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Specials and Events
Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, LOVETV, PGTV, West Vision (Cayo) and CTV 3. Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, Rise and Shine Morning Show, and the Dickie Bradley Specials
Ambergris Today
Flashbacks - Beginnings of Sunbreeze Hotel and Development of South Ambergris Caye
There was a time when the entire beachfront of Ambergris Caye looked like virgin land. Such was the case with this parcel of land immediately south of the San Pedro Roman Catholic School. However one of the local pioneers in tourism, Seferino Paz Sr., decided to bring development to that area.
Paz had had success with his first hotel, Sea Breeze Hotel, and was enjoying a boom with the once famous The Belizean Resort up the northern coast of Ambergris Caye. This success took Seferino Paz to commence the construction of Sun Breeze Hotel. The development has been impressive and given San Pedro luxury accommodation, relaxing patio swimming pool and pristine restaurant.
Since then, the rest of the beach down south has followed suit with development. Even the small Catholic Primary School has undergone quite a metamorphosis. Look at the same spot as it exists today and be the witness of the massive development that has come to San Pedro, in part, thanks to the vision and passion of one man, the late Seferino Paz Sr.
Prince of Belize Lova Boy Releases New Music Video
Belizean Punta Rock Artist whose mega hit song ‘Tornado’ created a sensation in Belize and abroad just released his newest song ‘Pay Attention’ and a music video to go along with it. The song contains a positive message of perseverance, following ones dreams and pushing people to be someone important in life.
“Hey guys... Hope ur new year is going great so far. I just wanna say thanks so much for your support on my new video PAY ATTENTION,” posted Lova Boy on his Facebook Profile Page. “We are at 15k views and counting, in only two days and that just off my page. Over all we are around 20k plus. Keep sharing. Thanks sooooo much once again.”
“In the spirit of new beginnings, I humbly offer you my new record/music video....PAY ATTENTION feat. Tanya Carter & Tasia Woods. Thanks in advance for watching. Please feel free to share”
Belize Prime Minister’s New Year’s Message 2016
With a reduction in Pedrocaribe funds for the New Year, Prime Minister of Belize Dean Barrow acknowledged that 2016 will be significantly different than the previous year. He says that spending will decrease but that construction of infrastructural projects like the Lamanai Road, the Cristo Rey/San Antonio Road, and the North Ambergris Road to the new Efrain Guerrero International Airport will proceed. Below is Belize Prime Minister’s New Year’s message to the country.
Belize Welcomes Newest Cruise Line to MSC Divina
On New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2015, Belize welcomed the inaugural call for a new cruise line. MSC Cruises had its first call today, with the MSC Divina landing in Belizean waters at approximately 8:00 am. The ship left from its home port in Falmouth, Jamaica on Monday, December 28th, making its way through Georgetown, Grand Cayman and Cozumel, Mexico, before arriving in Belize City, Belize.
MSC Cruises is a division of the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC). It officially began operating in the cruise business in 1988. Between 2004 – 2014, MSC Cruises grew by 800 per cent, being today’s market leading cruise company in the Mediterranean. They offer a wide range of itineraries in Northern Europe, the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean, Cuba and Antilles, South America, South Africa, Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Oman. In 2008, they were the first cruise company in the world to be awarded the coveted “6 Golden Pearls” for outstanding standards in environmental protection, health and safety.
Misc Belizean Sources
BELIZE FISHING REPORT: Weeks of December 27th – January 2, 2016
The wind was tough but the anglers persevered and got some good fishing in. New Year was celebrated with one of the largest group of guests El Pescador has hosted. The family atmosphere was wonderful.
Robin Leanne (Greenway) Trockstad missing
Since their disappearance Robin has been seen in the country of Belize, specifically in the Spanish Lookout
& Belmopan area. Robin could possibly have changed her hair color to blonde and could be going by any of the following names: Robin Trockstad, Robin Greenway, Jen and/or Jen Friesen.
Starret D Greene, OAS Representative in Belize, shares the path to success
In an address made to graduates of a training program sponsored by Young Americas Business Trust (YABT) in Collaboration with BELTRAIDE and other supporting partners, Mr. Starret Green, OAS representative in Belize highlighted the path to success.
“If you have not done so as yet, please move with deliberate speed to confirm your career goals, and be serious about achieving it. Decide on where you wish to go when you exit these doors, and start your journey today.
Be careful to identify distractions and work diligently to avoid them. Distractions can seriously derail your pursuits and damage your chances for success.
If you have not done so as yet, start a conversation with family members, close friends and acquaintances, who are willing to support you in reaching your goals. Talk to them about what you wish to accomplish, and then lay out in detail the extent of the support you are going to need.
San Pedro Town Dog Control Orders
EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2016, by order of the Belize Dogs Act Chapter 153 Revised Edition 2000 and the San Pedro Town Dog Control Orders of 2012, all dogs must be leashed and have a proper and humane collar for identification.
•Dogs must be restrained on private property by a fence, tether, or leash, in a humane manner.
•Dog owners are required to keep their dog on a leash and under immediate control any time the dog is taken off their property and into public.
ROAD SAFETY IN BELIZE by Belize Progressive Party-BPP
"Road Safety Management Capacity Review Draft Report November 2011 (Issued January 2012) Version 1"
Section 2.1
Between 2001 and 2005, death as a result of road traffic injuries have been identified as the leading cause of death for young men between the ages of 20-49 years. A total of 182 men died within this period on the major roads and highways. Based on the above mentioned, it can be summarized that male behaviour is an important determinant for road traffic injuries, therefore putting them at greater risk. Hence, it is important to ensure that any interventions aimed at reducing road traffic injuries must encompass a gender perspective and address such issues as masculinity.
Women and children are often killed or injured as passengers. Data compiled from the Ministry of Health and the police revealed that there were 386 deaths due to road traffic injuries between 2001 and 2005. From the total number killed approximately 83 were females and 49 were children.
Ardelle Sabido visited Las Cuevas Research Station
Ambassador of Belize to Washington D.C, Mr. Patrick Andrews and Deputy Chief of Mission, Ms. Ardelle Sabido visited Las Cuevas Research Station in Chiquibul during the holidays to learn more about the actual situation of the forest. Thanks for visiting.
Fund raiser for the fire victims of the DFC
This Tuesday night, January 5th AKA Burger Night, Stella's Smile will be doing a fund raiser for the fire victims of the DFC area. They are a nice family and we have had a money box out and have collected some money and some household goods, but not enough. Can you please help us get the word out. The families name is Valladarez. A portion of Stella's proceeds will be donated as well. Thanks
New Year's Countdown at Central Park 2015
The San Pedro Town Council hosted yet another exciting countdown to bring in the New Year!
The entire square was filled to capacity and even alongside the beach and the municipal pier. Everyone gathered at the Central Park to witness the speactuacular fireworks and to dance the night away with Kategory5 Band from Cayo and Popularly-known Caribbean DJ from St. Maarten, DJ Outkast! Dressed in their new year hats and tiara's the crowd waved their light sticks to the beat of the DJ - it was sure an exciting event!
The San Pedro Town Council would like to thank everyone for coming out and being a part of this grand event. You sure made it special!
Channel 7
Well Known Businessman Charged for Double Fatal Traffic Accident in Orange Walk
This morning in Orange Walk, well known business owner and executive of the Cycling Federation Perry Gibson was arraigned on multiple charges for knocking down and killing two people in Carmelita Village Orange Walk. It happened on Sunday at around 7:00 between miles 49 and 50 on the George Price Highway.
Authorities could not say definitively but they suspect it was a hit and run. What's more there is strong belief that Gibson, who also manages the cycling team Benny's Megabytes, was under the influence at the time. Emanuel Pech went north today to find out more.
Carol Jones- Mother of Deceased
"They took everything from me, they took everything from me. I just want justice." [Sobbing]
This resounding tone of grief hung over the halls of the magistrate's court in Orange Walk today as the family of Lea Crawford and Adrian Wade waited to hear the charges brought against 44 year old Perry Gibson of Belize City. According to reports 22 year old Adrian Wade and 27 year old Lea Crawford, were on their way to a wedding in Camalote when Gibson knocked them down; killing the young couple.
Two More Die On Northern, Including Moneylender "Ms. Pam"
A few hours after that double fatality in the Orange Walk District, there were two more traffic accidents the Northern Highway. Both of these accidents happened at the same curve at Mile 6, and the second accident claimed two more lives over the New Years Holiday weekend.
That accident happened at around 9:00 yesterday morning, and our news team was on the scene shortly after. Daniel Ortiz reports:
Daniel Ortiz reporting
On Saturday just before 11:00, Ladyville police were finally able to restore traffic flow on the Northern Highway. That's after it had been at a standstill for at least 2 hours after the second accident at the same mile 6 curve.
The victims of this accident were not as fortunate as the first. 80 year-old Alfredo Navarrete of Burrell Boom Village, and the well-known Southside money lender Pamela Bennett-Cumberbatch died on the scene after the terrible head-on collision between this Grey Dodge Caravan, and this white Toyota Tundra Pickup truck. Her husband, 35 year-old Calvin Cumberbatch was rushed in a critical condition to the KHMH shortly after the accident.
Mile Six Is Dangerous
About 3 hours earlier, there was another 2-car mash-up right at the same stretch of road. The two collisions are about on a few hundred yards apart. Fortunately, the victims in this accident survived, and are receiving treatment at the KHMH.
The Commander of the Eastern Division Rural also discussed that accident with the press at a briefing this morning.
Sr. Supt. Edward Broaster - OC, Eastern Division Rural
"The first involving a blue Chevy Equinox, license plate BC - C51091 and a blue Ford Escort with license plate BC - C50646. Both were extensively damaged and we had minor injuries to individuals in this accident. We had Mr. Andre Gordon, 30 years old Belizean security of Barakat Street who was driving the Chevy Equinox and we had in the blue Ford Escort Marvin Ramirez, 27 years Belizean laborer of Tibruce Street, Belize City."
Reporter
"Is there any indication what might have happened? We saw pictures of the vehicle. They were extensively damaged."
Sr. Supt. Edward Broaster - OC, Eastern Division Rural
"The investigation is revealing that the blue Ford Escort was in the wrong lane when the head on collision occurred."
Snake-Man Snakebitten, "Very Critical"
Gilbert Usher is known as the snake man of Belize. The Lucky Strike resident is a tourist attraction around the Altun Ha Maya Ruin where he engages in all sorts of scary maneuvers with snakes - putting them in his mouth, having them slither all over his head, and freely handling super poisonous snakes such as the Tommy Goff. Well, tonight the news is that a Tommy Goff bit him, and doctors say he might not make it. Police say that it happened on Sunday morning, and he was rushed to the KHMH. This is the scene at the Boom cutoff where he was transferred to an ambulance. Doctors say he is very critical and police report that he is on life support, and may be taken off that tonight.
New Year Starts With Southside Homicide
Belize City made it through December without a murder - but then January started - and five hours in - the Southside recorded its first homicide. A 21 year old was killed not far from his home. Police say Kieron Moss was walking with two females at 5:-00 in the morning on Levi Slusher Street in the Port Loyola when two men on a motorbike pulled up and executed him. His family is asking why. I found out more:..
Courtney Weatherburne reporting
A youth leader and a role model: That's what 21 year old Kieron Moss's friends and family describe him as. They say, Moss inspired the other kids with his charisma and his free spirit.
He had a long life ahead of him but instead of embracing a new beginning in 2016.
He was gasping for breath in the gravel after he was shot several times. He died right here on New Years Day.
Voice of: Brother
"Everybody was here gathering, deciding what was going to be the plan for the night and then I left before them and then everybody was supposed to meet up afterwards, but unfortunately, things didn't went as plan and some people came home, but Keiron didn't come he went to part with some friends and then everybody brought in the new year's regularly and then we heard the news later in the morning that he got shot."
Her Mother Disappeared From Mental Health Facility, And No One Said Anything
The Christmas holidays are officially over - and all of us that could, spent it with our family.
And that's what Siera Hodgson had hoped to do. She's a 20 year old who was raised in difficult circumstances. For the first ten years of her life, she and her mother were basically locked up by her father right here in Belize City. When social services intervened, 10-year-old Siera didn't even know what the days of the week were.
Her mother, Mary was sent to the Palm Center, which is the Ministry of Health's Acute Psychiatric Care Clinic, what used to be called "Rockview." Siera was luckier - she got adopted by Shaunna Hodgson, a woman from Scotland who first put her into private school in Belize. At 14, Siera went with her new mother to live in Scotland - where she has caught up - and is doing well in her second year of college.
Guyanese Rice Rejected
For the past 2 weeks, importer Jack Charles and his advisors have been waiting patiently for their opportunity to get before a Supreme Court Judge. Their position is that Customs and the Belize Agricultural Health Authority overstepped their mandate when they refused to give him a permit import Guyanese Rice.
His attempt to get cheap rice unto store shelves in Belize has sparked a very serious debate about the price of this important staple. But today, he got a very swift and stern slap-down from Justice Sonya Young. The judge simply won't entertain his case.
The hearing was done in chambers, and in the absence of the press. It was expected to be a hotly contested legal battle, but the attorneys exited about 20 minutes after the hearing started. They told us that Justice Young was very clear to Charles that he is trying to use the court to legitimize his illegal action when he imported the rice into Belize without a permit.
93 Year Old Patrick Grant Back At Home, Recovering
93 year old beating victim Patrick Grant was discharged from the hospital on Saturday. The senior citizen was beaten up on December 29th at his home on Fern Lane, in Belize City. While some say the hospital kind of rushed him out of the bed, tonight he is at home in his final stages of recovery. Most interestingly, even after the bloody beat down, old man Grant remained reluctant to move in with his daughter and son in law. Instead, he withdrew himself to the familiar comforts of his little house on Fern Lane. In an interview today with 7News this evening, Grant updated us on his recovery and gave us an insight into the moment the home invasion occurred.
Patrick Grant, beat down victim
"I am recovering. Feeling okay."
Reporter
"Is there anything in particular that hurts most of all?"
Patrick Grant, beat down victim
"Yes, but it doesn't hurt anymore. It sad you know to see people just getting along trying to do your best, mind your own business, looks at everybody as your friend. But there are some mean guys out there."
OW Cops Made Major Weed Bust Valued At Over Quarter-Mil
Authorities in Orange Walk made a major drug bust over the weekend. Acting on intelligence, police intercepted and confiscated 9 parcels containing suspected compressed marijuana weighing a total of 183 pounds. This has an estimated value of over $300 thousand dollars! Officer Commanding Orange Walk Police Formation Assistant Superintendent Selwyn Tillett told us more.
ASP Selwyn Tillett - O. C. Orange Walk Police
"On Sunday 3rd day of January about midday Orange Walk police formation quick response team were conducted mobile patrol on the feeder off the Philip Goldson Highway between mile 42 and 43 where they met two male persons in the area. A search in the vicinity resulted in the discovery of 9 bales of rectangular packages covered with a black plastic bag. Police made checks and found out that the bales contained suspected cannabis. Both persons that were found in the vicinity were arrested and escorted to the Orange Walk Town police station. At the station the drugs were weighed and they total 83.3 kilograms."
Firearm Found Close to Police Station
Orange Walk Police also found a firearm, right inside their neighborhood. In fact it was only a few hundred yards from the police station. Acting on street information, police responded to an area in front of the Hunter Library in Orange Walk. Here's what they found.
ASP Selwyn Tillett - O. C. Orange Walk Police
"On the 3rd January at about 4p.m. the Orange Walk Quick Response Team conducted a search of an empty lot located on Hospital Crescent close to the Sandy Hunter Library where upon searching under a log they found a point thirty-two caliber pistol bearing serial number P055700 with an empty magazine. It was wrapped in a black plastic. The firearm was taken to the Orange Walk Police Station where it was deposited as found property."
Easy Glen, Another Stellar Performance In Court
Forty-four year old Goldbourne Adolphus, the man called "Easy Glen", put on another award winning performance in court today, when he broke down in tears before Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser after she threatened to remand him to prison. Adolphus was charged with theft, escape, wounding and using threatening words. The charge stems from a domestic dispute on New Year's eve where Adolphus allegedly slapped his ex common law, beat her with a machete and took her money. When he was detained, Adolphus said he was sick and asked police to rush him to the hospital. But while Adolphus was in the observation room in the Accident and Emergency section of the hospital he asked to use the bathroom. And that was all he needed…shortly after, a security guard at the hospital alerted the police that Adolphus had escaped through the bathroom window. When the police looked they saw Adolphus running up St. Thomas Street. He flagged down a car which sped away.
A New Year With New Babies
On tonight's newscast, we've shown you the 4 persons who died over the New Years weekend. But, with the start of a new year, it should be celebrated with renewal, and so, we got a chance to meet the first babies born at the KHMH for 2016.
The usual corporate citizens continued their tradition of providing their moms with a gift for those special children born on or near January 1. Here's what the mothers told us about the donations on Saturday:
We've since found out that the very first baby born in Belize for 2016 is actually a baby born to an Orange Walk Family. That Baby, Nathan, was born at 1:23 a.m. on January 1 at Correa's Clinic.
Gunmen Robbed Restaurant Right Beside Police Station
Ladyville Police are reporting that on New Years Day armed robbers barged into a Chinese Restaurant right across the street from their station, and held up the owners.
That's some kind of "ganas" to commit a crime right within walking distance of a large number of police officers, but that's what happened.
The Commander of the Eastern Division Rural Police told the press that they are looking into this aggravated burglary:
Sr. Supt. Edward Broaster - OC, Eastern Division Rural
"1st January, we had a report of a aggravated burglary which occurred a block away from the police station at Amy's Restaurant. This report was made by a business woman of Poinsettia Street where two individuals accosted her and her husband in the said restaurant and rob them of $7,000 worth of cash and other items. We have a prime suspect that we are looking for and this may have been a individual who had worked for them in the past."
Belizeans Dominate Krem Classic
New Year's Eve may be the big party night - but for sports fans and race watchers the real hype of new year's is on the day itself, January First - the date for the KREM New Year's Day Cycling Classic - which is the first big race on the annual cycling calendar. In it's 26th running, this 2016 edition was different: no foreign riders were allowed on local teams, which left the field wide open for Belizean cyclists. It also made for an exciting race out there on the road - our cameraman Codie Norales was with them on the back of a motorbike - and we put together this report:..
Jawmeighn Jr Won Again
And while that was the finish for the elite males, the junior race was much closer: it had a dramatic sprint - we have the call from Malcolm Hyde and Press Cadogan on KREM TV:...
Winner Ernest Bradley, is the son of Ernest Jawmeighan Meighan - and wasn't inclined to brag about his victory.
Alicia Thompson won the women's race - also in a sprint to edge out Kaya Cattouse.
Peninsula Police Found Gun On The Beach
Placencia Police are reporting that they found a handgun right on the beach.
At around 11:20 a.m. the Placencia Quick Response team received intelligence that a gun had been spotted on the beach near The Placencia. They showed up, and retrieved a .38 special revolver which appears to have rusted over quite a bit.
No one was in the area, and so, the gun was deposited as found property.
The Queen Honors Belizeans
Eight Belizeans have received the Queen's honours for the New Year.
Michael Bowen, the CEO of Bowen and Bowen has been awarded to be a CMG, or Companion of the Order of Saint Michael and Saint George.
The OBE honour will be conferred on two persons: Educator, Eleanor Hulse. She is Godwin Hulse's wife.
And Dilcia Christina Feinstein from the Benny's group will also get an OBE for Contribution to Business and the Community.
Five persons will receive MBE's.
They are Emelda August, for Contribution to Nursing,
Sarita Westby for Contribution to Education and the Community,
Juan Nunez, for Contribution to Education and Sports,
Dr. Aaron Lewis, for Contribution to Science and
Janet Gibson, for Contribution to Environmental Protection. The awards will be officially conferred at a date to be announced.
Channel 5
Cycling Honcho Perry Gibson Involved in Fatal Hit and Run Near Carmelita
It was a bloody weekend on Belize’s highways. There were four separate accidents, three on the Phillip Goldson Highway and one on the George Price Highway, leaving multiple persons injured [...]
Accident Near Haulover Bridge, Motorists Narrowly Escape Grave Injuries
A near fatal road traffic accident along the Phillip Goldson Highway on Saturday morning preceded a deadly crash moments later. Andre Gordon and Marvin Ramirez were traveling in opposite directions [...]
Pamela Bennett and Alfredo Navaratte Die in Road Traffic Accident
While there was no loss of life in that accident, another RTA occurred in the same vicinity near the Haulover Bridge on January second. Two persons perished instantly; money lender [...]
Pam’s Siblings Incensed that Attorney and Unknown Person Entered Their Sister’s Home
Even in death, controversy seems to surround Pamela Bennett. Late this afternoon, police were summoned to the businesswoman’s residence where irate members of her family were gathered. Their bone of [...]
South Side Belize City Records First Murder for 2016
The first murder for the year took place minutes after five o’clock on New Year’s Day. A young man was accompanying two females from the neighborhood on Jane Usher Boulevard [...]
Supreme Court Rejects Jack Charles and Guyanese Rice
In the Supreme Court earlier today, businessman Jack Charles lost his only option to legally examine the rationale behind a decision taken by the Government of Belize to confiscate a [...]
What’s the Fate of the Three Shipping Containers?
While Senior Counsel Eamon Courtenay, who represents the Mennonite community, maintains that Jack Charles acted in open disobedience of the law. As a result, the Customs and Excise Department, according [...]
Attorney Eamon Courtenay Takes it to Jack Charles
The importation of Guyanese rice was an issue that was in the headlines for the most part of December. The premise on which the shipment of rice was being imported [...]
Baby Mama Drama, Easy Glenn Allegedly Beats Up and Threatens Sandra Belcove
Tonight, forty-four year old Goldburn Adolphus, aka “Easy Glen” is in trouble with the law again for allegedly beating up and then threatening to kill his baby’s mother and then [...]
Gunmen Open Fire on Unsuspecting Men on New Year’s Weekend
We’ve told you about the shooting death of Kieron Moss, but there was another shooting that happened prior to his murder on New Year’s Day. Just minutes after the clock [...]
Guatemalan National Rapes Ladyville Woman and Absconds
An eighteen-year-old woman was sexually assaulted a little over a month ago in Ladyville. A report of the incident was not filed until New Year’s Day. According to Rural Eastern [...]
A Sizeable Marijuana Haul for OW Police
The Orange Walk’s Quick Response Team made a very large drug bust on Sunday, and it is believed that it was part of a cartel shipment. That’s because the marijuana, [...]
One Less Gun on Orange Walk Streets
Just a few hours after the Quick Response Team, acting on information received, made another discovery – this time a weapon. No ammunition was found with that weapon, but it [...]
Armed Intruders Rob Chinese Couple in Ladyville
An Asian couple, proprietors of Amy’s Restaurant in Ladyville, came under attack by a pair of armed robbers on New Year’s Day. According to Xiao Zheng Lo, she was inside [...]
The First Bundle of Joy to Arrive on New Year’s Day
So far we have reported on the road fatalities, murders and other crimes. But there is some good news that prompted celebrations over at the K.H.M.H. The birth of babies [...]
Sports Monday: Smart’s New Year Cycling Race
Good evening, I’m James Adderley and this is Sports Monday. Folks we start off with the 6th annual Smart New Year’s Day Race as presented by the Weekend Warriors [...]
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