The Guardian
The Best Is Yet to Come Manifesto launched
Prime Minister Dean Barrow's UDP Manifesto presentation did not go the way most Belizeans were expecting. With a Manifesto titled "The Best Is Yet To Come" it was expected that he would paint pictures of the intersection of Alice's Wonderland and Michael's Neverland. However, he spoke more like a two term Prime Minister poised for a third consecutive term in office than Party Leader selling dreams to the electorate. Even so, he was the first to admit that his presentation lacked the kind of sexy that has become the norm in Manifesto presentations; however, what the presentation lacked in sexiness was more than made up in substance. Prime Minister Barrow spoke specifically on the UDP's Reform Agenda.
When re-elected, the UDP Government will introduce and pass four pieces of legislation through the National Assembly to reform the public financial management system of Belize. Those are the Public Procurement Bill, the Public Sector Investment Bill, the Public Finance Management Bill and the Public Debt Management, State Guarantees and Lending Bill.
UDP Nomination Party Insane!!!
The United Democratic Party hosted the first ever political wet fete on Friday, October 16, when thousands of supporters danced through the streets of each municipality to endorse the candidacy of 31 outstanding candidates.
The downpouring from a powerful low pressure system started on Friday. Friday was set by Governor General Sir Colville Young as Nomination Day. Nomination Day is the first fight of every election. It is a day on which candidates are officially veted and registered to contest elections. Each candidate needs six constituents to endorse their candidacy. This means that 186 registered voters are needed to accompany candidates to the nomination centers for each party fielding 31 candidates. 186, that is all that is required.
Nominations in the Cayo District
Lamp posts lining the streets in Cayo have during the past weeks been immersed in a sea of red and blue political advertisements as candidates from both the People's United Party and the United Democratic Party vie to represent the various divisions therein. But on nomination day, Friday it became an ocean of red at least in Cayo Central, where a drone flight revealed photographic images of large numbers of UDP supporters coming out to show their support for the Hon. Rene Montero, who is aspiring to once again become the representative for that division. Daniel Silva, who is the contending candidate for the PUP in Cayo Central admitted on Friday.
"If you drive through Santa Elena, you are going to see a lot of signs. Our opponents have us ten to one..."
On Friday morning Daniel Silva followed by supporters visited the pre-school in Santa Elena to be nominated as a candidate for Cayo Central. The Hon. Rene Montero followed course on Friday evening by visiting the nomination desks and signing a document, which now makes it official that he is a candidate for Cayo Central. Both Orlando Habet for Cayo Northeast and Michel Chebat for Cayo North, who are under the PUP flag, were also nominated on Friday morning.
Audrey misinforms people again!
Imagine you were an experienced trained Journalist turned trained Lawyer moonlighting as a Journalist and you were to report that a child had been ELECTROCUTED by a live wire that was in flood waters, and only to have to come back and report that the child was not electrocuted and did not die, further to that before you were corrected, you were prepared to argue your point to prove that the child had indeed died and there was a cover up by the officials to hide the fact that this child had died .Such was the case with Audrey Matura-Shepherd
This was how she reported her story on Facebook. "How come no media house reported about the child who got electrocuted on Antelope street yesterday. Reports are that wires from illegally connected electricity lines were in the water where the child was in the water. He was electrocuted and died. If the police don't release the details which were never discussed or even mentioned at yesterday's press conference then I will have to do the reporting. I kept pleading to ppl not to be in those waters and was worried when I saw adults and children swimming and playing in the water"
Kudos to the UDP and its representatives for quick flood relief
As we go to press on Wednesday October 22, the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) is reporting that a total of 91 persons are in shelters in Belize City, Orange Walk and Corozal. Of those persons 32 are at the ITVET and 20 are at the YWCA. In Orange Walk 10 people are sheltering at the San Estevan Community Center and in Corozal, at the Ranchito Community shelter 29 people are being sheltered.
NEMO warns that in Orange Walk the Rio Hondo River is at flood stage and rising. Residents who can evacuate voluntarily are encouraged to do so. In Belize Rural the river is receding. In Gracie Rock the Sibun River is going down. In Cayo the Mopan River is 2 feet above normal and rising, the Macal River is 15 inches above normal. People living along the Macal and Mopan Rivers must remain vigilant. Challilo Dam is 28.91 feet below the spillway, Mollejon is 3.38 feet below spillway and Vaca is 4.27 feet below the spillway In Toledo San Benito Poite the water is 2 feet of water over the bridge and drivers are asked to exercise extreme caution when crossing this area. However, the hammock bridge remains passable.
Kingpin designation haunts Mayan King
Mayan King Banana Farm is currently hemorrhaging because of a decision by the Irish multinational fruit distributor, Fyffes which has decided that they will not conduct business with them. That's because the company is connected to John Zabaneh, who still has the Kingpin designation that the US Government placed on him.
To understand the difficulties that the company is having, readers need to know the current management structure that the company has. Legally, the company is owned by Myrtle Sheeran, Zabaneh's octogenarian mother. She has hired Meridian Enterprises to run the company by way of a management contract. Meridian Enterprises has a director, Jose David Gonzalez, who has taken over as the general manager of Mayan King Banana Farms.
Belize to Benefit from the "Southwest Effect"
"When Southwest comes to town, we take fares down," says James Ashworth, Managing Director of Customer Support Services at Southwest Airlines. The across the board decrease in airfares associated with Southwest Airline's introduction to a market is called the Southwest effect. Belize is one of several countries expected to benefit from that effect now that the low fares giant is a player in the fast growing tourism market.
The Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation and Culture, Hon. Manuel Herredia Jr, was at the Phillip Goldson International Airport along with the United States' Ambassador to Belize, H.E. Carlos Moreno, and other tourism and civil aviation stakeholders to welcome the much heralded inaugural Southwest Airlines flight to Belize on Thursday, October 15.
It's the weather stupid
Over the weekend 23 inches of rain was dumped over Belize City in a downpour of just under 48 hrs. A rain which had started on Friday night, continued unto Saturday and by Sunday morning some areas of Belize City were under as much as three to four feet of water. The areas hardest hit were the Faber's Road Extension, Iguana Street Extension, parts of Port Loyola, Collet, Freetown in the Belama areas and the Gungulung Area in Lake Independence. Residents in these areas saw record levels of water pour down causing their homes to be flooded and resulting in loss of all of their personal belongings. Some homes also suffered structural damage due to the flood.
Images from our neighbors in Mexico and Honduras also revealed that they had been hit with floods and suffered similar conditions to us. In certain parts of neighboring Chetumal the floods have yet to recede.
No Bail for Keyren Tzib
After almost seven weeks of back and forth in the bail hearing for accused killer Keyren Tzib, Justice Troadio "John" Gonzalez denied bail to the former Coastguard officer on Monday, October 19.
Tzib is being accused of killing her common-law-husband, Thytis Blancaneaux, 30, on Saturday, July 18. Blancaneaux, a resident of the Spanish Town area of Lord's Bank Village, was found dead in his home. Initial investigations revealed that the couple was at their home when they got into a fight. The confrontation escalated and became tragic when Tzib pulled a knife and stabbed him in the shoulder. He fell to the ground, bled out, and died in a pool of his own blood. Police retrieved the knife believed to be the one used by Tzib to inflict the stab wound. Tzib claimed self defense but after consulting the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, police charged her with the crime of manslaughter. The lesser charge was levied because there are reports that Blancaneaux used violence against Tzib previously and also just before she stabbed him in the shoulder. There are also reports which suggest that the relationship of the couple had numerous instances of domestic violence.
Charged for armed robbery
Abel Amado Lara, 20, is on remand at the Belize Central Prison for two counts of robbery committed with a firearm on September 19.
Harvin Valentine and Ruperta Flowers were sitting in a car on Racoon Street Extension at about 9 p.m. when a fair skinned male approached them with a handgun and robbed them of their personal belongings. He took away one gold chain with a matching heart medallion valued at $2,500, one Wesley College graduation ring with initials RD valued at $500, an engagement gold ring valued at $400, a heart ruby gold ring valued at $150 and a watch valued at $40 from Ruperta Flowers. From Harvin Valentine he took away a gold chain with medal valued at $2,500 and a silver and black diamond watch valued at $1,000. The robber then ran off into the night.
Two men sent to prison for domestic abuse
Nathan Raymond McKenzie, 36, a labourer of #7310 McKenzie Lane in Belize City was sentenced to six months imprisonment for harm upon his common-law-wife, Marsha Talbert. McKenzie was arraigned for hitting Talbert on Friday, October 16.
Talbert reported to police that sometime around 9:45 p.m., she was at home in bed when McKenzie arrived and began to accuse her of having an affair with another man. This caused them to get into an argument. McKenzie became upset and hit her in the face and other parts of the body with a trophy. Talbert was taken to the Karl Heusner Memorial where a doctor classified her injuries as harm. As a result, police detained her common-law-husband, Nathan McKenzie, and charged him with harm.
Another expensive vehicle stolen in Cayo
Another Cayo resident has become the latest victim to robbery of his expensive vehicle. Nigel Espat 34 year old Belizean Businessman of San Ignacio Town has informed that on Saturday of this past weekend, at about 7:15 pm he and other friends exited Sunset bar situated on Savannah Avenue, San Ignacio Town, whereupon he walked to his blue in color 2007 D-max pickup L/P- SI SE C-01283 valued at $40,000.00 Belize, which was parked on the opposite side of the road. When he walked to the driver's door, he was approached by a Hispanic male person, slim built, about 5 feet 4 inches tall, dressed in a long jeans and buttoned shirt, who came from the opposite side of the road and pointed a black pistol at him demanding the key of the vehicle, otherwise he would be shot.
Supreme Court orders compensation for death
The Supreme Court has ruled that the Government of Belize will have to pay $65,000 to the family of slain police constable, Dean Yearwood Jr. who was shot and killed by PC Glenwayne Grant in September of 2013.
According to police, sometime around 1:05 on Sunday morning, September 8th, 2013, they went to an area at the Corner of Nargusta Street and Central Supreme Court orders compensation for death of PC Dean Yearwood.
American Boulevard where they found 24 year old PC Yearwood suffering from a gunshot wound to the back. Also found in a yard a few feet away was another man identified as 21-year-old Brian Vasquez. Vasquez was suffering from a gunshot wound also to the back. Investigations indicate that at around 1:00 a.m. PC Glenwayne Grant was riding his bicycle on Central American Boulevard when his attention was drawn to two men struggling at the corner of Nargusta and Central American Boulevard during which gunshots were fired. He pulled out his service 9 millimeter pistol and fired several shots at the men. Eleven expended shells were recovered from the scene.
Joslyn Chavaria finishes third in the Caribbean Road Championship in the U-23 category
The 15 Annual Caribbean Cycling Championship was held in Bridgetown, Barbados from October 17-18, 2015.
Belize had participation in the Individual Time Trials and the Road Championship in both the female and male category.
In the Men's Road Championship that was held at the Bushy Park Circuit, some 63 riders from across the entire Caribbean participated in the event. At the end of the race, it was Marloe Rodman from Jamaica that captured the Gold Medal in a time of 3:12:25. He was followed by Luis Sablon of Guadeloupe and he was followed by Yolan Silvestre of Martinique in a time of 3:12:26, and he was followed by his country man Emile Demazy in a time of 3:17:41 and he was followed by Darren Matthews of Barbados in a time of 3:17:49 to round off the top five finishers in the Road Race.
Belize Athletics Association to hold National Track and Field Championship
The Belize Athletics Association invites all athletes and track enthusiasts once again to be a part of a National Track and Field Championship event. The event will be hosted at the Marion Jones Sports Complex on the 14-15 November, 2015.
All athletes 16 years and older can participate in the events.
Registration forms can be obtained from and returned to the BAA via email ( [email protected]) or from our Face Book page (Belize Athletics Association). Registration forms can also be obtained from and returned to the National Sports Council's offices throughout the country.
Independence Thunderbolt to compete in Elite Basketball League
The National Elite Basketball League (NEBL) will commence its third annual basketball tournament on Friday 15 January, 2016. Six of the seven teams who participated last season have already committed to be a part of the 2016 season. The teams that will compete in next year's season are Belize City No Limit, Belize Hurricanes, San Pedro Tiger Sharks (2 time defending champions), Cayo Western Ballaz and the Dangriga Warriors.
The new franchise in the league will be the Independence Thunderbolt.
Money can't buy you love
On Fridays during a Nomination day interview PUP Leader Francis Fonseca was asked about the PUP crowd or should I say their lack of a crowd, and as usual Francis did not disappoint us. He gave one of his usual classical answers, that was filled with stupidity . The stupid meter overworks whenever this gentleman opens his mouth. Francis explained that he did not even see the size of the PUP Nomination Day Belize City crowd because he arrived at the staging point for their parade just as the parade was ready to takeoff. How silly that sounds, because their parade started at Berger field. Berger field is located at the corner of Vernon St. and Sarstoon St. so he would have either gotten to the head of the parade form Vernon Street coming from the direction of the tail of the parade because that section of Vernon Street. is a one way street heading from toward Belchina bridge.
PM and Sedi school Nuri
On Wednesday at the UDP Manifesto Launch Nuri appeared as if though he was holding brief for the PUP . When it came time for the question and answer segment, first to get up and ask questions was Jules Vazquez. PM Barrow and Jules have a history of many memorable duels when it comes to these events. Jules has a certain amount of sarcasm in the way he frames his questions and the PM being the skilled orator he is, has always been up to the task of duking it out with Jules or any other member of the media. In a way I think the PM enjoys being grilled by the media and more so he enjoys when it is Jules doing the grilling. The PM appears to be in his comfort zone during these question and answer sessions. After seeing the way the PM dealt with the questions from Jules, it should have been a warning to all other Journalist that the PM was on top of his game and he was going to deal with any questions in the same manner he had done with Jules' questions.
More equipment for the Police Department
Following up on government's commitment to continue to better equip the police, Minister of National Security, Hon. John Saldivar, handed over 16 motorcycles to Commissioner of Police on Thursday October 15. The motorcycles will be deployed across the city and will be used to improve the department's operational capacity.
The cycles are expected to improve the police's ability to respond to crimes as well as improve patrolling abilities.
THE PUP NAIL
There once was a couple named The Nail and The Hammer. The Nail affectionately loved The Hammer, but was fed up with the physical abuse. Wanting to save her relationship, The Nail decided to seek the help of an obeah woman. She explained to the obeah lady that every evening when her loving Hammer came home, that they would quarrel and that she would end up absorbing a beating.
The obeah lady fixed her a potion and gave it to her. She was instructed on how to use the potion. Instructions: "Every evening when The Hammer came home, she was to take a mouth full of the potion and keep in her mouth for 5 minute and then spit out." The Nail followed this routine for a week and observed positive results. Liking the results, she inquired of the obeah lady the contents of the potion.
Sedi Vindicated
As I wrote in my article titled INCONSITERATE BUNCH, in the Sunday, October 11, 2015 edition, and as opined by USA President Obama a week later during a segment on "60 Minutes" Sedi Elrington has now been proven right for the stance he took in choosing CLIMATE CHANGE as the focus of his speech at the 2015 Opening of The United Nations General Assembly. At the time he made his speech, those JAWBONES, CAMARA HOUNDS and POLITICAL OPPORTUNISTS were quick to attack him saying he was wrong to speak about climate change. I have personally known and worked with Sedi throughout his political life from the very day he got involved with politics. There is only one instance when he ran as an Independent Candidate that I had not worked with him, but out of the respect I had for his opposing views at that time I did not work in the Pickstock Division, I worked elsewhere. I say that to underscore the point that I trust Sedi and understand that he speaks honestly. He is a man that I would go into battle with anytime. Sedi is a man of impeccable character and a high IQ. He is a straight shooter and doses not sugarcoat things just because it may score him cheap political points. If you want someone who will snow you then don't speak to him because he is not that man.
Kafele Garcia, 19, charged for Lord's Bank murder
Kafele Garcia, 19, is on remand at the Belize Central Prison after he was arraigned for the murder of Ervin Osbert Franklin on Thursday, October 14. Franklin was stabbed to death on Saturday, October 10, in what police say was a possible robbery attempt and act of jealousy over a female. The incident took place in the Lord's Bank area near mile 11 on the Phillip Goldson Highway.
Karl Heusner Jr. Murdered
Karl Heusner Jr., a 30 year-old descendant of Dr. Karl Heusner, after whom the country's national referral hospital is named, was killed in a shooting which happened a on Saturday, October 17, a few hours after Michael Robinson and Jamil Betancourt were shot.
According to police, they responded to a report of shots being fired at around 2 p.m. at the corner of Albert and Berkley Streets. By that time, the shooter had already fled the scene, and so, all that the officers could do was to rush him to the KHMH. There they found Heusner suffering from gunshot wounds to the face. Unfortunately, he did not survive the trip, and he was pronounced dead on arrival. Investigators say that shortly before he was shot, officers were on patrol in the area, and they stopped and searched him. He's well-known to them, and he has had his number of run-ins with the law.
Minor on curfew and accomplice on bail for cellphone theft
Zane Mckoy, 20, and a 17-year-old minor are out on bail after they were arraigned in the Belize City Magistrates Court for one count of theft. Allegations being made against the duo are that on Wednesday, October 14, they stole a Samsung Galaxy S4 cellphone from Jem Smith, valued at $650.
In court, both pleaded not guilty to a single charge of theft. The charge was read to the minor in the presence of a guardian and personnel of the Human Services Department. There was no objection to bail by court prosecutor, Cpl. Christopher Smith, but he asked that conditions be set for each individual's bail. The Magistrate ordered that Mckoy is to stay at least 100 yards away from the victim and report to the Queen Street Police Station every Monday of the week until the case is disposed of.
Murder old man�
Belize City Resident, 56 year-old, Edward Robinson, and 33 year-old Jamil "Lado" Betancourt became the victims of a terrible shooting incident which resulted in the death of Robinson.
Police have arrested and charged 2 persons, whom they believe were targeting Betancourt. It appears, at this time, that Robinson was collateral damage in a gang-type execution attempt on Betancourt's life. Robinson's brother has told the press that on Saturday morning, October 17, at around 7:49 a.m., Robinson had left their house. He didn't go anywhere far, as he went to socialize with a group of people who were on the corner of North Creek Street. Also in the area at the time was Jamil Betancourt, and shortly after that 2 men came upon the group and started firing on them. Jamil Betancourt and Edward Robinson were the only two persons injured from the group, and by the time the gunshots ceased, the elder man, had passed away.
Juan Rubio acquitted of Pomona Village murder
Juan Rubio was accused of inflicting a fatal stab wound upon 26-year-old Karim Peters in Pomona Village on the eve of Garifuna Settlement Day, 2012, but now he is a free man after Justice Denis Hanomansingh upheld a self defense case put forward by Rubio's attorney, Dickie Bradley.
Rubio's trial by judge without a jury began on September 16. Crown Counsel Sabita Maharaj called eight witnesses by September 23. Dickie Bradley called two witnesses along with his own client to testify. Rubio told the court that on the day of the incident he was hanging out with his brother when Peters came riding on a bicycle towards them. Peters seemed to be under the influence of alcohol and he without invitation jumped into their conversation. Rubio's brother told Peters to leave and he did. However, Peters later returned with a machete attached to his bicycle.
Softball coach to International Coaches Training Clinic
The Belize Softball Federation is currently being represented by Ms. Ruth Lamb, a former National Female Softball Team player and a current coach on the National Junior Female Softball Team at the Pan American Softball Confederation CONPASA International Coaches Training Clinic entitled "International Coaches Training Clinic-Learning to Coach" that is being held in Guatemala City, Guatemala from October 21-25, 2015.
The Government led by Hon. Dean Barrow has successfully settled the nationalizations of the Belize Electricity Limited and Belize Telemedia Limited in a case brought to the Caribbean Court of Justice brought by the Former owners of the company, Fortis Energy International and the Ashcroft Allied group of companies and entities. The CCJ case, which was argued extensively by the former owners and the Government, has been halted, and the settlements that the GOB publicized have been formally entered into.
That was the result of a teleconference hearing which was held on Thursday, October 15, at the Supreme Court. It was officially entered at the court by an application to stay the case while the conditions of the settlement were being put into effect. The attorneys for the claimants, meaning the former owners, made the application, which was granted, after consideration by the panel of judges, which included President Justice Dennis Byron.
Accused killer says Monchie Cervantes set up his own father'
One of the accused murderers of Ramon Cervantes Sr., 71, told the court on Wednesday, October 21, 2015 that the man responsible for orchestrating the kidnapping and murder of the elder statesman is his very own son, Ramon Cervantes Jr. While undergoing a preliminary hearing at the Magistrate's court, one of the accused men told the magistrate that the man who set up the killing of Cervantez Sr. was inside the courtroom. Asked if he could point out the person, the accused called out the name of Monchie Cervantez Jr. throwing the entire court into an uproar and forcing the courtroom to be cleared leaving only the Cervantez family and the accused men in the courtroom.
The 71-year-old was found in a shallow grave on an abondoned farm in July of 2014. He was reportedly found handcuffed, his eyes taped closed and with multiple broken ribs and other bones. The senior citizen was tortured mercilessly before he was shot and killed.
Shortly after the death of Cervantes Sr., his son called the media to a memorial ceremony and played a tape with the voice of the alleged mastermind of the kidnapping and murder, Manuel Castillo. In the recording, Castillo said that he had nothing to do with the murder and that it was Minister Vega who was responsible.
Breaking Belize News
Ten computers handed over to schools
The Ministry of Energy, Science & Technology and Public Utilities (MESTPU) handed over computers to five education and community-based organizations across the country this morning at the George Price Center for Peace and Development in Belmopan. The ten computers were received through a generous donation from the [�]
Regional meeting of Agriculture Ministers concludes
The Meeting of Ministers of Agriculture of the Americas 2015 ended today in Cancun, Mexico, with a declaration containing eight commitments designed to improve agricultural productivity in the hemisphere, with technical support from the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA). The cooperation agenda that was agreed upon seeks to [�]
Accused robber shot dead in Belize City
A Belize City man was shot and killed shortly after 2:00 this afternoon at the Commercial Center in downtown Belize City. We are told the victim is one Anthony Phillip Barrera Junior, a resident of Rocky Road in Belize City. Reports suggest that Barrera Junior allegedly entered Kephawn's Pawnshop -located at [�]
Dance Company forced out of leaking Bliss Center
While concerns of personal health and well-being are uppermost in the minds of ordinary Belizeans following last weekend's floods, the entertainment industry appears to have lost a key cornerstone of its infrastructure. The Bliss Center for the Performing Arts, whose current incarnation was established in 2003, has undergone some water [�]
Illegal immigrants detained in OW
Orange Walk police are reporting that they have detained eight immigrants from neighbouring countries for illegal entry into Belize. The group comprises of four salvadorans and four Hondurans of which three are minors. They are expected to be fined for illegal entry and deported to their respective [�]
United Nations Day marks seventieth anniversary
The United Nations will mark its 70th Anniversary on UN Day Saturday, 24 October, this year by reflecting on its work in service to the global community since its founding in 1945. Monuments and buildings across the world will also be illuminated in celebration of this milestone, and [�]
KHMH receives equipment for new PICU
Some 66 thousand one hundred and eighty-two US dollars in medical instruments and equipment raised through the Global Medical Instruments Support and Service Program of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the Far East Memorial Hospital was donated today to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) in Belize City. This [�]
BPP calls for postponement of elections
A late evening press release from the Belize Progressive Party (BPP) calls on Prime Minister Dean Barrow to, quote, "give serious consideration to the extension of the election date," give the aftermath of the recent bad weather that hit Belize. The new party, which is fielding 25 candidates [�]
Sentencing further deferred for Viola Pook
57 year old Viola Pook has admitted to throwing kerosene on, then lighting on fire, her late common-law husband Orlando Vasquez on New Year's Eve in 2007. She was originally convicted of murder, but granted a retrial. Now she has pleaded guilty to manslaughter, and the sentencing phase [�]
Suspect shot, killed during attemped robbery in Belize City
Belize City police are currently puzzling the pieces of a late afternoon shooting in the old capital. According to information reaching our newsroom, Anthony Philip Barrera Junior was shot dead inside Monica's Pawn Shop inside the Commercial Centre in down town Belize City. Sources say that Philip Barrera may have [�]
Alleged killer accuses 'Monchie' of ordering hit on his own father
Yesterday morning flanked by the family attorney Marcel Cardona, Ramon Cervantes Jr. along with his mother, Vilma Cervantes, appeared at the orange Walk Magistrates court for the first preliminary inquiry since the three men were charged and remanded to prison. The preliminary inquiry was for a committal on solely the murder charge where the court would present witnesses that will be testifying in the Supreme Court in January.
Clear Skies, Laundry Day and A Walk Around San Pedro
5 days of rain in San Pedro, Belize is a lot�add in the fact that in many places just a few of those days dumped over a foot of rain and some of the localized flooding has become world-wide news.
But I am very pleased to announce that yesterday THERE WAS SUN! And the weather predictions (again, I find Belize Hydromet the most helpful) show more to come�
So yesterday I took a walk in the Escalante neighborhood and a bit in the DFC area (both south of town) to find out that the sun was shining and it is LAUNDRY DAY!
There are dryers available but they are expensive, and expensive electricity consuming�plus, sunshine is usually an abundant resource on the island.
3 Ways to Explore Belize Caves
As we made our way through the caves, I imagined that I was inside a giant, wandering through his veins. Everywhere you look there's another option, another turn, another dark tunnel. Caving is the ultimate maze with no real guarantee of finding a way out except retracing your path in. Luckily, my niece and I weren't left to wander aimlessly in the Belize Caves, I had a guide. And most importantly the guide had a light and knew his way around these labyrinths. Without him I would've been lost in the giant forever.
Caving in Belize is a way to experience the adventure and the culture of Belize at the same time. Caves were the entrance to the Mayan underworld; the portal between the tangible human world and the invisible world of gods and spirits. The Maya performed their most sacred rituals in caves. And it seemed that they preferred to not simply go into the mouth of the cave, they went deep inside the cave - sometimes miles and miles inside. Exploring inside the caves is a way to learn about a mysterious ancient Maya civilization and the geological processes that shaped the region.
When is the best time to visit Belize
Is there really a best time to visit Belize? Anytime is a good time to visit.
Lucky you-you've got your pick of vacation time slots at your office and you don't mind pulling the kids out of school if a travel adventure can teach them more than sitting in a classroom could ever do. In a sense, the world is your oyster, so figure out what's important and what's not-and get your vacation planning underway. We urge you to listen to rave reviews coming from people who have discovered the wonder that is Belize and who wouldn't think of going elsewhere because the beauty, attractions, pricing and weather are idyllic year-round.
International Sources
Climate change and the Caribbean - Opinion
This debate surrounding our climate has polarized the world into two different groups for a long time; some theorists maintain that an intrinsic characteristic of climate is that it changes while a large percent of others support the theory that global warming is anthropogenic or caused by human action. There is however, scientific consensus that the Earth's climate system is warming, with average temperature rising somewhere between 0.4 and 0.8°C over the past 100 years. Research on global warming carried out by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has predicted that average global temperatures could increase between 1.4 and 5.8°C by the year 2100. The benefits and costs of climate change on society are expected to vary widely based both on location and scale, however the net effects are likely to be strongly negative as more rapid warming takes place.
Hydro-meteorological events including changing precipitation patterns, more frequent and intense weather events, storm surges and flooding as well as sea level rise are all indicators of a changing climate. The increased warming of the oceans means that we also expect to have more frequent and intense tropical cyclones. Implicit in this is the acknowledgment that the Caribbean and in particular, the Small Island Developing States of the region, will be devastatingly affected.
Caribbean Sea reef system suffering pollution, tourism damage
A new report from Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cient�ficas (Superior Council for Scientific Research) has placed the Caribbean Sea reef system within the 10 most threatened in the world.
The organization says that the reef system is exposed to more than 20 million tourists per year as well as almost a million more who both directly and indirectly, benefit from the system.
The World Wide Federation (WWF) did a study that concluded that approximately two-thirds of the Caribbean reef system had already been affected from two main elements, which were overfishing and sewage pollution.
According to the WWF, tourism is the largest and fastest growing industry in the world, with major environmental, cultural, social and economic implications. Although tourism can be an opportunity for sustainable development, poorly planned development of hotels and resorts in coastal areas can result in habitat destruction, pollution, and other negative impacts on biodiversity. In the Mesoamerican Reef, tourism-related coastal development is rapidly expanding south from Cancun into Belize and Honduras.
New World Negotiates on Belize Oil Production
After a sluggish first half, tourist arrivals to Belize are beginning to surge.
The country showed a 6.9 percent increase in stayover arrivals in the third quarter of 2015, compared to the same period in 2014.
That was buoyed by a 19.3 percent improvement in arrivals in September, the highest increase ever recorded for the month of September for Belize.
Air arrivals accounted for 74.7 percent of total overnight arrivals in the period, and US visitors showed a 28.55 percent jump.
America continues to be the largest tourism source market to Belize, making up around 65 percent of arrivals.
New World gets extension in Belize
New World Oil and Gas has negotiated a 12-month extension to its production sharing agreement for its Blue Creek project in Belize until October 31 2016.
While the expiry date of the PSA is extended, the approval restricts future activity to areas high-graded by New World in its extension application and areas identified as viable drilling targets by the seismic programme conducted in 2012-2013.
New World chairman Christopher Einchcomb said, "We continue to analyse different drilling techniques with a view to maximizing our potential chances of success whilst at the same time reducing the net cost to the group should we decide to conduct future drilling operations"
Guatemalan comic holds big lead ahead of Sunday election: poll
Guatemalan comic Jimmy Morales should triumph easily in a second round run-off on Sunday to elect the country's next president after the arrest of the previous leader in a massive corruption scandal, a poll showed on Wednesday.
Morales, a political outsider given little hope of winning until graft probes engulfed the government of ex-president Otto Perez, is forecast to win by more than 30 points over his opponent, according to a voter survey by polling firm Prodatos.
The poll gave Morales, a self-proclaimed centrist with conservative leanings, 58.5 percent support, ahead of ex-first lady Sandra Torres, a center-left candidate, on 27.6 percent. The remainder expressed no preference for either.
Perez resigned last month just days ahead of a first round of voting after Congress stripped him of his presidential immunity and Guatemala's attorney general accused him of involvement in a multi-million dollar customs fraud.
Videos
SANCAS Realty - Christie's International Real Estate, 3min. Learn more about SANCAS Realty, the exclusive Christie's International Real Estate affiliate for the tropical paradise of Belize in this brief video.
Nurse Shark Attack in Belize, 2min. Wife attacked by Shark in Belize....someone had been feeding this nurse shark and he was aggressive.
Maya of Belize Chocolate Farm with Reyes Chun, 4.5min. Ecotourism Director Reyes Chun takes us on a mlpa tour, and we have delicious creamy Maya chocolate drink (a chocolate atole or champurrado.) The creamy chocolate is made by Chun's mother with homegrown ingredients: ground cacao, corn meal, warm water, honey and pepper.
San Ignacio Belize Mayor Speaks about Expats in Belize, 12min. Meet John August who speaks as the Mayor of San Ignacio Belize. Mr. August is now the UDP Standard Bearer for the Cayo North East Constituency. In this segment of Belize Talk Radio he shares his thoughts about people moving to Belize as Expats.
Belize Mayor John August in San Ignacio Town, 8min. Belize Mayor John August ( now the UDP Standard Bearer for the Cayo North East Constituency)- talks about the NEW roads and improvements in San Ignacio Belize. Including the new sidewalk in front of Atlantic Bank on Burns Avenue.
RAMON MONCHIE CERVANTES JR. AND HIS FAMILY SPEAK OUT ON ACCUSATION MADE AGAINST HIM, 6min. Today Ramon "Monchi" Cervantes Jr., the PUP Standard Bearer for Orange Walk North, broke silence and spoke to the media about what actually happened in court yesterday during the preliminary inquiry into the murder of his father Ramon Cervantes Sr.
BWRC Introduction - Vision, mission and activities, 5.5min. The Belize Wildlife Referral Clinic is celebrating 3 years of being open and providing free care to the wildlife of Belize. They are getting ready for their 2nd annual Gala Fundraiser, which will be on November 21st. They have a great video out about their vision and mission which really shows how much they care about Belize's wildlife.
"Our menu will feature 'Reef and Beef' including once again the serious but also scrumptious threat to our reef - lionfish. Julian Sherrard has kindly agreed to be this years MC. We continue to receive amazing donations for this years silent auction (check out clinic FB for some images). The ticket price will be 85Bz. We hope you will join us for a lovely dinner with Silent Auction and Entertainment, in support of BWRC's free medical and rehabilitation services for imperilled wildlife and conservation organisations."
World Culture Band in Peten, 7min. Cayo's World Culture Band playing at the Reggea Festival in Peten a few weeks ago. There's also one new track played in the video. Great job, Daniel Velazquez!
"Live footage of concert in San Francisco Peten Guatemala Reggia Festival 2015, and one new track from new album."
Caye Caulker, Belize, 4.5min.
Belize, 4min.
Placencia, Belize diving the Pompion Wall /Reef, 3min. Scuba diving the Pompion Wall/reef near Placencia Belize on 10-8-15. Splash Dive Center. Guide: Doren.
that one time in Belize, 2min. just having fun in Belize.
that one time in Belize part 2, 4min. At the Mayan Temple of the Sun God..
Belize trip(Rastafarian), 2.5min. Reggae music