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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
STRONG TROPICAL WAVE BECOMING BETTER ORGANIZED
The National Emergency Management Organization hereby informs that the strong, fast moving tropical wave approaching the central Caribbean is now much better organized. The system is likely to become a tropical depression or storm within the next six to twelve hours. The tropical wave is likely to continue to move in a westward direction at about 20 to 25 miles per hour. This places Belize in its path. Conditions are expected to deteriorate in Belize around late Tuesday night into Wednesday morning with the system crossing the mainland during Wednesday night. If the system remains a tropical storm we can expect winds within the range of 50 to 60 miles per hour. Rainfall estimates are expected to be between 4-6 inches.
Tropical Wave expected to make landfall in Belize; NEMO activates
The National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) is advising all Belizeans and visitors to start making preparations for a possible tropical storm. A tropical wave in the eastern Caribbean named 'Invest 97L which became an organized weather system on Sunday night, July 31st, and will likely become a tropical depression or tropical storm today Monday, August 1st. As it moves into the western Caribbean, it is expected to intensify as a tropical storm over the next days. Its projected path predicts its landfall on Belize by Wednesday, August 3rd. Extremely warm waters on the storm's path decreases the chances that there will be any major changes to the actual path of Invest 97L. The warm temperatures on the water surrounding the Invest 97L expected path are around 84-86 F. This would give a more favourable atmospheric regime for the tropical wave's development into a stronger storm.
Arcadia University to host a variety of free seminars
A volunteer group from Arcadia University from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania USA will be hosting a series of free seminars starting Saturday, August 6th to the 19th. The seminars are divided into morning and evening sessions, and will be offered at the San Pedro Lion's Den, Dr. Otto Rodriguez Polyclinic II, and the San Pedro Town Council Conference Room. From business to health and even education, lessons will be taught by select professors, and participants are invited to attend and receive useful information.
Police United FC looking for a Champions League win
Less than three weeks remain until the start of the 9th edition of the CONCACAF Champions League. This year, Police United FC won the berth to represent Belize, and will be competing fiercely, not only for the champion's cup but to elevate Belize's position in the FIFA Men's World Ranking. Belize, who had been at the 127th position in 2015, dropped to the 164th position in 2016 earning the titled of "worst mover". A good showing from Police United FC in the upcoming tournament will help elevate the country's ranking for 2017. Their first game in the tournament is scheduled for Tuesday, August 16th at Estadio Tiburcio Carias Andino in Tegucigalpa, Honduras at 8PM against Olimpia FC. In their second match, Police United FC will take on Pachuca FC at the Nuevo Hidalgo Stadium in Pachuca, Mexico on Tuesday, August 23rd at 8PM. The third match will be a home game against Pachuca FC at the Football Federation of Belize (FFB) Stadium in Belmopan City at 8PM on Tuesday, September 13th. Police United FC's second home game will be placed on Thursday, September 29th also at FFB Stadium at 6PM against Olimpia FC. The results of these four games will determine if the team will move on to the second round.
Ambergris Today
25 Years Ago - 25 Years Ago Celebrates 25 Years of Storytelling & History
This exciting journalistic adventure commenced in September of 1991 an idea of Bruce and Victoria Collins of the San Pedro Sun and, Yours Truly, Angel Nunez, who had recently moved to live in San Pablo to become the third resident of the community. The objective of the column was to educate the new generation and new residents of life on Ambergris Caye to include social, economic, cultural, historical, folkloric, political, as well as industries, successes and failures, and other events in the annals of San Pedro.
Hundreds upon hundreds of weekly articles have been written for the past 25 years, most of them educating and stirring interest, whilst a few have generated disbelief and one or two have even created controversy and criticism.
One example of a controversial article was entitled "Twenty five years ago in San Pedro, women did not drink and did not frequent bars". This article drew acid criticism from one or two women who took offense because the cap fit snugly on their heads. They criticized the author of being anti-women. I only explained that I had a wife and a mother and could not possibly be anti-women but simply wrote about an observation on how some women carried themselves.
Pic of the Week - Mondays Are Better in Belize
Monday always gets a bad rap - the weekend is over and it's the start of a long week of work. But Pelagic Girl confirms that 'Mondays are Better in Belize' in this post on their Instagram Profile. What do you guys think of Mondays in Belize?
Belize Keeps Keen Eye on Approaching Storm
The National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) of Belize has issued advisories as a strong and fast-moving tropical waves moves into the Western Caribbean, possibly posing a threat to Belize if the storm becomes better organized in the following days. NEMO District Emergency Committees have been meeting and will continue their meeting today, August 1. The Belize District Coordinator has been attached to the San Pedro Emergency Committee. CEMO is preparing Shelters and making arrangements for the buses in the event of a NEMO organized evacuation.
The National Meteorological Service and NEMO inform that a fast-moving tropical wave which entered the eastern Caribbean on Sunday, July 31, 2016, remains rather disorganized, but at it approaches between Jamaica and the Central American mainland conditions will become more conductive for its development.
Camp Starfish Ends Summer Activities with Colorful Parade
As the Ambergris Caye Camp Starfish came to an end this year, all participants were eager to celebrate with a fun parade that took place on Friday, July 29, 2016. Starfish camp kinds marched under the theme 'We are More Alike Than Different'.
Ambergris Caye Camp Starfish is dedicated primarily to the needs and caring of special needs children in the island community. The summer camp, now in its third year, hosts children with mental and/or physical disorders with activities like arts & craft, sports and even counseling for the parents, skill enhancement activities for the children that include speech and physical therapy.
Local businesses and restaurants fully support the camp by providing snacks for the camp during their breaks and volunteer teachers and students have been assisting with the running of the programs and caring for the children. The camp is free of charge with no age limits for the attendants.
Misc Belizean Sources
URGENT NOTICE:
Caye Caulker Village Council
All residents of Caye Caulker are advised to monitor closely the weather system on the local weather channel. Please also listen very keenly to the advisories given by NEMO.
Please note that there no official hurricane shelter on the island.
Prepare yourself, your homes and pets and take precautionary measures. Do not listen to rumors. Voluntary evacuation begins as of Today!
The Office of the Prime Minister Announces Changes in the Cabinet
The Office of the Prime Minister announces the following Cabinet changes:
The Police, BDF and Coastguard will no longer be housed together under one composite Ministry of National Security. Instead, there will be two separate Ministries - a standalone Ministry of the Police, with responsibility solely for that Department; and a Ministry of Defence, with responsibility for the BDF and Coastguard.
Senator Honourable Godwin Hulse will be the new Minister for the Police, and the Honourable John Saldivar will be Minister of Defence. Senator Hulse will also continue as Minister of Immigration, but will relinquish the Natural Resources portfolio. In his stead, the Honourable Attorney General Vanessa Retreage will additionally become Minister of Natural Resources. This will take place as soon as the Attorney General can be sworn in as a Senator.
Close to 300 Villagers of Conejo Creek, Toledo District Will Soon Benefit from Continuous Supply of Reliable & Safe Quality Water
Ground-breaking ceremonies to kick-off construction of Conejo New Rudimentary Water Project will be held in Conejo Village at 2 p.m. on August 1, 2016.
The water project is financed by the Government of Belize through a grant from Basic Needs Trust Fund 7th Program, Caribbean Development Bank; so that villagers of Conejo are provided with continuous supply of reliable and safe quality water to meet their daily needs such as drinking, washing, bathing and cooking.
Equally important, the completion of the water sub-project will significantly contribute in the reduction in the vulnerability of men, women and children to incidences of water-borne, food borne and vector borne diseases in addition to communicable and non-communicable diseases. Thus; making critical achievements in improving the wellness, and quality of health of residents in Conejo, Toledo District, surrounding communities, and by extension, the wider society of Belize.
Costa Maya Festival: Day 4
Thousands of butterflies
Yesterday in the Yalbac, thousands upon thousands and thousands of butterflies. Half of the Marpesia chiron (Daggerwing) and the other half a mix of Pieridae (Sulphurs and Whites)
The Santander Group's Inaugural Shipment to Europe
It was sweet success for The Santander Group on Friday, July 29th, 2016, as the company's inaugural sugar export set sail on the SCL BERN en route to Europe. This symbolic shipment is carrying 6,250 tonnes of raw sugar produced by the company's first harvest in May of 2016 and will be arriving at the Port of Santander in Spain within the next two weeks. The receiving port, which the company is named after, is symbolic because it was the birthplace of the family's father, whose dream was finally made a reality this past Friday.
Emancipation Day 2016
The Museum launched an unprecented exhibit called "enSLAVEd," to engage people in Belize's slavery and emancipation history.
U.S. Embassy Belize Tropical Wave Advisory
Heavy rain and high winds are expected in Belize over the next 48-72 hours. All U.S. Citizens are advised to
monitor the National Hurricane Centre (NHC) website for developments in this weather pattern. Please plan accordingly and be vigilant.
SBDC Workshop: MARKETING FOR SMALL HOTELS
Presented by:
Mrs. Nilda Riverol.
Post/Teaching Description:
Manger, SBDCBelize, Beltraide.
Location:
Placencia Village Council, Placencia Village.
Workshop Date:
August 11th, 2016.
Time:
9am to 4pm. This workshop will provide attendees with knowledge in the Marketing definition- its importance, the myths of Marketing, Knowing your product, , Identifying and Understand your customer, Strategies and Techniques including Branding, Promotion, monitoring and evaluation - Action Plan. It will also cover guidelines to formulate a marketing plan to improve brand awareness for Hotels.
Invest 97L Is Gradually Organizing
A powerful tropical wave continues to traverse the Caribbean to the west at 20-25 mph. As of early Tuesday morning, the wave was centered about 100 miles south of Jamaica. Indications are that the system will become a tropical storm in the near future. When and if the system becomes a named system, it will become Earl.
Heavy rainfall and gusty winds are already occurring across Jamaica, where flooding will be possible through today before the system clears the island to the west.
Rainfall and gusty winds will move into Honduras and Nicaragua on Tuesday night before spreading into Belize and the Yucatan Peninsula on Wednesday. Recent guidance suggests that the system will make landfall over the southern Yucatan Peninsula or Belize; on Wednesday evening as a strong tropical storm. Across this area, potentially hurricane-force wind gusts and flooding rainfall can be expected.
NEMO ADVISORY NO. 4 B:
STRONG TROPICAL WAVE IN THE CENTRAL CARIBBEAN BECOMING BETTER ORGANIZED
The National Emergency Management Organization hereby informs that the strong, fast moving tropical wave in the central Caribbean located 150 miles south-southwest of Kingston or some 650 miles east of Belize continues to move westward at about 20 mph. The system is producing winds of 40 to 45 mph, however it still appears to lack a closed surface circulation. Environmental conditions are expected to be conducive for additional development, and Tropical Storm Earl could form later today. An Air Force Reserve Reconnaissance aircraft is scheduled to investigate the system this morning. As much as 6 inches of rain can be expected in our region.
FINANCIAL AID OPPORTUNITY: LEO S. ROWE PAN AMERICAN FUND
The Rowe Fund is an educational loan program of the Organization of American States (OAS) that helps citizens from Latin America and Caribbean OAS Member States finance their studies or research in accredited universities across the United States by awarding interest-free loans of up to US$15,000 dollars.
By financing a portion of their studies in the United States, the Rowe Fund helps students complete their education while at the same time fostering cultural diversity, friendship, and communication among the people of the Americas. Rowe Fund loans include:
Commissioner of the Supreme Court meeting in San Pedro
The San Pedro Justice of the Peace Association & Commissioner of the Supreme Court is having its monthly meeting this Wednesday, August 3 at Fido's Courtyard in the Conference Room starting promptly at 7:00 PM. Alert inactive JPs and those interested in becoming JP to attend as we get equip to serve our community!
SPTC HOSTS THE MISS COSTA MAYA 2016 CONTESTANTS
On Friday, July 29th, Mayor Daniel Guerrero and the Councilors of the San Pedro Town Council had the honor of hosting the contestants of the Miss Costa Maya pageant as well as the current title holder for a luncheon at the exotic resort of El Secreto on North, Ambergris Caye.
The luncheon included a short address by Mayor Guerrero, as well as a presentation of gifts to the contestants on behalf of all the Councilors and Mayor of the San Pedro Town Council.
Miss Guatemala, Miss Nicaragua and the reigning Miss Costa Maya also brought gifts of their own, which they presented to the Mayor on behalf of their respective country.
Thank you to the management and staff of El Secreto for their warm hospitality.
Corozal Cultural Explosion
Our young dancers of the Traditional Mestizo Workshop gave a great performance at this past Saturday night's Cultural Explosion, hosted by the Corozal Organization of East Indian Cultural Heritage. Congratulations to our participants!! We want to kindly thank Maestra Libertad Cal for her instruction, and parents for their support. A special thanks to Mrs. Georgina Johnson for your kind assistance throughout the workshop and stage performance.
COLLECT GILL: LEGENDARY BELIZEAN SOFTBALL COACH!
In yours truly making of the documentary, When We Were Queens, that features the legendary Belizean women of softball of the Golden Age of Belize's softball era of the 1960's, 70's and 80's, never have there been another coach more mentioned and loved by the dynamic women of softball that were interviewed for the documentary than the legendary late Collect Gill.
Since his most outstanding work in Belizean sports was just seen at a glimpsed by those sports enthusiasts like myself, the vast body of information on his brilliance and tenacity as a coach came through the Belizean women of softball that passed through his training.
As Gill stands equal to many of his contemporaries of his time that coached the game, for many of the greatest of Belizean softball talent that won gold for Belize in 1974, and who dominated the CAST Games in the 1960's, Collect Gill was the geatest.
DAVID DAKERS: LEGENDARY BELIZEAN BOXER!
When Belizean boxing lovers cheered for David Dakers in the hay day of Belize's boxing glory, no other was so loved and won the hearts of many Belizeans at ring side, or sitting at home hearing C.L.B Rogers bringing the blow by blow action of the fights with David Dakers Versus Lionel 'Tough Skin' Cameron. But the fight of all fights was when Dakers beat the incredible Belizean boxer, Gilly Dunn, to become Belize Middle Weight Champion. These were the days in the 1970's when Belizean boxing was King, and David Dakers was like the Belize's Muhammad Ali. We Belizeans loved him. Big time respect to the Champ David Dakers wherever he is. When we were Kings!
RICKY GONGORA: LEGENDARY BELIZEAN FOOTBALLER!
The incredible Belizean football striker, Ricky Gongora, comes to Belizean Legends through the courtesy of the book by Evan X Hyde called, Sports, Sin & Subversion. No other Belizean forward played the game with such power and skill in front of the goal post. Gongora became one of Belize's most accomplished goal scorers of his time in the 1970's and 80's of Belize's football hall of fame.
Lorna Smith, of the legendary Belize-Caribbean dance troupe, Elegant Flair Dancers
Coming soon to Belizean Legends is a rare and exclusive interview of the pulsating Belizean cultural dancer and instructor, Lorna Smith, of the legendary Belize-Caribbean dance troupe, Elegant Flair Dancers. Sista Lorna will entertain us with her thrilling dance life and electrify us with some of the most eclectic moments in Belizean dance and cultural performances in the Los Angeles Belizean Community where she lived and performed for many years now. Still doing her thing in the Belizean diaspora, Sista Lorna as we refer to her here on Belizean Legends is the host of the popular Los Angeles Belizean based radio show called AH WAKE OP LIKE DIS on Belizean Wil Johnson's popular Radiobelizemix Internet Radio in the Los Angeles Belizean Community. Don't you change that dial!
Collared Aracari's to be released
These Collared Aracari's came in as babies just weeks ago and they are already ready to fly free! Two are out on soft release and have been adopted by the wild ones and the third is not far behind. They love their fruits more than any other bird here, gobbling it up just as soon as you put it into their enclosure!
"CASA for Kids" program
The U.S. Ambassador and other Embassy Officials participated on Friday, July 29 at the YWCA last of the two ceremonies of the Court Appointed Special Advocates or "CASA for Kids" program.
YWCA's project focused on increasing and maintaining productivity of girls and youth through personal action and capacity building. The YWCA project coordinators and directors spoke highly of all of the participants -telling stories of the participants, and acknowledging that many of them were now able to go to high school/received scholarships for completing various YWCA programs.
Ambassador Moreno, handed out the certificates to the YWCA participants, congratulating them for their accomplishments.
Placencia Breeze August 2016
Pg 3 Sundays Maya Beach Style Pg 5 BTIA news Pg 7 Unwinding at Coral Caye Pg 9 POV Salad Days/Tutti Frutti Notice Pg 10 PIA Students Pg 11 Lionfish Pg 12 12 & Under 5 Aside Footbal Pg 13 5k Run/walk for Garifuna Museum / Seine Bight Running Club Training Pg 15 & 18 Placencia BTIA Members Pg 16 & 17 Placencia Peninsula Map Pg 19 September 10th Parade Pg 20/21 Placencia Peninsula Guide Pg 22 PHS Message / Rotary Club News Pg 24 Pen Cayetano Interview / Fusion Beach Jewellery Class / Belize National Dart Team Pg 25 Talking Croc Pg 26 Community Corner Pg 27 Bus Ride to PG / Tour Guide and Operators Current Licences Pg 28 Tropical Weddings / Turtle Nesting Info Poster Pg 30 Placencia Peninsula Happenings Pg 31 Calender of Events
Channel 7
The Story Behind The Saldivar Shuffle
On Friday at a press briefing, the Prime Minister said he would not move National Security Minister John Saldivar unless he saw some credible evidence that suggested he had acted in a corrupt or criminal fashion. Well, today he removed the police department from John Saldivar's portfolio - leaving him with the Coast Guard and the BDF in what will now be known as the Ministry of Defence. The police department goes over to Minister Godwin Hulse, who leaves Natural Resources to Attorney General Vanessa Retreage.
So now that the Prime Minister has stripped Saldivar of the police department - does that mean that the PM has come upon some evidence directly implicating his minister? Today the Prime Minister held a press conference to explain why he moved Saldivar:..
Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister:
"I said on Friday that at that juncture I was not prepared to move because optics aside, I did not think that anything that Minister Saldivar did amounted criminality or corruption. Nothing since Friday has occurred to make me depart from that point of view. But as was made clear in the question and answer session that we had on Friday, the optics also include the fact that while I have not run a poll and while I don't have any scientific evidence for saying this, the optics make clear that the public perception is that is untenable for Minister Saldivar to continue to head the police ministry in the current circumstances."
Portfolio Promotions For Two Unelected Senators; Does PM Barrow Distrust His Elected Cabinet Members?
And so while Saldivar will continue to remain under scrutiny, so will the Prime Minister - and some of that scrutiny will come from within his own cabinet. He's once again taken an unelected person, soon to be sworn in Senator Vanessa Retreage and put her in charge of the Ministry of Natural Resources - which is the most politically powerful ministry. So why did he pass over his senior elected representatives when he moved Godwin Hulse over to the police department. Is it that they can't be trusted? That's what we asked the Prime Minister today:...
Jules Vasquez:
"We now see unelected persons having two large powerful resourceful important ministries, whereas the elected representatives seemed to have been left by the wayside or overlooked when this very important department was there to be reassigned."
Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister:
"I am the Prime Minister. I say this again not in any immodest way, but stating a fact - I have the privilege and the authority to make the decisions in terms of appointments and I stand by the appointments I have reported today that I am making."
Investigation Points To Four For Mason Birth Certificate
And the Prime Minister also gave one important update on the Mason investigation. He said that the Attorney General's Ministry - which is in charge of the vital statistics office - has four persons who facilitated Mason's bogus birth certificate:...
Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister:
"In fact reports have been made to the police and cases have been compiled for the public service commission, so that there are 4 persons who are going to face either a disciplinary action or criminal prosecutions or both."
Reporter:
"4 persons from where sir?"
Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister:
"From the Vital Statistics Unit."
Mason's Attorney: Neither Dickie Nor Flowers Speak For My Client
So, while the authorities continue to investigate the origin of William Danny Mason's fake birth certificate, his attorney, Herbert Panton, says don't believe anything you hear about his client unless it comes from him, Panton.
There are reports that Mason has been in communication with attorney Dickie Bradley and Mark Flowers while Flowers was on remand for those 3 nights last week. The suggestion is that he may be making disclosures about his dealings with Cabinet Ministers. We told you last Friday that it was believed that after Flowers was released on bail, he would have revealed additional information, which would reveal further unknown details about Former Police Minister John Saldivar's relationship to Mason.
PM Brushes Off Suggestion Of Money Laundering
But much has been said about Mason and his sponsorship of John Saldivar's football team. We asked today if those large cash infusions into the team could be considered money laundering:...
Jules Vasquez:
"Might it be that the type of transaction, if it is a cash based transaction that Mr. Saldivar was involved in with Mr. Mason - might it not be that that could constitute money laundering?"
Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister:
"I fail to see how the donation, the cash contribution to a politician could form the basis of a money laundering charge. But as I say, let me not suggest that I can speak authoritatively on that matter."
Jules Vasquez:
"Well I think the word investment has come into currency. I learnt it from Mr. Vega. He said that his opponent invested more money that he and his brothers did in his last campaign. So then if there is an investment one expects a return. If one has a surfeit of cash that one needs to dispose of. But let's not go there."
A Storm Headed For Belize?
Just before the break, you saw the weather report with the forecast for "Invest 97L" - expected to be upgraded to Tropical Storm Earl shortly.
Tonight "97L" is a strong, fast-moving tropical wave, but it is a bit disorganized with showers and thunderstorms, moving at 20 to 25 miles per hour. If it continues along the current trajectory, by Wednesday morning, the favorable conditions over the sea near Honduras will allow it to gather strength to reach a strong Tropical Depression, or even a tropical storm. Estimates are that it should arrive here late Wednesday night, or early Thursday morning. If it slows down, it will become an even stronger storm.
Here's a short report from the Weather Channel on the expected development of this storm:
Savage Machete Murder In Tropical Park
Tonight, Hattieville Police continue to hold a man who they believe is responsible for a savage chopping death. That apparently drunken brawl ended terribly because this man savagely chopped and killed 44 year-old Honduran, Yovany Armando Rosales. He's claiming self-defense, but what police found on the scene was Rosales's body with a chop wound to the back of the head. It appeared that the machete wielder was trying to hack his head off, but failed.
This morning, the Commander of the Rural Eastern Division told us what they know so far:
ACP Edward Broaster, OC, Eastern Division Rural"
"Saturday, July the 30th about 4:50pm, Hattieville police responded to a report of a fight at mile 14 on the George Price Highway. Upon arrival at the location they found Yovany Armando Rosales, 44 years old, a Honduran national who resides at number 14 and a half miles George Price highway with a large chop wound to the back of his neck, one on his shoulder and one on his right arm. BERT ambulance responded where they pronounced Mr. Rosales deceased."
Rural Cops Catch Big Gun
Over the weekend, Rural cops made several busts in the river valley area, a gun which they believe was used in a recent crime, and over 3 pound of marijuana which was craftily buried to hide it. Today Assistant Police Commissioner Edward Broaster told us how his officer came upon the illegal items:
ACP Edward Broaster - OC, Eastern Division Rural:
"On Friday the Burrell Boom police confiscated a .45 pistol. We suspect that the 45 pistol was used in the commission of a robbery earlier last month or late last month in the Burrell Boom area. Also in the lord's bank area, the police discovered 1,375 grams on cannabis in the Hollywood area. This was found property for which they were doing operations in that area and discovered. The marijuana was found in several black plastic bags hidden in a bucket buried in the ground in the Hollywood area. The Rural Rapid Response uncovered that based on intelligence gathered."
Would Government Accede To International Investigator?
With all the uproar over William "Danny" Mason and all those in high places he befriended, or compromised - there's been some clamoring for an international, impartial investigation - since Mason made so many friends in the police department and in politics. Today the Prime Minister bristled when this was suggested to him:...
Reporter:
"Your rationale behind at this point in time not accepting an international investigation impartial."
Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister:
"Mr. Wade, when did I say I would not accept an international investigation?"
Reporter:
"If you listen carefully to my question, I did not say you did not accept it."
Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister:
"But your premise is wrong. You just said that."
PM Says Hulse Will Bring Change To Police
And the investigation into Mason will now be overseen by new Police Minister Godwin Hulse. It's a major transition for Hulse, who is an engineer by training, and had taken on the role of super administrator at the Department of Lands. And now he's in charge of the police department - which the Prime Minister today conceded needs some urgent attention:
Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister:
"We all know that to put it mildly - all is not well with the Belize Police Departments. We've heard of at the very top personality conflicts, which I supposed are to be expected in any organization, but that seem to be happening with a degree of intensity that's unwelcomed. We've heard of turf grabbing or turf jealousy. We've heard of the appearance of fiefdoms. So, it will take some doing to get to a situation where the public can be assured that as far as it humanly possible, the police department is doing all that it possibly can and doing it effectively to be successful in discharging its primary mandate which is to assure our public of a degree of citizen security, citizen safety. I have every confidence that if anybody can do it, Godwin Hulse can."
PM: Lands Reform Will Continue Under Retreage
And later on you'll hear what Hulse thinks of the job ahead. But first to the other promoted Minister. That's Attorney General Vanessa Retreage. Just one year ago she was a private attorney - and tonight she is one of the most power ministers in the Barrow Administration. The Prime Minister said he hopes she can continue the transformation at the Lands Department - which was started by Hulse.
Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister:
"I don't think I have ever been to that new building which is not new anymore in my life. But I use to hear the stories of all the hangers-on and the hustlers, the grifters gathered on the verandas or in nearby precincts. My understanding is that that phenomenon has disappeared in the few short months since Godwin Hulse took over. I am absolutely secure in my conviction that the Attorney General will continue along those lines and I can rest a little easier at night. When last has there been a land scandal? Maybe I talk too quickly, but let me just stop by saying Godwin has made progress and I think the AG will continue to make progress."
PM: Cabinet Corruption, A Fact Of Life
And if you noticed, there was more than subtle put down of the last elected representative to hold that office, Gaspar Vega. Indeed, by all outward indications, the PM doesn't trust his senior ministers to put them in charge of the lands Department. He spoke today in very general terms about how hard it is to rid his government of widespread corruption:...
Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister:
"I cannot sit here and tell you there's no corruption in government, there's no corruption in cabinet, I won't do it. I believe that while people will always try a thing, I have done the best I can to keep a lid on things. I have done that not just because if the lid were to fly off completely it would be the end of the administration, but because I believe, even though I know the demands made on ministers by the electorate, by their constituencies."
Drunk Driver Killed Well Known Public Officer
A well-known public servant died yesterday after she was crushed between a car and a street post. It happened on Saturday morning after 6:00 when 54 year old Emily Guy was standing on the sidewalk of west Collet Canal Street, near the Michael Finnegan Market. An out of control car careened off the bridge and crashed unto the sidewalk, crushing Guy.
We spoke to the family and police about this heartbreaking accident and Courtney Weatherburne has the story:
Emily Guy was proud to be a Jehovah Witness. She went to church meetings every Wednesday and Sunday and was an active member.
She would always go out into the community and spread knowledge about her religion. Guy especially liked to converse with passersby at the Michael Finnegan Market on Saturday mornings and this Saturday was no different. But what started off as a routine morning ended in tragedy.
Guy was standing on the sidewalk with her Bible and copies of the "Awake" magazine when a black DODGE CALIBER raced over the bridge and slammed into Guy, pinning her between the car the post.
Cycle Accident On Coney Drive
And there was another accident early Saturday morning around 1:00 but this one wasn't fatal. A man was driving his motorcycle with a female passenger on Coney Drive near the junction with NAPA when there was a major collision. The passenger got minor injuries but reports are the motorcycle driver is in a very critical condition. Police told us what they know.
ACP Chester Williams - O. C. Eastern South:
"The one by NAPA, I am told that a male and a female were on a ninja bike and I don't know if he was going at such a high speed and could not take the curve and he went straight into the round-about. The motorcycle was extensively damaged, the male person sustained serious injuries and up to yesterday we were told that he was on life support and the female received minor injuries. So that investigation continues."
CEO Ruth Meighan Returned?
There are persistent reports that a present government CEO and former director of immigration was sent back from the United States over the weekend. Reports say that former Director of Immigration Ruth Meighan's visa was revoked and she was sent back by US Immigration when she travelled to the United States. Meighan is currently the CEO in the Ministry of Transport and NEMO. The Prime Minister today told the media he had heard the same.
Reporter:
"There is a very senior CEO who was turned back by the US, I believe it was at Houston, might have been within the past couple days. Have you been informed about it and have you been able to find out any reason why?"
Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister:
"I have heard and no official information has come to me. I have heard that the CEO was turned back, I don't know the reason for it."
Coming To Terms With The History Of Slavery
For some, when you think about slavery or hear people talking about it, you never put yourself in that context, it always seems so abstract - like a nightmare or some horror story from the past but the coordinators at the Museum of Belize want everyone to face this reality, embrace it and move on with a sense of strength and perseverance . we stopped by the Museum of Belize to see the exhibit. Courtney Weatherburne has the story
The exhibit will be open for a year.
Santander Sugar On the Move
Santander may have run the environmental red light 2 weeks ago, but the company is reporting that tonight that they are have sent first shipment of sugar produced in Belize at their Cayo facility. It's 6,250 tonnes of raw sugar which is on its way to Port of Santander, the company's namesake, which is in Spain.
To accommodate for this shipment the Santander Group has invested in the expansion of the Port of Big Creek in Independence Village. The two companies had been working together for months in preparation of this first shipment.
My Country, Tis Of Thee
Last week we told you about the police summer camp for at risk youth, well this week another 50 kids will get learn why it is important to stay off the streets. Today we spoke to the coordinator about the objective of the program and what they will do this week for the nexty group.
Williams also told us that if kids are found on the street after hours and in gang areas, the parents will be brought in and charged to set an example. Williams says there are laws governing those charges against parents.
Hulse On New Portfolio Assignment
And finally tonight, new Police Minister Godwin Hulse speaks about his new assignment after moving on rather abruptly form the Ministry of Natural Resources:...
Hon. Godwin Hulse:
"I will have people that I have to work with, people at the top, middle and bottom. I think all of you know my style, there are two things that is legend with me, I will listen to everybody, hear everybody's complaint, try to work with everybody, because I believe in the positive C's compromise, the corporation, the comrade, but I have zero tolerance for anything else and it doesn't matter who that is."
Jules Vasquez :
"But if in your due diligence you review this very important, almost nationally existential investigation into Mr. Mason and find that it would seem that Mr. Saldivar, your predecessor, might be a person worth speaking to in the investigation. Would you get involved and say 'man we need to talk to this man'?"
Hon. Godwin Hulse:
"Well clearly Jules I mean we have short memories man, you all forget Minister Penner, that in fact it was from one day to the next I took the matter to cabinet and said 'we have to talk, come', and yes I'm not an investigator, I'm not an expert but as I said and I will continue to say, nobody on the face of the earth is sacrosanct to me when it comes to any untoward thing, t doesn't matter if it's my mom and my dad who is already dead, my son and my daughter to whom I tell them that every day."
ACP Broaster Was Up On William Mason's Game
And continuing on William Danny Mason, the more we keep digging, the more Minister John Saldivar's relationship with Mason seems as though it could have been avoided. That's because various senior cops knew about his shady background, and the information was passed along. Today, the press asked Assistant Police Commissioner Edward Broaster, if he ever had any run-ins with Mason, and he shared his encounter with us:
ACP Edward Broaster - OC, Eastern Division Rural:
"I met William Mason in 2014, after I listened to a report from a complainant and he was given 2 days to abandon the individual property."
Reporter:
"What was the complaint about?"
ACP Edward Broaster - OC, Eastern Division Rural:
"I am not going to call the name of the complainant, but obviously he was trying to swindle the complainant out of her property."