LOVE FM
NEMO Issues Advisory on Constant Rains and Possible Flooding
Just after four o'clock this evening an advisory from the National Emergency Management Organization was issued warning residents of the persistent rains expected over the weekend along with localized flooding. The advisory reads, quote, "The National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) hereby informs the general public that as the rains continue over the weekend the risk of [�]
Ceremonial Opening for the National Assembly
Prime Minister Dean Barrow is now serving his third term as the country's leader. Today in Belmopan all thirty one newly elected representatives were on hand for the inaugural sitting of the House of Representatives. We have more in this report by Ava Diaz Sosa. AVA DIAZ SOSA REPORTING "Hundreds of Belizeans made their way [�]
Guatemalan Found in the Chiquibul with Xate Leaves and Drugs
The Friends for Conservation and Development has detained yet another Guatemalan trespasser in the Chiquibul Forest Reserve. The arrest occurred at around midnight last night when they found of an address in Peten, Guatemala about seventeen point seven kilometres inside Belize's territory. Garcia was detained and searched when the authorities found him at a camp [�]
BDF's Retirement Age Up Fore Review
A few months ago we brought you the story of the Minister of National Security speaking on the proposed amendments to the retirement age for officers in the Belize Defense Force. Commander of the BDF, Brigadier General David Jones gave us an update on where that initiative currently stands. COMMANDER DAVID JONES " One [�]
Belize Ranks 4th in Caribbean on Digital Marketing
Digital Marketing is taking over the market in various parts of the world and it is an avenue that many countries are pursuing when it comes to promoting their places as a tourist destination. Of thirty five Caribbean countries, Belize was recently ranked number four on the Digital Marketing Index for 2015. The marketing index [�]
Taiwan Gives to the University of Belize
The University of Belize was a recipient of four thousand dollars worth of technological equipment, tools and software courtesy the Pan American Development Foundation. The donation was handed over during UB's second Annual Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Day and was made possible through the assistance of the Republic of China, Taiwan. The donation aims to [�]
Christmas Kettle Appeal 2015 Launched
Christmas is around the corner and for the Salvation Army that means all its agents will be out in the streets with the goal to raise money. This morning the Salvation Army launched its annual Christmas Kettle Appeal downtown Belize City with the intention of raising one hundred thousand dollars. Regional Commander, Major Joliker Leandre, [�]
Three Men Chopped In Family Dispute
The chopping incident of three Mayan descent men is being investigated by the authorities in Punta Gorda. Reports are that at around ten twenty on November 11, police went to the Punta Gorda Hospital and found the trio suffering from chop wounds. Two of them were suffering from multiple chop wounds to different parts of [�]
PlusTV
Garifuna Awareness Day observed
Today is Garifuna Awareness Day. This day is normally observed the Thursday before the 19th of November which is Garifuna Settlement Day. The festivities got on the way on PlusTV's Rise and Shine this morning as guests Gwen Nunez Gonzalez, Veronica Arzu, and Joshua Arana. According to Gonzalez, ther...
Amandala
Evangelical Churches quarrel and "bruk-up!"
The Belize Association of Evangelical Churches (BAEC) appear to be suffering from "strife and controversy" brought on by differences between Pastor Scott Stirm, who resides in Roaring Creek, Cayo District, and Council President Pastor Howell Longsworth, after a meeting was reportedly held on Friday, October 2, at the Central Assembly of God Church in Belize City, by Pastor Stirm to elect a new president of the BAEC.
Information to Amandala is that after Council President Longsworth learned of the reputed meeting, he convened a "special meeting" of the BAEC on Monday, October 5, at his church, Eagles Nest, also in Belize City, and 13 pastors, including Pastor Longsworth, signed a declaration, dated Tuesday, October 13, saying that the spirit of the meeting by Pastor Stirm, who had no "power or authority" to convene such a meeting, "was contentious, disingenuous, and certainly not in keeping with the unity that the association portrays, and contrary to the very essence and purpose of the association."
The October 13 letter said that the BAEC "would not acknowledge or affirm" any meeting held by Pastor Stirm, and in consequence of this, the 13 pastors signed the letter.
The confusing death of Arlie Andrew "Andy" Avilez, 51
Well-known street figure Arlie Andrew Avilez, 51, also known as Andy Avilez, of Ordonez Street, Belize City, died at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital on Sunday, October 25. Doctor Mario Estrada Bran, who conducted the post-mortem on the body, declared that the death was due to cardiac thrembo-embolism due to acute cerebral aedema resulting from brain hemorrhage/head trauma.
The autopsy was carried out on Monday, November 9, at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, 14 days after Avilez died at the hospital.
Police reported that on Friday, October 9, Avilez was involved in an altercation with a businessman on the Philip Goldson Highway after he was accused of stealing from a restaurant located on the Philip Goldson Highway.
During the altercation, according to police, Avilez allegedly beat the reportedly Chinese proprietor with a piece of iron. A struggle reportedly ensued and both persons ended up in a nearby drain. Police took both persons to Belama Police Station, where medico forms were issued.
Two more elusive Guat gold panners nabbed inside Chiquibul
Belizean authorities who patrol the western border region of the Chiquibul along with Friends for Conservation and Development (FCD) have detained two more illegal gold panners in the Ceibo Grande Creek area of the southern Chiquibul.
Reports to Amandala are that on Monday, November 9, Andres Ortis Ordones, 23, and Isidro Garcia Roque, 43, both of La Esmeralda, a village in Pet�n, Guatemala, were detained in a joint operation by a patrol team, included military, police and support personnel.
Ordones and Roque were detained roughly 6� miles (10.5 kilometers) inside Belizean territory.
"These individuals were found in their hut with panning equipment consisting of pans and vials. Nearby their hut, the high impact of their activities on the headwaters, namely soil erosion, defacing of the park, garbage pollution and the contaminants on the stream were highly visible," FCD's Executive Director, Rafael Manzanero, said.
The two Guatemalans were consequently charged for illegal entry, and they may face additional charges of defacing a protected area and operating without a permit in a national park.
Who can save the PUP?
The Opposition People's United Party (PUP) held a meeting of its executive at its Independence Hall headquarters this afternoon. This is the first post-election meeting of the party since the PUP's resounding defeat at the polls in last Wednesday's general elections, which resulted in the PUP leader, Francis Fonseca, announcing his resignation the following day, Thursday.
The party began suffering a string of defeats at the polls, beginning from the March 2012 general elections, under Fonseca's leadership.
Since Fonseca's announcement, however, a number of names have been mentioned as his possible replacement, an exercise that will culminate in the choosing of a fourth PUP leader with Johnny Brice�o's sudden resignation in October 2011.
At today's executive meeting, the PUP decided not to change its three senators - Lisa Shoman, Anthony Sylvestre and Jason Andrews. A date for the nomination of persons wishing to fill executive posts has been agreed to, as well as a date for its National Convention, when a new PUP leader will be elected from among delegates chosen from the 31 electoral constituencies.
8th annual Marketing Expo
The King's Room of the Princess Hotel was buzzing with young entrepreneurs displaying a variety of products that draw the young and the old who just cannot resist a good deal. These entrepreneurs were University of Belize students taking part in the 8th Annual Marketing Expo. We have passed the era where one is expected to go out and get a job; the scarcity of available employment is now prompting students to be creative and become young entrepreneurs. This is what Edna Arzu, a marketing lecturer of the University of Belize, is doing by not pushing them beyond their own expectations.
Arzu told Amandala that there were two categories: the marketing group who created a product or service and found different ways to promote that product and the small business group who developed a business plan for their product and through the process have created a business. The marketing booths included Belize Jump Start, which produce a cappuccino drink; Luminous Glow is a candle maker; Orgo's Creation produces bags; Body Teaser uses local products to develop scrubs; Kuknat sells body wash.
Sugarcane farmers not happy with new prices
Belizario Carballo, Chief Financial Officer of American Sugar Refinery/Belize Sugar Industry (ASR/BSI) told Amandala that they have issued the first cane price estimate of $41.56, which is not the final price. Carballo said the agreement between BSI and the cane farmers is that the farmers get 85% of the price, and based on the estimate of $41.56, the farmers will be getting $35.33 per ton. Carballo added that last year BSI bought 1.2 million tons of cane from the 5,400 farmers.
Oscar Alonzo, Chief Executive Officer of the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association, said that they were aware that the price of sugar was falling on the world market, but they didn't expect the price decline to be so drastic, and didn't expect it this year. Alonzo is afraid that at the new estimated price, the payment to farmers might not be sufficient to cover the farmers' expenses. Alonzo said," The BSI are using 9.5 tons of canes to produce 1 ton, but believe that they can use 9 tons per 1 ton of sugar, which will increase, the price between $48, to $49. The payment to the farmers would then be, between, $38 to $39, allowing the farmers to better sustain themselves."
Belize crushed at UNCAF Women U-17 Qualifiers in Honduras
In our first Group B game in the UNCAF Women U-17 Qualifiers in Honduras, the Belize Women U-17 squad lost, 9-1, to host Honduras yesterday, Wednesday. Belize plays Costa Rica tomorrow, Friday, at 4:00 p.m. Honduras and Costa Rica will clash on Sunday, November 15, most likely to determine the Group B winner.
Guatemala, Nicaragua and El Salvador are in UNCAF Group A. El Salvador crushed Nicaragua, 7-1, last Wednesday, November 4; on Friday, November 6, Guatemala beat Nicaragua, 4-0; and on Sunday, November 8, it was Guatemala, 1-0, over El Salvador, to finish at the top of Group A.
FFB - Belize Male U-16 to UNCAF Tournament in Nicaragua
Belize will be participating in the Male U-16 UNCAF Tournament to be held in Managua, Nicaragua from November 17 - 23.
The final selection of the Belize National U-16 Male (Football) Team is listed below. The Belize delegation will leave the country on November 15, returning on November 24.
Belize Male U-16: Ian Reynaldo Domingo Pou, Korey Nicholas Gomez, Devin John Nunez, Hakeem Elijah Smith, Glenn Johan Richard Tillett, Ainsleigh Hazael Marquis Perez, Tahj Devynn Austyn H. Reid, Daren Apolonio, Shaquelle Emorson Matute, Jemario Deandre Sanabria, Zerik Blayne Cabral, Davis Myrick Marshall, Elton Kenrick Gordon, Gabriel Fitzgerald Ramos, Jalen Damian Budna, Kyle Anthony Lozano, Joseph Anthony Ramirez, and Javier Isai Millian.
Coaching staff: Dennis Serrano - Head Coach, Gabriel Ramos - Assistant Coach, Thomas Rivars - Physiotherapist, Herbert Trapp & Michael Benjamin - Equipment Managers,Peter Alvarez - Team Manager.
Games will be played on the following dates and times on artificial turf in Managua, Nicaragua.
CYDP Peace Cup Week 10 results
The Conscious Youth Development Council (CYDP) Peace Cup football tournament continued with Week 10 games on Saturday, November 7, at the MCC Grounds, despite the deep trenches still around the perimeter of the playing field.
In game 1, Hattieville United and Uprising Stars played to a 1-1 draw. Albert Arnold shook the net for Hattieville, while Harold Thompson scored for Uprising Stars.
Game 2 was a blowout, as Mahogany Heights bombed Jerusalem, 8-nil, with goals from James Fitzgibbon (2), Tyrone Gladden, Yasani Ramirez (3) and Randy Castillo (2).
Game 3 was another lop sided score, as Tut Bay dropped Los Lagos, 6-1, behind goals from Brian Martinez (2), Kevin Rowland (2) and Delroy Flowers (2). The lone tally for Los Lagos was by Hosni Turton.
SCA females and TCC males are NSSSA Volleyball Champs 2015
The National Secondary Schools Sports Association (NSSSA) High School National Volleyball Tournament got underway on Friday, November 6, at the Julian Cho Technical High School in the Toledo District.
There were four (4) teams participating in the female division and four (4) in the male division, representing the four different geographical zones of the country. These were:
FEMALE (F) - Stann Creek Ecumenical College - South DivisionD; Saint Catherine Academy - Central Division; Belmopan Comprehensive School - West Division; and Muffles College - North Division.
MALE (M) - Toledo Community College - South Division; St. John's College High School - Central Division; Sacred Heart College - West Division; and Muffles College - North Division.
The tournament followed a simple knockout format, with semifinals played on Friday, and the third place and championship matches played on Saturday.
Editorial: Preening peacocks, pressing poverty
In Belize, our proximity to the wealthy United States, plus the fact that our migrant worker/relatives inside the States were sending clothes and various American commodities to us, resulted in our developing expensive, American tastes. Overall, we could not afford such American tastes on Belizean salaries, so our national psyche became one marked by a certain level of dissatisfaction and frustration. The irony was always, however, that Americans were working longer hours and more days per year than we Belizeans were. But, we wanted what Americans were enjoying. When we reached the United States, we got the sense: in the words of B.B. King, you have to pay the cost to be the boss.
In 2005, Hurricane Katrina's destruction of New Orleans exposed the fact that within the great United States itself, there was a disgraceful, unacceptable level of poverty and suffering inside one of America's most famous cities. In Belize, it was not that Belizeans did not know that even worse poverty and suffering existed in our old capital and, indeed, in our country, but it took last month's rain floods to reveal how terrible our housing and living conditions had become.
The fact of the matter is that our ruling politicians routinely preen like peacocks here, and the most casual of scrutiny will reveal that they have become addicted to wasting and embezzling millions and millions of taxpayers' dollars. The ruling politicians and their cronies throw away a lot of money on brand new American vehicles, they grab all the choice real estate and sell it to foreigners for big bucks, and the United Democratic Party (UDP) government, now in its third term, has blown millions of taxpayers' dollars in advertising subsidies for the party's newspaper, radio station, and television station.
From the Publisher
When it comes to politics, I am not a numbers man. I mostly deal with vibes. You know, of course, that I am therefore not a politician, because politics is about arithmetic. My son-in-law, Mark Espat, is a big numbers man, and he has an outstanding record in electoral politics. He and I have some very interesting conversations.
Apart from being an outstanding electoral politician, undefeated in fact, Mark is also a student of politics and an analyst of election results down to the finest of details. The days and weeks after a big election provide him with enormous grist for his research mill.
The recent general election campaign and election day itself were very stressful for me. Having aged, I can't handle the pressure so well. As you know, I have not been writing this column for weeks. I was angry at the ruling United Democratic Party (UDP) for having allowed a whippersnapper to threaten me publicly, and I felt it was difficult for me to write and remain under control. Then, I began to become angry at the Opposition People's United Party (PUP), because their sloganeering did not groove with their institutional reality. This was a party manifestly dedicated to their executive, not to the people. For me to have lashed out at the PUP would have perhaps embarrassed or discomfited my candidate son, I felt, so I held my peace.
Neri Brice�o writes PM Dean Barrow
Dean O. Barrow
Prime Minister of Belize
SUBJECT: Congratulations
Dear Sir:
Allow me to extend my congratulations to both you and your party for the victory you achieved in last week's General Election. The election was a very hard fought fight but ultimately your party was victorious which should translate into an overall victory not only for your party, but also for the people and the nation of Belize. Political campaigning is never an easy, fair or tasteful task, but the job of governing one's people unlike campaigning must always be a fair and just one. After the brutal political campaign that just took place, it is now a time for political healing, nation building and for the people of this great nation to move on and concentrate on the task of uplifting the lives of ALL Belizeans regardless of one's political allegiance. You, your party and the government are a key part of the catalyst to make that happen.
As the nation and the international community look at the composition of the key members of your governing administration, we are pleased to see the inclusion of more women but yet are disturbed that there is not a single substantive post held by anyone in the South, once you jump into the Toledo District.
UEF-sponsored lecture on Why Black Lives Matters to Public Health
The UBAD Educational Foundation (UEF) hosted a lectured on the (hash tag) "# Why Black Lives Matter to Public Health," at the University of the West Indies Open Campus this evening.
The vacationing New York City Commissioner of Health and Mental Hygiene, Dr. Mary Bassett, who was visiting her daughter, Pambana Bassett, a volunteer librarian at Library of African and Indian Studies, delivered the lecture.
Sponsors for Dr. Basset'st lecture include Dr. Adrian Coye, CEO of the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital; attorney and activist Audrey Matura-Shepherd; the University of the West Indies; Kremandala, and Marva's Restaurant.
Dr. Bassett is a medical professional with more than 30 years' experience in public health and recently published an article entitled: "Black Lives Matter - A Challenge to the Medical and Public Health Communities" in the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine in March of this year.
Caribbean Institute for Meteorology & Hydrology Meets in Belize
Belize is currently hosting the 52nd annual meeting of the Caribbean Institute for Meteorology & Hydrology (CIMH). The 5-day meeting is being held at the Radisson Fort George Hotel.
Belize's Chief Meteorology Officer, Dennis Gonguez, told Amandala that the five-day meeting is focused on the discussion of meteorology and hydrology issues, research and training and in the first two days, an examination is made of how the institute can be advanced. On Wednesday, the directors of the meteorological services throughout the Caribbean will meet to discuss technical matters in relation to meteorology in the Caribbean. Finally, on Thursday and Friday, the representatives of the Ministers of Meteorology throughout the Caribbean will meet to discuss policy and financing of meteorology in the Caribbean region.
Dr. David Farrell, principal of the Caribbean Institute for Meteorology & Hydrology, told Amandala, "The meeting pulls together the directors of the Board of Governance of the Caribbean Institute for Meteorology & Hydrology with the goal of looking at the past accomplishments of the institute and forging a way forward for the coming year." Belize is one of 16 member states and these member states fund the institute, said Farrell.
Police balk at charging UDP supporter for discharging firearm in public
On election night, November 4, when the results of the Belmopan constituency race between the United Democratic Party (UDP) incumbent John Saldivar and his People's United Party challenger Jason Andrews were announced, supporters of Saldivar, who had won back his seat and was reappointed Minister of National Security on Monday, were ecstatic, so much so that one man fired his licensed firearm into the air-committing the offense of "discharging a firearm in public," contrary to the Firearms Act.
Almost immediately, Belmopan police moved in to take the individual suspected of firing the gun into custody. As the incident began to unfold, someone began to capture it on a video camera, and the recording has gone viral on social media.
The video does not show the man firing his handgun into the air; however, police on the scene had someone they suspected had fired the gun.
The video shows police officers holding the alleged culprit, but above the noise of his euphoric supporters, a voice, allegedly that of Saldivar, is heard instructing the police officers to, "back off, back off now," as the man is pulled away from police and pushed forward, disappearing into the sea of red T-shirts.
The Reporter
Belize Youth Cadet Corps Marching Band gets new musical instruments
The Police Youth Cadet Corps Marching Band received a donation of marching band equipment from PetroCaribe funds. Police Sergeant Brent Hamilton, officer in charge of the Community Policing Precinct II, which manages the Cadet Corps, stated that the band is excited to have received six neo-drums, [�]
Diabetes Association holds health fair
In commemoration of upcoming World Diabetes Day, the Diabetes Association of Belize (DAB) held a health fair on Friday. The event at the Battlefield Park, provided an opportunity for the Association to engage the public with vital information pertaining to diabetes, health and wellness. The […]
Salvation Army launches Christmas Kettle drive
On Friday the Salvation Army officially launched its annual Christmas Kettle fundraiser, despite heavy rains, in front of the Battlefield Park on Albert Street. To commemorate the launch, the Salvation Army Band and the Wesley College Band serenaded passersby with Christmas Carols. Regional Commander of […]
Tuberculosis now as deadly as AIDS says WHO
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), tuberculosis now ranks along side HIV as the world’s most deadly infectious disease. WHO released the 20th installment of its Global Tuberculosis Report last Friday. It identified trends and presented statistics on TB spanning over the two decades […]
Yes to the ICJ – the people have spoken!
The nation spoke on November 4th, 2015. Except for Wave TV and two other stations, the entire Belizean media with its radio, TV and newspapers bombarded the UDP and Prime Minister Barrow on Petro Caribe funds, corruption, the Guatemala issue, and management of public funds. The last […]
General Overview& Institutional Strengthening for Belize Tax Administration
Review to propose a more efficient tax system As may have become quite conspicuous in the last two installments of EDC's Strictly Business, the Trade and Tax Revenue process, being spearheaded by the Trade and Tax Committee (The Committee), is designed primarily to achieve increased efficiencies in the tax administration […]
Police get 10 new vehicles
The Belize Police Department will expand its patrol presence in various districts, with the delivery of 10 new patrol vehicles by the Government of Belize. Minister of National Security John Saldivar handed over the vehicles to Commissioner of Police Allen Whylie on Wednesday at Police […]
Traffic fatalities too high in Latin America and Caribbean says ECLAC
The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), in a recent report, indicated the region is not reducing the rate of fatalities caused by road traffic accidents according to its original targets. According to the commission’s latest report issue 342, released on November […]
Rotary installs park number 15
The Rotary Club of Belize District 4250, this week, inaugurated it’s 15th play ground, this time in Lords Bank village. The park, inaugurated on Tuesday, was built through a cooperation between the Rotary Club of Belize, Rotary Interact Club of Vegreville Alberta Canada, the Emmanuel […]
Prime Minister appointing sub committee specifically for Guatemala
Prime Minister Dean Barrow, this week, announced that he will appoint a new Cabinet sub-committee to look specifically after matters pertaining to the Guatemalan territorial dispute. Barrow made the announcement on Monday at the Belize Biltmore Plaza Hotel, while introducing the new members of Cabinet […]
Business sector re-elects Mark Lizarraga as Senator
The business sector, namely the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) and the Belize Business Bureau (BBB) have re-elected businessman, Mark Lizarraga, to serve the next five years in the Senate. Lizarraga got endorsement from the BBB from the onset and his only competitor […]
Women Watch in Election 2015
The 2015 General/National Elections have come and gone and as such have taken its rightful place in the annals of Belizean history. According to the Elections and Boundaries Department, the total number of registered electors as of September 2015, stood at 196,587. And of that number, […]
MDGs 2015 report highlights achievements and challenges for Belize
The the United Nations development Program (UNDP) Millennium Development Goals (MDG) report and post 2015 agenda gave Belize positive reviews in some areas but noted there is still much progress to be made. According to the report, Belize is failing to meet its goal to […]
Belize introduces first female Attorney General
Attorney at Law, Vanessa Retreage made Belizean history this week, when she became the country's first female Attorney General. Prime Minister Dean Barrow announced the appointment on Monday at the Belize Biltmore Plaza hotel, among the other ministerial appointments for cabinet. She was sworn in […]
Who will lead the PUP?
The People's United Party (PUP), has set Sunday, January 31st as the date for its National Convention to select a leader who will reconfigure, unite and lead the party into the next General Elections. The decision was made on Wednesday at the PUP's headquarters during […]
New Cabinet sworn in
This week the new ministers and senators representing the United Democratic Party (UDP) were officially sworn in, marking notable changes in the government's configuration. The Governor General swore in the 20 ministers (13 full ministers and seven ministers of state) on Monday at the Belize […]
Harm or discipline?
A driver for the Human Services Department was charged and convicted on Thursday in the Magistrate's Court for inflicting harm on a young relative he tried to discipline for having a hickie on her neck. In an ironic twist, the employee for the Department […]
Alleged nude photo of senator causes backlash
An offensive online post claiming to show a nude photo of newly appointed Senator Francine Burns went viral on Monday and prompted quick backlash from a number of women's groups and leaders. Prime Minister Dean Barrow announced Burns' appointment on Monday morning during a press […]
Breaking Belize News
NEMO issues flooding advisory
The National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) issued an advisory this evening, stating that with the forecast predicting a significant amount of showers across the country tonight and over the weekend, the risk of localized flooding is likely to increase. It listed areas of concerns to be: Sarteneja in Corozal District, [�]
Paris attacks leave dozens dead
"France has declared a national state of emergency and has closed its borders after at least 40 people were killed in multiple gun and bomb attacks in Paris," reports the BBC News. President Francois Hollande called the events "unprecedented terrorist attacks" and added, "This is a horror." [�]
Challenge to The Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry to democratize the selection of the "Business Senator"
First and foremost congrats to all the Senators who were today sworn in as members of the National Assembly. However, as a member of the business community, I must write to express my utmost disappointment with the Belize Chamber of Commerce and the Business Bureau in their selection [�]
National Assembly holds first meeting of new term
42 of the 43 men and women who will lead Belize over the next five years gathered in Belmopan for the first sitting of the National Assembly in the new term of Prime Minister Dean Barrow and the United Democratic Party, their third consecutively. Barrow and the UDP [�]
Supreme Court hands out bail to two accused
Today two men who were before the court recently accused of different criminal offenses were both granted Supreme Court bail in the sum of $5,000 each plus one surety of the same amount. Interdicted cop, 31 year old PC Hector Esquivel, is being accused of having sex with [�]
Police intervenes in child suicide attempt
According to police, 9-year-old primary school student in Belize City had to be taken down off his school veranda yesterday morning, as he was attempting to commit suicide for a strange reason. Police were called to the school at around 9:00 and were told by the boy's teacher that he [�]
Family chops up each other during dispute
A family dispute in San Pedro Columbia Village, located some miles out of Punta Gorda (PG) town, landed a father and his two sons in the hospital for chop wounds inflicted among themselves. Police visited the PG Hospital at around 10:20 p.m. and saw three men of Mayan [�]
Suspected suicide in American woman's death in Punta Gorda
Punta Gorda (PG) Police made the shocking discovery of a body hanging in the home of an American couple in Cattle Landing Village, late Wednesday afternoon, November 11th. Officers visited the home of 51 year old Scott Christopher O'Brian and his common law wife, 50 year old Dorleen [�]
La Inmaculada Credit Union bomb threat a prank call
Orange Walk Police were called out to the La Inmaculada Credit Union after receiving a suspicious call around 8:35 a.m. stating that a bomb may have been planted in the institution. Authorities quickly cordoned off the perimeter and vacated everyone from the immediate area so as to carry out [�]
UB gets $4000 donation from The Pan American Development Foundation (PADF)
The Pan American Development Foundation (PADF) is a non-governmental organization that works to improve lives and protect the environment, as well as respond to natural disasters in Latin America and the Caribbean. A press release from PADF issued today, indicates that it has made a donation of technological equipment, tools [�]
Moist and unstable conditions to continue
The National Meteorological Service of Belize is predicting mostly cloudy skies with some showers, periods of rain and a few thunderstorms over most areas, but especially in the South and along the coast. Low lying areas will remain at risk of flooding for the next day or two. Winds will [�]
Bomb threat at La Inmaculada Credit Union
Information reaching our newsroom is that members of the La Inmaculada Credit Union are presently evacuating the premises after a call came in of a possible bomb threat. Members of the Police Department have been called in and are in the area. This is a developing story and [�]
Greg Norman Visits Belize - Golf Course Planned for 2016
I know very little about golf but even I have heard of now retired professional Australian golfer, Greg Norman. He has won 85 major tournaments in the 1980s and 1990s and spent 331 week at Number One in his field.
His nickname is the Great White Shark. He was born in Queensland, Australia - home to the largest barrier reef in the world (Belize just happens to have the second) and he now designs prestigious golf courses around the world.
For a bit of ooohhhing and aaahhhing (even if you don't play golf), take a look at the list of the TOP 15 Greg Norman Golf Courses.
Where else could you do this before you fly?
For her departure, on her last trip here, Lydia was booked on the 11:00 am flight to Belize International Airport. We opted to make plans with Colin and Laura to have one last breakfast before she left and Estel's was the unquestionable choice. We agreed to meet at 9:00 to make sure we had enough time in case our popular beach breakfast spot was busy. It was, but we still made it out in under an hour.
Lydia still had some last minute gift shopping to do, so she asked if we could pass by Ambar in Fido's Courtyard. This is a popular spot for reasonably priced nice jewelry. I know a few girls that have ongoing collections and pick up a new piece from there every time they vacation.
After Ambar we still had some time so I decided to head north and that we would stop in at Cast Away, Omar's shop on the way. I have had him restring a few crystal necklaces and Lydia said she has used him for jewelry repairs as well and was up for a fast look.
5 Must Do Bucket List Tours in Belize
Pack your bags and don't forget your camera, Belize is one destination that will keep you coming back for more. Adrenaline junkies from all over the world have travelled to the jewel to experience some of the most amazing and unBelizeable adventures.
If you have never travelled to Belize worry not, I have gathered 5 must do tours to make your bucket list unforgettable. Feel free to leave a comment below or hashtag #itravelbelize and share with me your epic pictures of your adventures in Belize.
1. Dive/Snorkel the Great Blue Hole
2. Explore the Lost World Crystal Cave
3. Dive/Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef
4. Get Zipped, Whipped & Dipped (Zip lining, Rappelling & Cave Tubing)
5. Visit the Best Little Zoo in the World - The Belize Zoo
5 Reasons to Love Belize Weather
Paradise / Vacation / Relaxation - all wonderful words that we love so much and would like to use more often, right? Well would you believe me if I tell you that there is a destination that captures all of those words and more? Yes, it's my beautiful country BELIZE.
This hidden jewel is a subtropical paradise with agreeable weather all year-round, a place where every picture you take looks like a postcard or a screensaver. Even a fleeting summer rainstorm seems beautiful and you I can't forget those colorful sunsets and sunrises.
Here are the 5 reasons to love Belize weather:
1. Perfect Temperature
2. Holidays in Paradise
3. Summer in Belize
4. Rainy Season Relaxation
5. Travel Light
If You Can Attend Only One Belize Celebration, Make it Garifuna Settlement Day
Garifuna Settlement Day is eagerly awaited year round, and while it always takes place on November 19th, the rituals and parties dedicated to this historic occasion start early, the most important of which are profoundly symbolic. But to understand why the date is so important, one must know the story behind the holiday.
During the 19th Century, the Garifuna people were expelled from their homeland in the Grenadines by the British army, so they did what other indigenous people do when they need a homeland: they boarded ships and sailed west and slightly north, seeking asylum in Belize where they were invited to settle. Since that time, Garifuna society has flourished, particularly in the Dangriga area where the grandest of all celebrations are staged annually.
That stated, were it not for fate, this momentous occasion might never have been recognized and established had it not been for Belize civil rights activist Thomas Vincent Ramos. He took issue with the fact that while other Belize cultures commemorated their heritage in festive ways, the Garifuna people couldn't point to a single day that was totally theirs.
Finn Kardashian: Vietnam, I Love You, Episode 7.2 - Halong Bay & Hanoi
Greetings from my beautiful country of Belize, Sorry for the late blog but been here and there and everywhere. Kind of a celebrity in my own town. So now let's talk about that country in Southeast Asia that stole Finn Kardashian's heart (note from SPS: he now speaks in the third person!). Am still in love with VIETNAM! How about we start with our over night adventure in Ha Long Bay. If it is not apparent, I am so so infatuated with this country.
Ha Long Bay has been recognized by UNESCO as a WORLD HERITAGE SITE, we left early in the morning shuttle - took about 4 hours to get there and then the magical boat ride took us around the entrance, The bay features thousands of limestone karst's and isles in various sizes and shapes.
Halong Bay translates to "where the dragon descended into the sea". You'll see why�
Slow Cooker Cochinita Pibil Tacos (Yucatan Pulled Pork)
Rub down pork butt with achiote paste. If the pork is tied up, remove all the string and massage the achiote over the unfolded piece of meat.
In a large bowl, mix together orange juice, lemon juice, vinegar, habanero and the spices. Place pork in the orange mixture and leave to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or ideally overnight. Turn the pork at least once in the marinade to ensure even saturation.
In a small bowl, mix together vinegar, salt and sugar until the dry ingredients are dissolved.
Place onions in a sanitized glass jar and pour vinegar over top.
Add peppercorns and top up with water until all the onions are submerged.
Cochinita Pibil
This is a Mayan recipe for an incredibly delicious "pulled pork" for tacos. We make this at the restaurant I work at, Ciudad D.F. in Dallas, but I actually like this recipe better. It comes from 'Tacos' The Santa Fe School of Cooking Series cookbook. Achiote paste and Banana leaves can be found in your local Hispanic Market. Trust me on this the Habaneroes only add flavor, there is no heat at all. If you want it spicy add more and leave the seeds in. Roasting them first also adds more spice.
Pachanga Means Party!!!
A Pachanga is what locals call a festive celebration, a bash, PARTY! San Pedro, Ambergris Caye is always alive with parties; be it birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, business events, beach parties, rallies, fundraisers or just your TGIF get-together.
Living on an island people get creative with their party themes and even the venue. The beach is one of the most popular spots to throw a party - Hey! You cannot beat the scenery on La Isla Bonita. On a beautiful day it is all you need as a backdrop and the coconut trees are your decorations.
But how about a Pachanga on board a Pachanga? What!? Yeah! This weekend the family threw a surprise birthday party for Madison on board La Pachanga (party boat) and the fun was out of this world.
International Sources
QUEEN ELIZABETH SCHOLARS:
BUILDING RESILIENCE IN COASTAL COMMUNITIES
VIU's Building Resilience in Coastal Communities (BRiCC) program will be offering 24 internship and scholarship positions for VIU students and 7 scholarships to incoming Belizean graduate students from 2016 to 2018. BRiCC QE II Scholars will undertake research, project work and internships in collaboration with community partners in Belize and on Vancouver Island that aim to support:
Capacity to foster sustainable economic activity, particularly tourism.
Management of water in coastal zones, including drinking water.
Developing and managing parks and protected areas in or near coastal communities.
Coastal communities' responses to climate change.
Sustainable aquatic foods and local agricultural production.
Mega project for Caye Chapel Island: Un macroproyecto con sello yucateco
According to the "Diario de Yucatan" News,Thor Urbana Capital is in Belize today to assess and sign plans for the new development. Con una inversi�n de m�s de 250 millones de d�lares, Inmobilia, la empresa yucateca de bienes ra�ces premium detr�s del Yucat�n Country Club, Country Towers y V�a Montejo, entre otros, desarrollar�, en asociaci�n con Thor Urbana Capital, su primer macroproyecto fuera de las fronteras mexicanas al anunciar Caye Chapel, un exclusivo y lujoso complejo tur�stico, residencial, ecol�gico y deportivo, localizado a unos kil�metros de la costa de Belice.
Enclavado en las cristalinas aguas del mar Caribe, Caye Chapel se convertir� en poco tiempo en un destino exclusivo, armado con casi 4 kil�metros de playa, un majestuoso campo de golf de la firma Greg Norman, un hotel gran turismo de renombre internacional, residencias beachfront, y bungalows asentados sobre el mar turquesa, se informa en un comunicado.
Ubicada a unos minutos de Belice por avi�n, la isla de 114 hect�reas contar� tambi�n con un private landing strip disponible las 24 horas del d�a al servicio de los residentes y visitantes, permitiendo conexiones en minutos con los aeropuertos internacionales de San Pedro y Belice.
This man flew to Belize and paid $94,000 for a risky brain implant to study the link between thoughts and speech
Every now and then, a scientist comes along who is so dedicated to their work that they decide to experiment on themself.
Phil Kennedy is one of those scientists.
As MIT Technology Review's Adam Piore reported, the neuroscientist who pioneered the technology used to connect the human brain to a computer decided to get his own brain implant in 2014.
In June 2014, Kennedy flew to Belize and paid surgeons $25,000 to implant electrodes into his brain's motor cortex, which controls his ability to move.
But the surgery, which lasted 12 hours, didn't go as well as planned. When he awoke, he couldn't speak, he told Tech Review. A spike in his blood pressure during the procedure caused his brain to swell, leaving him temporarily paralyzed. But Kennedy says he wasn't afraid, because he invented the surgery and knew what to expect.
Within a few months, he had recovered, and returned for a second surgery to implant the electronics that would record the signals from his brain. When he got back to his lab in Duluth, Georgia, Kennedy began recording his brain signals while saying or thinking basic sounds or words, like "plum" or "hello world," Tech Review reported.
Belize holds Ponzi scheme suspect without bail, Mexico seeks deportation or extradition
An associate of convicted former Texas tycoon R. Allen Stanford is being held in the Central American nation of Belize without bail because he is considered a flight risk.
Suspect David Nanes Schnitzer was arrested last week when he was caught with allegedly false documents in Belize.
Mexican authorities said on Friday that Nanes Schnitzer headed the Mexican arm of Stanford's massive Ponzi scheme, which allegedly defrauded investors in Mexico of $706 million.
Mexico says it is pursuing the deportation or extradition of Nanes Schnitzer to face a 2011 arrest warrant for unauthorized securities transactions.
Stanford was sentenced in the United States to 110 years in prison after being convicted of bilking investors in a $7.2 billion sale of fraudulent certificates of deposits from the Stanford International Bank.
US, Mexico sign deal on sharing satellite data directly, say will help Mexico track hurricanes
U.S. Interior Secretary Sally Jewell shakes hands with Eduardo Sojo, president of INEGI, Mexico's National Institute of Statistics and Geography, after signing an agreement to share satellite data between the U.S. and Mexico, at the 2015 Ministerial Summit of the Group on Earth Observations, in Mexico City, Friday, Nov. 13, 2015. The U.S. and Mexico have signed a deal for Mexico to receive land-surface imagery and data directly from a U.S.-operated satellite. Officials say that will allow the country to better track environmental change, as well as improve monitoring and preparation for phenomena such as hurricanes.
Videos
Rain like hurricane... Caye Caulker on Friday, 1/2min.
The Phoenix Resort in Belize, 2.5min. Come enjoy a memorable vacation at The Phoenix Resort located in San Pedro on the island of Ambergris Caye, Belize.
Diving Belize/ San pedro /Douglas dahlin, 2min. My first diving video from belize.
Barefoot Beach Bar, Placencia Belize, 2min. if you get to Placencia in your travels you must stop here the Barefoot Beach Bar is one of those great travel book locations.. the beer is cold the sun is hot .. you need to come by and sit awhile and let the world pass and get your smile recharged ..
AmbergrisCaye.com 
