The Guardian
Another woman caught trying to smuggle weed into prison
Shantel Xenia Waight, 18, is home on bail after she spent one night on remand at the Belize Central prison for attempting to smuggle weed into that facility.
At around 3:45 p.m. on Saturday, November 7, Cpl. Frank Garcia and other police officers were called to visit the Belize Central Prison after a woman was found in possession of weed in three separate toothpaste containers. According to the officers, when they arrived they met prison officers detaining the female later identified as Shantel Waight. The officers handed in three toothpaste packages labeled A, B and C. Prison officials told the officers that Waight went to visit an inmate at the prison and during a routine search they cut open three toothpaste packages, wiped off the toothpaste and found some green leafy like substance suspected to be cannabis. As a result, Waight was detained for drug trafficking.
Shanile Faber charged for cashing stolen cheque
Shanile Faber, 32, is out on bail after she was charged with one count of claiming upon a forged document for attempting to cash a stolen cheque at 88 Shopping Center on Central American Boulevard.
In May of this year a loan processor, Tanisha Sutherland, 31, was accused of theft and 11 counts of forgery for allegedly stealing $3,589.45 in cash and cheques from her former boss, Sahba Badee. Faber is the cousin of Tanisha Sutherland. Allegations are that Sutherland gave Faber one of the cheques. Faber then visited 88 Shopping Center to cash it and that was when police made the link and arrested them both.
Corozal cane farmers busted with fake nationality documents
Marcus Vasco, 40, and Mark Rosalez, 29, both cane farmers of San Pedro Village, Corozal, were allegedly caught in Belize City on Tuesday, November 3, with 13 certificates of Belizean citizenship. However, the documents proved to be fake so the men were arrested and charged with being in possession of false nationality documents.
Vasco and Rosalez appeared in the Belize City Magistrates Court on Thursday, November 5, and both pleaded not guilty to 13 counts of possession of a false document before Magistrate Deborah Rogers. The documents were in the names of Cesar Fernando, Benigno Ramos Marroquin, Ara Argentina Carpio, Carlos Manuel Espinosa, Jose Luis Rodriguez, Anhel Arturo Peralta, Alberto Alexander Medina, Samir Suzeli Chelinos, Marco Julio Medina, Jessica Esperanza Vanega, Estephanie Dyannie Mendoza, Odaliz Mariela Lopez and Maria Estella Ortiz.
Drug trafficking case file disappears
Kareem Thomas Gillett, 27, is free from a charge of drug trafficking after he appeared in the Belize City Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, November 11, and there was no case file to present. Gillett, a resident of #108 Vernon Street, was accused of drug trafficking 100.7 grams of cannabis on December 6, 2014. While they never found him in physical possession of the bag of weed, an officer alleged that when they pulled up on Vernon Street they saw Gillett throwing an object to the ground. The officer took Gillett back to the area where the black plastic bag was thrown. When he retrieved the bag in his presence, it contained green leaf like substance that proved to be 100.7 grams of cannabis.
Francis Fonseca resigns as PUP leader; big fight for leadership now
On Thursday November 5, Francis Fonseca did probably the most honorable thing he has ever done in his life and resigned as the leader of the People's United Party. It came as no surprise as Fonseca has consistently proven to the PUP that a leader he is not. So he called a press briefing and said he would resign as the party leader and would not seek re-election. The first statement we will believe as there is no way he can take it back but as for the second statement we wait and see as with all PUP's what they say cannot be taken at face value.
Now that Fonseca is out of the picture the battle for leadership is commencing and the names that are being called come as no surprise. Kareem Musa, son of Said Musa has aspirations and he would be a favorite because he comes literally straight from the bowels of the old guard. Then there is Julius Espat who too represents the old guard, complete with their 'dutty ways'. He is the epitome of what it means to be a PUP and we need not restate what has been said about the PUP in the past by Hubert Elrington. Then there of course are the malcontents, Johnny Briceno and Cordel Hyde. Seen as traitors both they are nonetheless gunning for the position of leader.
Evangelical Association chases Louis Wade and Stirm; selects new senator
The 12th National Assembly of Belize will be summoned for the first time on Friday, November 13, when all members will be sworn in to serve the people of Belize. Members of the House of Representatives will serve under the guidance of the people from their Constituency. Members of the Senate will serve under the guidance of the associations they represent. One such association being represented in the Senate is the Churches of Belize. For this National Assembly the Belize Evangelical Association of Churches (BEAC) is selecting the Senator to represent the Churches, after consulting the Belize Council of Churches. The Guardian Newspaper has been reliably informed that Pastor Ashley Rocke of the Baptist Association of Belize has been selected as the Senator Designate of the Churches.
Rocke's selection came after months of scuffle within the Belize Evangelical Association of Churches. The Guardian has been monitoring the association for weeks after word surfaced that a group of extremists, led by Louis Wade and Scott Stirm of the Cayo Area, have been trying to hijack the organization.
Man charged for attempted murder in Cayo
On 6th November 2015 Charles Mourvin Leslie 27yrs Belizean unemployed of Unitedville Village, Cayo District, was arrested and charged for the crimes of Attempted Murder upon 45 year old Calvin Leslie, Belizean Laborer of Santa Cruz Street Santa Elena Town; use of deadly means of Harm; and keeping Firearm without a gun License. He was also charged for being in possession of a 9mm Smith and Wesson pistol and keeping Ammunition without a gun license to being (5) 9mm rounds as well as Handling Stolen Goods.
San Ignacio Police Officers report that they were patrolling on Thursday of last week at about 12:30am on Santa Cruz Street, Santa Elena Town when their attention was drawn to two male persons struggling in a yard on the ground. The Police heard one of them screaming for help and upon approaching the two individuals; they observed blood on one of the male persons identified as Calvin Leslie. He had been shot to his right shoulder.
Mexican-American David Schnitzer wanted by Interpol, U.S. and Mexico
On Friday, November 6, Mexican-American David Miguel Nanes Schnitzer, 47, was taken before the Belize City Magistrates Court after he was busted in San Pedro Town with a fake driver's license. Police charged him with uttering on a forged document and he pleaded guilty to the charge before Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith. Sentencing was deferred for Monday, November 9. However, when the matter was brought up in court on Monday, Schnitzer had retained the services of attorney Liesje Barrow-Chung and he changed his plea to not guilty.
The case has gained international attention because Schnitzer is wanted by Interpol, United States and Mexican officials for his alleged involvement in a ponzi scheme that scammed investors out of billions of dollars. Since Schnitzer changed his plea to not guilty, the issue of bail was raised since a date for trial had to be set. Prosecutor, Inspector Egbert Castillo strongly objected to bail. He submitted several grounds as to why Schnitzer should not be granted bail. Castillo said he would like the court to take into consideration the strong possibility that the accused is a flight risk.
Orange Walk cop accused of sex with girl, 14
Police Constable Hector Esquivel, 31, is at the Belize Central Prison on remand for allegedly engaging in sexual activities with a 14-year-old minor. Allegations are that on November 1, 2015, he had sexual intercourse with a minor, 14 years and 4 months.
On Monday, November 9, Hector Esquivel appeared before Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser and was read a single charge of unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor. He appeared with his attorney, Richard "Dickie" Bradley, and no plea was taken since the matter is an indictable offense. Due to the nature of the offense bail could not be granted to Esquivel. He was remanded to the Belize Central Prison until his next court appearance on December 18, 2015.
Wilfred Ramirez pleads guilty to keeping prohibited firearm and ammunition
\Wilfred Ramirez, 22, is serving time at the Belize Central Prison after he pleaded guilty to keeping a prohibited weapon, a sawed off shotgun. On Monday, November 9, Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith sentenced the young convict to four years imprisonment for keeping a prohibited weapon and four years imprisonment for keeping prohibited ammunition.
Ramirez was at the funeral of Julian Willoughby in May of 2014 when police saw him holding on to something in his pants waist. He apparently lost grip of the object which then fell though his pants and unto the ground. Officers rushed towards Ramirez and took away the object. It turned out to be a home made sawed off shotgun. Ramirez was arrested and charged with keeping a prohibited weapon and ammunition.
Hon. Dean Barrow sworn in as 3 time Prime Minister of Belize
Hon. Dean Oliver Barrow was historically sworn in as the first Prime Minister of Belize to have attained government for three consecutive terms. The Governor-General His Excellency Sir Colville Young did the honors on Monday November 5th.
The brief ceremony was held at the Belize House in Belmopan. The Prime Minister was accompanied by his wife, children, other relatives and supporters.
Police Department gets new fleet
Keeping on its manifesto commitment to better equip the security forces, the Minister of National Security, Hon. John Saldivar handed over 10 new patrol vehicles to the Belize Police Department. Receiving the vehicles was commissioner of Police Allan Whylie on Wednesday November 11.
The vehicles were purchased through the Ministry of Finance at a cost of $280,000 and will be deployed to Belize City, Ladyville, Belmopan, Dangriga, San Ignacio, the Intermediate Southern Formation (Independence Village) and the Special Patrol Unit (headquarters in Belmopan).
New ambulances for better healthcare delivery countrywide
Six new ambulances were handed over to regional managers and administrators of polyclinics and hospitals countrywide. The Minister of Health Hon. Pablo Marin and Minister of State in that ministry Hon. Angel Campos handed over the ambulances.
The new fleet of ambulances is part of government's efforts to enhance a sustainable and effective health system throughout the country. With the new ambulances the ministry is improve healthcare delivery at regional clinics and hospitals as the demand for improved services increases.
Laugh til uh belly buss!
There were a few funny situations coming from this recent election, but at this time I will only deal with 3 of them. Firstly let me say how pleased and happy I felt when I knew for sure that Wilfred Peter "Sedi" Elrington would win Pickstock. It felt so good because I was a part of his team, being on the ground before and during the election. I was also in the room during the counting. While in the counting room I started adding the result of each ballot box, to see when he would pass that 50% plus 1, the magic number that would make him win. Even before the last box was finished I knew he had won.
Et Tu Marion?
There is absolutely nothing, and we mean absolutely nothing, wrong with supporting a political party of your choice. It is our God given right to do so and to do so without fear or favor because we live in a democratic society. But support is one thing and another is fanaticism especially by people who purport to be independent journalists.
We were taken aback by Marion Ali who is supposed to be working and writing for perhaps the last remaining independent newspaper in the country. Reading her Facebook rants it would seem that Goma must have been bothering her or a severe case of EPS was nagging her wallet. Whatever the case, we can come up with no explanation as to why she would attack policies of the UDP.
Hon. Saldivar intervenes to prevent a mob after his victory announcement
Since Thursday, November 5, the day after the Elections, the Facebook bullies, mainly disgruntled PUP's who were upset about the loss at the polls, have been making a lot of noise about the Honorable John Saldivar footage. They're trying to suggest Saldivar called police off a UDP supporter suspected of firing a gun in public. They go further than that and try to attack the National Security Minister's credibility by suggesting that he used his authority as an elected officer to force police into looking the other way on a crime.
So, exactly what does the video show? Well, it was obviously a few minutes after all the supporters were waiting patiently to hear the announcement of who had won the election in Belmopan. It was a very emotional moment for the re-elected Area Representative, and someone fired a shot into the air, supposedly in celebration. The police immediately moved in to arrest the person they believed to have been the shooter. Those other UDP supporters were not having it, and they were already confronting the police to stop them from arresting this man. The video missed that entire confrontation, but the camera arrives just in time to see Saldivar telling the officers to "back off".
OAS Observers praise Belize's electoral process
As our readers may be well aware by now, Prime Minister Dean Barrow and the UDP have been elected by the voters to a third term in office. During the November 4 Elections, an Observer Team from the Organization of the American States was in Belize to oversee the conduct and procedures to carry it through.
Those observers were impressed with what they saw, and they are satisfied that once again, Belizeans have demonstrated a commitment to the continuation of a peaceful constructive democracy. This Observer Mission was made up of 13 officials from 11 countries who managed to visit 162 of the country's 225 polling booths in 30 of the 31 electoral constituencies. That's a total of 72% of all the polling booths that these observers were able to witness for themselves.
It was headed by Jacinth Henry-Martin, the Chief of Mission. The observers took note of the significant preparations that the Belize Elections and Boundaries Department, and the Elections and Boundaries Commission made in collaboration with the other members of the public service. They also noted that there was an increased participation by women in the political process. There were 11 women candidates out of a possible 88, a 12.5%. There was also large participation from Belizean youths.
Toledo Community College and St. Catherine Academy repeat as National Secondary Schools Volleyball champions
The National Secondary Schools Sports Association (NSSSA) National Volleyball Championship for 2014-2015 took place over the weekend of November 6 and 7, 2015, at the Julian Cho Technical High School in the Toledo District.
On Friday 6 November, 2015, in the first of two female game 5 played, Belmopan Comprehensive High School defeated Muffles College by the score of 25-18, 25-7 and 25-17.
In the second female game, St. Catherine Academy defeated Stann Creek Ecumenical College by the score of 25-13, 25-14 and 25-10.
In the first male game played, Muffles College defeated Sacred Heart College by the score of 25-15, 22-25, 25-17 and 25-22.
In game two, Toledo Community College defeated St. John's College by the score of 22-25, 25-22, 25-22, 29-31 and 17-15.
The championship then continued on Saturday 7 November, 2015, with the Consolation Matches and the Championship Matches.
Wesley College male wins again in Central Region Basketball Competition
The Central Region Secondary Schools Sports Association Basketball Competition continued at the Bird's Isle with a number of games.
On Tuesday 10 November, 2015, there was no game in the female competition as Ladyville Technical High School who was scheduled to play against Wesley College withdrew from the competition. We will need to wait for the official result of that game.
In the male game that was played, Wesley College continued on its winning path when it defeated Ladyville Technical High School by the score of 58-38. Wesley College is now posting a 3-0 record.
On Monday 9 November, in the female game played, Gwen Lizarraga High School defeated its sister school Edward P. Yorke High School by the score of 21 -15.
In the male game played, Gwen Lizarraga High School won handily over Edward P. Yorke High School by the score of 66-42.
Police United FC new leaders in Premier League competition
The Premier League of Belize Opening Season Competition continued over the weekend with two games being played.
On Saturday 7 November, 2015, at the Michael Ashcroft Stadium in Independence Village, the host team Placencia Assassins FC won handily over the visiting Belize Defence Force by the score of 4-1.
The visiting Belize Defence Force was able to get onto the scoreboard first when James Flores scored his team only goal of the game in the 6th minute of play for a temporary 1-0 lead.
It was not until well into the first half of the game that the Placencia Assassins FC got on the scoreboard when Luis Torres scored the equalising goal in the 18th minute of play to tie the score at 1-1. The Placencia Assassins' Ashley Torres scored the go-ahead goal in the 31st minute of play to give his team a 2-1 lead and from that point in the game the team never looked back.
The Placencia Assassins' lead was further increase when Luis Torres scored his 2nd goal of the game in the 47th minute of play for a 3-1 lead.
The final goal of the game was scored by Jesus Urbina an own goal in the 75th minute of play for the 4-1 victory.
Holy Redeemer School wins again in primary schools volleyball
The Belize City Primary Schools Volleyball Competition continues during the course of this week with games at Bird's Isle.
The competition continued on Wednesday 11 November, 2015, with two more games. In the girls' game played, Wesley Upper School defeated Bethel Assembly in three sets by the score of 18-25, 25-21 and 15-11.
In the boys' game, Wesley Upper won via the default route.
On Tuesday 10 November, 2015, in the first of two games played in the boys' competition, Belize Elementary School defeated St. John Vianney School in two sets by the score of 25-14 and 25-9.
In the only game played in the girls' competition, Holy Redeemer School defeated Wesley Upper School in two sets by the score of 25-5 and 25-9.
And in the final game in the boys competition, it was Holy Redeemer School winning over Wesley Upper School in two sets by the score of 25-15 and 25-18.
Funeral services held for police officer in Cayo
A funeral service was held on Saturday evening of this past weekend for Sergeant Orlando Jesus Michael Cruz at the Roman Catholic Church in San Ignacio Town. Delivering the mass was father Noel Leslie, who gave ample time for family members to express themselves and remember the good memories of Orlando Cruz. During the mass one of his daughters expressed, "�daddy you will always be in our hearts."
The Church service in his hometown of San Ignacio was well attended by family and friends as well as by the various divisions within the Police Department. Police Commissioner Allan Whylie was present for the funeral services. Also present was the Mayor of San Ignacio and Santa Elena Earl Trapp Junior.
Sergeant Orlando Cruz is survived by his mother Linda Parham and his father Pedro Cruz, as well as his three daughters Yeleni, Paula and Nayzeth. His brothers were Kurt and Shannon Cruz and sisters, Sharon Pastor, Chelsea Cruz and Estersita Cruz Frias.
Mennonite saving seeds is land locked in Cayo
David Johansen, a Mennonite farmer from Spanish Lookout claims that his farm has been landlocked for the past two months by a couple from his neighborhood. According to David Johansen, he had left for Europe on July 17th but on his return discovered that his neighbors are refusing to offer him passageway to his farm; except through a swamp. David Johansen says that to build a road to his farm, it will cost him thousands of dollars.
The youthful Mennonite farmer has in the past year been trying to build a seed bank. His structure for a seed bank has already gone up, but he is in need of a dehumidifier. For the moment David Johansen is storing his treasured seeds inside special containers in a concrete structure. His stock of seeds comes from different parts of the Country and neighboring Guatemala.
Petro-Caribe donates drums to Police Youth Cadet Corps
"Live and Learn - Think Positive" is the motto of the Police Youth Cadet Corps of Belize and this organization has been playing an integral role in instilling discipline and providing hope for many young Belizeans. This is why the ALBA Petro-Caribe Belize Energy Limited (APBEL) felt it fit to hand over a set of musical instruments worth over $8,000 to the Cadets on Wednesday, November 11, 2015.
The Police Youth Cadet Corps takes pride in spreading the values of leadership and teamwork. These lessons are shared with cadets through a number of means: sports, community service, fellowships and the performing arts. Since 2013 the Cadet Corps has provided training for a number of young men and women for its drumline. The drumline started with a donation to the Mahogany Youth Cadets from Hon. Wilfred Elrington in August of 2013 with six spare drums, two base drums and two cymbals. Since then the group has been performing at events across the country and has taken as good care of the equipment as possible over a two year span.
Rationale Behind Cabinet Appointments
Prime Minister of Belize, Hon. Dean Oliver Barrow, announced his new administration on Monday, November 9, explaining that seniority and past performance played a huge role in his appointments.
The Minister of Finance rescued the Belize economy from the brink of collapse; restructured the Superbond to provide significant debt relief for the country; strenghtened the country's international credit rating; presided over consecutive years of revenue and GDP growth; approved consecutive salary increases for public officers; unlocked Petro-Caribe Program resulting in the transformation of the country's physical infrastructure and raised the foreign reserves to record highs� Hon. Dean Barrow.
The Minister of Agriculture intervened numerous times to save the sugar industry which is the bedrock of the North economy. His intervention resulted in a long term deal between the factory and cane farmers that has provided stability that has been lacking in the industry for years. The Minister of Agriculture presided over measures to combat the destructive Citrus Greening disease that wreaked havoc on the citrus industry. He also played a huge roll in saving the citrus industry from self destruction due to an irreparable relationship between farmers and the Citrus Products of Belize Limited. He has already been engaged in efforts to save the banana industry from collapsing due to the U.S.-Zabaneh feud. All this while presiding over the greatest land distribution period in Belize's history with almost 30,000 house lot to first time land owners� Hon. Gaspar Vega.
Sore loosers
This recent ELECTION LOSS has struck a very hard blow to the PUP. Not only did it deal a death-blow to the political carriers of many of their candidates, but it may have also put a stop to any chance of hustling those PUP insiders and hangers-on may have envisioned to come from a PUP victory. They have now gone out on a full scale attack on anybody associated with the UDP.
Harry! Political Commentary?
One of the first to land his salvo was Love Fm's Dangriga Correspondent Harry Arzu. Love Fm has a format it has used for many years, where their correspondents from across the country would call into the Monday morning talk show and file reports on what may have occurred or is about to occur in their area. This Monday was no exception. Harry Arzu was the third Correspondent to call in with his report, but what followed was not about any NEWS. It was an all out political attack on the newly reelected Hon. Frank "Papa" Mena.
Before anybody jump to the defense of Harry, let me say he has the right to have his own political views and to support any political party or causes he wishes to support, but that bias must not be reflected in reporting the news for an INDEPENDENT NON-POLITICAL and UNBIASED media house. There are other Correspondents who work for Love Fm, who also have their political preference, but they never let it overshadow their reporting on the news. Such is the case of Paul and Celia in the south and Elaine and Fem out west. Their reports are down the middle and professional.
Sugar Prices may fall this season
Cane Farmers from Corozal and Orange Walk have received some tough news that for the beginning of the next crop season, they will be getting a 21% pay cut for every tonne of cane that they deliver to the factory.
The 2015-2016 Sugar Cane season is expected to be very difficult. On Friday, November 6, the factory owners, Belize Sugar Industries Limited, along with their majority shareholder, American Sugar Refineries Group, (BSI/ASR) released the figures that they are prepared to pay the cane farmers per tonne of cane. They estimate that they will be able to pay farmers $41.56 per tonne. That price is based on the market prices that currently exist in the European Countries, where Belizean sugar is primarily exported and sold to.
The European Market is moving toward the global prices for sugar to prepare for the changes coming in 2017 to the European Laws. Right now, as readers are aware, beet sugar producers are being restricted and regulated so as to not affect the sugar cane farmers. In 2017, that will change and beet sugar producers will be able to compete on equal ground with sugar produced from cane.
H.E. Dr. Po-Ya Chang, President of the Control Yuan, the Republic of China (Taiwan), Leads a Delegation to Visit Belize
Her Excellency Dr. Po-Ya Chang, President of the Control Yuan of the Republic of China (Taiwan), the supervisory agency of the country, together with Her Excellency Jane Y. W. Chiang, Member and Chairperson of International Affairs Committee (IAC) of the Control Yuan, and two staff members, are scheduled to visit Belize from November 12 to 14, 2015. The purpose of President Chang's visit is to sign an Agreement on Cooperation between the Office of the Ombudsman of Belize and the Control Yuan of the Republic of China (Taiwan), with Hon. Lionel Arzu, Ombudsman of Belize, to strengthen the cooperation and exchanges between these two agencies and to promote and safeguard human rights.
The Control Yuan is an independent watchdog body of the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), comprised of 29 members and the Ministry of Audit. All members, including the Control Yuan President, are appointed by the ROC President for a term of six years, which may be renewed.
Influenced by Jack or Johnnie?
On this past Krem's Sunday Review, the guest was Glenn Tillett. For the Co-host Yaya Marin-Coleman and Bill Lindo it was like beating their heads against a wall. Glenn for some reason was in a very foul mood. He started out with what I view as an insult to the Garinagu by referring to them as CARIBS. When Yaya questioned him as to why he used that term, he told her some song and dance routine about him coming from Stann Creek and that he refuses to use the term Garifuna and Gariganu because he was from the old school.
His next target was PM Barrow's health . It was as if though Glenn was the PM's Doctor. The way he sounded was like he knew more about PM Barrow's health than the PM himself. According to Glenn the PM's health will get so bad during this term that it will render him useless. Bill then told him that the PM had a problem with his back and not his brain. Lindo went further than that explaining that Franklin D Roosevelt was maybe the best and longest serving USA President ever and he did so while being wheelchair bound. Well what came next from Dr. Glen was from as far out there as ever. He said something to the effect that the PM is either taking MEDICATION or will start to take medication, that will alter the PM's mind. If you noted he did not say that it was Jack or Johnnie that would alter the PM's mind.
Somebody tell Wade elections done
The General Elections were held on November 4 and seven days later some malcontents are still dwelling on the results and in the case of Louis Wade claiming electoral fraud. They cannot come to terms that the party they supported and fought for, the PUP, lost so miserably to the UDP. One can understand if the election results were close and maybe a recount or a protest would make a difference but this is not the case. The results were decisively in favor of the United Democratic Party which was returned to Belmopan for a third consecutive term.
At every opportunity he gets Louis can be heard crying like a battered animal that he knows that there was electoral fraud. He is so pathetic that he tries to garner support from callers to his morning call-in show. It is entertaining to see him flustered every morning trying to find an explanation as to why the PUP lost. He seems to not know that elections have come and gone and continues to campaign during his morning show.
The winning UDP teams from Cayo
The results of the 2015 Elections for the Cayo District region is now showing a majority winning by the United Democratic Party UDP. Official results from the Election and Boundaries Department released on the 4th of November Elections shows that Omar Figueroa, Rene Montero and Erwin Contreras held on to their UDP positions in the Cayo District, a highly contested arena where there existed 45,124 registered voters. Omar Figueroa beat Michel 'Micho' Chebat in Cayo North by 159 votes, Rene Montero beat Daniel 'Dan' Silva in Cayo Central by a comfortable 213 votes and Erwin Rafael Contreras bested Dr. Lesbia Lissette Guerra in Cayo West by an overwhelming 1,284 vote margin. For Omar Figueroa, Rene Montero and Erwin Contreras, a total of 2,674, 3,249 and 3,290 voters delivered their winning ballots on November 4th, respectively.
Breaking Belize News
Who wants to lead the People's United Party?
Friday, November 13th, 2015. Aaron Humes Reporting: Francis Fonseca remains leader of the People's United Party (PUP) and of the Opposition in the House of Representatives, but the battle to elect his successor is on. All that is known at this point is that the leadership will be decided on Sunday, January 31. But does [�]
KHMH Chairman steps down
A press release issued by Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital Authority (KHMHA) a short while ago, served to announce the stepping down of its Chairman of the Board of Governors who has decided to do so after serving more than three years. The release thanked Prime Minister Dean Barrow, Minster of [�]
People's United Party leadership candidates emerge
The People's United Party held its executive meeting yesterday afternoon to discuss a national convention, in which a new leader will be elected for the party since Francis Fonseca announced he will be stepping down from the post. When that meeting concluded, members of the party spoke to the media, [�]
Joint operation in Orange Walk results in drug arrests
The department of Crime Investigation Branch (CIB), Special Branch (SB) and the Quick Response Team (QRT), conducted an Anti-Drug operation in the Orange Walk District on the November 11th, which was successful. Around, 6:10 am a search was conducted on the premises of 25-year-old Jeovani Danilo, Coyoc of [�]
Family feud sends mother to jail
A Belize City mother plans to appeal a short jail sentence handed to her today by Chief Magistrate Ann-Marie Smith after she was found guilty of using insulting words and harm. Mother of seven 40 year old Stephanie Moreira was sentenced to 15 days behind bars for the [�]
December decision for Gaspar Vega and Ramon Cervantes Jr.
Their rivalry in Orange Walk North politics has quickly become one of the most compelling in Belizean politics, but at its root is something deeply personal. The elections may be over, but Deputy Prime Minister Gaspar Vega and PUP rival Ramon Cervantes Jr. are still locked in battle over [�]
2-year-old boy found and returned home safely
Orange Walk Bureau Reporting: Police in Orange Walk report that 12-year-old Anthony Quim has been found and was reunited with his family early this morning. Authorities say he was found in San Jose Village in the Orange Walk district. The force wishes to thank the general public for their continued cooperation.
Moist and unstable conditions will support showery weather over the next few days
The National Meteorological Service of Belize is predicting cloudy skies today with some showers or periods of light rain over most areas along with a few thunderstorms. Showers will become more frequent along the coast tonight and there is the possibility of localized flooding in the South over the course [�]
Sailing on the Serina Azul
What a great way to start a day - sailing to Hol Chan Marine Reserve on the Serina Azul. The boat was to set sail Sunday at 8:30 am so Aimee said she would pick me up at 8:00am. We met Carolyn and Neil for 8:15 am check in at Blue Tang Inn. We set Sail with Captain Carlos and crew Edwin and Arnold. Along the way Aimee and I pointed out a few landmarks to Carolyn and Neil including Mata Rocks where they are staying and the roof of Aimee's new house down south. I never get tired of traveling our coast line by boat, unless of course it is choppy wet weather then it gets old fast. The day however was perfect - beautiful and calm.
First stop was Zone D; Shark Ray Alley - I am glad our boat captain picked there before the Hol Chan as we had the place to ourselves. The boys offered people life jackets to make the experience easier by floating and explained how things would work on this portion of our snorkel trip.
Experience a Different Kind of Lovely in the Butterfly Jungle
One of the must-visit attractions in Belize, the Butterfly Jungle gives you a glimpse of the different butterfly species of Belize without having to travel lush jungles. Imagine walking through a lush jungle that is teeming with bright Belizean butterflies and exotic flowers. Wouldn't that be a sight to behold? Well, you don't have to imagine anymore because you can now do this without travelling the jungles of Belize. The Butterfly Jungle is a beautiful place that raises butterflies found in the jungle of Belize right in the heart of Ambergris Caye.
Valley Ruddick and Tom Thomas have made a butterfly garden where they raise butterflies and allow you to see each stage of their transformation from a miniscule egg from a lowly caterpillar to the miraculous jeweled butterfly. Located at Rendezvous Estates, which is just less than five miles north of San Pedro Town, the Butterfly Jungle allows visitors to walk among hundreds of butterflies inside a greenhouse that is filled with exotic flowers and jungle plants that attract butterflies.
Three Pepper Fish with Bruschetta Pasta
Chop pepperoncini and slice shallots.
Always check fish for bones (wash hands).
Steps
Preheat large, nonstick saut� pan on medium-high 2-3 minutes. Season fish with salt and pepper. Place oil in pan, then add fish; cook 3-4 minutes on each side or until fish is 145°F (or opaque and separates easily).
Remove fish from pan. Place shallots, pepperoncini, pimientos, and fried peppers and onions in pan; cook and stir 2 minutes.
Stir in wine and butter; cook and stir 2-3 more minutes or until butter melts and wine has reduced by about one-half. Serve pepper mixture over fish.
International Sources
FREYA Premiere
New York Film Academy Documentary Department is proud to announce "FREYA", will premiere with four other NYFA student documentaries at the prestigious DOC NYC on Friday, November 13, 2015 at the IFC Center in New York City. Filmed by seven students during a NYFA Filmmaking Expedition to Belize, "FREYA" follows the story of an endangered loggerhead sea turtle fighting to survive a shark attack against the odds.
"Following Freya's story has been the opportunity of a lifetime," says Director, Rachael Peltzer. On the expeditions, young filmmakers explore threatened ocean worlds and raise a call to activism through the power of documentary storytelling - all in collaboration with some of the top marine conservation organizations. "The ocean is in great danger" says Producer, Gary Bencheghib "But we are hopeful that stories like Freya's will help increase awareness of such critical environmental issues."
The students who worked on "FREYA" spent a week filming and helping the local volunteers. The expedition focused on the imperiled Mesoamerican Reef including coral reef conservation, endangered sea turtles and manatees. "It's exciting to see the expeditions spark a deep love for the oceans in young filmmakers - and a passion to tell stories that can help save them" says Andrea Swift, Chair of the Documentary Department at NYFA.
Expedition collaborators include Mission Blue, Healthy Reefs for Healthy People, Oceanic Society, Ecomar, Turneffe Atoll Sustainability Association, Sea to Shore Alliance & Coastal Zone Management of Belize, Hawksbill Hope, and the Belize Fisheries Department.
Help Save the Crocs- Honduras Croc Petition
If you haven't heard by now, Honduras is having a crocodile crisis. Cocodrilo Continental has shut down its doors to an allegation that the farm was laundering drug money by the US, and now 9,000 crocodiles along with other animals are suffering from lack of food and other basic husbandry needs. And let's not forget about the employees who have also been gravely impacted.
The director of the Asociaci�n Hondure�a Protectora de los Animales y su Ambiente (AHPRA) has started a petition to reach out to the President of Honduras to take positive and immediate action in order to prevent a horrible animal welfare situation to formulate. If you are interested in signing the petition, you can find the link here:
Guatemala threatens Belize?
A change of government in Guatemala and Belize is reviving long-simmering fears of war between the Central American neighbors. Media in Belize are reporting that a leaked document written by a senior officer in the Belize Defense Force apparently claims an ongoing campaign of aggression and confrontation from the Guatemalan military along the Sarstoon River, which forms the border between the two nations in the south. The leaked memo, dated Oct. 22, notes incidents as far back as 2003, with tension reaching dangerous point in 2006. The tension eased when the two nations' armed forces agreed on protocols for their border forces along the Sarstoon. But the memo says late 2009 saw another incident, in which a Guatemalan army vessel anchored on the Belizean side near the mouth of the Sarstoon, and raised a Guatemalan flag from a tree-top. BDF troops apparently removed the flag, but that the Guatemalan soldiers defiantly promised to replace it.
The memo came to light in the lead-up to general elections in Belize, in which Prime Minister Dean Barrow of the conservative United Democratic Party (UDP) won a record third term. The Belizean elections closely followed those in Guatemala, where the new president-elect, Jimmy Morales, has revived territorial claims on Belize. Barrow made much of the issue, proclaiming that "Belize will not be bullied."
Travelogue explores 'Beneath the Jungle... and Beyond'
Dec. 7 will be the next Fairfield Glade Lions Club Travelogue at the Palace Theatre at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at the door for $8 per person.
More than 3,000 years before the time of Christ, a consortium of autonomous city/kingdoms developed and flourished in a region now mapped as southern Mexico, Belize, Guatemala and Honduras. They thrived until and around the 15th century AD, leaving behind astounding monuments to the energy, industry and ingenuity of their populations. They built temples rivaling those of Egypt� perhaps not as large but more extensive. A calendar more accurate than out own, astronomical observations used in constructing their buildings reveal a surprising degree of sophistication and knowledge.
Today the descendants of those ancient Maya still populate this same region of Central America. Many are still farmers. But some are cowboys. Young men still rope and brand cattle today in Guatemala much as it must have done in the western U.S. 150 years ago. They dress in the regalia standardized by Hollywood. They wear T-shirts and rubber boots, and sport cell phones. They are hardworking young men, rounding up and managing cattle herds still.
Videos
Shark Ray Alley and Hol Chan on the Sirena Azul, 2.5min. Amazing underwater things we saw on our morning Snorkel to Shark Ray Alley and Hol Chan. Our sailing tour was trip was from 8:30 am - 12:00pm on the Sirena Azul. We Checked in at Blue Tang office and boarded from Wet Willy's dock.
REPIC Solar Off-grid Project in Beliz, 3min. A Proof of Concept by ZENNA AG, Switzerland
UB Graduation AD 2015, 2.5min. from University of Belize
Belize City water taxi to Caye Caulker, 2min.
Diving with Dolphins!, 2min. Divers enjoying the dolphins yesterday during a dive with Ramon's Village Divers at B&D Canyons! Can anyone say AWESOME!!!! Come dive with us at Ramon's Village in San Pedro, Belize...we are a PADI 5 Star IDC Resort!
Morning Matters At Caribbean Villas, 65min.
BELIZE 2015, 1.5min. This summer I spent a week in Belize with my classmates from New York Film Academy. We learned about ocean conservation and how vital coral reef health is.
Selby Gardens visits Belize's Bladen Nature Reserve, 3.5min. In May 2015, botanists from Selby Gardens in Sarasota, Florida, along with the team from Caves Branch Botanical Garden in Belize, set out on an 11-day trip through the remote Bladen Nature Reserve in search of epiphytes, or plants that grown on other plants without harming them.
Indian Community Celebrates Diwali in Belize, 3min.
Belize Bikini Mineral Bath with Coconut Rum, 8min. Chicks recap their Belizean jungle adventures while soaking in a mineral bath sipping coconut rum.