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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

Raising Autism Awareness
The month of April is dedicated to celebrating Autism Awareness. Special educator at Ambergris Caye Elementary School (ACES), Sarah Freudenberg, is a strong advocate for autism awareness, helping the community understand and appreciate those living with an autism spectrum disorder. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a life-long developmental disorder and is characterized by difficulty in communicating and forming relationships with other people, as well as difficulty in using language and abstract concepts. Children with autism find themselves having repetitive interests, activities and behaviors. They are often sensitive to sounds, touch, tastes, smells, light or colors. The uniqueness of each person with autism makes the experience of living with autism different for each family.

Four Teams heading off to the Mayor and Minister's Cup Semi-finals
This past week, a total of eight teams competed in the Mayor and Minister's Cup quarterfinals at the Honorable Louis Sylvestre Stadium. The intensity of the tournament drew sport lovers to the games, rooting for their favorite teams as they played their hearts out for one of four spots in the semi-finals. On Saturday, April 2nd, the first game saw Veterans facing Belize Pro Divers. At the end of the match, the game finished in a draw, leading to overtime minutes. In the end, Veterans took the final victory of a 2-1 win. Due to sudden inclement weather, game two between Peace Makers and Progresso Boys was rescheduled for the second game day, to be played after the remaining matches. The conclusion of the 11-a-side tournament is approaching and all four teams: Veterans, Catrachos, Ambergris Divers and Peace Makers are qualified to advance to semi-final rounds on Sunday, April 10th.

Ashcroft denies link to Panamanian leaked documents
Leaked documents from a Panamanian based law firm, Mossack Fonseca, has identified links to several countries, world leaders and other prominent international business figures to one of the largest tax evasion schemes in modern history. Among the countries mentioned that were used to hide monies is Belize. In fact, the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ), lists Lord Michael Ashcroft as the connection between Belize and Mossack Fonseca. Ashcroft, who is the owner of Belize Corporate Services (BCS), has since denied the allegation. The leaked documents were reportedly analysed by over three hundred journalists, which led to the exposure of clients involved in bribery, arms deals, tax evasion, financial fraud and drug trafficking. According to the leaked documents BCS began using Mossack Fonseca to provide shell corporations for its clients in 2006. It is important to note that both Belize Bank Limited and Belize Bank International operate under the BCS umbrella.

DANCE kid camp ends with a fun day!
After four days of free dance lessons at the Lions Den, the DANCE (Dance, Activists, Nurturing, Children's Education) group completed their program by encouraging the young dancers to also conserve their environment. On Saturday, April 2nd, DANCE group leaders Gerry Badillo, Emilie Gomez, and Francisco Mendez joined the children and commenced a cleanup campaign along the beach leading from Mayan Princess to Boca del Rio. "We decided to give back to the community and teach the kids the importance of keeping La Isla Bonita clean," said Gerry. After contributing to the beautification of San Pedro, the rest of the day was full of fun activities. The youngsters showcased their dancing skills to their parents and supporters by performing a choreography, composed of dances taught during the camp. The dance participants were also awarded with certificates upon completion of the dance camp.

Ambergris Today

Belize Joins Mesoamerica Without Hunger School Feeding Program
In order to strengthen national and local institutional frameworks for food security and family farming, Belize officially joined the Mesoamerica without Hunger program. The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, Environment & Sustainable Development and the Mexican Embassy formally launched the program on April 5th, 2016, 3:00 p.m. at the George Price Center, Belmopan City. Through this initiative, Belize's Pilot Project aims to develop Sustainable School Feeding Programs (SFP) in four communities of the Toledo District. As from last year, seven Mesoamerican countries and one from the Caribbean embarked in the "Mesoamerica Without Hunger Initiative" and Belize is now becoming a part of this. The SFP model developed goes beyond a conception where the role of the program is limited to just providing healthy and nutritious meals to poor and vulnerable children. The new model is now linked to school gardens and nutrition education, as it promotes lifelong healthy eating habits for school children and by extension, their families. It links SFPs to markets and producers, especially small farmers, and emphasizes SFPs as a market for domestic production of quality products, thereby focusing on the utilization of local products, reducing the food import bill and local job creation.

Misc Belizean Sourcesmzz

LAUNCH OF THE GROWTH AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY (GSDS) 2016-2019
The Government of Belize, through the Ministry of Economic Development, Petroleum, Investment, Trade and Commerce is pleased to announce the official launch of the Growth and Sustainable Development Strategy (GSDS). The GSDS for Belize aims to rise to the challenge of guiding overall development for the nation for the period 2016-2019. It adopts an integrated, systemic approach based on the principles of sustainable development, and builds on three notable drivers that are common to successful developing countries: (1) a proactive state; (2) tapping into global markets; and (3) an innovative social policy. The GSDS encompasses issues covered by previous medium-term economic development plans, and it incorporates both poverty reduction and long-term sustainable development issues. It builds on previous documents including Horizon 2030, which serves as the national development framework for Belize.

Taste of Belize 2016
Indulge in succulent Belizean cuisines at the "2016 Taste of Belize" on May 14th 2016, on the grounds of the Orange Walk District's Muffles College Auditorium! As a diverse country, Belize offers a wealth of foodie-appeal, from delectable ancient Maya flavours to the cultural spices of the Garifuna and Mestizos! This signature Belize Tourism Board (BTB) event is the ultimate venue, featuring different culinary competitions, such as the Belize Master Chef and Amateur Cook. Other Competitions include Bartender of the Year, Cup Cake Decorating and Cake Decorating Competition. The BTB is excited to celebrate the creativeness of Belize's food industry and we invite you to savour the flavours of Belize during this day and night event!

Maya Research Program 25th archaeological field season
Only 59 days until the start of MRP's 25th archaeological field season in Belize! All of our Sessions are nearly full - so if you are interested in joining us this summer, please get in touch soon! If you have already signed up - please do not forget to read MRP's participant guide!

Blackadore Caye: Reviving Its Pristine Beauty
Leonardo DiCaprio originally acquired Blackadore Caye, a 104-acre uninhabited island located off the coast of Belize City, in partnership with a New York City-based real estate developer, Delos. With a vision of building the most eco-friendly island resort and making it as the first "Restorative Island" project designed in creating sustainable villas around the island's ecosystem, DiCaprio and Delos developer teamed up. Blackadore Caye is one of the world's first and most exclusive eco-resort. Located at the world's second largest barrier reef, it has the natural pristine look that was once abused by the people around the island. Now, it is set to be back to its original beauty and many are optimistic that it will turn out to be successful. There are several renowned scientists, wildlife experts, and marine biologists who work hand in hand to accelerate the full restoration of the island. It won't be called as "restorative" if it wasn't for the deep dark past it had to endure before Dicaprio and Delos finally made the choice to invest in it. For hundreds of years, Blackadore Caye suffered from man's negligence and abuse. It is considered as one of the places where overfishing is widespread. There's blatant deforestation of mangrove trees and the people responsible for used it for fires to smoke their catch. As a result, the shores are full of litter and empty seashells. Eventually, this act creates an eroding coastline. Blackadore Caye is a 45-minute boat ride from Belize City and a 15-minute trip from San Padre. With that, the partners are eager to bring back Blackadore Caye's beauty and wonder.

Power interruption 5:40pm to 6:00pm, Friday, April 8, Cayo District
From Benque Viejo to Unitedville, including, Benque, San Ignacio, Santa Elena, Arenal, Succotz, Corozalito, Bullet Tree, Santa Familia, Cristo Rey, San Antonio, Santa Cruz, Esperanza, Georgeville, Unitedville, San Miguel, Duck Run 1 and 2, Billy White, and surrounding areas. BEL to conduct climbing inspections of the transmission system in area.

Global Experiential Learning Course
4 the World held their 2016 Global Experiential Learning professional development course last week at Mopan Tech. Congratulations to all the educators who elevated their knowledge base! Thanks, 4 the World! "4 the World's 2016 Global Experiential Learning P.D. For K-12 Educators was held at Mopan Technical High School in Bennque Viejo, Belize for the second year in a row. Congratulations to all the Teachers who completed the training program and a special thank you for the volunteer educators from North Carolina for making all of this possible. For more information or to join our March 2017 Global Experiential Learning P.D. for K-12 Educators in Belize visit our website www.4theworld.org"

Channel 7

Purging Of The PUP's Old Guard Loyalists
Weeks ago we reported that Cordel Hyde would be made a senior Deputy in the PUP, above the regional deputies. At the time, the PUP higher ups called it a media creation. Well, they must have liked the creation very much, because reliable reports to 7News tonight are that Cordel Hyde was introduced today at a National Executive meeting as the Deputy Party Leader. But that's only one small move in a much larger shakeup of the PUP National Executive. Reports tell us that Treasurer Ramon Monchie Cervantez, Legal Advisor Anthony Sylvestre, and others are being purged to make way for Briceno loyalists. The major move went down today at Independence Hall, and we spoke to Monchie Cervantez as he was leaving:� Ramon "Monchi" Cervantes - PUP Std. Bearer, OW North: "Well I was asked by the party leader to relinquish my post as treasurer so that he could give the post to Mr. Chris Coye." Reporter: "What were the grounds he based that request on?" Ramon "Monchi" Cervantes - PUP Std. Bearer, OW North: "Well he said that Mr. Coye would be able to raise a lot of money, that's one of the reasons that he gave."

SATIIM Has Its Own Sarstoon Showdown
Tonight, the Sarstoon River is the news once again after the Sarstoon Temash Institute for Indigenous Management, known as SATIIM reports that the Guatemalan navy tried to stop them from entering the Sarstoon River to conduct their patrols of the Sarstoon Temash National Park. For years, SATIIM were the co-managers of the Sarstoon Temash National Park up until July 2013 when their contract expired and the Government didn't renew it. Since then, the park has been in a sort of limbo, with no official presence there to deter illegal activities such as fishing and logging. SATIIM, as you will remember, took on the moral duty to police it even though the Government did not sanction their continued assistance to keep the natural reserve in good care. This evening, just before the start of news, we spoke via skype with SATIIM Director Froyla Tzlam about the allegedly aggressive confrontation her rangers had with the Guatemalan military on one of their patrols:

Mexican Women Found With Over A Quarter-Mil, She Was Headed To Panama
In November of last year, Ernesto Alonso De Miguel, known as "El Espanol" was executed in Chetumal. He was known as one of the biggest dealers in contraband cigarettes between the Corozal Free Zone and Mexico. Well, yesterday at midday, a woman reported to be his wife, Maria Jose Del Valle Rosado was caught at the Phillip Goldson airport with over a quarter million dollars in cash. Two special branch officers were doing routine checks at the departure lounge when they saw Valle Rosado and two men acting suspiciously. The police searched them and found $137,130.00 US dollars, equivalent to $274,260.00 Belize dollars on Valle Rosado. The two Belizeans with her also had money. 25 year old Corozal Free Zone worker Nair Arjenis Balam carried 9,900 US dollars, and 36 year old San Narciso Cane Farmer Wilfrido Catzim, carried 9,880 US dollars. They were reportedly bound for Panama. The Financial Intelligence Unit was called in and they allege that the trio all failed to make required declarations under the Money Laundering and Terrorism Act.

Cops Looking For Selena Suspects
Two men are wanted by police for the murder of 63 year old Selana Villager Edgar Aldana. Those men are 27 year old Guillermo Duarte and 22 year old Marlon Padilla - both are from Selena Village as well. As we told you, Aldana, his friend Ruben Manzon and another man were hanging out and drinking at Aldana's house early Saturday morning. Later on, the 2 men - allegedly Duarte and Padilla showed up and that is where the trouble started. Police do not know what sparked the confrontation but one of the 2 men pulled out a machete and hacked Aldana and his friend Manzon in their head and face. Manzon survived but Aldana didn't make it. He died in an empty lot near his home. The other man who was at Aldana's house was asleep and escaped when he heard the commotion outside. He went over to a neighbor's house and asked for help. Now police are looking for Duarte and Padilla for Aldana's murder. Police told us that they went to look for Duarte at his home this morning but as soon as he saw the police, he ran. Police detained a few of his male family members for questioning. They were all released within hours. If you see these men kindly call the police.

PUP Rep Comments On Accident
For the past few days, we've been reporting on Trial Farm Resident Julia Arana, mother of elite cyclist Nissan Arana, who was knocked down by the PUP's Jose Mai on Friday night. She remains hospitalized, and her family is hoping that she will make a full recovery. Jose Mai, who was driving a Toyota Hilux, has not issued any comment on the accident. So today, when he met him exiting the PUP meeting at Independence Hall, we wanted to ask him about the suggestion from the Arana family that he was driving too fast. Well, when we approached him, he told us that he is still unable to speak at this time:

Mexican Embassy Says Chetumal Extortion Isolated
The Mexican Embassy in Belize has responded to our request for a comment on that crazy story coming out of Chetumal where a businessman was extorted inside his room at the Fiesta Inn. The Embassy Public Relations tells us, quote, "According to information available to this�office, this is an isolated case." It continues, quote "Reports from the Honorary Consul of Belize in Mexico, Jorge Luis Valencia, indicate that about 30 thousand Belizean citizens visited the State of Quintana Roo during the Easter holiday period and no other incident of this nature (was reported), which proves the safety of the area." End quote. And speaking of the Fiesta Inn, he says, quote, "the representatives of the hotel, immediately gave all possible support to the affected person and his family. The hotel's management and authorities are in constant coordination in the investigations into the case in order to minimize the possibility of a similar incident." End quote.

Man Found In Drain
A battered and bleeding man was pulled out of a drain on Raccoon Street Extension this morning. Around 6:30, a man known as Anwar Vernon, a 31 year old living in the area, was found unconscious and wounded inside the drain. First responders report seeing the man with a swollen face, cuts to the face, and bruises to the back of the head. He was rushed to the KHMH in a critical condition. Investigators have very little to work with at this moment because the only person that can provide them with any significant information is Vernon himself. But because he is unconscious, he is unable to tell investigators anything. Police continue to seek witnesses that might be able to tell them just what happened to Vernon.

Keyren to Supreme Court
Coast Guard Keyren Tzib's trial continued in Court today. Tzib appeared before Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith who told her that her trial for manslaughter will be handed over to the Supreme Court for judgment. Her attorney Darrell Bradley did not agree with that decision and stated that there were some inconsistencies in the case against her. But the magistrate upheld her decision and now Tzib must await a Supreme Court trial. Her previous bail had expired so today she was granted bail of $10,000 plus one surety which she met. You all may remember that in mid July, Tzib stabbed and killed her common law husband Thytis Blancaneaux in a domestic dispute at their home. Now while Tzib awaits judgment on that case , the preliminary inquiry into another case will begin next month. That case is the attempted murder of one her colleagues in April. She and her team were returning from patrol when Tzib shot Kurt Hyde in the back of the head near the Coast Guard. Headquarters. The PI is set for May 16th.

Witness In Murder Speaks
Yesterday the mother of Rene Chavarria, also known as "Fat Cat," came out publicly to defend her son's name and to demand justice for his vicious murder. Today she took it a step further and introduced us to someone who claims to have seen the killers' faces as they set chase after him. The witness recounts the same story that we've already heard only this time, from his angle. His identity has been hidden and his voice has been distorted to ensure his safety. However he claims to be a close friend of the now deceased "Fat Cat." Here is his story. Eye Witness "I mi almost on the same car mi the wait for he, I mi di wait fi the man come back, I just gone buy a lee herb for the man same way. So I the man, I start roll up something on the lane and wait till the man come back and before the even come back I no even roll up the thing yet and they start shot up at the man, so everybody shake the lane." Emanuel Pech: "You saw who it was?" Eye Witness: "I know da who, one spell one of them mi the chase me too, so I know da who, no have to call no names but I know da who, I see they face."

Should Gapi go For A Bye-Election?
It's been a month now since the Gaspar Vega suddenly resigned as the first deputy leader of the UDP. Right now the campaign machinery of both Patrick Faber and John Saldivar are in overdrive as they try to take his place. So, who would Vega ideally want to see as his successor? That's what we asked today when we caught him at another event. He told us that he's also trying to convince the voters of Orange Walk North that he is not abandoning them: Hon. Gaspar Vega - Resigned as UDP 1st Deputy: "A lot of people are concerned wanting to know why, what were the reasons. I've been honest with all of them, I knew from the very beginning that I would not be there forever." Reporter: "There are two candidates who have offered themselves to fill the void you're leaving behind. As the incumbent as the current deputy party leader, who are you supporting either of Patrick Faber or John Saldivar?"

Transparency Through E-Government
Very soon, fishermen or loggers will be able to hop on a computer and sign up to apply for their license online. That's because the Ministry Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment and Sustainable Development officially launched the Belize Electronic Licnese and Permit System known as BELAPS. It's still in the testing phase to make sure that there are no bugs when it is fully launched, but the Government today unveiled how the system will work. 7News was there, and we spoke with the Minister and the Chief Forestry Officer about this first serious attempt at E-Government: As we told you, the system is still in the beta phase, an we'll tell you when you can log on and start applying.

Cops Say Kids Killed Victor Garnett Over Drugs
Victor Garnett was murdered two weeks ago at the corner of St. Jude and Sibun Streets. The shooting occurred in broad daylight and two teenaged minors were named as suspects. When we last spoke to ACP Chester Williams on this matter, the investigation was looking good. They had a 15 year old detained and were hoping to lay charges pretty soon. But that is no longer the case. As it turns out, they had to let the suspect go because of unwilling witnesses, and a lack of physical evidence. ACP Williams told us more. ACP Chester Williams - OC, Eastern Division South: "We have been told everything that happened. We know the suspect is but at this time we have been unable to make an arrest because of the fact that we have not been able to get anything in terms of evidence reduced to writing. So that is the hold back with murder investigations we currently have going on Southside Belize City but our efforts continue because at the end of the day, I think that it is important that we solve these crimes because solving them is a measure or prevention as well; so we are working on them still."

Alwayne's Killers Had The Wrong Man
The lack of physical evidence and unwilling key witnesses has affected another recent investigation. When we spoke to ACP Williams last week he had told us that they had one person in custody for the murder of Alwayne Cherington, however nothing has come of that investigation. And while police say they know who the perpetrators are, they have nothing that can positively pin them to the crime. ACP Chester Williams - OC, Eastern Division South: "Just like the other murder we know who committed it but the same problem exists in the sense that people don't want to give statements and we believe that his murder was a case of mistaken identity, he was not the intended target."

Curfew Controversy Heats Up
The Kids Curfew, yup, it's back in the news tonight. Today we spoke to Southside Commander Chester Williams, who responded to the strong position that UNICEF has taken against the Kids Curfew. The initiative has been in place for the past two weeks and half and since then there have been a handful of youths who have been picked up by police. So is the kid's curfew program really working? UNICEF doesn't seem to think so, and surely the kids that have been picked up don't seem to think so either. So what does Williams say to that?: ACP Chester Williams - OC, Eastern Division South: "I must say I am happy that for the most part parents have taken heed to the curfew and since the announcement of the curfew the presence of children on our street has become less prevalent. We have only picked up over the pass 2 to 3 weeks no more than 10 or 11 children; and again that goes to show that parents do have the ability of ensuring that their kids remain at home. And of those few that we have picked up majority of them were under the age of 16 and when we do talk to the parents when they come in, the parents are happy that the police picked them up because according to the parents they cannot control them, cannot speak to them and there are children who basically want to do what they want to do without even paying attention to what the parent had to say."

Chester Rebuffs UNICEF
So with all these conflicting views on the ongoing Child Curfew Initiative where is the common ground? And how do we all move forward? Well the Southside Commander has already made it clear that he is not relenting and wants to see the program succeed. So where is the comprise? After hearing out every child advocacy group here are some alternatives that ACP Williams offered in the hopes of moving forward. ACP Chester Williams - OC, Eastern Division South: "I have two options, I would want to agree with them in terms of not taking the children to the police station and I can offer two alternatives. One have a social worker on call during the night time. When we pick up the children we call the social worker, we deal with the child and parent there and then and if the social worker believe that the environment that the child will be going back into is one that is safe and conducive to that child then by all means let the child go home with the parent. If the social worker believes that the environment is not one that is safe and conducive to the wellbeing of that child then the social worker finds alternative accommodations for that child until they can find a more permanent situation that the child can live in. The second alternatives I have if the police station is so bad as they say then get a drop off house. Rent a house somewhere to be a drop off house. Hire social workers to stay in the house so that when we pick up the children at night time instead of taking them to the police station we take them to the drop off house. And as a part of that what we can do, we could also have a police officer working there with the social worker."

Can't We All Just Come Together For Curfew?
So with all these conflicting views on the ongoing Child Curfew Initiative where is the common ground? And how do we all move forward? Well the Southside Commander has already made it clear that he is not relenting and wants to see the program succeed. So where is the comprise? After hearing out every child advocacy group here are some alternatives that ACP Williams offered in the hopes of moving forward. ACP Chester Williams - OC, Eastern Division South: "I have two options, I would want to agree with them in terms of not taking the children to the police station and I can offer two alternatives. One have a social worker on call during the night time. When we pick up the children we call the social worker, we deal with the child and parent there and then and if the social worker believe that the environment that the child will be going back into is one that is safe and conducive to that child then by all means let the child go home with the parent. If the social worker believes that the environment is not one that is safe and conducive to the wellbeing of that child then the social worker finds alternative accommodations for that child until they can find a more permanent situation that the child can live in. The second alternatives I have if the police station is so bad as they say then get a drop off house. Rent a house somewhere to be a drop off house. Hire social workers to stay in the house so that when we pick up the children at night time instead of taking them to the police station we take them to the drop off house. And as a part of that what we can do, we could also have a police officer working there with the social worker."

Michael Modiri Vindictaed, GOB Got Egg On Its Face
Today we asked former Lands Minister Gaspar Vega about the ongoing Michael Modiri/Bradley Paumen saga. You first heard how Paumen and his associates were accused of trying to orchestrate the murder of Modiri and 3 others. Modiri and Paumen are neighbours in Franks Eddy Village. The dispute which supposedly sparked all of this is the Dark Knight Cavetubing Tour - in which NICH is a partner. It's owned by Paumen, and when he didn't have access to the caves, the Government acquired Modiri's land so that he could build a road to it. Modiri sued, and won when the Supreme Court Judge ruled that the then Minister of Natural Resources, Gaspar Vega, improperly acquired Modiri's land for a private purpose, and tried to justify the acquisition is being for a public purpose. The court reversed the acquisition of Modiri's land and gave it back to the original owner.

Cops Still Meeting, Still Greeting
Today South Side police officers, under the command of the ACP Williams hit the streets of known gang hotspots. George, West and Dean Street were some of those areas that were targeted. We met with Williams and his entourage has they spoke to the community in that area in their routine meet and greet.


Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 84,397
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Channel 5

Guatemalan Navy Intercepts SATIIM Rangers
Executive Director of SATIIM Froyla Tzalam has fired off an urgent letter to Foreign Minister Wilfred Elrington following another incident in the Sarstoon on Tuesday. SATIIM rangers were on routine [...]

Rangers Find Evidence of Illegal Activities in Sarstoon-Temash National Park
In her letter to Foreign Minister Elrington, Tzalam reminds him that experience has shown that where there is no monitoring, illegal activities flourish, and SATIIM must use the Sarstoon to [...]

Agriculture Minister Says G.O.B. and N.G.O.s Must Work Together
While Tzalam's letter is written to Elrington, she may need to think about addressing her concerns to Gaspar Vega, the Minister of Forests and Fisheries. SATIIM's had a testy relationship [...]

SATIIM Executive Director Says It is Time to Revisit the Bargaining Table
Tzalam says that talk about a co-management agreement being necessary may have been correct six years ago, but not now. Still, she claims that the incident on Tuesday underscores the [...]

Vega Says G.O.B. is Strapped For Resources to Monitor Protected Areas
There is hope for that meeting to take place, since Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Gaspar Vega is all too aware of the lack of resources which prohibits government departments from [...]

Gaspar Vega Says He Kinda Regrets Paumen Land Debacle
On Tuesday, the Supreme Court found that millionaire investment and Dark Night owner Bradley Paumen had trespassed on land belonging to Michael Modiri. And that's because the Ministry of Natural [...]

Keyren Tzib Will Stand Trial for Manslaughter
After numerous adjournments, twenty-five year old coastguard officer Keyren Tzib, who is accused of the July second, 2015 stabbing murder of her estranged common-law husband, Thythis Blancaneaux, learnt her fate. [...]

Vega Maintains That He is Giving Up Politics for Family
Deputy Party Leader Gaspar Vega tendered his letter of resignation to the United Democratic Party Secretariat on March eighth, informing that he will not be contesting his seat in Orange [...]

Is There Bad Blood Between Vega and Barrow?
Gapi's abrupt notice of retirement has left many to speculate whether his removal from the second most powerful government ministry, the Ministry of Natural Resources, is indeed the catalyst for [...]

Vega Not Decided on Choice for New First Deputy Just Yet
In the wake of Vega's abrupt retirement, a national party council meeting will be held on Saturday to determine the date of a special convention in the coming months to [...]

UNICEF Meets With Police on Curfew
Earlier this week, the United Nationals Children's Fund in Belize officially spoke out against an imposed curfew on the south side of Belize City for children seventeen years and younger.� [...]

Entities Explore Alternatives to Curfew
Cayetano says that the discussion focused primarily on alternatives to the curfew.   Luwani Cayetano, Child Protection Officer, UNICEF Belize "In that meeting we talked about things that we support. [...]

Trio Charged for Not Declaring Over Quarter Million Dollars
Three persons, a Mexican national and two Belizeans, were busted at the departure lounge of the P.G.I.A. on Tuesday. Today, they were taken to court on separate charges after they [...]

Portion of Crooked Tree Causeway Collapses
Over a thousand residents live in the village of Crooked Tree, which is a protected area in the Belize District. But tonight, there is concern that the causeway, which links [...]

Mayan Communities Take G.O.B. Back to Court
The Maya communities of Santa Cruz and Jalacte are headed back to court having filed a claim against the Government of Belize for failure to protect their property rights.� The [...]

TAA Says They Feel Compelled To Bring Action Against Government
In a release issued by the Toledo Alcaldes Association, it states that the villages are compelled to bring these actions against government for enforcement of their rights.� We asked Coc [...]

BELAPS Launched Today
A new online service known as the Belize Electronic License and Permit System was launched today. The service will provide efficiency to expedite the work of the ministries of agriculture, [...]

Ashley Needs Your Prayers
Six months ago, we brought you the story of inspirational warrior Ashley, fighting a mighty battle with a virulent cancer. She and her mother Kayla had just gotten some good [...]

LOVE FM

Guatemalan Military Blocks SATIIM Rangers on the Sarstoon
SATIIM rangers who were on routine patrol yesterday were intercepted by Guatemalan military as the Rangers were on their way exiting the Sarstoon River. Correspondent Paul Mahung spoke with Executive Director of SATIIM who provided the details. PAUL MAHUNG SATIM's executive director, Froyla Salam spoke to Love News here of the incident." FROYLA SALAM "Yesterday [�]

Briceno Asks Munchi to Resign as Treasurer
Ramon 'Munchi' Cervantes Junior first came on the political scene in 2014 when he submitted his name in the race for standard bearer for the Orange Walk North division under the People's United Party. Since then he has garnered much attention and publicity in that capacity particularly since he was challenging the long-time Area Representative [�]

The Deal is Done: Munchi Out, Coye In
As we mentioned, the PUP's National Executive meeting concluded between midday and one this afternoon and Love News did request an interview but we were denied and informed that a release would be sent out to the media. However, after our talk with Cervantes, we did manage to get a few minutes with the Party [�]

Vega Says Resignation Equals More Family Time
Since Gaspar Vega's surprise resignation from the post of Deputy party leader of the United Democratic Party, there have been questions and concerns by the supporters in his constituency. Vega says that he has been open and honest with his people. Vega said he intends to spend more time with his family. GASPAR VEGA "A [�]

Vega Yet to Decide Between Faber and Saldivar
With the post of Deputy Party Leader of the UDP up for grabs, today the media asked the former holder of the post, Gaspar Vega for his views. GASPAR VEGA "As of now I'm not ready to say who I am going after. I think at the end of the day my vote will be [�]

Fisheries and Forestry Progress in E-Governance
Belize Electronic License and Permit System (BELAPS) is a new medium that has been generated by the Belize Fisheries Department, Belize Forest Department, the Taiwan International Cooperation and Development Fund and Central Information Technology Office (CITCO). BELAPS is an internet-based application process for all licenses and permits from both Fisheries and Forest Department. The Database [�]

PUP Area Rep's Test Shows No Alcohol Content; Accident Victim Stable
Last weekend the news of a traffic incident in Orange Walk District involving the PUP's Area Representative for Orange Walk South, Jose Abelardo Mai circulated around the country with questions as to whether the 46-year-old politician was under the influence of alcohol and had he been speeding. Tonight, we have gotten a copy of the [�]

Anwar Vernon Stabbed Multiple Times and Left for Dead
Sometime early this morning, a man was found bleeding profusely inside a culvert on Raccoon street extension. Reports are that he was found by residents in the drain when they called police. When police reached the scene they found Anwar Vernon lying in the drain. Police were immediately able to identify the man since he [�]

Pastry Shop on Raccoon Street Damaged by Late-Night Fire
A fire destroyed contents of a concrete building late last night on Raccoon Street in Belize City. Sixty eight year old Evadney Scott used the building to generate income. Her and her sons would sell pastries, clothes and upholstery in the building. Last night while Scott was in her home she heard someone yelling; that [�]

422 Million Worldwide Living with Diabetes, Says WHO Report
With the approach of World Health Day 2016 on April 7, the World Health Organization released its Global Report on Diabetes 2016 which has presented some alarming figures in the amount of persons living with diabetes. According to the report, some thirty six years ago there were one hundred and eight million diabetic adults; that [�]

PlusTV

Incident against Police Officer leads to arrest of 7 Individuals
There was an incident on Saturday, March 12th 2016 along the banks of the Mopan River, in Benque Viejo Town, in the Cayo District where the police were ambushed and threatened by a group of Hispanic persons. According to reports, Benque Viejo Police were conducting foot patrols by the Planting Patch...

Online Petition seeks to engage British Government in Guatemalan dispute
Yesterday we reported on the riot that almost broke out in Belize City over a gambling machine malfunction.; yes, you heard right, it wasn't an uproar over the poverty statistics, or the crime situation, or even the Belize Guatemala issue which poses a threat to national sovereignty; it was an upro...

Mesoamerica "Sin Hambre" initiative
The Mexican Embassy and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, Environment and Sustainable Development, launched the "Mesoamerica Without Hunger Initiative" on Tuesday April 5th, in Belmopan. The initiative stems from the Millennium Development Goal to end hunger, achieve food security a...

Eric Elrington Charged with Attempted Murder
Police have charged 28 year old Eric Elrington, a computer lab technician, for the Crime of "Attempted Murder upon Henry Gordon". The incident occurred on March 7th when 24 year old Michael Henry Gordon was robbed and shot as he stood waiting for a bus in Unitedville. Gordon was at the...

Tenant pleads guilty to wounding landlord
36 year old Glenford Soberanis was fined $1,500 after he chopped his landlord, 69 year old Lloyd Flowers, aka "Lloydie Panades," during an argument early on Sunday morning. The misunderstanding between the two could have proven fatal after Soberanis used a machete to deliver a large cut wound to the...

Man beats firearms charges
32 year old Daniel Meighan, a security guard at National Youth Cadet Corps and living in Rockville on the George Price Highway, was freed of two charges, kept firearm and kept ammunition without a gun license, after they were dismissed on Monday by the Chief Magistrate, Ann-Marie Smith. Around 12:3...

Unlawful Sexual Intercourse in Belmopan
On Sunday 3rd April a 50 year old Belizean Businessman of Belmopan City visited the Belmopan police station along with his 13 year old daughter who is a Belizean student of the same address and reported that he saw a black and blue mark on his daughter's neck. He suspected that the child was carnall...

Breaking Belize NewsPJ

SATIIM rangers forced to ask permission to enter Sarstoon
Rangers from the Sarstoon Temash Institute for Indigenous Management (SATIIM) reported that during a visit to the Sarstoon river they were stopped by Guatemalan Armed Forces (GAF) who instructed them that they need to seek permission from Guatemalan officials before going to the river. [�]

Minor being questioned for stolen shotgun in Burrel Boom
Ladyville Police has detained a 15-year-old minor for the theft of a 12-gauge Mossberg bolt action shotgun that was reported stolen00 p.m. yesterday, someone stole [�]

Southside police to meet and greet this afternoon
The police officers of Precinct One and Two in Belize City will be conducting meet and greets in their jurisdictions this afternoon at 3:00 as part of the ongoing community policing efforts. Members of the public living on George, West, Dean Streets and surrounding [�]

Teen girl robbed of gold chain in city
On Monday morning around at around 10:30 a.m., a 17-year-old female student reported to Belize City Police that an hour earlier while she walked on Princess Margaret Drive, a dark-skinned man robbed her of a gold chain valued at $500. The teen told officers [�]

Fisheries, Forestry go electronic with licenses, permits
Users can now apply for licenses and permits online through a new system introduced today. The platform is maintained by the Government's Central Information Technology Office (CITO), supported by the International Cooperation and Development Fund (ICDF) of the Republic of China (Taiwan). Minister of [�]

Tropic Air gives to King's Children Home
Tropic Air presented the King's Children Home in Belmopan with $400 on Monday as a part of its continued #TropicGivesBack charitable campaign. Rondel Usher, Tropic Air Belmopan station manager, along with his staff presented the cheque to the organization during a brief handing over [�]

World Wildlife Fund launches global conservation campaign
With over 5 million supporters and a global network active in over 100 countries, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is one of the world's largest and most respected independent conservation organizations with its mission being to stop the degradation of the Earth's natural environment. [�]

Blogs

It'zana Resort & Residences: Placencia, Belize is Ready for the Next Level
For the last few nights, I stayed at a resort in the making�It'zana Resort & Residence and had a gorgeous dinner at the "pop-up" restaurant Limilita on the Placencia Peninsula. And, from what I can see, they are moving ahead to set a new standard for resorts in Belize. Years ago, the property was a resort called Labu Hati and set on a long strip of beach between Seine Bight Village and Placencia. I stayed in one of the four temporary beachfront casitas. Temporary�felt like a strange word. My suite was absolutely gorgeous. With amazing attention to detail - plenty of coffee, cold beverage, lots of fresh water, real milk, and granola for breakfast. Gorgeous furnishings, decor, SHEETS, towels. I was definitely ready to hitch it to the bus and take her home with me. The next day, I took a tour of the one model house that has been completed on the lagoon side of the peninsula. The resort, when finished, will have a Great House and gorgeous pool on the beach side along with beach cottages.

SAYING I DO - MICHAEL & PATTI BELIZE BEACH WEDDING
What better place to "Tie the Knot" than on a tropical island paradise, under the glorious sunshine, along the sandy shores over-looking the world's second largest Barrier Reef?! - Well, that became a reality for Michael and Patti. Think fairy tale!! Patti was in a car accident - and her paramedic - was Michael!!!! They didn't know this then, but that accident was destined!!!

An afternoon at the cottage
I fondly remember trips to my cousins cottage as a kid and later as a young adult, when we got to go without parents. Hanging out on the lake was always relaxing and fun. As I sat on the Truck stop dock this past Sunday, staring at the water that same wonderful cottage feeling washed over me. I felt a million miles away from everything except my present company and the plate of pig roast in front of me. It had all started because my friend Jack fb messaged me early that day asking if I was up for pig roast. Of course I was and mentioned I was going to bring one of my blog readers along, she had just hit town and had asked if she could take me to lunch or dinner. We made plans to meet Jane at the Palapa Bar and Grill to do a pop in for one time expat Linda Carter's (aka Wonder Woman) surprise party. We hung out a short bit and got to introduce Jane to a bunch of our friends. Thankfully when we were ready to go local expats, Mickey and Ed offered us a ride and went above and beyond their destination to drop us off at ours.

Tropic Air Gives back to Kings Children's home and Island Book Drive
Tropic Air, The Airline of Belize, has announced the March results of its ongoing #TropicGivesBack fundraising campaign. For every ticket bought at the month's selected station, $1 is donated to an organization chosen by our staff from that community. In February, $400 was donated to Arms of Love in Caye Caulker. March was the chosen month for Belmopan, with San Ignacio this month, and Punta Gorda chosen for May. As part of the airline's largest charitable fundraiser of the year, Tropic Air business partners, staff and Customers joined efforts and raised $400 for The King's Children's Home in Belmopan. Rondell Usher, Station Manager, and his Staff presented a check to the organization on Monday, April 4th.

Taste of Belize Event is scheduled for May 2016
The 2016 Taste of Belize Festival has been scheduled for May 14th 2016 by the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) on the grounds of the Orange Walk District's Muffles College Auditorium. A signature event by the BTB, the Taste of Belize food festival features culinary competitions such as the Belize Master Chef and Amateur Cook, Bartender of the Year, Cup Cake Decorating, and Cake Decorating. Belize offers a potpourri of cuisines and the Taste of Belize Festival is a great opportunity to taste the variety of cookery from the eclectic cultures of Belize like the Maya, Garifuna, Creole, and Mestizo. The Taste of Belize is an exciting food festival that celebrates the creativeness of Belize's food industry and the BTB is inviting everyone to come and savour the delicious flavors of Belize at this event.

International Sourcesizz

2016 Atlantic, Caribbean & Gulf Of Mexico Hurricane Season Forecast, Crown Weather
The 2016 Atlantic Hurricane Season is likely to be more active than the 2015 Hurricane season, however, it will be less active than average. It appears that we will see longer lasting tropical storm activity this year as well as more hurricane activity this season as compared to last year. With that said, the forecast for the 2016 Atlantic Hurricane season is a very difficult one due to many factors that may be in favor for an active season but other ones may cause it to be quite inactive. The Numbers: 10 more named storms (we have already seen the development of Alex back in January), 7 of those storms becoming hurricanes and 2 of those hurricanes becoming major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher on the Saffir-Simpson scale).

All Aboard: Soul Train, Acquired by BET, Announces Chaka Khan, Kool & the Gang, More for 2017 Cruise
BET Networks' acquisition of the Soul Train franchise for an undisclosed sum this week tracks the latest chapter in a relationship that dates back to 2009. That's when the Viacom division relaunched the Soul Train Awards in association with the brand's previous owners, InterMedia Partners and the Yucaipa Companies. "We also worked with them to manage the brand over the last three years," says Richard Gay, BET's executive VP, strategy and operations. "During that time, we learned the brand is as powerful as we thought and even then some. That set everything in motion." In addition to the Soul Train Awards and a Broadway musical adaptation announced in 2014, the acquisition includes more than 1,100 television episodes from creator/producer Don Cornelius' iconic Soul Train dance show as well as 40 television specials. There's also the Soul Train Cruise, which revealed its 2017 lineup Wednesday (April 6). In celebration of the cruise's upcoming fifth anniversary, Chaka Khan, Kool & the Gang, the Commodores and Chic featuring Nile Rodgers will be among the acts setting sail with Cornelius' son/host Tony Cornelius. The "Hippest Trip at Sea," in association with StarVista Live, will visit Belize City (Belize), Cozumel (Mexico) and Freeport (Bahamas) during its March 4-11, 2017 run, originating out of Ft. Lauderdale (soultraincruise.com).

Science-based regulations needed to protect region's coral reefs
A new study has shown that Caribbean coral reefs are experiencing mounting pressure from global warming, local pollution and over-fishing of herbivorous fish and that fresh science-based fishery regulations are needed if coral reefs are to have a future in the face of climate change. An international team, led by University of Queensland (UQ) researchers, has found that tighter fishery regulations are needed to preserve corals of the Caribbean. Researcher Dr Yves-Marie Bozec, from UQ's School of Biological Sciences and the ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, said herbivorous parrotfish were needed because they eat seaweed, which can smother coral and prevent corals from recovering. "While several countries in the Caribbean have taken the bold step of banning the fishing of parrotfish (including Belize, Bonaire, Turks and Caicos Islands), parrotfish fisheries remain in much of the region," Dr Bozec said.

Caribbean Fisheries Forum meets to discuss emerging challenges
Fisheries experts from across the Caribbean region are traveling to Guyana this week for the 14th Meeting of the Caribbean Fisheries Forum -- the primary technical deliberative body of the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM). The Forum will be meeting in Georgetown on Thursday, 7 April and Friday, 8 April to undertake its annual stocktaking and planning for the fisheries and aquaculture sector. The event will bring together more than 50 participants, including directors of fisheries, chief fisheries officers, and other development partners, such as NGOs and international organizations like the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, which work with the CRFM in promoting the development, management and conservation of the Caribbean's fisheries resources. Justin Rennie, Chief Fisheries Officer of Grenada, will demit chairmanship of the Forum to Denzil Roberts, Chief Fisheries Officer of Guyana , for the 12-month period spanning the new program year which commenced on 1 April. A new vice chairman will also be selected.

Half of world heritage sites threatened by development, says WWF
Close to half of the sites around the world designated for special protection as areas of outstanding importance for nature are now being threatened by industrial development, a new survey has shown. The sites, which include Australia's Great Barrier Reef, the Grand Canyon in the US, and China's giant panda sanctuaries in Szechuan, are all supposed to be protected under the United Nations' designated world heritage status. But encroachments from industries, including fossil fuel exploration and illegal logging, are threatening to destroy the valuable habitats, the conservation charity WWF said on Wednesday. David Nussbaum, chief executive of WWF-UK, said: "Even this small fraction of our planet is not receiving the protection it deserves. These areas contribute to our economies through tourism and natural resources, providing livelihoods for millions of people, while also supporting some of the planet's most valuable ecosystems." At least 114 of the 229 world heritage sites classed as being of outstanding importance for their natural habitats or their flora and fauna are now subject to fossil fuel extraction concessions, or are under close threat from other industrial activities, according to the report.

'Naked and Afraid': Monkey hassles Sanford man
Aaron Phillips of Sanford takes on 'Naked and Afraid' and a very nasty monkey in Belize. Aaron Phillips of Sanford agreed to do "Naked and Afraid" the third time he was asked. What was the sticking point? "I didn't believe the challenge was real," said Phillips, 38, a survivalist. He learned otherwise when he arrived in Belize and encountered a howler monkey. "The monkey peed on us every day for 18 days," Phillips said. "I kind of pissed him off at some point. I was good at howling at the monkey. I think I just took his tree." The monkey eventually stopped -- after Phillips and his partner in the wilderness, Kacie, pounded their chests and evidently made the monkey respect their territory. "Naked and Afraid" airs at 10 p.m. Sunday on Discovery Channel. The series unites male and female strangers in extreme environments for 21 days. (Orlando artist Steven Hall was in the season premiere.)

Jamaica's marijuana industry on pause
It will be a while longer before people who want to get involved in marijuana cultivation, transportation, processing, retailing, and research and development legally in Jamaica can do so. The Cannabis Licensing Authority (CLA), which was expecting to accept applications from Monday, says the process has been delayed with the change in government. Chairman of the CLA, Dr Andre Gordon, said regulations have to be reviewed and approved by the Minister of Justice before the ganja industry could start operations, and that has not yet been done. However, he says he expects that will happen before the end of April.

More than average number of hurricanes, storms predicted for Atlantic this season
Hang on to your hats: weather experts are predicting that tropical storms and hurricanes in the Atlantic will total 14 this season, two more than what is considered normal. A 'cold blob' of water in the North Atlantic Ocean could be the wild card in the 2016 Atlantic hurricane season, say forecasters. The cold blob refers to a large area of colder-than-normal sea-surface temperatures east of Newfoundland and south of Greenland. "This area of colder water started to show up a few years ago and has become larger and more persistent during the past couple of years," said AccuWeather Atlantic Hurricane Expert Dan Kottlowski. Whether or not ocean currents draw cold water from this blob southward into tropical regions of the Atlantic could determine how active the season becomes. "The big question is whether we will go into a La Ni�a, which is what we're anticipating right now," said Kottlowski.

Videos

  • Touring Belize, 3.5min. Be amazed of what all you can do in the country of Belize.

  • History of Belize, 13min. A local in Belize describes the country's history as depicted on a mural in San Ignacio.

  • Belize Zipline, 4min. Fling through rainforest on longest zipline in Belize.

  • ACTION BELIZE-TARPON, 11min.

  • BSI ASR CROP REVIEW 2016 WEEK 17, 3min.

  • My Village, My Lobster, min. Fifteen thousand Belizeans depend on fishing in order to support their families with dignity. Efforts to support sustainability will ensure that fishing will always be a viable livelihood. In countries like Nicaragua, fishermen are risking their lives in order to keep fishing, diving to incredible depths to find marine products. The Nicaragua story doesn't have to be the Belize story. Support sustainability in fishing.

  • Belize 2016, 5min.

  • Belize dive with Hugh Parkey's Belize Dive Connection, 17min. Great people and a great dive. See if you can spot the school of rays, dolphins, moray eel, lion fish, and even a seahorse.Special thanks to Pablo for the tour.

  • Dolphins in Belize, 30sec.

  • Cedar Crest College - Belize 2016, 5min. study abroad - Spring 2016.

  • Cedar Crest College Belize Nursing Trip 2016, 9min.


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