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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
Belize Independence Day Celebrations Across the Globe
High spirits filled the air in districts across the nation as Belize celebrated it’s 34th Independence over this past weekend! While the weather did not grace us with sunny skies here in Belize on Independence Day, not even the rain was able to stop the shows of patriotism!
In San Pedro, islanders brought in Independence with an official Town Ceremony complete with a line up of local talent and a headlining performance by Carribean soca artist, Ricardo Drue. The night also featured a 30 minute firework display – talk about the ultimate birthday bash!
Orange Walk Town, held a massive showcase of celebration with their annual Independence Day Carnival. Complete with bright costumes, soca music and dancing revelers and plenty to drink!
PM Barrow announces international airport to come to North Ambergris Caye
Ambergris Caye continues to grow as the top tourism destination in Belize and with that comes continued investment in infrastructure. Currently, the Government of Belize (GOB) is investing in Northern Ambergris Caye with the construction of 11 miles of paved road. GOB has also confirmed that once the road is complete, they will venture into a new project which will see the construction of an international airport on Ambergris Caye. The airport will serve to continue promoting the island as Belize’s top tourism destination as it will provide easier access to the international tourism market. Prime Minister Barrow first announced the possibility of an international airport in San Pedro during the United Democratic Party’s (UDP) pre-election rally on February 28, 2015. During Barrow’s Independence Day Speech delivered on Monday, September 21st at the Belmopan City ceremonies, he further elaborated on the project. “A while ago I spoke of the economy and was pleased to emphasize its basic soundness. What I wish now to do, is to underscore that tourism remains our single largest driver, and talk a little about our plans to continue encouraging its star turn.
San Pedro Lions Pay Tribute to the Late Rt. Hon. George Cadle Price
September Celebrations kicked into full gear over the weekend as the Nation celebrated its 34th year of Independence with parties and parades at every corner of the country, despite the weather setbacks. The Lions Clubs of Belize joined in the festivities by paying tribute to the man who made it all possible, the Father of the Nation, the late Rt. Hon. George Cadle Price.
On Saturday September 19th Lion members around the country participated in the 2nd Annual Flag Raising Ceremony in honour of Belize’s first Prime Minister. Ceremonies were held at held at respective clubs across the country and in San Pedro Town, under the organization of new president Fatima Graniel.
Ground Breaking ceremony officially held for Ambergris Stadium
The long awaited groundbreaking ceremony of the Ambergris Stadium Renovation Project took place in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye on Friday, September 18th. The event marks the official commencement for the construction of a new sporting facility which will replace the old one. Estimated to cost around 2.3 million dollars, the project is being funded by the Government of Belize in its commitment with youth and sports. Upon completion, this new stadium will meet the needs of the sporting population on the island and will be equipped with a FIFA international standard pitch in order to host international games. The completion of the sport complex is expected to take between eight to ten months at the most. The project is being coordinated by Belize Infrastructure Limited (BIL) in collaboration with the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC), and executed by AM Construction Company from the Orange Walk District.
Island students show patriotism during 2015 Children’s Rally
The various schools of San Pedro Town gathered on Friday, September 18th for the yearly Children’s Rally organized by the Ministry of Education. Hundreds of students marched through the major streets of the island dressed in patriotic colours. The rally is part of the September Celebrations events which takes place countywide. The Rally ended at the Angel Nuñez Auditorium, where students convened for a series of presentations, celebrating Belize’s Independence.
The San Pedro High School (SPHS) band delivered an instrumental rendition of the National Anthem. Giving the welcome address was Ambergris Caye Elementary School (ACES). Each school had prepared presentations to entertain the crowd. The San Pedro Roman Catholic School (SPRCS) delivered a poem entitled “Our National Outlook” while the New Horizon Seventh Day Adventist School Choir sang a patriotic song. Holy Cross Anglican School also recited a poem entitled “Forever Our Belize.”
Ambergris Today
Belize Carnival Road Show Makes Strong Presence in Orange Walk Town
Belize turned 34 on September 21, 2015, drawing thousands of Belizeans out of their homes to celebrate all month long. Activities are aplenty, but one destination getting lots of attention during Independence Day is the northern district of Orange Walk. The popularity of the Belize City Carnival Parade moves on to Orange Walk Town the following weekend. Growing in number of participants from all over the country, the Orange Walk Carnival parade is another true patriotic experience in the up-and-coming destination in Belize.
Orange Walk Town comes to life as Belizeans unite to celebrate our Independence Day from the villages in the south, Belize City, Cayo, Corozal and as far off as the coral isles. The streets are filled with on-lookers dancing and enjoying the marching bands, decorated floats and carnival dancers. The patriotic spirit was definitely on point and the vibes were flowing all through the town as many waved their flags and sported their best patriotic outfits.
Government of Korea Donates Equipment to The Inspiration Center
Visiting Ambassador of Korea His Excellency KIM Byong-seop, handed over equipment & vehicles totaling US $100,000 to Chairperson of The Inspiration Center Board of Directors, Mrs. Kim Simplis Barrow.
The donation comes three years after Mrs. Simplis Barrow made a presentation to a gathering of ambassadors to garner support for the Inspiration Center. Today, she expressed her deep appreciation and gratitude to the Ambassador and his Government for keeping her dream in mind over the years and coming up with such a generous donation.
According to Acting Executive Director of The Inspiration Center, Joycelyn Lopez, the equipment donated will benefit the center and the population it serves in several ways including an increase in client coverage and improving the services currently being offered by the medical staff as well as the physical therapist and speech therapist. This gift will also help to strengthen the Community Base Rehabilitation Program. Among the donated items are mounted projectors and a wireless PA system which will contribute to the sustainability of the center by turning the conference and multipurpose rooms into an income generating avenue. These spaces are now equipped to be rented for workshops, seminars and conferences.
Pic of the Week - Is There Such a Thing as a Diving Belizean Cowboy?
If there weren't any before, there is one now - a Diving Belizean Cowboy! - Scuba Dive Instructor Venancio Tillett pays tribute to Belize the way he knows best! He shared two things he loves in one picture that speaks for itself - Diving and Belize! #HappyIndependeceDayBelize #SeptemberCelebrations #DiveBelize
Flashbacks - San Pedro Aired on Sabado Gigante by Don Francisco
This gentleman driving the golf cart in San Pedro has a strange name indeed. Mario Luis Kreutzberger Blumenfeld (born December 28, 1940), better known by his stage name, Don Francisco, is a Chilean television host, and a popular personality on the Univision network reaching Spanish-speaking viewers in the United States and all over the world.
He is best known for hosting the former variety shows Sábado Gigante and Don Francisco Presenta. Now Don Francisco used to produce a segment in his show called “La Camera Viajera” or The Travelling Camera, sort of like our “My Travelling Feet”. In the 1980’s when Sabado Gigante had a high rating in San Pedro, Belize, Don Francisco visited La Isla Bonita to present San Pedro, Ambergris Caye to the world. It was the biggest welcome ever to San Pedro for any celebrity. All the schools lined the airstrip and streets to greet him and there were our local celebrities welcoming him like Wil and The Tequila Trio with music, Chico Flores with ceviche, and of course, Celi McCorkle with a tour of San Pedro and a good dose of San Pedro hospitality. This visit was of course recorded and played on television when the entire world got to know of San Pedro, La Isla Bonita. Today Sabado Gigante has been retired and San Pedro, Ambergris Caye is proud to have been featured in this very popular show of Univision.
Angie and Gustavo Ellis Celebrate Silver Anniversary
Angie Ellis and Gustavo Ellis originally of Corozal Town and now full fledged San Pedranos celebrated their Silver Wedding Anniversary along with their son Gustavito Ellis Jr., family and friends on Saturday September 19, 2015. The very warm and splendid exchange of vows and exchange of wedding rings as well, took place on the beach in front of Mayan Princes as Angie Ellis had always dreamt of. Justice of Peace and Commissioner of the Supreme Court as well as Catholic Lay Minister Abel Guerrero Sr. presided over the ceremony which was followed with a reception at the Lions Den.
Local San Pedro Realtor Daniel Hartin Opens Sandy Point Real Estate Ltd.
Daniel Hartin, award winning Broker/Owner, is pleased and excited to announce the opening of Sandy Point Real Estate Ltd. Sandy Point Real Estate will be dedicated to representing and selling Belizean Cove, Coco Beach, Belizean Shores, Coral Bay Villas, Xtan Ha, as well as pre-construction projects underway such as Venezia del Caribe and Isla Tesoro. Daniel Hartin, with his continued success, saw the need to open up a real estate company to focus exclusively on Sandy Point Real Estate. Hartin, formerly with RE/MAX Southwind LLP, is now focusing his experience on building and growing Sandy Point Real Estate. His team of nine is dedicated exclusively to Sandy Point Resorts and welcomes all brokerages on the island to show Sandy Point Resorts real estate to potential clients.
Plans for International Airport in Ambergris Caye, Belize Announced
In his Independence Day message to Belize, Prime Minister Dean Barrow made mention of government’s plans for improving infrastructure that will be designed to boost tourism in the country. One major project will be the construction of an international airport for the island of Ambergris Caye.
The Prime Minister’s plan to move forward is with infrastructure being planned around the tourism industry that is one of the largest revenue earners for Belize.
“Tourism remains our single largest driver, I’ll talk a little about our plans to continue encouraging its star turn,” stated PM Barrow. “These include additional marketing and quality improvement efforts but they also include destination infrastructure improvement and there are three projects in that connection that I wish to highlight. First, there is the continuation of the North Ambergris Caye Road Project; we have just signed a contract for the construction of another 4 miles of the road providing land access to the premier resorts on North Ambergris, making for a total of 11 miles that we have already funded.”
Misc Belizean Sources
June, July, Aug Rainfall:
June ended up being Average, July only about 50%, Aug only about 25%
The open triangles are the Normal, maid readable by the dotted line
Blue filled in triangles are what Belmopan actually had, highlighted by the dashed line.
Light Blue line is water in the top soil. . . . . Green line water deeper in the ground.
Jamal Galves, Friend of the Manatee
A big, big PAWS UP to our colleague and friend, Jamal Galves, on his recognition as a Belizean Patriot during this year's September Celebrations. Jamal was given the Meritorious Service Award for his contributions to conservation in Belize. He also has the distinction of being the youngest recipient of this prestigious award. A distinction well-earned! "Manatee Jamal," has worked tirelessly for many years on behalf of the endangered West Indian Manatee. His efforts range from public education, to manatee rescues and research, to lobbying for stronger regulations and official presence in "no-wake zones" near Belize City.
San Pedro Independence Day parde rescheduled
The San Pedro Town Council hereby informs everyone that after much consideration and receiving numerous calls and messages, The San Pedro Town Council has rescheduled the parade to SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2015, instead of Saturday, since Sunday is a resting day for many.
We apologize for any inconveniences caused and hope everyone can join us on Sunday to make it bigger and better! Happy September Celebrations!
ROUTE: STARTING AT BOCA DEL RIO PARK ONTO LAGUNA DRIVE,PASSING THE SAN JUAN ROUNDABOUT ONTO PESCADOR DRIVE,LEFT ONTO TARPON STREET, LEFT ONTO BARRIER REEF DRIVE AND ENDING AT THE CENTRAL PARK.
NOTE: BARRIER REEF DRIVE & PESCADOR DRIVE WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL VEHICULAR TRAFFIC FROM 8:00 A.M.
Corozal Independence Day Parade 2015
Corozal celebrated Independence Day 2015 with the traditional patriotic program and Independence Day Parade. This year it for the first time in over two decades it was under the imminent threat of rain.
Prime Minister of Belize Independence Day Speech 2015
September 21 this year arrives to the accompaniment of an even greater than usual celebratory chorus. And the multiple positive developments occurring during the first three quarters of 2015, have appeared to reach a flood just in time for Independence Day. Thus it is that we have now procured vindication in what was an ongoing battle to win final acceptance of our decision to take back the Belizean patrimony constituted by our nation’s essential public utilities.
For my Administration, It is almost impossible to overstate the significance of the BEL and BTL settlements. After all, this has been for us a kind of second sovereignty campaign. Now, after six years of struggle, those two fundamental Belizean assets are ours to have and hold forevermore. And to further concretize this achievement, let me announce right away that Government will be offering an additional 10% of the shareholding in both companies to the Belizean-and I stress Belizean-public, including the two companies’ employees.
Boa constrictor trapped in a plastic container
This morning we discovered a boa constrictor trapped in a plastic container. Fortunately we found it early enough before any harm was done. It was gently restrained, rescued, and then released into the forest.
Plastic products can be incredibly dangerous for wildlife so please try and reduce your consumption, reuse it if possible, and recycle it as a last resort.
Paint N Splash: Lil bird
Thursday, September 24at 2:00pm - 4:00pm. Join us this Thursday to paint this cute little bird. We will provide a stencil for the bird and step by step instructions! Order your favorite drink enjoy good company and master the Art of having fun!
Full Moon Concert happening this weekend
Mark your calendars for Saturday, September 26th for this GRAND Full Moon Concert featuring local musicians and dancers on the beach at The Sandbar. It will be a night full of "sabor latino". See you there. Presented by the San Pedro House of Culture
Little Free Library at Rotary Park
Rotary Park has a Little Free Library now. They made a cool little video about the project. More to come! Thanks, Rotary!
"The first 'Little Free Library' in Belize, joins the 30,000 + from around the world. It's a book exchange program to promote literacy amongst communities and neighborhoods. The Little Free Library is a 'Take a Book, Return a Book' free book exchange in its most basic form.
Rotaract San Ignacio in collaboration with HL's Furniture began and executed the project in the month of August. The Little Free Library is located in Santa Elena Rotary-Rotaract Park."
Why are all the Ocean Academy students on the beach?
he annual Ocean Conservancy International Coastal Cleanup! Tomorrow (Thursday Sept. 24th) starting at 1:00pm students and teachers will act as "citizen scientists" by removing trash from the island and recording their findings on data collection sheets that will then be tallied for the global report on marine and land debris. The Belize Scouts are the key organizers, and Ocean Academy is working in partnership with Oceana and the Village Council as well. Everyone welcome to join in! Also we still have our free reusable shopping bags to give out, in order to reduce single-use plastic bags on the island .
Channel 7
Police Probe Pedophile
Last night 7News blew the lid off a shocking allegation of a convicted US sex offender living in Lake Independence who has been plying neighborhood boys with Ramen noodles in exchange for sex acts. Tonight, following our lead, police are actively investigating a case, which they more or less walked away from on Saturday night. That’s when a concerned resident of the area – which we will very generally refer to as Police street – saw a boy in a disoriented state – and asked him what was the matter. The child explained that he had been forced to perform oral sex with a man from the neighborhood in exchange for two packs of noodles. The concerned resident called the police – who picked up the man, but released him hours later – because the child’s mother did not want to make a complaint. The case might have died there, but we heard of the story and followed up. Turns out the man in question is a convicted sex offender in the state of California – and has been living in that area of Belize for more than two years.
Our reporting on the case caught the attention of the southside commander and today he told us that he has sent his officers into the area to search out possible victims:…
Jules Vasquez
"The fundamental allegation by a member of the public is that the police failed to act responsibly, they fail to act competently and they failed to protect a child who had allegedly been the victim of a very gross act of molestation."
A Peep At Harvest Caye
The Harvest Caye Cruise Port – it’s one of the few mega projects ever staged in Southern Belize – but up until now, it’s been shrouded in mystery and controversy. And as it enters the final stages of construction, in preparation for a February 2016 opening, the mystery persists. 6 weeks ago, we tried to dispel all that by asking Norwegian’s Senior Vice President Colin Murphy to give us a tour of the place, but he just ignored us. So today we teamed up with some of our friends in the conservation community to go see for ourselves what it looks like. Of course, the island is private so we couldn’t go there, but we went near – near enough to get a clear sense of the scale and size of the project.
Daniel Ortiz reports:
The Harvest Caye Cruise Port - sometimes embattled, sometimes controversial, but now very close to becoming a reality - was bustling with activity today, as it had been for months now.
Ministry of Education Urges Restraint At Faith Nazarene
Last night we told you how all attempts at a compromise have crumbled at Faith Nazarene after the Teachers Services Commission rejected both proposals from Prinicpal Policarpia Pech. Pech had applied for long leave and a transfer – if finalized that would have solved the problem at the school but the Teaching Services Commission said “no – go” so they are back at square 1. In response to that, the Ministry of Education sent out a 2 page press release outlining the rights and responsibilities of the management, teachers and parents in this situation. But it also highlights the importance of following protocol and due process. It states, quote, “We recognize and fully support the rights of parents to quality education for their children in a safe supportive learning environment" but also adds “Such rights however are not gained by resorting to measures that do not recognize the rights of others.
BDF Burns Major Marijuana Plantation
70 thousand! That’s how many mature marijuana plants the BDF destroyed in a plantation last week Friday. Working along with the police, BDF found the plantation 11 kilometers south of Arenal Village – which straddles the western border near Benque Viejo. The BDF says the plants varied in length from one foot to four feet tall, and they also found forty pounds of marijuana seeds. The seeds and all the plants were uprooted, and destroyed by fire.
Convicts Convicted
Last night, we told you about the 2 prison trustees who were caught trying to smuggle weed inside the jail. Well tonight, both men, are back in lockdown, and they will serve additional time in jail for it.
They are 27 year-old inmate Devon Slusher and 33 year-old Ernest Bilary, and according to prison officers, Both men tried to smuggle about 4 and a half ounces of marijuana, which was stuffed in their booths. Since they are prison trustees, they thought that they would not be checked as thoroughly as other ordinary prisoners, but, they ended up being caught.
Both men pleaded guilty to the offences when they were arraigned before Magistrate Ladonna John today. Since they are already serving time, the Magistrate sentenced them to 3 years to be added to their prison sentences that they are now serving.
Slusher is serving 5 years, while Bilary is 10 years, both for firearm offences.
The Sewage Situation In Placencia
Earlier in our newscast, we showed you how the Harvest Caye Cruise Terminal is shaping up with all the ongoing construction work.
That opportunity to see it came up because the two conservation groups, the Healthy Reefs for Healthy People Initiative, and the Southern Environmental Association, invited us out talk about issue very important to them. We’re referring to a centralized sewage system for the Placencia community, which had been planned but delayed for years. According to the experts, a recent environmental report says that the increase in microbes of the the waters of the peninsula’s lagoon is most likely caused by the community’s lack of proper sewage disposal. That could have devastating effects on the country’s coral reef systems and the shrimp industry taking place on the peninsula. So, today, Roberto Pott, of the Healthy Reefs for Healthy People Initiative explained what’s happening while this centralized sewage system continues to be delayed:
Falling Home Put Family Of Four Out Doors
Tonight a family of four is homeless after their wooden bungalow house collapsed with them inside. The family who resides on Western Avenue told 7news that around 5 this morning they were awaken by the sudden fall. No one was injured during the incident but most of their household items were destroyed. Tonight they are asking for the public’s assistance to help build back a house.
If you would like to assist the Smith family, they can be reached at telephone number 6-3-1-6-5-5-2.
Otis Got Shot
On Monday night a 22 year old man was shot while riding his bicycle on West Canal. Around 9:00, 22 year old Otis Gladden of a Racecourse Street address was riding his bicycle when a light complexion man fired a shot at him. This area has seen chronic gun violence between rival groups – who live just a few yards from each other. Today, we asked the Southside commander if this indicates a resurgence of that violence:..
Sr. Supt Chester Williams - Commander, Eastern Division Southside
"In terms of the incident with Otis Gladden, it is a situation that the police are still investigating. Like you rightly said, he was walking on the canal side and he was shot. He has not been able to say to us who shot him. But nonetheless, we have done and again as a part of our strategy; whenever there is a shooting what we normally do is to move in the area and get the intervention team, the mediation team to talk to people to ensure there is no retaliation. I must say that since we began this process that everything that we've had, there has been no retaliation because we have been very effective in moving immediately after a shooting and see how best would could talk to parties to neutralize an possibility of retaliation between the different groups."
Labour Commissioner Slightly Circumspect
Last night, we told you about the apparent break in the deadlock between the Christian Workers Union and the managers of First Caribbean Bank on how to negotiate the exit packages for the 60 bank employees who will lose their job when First Caribbean leaves Belize.
That interview happened only moments before news time, and so tonight we have a bit more from it for you. The Labour Commissioner was very careful to point out that his office was instrumental in trying to start the dialog on how they would meet, and not about the actual negotiations that need to take place:
Ivan Williams - Labour Commissioner
"I was not able to look at the proposal because the purpose of this meeting was merely to get them to agree to a date when they are going to negotiate. The labour department does not participate in negotiations; that is for the parties. So we are just to help them arrive at a date and the agenda of the matters to be discussed; which there were at odds in terms of where do they start, which matter to be discussed first and so on. Also there were some issue in relation to the collective bargaining agreement. Whether there should be a discussion for a full CBA or whether there would be certain articles within the CBA that needs to be discussed. So they have also agreed that there will be article 18 and article 22; which has to do with the salary and the redundancy of employees, which I believe will help in the process of arriving at a package, if and when the transaction takes place between the two banks."
Labour Commissioner Says Heritage Accountable
So, what will happen if First Caribbean’s Management and the Christian Workers Union cannot reach an agreement before the bank’s exit becomes final? Well, the Labour Commissioner says that according to the Labour Laws, they or the bank purchasing the assets, Heritage, are legally obligated to look after the interests of these employees. Here’s how he explains it:
Ivan Williams - Labour Commissioner
"I was also able to raise the relevant legal framework governing that type of relationship and I mentioned that in the event an employer seeks to terminate the services of its employees; then adequate notice must be given. For those employees who are there for more than 5 years, the law required a 8 week notice. Clearly the bank would have given its employees 8 weeks’ notice of their intention to terminate their contracts. In addition to that, in 2011, the labour amendment act #3 of 2011; provisions were made in there for a 30 day notice with a full detail of those employees who will be affected. The proposed benefits of those persons and it also makes provisions for the labour department to intervene to try and mitigate the adverse effects that they redundancy would have on employees.
CWU With the BCWU
One other issue which Matura-Shepherd chose to comment on is the position that the Belize Communication Workers Union has taken in relation to the BTL settlement between the Barrow Administration and Lord Michael Ashcroft. As we told you, that bill has been passed into law, and so, the Government and BTL will have to pay at least 162 million dollars to Ashcroft related companies and trusts as payment in compensation for their appropriation the telecoms company back in 2009.
Last night, Matura-Shepherd said that as fellow trade unionists, they side with the Communication Workers Union:
Audrey Matura Shepherd, President - CWU
"We stand in solidarity with the workers at BTL. It is not only because of the wrong that has happened to them but also because as a nation, it is an issue that has not properly been ventilated. It is clear cut from day one; you cannot take someone's property and not have to pay for it. So we knew there were would have been a payment. In fairness, this was something that affected not only government who took and the former owner who said they own; but also the small shareholders and the employees who for ions we have been hearing there is an employee trust. But an employee trust that employees have never elected who are their representatives on board, have never gotten an accounting as to their money, have never known what is really theirs; although their names are being used as employee trust. It has been controlled by Mr. Ashcroft for who appointed Mr. Dean Boyce.
A Heavyweight's Hype
Fast Fres Oquendo: If you watch boxing you might have seen a few of his matches on the international stage – fighting one of Boxing’s legends like Evander “The Real Deal” Holyfield among others. Well, now you will be able to see him fight right at the Victor Galvez Stadium in Cayo on Friday night. He will go up against our very own Pablo “El Ruso” Gibran. Oquendo arrived today and we met him at the airport. He told us this match is for the young Belizean boxers.
Autographing and weigh in night is tomorrow at 7 at Midas Resort in Cayo. Fight night is on Friday at Victor Galvez Stadium at 7. There will be 11 bouts in total on Friday night.
Cops Keeping "Gaza" At Bay
Already on the news tonight, you’ve seen a lot of Southside Commander Chester Williams – and that’s probably as it should be; after all, he’s in charge of one of the most crime saturated areas per square mile on earth. But, while Williams is contending with crimes, what he’s really trying to build is community consensus – because for many years, due to police excesses – the police department’s authority has been viewed by many as forceful but illegitimate. So, Williams and his northside counterparts have been touring to build up community support. Today we found him on central American Boulevard near Freedom Street – which is a hotspot unto itself. He told us what it’s about:…
What Are Police Powers Of Search
And earlier this week, Commander Williams had to do some special community intervention at the home of a southside resident who say police stormed into her home un announced and without justification. Williams apologized to her and spoke to the officers as well, but it raises the deeper question of what are the limits of the police in home searches. We followed up on that:…
Reporter
"What are the entry and search procedures? What are police allowed and not allowed?"
Sr. Supt Chester Williams - Commander, Eastern Division Southside
"The police do have a right to enter the premises of people to conduct search. There are times when the police are in hot pursuit, they may see somebody running and in the process of running they go into a house; the law allows the police to go in immediately after that person to apprehend. Now in terms of just ordinarily going to a person home, then it would require the police to take along a search warrant. And even thought under the firearms act, the police do not need to carry a search warrant. I will still emphasize with my officers to be on the safe side, to take along a search warrant."
Verdes Victory
Belize’s Verdes FC scored a major upset in the Scotiabank Champions League last night when they beat the Sab Francisco club out of Panama two one in a trilling game at the FFB Stadium. Many thought Verdes would be deflated after an 8 to nil thrashing in the thin air of Querretaro last week – but they rebounded like champions. San Francisco scored in the 12th minute but Super Striker Deon McCauley scored a header into the left corner of the net in 18th minute past Panama's goalie Alex Rodriguez.
McCaulay had a chance to take his team into the lead with a penalty in 39th minute, but his ball hit the crossbar and rebounded back into play.
Nearing the end of regulation, in the 88th minute MCCauley got his revenge when two San Francisco players were in fornt of the goal, but the ball reached Deon, whose immediate right foot shot put it into the empty net to put Verdes up for good 2-1 in the 88th minute.