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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

International Costa Maya Festival Presents: Miss El Salvador & Miss Honduras
A third and fourth contestant vying for the title of Miss Costa Maya International 2016 have been revealed, and they are Miss El Salvador: Marlin Ramirez and Miss Honduras Corina Alejandra Flores Canales. Marlin Ramirez is 25 years old and in her third year of undergraduate sociology studies at the National University of Santa Ana. The Santa Ana, San Antonio Pajonal native is particularly into history, as her hometown has Maya ancestry. In fact, many ceramic and clay utensils were found in the area, and as such, she loves to learn about the history and culture of the countries she visits while sharing her own. The avid traveler has visited the United States, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Turkey, Iraq, Japan, and Mexico. An international business administrator, Corina Alejandra Flores Canales is no stranger to pageantry. She has represented Honduras at the Miss Ambar Mundial 2015 pageant in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, and she won the title of Chica Verano 2015 in her home country. Corina is excited to represent her country proudly, and hopes to keep the title in Honduras for a second straight year.

Saga hosts first Strides for Strays 5K race
On Saturday, June 18th, the San Pedro Saga Humane Society held a successful fundraising event called ‘Strides for Strays 5K’ fundraiser. The first of its kind, the race began in front of the Paradise Theatre north of the Sir Barry Bowen Bridge. With a registration/donation fee of $30, participants received a t-shirt and a chance to claim some great prizes at the end of the race. The route took runners from the Paradise Theatre to Grand Caribe Resort and back. Some sprinted, ran in pairs, walked or took their pets along for the competition, all for a good cause. At the end of the race, the top winners were awarded with their prizes, which included medals and gift certificates. The overall winner was D’ Ann Arthur, with a finishing time of 18:11.

Queen Conch season is closed
A press release issued by the Belize Fisheries Department informs that the last day to consume the Queen Conch (Strombus gigas) will be on Friday, June 24, 2016. The fishing community is advised that all conch fishing activities shall cease as of this date until the opening of the next fishing season on Saturday, October 1, 2016.

House of Culture presents San Pedro flag to Mayor and Minister
Understanding the significance of the flag, one symbol at a time: The inverted Cross: A St. Peter’s Cross is an inverted Latin cross. It symbolizes the death of St. Peter, the Prince of the Apostles. Since Jesus was crucified upright, St. Peter felt he was unworthy to be crucified in the same manner, and was crucified upside down. The rooster: The first quarter, the upper left hand section, bears the rooster, which represents the three times St. Peter denied Christ. The crossed keys: The second quarter, the upper right hand side, represents the Papal authority to which the Society of Jesus is dedicated by a special vow, and the Christian people are assured of reliable guidance in faith and morals. The crossed keys symbolize Christ’s keys to heaven, and his authority according to his words spoken to Peter.

Ambergris Today

San Pedro Lobster Crawl at Pineapples Restaurant
San Pedro Lobster Crawl made it to Pineapples Restaurant at Ramon's Village Resort last night. Full entertainment by musical duo Wil & Dale and the always friendly staff of Pineapples. Lots of delicious Lobster dishes on the menu. *Remember that the Block Party is this Saturday*

Conch Season to Close Friday, June 24, 2016
The fishing community is advised that all conch fishing activities shall cease as of this date until the opening of the next fishing season on 1st October, 2016. The Belize Fisheries Department further advises Restauranteurs and the General Public to use, consume and dispose of all Queen Conch meat in their possession on or before June 24th, 2016.

Misc Belizean Sources

Ladies and gents, the Zoo Guy needs some help...
Ladies and gents, the Zoo Guy needs some help again: We're looking for a female supervisor for Conservation Camp next week (June 27th-July 1st). Our campers are ages 12-17, so all supervisors need to be at least 20 yrs or older. It's 5 days and 4 nights, supervising teenagers, a lot of activities in the great outdoors (so, sun, rain, bugs, random cave troll or two), basically the best week of your summer. We already have the male volunteers pretty much covered, but a balance is always important. Spread the word and inbox me for more details!

Following the adventures of Daniel, the Mexican Antillean manatee
Over the last few days, we have been following the adventures of Daniel, the Mexican Antillean manatee, as he made his way into Belize waters. Daniel has been a long term rehab animal, raised near Chetumal, and is trying out freedom. However, along the way, his satellite tag became detached, and he swam off the radar. His arrival in Belize, at the Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve ranger station a few days ago, provided an excellent opportunity to replace the tag. The Chetumal-based manatee expert, Dr. Benjamin Morales, from ECOSUR worked with the rangers and staff of Bacalar Chico and Hol Chan Marine Reserves in a coordinated transboundary effort to relocate him and refasten the tag, ensuring he could be tracked in the future. Daniel is an Antillean manatee. He doesn't know about country boundaries - for him, the coastal waters of Belize are the same as those of Mexico. Now he's in Belize, we are working to keep him as safe as possible. He is very friendly - a little too friendly - and needs to learn to be wild. If you live in the San Pedro / Corozal Bay area and see him (or any other manatee), please give him his space. Please don't approach him, don't touch him, don't play with him! His tendency to approach people will put him in danger if he doesn't learn to be more cautious - interacting with him is not going to help him. Be a part of letting him be successful in the wild! I've copied a post from Jamal Galves, below, requesting the assistance of the general public. I would also like to remind people that, under the Belize Wildlife Protection Act, it is illegal to "molest" a manatee in any way. "Molest" has been defined by the National Manatee Working Group as doing anything that might cause a change in behaviour - such as approaching too close, touching or playing with a manatee.

Dia de San Pedro 2016
Calendar of Events. June 20-July 2

2016 International Costa Maya Festival
San Pedro's International Costa Maya Festival is the only festival of its kind in Central America. It is the biggest festival in Belize, as well as the highlight of Ambergris Caye's entertainment year. August 4 to Sunday, August 6, 2016

Patchakan Park Day
Beautiful Patchakan Village invites everyone to their own version of "PARK DAY". Come support and enjoy this Saturday June 25th!

Ascenthium Concert July 1st
Ascenthium will be rocking downtown Cayo on Friday, July 1st. They'll be playing at the Bamboo Bar with the PD's. Another free concert that you don't want to miss. "Spread the word! its a show you cant miss! Yhere will be Food, giveaways, 2 live bands, cold drinks and free shots! It's a night of Rock n roll! Bamboo Bar"

UB Fall 2016 Graduation
The University of Belize had its Fall 2016 graduation. Congratulations, graduates! More pictures here.

SATURDAY: Crooked Tree is the place to be!
at Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary. Dis da fi wi hiscrhi (That is our history). Come celebrate Crooked Tree's Hstory and Culture! Come out to Crooked Tree Village this Saturday to learn more about the history and culture of the community and savor various delicacies that will be available!

Shawn Avilez to attend Global Entrepreneurship Summit
U.S. Embassy Belmopan is happy to announce that Shawn Avilez will attend the Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES), which will take place June 22-24, 2016 in Palo Alto, California. Ms. Avilez will be joining more than 700 entrepreneurs from around the world along with investors, speakers, and leaders in the entrepreneurship space. Ms. Avilez is the owner and operator of Shawn’s House of Beauty in Belize City; a small business that manufactures wigs, weaves, and other hair products. Ms. Avilez is the only hair producer of this type in Belize. GES is a reflection of the U.S. government’s commitment to utilize entrepreneurship as a foundational tool to build more economically prosperous, secure, and globally connected communities around the world.

SBDC Workshop: Entrepreneurship Development Workshop in Dangriga
Presented by: Ms. Monique Usher. Post/Teaching Description: Business Adviser, SBDCBelize, Beltraide. Location: Culinary Building, ITVET Campus, Dangriga. Workshop Date: June 30, 2016. Time: 9am to 3pm. This training is geared towards equipping participants with the knowledge, skills, and capabilities necessary to self-analyze their capacity as an entrepreneur.

Paint N Splash
Join us this week at Crazy Canucks Beach Bar at 2p.m. sign up at www.paintnsplash.com on our events page.

Let's Support The Rotary Club of Ambergris Caye
The Rotary Club of Ambergris Caye Belize is proud to be a participant in this year's event. They club is hosting 'Chairs for Charity' at the Block Party on Saturday, June 25th. Come out and enjoy the party from the comfort of your own seat right in the heart of the festivities. See attached poster for details. This is one of the Rotary Club's first events for the newly chartered club and members will be present to help spread the word about the club and its mission within the Ambergris Caye community. Tickets can be purchased at each LobsterFest (Lobster Crawl) event. Give the Rotary Club's Facebook Page a LIKE and feel free to msg them if you have any questions. If you could Share this post to help spread the word, that would be greatly appreciated.

National Climate Change Youth Video Competition
The National Climate Change Office (NCCO) is currently embarking on its first National Climate Change Youth Video Competition. This competition is linked to the “Global Youth Video Competition on Climate Change” which is being organized by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and which will culminate in a high-profile awards ceremony in November 2016 at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP22) in Marrakech, Morocco. The National Climate Change Youth Video competition offers an opportunity for the youths of Belize to showcase the ways in which they are implementing concrete actions in their communities to inspire leaders and policy makers to address Climate Change nationally. In addition, the top videos will be submitted to the UNFCCC as Belize’s submission to the “Global Youth Video Competition on Climate Change”.

San Pedro STREET CLOSURE June 25
Please be advised that Barrier Reef Drive from the intersection of Black Coral Street (El Patio Restaurant) to the intersection of Pelican Street (Fido’s Restaurant & Bar) will be closed to all vehicular traffic from 12:00 p.m. Midday on Saturday, June 25th, 2016. All parked vehicles in the above-mentioned area must be removed by 11:30 a.m. That means 'Block Party' Yippppeeee!!!

Poets Corner: Ghetto reality!
By AbdulMajeed K Nunez. This is our reality Real ghetto reality This is my reality Real ghetto reality I remember the days when police use to work eena zone Despite war or peace time officer could talk pan deh phone When push came to shove they could walk home alone When ZBLO officer could walk eena zone four When ZBLO could have gone and knock pan anyone’s door Bad man use to respect police even if they wanted to settle a score Policeman could a walk eena group or walk on their own Now Belize City tun up Through Police deh messed up Bad man get set up Shatta get shat-up Gov’t weh have to pay up Fi mek the youth deh shut up

BAAS 2016 Schedule
The Belize Archaeology and Anthropology Symposium starts next Tuesday, June 28th. The schedule is out.

A BELIZEAN BELIZEAN LEGENDS THROWBACK OF THE BELIZEAN ORGANIZATION SPEAR!
A 1986 Belizean Legends photo of the popular Belizean organization SPEAR (Society for the Promotion of Education & Research). Seen from left to right is BREDAA's Chariman, Nuri Akbar Estrada, SPEAR's Diane Haylock, SPEAR's Assad Shoman, and SPEAR's Wilfred 'Sedi' Elrington. The popular education Belizean organization had come to Los Angeles, California at the invitation of the organization BREDAA in 1986 to do a series of town meetings on Belize, the nation state, and its political, social, and economical state of affairs in the Los Angeles Belizean Community. A historic Belizean diaspora connection between Belizeans at home and those abroad in terms of bridging the gap between the nation state of Belize and its diaspora. Wow, how time flies!

International Museum Day
Cultural Landscapes exhibition at the San Pedro High School.

Reef Week 2016
11th Annual Reef Week

Public Service Information Day 2016
Exhibition on Historical Building of San Pedro at the Public Service Day

Charikanari Dancers 2016

"History of the Lobster Industry in San Pedro" Exhibition
Held at Costa Blu Resort

Paradise Theater playing this weekend:
Allegiant, Everybody Wants Some!, Hardcore Henry, Demolition. See ya at the movies ! (New projectors coming soon) Closed Saturday for Lobsterfest.

Channel 7

OAS: "Good Progress" Made In Talks
Last night, we brought you late evening interviews from Washington DC with the Belize Delegation who had been in talks with the Guatemalans for 5 hours. They were trying to negotiate a protocol for the Sarstoon River, but after 5 hours, the Belize Foreign Minister could only say that they meetings had small success. Tonight, Jules Vasquez recaps what he saw and tells you what's the bottom line on yesterday's meeting: The cordiality shown between the two sides is perfunctory and by now, routine if not rehearsed. And the Uruguayan Secretary General Luis Almagro put on what had to be his best face after more or less staggering out of an extraordinary meeting of OAS Permanent Council. In a week when his leadership is under attack, this meeting, pushed back an hour to accommodate his other pressing engagements, had to be sort of housekeeping. But that didn't mean it was quick work. A session that was expected to take two hours dragged on to over five. At various points, representatives from both delegations could be seen coming out to consult, or to wait while the finer points were hammered out inside the Salon Miranda.

PUP Blasts GOB For Washington Washout
Back at home, the Opposition Leader and his representative – who boycotted the Washington meeting - have summed it up as a, quote, "complete failure." This evening, they released a statement saying, "The People's United Party expresses its deep disappointment at the failed talks held yesterday… in Washington D.C" End Quote. The statement continues, quote, "It is plain that Guatemala intends to maintain control of Belize's portion of the Sarstoon River, and the Government's response is to keep talking and hoping that Guatemala will at some point in the future withdraw from asserting control." End Quote. And there's also a swipe at Foreign Minister Wilfred Elrington. The PUP Statement says, quote, "We repeat our call for the immediate removal of Wilfred Elrington…for lack of competence and for misleading the Belizean people. There is a complete loss of trust and confidence in Mr. Elrington, and his deep affection for the Foreign Minister of Guatemala continues, in our opinion, to cloud his judgment…" End quote.

PUP Plans...
So what's their fix for the setbacks in the relationship with Guatemala? Well, the PUP says that the best approach is to go back to the public and get a new mandate on how they want the Sarstoon situation handled. Today when the media asked Courtenay if the PUP is considering going on their own international campaign, he said, that that's certainly a good option. Here's that back and forth: Eamon Courtenay - PUP Representative: "The PUP has a very proud history of dealing with the Belize Guatemala issue before and after independence right; this idle thought that we feel hurt, that we feel disrespected and so we are pulling out like children. It is utter and complete nonsense. The reason that we have taken the position we have taken is because we fundamentally disagree with this approach of talk and hope and unless and until talk and hope is stopped in National Policy, we're not participating. "

Would-Be Burglars Busted
Sometime before 11 this morning a trio of would-be burglars was caught red handed stealing items from a house on Franklin Street, in the Complex area. When we got to the scene the three of them were still inside the pan of the police mobile- handcuffed, and being taunted and shamed by the home owners. According to the home owner, an elderly woman, the perpetrators seem to have been scouting the house for a while now. They even made the lookout man pretend to be an innocent worker chopping as the crime was underway. Voice of: Owner of Burglarized House: "Yesterday because the lock the give problem, so yesterday they came. I had a baby Pitbull, they took that so today they came back. It seems like they are watching every time you go to work because I go minutes to 7; go to work and come back after 6 so they have enough time to come into your house, do what they want; the one pretend to chop the yard while the other two are in the house. The door is completely destroyed, the TV off the walls, 2 TVs already taken down; well the police came in time so the third on a slant almost to come down, the machete is on my son's bed in the house. The rooms, the drawers ransacked; one of them seems like he like expensive thing the Michael Kors watch is on his hand. Yes ma'am the earring in his pants."

Cops Caught Burglars
Police arrested the three suspects: 25 year old Elick McCoy, 18 year old Elen Flowers, and 18 year old Jamie Williams- all caught in the act. This evening we met up with Sergeant Bradford Berry the Officer in charge of Mahogany Formation, who told us that they were able to foil this burglary thanks to good community intervention. Sgt. Bradford Berry - OC, Mahogany Formation: "Due to the fact that the police have been doing these meet and great and myself and the police officers from Mahogany street police station and our initiative did our own meet and great and I had given out my cell number to some members of the community and they saw the burglary in progress this morning and one of them contacted me. I responded and acted on information that the person had passed on and I went to the address at Franklin Street where I found the burglary in progress."

Muslim Family Claims Cop Harrassment
The Ahmad's, a Belizean Muslim family, are demanding answers after a terrifying police raid early Monday morning. Reports are that the Special Branch Unit stormed into and ransacked 6 of their different family homes in Hattieville. The officers took a number of belongings including passports, their licensed guns and all their electronic devices. After that, about 19 family members from these homes including a pregnant woman and children were rounded up and detained. Well, they have finally all been released after 48 hours and the family is still trying to grapple with this scary experience. Today well known barber Fareed Ahmad detailed what happened on Monday morning and the damage it has caused the entire family.

Southside Commander Says He Knows Nothing of Muslim Family Detained
So since we had no luck with Special Branch, we asked Southside Commander Chester Williams about the Ahmad raid but he avoided all our questions saying he was not here when the incident occurred and he simply does not know the details. ACP Chester Williams- O. C., Eastern South Division: "I am not aware of that situation so I cannot give you any briefing on that." Emanuel Pech: "Although they were taken to the Racoon Street police station sir?" ACP Chester Williams- O. C., Eastern South Division: "I am not aware of the situation I had been out of Belize City since Monday and I came back last night." Emanuel Pech: "But if the situation is as they claim whereby their religious items were taken by police, I'm talking about their holy book which is their Quran and other religious objects of that nature. It seems that this would be a case or this is their reporting to be a case of religious racism in a way whereby a group of members of the Muslim community were all hauled into the police station and all these holy objects were taken. Could you comment to us in that regard just from hearing what these people are claiming?"

Anthony Crawford Shot
One man was shot to the chest on Monday shortly after our newscast and while we got there in time to see the fresh blood stains on the pavement, by the time we arrived BERT personnel had already rushed the bleeding man to the hospital. Later we found out that the victim was Anthony Leslie. The incident happened on Iguana Street Extension, and while that is a known gang turf, police are saying this particular incident was not in any gang related. ACP Chester Williams told us why. ACP Chester Williams- O. C., Eastern South Division: "On Monday night sometime around 7 PM there about police responded to information of shots being fired in the area of Iguana Street extension. Upon arrival they saw one Anthony Leslie suffering from a single gunshot wound to the chest region. "

The Belmo-Bond
As far back as September of last year, reports emerged that the Belmopan City Council was interested in floating its own Municipal Bond. They hope to duplicate what has been done successfully in Belize City, where dozens of cement streets were funded with the proceeds of that bond. Well today, almost 9 months after Cabinet approved the Bond, Mayor Khalid Belisle and the Belmopan Council formally launched it. 7News was there: This morning, Belmopan Mayor Khalid Belisle, Heritage Bank's Steven Duncan, and Legacy Fund's Ervin Perez signed the Fiscal Agent Agreement for Belmopan City's first ever Municipal Bond. Belmopan is now the second council float their own, continuing the new Belizean trend in municipal management to raise funds this way. Mayor Belisle freely acknowledged today that he and his council drew inspiration from his Fellow UDP Mayor from Belize City, Darrell Bradley.

GOB Selling Off Utility Shares To Get $$$, Not A Cabinet Call
And while we had the opportunity to speak with John Saldivar, we asked him about Government selling off $55 million dollars worth of its shares in BTL and BEL. Social Security Board's Investment Committee is recommending that SSB purchase 40 million dollars worth of BEL's shares, and 15 million dollars in BTL shares. We're told that the Union's Representative on the Investment Committee voted in favour, but the representative from the Chamber of Commerce abstained. For Social Security, which is banking money at low interest yields, the 6 to 8% returns from the utilities is straightforward enough. And for government, it is even more so, because GOB really needs the cash. But today, when we asked Minister Saldivar about it, he told us that it hadn't been brought to Cabinet yet: Daniel Ortiz: "As a member of cabinet do you know anything of this, has it been discussed at the cabinet level?"

PUP Urges SSB Not To Cooperate
Well, the PUP has also gotten that report, and not surprisingly, they completely disagree with the move that the Government intends to make. Today, when the media asked Opposition Leader John Briceno about it, he made a public plea to the SSB Board to reconsider approving it: Hon. John Briceno - PUP Party Leader: "Our concern is that here we have the government dumping their shares of these utilities to Social Security whereby their putting our monies; the people's monies, the workers' monies at risk, 48 million dollars BTL is going to be saddled with. I am calling the attention of all Belizeans to be aware of what is going on that the government is broke, they are desperate and now they are trying to do anything possible to get their hands on money and now they want to get their hands on the people's monies and the worker's monies on Social Security. We're also demanding that the Social Security Board be aware that they have fiduciary responsibility to all the workers of this country that not because they have been appointed by their political bosses dictates them to do but that they are there to protect the interest of the workers."

BEL Got Bank!
And proving that it is a blue chip investment, BEL held its Annual General Meeting today. The utility realized a handsome profit of $29.4 million dollars, and paid out a dividend of $0.15 cents per share. The Company also repaid the $10 million loan it obtained from the Social Security Board in 2012. The company says it invested $27.7 million dollars to reduce outages, increase access to power supply and improve power quality.

Hon. Saldivar Speaks On City Crime
We also asked National Security Minister Saldivar about the spike in Belize District crime. Last week Friday, the crime climate was turned up way past 100 when a 15 year-old shooter went to kill a known gang figure right in of the Police Station. He ended up shooting a cop while trying to flee the scene. Today, Saldivar shared his thoughts on the incident with us: Hon. John Saldivar - National Security Minister: "My first thoughts had to be to the persons who were injured to make sure that they were safe. Yes it was a brazen act, it tells us a lot about where our society has come in terms of these individuals but you know the police pursued and the police detained and I believe the police reaction was adequate and was able to contain the matter." And speaking generally on the spike in violence in the Belize District, we asked him if he and his police management team are taking a close look at what happened. As viewers are aware, he's criticized the media for sensationalizing crime in the news. Here's what he had to say:

Mystery of Marky's Murder: Unsolved
Police are still trying to solve the mystery of Marky’s murder. As we told you 23 year old Mark Shepherd was killed on Saturday night in front of the Green Iguana Lounge in Hattieville. Shepherd was with his pregnant girlfriend in front of the Lounge when 2 men approached them, one of the men pulled out a gun and shot Shepherd twice to the back. He died after he was rushed to the KHMH. Police told us today that they had several persons detained but they have all been released. Police say there are still no clear links or answers as to why anyone would want Shepherd dead because they didn’t know him as a troublemaker.

An attempt At A Hit In Ladyville?
There was a shooting in Burrell Boom last night. Eugene Henderson was sitting on his verandah after 9 when a man walked onto his property and was heading towards his downstairs flat. Henderson asked what he was doing here and that is when the man pulled out a gun and tried to shoot him, but the gun jammed 3 times before the man ran to the front of the house and fired 4 shots. But by that time, Henderson had already dashed off unharmed. The gunman then ran towards the Boom – Hattieville road where he jumped unto a waiting motorcycle and sped off. Police believe these men came from the city to carry out this hit. Police say they are following a few leads in this case.

Quarter Mil Jackpot Never Claimed By Corozaleno
What would you do with a quarter million dollars? Well, one winner did nothing! That’s right, a Corozal ticket holder let $274,000 slip through his or her fingers. That person had the winning ticket for the December 22nd Fantasy 5 draw but did not claim the prize in time. Now that will money will be split up between the government and the current fantasy 5 jackpot. Today the public relations officer Karil Wallace told us how it all works and also gave us the new fantasy 5 prize. Winners have 6 months to claim their prize. As you heard, the new fantasy 5 jackpot is $354,000.

Golden Guys And Gals
Yesterday we told you about Belize’s overall performance at the 17th annual Central American Seniors Championships held over the weekend in El Salvador. Our delegation did not participate in all events however our small team still managed to bring back a total of 12 medals: 6 gold, 4 silver, and 2 bronze. Yesterday we only got a chance to speak with Katy Sealy. So today we set off to track down all those home grown athletes, who told us about their experience at Track and Field tournament over the weekend. We start first with Tricia Flores and Shaun Gill. Flores managed to secure two gold medals. First in the relay and then in the long jump breaking the Central American record for the long jump in the process.

Belize's Olympians
Now while that event is over, next is the Rio Summer Olympics in August. Belize is sending two track and field athletes to participate. Today, their names were announced. In the females category Belize is sending Katy Sealy, and in the males category Belize is sending Brandon Jones. Sealy is from England and Jones is from the US, but both have parents in Belize. We spoke to Deon Sutherland today as they got ready to make the big announcement. The Belize Amateur Athletics Association is planning to debut the two players at a friendly competition this July. This will be their last race before the Olympic Games which is to take place in Rio in just a couple of months.

Championing Competition
Competition is good! That's the idea that the Ministry of Trade is trying to impress unto several key stakeholders. Today, the Ministry of Trade in collaboration with the CARICOM Secretariat organized a one day training workshop today to sensitize the public, the private sector, and the legal community about the benefits of competition and competition policies. Dr. Leroy Almendarez - Director General, Foreign Trade: "The workshop focuses on competition policy and law. About 2 weeks ago on June 3rd we had a first sensitization it's pretty much sensitization, getting people to have some understanding if you want to put competition policy and law in place what are some of those requirements, what are some of the considerations that we must think about and so it engages the public sector and the private sector. So that any law, any law that comes into place it would mean that the private sector would have a voice in understanding what those requirements, what are the intentions of the legislation; you know the whole objectives of the legislation who will it benefit. As a matter of fact it will benefit producers and the consumer."

Creative Trade, The Economic Solution
Manatee conservationists need your help in reintroducing Daniel into the wild. Daniel the manatee was released from a Mexican Rehabilitation Center and is right now in the Bacalar Chico area reorienting himself to the wide open space. So what does that have to do with you? Well …everything, yesterday, Manatee conservationist Jamal Galvez sent an email alerting the public especially those living on San Pedro and other Cayes to warn them that Daniel might be coming their way and that they should not approach him. The email explains that Daniel spent the majority of his life in rehab since he was found as an orphan manatee in Mexico. Daniel is very friendly which is not good as he may approach someone who could harm him. And so, anyone seeing Daniel should avoid approaching or coming in contact with him, including feeding him – which is both illegal and ill advised."

Channel 5

Foreign Minister Elrington Returns from Washington, Any Good News?
Foreign Minister Wilfred ‘Sedi’ Elrington returned from Washington this morning after leading a delegation of government representatives to meet with Guatemalan Foreign Minister Carlos Raul Morales and his delegation along [...]

Opposition Representative Says Washington Trip was an Embarrassment
So with no protocols established, no formal or informal draft and no concrete establishment of a relationship in the Sarstoon pending the formal protocols, what really came out of that [...]

Belize and Guatemala Army Generals Meet in Washington
As we said earlier, Brigadier General Jones met with Guatemalan counterpart Carlos Eduardo Perez, Chief of Defense Staff of the Guatemalan army. Guatemala proposes that the head of the armies [...]

B.D.F. Commander Says Military Changeover at Cadenas is Smooth Sailing
Where the B.D.F. is concerned, the changeover of personnel at the Cadenas Observation Post, using the Sarstoon River as ingress to the remote location, has been unhindered since early May.  [...]

Untrammeled Access to Sarstoon is Now a Work in Progress
Elrington admits that to reach a Sarstoon Protocol is a gradual process that hopefully will materialize a document within the next six months.  As for untrammeled access, well that too [...]

No Date for Follow-up Meeting on Sarstoon Protocol
While the meeting has been described as fruitful, there were more questions than answers this morning when the foreign minister returned to the country.  Elrington could not even say when [...]

Opposition Plans to Remove Foreign Minister
There you have it. After five hours in Washington there is no agreement on the Sarstoon, no structured plan for discussions – not even a date for the next meeting [...]

Sedi Explains Confusion Following Istanbul Talks
Elrington, as foreign minister, constantly faces harsh scrutiny from the public, particularly because of his seemingly passive approach towards Guatemala. In some corners, he has been blasted as disingenuous. Elrington [...]

Is Sedi’s Bromance with Carlos Raul Getting in Way of Bilateral Talks?
While Elrington says he doesn’t pay any attention to that, he may pay attention to the stinging criticism leveled at him by P.U.P. Senator and former Foreign Minister Eamon Courtenay. [...]

P.U.P. Says Cash-strapped Government is Attempting to Raid S.S.B.’s Purse
On Tuesday’s newscast, we broke the news that the S.S.B. has been asked to consider purchasing fifty million dollars of G.O.B. shares in B.T.L. and B.E.L. – a request by [...]

P.U.P. Calls for Full Disclosure of Purpose for $50 Million Withdrawal
And with that, the P.U.P. revealed its list of demands where that fifty million dollar proposed withdrawal from the S.S.B. piggy bank. It includes full disclosure of the intended destination [...]

Is There a Connection Between S.S.B. Withdrawal and Pending G.O.B. Settlement?
Is there a connection between the sudden desire by G.O.B. to raise fifty million by divesting shares and a court ordered settlement that has now come due? The Opposition isn’t [...]

South Side Larceny: 3 Burglars Caught in the Act of Breaking and Entering
A trio of burglars was caught in the act this morning in Belize City. The planned burglary occurred like this. One of the men pretended to be chopping the yard [...]

Ahmad Family Recounts Predawn Police Raid
Members of the Ahmad family of Hattieville were detained by the police on Monday morning and kept incommunicado while they were in custody. The Muslim family says that the past [...]

….Were Simultaneous Operations Necessary?
Ten hours later, the Ahmad women, including minors, were released without any explanation or apology from the officers; the men were released late Monday night. The officers claimed the search [...]

Alden Sutherland Sentenced to 2 Years for Arson of Vehicle
The June session of the Supreme Court started today. Aside from numerous indictments, Justice Troadio John Gonzalez also dealt with the case of Alden Sutherland, who was charged for the [...]

Katy Sealy and Brandon Jones to Represent the Jewel at Rio
Track and Field athletes Katy Sealy and Brandon Jones will represent Belize at the Olympics 2016 in Rio. As we told you in Tuesday’s newscast, twenty-two athletes competed over the [...]

Track and Field Athlete Ashanti Carr Recaps Central American Championships
Of the thirteen records set this past weekend in El Salvador, six were clinched by Belizean athletes. News Five spoke with seventeen-year-old track athlete Ashanti Carr, who participated in the [...]

LOVE FM

PUP Wants More Than Just the Removal of Sedi
A National Executive meeting concluded at around one o’clock this afternoon at the PUP’s Headquarters in Belize City. One of the burning issues that the PUP is dealing with is their desire to have the Belize/Guatemala issue treated as a non-partisan one and the Government of Belize not cooperating on the matter. Senator Eamon Courtenay […]

Briceno Warns Belizeans of Economic Hardships on the Horizon
Following today’s National Executive meeting of the PUP, Leader of the Opposition presented some figures to the media as Briceno warns that the economy is in shambles and the Government of Belize is in serious debt. Briceno honed in on the debt brought to the country via the PetroCaribe program as well as the proposed […]

VIP Commends Teachers’ Union for Taking Part in the Education of the Belize/Guat Issue
VIP’s Chairman also commented on the fact that the Belizean population is limited when it comes to being knowledgeable on a dispute resolution at the International Court of Justice. Chairman Hubert Enriquez commended the Belize National Teacher’s Union for coordinating the country wide consultations to help spread information on the territorial dispute being resolved at […]

Belmopan City Council Floats Municipal Bond
This morning the Belmopan City Council and Heritage Trust Financial Services signed an agreement for a municipal bond worth six point five million Belize dollars. The bond is to improve the quality of life for the residents of the city through public works. While an estimated twenty million dollars is needed for public investment, the […]

Village Leaders, Parents and Students Protest in San Marcus
A developing situation at San Marcus RC School triggered village leaders and parents to protest and students not attend classes this week. Correspondent Paul Mahung has a detailed report.

PlusTV

Belize and Guatemalan delegation discuss Sarstoon protocol in Washington
Foreign Minister Wilfred Elrington, Brigadier General David Jones and Ambassador Alexis Rosado are in Washington DC where a high level meeting was held this afternoon at the OAS Main building there. The Belizean delegation met with Guatemalan Foreign Minister Carlos Raul Morales, Guatemala’s C...

Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin to give decision on the UNIBAM Sodomy lawsuit
Three years ago Caleb Orosco and UNIBAM, defended by Lisa M. Shoman and a host of international lawyers, asked the Belize Supreme Court to Strike down Belize’s law which makes sodomy and bestiality illegal acts. Section 53 of the Belize Criminal Code states, “Every person who has carnal inter...

US Embassy to fly LGBT Flag on June 23rd
In other LGBT news, the U.S. Embassy in Belize announced that it will be hosting a Flag Raising Ceremony in commemoration of LGBT Pride Month on Thursday, June 23rd at 10 a.m. at the Belmopan Embassy. In Jamaica, a similar event did not go unnoticed when Jamaican Attorney General Marlene Forte con...

Toledo man trapped by submerged trees drowns
There was a drowning in the Toledo District in Blue Creek Village. On Sunday June 20th , 21-year-old Thomas Salam of Blue Creek , and four other male persons, left home to go fishing. However, while diving in the river, Thomas reportedly got stuck below some fallen submerged trees and drowned. Wit...

Inmate DID hang himself, according to post mortem
A postmortem examination has confirmed that 29-year-old Luis Antonio Magana, Belizean driver of Trial Farm Village, Orange Walk District died of asphyxia due to hanging. As we told you yesterday, police were investigating the death of Magana after he was found hanging in a cell in the Orange Walk ...

Sharon Anderson sues Peter Allen
In the first quarter of 2014, then Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Peter Allen was under sustained fire from the Public Service Union primarily over the appointment of an inexperienced Minister’s daughter as the Director of Drug Inspectorate, who along with two others, was giv...

Constable remanded over public discharge of gun
Constable Urbie Alamilla, 35, attached to the Intelligence section of Eastern Division (South) and a former Minister’s driver, has been remanded to prison, having been accused of discharging a firearm in a public place, to wit, Green Jade Restaurant located between Miles 8 and 9 on the Phillip Golds...

Amandala

The Belize Ministry of Health has confirmed three additional cases of Zika infection in the Belize District, with the latest cases cropping up in Caye Caulker, where the persons reported having fever and rash earlier this month. A Belize City woman was the first in the country to be diagnosed with Zika on May 16, 2016. Then on May 25, 2016, test results confirmed that a pregnant woman, 33, of Cayo was infected with Zika. With a total of 8 cases now confirmed in Belize, including the latest three in the Belize District, the Ministry of Health said that it is investigating and closely monitoring the situation. “We continue to engage with the local authorities in Caye Caulker along with the investigative team from the Central Region offices in Belize City,” the Ministry added.

Returning to Belize by bus tonight from El Salvador is a contingent of Belizean athletes and officials of the Belize Athletic Association (BAA) who are bringing back 12 medals – 6 gold, 4 silver and 2 bronze – won at the 17th Central American Seniors Championships in Athletics, held at the Jorge “Magico” Gonzalez Stadium in San Salvador, beginning last Friday morning and ending yesterday, Sunday afternoon. According to delegation head, BAA President Deon Sutherland, “Belize’s performance was outstanding. Of the thirteen (13) new records set at this event, Belize captured six (6). We now hold an impressive seven (7) Central American records. We captured a total of 12 medals – six (6) gold, four (4) silver and two (2) bronze.”

At about midnight on Saturday, at the brink of Sunday morning, an unmasked man entered a yard and gunned down an unsuspecting man in front of his common-law wife. Mark Shepherd, 23, was in the yard of Iguana Lounge, socializing with his common-law wife, and both of their backs were turned to two men who had entered the yard. Shepherd was just about to light a cigarette when one of the men withdrew his 9mm firearm from under the waist of his pants and fired several shots at Shepherd, hitting him four times in the right side of the back. Shepherd’s grieving family is puzzled as to why anyone would want him killed. According to ACP Edward Broaster, Shepherd was not involved in the criminal underworld.

At the end of Week 10 games on Saturday at the MCC Grounds, 3 teams have already clinched a spot in the top-4 semifinals of the Smart 13 & Under Mundialito. And with the last week of regular season this coming Saturday, there are a host of possibilities among 4 teams still in contention for the #4 spot in the playoffs. (See standings below.) In game 1 on Saturday, June 18, Collet Strikers clipped Heights FC, 1-0, with a goal from Chris Maskall. Game 2 saw Hattieville Riverside Boys bombing Ladyville Rising Stars, 4-0, with Ruben Darius netting 3 and Jaheed Baptist getting the other goal for Hattieville. Game 3 was a 1-1 draw between playoff contending Young Warriors and winless Face of Belize. Jonah Chebat shook the net for Young Warriors, while Kassem Santos hit the target for Face of Belize.

TIDE Primary School FWC 2016 Semifinals results, Finals on Wednesday
The semifinals are over in the TIDE Freshwater Cup 2016 Primary Schools Football Tournament, and the stage is set for the finals, which are scheduled for Wednesday of this week. The semifinals were played today at the Julian Cho Technical High School football field. In the first semifinal today, St. Peter Claver Boys defeated Bella Vista Boys, 2-0, with goals from Lawrence King (12’) and Elsner Rodney (23’). The next semifinal saw St. Peter Claver Girls playing to a 0-0 draw with Trio Girls. They went to penalties, and Trio Girls defeated St. Peter Claver Girls, 4-3. The second male semifinal saw Golden Stream Boys getting the 2-0 win over San Pedro Columbia Boys, with a goal apiece from JerdyShol (14’) and Valeriano Ack (28’). In the second female semifinal, Silver Creek Girls won by default over San Marcos Girls, who failed to show up. Silver Creek has therefore been qualified for the finals.

Final game result and award for Simeon Lopez Kids, Youth and Female Cup 2016
The last game in the Simeon Lopez Kids, Youth and Female Cup 2016 Finals was completed on Sunday, June 12, at the Governor General Field. It had been postponed the week before due to rain. In the U-13 finals second leg, YWAM Valencia and Mountain View Revolution played to a 0-0 draw; but YWAM had won the first leg by a 1-0 margin, so they were declared the aggregate 1-0 winner and U-13 champions. The award ceremony followed. In the U-13 Kids category, 1st place went to YWAM Valencia; 2nd was Mountain View Revolution; and 3rd Piccini Rising Stars. In the U-15 Youth category, 1st was San Martin Medina’s; 2nd was Mountain View Revolution; and 3rd Central Site Bandits. And in the U-17 Female category, the champion was San Martin Medina’s; 2nd was Bmp Compre Flames; and 3rd Central Site Bandits.

25 PSE top scorers and top schools honored
The 25 top scorers in the 2016 Primary School Examination (PSE) were recognized at an award ceremony held this morning at the Ramada Belize City Princess. “Hard work pays off. What a valuable lesson we celebrate today! The hard work of these students, their parents or guardians, their teachers and school communities, has certainly paid off in their success, and for this, I congratulate you and encourage you to continue on the path of putting in the work and of pushing yourselves to achieve the great things you want to achieve,” said Hon. Elodio Aragon, Jr., Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, who was filling in for Minister Patrick Faber, who is currently overseas. Kenly Young of St. Andrew’s Anglican School in the Cayo District, who scored 391 points out of 400 on the exam (97.75%), sang the praises of her school—the best, she said—known now not just for its performance in sports but also for performing well academically and on the PSE.

Clarification from Glenda Parham
Dear Editor, I write in regards to an article in the Sunday, June 5, 2016 Amandala. The article is entitled “Belize experienced its first act of Guatemalan terrorism on May 2, 1998” and is written by Micah Goodin. I just wanted to clarify two things. First, what happened was pure and simply a heinous criminal act; it was not terrorism. Terrorism is defined as the use of violence, or threatened use of violence, in order to achieve a political, religious, or ideological aim. The robbery, as elaborate as it was and obviously involving persons with prior military experience, in no shape or form can be considered terrorism.

Ali at the Newtown Club
Dear Editor, Permit me to add a few words to the account of Muhamad Ali’s visit to Belize. The evening he was a guest at the Newtown Club he would not have any of the liquids available. My wife Laura went to our home, then at Newtown Barracks, and brought equipment and materials necessary to brew tea and coffee. I can’t recall which “The Greatest” had but do remember him contentedly sipping away. My friend Dean Lindo may remember the incident.

PUP boycott bilateral talks with Guatemala
“My party and I have done everything possible to work with the government in a bi-partisan effort. Regrettably, this effort has become a partnership of convenience by the UDP administration. That is why I have decided that until the government is prepared to work with us in a meaningful partnership on this issue, we will not attend the talks in Washington, DC, next week Tuesday,” John Briceño told reporters today, Friday. The Leader of the Opposition People’s United Party was speaking to reporters at a press briefing at the party’s Independence Hall headquarters, where he explained the PUP’s position on the next round of bilateral talks with Guatemala. Briceño said, “Yesterday, we were very disturbed when we heard that the media was blocked from entering our portion of the Sarstoon River. They were blocked by the Guatemalan Armed Forces, which was in our territorial waters.”

Breaking Belize News

BEL reports steady performance
State-run Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) reports steady performance in 2015, announcing net earnings of 29.4 million dollars, resulting in dividend payments, similar to the previous year, of 15 cents per share. Shareholders will meet tonight at the Annual General Meeting at the Belize Biltmore Plaza hotel to hear […]

5 men accused of murder and attempted murder in court
The Supreme Court has indicted 5 men accused of murder and attempted murder at the start of its June session. While trials will take some time, one man who will soon know his fate is Sanjay Lino who was charged with the murder of 53 […]

Gary Seawell extradition case continued
A hearing was scheduled today in the Court of Appeal regarding the extradition of Gary Gordon Seawell to the U.S. on drug trafficking charges. However, it was traversed to the next session of the Court in October, as the parties agreed before today due to […]

Arsonist spared, says he is changed man
41 year old Alden Denver Sutherland, a drug addict who has since graduated from the rehabilitation program at the Belize Central Prison, was facing a life sentence for arson. Tonight, however, he is on the verge of freedom after proving to the court that he […]

PUP frowns on utility share “dump”
Opposition Leader John Briceño has described the Government as “being on crack” and desperate for money, such that it has approached the Social Security Board to buy $55 million worth of BTL and BEL shares. Briceño reports that the SSB has become a “piggy bank”, […]

PUP: Government just talking…
Representing the People’s United Party (PUP), Senator Eamon Courtenay today said yesterday’s meeting in Washington “celebrates an absolute failure” as no effort has been made to advance plans for a Sarstoon protocol. Calling again for the removal of Minister of Foreign Affairs Wilfred Elrington, Courtenay […]

Muslim family comes under siege from Special Branch
A Hattieville family home was raided and the Ahmad family held for hours then released without explanation. Senior police sources, from Commissioner Allen Whylie to all Eastern Division commanders, deny knowledge of the incident, and culpability has been assigned to the shadowy Special Branch led […]

Man lucky to be alive after gun jammed three times
Ladyville police responded to a distress call on #6 Branson Avenue in Burrell Boom Village. Upon arrival they visited the residence of Eugene Henderson who resides in a white wooden house about 3 ½ feet off the ground. Henderson reported to police that between the […]

OW police seek man for $7,000 theft
Orange Walk Police are currently looking for Urbano Benedicto Vasquez for questioning in connection with a theft. 24-year-old Adelina Juchim from the village of San Jose in the Orange Walk District, reported to police that on Monday June 20, around 11:00 a.m. she made a land transaction […]

GOB broke? Talk of wage freeze as Government approaches SSB to buy utility shares
Even as the International Monetary Fund’s “strong medicine” prescription for the economy gains reaction among its opponents, the Government is seeking other sources of cash. Yesterday Minister of Labour Hugo Patt denied any contemplation of a wage freeze, dismissing the IMF report as “opinion.” But […]

Blogs

Meeting to set up Neighborhood Watch ends with two possible anti-crime groups on North Ambergris Caye
The rising number of burglaries and thefts north of the bridge moved San Pedro police and government officials, residents, business owners and others to seek a way to jump-start the dormant North Ambergris Caye Neighborhood Watch crime prevention group. As many as 30 concerned citizens met at the El Pescador resort and came away reviving, not one. but two crime-prevention organizations for the nearly 20 miles of island extending north of the Sir Barry Bowen Bridge. Both Neighborhood Watch groups have apparently enjoyed active and successful pasts over the last decade or so, and for reasons not completely apparent last night, both went dormant. Importantly, both retained membership mailing lists and institutional memories of successes and failures in running volunteer crime prevention groups.

My Recommendations for Guest Houses and Hostels in Belize
This January, 2016, I explored Belize for one whole month, traveling from the southernmost town of Punta Gorda to one of Belize’s most northern towns – Corozal – near the border of Mexico. During that time I traveled on a rather tight backpacker’s budget, staying in hostels, private rooms at small guest houses and in tents. Prior to visiting Belize, I attempted to research online for inexpensive places to stay in the country. I discovered, to my great surprise and dismay, that it was extremely difficult to get correct, detailed and up-to-date information. Most places listed in my rather old LP guide didn’t exist any more, didn’t have contact info or had been transformed into expensive, upscale resorts. So when I finally traveled through Belize, at most destinations I had to search around on foot to find decent budget accommodation. Following are my recommendations for places to stay, starting from southern Belize up through to the border of Yucatan, Mexico. Sadly, I did not take any photos of the places I stayed, so sorry to say I can’t feature any of them. Further, note that although I didn’t visit every single destination, I did stay at most of most popular places and a few less-frequented spots. Naturally, I can only give personal recommendations for destinations I visited myself. For other places in Belize, I share what I learned from researching and/or talking with locals.

Lobster Fest in Belize
Ambergris Caye Lobster Fest started earlier this month, and will continue until June 26. Then Placencia's Lobster Fest starts on June 24-26, and will be held at the beach and municipal pier. Caye Caulker is a small village - the island is 4 miles long, however the town only measures about a mile - the water taxi from Belize City takes about an hour. The small island has an easygoing attitude with a strong Creole presence, and Caye Caulker is also home to a small community of Rastafarians.

THE CARIBBEAN’S BUSINESS LEADERS MEET IN BELIZE (PART 2)
The conference also seeks to address de-risking and the loss of correspondent banking for financial institutions throughout the region. This will be done through sessions on the opportunities and market support available to the Caribbean through the CSME project (including the development of a regional securities deposit mechanism, regulation/enhancement of services across the region, regulation of competition in the region, work of the commission on the regional economy, contingent rights, free movement, and the development of the region’s cultural industries); Transparency and Governance; the de-risking impacts on small states; discussing strategies to address de-risking and de-linking of correspondent banking relationships. Market risks will be discussed in sessions that address market optimization through understanding and the adoption of effective Enterprise risk management (ERM or E.R.M.) practices; Disaster Recovery Planning (DRP); Risk Assessment in Practice; Emerging Fraud Risk and a presentation on Cybersecurity Risk Management (Responding to the Inevitable Breaches).

Full Moon and a Blast Wedding at Las Terrazas, Belize
Nicole & Dan booked me to capture their wedding and on my first live chat with Nicole… we talked for about 30 minutes, and 20 were only about the dress… and me and her got more excited by the minute… by the end of our conversation, we were both beyond anxious for this day to come… I am grateful for them to choose Las Terrazas resort, Ambergris Caye, Belize as their destination wedding… our island is truly amazing!

International Sources

OAS issues press release on yesterday's meeting in Washington D.C. between Belize and Guatemala
The delegations of Belize and Guatemala, headed by their respective Foreign Ministers, met Tuesday at the headquarters of the Organization of American States (OAS) in Washington, DC with Secretary General Luis Almagro to begin to negotiate the terms of a cooperation mechanism for the Sarstoon River, as had been agreed by the Parties in Istanbul, Turkey, where they met within the framework of the World Humanitarian Summit May 23-24, 2016. In this regard, the General Secretariat of the OAS is pleased to inform that good progress was made during the meeting, which concentrated on the development of best practices for the de-escalation of tensions in the Sarstoon River.

American Canyon teen bitten by deadly snake in Belize
An American Canyon teenager is recovering after being bitten by Central and South America's most dangerous snake. Audrey Benton, 15, was in Belize with her parents when she was attacked by a fer-de-lance, sometimes called the "ultimate pit viper." The snake's venom can cause severe internal bleeding, kidney failure, sepsis and tissue damage leading to amputation. Untreated bites can be fatal. The details of how Audrey was bitten were not immediately available, but she was airlifted to a Florida hospital about a week ago after her condition stabilized in Belize, according to the family's pastor, the Rev. Renie Stamm-Kirk. She has been been undergoing physical therapy at the hospital, but her recovery has been "uneven," according to a post by her mother, Sarah Thompson. Rev. Stamm-Kirk set up a Go Fund Me page to help the teen and her family to offset their mounting bills. She noted that airlift alone was "outrageously expensive."

Bangladesh ambassador in US accredited to Belize
Bangladesh Ambassador to the US Mohammad Ziauddin has presented his credentials to Acting Governor-General of Belize Carlos Perdomo. He is the first Ambassador (non-resident) of Bangladesh to Belize. The governor-general welcomed him during the ceremony on Monday at his office “Belize House” in Belmopan, the Bangladesh embassy in the US said in a statement. The ambassador said Bangladesh and Belize would “enjoy the best of relations and that Belize has been to Bangladesh a time tested, trusted and reliable partner in its development and progress.” “It is now time to explore and find those potentials to contribute to the development of our two countries,” he said. The ambassador also drew the attention of the acting governor-general to a small community of around 150 people of Bangladeshi origin, mostly owning shops and small businesses, living in Belize.

Belize and Guatemala begin negotiations at OAS over Sarstoon River dispute
Delegations from Belize and Guatemala, headed by their respective foreign ministers, met on Tuesday at the headquarters of the Organization of American States (OAS) in Washington, DC, with Secretary General Luis Almagro to begin to negotiate the terms of a cooperation mechanism for the Sarstoon River, as had been agreed by the parties in Istanbul, Turkey, where they met within the framework of the World Humanitarian Summit on May 23-24, 2016. Guatemala has been claiming and exercising sovereignty over the entire Sarstoon River, including the Belize side, which has become the latest flashpoint of Guatemala’s territorial claim to a large part of Belize. The General Secretariat of the OAS said that "good progress" was made during the meeting, which reportedly concentrated on the development of best practices for the de-escalation of tensions in the Sarstoon River.

A strange, low-pitched sound is coming from the Caribbean Sea
The ocean's a noisy place, but under the regular din of marine life and ship traffic, scientists have detected a strange, much louder sound coming from the Caribbean Sea. It's too low to be heard by human ears, but the whistle-like noise is so powerful that researchers have been able to pick up its signature from space - and it's like nothing they've ever heard before. The sound was detected while researchers were analysing the sea level and pressure in the region over the past 60 years, in an attempt to predict what could happen in the future. Their interest comes from the fact that the Caribbean Sea is an incredibly important part of the global circulation belt, responsible for forming currents that feed into the Gulf Stream. And if we want to understand how our climate's going to change in the future, we need to better understand how hot and cold water moves around the planet.

CONNECTING BELIZE WITH THE PACIFICA RADIO NETWORK!
It was a most fulfilling moment for me as a member of BREDAA to revisit the globally progressive media institution, KPFK 90.7 FM, Los Angeles, California, which is a sister station of the internationally recognized grassroots and revolutionary Pacifica Radio Network which was formed in the United States in 1947, some 69 years ago. Accompanied by the Belize Progressive Party's political leader, Patrick Rogers, and his brother Gerald, the tour of the KPFK studios in North Hollywood, California last week was an impressive development for me as the producer of the legendary Belizean radio issues magazine, Belize-Caribbean Pulse that was broadcasted to the Los Angeles Belizean Community from 1986 to 1996, some 20 years ago. Not only were we so much welcomed by the always warm and friendly staff that has been the trademark of hospitality at KPFK, but for the first time being invited to view the world renowned Pacifica Radio Archives that began some three decades ago when radio broadcasting was almost antiquated and analog driven.

Videos

How to treat a jeffyfish sting, 1min. Don't believe this common myth about jellyfish stings.

How to shower from a bucket, 1min. Just in time for hurricane season...

Blessing of the Boats (Belize City), 1min. The fishing fleet in the Belize City harbor being blessed by Father Matt Ruh. This event was organized by WCS, and was scheduled just before the open of the 2016 Lobster Season.

BELIZE 2016, 14min. A memorable adventure with my cousins and aunt, not the best weather, but made use of it.

Ziplining Belize June 2016, 19min. Ziplining Belize June 2016.

Mexico & Belize 2016, 10min.

Nurse Sharks of Belize, 5.5min. The nurse sharks of Belize are like puppy dogs of the sea. With most local reef dives off of Ambergris Caye just minutes from shore the sharks come in contact with divers on a daily basis. This video illustrates that perfectly. Nurse sharks in other areas of the Caribbean are often not as 'friendly'. Any shark obviously can still bite.

Burning Cane Field - Ethnographic Field School in Belize, 5min. A cane field being flash burned to remove dead leaves, weeds, rodents, and snakes.

Inside A Burning Cane Field - Ethnographic Field School in Belize, 3min. Within a cane field just as it is being flash burned to remove dead leaves, weeds, rodents, and snakes. We were positioned up wind in the area that had just burned.

Belize Jungle, 5min. Video from a family trip to the jungles of Belize.

Belize 2016, 5.5min.

Bird conservation in Belize, 1.5min. Our current bird conservation projects.

Belize - Day 5 Dive 1, Borderline, 9min. Major shark party and Green Moral Eel fest. Nice views of the canyons to the deep.

Belize 2016 Cessna Flight San Pedro to Belmopan, 3.5min.