AmbergrisCaye.com Home Forums Belize Life News Daily news prior to today Today's Belize News: September 16, 2016

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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

Missing person found
San Pedro Police have located 26-year-old Maria Elena Yah Cano, after a missing person report was made. The search for Cano began after 55-year-old Enrique Flores visited the San Pedro Police Station and reported that he hadn't seen or heard of Cano since the previous day, September 13th. According to the official police report, Flores stated that Cano was last seen leaving from a beachfront hotel located on Barrier Reef Drive, boarding a golf cart to go to her sister's house. Police have since found the golf cart abandoned in the San Pedrito area road that leads to a dumping area. It was speculated by her family members that she was kidnapped by two unknown males.

GOB to implement a Public Morality Commission
Following a Supreme Court ruling on Section 53 in August 2016, Prime Minister Right Honorable Dean Barrow has established a "Church State Commission on Public Morality" that will change the interpretation of "sex" in the Constitution to include sexual orientation. The decision came after receiving legal advice from the Attorney General, and consulting with representatives from various religious organizations. Prime Minister Barrow mentioned that the Human Rights Trust, not Caleb Orozco (who was the Section 53 plaintiff), made the request for the definition of sex to be reinterpreted. He also reiterated that the GOB's position in the ruling remains unchanged, but the ruling where it decriminalizes sexual acts committed between consenting adults is not supported by the GOB. "We do not have any faith in an appeal striking down the ruling on Section 53, but we are prepared to appeal on that very limited basis. We simply cannot support the criminalization of sexual acts between consenting adults and we are positive that that is what Section 53 did," said Barrow.

Golf Cart theft on the rise on Ambergris Caye
The San Pedro Police Department is advising residents to be on high alert, as there is an increase in stolen golf carts on the island. The first of these incidents include the remains of a four-seat golf cart that was found abandoned off a dirt road in Southern Ambergris Caye on Wednesday, September 7th. The vehicle was stripped and left without a roof, wheels and most of the parts from its engine. As a result the police have launched an investigation, with the aim to put a stop to these robberies. Around the same time, another golf cart belonging to Ultimate Golf Cart Rentals went missing. The management at Ultimate Cart Rental advices their customers to always lock the carts and not to leave them unattended in public parking lots, especially during night hours. The company reported that in past incidents, they have had windshields and batteries stolen from their carts.

Director of Tourism Karen Bevans Elected as a Vice Chairman
The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) is proud to announce that the Director of Tourism, Karen Bevans, has been elected a Vice Chairman for the Board of Directors of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO). This took place during the events of the State of the Industry Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC), which is currently on-going in Barbados. Minister of Tourism for the Bahamas, Obie Wilchcombe, has been elected the Chair of the CTO. In addition to the election of the chairman, vice chairs were elected to serve on the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors to represent various sub-groups - Curacao representing the Dutch Caribbean, Martinique representing the French Caribbean, Barbados and Belize representing the Independent CARICOM countries and the Turks & Caicos Islands representing the British Overseas Territories.

Ambergris Caye's 'Ground Zero' zone in recovery
In late June of this year, a huge and devastating fire almost wiped out an entire block on Pescador Drive in downtown San Pedro. 11 buildings that served as homes and businesses to a total of 88 residents were destroyed. Four months later, the first building is being erected at the site dubbed 'Ground Zero' and it is expected that by December of 2016, most of the buildings will be reconstructed. One of the first buildings under construction is the residence and business of Abel Dorado, who operated his grocery store 'El Dorado' at the site where the fire began. Dorado had to relocate after losing his home and business in the blaze, and is now happy to see his new building coming to life. He expects to relocate to his previous spot on Pescador Drive as early as November.

Oceana launches "Are we drowning our future" social media campaign
Over the years, gillnets have been increasingly considered a predator of the sea. They pose a serious threat to many marine animals such as fish, sharks, dolphins, turtles, and even manatees, who can become entangled within them. In an effort to ban the continuous use of gillnets and promote sustainable fishing gear/equipment, Oceana Belize has launched a social media photo project titled, "Are We Drowning Our Future", to portray the indiscriminate nature of gillnetting, as well as to highlight the negative impacts it has within the country. The set of four photographs were taken in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye by Oceana's Alex Ellis. Ambergris Caye is Belize's number one tourism destination, and is known for recreational fishing. The photos feature models Joyjah Estrada and Emaun Hyde entangled in a gillnet to demonstrate how in the same way, protected marine can be trapped in this harmful gear.

Ambergris Today

Local Sanpedrano Makes Belize National Volleyball Team
The Belize Volleyball Association held a press release on Wednesday, September 14, 2016, to introduce its team that will be representing Belize in the FIVB Men's World Championship Qualification Tournament. Earning a spot in the team is local Sanpedrano Gabriel 'Gaby' Nu�ez, Jr. (front row, 2nd from left). Belize will host six other teams who will face off in a round robin tournament. This tournament is the first stage in an international competition to earn a place in the FIVB Volleyball Men's World Championships which, according to the BVA President, Allan Sharp, is the equivalent of the FIFA World Cup. Cuban coach Delio Arruebarrena told the Belize City media that the team needs more international practice matches, but that their preparation has been very good. The team participated in the Copa Cancun and also the Under-23 Central American Championship which allowed the team to develop skills. Coach Arrueberrena has been with the Belize Team since since February of this year.

Misc Belizean Sources

Pampered Paws 15th Anniversary Give-away
Our 15 Years Aniversary is right on the corner, which means that the drawing date for our photo competition is getting closer and closer by the minute. Who will be our grand price winner of one year free grooming services, we are near to find out. All ends September 17,2016. It's not to late to join, so keep sharing and promoting your photos. Remember the original picture with the most likes becomes our winner! (sharing and commenting gives publicity to your photos in order to get more likes). To determine our winner we will be focusing on the original pictures with the most likes.

Director of Tourism Elected as a Vice Chairman for the Caribbean Tourism Organization's Board of Directors
The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) is proud to announce that the Director of Tourism, Karen Bevans, has been elected a Vice Chairman for the Board of Directors of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO). This took place during the events of the State of the Industry Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC), which is currently on-going in Barbados.

Cayo River Clean Up 2016
Oceana Belize is organizing a Belize-wide clean up campaign for Saturday, September 24th. It starts at 9:00am, and is usually around the low lying bridge. This is the 25th anniversary. Thanks, Oceana. "Show your patriotism this September by helping to rid our beautiful Belize of pollution and trash! The global 2016 River and Beach Clean Up is happening countrywide on Saturday September 24th! Be a part of Belize's solution, not pollution! For more information contact Kimberly Bowman at [email protected] or Amelita Knowles at [email protected], or call our office at 822-2792"

Stann Creek House of Culture- NICH
Gulisi came to view exhibit yesterday afternoon.

Mas Camp Day 2 - Soca Moca Senior Carnival Mas Band
Mas camp visits continue tonight.... and THEN IT'S ON! Jouvert and Carnival Road March are on Saturday.

Urban Bird Watch 2016
Do you enjoy observing birds? If yes, Urban Bird Watch 2016 is here once again! Come and learn about the birds of Belize!!! No registration needed just meet us at 6 a.m. sharp at the different meet- up points! Spread the word!!

BTL bandwidth
It took some time but we finally got what we paid for...They told us all kinds a rubbish that we couldnt get 100Mbps and only 80Mbps because they didnt know what the problem was and it was not on their end. Of course they visited us and did a million and one inspection to try to find a fault but everything was so neatly wired & labeled they let and never came back..so I told them the problem was simple, you guys either have us connected to a switch that can only support up to 10/100 and not 10/100/1000 or this line you claim is fiber is probably copper to your DLC...They said "No Man! Everything is setup right" 2 weeks ago they had no way to hide that they are running fiber to their DLC....couple days ago we hit the 100Mbps mark which can clock up to about 165Mbps/25Mbps.........On a more serious note BTL seems to have lay off about 15 BTL employees and brought in about 25 Guatemalans permanently to work...dont know the validity of this info but its from very reliable sources and also disturbing. But in the end the truth always comes out

Employment Opportunity at Rain Restaurant in San Pedro
Apply online at www.RainBelize.com

Pink Boutique
Don't Miss out on the Grand Opening of Pink Boutique in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. THAT'S TODAY!!!

Teachers Demands, PM's responses
The President of the Belize National Teachers' Union (BNTU) in a letter to the Prime Minister, dated September 12, 2016 put forward eight (8) demands. The Prime Minister in a letter to the President of the BNTU, dated September 14, 2016 responded to each of these demands.

Images from Our Ocean Summit
US President Barack Obama delivering his address. Hon. Elrington meets with CARICOM Ministerial colleagues.

NORTHERN BUS OWNERS MEET WITH TRANSPORT MINISTER OF STATE
A meeting was held in Belmopan this afternoon in which Northern Bus Owners sat down with Minister of State for Transport Hon. Edmond Castro and Chief Transport Officer Tirsio Galvez to discuss and address issues affecting the Public Transportation Industry in that zone. This is part of a nationwide review and restructuring of the industry, including the rationalization and regularization of rates, as well as the improvement of the quality of service provided to the public. This meeting with the Northern Bus Owners is a follow up to an earlier meeting with the Chief Transport Officer. Hon. Castro says the proposed changes and adjustments agreed upon in principle will be taken to Cabinet and the Transport Board for finalization and implementation.

Belize Prepares to Participate in the 71st Session of the United Nations General Assembly
September 13th, 2016 marked the opening of the 71st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). The General Assembly, under its current Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, will meet from September to December and will resume for a part of January until all issues are addressed. The General Assembly is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations and the only one in which all member nations have equal representation. Its powers are to oversee the budget of the United Nations, appoint the non-permanent members to the Security Council, receive reports from other parts of the United Nations and make recommendations in the form of General Assembly Resolutions. The theme of this session is "The Sustainable Development Goals: a universal push to transform our world". This theme refers to the General Assembly's emphasis on ensuring that implementation of the new global development goals, adopted by its 193 member states, is well underway. Additionally, the Assembly will focus on the plight of refugees and migrants, as well as efforts to bring the Paris Agreement on Climate Change into force. These issues will be addressed at a high level meeting, a leader's summit and an event from 19-21 September. Finally, on 1st January 2017, the 71st session will welcome the ninth Secretary-General.

Ministry of Education on strike
The Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture (MoEYSC) hereby informs all parents, guardians, students, teachers, principals, and the wider public that in accordance with the Education Rules, Managing Authorities will take necessary measures to ensure that schools and institutions are kept open for classes and to ensure that there is safety for students and teachers present at a school or institution during the industrial action planned by the Belize National Teachers' Union (BNTU) for this Monday, September 19, 2016. Parents, guardians, students, teachers, principals, Managing Authorities and school bus operators are informed that school buses will run their normal schedules on Monday, September 19, 2016. The Education and Training Act, No. 3 of 2010 Laws of Belize is the Act that governs education generally and the employment, management and discipline of teachers.

The Government of Belize in partnership with UNDP Launches the Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN) Project in Belize
The Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN) is a global partnership that seeks to address the biodiversity finance challenge in a comprehensive manner and define biodiversity finance needs and gaps with greater precision through detailed national-level assessments, determining the challenges and opportunities for resource mobilization, and build a sound business case for increased biodiversity investment. In Belize BIOFIN is a $530,000 USD project, which main objective is to develop a Sustainable Resource Mobilization Plan for Biodiversity Management. It is being implemented by the Government of Belize with funding from the European Commission and the Governments of Flanders, Germany and Norway, and managed by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).

Tony Wright book on Belize Musicians Past and Present
The Association for Belizean Artists First is pleased to announce the public presentation of a book Belize Musicians Past and Present by Tony Wright on Thursday 15th September 2016 at 10:00 am at the Image Factory Art Foundation on North Front Street in Belize City. Tony Wright known to his many fans as the Lovable Mr. T has since February 1995 hosted the popular Krem radio Thursday night show Belizean Musicians Past and Present. He is an icon of our time in the cultural arena especially as it relates to the promotion and preservation of Belizean music. He is a cultural activist who has fought for the rights of Belizean artists at home and abroad with unwavering commitment and loyalty. This publication is a bold effort by Mr. Wright to scan several decades of Belize's music history starting with the Mighty Lord Rhaburn and his combo from the 1950s reaching into the landscape of today's music scene. The writer captures snippets and memories of important musicians from Nadia Cattouse to Ernestine Carballo from Wilfred Peters to Nello Player. He also takes us back to the days where live bands ruled the day like Deep Harmony of 1965, Glen Bood and the Telegrams of the 1970s.

PETER SANCHEZ: BELIZE'S OLD MAN & THE SEA!
When you look at these model boats designed by the legendary and late Garifuna artist and seaman, Peter Sanchez, of the southern town of Punta Gorda, Toledo District, Belize, and his talented son, Leonides Sanchez, they appear simple to do from the naked eye's perspective. But that has become the most interesting thing about art forms in that it is not always what they appear to be. And this kind of work in wood that duplicates an original form into a miniature one tells a lot about the patience and skill of the artists who build them. The building of boat models that resembles the real sailing boats or boats as the classic ones like the historical Heron H was, has become a typical Belizean art form over the years. It is not one that we would frequently find around Belize, but it is a unique style that those like Peter Sanchez in Belize had mastered since his early years as a sea man in the Southern waters of Belize, and then later passed down to his son, Brother Leo, (Leonides Sanchez) as he is called in Belizean quarters.

EDWIN X'S VISIONARY ART: A TOUCH OF BELIZEAN SOUL!
You meet unexpected artists in some of the most unexpected places, and yours truly recent vacation trip to Placencia in Belize allow me the opportunity to have come across one of Belize's most prolific underground artists, Belizean, Edwin X Jones, who through a most vivid explanation of his genre of art work in wood, made me realize the Belize has some of the most talented artists hidden beneath the surface of a lucrative tourist market. It wasn't whether these Belizean artists are been given the exposure they need within Belize's blinded folded million dollar art industry, but whether they will be able to showcase their unique and creative style to a nation much less to the world around them. But seeing Edwin X's transcending passion in wood in which he would carve out any art form that one has in mind almost immediately with a machete is art that you figured could not be imagined. You just have to think about it and he can carve it out right there for you with skill and craft of unprecedented genius.

Punta Fuego Road Show
It's the first ever Punta Fuego Road Show in Sarteneja, Corozal; Saturday September 24, 2016.

Hon. Manuel Heredia Jr. alongside BTB's Director of Tourism
Mrs. Karen Bevans paid a courtesy visit to roughly 50 Belizean students studying in Barbados tonight. These students are Belize's ambassadors and they were excited to have been afforded the opportunity to meet with our Director and Minister of Tourism.

Channel 7

Tough Talking Teachers Reject PM's Response, Commit To Demonstration
On Monday, teachers from all over the country will converge on Belmopan to demonstrate against the Government, and the Ministry of Education says it will have to take action. We'll tell you what the Ministry will do to keep schools open a little later, but, first, to the reasons for the demonstration. As we told you, the teachers don't want their salary adjustment deferred, but on the list of priorities, that's very far down. That's because they are demanding good governance from the Barrow Administration. With all the scandals that Government has faced this year, the teachers say that they have to stand up for Belize to make a statement against corruption of any kind. As you saw last night, the Deputy Prime Minister, who's also the Minister of Education, made an impassioned plea to the teachers to stand down for the sake of the children. Well, this evening, we got an opportunity to speak with the National President in Corozal. He was there along with the Executive Secretary for an Annual General Meeting with the members of the Corozal Rural Branch of the union.

Ministry Rings The School To Keep Classrooms Open On Monday
And while the teachers blasted the government today, the Government is blasting right back. In an effort to keep schools open on Monday - and to keep teachers away from the rally and demonstration, the Ministry of Educiaotn sent out a stern press release this evening. It says, quote, "in accordance with the Education Rules, Managing Authorities will take necessary measures to ensure that schools and institutions are kept open for classes and to ensure that there is safety for students and teachers present at a school or institution during the industrial action planned by the BNTU for this Monday." It goes unto say that school buses will run their normal schedules on Monday. And the release also refers to the education rules where Rule 102 says, quote, "If a labour dispute results in industrial action by teachers or instructors, salaries and wages of persons undertaking such action may not be paid for any day or portion of a day during which they are on strike."

Union President Not Impressed With GOB Version of Senate Inquiry
We also asked the president about the Government backpedalling on the issue of allowing a Senate Probe to look into the Auditor General's reports on corrupt immigration practices. He told us that he is not impressed because the composition should resemble what it was during the SSB and DFC inquiries of 2005. Here's how he explained why: Luke Palacio, National President, B.N.T.U.: "It is common knowledge that whenever something of this magnitude happens in this country, the Prime Minister will make every effort to try and see how he can quell it but to his benefit. The constitution is clear. There should be a senate select committee to investigate those matters."

Is BNTU Sweating PUP Fever?
Earlier you heard the action that the Ministry will take in response to the Teachers Union's demonstration, and last night we showed you how Deputy Prime Minister Patrick Faber believes this to be a purely political exercise with no real grounds. Today, we got a chance to ask BNTU President Luke Palacio for a response to the direct accusation from the DPM that he is leading the union into a cause for the Opposition. He dismissed that out of hand, reminding Faber that he once stood beside them back in 2005, even being roughed up by the police. Here are his comments:

BNTU Braces PM
As we showed you last night, the Prime Minister has written back to the BNTU to respond to their demands about good governance. He has carefully explained what the Government's plan of action is to address all 8 of their demands, and he even gave his reasons for refusing to remove Godwin Hulse as the Police Minister. So, what do the unions think about that response? That's what we tried to find out today, but the National President said that it will be addressed in a meeting by the members of the Union. Luke Palacio, National President, B.N.T.U.: "First of all there were no deadlines and no conditions set as it relates to the plan of action the BNTU has. A letter was sent to the PM asking and making certain demands and we gave him up until Friday to respond, and he has done so; he responded yesterday, that has been reported to our membership, that has been reported vastly in the media."

Teachers, Is It All About The 3%
So, the bottom line is that - to hear the teachers tell it - the third tranche of their salary adjustment is the lowest priority for the planned demonstration Monday. But, money is always an issue, and as we showed you, while the BNTU is refusing the Prime Minister's request for a deferral to next year, the other two unions, the Public Service Union, and the Association of Public Service Senior Managers, have decided that they will agree to the deferral. That's two-thirds of the union negotiating team which does not agree with them, and today we asked the President if that minority position has swayed them somewhat. He told us that it does not, and here's how he explained why:

Customs Officer Shoots Armed Attacker
Last night in Orange Walk Town a 34-year-old Customs Officer narrowly escaped death. Jose Acevedo arrived home at 8:00 pm when he was ambushed by two armed men. One of them held a .45 caliber weapon, and the gunman pulled the trigger, but the gun snapped. Orange Walk police told us what happened next: Insp. Jose Mendez, OW Police: "Well he was at his residence in his yard and he approach the gate and notice that the person had a firearm aiming at him. Upon seeing his actions, ran into his yard, tumble down and manage to grab his 9mm license firearm and fired 1 single shot after the individual." When police responded, they found the assailant turned shooting victim lying on the ground with a loaded .45 pistol beside him. That's a prohibited firearm and considered one of the deadliest handguns in the world. He was taken to the hospital and identified as 21 year old Nigel Galvez from Belmopan. He was shot in the pelvis area and transported to the KHMH where he is stable. His mother says that police have it all wrong and that he is the victim, who was shot by two men who were trailing him. According to family and friends, he would never do something like this.

PM's Neice Shot
The Prime Minister's niece was shot this afternoon in Belize City. It happened in the King's Park area where Candice Anderson was in a yard among other persons when shots were fired into the group. She was the only one injured. Police on the scene told us more:... Supt. Hilberto Romero, O.C. Precinct 3, Belize City Police: "Information as gathered that female, Candace Anderson was shot to the leg and was transported to the K.H.M.H. hospital and she is presently there in a stable condition. She was at a house at this yard on 7th Street and that is where she was shot." Jules Vasquez, 7News: "I know that the GSU had recently raided a home on 7th Street which they said was used by drug peddlers - marijuana peddlers in the area. Might that have any relationship to what happen here today?" Supt. Hilberto Romero, O.C. Precinct 3, Belize City Police: "We will look at all angles to see where this investigation takes us."

Maria Marin Says She Drove Away Penner
Last night you saw the first part of our interview with former Director Of Immigration Maria Marin where she denounced the unilateral process that the auditor general undertook, and questioned the findings she arrived at. Tonight, in part two we asked Marin about her encounters with former Minister of State Elvin Penner:.. Tune in tomorrow for part three of our interview with Marin.

Oral History of Belizean Music Finally Written
Tony Wright never got blessed by an institution of higher learning, but ask any musician and they will confirm that the man is a musicologist of the highest order. For 21 years, he has hosted the show Belize Musicians Part and Present on KREM Radio - a product of his conviction that Belize's musicians must be recognized, appreciated and honoured. In that time he has laid down the blueprint for the oral tradition of Belize's music history, and now, he has turned that spoken word story into a written history, with the launch of his first book. Just like the show it's called Belize Musicians Past and Present and it was launched today at the Image Factory. Co-Publisher Yasser Musa told us why the book matters:..

KHMH Is 21
For most of you, the KHMH isn't the first place you think about going in the case of a medical emergency and if you do, you won't be all that comfortable. That is because the hospital has suffered some serious blows to its reputation in recent years but, today at the hospital's 21st anniversary celebration public relations officer Tylon Tillett told us that all those challenges are behind them and they have improved. KHMH CEO also discussed a few of their health care accomplishments. Other health events will also be held throughout this week including a staff retreat.

DPM, Let All Voices Be Heard, Caleb's As Well
Last night, we showed you the Deputy Prime Minister, Patrick Faber's press conference. He wanted, among other things, to clear up that the Church State Commission is merely a forum for the churches to share their concerns on any topic, not only matters of public morality. He was also making the point that the Commission does not have the power to make policies based the church's position; it only will have the ability to advise the Government on what course of action they should take, on different issues of national interest. So, we asked him if in the Government will allow Caleb Orozco and UNIBAM a similar opportunity to be heard in very same way that Church is being allowed. He told us that he has committed to Orozco that this dialog will happen. Faber added that personally, he would want to see the minority groups get more than an opportunity to dialog; he would want there to be some mechanism to address their concerns. Here how he explained why:

Mas De Mas Camps
Mas Camps - they're a kind of controlled craziness mixed with any reason to go on bad in the street. Last night we visited four more camps - where the Carnival spirit was in full effect; here's what we saw:� The Mas Camps wrap up tonight.

Falling Flagpole Kills Construction Worker In Corozal
A man was killed this evening in Corozal's Central Park. Juan Meskita, an employee of Botes construction company died on the spot when a flagpole fell on his head. Here's how it happened: the Town council contracted Botes Construction to erect a flag in the Central Park. The company chose to do so without a crane, instead they used a forklift. But the forklift snapped when it was hoisting the flagpole which came tumbling down. Everyone scattered - including Mayor Hilberto Campos who was 5 feet away from where it fell. But Meskita ran forward instead of sideward, and the pole fell directly on him. He died instantly, traumatizing onlookers. The town council had to cancel College Night due to the tragic accident.

No Road March Without Tumblers
After the 16 junior and senior carnival bands jump and wind on Saturday, the road march still wouldn't be the road march without the grand finale from the tumblers. They've been gracing the streets with their pavement gymnastics for more than three decades, and the hardest part is that they're always training new recruits. We caught up with the group training at the Fred Westby Park this evening and by the looks of things, they are more than ready to sail above the pavement on Saturday, but the trainer did say that some extra help from the community would take them an even longer way. There are about 35 to 40 tumblers in the group.

Wet Fet De Ya!
So while the tumblers are getting road ready for carnival day, many of you are getting ready for Wet Fete tomorrow night. A group of DJ's and performers from Trinidad will be bringing a new flavor to the Soca vibes. A few performers along with the Caribbean Soul Events organizer dropped by our studio to tell us just how Wild and Wet, this year's Wet Fete will be . Tickets will be $35 dollars at the gate before 1:00 am.

Channel 5

Belize National Teachers' Union confirms mass demonstration in Belmopan
It is now official: a massive demonstration of teachers will take place in Belmopan on Monday September nineteenth.� The convergence on Independence Hill comes just two days before Independence Day. [...]

B.N.T.U. president makes case for fifth demonstration in a month in capital
In making the case why the demonstration - the fifth in less than a month in the capital city - has to happen, Luke Palacio said the B.N.T.U. is fulfilling [...]

Senator Godwin Hulse hopes Government can reach compromise with unions
Former Minister of Labor Godwin Hulse has also interjected on the present situation with teachers and the demand for the final tranche of their salary increase.� Ahead of a scheduled [...]

B.N.T.U. wrong to consider industrial action, says Hulse
As for a call for industrial action, Hulse, like Minister of Education Patrick Faber, admits that there really is not a labor dispute that would warrant teachers taking to the [...]

Teachers say, "It's not just about the three; it's about country!"
On Wednesday, we shared the strident response of Minister of Education and Youth Patrick Faber to the goings-on with the union. He insists that there is currently no labour dispute [...]

Education Minister reminded of his actions in 2005
The battles between the powerful union and the second most powerful man in Belize revolve mostly around their disagreement on how far the union is taking its issues. But Faber [...]

Ministry of Education promises schools will be open on Monday
Late this evening, the Ministry of Education issued a press release informing parents, teachers and students that in compliance with the Education Rules, managing authorities will take necessary measures to [...]

Prime Minister's niece is shot; stable in hospital; police look for shooter
This afternoon, there was a rare occurrence in the quiet residential community of King's Park - a shooting incident. But more than that is the identification of the victim, Candice [...]

Embattled Immigration and Police Minister will not give in to critics
Senator Godwin Hulse represents government business in upper parliament.� While he will not be sitting on the soon-to-be constituted task force to look into the findings of the Auditor General's [...]

Godwin Hulse concedes wrongdoing in Audit Reports and gives support to Auditor General
As for the composition of the assigned working group, the fact that government will have three seats on the Senate Select Committee has raised concerns in other corners, particularly from [...]

Former U.D.P. Minister, Melvin Hulse, weighs in on national affairs
At an event held earlier today, we got the opportunity to speak with former U.D.P. Minister Melvin Hulse. The Stann Creek resident says that the district is least involved in [...]

Call for Godwin's removal is to ensure transparency in investigation
The unions as well as the P.U.P. have been asking for the removal of Senator Godwin Hulse as Minister of Police. We also got Melvin Hulse to give his take [...]

Twenty-one years for Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital
The Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital celebrated its twenty-first anniversary today. An anniversary church service under the theme, "We Care For You," saw board members and staff as well as members [...]

Will constitutional challenge pave the way to "legalize" marijuana?
Is a constitutional challenge in the making to decriminalize marijuana? The government had set up a committee to consider the decriminalization of a small quantity of cannabis, but the recommendations [...]

Attorneys plan move against "elite" Bar Association
The Government moved legislation in September of 2014 to amend the Legal Profession Act. It removed mandatory membership in the Bar Association, paving the way for attorneys to form or [...]

Tony Wright releases compendium of Belize Musicians, past and present
Tony Wright is perhaps best known as president of the Association for Belizean Artists First and host of the popular radio show "Belize Musicians Past and Present". But he was [...]

Movement continues to gain recognition and support for Belizean artists
According to Wright, the book has two aims: to recognize the many men and women who have entertained us for decades, and to bring awareness to the need to preserve [...]

Fifteenth annual Soundfest takes over House of Culture on Friday
Earlier you heard Tony Wright speak about Soundfest, the premier production of the Association for Belizean Artists First, established in 2002. The fifteenth edition takes place on Friday night and [...]

Third day of Mas Camps ahead of Carnival
The final night for carnival mas camps is tonight with three bands being visited by a team of judges.� On Wednesday night, our news team had the arduous task of [...]

Healthy Living and the illnesses of September
By now, all primary school children have begun to settle into their new classes in the different schools across the country. This is good news for parents as they can [...]

CTV3

Custom Officer Shoots His Attacker
A suspected robber is currently recuperating at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital tonight after a custom officer shot him inside his yard here in Orange Walk sometime after 8:00 last night. According to reports, the custom officer parked his vehicle inside his yard and while walking towards the main gate of his property, he encountered two male persons standing inside his yard, one who was in possession of a firearm and pointing it towards him. Inspector Jose Mendez - Orange Walk Branch Commanding Officer: "Yesterday evening, police responded to a call on a shooting incident in the Belize/Corozal road where 43 year old Custom Officer, Jose Luis Acevedo reported to the police that a male individual while he was at his residence in his yard a male individual approached his gate and noticed that the male person had a firearm and aiming to attempt upon seeing his actions ran into his yard tumbled down and manage to grab his 9mm licensed firearm and fired one single shot after the individual which caught him in his leg."

Godwin Hulse Says Unnecessary Action For BNTU To Demonstrate
The Barrow Administration has been facing yet another tough political week. Last week it was the Opposition who took to the streets in the old capital in the thousands to demand immediate reform or that the Barrow Government resigns. It was undoubtedly a factor in the Government's sudden decision to switch support from the Bi-Cameral Joint Committee to the Senate Select Committee. Today, it is the Belize National Teacher's Union who is making demands on the Government. The Union has announced plans to march on the streets of the city of Belmopan to show that they are serious. In response, the Prime Minister has called the BNTU to the discussion and negotiating table. Meanwhile, senior Ministers in the Barrow Administration have gone on a public campaign against the BNTU. Yesterday it was Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Patrick Faber and Minister of Housing Hon. Michael Finnegan, and today it was Senator/Minister Godwin Hulse who took on the BNTU, for what he said was an unnecessary action.

BNTU President Defends Teachers
While senior UDP Ministers have been clearly attempting to convince the teachers not to follow their Union leadership, all indications are that the Union decision to march on Monday is final. Memos have been sent to all branches and schools, calling on the teachers to stand up. Yesterday when BNTU National President Luke Palacio met with Orange Walk teachers, he defended their actions saying it isn't political and that the teachers are being called to be true patriots. Luke Palacio, BNTU National President: "Our teachers go beyond the call of duty, our teachers are at school early in the morning because their parents would go to work and they need to drop off their children at school and our teachers are there..."

Godwin Hulse Says Senate Regulations Calls For A Government Majority
The debate whether there should be an investigation into the findings of the Auditor General's special audit on immigration led by a Bi-Cameral Joint Select Committee or a Senate Select Committee is over. The Church, Chamber of Commerce, Unions and even the Government are supportive of the Opposition's proposal. But, it's not all game. There is now controversy over the make-up of the investigative body. The Prime Minister and his Cabinet prefer 3 Government Ministers along with 3 Social Partners reps and 1 Opposition. The Opposition does not agree and has called for there to be one representative from the Government and Opposition, and three from the social partners. Immigration Minister Godwin Hulse commented on the matter, saying all Senate regulations call for a Government majority.

Master's Of The Road, A Huge Success
The annual Masters of the Road competition hosted by Muffles Junior College kicked off earlier this evening in the centre of town and saw the participation of almost half of the student body. The race officially commenced at 3:45 p.m. where approximately one hundred eighty five students, each representing their respective sporting teams took off from the starting line with one aim�to become the 2016 Masters of the Road Champs. Arturo Acosta - Organizer, MJC: "This year the competition was intense we have some very fit students as you can see they did the race like in half an hour so the competition was very fair this year."

Bus Owners Discusses Affecting Issues With Authorities
The Minister of state in the Ministry of Transport met today with Northern Bus Owners to discuss and address issues affecting the Public Transportation industry in this area. The meeting was held in Belmopan and was attended by Minster Edmund Castro and Chief Transport Officer Tirsio Galvez along with several Northern Bus owner. The meeting held this morning is part of a nationwide review and restructuring of the transport industry, including the rationalization and regularization of rates, as well as the improvement of the quality of service provided to the public.

Its Official, BNTU Will Demonstrate On Monday
The Belize National Teacher's Union made it official today - they WILL be holding a demonstration in the city of Belmopan on Monday September 19th - just two days before the 35th anniversary of Independence celebrations. The BNTU and the Barrow Administration have been at loggerheads over the payment of a 3% salary increase to their members. The third payment was due July, but Government missed that due date and in August, they sent signals that they won't be able to pay it when the Prime Minister proposed to push it back until next year.

LOVE FM

Education Ministry Throws Book at Teachers
The tension is getting thicker between the Belize National Teachers Union and the Government of Belize. The teachers have planned a demonstration for Monday but the Ministry of Education is not having it. Late this evening the Ministry fired off a release in which it assures the public including the teachers and students that the [�]

Union's Prepared to Meet with PM But Who Will Chair Senate Commission?
As has ben reported, the membership of the Belize National Teachers Union has agreed to stage a massive demonstration in Belmopan on Monday. And while initially teachers were unhappy that Government had requested that their three percent salary adjustment be deferred to April of next year, now they say it is so much more. They [�]

Is the BNTU Giving the Process a Chance?
The Belize National Teachers Union has called for the removal of Senator Godwin Hulse as Minister and Senator. Today, Hulse had his chance to weigh in on what the BNTU has been saying as it relates to the planned demonstration; he says that the BNTU should give the process a chance. GODWIN HULSE "There was [�]

Senator Hulse Says Auditor General Should Not Be Attacked
The Auditor General's report has brought much pressure under the Government of Belize as it has cited numerous irregularities as they relate to foreigners receiving Belizean passports and nationality. Fingered in those irregularities are both Cabinet members and public officers. Minister of Immigration, Godwin Hulse says he has read the documents page by page and [�]

There'll Be no Hijacking of Senate Commission, Says Senator Hulse
Senator Godwin Hulse was on The Morning Show this morning speaking on various issues surrounding immigration and nationality. His presence on the program comes at a time when the Belize National Teachers Union is calling for good governance; the opposition party is asking for the signing of the UN Convention against corruption as well as [�]

Melvin Hulse Says Removal of Godwin Is For Comfort
Today, Love News met up with former Cabinet Minister, Melvin Hulse who says that he has been observing the happenings in the country and has maintained dialogue with those in Stann Creek. Here is how he feels about the request by the BNTU to remove Senator Godwin Hulse. MELVIN HULSE "I heard the explanation from [�]

Melvin Hulse Speaks on Inquiry and Mason Saga
Melvin Hulse is a former Cabinet Minister and former Area Representative for Stann Creek West. Despite his exit from the forefront of politics, he remains in tune to the national issues include the recent discussion of the Senate Inquiry. Today, he spoke on the importance of an inquiry into the Auditor General's reports. MELVIN HULSE [�]

Elrington In DC for Ocean Conference
Belize's Foreign Minister, Wilfred Elrington, is in Washington DC attending the third annual Our Ocean Conference. The conference began today and its aims to inspire and empower a new generation to come up with ideas to protect and conserve oceans and the massive amount of resources that it contains. Issues discussed at the Our Ocean [�]

Karen Bevans for CTO's Vice Chairman
Karen Bevans, the Director of Tourism was elected as Vice Chairman for the Board of Directors of the Caribbean Tourism Organization, CTO. According to a release from the Belize Tourism Board, Bevans was elected as Vice Chairman during events at the State of Tourism Industry Conference which is ongoing in Barbados. The Chair of the [�]

Educators are Serious About Good Governance
In their letter to Prime Minister Dean Barrow, the Belize National Teachers Unions outlined seven demands to which the Prime Minister has responded. Overall, the BNTU is demanding good governance from the Government and their demands include the institution of the Integrity Commission, the Public Accounts committee, and the thirteenth Senator. To this the prime [�]

PlusTV

PUP Condemns GOB Attacks on Auditor-General
The People's United Party has issued a press release condemning what they call the " vicious and completely unwarranted personal attacks on Auditor-General Dorothy Bradley". The release says, "Since the release of the Auditor General's Reports revealing widespread and pervasive corruption at the h...

Father arrested for incest in Belmopan
A father from Belmopan has been detained for the crime of incest. A 15 year old girl, in the company of her mother, reported to police that sometime in the month of February 2015 her father had sexual intercourse with her against her will and then again on September 2, 2016. Medical examination was...

Police United eliminated out of the CONCACAF Champions League
It was a historic night on Tuesady where Belizean champions Police United lost eleven to zero against Mexican champions Pachuca. The highest score in a CONCACAF match before last night was 8-0 also received by a Belizean team. Only half of the stadium was filled but those in attendance witnessed his...

Youth and community transformation project: Second cohort of drum making classes closing ceremony
The Ministry of Human Development, Social Transformation and Poverty Alleviation, the executing agency for the Youth and Community Transformation (YCT) Project, hosted a closing ceremony for the drum making classes at the Larubeya Drum School in Belize City. The closing ceremony is the culmination o...

Tropic air gives back to Liberty Children's home
Tropic Air has announced the August results of its 2016 nationwide Tropic Gives Back charitable fundraising campaign. For every ticket bought at the month's selected station, $1 is donated to an organization chosen by the Tropic Air staff stationed in that community. August was the chosen month for ...

The Guardian

Unions can't agree to defer or take third salary increase
The Belize National Teachers Union is alone in its insistence that the third tranche of the salary adjustment for teachers and public officers must be paid now. The Public Service Union and the Association of Public Service Senior Managers have both agreed to the Prime Minister's request for it to be deferred until next year. Everyone is acutely aware that Hurricane Earl has devastated the country, causing over 183 million dollars in losses. The Government is trying assist those affected persons to get back on their feet, and because of the tough financial times, Prime Minister Barrow has asked for the 3 unions to hold off for a few months. The Public Service Union's President, Eldred Neal has told the press that they agreed to the deferral after considering the Hurricane damage and the fact that it could help avoid retrenchment and an increase in taxes. The President is hoping that the BNTU will soften its position since they were a one-third of the Joint Unions Negotiation Team.

Bexx is the New Miss Belize
Hudut and sahou loving Dangriga resident, Rebecca Rath, 23, is the first woman to be crowned Miss Belize in ten years. The young elite volleyball player, friends affectionately call "Bexx", is trading in her shorts and tops for swimsuits, costumes and evening gowns to represent Belize in the Miss Universe Pageant on January 30, 2017 in Manila, Philippines. The Ecumenical High School and Junior College alumnai was crowned on Saturday, September 10, after an extremely competitive Miss Belize Pageant at the Bliss Center for Performing Arts. Ten exceptionally gorgeous and intelligent young ladies offered themselves for the coveted title of Miss Belize. However, only five remained after competing in the national costume, swimsuit and evening gown rounds. Those five were Rebecca Rath of Dangriga Town, Neidy Rodriguez of Belize City, Dianira Rivera of San Pedro, Misty Swazo of Libertad Village and Marcia Moody of San Ignacio. The final round was the question and answer segment.

Police recruit accused of having sex with 15 year old girl
A 15 year old female student of Roaring Creek Village visited the police accompanied by her mother to report that she was sexually molested by a police recruit. The teenager reported that on 3rd June 2016 around 12:00pm, whilst at her residence, her boyfriend who she had known for seven months, had sexual intercourse with her. A Medical Examination was conducted on the under aged girl, which certified that she had been carnally known. Belmopan Police have since arrested a 21 year old Recruit Police Constable of the Cayo District for the crime of unlawful sexual intercourse. Belmopan Police are also seeking two other male persons who have had sexual intercourse with the same 15 year old female.

DPM welcomes new Church-State partnership
In Prime Minister Barrow's recent meeting with religious leaders, a proposal was made to keep an open line of communication between the administration and the Church. This led to the idea of the Church-State Commission which would meet often to discuss national issues. The commission was labeled the "morality commission" because the main topic of discussion between the two parties at the moment is the Section 53 ruling and its potential impact on the moral fabric of society. However, Deputy Prime Minister Patrick Faber, who was tasked by Prime Minister Barrow to head the commission, says that the committee is not being formed to act as a morality panel but to provide an opportunity for the religious leaders of our country to share their opinions on all national issues.

Taiwan donates to keep OAS at work in Belize Guatemala dispute
The Government of Taiwan has generously given a donation to the Organization of American States. It will go toward the continued operation of the OAS Adjacency Zone Office at the Benque Viejo Town. The Taiwanese Ambassador, H.E. Benjamin Ho, handed that donation over on Saturday, September 10, to Belize's CEO in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Lawrence Sylvestre. The ceremony was witnessed by Starret Dickson Green, the Representative of the OAS in Belize. It comes as a result of a joint request submitted to the Taiwanese Government by Belize's Foreign Affairs Minister, Wilfred Elrington, and Guatemala's Foreign Affairs Minister, Carlos Raul Morales.

Rise in Bus fares deferred until October
Last week commuters from the western part of the country were complaining that some of the bus operators were raising their fares without previously warning or even having approval from the Ministry of Transport. In response to the complaints, on Thursday September 8, 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, met with bus operators from the West regarding arbitrary hikes in bus fares. At the conclusion of the meeting it was agreed that all bus fares were to revert back to the rates that existed prior to the hike. At the meeting the Ministry of Transport and the bus operators agreed in principle on a proposed rate adjustments. This adjustment will be considered by the Belize Transport Board and must first be approved by Cabinet and authorized via a Statutory Instrument before they can be implemented.

Minister of State for Transport Hon Edmond Castro meets with representatives from Galen University
Minister of State with responsibility for Transport Hon Edmond Castro has met with representatives from the faculty and student body of Galen University to discuss matters relating to public transportation. The Representatives from the university were led by Sherry A. Gibbs, Dean of Arts and Science; and Martin Cuellar, Dean of Student Life, Student Enrollment and Admissions. They discussed matters of public transportation affecting faculty members and students of the university who regularly commute to and from school. They also discussed the possibility of the university setting up and executing research to gather relevant data on public transportation that would greatly assist the Ministry and Department in sound decision-making.

Construction continued this week on two bridges in Cayo
Work continued this week on the two bridges that will connect San Ignacio to Santa Elena, across the Macal River. When completed these two bridges will provide a relief from the current traffic congestion in the twin towns. With the passage of Hurricane Earl, the temporary wooden bridge had been partly destroyed. As a result traffic has had to go only through the Hawkesworth Bridge, creating frustrating delays for commuters. Work commenced precisely at 7:00 am last Friday on the wooden bridge and it is being undertaken by both the Ministry of Works in cooperation with the San Ignacio and Santa Elena Town Council.

They'll get their Senate hearing
Coming out of this week Tuesday's Cabinet Meeting , was the announcement that Cabinet has decided in favor of a Senate Select Committee to do a probe into the allegations of perceived wrong doing, that may have taken place, in regards to Passports, Visas and Nationalities, at the Immigration Department and as layered out in the recently tabled Auditor General's report. This probe will be in the form of public hearings where persons will be summoned to testify on record before the Senate Select Committee, as was done in the Social Security probe some years ago during a past PUP administration. A few weeks ago the government along with the Churches and Business Community were not in favor of a Senate Select Committee, but was instead in favor of a Joint Select Committee, which would have been a larger committee and would have been able to draw a wider consensus from it's wider composition, that would have come from both chambers of the National Assembly. Even though Cabinet was still of that opinion, it is now going in favor of the Senate Select Committee because the Social Partners being the Churches and Business Community are now also in favor of a Senate Select Committee.

San Ignacio Police receives training in shelter management
Ten police officers from the San Ignacio Police Formation are now fully trained to conduct shelter management; especially during disaster situations. Jose Zuniga, a Disaster Risk Management Specialist conducted the training along with Corporal Ciriaco Medina, a community policing officer, on Monday and Tuesday of this week at the San Ignacio Police Station. The trained officers were also handed their Certificate for completing their course in shelter management this week by Officer Commanding San Ignacio Police Formation, Anthony Richard Rosado. The trained officers will now have a dual role, providing security services as well as assisting in shelter management.

Calling on the International Community to Support Taiwan's Meaningful Participation in the International Civil Aviation Organization
To align with international aviation safety standards, Taiwan has actively strived to gain participation in the International Civil Aviation Organization. Indeed, for many years, Taiwan has worked with other countries around the globe to improve the quality and efficiency of international air services. Taiwan's participation in ICAO would lead to closer cooperation in the international civil aviation industry and boost its development, thereby contributing to the ICAO goal of achieving a safe and seamless sky. Taiwan is located in the busiest section of airspace in East Asia. In 2015, Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport was ranked 11th and sixth in the world in passenger and cargo volumes, respectively, according to the Airports Council International. In the same year, 74 airlines offered services to and from Taiwan, operating scheduled passenger and cargo flights on 301 routes and connecting 135 cities around the world. And the Taipei Flight Information Region-administered by Taiwan-provided over 1.53 million instances of air traffic control services and handled 58 million incoming and outgoing passengers in 2015, serving as an indispensable part of the global air transport network.

Are teachers being misguided by Luke?
It appears that like Shylock wanted to collect his pound of flesh from Antonio in the Merchant of Venice, so do the teachers want the third tranche of their raise. We expected this was coming right after the PUP started to agitate to try and gain back power. You see, sitting at the head of the Teacher's Union is the PUP, in the persons of some PUP operatives such as Luke Palacio a FORMER PUP CANDIDATE and ELECTED OFFICIAL. The PUP is so desperate for power that they will do anything and use anyone to gain it. A few weeks ago they were piggybacking on the churches, but now that the churches and the government are trying to work out their differences the PUP has shifted course. We at this newspaper are in support of the teachers getting the third tranche of their promised raise, but we realize that is not possible at this time. We suspect that most of the teachers know that the raise is not possible at this time also, but they have allowed themselves and the process to have been hijacked by the PUP infiltrators. Teachers are the people who shape the mind of this nation and as such are intelligent people.

Tenth of September Celebrations in San Ignacio and Santa Elena
Ceremonies to commemorate the Battle of St. George's Caye Day was held at the Falcon Field in San Ignacio on its official day, September 10th 2016. Guests for this day were the Hon. Omar Figueroa, Representative for the Cayo North Division, the Hon. Rene Montero, Representative for the Cayo Central Division and his Lordship the Mayor of San Ignacio and Santa Elena, Earl Trapp Junior. Opening the ceremonies on Saturday was a Guard of Honor furnished by members of the Second Infantry Battalion and regular force from the Belize Defence Force. At the helm of the Guard was second Lieutenant Raphael Andres Gordon, parade sergeant Major William Majano (Warrant Officer class 2), Right marker Sergeant Evaristo Choc and Left guide Corporal Mark Chen. Gracefully handing over her crown to the Queen of the West 2016-2017 Shameka Armstrong, was Samantha Harrison. In accepting her new title, Shameka Armstrong said that she was proud to say that we are a sovereign strong and Independent Nation.

Elwin Pollard on remand for robbery
North Creek resident, Elwin Pollard, 20, is on remand at the Belize Central Prison after he was denied bail for allegedly snatching Doris Soriano's gold link chain valued at $1,200. Allegations against Pollard are that he held up Soriano with a knife on Monday, September 12, and took away her gold chain with a hand design gold medal. Pollard was arraigned before Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser just before lunch on Wednesday, September 14. He was unrepresented in court and read two criminal charges of robbery and harm upon Doris Soriano. Pollard pleaded not guilty to both charges.

17 year old raped in Cayo
A teenaged girl accompanied by her mother, both of Santa Familia Village, Cayo District, has reported that she was raped. The minor reported to police that on Tuesday 6th September 2016 about 2:00 pm a man with bald head, who she had met in the area of Dibary Store on Burns Avenue, offered her a ride on his blue motor cycle. The tall brown skinned male person took her to her sister's residence in the vicinity of Rolson's Cocina and Cantina Restaurant as he was headed in the same direction. The 17 year old female further stated that her transporter passed the entrance to her intended stop and took her instead to an area known as Mosquito Ville. It was there where he stopped in front of a green and red cement house. He then took her inside where he took off her clothing and forced her unto a bed in the living room area and had sex with her against her will. A medical examination has been conducted on the young person and San Ignacio Police are looking for the male person.

Keon Usher arraigned for murder of Nicasio Zuniga
Police have arrested and charged 20-year-old Chancellor Street resident Keon Usher for the murder of 22-year-old Nicasio Zuniga. On Monday, September 5, Zuniga, a resident of Jones Street, was murdered execution style. Police say that according to their investigation he went to buy drinks at a shop on Complex Drive around 6:20 p.m. and he had just left to go socialize with his friends when two men on bicycles approached him. One of the men pulled out a handgun and shot him once to the right side of the face. The bullet entered his cheek and exited the back of his head. By the time police arrived, there was nothing much they could do for Zuniga except rush him to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Pachuca blank Police United while sitting record
On a record-setting night, Pachuca (3W-0D-0L, 9 points) edged closer to a place in the 2016/17 Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinals, racing Tuesday to an 11-0 win over host Police United (0-0-3, 0) at FFB Stadium. Hirving Lozano scored a SCCL-team record four goals as the Tuzos set new tournament marks for most goals scored in a single game and the largest margin of victory. Police United was officially eliminated from contention, while idle Olimpia (1-0-1, 3) remains the only team with a hope of finishing atop the Group E table. Mateus Goncalves opened the scoring in the 22nd minute. The 21-year-old Brazilian dribbled down the middle of the field and completed a give-and-go with Franco Jara, before firing home from the left side of the box with his left foot from 14-yards out.

Sugar City Hoops Competition continue in Orange Walk
The Sugar City Hoops competition continued in Orange Walk Town on Friday 9th September, 2016, with two games on the schedule. In the 17 and U competition, Ever Ballaz edged out Muffles College Bob Cats by the score of 28-25. The top scorers for the Ever Ballaz team were Tyrique Dawson with 12 points, Emmanuel Torres with 12 points and Rasheed Reneau with 4 points. For the Muffles College Bob Cats the top scorers were Kristian Cabrera with 9 points, Cesar Justin Vasquez with 5 points and Dickerson Li with 4 points.

A laptop for reading the most books during summer
In an effort to promote reading, RESTORE Belize, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, the National Library Service, and Handy Tools LTD: Learning Resources for Teachers and Students sponsored a READ-A-Thon over the summer. The objective of the exercise was to have young persons read as many books as they possibly could over the summer. To participate in the read-a-thon students were invited to visit the nearest library in Belize City. In so doing, they went to either the Port Loyola Library, the Lake Independence Library, the Turton Library on North Front Street or the Leo Bradley Library to sign up and pick up books of their choice to read. After completing each book the students were required to complete a reading response log which was handed in every time they returned the book. The exercise attracted the participation of 55 students and last week Wednesday during the International Literacy Day the prizes were distributed to the winners.

CDEMA and IDEA International Awarded Silver Medal for Collaborative Project in Management for Development Results
The Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) is the recipient of a Silver Medal award which is shared with the Institute for Development in Economics and Administration (IDEA International). The award was sponsored by the International Development Bank (IDB) and presented during the IX International Seminar of the Sub-National Governments Network (CoPLAC) held in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico on September 8th, 2016. Both entities were nominated for the 'Second Competition in Management for Development Results (MfDR)' and were placed second in the 'MfDR in Sectors' category. The Executive Director of CDEMA, Ronald Jackson, and the Co-President of IDEA, Frederic Martin, expressed their gratitude for the recognition. Dr. Martin said he was particularly "pleased that the CoPLAC Evaluation Committee had recognized this example of good practices in MfDR in the Caribbean region conducted with limited human and financial resources, as well as of the originality of the institutional setup based on North-South collaboration and public-private partnership".

Children SAFETY: Our Priority
The National Committee for Families and Children (NCFC), launched in 1994, is the lead national agency and major advisory body to the government on families and children issues. With that said, NCFC takes this opportunity to wish all Belizean families and children a safe and happy 10th September celebration 2016, as well as peace and safety throughout all the September festivities. In line with the Convention on the Rights of the Child, Children have the right to safety and protection and therefore, we call on all adults to be mindful of their actions while celebrating and ensuring the safety of your children. NCFC also calls on the Carnival Committee as a gentle reminder to be vigilant and ensure the safety of all children participating in the carnival road march. The committee and band leaders ought to ensure that all children have enough water and other liquids for proper hydration especially since the sun is extremely hot these days. In addition, the committee must also ensure that the children and adolescents costumes are not too revealing and provocative.

Energy sector gets US$8 Million for Climate Change Resilience
Climate Change is the number one national threat to Belize and Government is treating it that way. Belize adopted its first national policy on climate change in March 2015 called the National Climate Change Policy, Strategy and Action Plan. This policy was developed by the Belize National Climate Change Committee, established in 2010. The committee spent a year meeting with key stakeholders and incorporated all sectors of the economy; including, tourism, agriculture, water resource management, health and environment, in order to develop a comprehensive plan for climate change mitigation. Part of this plan is building resilience in the various sectors of the country. One sector received a huge donation on Monday, September 12, to implement its climate change resilience strategy. The World Bank Board of Directors approved a US$8 million grant from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) for the Government of Belize to strengthen the climate resilience of its energy sector.

GOB will have limited appeal to CJ's ruling on Section 53
Prime Minister Dean Barrow, after granting an audience to the different Churches, has decided that he'll give the religious fundamentalists what they have been seeking. He will appeal the ruling of the Chief Justice on Section 53 of the Criminal Code. On August 17, the Prime Minister and the Attorney General carefully outlined to the public why the Government is of the opinion that appealing the ruling is not in the public interest. The reason was that the wording of the law, "carnal intercourse against the order of nature", not only criminalized gay sex, but other consensual sexual acts between adults who were perfectly in their right to do as they pleased in the privacy of their bedroom. The Evangelists (along with their agitators), and the Roman Catholic Church have remained firm in their position that the State should appeal the decision. The Anglican Church, and the Methodist Conference of Churches have all declared that they are not in support of an appeal, but they are concerned about how the word "sex" in the constitution has been interpreted by the Chief Justice to mean "sexual orientation".

Senate Inquiry into Immigration and Nationality a go
The Barrow Government has decided to give the social partners and the general public what they want, and a Senate Select Committee will be identified to look into the audit reports done on the Immigration Department. That's the decision that the Cabinet took on Tuesday, September 13. The Government was willing to get behind this idea because the Belize Chamber of Commerce, and the Belize Council of Churches have carefully articulated why a Senate Probe would be preferred. For the benefit of readers, the distinction between the two is very important to understand. A Senate Select Committee is a committee appointed by the Senate to investigate any allegation of corruption within the Government. Only Senators will be called to serve. What the Barrow Government was recommending was a Joint Special Select Committee from the House of Representatives and the Senate. The premise was that such a committee would be fair to everyone concerned. The public would have their opportunity to get answers from the UDP ministers named in the audit reports, and those ministers would be better insulated from the Opposition, which is trying to trigger a witch hunt for political mileage.

Killed on St. George's Caye Day
On Saint George's Caye Day, when everybody was enjoying their September holiday, the family of 17 year-old Deandre Nembhard was in the grips of sorrow. Someone shot and killed him in street-style execution in the early morning hours of September 10. Nembhard was on Croton Lane at the Thompson residence, which belongs to his aunt and uncle. It's a place he visits regularly, and his home with his parents is not too far away on Nutmeg Street. So, it was not the least bit unusual for him to be enjoying the company of a group of his family members and their companions just after midnight on Friday, September 9. It was not until around 2 a.m. that morning that the gathering turned from festive to grief striken. Someone jumped out of a vehicle which had driven up, and that person immediately opened fire on Nembhard hitting him several times. The cops can't say conclusively that he was the target, but his family tells the media that the killer was ruthless in the attack, staying to ensure that Nembhard could not survive the attack. Two shots were fired, and when Nembhard tried to seek cover, the shooter kept unloading bullets on him until he collapsed in the yard. Those present tried to get him medical attention, and they did manage to rush him to the KHMH. Unfortunately, he passed away while undergoing emergency medical treatment.

Anna's Lunch Box in trouble for illegal Conch and Lobster
Belize City businesswoman, Anna McKay, 61, was dragged to court on Thursday, September 8, for two fishery offenses that date back to July 11 of this year. The Belize Fisheries Department claims that they found her in possession 54 undersized lobsters and 12 out of season conch. According to their report, on July 11 at about 2:45p.m., Fisheries Officer Elvis Williams visited McKay's business place, Anna's Lunch Box Restaurant & Bar, located at Brown Sugar Plaza on North Front Street and found her in possession of the undersized lobsters and out of season conch. McKay was unrepresented when she appeared before Magistrate Carlon Mendoza to answer to the fisheries offenses: one count of possession of undersized lobsters and possession of conch in the close season. She pleaded guilty to both charges; however, when the facts of the charge were read in court she was not in agreement with the amount of lobsters the department claims they found her in possession. She told Magistrate Mendoza that they only found her with 24 lobsters.

Diondray McKoy and Lyson James Cacho sentenced to 5 years
Diondray McKoy, 24, and Lyson James Cacho, 22, are serving the first night of a five year sentence at the Belize Central Prison after they were convicted of firearm offenses on Wednesday, September 14, in the courtroom of Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser. On January 8, 2013, police found the men in possession of a .38 Yama Microma brand pistol loaded with five rounds of .38 ammunitions. Neither could present a gun license for the weapon; therefore, they were charged jointly for the discovery. McKoy and Cacho in defence claimed that they were set up by police. Senior Magistrate Fraser told them that after careful consideration of the evidence before the court, she found them guilty of keeping a firearm without a gun license and keeping ammunition without a gun license. She listened to the testimony of the crown's main witness, Superintendent Henry Jemott, who was the investigating officer in the case who busted the men with the gun.

Gas attendant and minor charged for robbery
Wilbert Magana, 23, a gas attendant of #127 Barracks Road and a 16-year-old minor were arraigned before Magistrate Carlon Mendoza on Wednesday, September 14, for allegedly taking away a Jordan slippers from Rene Machuca on Tuesday. In court, the duo were unrepresented and pleaded not guilty to two criminal charges: one count of robbery by use of force and one count of wounding upon Machuca. There was strong objection to bail by Prosecutor, Sgt. Claude Pitts. He submitted that while the offense was not committed with the use of a firearm, the two accused had a piece of lumber which they hit the victim with. Pitts also submitted that police detained the two accused and one of them was in possession of the victim's slippers.

Six illegal immigrants intercepted on Boom Road
Salvadoran nationals Nelson Ariel Mata Morales, 21; Jose Alexander Bonilla Rodriguez, 28; Margin Alberto Marquez Chicas, 28; Francisco Ernesto Soriano Rivas, 23 and Jacqueline Yamileth Cruz Amaya, 22, and Honduras national Douglas Gabriel Maradiagola Sanchez, 22; all pleaded guilty to entering Belize without a visitor permit when they were taken before Magistrate Carlon Mendoza on Thursday, September 8. At about 10 a.m. on Tuesday, September 6, they were intercepted by police on the Boom/Hattieville road. Immigration officials' investigation revealed that the group of five men and one woman had just entered Belize illegally through the Mopan River and had only been in the country for a couple hours when they were stopped by police and asked to present their visitor's permit. When they were unable to do so, the police handed them over to the Immigration Department.

Elwin Pollard on remand for robbery
North Creek resident, Elwin Pollard, 20, is on remand at the Belize Central Prison after he was denied bail for allegedly snatching Doris Soriano's gold link chain valued at $1,200. Allegations against Pollard are that he held up Soriano with a knife on Monday, September 12, and took away her gold chain with a hand design gold medal. Pollard was arraigned before Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser just before lunch on Wednesday, September 14. He was unrepresented in court and read two criminal charges of robbery and harm upon Doris Soriano. Pollard pleaded not guilty to both charges. The prosecutor, Inspector Hector Rodriguez, objected to bail on the grounds that the crime of robbery is on the rise and the case against Pollard is extremely strong since he was nabbed by police shortly after the robbery and found in possession of the victim's gold chain. With that, Senior Magistrate Fraser asked Pollard why she should grant him bail. Pollard said, "I am innocent, I neva burst any one chain."

Freedom Fighters, Police United and Verdes win over the weekend in Premier League competition
The Premier League of Belize 2016-2017 Opening Season Competition continued over the weekend with four more games on the schedule. On Saturday 10th September, 2016, at the Carl Ramos Stadium in Dangriga Town, the visiting Police United clip the host team Wagiya FC by the score of 2-1. Police United got on the scoreboard first when John King scored the 1st goal of the game in the 5th minute of play to give his team a 1-0 lead. The Police United defence took that lead well into the second half of the game before Harrison Roches was able to penetrate the defence of Wagiya when he scored his team's 2nd goal of the game in the 59th minute of play to extend the lead to 2-0.

XXVI National Women's Softball Championship is set for the end of September
The Belize Softball Federation is pleased to inform the softball community and the general public that the XXVI National Women's Softball Championship will be played from September 30 - October 2, 2016, at Rogers Stadium the home of softball in Belize. The National Softball Championship is played between the champions and sub-champions of the Affiliated Associations that make up the Belize Softball Federation. The Tournament Director for the XXVI National Women's Softball Championship is Jude Lizama while the Chief Umpire is ISF certified Joel Westby and the chief scorer and statistician is Gilroy Middleton.

Breaking Belize News

Tony Wright presents "Belize Musicians Past and Present"
Radio host and President of the Association for Belizean Artists First, Tony Wright, has presented a first look into the development of Belizean music in a book named for his KREM Radio program, Belize Musicians Past and Present. With compilation from Yasser Musa of [�]

Man dies after flagpole falls on his head
A man in Corozal Town was killed yesterday evening when a flagpole fell on his head. The fatal accident happened in Corozal's Central Park and the victim has been identified as Juan Meskita, an employee of Botes Construction Company. According to reports, Meskita along with [�]

Ministry of Education will ensure that Schools and Institutions stay open on Monday
The Ministry of Education issued a release this evening informing all parents, guardians, students, teachers, principals, and the wider public that in accordance with the Education Rules, Managing Authorities will take necessary measures to ensure that schools and institutions are kept open for classes [�]

Ombudsman of Belize Welcomes Team from Mexico's National Human Rights Commission
A team of three officers from Mexico's National Human Rights Commission were welcomed to Belize on September 13, 2016 by the Ombudsman. Mrs. Claudia Cristina Ibarra Reynoso, Director of International Cooperation, Dra. Helen Pe�a Martinez, Director of Non-governmental organizations, and Mr. Jose Leopoldo Vega [�]

PM Barrow's niece shot in Belize City
BBN has received reports that Candice Barrow, PM Barrow's niece was shot in Belize City this afternoon. According to reports, the shooting took place around 1 p.m. today and she was shot on her thigh. A source told BBN that Candice is the daughter [�]

Belizean tour operators block a tour company from Guatemala from entering Belize
This morning, displeased tour operators at Belize's Western Border tried to block a Guatemalan tour company from entering Belize to operate tours. A source in Benque Viejo Town told BBN that the Guatemalan tour company obtained a road service permit through a minister of [�]

Julius Espat's payment Seized
Julius Espat, area representative for Cayo South has received a letter from the Clerk of the National Assembly informing him that he has been cut off of funds for his division as well as his stipend. Espat says that he had sent the Clerk [�]

Toledo man escapes from Police in Independence Village
Edwardo Coc of San Pedro Columbia Village, Toledo District, escaped from Independence Police on September 14, 2016 around 5:05 p.m.. According to reports, Coc who was inside a Yaxcal Bus Line that was travelling from Jalacte Village to Mayan King Village when police stopped [�]

San Pedro Police seeking to locate missing 26-year-old woman
Police in San Pedro Town are looking for a 26-year-old woman who went missing on Tuesday, September 13, 2016. According to reports, Enrique Flores, 55, of Copper Bank Village in the Corozal District reported to San Pedro Police that on September 13, 2016, at [�]

Suspected robber shot by custom officer in Orange Walk
A custom officer in Orange Walk Town shot a suspected robber in his yard on Wednesday, September 14, 2016 around 8 p.m.. According to reports, the custom officer parked his vehicle inside his yard and while walking towards the main gate of his property, [�]

When are we going to talk about structural violence in Belize?
Belize has inequality. Once you have inequality you will have conflict. Research shows that there is a new phenomena that has not been recognized in the past, called Psychosocial Stress and Structural Violence. Most Belizeans understands absolute deprivation. Which can be explained as: if [�]

Patrick Faber says no need for BNTU to strike
In response to a letter with demands sent to Prime Minister Dean Barrow by the Belize National Teachers Union (BNTU), Minister of Education Patrick Faber called a press briefing yesterday. Faber called the briefing to appeal to teachers not to take any strike action because, [�]

Blogs

Ernestine Carballo - Belize's Queen of Soca
Her stage presence is such that you can't help but get up and dance. Ernestine Carballo will walk on stage, and traverse every inch of it, all while singing and dancing - in heels no less! The songstress has unmatched energy both on and off stage, and her smart lyrics capture an enthusiastic audience. In costume or plainclothes, her dynamic performances strike a chord, and it is easy to see why she's considered Belize's Queen of Soca. Singer, songwriter, professional entertainer, Ernestine is an award-winning artist born and raised in Belize City, Belize. She is the only girl in a family of eight boys, and has an additional six brothers from her father's side. From studying Integrated Science and Arts at Wesley College, to a stint at the Institute of Creative Arts, Ernestine eventually transitioned to music, and we are all the better for it. Her name is synonymous with celebratory music, and is perhaps best known for the dynamic September songs "Carnival Is Here" and "Till the Sun Come Up". The music and lyrics make us Belizeans feel truly patriotic, and it is our duty to shake it till the sun comes up indeed!

Enjoy an Unforgettable Honeymoon on a Belize Island
Belize is a country truly blessed like no other with hundreds of picture-postcard islands nestled amidst the sparkling blue waters of the Caribbean. The spectacularly beautiful Belize Barrier Reef runs more than 180 miles along the coastline, a scenic backdrop for the ideal honeymoon. Just a few hours' flying time from major cities in the United States and Canada, Belize is becoming an increasingly popular place for exotic romantic vacations and unforgettable honeymoons. Couples can walk hand in hand on sugar sand beaches, sip on fresh cocktails at a beachside bar, cuddle up on a hammock, or simply admire the strikingly gorgeous views from their own private deck, cabana, or bungalow on one of Belize's islands.

International Sources

What Simone Biles loves about Belize
For the 2016 Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles, 19, a life of frequent travel is an inevitable part of her newfound fame. A record-holder in the United States for having the most gold medals in women's gymnastics at a single Olympics, Biles recently embarked on the Kellogg's Tour of Gymnastics Champions, a show touring 36 cities around the U.S., which features performances by members of the 2012 and 2016 U.S. Olympic gymnastics teams. The world may beckon, but the athlete said that her favorite destination would always be Belize, a Central American nation, where she holds dual citizenship through her mother, Nellie Cayetano Biles. The younger Biles spoke about her love for Belize while she was on her way to the airport in Los Angeles (she was in town to film the season premiere of "Ellen") to head home to Houston for a few days before beginning her tour. Below are edited excerpts from a conversation with Biles.

'Gringo' Review: John McAfee Doc is Both Testament and Antidote to Media Manipulation - Toronto
The troubling island exploits of pioneer antivirus software magnate offer a glimpse into how the powerful can twist a media narrative. John McAfee isn't fooling anyone. In a documentary profile filled with damning evidence, there's something self-incriminating in McAfee's "You probably read about me" response to being arrested by police, all caught on squad car dashcams. It's the opening scene of Nanette Burstein's "Gringo: The Dangerous Life of John McAfee," a detailed look at the trail left behind by a millionaire untethered from social and legal norms. From his time as progenitor of the once-ubiquitous McAfee antivirus software, through his business ventures overseas in Belize and his recent bid for the Libertarian presidential nomination, Burstein looks at the consequences of empowering an individual to trade on his name and not his abilities. In a media landscape that hasn't fully realized how to cover business mogul presidential candidates, "Gringo" shows what it takes to truly examine the past of a volatile public figure.

$48 million fund to help expand marine protected areas
Marine protected areas just got a huge boost. At the ongoing U.S. State Department's Our Ocean 2016 Conference, in Washington, D.C., the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), the Waitt Foundation, the blue moon fund (bmf), and the Global Environment Facility (GEF), together announced a commitment of $48 million to expand and improve marine protected area (MPA) coverage across the world's oceans. "The investment is a combination of resources allocated by the GEF to partner governments to improve the management of MPAs," Caleb McClennen, WCS Vice President for Global Conservation, told Mongabay. "The types of activities include science, outreach to stakeholders, working with local governments to get MPAs created, and supporting management of MPAs. This will be done by WCS-in-country staff, local partners, and the governments themselves."

Videos

The song "Represent: placed second in the National Song Competition 2016 category for Carnival Song., 4.5min. The song "Represent: placed second in the National Song Competition 2016 category for Carnival Song.

One Girl & A Backpack, 3.5min. I set off from Vancouver to Mexico on Nov 1st 2015. Over the following 9 months I backpacked down to Belize and through Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Brazil, Bolivia, Argentina, Chile, Peru and Ecuador. Travelling alone is never travelling alone, I was always surrounded by inspiring, strong, funny, amazing people. They shaped my journey as much as the volcanoes, deserts, mountains and oceans.

Our Epic Honeymoon Part 1, 15min. Welcome to our EPIC honeymoon in Belize! After flying from Alaska, we took a helicopter from the airport straight to our villa at Ka'ana Resort in San Ignacio, Belize, Central America. The next day, we took a trip on horse back to Xunantunich, a Mayan ruin site just an hour outside of our resort. On our way back, we sat down and had a private picnic on the side of a beautiful river with all sorts of interesting snacks, beautiful iguanas and howler monkeys calling to each other from just across the way. So many more amazing things happened in these first days but there's only so much we can share in one vlog, so be sure to watch the next ones! There's a lot more fun to come!

Our Epic Honeymoon Part 2, 15min. After climbing a Mayan temple and exploring the jungle on horseback, Kristen and I took a zip lining and cave tubing trip to cool ourselves down. Needless to say, it was awesome. Of course, so many more amazing things happened in Belize but there's only so much we can share in one vlog, so be sure to watch the part one and part three! Next stop in Belize, a small island off the coast for some serious R and R.

Our Epic Honeymoon Part 3, 7min. After spending a few adventure packed days in the jungle, Kristen and I headed off to our next honeymoon destination on an island off the coast. There, we spent lot of time swimming, sun bathing, drinking cocktails and just relaxing until our honeymoon came to an end.

Global Citizenship Belize Experience 2016 | Boise State University, 4min. Boise State University's Global Citizenship and Social Responsibility class of 2016 had an amazing experience on their spring break Service Learning trip to Belize. This trip involved teaching Literacy and Healthy Lifestyles classes to the children of Chan Chen elementary, playing futbol with them, and mixing lots of cement for the cantina extension the students built. Many thanks to Boise State's Study Abroad office, Dr. Songer and Dr. Breitkreuz, Peacework's lovely Community Partner Beth, and Principal Carlos of Chan Chen Elementary for making this amazing experience happen. Belize's beauty, and these loving children, will never leave our hearts.

An Urban Eco-Museum: A Celebration of Belizean Culture and Heritage", 2min. If you missed our article in last week's Amandala Newspaper entitled "An Urban Eco-Museum: A Celebration of Belizean Culture and Heritage" here is the article. This article will give you a good idea of what we want to do in our downtown to start the process of rejuvenation. I am also posting the preliminary design of the House of Culture property which will become one of the main historic sites in our Eco-Museum concept.

Belize Walk and Run 2016, 1/2min. Join Sagicor for the first annual Phoenix Walk and Run on Friday, April 23rd at the Coney Drive Business Plaza, Belize City. The fun starts at 6:30pm, with great prizes to be won and entertainment along the way Register on the day from 4:30 to 5:30pm at the event. Part proceeds go to charity. Family and Friends, join us for the Sagicor Phoenix Walk and Run 2016. My Life, Our Purpose

English Guy in Mexico - Scottys Crocodile Bar, Corozal, Belize, 6min.

Kukumba Beach, Old Belize City, Belize. (HD), 2min.

Altun Ha Ruins, Belize (part 1), 4.5min. Ruins of an Ancient Mayan city in Belize.

Altun Ha Ruins, Belize (part 2), 2min. Ruins of an Ancient Mayan city in Belize.

Andy and Myra Getting Married In Hopkins Belize, 19min.

Fly Fish Ambergris Caye Belize, 7.5min. Lots of small fish - many species - no need for a guide. A whole bunch of fun this way.

Villas at Banyon Bay Belize, 5min.

The Blue Hole Belize Sept 2016, 6.5min.

Belize featured in Central American promo video!, 12min.