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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
The San Pedro Sun
Carpe Diem lands 1st place at 2016 Wahoo Tournament
On Saturday January 31st, Captain Morgan’s held their 2016 Annual Wahoo Tournament. The competition kicked off at the crack of dawn, and saw the entry of 13 vessels setting out to open seas in hopes of landing the winning fish and capturing the grand prize. Teams had 12 hours to fish and catch the most Wahoo and at the end of the day it would be Carpe Diem who would claim ultimate victory. The tournament definitely required the skill and expertise of each seaman, as the wahoo proved to be a challenging catch. While several teams managed to capture wahoo of various proportions, Carpe Diem of San Pedro Town, captained by Enrique Marin and anglers Bill Toonen, Bob Toonen, and Dan Decaster trumped the competition with four massive wahoos that totalled 150.25 lbs, claiming the first place grand prize of a $10,840.00. Second prize went to Team Reef Shark III from Caye Caulker, captained by Dominik Novelo and anglers Chang Lee, Daniel Smith and Efraine Novelo. Their three wahoos averaged a total of 107.95lbs and landed the Caye Caulker team a second place cash prize of $5,070.
All is set for the Carnaval Celebrations
El Gran Carnaval de San Pedro is right around the corner and this year, festivities are being held under the theme “Bailando a Todo Color”. Scheduled to take place from Sunday, January February 7th through Tuesday the 9th, Carnaval has been a long standing tradition for the island, commemorating the beginning of the Lenten Season. Each year the event is highly anticipated by both locals and visitors to the island. As such, the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) has organized several activities to go along with the traditional painting and comparsas (dance) group presentations. Activities in honor of Carnaval will commence from Friday, February 5th with a photo exhibition being organized by the San Pedro House Culture. Everyone is invited to visit the San Pedro House of Culture on Angel Coral Street at 7PM to enjoy photographs of San Pedro’s past Carnaval celebrations. The celebration will continue on Saturday, February 6th with the Carnaval Fiesta Block Party. With live dance and musical presentation and lots to eat and drink, the block party starts at 8PM at Central Park.
SICA Member States Meet to Address Emergency Health Issues Associated with Spread of Zika Virus in the Region
On Tuesday, February 2, 2016, officials from the Ministries of Health and Foreign Affairs of Belize participated in a regional videoconference organized by the Government of Honduras, current Presidency Pro-Tempore of the Central American Integration System (SICA), to discuss the regional health implications from the Zika virus. The objective of the meeting was to coordinate regional positions and actions to ameliorate the number of infections and agree on a sustained action plan to work towards the eradication of the Zika Virus. The Ministry of Health has engaged in a country-wide campaign of spraying and assisting in the removal of possible stagnant water that are breeding grounds for the Aedes aegypti mosquito that is also a carrier for Dengue fever, Malaria, and Chikungunya. The Ministry is also finalizing the national preparedness and response plan to combat the Zika virus.
Ambergris Today
Belize Joins Plan of Action to Address Zika Emergency in the Region
On Tuesday, February 2, 2016, officials from the Ministries of Health and Foreign Affairs of Belize participated in a regional videoconference organized by the Government of Honduras, current Presidency Pro-Tempore of the Central American Integration System (SICA), to discuss the regional health implications from the Zika virus.
The objective of the meeting was to coordinate regional positions and actions to ameliorate the number of infections and agree on a sustained action plan to work towards the eradication of the Zika Virus.
Belize Sets New Laws for Commercial Fishing, Moving to Managed Sustainable Practices
With the country looking at a decline in the fishing industry, dwindling supply of fish and marine products and the effects of overfishing, the Belize Fisheries Department is looking into implementing a Fishing Managed Access Program that will secure fishing grounds and empower fishermen to secure sustainable fishing practices.
What this means is that commercial fishermen will be required to obtain a fishing license that will allow them to fish in selected fishing zones pertaining to where they live and prevent them to infringe on other fishermen’s work zones. This practice will ensure what fishermen have their own areas that will provide for them and will not create the overfishing of marine life in specific areas of the country.
The Fisheries Department is moving away from open access fishing practices that allows anybody to fish anywhere in the country to the implementation of a managed access program that will limit their fishing zones but also ensure that each fisherman’s zone is protected from others who are not allowed to fish in.
25 Years Ago - The Good Old Days…Fist Fight and Politics
In the good old and peaceful days of San Pedro there were disagreements and disputes, of course. These usually ended in a "plieto a putazos" or fist fight. At times there were more bitter fights in a bar and these led to fist fights, but often times a bottle was broken on someone's head. If friends were present at the bar, a brawl would ensue and many bottles would be hurled and equal number of heads cracked. But never was the broken bottle used to stab or inflict larger wounds on the enemy. And never was a knife used, much less a machete. The men of the village never went to a bar with knives in their pockets and absolutely guns were never used in our GOOD OLD DAYS.
IN THE GOOD OLD DAYS, politics was in the ‘back burner’. You never heard of political campaigning or people slandering their fellow villagers. There was never anyone hustling and buying votes and never those expensive rallies with free rum and lots of propaganda. No, when an election was approaching, the area representative would visit one day and walked down the front and back streets greeting people. He would be hugging the ladies and reminding the villagers to go out and vote.
Unpredictable Weather in Belize, High Winds Cause Beach Erosion
The cold fronts brought unseasonably cold weather to Belize in January, when most people expect them in December, if any! And now as February rolls in, strong and gusty winds are prevailing, weather condition that is normally expected in March during Easter.
Misc Belizean Sources
SICA Member States Meet to Address Emergency Health Issues Associated with Spread of Zika Virus in the Region
On Tuesday, February 2, 2016, officials from the Ministries of Health and Foreign Affairs of Belize participated in a regional videoconference organized by the Government of Honduras, current Presidency Pro-Tempore of the Central American Integration System (SICA), to discuss the regional health implications from the Zika virus.
The objective of the meeting was to coordinate regional positions and actions to ameliorate the number of infections and agree on a sustained action plan to work towards the eradication of the Zika Virus.
The Pan-American Health Organization has committed to providing all its resources to assist the region in its response to eradicate the Zika Virus and its possible correlation to microcephaly that has been affecting newborn babies of mothers infected with the virus. Research is also being conducted to ascertain a possible link to the Guillain-Barre Syndrome.
National Executive members of PUP take oath
The National Executive members of the People's United Party took their oath at Independence Hall this morning. Former Party Leader Francis Fonseca was in attendance.
San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi PHOTO CONTEST ALERT!
Share a picture/Selfie below ,of anything representing our company; boats, logos, employees etc!
Best Pictures wins a group ticket for 4 pax to Caye Caulker!
that's 4 round trip to Caye Caulker guys!! now that's a Deal!
National Agriculture & Trade Show 2016
We are pleased to announce our 2016 dates which will be from April 29 to May1. Make sure you come out to the best show of the year in Belize! The National Agriculture & Trade Show Grounds is the venue for Belize's premier annual agriculture & trade exposition. The grounds include general display areas, a rodeo, stables, and a main stage area for entertainment. The venue is avaliable for rental for other events.
Agents from Bogota Colombia get a familiarization tour of the Country
The Belize Tourism Board partnered with Copa Airlines to give these agents from Bogotá Colombia a familiarization tour of the Country. These participants were excited to explore and learn about Belize, they are now prepared to inform more travelers about Belize and what we have to offer.
Full Moon Concert in San Ignacio Feb. 20
Mark the date!
Destination Barranco Village
Barranco Tour Guide open for business. I booked a Destination Barranco Tour and what I got was a whole nother story. The history of Barranco village told from the cemetery...with the Ancestors listening and watching. Alvin then took us through an impressive educational tour of the village that ended at Watina with a sumptuous meal of hudut. I am so very proud of Alvin for offering this unique view of our historical village, and strongly recommend this "Destination Barranco Tour" to all visiting (natives or not). I am truly impressed.
South Ambergris Caye Neighbourhood Watch General Meeting w/Mayor Danny
The South End has a very special opportunity to ask San Pedro Mayor Daniel Guerrero questions. He will be joining our meeting at 7:00 pm, February 10th at Lone Star Grill and Cantina to discuss the new road project.
You are welcomed and encouraged to ask the Mayor anything you would like to know, but please, to ensure an orderly meeting, submit your questions in advance. We will not accept questions at the meeting, so please. . . .
Reply to this email with the question you would like to ask. Submit your questions by Saturday evening. I will compile the questions and we will get the best use of the Mayor's valuable time.
Chaa Creek’s New GM Carries On A Family Tradition Of Belizean Hospitality
The Lodge at Chaa Creek has a new general manager, and, in keeping with the popular Belizean eco-resort’s unique history and evolution, Bryony Fleming Bradley is a member of its founding family, born and raised at Chaa Creek.
In January 2016 Ms Bradley took over the GM position of the family business from her mother, Lucy Fleming, who, with husband Mick, started Chaa Creek as a small farm on the banks of Belize’s Macal River in the late 1970s.
The Flemings opened Chaa Creek as one of Belize’s first eco resorts in 1981, just as Belize achieved independence from Great Britain. Beginning with a few one-room, thatched-roofed cabins built from materials found in the surrounding jungle, Chaa Creek’s friendly, family ambience and green philosophy struck a chord with travellers, and the resort grew in leaps and bounds over the years, Ms Bradley recalled.
Puppy Bowl
Come cheer for your favorite team while helping out the Saga Humane Society! Want to watch the Puppy Bowl before the big game? Only place in town to catch it on the big screen is at the Sandbar San Pedro with Saga Humane Society friends. Party starts at 3PM
Mayor Daniel Guerrero and his wife had dinner with travel agents from Colombia, Ecuador and Peru
Mayor Daniel Guerrero and his wife, along with Deputy Mayor Gary Greif with his girlfriend had dinner with travel agents from Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. With the introduction of Copa Airlines non-stop service to Belize from Panama, San Pedro is now an attractive travel destination for South American tourists.
This is part of the ongoing effort between the Government of Belize and the private sector to minimize the length of the "slow season."
San Pedro Carnaval 2016
Friday, February 5th: Opening of Carnaval Exhibition at the House of Culture
Saturday, February 6th: Carnaval Fiesta
Sunday, Monday & Tuesday (February 7th, 8th & 9th): Comparsas & Painting
Wednesday, February 10th: Reading of the Will & Burning of Juan Carnabal.
Lionfish Derby
Caye Caulker’s 1st Lionfish Derby! Organized to create a local supply and demand and a continued effort to remove Lionfish from our Sea.
The Captain’s meeting will be at the Community Center at 5pm on the 12th of Feb. Event kicks off at 7AM on Feb 13 at Barrier Reef Sports Bar.
Kelly McGuire bringing down the house at Captain Morgans Retreat today in San Pedro Pedro, Ambergris Caye
Power interruption 8:00am to 1:00pm, Monday February 8, portion Cayo & Belize Districts
All areas along George Price Highway from Mile 30 to its junction with the George Price Boulevard at Mile 46 in Belmopan, including La Democracia, Mahogany Heights, Franks Eddy, More Tomorrow, St. Matthews and Cotton Tree. BEL to install utility poles carrying high voltage lines & conduct other development works on power distribution system in the area.
FCD Ranger Training Program
The FCD has finished another Ranger Training Program. Congratulations Felix and Emiddio!
"Two IA Park Rangers have successfully participated in and completed the FCD's Ranger Training Program. Mr. Felix Cruz from our Caracol staff and Mr. Emiddio Cruz from the ATM staff are now equipped with skills that should assist them in carrying out their duties at these respective archaeological reserves. Congratulations to Felix and Emiddio!"
Art Wit Wordz
The Wildfire Art Gallery is kicking off another great art exhibit: Art Wit Wordz. They'll celebrate with wine and chocolate on Sunday, February 7th, starting at 4:00pm.
Beltraide Upcoming Training Sessions
Empowering throught knowledge for a vibrant music industry in Belize.
The story of Peli the Brown Pelican in Belize
A woman called about a pelican that had been hanging out by her dock for three days or so. She'd been feeding him bread, but she had a sense something was amiss. She called Belize Bird Rescue. We returned Peli to the area of Belize City where we found him. (S)he was eager to get as much distance from us as possible as quickly as possible. (S)he dropped the fish Jerry used to lure him/her out of the carrier and passed by the fish Jerry threw in her proximity.
We asked friends in the area to be on the alert for Peli and to notify us if (s)he was seen. No sighting reports were received which we considered a good sign.
Video. More pics.
Channel 7
Bail For Bradley
After spending 6 days in prison on remand, American Tour Operator Bradley Paumen is out on bail tonight. His attorneys convinced Justice Antoinette Moore that he should not remain in jail while the prosecution prepares its case against him.
He’s facing additional charges for the perversion of Justice, and conspiracy to pervert the course of justice. He was arraigned in Belmopan on those charges last week where he, Lisburn Anderson, and businessman Jahan Abadi stand accuses of trying to plant a .22 rifle and 150 live rounds of ammunition in Michael Modiri’s vehicle, which allegedly happened in April 2015.
He was remanded on Thursday because the Magistrate, Albert Hoare, did not entertain any applications for bail that evening. That first day in jail then progressed steadily until today, almost one week later, when his attorneys were granted an audience before Justice Moore.
Tourism Minister Speaks On Dark Night Debacle
So Bradley Paumen is out on bail tonight – and his many employees who’ve been to court to back him up should be breathing a sigh of relief. Contrary to what the BTB told us – Dark Night still has tours with Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines.
And while Paumen is a licensed tour operator, is the BTB sanctioning a tour that involves trespass on private property? That’s what Michael Modiri says, and that land dispute is supposedly behind one of the biggest murder conspiracies we’ve ever reported on.
We asked the Minister if this does entire debacle damages the image of Belize as a responsible tour destination.
Hon. Manuel Heredia Jr. - Minister of Tourism:
"In particularly you know that matter is in the courts. I don’t know the nuts and bolts about that, I know that Mr. Paumen had invested substantially in Belize and I have seen his project, I believe it is a wonderful project. What happened there other ministries are involved in that directly from the ministry of tourism, I don't believe it is anything that has to do directly with the tourism industry that really stir up this thing to happen. Any license that is done, there is a format that we use where by you have to have your police record and everything; even our local tour guides, they have to produce a police record and other things which will ensure that the vetting committee that does this thing are fully conscious that this person is in the proper form to operate."
Taking Measures To Safeguard Tourism
2015 was a Great year for Tourism in Belize, where there was substantial growth especially during the last quarter of the year. BTB hopes to maintain those high figures for the year 2016 and hopefully increase it. But the year didn’t start well for the tourism industry. First there was the murder of Canadian film director Matthew Klinck, then there was the slaying of American Anne Swaney. In addition to that, tour operator Paumen has been charged for abetment to murder.
So, what is Cabinet’s response to those events that threaten to contaminate Belize foreign exchange bread basket?
Today we had a chance to speak with the Ministers of Tourism and National Security – and here’s what they told us:
Hon. John Saldivar - Minister of National Security:
"These are what can be considered isolated incidents against tourists but we do take them very seriously because even one incident if taken out of proportion can affect the product that we offer here. So we're been doing what we can to make the people know especially our potential visitors that these two incidents were random incidents, that its not a trend, it is not anything we believe will continue and of course the police department will continue to work in collaboration with the tourism industry, tourism board to make sure that we continue to keep Belize as a safe destination for tourists."
Briceno Consolidates Leadership Early
John Briceno was elected as the PUP Leader in a convention on Sunday – and since then he has been moving swiftly to consolidate his leadership by meeting with his adversaries within the party, squashing whatever beef they have and inviting them on-board. Today, he hoped to put that new-found unity on display when the new executive was sworn in at party headquarters. 7News was there:..
Henry Usher - Chairman, PUP:
"It is time for us to get to work for our people and for our country. We must stand united behind our leader.”
And today as they took the oath of office, one sensed a possibility that the long divided PUP possibly could come together as one.
Hon. John Briceno - PUP Party Leader:
"Everywhere we went, in every village in every community, town or city, we heard the same cry, we need to unite. And today I am promising the party members and this nation that the People United's Party is united, it's strong and it’s ready to take over the government in Belmopan." (Applause)
ZIKA: Confounding Health Experts
There is a major update on the Zika Virus: it can be sexually transmitted. The US Center for Disease Control confirmed 1 such case so far in Texas. Now, as we have reported the virus has spread throughout Latin America and the Caribbean and travel warnings have been issued for pregnant women for 14 countries including all of Belize’s neighbors – Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador. That was after the virus was linked to brain damage in babies. But this virus is spreading so rapidly so that the World Health Organization declared a global emergency. And now, even more so with this latest find. We have a clip from CNN News in which they further discuss this case where Zika was sexually transmitted and the other concerns associated with the virus.
Education Minister Reviews Sector
From health to education: today Education Minister Patrick Faber today held an Education press conference to review and evaluate Belize’s educational system – What has been accomplished and What still needs to done? In his speech at the Biltmore, Faber began with the major achievements in education.
Hon. Patrick Faber - Minister of Education:
"In 2008 we had 4 key policy objectives. First was to start strong ensuring that every child starts school ready to learn and focus; focused on increasing access to pre-school education, focused on addressing the preventative health care needs of children. It focused on school feeding."
"The second of those policy objectives was to build stamina, ensuring that we get and keep young people in school for more years of learning by reducing barriers to access and retention of students in secondary school and what we did was providing that $300 subsidy to reduce cost to a barrier in accessing and help them stay in school. We levelled the playing field in terms of financing of secondary schools based on their total student enrolment while factoring the academic and socio-economic needs of such students; the new financing formula."
Teachers' Provisional Licenses About To Expire
While all those initiatives and policies among many others are major improvements, there is one area that has been a concern for many years and that’s teacher licensing. That was at the top of today’s agenda. Although there has been a steady increase of teacher training over the years, many teachers are still not licensed to teach but are still in the classrooms. Well, that is going to change. Those teachers without a full license risk losing their jobs. Minister Faber reminded those teachers of the Education Training Act.
Hon. Patrick Faber - Minister of Education:
"Section 29:7 said at a teacher in possession of a license other than a full licenses shall not be eligible for temporary employment on probation as a prerequisite for appointment but shall be eligible for temporary employment for a period not exceeding 5 calendar years to allow the teacher to acquire the necessary qualifications for a full license in accordance to this act and rules made under this act. Section 29:9 said a teacher who fails to acquire the necessary qualifications for the full license within the period prescribed in this section shall have his services terminated and that teacher shall not be eligible for further employment at any school or institution unless or until he acquires at his own expense the necessary qualifications for a full license. So today we are publicly informing that begun really over 15 years ago with the passage of the education rules of 2000; we're finally followed up with the memorandum issued by the chairperson of the TSE in 2011 as it relates to the requirements for being eligible for continued employment if you hold a provisional license to teach. The provisional license gives a person 5 years in which to acquire the necessary qualifications for a full license and failure to do so within the allotted time should have rendered holders of such licenses ineligible for continued employment."
Temp Teachers, If Necessary
Now there are a lot of teachers with a provisional licenses – over 500 at the primary level and about 800 at the secondary level. So, those who do not fit the criteria for the special permit, and who did not complete any training after all this time, do stand to lose their jobs.. but how will the ministry fill all those vacancies? Faber said they will be able to fill those posts with qualified teachers
Hon. Patrick Faber - Minister of Education:
"There are about 500 plus teachers who hold a full license, meaning they are qualified teachers but are not employed in the teaching profession here in Belize at this time. And so some people may have seen me put out on Facebook page that I'm looking for teachers who are fully qualified but can't find a job, this is your break. We are asking teachers who are in that category, they are not in service, they are looking for a job and the people who are in the classrooms without the training are holding up your job. To tell you that you are seeking that job by visiting our district centres, visiting the various management and putting in your applications; whatever application processes they have and of course informing. Ms. Casey we would have to make some kind of opening on the website where they can submit and we create a registry, that's our intention."
BNTU Says It's About Time For Teachers' Licenses
Now for those of you teachers who are completely caught off guard with this announcement – President of the BNTU Luke Palacio says you shouldn’t be because they have repeatedly warned teachers about these regulations. Now he will do all he can for those teachers who couldn’t for some reason access training but for those who knew and just refused to get qualified – well, you’re on your own.
Luke Palacio - President, BNTU:
"We have been keeping our teachers up to date in terms of reminding them at all our meetings that we hold, seminars every occasion we have we said to them remember if you have a provisional license, the rules are clear. The rules are clear that after 5 years you must get the necessary training to upgrade your license from a provisional license to a full license. So they are aware, we ensure that we sit on different committees be it with ministry, be it with management so that we can mitigate to a certain extent what has transpired here. As a matter of fact, in some of the recommendations that have been made, the BNTU is very instrumental in ensuring that all our teachers who would be affected will not be affected negatively in totality because for instance we insisted that person who qualify for service benefit that even if their license would have expired that they will be given their service benefit."
Is NCL Exclusive OK?
The Stake Bank Project which was thought to be a sure thing towards the ending of last year is now on an indefinite hold. Even after a bill was passed in the House of Representatives, not even an act of parliament could produce common ground between Government and Developer Mike Feinstein. The Prime Minister said that Feinstein was requesting the impossible - a 25 year exclusivity contract for the Belize District. The Prime Minister said that Feinstein’s request contradicted the judge’s ruling in a lawsuit that he initiated against the Fort Street Tourism Village. But now there are reports that NCL’s Harvest Caye Project down south has received an exclusivity contract. So, how does that work? We asked the Minister of Tourism about it today.
Hon. Manuel Heredia Jr. - Minister of Tourism:
"You know there was a challenge by Mr. Feinstein and the court had decided that there cannot be any exclusivity for that but when they speak about an exclusivity it means to say that if you give someone; when in that 25 years it cannot be altered or renewed and in the case of that one with FSTV, I believe that they had given an exclusivity then renewed and altered and so that is what is. But in the case of NCL that was given before this ruling came to court and I can assure you that once that 25 years expires; I would probably not be around but it shouldn't be renewed again. That is what we call exclusivity, a onetime thing and that's it."
Civil Aviation Layoffs
While speaking with Tourism Minister Heredia we asked him about the rumblings within the civil aviation department – which he is also the minister of. Reports are that at least 4 air traffic controllers were terminated. The reasons we were told was that they failed their appraisals- a test designed to promote them, not to determine if they will keep their jobs. We asked Heredia about it today:
Hon. Manuel Heredia Jr. - Minister of Tourism:
"That municipal airstrip when completed supposed to be one of the best municipal airstrips in the country. It is estimated to cost probably 17 million dollars at the end with running lights, with an apron; no other airstrip has an apron. This will be almost similar to the international airport but a little smaller. I believe it will be more modern than the international airport. If you look around now they are working on the fencing, will be well fenced, it will have a huge parking area, hot mix parking area with security if you want to travel somewhere and leave your vehicle it will be very safe over there for a minimal fee. So we're trying to do not only Belize City but all out airstrips. Fencing them, making sure they are to at least the minimum standards; again looking into safety and making sure our tourist and our local people can get the best service."
When Will Municipal Project Finish
Keeping it on the topic of aviation, we asked the Minister about the Municipal Airstrip project. In December 2012, government broke ground but over three years alter, construction still isn’t finished. Today Minister Heredia gave us an update on the works.
Hon. Manuel Heredia Jr. - Minister of Tourism:
"That municipal airstrip when completed supposed to be one of the best municipal airstrips in the country. It is estimated to cost probably 17 million dollars at the end with running lights, with an apron; no other airstrip has an apron. This will be almost similar to the international airport but a little smaller. I believe it will be more modern than the international airport. If you look around now they are working on the fencing, will be well fenced, it will have a huge parking area, hot mix parking area with security if you want to travel somewhere and leave your vehicle it will be very safe over there for a minimal fee. So we're trying to do not only Belize City but all out airstrips. Fencing them, making sure they are to at least the minimum standards; again looking into safety and making sure our tourist and our local people can get the best service."
PUP Cagey On Village Councils
As we showed you at the top of the newscast, new PUP leader John Briceno has hit the ground running – but he’s not about to run into a brick wall come March and April when village council elections will be held. IT could be a costly undertaking for the rebuilding PUP – and today Briceno was cautious in addressing it:
Hon. John Briceno - PUP Party Leader:
"We're looking first at village council elections which I believe should start in March, which likely will start in April since the UDP, they are going to be having their national convention to the end of next month; so one of the first things that we are going to do is that we have to do an analysis of the village council. I think we have about 193 villages in the country. Me, I believe that we should try to minimize politics in village councils."
PUP Leader Calls PM Barrow Trip To Washington A Failure
But Briceno was not so cautious in speaking about the Prime Minister and his finance team’s recent trip to Washington. As we told you, the PM travelled to Washington to meet senior officials from the US Treasury Department. Briceno called the trip “a disaster:…”
Hon. John Briceno - PUP Party Leader:
"We know that the prime minister took it upon himself to go to Washington to try to solve it and unfortunately for us, he failed and I'm not in any way rejoicing that he failed. The problem is that this is an issue that is bigger than Belize and we believe that it has to be done regionally, that we need to unite together with our sister countries in CARICOM and in Central America so as one block we can meet with the United States to address this issue. We are concerned about the people when you can't pay your credit card, you can't get monies, US dollars to be able to if you have to go abroad to get medical attention; if you can't be able to send monies for your children that are abroad studying for tuition and board. These are the day to day issues that concern us."
Ranger Training
Rangers from the Friends for Conservation and Development have completed a 1 week skills training. It was conducted at the FCD’s Tapir Camp, and had the participation of FCD rangers, four officers from the Forestry Department, and 2 park rangers from the Institute of Archaeology. They were instructed in the areas of rescue and first aid, navigation, firearms use, and patrol skills.
Special guests, such as Diplomat Stuart Leslie from the Foreign Affairs Ministry’s Referendum Unit, and Dr. Candy Gonzales from the Belize Environmental Law and Policy, gave presentations on the confidence building measures, and the National Protected Areas Systems act.
Late Evening Shooting
Three men were shot in Belize City half an hour ago. It happened on Jasmine Street in the Lake Independence Area. We know that all three were taken to the hospital, and we are told they were not fatally wounded. This happened in PIV turf. A vehicle that was in the yard was riddled with bullet holes. We’ll have more on this tomorrow.
When Is Kayla Coming Home
On Monday, we told you about 25 year-old Belizean Kayla Sanchez who was arrested in Melchor. She has been charged with aggravated robbery for the theft of a cellular phone.
Well, for the past 2 nights, she’s has been on a remand at a Guatemalan Prison in San Benito, Peten, a facility very much like Belize’s Central Prison. Foreign Affairs diplomat Said Guerra has been on the case ever since she was arrested by the Guatemalan police, and right now he’s in Peten. He’s trying to get her home, or at the very least, to see that she has a fair trial before a court. She has still not been arraigned before a Guatemalan judge, and that is expected to take place tomorrow.
The problem right now is the language barrier, because Sanchez does not speak enough Spanish to understand what is happening. Said Guerra will remain in Peten until she is taken before the judge, and it is expected that he will act as her interpreter and advisor.
FIU Teams Up With Customs
It’s a regulation the world over – those travelling with more than ten thousand US dollars in cash have to declare it at every border or point of entry. In Belize, that process is very involved, with the traveller having to go to the Financial Intelligence Unit, and then to the airport or border crossing. But now, thanks to a new memorandum of understanding between customs and the FIU, travellers can go directly to the airport or border. Director of the FIU Joy Grant explained how it will work:…
Joy Grant - Director, FIU:
"Prior to this signing, if you were planning on taking more than what's stated in the law that you can take out without approval, you had to come to the FIU first to get the approval. Due to negotiations on both sides, we have now agreed that the customs and excise department will be able to give that permit at the border points."
Victor Recinos - Comptroller, Customs:
"Making reporting easier will make the person that wants to do legitimate trade have life a little bit easier. The cumbersome procedures cause a lot of delays in the business world. If we can minimize that, allow you carry legitimate business, reporting efficient as possible, it will also start pointing out those who want to go into illegitimate activities."
Lessons Learned From Titan
And while we had the Director of the FIU in a question and answer session, we asked her about the recent case with Titan Securities – where government was found liable for 8.8 million dollars in damage. The government will appeal, but Grant told us there were lessons learned from that episode:..
Joy Grant - Director, FIU:
"Well certainly you learn by what you've done and what we did at the FIU, we went through the judgement line by line. Especially where it referred to the FIU specifically and we would certainly look at a situation like this if it arose maybe more depth and some things you would do differently, certainly."
Grant was not the director of the FIU when Titan’s offices were cleaned out…
Hon. Heredia Bullish On Blackadore
Blackadore Caye, an island located just about 7 miles west of Ambergris Caye, has made our news before. That is because Hollywood superstar Leonardo D’Caprio bought the island and has the vision of turning it into an eco-friendly luxury resort. In theory, the resort will be designed to increase the biological health of the species on the island and in the waters surrounding it- a restorative island resort. Last month, the first EIA consultation was held. And although the project has eco friendly labeleld all over it, there is still widespread concern of the effects the over-water structures might have on the surrounding marine environment. We spoke to the Minister Tourism about it.
Although the Minister did not give us a date, the next public consultation is scheduled to take place in a few days. The Developers of the project hope to open the resort by 2018.
Thanks, Tourism!
The Ministry of Tourism handed over three vehicles today at the headquarters of the Belize Eastern North Division. The three Mazda pickups will be specially assigned to the Tourism Police Unit. The value of the donation is valued at over $200 thousand dollars, and while three vehicles might seem like not all that, the Minister of Tourism says this is just one of several initiatives they are undertaking to enhance the quality of visits to the country. Assistant Commissioner of Police Desiree Phillips commander of the Eastern North Division and Minister John Saldivar were on hand to receive the donations.
One of the vehicles will be assigned to the tourism village in the city, another will be assigned to conduct rural patrols of the tourism destinations and the third will be assigned to the San Ignacio formation to be deployment to Caracol and to conduct spot checks in that area.
Canal Side Shooting
Last night police responded to the report of shots fired on East Canal between Dean And Prince Street – which is just up the street from our studio. Police scenes of crime technicians processed the scene, but today the cops told us that shots were fired, but there is no complainant, and thus, no case.
AmbergrisCaye.com 
