AmbergrisCaye.com Home Forums Belize Life News Daily news prior to today Today's Belize News: July 11, 2015

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Specials and Events

Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, LOVETV, PGTV, West Vision (Cayo) and CTV 3
Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, Rise and Shine Morning Show, and the Dickie Bradley Specials

The San Pedro Sun

Relaxing at Tranquility Bay Resort
Seeking a quiet getaway in Paradise? Then Tranquility Bay Resort is the place to go! The farthest resort on the northern coast of Ambergris Caye, Tranquility Bay is nestled within the elusive Bacalar Chico Reserve. With one of the best beaches on the island, this place is a great escape. Privacy is what you will get at Tranquility Bay as they offer all types of lodging from one bedroom cabanas to the Prime Minister's Suite- don't you want to lounge like the Honorable Dean Barrow? Each colorful cabin- with marine life inspired names- is only steps from the sea.

Graduation Season 2015 closes
The San Pedro Junior College (SPJC) held its 14th Commencement Exercise on the evening of Saturday, July 4th at the Rafael Angel Nunez Auditorium. 37 proud students celebrated achieving an Associate's Degree before a host of family and friends. Not only did SPJC graduate its largest class, but the ceremony also marked its 15th year in operation. Held under the team "We live and we learn to take one step at a time", the graduation ceremony kicked off shortly after 5PM, with the students marching up the aisle to the tune of Pomp and Circumstance. Abel Guerrero Sr. led those in attendance in a heartfelt invocation, which was followed by the Welcome Address given by class salutatorian Magdiel Shaw. Guest speaker for the event was none other than Mayor of San Pedro Town Daniel Guerrero. Following the Dean's report by Gustavo Ellis, Honor Roll awards were issued. Jose Paz delivered the Chairman's Address' which was followed by the Valedictory Address by highest grading student, Oumaya Nasser.

Blue Water Grill donates to San Pedro Red Cross
The San Pedro Belize Red Cross (SPBRC) was the recipient of a much needed donation on Monday, July 6th, from the Blue Water Grill (BWG). Each month BWG raises monies to support different charity organizations on the island. For the month of June they chose the SPBRC, contributing a check for $502 to assist in the organizations activities. According to Laurie Norton, from SPBRC, they are very pleased with the donation and thanks BWG patrons for their continuous support in their efforts to make a difference on Ambergris Caye. "We are very thankful to Blue Water Grill for this generous donation to the San Pedro Red Cross. These funds will allow us to continue funding our work, particular in first aid and blood drives," said Norton. Norton emphasized on the importance to keep the island safe and as such everyone should work together to reach a stronger foundation. "We understand that is not easy out there, but we if come together, anything is possible and we can have a safer island, when it comes to health issues. We had a successful blood drive a few days ago, so it was truly very heartwarming to have so much support from everyone," stated Norton. She noted that Crazy Canucks has been doing a wonderful job with ongoing fundraising for the San Pedro Red Cross. They have designated the last Friday of their weekly trivia as Red Cross night.

Belize mourns the loss of dance pioneer Rosita Baltazar
The San Pedro community is grieving the loss of exceptional dancer, choreographer, founding member of the Belize National Dance Company and dance instructor for the San Pedro Dance Academy, Rosa Rosita Baltazar. The death of Baltazar was announced on Tuesday, July 7th, after she succumbed to her battle against cancer. Baltazar was a pioneer in the art of dancing in San Pedro, having been part of the San Pedro Dance Company (now Academy) since 1998. Born in Livingston, Guatemala, Baltazar loved dancing from childhood. After moving to Belize City, Baltazar continued to pursue her dreams of dancing and ultimately traveled abroad to study the art. Throughout her life, Baltazar gained skills from the Jamaica National Dance Company, Sarosita Ballet Arts School in Florida, USA, Canterbury College of Theatrical Arts in London, England and the Folklore Dance Company of Mexico. "We are profoundly saddened to announce the passing a truly exceptional dancer, teacher, choreographer and a founding member of the Belize National Dance Company. Belizean dance has lost an icon today and we will never forget her energy, dedication and passion onstage and off-stage," said the Belize National Dance Company in an official note.

Camp GLOW 2015 - inspiring our new leaders!
The six-day leadership camp GLOW held in Blue Creek Village, Toledo saw the participation of 32 young women, including six from San Pedro Town. The GLOW (Girls Leading Our World) Camp 2015 was focused on self-esteem, self-reliance and self-expression, as well as leadership, education, health and team-building exercises, which came via sports and arts. Held at the Tumulk'in Center for Learning in Blue Creek Village, the camp lasted from Sunday June 28th to Saturday, July 4th. Girls from five communities in Belize gathered under the watchful eyes of four Peace Corps volunteers and six Belizean GLOW leaders. The camp was held in the hopes that the girls who participate go on to become active leaders in their community. There were several activities geared towards that goal, and guest speakers were invited to share their experiences and motivate the young women. On the list of invitees was Mary Gonzalez, Associate Editor of The San Pedro Sun. A Belizean of Maya descent who grew up in a Maya village in the Cayo District, she was able to share her experiences growing up and overcoming a few obstacles to become successful. She emphasized the importance of speaking up, seeking help rather than giving up, and to take education seriously; encouraging each of the young women present to be examples in their community. "I really hope that I was able to encourage the girls to realize that they matter, and that their voices can and should be heard," said Gonzalez.

Ambergris Today

Belize Pushes to Go 100% Green with Ten Island Challenge
The Government of Belize has announced its intention to become fully powered by renewable energy, after joining the Carbon War Room's high profile Ten Island Challenge. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed to join the Ten Island Challenge, a partnership initiative between Carbon War Room (CWR) and Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI). The move signals the Caribbean country's commitment to transition its transportation sector and outlying islands off of fossil fuel use. Belize will particularly focus on installing wind turbines and shifting the islands' transport sector towards electric vehicles. This move will allow Belize to make significant strides in realizing its renewable energy production target of 89% in the electricity sector by 2033. The country currently sources 60% of its electricity from local hydro and biomass resources, and the remaining 40% is from imported fossil fuel resources.

Misc Belizean Sources

Construction of the new Ambergris Stadium
Preparations are well underway for the construction of the new Ambergris Stadium located in the San Pablo area. The bleachers, stall and restrooms have been removed as you can see on the pictures.

Mrs. Kim Simplis-Barrow Visits the Republic of China (Tawain)
On the invitation of the Republic of China (Taiwan), Mrs. Kim Simplis-Barrow, Special Envoy for Women and Children and spouse of the Prime Minister of Belize, is on a five-day visit to Taiwan from July 6 to 10, 2015. During Mrs. Barrow's visit, she called on Mrs. Chow Mei Ching, spouse of H.E. Ma Ying Jeou, the President of the Republic of China (Taiwan), as well as H.E. David Lin, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China (Taiwan). Mrs. Barrow also paid a courtesy call to Mr. Fredrick F. Chien, Chairman of the Cathay Charity Foundation, where Mr. Chien and Mrs. Barrow discussed possible areas of cooperation. On Wednesday, July 8, Mrs. Barrow visited the En Chu Kong Hospital where she was conferred the Fervent Global Love of Lives Medal by the Chou Ta Kuan Cultural and Educational Foundation, for overcoming the pains and difficulties of life with her indomitable courage and persistence, while making sacrifices for others. Mrs. Barrow concludes her visit on Friday, July 10, 2015.

Mr. Frank Mena sworn in
Mr. Frank Mena, newly elected Area Representative of the Dangriga Electoral Division, is now Minister of State in the Ministry of National Security. Honourable Frank Mena was officially sworn in by Governor General, H.E. Sir Colville Young at the Belize House in Belmopan. Hon. Mena took his Oath of Office in front of his family, friends and supporters.

BOLEDO DRAWING for Friday, July 10, 2015: 80. PICK 3: 0 4 9

Scenes from Caye caulker lobster fest, 2015

Funeral for Mrs. Caroline Barkwell
The funeral for Mrs. Caroline Barkwell is being scheduled for Tuesday 14th July here in Caye Caulker. The time is not confirmed as yet, but as soon as her children confirm with me, i will post it. They are asking for everyone to please be dressed in something with a "Leopard" print, as that was her most favorite. I would like to ask for a back up singer for the day of the funeral. I' d love to sing a song for her, but im a very emotional person n i know i wont be able to do d entire song without stumbling (u know what i mean). If anyone would like to assist me, i'd really appreciate it, tnks! Also, any assistance with the planning of the funeral will be greatly appreciated by her children. Jus let me know how u can assist n i will relay the message to them, tnks!

Commentary: UDP candidate defeats PUP to become new Dangriga representative
By Wellington C. Ramos. When People's United Party (PUP) representative for Dangriga town, Srawee and Hope Creek villages, Ivan Ramos, resigned his seat about one month ago, the government of Belize scheduled a by-election on July 8 to replace him. Due to the way this representative was replaced by a new candidate, Anthony Sabal, many people anticipated that it would be difficult for PUP to retain this seat. In the beginning, the PUP even thought about not contesting this seat because for them it would be a waste of time and money. After giving it some thought and consulting their supporters, they decided to fully contest and bring all their supporters from the other districts to win it. The United Democratic Party (UDP) on the other hand saw it as an opportunity to increase their margin in the House of Representative by another vote. They had their standard bearer Frank "Papa" Mena and his team ready to take this seat over from the PUP. Anthony Sabal was given little time to campaign in this constituency and he did not have the support of the outgoing PUP representative Ivan Ramos.

Day #4 Alboradas (breaking of dawn)
In honor of our Patron Saint Our Lady of Mount Carmel a true devotion and reflection of our communities tradition and cultural vitality, our living tradition. Prayers, marimba, chants, fireworks, social gathering & breakfast. Lindas tradiciones de nuestro querido Benque Viejo.

Channel 7

Female Customs Officer Savagely Stabbed To Death By Husband
A female Customs Officer was savagely stabbed to death by her common law husband in Benque Viejo Town this afternoon just before 3:00 p.m. 25 year-old Keisha Buller, a Customs Officer Clerk posted at the Western Border, was at her rented home on George Street, in Benque. She and her common-law husband got into a heated domestic dispute, but it escalated dramatically when he pulled a knife and stabbed her first in the stomach and then in the neck and shoulder. The fight went from the house all the way to the streetside where she collapsed and died near her car. Buller's grandmother was there, and she tried to protect her grand-daughter - who got as many as ten stab wounds. Buller bled out, and her common-law Ervin Wade fled the scene with their 4 year-old son. Police set chase and intercepted his white pick-up on the Western Highway near Galen University in the Central Farm Area heading to Belize City. Inside the vehicle, police observed bloodstains.

Mena Brings The Drums To Belize House For Swearing In
The UDP's new representative for Dangriga Frank Pawpa Mena went to Belmopan to be sworn in as a Minister of State today. But it wasn't just any old swearing in - his Dangriga supporters brought some fun to the formality as Garifuna Drums descended on Belize House. Courtney Weatherburne was there and she has this report:... Courtney Weatherburne reporting With his wife, daughter and supporters behind him, Frank "Papa" Mena grasped the bible in his right hand, raised it in midair and recited his promise to his people. Frank Papa Mena, UDP Area Representative "I Frank Mena do swear that I will bear true faith and allegiance to Belize." After the declaration, Mena's appointment as the Minister of State in the Ministry of National Security was crystallized by a signature and a firm, congratulatory handshake. Now that the brief ceremony and the recital of the pledge is over - the work must begin.

Hon. Mena Answers Fonseca's Second Guessing of His Electoral Success
And while Mena is now a representative for the remainder of this term of the UDP, the PUP say that there should be a little asterisk beside his name - not only because he came in through a by - election, but also because their candidate Anthony Sabal had only been in place since May. Today we asked Mena about that characterization, that he had an unfair advantage over a newcomer. He says the polls are closed and it makes no difference now:.. Courtney Weatherburne "Sir, in a press conference held yesterday by the People's United Party, the Party Leader Mr. Francis Fonseca said that if Mr. Sabal had adequate time to prepare for the elections and to really touch base with the people of Dangriga he would have won. What are your comments or your feelings or thoughts on that?" Frank Papa Mena, UDP Area Representative "A lot of "IF". He is the leader of the Opposition, they already got flagged - All he has to do is humble up and try make sure he corrects and get ready again. That is what he has to do. A lot of IF and so on. This is not IF game. We already won over 600 plus votes and we will do all the work to increase the margin next time, because if we look back, we saw some of the little glitches that we had as well, but the IF is

Does Hon. Francis Have The Fire In the Belly?
So Mena has secured the highest ever percentage of the vote in the Dangriga, and back in January, the UDP's Omar Figueroa got the second largest majority ever in Cayo north with his 66%. Add to that the March municipal election where the PUP won only four of 67 seats nationally - and the overall picture for the opposition is dismal - even as the UDP enters its eighth year in office - and is far from being universally loved. So what's the problem with the PUP, and who's to blame? We asked Leader Francis Fonseca if he's doing enough as leader - and, beyond that, if his national campaign manager Godfrey Smith is pulling his weight:.. Jules Vasquez "Are you prepared? You say you have been but I hear that you aren't. Are you prepared to do what is necessary to put yourself in a position to be prime minister? Sir, you were in charge of 14 representatives. You are now down to 12. Do you accept that work needs to be done personally?" Hon. Francis Fonseca, Leader of the Opposition "Absolutely, I get up with that on my mind every single morning and go to sleep with the same frame of mind. I do that every day, Jules. I've been doing that since the day I became involve with the People's United Party.

Two Mean Arrested For Teakettle Murder of Americans
Two men have been charged for the murder of a pair of US Nationals in Teakettle. When it first happened in May, Shaylon Santos was charged with burglary and 19 year old Cardinal Lemoth Jr. was wanted for questioning. Well the investigation came to a close on Wednesday when both were charged with the murder of Julian Christopher Jones and Paul David Signorino. The Americans were killed in May at Jones's estate in Teakettle when Jones was chopped to the head while Signorino was shot twice in the head. Officer Commanding Belmopan Superintendent Howell Gillett told us how police closed the investigation. Supt. Howell Gillett, OC, Belmopan Police "Viewers may remember that on the 15th of May of this year, 2 persons lost their lives, Mr. Julian Jones and Mr. Paul David Signorino. We initially arrested two persons, Mr. Shaylon Santos and also Mr. Cardinal Lemoth for burglary for entering the property where these people were killed. But on the 7th of July, that is Wednesday of this week, we charged both persons for the murder of both Mr. Signorino and Mr. Jones."

Police Detain But Do Not Charge Main Suspect in Shootings
Yesterday we told you about another shooting in the violence riddled area of Ghost Town. Shots were fired, but no one was hurt. Today, police provided details. At around 10:10 am, 23 year old Kendis Flowers and 42 year old Raph Martinez were getting out of a taxi on Vernon Street when they claim a man known to them from the neighborhood pulled out a gun and fired a number of shots at them. Both men escaped injury and police recovered six nine millimeter shells from the street. Police detained the alleged shooter, but up to this evening had still not charged him. He remains in lockdown.

Belize Football Jaguars In Training To Keep Up With FIFA
Yesterday, FIFA upgraded the world ranking for Belize's National Football team - moving the team up 37 places from a lowly 155th in the world, to a respectable 118th. The team is also now ranked 15th in CONCACAF. The sharp surge has earned Belize the singular distinction of being the best mover on the FIFA rankings so far this year. All this as a result of the superb showing in the second round of the World Cup Qualifiers - where Belize dominated the Dominican Republic. But, now that the team has gotten everyone's attention, it has got to hold form going into a tough third round of World Cup Qualifying. So how are they handling the newfound reknown? We met with the team today in Belmopan and they showed us just a glimpse of what it will take to keep riding this streak.. Courtney Weatherburne reporting Beyond the flimsy wire fence of the agriculture show grounds, the Jaguars were focused. Fiercely engaged in their training, stomping and flexing on the muddy field. Pushing through grueling drills and stretches. According to the coach Charlie Slusher. The training sessions have intensified - all in the hope of maintaining and improving the team's world ranking.

Media Moves Forward With Plans For Kareem Clarke Fund
It's been five days since Amandala Journalist Kareem Clarke was murdered at the corner Lakeview and Vernon Streets. Still, police have not made any arrests. His funeral is set for tomorrow, but his media colleagues are determined to ensure that he is remembered for his contributions to journalism. This morning, a group of his colleagues held a meeting at the UNICEF Conference room in Belize City to talk about remembering "Reemo" with more than just a facebook page. The consensus decision was that the Kareem Clarke Memorial Fund will be created to fundraise for the St. Joseph School Feeding program. His former co-worker, Marisol Amaya, the News Director for KREM explained how it will work, and why it's so important: "Kareem, as unassuming as he was. He touched all of us and so today 13 people from 5 media houses who could make it here for our first meeting to ensure that his death just doesn't go just like that.

Mother Calling For Clay
14 year-old Belize City resident Clay Uter has been missing for several days now, and his mother, Sophie Myvett, is worried that he is hurt or worse. She came to us to beg him or anyone who knows where he is to contact her, and get him home as soon as possible. Here's her impassioned plea: Myvett has conceded that he has been away from home for an extended period of time in the past, but he was taken back home. Anyone with information on Uter's whereabouts is asked to contact her telephone number 600-3236.

Chinese Made Wingle Appeals To Middle Class Market
For most of us, the idea of buying a brand new vehicle with zero miles on it is a faraway thought, or more like an impossible dream. After all a new Toyota Hilux, or Isuzu D-Max will run you upwards of eighty thousand dollars. But those are Japanese brands, long established and well respected. Now, an upstart new car dealer pushing a Chinese Brand is trying to up-end the conventional wisdom surrounding new car purchases by offering the 2016 Wingle Pick-up truck for a trade in discount. And while Wingle may not be anything close to a blue chip name in the vehicle manufacturing business - for Caribbean motors, that's liberating because it gives them the opportunity to offer the working class an affordable work truck: Their promotional event for new customers is happening right now.

When Will UDP Call Elections?
So now as we turn the page on a week where politics has dominated the news�.the only question that really hasn't been answered is when will the general elections be called? The UDP is riding the crest of three huge national election victories in six months - and hasn't lost an election since 2003. Now everyone knows the next general election is right around the corner, but that could be next month or next year. Which will it be? On Wednesday night, UDP's self styled ground commander Boots Martinez told the media that if he had his way it would be tomorrow:.. Jules Vasquez "He said that you said the flag could only go up and reached the top, so when it hit the top, it start to come down. Is the UDP flag at the top and do they need to call elections ASAP?" Hon. Anthony "Boots" Martinez, UDP Ground Commander "In my view, the flag almost reach the top and when it reached the top, it's just a matter of how fast it could come down or how slow and so I think it almost reached the top and If I were the Prime Minister I would say let's go tomorrow for the election." Jules Vasquez "Mr. Prime Minister, your Ground Commander just said that if he were advising and I believe he is, he would tell you to call general elections tomorrow because the flag is right at the top of the pole." Hon. Dean Barrow, UDP Leader "He must be working for Francis. Is it nor Francis who says call the elections now?"

Channel 5

Enraged Spouse Reportedly Butchers Customs Officer in Benque Viejo
There was a deadly stabbing incident earlier in the west, where a woman was impaled inside her home, allegedly by an enraged spouse. Police have already detained the suspected murderer [...]

'Papa' Mena Sworn-in As Junior Minister of National Security
Newly-elected Dangriga Area Representative Frank 'Papa' Mena was sworn in as Minister of State in the Ministry of National Security this morning in Belmopan.� The installation took place before Governor [...]

Did the P.U.P.'s Inner Circle Affect Outcome of Dangriga Bye-elections?
Is there an inextricable link between the new pecking order of the People's United Party and that of the previous regime led by Said Musa?� Well, that's an assertion put [...]

P.U.P. Fortified Despite Defeat at the Polls
Despite losing almost a quarter of its constituents since the 2012 general elections, Fonseca says the party is encouraged by its accomplishment on Wednesday given the circumstances leading up to [...]

Chief Elections Officer Comments on Bye-election Process
On Wednesday, Frank 'Papa" Mena was victorious by a significant margin in bye-elections held in Dangriga Town, Hope Creek and Sarawee. Even more than the numbers, the political muscle on [...]

Grieving Media Colleagues Establish Kareem Clarke Memorial Fund
Kremandala journalist Kareem Clarke was gunned down early Monday morning, as he headed home on Vernon Street. His murder has shocked and saddened his family, friends and colleagues. Today, journalists [...]

Alexis Rosado is Belize's Ambassador to Costa Rica
On Wednesday, Ambassador Alexis Rosado presented his credentials as Belize's Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Costa Rica. �Accepting and accrediting those credentials was Luis Guillermo Solis Rivera, [...]

Ellis Meighan Nabbed for Attempted Murder of Longtime Rival
For several months we have reported on the continuing feud among rival factions within the Ghost Town Gang.� Enmity between the Meighan siblings and Kendis Flowers has led to ongoing [...]

Eyewear on Installment, Courts is Now Providing Optical Services
Courts (Belize) Limited is expanding its services offered to Belizeans and is now venturing outside household items and gadgets. The company, which concentrates mainly on providing customers with much needed [...]

Will Competition Affect BCVI's Bottom Line?
The installation of Courts Optical has been in the works for some time. For the Belize Council for the Visually Impaired, BCVI, Courts Belize's debut into the business of optometry [...]

K.H.M.H. Needs Your Help in Locating Family of Elderly Man
The Public Relations Unit of the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital is asking for some assistance from the general public in locating relatives or friends of Horacio Cardova whose last name [...]

Melonie Gillett is in Soca Mode
Soca Mode�.it's the latest song and music video to be released by the female Belizean artist. Earlier this morning, Melonie Gillett made her media rounds and appeared on Open Your [...]

Carnival Pageant Kicks off at the Bliss
The Miss Carnival Pageant is underway at the Bliss. The show, held for the first time, is being organized by the Belize Carnival Association. While it is about celebrating the [...]

LOVE FM

Customs Officer Killed Allegedly By Her Spouse
A mid-afternoon murder was reported in Benque Viejo del Carmen. A 25-year-old customs officer was killed reportedly at the hands of her common-law-husband. Love News spoke to Superintendent Daniel Arzu, Officer in Charge of Benque Viejo Town Formation about the fatal stabbing incident that took place at about 3:15 pm at #28 George Price Street. [�]

Ivan Ramos Uses Area Rep Letterhead and Makes Request to Education Minister
The recently held bi-election in Dangriga was triggered by the resignation of Dangriga's Area Representative Ivan Ramos on June 9, 2015 � but despite that move to resign from the House of Representatives, Ramos made a request to the Education Minister, Patrick Faber, using his letterhead as Area Representative. That request letter was sent about [�]

Media Colleagues Meet to Establish Memorial Fund for Kareem Clarke
In the wee hours of Monday, July 6, 2015, the life of a Belizean news reporter was taken via gun violence in Belize City. 27-year-old, Kareem Clarke, who wrote for the Amandala newspaper was shot five times on Vernon Street at around one o'clock as he was making his way home on bicycle after visiting [�]

Belize Aims for Internationally Recognized Jungle Training Facility
In latter June when the Tradewinds Exercise 2015 was about to conclude, Love News had spoken with the Commander of the Belize Defense Force, Brigadier General David Jones, who boasted that jungle training is what his soldiers know best. So much so, that the BDF, for some time now have begun exploring ways in making [�]

Belize's Special Envoy Honored in Taiwan
Special Envoy for Women and Children, Kim Simplis Barrow, is on a five day visit to Taiwan. Mrs. Barrow spoke with the Chairman of the Cathay Charity Foundation, Fredrick F. Chien where they discussed possible areas of cooperation. During her stay, she called on Mrs. Chow Mei Ching, wife of the president of the Republic [�]

Newly Elected Dangriga Representative Denies Allegations Made Against Him
As with any election campaign, there will be the allegations of wrong doings coming out to discredit candidates. The recent bi-election in Dangriga proved no different as allegations were made against the UDP candidate Frank Pawpa Mena as they relate to visa hustling among other things. We did get the opportunity to ask Mena to [�]

PlusTV

Defeated PUP candidate vows to press on
And while the now-Honorable Frank "Pawpa" Mena experiences the thrill of victory, defeated rival Anthony Sabal must fight through the agony of having come close. The PUP started behind its rival despite holding the seat after former representative Ivan Ramos suddenly resigned last month,...

PUP offers post-mortem of Dangriga result
For the third time in six months, the People's United Party (PUP) has lost an election. And while the result is closer than the others were, yesterday's defeat in Dangriga is no less crushing - or so you would believe. But in defeat, the PUP showed a self-confidence and poise, even...

UDP celebrates victory in Dangriga
The results are in from Wednesday's by-election in Dangriga. The United Democratic Party's Frank "Pawpa" Mena is the new area representative, defeating People's United Party rival Anthony Sabal by 2,164 votes to 1,526. Belize Green Independent Party (BGIP) candidate Lle...

When will general elections be called?
So with the Dangriga by-election out of the way, anticipation turns to the date for a general election. It is constitutionally due by June of 2017 but is expected to be called much earlier than that. In fact, if Minister Anthony Martinez had his way, there would be no rest for the Elections and Boun...

Bi-Election or "Buy" Election
Allegations of voter buy outs usually surface after the hype of every election. Yesterday's bi-elections were no different. Even before the polls closed yesterday there was already talk on the streets of people getting paid to vote for a particular color. But while it is illegal to corrupt th...

Manatee Washed Ashore During National Manatee Working Group Meeting
The National Manatee Working Group met this week to address issues of short comings in management and discussed new ideas and policies while also updating the manatee recovery plan. During Day 2 of their meeting yesterday, July 8th a young lady from Fisheries Department noticed a lifeless manatee dr...

PM Taken Aback by Catholic Church's stance on PetroCaribe
Last week Wednesday, July 1st, the Senators convened at the National Assembly in Belmopan to debate and pass five bills brought from the House of Representatives. Three of those bills were heatedly debated. Among them were the General Revenue Supplementary appropriation bill to validate over expen...

Amandala

US court upholds $44 mil judgment against GOB
United States District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly for the District of Columbia, South Carolina, USA, recently issued a ruling upholding the $44 million arbitration award rendered by the London Court of Arbitration (LCIA) against the Government of Belize back in 2009. The LCIA had awarded BCB Holdings BZ$40.8 million in damages, reimbursement of the respondents' costs of the arbitration in the amount of �206,248.40, and legal, professional and other arbitration costs in the amount of BZ$2,960,735.69, with interest at an annual rate of 3.38% compounded annually on all sums. The litigation stems from a settlement deed between the Government of Belize and BCB Holdings, previously known as Carlisle Holdings Limited, dated March 22, 2005. The Kollar-Kotelly ruling noted that in 2008, a dispute arose between the parties over clauses in the deed under which the Government agreed to provide favorable tax treatment to BCB Holdings.

$4,000 for Kareem's killer
In the wee hours of Monday, July 6, we at Kremandala lost a bright young star in journalist Kareem Clarke. There has been a tremendous outpouring of support from his colleagues in the media and the wider community. And we at Kremandala and his family are properly grateful. We cannot replace this young man on our compound. He was prolific and he was talented, yet he was humble and warm-hearted. His rise in journalism in just two short years was sensational. Kareem was shot multiple times, including to the back of the head, around one o'clock on Monday morning at the corner of Vernon and Lakeview Streets. He was ambushed by a lone gunman as he rode his bicycle. Surveillance footage from the area shows that a police mobile arrived on the scene just five seconds after Kareem was shot. A minute later, a second police mobile arrived at the scene.

PUP calls for Castro's head; PM says no way!
Today, reporters asked Prime Minister Dean Barrow in Dangriga about a call made earlier this week by the Opposition People's United Party (PUP) to have him remove Minister of State Edmond "Clear the Land" Castro" from his Cabinet on allegations of corruption. Barrow was unequivocal in saying that he would not even consider the Opposition's demand that he remove Castro from his Cabinet. "The man just won a huge convention victory. What happened in court is that he withdrew his defamation suit. How on earth would that be a basis for his removal from Cabinet? That's nonsense, man; I'm not prepared to dignify that any further with any additional response," Barrow said with finality. The call for Castro's removal was made after he withdrew from a defamation lawsuit that he had filed against whistleblower Alvarine Burgess and Great Belize Productions/Channel 5. In late 2013, Burgess, in a broadcast on Channel 5, had alleged that she paid Castro hundreds of thousands of dollars for him to facilitate visa permits for Asians to visit Belize.

Frank "Papa" Mena triumphs
The battle lines were distinctly drawn in the Dangriga by-election yesterday, as waves of red-and-white T-shirt-wearing United Democratic Party (UDP) supporters with their message "We love our brother," contrasted with similar numbers of blue and white T-shirts worn by People's United Party supporters which carried the message: "Power to the People." The two groups descended like battle forces and were spread out in the six polling areas of Dangriga Town, Sarawee and Hope Creek, where balloting began at 7:00 a.m. and ended at 6:00 p.m. to elect an area representative for the Dangriga seat of the House of Representatives, vacated by the PUP's Ivan Ramos, who suddenly resigned, triggering the by-election. The contenders were the UDP's Frank "Papa" Mena, the PUP's Anthony Sabal, and also Llewellyn "Pastor Lue" Lucas, a candidate fielded by an independent party, the Belize Green Independent Party (BGIP).

Chester Williams takes over Southside Belize City
Veteran tough cop and past Commander of Crimes Investigation Branch of Eastern Division, Senior Superintendent Chester Williams, fresh from law school in Barbados and now the holder of a law degree, is now the new Commanding Officer of Police with responsibility for the Belize City Southside, the area of the country with the highest crime rate - with murders being carried out by cold-hearted criminals on an all-too frequent basis. The ruthlessness of the criminals in the area is reflected by the fact that in a short span of time in one particular neighbourhood, three people were killed senselessly, including the hardworking and outstanding Kareem Clarke, a reporter for the Amandala, just hours before Williams took over the high office on Monday morning. The announcement was made yesterday, Tuesday, at a police press brief at the Racoon Street police headquarters. Williams said that he will use whatever means necessary to impact the crime situation and lower the high rate of crime in his area, and bring a sense of safety and security to the residents of the area.

Hon. Edmond Castro drops defamation case re: visa hustling
For the first time in Belize's history, a politician has withdrawn a case, already in court, against principals who allegedly defamed him by publicly airing comments to the effect that he, the minister, was using his office corruptly, complete with the details of that corruption. The Belize Rural North area representative and Minister of State, Hon. Edmond "Clear the Land" Castro, who recently won the United Democratic Party (UDP) constituency convention to become the Party's standard bearer in the next general elections, had sought legal redress in a defamation of character lawsuit for allegations of corruption involving a visa hustle at the Immigration Department, but his defamation case could not proceed, adding more damage to his already battered public image. One of a number of allegations against Castro had led to his removal from Prime Minister Dean Barrow's Cabinet during the last UDP term.

C-Ray Cycling Club Youth Summer Series 2015 Week 3 results
The series continued on Sunday, July 5, at 1:00 p.m. on Princess Margaret Drive (in front of Marion Jones Sports Complex). 65 kids were present this week, who participated in 9 different categories. There are 3 more weekends of this year's series remaining: July 19, August 9 and August 16. Below are the results: Tiny Mites (3-5yrs MALE) - 1st Jayden Tillett; 2nd Khamani Morrison; 3rd Arren Pope. Tiny Mites (3-5yrs FEMALE) - 1st Kadeidre Lashley; 2nd Jadah Muschamp. Tiny Mites (6-8yrs) - 1st Raymond Singh III; 2nd Leon Pope; 3rd Jordan Bernard; 4th Prinston Itza; 5th Charles Straughan. FEMALE Female (under 10yrs) - 1st Mya Bennett; 2nd Tamia Bennett; 3rd Mya Smith; 4th Tikaya Samuels; 5th Abbie Leslie. Female (over 10yrs) - 1st Jamie Muschamp; 2nd Paulita Chavarria; 3rd Tamika Samuels.

Smart 13 & Under Semifinals results, Finals this Sunday
The Smart 13 & Under Football Tournament 2015 semifinals took place on Saturday, July 4, at the MCC Grounds, and they were two exciting and well contested matches. In the first semifinal, #4 seed Ladyville Jaguars (coach Michael "Wataplat" Flowers) held the highly favored, undefeated #1 seed Brown Bombers (coach Shanell Gentle) scoreless through the first 25 minute half. The Jaguars' strategy seemed to be a "lock down defence," with all of their attack focused on the efforts of their top striker, D'Jon Canelo, who attracted heavy marking from the Bombers' defence. After a number of near misses, including twice hitting the Jaguars crossbar, the Bombers finally got their goal through a deflected shot from fifteen yards by diminutive but highly skilled Eldon Byrd mid-way through the second half. Bombers' coach Shanell Gentle then decided to play safe, and deployed her team's main striker, and the tournament's leading goal scorer, Jovaunn Ramos to defensive duties, helping to mark the ever dangerous Canelo. The goal held up for regulation, and with the 1-nil win, the Bombers maintained their impeccable record (no goals allowed throughout the competition) into Sunday's final.

Eagles tells Sunrise, "I will defend my turf, so come strong!"
Under the auspices of the Belize National Cricket Association, the Harrison Parks Cricket Competition 2015 continued over the weekend. Two games were played. In the semifinals, Wicked 11 of Flowers Bank traveled to Crooked Tree to play against Brilliant, the home team. Wicked 11 took to bat first and scored 148 all out. Shelton Robinson scored 36 for Wicked 11, and Rodwell Conorque took 4 wickets for Brilliant. The home team went to bat after the lunch break. At the fall of 5 wickets, Brilliant defeated the wicked boys by scoring 149. Jermaine Smith scored 54 for Brilliant, while Edison Robinson took 2 wickets for Wicked 11. That made Brilliant the winner of the first of three games in the semifinals. Brilliant now goes to Flowers Bank on Saturday. Let's see what will be the results. Now for the game that caught the attention of many. I'm talking about Sunrise vs Western Eagles at Rancho. On the weekend before, Sunrise had defeated Western Eagles badly, 69 to 70 with 5 spare wickets. Western Eagles had gone to bat first then.

Political murder?
There are people close to Kremandala who immediately began to consider the Kareem Clarke murder of early Monday morning, July 6, as an attack on the media institution, a message to Partridge Street. At this newspaper, we were hesitant to take this position; as the police investigation began to unfold later Monday morning, it proceeded along a personal line, rather than a political one. By Tuesday evening, however, when Kremandala journalists aired a surveillance tape of the murder, we had no choice but to consider the politics of our and Kareem Clarke's situation. Politics is the biggest business in our little country. Apart from controlling our billion dollar national budget, and the various grants and gifts from interested individuals, groups, and countries, the politicians in power control the illegal drugs in Belize and the illegal drugs moving through Belize. By that we mean that the law enforcement agencies in Belize operate under Cabinet Ministries, and so those Ministries have influence on law enforcement personnel. Since the moneys involved with illegal drugs in Belize and moving through Belize would be at least hundreds of millions of dollars annually, drug moneys routinely corrupt law enforcement personnel on the individual level. But, these moneys also corrupt ruling politicians. Apart from drugs, there are other scams which fill the pockets of ruling politicians and their connected bureaucrats, such as the hustles in passports and visas, human trafficking, rosewood, Maya artifacts, land scams, and so on.

From the Publisher
In Belize today, if you are an average person and big people decide to hurt you or kill you, there is not that much that you can do. The most important thing is to become aware of the danger that you are in, and then to make yourself as small a target as possible. In my column last weekend, I tried to explain that big people can make it so that there is no real difference between the underworld and the "overworld." It is the overworld to which citizens look for protection when they feel threatened by the underworld, but big people have the power to compromise the overworld in different ways, so that then the average citizen is left to his own devices, so to speak. When my generation was growing up in British Honduras, we believed that the colony was safer for the average citizen than the independent republics around us - Mexico to the north, Guatemala to the west, and Honduras to the south. Because of the Mexican Revolution between 1910 and 1940, that society had become less oligarchic than Guatemala and Honduras, but the rise of the drug cartels in Mexico has demonstrably weakened the ability of the Mexican federal government to administrate a justice system where citizens can feel equal before an effective law. It has always been the case, it appears, that in Guatemala and Honduras big people can do to small people whatever they feel like doing, and do it with impunity.

The greatest loss of all
Dear Editor, It is with a heavy heart that I sit down to write these lines of the events of the past few days. Usually the first thing I crave on getting up in the morning is a hot cup of coffee. Now that is from Monday to Thursday. On Friday that changes. On this day Friday, I want my Amandala first and I want it now! After a few unsuccessful trips to my front door to pick up my Amandala I start to get real grumpy and I start to "bless" the newspaper man. This happens religiously every Friday non-stop. Finally I get my Amandala and I soon devour the headline story "The greatest love of all," then the editorial and From the Publisher, Colin bh, and soon I have the newspaper covered. When my grandchild David come visit, after a big hug, I show him the headline story of the Amandala and explain briefly the meaning of the story of the love of a mother for her children, that she gave her life to save her kids. I soon get his undivided attention and like we do every Friday, he reads the article (David is in Standard Four and to help him with his reading, I let him read one or two articles of the Amandala every Friday.) "The greatest love of all" by Kareem Clarke, and he gets through the article after I help him with a few pronunciations.

Belize fuel imports via Petrocaribe exceed 3 mil barrels
An official management report on the Petrocaribe program, dated June 2015, reveals that Belize had imported almost 3 million barrels of fuel from Venezuela since 2005; however, the bulk of that importation actually occurred after September 8, 2012, when the importation hiatus was ended with the formal restart of the program. According to the report, June marked a decade of success under the Petrocaribe Energy Cooperation Agreement, which sets out a framework for "the supply of energy and the financing as engine to social-economic development in the region." There are 19 signatories to the agreement listed: Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Belize, Cuba, Dominica, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname and Venezuela. Belize is one of thirteen countries to which hydrocarbons are being supplied, and one of the twelve countries where joint ventures have been established. According to the report, countries are overall receiving 68% of their quotas, which is 88,000 barrels a day of a total of 129,000 barrels a day.

Iconic Belizean dancer, Rosita Baltazar, 55, to be laid to rest Friday
An illustrious Belizean star, Rosita Baltazar, the iconic dancer who has performed for audiences at home and abroad, succumbed to cancer on Monday night, after her extensive battle against the debilitating disease ended peacefully at her home. First signs of her illness were observed in 2012, just before she was due to travel to Paris with a team from the Belize National Dance Company, which she co-founded back in 1990. Baltazar, 55, had since been on treatment, but the breast cancer, which had gone into remission, later resurfaced. She fought hard while receiving chemotherapy, but about a month ago, things took a turn for the worse. We understand from her dance colleague, Althea Sealy-to whom Rosita was like a soul sister-that Rosita passed away between 11:30 and 12:00 on Monday night, July 6. A tribute will be held in her honor from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Friday, July 10, 2015, at Holy Redeemer Cathedral in Belize City, followed by a funeral service at 2:00 p.m.

UN Special Rapporteur calls for end to conflict over Maya land rights
In a statement issued today, UN Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples, Victoria Tauli-Corpuz, called on the Government of Belize to establish a dialogue with the leadership of the Toledo Maya and to discuss outstanding issues over the case of Rupert Myles, who faces eviction from Santa Cruz, as well as the broader land tenure situation of the Maya people. Appealing for that dialogue to ensue "in a spirit of partnership and mutual respect," Tauli-Corpuz said that, "The current situation of conflict and mistrust cannot be allowed to persist." She added that, "Under international human rights standards, indigenous peoples have the right to use, develop and also to control the lands, territories and resources that they possess by reason of traditional ownership." The rapporteur cited the recent controversy over the attempted eviction of Rupert Myles from Santa Cruz after he was handcuffed and restrained with a rope, but later set free after signing an agreement to vacate the premises within two weeks of Saturday, June 20. Tauli-Corpuz also decried the subsequent arrest of 12 Maya villagers and local leaders, who law enforcement authorities charged with unlawful imprisonment due to the detention of Rupert Myles in Santa Cruz.

19 illegal Cubans busted in Orange Walk Town
A total of nineteen Cubans who were found on Friday illegally in the country, in Orange Walk Town, are now at the Belize Central Prison serving a 6-month jail sentence after they appeared in the Orange Walk Magistrate's Court on Friday. They were fined $1,005 each for illegal entry, brought against them by the Orange Walk Immigration Department, and they will be deported back to their country when they are released from prison, or after serving the jail sentences. Police on patrol near the Orange Walk bypass, at about 6:00 Friday morning, found 6 Cubans hiding in the bushes, and when a security check was made on them, they could not produce their immigration documents. They were all arrested and charged with illegal entry into Belize, and were taken to the Orange Walk Magistrate Court that same Friday morning.

The Reporter

Female customs officer murdered in Benque
Keisha Buller, 25, a female customs officer was murdered at around 3:00 p.m. on Friday, at her house in Benque Viejo del Carmen. Reports reaching The Reporter are that shortlty after the killing, police pursued a car speeding from the scene and towards Belize City. […]

Media personalities plan series of initiatives in memory of fallen colleague
Thirteen media personalities met on Friday morning in Belize City to plan a series of initiatives in memory of their fallen colleague, Kareem Clarke, who was shot dead early Monday morning. The press members, who work at five different media houses, discussed establishing a Kareem […]

Dance legend, Rosita Baltazar dies of cancer
Belize lost one of its most recognizable legends of dance this week in the person of Rosita Baltazar, 54. She was a dancer for many years before she became a dance instructor and artistic director with the Belize Dance Company. Baltazar died at her Los […]

One step at a time- Stephany walks again
Almost eight months after coming close to losing the ability to move her legs, 10-year old Stephany Qui�ones is walking again. Stephany, who had suffered spinal injury after a metal gate fell on her in November 2014, took her first steps last week, after a […]

Police follow leads in murder of journalist Kareem Clarke
Surveillance video which captured the moments just before the shooting murder of Kareem Clarke have offered telling details. The recording, captured by a surveillance camera attached to Vikings Club on th Vernon Street, near its junction with Lakeview Street, shows Clarke, dressed in a white […]

Lucky Mom wins $$$ half a million!
The Mek mi Rich game show has been around for almost a year now and for months they have been asking individuals "What would you do if you won half a million dollars? " Josephine Humes of Banak Street finally got to answer that question […]

Fire guts room, but "Mr Program" saves child's life and rest of house
He is known for his hit single, "Fall and Die", but Mr Program was everything but falling on Tuesday morning, when he helped saved a child's life and a house from burning down in his neighbourhood. A child saw the fire sometime before 11:00 […]

Brazen mid-afternoon robbery downtown leaves Taiwanese Embassy $70,000 short
The Embassy of Taiwan in Belize City this week suffered a significant loss when a thief brazenly robbed the embassy's driver of $70,000, which belonged to the embassy. The incident happened around 2:30 p.m. on Monday, as the driver left the Belize Bank in […]

Young welder rejects gang, killed on his birthday
Twenty-two-year-old David Rivas lived each day fearing that it would be his last.� Those fears came to pass around 10:00 on Friday night when he was shot. Rivas, a welder by profession, was walking on Roches Street in the St. Martin de Porres area […]

Elderly man beaten to death, dumped in Haulover Creek
An elderly man was brutally beaten to death and then dumped in the Haulover Creek where his body was later discovered during the early hours of Sunday. Sixty-five year oldMichael Cain, was reportedly associating with several others at Village Kitchen on North Front Street, when he was attacked at the […]

Castro will remain in Cabinet,PM says.
Minister of State Edmond Castro, who recently withdrew a defamation claim over allegations of involvement in an immigration scam, will remain in the Cabinet, despite calls from the Opposition for him to be removed. There is no cause for his removal, Prime Minister Dean […]

CARICOM expects members to support Guyana
The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has expressed its full support for Guyana in the face of Venezuela's territorial claim against that country, and expects all member nations to support Guyana. A representative from the CARICOM Secretariat, speaking to The Reporter, indicated that CARICOM fully expects […]

UN expert weighs in on Santa Cruz situation
Victoria Tauli-Corpuz, a United Nations expert from Geneva, who is the Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, has written to the Government of Belize, urging the government to ensure respect for the rights of the country's Maya people to non-discrimination on traditional […]

PM reconsidering position on Hulse
Prime Minister Dean Barrow is reconsidering his position on allowing former United Democratic Party (UDP) Stann Creek West standard bearer Melvin Hulse to remain in the party, after new revelations by Hulse surfaced, making serious allegations against the party. Barrow conceded that the recordings, […]

Editorial
Two weeks ago this newspaper carried the story of a young Nicaraguan student accused of murder, who was acquitted after spending more than four years in jail. . The prosecution based its case on the strength of a confession, made by the accused prisoner to the Commander of the Gang […]

Editorial
"The Public Accounts Committee (of the House of Representatives) has the duty of examining, considering and reporting on the accounts showing the appropriation of the sums granted by the National Assembly to meet the public expenditure of the country; such other accounts as may be referred to the Committee by […]

Council of Churches divided Two largest denominations unhappy with Petro Bill
Opposing views on issues of national importance is causing a great divide in the Council of Churches, resulting in a call for a meeting to plot the way forward. It appears the Evangelical Association has voiced its discontent with the "yes" vote cast in […]

Prisoners escape! Hole in the wall provides way out
Five of six Honduran nationals who escaped from the Benque Viejo del Carmen police station on Tuesday night remain at large. The six were arrested for illegally entering the country. According to Superintendent Daniel Arzu, the officer commanding the Benque Viejo police station, on-duty […]

How much does Belize owe?
The 2014 Central Bank annual report puts the country's national debt at around $2.3 billion. But the actual figure may be higher, factoring in the borrowings of 2015 and unknown, unreconciled debt figures from pending litigations. In this year's budget, the government requested external […]

Breaking Belize News

U.S. court rules for BCB Holdings in dispute
BCB Holdings and the Belize Bank Limited have been trying to collect some US$44 million in damages and costs owed by the Government of Belize in settlement of a Settlement Deed made in 2005 which proposed in part to treat BCB favorably with regard to taxes. The Caribbean [�]

Well-known and well-liked Customs officer based in Benque Viejo brutally murdered
Benque Viejo Town police this afternoon picked up and detained Ervin Wade on suspicion of murder. He is being accused of the stabbing to death of 25 year old Kenisha Buller, a well-known and well-liked Customs officer based in Benque Viejo. Officer Commanding Benque Viejo Superintendent Daniel Arzu [�]

Custom Officer murdered in Benque
Reports coming out of Benque Viejo Del Carmen in the Cayo District are that a Custom officer has been murdered. We will have more on this story shortly.

Manatee found dead by CZMAI
In recent history, Belize has seen a drastic decline in the Manatee population, primarily due to boat incidents. These gentle creatures have been placed on the endangered species list to prevent a total disappearance of the mammal from our seas. It is unfortunate that recently, these defenseless sea creatures have [�]

Pope condemns greed, embraces poor and outcasts in South America trip
Pope Francis of the Roman Catholic Church has called the "unfettered pursuit of money" the "dung of the devil" and accused world leaders of "cowardice" for refusing to defend the earth from exploitation during his tour of countries in South America, CNN reports, in what some have [�]

Media colleagues honor the legacy of Kareem Clarke
With his funeral services set for Saturday afternoon in Belize City, we end this week of news as we began it, honoring the late Kareem Clarke, viciously targeted in the early hours of Monday at the corner of Vernon and Lakeview Streets. Today's Amandala newspaper announced that the [�]

Special Envoy visits Taiwan
Mrs. Kim Simplis-Barrow, wife of Prime Minister Dean Barrow and appointed Special Envoy for Women and Children, is wrapping up her five day visit to the Republic of China (Taiwan) today, Friday. Mrs. Barrow visited with her counterpart Chow Mei Ching, spouse of Taiwanese President Ma Ying Jeou; [�]

Frank Mena is now Minister of State in the Ministry of National Security
Frank Mena, the newly elected Area Representative of the Dangriga Division is now the Minister of State in the Ministry of National Security. Hon. Mena was officially sworn in by the Governor General, H.E. Sir Colville Young at the Belize House in Belmopan today. Hon. Frank Mena took the Oath [�]

Missing Benque Viejo Man found Alive in Melchor de Mencos
Reports reaching our newsroom are that 30 year old Danny Marin Castellanos who went missing last month in Benque Viejo Del Carmen was found alive in Melchor de Mencos by Guatemalan Authorities. Castellanos is a mechanic by trade and went missing on June 20th 2015. This is a developing story [�]

Belize Workers Union taking ASR to Court
The Belize Workers Union, representative for the Belize Sugar Industry Employee's Holdings Limited, released a statement on behalf of the employees yesterday, saying that a recent lack of cooperation and transparency from the American Sugar Refinery (ASR) has left the union and its members no choice but to advise the [�]

Blogs

5 Incredible Places You Won't Believe Exist in Belize!
If you are looking for a vacation destination that offers exciting adventures in one of the most beautiful locations in the world then Belize is the place for you. Take a look at some incredible places that exist in this beautiful country: 1. Mayflower Bocawina National Park 2. The Great Blue Hole 3. The Chiquibul Cave System 4. Shark Ray Alley 5. Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave

International Sources

The Mysterious Temples and Citadel of El Pilar Remain Hidden in Thick Jungles of Belize
Thick jungle vines and choking vegetation have not dissuaded archaeologists in their quest to uncover the mysterious past of a hidden treasure nestled in deep foliage straddling the border of Belize and Guatemala. El Pilar is the site of ancient constructions described as "unusual" by researchers, and most of the twenty-five-plus structures remain unexplored, still buried by a thick canopy and undergrowth. Archaeologists have been studying the ancient Mayan site for decades, but only recently with the help of advanced remote sensing technology have they been able to delve deep under the soil and jungle brush to reveal what is a highly unusual complex, dubbed the 'Citadel'. According to a recent report in Popular Archaeology, the Citadel is unlike the other constructions found at El Pilar. It appears to be a defensive structure, set apart from the other buildings at the location. Using LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) and a helicopter to survey the location, "scientists were able to outline the construction features perched atop a ridge with the appearance of fortifications, consisting of concentric terracing and six structures, including two 'temples', each about five meters high," writes Popular Archaeology. Once the team identified where they needed to investigate, in March 2015, the researchers returned and proceeded with careful and limited excavations. Thick underbrush and vines challenged progress, and it was revealed the site had been a victim of extensive looting, with debris left behind. Deep tunnels and trenches had been burrowed into temples on the Citadel, and it was clear some beautiful dressed stone had been pried out with picks. Despite the looters' destruction, archaeologists were able to get a better understanding of El Pilar and the ancient Citadel.

GUIDE TO ANTI-PREDATION STRATEGIES FOR CATTLE RANCHING IN LATIN AMERICA
by Rafael Hoogesteijn and Almira Hoogesteijn, is now available to download from the Panthera website

Endangered ancient Maya sites saved
Tropical and picturesque, it is a place that tourists would likely want to wander through. Known as 'Tamarindo', it takes its name from the numerous tropical trees that grow there. Situated next to the beautiful and immense New River Lagoon in northern Belize, it also features remains of an ancient Maya settlement. The site, not far from the better-known great Maya center of Lamanai, remains largely unexplored and unexcavated by archaeologists. Situated as it is in a location that gave its ancient inhabitants strategic access to important coastal trade routes, there is little doubt that archaeologists and other scientists will one day uncover significant finds in this place, once full-scale excavations begin. But those excavations wouldn't be possible if it were not for the recent purchase of 83.6 acres of land along the Lagoon by members of the Board of the Maya Research Program (MRP). Tamarindo was an important part of that purchase. It is the latest in a series of land acquisitions that the MRP hopes will shelter and conserve ecology and invaluable archaeological treasures that otherwise would soon be lost or destroyed as developers clear land for agricultural purposes. Numerous sites in this area have already been negatively impacted by agricultural development.

Videos

APART FROM FACING NINE NON-COMPLIANCES THE BSCFA ALSO STRUGGLES FINANCIALLY, 5min. The Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association continues to work towards restoring the association to its former glory after it found itself in some serious financial difficulties following the disbursement of over six million dollars of Fairtrade premiums to cane farmers earlier this year. Today, following a number of measures and changes taken, the association auctioned off some of its assets. Here is a look at how the BSCFA has been coping so far.

THE ART OF MAKING CLIPS WITH THE SUGAR CITY ARTISANS GROUP, 3min. Hundreds of school children look forward to the summer and many spend it in different ways. This includes indulging in sports, art and even more learning. For a group, this week was all about learning to create their very own, handmade hair clips. This is one of a number of summer programs that the Sugar City Artisans Group has organized in collaboration with the Banquitas House of Culture. We caught up with them on their last day at the Banquitas House of Culture.

SUGAR CANE CROP 2015 COMING TO AN END, THERE WILL BE STAND OVER CANE, 3min. There are only two more full days remaining in the 2014/2015 sugar crop. The crop was extended five more days to allow for farmers to deliver as much cane as possible, but even so there is no escaping the inevitable - there will be stand over cane. Industry stakeholders, however, cannot say with exactitude how much cane will be left on the fields as there is no system in place that can allow for such an accurate study. Well, at least not yet as the Sugar Industry Research and Development Institute is currently working on developing one such system known as the Sugar Industry Management Information System. That aside, farmers are hoping to continue to take advantage of the time allotted to them but it seems that some farmers will unfortunately still be unable to make a delivery for this crop.

Rain Forest (Belize)Rain Forest (Belize), 1min.

Curious turtle - Belize Scuba Diving on GoPro Hero4, 1min. A curious sea turtle inspects a GoPro Hero4 Silver in the Esmeralda dive spot off of Ambergris Caye, Belize.

Belize, 14min.

Belize Me - SmithFly at El Pescador 2015, 5min. A week at El Pescador in June / July 2015.

Carnival Valor Belize, 7min. Carnival Valor excursion in Belize. Cave tubing in the jungle of Belize.

AIDA Belize City lebt - Kids & Skateboard #18, 12min. Der Landgang der AIDA Karibik Tour wird zum Erlebnis! In Belize City sehen Semra und Martin nicht nur einiges, sondern treffen auch viele junge Menschen, die Belize von der sch�nsten Seite zeigen!