CTV3
BNTU Orange Walk Calls for Industrial Action
Could the Belize National Teacher’s Union be preparing for industrial action? That’s the general sentiment from teachers around the country and the action supported by a majority of Union members at emergency meetings held simultaneously by all branches today. The teachers are upset that the Barrow Administration has not been able to follow through with a promised 3% salary increase which was due to them since July of this year. Here in the Orange Walk District, over 300 teachers walked out of their classrooms to attend today’s meeting this afternoon at the Gala Lounge. The Orange Walk BNTU members had previously rejected the Government’s proposal to delay the salary increase until next year. And today, the militancy continued when the majority of members agreed that if the Government fails to meet their promise, they will take action.
One Detained For Questioning In The Murder Of Jahida Crawford
Last night we reported on the barbaric murder of 22 year old expecting mother of two, Jahida Crawford, who was shot execution style inside her home on the corner of Rio Bravo and Boundary Road on Tuesday night. As previously reported, Crawford was inside her home accompanied by her father and two children when she was called out by someone who she apparently knew, upon opening her front door to meet her visitor she was met with two bullets which caused her death a short while later. Today while Orange Walk Police are still trying to ascertain the motive behind Tuesday night’s deadly shooting CTV3 News understands that they have detained one person for questioning, but were unable to confirm if the individual detained is the same person police were previously in search of.
Protesters Calls For Government Resignation
Over 5,000 protestors turned out and walked side by side Opposition Leader Hon. John Briceno and PUP representatives in a march through the streets of Belize City yesterday. The aim was to send a strong message to the Government that Belizeans have had enough. After walking through the streets, the throng of supporters gathered at the BTL Park for a two-hour rally. There, the speakers addressed the issues which have become flashpoints for the UDP Government only ten months into their third term. Honorable Rodwell Ferguson - PUP Deputy Leader: “We want our country back and the time to save Belize is now.”
LOVE FM
Western Bus Operators Engage in Unauthorized Price Hike
Commuters who utilize public transportation have been calling our newsroom for the last two days questioning the recent increase in bus fares in the western corridor. We have been making efforts to get a comment from the Transport Department and were told yesterday by the Chief Transport Officer, Tirso Galvez, that they have been made […]
Transport Department Takes On Concerns from Taxi and Bus Operators
Minister Edmond Castro has his hands full as issues surrounding the transport industry seem to piling up within the last week. Earlier in this newscast we told you of the increase of bus fares in the western corridor and earlier this week we told you of the taxi drivers of Benque Viejo del Carmen, Cayo […]
BPP Prepares for Countrywide Anti-Corruption Tour
The Belize Progressive Party held a press conference this morning to discuss current issues affecting Belize and the party’s launch of a country wide tour. According to the Chairman of the BPP, Paco Smith, the tour would be carried out later this month. PACO SMITH “As the only viable solution to the red and blue […]
Stabbing Incident Leaves One Man Dead
An altercation between two male individuals around two this afternoon has left one dead on the island of San Pedro. Deputy Officer commanding the San Pedro police Station, Assistant Superintendent of Police, Henry Jemoth said thirty two year old Elton Polonio was socializing with a friend when there appeared to be an argument between them. […]
William Mason’s Farm-Hand Recalls July 15, 2016
55 days ago the head of Llewellyn Lucas was uncovered in the pan of a pickup truck belonging to Raj Teddy Oulette better known as William ‘Donny’ Mason. The discovery sent shock waves around the country as pockets of society screamed for justice in the tragic homicide. The discovery of Lucas’ head, however, was only […]
Fin Sec Orders Abuse of Government Vehicles to Stop
An internal document has reportedly been circulating on the internet over the last week surrounding the use and abuse of government vehicles by public officers. The internal memorandum is dated August 29, 2016 and comes out of the office of the Financial Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, Joseph Waight. It is a four paragraph […]
The Guardian
No Steam in PUP Demonstration - No pay for demonstrators
Wednesday of this week. The day was supposed to be the day that the PUP were supposed to put the type of numbers on Belize City streets, the likes of which we had never seen before. We at the Guardian were imbedded inside the PUP camp from as early as 7 am. Our day started with just moving around and observing their movement. As time moved by it became obvious that the PUP were having problems. It was 8 am and the only positive movement we had seen by then was the arrival of 3 portable toilets, but there was nobody there to use those 3 toilet unless Wendy Castillo and the PUP gentleman and the lady with her were going to use one a piece.
Next came the first music system blasting the PUP battle cry WELCOME TO THE PARTY. At 8:37 a group of around 40 persons arrived from Orange Walk. This was about the same time some frantic phone calls were being made to push back the start time of the parade to 10 am. Not one of the PUP leaders had arrived at this point. It seemed that they were either ashamed or afraid to make their grand entrance with such a group of people present. The first member in any leadership position to arrive was Kareem.
200 new homes to be built after Hurricane Earl
Philip Willoughby has announced that by Thursday 6 new homes would have been completed in Belize City following the destruction caused by Hurricane Earl. This is 6 of 200 new homes which will be constructed by the time the National Emergency Management Organization completes its work in bringing people’s lives back in order after the hurricane.
Willoughby told the Guardian that they have assessed 1,350 houses which were affected in Belize City alone but there are still those that have not yet been reached. He says that as a result of trying to get to everyone who was affected, 17 students from the Engineering department at the University of Belize have been taken on to conduct further assessments to wrap up the work in Belize City over the next three weeks. He noted that so far 486 cases have been dealt with.
CRUCIFY HIM!!! Wade’s “Church” Looking for Blood
How can men who call themselves Christians – sit down comfortably for days in front of national television and chastise, demonize, and ostracize a fellow leader of the cloth? If the Christian community can treat Pastor Ashley Rocke the way they do, what judgment do they reserve for the rest of us sinners?
Since Pastor Rocke, Senator for the Church, opted to vote no to a motioned destined for failure in the Senate and chose to support a bi-cameral inquiry into the findings of the Auditor General’s report on the Immigration Department, Plus TV and “Christians” alligned with that business have declared war against him. If Senator Rocke had voted in favour of the motion, there would have been six votes in favour and six votes against the motion. The President of the Senate, Hon. Lee Mark Chang, would have had to cast the deciding vote. He would have voted no and the motion would have failed. Despite this fact, Louis Wade, who seems to have assumed the Voice of God in Belize (we remember Joan of Arc here), has since accused Pastor Rocke of being in support of the LGBT agenda and not being against corruption in Government. Along with other “christian” leaders on Plus TV’s morning show, Wade has publicly called for the pastor’s head.
Taiwan donates USD $109,000.00 for ICT project
The Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) is pleased to announce that H.E. Ambassador Benjamin Ho has presented a cheque of USD 109,000.00 to the Central Information Technology Office (CITO) of the Government of Belize for the bilateral ICT Project on September 2nd, 2016. This 5-year project is budgeted at USD 1.82 million, with USD 1.5 million funded by the Government of the ROC (Taiwan), and the rest covered by the Government of Belize. The aim of this project is to pave the way to achieve e-government in Belize to benefit the government and the general public.
American-registered vessel grounded in Belize waters
The Belize Coast Guard has confirmed that a civilian vessel which is registered in Delaware, USA was grounded on the barrier reef in the area of Hatchet Caye located east-northeast of Placencia. Onboard the vessel were three (3) Colombians, four (4) Guatemalans and one (1) American citizen. The incident reportedly took place on the Belize Barrier Reef around 5:00 PM on Saturday, September 3rd and was relayed to the Coast Guard by the Fisheries Department.
Another shootout between BDF and Guatemalans
The BDF continues to do their job dutifully, and mostly unnoticed by the rest of the population. Once again, however, their job became very dangerous when they came under fire inside the Chiquibul National Park.
That incident took place on Wednesday, August 31, in the morning at a part of the Chiquibul known as “El Retiro”. For the BDF soldiers, that’s within walking distance south of the Valentin Conservation Post, in an average time of about an hour and a half. The BDF went to that location to follow up on an Order to Leave (OTL), issued by the Immigration Department, on 20 Guatemalans who had been squatting in Belizean territory. The BDF first discovered this illegal settlement on a patrol June 1, 2016. The area is just under 200 meters east of the Belize/Guatemala border, and the settlement was hidden from view due to the fact that it was located on the western side of a hill. The assumption was that the hill was very close to the border, so more than likely, since there was nothing on the eastern side, there would be nothing on the western side of it.
Benque taxi drivers block taxis coming from Melchor
Taxi drivers gathered in front of the Town Hall in Benque Viejo del Carmen on Tuesday expressing concern that they are losing income as a result of vehicle operators coming from Guatemala. This is after a group of them had also gathered in front of the home of Benque’s Mayor Heraldo Ramcharan Junior asking for an audience to express their concerns.
Mayor Heraldo Ramcharan told reporters that the taxi drivers are concerned about the tourist buses coming into Belize.
Chief Transport Officer Tirso Galvez, who was visiting Benque on Tuesday has said that if a person does not reside in Belize, then his vehicle is considered a foreign registered vehicle and must abide by permits to do runs. He also clarified that road service permits are being issued by the Transport Board and that entity will not approve a road service permit for any person who does not live in Belize and who is not a Belizean.
PM announces composition of investigation team into misdeeds at Immigration department
The Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, on Thursday September 7 held a press conference in which he announced the composition of the special bicameral accounts committee. He explained that after meeting with the Chamber of Commerce the composition of the committee will be such as to have 6 representatives from the government, 3 from the social partners and 2 from the opposition one of which will hold the chairmanship.
PM Barrow explained that government accepted that the report paints a sorry picture and that Belizeans should be legitimately alarmed with the findings. He went on to, as the leader of government, apologize to the nation that things went so wrong during the period covered by the report. Even so, however the PM explained that it is not the first time that such damning information has been put out. He reminded Belizeans of the PUP administration's time when all manner of requirements were waved for the acquiring of nationality and leading to the loss or theft of 7.5 million dollars. Nonetheless he accepted the findings of and accepted responsibility.
PM to meet with churches again on Friday
On Friday, September 9, Prime Minister Dean Barrow will hold a follow up meeting with the leaders of the different churches. At that meeting, he will return with the answer from his Cabinet colleagues as to how they will move forward on the Chief Justice’s Section 53 judgment. Some in the church want an appeal of that judgment which changes the Criminal Code which made “carnal intercourse against the order of nature” a criminal offence whether it was consensual or not. That included - but was not limited to - gay sex, which is now no longer a crime.
The Prime Minister has indicated that while he is not prepared to appeal the entire judgment, he is prepared to consider an appeal of the portion of the judgment in which the Chief Justice interpreted the word “sex” in the constitution to mean “sexual orientation”. Those and other range of options were green lit by the Cabinet for the Prime Minister to present to the Church Leaders. That’s what he did, on Monday evening, September 5, when he met with the Catholic Bishop, the Anglican Bishop, the President of the Methodist Churches, the Presidents of the two Evangelical Church Associations, and the President of the Alliance of Ministers and Leaders.
Bi-cameral investigation into immigration and nationality departments
Last Wednesday PUP through it's lead Senator, as indicated by it's Leader Johnny a few days earlier, tabled a motion in the senate. This motion sought to have the Senate call for a Senate investigation, into the recently released Auditor General's Report. Had this motion been passed, it would have mandated the Senate to set up a 5 member tribunal to investigate alleged wrong doing being highlighted on the Auditor General's Report. The way the 5 member team would be selected would have been, one senator each from the government and opposition and the three social partner senators.
This motion appeared to be well on it's way for a tie vote on the floor with all three opposition senators and three social partners arguments being in favor and all six government senators against. Such a vote would have forced the President of the Senate to cast a vote to break the deadlock and the motion would have been defeated.
Save Belize for the PUP
By the time the effects of the liquor has worn off, and the $25 has long been expended, that PUP rent-a crowd would have long forgotten what it is they were marching for on Wednesday. PUP operatives were all over the country recruiting willing souls brave enough to brace the scorching heat to be victims of yet another ruse. Agents were very visible in the banks cashing rent-a crowd checks into stacks of $5. So desperate are the PUP that they will try any trick to give off the perception of muscularity. This appeal for support seems to be the slim whisper of hope the die hards have been so desperately gasping for. They have been jumping around in jubilation as if though they’ve won the lotto.
Spanish records prove Belize’s Great Battle of 10th of September
The 2016 Belize History Association’s lecture focuses on extremely interesting information that should not be limited to a 90 minute discussion. The lecture is entitled “Examining the Spanish Archival Records on the Battle of St. George’s Caye” and brings together a super panel of history scholars from Belize and Mexico.
The first lecture was held at the Bliss Center for Performing Arts in Belize City at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, September 07, to audience mostly comprised of upper level primary school and secondary school students. The researchers who were part of the lecture are Dr. Angel Cal from the University of Belize, Dr. Herman Byrd of the Belize Archives and Records Services, Dr. Gustavo Alfaro from la Universidad de Quintana Roo, Dr. Martin Ramos from la Universidad de Quintana Roo, Dr. Juan Castillo of la Universidad Intercultural Maya de Quintana Roo and Mr. Giovanni Pinelo of the Institute for Social and Cultural Research (ISCR).
Gang shooting claims life of 22 year old
22 year-old Nicasio John Zuniga, a resident of Jones Street in Belize City, became another victim to the city’s gang violence when he was murdered execution style. At this time, there is no explanation for his senseless killing. It appears, however, that he was murdered for simply living in a neighborhood, that is the turf of one gang currently in a dispute with another, which is located nearby.
Police say that according to their investigation he was at a shop on Complex Drive at around 6:20 p.m. on Monday, September 5. He had reportedly just left after buying some drinks. The cops think that he was heading back to socialize with his friends, but he never made it. 2 unknown young men rode up on bicycles while Zuniga was on his way. One of them pulled out a handgun and shot him once to the right cheek; that bullet exited the back of his head. By the time the cops arrived, there was nothing much they could do for Zuniga, except try to rush him to the KHMH.
Judge shows mercy to weed offender
Alejandro Gonzalez, 57, is lucky to be a free man after he was almost sent to prison on Thursday, September 1, for being busted with weed while in arrears for old fines.
Gonzalez is self employed. He repairs shoes and belts at the foot of the Swing Bridge. Allegations are that he was busted by police around 7:30 a.m. on Thursday with 3.1 grams of weed. PC Manuel Caliz was on foot patrol on Cemetery Road when he saw Gonzalez standing suspiciously in front of the Salvation Army School. The officer decided to conduct a search on him and found the green leafy substance rolled up in his right pants foot. Gonzalez was arrested and charged with possession of a control drug.
Edward McKay remanded for robbery and stabbing
Edward McKay, 26, is on remand at the Belize Central Prison after he was arraigned on three charges: one count of robbery, one count of dangerous harm and one count of using deadly means of harm upon Tyrone Scott.
Scott reported to police that he had just exited a bus in Ladyville Village on Thursday, September 1, when he was approached by McKay, someone he has known for a while. According to Scott, McKay held him at knife point and demanded that he hand over his belongings. Fearing for his life, he gave McKay a bag containing his cell phone, a litre of Caribbean Rum, a bottle of Sprite, a 7 inch tablet, a bluetooth speaker, a memory card, a Polo shirt, two pants, a flash drive and $17 cash. The total value of the items is approximately $1,036. Adding injury to insult, Mckay stabbed Scott several times to the body after he handed over the bag and fled from the scene.
Inconsistencies on Pakeman’s urine test - ACP Edward Broaster - OC, Eastern Division Rural
Based on declarations made by ACP Edward Broaster on Monday September 5th, Dorian Pakeman the director of the Government Press Office has been placed on unpaid leave. The decision was made by the Prime Minister following a meeting he held with Pakeman on Wednesday September 7.
In a release by government it states that “the Office awaits the decision of the Director of Public Prosecution on whether to bring charges of whatever nature against Mr. Pakeman arising out of all the circumstances surrounding the traffic incident in which he was involved.”
On March 30 Pakeman was heading towards Ladyville from Orange Walk when he knocked down and killed Gardenia Mechanic, 45 year old Dean Dawson Jr. who was riding a bicycle on the Phillip Goldson Highway in Biscayne village between miles 22 and 23. Immediately after the accident Pakeman gave a urine sample for testing to police.
Security guard caught stealing from employer
KBH security guard Glenroy Reynolds, 36, was convicted of handling stolen goods in 2015 and he has struck again. This time Reynolds was brought before the court on three counts of theft after he was caught on surveillance camera stealing dresses from his place of work, Pink Boutique. Allegations are that on three separate occasions, on August 30, 31 and September 1, 2016, Reynolds took two dresses valued at $68.00, two dresses valued at $100 and two more dresses valued at $106, property of Pink Boutique.
On Friday, September 1, Michelle Leslie, the Operations Manager at Pink Boutique, visited the Queen Street Police Station and reported that Reynolds was stealing from the store. Leslie said that she had been receiving reports that Reynolds and a female were involved in the stealing of items from the store so she set up a sting operation with an internal technician.
Roaring Creek Grace Kennedy Cayo Softball Champions
The Cayo Softball Association 2016 Raymond Garbutt Softball Competition came to an end on Sunday 4th September, 2016.
In the third and final game in the championship series, Roaring Creek Grace Kennedy defeated Unitedville Rebels United by the score of 8-4 to repeat as the Cayo Softball champions.
Roaring Creek Grace Kennedy scored 2 runs in the top of the 1st inning added another 2 in the 2nd inning, 1 in the 6th inning and 3 more in the 7th inning for the win.
Meanwhile, Unitedville Rebels United scored all 4 runs in the bottom of the 4th inning.
Stann Creek Softball Competition enters final round
The Stann Creek Softball Association 2016 Senior Female Softball Season will enter its final round on Sunday 18th September, 2016, with the top three playing in the Double Elimination Format round.
The final round will feature Silk Grass Royale Girls, Independence PALS and Independence United.
On Sunday 4th September, in the first game played, Independence United defeated Seine Bight Flames by the score of 14-3. The winning pitcher was Desiree Gordon.
And in the second game, Silk Grass Royale Girls defeated Independence PALS by the score of 12-9. The winning pitcher was Sandy Depaz and the losing pitcher was Leona Coe.
The future of Abimael Josue is uncertain
Primary Schools across the Country opened on Monday of this week, but for one small family in Santa Elena Town, in the Cayo District it ushered in an array of new challenges, in addition to their daily need to survive. For 5 year old Abimael Josue, the future is uncertain as the newly opened Baptist Primary School in the Bradely’s Bank Area of Santa Elena reports that it is now full to capacity. Josue’s emaciated mom Irma Janesis had recently approached the school with her desire for her second son to attend there.
The Eden Primary School in Santa Elena also reports that they are unable to take in the child. The Principal tells the Guardian that they were robbed of $4000.00 dollars last year so they are unable to assist Abimael Josue. The hard realities for Irma Janesis is that she will need $60.00 for her to register her son at the Eden Seventh Day Adventist Primary School, something she does not currently have.
Young pregnant mother killed in Orange Walk
Jahida Briceño, a 22 year-old, pregnant, single mother of 2, was murdered on the verandah of her home. That terrible incident happened in the presence of her 2 kids, and within earshot of her disabled father who was powerless to help her.
At around 7 p.m., on Tuesday, September 6, Briceño was at her Boundary Road home in Orange Walk preparing supper for her 5 year old son and 7 year old daughter. She heard someone calling for her, and when she answered, someone fired several gunshots, hitting her in the back and face. It is believed that the first shot hit her in the face, and that’s when she tried to run into the house. The other struck her in the back, and that injury was the one which caused her to collapse on the ground.
Belmopan September Calendar 2016 launched
With multicolored streamers almost everywhere, the Belmopan September Calendar 2016 was launched at the Mae Gordon Park in Belmopan last Friday evening. There to welcome everyone was Jacklyn Burns, Chairlady of the Belmopan Celebrations Committee who has been working behind the scenes incessantly to ensure that all the activities run smoothly.
Several groups of young people were also present to position themselves behind the steel drums of the Panerrifix Steelband. Without missing a beat, the very young also took their turn with the drums, with mothers watching with great pride as the September celebrations themed music were being played.
Belize Association of Evangelical Churches
Food and Drugs Amendment Act
In an effort to further strengthen the regulation of food and pharmaceuticals in Belize, the Minister of Health Hon. Pablo Marin presented new amendments to the House of Representatives on the Food and Drugs Amendment Act of Chapter 291 of the substantive Laws of Belize revised Edition 2011. This will make provision to empower the making of regulations for the establishment of a drug registry and give effect to the provisions of the Act regarding the labeling of food or pharmaceuticals.
With the provisions in this amendment, the Ministry of Health will be able to address regulatory responsibilities, such as the granting of licenses to establishments involved in the sale of food and medicines and to enhance the importation requirements for these. It also seeks to establish proper record keeping including the sale of medicines in books or registers and to allow for the removal of expired food and medicines from selling points..s.
Helicopter training for BDF
For the past 2 months, the Belize Defence Force has been receiving training on how to fly and maintain their own helicopters. Though it has been only a short time, they have already conducted successful airlifting operations, and their instructors tell the press that they are exemplary students.
The unit which is learning to fly the helicopters is the BDF Airwing, which has dutifully served the nation with its fleet of fixed wing aircraft since 1993. With the Taiwanese Government’s Donation of two UH-1H helicopters, and the Belize’s Government’s acquisition of an abandoned Bell 407 helicopter, the BDF has 3 rotorcrafts at its disposal to do emergency airlifting operations. So, to become self-sufficient and properly fly them, perform timely maintenance, and to be able to train future pilots, 4 of the BDF’s Airwing pilots, and the entire Airwing’s maintenance staff have been receiving extensive instruction.
Way forward on PAC, Anti-Corruption Act and Integrity Commission
Rt. Hon. Prime Minister Dean Barrow has turned over the search for a chartered accountant willing to serve on the Integrity Commission over to the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry. This was a decision on the way forward agreed upon by PM Barrow and the Chamber at the conclusion of a meeting held last Wednesday when the Integrity Commission was discussed along with the reconfiguration of the Public Accounts Committee and the signing of the United Nations Anti-Corruption Convention.
During the meeting, the Chamber’s own chartered accountant confirmed what the administration has been saying about the difficulty in finding a chartered accountant willing to serve on the Integrity Commission. Serving on the Integrity Commission means being listed as a Politically Exposed Person. PEPs are subject to extreme scrutiny. Their assets and activities are monitored closely by local and international regulators. By relation, their family members become PEPs as well and are subject to the same level of scrutiny which they have not signed up for.
Way forward on PAC, Anti-Corruption Act and Integrity Commission
Rt. Hon. Prime Minister Dean Barrow has turned over the search for a chartered accountant willing to serve on the Integrity Commission over to the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry. This was a decision on the way forward agreed upon by PM Barrow and the Chamber at the conclusion of a meeting held last Wednesday when the Integrity Commission was discussed along with the reconfiguration of the Public Accounts Committee and the signing of the United Nations Anti-Corruption Convention.
During the meeting, the Chamber’s own chartered accountant confirmed what the administration has been saying about the difficulty in finding a chartered accountant willing to serve on the Integrity Commission. Serving on the Integrity Commission means being listed as a Politically Exposed Person. PEPs are subject to extreme scrutiny.
PM announces composition of investigation team into misdeeds at Immigration department
The Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, on Thursday September 7 held a press conference in which he announced the composition of the special bicameral accounts committee. He explained that after meeting with the Chamber of Commerce the composition of the committee will be such as to have 6 representatives from the government, 3 from the social partners and 2 from the opposition one of which will hold the chairmanship.
PM Barrow explained that government accepted that the report paints a sorry picture and that Belizeans should be legitimately alarmed with the findings. He went on to, as the leader of government, apologize to the nation that things went so wrong during the period covered by the report.
PM to meet with churches again on Friday
On Friday, September 9, Prime Minister Dean Barrow will hold a follow up meeting with the leaders of the different churches. At that meeting, he will return with the answer from his Cabinet colleagues as to how they will move forward on the Chief Justice’s Section 53 judgment. Some in the church want an appeal of that judgment which changes the Criminal Code which made “carnal intercourse against the order of nature” a criminal offence whether it was consensual or not. That included - but was not limited to - gay sex, which is now no longer a crime.
Bi-cameral investigation into immigration and nationality departments
Last Wednesday PUP through it's lead Senator, as indicated by it's Leader Johnny a few days earlier, tabled a motion in the senate. This motion sought to have the Senate call for a Senate investigation, into the recently released Auditor General's Report. Had this motion been passed, it would have mandated the Senate to set up a 5 member tribunal to investigate alleged wrong doing being highlighted on the Auditor General's Report. The way the 5 member team would be selected would have been, one senator each from the government and opposition and the three social partner senators.
Save Belize for the PUP
By the time the effects of the liquor has worn off, and the $25 has long been expended, that PUP rent-a crowd would have long forgotten what it is they were marching for on Wednesday. PUP operatives were all over the country recruiting willing souls brave enough to brace the scorching heat to be victims of yet another ruse. Agents were very visible in the banks cashing rent-a crowd checks into stacks of $5. So desperate are the PUP that they will try any trick to give off the perception of muscularity. This appeal for support seems to be the slim whisper of hope the die hards have been so desperately gasping for. They have been jumping around in jubilation as if though they’ve won the lotto.
Charity organization assists hurricane victims
In response to the call of Belize Government for Hurricane Earl disaster relief supplies, Ambassador Benjamin Ho of the Republic of China (Taiwan) in Belize delivered some five hundred cartons of relief material shipped from SimplyHelp Foundation, a Taiwanese NGO based in Los Angeles, to 11 Belize charity organizations on August 30 and 31 including the Belize Red Cross, Cayo Village Councils, Dorothy Menzies Child Care Center, Helpage, iServants.Com International Servants, Liberty Children’s Home, Mental Health Resource Center, Salvation Army, Samuel Haynes Institute, SOL Pregnancy Resource Center and St. Vincent De Paul Society. These relief supplies include housewares, shoes, bags, clothes, hats, basketballs, stationary, toys, bath items, baby items, hair bands and gift boxes. The Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) kopes this timely donation can help those in need through local charities.
Teacher Campbell charged for knocking down police officer
Teacher Kevin Nigel Campbell, 42, was arraigned in the Belize City Magistrate Court on Tuesday, September 6, for driving into a police officer. Allegations are that at about 1 a.m. on Saturday, September 3, Campbell knocked Police Constable Adonias Gonzalez, 32, off his motor bike while driving a grey Isuzu Axiom.
PC Gonzalez told police that he was responding to reports of a woman being physically assaulted by a man in front of the national bus terminal when the accident occurred. According to the officer, he was riding on Cemetery Road heading towards the scene at West Collect Canal when Campbell came speeding from Magazine Road. Campbell did not stop at the intersection of Magazine Road and Cemetery Road and, as a result, Gonzalez ran into the front of the Isuzu.
Couple charged for burglarizing their own property
A Belize City couple is out on bail after they were charged for burglarizing their own property and harming a tenant.
Ernest Tillett, 41, and his common-law wife, Paulette Flowers, 41, appeared before Magistrate Carlon Mendoza on Monday, September 05, to answer to charges. Both were represented by attorney Brian Neal. Tillett was charged with one count of burglary and one count of harm. Flowers was arraigned for burglary with intent to commit harm. Allegations are that as trespassers they entered the home of Melissa Yolanda Bradley at Miles 2 ½ George Price Highway on Saturday, September 3. While inside, Tillett caused an injury to Bradley with a light bulb. A doctor classified her injuries as wounding.
Jamaal Warrior accused of robbing man at knife point
Tour guide Jamaal Michael Warrior, 32, is at the Belize Central Prison on remand for a charge of robbery after a 16-year-old reported to police that he held him up at knife point and took away an I-phone valued at $600.
Warrior appeared before Magistrate Carlon Mendoza on Wednesday, September 07, to answer to the single charge. He was unrepresented in court and pleaded not guilty to the offense. The prosecutor in the case, Sgt. Claude Pitts, had heavy objections to bail. Objections were based on the fact that the victim is a minor attending high school; Warrior may try to interfere with the victim; and the crime was committed with the use of a deadly instrument, a four inch knife. With that, Magistrate Mendoza ordered that he be remanded at the Belize Central Prison until Friday, September 9, when bail will be considered.
Football, Football, football
Football in Belize continues to attract fans every week. This weekend on Sunday September 4, the recently constructed Carl Ramos Stadium in Dangriga was the venue for a matchup between the young and upcoming upstarts Orange Walk United and the veteran, tested Wagiya FC. It was fireworks from the start and the young OWFC held their own for most of the first half until they were overcome by Wagiya’s experience. They fought a valiant fight but in the end lost to Wagiya 6 to 2.
This young team has been together for just under a month and has been baptized by fire. The team is the brain child and effort of Orange Walk East Constituency area rep. Hon. Elodio Aragon Jr. Mr. Aragon who also happens to be the Minister responsible for sports and has been instrumental in the formation of the Police Football Club which is now representing Belize internationally and he did this several years before he got involved in politics. This speaks volumes of the man’s love for sports.
Belize Bank Bulldogs 2016 Firms Basketball champions
The Belize District Basketball Association 2016 Firms Competition came to an end on Saturday 3rd September, at the Belize Elementary School Auditorium with the third and final game in the championship series between the Belize Bank Bulldogs and Infotel.
In the final game played, the Belize Bank Bulldogs showed that it was the better of the two teams and win handily when it defeated Infotel by the score of 80-68 to capture the championship title.
The top scorers for the Belize Bank Bulldogs were Brian White with 25 points, 24 rebounds, 2 assists and 3 steals; Duane Staine with 15 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist and a steal and Rupert Brown with 14 points, 2 rebounds, 5 assists and a steal.
Jumanji opens Sugar City Hoops competition with a win
The 2016 Sugar City Hoops competition opened on Friday 2nd September, at the East Sports Centre in Orange Walk Town.
In the Senior competition game played, Jumanji defeated Devils by the score of 82-50 to opened the senior campaign. The top scorers for Jumanji were Wayne Arnold with 17 points, Charlton Flowers with 16 points and Michael Shaw Jr. with 13 points.
For the Devils, the top scorers were Vicente Avila with 15 points and Leonard Jones with 12 points.
Belmopan Bandits halt the Placencia Assassins FC
The Premier League of Belize Opening Season Competition continued over the weekend with a number of games played across the country.
On Saturday 3rd September, 2016, at the Michael Ashcroft Stadium in Independence Village, the defending national football champions of Belize, the Belmopan Bandits handed the host team Placencia Assassins its first defeat of the young season by the score of 1-0.
The only goal of the game was scored by Marlon Meza in the 83rd minute of play that gave the Belmopan Bandits the win.
Out at the Norman Broaster Stadium in San Ignacio Town, the Police United defeated Freedom Fighters by the score of 3-1.
Breaking Belize News
Murder reported in San Pedro
Police in Ambergris Caye have a murder on their hands tonight. The victim has been identified but at news time his family has not been informed. He is a thirty-two year old unemployed man from the San Mateo area. Police have confirmed that the […]
BNTU Cayo Branch votes in favor for industrial action
The Cayo Branch of the Belize National Teachers Union (BNTU) has voted in favor for industrial action to be taken by the union. A meeting was held this afternoon at the Octavia Waight Center in San Ignacio and BBN was able to confirm that […]
Ministry of Transport and Bus Operators Reach Agreement on Bus Fares
According to a GOB press release, “The Hon. Edmond Castro, Minister of State in the Ministry of Works, Transport and National Emergency Management, along with Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Ruth Meighan and Chief Transport Officer, Tirso Galvez, have just concluded a meeting in Belmopan […]
How I got my first job
I had just turned 18 when I graduated from Belize Technical College Sixth Form (junior college)…..where I had a great educational and life experience with highly motivated teachers and classmates with whom I made lifetime friendships….we worked hard and raised the level of […]
Hoteliers claim hotel standard amendments ‘insane’
Belizean hoteliers are questioning proposed changes to the Belize Tourism Board (BTB)’s National Classification System for Accommodation. Hoteliers who spoke to TravelPulse and the San Pedro Sun say some of the proposals extend beyond area of safety, security, health and operational competency straying into […]
BPP enjoying response to “People’s Referendum”
As of this morning, more than 1,000 responses have been made to the Belize Progressive Party’s non-binding People’s Referendum which started last month. The Party has created a list of questions to be asked to the Belizean people, with polling to be completed on […]
Bus fares hike along western route, rates not approved by the Transport Board
Belizeans who commute between Belize City, Belmopan, San Ignacio and Benque yesterday saw a a one-dollar increase in bus fares by 2 bus operators, namely Western Transport and the Belize Bus Owners Cooperative (BBOC), including for stops in the villages along the route. The […]
Police arrest two young men in PG for keeping firearm and ammunition without license
Punta Gorda police have arrested two men for keeping firearm and ammunition without license. According to reports, on September 7th 2016, police conducted a search in the Joe Taylor Creek area of Punta Gorda on 20-year-old Devon Wendell Pratt of Cattle Landing Village, Toledo […]
Motorcycle stolen from parking lot in Belize City
Ascuncion Bol, 40, has made a police report that his motorcycle was stolen in Belize City. According to reports, Bol of # 31 Marage Road, Ladyville Village, Belize District reported that between the hours of 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 6, 2016 and 4:25 a.m. […]
Garifuna Celebrations theme announced
Rísiti, Pántati, Gabafuti, Iúnrahowa meme la (English): Rich, Proud, and Powerful let us continue to preserve it. So reads this year’s selected theme for the celebrations leading up to the observance of Garifuna Settlement Day on November 19, as announced by the National Garifuna Council (NGC) […]
Woman stabbed in Placencia Village
Cynthia Medina, 20, was stabbed in Placencia village by another woman on Tuesday, September 6, 2016. According to police reports, Medina was working at E&E Chinese restaurant in Placencia village when a young female entered the establishment and had an altercation with her. As […]
Mayor Bradley supports Senate inquiry
Belize City Mayor Darrell Bradley raised some eyebrows yesterday when, in an interview with Channel 7 news, he said he supported the People’s United Party (PUP) motion for a Senate inquiry into the Auditor General’s Immigration report instead of the joint House/Senate select committee […]
ADO bus avoids possible highway robbery
BBN has received reports that last night around 7:00, an ADO bus left Belize City to Chetumal, Mexico and upon reaching a bump in Ladyville, three men emerged from the side of the road and threw a black substance on the windshield. A source […]
Over 400 villagers of Aguacate in Toledo District now have continuous supply of safe water
Men, women and children of Aguacate, now have access to the continuous supply of safe water to meet their daily needs such as drinking, washing, bathing and cooking, according to a Government of Belize (GOB) press release. The completion of the water supply sub-project […]
Tropical Wave moving across the western Caribbean
AccuWeather Meteorologists are monitoring a tropical wave near the Cabo Verde Islands that is producing an area of disorganized showers and thunderstorms. According to Meteorologist Ed Vallee of AccuWeather, conditions will be more favorable for development as this feature continues to move west-northwestward into […]
Ladyville Police Now Say Tyrone Davis’ Death Was Accidental, Not Murder
On Monday, we reported that thirty year old Tyrone Davis of Sandhill was murdered, shot in the throat and arm while in a hammock at his home. Police were already baffled as to a possible motive for a murder but according to Regional Commander […]
Sir Colville visits Mexico for first time
Belize’s Governor General visited Mexico from August 29 to September 2nd as a guest of Anahuac University. It is his first visit to Mexico in the capacity of local representative for the Head of State. Sir Colville Young lectured university students on Literature of […]
15 Books that Make Me Want to Travel NOW
My idea of THE ULTIMATE is laying in a hammock on a breezy balcony reading a great book. Or travelling to experience some place new.
Love of travel or wanderlust or itchy feet or vagabondage (that’s a real word!) is tough to shake. So…if you can’t get out there and travel at this very moment, here are some books that make you feel like you’ve visited a new place.
You can plan the actual trip later.
Here are some of my favorite books that really make me want to travel.
Belize In December: Best Reasons To Visit (2016 Update)
For many, December is a time synonymous with family, a time to share in the company you might not usually get other times of the year, or in Belize at-least. For children it’s a time for good food, favorite cousins and whether we like to admit it or not; Christmas and all the cool things attributed to it! The holiday season is a time of wonder and a time to wander for everyone who’s frequently bitten by the travel bug.
International Sources
Sixteen animals racing against extinction in 2016
They are hunted for their bodies, trawled from the bottom of the sea, and captured for personal amusement. Although we are starting to understand the consequences of our actions, we still have a lot to do to mitigate our impact to the environment.
While the IUCN Red List has multiple tiers of conservation status, this article profiles those classified as Critically Endangered – meaning that the species has a high risk of extinction in the wild. Here is a list of 16 animals that are classified as Critically Endangered in 2016 in no specific order.
Help Save the Flats of Belize’s Blackadore Caye TODAY!
We posted back in February about the proposed development of Blackadore Caye, in the middle of the fantastic fishery of Belize’s Chetumal Bay. Local residents and anglers—including guides from El Pecador Lodge—have been protesting both the process of the development, which involves dredging, and the intent to build overwater structures above sensitive flats. Here’s how the biologists at Bonefish & Tarpon Trust have characterized the project:
A development project proposed by developer Delos and actor Leonardo DiCaprio will have negative impacts on the flats near Ambergris Caye, and would set a dangerous precedent that would threaten the flats habitats throughout Belize. This proposed project, Blackadore Caye Restorative Island Project, would construct extensive piers on the flats with over-water houses and hotels on them. Not only would this fragment the flats habitat, but it is also in violation of the rules governing the Hol Chan Marine Reserve in which Blackadore is located.
Blackadore Caye is under serious threat, and we should do what we can to stop this kind of reckless development. Check out the video below to see how local voices are being ignored in this debate.
Xunantunich Ruins Wedding
Great title, depending on how you read it, of course. Rock and Roll Bride gives Xunantunich the credit it deserves, and Belize's Conch Creative captured some amazing photos. Congratulations to the new couple!
"Michael and Sandy were married in Belize at the Xunantunich archaeological site. The couple are both fascinated by the ancient Maya culture and love visiting sites throughout Central America so saying their vows there was really special to them both."
Hidden gems if you want to retire overseas
Always dreamed of retiring overseas? It may be cheaper than staying in the United States.
Just make sure to consider the cost of living, taxes and health care before making a permanent move. These categories, along with nine others, were included in the most important criteria that retirees should review when shopping the globe for the best places to live, according to Live and Invest Overseas, a company that publishes an annual index of the best places to retire abroad.
In Belize's Cayo District, you'll notice that nearly everyone speaks English — it's the official language in the small, Central American country.
Plus, your money will go further because the Belize dollar is pegged to the U.S. dollar at a fixed rate of 2 to 1. The cost of living is about 21 percent lower than the U.S., according to Numbeo.com, another collaborative website that compares the cost of living in different cities.
With Belize's Qualified Retired Persons visa, which you can get as long as you are over age 45, you can be granted permanent residency, which will give you an exemption from the country's income, capital gains and estate taxes.
Grad students partner with Central American village to harness free sustainable energy source
Clemson graduate student engineers are part of a collaborative multidisciplinary team working with the people of a small rural village in Belize to provide “free” sustainable energy for the village by converting food waste into fuel for cooking.
Shakira Hobbs, a PhD candidate in the Glenn Department of Civil Engineering, first visited Sittee River Village in Belize while she was an undergraduate at the University of Maryland studying abroad. “I stayed in touch with one of the community leaders, Shelmadene Robinson, via Facebook, and she asked me several times to come back and do a sustainability project with them,” Hobbs explained.
Hobbs traveled to Sittee River this summer, along with Clemson University industrial engineering PhD candidate Myrtede Alfred and Arizona State University sustainable engineering PhD student Evvan Morton.
“Our goal for this trip,” said Hobbs, “was to determine how much food waste was produced in the village and the resorts nearby, and how much of the waste could be converted to methane.” The villagers currently use butane, which is non-renewable energy source and relatively expensive. By converting food waste to methane, the village would be less dependent on fossil fuels, and the residents would not have to spend as much of their income on fuel.
Thrill-seeking photographer risks life and limb as he swims alongside a ten-foot-long crocodile in Cancun
Stunning pictures show Mexican underwater snapper Rodrigo Friscione getting up close and personal with the 200lb predator.
Rodrigo Friscione pictured the 200lb predator in clear water, offsetting its instinct to attack him by ambush. The 10-ft monster was filmed in the waters off the coast of Mexico and Belize
Videos
Gillnet Documentary, 14min. From Oceana Belize
Black substance on the bus window, 1min. Las night the 7:30 ADO bus left from Belize city. While passing through Ladyville at a bump, 3 men came out of no where and threw this black substance on the windshield with hopes the driver would stop to clean it; assuming so thy can rob it. Unfortunately for the delinquents the driver was smart and continue driving until he was far out of reach from the men then he stop to clean it.
Great barracuda, 1min.
Belize Mission Trip 2016, 12min. I can't wait to be back in San Ignacio!
Belize HOSKA MMA 3.. Williams O Nduka VS Eddie Pech e.t.c, 30min. Videos of prestigious MMA fighters in Belize and some Mexican Fighters such as Alberto Galera VS Jameel Iceman, Joel Meyers, e.t.c exhibiting and competing for either The champion belt or Bragging Rights... Hope you enjoy these fights. These fights were fought under The House of Shotokan Karate Academy MMA.
Belize Adventure with the Beaney's - August 2012., 8min. Morgan Beaney, Kyle Hardy in Belize with Kim and John!
Summer in Belize, 4min. A sunny summer week in Belize!
Morning Matters with Alida Sharp, 62min.
Diving Belize Mexico, 4min.
Calypso rose performance at Belize day 2016 NY, 6min. Calypso Rose performance after LilJune at Belize Day 2016 NY.
LilJune 3rd Performance at Belize Day 2016 NY, 2.5min. LilJune third performance getting more interactive with the crowd before calypso rose comes on stage.
2016 08 Belize Caye Caulker Diving Long Caye Aquarium I, 2.5min.
AmbergrisCaye.com 
