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Dentist convicted for unethical acts in US stopped from opening office in Belize
Thanks to a tip, police have been able to close down a dentist office in San Pedro before it opened for its first day of business. The reason is because the American dentist who would be operating that clinic, has criminal records in North Carolina, United States for injecting semen into his client...
Belmopan man charged for chopping man in forehead
Belmopan police have made an arrest for the attempted murder of a 23 year old Belmopan man. On Saturday December 5, Adonai Harrison and some friends arrived in Belmopan after attending a youth award ceremony in Belize City. Heading home, they passed the Mae Gordon Park in Belmopan where he was conf...
Cabinet decides no entry for stranded Cubans
The Cabinet of the Government of Belize met today to discuss the proposal presented by the Government of Costa Rica for Belize to facilitate the mobility of Cuban immigrants currently stranded at the Costa Rica - Nicaragua Border. Almost four thousand Cubans are now stranded at the Costa Rica Nicara...
Man charged in connection to fatal traffic accident
Yesterday we told you about the traffic accident that claimed the life of 50-year-old Jorge Reynoso Juarez in the Stann Creek District. That accident happened on Saturday the 5th of December at around 7:45p.m, at the Santa Cruz Junction and Placencia Road in Stann Creek. Police say they have since a...
Belmopan resident to receive Queen's Young Leaders Award
60 young people from across the Commonwealth will be receiving the Queen's Young Leaders Award. A Belizean youth has been named among this year's winners, and she hails from Belmopan. She is 27 year old Deidra Smith. The Award will be presented in London by Her Majesty The Queen in 2016 as a p...
Murder accused face appeal
Tyrone Meighan and Brandon Baptist were charged just yesterday in the home invasion and rape at the residence of Sarkis Abou-Nehra in Burrell Boom last week, among a group of nine. But we have received confirmed reports that they may face another set of charges which they thought they had beaten a l...
Boy dies from traffic accident injuries
A 9 year old boy died as a result of a traffic accident that happened on Thursday of last week. By all appearances, and according to xrays and ultrasounds, 9 year old Geraldo Lopez was not in any critical condition after he was knocked down by a motorcycle while crossing the Orange Walk Main street ...
The December 9, 2015 issue of The Capital Weekly is online HERE
The Guardian
Sarstoon will have its Forward Operating Base
John Saldivar, the Minister of National Security, and the Barrow Government have proven that they can keep their promises to the Belizean People.
On Wednesday, December 9, they traveled down to the mouth of the Sarstoon river to hold a ground breaking ceremony to signal to everyone, including the Guatemalan neighbors, that a Joint Forces Forward Operating Base will be built at the entrance of the Sarstoon River.
Saldivar was accompanied by a number of dignitaries to the ground breaking site. Those officials included Frank "Papa" Mena, the Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister; Patrick Faber, the Minister of Education; 2 observers of the Organization of American States; Admiral John Borland, the Commandant of the Belize National Coast Guard; Brigadier General David Jones, the Commander of the Belize Defence Force; Superintendent Simeon Alvarez, the Officer Commanding the Punta Gorda Police Station; and a number of high ranking soldiers, police officers, and coast guard personnel.
Cuban migration 'a regional problem' says Belize's Cabinet
The Cabinet of Belize met on Tuesday as it always does and this week top on the agenda were discussions on a request made by the Costa Rican government for Belize to allow over 3 thousand Cubans to leave Costa Rica via airplanes and land in Belize and from here further their movement into Mexico and on to the United States of America.
After Tuesday's meeting, the Cabinet issued the following release: "The Cabinet of the Government of Belize met today to discuss the proposal presented by the Government of Costa Rica for Belize to facilitate the mobility of Cuban immigrants currently stranded at the Costa Rica - Nicaragua Border.
After careful consideration the Cabinet is of the view that this is a regional problem. As such the Government of Belize is prepared to participate in a regional discussion to identify the necessary mechanisms to address the Cuban immigrants transiting through the region. At this juncture, the Government of Belize is unable to make any commitments outside of a regional arrangement."
Christmas stalled, another ship sent back
Stevedores at the Port of Belize, on Wednesday December 9 are once again refusing to unload a ship that has made a port call. The stevedores have taken on this position after negotiations with the management have apparently failed. However it is a matter of who you listen to. According to the Chief Executive Officer of the Port, Arturo 'Tux' Vasquez, the decision was taken in an arbitrary manner while negotiations were ongoing. The Christian Workers Union has taken the position that the workers are fighting to have pensions paid to them.
The Guardian has received a document which indeed proves that there have been negotiations going and in fact these have been signed into an agreement. The document clearly spells out the terms of a pension fund for the stevedores and says it becomes effective when a Collective Bargaining Agreement is signed. What the document does not say is when that will take place that is, there is no definitive start date to the pension. We are informed that stevedores will begin to make their contribution to the pension program as early as January of next year. But even though that is not spelt out that apparently is the start date. What is missing however is the retroactivity of the pension.
That is now the point of contention between management and the stevedores since the agreement does not state if the pension will be retroactive. For his part Arturo 'Tux' Vasquez is now holding on to the position that they port cannot pay for a retroactive pension which the stevedores want to roll back to 2004 when the port was privatized.
Lisa who?
Today we will look at another personality in this Leadership conundrum. A few weeks ago Lisa Shoman threw her hat in the ring as a candidate for the contest to fill the void as PUP Leader that was created by the stepping down of Francis Fonseca some 12 or so hours after the party's fourth election defeat in just about 10 months. Some would even go as far as saying the PUP has been Leaderless since George Price was stabbed in the back in 1996. He was the only true Leader the party had that commanded any respect and was the glue that held the party together.
PUP needs another George Price to lead it, and in effect Lisa is saying she is that person. Back in last month on 24th November, 2015 she declared that she will run to fill that vacant position as Party Leader. This is what channel 7 reported "Lisa Shoman who wants to be the next Leader of her party, is one of 5 potential candidates including ....... but she is the first woman to express an interest in leading a mass party". Lisa who does not hold a seat in the house of representatives nor does she control a constituency within her party, and according to all checks we at this newspaper have made she has never won any sort of contest before , not even a POPULARITY CONTEST in KINDERGARDEN.
PUP has no sympathy for Belize City flood victims
Two loan motions were passed in the House of Representatives on Friday, December 4, but what most people will remember from the 12th National Assembly's first day of actual business is the debate of a supplemental revenue appropriation bill.
The House of Representatives passed Petro-Caribe Loan (Amendment) Act on Friday, June 26, to specify what types of projects can be implemented under the program and make requirements for quarterly reports of acquisition and spending of Petro-Caribe funds. The supplemental revenue appropriation bill introduced on December 4 is to honour government's requirement for quarterly reports. Therefore, government asked permission for the retrospective acquisition and spending of $44.7 million for the months of September, October and November. The details of the spending were attached to reports presented to members of the House.
Representatives of the People's United Party, still in their General Election post-mortem stage, pointed at the three month expenditure as the reason for the United Democratic Party's November 4th victory. In remarks directed at Hon. Patrick Faber, the member from Orange Walk Central, Hon. Johnny Briceno, said, "of course if we had 44 million to spend, Honorable member from Collet, we would be sitting over that side". Rt. Hon Said Musa, Representative for Fort George, said, "The government is boasting that it bought the election."
5 Ambassadors present credentials to the Governor General of Belize
Five ambassadors presented their credentials to the Governor General of Belize H.E. Sir Colville Young on December 7, 2015 at the Belize House in the City of Belmopan.
H.E. Rabah Hadid, Ambassador of Algeria; H.E. Petros Panayotopolous, Ambassador of Greece; H.E. Alfonso Manuel Portables Vazquez, Ambassador of Spain; H.E. Vehbi Esgel Etensel, Ambassador of Turkey; and H.E. Valdrack Jaentschke, Ambassador of Nicaragua all expressed their pleasure in being a representative of their countries in Belize and extended warm greetings to Belize from their governments. Each ambassador conveyed to the Governor General that their country's purpose is to continue to develop and maintain strong relations between their countries and Belize. The Governor General graciously received the credentials and welcomed the ambassadors to Belize.
Better road, more accidents in Orange Walk Town
Two years ago there was hue and cry about the condition of the portion of the Phillip Goldson Highway which runs through Orange Walk Town. It had been in a terrible state of disrepair partly due to incessant bad weather but mostly due to the neglect of the Orange Walk Town Council.
The United Democratic Party Government then stepped in and through the use of Petro Caribe Funds the three miles which pass through the town were repaired and paved making it a joy to drive on. Well the old adage which says that "progress brings problems" appositely applies to this recent improvement of the road.
The problem that this has created is that now motorists have taken to speeding on this stretch of level road. Often people can be seen speeding when entering Orange Walk Town from both sides and even through the center of the town. Maybe because it is such a smooth ride they don't realize that they are indeed travelling at speeds which are dangerous to other road users and even to themselves.
Legal battle over 'MEK MI RICH' continues
Supreme Court Justice Courtney Abel has closed the evidence taking phase of a lawsuit to determine if the new hit lottery game, Mek Mi Rich, is a stolen idea. This is the allegation that Corozal businessman Curtis Swasey has accused the directors of Mek Mi Rich of doing, stealing his idea and reaping the commercial benefits of it.
Swasey has given sworn testimony that in 2012, he approached Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) with the idea of using their short messaging service (SMS) platform to allow Belizeans to buy lottery tickets for a lottery game he had developed. His idea, referred to as lottery texting, would provide him with BTL's entire customer base as possible clients who could buy tickets using their SMS. It would also give the customers the security of an identification, and proof of ownership since the Government has mandated that every single phone number be registered to an owner. He claims that when he approached BTL on the concept, they signed an information exchange agreement, which is basically a non-disclosure or confidentiality agreement, where neither side is allowed to reveal the sensitive information being discussed among both parties.
Local Sugar Price Increase Benefits Entire Industry's Viability
Today, BSI issued a revised cane price estimate to cane farmer associations for the 2015/16 crop. As a result of last week's decision by the Government to raise the price of plantation white sugar, cane farmers were informed that the first cane payment will increase to $36.65 based on a revised first cane price estimate, which increased from $41.56 to 45.25.
This increase fully reflects the increase provided under the new Statutory Instrument giving it effect. Though it was less than expected by farmers as a result of the government decision not to extend the increase to brown sugar, and also because the benefit is spread over more tons of cane as a result of an increased expected crop this year than that envisaged in 2014 when the proposal was made by industry stakeholders to Government.
Nevertheless, the increase will be of great benefit to the industry, and signals the first time in almost 15 years (the last increase was January 2001) that the industry has seen an upward adjustment in prices despite significant market changes over the years. The proposal was rooted in the context of anticipated adverse developments in the EU Sugar market, which has historically been Belize's traditional and most beneficial export market. The EU reforms will reduce the preferential value of that market considerably in the lead up to the lifting of current restrictions on EU beet production in 2017. The proposed increase in local sugar price was justified on the basis that the increased price will:
PUP celebrating the possible loss of Petro Caribe
It seems that those Dean Barrow haters and DOOM forecasters in the PUP, could not wait for the ink to dry on the paper to declare that the Venezuelan opposition the Democratic Unity Roundtable had taken over control of their Parliament from the President Nicolas Maduro's led socialist party PSUV by what is being described as a trouncing. They are now jumping for joy that it may be the end of the Petro Caribe. We say this because even though Maduro is still the President of Venezuela for the next 3 years his hands would be tied, because for some time now the opposition has been attacking Maduro and the PSUV with the accusation that the terms of the Petro Caribe program was making the Venezuelan people starve. So one would only conclude that they will use their powerful majority in parliament to either cut back on the amount of rounds they make available to countries like ours or they will stop it completely.
One may ask how will this be possible if Maduro still holds the Presidency. Well Venezuela has a system like the USA. They can have a president from one party and a parliament from another party. We don't have to think too far back to imagine how parliament could hamstring a president. Just think back to two years ago when President Obama could not get his budget passed by their parliament. It caused the Federal Government to shut down, there was not much money to spend.
Said Musa must have "The Talk" with Kareem
Every father with male offsprings at some point in life should have "the talk" with their son. The main subjects of such a discussion are the do's and do not's of life. Now that we have our first National Assembly father and son combo in the country's history, it is about time that we have the first parliamentary father-son talk. If not, the son will continue to bring shame to the father.
On Friday, December 4, Kareem Musa opted to bring up the topic of international fugitive David Nanes Schnitzer. On the motion to adjourn, Musa said his concern of national importance is about passport fraud. According to the member from Caribbean Shores, "The David Schnitzer case demonstrated to the world that there is not only collusion [in the immigration department] but there is multi-layered corruption from top to bottom."
Prime Minister Barrow is equally upset about the David Nanes Schnitzer blackeye and he outlined the authority's efforts and legal limitations in regards to the reprimand and extradition of the fugitive. However, he pointed out to Kareem Musa that he does not need to ask questions in the House of Assembly to familiarize himself with the intricacies of immigration corruption. Prime Minister Barrow encouraged him to "start with your father".
Increase in the control price for plantation white sugar
The Ministry of Economic Development, Petroleum, Investment, Trade and Commerce, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, hereby informs the general public that effective January 1, 2016, Plantation White Sugar will retail at a maximum price of 75 cents per pound countrywide. A Statutory Instrument has been signed by the Minister responsible for Supplies Control dated December 4th, 2015 to give effect to this increase. While the GOB has maintained the controlled prices for sugar for more than a decade, this increase of 25 cents per pound is to allow the industry to earn a fair price in comparison to other producers in the region.
The Ministry reiterates that this price change becomes effective on January 1, 2016 and merchants are hereby warned to desist from adjusting retail prices before the above mentioned date. Furthermore, Sections 15 and 16 of the Supplies Control Regulations requires every retailer of any priced controlled goods to display for public viewing a list of approved maximum retail prices as well as clearly mark the retail price on the packaging of such price controlled goods offered for sale. The public is also advised that there is sufficient sugar in stock and all parties along the distribution chain are warned not to hoard sugar in an attempt to earn a price windfall from consumers.
Sugar price gouging
On Friday December 4, the Ministry of Economic Development, Petroleum, Investment, Trade and Commerce, and the Ministry of Agriculture announced that the price of plantation white sugar would be increasing by 25 cents.
The release notes that it has been over a decade since the price of sugar has been increased and the increase is, "to allow the industry to earn a fair price in comparison to other producers in the region." It goes on to state that, "the Ministry reiterates that this price change becomes effective on January 1, 2016 and merchants are hereby warned to desist from adjusting retail prices before the above mentioned date. Failure to comply with the Supplies Control Price Regulations will result in imprisonment for a term not exceeding six (6) months, a fine of one thousand dollars ($1000.00), or to both such term of imprisonment and such fine.
Verdes FC a foot closer in advancing to the finals again
The Premier League of Belize Opening Season Tournament Playoff Round commenced on Saturday 5 December, 2015.
On Sunday 6 December 2015, at the Norman Broaster Stadium in San Ignacio Town, the home team and defending National Football Champions, the Verdes FC white-wash the Belmopan Bandits by the score of 2-0 to take a 1-0 lead in the home and away series between the two.
The Verdes FC got on the scoreboard when Jarret Davis scored the first of his two goals in the 25th minute of play to give his team a 1-0 lead. The lead was extended when Davis scored his 2nd goal of the game in the 27th minute of play to give his team a 2-0 lead.
The Verdes defence was able to hold the lead and at the sound of the long whistle it was a 2-0 victory for the home team.
Meanwhile, on Saturday 5 December, at the Michael Ashcroft Stadium in Independence Village, the host team the Placencia Assassins edged out the visiting Police United FC by the score of 2-1.
St. Catherine Academy and Gwen Lizarraga won the Central Region Secondary Schools basketball competition
The Central Region Secondary Schools Basketball Competition came to an end on Saturday 5 December, 2015, with the continuation of the male championship game that had to be postponed in the third quarter on Friday 4 December with the score in favour of Gwen Lizarraga High School because of the inclement weather.
In the end, Gwen Lizarraga High School edged out Sadie Vernon Technical High School by the score of 74-73. The top scorers for Gwen Lizarraga High School were Keyvon Evans with 25 points and Aaron Young with 23 points.
Meanwhile, the top scorers for Sadie Vernon Technical High School were Glency Lopez with 32 points and Darnel Galvez with 19 points.
In the second and final game in the female championship, St. Catherine Academy defeated Maud Williams High School by the score of 22-20. The top scorer for St. Catherine Academy was Tricia Jefferies with 8 points and for Maud Williams High School, the top scorers were Ashley Bailey and Arika Sheppard with 7 points each.
Rotary hands over houses to two needy families
"Service Above Self" is the Rotary motto and on Wednesday, December 9, the Rotary Club of Belize continued to live up to that mantra by handing over the keys for brand new houses to two needy families in Belize City.
Delphina Terry is the grandmother of three young children. The children's parents are not in a position to take care of them; therefore, granny is the primary caregiver. Life has been difficult for the family because their place(s) of shelter was not adequate for human life. Rainy days were the worst. The children who had already been dealt a bad hand at birth faced many extremely uncomfortable nights. While most people think about whether it would be cold or warm in the nights, families like these wonder if they will be dry or wet. Fortunately, this will not be the case for Terry's family in the near future and hopefully it will never be the case again.
Outstanding contributions by young people honored in Youth Awards
The Department of Youth Services held its 2015 Belize Youth Awards on Friday December 4, 2015 at the Belize Biltmore Plaza. The event which marked the culmination of National Youth Week, celebrated under the theme "Youth, Let's Make the Dream Work with Team Work", is held annually to recognize and reward young people from all over Belize for their contribution to Belize's development.
The special guest speaker for the occasion was Mr. Mike Duggan, Executive Director of Domus Kids, a U.S. based NGO which provides a home and after-school programs for with at-risk boys. Mr. Duggan is also involved in the "No Youth Left Behind Initiative" which provides guidance and mentorship for young people. In addressing the awardees and guests at Friday's event, Mr. Duggan said, "See young people as resources and not as recipients of services that you give. Actively get their input, have the trust and confidence in them that they know what they are talking about, that they know what they need, and they know what their communities need and they have the solutions."
Ghost Town crew charged for home invasion
Six men and three women affiliated with the Ghost Town Gang are on remand at the Belize Central Prison for their alleged involvement in the home invasion of Lebanon's Honorary Consul's residence in Burrell Boom Village. His Excellency Sarkis Bou Nehra was out of the country when his home was invaded by armed gunmen on Thursday, December 3. According to police, Tyrone Meighan, Brandon Baptist, John Grinage, Jerson Grinage, Sheldon Grinage, Randolph Coleman and others forced themselves into Bou Nehra's residence. Police say they held the caretaker of the property at gunpooint and forced him into the main residence. The men then proceeded to steal three 9 mm pistols, one 12 gauge shotgun, one .22 rifle and one Pietrro Berreta Single Action Shotgun. They also made off with an assortment of jewelry, one black DVR player, one leopard styled Diane Von Fursteinberg purse, a collection of alcoholic beverages, additional items and $11,500 cash. During the home invasion, the wife of the caretaker was raped by one of the robbers. Adding insult to injury, her blue Alcatel cellular phone and $388 cash was also taken away.
COPA inaugurates flights to Belize
Belize's tourism footprint is set to expand drastically into Central and South America. That's because the Panamanian air carrier, Compa�a Paname�a de Aviaci�n (COPA) will be making direct flights here.
On Tuesday, December 8, the first flight from Hub de La Americas, Panama City, Flight #281, arrived at the Philip Goldson International Airport a few minutes short of 1 p.m. That flight brought 92 passengers from that country. It was very routine, and almost mundane, in the landing in Belizean territory, for COPA Airlines, this only their 7th destination in Central America that they fly direct to.
Friends for Conservation and Development holds AGM in Cayo
The Friends for Conservation and Development FCD, the Non Governmental Organization that protects the Western Maya Mountain Massif, held its 16th Annual General meeting at the San Ignacio Resort Hotel on Saturday of this past weekend. As part of the activities for the day, new members were elected to serve within the Board of Directors at FCD, which included a retired Belize Defense Force soldier Oscar Mira as well as Jorge De Leon.
In his report to the audience, Board President Dr. Filiberto Penados said that the AGM was a space to review the year, ponder the challenges, review commitment as well as to elect friends to take on the mantle. He said that the Chiquibul Forest Reserve, co-managed by the FCD is the watershed for half of Belize and parts of Guatemala. Dr. Penados also said that there are now 18 rangers on the ground to protect that asset.
Executive Director Rafael Manzanero also reviewed the roles of those rangers, who are currently doing smart patrols and deployed at conservation posts. According to him, the work that the FCD does with the help of rangers has been facilitated by the Police, the Belize Defense Force as well as the Immigration Department.
Belizean lawmen endure major discomfort at Hunting Caye
In early October of last year there was a great hue and cry from a small quarter of noise makers who had taken up issue with the fact that a Coast Guard forward operating base under construction at the time on that island was being so done by a Guatemalan company. As a result of all the noise, the work came to a screeching halt and since then there has been no resumtion of the work. The funders, the US government, had been very clear to the Belizean government, if the Guatemalan company was not allowed to continue the work then GOB would have to find its own source of financing. After all the noise the government decided to cancel the work and since then the work has been at a standstill. That has been over a year now and the Chief Executive Officer in the ministry of National Security has explained that the work will only resume after the project is put to tender and a new Belizean company is identified to do the work. There have also been delays as the ministry was awaiting the plans of the building which were held by US authorities.
Sixth International Festival of Culture held in Benque
The Sixth International Festival of Culture fulfilled a great love of the arts by local residents on Friday night of last week at the Centennial Park in Benque Viejo del Carmen. The event was held to celebrate the 111th anniversary of Benque Viejo, under the theme "Celebrating our Legacy as we unearth Potential" and featured a number of National and International artists performing over the entire weekend.
Addressing the audience during the opening ceremonies on Friday was Virginia Vasquez President of the Community of Artists for Cultural and Historical Endeavour CACHE. Vasquez noted that she was happy to see the various age groups being represented. She also emphasized that culture brings people and families together and also gives identity to the community. At the request of Virginia Vasquez, a moment of silence was observed for Shadisha Arnold, Elizabeth McKoy and Ana Carlos, who recently perished in a fire in the Belize District.
First to start the series of events was David Snow, a master violinist, who now lectures at the John Paul Two Junior College in Benque. Starting to play violin from the age of 8 years, Snow was well suited to play for the audience his versions of classical sounds.
KHMH has new union and new executive
It went as quietly as the raise which they received at the end of October of this year and now the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital workers have a union complete with an executive to represent them.
On Thursday December 3 the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital held an election to select an executive to represent them. Nominations were open from November 6 to the 26 with the criteria being that anyone who was interested in filling a position in the executive needed only to be a full time employee of the KHMH. After the nominations the election was held on Thursday December 3rd after which Lidia Alpuche Blake was selected as the president. Vice President is Andrew Baird, Secretary is Romelio Casta�eda, Assistant Secretary is Ricardo Hermoso, Treasurer is Shevan Fairweather, Assistant Treasurer is Beverly Coleman with councillors being Sharette White, Nelsia Flowers Dyer, Marisol Melhado and Adrian Cardinez.
Sugar season on its way
The 2015-2016 Sugar Season has begun right on time after 2 consecutive late starts, which had cost the industry millions of dollars in earnings due to in-fighting among the principals. But, this time around, the cane farmers and the factory owners need to work very hard to try to make every day count for this season because the price of export sugar sold to Europe is at an all time low.
This is threatening the local season since the farmers and the factory owners made investments based on expected returns on this year's crop. So, because the season will be a challenging one, on Monday, December 7, the Belize Sugar Industries Limited started accepting cane from farmers who are members of the Progressive Cane Farmers Association from San Estevan. Apart from this year's quota of cane, there was a great deal of stand over plant cane, which is cane which couldn't be delivered in time in the duration of the season. To facilitate this year's efficiency of the mill's offloading process, there is an additional dumping table, a new hydraulic lift which will make cane deliveries happen faster. That's over a million dollars in investment from BSI. It is estimated that there is about 1.7 million tonnes of cane in the fields right now, but the mill can only grind about 1.3 million. The idea is that the millers want to expand the capacity to ensure that they can deal with the workload, but they need a commitment from the farmers in the form of the Strategic Development Plan, which will allow all parties to increase their respective capacities.
Five years for sub-machine gun
Richard Mervin Bennett Jr., 18, is in jail serving the first nights of a five year jail term for a prohibited weapon. According to police, a joint operation was conducted by officers of the South Strike Team #1, Special Branch Unit and K-9 Unit on Thursday, December 3. This operation included searching the home of Richard Bennett, 58, at #26 Magazine Road, Belize City twice. The first search was executed at 4:30 a.m. and a second search was conducted at 1:30 p.m. later that day. During the search, the canine cop stopped at an area in the yard and sat down. Police searched that specific area and behind the trunk of a car found a Tec-9 sub-machine gun with a magazine containing 15 live 9mm Aquila brand rounds. Everyone living at the house was arrested and charged with keeping a prohibited firearm and ammunition.
Body found in Cayo
A body has been found about one mile from the Ant Trial Road, on a feeder road that leads to the Belize Old River in the Spanish Lookout Area. San Ignacio Police discovered the body of a Hispanic male at about 8:45 pm on Tuesday of this week in an advanced state of decomposition in the water, in the area also known as Mennonite Beach, completely nude and with an open wound to the temporal area of his head. The male person appears to be in his early 40's and had no identification. The body is being guarded until a post mortem is conducted.
Five face charges for weed and pipe found in C-D player
Five people are out on bail of $6,000 each after police raided a house on 6th Street in the Kings Park area of Belize City and found 142 grams of marijuana and 14 pieces of weed fudge.
In a joint operation, officers of the Northern Strike Team, K-9 Unit and the Tourism Police Unit executed a search at the home of Arthur Higgs, located on 7th Street, on Wednesday, December 2, around 10:30 a.m. Police say during the search they found four black plastic bags containing 16 smaller bags of cannabis. These were found along with a ceramic pipe stuffed inside a Technic Compact Disc Player. In the living room police found 14 pieces of weed fudge. The marijuana in the bags amounted to 142 grams. The marijuana in the fudge amounted to 222 grams. Everyone at the house during the time of the search was arrested and charged for drug trafficking. Those are Claudette Hyde, 59, her son Arthur Higgs, 32, along with Adrian Gotoy, 25, Eric Humes, 25, and Keenan Brown, 22.
Marijuana bust in Benque
On Tuesday December 8 at about 5:15 pm, on the strength of a search warrant for drugs, the Police K-9 Unit and Benque Viejo Town Police visited the residence of 19 year old Jamil Cano, Belizean Student of George Street BVO Town, which resulted in the discovery of a small black plastic bag and a blue small plastic bag each containing a green leafy substance suspected to be cannabis.
The leafy materials were found underneath a small mattress that was on a wooden bed inside the room. At the time Cano was at home where he was informed of the offence committed, cautioned, placed under arrest and was escorted to the Benque Viejo Town Police Station along with the suspected cannabis. The drugs were weighed in his presence separately amounting to 91.0 grams in the black bag and 136.0 grams in the blue bag, all to a total of 227.0 grams. Jamil Cano was arrested and charged for drug trafficking.
Holy Angels Roman Catholic School girls from the Stann Creek District repeats as National Volleyball Champions
The 2015-2016 National Primary Schools Volleyball Championship came to an end on Friday 4 December, 2015, at the Star's Volleyball Gym in Belize City.
In the girls' championship game, Holy Angels Roman Catholic School from the Stann Creek Valley Pomona Village defeated Toledo Christian Academy in two sets by the score of 25-20 and 25-22 to repeat as the National Primary Schools Volleyball Champions.
In the third place game, Belize Elementary School defeated Chan Pine Ridge Government School representing the Orange Walk District in two sets by the score of 25-18 and 25-9 to take the third place trophy.
In the semi-final round and in game one, Toledo Christian Academy defeated Belize Elementary School in three sets by the score of 25-11, 19-25 and 15-3 to advance to the championship round.
In game two, Holy Angels defeated Chan Pine Ridge Government School in two sets by the score of 25-15 and 25-9 to earn the next spot in the finalist spot.
Escuela Secundaria Tecnica Mexico to host national high schools basketball championships
The National Secondary Schools Sports Association in partnership with co-sponsors Bowen and Bowen (Crystal Brand) and SOL Belize will be hosting its annual National Secondary Schools Sports Association Basketball Championships from Friday December 11 to Saturday December 12, 2015, at the Andres Campos Civic Centre in Corozal Town. This year's championships are being hosted by Escuela Secundaria Tecnica Mexico.
The schools that have earned the rights to represent their region are: from the Northern Region in female San Pedro High School (SPH) and in male Muffles College (MC). From the Central Region in female St. Catherine Academy (SCA) and in male Gwen Lizarraga High School (GLHS); from the Western Region in both the female and male Sacred Heart College (SHC) and from the Southern Region in female Delille Academy (DA) and in male Julian Cho Technical High School (JCTHS).
Gregory Lovell captures Khalid Belisle Cycling Classic
The Cycling Federation of Belize in collaboration with the Mayor of the City of Belmopan His Worship Khalid Belisle held the first Khalid Belisle Cycling Classic on Sunday, 6 December, 2015.
In the Elite Race that was held, Gregory Lovell of Digicell 4G captured first place. Lovell won the race in a bunch sprint. The second rider to cross the finish line was Nissan Arana of Predators Belize while the third place finisher was Jesmar Guerra of Alliance United Cycling Team.
In the Junior race, Ernest Bradley of Smart Zoom took first place. He was followed by Gian Kino of Cabral/Marin Cycling Club with third place going to Kaydine Pinelo of Smart Zoom.
Football Federation of Belize to promote female football
The Football Federation of Belize will be hosting a Press Conference on Saturday 12 December, 2015, at the Football Federation of Belize Conference Room at 9:00 am to launch a new female football programme.
A Female Football Festival themed "Live Your Dreams" will also take place on Saturday 12 December, 2015, at the FFB field from 10:00 am to 12:00 midday. The Federation is extending an invitation to all female ages 10 to 12 to participate in the Football Festival.
The festival will be coordinated by FFB's Technical Director, Renan Couoh.
Verdes FC a foot closer in advancing to the finals again
The Premier League of Belize Opening Season Tournament Playoff Round commenced on Saturday 5 December, 2015.
On Sunday 6 December 2015, at the Norman Broaster Stadium in San Ignacio Town, the home team and defending National Football Champions, the Verdes FC white-wash the Belmopan Bandits by the score of 2-0 to take a 1-0 lead in the home and away series between the two.
The Verdes FC got on the scoreboard when Jarret Davis scored the first of his two goals in the 25th minute of play to give his team a 1-0 lead. The lead was extended when Davis scored his 2nd goal of the game in the 27th minute of play to give his team a 2-0 lead.
The Verdes defence was able to hold the lead and at the sound of the long whistle it was a 2-0 victory for the home team.
Meanwhile, on Saturday 5 December, at the Michael Ashcroft Stadium in Independence Village, the host team the Placencia Assassins edged out the visiting Police United FC by the score of 2-1.
Breaking Belize News
International Fund for Agricultural Development celebrates gender awards
The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) hosted its third annual Gender Awards on November 25th in honor of the "International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women," where five top performing programs supported by the fund and making a difference in women's [�]
Fatal traffic accident in Spanish Lookout
San Ignacio Police is currently at the scene of a fatal traffic accident in the community of Spanish Lookout in the Cayo District. Information reaching our newsroom indicates that there was a collision between a cyclist and an unidentified vehicle. This is a [�]
Belize Bank new debit card promotion offers plenty rewards
Just in time for the holiday shopping season, the Belize Bank has rolled out its new "Swipe More and Win" promotion where debit card holders can win CASH and PRIZES simply for swiping their Belize Bank Debit card while making a purchase. The promotion was [�]
Taximan beats theft charge
A Belize City taxi man accused of theft of two vehicles and over $5,000 in cash from an international company who lived in the Cayo area was today set free of the charge of theft when the Chief Magistrate, Anne Marie Smith dismissed the [�]
Two charged for robbing salesman
19 year old Malieck Michael Humes and 22 year old Macory Alexander Neal, both of Wagner's Lane, Belize City were charged with firearm related offenses and one count of handling stolen goods for items believed to have been stolen from a salesman outside Public Supermarket in downtown Belize [�]
Infamous Brandon Tillett faces more charges
Brandon Mason Tillett, associate of the George Street Gang, is accused of the attempted murder of Lords' Bank resident Jorge Carlos Lozano earlier this year. While in court for an adjournment in the case, he was served by police with additional charges replacing at [�]
Belize named for laundering in another fraud scheme
Belize has once again been named among jurisdictions where millions of dollars, obtained through a fraudulent pyramid scheme, was laundered. Police in Toronto, Canada have arrested two men in connection with a US$ 93 million pyramid scheme. Detective Sergeant Ian Nichol, of Canada's Financial Crimes [�]
Senate debates loan motions and agreements with Guatemala
A busy first session of the upper chamber of the National Assembly is taking place in Belmopan today. The Senate has debated and approved two loan motions, the OPEC Fund for International Development Hummingbird Highway Reconstruction loan for US$12 million; and the US$15 million [�]
Minister demands apology from House member on immigration scam allegations
The Hon. Minister of Natural Resources and Immigration, Senator Godwin Hulse, this morning demanded a public apology from area representative for Toledo East, Mike Espat, concerning comments made last Friday during the House meeting on a reported scam of nationality certificates. According to the [�]
Relatively cool and mostly fair conditions prevail
The National Meteorological Service of Belize is predicting sunny skies with cloudy spells today and partly cloudy skies tonight. Showers will be isolated. Winds will be blowing from the North-Northwest at 5-15 knots and the sea state will be choppy. High temperatures today are expected [�]
Orange Walk police find 74 grams of weed
Orange Walk Police conducted a search at an abandoned lot on Santa Familia Street yesterday afternoon which resulted in the discovery of 74.6 grams of cannabis. At around 3:45 p.m. officers searched the lot and in a black plastic bag, found the drug which was labelled as [�]
Two suspects nabbed in robbery of over $14,000
In respect to the Tuesday morning theft of a knapsack containing cash and other items in Belize City, 19-year-old Malieck Michael Humes and 22-year-old Macory Alexander Neal have been detained pending investigation, after a search of their 28 Wagner's Lane residence resulted in the discovery of the [�]
Decomposed body found in Spanish Lookout
A partially decomposed, nude body of a male person was found in an area of Spanish Lookout known as Mennonite Beach last night45 p.m., officers responded to information received and upon reaching about one mile from Ant Trial road, they saw the [�]
Government of Belize breaks ground on new FOB at Sarstoon island
A statement from the Government of Belize's Press Office, released earlier this morning, noted that a team of officials would be heading to the Sarstoon Island for ground breaking of the new Forward Operating Base. That team included Minister of National Security John Saldivar, Minister [�]
Belize GOB will not accept over 4,000 Cubans; Costa Rica disappointed
The government of Belize has decided not to accept the over 4,000 Cubans stranded at the Costa Rica-Nicaragua border. Cabinet said GOB would offer what assistance it could by way of a regional arrangement but has opted to not allow the Cubans to pass through [�]
The Best Use of Principles of Persuasion
Social scientists estimate that each of us is exposed to hundreds, if not thousands, of persuasive messages per day. Media messages play a large part, but aren't the whole story. The messages of daily interaction are equally important. Every day we encounter small-scale, usually low-stakes persuasive messages, designed to influence our attitudes and behaviors, even though we don't always label them as such. Some of those messages we deflect or ignore. Others get through and are successful, sometimes despite our own best intentions. Your success as a communicator, a sustainable community development (SCD) practitioner, leader, or as a community builder, is directly related to the appropriateness and the effectiveness of the persuasive messages you send out. If all this is true, if persuasion is a natural and inevitable part of the communication process, we might choose to learn how to get better at it.
Exactly how does a practitioner apply principles of persuasion in an SCD project? Try visualizing a bridge on which your target person or audience stands. The left side of the bridge represents no knowledge of or interest in your issue; the right side represents the desired action - that is, your goal. Some intermediate markers along the bridge are attention, understanding, and intent. Your target person may be anywhere on the bridge. Your task as persuader is to move that person along the bridge toward your goal - gradually if needed, but no slower than necessary. You may want to move them from no knowledge to attention or from attention to understanding or from understanding to intent, or from intent to action; whatever the case may be. Using principles of persuasion effectively and with integrity can accomplish your goals to create and maintain healthy sustainable communities.
2015: Holiday Shopping in San Pedro, Belize For About $100bzd or Less
Christmas is hurtling towards us�a blink or two and it will be here. I did a bit of shopping around town to find some nice gifts that you can purchase - for yourself or a loved one - for $100bzd or less.
I think I found a few good things. Let me show you. AND how cute San Pedro is looking�
It's nice to see Orange Gift Store open again in town. They are located just north of Fido's on the Front Street and I found some really cute gifts there. And while some of their stuff is very high end and pricey�these items are quite reasonable I think.
Slow back a little in Caye Caulker
Caye Caulker, a five-mile-long island off Belize's Caribbean coast, has a laid-back vibe which attracts expats to the area
I'm paddling idly in the cool waters off the Split, wondering if I should drag myself to the bar of the Lazy Lizard for a beer. I've spent the morning snorkeling off the Barrier Reef, viewing coral formations and brightly-colored fish.
Now, with evening coming on, I'm taking a last swim in Caye Caulker's best-known swimming spot before showering and dressing for dinner. Though here, "dressing" is pretty casual� it means I'll probably put on flip-flops rather than going barefoot. Probably.
These days Caye Caulker, a five-mile-long island off Belize's Caribbean coast, has the laid-back, beach-bum vibe that brought expats to nearby Ambergris Caye 20 years ago. The streets on Caye Caulker are still packed sand. Most people get around by bicycle. And for those who come here, life is all about the water.
Small-town, island beach life isn't for everyone. But if it's for you, it doesn't get much better than Caye Caulker. And real estate here is still surprisingly affordable. Lots, depending on where they are, can run well under $50,000. Simple vacation cottages start at less than $100,000. And on an island this small, no place is far from the beach.
Santa Rita Maya Sight in Corozal, Belize
Santa Rita Corozal is a Maya ruin and an archaeological reserve on the outskirts of Corozal, Belize. Historical evidence suggests that it was probably the ancient and important Maya city known as Chetumal (or Chactemal), Santa Rita is believed to be a vestige of this larger metropolis. Santa Rita most likely controlled trade routes to and from Chetumal and other Yucatan cities within present-day Mexico and Guatamala. Mayans inhabited Santa Rita from 2000 B.C. to approximately the 16th century A.D, when residents forced conquistador Alfonso Davila to leave. The city's population slowly dwindled thereafter and finally abandoned the area late in the century. tourists and local tourists are charge a fee o 5$Bze for locals and 10$Bze for tourist.
Evidence excavated at Santa Rita exhibits a long history of inhabitance.The discovery of a burial site containing very early pottery has dated the formation of the city between 2000 and 1200 BCE.Its importance peaked during the Postclassic era, and continued to be occupied even after the arrived of the Spanish. Because of its location, the city at Santa Rita once controlled nearby trade routes between the coast and the mouths of two major rivers, the R�o Hondo and R�o Nuevo. These rivers served as major arteries of trade to centres in the interior such as Lamanai and those in El Pet�n.Because of this, it became the dominant settlement in the Chetumal region during the early Classic period.
What are you waiting for?
Time is running out and there are still plenty of families that need a some assistance. A little bird sent me the following press release yesterday and asked if I would spread the word.
Christmas is a time of joy, happiness, celebration and gifts for so many people here in San Pedro. For some families it's a struggle and for some children, it seems that Santa just passes them by. None of us likes to think of children going without on Christmas day and so, inspired to spread the true spirit of sharing, a local business in cooperation with an international charity, have come up with a great way for anyone who wants to put a smile on the face of a child this Christmas morning by adopting a bear.
Our World is Changing Are You?
Saturday December 5 was the celebration of International Volunteer's day, started in 1985 by the United Nations. Every year, many Non Governmental organizations including Belize Red Cross, take the opportunity to recognize their volunteers and highlight the work being done.
Currently 190 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies exist in almost every country in the world with approximately 97 million volunteers. It is a powerful global volunteer movement active at local, national and international levels. Each Society works in its home country, guided by the principles of the international humanitarian law and principles of the international movement. Depending on their capacity and circumstances, National Societies take on additional humanitarian tasks that are undefined by international humanitarian laws.
Saucy Mexican Chicken
COOK chicken in nonstick skillet on medium-high heat 4 min. on each side or until browned on both sides.
ADD salsa and beans. Bring to boil; cover. Simmer on medium-low heat 5 min. or until chicken is done (165�F).
TOP with cheese. Remove from heat. Let stand, covered, 5 min. or until cheese is melted.
International Sources
World's First Dengue Vaccine Approved After 20 Years of Research
The first vaccine against dengue fever won clearance in Mexico, an initial step toward preventing a mosquito-borne infection that puts half of the world's population at risk.
Sanofi expects more approvals in "upcoming weeks" for the product, called Dengvaxia, in Latin America and Asia, Olivier Charmeil, who heads the Paris-based company's vaccines unit, said in a telephone interview. The injection can thwart all four types of the virus, which has appeared in Portugal, France, Florida and Japan recently and increased the risk of "explosive outbreaks," according to the World Health Organization
Dengvaxia, developed over the past 20 years at a cost of 1.5 billion euros ($1.65 billion), including manufacturing investments, awaits approval in at least 19 other countries. Mexico's regulator endorsed it for people between the ages of 9 and 45 living in areas where the disease is endemic.
5 Best multi-gen family friendly islands of Belize
Blessed with 300 kilometers of the worlds' most stunning natural reef, the country of Belize is one of the most popular snow bird escape-the-cold destinations in the world. It's the ideal getaway for adventure seeking multi-gen families particularly those who enjoy underwater sports. There are 200 islands, or Caye's - as the locals call them, that dot the Belizean coastline all offering easy access to the sea life below.
Here are 5 of the best Caye's for multi-gen families who enjoy traveling together.
Buzzing with golf carts the liveliest Belizean Caye, and one of the few with an active nightlife, is Ambergris Caye. Active families have lots of outdoor activities to experience including cave tubing, zip lining, scuba diving, snorkeling and an unforgettable helicopter flight over the famous Blue Hole. Aside from the many restaurants and trinket shops to visit in the main city of San Pedro, the most interesting on-land activity is visiting the ancient Mayan ruins of Lamanai (which means submerged crocodile).
A DENGUE VACCINE IS ON THE WAY
Dengue used to be a disease of the tropics. But with climate change, it's become endemic in parts of the global north, too. The vaccine shows big promise, "The world's first dengue vaccine won regulatory approval in Mexico on Wednesday, raising hopes that it could prevent more than 100 deaths there a year and eventually perhaps millions around the world. Globally, dengue is the fastest-growing mosquito-borne disease, with as many as 400 million people infected every year, according to the World Health Organization. The Dengvaxia vaccine is being manufactured by French pharmaceutical giant Sanofi. The company has requested regulatory approval in 20 countries across Asia and Latin America, but Mexico was the first to give it the green light.
Caribbean acts perform at UN climate talks
Adrian Martinez of Belize and Jamaica's Aaron Silk - both of them singers/songwriters - delivered on a riveting performance on Monday, as week two of the global climate talks got going.
The duo was there to, among other things, help to project the message: '1.5 To Stay Alive' while urging collective action from world leaders, in the interest of planet earth.
They also provided attendees to the negotiators - many of whom turned out or otherwise stopped to witness their performance, delivered at the Caribbean Pavilion - with a taste of one of the many things the Caribbean offers to the world: its music.
"I have always been a fan of the earth, a lover of the earth; and anything to do with nature, I wanted to be a part of it. Seeing what is happening now with this climate change and this rising of temperatures that has been happening, I had to get involved," said Silk, a self-styled advocate for reggae music and the use of reggae to spread climate messages.
Videos
Youth Week Opening 2015 (Corozal & Orange Walk), 4min. Deparment of Youth Offices had an Ecumenical Service, Opening Parade and a Fun Day. Enjoy the video shared by DYS.
Product of BELIZE !!, 4min. UNIVISION spotlight on Baby Photography with Belizean Dudley Marshall
Noah+Mike Hagan in Belize 2015, 5min. Scuba diving
Scuba Diving 220 Feet On Nitrox Ambergris Caye Belize 2013, 6min. Diving with Nitrox in Ambergris Caye Belize. I was diving down a canyon starting at 60 feet and within 4 minutes I was at a depth of 220 feet. I knew the risk but for some reason I pushed forward. I should have experienced oxygen toxicity passing out and dying underwater. It is by the grace of God I am alive today. Enjoy this video I should have died while filming.
Panama's Flagship Airline Makes Inaugural Flight to Belize, min.
BAHIA Fest 2015 San Pedro Belize, 2.5min. BAHIA fest recently took place at Caribbean Villas Hotel. The Cosmopolitan Fashion show was organized by Magazine Mujer Total Chetumal; with assistance from Zuzana Marosova and Barbara Brown.