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.” […]
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.