sunday, October 26, 2014.
Pet owners, mostly of the canine kind, gathered in packs all dressed up in funny and spooky costumes along with their beloved pet dogs. It has always been a big family affair, with lots of young participants showing off their pets, even with matching costumes.
There was food, music, candy, a silent auction and prizes for the best costumes. The event was a big success and very well attended; islanders to like to pamper their pets. Here are some of our favorite costumes/moments of the event.
Rugby Training Starts in San Pedro
Under the guiding hand of Martin Dawson as Organisor, San Pedro Turtles RUFC has been very fortunate to attract the attention of San Pedro resident Alex Almas, a qualified coach, and he has now run two training sessions with the eager youngsters.
“Volunteers like Alex are going to be so important for this sport.” Says Rugby Belize Founder, Tony Gillings, “Rugby can be a rough game, it’s very physical and that’s why it attracts youngster; they can let off steam while getting fit and being part of and enjoying an unbeatable team spirit environment.”
San Pedro Beauty to Represent Belize in Honduras
Adriana Haylock, 20 year-old business major of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, was selected to represent Belize at the Reinado Internacional del Tropico 2014 pageant. Adriana will be Belize’s third representative at this pageant. The final is set to take place in San Pedro Sula, Cortes, Honduras on October 31st, 2014.
Adriana has been training with her sister Annabell Haylock, who herself has pageant experience as she represented Belize at Miss Teenager Universe 2011 in Guatemala. Adriana is very excited at the opportunity to represent her country internationally as a beauty ambassador and promises to do her best to make her nation proud. She will leave Belize en route to Honduras, via Tropic Air, on October 27, 2014.
Misc Belizean Sources
Joint operations and patrols in the villages inside Belize and Guatemala along the border
Could someone explain why the Belize Defense Force and Guatemalan Armed Forces are conducting joint operations and patrols in the villages inside Belize and Guatemala along the border. Is the BDF and the GAF fighting a mutual enemy or they are searching for SC Donny Conorque's murderer? Guatemala claims that the entire country of Belize belongs to them. Is this the diplomatic and foreign policy statement that we are adopting for the national security of the Nation State of Belize? Is this the way we hope to secure the integrity of our borders with Guatemala? Someone please tell us the truth. Hubert Enriquez is this the new Border protection policy and if it is who is the Commander of a joint BDF/GAF operation? In situations like these if the patrol is in Belize the BDF would be in charge but when we cross into Guatemala, the Guatemalans will take command of the BDF troops. Is this a show of independence or what?
Governor General of Belize Welcomes New Costa Rican Ambassador
This morning at the Belize House in Belmopan, His Excellency Edgar Garcia Miranda, the Ambassador of the Republic of Costa Rica to Belize, presented his credentials to His Excellency Sir Colville Young, Governor General of Belize.
Papsmear and Immunization Campaign
Papsmear and Immunization Campaign at the Dr Otto Rodriguez Polyclinic II on Nov 8th! Don't miss it folks.
Saga Halloween fundraiser
A big Thank you to our volunteers, the huge crowd that came to support our Halloween fundraiser and to our host. Enjoy some pictures. — with Hayley Baer and 14 others at Carlo & Ernie's Runway Bar. (40 photos)
NEMO ADVISORY NO. 1 - TROPICAL STORM HANNA - LANDFALL ON HONDURAS
The National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) hereby informs the public that as of 3:00 p.m., the center of Tropical Storm (TS) Hanna was located near 14.6N 83.9W over northeastern Nicaragua. Maximum sustained winds remain at 40 miles per hour and TS Hanna was moving towards the west at 7 miles per hour. The National Hurricane Center in Miami, Florida has Tropical Storm Hanna heading deeper into Nicaragua and Honduras. On the present track the center of circulation is expected to remain inland along the border of Honduras and Nicaragua. This track over land will weaken the system. Tropical Storm Hanna currently poses no significant threat to Belize, however, its proximity will support some showers and thunderstorms around the country during the next 24 to 36 hours.
Seal Paul Live in Belize City!
Meet Suzanne....a surrendered parrot!
Meet our latest arrival Suzanne - a Belize City surrender. Her owner realised that Suzanne would be better off meeting other birds, and we can't disagree.
She's a contented little soul provided she has lots of chewable items: cardboard, books, leaves, sticks, berries... If she doesn't have anything handy, she'll pick on herself. It's a full-time job keeping her satisfied, but even after just one week, you can see a few new chest feathers already peeking through.
Thank you so much to her caring owners for giving her a second chance - can't wait for her first introduction to another yellowhead!
Unique Belize Artisan Portfolio. Must View
Corozal Basketball League
Five teams have already signed up in this year's Corozal Basketball League competition. Looking forward to seeing some of these teams in action. Best of luck to all.
“No interim agreement…NO sugar”
This morning on a TV talk show Vice Chairman of the Belize Sugar Cane Farmer’s Association (BSCFA), Alfredo Ortega stated that if Belize Sugar Industries (BSI/ASR) cannot or will not meet an interim agreement with BSCFA that favours the sugar cane farmers….then there will be NO sugar cane delivery for the upcoming sugar cane harvest season which is scheduled to open in the next five weeks. BSI/ASR continues to claim that they have a Buy and Sell Agreement with the cane farmers, while the cane farmers claim they have a legitimate partnership and sharing agreement.
The Corozal Daily has been following the stalemate between BSI/ASR and the BSCFA since September of 2014 when BSI had originally sent a proposal which the BSCFA countered, entirely. Since then, both parties have failed to finalize a commercial purchasing agreement.
Earlier this month Vice Chairman of the BSCFA, Alfredo Ortega told the media that he is disappointed at the result of the negotiations because the company refuses to compromise to arrive at a resolution equitable to both parties.
Channel 7
Ghost Town Boss "Roger" Caught By Cops After Alleged Shooting
It made headlines two weeks ago when the commander of the Gang Suppression Unit brought out Ghost Town boss Roger Anthony - who professed to the world that he had left the gang life behind. But tonight, Shelley Meighan, the mother of the Meighan brothers who are considered inter-gang rivals for Anthony - alleges that Roger himself shot up her house last night. She told police she saw him stand right in her yard on Banak Street wearing a warm cap, and a camouflage outfit. She says she exchanged hard words with him and he proceeded to open fire on her house. Bullets shattered the glass louver, penetrated the bedroom door and found their mark on the concrete wall in the hall. Very luckily no one was hurt. But what's even more remarkable is that police responded almost instantly and found Roger Anthony in the empty lot adjoining their home. Incredibly, police say they found him with the camouflage outfit, the warm cap and they also recovered the weapon used, a 9 millimeter pistol. We note how unusual this is because while the 37 year old Anthony has been charged for numerous offences over the years - he has never been found at a crime scene, much less with a weapon.
The Caracol Comeback
Today, 4 weeks after the murder of Special Constable Danny Conorquie, the Caracol Archaeological Site was re-opened to the public.
As we've told you, immediately after his killing, the area became the focus of national security concerns, since it is believed that the lawman was executed to send a statement to Belize's law enforcement. The Belize Defense Force closed the site down so that they can secure it from armed assailants, by stationing a permanent deployment of soldiers there.
But setting it up took time - and while the multi-agency team was busy getting things in place, the tour guides were losing money because they couldn't deliver on pre-booked tours to the site.
So, the re-opening was important for both the tour guides and the park managers, and a number of tourists made sure to visit Caracol today. Our news team was at the Archaeological Site for most of the day, and Daniel Ortiz has that story:
TD-9 Forms Into TS Hanna, Now Weakening
When we left you on Friday night we were talking about Tropical Depression 9, which was dumping rain over Belize as it jogged east back into the Caribbean. The models predicted that the weekend cold front would break up the system - but tonight, TD9 is still around, except that it is became Tropical Storm Hanna this afternoon as it touched down on the border of Honduras and Nicaragua. The good news tonight is that it is weakening and at 6:00 pm, it was a Tropical Depression with winds of 35 miles per hour.
NEMO today issued an advisory saying, quote, "Tropical Storm Hanna currently poses no significant threat to Belize." End quote.
But, the advisory does warn that the main threat from Hanna is heavy rainfall and squally conditions. That's because the Rio Hondo and Mopan Rivers are rising slowly. The Low-lying Bridge and the Iguana Creek Bridge on the Macal River are at flood state. Both the Baking Pot and Succotz ferries remain closed.
Nabor Funeral Saturday In PG
The funeral arrangements for Paul Nabor, legally known as Alfonso Palacio, have been finalized. The funeral will be held on Saturday morning at 11:00 am at St Peter Claver Church in Punta Gorda Town.
The 86 year old parandero is being given an official funeral.
It will be preceded by a tribute concert on Friday night from the multi-purpose building. The media is teaming up to try and air the events live and technical arrangements are being finalized.
DPP Returns After Long Leave
Today, after being on leave for 3 months, Cheryl-Lynn Vidal was officially back on the job as the Director of Public Prosecutions.
There was some confusion caused when she left because Attorney General Wilfred Elrington told the media that she applied for study leave. Today, she clarified to us that she went on vacation leave. She said that she had accumulated 104 vacation days over her tenure as a public officer which she had not taken. She decided to take 74 days from that, and her leave officially ended last week Friday.
Mayor "Worried" About Having To Take On 170 BML Workers
Back in August when Belize Maintenance Workers erupted in a defiant and ugly protest in front of City Hall - government had to get involved to patch things up - and part of the reconciliation deal was that the workers would be hired by City Hall when the BML contract is terminated.
But today the mayor confessed that the prospect of hiring 170 workers is keeping him up at night. He spoke candidly outside the courtroom.
Darrell Bradley, Mayor - Belize City
"One of the biggest things that is concerning me though is working very closely with the transition to the new regime after BML's contract is expired and I think that that is something that should cause members of the public some concern because its causing me some concern to find out how we will incorporate into our system 170 people. What kind of hot our budget will take by having to take on 170 people and not only talking about salaries, you talking about pension liabilities, you are talking about housing them in terms of an area, and you are talking about equipment. We recently got a report that as a result of just those 170 people we have to hire 4 more HR staff to process their tax payments, Social Security benefits sick thing, like all those kind of things - just to deal with that addition and that will grow the city council the compliment of our staff by 35%.
Cemented City Streets Being Dug Up For Drainage
The flood mitigation project is causing significantly less stress for the mayor. That's because it is funded and executed by Central Government. But it was causing stress to drivers today when Douglas Jones Street at its junction with the Bel China bridge was closed. The mayor explained that it's all about drainage:..
Darrell Bradley, Mayor - Belize City
"You can see work going on right beside Princess Hotel in an area of Sanlighters Prominade - they are digging up an area there. All of this is to connect the drainage system from the Douglas Jones canal under the street having that go through Cinderella Plaza, go up Baymen Avenue, go to the side of Calle Del Mar and then out into the Caribbean Sea and the connecting of those two waterways; the canal and then the Caribbean Sea would alleviate tremendous amount of water flow problems and drainage problems in that area. We just ask for patience and we are doing the best we can to ensure that everything is done quickly but also safely and professionally."
Bad Patches Of Cement Streets Still Not Repaired
But while GOB is paying for that one, who will pay for the city's cement streets which are being eroded by the rains? It's only happening on very few streets, but it is very distressing since those streets are supposed to last for decades - and it hasn't even been a year.
Today we asked the mayor who's going to fix them and when:..
Jules Vasquez
"One sees that the last section of New Road one of the blocks of concrete pavement is breaking up, as it is on Cemetery Road."
Darrell Bradley, Mayor - Belize City
"I will concede that there is some capacity issues in relation to the municipality and I am saying that you are correct in recognizing that in terms of properly cataloguing the inventory of roads that we have to ensure that we have a rapid response on the contractors and I would agree with you that the response on Cemetery Road has been woefully lacking and we've allowed that to be there for too long."
Streets In Time For Santa
And while those "A-class" streets have a few bad spots, some streets are just plain horrible. We think of East Canal, Vernon Street, St Joseph Street and others. Today, the mayor told us that there is a plan:..
Darrell Bradley, Mayor - Belize City
"We are trying to sign off on new projects for example, Blue Marlin Boulevard, the continuation of Vernon Street, the finishing up of Princess Margaret Drive, the doing of a section of St. Joseph Street, the commencing of Slaughterhouse Road and Cleghorn Street. These are projects and I am working with at the highest level trying to coordinate with the water company in ensuring that we can get these works finish before Christmas."
Bradley says that so far 130 streets in the city have been cemented.
Weekend Robberies Reported
On Saturday at around 3:15 in that afternoon a 64 year old woman was walking with her daughter on Albert Street West when two men approached them in front of Anglican Cathedral College and pulled a knife on the daughter. The culprit then grabbed her purse containing an IPhone 5 and other personal documents.
And, a Taxi man was held up on a late night run on Saturday. At around 10:30 Saturday night a taxi man was driving on Princess Margret Drive when a woman signaled for him to stop. He did and that's when two men also jumped into the car. The culprits pointed what the taxi man said felt like a firearm to his neck and ordered him to drive to West Landivar Area. That's when he surrendered $475 dollars, a cellular phone as well as his $10,000 dollar vehicle.
Beers and Babes, the Belikin Formula
Let's face it: no one ever went broke selling beer hawked by scantily clad women. And by now, Belikin has it down to a "T." But more than just a gimmick - as the beer of Belize faces a tougher lineup of imported brews than ever before - the calendar has become a key marketing tool in emphasizing Belikin's Belizean-ness.
The calendar been around now for 14 years, but, arguably, the most successful edition was last year's, when the production team launched the behind-the-scenes videos.
Riding last year's wave, they were under pressure to reproduce or out-do that success. So how did they do? Well, we found out at the 2015 launch on Friday night:
Seafront Dispute In San Pedro Could Set Public Policy Precedent
A property developer on San Pedro was in court today arguing an interesting case. He claims that his neighbor is abusing his sea frontage - and bringing down the value of his property. Gus Tabony was asking the Supreme Court for an injunction to block his neighbor Jeff Pierce from Reef village from unloading barges in front of his property. We heard from Tabony and from Pierce's attorney, Darrell Bradley on a case which may set out an interesting public policy precedent:..
Gus Tabony
"What we are trying to do is unjoin is the unloading of materials from barges from front of our beach front property. We feel that this is a private use of the public right of way and its damaging the sea wall. They've destroyed our pier and the defendants just claim that they have the unlimited use of the sea front in front of our property in which we are claiming because of our rights to the sea front, that's why we buy sea front property is to have the use and the access to the sea, that it's a violation of our rights to that part of the property."
Making Posters For Climate Change
The most conventional way to approach the topic of climate change is through forums and discussions. But another more engaging way is to organize a poster competition where youths can portray their understanding of Climate Change through Art. That's the approach the University of the West Indies took and today 4 winners were recognized for their works of Art depicting the effects of Climate Change. 1st place winner 14 year old Pedro Bernal says it took him 3 weeks the finish his painting but it was all worth it.
1st place winner Pedro Bernal received $300, 2nd place winner Caitlyn Tillett from St. Catherine's Academy got $200, 3rd place winners Class 4A1 from Gwen Lizarraga High School got $100 while 4th place Neeraj Pagarani from the Belize High School received $50. The Belize Country Conference on Climate Change will be held tomorrow and Tuesday the 29th at the UWI open campus.
Wi-Fi On A Bus?
For anyone who commutes, just talk about the public transport system and eyes immediately roll.
But, James Bus line out of Punta Gorda is trying to make the experience for its commuters a little more convenient by installing wi-fi services in buses. Today we spoke to the owner James Williams about this innovative service.
It is still in the testing stages for now but Williams says that it's off to a good start.
Channel 5
Roger Anthony Suffers Relapse: Criminal Charges on the Way
Thirteen days ago, reputed gang leader Roger Anthony, bolstered by the Gang Suppression Unit chief, Mark Flowers, gave a televised statement renouncing gang life, in this case the Ghost Town [...]
Caracol Reopens to Visitors Following Danny Conorquie Murder
The largest archaeological site in Belize was reopened this morning. Caracol was closed down by National Institute of Culture and History on September twenty-fifth after Special Constable Danny Conorquie was [...]
Roads to Caracol Remain Deplorable
The Caracol Archaeological site is located approximately fifty miles from Georgeville in the Cayo District. But due to the condition of the road, the journey can take anywhere from two [...]
Stephen Buckley Back In Court, Case Against Dennis Lopez Adjourned
Steven Buckley was wounded by police back on April twenty-eight 2010. Buckley was hit in the head by multiple pellets fired from a service weapon. The construction worker and two [...]
Chetumal Street Bridge Set for Completion by Mid-December
Millions upon millions of dollars are being spent on infrastructure works in the city. One such project is ongoing at Chetumal Street where a bridge is under construction and nearing [...]
FIU versus Titan International Securities Adjourned
The case against Titans International Services Limited came up again in the Supreme Court this coming. The Financial Intelligence Unit wants to freeze assets of various persons and companies linked [...]
Ron Haylock Pleads Guilty to Forgery
A Ladyville resident who went on a spending spree at someone else’s expense, was before the court today. Ron Haylock reportedly found John Hun’s visa credit card sometime between October [...]
Sister Accuses Brother of Incest in Belmopan
In the capital, a juvenile is claiming that she has been sexually abused by her own brother for three years. The minor made the report to the police on Friday [...]
Weekend Robberies in Old Capital
There were a number of robberies committed over the weekend which kept the Police Department on their toes. On Saturday, a sixty-four year old Belize City mother and her daughter [...]
James Bus Steps Up to Wifi
James Bus Line has been providing public transportation services to the country for the past thirty-three years. But tonight, the southern bus company is going high-tech. Commuters on the express [...]
Climate Change and You
A two-day conference under the theme “Climate Change and You” begins on Tuesday at the UWI Open Campus on Princess Margaret Drive. This morning as a prelude, UWI revealed the [...]
Test Results Positive for Dengue, Still No Chik-V Cases in Belize
Despite the presence of the epidemic in neighboring Central American countries as well as in the Caribbean, there are still no reported cases of CHIK-V in Belize. That’s the report [...]
Tropical Storm Hanna is No Threat to Belize
We will have more details on Tropical Storm Hanna later in our newscast, but for now we can tell you that Hanna poses no threat to Belize. In an advisory [...]
World Pediatric Project Helps Kids With Facial Deformities
For the tenth consecutive year, a team of plastic surgeons will be conducting a two-day clinic in Belize. Doctors Alan Burke and Howard Krein will be heading this year’s mission [...]
Milagro Garel on World Pediatric Project Fund Raiser
The annual plastic surgery clinic is among the many health programs that are provided by the World Pediatric Project. Country Representative, Milagro Garel told News Five today about the [...]
Softball and Football Stats on Sports Monday
Good evening, I’m James Adderley and this is Sports Monday. We start off with Saturday’s big clash in the Cayo 1st Division Football Competition as Bullet Tree battled Westrac [...]
LOVE FM
Security Guard Robbed on West Street
Police have detained one person following the robbery of a motorcycle. A 27-year-old security guard told Police he was pushing his red and black motorcycle on West Street when three male persons approached him and took away his cycle valued at one thousand five hundred dollars. Police have since recovered the motorcycle.
Drastic Increase In Belize Maintenance Limited Staff
While the debt of Belize Waste Control is surely a burden on the Mayor’s Back, Bradley says that he is more concern over the one hundred plus workers from Belize Maintenance Limited that are schedule to transition into the council’s staff list by January of next year. Bradley says that the addition of the workers is a complete reversal of what he is accomplishing at the City Council.
Mayor Darrell Bradley
“One of the biggest things that is concerning me though is working very closely with the transition to the new regime after BML’s contract is expired and I think that is something that should cause members of the public some concern because it is causing me concern to find out how we will incorporate into our system 170 people. One of the things I hoped as mayor is that our cash flow position would have increased next year because that $78,000 per week that we won’t have to pay BML but now one of the things that we factor in is what kind of hit our budget will take by having to take on 170 people.
Mother And Daughter Robbed of Iphone And Several Personal Documents
Police are investigating a robbery that occurred on Saturday afternoon in Belize City. A 64-year-old woman told Police she was walking with her daughter on Albert Street West when upon reaching in front of Anglican Cathedral College, two dark complexion male persons approached them. She said she struggled with of the men while the other held a knife on her daughter and took away her hand bag containing one Iphone and a number of personal documents.
Taxi Man Robbed of Cash and His Belongings
A taxi driver has reported that his vehicle, a red 2000 Mitsubishi Montero, has been stolen. According to the man, he was in Princess Margaret Drive when a female requested his services. He said when he stopped, two men jumped into the vehicle along with her. He was told to proceed to West Landivar. He said while driving, he felt something to his neck and noticed what resembled a firearm. The men relieved him of cash amounting to 475 dollars, his cellular phone and his vehicle. Police continue their investigations.
Shot in The Head By Police; Buckley’s Case is Adjourned Till Next Year
The case of Steven Buckley has been going on for more than four years. Buckley was shot to the head by a police officer on April 28, 2010. Buckley survived and he lodged a suit against the Belize police department. He got a preliminary settlement of one hundred thousand dollars. But his day in court is yet to come. Buckley appeared for his court case today but was informed that it had been adjourned until next year.
Buckley
“They say it is due to the lawyer that the police did not come so they said they will adjourned it again because of that. It is taking too long because right now I have no help to deal with my kids, no money to deal with my kids the way I want to. Right now my biggest son is in college and I need shoes for him and I do not have that. I just have to wait a little longer until justice next year so until next year.”
Villagers Irrated At Former San Jose Palmar’s Committee Members
Earlier this month, the Lands Department oversaw elections for a new San Jose Palmar’s committee. It was believed that the move would have brought an end to the friction among villagers, however that has not been the case. Arturo Cantun reports.
Arturo Cantun
“On October 5th, about 70% of San Jose Indian descendants took part in an election to choose a new lands committee to oversee the distribution of house lots and administer the finances of the committee. Friction had risen after new elections for new committee members was held for more than ten years, but following the elections at the beginning of the month it was believed everything was solved and peace would reign among the descendants; however, that is not the case as Love News has been informed by village council chairman Orlando Balam that a handing over ceremony was held on Sunday October 16th. Balam explains that the former lands committee members simply refused to recognize the newly elected members and refused to hand them any of the financial documents.”
Sustainable Harvest International Belize Annual Organic Fair
Sustainable Harvest International Belize continues to promote awareness on the importance of sustainable organic agriculture in Toledo. Correspondent Paul Mahung reports.
Paul Mahung
“Sustainable organic agriculture will be the focus of a major event organized by Sustainable Harvest International Belize as explained by SHI Belize regional coordinator, Candido Chun.”
Chun
“In our continuous effort in raising awareness on the importance of sustainable organic agriculture, SHI Belize is once again hosting its sixth annual organic fair to be held on October 31st and November 1st 2014. The theme for this year’s event is ”Go Organic”. On Friday October 31st an organic forum will be held at the multipurpose building starting at 9am followed by a farm tour at 1PM. Prizes are going to be awarded for the female farmer of the year, Junior Farmer of the year and senior farmer of the year. On Saturday November 1st, a fair will be held at the PG central park starting at 8AM and ending at 1:00PM. During the fair, farmers have the opportunity to showcase and sell their products and organizations display their information. The fair is a great opportunity for our farms and organizations to meet and exchange information and formulate partnerships with each other and with potential markets.
Elderly Man Robbed of a Large Sum of Money From Police
A story on the abuse of power by members of the Belize Police Department is coming out of a rural area in the Belize District. Love News has gotten information of where officers allegedly robbed a church elder of four hundred US dollars last Friday after detaining him at a checkpoint near Bainsville at mile 18 on the George Price Highway. 50-year-old, Alfonso Crawford, a church elder and caretaker for the Grace Outreach Ministry in Roaring Creek Village, Cayo District told us that he was traveling to Freetown Sibun on a D & E Bus on Friday morning when the bus was intercepted at a checkpoint and the passengers were requested to vacate the bus. A search was conducted on the bus and the passengers were allowed to re-enter the bus……all the passengers with the exception of Crawford, who was not allowed back on the bus but rather, he was allegedly detained and robbed. Here is how the story went, according to Crawford as he spoke to Love News via a telephone interview.
Delivery Driver Charged with Robbery and Harm
Thirty-three year old Orlando Salazar, a delivery driver for Chon Saan Palace, was charged with robbery and harm when he appeared today before Magistrate Hettie Mae Stuart. Salazar plead not guilty to the charges. He was released on a bail of $1,500 and his case was adjourned until November 24. The bail was offered on the condition that Salazar does not interfere with the complainant and other prosecution witnesses and that he reports to Queen Street Police Station Every Friday between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. The incident occurred on October 24. The complainant, Estoval Sandoval, reported to the police that Salazar punched him and stole his red and black motor cycle, valued at $1,500.
Sugar Commercial Agreement on the Table for Revision
The signing of a commercial agreement between BSI/ASR and the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association remains on hold as both parties continue reviewing the last proposal tabled by BSI. There are several reason why the signing of the commercial agreement cannot move forward. Arturo Cantun reports.
ARTURO CANTUN
“The main reason known to be holding back the signing of a new commercial agreement between BSI and BSCFA is agreeing on a formula that will determine a quantum to be paid for bagasse. But this is only one element of this key document that governs the commercial relation between the two main partners in the industry. LOVE NEWS spoke with BSCFA’s CEO, Oscar Alonzo, who explained that another main contention is the period the commercial agreement would regulate business between the two stakeholders. Alonzo says BSI wants the commercial agreement to be seven years but cane farmers just want it to be one year.”
Court Orders City Council to Pay Garbage Company
The Belize City Council was hit with a major ruling last week in the Supreme Court of Belize. The Belize City council was ordered to pay Belize waste Control five hundred and twenty five thousand dollars in debt owed. Bradley says, that they will pay Belize Waste Control, but not immediately.
Mayor Darrell Bradley
“We have a subcommittee that is chaired by Councilor Willoughby, Councilor Leslie and Councilor Elrington that meets with them on a bi-weekly basis and they are working with them in relation to a series of issues including the arrears position we have with them. This is something that I have had to deal with since I have been elected as mayor and it should be no suppose to members of the public that these garbage contracts because of the volume is too tremendous for us to meet especially in our slow season, but we are acting responsibly as a municipality and we will ensure that they are satisfied and we are working with them in terms of putting them a payment plan.
Land Dilemma: Public Beach vs Private Beach
There is an ongoing land dispute on Ambergris Caye that has been brewing since 2009 surrounding a beach. The complainant in this case is August “Gus” Tabony, the owner of a prime land just a few yards away from the portion of beach in question. Tabony’s problem is that a private developer is using the beach for private use and he will not stand for it. He sought an injunction against the developer back in 2009 and attempted to seek another one today. Tabony, explained why he is seeking an injunction on Reef Village Estate Limited and other parties…
AUGUST ‘GUS’ TABONY
“We feel that this is a private use of the public right away and that it is damaging the seawall and they’ve destroyed our pier and the defendants just claimed that they have the unlimited use of the seafront in front of our property which we are claiming because of repairing and rights to the seafront, that is why we buy seafront property is to have the use and the access to the sea that it is a violation of my rights to that part of the property. There are some issues here, as to what is a private use as to a public use because yes, the public has the use of the right away. There is no Queensland in San Pedro which is owned by the government but there is a right of way, it’s just an illegal issue.”
A Week of Red Ribbons At Wesley College
As part of the fight against drugs and in an effort to bring drug education and prevention into the classrooms, Wesley College is holding its annual Red Ribbon campaign. With the story on this initiative, we join Renee Trujillo.
RENEE TRUJILLO
“The Red Ribbon Campaign is an initiative that started in the United States almost thirty years ago after a drug enforcement agent; Enrique Camarena was murdered in Mexico while working in the fight against drugs. Though it’s been decades ago, the fight against drugs remains at the forefront of scores of every Government administration and Belize is no exception. The fight is one that many organisations and institutions are united in undertaking including schools such as Wesley College in Belize City. Today marks the beginning of the 16th annual Red Ribbon Week for Wesley College, an initiative they had adopted from the United States after School Counselor Elizabeth Goff returned from a conference and had the school implement the idea which brings drug awareness and education to their students. According to Goff, the idea is one that students look forward to each year.”
Gang Leader Reneges on Words of Reformation
On October 14, 37 year old Roger Anthony, the very well known leader of the Ghost Town Crips Gang appeared before the cameras, flanked by Head of the Gang Suppression Unit Inspector Mark Flowers, renouncing his title as the leader of the gang…..but tonight, just a day short of two weeks later, Anthony is in the hospital recuperating from a broken ankle under heavy police guard and that is because Anthony is the main suspect in an attempted murder case. The official police report states that 39 year old Sheldon Meighan reported that on Sunday, at about 10 o’clock she was inside her house on Banak Street when she noticed a man standing in front of her house. Seconds after gun shots rang out. Luckily no one was injured. Police quickly responded and they captured Anthony with a 9 mm pistol. While that is the official report, word on the streets is that an internal Ghost Town feud places Anthony in the predicament that he is because Anthony was ready to hand down the leadership of the gang to one of his loyal followers…..the only problem with that is that another key player, who thought that he was next in line, opposed the idea. Tensions rose and Anthony was caught at the scene of an attempted murder. We understand late this evening Anthony was charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault, damage to property and kept firearm without gun license. This comes at the heels of what Anthony said two weeks ago….
AmbergrisCaye.com 
