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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

San Pedro Fire Relief continues
The humanitarian spirit continues on Ambergris Caye as the community unites to help the victims who were greatly affected by the devastating fire that took place in the early hours of Monday, June 27th. As a result, The San Pedro Town Council, along with many volunteers are heading a massive clean-up campaign in the immediate area. While the clean-up efforts are underway, other volunteers and island Non-profit Organization are ensuring that the affected families are fed, clothed and sheltered. Even organizations around the country have joined in the efforts to assist the fire victims. More volunteers are still needed, especially at the San Pedro Lions Den with the distribution of items, as well as at the NEMO station, which is located at the SPTC Conference Room located at the back of SPTC building. Everyone is informed that the NEMO station will be operating for approximately three days with twenty-four (24) hour assistance. For more information the SPTC can be contacted at 226-2198. The Southern Ambergris Caye Neighbourhood Watch has set up an easy and fast way to donate through their webpage: https://sacnw.org/wp/product/fire-victim-assistance/. Any monetary donations received will be forward to the San Pedro Lions Club chapter.

Belizeans Honoured by the Queen
Receiving the insignia of a Companion of the Order of Saint Michael and Saint George was Mr. Michael Bowen for services to business and industry. Mrs. Eleanor Hulse and Mrs. Dilicia Feinstein received the insignia of an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire; Mrs. Hulse for services to education and Mrs. Feinstein for services to business and the community. The insignia of a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire was given to Ms. Emelda August for services to nursing; Mrs. Sarita Westby for services to education and the community; Mr. Juan Nunez for services to education and sport; Dr. Aaron Lewis for services to science; and Mrs. Janet Gibson for services to environmental protection.

Lobster Festival Block Party brings the crowd!
San Pedro Lobster Festival Block Party-40After winning the Belize Tourism Board Award for best festival in Belize, San Pedro’s Lobster Festival pulled out all the stops for its 10th Annual Lobster Fest Block Party. For nearly two weeks, visitors and residents alike had been enjoying some lobster ‘crawling’ in honor of the crustacean, indulging in all kinds of tasty lobster dishes and themed activities around the island. The celebration culminated in grand fashion at Central Park with a well-attended block party. Gaily decorated booths were being visited as early as 4PM on Saturday, June 25th by hungry lobster aficionados seeking tasty treats. From the classic whole grilled lobsters and lobster dips, to gourmet twists such as lobster empanadas and tacos, sliders, kebabs, wontons, pizza and so much more, it was a true celebration of the Panulirus Argus! After walking past the beautifully decorated venue entrance, which featured some historic photos and information booths and posters, hundreds of revellers made their way to the food and drink booths. To the soothing Caribbean sounds of the Pannerifix Steel Band, they sampled and tasted the best lobster dishes available. Some bought commemorative t-shirts or tickets for a 50-50 draw benefiting the San Pedro Food Bank, while others danced to the tunes being played.

Misc Belizean Sources

Congratulations to the new cadets!
These are our two Officer Cadets who are currently studying in Quebec Canada at the Royal Military College Saint-Jean, for a 4 years Junior Officers Training and Education Program Course. OCdt Giovanni Torres is in his second year and OCdt Yascal is on his last year. They are also along with 6 other countries besides Canada on this course. Keep up the hard work and represent the Belize Defence Force in a professional manner.

"San Pedro Fire Relief" run from Thunderbolt
The Management of Thunderbolt Water Taxi announces that Thunderbolt II will be making a special trip to San Pedro Ambergris Caye tomorrow June 29th at 8:00 a.m. from the municipal dock in Corozal Town. Send as much sundries as you can! Anyone wishing to send donations to the San Pedro Fire Victims can make deliveries 1/2 hour before the boat departs tomorrow or preferably at 4:30 p.m. this afternoon at the municipal dock. This trip is a special one and will not stop in Sarteneja but Thunderbolt will continue to make FREE deliveries (until further notice) on its regular run departing at 7:00 a.m. each morning and stopping at Sarteneja. Packages MUST be marked "San Pedro Fire Relief" "San Pedro Lions Club" c/o Thunderbolt.

NEMO NOTICE TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC
The Emergency Operations Committee (EOC), activated by the NEMO - San Pedro, would like to emphasize and advise that all financial aid for the San Pedro Fire victims is officially being channeled through the San Pedro Lions Club - Fire Relief Fund and the San Pedro Branch of the Belize Red Cross. The official bank account is ATLANTIC BANK number 211-382-902. We are therefore asking all members of the public to discontinue from creating individual fundraising profiles, since it will only open the door for confusion and unaccountability. The EOC has been working very closely with all the NGO’s, social partners, tourism stakeholders, local and national governmental organizations to ensure that all efforts are being properly coordinated. This is to ensure that all those affected by the unfortunate fire are being given equal assistance. We take the opportunity to thank all those businesses, NGO’s, social partners, tourism stakeholders and other organizations and individuals who are working closely with the San Pedro EOC in this humanitarian effort. For further questions or information, please call the EOC Command Center at telephone number: 226-4458.

Commentary: Belizeans will vote no to the ICJ unless our government takes certain steps
By Wellington C. Ramos. Many Belizeans like myself believe that the Guatemalan claim handed down to our country by Great Britain after we attained our independence on September 21, 1981, is an undue burden handed down to us by the British. It was and still is in my opinion the British responsibility to settle this dispute with Spain or Guatemala. They were the ones who landed, settled and created the country we know as Belize today. It is reported in the news this week that they possess $900 billion in total assets compared to Belize and Guatemala. Combined with this, they also have one of the most powerful militaries in the world. They had several opportunities to settle this dispute with these two countries but failed to take advantage when they could have, especially in the Godolphin Treaty. We must demand from the British that they provide us with defence until this dispute is fully settled and a treaty is signed between them and Guatemala or us with Guatemala. Guatemala is saying that, in the 1859 treaty, Britain agreed to fulfill an obligation but did not. They can compensate Guatemala to fulfill that obligation from the money they obtained when they exploited all the logwood and mahogany out of Belize. Once Guatemala is compensated, they will have no other choice but to end their claim and all these hostilities against our people and nation.

International attention focused on vulnerability of Belize barrier reef
A World Heritage Committee draft decision released on 10th June by UNESCO signaled a possible decision to retain the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System on the list of world heritage in danger. Several deadlines to meet required indicators outlined by UNESCO in the desired state of conservation report (DSOCR) have been missed despite the government of Belize’s affirmation of its resolve in ensuring the continued protection of Belize’s Barrier Reef System and its seven World Heritage Sites in December 2015. The committee’s draft decision notes, inter alia, that the announcement of an offshore oil ban in World Heritage Sites still needs to be translated into a legislative instrument and that the adequacy of the one-kilometer buffer zone needs revision to secure the protection of the property’s outstanding universal value (OUV). The 21 member countries of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee will gather in Istanbul, Turkey, in two weeks’ time to debate the status of some of the most extraordinary natural places on the planet, including the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System. “If adopted by the World Heritage Committee next month, this decision would send a message that more needs to be done,” said WWF’s reef scientist and climate change officer in Belize, Nadia Bood.

Convictions: Supplies Control (Prices) Regulations
The Belize Bureau of Standards in collaboration with the Police Department (Corozal and Toledo Formation) hereby informs the general public that the following establishments have been prosecuted and charged for violations to the Supplies Control (Prices) Regulations: ---J-Mart Supermarket, Corozal District - Failure to Indicate Prices of Goods. Contrary to section 15 of Supplies Control Prices Regulations. $150.00 Corozal Magistrate Court ---PG Shop, Punta Gorda Town, Toledo District - Failure to Indicate Prices of Goods. Contrary to section 15 of Supplies Control Prices Regulations. $500.00 Punta Gorda Magistrate Court

Relocation of Lands and Surveys Belize City Office
The Ministry of Natural Resources & Immigration hereby informs the general public that the Lands and Surveys Belize City Office will be RELOCATED. EFFECTIVE JULY 4, 2016 THE LANDS AND SURVEYS BELIZE CITY OFFICE WILL BE RELOCATED TO CORNER OF CENTRAL AMERICAN BOULEVARD & GEORGE PRICE HIGHWAY, BELIZE CITY.

AFTERMATH & CLEAN UP OF MASSIVE FIRE IN DOWNTOWN SAN PEDRO
The community of San Pedro stands strong and united after the Massive fire left 88 individuals homeless. After the impressive efforts of forming a bucket brigade to out the fire and also doing the impossible, they are out once again helping with the clean up of what is left. Thank you to all the volunteers that have been at the site since early morning to help with the clean up. We also extend a huge thank you to all those businesses and people preparing food for the volunteers and the fire victims.

Two Medical Officers from Ministry of Health and Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital will Attend the "2016 Workshop on Chronic Disease Control" in Taiwan
The Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) is pleased to announce that two medical officers from Ministry of Health and Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital are invited through the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to attend the “2016 Workshop on Chronic Disease Control”, which will take place in TaiwanICDF in Taipei City, during July 20th- August 2nd, 2016. The prevalence rates of overweight and obesity in Belize are quite high, which mainly contribute to the development of chronic disease, ex: diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, cardiovascular disease, etc. Also the hypertension and diabetes patients are the high risk group of kidney disease. And the “Renal Failure Prevention Project” between Belize and Taiwan has been implemented from February 10, 2016. The purpose of Renal Failure Prevention Project is to treat the patients at the early stage to prevent the exacerbation and lead to effectively reduce the socio-economic cost of the whole society.

Belizeans Honoured by the Queen
Eight distinguished Belizeans were honoured for their dedicated and outstanding services to their community at a ceremony held today at the Belize House in the City of Belmopan. The insignias were presented by the Acting Governor General of Belize H.E. Mr. Carlos Perdomo on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen. Receiving the insignia of a Companion of the Order of Saint Michael and Saint George was Mr. Michael Bowen for services to business and industry. Mrs. Eleanor Hulse and Mrs. Dilicia Feinstein received the insignia of an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire; Mrs. Hulse for services to education and Mrs. Feinstein for services to business and the community. The insignia of a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire was given to Ms. Emelda August for services to nursing; Mrs. Sarita Westby for services to education and the community; Mr. Juan Nunez for services to education and sport; Dr. Aaron Lewis for services to science; and Mrs. Janet Gibson for services to environmental protection.

Animal Health Fair
The BWRC, CAWS, and the Animal Medical Center are teaming up to bring a 2 day animal health fair to Spanish Lookout on July 5th and 6th. They'll have deals on spaying and neutering on the 6th. "Everyone invited! Great animal information and fun planned. Dog training seminar, in the evening and food and fun for the family throughout the day! Looking for your next pet? Come check out the puppy play booth! come and sign up for the low cost spay/neuter clinic on July 6th!"

Cayo Market Upgrade - June 2016
They are upgrading the Cayo Market overlooking the Macal river.

Queen of the West 2016 Search
The SISE Town Council is looking for contestants for the 2016 Queen of the West. Call them at 804-2035 for more information. Good luck! "THE SEARCH IS ON! The SI/SE Town Council is seeking candidates for : “Queen of the West Competition 2016.” REQUIREMENTS: Age: between 18 - 24 Minimum of High School Diploma Must be a Belizean FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT: SI/SE TOWN COUNCIL 804-2035 Councilor Fernandez 627-9690 Karen Fernandez 620-1710"

St. Peter's Boat Procession and the Blessing of the Boats
Everyone is invited to attend the St. Peter's Boat Procession and the Blessing of the Boats on June 29th @ 7:00 am

Open Air Mass
The San Pedro Catholic Church invites you to a special Open Air Mass with Bishop Christopher Glancy on June 29th @ 6:00 pm in front of the St. Peter statue.

Channel 7

Chopped Child Dies, Banner's Charges To Be Upgraded
Tonight we have confirmed the first casualty in the violent attack that took place in Yo Creek Village last Friday. A total of six persons fell victim to a one man's deadly chopping spree. But none got it worse that 13 year old Danny Choc. He has been on life support ever since arriving at the KHMH in a critical condition. This afternoon, Doctors confirmed him dead, according to his stepfather. Choc was placed on life support after he was hacked to death by 35 year old Larry Banner. The blade of the machete according to authorities had smashed his skull and damaged his brain. There are several conflicting stories as to what happened inside the house of Adela Choc, but one of them says that 13 year old Danny, jumped to his younger brother's defence, when the deranged man began his merciless attack. His mother was also injured in the process, however she remains at the hospital in a stable condition. As for Banner, he will now face additional charges. He was arraigned in court yesterday on charges of attempted burglary and maim. Murder will now be added to that.

Is Mental Illness A Public Safety Threat?
Now one of the arguments that has been playing out since the beginning of this incident is the mental health of 35 year old Larry Banner, which is questionable. According to his family Banner is schizophrenic. One of the symptoms of this disease is hallucinations. But when we asked police yesterday they couldn't really confirm, although he had a history of mental instability. In court yesterday the magistrate ordered a psychiatric evaluation on Banner, but that diagnosis is still pending. Now the cases of the mentally deranged, while not uncommon to Belize, is a very complicated matter to say the least. So today we spoke to several professionals in the field of mental health in hopes of clearing the waters a bit, and find out just what could have gone so wrong to trigger the mass chopping. Eleanor Bennet, Coord, Mental Health Services, MOH: "We have dealt with situations like this before. Not often, but we do meet people who, because of their mental illness and drug use, are very violent. What happens in those cases is that we always get the help of the police. Once that service is done and there's a threat, usually the police would bring them to the clinic for treatment.

Fire Follow-Up
Last night, we told you about the raging fire which destroyed 11 buildings, damaged another 6, and left 88 San Pedro Residents homeless. Well, as this photographs show, the authorities and the community have been working as quickly as they possibly can to clean up the block between Pescador Drive and Buccaneer Street. It's been over 30 hours since the blaze destroyed the homes, and since then, support has been coming from local and international sources. Smart donated $2,500 dollars cash and pledged to match all donations made by their customers who use their credit balance to simply text in how much they would want to contribute. That amount will then be deducted from their credit balance. But, as we told you, the main relief effort on the ground is coming from the non-profit organizations on San Pedro. Yesterday, the Mayor told us how he and NEMO worked to organize them to maximize the recovery effort:

Cops Saved Drowned Child, But His Prognosis Is Not Encouraging
Last night we told you about the trio of Belize City police officers who had saved an 11 year old boy from drowning. Those officers, Christian Cawich, Jesse Lopez, and Anibal Castellanos, received certificates for their bravery. Well, while the cops did act heroically to get him out of the water, the story does not have the happy ending we might have thought. A police press release said the minor is recovering - but it turns out, he's not. In fact, the boy's father tells us that his son is in a very critical condition. He says his son is experiencing multiple organ failure and his prognosis is not encouraging. The child jumped off a pier on Marine Parade and did not resurface. A passing police patrol was summoned and the officers jumped in to find him. Police found him underwater and tried to resuscitate him. A police report says he was with a 14 year old female cousin - but neither of them could swim.

Shop owners Charged For Running Red On Controlled Prices
If you frequent the grocery store, you'll know that all kinds of malpractice happens behind the counter, from scales that aren't accurate to prices that just don't gel. Well, the Belize Bureau of Standards has convicted four storeowners for shady commercial practices. Stores in Corozal, and PG were convicted of not displaying the prices of controlled items - like rice and sugar. Unethical store owners often do this so that they can secretly sell above the controlled price - once you take the product up to the cash register. Well, J Mart Supermarket in Corozal did it and they got fined $150.00, while PG Shop in Punta Gorda Town got fined $500 for the same. Also in PG, Brad's Store, And Jose Maria Store were selling controlled items at prices above what's allowed so they were fined five hundred dollars as well. No doubt this is just a drop in the bucket, but the Bureau says it is doing tis monitoring and other cases are in the pipeline.

The Perils Of Children And Unsupervised Internet Usage
School is out for summer, and the kids are already enjoying their long break. While there are tons of summer programs and jobs for them to do, most of them will stay home on their computer for the entire vacation. It might seem like just a harmless pastime but in reality, it can be toxic. Today at a Cyber Security training, Courtney Weatherburne found out about the two different faces of the internet. For most working adults, browsing the internet is about staying informed and connected whether that's checking the current news on Facebook, reading up on Twitter feeds, or researching for work and business. Clevand Thomas, International Telecommunications Union, Caribbean Area Rep.: "We all recognize the importance and the benefits of using technology and the internet, economic, social or otherwise. We've seen many countries using technology for development throughout the Caribbean region, Belize no exception, recognized in the ICT as a key pillar for development." But behind the great rewards of the internet, there is an underworld, a dark virtual portal that many explore. It's a world of secrets and sex. Millions of nude pictures and sex videos are sent, shared and viewed over the internet and thousands of explicit conversations are conducted on various social media. And frighteningly, kinds are among those navigating this minefield of objectionable content. That topic was addressed at today's Cyber Security Workshop at St. Catherine's Academy.

Ahmad's Get Back Electronic Items
Last night we gave you a short snippet of the police press conference on the Ahmad family raid. The conference was held in Belmopan yesterday evening and neither the Special Branch Commander Marco Vidal nor the Commissioner of Police Allen Whylie gave us much information. But there was one grave and quite frightening generalization as it relates to the Islamic terrorist group ISIS. Commander Vidal first gave his account of what happened on the day of the search and provided a bit more context to the investigation. Marco Vidal, Special Branch Commander: "Upon executing the operation all persons whose homes were searched and who were detained were told the parameters of the search and the purpose for which we were there. They indicated that they will not answer any questions on the advice of their attorneys and we respect that. They were allowed to go thereafter and that was the process on having their release." Reporter: "How long were they in custody before they were allowed to get their attorneys involved?"

Sugar Season, It Was A Good Year, Not a Very Good Year
On Sunday night at 9:00 pm, Orange Walk Town residents may have heard the siren at the Tower Hill Factory sound to mark the end of the 2015 - 2016 cane season. The mill closed at 8:53 pm - bringing an end to a season that saw reduced prices, bad weather and slightly less sugar production than the year before. But there was more cane taken to the factory - a record volume in fact, it was just lower in quality. BSI Financial Controller Belizario Carballo gave an overview: Belizario Carballo - CFO, ASR/BSI: "This crop was I would say good, in terms of production, despite some of the adversities that we faced during the crop. We were able to from that cane produced 134,000 tons of sugar - metric tons, which is less than what we did last crop. Last crop was a record production of 142,000 tons on sugar. So this year with more cane, because last year we did 1.2 million tons of cane. This year we did 1.3 million tons of cane.

Mother Please For Missing Son With Bipolar Disorder
34 year old Belize City resident, Tylon Gladden, has been missing for over 4 days and the family is worried sick that something bad might have happened to him. He was diagnosed with bipolar disorder some years ago and according to his mother he was taking medication for it. But since he came home from work on Friday, no one has seen him. They have made a police report, but nothing has come of it. Today the desperate mother came to us to make a public appeal in hopes of finding her son. If anybody knows anything about the whereabouts of Tylon Gladden you can reach his family at 227-3942 or 636-7221 or contact the nearest police station.

Belize Telecoms Case to CCJ
Last year around this time, we told you about the outcome of an appeal at the Court of Appeal which the telecommunication company, Speednet, better known as "Smart", brought against the Public Utilities Commission. The telephone company was complaining that the Government regulator was overcharging them for licensing 238 channels used to conduct their business, such as phone calls text messaging, and data. Well, the phone company was not satisfied with the outcome, and they took it to the final appeals court, the Caribbean Court of Justice. That case was heard today at the seat of the CCJ in Port of Spain, Trinidad. That's where Smart's attorneys, Eamon Courtenay, and Andrew Marshalleck sought to show the court that the judges of the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court misjudged the very technical case. The PUC's attorney, Fred Lumor, tried to convince the judges that once again, after an hour of arguments, they failed to make their case, and that the additional 792 thousand dollars in fees that Smart is being charged for their licenses is justifiable. With video provided by the CCJ, here's an excerpt of the arguments and counter arguments that both sides made:

Customs Caught Cannabis
The Customs Department has been keeping a close eye on the Blue Creek Road for drug trafficking activities, and over the weekend they made a weed bust. They found a bag on the side of the road containing about five pounds of marijuana - which is believed to have been smuggled in from Mexico. The weed was thrown from a Mazda pickup by a man who raced away from the checkpoint. It was a joint BDF Customs checkpoint. The road leads to an unregulated border crossing and is believed to be a drug trafficking corridor.

NGC Calls Out For Kaina
Yesterday, the National Garifuna Council of Belize sent out a strongly worded press release denouncing the Belize Athletic Association for not including Belizean athlete Kaina Martinez in the Roster for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. Last week we spoke to Martinez who expressed her dissatisfaction and strongly disputed BAA's claim that she did not submit all relevant information in due time. The National Garifuna is demanding that they rescind their decision and immediately engage Martinez as a candidate to represent Belize at the Olympics. Sandra Miranda, the National President of the Garifuna Council told us more. Sandra Miranda, National President - Garifuna Council: "After being so good, performing so well at the Central American Games in Salvador, you would expect that Kaina would be selected to represent Belize. I would think that the Athletic Association is encouraging Belizeans to perform at athletic events and forward to the Olympics. So we were appalled at that decision, for this Belizean female and Garifuna athlete. She has made us proud as Belizeans and as Garinagu, so it was very appalling and disappointing. I don't want to say anything about the person selected, because I don't know much about her. But my issue is encouraging our Belizean athlete so that they can have something to look forward to."

Queens Honors Distributed
Britain may have exited the European Union, but Belize isn't leaving the commonwealth anytime soon so the tradition of the Queen's Honours continues in full swing. Today eight Belizeans received those honors from Acting Governor General Carlos Perdomo. Michael Bowen, the President of Bowen and Bowen received the highest honour with the insignia of a Companion of the Order of Saint Michael and Saint George for services to business and industry. Eleanor Hulse - the wife of Natural Resources Minister Godwin Hulse, and Dilicia Feinstein from Benny's received the insignia of an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire was conferred upon Emelda August for services to nursing; while Sarita Westby received hers for services to education and the community; Mr. Juan Nunez got his for services to education and sport; while Dr. Aaron Lewis got his for services to science; and Mrs. Janet Gibson received hers for services to environmental protection.

The "No's" Had It
On Friday, we had coverage of the social security sponsored debate on the question of whether or not Belize should go to the ICJ. Well, audience members were asked to participate in a before and after poll - and the results show that most in the audience and online were swayed against going to the ICJ. Going in 39% favored going to the ICJ, and 37% were opposed. Coming out, the same 39% were in favor with 53% opposed.

Channel 5

Chopping Victim, Minor, Succumbs to Injuries
Thirty-one year old Yo Creek resident Larry Banner is spending his second night behind bars for aggravated burglary and maim following a crazy chopping incident in the northern village. Last [...]

Police Refuse to Reveal Source in Ahmad Family Mass Detention
On Monday evening, Commissioner of Police Allen Whylie, accompanied by Special Branch head Marco Vidal, called a press conference purportedly to brief the media on the detention of nineteen members [...]

Was the U.S. Involved in Ahmad Investigation?
Six homes raided in a coordinated sweep, a Muslim family detained by Police, all electronic items seized and surely scrutinized, a warrant presented based on probable cause of a Conspiracy [...]

Special Branch Head Marco Vidal Says Officers Acted Within the Law
Neither the Commissioner nor Special Branch Commander would provide any tangible information on the investigation which prompted the detention of the Ahmad family. But they were both adamant that it [...]

G.O.B. to Pay $350 Million as Arbitration Ruling is Handed Down
The decision of the three-member Permanent Court of Arbitration is in, and tonight we’ve got a first look at the figures contained in the hundred and thirty-nine page document. Just [...]

Do You Believe Government Will Increase or Introduce New Taxes?
And tonight’s question is: If G.O.B. is broke; do you believe it will increase or introduce new taxes? Send your comments and responses using your SMART phones to 8686 or [...]

Cleanup Campaign Continues in San Pedro
A massive cleanup campaign to remove a substantial amount of debris in the wake of an overnight fire in San Pedro continued this morning.  The flames eviscerated eleven buildings after [...]

DEMO Works to Implement Plan to Restore Normalcy after Fire
On the ground in San Pedro, the District Emergency Management Organization continues its efforts to return a sense of normalcy to the area hardest hit by the fire.  Since Monday, [...]

2 Men Arraigned for San Benito Poite Murder
Two men have been arrested and charged for the murder of Francisco Ack, who was chopped to death in the remote southern village of San Benito Poite last Saturday.  Ack [...]

World Heritage Committee Releases Draft Decision on Barrier Reef System
What is the future of the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System as a UNESCO World Heritage Site?  That’s the question conservationists are asking in light of international attention focused on [...]

WWF Says Government Must Act to Secure Protection of the Reef
The UNESCO World Heritage Committee will convene in Istanbul, Turkey in July to debate the status of some of the most extraordinary natural places on the planet.  This includes the [...]

COLA Demands Clarity in S.S.B. Deal with G.O.B.
As we told you earlier, the arbitration award is in and no matter how it’s spun, it’s bad news for G.O.B. – about three hundred and fifty million dollars-worth of [...]

Geovanni Brackett Calls for More Consultation Before Deal is Struck
Brackett today sent out a call to the S.S.B. to halt any transaction with G.O.B. where the shares are concerned, at least until there is much more consultation and much [...]

ComPol Says Police Resources are Scarce in Toledo
On Monday Commissioner of Police Allen Whylie also spoke about Police presence in Punta Gorda. There have been two murders recently and while Police have arraigned two persons for the [...]

Whylie Claims Police Cannot Stop Civilians from Taking Footage of Them
It’s a question that has been raised in the past – can civilians take photographs and video of Police Officers while they are conducting their duties? It was raised again [...]

Moses Sulph Claims Court Failed to Deliver Justice
In March of last year, Moses Sulph entered into an agreement with an individual to order a number of items which would later be purchased upon delivery.  When the products [...]

MoE Hosts Conference on Cyber Security
For the past two days, the Ministry of Education has been hosting a conference on Cyber Security. The awareness workshop opened dialogue with principals of secondary schools, IT teachers, parents, [...]

Experts Say Cyber-Bullying is a Real Concern in Belize
Cyber bullying, the release of nudes and sex tapes on social media platforms have become a concern in Belize, exposing the lack of personal securities.  But according to the professionals, [...]

Team Belize at the World Series of Poker Tournament in Las Vegas
We’re just back from Las Vegas, Nevada where over the weekend; Belize was represented by eighteen poker players in the World Series of Poker Monster Stack Event. It was the [...]

LOVE FM

Two Teenagers Arraigned for the Murder of Francisco Ack
Police in Punta Gorda are laying charges against two men in connection with a recent murder in that municipality. We join our Toledo Correspondent, Paul Mahung for the details. PAUL MAHUNG “Two persons were charged with murder in connection in connection with a recent murder incident in the Toledo District. Officer in Command of the Toledo […]

Investigators Probe Into the Murder of BDF Soldier
On Sunday we reported of a body found on the coastline at the centre of Punta Gorda Town. Since then, investigators have identified the body as being that of a Belize Defense soldier. As we hear in this report from Paul Mahung, investigations are underway into the circumstances. PAUL MAHUNG “Police in Punta Gorda continue […]

COMPOL Speaks of the Need for More Police in Toledo District
Last week there was a murder in San Benito Poite, a village in the Toledo District and over the weekend the partially decomposed body of a solider was found. When it comes to the presence of police officers, the Commissioner of Police concedes that there is need for improvement in this southern district particularly given […]

Belize Red Cross Activated as Fire Victims Get Relief Supplies
After the destruction of several homes and businesses on Ambergris Caye in Monday morning’s fire, relief efforts are underway on the island through the provision of meals, clothing, shelter and other supplies. The Belize Red Cross has been activated since yesterday with supplies and man power sent out to the island to assist in the […]

Toledo Alcalde Association Congratulates DPP on Decision of the Santa Cruz 13 Case
Yesterday the case against the thirteen Santa Cruz villagers was discontinued by the Director of Public Prosecutions in the Punta Gorda Magistrates’ Court by Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith. On the heels of the discontinuation, the Toledo Alcalde Association issued a release stating, quote, “This morning the Director of Public Prosecutions discontinued the charges against […]

COLA Demands Halt on Sale of SSB Shares
Citizens Organized for Liberty through Action (COLA) has issued a release entitled, “MUST WORKING BELIZEANS PAY FOR GOVERNMENT’S ECONOMIC INCOMPETENCE?” The release begins by questioning the selling of shares. It reads, quote, “For what reason, we ask, is Government seeking to sell to the Social Security Board $55 million worth of shares in Belize Telemedia […]

Lessons in Sexual Offences and News Reporting for Media Personnel
Two agencies in Belize with a focus on women and children recently conducted a Media Sensitization Workshop on sexual offences and responsible reporting. We join Renee Trujillo for that story. RENEE TRUJILLO REPORTING The reports coming out of the Belize Police Department as the only source of information would prove inaccurate when it comes to […]

Aspects of Sex Crimes in Belize and the Prosecutors’ Challenges
Sexual offences can come in various forms as Attorney Baja Shoman explained earlier. Child Prostitution is one sexual offence that several agencies with responsibility for children are looking to combat. Brianna Williams of the NCFC Policy and Legislative Committee spoke of what child prostitution is and who can be held accountable in this area. BRIANNA […]

Belizean Nephrologist Speaks on Dialysis Treatment
Dr Ronald Hyde is a Belizean Nephrologist who is attached to the Arizona Southwest Kidney Institute and has found ways in giving back to Belize through his expertise. Love News met up with Dr Hyde at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital as he was attending to patients who are receiving kidney dialysis. DR RONALD HYDE […]

Belize May Remain on List of Endangered Heritage Sites
The Barrier Reef of Belize has been on the list of World Heritage Sites considered in danger since June 2009. The world Heritage Committee will be meeting in Isntanbul, Turkey on July 10 to discuss the status of various World Heritage Sites including Belize’s Barrier Reef. This week, however, international attention shed light on the […]

PlusTV

Well known San Benito man murdered; family fearful
On Monday of last week, we reported on another murder in the south,where a San Benito man was killed while walking home after church. On Saturday the 18th of June, 36 year old farmer of San Benito Village, Francisco Ack, was walking home from church when he was attacked by two unidentified male pers...

Massive fire in San Pedro wipes out homes and businesses
Several businesses were destroyed and over 20 families displaced or left homeless following an early morning fire that tore through parts of downtown San Pedro between Pescador and Barrier Reef Drives. The damage is estimated to be in hundreds of thousands of dollars. The fire, we are told, started...

COMPOL denies religion played any role in detention of Muslim family
The sensational story about a Muslim family being detained by Belize Police and their electronic devices confiscated has made full media rounds over the past week. The Ahmad family of Hattieville reported to the public that Special Branch Police orchestrated a predawn raid on Monday at their house i...

Police recognize brave Eastern Division (North) cops
A total of seven police officers from Eastern Division (North), which covers Northside Belize City and the cayes, were today recognized for acts of bravery in the call of duty. Commissioner of Police Allen Whylie describes the acts for which the officers were acknowledged: Allen Whylie, Commissioner...

Police save the life of a drowning minor
Members of the North Side Eastern Division Strike Team of the police department are being hailed as heroes after they saved the life of a drowning child. On Friday 24th June, sometime around 10:30 a.m., members of the North Side Eastern Division Strike Team were on mobile patrol when they received i...

Domestic Dispute leads to arson
Belize City police are investigating a case of arson which arrived as a result of a domestic dispute. On the night of Friday June 24 the two storey structure at #182 East Collet Canal, Belize City was set on fire., the fire started on the first floor of the yellow two storey cement house , property ...

54 year old man reported missing
35-year-old Maria Tzib of San Ignacio Town, reported that on Sunday, June 26 at around 12:00 a.m., her common-law husband, 54-year-old David Williams, went to the store and did not return. On the same date, about 9:30 a.m. Tzib’s sister-in -law arrived at her house and informed her that David Willia...

Amandala

San Pedro inferno leaves 88 homeless
Eighty-eight persons were left homeless after a four-hour inferno gutted eleven large buildings on Pescador Drive, one of the main arteries in San Pedro. The devastating blaze stripped 27 families of their homes. According to official reports, 11 buildings were completely destroyed and 6 were partially damaged. Eight businesses were completely destroyed, and six were partially destroyed. Of the 27 families (consisting of 88 individuals) that were affected, 21 families, comprising 68 of the 88 persons affected by the fire, lost everything. While no fatalities were reported, Amandala was told that without the prompt response of the National Fire Services, the Police Department and the approximately one hundred locals who formed a 50-foot bucket brigade to combat the flames, the destruction caused by the fire could have been much worse. However, Assistant Superintendent of San Pedro, Henry Jemmott, had a different view. He told Amandala that many of those individuals who had offered immediate assistance were under the influence of alcohol and in fact, served as major impediments to fighting the fire.

Today was set as the date for the commencement of the Crown’s case in Punta Gorda Magistrate’s Court, against the remaining 11 out of 13 Mayans from Santa Cruz, who were accused of common assault and aggravated assault against Rupert Myles, a Belizean of Creole descent, accused of building a house on sacred Mayan land. Instead of the case going forward after 102 days since it made its way onto the court’s calendar, however, it was struck out by Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Cheryl-Lynn Vidal, who, in a letter to Chief Magistrate Ann Marie Smith, said it would not be in the interest of justice to continue the case. The case against the Santa Cruz 13, as the group came to be later known, had attracted both national and international attention. As recently as Wednesday, June 22, comments that were critical of the prosecution of the Mayas were made in a press release from Minority Rights Group International (MRG), captioned “Prosecution of Maya in Belize politically motivated and evidence of inequality before the law, says MRG.”

The life of Anthony “Pun” Gillett, Sr., 38, was suddenly ended by a man with whom he usually drank and smoked. According to eyewitness reports, as was his Friday night ritual, “Pun” was drinking and smoking with his friends. He had just taken out a strip of bamboo to roll a marijuana joint when one of his “friends” took out a firearm, put it under his chin and fired a single shot, which then exited through his head. Gillett died on arrival at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital at 1:24 a.m. on Saturday. His friend-turned-alleged killer, Ryan Barnett, a George Street resident, has since been arrested and charged for his murder. Ryan Barnett, 30, did not have to enter a plea today, Monday, when Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser read a single count of murder to him, which stated that he “intentionally and unlawfully cause the death of Anthony Gillett.” Barnett will now join the list of those prisoners who are transported to the Magistrate’s Court on a regular basis for adjournments until a preliminary inquiry is held to determine if his case will be committed to the Supreme Court.

Mentally challenged man chops 6 people in Yo Creek
A Yo Creek man who is mentally challenged was remanded to the Belize Central Prison today until August 29 after he savagely chopped six people, maiming two of them. Larry Banner, 37, was taken to the Orange Walk Magistrate’s Court, on charges of maim and aggravated burglary, and was remanded to prison. Police say that at about 12:30 Friday afternoon, Banner went to the home of his sister-in-law, Adela Choc, armed with a machete, and without provocation, chopped her on the left side of her face and severed her left thumb. He then attacked her three children, chopping an infant on both her elbows, chopping her 3-year-old son on the back of the head, and severing the thumb of her 5-year-old son. Banner then ran out of the house and disappeared. Neighbours rushed the mother and children to the Northern Regional Hospital, where doctors performed surgery on them.

Electricity rates going up on Friday
After an extensive review of an application filed by the Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) in January for an 11.5% rate increase, the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has issued its final decision, declaring that the new mean electricity rate of 36.99 cents per kilowatt-hour, an increase of 5.7%, should take effect as of Friday, July 1, 2016. The rate review applies to the Full Tariff Review period spanning 2016-2020, but the PUC will conduct annual reviews of the tariffs over the period. Social rate customers will pay a penny more per kilowatt-hour, but commercial customers that are among the bigger consumers, as well as industrial customers, will see their service charges increase from $100 to $125. Street lighting bills, paid by the Government of Belize, will also go up from 40 cents per kilowatt-hour to 42 cents per kilowatt-hour. Although average electricity tariffs will increase in the next few days, the PUC has not approved any adjustments to any other previously approved fees and charges. BEL had also asked the PUC to approve changes to its existing fees and charges, and to introduce new ones.

De-risking discussed at conference of Caribbean accountants in Belize
Roughly 300 accountants attended the 34th Annual Caribbean Conference of Accountants which was officially opened today at the Ramada Belize City Princess under the theme: “Call to Champions: Breaking Boundaries in the Marketplace”. The event was organized by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of the Caribbean (ICAC), which has a membership of 3,700. The region-wide challenges faced by indigenous Caribbean banks in accessing correspondent banking services in the US and other foreign jurisdictions, and the tectonic shifts in the financial landscape, have also impacted the sector, whose clientele have been hard-hit by the phenomenon—some to the extent that their businesses could no longer survive. Shawn Mahler, conference chair, and alternate director for Belize on ICAC’s board of directors, told journalists that they are “feeling a huge impact,” because of the challenges posed by de-risking and delinking by foreign banks, which, she said, have significantly impacted their ability to guide clients on expanding their businesses due to the limitations they now face.

BAA selects athletes to Olympic Games in August
The Belize Athletic Association (BAA) announces that it has selected athletes to represent Belize at the Olympic Games in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil in August. Ms. Katy Sealy and Mr. Brandon Jones were selected based on their consistent and progressive performances, as well as compliance with all necessary documentation necessary over the years. Both athletes have shown that they have the determination, discipline and ability to represent the country of Belize, and do so proudly and to the best of their ability. (Ed. Note: Just a week ago, a BAA contingent returned from the Central American Senior Championships in El Salvador with 6 gold medals, accounting for 6 of the 13 new records set at the Championships. Katy Sealy (heptathlon) and Brandon Jones (long jump) are two of our individual gold medal /record holders. Other individual gold medal/record holders for Belize include Kaina Martinez (100m), Tricia Flores (long jump), and Itohan Aikhionbare (shot put).)

Editorial: Countries and corporations
At this newspaper we often use the slogan, “Power to the people.” The concept became so popular in Belize that the Opposition People’s United Party (PUP) began using it last year for their political campaigns. As far as we know, this was a slogan first used by the Black Panther Party, an organization formed by Bobby Seale and Huey P. Newton in Oakland, California, in the late 1960s. In our editorial today, we want to look at some history, some economics, and some current affairs. When Europe first penetrated Africa and America and began to use the wealth and people of Africa and America to enrich their home countries in Europe, it was Spain and Portugal which led the way. Our ancestors’ wealth began to be transferred from Africa and America to Portugal and Spain. This began in the latter part of the fifteenth century, at a time when Christendom was absolutely dominated by the Roman Catholic Church, with the Vicar of Christ being the Pope of Rome in Italy. In 1494, through the Treaty of Tordesillas, the Pope divided America (the “New World”), between Spain and Portugal, as led by their monarchs. In 1494, the Pope had this kind of power in Europe.

Winty J (Vincent Johnson) – my life
W: Yes! So now I will get to meet Randolph (Tiempo) Barrow and the whole crowd now. A: What year was this now? When you docked up at Freetown? W: That was about … ‘bout 1960. A: I remember that Dunlop won the 1958-59 season. W: Yes. Yes. So I came down, and I went to Baptist School. My mother took me to Baptist School right away. So that is three schools I already dealt with, you know – Rockstone Pond, Santana and Baptist. As I got to Baptist, I’m in the backyard where they play ball, and they got me on left wing. I didn’t last too long there; my mother decided to move over here into our own areas, which is for the family, you know? So we pay less money. A: But at that time, from the Freetown experience, you had already started to meet and identify those star player… W: Yeah. Yes, I lived there for about a year, for about the whole of 1960, before Hattie (Hurricane Hattie, October 31, 1961) came. A: When did you first meet the Mugga? W: It’s right around that same time.

From the Publisher
The plot was aimed at New York: the most famous city in the richest nation on earth, and the most sought-after prize for any anti-American terrorist. Reports said it was put into motion by a cell of fanatical young men, who saw the United States, with its interventionist foreign policy, as the world’s oppressor. A series of sensational attacks had been planned to hit almost simultaneously across the northeastern United States, with vast and indiscriminate loss of life. The targets were chosen because they were symbols of American wealth or the American military. New York was going to burn, and the world was going to watch.

Dr. Gayle returns to discuss violence in urban Belize
Jamaican social violence anthropologist, Dr. Herbert Gayle, will host a forum at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 28, 2016 at the auditorium of the University of the West Indies (UWI) Open Campus in Belize City. An announcement from UWI says that Gayle, a lecturer at the university, will explore the root causes of social violence in Belize and the necessary policies and approaches required to address this growing social issue, as presented in the “Male Social Participation and Violence in Urban Belize” report published in 2010. The forum is a prelude to the launch of Gayle’s new book, Like Bush Fire, which will be unveiled by his publisher, Cubola, this week. Coauthors of the book are Virginia Hampton and Nelma Mortis. “Come and rap about what’s happening,” Gayle said, in an interview with the press today, adding that the new book also looks at where Belize is currently, 6 years since his 2010 report.

Rosales to Sedi: why take us there?
Dear Editor, As in the past, please accord me space in your valuable newspaper to direct an “OPEN LETTER” to the people and Government of Belize, in particular our Foreign Minister and relative to Guatemala’s unfounded claim to our patrimony. Enough is enough, Mr. Foreign Minister. With due respect, if you do not know how to be “STERN and FORCEFUL,” I opine that you remove yourself from such an important position and have the Government appoint someone more aggressive and with “EFFECTIVE REPRESENTATION” to our people’s wishes and aspirations and “STOP” immediately your “PASSIVE” approach to so called “DIPLOMATIC NOTES” and addiction to “CONFIDENCE BUILDING” measures to a people and Government in Guatemala whose words have no “FAITH” and have never shown any respect to such measures and notes.

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 event for me as the producer of the legendary Belizean radio issues magazine, Belize-Caribbean Pulse, that was broadcast to the Los Angeles Belizean community from 1986 to 1996. 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 we were 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.

When will Belizeans/New Yorkers take a stand?
On Saturday the Belize International Solidarity Movement (BISM) had an open forum at the St. Alban’s Episcopal Church in Brooklyn. This was the fourth gathering called by Freddiemae Patnette, founder of BISM. The first was on May 7th, 2016 to discuss actions that could/should be taken in light of Guatemalan hostilities on the Sarstoon River that ended with a decision for the legal formation of BISM before launching a public protest at the Guatemalan Consulate in New York. At last Saturday’s meeting the focus was not on protesting Guatemalan hostilities but was on (1) the focus and purpose of BISM and for (2) a public declaration of who the leaders are. However, the discussion and anger was overwhelmingly directed towards the UDP’s inability to deal with crime, corruption and unwillingness to hold politicians and gang-bangers accountable for their actions; it was also centered on the idea that the confrontation on the border must be seen in the context of the failure of our political leaders, who after 35 years of independence have not provided security and territorial integrity for Belize.

Breaking Belize News

“Serious investigation” involving Ahmad family: police satisfied with operation
Commissioner of Police Allen Whylie and Head of Special Branch Superintendent Marco Vidal say they are satisfied that the operation conducted a week ago Monday against the Ahmad family in Hattieville was done, in their view, “within the confines of the law and in a professional manner.” […]

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Conch and Sea Cucumber harvesting seasons closed; Lobster season open (Part 1)
The period for harvesting, storing and consuming conch and sea cucumber closed last Friday night but it is open season on lobster as of June 15th, as is evident by festivals of celebrations on San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker and last weekend in Placencia Village, South Stann Creek. Belize’s exports fell last year 2015, down to $535.33 million, the lowest since 2009 and overall continued to struggle this year. Marine fisheries export sales fell sharply from $11 million to $4 million in December 2015, primarily due to an $8 million drop in shrimp export earnings, and it seems that the decrease in production for the overall sector have continued through the first 4 months of this year. The Statistical Institute of Belize reports that for the period January to April, marine exports fell from 5,819,400 lbs produced and sold for a value of $36,124,900 in 2015, to just 603,200 lbs ($13,457,700) over the same period in 2016.

How Can You Help The Fire Victims and the Clean-Up in San Pedro?
Sunday night there was a terrible fire on the highly populated, densely packed Middle Street in downtown San Pedro. You can see the truly scary photos in Ambergris Today and San Pedro Sun. THANK GOODNESS NO ONE WAS INJURED. Yesterday morning, I posted pictures of the wreckage. Massive efforts are underway on Ambergris Caye and all over Belize (The Tipsy Tuna in Placencia is holding a fundraiser for the victims in Placencia on July 2nd) to aid the 88 people affected by the fire. People and groups are stepping up almost hourly and the mayor has pledged – with a huge team of volunteers – to have the area cleared and cleaned in 3 days, starting today. The San Pedro Town Council has requested more volunteers – their facebook page is the best place for updates. Stop by the Town Council building – or speak to one of the officers at the site to help. Here are the approved organizations that are leading the effort:

Belize Summer in a Bowl: Mango Crumble
Summer in Belize means FRUIT to me. And there is no fruit nearer or dearer to my heart than the mango. It is absolutely delicious…tropically fabulous…a dessert in itself. Why, you may ask, mess with perfection? Gild the lily? Well…because sometimes, eating these orange beauties warm, with a brown sugar/oatie crumble on top with whipped topping or ice cream makes me very very VERY happy. Much fruit in Belize is seasonal and we are now in the heart of the mango season. Big juicy beauties are $2bzd a piece (or cheaper if you buy a bunch) here on Ambergris Caye. And if you live on the mainland? I bet you have a huge mango tree in your yard and you might be wondering what to do with them all – I can think of nothing more luxurious. An explosion of mangoes = heaven.

Aftermath: Cleanup of massive San Pedro fire begins
Below is a roundup of news reports and information on the devastating fire that hit downtown San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize in the early morning hours of June 27. More than 10 buildings were leveled and 88 people left homeless. Several businesses were completely destroyed. Bookmark and check back: More content is being posted as it is published throughout the day. (Here is a link to yesterday’s posts and stories about the San Pedro fire: Police treating fire as arson.) At the bottom of this post is a link to the numerous photo galleries posted by professional and amateur photographers. All telling the devastating story as words can not.

International Sources

New research project shows slight increase in reef health
Healthy Reefs for Healthy People has begun an underwater research project as part of its campgian to monitor local Playa del Carmen reefs. The non-government organization consists of a group of specialized staff from the Ecological Center Akumal who will collect data for a report to be released in early 2017. Marisol Rueda Flores, Mexico representative for Healthy Reefs, says that, “We have 17 reef points we have been monitoring since 2006. Here in Playa del Carmen only we have four points, but will specifically cover from Cancun to the Xcalak area.” She noted that from 2012 to 2015 the region has registered a slight increase in reef health, but stressed that the level of increase was minimal. Flores said that in previous years, the reefs expereienced a loss of coral cover and increased coverage of macroalgae, but now there is a slight increase in health so they will document the trend. Flores also added that for the most part, the coral reef system in the state of Quintana Roo can be described as “bad”. Approximately 17 percent of the state’s reefs are considered in critical condition while the balance is considered bad.

Videos

Belize, 2min.

Belize, 2min. A short video about Belize, small, just like Belize. The country has a total size of 50% of the Netherlands. Nevertheless it's a country with divers social cultures, a vivid history and a rich nature full of wild life. So, enough reason for the Word Challenge to visit Belize! Een kleine video over Belize, klein, net zoals Belize. Het land heeft de oppervlakte van ongeveer de helft van Nederland. Desalniettemin is het een land met een diverse cultuur, een bewogen geschiedenis en een rijke natuur. Reden genoeg voor de World Challenge om het land aan te doen.

Belize 2016 Island Divers Dive Travel Trip Video, 6min. April 20th to May 7th 2016 in San Pedo, Ambergis Kaye, Belize with Island Divers Hawaii. Underwater scenes and land tour shots.

Mangrove Reforestation in Barranco Belize, 2min. Barranco leaders have received training on the establishment of REM mangroves as a form of community adaptation to climate change. The return of mangroves to the area will enhance the nearby fishing areas and protect the coastline.

PROFESSOR EGBERT HIGINIO'S PRESENTATION AT THE ANGLO / GUATEMALAN CLAIM TOWN MEETING IN LOS ANGELES!, 26min. The brilliant Garifuna Belizean intellectual, Professor Egbert Higinio, made a most interesting philosophical presentation on the Anglo Guatemalan Claim presenting the case that the imperial powers of Britain and Spain who are the architects of the Anglo Guatemalan Claim are hiding behind symbols and concepts to fool the Belizean and Guatemalan people that the Anglo Guatemalan Claim is just simply treaties and agreements whereby they have hypocritically have their transnational corporations poised and ready to exploit the natural resources and oil rich region of the South of Belize which Guatemala claims. Professor Higinio, exposed the hidden agenda of the British government and its American counterparts in turning the Anglo Guatemalan Claim into a transnational agenda for the exploitation of southern Belize by foreign capitalist corporations. He condemned the recent move to force Belize to settle the claim at the I.C.J.

Wanderlust - Belize 2016, 4.5min.

United 737-800 Sunny Morning Departure from Belize, 8min. Today I took off from Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport in Ladyville, Belize and decided to record it for you guys to enjoy. I hope you enjoy the video, please leave a like if you enjoyed it and subscribe!

B.P.P.'S PATRICK ROGERS PRESENTATION AT THE ANGLO / GUATEMALAN TOWN MEETING IN L.A., 45min. The Belize Progressive Party (B.P.P) Patrick Rogers presented his party's position on the issue vehemently declaring that the Anglo Guatemalan Claim has been recently presented as the Belize / Guatemalan Dispute which has been a drastic and deliberate move by Belize's colonial master, the British, to relieve themselves of Guatemala's claim of Belize, and make it appear as though they were not the ones who created the problem from the onset by refusing to settle with Guatemala monetarily British settlers encroachment in the south of Belize on Guatemalan territory acquired from Spain in the 1880's.